FWD Life January 2015

T H E

P R E M I U M

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

www.fwdlife.in ISSUE 03 VOL 04 JANUARY 2015

` 100

FUTURE FORECAST 20 must haves for the year and much more

THE GOLDEN BROTHERHOOD Discover the strength of family with the Jos Alukkas brothers

THE DUTCH SPICE ROUTE Flavors brought from across the seas to our plates

A CLASS APART The Spark that is the multi-talented Nyla Usha

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• Thiruvananthapuram: East Fort, 0471-2472922 | Pazhavangadi, 0471-2572117 | Pattom, 0471-2543611 • Nedumangadu: Market Junction, 0472-2803505 • Kollam: Chinnakada, 0474-2752005 • Pathanamthitta: K.P. Road, 0468-2270555 • Thiruvalla: Near KSRTC, 0469-2604060 • Kottayam: Rajiv Gandhi Complex, 0481-2303555 • Thodupuzha: 04862-226699 • Kochi: M.G. Road, 0484-2353295 | Lulu Mall, 0484-2728777 • Chavakkad: Bypass Junction, 0487-2500000 • Thrissur: Palace Road, 0487-2323971 | High Road, 0487-2420011, 2440460 • Palakkad: G.B. Road, 0491-2524500 |T.B. Road, 0491-2500101 • Coimbatore: Cross Cut Road, 0422-2482222 • Bengaluru: Jayanagar, 080-41666842 | Kasturba Road Tel: 080-45343333 FWD LIFE JANUARY 2015 2 Shop online: www.joscogroup.com | office@joscogroup.com | /JoscoGroup

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LIFESTYLE TRAVEL LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

Corporate Office Chief Mentor Padma Shri Mammootty Forward Media Director Sony Joy 9th Floor Director & CEO Arun Balachandran* Bhageeratha Square Editor Abraham Tharakan Banerji Road, Cochin- 682 018 Vice President Sameer Hamsa Legal Advisor Adv. Aginov Mathappan Zonal Office Forward Media Assitant Editor Atheena Wilson 1006 -Ivory Court 1, Essel Towers, Features Writers Maria John M.G Road, Gurgaon,

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Christeena Thiruvinkal Manager Client Relations Amrutha Vijay Assistant Manager Marketing Rameez Rahim H.R & Finance Manager Anu Justin Office Assistant K.R. Digith

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All rights reserved. FWD Life is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced fully or in part without permission. All inputs, text, image or illustration, are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred. All characters in any fictional story are purely imaginary and no references or allusion are intended to apply to any living person or persons. The views and opinions expressed or implied in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Forward Media Private Limited. All photographs unless otherwise indicated, are used for illustrative purposes only. This magazine is intended for mature audience-reader. Discretion is advised.

Director & CEO: Arun Balachandran * Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act.

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editor’s note

et the year be

inspired

In the year that went by, we saw Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi getting acknowledged globally for the hope they bring amidst the fearful world, they and we survived and continue to live in. We prayed for a cure and containment of the deadly Ebola epidemic. We searched to remember Maya Angelou and Robin Williams for the moments they inspired us and the many ways they made us laugh and cry. We went beyond our wildest science fictions to land on a comet, drilled a bit and send the sample back home without having to involve a thermonuclear device. We looked out and inward to make sense of a senseless world-where old wounds begets new enemies- hoping that old boundaries dissolve.

We hope the New Year too inspire us beyond our wildest imagination, to better ourselves, to do good, in our own ways to make a better world. *Inspired by the top 2014 Google searches.

Abraham Tharakan Editor

My Pick

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C

ONTENTS

COVER PHOTO SHOOT

Photographer

Jinson Abraham Model

Nyla Usha Makeup & Hair

Jeena

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Costume Designer

Theresa Mary Bijoy, Paislee

feeling fabulous

Image Manipulation

Pankaj Sadasivan

S

tories

22 The Golden Brotherhood

Discover the strength of family with the Jos Alukkas brothers

48 50 59 8

Resul Pookutty An exclusive with the Oscar winner on life, sound and more.

Alisha Abdullah What keeps the fastest Indian woman going.

A Class Apart In conversation with the bubbly RJ-turnedactor, Nyla Usha.

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F

ashion

B

eauty and Wellness

18 Twenty must haves this year

90 Make the Cut

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92 Turning over a new Leaf

Make sure you are well stocked with these fabulous products for the year ahead.

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What’s on the surface?

Take a cue from our list to stay stylish.

Cut and Drape The fabrics and cuts that are ruling the runways this season.

Color Me Bright Stay fresh with hues that catch your eye.

Do not be afraid of change your hairstyle and experiment with something that’s life changing!

Toss out the old and start afresh with new make –up! Live it up in style this year.

94 New Seasonal Skin

Ingredients you probably never thought would make your skin glow.

96 Fabulous in the New Year

Stay amazing in body and mind with these simple tips.

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86

Bright and beautiful

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100 Wtzup Kochi

ifestyle

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Top Drives for 2015 Upcoming luxury cars that are going to make you drool.

Art Speak The youngest artists making an impression at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Hello Hanoi Plastic stools, lime tea, rickshaws and all that makes this Vietnamese city.

82 The Dutch Spice Route

Flavors brought from across the seas to our plates.

umour

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Snippets Worldwide New Year celebrations and other facts.

Bound to Happen We don’t have magic crystal balls to predict the future, but we can always speculate.

106 Yearly Yearnings

Out with the old and in with the bold.

Hopes for the year ahead.

108 Resolutions for Humanity

If a New Year resolution goes in one year and out the other, you might need to change your tactic.

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vents

FWD Life Sachin Tendulkar unveils FWD Life HNI exclusive edition with John Abraham.

The December issue of Wtzup Kochi launched by Pearle Maaney and Hrishikesh Nair.

101 Mothercare International chain of mother and child shop inaugurated by Yusuf Ali at LuLu Mall.

104 Winners Wtzup Photography Competition of the contest conducted as part of the 10 year celebrations of Infopark.

FWD LifeTakes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. All photographs, unless otherwise indicated are used for illustrative purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors subjects and do not necesserally reflect those of the editors or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published, they do not accept responcibility for its absolute accuracy. In matters which may be sub judice, FWD Media takes no legal stand. FWD Life cannot be held responsible for products, product information, pictures, illustrations etc Any information received by us through responses by users / subscribers to the short messaging services (SMS) key codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. Your contact information shall not be sold, traded, rented or in any way divulged to any third party unless we are legally bound to do the same.

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FWD

News

Queen photobomb!

The Queen photobombs at Commonwealth as players take selfies and thus the selfie game started. The first selfie was posted by Jayde Taylor from Australia and later by Andy Turner.

Dressed in beautiful green and a matching turquoise hat, the Queen smiled standing in the background of the selfies at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

arriott International, Inc has opened the Kochi Marriott Hotel, the fifth hotel under its flagship in India. Located in Edappally, the hotel design embraces a wonderful blend of contemporary style, warmth and sophistication, all inspired from the natural landscapes of the city offering an exciting range of dining options.

Kochi Marriott launched

Dhoni retires from test cricket.

Kohli to take the lead.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni in a shocking decision announced his retirement from Test cricket. He stated this after helping India draw the third Test with an unbeaten 24 against Australia in Melbourne. There were no guard of honour, no standing ovation and no drama. There was just a a quiet walk from the ground.

Virat Kohli will lead India in the fourth Test starting on January 6 in Sydney.

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Benz launch The all new Mercedes Benz C-Class was launched in the city last month at Rajaree Motors. This time with more features and style. Mercedes has yet again set new standards with its stream lined design and sophisticated sportiness. The touchpad in the new C-Class is the first ever to be able to control all the functions of an infotainment system based on gestures alone.

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SNIPPETS

New Year

NEW YEAR BALL DROP

32,256

LEDs

Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Waterford Crystal Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter and weighs 5386 kgs. Covered with a total of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, it is bolted to 672 LED modules which are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball. The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs. Each LED module contains 48 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs - 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color. It’s capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns producing a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year’s resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year. The noisemaking and fireworks on New Year’s eve is believed to have originated in ancient times when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year’s celebrations.

1796 AULD LANG SYNE The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year’s eve, “Auld Lang Syne” is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum.

Burns transcribed it after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns’s homeland.

It is often remarked that “Auld Lang Syne” is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to.

“Auld Lang Syne” literally translates as “old long since” and means “times gone by.” The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, “For auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet.”

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A RICH START In Greece, New Year’s day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. The traditional food served is St Basil’s cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their serving will be especially lucky during the coming year.

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SNIPPETS

Biennale

LA BIENNALE The Biennale is an international art exhibition held every two years at Venice, Italy. The etymologic origin of the word ‘Biennale’ is Italian. The biennale is a festival of the city displaying variety of art works by various talented artists. The Kochi- Muziris Biennale 2014 is the second biennale happening in Asia. The word ‘Muziris’ means Muciri in Tamil and Muyirikkottu in Malayalam. It was an ancient seaport and urban center in Kerala that existed as far back as the 1st century BC.

THE FIRST BIENNALE

370,000

The Venice Biennale was found in 1895. The Venice Biennale has been one of the most prestigious exhibition throughout the world since. Today over 370,000 visitors attend the art exhibition. Since the first Biennale, it has further transformed into exhibitions for various art forms, cinema, architecture, music, dance and theatre. The Venice Biennale of Architecture, also known as International Architecture Exhibition, was started in 1968.

KOCHI – MUZIRIS BIENNALE Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012 is India’s first ever biennial of international contemporary art. The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) is a non-profit charitable trust engaged in promoting art & culture and educational activities in India, primary amongst them the hosting of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. KBF works around the year to strengthen contemporary art infrastructure and to broaden public access to art across India. The Kochi Biennale Foundation is also engaged in the conservation of heritage properties and monuments and the upliftment of traditional forms of art and culture.KBF was founded in 2010 by artists Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu.

The Kochi- Muziris Biennale 2014 has eight venues with 94 talented artists participating from 30 countries across the world.

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1970 THE FIRST BIENNIAL IN ASIA The Tokyo Biennale started in 1952, was a relatively long-running biennale as it was a newly opened art exhibition to the public crowd. The 10th biennale in 1970, commissioned by Yusuke Nakahara and curated by Toshiaki Minemura, ,entitled “Between Man and Matter”, was the most well-known because of its inclusiveness as a comprehensive review of the art trends of that time.

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20 must-haves

Product Listing

Look Out For these 20 must-haves in 2015. Make sure you are well-stocked for the New Year.

THE APPLE WATCH

ZEROSOIL MINI INDOOR GARDEN

PERFECT PLUM Shade in the spotlight Spotted at many top designer shows, this plum shade has taken over the fluttering eyelids, while sligtly darker berry hues found their way to the lips. Must have colour in your makeup box this year.

BARELY THERE POLISH Baby soft palest pink to chic nudes

Apple’s First Wearable Product Though not the first of its kind, this much awaited wearable is expected to hit the markets as early as February.

The sports model is rumored to be available within ` 28000 - ` 35000.

Running on iOS 8, the wearable will be compatible with iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 6 Plus.

LYCHEERS TETRIS DESK LAMP

Self-watering Planter If giving back to nature is on your New Year resolutions list, this is where you should start. It is absolutley fuzz free, compact and even portable.

Two seperate self watering chambers available - no need to remember to water them. Costs about ` 3100 on zerosoilgardens.com.

THE BUCKET BAG

Constructible Three-Dimensional Puzzle Lamp All work and no play doesn’t sound like a good plan for 2015. Add some fun to your work desk with this cool puzzle lamp. Stack and switch on the lights; disassemble to switch off available for about ` 2700 on Amazon.

The blackest black is the keyword for this year’s fine line eye makeup. A swish here and a flick there would be good too. Get a fine tipped, smooth flowing liquid liner for the picture-perfect finish.

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SHINY PENDANT LIGHTING Metallic Accents Gold, copper and silver tones are a favourite among home decor ideas this year. From shiny bathroom fixtures to simple steel bowls for living room lighting, the bling is in for the 2015 homes.

VERTICAL DROP PENDANTS

Drop ‘down’ gorgeous

LIQUID LINER For the stylish inky black eyes

Negative space is a big manicure trend for 2015, with sheer glaze poilish covering a good portion of the nail and just a line or the tip painted bright.

Go all discreet with the palest of nail paint shades.

Casual carryall bags By all means the slouchy silhouette of the bucket bag is a hot trend for this year, with biggies like Louis Vuitton, Dior and Moschino flaunting them on the runway. Get one now to keep your daily style trendy yet easy on the go.

Big trend on the major fashion week runways with slightly bohemian and tribal influences added in. You could however take just the inspiration and go for a sleek gold or silver column hanging down your neck.

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20 must-haves

Product Listing

BRAIDED BIND

Leather Bracelets

Inferno Men’s accessory trend

Woven belts reinvented No, not the usual cowboy - hippie style. The woven/braided belt has got trendier with metallic accents, multi-colors and athletic touches like utility buckles.

The tuck-through is a major detail to make a statement with these belts.

Move over ladies, this one’s for the boys. The leather bracelet is a continuing trend for 2014 and looks like it’s here to stay. The buckled styles are the favourites, while there are a variety to choose from in textures and colors.

Microsoft Band

THE NECK SCARF

Rhodes

Slightly smaller than the usual scarf; tasseled, fringed or beaded; for both men and women - be it cold or not, the tiny neck scarves are sure to make a lot of heads turn. Plus, what a fuss free jewellery!

Fitness tracker Sleek wearable fitness tracker band with functions of a smartphone - that’s exactly what you want if working out is on your list of New year resolutions.

