Book Review: ‘Aisle Be Damned’, exceptionally hilarious debut novel by Rishi Piparaiya

‘Aisle Be Damned’, Rishi Piparaiya’s debut novel is an exceptionally hilarious take on everything that one can relate with air travel. It has summed almost everything that can go wrong and right when you are air travelling. From what can go right when you step into the airport to what can go wrong while you choose your seat, meal and whatever else that an airline has got to offer. Every single person who has ever flown can relate to the book and those who do not like to travel by air and yet have to do that, they will relate with the every single thing mentioned in the book.

A Hilarious Take on just about Everything Associated with Air Travel.

–    Getting seamlessly upgraded to Business Class.
–    The hows and whys of micromanaging the pilots.
–    Action plans to counter the airlines Technical Snag routine.
–    Sure shot strategies for winning the affections of flight attendants.
–    Awesome icebreakers to start conversations with attractive co-passengers.
–    How smart executives deal with the Walk of Shame to the economy section.
–     How a water bottle dramatically improves flight safety.
–    Breezing through immigration and customs, always making your flight connections and a whole lot more
–    Rest assured, your flying experience will never be the same again!

Title: Aisle Be damned
Author: Rishi Piparaiya
Genre: Non- Fiction, Humour
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Pages: 216
Price: Rs. 250/-
For more details, visit: aislebedamned.com.

Rishi Piparaiya is an over-worked and over-traveled corporate executive based in the skies, 38,000 feet over India. He has spent several years at one of the largest global banks and he currently heads marketing and sales for a financial services multinational company. He did his schooling at the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai and undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Rochester and Cornell University in upstate New York. He speaks much of English, some of Hindi and a bit of Spanish but prefers to write ‘Aisle Be Damned’ his first book.

‘What A Loser’, by Pankaj Dubey: A fresh take on the issues revolving around the issue of one’s ‘identity’

Pankaj Dubey’s book, ‘What a Loser’ in English and ‘Loser kahin Ka’ in Hindi, published by Penguin Metro Reads, is a Cowbelt Comedy set in the North Campus of Delhi University. This laughathon delves deep into the zone of satire. It attempts to bring millions of students from the Cowbelt states of UP, Bihar, MP, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan who arrive DU with the borrowed dream from their parents, of making it BIG into the IAS.

Interestingly set in the post Liberalisation phase of the 1990s India, it’s a fresh take on the issues revolving round the
issue of one’s ‘identity’. Pandey Anil Kumar Sinha (PAKS) comes to Delhi with precisely three things: One, his jaded old trunk full of Sattu and Achaar, two, a borrowed dream of becoming an IAS officer from his clerk father and three, to sleep with a milky-white Punjabi girl.

However, PAKS’s goals begin to change when he falls in love, enroll for English classes and find cool friends. Then suddenly he is pushed to the forefront of university elections and he becomes a hero! PAKS in living his ultimate dream…or is he?
What will happen next? Will he ever get what he really wants? Find out the laughathon full of cliché’s straight from the cow belt of India! (youtube.com/watch?v=J708pG099l8) and for the Loser Anthem Teaser making rounds in the digital
media: youtube.com/watch?v=iamnAwB63_E).

Pankaj Dubey is an Indian Author and Screenwriter based out of Mumbai. He has worked as Script Supervisor in the recently released Disney UTV feature film Ghanchakkar, Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta and now working in Chauranga by Anticlock Films.
Pankaj is also a Novelist now. He has authored a novel titled, ‘What a Loser’ (English) and ‘Loser Kahin Ka! (Hindi) published by Penguin Metro Read. His novel is a Cowbelt Comedy set in the North Campus of the University of Delhi. Both these novels are the original works of the Author and none has been translated from the other.
Pankaj has also produced two short films Naach Ganesh (Dance of Ganesha) and Geelee (Wet Dreams) screened at Busan International Film Festival, IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam), Clermont Ferrand, (France) Stuttgart, (Germany) and Indian Film Festival, Los Angeles under his banner Sadak Chhaap Films.
Prior to being a part of the film industry Pankaj has a professional background in Journalism. He has worked with the BBC World Service in London and then with Channel 7 (now IBN7) and TV Today Group in New Delhi, India. A law graduate from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University Pankaj Dubey has done his Masters in Applied Communications from Coventry University,
West Midlands, UK. You can reach the author, by calling on his mobile: +91(9769797555) or e-mail carryonpd@gmail.com.

