Cover Story
In Tune with Vidwan
We find out what band Vidwan and its members have got midst their guitar strings
The “shooting studio” has always remained hidden, with its walls masking the manipulative lights and vibrating sounds it creates. For any outsider, they remain oblivious to the magic that unfurls within. Unassumingly, I have often passed the house while in the neighbourhood. It was only when I visited “Vidwan” that I realised that here was a studio with the ‘sound of music’. I could hear faint harmonics in the background. As I walked into their studio, I knew that the rhythm was going to get me, and decided I would join the ‘band’wagon.
Vidwan started just like any other band. They have performed in more than 100 venues around the world including the Woodford Folk Festival in Australia and Alchemy Festival in the UK. The band was started by Yakzan Gary Pereira who plays the keyboard and synth with former member and drummer Tao Issaro. Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Vivek Thomas,lead guitarist Vivian Varghese, bass guitarist Ben Sam Jones, percussionist Sajith Padmanaban, drummer Pranoy drummer and lead vocalists Neha Nair and Anoop Mohandas are all friends who became a part of “Vidwan” along the way.
What does your band name mean and where did it come from?
Anoop: “Vidwan” means one who has mastered his art. None of us are Vidwans, but we decided to use it for our band.
How did the your team get tuned to each other?
Band: We have known each other for a very long time, we were friends who shared similar tastes in music too. So it was natural for us to get together for jam sessions and create music.
And now that you all found music, have you ever wondered what you would be doing if you were not musicians?
Anoop: Exactly what I am doing now. Sit at home thinking of an alternative.
Who are your greatest musical influences and why?
Vivek: Our influences cover a very wide spectrum we listen to – everything from jazz to rock to synth pop!
How did you decide your instruments?
Vivian: A lot of factors contribute to help us choose our instruments – sound, playability, versatility, etc comes first and it helps if it’s a trustworthy brand; especially when buying them online.
Could you briefly describe the process of creating a new song?
Neha: There isn’t a fixed format for composing. It could start with an interesting bass line, or a riff or a chord progression or a vocal hook, etc. We keep building on from there till we all are happy with the final product
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Yakzan: We have evolved individually, as artists, as human beings, that have contributed to our creations. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Yakzan: Biggest challenge is when a member of the band moves away due to personal reasons.
How do you welcome a new member into the band?
Band: We welcome a new addition to the band by jamming and creating a connection with them so that they can blend into the band’s pre-existing sound.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Yakzan: When forming a new lineup, look for people who gel as individuals and not just as musicians. Making music that lasts is going to take time, so have patience.
What’s the most bizarre thing that happened while you were on stage?
Vivian: A couple of years back, at M.E.C Cochin it was raining and there was a power failure during the last song. All the lights went off but the sound was fine. It was pitch black but we continued playing the song without stopping. The crowd loved it, that was a fun gig.
Anoop: Personally the most bizarre experience was when I was on the ramp and the boys in the crowd tried to pull down my harem pants.
If you had a band pet, what would you name it?
Vivian: Yakzan’s dog Disco is pretty much the band pet. He’s the best mascot any band could have.
What’s the one song that jam on as soon as it comes out on
the radio?
Neha: Any Coldplay track!
What is the best compliment you have received about your
music so far, and from whom?
Ben: At the Woodford Folk Festival 2013 where we played and the reports were that we were among the seven best bands who performed. There were more than 4,000 artists who played there that evening.
How do you prepare before a big event?
Ben: We do at least two rounds of practice with the full setup which makes the band sound tighter. Also we constantly tweak the songs and include thing that come up while weplay, and which sound good.
To derive some perfection, how often and for how long do you practice?
Band: As a band, we are very specific with our songs, so strict band practice happens only before shows , and individually we continue to practice on our instruments and hone our skills.
Which is the most unusual venue you have played at?
Yakzan: Beachside in Trivandrum, right after the midnight mass on Christmas.
What are your favourite venues?
Anoop: Music festivals and pubs are definitely our favourite venues. I love college crowds too as they are alwaysbustling with energy!
Where do you dream to perform?
Ben: My biggest dream would be Vidwan performing at the Grammy awards
What do you think about the current indie music and live performances in Kerala right now?
Vivian: I hope the new government does something about the rules on banning performances in colleges. It is affecting a lot of artists, technicians and the independent music scene. We have to encourage the public to listen to
good indie music.
If you would want to open for another band/artist, who would it be and why?
Yakzan: Coldplay, because the audience will be unbelievably huge and it’s high time they performed in India. Also, we love them!
Who writes your lyrics?
Neha: Anoop, Vivian and I are the chief songwriters. But even the rest of the band contribute. I guess that’s what makes the band successful!
What is your opinion about online music sharing?
Neha: As musicians, it is helpful for us to put our music out there, while as listeners, we want to update on what’s happening on the other end of the world, as long as it keeps plagiarism at bay.
If you could go back in time and change something when you were starting out as a band, what would it be?
Neha: If I could give us an advice while starting out it would be to not procrastinate. We end up making a lot of new song scratches but become hesitant to work on it and release it.
What is your favourite thing to see in the audience while you are on stage?
Everyone answers: When the audience mouths along to our original songs
If you had the option to do the Original Sound Track for a movie, across genre and time, which one would it be for?
Yakzan: ‘Pulp Fiction’, because presumably we would be allowed to do what we like, and it’s an unbelievably fresh genre.
If you could have any band cover one of your songs, which one would you prefer?
Neha: More than wanting a band to cover our song, we would like to collaborate with other artists to bring in a new flavor. It could be an instrumentalist, or a dancer, or maybe a string section, anything!
Where do you see the band in 10 years?
Neha: I hope we are an album and couple of EPs old, and toured at least half the world.
What do you think is the reason that your band has been well received by the audience?
Neha: We are very interactive and musically adaptive. We don’t fit into any particular genre and have elements that go back to our folk roots, but is experimental at the same time, which makes it appealing to the audience on a whole.
Do you feel skeptical about releasing music albums in a film song-centric place like Kerala?
Ben: Releasing an album in Kerala right now is a rickety scene since most people still consider the music industry as the same as film music industry, but we have hopes that this trend is changing.
What is your advice for other bands that are just starting out?
Yakzan: Take time and create your own music. Don’t take a shortcut by playing covers, because that won’t last. At the end of the day, do what you love and make sure you are happy doing it, no matter how many negative opinions you get. If you work hard enough, you’ll definitely be rewarded. There is no shortcut to success. Simple as that.
Words by Fathima Abdul Kader Photographs by Carrot GK Styling: Lakshmi Babu
Makeup & Hair: Ramesh Kannan
Location: Camleon Studio, Palarivattom
Cover Story
Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna
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
Cover Story
Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs
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.
Cover Story
Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari
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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