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Elevate the elegance of your abode.Luxury desirables handcrafted and handpicked.
www.curocarte.com | [email protected] | Call: 1800-210-000
Vivek NairChairman & Managing Director,The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Summer holidays are just around the corner, so this is great time to
plan a family vacation. The Leela Group’s portfolio boasts stunning
resorts where you can connect with nature and escape the work
stress. The Leela Kovalam is a beachside hotel, with a panoramic view of
the Arabian Sea. The Leela Palace Udaipur adorns Lake Pichola, with an
amazing view of the Aravalli Hills. The Leela Goa is 75 acres of landscaped
gardens, abutted by the Arabian Sea on one side and River Sal on the other.
The Leela hotels have put together various experiential holiday
packages for the season; the most ideal option for family vacations is
‘The Leela Moments’, which can be customised to explore both the best
of the hotel as well as that of the destination.
Another strength of Brand Leela is its world-class restaurants,
the most recent case in point being The Elitaire Lounge at The Leela
Ambience Gurugram. The new ‘Epic Global Cuisine’ menu at the
restaurant is an eight-course extravaganza ingeniously combing
the feast is bound to please even the most fastidious palate. Find more
about the menu in ‘Launchpad’.
JJ Valaya; the story sheds light on his creative versatility, including his
photography talent. Other highlights include an experiential piece on
The Leela Goa’s nature walk, and a business story that looks at the major
Indian tea startups and their marketing and positioning strategies.
Last season, The Leela Group has added a slew of accolades to
anniversary this year, has been voted as ‘The Best Hotel in India’ by
the readers of the acclaimed Gallivanter’s Guide, which is a privately
published publication targeting the high-end traveller. Not to be
outdone, The Leela Palace Udaipur has been voted the number one
hotel in India, and among the top 25 in the world, in TripAdvisor’s 2017
Travellers’ Choice awards.
Enjoy the read.
The new ‘Epic Global Cuisine’ menu at
The Elitaire Lounge is an eight-course
extravaganza combing
local ingredients
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 8 | SUMMER 2017
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
CONTENTS
32Profile
Fashion design, interiors,
photography — we talk to the
versatile JJ Valaya
24Wheels
The coolest recent and
soon-to-be-launched
cars
16Luxe Effect
Stunning watches, and
summer style accessories
for men
20Discover IndiaKoodiyattam, an art form
combining dance and drama, has
survived for more than 2000 years
60Travel
The many charms
of Salzburg
66Business
Indian tea startups and their
business strategies
72The Leela Experiences
Taking a nature walk at
The Leela Goa
54Books
‘Dining with the Nawabs’
uncovers secret food recipes
40Style
A selection of some of the best
brands for made-to-measure and
bespoke shoes for men
48Explorations
The great comedian comes alive
at the Charlie Chaplin Museum
in Switzerland
44Drinks
Bizarre drinks and
highly creative bar concepts
from across the world
32
CONTENTST H E L E E L A M A G A Z I N E — S U M M E R 2 0 1 7
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 10 | SUMMER 2017
COVER
table book ‘Decoded Paradox’, which features photographs shot by him. The book showcases beautifully styled black and white images juxtaposing subjects dressed as Mughal and Rajput royalty against modern-day New Delhi
Photograph Courtesy JJ Valaya
“This Magazine is published by Hotel Leela Ventures Limited (“Leela”) and produced by Mediascope Publicitas (India) Pvt. Ltd., on behalf of and under agreement with Leela. Opinions expressed herein are of the authors
about editorial matters, reproduction of articles and advertising should be addressed to The Leela Magazine,
Email: [email protected] in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the publisher. Neither Leela nor MSP assumes any responsibility or endorses any claim made by the advertisers herein.”
This magazine is printed on environment-friendly, wood-free paper.
—
C O N T E N T S
BACK OF THE BOOK
THE LEELAEDITOR-IN-CHIEF — Lakshmi NairEDITORIAL & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR — Shobha Patel PRODUCTION — Prakash Bachche
PUBLICITAS PUBLISHINGEDITORIALEDITOR-IN-CHIEF — Deepali Nandwani EDITOR — Jaideep DaveWRITER — Nisha ShroffCLIENT SERVICE MANAGER — Reshma Malvankar
ARTCREATIVE DIRECTOR — Muhammad Jaan FaruquiART DIRECTOR — Rane Sanjay VamanGRAPHIC DESIGNER — Shivaji B. GaikwadIMAGE EDITOR — Mrunali Gujarathi PRODUCTION MANAGER — Elidio Fernandes
ADVERTISING SALESMUMBAI (022- 61377400) Vice President — Monica ChopraKatty Gia, Rashmi Kapoor DELHI (011-23730873/66599300) Sr. General Manager (North) — Asha AugustineSenior Manager - Nikhil MehrotraBANGALORE (09886041356) — Nagesh RaoHYDERABAD (08978866599) — Sheetal Petkar KERALA (09414069321) — Sanjai Krishnan
AD SALES - INTERNATIONALHONG KONG (+852-2516 1003) — Winky Wong MALAYSIA (+60-3-7729 6923) — Shallie Cheng SINGAPORE (+65 6735 8681) — Joui Ong DUBAI (+9714 3913360) — Sunil Kanchan
MARKETINGMANAGER MARKETING SERVICES — Salim B.
FINANCE & ACCOUNTSSR. MANAGER - ACCOUNTS & ADMIN.— Girish SharmaACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE — Ashwin MakwanaCREDIT CONTROLLER — Girish Joshi
CORPORATECEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR — Marzban Patel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Anita Patel VICE PRESIDENT-FINANCE — Sunando Roy DIRECTOR — Indu Joshi
CONNECT WITH US ON
80 Launchpad
81 Snapshot
82 Jet Set Go
83 Chef’s Corner
84 Events
85 Accolades
86 Guest Speak
87 Social Index
848278
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 12 | SUMMER 2017
Masters of time Our picks of the season’s most interesting watches.
BREGUETThis 37mm rose gold Tradition
engraving on the central barrel.
center subdial, in natural white
the time. The case is made of
cut diamonds, and comes on
a white leather strap, which
attaches to the case via welded
resistant up to 30m.
AUDEMARS PIGUET Audemars Piguet is celebrating
wristwatch with a new series.
All the seven models in the
dial design with several new
counters of increased size that
expand at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock,
additional luminescent coating
transfers. The steel versions of
choice of “Grande Tapisserie”
dials in black, silver or blue, and
bracelets.
light of the sun and the moon.
at the appointed hour, thanks
its inception, and which can
be moved around the dial. In
addition to a rose gold version,
it is also available in white gold.
automatic movement is at the
heart of the watch.
unveiled a new variation of
wristwatch with a power
elegant watch comes with
measuring 45.9mm in
diameter and 15.9mm in
thickness. The watch in 18K
oversized date aperture at
10. There are going to be
limited edition series.
bracelets.
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 16 | SUMMER 2017
Summer style
for menRaise your cool quotient with
these four accessories.
MICHAEL KORSA stylish weekend bag is a must-
have for avid travellers. Michael
Kors’ Bryant Leather Backpack,
crafted from pebbled leather,
combines practicality with coolth.
BOMBAY PERFUMERYBombay Perfumery is a boutique
brand of fragrances using a
combination of Indian and exotic
foreign ingredients. With the base
notes of vetiver, clary sage and
musk, Les Cayes (named after a
Haitian town) is a men’s perfume
that also has dash of lemon.
ARMANIFew do sneakers better than Armani,
and this multicoloured pair is made
from 100 per cent calf skin leather.
and this multicoloured pair is made
from 100 per cent calf skin leather.
GUCCIStand out from the crowd with
Gucci’s Aviator Acetate sunglasses.
The frame comes in two colours, dark
tortoiseshell and black.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 18 | SUMMER 2017
LUXE EFFECT
Koodiyattam or Kutiyattam is one of the oldest living theatre
traditions in the world, stretching back 20 centuries. It was
traditionally performed in Hindu temples in the southern
state of Kerala, and is based on the early Sanskrit plays,
making it the only surviving remnant of ancient Sanskrit
theatre. The UNESCO has declared Koodiyattam as a “masterpiece of the
oral and intangible heritage of humanity”.
The word ‘Koodiyattam’ means “combined acting”; a Koodiyattam
performance blends dance and drama. The whole drama, enacted as a
the kuttambalam: a theatre hall built specially for these performances in
some of the important temples of Kerala. These kuttambalams were built
at a convenient distance from the main shrine, with highly ornamental
roofs and pillars. Male actors came from the Chakyar community, while
female characters came from the Ambalavasi Nambiar caste (called
Nangyarammas).
Plays of almost all the major Sanskrit playwrights, including Bhasa,
Saktibhadra, Harsha, Bodhayana, are a part of the Koodiyattam repertoire.
“The way Sanskrit drama is dealt with in Koodiyattam is very original and
A unique aspect of Koodiyattam is that a complete play is never
presentation of the play can run into several days, as a lot of time is spent
on detailing the past history of the important characters. The focus is less
Koodiyattam is often described as a theatre of the actor, wherein he/
The dramatisation and communication centers on highly evocative facial
The costumes are a blend of bright colours like black, white and red,
The flame ofSanskrit theatreKoodiyattam is a 2000-year-old art form that combines dance and drama. A blend of
the audience into a world that is as much a creation of the actors as it is of the playwright.
By Akhila Ranganna
Koodiyattam guru and performer G Venu (left) in a
reenactment of a Kalidasa play
The flame ofSanskrit theatre
MA
NO
J PA
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MES
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 20 | SUMMER 2017
a compatriot of the hero, the narrator, commentator and often the comic
element, has special make-up, highlighting his comic features. The chief
instrument used as a musical accompaniment is the Mizhavu, a big round
jar made of either clay or copper, with a leather-covered narrow mouth,
and is played with both hands.
fair amount of space on stage from ancient times,”
says Kapila. “They have their own solo storytelling
performance called Nangiar Koothu. Traditionally
the actress would elaborately enact episodes
from Sreekrishnacharitam (the story of Krishna’s
life) through several nights.” One of the most
trained by several legendary artists, was often
described as someone who went beyond her
conventional training and worked on reinterpreting
her art form.
Koodiyattam performer to perform the art outside the temple premises.
form. Chakyar instutionalised the performance of Koodiyatam through the
Koodiyattam outside temple premises.
The guru-shishya (master-disciple) paramapara is very much alive in
the world of Koodiyattam. Kapila started training when she was seven,
under the legendary Guru Ammannnur Madhava Chakyar, and even some
spent some years with Usha Nangiar, another artist who commands
tremendous respect in Kerala theatre.
Indeed, training usually starts at a very young
with many other traditional Indian arts. “In the
body and voice by learning to stand in the basic
plays for prolonged periods of time,” says Kapila.
