An Experience of a LIFETIME

The Jungle Brook was set up at Corbett in 2004 after a year of hard work and research, on the site selection and construction to the soft issues like branding and the guest experience sought to be offered.

In design and philosophy, it drew inspiration from two things - the little brook that flows at the entrance and the great Camps of Africa. The brook influenced the free flowing use of space and Africa inspired the construct and the experience.

Wanted a resort that offered the best of both worlds – unhindered experience of the wild and the comfort of home, the eco driven property has captured the spirit of both and the imagination of many since.

The Jungle Brook at heart is young and this is something that allows seeking fresh ideas, learning fast, adapting fast and questioning paradigms. This has become the strength and has been well reciprocated by the guests that have hosted at the Camp.

Unique Location

The Jungle Brook is located 254 kilometers North-East of New Delhi, in the immediate vicinity of the Corbett National Park. Located right within the gates of newly conceived Elephant Sanctuary at Village Tera, on Sitabani road, it is accessed by a scenic few minute drive from Ramnagar. It enjoys an unparalleled location – just 04 kilometers from the nearest railhead at Ramnagar and yet being in the heart of Corbett reserve.

The final drive leading up to the Brook is probably the prettiest in Corbett as it takes you past flowing canals, the Kosi river barrage, the wooded Sitabani road, seasonal streams and ending at our very own bubbling Brook at the entrance.

All other places of tourist or special interest are also close to the Brook, Bijrani the prima gate to the park being just six kilometers away.

Jungle Brook is perched on a gentle ridge, flanking a seasonal stream against the backdrop of picturesque hills on one side and dense forest cover on the other. It is invisible among lantana and thick cover until you discover a little winding path that leads you up to the resort.

Accommodation

The property has 17 guest accommodations comprising the signature Meru tents (15 Units) and Zulu cottages (02 Units) spread in around two and half acres so as to ensure the complete privacy and comfort.

The Meru styled Tents, throw back on colonial safari camps, are truly comfortable with en-suite western style tiled bathrooms, log beds and lovely sit-outs. Colourful linen and warm durries make interiors elegant and pleasant. The accommodation is insulated against all weather conditions.

The deluxe thatched Zulu Cottages, inspired by African tribes, has 600 square feet of space with a log fire-place, private courtyard and a personal use machan that make it truly unique in form and function. A large circular room with high thatched roof, tiled flooring and platform beds complement magic of light that filters in from colourful panes and large bay windows.

Guest Facilities

Samsara, the dining area, is the focal point of most activity in the resort and thus the name so. The thatched structure, having theme furniture crafted out logwood, is set in the most beautiful part of the site overlooking both the pebbled riverbed and the hills. Meals are served as buffet, comprising mix of Indian, Continental and Kumaoni cuisines.

The dining area envelope the Lounge within, which is a mosaic tiled circular area having quaint furniture for lounging and has indoor entertainment options like board games and the trusty carom.

The Deck is a machan inspired wooden platform that extends over the pebbled riverbed below. It doubles up as a great vantage point as well as the focal point for the evening bonfire, an essential experience of the spirits and bonhomie by the fireside.

The swaying hammocks the sun kissed lawns further accentuate the experience. Also available are outdoor games like cricket, badminton and volleyball.

Experience

There is enough activity, adventure or exploring around the resort to fill up your day from dawn to late at night, but you may choose to do absolutely nothing and yet be rewarded with the sounds, colours and fresh fragrance of pure nature.

The Corbett Country allows unlimited opportunity for outdoor experience like jeep and elephant safari rides, treks, excursions to nearby places of tourist interest and hills, adventure sports and angling. We take most pride in being able to customize the travel experience of an individual, family or group, which allows them the best use of their stay.

The Corbett Experience

- Jeep Safari: Escorted Jeep Safari is available for visiting Bijrani and Jhirna areas of the Jim Corbett National Park. There are options available for a full day or a half-day safari. The timings for the half -day safari, which essentially is for four hours, are 0600 hours and 1330 hours. The full day safari is from 0600 hours till evening. As only limited number of jeeps are allowed into the park on a given day, its advisable to get the safari pre-booked. We shall require name, age and gender of all the travelers, and a photo-id number of any one of the guests per jeep for getting the entry permit. Six people can be easily accommodated in a jeep along with the driver and the trained guide.

