By Papri Das

From word of mouth information exchange amongst family members and classified advertisements in newspapers, to matrimony sites playing matchmaking -- the Indian wedding scene undergone a sea change. And yet, the outlook and approach towards marriage and relationships hardly saw any difference. In spite of matrimonial search going digital, families still looked for ?fair, beautiful and homely? brides while girls? parents were introduced to a new breed of would-be son-in-laws: NRIs. At times when the only thing catering to the dating plans of young single Indians were the other extreme like social media and apps like Tinder, Aisle.co came as a pleasant surprise. Founded by Able Joseph in 2014, Aisle.co gave young successful Indians a contemporary approach to dating, relationship and matchmaking, which they could relate to.

It?s been almost a year since its launch and the start up is not only doing great, but has plans to expand its coverage to other arenas of the wedding industry as well. Indiantelevision.com's Exec Lifestyle caught up with the dynamic co-founder and CEO Able Joseph to find out more.

Excerpts:

What made you come up with the idea to launch a matchmaking site?

When I was in Dubai, I had a couple of friends, who were attractive and well settled yet single. They had horrible experiences from the matchmaking sites. As soon as they sign up on these sites, they would be bombarded with invites, calls or messages from random users or fake profiles, which finally took a blow on their self-esteem. It is not uncommon for a beautiful independent woman in her late 20s to be single anymore. The reason being, the existing avenues don?t really comply with her taste or requirement. And that?s how the idea of Aisle came about. We wanted to build a more result oriented application, which focuses on bringing people together for the right reasons.

What makes aisle.co different from other matchmaking sites?

Aisle is a niche product. It is a community of urban Indian singles with the intent of having a long term committed relationship. Not everyone who applies becomes a member. We take the pain of validating every applicant. We don?t work on a monthly subscription revenue model, which promotes spam, in the form of uninvited phone calls or messages.

Moreover ailse.co has many new age elements like interest meters and preferences. This gives members a better understanding of the other?s personality, making it easier to connect with individuals of the same wavelength. We also ensure that Aisle profiles are handled by the users themselves and not by a parent or relative, nor do our own algorithms interfere with the choice people make. The power of choosing is given completely to the members.

What is the revenue model for the website? 

Aisle is completely ad free. Aisle users do not pay membership fees, but they need to purchase invites to initiate communication with other users. Each invite gets used up when the other user accepts the invitation to connect. The price for the invites ranges from Rs 1,999 ($33) for three invites to Rs 3,999 ($66) for seven.

What is your reason for getting well known novelist Nikita Singh on board as the brand ambassador?

Nikita Singh is going to be the most sought after romance novelist from India. She explores deeper issues and relationships in a very mature and organized manner in her books. She boldly dwells into topics that most people shy talking about. Each one of her books has something that the young Indians can easily relate to.  She is a perfect match for Aisle. We were one of the co-promoters of her book launch that happened last month while she was in India.

Are you happy with the progress the platform has made in a year?
We launched Aisle on 14 July, 2014 with two things -- good intentions and a good idea. Today, we have over 20,000 hand-picked members from more than 40 countries and have created thousands of connections. 

We have our apps on Android and iOS. So far it?s been quite a journey. We didn?t expect such a quick response in such a short period. The countless number of hours spent in building and scaling this unique members-only social network for Indian singles, today seems like the best thing we could?ve done for society. We are thrilled to see what lies ahead for us.

What more can we expect from Aisle.co in the future?

Currently, we are perfecting our technology and working on other projects than can serve as extensions to Aisle. One such effort is http://plannerbyaisle.com where we are organizing the massive wedding industry by handpicking some of the best wedding facilitators in the country. We are also working on expanding our team.

What are your thoughts on the current marriage scenario in India and the choices that young single indians are taking?

The situation among the independent youth today has deteriorated, having to give up on and almost go against, the institution of marriage. What I see today is a lot of unnecessary conditioning on social and other media against tying the knot, which is certainly not good for our society if you think about it. We believe that we can change that for some.

We will start by ironing out the flaws introduced by online and offline marriage bureaus. Slowly but surely, through creative methods of marketing, we wish to re-instil faith in marriage among the singles.

Can you share a few trends in dating amongst Indians today?

The term ?dating? is surely misunderstood in this part of the world but that is soon changing. Dating in the west is a term that is used to describe a romantic plan with another person or a period of courtship. But in India a date is usually referred to a casual hookup. The corresponding term for a 'date' in India would be 'meet-up' and for 'dating' would be 'relationship'. 

Can you share a few stories of the matches you have made?

We encourage our members to reach out to us no matter what the occasion. Not just with their compliments and words of appreciation, but also simple suggestions has helped us understand the changing needs of our members and let us grow. 

In just a few months, eight of my friends who signed up on Aisle found their soulmates. They are all engaged or married as of today. Thank you emails keeps pouring in from those who met their matches on Aisle. While most users want to keep their personal lives discreet, here?s the story of Riti and Arnab

By Papri Das

Pedestrians and sightseers at the busy streets in Mumbai were taken by quite the surprise when model turned actor, entrepreneur and self confessed fitness fanatic Dino Morea paid them a visit on 15 July. The occasion was the launch of twelve open air fitness stations as part of his ?Get Fit Mumbai? that will be accessible at various points across the city, with the latest addition being the one at Marine drive. 

When asked about the initiative the muscle man promptly replied that this was his way to give to his city. ?I consider this as an opportunity to do something for my city and its citizens. These stations are aesthetic in design thereby adding to the city?s look and very effective while exercising,? he said.

Dino, who had earlier gotten Bollywood biggies and fellow celebrities like Hrithik Roshan to flex their muscles for his fitness stations, didn?t disappoint this time either. The launch saw Bollywood diva Jacqueline Fernandez and youth leader Shiv Sena chairperson Aaditya Thackeray having fun with the fitness gear at their disposal. 

?I?m grateful to Aaditya Thackeray who supported the initiative as it couldn?t have happened without him believing in the idea. I?m also thankful to Jacqueline who took time out from her busy schedule and being the fitness icon that she is, added immense value and will surely help spread the initiative,? added Morea while thanking the two.

After the world wide awareness program on yoga, fitness is finding a redefined position in the everyday life of the young Indians and the open gym comes as a unique concept to the ever busy city dwellers. ?It helps create awareness on health and since it is basic functional training, it?s the most effective form of training. Moreover, all those who cannot afford spending on gyms can use these stations. An added advantage of this fitness station is that you can enjoy free good outdoor workout in the open fresh air,? Dino adds in parting.

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 (10 - 12 July).

Live Act:

An amazing evening with great music and kickass performance by Peter Cat Recording Co. awaits all the froggies this Sunday. Formed in 2010, the boys in the band effortlessly pull off genres like ballroom, gypsy, jazz and even car chase music. Peter Cat Recording Company includes Suryakant on vocals, guitar and organ, Rohan on bass, Kartik on organ, guitar and electronics and Karan on beats. The ensemble has played along with several talented outfits like The Vinyl Records, The Psychai Shop and Karam Kandi Project. Catch them live at Blue Frog at 9.30 pm on Sunday, 12 July.

About Town:

Treat yourself to some powerful screen play on stage with director Rahul Da Cunha?s The Sidhus of Upper Juhu. The plays plot follows the 55 year old financial executive Balvinder Siddhu who is married to Behroze. They live in Upper Juhu?s sea facing hi-rise. He has put in his life savings in this house which is not as peaceful as he would have wanted it to be. Things only get worse by the day and when he sacked at his job. He is on the verge of nervous breakdown. Watch the play to see how the couple braves their way out of this financial fix this Sunday in Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Sophia College Campus, Haji Ali Road, South Mumbai at 7.30pm.

Television:

Star Movies

Start this weekend with back to back rounds of your favourite action star, Dwayne Johnson in two very different roles on Star Movies. At 9 pm brace yourself for some thrilling action and sci fi as actors Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino take on a joy ride through Las Vegas in Race to Witch Mountain. A Las Vegas cabbie enlists the help of a UFO expert to protect two siblings with paranormal powers from the clutches of an organization that wants to use the kids for their nefarious plans.

Chase it with The Game Plan at 11 pm where Dwayne Johnson plays a NLF quarterback living the bachelor life before discovering that he has an 8 year old daughter from a previous relationship.

Psychologists have observed that office d?cor and design affects work culture and overall productivity of a company. Therefore it becomes important to ensure your company has the right and functionally efficient interior d?cor. Keeping the modern office needs in mind, Gloob D?cor has come up with a new range of office space solutions titles Elestro.  What makes these interior plans unique is how its stresses on employee comfort and satisfaction.

Gloob D?cor, a startup led by IITians has pioneered in wall coverings sector since its inception in 2011 and successfully taps 180 plus cities of the country.

Gloob D?cor co-founder and managing director Ankur Muchhal elaborates that the idea of Elestro was conceived from a need for concept-based furniture in office space for better productivity and employee engagement.

Gloob D?cor founder and director Kunal Sharma said, ?The market for office furniture is vast, with our new range of office furniture we have tried to cater corporate needs of perfect work environment.?

In this concept, the workplace is divided as per spaces in an office for example ?All Space? (open space), ?My Space? (personal space), ?Co Space? (interactive space), ?Save Space? (compact space), ?Play Space? (canvas) and ?User Space? (Activity based working), thus successfully catering to a wider demography of workers and different functionalities. ?We are already into turnkey solutions and by introducing EleStro we have taken a plunge into designing and manufacturing of unique workspace. EleStro has the potential to become a change-catalyst in the office space industry,? said International Sales and Strategic Alliances partner and director Mrinal Sharma. With recent foray into the designer furniture and accessories segment, Gloob is also fast changing the rules of the home improvement market in India and Asia Pacific.

Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited edition ranges, to auctions that the world has their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber lifestyle.

This week, spoil yourself by taking an ultra luxurious retreat in UK, try the new nude shoes by Louboutin, and take a ride in the all new Mercedes designed private jet.

Going nude:

Matching shoes to the colour of your dress used to be yesterday?s formula. Today?s fashionistas are all about the edge and Christian Louboutin?s Nude collection gives them exactly that. Launched in 2013, this unique collection which earlier catered to a limited shades of skin colour have now added five new shades from pale to dark brown. These nude colour stilettos accentuate one?s ankles. It goes well with both smart cut suits as well as short dresses with sharply done edges. The shoes price ranges between USD600 to over USD1000.

Flying with Mercedes:

Mercedes has long been a symbol of luxury among automobile and remained a dream car for many. After taking over the roads, this German automobile leader is now all set to conquer the skies with their brand new range of private jets. Mercedes Benz has teamed up with European airline service Lufthansa which has the largest flying network, to launch a new section for their cell design. With an aim to enhance the private jet flying experience these two automobile and transport leaders have come up with a studio that specialises in designing concept cabins for private jets. Ensuring high end luxury and comfort within their automobile interiors isn?t something new for Mercedes; they are masters of the game. In fact, this won?t be their first time at lending their architectural expertise to another company; they had earlier designed yacht and copter interiors as well. This association of Mercedes with Lufthansa?s subsidiary division Lufthansa Technik is expected to elevate the lifestyle for those who seek mid air comfort and affluence. According to Gizmag.com, the two companies revealed  the first look of their innovative cabins on the prestigious platform of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which was held earlier this month from 19-21 May, 2015.

On the rocks:

All you single malt lovers out there, hold your breath as Scotch makers Tullibardine brings you one the rarest whiskeys - a 1952 Custodian Whisky. Soon after the release it has been touted as the most expensive single malt whisky in the world. The bottle?s maturing time is remarkable and if one takes the year of bottling into perspective the whiskey has existed since the reign of King George VI, and seen through 12 British Prime Ministers, 12 US Presidents, the moon landings, Concorde and a new millennium!

