By Jigar Ganatra

From journalist to fashion designer, author, dialogue writer and now a chat show host, Niranjan Iyengar has tasted success consistently over the years. With a flair for sharing experiences, he takes us on the journey he has lived over the year and speaks about the upcoming second season of his show ?Look who?s talking with Niranjan.?

Excerpts:

Tell us about your journey so far in the film industry
Things have come my way and have happened with time. Neither did I plan my journey, nor did I follow one path. It all started ever since I was a journalist and unlike the journalists today, I shared a rapport with many artists from the film industry. My work brought me close to a lot of stars and ever since then we have been together.
I have always been in love with the movies and hence I have been closely associated with many from the fraternity, and that?s how every project happened ? be it the book on Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, dialogues for Kal Ho Na Ho or any of my other works.

Juggling between films to television and vice versa, how does it work?
I have been associated with television as a writer, but never had a plan to face the camera as a chat show host. I have done two shows on television and hence had an understanding of the difference between two mediums. I was clear that the pace in the television industry is very different, unlike in films. Though the medium has its pros and cons, there is great flexibility and liberty in television than movies. However, I believe there is still a lot to learn about the dynamic television industry and I?m in the process of it.

Tell us about the author in you
A book on the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham was unplanned, although I did realise during the making that there were several reasons to write one. I was travelling with the team and noticed that the movie's star cast was amazing. Hence, as an author, I wanted to give a perspective on how the movie was made, which is a reflection to the journey I experienced with the crew ? from the idea of the movie to its release. That?s how it all started for me an author.

Can we expect another book from you soon?
Any writer would love to write. I take writing very seriously and it takes a lot of time. I believe one needs to live the moments to write on any subject. Currently, I am busy with projects, but eventually I will write a book. I have too many ideas, but I?m not planning to write, at least for a decade. I think bookshould be written when you have a certain amount of distance on the subject matter. For me to write about movies, I need to distance myself from it for a while, which is when I would be able to pen my thoughts.

Tell us something about the show and Niranjan as a host
Look Who?s Talking has a very different flavour and approach to it. The title of the show is different and was given by someone from the channel and everyone in the team liked it. The production house had the idea and offered me to host the chat show. Initially, I wasn?t very confident about facing the camera, but I was told that I could do a great job with it. Karan Johar, a close friend of mine, had a lot of faith in me. He suggested that I take up the opportunity. That?s how I gained confidence and built it episode after episode. This season the confidence has reached a great level and I?m happy about it.

As a host of the show, what ideas did you have in mind?
Since the beginning, I was very clear that I wouldn?t do anything against my personality. I wanted to be myself and present it in the most comfortable manner. This was my contribution to the show. I have known the stars for a long time and hence I did not want to look at them as stars, on this show. However, I wanted to engage with them as a friend. The idea was to keep a conversational tone and bring out the personality behind the stars. I did not want to go by any order.
Hence, the stars and I actually spoke for a couple of hours, which then becomes the episode. I believe that?s the show's USP.

What can be expected from the upcoming season?
From an audience perspective, I can say that one can look forward to the same discovery I?m making. They would love the show if they enjoyed those moments along with me. Further, the locations in this season are different to the previous and every episode is different and unique. There are a lot of stars and different personalities whom I have interacted with, starting with Varun Dhawan. However, I do have some on the ?dream list? and I wish I interview them, especially Aamir Khan.
Look who?s talking with Niranjan ? season 2 will air from 23 August at 9 pm on Zee Cafe.

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch recommends and previews television shows, films and live events that you simply cannot miss! Check out our recommendations for this weekend (21 and 23 August).

Live Act:

If you are in mood for some theater this weekend, try this sassy take on modern contemporary living and infidelity through Unfaithfully Yours, directed by Raell Padamsee.

Set in 1990, two strangers Akash and Preet meet each other at a wedding. They fall in love but both of them are married to other people. They continue to meet each year during the same time and spend a day together post which they return to their regular lives. The play shows how over the years their relationship nurtures between themselves and their respective partners. The play also stars veteran TV actors Rohit Roy and Mona Singh.   

Turn up at Sophia Bhabha Auditorium in August 23 at 7.30pm to catch this drama.