‘What a Loser’ book by Pankaj Dubey launched at Landmark Store, Infinity Mall Mumbai

‘What a loser’ authored by the renowned screenwriter Pankaj Dubey was launched at the Landmark store, Infiniti Mall, Mumbai today. Various celebrities such as Divya Dutta, Sarika, Swara Bhaskar and Raj Kumar Gupta. Divya Dutta and Sarika took part in the launch and read a chapter from ‘Loser Kahin Ka’ and ‘What a Loser’ respectively amidst the cheer from the audience.

The book launch was followed by an insightful panel discussion on ‘Celebrating Mediocrity: Rise & Rise of Loser’. The panelists included the likes of Swara Bhaskar, Raj Kumar Gupta, Sanjay Chauhan and Himanshu Sharma. The book has addressed a very common issue faced by the youth from the small cities having borrowed dreams from their parents and is a roller coaster ride full of both humor and emotions.

‘What a Loser’ is about Pandey Anil Kumar Sinha (PAKS) who comes to Delhi with precisely three things: his jaded old trunk full of sattu and achaar, a borrowed dream of becoming an IAS officer from his clerk father and lastly to sleep with a milky white Punjabi girl. However, PAKS’s goals begin to change when he falls in love, enrolls for English classes and finds cool friends. Then suddenly he is pushed to the forefront of college elections and he becomes a hero! PAKS is living his ultimate dream…or is he?  What will happen next? Will he ever get what he really wants? Find out in this laughathon full of clichés straight from the cow belt of India.

Namrata Kohli: Journalist, Writer, Foodie, Musician all rolled into one

Journalist, writer, foodie, musician, travel buff, all rolled into one, that is Namrata Kohli for you. Namrata is a well known writer and  journalist who has written extensively for domestic and international media. Especially known for her coverage of real estate issues, Namrata’s work has been published in leading publications such as The Times of India, Economic Times, Property Report Asia, and Gulf based magazines.

Career
Namrata started her career by working with Bennett Coleman and has written on lifestyle, education, food, healthcare and travel. Recently, she edited “Indian Realty Year Book’-a one of a kind coffee table book on Luxury Real Estate with publisher Hundred Communications, in October 2013; which was featured on NDTV Profit.
Creative energies
When not spinning a yarn with words, she loves to infuse her creative energies into food, music or travel. A self confessed foodie, when not eating her mind is still on food – how by she loves to be ‘concocting meals.’ Playing harmonium and exploring new travel destinations are other passion of her life.
Academics
Namrata is a silver medalist in english literature from Delhi University and has done her mass communication from Indian Institute of Mass Communication. (IIMC) She was selected for a special Executive programme at Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad, recently which was sponsored by Goldman Sachs.
Indian Realty Year Book

In a pioneering effort, publishing company Hundred Communications has come out of a first-of-its-kind coffee table book on luxury real estate.

Indian Realty Yearbook (IRY), the exclusive publication maps the universe of luxury real estate in India. Presenting a snapshot of the Indian luxury market, the book gives a guided tour of key projects in the luxury and branded home segment; cruising along the latest trends and introducing the-best-in-class luxury accessories, gadgets and gizmos. In short, IRY has everything to aid and abet the investor, in his business of cherry picking a home.
Delving into insights that go beyond just ‘facts’, the book deftly captures the ‘facets’ and the essence of luxury. It tries to define luxury in the Indian context, where the luxury residential market in India is headed and the distinguishing characteristics of the Indian luxury home buyer.

