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A day in the life of Abish

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In conversation with a star of Indian Comedy, Abish Mathew, who hosts on YouTube the much loved talk show, Son of Abish

Words by Rheanna Mathews     Photographs from OML Entertainment

Abish Mathew might be a familiar name to many Malayalis, not least because he’s married to actress Archana Kavi of Neelathamara fame. Lately though, the man who has been a fixture in the Indian comic scene has been making the rounds for his much celebrated and fun talk show, Son of Abish. In it’s third season now, Son of Abish is on our radar for recently hosting Vidya Balan and Dulquer Salmaan, two actors very close to our hearts. Those who watch his talk show and his many other videos know him to be a five foot five firecracker, buzzing with energy and belly laughing at jokes – sometimes his own. When he’s not busy hosting and running a live show, he plans out and performs his stand-up routines that he tours with. “The goal is to do Son of Abish every year, twice a year. There are a couple of stories and web series I’d like to do in between”, says Abish.

Up the ladder he went

He went from reading History at Delhi University to doing a number of things and donning a greater number of roles before hosting his successful talk show. And through it all, the one thing that guided him was his love for the stage. “As a child, I wanted to be a scientist”, Abish says, “but I soon realised that I could do things on stage, without any inhibitions. I was comfortable, I could do this, and I wanted to stay there.” His love for the stage saw him in school plays as he became actively involved in theatre, and in the school rock band which needed a showman vocalist. Since he couldn’t think of a career on stage that would also see him successful, he read History while plunging headfirst into debate, music and the other social activities at his university. His love for inducing laughter stood him in good stead when stand-up comedy began to be a mainstream phenomenon in Delhi and Mumbai, and he “hitched a ride on that bandwagon. It’s been happening since 2008”.

Abish’s love for the stage might be innate, but his love for comedy and laughter seems to have had its origin at home. “Give my dad some whiskey and you’ll realise he has a lot of humour. He’s a hilarious dude. And now that he’s the father of a comedian, he thinks he’s truly funny. Now, he’s not even taking feedback. He’s on his own, saying, ‘I know what’s funny.”

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Staying evergreen

Though Abish is a Catholic Malayali who grew up in Delhi and got yelled at by his grandma for his abysmal Malayalam – she even had someone around to translate whatever he said – whenever he came down for the holidays, and his own life must be a treasure trove of possible comedy sets, we see very little anecdotal humour in his sketches. “Every year, when I write a new set, there’s a new thing that I’m inspired by. I feel, ‘Here’s a different way of looking at the world!’ So it’s more observational humour”, says Abish. “As far as Son of Abish is concerned, the monologues are in the segment, ‘In Other News’.” Here, again, one notices where he deviates from other talk shows. Instead of commenting on regular news events happening in the world, he focuses on far flung snippets of news that don’t need a dated context. “That way, I keep the material evergreen.”

Speaking of abiding content, we see Abish frequently collaborating with other comics like Kanan Gill, Kenny Sebastian, and Naveen Richard to name a few. It’s also common knowledge that this Mumbai based set of comedians are good friends with each other. And that seems to reflect in each of their work too. Sometimes. “We all work individually and have our individual grasps but because we’ve become friends, we’ve become each other’s sounding boards for sure. If there’s something we need advice on, we definitely reach out to each other. And the great thing is, they don’t mollycoddle you. They’ll tell it to you the way it is.” But does that mean he only goes to friends for feedback? No. “Everyone around me can be a sounding board. Even if they’re not in my field, even if they’re a chartered accountant. Their opinion matters because that’s one opinion I don’t have. So I make sure to bounce ideas off people like that too.”

Star studded nights

Abish has made his way up the comic ladder so far with a combination of good timing, versatile content and no small measure of brazen luck. Likewise, one sees the upward progression of Son of Abish in everything, from the sets of the talk show to his guest list which now also include Radhika Apte,Vir Das, Irrfan Khan, and Taapsee Pannu apart from Vidya Balan and Dulquer Salmaan. And realising his ambition of hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ – well, as close to ‘The Tonight Show’ as you can get this side of the Pacific – has been no mean feat. Abish has been quite vocal about his love for the late night talk show format Son of Abish follows, “There’s a monologue, an interview, and anything could happen in between. Also, it’s in front of a live audience, but also broadcasted. There’s something about this amalgamation that’s got me hooked. “I like to think that my audience checks out of reality for some time when they watch Son of Abish. What I want to know is how much fun everybody can have with the show”, says Abish. He still wouldn’t consider himself a successful talk show host, however. He’s too preoccupied with the music videos, stories, web series, stand-up comedy clips and a million other things simmering in his brain to be bothered with tags. But when pressed, Abish admitted that he might call himself successful if, someday, he were the guest on a talk show.

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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

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When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.

1. Luxurious Velvet

Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.

2. Airy Sheer

Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.

3. Classic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.

Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.

4. Elegant Silk

For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.

Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.

5. Versatile Linen

Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.

6. Durable Polyester

If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.

Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.

7. Chic Satin

Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.

Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.

Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.

Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.

Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.

Kendal Jenner

Eva Longaria

Aishwarya Rai

Anitta

Viola Davis and Simone Ashley

Jane Fonda

Heidi Klum

Andie MacDowell

Cara Delevingne

Belinda Peregrin

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

 

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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars

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Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.

Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

 

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