COVER
QUOTE
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‘The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.’ -Pablo Picasso
Team and Contributors Sukiran Singh, Editor Simarjot Wadhwa, Junior Editor Supreet Khurana, Creative Executive Simrat Bohra, Industry Liasion Gajinder saini, Photography Assistant Shripriya Shetty, Writer
Contributers Karan Nevatia, Photographer Priyanka Kirve, Photographer Ruchir Vashishtha, Photographer Sommy eric, Stylist Tarsha Khurana, MUA Anu Mariya, MUAH Valene D’souza, MUAH
Thanks to Ruchira Ghormare Ms. Shamita Didi Sandhu OML Management Pistorela Inega, TFM and Faze Management
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CONTENTS
10 Primaries of INDEX Pop
14 Ruxana Pathan
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Reena Datta
Farhat Datta
LA LA LAND
Param
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58
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5 days of Summer
Cover Story
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The Golden Throne 4 M.IND MAG June 2018 Mindmag.media
Ritviz
Editor’s note
I remember when I sketched a full mural of a semi-nude levitating woman, draped in chiffon, with pencil on my 10 feet tall room wall, at an age of 15 or 16. In a country where this might be seen as an act of obscenity, for 15 years my parents did not get that wall painted, when the whole house got painted a dozen times over the long decade and a half. They did not care about the nudity, but understood the artistic emotion that the work was showcasing. It was an expression of my newly found maturity and sense of self and freedom. My piece of work invoked emotions without a single uttered word. Well, that is what art can do, be it visual or audible. It can change perspectives and influence. Touch souls and render imaginations. Why is art one of most expensive investments in the world? Why does a Jackson pollock or a Leonardo Da Vinci cost a $100 million? The reason and the answer is simple. We live boring lives, most of us. Art brings hope and color in life, with either its record of history or a million interpretation one can see in it. This month, the June 2018 issue of M.IND Mag, celebrates art and some of the Contributors to it.
Sukiran Singh Editor, M.IND Mag
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THE ART OF FEELING Evolving mindsets and breaking stereotypes through art. by Shripriya Shetty
does India need a Rennaissance?
Image: Pixabay
Of all the things mankind is capable of, the power to feel and to express is one of our strongest abilities. This makes us human and this lays the foundation of what we call humanity and like everything else that[ exists in the world, placing this ability in a spectrum of absolute good or bad is right next to impossible. Driven by the nature of our surroundings, the power to feel and express draws a very thin line between the two most overwhelming emotions that are the underlying cause of all compassion and destruction in the surface of the worldThat feeling of love and hate, playing two sides of the same coin, binds and yet divides us all. A constant chaotic atmosphere prevails over the society which is overwhelmed with power drunk politicians, ruthless terrorists, misogynists and hypocrites contributing to an ever growing communal violence and political unrest, there seems to be no end to war. Grand speeches on the city square, one community against the other, attracting a mass following of temperamental citizens, blind-
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blinded by fake generosity and promises, bound together with an abundance of hate and revenge. Are we now holding hands and walking towards our own doomsday? Nevertheless, even with the presence of varieties of miscreants in our society, one of the many communities being targeted and widely criticised happen to be those of artists of all sorts. The evident reason being their impactful works of art and their attempt to restore harmony and goodwill in the society. Art, through the ages, has evolved into a greater phenomenon, from being a mere source of entertainment with beautiful paintings of scenic views or stories and poetry on romance to various aspects of social substance and progressive change that has influenced millions and triggered criticism from the rest. This change is of utmost importance and has been highly prominent in recent years, where in artists with massive fan following that concentrated on providing entertainment on various platforms of media are now trying to utilise their fan base to promote a better society. The success of this lies with the mere power and ability of an art work, or artist to make the viewer feel. Speaking of recent events that has really touched the hearts of millions and has received worldwide recognition is the latest music video “This Is America” by Donald Glover better known by his musical stage name, Childish Gambino. In no less than a week, the video received massive hits on Youtube and topped The Billboard’s Hot 100. By using music as a medium, this song by Donald Glover, is a political masterpiece that has created awareness towards the plight of black lives in America. Art has been the source of revelation to many and has inspired and influenced the minds of all generations by the means of making the world feel. Unlike political propagandas that bombard citizens with unnecessary information and leave the citizens feeling more distant and disconnected from the world, a non violent approach of art and artists towards creating awareness by engaging and encouraging citizens with their work harbours and nurtures a more tolerant public with an idea of being a global citizen. Through the feeling of being moved and the feeling of being part of a larger ‘we’ instead of ‘them’ and ‘us’, Art develops a deep sense of connection both emotionally and physically amongst viewers and motivates them to partake in the process of upliftment of the society; the possibility of forming innumerable interpretations of the same piece of art provides a ground for the emergence of new perspectives and acceptance of differences by broadening public’s mindset and influencing their perceptions. The world is moving through a rapid phase of globalisation and industrialisation where brilliance in scientific and technical skills, and the growing hunger of power and money, is of more importance and value than human lives. For a collective growth we are in grave need of art and artists to facilitate a democratic society and restore a real sense of freedom in the minds of the people by