Editor Namrata Kohli who has put together IRY, says that it was ‘just the time’, to capture the luxury end of Indian real estate industry. “Luxury may be just five of the total residential real estate market but growing number of HNIs, makes this space the one to watch out for. In year 2012, India clocked the second highest growth rate of HNI population in the world, next only to Hong Kong, The country has been adding millionaires at one of the fastest rates in the world, and they drive the demand for a life, a living, a living space, which is at par with the best in the world. At the heart of this demand for luxury homes, is the fact, that Indians are becoming affluent, ambitious and aspirational.”
Coffee table book
Informative, insightful and perceptive this coffee table book is supplemented by impactful images that make it a visual treat. But the highlight of the book are perspectives shared from globally acclaimed names on several aspects of Indian luxury real estate – the world’s best, have converged onto one exclusive space ‘By Invitation Only’. Their views ‘quote unquote’ on design, architecture, construction, engineering aspects add value and appeal to the book.
Today, global leaders are betting big on India’s luxury real estate market- Swarovski is seen lending its shine to Indian real estate, Trump giving its trademark to Indian projects, Armani and Versace interior designing of Indian homes, Greg Norman creating premier signature golf courses, Philippe Starck making its foray- we can confidently say that India is where the best minds in luxury space are converging today. Nobody wants to miss a chance of being in India after China, which went from Mao suits to Armani and a ‘luxeplosion’ of sorts in the last decade.

Atul Pandey, Publisher Indian Realty Yearbook, says that with IRY we have captured, yet another important aspect of the universe of luxury- “As a boutique publishing house, we have so far mapped the segments of beauty, wedding, fashion and lifestyle, in the world of luxury. So far, the luxury residential home space was an unchartered terrain, but we saw potential in this segment. No wonder, there are so many such projects in various stages of construction throughout the country.”
IRY was launched recently by actor Chitrangada Singh, Soha Ali Khan and boxer Vijender Singh at an exclusive event of Indian Realty Awards 2013 held at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi. It was a televised event covered by NDTV Profit.
Hundred Communications (P) Ltd is the name behind some of India’s finest coffee table books across the fields of luxury, fashion, lifestyle, wedding, real estate among others. This boutique publishing house is known for its top end publications. Some of the annual publications include premium fashion guide- Fashion Resource Book and The Great Indian Wedding Book, a luxury coffee table book on signature weddings, launched by Sonam Kapoor last year.

In an informal chat, Namrata talks about her latest book IRY and other aspects of life to Jayashankar Menon. Excerpts from Interview:

JM: Tell me something about your latest launched coffee table book- IRY?
NK: Indian Realty Yearbook (IRY) is a coffee table book that encapsulates the luxury end of Indian real estate market. India is seeing the advent of branded homes in the organised space – as you know Grand Hyatt Branded Residences, Armani/Versace/Swarovski homes are being launched now, as also the Trump homes, Four Seasons Private residences- all this indicates an appetite for luxury in Indian real estate. These trophy homes or luxury homes celebrate the coming of age of Indian residential real estate. India has recorded the second highest population of HNIs in the world, and logically the first aspect that gets an up gradation is the living space.  There is demand and hence there is supply. Slowly but surely, the story of luxury homes has begun and we felt the urge to document it. Our book aims to be a ready reckoner for anyone looking to buy in this segment, as also create in this segment- in that sense it is targeted at the HNI, as well as the industry stakeholders such as the developers.

JM: You are a well known journalist and writing for leading english daily of India,  so what prompted you to undertake editing of IRY?
NK: I believe this was an exciting opportunity at the right time. I have been tracking real estate for last few years and have developed some insights and interest in this sector. Moreover luxury segment in the real estate sector had not been documented so far in a single place. As they say.. opportunity comes disguised as hard work – you just need to recognise it.

