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THE ELECTIC INSTRUMENTS

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Looking for a new sound, we caught up with four musicians who have stayed true to their music with unique,eclectic instruments

Ajiesh Anto ollukkaran
Sigtar

Ajiesh anto fwd life

‘Addicted to music’ would seem like a lousy adjective while describing Ajiesh Anto Ollukkaran. A man so passionate about his instruments and the whole idea of being a performer, he went to the height of designing the prop of his dreams. A ‘sigtar’, as he calls it, is a compact and graceful combination of a traditional sitar and a modern guitar. Both are string instruments, one is common in Hindustani performances while the other one in western music. Fascinated by live stage performances, Ajiesh thought of ways to make his sitar more crowd-friendly, replacing its base with that of a guitar. He styled it similar to an electronic guitar, leaving the sitar’s fret board untouched. His interest in fusion music is what drove him to this adventure five years back. But when Ajiesh plays the sigtar, he seems like a natural, strumming his fingers over the strings and in complete sync with his best friend, his music and his instrument.

 

Munna (Atul) P M
Hang Drum/Handpan

Munna athul fwd life

Set against a dilapidated wall, the Hang pan rested on a bench. As the sun crept in, you could see the fingerprints’ impression left behind on the steel drum. While he played, there was a certain lightness about Munna, his fingers riding over the percussion effortlessly. The day was mellowed by the hang drum’s pleasant overtones that sounded like calm rain that silenced the boisterous summer.Munna’s tryst with the Hang drum, a hand-crafted drum-like instrument, was during a performance by PANart in Switzerland. Percussions weren’t alien to him, having been disciplined with tabla for 10 years. He practiced on the Hang drum and three years ago he got a customised drum crafted in Italy. The instrument looks unrefined but its humble appearance makes the music intimate. His palms pattered across the hangpan’s tone circle that’s laid out in a cross pattern, that leads to a harmony of low and high overtones. Dreaming of playing in the Himalayas, Munna wants to experiment using the hangpan with Indian raagas. For an instrument commonly played in Europe, he says that adding a traditional Keralite touch is refreshing, and can’t wait to fuse its sound with the voice of musicians too. Yet when asked what kept him centred, he said, “It is a point where you feel all the reincarnated souls are finally together.”

 

Nithin Menon
Slap-top

Nithin menon fwd life

Nithin Menon has been in love with percussion for as long as he can remember. He has mastered the art of subtle sounds, very effortlessly creating mindful tones using between six and eight instruments. His favourite is the slap-top – a seemingly simple unit not much heard of.Percussion is an unusual yet interesting stream of music. The sounds are elusive and surreal and the technique varies from person to person. Nithin speaks of his marvel for the beats with the enthusiasm of a child. “I was a noisy kid. I used to tap on every bench, desk and chair I could find”. He discovered the slaptop – an instrument quite similar to the Cajon, a common Peruvian percussion box while researching for instruments. The unit was purchased and shipped from the US, and has since been inseparable from him. “When I take the slap-top out, it gets plenty of attention. People think they can play it because it looks so simple.”Sounding strangely familiar to a traditional chenda or the modern drumset, the base of a slap-top is euphoric to the ears. Skimming across its flat surface, his eyes shut, Nithin arouses an array of resonance, giving out a guileless grin every now and then. The room would groove to his impressions, as his instrument and he
swoon to its sounds as a single unit. Nithin, an alumni of Swarabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai, was a percussionist with the band, Masala Coffee, and occasionally performs with independent musicians.

 

Rejoy Jesudas
Didgeridoo

Rejoy jesudas fwd life

The room reverberated with nocturnal sounds that break the silence of sleeping forests. He takes in a deep breath, and his lips vibrate to produce an eerily calm drone-like sound. Sounding similar to the raucous laughter of the kookaburra – an indigenous Australian bird, Renoy’s discovery of the digeridoo takes flight with a story of birds; for his inspiration lies in the lap of nature.Eight years ago, while trekking in the undisturbed hills of Manali, he was
drawn by the rhythms that mimicked the surroundings. Making his way through a maze of trees, he saw an Aboriginal Australian resting against a tree playing a digeridoo. That moment of awe fleeted gracefully as the flutter of birds who were drawn to the music and ever since then, he knew that he was going to have a long meaningful relationship with this instrument. He finally had a real device that made real music, unlike how he had been humouring himself until then by playing around with pipes of all sorts that were left around in his house. “The
hollowness captured the most beautiful thing in life – the air we breathe in.” His didgeridoo was carved in Uttarakhand and is designed with intricate Aboriginal dot art. Made from eucalyptus trees hollowed out by termites, the instrument comes to shape out of that emptiness. The symbolism of emptiness is where he finds the inspiration to create sound music for a holistic experience. He now engages in music therapy with a didgeridoo, which carries him to another world.

 

Words by Atheena Wilson and Likhitha P. Nair     Photographs by Aghil Menon and Joby Eldho

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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home

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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.

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The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024

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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

 

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

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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.

 

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