• What Money Can Buy

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 05

    Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited editions ranges, to auctions that the world have their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber lifestyle. This week, plan that Hollywood style date in a chopper, get yourself the ultimate style statement from Jimmy Choo, and try a new wearable tech?

    Flying high

    Remember how many of us sighed collective ?oohs? and ?aahs? when Christian Grey from Fifty Shades of Grey, brought Anastasia Steele to his penthouse in Seattle on Charlie Tango his personal helicopter? Now if that is your idea of an uber luxurious dream date then here?s some good news. Such a date is very much possible in heart of Mumbai.

    MAB Aviation, a Mumbai based private aviation service has been catering luxurious joy rides around the city on their special private copters, starting at a price of Rs 35,000 for 30 minutes, according to a spokesperson from the organisation. Apart from escorting high profile diplomats and businessmen, they also get booked for lovebirds coveting a destination wedding.

    Now the next time your dream date drives up your alley in a BMW, don?t be complacent. Think bigger and put him in touch with MAB Aviation!

    ?Em Stilettos just a booty call

    The world of fashion just made a giant leap with stiletto specialist Jimmy Choo collaborating with the well-known boot maker Moon Boot. Fashionistas predict that the line that will come out of this collaboration will be quirky with a touch of class and practicality.

    If you are someone with a thing for high heels then Jimmy Choo is a name you chant like a religious mantra. On the other hand, Italy?s Moon Boot is sports-style footwear created for comfort, and can withstand adverse climates. When you combine the two you get with the extremes of shoe fashion.

    The collection, created in luxury materials such as shearling and fox fur, will feature eight limited edition pieces. Moreover, the line will sport a futuristic look while still retaining the retro vibe. Called Jimmy Choo. 08?, this brand new experimental line is to make its grand debut in October 2015 and the products will be available at Jimmy Choo boutiques and select stores across the globe. Although the makers have not revealed their starting price for the range, any fashion aficionado can tell that a pair of these limited edition Jimmy Choos would cost you a fortune.

    Oh So Futuristic

    Here?s another addition to family of wearable tech, which has indeed been growing by leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. After Google Glass, it's now BMW MINI?s turn to show the world how to connect a driver with his car in an innovative manner. With its new augmented features, the MINI is all set to change the future of commuting with a range of exceptional features.

    With everyone going gaga over wearable technology like Google Glass and iWatch, we can't blame the British luxury automobile giant, BMW MINI, to have their own version of it. And for a car-maker what would be more relevant than smart eyewear? This specialised eyewear uses see-through technology and shows information to the driver regarding the drive, without taking away from the view of the road and other elements on the path. Sounds like a cool scene from those sci-fi movies right?

    What?s more, MINI has further been working with various Qualcomm companies and has come up with an interlinked system that offers improved routing information, as well as guidance for the driver. Design wise this little machine reminds you of the classic MINI, as the prototype is created in a combination of carbon black and dull gold. The gadget debuted at the Auto Shanghai show earlier this year.

    Power play

    The world of hotel business is nothing short of powerplay between empires with the hotel properties being the castles. And this was reiterated when the destination chosen for the Hong Kong based Shangri La (rebranded to Palladium Hotel) will once again be replaced by Starwood Hotel & Resort?s luxury property St. Regis. Slated to make its debut in the third quarter of 2015, St. Regis will now be a part of Mumbai?s affluent five-star hotels catalogue.

    Known for its impeccable hospitality and bespoke service across the globe, this 38-storey property will feature 386 guest rooms, including 60 suites with a wide range of gourmet selections at its four specialty restaurants, a club lounge and three bars. The hotel will also boast of its signature Iridium Spa offering bespoke touches of a rare spa experience. Besides these services, the hotel will house a well-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool and a 5,200 sq meters of unrivaled space for events and weddings.

    In addition to the St. Regis Mumbai, the company is set to debut more hotels in India in the next two years including W Retreat & Spa Goa, The Westin Kolkata, Sheraton Hyderabad, Le Meridien Nagpur and the Aloft New Delhi Aerocity, reports luxpresso.com.

    Through the lens

    The extremely rare and antique Laica camera of the 0-series 1923 fetched a jaw dropping $1,900,000 at the 19th WestLicht camera auction held on 28 May, making it the most expensive in the world so far. It claimed the position after the breaking the record of Leica MP2 that fetched 402,000 pounds in 2010. This beautiful piece was estimated to go for sale between $350,000 and $450,000, however the opening bid of $200,00 made it clear that the estimates were way off the mark. The said camera is the seventh of the Leica 0-series, and only 25 were produced to test the market in 1923.

