Global IndianstoryUS-born sensation Sreeleela takes Tollywood by storm with her versatility and charisma

US-born sensation Sreeleela takes Tollywood by storm with her versatility and charisma

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(July 1, 2023) With an innate passion for entertainment and a magnetic presence in front of the camera, Sreeleela is an unstoppable force taking the Kannada-Telugu film industry by storm. Born and raised in the United States, this multitalented actress effortlessly captures hearts with her charismatic performances.

While her acting career has taken center stage, Sreeleela is not one to be confined to a single pursuit. Pursuing her dreams of becoming a doctor, she delves into the intricacies of medical cases as part of her MBBS curriculum. “Entertaining people has always come naturally to me, ever since childhood. While acting has become my full-time profession, I am equally passionate about my journey towards becoming a doctor,” shares Sreeleela in an exclusive conversation with Global Indian.

Sreeleela

A quick rise to stardom

In a short span of time, the US-born Sreeleela has put a number of big projects in her kitty, taking the south Indian film fraternity by storm. “I just go with the flow and give my 100%. I have learnt to not take things too seriously. I put in my best effort and leave the rest to destiny,” says the actress. She has seven big-ticket films to her credit, possibly the highest number that any top actress has had at a single point in time, even at the peak of their careers.

Among them are Ustaad Bhagat Singh with Pawan Kalyan, a film with Vijay Deverakonda and Aadikeshava, another with Allu Arjun besides playing the female lead in Bhagavanth Kesari. Her most recent achievement has been bagging the role of the female lead in Guntur Karam with Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu. Her career took off with a Kannada film Kiss in 2019. The film achieved considerable success at the box office and earned her the Best Female debut (Kannada) award along with the most promising newcomer award. “The title of the film (Kiss) was a shock but the film itself had nothing to do with the title,” Sreeleela remarks. She marked her entry into Tollywood with the Telugu film PellisandD in 2021 and then Dhamaka happened the following year. There has been no looking back since.

She feels it’s just the beginning of her journey. “Nothing in life comes easy. One has to be smart and hardworking, irrespective of any field. I have a long, long way to go,” says the 22-year old, adding she is grateful for the big ticket projects coming her way. She recently wrapped up shooting for another film opposite actor Ram Pothineni.

Born to dance

Born in Detroit, Michigan in June 2001 into a Telugu speaking family, Sreeleela started learning Bharatnatyam when she was just three. Even as a child, she was passionate about dancing. “My mother did not want me to be content only with one dance form so she enrolled me to ballet classes as well,’ informs the star, whose second Kannada movie was ‘Bharate’. Within a few years of staying in US, they shifted back to Bengaluru.

She says both the dance forms being so diverse, it would be confusing for her while practising either of the two. “But it later helped me adapt to whichever form that I was performing,” smiles the actress. At the same time, academic rigour was a non-negotiable rule, enforced by her mother, Swarnalatha, who is a gynaecologist in Bengaluru. “My mother was very strict when it came to academics. After my classes and dance practices, I would have to attend Math tuition without fail and then it was homework time,” recalls Sreeleela, who studied in Bengaluru.

Navigating fame in the age of social media, OTT

By her own admission, Sreeleela has always been a ‘drama queen’. “I used to entertain visitors who came home by either imitating someone or throwing starry tantrums and behaving like an actress,” laughs Sreeleela, who is also a swimmer and briefly played hockey in her school in Bengaluru.

Ask her if an actor’s life is like a roller coaster, given the hits and flops which constantly make or mar their careers, Sreeleela says actors across all film industries have their share of ups and downs. “The one piece of advice I follow is never to take success or failure too seriously. That keeps me going.”

Coming to pressures from social media, Sreeleela feels “It’s pressure if you choose to see it that way.” She says no one is forcing anyone to post something on Instagram. “For me, social media is one way to communicate with people. It’s a great platform if used in the right way. It was difficult initially as I am a very private person. But I am enjoying it now,” she informs.

She feels OTT is a great platform where different subjects and characters are being explored. “For theatre release, we need some theatrical elements but for OTT, it’s not necessary. It has widened the film making process,” she says. Movie shoots leave her with little to no time. “Post shoots, I do a bit of reading for my MBBS. It helps me relax,” she says.

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Published on 01, Jul 2023

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Former Masterchef Australia judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris explore the flavours of India

(August 11, 2024) I’m meeting celebrated food icons from Australia, chefs Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris along with food critic Matt Preston, the day after the Indian hockey team beat Australia for the first time in 52 years at the Paris Olympics! But given the mood in the star hotel where the legendary trio are holding court shows that not all Aussies have lost. Sharing their stories, gently ribbing each other, and sharing generous nuggets from their stellar careers, the OG food connoisseurs know a thing or two about enthralling audiences. In a world where food is both an art form and a cultural bridge, few have explored its depths as thoroughly as the talented trio. These culinary luminaries have not only transformed the way we view food through their time on MasterChef Australia but have also embarked on personal journeys that deepen their appreciation for global cuisines, particularly the rich and diverse flavors of India. What makes them special is their deep understanding of local food – they talk knowledgeably about everything food, from local millets, the best haunts for biryani in Hyderabad to the growing fascinating for mandi in India! [caption id="attachment_53568" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Masterchef Australia's OG judges,

ss="wp-image-53568" src="https://stage.globalindian.com//wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-06-at-11.37.58.jpeg" alt="Gary Mehigan | George Calombaris | Global Indian" width="432" height="576" /> Masterchef Australia's OG judges, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris on their Conosh India tour[/caption]

Global Indian catches up with the three masters in Hyderabad during their Conosh India tour, as they do what they do best – bringing in flavors, ingredients and dishes from across the world to create a truly global dining experience.

Early influences and culinary beginnings

For Gary Mehigan, the journey began at home. “My grandfather was a chef, but as a young boy, I didn’t know that. I just thought he cooked nice food,” he recalls. Fast food was never on the table with home-cooked meals being a staple, with his mother making everything from pastries to chips in an old fryer. These experiences laid the foundation for his palate and love for food.

Similarly, George Calombaris grew up with a deep connection to home-cooked meals. His culinary journey started with family gatherings and occasional visits to a local Chinese restaurant. “Those visits were special. I remember the prawn crackers and my dad’s excitement over sweet and sour dishes,” George reminisces.

Matt Preston’s culinary roots were firmly planted in his family’s kitchen and garden. “I still remember the fresh smell of tomatoes in the greenhouses! My father was an adventurer who experimented with different cuisines and flavors. So I grew up with a proper love of spices and dishes like Vindaloo.”

Discovering Indian cuisine

The trio's exploration of Indian cuisine showcases their commitment to understanding and celebrating diverse food cultures. George’s connection to Indian cuisine runs deep, with his great-grandfather being born in India. However, it was their first visit to India in 2012 that truly opened their eyes to the country's culinary diversity. “Before that trip, my idea of Indian food was limited to butter chicken and naan,” George admits. “Traveling through India and experiencing the regional cuisines was a revelation.”

[caption id="attachment_53570" align="aligncenter" width="475"] Gary Mehigan | George Calombaris | Matt Preston | Masterchef Australia | Global Indian The Masterchef Australia crew[/caption]

Matt finds the historical and cultural influences on Indian food fascinating. “Indian cuisine has been shaped by various cultures, including Greek, which adds layers of complexity and richness,” he explains. His travels to India have unveiled the intricate tapestry of flavors and histories that define Indian culinary traditions.

Gary echoes this sentiment, noting that their visits to India have been transformative. “The variety of Indian cuisine is astounding. Each region has its own distinct identity, and it’s a learning journey every time we visit,” he says.

Impact of Masterchef Australia

Their time on MasterChef Australia was a defining period in their careers, influencing not only their personal growth but also the global perception of food. “It was 11 years of filming, 16 series, and it changed the perception of food in Australia and India,” Gary reflects. The show celebrated the melting pot of cultures in Australia, showcasing dishes from around the world and inspiring viewers globally.

Matt emphasizes the importance of the diverse backgrounds of the contestants, which enriched their culinary horizons. “Seeing young cooks from different backgrounds, like Jimmy Seervai, Nidhi, and Sandeep, bringing their heritage to the table was amazing,” he says. George adds that the pride and excitement of young chefs from various cultures were truly inspiring, highlighting the show’s far-reaching impact.

Internet and modern cuisine

In today’s digital age, the internet and social media play a significant role in shaping culinary trends and perceptions. However, George cautions against the potential homogenization of cuisines. “It’s a double-edged sword. It makes trends more accessible but can also lead to a loss of regional uniqueness if not approached thoughtfully,” he warns. Matt agrees, emphasizing the importance of using the internet to enhance culinary knowledge rather than blindly following trends.

Gary believes that while the internet opens up possibilities, maintaining the integrity of regional cuisines is crucial. “Indian cuisine, for example, is so diverse and complex that it’s unlikely to lose its uniqueness. The enthusiasm of young Indian chefs ensures that traditional flavors are preserved and celebrated,” he notes.

It is the impact of these shows that is visible in the culinary scene today While two decades ago the best Indian chefs were working across the world now they have opportunities within the country. Gary adds, “Chefs like Varun Totlani are working wonders each day!”

