tollywood

‘Playing fighter
pilot was
enthralling’
hyderabad matinee
Deepika joins
BAFTA
presenter line

3 >>
CHR NICLEWEDNESDAY | 14 FEBRUARY 2024
8 >>

COUPLEPRENEURS

THE BUSINESS
OF L VE They met, got
hitched and the
rest was econom-
ics. From success-
fully running
homes to their
businesses, cou-
ples are showing
the world how it’s
done. On
Valentine’s Day,
let’s move over
the usual blah-
blah of the much-
in-love couples
and delve into the
inspiring stories
AAMIR AND of these
HAMEEDA SHARMA, life-business part-
Partners, AANDH
ners, writes
Swati Sharma
POLES APART...
YET SO CLOSE design issues. Hameeda is a
very thoughtful and meticu-
lous designer, while I am more

S
haping dreams and giving them
form is a difficult undertaking in
any creative field. When it comes
to architecture and interior
design, it’s the desire to create and see
your ideas take shape in a physical
form, self-analysis, and the determina-
tion to produce better results in awe-
inspiring work. This is the workplace
culture at Aamir and Hameeda Interior
Designers (AANDH).
“We have extremely diverse tastes, but
we always consult each other about
spontaneous and impatient, so I
guess it works well for both of us and
our clients.” The duo is proud to repre-
sent their State on a national and global
scale in design today, and they have
received numerous prizes and plaudits
for their work. “It’s difficult to collabo-
rate with one another since we always
have design disagreements, yet we are a
strong force in the design world and will
continue to pack a design punch for a
long time.”
TURN TO PAGE 5

CUPID IN A FIX AS AI PALS

HEAT UP V-DAY DATE GAME
The dating scene has moved
beyond regular dating apps;
many online daters are
discovering love in AI-powered
companions this Valentine’s
Day season instead of real
human connections
> FULL STORY ON PAGE 5 <
 Wednesday 14 February 2024 2

bookmark Deccan Chronicle

A
VEDA PAHURKAR

t first glance, the title, The

Mountain is You could be a bit con-
SKILLS REQUIRED
TO SCALE EVERY
fusing or even cryptic. However, as
you dive into bestselling author Brianna
Wiest’s The Mountain Is You, it becomes
clear that the mountain represents the

challenges and obstacles in our day-to-
day lives. And the focus is on how we
must conquer our shortcomings and dif-
ficulties to grow and learn. As the writer
aptly puts it: “The things that hurt you
will transform you.”
Each chapter is filled with valuable
insights and practical advice, making it
a book that readers will constantly
remind the readers of their own person-
al journeys. At the heart of the book is
the metaphor of the mountain,
symbolising the obstacles and
challenges we face in life.
Wiest eloquently portrays
how these mountains, often
perceived as external forces,
are in fact reflections of our
internal struggles. By
embracing the mountain
within ourselves, Wiest
argues, we can begin to disman-
tle our barriers and find true
MOUNTAIN IN LIFE
This wonderful book uses the mountain as a metaphor for the The Mountain Is You:
Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery
difficulties in life and helps us navigate our way around the Author: Brianna Wiest
challenges and reach the top like a seasoned mountaineer Publisher: Amaryllis
healing and liberation. The best- take control of their lives and bring power to change resides within each of
selling author emphasises the about positive changes. Wiest reminds us, and by embracing our inner strength
importance of breaking down readers that vulnerability is not a weak- and resilience, we can conquer the
toxic patterns and behav- ness, but rather a strength. She encour- mountains that stand in our way.
iours that hold us back from ages readers to embrace their vulnera- Whether you’re struggling with self-
reaching our full potential. bilities and use them as catalysts for doubt, fear, or limiting beliefs, this book
She encourages the readers growth. By being honest and vulnerable offers invaluable guidance and inspira-
to let go of negative with ourselves, we can overcome our tion to help you navigate life’s chal-
thoughts and beliefs that are fears and find true inner peace. The lenges with courage and grace. It serves
damaging. The author uses Mountain Is You is not merely a self-help as a reminder that we are all capable of
interesting anecdotes in her book; it is a roadmap for personal trans- overcoming challenges and finding hap-
writings. She empowers readers to formation. Wiest’s message is clear, the piness within ourselves.

