Nikhil Chinappa does not like resting on his laurels. An accomplished DJ, VJ and an ambassador for electronic beats, he will now release his first compilation — Defected in the House India 2013, which specialises in house music. Emilie Fouquet gets the details…
Tell us about ‘Defected in the House India 2013’.
It is a two-disc compilation. One disc, ‘Deep Mix’, is more suitable to relax and make you smile. While the other, ‘Main Room’, is far more energetic and ‘dance’able. I intend to share house music in all its forms with as many people as possible. Music moves me emotionally, triggers happy memories and makes me want to dance, smile and believe. I hope it will do the same for the audience.
Did you like the experience of doing a compilation?
Absolutely! With this compilation, I have tried to make a musical journey, and I hope people will like it. Of course, I would love to do many more compilations, but with other people. Submerge Music (his company) will bring a musical experience with techno, electro, drum and bass.
Are you going to perform in other countries too?
I would love to, but my heart is in India.
Your main sources of inspiration?
Making a compilation is a difficult process. I mainly rely on my ears and my heart.
Which song brings forth your best memories?
That’s Rise of Angel by Luciano. This song is very long — 16 minutes — and is so beautiful, it reminds me of a friend.
Which songs are you listening to currently?
You won’t believe me but I have no music on my earphones. There is so much music that comes on, that it is difficult to hang on to one with all this pressure.
Any other projects for the moment?
You know, I wear different hats. I’m the founder of Submerge and for the moment it is working on some alliances. I am also a member of the Association of Electronic Music. They believe India is a key market so they asked me to represent the country. It is aimed at promoting dance music globally, with a strong emphasis on education, and doing events in a responsible manner and so.
source: http://www.sakaaltimes.com / Sakal Times / Home> Youngistan> Detail News / Monday – June 24th, 2013
Dakshin at Welcom Hotel Sheraton New Delhi is hosting an interesting Coorg food promotion
Being a food enthusiast, I am always on the look out for something special and innovative. Though from my experience, I would say small towns and nondescript areas can any day throw up a surprise in terms of a great dish. That way, much of our regional food is yet to be explored. Say in Mughlai food, I would rather go for Rampuri and Bhopali delicacies instead of the more well known Lucknowi fare.
Hoping to exploring something similar but in South Indian cuisine, I recently went to Welcom Hotel Sheraton New Delhi in Saket. It was to taste food at its ongoing Coorg food promotion at the South Indian specialty restaurant Dakshin.
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka. People of Kodagu are considered descendants of Alexander The Great and are mainly non-vegetarians, highly influenced by the region’s geography and culture. Chef Vel Murugan, who extensively travelled through the Coorg region to get authentic delicacies, said, “Coorgs are very cautious about handing over their recipes, they often keep them a secret.”
Well, the curiosity created by the Chef tempted me all the more to go for it. As usual, whenever I dine at Dakshin, I start with a glass of sweet coconut water instead of any colourful mocktail. I did ditto. Before the starters were served, I munched on to the papads which are served to me with some five variants of chutneys. And I tell you, each variant was worth a try.
Without any further delay, my prawns rave fry arrived. Very lightly battered fried, the prawns were not crispy but perfectly crunchy due to a thin layer of semolina. Lacked a bit on seasoning but the chutneys balanced it. Though not a great fan of vegetarian food, I tasted koomu barthad, a spicy stir fried mushroom dish tossed with onion and bell peppers.
Next came the main course. I was served two delicious delicacies, one made of chicken and the other lamb based. Koli mangyepajji was light and smooth having boneless chicken cooked in green chilli and raw mango with drumsticks. But it was yerachye, a mutton delicacy, which was too good. Made with dry pepper, the mutton was tender and flavourful. I ate both the dishes with paaputtu, a bread made with rice and coconut. Paaputtu was spongy and tasty.
