My city My story
Intro: Singer Ujjaini talks about Chennai’s auto-drivers, their nasty language and
the process of her acclimatization to this wonderful city and the people of Chennai.
I came to Chennai in 2003. I am a Bengali and the first few days here were horrible, as I
didn’t know Tamil. I had a torrid time communicating and trying to put messages across
to people who didn’t understand English. Auto rickshaw drivers “took me for a ride” as
they reaped a fortune out of my innocence. The absence of metered autos proved to be
menace as I found it difficult to protect my hard-earned money from the occasionally
fraudulent auto drivers. Slowly, but surely I started understanding the “tricks of the trade”
and my Tamil started blossoming. I owe it all to the auto drivers here, whose nasty dialect
inspired me to get a grasp of the language and give them a taste of their own medicine. I
graduated from “left la ponga right la ponga” to having a full-fledged verbal tussle with
an auto driver.
With the passage of time, I started understanding the way things work here in Chennai.
Slowly I started making a lot of friends and finally managed to decipher a methodology
to communicate normally with auto-drivers. Now, I can safely say that I am a Chennai
girl. Everything here is so cool. I love the people out here as they give due credit to talent
and most of them connect with you at an emotional level, unlike other metros where they
don’t care about your existence once they get their job done out of you. I love hitting the
beach and “Landmark” is one of my favourite places here as it has a wonderful collection
of books.
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
MY STINT AT THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS(EXPRESSO)--- CONFESSIONS OF A HANDSOME HUNK
Sudarshan Varadhan
First Published : 07 Jul 2010 11:12:00 PM IST
Last Updated :
A few words with Arun Venkatraman and you immediately realise that this guy is different. Runner-up, Gladrags Mr India, nine-time national swimming champion, Afro-Asian Bronze medallist, six-time Asian silver medallist and many other feathers fighting for a place in his already over-flowing cap, Arun opens his heart to Expresso.
Foray into modelling
I hurt my shoulder a few years back. And three years back, I had to stop swimming, as I wasn’t fit enough. Around the same time, my ex-girlfriend, a model herself, advised me to try my hand at modelling. Thus began the journey.
The right mix
I work out for three and a half hours a day. I have given up on rice and unhealthy oily food. I am 6”2’. I have an almost flawless body. And I do work really hard on maintaining high levels of fitness.
Highlights in modelling career
I walked the ramp for Kitkat Lite and Nokia. I have also been featured in TV commercials for Naidu Hall and Fashion Folks. And then, Gladrags is the biggest thing that has happened to me. And I’m really proud of the fact that I’m the first person from Chennai to have achieved that.
Message to budding models
Love yourself, strive to be the best. You may have to “compromise” a lot to progress. Work towards achieving an ideal body and get in touch with the right people. I plan to move to Mumbai, as Chennai is really conservative, definitely not the place for a model. I also plan to start a business and may foray into acting if a good role comes my way. I’m definitely not desperate and I strive for perfection in any field. So I’m planning to play a waiting game for now.
First Published : 07 Jul 2010 11:12:00 PM IST
Last Updated :
A few words with Arun Venkatraman and you immediately realise that this guy is different. Runner-up, Gladrags Mr India, nine-time national swimming champion, Afro-Asian Bronze medallist, six-time Asian silver medallist and many other feathers fighting for a place in his already over-flowing cap, Arun opens his heart to Expresso.
Foray into modelling
I hurt my shoulder a few years back. And three years back, I had to stop swimming, as I wasn’t fit enough. Around the same time, my ex-girlfriend, a model herself, advised me to try my hand at modelling. Thus began the journey.
The right mix
I work out for three and a half hours a day. I have given up on rice and unhealthy oily food. I am 6”2’. I have an almost flawless body. And I do work really hard on maintaining high levels of fitness.
Highlights in modelling career
I walked the ramp for Kitkat Lite and Nokia. I have also been featured in TV commercials for Naidu Hall and Fashion Folks. And then, Gladrags is the biggest thing that has happened to me. And I’m really proud of the fact that I’m the first person from Chennai to have achieved that.
Message to budding models
Love yourself, strive to be the best. You may have to “compromise” a lot to progress. Work towards achieving an ideal body and get in touch with the right people. I plan to move to Mumbai, as Chennai is really conservative, definitely not the place for a model. I also plan to start a business and may foray into acting if a good role comes my way. I’m definitely not desperate and I strive for perfection in any field. So I’m planning to play a waiting game for now.
MY STINT AT THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS(EXPRESSO)--- LIGHTS, LENS AND LOKESH
Sudarshan Varadhan
Express News Service
First Published : 17 Jun 2010 12:23:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 17 Jun 2010 08:57:16 AM IST
I started my interview with Lokesh, a rising rockstar in photography. “I am a people’s photographer,” he smiles as he settles into a comfortable position on the couch.
