FWD Life November 2014

I’M A MALAYALI ISSUE

www.fwdlife.in ISSUE 01 VOL 04 NOVEMBER 2014

` 100

IN & OUT

There’s no place like our hometown.

PAST FORWARD FWD has embarked on a time machine.

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Y ERSAR V I N N A N EDITIO

FOOTBALL’S OWN COUNTRY

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Kerala Blasters kick off this season!

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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 Shop online: www.joscogroup.com | office@joscogroup.com | /JoscoGroup

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LIFESTYLE TRAVEL LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

Chief Mentor Padma Shri Mammootty Corporate Office Director Sony Joy Forward Media Director & CEO Arun Balachandran* 9th Floor Editor Abraham Tharakan Bhageeratha Square Banerji Road, Cochin- 682 018 Vice President Sameer Hamsa

Legal Advisor Adv. Aginov Mathappan Zonal Office Assitant Editor Atheena Wilson Forward Media Features Writers Maria John 1006 -Ivory Court 1, Essel Towers,

Simna Nahas M.G Road, Gurgaon,

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Tony Joseph Forward Media Flat No.7, 4th Floor

Dr. Jayaram Siva Rama Menon Dhanush Kutti Co- Op Housing

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Sojan Sunny Chief Photographer Jinson Abraham For Advertising Photographers Suneesh Suresh info@fwdmedia.in Circulation Babu.G +91 98090 10111 Circulation Assistant Siju Mathew Manager Marketing Christeena Thiruvinkal Rajesh Nair Manager Client Relations Amrutha Vijay Assitant 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

oll of Honor We are celebrating our 3rd anniversary this November. It has been an incredible journey from a single magazine, we are now publishing Wztup the city based tabloid in Kochi, Trivandrum and soon to be launched in Thrissur. Lulu Happiness, the mall magazine for Lulu Mall and FWD Vivah are the other titles in our kitty. All this would never have been possible without the imagination, efforts, dreams, hopes and hard work of a large group of people behind the making of this brand. It’s my honor and pride to list out our past employees without whom it never would have been possible.

Aswathy.S, Abey Antony, Aniruddhan Rajan, Anju Manoj, Anusha Paul, Ashiq Abdullah, Bineesh, Chetana Sankar, Gisen George Varghese, Haneesh K.H, John Kurian, Kushboo Saji. Lakhmi Vijayan, Mohammed Anfal, Nandagopal. K.P, Nanditha Nair, Nidhi.G, Nishanth Nandakumar, Rahul K.Shaji, Rakesh Babu.P, Rejeesh K.R, Rintu Jaison, Rishad P.G, Sankar Ramachandran, Sarath Chandran, Shyamini M. Pillai, Simna Nahas, Sober Tomy, Soniya Raj, Sreekanth S. Nath, Sreenath S. Nath, Sreerag Vinod, Thabitha Marion Varghese,Thanvi Abisha Lobo, Vipin M.P and Yasir S.P. In this issue, we have chosen to have a look at the Malayali psyche from a total new perspective. The overriding theme is ‘I’m a Malayali’. From facts to fiction, numbers to nonsense, we have our unique way of life.

My Pick

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C

ONTENTS

S

tories

22 PAST FORWARD

Take a look at the past, the way we moved forward over the years.

F

ashion

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HAUTE COUTURE From the 9 yard drapes to cocktail cuts.

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eauty and Wellness

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34 FOOTBALL’S OWN COUNTRY

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50 IN & OUT

24 WALKWAY REWIND

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66 PITCH PERFECT

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76 EAT ONE’S HEART OUT

Nothing can stump the game of football; the ball is in our court.

Meet a group of people who have made Kerala their home.

Meet, Jayesh George, the joint secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association and venue director of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium.

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SPORT THE SHORT For those casual strolls in the mall or a movie date, keep it short and stylish.

For our anniversary, we look back at our shoots that donned stylish looks.

CHARMING ARROW The fashion perspective through Serin George’s lens.

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HOT CROSS BUNS You don’t have to always let your hair down, when you want to have some fun hairdos.

MARIGOLD MARVEL We can never resist our vivacious oranges from our sarees to flowers. Strike a change with a different color palette.

SKIN MATTERS Stay fresh and take note to keep your skin glowing throughout the seasons in the state.

Think beyond fries and chicken, learn more about better eating options.

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L

ifestyle

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THE FOURTH ESTATE Meet Manaf, who started two of the biggest positive social media campaigns Kerala has ever seen.

H

umour

E

vents

100 STARS ON THE RAMP

Lisa Haydon, Rima Kallingal and Sophia M Joe hit the ramp for Beena Kannan’s Celebrity Fashion Show.

84 THE CHECK LIST

102 ENVISIONING AN ENSEMBLE

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103 HAPPINESS LAUNCHED

Check off these activities to be done before you leave and the things to take back as souvenirs from Kerala.

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ART ABODE A peep into the home of Thavil maestro Karuna Moorthy, in Vaikom.

SPOON FULL OF SPICE The world is becoming a global village, but explore the roots of Malayali flavor.

The contest was aimed to foster young talent, build and encourage the students.

Lulu Happiness a newly launched magazine powered by FWD.

106 TOMMY HILFIGER’S 10th

ANNIVERSARY PARTY Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle during her first ever performance in India.

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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NEWS

Notes From All over

Apple Watch – marrying design and technology

What to wear today? Let your phone decide

The launch of a new Apple product is always met with much expectation. The smart watch market is just about to take off and Apple was one of the first to announce their product. The Apple Watch is coming in six different versions: there's the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition. And each of these comes in two sizes, for those that like a larger or smaller device for their wrist. The display is made of scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Apple Watch is designed to be worn during all your daily activities, from morning workouts to nights out.

Nowadays there is an app for anything.

So why not for this age old problem that has been stumping us; what do I wear?. ‘Cloth’ is an app that has been redesigned to provide personalized suggestions on what to wear based on the weather and your wardrobe.

Take a picture of your outfit, name it, categorize it and it will be added to your digital wardrobe. Looks can be shared and you can browse through other profiles too. Co- founder Seth Porges told Mashable that it’s based around a very specific task: getting dressed in the morning and helping users plan their day.

Mohanlal’s band Evergreen songs from Mohanlal’s extensive career in movies is coming on stage soon. Mohanlal and music director Rathish Vega will mentor a band called Lalism Music Band which will hold national and international shows. Jose Thomas of Choice group is the producer of the band. They will perform songs from the super star’s movies starting this February.

It will be based in either Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram. Another attraction is the magical realism show with the help of holograms. This will be a first in the country and will project images from Mohanlal’s three decade long career. The star is really excited in promoting and nurturing new talent.

The new Skoda Rapid The new Skoda Rapid 1.5 was launched at Kochi Marikar Engineers

by Crime Branch DYSP Rakesh Kumar and Joint RTO Venugopal.

Packed with power and distinctively elegant in its looks, the new SKODA Rapid is thrilling to observe as it is to drive. Comfort in the new SKODA Rapid is an inherent quality, starting with the contoured seats with height adjustable head-rests, the height and length adjustable steering wheel, the Climatronic air conditioning system maintains an even cabin temperature, or even the thoughtfully designed cup holders with a flip frame for both front and rear passengers. The SKODA Rapid is available with both diesel and petrol engines.

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SNIPPETS

1877

Banana Revelation Traditionally food has been served on a banana leaf. If you look closely it’s very similar to the human tongue; broad at the bottom, narrow at the top and bumpy like the taste receptors of the tongue. We have always been using a banana leaf to represent how we must eat. Traditionally, we eat one cereal at a time; one to represent the base, one for sabsi and dal and one for the left-hand side. Don’t eat the papad, chutney and pickle at the same time. Eat one at a time. When the top floor is broader than the base, the system is bound to collapse.

It’s surprising how modern research creates one fact after another.

Top

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Master Marquez Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the foreign writer who got into the hearts of Malayalis with great ease. Almost every work of his has been translated into Malayalam and has been selling like hot cakes since the 1970’s. According to Ravi Deecee, the leading publisher of Kerala, there could hardly be any other foreign writer who has been celebrated by Malayalis. Marquez has been accepted and enjoyed by Keralites as a Malayali writer and not as a foreigner. “ We first published Marquez in Malayalam in the early 1980s, and he continues to be a top-seller," Ravi told PTI. The publisher has no doubt that the Latin American literary giant would figure in the list of top 25 writers preferred by Malayali readers of all generations.

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Crossing Lines The Hanging Bridge of Punalur, Kerala was the only vehicular hanging bridge of Kerala and the second one in India built by the British. The construction and engineering of this hanging bridge marvel dates back to 1877, by a British engineer named Albert Henry. It is situated across the river Kallada and joins the Kollam -Chengotta state highway which is now NH 208, starting from Kollam and ending at Thirumangalom in Tamil Nadu.

20% &

30%

Gold’s Own Country Kerala gobbles up 20 percent of the country’s gold every year. The World Gold Council estimates that India, the largest consumer of gold in the world, consumes 30 percent of the global supply.

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SNIPPETS

100% Refreshing Toddy

One and Only Kerala is the only state in India where Ayurveda is still the main stream medicine practiced.

Sprouted in the pristine land of India some 5000 years ago, Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, is the oldest healthcare system in the world. it combines the profound thoughts of medicine and philosophy.

Nailed it!

A bottle of stiff toddy costed two to three rupees in the 1960s in Kerala.

Once upon a time in Kerala, kids were given fresh toddy or un-fermented toddy when they were ready for external feeding after breast feeding.

It was one of the super foods, and it tasted best when stored in a mud vessel.

Kerala reportedly has the highest literacy rate among the states of India, followed by the state of Mizoram.

Ernakulam became the first district to attain 100% literacy. Thirty percent of the total state expenditure is on education.

1,084 for 1000

1957 People’s Government

Of the people, by the people, for the people is the famous democratic statement by Abraham Lincoln. In 1957, Kerala was the first state in the world to bring to power a communist government via democratic elections rather than revolution. The winning party during that time was the Communist Party of India.

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Figure it Out Kerala has a population of women higher than that of men. There are 1,084 women for every 1,000 men, according to the provisional data of Census-2011 released by state Census Directorate. Northern district Kannur has the highest female sex ratio of 1,133; district Idukki has registered lowest figures with 1,006. The sex ratio in capital Thiruvananthapuram is 1,088 and that of the commercial hub Kochi 1,028.

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FWD Products

Runway Inspiration

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Alexander McQueen Fall 2008 RTW

RUNWAY INSPIRATION

Andrew Gn Spring 2009 RTW

Naeem Khan Spring/Summer 2008 RTW

Haute Brocade From the 9 yard drapes to cocktail cuts… pleat here and a motif there, light bouncing off the folds and the gentle play of metallic weave motifs – no we are not talking about a Kancheepuram or Banarasi saree. Well! Not necessarily – imagine those gorgeous drapes transformed into structured silhouettes. If heavy silk sarees are not your style, let these modern cuts in brocade inspire you.

That’s just how designers prove that traditional Indian silks can be more than just a saree.

Hermes Spring/Summer 2008 RTW

Jean Paul Gaultier Paris Couture Fall 2007

Anita Dongre Summer/Resort 2014 18

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FWD Products

Runwway Inspiration

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Religion Geno Cutoff Light-Wash Jean Shorts.

Price: ` 13995

Brunello Cucinelli Linen Cargo Bermuda Shorts.

Price: ` 36460 appx.

Rag & Bone Cotton-Blend Beach Shorts. Price: ` 13790 appx.

Sport the Short For those casual strolls in the mall or a movie date, keep it short and stylish. he world may be getting ready for the chill in the air. But here in God’s own country , it’s eternal summer. Give those stuffy jeans and trousers a miss, at least when you are out on a casual stroll. Try these shorter options. Wear them with tees or just any shirt with a pop of colour or dash of print.

Sandals are the best way to floor the look, but you could consider loafers or funky sneakers too. Shorts are the in thing for Spring/Summer 2015…but let’s just start early, boys!

Valentino Navy Camo-print cargo shorts Price: ` 27080 appx.

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Rag & Bone Camo-Print Ripstop Shorts.

Price: ` 10725 appx.

RUNWAY INSPIRATION

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P ast

Forward Text Atheena Wilson

Photographs Jinson Abraham, Reji Bhaskar, Serin George, Subhash Maheshwar, Toonus, Anson Antony, Andres Gutierrez

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M Minutes have dashed faster than we thought. Apparently a few years have passed, and that’s evident with the towers of previous issues stacked at office. We play a game, imagining the word count of all the stories that have been written. It’s quite hard, but more difficult to sort through the magazines. Finally, the playful post- its stick out in between the leaves of the pages and all of us get nostalgic.

The office stays the same, but there’s that constant change in atmosphere. According to the weather forecast, we’ve had quite a few ‘brainstorms’, a few lightning bolt ideas, a whirlwind of words, and a meteor shower of deadlines. This time we take a walk back to enjoy the fashion, photographs and all the interviews across our issues. In Walkway Rewind, some of the looks are still timeless. We’ve also listed a few fashion tips to make your wardrobe more versatile. In Quotable Quotes, we’ve handpicked some of our favourites just in case you did not get to read the previous articles. Finally, take a walk down the memory lane, in Photographic Memory. We have highlighted some of our photographs that we loved. Catch a few stories about the bargains with the democratic sun a barter of beautiful sunsets and golden rays.

It’s three years, and there’s more to come. but for now here are a few pages set aside to relax and rewind.

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PAST FWD

Walkway Rewind

God’s Own Gold The Malayali wardrobe is never complete without white and gold.

Nikki | Stylist

Burberry Lip Cover Tulip Pink.

Price: ` 2025 appx.

Sass & Bide The Cold Snap Strapless dress.

Price: ` 60,825

hen it comes to gold and white, a white sleeveless maxi with gold embellished bohemian print neckline is a perfect look to shine.

You can add to the style with some gold and white bangles, a white or golden sling bag and over sized sunnies or a pair of gold jeweled flip flops. Try thick lipsticks or tinted lip balms. For eyes, a simple cat eye with a regular waterproof pencil or cream liner and slight shimmery eye shadow is perfect for a boho look.

Alexis Bittar Geometric Ribbon Cuff Bracelet.

Price: ` 18,117 appx.

Zara Slim Fit Double Breasted Sleeveless Chiffon Blazer.

Price: ` 2000 appx.

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FWD August 2012 ‘Ethnic Revival’ Photographed by Subhash Maheshwar

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Dolce & Gabbana Kate patent-leather pumps.

Price: ` 35,650 appx.

Celebrity Inspiration: Kim Kardashian sported a Herve Leger dress

The Gentleman Indulge in some trendy formals

Matin Mac | Fashion Designer Stefano Ricci Strass-Trimmed Tuxedo Shirt.

Price: ` 91,860 appx.

Brioni Plaid Jacket with Contrast Deco.

Price: ` 2,63,040 appx.

Gucci Natural Straw Fedora Price: ` 28,560 appx.

lack and white is the most common combination for formals. Depeding on the time of the event and where, you can decide your color scheme. Try experimenting with different colors.

Colored blazers are in trend. To get a classic look you can don it simply with a coffee brown pin tuck shirt. Compliment it with the right accessories like a textured slim black tie, a brown Louis Vuitton belt and finally a rose gold Rolex watch. Also, make sure you do not go over- the- top with your accessories.

Giorgio Armani Waffle-Knit Silk Tie. Price: ` 13,777 appx.

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FWD August 2013 ‘When Class Meets Style’ Photographed by GK Carrot Styled by Arjun Vasudev

Prada Lace-up leather dress shoe. Price: ` 42,260 appx.

Celebrity Inspiration: Ryan Gosling in Gucci NOVEMBER 2014

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PAST FWD

Walkway Rewind

Sunset Simmer Because you got to shine even after sundown

Atheena Wilson | Stylist

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Bronze Eye Shadow Quad Palette.

Price: ` 3070

Orange Foulard Dolce & Gabbana Silk Dress Price on Request

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Kenneth Jay Lane Stretchy Pearl-Tip Bracelet.

Price: ` 13,800 appx.

hen it comes to floral dresses for the evening, anything that falls below the knee with the play of translucence works well. Long slits and a great waist clincher will add to the drama. Go for just one large motif or an abstract fused design and pair it with accessories like thin metallic headbands. Nude stilettos or matte gold peep toes are life savers. Avoid solid and bright colored clutches, you are ready to flaunt fashion at its peak after the sunset!

Lafayette 148 New York Metallic Goat Suede Obi Belt.

Price: ` 9 080 appx.

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FWD Feb 2014 ‘Horizon Hues’ Photographed by Reji Bhaskar Stylist: Atheena Wilson

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Christian Louboutin Follies Resille Glitter Fishnet Pumps Price: ` 54,960 appx.

Celebrity Inspiration: Naomi Campbell in Zac Posen

Exclusive Distributor for Kerala: Cochin, Kerala.T: 0484 3192977 E: sebinmaliyeckel@gmail.com

www.strawberrylenceria.com For more details Scan this QR core with your Smartphone

For trade inquiries contact: Mr. Ananth Pandit

+91 97470 00416 Available across all retail stores in India.

Shop online @ Follow us on: NOVEMBER 2014

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PAST FWD

Walkway Rewind

Street Smart Effortless style tags along with cool casuals

Gucci Tee with Leather Pocket.

Price: ` 26,100 appx.

SERIN GEORGE | Stylist monochrome color palette is where good dress sense starts and ends. This particular look is about being effortlessly cool with the delight of black and white. When it comes to donning casuals it’s hard to mix and match with slippers, but go on be a little adventurous! I like this look with just the black tee, the pants and the slippers, just right for the weekend.

The suspenders and newsboy cap are some fun accessories for that ‘something extra’ to your casual look.

Gucci Military Cap. Price: ` 19,840 appx.

Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change.

Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Brera 48mm Supersportivo Watch. Price: ` 48,530 appx.

EA7 Emporio Armani Logo Sweat Pants.

Price: ` INR 7630 appx.

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FWD July 2013 ‘Chiselled Charmer’ Photographed Styled2014 by NOVEMBER 28 FWD LIFE and Serin George

Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Crisscross Sandal.

Price: ` 41,760 appx.

Celebrity Inspiration: Dino Morea

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PAST FORWARD

quotable quotes

Quotable Quotes Who said that line anyway? To all the interviews and the recorders skill to capture it all. We look back to some of those lines that were in our line of thought.

Death couldn’t part his love for music.

My father was buried with his Gibson Les Paul Guitar, soccer ball, a cannabis bud and a Bible.”

Can I share a secret?

I am color-blind. I don’t understand colors, so I stick to my favourite palate of earthy and dark tones.

Rohan Marley (Bob Marley’s Son)

Nikhil Thampi (Designer)

It’s when you get to know deeper about art, you plumb its amazing depths.

Bose Krishnamachari (Malayali artist and art curator)

Kerala was still being conventional. Bringing out a fearless nature and making then mentally ready was a great achievement.

(When asked about the fashion scenario in Kerala ten years ago)

On the contrary! It would have been disastrous if the government recognized and honored me because that could be proof of bias and lobbying.

Anita Pratap (Indian writer and journalist)

Beena Kannan (Entrepreneur and CEO of Seematti)

Fashion is short lived while style is constant.

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I think my family would have considered me as an out caste, a black sheep, had I been reserved and uptight like the rest of the world.

Mallika Sarabhai (activist)

When it comes to glamour, we are in an industry where certain amount of it is required. We can’t look shabby.

“Generally there is a misunderstanding that once a woman becomes successful they have no time for the family. This mentality has to change among both the sexes, a mutual helping hand will go a long way in accepting each other.”

Priyamani (Actor)

(On the role of being a successful wife and a working woman) Sheela Kochouseph (Owner of V-Star)

The word artist is such an ornamental category it should be soon taken out of the dictionary.

Jitesh Kallat ( Curator of Kochi Muzris Biennalle 2014)

I’m not the kind of one who takes initiative in starting a conversation, my friends tell me that celebs need to be outgoing. But then a leopard can change its spots.

For me, the biggest drive has always been to highlight the rich Indian cultural identity woven into the classicism of textile.

Ritu Kumar (designer)

Nivin Paully (Actor)

I would say that movies must be surely looked as an entertainer and not as your ‘Life Guide’.

Watch it, laugh at the jokes, cry for the drama and if it as a sensible message, take it up for good.

(His response to the criticism and negative influence in the film, Honeybee.)

Asif Ali (Actor)

Putting down a woman’s confidence starts from home. If a small girl applied make-up and walks around the house for fun, elders would say, “Go wipe it what have you done?” It implies the child is beautifying for something not appreciated.

(Her opinion on why make-up is not appreciated in Kerala)

Ambika Pillai (Make Up Artist)

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FWD

photographic memory

Photographic Memory

To all the strobes that were fixed, the play with the democratic sun, there was so much behind to take a perfect still. It may be fixed in a frame, but we had a story to tell behind our favourite photographs.

Beena Kannan was truly superwoman; she got into seven costume changes and the interview was tucked in during the costume change. But more than that she has an eye for detail. For the final shot, she wanted to spend some time by the lake. As I was staring at the lake, she asked me,” Is your star sign a water sign? “ I laughed, “I do not know.”

She said, “Mine is, I’m a Cancerian.”

I laughed and said, “ Me too. We’re both July babies then.”-Atheena FWD AUG ‘14 Photos Reji Bhaskar

FWD FEB ‘14 Photos Reji Bhaskar

From her dress to the scarves and the make-up, orange was the new black. Mythilli’s final shot was unplanned and caught candidly. That photo was like the anticipation of the sunset, the one we drove all the way to Alleppey for.

-Atheena

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Nivin Pauly was scheduled for the evening shoot at Muvatapuzha. He had a schedule that ran late and by the time he came he was looking too tired and drained. The whole crew stayed back and checked into a hotel that night. Early to rise the next day, Andre came up with a crazy idea, the flying picture.

- Jinson FWD OCT ‘13 Photos ANDRES GUTIERREZ

FWD DEC ‘12 Photos Shani Shaki Sarah Jane Dias came to Kerala for an ad shoot.

We had to make a quick decision, and we contacted Mezzo. The lustre gray background at the entrance was apt for the photograph. It was funny how we could to keep it low key because the floodlight wires were all over the entrance. Like the photoshoot, the photograph was dramatic, especially with the game of sharp shadows. -Abraham The biggest issue was to get the guys in our photographs but even funnier to find men with original moustache and hair. Getting the musical instruments was quite a challenge, we had to hunt in traditional music stores. Vaikom was the melody haven. We got the oar from Alleppey. The hair- raising shot was quite hilarious. We had to use mini plastic balls with hair wrapped around it.

-Abraham FWD AUG ‘12 Subhash Maheshwar NOVEMBER 2014

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COVER STORY

Kerala Blasters

OOTBALL’S

OWN COUNTRY Nothing can stump the game of football; the ball is in our court.

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Suneesh Suresh

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COVER STORY

Kerala Blasters

everybody plays; it sounds like a catchphrase that seems easy to croon or stand out in a tagline. But when you’re at the football ground, the gist of it is well played. Heading to the Regional Sports Center, I walked into a ground filled with kids apathetic to the harsh sun. Poking their heads through their fresh jerseys, they were tightening the laces of their boots and playfully kicking each other with innocuous football studs. They watched the footballers pull up their socks; the kids pulled it up too, hoping it soars above the knees like theirs.

A football match started. On the freshly trimmed grass, the ball is in no one’s court, playfully dribbled. An adept kid tries to dribble the ball from the Canadi-

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an player, Iain Hume, while another was exhilarated when he headed the ball to Jamie McAllister. The kids kept on signaling each other, “Pass the ball!” When they hit the field, the shenanigans were tossed aside, and they loved the competition with the professionals. The whistle blew and the practice session came to an end. They couldn’t wait to interact with the players. A few of them dashed, they forgot their notebook. One of them told his friend, “Keep a spot for me, I want an autograph by David James.”

Team Unity Among the sea of yellow jerseys, cheers and conversations of myriad accents, Viren D’Silva, the General Manager of

the Kerala Blasters showed me to an empty seat. Unlike usual interviews, it was hard to be so focused. There were so many distractions and many photographic moments. At a certain distance, I spotted a kid dangling on the goal post and his friends enjoying his antics. I could only ask, “What makes football stand out as a sport?” That’s how the conversation started.

He smiled, it’s like he knew the answer, “I think it’s the simplicity of the game. Two goal posts and just a ball, you don’t need much to play the sport.”

Kerala is one among the states in India including Calcutta and the Northeastern states that celebrate football. Looking back, Kerala has won The Federation

Cup and Santosh Trophy at domestic tournaments. Viren mentioned that Kerala Blasters was a team that was selected because of Kerala’s fervor for the sport.

The Kerala Blasters was founded on May 27, 2014, and it is owned by Sachin Tendulkar and Prasad V Potluri. One of the strengths that shone in the team as Viren mentioned, “It’s great that six continents form our team. We have a solid team of 14 players in which seven of them are foreigners from the draft. We have a renowned coach, Trevor Morgan and assistant coach, Jamie McAllister. I think our biggest strength is that we do not have a major star but a group of professionals.” Another striking fact about the Kerala Strikers is that they must be the

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COVER STORY

Kerala Blasters

No.

