Vistara Issue

PROMOTION

Cafe Infinity

Project: Cafe Infinity I Client: Mr. Sohil Chadha, Vice Chairman, I.T.S Dental College, Greater Noida

Cafe Infinity located at ITS Dental College, Greater The cafe is designed to stand out due to its form factor, and
Noida is designed using 9X40 footer shipping also in terms of its positioning, breaking the rigidity of the
containers, to be used as a recreational space for existing site layout. Focussing on the outer structure and
students, faculty and patients alike. The vision was to design containers’ industrial form factor the interior is kept neutral.
a sustainable structure that goes beyond the conventional
and pushes the boundaries of design and build form. WHY INFINITY?
Recycled shipping container, being a sustainable product, The idea of using infinity was conceived to emphasize
was a perfect fit due to its modularity as well as economic on the infinite possibilities of using a shipping container
feasibility as compared to the conventional RCC structure. as a structural unit, regardless of the building type

I.T.S GREATER NOIDA Campuses. Taking forward this legacy of innovation
and creativity, we are proud to introduce Café Infinity, a
The I.T.S Education Group is the fastest growing educational one of its kind Cafeteria, with an aim to provide a relaxing
group in Northern India. Since its inception in 1995 the I.T.S atmosphere to help students unwind and interact.
Dental College & Engineering College are located at Greater
Noida. Besides various other courses offered at different

WHY SHIPPING CONTAINERS ARE THE FUTURE? staircases acting as seating and providing access to
the viewing decks. The seating is centered around the
Strength: Made with weathered steel, shipping courtyard and provides an ideal view point of the inner
containers can withstand most natural events courtyards and the outer landscape, which is often utilized
and heavy weather. for sporting events as well as other activities of the institute.

Green: There are millions of shipping containers The organic landscape layout complements the rigid
in the world, but only a fraction of them are used geometry of the containers and provides fluidity to the
actively. For each 40 ft shipping container, you site circulation. Large glazings of staircases merge
are reusing more than 8,000 pounds of steel. the rigid build form with the landscape. The landscape
complements the industrial nature of the architecture, but
Cost Efficient: Utilizing recycled containers save also promotes activity, and consequently, vibrancy to the
money and time during construction making them entirety of the site.
economically feasible than the alternate.
The building is formed with the use of recycled shipping
Modular: All shipping containers have standard containers (40 feet) that were crafted with the careful
height and length measurements and as such consideration to preserve its raw and industrial form. The
they provide modular elements that can be structure, services and functionality are designed with
combined into larger structures. a focus on sustainability. Passive cooling and insulation
is provided with the use of 50 MM rockwool insulation,
—Architect: Ar. Rahul Jain gypsum panelling, fibre cement board for rooftop flooring,
tinted windows, mechanical cooling, strategic placement
and site. The flexibility, modularity and sustainability of windows and openings to make the building perfectly
makes shipping containers a perfect alternate to the adequate in the extreme weather conditions of the site.
conventional building structures (RCC), to reduce the Louvers made of reused shipping container doors located
overall carbon footprint while also being an ecologically in the south direction minimize the heat gain as well as
and economically viable solution. give privacy from the public hospital.

The design idea centres around two courtyards which
comprises of two cafe outlets in the front, two dynamic

E X P E R I E N C E METAMORPHOSIS

TWO TALES OF A CITY

To understand what makes a city, we must see the smaller details that
we tend to overlook. These are the true markers of change

S
I
N
G
A
P
O
R
E

NOW 1 2 THEN

Once home to the BACK IN TIME the Boat Quay was becoming 1. Boat Quay
General Post Office While the Fullerton Hotel was one of Singapore’s business c. 1900
in 1928, the Fullerton functioning as a post office, hubs, being near the artery of
Hotel in Singapore has just a couple of minutes away, the city, the Singapore River. It 2. Classic
redefined its heritage, bank buildings,
but still maintained Singapore City,
the grandeur and
allure of the past. The c. 1880
timeless Palladian
architecture has has maintained its importance,
drawn visitors to its but diversified it to include the
400 rooms for years. nightlife and culinary spots that
the country is known for.

100 / / APRIL 2020

“Cities were 1 M
always like 2
people, showing U
their varying
personalities M
to the traveller.”
B
ROMAN PAYNE,
CITIES & COUNTRIES A

THEN I

1. A scene outside the Victoria NOW
Terminus Railway Station,
Despite being constructed in
c. 1930, which is now called the the current millennium, the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Bandra-Worli Sea Link has
become synonymous with the
Railway Station city. It’s not only a mainstay of
the city’s smooth functioning,
2. The 1900s-era Crawford but also a tourist spot, due to
Market, where you can still find the bridge’s pristine design.

quirky goods ICONS
Since we’re talking about
arms of transport, the Victoria
Terminus Railway Station has
also maintained its own. The
gothic landmark’s growth
has been in tandem with
the city’s. Witnessing the
emergence of both has been
the Crawford Market, which
stands close to the railway
station, and is still a sight to
behold and a must-visit.

airvistara.com/magazine / 101

E X P E R I E N C E METAMORPHOSIS 1

D 2
U
B
A
I

THEN

1. Riverside view of traditional
wooden boats

2. Dubai and Dubai Creek
in the 1990s, before the big
development boom changed the

face of the city

#FlyTheNewFeeling NOW DIDYOU KNOW? CAN I STAY THERE?
Ready to see the amazing Burj Constructing the marvel Yes, if you’re particularly keen,
Khalifa for yourself? Well, An example of required 22 million man-hours one section of the structure
Vistara operates daily flights Dubai’s extensive to be spent over six years. is the Armani Hotel, Dubai. It
from Mumbai to Dubai infrastructural upgrade, Some of these hours were gives you an unparalleled view
the 160-story-tall Burj spent creating one of the of the city, and exudes luxury
Khalifa made history highest swimming pools ever. throughout the rooms.
with its inception.

102 / / APRIL 2020

N
E
W

D
E
L
H
I

NOW 12

The Lotus Temple’s intriguing THEN
construction has drawn
visitors from all across the 1. An aerial view of the government buildings of New Delhi, showing expanses of
globe, from all and no faiths, open spaces and gardens that surrounded the buildings in 1930
to see the way it takes after 2. A shot of Jama Masjid from 1893
its eponymous shape and to airvistara.com/magazine / 103
meditate inside.

THE FORM OFTHE SHAPE
The temple was created like
a lotus, as it is an element
believed to be revered by
most religions, thereby
making it a space for all.

E X P E R I E N C E METAMORPHOSIS

K 1 2
3
O THEN

L 1. The Dharmatala Street (now Lenin Sarani) as it was
during the 1900s
K
2. The Victoria Memorial has always been a place of
A activity, as can be seen in this image from the 1970s
3. From the same decade as above, the expansive and
T
well-manicured gardens at the Victoria Memorial
A

NOW

The City of Joy has
always been a symbol
of cultural diversity
and has contributed
to the country’s art
and architecture in no
small way. Seen above,
the Howrah Bridge is
known as the gateway
to the city and crosses
the Hooghly River.

WHAT CAN I DO?
You can opt for a ferry
ride and glide past the
banks. It’s even more
sublime at night when
the bridge is lit up.
Or, you can walk the
length of it.

104 / / APRIL 2020

B
A
N
G
K
O
K

NOW 12

Reflecting the Bangkok THEN 1. A vintage shot of the astounding Wat Arun along the banks of the Chao Phraya river
skyline,the Chao 2. Market boats float by on the Menam River in the 1930s
Phraya river is
constantly bustling
with people,and not
just for tourism.It’s
also an important
market hub,as it’s been
for decades.

SIGHTS TO SEE
Along the river you’ll
find the Wat Pho, the
Grand Palace, the Wat
Phra Kaew and the
Wat Arun.

airvistara.com/magazine / 105

E X P E R I E N C E CONSERVATION

HOOVES
THUNDER

Manipur’s pony population was in decline, but a few locals have worked
hard to give them a new lease of life. Yet, there’s a long way to go

by ROHAN D’SOUZA

106 / / APRIL 2020

WITH HIS CHAIR TURNED AWAY

from the warm, evening sun, Laifungbam Somi Roy says
something that’s hard to believe, given the cause he is
fighting for: “I don’t even know how to play polo.” His
ancestral home, named the M.K. Binodini Residence, is in
Yaiskul, a part of Imphal West—the old quarter of the most
densely populated city in Manipur.

