Features

Aashiq Abu Uncooked

Published

13 years ago

December 6, 2011

The mastermind behind this year’s biggest entertainer that comprised of a loudmouth, a missing-in-action beauty queen and two newbie’s, packaged as a food based movie, is an easy talker. Well, as long as you have the right questions. The cynics and onlookers alike watched open-mouthed, a locomotive called Salt N’ Pepper appeared from nowhere and sped its course through a film landscape that was reeking with flops. This movie too is the product of the new breed of movie professionals who are bring about the much needed freshness to Malayalam movies.

During the 70’s Malayalam movie industry saw the advent of new wave cinema. Possibly inspired by this, a group of youngsters, customers of the now definitional Indian Coffee House near the University College in Trivandrum, later formed a cinema fraternity that contributed meaningful screenplays, powerful characters and innovative crafts to the Malayalee audience. Late 80’s and early 90’s saw the growth of superstars. Malayalam movies went into a limbo. This state of deterioration is offered some resistance by youngsters Vyshak , Amal Neerad, Anwar Rasheed, Sameer Thahir and Lijo Jose Pellissery to name a few, who are experimenting with thematic, narratives and casting. One of the major changes that have taken place is the collective effort and the times spend for pre-production work. Neither Auteur Theory (that director is the sole creator of the movie) nor the Schreiber Theory (that the scriptwriter is the creator) is any longer in practise. The Schreiber theory had relevance in Malayalam, only due to prominent directors writing their own scripts. With a growing audience who are exposed to all kinds of cinema, unoriginal works are being criticised from the time the movie is announced. New themes, new genres and new cinematic perspectives are needed to capture the evolving global Malayalee’s imagination.

It’s a hot and sultry day in Kochi; the midday day sun continues its course to the middle of the sky. At the movie workshop for 22 Female Kottayam, a suspense thriller in a private hideaway 20 km from Kochi, Aashiq Abu seems like a man in search for something. A stocky build, in t-shirt and shorts, he is totally at home walking around in rubber slippers. “Cigarettes” came a cry on seeing a pack, he picks one and lights up, sitting in front of the laptop playing songs from the Folk rock group Avial’s collection. Rest of the cast and crew is wandering about, almost sleep walking. Complains of hunger fills the air and the housekeepers scurry around to prepare lunch.

Now food is something really popular here, well for a team that did a love story around food, the conversation really got started. Aashiq was joined by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair the writers, Abhilash Kumar, Madhu Narayan, Pradeep Sukumaran- associate directors and Dileesh Pothan who is also an associate but had an acting role in Salt N’ Pepper.

Aashiq: “All of us love food, the same is true about an average Malayalee, yet we never had a food based movie. The idea for food came up much later in the pre-production time”
Syam: “The story thread was about two people in their forties meeting each other and falling in love, food became an angle because we thought that would be the best unifier for their unusual relationship”

Dileesh: “The moment the age factor came in, we knew it couldn’t be a normal love story. We wanted to keep it realistic as possible, like normal people they too had their own emotional baggage.”

Aashiq: “when they told me the story, I knew we had to go with unusual casting. Now everyone is talking about Babu Raj’s casting. That happened because we didn’t want to go with normal comedians. All of us sat around talking and Babu Raj’s name came up, and somehow all of us were sure that it would work out.”

Madhu: “ Ya ya, we all liked the idea, even with the casting of Lal and Shweta (Menon), it was clear that someone who acted their age was needed and of course a good voice that would sound good over telephone was needed.”

Abhilash: “The Upadeshi, K.T. Mirash character was developed after seeing a friend walk around in pyjamas …. (breaks out in laughter) everybody has come across characters like that, he is everything Manu (Aasif Ali) is not and vice versa, they somehow balance each other.”

By now lunch is served, and everybody rambles over to the table and starts piling on food. Dileesh Pothan is the obvious butt of the joke for the grit of his paunch. Finally everybody settles down to eat.

Pradeep : The food song for title was planned over 5 days. We called up people in all the districts in Kerala, they came up with suggestions and we travelled 2 days North of Kerala , two days South and of course a day in Kochi.

Aashiq: Even though all of us are very familiar with Kochi, we didn’t want to set the story in Kochi.

Syam : (Interrupting) For an Archaeologist, Trivandrum is a much better and in any case there is too much of Kochi in Malayalam movies these days…

Pradeep: … there are voice labs and better streets. (Smiling) we really liked the house in Trivandrum. Every article in the scenes and the idea to have the Mooppan through was pre planned, but then the story of the rainbow cake was really researched.

A car pulls up at the other gate and three men walk through, a loud cheer greets them. Shyju Khalid the cinematographer who did both Traffic and Salt N’ Pepper, Sajan V the editor and Dan Jose the Sound guy walks in and starts chiding Aashiq about his new projects.

Shyju : Did this guy tell you about the food song? Oh that was a big deal for me. 5 days up and down and I didn’t want to shoot food like a product rather something all of us are very familiar with. Just like a normal person’s perspective when entering an eating place, oh that was fun!