Includes a GPS system, tracks sleep patterns and works with just about any existing phone.

Mario Maker

Hauntingly reminiscent of last year’s breakthrough star Sam Smith, Rhodes is the artist to watch out for in 2015.

Named one of the ‘top 100 most influential Londoners’ within 12 months of his first live performance, he is currently in the studio recording his debut album, scheduled for March.

MULES

Easy slip on shoes

Game-on gamers

Open-backed and close toed, with heels ranging from flats to stilettos that’s the basic definition of Mules for you. Now, these have made a huge comeback to the runways and so it is time to introduce them to your wardrobe too.

Of course, ‘Assassin’s Creed Victory’ and ‘Halo 5’ are much anticipated in the game zone this year, but this new game releasing on Wii U is quite special. Though almost everyone is familiar with the good old Mario, now it’s time to craft your own Super Mario Bros level.

THE BOMBER JACKET Favourite outerwear For those long bike rides or holidays at a chilly mountain town. We spotted them on the runway a lot both on men and women. Classic blacks and greys are a safe choice, but don’t hesitate to splurge on the brights.

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Must listen

Catalyst Must read If you are a fan of ‘Uglies’ and ‘Maze Runner’, this thriller that makes you question exactly what it means to be human, is the perfect read for next year. Lydia Kang’s novel tells the story of Zel who seems to have lost a lot in life and is fighting to survive.

Oneplus Two

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

In-trend accessory

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Must watch Yes...yes, we know, there’s a long list of big movies coming up in 2015. But we picked this because the book was fantastic and after the success of earlier thrillers in the Langdon series like “Angels and Demons”and “Da Vinci Code”, this one should be exciting too.

Low price smartphone with great specs Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 13 MP rear-facing camera, 5 MP front-facing camera up to 64 GB storage capacity and runs on CyanogenMod 11S based on Android 4.4. It’s got all and more to challenge smartphone giants like Apple and Samsung, at less than half the price.

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THE GOLDEN BROTHERHOOD Discover the strength of family with the Jos Alukkas brothers.

Text: FWD Media Photos: Reji Baskar

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he first thing we heard was the growl of the ‘V-type’ engine before we saw the low slung red hood of the Audi R8 that roared into the drive way of the monumental house in the sleepy suburbs of Thrissur. We were at the house of Jos Alukka and his sons Mr. Varghese Alukka, Mr. Paul Alukka and Mr. John Alukka.

In the last fifty years, Jos Alukkas has grown from a Thrissur based jeweler to a national player with showrooms spread across all south Indian states. The relationship this brand shares with the customers and a heritage of over fifty years makes Jos Alukkas a trusted name.

The exquisitely furnished house had the personal touch of a group of people who have a very defined taste.

A large picturesque window in each room, which provides a view of the pool, is one of the major features of the house. Huge ‘sink into them’ sofas and arm chair adorn the formal living room. A flight of stairs which became the frame for our cover, connects the ground floor to the first floor. A little beyond that is the dining area and a cozy den for the family’s private time.

History In 1964, Shri. Jose Alukka set out on a journey that redefined gold trade in our country. Success came to him with time and he proved that sometimes it’s adversities that bring out the best in a leader. Today, he is the chairman of the Jos Alukkas Group and is the guiding light to the Jos Alukkas family. In the early years, his father Shri. Alukka Varghese had a small shop on High Road, Thrissur. Jos Alukka, the eldest son of the family took over the business and led the entire team to success. Later on, the

shop was shifted to the Municipal Office Road and it got quite popular with locals. His brothers joined him and success was followed by even more success. Shops were opened in other parts of Kerala and the group spread it’s wings in the Middle East countries.

Under the inspiring leadership of Shri.

Jose Alukka, the Alukkas Group grew to a retail chain with over 100 stores around the world. This was followed by the opening of gold supermarkets in Kerala, which was first of its kind.

Alukkas Jewellery was soon synonymous to purity as they insisted on selling 916 carat gold to the customers.

While the Alukkas Group was making progress on the business front, certain circumstances forced Shri.

Jose Alukka to set up his own venture and his sons stood right beside him. Under the new roof, his sons Mr. Varghese, Mr. Paul Alukka and Mr. John Alukka, came together to drive business from then on. The business advanced and as a result, and Jos Alukkas expanded their business to the neighboring states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra. Today, with around 1700 employees in their showrooms, manufacturing units and the corporate office, Jos Alukkas is one big family.

The Shoot The bond between the brothers, who are the Managing Directors of the group, is very evident; there was a lot of natural banter and joking, especially when trying to pose with the sunglasses. Mr John Alukka,who was involved in the making of the ads featuring the super stars IlayaThalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu, commented that it was really hard to pose in front of the camera and that the stars make it look easy.

As the pioneers in introducing 916 pure gold in the country they always strive to give customers the very best.

Purity has always been an ideology at Jos Alukkas and their showrooms showcase only BIS hallmarked jewellery. Jos Alukkas has built wonderful relationships over the years, delight-

EXCLUSIVE

ing every customer. Today, the Jos Alukkas Group reaches out to more customers with the help of their online arm – josalukkasonline.com. Customers anywhere around the world can shop from the comfort of their home.

This option gives them replacement guarantee and other benefits of online shopping as well.

Gold Standards Jos Alukkas has the largest collection of jewellery in exceptional, exclusively designed and spacious shopping facilities with convenient parking spaces. They sell only 100% BIS hallmarked 916 gold. Jewellery purchased by customers are delivered to them through any of their branches, upon request from the customer at no extra charge.They also offer a life-time guarantee for maintenance, repair, polish and cleaning of gold and diamond jewellery purchased. This makes shopping hassle-free for the customers who stay loyal to the brand.

The company is open to new ideas and stays ahead of the market when it comes to designs. A vast array of modern designs from India, Singapore, Turkey, Italy and Arabian Countries are showcased in their stores. Jos Alukkas has exclusive diamond and platium collections for the new age customer. They offer diamonds with International Lab Certification and PGI certified platinum jewelry. Design ideas from the customers are always welcomed and such customized designs are made on request. They take pride in offering prompt service by well trained proffessionals, that will promptly look into any issues raised.

They create an entire experience for the customers with value for money guaranteed on selling and purchase.

Leadership Jos Alukkas’ Coporate office is in Thrissur, Kerala. The Chairman sets the plans and policies for the organization. Under the Chairman’s leadership, the Managing Directors execute his plans with the help of different departments of the company.

The Corporate Office has three

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EXCLUSIVE

departments - Finance & Accounting, Business & Administration and Marketing & Development. Each department is headed by the three Managing Directors.

Human resources are the pillars of every organization. Their satisfaction at work is the key in the growth of any organization. At Jos Alukkas, they ensure that every member of the big Jos Alukkas family is happy and feels secure to be under their roof. The company staff is entitled to ESI and other benefits like accommodation, insurance coverage and uniform. Recruitments are done without any discrimination.

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Vision Every organization follows the vision of its leaders to grow into a stable and profitable one; one that is not just about floating a company, but that which is responsible towards the society at large. Shri. Jose Alukka has received many awards for being a great leader and an able administrator.

He takes time off his routine to involve in social and cultural activities Jos Alukkas strives to offer good quality products at affordable prices to its customers. Satisfied customers have been their greatest ambassadors. At Jos Alukkas, selling jewellery

isn’t just business, it’s much more.To them, purity matters not just in gold and the gold they sell, but in everything they do and every word spoken.

They provide employment opportunity to educated people, people from rural areas and other able individuals who are dedicated and willing to grow. The company yearns only for a reasonable profit and to contribute the rest towards the well being of the society.

The jeweler believes that every organization is responsible to the society, just the way they are committed to their stakeholders. Jos Alukkas has always been socially responsible and

fwd

does not get into activities that harm our nation’s rich resources. They are soon going to be in a few more cities like Chennai andNagercoil (Tamil Nadu), Kannur, Thiruvalla andKasargode (Kerala), Pune (Maharashtra) and Thirupathi (Andhra Pradesh).

The future of the Jos Alukkas group is in safe hands. Novel ideas and strategies of Varghese Alukka, Paul Alukka and John Alukka put the group ahead of the rest when it comes to product innovation and services. The whole story of the brand in short can be explained by the following; ‘Pure relationships. Pure Gold’

EXCLUSIVE

Areas of Operation They have 29 outlets spread over all of South India.

Kerala - 5 Showrooms

Trivandrum, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Perinthalmanna.

Karnataka - 7 Showrooms

Mangalore (2 outlets), Bangalore (3 outlets), Udupi, Mysore.

Tamil Nadu - 13 Showrooms

Tirunelveli, Madurai, Erode, Tiruchi,Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Cuddalore, Pondicherry, Coimbatore and Hosur.

Andhra Pradesh - 2 Showrooms

Vishakapattanam, Vijayawada.

Telengana, 2 showrooms

Hyderabad

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PROMOTION

Journeys in Silk The sophisticated material that is an integral part of our culture material that has had a great impact on culture, history and fashion, Silk is woven into our heritage. Known as Paat, Pattu or Resham in our country, the fabric has remained an integral part in all our ceremonies and festivals. The richness of traditions shines through the material as it still captures the imagination of the young generation. A mark of class and elegance, the material has immense potential for design

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interpretations. Top international and national designers have been molding the material to suit current trends. Be it traditional or a modern cut, silk suits one and all.

Silk is the formal fabric that is suitable in all climates as it breathes and its low conductivity keeps the warm air close to the skin in cold weather. No wonder it was the desired material for centuries, so much so that wars were fought and history was made. From the second century BC to the end of the fourteenth century AD, a great trade route originated from China in the east

and ended at the Mediterranean in the west, linking China with the Roman Empire. Because silk was the major trade product which traveled on this road, it was named the Silk Road in 1877 by Ferdinand von Richthofen – a well-known German geographer. With the trade of silk, not only materials were exchanged but cultures and ideas as well. The fabric falls well, draping any body shape comfortably. Shine in a silk saree, kurta, lehenga, shirt, tie or gift them. New colors and patterns in silk have increased the demand for the material.

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Future Forecast esolutions, bucket lists, new pace, new phase, new life…the New Year has dawned! We are all geared up to make plans for the next twelve months. Let us make your prioritizing easier by updating you with the ultimate forecast of pristine products and fabulous fashion.

Whether you want to own Apple’s first wearable watch or soak up the upcoming trends or get a glimpse of Spring/Summer ’15 accessories or what’s next in fashion, flip over for some truly motivating ideas. Read on to discover what has been predicted for the coming year.

When will George R R Martin satisfy us and who will win the Game of Thrones? Inspired moments are the greatest catalysts to great ventures.

Meet four young personalities who are making a difference and have opened up to FWD. Finally sync in tune with the music forecast for your fabulous year ahead. Happy New Year!

JANUARY 2015

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Fashion Forecast

Product Listing

Go gentle into the spring Take a cue from nature to get Spring/Summer 2015’s en plien air color theme right.

Rachel Pally

Christian Siriano

hile the rest of the world remains shrouded in their winter whites, down south it’s time to celebrate Spring/ Summer already. And, look what 2015 has in store for the trendsetters – understated brights, soft pastels and calm neutrals. Starting with the blues – Aquamarine, Scuba and Classic Blue – to Lucite green and on to Almond, Marsala and Glacier Grey, the palette looks promising with juicy Strawberry Ice, Tangerine and Custard hues. ‘Minimalistic’ is the word for 2015, as the soft shades blend with subtle warm tones to create that soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Verdict: It’s going to be a season of mellow warmth and refreshing chill for the eye.

Monique Lhuillier

Tadashi Shoji

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Dennis Basso Rohit Gandhi And Rahul Khanna Aqua asymmetrical embellished tunic Price: ` 16500/-

Charvet

Solid Dress Shirt Price: ` 34035 appx.

Marc Jacobs

Burberry Prorsum

Jay Godfrey

Rebecca Minkoff Varun Bahl

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Silver sequin sheeted dress Price: ` 65000/-

Jenny Packham

Ralph Lauren

JANUARY 2015

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Fashion Forecast

Product Listing

Checked

Bouquet

RED Valentino

Vichy Peplum Dress Price: ` 49887

Carolina Herrera

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

N°21

Etro

Long-Sleeve Sport Shirt Price: ` 19622

Robert Graham

Amanda Uprichard Loves Cusp

Mack Daddy Sport Shirt Price: ` 19822

Nadia Corset Dress

What’s on the surface?

Topman

Oscar de la Renta Fly or Float

A little shine from the 70s and a pretty suggestive mesh of feathers and fringes

Pop

f you’ve had a look at the international Spring/Summer’15 fashion weeks, chances are you’ve got a little time travelling experience. The runways were alive with reminders from long gone eras. From Saturday Night Fever metallics and cheery Ginghams to a play of transparency with mesh and canvases of pop art, 2015 is sure to take a trip down the memory line. And, how can we forget floral? They are back – bigger and bolder. Here’s our favourite picks from the ramp.

Satya Paul

Bollywood actress print scarf Price: ` 3995

Fendi Proenza Schouler

Junya Watanabe Brunello Cucinelli

Embellished Feather-Trim Vest Price: ` 215845

Rachel Zoe

Sleeveless Shift Dress Price: ` 26274

Robert Graham

Moschino 36

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Forget-Me-Not Printed Sport Shirt Price: ` 19822

Fashion Forecast

La Vie Bohème

Product Listing

In Man’s world

Donna Karan

Fitted Two-Pocket Blazer Price: ` 132700

Roberto Cavalli

Greg Lauren

Thakoon Addition

Striped Cotton Short Shirttail Jumpsuit Price: ` 29,932.00

M Missoni

Wide-Leg Zigzag Pants Price: ` 52880

Hemant And Nandita Moroccan print kaftan dress Price: ` 17800

Cut & Drape The fabrics and cuts that are ruling the runways this season

swish and flick from the streaming 70s hippie inspired Bohemian gowns to the clean-cut lines of the pant suit; contrast is ruling fashion this spring/summer season. Kimono ties, nautical lines, patchwork on denim and suede are all making an appearance too. What’s prominent, however, is a little sneak peak with sheer fabrics – tulle, mesh and lace. Here’s our favourite cut and drape picks from the runway and a little help on getting them in your wardrobe.

