Now, power breakfast
With an increasing number of urban Indians sitting down to a morning meal of cereals like cornflakes, oats and muesli, eating habits are coming in for a dramatic change
Ramesh Mehra

A mind-boggling variety of cereals is available to the Indian consumer now

Did you know that healthy breakfast eaters have a higher intake of vitamin A, E and D, iron and calcium than those who go hungry in the morning? Did you know that breakfast is the brain food that keeps you alert? Did you also know that breakfast keeps you slim and modulates moods?

According to research by the Delhi-based Institute for Occupational Health, breakfast eaters make healthier food choices during the day and have better intake of all nutrients compared to those who miss breakfast.

It was American nutritionist Adelle Davis who famously said, "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper." The adage has stood the test of time and medical science which stipulates that one needs a nutritious repast at the start of the day followed by a frugal afternoon meal and a very light dinner.

Traditionally, Indians used to have a hearty breakfast comprising of regional preparations like paranthas, poorie aloo, poha, idli, dosa, upma, vada pao —depending upon the region they came from. Due to the colonial influence many also eat bread, rusks and buns. Very few people sat down to a breakfast of cereals like cornflakes, oats or muesli.

Exotic appeal

As late as the 1980s, all one got was cornflakes made by the Solan-based brewery, Mohan Meakens. These were eaten as a matter of habit rather than for their exotic appeal.

But the times they are a-changing. Now if you visit a department store in any part of the country and you'll find a mind-boggling variety of cereals on display...oats, corn/wheat/soya/bran/rice flakes — both from the Indian as well as some of the biggest global brands. Each of these categories also has on offer a slew of choices with added fruits, nuts, honey, chocolate and many more exotic ingredients.

In the past decade or so, the breakfast-eating habits of Indians have been rapidly changing. What was just a fledgling market back in the 1990 is a booming business today. Though the size of the cereal market may be just little more Rs 700 crore, but it is growing at a healthy annual rate of around 22 per cent with cereal flakes and oats accounting for more than half the pie. Nearly 33 per cent of these variants are targeting children. The rest are shared between bran-based flakes and muesli.

Grab-&-go meal

"The concept of breakfast is being overhauled. A regular meal, which till some years ago was a conventional affair, is today mirroring the western palate, at least among the urban professionals," says nutritionist Seema Dutta. "The reasons are manifold - increase in the number of nuclear families, working couples, changing lifestyles and health consciousness. Gone are the days when one could sit down to a hot, home-made spread. Today's couples want a grab-and-go meal."

Take the case of web designer Sakshi and her banker husband Gaurav. For them it is rush hour every morning as both have to report to work by nine. There's no time for an indulgent, sit-down breakfast. So it is just a bowl of cereal with cold or hot milk.

It is this segment which is putting a gleam in the eye of companies like Kellogg India (cornflakes and oats), Pepsico India (Quaker Oats), GSK India (Horlick Oats), Britannia (Healthy Start Oats), Marico (Saffola oats and muesli), Bagry's (oats, muesli and bran), Dr Oetker (Vitalis Muesli) and many others.

Rising popularity

The rising popularity of these breakfast cereals shows that an increasing number of Indians are now willing to experiment with their food habits. But how did this change come about, in view of the fact that Indians are considered deeply traditional where meals are concerned? With life becoming busier in metros and big cities, people started looking for quick and wholesome meals. That's when the global giants moved in with their goodies.

"It s a classic case of the three H's — higher spending power, hectic schedules and health consciousness," says sociologist Dr Arvind Sareen. "The economic liberalisation brought in job opportunities and prosperity. But it also meant frenzied work hours and consequential health issues prompting these new-age families to adopt healthier food habits." So, in came the cereals.

However, the growth of the breakfast food business in India hasn't quite been a cakewalk. Kellogg's first entered the Indian market in 1994 but didn't succeed as the company pitched its products as an alternative to the traditional Indian breakfast. The pricing, too, was considered excessive. However, by tweaking prices, catchy smart ad campaigns and smart product packaging, the company bounced back and is one of the market leaders now.

Global brands

More global and Indian brands like Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, Kraft Foods, Cheerios and Trix are eyeing the Indian market, there are going to be many contenders for the top spot very soon.