Memorable culinary discoveries in India

Each visit to India brings new surprises and discoveries for the trio. Gary shares his experience of tasting forage-based and fermented foods in Nagaland, which were completely new to him. “The fermented mustard greens tasted like Vegemite, and I would happily spread them on toast,” he says. These unexpected flavors and textures make exploring Indian cuisine exciting.

George is continually astonished by the simplicity and vibrancy of dishes made with humble ingredients like lentils. “It’s a lesson in how you can feed many people with something simple yet delicious,” he remarks. Matt highlights the unique sourness and depth of flavor in Gongura, a dish that stood out to him during his travels in India.

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The journey continues

As they create culinary experiences in India, the trio are excited about blending their culinary styles with local ingredients. Matt mentions using burrata from a local producer in Mumbai for one of their dishes, highlighting their commitment to collaboration with local artisans. “This collaboration and bringing our own twists to traditional flavors make our events special,” he says.

The dinners they curate are experiences in themselves and a true amalgamation of the local and the global – from fresh handmade burratas served on maple salted pineapples and sashimi tuna with caviar sourced from Yarra valley to an aussie bush scone with whipped feta.

Gary and George emphasize the fun and creativity involved in planning their menus. “We enjoy incorporating local elements and seeing how they enhance our dishes. It’s about celebrating the best of both worlds and creating something memorable,” Gary explains. George adds that their focus is on highlighting the synergy between their culinary experiences and local flavors, making each event unique and exciting.

The culinary journeys of Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan are far from over. Whether through their time on MasterChef Australia, their travels in India, or their ongoing culinary adventures, Matt, George, and Gary continue to enrich the global culinary landscape, one dish at a time.

Follow Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris on Instagram.

Samir Lakhani: Saving lives in developing countries through soap recycling

(February 6, 2024) Interested in sustainability, 23-year-old Samir Lakhani found himself on a muddy trail in one of the villages of Cambodia in 2014 when he caught the sight of a woman bathing her child with laundry detergent. A young volunteer from Pennsylvania, US, Samir was shocked and disturbed. "Something as basic as soap was missing in the majority households of rural Cambodians," Samir tells Global Indian. Keen to bring about a change, he found his solution in Eco Soap Bank which supplies recycled soap to the developing world with a mission to promote basic hygiene, restore health, and employ marginalised women. Started in 2014, the non-profit venture now has recycling centres in five countries - Cambodia, Nepal, Tanzania, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. "Each year 25,000 metric tonnes of soap bars make it to the landfills," informs Samir who has been able to save 4.5 million kilos of soap bars from entering the landfill with Eco Soap Bank. "Moreover, we have provided soap to over 9 million people in 30 countries so far," adds the social entrepreneur who was on the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. [caption id="attachment_48810" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Samir Lakhani at Eco-Soap Bank headquarter in Siem

[caption id="attachment_48810" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Samir Lakhani | Global Indian Samir Lakhani at Eco-Soap Bank headquarter in Siem Reap, Cambodia.[/caption]

The journey that changed it all

With their roots in Gujarat, his mom was born in Tanzania while his dad is from Uganda, who like other South Asians had to face sudden expulsion at the hands of dictator Idi Amin in 1972. He relocated to the US where he studied at Brown University. His mom, a paediatrician, travelled as a youngster and after studying in Iran for some time, she secured admission to the University of Pennsylvania. Growing up, Samir heard stories about Africa from his parents, which left him intrigued. "I was eager to see what Africa was all about. During high school, I got the opportunity to visit the towns where my parents were born and understand the context in which they were born. Joining the dots of their origin to their final destination was pretty remarkable. It left me with a lot of energy but also the commitment to work in those areas because of the quality of life I had in the US," he adds.

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Passionate about eco-conscious practices, Samir enrolled in environmental studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and an internship with a climate change resilience group led him to Cambodia. But what he noticed in the next few days in a village in Cambodia left him shocked and heartbroken - everyone was using laundry detergent to bathe. "I felt an incredible amount of guilt that something as affordable as soap was out of reach for a majority of the population in the country. I was very disturbed and couldn't get that scene out of my head." Upon his return to the hotel room in Siem Reap, he saw the soap bar replaced by housekeepers. "I realised I had barely used the last one." This epiphany led to the birth of Eco Soap Bank with the aim to recycle soap and distribute it to the underprivileged. "I realised that something as simple as soap was not available in a village 5 miles away, and the same soap was thrown away daily for luxury tourists. Those quick realisations organically created the organisation."