Sneak a Peak

Oscar de la Renta

Tod’s

Crop a top

Michael Kors

Milly

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Chloé

Tropical Mesh Circle Flounce Skirt Price: ` 24,961.00

Carmen Marc Valvo

Sleeveless Metallic Lace Crop Top Price: ` 26,292.00

Alice + Olivia

Ava Sheer-Sleeve Sequined Top Price: ` 23148

MSGM

Nishka Lulla

Franziska Michael

Sky blue mesh detail croptop Price: ` 7850

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Fashion Forecast

Product Listing

Statement earrings

The Gladiator

LOEFFLER RANDALL Thea gladiator sandals Price: ` 28548

Ralph Lauren Loewe

Kara Ross

Alexander McQueen

Petra one-of-a-kind Cocina and white quartz drop earrings Price: ` 806210

Style Boosters

Betsey Johnson

Fox & Crown Mismatch Earrings Price: ` 3128

The accessories in trend to add glamour to your Spring’15 style

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

The Obi belt

he right accessory makes all the difference to the simplest of garments. Spring’15 accessory fashion is high on the contrast theme with mismatched earrings, obi belts on sharp silhouettes, perfect round handbags and clutches, and gladiator heels planted firm on the ground of summer fashion. Check out these selected looks from the runway and get inspired for stocking up your New Year’s wardrobe.

INC International Concepts Rummiee Gladiator Sandals Price: ` 14739

Dsquared² The circle bag

BCBG Max Azria

Charlotte Olympia

Yin Yang Minaudiere Price: ` 74925

3.1 Phillip Lim

K. Jacques

Faux-Leather Hobo Bag Price: ` 6706

Neiman Marcus

Obi Sash Price: ` 18817

Donna Karan

Double-Wrap Leather Belt Price: ` 33870

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Topshop

JANUARY 2015

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2015 Festival

Event Listing

The year in Festivals Music, culture, food or art - there’s something for everyone to spend a few days of pure fun and passion at.

JANUARY

India’s own Coachella! The winter sun, full moons , the sand dunes and music to get you grooving. Also, watch movies under the stars!

MAY

World Sacred Spirit Festival

Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Ragasthan Khuri Deserts, Jaisalmer

Nagaur/Jodhpur, Rajasthan An amazing spiritual and musical journey in the splendor of the historical forts. Expect Qwwaali, sufi and other soulful music from Bhutan, France, China, Mali etc.

Jaipur Literature Festival

MARCH

Jaipur, Rajasthan Largest FREE literary festival on earth, bringing together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across South Asia and the world.

Escape Festival of Art and Music Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand One of India’s foremost outdoor art, music & camping festival. Features bands, writers, photographers, painters, graffiti etc Thrissur, Kerala

Kolkata, West Bengal

FEBRUARY

Considered one of the biggest psy trance events of the season, with a line-up that comprises of some of the biggest names from the genre.

Thrissur Pooram

The Dover Lane Music Conference A purely Indian classical based programme, showcasing both vocal and instrumental Hindustani and Carnatic music.

Parvati Peaking

International Yoga Festival Rishikesh, Uttarakhand A globally-unique event bringing together renowned yoga teachers from across the world to the lap of the Himalayas - the birthplace of Yoga

APRIL

30+ colorfully costumed elephants parading through town, folk dancing, panchavadyam, and a stellar fireworks display that begins at three in the morning.

JUNE

Jaisalmer Desert Festival Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Witness the deeply rooted culture of the state and dance to desi tunes with the vibrant locals. Don’t miss the biggest moustache competition too!

Sula Fest Nasik, Maharashtra

Kasauli Rhythm & Blues

India’s favourite gourmet music festival promises a megamix of great music, wine, drinks, food, fashion and shopping in the idyllic winery’s amphitheater.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

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Held amidst the tranquil, laid-back Himalayan valley, and featuring bands from across the country.

Champakulam Boat Race Champakkulam - Alappuzha, Kerala Kicks off the boat race season in Kerala. Make sure you find that perfect vantage point to witness the snake boats zooming by.

Arudra Festival Manali, Himachal Pradesh Four-day psy trance extravaganza is best described as mind-shifting musical, art & cultural experience in a friendly and comfortable environment.

SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

Bangalore Open Air Bangalore, Karnataka India’s only dedicated heavy metal open air music festival. BOA 2015 Edition will feature Napalm Death, Inquisition and others.

JULY

NH7 Weekender Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi One of the most popular fests in the country and the biggest platform for Indian independent music and artists.

Pushkar Fair Pushkar, Rajasthan World’s largest camel fair. A camel race starts off the festival, with music, songs and exhibitions to follow.

Ziro Festival Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Bandish Festival Mumbai, Maharashtra Conducted by the NCPA, this 3-day annual classical music festival showcases compositions of legendary composers presented by eminent artistes from across India.

It is as much about Indie music as it is about the Apatani Valley and the people indigenous to it. Local dance and music go hand in hand here.

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

AUGUST

Hornbill Kohima, Nagaland Aimed at promoting inter-tribe interaction as well as the rich cultural heritage of the state - apart from music, there’s also adventure car rallies, chilli eating contests etc.

Magnetic Fields Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan Set in a gorgeous Mahal, this boutique music festival boasts a delightfully unique lineup and production. The attendees are literally treated like royalty.

Kumbh Mela Nashik, Maharashtra This year’s mela will go on for 55 days, filled with spiritual lectures, religious performances and the cleansing of sins. If not for spirituality, visit this carnival for its sheer scale and uniqueness.

The Great Indian Oktoberfest Bangalore, Karnataka Desi beer-and-music party inspired by Germany’s Oktoberfest - three days of exciting performances, beer games, fun stalls and loads of food.

Sunburn Candolim, Goa The beach festival has a major fan base and has single-handedly impacted how India’s festival culture is viewed around the world.

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Future Forecast

Music

Jukebox Heroes Some had disappeared from the music scene, one mentioned she has the worst album cover, but these artists are all back with a new album to change your year.

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1)The Decemberists What a terrible world, What a Beautiful World Genre: Indie Folk 2) Justin Townes Earle-Absent Fathers Genre: Rockabilly, Blues, Soul 3) Dan Mangan & Blacksmith -Club Meds Genre: Indie rock

Genre: heavy metal, shock rock 6) Belle & Sebastian Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance Genre: Indie pop, baroque pop

11) Menace Beach -Ratworld Genre: Indie Rock

7) Mark Ronson-Uptown Special Genre: Electronic, hip hop, pop, pop rock

12) Panda Bear -Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper Genre: Electronics

8) Jessica Pratt-On Your Own Love Again Genre: Indie Folk

13) Bob Dylan-Shadows in the Night Genre: Blues and Country

4) The Sidekicks Runners in the Nerved World Genre: Punk

9) Emmy the Great-S Genre: Anti-folk, Indie folk

5) Marilyn Manson-The Pale Emperor

10) The Lone Bellow

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Then Came The Morning Genre: alternative rock Americana

14) Jose Gonzalez - Vestiges & ClawsGenre: Indie folk 15) Marina and the Diamonds -Froot Genre: Disco; electropop; dance-pop

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FWD

AUTOMOBILE

tOP dRIVES FOR

2015

Luxury car manufacturers are all set to impress in 2015 with new styles and enhanced performance.

THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT British manufacturers Land Rover is planning to bring their SUV, The Land Rover Discovery Sport to India. The Land Rover Discovery Sport will be the replacement for the Freelander, and is set to go on sale in 2015.

Engine: 2.2 liter, 188 bhp Expected Price: 45 lakhs- 50 lakhs Expected Launch Date: August 2015

JAGUAR XE 2015 British marquee Jaguar is planning its next potential hit for the Indian as well as the international market in the form of a compact sports sedan. The Jaguar XE is based on the brand new scalable aluminum iQ architecture that debuted with the Jaguar C-X17 Concept SUV. It was shown last year at the Los Angeles Motor Show and then, at the Delhi Motor Show earlier this year.

Engine: 2.0 liter, 161bhp Expected Price: 25 lakhs - 35 lakhs Expected Launch Date: June 2015

AUDI TT 2015 The 2015 Audi TT was first seen on the eve of 2014 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. The model that is now in its third generation rides on Volkswagen Groups’s new MQB platform and is said to have shed over 50 kgs than the out-going model.

Engine: 2.0 litre, 183 bhp Expected price: 55 lakhs – 65 lakhs Expected launch date: December 2015

MERCEDES BENZ CLA CLASS: German giants Mercedes Benz continue its fierce onslaught of car releases with the CLA-Class, GLA-Class and the CLA45 AMG. Although the CLA-Class has been on sale for quite some time now, the manufacturer is yet to release the car for the Indian market. The CLA Class is slotted directly under the C-Class and is the cheapest sedan Mercedes Benz has on offer.

AUDI Q7 FACELIFT German car maker Audi recently launched a cheaper variant of the Q3 SUV, and Q5 received a facelift in January this year. The Q7, however, hasn’t received any major updates for a while now, and a refreshed version isn’t likely until late this year due to a late change in its design.

Engine: 2.0 litre, 208 bhp Expected Price: Rs. 23 – 26 lakhs Expected Launch Date: July 2015

Engine: 3.0 litre, 218bhp Estimated Price: 70 lakhs - 85 lakhs Expected Launch Date: September 2015

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Porsche Macan The Porsche Macan is the German sportscar maker’s second SUV. Similar to the Cayenne, the Macan aims to provide a package that offers both sports car like performance and rugged off road capability.

Engine- 3.0 Liter, 285 bhp Expected Price: Rs. 75 – 86 lakhs Expected Launch Date: July 2015 Mercedes Benz AMG GT Mercedes with its aggressive marketing strategy in India plans to launch another beast of a car, Mercedes Benz AMG GT, in the first quarter of 2015.

Engine: 4.0 Litres, 510hp Estimated Price: 3.0 Cr Expected Launch Date April 2015

Volvo S90 The Swedish automaker Volvo is prepping the next generation of the S80 executive sedan for a debut in 2015. This new model however, according to Volvo insider’s will be termed as the Volvo S90 and will presented for the first time at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

Engine: 2 liter, 180 or 204 bhp Estimated Price 45 lakh to -60 lakh.

Expected launch date: December 2015

Bmw i8 BMW has started delivering the first batch of i8 to its customers in Germany. BMW i8 is not only the company’s first but is also the world’s first vehicle to feature laser lights in its headlamps. Powered by a plug-in hybrid system, the car combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and BMW eDrive technology in the form of a hybrid synchronous electric motor.

Engine: 3 cyls, 1499cc, 357bhp Estimated Price: 1.55 - 2.20 crores Expected Launch Date February 2015

Volvo XC40 In the luxury cars segment, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz have always been at the forefront in the Indian auto industry. However, giving tough competition to the German trio is the Swedish automaker Volvo who are prepping to introduce the XC40 Crossover in the entry-level product line that will go against the Mercedes Benz B-Class, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.

Engine: 2 liter, 150 bhp Estimated Price 22 lakh to -25 lakh.

Expected launch date: December 2015

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FUTURE FORECAST

Hiccup Polls

Bound to Happen We’ve not got any magic crystal balls to predict the future, but we’ve asked 100 people in Kochi to make a speculation about all things that will likely happen.

Text: Atheena Wilson Will the metro be extended to the airport?

Yes, plans might just accelerate.

Not, goodness gracious a few plans may go in the reverse gear!

31%

25%

44%

If Sunny Leone had to open a Lingerie store, where would she open her store?

Panampally Nagar

Marine Drive

30%

20%

Bell bottoms like Jayan Chettan?

Ultra supersonic low waist pants that have got us riding on a risqué path.

32%

25%

What, there was something called the sea plane, I thought that was just an idea?

32%

Nope, we’ll be ditching trains for this quick ride.

19%

40% 49% Lulu Mall

Maybe, sticking to the neutral gear option.

What pants will we be wearing this year?

Do you think the seaplane will actually take off?

No, it will be swimming a little longer till next year.

2015, will George R. R. Martin make us wait on the cliffhanger as we anticipate for his next series of Game of Thrones: Winds of Winter

He’ll have a secret launch before the scheduled dates.

32%

He’ll probably change the book, Bazinga!

25%

How many superhero movies will be out by this year?

Ah, the typical ten, just like counting your toes.

32%

So much, it would beat the number of movies that run in our theatres, monthly.

25%

53% 43% 43% Those funny Aladdin looking pants that might bring us some good luck.

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He’ll keep us waiting till 2016, and that will be his suspense.

Yawn, probably two or three.

Can we hope for a Formula One track?

Sure we’ve got an ample amount of land and we’ve got the spirit to build.

20%

Maybe, you never know how Kochi surprises us.

37%

What will replace liquor as our State’s pass time?

An old carom board.

32%

Porotta and Beef Curry.

19%

How much will the gold price escalate this year?

Will hardly rise ,stay still like all the gold in the locker.

30%

Skyscrapers, think of the tallest building in Kerala though.

23%

43% 50% 47%

Not, we’ve got flyovers, metros to many gold complexes and saree shopping malls to look into.