To end on a sweeter note, the Chef offered me mangai rasayana, a mango puree and milk dessert but, as always I went for the almond halwa without which my meal at Dakshin would never be complete.
When – June 21 to 30
Meal for two – Rs. 3500 plus taxes
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Osama Jalati / New Delhi – June 21sgt, 2013
MTV mascot, DJ, VJ, promoter, festival director, radio host, dance music fanatic: Nikhil Chinapa is all of these things and more. But underneath all the various avatars he’s worn in his career, Nikhil is one thing: a believer. A believer that nothing brings people together like dance music. An ambassador for electronic beats and club culture, Nikhil is constantly pushing India as a future dance music capital to some of the world’s most celebrated artists. In the last year alone, Nikhil has persuaded Fatboy Slim, Above & Beyond, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren, and Tiesto to bring landmark events to Indian ears. Next time you’re out clubbing, keep an open mind about the music
Last week in Delhi, I played a show alongside Funkagenda.
Something happened at the gig that illustrated a broader trend I’ve been seeing in the dance music community over the past few months – something I’m a little concerned about.
There was a gentleman in the audience who spent most of the evening standing with his arms crossed, looking a bit bored.
Then, when Funkagenda played “Spectrum” (a hit track by Zedd that’s become one of the biggest tunes of 2013), this gentleman opened his arms wide, closed his eyes, and sang the song – every single word – as loudly as he could. It was amazing to see him share that enthusiasm with us.
The confusing thing was his extremely muted reaction to the other music that Funkagenda had played. It was almost as if the gentleman in the crowd wasn’t there to hear music that he hadn’t heard before – he was there, waiting for the one big track that he knew.
This is a bit confusing to me. I fell in love with clubbing because to me, going out was about going on a journey with the DJ who was performing. It wasn’t about one or two particular standout tracks. It was about the experience of following the music as it lead us up and down, like a series of waves.
As a DJ, the only thing I can ask for is that the clubbers who walk through the doors and onto the dance floor have an open mind. If they walk into the club with a pre-conceived idea of what they’re going to hear, or what to expect, then they’ll probably be disappointed.
My question is: if clubbers go out with a set of tracks that they want to hear played by the DJ, what’s the point of going out? You can just as easily stay at home and play the tracks yourself.
To me, the magic of going out to a nightclub lies in the sense of excitement and possibility. You don’t know what you’re going to hear, you don’t know what kind of journey the DJ is going to lead you on. You might hear a new song for the first time, a record that changes your life. You might even discover an entirely new genre, or style of music that you didn’t even know you liked.
But when you go out thinking “I have a list of five songs that I hope the DJ plays,” you’re closing yourself off from the possibility of discovering new music, and new ideas.
It’s a tough distinction to make – because people love the big records for a reason. These are the huge songs that become part of our lives, giving give us joy and happiness every time we listen to them. They’re hits because they’re great songs. A good DJ set usually includes one or two big tracks that everyone can sing along to.
But the challenge is to get people to celebrate the big records without ignoring all the other songs that comprise a DJ set – to embrace the journey, not just the destination.
source: http://www.idiva.com / i DIVA / Home> Entertainment / by Nikhil Chinapa / June 19th, 2013
Folk arts in Kodagu district are on the verge of losing its identity. There is a need to conserve it. All of us have a responsibility to conserve folk culture, said Karnataka Janapada Parishat president T Thimme Gowda.
Speaking at a meeting organised by Janapada Parishat, he said that Kodagu was known for its rich legacy of folklores. “However, we are facing threat of losing it. Awareness on folk culture should be created among youth who are aping western culture. There is a need to document folk culture. The Parishat has plans to collect information on folklores,” he said.
To protect the culture and lifestyle of Kodava and Arebhashe traditional dwellers in Kodagu district, the parishat district unit will be set up.
Lecturer Dr Sridhar Hegde said that there was a need to document dialects of different languages, to help the future generation.
Dr J Somanna said that folk teams should be trained.
