Latest news with #Kashikar
NDTV
09-07-2025
- NDTV
Easy Online Visa, Direct Flights: How Australia Got 4.5 Lakh Indian Tourists In 2024
Australia has become a popular destination for Indian tourists. From the natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru to its iconic architecture like the Sydney Opera House to its diverse wildlife, Australia has always been a favourite among Indians. However, the number of Indian travellers has only soared this year. Nearly 450,000 Indian travellers visited Australia in the year ending March 2025, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, India & Gulf for Tourism Australia, told Business Standard. Reports suggest that roughly 4,27,000 Indian visitors travelled to Australia in 2023-24, which was a 12 percent increase from 2022-23. Kashikar says that several reasons are driving the rise, including streamlined visa processing, improved flight connectivity, and diverse tourism tailored to Indian preferences. Reasons Behind The Surge In Indian Tourists In Australia Simplified Visa Process One of the key enablers behind the surge is the fully digitised visa process, which stands out compared to countries like the US, UK, or the Schengen countries. The visa process is 100 percent online, Kashikar said, with no need for physical passport submission, biometrics, or in-person interviews that usually turns out to be a hassle for some tourists. Increased Flight Connectivity Air connectivity is another reason behind the surge. Kashikar highlighted that flights from India and Australia have risen from 8 per week pre-pandemic to 27 now. Many Indians have moved to Australia, and the number of students has also increased in Australia. Growing Indian Diaspora Tourist visas are valid for up to three years, and business visas for five. High-quality applications are typically processed in around two weeks, making it ideal for Indian travellers who often book trips closer to the travel date, said Kashikar. Appealing Destinations Australia is also seeing the growing interest of Indian travellers beyond traditional destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NDTV Lifestyle & Luxury (@ndtvlifestyle) Indian travellers are now exploring lesser-known gems such as Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, as part of Australia's Signature Experiences program, which promotes luxury stays, cultural journeys, and wildlife adventures. INR-AUD Exchange Rate "Contrary to perception, the Australian dollar has remained stable - about Rs 55 to 56 - unlike the US dollar," Kashikar told Business Standard. While Australia is often perceived as a premium destination, partnerships with online travel agencies (OTAs) like MakeMyTrip help cater to value-conscious travellers through tactical campaigns and deals, he added. How Can Indians Get An Australian Visa? You have to create an ImmiAccount on the official website: Select the type of visa - for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business visits. Fill out the online visa application form with personal details, purpose of visit, and travel plans. Upload required documents, including a scanned passport copy, passport-sized photo, travel history, employment or business proof, bank statements, invitation letter (if visiting family or friends), and any documents supporting ties to India. You don't need to submit your passport physically, visit an embassy, or provide biometrics. The next step is to pay the visa fee of about AUD 200 (Rs 11,202.69). Processing time should take somewhere between 2 weeks and 6 months, so it is best to apply 6 months in advance. Once approved, you will receive a visa grant notification via email. You can then print or save it. The tourist visa is valid for up to 3 years with multiple entries, and you can usually stay up to 12 months. The best time to visit Australia for Indians is between April and June, and October and December.
Mint
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
A new Mumbai restaurant honours Louisiana's fascinating Cajun-Creole cuisines
Prachi Joshi Cajun and Creole are distinct food cultures shaped by colonisation, race, class and language. Expect lobster gumbo fried rice, caviar beignets, and Franco-American classics at Marine Drive's brand new spot SoBo 20 Fried beignet with caviar (left) and soft shell crab linguine Gift this article 'I have never been to the US," says Sudeep Kashikar, executive chef of Sobo 20, which recently opened at the InterContinental Marine Drive, Mumbai. The admission takes me by surprise, since the restaurant is positioned as 'Franco-American', combining the bold flavours of Louisiana's Cajun-Creole cuisine with French techniques. Wouldn't some level of first-hand experience be necessary? Particularly since it's a relatively niche cuisine that's not as well known in Mumbai as say Italian or Japanese. 'Sure, I didn't have a reference point, but I read (cook)books and researched via the internet. I have taken the classics and given them a touch of local elements that I eat here. To be honest, I just want to offer some tasty food that justifies the cuisine," says Kashikar. Perhaps coming to a cuisine with few preconceived ideas is a good thing. It certainly translates well on the SoBo 20 menu where almost every dish has an element of surprise. 'I have never been to the US," says Sudeep Kashikar, executive chef of Sobo 20, which recently opened at the InterContinental Marine Drive, Mumbai. The admission takes me by surprise, since the restaurant is positioned as 'Franco-American', combining the bold flavours of Louisiana's Cajun-Creole cuisine with French techniques. Wouldn't some level of first-hand experience be necessary? Particularly since it's a relatively niche cuisine that's not as well known in Mumbai as say Italian or Japanese. 