Roy’s mother was M.K. Binodini, the writer, poet and
Padma Shri awardee, the last immediate descendant of
Manipur’s former monarch, Maharaja Churachandra. Roy
grew up in this house, surrounded by the simplicity of
old-world grandeur. The house is an old structure that no
one has tampered with or renovated for years. A large lawn
occupies a part of the estate and Roy sits on the top floor,
out in the aangan, which has a roof, but is otherwise open.

Roy went to the US in the 1980s for education and
employment, returning post Y2K into a culture reborn—
one that had thrown away the shackles of socialism and
opened itself out for those looking for a profit. A film
critic and curator based in New York, he would come back
to Manipur for a few months every year to organise and
supervise polo tournaments in the winter.

He doesn’t know anything about polo, he reiterates,
although he does know a lot of the people involved in the
playing and organising of the sport. He admits he’s a bad
rider, but surrounds himself with friends and colleagues
who ride better than they walk. He isn’t interested in the
margins and the handicaps that define the modern game.

And yet, his efforts to revive and sustain the game in
Manipur are unparalleled. Roy is a curator. A custodian of
culture, if you may. And in this project, the one demanding
his custodianship is the Manipuri Pony.

“When were you born?” he asks a local guide, who
promptly says “1984.”

“Around the time they started massive construction in
Lamphelphat. It was the construction that drove the ponies
into the city. Their grazing areas were lost and, left without
choice, they picked on plastic.”

“The area around the hospital?”
Roy nods. “I left Manipur around that time and went
abroad. When I got back 20 years later, to take care of my

Sports marketing is Rohan D’Souza’s day
job,but he also writes on sports and

entertainment.He’s passionate about

India’s indigenous sports and fixtures

airvistara.com/magazine / 107

E X P E R I E N C E CONSERVATION

mother, that’s when I was confronted with this reality. The birth of polo the father of all, and ask him to end the
There were ponies on the streets.”
remains a mayhem. He offers him an agreement—
Roy is a tall man, dressed very simply in a kurta and
pyjamas to keep himself cool. He wears spectacles and mystery, but Pakhangba (the younger brother) is the
his voice is so gentle that it can hardly be captured on a historical records ruler of the land, but Sanamahi is the
dictaphone. On his return, Roy felt for the ponies roaming suggest that it ruler of the home. A statue of Sanamahi
the streets, and used the resources available to establish originated in adorns almost every courtyard in
contact with those in power. When that failed, he got in Manipur
touch with others who worked in conservation to try and
understand what could be done for the animals. Manipur today.

“It is then that I realised,” Roy says. “No one would care Samadon Ayangba, the fastest among the beasts,
for the pony for the pony’s sake. It was an environmental
issue and a conservation matter, much like any other. Good meanwhile, roams the land, Pakhangba’s land, feeding on
to drum up in crises, but otherwise shoved under.”
the rubbish people throw away.
The trick was to brand it a cultural outrage. Manipur
loved its polo. But its pony—the most important cog in the Two years after his return, Roy organised an artist
game—was under threat of survival. He also realised that
political manoeuvring required public attention. To get the retreat, a ‘field trip’ for American artists to experience
pony its due, it would need the spotlight. With that, and a
handful of contacts in the United States Polo Association Manipuri culture and learn about its history. One of the
(USPA), Roy hit the American and Indian polo scene,
inviting teams and players for tournaments and matches to key moments of the trip was a Sagol Kangjei match, an
the state.
introduction to Manipuri polo. Slowly, breeding contacts
Polo was Manipur’s contribution to the world. Despite
arguments that the modern game was founded in Persia, and an expanding group of cultural visitors to Manipur
China, Mongolia, or Iran, there is enough evidence to
suggest that polo’s origins may have come from this small brought him in touch with polo associations and horse
state bordering the Myanmarese kingdom.
enthusiasts from around the world. Very soon, Roy’s annual
Mapal Kangjeibung, in the heart of Imphal and home
to local football teams, is one of the oldest polo grounds in residencies became full-blown polo festivals, ones that now
the world. Records mention a game called Sagol Kang jei,
the Manipuri game that gave birth to polo. It was the sustain themselves without any need for his helping hand.
British who took an interest in the sport and exported it to
the wider world. In the Kangla Museum is a photo of six One of the first successes towards pony conservation
Meitei polo players, all of them barefoot, two astride horses
at the Calcutta Polo Club in 1864. in Manipur involved the Manipur Polo Association and

Additionally, the Manipuri pony has historical and the USPA. The tournament pitted the Manipur polo team
mythological prestige in society. The patron god of every
Meitei house is Sanamahi, the rejected elder brother of against a team from the US in an invitational match held
Pakhangba, and the founder of the kingdom of Kangleipak
(Manipur today). Sanamahi is the creator of the Manipuri during the polo festival that year.
pony, the Samadon Ayangba. Cheated out of his
inheritance by a favoured brother and a scorning mother, It was at the tournament that Steven Armour,
Sanamahi created the pony as a weapon of destruction.
Governor, National Board of Team USPA, met Roy, by
The original Samadon Ayangba had four wings and
spikes on its hind legs. The pony and Sanamahi’s rampage then an established voice in the ‘Save the Pony’ campaign
are only calmed when the gods go to Atiya Guru Sadiba,

108 / / APRIL 2020

around the Heingang lake. Another would be on the

nearby hillock of Khundrakpam. Very soon, the streets of

Imphal were emptied of plastic-chewing ponies. It had

taken Roy close to a decade. Now, it seemed his work was

near its end. But Roy doesn’t think so.

Topnaoria, a small township on the edges of Imphal

East, is an abandoned area that falls between the urban

and the rural. Freshly minted tarmac roads, flashy cars

and new construction mingle freely with thatched roofs

and mud paths.

This is where teenager Thoudam Tanna Devi spends

most of her time. Maisnam Khelendro, a retired polo

player, who now works towards organising the tournament

alongside Roy, had recommended that the place was

worth a visit.

Roy’s efforts to At the heart of the evolution of

conserve Manipuri the ‘Save the Pony’ campaign had

polo ponies has led to been an expansion into different
a revival of sorts, with social agendas. The tournament
more people taking had expanded to include women’s
interest in the polo and opened up an avenue less
animal’s well-being

explored—to cater to women polo

across the state. Roy was the brains behind organising players across Manipur. Women who had given up the
the tournament, using it as a spring board to talk about
the plight of the pony. The duo decided to collaborate on sport because of a lack of opportunity, and others who
the project and came together to form Huntré! Equine, a
company that organises polo tours across India. hadn’t pursued it out of a lack of direction. Khelendro says

This was in 2014, the year that the numbers of the pony that the initiative involving women’s polo has shone a new
had dwindled to alarming levels (dipping at one point to
below 1,000 in the state). The tournament was organised spotlight on the cultural aspect of polo in the region. “Now
around the idea that in a twist, the US players would also
try their hand with the Manipuri ponies, and play a game everyone who comes out of curiosity to watch the women
against the locals.
polo players also very slyly gets a quick hit about the
“It was one of the most fun experiences they had ever
had,” Armour says. “Although quite a bit different from the conservation issue.”
horses that they were used to, they had nothing but high
praise for the ponies.” Manipur has 22 polo clubs. Four of them cater to

The Manipuri pony is not an ideal animal for modern women. There are approximately 24 women polo players
polo. It averages around 12 to 14 hands, small by any
margin and not suited for international competitions. in Imphal alone. Two of these polo clubs are owned by
Armour and Roy both acknowledge this fact. They were
also quick to realise that instead of it being seen as a women. The owner of one, Thoinu Thoudam, Tanna’s aunt,
drawback, they could use it to their advantage and play it
up as special, a quirk that visiting players could take to. lived in Topnaoria, too.

The success of the tournament, and subsequent Thoinu was once a gram panchayat leader in the area.
mushrooming of many more groups demanding pony
conservation, forced the government into action. Plans Separated from a husband who relied on her for income,
for a pony reserve were quickly put in place. One would
be established on the outskirts of Imphal East. A massive she is widely respected in the area. With support for polo
grassland area, bordered by small village settlements
dwindling, and resources scarce, Tanna’s uncle, Tomba,

visited Thoinu seven years back with a proposition that

she invest and manage a polo club in the area. He, Tomba,

would get the players and source the horses. Thoinu owns

about 20 horses at the club now, and is a one-woman

crusade in Manipur polo. When she became manager,

she insisted that girls be let in. The first among them was

Tanna. In 2019, Tanna was one of the brightest prospects

that emerged out of the invitational tournament between

the women’s USPA team and the Manipuri women’s team.