Ah, not much, probably just as much as a two- storey building.

Bob Marley’s little organic friend.

The chance that another celebrity will open a restaurant in Kerala?

Maybe, it’s like enjoying our soup hot or cold.

28%

No, it’s high time they’ll venture into something else.

27%

45% As sure as all of us catching a cold during the monsoon.

The next Malayalam movie hit will be based on

This year, the cars we’ll be riding on

Too futuristic we’ll be cruising in selfdriven cars .

32%

Will die for diesel.

25%

48%

Tear wrenching drama – sob, (probably will not include an old man.)

21%

Some way-out -of-the-way mystery and crime movie that will still have our Mr. Khakis.

29%

50% Some unconventional romantic movie – stressing on the world unconventional,intentionally.

Petrol no matter what.

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FUTURE FORECAST

Resul Pookutty

esul Pookutty “I don’t go around looking for movies, what has to come to me, will. I felt blessed when I got a standing ovation from the audience because redesigning a work of a master like Bergman without mistakes is rewarding.”

Text: Aabha Muralidharan Photos: Suneesh Suresh

After an inspiring interaction with film enthusiasts and students at the NEO Film School Convocation, I followed Resul Pookutty with this slight tinge of intimidation. Talking to an Oscar winner is huge, but what I saw in him was a gentleman who is passionately dedicated to his work. The conversation had varied frequencies - from high range Oscar winning moment to low range personal opinions.

What led you to the arena of sound engineering?

Physics, I wanted to be a physicist.

Once I landed in Film Institute and bounced back, I started studying sound instead of just listening. I saw works of Devdas, Krishnan Unni and others.

I thought that there was tremendous possibility in it. Sound is constantly affecting you, including your behavior. Everyone is carrying a lot of anthropological information with them through sound without being aware.

I work on the minds of the audience

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without them knowing about it. I feel I am very powerful. That is how I seriously started thinking and studying about sound. Now I do things without thinking.

How was your experience working in a movie like Slumdog Millionaire?

I got a phone call asking me to work in a Danny Boyle film. I was doubtful. I crosschecked and came to know that he is making a film in India. I said “Yes” and jumped into it. That was my first major Hollywood work. When I met Danny, he showed me a list of movies and asked which of them he should watch. He had already done a fair amount of research on me. I was shocked. I asked him to watch any film. Almost a year after discussing the script, we started the production.

By that time I had done a fair amount of big Bollywood movies. I went there with this arrogance. That changed me.

For me the whole film was an unlearning experience from what I thought I

knew and was professional. Slumdog Millionaire helped me a lot in shaping myself up.

Any challenges that you faced?

There were huge challenges and extreme situations. There were days when I cried, when I thought that things did not go the way I wanted.

There were fights, heartbreaks and there were occasions when I walked out of the film. Danny lulled me back into the film because he did not want to lose me. I was very emotional about things.That was how I was attached to my work and which I am still. Today I deal with things in a wiser manner with the same passion. It is a long painful story but it all ended up in a beautiful memory to cherish.

Did you expect an Oscar?

No I did not. On the Oscar night, we were expecting very few awards but we won 9 nominations. When the Sound Mixing category was an-

Quickies Movies that have stood out for the sound mix Mainstream level – Apocalypse Now Directional level – Tarkovsky’s movies Malayalam – Elipathayam Films that have inspired you The ones mentioned above and many European movies.

Latest Malayalam project Through Adaminte Makan Abu, Salim Ahamed and I have become very close associates. I am doing a film for him.

The year 2014 I have done around 11-12 films last year, so I am taking a break now. I have 2 international films coming up.

nounced, I jumped on to Danny. I had tears. For me winning as Oscar was just another thing compared to what it has done for the entire technical community.

try which was willing to change and accept challenges. I had a fraternity which stood by me. So what I am taking today is not my achievement alone but of my industry.

Post Oscars, has the pressure increased on you as a technician?

Of course it has. There is a lot of focus on the work and expectations are higher. Post Oscars, my work has to be extraordinarily good to be appreciated as good. That is a huge pressure.

People are exposed to various media now. I try to shrug this pressure off and be truthful to my work. That is the only way to keep pacing and I think I have done some interesting work.

Your perception about Malayalam films.

Regional cinema like Bengali, Marathi and Malayalam has been the spinal cord of Indian cinema. All of these have been taken over by Bollywood.

Marathi cinema has been able to withstand this. There are 10 marathi films this year in Indian Panorama and we are beaten out. I think the strength and zealousness of Malayalis is lacking today. What make us are our own earthly stories. The most pathetic thing is that, all the film theatres have been converted into marriage halls which are inherently changing the cinematic culture of this place. But Marathi cinema is somehow holding on to its rustic stories. This year I am doing a Marathi film and it is incredible. We were very thorough with our literature, classical art, folk tradition etc. I don’t think people read poems, novels or short stories anymore. Instant visibility

Do you think sound engineering is catching up?

Yes, definitely. I mentioned it at the Cinema Audio Society Awards. 14 years ago I collected microphones from my friend’s house, put it in my bag, sat in a taxi and went to shoot.

Today I am standing here taking the highest recognition in sound. This was possible only because I had an indus-

and gratification has taken over our zealous nature which is demeaning in one way. Cinema is not something that ends when a story ends. It goes beyond that and one needs to understand what goes beyond.

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FUTURE FORECAST

Alisha Abdullah

lisha

Abdullah “ I used to come last for every race and get bullied. It was a constant struggle especially because people couldn’t accept that I wanted to race.”

Text: Maria John Photos: Suneesh Suresh

Wendy Abdullah looks on as her daughter gets on a Hayabusa and revs down the road. She is accompanied by the Bullet Buddhas, a group of Enfield bike enthusiasts, as they roar down the road to inaugurate the latest performance studio in Kochi; Lap 47.

Any mother would be concerned to see her child on a powerful machine, and so did Wendy Abdullah at one point of time. But with a family that is crazy about speed and that shares a love for racing, she understands her only daughter’s passion for bikes and cars.

Alisha Abdullah is a known name in the racing circuit in India. As the only Indian female racer to take part in international events and to compete with the boys in the home circuit, Alisha has been making a name for herself.

So you are thinking fast cars, muscular bikes, and leather jackets right?

That is not Alisha Abdullah for you.

Dressed in a white polo T and skinny jeans, Akisha lets her hair catch the wind as she takes off her helmet. You

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wonder how such a petite person could be racing at speeds of 285 km/hr. This young lady who has accomplished much in what might be mostly a man’s world is also an actress, a model, and a business woman. Underneath the professional exterior is also a girl who enjoys fashion, chit chats, and sitcoms.

As we keep talking about hangouts and her favorite Burberry shades, this Chennai girl claims she is horrible on Indian roads and is still to master the traffic. Alisha explains how different it is to drive a car versus a bike. For a bike, you have to use your forearms and legs and for a car it’s the lower spine and neck. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she explains how she is training to do the Dubai 24 hours challenge. This spunky youngster has really come a long way and has more to go.

How did you get into racing?

All thanks to my dad who is a professional in the field. I grew up with cars

and bikes and have always been fascinated by it. I wanted to be an automobile engineer initially but then racing just happened. I started off with bikes but now have moved on to cars.

What is your strategy?

I prepare mentally and physically for every race. I am a fighter and am always raring to go. I train really hard.

Once the helmet is on, I know I can do whatever. It is important to know the basics and have discipline. My father and mother are a great support in every way.

How important is it to break stereotypes?

Let me put it this way. It was very difficult to get to where I am today. I used to come last for every race and get bullied. It was a constant struggle especially because people couldn’t accept that I wanted to race. I hated every minute of training, but I remembered a quote from Mohammed

Quickies What do you drive?

A modified A class Mercedes. (She shows me a photo of the dazzling pink Merc. I notice it matches her phone).

Favorite circuit in India Buddh circuit Music John Martin – I’ll go anywhere for you Captain Hook A racer you admire Danica Patrick from USA What is most important?

Confidence and discipline

Ali, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

Every time I cross a hurdle, it instills more confidence in me.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

First food and then comes racing. (I’m surprised and Alisha is smiling).I love cooking and eating. I don’t believe in dieting, but I do eat responsibly for fitness. I am pretty good at multi-tasking. Once in two hours I made butter chicken, naan, cake, and prawns.

Fitness is very important to me, and I spend a good amount of time in the gym. I play a lot of tennis too. It is an irony that I am scared of flight turbulence and heights. I want to face my fears head on and am planning to skydive off the Burj Khalifa.

and it was great to act with him. I have another movie lined up in which I play a character along the lines of the Girl in the Dragon Tattoo.

I am starting a racing school only for women. (Aren’t boys going to ask to join?) Anyways 99% of the drivers are men. Being an Indian girl, I know there is a lot of sacrifice going to into it. I

would love to see women modifying cars and driving powerful cars. India is such a big country, I am sure we have a lot of talent here. We need good coaches to lay the foundation like my dad did for me. The idea is to promote women and instill confidence. It would be amazing if I could create an impact, and the sport gets recognition.

Tell us about the many projects you have up your sleeve.

(Alisha laughs) I cannot sit idly. I am constantly doing something or on the lookout for new activities. I design cars when I have free time. I have done a cameo in the Tamil movie IrumbuKuthirai. It was so much fun.

I am a big fan of Johnny Tri Nguyen,

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FUTURE FORECAST

Malyaleegraphy

alyaleegraphy “Malayalam was not very popular as compared to English- there are people who think English is ‘cool’ but Malayalam is not. Now, we were happy to see so many people in love with Malayalam.”

Text: Simna Nahas Magra, which is short for Malayaleegraphy, started as a hobby project where Orion Champadiyil and Hiran Ven­ugopalan experimented with Malayalam movie dialogs and book quotes. With an understanding that many designers were not even aware of the right technologies to use when it gets to creating designs in Malayalam, Orion and Hiran decided to give a shot with typography. Since then,they have made their mark on Facebook and Twitter. Hiran had been working for Swathanthra Malayalam Computing alias SMC and has an experience in designing unicode fonts that were a good thing when it came to creating designs in Malayalam. Orion is an illustrator/artist/experimenter turned designer who has been in love with typography all the while. He was greatly inspired by the works of Bhattathiri

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and started off with Malayalam calligraphy and typography based designs.

Talking about how Malayalam is going through a change and how designing is not something that happens in a jiffy, Hiran says, “It’s not instant Maggi, it’s design.”

What was the biggest challenge when introducing new Malayalam typographies?

Malayalam has seen brilliant typographic experiments in the past. We have seen them in movie titles, credit lines, book titles, wall graffitis, banners.... Little had we noticed them in their artistic sense, however people like Bhattathiri, C.N Karunakaran, Gayathri Asokan, etc. have created amazing typographic/calligraphy artworks. Imagine, they didn’t even have half the technology that we have

today.

What are the must- have aspects in a creative?

Idea: The design has to contain an idea, which could be in many forms.

It’s within a design, like colours, forms, shapes, pictures, layout etc., without which it would cease to be a ‘creative’.

Balance: the creative has to have balance- visually and in the idea it conveys. Clutter both too much into a creative, and you get a terrible pulp or a mess. Adding finer details into the design is one thing and throwing them in like confetti is another.

One thing you learned about Malayalis after starting Malayaleegraphy?

Keralites really love movies and enjoy witty dialogs. They memorize the best ones too. It feels great to be in

Quickies Your favourite Magra film quote Orion: “Go away stupiddu! In tha haus of mai waif and daattar you will naaht see eniminitt of the today! Irangippoda! Get OUTHOUSE!!!” - MazhaPeyyunnu MaddalamKottunnu Hiran: “Eekununuparanjaenda kuttimaama?” – Yodha First thing you do when you run out on ideas…

Orion: Wait for twelve seconds ;) Hiran: Watch Priyadarshan/ Sreenivasan movie. Most preferably Dhim Tharikida Thom

conversation with them through our designs. Another thing we learned is that while there is an outcry on how reading is dying, there is a good crowd who still takes to books and cherish reading in their hearts.

Are there any other forms of popular culture you would soon explore into other than typography?

We started from book quotes. Padmarajan’s Quote was the first Magra we did, later Haiku poems written by Meherin Roshanara and then came the movie dialogs. Popular content was used since we loved those quotes, and it easily connected us with an audience. People were ready to attempt designing. Those days when web was filled with MAGRA, with 200+ designs, our designs were only 20% of it - the rest were by random designers.

What else can we do to revive our mother tongue?

The new age cinema has Malayalam movies with English titles. Malayaleegraphy has helped to give a different outlook to the language. Title of the movie is a choice of the filmmaker. On title cards, we have always had great designers working and great

design outputs - be it Gayathri Asokan who did posters for New Delhi or OldMonks who did for Njaan Steve Lopez.

If Magra helps new designers to try/ experiment in Malayalam designing or typography - we see that as our success.

Typography itself has the ability to reveal meanings. How well does this reflect in the Malayalam typography?

That is the attribute belonging to typography-based designs. Every language has its sets of letters and the visual harmony of the designs that come out of it differs with the forms of the letters. Take English, for instance.

It is mostly built up of straight lines than curves, but Malayalam is all about curves. English is easier and less complex to forge into visuals when compared to Malayalam. And that is a challenge to the designer- To conquer that complexity.

You designed Magra tee-shirts. What else do you think are the unexplored potential of Malayalam language?

Keralites are political, sarcastic and nostalgic. There is an unexplored area that caters these characters. Also, we are thinking of doing something to

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Orion: I am a huge fan of Sir Arthur Rackham, R.K Laxman, Toms and many other artists.

When it comes to Malayalam Calligraphy, Bhattathiri Sir is the person I look up to.