“This is also accompanied by eye training and
lessons in Sanskrit language. After learning an
hour-and-a-half-long invocatory choreography
called ‘Nityakriya’, and practising it for several
months or years, the child then has her/his debut
performance, ‘Arangettam’. Then the child becomes a part of the troupe
in performances by helping backstage and playing small roles, and slowly
always says that our art is like a brass vessel that must continuously be
polished, so, in that sense, training is a lifelong process for a practitioner,”
says Kapila.
Kapila Venu is one of the most renowned contemporary exponents of Koodiyattam
The chief instrument used as a musical
accompaniment is the Mizhavu, a big round jar made of either clay or copper, with a leather-covered narrow mouth,
and which is played with both hands
NAT
AN
AK
AIR
ALI
ARC
HIV
ES
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 22 | SUMMER 2017
PORSCHE CAYMAN 718
MASERATI LEVANTE
New and upcoming
By Meraj Shah
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 24 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 25 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
WHEELS
I love India! And I am a showman. It’s the very basis of all the
creative work that I do,” states JJ Valaya, the man who has made
a veritable design empire on the ethos of ‘royal nomad’, drawing
multicultural inspirations from around the world and infusing them
with elements of the country. His House of Valaya, which will be
celebrating 25 years this year, is considered as the epitome of Indian
luxury and extravagance. Headquartered
in Delhi, its clients think nothing
appointment with him and a piece of his
ornate creations. He was the choice of
weddingwear for cricket sensation Yuvraj
Singh and his actress-bride, Hazel Keech,
last year, and now has collaborations
across the board, from a bestselling
fashion jewellery line with Swarovski to
award-winning ‘Gulistan’ tiles with the
luxury lifestyle major FCML.
Valaya has gone from fashion to
home design, wedding décor and even
photography, building on his artistic
strengths and growing his businesses
along the way. And yet, for this Jodhpur-
born creative genius, who was born
Jagsharanjit Singh Ahluwalia, everything
began with the regimental life of an
“No civilian will ever understand
what it is like growing up as an army
kid,” says the amiable designer, seated
at an expansive table in his showroom
at The Gallery on MG. It’s a mild winter
morning, and there are already a couple
of families here to select bridal wear for
weddings slated later in the year. “The
army life teaches you a lot of discipline.
It also makes you resilient, because
every three years you have to pack up
and go to a new city, make new friends,
let go of old ones, get into a new school,
adapt to it all over again, only to leave again in three years. So it gives
you such an interesting exposure. Take the case of the late Captain CP
Krishnan Nair, the founder of The Leela Hotels. It seems like those from
the fauji background seem to do pretty well,” he smiles.
While his father, uncles and two older brothers were all committed
to the army life, Valaya believes his mother’s gift for embroideries and
The ace Indian couturier has
also ably straddled the worlds
of interiors, photography and
gears up to celebrate its silver
jubilee this year, Aekta Kapoor
about his journey from being
a chartered accountant to
becoming a creative maestro.
The Many Hats of
JJ Valaya
‘‘
Photographs courtesy JJ Valaya
| 32 | | 33 |
PROFILE
kidswear may have something “to do with the DNA for embroideries”
in her youngest son. “My mom was always teaching army jawans’ wives
cross-stitch and smocking, and at the same time used to design her own
kidswear, which was phenomenal. I don’t think anyone does that kind of
kidswear till date,” he reminisces of his late mother’s talent. The young
Jagsharanjit, however, was sure he did not want to join the army or work
under anyone else. “I had too many ideas of my own.” He graduated
in commerce and began pursuing
chartered accountancy. “But in 1987, I
decided I didn’t want to do it anymore,”
he says, and instead joined the newly
launched National Institute of Fashion
Technology (NIFT), in Delhi, graduating
was a jacket for a fellow student. I got
the material, took her measurements,
and made it myself,” he recalls. “I can’t
even begin to tell you how I felt when
she paid me Rs 250 for it. I felt like lord
of the world, I was the man, I could
make money,” he beams. Even today,
Valaya says, the jacket continues to be
the only silhouette that excites him:
“Our clothes have always been more
structured and less draped.”
Luckily for Valaya, his father had
taken an early retirement from the
army and was accustomed to civilian
life by then, “which he realised wasn’t
all that bad,” and so the young fashion
graduate did not face much opposition
when he announced that he would
set up his own line of menswear.
One of his brothers, TJ Singh, even
left his own post in the army to help
Valaya establish his business in 1992,
after seeing the potential in Valaya’s
graduation collection.
The fashion industry in those
days was still in its nascent stages,
dominated by the likes of the late
Rohit Khosla and a handful of others,
but Valaya soon discovered his own
language and raison d’etre. “I knew
that if I have to build something of
credibility, it would take time,” he says of his early years. In 1996, he set
farmhouse in Chhattarpur, on the suburbs of Delhi, en route to Gurgaon,
which was barely a city then, let alone a designer shopping destination.
“I still remember, when we opened, everyone said, ‘This is stunning but
it’s way ahead of its time. It’s a white elephant.’ But we proved everyone
wrong. We were there for 15 years,” he says.
| 34 | | 35 |
What was important to him then (as it’s now) was the idea of
creating an ambience for luxury. “I don’t believe I am in the business of
selling clothes, I think it’s more to do with people relating to the aura of
factor is evident, of course; it is the Valaya signature. “Nomad, because
we are constantly travelling for inspiration. Whether it’s Spain, Morocco
or Russia,” he says. His latest collection is, in fact, called ‘The Ranas of
the nomads from the interiors of Gujarat. “The royal nomad in me is never
going to settle down,” says the father of two girls.