- Elephant Safari: Elephant Safari can be arranged in the Bijrani area of the national park. The safari is for around two hours and the timings can be made suitable to your convenience. Four adults along with the ‘Mahawat’ can be accommodated on an elephant.

- Night Safari: A jungle Brook exclusive is a 15-minute night drive to the ‘chaurs’, where under the canopy of stars you can witness the nightlife among the grasslands, the grazing grounds of the herbivores. Catch the glowing eyes of denizens of the dark, marvel at the prancing herds, the stray deer that may cross your path and the snorting wild boar. Enjoy the hot cup of coffee off your flask, as mysteries of the jungle open up, sit quiet and lose yourself to the sounds of night. You may choose to take your own vehicle, if you desire so and we shall provide you with an escort.

- Sitabani Safari: At half an hour drive, is the place traditionally associated with Ramayana, as it is believed that Sita was exiled here. The virgin and the thick forest offer incredible wildlife sightings and is a bird watchers’ paradise. There is also an ashram tucked away in the jungle.

- Wildlife Trails: The area around the resort is the nature lover’s ultimate reward – wild and dense, the forest starts right from the outside. The natural and the man-made trails will take you as deep inside as you may dare to go. We would be happy to provide you with an escort.

- Excursions and Day Outs

- Corbett Museum and Fall: Corbett’s home at Kaladungi, around 32 Kms on Nainital Road is now a museum that houses memorabilia of the legendry Jim Corbett. En-route is Corbett Fall, which is an ideal place for day picnics.

- Garjia Temple and Dhangadi Museum: Around 12 Kms is a huge rock perching out of Kosi riverbed and on the pinnacle is the beautiful temple of Durga Devi named as Garjia Devi, having an enchanting view of river Kosi from the top. Nearby is another museum called Dhangadi museum.

- Lake District of Nainital: Nainital is just an hour and a half away and can be looked as a day trip. Boating options are available in Naini Lake and you also have an option of visiting nearby lakes of Sattal, Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal

- Picnic by the River Kosi: Amble across to the river Kosi. Choose to have an escort and a packed picnic lunch to have by the riverside, or anywhere in the Corbett country.

Angling (Fishing)

Fishing trips on the stretches of Ramganga River, around 40 kilometers from the camp, can be organized under the supervision of trained fishing guides. The camp also facilitates the necessary fishing permit and equipment. Also offered is fun-fishing at Kosi

Outbound Programs

Jungle Brook organizes experiential and motivational outdoor programs for corporate and student groups. The program is structured so as to enmesh fun, adventure, and excursions with inspirational, interactive, and experiential games that focus on key areas of personal development.

Each program is dynamic and unique.

Travel Logistics

Located just 250 kilometers north-east of New Delhi, the Jungle Brook is easily accessible by Road and Rail. A comfortable overnight train journey or an interesting 5-6 hour drive from Delhi are travel options to the resort.

Nearest railhead Ramnagar is just 04 kilometers from the Brook. Ranikhet Express departing from Old Delhi Railway Station at 2240 Hours is the most convenient train that reaches Ramnagar at 0500 Hours. For the return journey, the Jim Corbett Link Express (as Ranikhet Express is known during its return journey) leaves Ramnagar at 2140 Hours to reach Delhi at 0410 Hours.

If you wish to travel by road, take National Highway 24 from Delhi to reach Moradabad via Hapur and Gajraula. Choose to take the toll road just before Moradabad and a left turn at the end of this toll road will take you to Thakurdwara, Kashipur, onto Ramnagar.

Once at Ramnagar, ask for right turn to Kosi Barrage. Cross river Kosi and take immediate left on Sitabani Road going up to Village Tera. Around one and a half kilometer on the Sitabani Road is a temple on the left and a right turn around 100 meters from this temple leads you to Jungle Brook.

The Great Escape concludes successfully in Chandigarh

More than 80 SUVs participate in special autumn edition of one of India’s most iconic off-roading adventures
Prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime.... There is nothing quite like the thrill of rally driving. From the very first time you sit behind the wheel, rev up the engine and begin to kick up dust in a specially modified car just like the champs drive, you’ll be hooked. In no time flat you’ll be executing maneuvers you never thought yourself capable of. You’ll quickly gain the confidence you need to throw yourself into the experience and have the adventure of a lifetime. Chances are, if this is your first time it will not be your last since the sport of rally driving can be addictive.
The 54th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape, one of India’s most loved off-roading adventures, successfully witnessed a total of 82 vehicles taking on the challenging route with aplomb here, last weekend. The SUVs such as the Scorpio, the Bolero and the Getaway as well as the evergreen Legend, Major and Classic negotiated a distance of 44 km of daunting terrain which included riverbeds, rocky and sandy terrain.
“We are delighted to return to Chandigarh, one of our favourite venues for the Mahindra Great Escape, for the third time. The scenic yet demanding route was an off roader’s delight and really gave Mahindra customers an idea of the tough and rugged nature of Mahindra SUVs. We hope to return to Chandigarh soon,” said Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
The Great Escape was flagged off at 9:30 am by Mr Yashpal Singhal, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Haryana from Hotel North Park, Panchkula. The rally culminated at the same place later in the afternoon. The rally was conducted in association with Shell Lubricants, JK Tyres, Bosch, and Hi Speed Diesel from BPCL. The ‘With You Hamesha’ service team also ensured that participants did not get stuck midway and could enjoy the rally unhindered.
First initiated in 1996, the Great Escape is a non-competitive, off-road rally which is meant to encourage the strength of vehicles on terrain other than tarmac, which are known for their rugged and reliable nature, and can typically be driven over the roughest of the surfaces. The Great Escape serves as a platform to highlight this incredible ability and experience the thrills of 4x4 adventures.
The perfect getaway saw notable personalities from the motor sports fraternity chipping in to motivate the participants and to winch their vehicles out of the sand and slush!
The Great Escape was also held at Hyderabad, Munnar in Kerala, Coorg in Karnataka, Goa and also at Shahpur near Mumbai.

"Indians are opening up to new genres of music", SIVAMANI

For any musician who aspires to be like them, the competition comes not from fellow musicians or even from Shankar Mahadevan , rather from Bollywood explains world-renowned musicians, jazz artist Louis Banks and ace percussionist Sivamani .

In town for the opening of Yamaha Music Square in Sector 37, Chandigarh on October 7, 2009, the scions of Indian contemporary and fusion music take turns to talk about the grand Grammy nomination and define their art form.
While, Louis Banks starts playing a piano and Sivamani takes his position at the drums, and guess what they both have in mind -- An honest confession to make, "It’s unfortunate that while the world rejoices our music, people in India continue to plug into Bollywood." Louis has the reason, "Because, Bollywood music is easy to understand. You needn’t have to be attentive to appreciate it as it conditions you. On the other hand, our music requires some hard work from the audience as well to comprehend it." Sivamani is not all that dejected, "Indians are opening up to new genres of music. They are looking out for more options."

“Except the time when it was displaced by disco, jazz has been around for years and years, and now, it’s making a comeback,” tells Banks, who is now experimenting with the music along with his son. “The focus is integrating Indian with western music,” Banks also points to a six-album release soon. After giving award-winning music to TV serials, ad campaigns, films etc, Banks is now shifting full-time to live concerts. “The fun lies in playing live,” he smiles. Thirty years down the music line, and Damba Bahadur Budhapriti aka Louiz Banks has come a long way, from being a class teacher and jazz player in Kolkata to landing in Mumbai with Rs 300, tuning to guru RD Burman, and making it big. “Those were tough times, but good times too. We played for love, for passion of music. Today, there are a number of instruments and opportunities like reality shows, but one thing everyone should remember - if you are in it for money, then forget music,” says Banks, who, by the way, also does impressionistic paintings!

