Y - Issue 256 - Feb 08 - Y-oman.com

A culinary magnumopus revealedIntroducing, The Indus at Opera Galleria.The Indus is a unique concept. A fine dining destination located at theOpera Galleria amidst the grandeur of the Royal Opera House. Offering youan authentic experience of Indian & North West Frontier cuisine as indulgedby the Nawabs and Maharajas of Yore.Come experience The Indus.For reservations, please contact Priyanka on 93883919 / 22022888.Location: Galleria First Floor, overlooking ROH Maidan.www.theindus.om

WIN!EDITOR’SNOTETICKETS TO SEESHAH RUKH KHANWelcome to the newlook Y Tabloid - yourindispensable guideto everything modernOman has to offer.It’s the hottest ticket in town and guesswhat? We have ten to give away.See Bollywood royalty, including ShahRukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, performlive at the Automobile Club in Ghala onFebruary 13.The event, called Temptations Reloaded,is already causing a stir as Khan, otherwiseknown as the King of Romance, haspersonally requested fans to come andsee him on Valentine’s Eve.To win one of ten tickets all you haveto do is answer the following question:What was the name of the recentBollywood film in which Shah RukhKhan starred alongside Katrina Kaif ?Please send your answer toprize@y-oman.comAndis excestrunt, nusanisby autem February dolupta tessinus 10, 2013. es etfugiam il everi ommos sequodipsumrules quunt, apply. siti andusci Winning*Competitionpsamus, tickets to corrore be collected rspienis from ulparY Tabloid in Seeb.Cat que sedi velit ut laborum intque nest, aut veratur, torum0971 1234 5678Y SURVEY WINNERSA big thanks to all our readers who filledour survey about Y Tabloid - unfortunatelythere could only be four winners.Congratulations to Taimur Aqil Syedand Saud Rashid AlHarthy who eachwon the Galaxy S3, while Reem MohamedAhmed and Ashline Mary havewon the iPad minis.Fast forwardI have to admit that my Bollywood knowledge stops at Slumdog Millionnaireand Shilpa Shetty. So, with the imminent arrival of Shah Rukh Khan and a wholeheap of other A-list stars to Muscat, it was time to find out why masala is so muchmore than curry.In this very special Bollywood edition, we interview King Khan to discover moreabout the man behind the mask. We also explore Mumbai, Asian make-up andthe various Indian gems found here in Muscat. And for those of us bereft of a littleblack passport, there’s even a beginner’s guide to all things bling and Bollywood.EDITOR IN CHIEFSayyida Iman bint Hamadbin Hamood Al BusaidiCHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICEREihab AbutahaCONTRIBUTORSKate Ginn, Joe Gill,Tariq al Haremi,Laura ShergoldPHOTOGRAPHERJerzy WierzbickiART DIRECTORMatthew HerbstDIRECTOR OF SALES& MARKETINGFeroz KhanLOGISTICS MANAGERAyman CanawatiPenny Frayeditor@y-oman.comY Tabloid is published bySABCO Press, Publishing &Advertising LLC /Y is aSABCO Media product.We’d love to hear yournews and views. For editorialenquiries, please emailinfo@y-oman.comfollow us on:@ytabloid facebook.com/ytabloid www.y-oman.comWrite to us at Y Tabloid, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255 03

contentsF E B R U A R Y 0 5 2 0 1 3Features18 King KhanBollywood StarReveals AllYour Oman22 Bollywood GuideAll You Need To KnowAbout the IndianFilm Industry1006 The Big InterviewIndian Ambassador08 Voice of OmanReaders’ Letters10 NewsSporting HeroesSupport Road SafetyThis Week13 Movies ListingRace 214 This WeekAmerican Ballet16 GalleryDesigner Watches22Food & Drink27 Restaurant ReviewsThe Bollywood28 RecipeButter Chicken Curry31 GalleryBrilliant Banking2814Health & Beauty32 FashionSari Sari Nights34 Shop of the WeekMalabar35 HealthLaughter Yoga36 BeautyBollywood BeautyCars &Outdoors38 OutdoorsPurifying Waters40 DestinationMumbai42 My HoodRuwi44 Y-FiFabulous Phones46 Car of the WeekMercedes45NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE...The truth about omani dating WIN A ROMANTICWEEKEND AWAY VALENTINE GIFTS FINDING LOVE

YOUROMANNews Gallery INTERVIEWFROM INDIAWITH LOVEJ.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India in MuscatWords: Penny Fray. Photo: Jerzy WierzbickiTell us about your professional journey thus far:Having joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1981, Ihave had the privilege of holding diplomatic positionsin Damascus, Abu Dhabi, Kandy, Colombo, Geneva,Riyadh, Munich and now as Ambassador of India inMuscat, apart from postings at Headquarters in theMinistry of External Affairs, New Delhi. These variedassignments have involved both bilateral and multilateraldiplomacy covering political/disarmament andeconomic-commercial work.What have been the highlight and lowlights ofyour ambassadorial role in the Sultanate?Contributing to further deepening and diversifying thevery unique and special relationship between Indiaand Oman, which is now in the nature of a strategicpartnership as well as continuing the Embassy’s effortsto promote the interests and provide quality services tothe over half a million Indians working in the Sultanate.I am yet to come across any lowlights of my assignmentin Muscat.What do you love most about Muscat?While I admire the infrastructure, cleanliness andbeauty of Muscat, it is really the people – both Omanisand Indians – with their friendship, kindness andhospitality that is the most attractive feature.Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are coming totown – are you a fan of Bollywood movies?I do enjoy the occasional Bollywood movie with myfamily. In fact, Bollywood today constitutes an importantcomponent of India’s soft power that has built bridgeswith different peoples including Omanis, many of whomenjoy Indian movies and are ardent fans of Bollywoodactors. I am absolutely delighted that Shah Rukh Khan,Katrina Kaif and others are coming to Oman during theMuscat Festival as that will constitute yet another strandin the rich people-to-people interaction between our twocountries.What do you enjoy doing in your spare hours?I am interested in reading, cricket and travel.How do you manage your team?An Embassy, like any organisation, can only be efficientand effective if members are motivated and morale ishigh, for which one has to take along colleagues as a teamto be able to deliver results.THE AMBASSADOR’S PHILOSOPHYQualities of head and heart like hard work, abalanced approach and sensitivity towards theweaker sections of society should stand any Indiandiplomat in good stead professionally.06FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

The Voiceof OmanRUMAITHA AL BUSAIDITALKS ABOUT HER LOVE OFTHE BEAUTIFUL GAMEcorrespondenceMaking it and sustaining it bigDear Editor,Winner!Reply ofthe WeekImay be labelled a Janeof all trades for beinga radio personality, Ycolumnist and researcher inenvironmental and marinesciences, but there’s one thingthat always surprises people.Wait for it. I used to be afootballer. Yup, I used to bendit like Beckham. In fact, thebeautiful game was my steppingstone into the media arena.It was also a sure fire way ofshocking people.The moment I revealed what Idid, jaws would drop, eyebrowswould be raised and the lectureswould begin. Not that it everworried me.In fact, I often it found itflattering, especially sincefemale footballers in Omanhave done pretty muchthe impossible in ourconservative society.How many times did I hearthe phrase “football is such amasculine sport, ma zain”? .I would ask ‘why?’ and the replywould often be “because it isaggressive and does not suit thebuild of a woman”.Funny, then, how we are anation that boasts of havingfemale teams in volleyball,basketball and handball. Arethese games not justas competitive?By the way, I’m so excited thatit’s February. Not just becauseit’s Valentine’s Day but alsobecause it’s ChampionsLeague, baby!Boy, I am so charged up for thematches scheduled this month.Hope you are too.Next week:COOL COMMUNICATORIsobel Spaven-DONNIn the article ‘Making it Big’ (Issue 255) we heard from some of thecountry’s successful entrepreneurs who have already made a mark in their chosenfield with their hard work and dedication.This article is an excellent source of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs whohave the will and firepower to start their own business.The stories of Deidre Harvey, Ghada Al Harthy, Yusuf Al Harthy and Penny Fraycan provide some impetus to the emerging youth in Oman. Hopefully, in the future,we can see more and more small businesses making it big and, most important,sustaining their enterprise.Thanks to Penny Fray for the 60-second master class which is thought provoking fornew-generation entrepreneurs.Also thanks to Yusuf Al Harthy for his special advice “Think bigger than Oman”,which can also help the entrepreneurs to expand their wings while placing their feetfirmly in other parts of the world.KR Anand, MuscatThe best things in lifeY Facebook fan page - (Y not?)I must admit I’m one of your most avidreaders. I do get sad whenever I miss acopy. Your tabloid is undisputedly the bestin Oman, especially with its excellent newlook and fresh features.You educate and entertain both youngand old (my kids read you, too). Yes it’s a‘family tabloid’ – but you don’t stop there.You run an equally interesting, informativeand interactive Y Facebook fan page,which I suggest every Y reader should tryand see.Just now I’ve read this: “Get ready forlots of exciting reader interaction with ournew Y website, due to launch next month!”That’s great! I can’t wait to see that…Thank you so much for doing all ofthis for free. You have so much love anddedication. The society owes you a lot.More power Y team!Andrew AludinoWRITE TOUS AND WINA VOUCHERHarvest of wordsDear Y TeamThe feature ‘Book Famine: How WeRead in Oman’ in Issue 252, has indeedbeen the talk of the town. I do hope tosee more features of this style, which isthe theme of the English project I havesubmitted to school.Thanks and with warm regards,Raka Ghosh-Dastidar, studentWadi KabirV VRadisson BluSEND US YOUR letters, photos, newsand views to editor@y-oman.com /@ytabloid / www.facebook.com/ytabloid.Impress us and we’ll send the winningcorrespondent a RO20 voucher to use atthe Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat.08FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

