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A Conversation with Vijay Yesudas

In conversation with Vijay Yesudas on Life, Music, Freedom and Philosophies. When Vijay Yesudas made his entry into Malalayam Film Music with 2000 popular movie

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Vijay Yesudas on life, music, freedom and philosophies

When Vijay Yesudas made his entry into Malayalam film music with the 2000 popular movie, “Millennium Stars”, about two decades ago, one question loomed largely. Did this charming, young man have it in him to live up to the legacy of his father, and eminent singer Dr K J Yesudas?

At that point, Vijay embarked on a musical career that has seen several ups and a few downs. But 17 yearsafter “Millennium Stars”, having aconversation with him makes it hardnot to appreciate how he outgrew the shadow that was once cast on him, even before he took to the battleground. Vijay Yesudas has most definitely made a place for himself in music and cinema; one that is unique and irreplaceable.

Everyone knows a good deal about Vijay Yesudas, the singer. Let’s begin with the unknown – Vijay, the actor. Tell us how “Maari” happened.

I still don’t know if I should be acting (laughs). “Maari” happened out of nowhere. I was vacationing with my family in Spain. Dhanush (Tamil actor, and a good friend) randomly calls me up and tells me he would want me to play the role of a villain in his next movie. He said the role was of a cop. I was shocked, I asked him if he was serious. And, apparently he was.  This phone call was followed by a series of discussions with him and the director Balaji Menon, and that is how I eventually decided to do “Maari”. It was a not an easy role to play as the character had both positive and negative shades.

Vijay Yesudas FWD Life Music Issue Style Factor

But even with all the doubts and apprehensions, I still wanted to do it. I should thank Dhanush and Balaji Menon, the director of the film, for  helping me get into the skin of the character with workshops and some very valuable inputs.

Truth be told, I have always wanted to give acting a try. But I had decided that I would not venture into acting  before I cemented my position as a singer. But where it would go from here, I still do not know.

Many of your songs have grown to become anthems, such as gone on to be anthems, be it “Malare” (from  the movie Premam) or “Maangalyam” (Bangalore Days)? Do you know how big these songs would when you are singing them?

This is sort of clichéd, but the truth is when a singer or an actor, performs he/she is not thinking of awards, accolades or even acceptance. When I record songs, it’s just about the studio, the music and about rendering  the song the way the music director and the lyricist want it. Even if it’s not a good song, you still record it and come out. When I recorded “Malare”, it did not feel any different from my  earlier songs as far as its acceptance was concerned. Yes, I may have had a hunch but one can’t gauge the scale of success from the recording booth. So when you get an overwhelming response like in the case of say, “Malare”, you enjoy the glory. When that doesn’t happen, you simply move on.

Actors talk about the art of picking good scripts, is there an art to picking great songs too?

Vijay Yesudas FWD Life Music Issue Style Factor

Sadly, in our industry singers don’t have the luxury of choosing songs unless you are a Yesudas. And even with Yesudas, it was only recently  that he started choosing his songs.  Otherwise, it is the music director calling you, and you singing for him – that is playback singing. That is how it has been happening historically and  that’s why you could say it is more like the song choosing the singer.

What is your opinion on actors taking to singing?

There are quite a few actors who have taken to singing and most of them do a decent job. The audience love  listening to their stars singing and so more and more actors are willing to wield the mic. Honestly, I am totally for it. I believe all artistic expressions and experimentation should be encouraged. That’s how I do it too. As a person, as an artist, as a musician, I am constantly experimenting. So when I hear scornful remarks aimed at these actors, I honestly don’t get it. It is not like they are going to rob us of our chances.

Is there something that your father and legendary musician Dr. K J Yesudas is constantly reminding you?

He doesn’t always remind me of it, it is more like me picking it from his work ethic; the need to focus singlemindedly once you have picked up a task. When you are constantly multitasking and with eggs in so many baskets, even the slightest slip can have you labelled as lazy or lackadaisical. So when I am at something, I give into it totally; be it at the recording studio, a shoot or spending time with family. It is now a golden rule, to focus intensely on the task at hand, get it done and move to the next.

What is music for you? How would you define it?