Movies:

Good news super hero lovers. The wait is over as your favourite gang of superheroes, the Fantastic Four are here to save the day this weekend. Directed by Josh Trank, this isnt a sequel to the 2005 movie, but fresh rendition of the concept, that releases this Friday.

Whats special about this new adaptation? Well, for starters the film features not only Doctor Doom, but more of the FF?s classic villains, like Galactus and the Mole Man. So comic book lovers and CG fanatics have very good reason to throng the theaters with their friends and catch this action packed film.                                   

By Papri Das

Tanishq has launched the second edition of the Farah Khan Collection. The jewellery range is an extension to the elaborate diamond jewellery collection line launched last year. Designed by renowned celebrity jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, the collection is a take on the royal rhapsody of the Persian and Mughal aesthetics in a contemporary perspective.

Unveiled by Farah Khan Ali and Titan Company head of jewellery division Sandeep Kulhalli, inspiration was brought to life as beautiful models sashayed down the runway, draped in striking outfits, complemented by the stunning diamond jewellery designed by Ali.

Overjoyed with her second collaboration with the brand, she said, ?I am extremely elated to announce the launch of the second edition of the Farah Khan for Tanishq line.?

When asked about her thought behind the collection, Ali said, ?This collection is a recreation of a glorious era of grandeur, splendor and preciousness. Using intricate floral and bird motifs, it marks a royal celebration of exotic new forms, inspired by striking silhouettes and enchanting colors.?

The diamond accessories that the models sashayed in were crafted in 18k gold with diamonds and other precious stones like rubies, emeralds, pearls, citrine, amethysts and topaz amongst others. With an assortment of chandelier earrings, cocktail rings, pendant sets and bracelets, the collection has taken a step forward by adding multi finger rings, ring-earring sets, ear cuffs and front back earring sets to cater to the fashionable trend in jewellery today. 

Speaking about the target clientele for the collection, Kulhalli said, ?This collection is for the Indian woman, who considers jewellery to be an extension of her personality. We are pleased to have Farah back in the Tanishq family as we celebrate the success of this stunning range of jewellery. We are confident this second edition will be as successful as the first one, if not more, and have an appeal amongst women of diverse age groups across India.?

The versatile collection can be paired with both ethnic as well as western outfits.

By Papri Das

If you are active on social media or have been following the news, you must be familiar with how Tamil born and IIT Kharagpur alumni Sundar Pichai risen to the position of Google CEO. No sooner did the news hit the intetnet than netizens poured in with praises for him to celebrate this proud moment for India.

Pichai isn?t the only one who has done the country proud when it comes to putting India?s name amongst world leaders in technology. Previously, Indian American business executive Satya Nadella grabbed headlines when he took over as CEO of another technology giant, Microsoft Corp.

In fact, according to a recent media report, India is the current leader in startup and entrepreneurship in the Silicon valley. ?Rise of Indians and Indian-Americans in the US tech world appears to be at its peak with as many as 15 per cent of startups in Silicon Valley being founded by Indians, according to a 2014 study by Professor Vivek Wadhwa,? the article reads.

IT isn?t the only front where India has garnered faith internationally. Indian Navy earned several accolades from nations worldwide for its efficient rescue operation ?Operation Rahat? in Yemen that saved over 5000 lives, which included a 1000 foreign nationals as well. Almost 23 countries requested assistance from India to help their citizens out of the war torn Yemen to safety.

As India steps into its 69th year of Independence, Exec Lifestyle ponders over several such reasons of taking pride as an Indian. We caught up with leading journalists, CEOs, writers and creative heads in the media to find out what they take pride in as an Indian.

Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu shares that she finds it hard to choose from the many success stories of Indians that have made her proud to be an Indian. An avid follower of sports, if Basu had to pick, she would certainly go with 17 year old Tennis champion, Sumit Nagal who won the boys? doubles title at the Wimbledon.

Basu says, ?I also rejoiced when India announced that a missile will be named after the late president APJ Abdul Kalam. It was disheartening that his last rites were marred by the entire controversy over Yakub Memon?s hanging. Naturally media covered that more. But it?s good to see that our missile man isn't forgotten and has been given due respect through the decision to rename a missile after him.?

When it comes to patriotic songs, Basu?s favourite is AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. And although they are not patriotic movies, Chak De! India and Bhag Milkha Bhag instils a powerful feeling within her.