YOUR FEEDBACK ISIMPORTANT TO USLETTERS E-MAILS FACEBOOK TWITTERDebate ofthe WeekWe asked:Is Muscat Festival alwaysthe same year after year?What can be done toimprove it?Arshi SarfarazThere should be more events – like danceand music shows, lucky draws, games andcompetitions for all age groups. They shouldchange the theme every week with lots ofsurprises. Muscat Festival should rock thewhole country.Sherrin FinojActually it’s the first time I have gone to theMuscat Festival and I have big hopes for it. I’mlooking forward to the best in fest.Lovely QueenYes it’s always the same... It matters becausewe are looking for changes and different eventshappening at the festival so that we have areason to visit it!Afshan AsafaliYes it’s almost always the same every year,though there have been a few improvements likethe laser show, circus, food festival etc, and thelocation has changed. Still, I’m looking forwardto more changes.Vijayalakshmi ShettyIt is the same every year with a few programmesadded on, but for the people who visit it for thefirst time, it is something different. Anyhow thisyear the location has changed so I will go to seethe new set-up.Sab NZYes, mostly it’s the same every year! But I like thedifferent performers from different countries, andthe clothes and jewellery – fireworks too! I’ll gothere next week, Insha’Allah....I'm areaderThis Week’s Debate:What is the mostromantic gestureyou have done forsomeone else or theyhave donefor you?Tell us on facebookon Facebook.Sarah Pinto was spotted with a copy of Y Tabloid at Central Business District in RuwiSaad NasserI’m disappointed that for the last four years theyalways have the same old rides which makes itboring. Before, when it used to be at Al Khuwairand in Azaiba, it was crazy. Now NaseemGardens is a bit too far and not as good asexpected. But I hope this year will be good, andI’m looking forward to it.Mysterious FefeFor a fan of MF it doesn’t matter much. Yeah,I agree that it’s almost the same – sometimesgood, sometimes bad. But the crazy atmospheremakes me want go again and again. The roadconstruction, which is incomplete near NaseemPark, may cause jams. I’m not looking forwardto that! The get-together of family and friends isthe best Muscat Festival can offer.Nigar SultanaI felt the Azaiba location was best...after that itbecame boring when it was switched to NaseemPark. We hardly see any special or uniquelydesigned products. And price matters.Vikas SingalThe authorities should bring something new. Ihave been to the Dubai Shopping Festival threeor four times and it is always eye catching anddifferent. There should be more performances.Sarfaraz Akhtar KhanIt should be bigger and more rocking thanDubai Shopping Festival. Moreover, we neednew attractive themes with daily draws andprizes. Put the most reasonable price on all theproducts to attract people from all corners ofthe country.THIS ISYOUR PAGE!Just send us yourpicture with thefree Y Tabloidor pose with ourphotographer andwe will publish iton this page.Send it to:info@y-oman.comFEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 09

ASK OURSURGEON ?Lump in my thyroid contd.NEWS Gallery InterviewStay safe says Al HabsiLast week we were talking about thedifferent way of examining the lump inthe thyroid. Once the fine needleaspiration biopsy (FNA) is done wemay yield the following results:The nodule is benign (noncancerous).The nodule is malignant (cancerous) orsuspicious for cancer.The biopsy is inconclusive.The biopsy may also be inadequate.How are thyroid nodules treated?All thyroid nodules that are found tocontain a thyroid cancer, or that arehighly suspicious of containing acancer, should be removed surgicallyby an experienced thyroid surgeon.Most thyroid cancers are curable andrarely cause life threatening problems.Thyroid nodules that are benign by FNA ortoo small to biopsy should still be watchedclosely with ultrasound examinationevery 6 to 12 months and annual physicalexamination by your doctor. Surgerymay still be recommended even fora nodule that is benign by FNA if itcontinues to grow, or developsworrisome features on ultrasound overthe course of follow up.Dr. Biji Thomas GeorgeMS, Dip NB, FRCS (UK), MNAMSConsultant General & Laparoscopic SurgeonOrganization Accreditedby Joint Commission InternationalSend in any queries that you haveon thyroid to …askdoctor@y-oman.com+968 24557200 / 98088705Footballer leads road safety campaignWords: Kate Ginn Photos: Jerzy WierzbickiMake a pledge to be a betterdriver and help save lives, wasthe message from Ali Al Habsiand other sporting stars at thelaunch of a new road safety campaignthis week.With a fatal road accident happeningvery eight hours in Oman, the initiative isappealing directly to drivers to change theirbehaviour on the roads.Footballer Al Habsi, a national hero, lenthis support with an appearance at MuscatFestival venue Al Naseem Public Park onMonday night (February 4) where he wasmobbed by excited fans.The player, who is goalkeeper for EnglishPremier League team Wigan Athletic, flewespecially to Oman a fewdays earlier – straight froma football game in the UK– to be part of the ‘MakeThe Pledge for Safer Roads’event organised by SafetyFirst, a non-profit road safetyawareness group which heco-founded with internationalrally driver, Hamed alWahaibi.“The whole community inOman is concerned aboutroad safety, which is now anational health issue,” saidal Habsi.“Both Hamed and I will use our publicprofiles to reach out to all road users – youngand old, pedestrians and drivers.”Along with six other sporting stars, AlHabsi signed a pledge to work towards saferroads in Oman.An average of three deaths per dayhappened on the country’s roads in 2011,according to Royal Oman Police statistics.Safety First wants to reduce road trafficaccidents and deaths by 50 per cent by 2020.Professional Omani tennis playerFatma al Nabhani, who joined al Habsiin pledging her support, spoke of herown personal experiences in losing aloved one on the roads.“I have lost people close to me,a relative and a friend, from a caraccident, so I know how it feels to losesomeone close. It really hurts,” she said.“That’s why I am doing this. I reallywant to see a result. I really wish wecould all make an effort to stop thenumber of car accidents in Oman, wehave too many.“We need to send out the message toeveryone to take care on the roads.”Other sporting stars at the Al Naseemevent was Hamed al Wahaibi,Oman’s top racing driver,Ahmad al Harthy, Mohsin alBusaidi, one of the country’smost accomplished sailors,and fellow footballers Imadal Hosni, who currently playsfor Al-Alhi Sports Club inSaudi Arabia, and Hussain alHadri, a striker with Omaniclub Dhofar.Al Busaidi said: “Too manypeople don’t seem to careabout themselves and theirfamilies with the way theybehave on the roads.“We have lost youth, fathers, sisters,mothers and brothers, sometimes fromjust a small mistake.”Also at the venue during the MuscatFestival is the ‘Tell A Friend’ NationalRoad Safety Campaign, the firstphase of a five-year project initiatedby Petroleum Development of Oman(PDO), which also aims to lower thenumber of road accidents inthe Sultanate.010FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

