A Raja Ravi Varma is among the highlights of the sale. The painting is expected to fetch between Rs 12 and 18 crore

That diamantaire Nirav Modi likes to live the high life even as a fugitive was evident from a recent viral video that showed him walking around London in the now infamous Rs 9-lakh ostrich leather jacket.


Before he fled India, the jeweller had built himself quite the reputation as an art connoisseur, often posing for the media with his collection of masters as a backdrop. Now, the enviable art collection he built as a status symbol is going under the hammer in Mumbai on March 26. In a first, the income-tax department has engaged the services of Saffronart, a professional auction house, to sell 68 works that include works by some of India’s priciest artists such as V S Gaitonde, Akbar Padamsee and Raja Ravi Varma.

A Saffronart representative said the artworks had been put up for sale on behalf of the government of India through the tax recovery officer, income tax department, Central-3, Mumbai.

A proclamation of sale issued by the I-T department showed that the auction was aiming to recover Rs 96-crore dues from Camelot Enterprises, a shell company set up by Modi. Saffronart has set the approximate estimate value for the auction at Rs 30-50 crore though it remains to be seen how much the collection will go finally go for.

Dinesh Vazirani, Saffronart CEO and co-founder, said they were appointed as official auctioneer after a selection process. “The auction includes some of the most eminent names in modern and contemporary Indian art with a historically important work by Raja Ravi Varma being one of the highlights of the live sale,” said Vazirani.

Ravi Varma is known for his intricately detailed portraits of the rich and the royal. This particular work shows the Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, third Duke of Buckingham, on his official visit to Trivandrum, and is estimated to sell for between Rs 12 and 18 crore. Besides works by noted artists such as Jitish Kallat, Rameshwar Broota, Atul Dodiya, Rekha Rodwittiya, and more, Modi’s collection also includes works by Chinese artists ranging from detailed ink works to sculptural digital paintings.

A slipped disc kept Aarthi Sivaramakrishnan confined to her bed for a month. And that’s when she realized that making little sketches about what she felt and feared helped her cope with her pain and distress.

“The only part of my body I could move were my hands, and I began making little sketches every day. The Inktober challenge, where artists all over the world do one ink drawing every day during the whole of October, was on and I got accustomed to it,” says Aarthi, founder of The Colour Company. “For instance, I needed a scan but had a morbid fear of the MRI machine and I found that expressing my fear visually actually helped.”


Since then, she has been keeping an art journal, a visual diary of sorts where she captures the day’s experiences and emotions not through words but through art, using various mediums. Art journaling is getting popular in the city, with people using sketches, mixed media and even words to keep a visual record of their lives.

Bengaluru-based artist Shilpa Nagaonkar, for instance, has been teaching art journaling for the last five years. “When I work on it, I am expressing myself through art, and colours. It’s also a way to practise and perfect my art and try new techniques,” says Shilpa, who has been keeping an art journal since 2009.

You don’t need to be a skilled artist to keep an art journal, she explains. “Anyone can do it, and you can use acrylic or watercolour, crayons or even pens,” says Shilpa, who recently held a workshop in the city.

While some do it on a daily basis, others turn to it to record special experiences. Aditi Maithreya, creative director, The Phoenix Company, uses it to record her travels.

“When I went on a trip to Europe in 2016, I carried a sketch book, and started drawing places I visited. If I went to a monument, I made a quick sketch, with pen and ink. The idea was to keep a visual diary and capture my memory of the place so that years later it would be something I can remember,” says Aditi, who also posted it on Instagram and Facebook with detailed captions.

For many, it is a way to express their emotions. “It has become a routine. I spend five minutes on it every day at 5am. It’s a case of my hand following my heart,” says Aarthi. “I used to post my work on social media but now I keep it private.”

Magdalene Jeyarathnam, founder of the Centre for Counselling, says art journaling is an integral part of art therapy. “It’s a good way of keeping a record of your emotions and thoughts. I usually ask my clients to keep an art journal in between our sessions. So they make little sketches or drawings every day, date it and we discuss it when they bring it to the next session,” she says.

The drawings say a lot about the person’ state of mind. “Only the person doing it knows why they have used certain colours or symbols. It is a great way of recording what’s going on without words as it conveys the emotions they are dealing with, such as anger or anxiety,” says Magdalene.



