If the DIY videos found online feature on your favourite teacher’s list, then here is something to rejoice about. A new start-up Tutorreels.com by city-based lad Sivaprasad takes e-learning a notch higher and connects you to those who understand the know-how of the subject comprehensively. From pottery to wine tasting, photography, storytelling, mixology, personal grooming, barbecuing, voice and accent modulation to tips on how to open your own restaurant, modules to choose from on this e-learning portal are many. And if you are wondering that all these are already available online for free, then Sivaprasad begs to differ. These are not homemade videos featuring a greenhorn, Tutorreels.com hires the best in the field.
MOMENT OF INSIGHT
Two years ago, when Sivaprasad wanted to take up an online course on photography, he realised that the videos available on Youtube didn’t have enough material and the weekend workshops were expensive. It was a Eureka moment for the 31-yearold. Soon after he left his job with a leading TV network and plunged himself into creating a business plan. With a tagline ‘Learn the new’, he launched his start-up a couple of months ago, with an office in Indiranagar. “I am giving people tailor-made courses on a platter. So if you want to leave your current job and open a new restaurant or you have always had a passion for mixing cocktails, then simply log on to the website. Each module has a series of videos which are hosted by the best in the field to teach you the tricks of the trade,” says Sivaprasad, whose team is not averse to the idea of tapping angel investors.
BEST OF THE INDUSTRY
Big names like celebrity bartender Ankit Negandhi, wine taster Magandeep Singh, chef and food photographer Madhu Menon and professional story-teller Dr Sandhya Ruban feature on the website. The latest addition is celebrity trainer Sameer Joura, who has helped many including Farhan Akhtar get the Greek god body for the yet to be launched module on fitness called ‘Look Good Naked’. “It is a very simple process. You log in, select your module, pay up and start learning. The bartending course gives out recipes of at least 45 cocktails. Similarly, How to Start a Restaurant gives tips on everything you need to know about the business, including the menu, decor, licence and concept,” says Sivaprasad, adding that bartending, wine tasting and photography are currently the most preferred. To make the sessions interactive, there is also a feature called message board, where the learners can post questions to the experts. “The free videos available online don’t allow this kind of interaction. Here, you can undertake a course at your own convenience and also get your doubts cleared,” he adds. The quirky dreams just got wings. Cheers to that. m saloni @newindianexpress.com