Cover Story

Mamta Mohandas’ Journey of Freedom

What’s the true feeling of being empowered? Mamta Mohandas takes us along a journey of introspection.

Published

9 years ago

March 12, 2016

FWDmedia

What’s the true feeling of being empowered? Mamta Mohandas takes us along a journey of introspection.

The first thought that comes upon laying eyes on Mamta Mohandas is “an independent woman.” I walked in as she was engaged in a shooting session. Dressed in a pastel mint peplum dress lined with a punch of yellow, Mamta’s anime eyes were focused on the camera. As she tilted her head towards the photographer, her coral-shaded lips were pronounced. She didn’t break into a seraphic smile, right at that moment I thought ‘this was it’. That was the cover shot – a photograph that embodied confidence. But more importantly, it was a photograph that made a silent statement, which said, “I can look back to what’s left behind.” Shuttling between countries – India, Bahrain and the US – Mamta was the perfect choice for our March cover, as this month celebrates the International Women’s Day. What can I say, it’s decadent with the bold spiritedness that’s channeled into attire, art, and certainly a new way of living. Yet I still feel it’s very riddled. An engraving on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC says “Freedom is not free.” Meeting Mamta, this phrase instigated in me a question – does empowerment come with the feeling of being free in what you do, or who you are?

Mamta Mohandas for FWD Life Magazine

Many a times, we judge a celebrity by their characterization in films or how they’re depicted through the media, and when met in person suddenly they seem so illusory. During a break in the shoot, Mamta retreated to her dressing room where I finally met her. Out of the flamboyant costumes, she settled on the couch in a relaxed pair of jeans, looking athletic and lissome. Our icebreaker was her marled, multicoloured espadrilles. We joked about how it looked like the parachute on Coldplay’s new album cover. It was her comfortable go–to shoes that she wore during the shot breaks. I thought she made a bold statement pairing them with the plush gowns. Only until the shoot commenced, she slipped into her towering Louboutins.

Though the media has endlessly talked about her battle with cancer, she’s been candid with her tackle. During the interview she had a steadfast tone. She occasionally cleared her throat, her voice modulations were good but even better was her reasoning, it was sound. Undeterred by the whirlwind of emotions, she surprised me with her sense of correctness. She was profound in her outlook to life and her insights didn’t come across as superficial or worse, pseudo intellectual. In fact, Mamta took over the wheel and steered her way through to a brave new world. And when she hit the road, it was certainly a zigzagged one.

Chasing Liberty

Synonymous to her movie Two Countries, Mamta shared her diaspora perspective on social conventions. Growing up in Bahrain, she explained that she was influenced by Western pop culture from music to movies. She grew up in an environment that believed both men and women are meant to coexist in the world. Deeply rooted in the field of arts, she feels women should always pursue their inner skills and, more importantly, believe it never ‘only belongs to man’. However, she claims not being a feminist, rather she feels that a lot of women in India have been, until
now, maintaining a stoic silence. “In our country, men are proud to be men, but women are not always proud to be women.”

Mamta Mohandas for FWD Life Magazine

With prevalent gender injustice, her brazen confdence was no exeption to the treatment she received. Mamta candidly shared her experience when she arrived in India.“It’s like they had me all figured out,” Mamta remembers. As she breezed in casually with her sleeveless tops and trousers with cropped waists, her mannerisms were easily misconstrued – whether it was a smile or when she reached out to shake hands. But the truth is Mamta has an air of coolness, a quality that could easily be misread as arrogance. “I was judged for simple things like answering in English when the questions were asked in Malayalam.” Hiccups, in the larger scheme of things. Today, she is a revered actresses in both the Malayalam and Telugu film industries; with awards and accolades for not just acting, but also playback singing.

The Whole View

In a profession that has gargantuan expectations of being picture perfect, her outlook at some point became myopic. “Having worked here for 10 years, you tend to start believing that mores, religious issues and the environment influence the decisions in your everyday life. Inadvertently, you conform to things laid out there and believe that’s the only way to do it.” For an actress, looks are always placed on a pedestal. She said that her self-esteem plummeted during the chemotherapy session, especially with her hair loss. But it was not about vanity. “I like to take care and present myself well. I have always concentrated on my work-outs and have also led a very disciplined life. I was never into drinking or abusing my body. When this happened, I got severely frustrated and kept thinking I did not deserve this.”

