Interviews

Nike has been constantly motivating running right from the grassroots level with its novelty and passion for sports. Initiatives like the Nike+ Run Club (N+RC), Nike+ Running and Nike+ Training app are the brand’s attempts to elevate running not just as a sport in India, but also as a fitness and lifestyle choice for living healthy and feeling good.

Daniel Vaz who is the Head Coach of Nike’s largest running community – talked exclusively to us on the growth of running as a sport in India.

SV: Please do tell us a little about yourself
DV: I am an Engineer by profession and a fitness instructor by passion. I am certified by premier certification agencies such as the National Strength & Condition Association and the American Council on Exercise, USA. I have been coaching runners since the last 10 years and have been a coach with the Nike Run Club since 8 years. I have completed 30 full marathons including a few in Europe.

SV: How did you get into fitness training? Was it something you always wanted?
DV: I’ve always been an active even when I was young. I have played football ever since I can remember and well beyond college, into my late 30s.

On a lark, a friend and I decided to check out the Pune International Marathon in 1995 out of curiosity. Even as amateurs and despite doing long distance for the first time, we were compelled to participate in the full marathon because the half was limited to women participation. We ran our first 21 kms since we were reasonably fit, after which our bibs were yanked off by volunteers and we were herded into a waiting bus as we did not make it in the cut-off time.

I’ve not looked back since that day because I resolved to train and complete this distance of 42.195 kms. I achieved this goal a few years later not once, but several times.

SV: Tell us about the Nike running community, N+RC. How did you get associated with the idea?
DV: Nike is a running company started by a Track & Field coach and an athlete; running is part of our culture, we want to fuel participation in the sport. In order to promote the sport from grass-root level in India, Nike has established several properties/initiatives which aim to not only popularize running as a sport in the country but also train and enable enthusiastic runners.

With the aim of helping individuals run their first and fastest race, N+RC has free registration and invites people to be part of the Nike running community. We have between 60 – 80 runners for each N+RC event.

The N+RC sessions are designed for every runner, be it a beginner or an expert. These sessions have various types of training runs from recovery to speed runs and everything in between. We have pacers that run at different paces and runners that turn up can choose the pace that they would like to run.

Each workout has a warm up, some functional training and then a run between 5 – 7 kms, followed by a cool down and stretching. In order to aid runners, Nike provides pacing bands, arm bands for their smart phones which have the Nike+ Run Club app.

Nike+ Run Club app with enhanced in-run controls, real time audio feedback helps people get most from their run. If an individual is training for the marathon, this application can design a personalized training schedule which will help them achieve their goal.

These are some attempts to elevate running not just as a sport in India, but also as a fitness and lifestyle choice for living healthy and feeling good.

SV: What role does N+RC play for the runners who want to get more fit and what kind of training methodologies do you follow while training?
DV: The Nike+ Run Club offers a comprehensive format for runners of all ages and categories, right from the fitness enthusiast to a beginner to an advanced runner.

The format includes athletic warm up, running drills to improve gait, high intensity interval training, and strength of full body. Apart from this we also do core, speed workouts, aerobic runs and flexibility routines.

SV: Do you also advise them on eating habits and how to best maintain their bodies?
DV: On the subject of nutrition, we limit our advice to athletic nutrition. We advise them on pre-run, during and post run nutrition. These include recommendations on carbohydrate and protein intake as well as appropriate hydration strategies including recommendations on electrolyte intake.

SV: Tell us a bit about the Nike training app. What all does it offer?
DV: Nike Training Club app is an ultimate personal trainer. Loaded with 100+ workouts, clear audio and visual guidance from experts for every move, the app plans to help one get fitter, faster and stronger, irrespective of one’s level or goal.

The app allows one to choose from over 100 workouts by Nike Master Trainers and create personalised training plan based on ones needs.

100+ workouts, expert guidance and personalisation features enables one to make most of this training program.

SV: How do you think, communities like Nike+ Run Club can contribute in making our society healthy, considering the fact that eating habits of today’s generation is not one of the best?
DV: Running as a sport is basic and simple, one can revel in the pure joy of self-locomotion. It requires one to just slip into a pair of shoes and step out the door. It did not require a gym or expensive club membership. It just requires an open road. One can squeeze this ‘fitness routine’ in any time that is available, anywhere in the world.

At the Nike+ Run Club, we encourage people from all walks of life to ‘Come run with us’. We teach them that ‘everyone can become an athlete’ and equip them with the safe training practices. Through this we engender a healthy lifestyle for our runners.

Running 3 – 4 days in a week and accompanying it with strength training on some days equips one with a fitness level that brings down the resting heart rate.

Besides, one gets the added bonus of indulging in the occasional gustatory delight without having to watch their waistline. Last but not the least, the periodic endorphin rush ensures a state of well-being which helps one cope with stressful situations that helps in bringing about a blissful work-life balance.

SV: What are the future goals for this club and what more is it expected to offer to the community?

DV: Nike+ Run Club is one of the most popular run clubs in the country. It’s a place where you get to meet people who share the love for running.

No matter at what level you are, beginner, intermediate or an expert, there is always something for everyone to look forward to in this running community.  Every runner here gets an opportunity to mingle with other likeminded people who constantly motivate each other to run their funnest and fastest miles in every session.

Nike+ Run Club aims at continuing to spread the love for running amongst people and motivate them to take up this sport/activity.

