The best hiking gear
Hiking gear can be as simple or as complicated as you would like it to be. At the most basic level, all you need are good shoes, a backpack and some weather-proof clothes.
Indian proverbs
Every old culture has amazing pithy sayings that we have all heard from our grandmothers. How many of us use proverbs to make a point these days. The proverbial power of words! In a game of words, proverbs can often [...]
Interesting Prompts: thank you Marshal
So when I got the below email, I asked my publicist, Jackie if I should respond. She said that they were "interesting prompts" and that I should. Well, the first one is up at the Campaign for the American Reader [...]
Such a lovely review. Thank you, Pop Matters
I love the bits where she talks quotes the late great William Zinsser whose classic "On Writing Well," ought to be read once a year... or once a month.
Thank you, Portland Book Review
Shoba’s love for her country is eloquently described. I never thought a story about a cow could be so entertaining. The Milk Lady of Bangalore is an absorbing book and readers are likely to not notice the hours flying by. This is truly an enjoyable read.
Levitating X
Why do we go to parties? To be stimulated, to have a good time, at at the top of the hierarchy, hopefully to create a memory.
The Mercedes Benz Among Cows
Home » Leisure The Mercedes Benz Among Cows Owning a cow in India must sound like the easiest thing, until you read this hilarious new book ‘The Cows Of Bangalore: And How I Came To Own One’. Edited excerpts Last Published: Sat, Feb [...]
Mogra & Merlot: the Indian style of entertaining
On a recent night, under the lingering fragrance of a champaka tree, two taste-makers sat down to converse about tradition, aesthetics, saris, and, interestingly, entertaining. From Kerala ‘kasavu’ saris as tablecloths to ‘mogras’ in banana- leaf cones as centrepieces—is there an Indian way of entertaining? Entertaining is an act of love, a way to break the monotony of life. In today’s efficient, time-constrained world, we all have taken to “sourcing” the best products. But going that extra mile to root your parties in the Indian “context”, makes them memorable and feeds your soul and spirit.
Pre-order my book
This is the moment when the author tries to charm, cajole, plead and threaten her family, friends, relatives (and people who cordially dislike her) into buying her book. So let me dispense with all that and just say.... The Indian [...]
This Indian Life: new column for HT Brunch
Every generation thinks of itself as the sandwich generation: caught between parents and children. This generation however is different, I believe. Because of advances in medical science, our parents are living longer. These are some of the things I write about in this new column. What unites today’s India besides a love of spicy food, film songs, cricket and big fat weddings? I would say that many of us are parenting our parents – and an assortment of uncles, aunts, and random elders whose children live beyond our shores. It is equal parts frustration and comedy livened with moments of tenderness that borders on the sublime.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Thank you Thommen Olapally, for introducing me to Shoba Abraham who introduced me to Mirai Rao. Delighted to discover that her husband owns Airlines Hotel, a Bangalore icon. Their art-filled home was peaceful with good vibes. That's her mother lying [...]
40-second video trailer
Some of you might as well unfriend me now or unfollow me. This barrage will continue for a while :) Adobe Spark is very cool thought. Made this 40-second video trailer. Watch this promo of the book here [wpvideo lyYfBrhY]