People
Remembering Kamala Das – The Love Queen Of Malabar
Madhavikutty still lives in the heart of every Malayali through her extraordinary writings. On her ninth death anniversary, we take a walk down the lane through the life and literary works of the writer
Text credits: Lakshmi Priya
Kamala Das, the world-renowned author, the mother of Indian English modern poetry, the face of feminist writers in post-colonial India, the love queen of Malabar.. the labels are unending for this fierce woman who still lives the hearts of her beloved readers even after nine years of her departure. She always shocked and surprised readers during her lifetime either through her unapologetic, beautiful and bold writings or her personal transformations. Known for her literary works in English and Malayalam, the writings of Kamala are still considered as cults of Indian literature. The subjects of her writings majorly ranged from politics, women’s issues, child care, gender roles to sexuality.
Born at Nalapat House of Punnayurkulam in Thrissur on March 31st, 1934, Kamala was ‘Aami’ back then. An ardent reader from her childhood, her mother Balamani Amma, the famous Malayalam poetess and her uncle Nalapat Narayana Menon, a Malayalam author, had a huge influence on developing her love for literature. In her books Balyakala Smaranakal (1987) and Neermathalam Poothakalam (1994) Kamala had beautifully jotted down her childhood memoirs in the land of Malabar and Calcutta. She shed her ink on paper to draw her culturally enriched childhood blended with a flabbergasting style of writing. Her way of narration was extraordinary and powerful to bring back tears of joy to every hardcore Keralite who are still pulled back to the roots. Her books had a tinge of nostalgia which welcome a thousand memories to everyone who cherishes the long-lost days of childhood.
Image source: telenganatoday.co
It was after her marriage with Madhava Das, she became Kamala Das, the name that she chose to write her English poems. Her poem Summer in Calcutta (1965) was wholeheartedly welcomed by Indians and was like a fresh breath of air in Indian English poetry. She was majorly known as a confessional poet for her realistic way of presentation and was compared to distinguished female writers like Sylvia Plath and Marguerite Duras. The topic of her poems ranged from love, betrayal and anguish.
Kamala took over the name ‘Madhavikutty’ as her one-time pen name. In the year 1973, she published her daring autobiography Ente Kadha (Malayalam) which was translated into English as My Story. The honest and guiltless presentation about her personal life which also dealt with sexuality shook Indians, plunging her into a deluge of criticism. In the autobiography, she stated that for the people who told her that writing an honest autobiography is like a striptease, she would like to remove her clothes and ornaments and peel off her brown skin so that the world can see her beautiful soul deep down. Chandana Marangal, Neypayasam, Thanuppu are some of her other notable Malayalam literary works.
Image source: pune365.com
The way Kamala dealt with female sexuality was bold and novel to India which gave her a powerful figure as an iconoclast. She spoke volumes through her words about the untold miseries of women. Her writings aimed at showcasing the deep emotions, fantasies and dreams of women and to establish that women are not just commodities of pleasure. Kamala was never bothered about the societal reactions that could pierce into her as a writer and a woman. The sense of guilt never touched her and she was totally unapologetic about her writings.
At the age of 65, Kamala, draped in her bright sari, with kohl smudged eyes and red bindhi on her forehead transformed into Kamala Surayya by converting to Islam. She became a victim of a lot of criticism for her conversion but yet stood fierce and bold in her decision. On May 31st, 2009 at age of 75 in a hospital in Pune, Kamala left the world. Even after all these years, she still lives in the heart of each of us through her letters which are powerful, presenting the readers an overwhelming experience of joy and pain with words that can touch the soul.
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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