– Sandeep Verma

Battered, bruised, dejected, broken and failed! These are few adjectives you would refer yourself with, if by the age of 38, you lived in a car, had two failed marriages, had 4 kids but you could not meet them, because of court orders and had no real identity. Add to it, bad fitness, out of shape body and there is literally nothing that is going right in your life.

But not for Keith Rocheville!

Overcoming all these obstacles in life, and turning into an aspiring MMA fighter, Keith is one man I would look up to, when it comes to taking inspirations in life. Over-awed by his story that I read on internet, I decided to try and get an interview with him, which he duly obliged me with. And here we are, with an exclusive chit-chat on www.stylerug.net with Keith Rocheville, covering on various topics of his life.

SV: Hi Keith, thanks for talking to us. It’s a fantastic feeling to interview you for our readers. For those who do not know you, please tell us a bit about you. Where you are from, about memories from childhood and your aspirations from early life!
KR: I grew up in New Jersey outside NYC. I’m the youngest of five children. Three brothers and a sister! I always wanted to play a professional sport of some kind, but life had its own twists and turns to make.

SV: Your story is very inspiring, to which we will at in detail later in the interview. For now, tell us, how was your early teen life? Were you a dedicated worker in life, or you took it as it came?
KR: When I was 18-20, I was somewhat listless young man searching for my place in this life. I took a bus to St. Louis when I was 20 to try and start a life for myself. I was married at 21 and worked as an electrician and a security guard.

SV: What happened after marriages(s) not working out? I am aware that you shifted back with your parents. Tell us about those days!
KR: Actually, my first marriage ended after 4 short years and I have two sons with her. But at 25 I was starting all-over again. Those were tough days, as I lived in my car and struggled a great deal. When I was 28, I met my second wife and we also had two children. A girl and a boy! We bought a big house and life seemed to be moving forward. But after 10 years of her infidelity and around 30 attempts by her to call police and get me removed from my own house, things got ugly. Not once was a charge ever filed, and she really abused the system there.

SV: How difficult is it for one to take money from parents at an age of 38. Of course, I can sense the feeling that it gives, but to you as a person, did it make you strong in anyway?
KR: Man, I would literally borrow $5 from my ma and walk to the local drug store. At 38 I was feeling pretty pathetic. I really wanted to just crawl in a hole, which I did basically, for 3 months or so. I don’t know if it made me strong, but it definitely embarrassed me to the point where I didn’t want that to be my legacy- Failure!

SV: How did you come to the decision about hitting the gym? Was it a difficult choice, considering you were approaching 40 and had no permanent job to go with it?
KR: The people I stay with were training to be amateur wrestlers, and I originally began working with these young men. A fateful trip to Philadelphia and the Rocky statue got us into using the wrestling ring to box instead.

SV: Take us through your workout routine. How did you start and what was the regime. Who planned it for you?
KR: We began just with body weight exercises and brisk walks of two miles or so. We used a park playground to do pull-ups and bench hops and I would just find different things to keep some variety. But the main idea was to strengthen my back and legs as they were affected from being broken. I am diagnosed with stenosis, although I do not know to what extent!

This causes some nerve issues in my left leg. At one point I had drop foot, which basically means- my leg below the knee wouldn’t respond to any muscle commands. I thought I would be like that for life.

SV: Losing almost 32 kgs in one year and removing all that fat, what kept you going day in and day out? How did you manage your expenses, considering body building can be expensive?
KR: What kept me going was seeing the results. After a month or so, I began to see quite a change. However I had lost quite a bit of weight prior to beginning working out because I literally didn’t have enough money to eat very well. The people I stay with live in a communal way, so if we all work we all eat and pay for a roof over our head. There wasn’t much money in the work we were doing, but we all were getting by just barely. But we were using places in the park as a workout and mopping-up after the wrestlers to use their ring.

SV: What kind of workout did you get involved into? Was it more towards body weight training or lifting weight or a mix of both?
KR: Once I was working a better job, I began to go to a regular gym. Three days maybe 4 a week and I still ran every morning. About 2 1/2miles daily. I don’t lift huge weights, probably not what you would think of. I prefer to stay lean and not add too much bulk. At 6’0 and fighting at 145 lbs, I’m incredibly strong and faster too. So my goal is just for strength and endurance, but I do bulk-up quickly as well. I’ve been 165 a couple of times this year. As I get older, I don’t want to really add mass to my frame now. I’m just getting used to my body again.

SV: How about your food? What kind of diet plan was and are you on right now?
KR: I eat a gluten-free diet, lots of protein; eggs, chicken, pork and I rarely eat beef. Greek yogurt and peanut butter and nuts (any kind of, but I love peanuts in a shell and almonds). Some fruit like strawberries and blueberries, oh and apples. Basically if it’s clean unprocessed food made from corn or rice, as opposed to wheat. It’s not as complicated as it seems. I can order loaded nachos in a barroom and they’re pretty much not going to hurt my diet. And I love to cook.

SV: And then MMA happened? Talk us through that!
KR: Just had an opportunity to get into the sport and it wasn’t what I was training for. However, I always admired the guys who did it and the sport itself. I can’t think of anything more challenging and real. “Two men enter, one man leaves!” Is what I needed to bring myself alive! Sometimes, a man must reach down inside and find out what he is made of. And I had nothing to lose, which makes me the most dangerous of all. It was a positive place to channel all that I was dealing with.

SV: You lost your first fight, but I must congratulate you for the courage that showed, especially in sewing back your broken body. Were you scared getting into that cage with a pro-fighter? Scared for your life may be?
KR: Well, not for my life, but if you’re not afraid, how can you ever be brave? To be honest, I was excited. I knew I was capable and strong, I had 3 years of pent up emotion to let fly. After losing though I did kind of chide myself and ask what I thought I was doing. But I met my coach and began an MMA class soon after and after my first session there was no doubt in my mind that I belonged.

SV: Do you have any plans to open your own fitness centre or something like that?
KR: That had been a thought. There are so many though. First I would need to become certified in some way. But I do think I could effectively help people who wanted to make a change. I like to think the proof is in the pudding, I do feel like I know what works. But I also know my way is one of many. What matters in fitness is consistency, even when you don’t have the best energy, you have to get up and get yourself in motion.

SV: If you could rewind your life and make some changes to it. What would that be, and why
KR: I can’t say how much I would change, except not try and save my house and pay my child support so I had a license. That one thing has impacted my life in every way. But as far as my life goes, I’ve really had some great people in my life, even if they aren’t with me now, but I loved and I lost and I have four great kids and I’m pretty sure I know who I am and I’ve grown to like myself.

SV: What is next for Keith in life? A re-union with your kids would make it worth all, isn’t it?
KR: I’ve been trying for 3 years to see my kids. It is purely a matter of finances and I don’t have $37,000 to pay. I can barely pay my phone bill sometimes. I’ve never really recovered. I’m 40 and I have a couple bags of clothes to my name. I have been a good dad, the family court here in the US is significantly broken, as they make no effort to keep both parents in children’s lives. It is strange how one parent always has to prove they are good enough to be a parent, even after a divorce. The court rewards those who are good at playing games, not those who genuinely love their kids and would co-parent accordingly.

We would be publishing the complete workout schedule of Keith Rocheville in our next post, so stay tuned to it to know his training secrets, right here, exclusively on StyleRug.

My thoughts: We all make mistakes in life, but what matters is – what we learn out of them. For Keith, he has turned his life upside down, in order to become a better man and more so a better dad, than he was couple of years back. He is already in touch with a television network for a reality show and been offered a movie. To make changes in his life at this stage is not only inspirational to other dads of his age, but even for people like me who have faced their own fitness issues in life.

I was diagnosed with a broken disc in my spine, 4 1/2 years back with surgery adviced as the only option – two plates and four screws to be put in my back to re-shape my broken structure, but after looking at his pictures, and then after talking to Keith, I have hit gym again and started mild workout to make sure that I get back in my best possible shape.

Ironically though, he still is barred from visiting his kids from both (ex) wives and has to raise approximately USD 37,000 to be able to pay for child care and seek further legal assistance.

Though he never asked me to write this, but I still am – If anyone of you would like to help Keith in anyway to make sure that he is able to hold his children back into his arms, then do get in touch with us and we will connect you to Keith. You can also directly get in touch with him via his Facebook Profile.

– Sandeep Verma

From IT to fashion in to time! Life has taken a full circle for Sudhanshu Singh in the last two years. I got a chance to talk to him extensively on how this career change happened and how much he loves it.

Excerpts…

SV: For those who do not know you, please tell a bit about yourself.
SS: Hi everyone my name is Sudhanshu Singh. I was born in Delhi and brought up in Auraiya (a place nearby Kanpur). I was very much interested in computers and hence pursued engineering from IIT Kanpur. Currently I am based in Delhi.

SV:Did you always want to be a photographer?
SS: Not really! Photography happened 2 years ago only. I was a developer before that.

SV: What are the best memories from your initial days of clicking images? How did it all start!
SS: I started photography from my smart phone and gradually shifted to Digicam, Semi SLR and then finally to DSLR. It wasn’t planned and just happened out of interest that made me shift to this.

One of the funny memories that I have of my early days is when I did my first studio shoot. I was shooting at regular 1.8f as I usually shoot outdoors and all the pictures were coming absolutely white. I had to ask the studio manager about the camera settings. He must have thought this guy knows nothing about photography and is shooting in a studio ;).

SV: What does your tool kit include right now?
SS: My kit is a Canon 600D body with lenses: 50mm, 18-55mm and 55-250mm.

SV: How do you go about finalizing your shoot from theme selection to post production?
SS: If I already have a model to shoot, I go about deciding about the theme which would look good on her or if I already have a theme in mind I look for a model, which would excel in that particular theme. Location is decided based on theme. Once I do the shoot and view them on my laptop I edit the photos based on the theme decided. In some other cases when it’s an unplanned/casual shoot, I play with editing as per my liking.

SV: Are you more of an outdoor photographer or you like it indoors?
SS: I am more into outdoor photography, but that is because I don’t have any additional gear with me like strobes, flash etc. And also, shooting outdoor is much more fun and challenging.

SV: You also seem to have this tendency to work with new faces. How difficult or easy it is to work with them, considering most of them are first timers and have no experience in front of the camera.
SS: Yes, you are right on that. Apart from fashion bloggers who are well-known in the industry, majority of my models are first timers. Sometimes it’s difficult for them to give good poses. I help them by suggesting poses and styling and fortunately every one of them has done a good job so far.

SV: How important are colors to portray the real sense of an image?
SS: I play a lot with colors in my photos during post processing. Colors play vital role in giving a mood to the picture.

SV: If you had to pick one fashion brand (or designer) and one celebrity that you think best suit your style of clicks, who would that be and why?
SS: I am fan of Aamir Khan. He tries new roles in every movie and excels in it. It is my dream to shoot something totally different with him.