Valaya began making tapestries way back in 1996, the likes of
Valaya Home line, including furniture, decorative pieces and wall art, was
launched in December 2014. He insists he’s not reinventing the wheel;
every topnotch designer around the world, from Ralph Lauren and Fendi
to Versace and Armani, started from fashion and ventured into the home
or ‘casa’ space eventually. “Design cannot know boundaries. If you have
a style, a signature, which people associate with you, it can then touch
anything and everything,” he says.
photography. An avid lensman, his works have been put up at exhibitions
a stunning book of black-and-white photographs, published in 2011. The
book features beautifully styled images juxtaposing subjects dressed
| 36 |
as Mughal and Rajput royals against modern-day
New Delhi.
He travels extensively to fuel his love for
photography, and has started a blog jjaleph.com,
where he publishes “interesting insights into the
world of aesthetics that excites me, turns me on,”
whether it’s a building, a person, a plant or a sky.
“Design is a spiritual process. Good design always
comes from the spirit, not the mind. Think of the
classic Chanel tweed jacket or the Eames chair,
things that have endured. I think that’s the ultimate goal for anyone from
the design profession,” he says.
If there’s one classic from the Valaya stable, it’s the Alika jacket.
Introduced a few years ago, it is Valaya’s signature piece that is reinvented
to be paired with any sort of lower clothing, from trousers to lehengas.
“We wanted to introduce one silhouette that would withstand the test of
time, and the Alika jacket has,” says Valaya, adding that he will showcase
a surprising new version of it at a massive fashion show this year to
celebrate 25 years of his label.
As a businessman, Valaya strongly believes it is very important to
be market-savvy. “The fact that we have been around
says wryly. At the same time, he says, “I’m a terrible
salesman. I cannot stand in front of a customer and
forcibly sell something that isn’t working. If the
ethics are wrong, sooner or later, it catches up.”
He narrates an incident when he refused to create
that I hate; it’s a European silhouette not designed
cheating himself. “The day you start lying to yourself is the day it all starts
to go wrong. You need to look inward. How are you evolving? How are
you taking yourself to the next level? If you don’t feel it yourself, your
customer is certainly not going to feel it,” he says.
The ponytailed designer, who will turn 50 this year, says his creative
energy is much higher now than it was when he was a 22-year-old NIFT
graduate, and every day is full of exciting lessons. “The day you stop getting
excited, the story is over anyway,” he says, adding that no matter what he
does, his label will always be about the glory of India. “All I want to do is
celebrate India and multiculturalism,” says the fashion icon. “Wherever
there is history, culture and love for craft, that’s where I belong.”
| 38 |
The Shoes Maketh The Man
As it is with suits, so it is with shoes: made-to-measure and bespoke beat pret-a-porter.
services. Nolan Lewis
Fcustomised or bespoke pair. Besides, the style-conscious
his colleague or boss wearing a generic model. Shoes are
and personality.
JOHN LOBB
catering to the English aristocracy. The company opened its second atelier
major cities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Northampton, England, created through cobbling protocol spread over
through a monogramming service. The customised shoes typically ship
`90,000 onwards
TOD’S
was made to be worn on all occasions.
meticulously hand-cutting the patterned
hide. Some samples can take years
John Lobb’s ‘By Request’ service has an archive of over 100 designs
Tod’s Gommino is one of the brand’s most iconic models
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 40 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 41 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
STYLE
ACHILLES’ HEEL
to individualised services when it comes
many domestic brands have capitalised
are very particular about shape and
them the chance to design their own
several tanneries, the materials at your
disposal are napa, suede, patent leather,
nubuck, mild leather, cordovan and a
velvet. For the new-age compassionate
vegan, the sensitive brand also has a
on the intricacies involved, making the
shoes could take anywhere between
two to eight weeks and an additional
`35,000 onwards
ANDRES SENDRA
just recently, in April.
dark green the most.
Price on request
selecting their unique version.
`28,000 onwards
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
embroidered by artisans in Chennai.
initials, a mehndi-inspired design, personal tattoos, insignias, uniquely
designed graphics by Louboutin, or just an elephant or a horse shoe
months to make, but considering they are Louboutins, they are certainly
worth the long wait.
Price on request
From napa to velvet, Achilles’
It takes about 200 steps and 45 days to create a pair of custom Andres Sendra shoes
Louboutin’s Wedding Suite, in Mumbai
Christian Louboutin’s ‘Tattoos to Measure’ service enables you to sport your favourite tattoo on your shoes
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 42 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 43 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
Quirky mixes
By Nikhil Merchant
DRINKS THAT NEED YOU TO BE ALREADY DRUNK
AN
DY
DAV
IES/
HR
GIG
ER M
USE
UM
CH
RIS
TA G
ALL
OW
AY
and bars of the worldQuirky mixes A
ND
Y D
AVIE
S/H
R G
IGER
MU
SEU
M
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 44 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 45 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
South Korea, Hong Kong and Canada
A take on tequila sour, the Sour-Tiesel
Giger Bar in Château St. Germain, in Switzerland, has
Giger Bar in Château St. Germain, in Switzerland, has
CREATIVE BAR CONCEPTS
Nikhil Merchant is a restaurateur and a food writer who shuttles between
myriad moods of life.