THISWEEKMOVIESMOVIESRace 2Directors Abbas and Mustan returnwith a sequel to their 2008 thrillerRace, bringing back Saif Ali Khan andAnil Kapoor from the original for theride. We are in familiar Abbas-Musanterritory, as one would expect from aglossy action sequel from the mastersof all-action entertainment.New to the cast are DeepikaPadukone, Jaqueline Fernendez, JohnAbraham and Ameesha Patel.The movie begins with a carexplosion that kills Sonia (BipashaBasu) and takes Ranveer (Saif AliKhan) off the radar, only for him toreappear at a casino run by VikramThapar (Rajesh Khattar),Ranveer seeks vengeance for themurder of his girlfriend after workingout that blood money was paid byArman Malik (John Abraham). Heenlists his old friend RD (Anil Kapoor)who, along with his new squeezeCherry (Ameesha Patel), bring a comicangle to the story.Khan romances Malik’s half sisterElena (Deepika Padokone) and at thesame time has his eyes on his girlfriendOmisha (Jacqueline Fernandez).The film has various twists and turns,which result in Khan and Abrahambecoming enemies and battling it out tosee who will win the ‘race’.The film has been shot in exotic andbeautiful locations and contains all thewealth and glamour you can imagine.Though it lacks any script to speak of,the fast pace holds the attention for themost part. As you would expect, theaction sequences are enjoyable exceptfor the climax – which is implausiblyover the top even by Abbas-Mastanstandards.Both Khan and Abraham carrythe weight of this film. Khan does adecent job in keeping it alive but withAbraham’s limited acting skills, it’stoo much of an ask. The women inthe movie are props put there to bringin the ‘ooph’ factor – which they doin truckloads. Kapoor is engagingas a fruit-eating sidekick though hisunderwritten character does not dojustice to his talent.Overall, Race 2 is energetic at bestbut as a package it’s an average offering– see it if there is nothing else on.Reviewed by Abhudit GreenePREVIEWGambitRemake alert. When the Coen brothersdecided to revisit British classic TheLady Killers, the question was ‘Why?’Now they’re at it again with Gambit,originally a ’60s caper starringMichael Caine and Shirley Maclean.Step forward Colin Firth, playing an artcurator seeking revenge on his abusiveboss by conning him into buying a fakeMonet, with the help of a Texas rodeoqueen (Cameron Diaz).THISWEEK’SMOVIESFor more informationand times, go to:City Cinema:citycinemaoman.netAl Bahja Cinema:albahjacinema.netStar Cinema:Tel +968 24791641Snowflake TheWhite GorillaWhat do you do when you are the onlyalbino gorilla in the zoo, or in the worldfor that matter? Snowflake’s fellowgorillas are none too kind to him, eventhough children love him and flock tothe zoo to see him. Snowflake enlists theY’s TOP TWO1Aala Gosety (‘OverMy Dead Body’)Egyptian comedian Ahmed Helmystars as Rauf, an interior designerwho dies but whose spirit is stuck inlimbo. He still wants to know whathis friends and family think of himafter his death. Unfortunately hediscovers too late that they have afew home truths to tell about the wayhe lived his life. A comedy ChristmasCarol in Arabic.help of another outcaste, Ailur, a reincarnatedblack panther now in the body of a red panda(don’t ask), and a girl called Paula. Butonce outside the zoo dangers are everywhere.Children’s animation.Kamath & KamathA new Malayalam star vehicle about thesibling owners of a chain of vegetarianrestaurants in Kerala, played by megastarsMammootty and Dileep. They face oppositionfrom a biryani specialist who has a restaurantjust opposite their own, until this plot elementis resolved, and the story switches into ‘damselin distress’ mode. Baburaj as the driver of theKamath brothers at least raises a few sarcasticlaughs but this dinner belongs in the dog.Kadal (‘Sea’)Tamil romantic thriller about the livesof Christian fishermen overcomingthe odds thrown at them throughthe harsh lessons of life. The film isdirected and co-produced by ManiRatnam and features newcomersGautham Karthik, son of actorKarthik, and Thulasi Nair, daughter ofRadha Nair, in the lead roles.2COMING UP NEXT WEEK Broken City Murder 3 A Good Day to Die HardFEB 06 – 12 / ISSUE 256 013

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE Gallery Movies06FebruaryGrand ArtIn the suitably majesticsetting of the Grand MosqueAuditorium, Muscat ArtFestival presents a discussionon the creative process inIslamic art. Venetia Porter,assistant keeper at the BritishMuseum’s Department ofthe Middle East, chairs adistinguished panel includingDr Ahmed Moustafa, theEgyptian-born artist andfellow at Oxford’s Centrefor Islamic Studies, andCharbel Dagher, aneminent scholar of Araband Islamic art from Beirut.Starts 7.30pm.Meant for each otherThe big night is fast approaching when soul matescome together for the ultimate Valentine’s quiz.Y’s very own live action Mr & Mrs event at MuscatCity Centre promises to be touching, funny andunforgettable, as we see the lovely couples discoverjust how well their sweethearts really know them.Winners and runners up are guaranteed greatprizes and the audience will have plenty ofopportunities to join in the fun and takehome goodies too. To come along andtake part just email us atvalentine@y-oman.combefore Valentine’s Day.THISWhatWEEKFEB 06 -1215FEBRUARYto do.What to see.What to hear.My name is BluntDespite getting a hard time from someof the British music press, ex-cavalrycaptain and troubadour James Bluntmanaged to break into America withhis extremely catchy guitar ballads. Hisdebut album, Back to Bedlam, was thebest-selling album of the 2000s in the UK.If you want to sing ‘You’re Beautiful’ toyour loved one in unison with fans at theInterContinental Gardens – and why not?– get your tickets now for this one-nightgig. For tickets call 95 55 56 99 or emailjamesblunt@aliveoman.com. Ticketsfrom RO25.014FEB 06 - FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

14FebCurrie at thePalace06FEBRUARYJustin Currie, the voice of ‘80s pop outfit DelAmitri, is performing for one night only at the AlBustan Palace Hotel auditorium. The Scottishsinger-songwriter has an impressive folk-influencedback catalogue, as one of two members of the groupwho stuck with it over the last three decades. Doorsopen 7pm. Tickets RO15.February07-08American SplendourThe Suzanne Farrell Ballet of Washington DC is a celebrated fixture inAmerican dance and is coming to Oman. The Royal Opera House is theplace to see the company perform the works of legendary choreographerGeorge Ballentine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet. Balanchine wasone of the 20th century’s most famous ballet masters, and this is sure to be anunmissable event for dance lovers. They will be performing his ‘DivertimentoNo. 15’, an excerpt from Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet and Valse-Fantaisie.Sheer TalentThe work of two highlyoriginal Omani artists ison display at the Bait AlMuzna Gallery, Al SaidiyaStreet, until Feb 26.Mohammed Al Maamariuses a combination ofmedia and techniques tocreate an expression ofFebruarypopular Arabic phrasesand traditional Arabiccalligraphy. Juma AlHarthy works with mixedmedia, such as woodand clay, to evoke Omaniheritage and civilisation.Free entry from 9.30amto 7pm.WORLD OF WORdsFebruaryAs readers know, Y loves the written word andwe’re excited about the upcoming MuscatInternational Book Fair, to be held at theOman International Exhibition Centre,which opens on February 27. The 18thannual book fair will be a showcase for a widerange of Omani, Arab and international books andwriters. This is a chance for the literati and book loversto mingle and enjoy a host of cultural events, lectures, poetryrecitals and storytelling on the sidelines of the fair. For moreinformation call 24 60 06 48.27February 07-14Blu for a red heartIf music be the food of love, Radisson Blu Hotel’s Olivos Restaurant and Terrace can offer youboth in one. A sumptuous dinner buffet by candlelight, situated next to the pool, comes with livemusic and a five-course specially designed menu. All ladies get a rose and a surprise. For giftvouchers, contact the sales team at the hotel.Believe in MagicAmid all the great events of the festivala little bit of magic will always godown well with the youngsters. AlexKrey’s Illusion Magic show, all theway from Russia, promises a lot ofmusic and dancing as well as some greatillusions and is on daily at Amerat Parkmain stage until February 13, running for20 minutes, four times a day.13FebruaryFEB 06 - FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 015

THIS The What’s On Guide Movies GALLERYWEEKPatek PhillipeAL QURUM JEWELLERY opens newboutique for swiss watchmakerPhotographed by: Jerzy WierzbickiHamza Ali AwadhAli Awadh Ali, chairmanof Al Qurum JewelleryThierry Stern cuts the ribbonThierry Stern, president ofPatek Philippe016FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

WelcomeKingto the court ofKHANSRK, the biggest star inBollywood, talks about beingthe best, the price of fame andhis fear of failure.Words: Feroz Khan and Kate GinnPhotos and Social Media: Neil D’Souza‘I have a verysimple life. Peopledon’t realise itfrom the outside,all they see isme in Dolce &Gabbana suitswith big cars andhundreds andthousands ofpeople around me’018FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256