TIME FLIES IN Whether you are a sucker The Boyfriend Wish

Author: Swati Teerdhala
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
for romcom reads or
magical fantasies and
F alling in love is easy, but

THE COMPANY murder mysteries, some of

these new titles will keep
sustaining a relation-
ship is tough. Author Swati
Teerdhala much-awaited
The Boyfriend Wish is a

OF NEW BOOKS you engrossed this month,

writes Neil Pate
meetcute romantic story of
a South Indian American
teen (Deepa) who uses
flower power and makes a
wish for a perfect
boyfriend. And the next morning, a gorgeous
Fool Me Twice Rohit D’Souza moves in their quiet locality as a
Author: Nona Uppal Neighbors and Other Stories
Publisher: Penguin Random House Author: Diane Oliver new neighbour. Rohit has all the qualities that a
Publisher: Faber & Faber girl could ask for in a guy. While her long-term

A swoon-worthy YA romance
read during Valentine’s week.
Author Nona Uppal’s Fool Me E ach story is a gem, chipped
and polished by none other
nemesis Vik Mehta is always there around her,
Deepa is keen on finding the per-
fect guy. Deepa’s granny tells
Twice is a breezy book that will than literary stalwart Diane her that her wish will be ful-
throw light on the complexities of Oliver, who went too soon at the filled only if she seals it
modern love. Sana and Ashish are age of 22 in a freak accident in with a kiss. The problem is
inseparable and have been dating 1966. The characters in each that Deepa has not kissed
since the XI standard. They plan to story are ordinary black folks a guy since freshman year.
have a future together like a per- who want to lead a simple life, Deepa is in a quandary
fect married couple. But life usual- but are subjected to racism and thinking about the perfect
ly has its surprises. For Sana, it comes in the form of the harsh realities of mid-cen- kiss and what her heart
Pranav, an achingly handsome bibliophile who can tury America. A black family under emotional and truly desires.
make any girl go weak in her knees. Pranav is the typ- mental attack is on tenterhooks as their little boy pre-
ical ‘cool guy’. He is kind of a heart- pares to go to an all-white school. The nasty letters
throb of the entire college. Although and veiled threats send chills down your spine. In
Sana has the best boyfriend in the another story, a young black student narrates her Acts of God
Author: Kanan Gill
world, she cannot stop thinking of ordeal as to why she opted out of college drama Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pranav. However, an untoward because she failed to comprehend why she should
incident with a drunk driver in
New Delhi changes everything in
life. Fool Me Twice sensitively
play the role of a black maid for the fourth consecu-
tive year. These bone-chilling stories expose the hor-
rors of racism and assert the importance of empathy,
Ibecomes
n author Kanan Gill’s
debut novel, a Danish cop
a leader of a world-
weaves in a story of moving on in tolerance, and humanity. wide group of science
life and falling in love again. haters. In Acts of God, the
author weaves in stories full
of surprise and chaos and
The Book of Love comic touches. A wall wrig-
Author: Kelly Link
Publisher: Head of Zeus gles with the limits of its
artistic expression, and a

T his book is a rollercoaster ride you will never forget. Pulitzer-prize finalist Kelly
Link’s The Book of Love is a deep dive into the world of supernatural beings. It focus-
es on the resurrection of three missing teenagers — Laura, Daniel and Mo, who are pre-
lapel pin doles out honest advice but ruffles
many feathers in the process. The stories are fun
but they also raise serious questions of being
sumed to be dead. The trio tries to find out what has happened to them. And the man who human. One of the characters in the book is Dr
knows about it is Mr Anabin, a person who was their music teacher in school. To return K, a scientist who has given up research and
among the mortals, they need to solve the mystery of their death and learn to use their spends days in a hungover state. But not many
magical powers. Every page is an absolute feast to the eyes. The Book of Love is a fabu- know that he is busy simulating universes. The
lous magical coming-of-age story with all the absurdities, myths, and spells that make for author seamlessly blends vivid characters in
an enchanting read. compelling stories as ‘Acts of God’.
 Wednesday 14 February 2024 3