    The camera is also the only camera known with Germany engraving on the top plate. If that weren?t enough to get curious about this rare model of Camera, then it?s winner bidder should. The auction was closed after a winning bid was placed by an anonymous private Asian collector, after 20 minutes of fierce bidding.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • What Money Can Buy

    Submitted by ITV Production on May 29

    Money can?t buy you happiness but it can surely buy the means to keep you happy. And for those with an eclectic taste in lifestyle, happiness often means being able to indulge in their passions. From antique collections, luxury rides, limited editions ranges, to auctions that the world has their eyes on, Exec Lifestyle gives you a sneak peek into the uber rich lifestyle.

    This week, we have the perfect fix for your luxury holiday, something to keep your grey cells engaged, edible gold, and more.

    For a romantic getaway

    To spend a fortnight on a luxurious holiday means you need to equip yourself withthe right luggage carrier, and the Tumi Arrive Zurich 4 Wheeled Expandable is justthe thing you need. A unique blend of contemporary understatement and Tumi?s advance technology, this fortnight travel accessory is meticulously appointed with the finest aesthetic and engineering features imaginable. This extra-large packing case, Arriv?, has the easy maneuverability of a four-wheel design and flexibility with a main compartment that expands 2.5". Polyester fabric, striking chrome accents, custom-made handles, intelligent interior organization and numerous patented components are some of the other features this suitcase has to offer. Price: 99,500 INR

    Tickle your brains

    A clever piece of puzzle game that tests your wits, the Rubik cube, invented by Erno Rubik, has always been fascinating toy, with its fans among some of world?s most eminent personalities.  This simple game has also won many awards for the genius concept behind it. Invented in 1974, its fortieth anniversary was specially commemorated by Fred Cuellar CEO and founder of Diamond Cutters International, by creating a jewelled masterpiece version of the regular Rubik Cube. Called the ?Mona Lisa?, this special Rubik Cube is embedded with several precious metals and stones - 18 carat yellow gold, 22.5 carat Amethyst, 34 carat Emerald and 34 carat of Ruby. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies have replaced the classic coloured panels. Valued at $2.5 million, it is the most expensive puzzle in the world.

    Not just for any sport

    It?s a given that the costliest sport in the world will have the costliest accessories to go with it. Bringing a smile on every passionate and extravagant golf lover in the world is the BW1 Golf Cart hovercraft ? a creatively designed golf cart fitted with 65 hp twin cylinder Hirth engine. As a result of which, this golfer?s joy ride is unparalleled in terms of dexterity of movement. Manufactured to carry four golfers and two golf bags with ease, this hovercraft is making a buzz for its patented fly by wire reverse thrust system. It gives it a backwards speed of 25 mph. Golfers looking for comfort, ease, and precision can order this game companion at Hammacher Schlemmer for a princely sum of $58,000.

    Edible gold

    Fritz Knipschildt, a Danish baker, is popularly given the title of Willy Wonka of Connecticut for creating the most expensive chocolate in the world - the Madeleine. His shop, Knipschildt Chocolatier in South Norwalk, Connecticut, is famous for using fresh ingredients, without any preservatives and additives. The best of his hand made artisan products is the Madeleine itself, whose ingredients include - a creamy truffle ganache made from French Valrhona chocolate blended with fresh cream infused with vanilla pods and pure Italian truffle oil. But the rich and expensive ingredients alone don?t justify the jaw-dropping price tag it carries. According to its creator, the price is a reflection of the hair splitting skill the chef needs to have to make this chocolate. The ganache, which is another constituent of this mouth-watering delicacy, is whipped and folded by hand for a long time to make it as silky.

    The chef also has to endure freezing temperature when folding the hand rolling of Perigold truffle inside the ganache. Needless to say that one needs to place a special advanced order to purchase this chocolate. These chocolates have a price tag of approximately $2,600 per pound in quantity.

    A pricey mistake

    The enthusiastic and passionate brigade of philatelists or stamp collectors all over the world have created a demand in the market for rare and unique stamps. As a result, some of them have attained ridiculously high prices. But nothing beats ?Treskilling Yellow?- the only single stamp originally priced at a paltry $2.5. The most expensive stamp was originally printed in Sweden, and was actually a result of a mistake. Instead of their regular three-skilling stamp on green stock, it was printed on a yellow stock paper, therefore the name ?Treskillin Yellow. The Stamp has given rise to popular fashion of wearing T Shirts with a Treskilling Yellow stamp logo on it. After changing several hands, it reached an auction value of over $2.3 million in 2010.