SV: What does future hold for Sudhanshu Singh?
Sv: I am inclined to fine art genre and bring something different to each of my shoots. Being a fashion photographer isn’t that tough. So I am relying on my personal style to get me forward and make a name in photography.

SV: Your take on www.stylerug.net
SS: There are numerous sites on women’s fashion. So it’s good to see a website dedicated to bringing the best of men’s fashion. Keep it up 🙂

– Sandeep Verma

He wanted to be an actor, but eventually turned out to be a sports anchor and is one of the leading faces on Star Sports. But, Siddharth Mishra is not your regular boring anchor who sticks by the books. He is funny, he is spontaneous and he is quirky. I got a chance to interact with the man himself and talk about him, sports and much more. Take a read!

SV: Tell us the beginning of your career. How did it all start?
SM: I started with doing shows for my college as an emcee and then a college senior who used to do events back then recommended me to a few event management companies and hence i started doing events after my college.
Did that for about 4 years and then a gym friend asked me to audition for homeshop18 in Delhi! I auditioned and cracked it. Anchored there for another 4 years and then a little birdie behind my head told me take the risk of my life and move to Mumbai.

SV: Share some memories back from Delhi and your move to Mumbai.
SM: As cliched as my story might sound, I didn’t know many people in Mumbai, but I chose to take the plunge and get out of my comfort zone. Left home and a stable job. I was taking the biggest risk of my life, especially after knowing that – ‘I was targeting to be an actor, in one of the toughest industries to succeed.’

SV: How tough can be Mumbai as a place for people who come to live their dreams?
SM: I came to Mumbai and stayed with my brother’s friend for a while. Then began the hunt for my own accommodation, which you know is nothing short of a war and that too if you are single and that too if you want to be an actor. But luckily, I found a decent accommodation in the suburbs.

SV: Share few of the challenges that you faced while trying your luck as a newcomer in Mumbai?
SM: Auditions, auditions and trying to understand the dynamics of a jungle like industry where the system is that there is “no system”. If you are an outsider, then it surely is tough, but the key is to ‘persevere.’ Again as cliched as it may sound, but every audition improves you in whatever little way.

I also enrolled myself for acting workshops with Mr. Neeraj Kabi. This is one thing i would recommend to you even if you don’t want to be an actor. The acting workshop, lead to a role in his play, for which I had to travel to Mira Road from Andheri, every alternate day. Sadly enough the play never saw the light of the day.

SV: How did Star Sports happen? Share with us your memories about the same.
SM: When Star Sports happened, what was the feeling like. Star Sports happened after being in the city for two years with few ads here and there, a corporate play and a shelved play, things weren’t quite looking bright.
Star Sports was then looking for anchors for their new show. I sent in my homeshop18 links for them to see… And I was called for an audition. No great shakes in being called since they were auditioning every actor, model, anchor, non actor, non model, non-anchor in the city.

After the audition they wanted me on board. But I didn’t want to do the show thinking that am here to become an actor. But I had no regular work. Hence I decided I should do it.

The show ran for year and got shelved.

In Feb 2015 I got to know that am hosting the 2015 world cup. Something I pinch myself for doing; till date!
Since then I have done shows like Matchpoint which is a Match review show. Gameplan, match preview show, countdown show, a weekend top 10 show and a few others. I would say it’s been a decent run and I think the biggest recipe has been preparation, preparation and preparation.

SV: How do you prepare for a cricket show? Do you have all the data that you are to speak in front of you or in your mind?
SM: Since you are working with experts (international cricketers) you need to know the sport like the back of your hand. That’s why there is a difference between an anchor and a sports anchor.
So I read about the game, watch the game, make notes, sit with my team, have a look at statistics, sometimes ask for a certain trend in stats from the team and then incorporate all that in one show.
So with all this we go into a show without a tele-prompter. Just have a show flow in our hand with our show producer/director in our ear.

SV: I am a big cricket fan myself and would like to call myself an encyclopaedia too. How do you think this sport has evolved in the last 7-10 years? Especially with the emergence of IPL!
SM: Test cricket & ODI cricket have become brisker and because of that cricketers are taking more chances. Like our lives, cricket has also become fast & hectic. And also so much of it, that sometimes it leaves me a little desensitized.

SV: Who is the wittiest cricketer that you have come across till date? Share a moment from any of your shows, which you would remember for the rest of your life
SM: Some of the most memorable moments have been with Shoaib Akhtar and Kapil Dev, where I have broken into a mimicry act with Akhtar doing “kitne pratishat bhartiya raat ke 2 baje yeh show dekh rahe honge.” And with Kapil Paaji numerous Dev Anand acts.

These are some of the biggest perks of the job where legends of the game get along like pals with no egos..

SV: How do you react when people recognise you on the streets. Is it a tough thing?
SM: On the streets I don’t get recognized a lot, I guess since there are so many micro celebs in Mumbai. But I think my biggest fan base has to be pubs, bars since they have cricket playing all the time.

SV: If not an anchor, what would you rather be?
SM: If I weren’t an anchor, then definitely an actor.

SV: Share with us your style quotient. What do you like wearing, when you are off-camera!
SM: Off the camera am a jeans/shorts and tee kind of a person with my loafers on.

SV: 5 things in my wardrobe:
SM: Black jacket, black tee, white sneakers, denims and brown loafers.

SV: 5 things can’t leave my house without:
SM: My water sipper, an apple, wallet, phone, there isn’t a 5th yet.

