We kickstart this weekend as we speak to Shivali Bhammer this Friday. Born in London, having studied Economics & Philosophy, she embarked on a career in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs but quickly left to pursue her artistic passions. She was the youngest artist and only artist to ever be signed to Sony Music BMG for bhajans and has released two devotional albums, The Bhajan Project and Urban Temple which reached number 1 on the iTunes World Chart. Shivali was nominated for two global Indian Music Awards at the age of 23 and was listed as the Top 25 under 25 South Asian Artists in England. Shivali has performed globally for both corporates, public and private concerts. Shivali also holds a diploma in Acting, Kathak (classical Indian dance) and Ballet. As a writer she has published for newspapers such as The Financial Times, The Orange County Register, Science & Spirituality, Spirituality & Health, Hinduism Today, Spiritual Directors International, and India Link on topics of philosophy and faith. Shivali is also an award-winning playwright and founder of A Conscious Stream Productions. Shivali has been interviewed across newspapers and magazines in the U.K, India and publications in the U.S.A. An active public speaker globally on Vedanta, Karma Yoga, Jyana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Shivali has done documentaries and recordings for BBC Television, BBC Radio and other radio channels in both India and U.S.A.
What is your plan for the weekend?
It’s finally summer in London so I will be brunching with my girlfriends, hitting the Soho House pool and having some yummy dim sum with my cousin! And of course, working out!
What are three things you are most grateful for this Friday?
I am grateful every time the sun shines, it warms my very being! I am grateful to have good friends who make time for me in this hectic life, and I am grateful that my parents are safe and healthy.
What song are you enjoying the week?
OH! I just made a Mantra House track which is yet to be released so I am obsessed with that, but otherwise, I am enjoying this song called BOOM by Tiesto which makes you want to get up and dance, and Haaye Oye feat Ash King by QARAN which is just beautiful!
What’s your weekend morning routine?
Either I’ll go for a 5K run around Hyde Park, or I will do some form of HIIT training. After that, I have kathak class and then a shower with Ayurvedic essential oils, and lastly, a quick meditation session before an Avocado toast infused brunch!
What does weekend self-care look like for you?
I love to go for massages and facials! I also think self-care means seeing someone you love; it could be family, a friend, or a lover, but just having that social interaction. I think self-care means cleaning the home so you can reset and refresh for the weekend and giving yourself the time to just veg out and catch up on some reading. And of course, you have to get that exercise in!
What’s your must-have beauty product?
Tate Harper Cleanser, it is amazing!! Truly revitalized my skin!
What facemask do you absolutely love?
Multani Mitti of course! Indians have had it right on this one for a long time. Though if you want to spend a little more than Forest Essentials, the Ayurvedic brand is amazing!
TV show you are currently enjoying?
I just finished Firefly Lane on Netflix which is all about female friendship, and I continue to be obsessed with a show called ‘Call the Midwifes’ which is a British drama set in the 1970s! If you want a psychological thriller, The One is pretty creepy!
Are you a Tea or Coffee Person?
No caffeine for me, I only drink herbal detox teas or green teas! But my parents say I make the best masala chai they’ve ever had and I’ve never even tasted it!
What’s your favourite comfort food?
Kichide if it’s Indian, and in Western food, it’s a baked potato filled with cheese. My mum calls me the potato lady!
What is the funniest thing you have read about yourself on the internet?
I once read somewhere that I was a ‘young genius’, if my friends knew they would laugh hysterically and mock me because I am definitely not.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. I am obsessed. I need a little every day.
Your favourite quote?
It is from the Gita, Lord Krishna said “The wise grieve neither for the dead or the living. There was never a time when you or I did not exist.”
What’s your spirit animal?
Good question! I think I am quite monkeying like but pretend to be a tiger!
What advice do you have for any kid who looks up to you?
Don’t try and be popular, it is a waste of time. Instead; be respected, by educating yourself and focusing on your ambitions and goals. No one cares about you as much as you do, so make yourself your priority and conquer the world with humility, compassion and courage!