‘Retail Beyond Detail’ – The Great Indian Retailing Business

India’s most appreciated retail author Dr Gibson G. Vedamani in the presence of Mr. Rakesh Biyani (JMD of Future Group) released his book – ‘Retail Beyond Detail’, the Guide to a successful retailing business at Oberoi Mall, Goregaon today.  The book is a perfect guide for the growth and successful development of the retail business industry. The book is sure to enlighten the interesting environment of the retail business in India.

Sharing the extracts with Mr. Biyani from the book during discussion Dr. Gibson held the audience discussing about the instances of the emergence of the Retail in India as one of the fastest growing industry and how it has extended its frontiers worldwide that has the entrance of world renowned giants like Walmart, Ikea, and Carrefour etc. Today, retailing is about so much more than mere merchandising. It is about casting customers in a story, reflecting their desires and aspirations, and forging long-lasting relationships. Retail today has changed from selling a product or a service to selling a hope, an aspiration and above all an experience that a consumer would like to repeat.

Commenting on the book launch Anupam T, Vice President, Oberoi Mall said “The Retail Industry is experiencing quantum shift in dynamics due to fast changing customer behavior and expectations coupled with technology induced challenges for example e-commerce etc. So far India has occupied a remarkable position in global rankings and is expected to become the world’s sixth largest consumption economy. Accordingly, retailers must be able to tap in to this huge opportunity, at the same time navigate the choppy waters. We are happy to partner with Dr Gibson G. Vedamani for the launch of ‘Retail Beyond Detail’ at Oberoi Mall.

Dr. Gibson Vedamani says, "Retail Beyond Detail depicts the uniqueness of the great Indian retailing business. Unlike anywhere in the World, coexistence of all forms of retailing is a virtue and retailing in India is a big opportunity sector for one to succeed. Today's youth need to know the instances of successful retail journeys that had humble beginnings. Readers can draw inspiration from the numerous success stories explained in the book."

Mr. Maulik Desai, Head Crossword Bookstores says , "Not only is ‘Retail Beyond Detail' a refreshingly new take on the environment of the retail business of India, the book also reveals 10 secrets of retailing, deftly explained with examples and cases. We are delighted to have the book launch of Mr. Gibson G. Vedamani, one of the stalwarts of the retail industry at Oberoi Mall, with whom we have been partnered for hosting several events.”   

Harinder Sikka's 'Calling Sehmat' to launch for the audience next week

Harinder Sikka's ‘Calling Sehmat’ makes an amazing read. Published by Penguin Random House, it is set to reach the readers early next week.

Calling Sehmat is a gripping story of a Kashmiri  Muslim lady who sacrificed herself and her family for the sake of her beloved country, India.

It took eight years of toil, research and few trips to Pakistan for Mr. Sikka to research and compile the story of this amazing lady based on whom a beautiful film titled ‘Raazi’ has just been released.

Even as the book is based on an espionage, it yet spreads the essence of peace, love, harmony and patriotism. The book goes into details on how Sehmat made inroads into the Pakistani brass and left them in tatters. In the process, she saved thousands of lives and left her mark with the Indian intelligentsia.

Mr. Sikka faced numerous challenges and took enormous risks in tracing her course in order to link together limited data into an amazing book. It's a saga that needs to be read for it fills the heart and minds of all Indians with pride.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba receiving the book from Commander Harinder Sikka at the Naval Headquarters.

Salman and Katrina dazzle at Book launch

Wednesday evening was a starry affair with superstars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif launching the book Silent Sentinels of Ranthambhore by Bina Kak. The event, that took place at Taj Land's end, Bandra, was graced by several other biggies such as Salim Khan,  Salma Khan, Helen, Kabir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priya Dutt, Baba Siddiqui, Dalip Tahil, Roop Rathore, Bina Kak, Vijay Kalantri, Vikas Kalantri, Kapil Kapoor (publisher), Kamal Morarka, Himesh Reshamiya, Daboo Ratnani, Piyush Pandey and Mike Pandey. 

It is always a pleasure to catch Salman and Katrina together and they surely were looking their best on Wednesday. The actors, whose film Tiger Zinda Hai will be hitting the screen on 22nd December, dazzled in black.  

The event was managed by Whiteleaf Entertainment and was impeccably planned, keeping each and every detail in mind. Once the book was launched, the guests helped themselves to an elaborate high tea.