Thoinu proudly shows me pictures of Tanna jostling for the

ball. She is dwarfed by two bigger, stockier American girls

airvistara.com/magazine / 109

E X P E R I E N C E CONSERVATION

A rare engraving from
The Illustrated London
News depicting the

Manipuri polo players

and ponies in 1891, when

they still played barefoot

and the game hadn’t

become as popular

across the world

around her. However, it isn’t just Tanna that is small. “You have to remember,” Roy says, “that, unlike the rest
of India, polo in Manipur isn’t a privileged class game.
“They do look like wind-up toys,” Stephanie Massey Here, it is a commoners’ sport. The owners, the players, the
riders and the caretakers often come from the same family
laughs. Massey is one of the polo players who has toured and same background.”

Manipur, and a player with a two handicap in the game. Manipuri polo players soon became a famed accessory
to polo tournaments across the country. Regardless of
In fact, she is also a veterinarian with a keen sense of the pony’s prowess, or its ability to compete against the
thoroughbred, all local tournaments now encourage the use
conservation, which places her perfectly to understand the of the pony in the game.

issue of the Manipuri pony in India. However, for all the progress do-gooders like Roy have
overseen, the government’s contribution is still considered
“Getting these ponies off the bare-bones. The pony reserve, it seems, isn’t doing much.
“It hardly exists as a real reserve. It will break your heart,”
Stay Here streets was a huge step towards a Roy says. “It is just a wild grassland. Lots of ponies
positive outcome,” Massey says. “A roaming around. That’s it,” Khelendro says. “What the
government has done is basically clean up the streets
large part of raising awareness of the superficially and push the ponies to the outskirts, so that
no one asks more questions,” Roy says. “They probably
Imphal has a great breed and emphasising its importance think we haven’t noticed.”
vibe,with music, in Manipur largely stems from
food and sports the ponies’ ability to play polo. In “Go watch a game,” Khelendro says. “That’s where the
addition, educating people who own preserve is.”

The Classic Hotel the ponies about basic husbandry also A visit to Mapal Kangjeibung for a game of polo
is located in the gives these animals a happy life.” between two local women’s teams shows promise for
heart of the city. the sport to flourish. The game is slow, but competitive.
The government’s bigger function The ponies may not have the speed or the size of the
thoroughbred, but their manoeuvrability is unbelievable.
was to give cause for people to own

Sangai Continental the animal itself, regardless of its

hashomelyservice importance to polo. Without that,

andafriendlystaff. the animal couldn’t be taken off the

Classic Grande streets. Among the proposals were
offers lovely views mounted police units and involving
and guided treks. the pony in state functions. None of
them have ever worked as well as the

sport of polo, though.

110 / / APRIL 2020



E X P E R I E N C E CONSERVATION

Unlike in other places,
polo in Manipur is not a
privileged class game.
The owners, players and
caretakers come from
the same background

If the thoroughbred is a rally car designed for power, speed

and precision, the Manipuri pony is a city-going hatchback

designed for sleight. Their low centre of gravity affords

the riders more space for the turn, and easier and quicker

contact with the ball. Instead of outrunning and flanking

their opponents, here players use contact as a point of

negotiation. The closer they get, the more important the

ponies’ manoeuvrability.

A banner tied to the fences on the opposite side of the

main stand is fading, but still legible enough to read: No

Pony. No Polo.

Roy speaks of a ‘Polo Yatra’, an initiative designed to

take the Manipuri polo message across different cities of

India. He is also working on a draft proposal for pony

conservation, one that will expand the scope of the project

itself. The progress, however, becomes slower closer to the I’m asking that they include a group of people in the

elections. “I’m an apolitical man. It doesn’t matter committee that oversees the conservation reserve,” he

who comes or who goes. This issue will remain unchanged. explains. “Geneticists, scholars, polo players, administrators

It is one of the minor ones affecting the state, and even cultural icons. If one group slacks, others can pick

but one that will completely erase a part of its culture.” them up.”

In 2015, the government auditor found the pony reserve Roy, however, knows this is easier said than done.

to be misappropriating funds for office expenses rather By now he is familiar with the mechanisms of the

than preservation of the animal itself. The report found administration, and that things take time. Even longer, if

that the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association one is looking for acceptance of new perspectives.

(MHRPA), the body entrusted with the conservation of “But the more the din, the more the chances of

the pony, procured 39 ponies without “rate justification”— something actually happening,” says Roy. It is also the

which led to excess expenditure from public fund. reason that he prefers to focus on the Polo Yatra and

Furthermore, much of the allocated budget was used for the tournaments than spend all his energy on pushing

office expenses. through the reserve. Pakhomba is lord of the land and the

It becomes clear why the preserve is a pony is safe only at home. At the homes of the

‘wild grassland.’ It is precisely this inadequate Interested in players, the owners and the clubs themselves.
attending a Manipuri
functioning of the preserve that Roy hopes to polo match? Log on to That is the worrying bit. Massey had, perhaps
tackle and overcome in the coming months. airvistara.com/magazine inadvertently, summed it up perfectly. The sport
“That’s the problem, you see. Rampant to get the schedule protects the animal for its own pleasure, remove
corruption. In the draft I’m preparing, that and the pony may have a bleak future.

112 / / APRIL 2020



E X P E R I E N C E CUISINE

IN PARSI LAND

Chef Anahita Dhonudsyinbsoirgrhotwssinfrtoomwhhaetrmfaamkielys’sthloisvceufoisrifnoeosdotorefreshinggliyvedifferent

114 / / APRIL 2020

2

13

SELECTED IN THE ʻFORBES 30 UNDER 30 ASIA 2019ʼ FROM TOP: millets and other healthy variants as
list for her contribution to food sustainability and for 1. SodaBottle ingredients to suit modern needs. It’s
popularising Parsi cuisine, Anahita Dhondy, Chef Partner no surprise that she initially wanted
at SodaBottleOpenerWala, is trying to make a difference. OpenerWala at to be a pastry chef, and she worked
As a child, Anahita loved helping her mother out as she ran hard to become one. However, while
a Parsi food catering business. A continuous engagement Cyber Hub in studying in London, she realised
in baking and cooking eventually led the then-teenager to that she loved the hot kitchen
realise that being a chef was her calling. After studying at Gurugram sports a more than the bakery. She felt she
Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, she went could experience different flavours
on to pursue her BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts from IHM, Bombay Irani Cafe there, learn to balance them with
Aurangabad. Anahita worked for the Taj Group and JW look; 2.A Parsi ingredients and “be experimental
Marriott before she moved to London to pursue her dream dessert; 3. Akuri, a and showcase what I truly want to do
of graduating from Le Cordon Blue. Her culinary influences with the dish.” In fact, working in the
comprise a fusion of Punjabi-Parsi and international Parsi spicy hot kitchen gave her one of her most
cuisines, given that her mother was an avid chef who treasured memories: cooking a Parsi
churned out delicacies on a daily basis. scrambled egg dish for Ratan Tata during his visit to
the Taj Mansingh, New Delhi, while
Having been drawn to junior cookbooks and the crêpe dish she was working there.
recipes she learned from them, Anahita started to adapt
them and began making them regularly with her mother. Having acquired skills in the
Quite fond of sweets as a kid, she confesses she still cooking domain, Anahita joined
loves crêpes, though she has introduced the use of ragi, hands with Chef Sabyasachi
Gorai and restaurateur A.D.
Chef Anahita Dhondy always knew that she Singh to become Chef Manager
wanted to be a chef,and today she is the Chef at SodaBottleOpenerWala. Today,
Partner at SodaBottleOpenerWala,where she she is a chef par excellence, and
works towards redefining Parsi cuisine dons the entrepreneurial hat, as
well as that of a Chef Partner at
SodaBottleOpenerWala, Gurugram.

airvistara.com/magazine / 115

E X P E R I E N C E CUISINE

2
3

1 4

5 BEST PARSI style decor and a menu you are spoilt for choice. such as berry pulav
RESTAURANTS marked by traditional You can head to Jimmy in a vintage, colonial
Parsi specialties. You are Boy at Horniman Circle, atmosphere. This Parsi
Lovers of Parsi food in sure to cherish a visit to a cosy venue that serves institution was the
Delhi know that they need SodaBottleOpenerWala domain of 97-year-old
to head to Rustom’s Parsi at Cyber Hub in Persian dishes with a Boman Kohinoor, who
Bhonu if they wish to try Gurugram, where was famous for warming
authentic Parsi cuisine. Anahita presents Parsi glass counter displaying hearts with his touching
It is a casual restaurant and Bombay-inspired anecdotes. The place,
with quaint, living-room- Indian food. traditional Parsi sweets. however, retains that
Or, Britannia & Co. at signature charm.
In Mumbai, of course, Wakefield House, Ballard

Estate, famous for its

classic Parsi dishes

116 / / APRIL 2020

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Barracks heritage tour, you will be immersed
in the timeless romance and charm.