Ramanagara Janapada Trust Managing Trustee Indira Balakrishna said that folk was not only an art form. “There is a need to make an in-depth study on the lifestyle and food habits of the people of the region.”
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madkikeri – DHNS / June 09th, 2013
Actors Upendra and Priyanka take a bow with kids from Smile Foundation Smile Foundation, a national level development organisation, along with fashion guru Prasad Bidapa put up the 4th edition of Ramp For Champs recently .
The event started with a special performance by the students of William Joseph International Academy for Performing Arts on one of its kind classical guitar orchestra .
Throwing light on the show, Bidapa said, “This show was conceptualised with an aim to reach out to more and more privileged people for a cause. I am glad that so many eminent personalities are associated with us. I would like to thank all the people who took time out from their tight schedules and came to support us.”
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest for the evening, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Member of Parliament, said “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world is what Nelson Mandela said. So, education is the weapon that girl children and women need to change the still widely held, restrictive view on opportunities for them. I am happy to be a part of Ramp for Champ initiative.”
He further added, “Education is every child’s right and through the funds raised today, we intend to send 1000 children to school. However, we still believe there are thousands more who need similar support and encouragement. ”
Celebrities like, Sudha Murty-author, Vani Ganapathi- classical dancer, choreographer and designer, Priyanka Upendera- actress, Tara – actress, Nisha Millet – national level swimmer, Ashley Williams – chairman of William Joseph Music Foundation and director and conductor of Indian National Symphony Orchestra , Ramesh Arvind – actor, Aviva Bidapa – super model, Rubi Chakravarti – entertainment professional, Nadira Iqbal – fashion designer and entrepreneur also supported the cause.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bangalore / Express Features – Bangalore / June 10th, 2013
A hundred years of cinema were celebrated with style, grace and elegance during a recent fashion show by Manish Malhotra, in association with Styletag.com. The show displayed the timelessness and unique style of Indian movies. Many members of the fashion industry were spotted having a good time at the event. Among them were Prasad Bidappa, Radha Thomas and Ramji Chandran.
From popular polka-dots to flowing chiffon saris, the collection had it all. Manish’s creations were not all that the evening included — there was a lot more in store. Great music and an art auction were also a part of the show. City-based band ‘One Nite Stand’ added a lot of glamour and energy to the evening. The band played an eclectic mix of old retro numbers as well as jazz and rock for the audience.
The fashion show was the highlight of the evening, with the models sashaying down the ramp in beautiful saris and glittering full-length anarkalis in beautiful pastel shades. The designs showcased in the men’s collection were classy and chic. Chequered black and white waistcoats as well as bright silk sherwanis, kurtas and bandhgalas with fancy dupattas were showcased.
The gorgeous sari collection stole the show. The designs were indigenous and the colours were contemporary. The pastel collection of saris was stylish and lit up the ramp as soon as the models entered wearing them. “I loved the lime-green sari trimmed with red lace. It was elegant and yet contemporary. Manish’s collection is brilliant. We can see hints of Bollywood in it and it has something for everyone. He is a style icon in the truest sense,” says Ayesha, who attended the .
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha, who was last seen in the film Crazy Loka, claims to be supporting girl power. “On my way to Ravindra Kalakshethra to inaugurate zee Kannada ladies club and to promote Gal power 🙂 #womanhood ,” tweeted the actress.
Harshika, who has been been posting pictures of herself on her micro-blogging page for her fans, will soon be seen in a number of Kannada films. Her upcoming Sandalwood projects are Advaitha, Ale, B3, Meetru, Beet, Crazy Krishna, Managana Kaili Maanikya and a cameo in the film Case No 18/9.