In a small room at the Taj Lands End hotel in Mumbai, agroup of people are sitting and waiting at a round table.A sense of anticipation hangs heavily in the air. Theexcitement is so real, you can almost see it fizzing aroundthe room and bouncing off the walls.The word is that it will be another few minutes orso. At this news, a ripple of movement works itsway round the table, the shuffling of feet, theruffling of papers and a nervous clearingof the throat.Footsteps approach. The dooropens and in walks the King ofBollywood, one of India’s biggestfilm stars, Shah Rukh Khan.He’s dressed in an open-neckedblack shirt and is flanked by hisPR, his secretary and one of hisclosest friends.A sort of hush descends asif we are in the presence ofgreatness.With a chair having beenreserved for him, he takes hisrightful seat, like a throne at the table,leans back and looks around, the rulerof all he surveys.Welcome to the court of King Khan.At the age of 47, Shah Rukh Khan is still atthe top of his game, with the earning power to topthe recent Forbes Celebrity India 100 list, still with the starpower to be calling the Bollywood shots and still with thecharisma to reduce one female journalist in the room to asimpering girl.He’s here to talk about his forthcoming one-off concert inOman on February 13, ‘Temptations Reloaded’, when he willbe appearing live for the first time with fellow Bollywood star,Katrina Kaif, at the Oman Automobile Club.It will be only his second time in Oman; thelast was some 10 years ago for a night.“Everything will be as wonderful as we try tomake it for the world tours,” says Khan.“Shows are like a party, it’s an evening outand the ideology behind the shows I’vedone is always to give value for money interms of star presence on stage.”Like the seasoned professional thathe is, Khan works the room, personallyshaking the hand and asking the name ofevery journalist in the room. He is, of course,a polished performer who has been here athousand times before. He’s heard almost everyquestion there is to ask, starts to answer evenbefore the person asking has finished saying it.He knows the script and knows the role that he is expectedto play. Like every performance he has ever done during hiscareer spanning more than two decades, he plays the part toperfection.Only once does the act slip when he is asked about theyoung Bollywood actors, snapping at his heels, intent on takinghis crown.There is the slightest edge of irritation to hisvoice, a flash of annoyance detectable in thosefamous chiseled features.“The (question) is I think a little unfair,”he says.“I’ve been working for 22 years in 72films. I don’t know if at any stage any ofus really sit down and say ‘Oh, I have toshift my gear to run further away from theyoungsters who are catching up on me.’“I really believe I’m sitting in a car of myown, with its own gears, and the car is on acompletely separate track from where all thesewonderful youngsters are on.“It gives me little thought when people say thisbut maybe I’m in a position where everybody feels thateverybody is competing with me, which is a nice position to bein and what I do, I do the best.”There is, it seems, no stopping Brand SRK.Shah Rukh Khan at the Mumbai press conference.Below with wife Gauri and children Aryan and SuhanaShah Rukh Khan was born in New Delhi on 2November 1965. His name literally translatesinto ‘Face of the King’.He started off with a lead role as a soldier in a1988 drama series, Fauji, and got his big screenbreak four years later in Deewana.The rest is Bollywood history and thestuff of childhood dreams: the mostawarded Bollywood actor of all timein the Best Actor category, the mostsuccessful, a huge fan following in thebillions and personal wealth estimated at over$540 million (RO208 million).He lives with his wife Gauri, an Indian filmproducer and interior designer, and their sonand daughter, Aryan and Suhana, aged 15 and12, in a huge mansion on the beach shore in Mumbai.Does he miss his old life in Delhi?“No,’ he says.“A lot of people crave for the normal life, I don’t. There’sa decision I made, I wanted to be a movie star, I wanted theworld to know me for good and bad and I would never strayaway from that, I don’t miss anything.”Such intense focus and determination is probably thereason why he has been such a success.In the past, he has spoken of being motivatedby the loss of his parents – his father died fromcancer when he was just 15 and his mother in1990 after a long illness.There are no regrets.“If I’m asked to live this life all over againand have what I have, I would give an arm anda leg to have it.“I’ve got a lot more than I thought I would,ever in my wildest dreams, believed I couldhave.“I have beautiful children, a lovely wife, afantastic set of friends. To be in a line of work whereI’ve dedicated half my life to and enjoyed it as muchas I did on the first day is the greatest gift that I have, morethan the money, the names, the fame and the awards.”The price of this fame is public scrutiny, such as the recentcontroversy about his allegiance to his country, an old topic,FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256 019

sparked by an article hewrote. (SRK’s father was fromPeshawar, Pakistan).He is refreshingly honest about thefallout.“Publicly, I keep a face where theydon’t rattle me. Personally, I get verydisturbed. As an actor, the biggest boonand the biggest bane, is that when youcome out in front of the public, you haveto act, you have to just be happy becausethat’s what people expect of you.“So, if I walk into a meetingwhere I’m not smiling or beingkind, there’d be other controversiesbecause of that.“I think it’s one of the negative takesof having a public life as an actor, thateverybody wants you to be entertaining atany given time.“I have to face the world as a publicfigure and put my best foot forward and the bestsmile forward.”For all his success, he is looked on as one of the mosthumble and down to earth of the Bollywood pack. Asgrounded as a megastar can be, that is. He even laughs awayhis image as the ultimate romantic lead.“It’s a misnomer that I’m romantic, it’s not really true. I’mnot generally romantic by nature. I’m caring and I’m sweet.”Treat the woman in your life as your equal in every area, ishis advice.He adds that the three most important things in his life are,in order, his children, his work and ideas.His upcoming films are Chennai Express, about a man’strip on a train from Mumbai to Rameswaram, andHappy New Year.Later, in an exclusive interview with Y, Khan unwinds alittle, lights a cigarette, and talks of his success.“I never believed in a lot of the good things people sayabout me, because I think they flatter me too much andexaggerate it too much, similarly for the bad things.“I have a very simple life. People don’t realise it from theoutside, all they see is me in Dolce & Gabbana suits with bigcars and hundreds and thousands of people around me.“The work that I do is much more important than whomI am. I heard this line from Lady Gaga and I thought thatit aptly describes, that if somebody wants to be successful,the art should be more important than the artist and I thinkthat’s how I’ve led my life.”He is terrified of failure, he admits. It’s a surprisingadmission from someone who seems so supremely confident.“I’ve never thought of failure, I’m scared of failure, so Idon’t think of it.“Because I’m so scared of it, I try to always succeed inwhat I’m doing.”Perhaps it is this that drives him, not so much the need tobe successful but the fear of failing.Our audience with King Khan is almost up. Histime and presence is needed elsewhere.“I think that I’ve been given so much and at theend of it, I’ll never be left with nothing,” he says.“I’ll always be left with the love. I met thisgirl at a press conference some months agoand she looked at me and said that for 26years she’s waited just to say hello to me.“When you think that there was somebody whohas waited all her life to say hello to me, you can’ttake that away from me.“You can’t take away the importance and thehappiness I feel that there was somebody in this world whohad waited so many years just to say hello to me.“I don’t think I’ll be able to say that everything has beentaken away from me, ever.”With that, he’s gone, along with his retinue. The King hasleft the building.020FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256

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The world’s biggest movieindustry is 100 yearsold and still growingBy Laura ShergoldIf Mumbai is the city of dreams then Bollywoodis where the dreams are made.Bollywood is the fantasy held on to by millionsof children with the posters of Shah Rukh Khanand Priyanka Chopra on their bedroom walls, andhopes of being the Next Big Thing.Forget Hollywood. For sheer drama, glamour,showmanship, entertainment and excitement, theflamboyant theatrics of Bollywood are hard to beat.For a start, it’s the largest film industry in theworld and celebrates its 100th birthday this year.With a current output of around 1,000 films ayear, the bulk of which are filmed in Hindi, it farexceeds Hollywood in the number of productions andtickets sold worldwide every year.Sometimes, films are made so fast that actors shootscenes for four different movies simultaneously.It is a huge money-spinner of an industry too.Bollywood is predicted to grow by $3.3 billion(RO1.27 billion) this year, according to a study by theFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce andIndustry.It’s pretty clear, then, that Bollywood is massive, butwhat do you really know about this immense industry?If, like me, you are far from a Bollywood boffin, thenyou may be only vaguely familiar with the huge starof Shah Rukh Khan, you may have seen AishwaryaRai on the billboards, but you could not tell yourSachin Tendulkars from your Salman Khans if theycame and hit you around the face with a chapatti.To the uninitiated, the word Bollywood conjuresup images of brightly coloured outfits, accompaniedby choreographed singing and dance routines set in aworld where nothing bad ever happens. Does this stillring true? How did Bollywood come about, what isthe history behind this huge industry and what doesthe future hold? Is the scene set for a happy ever after?022FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