SV: What would attract me so much that I would propose on the first date?
SM: Hahaha.. I don’t think that would happen. Proposing is a big deal. Let’s put it down to being smitten..
I think she has to have that warmth and be happy. And ya… pretty enough for me to be attracted to her in the first place 🙂

– Sandeep Verma

Many would have thought that an electronic engineer, can only be that; an electronic engineer! But Isha Sharma; a Delhi girl, with dreams of making it big on the silver screen, quits being one and decides to become an actor. Within a year of joining the hustling life of Mumbai, Isha has become a prominent face on the Indian television industry.

It’s natural to say that she is destined for bigger things in life. We at www.stylerug.net got a chance to interact with the hot damsell herself and get to know her better!

SR: In just a year you have become a prominent face on Indian television. Tell us about the journey!
IA: It’s been a wonderful year for me as an actor. It was full of surprises and unexpected milestones that I feel extremely happy for. Since I’m not a trained actor, this has been an extremely learning and endearing experience for me. My character of Kritika was pretty intense and had a wonderful journey which allowed me the learn different shades of the characters – negative to positive. This was a dream come true for me,

SR: From electronic engineering to modeling. How did the transformation happen?
IA: I always wanted to be an actor. As a child i would fancy the thought of ‘how i would look on tv’. So the process was very simple. The only challenge I faced, was with my parents, as I thought they will not understand, but by gods grace they took the news happily and are extremely supportive of my decision.

SR: What kind of identity do you want to create for yourself in the television/cinema industry?
IA: Commercially, as well as, critically acclaimed.

SR: What kind of roles would you want to be a part of in the Indian cinema?
IA: As an actor I want to do variety of roles and not be typecast.

SR: Looking at you, it is easy to say that glamour comes naturally to you. Do you see yourself getting involved with off-beat roles that demand higher rate of acting and less of body impressions?
IA: As an actor it’s my job to do justice to the character that I am playing. So whatever body shape and look of the character is, whether it’s off beat, no make-up or glamorous, I will adapt to it.

SR: Talk us through your workout regime.
IA: I swim 5 days in a week and yoga thrice a week. Meditation is a must for me everyday. I ensure 15 minutes in the day are given to myself.

SR: To what I know, you like to be a trend setter instead of a follower. Tell us more about your style quotient.
IA: I believe every individual has their own style, but trends keep changing and a person should wear whatever works for them according to their body shape, and overall physique, instead of blindly following trends. So this is what I do and luckily I have a petite frame so I have a lot of options. Generally, I dress according to my mood and I am picky with colors, so I kind of balance, how I am feeling with the styling of my clothes.

Quick Fire:

Birthplace: Delhi
Current location: Mumbai
Measurements as of now: 34-26-34
I think my best physical feature: face and hair
I would have sex with a guy on first date, only if: he is Brad Pitt
Tattoos and what they mean: I don’t have one, but may have one soon. But I think a tattoo should be done only if it has a significance and personal meaning to you rather than a style statement.
My best trait is: practical application of knowledge in general
My worst habit is: that I am very short tempered
I wish more men would: believe and work towards gender equality
The key to my heart is: great food and good conversation
When it comes to my body, please do: not judge! I am naturally slim, I am not anorexic and I do not diet.
Physical feature I like to show off: legs and collar bones
The sexiest outfit I will wear in public: versace gown with side n back cut outs
A superficial thing I am attracted to: eye color especially blue n green ones
My favorite physical feature on a man: jaw line and height
My favorite trait in a man: mannerisms
A man will impress me if: chivalrous
A man will turn me on if: can’t handle his drink or is outspoken or smell bad
A man will disappoint me if: he is way too serious by nature
I will not even give you a second look if: u have a pot belly
Something stupid men do or say when they first meet me: I can’t believe you are single!
I will sleep with you when: I know for a fact that you’re Brad Pitt
I will never sleep with you if: you get caught lying that you’re Brad Pitt
Don’t you dare: talk illogically with me
I am the best in the world at: convincing people
I need a man who will: add on to my life in every way possible
If you come to my house, don’t criticize: my furniture
The last movie that made me laugh: The Jungle Book

She is a Hot Indian Female Model. She is curvaceous! She is sensual! And bloody hell, she is intelligent! Anwesha Mandal, a Mumbai based writer/photographer/model is a package that men usually dream of in their girl(s). She talks exclusively with us talking about her life so far, and of course MEN ;). And she is our this week’s Eye Candy too!

SV: Could you please tell us our reader a bit about you! A little background!
AM: I have been a professional photographer & writer for many years. I would model when I was younger, but then I got completely pre-occupied with shooting pictures & because of certain wrong decisions I just didn’t continue, but now I am back at it and loving it. 🙂

SV: And how did modeling happen in life? Conscious effort or just by luck?
AM: Well I was in Xavier’s & my photography professor wanted to shoot me & a couple of friends, so we thought why the hell not! I never pursued modeling back then, but I enjoyed posing even for friend’s projects or self-portraits. Post that different people approached me for various shoots till now where I have a good set of pictures. Now I push myself for certain modeling projects.

SV: What are your memories from your first shoot?
AM: Well it was rather fun & creative because it was an anti-fashion shoot plus I was pretty comfortable. I although have a very strange memory, where both the other girls were dark skinned and the photographer kept saying “God you are so white, you need the bronzer.”

SV: What would you say is your fashion statement look?
AM: I think my style is edgy- chic, but I have a very varied style or taste I get bored of the same kind of clothes so I keep picking up different, interesting things. I love black though & bright colors. I barely wear pastels or browns.