But in this complex rut of thoughts, her hardest issue was being equivocal about her condition. She unapologetically said, “When you are a film actor, it is so hard to be upfront about your fears and insecurities because you are being judged all the time.” She felt that she lost herself somewhere in between. Battling the medical issue, she was always in the vicinity of her dears ones; everyone was in the mood to be corrective, considerate and motivational but not always understanding her state of mind. “I was faced with a few circumstances in life where I felt that I was let down by a few people on whom I was really counting on – especially to stay by me or support me in the right manner during the hardest times. “When things did not work out quite the way I wanted it. I just said, ‘You know what, I just don’t care anymore. They can take a hike.’” At that moment I butted in saying that she strapped on her shoes and she took the hike instead. She laughed out loud, in retort, “Oh yes, I ended up taking a hike all the way to Los Angeles.”

Into the Wild

With our ‘take a hike’ joke, we drew reference from Cheryl-Strayed’s widely acclaimed biography, Wild. The book was recently adapted into a movie starring Academy award winner, Reese Witherspoon – one Mamta thoroughly enjoyed. Cheryl Strayed hiked 1,100 miles of the 2,663 milelong Pacific Crest Trail. On asking her what common thread she shared with the author, Mamta said that it was a journey that taught her to unlearn. “I detached myself from everything and I found the inner strength within myself. When I moved to LA, I felt that I connected with my childhood again and I felt I was the old Mamta again. I can definitely say this is the strongest I have ever been.” Meeting new people brought out her vivacity and elevated her energy levels. Her new home has become a safe haven. The ambiance and culture are different in L.A. “I can greet people with a ‘What’s up’ and get a smile in response. I am a people person but I need the right people around me.”

Mamta Mohandas for FWD Life Magazine

Starting Over

Engaging in new experiences, she recently gave a shot at skiing , which she exclaimed she was horrible at but happy that she gave it a try nonetheless. Loving the sunny side of LA, she said she’ll soon look into body surfing too.

Having trained in Carnatic and Hindustani music, Mamta has a deep connection with music. She recently sang a rendition of ‘Jar of Hearts’ by Christina Perri for one of the leading Malayalam television channels. One line that struck a chord was “I’ve learned to live half alive.” I then asked her if there’s one fully lived moment during her journey. She looked at me with a content smile.

“ Driving, “she said complacently. She embarked on a road trip inspired by the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin – a book that was recommended to her by director Anjali Menon. When I asked what was the reason to go on a solo journey, she answered, “I am not sure if it’s a reason but I wanted to embark on a journey that had a lot of freedom and at the same time something that would truly allow me to find the ultimate strength within me.”

Mamta Mohandas for FWD Life Magazine

In one of her road trips that was seven hours long from California to Phoenix, she felt liberated and completely alive driving through the many hues and moods of America’s colorful landscapes. Especially, the red skies set in Phoenix that’s structured with auburn mountains. While she was driving, she loved listening to the mellow compositions by the Italian pianist Ludovico. “The music brings tears to my eyes for it correlates so beautifully with nature of life and one’s mind.”

Amidst the setting sun, the chameleon skies, she shared the one moment that she felt was infinite, “It was my last trip from California to Phoenix. I found this mountain that was strikingly white. It had a few green shrubs, some brown rocks and light brown sand. In the distance, I could see more snowcapped mountains and the sun rays fell on them in an angular way. The music was haunting; there was no one else on the road. For 10 years of my life, much of my energy was constantly getting drained; I used to always feel unwell. Staring up into the mountains, at that moment and time, I realized that it was time to live life to the fullest.” In Mamta, I saw someone who took the courageous step of detaching herself and finally hushing the paradox, freedom is not free. That feeling when you ride till where the road meets the sun.

Mamta Mohandas for FWD Life Magazine

That’s a different type empowerment. An empowerment where you dive in with blazing glory to meet your deeprooted fears and insecurities. Did she entrench herself in fears? No, she surfaced.
Vindicated. And there a new chapter begins.

Words By Atheena Wilson
Model: Mamta Mohandas
Photographs by Toonus
Design & Styling: Ela by Jisha
Associate Stylist: Lakshmi Babu
Makeup: Renju Renjimar
Hair Styling: Sudhi
Image Manipulation: Jemini Ghosh
Location: Beaumonde The Fern, Kochi
Production: FWD Media

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Cover Story

THE QUIET FORCE OF A MODERN ICON

Published

4 days ago

May 13, 2025

Anandhu Aji

Behind every poised performance is a quiet, unshakable resolve—a journey of an artist who shows that true strength lies not in loud declarations, but in unwavering integrity and purpose.