JM: India is the fastest growing economy, luxury segment  is on rise, but still malls  are craving for more sale conversion. Whats your take on this?

NK: True – sales conversion is not adequate. However, there are many high performing retailers, though there are many more under performers. India is a challenging market and one cannot use a cookie cutter approach to succeed here. I feel catering to the Indian buyer is not so easy. We have a certain culture, a set of values and brands that sustain in the long term are those that respect and understand the consumer. The Indian buyer may have a huge appetite for luxury but is value conscious. We may be lavish in taste but discreet in purchase. So, a good brand spends a lot of time understanding the consumer mindset – and evolves itself soon – just copy paste from a foreign market does not always work. As you can see, Mc Donalds sells lots of Aloo Tikki burgers and even KFC serves veggie burgers – these brands have tailored themselves to the market and hence are doing well.

JM: What were the key deciding factor before showcasing any luxury brand in IRY?
NK: To be able to qualify for the book, the brand had to be one with a proven track record, a good reputation and credibility. Two, a presence and interest in India was mandatory – however global in scope, it was important for the brand to have executed a project or be in the stage of execution. For example Foster + Partners is a well known architecture firm and now they are implementing the Ireo township at Gurgaon. Likewise for John Hitchcox’ yoo design studio – their designers such as Jade Jagger and Philip Starcke have designed homes in Pune and Mumbai. There were some brands not ready to talk, yet, about their work, and we respected that – they should feature in our second edition.

JM:What are your future plans? Apart from Indian Realty yearbook, when do you plan to write some book?
NK: A writer breathes through writing – I will embrace just about any project that offers creative excitement and makes for an interesting read. This could range from traditions rooted in the past to the present contemporary issues, the cultural and social milleu, travel and traditions, tourism and weddings – anything that pushes the boundaries of thought and expression. We live in such dynamic times that there is a lot to talk about.

STAR CJ alive, ‘Celebrates Giving’ this Christmas Season

STAR CJ alive, India’s No. 1 Home Shopping Channel, Celebrates Giving and Sharing of Joy amongst the children of Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home to help enhance their learning, according to a press statement.  Kenny Shin, CEO, STAR CJ Network India Pvt. Ltd. says, “This is the season of spreading Joy and Happiness. STAR CJ alive feels a real sense of pride for helping to improve the lives of the children at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home through this initiative. We all have some responsibility of giving back to society and STAR CJ completely understands and respects this need.”

Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home for Children in Matunga (East) is a leading Welfare Home for physically and mentally normal children preferably orphans, destitute and neglected children. STAR CJ always believes in giving and sustainability,

and it has followed its heart by initiating the most sustainable form of giving education and gifted all the children of Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home exciting Gift Hampers containing Science Edu comic books imported from South East Asia and Bestsellers, audio CDs for learning, a school kit, chocolates and much more to help enhance their learning.

Indian Realty Yearbook edited by Namrata Kohli unveiled

In a pioneering effort, publishing company Hundred Communications has come out of a first-of-its-kind coffee table book on luxury real estate, according to a press statement.

Indian Realty Yearbook (IRY), the exclusive publication maps the universe of luxury real estate in India. Presenting a snapshot of the Indian luxury market, the book gives a guided tour of key projects in the luxury and branded home segment; cruising along the latest trends and introducing the-best-in-class luxury accessories, gadgets and gizmos. In short, IRY has everything to aid and abet the investor, in his business of cherry picking a home.

Delving into insights that go beyond just ‘facts’, the book deftly captures the ‘facets’ and the essence of luxury. It tries to define luxury in the Indian context, where the luxury residential market in India is headed and the distinguishing characteristics of the Indian luxury home buyer.