SV: What was the feeling like in the stomach, when you were getting ready for your first shoot?
AM: I don’t really think I was nervous, but I wasn’t so sure about my angles but generally I am very comfortable in my skin.

SV: What drives you to be a model?
AM: Honestly I like good pictures. Even if someone else doesn’t shoot me, I would take a self -portrait myself. It is a bit of acting when you are trying to get the perfect pose. I do a lot of other creative stuff as well so I approach modeling as a fun thing to do on the side.

SV: Your take on www.stylerug.net
AM: It’s an interesting website with a lot of information on various topics. I like that that you can see breaking news to travel stuff as well as technology posts. A lot of nice interviews as well on it 

QuickFire:
Measurements as of now: 36-28-34
I think my best physical feature is: I think my neck & collarbones & my eyes
Men say my best physical feature is: Hahaha you should ask them 🙂
Sexiest woman ever, and why: Liv Tyler is gorgeous but the only woman I would ever want to be with is Rooney Mara. More than her looks it’s because she is so edgy & interesting & intriguing that I find her very attractive.
My best trait is: I am honest & I can laugh through the worst situations in life. I have the ability to see light in a tunnel when there is practically no hope. I am very positive.

My worst habit is: There maybe a couple. I can be a bit detached & if I lose respect for someone, it gets hard for me to even acknowledge the person when they are around. I do try though to correct myself & if ever I make mistakes, I am always open to learning & growing.
I wish more men would: just try not so hard to impress a woman and just try and keep a casual conversation. At least that works with me!
The key to my heart is: Good conversation really.
Compliment me on: my creativity, my humor & my intelligence. Then you can tell me about the superficial stuff as well.
Physical feature I like to show off: My neck & I love to do up my eyes.
A superficial thing I am attracted to: A good looking man with good abs is always attractive but after a point if there is nothing else interesting up in the head, it’s rather pointless.
My favorite physical feature in a man: Shoulders & arms
My favorite trait in a man: Humility, Honesty & intelligence
A man will impress me if: he is hard-working, creative & honest.
A man will turn me on if: They are individualistic & live life by their own rules.

The simplest thing you can do to make me happy is: Take me to the beach & jump into the ocean with me!
I will not even give you a second look if: I see you behaving aggressively or violent. It puts me off.
Something stupid men do or say when they first meet me: When guys say “You are so pretty. You are so gorgeous” 10 times in a conversation with nothing else to add to the conversation then it really doesn’t flatter me. I don’t know if this works with other women. I have never ended up dating guys who hit on me profusely. At the end of the day only good looks does not float my boat.
The best date I ever had was: I am a very easygoing person. I don’t necessarily need anything fancy. It was probably a weekend away where we just sat next to the beach with good food, good drinks & good conversation.
I am the best in the world at: being me.
I need a man who will: I don’t need but I would want a man who shares the same excitement & love for thrill & adventure & learning new things like I have.
My philosophy of love: It is beautifully agonizing to be madly in love but it is the most beautiful thing. But to me love essentially should be growth as people more than anything.

Sandeep Verma

When we search for fashion conscious people to be featured in our #promoteafriendinitiative, we look for certain qualities in a person. A spark that would make people want to know them yes, but also a grace, that sets them apart from regular fashion people and full-time models!

And this is where we found the gorgeous Farheen Siddiqui!

Smart, Strong and Sexy!

These are the three attributes that oozes out of Farheen Siddiqui, a Delhi based Fashionista and a model (only by hobby), and after conversing with her for a bit, we just knew, we HAD to feature her!

Read on, to know more about this girl!

SR: Could you tell our readers a bit about you?
FS: My name is Farheen, I’m 19 and I am born and brought up in Delhi. I am quite an enthusiastic girl and look forward to all the activities with a positive attitude. I love travelling and exploring new and different things – be it a place, food or fashion/style. I also do modeling as a hobby, and love singing and dancing. Currently a BBA student, I would call myself an entertaining person who makes people laugh.

SR: How would you describe your fashion sense?
FS: Fashion is something that changes rapidly with time. I like to wear leather jackets with ankle boots. I’ll prefer a tank top with a pair of high-waist jeans. Shorts look good with Tees. Belly piercing is also my style. In my closet, you’ll find mostly black, red and blue. My brands are Zara, Vero Moda, Forever21, Mango, UCB, Aldo, Nine vest, Swatch, Espirit, etc.

SR: Do you like to buy only from the branded stores, or street shops do the trick too for you?
FS: Well, I m a big time shopaholic. I love wearing branded clothes; however, I do like shopping from street shops as well. I think it’s not about what you wear; it’s about how you wear it.

SR: We tried, but couldn’t ignore the fact that you have an absolutely toned body and curves. What’s the secret? Diet or workout?
FS: At the end of the day, it’s a lot about genetics – there’s no two ways about it. And one should intake the required amount of nutrition in a day. But yes I do go for regular walks.

SR: Tell us a bit more about your daily life… how conscious are you when getting ready to go out?
FS: Well, I’m not that conscious while getting ready to go out for my daily life schedule, and prefer wearing pleasing and comfortable clothes that I can carry well with minimal make-up applied.

SR: What would you say is the stronger part of your personality?
FS: My positive viewpoint about life is the strongest of all. I am never afraid of any unfavorable circumstance. I’m a confident person and stand for what I believe is right.

SR: And your weakness?
FS: I get attached to people and sometimes trust people soon, which can be considered as a weakness.

