Mallika Sarabhai, Rahul Bose, Sharmila Singh Flora, Jayabrato Chatterjee and Shobhaa De at the launch of Sharmilar Ruprahasya and (above) Rituparna Sengupta, Rituparno Ghosh and Bibi Ray at the same do

After two beauty studios — one for women and the other for men, 14 years of experience and a client list that reads like a veritable who’s who of the Tollywood fraternity, beauty expert Sharmila Singh Flora has shifted the focus of her attention to writing, though her subject of choice remains the same. Sharmilar Ruprahasya, a book packed with a whole lot of tips, tricks and techniques is what the popular beautician has come up with for all those beauty-conscious women out there. The book, which is also available at the Surya Publishers Stall No 543 at the Book Fair was recently launched amidst much fanfare at The Golden Park, with the vivacious Shobhaa De, actor Rahul Bose, danseuse Mallika Sarabhai and filmmaker-writer Jayabrato Chatterjee present to do the honours. Also spotted at the occasion were actress Rituparna Sengupta, ace filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh and interior designer Bibi Ray among others.

As a young Bengali girl married into a Sikh family, Sharmila’s interest in the world of beauty developed right after she finished reading a biography of herbal guru Shahnaz Husain. What followed were intensive courses in Calcutta and Delhi, followed by one in London, soon after which Sharmila set up a small beauty parlour, Flora’s, on Sarat Bose Road, at a time when the beauty business was just about starting out in the city. Today, the original Flora’s is a parlour for men, while the one for women has shifted to larger, more swanky digs close by, with Sharmila’s clientele including such names as Indrani Haldar, Debasree Roy, Laboni Sarkar, Rituparno Ghosh and Tollywood’s reigning hero, Prasenjit.

Sharmilar Ruprahasya, quite naturally, is a culmination of years of experience, and delves into every possible aspect of grooming — be it skin, hair, make-up and even food. There are do-it-yourself recipes for that extra glow, information on manicures, pedicures, threading and waxing and diet charts for those looking to shed the kilos in a hurry. For would-be beauticians, there are step-by-step instructions for various beauty treatments, make-up tips for different skin types and the book is peppered with interesting anecdotes, right from the origins of cosmetics to beauty rituals practised by the ancient Egyptians. All this, at a price of Rs 120 from Sharmila, who has previously written in a number of magazines and dailies including Sananda, Pratidin and Bartaman and is presently in charge of the beauty column in the recently-launched Inner Eye. For more on the book, call: 2465 8648.

Konkona (left) and Chandrani with dishes from the Four Seasons’ buffet spread

Lunch on this

Sometimes lunching out can be a bother especially if you’re stumped by the variety on offer and are a klutz at ordering. Allow the Four Seasons at The Golden Park to help you out with its new, no-fuss buffet that packs in an array of delicious dishes — for just Rs 300 (inclusive of taxes).

able only at lunch, the extensive spread at the 56-seater multi-cuisine outlet offers diners a great package deal comprising four salads, two non-vegetarian and three vegetarian main-course dishes, dal, rice, rotis and a couple of desserts. Crunchy salads such as the Waldorf and the Greek Mushroom Salad laced with different relishes make for a good start as does the Tuna Fish Mix, the Shredded Lamb tossed with bean sprouts or the Chicken Hawaiian Salad. The main course section takes in anything from the spicy Chicken Kali Mirch, Hussaini Murgh Masala and Shepherd’s Pie to Fish Koliwada, Fish Salle Kofta and Goan Fish Curry — the last three being big hits with seafood lovers. Vegetarian dishes include Paneer Bhurjee, Baked Corn Spinach, Tawa Subzi and more while a helping of dal, be it the Rajma Rasmisa or the Lasooni Moong Dal only serves to spice things up further.

Teamed with an array of staples including pulao, rice, kulchas, mint parathas or missi rotis and sweet nothings, Four Seasons’ buffet manages to hit all the right buttons. To book yourself a bite, contact 2288 3939.