Recycling soaps for the underprivileged

The process began with Samir going from hotel to hotel in Cambodia asking them to collect their used soaps for Eco Soap Bank. But the request was met with resistance. "We initially got a strong pushback because it required them to do extra work and some thought it was a strange request." However, with time their reputation grew hotel-by-hotel, and many started collecting soap for Eco Soap Bank.

While Samir started experimenting with a grinder in his hotel room, crushing the soap into smaller particles, he also kept visiting the nearby rural areas to understand the people and their lack of awareness of basic hygiene. The results were shocking. Most people put the onus of health issues in their community on bad karma. "It was the lack of education and awareness that played a pivotal role," he adds, agreeing to the fact that many doctors and health practitioners were killed in the 70s genocide, thus creating a huge gap in healthcare awareness. "During Covid-19, many Cambodian communities in the rural areas thought Covid was a symptom of eating too many chillies," reveals Samir, adding, "Honestly, I didn't want to lose another generation of Cambodians to misinformation."

Aiming for a healthy and dignified life

While awareness is the key, Samir emphasises that "education which is physical and pragmatic like handing out a bar of soap" is the most effective. "And that's the kind of journey we have taken." The continuous awareness has led to a shift in the mindset of the people, especially children. "Children are much more open to new ideas than adults, so we are focussing on them even if they are in schools or refugee camps." To this end, they also make soaps in toy shapes. "They excite children, who take to handwashing faster," says Samir. When they started Eco Soap Bank a decade ago, creating awareness was as important as soap recycling. However, over the years, it has become less of their strategic priority as they are now mostly focussed on "the hygiene supply gap vs the hygiene awareness gap. Because 2 billion people don't have access to soap at home."

Eco Soap Bank | Global Indian

During COVID-19, Eco Soap Bank called for an urgent need to restrategise as their major supplier- hotels - went into lockdown worldwide. "We switched to factories that make commercial bar soaps as they also generate some volume of waste. We asked them to collect the waste for us and we were able to continue recycling waste. We distributed our 50 millionth soap at the end of 2023." Soap factories worldwide waste an estimate a quarter billion of soap bars annually, and many supply this excess to Eco Soap Bank," informs Samir. Explaining the process behind soap recycling, Samir says the soap collected from factories makes it to their recycling centres where it is crushed into powder. That mix is then pushed through an extruder machine and takes the shape of a bar of soap. "It's a very simple process."

[caption id="attachment_48812" align="aligncenter" width="687"] Eco Soap Bank | Global Indian One of Eco Soap Bank's recycling centre[/caption]

The recycled soaps are then distributed through hundreds and thousands of partnerships with smaller and big organisations - from UNICEF to community schools or social centres. "We distribute soaps to the refugee camps through UN agencies as well as local schools," reveals Samir as Eco Soap Bank makes 50000 bars of soap a day.

Eco Soap Bank began with the mission to recycle soap, promote basic hygiene, and provide employment to marginalised women around the world. "Currently 160 women work in the soap recycling facilities across the five countries, and we plan to increase the number to 212 by the end of the year." Eco Soap Bank also helps women set up businesses by selling soaps at a nominal price. "If an employee is particularly excited, we also provide them with volumes of soap that they can sell in their community while also engaging in hygiene outreach. The vast majority of the women we employ prefer the employment route, however, we do have 320 other women who just exclusively sell soap," adds Samir.

Eco Soap Bank

In the last decade, he has been humbled by the outpour of help and support for Eco Soap Bank, which led to the opening up of recycling centres in four more countries. " I am amazed by people's generosity to get involved and take your mission to the next level," says Samir for whom that singular experience in Cambodia acted as a North Star, guiding him throughout.

Coming to India soon

Eco Soap Bank now plans to expand into India soon, for which they need to partner with factories here. "We also want to be the primary supplier of soaps to the refugee crisis in Bangladesh and Central Africa," Samir says.

When Samir started Eco Soap Bank a decade ago, he had no idea about social entrepreneurship but he answered his calling and learnt on the way. "Nothing is out of reach for anyone on how to do, and I hope my story is a small example of that," he signs off.

Follow Samir Lakhani on LinkedIn
Follow Eco Soap Bank on Instagram and website

Paris Laxmi: Bridging cultures through Bharatanatyam – A French enigma’s dance odyssey

(September 19, 2023) It was written in the stars for artist Paris Laxmi when she first stepped foot in India as a five-year-old. A French girl, who had heard stories of Hindu gods from her mother, grew up on a rich diet of Indian art and culture. The interest soon translated into a love for the country on her first visit. Mesmerized by the Indian dance art forms, she started learning Bharatnatyam at the age of nine, and years later moved to India forever. Here she met her now husband, a Kathak artist with whom she started Kalashakti School of Arts in Kochi. The 32-year-old, who calls herself Indian by heart, has found her home in India. Born in Aix-en-Provence in France in 1991 to a family that has been rooted in art, she found herself surrounded by it in the initial years of her life. "Before my birth, India was already a part of my family as my parents were loving this country, its customs, people, philosophy, arts, and heritage. My father first came to India in 1982, then with my mother some years after; they also decided to name me Myriam Sophia Lakshmi, and my brother Theo Elie

r some years after; they also decided to name me Myriam Sophia Lakshmi, and my brother Theo Elie Narayan. I can say that both India and dance were already a part of me when I was born," she wrote on the KalaShakti website.