Known as a fearless and celebrated journalist, India Today Group consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai shared that India is the best place to work as a journalist. ?I take pride in the fact that India is the most mobile and diverse country. Young kids from different parts of the country are travelling across cities and finding their destinies. And not just nationally, Indians are shining throughout the world,? he says.

?What disappoints me is that a lot of its potential is curbed because of the inequality of opportunities that still exists,? Sardesai adds after a thought.  When asked if he worries that this very cultural diversity might be at stake after the many bans that were brought upon by the State, Sardesai confidently says that the ban culture won't go on for long. ?I have faith in the current generation that will respect India?s cultural diversity and put a stop to the arbitrary banning,? he adds.

Ask him his favorite part of Independence Day and he says with a smile, ?On every Independence Day I come early to office and start my day by revealing the Prime Minister?s speech from Delhi in the news. Can you find me a better way to celebrate the day?? For Discovery Network Asia Pacific executive vice president and general manager Rahul Johri, taking pride as an Indian is an inherent feeling that is not changed by any events. ?I believe that taking pride as an Indian-ness is a lifelong feeling,? he adds.

A great campaigner for knowledge and learning amongst the youth, Johri is satisfied with the fact that Indians are pushing their boundaries and learning new ways to bring pride to the nation.

?As a media professional, I take pride in the young Indian population who have an immense appetite for knowledge, which is why you see them exploring beyond their comfort zones and bringing accolades to the nation. I pay an ode to the true spirit of an Indian, which is being manifested in the current mood of the country - thriving entrepreneurship. I love my country and take pride in being an Indian,? shares Johri wishing more power to every Indian to make a difference to this world.

Moreover, Sardesai isn?t the only one banking on India?s youth and its talent. Grey Advertising India chief strategy officer Dheeraj Sinha too trusts in the young and skilled Indian population. ?China as a country succeeded thanks to its policies. But when you look at India, its success lies in its people and their skills. The achievement of Indians worldwide is what gives India its stature,? he quips. Well informed and keeping up with India?s global position in the financial market, Sinha?s recent column on Independence Day in a leading daily discusses marketers and their approach to the Indian consumer.

Shedding more light on the topic, Sinha adds that he has high hopes from the Indian startup scene. ?In my village, a catering guy, who started with a small vendor then moved on to do business in three villages. Now he can afford to send his kids to IIT. It?s this very attitude to push through boundaries and fight against odds that makes Indians good entrepreneurs. And it shows internationally as well since India is a world leader in start ups. When people have such talents it starts mattering less, which government rules and what policies they make, as the source of power are the people, and when they shine, they make us proud,? explains Sinha.

While Sinha looks at India?s success irrespective of government policies, Doordarshan Mumbai additional director general Mukesh Sharma can?t help but appreciate the opportunities today?s youth have at their disposal. ?At times I feel envious of today?s youth for having born during such a good time. I wish I was born in independent India, specially now, when there are so many opportunities. I am proud that they are making the most these opportunities and putting them to good use. I am also happy that I can see the good times for the country during my lifetime,? Sharma adds with a smile.

While our media executives enumerate reasons for taking pride as an Indian, Exec Lifestyle observes that collectively they place immense faith in the current generation of Indians to reach newer heights and make India shine brighter. On that note, exec Life style wishes you a very happy 69th Independence Day hoping that our readers too find countless reasons to take pride as an Indian.

By Papri Das

Who needs to travel around the world to experience different cultures when you live in a country where multiple cultures nestle together? India is truly blessed to taste the flavours a myriad of cultural celebrations, each one with it?s unique touch. One such is the Parsi New Year or Navroz celebrated on the first day of the Zoroastrian calendar, which falls on 18 August this year.

What makes the Indian Parsi New Year special is that the rest of the world celebrates it during spring equinox, which usually falls on 21 March but according to Shahenshahi and Kadmi calendars (variants of the Zoroastrian calendar), which are strictly followed by Indian Parsis, the New Year celebration gets pushed to July and August, and changes every year as it doesn't count leap years.

Mumbai is home to the largest number of Parsis in the country, many of whom are a familiar name within the media industry as well. Exec Lifestyle spoke to several Parsis within the industry to find out how they plan to celebrate the day.

Madison World executive director Lara Balsara, who has kept up with the tradition every year says, ?A typical Parsi New year in our house is a complete family day that starts off with a hearty breakfast followed by wearing new clothes and visiting the Agiary or the fire temple. We give each other a warm hug and kisses as a greeting of ?Happy New Year? to fellow Parsis.?

