Lifestyle, StartUps

Work from Anywhere: Bangalore Edition

The pandemic fueled lockdown meant a big change for office goers as work from home became the mandate. Two years into the changed world we live in, the meaning of office in terms of location has also changed. Starting with work from home, the concept today is work from anywhere. Bindu Gopal Rao explores some newer spaces that are becoming popular in Bangalore and be rest assured all of them have COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Do keep your vaccination certificate handy.

Work from a Museum

At the Indian Music Experience Museum by Brigade, there is a new concept called ‘Work From Museum.’ Manasi Prasad, Museum Director, Indian Music Experience Museum by Brigade, says, “We believe the space is ideally suited for an inspiring and creative work environment, because it is part of a beautiful and aesthetically designed museum, with greenery and calmness all around. The spaces where people can work from are the open-air cafe (it has a roof but is open on the sides) and cubicles in the Learning Centre if people need an indoor space. People can take a break to walk around the sound garden or wander through the exhibit galleries, listen to music, view the artworks and musical instruments on display, and recharge their batteries for more productive work. It is ideal for creative people like graphic designers, artists, writers, bloggers, techies and other professionals.” A day pass costs Rs. 250 for 10 am – 6 pm and includes a working space, a table (this may be shared as cafe tables are big), charging point, access to Wifi internet, museum ticket, and free parking. Food and beverage, printer, and stationery are extra.

Work from a Club

BLVD Club, India’s first private luxury club, makes for a perfect workstation space where one can host meetings, send emails, or make calls. The club has powerful WiFi, seating, and well-equipped conference rooms. A leisurely 20-minute drive from the Bangalore International Airport Road, the club is located inside the sprawling Embassy Boulevard campus, combining exclusivity and sophisticated luxury. Kamakhya Singh, General Manager, BLVD Club says, “BLVD Club has two meeting rooms/Boardrooms (with 8 pax each) equipped with super-fast WiFi and full time IT support. The boardroom opens to a beautiful Koi pond. At Level 1, members can also use the Spirit lounge area along with the boardroom on a chargeable basis. The cost for a boardroom (with 8 pax) is Rs. 4000 for half-day and Rs. 7000 including refreshments. Similarly, for the Boardroom (with 16 pax), the fee is Rs. 8000 for half-day and Rs. 14000 including refreshments wherein taxes will be additional to the overall cost.” BLVD Club brings together the world on your plate with its in-house restaurant ‘Core’ that serves an all-day dining menu with international cuisine.

Work from Restaurant

SOCIAL Works is the pan-India iconic all-day cafe and bar chain SOCIAL’s collaborative shared co-working space, designed to take the creative community offline. SOCIAL Works is an ideal place to connect and collaborate with like-minded creators and professionals across fields and is also the most chilled-out workspace where a member can choose between a cup of coffee or a pint of beer. In Bangalore, SOCIAL Works is present at 4 SOCIAL outposts – Church Street SOCIAL, Indiranagar SOCIAL, Koramangala SOCIAL and Sarjapur SOCIAL. Ranveer Sabhani, Business Head – South, Impresario Handmade Restaurants says, “SOCIAL Works offers full cover membership which means the member gets free food and drinks worth the membership package and effectively making it a zero-rental workspace. It is the most affordable workspace with a day’s pass starting at only Rs 300 (inclusive of taxes). A week’s pass costs Rs. 1200 and a month’s pass will cost Rs 4500 (inclusive of taxes). Members get access to high-speed unlimited free WiFi and free SOCIAL food and drinks worth the package price. The member also gets access to 24 SOCIAL Works across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Chennai and Indore. SOCIAL Works is operational every weekday {Monday – Friday}, between 11.00 am and 6.00 pm.”

Work from a ResortOlde Bangalore Resort has a workcation package of three days, a week, and five days for a couple and single occupancy. It is inclusive of breakfast (Indian and Continental) and unlimited free Wi-Fi. Shravan Nayar, Director, Olde Bangalore Resort says, “You will be in the heart of nature, waking up to the sounds of birds and fresh coffee. The food is homely and satisfying. With plenty of greenery all around, the space lets you unwind amidst the serenity of nature while letting you stay updated with your work and other commitments.” The resort is located 15 minutes before the airport, behind the ITC factory and has luxe tent-style cottages for your stay along with top-notch facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi to enable seamless working. The workcation package costs Rs. 4500 for single occupancy and Rs. 5250 for double occupancy per night, if you book for three nights. Rates per day can reduce based on the duration and there is unlimited free Wi-Fi included in the package. A special menu will be offered with the food package or you could get a 25% discount on all a-la-carte food orders and a 30% discount on all beverage orders including alcohol. To rejuvenate, you can also check out treatments from Itoozhi, their Ayurvedic partner, at subsidised prices.

March 17, 2022

House of Creativity: Sinha Brothers Redefine India’s Art Scene with a Legacy-Fuelled Vision

In a world where creativity often competes with commerce, LUV and KUSSH SINHA are merging both purpose and passion. Drawing from their rich cinematic heritage and a lifelong connection to the arts, the Sinha twins have launched The House of Creativity (HOC) a platform dedicated to showcasing and supporting contemporary Indian artists. Their goal is to democratize access to visual art, giving emerging talents a space to thrive while also expanding the reach of Indian artistry on a global stage. In conversation with SINDURI VUPPALA, the duo shares how their entrepreneurial journey is not just about art, but about creating a movement that celebrates originality, honours legacy, and nurtures the future of India’s creative community. 1. Can you take us back to when your relationship with visual art truly began? Luv: My relationship with visual art began at a very young age. I was deeply influenced by Hindi cinema the films my father acted in, those of Mr. Bachchan, and other legends. As I grew older, Japanese animation, video games, and comic books also left a huge impression on me. Each artist, every inker, has their own style those differences fascinated me. Film too, being a moving image, played a huge role. Pause it, and it becomes a photograph. That connection influenced me tremendously. 2. What led to the birth of the House of Creativity? Was there a defining moment or conversation? Luv: It started with conversations at home during the lockdown. I kept thinking about the number of immensely talented artists who just don’t have a platform. Art can be an exclusive world, but coming from the film industry, I felt we could help expand its reach. The idea of starting digital-first made sense due to restrictions, but our long-term vision is definitely to open physical galleries and make