    Keep an eye on this section for your weekly updates of extravaganza.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • My Collections, My Personality - Munjal Shroff

    Submitted by ITV Production on Dec 15

    "Collecting is like eating peanuts. You just can't stop". True to the saying, no matter how much top level executives are burdened by work, or meetings, they master the art of time management. Anyhow, they find the time to get back to things they want to pursue.

    Nidhi Jain chatted up director and COO of Graphiti Multimedia Pvt Ltd, Munjal Shroff, a person whose brain is forever floating around fantasies of ideas in animation.

    Our motivation... must always be to please yourself. Follow your intuition and buy what sings to you. The objects you acquire should give you pleasure and fellowship. -Richard Faletti

    As a kid I had a lot of pen friends from all over the world and I was quite fascinated by the different stamps that I used to get from different countries. This is what got me started with my first collection - Stamps.

    But my biggest fascination was comics. It was an addiction. I possessed lots of comics, collections which I preserved as bound volumes. Volumes of Mandrake, Phantom, Tintin, Archies and even Jetsons. Though now I have donated most of them to an orphanage.

    Now I have collectibles from movies such as Matrix. My prized possession is The Matrix - Platinum Limited Edition DVD Collector's Set which includes an actual frame Senitype 35 mm film strip from the movie and 8 original limited edition lobby card prints. I collect limited edition DVDs of animated films as well.
    I also have a lot of 'making-of' books related to my work such as Making of Toy Story, Jurassic park, Bug's Life. I also have many wonderful books called Illusion of life.

    Collectors become obsessive and then addicted. You become addicted to art and you can't live without it. - Eli Broad

    I like to collect paintings from different painters, especially unique folk paintings. I am an impulsive collector. Since now the biggest constraint is space, purchasing has slowed down, and also all collectors items require good care. I travel extensively to the countries that are rich culturally. I like buying favourites from street painters & underground music from street musicians in countries like France.

    Recently I incorporated a collection of music by a streetband from Paris called 'Cenizas'. I have a vast and eclectic collection of music, especially instrumental. The collection ranges from Masai Drums from Africa to Uilleann pipes - from the Celtic region.

    The cornerstone of great art for me is a work that makes one person exclaim "That's fabulous!" and another ask, "How can you have that hanging in your house?" - Gordon Sondland

    I like my collected stuff to have personality and am very choosy and fussy. I always have had a love for art. During one of my visits to Cannes I had a day to myself. Some locals told me about a small town called Antibes and the Picasso museum there. Since the museum was to open after a couple of hours I decided to walk around this picturesque town. I came across an antique shop run by an old British gentleman. He had an amazing collection of antique maps and lithographs from the 18th century. These lithographs had an amazing amount of detail and were painstakingly hand painted using delicate water colors. The 4" x 6" artworks were stunning. I picked a couple and then the gentlemen gifted me one beautiful rendition of Hotel de Ville - Paris.

    "Its not that collecting is more noble than the other pursuits of man, its just a lot more fun". - Norman McClean

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • India's Telecommunications Industry

    Submitted by ITV Production on Dec 03

    About the Author - Ashok V. Desai is the consulting editor of The Telegraph. He also writes for the Business World. Before becoming a columnist and commentator, he was advisor to the then Indian finance minister Manmohan Singh in the early 1990s, when India embarked on economic reforms. In the 1980s, Desai coordinated a large project on energy research across the world, the results of which were published in a 15 volume study. Desai speaks fluent German and once wrote a thesis on German wages in the nineteenth century.

    India has evolved with the passage of time and so has its telecommunications industry. More than a decade back in 1992, the Indian telecommunication industry was totally monopolised by the government, but now with the advent of new technology, it is growing at a rapid pace and seeing more and more private players.

    In the 1990s, the government of India appointed regulators as an alternative to the direct control of industries such as telecommunications, banking, capital markets, insurance, hydrocarbons and electricity. But in spite of tremendous efforts, it seemed to go in vain and was by and large ineffective.

    The book takes holistic look at the industry's past, incumbent and future trail. The author creates an atmosphere for the readers and provides a detailed view of the technical world. Through the book, Desai attempts to bring forth arguments as to why regulation does not work in India.

    India's Telecommunications Industry showcases the birth and growth of the industry. Desai throws light on the industry from the time of DoT to internet telephony.

    He also talks about the impact technology has on the telecommunications industry. He divulges a well known fact, which is understood by all in fast paced world --- the importance of networking and staying connected.