Music is what moves me – literally and figuratively. Wherever I am, in a car, at the studio or on stage, I am always connected to music. It transports me to a different world, a world of my  own. On a flight with my headphones
plugged in, when I look at the clouds, it feels like it is the music and not the flight that is taking me from Kochi to Chennai.

Vijay Yesudas FWD Life Music Issue Style Factor

Music lets me run my imagination wild and aids me in my day-dreaming. I have always been a shameless daydreamer. If you talk to someone from my schooldays, they will have stories to tell about the kid who was always
lost in his own world, drumming on the benches or humming a tune. I have made sure that part of me has stayed alive.

You are part of celebrity cricket teams in both Chennai and Kochi. Tell us about your love for cricket.

I love all kind of sports, not just cricket. I think I have always been a sportsman at heart. I am a die-hard basketball fan and have also trained tennis when I was younger. But unlike many of my teammates at C3 (Celebrity Cricket League), I have not played cricket at competitive levels in school or college. I just do it for the love of the game. It all started with the Madras All Stars Club and then C3 followed. I enjoy playing the game as well as spending time with the guys.

When you entered the industry, you had a legacy to live up to. How have you been able to handle that? What plans for your future?

See, I am a vagabond, in many ways. Five years ago, I had no clue that I would be where I am right now, the same holds true now. I have no agenda and am someone who doesn’t plan too much, nor do I have humongous expectations. The first seven years that I spent in the Malayalam industry, success was sparse. but then things took a turn and I can call myself ‘fairly successful’ now. Tamil, on the other hand, was more welcoming right from
the beginning.

Vijay Yesudas FWD Life Music Issue Style Factor

I love my music and enjoy working with multiple generations of musicians – from Illayaraja to the newest music director in town. I am a fan of what I do and so I am not one to be worried about the future.

Model: Vijay Yesudas

Photographer: Toonus

Styling: Lakshmi Babu

Makeup & Hair Styling: Jeena

Costumes: Lulu Fashion Store, Lulu Mall, Kochi

Retouch: Jemini Ghosh

Location Courtesy: Camleon Studio, Palarivattom, Kochi

Words by Varun Kannan

Transcription by Aswati Nambiar

Production: FWD Media

Digital Version Available on :http://goo.gl/utB6z9

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Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna

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Actor Krishna Kumar’s daughter, Diya Krishna, a popular social media influencer, recently married Ashwin Ganesan, a software engineer, after a long-term relationship. The couple celebrated their special day with a beautiful ceremony at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Diya’s family, including her siblings Ahaana, Ishani, and Hansika, along with her parents Sindhu Krishna and Krishna Kumar, looked radiant in coordinated light pink ensembles. The wedding was an intimate gathering, attended by close family and friends. Here are all the details of their magical day.

Haldi

For the Haldi ceremony, Diya and Ashwin were spotted in coordinated white outfits by Santini. The look was beautifully elevated with a pop of color from Diya’s pink dupatta and stunning floral jewellery by Florita Florals, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the celebration.

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

MakeUp : Amala Brahmanandan

Jewellery : Florita Floral 

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Location : Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa

Mehendi

Diya looked effortlessly chic in a vibrant multi-colored skirt set by Mahek Designs for the Mehendi celebration. Ashwin complemented her perfectly with a multi-hued jacket by Santini, completing their joyful and lively Mehendi look.

Diya’s Outfit : MAHEK DESIGNS

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Mehandi : MISHMA KAMAL 

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Sangeeth 

Diya and Ashwin absolutely rocked their Sangeet in stunning black outfits by Santini, exuding elegance and style as they celebrated the night in perfect sync!

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

DJ : TONIQ SQUAD

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding 

For the wedding, Diya truly dazzled in a polished pastel-themed saree designed by the talented M Loft by Joel. Styled in a manner reminiscent of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s iconic fashion sense, the saree was a vision of beauty, adorned with elegant detailing, intricate embroidery, and flowing glamour, imparting a regal charm to her bridal look.

Diya’s Outfit : M LOFT

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers, Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Garlands : Black Gold Flowers

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding Second Look

For her second wedding look, Diya embraced a simple yet elegant white Kerala traditional set mundu, perfectly complemented by traditional jewelry from Bhima. Ashwin matched the aesthetic, dressed in a silk shirt and mundu by M Loft, creating a timeless and graceful duo.