"The impact of Indian classical music is everlasting, you just can’t get over it. Whatever music we invent, it descends to the Indian music," asserts Louis before Sivamani chips in, "One needs to master Indian music before experimenting and diversifying it."

Of course, they took formal training, but their interest in music made all the difference, "I took my first lessons in music at the funerals, when I played soft music on different instruments," shares Sivamani. Gradually various milestones were achieved. "The major one came 25 years back, forming a band together, Shanti, and giving first international performance in Russia."

Helping in their cause of making universal music, they believe, are easily available quality instruments and reality shows. Louis explains the rest, "When we began to learn music, instruments had to be imported, unlike the present scenario. The musicians are being discovered by reality shows, who otherwise wouldn’t have got an opportunity."

For Banks, there is immense talent in India. “And the recent exposure has suddenly made the West sit up and take notice of Indian music,” says Banks adding it’s never too late to learn music provided you have the passion and aptitude. But he adds, it’s always better to start early!

Just like Sivamani, who started playing music as a child at funerals. And now,when it comes to musical beats, no one drums it better than Sivamani. From kanjira, damru, Indian conch, ghungroo to an odd suitcase, plastic water bottle, the man has created music out of it all. And when he’s not playing he’s practising on pillows!

“Those were my first lessons in music,” says the percussionist par excellence who has been playing with Banks and their band, Asia Electrik for 25 years now! Looking forward to his world tour, Jai H, with AR Rahman, and two new albums Mahaleela and Anand, Sivamani says music for him is rhythm.

“It’s peace, it’s the best diversion to depression...rhythm is like a banyan tree, it’s one, just like sound, it’s everywhere,” he hails its therapeutic powers. They're asked why is their music western only. There's a simple answer to it. "Because we come from western background," says Sivamani, who had his first brush with percussion while returning home from school in Chennai as the instrument would be played at funerals. However, there music's not devoid of the influence of Indian classical. It constantly makes way into their music in sound, in ragas. "I wondered which western counterpart would fit in with ragas and discovered it was jazz as that offers so much freedom. Jazz can be improvised upon and so can be classical," says Banks. Also Hindustani, he says, builds a great foundation.
And then, you open out, let your imagination flow.

'Playing Laxmi Bai & Benazir will be tough'

This bong beauty captured millions and zillions of heart when she won the title of Miss Universe in 1994 and made the country proud. Post the title she was bombarded with offers to make it big in the B-town. Her first Bollywood flick was ‘Dastak’ and then she was here to carve her success. More than her killer looks, her husky voice, her acting skills; her affair and link-ups have grabbed news now and then. She has been away from the spotlight but never mind because she is back with looking more ravishing in her much-talked about ‘Do Knot Disturb’ (DKD).

The film also stars king of comedy Govinda, Ritesh Deshmukh and Lara Dutta in the lead. In an interview, Sushmita spoke about her comeback, her sweet and sour rapport with Govinda, her equation with Lara and her upcoming films. Following is the tête-à-tête:

It’s been long that Sushmita have been away from the lime-light. We ask her what kept her away. “Yes, that’s true. But now audience will see one after other releases of mine. “Do Knot Disturb” tops the list. It is directed by David Dhawan and produced by Vashu Bhagnani. It has huge star-cast including Govinda, Lara and Ritesh in the lead besides Sohail Khan, Ranvir Shorey are also there”.

You have worked with Govinda in the past, how was it to work with him again?
-He is a great actor to work with. When you have Chi Chi along with you the output is always good.

If the rumours are to be believes, things are not well between Sushmita and Govinda. How far is it true? “If that is was true then why we both would have agreed to do the film”. And When asked if she is not in good terms with Lara too, she says, “Oh really? I never knew this. It is so easy for you to make and break friendship, isn’t it? The equation between both of us is absolutely fine and rocking”.

At present Sushmita is a busy bee working for her forthcoming film, starting from ‘Do knot disturb’, ‘No problem’ with Kangana Ranuat, ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ under Maverick productions with Fardeen Khan and Shahrukh Khan.

About her dream project ‘Rani Lakshmibai’, which is at hold, the former Miss universe elaborates, “Yes, it is on hold. Though, I can’t comment on that but surely it will start soon”.