StartUps

Why Piyush Goyal’s Note Strikes a Chord with Many

In a fast-paced economy where entrepreneurship is often glamorized and unicorn status is considered the ultimate goal, Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent cautionary note to start-ups has sparked conversation across boardrooms, social media feeds, and co-working spaces alike. At a time when headlines celebrate billion-dollar valuations and multi-million funding rounds, Goyal’s reminder to prioritize sustainability over vanity metrics comes as both a wake-up call and a much-needed dose of realism. What Did Piyush Goyal Say? While addressing a forum of young entrepreneurs and start-up founders, the Commerce and Industry Minister highlighted the growing trend of start-ups focusing more on valuation than value creation. He advised founders to stay grounded, reminding them that real impact lies in solving problems, building sustainable models, and creating employment — not just in raising capital or reaching the next funding milestone. Why It Resonates 1. The Valuation Bubble India has witnessed a boom in the start-up ecosystem over the last decade, becoming the third-largest start-up hub in the world. However, this rapid rise has also led to the emergence of overvalued unicorns, many of which struggle to generate profits or even break even. Goyal’s words hit home because several start-ups that once shone brightly have now either shut down or drastically downsized. 2. Funding Winter & Layoffs In the past year, a noticeable funding winter has taken a toll on many start-ups. With VC purse strings tightening, companies have been forced to lay off thousands of employees, scale back operations, and rethink their business models. Goyal’s comment serves as a timely reminder that blind growth can be dangerous without a stable foundation. 3. Founders Facing Burnout The hustle culture in start-up circles often glorifies 20-hour workdays and constant “grind” mentality. However, a growing number of founders are speaking out about mental health challenges, anxiety, and burnout. Goyal’s emphasis on sustainable growth also indirectly supports a healthier entrepreneurial mindset — one that doesn’t chase

Lifestyle

Open Marriage: What the Law Says in India

In a time where conversations around love, relationships, and commitment are evolving rapidly, open marriages have started entering the mainstream discussion — often met with equal parts curiosity and judgment. Popularized by celebrity revelations and global media, the idea of consensual non-monogamy within a legally recognized marriage is no longer taboo, though still controversial. Hashtag magazine explores what open marriages really are, the potential pros and cons, and where Indian law stands on the subject. What Is an Open Marriage? An open marriage is a consensual agreement between spouses that allows either or both partners to have sexual or emotional relationships outside the marriage — without it being considered cheating. The key component is mutual consent and communication. It differs from infidelity or extramarital affairs, as both partners are aware and accepting of the arrangement. Pros of an Open Marriage 1. Honest Communication To make an open marriage work, partners need to have open, honest, and deep communication. This can lead to stronger emotional transparency and reduced chances of deception. 2. Personal Freedom Some people feel constrained by lifelong monogamy. Open marriages may offer them the ability to explore their identities, desires, and attractions — while still being emotionally and legally committed to their spouse. 3. Better Conflict Resolution Surprisingly, couples in open marriages often report better conflict resolution skills, as constant communication and negotiation become second nature. 4. Avoiding Sexual Stagnation Over the years, some couples report a loss of physical intimacy. An open marriage may help maintain physical excitement without ending the relationship. 5. Emotional Security If done with consent and care, it can reduce insecurities as the primary emotional bond stays intact while physical exploration is allowed outside the marriage. Cons of an Open Marriage 1. Jealousy and Insecurity Despite rules and agreements, jealousy often creeps in. Managing emotional responses can be challenging, especially if one partner feels replaced or less valued. 2. Risk of Emotional Attachment Even

Lifestyle

Alarming Air: Indian States Home to the World’s Dirtiest Air

A breath of fresh air is becoming a luxury in many parts of India. According to the latest global air quality report, Indian cities are now topping the charts of the world’s most polluted urban areas. From Delhi and Ghaziabad to Lucknow and Patna, the toxic air is no longer a seasonal inconvenience but a year-round health emergency. With six out of the top ten most polluted cities globally located in India, the data paints a grim picture of the country’s environmental health and urgent need for reform. The crisis is not just about smoggy skylines—it’s about the millions of lungs inhaling dangerous levels of particulate matter every day. The Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World (2024) These rankings are based on average annual PM2.5 levels, a fine particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, leading to a wide array of health problems—from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to cognitive decline and premature death. Why Is This Concerning? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an annual average of no more than 5 µg/m³ of PM2.5 for safe breathing. Every single city on this list exceeds that limit by more than 18 times—in some cases, even 25 times. This makes air pollution not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. Why South Asia? The concentration of polluted cities in India and Pakistan is not coincidental. Several factors contribute to this trend: Health Hazards You Can’t Ignore Living in or near highly polluted cities drastically increases the risk of: Solutions: What Can Be Done? While reversing this crisis requires systemic changes, both governments and citizens can play vital roles. Government-Level Measures: Individual Actions: A Wake-Up Call The fact that six out of the ten most polluted cities in the world are in India should serve as a wake-up call—not just to policymakers,