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THE GOD OF STRINGS

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FWD gets in conversation with guitar virtuoso Baiju Dharmajan, the string whisperer.

Words by Likhitha P Nair    Photographs by Aghil Menon

Almost four years ago, while straying online in search of some interesting music, I stumbled upon ‘Sacred Science’ – a track that blends Njeralath Harigovindan’s sopanam with Karsh Kale’s percussion, bridged breathtakingly by the tone of Baiju Dharmajan’s guitar. Being a three-time winner of the Jack Daniel’s Annual Rock Award in association with Rolling Stone India, Baiju has redefined the music taste of every Malayali, adding some sprintz. For over a decade that he worked with Kochi-based rock band ‘Motherjane’, but has most remained as an independent artist. Baiju who started his life as a performer when he was five, has jumped genres and borders, while staying loyal to the heartfelt music he creates. Currently, he leads the music of ‘Baiju Dharmajan Syndicate’ – a four-piece carnatic rock band.

Walking into his jam room gave me a cultural shock. Drum sets and guitars camouflaged into the walls of a wornout centenarian home that screamed metamorphosis. Birds chirping and the afternoon breeze in-sync with Baiju’s strumming seemed like poetic justice. His latest album ‘Sweet Indian Child of Mine’ is a well-tended rendition of the Guns N’ Roses classic, set in a malayali background of greenery and paddy fields.

Behind the Indian Child

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The 10-second commercial on a national music channel where “Sweet Child of Mine” is played on a sitar was Baiju’s accidental inspiration to make ‘Sweet Indian Child of Mine’. Then he met Gireesh, a musician honoured to possess the voice of rocker guru Axl Rose. When Baiju heard Gireesh at a concert a few years ago, he became an instant fan. “I went and met him right away. This was couple of years back”. ‘Sweet Indian Child of Mine’ was born out of this bond that the duo formed.“I had initially made an electronic version of the song, with distortion. It didn’t seem right.” Later, he decided to make the track entirely acoustic. The song borrows sounds from a guitar, gajra and base guitar. “Production is my latest craze. It excites me more than playing just one instrument. The scope that programming offers to a musician is fascinating,” adds Baiju.

Soul Music

“When I think about my music, my father’s vinyl records with old movie tracks and ghazals rush to my mind. I will be at ease playing a malayalam song compared to a Jimi Hendrix one. Western music is what I acquired. I work to perfect it, and I take pride in the process involved. But the music I have experienced is far from it, and I always think that has kept me rooted to my soul.” Listening to his old tracks and new projects, sitting in his jamroom was an enlightening experience. It was as if his music was scattered in the dim-lit rooms of the house, waiting to march at his command. “A band is both a curse and a blessing for a musician. While it teaches you to tolerate and accomodate different styles and brings in a certain discipline, a band is also a box – a genre box that you are hesitant to break out of,” he adds.

Between the Strings

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Baiju has worked with a spectrum of artists from all over the world. “Most of them come live with me. Creativity doesn’t happen when you are shut inside a room, at least not for me,” he says. “Karsh used to tell me that Pandit Ravishankar is someone I must definitely meet. Apparently when you tell him about your music, he treats you like an equal. That is how simple an artist should be. Talent should make one enthusiastic and humble”. I remember preparing for this interview with utmost anticipation. But I left Baiju Dharmajan’s jam room with gratitude and affection, the satisfaction of having shared thoughts with an unapologetic musician and modest human being. One could rephrase Elliot’s words to describe his passion – “he is the music, till it lasts”.

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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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