Nationality

Position

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 21 22 23 24 25 27 29 30 32 44 70 85 88

France DF Cédric Hengbart Scotland DF Jamie McAllister India DF Ramandeep Singh India DF Nirmal Chettri India MF Renedy Singh India MF Sushanth Mathew England FW Michael Chopra (vice-captain) Brazil FW Pedro Gusmao Canada FW Iain Hume India MF Ishfaq Ahmed India FW C.S.Sabeeth India MF Duleep Menon India MF Mehtab Hossain India DF Sandesh Jhingan India DF Gurwinder Singh Nigeria MF Penn Orji (captain) India MF Godwin Franco France DF Raphaël Romey India DF Avinabo Bag India GK Sandip Nandy Scotland MF Stephen Pearson Australia FW Andrew Barisic India DF Saumik Dey India GK Luis Barreto Ireland DF Colin Falvey Brazil DF Erwin Spitzner England GK David James MP Spain MF Victor Pulga India FW Milagres Gonsalves

only team where the manager of the team is not only a goalkeeper but also chosen as the marquee player of the Indian Super League, David James.

Grassroots Program More than the whole spirit of accepting a sport just for its games, the Kerala Blasters have an aim. Mr. Viren pointed out, “Many of the stars came here not for the money but charity.” During a press conference, Sachin Tendulkar mentioned the importance of hunting for local talent.

That’s when the Kerala Blasters initiated the Grassroots Program to set up a few sports centers with dedicated coaches and train nearly 125,000 kids over the next few years. They have plans to create more grounds and at the same time find more local partners to foster the kids’ future. The crux of this plan is to touch the lives of children and increase the popularity of the game. Viren mentioned, “Traditionally the age group is eight to twelve years, but we decided to expand the age group to 16 years.”

It’s with great hope the kids get the right training, so they can participate in for-

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Player

eign competitions.

Viren pointed out the victories are something great, but more than that the goal is about the ability for children to exercise their passion. “The challenge for the soccer fans in Kerala is that they never had the opportunity to represent their region. Now we have formed the team Kerala Blasters.” Coaches Trevor Morgan and James McCalister traveled across the districts of Mallipuram, Thrissur, Calicut, etc to hunt for a team. We’re happy to be part of the team too as we’re the official lifestyle partner for Kerala Blasters.

Play for a Cause When posed the question on how to bring about a change in sports education, he indicated that there’s no concrete curriculum. “ Sachin Tendulkar runs the programme, ‘Sports for All’ , we must encourage the culture to play a sport with a true heart.” He said that children with exceptional talent must be trained and be given fine-tuned attention.

When asked how will football look in the future, he replied, “In ten years you can

have a sustainable lifestyle to encourage children to take up football as a career, just like the cricket scenario at present.”

There was a sharp whistle; Viren had to go and organize a game. He introduced me to the players.

Penn Orji, the Captain, brimmed with a smile, I said a hello and in return I was welcomed with a ‘namaskram.’ As I talked to a few, they shared their experiences about eating on a banana leaf and how the mundu was a fun wrap. David James was kidding about the dhoti being a perfect fit for his waist when I told him a belt is a life-saver. He was talking to a kid. He turned to me and asked, “What does Madhav mean?.”

I laughed and replied, “It’s his name.”

He casually ruffled his hair, “Oh, here you go!”, and signed his autograph. On the account of such diversity Viren joked, “It’s really crazy, a French person sitting next to an Irish talking to a Scottish Person.” I totally agreed; I had the same feeling. Shakespeare said the world is a stage, today it felt like a ground and the perfect time to kick start talent in Football’s own country.

DAVID JAMES David Benjamin James plays as a goalkeeper and manages Kerala Blasters and is also the marquee player of the Indian Super League.

What you found hilarious: Honking is not for warning and cars on the other side( he gesticulated losing control of the car.)

What you love about Kerala: Despite Kochi being a city, it has a country side feeling to it.

Enjoyed eating: I loved the food, I could not refrain but then I gained two kilos, so I’m sticking to masala omelet.

Something that caught your attention: I was at Fort Kochi watching a Kathakali performance, and I was so fascinated. Someone was explaining the story to me, especially the the green-painted man( and he started contorting his face.) I later caught it on TV and I could not understand anything but a few moves( he breaks into a small dance showing off some mudras) that looked familiar.

A few things you would love to skip: The pot Holes A movie you’ll watch: Happy New Year

HE GOAL KEEPERS It’s not always about scoring a goal but working towards one too. A rapid fire round with David James and Duleep Menon.

DULEEP MENON Duleep started playing professionally only in 2008-2010, with Josco FC and Central Excise Ernakulam teams. In 2011, he left for higher studies in the UK. There Duleep played for semi-professional East Manchester United Club based in Manchester.

One place you enjoyed traveling with the team: Mumbai, it was like being in New York and Kochi at once.

From the room you could see the skyscrapers and glass and looking below, a typical Indian street with busy roads and small shops.

Something funny that happens before a match: There are no curfews except on the eve of a match match , we better be in our room before David James sees us.

Before the season ends you wish?

I would love to get a picture with Alessandro Del Piero.

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Td HE

forwar

MARCH

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hree square meals a day, the trinity, the three little pigs and one more less random association – our third anniversary. The whole team got together to tell you about our FWD family. It’s like a word rehearsal, we’re taking you backstage!

Text Atheena Wilson Photographs Jinson Abraham & Suneesh Suresh Make-Up Shafeenaz NOVEMBER 2014

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

A Team CEO and Editor

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The magazine’s story is rooted at the center of the earth. Book a ticket to our CEO’s and Editor’s meeting - you’ll get the crux of it. They make quite a team, Arun and Abraham. Arun is the catalyst and the big idea breaker. He marshals the crew in times of crisis, but he also rolls up the sleeves of his crisply ironed shirts when we have steaming ideas. Abraham; when we say we have to look up to him, we mean it.

He’s always got a contact, a dial away, and he always knows how to find a story,even when our minds are ‘ brain zoned’. But it’s their teamwork that brought together the FWD family.

P

en Pals Content Team

Welcome to the writer’s block, and usually we’re in one. For us it’s wordplay, when it comes to games and for penalties, it’s word crimes. Behold the team - Monday Maria, our architect and traveler, who comes up with the most outlandish titles like “Why come to Vaikom.” Miss Very Jerly, the fashion writer who makes our pages look glossier with the product listing. At the end of the day, she shares a Delhi anecdote.

Simna Nahas- Miss bubblier than champagne in- house bride- makes sure all our stories have a happily ever after conclusion.

Then there’s me, the godmother with huge eyes who believes that a good layout is better than stilettoes. Pinned on puns and always stirring a solution for everything that goes on around here.

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

B

reaking Ad

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Marketing Team Cooking strategies and balancing the break-even equations, the marketing team gets the chemistry right. Building bonds with the clients, they are the breadwinners of our little FWD family. The marketing guru, Christeena may be in her heels, but she can take a swing at any pitch. Amrutha loves cakes and makes client relations look as easy as cakewalk. Rameez loves the fast past changes of the market like his passion for fast cars and bikes.

While Rajesh knows the town left and right from the oldest license to postage stamp stories, he’s truly seen Kerala boom as a great economy.

I

n Shutter Island Photographers

The masters of creating and getting away with plots, they literally frame everything. Their common evidence: we caught you on camera. While there’s so much talk about proportions and ratio in photography, Jinson, our chief photographer defies quite a few. Never the ‘lens’, his photos are candid as the press, and he’s got the perfect captions. Meanwhile, Suneesh gets more pet names than his shooting modes. He’s always got a funny angle to everything he says, and he’s always on the top of the world, so as his camera!

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

G

uidelines

of our Galaxy Design Team

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In the graphic designer ‘s galaxy, it’s to be or not be and go back in time with the magical ctrl + z. They set the rules of the magazine with its guidelines. If there’s anything sharper than a pen tool, it’s Pankaj’s spurring witty comments.

We’ll need a clone tool to replicate and propagate Vishnu’s philosophies that stir curiously at noon. Sojan, the pro with the selection tool, always has the funniest video or song to cheer us up.

B

rotherhood Of Travelling Pants

Circulation Team

If you were asked to draw the map of Kochi, you would lose against Babuchettan, the Godfather of the office. Our magazine has become quite a traveller and hasn’t missed its rides on autos, buses, planes and ships. Sijuchettan and Babuchettan are like the heart of the organization, circulating the magazines all around Kerala! Your wait at a restaurant or a lobby is always accompanied by the stories in our magazine.

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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Y

es Boss!

R

oad Runner Office Assistant

On the sprint for prints, riding over hills for bills, it’s always Digith who races against time to fight our last minute emergencies.

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Finance

We cannot crack the mystery of invisible hands. She’s got a few pairs to be Miss Super Efficient.

From handling accounts to all of our issues, no trick but treats, take the hint: money mints.

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INTERVIEW

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in and out

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nO&

& Out

Most Malayali conversations begin with “Where are you from?” For these individuals that we met a question is soon followed by a very inquisitive, “Why are you here?”.

While conversing with Penny, Paris, James, and Miriam it was great to see Kerala from different a perspecitve. Interesting tales of cultures and all the negatives aside, it felt incredible to be around people who settled in God’s own country. Unlike the long queues of Malayalis in the Gulf and American visa offices.

All of them share a fascination for our culture and the insight to a different Kerala. At the heart of Vaikom, Paris was fascinated by a dance and knew this was her hometown. Her husband Sunil lets us pour over their wedding album and relates stories of living in France as Laxmi discusses the photoshoot.

Meanwhile at Fort Kochi, there’s a frenzy of excited dogs who chase liberty and stray away from the leashed life .Penny knew that the greatest challenge to overcome would be the most fulfilling, while James knew that every novel idea starts with the exploration of home itself. Miriam told us how it’s great to enjoy a different walk of life.

Meet a British lady who is the savior of many creatures of Kochi, a French Bharatanatyam dancer in the serene town of Vaikom, a German housewife who can haggle with the fish seller in perfect Malayalam and a Malayali businessman who went abroad and realized that the future lies in our hometown itself .

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IN & OUT

Paris LaXmi

aris Laxmi

“There will always be obstacles in life. So why complicate it further by being miserable. Do what you love” Text Maria John Photos Suneesh Suresh

Laxmi’s home in Vaikom is an abode for dance. Her husband, Sunil Pallipuram welcomes us with folded palms.

A renowned Kathakali artist, Sunil has performed on many international stages. Laxmi is familiar to us all as the sari wearing ‘madammakutty’ from Bangalore Days who marries Kuttan. “My name is really Laxmi, I did not change it. The addition of Paris was for recognition.” “Suniletta, ” she calls out to her husband .Their love story was a hot topic in Kerala. A French Bharathanatyam dancer marrying a Kathakali artist, fourteen years her senior. For Laxmi and Sunil,

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their world is dance. Following the traditions in the art form they also combine their two styles on stage in a production called Sangamam.

He describes to us Laxmi’s house in Provence, where there are many Indian idols and religious music playing.

Would you live and settle in France, we ask him. He smiles, “ France is a beautiful country to visit but I am definitely comfortable here.” They currently run the Kalashakti dance school and perform at various venues. Their neighbor is teaching Laxmi the language and she is keen to learn amidst her busy schedule.

What about dance moves you?

I think I was born with the love for dance. I requested my parents to start dance classes at the age of 3 but started contemporary at 5 and then ballet and jazz, in France. While travelling in India, I watched classical performances and wanted to learn. My mother found a Bharatanatyam teacher, Armelle Choquard in our town.

Which navrasa/bhavam do you identify with the most?

I would say that everyone should always be merged into the Sringhara bhavam, Love, the ultimate rasa.

How important is it to uphold traditional forms of art?

Heritage is part of the identity of a country. It is very important to preserve and promote it. Even if the

majority of youth is attracted by other cultures, the society should create opportunities for artists to meet these youngsters to develop an awareness of the classical art forms. While ignoring the greatness of their own culture, they may naturally be attracted by others.

If you were to make dance reality shows more meaningful, what would you do?

I do not appreciate the way participants are performing, most of the time without learning the basics of the style, without training and knowledge of the art form. I am always advising the children to train regularly and in a classical way for at least one year, before thinking about performing for a competition or any show. Otherwise, I feel it is disrespecting the art form.

Living in Kerala with your French identity?

My parents brought my brother Narayan and me every year to India during holidays from a young age. In France, nobody understood this craziness about another country! We were saving money all the year to come here, which was our most expected period of the year! Some aspects of my education make me behave sometimes in a different way from Indian women, I must say I am comfortable here.

How do people generally react to your situation?

Some people do not understand that I prefer to live here, because many are just dreaming of living in Europe. Most of the women here were not very sure if I was able to cut vegetables, clean my house with a broom, and it was funny to see how amazed they were that I was able to do all of it. They all thought that foreign ladies have robots and machines to do everything!

Do you find yourself questioning some of the prevalent attitudes in our Malayali society?

I think the attitude between men and women should definitely change.Educate children about their anatomy and minds to make them understand how our bodies and brains work. Boys and girls should respect each other a bit more and understand better. Also I feel the attitude towards our Mother Earth should really change, I witness everyday people dropping their trash in the garden, something has to be done seriously about this.

What advice do you have for the next generation of Malayalis?