Sajan : Forget the food, seeing the rushes of Avial promo song literally stunned me. Until then I thought keeping the climax in balance would be the toughest part. Hardly 30 percent of the whole footage was used for the film. The same was the case with the food song; we had a lot of footage which we didn’t use, Aashiq had a plan to bring out an album based on the all the unused footage. Oh the intertextual stuff in both the movies was fun, Mamooka playing himself from Azhakiya Ravanan in Daddy Cool and Shweta in Salt N’ Pepper dubbing for Richa Pallod in Daddy Cool. There is even a director in the studio like Aashiq.

Aashiq : Well there was lots of criticism for using a non Malayalee actress as the lead for the role in Daddy Cool. So we wanted to show what the situation really is. Dubbing is always a problem. Shweta was the only Malayalam speaking actor who fitted the role and she did a wonderful job.
Initially we were not sure how people would take this after the Rathinirvedam role; it’s totally Shweta’s credit that people accepted the role.

When asked about the gay undertones in Lal’s and Babu Raj’s relationship
Syam (with a grin): That was the chemistry between the two; the idea was to have a cook who somehow compensates for the woman of the house….

Dileesh: There are no comic scenes written only situational comedies, when we were doing character sketches, it was definite that a brahmachari (A hanuman devotee) would be the right person for the role. Their relationship is similar to that of any two individuals who are sharing living spaces together for a long while.

Dan : The ‘sounds’ for the scene in which the prospective bride looks from the balcony, when the cook leaving the house with her potential suitor, was given a tragic-comic turn as demanded by the situation.

The energy levels are certainly rising within the group; a few have broken away and are jamming around with a guitar and make-shift drum (former lunch plates). A few others are preparing to jump into the pool. Their day just seems to be starting, night long discussions, arguments, fights and what not! The collective enthusiasm is clearly evident within the group, yet there is no distinction between work and play mood, even during the day long interactions it’s clear that bouncing ideas to and fro keep them on their toes. Who knows somewhere down the line, new genres hitherto unexplored in Malayalam cinema, might emanate from the new breed. Viewer expectations are high, so are the chances of rejection. There is still no concrete sign to call the new age directors, producers and professionals a new movement or wave, but then Malayalees all over the world are waiting for a new kind of movie sensibility.

Cover Story

THE QUIET FORCE OF A MODERN ICON

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2025

Anandhu Aji

Behind every poised performance is a quiet, unshakable resolve—a journey of an artist who shows that true strength lies not in loud declarations, but in unwavering integrity and purpose.

There’s something about shoot days that hum with their own energy—where art direction instinct, and moments unfold faster than they can be captured. The FWD Magazine cover shoot with Madonna Sebastian was no exception. From the moment the segment began, it was a visual symphony—natural light, candid motion, curated chaos—all anchored by her easy presence.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

By the time the cameras wrapped on the sunlit exteriors, Madonna returned indoors, slipping into a pristine white outfit that seemed to echo her state of mind: calm, clear, and open. The crew took a breather, the lenses cooled, but she remained in rhythm—poised yet unhurried.

It was then, in this in-between window—after the high-energy shoot, before the final touch-ups resumed—that she settled down for an unscripted chat with RJ Asha. No stage, no formal setup—just an airy corner of the space, a couple of chairs, and a warm conversation waiting to happen.

And that’s exactly what did. A moment carved out not for press quotes, but for perspective. For a glimpse into the artist behind the actress. The grounded soul behind the gaze the camera loves

You know Madonna. Or at least, you think you do.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

She’s the chirpy Celine from Premam, the graceful Anjali from Kavan, the quiet storm in Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum. But sitting across from her now, you start t0o sense something else. This is a woman who refuses to be boxed in by the roles she’s played, or the fame she’s earned. She isn’t just riding the wave of stardom—she’s surfing it, steering it, sometimes even swimming against it.

“I’ve never really chased this,” she says, “I just wanted to do good work. Whether it was singing, acting, even being on stage—if it didn’t feel honest, I’d walk away.”

That honesty has become her compass. It’s also what’s made her unpredictable in the best way. In an industry obsessed with hypervisibility and curated glam, Madonna’s detours feel radical. A music video here. A break to focus on home, or a spontaneous trip with friends there. No apologies. No PR spin. Just life.But make no mistake: there’s steel under the softness.

“I think people assume that if you’re polite or soft-spoken, you’re passive. That’s not true,” she says, eyes locking in. “I’ve said no more times than I’ve said yes in this industry. Not because I’m arrogant—but because I have clarity.”

That clarity has shaped her choices—from her refreshing screen presence to her deeply personal music. Her band’s indie singles drop like secret letters, far from the formulaic world of playback hits. Her voice, husky and haunting, doesn’t scream for attention. It holds it.

So how does she choose her projects?

Sometimes, it’s a script. Sometimes, it’s a song I’m writing at 2 a.m. under fairy lights. Sometimes it’s a film that pushes me out of my comfort zone, like Leo.”

Ah yes, Leo. The recent mega-hit that reminded audiences just how effortlessly she can hold her ground .

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

But ask her about the high of being in such a blockbuster, and she smiles without a trace of self-congratulation.