SUMMER 2017 | 47 | THE LEELA MAGAZINETHE LEELA MAGAZINE | 46 | SUMMER 2017
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Fourty years after his death, Charlie Chaplin is still delighting
audiences, thanks to the new Chaplin’s World Museum, in his
old home in Corsier-sur-Vevey, in Switzerland, overlooking
Lake Geneva. Sir Charles lived amid the Lavaux vineyards in the
three-storied 19-room Manoir de Ban, on the Swiss Riviera, from 1952 to
his death on Christmas Day, in 1977. He wrote the screenplays for A King
of New York and The Countess of Hong Kong as well as his autobiography
(1964) in this neo-classical mansion, built originally in 1840.
In the autobiography, Chaplin remembers, “We were a little awed
at the pretentiousness of the place and wondered whether it would be
commensurate with our income.”
The 150-acre “eco-friendly engineered” complex features
“successive multi-media experiences”, “ambiophonic acoustics”,
“immersive décor” and displays previously unseen private photographs,
letters, manuscripts, and other memorabilia. His writing desk is displayed
as well as some of the Manoir’s original Louis XIV furniture.
The museum opened its doors in April 2016, with 24 members of
the Chaplin family attending the launch. Daughter Victoria says, “The
museum will give life again to our parents’ home.”
Says Jean-Pierre Pigeon, General Director at Chaplin’s World, “The
most inspiring exhibit remains for me Charlie’s Steinway piano. It is
fabulous to sit next to it and to almost sense the creative spirit of an
outstanding and brilliant composer.”
Adds Montreal-born Yves Durand, the museographer and developer
only humour and humanity as weapons.”
Durand has worked on multimedia projects in the US, Portugal,
France, Belgium, Greece, Switzerland and China. He is the brain behind the
The museum traces Chaplin’s extraordinary rags to riches career. He
was born in the Victorian boot-making district of Walworth, south London
in 1889, the son of a vaudevillian and a soubrette (operatic soprano), an
Irish cobbler’s daughter.
His childhood, he wrote in My Autobiography, was “in continual
The museum chronicles his jobs as a doctor’s dogsbody, pageboy,
Switzerland’s latest attraction,
in the city of Vevy, is the home of
‘The Great Dictator’ and
‘The Tramp’, now turned into a
museum. Chaplin’s World, which
opened in 2016, narrates the
extraordinary rags to riches
story of the great entertainer
and also showcases his unseen
paraphernalia, from private
photographs to manuscripts. British
writer Kevin Pilley tells us more.
Chaplin comes alive
The studio at the museum named ‘Quiet please! Action!’
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 48 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 49 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
EXPLORATIONS
shoeboxes and grape packing straw.
It tells of his father’s alcoholism and early death (his daily diet was
six raw eggs in port wine), homes next to graveyards, abattoirs and pickle
factories, the homes for destitute children and his syphilitic mother
eventually being sent to a lunatic asylum.
It follows his formative years; clog dancing with the Eight
Lancashire Lads (a trouple of dancers) and the 21-month tour of the
US with Fred Karno, the father of slapstick. The museum reveals how
he formulated his creative philosophy, summed up by “Nothing is
permanent, not even troubles”.
Chaplin became a ruthless perfectionist creating “laughter which
(From top) The Manoir de Ban was Chaplin’s home for 25 years, from 1952 until his death in 1977; andChaplin’s World Boutique, which was originally Chaplin’s old Bentley’s garage, is now the museum’s gift shop
The studio at the museum named
‘Filmmaking Secrets’
of the Manoir, where visitors can see Chaplin family’s pictures
The studio called ‘The Barbershop’,
Great Dictator are recreated
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 50 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 51 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
does not pretend to cure but only to console”. Being a clown, he believed,
placed him far higher in life than any politician. He met everyone from
Einstein to Gandhi.
Various rooms in the museum are dedicated to his Keystone
period (1914-17), the debut of his Tramp persona in Kid Auto Races
At Venice and the formation of United Artists (1919). By 1926, he was
married three teenage actresses and the death of his three-day-old son,
Norman, inspired the pathos of The Kid (1921), which was shown in over
50 countries.
Chaplin built this own “English cottage-style” studio in Hollywood.
They later became the A&M Studios, and now are home of Jim Henson
Company Studios. The original Superman TV series was shot here.
Chaplin stubbornly refused to take on the talkies (movies with
He played the cello, violin and piano and composed his own soundtracks.
Nat King Cole, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson have all recorded
Chaplin’s song ‘Smile’. And Dame Petula Clark had a UK No 1 with his ‘This
Is My Song’.
Chaplin chose Switzerland having become disillusioned with the
US. Hounded for his alleged communist sympathies and in the throes of
an embarrassing paternity suit, his re-entry permit was revoked by the
FBI while he was on his way to London for the premiere of Limelight.
He refused to return to “moral pomposity” of the United States, “that
unhappy country” with its “hate-beleaguered atmosphere”.
Chaplin is the area’s most famous former resident, although writer
Graham Greene and actress Audrey Hepburn also lived close by. Actor
David Niven is buried in Chateau d’Oex. The Russian novelist Vladimir
Nabakov lived at the Montreux Palace.