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encouraging empathy, compassion and love. A society that deals with public grievances with moral etiquettes and delicate methods like poetry, photographs, writings, paintings in itself is a better society. It is not every day that we find ourselves deeply moved by our surroundings. Professing a finer society by implementing art in political, social and cultural interests, we are stimulating a greater society that eliminates ignorance and insensitivity between communities and contributes to development in terms of technology and morality, both of which are essential for an overall societal wellbeing. Art has never been a set of rules and regulations or postulates describing what has gone wrong and what needs to be done, it’s merely portraying global issues like climate change or terrorism in its truest, most raw form, creating a spur in the hearts and minds of the public and urging a need for change. In its ways of using sublime and subtle techniques to trigger human emotions and attract mass response, lies the very beauty of art. ***
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Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is. - Jackson Pollock 9
Primaries of
Pop
Photographed by Sukiran Singh Model - Jesslina Nayyar (Inega), Makeup and hair by Valene D’souza
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FAme Game
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RUXANA PATHAN MODERN INDIAN ARTIST
INTERVIEWED BY SIMARJOT WADHWA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUKIRAN SINGH, ASSISTED BY SIMRAT BOHRAA
Your paintings are a gateway to the past. Why has the subject “past” fascinated you ? Every individual leads a life that has an element of orchestration which is sometimes vocal through inertia and sometimes silent within its vocalness. It is in this span of Time and Space that all Life and Art finds its meaning and rhythm. Herein lies the beginning of my odyssey...my trajectory as an artist...i attempt to integrate and explore the keyboard of this very orchestration. From the passages of hidden stories...revealed through the scars n wrinkles on an old woman’s face...the crumbling and decaying buildings...the peeling weathered wood and the patina of Time on the face of old doors. These rhythms of transition and incarnation become a metaphor of human existence. And now i look at these old crumbling doorways as point of inner significance ,a merging of symbol n reality. Doorways that are a journey of transformation and healing like a spiritual allegory where endings are just doorways to new beginnings.... ushering in of hope n peace through the dynamics of life assertion as point of inner significance ...a merging of symbol n reality. The art lovers find themselves captivated to the imagery drawn by you through the medium of colours. How have you been able to keep the interests of the people alive through the subject which many would like to fade away from their lives? I create works that bring not just joy or caress the soul.This expressiveness chronicles life to fortify...to validate...to rise from the ashes of yesterday...sometimes from boundless solitude...to heal. I invite the viewer to a journey where the metaphysics of the universe unfolds and reveals itself..a journey of re-connection and self discovery where you transcend into the dynamics of life assertion.
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How do people respond to your way of expression in your exhibitions of paintings.What experiences have you garnered so far ? I’m elated and humbled by the amazing reactions to my works. From the little 3yrs old toddler who came in with his German parents, stood before my 6 foot tall tight close up of Jesus’s face where the crown of thorns was replaced by a crown of crosses.This child stood before this painting looking intently at it and refused to move away. He had to be forced to go and bawled out of the gallery. It was the time when a classroom of special children from a school for deaf and dumb came in to see my show.I have never seen children ask so many questions.Their excitement and joy was overwhelming.I loved that interaction and had a tough time holding back my tears when they left. Then there was that time when an elderly couple stood for long before one of my paintings that spoke of losing a beloved in a riot.I had titled that painting with a verse from Ghalib’s poetry... “No sparks have flown yet Nor yet does any ash remain I have been burnt but know not In what manner i have burned.” They stood silently...crying...then came n hugged me tight;wordlessly. And the times when senior artists appreciate my work... And then of course, the countless times the casual viewer...the connoisseur...the close friend...tell me that they love my paintings. All this immenseness is very humbling and makes all this hard exhausting work worth it. An artist always enjoys a quotient of contentment in his /her work. Which realm do you find yourself transported while contemplating your own work? Every work of art that I embark upon is a journey that i take. I am not merely the artist creating a work; I’m the story, I become the painting...a roadmap from the dark, evolving into a the victory of human fortitude. I go from a conflict to enobling the human spirit and finally to a spiritual resolution in which the colours compose a spectrum of this visible world as I move from quiet solitude to a state of exaltation. But finally I feel harmonised as though I have created a balance. Do you think that art should be above all barriers? What significant role does it play in bridging the gap not only within India but also across the world? Definitely. Art in every form has the incredible power to transform people and communities. It can bring people from diverse cultural and economical strata to a commonality.It is therapeutic and encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. Art heals..it inspires...it can express the angst behind a revolution. In fact, it can even start a revolution. The ability to envision and create, may be one of the most fascinating parts of being human. Art can be a catalyst and a crysalis on our path of evolution.