The actress will also be seen in her first Tamil flick Anandha Thollai. Harshika, though has not had any release this year, seems to be busy signing offers. She is also said to be considering two Telugu films.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Entetainment> Regional> Kannada> Sandalwood / by Parinatha Sampath / TNN / May 31st, 2013
As we set out for a darshan of Sri Omkareshwara from our forest lodge at Madikeri, gray hornbills are flapping out of Guler trees at dawn.
The birds live in sacred groves called Devakadu , which have been protected for centuries by the local Kodavas. Their belief in the power of the spirit world forbids them from taking even a single twig or berry from these jungle sanctuaries of the gods.
This might explain the presence of so many wild creatures in our vicinity, which are otherwise conspicuously absent in unprotected areas. In the Kodava pantheon, such an endlessly bountiful aspect of Nature is incarnated in the Great Spirit called Igguthappa. Igguthappa literally means “Giver of Grains” .
He also embodies a deep ecological irony of the sacred forest grove – and that is, Nature thrives best only when humans exploit it the least. Biodiversity, therefore, remains inversely proportional to intensity and scale of use.
The Great Spirit that supposedly fulfils all the desires of the devotees also teaches them the value of forbearance and curbing of wanton use of scarce resources. From base to top, the towering Ironwood trees in the sacred grove are covered with gorgeous bunches of electric blue flowers . Over several centuries, these have never been plucked!
In stark contrast, scores of majestic trees lining the old roads of Kodava coffee lands are being slaughtered to make way for wider lanes. The spindly green saplings lining the new roads can never hope to attain their full stature without watchful care and compassion provided by humans lasting several generations.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.timesofindia.com / The Economic Times / Home> Opinion> Spiritual Atheist / by Vithal C. Nadkarni, ET Bureau / May 29th, 2013
The well established brand, label and worldwide dance music empire Ministry Of Sound has recently joined forces with commercial house giant Defected to create the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM). A pretty colossus partnership.
The 51-strong international board of advisors will meet during this week’s International Music Summit in the global ‘party’ capital of Ibiza to discuss a range of issues covering marketing, health, safety and piracy. It brings together representatives from across the industry covering 15 countries, with an eventual aim of creating a “worldwide voice for electronic dance music”. Representing India is of course our ‘EDM poster boy’ Nikhil Chinapa.
Nice idea but we’re not quite sure what this will actually achieve other than being a glorified networking holiday, but who’s going to say no to a free holiday in the sun.
The ever-expanding Bangalore restaurant scene has its fair share of celebrity chefs. People who design and define the city’s gastronomic-scape. They often hold forth on exotic dishes or conjure up a simple maa ki daal with a magical twist as we watch in wonder. Ever wondered what these Chefs eat? Which are their favourite restaurants? Bhumika K. tries to get you a peek at this and what they do cook in their home kitchens…
Manu Chandra, Executive Chef and Partner, Olive Beach, Bangalore, Monkey Bar and LikeThatOnly
Favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: Fujiya in Delhi. I grew up eating their food even though it’s unabashedly Chindian. I always have the Talumein soup. It’s a hearty bowl of all of last night’s leftovers I reckon, and hugely tasty. It made me appreciate food of all kind.
Everyday food: I don’t really eat breakfast; but lunch starts from freshly-baked bread at the restaurant, and then is a complex menu of all things that need to be tasted that have been prepared for the day. Dinner is always the staff food from our staff kitchen, which is invariably daal or rajmaa, rice, a vegetable or two, and a chicken or egg curry on occasion. This is at 6.30 pm, so I do get a snack towards 11.30 pm too, which is when we close. This is a simple affair and can be lemon rice, or noodles.
When I cook at home… : It’s a simple salad and a one-pot meal. The latter could be a pulao, a curry, biryani, stew, or just a mish mash that has deep flavour but overall hearty.
Power food: Chocolate or chips. Naren Thimmaiah
Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore
Favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: MTR for their yummy masala dosas and bisibelebath, Olive Beach for their grilled fish and the pizzas, Egg Factory for their Manipal bread masala.