Visitors to the museum can also explore the Beau-Rivage Palace
hotel in Lausanne, where the Chaplins stayed before moving into the
Manoir de Ban, and his favourite restaurant, Auberge de l’Onde, among
the sixteenth century winehouses of Saint-Saphorin. Other haunts of
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ATED
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 52 | SUMMER 2017
Kitchen ConfidentialDining with the Nawabs’
(Roli Books
Author Meera Ali photographer Karam Puri
THE NAWABS OF ARCOT, AND THEIR HOSPITALITY
THE EVOLUTION OF BIRYANI
The Nawabs of Hyderabad
Roli Books
Akbar apprising his courtiers that the slaughter of animals should cease, 1590
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 54 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 55 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
Shaami Shikhampur from the Nawabs of Hyderabad
Dumpukt from the Nawabs of Kotwara
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
Serves : 6
METHOD
Serves : 8
COOKING AS AN ART
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 56 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 57 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
THE NAWABS OF ZAINABAD, AND CAMP ZAINABAD, IN THE RANN OF KUTCH
It was the appreciation of the patron that worked as the inspiration for the chef
(Above) Amir Mahal, in Madras, has been the residence of the Nawabs of Arcot since 1876; (Below) The Nawabs
of Kotwara; (Facing page) Camp Zainabad, in The Rann of Kutch, is the brainchild of Dhanraj Malik
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 58 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 59 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
The various charms of Salzburg
Once a stopover on an Austrian tour because
of its links to the Von Trapp family and the
popularity of The Sound of Music movie,
heritage, contemporary museums and an
eclectic dining scene.
By Deepali Nandwani
put Salzburg on the map for world travellers. The baroque garden, with
balustrades, has geometric rows of colourful annuals, fountains, statues
and hedges. The palace has an embellished cathedral where couples get
married. “Those steps are the ones down which Julie and the Von Trapp
kids skip,” says Ilse, rapidly leading the way even as I run to catch up.
Salzburg, she says, a city founded by the missionaries, once owed
allegiance to France, and then to Bavaria, before being co-opted in Austria.
We walk to the famous Getreidegasse in the Old Town, a picturesque
shopping alley and food street that ends in an open central area dominated
and for centuries, has repelled attackers. Today’s invaders arrive via the
marionettes and savour the ramparts’ striking panoramic views.
We walk through the Steingasse, Salzburg’s old town, which is a
UNESCO world heritage site. The gables of the tall houses are typical for a
Salzburg street with medieval and baroque townhouses. This narrow alley
was part of the city’s red light district, of which nothing remains. In the
late 17th and early 18th century, Salzburg was known as a cosmopolitan
“THE ALPS! THE ALPS!”
the most beautiful airport in the world, with views of snow-swathed
surrounded by the beautiful mountains.
Over the next three days, Hotel Sacher Salzburg, The Leading
Hotels of the World member, is the base from which I explore the
delightful town. The city looks right out of the pages of Grimms’ Fairy
Tales: medieval buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on the
left bank of the icy blue Salzach River, and 19th-century Neustadt (New
City) on the right. Its skyline is dominated by steeples, domes, churches
and markets.
The art nouveau-style Hotel Sacher Salzburg is at a walking distance
from Mozart’s family home, now a museum. This 150-year-old heritage
hotel, once the cool hang-out place for noblemen, high clergymen,
members of the ruling house and artists, is now owned by the Gürtler and
Winkler family, which also owns Hotel Sacher Wein.
location and the best cake in town. On this bitterly cold day, Pharisäer,
priests, who spoke against the evils of alcohol in their Sunday sermons.
And what can go better with a Pharisäer than, of course, a piece of the
delicious Sacher-Torte, dry on the outside and moist inside, which was
created in 1832 by 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher, and is still made
true to the original, using a secretive recipe. About 360,000 hand-made
cakes are shipped worldwide and an annual limited Artists’ Collection was
launched in 2008: renowned Austrian artists like Hermann Nitsch, Gustav
Peichl, Christian Ludwig Attersee, Xenia Hausner and Herbert Brandl have
re-designed the elegant wooden box as a piece of Austrian art, available
in a strictly limited edition of 1,000 pieces.
THE SALZBURG WALK
walking city tour. We briskly walk across the street to Mirabell Palace
and Gardens, where Fräulein Maria and the Von Trapp kids sang ‘Do Re
Mi’ in the hugely successful musical The Sound of Music, the movie that
(Above) The Salzach River divides Salzburg into two parts;(Right) Mozart’s home has been turned into a museum
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 60 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 61 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
TRAVEL
land, and the Mozart-Wohnhaus (residence) beckons me. Snatches from
his music play in the background as I browse through his notes, watch
the movie made on his various travels across the world, learn about his
family, and understand what made the factors that made this genius what
he really was.
Three icons really dominate Austria’s celebrity landscape: Mozart,
Empress Elisabeth or Sisi, the rebellious Queen who was a feminist way
before the term was coined, and the Von Trapp family.
form of rococo facades.
Longchamp jostle for space with local shops that sell traditional Austrian
clothing, warm jackets, knick-knacks (I spied a ‘yogi cow’ in one such),
quaint cafes, high, narrow houses tightly nestled together, beautiful
restaurants, and chocolate shops that sell Mozartkugel, a confection with
a moist marzipan centre, surrounded by layers of dark and light praline
baroque buildings north of the Alps. On our day of
visit, the rehearsal for the grand Easter mass had just
got over, and little children in monk habits and priests
trooped out. The church is a reserve for everything
precious: the baptismal font in which Mozart was
baptised, and the majestic main organ surrounded
by angels playing instruments. On the way back, Ilse
stops at Cafe Tomaselli, a 1703 institution in the heart
of Alter Markt Square, an ancient café where Mozart himself spent hours.