Please don’t abandon your cultural heritage.What would be the use of becoming another Europe or America?

It’s India here, so show to the world the wonders we have!

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IN & OUT

James Joseph

ames

Joseph It was a major homecoming, and the jackfruits were not only tasty but fruitful with ideas. FWD got into a conversation with James Joseph - owner of Jackfruit 365.

Text Simna Nahas Photos James Joseph He’s an ex-employee of Microsoft who has worked for top companies across three continents, now he’s giving back to his nation through his book ‘Gods Own Office’. Being the father of three daughters, James strongly believes that mothers of every family should work in order to be a role model to their kids

What was your driving force when you quit your job to come to your native place?

I quit my job and got back to my hometown Aluva to set up a home desk on my own and to show people how they could work within the luxury of their homes without compromising the monetary benefits. My research resulted in my book ‘Gods own Office’. It’s a part memoir and part guide to knowing how to get that work-life resonance everyone always wants. People think I left Microsoft for Jackfruit 365 but in reality Jackfruit 365 happened because of Microsoft.

Why jackfruit and not coconuts?

Jackfruits being so tasty and nutritious are not available because of its seasonal nature and its messy nature.

As a result, 80% of it is getting wasted in a country that has 2000 crore worth jackfruits out of which 550 crores is in Kerala.

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Quickies An interesting fact no-one knew about jackfruit In North India, people didn’t know under-riped jackfruit could be cooked A trend that you don’t enjoy in online retail Cash on delivery Your personal favourite jackfruit recipe Sandwich A jackfruit combination you tried and oh no!

Jackfruit and Shrimp

Another thing Kerala can tap into ?

We rely on other states for vegetables. What we could do is find a way to replace those vegetables with what is available abundantly in our state. The existing Liquor Licence Act has shut down a lot of bars in the state. With a concrete plan, you can create a market for the same.

What should youngsters keep in mind before starting a business?

Never run out on your capital fund. For that on the first year, you shouldn’t take the salary, on the second year you must draw your salary. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small amount and on the third year you should be able to take your salary with a profit.

Instead of investing a huge capital upfront you need to validate the market. If people need a product you offer, they will come to you. Taking my product, for example, it is only available online and those who want it will come in search for it onto the site. That is a way of knowing if your product is in demand.

Jackfruit 365, how did you promote the product?

I used the existing capacity; combined the traditional market with

e-commerce and social media. My primary focus was on the chefs of top restaurants and mothers who tried out recipes that would replace potato, meat and fish with my product. Now it is the third year, and soon my product will hit the markets along with the 100 recipes created by them.

A place in the world that doesn’t like jackfruit Nobody would dislike it A learnt lesson from corporate companies Job is like a stage given to artist and treat company money like your money.

How do you think our youngsters can make it big?

If you are genuinely passionate about something you get experienced mentors who will be willing part their advice, expertise and money. Don’t start a business just for the sake of starting something. Bill Gates dropped out of college because he was sure that he had a better plan. Be sure that you will be earning more than your existing salary.

Your future projects.

I want to create recipes to replace pork as Northeast states consume them in high quantity. I want to set up hot desks for working professionals in their hometown where they could spend an extra week when they come for vacation. That way kids get to stay a little longer with their grand-parents and also enjoy the delicacies of their hometown.

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IN & OUT

PENNY SHEPHERD

enny koch Shepherd “Attitude towards animals should change. A pet can be a benefit to the family, elderly and young alike.”

Text Maria John Photos Suneesh Suresh Pouring her heart out for the cause of the abandoned animals in the area, Penny Shepherd started Mad Dogs Trust in 2007. Inspired by Noel Coward’s song Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the trust was established after Penny witnessed the plight of animals here.

As I walk into the premises, I am greeted by barks and three tails wagging at hundred kilometers an hour.

Penny comes to greet me with a big smile on her face. “Are you afraid of dogs? No? Come on in” She gestures towards a diwan where two cats are snoozing in peace. Back in the UK, Penny used to work as a tour director.

It was on a globetrotting trip with her

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late husband that she chanced upon Kochi. Penny was concerned about the way animals were treated here and felt she had to do something about it. with her perseverance and hard work, she volunteered at a government hospital where she befriended the vet. As we talk into the evening, dogs and cats take turns to welcome me and get petted. Wooster the Dalmatian is the king of the castle, keeping the young ones in check. Tu the black cat looks like she wants to be part of our conversation. Fighting like cats and dogs?

Definitely not here at Mad Dogs Trust.

Tell us about the Mad Dogs Trust We have a cage free and chain free policy. When they are allowed to be free and encouraged to interact with people, they cease to become aggressive. The ABC (Animal Birth Control) program was initiated to protect the strays. We neuter and vaccinate animals through vets in the area. We also have a lot of volunteers who pitch in to feed and care for the animals.

How do your house guests get here?

We do not turn away from any case though I do not encourage animals that have been caged or chained. These animals are not used to the freedom here and tend to be hostile. We receive calls throughout the day or sometimes even at night about puppies or kittens left in the gutter or road.

Some people come and leave their pets with us when they can no longer take

care of them. There are also a few accident cases, which is how the goats moved in. Sometimes it is a disease that makes people abandon animals.

Little kittens and puppies are just left because people are worried that we won’t take them in or be asked to pay a heavy price.

So what is the procedure?

We keep records of every guest we have. We note down the date they are adopted, where they were found, details of vaccination and sterilizing etc.

First thing to always do is to vaccinate your dogs so that they are safe and humans are too. These animals are taken care of properly. They have access to water around the clock. The dogs and cats are fed once a day on feed and mince. We take the dogs out swimming once a week and they absolutely love it.

Describe your daily routine I can’t sit still for a minute and have to be kept busy. I go to bed around 1 AM and rise at seven. People here are such early risers. My dogs starting barking at 5AM when the town gets active. Sometimes that wakes me up.

No day is complete without cups of filter coffee which I absolutely love. The rest of my day revolves around taking care of the animals and attending calls.

On fixed days we organize vets to

come and check up on the animals.

What do you like about Kochi?

I feel safer here than I have felt in a lot of countries. I can get out at two in the morning for a walk and not be scared about getting mugged or shot.

The locals really helped me out. Once a friend had suggested that this was the worst place for animals which was a reason I came back here. Now, I can sense a change in the situation.

It is also interesting to see the various kinds of nationalities and religions here.

What would you change?

Malayalis are wonderful people. I just wish people were a lot more open minded about things and know that one doesn’t have to be afraid of animals.

Sometimes I feel everyone here in a rush to eat their meals. I like to sit down and enjoy leisurely. (She laughs) What is in the future?

Proper care and awareness for these creatures is my priority. Once a dog died when I was away in England visiting my daughters and I was really upset.We are hoping to raise funds to set up a homestay, café, shop and kennels. Therefore tourists could stay with us and participate in our charity. I have contacted some companies in the UK and will be travelling there soon.

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IN & OUT

Miriam Rahul Raj

Miriam walks out in a flowing skirt, a stitched blouse with her forehead marked in a bindi and earrings dangling from her ears. I watch as Miriam haggles with the fish lady in perfect Malayalam to buy fresh ‘karimeen’.

Rahul remarks that she makes a mean ‘meen’ curry. Rahul Raj has composed music for Ritu, Chota Mumbai, Time etc.

We sit down in Rahul’s studio.

This is Miriam’s first interview, and her two-year-old daughter Akshainie stands close to her in a pretty pink.

Her open mindedness and attitude to

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take things as they come have made her ease into the nuances of daily life here since she came in 2005. They live with Rahul’s parents who consider her their own daughter. When Rahul teases her about not being a fan of his music, Miriam replies in typical Malayali fashion “Onnuilla. Onnupo.”

and its culture. I used to wear a bindi and a saree to school even though I didn’t know how to properly drape one.

People have called me an Indian freak; maybe I was an Indian in my past life.

My parents never tried to force their beliefs on me, and I was given the option to choose my religion.

What was your childhood like?

My parents are devotees of Matha Amritanandamayi and at the same time they used to visit the church. My father instilled a lot of Indian values in me. I grew up being fascinated by India

What drew you to India?

Maybe it is because the climate in Germany is so cold, I felt people were very uptight.There would be complaints if a bus was a minute late. Here we take things more or less in stride.

Quickies What would you change here?

Everything is a bit too unstructured in our cities. Also, I wish people approached medicine a bit more responsibly. I find doctors are followed blindly, and you take medicines when you don’t need them.

How much of a Malyali are you?

I think I know too much about the culture to feel like an outsider anymore. I love ‘pulisserry’ and ‘thoran’. Rahul says I’m a ‘thani Malayali penkutti’.

A little about Akshainie I am teaching her German. So now she will have a mother tongue, father tongue and a family tongue.

Something you love to cook?

Rahul remarks that she is quite the whiz in the kitchen and makes the best dosas he has had).

IRIAM RAHUL RAJ “It was my dream to come to India. I wanted to understand the culture, live it and dive into it.”

Text Maria John Photos Suneesh Suresh How did you meet Rahul?

I was part of Amma’s ashram in Kollam. I approached Amma one day and told her that I wanted to get married. I wanted her to choose my partner. Rahul and I had common friends, and we were introduced. The rest is history like they say and with Amma’s blessing we got married.

What were some of the things that surprised you?

I stayed in a hostel while pursuing Computer Science in Kollam. I could not understand the rules and regu-

lations. You had to sign in and sign out at a particular time. You could not talk to boys. In Germany, I had a lot of freedom and independence though my father did not allow me to go to parties. Hospitality is different too.

Here you have to ask each guest what they would like to have and when sitting down for a meal, you are spoiled by people who keep serving you even though you say you have had enough.

A turning point in life?

By the time,you are eighteen, you are expected to make your own decisions.

Then I moved into the Ashram where there was a lot of discipline and structure to my day.

As a student, you are still like a tourist in Kerala. I didn’t know how it was like to live in a family. My in laws have been extremely gracious. Initially, I couldn’t figure out what people expected from me which is something I don’t have to worry about back in Germany. Most importantly, here I can explore my spirituality. Both cultures have its positives and negatives, I am able to balance both in myself and be at peace.

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The Charming Arrow Photography : Serin George Makeup: Mallik Costumes: Amaranthe Styling: Anamika Location: Our Native Village, Hesaraghatta, Bangalore

Back to Black Baggy trousers with white top and a black over-coat.

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Breathing in Blue Sleeveless navy blue kurti with a simple neckpiece.

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Classy Chic A classic pink dress with the hint of subtle silver chain.

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INTERVIEW

NISHa kutty

Through the Lens Malayali’s have a lot to be proud of. Add this renowned fashion photographer to that list.

Text Rakhi Jerly Photo Nisha Kutty ith her keen eye for color and composition, Nisha Kutty has made it big in the world of photography. Between Mumbai and New York, Nisha works her magic within the frame in fashion, beauty and advertising. Her work has been featured in some of the most popular publications including Vogue, Femina and Cosmopolitan. In 2006, WWD Beauty Biz named Nisha Kutty one of the top beauty photographers in New York.

FWD caught up with her to talk work and the love for Kerala.

One memorable shoot would be …

My next one! Which will be in Itay, hopefully. I hate to live in the past.

Other genres of photography you enjoy?

Still life, sometimes and street photography.

What’s more important – composition or color scheme?

What’s more important – your left or right eye?

A plain studio or a well-done set?

Well done set Your take on photoshopping?

It’s fantastic, but can be overdone sometimes. We need schools and courses to teach it well.

Art forms that inspire you and your work …

Ballet opera, Indian classical, films, architecture, mythology.

What elements would you use for a

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shoot focused on Kerala/Malayali?

The Kerala drummers and Kathakali dancers.

Fondest memory of God’s own country?

Food and of course all my relatives in Kerala.

NISHA KUTTY

& GROW

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P Interview

Jayesh GEORGE

itch Perfect

As joint secretary of the Kerala Cricket Association and venue director of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, Jayesh George is a busy man.

He is happy at the recognition sports is getting these days.

Preparing for the Indian Super League, the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium is buzzing with activity.The office of the KCA (Kerala Cricket Association) and the KFA (Kerala Football Association) are filled with workers moving boards of ply. The stadium is being tended to around the clock. Built in 1996 on a water logged area, the first International match played here was between India and Australia the next year. The stadium has gained recognition as one of the biggest in the country. Venue director and KCA joint secretary Jayesh George is in his office coordinating the proceedings and catching up with his KCA and cricket playing friends.

The KCA was formed in 1951 and has been working hard to attract more talent in Kerala. With the assistance of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) the KCA has built stadiums in Krishnagiri and Perunthalmanna with new stadiums in each of the 14 districts already in planning stage. The organization’s CASH (Cricket Academies and Sports Hostel) project is a

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Text Maria John Photographs Suneesh Suresh

model to other states, and they have funded over 400 girls and boys in the last year alone. The association is implementing Mission 2020 which will see cricket reach new levels in the state. They have also leased out the stadium from the GCDA (Greater Cochin Development Authority) for thirty years. Committed to the development

of sports, Mr. Jayesh is ecstatic about the various leagues that are coming up in the country.

The Grounds At the moment, his hands are filled with the proceedings of the impending matches. Mr. Jayesh oversees over various committees; ground, wick-

et, food, security, etc. It takes about three to four months to organize an international level game at the stadium. The stadium and wicket committee starts the work from day 1. The grass used at the stadium is Bermuda grass that needs to be mowed every week.

Weeding and watering happen daily as it needs constant care. The ground needs six covers if it rains the night before the game and 100 people are required for the process. Mr.Jayesh remembers a time in 2010 when the game got washed out. The outfield is mowed at 12mm and the wicket at 6mm for cricket. For football, the outfield is mowed at 24mm and the wicket at 4mm. Imagine the attention to detail.

Upto 500 people are involved in the production of a game. Mr.Jayesh is thankful for the constant support from the police and fire force apart from their team. There are thirty-two gates that are monitored by CCTV cameras from the venue operation centre.

There is also a special room for the press, anti-corruption committee, first aid, recreation, players’ area, etc.

There are twelve first aid stands for the public and 120 medical staff just for the players. Provisions for the food vendors are made. Over 60,000 people come to watch the matches, and the ticketing is done by NCC cadets. Few people realize the amount of work that goes behind the game. Two to three days before the big day, mock drills are carried out. Currently, the dressing rooms are undergoing a makeover for the ISL. For the West Indies match, their dressing room was decked out in red. Though India lost that game, Mr. Jayesh is happy that the team could pull a hassle free game with a good wicket.

Passion for Sports Jayesh George started playing cricket from a very young age. He used to play for the Kochi team, Swantons, at the Durbar Hall grounds. Tinu Yohannan and Feroze Rasheed, ex Kerala players, rose through the same team.

Mr. Jayesh remembers how the team was like his family, and they used to hang out at the coach N S Krishnan’s

Chittoor home. His love for the game led him to be the secretary for the Ernakulam District Association between 2005 and 2013. He was selected as KCA joint secretary in 2013 and joined fellow cricketer T C Mathew, who is the current President. Mr.Jayesh currently plays for the Kochi Strikers in the Veteran’s Premier League, Kerala.

The former Swantons player has great expectations for sports in the country. There are lots of changes that still need to be made. Most people don’t take sports as a career due to an issue with job security. In Kerala, only State Bank of Travancore offers employment. Sanju Samson is a great inspiration for young sports persons, and Mr.Jayesh believes he has a long way to go. He jokes that though he is a cricketer his children are avid football fans. We see our team playing at an international level for cricket; this is not the case with football. Hopefully with the ISL, this scenario will change.

Sports in India need a lot of encouragement and support, and Jayesh George is doing his bit.

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t Interview

ABDUL MANAF

he Fourth Estate

Social media have been a boon to our land. FWD happens to meet Manaf, who started two of the biggest positive campaigns Kerala has ever seen.

The social media have proved to be a saviour for both multi- national companies and small scale companies to promote their products and services online. Apart from promoting a brand, campaigning through Facebook and Twitter has turned out to be a rising trend. It gains instant popularity and draws a large number of supporters within no time. The inevitable downside of the medium is that it is exploited for personal gains and also propagates negative messages. One such campaign was ‘Perfect Body’ campaign by Victoria’s Secret. It sparked an outrage among women for associating skinny models to a perfect body.

People are socially obliged to give back to the society for every ‘like’ they acquire. In fact, some of the campaigns are solely aimed at the welfare of the society. Kerala can proudly present to the world two such campaigns; ‘Addicted to Life’ and ‘My Tree Challenge’ successfully executed by Abdul Manaf, CEO of Easy Soft Technologies. The executor says,

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Text Simna Nahas Photographs Abdul Manaf

“Both the campaigns gained immense popularity because of Mammootty who served as a Brand Ambassador for both; he could only be the biggest inspiration to any Malayali.”

The Positive Addiction ‘Addicted to Life’ began with the need of Excise Department and Kerala Bev-

erages Corporation to start an awareness campaign on alcohol and drugs.

Most students are victims to such acts because of peer pressure. Manaf cracked the idea of branding the people who aren’t addicted to drugs and alcohol. Therefore, depressing term gained a positive meaning with ‘Addicted to Life’. Anybody who is

addicted to life wouldn’t resort to unwanted addictions that lessen their lifespan. It was the idea of the campaign. People appreciated it because of its distinction from the statutory warnings and cautionary videos that are normally shown in television and theatres. “As a medium of promotion was Facebook, we designed cover pictures for all the celebrities with their photograph in ‘Addicted to Life’ poster. In no time, we received a flood of responses from people asking for ‘Addicted to Life’ cover picture with their photo. This made us create the FB cover designing app and approximately 2 Lakh people designed their cover photo using the app,” said Manaf.

‘Addicted to Life’ also stands apart because of its long term nature. The campaign is aimed at creating sub-divisions like addicted to photography, food, travel, etc. for its expansion.

Apart from the extensive appreciation, Manaf also received Excellence Award for successfully executing ‘Addicted to Life’.

The Real Challenge When ‘Addicted to Life’ was giving

back to the society, ‘My Tree Challenge’ was giving back to nature.

Inspired from the popular ‘ASL Ice Bucket Challenge’, ‘My Tree Challenge’ was a real challenge. Finding a place, good sapling, sparing one’s time and finally taking good care of the tree was a real difficulty. It all began when the photographer Imtiaz Kadeer asked Manaf what they could do to promote afforestation. Imtiaz himself plants a tree where ever he travels and has planted trees in almost 28 countries he visited.

The response of the campaign was ten folds more than they expected it to be. The major transition began when colleges took part in the challenge by planting trees and challenging other colleges. A college in Tamil Nadu planted 500 trees. It gained global reach when A.R Rahman’s sister, A.R Reihana planted a tree and challenged the Mayor of Australia. He planted a tree and challenged other mayors of major countries. “The challenge is still going on, and it feels great when people around the world are doing something we began in the first place,” said Manaf.

Quickies What was the first tree you planted?

I planted almost 25 trees. My first one was a Mahogany.

Share a tree fact The tree that takes the shortest time to grow is the weakest.

You are addicted to?

Implementing and executing creative ideas A challenge you would like to take up?

People can take up organ donation and being a non- alcoholic as the next challenge.

Being an entrepreneur, a message to people.

Be a socially responsible entrepreneur by creating job opportunities and satisfying employees.

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FWD BEAUTY

hair

HOT CROSS BUNS! You don’t have to always let your hair down, when you want to have some fun. This season we’ve got the hairstyles to cross out the Plain Jane ones.

Text & Photo Ramya Sridhar

Ramya | Hair Stylist

Curly Side Bun. Grab all your hair to the side(whichever side you prefer)and tie a pony tail just behind and below your ear, start curling the hair from the pony tail using curling iron, use curl defining sprays available in the market, take little sections of curled hair and place it around the ponytail and pin it.This will give a messy yet curly side bun.

Leave one or two strands to fall behind to get that classy edge.

Wear it with: This hairstyle is suitable for wedding receptions and an evening look. It's suitable for both elegant gowns, dress and designer sarees.

Bohemian Low Bun For those with curly hair, start with

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conditioned and blow dried hair, those with super fine hair, we are already there!

Divide hair into two, front and back horizontal sections. Make sure the back section starts from the crown of the head and make a low ponytail at the back. Roll the ponytail hair horizontally into a bun. You can take either side parting or center parting.

Start by half French braiding (in this case take 3 strands from beginning of the section. Keep adding hair to the front strand of the braid) both the front sections and braid till the end. Take this braid and place it around the low bun and secure it with a pin. Set it with light hair spray all over.

Wear it with: This hairstyle gives a classy modern look, which is well suited with a saree or elegant gown, perfect for wedding occasions and cocktail parties.

What is truly challenging about hair styling?

The most challenging part of hair styling is prepping the hair for a particular hair style. Prepping the hair means,adding texture and volume for the particular hairstyle. For example, when we decide to do super sleek hairstyle on an unruly and frizzy hair,there comes a job of transforming the frizzy hair into super fine sleek hair with variety of styling products,or making a silky fine hair into beach waves.

A hairstyle that is versatile for all looks?

Side Swept hair will look amazing on all face shapes, on all occasions. Top it up with either mermaid waves or keep it sleek straight.

Celebrity who dons it all?

Today, actor/celebrity Kangana Raunat experiments with a lot of hairstyles, from classic ballerina bun to high fashion mow-hawks.

An over- rated hairstyle?

The front puff hairstyle. I see it every where.

A great tip for taking care of your hair?

Oil,oil and oil, is the best friend in taking care of hair. The best way to wash out all the hair products is to apply oil.

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FWD BEAUTY

MAkeup

Marigold Marvel We can never resist our vivacious oranges from our sarees to flowers. Strike a change with a different color palette.

Text & Photo Sinin Sathar

Sinin Sathar | Make Up artist Trick to remove makeup?

Baby wipes are best for sensitive skin.

For dry skin, Olive oil is ideal.

3 essentials in every women’s makeup bag?

A good BB Cream with an SPF serves the dual purpose of moisturizing and also giving light coverage. Also carry Mascara and lip balm or a gloss The wackiest look you have done that can be executed off the runway too?

Would be my ‘Ramp Bride’! It was a high bouffant on the crown with a side braid. Bright red lips and gold metallic smoky eyes.

How and Hues Eyes: Create an outline for your eyelids with an orange pencil. Apply the Mac orange eyeshadow and then top it up with Mac Neo Orange Pigment for a more intense look. Curl the lashes and generously swipe on black mascara. Use Nyx jumbo white pencil for the waterline. Finally, fix artistic false lashes from Makeup forever Lips: Line up your lips using Colorbar sizzling Orange 007 and fill them with Mac Morange. Apply matching orange glitter on top for an ultra glossy shine.

Nails: Paint your nails with Mac Morange nail lacquer and some glitter to finish the look. Make sure there’s a contrast with geometric prints.

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Where to Wear This look is best for ramp shows, fashion events or high fashion glamorous parties. However, for a semi-formal look you can tweak it by keeping your eyes subtle with just a cat liner.

In a formal event with minimal makeup, pull it off with winged eyeliner. It can be a day look or beach look too.

Corals to a deeper orange look great on Indian skin.

With What to Pair Black and white outfits. Pair it with geometric prints with graphic eyeliners, long and short dresses, wrap around skirts, palazzo pants or saris.

What’s currently trending in the makeup world?

Minimal or no makeup. It’s best to skip the bronzers and rouges. Work the natural look with the right base. The hottest shades have moved to the dark side - from burnt reds to dark plums and grungy berry lips. Nails are sexier and more stylish this season. Mauve is glamorous without screaming for attention.

What’s one of the clichés about makeup artists?

Caking up the foundation that leads to a mask like appearance, painting both the lips and eyes very bright and loud to make you look cheesy.

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FWD BEAUTY

SKIN

Skin Matters “Oh it’s so humid in Kerala” is something we hear every day. Stay fresh and take note to keep your skin glowing throughout the seasons in the state.

Text Dr. Cuckoo Mathai Photo Various Sources travelling or outside for the major part of your day, take care to protect your eyes and face with sunglasses. Make sure you invest in a good pair, as cheap glasses will only hurt your eyes. Make sure you have access to water wherever you are and drink plenty. Photosensitivity reactions are more common in tropical weather. Avoid too much exposure to direct sunlight; an umbrella may be helpful.

Rise and shine Waking up early in the morning is not just a great way to start your day but also good for your skin. Start off with a glass of water before you do anything else. Wash your face with a suitable face wash for your skin type.

Pat a little moisturizer on your face.

Always remember to apply sunscreen lotion before you step out, even if it is a rainy day. Be gentle on your makeup. Wear loose cotton dresses which will help the skin to breath. Synthetic dress materials will increase chances of fungal infections in sweaty conditions.

On the go Sunscreen lotion is a must whatever your skin type may be. If you are

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Beauty sleep Wash off all traces of make-up at the end of the day with a makeup remover. Do not use just water, soap or oil. Clean up with a face wash at the end. Apply night cream before your bedtime which also acts as a moisturizer. A range of good products are available in the market.

There is a lot of truth behind a beauty sleep. Make sure you get up to eight hours of sleep.

Do’s and Don’ts With the kind of tropical weather here, we have had our share of frizzy hair and oily skin. Due to the high humidity, excess sweating can be a concern which might lead to fungal infections especially in body folds. If an antifungal powder is used on a daily basis, this can be prevented. You don’t want to be the one with the itchy skin in office. Yoga or daily aerobic exercises will help to maintain the vitality and youthfulness in all age groups. Another factor is stress. Avoid stress as it can add a few years to your skin.

Dr.Cuckoo Mathai | MBBS, DD Consultant Dermatologist Nedumchalil Trust Hospital Eat healthy: Home cooked meals, non oily, less sugar, include high fiber, vegetables and vitamins.

Drink smart: Avoid carbonated drinks, minimize coffee and tea to 1 or 2 cups, include green tea and drink up to two liters of water a day.

Always have: Sunscreen lotion, moisturizing lotion, Sunglasses, lip balm and a small bottle of deodorant.

Parlor: Visit a trusted beautician once a month for a cleanup and soothing facial Soaps: Avoid soaps as they are harsh on the skin. Take care to buy face wash for your skin type.

Share and Care: Personal articles like soaps, hairbrushes, towels etc should never be shared even among family members.

Fairness Creams: Avoid the various fairness creams in the market as they may cause serious side effects.

Make-Up Challenge: Avoid heavy makeup especially for people with oily skin and instead use an astringent or toner.

www.msquareclothing.com

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FWD wellness

health

Eat One’s Heart Out You don’t have to be a nutritionist to know that you shouldn’t eat fries and fried chicken on a regular basis. They’re loaded with sodium, fat, and cholesterol but do you know exactly how much?

Text Dr. John F John Photo Various Sources Cholesterol is a steroid lipid (fat) found in the blood of all animals and is necessary for proper functioning of our cell membranes and production of hormones. While there can be negative health benefits associated with low cholesterol, cholesterol deficiency is rare. Our bodies already manufacture all the cholesterol we need, so it is not necessary to consume more.

Excessive consumption of cholesterol has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A McMaster University researcher, Dr. Salim Yusuf, famous for his global approach to heart disease, has touched millions of lives. He did his research to study the causes of coronary diseases among 60 countries in Asia.

Apart from smoking, hypertension and stress, he concluded that the insufficiency of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet is another major cause.

Compared to Caucasians and His-

panics, we Indians are genetically predisposed to coronary diseases.

Some factors in our genes cannot be modified, but the environmental factors can change. Bringing changes to our lifestyle is the first step. Simple habits such as how we have our three square meals a day, increase the ratio of vegetables and fruits. Have more vegetable dishes than meat, and it isn’t necessary to eat meat every day.

A few things you could avoid or eat in seldom: egg yolk, chicken liver, shellfish and seafood, animal fat and oils, fast food (watch out for McDonald’s big breakfast), processed meat like bacon and a warning to those who love their cakes. Despite it being a healthy option in the long run, you can indulge in some of the greatest meals when you go out for parties and outings, it shouldn’t be a frequent affair though!

Dr. John F John | MD DM , Chief Interventional Cardiologist Baby Memorial Hospital At what age does cholesterol start building up?

2- 3 years. That’s why you should develop healthy eating habits in school children and control the consumption on junk food.

How regularly should you check your cholesterol level?

20 years old- once in five years If you do have cholesterol – every 3 to six months 40 years and above- Check yearly

Nutrition Intervention Tips to reduce cholesterol?

Try to avoid red meat – you can enjoy it during functions Avoid eating egg yolk Forty-minute walk every day Difference between HDL and LDL? HDL (high-density lipoprotein) - good for health and achieved by exercise.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – the unhealthy cholesterol

Avoid In Diet

Add On Diet

Kerala Style Beef Fry Calorie Content: 320 Fat Content: 101

Challa Curry Calories: 600 Calories from fat: 9

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Can you Balance HDL and LDL in a diet?

The French Paradox ! In their diet, the red wine when taken in a small amount helps in building HDL and counteracts the fat of the red meat too.

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FWD

RElationships

Unfaithful

Many couples have a fear that their partner or their spouse may cheat on them. There are a few steps that must be taken to wipe away such fears. ing, criticizing, threatening, punishing or rewarding to control.

Prioritize your relationship Often, when a man cheats, you will find a woman is also having an “affair” that’s not sexual. It’s more socially appropriate. This “affair” takes the form of prioritizing something, anything, over the relationship.

Happy Associations Last thing, what you can do is associating with happily married couples.

They can be a good influence and remind your spouse that being married is better than being single. It had been said that when a married man dumps his wife, the most concerned parties are the wives of his male buddies. ou need to give love to get love is what we hear all the time. But apart from all those clichéd advices, there is more to what you can do in a relationship.

Watch out for not being in the receiving end of rejection.

It's the age where the quotes as ‘True love never ends’ poses to be untrue.

Being cheated by your partner has become the most common and dreaded thought in everybody’s minds. Hearing the heart breaking stories of our friends, relatives and neighbours have become an everyday affair. FWD looks into ways that help you to stop your partner from cheating on you.

Be open to experimentation Men equate sex with desirability. Help your man to feel desired by expressing your love in a physical way. It can be easy to get comfortable, and fear of the unknown can stop you from being open to different sexual experiences.

Treat your spouse the way you would like to be treated.

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Improve your listening skills Most importantly, make time for your spouse and listen to them, even if it bores you out of your mind. Many men seek comfort in emotional affairs because they get no attention at home.

Put nagging on hold A spouse’s happiness is inversely proportional to the amount of nagging they receives at home. If you have trouble with this step, you can start by making a list of their most annoying behaviours–the ones you nag about– and cutting the list in half.

Appreciate your better half The three magic words that make a person’s heart melt are ‘I appreciate you’.

Give space Don’t become too controlling; often without realizing it, when we get into relationships we attempt to control the other person to do what works best for us. We engage in destructive relationship habits such as complaining, blam-

Advice If you are unhappy in your relationship, don’t point your finger at your partner. Look into the mirror and decide what it is that’s causing the unhappiness.

If you want something different from your man, ask for it. If he gives you what you want, then great! If he doesn’t, then look inside you for the solution.

Accept your spouse as they are and adjust yourself to manage your relationship. Meanwhile, in the quest for looking at ways to love him, never forget to love yourself.

Love yourself and be proud of yourself to gain their respect and love.

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FWD

art

rtistically Inclined

Kerala as a state has an eye for art, and we got a recommended list by renowned architect Tony Joseph, actor Murali Gopy and art professor Jayaram Menon.

Contributors: Tony Joseph, Jayaram Menon and Murali Gopy Films: Various Sources Fine Arts: Various Sources Architecture: Suneesh Suresh, Nirmal K F, Shin Krishna B.K, Stapati

Film Anubhavangal Paalichakal 1971 Director: K. S. Sethumadhavan

For being boldly blunt. For being sharply dramatic.

Kodiyettam 1977 Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

For defining innocence and coming-of-age, the way it does.

Elipathaayam 1981 Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan

For its most incisive dissection of a sociological mindset.

Yavanika 1982 Director: KV George

For being the mother of all Malayalam 'whodunit' flicks.

Peruvazhiyambalam 1979 P. Padmarajan

For the raw, rustic intensity of it.

Paadamudra 1988 Director: R. Sukumaran

For being the best yarn on inter-personal politics.

Thaazhvaaram 1990 Director: Bharathan

For the violent silence it hides between its words and visuals.

Sphadikam 1995 Director: Bhadran

For being the ultimate superstar movie!

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MURALI GOPY Ever since his debut in Rasikan, His impact in the malyalam indusrtry has been both figurative and and literal. His perspective shone in screenwriting and performance in roles with strong characterization. He won the 61st Filmfare Awards South for The Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Left Right Left and introduced the weaving of multiple stories in script in the movie, Ee Adutha Kaalathu, which won the Mohan Raghavan Foundation Award for the best script.

Architecture Padmanabhapuram Palace,Thuckalay

A beautiful example of our environmentally sensitive traditional architecture with well designed courtyards and exquisite wooden detailing.

Varikkasserry Mana , Ottappalam

The ideal place to understand the ‘nalukettu’ and ettukettu’ construction. Get a glimpse of life in a bygone era.

Vadakkunathan Temple, Thrissur

The temple is a hall mark of architecture and planning. The free flowing public spaces stitch the various structures together in perfect harmony.

Kuttichira Mishkal Palli, Calicut

TONY JOSEPH Internationally acclaimed architect Tony Joseph draws inspiration from regional architecture and translates them for modern sensitivities that are location specific. His firm Stapati has won many accolades for private and public projects especially in the field of hospitality. He hopes for a future in the state where public buildings are given due importance in design and functionality.

We find ourselves aping architecture which is not suitable for our climate.

This mosque is a lesson in how religious architecture can co-exist with local culture.

Ramapuram Church, Ramapuram

An example of a Syrian church with a Malayali identity which is being lost due to the unrelated forms that are creeping into our architecture.

Commonwealth Tile Factory, Calicut

The beauty of old engineering. One of the few British made factories still standing, this factory has immense potential for reinterpretation.

CDS Campus, Thiruvananthapuram

Centre for Development Studies

by Ar.Laurie Baker is an example of how we don’t need to break the bank for well designed public buildings.

The Leela, Kovalam

Merging into the steep landscape, the hotel by Ar.Charles Correa evokes simplicity inside and outside.

The essential beauty of the original structure is still retained in spite of renovations.

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FWD

art

KLR, Kumarakom

The Kumarakom Lake Resort brings together luxury and tradition in an environmentally sensitive design by Stapati.Among top 5 resorts,India.

Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi

A mixture of British & Dutch styles.

Interestingly the renovation was also an amalgamation of sensitivities: Stapati,Ar.AK Prashant and Ar.Karl Damschen. (Germany)

Fine Arts Paris Viswanathan, Madras School of Arts

He contributed a great deal to contemporary art.

Nandagopal, Madras School of Arts

He has a finesse for sculpting, bring more than a twist to metal.

Every time there’s an impressive amount of dedication.

Gopinath, Madras School of Arts

There’s something very bold in it, as it reflects the time where art strayed from convention.

C Douglas -Madras School of Arts

He can create dark imagery out of the most tranquil elements of nature.

Surendran Nair, Baroda School of Art

His tone of colors and the play of images have a very deep meaning to convey.

Jithish Kallat, JJ School of Arts

He can mix so many elements without creating a cacophony.

Bose Krishnamachari, JJ school of Arts

The clever juxtaposition of colors is enough.

Riyas Comu, JJ School of Arts

There are so many portraits but this is very expressive in the way it’s painted itself.

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DR. JAYARAM SIVA RAMA MENON He’s an avid reader, never leaves a canvas blank and enjoys playing the saxophone and violin .He hand picked the books in the Durbar Hall Libary. Currently he’s the visiting faculty, Amritha School of Arts and Sciences ,CDit and SJCC.

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TRAVEL

check list

he Check List!

Whether you are home or away, there are still things to catch up with in Kerala! Have a fun ride from the Northern tip to the Capital city and check off the activities to be done before you leave. FWD has also listed out the things to take back as souvenirs’ from Kerala.

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Sun-kissed Skin Want to go on a beach safari? Muzhappilangad beach near Thalassery is Kerala’s only drive- in beach which stretches across four kilometres. Don’t miss the Malabari dishes at the eateries nearby.

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At the Peak Have a rustic experience at the treehouse in Vythiri, Wayanad. It is an ideal honeymoon spot.

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6

If you have checked off Thrissur Pooram from your list, the next to strike off in the cultural capital is the Elephant pageantry.

January witnesses the Thypooya Mahotsavam where elephants strut in style and elegance for the pageantry.

Unreel Enactment Watch Theyyam performance special to the North Malabar which portrays the tales of blood-drinking yakshis and witches; the myths of serpent and animal deities and the deeds of ancient heroes.

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The Black Beauty

Moulding Dreams Being a land of traditional artistic skills, one must not miss the sight of sculpting pottery in a potter’s wheel.

It can be seen in the Aruvacode village, Nilambur.

Lay a Wager Put your bet on the bull you like the most and watch the bullock race that takes place every year in Malappuram.

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Weekend Adventure Kayak along the backwaters and camp overnight with a barbeque thrown in at Kothad Island.

Relish the Mountains Adrenaline pumping Paragliding in Thailand must have been fun, but the paragliding in Vagamon gives a refreshing and breathtaking experience with the rolling hills and

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sprawling tea plantations in the cool climate.

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High and Mighty Sit atop an elephant for the Elephant safari in Thekkady. The 30-minute ride through the spice plantation is an enthralling experience.

town to explore places on their bikes.

Next time hit the roads of Bonacaud with your friends to experience the isolated, unpolluted village in Trivandrum. You can trek your way through the forest up to Bonafalls and take a shower in the spectacular waterfalls.

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Relive the Past Look back at the history by visiting the Kottukal Rock Cut Cave Temple in Kollam. This place boasts of having a combination of Shiva Linga, Nandi and Hanuman, which is found nowhere else in India.

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Chuck the Ferry Never forget to include bamboo rafting in your itinerary when you visit Thekkady.

It is by far a great experience to move along the Periyar Lake when viewing wildlife.

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Trip to Bona Dulquer Salmans ride to Meghalaya with his best buddy Sunny Wayne has inspired guys in the

nut shell crafts are beautiful curios for your home.