Hiran: Sarcasm is what I love the most. Sreenivasan when it comes to movies, VKN when it comes to books. Cartoons by BM Gafoor, OV Vijayan, and Gopikrishnan too have influenced and inspired me a lot.

Explain the beauty of Malayalam language in a word Orion: Mazha.

Hiran: It can be told in a letter document Malayalam design experiments - so that it will be used as a reference later.

Your future projects..

We’re planning on a web portal for designers to showcase their work related to Malayalam. An e-commerce portal that works as a sales point for these curated works is also is in the incubator. Documenting Old Typographic/ Malayalam related works digitally and archiving is another plan. And of course, encouraging more designers to work on Malayalam and typography.

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FUTURE FORECAST

Noel Benno

oel

Benno “ The greatest lesson I have learned from kids is their openness to make mistakes.”

Text: Atheena Wilson Photos: Suneesh Suresh

There’s something about Noel; he’s personable and when you talk to any Rajigiri student, they’ll go “Oh Noel Chetta!” I asked him if he won the popular award at college; it was an interview that revealed it all. Filled with zest, he’s known to have a vivid cloud of imagination, and it certainly showed with an all-volunteer program; StoryTime, a project that aims to provide kids in underprivileged communities and schools with access to quality reading material. His team was built from college, and with his persuasive nature he was able to set libraries across Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Chennai.

You must have a story behind how StoryTime started. Care to narrate it?

During my final year in college, I was asked to organize an outreach program to a special needs home nearby, on the 2nd of October 2013. It was there that I met a 12-year-old girl named Ann Kripa who surprised us with her

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capacity to handle English and her brilliant songwriting capabilities. It turned out that back in her home she had opportunities to read stories, and that’s how she learned. In the conversation that followed, she told us that there were no storybooks where she lived then, and asked me if I could find her some. With the help of two of my amazing friends, Arundhati, and Cindy, who later became the most active volunteers of what we call ‘StoryTime,’ we gifted Ann a handful of story books.

Is storytelling a dying profession in India?

Ranging from Business to Education, storytelling is now a key skill in delivering our ideas to the audience. It’s quite interesting that there are various institutes in Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai where storytelling is taught as a short-term course. People from C-level business executives, primary school teachers and parents find

storytelling skill to be very beneficial.

The World Storytelling Institute in Chennai organizes annual storytelling festivals in February. It is a time when parents, teachers, students and renowned storytellers from India and abroad come together.

What was the greatest challenge in accomplishing this dream of yours?

Handling the huge number of storybooks that people were donating. We were baffled when a lady in Ernakulam called us to donate her entire collection of books since 1977. A more significant challenge from the view of the project was to find the right talent for the team. I had no idea how to take the project forward after a couple of weeks. It is then that I started asking around in college if someone would like to join. We formed a team while I was still at College- who are equally passionate about bringing the joy of reading to the underprivileged communities.

Quickies Your all timefavorite childhood book: Balarama (not a book though) A story that’s fun to narrate?: Crocodile and the Monkey Do you remember the first book that was donated?

It was a collection of ‘Famous five’ and ‘Secret Seven’.

A famous library you would love to visit?

I have heard a lot about the Organization ‘Room to Read’ and their work with school libraries.

One character you loved reading about?

Tom Sawyer, due to his witty and adventurous nature.

This idea sprouted during your college days. How did you maintain a balance?

I learned this little trick from my parents. It’s all about giving opportunities to people around you. Engineering is a very tedious process, and doing something on your own along with that can burn you out. Finding support, asking them for help, entrusting with them the little work that could contribute towards the collective dream.

Some of the heart-warming experiences you had?

The joy that beamed on Ann Kripa’s face the next time I went to the ‘special needs home’. She was excited to tell us about the stories she had been reading; She was all the more happy when we told her that she could keep the books for herself and need not give it back. Another fond memory was one of my cousins asking me to tell him a bedtime story. I remember telling him the story of the Lion and the Rat, and the boy kept on asking questions till he slept off.

A few things you have accomplished

and hoped to accomplish?

The initial idea was to furnish schools and orphanages with reading material that will cater to the reading needs of the kids. We supported over five libraries in the year 2014. It took nearly a year for us to realize that it is not just books that matter, but the environment as a whole. Our mission has since then been to ‘ create environments where kids will be inspired and challenged to learn and reach their maximum potential while also addressing the specific library needs of each community’. We hope to create uniquely designed, functional, low cost libraries that include new book collections and an environment conducive to learning. Another project that is in the workshop is a ‘Web Platform’ for storytellers from across the globe to come together and share their stories.

It would bring to light, a lot of people who have a flair in storytelling. It’s taking shape as we speak.

from kids is their openness to make mistakes. The bottom line is that they are not afraid of making mistakes, and that’s exactly the reason they learn fast. This lesson has been very helpful in my personal and professional life.

Another thing that I learned is not to make things complicated and to have patience with people and circumstances.

A few things you have learned from a child’s perspective?

The greatest lesson I have learned

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feeling fabulous Model: Nyla Usha Photographer: Jinson Abraham Costume Designer: Theresa Mary Bijoy, Paislee, Panampilly Nagar Makeup & Hair: Jeena Production: Albert Mathew Post Production: Jackson James

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Stunning Gold The color that is always elegant in contrast with a youthful pink.

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Silent Elegance The drapes fall ever so gently in a soft pink that is speckled in pure white.

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Cover Story

Nyla Usha

A Class Apart

Malayalam cinema’s new scintillating sunshine, RJ-turned-actress Nyla Usha gets candid.

Text: Aabha Muralidharan Photos: Jinson Abraham ew Year is a wakeup call to millions of people in the world. Wake up call from old broken resolutions to new hopes. If New Year is night call, then there is one voice that reverberates across Dubai and spreads smiles upon those lakhs of Malayalis who are away from their motherland. Nyla Usha owns a voice which wakes up Dubai. People simply do not describe Nyla Usha as sassy and a ‘people’ lover. When one talks to her, they can feel the warmth, love and positive vibe she passes on. No wonder she is one the most successful RJ’s of Dubai. With loads of laughter and casual comments, Nyla made me feel at home. Amidst the conversation I did not fail to admire her beauty, personality and confidence. We enjoyed our little conversation about books, food, cinema and much more.

New Year!

I had already done a fair amount of research on her. When I started talking to Nyla, I knew I need not worry at all.

There was an instant rapport between us which made things really simple.

Our conversation started with discussions about the beautiful New Year celebrations Dubai gets to see. Nyla was really excited to share her New Year celebrations. “I had a great New Year. It was a blast. I had a small party at the office and then later with my family. The whole of Dubai is on the streets for New Year!”

Ticket to Malayalam cinema.

I ask how she got her ticket to Malayalam cinema and she says. “I was

happily living my life as a Radio Jockey in Dubai. I never wanted to get into the silver screen and do movies. When the Salim Ahamed movie Kunjananthante Kada where I debuted came up, it had a good theme. It was an Oscar winner nominees’s second movie, Mammukka was starring in it, Resul Pookutty was doing the sound mixing and Madhu Ambat was with the camera. Everything about the movie was ‘wow’. That is why I took it up. Though I had my little concerns of whether I could act or not, I went for the shoot, it happened and it took off from there.”

Dissection Having known that she is a film autopsy lover, I ask her what her general perception about Malayalam cinema is. “There were too many movies that came up during 2012-2013. From the 300 Malayalam films released, hardly 10 - 13 stayed in the heart. I was not very happy with then. The number of movies in the last 2-3 months has reduced.” Om Shanti Oshana, Bangalore Days and How Old Are You have been few of her favorite releases recently.

Change Usually a journey, irrespective of the route, changes us all from within. When asked about the change in her from the journey she had from RJ to actor, she commented, “ I have not changed a bit. I have not changed because only the things around me have changed”. The only thing that has changed around her is people working for her when she is on a movie.

A movie production involves so many individuals. Else when she is in her studio on air, it is just her who is in control of everything. She did confess that she is a little more conscious on diet and fitness.

Selection Being an artist is about being avant-garde. No artist would like to look or sound monotonous. In the few movies she has acted, she has taken care that she does not repeat her characters. Her roles in Kunjananthante Kada, Punyalan Agarbathis and Gangster were distinctively different from each other. Talking about her soon to be released Fireman, she says, “I took up Fireman because I could play a police commissioner in the movie, which is very different and interesting.”

Quickies Food Lasagna. I love the KFC Lasagna.

Brand I am a shopaholic. But if I had to randomly say it would be Zara, Chanel, Dunes to name a few.

Destination Paris. I had been there during December and its an Instagram weather. Everybody is very stylish there.

Music Thaikudam Bridge. Their song has been playing in my car for the past 2-3 months.

Film Mr. and Mrs. Iyer directed by Aparna Sen with Konkana Sen in it, is one of my favorites Book Adultery and Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. His quotes are very inspiring

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Style Sync Flaunt a silver saree with red cutwork to make your day bold and beautiful.

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Perfectly Pretty An assymmetrical kurti paired with a contrast lace churidhar that will turn heads.

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Biennale

Making Visible

a World Within A photo documentary through the eyes of a wife, mother and immigrant.

hen Nihaal Faizal discovered his great-grandmother’s collection of photographs, he was struck by the quality of the images. An art student and photographer, Nihaal was impressed by the depth of Haleema Hasim’s images and the social relevance of the photographs.

It was an unconscious documentation of domestic life in Fort Kochi between 1950 and 1970.

Born in Burma and a member of the Kutchi Memon community from Gujarat, Haleema Hashim moved to Kochi after her marriage at the age of 17. An avid reader, Haleema was gifted a camera by her husband’s friend.

She had in possession two cameras, an Agfa Isolette 3, which was her first camera and then she moved on to a Yashica. She photographed brides,

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women, children and friends but never a male other than her husband.

Haleema read extensively on photography and could speak up to four languages. Her black and white images are a journey in light and shadows through the life of a large immigrant joint family. Her natural talent is evident in the uniqueness and the perspective of the images. Though she was not in an environment where her talent was recognized nor promoted, Haleema continued to indulge in her passion. Maybe this could be the reason why she could experiment freely with her skill. Though later she burnt all her negatives, her great grandson managed to collect over hundred imges and sixty six of these pictures have been displayed.

The exhibition titled ‘Ummijaan: Making Visible a World Within’ has not only brought together a family but also opened up the doors to an interesting past.

The Kochi-Muziris Biennale brings the world to Kochi and Kochi to the world. We take a look at some of the young artists who have and are making a name for themselves in the world of art. They deliver not just a piece of art, but conversations and a deep insight to life at large.

They ask us to question existing realities and discover past occurences.

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Biennale

Art Speak Explorers from far and wide came to Fort Kochi to ply their trade. History repeats as new age explorers troop to the city to find a different kind of spice. Meet some of the young talent at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale Text: Maria John Photos: Suneesh Suresh, Binu Avarachan

from its humble beginnings to the underlying meanings hidden in a myriad of realities. He travels with them as they are translated into minds and stays on as they disappear from the urban space.

Sun, Sweat, Solar Queens: An Expedition Performative talk and installation Aspinwall HO RUI AN Singapore Born 1990 in Singapore Working at the conjunction of art, cinema, performance and theory, Ho Rui An is not just an artist or writer.

He delves into the depths of an image,

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It all started with a statue of an anthropologist in a museum, his shirt soaked in sweat as he works with natives. Ho Ru An calls it ‘colonial sweat’ and this has inspired him to study the colonies and colonization.

Photographs from that era show Brit-

ish ladies in their gowns standing with the natives who are dressed in sarees and dhotis. Haven’t you wondered how they stayed cool under all that layers?

The artist moves on to imagery from popular movies and other media to question the sun, sweat, tropics and colonization.

MANISH NAI Mumbai Born 1980 in Laxman Pura

Untitled Dyed Burlap Aspinwall

Covering a wide range of media, Manish Nai’s work speaks through his textures, layering and three-dimensionality. He has worked extensively with jute fabric and has deep understanding of the material from his childhood. Taking them from a two dimensional world to a three dimensional one, he has transformed the ability of a mundane material to stretch its capabilities.

A swirl of blue. You feel the movement as you take in the color, form and texture of this creation. Manish Nai cleverly uses burlap to remind you of a night sky or the deep sea. You wonder at his choice of material and you are told the story of a young boy whose father was a burlap and packing dealer, along with tales of trade that would seamlessly weave into the commercial history of the venue.

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Biennale

JULIAN CHARRIERE Berlin Born 1987 in Switzerland The world ceases to be a large unchartered expanse as globalization continues to reduce the six degrees of separation. Julian Charriere’s work dives into our experiences of the ‘real’ world through a virtual space which seems to have no time/space boundaries. He is known for his dramatic and thought invoking experiments.

We Are All Astronauts Installation Durbar Hall Huge metallic globes that hang over a table splattered with colored dust. Julian Charriere collected mineral samples from around the world to make an ‘international sandpaper’ which was used to scrape these thirteen globes made between 1890 and 2011. He questions the existence of boundaries and addresses the natural phenomenons that shape the earth.

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ARUN K S Vadodara Born 1984 in Thrissur The artist does not strive to define or dictate any moment but merely to capture it in his own sense. Arun K S works with the idea that time is one of the core instruments of understanding.

His works with religious symbols and themes are not a result of his belief but his way of questioning religious indoctrination. Even if you chose to ignore it, religion cannot be escaped.

canvas. As you move closer, details start jumping at you. An eye, a red mouth and as your interest is piqued, you discover veils and burning candles. A chorus coming together at a first Holy Communion ceremony, the painting with its delicate layers, implores you to find the balance between the individual and the masses

Untitled Painting CSI Bungalow At first glance, Arun K S seems to have stamped dots on a rather large

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Biennale

UNNIKRISHNAN C Pezhumpara Born 1991 in Pezhumpara Drawing from his childhood experiences, the artist creates a dialogue with everyday life and magical realities as those of Frida Kahlo. Unnikrishnan started documenting his observations daily as sketches and paintings on the terracotta bricks of his home. A visual diary with details and occurrences one sometimes takes for granted, Unnikrishnan imbibes the surroundings to represent a culture that is fast disappearing into history books.

Untitled Painting and carving on terracotta bricks CSI Bungalow An incomplete wall of bricks stands tall in the central room of the exhibition space. Like a comic book, each rectangle depicts a story. A lice comb on the window sill, half burnt matches, ants marching, rusted razor blades, the rat under the kitchen table and other small details form parts of a larger story. You spend hours searching and associating with each brick as they spell out the sights and sounds of a home and life in Kerala.

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PRASHANT PANDEY Jaipur Born 1984 in Jaipur Prashant Pandey is known for recycling objects to address the issue of usability and wastage. From a family of marble sculptors who have been practicing the art for generations, Prashant Pandey decided to move away from the norm and explore the unused and discarded materials. He gives new meaning to those which have been rejected and disposed off like marble blast, tar and even sweat.

Artha Sculpture Aspinwall A giant diamond with a strange orange hue. Almost translucent, the gleaming diamond is a symbol of prosperity and wealth. On closer inspection one sees that the sculpture is made of thousands of discarded slides of blood. A metaphor to the strife and toil behind the precious gem and life in general, Prashant Pandey asks you to address the vanity and greed of our socities.

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Future Forecast Varanasi Photo Story

Rise from Ashes

Experience something new of the kindled magic from the sacred City of Light, Varanasi.

Text: Atheena Wilson Photos: Jinson Abraham s the sun sets at Dasaswamedh Ghat near Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, you enter a mystified world. The Pandits are draped in saffron and colored robes. The young night starts with the blowing of the conch shell and the ambience enveloped by the intricate patterns of the incense sticks. Amidst the whirls of the fleeting patterns, the incandescent hues of the flaming lamps pierces through the enigmatic haze. Close your eyes, you slowly sway to the hymns that are in perfect synchrony with the clang of the cymbals and the swinging lamps. As you are in a state of meditation, the scent of sandalwood wafts through the air and takes you to the land of paradise.

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It’s a place that’s ridden with myths. Once narrated that Lord Brahma created Lord Shiva while the other myth is was that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during the Dasa Ashwamedha yajna.Till now , this Ganga Aarti is a dedication made to Lord Shiva ( the Ganges), Surya (Sun), Agni ( Fire), and the whole universe.

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Travel

Hello Hanoi A place full of surprises; be it the people, the food or the exhilarating streets.

Text and Photos Anish B George

eople react funny when I tell them ‘Hey, I was in Vietnam last week on a holiday’. They would look at me with these expressionless eyes, and for the most part go completely still as they processed the intricate thought that one could go on a vacation to Vietnam, and finally sputter out something to the tune of ‘Vietnam! I didn’t know people went there’ or ‘But aren’t there a lot of problems there’ or my favorite ‘Aren’t they communist there?’. It forces you to wonder at the plethora of image associations that half-taught history lessons and Hollywood action movies have left the average person today, for a country that has almost entirely

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come to terms with its past.

For me, that was the most significant realization about Vietnam – the fact that almost everybody there, who is middle aged like my father is or older, was part of the war in their youth.

The simple yet indelible realization that the nice old lady serving delicious Pho by the street or the grey haired man who is helping a tourist figure her way around a dozen streets named Nguyen or the scores of senior citizens that gather around the Hoàn Klem lake every single morning for their communal exercise, a practice that has persisted years after Uncle Ho (political leader, Ho Chi Minh) – that all of them were part of the war, victims or otherwise, and that in their not so distant memories, they carry the scars

from a time best forgotten. It surprises you then, when they never once stop smiling at you.

It just takes one walk around the old Town in Hanoi, for one to realize the treasure trove that this place and its people are. The energy is infectious. You would scurry from one corner to another amid splashes of bright colors, just absorbing everything from the heavenly aromas wafting out of the streetside stalls to the bustle of a dozen young men and women in business suits enjoying bowls of Bún cha while sitting on tiny little stools on the pavement, to the bright red flags with yellow stars lining the street as if in salute to the past, and all of this while you take ‘crossing the road’ to a near impossible art-form in the chaotic yet

Must do in Hanoi Street Food Tour Hoan Klem Lake Old Quarter Water Puppet theatre Hanoi Night Market Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Also Visit in Vietnam Ha Long bay - river boat cruise Sapa Mountains - hike Hoi An and Da Lat - explore Ho Chi Minh City - city life Cu Chi Tunnels - war history Mekong Delta - food Cat Tien National Park - nature War Remnant Musuem - war history Beach destinations - Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Mui Nue, Phu Quoc strangely orderly traffic.

In the middle of all this, what I’d recommend is for you to stop at the nearest food stall, get yourself a bowl of steaming hot Pho, or a mug of egg coffee, grab one of the tiny little plastic stools and just take it all in.

Trust me, there’s enough happening all around you.

It’s like what one of our guides, Mike, an exuberant Vietnamese said – ‘We are a happy people, we are always smiling, you know why? It’s because the Vietnamese, we forgive, we forgive everybody – the Thai, the Americans, the Russians, the Chinese – we forgive all of them and we are at peace and so we smile wide at you and say ‘Welcome to our country, it’s beautiful here!’.

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Architecture

High on the Line

We all know New York as a bustling city of skyscrapers. Beating in the midst of the all the concrete and tar is a green lung that binds the city together.

Text: Maria John Project : High Line Architects : Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York Landscape architects : Field Operations , New York Planting design : Piet Oudolf, Netherlands Lighting : L’Observatoire International, New York Engineers : Buro Happold, England Owned by : City of New York Maintained by : Friends of the High Line

s our cities keep growing at a rate that would shock the Road Runner, green spaces become scarce.

We see tall grey pillars forming an Amazon of concrete. The sky is framed by these mammoth structures as they promise to make our city more efficient. New York also grew over the years; faster, stronger and higher.

Things move at a ‘New York minute’ and public spaces form the much required pauses in everyday life. The High Line was a neighborhood initiative that has garnered much inter-

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Trail : 2.33 km Inspired by : Promenade Plantee , Paris Construction started : 2006 Phase I : 2009 Phase II : 2011 Phase III & IV : 2014 Completion : 2015 Visitors : 5 million annually

national attention with over 5 million visitors annually. As the Kochi Metro takes shape in Kerala, there might be a lesson to be learnt here.

Humble Beginnings In 1999, a non –profit organization was formed by the people who lived along the historic West Side Line.

The dilapidated and unused elevated rail line was slated to be demolished.

The Friends of the High Line pushed for the preservation and re-purposing of the elevated railway as a park, inspired by the Promenade Plantee, Paris. The community support for the project was immense and the New City Government committed to the pro-

posal in 2004. The park is open daily with eleven entrances of which six are wheel chair friendly. It extends from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street. It is not only a green space but has become a platform for artists and other performers. During Christmas and other festivals, the park comes alive with activities. The High Line has also spurred the real estate development in the area and changed the fabric of the neighborhood. The Meat Packing district has been now transformed into an upscale area with art spaces, boutiques and restaurants. It has been featured in movies and music videos becoming a part of the New York identity.

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Architecture

Making a difference The High Line or the High Line Park has broken many beliefs to be one of the most innovating and inviting public spaces in the world. Lengths of rail that bore merchandise laden trains now uphold a live and breathing space.

The hooting and the metallic clanking that shaped an industrial past have been replaced by voices of children and music. Like a walk down Fifth Avenue or Times Square, the High Line is an experience within itself. You are at the same moment connected and disconnected to the city that swirls beneath you. Floating thirty feet above the roads, the line takes you amongst old brick facades of warehouses and the glistening glass of the newly constructed buildings. Punctuating the built forms are views onto the Hudson River where boats are docked. Every visit shows you something new and introduces you to somebody from yet another country. Every season brings you a different experience and every turn a new perspective to the city.

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The design of the elevated park way is a delight to experience. Big names such as Zaha Hadid, Steven Holl and others were also in line to create this small Eden, which local landscape firm Field Operations won. “We envisioned it as one long, meandering ribbon but with special episodes,” the James Corner of Field Operations told National Geographic. “We wanted to keep the feeling of the High Line consistent but at the same time have some variations.”

Creating an experience The clean lines of the pathways are broken by the naturalized planting inspired by the growth over the disused tracks. Much of the original lines and tracks have been retained, that play into the design. The path ways move and rise into wooden benches and descends as steps. It feels like layers have been peeled, to be pulled and pushed down as required. The rigidity of the wooden walkway is broken by the overgrowth of regional vegetation that includes coneflowers,

sumac, liatris etc that change over the seasons. The spaces contract and expand to form sheltered areas you can be alone in and larger areas to enjoy with your friends. Where the trail crosses a road, it has been stepped down into an amphitheatre like space looking down at the traffic. You would not expect that space to be as popular as it is today. It gives a different vantage point to the city where you could enjoy a hot cup of New York coffee.

Where the pathway moves through buildings, spaces have been developed to exhibit art. Musicians have a free hand here and cafés have opened up in the sheltered areas. Surrounding buildings have started to respond to the life of the High Line through their facades and open spaces. It is a picnic spot, meeting place, stage etc. Visitors thrive at this urban park. A sign of an outstanding design is the way it changes the texture of the space and the response it creates. The High Line is successful in every way, giving a pause to the city that never sleeps.

FWD

cooking

Kick Start the New Year

A few starters you can whisk away anytime of the day! Start the new year with a few recipes that are going to make this year tastier!

Text and Photos: Maria Jose Martin

Lemon and Yogurt Pancake

Munchies of the Morning The citrus burst is the perfect refreshment for your morning.

Recipe type: Breakfast, Snacks Serves: 2-3 Ingredients • Egg- 1 • Flour - 1 cup • Sugar - 1 tbsp • Zest of 1 lemon • Baking powder- 1 tsp • Baking soda - ½ tsp • Salt - ½ tsp • Whisked yogurt - 1 cup • Unsalted Butter - 2 tablespoons melted and cooled slightly Instructions 1. In a small bowl rub the lemon zest into the sugar until pale yellow and fragrant. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk and melted butter. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir until just combined. The batter will be a bit lumpy. Make sure not to overmix.

2. Heat a pan or a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or a dab of butter and heat through. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of batter to the pan. Heat until bubbles form and start to pop. Carefully flip over and cook through. Place cooked pancakes on an oven proof plate and let rest in a 200-degree oven while you fry the rest of the pancakes. Makes 8-10 pancakes.

3. Serve hot with honey and butter or pancake syrup or lemon cream sauce.

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cooking

Sumptuous Sunsets Maria Jose Martin Her recipes are mostly from her family’s and friend’s collections. Her immensely popular blog is never missed by home cooks who just ventured into the journey of cooking. www.mariasmenu.com

Sesame Prawns Toast Serves: 6 Ingredients • Cleaned prawns - 1 cup • Minced/grated garlic - 1 tsp • Egg white -1 • Chopped spring onion - ¼ cup • Pepper powder - ½ tsp • Soya sauce - ½ - 1 tsp • Cornflour - ½ tbsp • Sesame seeds - 1-2 tbsp (I used white sesame seeds) • Bread slices - 4-6 (I used regular white bread) • Salt • Oil for deep frying Instructions 1. Combine prawns, egg white, minced garlic, chopped spring onion, pepper powder, soya sauce, cornflour, and salt. Blend this in a food processor till it becomes a paste.

2. Cut each slice of bread into four triangles. Spread the paste on one side of the bread and try and press down as much as possible. Sprinkle on sesame seeds on top of the paste.

3. Heat oil in a deep and wide pan, till hot but not smoking. Place your toasts (paste side down) into the oil and fry for approx 30-50 seconds each side or as desired.

4. Serve hot with sweet chili sauce.

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After a hard day of work, settle for some munchies at evening

FWD

cooking

Dine at Dusk Pulled Chicken Burger

Settle for a light and simple dinner

Recipe type: Starter, Appetizer, Main Course Cuisine: American Serves: 6-8 Ingredients • Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - 900 gms • Onion - 2 medium, chopped • Chopped garlic - 1 tbsp • Barbecue sauce - 1⅓ cups (refer notes) • Apple cider vinegar - ½ cup ( you can use regular vinegar also) • Chilli sauce - 1 tbsp • Burger buns - 6-8 • Cheese slice - 6-8 ( I used Cheddar cheese slice) Instructions 1. Wash and clean the chicken breasts.

I slit each chicken breasts lengthwise. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place in a heavy pot with the onion, garlic and just enough water to cover (about 1-1/2 cups). Add the barbecue sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the sauce and shred with two forks.

3. Boil the sauce, skimming occasionally, until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the shredded chicken and heat through.

4. Assembling the sandwich: Butter the sliced bun and toasted on a stove top. Place the cheese slice on the bottom half of the toasted bun, place some lettuce leaves (optional), put the shredded chicken and top it with grated mozzarella or monterey jack cheese and some pickled gherkins (optional). Cover with the top half of a toasted bun.

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The Dutch

Spice Route From Surat to the Straits of Sumatra - everywhere the Dutch landed, a delectable flavour awaited. Chef Saiju Thomas at Eighth Bastion has conjured up a contemporary twist on some of these age old recipes.