I was convinced by then that it was not going to be a formal interview and I presented a slightly extended version of my first question, “What’s that?” “I’m someone who can make anybody look and feel like a professional model”.
“How did you start?” was my next question. “It was a hobby initially. And then, as I started following Nat Geo photography and started travelling to different places and observing different cultures, photography started growing on me. It’s like first love, it grows on you with time”, he quipped. And about his teachers and fans, “My teachers — Mr. Bharath Ramamritam and Mr. Vikas. They’ve also been my friends and my best critics. They help me rediscover myself every time and keep me going.”
He also recalls that his trip to Rajasthan where he had to live in harmony with the “real India” was one of his many life-changing experiences. He doesn’t restrict his domain to photography and his interests extend to the fields of dance, martial arts and fitness. When asked where he’d like to be ten years down the line and his message to the budding photographers, he said, “Ten years down the line, I’d like to be one of India’s best photographers and for all those who want to make it big here, just follow your heart and work towards your dream”. The theory behind becoming a hotshot photographer was never so simple!
Contact the photographer at 9884023484
Express News Service
First Published : 17 Jun 2010 12:23:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 17 Jun 2010 08:57:16 AM IST
I started my interview with Lokesh, a rising rockstar in photography. “I am a people’s photographer,” he smiles as he settles into a comfortable position on the couch.
I was convinced by then that it was not going to be a formal interview and I presented a slightly extended version of my first question, “What’s that?” “I’m someone who can make anybody look and feel like a professional model”.
“How did you start?” was my next question. “It was a hobby initially. And then, as I started following Nat Geo photography and started travelling to different places and observing different cultures, photography started growing on me. It’s like first love, it grows on you with time”, he quipped. And about his teachers and fans, “My teachers — Mr. Bharath Ramamritam and Mr. Vikas. They’ve also been my friends and my best critics. They help me rediscover myself every time and keep me going.”
He also recalls that his trip to Rajasthan where he had to live in harmony with the “real India” was one of his many life-changing experiences. He doesn’t restrict his domain to photography and his interests extend to the fields of dance, martial arts and fitness. When asked where he’d like to be ten years down the line and his message to the budding photographers, he said, “Ten years down the line, I’d like to be one of India’s best photographers and for all those who want to make it big here, just follow your heart and work towards your dream”. The theory behind becoming a hotshot photographer was never so simple!
Contact the photographer at 9884023484
MY STINT AT THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS(EXPRESSO)--- OF GLISTENING DOSAS AND SAMBAR-DRENCHED VADAS
Sudarshan Varadhan
First Published : 22 Jun 2010 11:59:00 PM IST
Last Updated :
A door decked with bells, a stunning sculpture of the legendary Mathsya Avatar and Ilayaraja’s lilting tunes from his days of yore welcome you to Mathsya, situated in the heart of the city at Egmore. This hotel boasts of a unique amalgamation of home and temple style cooking, enjoys an iconic and legendary status among pure vegetarian establishments and is known for its authentic and traditional Udipi Brahmin cuisine.
Excerpts from an interview with Mathsya Ram, the owner:
How would you like to be known?
I want to be known as a person who’s running a very fine restaurant and as an advocate of vegetarianism.
USP
We serve only vegetarian food, which is clean, healthy and traditional. We make our own ghee, buy fresh vegetables and rely heavily on three characteristics that are instrumental to the success of any hotel — quality, quality and quality. We are one of the few restaurants that are open even at 2 am — something that we started as a service to cater to the hungry refugees who used to come to Chennai during odd hours in the sixties and the tradition continues, even today.
The chefs and the cuisines
My dad was a perfectionist who would not settle for anything but the best. He handpicked the chefs. Specialists from Delhi and Amritsar prepare our Punjabi and tandoori items and we have hired professionals from Kolkata and Mumbai for the Chinese and chat items respectively. We strictly adhere to the age-old techniques that have stood the test of time but are also open to new technologies and improvisations. Our cooking methodologies are heavily inspired by the native Udipi style.
Innovations and inventions
We introduced the banana-leaf-on-the-plate system that’s being followed by hotels all over Tamil Nadu. We also invented the rasam vada and the sambhar vada, inspired by the bajjau vada, an evergreen delicacy in the Udipi cuisine. We invented the Jain sambhar — sambhar without onion and garlic.
What does the hotel mean to you?
It’s like my second home. I’m one of the few hotel owners who eats everyday at his own restaurant. My uncle used to say, “If you think can give your food to your children, only then sell it.” I abide by that principle. I strongly believe that there’s a bit of Mathsya in every Indian restaurant.