MEMOIRS: (From top) Aarthi Sivaramakrishnan captures her day in sketches; Aditi Maithreya created a series, ‘Little things I see in Madras’

Indian Tech’s Fastest Growing Segment Runs On Execs Whom Customers Trust

When former chief digital officer at Rolls-Royce Neil Crockett wanted to identify a service provider to accelerate its IoT (internet-of-things) capabilities three years ago, he floated a request for proposal (RFP). The company wanted to use IoT to get a lot more data from customers and use that to provide long-term service contracts.


Reguraman Ayyaswamy, global head of IoT & engineering and industrial services at TCS, saw it as a great opportunity for the company, and he knew he had his task cut out. Roll-Royce specialises in highperformance power systems engineering and aircraft engines. It was a decade-old-customer for TCS. But this was a different kind of engagement, one that impacted the core operations of Rolls-Royce, and TCS would really have to prove its capabilities. Other IT players too were participating in the RFP.

Ayyaswamy presented TCS’s IoT platform, called Connected Universe Platform (TCUP), that helps develop and deploy IoT applications. Having worked with Rolls-Royce, TCS had a deep knowledge of its engines, blades, compressors and exhaust. “We were able to characterise what we could do for them. Our strength was contextual knowledge, digital platforms, information security, core engineering, capability around services. We were able to bring the might of TCS into making their business goal a reality,” Ayyaswamy says.

TCS won the deal. Ayyaswamy declined to mention the deal value, but independent sources estimate it is around $20 million annually. The platform today captures and analyses data to reduce the cycle time for Rolls-Royce to develop new products and services.

Getting customers to outsource core engineering work is very difficult, but Indian IT companies today have built significant expertise in the field, and it has become the fastest growing business for them. Deals above $10 million are considered large in this space. It is also a high-margin business. Industry body Nasscom in its 2018 strategic review called out engineering and R&D and product development as the fastest growing segment in IT services, growing at 12.8%, led by demand for connected cars, mobility and connectivity.

Pareekh Jain, founder of Pareekh Consulting, says the growth in engineering services is not a demand problem, as much as a supply problem. “Of the over $1-trillion R&D spend, only $60 billion or 6% is currently outsourced. There is a huge market but someone needs to go out and make it happen. That’s why the role of key executives and rainmakers are important,” he says.

L&T Technology Services, Persistent and HCL each won an over $50-million deal in the last two years, signalling a psychological threshold that would open up upstream, high-end engineering opportunities.

Paris:

Nude ‘Mona Lisa’ likely a Da Vinci

A nude drawing that bears a striking resemblance to the “Mona Lisa” was done in Leonardo da Vinci’s studio and may be the work of the master himself, a French museum said Monday.


Experts at the Louvre in Paris have been examining a charcoal drawing known as the “Monna Vanna” which has long been attributed to the Renaissance painter’s studio.

But the charcoal preparatory work for a painting of a semi-nude woman, held at the Conde Museum at Chantilly, may now have to be reclassified. “There is a very strong possibility that Leonardo did most of the drawing,” Mathieu Deldicque, a curator at the Paris museum, said.

“It is a work of very great quality done by a great artist,” added Deldicque, who initiated a investigation over several months by historians and scientific specialists.

The large drawing has been held since 1862 in the huge collection of Renaissance art at the Conde Museum, once the home of one of France’s oldest noble families.

“It is almost certainly a preparatory work for an oil painting,” Deldicque said, with the hands and body identical to the “Mona Lisa”.

Microscopic examinations have shown it was drawn from the top left towards the bottom right — which points to a left-handed artist. Leonardo is the most famous lefthanded painter in history.

QUICK TIPS
Pay attention to volume and proportion. Always pair a boyfriend piece of clothing with a fitted/semi-fitted piece. When going for a boyfriend jacket or a shirt, narrow down on the denims and vice versa.

Anti-fits often fit right when altered to complement the feminine form.

Highlight the classic hourglass look by clinching the waist with oversized belts.


There are some sassy fashion essentials in your boyfriend’s closet, and it’s time to steal and style them


Ever borrowed or stole your partner’s button-down shirt or tee to use as a quick fashion fix? If yes, you already know how these oversized boyfriend pieces help put together a killer, menswear-inspired look.

