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Biju Anthony: Conjuring Imagination

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Author Biju Anthony speaks about his debut novel Shadows Lie and how he became a writer from a being a banker

Words by: Charishma Thankappan    Photographs from: Anand A N

Vivid colours, high drama, and an intense sense of familiarity and identity of being a Malayali, are what charm the book Shadows Lie to the reader. Written by Biju Anthony, the book is set in Kollam in the 1950s.

A debutant novelist, Biju says that Shadows Lie is loosely based on his great grandfather’s life. “Set in an island in Kollam, it is a feudal set-up in the 1950s,” he says. “It’s a family drama in a Catholic setting.”

He first wrote the plot of Shadows Lie in the form of a short story and shared it with his friends. “They loved the geography of it. There is an element of exoticism around it. They suggested that it could be developed into something bigger.” Biju went on to leave his banking job and has been writing full time since the last three years.

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Hailing from Kollam, writing about the place came out as a natural process, though it was not a conscious decision. A murder mystery, Biju is quick to clarify that Shadows Lie is completely fictionalised. “As it is from my mother’s family, she was very clear from the start that I should state out clearly that it is fiction and there was no murder in the family. It was only a loose rumour!”

Based in the Middle East, Biju started writing during his college days and used to write in Malayalam. “I used to write poems and short stories. It was in my early 20s that I started writing in English, and that too after reading The God of Small Things. I am a big fan of Arundhati Roy. I love her play of words. Her writing has influenced me a lot. I love Kamala Das also, as she could handle English and Malayalam so well.”

Among the feedback that he got for Shadows Lie was the suggestion of bringing out the book in Malayalam. And Biju is prompt with his thoughts on it. “My Malayalam is good, so I’m thinking of translating it. I think it will be easy for me to write it as I used to be a topper in school in Malayalam,” beams the writer.

Another interesting bit about the book is its cover that arouses curiosity. “I was thinking of the book cover from the marketing side – as nobody knows me, if I bring out a book, nobody will look at it. And if I leave it to the publisher, I thought they will come back with something very minimal. So I wanted a cover where someone will look at it a second time at least and maybe then they might lift it up. I have a friend who is a Dubai based artist, and he said that he can look at it. There is a central character in the book called Bhadra and he was drawing around her. I checked out his Facebook page and saw the exact same picture (which is on the cover) with a few differences. We made a few changes and the picture was then finalised.”

So how does his writing process pan out? “I don’t have the end to end story in mind. I just write the prologue. I never had a chapter wise synopsis. I was building the story. Initially I used to write just one or two pages, or set a target of 1,000 to 2,000 words. It was also the time when I used to travel a lot, so I used to write everywhere – in the airport, at coffee shops.”

Other than writing, Biju has tried his hand at film production with the film Laila O Laila. It wouldn’t come as a surprise when one learns that he is the brother of known film producer Sophia Paul, who is the producer of Munthirivallikal Thalirkumbol and Bangalore Days. One cannot then resist asking the inevitable – with all the ingredients for a perfect thriller film, are there any movie plans for Shadows Lie? “I have never thought about making a movie out of Shadows Lie but after reading it many people came to me and told me that I should. There is no particular hero and heroine, so never thought on those lines. When the book was released, one of the directors actually contacted me. At the moment, I am still thinking about the viability of it,” says the author.

But for the moment, writing keeps him busy, as he is on his second book already, which is based on a lesser known story from Indian mythology. Biju calls himself a “slow reader” who prefers slim book. “I cannot read a huge book. I might buy them but cannot read them. I’m reading One Hundered Years of Solitude slowly because I just don’t want it to finish it!” Reading helps a lot, he says, but rues the fact that he doesn’t devote much time to it. “So now whenever I come across interesting tid bits,I make it a point to jot them down.”

The writer says that he won’t begoing back to banking. At present, he is assisting his sister in her business and is also subtitling. “I want to get into film writing and maybe some day make a film. Right now I have some of the things in mind but I don’t know the techniques and technicalities,” he signs off.

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Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot

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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.

 

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Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style

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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.

 

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People

JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash

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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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