Biggest compliment
A famous Belgian diamond merchant invited me for an exclusive lunch at his home and leapt in joy after hearing the fact that I’m the owner of Mathsya. I also did the wedding catering for Mr Praveen, Executive Chef, Sheraton Park.
Mathsya top 6
Rasam vada, Mangalore bonda, chilli cheese toast, methi dosa, filter coffee and apple bajji.
Hobbies
I spend a lot of time and money on books, music and travel. I’m a big fan of flautist Mali, Ilayaraja, GN Balasubramaniam, Eric Dolphy and a band called The Grateful Dead. I play basketball, soccer and also practice Kalaripayattu.
Plans for the future
New outlets at Adyar and Anna Nagar are being planned.
First Published : 22 Jun 2010 11:59:00 PM IST
Last Updated :
A door decked with bells, a stunning sculpture of the legendary Mathsya Avatar and Ilayaraja’s lilting tunes from his days of yore welcome you to Mathsya, situated in the heart of the city at Egmore. This hotel boasts of a unique amalgamation of home and temple style cooking, enjoys an iconic and legendary status among pure vegetarian establishments and is known for its authentic and traditional Udipi Brahmin cuisine.
Excerpts from an interview with Mathsya Ram, the owner:
How would you like to be known?
I want to be known as a person who’s running a very fine restaurant and as an advocate of vegetarianism.
USP
We serve only vegetarian food, which is clean, healthy and traditional. We make our own ghee, buy fresh vegetables and rely heavily on three characteristics that are instrumental to the success of any hotel — quality, quality and quality. We are one of the few restaurants that are open even at 2 am — something that we started as a service to cater to the hungry refugees who used to come to Chennai during odd hours in the sixties and the tradition continues, even today.
The chefs and the cuisines
My dad was a perfectionist who would not settle for anything but the best. He handpicked the chefs. Specialists from Delhi and Amritsar prepare our Punjabi and tandoori items and we have hired professionals from Kolkata and Mumbai for the Chinese and chat items respectively. We strictly adhere to the age-old techniques that have stood the test of time but are also open to new technologies and improvisations. Our cooking methodologies are heavily inspired by the native Udipi style.
Innovations and inventions
We introduced the banana-leaf-on-the-plate system that’s being followed by hotels all over Tamil Nadu. We also invented the rasam vada and the sambhar vada, inspired by the bajjau vada, an evergreen delicacy in the Udipi cuisine. We invented the Jain sambhar — sambhar without onion and garlic.
What does the hotel mean to you?
It’s like my second home. I’m one of the few hotel owners who eats everyday at his own restaurant. My uncle used to say, “If you think can give your food to your children, only then sell it.” I abide by that principle. I strongly believe that there’s a bit of Mathsya in every Indian restaurant.
Biggest compliment
A famous Belgian diamond merchant invited me for an exclusive lunch at his home and leapt in joy after hearing the fact that I’m the owner of Mathsya. I also did the wedding catering for Mr Praveen, Executive Chef, Sheraton Park.
Mathsya top 6
Rasam vada, Mangalore bonda, chilli cheese toast, methi dosa, filter coffee and apple bajji.
Hobbies
I spend a lot of time and money on books, music and travel. I’m a big fan of flautist Mali, Ilayaraja, GN Balasubramaniam, Eric Dolphy and a band called The Grateful Dead. I play basketball, soccer and also practice Kalaripayattu.
Plans for the future
New outlets at Adyar and Anna Nagar are being planned.
MY STINT AT THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS(EXPRESSO)--- TEEN TERRIFIC
Sudarshan Varadhan
First Published : 07 Jul 2010 11:08:00 PM IST
Last Updated : 07 Jul 2010 01:24:15 AM IST
CHENNAI: Digital artists are a perplexing lot. They’re known to be quiet. So as I was waiting to meet Sudarshan, a 14-year old digital artist, I was pondering over a lot of issues. I wasn’t sure if he would talk and even if he did, I wasn’t sure if he’d be mature enough to express his thoughts without painting them with exaggeration.
But meeting this wonder kid proved to be a luminous experience. I sparked off the conversation by asking him to describe himself and tell me something about his beginnings. “I go by the creative identity of Suddu,” he said, as he noisily sipped his grape juice. “I first got to know about Adobe Photoshop back in the summer of 2008 at a gaming forum. The photo manipulations impressed me greatly and made me curious as well,” he said and added, “I was really passionate about learning Photoshop and thanks to the level of interest, I was getting a grasp on the basics at an almost impossible pace. Soon, I started posting my works on the Internet and the encouragement I was getting via positive comments from legendary artists helped my cause.”