Having achieved a fair degree of acceptance in urban Indian markets, most of the brands are now formulating strategies to crack the rural markets. They know the challenges of changing breakfast-eating habits, specially in small towns and villages. But they are also aware about the rewards. They are also keenly looking forward to the forthcoming festival season to give a further boost to their sales.

But festival time or not, with the burgeoning demand, the crunch of the breakfast cereals is being heard loud and clear in metros and big cities. And though Indians are not likely to give up on the good old paranthas, poories, idlis and vada paos the breakfast cereals are fast learning to co-exist with the local delicacies.

Shades of style
Lampshades add grace and impart an aesthetic appeal to the décor
Divisha Saran

Though no one is certain when the first lampshades were first invented, it can be safely assumed these have been around for centuries. Before the invention of the electric bulb, these shades were made of glass and served the purpose of covering kerosene lamps. And before this, there were shades of metal and other toughened material to cover wicker lamps lit in the night.

Over the years, the idea of a lampshade has not changed. It is used to diffuse the harsh light that emanates from the source. Its use became extensive when the incandescent filament electric bulbs were first invented in 1869. In those early days, the bulbs did not have any calibrated wattage and most of them shone very brightly. Shades both saved the eyes from the harsh light, and at the same time, these let the glow from the lamp illuminate the room.

Ornamental appeal

In earlier times, the main purpose of a lampshade was to spread light without letting the glare pass through. That explains why many of them were — and still are — made from handmade paper, velvet, silk and cotton. Usually these fabrics were stretched on a wire frame with beading hanging from the bottom of it. By the beginning of the 20th century, a number of lampshades also started being made in stone, porcelain, stained glass for ornamental appeal.

However, once the functional aspect of the lampshade had been mastered, designers began concentrating on its decorative appeal. Shades started being used to add grace and impart an aesthetic appeal to the interior décor and were made in various designs, patterns, sizes, shapes and colours.

Apart from being specifically designed to create an ambience in a room and spread a warm glow, new designs began to add drama and set a romantic mood. Special shades were created to highlight works of art. These were also used to draw attention of guests to a host’s personal style and decor while spreading soothing illumination.

Exotic collections

The present-day interior decorators extensively exploit the understated elegance of lampshades. New boutiques are mushrooming that have on offer some of the most exotic collections that will add warmth and sparkle to a room. Thus, from an object of utility, the lampshade in its present avatar, has become a collectible that reflects the refined taste of a homeowner.

Lampshades were first made trendy in the 19th century by one of America’s greatest artists and designers, Louis Comfort Tiffany, who along with his father, founded the iconic Tiffany and Company.

The Tiffany lampshades were unique due to the selection of the individual pieces of glass of varied colours and densities and became extremely popular. Tiffany lamps, especially their mosaic shades, are now considered part of the Art Nouveau movement and a few remaining ones are in museums around the world and a handful with avid art connoisseurs.

Collector’s item

A proof of Tiffany’s popularity can be had from the fact that during the first decade of the 20th century a new series called the Lotus Lamp collection was so much in demand that each lamp was selling at the then mind-boggling price of $750 (Rs 45,000).

Today though there are many reproductions and imitations, only one original Tiffany Lotus Lamp remains and is one of the most coveted collectibles. It was auctioned in 1997 by Christies to an unnamed private collector for around Rs 16.85 crore ($2,807,500). Tiffany replicas nowadays come in different shapes like oval, rectangular, square, drum or bell and empire style and are still much in demand.

Lampshades, says interior designer Manini Kalla, can lend a great charm to the living room. These look best on glass or wooden coffee tables. If you are choosing a simple lamp, then go in for imaginative shades for a standout effect. These should be placed strategically so that these look best when lit up.

Dramatic impact

Lampshade colours can be classified into bright, soft, subtle, warm, cool and bold. These can make a dramatic impact and highlight the ambience of your house. Says Manini, “Choose the shade colours you are comfortable with. If you are a black and white personality, you won’t be happy in pastels and vice-versa. But remember, shades must have some relevance in the overall décor of your home and should go with the complete ambience.”

Once you have the right lampshades, your living room will become a topic of conversation and a very busy part of your home as more and more guests will like to spend time there.