Text: Rakhi Jerly Photo: Suneesh Suresh Location: Eighth Bastion, Fort Kochi

CILANTRO GINGER POACHED WHOLE FISH With cumin crusted vegetables and tempered rice flakes.

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OPEN FACED CHEESE TART Cashew cheese, oven roasted tomato, spinach and basil vinaigrette.

STUFFED CALAMARI Fried onion, ground fish, ginger and pickled red pepper.

SEAFOOD STEW Calamari, shrimp, fish, anchovy, garlic, fish stock, coconut milk and cilantro.

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CURRIED PASTA With coconut, turmeric, zucchini, lemon grass, basil and curry powder.

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FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE With seasonal fruit compote and caramel sauce.

SALTED CHOCOLATE POT’ DE CRÈME With caramel popcorn.

CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST Oven-roasted French toast with banana and white chocolate.

n a quaint street in Fort Kochi, a few paces away from the Dutch Cemetery, stands the Eighth Bastion Hotel shrouded in white and green. Walk in and you are welcomed by the model of a legendary merchant ship – a perfect reminder of the Dutch East India Company’s heydays. Inside, at the East Indies Restaurant,Chef Saiju

Thomas is keeping up well with the Dutch theme.

The clipboard menu informs that the “Selections are inspired by the expansion of the Dutch spice route.”

The menu features Kochi Shrimp Roast, Kozhi Pollichathu and Nadan Aattirachi Roast alongside Indonesian Pork with Udon, Aloo Posto and Barley Risotto. What makes Chef Saiju’s menu a must-try is the welcome diversion from Fort Kochi’s usual Portuguese – Continental –

Nadan tastes and the use of fresh seasonal ingredients to bring out unique flavours.

A food shoot is rarely an easy task, but this one is a breeze. With little use of artificial light – thanks to the wide open spaces - and no extra effort on the styling, which was admirably taken care of by the creative chef, it is guaranteed that what you see on these pages are absolutely how they would appear on your dining tables.

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Color Me Bright Photography: Toonus Model: Reshu Rangaswamy Stylist: Blessy Silvester Make up: Jeena Costumes: Sugarlips Image manipulation: Jemini Location: Malabar House, Fort Kochi

Stunning contrast A black and white corset completes the exhilarating pinkish - orange skirt.

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Coy in blue Show off your height with a deep blue halter dress cinched with a golden band.

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Strike a pose Match the brilliant blue dress with dark kohl lined eyes.

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Peppy orange Standing tall in an orange dress with contrasting colours finished with parrot green heels.

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hair

Make the Cut! This year, do not be afraid of change and experiment with something that’s life changing!

Text: Divya Elizabeth Abraham You may be worried about cutting those luscious locks, but getting a makeover is also very enticing. There are few changes you’ll have to get used to though. Longer hair means heavier hair, when you have short hair, the hair texture is lighter. You’ll have to ditch a few old styling tools and go for smaller curling irons, and you’ll have better control too! Not only that, you’ll have to use less shampoo but more frequent haircuts and a different

range of hair products. It may take some time for you to get used to such a dramatic haircut, and you’ll love it in a while. The great thing is that hair grows back if you are having second thoughts. The only we thing we have to say is when it comes to making resolutions, you have to style short hair every day and must commit to it.

After all, the new year is about rising to challenges, isn’t it?

Nikki | Stylist tIPS

Jennifer Lawrence Pixie Cut Surprise yourself with a cool pixie cut like JLaw for this year. Heart shaped faces and a striking jawline can pull it off well. Cropping a slightly lengthy bang is in vogue.

Taylor Swift Long Bob Yesterday’s bob is getting a makeover and has been replaced by ‘long’ bobs.

The collaboration of the 1970’s and modern fashion suits the heart, oval and square shaped faces.

What’s something tricky about hair color?

Some of the shades won’t and doesn’t really work for each and everyone. So find out your basic style quotient as to which trend suits you the best.

What can be done if you want to add more oomph even after coloring your hair?

A good hair broach can add some magic. Big flower pins can also elevate your style .

A few tips at the salon?

It’s always best to have a good stylist style your hair rather than their assistants. So try some top notch salons that provide the services of well -known professionals.

Anne Hathaway Waif Haircut Suitable for faces that are oval and diamond shaped. To stand out a little more, highlight the hair with brunette and cherry red. Short side-burns can give a cute appearance.

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Kangna Ranaut Curly Bob Forget about those hair straighteners.

If you like to keep your hair bouncy, then let those curls down.

Get inspired and enjoy having short and curly hair.

What are things you should not compromise with?

Invest in high quality stuff that can hold and maintain your hair and make sure you explore your product options.

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makeup

Turning Over a New Leaf Toss out the old and start afresh with new makeup! Live it up in style this year.

Text: Divya Elizabeth Abraham

Ramya | Hair and Makeup Stylist tIPS

The Must Haves this Year

Make up product with shortest lifespan?

Mascara, it is the fastest drying makeup product; use within 4 months.

Reasons for hastened expiry?

The color/smell of products change due to oxidation and bacterial growth. Thus throw away makeup as soon as possible when it expires.

Toss out and Turnover Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections. Makeup has an expiry date just like food. So take a note of the products in your makeup bag. Most products have a jar symbol with a numeral that signifies the number of moths you have until the time it is no longer usable. A few symptoms when your makeup is going through its wear and tear: lip gloss is gloopy, nail polish is loose and separating, your lipstick has a funny smell and foundation or compact is cracking.

Your Makeup Guideline Take a note of how long you can keep the following products. Mascara ( 4 months) , foundation (1 year), concealer (12 – 18 months), powder (18

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months) , bronzer (18 moths), cream blush (12- 18 months), eye shadow ( 18 months), eyeliner ( 18 months), liquid eyeliner ( 6 months), lip liner (1 year), nail polish (1 year) , make up sponges (wash after each use and throw after a month.)

Essentials in your New Kit Stay away from the crusty compacts and congealed mascara! Evaluate the products and sort makeup according to usage. Seperate them into daily wear and party wear. Pastel and neutral colors can be the daily wears whereas dramatic,neon colors could be used for party wear. Pack the kit with cotton balls, daily face creams, eyeliner, lip balms, lipsticks, and mascara.

Keep your year fresh and stylish.

What are some of the new products to look out for in 2015, for daily wear makeup?

Estee Lauder Eccentric (260) Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick.

Bobbi Brown’s Skin Weightless Powder Foundation.

Maybelline Colorshow Crayon Kohl in Shiny Beige.

A piece of advice to follow with regards to makeup products?

Always, sanitize your makeup products, regularly clean your brushes and sponges once in a week, throw the sponges every month. Close your makeup cases or products tightly after use. This is to protect it from environmental pollution.

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Skin

New seasonal Skin Pamper your skin this season by acquiring a flawless glow. FWD interests you with 6 jaw-dropping ingredients that are going to make you shine.

Text: Divya Elizabeth Abraham

Dr.Cuckoo Mathai|MBBS, DD Consultant Dermatologist Nedumchalil Trust Hospital tIPS Sparking Gold The most luxurious element gold is one of the most versatile substances.

Gold has been used over centuries in medicine, jewelry, decor, food, drinks and more. Nowadays, gold can be found in anti aging products and self tanning formulas. It supplies a soft golden glow that helps disguise faults and illuminate the skin for a more beautiful and youthful appearance.

Toss it with Vodka Have an entire glass of vodka and brush off the cause for pimples, and blackheads as oil accumulation and dirt blocks the skin pores. Vodka is safe to use as a natural astringent to cleanse the face, tighten pores and kill bacteria. Dip a cotton ball in the alcohol and apply both day and night.

Banana Manana The best skin treatment methods are the natural ones. The Banana peels aid to beautify and acquire a flawless glowing skin. They are loaded with potassium, antioxidant lutein, and loads of other powerful enzymes and nutrients that make them perfect for giving your skin a youthful beauty glow. Rubbing the peel over affected

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areas like warts, bug bites and splinters helps in removing them easily.

Scotch Whiskey Mask Grab the whiskey bottle and beautify your skin. Take a spoonful of honey and add few drops of whiskey in it.

Mix well to apply on your skin. Gently massage it a while. Keep the pack for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Your skin will feel moisturized and this also helps in tightening your skin, giving a youthful look.

Home made skin care ingredients we are not aware of.

Grind oats with honey and curd or milk in a mixi. It should be a semi solid consistency. Apply and wash off when dry. The mixture will stay in the fridge upto a week.

Common mistakes with regards to home made products Use fresh ingredients. Use mixtures within a week of making and store them in the fridge.

Enchanting tea bags This new year make a habit of retaining the tea-bags. As they are known to be a good soothe for razor burn and relieve painful nicks and cuts, after a good shave rub a cold, wet, used tea bag over the affected area for five to six minutes. Don’t forget to replace the blade before your next shave.

Are skincare products with alcohol suitable for dry skin?

Alcohol acts as an astringent and is suitable only for oily skin.

Brown sugar Brown sugar is not just good for baking but you can also use it as a body exfoliator. Choose your favorite body wash and pour some brown sugar into the bottle, and then scrub away. If the mix is too harsh or coarse for you, mix in some honey or coconut oil.

Home made alternatives for younger looking skin.

Grind ripe tomatoes in the mixi and apply the paste. Even lime juice is good as it makes your skin fair and fresh. Drink carrot juice and keep hydrated.

Home made exfoliating products.

Mix Besan or greengram flour with a little water to form an exfoliating scrub.

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Wellness

Fabulous in the New Year In the New Year, may you become the master of your destiny and may you create a fabulous version of yourself.

Text: Nuthan Manohar Photo: Jinson Abraham

Pain that has not yet come is avoidable, states Patanjali. He does not state that pain causing events of life are avoidable, what he does state is that the suffering you put yourself through is avoidable. So if you wish to embrace life with all its vagaries and excitement, yet not be pained by it, resolve to become fabulous this year.

Fabulous is your energy to create the change you wish to see in your life and the resilience to cope with what you can’t change. The onus of Fabulous is with you, not with your boss, not with your family or your friends. Fabulous is about playing to win with the cards you have been dealt with.

After having explored various methods to having a fabulous life I found the Five Points of Yoga (by Swami Vishnudevananda) as the simplest and most practical. I find it empowering, and it doesn’t require allegiance to any “Godmen”.

Proper Exercise Fabulous life may not require a fabulous body. But a sickly body will greatly hamper your happiness and your ability to be productive in life.

Take charge of your health. Stop blaming your genetics for bad health.

Research proves that 70%-100% of your health status lies in your decisions. Choose to exercise – DAILY. Even 15 minutes would make a difference. Your regime should be a healthy mix of cardio, strengthening, stretching, movements of the spine and the eight main joints. Your exercise should impact not only muscles and bones but also internal organs.

Proper Breathing Breathing and the state of your mind are intricately connected. Learn to breathe, learn to be conscious of your breath and you will see a magical dif-

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ference in your attitude. Learn to use the entire lungs and not just the upper.

With each inhale you expand, each exhale you contract (abdomen and chest). This will lead to an increased intake of oxygen and better detoxing.

Proper Relaxation While it does offer some relief, watching a movie to distract yourself is not real relaxation. Relaxation is when your body and your mind is at complete ease, you will feel that you are floating away. The tantric practice of psychic sleep or yoga nidra helps to achieve proper relaxation. Your brain waves will shift from Beta to that of Alpha (needed for peace, healing and problem solving.)

Proper Diet You are what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat. While eating a meal, when you get a feeling of fullness, STOP immediately. Breakfast should be substantial, and eat your high calories (sweets) before 2 pm for good metabolism. After noting various food plates in Kerala all I can say is–please eat a lot more veggies (steamed lightly), less rice, less fries, less sauces and less flour.

Positive Thinking When your thoughts gain a critical energy they become an emotion. Emotions become words. Words become the basis of action. Actions repeatedly carried out become a habit. Habits determine what we attract and repel in life and thus become our destiny. For a fabulous life, your thoughts should be 70 % positive. By default our mind leans toward negative thinking, but you can break that and replace them with positive thoughts. It comes with practice and patience

Nuthan Manohar Nuthan Manohar is the founder of Me Met Me, self discovery through yoga food and fun. She conducts daily classes in Panampilly Nagar and does workshops and YouTube feeds on wellness and leadership.

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FWD

COVER launch

Sachin unveils FWD Life HNI exclusive edition Photos: Jinson Abraham

ricketing Legend Sachin Tendulkar launched the December HNI issue of FWD Life, Kerala’s premium English lifestyle magazine , at an exclusive event along with actor John Abraham and Kerala Blaster’s co owner Prasad V Potluri. The stars were in the city for the Kerala Blasters vs North East United match. Mathew Antony (Vice chairman and MD of ASDA group of companies), Arun Balachandran (CEO of FWD Life Magazine) and Abraham Tharakan (Editor of FWD Life Magazine) were present during the event along with other eminent personalities. The December HNI (High Networth Individual) issue features an exclusive with Mr.Potluri.

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FWD

wTZUP KOCHI

wTZUP KOCHI COVER LAUNCH The Decmber issue of Wtzup Kochi was launched by actress Pearle Maaney and Infopark CEO Hrishikesh Nair.

Winners of the Wtzup Photography Competition, conducted as part of the 10 year celebrations of Inforpark, were also felicitated.

Photographs: Binu Avarachan

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FWD

Mothercare

Mothercare shop launch The international chain of the mother and child shop is now in Kochi. The showroom was inaugurated by LuLu group MD, Yusuf Ali M.A, at LuLu Mall. Benny Behnan MLA, Ashraf Ali M.A, Executive Director, LuLu group, Nishad P.A, Retail Business Head, LuLu Mall, Sharoon Shamsuddin, Director, SRS Multibrand Retail, Shamsuddin C, Yogesh Batra, Regional Manager, Mothercare, Jaseel. K.P. was also present.

