Entertainment
THE RAPID RAJAHS-The Malabar River Festival
The Malabar River Festival brought international adventurers to Kerala and we discover why.
A bright colored kayak emerged out of the water with an iron willed Mike Dawson in the cockpit. This former Olympian from New Zealand rode towards victory, cutting across the hitewater in Kodencherry. The third annual Malabar River Festival had made its way to the waters of Kerala, bringing with it a wave of internationally renowned kayakers as well as egional kayakers from India and Nepal. Inaugurated by Mr. A.P. Anil Kumar, Kerala Minister for Tourism, this is one of the two kayaking competitions held in India annually. The main sponsor of the event was Wildcraft, which hosted the Beginner’s Boat Crossing event and supported several Kerala youth to get into a kayak for the first time and try out their race skills in the river. Over hundred athletes from twelve countries competed in a variety of races this year, racing for their share of over Rs 7 lakh in prize money. World champions of one of the most prestigious kayaking races in the world, the Adidas Sickline Extreme Kayak World Championship, attended this year, Sam Sutton (NZ) and Joe Morley (UK), apart from Mike Dawson (NZ) who was crowned the ‘Rapid Rajah’ or overall grand prize winner. In the women’s category, UK-based Beth Morgan won the ‘Rapid Rani’. With this region of Kerala rapidly gaining popularity within the international kayaking community, Sam Sutton said, “The rivers, waterfalls and the slides are ideal for professional kayaking, and the greenery is a big plus point for Kerala.” He talked about Kerala as the perfect destination for adventure kayaking. This outdoor sport is attracting more every year. The potential in Kerala is enormous and we see more visitors re-discovering the state.
The Malabar River Festival and the Ganga Kayak Festival held in Rishikesh are only a few years old, but their swift rise in popularity shows how fast kayaking is catching on in the country. Organized on behalf of Kerala Tourism by Kerala Kayak Academy, Madras Fun Tools and the District Tourism Promotion Council of Calicut, this year’s Malabar River Festival featured more events specifically for beginner and intermediate kayakers and a special category of prizes for the best paddlers from the Indian subcontinent. This emphasis on local, novice paddlers, aimed to encourage more locals to try out this adventure sport. With numerous companies such as Goodwave Adventures out of Bangalore, or Expeditions India out of Rishikesh, now offering beginner’s kayaking lessons, the aim is to encourage more Indians to take up this rapidly growing adventure sport.
Why Kayaking is a great workout
• Great upper body work out for particularly the arms, back, shoulders and chest.
• Increased leg strength and balance
• Builds core strength
• Great cardio work out that decreases fat and increases lean muscle mass
• Reduced risk of wear and tear since it’s a low impact sport. Good news for those recovering from injury.
• Enjoy the outdoors either leisurely or with an intense run.
Text: Ing-Marie Putka Photos: Amol Pol, Chethan Karanth, Elvin Lonan
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
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.
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Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
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Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
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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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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
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Anitta
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
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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