Sunday 17 December 2017

The book launch of "INTROSPECTION" in "THE FABLE", Juhu

"I DREAM, I TEST MY DREAMS AGAINST MY BELIEFS, I DARE TO TAKE RISKS, AND I EXECUTE MY VISION TO MAKE THOSE DREAMS COME TRUE"

Walt Disney


A candid moment during my book launch event
Dino Morea, Mahesh Bhatt and Malini Nair from Become Shakespeare


The quote I have started this narrative with, is an ideal way of executing life. Probably we all have dreams, dreams of living a vision which might be very different from our perceived personas. But its only a handful who get the power and means to accomplish their inventiveness. In this mad race of living, where its tough to make ends meet, it is even tougher to keep dreams alive.

So when three years back, I had embarked the journey of penning down my first novel, juggling with the commitments of a fully engaged engineering job, little did I know what lay ahead. My only intention was to emote and emote voraciously. I firmly believed in the predisposing power of fiction, and wanted to lend some messages to the society through my intimidating story line.

I completed "Introspection" in around 2 years, and then started the grueling attempts of getting it published. Trust me, it was more emotionally draining than conceiving the idea of creating a narrative. After getting "sorry" emails from almost all publishers known under the sky, I got a chance with WorditArt fund under Become Shakespeare banner , where they selected my manuscript from 5000 odd entries. Yes my dream, had started taking a decent shape, after a string of futile attempts.

On 11th October 2017, my book was made available on all e commerce websites (the links are added at the end of the narrative) and it started receiving great reviews from readers. Each time, a reader came expressing his/her thoughts on my work, my heart filled with hope, "yes, I want to tell more stories and connect to more and more people."


 Mr . Mahesh Bhatt addressing the media


Then finally it happened, on 11th December 2017, which also happens to be my wedding anniversary, my book had a dream launch. The entire media had graced the occasion of unveiling "Introspection", which was done by celebrated filmmaker, the most enlightened man of showbiz Mr. Mahesh Bhatt, heartthrob of millions Mr. Dino Morea and versatile actor Mr. Bikramjeet Kanwarpal. It was indeed a star studded occasion and my oblivious self unknowingly unified with the real me, as I lived those moments.

Speaking to media, Mr. Mahesh Bhatt, had made a statement which will probably stay with me forever, he said "A writes bleeds on the pages, to write a book".  And how true, it reminds me of the agonies associated with emoting for others, the pain of living the lives of different characters yet keeping my integrity as a writer intact.


 Media Interaction


Mr. Bikramjeet Kanwarpal at the event


Dino Morea and Bikramjeet Kanwarpal also expressed their takes as readers and narrators. Their overwhelming encouragement, will remain with me forever. They appreciated the efforts that goes into writing a fully evolved novel, with entwining tales between different characters.
   
The launch was organised, in a book themed cafe called "Fable", in Juhu. Probably the most apt location for an occasion like this. This cafe stands out for its innovative decor, which is strongly influenced by the intriguing world of books. Be it the "fable wall" which resonates the artistry of 50 novels or the "Reading lamp" which stands out for being perched on a pile of books. Every corner, is a reader's paradise, because book lovers cherish the rustic feel of old books, and their battered beauty. This chic all day dining cafe also serves some exotic cuisines, which satiates the foodie in the book lover.


Talking about my book to the world


This book launch was a dreamy affair, that I am yet to recover from. I have faith on the lucidity, relatable story line and subtly sent messages of my creation, and I am sure it will reach out to millions.

The path of art is never an easy one, it tears you apart and often leaves you with a bleeding heart. But again it makes your best version.  So this is from a dreamer to all dreamers of the world, "never give up your passion, it will get you solace, today or tomorrow."

No good work is possible without good team effort
Thank You Adhijit, Ashyma, Debonita, Shibangee, Chirag, Malini, Sameer and of course my husband Avishek 



If you want to buy it on Amazon India, click on the link below.
Dear readers if you are living outside India, my book is also available on Amazon worldwide.



If you want to buy it on Flipkart, click on the link below.


If you want to buy it on Snapdeal, click on the link below.


If you want to buy it on Infibeam, click on the link below.


Dear Readers,

Please leave your reviews on the websites. And if you could relate to my tale, send me a selfie with the book to aritra_14@yahoo.co.in. I will put across my social networking handle.


Follow me on:
Twitter handle: @Aritra_tales
Instagram: Aritra_talestotell
Facebook page: @mytalestotellu
Website : Tales to tell


My moment of high


Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta





Thursday 14 December 2017

Hakkasan - indulgence into ecstasy

Every year on birthdays, we explore some new eatery and Mumbai has many. This year on 12th November, that is my birthday, we went to the very famous Chinese cuisine specialist fine diner, Hakkasan on Linking Road, Bandra West.

I had heard a lot of Hakkasan, be it ambiance, be it food or be it its elaborate guest list, it is a pretty famous diner in Mumbai. 

The first thing that strikes you as you entire the Krystal building where the restaurant is located, is the intriguing blue lights. And for the few who read me, they already know my obsession with lights and fixation towards the color blue. So at the first place, I am already impressed.

The place is uber chic, and the staff cordial and well groomed. They welcomed us with warm smiles and gestures, a comfortable seat was immediately allocated for my husband and me. At this point I would like to let you know, that it is better if you give them a call before reaching there.

We ordered chicken for starters and fragrant rice and a very different prawn preparation for main course, and the bong sweet tooth was satiated by the chocolate bomb with a "happy birthday" message for me, for deserts. The food was very tasty and we devoured every bite with satisfaction.

For sure, this place is worth a visit, the exclusive interiors and exquisite food will make your dining experience a remember-worthy one.

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta





Smoke Shack -Park Plaza

Given a choice, any day, I would choose a lounge over a pub. I prefer places, where we can hear one another and enjoy each other's presence. Sky lounges are my favorite, after all it is always fun to be able to enjoy hospitality, good food, music while counting the stars and being caressed by the breeze. I feel, a touch of nature, in this mad race of life,helps me unwind. So diners to me, are not just food indulgences, they are experiences I cherish.

During my last visit to Kolkata, this October, our sister and brother-in-law, took us out for a jubilant dinner experience. The venue was Smoke Shack - Park Plaza, in Ballygunge.

Ever since I visited the place, I was trying to find an opportunity to jot down my feelings about its beauty.

Well! to say the least Smoke Shack, is for dreamers like me. It was a star studded night, and the remnants of  the Diwali Fire crackers occasionally lit up the sky. Elaborately spread across the huge terrace, the lights, the ambiance was apt for a lazy evening, talking over delicious cuisines. We had ordered a good amount of food and loved the starters more than the main course. 

A big Thank You to Priyanka Di and Jiju, for that lovely evening, the serenity and panache of sky lounges appeal to me and I recommend Smoke Shack to all dreamers like me.

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta