People
Life Becomes Whole When You Are One With Your Art
Artist turned actor Minon talks about not having attended formal education system, his journey into films and his aspiration for becoming a filmmaker
Text credits: Silpa Anil
Homework, assignments, exams, pressure and definitely algebra. The academic aspect of schooling had many a times made me envy the freedom that birds and animals enjoyed. I am pretty sure this thought crossed your mind at some point of your childhood. Now imagine a lad who has never attended school, but ended up winning National award for acting, is an established painter and always full of energy, that is Minon.
Walking into Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi into the 69th exhibition of his paintings ‘Meet My Art’. The kind of liveliness and movement in his paintings is something that is reflected in his personality as well.
Minon has won National and State award for Best Child Artist for the year 2012 for his debut feature film 101 Chodyangal. He is a familiar figure to most Malayalees by the various other films that he has appeared in, Munnariyipp, Ennum Epozhum, Action Hero Biju to name a few. Minon has been home schooled by his artist parents Baby John and Mini who gave an early platform to pursue his dreams.
“I discover myself through art and painting. My parents are artists. I’ve grown up seeing them paint. So, it would have been a wonder if I did not turn out to be an artist,” says Minon. He and his sister Mintu were brought up in a highly non-commercial environment. According to him, his parents, books and travelling have given the major contribution to his education and learning in life.
Minon with his sister Mintu
Hung on the walls are the beautiful paintings by Minon. Each stroke seems to be calculated and some of the images seem to have real life. When asked about his idea behind his work, he said, ” Some of the paintings were the images that emerge in my mind that I wanted to replicate on canvas, some are the painted versions of the faces that I have captured on my camera”.
Minon’s Paintings
Speaking about his entry to the world of films, Minon says that the commercial aspect of cinema had always kept him away from cinema. But when Sidharth Siva a close friend, asked him to be a part of a feature film, it turned out to be an offer he could not deny.
Eventually Minon fell in love with cinema. “Film direction is a big dream and I am learning. But when I say that I am learning, it has got nothing to do with the learning from the usual standards education or by being and studying from a reputed film institute. It only means that I am learning” he said that with a wide grin on his face.
Having acted in thirty films, both commercial and art films, Minon reveals that each film set is a different institution from where he learned. He realizes that each director possess a unique style of film making. Minon says, for instance, Abrid Shine, gives a lot of freedom to actors for improvisations and gives importance of spontaneity in his characters. “It gives me an impression that I am doing a lot more than simply acting out a scene” he says “On the other hand, working with Venu sir in Munnariyipp was a completely different experience as every shot is well planned and structured before hand.”
When asked about his dreams, Minon exclaims that he dreams big. And says, Dreams don’t need to be limited as they are free of cost. “Starting from Mani Ratnam to the long list of good directors, I dream of working with everybody.” Minon’s upcoming projects include Kidu directed by Majid Abu and also working on a Tamil film
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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