Editor Namrata Kohli who has put together IRY, says: “It was ‘just the time’, to capture the luxury end of Indian real estate industry. Luxury may be just five percent of the total residential real estate market but growing number of HNIs, makes this space the one to watch out for. In year 2012, India clocked the second highest growth rate of HNI population in the world, next only to Hong Kong, The country has been adding millionaires at one of the fastest rates in the world, and they drive the demand for a life, a living, a living space, which is at par with the best in the world. At the heart of this demand for luxury homes, is the fact, that Indians are becoming affluent, ambitious and aspirational”.
Insightful

Informative, insightful and perceptive this coffee table book is supplemented by impactful images that make it a visual treat. But the highlight of the book are perspectives shared from globally acclaimed names on several aspects of Indian luxury real estate – the world’s best, have converged onto one exclusive space ‘By Invitation Only’. Their views ‘quote unquote’ on design, architecture, construction, engineering aspects add value and appeal to the book.
Betting big

Today, global leaders are betting big on India’s luxury real estate market- Swarovski is seen lending its shine to Indian real estate, Trump giving its trademark to Indian projects, Armani and Versace interior designing of Indian homes, Greg Norman creating premier signature golf courses, Philippe Starck making its foray- we can confidently say that India is where the best minds in luxury space are converging today. Nobody wants to miss a chance of being in India after China, which went from Mao suits to Armani and a ‘luxeplosion’ of sorts in the last decade.
Atul Pandey, Publisher Indian Realty Yearbook pointed out: “With IRY, we have captured yet another important aspect of the universe of luxury. As a boutique publishing house, we have so far mapped the segments of beauty, wedding, fashion and lifestyle, in the world of luxury. So far, the luxury residential home space was an unchartered terrain, but we saw potential in this segment. No wonder, there are so many such projects in various stages of construction throughout the country”.

IRY was launched recently by actor Chitrangada Singh, Soha Ali Khan and boxer Vijender Singh at an exclusive event of Indian Realty Awards 2013 held at Hotel Lalit, New Delhi.
Hundred Communications (P) Ltd is the name behind some of India’s finest coffee table books across the fields of luxury, fashion, lifestyle, wedding, real estate among others. This boutique publishing house is known for its top end publications. Some of the annual publications include premium fashion guide- Fashion Resource Book and The Great Indian Wedding Book, a luxury coffee table book on signature weddings, launched by Sonam Kapoor last year.

Vodafone Foundation unveils a book, ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ chronicling 60 extraordinary Indian women

The Vodafone Foundation, released ‘Women of Pure Wonder’, a book that chronicles the struggle, survival and ultimate success of sixty extraordinary women. Blending an engaging mix of some well-known and some as yet unheard tales, this book narrates the extraordinary deeds of real women who have courageously braved all social, economic and familial odds to reach the pinnacle of success in their chosen field of work, thereby setting a shining example for others to follow, according to a company statement.

(L-R): Rohit Adya- External Affairs Director: Vodafone India, Marten Pieters- CEO & MD: Vodafone India, eminent film personality: Kajol along with Vittorio Colao- CEO: Vodafone Group at the release of the book “Women of Pure Wonder”.

Among the pioneering ladies who feature in this book are:

    Anita Kumbhar – Potter; also studying for an MBA
    Sua Kalbelia – Kalbelia Dancer; born in a nomadic tribe with a distinctive art form, is today a celebrated international performer
    Chhavi Rajawat – completed her MBA and gave up a lucrative corporate sector career to focus on public work. Is presently the sarpanch of Soda village in Rajasthan; introduced villagers to the power of internet.
    Kanku Bai – Trained Mid-wife; uneducated; married at 17; has delivered over 550 healthy babies to date
    Meeratai Umbre – Farmer; formed a women’s group to spotlight and encourage innovative farming practices; believer in organic farming
    Laxmi – Acid attack victim; fought a seven year long battle to get the sale of acid at retail outlets regulated; associated with an NGO ‘Stop Acid Attacks’, that facilitates the bridge between survivors and society
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – entrepreneur; started as a trainee manager. No one wanted to lend to her, and no one wanted to work with her when she started. Today, runs a billion dollar enterprise. Her motto, ‘Dare to dream and never give up’
    Aruna Roy – social activist; a former IAS officer; now closely associated with the NREGA and founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
    Nandini Sardesai – educator and activist; married at 18; became a mother and graduated in the same year; fights for gender parity
The Vodafone Foundation has chosen women’s empowerment as a key area of focus and has several programmes and projects currently running across the country in association with credible partners from the social sector.  Its commitment to the cause of women empowerment is a response to various development indicators and research studies globally, which highlight that when you educate, empower or support a woman in any ecosystem to emerge victorious, you impact her entire family, her immediate ecosystem in the community, which in turn brings in a strong multiplier effect on the overall social and economic development of the entire country.  This finding and the fact that women have largely been marginalised in India, provided further encouragement for the Vodafone Foundation to take up this cause in India.
Speaking on the occasion of the book release, Vittorio Colao, CEO, Vodafone Group said: “At Vodafone, we firmly believe that what is good for the society is also good for business. Women empowerment is a key theme for us across all the markets we operate in and I am proud of the way the Vodafone Foundation in India has set an example for our other markets to follow. This book is unique as it takes the story of these sixty women to inspire a much larger audience. This is but a small token of our admiration and respect for the ladies who have braved all odds to exemplify what every woman is capable of”.
Marten Pieters, CEO & MD, Vodafone India, believes that this is one of the many steps which Vodafone India will embark on. He specifically referred to the multiple initiatives that Vodafone India is taking,“We are working in the areas of education, empowerment and the environment as part of our ‘Vodafone Cares’ initiative. Whatever meaningful we can do to facilitate a better quality of life for India’s millions, especially women, will be a step in the right direction. We are committed to playing our role as a responsible corporate citizen and contribute to the overall development of the country.”
Rohit Adya, External Affairs Director, Vodafone India added: “It is an honour for us to be associated with such outstanding, amazing women. We will share their stories on different platforms to provide inspiration to thousands of other women across the country”.
Madhu Sirohi, Head, Vodafone Foundation in India pointed out: “Proceeds from the sale of the Women of Pure Wonder book will be used to empower girl children through the Naz Foundation. It will be our continued endeavour to provide as much support as possible to the cause of women empowerment through our initiatives and programmes”. The ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ has been published by Roli Books and will be retailed through leading book stores across the country.
Vodafone Foundation
The Vodafone Foundation in India recognizes the power of mobile technology to address some of India’s most pressing challenges relating to education, health, equality and access. We are committed to enable people and technology to drive innovation, disseminate knowledge, and create shared value to improve lives.
By leveraging our mobile technology in the four areas of m-women, m-education, m-health and m-agriculture, we work in partnership with key charities, development agencies and the community to drive social change on a large scale in India. As part of our social investment programme, the Vodafone Foundation in India also focuses on disaster relief and implements the World of Difference, a unique employee engagement programme.
In countries in which Vodafone operates, a unique footprint of 27 Vodafone Foundations operate to deliver our social investment programme. These programmes are directed and chosen by the Foundation Trustees and receive funding from the Vodafone Foundation in the UK as well as their local Vodafone company.

Vodafone Foundation to launch the book, ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ in New Delhi on December 4, 2013

In recent times, very few issues have been raised as vociferously in media as that of women empowerment and women’s rights. There have been many reports where women have not been given due recognition, or have been victims and the wronged. In all this gloom, we miss stories of hope, accomplishments and triumphs. However there does exist a parallel universe where women are empowered and defining new stories of success.