Everyday food: Since breakfast’s the only meal at home most of the times it’s a wholesome breakfast of akki otti (rice roti of Coorg) with curry and chutney or dosa, upma, or muesli with milk, and a strong dose of Coorg coffee. Since my wife is a teacher there is an invisible time table and dishes for the days marked as well! Sometimes there are also tasting portions of the yummy dinner dishes which I missed, waiting for me at breakfast table! By lunch time, you are always half full tasting the dishes around the kitchens. Yes it’s a good job to be in. Then it gets a formal completion at our associate dining room lunch spread. For dinner, there is always a new dish being tried for which I’m a willing Guinea pig. Otherwise I go on this favourite dish non-stop for weeks together and then change it and go on that for weeks! Recent list has large bowl of Hot & Sour soup with crisp noodles, Penne aglio e olio, avial & red rice and now I’m on whole wheat rotis and dry subzi.
When I cook at home…: It’s a rare occasion. Give me onion and tomato and that can work wonders with anything. I like the versatility of these two basic ingredients. They lend themselves so well to whatever you cook. So the dishes that I cook can be any time-tested recipe or at times just about something with available ingredients. I have been an apprentice under my daughter when she tries her omelet with smiley face, pastas and finger sandwiches. Now she has moved on to smoothies and salsas. But since she has been watching Master Chef Australia, cooking skills have improved moderately but what has improved greatly is her judging skills of mom’s cooking!
Power food: A bowlful of curd and a fruit.
Abhijit Saha, Founder, Director and Executive Chef of Caperberry and Fava
Your favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: It’s idly at Brahmin’s Cafe, Karimeen polichattu at Ente Keralam, pepper crab at Karavalli, sushi at Harina, dim sum at Zen, biryani at Samarkhand, meals at MTR, kebabs at Terracotta, Thai curries at Rim Naam.
Everyday food: Breakfast is usually eggs & toast, cornflakes, muesli, idly sambar, aloo or egg parantha. Lunch, is often one-dish meals on week days — salad, pasta, mixed noodles, risotto, dosa etc. On Sundays it’s either an elaborate Indian meal cooked by my wife or Sunday brunch in a hotel. Dinner is a home-cooked Indian meal, or wine-paired multi course dinners in restaurants.
When I cook at home… It’s grills, pastas, risottos, Thai food, or biryani.
Power food: Fresh fruits, chocolate and indulgent tasting menu at Caperberry
Amit Wadhawan, Executive Chef, The Oberoi, Bangalore
Your favourite restaurants and what you usually order there: As I am a Chef attached with the world of five-star hospitality, I have travelled a fair bit and I have made many cities across the globe my home. Bangalore has been home for a few years now and I feel its culinary landscape is very exciting. My current favourite is Like That Only and I relish their pork ribs.
Everyday food: I prefer a wholesome breakfast, which will sustain me through the larger part of the day. I have eggs (mostly egg white omelets or a water poach) with brown toast and a cup of English breakfast tea. Some days I switch to good old Indian stuffed paranthas with natural yoghurt. Lunch is mostly on the go as I am busy looking after my guests. Usually tastings in the kitchens or a light salad. I eat dinner early. A habit I picked up whilst working in UK and Ireland and a good one I have kept alive. I have dinner with the team in our staff dining hall called the Rain Tree. It is mostly an Indian fare. This window is more about bonding with my team over food, sharing our thoughts and de-stressing. On occasions I switch to pasta or a light sandwich if I don’t get time to eat at Rain Tree.
When I cook at home… Although the opportunity to cook at home comes rarely, when I do, I love doing grills or roast. I prefer chicken or fish with Oriental marinades accompanied with a healthy salad. I also love to cook lamb biryani with kebabs for friends and family for get-togethers.
Power food: Carrot, apple and beetroot juice. Egg white omelet sandwich made with whole wheat bread.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Bhumika K / Bangalore – May 26th, 2013
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