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Grand Prix Vroom Vroom | FWD Life Magazine
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Grand Prix Vroom Vroom

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In the aristocratic yet modern confines of the Trivandrum Club FWD Life catches up with Jose Pottakulam Principal M&N racing, the man who put Kerala on the Formula 1600 Championship map. Popularly called “Otta” among friends, Jose talks about racing its future and the F1 experience.

For most of the non racing enthusiasts, inaugural edition of the Indian Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit, Noida, in October was about the Supreme Court ruling on entertainment tax and the cancelled Mettallica concert. But then for the racers there were lot to cheer about, this year’s MRF Formula 1600 Championship had a 4 car racing team from Kerala. Powered by a Ford engine, constructed by Coimbatore based J.A motors and sponsored by Muthoot Pappachan group and Kunnath Pharmaceuticals (Musli Power Xtra) with two foreign and two Indian drivers M&N racing burned a lot of rubber at the Buddh Circuit. Motorsports in India has mostly been rally and of course unofficial drags races on a straight stretch.

Initial Interest

Jose Pottamkullam reminisces about the Ambassador that got him his first Podium finish in Polular rally. “Well my first professional race was when I was in college. Few of my friends and me from Mar Ivanious college took part in Popular rally, called ourselves Team Trivandrum. Getting a podium finish was an inspiration for more races. I was hooked. I raced for around 24 rallies till 1987,” recalls the 49-year-old Jose, who’s even had quite a few podium finishes in some renowned rallies such as the Maruti Suzuki Cochin Autocross 2008 and the Cotton City Challenge, Coimbatore.

M&N Racing

Named after his children Mikka and Nikki, Jose jumped at the chance to start a racing team when J.A Motosprts and MRF came up with the possibility for 1600 championship. “I wanted to continue my association with motorsports, test driving for J.Anand and taking part in rallies was not enough, then this offer came up and I didn’t think twice. With Buddh we have an international venue and I am doing my part to set up a team, both Muthoot and Kunnath has been great sponsors, even though they had their initial doubts, once they saw what was possible was very enthusiastic. Muthoot is planning for a go cart track in Kerala, once that happens we have a decent chance to get good drivers 10 years down the line.”
We drove from Trivandrum club to Technopark where one of the cars is on display. Jose’s tweaked Fiat Punto took us effortlessly through the traffic; well the professional driving helped too. “Most youngsters think that modifying the car is about increasing the power. This car for instance accelerates faster, comes to halt faster, the tires grip the road in a different way, than a normal car, for the same reason, I know how smooth a drive I can get from it”.
First time seeing a racing car up front, I was enthusiastic about getting in. errr won’t fit in.My 6 foot plus frame and extra adipose baggage meant that I couldn’t get more than an inch beyond my knee into the car. Mr.Jose rather gracefully slides into the cockpit. He is literally on his back with just his head sticking out. “These rearview mirrors are the most important things while racing, the only way one can know what’s happening around you. Smiling he adds don’t worry once you lose some weight you’ll be able to fit in , 6 foot plus frame hasn’t stopped (Mark) Webber from winning Grand Prix ”say Jose. F1 racers average 5ft.7in, the smaller the driver the less weight which means lesser drag to reduce speed. In a game which 1 sec is a life time every trick is books is used to save time.

The F1 experience 

“Absolutely extreme, you need to see to believe it. Those drivers are inhuman, the speed those machines generate on ground is so much that all you can see is just colour blurs, the straight stretch at Buddh is the second fastest in the world . Oh and the sound is crazy, I boasted that I could handle it without ear plugs, but after 20 laps I was ready to run away. The logistics, management and security was amazing, everyone was given chip embedded badges, which meant the moment anyone stepped out of bound security personnel were alerted. No matter who you are, celebrities to Ministers nobody was allowed to move beyond the area they were cleared for. The only people who had a major grouse was the international airport control tower, there were more than 24 private jets landing and taking off on that single day.”

The Future

While Jose is optimistic about the future, he does have his own reservation about getting homegrown quality drivers. “ Racing is one sports in which there is a limit to what practice can do, you either have the killer edge or you don’t , this is why we see a lot of promising drivers coming along, they there go abroad for more training and then they realize that its mentality physically difficult to keep up”. Motorsports training really has to start very early, according to Jose; a potential driver can be identified at the age of 8 or 9.
A few things you never knew about racing.
The 3 layered racing outfit which includes a fire resistant jumpsuit costs Rs.50,000
The helmet cost 40,000
The 1600 car- 36 lakhs
For the manufactures it’s not just about making fast cars about also about customizing cars for drivers, from which they can exit in 4.5sec

The M&N Racers

Gaurav Gill and Arjun Balu (for the Muthoot car),
British racer Alex Waters and French racer Philippe Layac (for the Musli power car)
A Formula One driver burns approximately 600 calories per Grand Prix and loses on average two kilograms in weight
During a race, the average temperature in the cockpit will reach 50 °C
Drivers’ heart rates reach peaks of 190 beats per minute during a Grand Prix.
The car will generate lateral accelerations of 5G during cornering
Tyres can reach temperatures of 160°C

 

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Cover Story

THE QUIET FORCE OF A MODERN ICON

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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.

 

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InstaGlam : Best of Instagram from Nikhila Vimal

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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.

 

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Cover Story

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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