[caption id="attachment_29498" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Artist | Paris Laxmi | Global Indian Paris Laxmi is an artist and actor[/caption]

She grew up hearing the stories of Hindu gods like Shiva-Parvati and Radha-Krishna along with stories of Jesus from her sculptor mother. This pulled her to the Indian culture at a tender age, and her first visit to the country at the age of five only added to her love for everything Indian. She soon began visiting India every year with her family and stayed for around two months, where they met the locals and experienced the country firsthand. "The connection my family and I have with India are difficult to explain. It’s like this natural feeling that we are home here. We feel moved by the culture. This is our favourite place,” the artist told The Better India.

Growing up, she was intrigued by the dance forms, and as young as five, began taking dance classes in hip hop, ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. But her trips to India awakened in her a love for Indian dance, and at age nine, she began learning Bharatnatyam from Armelle Choquard, and later Dominique Delorme in France. "Indian classical dance forms are so deep and complex. The dancer needs so many qualities. It’s not only the technical ability but also acting ability, sense of music, and sense of aesthetics. It is a very demanding form," she added. While she continued learning the nuances of Bharatnatyam, she completed her Baccalaureate in French literature and arts. However, many people in France were unable to fathom their love for India. "My relatives could never quite understand it either, and always questioned my father about why we never visited any country except India," she told Little India in an interview. But their heart was already in India, something that not many people understood.

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However, it was the love for dance that brought her to India once again where she trained under Smt Sucheta Chapekar in Pune and later at Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam's Nrithyodaya School of Dance in Chennai for a year. "I used 'Laxmi' as my stage name until my brother's guru Kalaimamani Tiruvarur Bakthavathsalam added 'Paris' to it for recognition," she added. Keen to be accepted by Indians, she only performed Bharatnatyam initially. "For a while, I didn’t showcase the other western dance forms that I had trained in. I thought it was important that people identified me as a classical dancer, and as someone who understood and is a part of Indian culture," the artist said in an interview.

Interestingly, it was the dance that drew her to her now husband, Pallipuram Sunil, a famous Kathak artist from Vaikom in Kerala. She was just seven when she first saw him perform at Fort Kochi during one of her visits to India. "A very young artiste was performing for us, with others. Though I was amazed by all of them, he was the one who touched me the most. For nearly two weeks, I continued to watch him in Kochi. I loved the colourful costumes of Kathakali and he used to show them and explain everything that I wished to know about the costumes. It was Sunil….no one could imagine then that he would be my husband 14 years later! He is 13 years older than me!," she had said. She was 16 when she met him again in Kochi and shared her interest in Indian classical dance art forms. Soon they became friends, and she moved to India in 2012 after marriage.

[caption id="attachment_29496" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Artist | Paris Laxmi | Global Indian Paris Laxmi with husband Pallipuram Sunil[/caption]

Now India is her home. While she was already in love with Indian culture, she has now embraced Hinduism after her marriage to Sunil in 2012. The same year, they started Kalashakti School of Arts where they both teach their respective dance forms and organise Art performances and workshops. Over the last few years, 'Sangamam - Krishna Mayam', a classical dance fusion of Kathakali and Bharatanatyam showcasing stories and manifestations of Lord Krishna with compositions has toured all over India, Europe, and Gulf countries. She is on a mission to make more children understand 'the difference between classical dance and what is shown on TV'. "So many people from foreign countries wish to learn Indian classical dance now. It is something very rich and unique that India has. The government and the people of this country should preserve and promote it," she added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXAglWvdWt0

Being an artist, she wanted to spread her wings and ventured into Malayalam films at the age of 16 when she met a film crew in Kochi and got her first role in Big B. However, it was her role in Bangalore Days that got her attention. Now a known face in the Malayalam film industry, Laxmi is keen to explore challenging roles but more importantly, wants to have a large space to develop her projects. She moved to India for the love of the country and its culture - a place she now calls home. From an outsider to an insider, she has come a long way despite many challenges. "Challenges keep on coming. That’s what keeps me going on. It’s a part of life. My biggest challenge is to be better than I was yesterday, and this never ends!"