SR: What are the five must have’s for you in your wardrobe?
FS: Though there are many, but considering winters- black leather jacket, a pair of slim fit jeans, high heels, a pair of ankle boots, a graceful clutch.

SR: What are your favorite fashion accessories?
FS: I really like reflector sunglasses, short stoles, pretty necklaces, handbags, clutch, sandals, etc.

SR: Do you look to someone (a celebrity) as your fashion/style inspiration? If so then who and why?
FS: I admire Priyanka Chopra a lot and look to her as an inspiration. Her name itself is the answer for ‘why’. She is cited as the world’s sexiest Asian woman, as well as one of the most fashionable Indian celebrities, by various media outlets.

SR: You have a tattoo on the side of your waist… what is it… what’s the story behind it?
FS: Yes it’s designed as flame. That flame denotes divine love. Divine, because love in its first origin is nothing else than fire, and flame from the Lord as sun! It is the fire or flame of this sun which gives the being of life to every person, and it is the vital fire itself which fills the interiors of a human with heat, as can be seen from love, for in proportion as love increases with that human, he or she grows warm, and in proportion as love decreases, he or she grows cold.

SR: Would you call yourself a romantic or a serious person?
FS: Well, I’m a SRK fan. So obviously I have to be romantic.

SR: What kind of men attracts you?
FS: Men with amusing personality provided he is honest, romantic and down to earth.

SR: Has anyone ever come up to you and tried using pick-up lines? If yes, what was your reaction?
FS: Lol yes, many a times! Sometimes they are really funny. The one I remember is, ‘I’m no organ donor, but I’d be happy to give you my heart.’

SR: What would you want a man to wear on the first date with you… considering it’s winters…let’s go with a winter attire for description!
FS: If on a movie date or something like that I’d like him to wear a leather jacket. If he is taking me out for dinner then I’d like to see him in a light blazer. I’d want him to keep it simple though.

SR: Things you can’t leave home without would be?
FS: My IPhone, wallet, small makeup kit, hairbrush, headphones, phone charger etc.

SR: Your take on www.stylerug.net?
FS: ‘Stylerug’ is a trendy fashion website that shows latest fashion and interviews with models. It also tells us about travel and lifestyle. It makes us aware about high tech gadgets. Stylerug is wide-reaching and is doing pretty good.

– SV

There is a thing about ‘nudity’; we all like it in private, but the moment it shows it shades in public, we become so against it, as if, we have never seen ourselves in the mirror and admired what we see (if you are worth it that is).

Then there is a thing of talking about celebrities pr hot indian models who claim that they would take-off their clothes, for whatever reasons, which to be honest, sounds only like a headline grabbing tactics to me.

However, I have always been fascinated by people who work primarily as nude or art models. Why? Well, I believe there is a certain aura of freedom about them! For them, it’s not about the glamour of the ramp, or the mileage that they would get if seen on big hoardings across the country/city…. for them… it’s all about being free from their body and being involved with their souls.

Make no mistake about it, once these models take-off their clothes in front of a photographer for the shoot, they are not only showing them their body, but also taking out their inner-being to be appreciated with the amalgamation of the body art that is to be shot.

I came across one such girl from Kolkata; Priya Chakraborty! Surprisingly enough, she is a very introvert and a shy girl, but the moment we started speaking, I was blown away with her thought process and her courage to do what she is doing i.e. Nude Modeling

!

“For me, it has never been about my body. For me, it’s always been about my soul. How comfortable am I in sharing my self-being with the rest of the world. Luckily, my family and my fiancé support me a lot for my work and when people around you give such positive vibes, then it’s needless to say, mustering courage to go for what you want to, becomes a lot easier.”

Here’s a little more about the girl …. That exists in her own ways!

Name: Priya Chakraborty
Birthplace: Kolkata
Current location: Kolkata
Measurements as of now: 32b- 26-34

Nudity for me is: Raw beauty. Covered by skin and nature
I don’t mind posing nude because: It’s not a sin.
I think my best physical feature is: Waist, belly and naval .
Men say my best physical feature is: Belly.
I would have sex with a guy on first date, only if: He looks like Enrique Iglesias. I have a huge crush on him.
Sexiest woman ever, and why: Angelina Jolie… you need a reason??? She is perrrrrfect from in every possible way.

Best memories so far from my previous shoots: While working for Mr. Sanatan Dinda, who is a very famous body paint artist, I had my whole body covered in paint and I was unable to move even an inch. I was literally standing like a statue for the whole duration of the shoot.

After a while, I felt very hungry, but could not move, so he fed me by his own hands, which was a very touching thing to do.
What my parents think about my work: They appreciate and respect!
My best trait is: Winky smile
My worst habit is: I am very short-tempered.
I wish more men would: Respect girls and their freedom. Don’t judge by their clothes. Do not underestimate.
The key to my heart is: Honesty and friendly behaviour
Compliment me on: Style and attitude
Pet name for my boobs: Minnie and Daisy

What I love about my boobs: They are very cute
When it comes to my body, please do: Comment on my waist.
Most important rule or rules of bedroom etiquette: be clean and be aggressive 😉
Physical feature I like to show off: Waist curves
A superficial thing I am attracted to: Vampire n Werewolves
My favorite physical feature on a man : Firm hands
The simplest thing you can do to make me happy is: Praise me and give me chocolates
I will not even give you a second look if: You have bad hairstyle
If you come to my house, don’t criticize: My bedroom

The last movie that made me laugh: Hotel Transylvania-2
The last movie that made me cry: Twilight Saga
My philosophy of love: Always and forever.
My philosophy of sex: Emotion in motion 😉
My philosophy of life: You are always young to dream

Words: SV

She is tall, she is sultry and she is as seductive as they come! Zorana AKA Zora is one of the hottest and at the same time sweetest model till date that we have had a chat with. In India via Satin Models India, Zora is on a nonstop spree of doing quality work with all the leading names of Indian fashion industry.