We end the day with a freezing walk to K+K, a much-recommended
restaurant that looks like someone’s mountain cabin: wood panelling,
beautiful views and an intimate dining table overhung with a light orb
right. Our special menu had a scrumptious Mushroom Risotto, an Aberseer
It is unthinkable to miss the Mozart museum when you are in his
(From top, clockwise) Cafe Tomaselli, a 1703 institution, is where Mozart spent a lot of his youth, writing music; Cafe Sacher is popular with both
cream and rum; and Sacher-Torte was created in 1832 at Cafe Sacher
Ilse comes to stop right outside
dating back to 774
The Dom Zu Salzburg, a 774 dated cathedral, often hosts music concerts
The Mondsee Cathedral was the venue
Getreidegasse is the old town of Salzburg with crews of Fortress Hohensalzburg
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 62 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 63 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
THE SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR
in Salzburg. Our gregarious American guide keeps us engaged with his
antics, including dancing around the bus pole, but Austria’s Lake District,
part of which we drive past, is pristine and far more attractive.
The bus makes several stops: at the Trapp villa with the Alps in the
backdrop, which now houses the Mozart Academy, the sun shining weakly
on its taupe façade; and Hellbrunn where the famous gazebo in the
song ‘I am 16, going on 17’ was shot. (Seemingly, the gazebo wasn’t big
enough to shoot the dance, so it was shot on a set in LA). This is where our
American guide gave us a bit of information: the actual Von Trapp family
instruments. Instead, they took a metro to Italy and then a boat to the
US. They lived for a year on a bus, gave concerts, bought a farm and then
opened a lodge.
The natives don’t quite like the Hollywood version, though; they root
for the German version. Salzburg has a thriving music scene, and every
spring, people from across Europe descend on the town for its various
Western classical concerts in its stately venues, some of them open air.
On The Sound of Music tour, you will drive through Fuschlsee, the
belonging to the actual Von Trapp family. On the way back, we stopped
at Leopoldskron Palace (www.schloss-leopoldskron.com) portrayed as the
Von Trapp villa in the timeless movie.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
Salzkammergut. It is studded with 76-odd glacier-fed lakes that are
drove past a restaurant that serves free-range deer meat, and you can see
deers grazing in the pastures. There is the village of Strobl, on the banks
of Lake Wolfgangsee, with an icy glacier lake with trails for hiking, biking
and winter-skiing, and the Bad Ischl town with a popular salt spa and cafes
bearing Sisi’s name.
From Strobl, you can take a boat cruise to the villages of St Gilgen
and St Wolfgang. The region is popular as a destination for hiking and
skiing on the slopes of Mount Zwolferhorn. The Schafbergbahn railway, a
19th-century steam engine train, starts from Wolfgang and passes through
the Alps all around.
a serving of the hot apple strudel, a delicious pastry with a gooey, creamy
centre. The pretty village has the striking yellow church where Captain
Von Trapp married Maria in the movie. The Marktplatz (market square) has
several cafes and gift shops.
CONTEMPORARY SALZBURGSalzburg is a city with an impressive arts scene. Housed in the baroque
Neue Residenz palace, the Salzburg Museum takes you on a journey
through the city’s past and present, within ornate rooms that showcase
Roman excavations and royal portraits. The contemporary glass and
in stark contrast to the fortress. It hosts several temporary exhibitions of
20th- and 21st-century art. Rupertinum, Salzburg’s museum of modern art
houses several important works by Austrian artists Klimt and Kokoschka.
For modern Austrian art, head to Palais Kuenburg, a gallery situated in an
ancient alley in the heart of the old town.
Goldener Hirsch, situated in the old stables of a townhouse, is among
Tomaselli, a restaurant dating back to 1705, is a local legend because a
young Mozart patronized it. It has been given a contemporary makeover
without letting go of its heritage character. If you want to hang out where
the young do, head to Havana, a discreet bar populated by the cool
30-somethings.
A replica of the ‘The Sound of Music Gazebo’ at Hellbrunn’s grounds
Salzburg’s outskirts are studded with 76 glacial-fed lakes
The baroque Mirabell Garden is where the famous ‘Do Re Me’ song from The
Sound of Music was shot
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 64 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 65 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
Online
Indian teastartupsand their
business models
Akhila Ranganna
Imagine a person in LA who suddenly develops a craving for some
| | | |
BALA SARDAFounder of Vahdam Teas
vahdamteas.com
KAUSHAL DUGARFounder of Teabox
teabox.com
ASHOK MITTALCo-founder of TeamonkGlobal
teamonkglobal.com
SUMIT SHAHFounder of TE-A-ME
teameteas.com
(Below) (Facing page)
| | | |
In the cavernous lobby of The
By Deepali Nandwani
coastal patches
Goa’s Garden of Eden
Goa’s Garden of Eden
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Across the property are several
DEE
PALI
NA
ND
WA
NI
(From top)
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 74 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
The new Epic Global Cuisine menu at
The Leela Ambience Gurugram creatively
The Leela Ambience Gurugram’s Executive Sous Chef Abhishek
The ambience at The Elitaire Lounge plays a vital role in enhancing
An epicurean extravaganza
By Shikha Talwar
A
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 80 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 81 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
An Indic Symbol
MEGU is a Japanese restaurant with an inventive menu and an elegant decor
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Which are your favourite restaurants and
favourite dishes at The Leela Palace New Delhi?
