Latest news with #Akhil
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Chess legend Viswanath Anand's son's first solo art exhibition from August 1
For Akhil, son of chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the world isn't black and white, it's bursting with colour While his father, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand , may see his chessboard as 64 squares, for his son, Sai Akhil Anand, the board holds infinite patterns. 'On a chessboard, I don't just see pieces. The knight moves like it's in a maze, the bishop traces an aperiodic diagonal. It's all patterns,' says the 14-year-old. Akhil says he finds math patterns everywhere, like the Fibonacci sequence or golden spirals, 'even in a plate of gulab jamuns or murukkus'. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai He has already developed a distinct artistic style of his own, blending such patterns in Indian art forms characterised by bold lines and vivid colours, and an underlying message of environmental conservation. Initially, Akhil's interest in art seemed like a form of expression with amusing sketches of animals or the apple falling on Issac Newton's head, says Viswanath Anand. 'But over time, he started taking it up seriously and seemed to enjoy himself a lot. More importantly, he found happiness in it. He would work on something until he got it right, and that reminded me of my own past with chess tournaments.' During the pandemic, says Akhil's mother Aruna, they noticed he loved sketching, especially animals. 'On realising that patterns in nature are always perfect, he started to use them to create ideas based on mythology,' she says. Once they took him to a village in West Bengal called Pingla — the origin of several art forms including Pathachitra — where he worked with local artists and natural colours, she says. 'That left a deep impression on him. His works have been inspired by madhubani, gond, worli, kalighat and pichwai styles.' Akhil has produced a good body of work, many of which are in the gond style with a contemporary touch, says V Umashankar, an artist at Cholamandal Artists' Village. 'His treatment of the subject and handling of the medium is quite impressive.' Akhil's debut solo art exhibition titled 'Morphogenesis' will be held at Art Space by KalpaDruma from Aug 1. Morphogenesis alludes to mathematician Alan Turing's theory, says Akhil, of a mathematical model for patterns in nature, like a zebra's stripes.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
‘Surreal Day': Indian-Origin Man Who Served Chai To PM Modi, Keir Starmer In UK
Last Updated: Akhil Patel served his handmade Indian tea to two world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at Chequers. It was a day London-based tea entrepreneur Akhil Patel will never forget. The founder of Amala Chai found himself at the centre of a surreal moment where he served his handmade Indian tea to two world leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, at Chequers. Akhil Patel was invited to Chequers, the British Prime Minister's official country residence, as part of an event celebrating the UK-India free trade partnership. The gathering brought together senior ministers from both countries. In an Instagram post shared on Amala Chai's official page, Akhil described the moment as 'surreal." He said, 'Yesterday, I got invited by Downing Street's Chequers to celebrate the UK-India free trade deal. As one of the few selected brands there, little did I know I'd be serving chai to huge UK and Indian ministers and Modi and Starmer." Before meeting the heads of state, Akhil first served chai to several senior leaders, including UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also stopped by his stall for a cup. 'They were loving it. Coming back for multiple cups," he said. According to Akhil, the most unforgettable part of the day was yet to come. 'Then the big boys started coming my way," he wrote, referring to Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer. He recounted how both leaders casually walked over to his stall, stood right in front of him and asked for a cup of chai. As he handed over the tea, he said, 'From one chaiwala to another," a remark that not only acknowledged PM Modi's well-known past as a tea seller but also brought laughter from both leaders. 'Possibly one of the craziest moments in my life. I just served chai to Modi and Starmer, and Starmer loved it," he added. Who Is Akhil Patel? Akhil Patel is a British citizen of Indian origin who grew up in London. He studied at University College School, Hampstead, and later earned a BSc degree in Management from the London School of Economics (LSE). After a brief stint as a data analyst, he took a different path in 2019. Inspired by his grandmother's traditional recipe, he founded Amala Chai. The brand focuses on authenticity and ethical sourcing. Akhil travelled across India from Assam's tea estates to Kerala's spice farms to directly connect with small family-run growers. By removing middlemen, the brand ensures both fair trade and high quality. view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Where math meets Gond art