    Who can do without a mobile or a personal phone in today's world? And to top it all, with increasing competition, the calling rates too are lowering day by day. With the advent of more and more channels of communication, the need seems to be unending.

    India's Telecommunications Industry had been written in a lucid manner and is also packed with a punch. It is an essential read for policy makers, economists and industry watchers. The book will also be of interest to students of industrial economics and management.

    "Just as one thinks that one has reached the full stop, something happens that renders an entire chapter out of date," says Desai. As a result, this book is a result of four drafts spread over a year coupled with a whole lot of effort on the author's behalf.

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  • Enchanting Countries - Rajiv Bakshi

    Submitted by ITV Production on Sep 23

    Discovery Networks India,Associate Director/Marketing and Communications-Rajiv Bakshi takes us along on some of his memorable holidays across international and national shores. Apart from the fact that Rajiv's job takes him around the world, he personally loves to globe trek. Rather, what really gets him going is driving around new places.

    I do not like being driven around. The wheel has to be in my hand for me to enjoy the drive to the hilt. Germany and France have been his favourite destinations and I have traversed most parts by road with like minded friends.

    The atmosphere in German cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt is unique: charged with historic importance, packed with architectural highlights and filled with restaurants to get stuffed in. We can stroll around streets with ancient buildings and marvel at times gone by.

    I am a keen observer of people, culture, and of course restaurants and keep comparing it to conditions in India. Most of these cities are quite typical for German culture and lifestyle in general: beer gardens and pedestrian areas as zones of communication perfect for soaking in German vocabulary and collocations, an exceptionally well-preserved old town, idyllic streets, loads of hinterland to explore... and open-minded and friendly inhabitants.

    Berlin is full of life and energy with all sorts of cultural activities, a thriving night life and dazzling new architectural triumphs. Elsewhere, Munich (with its domes, towers, chic shops, and beer festival) as are Hamburg (of lakes), Frankfurt (skyscrapers, books - and apple wine), and Cologne (fabulous Gothic cathedral, K?lsch beer - and wild carnival celebrations) are all wonderful cities to explore.

    These are fun, relaxed and vibrant cities with fabulous shopping and pulsating night life. I am always checking out the shopping areas to buy gifts for friends and family. Frankfurt's international flair guarantees an inspiring stay. Here, one can explore a modern and dynamic city and enjoy its tolerant and open-minded spirit.

    Language has never been a hindrance. People are open-minded and tolerant. One just has to be civil and polite and the directions and maps are all so self explanatory that one would really have to be dense to get lost.

    All these cities have an atmosphere that is reverberating with historical importance. But I am not a museum kind of person, I prefer soaking in the real life visible around today.

    Munich has plenty of cultural and sporting activities, fashion and lifestyle, and the people are friendly and approachable. Plus, Munich's surrounding and its close proximity to the Alps offer additional experiences. Munich has no shortage of wonderful green spaces.

    The locals are easy-going and communicative. Throughout the year all sorts of festivals provide various amusements. You can spend your free time shopping, drinking coffee and tuning in on local talk and gossip - an easy way of picking up vocabulary and collocations.

    Driving along the German Alpine Road is an amazing experience. It is an exhilarating route full of twists and turns. The 450 kilometre-long route is stunning and offers great variety - Alpine meadows, hills, mountain peaks, green forests, valleys and lakes follow one another in a steady rhythm. The other exhilarating speed-thrill is driving from Stuttgart to Zurich. I did it in less than two hours, after a 14-hour flight. For anyone planning this adventure, I offer no guarantees.

    Traditional farming villages alternate with historical towns against the majestic panorama of the Bavarian Alps. There are almost 25 ancient castles and palaces to visit. Over 20 crystal-clear mountain lakes offer not only thrilling views but also a wide choice of sports and leisure activities. And I am the kind who prefers to play the sport rather than watch it.

    All along this panoramic route there are opportunities to try delicious German specialties, both in the fresh air at a beer garden or at traditional inns - and, last but not least, the famous "Mass", a litre tankard of beer.

    Along the German Wine Route, the climate is mild, the scenery like Tuscany's and the people warm and friendly too. The wooded hills are planted with vines, while figs, kiwis and lemons. Wine tasting with a winegrower is a chance to become a bit of a connoisseur. Wonderful wines from famous vineyards can be enjoyed everywhere, in tasting rooms and countless wine taverns or even at road side stalls.