Experience a first of its kind on the Singapore’s Sentosa Island.
Discover more at www.stayfareast.com/sentosa or enquire via [email protected]

E X P E R I E N C E CUISINE

The food at
SodaBottleOpenerWala
is a mix of Parsi home-cooked
food and street food

12

An association with the restaurant helped Anahita PREVIOUS PAGE: cuisines (in her opinion, Asian cuisine
showcase her skills as a chef and also allowed her to delight 1. Sali boti; reigns supreme thanks to its depth of
her guests with the Parsi dishes she’d learnt from her mother. 2. Dhansak; flavours), Anahita still holds dearest
Developed along the lines of a Bombay-Irani café, the food at 3. A whipped the simple joy of being at home.
SodaBottleOpenerWala is a mix of Parsi home-cooked food She and her family will sit, eat and
and Bombay street food. A sincere attempt has been made by Parsi dessert; basically “live life” around the kitchen
Anahita and her team to showcase mostly Parsi dishes at the 4. Parsi-style and the dining table.
restaurant, or dishes that are manifestations of Parsi cuisine. tareli machchi
The history of the dishes is explained to the guests, as is the “It just feels like a safe space where
mixture of spicy and sweet notes in them—which is a reflection THIS PAGE: you can share thoughts while having
of the Gujarati influence in Parsi food. Anahita reveals that the 1. ChefAnahita a drink. It has a very nice community
favourite Parsi recipe passed on to her from her mother is the Dhondy; 2. Sali feel. And in winters, it’s really warm in
akuri, a spicy egg dish with lots of fragrant herbs and green par eedu the kitchen, making it the cosiest spot
chilli masala. Akuri is now one of the most popular dishes at to enjoy time with your loved ones.”
the restaurant. These are memories she cherishes,
and is crystal clear when she says, “I
Another lesson she learned from her mother is would not have it any other way.”
understanding how to handle spices and the role they play
in Parsi cuisine. She talks about a special red masala that is Visit airvistara.com/magazine for more food stories
made from heeng, jeera, chillies and garlic, which is a staple in
all Parsi homes. “I tend to use this masala a lot because I love
spicy food. So, even if I am cooking prawns, fish, or something
that is not traditionally Parsi, I will end up using this masala.”

Despite having travelled extensively to learn about various

118 / / APRIL 2020



E X P E R I E N C E CONDITIONING WELLNESS, AS A CONCEPT,
encompasses every aspect of the body
STAMINA and mind. I’ve always believed that
if you’re well, you will be fit... but if
Training your body and mind for life you’re fit, you may not necessarily
be ‘well.’ It’s a juxtaposition and one
by SHAYAMALVALLABHJEE that makes you sit back and question
where you are on the scale, or what
Shayamal Vallabhjee is an internationally you’re actually working towards. I
renowned health and wellness coach who has also believe everybody doesn’t relate
trained Olympians,world leaders and celebrities to fitness the same way. The problem,
inevitably, is that we tend to look for
solutions to tackle our health-related
problems only in the physical realm.

I’m a marathon runner and a
believer in minimalist training—
commonly known as bodyweight
training. Running has a streamlining
e ect on the body. It’s the reason
most elite marathon runners are slim,
even though they have a VO2 max
(maximal oxygen consumption) in the
upper 70s. There is more than enough
scientific evidence that highlights and
reinforces the importance of strength
training to improve running economy.
Strength training is definitely
something every 26-miler will need to
adopt in her or his quest to get faster.

Bodyweight training leading
to calisthenics is fast becoming
the workout of choice for most
fitness enthusiasts and even some
professional athletes. It requires no
equipment, very little space and for
those constantly crunched for time, 15
minutes is more than enough to give
you a total full-body workout. Terms
like functional training, boot camps,
and to some extent, High-Intensity
Interval Training (HIIT) all borrow
their ideology and methodology from
the traditional science of bodyweight
training. HIIT is the one workout
phrase on everyone’s lips these days. It
got its fame from its claim of burning

120 / / APRIL 2020

MATCH YOUR
DIET & EXERCISE

high amounts of calories well beyond highly popular. Each of these 1 If youʼre going for endurance
the duration of the routine. Fitness training methodologies or protocols
programmes such as CrossFit and approaches movement and training training,replace carbohydrates
apps such as Nike Training and Sweat from di erent angles, but by and large during the session
with Kayla have made this format are safer options that allow for more
incredibly popular. gradual progress, with a lower risk of 2 If it is a strength-based
injury. And these are expected to grow
It does, however, come with a few with society’s increasing awareness workout,choose any hydration
very important caveats. For instance, around the importance of movement with electrolytes
your risk of injury with anything and its associated health benefits. So,
high-intensity is significantly what’s the best way to incorporate 3 For any intensive workout,add
higher and continues to increase these into your existing routine?
proportionately if you are improperly some protein post the workout.A
or poorly conditioned. Secondly, high- The phrase “It’s the little things pre-sleep protein drink helps
intensity training will add stress to the that add up” best describes it. It protein synthesis and muscle
cardiovascular system, which needs to means that success isn’t about a recovery during sleep
be conditioned over time to withstand ‘magic bullet’ but more about long-
such workloads. In fact, research has term, sustainable solutions executed or weight-loss goals. For instance,
shown that HIIT is a contraindication with discipline and diligence; and an instead of saying, “I want to lose five
for people with hypertension and approach of balance in training and kg,” which would take more than a
any cardiovascular disease. Lastly, nutrition. Start by picking fitness month, you could say you want to
the high-intensity nature of the options that limit your risk of injury, walk 30 minutes a day and do 50
training requires proper nutrition and that are exciting, and that can easily crunches for 50 days. If you achieve
adequate sleep. fit into your daily roster. Then, set this more direct target, you can
some goals—and when it comes to achieve any fitness goal.
With wellness fast becoming setting goals, I strongly advise people
an industry of its own, pilates and to create milestones that can be ticked Watch exclusive fitness tips from Shayamal at
gyrotronics are exploding in the o daily, as opposed to weight-gain airvistara.com/magazine
West. Yoga, of course, remains

THE POWER OF FOUR

THESEASANAS PROMOTE HOLISTICWELLNESS

Bitilasana Anjaneyasana Bhujangasana Surya Namaskar

Also called the cow pose, A great pose for balance, This famous pose helps A composite move of 12
this is a gentle and relaxing concentration and relieving strengthen the back and postures, it is a holistic way
asana that warms up oneʼs stress, this is a heart- core, and is one of the main of restoring joint mobility,
back before getting into the opening pose that also poses in both hatha and improving balance and
more advanced poses. helps ease sciatica pain. traditional yoga. calming the mind.

airvistara.com/magazine / 121





E X P E R I E N C E SIGNS

TAROTSCOPE Tarot Card Readings
by Ma Prem Ritambhara
Donʼt be afraid,this existence is not your enemy.This existence
mothers you; this existence is ready to support you in every possible @ritambhara7
way.Trust and you will start feeling a new upsurge of energy in you;
that energy is love,says Osho,theZen master

March 21 - April 20 July 23 - August 23 November 23 - December 23
Your creative potential is tapped You are a dynamic force to reckon A gentle approach helps you get
in the new opportunity that awaits with as you cut through blocks and your point across in partnerships.
you. People respond well to you limitations to achieve success in Youthful energy allows you to look
socially, and receive you with professional projects. By making at options and new beginnings. You
respect. You are honest and openly express swift decisions, lucrative opportunities will come come up with brilliant ideas, which are actualised
your opinions and ideas. Lucky number is 19. your way. Lucky number is 4. Healing colour is in a subtle and intelligent manner. Lucky number
Healing colour is sun yellow. golden yellow. is 17. Healing colour is turquoise.