About the Book

Ranthambhore is a dry, deciduous, thorn forest that sits at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hills in Rajasthan. Known for its amazing and uplifting combination of heritage – natural and historical – which intermingles with its forests, Ranthambhore is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Within its nearly 1400-square kilometre area, Ranthambhore National Park and its critical tiger habitat provide for one of the finest areas for viewing wildlife in the world.  This book is a first-hand account of Ranthambhore and some of the tigers that inhabit it.  *The book is published by ROLI BOOKS  

Through her incredible photographs, Bina Kak narrates her experiences and encounters with one of the most magnificent creatures in the world, in one of the most magical settings imaginable. She introduces you to some of the well-known tigers of Ranthambhore, each with unique characteristics and forms – from large territorial males like Bahadur who give a helping hand in bringing up their cubs, to the resident tigress Machli, who was possibly the oldest living tiger in the wild world. This book is a tribute to the tiger families of Ranthambhore. The foreword has been penned by His Holiness The Dalai Lama. 

About the Author

Bina Kak in an Indian politician, actress and social activist. She served as Cabinet Minister in the Government of Rajasthan between 1985 and 2013, holding various portfolios of Tourism, Art and Culture, Archaeology, Forests and Environment, Woman and Child Development and General Administration​

Om Books' Taj Mahal: Multiple Narratives launched by Maharaja Gaj Singh

When it is a book on Taj Mahal, it is only fair that it is released by royals.

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur and publisher Ajay Mago of Om Books International celebrated the launch of Taj Mahal: Multiple Narratives. Coo-authors Amita Baig and Rahul Mehrotra, shared their experience of putting together the book with veteran journalist Kaveree Bamzai.

Sharmila Tagore,Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Ritu Kumar, Karan Thapar, Satish and Kiran Gujral, Feroze and Mohit Gujral, Laila Tyabji, Bim Bissell, Aman Nath, Gurmeet and Raghu Rai, Sunil Sethi, Mrs. Radha Bhatia and Ankur Bhatia were present on the occasion along with pulisher Ajay Mago.

Taj Mahal: Multiple Narratives presents a new perspective on the Taj Mahal and Agra. The city and its iconic monuments have often been written about, exclusive of each other. Many stories from Agra form the pillars on which the Taj Mahal was built. Pleasure gardens or a dusty township of the Middle Ages, Agra has many dimensions. The book looks at global events, nationalevents and showcases contemporary buildings and subsequent events which transformed it from a sacred personal space to a part of world heritage. The book is a broader and more accessible understanding of these stories, of Agra and the Taj Mahal. 

Says Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International, “visiting the Taj Mahal as a child was a more enjoyable experience than visiting the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Back then, it also meant getting at least 200 kilometres away from school for a couple of days. And for a long time, a monument dedicated to love held greater meaning than a victory tower. Such is the power the Taj Mahal continues to wield over the world. Taj Mahal: Multiple Narratives by Amita Baig and Rahul Mehrotra helps us look at the monument and its significance as a World Heritage Site afresh.

One of the largest English language trade publishers in the Indian subcontinent, Om Books International has been a name to reckon with for over five decades in the Indian publishing and retail industry.  OBI has a diverse publishing list including cinema, biography, memoir, mind-body-spirit, photo essay, art, architecture, lifestyle, fiction — commercial and literary.It counts amongst its notable authors Khalid Mohamed, Mushtaq Shiekh, Bharathi S Pradhan, Nasreen Munni Kabir, Rauf Ahmed, Kamala Das, William Dalrymple, Vir Sanghvi, Christopher C Doyle and Abhay Vaidya.

Om Books International has a stellar line-up of Gourmand World Cookbook Award Winners: Vikas Khanna, Maria Goretti, Michael Swamy, Shazia Khan, Aditya Mehendale and Saransh Goila.

OBI has an equally strong and varied children's publishing programme under its imprint, OmKidz.

Amish and Raveena Tandon launch the book cover of ‘Sita- Warrior of Mithila’

One of the most popular mythology writers of our times, Amish launched the book cover of his highly-awaited Book 2 in the Ram Chandra series - ‘Sita-Warrior of Mithila’ today. The cover launch of this thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of Lady Sita was held at Title Waves Bookstore in Mumbai. At the book cover launch, the renowned author was accompanied by none-other-than the Bollywood Actress and Producer, Raveena Tandon.