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Making the country proud: Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia becomes the first Indian chef to be awarded the MBE

(January 6, 2023) When Vineet Bhatia first moved to England in 1993 as the Executive Chef at Star of India, South Kensington, he had no idea about what a Michelin star was. Exactly three decades later, the chef who is also a restaurateur and an author, has been awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), making him the first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin to be bestowed with the honour by the monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III. The chef took to social media to make this announcement, and wrote, "Honoured to be the first Michelin-starred chef of Indian origin to be awarded an MBE. (It’s) a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to make the world ‘see things differently’ about the United Kingdom." He dedicated this honour to his mother and wife. [caption id="attachment_27006" align="aligncenter" width="609"] Chef Vineet Bhatia[/caption] Chef Bhatia, who is also the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant Zaika in London, is the only Indian in the culinary world to receive two Michelin stars. “The Michelin team goes to restaurants discreetly. So, one doesn’t know that they are serving a jury,” shares the eminent chef.

the only Indian in the culinary world to receive two Michelin stars. “The Michelin team goes to restaurants discreetly. So, one doesn’t know that they are serving a jury,” shares the eminent chef. “I was thrilled when I received the news that I had won the Michelin star, but more so for creating history, as it was nothing less than opening the door for all the Indian chefs and Indian cuisine across the globe. Today, it makes me very proud when I see other Indian chefs winning the star.”

A living bridge between India and the United Kingdom, the celebrity chef discusses much more than just his culinary journey as he connects with Global Indian from London.

Not a born chef

Born and raised in the city of dreams, Mumbai, Vineet, too, grew up with a dream of his own – to become a pilot. “I lived quite close to an aerodrome, and so I used to watch planes flying in and out every day. Being a pilot was the only plan I had as a kid,” says the celebrity chef, who also cracked the National Defence Exam to join the Air Force. “But I wasn’t tall enough,” he shares, adding, “They told me that I could join the Indian Army or Navy, but I wasn’t interested.”

Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian

Disheartened, but not defeated, Chef Bhatia turned towards the culinary world. But not before giving bartending a shot. “I wanted to become a bartender. But again, I wasn’t tall enough,” he laughs. However, his experience in the kitchen was life-changing. “As a 17-year-old, I was fascinated with how the kitchen was run so immaculately and that everyone involved was disciplined.”

[caption id="attachment_27008" align="aligncenter" width="666"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia bringing Tacos to Indian Cuisine[/caption]

After completing his training at the Oberoi School of Hotel Management, New Delhi, Chef Bhatia worked as the Chef de Cuisine or head chef at The Oberoi in Mumbai for the next three years. However, it was an uphill task initially. “In the kitchen, you have to earn the respect of your staff. When I first joined, one of my staff members told me, ‘I have more pending leaves than your whole experience.’ So, I worked hard to earn their respect. I told them that I wasn’t there to teach them how to cook, but to help them with whatever they needed to put out a great dish,” shares the chef, whose comfort food is a simple meal of tadka dal, chawal, and achar. “As soon as I land in Mumbai, I go to the pani puri stall and have a nice plate of golgappa and chaat. And later, some cutting chai,” share the chef with a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1_I1kRQD6A

A decade after moving to the UK, the chef and his wife Rashima Bhatia, opened their first restaurant, Rasoi in Chelsea in 2004, which earned him his second Michelin star in 2006. Since then, he has opened 11 restaurants across the globe including Moscow, Los Angeles, Dubai, Mumbai, Doha, and Jeddah.

Behind the scenes

While the dishes that come out of the kitchen look beautiful, the kitchen itself is a bit chaotic. “Kitchen is not easy. There are so many things happening at the same time,” the seasoned chef says. “The front of a restaurant seems so calm and controlled – which is the way it is supposed to be – but the kitchen is where all the action is going on. Everyone in the kitchen is running around to put that dish on the table. So, your movements have to be very coordinated. There is food in the oven, overhead grill, tandoor, and pan. There is a dessert going out and the plates are falling short… Something is happening in the kitchen at all times. It is a mechanism that works in tandem.”

[caption id="attachment_27009" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia's pistachio chicken seekh kabab[/caption]

Having opened so many restaurants, the chef calls it a long and tedious process. Apart from deciding the food and beverages that will feature on the menu, the restaurateur also has to work on its theme, colour palette, style, and overall ambiance. “We have to sit with the designers of course, and can take very long to decide all the factors, before the execution. The staff, again, has to be very well-trained, because otherwise, everything will collapse. So, we take time in training all of them.”