April 21 – May 21 August 24- September 23 December 24 - January 20
Endings and beginnings are Success and gain are likely when You express your true feelings to
on the cards as opportunities you decide to rejuvenate projects the one you love. Your business
come in unexpected ways. Donʼt and partnerships. You may feel acumen and creativity are tested
hesitate to make settlements restless and pay visits to friends. in difficult assignments. Remain
and compromises in business through Personal relationships are sensitive and need centred to deal with finances, projects and family
mediation. Lucky number is 4. Healing colour care. Lucky number is 8. Healing colour is business. Lucky number is 7. Healing colour is
is emerald green. midnight blue. royal blue.

May 22 - June 21 September 24 - October 23 January 21 - February 19
You enjoy and participate in all You are blessed by ʻThe Unexpected happenings and
that comes in your sphere with Empressʼ, the goddess who is events are on the cards! You are
a passion for life. You achieve the embodiment and symbol of likely to change daily routines
business goals and ambitions love and creativity! You make and work patterns to enhance
with inimitable enthusiasm and spontaneity. An statements that leave an impact on people production. Avoid making quick judgements
event brings media exposure. Lucky number is and situations this month. Lucky number is 3. as things change all the time. Drive carefully!
5. Healing colour is fiery orange. Healing colour is lotus pink. Lucky number is 7. Healing colour is deep red.

June 22 - July 22 October 24 - November 22 February 20 - March 20
This is a good time to make a Established businesses are This is a time of mystery when you
truce in personal relationships enhanced with opportunities for need to be alert yet patient and
and a compromise in professional expansion and growth. Changes wait for something momentous to
situations, as others are receptive creep into set patterns to bring happen! A steady growth towards
to you after a period of strife. Lucky number is growth, realisation and understanding. Lucky success is en route. Lucky number is 7. Healing
4. Healing colour is emerald green. number is 10. Healing colour is saffron. colour is forest green.

124 / / APRIL 2020

FLY THE NEW FEELING

ENGAGE EXPERIENCE EXPLORE ENHANCE ELEVATE

Vistara is Vistara keeps A round-up of our Vistara offers Club Vistara,
continuously you at the centre destinations and exclusive services India’s fastest
adding new routes of everything routes across the to uplift your rewarding
and partnering up we do. Here’s world. Vistara has flying experience, frequent flyer
with other airlines. a peek into our codeshare routes from the moment programme, has
This month, we five-star service with Singapore you arrive at the been designed to
highlight ideas for and exclusive Airlines, SilkAir airport to your add superlative
a week in the US, offerings, such as and United exit. Intuitive ideas value to your
and a snapshot complimentary Airlines, bringing and helpful staff travel, and it’s
of Kathmandu onboard cuisine the world closer will delight you simple to enrol

@vistara @airvistara @airvistara Scan this QR code to
access the Vistara app

airvistara.com/magazine / 125

ENGAGE

THE HIT LIST

Don’t have time to
read? Here’s where

you need to go

A WEEK IN AMERICA most original, but did you Leyenda (New York)
even visit the city if you This bar relies on
Vistara has a codeshare with United Airlines, so here’s didn’t eat a beignet at the Latin American and
an East Coast primer for your next USA vacation famous Café Du Monde?
Caribbean spirits to make
A WEEK IS NOT ENOUGH of museums near the Met, Chicago unforgettable cocktails.
to explore what the United and try to catch a play on After you’ve taken your
States has to offer, but if Broadway—it is New York. pictures at the Bean, you Freedom Trail (Boston)
you cover these three cities, We recommend Walking should definitely check Take a look at the moments
you’ll get a great overview. the High out Wrigley Field, another
Line, a rail icon of the city. And when and monuments that
New York City track that’s defined American history.
Topping the list for obvious also a park. you’re done It’s a short flight from NYC.
reasons, NYC is a melting exploring
pot of things to do. The New Orleans during the Museum Of
city has a pulsating art Drama, day, go to Contemporary Art
circuit, and a food scene adventure and the Chicago
that you won’t soon forget. music. As you Riverwalk (Chicago)
Be sure to go to the strip explore New for a low-key Celebrate the unexpected
Orleans, you will be struck meal and
#FlyTheNewFeeling by its spirit and its pace. lights right by at this museum.
You can fly to New York directly from The heart of jazz, there’s the river.
New Delhi and Mumbai, and get access always some gig going on in We recommend Going on Arnaud’s Restaurant
to Vistara facilities. You can also redeem a quaint street, so check out a Chicago Pizza Tour; you’ll (New Orleans)
miles on Vistara for these flights. their listings beforehand. finally be able to settle the
We recommend Not the age-old question: do you Head to the French Quarter
like deep dish or thin crust? to try classic Creole cuisine.
Let Vistara help you
plan your trip now!

126 / / APRIL 2020

NEPAL IN FORM

Vistara has just commenced its daily flight to
Kathmandu... it’s time to enter the world of peaks

KATHMANDU CAN BE not have been any better, 1
exhilarating. From the as Nepal recently kick- 2
moment you step off the started its global tourism
plane, there’s a riot of campaign, ‘Visit Nepal
colours and structures. The Year 2020.’ As India’s only
entire form of the city can five-star carrier, we look
be seen in the skyline, where forward to contributing
ancient stupas are flanked to Nepal’s tourism growth
by modern buildings. Being meaningfully and providing
the capital, the influence of business and leisure
the West is not absent, but travellers alike the finest
each street still has its local way to fly between the
touch of craftsmanship. two countries.”

The best part? There’s 1. Chief Commercial Officer,
adventure that’s literally Vinod Kannan with Team Vistara at
in front of you: the the Kathmandu inaugural
Himalayas. Home to 2. Team Vistara strikes a pose with
some of the best treks, the first passenger to check-in on
Kathmandu is the starting the Kathmandu-Delhi inaugural flight
point for exploring the
majestic expanse. And now, YOUR KATHMANDU CHECK-LIST
you can fly with Vistara to
Kathmandu from Delhi, via If you’re here for 24, 48, or more hours, you have to visit these amazing spots
the daily flights.
SWAYAMBHUNATH ASAN TOLE UTSE RESTAURANT TENGBOCHE
Commenting on the TEMPLE A fantastic place to Eat authentic Tibetan MONASTERY
launch, Mr. Leslie Thng, browse, this market and Nepalese food at It’s about an hour
Chief Executive Officer, Also called the provides fresh spices this tried-and-tested away, but deserves
Vistara, said, “We are ‘Monkey Temple,’ this and food to most a visit thanks to the
happy to launch services to stupa is perched on spot, favoured by superlative Mt. Ama
Kathmandu, the gateway to a hillock and offers of the city and is locals and tourists Dablam backdrop.
a country with significant always bustling.
trade and cultural ties with superb city views. alike. Yummy!
India. The timing could

#FlyTheNewFeeling

UK 0155 Delhi (DEL) – Kathmandu (KTM)

Departure: 14:00; Arrival: 16:15

UK 0156 Kathmandu (KTM) – Delhi (DEL)

Departure: 17:15; Arrival: 19:30

airvistara.com/magazine / 127

EXPERIENCE A first!

COMPLIMENTARY
TIER MATCH

We invite you to enjoy a complimentary

3-month CV Gold membership, if you are a

WELCOME ABOARD Gold or above tier member with any other
frequent flyer programme. Here’s how:
Enrol with Club Vistara and share your

Vistara constantly pushes the boundaries of air travel, keeping you at the centre of membership card or statement at
[email protected]

everything. An enterprising spirit is blended with traditional Indian hospitality to ensure

every journey you take is a truly enjoyable experience and a feeling like no other

LUXURIOUS BUSINESS CLASS ON COMPLIMENTARY ONBOARD CUISINE
Just sit back and relax in our ultra-luxurious YOUR Give your senses a delightful feeling by indulging
seats that offer you a comfortable recline, PLATE in our delectable culinary selections. Prepared
extendable footrest, adjustable winged headrest by experts, our menu is designed to satiate even
and personal storage space. All this, combined Biryani the most selective taste buds, accompanied by a
with our elaborate menu, exquisite dining and Flavourful, range of beverages. No matter what time you fly,
unparalleled service, will rejuvenate you. but delicately we ensure you’re served well.
spiced to suit
every palate

Puff pastry
Perfect for a
quick snack,
but nutritious

EXCLUSIVE PREMIUM ECONOMY* Fresh fruit COMFORTABLE ECONOMY CLASS
Be a class ahead when you fly India’s only A great way to Enjoy a new benchmark in style and comfort
Premium Economy. With extra legroom, start your day, with our specially designed seats that are not
specially-designed seat bottom cushions, winged just upholstered in genuine leather, but also
headrest and long armrests, it gives you a feeling organically have been styled to maximise legroom. Our
of personal space, in addition to intuitive service. sourced thoughtful service ensures you travel in luxury.