“The whole boyfriend style guarantees ultimate comfort and ease. As opposed to the idealistic womenswear, this trend complements any and every body type as it is based on anti-fits. The exaggerated shape of the oversized silhouette is enough to make a statement,” says designer Aniket Satam. Moreover, sharing your partner’s clothing allows you to flaunt your current relationship status subtly. “Wrapping yourself in your partner’s clothing is quite an intimate thing; it assures personal comfort when your loved one is away. In a way, it makes up for the physical distance,” says Satam.


Boyfriend chic is definitely here to stay. “The menswear cut breaks the monotony and gives you an edgy look. Boyfriend clothing is usually one size bigger than a woman’s actual size, and gives a very flattering look,” says designer Priyanka Gangwal.

HIS CONCERT TEES

Give your man’s concert tees or vintage band tees a fresh spin by pairing them with your girly accessories. Wear this oversized item with distressed ripped denim shorts and booties — just the right outfit for fashionable weekend getaways. For an allgirls luncheon, go ultra-cute with simple white crew T-shirts with DIY badges or embroidered patches and a pair of chic converse shoes. Those patches add some colour to your ensemble.

HIS JACKET

Jackets like bomber jackets, tuxedo jackets and duster coats are versatile pieces that are shared from men’s classic wardrobe. A denim jacket is a testimony of every man’s adventure. Go easy chic by teaming it up with simple, neutral tank tops and denim shorts for daily whereabouts. You may also play dress by teaming up an oversized denim grunged jacket with super-feminine and flirty white lace dresses or Hakoba prairie sundresses and tan brogues for a romantic getaway.

HIS SHIRT

Whether it’s thin pinstripes or crisp white buttondown, a classic men’s formal shirt looks great when paired with almost anything in your wardrobe. Just roll the sleeves up and stack some gold pendant chains. Team it with tan gladiators and reflector glasses for a perfect beachwear ensemble. You can also sport an oversized pinstripe banker shirt as a dress; remember to cinch the waist with a leather band. Finish with white sneakers and a fedora for a casual day look.

HIS SWEATSHIRT

No movie night or date is complete without a classic, anti-fit chunky knit sweatshirt. Think XXL and chunky patterns like cable knits in neutral colours. Layer them with fitted ribbed dresses for a classy appeal, or you may also go grunge by teaming distressed sweaters with fitted leather tights or disco sequin skirts and boots for clubbing nights with your friends.

Singer Sonu Nigam releases his two new spiritual singles, Shiv Shankara and Bam Bhole Bam, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, in association with Times Music. Composed by the young and talented Bollywood composer-singer Shreyas Puranik and penned by the lyricist from Nepal, Basant Chaudhary, these singles are simply overwhelming.

Shiv Shankara has been shot in the scenic Himalayan region in Pokhara, Nepal and features Sonu himself. The video encapsulates the essence of celestial Shiva. It showcases the fact that Shiva is realised through helping others and also through self-realisation. The song is about overcoming the five weaknesses of human personality, which include Kam (lust), Krodh (Rage), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), and Ahankar (conceit) to awaken the inner self and attain moksha. The two new tracks are Times Music’s exclusive releases and are available on Times Music Spiritual YouTube channel and Gaana app.


Watch Shiv Shankara on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2H5a08t Hear the song on Gaana: http://bit.ly/2NAzr31

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do’. These words by Rumi are reflected in Radhika Seksaria’s work. An accomplished artist with a career of more than 20 years, Radhika has now created her distinct identity in the art world.

Over the years, her many shows nationwide and internationally have been well-appreciated by art lovers and collectors. Art aficionado Sangita Jindal describes Radhika’s soulful creations as “Luminous shadow plays of light and dark.” She initially experimented with forms and motifs, but is now moving more toward the abstract. For Radhika, art is a spiritual process. Her fluid strokes are inspired by Sufism, a philosophy that emphasises love in all forms – love for the self, nature, people, and the Divine.


One of the most popular voices of Sufism, Rumi has also influenced Radhika’s work. “Rumi’s couplets evoke ideas of deep love and devotion. His allusions to dance and circular movements depict ecstasy, union with the Divine, and a sheer celebration of life,” she says.

Radhika’s upcoming collection, titled Sukoon, portrays the search for peace and tranquillity in a chaotic world. She believes that peace is lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Through her paintings, she gives the viewer a few moments of calm. Her unique use of light and mysticism, have found appreciation from the art fraternity. Creative director of Tao Art Gallery, Sanjana Shah says, “Radhika’s artwork stills the mind and heals the soul... I’m looking forward to Sukoon, which is an ode to the eternal quest for peace.”