Here’s a bit more on this gorgeous!

Name: Zorana Karatovic
Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia
Current Location: New Delhi India
Measurements: 85-65-95
‘Men’ say best physical feature is: I guess it’s always about body. I don’t know!
Sexiest woman ever, and why: Every woman is sexy and beautiful in her own way
My best trait is: Definitely persistence! When I decide I want something, there is no stopping me.

My worst habit is: I’m an impulsive person and if I don’t understand what people exactly want from me to do, I’ll get nervous.
The key to my heart is: Is hiding deep in the ocean.
Compliment me on: My beautiful soul!
Designers or brands I have worked with: I can’t remember all of them.
My big decision was: When I decided not to go to university this year and dedicate my time to modeling.
Memories from my first shoot/show: That they cut my long hair :-P.
Fashion for me is: Expressing yourself…trying to be unique, classy, elegant in your own way. You don’t need high fashion brands to have a good style. That is something you are born with.
Beach or hills, why: Both…but If I really have to choose, I would say beach, cause swimming is my favorite sport.

The sexiest outfit I will ever wear in public: The belly dance costume.
Pet name for my boobs (if I would name them): Katti Batti (Just in case you want to know even more, Katti is the left one, Batti the right ).
What I love about my looks: ) I love my hair.
When it comes to my body, please do not: Measure my hips, lol
A man will impress me, if: If he is intelligent and funny.
He will disappoint me, if: He doesn’t respect women.
I best date I have ever had was: That is a private thing 😉
I am not an ideal woman because: Nobody is perfect.
I am the best in the world at: Helping others. That’s why I wanted to study psychology.
I need a man who will:Take my hand and dance with me in the middle of the street at
night.
Last movie that made me laugh: “Some like it hot”
My philosophy of life: Just believe in yourself, be positive and everything will be good.
I think www.stylerug.net is: Awesome !!

– SV

I have been a regular visitor to Watch World Awards, ever since its inception 6 years back. And every time I visit this prestigious event, I can sense the stature and dedication of the team growing a notch higher, to make this event better than the last one.

Considering that it’s weird for me to say and admit that the last I talked to the master mind behind this event i.e. Mitrajit Bhattacharya, was 5 years back. However, once I stepped inside the event venue this time, I just knew I had to interact with him and so I did.

Here are the excerpts…

SV: How would you define the journey of WWA in the last 6 years?
MB: Incredible, in one word. The fact that we have hardly changed the core of the awards i.e the nomination and the jury process, confirms that we got it right from the word go. However, inspite of keeping the core intact, the celebrations have grown in stature every passing year.

Leading names like Raghavendra Rathore, Rohit Bal, Priyadarshini Rao (fashion), Ravi Shastri, Michael Ferreira, Adhiraj Singh, Ayaz Memon (Sports), Neeraj Pandey, Apoorva Lakhia (cinema), Antoine Simonin (watchmaking) and many more, having been involved as the jury, the awards have always been respected across the globe.

To add to the glamour quotient, we have had Delhi and Gurgaon swish set mingle with Bollywood celebs like Preity Zinta, Neha Dhupia, Aditi Rao Hydari, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Kabir Khan, Jimmy Shergill, Shriya Saran, Nimrat Kaur, Yami Gautam at the red carpet.

SV: What were the challenges that you had to face during this journey?
MB: The key challenges were two:
1) To get a jury which is competent yet unbiased
2) To get international brands from Switzerland and Japan participate in an award based out of India

SV: India is still an evolving market for luxury, how according to you WWA contributes as, in making people more inclined and recognizing the efforts that go behind making these timeless time-pieces
MB: Yes, that’s precisely the reason why we had instituted the WWA. We believe we are a change agent in this ever growing luxury market in India. These awards bring watches right in the centre of conversation for the target group.

SV: How difficult a job it is to track down the ‘know-hows’ and ˜where-abouts’ of so many brands from across the globe?
MB: That’s our job and as specialists we pride ourselves in doing that well.

SV: Did you marketing background contributed in better planning of WWA? If so, then how?
MB: Successful execution of any large event is possible only by combined efforts of competent teams and not one individual.

SV: But how did the shift happen? Have you always had passion for time-pieces?
MB: Marketing is universal. It needs calibration depending on the category you work for. Once we started the journey of working on watches 15 years ago, we realized we needed to be on top of the knowledge game to set the rules in a growing market which was rapidly changing.

SV: Which one is your ˜love of all time” watch brand (specific model) and why?
MB: I will definitely not answer on a specific model but as genres I like complications and simplicity. As it is difficult to create extremely complicated watches, it is equally difficult to create a classic simple timepiece which transcends generations.

SV: If you ever had to launch your own watch brand in India. What kind of watches would you make?
MB: I have dreams but it will take time.

SV: What are the new additions that we can expect from WWA in the future?
MB: Nothing. And everything! We do not change things for the sake of it. At the same time we continuously change with times as need be. In short, the core doesn’t change but newer categories get added and dropped.

– SV