Sumatran

This Sumatran Silver tablelamp has an elephant raising its trunk to hoist a light beige linen fabric. The rectangle semi bell lamp shade has a brown trim. It is finished in antique silver with ivory tusk and a distressed wood toned foot. The shade can be a standout piece in any setting.

Price: 12,900 ($215)

John Richard

The lamps and shades by American luxury and accessories company John Richard make a bold statement. Take for example this stunning Embrace lamp and shade. Its curved wooden branch encircles a double sheer shade, which is a blend of elegant design and flawless craftsmanship.

Price: 42,000 ($700)

Laura Ashley

Laura Ashley is a quintessential English brand, synonymous with quality and creativity. The design house’s products are recognised for their colourful patterns and iconic floral prints. This barrel-clip lamp shade is proof of that. It will add a sophisticated touch to your interiors.

Price: 10,350 ($115)

Harlequin

Would you like a white lampshade or a black one, or even a black and white one? With this shade by London-based Harlequin lighting, you won’t have to choose. The unique shade can be customised to your décor by simply flipping the carbon-steel units on the shade.

Price: 21,000 ($350)

Dale Tiffany

A pattern reminiscent of peacock feathers creates a beautiful look for the hand-rolled art glass shade on the Dale Tiffany peacock tablelamp and shade. It has an elegantly-shaped metal base finished in antique bronze.

The lamp blends perfectly with today’s home trends and lifestyles.

Price: 15,000 ($250)

Baccarat

Brighten up your interiors with this elegant lampshade from the house of Baccarat. A perfect setting for consoles or sideboards, the oval-shaped lampshade’s facetted crystals sparkle glamorously in the flare of the light. The shade comes in three colours — red, black and silver.

Price: 47,500 (595€)

Uttermost

The mahagony table lamp and shade by American home accessories company Uttermost casts a warm amber-yellow light into the room, highlighting the colour patterns in the shade. The base is solid wood finished in a heavy mahogany wood with aged black streak details.

Price: 27,000 ($300)

Arteriors

Elegant, restrained and dazzling, the Agate Rose Gold Accent Lamp by American interiors company Arteriors has a graceful composition of iron lacquered in a rich metallic gold with a hint of pink. In the centre of four bent legs glows a natural agate gemstone when the lamp is lit.

Price: 36,000 ($600)

Americana Dragonfly

Add an alluringly fun look to your desk or table with this Americana Dragonfly desk lampshade. The handcrafted lamp features a unique hand-blown glass bottom that is encased in bronze and that features dragonfly cut-outs. It has a mica shade which glows in the dark.

Price: 9,375

Vintage

This vintage world map lampshade, handmade to fit a tablelamp or ceiling light fitting is a great gift for those who like to be a bit different. Designed by British company Rosie’s Vintage lampshades, it is particularly relevant for those who like to travel around the world.

Price: 1,800 (£30)

Hannah Nunn

This striking Cow Parsley allium floorlamp shade is a creation of celebrated British interior designer Hannah Nunn, who specialises in paper-cut shades. The light shines through the tiny flowers, illuminating each one like it’s bathed in the summer sun. The stem makes a great silhouette.

Price: 12,500 (£140)

Zinnia

This classic mosaic Zinnia lampshade has a glass mosaic base in gorgeous colours that include blue, orange, red, and green. It has eye-catching metal branches that rise up from the base and come out to support the beautiful shade, which is done in multi-coloured stained glass.

Price: 25,200 ($4,200)

Love Frankie

Turn up the whimsy with this charming Mr. Fox drum lampshade by London-based design studio Love Frankie. It is handmade on a flame-retardant material. It is suitable for table or floorlamps as it has a sophisticated silhouette and can be a stand out piece in any room.

Price: 4,050 ($45)

House of Hackney

Handmade by the leading British interiors company House of Hackney, this Flights of Fancy print featuring a symphony of birds of different plumage is a standout lampshade made in luxury cotton satin. It is guaranteed to add a touch of wildlife to your interiors.

Price: 44,500 (£495)

 

How to choose the right shade Know the shade types: Shades come in shapes of barrel, drum, ribbed bell and empire style. Choose the one you think will best suit the décor. Shape matters: Though you can be innovative, usually a round shade looks good on a round base and a square shade goes with a square base. Right colours: Light-coloured shades diffuse light most efficiently. Dark shades should be used to create ambience and drama in a room. Contemporary or traditional: Smooth and plain shades look cool in any setting. However, if you have antique pieces, use a pleated shade. Heat factor: If you are using a high-wattage bulb that generates heat, go for a wide shade that is a few inches removed from the bulb.