128 / / APRIL 2020 *Not available on select aircraft type

SAFETY OUR FLEET
FIRST
With Vistara’s ever-growing fleet, you can plan your dream itineraries, and optimise
Fasten up your journey to suit your business or leisure needs. We’re waiting to serve you soon
Make sure you
and your family AIRBUS A320CEO AIRBUS A320NEO
have your seat
belts fastened COUNT 13 COUNT 20
while seated SEATS 8C/24S/132Y SEATS 8C/24S/132Y (18 to 19) 8C/24S/180Y (1)
LENGTH 37.57 m LENGTH 37.57 m
(even if the CRUISING SPEED 829 km/h CRUISING SPEED 833 km/h
indicative light ENGINE IAE V2500-A5 ENGINE CFM LEAP1A
PLACE OF MANUFACTURE PLACE OF MANUFACTURE
is off). Toulouse, France/Hamburg, Germany Toulouse, France/Hamburg, Germany

Look around BOEING 737-800NG BOEING 787-9
Find the nearest
emergency exit COUNT 7 COUNT 1
beforehand and SEATS 12C/156Y SEATS 30C/21S/248Y
be cognisant of LENGTH 39.5 m LENGTH 68.8 m
it throughout. CRUISING SPEED 842 km/h CRUISING SPEED 913 km/h
ENGINE CFM56-7B ENGINE GEnX-1B
Watch the PLACE OF MANUFACTURE PLACE OF MANUFACTURE
safety video Seattle, USA Seattle, USA
Even if you
think you’ve C is Business Class | S is Premium Economy | Y is Economy
seen it enough,
always watch
the instructions.
The aircraft may
have a different
layout, so know
the specs.

Always listen to
the crew

Should there be
an emergency,
the Vistara crew
will guide you
through any
procedure. Don’t
panic, simply
follow their lead.

FLIGHT PASS

Buy a Vistara Flight Pass to enjoy a host of attractive benefits. Apart from multiple destination
bookings, you can choose your class of travel and conveniently pre-purchase flights at a lower
price. The more flights you buy, the cheaper it gets. It helps you avoid future increase in
fares. You have to pay only 20% upfront and the rest when you travel. Buy a Flight Pass for as
low as `21,700 for Economy, `23,600 for Premium Economy, and `27,200 for Business.

airvistara.com/magazine / 129

EXPLORE
EXPLORE

An ever-expanding network

WITH OVER
200 FLIGHTS DAILY
TO 36 DESTINATIONS,
PLAN YOUR TRIP AT
YOUR OWN PACE

Download the Vistara app to plan your itinerary, Network is subject to change without prior notice
manage your bookings and much more Codeshare flights are subject to regulatory approvals

130 / / APRIL 2020

ON OUR RADAR

Need some travel
inspiration? Here’s our
bucket list for the month

Galle, Sri Lanka
Dotted with old churches and
colonial-era buildings, walk to

explore this idyllic city.

Khao Yai National Park,
Thailand

A few hours from Bangkok, go
here for turtles, waterfalls and

unbridled nature.

VISTARA CODESHARE ROUTES OPERATED Dehradun, Uttarakhand
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SINGAPORE Exploring the Robber’s Cave,
AIRLINES AND SILKAIR VIA SINGAPORE a natural river cave, is just one
of the laidback things to do.
* DEL-DED starting from 29 March 2020
Schedule for April 2020 | T&C apply. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
These monuments have
remained the pinnacle of
architecture for centuries.

airvistara.com/magazine / 131

ENHANCE

A PERSONALISED FLYING EXPERIENCE

At Vistara, we strive to make your travel memorable in more ways than one. From easy flight
upgrades to access to the exclusive Vistara Lounge, you fly the new feeling every single time

Personalise your CONVENIENCE OF CARRY-ON PLUS EASY FLIGHT UPGRADES
flying experience Why check-in your bag for a few extra Experience India’s only Premium Economy
by logging on to kilos? With Vistara’s Carry-on Plus, you can or the best Business Class without burning a
airvistara.com carry up to 12 kg in-hand baggage. Your hole in your pocket. You can choose Confirmed
or contacting post-arrival experience will also be quicker, Upgrade, which immediately upgrades you to
our Customer without having to wait at baggage claim. Just the next cabin class. Or choose Standby Upgrade,
Service Centre at pay `240 per kg for this service online and which gives you a chance to get upgraded at a
+91 9289228888 carry everything you may need! substantially lower price (limited availability).
or by visiting
Vistara’s airport
ticketing office.
You can pre-
purchase all
these services at
prices that are
significantly
lower than
the airport
rates, up to 60
minutes prior to
departure.*

Download the PRE-PURCHASE
Vistara app EXCESS BAGGAGE
Why pay more at the airport
132 / / APRIL 2020 when you can pre-purchase excess
baggage online? Simply log on to
airvistara.com and choose the
excess baggage slab for up to 30%
lower rates than at the airport.

Only select services are available on international travel *T&C apply

VISTARA PRIORITY PRIVILEGE MY VISTARA EXPERIENCE
With Vistara Priority, enhance your Economy
Class experience with Priority Check-in, Baggage Celebrity stylist Maneka Harisinghani, who featured on
Handling and Boarding Access for `400 only! Karan Johar’s Netflix show What The Love, recently flew
As part of Vistara Priority, eliminate the stress
of waiting in long queues, expedite your journey, from Mumbai to Colombo in Vistara’s Business Class for
and enter a new world of flying.
a special shoot. She tells us about her trip
EXCLUSIVE VISTARA LOUNGE
Experience the exclusive Vistara Lounge at How did you choose Sri there was a small box in my
Delhi T3 by pre-purchasing the Vistara Lounge
Pass online for as low as `750. Indulge in our Lanka for this assignment? seat, and it was nice to be
exclusive range of mocktails and sumptuous
food, or choose to sip on freshly-brewed coffee Honestly, the natural able to keep my small items
as you enjoy a beautiful view of the runway. You
can also visit partner lounges at select airports beauty of the country makes in one place without being
with the Vistara Lounge Pass.
it a good spot for any kind scared of losing them! The

of shoot. Luckily, we got service was also excellent. It

to explore the area around was a very good experience.

Colombo after we “Being a stylist, The menu is a bit

wrapped up.

I’m basically different. How did
It is a beautiful carrying an you like it?
city. How was entire wardrobe, Yes! It was a
your experience three-course
flying Vistara so the extra meal, I felt
Business Class? allowance was like I was in
The amount the best part” a restaurant.

of leg room I The service

had made the flight just was impeccable and

pass by, but the best part the crew was extremely

was the extra baggage understanding about any

allowance. Being a stylist, dietary restrictions.