The Leela Palace New Delhi has some of the best tables
in the city. MEGU is serene with superlative service —
ideal for a business lunch. In what seems like a moderne
Japanese garden, it has an inventive menu that’s light
on the palate, with MEGU signatures, which are little
pieces of heaven. I could eat here every day.
Le Cirque is always a ceremony — with drama
with decadence. They have a good wine list and a
Rock Lobster Risotto, or the Sea bass in crispy potato
paupiette served with a Barolo reduction, a Le Cirque
classic since its Daniel Boulud (one of my favourite
chefs) days in New York.
When I’m alone, in the winter, I have a quiet meal
outdoors across the magical garden with a view of the
really quite romantic.
A Sotheby’s auction preview was held at the property recently.
How was your overall experience?
From my days at LVMH Moët Hennessy to my debut event with Sotheby’s
recently, The Leela Palace New Delhi is always on point. The F&B team
gets it — they understand my uncompromising vision, my penchant for
perfection and know how to enthrall my guests. Chef Adrian’s menus are
fresh and au courant. The service is discreet and elegant. It’s a class act.
What’s your take on the service at the hotel?
I almost always stay at The Leela Palace when in New Delhi. The
service is seamless — warm and inviting, invisible yet
attentive, anticipatory and always caring. The rooms
are sumptuous.
The concierge once went through lengths and
breadths to get me home (after a week of staying with
them), in time before my children went to bed. They
changed my ticket, ensured I didn’t pay an extra charge,
and had a gentleman waiting outside the gate with my
minutes. I will never forget getting that Sunday evening
with my boys! Now that’s what you call service. That is
true luxury.
You are known as the quintessential Champagne
boy. Tell us about your favourite tipple at the
bars at the property?
The Library Bar is one of my favourite bars in India. I
of Dom Pérignon or a Moët & Chandon Rosé. It’s always refreshing. They
make a mean martini and a delicious Negroni. For a glass of wine, Atul
Tiwari, the sommelier extraordinaire, is your man.
It’s discreet and quiet. Yet it captures the glamour and the subtle
sexiness of the hotel. It’s a little piece of nirvana in a jewel box.
What stays with you at The Leela Palace New Delhi?
The welcome — everyone knows you by name and your little quirks.
The Leela Palace New Delhi is an intelligent hotel. With unabashed
glamour. Immaculately orchestrated.
JET SET GO
Gaurav Bhatiais Managing Director,
Sotheby’s India,
hotel junkie and
Follow him on Instagram @
Can you tell us about the new menu at Le Cirque Signature at The Leela
Mumbai?
The classic Le Cirque dishes are hugely popular among guests, and I have
not changed the recipe of those. They still feature alongside my new menu,
which is inspired by the spring colours of Tuscany, with complex textures
and modern-day ingredients. Each dish on the new menu is unique in itself.
Not only in taste but also in plating. I have also given a lot of thought to
people, I have also introduced a lot of healthy options. I have played with
superfoods and ingredients such as quinoa and buckwheat, which, while
being exotic, are also extremely nutritious.
Which are the must-try desserts at the restaurant?
Pain Perdu and Crème Brulee. They pair well with the new menu.
What are the three kitchen tools you
can’t do without?
The three tools that I can’t do without are
tweezers, my personally crafted knife, and
the tasting spoon.
Share a cooking tip with us.
Before cooking something, you should
know the foods you are using — touch,
smell and taste, even if it is raw. It will
make you understand better the potential
of the food.
What do you enjoy most about working
at The Leela Mumbai?
Working at The Leela Mumbai has been
an enriching experience for me. It gives
me freedom to experiment. I also get to
interact with my guests and understand
their feedback, and this in turn has made
me master the art of customisation, which
I feel is crucial in today’s day and age.
The Head Chef at Le Cirque Signature
at The Leela Mumbai tells us about the
new menu at the restaurant and his
most important kitchen tools.
Lorenzo Severini
Chef Lorenzo
Severini started his
culinary journey at
the young age of
high school Fratelli
Pieroni in Barga, in
Italy. He interned
with renowned chefs
Gioacchino Pontrelli
and Cesare Casella
during the early stage
of his career. Currently,
he is heading Le
Cirque Signature at
The Leela Mumbai.
In his previous stint,
Severini worked as a
sous chef at Le Cirque
New York.
Rigatoni with wild mushrooms at Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Mumbai
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 82 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 83 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
CHEF’S CORNER
EVENTS
The Leela Palace New Delhi played host to the ‘Chivas 18 Alchemy
— crafted for the senses’ event, organised by Chivas Regal in
Soni played the alchemist for the sense of smell by creating three new
Twine appreciation events across the world, and recently its Delhi chapter
Lavish feasts
A sensory delight Capital’s prideT
The Leela Palace New Delhi, which has set a new benchmark for
T
from hotels and accommodations to destinations, attractions, and
Vox populi
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 84 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 85 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE
Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini
The Leela Palace New Delhirecommend this hotel to any discerning person
General Prayut Chan-ocha
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Princess Azizah
The Leela Mumbai
Dr Marijn Dekkers
The Leela Mumbai
Dr Shashi Tharoor
The Leela Palace Udaipur
How you can contribute:
Turning India water-efficient
Ayyappa Masagi
W
to save his own crops, has went on to helping his
“Rainfall is not a problem, water is not a problem, it is a
and washing machines which has
Water Crises — Converting dry land
By Shikha Talwar and Malika Lalwani
THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 86 | SUMMER 2017 SUMMER 2017 | 87 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE