Entertainment

Lucid Screens and Blazing Darkness

Published

7 years ago

July 1, 2017

FWDmedia

fwd life Musicians who have left a mark on earth with their music

There is a quiet revolution going on in our homes, the stark silence drowned in screen lights

Text: Ronnie Kuriakose Photo courtesy: unsplash.com

My father is a good man. He started working at the young age of twenty-two and with the help of his older employed siblings, dragged his family out of cruel poverty that gripped their lands then. A pioneer for their time, the family, for this reason, is still looked upon by the people of Vaikom, our hometown – a well of inspiration for those in hardship, a promise that hard work and truthfulness shall in the end pay rich dividends.

My father was also a learned man. In the early eighties, recognizing the trajectory of coastal towns and the many possibilities that it might bring, and perhaps needing a little change, he moved to Kochi and started working at SBT’s foreign exchange branch as a clerk – the golden years, he calls it. Now, some twenty years and more later, and after accumulating more duties and donning several senior roles, he serves as the manager at SBT’s FACT branch.

This is his story and it ends in him taking a well-deserved break after his retirement in three years and touring the world to his heart’s pleasure. This is also the story of all your good fathers. They have toiled years on end, ever patient, upholding the values of the company that they were in, and heartily, knowing quite well that their chance to own a cabin will come in time. There was no bickering, no running to the human resource team; neither was there competition among colleagues or the need to harbor hate.

Reflective screens

Then there’s me and us. The young people who think they are entitled to the world. The unfazed natives of the digital era wielding advanced technology in one hand and holding a pill in the other. The go-getters, with their many letters of resignation as arm badge. The productivity-clockers capable of spawning opportunities at will, trading sacks of gold and evoking seats of influence. Freakers, who live on the edge of sanity, effortlessly weaving in and out of gender traits, and living life to the fullest. The societal presumption of us is that we are self-indulgent, spoiled brats. Our social media accounts might suggest something similar. The reality, however, is very far from it.

There is a quiet revolution going on in Kochi homes. Fathers are coming back from work to find their sons – sons who should have been working to help pay back the student loan that was taken – now behind lucid screens after having quit their well-paying jobs citing reasons as vague as a lack of contentment. Nocturnal and unsentimental, we, with our ungodly music that drown out their advices and an ever-hungry mouth that bites on their pensions, are yet never an oddity for this modern time. With more flourished virtual lives than real, it is no surprise that they like to spend more time online. I also wonder if it is the compulsion to make it seem to others that you are alright and that everything is going well that is keeping these youngsters there. Fostered in early childhood, this need to be better than your neighbors has now come back to haunt every millennial’s home. What it has led to is a witch-hunt and most here in Kochi, unbeknownst to even them, are the perpetrators of it. It is the young people and to be more to the point, their magnificent dreams that are put at the stake.

Considered conversations

Since my last two articles in FWD – on the unspoken dangers of being good, and our relentless chase for contentment – I have discovered in my inbox emails that are, if anything, quiet sobs of disenfranchised youngsters, who are a far cry from said conceived presumptions. They are, from what I gather, self-conscious individuals who are forced to question whether they deserve happiness. A lot of them are made to feel guilty about everything they do. This has led to them speaking less, letting themselves to be seen less, and less engaged with society. They are afraid to show who they are, to word their many anxieties or doubts, and to share their ambitions. They are certain that they will be mocked for it or worse, disregarded.

My father is a good man, but in heeding him I fear that I might drown in a sea of existential despair. You and me, we are at war with the world. We wage it in hope that in victory we may be able to justify our past actions as breaking of shackles. Until then, we sit behind considerate screens praying to our virtual gods until society shrouds in with blazing darkness.

Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

Published

3 months ago

September 30, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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

Published

3 months ago

September 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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

Bethenny Frankel

Aja Naomi King

Beatrice Vio

Samadhi Zendejas

Alia Bhatt

Camila Cabello

news

Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars

Published

3 months ago

September 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

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.