tollywood Deccan Chronicle

SAI PALLAVI TO DEBUT IN HINDI

Pictures of her and Aamir Khan’s son Junaid
shooting in Japan have found their way online
Having conquered the hearts “Both the actors posed for the pho-
of South Indians with her tos with the fans, who uploaded
stellar performances, Sai them online” says a unit source.
Pallavi is now set to recreate the The yet-to-be-titled film is directed
magic in Bollywood! On Monday by Siddharth P Malhotra of Hichki
evening, leaked photos of her and fame. Sai Pallavi is also shooting for
Aamir Khan’s son Junaid at the a Telugu film, titled Thandel, oppo-
Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan site Naga Chaitanya.
broke the Internet.
The actors were shooting for a THE ACTORS WERE SHOOTING FOR
film under the Aamir Khan A FILM UNDER THE AAMIR KHAN
Productions banner without public- PRODUCTIONS WITHOUT PUBLICITY,
ity, but the secret is now out. We BUT THE SECRET IS NOW OUT. SAI
hear that the film unit faced some PALLAVI AND JUNAID WERE
challenges initially due to unex- SPOTTED SHOOTING AT THE
pected snowfall. But the they per- SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL
sisted with the shooting. Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan on the film sets at the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan

‘PLAYING A ‘Not approached for

FIGHTER PILOT SASHIDHAR ADIVI
DECCAN CHRONICLE
Guntur Kaaram’
WAS ENTHRALLING’ W
hen pictures of actress
Ruhani Sharma as a fight-
er pilot in the upcoming film
Operation Valentine were
Rashmi rubbishes rumours
released, it caught everyone by surprise. The special song Kurchi
RUHANI SAYS This is the first time she will be seen in such
an intense role. The actress says playing a fight-
Madathapetti from the
Mahesh Babu-starrer
IT’S A DREAM er pilot in the Shakti Pratap Singh Hada director- Guntur Kaaram was a
ial was enthralling and challenging at the same major hit. The song fea-
COME TRUE time. “When I was listening to the narration, I tures the Superstar
thought ‘wow’…lemme do this character,” she shared. and Sreeleela, apart
Ruhani is a huge fan of Kelly McGillis, who played from Poorna in a
Maverick in the film Top Gun (1986), starring Tom guest appearance.
Cruise. She says she’s been wanting to do such a role even Recently, there
since she saw the film. “I couldn’t believe my luck when I have been
landed the film and the role of Tanya Sharma, a fighter rumours that
pilot,” she adds. anchor Rashmi
The Chi La Sow star’s transformation for the role began Gautam was
with her extensive research into the lives of pilot officers. i n i t i a l l y
Ruhani says she spoke to real-life fighter pilots and observed approached for
them to get into the character. She also did a few days of train- the part, and
ing with them. She developed an understanding of their daily that she had
routines, the demands of their job, and the incredible sacri- turned it
fices they make for their country. “I have tried to emulate the down due to
way they walk and talk. To behave like them was chal- p r i o r
lenging,” she says. c o m - Mahesh Babu
But her biggest high came when she shot for the film mit-
in a real fighter plane in Gwalior. “Donning the uni- ments. However, Rashmi has
form of a pilot gave me a different high. I was trained denied these rumours.
under a dedicated squadron leader and realised how She clarified on social media
hard they work to protect the nation,” she shared. that she was not approached
The actress says her part in Operation Valentine for the part.
is ‘intense’ and gripping. “Tanya is a girl “This news is absolutely
DONNING who remains calm at all times even baseless. I was not
THE UNIFORM OF though she’s struggling within herself. approached, so there is no
That’s one of the qualities I could scope for rejection. Also,
A FIGHTER PILOT resonate with, because in real life Poorna garu did an
GAVE ME A DIFFERENT too I am like that,” she says. absolutely fabu-
HIGH. I WAS TRAINED Revealing that she also lous job; no one
UNDER A DEDICATED has a few action else could have
SQUADRON LEADER AND sequences, she describes done it better.
REALISED HOW HARD THEY the film as being “well- Fake news like
WORK TO PROTECT THE studded with thrills.” this might bring
NATION “It’s a world where unwanted nega-
— RUHANI individuals are tivity towards
trained to face the most me; kindly do not
SHARMA challenging situations encourage such
head-on, where success is news,” posted
often the result of split-second deci- Rashmi.
sions. I think that’s my biggest
learning from this character –
not to let go of the spirit
despite tough times,” she
says in conclusion.
Ruhani Sharma as a fighter
pilot in Operaton Valentine Rashmi Gautam