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Real Reflection Bring back a souvenir from the district of Pathanamthitta, the Aranmula Kannadi which is known to bring luck, wealth and prosperity to your house.

15 offers.

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Kera Craft If there is a resource in Kerala that doesn’t face extinction, that will be coconuts. Coco-

Arpo Iro! Witness the Snake Boat race, one of the liveliest events in August. It is the best monsoon treat that Punnamada Lake

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Lungi Dance Head to Broadway, amidst all the shops you’ll spot the lungi shop. Visit your nearby tailor and stitch unconventional stuff like palazzos, kaftans or casual bags.

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FWD

Lauri Baker Tribute

Laurie Baker

“ My feeling as an architect is that you’re not after all trying to put up a monument which will be remembered as a ‘Laurie Baker Building’ ,but Mohan Singh’s house where he can live happily with his family.”

Text Lisa Baker Photographs Family

n life, there is always someone whom you look up to; who you believe has molded you into being a better person, and who will watch over you no matter what. For me, that person is my grandfather, Laurie Baker, an architect, a wonderful human being and my best friend. There are still flashes of my entire childhood when I think of him. He taught me right from wrong, and he taught me that making mud cakes are far better than playing with toys.

I grew up seeing his masterful strokes with red bricks, his ever famous jaali works and other beautifully created elements. Also known as the Brick Master of Kerala, his works touched a million hearts. His values and views on life were something to learn from. He believed in building

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for the common man. To quote him, “I want young architects and masons to understand why this so-called Baker style has come about so that ordinary people can afford to build houses for themselves. Then, they must understand how cost reduction is achieved.

Fancy brickwork or fancy shapes for rooms and buildings do not make a building Baker style. I think they must be consistent. That is; they should only think in terms of affordability, of suitability for the clients’ needs, of being truthful and honest in their approach to design. They should not do anything merely to be showy or outstanding. Any excesses, any wasteful or unnecessary use of materials are a slap in the face. To those who have no home and no hope of ever getting a home as long as we squander the wealth of our land.”. He believed that

the building should be truthful, and he had his principles that he was never ready to abandon. His wife, my nana was his constant support, the love they shared for each other was what made most people believe in “True Love”.

Being his granddaughter was something. There is nothing to top that feeling I got when he was by my side helping me grow up. I was fortunate to have spent my childhood and growing years in his presence. With silver hair and a heart of gold, that’s how I truly remember him. He was an ordinary person with an extraordinary mind. The love he showered upon me and the different principles of life he taught me have greatly influenced me.

Granddad, all I want to tell you is that if I could choose again, I would still choose you.

A

rt abode

A peep into the home of Thavil maestro Karuna Moorthy, in the historical town of Vaikom.

Text Maria John Photographs Suneesh Suresh

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aruna Moorthy’s love for the Thavil began at the age of 10. His mother’s uncles were famous Nadaswaram players, and little Karuna had inherited music in his blood. Since then Karuna Moorthy has been travelling the world playing with saxophone players, flamenco dancers, drummers, guitarists and the like, bringing a new voice to the traditional temple instrument.

The maestro wanted a place where he could unwind from his busy schedule and slip into his world of thoughts.

Vaikom was the ideal location apart from the fact that the Kshetrapeedom Kala was there.The natural beauty of the place and the delicious food from the region were reason enough to consolidate his decision. Now guests tell him that it is Vaikom, not Switzerland that is a paradise. He was

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returning from Thiruvananthapuram after a show when he saw a man sculpting granite.

He stopped the car and approached the sculptor. The man was astonished when Karuna Moorthy asked him if he could build a house.The sculptor agreed and joined Moorthy on his journey home.

In thought Karuna Moorthy was particular that his house met his needs and was made with the best materials. The musician consulted with a Vasthushilpi before embarking on the design. He sat on a stone bench in the corner of the plot and started weaving his dream with help from friends.Through scribbles and basic drawings he communicated

with his workmen. ‘Krishnashilakallu’ which is used for temple construction was brought in from the quarries of Koratty. Stone pillars and wooden sculptures were brought in from Karaikudi. Laterite stone was brought in from Ramanattukara. The team was given a free hand and it is evident in the finish.

Translation A traditional ‘padippura’ forms the entrance. A ‘thulasi thara’ graces the entry which moves from the porch and steps into the wide verandah. With the

House name: Karuna Area : 3250 sqft Materials: granite, laterite, teak, jungle jack

traditional charupady, this area enjoys the morning sun, evening shade and a cool breeze. One can hear the birds throughout the day as the locality is very quiet. The crafted wooden main door is flanked by wooden sculptures.

The windows of the house are inspired

by the louvers of traditional Kerala temples and topped by graceful stone arches. The family says that they spend a lot of time in the verandah where they have hung a traditional wooden swing.

On entering the house, one’s eyes naturally move to the pool of light in the centre. The central courtyard brings light and air to the rest of the house.

It is unmistakably the place where everyone gathers for a chat. Your line of sight ends at the somber pooja room.

The ground floor has two bedrooms, kitchen and dining room. The dining space, which is where the kids end up

studying according to Latha (Karuna Moorthy’s wife) is separated from the central area by the same wooden louvers. Upstairs is two more bedrooms, a balcony, terrace and a studio.

The studio is where many artists have come to play with the maestro.

Last Word The house has a quiet and somber aura. The interiors are kept minimal with a few paintings hung on the walls.

The woodwork on the columns and ceiling is exquisite. Latha mentions that the maintenance is done at least three times a month. The family is very happy in this home of granite and laterite. Karuna Moorthy does express concern about the concrete houses that we build these days. He dreams of a street where the walls are full of color and showcase the culture of the place. The ambience of the street should not be lost within tall, plain walls. His belief of sticking to your roots and then venturing forward is also reflected in the architecture of his home.

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s

poon Full of spice The world is becoming a global village. But the taste of sour mangoes and the zest of lemon on our spiced chicken is truly what gets our taste buds kicking in. After all, we are Malayalis, and the menu this time says I’m a Malayali too!

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Suneesh Suresh Location Courtesy Paragon, Kochi

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n Paragon, it’s an amazing feeling being in the restaurant but it’s even better in the kitchen.

Before the food got plated, Chef Roy Pothen led us into the kitchen, and he got us acquainted with the concoction of ingredients. It suddenly made sense when he said,” One misses the original taste of some meals when unaware of the traditional ingredients.”

Apart from the spices’s rich aroma, texture and shapes, I fell in love with the intricacies of the star-shaped cloves. I was drawn by the glimmer of the pomfret’s lustrous scales, the taste of freshly sliced raw mangoes and the

tempting invite of the fiery oiled chillies. As we looked around we spotted the ‘cherattathavi’ and the terracotta pots. On the fire, kappa was being prepared, and the aroma wafted in a memory of my grandmother’s cooking. I loved the sound of the crackling mustard seeds; it distracted me from the bustle in the mall. The restaurant transposed me to a homely abode, more than that the food took us to a time of tradition. Roy Pothen,“I have visited a few Illams and old Christian homes to recover recipes that have been lost. “ He has an inquisitive nature to understand how history paved its recipes.

The food was finally ready and he got a few herbs, and let me garnish the dishes. The final touch, and he mentioned, “The tiniest ingredients make the biggest difference. “

ROY POTHEN Executive Chef, Paragon He believes food isn’t enjoyed just to appease an appetite but to take us on a course of happiness. No matter how much you travel around the world in the end you will always crave for some naadan food!

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DHANIYA PRAWNS

NAMMUDE KAPPA

FISH KUMARAKOM

“Classic seafood can always go through reinvention,” said Chef Roy Pothen. The main ingredient for this dish is coriander and prawns. Fresh from the sea, we love our prawns usually fried or cooked in coconut milk, but this was a twist of taste indeed, and it was refreshing. It can be enjoyed with pulav and the versatile appam. If you want to try something different, you could try pairing this dish with porotta.

Kappa is paired with the traditional ‘meen curry ‘ and it’s one of the closest dishes to our heart. The bite of the dried chilli and the surprise element of shredded coconut is always something to look out for. It’s something so rooted in our culture, and also we’re one of the few people who enjoy this particular dish too. But apart from the classic kappa and meen combination, go on and experiment by mixing it with some other ingredients too!

Give us red and some of the flavours that set like the tangerine sunset.

It’s got a burst of tanginess with the punch of tomatoes. “The Kingfish is truly the king of all fishes because it’s got a great deal of flesh and can take flavours easily, “he said. Apart from its taste, it is a nutrition recommendation too.To enjoy this dish have some Kerala Matta rice or you can pair it with Kappa. Enjoy it with some classic toddy ( naadan kallu.)

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I

Photostory

Only Came to Use

Photography: Gheevarghese Pinku Styling: Aleena Sajeev Garments: Maanas Salim Model: Anaya Ma’Isha

the Phone

Her car broke down.

Long wait.

A ramshackle bus finally stop Driver: “Not going too far.”

Maria: “Doesn’t matter. Take me till wherever you can; all I need is a telephone.”

The bus entered a gloomy building. She got held there.

“But I only came to use the phone,” she said, helplessly.

Her obsession to smoke and to telephone increased.

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The photo shoot is based on a short story ‘I Only Came to Use the Phone’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.The essence of the story is captured in a series of photographs showing the main character Maria. She wears IndoWestern garments inspired by the same story.

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Finally, a matron agreed on telling her husband to save her from there.

The husband drove up to the asylum.“I'll come every Saturday,� he said.

He left her.

She cried like a madwoman.

Maria seemed very lucid the last time anyone saw her; finally content with the peace of the cloister.

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T

o Be or not to Be

a Malayali…

Getting down to the nitty gritty of being a Malyali, any defintion or explanation is far too less.

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Suneesh Suresh Illustration Leeza John Phlegm-inism For every woman who has to be outspoken, she’ll be misquoted as a feminist and suddenly the whole of Kerala has something to cough about.

Tailor- Made Every magazine cut out whisks its way to the tailor.A woman may not have an accountant, but she has a personal tailor who’s forever just – equality to size especially.

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Comedy Catastrophe Cross dressed men in shows get us laughing but not the LGBTs. What’s funnier, every show has to start with the word comedy to remind us it does not fall into the genre of failed humour.

Jumping Queues With the exception of BEVCOs, when it comes to standing in queues we surely get restless. It’s where we have a lot of sport- spirit playing kabaddi on a random ground, prone to bickers too.

Tuitions Children these days may have never listened to ‘We don’t Need No Education’. Apparently, school is just and hangout with uniforms.

Something Fishy We knew there are other fish in the sea, but the sea’s current streams with gossip and all the fish are on our plates. No no, the genes to to be a gossip girl swim in our veins.

That’s the Spirit!

My goodness, there were after- after- after parties when they said bars were going to close, celebrating every last drop.

Bandwagon Syndrome When it’s boiling outside, what’s up with the boys wearing hoodies and mufflers.

Dripping sweat exactly gangster style.

Calendar Girls It’s a new year and Manorma advertises its calendars on television and your mum makes it a point to get one instead of those fancy ones.

Gone Gulf Gone We go through our nascent stages, then puberty and finally hit adolescence. If you’re still here in Kerala, don’t worry you haven’t reached that phase yet.

Oiled hair If you’re stuck in a bus and you get the smell of freshly fried snacks you’re lucky, because hair strands stirred in oil are far worse.

Down to Earth menu Chena, Chambu, Koorka..when we say we are rooted to our culture –this mainly happens when we eat.

Inner Vest and Paragon Chappals You may wear your Gucci and your Prada shoes but when you hit your Tharavadu you need to wear your lungi and Paragon chappals.

Beat around the Bush We know men want only want a thick bond, when a woman’s hair is thicker than their skin.

Two -Timing We’re sure, we’re the biggest cheaters

when it come to opportunities because we’ve only got two careers to look forward to: medicine and engineering Outsourced intelligence Behind every successful Malayalee is an active passport. We hear about so many renowned Malyalis, but they just don’t sink their feet in their hometown.

Chinese Takeaway We feel bad for all the waiters who have to take orders in Chinese restaurants. Every person who enters the restaurant say this without looking at the menu, “Oru chilly chicken and fried rice. “

Below the Belly It’s illogical wear low waist jeans with a long tee but logical to wear low waist sarees with back revealing blouses.

Topper of the World When you walk into a bookshop, the best seller, it’s not books like Malgudi’s days but RD Sharma’s mathematics guide book. That is what was idolized by every student and parents.

Moustache Somewhere in biology textbooks, they’ve mentioned thatc colds can be prevented by growing a moustache to keep your nose warm.

Serial Killer Thanks for shooting our minds with serials that have a ‘pancaked’ motherin- law and an out of wedlock child.

Nostalgic childhood Every movie director has an obsession for starting a movie with a flashback What’s your favourite?

Newspapers and Tea Two things that should never be branded but strongly is. So are you a Kannan Devan & Mathrubhumi hybrid?

Communism We’re sure when someone says, Give me RED, you are not thinking of communism but Eveready batteries.