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REENA DATTA MODERN INDIAN ARTIST
INTERVIEWED BY SIMARJOT WADHWA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUKIRAN SINGH, ASSISTED BY SIMRAT BOHRAA
You started doing a job at an early age . You represent spirit of a Mumbai woman who loves to be economically independent and self-sufficient . Tell us about your early experiences of doing a job and imbibing this feeling of financial freedom. I started working after graduating from St. Xaviers College where I did my BSc. in Statistics. I took up a job at East West Tours and Travels as a break from studying. I worked for 9 months there…made lots of friends…enjoyed myself and learned a little about the travel agency business. After this I went back to what I wanted to study which was computer programming. I had always imagined myself to be working in an office and it felt good to do that. My first pay cheque was a very special moment for me. You got married at the end of your teens . Would you like to share some beautiful memories from the past ? My marriage gave me many many beautiful things. Besides all the unforgettable memories of love and togetherness, I also had my two most precious children. They are my life. Also I got included in the most amazing family which showered and continues to shower so much love, respect and care onto me. I have imbibed so much from all of them and will be ever grateful for they being in my life. You’ve had a good association with the Bollywood industry . Please shed some light on your experience being a part of the industry. The film industry is like any other industry I imagine. The process of film making is very hard work which most people outside the industry don’t see. You produced ‘Lagaan’ and the journey of ‘Amir Khan Productions’ began. What made you enter the field of production and became backbone of a successful Production House ? I helped start Aamir Khan Productions when the film ‘Lagaan’ was to be produced. It needed someone full time to form the company and start the preproduction of the film. Since I had a mathematics, statistics and computer
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background, I thought I could do this work and learn about the film industry and how it functions. Your daughter Ira is a painter. How did she develop interest in this field ? Who was her true inspiration ? I think Ira has a lot of talent in art. From a very young age, she made very interesting drawings especially of people. Watching her aunt and me paint probably helped her to continue developing her creative skills. You are creative by nature but you went into production too. This is a combination of art and commerce . How do these two different fields play a very important role in an artist’s life ? Has the creativity suffered because of the influence of money ? I was not a creative person…I studied statistics! I was always into organising and worked well with numbers and estimations. I started developing my creativity later in life after my children were born and had reached an age where I had some time to myself. Therefore I say that everyone is creative…it’s a matter of developing it. When I started painting, I suddenly started noticing so many colours around me which I would never have thought about or seen before. Everyday mundane things look very beautiful when interesting light falls on it. I’m sure commerce is important in an artist’s life. However I personally feel that everything is connected…be it art, commerce, science, philosophy, psychology etc. They are all interdependent and to create and develop art, an artist must try to have all these experiences of life. You nurtured your children and made them independent individuals . Your son Junaid intends to join the Bollywood . Was the environment at home a stimulation or was he driven by his own instinct ? Both my children were brought up to be sensitive, respectful and sensible adults. What they choose to do in their lives, is fully their decision. We have tried to expose them to various aspects of life so that they can make informed decisions in their lives. What dream do you envision for your own children ? I would want my children to be happy….wherever life takes them and whatever they may be doing…they should be happy. Do you think art can be a driving force for directing the young generation ? If yes, how ? I think art ( anything creative) and sport are the two driving forces to direct the young. Developing your creative instinct gives you a different perspective on life and the things around you. Sport inculcates movement, health, leadership, commoradary and discipline. In the days of cell phone computers and perpetual screen time, both these things is even more crucial for overall development of the young generation.
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FARHAT DATTA MODERN INDIAN ARTIST
INTERVIEWED BY SIMARJOT WADHWA PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUKIRAN SINGH, ASSISTED BY SIMRAT BOHRAA
You belong to a family of artists and there are always some expectations by the family members .How has this environment impacted you in your growth ? I have been very lucky to have grown up in an environment where I was exposed to the creative process in the form of cinema, from an early age. I keenly watched my father, Tahir Husain and my uncle Nasir Husain who were successful film makers, engrossed in their music sittings, which I made a point to sit and watch whenever I could and also the discussions that took place while sorting out different aspects of the film, be it the story graph, or the newest song that was recorded or the numerous rough cuts of the film on hand, that the whole family watched together. It was very exciting to take it all in. It certainly shaped our perception of creativity and art. My family has been a source of great encouragement and support throughout my journey as an artist, but with the absence of any kind of pressure. I found my voice as an artist in my own time. You completed your graduation from Sophia College and gave a gap .After 7 years , you pursued your education again . What made you driven towards this desire of yours ? I had trained as a graphic designer from Sophia Polytechnic. It was a very exciting field and I loved the art discipline and art space it introduced me to. The gap years were, when I got married and moved to America, and then to Paris. Through these years as I could not work without my work visa, I chose to continue to study art at ‘Ecole Superieure D’art Moderene’ and at “Pratt’ New York, as I did not want to break the connection with my skill set and desired to keep growing as an artist. Both these art meccas influenced me further and I was even more sure that being involved in art is what makes me tick. As soon as I could, after the kids were older, I returned to doing graphic design free lance work from home and thereafter forayed into fine art when I moved back to Mumbai. You are an independent individual and you forge with the times . How have you been able to balance between your professional and personal life ? When I became a mother, I was very clear in my head, that I wanted to stay at home and raise them myself. I felt strongly that for me it was important to be with the children. There would be enough time later to pick up where I had left
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off. So that is what I did. And I am happier for it. As the kids have grown older I can now give more time to my art. But I am there for them when I need to be, and am very happy to modify my work time to fit in quality time with my husband and children because I find peace and fulfillment in that, which in turn helps me to feel grounded in a way that lets me connect with my art, in the way that I want to. My endeavour is to listen to my inner voice and let that help me decide. Weather I am perceived as forging with the times or not, is irrelevant to me. You are a versatile personality and enjoy pursuing many hobbies . How diffferent interests keep you cheerful and integrated within ? I do find a lot of things interesting. I love to read, I used to love needle work, and I am going to get back to enjoying that, I am self learning Piano, but that too has been sitting on the back burner for a long time. Recently I find it very challenging to find time for these hobbies that I love, but I think its very therapeutic to engage in activities that increase the positivity factor in our day to day lives, whatever that is for each one of us. It like taking your daily multivitamins. It energizes you. Art has paved the way for you to be an entrepreneur. How did the journey of FARHAT DATTA GRAPHIC DESIGN begin ? While I was still in America, the kids were now a bit older and I was itching to start designing again. I started to freelance from home as a graphic designer. I designed my own website and taught myself ‘Dreamweaver’ which was the software used a lot for designing websites at that time. It was a lot of fun figuring it all out and finally publishing my website. I did logos and brochures and promotional literature for companies and individuals. It was a great learning experience. You were declared A DESIGN AWARD WINNER FOR GRAPHICS AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN CATEGORY IN 2012 . Please share your experience pertaining to it. I was browsing for some graphic design competitions to take part in, just to exercise and sharpen my creative skills, when I came across this contest to design a universal logo to depict language options on websites. …..for example if one is seeing a website in French but one wants the English version, we look for a link to make the website appear in the desired language. The contest was to design a universal icon that could be understood by everyone no matter what language they spoke and visually denote a language option on a website. I thought that was very challenging and immediately put my thinking cap on. I sent a few designs for this contest. One of my designs was first short listed in the three finalists and then it was open to voting after which it won. This competition was held by ‘A Design Awards’ which is based in Italy. I was thrilled that my design had won and the condition was that the design that wins, would be free to be used by everyone, which I was fine about. And to my delight, I got a few emails, by strangers, mostly in Europe and America, who had come across my design and wrote to me saying they loved it and were using it on their website. I thought to myself, “how cool is that!!”
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How do mediums like water colour , acrylic , charcoal etc. influence the imagery created by an artist? The medium an artist chooses, determines and influences the image that finally emerges. Each medium has its possibilities and its limits. Water colour is a very difficult medium to master. It has a transparent, flowing quality, where the colours mix into each other and leave naturally fluid marks. It teaches you to let go and have faith in your stroke as it cannot be reworked on too much and is more difficult to control. On the other hand, acrylic is a thick opaque medium that invites you layer it as much as you want, with many many possibilities of creating textures of all kinds that even have a certain 3D dimension to it. Charcoal is also a bit unforgiving, as, once you make a mark, you cannot undo it completely. But its smoky, smudgy quality creates forms that are very alluring and the black and white palette lends high drama, so it is very exciting to work with. Each artist finds the medium that they can relate to best. Any form of art is worth appreciation when it is able to create a connection between the receiver and giver . How have you been able to do so ? My Mumbai vehicle series has connected the most with people. I think ricks and Taxis are the lifeline of Mumbai and we are more connected to them than we realize as they have been a part of our daily lives. No matter what is the economical or educational background of the average Mumbaikar, we all have sat in the same cab or rick. It is like a common thread that has runs through us. Once I did a piece, it was a road with a rickshaw standing on it and some buildings at the back. The name of the road was not in the piece, and it was not any obvious landmark either, but in my mind I knew which road had inspired it and my friend looks at it and says, ”Hey this is Carter road” I was so taken aback and delighted at the same time! She also had a shared experience with the place and time that lived in my mind. Do you think art plays a significant role in current times ? How far can it be impactful in moulding and building personalities ? Art has always been a means to reach out to people and has done so through out the ages. I do think it continues to play this important role. Now there are newer platforms like web movies and and vlogs and blogs, where more people can express and share their perspectives on current issues, not only through the visual arts but other medium too. What message would you like to convey to the budding artists ? Draw, draw, draw. Draw and paint as much as you can. Don’t wait for your ultimate masterpiece. Don’t wait until inspiration hits you. Most great ideas will find you when you engage with your art. Don’t depend on technology and paint ad draw with your hand, heart and mind; and always create what you love and not what other’s want. It’s the only way to find your own voice. And above all, enjoy! ***
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“Creativity takes courage” -Henri Matisse
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HERE’S TO THE FOOLS WHO DREAM
BEN GOSLING
ALYONA STONE
La La Land FROM THE CREATIVES AT M.IND MAG
Karan Nevatia Stylist Aayushi Vasant Mua Tarsha Khorana Models Ben & Alyona (TFM) Concept Supreet Khurana Assistant Stylists – Akshay Somvanshi, Sharon Rodrigues Production Assistant Simrat Bohraa Retouching and Posters by Sukiran Singh A M.ind Mag Production Photographer
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“City of Stars, are you shining just for me?”
Photographed by Sukiran Singh Model - Jesslina Nayyar (Inega), Makeup and hair by Valene D’souza Alyona: Dress and Skirt – BHANUNI BY JYOTI Earring – H&M Ben: Shirt And Blazer – MITESH LODHA Trouser – MAYYUR GIROTRA Tie – US POLO Left: Alyona: Dress – N&S GAIA Gown – LECOANET HEMANT Earring – PURAB PASCHIM BY ANKIT KHULLAR Footwear - INTOTO Ben : T-shirt – ZARA trouser – MITESH LODHA Belt – IMAGES Watch – GUESS Footwear – BERZERI
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“I’m always gonna love you.”
Alyo Crop top – NIKITA MHAISA Pant – NIKITA MHAISALKAR Earring – D
Be Shirt, Trouser and Footw Blazer - KA
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ona ALKAR Blazer – HERA BY AJ DEEPA GURNANI Footwear - INTOTO
en wear - MITESH LODHA ARRTIK D
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“She lived in her liquor, and died with a flicker, but I’ll always remember the flame.”
Alyona Gown : LECOANET HEMANT Earring : VINTAGE R Footwear : INTOTO Ben Shirt - LECOANET HEMANT Blazer - MAYYUR GIROTRA Trouser - KARRTIK D Footwear - MITESH LODHA
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Photographed by Ruchir Vashishtha
PARAM SAHIB NEW GEN DESIGNER
Interview by Supreet Khurana Photography by Ruchir Vashista You have been a young entrepreneur in the industry, So tell us how did it all begin for you? Well, i always knew that i have to pursue fashion since the time i was young , sketching over walls and decorating my personal clothes . The memories and instances of my Mom wearing basic cotton suits at family gathering of other ladies in their lush outfits and making sure that we had the best clothes to shine , pushes me everyday to build a Homegrown luxury clothing brand true to my Over the top style for her and salute motherhood in every weave i do . ( Thats the reason that i want hire more and more working rural woman who we can support in whatever way possible ) . Working with multiple designers , stylist and industry insiders for over 4 years in different cities , i decided to bring my colors together and start this Signature label. The happiness that life gives in portions and leaves an everlasting smile , is how i want my clothes to make the wearer feel about it . What excites you the most about fashion? The fact that fashion is boundless in terms of Its form , material play , colors and patterns , How mere human emotions and Memories gets carved into attires and individual style is the most exciting part for me. As a designer, where do you draw your inspiration from? My brain is like a doorway and always functioning , filtering things in and out constantly . My inspirations gets interpreted into clothes from the smallest objects that i can see around to conversations i have with people , to My frequents talks to god . Its alll about looking for happiness in the places where it seems impossible. How would you define your style? My style is very clear in terms of its approach towards colors . We love them . A modern take on classic patterns with energetic colour combinations and experimental Surfaces would describe my style at its best . What’s a fashion rule that you completely disagree to? Wearing something just to impress others . Do you believe in following the trend?
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Trends are definitely important for business . Even if you entire range is not designed as per trends , a few commercial pieces are a must for a continuing business. How much work and time goes into creating one piece? Sometimes an idea can take just few seconds , but if not , a special piece can undergo several changes until its perfect . At my Design studio , i follow a policy of Zero wastage . Be it the smallest of sequin or a colored cutting of a fabric left, EVERYTHING is consumed in the smartest way possible. While designing your garments, what sort of person do you envision wearing your clothes ? I always see my client at a center stage lifted above to a few inches from the ground, and beaming with radiant colors and a a happy aura wherever she is walking. What has been the best compliment about your clothing, that you have ever received? Every time we make a small embroidery sample in office, my Mother immediately gets its framed and hang it at home, and tells me that in a few years these would become Vintage and priceless. Of all the collections you’ve ever made, which one do you think, describes your personality the best? I think i m still yet to bring out my Most favorite pieces. Which city is doing great in terms of fashion in India? I think northeast has such an amazing and strong personal style which is untouched and Not affected by worldly trends . Second to that , DELHI What would you rather be if not a fashion designer? Stage performer What message you want to convey to the beginners who have just started the journey as a fashion designer? Well i am still on my way to reach my Spot , but to all the young guns , keep it real as much as possible .. What is the vision you have for your label? We aim at creating Iconic pieces from our brand and make this label synonyms to colour in the coming few years . Whenever somebody wants to wear Happy colourful clothes , our brand should be No 1 on their list . ***
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5 Days of Summer Trends
Photographed and Graphics by Sukiran Singh Model - Rajashree Singha (Faze Management), Styling by Supreet Khurana Makeup by Anu Mariya Jose Hair by Purvi Sinha 46 M.IND MAG June 2018 Mindmag.media
Trend: Embellishment Top, Bralette and Jacket : Babita Malkani : Skirt : Madison Earrings : Purab Paschim by Ankit Khullar Shoes : Dune London
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Trend : Ruffles
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Outfit : Madison Earning : Minerali Ring : Lara Morakhia Shoes : Intoto
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Trends: Sequins Dress : Rajat Tangri Earrings : Minerali Shoes : Intoto
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Trend : Fringes
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Outfit : Simply Simone Earrings : Minerali
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Trend - Floral Jacket : Divya Sheth, Belt : Shruti Sancheti Earrings : Minerali, Pants : Simply Simone Shoes : Dune London
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“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” - Ansel Adams.
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Outfit : Madison Earrings : Minerali Bracelets : Anaqa by Nishant Tulsiani
The Blue Valentine
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SOBHITA DHULIPALA COVER STORY
P hot ograph ed by Priya nka Kir ve Sty l i ng by Sup ree t K h u r a n a & Di sh a Shah Mak e up by A mb ic a Kukret y Ha i r by M a h e k Ta n do n R etouch ing by Do ts tu d io
Interview by Sukiran Singh Please tell us a little about your background, pre miss India. I was born in Tenali and brought up in Visakhapatnam to Telugu parents. I was the introverted-school captain-science geek-NCC kid who spent more time reading than speaking. I moved to Bombay for higher studies around 17. We didn’t knew you have won Ms. India and had represented India in Ms. Earth. How did it influence your life? I was 19 or 20 at the time and was such a nerdy, backpacking, quiet kid. Frankly, I didn’t grow up wishing to be in the entertainment industry, I’ve always enjoyed economics, modern history and literature. The pageant was a kind of experiment to boost my young ego perhaps. Was joining the film industry a sheep call (like all pageant holders do) or were you always involved in performance arts? I barely watched more than 20 films in my life, you know? Until my first film happened 2 years ago, that is. I wasn’t drawn to the medium at a performance or even an audience level. I’ve been into writing and classical dance, the forms that I knew best to tell a story. I was thrilled to be a part of the fashion industry after my pageant and after a fair share, felt like I didn’t belong with it. So I taught myself Hindi, auditioned for dozens of ads and fortunately, landed a film with my favourite director with my first film audition (yay) Your selection of films and work has been interesting and in the graph of intellectual modern cinema. Would you do, if offered a so called Masala film?
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Dress : Hemant & Nandita Earrings : Minerali Shoes : The Heel Hustle
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Embellished Jacket : Bhanuni by Jyoti Jewellery : Anaqa by Nishant Tulsiani
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I will do what makes my heart soar. That of course keeps changing with time and experiences. I have a feeling I’m going to be as amused by my choices as anybody else. How was it working with Anurag (Kashyap)? You just wrapped a film and have a long contract with his company. It is an absolute delight to work with someone as sincere and honest to their passions as he is. My equation with him has been very character building. Yes I do have a three-film deal with Phantom, I’d much prefer for time to reveal what is brewing The golden struggle of good cinema has just started. How long do you think, majority of our films would become intelligent and meaningful? Or at least agree with the laws of physics. Hahaha! There actually have been many wonderful films across time and countries so I don’t think it’s an entirely new phenomenon. However, I understand that they are a minority in terms of popularity/money earned, something very unfortunate. I really hope that changes. It’s easiest to sit back and whine about the dearth of quality but tell me how many actors or producers are genuinely willing to take up worthy projects over shiny ones? Do you think that one must be a liberal person to dwell as an artist? Would you call yourself one? One’s political inclinations are a crucial part of their emotional fabric. I do know that everyone is entitled to a philosophy of their own but I personally find purpose in being a left leaning liberal. We understood that you have a romantic, melancholic and a soft artistic Instagram wall, which we loved. Is that a reflection of your mind or how you would like the world to see you? What a waste of youth it is to think about projection in this overstimulated social media world. I am a solitary person. And an absolute romantic. I write poetry, thrive in travel and cooking, I’m very interested in people and culture. And I feel silly talking about myself most times. Does art change society? Art derives from society which is in turn influenced by art. A beautiful beautiful loop. Art evokes courage and do you also see how much it can mean? Who are your favourite artists in the world of fine artists, cinema, music etc? People who inspire you and you think have power to change perspectives. I’m a huge admirer of Leonard Cohen and country music at large as well as folk
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Top : Zara Denim Bralette : Shreeya Somaiya Skirt : Nikita Mhaisalkar Earrings : Anaqa by Nishant Tulsiani
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music of various places. The most wonderful influence however, came from literature over the years. How was it shooting in Amritsar recently? I ask because that’s my birth city :) Ah I wasn’t shooting there actually, I’d gone to visit the place and happened to drop by Anurag Kashyap’s set. I was reading Bhisham sahni’s book Today’s Pasts which drove me to visit Punjab. That’s the story of that trip :) Tell us about your next projects. Quite a colourful line up ahead that I’m very grateful and thrilled about, more on that soon :) ***
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Embellished Jacket : Bhanuni by Jyoti Jewellery : Anaqa by Nishant Tulsiani
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Jacket : Hemant & Nandita Earrings : Minerali
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Outfit : Madison Earrings : Minerali Bracelets : Anaqa by Nishant Tulsiani
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“The expression of beauty is in direct ratio to the power of conception the artist has acquired.� - Gustave Courbet
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Embroidered Bomber Jacket : Huemn Leather and Faux Fur Skirt : Huemn Neckpiece and Earrings : Valliyan Shoes : Zara
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Photo graphy by Amit Ha sija Models - Vivek Dhiman, Anant Kumar, Polina (Agency tfm, brave models) Stylist - Sommy Eric... Make up by Salo ni Arora... Hair by Chirag. Styling a ssistant - Tanya Agar wal
Left : Polina: siddharth tytler, Jewellery: vintage jewelry Right: anant in blue suit, Wardrobe courtesy Siddharth tytler, Shoes Zara
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Left: anant in velvet blue dragon Wardrobe courtesy Siddharth tytler scarf forever 21
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Right: Polina - Skirt as dress: rajdeep ranawat black printed long jacket Siddharth tytler
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Left: Vivek Wardrobe courtesy Rajdeep Ranawat Right: Wardrobe courtesy : Rajdeep Ranawat Earnings : accessorize
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Vivek in black n white velvet Wardrobe courtesy Siddharth tytler
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“Creativity takes courage. ” - Henri Matisse
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ART IS ABOVE ALL BARRIERS by SIMARJOT WADHWA
Image: Pixabay
Art lies in the way the emotions evolved and expressed by each human. Don’t our lives revolve around Nine Rasas – Nine Emotions? Right from infancy to the last phase of life, each stage passes through a plethora of emotions. How can emotions be restricted to specific zones or human beings? A devil or an angel; a terrorist or an innocent; an imprudent or prudent; all depict emotions in different ways. Can a human ever perceive a life sans emotions? Different art forms are mediums or outlets of human expressions. There’s an artist in each human as he is born with inborn instinct of creativity. An ordinary person may not be aware of this inherent possession; perhaps, he cannot fathom it. Probably, it is beyond his realm or these are the common facets that he takes in his strides of life. Mirth, anguish, pain, courage, isolation etc. are not just mere words; they are the innate traits that are imbibed by the people across the globe. Geographical boundaries cannot separate people on account of their emotions; so is art inseparable. Amidst mayhem, war, bloodshed; art is a beneficiary for humans. It bridges the gap among continents and nurtures humanity. Its alchemy with nature creates a symphony and captivates the human mind into a soulful rendering. This is the only platform where physical barriers are meaningless. Music, dance, painting, acting do not need verbal language; they are the ubiquitous expressions that penetrate into human mind and transmute him into the world without boundaries. The world of Aristotle, kalidasa, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Vinci, Tagore awaits for peace and harmony and is eager to sow the seeds of oneness. The feelings depicted in any form of art are priceless because people are similar everywhere. The earthly aspect of human senti
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ments can never fade away. How can people stop laughing, crying or loathing? And if this cannot be jeopardised, so can art never lose its significance in people’s lives. Since ancient times, religion has impacted various art forms. The sculptures, paintings, dance, music and literature have intertwined the social and spiritual aspects. Art is truth and truth is art. History doesn’t paint only the rosy picture of the past but also highlights the unarguable realities... It seems glittering but has enveloped misery, remorse, dejection. The monarchs, priests, the affluent exploited religion to their advantage and manipulated the innocent thoughts. The mankind suffered and the humanity was blemished. Art was at its deterioration. ; the world got split and the clouds of darkness hovered over. The tussle between negation and navigation had to end because human strengths cannot let the ugliness to prevail for a longer period of time. The Renaissance was unstoppable; the new dawn emerged; the eagle’s flight couldn’t be chained. Art was exalted and exulted; human sensitivities overpowered insensitivities; emotions voiced out, danced, painted , sculpted and scripted. Do we think the contemporary times have spared the freedom of art? Aren’t we lying to our own selves, to some extent? Don’t we see the narrow and shallow mind-sets are raising their heads? Don’t we realise the existence and independence of art is at gunpoint? Can we blindfold ourselves and let our artistic liberties be supressed? Isn’t it disheartening to find intellect and emotions being stained? It is time to mull over and ruminate if art is ever bounded, human agony and irony will be relentless. Art is definitely above barriers. Let’s not put it into clutches and bind it within physical boundaries. It’s an expression and let it be free in the framework of human connectivity. As long as humans survive, art will continue to gratify their aesthetic urges and cravings. ***
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DIVYA SHETH MODERN INDIAN DESIGNER
IS ONE OF THE FIRST DESIGNERS IN THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION SPACE TO TAP INTO THE INTRICATE ART OF HAND PAINTED KALAMKARI AND USE IT EXTENSIVELY IN HER GARMENTS. Interview by Supreet Kaur
You have been one of the sustainable designers in the industry from last 4 years, Tell us what made you enter the fashion industry? A professional styling course at Central Saint Martin’s, London was very enriching and vital for the kind of work I do. As I am a passionate reader and learner, fashion design was self taught. Hiring professionals to tutor me personally and self experimentation gave me the confidence to start something for which I had always received oodles of compliments. The whole journey was so intriguing and engrossing, that the brand “Divya Sheth” was conceived as the muse and end user was me and myself for almost a decade. The brand shaped itself with an entry to Lakme Gen Next in 2014. Since you are from Kolkata, are you getting your clothing manufactured there only? Yes , our manufacturing unit is in Kolkata itself. Where do you source your fabrics and dyes from? Our fabrics are handwoven in a number of places, such as: Pochampally, Andhra Pradesh Badagarh , Odisha Nuopatana , Odisha Kalna and Murshidabad, West Bengal The dyes are sourced by master craftsmen themselves in Kutch and Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. What has influenced your work as a socially and environmentally responsible designer? Art inspired, craft based and spiritually driven, each collection is a journey within itself that tries to pull you to its rawness and purity and to rise above the mass produced rut. An allergic reaction and skin condition forced me to look at natural dyes (solely for myself). It’s a very personal affair which is now appreciated by many. India, it’s greatness and its history inspire me. A seasoned eye with exposure to art keep the soul drenched to churn out interesting pieces. Why is sustainable fashion important to you?
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Being a spiritual individual, it’s essential to stand by your own values and ethics. Sustainability and Divya Sheth go hand in hand. Global warming, an increase in pollution, disease and other observances which prove that the textile industry is one of the biggest pollutants, forces a responsible citizen of the planet to think about a solution. According to me, this is one. My personal belief reiterates my passion for sustainable living. As you are making your garments using natural dyes, how long does it take to produce one piece? It is an intensive labour of love. Textile preparation, printing and hand painting itself takes more than 2 months. Once the textile is with us , the laborious hand embroidery and hand finishing takes approximately 6-8weeks. What inspired your latest collection? The latest Spring/Summer ‘18 collection is “Shizen”, a Japanese word meaning nature. The collection is derived essentially from the Japanese concept of a floating world, a space that is detached from the bothers of life. The silhouettes are a combination of kurta and kimono i.e. a kurmono, further emphasising the collections’ desire to bridge Indian craft and Japanese aesthetic; dream and reality. In your experience as a student , what are the holes you found in sustainability at design schools? I was a student of photography and styling. Sustainability was not an agenda then, but today it should be a subject in its own right. Do you think sustainable fashion has potential to compete with high street brands? Diamonds and costume jewellery don’t compete; they are beyond comparison. But sustainable fashion has to be understood as the need of the hour. We cannot continue self destruction , in the name of aggressive marketing and cruel practices. Can sustainability and luxury go hand in hand? The fabrics we use are complicated and luxurious , the colours are rich and unusual. We work with natural materials that invigorate and enliven the rituals of everyday life. Creating fashion that is not only flattering but also nourishing. Sustainability and luxury have a symbiotic relationship and compliment each other well. Are you currently working on any upcoming collection? The label is working on a collection for the Winter/Festive season. The garments are influenced by the “roaring” 1920’s. As a textile artist, i’m keen to showcase our latest textile innovation. What is the vision you have for your label? Fashion is Art’ is the underlying sentiment - a limitless experimentation is the pursuit. A compulsive desire to vent out untamed creativity, transforming raw
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mediums into pieces of wearable art. It’s a sense of uniqueness within, which propels you to create something like you. The brand sways with notions that are at odds with established norms. The aspiration is to bring forth old arts like ajrakh and handpainted kalamkari via collaborations with master craftsmen and artists, to showcase the best in Indian crafts and textiles. We only use natural fabrics (for eg. Khadi) and natural dyes (for eg. Indigo). An art inspired, concept driven, craft based clothing brand, very close to its roots and history that is nationally appreciated and has a potential for international acclaim. What are your unforgettable childhood memories ? Have you always had love for nature? The simplicity and vastness of days without gadgets. They create outbursts of creativity due to boredom and those are the moments I cherish. Nature was and is a big part of my system forced. What is your favorite quote in context to nature? “ What goes around, comes around “ Everyone has a dream , Tell us about your dream goal? Familiarizing people with the true nature of the brand and it’s unusual and futuristic interpretation of forgotten practices is the direction. Patrons would be made aware of the beauty, story and ideology of the garments they would be investing into. In the longer run, the label envisions a once in a year collection that is strongly based on a concept and remains true to it and not to cyclical trends and forecasts. A pret label to make natural dyes a forever, an everyday option for the masses. An avant-garde extension of the label to stretch out my own vision and create a legacy. ***
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RITVIZ NEW GEN MUSICAL ARTIST
IS THE COOLEST KID ON THE BLOCK. A MUSICAL GENIUS.
Interview by Sukiran Singh. Shot by Karan Nevatia, at Levi’s Lounge Mumbai
Tell us about your background. I’m a local Pune boy, spent most of my childhood over here. But I was born in Darbhanga and lived over there & in Patna for a few years before moving to Pune in 2nd grade. Ma is an Indian classical singer and and it’s safe to say that she has had a huge role to play in me developing interest in music at the young age of 6 years. I learnt a form of Hindustani classical vocals called ‘Khayal’ under her and later went on to train in another form known as ‘Dhrupad’ under Pt. Uday Bhawalkar. My dad is a Banker by profession but he occasionally plays the Tabla, which is one of the instruments that I learnt how to play as a child. I guess you can say I have been around music all throughout my life. Why did you pick EDM as a genre? I grew up listening to a lot of hip hop (rap has a huge influence in my song writing), while at the same time singing classical tunes during my formal training. The parallels that I started to draw between the two in a way broke down a lot of barriers for me in terms of what genres are supposed to mean, so I taught myself how to produce on Ableton as a means to converge all of these influences and present them in my style. At the time, an electronic format seemed like the best way to go about it, but having said that, I would also love to perform live with a band at some point. Do you like real instruments? Do you play any? Currently I can play the tabla and harmonium.
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I know you don’t like to discuss, but Udd Gaye has been one of your successful tracks. We just want to know how did the inspiration strike? I am working on a follow up EP to my last one – YUV, and musically Udd Gaye is part of a larger body of work which is in progress. Lyrically, you can say some of the inspiration comes from real life experiences but a lot also has to do with the melody. Is there a special zone you create around, when you make music? I can’t create a zone no matter how hard I try. That is something that needs to happen more naturally for me and the zone is different for every song. Your music has a healing touch, as many people have told you and us, especially emotionally. Was it intentional and any research went into it or as a person you visualize soothing notes? I am honestly spellbound when I hear people describe their experiences listening to my music, especially Udd Gaye. If my music has made someone feel positive, that makes me feel really content. I don’t think I would ever be able to apply a formula to something like this. For me, it has always been about creating something that I’m extremely proud of. Do you like the idea of Collaborations? Yes absolutely. The fact that I can connect with somebody on a musical level and create something together is super exciting. Talking of which, there’s a few collaborations that I’m working on which I’m really looking forward to releasing this year. What artist would you really like to work with? You can pick from international scenario too. I am a fan of so many artists that I’d love to work with. I love Heems from Swet Shop Boys and a collaborate with him would be super cool. Would we see Ritviz doing music for commercial Hindi Cinema? Sure, if the right project comes along. What would we call your style of EDM? Hindustani dance music What are the genres you would like to explore? I don’t want to restrict myself at all, whatever is exciting enough will be pursued. When is the next part of Udd gaye series coming out? And what about the complete album? We’re planning to release the upcoming music around July end – August. You got an interesting attire, please do tell us why you picked this look? I love wearing kurtas. A kurta and joggers/jeans with a fresh pair of sneakers is what I prefer to wear no matter where I have to go. I didn’t really put a lot of thought behind this, it just seems very natural to me. 93
Music makes people forget all discriminations and bring them together. Do you think that an artist needs to liberal to achieve that? Yes sometimes, but I also feel that interpretation of art has nothing to do with how it was built. Finally, would you call yourself a Modern Indian, and why? That’s a really interesting question. I guess I would. At a time when western influence is at its peak and the new generations are moving away from traditional ways of life, I feel like my close relationship with Indian classical music adds a flavour of traditionalism to my 21st century millennial thinking. So while I’m all for the change, there’s a tiny part of me which keeps me extremely proud of my roots. ***
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“Art is the only serious thing in the world. And the artist is the only person who is never serious.� - Oscar Wilde
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