“It was a new space for me,” she admits. “Big canvas, big stakes. But what mattered most was working with people who respected the craft. I’m not into the noise around it. I liked the discipline of it.”

She’s not performing cool—she just is. In a world chasing trends, Madonna moves to her own rhythm.

Even her style says it all: breezy kurtas, vintage florals, bold red lips. Effortless. Unbothered.

When I ask about her five-year plan, she grins.

“I plan for joy. I plan for peace. I plan for purpose.”

That could mean a film—or a forest with no signal. She’s fine either way.

Madonna doesn’t demand attention. She owns it—with quiet power. And she’ll keep showing up, disappearing, and returning—on her terms.

Just like her art.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

There’s a kind of presence that doesn’t chase attention—but effortlessly holds it. A quiet confidence that doesn’t need to speak loudly to be heard. In every gesture, every glance, there’s ease. Style, too, follows suit—never trying too hard, yet never fading into the background. A mix of breezy staples, soft silhouettes, vintage moods, and the occasional splash of edge—it all feels lived-in, not styled. Real.

Back inside, lights shift and lenses focus again. Another look, another frame—but nothing feels rehearsed. Just a rhythm she owns, unbothered by the pace around her. Some people leave impressions with spectacle. Others, with silence and substance.

This isn’t about trends or timelines. It’s about being grounded. It’s about rhythm over rush. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most magnetic thing in the room is the one not trying to be.

Main Story

InstaGlam : Best of Instagram from Nikhila Vimal

Published

8 months ago

September 30, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Nikhila Vimal is a rising star in the South Indian film industry, celebrated not only for her acting prowess but also for her effortless sense of style. With her charming on-screen presence and witty interviews, she has won the hearts of many. Off-screen, Nikhila’s fashion choices are a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, often showcasing her love for Indian wear. Her Instagram is filled with vibrant, traditional looks that exude elegance, proving that she can pull off anything from a classic saree to chic, modern outfits with ease. Whether it’s her poised demeanor in interviews or her playful personality, Nikhila brings an undeniable grace to everything she does, making her a true fashion icon. Lets check her best looks from instagram.

Nikhila Vimal looks absolutely stunning in a gorgeous kurti set by K Pret by KALAAKAAR, styled impeccably by Smiji. The ensemble perfectly blends elegance and tradition, with a modern twist. What truly elevates the look is her long, beautifully braided hairstyle, crafted by Femy Antony, adding a touch of classic charm. To complete the ensemble, Nikhila accessories with a striking pair of long, heavy earrings from Keyaa, which adds just the right amount of glam to her vibrant and sophisticated Indian style. This look perfectly captures her essence bold, graceful, and effortlessly chic

Nikhila Vimal radiates timeless elegance in a stunning Mau cotton revival saree by S O U R A V D A S. This exquisite piece pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, featuring the signature 3 cm ‘chataai’ border with an intricate pattern of gold diamonds along the margins, framed by delicate rows of gold triangles and fine parallel cotton stripes. The saree’s cross-border elegantly leads to a Pallav adorned with two striking Star Konias, while the field is beautifully detailed with gold zari checks over a rich indigo backdrop. Styled by Arjun Vasudev, Nikhila’s look is further elevated by chic jewellery from Tanishq, perfectly complementing the saree’s opulence with a refined touch.

Nikhila Vimal exudes style and sophistication in a stunning black kurthi adorned with intricate embroidery work by Kalaakaari. The delicate detailing on the kurthi adds a touch of elegance, making it a standout piece. This chic look has been perfectly styled and coordinated by Pushpa Mathew, ensuring a seamless blend of traditional artistry with modern flair. The flawless makeup by Swapna Shaheen MUA from Dubai completes the ensemble, enhancing Nikhila’s natural beauty and bringing the entire look together with grace and poise.

While Nikhila’s glamorous side is truly breathtaking, her casual looks are equally captivating. She effortlessly pulls off a chic vibe in an off-white dress by Buna, keeping it understated yet elegant. The look is complemented with simple earrings, adding just the right touch of subtle sophistication. Her natural makeup, done by Femy Antony, enhances her features without overpowering her minimalist style. Styled by Smiji, the entire look embodies Nikhila’s ability to blend casual comfort with a refined, polished appearance.

Nikhila Vimal looks absolutely gorgeous in a peach salwar set by ZULEIHA, exuding an ethereal charm in this ethnic ensemble. Styled by Smiji, the look is a perfect blend of tradition and elegance. The outfit is beautifully accessorized with statement pieces from Keyaa, adding a touch of sophistication. With makeup by Femy Antony, Nikhila’s radiant glow and flawless finish complete this stunning look, making her a true style icon.

Nikhila Vimal shines radiantly in the exquisite Onam collection by Milan Designs, showcasing her love for traditional attire. Styled by Smiji, the ensemble perfectly captures the essence of the festival, blending elegance with cultural heritage. Complementing her look, she wears beautiful jewellery by Dhwani Bansal, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication. The flawless makeup, done by Femy Antony, enhances her natural beauty, making Nikhila the epitome of grace and style during the celebrations.

Cover Story

Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna

Published

8 months ago

September 18, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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.