Amish’s new book, which revolves around Lady Sita, defies the image we have of the Goddess and portrays Lady Sita as a feminist icon. Amish’s new book cover perfectly captures her as a fearless warrior. A powerful Lady Sita is shown on the book cover with her lathi, single-handedly fighting a crowd of men who have come to abduct her.

Commenting on the cover launch for the book, Amish said, “Ancient India witnessed a far more equal social set-up than we have today. The cover depicts Lady Sita to be a fearless warrior and the book will capture her journey from an adopted child to a fierce warrior and then becoming a Goddess.”

Raveena rightly emulates the spirit of the modern woman, who is independent and powerful much like Amish’s Lady Sita. It is fitting that the actress graced the event to unveil the cover of the book.

Talking about the cover of the book, Raveena Tandon said, “In ancient India, women held positions of power and led countries as queens and fiercely fought on the battlefield. They enjoyed more freedom and respect from the society. It is great to see that Amish is bringing that alive through Lady Sita and the cover beautifully illustrates her as a true warrior.”

The trailer launch of this much anticipated book will take place on 16th May, while Amish’s fan will finally get a chance to grab their copies on the day of the book launch to be held on 29th May in Mumbai. The Book 2 in the popular Ram Chandra series, ‘Sita- Warrior of Mithila’ can be pre-ordered at:

http://bit.ly/SWOM-AZ

http://bit.ly/SWOM-FK

http://bit.ly/SWOM-SD 

About the Author: AMISH

Described as 'India's first literary popstar' by world-renowned film director Shekhar Kapur, Amish's unique combination of crackling story-telling, religious symbolism and profound philosophies have made him an overnight publishing phenomenon, with spiritual guru Deepak Chopra hailing Amish's books as 'archetypal and stirring'.

Amish's books include the Shiva Trilogy (The Immortals of Meluha (2010); The Secret of the Nagas (2011); The Oath of the Vayuputras (2013)) & the Ram Chandra Series (Scion of Ikshvaku (2015)). His books have sold over 3.5 million copies with gross retail sales of over Rs. 100 crores. The Shiva Trilogy is the fastest selling book series in Indian publishing history. Scion of Ikshvaku was the highest selling book of 2015. His books have been translated into 19 Indian and International languages.

Amish won various awards, including the Raymond Crossword Book Award 2015 for ‘Scion Of Ikshvaku’.Forbes Magazine has listed Amish amongst the 100 most influential celebrities in India, four years in a row. He has also received the Society Young Achievers Award for literature in 2013, Man of the Year by Radio City, Communicator of the Year by PR Council of India, Dainak Bhaskar Reader’s Choice Awards and Pride of India award (Literature). Amish was also selected as an Eisenhower Fellow, a prestigious American programme for outstanding leaders from around the world.

Amish is a graduate of IIM-Calcutta and worked for 14 years in the financial services industry before turning to full-time writing. He lives in Mumbai with his wife Preeti and son Neel.

Also find appended below the link of the live video of the cover launch event.

Manisha Koirala gets nostalgic about R.D.Burman

The charismatic Manisha Koirala, who was Anil Kapoor's love and obsession in the memorable song 'Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga' from the illustrious R.D.Burman's last movie 1942: A Love Story, seemed nostalgic about the composer this week. Manisha was delighted when at a recent event, senior award-winning journalist Chaitanya Padukone presented her a copy of his authored book R.D.BurMania.

“What a musical masterpiece genius Panchamda came up with. Even today, his amazing melodies soothe the heart," said Manisha, who is playing the legendary Nargis Dutt in the biopic on Sanjay Dutt, being directed by Rajkumar Hirani.

The actress who has proved to be an exemplary strong-willed cancer survivor, had another reason to smile. The book has its 'foreword' penned by showman Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who was then the 'songs director' of 1942: A Love Story.

Incidentally, when Bhansali made his directorial debut with Khamoshi, it was Manisha who featured as the lead opposite Salman Khan.

Anand Neelakantan joins Sonali Bendre's for the Book Club's discussion

After turning author with her bestselling book The Modern Gurukul :My Experiments with Parenting , Sonali Bendre now pursues her passion further with "SonalisBookClub".By forming a community of readers, who can discuss various books on Facebook , the actress-author hopes to encourage people to read more often and have an interesting exchange of ideas and thoughts.Popular author Anand Neelakantan, who has penned The Rise of Sivagami: Book 1 of Baahubali — Before the Beginning, now joins Sonali's book club.Sonali and Anand discussed Neelakantan’s book, Ajaya: Roll Of The Dice as part of an interactive session for the book club which happened today at the FB office

Salman Khan launches the Latest Hit Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl

Om Books International along with Taj Lands End, Mumbai, celebrated the launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl, An Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed, on 10thApril 2017. The stunningly produced autobiography was launched by Chief Guest and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has written the Foreword to the book. 