About the progress of this much-awaited film, Benazir Bhutto’ which created lots of buzz when it was announced, she explains, “-Benazir Butto is iconic figure. She lived a very controversial life. On the initial stages we need permission from Pakistan Peoples’ Party. We are ready with all the requirements. I am only going to play Ms Benazir. I am much thrilled as well as nervous. Most of its shoot will take place in Dubai, U.N and Britian. We all are optimistic about it”.

Chi-Chis Dolly--LARA DUTTA

The Miss Universe- Lara Dutta stepped into various genres of movies but off late her trademark movies are mainstream comedy. She started her career with films like Andaaz, Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, Bhaagam Bhaag, No Entry and went on doing Partner, Billu Barber and many more.

The dazzling Lara Dutta is back again in yet another comedy flick “Do Knot Disturb” directed by Vashu Bhagnani starring Govinda. We interviewed Lara to know more about her new film “Do Knot Disturb” and her experience–

“Do Knot Disturb” is about post martial affair, in which Lara gets involve with a married man. “ I am playing Dolly in the movie who is in love with a married man and to hide the post marital love affair, a lot of situations arises which turn out to be a complete drama with humour. The film has been directed by David Dhawan and Producer is Vashu Bhagnani. Along with Govinda, the other co- stars in the movie are Sushmita Sen and Ritesh Deshmukh.

When asked if Lara is the same Govinda’s Dolly who has become so popular with the audience, she says, “Yes, I am his Dolly and who has become famous just because the way Chi-Chi calls me”.
Every movie is a new experience for Lara and working with another Miss Universe Sushmita Sen in the movie, Lara is quite to answer, “ It was good but we hardly had a few scenes together but all together it was a dream come true by working with her”.

When asked if the two former Miss Universe had a few clashes between, while working in the same movies, she opines, “Is it necessary that if two actresses are working together, they are bound to have a cat fight? The shoot was a really good experience and nothing at all happened between us. Moreover, besides co-stars, we are friends”,

“Govinda is a super star and working with him in “Do Knot Disturb” was indeed a fantastic experience after doing movies like Bhaagam Bhaag and Partner. But with this, I now have more opportunity to perform with him and this doesn’t end here, I’ve worked with Govinda again in Ravi Chopra’s “Banda ye Bindaas hai” which will be released soon”, adds Lara.

“When you have Govinda and David Dhawan together, the comedy automatically comes out. So I tried hard to come up to their level”, says Lara, who joins the comely team of David Dhawan.
About reason behind you taking up comedy flicks, she says, “ Well, it’s mostly because I am getting more of these types of movies. Also working in a comedy movie is a lot of fun and I really enjoy my work. I believe that it’s more difficult to work for a comedy film than playing a serious character. I really relish working with directors like David Dhawan, Priyadarshan and Sajid Khan”.

Talking about working with Sanjay Dutt for the first time in the film “Blue”, Lara says, “ The movie “Blue” is a completely different one where I’ve had a few action scenes too. Sanjay Dutt is a great actor and I liked working with him as well”,
“We’ve shot the movie underwater, I think the audience will like the film”, she sums…

Hum Mile, a love story with a backdrop of infamous Mumbai floods

Roadies makes a ‘man’ out of you, feels the Bollywood star Imran Hashmi, much popularly known as the “serial kisser”.
In town, Hashmi played the perfect guest judge for MTV Hero Honda Roadies 7 auditions. A much different Hashmi from what we saw him here last time, some two years back -- promoting Awaarapan, as the actor answers to some of the queries on the reports of discrimination he faced when trying to buy a flat in Mumbai.
Some sections of the media, he says, blew his comments out of proportion. "The entire issue escalated into a different direction. The issue was trivialised. Other people were being asked for their comments," he shoots, adding that he wasn't talking of a trend. "I was talking about my experience," he says.

