By Papri Das

If you?ve been following the latest season of Indian Idol Junior on Sony TV, then you must be familiar with the tiny tots who have been winning hearts across the nation with their power packed singing. While these little singers have been getting vocal training to give their pro-like performance on stage, there?s also another training listed in their daily schedule. The contestants are undergoing a four week-long fitness program conducted by none other than celebrity fitness trainer Nawaz Modi Singhania!

Founder of Body Art fitness studio with over twenty years of experience in training celebrities in fitness and lifestyle, Singhania is a familiar name amongst the fitness fanatics in Mumbai. She not only excels at training one?s body, but helps one deal with stress related problems to bring out the best in them. With knowledge, experience and technique, there couldn?t have been a better lifestyle coach for the junior idols to groom their body and mind.

Exec Lifestyle caught up with Singhania on one of her sessions with the Indian Idol Junior constestans Niharika, Ranita, Vaishnav, Nithyashree, Nahid, Ananya and Moti to find out how her specially tailored fitness program for the kids, help them become a better performer on stage and in life.

Here?s an excerpt:

How important is it for the contestants to maintain their bodily and mental fitness?

It is really important that you stay fit and healthy so you can cope with the rigorous training and the pressure of competition. For that the fitness program, which I have specially tailored for the kids, and proper nutrition is essential. Ultimately their success depends upon them. I also give them certificates from The Body Art studio, which explains the reason behind them doing this program, what they have covered as well as how it enriches their health and their capacity as an artist. This holds true in other realms in life as well. The competition will end but it's important that these kids continue with their fitness sessions and nutrition to make the most of their lives.

What does the four week program you have tailored for the kids cover?

I work with them three times a week. The main aim of the program is to work on their voice, so the content also includes exercises for the throat, which makes the voice more melodious. A major chunk of the program deals with increasing the lung power through cardiovascular activities, which helps in increasing the diaphragm width and the mobility and flexibility of the rib.

Another important aspect that I look after is their body posture. It?s important that they have a good body posture on stage as it adds to their confidence and stage presence. Bad posture also limits one?s lung capacity, and thereby affecting their singing quality. So workouts, which are aimed at enhancing their body posture is also covered within this program. We also teach them a little bit of yoga, which can be a combination of asanas, pranayams and kriyas. It helps them focus and deal with stress better.

Is their diet also covered within the program?

After going through the data available to me on each one of them I have given them information on nutrition as well. I have also asked the production team to make changes in their daily food intake based on that. There are fruits and vegetables, which are good for immunity and their voice, and foods that increases their stamina. It?s important that they stay hydrated all the time.

To make sure that their voice is not damaged or hoarse, there are certain citrus and sour fruits, which need to be avoided. Additionally, too much sugar can cause damage to the vocal chords. Certain lactogenic foods need to be avoided, as they increase the chances of mucous in the glands. They are high on protein but not good for singers, especially the ones susceptible to cold.

How does this fitness program benefit the contestants?

The fitness program for the contestants has been made keeping in mind their Peak Performance Level (PPL). PPL in fitness terminology is the level at which you perform your best. If you are above your PPL, you are very high strung and worked up. You lose appetite and don?t get enough sleep, you probably even forget going to the toilet. All these things add to your mental frame and the way you perform on the stage eventually. You may become too nervous, you may forget lines or even freeze on stage. So these are the ill effects of exceeding the PPL level.

On the other hand if you don't meet your PPL, you may remain an under achiever. That means you are not too bothered, you haven?t prepared well enough and maybe aren?t even ready to face the stage. Therefore it is very important to be at that mid-level so that you can draw the best out of yourself, and you are fully in charge of yourself.  The fitness program I have created for them helps them reach that PPL.

The contestants are under constant pressure from being eliminated and rigorous voice training. How do you ensure that their fitness sessions with you don't add to the stress?

I consciously refused the organisers request for a five days session, as it's important to take those breaks in between to relax your muscles. Overtraining is a common mistake.

A few days before I was asked by the organisers if I can do a slightly shorter session with the kids, because they have been very tired and exhausted lately with late night shoots. So I switched the whole thing around. Instead of doing what I normally do with them, which is more body training like cardio vascular exercises, I focused on more stress management programs. There are various ways of achieving that. Things like visualisation, exercises that help in releasing stress on particular parts of the body, exercises that help endorphin release, etc are some of the methods. 