Man of many talents

A world-renowned chef, author, TV personality, and social activist – Chef Bhatia dons many hats. But not many know that “travel” has his heart. “My work takes me to places, but I enjoy travelling a lot,” shares the chef, who was very recently on a trip to the Arctic, an experience he calls “magical.”

[caption id="attachment_27010" align="aligncenter" width="633"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Chef Bhatia with his family[/caption]

Interestingly, Chef Bhatia is the only chef in the world to cook at the base camp of Mount Everest in 2018. Calling the experience “stunning”, the chef shares, “We were raising funds for a charity called Heart For India in Chennai, which looks after 3000 kids, and also for the victims of the 2015 Himalayan earthquake. So, my team and I trekked for 15 days to get to the base camp of Mt Everest and set up a restaurant for two days. We gave the mountaineers and trekkers free food, and whatever they wanted to donate went toward these two causes. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”

[caption id="attachment_8671" align="aligncenter" width="686"] Chef | Vineet Bhatia | Global Indian Vineet Bhatia believes in working with local ingredients with nuanced Indian techniques[/caption]

An active campaigner for sustainability in the culinary world, Chef Bhatia was also recently appointed as the GREAT ambassador to the United Kingdom. “I think it is important that while we want to have the products from the international market, we have to ensure that they are ethically sourced. It is not just about using paper over plastic, but also about how the farming is done or how the meat is sourced,” explains the chef, before he signs off.

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Reading Time: 7 mins

Retelling Ramayana: Oxford grad Priya Arora gives an ‘epic’ view of Lord Rama’s relevance in modern world

(November 29, 2024) Back in 1985, when Priya Arora got into Oxford University to earn a degree in English literature, she never imagined that decades later, the critical thinking skills she developed during the three-year course — would come handy for a better understanding of the Ramayana. Learning through research and analysis at the prestigious institution was another plus point. It’s precisely these skill sets which help her a great deal in her current role as an author and all other endeavours. “The skills I learned at Oxford helped me provide the context and reasoning behind some of the controversial episodes in Ramayana. Additionally, I was also able to view various situations in the epic based on the teachings of the Upanishads that the story dramatises,” smiles author, survivor, and devoted spiritual seeker Priya Arora, in conversation with Global Indian. A resident of the San Francisco Bay area in the United States, Priya recently released a compelling retelling of Valmiki's Ramayana through the biography of Raja Rama, titled Rama: A Man of Dharma (Penguin India). [caption id="attachment_60838" align="aligncenter" width="429"] Priya Arora[/caption] Vedic philosophy “The book is the result of my spiritual journey that began about 12 years ago when I attended a lecture on the Bhagavad Gita at the Ramakrishna

lign="aligncenter" width="429"] Priya Arora | Ramayana | Global Indian Priya Arora[/caption]

Vedic philosophy

“The book is the result of my spiritual journey that began about 12 years ago when I attended a lecture on the Bhagavad Gita at the Ramakrishna Mission in Berkeley,” informs Priya. The talk sparked her interest in the ancient Vedic shastras and set her on a path of learning. It led her to the profundity of Vedic philosophy, its inclusiveness, and importantly, Vedanta's fundamental teaching of the unity of spirit.

Initially, she began studying the Shastras in English with the help of translations, but soon realized that loss of meaning is real, no matter how good a translation may be. “To relate to the texts directly, I embarked on learning Sanskrit through Samskrita Bharati and Vyoma—Sanskrit from Home, two incredible organizations dedicated to teaching Sanskrit,” says the author, while drawing attention to the fact that Sanskrit is the mother of most world languages and has perfect grammar, enormous depth of expression, and an endless vocabulary.

Early life in India

Born in Chennai in the 1960s, Priya is the daughter of Deba Prasad Barua and Kamini Barua. Her father retired as Finance Director of ITC. The family moved to Kolkata when Priya was five. There, she studied at Modern High School and then went to St Xavier’s college.

Academically, she was a reasonably good student, especially in life sciences like biology. In high school, she took subjects that would enable her to pursue a career in medicine, but she changed her mind and went in the opposite direction with English Literature instead.

[caption id="attachment_60839" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Rama | A Man of Dharma | Global Indian Rama: A Man of Dharma, is scheduled for international release in February 2025[/caption]

Back in the day, Priya’s grandparents had a dairy farm in Bengaluru where she would spend the entire summer holidays tending to the cows. An animal lover since childhood, she would use her pocket money to buy birds and set them free.

Priya’s eyes light up as she recalls her days at Oxford. “The University places a premium on critical thinking and analysis, irrespective of the field of study. Instead of being lecture-driven, an Oxford education focuses on small-group tutorials,” she says, adding that the tutorials discuss the student's perspective and interpretation from different angles.

