AgenciesManoj Kumar, co-founder of Araku Coffee, says his two favourite passions — design and books — combine to create the perfect den.
Manoj Kumar, co-founder of Araku Coffee, says his two favourite passions — design and books — combine to create the perfect den.
My private space “My den is a soundproof room surrounded by books and design objects. The walls have been replaced by huge glass windows to show the greenery outside and let natural light in. Though it’s a small space, it is my place of quiet, where I can read, learn, reflect and be inspired. Apart from an iPad, which is sparingly used, my den is mostly a gadget-free zone.”
One thing your den would never have “Noise.”
Essential objects “Most objects in my study have a back story, like the solid one-of-a-kind teakwood bookshelf designed by Shankar Narayan. It’s zig-zag and irregular, so as to depict the possibility of being able to design in a chaotic, asymmetrical manner."
“The books are arranged in a particular pattern: One section is dedicated to translations of vernacular texts, while another is the Tintin comics section, a personal favourite of mine. You will also find my favourite classics, from Dostoevsky to Don Quixote to James Joyce."
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“My bookshelf has been curated for over 20 years, and is punctuated with interesting artefacts, like a rooster made of scraps by a Bengaluru-based artist, an owl made of Latin American forest wood and an antique penguin to depict the effects of climate change, which is placed next to the books about penguins. For me, it’s more than just a bookshelf.”
On the wall “My den features one of my favourite ink on paper paintings, titled ‘Bhikshoo’, made by one of India’s masters, Badri Narayan.”
Book lovers’ haven “My collection of books reflects my interests — coffee table books to tomes on agriculture, human body, politics, economics, and biographies. Design is a weakness of mine, you will also find a whole collection of Monocle issues. I often refer to old issues of business magazines, which have found their own place on my shelves.”
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Inspired by design “Like the books, even my furniture is curated. One of the bookshelves, the lounge chairs, and the lamp have all been created by designer-architect Sandeep Sangaru."
“A circular study table with three chairs around it is inspired by Japanese design but is made in India. Almost all of the furniture was made with minimum joints and nails and nearly no use of glue. I draw inspiration from such extraordinary craftsmanship.”
If someone visited your den, they’d find… “A writer, professor, or an architect. If I could host someone, it would be Anaïs Nin or George Orwell.”
A signpost for the den “Do not enter to leave in a hurry.”
How Many Books Have You Read From Virat Kohli's List?
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Nerd Mode On
Recently the Indian captain made headlines for his reading choice during the opening Test between India and the West Indies.
Team India captain Virat Kohli wears many hats – batsman, model, fashion curator - but one title that few associate with him is bookworm. When he’s not playing cricket, practising his swing or hitting the gym, the right-handed batsman loves to relax with a good book, as evidenced by this tweet.
We take a look at some of the books that make the ‘nerd’ in Kohli happy.
(Image: Twitter/ViratKohli)
'Detox Your Ego' by Steven Sylvester
After being dismissed for nine in the first innings on Day 1 of the ongoing Test between India and the West Indies, the Indian captain had plenty of time on his hands for a little light reading.
Kohli was spotted reading 'Detox Your Ego: Seven Easy Steps to Achieving Freedom, Happiness and Success in Your Life' by Steven Sylvester, much to the amusement of India’s netizens who have long trolled Kohli for his arrogance.
Peppered with sports anecdotes, the book helps readers understand their underlying motivations and anxieties and improve the way they achieve their goals.
(Image: Twitter/DetoxYourEgo)
'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda
A few years, Kohli made headlines when he recommended that fans and followers read a book that had made a huge difference to his life - ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda.
“I love this book. A must read for all those who are brave enough to let their thoughts and ideologies be challenged. The understanding and implementation of the knowledge in this book will change your whole perspective and life. Believe in the divine and keep marching on doing good deeds #onelove #begratefu l#helponeanother.” He said, recommending the book on social media.
Regarded as a spiritual classic, ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ traces the life of Paramahamsa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures in the East and West.
It was the only e-book found on the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's personal iPad 2. Jobs had first read the book in high-school and discovered it again while staying at a guesthouse in India. The book became a major part of Job’s life and he is said to have reread it every year.
(Image: Twitter/imVkohli)
'Open' By Andre Agassi
In the lead-up to the 2011 World Cup, as part of a joint initiative by the ICC and 'Room to Read' to promote global literacy and access to books, Kohli revealed another favourite tome on his reading list.
“I like Andre Agassi’s autobiography. The author tells the story of his remarkable career, which featured many ups and downs. The best part about the book is that at no point does the author try to project himself as a ‘superhuman’. He is as human as you and me, but a champion and an inspiration,” said Kohli.
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