Last week, Ranita Banerjee, the youngest of the lot, broke her arm. So I strictly advised her to refrain from the normal exercises we do. I rehashed her exercise schedule with activities, which will not hurt her or stress her arm. Instead I added physiotherapeutic exercises that will help her recover sooner.

Have you become attached with the kids?

Working with these kids has been one of my best experiences because their energy is so great. It?s pure and unadulterated. And this is coming from someone who has trained celebs for years. One might think they are hard to manage but they are actually very easy. They lighten up the sessions with their jokes and masti, but as soon as we start, they are immediately focused. They are all very goal oriented and therefore serious with what they have at hand. I have a nine year old daughter myself, same age as the youngest contestant. Not getting attached to them would be the stranger thing.

By Papri Das

All that glitters is most definitely gold and giving credence to this was the first day of India International Jewellery Week, which saw the launch of Tanishq?s latest gold collection - The Divyam.

The Divyam was a world removed from the usual modern aesthetics that our eyes are trained to see in fashion shows. Floral garlands decorated the sidewalks of the runway, while temple bells and powerful spiritual chants replaced the ?oh-so-familiar? peppy background music that models catwalk on. The fragrance of the flowers too added to the mystic and holy ambience of the runway.

With the elegant and effervescent Juhi Chawla?s association with the brand, anticipation was already high surrounding Tanishq?s latest launch. From follower-heavy lifestyle and fashion bloggers to eminent industry honchos and stylists, the house was packed with a buzzing audience. The opening semi-classical dance was quick to grab attention, soon followed by models who effortlessly sashayed in displaying the glowing yellow metal around them. Carved out of 22 carat gold, The Divyam is inspired by the heritage surrounding Indian temples, at the same time keeping it lightweight for more contemporary patrons.

Titan jewellery division, associate vice president of design Revathi Kant said, ?When you talk of heritage, temples offer a great deal of inspiration for us designers. First is the architecture, then the figurines, and of course myths and stories that are associated with temples make it a treasure trove for inspirations. What we have tried to do is take all of that along with their intricacies and represent it through the designs in the jewellery collection, and create a product, which is hand crafted for today?s modern woman.?

Kant further added that their target patron for The Divyam collection is the contemporary woman who prefers lighter jewellery, and yet loves a touch of ethnicity and gold on her. ?It?s an ethno-contemporary collection. They are more of statement pieces. The jewellery can go with sarees, or even with a maxi dress or a black cocktail gown. It has been designed keeping the modern Indian woman in mind, who is not necessarily donning a saree all the time,? said the designer.

The collection features different gold techniques like nakashi work, laser cut stamps and cut work. Apart from the distinct lockets with straight edges, what was noteworthy was the use of ?jhumkas? in the collection. Kant explained that it was a conscious decision keeping in mind the current consumer trends.

?Jhumkas are very much in focus this season. Not just that, ear-wear are selling pretty well. There are beautiful ear cups and there is a lot of adornment around ears, which can be experimented with. Jhumkas add that perfect touch of tradition with otherwise sharper and edgier neck pieces,? Kant added.

The show was divided into three major segments, with classical dancers playing perfect interludes with their dance moves. Their final act tactfully built up the atmosphere for the show-stopper to hit the stage. As Chawla glided in elegantly, showcasing the many necklaces of various lengths with the masterfully made stone studded gold choker at the center of all attention, the crowd couldn't help but applaud.

After the show was over, the bubbly actress told this website that when it comes to jewellery, she was more inclined towards the traditional. ?I love traditional jewellery so needless to say that I prefer more intricate designs. I like polki and jadau jewellery,? she said.

When asked to pick her favourite from the numerous necklaces she was adorning, Chawla initially finds herself in a bind, unable to pick one but finally decides on the gorgeous polki choker. ?I really like what I am wearing. Each one of them is stunning. My favourite would be the choker but I really can?t pick,? she says. ?I love them so much that I want to take all of them home, until they said they will come running with the bills,? she signs off with a wink.

By Papri Das

When Yugoslav expatriate, Ivana Perovic Shah first moved to India as a teenager, she was amazed by the cultural diversity she experienced amongst her classmates. Born in Serbia, Ivana was welcoming of new culture and people, thanks to her father?s transferable job as a Yugoslav diplomat and this helped her soak in the varied flavours of this country.

Little did she know that years later, this very knowledge and interest in India?s diverse behaviour will help her as the CEO of AP Group, a leading retail and distribution of international luxury brands in the country.

Married to Daniel Shah, owner of Club Cabana in Goa, Ivana feels herself quite at home in India and has grown quite accustomed to the Indian way of life. She not only understands the regional languages but also actively researches on consumer behaviour and the market in India for luxury goods.

In a tete-a-tete with Exec Lifestyle, Ivana shares how India is emerging as a promising market for high end lifestyle goods.

As CEO of a company that distributes international luxury-wares, what has been your observation of the ups and downs in the Indian market for luxury goods in the last decade?

The last decade has been very important for the Indian luxury market. Not only has there been an influx of most international luxury brands venturing into the Indian market, but also a rise in the High Networth Individuals (HNI) in the past six years.

Consumers are more informed through travel and media (print and online). The customer base is slowly expanding. We saw that from only traditionally wealthy, the base is moving towards new age HNIs with high purchasing power. While we have seen a lot of growth, the luxury market is yet to see its boom.

What has been your observation of the Indian consumer?s mindset when it comes to luxury brands?

India has been long known for its love for luxury goods. Indian royalty, who were idiolised by the general public, often indulged in luxury products like cars and jewellery.  Post liberalization, the Indian economy has seen a considerable growth rate. It has also broadened people?s mindsets and spending power. Besides, the industrial and IT revolution has also given birth to a completely new set of quality-conscious, global Indian consumers. Luxury has become all about displaying the individuals? hard earned currency. Hence, people have become exceptionally brand aware and brand conscious. With the correct products that cater to the Indian taste and mindful investment in real estate for the prime locations, luxury brands can go a long way.

As an expatriate how difficult was it for you to relate to the local mindset and evolve marketing tools accordingly?

Thanks to my father?s postings, I have spent all my teenage life in India, therefore I understand the market very well. My Masters degree in marketing helped me come back and implement the knowledge and adapt to what I know about the Indian culture.

The market is complex but with the right tactics and extensive research, we divide our resources and apply accordingly. For example, north India is open to spending more on products and the southern part of the country looks for value-for-money. Therefore, we promote our higher range products in the north and premium range in the south.

What is luxury according to you?

Luxury is high quality products, that have been meticulously created and that last for years. The design should be classic and not mindlessly themed on a short-lived trend. The best way to spend is by investing in a piece that can be passed on for generations, something you also identify with. A beautiful watch or a piece of jewellery is what I would go for.

In the coming years, what are the major trends that you foresee in the Indian luxury market and how are you planning to tap that for your company?

There are a few factors that will facilitate the growth of the Indian luxury market. These are: infrastructure, favorable regulatory environment and awareness through online media. There will be an increase in the number of young HNIs who look to buy luxury goods. We are going to tap the opportunities by bringing in the right product portfolio and expanding in the right markets. The brands are soon going to be even more accessible through online marketplaces. Fashion trends will soon be at par with the international ones, which will give us more opportunity to experiment and bring in trendier styles.

Keeping women in mind, which watches would you recommend fellow executives and why? Which are your favourite watches so far?

Must have watches for a woman would be:

1. A classic watch piece that can be worn for formal occasions.

2. A timepiece that shows a more fun side of you when not at work.

My personal favourites are rose gold watches and printed watches, which are in trend at the moment. My favorite brands would be the Gc Femme Bijou, Guess Rigor or Chopard Happy Diamonds.

In this episode of Talking Point our host chats up the dynamic managing director of Maxus south Asia region, Kartik Sharma. With an experience of over two decades in media and advertisement, Sharma has led his team to win several awards.

In this interview he speaks of how target oriented advertisement is the future of digital advertisement, the role of data in it and why he prefers advertisement to entertain over advertisement educate.

In this episode of Talking Point, Exec Lifestyle chats up Cyrus Oshidar.

Touted as one of the 10 most influential people from advertising world in India, Oshidar is

credited for his inputs in giving MTV India its iconic brand image.

In this candid chat with our host Papri Das, Cyrus opens up on his new digital venture

101India.com, and how digital will give away for sharing unconventional stories.