Retreat to luxury:

Possessing a large amount of wealth hardly leaves one with a peaceful mind, and hence they don't mind spending thousands of dollars just to get a few days of vacation in a secluded place where they can meditate and unwind. If you think peace comes to you cheap, think again. UK is a proud host to one of world?s most expensive yoga retreats called , which is set amidst the beautiful locales of Turks and Caicos Island.

The wellness center offers some of the best yoga experience including daily yoga classes on private beaches, amazing spas with specialised treatments. Other features include Japanese bath (Onsen), Jacuzzi garden, and more. Accommodation rates per person per night range from $500 which includes terrace rooms to $13,700.

Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited edition ranges, to auctions that the world has their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber lifestyle.

This week, we have something special for the bibliophiles, sustainable fashion, and the ultimate way to indulge in the rains with designer umbrellas

Bibliophile?s treasure:

In this era of digitisation, it is a novel site to see millionaires rejoice over the sight of writing instruments which their favourite authors had once used. Such was the case in the recently held Paul Smith Pencil auctions. The Secret Life of Pencil is a charity that exhibits and auctions pencils or photographic prints of them belonging to iconic writers, authors and artistes.

The humble pencil enjoyed some limelight through its photographic prints that is as individualistic as fingerprints of the artist. Each one helps you draw inference about the character of the owner. As per Luxpresso.com, Stephen Fry, David Bailey, Sir Quentin Blake, Tom Dixon, Mike Leigh, Philippe Stark, Paul Smith and 52 other famous owners showcased their pencils at this auction. Apart from these limited edition pencils, the auction also featured a concept car sketched by Jaguar Chief Designer Ian Callum that showcased his love of the 4B pencil, hand-carved pencils from Anish Kapoor and Pam Hogg, a unique sketch from Paul Smith and a one-off large Solander presentation box containing prints of all 52 participants. It will be available for online auction through Paddle8 as well.

Fashion goes green:

The recently held EcoChic Awards 2015-16 set a new benchmark in sustainable fashion in its fifth year and reached Indian shores. Ensemble, along with Hong Kong-based charity organisation Redress, introduced the award to the Indian designers at their multi-designer store in the city. Co-hosted by Ensemble executive director Tina Tahiliani Parikh and Christina Dean of Redress, the event saw an overwhelming support by IMG Lakme Fashion Week. It also witnessed an insightful journey of eco-friendly fashion in the presence of sustainable fashion designer and expert Paromita Banerjee.

Tina Tahiliani Parikh was later heard saying, ?We have always promoted new talent and I feel that this is a great platform to find young designers who are also dedicated to sustainable fashion.?

According to luxpresso.com, EcoChic Design Award aims to create high fashion couture pieces with minimal waste. Following the online application, which closes on 15 August 2015, 10 selected finalists from Asia and Europe will present their sustainable collections at the Hong Kong Fashion Week in January 2016 and the first prize grants an opportunity to design a new up-cycled collection for the leading luxury brand, Shanghai Tang. Additionally, the best Indian designer applicant for the eco challenge will get an opportunity to showcase at IMG?s Lakm? Fashion Week that will be held in August 2015.

Be Rain Ready:

The last couple of weeks saw Mumbai groaning under the constant downpours of monsoon. It?s time to stop complaining about the incessant rains and embrace it with some rain-appropriate accessories. Umbrellas not only protect your designer clothes from rain and shine, they are a remarkable fashion accessory as well that can do wonders to your image. Not just that, owning a branded umbrella or parasols as called by many, has been a symbol of class and luxury from ages. A recent research by The Richest website listed some of the popular high end umbrella brands, mostly Italian manufactured. It included Channel (their vintage collection is to die for), ?Pasotti? by Italian Umbrella with Swarovski Crystals costing USD $360, Hermes ?Pluie de H? that can make your wallet lighter by USD $485, Alexandra MC Queen umbrella with skull handle ($568) and Swaine Adeney Brigg by Malacca Flask Umbrella for Men (USD $1,270).