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Prasanth Parameswaran – Life on the fast lane

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One ball was all it took for Prasanth Parameswaran to be propelled from the obscure world of a journeyman cricketer to the limelight reserved for the next big things of Indian cricket. Hailing from the backwaters of Kerala, Prasanth became an overnight sensation and one of the brightest hopes of Indian cricket after he dismissed Virender Sehwag in the very first over he bowled in the IPL. A hammer thrower in his school days, his has been an eventful journey to the most glitzy stage of modern day Cricket. Tall, fast and accurate, he was described by no less a player than Sehwag as potential India material. He is also a poster boy for the changing face of Kerala Cricket.

In this exclusive interview with FWD, he speaks about his remarkable journey and his dreams for the future.

Hi Prasanth, Let’s start with your life before IPL?
One of my cousins directed me to CMS College Kottayam as he thought it would provide more opportunities for my cricket career. Until then I had made no decision to make cricket a career, but things began to change after I was selected to Cochin Refineries Cricket Academy based on my performances in the intercollegiate matches. My three years in Cochin Refineries Cricket Academy is the foundation on which I’m trying to build a cricket career now.

Do you think Kerala pitches aid pace bowling? What is your feeling when you play in Kerala wickets?
Well, I think we can convert our resources into our strength and reach the standard we aim to achieve. We have, in the last IPL, already seen a sterling five wicket haul by Ishanth Sharma at Cochin International Stadium. It was a good sign that we could develop more pace pitches even in Palakkad, Perunthalmanna and in different parts of Kerala. I feel Kerala wickets are impartial. It doesn’t mean that they favour pace bowling, but the overcast skies favored me and I could utilize it to my advantage.

Describe your path to IPL? After not being in the primary squad, how did your IPL story happen?
The time when news about the launch of Kochi IPL team had splashed in the media, it triggered many discussions on the possible players from Kerala. Raiphi Gomez, P Prasanth, I and other three or four were on the top of the list. Many people predicted that I would get the selection. Even though I was a debutant, I had performed well in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy last year. I had high hopes of getting into the team. The fact that I had a contract with the Kolkata Knight Rider’s in the previous season was also an advantage. During the selection trials the coach also mentioned that they are interested in taking me in. But during the last minute shuffle I was excluded from the team. In fact it prompted me to bowl in the nets to mingle with the international players. I guess, I made the right impression.

Did Kochi Tuskers management invite you to bowl in the nets?
No, they didn’t invite me. KCA took initiative and send me to bowl in the nets. Other players discussed about my bowling. There was a practice session afterwards and within two weeks I was selected to the team.

Who influenced you in the team? Your favorite team mate?
The coach, senior players, and overseas players were of great help. I had a very good relationship with VVS Laxman even before IPL. He was a great guide in my voyage. Brendon McCullum and Muralidharan are very friendly. I’m very close to S.Sreesanth, Raiphi Gomez, P.Prasanth as well.

Can you recollect your feelings before the IPL debut match?

I was selected to the Kochi squad only for the last 10 matches. When Kochi played against Delhi I had no hopes that I would get into the final squad. Until the very first game everyone will be very relaxed, the real tension starts when the debutant game is up. Until we reach Delhi the team wasn’t announced. General practice is to announce the squad a day before the game. But this particular day they announced the team only before the warm up. I was super surprised when I found my name in the final squad. Then everything happened so fast. I had no time to figure out what was happening and to get tensed about my debut, and that helped me to perform well.

Your memories of the first over against Virender Sehwag?
It was a surprise call. There were no decisions made on who was going to open the game. Jayawardane gave me the ball and asked me to bowl. I had no time to tell my family and friends about my debut match. This in fact was good as I was relaxed and was under no pressure to prove myself in front of them. The first ball was a sixer. Everyone seems impassive. The thought that Sehwag, though a great cricketer, is still a batsman who I can get out gave me confidence. He is a batsman and I’m a bowler. If he can hit me for a six I sure can take his wicket. And that was what exactly happened. The sixer in fact gave me strength to come back.

Was that a planned delivery?
No, not at all. My normal delivery is the out swinger. I got an uneven bounce and swing on that delivery. It was sheer luck. I don’t think any bowler can plan his delivery. Maybe that happens in rare cases.

Virender Sehwag spoke about you as an Indian material, what do his words mean to you?
I am really happy that he said those words. It gave me a lot of confidence. Those words of encouragement lift me up. Even when you mention it now it elates me and encourages me to work hard and go to the next level.

How was the experience of getting smashed by Chris Gayle?
He hit me for 37 runs in an over, and it proved to be a better learning experience than what I would have gained had I got him out the first ball. The important thing is that I didn’t get depressed. I took it on chin and promised myself that I would return as a stronger player. Sometimes the best lessons are learnt from unpleasant experiences.

How much of an influence has Sreesanth been in your fledging career?
He was very helpful. He has always given me the right advice as to how I should be going about my career. He said, “I am a bowler, and so are you. I have already played international cricket, that is the only difference; but your time will come soon. You are bowling really well. You have to maintain the composure and keep pounding away.” He is a superb bowler. His words gave me a lot of energy. He also said that I have to behave in the right way. He advised that I should speak to the batsman and the coach and get feedback. He also helped me during the match and supported me throughout.

How is life after IPL, the money factor?
I believe that when money comes to you, ways to spend it will also follow. My mode of living has improved; but I think money is secondary for me. Money cannot buy you respect.

As a bowler who is your inspiration?
Wasim Akram. The time I spent with Kolkata Knight Riders while he was the coach proved productive. His advice based on his vast experience was extremely helpful.

Future dreams, India dreams.
Yes, from the very first moment in my cricket career I aspired to play for India. When people are positive towards me and see my potential I am really happy.

What are your interests other than Cricket?
Apart from cricket I love fishing and driving. I am very passionate about driving heavy vehicles. I never miss a chance to drive heavy vehicles. (A sheepish Prasanth continues) I recently became lucky enough to buy a Mercedes Benz. I have a Bolero also. I just love driving.

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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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Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs

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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.

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Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari

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 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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