PACESETTERS Sultana & Jyoti Nooran
Notes for the soul
They didn’t wait for the life to take its own course or destiny to take its own turn. Nooran Sisters held firmly to the microphone and everything else fell in place
Manpriya Singh

“There was a time when we didn’t even have a cycle and now we own a car,” 20-year-old Sultana Nooran, the elder of the two sisters shares her journey. She adds, “There was a time when we would go to perform at shows on autorickshaws and either they would break down or there would be other obstacles on the way. From autorickshaws to automobiles, it’s a journey they have scripted by staying loyal to their one passion; music. “We’ll only sing songs that the entire family can sit together and listen to with their heads held high. Songs that you can listen to while sitting with your mothers and sisters,” 19-year-old Jyoti joins in. Sultana was seven and Jyoti five when their father Ustaad Gulshan Kumar heard them singing Kulli Vichon Ni Yaar Labhda. He asked them to sing with the harmonium. “That was it, the first and foremost turning point in our life. The affair with music continued and we slowly gained the confidence of the listeners”, says Sultana, adding, “In 2005, we hosted this show called Jashan Di Raat on Doordarshan Jalandhar. The Nooran Sisters, hitherto known in Jalandhar, became famous in Punjab.

The struggle continued. Laughs Jyoti, “Our strict training regimen with our father continued. Till the time we didn’t get the beat right, he would make it a point that we didn’t get up or even eat.” It was when Sneha Khanwalkar stumbled upon the singer sisters and everything else changed forever. Shares Sultana, “The second incident that changed our life was when Tung Tung with Sneha Khanwalkar happened. They shot the song in our house and it was an instant hit.” She adds, “We so miss her. We are in touch but we haven’t met her in a while because she is so busy. Shooting for the song was so much fun.”

It was only a matter of a stint with MTV and Coke studio and their voice travelled the length and breadth of the country and hasn’t stopped since. “We just finished a Canada tour and were so touched by the love we received. We never thought our kind of music would be appreciated in Canada. Because people generally like noisy music and sometimes vulgar lyrics these days.”

Their commitment to Sufi music continues in letter and spirit. “We don’t just sing Sufi but also wear Sufi. Even half –sleeve costumes give way to full sleeves on the stage,” shares Sultana, who doesn’t mind telling off the rowdy crowds to stay put. “Music is our way of worshipping God. People ought to respect that.”

After the applause comes the challenge of juggling studies with music. The Class XI students’ day begins at dawn. As Jyoti puts it, “We get up at four or five in the morning and start rehearsing. After we finish, a few hours later in the day are spent on economics, English and other subjects.”

The shift from Jalandhar to Mumbai might happen in the future but as of now, they are busy getting ready for the Board exams next year and also the untitled album, for which four songs have already been worked out.

Any queries on acting invites raised eyebrows and vehement shake of heads. Jyoti says, “We can’t be doing stuff where we need to be away from home. Moreover, only playback singing is what we are meant to do and we will continue with it.” The Sufi legacy was never forced down upon anybody. They have two more sisters and a brother, of which one of the sisters wants to become a doctor and the other two want to pursue music only. As far as dressing up goes, it is Jyoti who is more fond of following the latest trends. “We want to break fresh ground in music”, they say, ending on a hopeful note.

bling it on

A MAGICAL GLOBAL JAUNT

This has to be the holiday of a lifetime! The world’s leading luxury travel company Abercombie & Kent is offering a 26-day around-the-globe holiday in a customised Boeing. Starting from the enigmatic Easter Island, the jaunt will take you to every interesting destination in the world including the unbounded Amazon, rainforests of Papua New Guinea, the wildlife haven of the Masai Mara, the glamour playground of the rich, Monte Carlo apart from all the known touristic spots, all in super deluxe class. Though the holiday starts in October 2014, you’d have to really hurry as it is open to only 50 people and the seats are mostly sold out.

Cost of vacation: 63 lakh ($1,05,000)

TRUNKFUL OF GOODIES

Till now Prince Hubert de Polignac was known as one of the finest cognacs in the world. But it now will also be known as the maker of one of the finest trunks in the world. Inspired by the equestrianism world, it has been christened the Knight Trunk and will be up for grabs at the 8th annual La Part des Anges auction in France on September 19. The exclusive trunk is made of leather-embossed canvas with a poplar wood frame and polished with nickel-plated brass. Besides holding a rider’s accessories like brushes, mane combs and cover, it also features a precious carafe containing an exceptional blend of very old vintage cognacs. People who love their cognac and want the trunk will have to hurry. Only two have been created and will come under heavy bidding.

Expected to fetch around $16,000 (9.60 lakh)

ONE FROM THE HEART

It was a notification in a local Liverpool newspaper on October 4, 1962 that was to shake the world. Readers were informed that a new four-member band was releasing its debut single the following day and music lovers could come and listen to them in the city hall.  Love Me Do by the Beatles was released on October 5 with the B-side featuring P.S. I Love You. The rest, as they say, is history. On July 26, 2013 a British label called Mischief Music has issued a red heart-shaped twelve-inch vinyl. In a limited edition of 500, it has the makings of a true collector’s gem.

Price: 1,200 ($20)

SHINING ‘STARS’

They are real modern-day heroes of our times. The 12 men who’ve walked on the moon — Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Charles Conrad, Alan Bean, Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, Dave Scott, Jim Irwin, Gene Cernan, John Young, Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt — have all come together now. Here’s your chance to get them all to your home. Though in real life that may not be possible, as four of them are no longer alive, you can buy a very rare collection that comprises 12 individually signed original photos from renowned British outlet Paul Fraser Collectibles. They may cost the ‘moon’ but then, this is your chance of possessing the ‘starry’ collection.

Price: 12.60 lakh (£14,000)

WHIFF OF THE HIMALAYAS

It has the masculinity of a rugged mountain range and evokes the power and majesty of man and nature. The Creed Himalaya, created by master perfumer Olivier Creed, commemorates his own daring Himalayan hiking expeditions when he was a young man. The perfume smacks of natural ingredients like sandalwood and cedar with amber, musk and a tart touch of grapefruit. It is presented in a metallic flask that evokes a mountaineer’s essential paraphernalia. Interestingly, it is the only fragrance in the world that contains a hint of gunpowder giving it that seductive macho touch.

Price: 34,800 ($580)

FOOT LUXURY

Fashions never take a breather in Paris. No sooner has the season of Spring/Summer Collection 2014 ended, excitement is in the air again. Givenchy has announced its 2014 spring accessories, much to the delight of fashionistas. And there is a lot to cheer about. Mimicking the techno-tribalism aesthetics and motifs, the range is dominated by pattern-emblazoned sandals of luxurious snakeskin and pebbled leather — each built atop an air-cushioned, sneaker-inspired sole. If the new footwear is any indication, luxury fashions seem to be staging a comeback in 2014.

Price: Yet to be announced

CUP THAT CHEERS

Wags have dubbed it as the Second Coming of Christ. At least the celebrations in England marking the birth of the British Royal baby have surpassed all festive occasions. There’s an astonishing variety of collectibles flooding the market, from toys to keyrings and from pin badges to flags, baby towels and bed linens. But one of the most outstanding collectibles is the limited edition cup made of fine English bone china exclusively commissioned by the Royal Collection Trust of England. The cup has been skilfully hand-crafted, using 22-carat gold and the royal baby’s name ‘George’ has been carved on it. So, if you too are a devotee of the British royalty, you can display your loyalty with the royal cup in your drawing room

Price: 15,600 ($260)

MAN, WHAT A PRAM

A recent British survey has revealed that 98 per cent of young fathers feel embarrassed pushing the baby stroller. However, things are poised for a dramatic change with auto major Skoda Octavia creating what it calls a Mega Man Pram being touted as the ultimate all-terrain baby carrier. It is two-metres high and comes complete with wing mirrors, hydraulic suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, oversized brake calipers, anti-stress grips and even a headlamp, the same qualities that go into making a Skoda car. The company is convinced that once it is launched later this year, fathers will look for excuses to take the baby out for a stroll.

Expected price: 7.80 lakh ($13,000)