Vodafone Foundation, which considers women empowerment a key focus area, takes the opportunity to salute the achievements of sixty such empowered women with the launch of the book – ‘Women of Pure Wonder’, in New Delhi on December 4, 2013. According to a statement issued by the foundation, attempts to chronicle the struggle, survival and ultimate success of these real women, who have extraordinary accomplishments. Vodafone Foundation will donate the proceeds from the sale of the book to empower girls from the Naz Foundation. ‘Women of Pure Wonder’ is the Vodafone Foundation’s tribute to the indomitable spirit of these women, who are a shining example of what a strong will and determination can achieve against the odds.
“We are putting our best foot forward to support a cause dear to our heart and one that empowers generations. All of this effort is incomplete without your support. Please do visit the Facebook page Vodafone Foundation India, follow Twitter handle @VodafoneIN_Fdtn and do share the good word, apart from re-tweeting the hashtag #WomenOfPureWonder and ‘liking’ the Facebook page. Your support in our goal to make every woman feel proud and confident about herself will be of immeasurable help”, added the statement.

Kemps Corner Crossword Bookstore hosts launch of Varun Gwalani’s novel, ‘Believe it or Not’

Leadstart Publishing and Crossword Bookstore hosted the book launch of Debut Author, VarunGwalani’s novel ‘Believe’ on 25th November, 2013. According to a press statement, the event was held at the Kemps Corner Crossword Bookstore and the novel ‘Believe’ was released by Award Winning Director and Screenwriter ShyamBenegal which was a grand success.

It was a splendid evening as Benegal spoke about his journey and experience as a writer himself as well as read excerpts from the book which was revered in rapt attention. According to the Author VarunGwalani, this novel is fiction tale that evolves from the depth of our being and the true calling on our lives, it is a story of finding one’s self in this world of confusion and chaos. The event was truly moving as the guests listened with enthusiasm and awe at the presence that Mr.Benegal embodied and the story telling ability of the young and vibrant Author VarunGwalani.

Swarup Nanda, CEO of Leadstart Publishing said: “Leadstart Publishing is always on the hunt for new literary talent who aspire to share their tales for the world to witness. VarunGwalani is a bright young author with a glorious future ahead and we are glad to have it kick-start with Leadstart! We sincerely thank Mr.ShyamBenegal for gracing us at the event”.

Have you ever felt that special kind of happiness that comes when you’re doing something that makes you feel like you’re truly in touch with your inner self? Imagine yourself in the peaceful, happy state doing that something special that makes you feel fulfilled, feel like you’re doing what you were born to do.Now imagine yourself torn from there, imagine every work you’ve ever done claimed to be the cause of misery for every person you love and imagine that the work you were doing might now not be the work you were born to do. Experience that for a minute.Now you know a little of how Conner White felt. This revelation led Conner White to the small town of Levion, where he sought to find himself. There he met Victoria, a young girl who was fighting her own inner demons.Soon, however, dark secrets are exposed all around, and Conner has to fight not just to save himself, but Victoria and the town of Levion as well.Believe provides you with a story that not only grips you, but provides you with insight into the very nature of our own beliefs.

VarunGwalani is an 18-year old resident of Mumbai, studying Arts in Jai Hind College. He’s been an avid reader all his life. Some of his favourite authors include Paulo Coelho, J.K. Rowling, George Orwell and O.Henry. Varun has always dreamed of being an author with the ability to tell a story that will fascinate and engage the reader. Over a period of three years, he has written a collection of over fifty short stories.This is his first published work.

Landmark unveils Apurv Nagpal’s new book, ‘Eighteen Plus’

Landmark is all set to launch the book ‘Eighteen Plus’ by Apurv Nagpal at Landmark store, Forum Mall, Koramangala on November 29, 2013 at 6.00 pm. Fans will get a chance to interact with the author during the launch.

‘Eighteen plus’ is collection of desi, funny, quirky short stories. The stories in book are down right wickedly naughty and laugh-out-loud funny. They are perfect for those hours at work when the boss is not watching or for those empty moments at night after the kids have gone to bed and you both just can’t sleep. ‘Eighteen Plus’ is set to be India’s sensual literary awakening. Interested readers will be able to find out more about the book at Landmark store, Forum Mall, Koramangala. So, what are you waiting for?