Jannat – Paradise


Mussarat – Bliss


Radhika Seksaria and Sanjana Shah

You may as well call it 50 shades of pink. For, this hue can be seen in so many variations — baby pink, light millennial pink, coral, soft shell enamel, fuchsia, and more. And at the recent Oscar Awards, it was another shade of the colour that stood out as the most popular fashion trend for the night — bright pink! There was almost a sea of gowns in the hue — in poufy frills, netted ruffles, princess-style trail gowns, bubble-gum hued tulles and more. It’s being described by fashion analysts as ‘joyful’ and ‘what modern couture should be like’. As it upped the sartorial ante, it got fashion pundits asking: Is pink the new black?

HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY GIVES IT THE NOD


The attention-grabbing pink dresses were seen on a bunch of stars. ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star Gemma Chan wore a voluminous gown in magenta. She also snuck a cookie into her pockets to probably munch on during the whole event. While Linda Cardellini seemed to pile on pink stylishly, Kacey Musgraves stole it with her cotton-candy-pink tulle net ensemble and Sarah Paulson opted for a billowy, cutout-style fuchsia gown. But it was veteran actress Angela Bassett who was the reigning queen of the night as most sites called her. She turned heads in her exaggerated hot pink shoulder gown with its thigh-high slit and a gem-shaped clutch. Also in close running for wearing the hue stylishly were actresses Helen Mirren and Julia Roberts. Mirren swished in with her frothy pink tulle and Roberts dished up Oscars chic in her flowy-but-fitted one-shouldered bright pink dress with an asymmetrical leg slit. And guess what? Pink wasn’t for the women alone. Aquaman Jason Momoa’s pink tuxedo, complete with a scrunchie, much to fans’ delight!

YES, MEN ARE WEARING IT, TOO

Who says pink is just for the ladies?Men can look just as hot in the hue. Jason Momoa wore a pink velvet tux with a matching scrunchie to the awards and Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman also chose the hue for the Oscars after party.

HOW TO WEAR THE HUE IN YOUR DAY

While shocking pink and its cousins heated up the red carpet at the Oscars, you can just as easily wear the hue in your daily life. Here are tips to do so:

z Pink is the colour for any season — it adds vibrancy to winter and lends a lovely hue to summer. So, go with skater, shift dresses and other styles in it, for the upcoming season.

z Yes, this is a pretty shade, but you don’t want to look too girly in it, so break the monotony of the hue with black, navy blue and grey.

z Since pink is also a light shade, it is perfect for those ruffles, frills and poufs.

z Keep away the stiff, black heels and make pink your new neutral footwear. Opt for pumps, peep toes, kitten heels and stilettos in bright or baby pink.

z Planning to wear all-black? Pink comes in as the perfect complement. Wear pink stud earrings or hoops as well a pop pink clutch or quilted bag to go with the rest of the look.

z Love athleisure? Weave pink into your gym wear with pink keds, tracks with a neon pink stripe or even a fuchsia top over those black leggings.

z Team a pink halter with white jeans for a day outdoors.

z Grab a pair of sunnies with a pink frame to complete the look. Dab on the eyeshadow to match.


Julia Roberts dazzled in a vibrant, one-shoulder pink gown, to present the award for Best Picture at the Oscars


Gemma Chan in her high-neck ruffled gown


Sarah Paulson’s princess-like gown had edgy, side cut-outs


Kacey Musgraves blows a kiss in her threetiered net number


Helen Mirren looked stunning in her A-line dress with contrasting pink hues


Linda Cardellini chose a poofy, bubblegumhued gown


Angela Bassett’s vivid fuchsia gown with a massive bow and pretty clutch became the talk of the night


Jason Momoa


Chadwick Boseman

US fashion group calls for more diversity in model size


fashion for all designers such as michael kors and christian siriano casting models that defy tradition


Washington: A trade group representing hundreds of America’s designers has called on the fashion industry to showcase women of greater size diversity, such as plus-size models Ashley Graham and Candice Huffine.

Graham, of Nebraska, in 2016 became the first plus-size model to make the cover of “Sports Illustrated.” She also appeared on the cover of “Vogue,” helping to break down barriers in the notoriously snooty fashion world.

“We are beginning to see signs of fashion moving in the right direction,” Marc Karimzadeh and Nicky Campbell wrote on the website of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which says it represents more than 500 men’s and women’s designers as well as jewellery and accessory designers.