However, some good came out of the issue. "The minority commission wanted to resolve it peacefully. Report says there was evidence (of bias). Positive results came about and they hoped to pass an equal opportunity bill. And I am not just speaking on behalf of Muslims. It's for anybody who has been denied a flat because of his caste or religion, be it a Hindu or a Parsi."
Coming to the core issue, the auditions of the show, Emraan says, "I have watched a bit of Roadies and I know this show has grabbed the nation's attention. I don't know what to expect, but this season there'll be a tinge of humour in the show and I would be playing the guest judge."

Hashmi is still fresh in people's memories with Raaz ­ The Mystery Continues. And he's ready with Tum Mile, a film based on the Mumbai floods, which releases in November. "The floods are a sub-plot of the film. It's a story of two star-crossed ex-lovers, who are re-united after a hiatus of six years under the most chaotic circumstances. As the story unfolds, they find out new things about each other and themselves due to the extreme conditions therein. There's a very beautiful love story in there," he promises.

An integral part of the Vishesh films, we heard Hashmi will be playing a role for Mohit Suri's movie on Australian racial attacks on Indian students. Says Hashmi, "Yes, I will be playing a part in the movie, but it is still being scripted and most probabably, we would start shooting in December." Ask him about his role and he says, "There's nothing defined as yet, but yes, this movie is based on real-life characters, but won't be a judgemental movie. We would be showing the real picture."

While he’s flexing muscles for another flick, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai based on the underworld, Hashmi denies reports of him doing the remake of Gary Cooper’s ‘Love in the Afternoon’. Hashmi is touted to play Dawood Ibrahim.

KOLKATTA FASHION WEEK – SEASON II

The Indian designers are no longer confined to the domestic fashion and apparel market. With India is becoming the latest fashion hub for the fashionistas, the DESINGERS are gaining recognition and fame from all over the world.
One of the major platforms that provide the Indian designers to showcase their talents is through the fashion shows. Kolkatta Fashion Week is one of the most popular fashion show celebration of India where the talents of already established and upcoming designers are showcased.
TRICITY CALLING took a tour to the Kolkata Fashion Week – Season II or KFW 2009, which began with the ace designer Ritu Kumar’s who paid a tribute to rich Bengali traditional designs and craftsmanship, while got concluded with the grand finalé of Manish Malhotra’s show.

This feast featured:

Ritu Kumar, Bibi Russel, Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodricks, Rocky S, Narendra Kumar, Mandira Virk and many more. The five day fashion extravaganza was held from September 9 to September 13 at the ITC, The Sonar, Kolkata.
Star cricketer Virender Sehwag, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Director Rituparno Ghosh and film actresses Riya Sen, Nitin Mukesh and Irrfaan Khan was among the few showstoppers, who were a part of the event.
This event was a fashion celebration laced with lots of glamour and national as well as international media coverage, wherein many high profile designers as well as famous Bollywood celebrities were part of it.
Actor Neetu Chandra, who was walked the ramp for designer Soumitra Mondal, said, “I’ve been busy shooting for the Tamil version of Bachna Ae Haseeno. But when I got an offer to walk for KFW2, I immediately agreed since I’m in love with Kolkata’s vintage appeal and the city’s connect with all things arty. Though being a showstopper is a nerve-wracking act”, added the all excited Neetu. For Neil Nitin Mukesh, it’s both a love for Kolkata and Nari’s sensibilities that’s making him walk the ramp. “I love Nari as a human being. This translates into his work too,” he said. Meanwhile, walking for Mandira Wirk was Sophie Choudry’s way of strengthening her ties with Kolkata, a city where she had spent her holidays.

Collection by Some of the Designers:
Anita Dongre
Showstopper - Rimii Sen
With her love for Luxury and Lifestyle, Anita launched her one of a kind couture line, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS. The label catered to custom made occasion wear. Be it a bridal trousseau or a red carpet stunner, ANITA DONGRE TIMELESS is termed as a luxury outfit you’ll desire to own and have forever.
The collection made ingenious use of traditional weaves and silks all over the country to create styles that are classis, feminine and eternal. Each ensemble, delicately handcrafted by adept craftsmen, is precious, luxurious and opulent enough to be considered as rare pieces for heirloom.