I’m basically carrying an

entire wardrobe with me, What are a couple of things

along with accessories and you never travel without?

extra options, so that extra A battery pack, a pack of

allowance really made a safety pins, AirPods, and, of

world of a difference. Also, course, my passport.

airvistara.com/magazine / 133

ELEVATE HOW TO
JOIN
INDIA’S FASTEST REWARDING
FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMME Becoming a
Club Vistara
Take your Vistara experience to greater heights with a (CV) member
host of benefits. As part of this unique programme, you is simple and
earn Club Vistara Points based on the value of the ticket. easy. Register
It’s simple—when you spend more, you earn more with CV by:

KEY FEATURES FASTER REDEMPTIONS ELITE TIER • Visiting
Upgrade Awards starting from QUALIFICATION our website
FASTER EARNINGS 500 CV Points and Award airvistara.com
Earn up to 11 CV Points per Flights starting from 2,000 FASTER EARNINGS or downloading
`100 spent, basis your tier. CV Points. Tier evaluation is in terms of Tier our mobile app.
Points or the number of Vistara
FASTER ELITE TIER CARRY-ON PLUS flights taken in a 12-month period, • Filling the
QUALIFICATION Carry up to a total of 12 kg whichever upgrades or maintains
Reach Elite Tiers faster basis hand baggage for Elite Tiers. your tier status faster. The points enrolment
the amount of Tier Points or required for upgrade: form on
flights flown in a 12-month LOUNGE ACCESS CV Silver: 15,000 points/20 flights Vistara World
period, whichever is earlier. Get access to the exclusive CV Gold: 25,000 points/30 flights app under
Vistara Lounge and partner CV Platinum: 35,000 points/40 flights Club Vistara
ENJOY PRIORITY STATUS lounge for CV Platinum and CV enrolment
Priority check-in, priority Gold members. CV Platinum EARNING CV POINTS section.
boarding and baggage members can also bring one
handling for Elite Tiers. companion to the lounge A higher point earning structure • Filling the
when flying international. ensures that you are aptly rewarded
COMPLIMENTARY every time you fly with us. When you enrolment form
UPGRADE AND LOUNGE RESCHEDULING enter your CV ID while booking and available with
ACCESS VOUCHERS FEE WAIVER checking-in, your points will be our cabin crew.
Use these vouchers for CV Platinum members can auto-credited in your CV account
yourself or you can pass it on make up to two changes for within 24 to 48 hours. Your CV Points Once enrolled,
to your friends and family. travel within and outside India. are valid for 36 months from the the CV
CV Gold members can make date of the flight. The CV Points
COMPLIMENTARY one change per booking for accrued per `100 spent are: membership ID
VISTARA SELECT travel within India at no CV Base: 8 will be sent to
CV Platinum members can additional fee (fare difference CV Silver: 9 your registered
choose their seats without any will be applicable). CV Gold: 10
charge across all cabin class CV Platinum: 11 email ID.
and fare families apart from INCREASED You can
Economy Lite fares. CHECK-IN BAGGAGE access your
Get enhanced baggage CV account
Download the allowance of five to 15 kg over through our
Vistara app and above the limit, basis Elite website and
Tier status. mobile app
to keep track
of all your
transactions.

134 / / APRIL 2020

CLUB VISTARA PARTNERS

AIRLINE PARTNERS

PRIVILEGES CV CV CV CV Earn and redeem CV Points with our airline partners. Also, Elite Tier
& BENEFITS BASE SILVER GOLD PLATINUM members can enjoy enhanced privileges on Singapore Airlines.

Earn Tier / CV Points CO-BRAND CREDIT CARDS

Tier / CV Points 8 9 10 11 • Earn up to 5 complimentary • Earn up to 5 complimentary
(per `100 spent) Business class tickets in a year Premium Economy tickets & Hotel
Premium Business Business • Get up to 10,000 bonus CV vouchers up to `10,000
Priority Airport Economy Class Class Points as activation bonus • Free cancellation of Vistara
Standby Counter Counter Counter • Complimentary Club Vistara flight tickets & up to 3,000 bonus
Elite Tier CV Points as activation bonus
Priority Waitlist • Get 500 CV Points as a • Complimentary Club Vistara
Clearance Welcome bonus Elite tier

Priority Airport POINTS TRANSFER PARTNERS
Check-in
+5 Kg +10 Kg +15 Kg
Increased Check-in
Baggage Allowance Convert American Express Convert Axis eDGE Reward
(Weight) Membership Rewards Points to Points to CV Points

Carry-On Plus CV Points

Priority Boarding 12 4

Lounge Access Convert HDFC Diners Convert Induslnd Convert YES BANK
Points to Credit Card Reward Reward Points to
Lounge Access CV Points Points to CV Points
Vouchers CV Points

Companion Lounge CAR RENTAL PUBLISHING
Access
12 3
Priority Baggage
Handling Earn 10 CV Points on every Earn up to 25,000 CV Points
`100 spent
Exclusive Offers And
Promotions 13 5

One-Class Upgrade RETAIL
Vouchers on Tier
Upgrade 1 change 2 changes Earn 10 CV Points on Earn 10 CV Points on Earn 8 CV Points on
per per booking every `100 spent every `100 spent every ` 100 spent
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INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST

APRIL 2020

SCREEN
SAVERS
SONGS OF
THE AGES
BINGE
MASTERS

airvistara.com/magazine / 137

Movies

BY THE Crooks & Cons
NUMBERS
Through April 2020, Vistara has curated some exciting THE
THIS MONTH,ON movies to make your screens come alive. No matter what ANGRY
VISTARA WORLD the purpose of your trip, you’ll be prepped for action BIRDS
MOVIE 2
4,600 FOCUS DAAWAT-E-ISHQ Can the Bird
A classic student-becomes- Turns out that con artists and Piggy Island
Total number of songs the-teacher plot, except may have feelings, too! leaders come
on our playlist there’s romance and the Parineeti Chopra finds an together to
teacher is a con-man. Will easy enough target in Aditya fight off the
9 Smith shines as the lead, but Roy Kapoor and implicates Eagle Islanders?
he must balance his former him in a dowry scandal, but Fun for the
Number of Academy apprentice’s moves (played things don’t really turn out entire family!
Award-winning films on by Margot Robbie). the way she plans.
the Vistara World app
OCEANʼS 8 JOHNNY GADDAAR
3 min A reboot of the franchise, A gritty thriller about
this has an all-female gambling, loyalty and love. A
Average time playing ensemble cast. With heart group of elite criminals plan
music takes to calm and humour, it carries the a daring con job, but one of
legacy of Danny and the them has a deeper motive—
your nerves gang forward. and will do anything to
achieve his goal.
76% AMERICAN HUSTLE
Messy and complex, David BUNTY AUR BABLI
Estimated improvement O. Russell adds his satirical A happy caper about a con-
in comprehension with touch to a sting operation man and a girl who falls for
that hinges on scam artists— him. A funny and emotional
audio books brought to you by Christian roller-coaster, buoyed by the
Bale and Amy Adams— good-hearted cop played by
42 min coming through. Amitabh Bachchan.

Average time it takes to
play two episodes of a

web series

138 / / APRIL 2020

THE REEL DEAL K-13 (Tamil)
An aspiring filmmaker finds
Engage your senses with these superb films himself in trouble when he
wakes up to find the girl he’d
JUMANJI: WELCOME spent the night with has
TO THE JUNGLE (English) been killed. Suspenseful!
Four students discover the
vintage Jumanji game, and O.P.160/18 KAKSHI:
are sucked into a jungle in AMMINIPPILLA
different avatars. Hilarious! (Malayalam)
A courtroom drama about
THE HATE U GIVE (English) discord in married life, but
A high school student with a heart. Emotional!
witnesses a brutal police
shooting and is then MISSION MANGAL (Hindi)
targeted by a dangerous A story of triumph, the film
gang. Gripping! applauds the contribution
of women in space science.
SHADAA (Punjabi) A true story about ISRO’s
This romantic comedy Mars project. Stirring!
follows the life of a live-in
Punjabi couple, who then THIPPARAA MEESAM
have to deal with pressure to (Telugu)
get married. Fun! A talented DJ ends up
on the wrong side of the
GHARE & BAIRE (Bengali) law, and must fight for his
A musician gives up on his survival. Energetic!
dream of making music for
a corporate job. His aim? To ADHYAKSHA IN AMERICA
one day declare his love for (Kannada)
his best friend. Sentimental! A small-town scamster
dreams of settling in the US,
AAPLA MANUS (Marathi) and inadvertently marries an
Nana Patekar plays an officer alcoholic NRI woman. Jolly!
who investigates a murder
in a couple’s home, but they DHAAKAD (Gujarati)
claim they weren’t at home A touching tale of a girl
at the time. Intriguing! who wants to live life but
will stand by
what’s right.
Warming!

