Entertainment
Lesson Of Kindness All The Way From Kerala To Australia
Genesis: Kindness Begins at Home is an Australian Indian short film created by Doy George Cherian, which has received high praise at University of Queensland where it is screened as an inspirational material
Text credits: Silpa Anil
Legends are those who leave a mark on the world while they leave. To be remembered for what you lived enhances the worth of your life. The Malayalam film industry met with the early and untimely demise of the trendsetting director of Traffic, Rajesh Pillai in 2016 but he was able to leave a mark in Malayalam cinema with the limited number of films he had done.
Rajesh inspired a young 21 year old Malayali boy living in Australia to fulfill his dream of filmmaking. Doy George Cherian, who has assisted Rajesh in his film Vettah (2016) was also one among his companions at the hospital in his last days. During one of their long conversations on cinema, Doy disclosed a story-line on his mind out of which he wished to make a short film. Rajesh gave him support and suggestions to go ahead. Today, Doy’s dream project, Genesis: Kindness Begins at Home is a Malayalam short film that got screened at the University of Queensland as an inspirational material for film students.
Genesis is Doy’s first film venture to test out what he learned from his mentor Rajesh. It was built upon a short passage, “Nilamorukki vithittu valamittu…” given to him by his father. The film gives an insight into the effort that goes behind the cultivation of food and the worth of each grain.
The film begins where Daya, a young Malayali boy leading a luxurious life in Australia along with his rich parents is enlightened by the words of his grandfather back in Kerala about the value of food. He amuses his parents when he gives advice to some strangers on not wasting food considering the hard work of the farmer who has cultivated it. This incident stirs up a deep nostalgia in Royce, Daya’s father, which brings the family to Kerala to meet Appooppan (Daya’s grandfather). The film escalates from this point.
Through beautiful visualisation of the agricultural fields, the film builds a contrast between the city life of Australia and the picturesque natural beauty of Kerala. In the course of the narrative, Doy has also focused on social issues such as unemployment among youth and how they turn to liquor and drug abuse for relief.
“This film was an absolute combined effort of friends and family. I used my two and a half years of savings to make this film. My family and especially Prof. P Balachandran (who played the role of Appooppan) stood by my side through the journey,” says Doy.
The cast and crew of the film mostly includes Doy’s friends and family. While Doy’s younger brother Dani George played the role of Daya, his sister Dona Maria George contributed to the make up in the film. “My brother stunned me with his exceptional performance. Rajeshettan had asked me to make the film focusing more on the grandfather-grandchild relationship rather than sticking to the nostalgic cliché of NRI kid’s homecoming. I strongly believe that I have been able to do justice to his suggestion. The chemistry between Daya and Appooppan worked out perfectly,” Doy explains joyously.
Doy was able to showcase the film to Rajesh’s father and family on his death anniversary. He finds himself privileged to have got the opportunity to work with P Balachandran in his first film. Rajesh had also started his film career as an Assistant Director in Balachandran’s movie Thacholi Varghese Chekavar (1995).
Genesis was submitted as part of a project for independent media research for his film course at the University of Queensland. Later, it got screened at the university and is also shown to film students as an inspirational material. During January and February this year, the film was screened across ten schools in Kerala to over 4,000 students and teachers to promote agriculture and create an awareness among the youth regarding food wastage and drug abuse.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
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.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
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
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Beatrice Vio
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
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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