Like every festival, food is an important part of the celebrations. ?We soon return home with a delicious lunch, which is mostly pulao and select dishes that you will only find in a Parsi household,? Balsara adds.

Popular VJ and television personality, Cyrus Broacha couldn?t agree more. ?New Year to me is all about catching up with family and gorging on good food. Since most of us are busy travelling, the family prefers to get food ordered from well known Parsi caterer like Godiwalla?s set Parsi menu. It?s also a familiar site to see a long queue of people standing outside the catering shops on the day,? he shares.

Former HBO India managing director Monica Tata, who is married into a Parsi family, seconds Broacha?s claim that food is one of the key factors in celebrating the Parsi New Year. ?My first time celebrating the festival was a unique experience. Catching up with the whole family and trying different Parsi recipes was refreshing and novel,? she says. That was more than two decades ago and now Tata celebrates the day as naturally as the rest of her family.

Elaborating on the Parsi cuisine, Tata enthusiastically shares, ?I especially like ?Patra Ni Machhi?, which is fish stuffed and steamed in banana leaf served with a typical chutney. I also like ?Chicken Farcha.? It is like chicken pieces fried in a batter, kind of like KFC except that it is so much better.? One of her other personal favourite recipes is ?Salli Boti,? a typical Parsi meat, apricot and chips speciality, which is a common household name during the New Year.

Not everyone is lucky to leisurely celebrate the day. Take Viacom18 EVP and GM for english entertainment Ferzad Palia for example. Palia will be working on the day and doesn?t see himself doing anything special. ?Nothing out of the ordinary. It is a working day for me, but I plan to visit my family and spend some time together.? When asked about Parsi cuisine that he hopes to feast on New Year, he says, ?I would love to eat it if it's made at home, but I won't go out of my way to order any.?

The evening sees Parsi families stepping out, dressed in their finery for the occasion to greet friends and relatives. A unique part of the celebration includes attending numerous Parsi plays that are scheduled across the city on the day.

?Amongst the Parsi community, theatre is very big and there are some Parsi groups that conduct plays specifically for the New Year. It is like a ritual for us to go out in the evening to watch these plays. We have been following this in our family for forever now,? shares Balsara, adding that NCPA and Rangsharda are popular venues for catching such plays

Parsis are known for their incredible sense of humour. Thus, instead of enacting mythological or religious excerpts on stage, they prefer an out an out comedy session on New Year?s day. ?Life is full of worries and tension so the thought for a Parsi New Year is: ?Let?s have a good laugh together?,? shares celebrated Parsi theater personality Sam R Kerawalla, who is presenting the Parsi gujarati comedy ?Tirangi Tehmul? this year at NCPA in Mumbai. ?The trend was first started by the famous Parsi playwright Adi Pherozeshah Marzban, who wrote all the plays that you see us enacting these days,? he explains.

In accordance with the trend, Centre Stage Productions too is showcasing their comic play at Rangsharda on Parsi New Year. ?Last year was our Silver Jubilee in performing plays on New Year?s day. Judging by the almost 90 per cent turn out each year, one can see how much us Parsis like theatre and humour. I hope we keep our love for the art alive in the years to come as well,? signs off theatre artist and drama producer Roshan Tirandaz.

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch recommends and previews television shows, films and live events that you simply cannot miss! Check out our recommendations for this weekend (14 and 16 August).

About Town:

This Independence Day celebrate feminism with documentaries that will move you. Godrej Culture Lab along with the feminist website The Ladies Finger will present  to present Wandering Women: The Feminist Docu Film Festival. The two day festival will feature films and stories that have revolutionised filmmaking. Some of the movies include Gulabi gang, Manjuben Truck Driver and more. Catch this Feminist Docu Film Festival of India on August 15 at 10 am to 7 pm in Godrej India Culture Lab in Vikroli.

Live Act:

This Friday, groove to the tunes by Vasuda Sharma as she performs live at The House. Vasuda is one of the most melodious singers of our time. She will perform the unplugged versions of old Bollywood songs for the very first time live in the city. She is known for blending Indian raga and folk based compositions with western contemporary influences. Get spell bound in her melodious music at The House on 14th August at 9pm.