Game for a Name?

When you see your friend Wilby, you can guess her father’s name is Wilson and mother’s name is Beena.

Celebrity Fan Clubs Why aren’t we surprised with the celebrity fan clubs. This fusion between the political and movie world, now we’re waiting for a celebrity fan club manifesto!

Hartal We’re sure a bunking speculation happens like the stock market predictions. You need a knack.

Rounded Estimate Every comic mints money because their ladies’ assets have a rounded estimate.

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Event

seematti

Stars on the Ramp Lisa Haydon, Rima Kallingal and Sophia M Joe hit the ramp for Beena Kannan’s Celebrity Fashion Show held at Le Meridien.

ochi witnessed Beena Kannan's vibrant and stylish designer wears and bridal collection at the Seematti Celebrity Fashion Show on 11th October at Le Meridien. Lisa Hayden, Rima Kallingal and Sofia M Joe- who represented India for Miss World Deaf and Dumb contest -were part of the show. There was a performance by classical Rajasthani singers , a scintillating dance performace

by Rima Kallingal and finally a classical music fusion performance. They also screened Beena Kannan’s travelogue across Bengaluru, Jaipur and Varnasi.

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Event

enesemble

Envisioning an

Ensemble

Students of Fashion Technology acquired the skill and expertise with the first ever design contest which was held at Le Meridien.

The contest was aimed to foster young talent, build and encourage the students.

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EVENT

LULU HAPPINESS

Happiness Launched Lulu Happiness a newly launched magazine powered by FWD to promote the premium lifestyle culture among the city folks. ulu Mall collaborated with FWD to present Lulu Happiness, a mall magazine that has a glimpse of the products, services and happenings in Lulu.

Actress Rima Kallingal launched Lulu Happiness at the central atrium of the mall. Nishad M A (Director of Lulu Mall), Shibu Philip - (Business Head), Ameen Sheikh (Director of Lulu Celebrate), Nishad P A (Business Head, Retail), Sudeesh Nair (General Manager), Sheeref M K (Asst.

Mall Manager), Swaraj N B (Media Coordinator), Arun Balachandran, (CEO FWD) and Abraham Tharakan, (Editor of FWD) were present on the dais.

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EVENT

LULU HAPPINESS

Wedding

Bliss

A wide selection of wedding collection ranging from clothing to accessories was presented at the Lulu Wedding Fashion Show held at Lulu Mall. ant a one stop destination for your wedding? Pull over at Lulu Mall with the entire family and indulge in the fun shopping experience that Lulu offers. A fashion show was held as part of branding the mall as a complete wedding shopping destination.

Models hit the ramp wearing exquisite wedding saris and gowns from Lulu Celebrate, Bandhej and Fab India with finely crafted jewellery pieces from Bhima Boutique, Josco Jewellers and Kushal’s Jewellery. Well- fitted suits of Van Heusen, V. and Raymond were also showcased on the ramp. Classic watches of Rado and the trendy shoes of Metro were flaunted by the models.

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EVENTS

NATIONAL

Tommy Hilfiger’s

10th ANNIVERSARY PARTY st Estelle – including her international arti ning -win ard Aw y mm Gra by e anc form e in India.

Guests were treated to a private perand ng” – which was her first ever performanc Thi My “Do ” Boy an eric “Am hits chart-topping merican fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger visited New Delhi and Mumbai, India, to celebrate the Tommy Hilfiger brands’ milestone 10year anniversary. Guests were treated to a private performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle.Sonam Kapoor and Ranveer Singh joined the Tommy Hilfiger anniversary party.

Over 400 guests and VIPs including Daniel Grieder, Global CEO Tommy Hilfiger and CEO PVH Europe and Shailesh Chaturvedi, CEO & MD Tommy Hilfiger India. It also included an interaction with students from NIFT ,New Delhi.

Venue: Leela Palace, New Delhi Date: September 27, 2014

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HUMOUR

TICKLED PINK

PARODY

A D

PAROLE

The anatomy of a Malayalee simply stands out with the fact that we get tickled with our set of funny bones.

Text Atheena Wilson Photos Various Sources

ACHUMAMA For all the mimicry artists who need to go through a screening test, this voice gets you through for a comedy license.

BC E G H J BOBBAN AND MOLLY The characters are filled with curves, we mean smiles.

COCHIN HANEEFA Just when you are actually clueless of what to say we bet you say Jaba Jaba.

FACIAL HAIR An absence of it means there’s mutation in the character.

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ELEPHANTS It can only be in Kerala where the elephant stands in par with the protagonist and also gets drunk like a dude!

GIRI GIRI Got us laughing at the wordplay of his own name, he’s a ‘out’standing’ comedian.

JAGATHI SREEKUAMAR “Ammachi ek ladkhi aour ek ladka ithu vazhi ponathu kanda”His movie list runs longer than the number of people who’ve laughed their hearts out!

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DIALECTS Dial M for Malayalam, we’ve got slangs that’s more than the curries of an Onam sadhya

HARISHREE ASHOKAN He’s got a bus load of jokes that’s chugging far too much with laughter. Parakkum Thalika indeed!

I INNOCENT If he had to change his name, will Funny Boy sound any good?

L K MN Q O R V U KUNJAN Hai Kulla Mudanthampi

S OOmMEN CHANDY

SALIM KUMAR “Kaanan looliklla enne odukkathae budhi aan.”

When comedy teaches vanity an important lesson.

LAL “Smart boy” I know you turn ‘red’ when you cringe, but the laughter got us turning into beetroots.

MAMMOTTY AND MOHANLAL

QUEUES Nothing beats the line up while watching a movie, especially the negotiation deals to get the fast track tickets.

PRANCHIETTAN “Mattuvin Chattangale” He may have to join entrance coaching classes to pass 12 th grade, but we’re sure the Saint will sign up for his classes to become a better man.

T

TASNI KHAN Kanyaka We loved her sports spirit in Trivandrum Lodge because she escaped a foul!

RIMI TOMY She not only lift spirits up but also gets Sharukh Khan to lift her too.

UMBRELLAS Sunny or not, chuck the roses you play with this when you’re in the romantic mood, take note Niram and Chadikatha Chandu.

X-RATED POSTERS Your eyes shall pick at its will when they say stick no bill.

Z

VAIKITTU ENTHA PARUPADI ?

Got us all laughing because he worked up a dry appetite and humour! It’s in our slang now?

X Y W WEDDING In the history of Mollywood, the number of jokes outweigh the gold necklaces of the richest heiress.

NOSTALGIA Because all movies have hilarious flashbacks, note Da Thadiya.

YEKSHI These yekshis must charge severe roaming charges, especially at night.

They’ve got us laughing harder than Saturday Night Live.

Zzzzzzzzz, then there are some jokes you sleep off to

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FWD

promotions

V STAR

THE STAR AMONG MEN’S INNERWEAR BRANDS!

V Star redefines machismo with a range of stylish new innerwears and boxers. Designed with style and passion, V Star showcases the ‘New Body Language’ for the ‘Gen X Male’ and has created quite a stir in the men’s innerwear segment.

V Star’s emphasis on quality, style and the use of the ultimate comfort fabric, has catapulted V Star into a much sought after designer brand for men. V Star recently introduced HUE ROCKS a terrific trio of briefs designed to appeal to the sensibilities of new generation customers.

Racer V Star Racer features drop needle briefs, made from 100% cotton, drop needle, interlock fabric and stylish wider outer elastic, branded with broad letters. The specially knitted and dyed fabric ensures a soft touch and feel. The wider elastics are made from rubber free elastic material for enhanced comfort.

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The superior quality elastic allows extra stretch. Designed to provide a comfortable fit, the specially dyed and knitted fabric ensures a soft touch and feel.

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SAtire

oye baap re

Dead Mallu Running

We’re all the butt of all Jokes but we still love laughing at ourselves.

Text Ronnie Kuriakose Illustration Leeza John

t was the day before Christmas, and I was on my way to attend the evening prayers when I saw this procession on its way to the Church. I followed, ever-engrossed in prayers, until I found myself right outside a beverage shop. What I thought ,the procession was, in fact, the well-disciplined line of the lungi-clad folks known to most north Indians as the arrogant Mallus. It was not so hard to believe, and thenthe many disturbing stories that I had heard of men such as these. Pregnant with cheap whiskey and fat-oozing meat, they, with their unwashed curly hair pasted back onto the head with thick coconut oil, repulsed me. But little did I know that, like every other Mallu, I soon would be drawn to this same line some ten years later.

If it is the green hills of Munnar, the lush fertile plains of Kuttanad, the illustrious backwaters of Alappuzha, and the heritage of Fort Kochi that makes Kerala the most desired travel locations in India, it is us, the Mallus, who keep the tourists away. In our pursuit to attain the highest literacy rate, we have lost the simple niceties that made us who we were. We have

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now reduced, though well-educated, to a bunch of Marxist fishmongers who pelt stones to disagree. If on rare occasions we do agree, it is done solely through hand gestures, the occasional wobbling of the head, the posture, and through our grunts and snorts. We have traded away the art of conversation for verbal convenience.

Ten years ago, anyone from south India was labelled Madrasi in north India. Perhaps something to do with our love for dosas and chutney, I believe. We Malayalis have gone out of our way, taken hard efforts to get this sorted, to make a name for ourselves, and stand apart. We have rightly got ourselves named The Mallus.

There is this popular joke that my friend used to bore me with during our long drives. What happens if you make a team with two Biharis, two Bengalis, and one Punjabi? The answers vary.

But this is mine – The two Bihars will construct a building. The Punjabi dons a cloth over it, calls it a restaurant, and starts cooking. One of the two Bengalis will call himself the owner and the other will beat him to death, citing the many rules of Marxism for ownership.

But what happens when you make a team with five Malayalees? Nothing.

A group of Mallus sitting together has achieved nothing. Our state assembly is perhaps the ideal example. Another point to mention here is their hesitation to speak Malayalam. Even when they know that the team they are in consists of only Mallus, they refrain from speaking Malayalam, in hopes that a few English words would give them the right to reign superiority.

There are two kinds of Mallus on occasions such as this – the one who does not give up pretending and the one who has already succumbed to his lazy self. The pretenders, who often enjoy the slice of luck, then pack their bags to the Gulf. They promise to visit the others often with a bag of goodies which include a Brut spray, the Axe gel, Leather Luxury Bar Soap, and some bermudas and slippers. The others become politicians.

The world of a Mallu is a difficult one and most would shuffle in their seats with irritation reading this. But being Mallu, he cannot care any less lest it affects the digestion of the rice and kootaan he had for lunch.

RENAULT kannur

5/3346a, Mavoor Road, Mob: 8111 88 9311

RENAULT thrissur

NH 47 Bypass, Mannuthy, Thrissur Mob: 8129 23 8888

RENAULT thiruvanathapuram

NH 47 Bypass, Muthathara, Mob: 8129 01 8888

RENAULT calicut

5/3346a, Mavoor Road, Mob: 8129 55 8888

RENAULT KOCHI

NH 47 Bypass, Kochi. Mob: 8129 24 8888 (Kalamassery),NOVEMBER 8129 11 8888 2014 (Vyttila) FWD LIFE 113

EVENTS On Air

93.5 red fm

Maveli on air this Onam!!!

or Maveli, the routine way of coming to meet his people during Onam is passé. He chose to come to the RED FM studio and talk to his people through the radio this year. And what more, he arrived with loads of gifts.

This Onam, Maveli surprised his people by talking to people through RED FM mikes.

RED FM conducted Njaan Maveli Contest, wherein Maveli asked interesting questions about Kerala and its tradition.

Though some were tough yet interesting questions, people from different districts of Kerala poured in their answers with SMSs. Gifts from Meenu Mix were given on a daily and weekly basis across the month.

For winners it was a matter of pride to have answered his tricky questions. One of the weekly winners of RED FM Thrissur, Reshmi said, “Since the questions were about Kerala, we were keen to know the answers and when we knew them, we sent SMSs. We had a fun time during Onam. I’m glad I won

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a Mixer Grinder from Meenu Mix.” Another event that RED FM hosted recently was the Mehendi Fest. Women, especially of the Malabar region, cannot think of wedding celebrations without the mehandi ceremony. Thus, RED FM hosted the Mehendi Fest at Kannur where women were asked to apply mehandi in beautiful designs on another woman’s hand.

Around 100 women reached Capitol Mall at Kannur on October,17 with loads of excitement and displayed some of their best designs. Judges for the event were Fashion Designer Reetha Hareesh and Lecturer Shalima Suhas. The woman who displayed the best design won a couple trip to Kullu Manali while other two winners were gifted vouchers worth Rs 7000 and 5000 respectively. This was the second consecutive year when such a fest was hosted at RED FM Kannur. Participants were equally elated during the second season and said that they were eagerly waiting for the third.

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NOVEMBER 2014

FWD LIFE 115

116 FWD LIFE

NOVEMBER 2014