Network 18 Launches ForbesLife India

Image: Alok Brahmbhatt

The Forbes-Network18 team formally launched ForbesLife India. L-R: Ajay Chacko, William Adamopoulos, Senthil Chengalvarayan, Raghav Bahl, Christopher Forbes, Indrajit Gupta, Charles Assisi, Anil Unyal, B. Sai Kumar

Christopher Forbes, Vice Chairman, Forbes Inc. LLC and Raghav Bahl, Founder and Editor, Network18 launched the Indian edition of ForbesLife at an exclusive event in Mumbai on 28th Jan at the Taj hotel in Mumbai.

ForbesLife India is the second title being unveiled by Network18 and Forbes, after the highly successful launch of Forbes India in 2009. The new publication does not conform to the stereotype of what a lifestyle magazine should be, starting with its shape and form: it is a lavishly-produced book, filled with the finest narratives and experiences, covering the worlds of culture, health, travel, science, living and more.

Editor Charles Assisi leads the team that has put together a first issue with a stellar ensemble of handpicked contributors — writers, artists, photographers, domain experts — from various parts of the world. Broadly, ForbesLife India is divided into four interlinked themes: Think, Live, Work and Play. Its aim is to curate, for the busy but discerning reader, the best that life has to offer. The inaugural issue features a fascinating cover story, ‘The First Immortals: how we could live forever,’ which presents a compelling argument for the possibility of extending ones lifespan indefinitely, with a cocktail of lifestyle decisions, dietary supplements, medication and exercise.

Speaking at the launch, Christopher Forbes, Vice Chairman, Forbes Inc. LLC said, “ForbesLife India is not your typical glossy magazine, there are so many of those in the market. ForbesLife India has totally leap-frogged the whole field and created something that challenges one intellectually and excites one about the world of opportunities to really lead a rich life and a good life.”

Raghav Bahl, Founder and Editor, Network 18 added, "When Forbes India was launched couple of years ago, it created a new kind of DNA among business readers. At Network18, we've always tried to keep our offerings with the Indian consumers at its core and then have branched out to become a little more adventurous in the demographic that we've addressed. We started with Forbes India, something that we understood very well and then having delivered what we believe was a plus product for the audience in that demographic, we now believe we are getting quite adventurous with ForbesLife India - a product which is 'different, intriguing and exciting'."

Charles Assisi, Editor ForbesLife India commented, “Finding the best things in life isn’t about looking at the most expensive things alone. We believe it is about looking at the most exclusive set of experiences that money alone can’t buy. It is about being in a certain frame of mind. And that frame of mind is where ForbesLife India is focused on.”

The launch event served as a perfect prelude for the unveiling of a publication that helps curate the very best life has to offer. The ceremony featured an art show titled ‘Transcendental Alchemy’ hosting select works of masters from various phases of Post Independent India such as M. F Hussain, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee and S. H Raza. The showcase, an absolute visual treat, was curated by Farah Siddique. It aimed at bringing forth the rich multitude of art practices, movements and styles India experienced in the last six decades.

The audience was also treated to an enthralling dance performance by globally renowned trio ‘Twilight Players’. This was followed by a gourmet dinner designed by legendary Chef Hemant Oberoi. Chef Oberoi has created a signature culinary experience that consists of Dégustation menus with the finest collection of single malts, liqueurs and wines and signature desserts.

Here's an e-sampler of ForbesLife India, check out its contents and a few articles.