Present on the occasion were two of Asha Parekh’s closest friend from the industry--Waheeda Rehman and Helen, and some of her finest co-actors and heroes—Dharmendra, Jeetendra. Among those present to grace the occasion were Imran Khan, Richa Chadha, Jackie Shroff, Aruna Irani along with Anandji(Kalyanji-Anandji) & Pyarelalji(Laxmikant-Pyarelal) 

An interesting discussion on the book with Chief Guest Salman Khan, co-authors Asha Parekh and Khalid Mohamed, and Publisher, Ajay Mago, was moderated by Dipa Chaudhuri, Chief Editor, Om Books International. 

About the book 

Asha Parekh, an alumnus of Bombay’s The J.B. Petit Girls’ High School, devoted after-school hours to learning classical dance from exacting gurus. Given a break as a leading lady by Filmalaya Studio’s Sashadhar Mukherjee, she debuted opposite Shammi Kapoor in the entertainer Dil Deke Dekho (1959). Instantly, the audience and the critics agreed, “A star is born.” Followed a concatenation of silver and golden jubilee hits, which established her as the quintessential Hit Girl.

Her innumerable dance ballets on stage have earned her immense acclaim, at home and overseas. Among her other facets, she has been involved since decades in running a charitable hospital. She was Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (1998-2001) and has been associated with the Cine and TV Artistes’ Associations and other organisations dedicated to the welfare of film industry workers, technicians andactors. She turned producer and director with several top TRP-rated TV serials like Kora Kagaz and Palash ke Phool. Currently she has chosen to retire from acting, but adds, “Never say never.” She lives by the famed Juhu shoreline in Mumbai. 

About the co-author 

Khalid Mohamed, co-author 

During his stint as film critic and media editor of The Times of India, and Filmfare editor, Khalid Mohamed would frequently interview Asha Parekh, queen of the marquee who had captured the public imagination right from the black-and-white movies to the colourful holiday-mood entertainers. A single question, “So why haven’t you attempted an autobiography yet?” led to Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl packed with rare pictures, memorabilia and candid speak.

Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International: When Khalid Mohamed discussed this autobiography with me, I simply said I do without blinking an eyelid. Asha Parekh’s contribution to Bollywood, and therefore to a significant part of India’s cultural history, remains undisputed. As the reigning queen of Bollywood for nearly two decades, she brought grace, charm, wit, humour, gravitas and pure entertainment to our lives through her string of hits. Need I add that it is an honour for me that the runaway girl of Caravan gave Om Books International another runaway success: Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl, An Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed. 

Khalid Mohamed, co-author: The 1960s dominated by vibgyor entertainers — breezy romances often located in hill towns — has been a special yet underrated decade of Hindi cinema. Growing up in that decade also meant growing up on the gamine charm and élan of Asha Parekh. Hence The Hit Girl was a god-sent opportunity to look back at that era with affection and belated appreciation. I lucked out that Asha Parekh agreed to the book without any procrastinations and allowed me to trace her many-splendoured journey through the wonderworld of cinema. Moreover, there were many little-known aspects of her personality and stardom to discover on the way. In sum, it's been a thoroughly satisfying experience to collaborate on the autobiography of a fine lady and an artiste. 

Mr. Parveen Chander, General Manager, Taj Lands End, Mumbai: We feel extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to host the book launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl, An Autobiography with Khalid Mohamed.  On behalf of my entire team at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, I would like to wish Ms. Parekh all the very best for this new development and continued success for all her future endeavours. 

Ravish Kapoor, Innovative Invitations: It is such an honour to curate the invitation card for the launch of Asha Parekh: The Hit Girl. I grew up watching her movies. She is not only Loved in Tokyo but all over India for her classic portrayals in Bollywood.

USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN’S ‘MASTER ON MASTERS’ BOOK RELEASE BY KARAN JOHAR

Veteran Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan brings to life, 12 eminent musicians of the twentieth century -- Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan and Kishan Maharaj in his book, Master On Masters, a book that will be released by Karan Johar at the Vivanta By Taj President in Cuff Parade.