For Akhil, son of chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the world isn't black and white, it's bursting with colour While his father, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand , may see his chessboard as 64 squares, for his son, Sai Akhil Anand, the board holds infinite patterns. 'On a chessboard, I don't just see pieces. The knight moves like it's in a maze, the bishop traces an aperiodic diagonal. It's all patterns,' says the 14-year-old. Akhil says he finds math patterns everywhere, like the Fibonacci sequence or golden spirals, 'even in a plate of gulab jamuns or murukkus'. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai He has already developed a distinct artistic style of his own, blending such patterns in Indian art forms characterised by bold lines and vivid colours, and an underlying message of environmental conservation. Initially, Akhil's interest in art seemed like a form of expression with amusing sketches of animals or the apple falling on Issac Newton's head, says Viswanath Anand. 'But over time, he started taking it up seriously and seemed to enjoy himself a lot. More importantly, he found happiness in it. He would work on something until he got it right, and that reminded me of my own past with chess tournaments.' During the pandemic, says Akhil's mother Aruna, they noticed he loved sketching, especially animals. 'On realising that patterns in nature are always perfect, he started to use them to create ideas based on mythology,' she says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo Once they took him to a village in West Bengal called Pingla — the origin of several art forms including Pathachitra — where he worked with local artists and natural colours, she says. 'That left a deep impression on him. His works have been inspired by madhubani, gond, worli, kalighat and pichwai styles.' Akhil has produced a good body of work, many of which are in the gond style with a contemporary touch, says V Umashankar, an artist at Cholamandal Artists' Village. 'His treatment of the subject and handling of the medium is quite impressive.' Akhil's debut solo art exhibition titled 'Morphogenesis' will be held at Art Space by KalpaDruma from Aug 1. Morphogenesis alludes to mathematician Alan Turing's theory, says Akhil, of a mathematical model for patterns in nature, like a zebra's stripes.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
From one chaiwala to another: PM Modi shares ‘taste of India' with UK's Keir Starmer at Chequers
During his visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer bonded over tea during a relaxed 'chai pe charcha' at Chequers, the British PM's countryside retreat. The best part is that the tea was made and offered by an Indian 'chaiwala'. Prime Minister Modi also shared the image of his encounter with Akhil on his X account. (PTI) The heartwarming encounter between Modi, Starmer and Indian seller Akhil Patel is now going viral. The visit, part of Modi's ongoing trip to the UK and Maldives, turned into a delightful detour when the two leaders were drawn to the inviting aroma of freshly brewed masala chai wafting from Patel's stall. Akhil, offered both leaders his signature masala chai and also shared the secret behind his special blend, explaining the mix of spices, brewing technique. On this, Modi looks at Starmer and say "you get the taste of India." In the now viral video, Akhil also wittily says from 'one chaiwala to another' while pouring a cup of steaming hot tea for PM Modi. The Indian Prime Minister also shared the image of his encounter with Akhil on his X account. The post also features Starmer seated comfortably with a teacup in hand. 'Chai Pe Charcha' with Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!" Modi captioned the image. While Patel didn't post anything on his personal social media, he posted a video on his company's official Instagram page. The caption to the video read, "Just a casual Thursday serving chai for @narendramodi @keirstarmer What a crazy day! Beyond honoured. We'll be sharing the full story with you next week so keep your eyes peeled!' It shows the two world leaders enjoying tea served by Patel. Who is Akhil Patel? According to his LinkedIn bio, he studied at the University College School in Hampstead, London. Later, he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). While a student, he completed internships at various organisations before taking up a job as a data analyst after graduating. In 2019, he changed his career trajectory and founded Amala chai, inspired by his grandma.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bigg Boss Malayalam fame Pooja Krishna gets engaged in a dreamy birthday proposal by long-term boyfriend Akhil
Pooja Krishna, the popular Malayalam TV anchor and Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 contestant, joyfully announced her engagement to her boyfriend, Akhil, on her birthday. The heartwarming proposal, surrounded by loved ones, marked a significant milestone in their seven-year relationship. Pooja shared the special moment on Instagram, expressing her deep love and commitment to Akhil, celebrating their enduring bond. Popular Malayalam TV anchor and Bigg Boss Malayalam 6 contestant Pooja Krishna has announced her engagement to her long-time boyfriend Akhil in the most heartwarming way. The engagement, which took place on her birthday, was revealed by Pooja herself through a series of pictures and an emotional post on Instagram that has since gone viral. The actress shared a beautiful video of the surprise proposal where she is seen being blindfolded and led to a decorated venue, surrounded by close friends and family. In the video, Akhil goes down on one knee to propose, while an emotional Pooja accepts, sealing the moment with heartfelt smiles and a warm embrace. Pooja accompanied the post with a touching caption that reflected on the couple's 7-year journey together. 'We're engaged. This ring didn't make us forever — we already were. 7 years of growing, breaking, healing, and still choosing each other. He didn't just propose — he looked at every version of us and still asked again. On my birthday, with the ones who've seen our journey up close, he gave me a moment I'll never forget. The love was always real. A ring didn't define us — it just celebrated what we already knew deep down: we were always meant to be. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo I love you baby.' The heartfelt words have touched fans across the internet, many praising the couple's bond and the intimacy of the celebration. Pooja Krishna is a known name in the Malayalam television industry, especially recognized for her stint in Bigg Boss Malayalam 6. Entering the show as a wildcard contestant, she quickly made an impression with her presence. However, she had to exit the show prematurely due to health concerns.