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Bhima

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Photography : Abhijith SK

Reception

At the Delhi reception, Diya stunned in a maroon saree, perfectly capturing the elegance of a newlywed. The North Indian-style chooda added a beautiful touch to her look. Ashwin complemented her effortlessly, looking sharp in a sleek black suit by Santinni.

Diya’s Outfit : Shazara Design Studio

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

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Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs

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Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and elegance. Each year, Malayalam movie celebrities embrace the essence of the festival by donning a mix of timeless traditional outfits and contemporary styles that reflect their unique flair. From graceful sarees to classic set mundus, the stars bring out the best of Kerala’s sartorial heritage. In this lookbook, we decode the standout fashion moments from your favorite M-Town celebs, showcasing how they beautifully combine tradition with modern elegance to make a statement this Onam season.

Anushree

Anushree looked stunning in a double-colored set mundu from Naithu by Sruthi Prasanth, beautifully accessorized with exquisite jewels from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Her look was perfectly complemented by flawless makeup by Sajith & Sujith.

Mahima Nambiar

Mahima Nambiar looks stunning in T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her festive look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature. Styled by Jobina Vincent, the ensemble is further enhanced with flawless makeup and hair by Pinky Visal, creating a captivating Onam look.

Ahaana Krishna

Ahaana Krishna exudes her signature charm with a simple yet effortlessly stylish look for this Onam in Black Set Mundu. Staying true to her unique “Ahaana style,” her minimalistic makeup and elegant hair were beautifully crafted by Amala Brahmanandan, perfectly complementing her festive vibe.

The Sukumaran Family

The Sukumaran family radiates elegance in their traditional Onam attire. Indrajith and Prithviraj opted for timeless simplicity, donning classic white shirts paired with mundus, while Mallika Sukumaran exudes a proud motherly grace in a beautiful, classic Kerala saree, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival.

Shilpa Bala

Shilpa Bala looks stunning and stylish in a white and orange traditional salwar by Kalaakari, exuding festive charm. The look, styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, is perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Pure Allure. Her radiant makeup and hair, done by Sanaah, complete this beautiful Onam ensemble.

Anikha Surenderan

Draped in the stunning ‘Nila’ saree by Anusha Reji, Anikha Surendran mesmerizes with her grace and style. Styled to perfection by Mehaka Kalarikkal, her look is elevated by exquisite jewelry from Goldencup Bridal Rental Jewellery. With flawless makeup and hair by Ashif Marakkar. Anikha’s Onam look is truly captivating.

Nikhila Vimal

Like a muse straight from Raja Ravi Varma’s timeless canvas, Nikhila Vimal exudes ethereal charm in a stunning Pen Kalamkari Kanchipuram saree by The Saffron House. Styled by Smiji, her look is further elevated by flawless makeup and hair by Femy Antony

Dulquer Salman

Dulquer Salmaan looks ravishing in a classic white kurta set, effortlessly blending tradition with chic style. His Onam look radiates simplicity and elegance, making a timeless fashion statement for the festive season.

Pearly Maany

Pearly Maany looks stunning in a saree from T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her elegant look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature Jewellery, with flawless makeup and hair by Touch by SiRe. The saree draping, beautifully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes Pearly’s enchanting festive ensemble. 

Arya Babu

Arya graces this Onam in a pure Kerala handloom set saree by Kanchivaram.in, embodying the true essence of tradition and festivity. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by elegant jewelry from Gemforher, with flawless makeup and hair crafted by Manju Michael’s Salon. Arya’s ensemble is a perfect reflection of timeless Onam elegance.

Navya Nair

Navya stuns in her Onam look, wearing a beautiful outfit by Jugalbandhi. Her flawless makeup and hair, crafted by Sijan Joseph, enhance the festive charm. Adorned with exquisite jewelry from R. Giri Pai Jewellery, the look is captured to perfection by Black Lenzio, making Navya a vision of elegance this Onam.

Priya Prakash Varrier

Priya Prakash Varrier looks gorgeous and modern in a stunning saree by Mloft. Styled by Asaniya Nazrin, her look is flawlessly complemented by makeup and hair crafted by Unni, making her stand out with a perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.

Aparna Balamurali 

Aparna Balamurali looks traditionally beautiful in a Kerala saree by R O U K A by Sreejith Jeevan. Styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, her look is complemented with flawless makeup and hair by Sruthi Sai. The ensemble is completed with exquisite jewelry from Nakshathra Gold and Diamonds, making Aparna’s Onam look timeless and elegant.

Amala Paul & Family

Amala Paul’s family Onam picture is an absolute dream, with the family dressed in stunning red and white outfits. Amala shines in an elegant ensemble by Made by Milan, while Jagat looks dapper in his outfit from House of Messcal. Styled by Sapna Fathima Kajha, the look is further enhanced by flawless makeup and hair by Sajith & Sujith, and exquisite jewelry from Cressida Signature Jewels. Together, they capture the perfect festive spirit in this beautiful Onam portrait.

Rajisha Vijayan

Rajisha looks stunning in a leaf-printed saree by ALDA Designer, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Styled by Amritha Lakshmi, her look is perfectly complemented by makeup and hair by Laxmi Venugopal. The ensemble is enhanced with elegant jewelry from TT Devassy Jewellery, and the draping, beautifully done by Exotic Makeover’s Elizabeth Shinitha, completes this mesmerizing Onam look.

Miya

Miya embraces the spirit of Onam in a pure Kerala handloom Kasavu saree by Kanchivaram.in, radiating traditional elegance. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by makeup and hair by Sijan Joseph. The ensemble is further enhanced with exquisite jewelry from Mayoora Jewelry Designs, and the saree draping, skillfully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes this timeless Onam look.

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Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari

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 The traditional Punjabi art form ‘Phulkari,’ derived from the terms ‘phul’ and ‘kari,’ meaning flower and effort, is thought to have begun in Punjab in the 15th century by Punjabi women. Bright and bright textile art uses needlework and the most basic designs to create a fascinating, appealing, and ornamented result. Phulkari work is reported to be mentioned in Heer Ranjha’s Waris Shah love romance. References to this needlework tradition can also be found in the Vedic period. Women’s phulkari chadar, dupattas, sarees and other veil garments were traditionally exchanged as bridal gifts or heirlooms.

The inspiration for the Phulkari motifs would originate from their imaginations based on their surroundings, nature, animals, birds, gardens, or even a mother-daughter conversation. Marigolds, jasmine, peacock, and mustard flowers were frequently used as a means of expressing their feelings, inventiveness, and expressiveness. 

 

Because Phulkari is made out of symmetrical designs, the craftsmen and women must count the amount of stitches on each side before proceeding, making Phulkari a time-consuming method. However, as time passed, people moved on to new techniques, and in addition to coarse khaddar fabrics, silk, georgette, chiffon, and normal cotton began to be used. Darning stitch- the most significant stitch- was used to border the khaddar in the past. Other stitches like herringbone, buttonhole, and running stitch were also utilized. These stitches were employed to make a unique motif or as a border. 

The use of colors is extremely important in Phulkari art. Traditionally, just four hues were utilized, each with its unique meaning. For example, white is appropriate for elderly women and widows, red is appropriate for young girls and brides-to-be, and blue, black, and dark tones are appropriate for everyday use. Red was the most commonly used color to express enthusiasm, followed by orange for vitality and green for fertility. 

In India, there is not just one sort of Phulkari, but numerous. What distinguishes one Phulkari from another is the darn stitching process, which is done on the reverse or wrong side of the fabric, which makes this handcraft unique. Here are some of the most popular Phulkari designs.

Bagh– A design in which horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stitching cover the entire fabric surface. 

Chhamas – Chhamas fabric has mirrors stitched or woven onto it with yellow, grey, or blue threads.

Neelak– Neelak patterns have a black or red backdrop with bright yellow or red embroidery on top. For a distinct shining texture, the design is combined with metal or copper threads.

Chope– Chope is traditionally done in yellow and red threads and involves embroidering on both sides of the fabric. This embroidery is made out of a series of triangles or a step-ladder pattern.

There used to be 52 different types of Phulkaris, but that number has since been reduced to only a few. The states that use the Phulkari traditional art and needlework the most are Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. 

 

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