What’s in a name?There are no prizes for guessing that the name Bollywood is aplay on the world Hollywood, with the B coming from Bombay (theformer name for Mumbai).Unlike Hollywood, the centre of the American film industry,Bollywood does not exist as a physical place. It does, however, haveits own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.How it all beganYou have to go back to 1899 when the first Indian short film wasscreened (Hiralal Sen’s The Flower of Persia). India’s first featurelengthfilm Raja Harishchandra was released in 1913, laying thefoundation for an indigenous Indian film industry.Just like in Hollywood, the films were silent to begin with and onlybecame ‘talkies’ in the 1930s. After India became independent in1947, cinema’s popularity soared.The ‘50s were the ‘Golden Age’ of Hindi cinema. Famousnames in this era include Raj Kapoor, Nargis, Bimal Roy andMeena Kumari. Films expressed social themes, mainly dealing withworking-class urban life in India.By the early 1970s, it was all about romance, with the big namesof the day being Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. Comethe mid-70s, the darker side of humanity, such as gangster films,became the mainstay. Amitabh Bachan became particularly famousfor his ‘angry young man’ roles. ‘Masala’ films also originatedat this time, a name coined for movies that mixed genres in oneproduction, for example comedy, action and drama.In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Bollywood went back to its rootswith romantic, highly produced epics. Women directors were alsocoming into their own at this time, with the rise of Aparna Sen andPrema Karanth.In 2001, Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann borrowed heavilyfrom Bollywood in his musical rendition of Moulin Rouge, the successof which saw a renaissance of sorts for the musical in Hollywood.A growing trend was for filmmakers to locate the action in theUK and Europe – London or the Scottish highlands becomingparticularly popular.Bollywood connected with Hollywood once again in DannyBoyle’s 2008 Slumdog Millionaire. Recently, Bollywood filmmakershave signed a range of commercial deals with Hollywoodproduction houses and stars, starting a trend for Holly-Bollyco-productions.Whats happening in Bollywood today?The winning formula of a Bollywood musical is to provideescapism for the masses.However, it is no surprise that today’s audience is looking forsomething a bit more realistic. Bollywood has a well-establishedrecipe that continues to bring entertainment to millions, but thecounty’s growing independent film movement is striving to put moregrit in the oyster. This can be seen in the recent box office success ofAkshat Verma’s Delhi Belly, India’s first close to the bone comedy.Top 3 filmsIf you are yet to watch a Bollywoodfilm and have no idea where to start, thesethree classic films are a must to kick offwith. Their influence can be felt in manyBollywood films:SholayInspired by The Magnificent Sevenand starring Dharmendra, Sholay mixedaction with romance and comedy. Thefilm ran uninterrupted in Indian cinemasfor five yearsDilwale Dulhania Le JayengeStarring Shah Rukh Khan, thisromantic comedy raked in over $20million (RO7.7 million) and became oneof the biggest Bollywood hits ever.DevdasDevdas stars Aishwarya Rai and wasrecently included in Time magazine’s top10 movies of the millennium worldwide.Did you know? The first colour film made in India was KisanKanya in 1937.The futureThere’s no denying it. Bollywood influence is everywhere, in popmusic, advertising and fashion.However, for all its prodigious output, a Bollywood film is yet towin an Oscar. Artistically, the very populism of the genre meansmainstream Bollywood does not attract the kind of critical acclaimthat, say, Iranian films do. Aamir Khan, one of the leading actorsof Hindi cinema, came closest to getting Hollywood’s ultimatekudos when his epic Lagaan was nominated in the final Best ForeignLanguage Film category in 2002. Then Slumdog Millionaire swept theOscars in 2009 – but, despite being based on an Indian novel andstarring a mostly Indian cast, it was a British production.Meantime, major US film companies such as Warner Brosare setting up offices in India. Even with the trend towards morerealistic portrayals of Indian life, there is still a need and love for theubiquitous feel-good flicks Bollywood does so well. Whatever thefuture holds for Bollywood, whether the hero will always win, thelovers always meet, remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, itguarantees to be bigger and better than ever in 2013. The song ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyan’ (from thefilm of the same name) is the longest Hindi film song,lasting 20 minutes! At the end of 2012, Salman Khan wasBollywood’s highest earner, commanding $11 million(RO4.2 million) per movie. The highest-grossing Bollywoodfilm of all time, 3 Idiots (2009), a comedy dramastarring Aamir Khan, made $70 million(RO26.9 million) worldwide.Check out Masala Nights on Merge 104.8 on Tuesdaysbetween 8pm and 10 pm when DJ Afaq brings you Bollywoodnews and gossip and the top 10 Hindi film songs.FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 023

foodanddrinkTrend New Restaurant ReviewsSome like it hot. And living inOman, it’s easy to see why.According to research, if youare living in a sizzling climate,spicy foods help keep you cool.Stimulating the circulation andraising body temperature, a currywill make you sweat more. Rackup the benefits by using paprika.Containing capsaicin, the antiinflammatoryand antioxidanteffects of this ingredient are said tolower the risk of cancer.Did You Know?One of the hottest currydishes ever made is knownas a Chicken Naga. Madewith Naga pepper seeds,they’re 10 times hotter thanjalapeno peppers.Ouch!FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 025

ReviewsTHEBOLLYWOODThis fun, film themedvegetarian restaurantimpresses Laura ShergoldInfo BoxContact number: 2456 5653Address: Qurum CommercialCentre, Qurum, MuscatOpening hours: 3pm-11:30pmAverage price:(for two people) RO11Could there be a more aptly namedrestaurant to review in this week’sBollywood-themed Y tabloid than ‘TheBollywood’ in Qurum CommercialCentre? Formally known as the Bollywood Chaat,this vegetarian restaurant is decked with pictures ofIndian super stars and even has TV screens showingBollywood films and music videos.Serving authentic Indian cuisine on a budget,it’s understandably busy but friendly nonetheless.Unfortunately, the Bollywood bombed with its menu.There were no accompanying descriptions of thedishes on offer. Great if you are a connoisseur ofIndian dining, not so great if you’re not.Being from Birmingham, England, and havingenjoyed a few meals in its ‘Balti Belt’, I was ableto recognise a few of the dishes by name alone.However, we had to ask our waitress whatsome of the items were before wecould make an informed choiceon what to order.I chose the pattice cheesetoastie to start, whilemy husband opted forboth the pani puriand the snack platter,which came withcomplimentarysoft drinks.Our starters werebrought out less thanfive minutes later, smellinggreat and piping hot. Mydish consisted of four toastedsandwiches with tomatoes andlashings of crisps. It’s a large portion,so if ordering this, you may want to keep thatin mind. It was tasty though with a slight spice toit. Meanwhile, my husband’s snack plattercontained chickpea dahl, pakoras,bhajis, samosas and dips. Hisexclamation of ‘oh wow’ whenit arrived matched up to hisreaction when tasting thevarious snacks. Beingthe dutiful wife, I feltit was important tohave a nibble, and wasjust as impressed withthe delicious array ofgoodies. His pani puri,lightly fried sphericalpastries, were servedwith spicy chickpeas andpotatoes and alsodevoured withinminutes.Our mainsarrived when wewere only half way throughour starters. It wasn’t aproblem, but we didfeel pressurisedto hurrythroughourstartersbefore themains wentcold. We needn’thave worried thoughas they were still sizzlingwhen we tucked in.I’d gone for vegetable dopiaza, while hubbyVERDICT:8 10Great atmosphereand friendly service,but the menu coulddo with being moreuser-friendly.opted for a bhindi masala. We shared a plain rice,cheese naan and roti (grilled flatbread fromSouth Asia) to mop up our chosencurries.My dopiaza was packedfull of vegetables and had areal kick to it. I enjoyed it.My only gripe was thatit seemed a little gingerheavy.My husband enjoyedhis masala, but therewere no notable ‘oohs’this time, his endcomment being that itwas good but the flavourswere a bit too intense.The breads however, werewolfed down, with the cheesenaan possibly winning the vote for‘nicest naan ever’.After that, we were stuffed. Our hopes offitting in desert were dashed, although the ice cream,fruit salad and array of traditional Indian puddingssounded very tempting.To call ‘The Bollywood’ a fast-foodrestaurant is slightly unfair. Yes, it is‘cheap and cheerful’ but if you comehere looking for the same quality diningexperience as Mumtaz Mahal, then youwill be disappointed.Our final bill, including my soft drinks,came to less than RO11, making it greatvalue for money.Small glitches aside, the restaurant’s friendlyservice and fun, family atmosphere gives you a realtaste of Bollywood in the suburbs of Muscat.FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 027

Spiceup your lifeRECIPEForget about the predictable world ofpoppadoms and vindaloo, says PennyFray – it’s time to curry favour withthis butter chicken recipe.Everyone has his or her favourite curry house andno amount of literary coaxing will convince you toforgo the usual vindaloo for something a little lesshot – but you must try the butter chicken curry atMuscat’s Radisson Blu Hotel. It’s delicious.Now that friendly guy at the local takeaway isgoing to hate us for this – but we’ve managedto convince Christian Pageot, executive chef atRadisson Blu, to share his recipe with you. Enjoy!IngredientsMarinade500gms of boneless chicken50gms of ginger and garlic paste100gms of yoghurt1 tablespoon of mustard oil1 teaspoon of garamasala1 teaspoon of chili powderSalt to tasteSauce100gms of onion300gms of tomato1 teaspoon of ginger and garlic paste50gms of cashew nuts50gms of butter25gms of chilli powder25gms of cumin powder50ml of fresh creamMethodCut the chicken leg in large pieces and marinadewith the ingredients for at least half an hour.Cook it in a tandoori or grill.Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, add thechopped onions and cook until golden brown.Add the paste, chilli powder and cumin.Stir in the tomato puree and simmer for about15 minutes.Add the cashew nuts and fresh cream, then thegrilled chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes or untilthe sauce thickens.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with naanbread or rice.028FEB 05 - 12 / ISSUE 256

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sTrendNew RestaurantGALLERYBrilliantBankingBank Nizwa launchesOman’s first Islamic bankDr Jamil El Jaroudi, CEO of Bank of NizwaSayyid Amjad MohammedAhmed Al Busaidi, chairmanof the board of directorsHH Sayyid Shihab Bin Tariq Al Said officiallyopens the Bank of Nizwa’s Islamic bankHE Mohammad al Zubair (centre) and HH SayyidTarik Bin Shabib Al Said (right) with officialsThe guestsBank of Nizwa staff memberHH Sayyid Shihab Bin Tariq Al Said (centre) and other eminent guests enjoy the eventFEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 031

HEALTH&BEAUTYH e a l t h B e a u t y FASHIONWho says you haveto go bright thisseason? Try metallicembellishments on aclassic colour to look‘sari’ sophisticated.STAR STYLEIndian actress AishwaryaRai wears a designersari during the annualCannes Film Festival.Photo by Featureflash / Shutterstock.com032FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256