Aarti Vijaygupta
Her work was all about ‘breaking the compromise’. Merging old with the modern, creativity with practically. The box pleats, pyramid cones, quilted yokes yet feminine to the contours- classy, wearable and realistic yet affordable, this summed up her USP.
Collection
The Spring Summer 10 collection alternated the signature austerity of the label with more creative inputs. Her collection into the fold ’, inspired by Japanese art of Origami she felt is self explanatory of her collection. Her main objective was to fuse the traditional with the more topical. She tried to do so by blending of linen fabric in earthy colours with sophisticated cuts, which she believed, certainly will enchant the modern feminine world.
The color palette evoked metropolitan shades of grey, offset against purple softened by the matte of linen, broken by beige, brown and sand tones, and greens have a dry, olivey patina.

Aditi Jaggi
The designer Aditi Jaggi Rastogi is an alumnus of S.O.F.T, Pune, and has won the sobriquet of the ‘most commercially viable designer. A thorough experience under designer Rina Dhaka, a stint @ SSL, and designing for Mallika Sherawat etc. are the laurels that prove the strong foundation of the label.
Collection
This collection was an attempt to add to the grace n persona of a bride who considers comfort and value for money as her priorities, yet she wanted to indulge in a bright colorful collection for her trousseau, picking a mix of ensembles for all occasions. There was ample use of brocade from grandmas’ closet in the form of appliqué delicately highlighted with tiny beads and colorful stones. There were lehengas, saris, anarkalis, churidars and also a wide range of tunics. In short there was a mix of all that a newlywed bride wants in her wardrobe. Being spring summer 2010, the fabrics used were very easy chiffons and cotton blend silks.

Narendra Kumar
Showstopper: Neil Nitin Mukesh
Narendra Kumar was part of the first ever graduating class from NIFT in 1990, when it was still being run in conjunction with FIT, New York and Trent Polytechnic, UK. The NK line for both men and women is based on modern cuts and silhouettes but integrates the luxurious aspects of specially woven Indian fabrics and hand-crafted detailing to maintain a couture feel to the line.

Abhishek Dutta
Showstopper: Irrfaan Khan
Winner of Smirnoff International Fashion Award and an award winning student of Wigan & Leign College, Abhishek Dutta believes in creating garments with a difference. He specializes in various ancient embroideries with futurists cuts. His label AD Normal gives immense choice to people for casual clothing whilst his other label Abhishek D creates exclusive couture ensembles. Apart from formal wear his casual wear comprises of tops, trousers, jackets, skirts, etc. at a very affordable price. The inspiration for AD Normal line of clothes comes from the very sporty attitude of youth.
Collection
A futuristic collection was rolled out on the ramp from the Abhishek Dutta stable. Cuts and not surface embellishment dominated the ‘creative patterns’. Off-white, orange and khaki were his chosen colours for this structured western collection.

Swati Srivastava
The ‘Swati Srivastava’ label, incepted in the year 2007, has already been making weaves in the industry. A swirling mix of urban contemporary influences in heady creative style, ‘Swati Srivastava’ is a tour de force in Indian fashion. ‘Swati Srivastava’ the label is available at locations across India at stores in New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai.
Collection
The Delhi-based designer was showcasing an Indo-western line. The collection included lehengas, saris, draped tops, tunics and short jackets brought alive by textures, bamboo work, terracotta and cane work on net, khadi silk and Dhakai silk.

Manish Malhotra
Actors Amrita Rao, Ronit Roy, Raima Sen, Riya Sen, director Rituparno Ghosh and footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was among the celebrities who walked the ramp at the finale of Kolkata Fashion Week-II, when Manish Malhotra showcased his collection.Amrita Rao did the show stopping catwalk draped in a red lehenga. Ronit walked the ramp in a grey and black striped sherwani that had embroidery work. Bhaichung was seen in a grey sherwani.
“My label is known as couture clothing. I think my clothes are wearable. For example, I feel the sherwani is a lot more textured than most embroideries. For women it has a lot of net. It’s more clothes than jewellery,” said Manish.
This was his first show in the city, where he exhibited bridal clothes.