    I am attracted to lake side properties and have had the good fortune of staying at some of the most exclusive lakeside properties in India and abroad. Germany's lakes are as diverse as the countryside which surrounds them. Some are very well known; others are hidden gems that only reward people who take the trouble to seek them out. They offer fresh air and fantastic natural scenery - and the waters that are crystal clear.

    German life is a new environment of tolerance and multiculturalism. Two of Cologne's biggest attractions are the carnival and art. The city celebrates carnival as a week-long street-festival with colorful parades, outlandish costumes and live music. I have spent a lot of time at a fair and enjoyed it thoroughly.

    Paris is another enchanting city. Driving around it offers a wonderful insight into this multifaceted, magical, and at times secretive, city. The bustling Champs Elysees is one place I simply love. The shops and Parisian life in the area reveal the very symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration.

    The food is delectable. One can enjoy the fish dishes prepared with vivid seasonings. The diversity of French wines reflects the diversity of France itself. Tiramisu is to die for. Each region offers a unique landscape, climate, culture, and history that have combined to produce the most famous wines in the world.

    The city has many of the world's most visited monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Arc de Triomphe. I am one who cannot keep staring at the wonderful sight of the Eiffel Tower. I prefer walking the streets, absorbing the local way of life. There is something that aches in your sense of romance when you wander among the baroque Parisian architecture with the language lilting in the air around you.

    Washington is another city that beckons. The walking trails are great for long walks or exercise. I am looking forward to exploring the city on my next visit.

    I also seek out educational institutions wherever I go. I check out the campus, meet up with professors and generally soak in the thought process in each campus. It is enriching and one always feels more empowered after being to these institutions.

    My wife Meenakshi also shares this travel bug. She has visited Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, England and so many more unique countries on her own by charting out a map and discovering a new place each time. I have imbibed a lot of my fascination to travel from her. We have had wonderful vacations at Colombo and Goa. Colombo is one place I like as our currency is stronger there! The food is great and its nature's paradise.

    As far as Goa is concerned, I always feel that it stands apart from the rest of India. The sense of freedom one feels there is awesome. The Leela Hotels property is by far the best beachside property I have stayed in, though I would give Taj's properties, all three, the next best rating. I visit Jaipur regularly and love shopping there. Bhopal, Lucknow, Kochi, Chandigarh, Agra, Udaipur, Jabalpur - each city attracts me for both its unique city life, special settings and food specialties.

    We have a two-month old baby and we are just waiting for her to be a little more manageable to take her to our next dream destination - Scotland.

    indiantelevision.com Team
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  • India's Telecommunications Industry By Ashok V Desai

    Submitted by ITV Production on Jun 30

    About the Author - Ashok V. Desai is the consulting editor of The Telegraph. He also writes for the Business World. Before becoming a columnist and commentator, he was advisor to the then Indian finance minister Manmohan Singh in the early 1990s, when India embarked on economic reforms. In the 1980s, Desai coordinated a large project on energy research across the world, the results of which were published in a 15 volume study. Desai speaks fluent German and once wrote a thesis on German wages in the nineteenth century.

    India has evolved with the passage of time and so has its telecommunications industry. More than a decade back in 1992, the Indian telecommunication industry was totally monopolised by the government, but now with the advent of new technology, it is growing at a rapid pace and seeing more and more private players.

    In the 1990s, the government of India appointed regulators as an alternative to the direct control of industries such as telecommunications, banking, capital markets, insurance, hydrocarbons and electricity. But in spite of tremendous efforts, it seemed to go in vain and was by and large ineffective.

    The book takes holistic look at the industry's past, incumbent and future trail. The author creates an atmosphere for the readers and provides a detailed view of the technical world. Through the book, Desai attempts to bring forth arguments as to why regulation does not work in India.

    India's Telecommunications Industry showcases the birth and growth of the industry. Desai throws light on the industry from the time of DoT to internet telephony.

    He also talks about the impact technology has on the telecommunications industry. He divulges a well known fact, which is understood by all in fast paced world --- the importance of networking and staying connected.

    Who can do without a mobile or a personal phone in today's world? And to top it all, with increasing competition, the calling rates too are lowering day by day. With the advent of more and more channels of communication, the need seems to be unending.

    India's Telecommunications Industry had been written in a lucid manner and is also packed with a punch. It is an essential read for policy makers, economists and industry watchers. The book will also be of interest to students of industrial economics and management.

    "Just as one thinks that one has reached the full stop, something happens that renders an entire chapter out of date," says Desai. As a result, this book is a result of four drafts spread over a year coupled with a whole lot of effort on the author's behalf.

     

    indiantelevision.com Team
    exec_life_image
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