So how exactly did he elevate himself to the next level? “I sent one of my works to Advanced Photoshop international magazine. It got published and to add to my joy, they also selected it as the “Picture of the week”. I’m also a proud registered member of Deviantart, a world renowned art portal where artists separated by barriers of distance and language get together to share their thoughts on each others’ works.”
What exactly do you work on? “Typography, vector and abstract. I work on Photoshop, Illustrator and Wacom bamboo tablet.” When asked about his clients and mentors, his eyes lit up. “A professional DJ from Greece was the first one to approach me with a project. But it soon fizzled out as he could not understand English,” he rues. “Ever since, there has been no looking back though. I was then asked by Lewis McAdam, the owner of the site called fanglewurzle.com to create some promotional work for his site. I am currently collaborating with Gianluigi Di Giacomo and Anthony Giacomino who’ve worked for Rafael Nadal and Alan Iverson. I also did some promotional work for the band OmegaCode.”
His influences? “My inspirations are music, movies, art, philosophy. Work of artists like Anthony Giacomino, David Waters, Alex Lataille and Erik Sumacher, also inspire me. The works of Salvador Dali have also influenced me.”
His experiences and views about the world of art.“ I have learnt that if you want to stick out of the group then you must not follow trends and that my strength lies in the fact I am not afraid to experiment and can handle criticism pretty well. I am still trying to learn more about composition, blending, shadows, lighting and colour. Digital art will still take some time to get recognised as a creative outlet. People generally assume that digital art is just by a few clicks. I normally work on a single piece for about 20-25 hours.” Don’t you think your works have an air of negativity surrounding them? “ I don’t want my gallery to be made out of negative or positive pieces. Art is an expression of opinion. There’s nothing positive or negative about it,” he signs off.
Websites: www.suddu.net
www.suddu001.deviantart.com
Contact number: 9443713220
First Published : 07 Jul 2010 11:08:00 PM IST
Last Updated : 07 Jul 2010 01:24:15 AM IST
CHENNAI: Digital artists are a perplexing lot. They’re known to be quiet. So as I was waiting to meet Sudarshan, a 14-year old digital artist, I was pondering over a lot of issues. I wasn’t sure if he would talk and even if he did, I wasn’t sure if he’d be mature enough to express his thoughts without painting them with exaggeration.
But meeting this wonder kid proved to be a luminous experience. I sparked off the conversation by asking him to describe himself and tell me something about his beginnings. “I go by the creative identity of Suddu,” he said, as he noisily sipped his grape juice. “I first got to know about Adobe Photoshop back in the summer of 2008 at a gaming forum. The photo manipulations impressed me greatly and made me curious as well,” he said and added, “I was really passionate about learning Photoshop and thanks to the level of interest, I was getting a grasp on the basics at an almost impossible pace. Soon, I started posting my works on the Internet and the encouragement I was getting via positive comments from legendary artists helped my cause.”
So how exactly did he elevate himself to the next level? “I sent one of my works to Advanced Photoshop international magazine. It got published and to add to my joy, they also selected it as the “Picture of the week”. I’m also a proud registered member of Deviantart, a world renowned art portal where artists separated by barriers of distance and language get together to share their thoughts on each others’ works.”
What exactly do you work on? “Typography, vector and abstract. I work on Photoshop, Illustrator and Wacom bamboo tablet.” When asked about his clients and mentors, his eyes lit up. “A professional DJ from Greece was the first one to approach me with a project. But it soon fizzled out as he could not understand English,” he rues. “Ever since, there has been no looking back though. I was then asked by Lewis McAdam, the owner of the site called fanglewurzle.com to create some promotional work for his site. I am currently collaborating with Gianluigi Di Giacomo and Anthony Giacomino who’ve worked for Rafael Nadal and Alan Iverson. I also did some promotional work for the band OmegaCode.”
His influences? “My inspirations are music, movies, art, philosophy. Work of artists like Anthony Giacomino, David Waters, Alex Lataille and Erik Sumacher, also inspire me. The works of Salvador Dali have also influenced me.”
His experiences and views about the world of art.“ I have learnt that if you want to stick out of the group then you must not follow trends and that my strength lies in the fact I am not afraid to experiment and can handle criticism pretty well. I am still trying to learn more about composition, blending, shadows, lighting and colour. Digital art will still take some time to get recognised as a creative outlet. People generally assume that digital art is just by a few clicks. I normally work on a single piece for about 20-25 hours.” Don’t you think your works have an air of negativity surrounding them? “ I don’t want my gallery to be made out of negative or positive pieces. Art is an expression of opinion. There’s nothing positive or negative about it,” he signs off.
Websites: www.suddu.net
www.suddu001.deviantart.com
Contact number: 9443713220
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