There’s something about shoot days that hum with their own energy—where art direction instinct, and moments unfold faster than they can be captured. The FWD Magazine cover shoot with Madonna Sebastian was no exception. From the moment the segment began, it was a visual symphony—natural light, candid motion, curated chaos—all anchored by her easy presence.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

By the time the cameras wrapped on the sunlit exteriors, Madonna returned indoors, slipping into a pristine white outfit that seemed to echo her state of mind: calm, clear, and open. The crew took a breather, the lenses cooled, but she remained in rhythm—poised yet unhurried.

It was then, in this in-between window—after the high-energy shoot, before the final touch-ups resumed—that she settled down for an unscripted chat with RJ Asha. No stage, no formal setup—just an airy corner of the space, a couple of chairs, and a warm conversation waiting to happen.

And that’s exactly what did. A moment carved out not for press quotes, but for perspective. For a glimpse into the artist behind the actress. The grounded soul behind the gaze the camera loves

You know Madonna. Or at least, you think you do.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

She’s the chirpy Celine from Premam, the graceful Anjali from Kavan, the quiet storm in Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum. But sitting across from her now, you start t0o sense something else. This is a woman who refuses to be boxed in by the roles she’s played, or the fame she’s earned. She isn’t just riding the wave of stardom—she’s surfing it, steering it, sometimes even swimming against it.

“I’ve never really chased this,” she says, “I just wanted to do good work. Whether it was singing, acting, even being on stage—if it didn’t feel honest, I’d walk away.”

That honesty has become her compass. It’s also what’s made her unpredictable in the best way. In an industry obsessed with hypervisibility and curated glam, Madonna’s detours feel radical. A music video here. A break to focus on home, or a spontaneous trip with friends there. No apologies. No PR spin. Just life.But make no mistake: there’s steel under the softness.

“I think people assume that if you’re polite or soft-spoken, you’re passive. That’s not true,” she says, eyes locking in. “I’ve said no more times than I’ve said yes in this industry. Not because I’m arrogant—but because I have clarity.”

That clarity has shaped her choices—from her refreshing screen presence to her deeply personal music. Her band’s indie singles drop like secret letters, far from the formulaic world of playback hits. Her voice, husky and haunting, doesn’t scream for attention. It holds it.

So how does she choose her projects?

Sometimes, it’s a script. Sometimes, it’s a song I’m writing at 2 a.m. under fairy lights. Sometimes it’s a film that pushes me out of my comfort zone, like Leo.”

Ah yes, Leo. The recent mega-hit that reminded audiences just how effortlessly she can hold her ground .

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

But ask her about the high of being in such a blockbuster, and she smiles without a trace of self-congratulation.

“It was a new space for me,” she admits. “Big canvas, big stakes. But what mattered most was working with people who respected the craft. I’m not into the noise around it. I liked the discipline of it.”

She’s not performing cool—she just is. In a world chasing trends, Madonna moves to her own rhythm.

Even her style says it all: breezy kurtas, vintage florals, bold red lips. Effortless. Unbothered.

When I ask about her five-year plan, she grins.

“I plan for joy. I plan for peace. I plan for purpose.”

That could mean a film—or a forest with no signal. She’s fine either way.

Madonna doesn’t demand attention. She owns it—with quiet power. And she’ll keep showing up, disappearing, and returning—on her terms.

Just like her art.

Madonna Sebastian for FWD Life magazine photoshoot

There’s a kind of presence that doesn’t chase attention—but effortlessly holds it. A quiet confidence that doesn’t need to speak loudly to be heard. In every gesture, every glance, there’s ease. Style, too, follows suit—never trying too hard, yet never fading into the background. A mix of breezy staples, soft silhouettes, vintage moods, and the occasional splash of edge—it all feels lived-in, not styled. Real.

Back inside, lights shift and lenses focus again. Another look, another frame—but nothing feels rehearsed. Just a rhythm she owns, unbothered by the pace around her. Some people leave impressions with spectacle. Others, with silence and substance.

This isn’t about trends or timelines. It’s about being grounded. It’s about rhythm over rush. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most magnetic thing in the room is the one not trying to be.

Cover Story

Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna

Published

8 months ago

September 18, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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

Published

8 months ago

September 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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.