Oxford University places a premium on critical thinking and analysis, irrespective of the field of study. Instead of being lecture-driven, an Oxford education focuses on small-group tutorials. - Priya Arora

Stint in Citibank

After returning from Oxford, Priya joined Citibank in 1989 when the bank launched credit cards in India. “This was a fantastic work experience. Although the team was young, we were all given huge jobs that required us to to fit demanding roles,” says Priya, who was managing the Western Region service center in Mumbai.

Recalling a funny incident while at Citibank, Priya says an irate customer once demanded to see the manager and was sent to her. “He took one look at me and said he wanted to see my boss. He simply refused to accept that I could be in charge,” laughs Priya, who was in her twenties back then.

She met her future husband, Mohit, at Citibank. The couple moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, USA, in the early 90s. They have two children Tanya and Jay. They are also pet parents to a French Bulldog called Humphrey.

Priya and Mohit own and run an IT services company in San Francisco. She oversees the financial side of the business. Her typical day begins with her puja followed by office work.

**The Ramayana for a global audience**

Priya says the legendary poet Valmiki composed a biography to showcase the life of an exceptionally principled human being. “I felt it necessary to highlight Rama's historicity and clear misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding Rama's actions and events in Ramayana,” says Priya.

Pointing to the timelessness of the Ramayana, she says Lord Brahma said that Rama's story would endure as long as there were rivers and mountains on Earth. “Seven thousand years later, the Ramayana continues to be inspirational because it espouses eternal values like equality, fraternity, liberty, equanimity, and selfless action that never lose relevance.”

Storytelling apart, the book showcases the wisdom of India’s ancestors, aligning their values with modern ideals. “The Ramayana is filled with life lessons that benefit us even today. It teaches courage and fortitude to handle problems that are the inevitable result of birth,” says Priya.

This retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana brings alive the ancient Sanskrit epic in lucid English without diluting the original intent. Making this edition even more special are the additional chapters on Vedic life, Rama’s descendants and the story of Valmiki. “The values we cherish today like democracy, liberty, equality, and justice are at the core of this story,” she informs, adding that Rama embodies righteousness that never loses relevance, making him a man of dharma and a role model in every age.

Being spiritual

For Priya Arora, being spiritual is about going inward to discover the truth of one's identity. It is about knowing one's inner essence and reacquainting oneself with who one really is.

Retelling Ramayana | Global Indian

She believes spirituality is different from religion. “Religion is more about predefined moral codes and rules of worship and involves following a belief system, whereas spirituality is a personal journey of discovery. A spiritual person is a seeker on a quest to find the truth.”

Priya Arora says a person can be both religious and spiritual, but one can also be religious and not at all spiritual or spiritual and not at all religious. “It is possible to be religious and still do sinful things, but it is impossible to engage in wickedness if one is truly spiritual.”

The survivor story

Life is a mixed bag of joy and sorrow for most people. It has been the same for Priya. She faced two significant challenges — parenting an autistic child with severe OCD and treatment for a particularly aggressive form of cancer.

“My son's disability consumed me, and it seemed an impossible situation to come to terms with. Vedanta changed my outlook and equipped me with coping skills, so today, I have found the strength to deal with the problem without falling apart,” says Priya.

When hardship comes knocking at the door, it takes on gigantic proportions in the mind. “This tendency is natural, but it exacerbates grief. Practicing detachment can distance us from suffering so the pain is not debilitating,” says the author, who recently attended a 5-day spiritual retreat in Asilomar organized by the Ramakrishna Mission.

Priya Arora | Ramayana | Global Indian

India is home

The Arora family visit India often as they not only have their business operations here but also love spending time in their home country. “We used to go on holidays to Europe, East Asia, and Africa, before realizing we had not explored our own land. So, now we make it a point to visit places of interest in India,” says Priya, who visited Gaya and Varanasi last year, which she describes as a wonderful spiritual experience.

In the pipeline

Priya Arora is currently working on a book on Dharma. In 2025, she will be coming up with another book, inspired by the Bhagavad Gita.

“Writing is a recent aspect of my life. It is the medium through which I express my passion for our ancient wisdom,” says Priya, who spends a significant part of the day studying Sanskrit and other literary treasures, including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Puranas.

She previously enjoyed painting, scrapbooking and Zumba. Now, she is immersed in Vedanta and learning Sanskrit. “I listen to eminent acharyas while doing everyday chores, be it cooking, cleaning, laundry, or driving. It is amazing how much time one can carve out from the day for something one loves.”

Priya Arora | Ramayana | Global Indian

Priya Arora's books are available on Amazon.