ROAD TO PEACE GODʼS OWN A PATCH OF DEAD MAN VINOD KAPRI
A documentary- COUNTRY BLUE WALKING
style feature that This British drama A 1965 film about The acclaimed DIRECTOR OF OF PIHU
showcases the takes a sensitive the bond between crime drama about
ancient Wisdom look at the LGBTQ+ a blind woman a death row convict FILMMAKER’S
of the 14th Dalai community and and an African- and his final sense CUT
Lama of Tibet. their inner lives. American man. of atonement.

airvistara.com/magazine / 139

Music

Generational Anthems ARTISTS
OF THE
For a song to become an everlasting playlist inclusion, it must go beyond MONTH
powerful lyrics or a revolutionary symphony... it has to make a statement.
Every decade or so, a tune delivers a message that sums up a generation FROM VISTARA’S
EXCLUSIVE PLAYLIST
1939 1991 bejewelled lives of
Somewhere Over Smells Like hip-hop stars and Ustad Zakir Hussain
the Rainbow Teen Spirit 9/11 PTSD The tabla maestro
Judy Garland Nirvana
It encapsulates Kurt Cobain’s anti- 2019 U2
hope and anxiety anthem is revered Old Town Road The Irish rockers
for its authenticity Lil Nas X
1958 Nothing could Amit Trivedi
Johnny B. Goode 2004 be more The maverick director
Chuck Berry Ride zoomer than an
A natural fit for The Vines indie released on Florence + the Machine
1950’s teenagers An indie classic, SoundCloud The indie magicians
the tune of the first
1965 iTunes commercial QUEEN Penaz Masani
(I Canʼt Get No) Come what The modern ghazal queen
Satisfaction 2011 may, Queen
Rolling Stones Ni**as in Paris put out music
For the power of Jay-Z/Kanye West for only one
the youth The collaboration reason: for the
of a lifetime sake of music.
1984
Material Girl 2012 Hear their
Madonna Royals best songs on
Appropriate for the Lorde Vistara World
yuppie generation A reaction to the

140 / / APRIL 2020

Why I Sing THE HIT LIST

SUNIDHI CHAUHAN needs no introduction. One of India’s most prolific GULLY BOY
performers, her voice appeals to every kind of music buff The movie received
critical acclaim, and
WHEN YOU REALISE YOU have fans in her upward trajectory. She has been a big factor was the
every corner of the world, you begin singing since the age of four. Of course, stellar hip-hop soundtrack that
to realise the importance of being it took tender, organic nurturing and dictated the movie’s pace.
honest to yourself, of recognising the the will to find the right mentors, but
significance of your journey. This, in a Sunidhi has not looked back. SIR ELTON JOHN
nutshell, is what defines Sunidhi today. ESSENTIALS
Yet, after a buzzy debut, Sunidhi An icon for
“How is this possible, I’m only 11 did have to face a particular tribulation generations, there’s
and I’m singing for an 18-year-old?” of adolescence: her changing voice. no genre that the Rocketman-
Recounting this highlight of her first Over time, however, it evolved into composer hasn’t conquered.
stint as a playback singer, Sunidhi its sensuality and she embraced the
revels in and respects the giddiness of husky overtones. Her voice was unlike TALAT AZIZ
anything people had heard, and it ESSENTIALS
enabled her to single-handedly shake With his
up the world of playback singing and unmistakable voice,
live performances. In fact, her songs are Aziz took the art of singing
so deeply embedded in pop culture that ghazals and made it popular.
she draws a fanbase across ages.
COKE STUDIO
“I’m glad that I have always been a ESSENTIAL
part of every change, and so much has COLLECTION
changed. The music, the lyrics, even All you need to do is
the way people hear music changed. I close your eyes and sink into
also got to work with so many music this delicate fusion music.
directors and got to sing different kinds
of songs, and that’s what has made me SHIKARA
who I am today.” A story about love in
The Sunidhi Chauhan Essential Collection the worst of times,
is available on Vistaraʼs exclusive playlist and music that
echoes the turbulence and toil.
HEAR THE COUNT OF the ship Pharaon. Dumas
THE MONTE CRISTO takes the main character airvistara.com/magazine / 141
CLASSICS French writer Alexandre Dantes through an array
Dumas’ masterpiece is of challenges that he
AUDIOBOOK OF a tale of love, betrayal, must overcome to achieve
THE MONTH jealousy, revenge redemption. The book has
and redemption. This inspired movies, plays and
novel, narrated by Bill even the plots of some
Homewood, tells the story other thriller-dramas.
of Edmond Dantes, a Hear this book on the
well-adept sailor aboard Vistara World app now

TV & Series

The One With THE MALGUDI DAYS
The Comeback TIMELESS Maybe you grew up
watching the show, or you
Friends still has devoted fans, and it’s no surprise TELLY read the books, but you had
to have spent some time
EVER SO OFTEN, THERE anyone—that do happen. THESE SHOWS in R.K. Narayan’s town of
comes a moment in pop That’s clearly what has led NEVER GET OLD Malgudi. If you didn’t, do it
culture that defines not only generation after generation now: the characters are as
the aesthetic of the time, but to find the same appeal in Stories By relatable, and the warmth
also the way relationships the show, and why a call for Rabindranath Tagore you feel after walking
and other bonds are its return is constant. through the town is still
perceived; and also, believe Based on Tagore’s there. The pace will remind
it or not, inflexions in voices. Now, in 2020, this call short stories, it shows you of a simpler time.
has been heard and nostalgic how progressive the
One such moment came reminiscing has been SEVEN WORLDS
in 1994, and it still defines enabled. The group will be author was ONE PLANET
all the same things that it coming together in a special, Let David Attenborough
did then. The main arc of confirming that the show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai take you on a journey
every episode of Friends was just “on a break.” To These characters from that’ll leave you shaken to
revolved around the group, catch up, we’re watching the your core—a journey to
about normal, simple last season again—and you this superb comedy Antarctica. This episode
things that could happen to can, too, on Vistara World. are still used as points tells us about the rich,
unparalleled life forms found
of reference here, and how the world has
to come together to address
Everybody Loves the actions that are causing
Raymond it to melt away. We must act.

The family man who
everyone loved to love,
and sometimes hate

142 / / APRIL 2020

TIME TO TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

WHETHER YOUR BRAND OF HUMOUR IS SLAPSTICK OR DARK, THESE GEMS WILL HAVE YOU IN SPLITS

Breaking Down Brooklyn The Big Bang Killing Eve Friends
Bargaining & Guy Nine-Nine Theory Villanelle Phoebe
Who doesn’t love Quirky has never
Best Friends Jake Peralta Sheldon Cooper a well-dressed been funnier,
The confluence Never a bad time assassin with a smarter or kinder
Kenny Sebastian killer repartee? as a human being
of goofiness and to know that
For anyone who
street-smarts you’re wrong
wants to snicker

KILLING EVE DOCTOR WHO done this, the first being the View the complete
A cat-and-mouse show where you The 11th season of Doctor seventh season. Vistara library
never know who’s the cat and who’s Who brings an array of new and playlists on the
the mouse. The dynamic duo of faces, but the most striking So, if you’re ready to sit Vistara World app.
Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh make is the Thirteenth Doctor back and get into your very You can also view
this spy-thriller both gripping and (played by Jodie Whittaker) own teleportation device, previous issues of this
hilarious... the plot has the two who is the first woman to this is the show for you. magazine, comics and
of them trying to kill each other, play this role. Along with audiobooks. Download
while being obsessed with each most of the cast, writers and the app now!
other. Comer’s Villanelle steals the directors of the show, the
scene with her dry wit and multiple very flow of it saw a change.
accents, while Oh’s Agent Eve will
genuinely amaze you. Moving from the usual
concept of each episode
flowing into each other,
in this season, every
episode can be viewed as a
standalone episode (making
it the perfect show to watch
on a flight). This is only the
second time the show has

airvistara.com/magazine / 143

THE LAST WORD

WHY I TRAVEL

Bollywood star Rakul Preet Singh gives us her take on travel

What comes to your mind when we say‘first Three things you never travel without?
travel memory’? My must-haves are a pair of workout clothes and
Being an army kid, moving from one place to shoes, my make-up kit and a portable speaker.
another, constantly packing and unpacking suitcases
throughout my childhood, is all I can think of. What is your idea of a perfect holiday?
Trying different kinds of food, and just chilling
What kind of a traveller are you? without a worry—with some very good company.
I’m an extremely well-planned traveller. I consider all
possibilities and prepare myself accordingly. Your favourite travel companion?
While travelling for shoots, my mom is my favourite
Your all-time favourite destination? companion, because that’s really when we get to
London is a city I ensure I visit at least once a year. spend some quality time.
Being a healthy eater, I love the variety of clean food
there, other than the shopping options. How do you like to spend your day when
you’re not shooting?
A destination on your bucket list? I like to play golf, followed by a big brunch with my
Ibiza seems like one of the coolest party places that I friends, then a movie, and ultimately, just hanging
want to explore. It will probably happen this year. out with them in the evening.

More anecdotes, opinions and insights from celebrities at airvistara.com/magazine

144 / / APRIL 2020