SARI, SARI NIGHTSBling, bold and beautiful – here isPenny Fray’s sartorialguide to saris.This stunning piecefrom Piaget drizzles withdiamonds. Available from theMagic Garden collection atKhimji’s Watches.The Indian equivalent of the little black dress– the sari remains the most versatile garmentin any stylish girl’s wardrobe. The traditionalsix-yard sari allows for generous draping andan excuse to embrace this season’s embellishment in anextravagant way.But you don’t have to be conventional – you can tailorsaris into cocktail gowns, downplay them with jeansor simply turn them into trendy tunics. If you ask me,there’s no better way to stand out in a posh party than towear a reconstructed sari with lashings of jewellery.So, what’s hot right now? Well, according to MrunalKhimji, owner of Mrunal’s Boutique in Qurum, Indianfashion is both influenced and influencing European trends.“Bright colours like pink, blue and yellow are currently bigas are embellishments and embroidery,” she says. “Bollywoodstars are also highly persuasive and can easily make or breaka designer. As such, popular fashion names now includeManish Malhotra and Sabyasachi.”With more and more actresses making the most of theirshapely figures in fitted dresses, the tendency for showing abit more flesh has followed, especially among younger Indianwomen. “But the traditional sari is supposed to hide notshow,” explains Mrunal.Fashion, however, is no respecter of custom and Mrunal isoften asked to create readymade saris as well as customise oldones. High-street stores like Monsoon and Accessorize are alsopacked with Asian-inspired tunics, dresses and bargain bling.If you justwant a tasteof India, trythis MaharniTunic,RO22, fromMonsoon.STYLISH SARISPenny’s tips on how towear a sari1 Learn how to drape a sari online. There are lots of easy tofollow videos on YouTube. 2 If you’re a sari novice, choose asynthetic material that is easy to drape and wear. Otherwise,get a good tailor to create a ready-made one. 3 Draw attentionaway from bare arms by wearing lots of bangles. 4 Pale skinstend to suit darker saris and vice versa.Bright orange isthe colour of theseason thanksto its designerinfluence andhappy vibe.From Mrunal’sBoutiquein Qurum.FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256 033

p r o m o t i o nSHOPthe weekMalabar Gold & DiamondsSure, all you need is love but jewellery is pretty important too. That’swhy we adore these Valentine’s Day heart stealers from MalabarGold & Diamonds.To make the ultimate romantic statement, the Muscat-based jewellershave launched a pretty pair of heart-shaped pendants. Available ineither yellow or white gold and featuring interlocking hearts withdiamond centres, they ooze amorousness. And starting from just RO90,this range is wallet friendly too. This special V-Day offer is valid at theiroutlets in UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.Of course, whoever said that money can’t buy you love hadn’tseen some of the store’s amazing statement jewellery. Dripping withdiamonds and other precious stones, Malabar offers everything fromnecklaces and earrings to bridal sets and traditional Indian designs.Exclusive brands include Era, Ethnix, Starlet and Precia. Weparticularly loved the intricacy of Mine’s lace collection – gorgeousand bang-on trend. Other items on our wish list include a pair of Eraemerald earrings and a stack of super cool Kashmeera bangles.For more information on Malabar Gold and Diamonds, please visitwww.malabargoldanddiamonds.com034FEB 06 – 12 / ISSUE 256

HAPPY HEALINGLaugh a little, live a lot – thelatest yoga craze hits Muscat.Penny Fray reportsBeauty Fashion HEALTHYou’ve noticed the signs – contagious giggling, a better body andboundless energy. Uh-oh. It looks like somebody has just taken up thehottest health habit in Oman.Laughter yoga combines unconditional mirth with deep breathing todecrease depression and burn up to 400 calories an hour.It all started in Mumbai in 1995 and has since become a worldwidephenomenon with more than 10,000 classes in about 60 countries.Throughout India, thousands of laughter yoga clubs meet every morningin public parks. There are no jokes or comedy routines – just exercise. Mostmembers say they haven’t missed a day in five years or more because itkeeps them happy, healthy and invigorated.Having studied all manner of New Age therapies and heard about thebenefits of this highly social class, Sayyida Basma Al Said decided tointroduce it to her Whispers of Serenity clinic in North Azaiba.“These methods have been tried for years and people have foundthem useful,” she says. “I want individuals to accept these New Agetherapies, feel the difference and not be confined to the old means ofexercise and relaxation.”According to the mental health counsellor, laughter yoga hasbecome the perfect solution for those who want to feel goodwithout being confined to the gym.“People find it boring and are always looking for new waysto burn calories as well as have some fun,” she says. “Laughteryoga allows them to tone up their muscles and work on theirbreathing without it feeling like hard work. It’s fun and youcan actually feel the difference at the end of the session.“Of course, many people are hesitant to try it and feelconscious to laugh in front of others but as the sessionprogresses they loosen up and begin to enjoy it.”So, what’s the difference between ordinary yoga andlaughter yoga?Well, according to Sayyida Basma Al Said, traditional yogainvolves yogic breathing (Pranayama) and movements in adisciplined manner in order to achieve a goal.“In laughter yoga the concept of the yogic breathing is thesame but it uses laughter instead of these planned movements,” she adds.“The idea is that anyone can laugh without relying on jokes or comedy. Theconcept of laughter yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannotdifferentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiologicaland psychological benefits.”Various studies suggest that a good chuckle not only helps you lose weightbut it also lowers blood sugar levels – which is a boon for diabetes patients.“Our breathing is connected to the state of our mind,” explainsSayyida Basma Al Said. “When in a stressful or emotional state, thebreathing pattern alters drastically. It becomes fast, shallow andirregular. Laughter yoga helps to get our breathing rhythm backto normal to reduce stress.“In this high-pressure, high-tension modern world,people have little or no time to exercise, so laughter yogais a good distraction from the daily routine where youare working out and having fun at the same time.“Laughter yoga also has many health benefits forchronic illnesses like cancer, arthritis and diabetes, aswell as most psychological issues.”FEB 06 – 12 / ISSUE 256 035

HEALTH&BEAUTYHealth Beauty FashionBOLLYWOODBEAUTYFrom black kohl to browthreading, Penny Fraydiscovers how India’straditional groomingrituals are toppinginternational trends.This season’s carouselof catwalk showsembraced the statementeye. Everyone fromMarchesa to Marios Schwaboffered a modern interpretationof the Indian bride’s make-up.Whether smudged seductivelyin the inner rim or swiped in afierce slash under the eye, kohloozed Bollywood glamour amidfashionable circles this year.But it’s not just the Indianwoman’s reliance on ‘look at me’liner that’s recently enticed thebeauty industry, there’s also the skillof perfectly groomed eyebrows.Thick, dark and perfectly arched,the brow du jour is distinctly Asianand can be achieved using theancient art of threading.A natural method of hairremoval in India, the cotton threadis twisted and rolled over the skin tograb and pull hair by the root. Theprocess is quicker and more precisethan waxing. Add a dark brownpowder to the brow for moredefinition and voila –your eyes are more expressive thanAishwarya Rai’s.For long, lustrous locks, copy theBollywood look by massaging yourhead with pure coconut or almondoil – this helps boost circulationand improve the hair’s overallhealth. Henna is then added forrich colour, while regular blow driesguarantee groomed, bouncy locks.Obsessed with the unevenpigmentation that comes fromtoo much exposure to UV rays,sunblock and brightening productshave become ‘must-haves’ for manyIndian women. But they have onemore secret to their facial armoury– Ayurveda.This ancient form of medicinehas some proven tricks to makeskin clear, soft and radiant withoutloading it up with chemicals. Tokeep dry skin, thinning hair andbrittle nails at bay, you need to eatplenty of vegetables and foods thathave natural, healthy fats like nutsand seeds. Stay hydrated with freshginger and lemon tea and releasestress with yogic breathing.Finally, for some addedBollywood glamour, try wearingthe bindi on your forehead.Traditionally used by followersof Hinduism to strengthenconcentration and protect thewearer from bad luck, thisdecorative drop has become trespopular thanks to the endorsementof pop stars like Gwen Stefani,Madonna and Katy Perry. Stickerbindis are adorned with everythingfrom rhinestones to sequinsand have become a disposablesubstitute for the older and moretraditional tilaks.36FEB 06 – 12 / ISSUE 256

My Hood Cars Wi-FiOUTDOORSCARS ANDOUTDOORSDivine WaterIt’s been billedas the greatestgathering on Earth– millions of pilgrimswash away their sinsat Kumbh Mela036JAN 30 – FEB 05 / ISSUE 255