Photographs: Jinson Abraham

JANUARY 2015

FWD LIFE 101

FWD

Tender Hands

Opening hearts with art Tender Hands, an exhibition by children of Special Schools was inaugurated at a boutique hotel in Fort Kochi by Vijay Yesudas and Saiju Kurup in the presence of esteemed guests.Supported by the Celebrity Cricket Club, the initiative showcases over 150 artworks by students from Ernakulam district.

Photographs: Akhil P Appukuttan

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FWD

short film awards

Time ads short film awards Encouraging youg film makers and enthusiasts, the Time Ads Short Film Awards were presented by Hibi Eden MLA amongst celebrity guests. Actor Jayasurya and Guiness Pakru spoke at the event.

Photographs: Jinson Abraham

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FWD

EVENT

The right shot

Winners of the LuLu connect presents Wtzup Photography competition powered by Hedge.

Best Color Balance

“...And Life Goes On ” MARIAPPAN SUBRAMANIAM Visual IQ Techno Services Pvt Ltd

Best Frame

“The wings of water” AJAY THOMAS Ernst & Young

Best Caption

“Most Trusted Network” ABHISHEK MOHAN K Raycast Technologies

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MAKEU P MAN TR FOR MENAS JUGGLI NG HOM AND W E ORK 12 DAYS OF HITS N CHRISTMAS MISSES

THE MIDAS TOUCH Meet Prasad V Potluri, entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has a touch of gold in his work.

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www.fwdlife.in JANUARY 2015

FWD LIFE 105

FWD

humor

ew Year resolutions are meant for the white folk.

Somehow for us lesser mortals in third world countries, they just don’t seem to work. You can try all you want, but two weeks into the new year you find yourself standing at the window waving at your resolutions flying away with a care that just could not be given. As a sad little consolation prize, we move to expectations.

And I’m not talking about expectations on a personal level. We all have tons of those, and they will be with us till we kick the bucket. These are expectations from the current year that I’m talking about. What gifts can this new beginning bring you? What is that hopeful child in you wishing for?

I have a few wishes. And I’m hoping the gullible child in you relates to these. Let’s hope together. Hope is,

after all, the most addictive drug in the universe. It gives you a bad trip almost every time, but you just can’t quit, can you? Suddenly I hear Michael Caine in my head going “But of course, you will not quit. Because secretly, you don’t want to. You want to be disappointed.”

On this bright and happy note, let’s start with the changes I wish to see in the world around me in 2015.

1. I wish India calms its pants with the whole Cricket is a religion thing.

Seriously guys, it’s just a game. When the White folk left for good, they stole so much of our money that they couldn’t fit the game into their check in luggage. Idiots that we are, we picked it up and made a religion out of it.

Not cool, people.Things are different when you’re “cast away” on a lonely island and all you have is a football for company. And it’s not like it’s the most interesting sport either. It’s a game of start and stop. 90% of the time, you’re anticipating action. Compare it with games like football and tennis where the action is continuous and you’ll know the difference. What’s so great about watching this one dude take a

long run to a white line so he can try and kill another dude at a farther white line with a white ball while a bunch of other dudes stand around scratching their athletic testicles. And what’s this frenzy about watching the game at the stadium? You don’t see anything that’s happening out in the middle. You sit for gazillion hours through all the traffic in the city to get there and sit on an uncomfortable chair with sweaty people around you and end up watching the game on a screen anyway. Wow. 2. The EXTRA extracurricular syndrome.

The Indian competitive mentality needs no adjective. You see it everywhere, from a tea shop outside IIT to the celebrated campus interviews inside IIT. But what’s with this sudden fascination with extracurricular?

That’s something you can’t be competitive or greedy for, you know. It’s sort of like a gift, if you get my drift.

Sure, go ahead and be competitive in academics, add a train’s length of degrees to your name board. But stop making your two year old go for dance classes and then singing classes and

Yearly Yearnings

Out with the old and in with the bold.

Text: Roshan Mathew

(The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of FWD MEDIA PVT Limited.)

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then theatre training and then martial arts coaching and then surfing and then swimming and then some aerial aerobics and then the tabla classes and then.. Oh wait; it’s time to get him/her married. Seriously, breathe. And let them breathe too, once in a while. Stop making talent a competition. Art isn’t competitive. Also stop designing your children’s lives for them. Let them give it a shot, for a change.

3. Extermination in the TV Industry.

There was a time when Indian TV was synonymous with quality shows like Swabhimaan, Shanti, and Saanz. But the disaster that has happened since is nothing short of appalling. People have gotten louder and dumber. They’ve started doing everything thrice for “dramatic value”. Cameras are zooming in way too much and acting has become some forgotten concept of the past which flew away with that care that could not be given that I mentioned earlier. But somehow, there’s still that little ray of hope that makes cameo appearances. Let’s hope that 2015 opens the door to a much needed transformation in this industry. In the interest of setting the balance in the world right, this might ensure that some of the jobless talented actors in our country thrive and the ones who’ve been faking it on national T V for too long end up doing what the talented ones are doing as we speak, starving and dying.

4. Bollywood overcomes its identity crisis.

It’s on the cards, yes. Like a mutant out of control, Bollywood has been evolving constantly, but without any sense of direction. It seems like there are too many people trying to mould it into too many different forms. It’s got it’s legs in too many boats and it’s not wearing lycra. Let’s hope that in 2015 Bollywood finds its true self and stays comfortable in it. Maybe then, some other industry will ape the stuff we do.

For a change, you know. It’d be nice to see what it’s like on the other side.

And while we’re at it, let’s also hope Bollywood finds itself a slightly bigger

brain and a pair of balls.

5. Understanding the meaning of privacy.

Anyone who’s ever lived in our part of the world would be all too familiar with the absolute lack of decency and tact when it comes to snoopy gossiping neighbors/relatives/strangers. It almost seems like the various ammachis and achayans (aunties and uncles) we encounter derive their greatest pleasure by dissecting our personal lives and analyzing what we can do better.

And of course, they know it all. This New Year, I hope they find a reason to let that well oiled hair loose from that tight little bun and relax. Seriously, with all those juicy entertaining articles filling the Malayalam dailies, who really needs all that added information about that single woman in her late twenties who just moved in next door who seems to have a life other than sitting at home and grinding coconuts.

6. Dear Government, stop overreacting like a teenage drama queen.

Kerala is a funny state. It’s a place where half of its massive literate population leaves the country and leads sad lonely lives in hot deserts abroad so that their children follow in their footsteps. For Keralites, Kerala has always been a tourist destination.

During Onam and Christmas, the state overflows with incoming relatives and parents from distant Arab lands who all come down to spend some quality time with their most beloved Rum and Whisky. But now that the government has gone ahead and banned all the bars and pubs in the state, these NRIs wander the streets with a heavy heart trying to make their way through the stampede at government authorized wine shops for a bottle full of love.

Sad, isn’t it? Yes, like a worn out tire at a puncture shop, this country is begging for a permanent solution with a lifetime warranty. But banning tires altogether is hardly the way to go about it.

7. Cushion our falls.

As a people, we all love the idea of

falling in love. It’s what almost all art in our country is based on. It’s one idea that always sells, recession or no recession. People here are desperately looking for love all their life. And in our mad rush to get the lead role in that perfect love story, we often end up getting hurt way too many times.

I’ve always thought that there are two kinds of people in this country. The ones who are in love and the ones who are looking for love. Maybe, just maybe, we should look for a middle ground. See, the way I look at it, there are just SO many people in India that there is definitely someone out there for you. So why not wait until life leads you there. If you’re impatient and are going to climb up every rope you see, make sure you lay out some cushions on the floor. Let’s not forget our priorities. Think about yourself first, because, trust me; you’re the only one who’s going to.

8. Life, treat it like a sitcom.

You know what’s great about a sitcom?

That some of the scariest and saddest things happens to people in it and we all laugh right through it. Because we know and they know that it’s a bloody sitcom. Because we believe that by the time the end credits starts rolling, there is going to be something good that has come out of all the sadness.

Happy endings, that’s what the world of sitcoms revolve around. What if we looked at life this way? What if we believed, in our own little dramatic heads, that there is a happy ending waiting for us no matter how deep in shit we find ourselves? Might just help us laugh our way through it, right? And if you’re finding it tough, look around you, there are always going to be those special few around you who will laugh with you through it. Or at you, depending on how funnily sad your life is.

Point is, let’s stop being dramatic. Let’s believe in happy endings. If we’re going to believe in Karma, let’s believe in the good kind. Let’s be hopeful. Isn’t that the whole point of this article anyway?

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FWD

Satire

2015 Resolutions Might Deform Humanity If a New Year resolution goes in one year and out the other, you might need to change your tactic.

Text: Ronnie Kuriakose

f you are the kind of guy who, when on noticing that your toilet is overflowing, the natural reaction is not I need to get the plunger.

3 o’clock is a good time, let us begin then; who will knock down neighbors’ doors until you locate a plunger, fixed the problem, and made yourself a nice cup of coffee, then attempting at New Year Resolutions is a big step down for you. Be your whacky self and you will do just fine in 2015.

In an internet riddled with lists of How to be a Better Person In 2015 and Ways to Lose Weight for the New Year, there exists a general apathy that mainly contributes to the failure to deliver the constructiveness that the said articles are written for. They cater to an audience hungering for an improvement to situations, without helping it to understand the problem.

This time of year is perhaps the most poisonous for humanity in terms of progress. Everyone wants to better themselves, and so they put their goals to paper and set out to make a change at the start of the next year. This is a terrible idea, and has been for a long time, for a couple of reasons.

The concept for a New Year Resolution itself is simple to understand: set a concrete date and steadily go about your business – a pretty reasonable way to achieve a goal. But this is not how we are hardwired to work, no matter how logical it may seem.

The type of dreams people typically have in starting the new year are ones that require patience and steady, though sometimes dogging work that shows no visible progress for a long time. Many people are discouraged

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when unable to see noticeable progress. So they do the easy thing. They give up. They lose the desire to stay the course for whatever they have set out to do. You might call it the downfall of a society centered about instant gratification, but you would be wrong.

Failures like these are not due to a lack of motivation, but a misunderstanding of the concept.

When you want something done, it is usually nobody’s problem but your own. For more intricate problems, or for those that require a lengthier timetable, it is on you to keep yourself focused. Understanding this in conjunction with the necessity of more immediate action and patience for results is how the big things get done.

I am tired of hearing family members, friends, or acquaintances complaining about things that they want changed, only to do nothing about it or to wait for some divine date to begin their work. Your problems are yours and yours alone. Don’t wait to act on them,

attack now and be steps ahead of the myriad of people lethargically following an ideal only to stop when they are tired or something gets too hard.

I am going to presume that the vast majority of your New Year resolutions have not really come to fruition.

Unless your goal is to fail at it every year, this is not a time to follow the crowd. Cut out the junk food now. Be nice to a stranger the next time you see one. Wake up early and jog a mile tomorrow. Just do something, but do it now. The idea is not to condemn the idea of New Year’s Day, of next Monday, of the next week or the next year, but to avoid using them as a method of putting something off that you know you can do it in the present. A new year provides new opportunities, sure, but so does a new day. Start today.

Start now. And more importantly, I don’t want anyone to whine about their New Year resolutions and how they failed miserably at it the next time I visit Kochi.

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JANUARY 2015

FWD LIFE 109

fwd

PROMOTION

Meet the favourite

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Understanding the exact needs of the curvaceous Indian women, V Star introduced a fabulous new range of plus size bras named Vanessa Plus.

Where a normal bra offers only regular cup sizes, a Plus Size bra comes in C, D, E ,F,G and H cup sizes, designed especially for the women of curves.

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Made from 96% soft cotton and 4% elastane, Lass is ideal during travel because of its feather weight.

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FWD LIFE 111

ON AIR

93.5 red fm

CARE FOR HER

CAMPAIGN

ED FM knows two characteristics for sure about the women in Kerala.

One: Most women in Kerala love long locks.

Two: In spite, they will donate it anytime for a woman who is in need of it.

The brand first knew of this characteristic nine months ago when they started Care for Her campaign.

Now, with Care for Her Season -2, RED FM is doubly sure about it. The campaign donates hair to women cancer patients who lost their hair after chemotherapy. The aim is to support and thus bring confidence among cancer patients.

This season, RED FM along with Federal Bank is organizing 42 campaigns wherein a canter van shall travel across 14 districts in Kerala from Trivandrum to Kasargod in 42 days. This canter van has an in-built hair salon and shall travel with a hair-stylist who will cut the required

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hair which is minimum 12 inches. The collected hair shall be later handedover to Cope with Cancer – a nonprofit organization that helps cancer patients by providing wigs.

On 19th December, film personalities like Manianpilla Raju, Bhagyalakshmi, Suresh Kumar, Meneka Suresh Kumar, MG. Sreekumar, GS Vijayan, Rajeevnath, and Ranjith had gathered at the IFFK Venue i.e. Kairali Theatre, to inaugurate the event. Federal Bank’s Managing Director flagged off the canter van at Statue Junction at Trivandrum soon after.

In the previous season, RED FM managed to get almost 200 donors.

Interestingly, this season, some men have also come forward to donate their hair. Gopalakrishnan from Trivandrum was the first man to donate his hair this season. Enquiries have also started pouring in from other states and countries from those who wish to courier their hair just to be a part of the noble cause through RED FM. Truly, RED FM is proud to be the platform that has helped cancer patients in big numbers.

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RNI Reg. No. KERENG /2012 /42759

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