“Designers such as Michael Kors and Christian Siriano are casting models that defy tradition,” they said in a reference to the fashion world’s longstanding preference for slimness.

“Body Positivity is important in fashion and we want to see more designers and companies embrace this in 2019,” the CFDA communication officials wrote.

A movement to recognise alternate body types started in 2017 at New York Fashion Week, with runway shows by Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano and Michael Kors.

In September, the CFDA launched with plus-sized brand Dia&Co the #TeeUpChange campaign to encourage greater diversity in size among young creators.

It also collaborated last year with Universal Standard, a brand that offers to exchange a piece of clothing in the year following its purchase if the customer’s size changes.

“In the past year, we put more focus on size inclusivity,” through the Dia&Co and Universal Standard tie-ups, “and it continues to be a focus going forward,” Karimzadeh said.

A body language expert unmasks the Royal Family’s new personalities
A body language expert has uncovered how the royal family’s gestures reveal their true personality. Darren Stanton has given his professional verdict on various royals — and says some are not quite as self-assured as many would assume.

Members of the Royal Family undertake dozens, if not hundreds of of public engagements every year. But each unguarded gesture and hand movement communicates their feelings about being in the spotlight.


ROYAL WOMEN

Meghan Markle is ‘a very confident woman’ and is comfortable in the public eye, he reportedly said. She likes to use ‘power poses’ often demonstrated by politicians — while her constant touching of husband Harry is used as a show of support, according to Darren.

Kate Middleton, meanwhile, is far more “formal and cautious” compared with super-confident Meghan. He said, “The handbag that she always holds in front of her is so clearly a defence — a barrier between herself and the rest of the world.

“I don’t think she’s as confident as Meghan — Kate comes across as utterly charming and genuine, but is far more formal and cautious.”

The Queen — as many have noted — holds her hands in a clasped position when fulfilling her public duties. the body language expert said, “Her fingers are locked, which in a normal person might indicate anxiety. But the Queen now looks so comfortable and relaxed in this position it suggests she is approachable, but not familiar.”

Darren reserves praise for Camilla Parker Bowles, the ‘confident’ Duchess of Cornwall, who he says is clearly “comfortable in her own skin”.

... AND THE ROYAL MEN

Prince Harry’s unusual habit of tucking his hand into his jacket demonstrates ‘humility’ and puts others at ease. “It’s a gesture reminiscent of childhood — small children often inadvertently clutch bits of their clothing. But the way Harry does it demonstrates his humility.”

Prince Charles may be first in line to the throne, but does not come across as a confident man, Darren claims. His habit of touching his upper body with his hand and his tendency to hide them in pockets betrays a certain lack of self-belief.

“Any gesture where we touch ourselves — such as scratching our nose or rubbing our face — reveals that we are possibly feeling self-conscious and need to reassure ourselves.

Handbags have become a unique statement for women, with most feeling incomplete without their handbags. And as clothes become even more streamlined and minimalistic, it is your choice of handbag that can make you stand out from the crowd. With increased awareness about fashion, every woman wants to have the latest handbag that will make them feel like a fashionista. ELLE is one such fashion brand that has introduced its trendy Autumn Winter handbag collection.

This new range of handbags will suit all your needs. Whether you’re a working woman or a girl in her teens, these Parisian style handbags are what you need to flaunt this fall. This new FW’18 collection has sophisticated office-worthy tote bags to eyecatching crossbody bags, which are perfect for a night out in town. These handbags are beyond classic, made from the finest quality materials. Plush and sleek looking, these bags are a delight to touch and look at.


Let’s take a look at some of the styles from ELLE’s new FW’18 collection. First one is a beautiful and chic pastel blue tote bag that is wellstructured and so classic that you’d definitely love to carry it to office or make it a part of your travel plan. You can toss aside your black bags and go for something with a little more life — opt for a bright red bucket bag, which is the latest trending style and a must-have. When travelling for a meeting or stepping out for coffee, the brand’s satchel and slings are a perfect companion. Sleek, stylish and roomy enough to carry your on-the-go make-up kit, book or diary, these bags will be your compact carry-all and are available in colours that can go with any look. You can get these bags at special prices at ELLE’s ongoing end of season sale. These handbags are available at leading departmental, online and Luxxuberance stores.

Call: 09773476937, 08433968101, 09892386350.

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