Besides Karan Johar, Suhel Seth, Amjad Ali Khan's wife Subhalakshmi Khan and sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, the event was also graced by Milee Ashwarya - Editor-in-Chief of Penguin Random House India, Pankaj Udhas, Tanisha Mukherjee, Milind Deora, Anoop Soni, Juhi Babbar, Suchitra Pillai, Romesh Sharma, Karan Sharma, Omer Haidar of Showhouse Events among others.

Amjad Ali Khan and Karan Johar discussed everything from music to movies and much much more. Suhel Seth, with his characteristic sense of humour,  moderated the discussion.

A deeply personal book about the lives and times of some of the greatest icons of Indian classical music, the book is dotted with interesting personal anecdotes and details about the eminent artists and their individual musical styles, among others. Amjad Ali Khan effortlessly transcends the Gharana and North-South divide and presents portraits of these great artists that are drawn with affection, humour and warmth. Out on Penguin Random House India

Amitabh Bachchan Launches Divya Dutta's Book Me and Ma

Shabana, Waheeda, Raveena grace Anjali Chhabria's book launch

Shabana Azmi, Waheeda Rehman and Raveena Tandon were present to support Psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria at the launch of her book: Death is not the answer.The event was a starry affair with the woman of the moment, , Shabana Azmi, Wahida Rehman and Raveena Tandon, in attendance. The psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria even took to the stage to read out excerpts from different chapters of the novel. Kunickaa Sadanand Lall, Ila Arun actor Suresh Oberoi also came to root for the author. Not to forget, Raveena Tandon was in Kanpur and came bit the supportive friend as she stood by Anjali's side on her big day.

About Psychiatrist Anjali Chhabria:

Dr. Anjali Chhabria, founder of Mindtemple, finished her MMBS from J.J. Group of Hospitals in the year 1985 and has been a practicing consultant and psychiatrist for the past 20 years. She further pursued a Diploma in Psychotherapies and completed her M.D. in 1990 from Nair Charitable Hospital, (Mumbai).She has been on Board of directors for the NGO ‘Naraottam Sakseria Foundation’ since 2010. She is a consulting psychiatrist for Singapore International School since 5 years. She is also a panel member for Salaam Bombay Foundation. Dr. Chhabria has been the president of the Bombay Psychiatrist Society from 2001-2002.Dr. Anjali has been a speaker on various topics of mental health in several seminars and conferences, national and international. She has given her views in articles on various emotional health and interpersonal relationships issues in The Times of India, Mid-day, DNA, India Today, Indian Express, Physician’s Digest, Femina, Women’s era, Savy and Harmony. She also contributes to a regular column for the magazine ‘Sindhian’ and for Delhi based ‘Free Press Journal’. In addition, she is a regular speaker ‘on air’ for the local radio station ‘Radio Mirchi’ and has given inputs at other local radio stations like 92.7 F.M. She has also given her expert opinion as a part of a documentary film by BBC on anorexia. Thus, through various talk shows on T.V. as well as through radio, films and articles in the media, she has made people aware of the importance of healthy emotional behavior.Dr. Chhabria has conducted innumerable workshops for children, adults and geriatrics such as Stress Management, Parenting and Emotional Empowerment. She has been a lecturer at prestigious institutions like R.N.Cooper & K.E.M group of hospitals as well as a visiting faculty member for many educational institutes all over Mumbai like SNDT University, SIES College, DAV school (Nerul), Tata Institute of Social Sciences etc.

She has also been a part of esteemed panels for various television shows as well as a chief guest for contests such as Gladrags Mega Model and Man Hunt. Dr. Anjali Chhabria has been one of the first few to offer the newest treatments for mental disorders like Repetitive Trans-cranial Magnetic Treatment (rTMS) since 2011, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) since 2012 and Trans-cranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) treatment since the current year 2013 in affiliation with Delhi based Dr. Sanjay Chugh.

About Death is Not the Answer: Book:

Did you know that India is the world's suicide capital with over 2. 6 lakh cases reported every year? But what we know about the causes of suicide lags far behind our knowledge of many other life-threatening illnesses, partly because the stigma surrounding suicidal behaviour has limited society's investment in suicide research. It is said that more than 50 per cent of all those who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention. So how do you recognize suicidal symptoms in people around you and get help?

From insights into the mind of a suicidal patient and understanding why one is driven to suicide to the right kind of intervention when suicide has been attempted and a list of suicide hotlines, this book is an attempt to help thousands who are questioning the motive of their life. It is just as useful to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide and is looking for a way to overcome grief.