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Dil Se Moments With AR.R

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The adrenalin rush of the Salt Lake stadium concert has hardly gone…but its pack up time. A travel coordinator, hovering on the sides, walks up with assumed confidence to hand a set of tickets and passports to a man sitting quietly in a corner.“What about my musicians”, asked A.R Rahman looking up. Now that’s a classic statement! Yes! , for A.R.R (as I call him), the Mozart of Madras music and fellow musicians came before personal comfort.

Rewind a few weeks and little did I know, when getting a call while watching xXx (the Vin Diesel movie) at Sridhar Cinemas in Kochi, that I would get to be on the First World Tour with A.R.R!

Noel James, his manager, very formally calls up to tell me that bossman (as we call him) wants me in Madras (ya I still call it that) immediately. The only ride out of town I could find at that juncture was a rickety bus. Reached the next day crossing my fingers praying that A.R.R hasn’t gone on one of his escapades, which meant he would just drop everything and go off somewhere, mostly to a Holy Shrine! Thankfully he was still there, but having already recorded the song for which I was possibly called for , he asked if I could write lyrics and on saying yes asked me to come up with a song with lines, “small aim is a crime”, “One Vision” and a couple more of the like . Comfortably settled on a Blue sofa which has seated Mani Ratnam to Amir Khan to Javed Akthar to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, I penned with humility. From then on it was two days of a nonstop roller coaster ride for me, getting to work with him close quarters so exhausted with excitement and trying to hold my droopy eyes from falling over at 4 ‘0 clock in the morning , singing, writing, laughing and sometimes pinching myself ( quite unbelievable actually !!) until I wrote the lyrics to the music of A R Rahman, got children to sing and 3 days later on a plane with ARR to Delhi … little did I know that the song was written for the former President APJ Abdul Kalam based on his short story “Ignited Minds”. And yes!! I did meet Mr. President with ARR!!
Touring with ARR was an experience out of this world. It was not just about getting to meet musicians from all over the world but also to perform at the greatest of venues in the world such as The Hollywood Bowl, The Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne), The Grand Forum (L.A) Wembley Arena (London) and the Hong Kong Convention Centre …. to name but a few. ARR’s spirituality is very evident in his music. Once at Cochin, I was with him and we had dinner and after which he was setting his alarm for a real crazy wee hour after a long day!! I asked him why, he simply replied ‘Geooorge, prayer is better than sleep!!’

In Hong Kong, like most other tours, I was in charge of his lyrics, and when he suggested a change I did not understand, sudden he broke out in Malayalam, drawing on a paper “ithu inganne cheythal mathiyo geooorge?” ( Shall we do it this way George?) And I replied “sheri bahumanapetta Rahuman” and we broke into a laugh leaving the rest befuddled.

The author was the erstwhile vocalist for the rock band 13 AD and a popular singer and a music director.

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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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