'Sure, I didn't have a reference point, but I read (cook)books and researched via the internet. I have taken the classics and given them a touch of local elements that I eat here. To be honest, I just want to offer some tasty food that justifies the cuisine," says Kashikar. Perhaps coming to a cuisine with few preconceived ideas is a good thing. It certainly translates well on the SoBo 20 menu where almost every dish has an element of surprise. Consider the beignet, a deep-fried pastry brought by French colonists to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) in the 18th century. It was eventually assimilated into homestyle Creole cooking, and is today considered an essential NOLA breakfast item, served dusted with powdered sugar. Unlike the square or rectangular Louisiana beignet, the one at SoBo 20 is a round ball delicately perched on a stemmed dessert dish, and topped with a dollop of caviar. As instructed, I eat it in one bite—the buttery caviar contrasts with the crispy doughnut, while its savoury notes enhance the sweetness of the ginger brûlée filling—it's an apt representation of what you'd imagine as Franco-American. 'For me, SoBo 20 isn't just about introducing a new cuisine; it's about creating a new emotional and sensory experience," says Panchali Mahendra, CEO of Atelier House Hospitality, which runs SoBo 20, and over 30 other restaurants across India, USA, Middle East and Turkey, including Delhi's INJA and the one Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire in Dubai. 'The blend of French finesse and American heartiness, especially from Louisiana traditions, fits beautifully with the vibrancy and openness of Mumbai," she adds. Lobster gumbo fried rice. While often hyphenated, Cajun and Creole are distinct cuisines shaped by colonisation, race, class and language. In simplest terms, Cajun cooking is more rustic, and Creole more refined or 'city cuisine', particularly from NOLA. Both cuisines use an array of spices and herbs, usually a combination of white, black and cayenne peppers, smoked paprika, onion and garlic powders, oregano, cumin etc. in different proportions. Considering the familiar spices and flavours of this cuisine, it's surprising that no restaurant has yet attempted to build a menu around it. 'Mumbai's dining scene has often leaned either towards the familiar or the hyper-modern. I think it (Cajun-Creole) hasn't happened yet simply because it demands a nuanced hand, and a willingness to educate the diner without being didactic," says Mahendra. Case in point is the lobster gumbo fried rice. Gumbo is the mainstay of Cajun-Creole cuisine, a meat or shellfish stew that's traditionally served with rice. Coarse-grained smoked andouille sausage is added to bring piquancy and the stew is often thickened with okra. At SoBo 20, Kashikar turns the dish on its head by making fried rice in gumbo reduction with bits of housemade andouille sausage and batter-fried okra as topping. The Mumbai-bred chef's local instincts also bring coastal flair to a few of the dishes. For example, the bar bites feature gambas, or three types of shrimp on a chicken skin crisp with some chilli-garlic okra thrown in. I'm not too keen on the slimy texture of the okra, but Kashikar tells me that it's a deliberate play to introduce different textures. However, the Creole-marinated shrimp topping is a flavour bomb with the added umami of sukat or dried shrimp that's an integral part of Maharashtrian coastal cuisine. Other standouts on the menu are salmon carpaccio with dehydrated black lime, the cobb salad with assorted greens and chicken floss topping, and soft shell crab linguine where the velvety pasta pairs well with Cajun-spiced crispy crab. Of course, there are plenty of vegetarian options on the menu, including potato mille-feuille, Cajun bean frites, butter squash ravioli, wafer-thin pizzas and more. The signature cocktails also lean into the vibe with mixologist Supradeep Dey referencing both French and American classics to create inventive tipples. But it's the food at SoBo 20 that really shines. Much like its mascot—a pipe-smoking pelican (Louisiana's state bird) sporting a dashing beret—it's unique and classy, a perfect fit for South Bombay. Also Read | Make rasam with a twist—use a French Press SoBo 20 is open for lunch from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m., and dinner from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; reservations 022-66399963. Prachi Joshi is a Mumbai-based travel and food writer. Topics You May Be Interested In
The Print
04-05-2025
- The Print
Shiv Sena leader booked for molesting woman hotelier
Officials of Bajaj Nagar police station said the woman had invested Rs 1.5 crore for renovating a hotel which Kashikar falsely claimed to be his own. The accused, identified as Mangesh Kashikar, is the Sampark Pramukh of Shiv Sena. Nagpur, May 4 (PTI) Nagpur Police booked a local Shiv Sena functionary for allegedly molesting, cheating, and threatening a woman hotelier at gunpoint, an official said on Sunday. The complainant stated that the Sena leader harassed her, demanded sexual favours, and forcibly took over the hotel. When she protested, he threatened her with a pistol. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Police are searching for Kashikar, who has gone into hiding. PTI COR NSK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
India Today
04-05-2025
- India Today
Shiv Sena leader booked for molesting woman hotelier in Nagpur
Nagpur Police booked a local Shiv Sena functionary for allegedly molesting, cheating and threatening a woman hotelier at gunpoint, an official said on accused, identified as Mangesh Kashikar, is the Sampark Pramukh of Shiv of Bajaj Nagar police station said the woman had invested Rs 1.5 crore for renovating a hotel which Kashikar falsely claimed to be his The complainant stated that the Sena leader harassed her, demanded sexual favours, and forcibly took over the hotel. When she protested, he threatened her with a FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay are searching for Kashikar, who has gone into Reel
NDTV
04-05-2025
- NDTV
Shiv Sena Leader Charged For Molesting Woman Hotelier At Gunpoint In Nagpur
Nagpur: Nagpur Police booked a local Shiv Sena functionary for allegedly molesting, cheating, and threatening a woman hotelier at gunpoint, an official said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Mangesh Kashikar, is the Sampark Pramukh of Shiv Sena. Officials of Bajaj Nagar police station said the woman had invested Rs 1.5 crore for renovating a hotel which Kashikar falsely claimed to be his own. The complainant stated that the Sena leader harassed her, demanded sexual favours, and forcibly took over the hotel. When she protested, he threatened her with a pistol. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Police are searching for Kashikar, who has gone into hiding.