My Hood Cars Wi-FiOUTDOORSCLEANSETHE SOUL100 MILLION WILLBATHE IN THESACRED WATERSWords: Kate GinnIn the northern Indian stateof Allahabad somethingextraordinary is happening.A mesmerising mass ofhumanity is gathering, an oceanof people.The numbers swell each dayto such levels as to become toolarge for the mind to comprehend.Imagine imagine such a hugecollection of people in one place atthe same time.This is Kumbh Mela, the massHindu pilgrimage of faith billed asthe ‘biggest gathering on Earth’, inwhich Hindus assemble at a sacredriver to bathe in the waters.Tens of millions of pilgrims makethe trek. Trying to gauge exactlyhow many, however, is no easytask. There is no scientific methodof ascertaining the numbers ofpilgrims, approximates have to do.The last Kumbh Mela held in2010 in Haridwar, was estimatedby the authorities to have attractedup to 70 million people. In 2001, anincredible 25 million people werebelieved to have bathed in the waterduring a 36-hour period.Of all the four holy sites wherethe event is held, Allahabad is thelargest and holiest of them all, dueto its position at the sacred union ofthe rivers Ganges, Yamuna and themythical Saraswati. It is estimatedthat more than 100 million willattend Kumbh Mela 2013.People started arriving inAllahabad (or Prayag, ‘place ofsacrifice’) on January 14, the start ofthe 55-day festival.These tens of millions are comingfor one main thing, to observe ShahiSnan (bathing) for purification fromsin, and today (Feb 6) is one of theauspicious bathing dates, EkadashiSnan, when the moon is eitherclosest or furthest from the earth.Devotees believe that by simplytaking a dip in the water, they willbe freed from their past sins andmisdemeanors, and so becomeeligible for liberation from the cycleof birth and death.Crammed by the edge of theriver, 20 or 30 deep, people waitpatiently or clamour for theirmoment in the water, their momentof redemption; the feeling ofdivinity, of cleansing the soul, ofFact Boxwashing away the bad with a flow ofpure goodness.There are other ancient ritualsto observe, religious discussions,devotional singing, mass feedingof holy men and the poor, andreligious assemblies where doctrinesare debated and standardised.It attracts not just Hindu pilgrimsfrom around the world but touristsand travellers, drawn by themonumental scale of Kumbh Mela.The British historian MichaelWood, who attended the mela in2001 with his wife and two youngdaughters, told the BBC of the“extraordinary experience ofbeing in the midst of an event ona scale that you would not witnessanywhere else on earth.”They joined the canvas city, a vastKumbh means a pitcher and Mela means fair in Hindi.The mela is held in four places where it is believed thatdrops of nectar fell from the Kumbh carried by the godsafter the sea was churned.The four holy sites are Hardwar, Allahabad, Nasikand Ujjain.The times when the sadhus bathe is known as theRoyal Bath.The earliest written accounts of the Kumbh Mela are602-664 A.D.During the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede at Allahabad,around 500 people were killed and scores injured.So far this year, 19 devotees including six women andthree children were injured in a fire at one ofthe ashrams.encampment where pilgrims jostlefor space to pitch a little home forthe duration of their stay. Along theroad approaching Allahabad, tentscan be seen stretching as far as theeye can see.During the Kumbh Mela, thispart of Allahabad takes on a life ofits own, moving and shaping intoan ephemeral community, asettlement of devotees, transienttravellers, the curious andthe nomadic.Traders set up stalls on theway down to the Sangam, thejunction of the rivers, selling chai,bottled water and cheap souvenirs.Booksellers, barbers and astrologersset up shop, waiting to tell yourfortune while your hair is trimmed.Others simply spread cloths onthe ground to showcase their waresto the passing mass of trade.Shyam Kaladi, a Y reader whohas attended a Kumbh Mela, said:“It’s hard to explain the sound andfeel you get being there, being partof the largest human gatheringon earth.“There is the excitement ofgetting to meet hundreds ofNaga Sadhus (holy men) andobserve them.”In Hinduism, a sadhu is awandering monk, who renounces allworldly goods and lives a monasticlife in caves, forest and temples allover India and Nepal.Naked (or ‘sky clad’) Naga Sadhusare non-shaven, wearing their hairin thick dreadlocks, and devoutfollowers of the god Shiva.As quickly as the city of pilgrimscome together, they will havedispersed by March 10, the end ofthe Mela.The makeshift city of tents willall be packed away, the stalls andtraders long gone with their rupees,the Naga Sadhus moved on, thesolid lump of human spiritualsolidarity scattering and returning totheir respective lives.Until that is, 2016 and the nextKumbh Mela at Ujjain, an ancientcity in central India.FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 037

CARS ANDOUTDOORSMy Hood Cars Wi-FiOUTDOORSDestinationMumbaiFrom Slumdogs tomillionaries, the cityof Mumbai has it alland so much moreWords: Kate Ginn040FEB 06 - 12 / ISSUE 256

How toadequatelyencapsulate allthat is Mumbaiwithin these twopages? It’s some task. This, afterall, is the ‘City of Dreams, ‘TheCity that Never Sleeps’, the mostpopulous city in India and fourthin the world. It’s growing so fastthat by the time you finish readingthis article, another skyscraper willhave been finished or work startedon one.It has a skyline that’s startingto look like Manhattan and anattitude to match. Even better, it’sjust a two-and-a-half hour flightfrom Muscat, making it accessibleenough for a weekend break, closereven than driving to Dubai.Little wonder this bustlingmetropolis has muscled its wayto recognition on a global scale,Slumdog Millionaire or noSlumdog Millionaire.First of all, let’s get SDM outof the way. The 2008 British filmset in Mumbai telling the story ofa young man who appears on theIndian version of Who Wants to BeA Millionaire? was a phenomenalsuccess, taking over $377 million(RO145m) worldwide and winningeight Oscars, including BestPicture, and making a star ofthe city. Yes, it catapulted Mumbaiinto the world’s consciousnessbut frankly Mumbai was alreadya world-class metropolis with amillion stories to tell without theassistance of a film.With an estimated metropolitanpopulation of 21 million(2005), Mumbai, the capital ofMaharashtra state, is a huge sprawlof humanity.It’s the commercial capitalof India, one of the mostpredominant port cities in thecountry and the most fashionable.The jewel in its crown isBollywood, the centre of theglobally influential Hindi film andTV industries.It is also a city of contrasts:the wealthiest in India livehere along with India’s largestslum population.Thecity was officiallyrenamed Mumbaiin 1995. (The name,according to some, isderived from the Hindugoddess Mumbadevi.)There’s a saying in Indiathat everybody who goes toMumbai leaves having madesomething – of themselves, or theirlives or money.The belief is if you workhard enough you will berewarded. It has also beensaid by those who have livedthere that it has a similarfeel to New York, the samepermanent buzz of activityin the air, the sense of itbeing a place always on themove, always changing. Andjust like the Apple, it is builton an island-peninsula with amagnificent shoreline.Its business opportunities andpotentially high standard of livingattract migrants from all overIndia, creating a melting pot ofcommunities and cultures.Go to the Victoria Terminus(VT) (renamed ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus or CST), thecity’s railway station, and youcan watch wide-eyed youngstersarriving from rural India clutchinga small suitcase and their dreamsof making it big, say locals. Mostwill end up working in one ofthe call centres servicing a Britishor American bank. In the newersuburbs, modern buildingsdominate the skyline. In 2009,there were 956 skyscrapers inMumbai and another 272 underconstruction.The architectural flavour of theBritish colonial era remains, fromthe iconic Victorian-era Taj MahalHotel – attacked by terrorists in2008 – to the horse and carriagesoffering tourist rides outside TheGateway of India, the archmonument built during the BritishRaj overlooking the Arabian Sea.Once the centre of the textileindustry, Mumbai reinvented itselfas a hub for the service industriesand as a major player in IT.Mumbaikars, as locals are called,often spend hours commuting toand from their work, facing a dailybattle of heavily congested roads,packed buses and a suburban trainnetwork without air conditioning.This is overcrowding taken to anew level. During peak hours, ninecartrains built to take a capacityof 1,700 passengers actually carryaround 4,500 passengers.If memories linger of the 2008Mumbai terrorist attacks, in which164 people were killed in 12coordinated shooting and bombingattacks, it’s well hidden.Visitors can enjoy a cosmopolitanvibe of designer shops, beaches(although most are polluted) such asChowpatti,and vibrant nightlife.The contrasting faces of Mumbaican be no better illustrated thanthe tales of Dharavi and Antilia.Dharavi once had the dubioushonour of being the biggest slum inAsia and was used as the backdropfor filming Slumdog Millionaire. It ishome to up to one million people.Not far away is Antilia, the mostexpensive house in the world. Thebillion-dollar 27-storey block builtfor India’s richest man, MukeshAmbani, dominates the skyline.It’s an ostentatious showof wealth in a country wheremost people live on less than $2(RO0.76).HOW TO GET THEREtravel guideFlying time from Muscat toMumbai is approximately twohours and 30 minutes.Airlines Oman Air, Gulf Air, AirGPS India, Jet locationAirways and IndiGoof junction toBammah and OR144 with is Oman : : Air,N22’58’23 including taxes. E59’08’45all offer non-stop flights. Returnflights from OR92 with IndiGoFEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 041

CARS ANDOUTDOORSThe LowDownEXPLORINGRUWIPhotos by Jerzy WierzbickiNot for nothing is Ruwi known as ‘Little India’.It’s home to a large Indian expat populationand a vibrant community of restaurants andshops offering a taste of the subcontinent.Low-cost accommodation makes it a bigdraw for families with a plentiful supply ofapartments and, to lesser extent villas, to choosefrom. It really comes into its own at night whenRuwi High Street comes alive, bustling withactivity. It’s also where the Central BusinessDistrict (CBD) is located, along with someheavyweight financial institutions. One of theoldest parts of Muscat, Ruwi was known for itsnarrow streets and old buildings some of whichwere demolished in the 1970s to make way formore contemporary structures.For business, shopping andfast food, there is no placequite like it. The traffic andcrowds can get to you but atleast there are many brightlycoloured distractionsThe Good, The Bad & The UglyShopaholics will be in retail paradise with all the little backstreet shops wherea bargain can be found if you’re in the market for fabrics, souvenirs or acheap Indian meal. It’s not perhaps as picturesque as other residential areasand can feel crowded. Traffic congestion can be exasperating to say the leastand current roadworks in the area have sent driver stress levels soaring offthe scale.Living ThereIt’s hard to imagine that less than 30 years ago, Wadi Kabir, the valley inwhich Ruwi lies, was more like a sleepy village. Today, it’s bursting with lifeand vitality with an authentic Indian thread running through the wholedistrict. Wherever you may live in the district, you’re never far away from aschool, hospital or shop, with everything and anything all within a convenientdistance. The Pakistan School Muscat is here, although there are no educationfacilities that cater to western expatriates. With so many residents, it can feelcrowded, so if you like a sense of space or splendid isolation, Ruwi is definitelynot for you. One of the greatest complaints in Ruwi is that it can be noisydue to congestion. However, from a good height in a building, Ruwi is hometo some spectacular views. Traffic is a nightmare during rush hour and as forfinding a parking space, let’s not even go there.042FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256

Cars Wi-Fi OutdoorsMy HoodWhy I live here: Everything iswithin easy reach, you just step outof your house and it’s all there. There’s astrong authentic Indian feel. In some partsof Ruwi, you wouldn’t know that you’re inOman, it looks and feels like India. At thesame time, it’s very homely and safe.– Helen Greene, teacherHang OutsIt’s well worth the trip to Ruwi to experience the myriad restaurants offeringa taste of India and every other type of cuisine. However, the most famouseaterie in the area, The Golden Oryx, is renowned for having the bestChinese food in Muscat, attracting customers from afar for more than25 years. If your budget is a more modest, you can get a decent curry orshawarma for a couple of riyals from the plentiful roadside Indian andArabic restaurants and stalls. For your Bollywood fix, Star Cinema showsIndian and Arabic film releases, while City Cinema has some of the bigHollywood films. Muscat’s first Japanese restaurant, Tokyo Taro, is in theAl Falaj Hotel, which also lays claim to opening the first automobilethemedestablishment in Oman, the unique Nuts & Bolts, whichcelebrates all things automotive.Places of InterestWhile it’s not a tourist hotspot, Ruwi still has much to offerfor those willing to take time to wander its streets. The tallestbuilding in the area and an architectural landmark, the Sheratonof Oman, is currently closed for refurbishment but you can stilltake in the Sultan Qaboos Mosque (not to be confused with themore majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque) and The NationalMuseum and Islamic Library, where you can see displays ofjewellery, costumes and a collection of boats celebrating Oman’sseafaring heritage. The central bus station, where you can get aride to Dubai and beyond, is also here, along with the main taxistation. If things military float your boat, the Sultan’s ArmedForces Museum is housed in the Bait Al Falaj (in the army base).The Central Bank of Oman still has its headquarters here,although Bank Muscat has recently moved to a swanky new hubnear Muscat International Airport. Muttrah Souq & Fish Market,the Sultan’s Palace and the Bait Al Zubair are only a 10-minutetaxi drive away.ShoppingApart from the large LuLu Centre, there may not be ashopping mall as such in Ruwi but who needs one when it’spacked to bursting point with little shops offering anything theheart desires. It’s fantastic for little fabric stores, jewellery andcheap clothing and sunglasses. Hours can easily pass exploringthe charming backstreets where those with an eye for a bargaincan rifle through knick-knacks. The Ruwi Souq (High Street) isthe place to go for anything from souvenirs to diamond rings.It’s also said that this is the place for top quality fake designeritems. As the sun goes down, the real Ruwi shows itself aspeople emerge to eat and shop and the streets are where thesocialising happens.FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256 043

-FITHE TECH IN YOUMy Hood Cars OutdoorsWI-FIBLINGER RINGERThere isn’t enough money in the Monopoly box to buy some ofthese diamond encrusted phones, discovers Penny Fray.Diamond Rose iPhone 4 – RO3 millionThis iPhone is one of the world’s most expensivehandsets thanks to the fact that it’s made frommore than 500 flawless diamonds and themain navigation panel is made from platinum,featuring a single 7.4-carat pink sparkler -available from stuarthughes.com.Goldvish Revolution -from RO200,000The body of this bling-tasticgold phone is covered withdiamonds and features awatch movement by FredericJouvenot. What it lacks inphone technology, it makes upwith in jewels.Vertu Signature –from RO2,000Made from polished 18-caratred gold, white diamonds anda polished crystal face withdesigner graphics, this is theultimate smartphone. Thisseriously luxe range fromVertu is available from Khimji’sWatches in Shatti Al Qurum.MUST BUYSCalling all ageing rockersand music aficionados - bringyour library right up to datewith the ION iLP conversionturntable. The built-in dockallows you to transfer all ofyour vinyl music directly toyour iPad, iPhone or iPod usingthe included EZ Vinyl andTape Converter. This is a musthave item for anyone wholoves vinyl but doesn’t have arecord player. Available fromRO60 at ion.comStanding ‘upside-down’, thisLakeland mill won’t scatterits contents everywhere,while the see-throughglass reservoir has a wideneck for easy filling. Withceramic grinders thatadjust from fine to coarse,this is essential for allcurry cooks at RO6.044JAN FEB 06 16 – 22 13 / ISSUE 253 256

F I N D O U T W H A T ’ S H I P & H A P P E N I N G I N G A D G E T SNEW! PEBBLE E-PAPER WATCHPebble connects to iPhone and Androidsmartphones using Bluetooth, alerting youwith a silent vibration to incoming calls,emails and messages.It displays live Twitter updates, calendarreminders, text messages and is available infive colours.Cyclists can use Pebble as a bikecomputer, accessing the GPS on theirsmartphone to display speed, distanceand pace data. Runners get a similar set ofinformation displayed on their wrist.Pebble’s watch face can change instantly,thanks to its brilliant, outdoor-readableelectronic-paper display.Available for less than OR60 fromwww.getpebble.comAPP OFTHE WEEKPut safety first.DriveScribe isa free app thatmonitors adriver’s speedand blockscalls as well astext messageswhile a car isin motion.THE GIRLYGADGETA good eyelashcurler instantlylifts eyes,making themlook bigger andmore beautifulwithoutlashings andlashings ofmascara. That’swhy this RO15eye-curler fromPanasonic isthe perfectaccessory forany Bollywoodbabe worth herweight in bling.Thanks to itsrotating action,it curls lashesin a safe andcomfortableway –nopinching orsqueezing!FEB JAN 06 16 – 22 12 / ISSUE 256 253 045

CARS ANDOUTDOORSMy Hood Wi-Fi Outdoors CARSMercedes Benz ML 63 AMGTop Speed: 250kph0-100km/h: 4.8secEngine: V8 biturbo 5.5 litresHorsepower: 550Check this outCar of the weekThe award-winning MercedesBenz ML 63 AMG is a smoothand seriously powerful driveMercedes Benz ML 63 AMG• Sports suspension with Airmatic air springs,independent damper struts, automatic levelcontrol and Adaptive DampingSystem (ADS)• Active Curve System, which provides activeroll stabilisation• High-performance braking system withhigh-fade resistance, including ventilated andperforated brake discs• Five-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels coated intitanium grey high-gloss finish, and 265mmwheel base /R20 tyres• High-tech safety system including BlindSpot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe,which charges the brakes when it detects animpending impact• Attention Assist – advanced driver profilesystem detects erratic driving and audiblysuggests a driving break.The Mercedes-Benz M-Classswept the Middle East MotorAwards in November inthe SUV class, taking BestPremium Large SUV for theML 350 and Best Performance SUV forthe new ML 63 AMG, the latter againstthe Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.It’s not hard to see why. The muchgarlanded ML 63 AMG 2013 has beenpraised for its ultra-smooth drivingexperience, spacious and luxuriousinteriors, distinctive design andexceptional safety features.The 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 enginereaches 525 horse power and 516 poundsper feet of torque. And that’s without theoptional Performance Package that willincrease its equine kick to 550 and twist to560 pounds-feet. With all this extra heftunder the bonnet, the new model’s enginestill manages to improve fuel economyby 33 per cent compared to the outgoing6.2 litre model, although it stilldrinks hungrily.The seven-speed automatic transmission– AMG Speedshift Plus – comes withthree driving programmes, including aControlled Efficiency mode that saves onfuel with smart settings, often starting insecond gear and skipping first altogether.This eco mode also automatically stopsthe engine when the car is stationary. Theother modes are Sports and Manual.To distinguish it from other not quiteso fearsome Mercedes marques, the ML63 AMG sports distinctive front and rearfascias, side skirts and a sleak-lookingfront fender.Inside, the cabin comfortably seats five,and is kitted out with expensive leather,aluminum trim and double topstitching.Whether inside or out, the MercedesBenz ML 63 is a star performer.046FEB 06 – FEB 12 / ISSUE 256