Cover Story

We are Game

Published

13 years ago

January 3, 2012

Possibly for the first time in the history of Indian cinema, stars of 6 major cinemas fraternity is coming together at the same place. The curtain-raiser of the second edition of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) saw several filmi celebs from across the country in attendance. If cricket and cinema are the only two religions for you, then Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is going to be your new addiction. While you wait for that to happen, take a peek into the CCL 2012 calendar. From Sonakshi Sinha to Shriya Saran, they all posed for their favorite team.
On Monday night,19th December, Novatel Center Hyderabad saw the likes of Salman Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Boney Kapoor, Sohail Khan, Sarath Kumar, Radhika, Sunil Shetty, Sridevi, Vishal, Venkatesh, Sudeep, Shriya Saran, Jeet, Lakshmi Rai, Priyamani, Sanjana, Aindrita Ray, Charmi, Sameera Reddy, Genelia D’Souza, Ambareesh and Bharath turned up in their respective jerseys at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).
The flight from major cities to Hyderabad was full of film stars, thanks to the punctuality of the airlines had a great time with them in the airport lounge and then in the plane. What happened at that time is a different story by itself.

Sonu Nigam and Neha Dhupia played perfect hosts, setting the tone for a big gala evening is always hard, but with mostly entertainers in the crowd waiting for the bigger spectacle to happen. The event began with a performance by South siren Shriya Saran, who grooved to a medley of popular Telugu and Tamil numbers, setting the stage for the reigning champions, the Chennai Rhinos, led by Vishal, for a walk down the ramp.
This was followed by a stand-up act by Kapil Sharma, who had the audience in splits. Then it was the turn of the new entrants Boney and Sridevi Kapoor, owners of the Bengal Tigers team, to present their team, led by Bengali superstar Jeet.

Lakshmi Rai’s grove was followed by another new entrant team, the Kerala Strikers. Richa Gangopadhyay followed, as one team after another walked down the ramp.
The best was saved for the last when Salman Khan walked in at 11.40 pm, sending the energy levels soaring. The event came to a close with the launch of the 2012 calendar featuring the hottest leading ladies from the country’s six film industries.
The post launch party saw the stars out of the jerseys and into their finest, letting their hair down, The party did not end there, Sallu Bhai hosted another party for his brother’s (Sohail Khan) birthday and a little bird told us that quite a few stars were miffed on be blocked by enthusiastic bouncers who were keen on stopping any kind of gate crashing.

What happens when stars play Cricket?

The scene: Commercial shoot of Kerala CCL team. The team owners and players are busy, various photo shoots are happening at different corners of the stadium. But most of the eyes are focused on Mohanlal, who is doing what we all know him to do the best, perform in front of the camera. Full decked in cricketing gear, Lal plays a glorious cover drive against a phantom bowler. Coach Chandrasenan is ecstatic, cries out “Wonderful shot”. Glancing around, the coach comments “had he taken up a career in cricket he would have done wonderfully. I have never met a person who grasps things so fast” guess cricketer is another character role.
Once the leading lady of Malayalam, now a successful business woman, Lissy Priyadarshan is always amidst the action wherever she is. Spreading cheer and confidence she is very upbeat about the team’s prospect for the CCL cup. “Wait and watch, they are wonderful cricketers, all of you might think what cricket can film stars play but they a have been practicing intensely”

Mr.P.M.Shaji is the co- owner of Kerala Strikers along with Padmasree Lt.Col Mohanlal and Lissy Priyadarshan. Must be because of his directorship at Cold Point Pvt LTD, a company in Air conditioning industry, the heat and dust of the stadium does not seem to affect him. Dressed sharply in black shirt and grey slacks, Shaji’s firm handshake still retains coolness as if he just stepped out of shower. His face brightens up when asked about the Kerala Striker’s team. “We wanted an occasion for all the film stars to come together. Normally this happens only during someone’s marriage or during the puja of a movie. As for the stars of other industries one rarely meets them, unless for some award ceremony. This thing changes everything.”

Rest of the team is sitting in a hurdle, the mood is upbeat and the rising heat of the sun is yet to affect their spirits. The camaraderie is very visible. There is no hierarchy here; all players no stars. The discipline with which they moved around the field was impressive and their dress code on par with any international sports team. Even though there are visible finger injuries and bruised elbows, nobody is wearing any finger guards or crepe bandages. Obviously a gusty lot, heroics not limited to reel life. During the photo shoot, when Mohanlal took a wicket, everyone encircled him and Dr.Rajeev Pillai hugged him. The hug was so hard that Mohanlal had to remind him that it is only a photo shoot. Lal was heard saying, “How brutal his actual hug would be, if this is his intensity.”

What Happened Before

For those ill informed, let us enlighten you. Celebrity Cricket League is in its second edition this time around. The First edition flagged off by Shahrukh khan in Bengaluru saw the Chennai Rhino’s beating Karnataka Bulldozers. The Chennai Rhinos were over the top with their game as they spelled a fabulous show in all the panoramas – Batting, Bowling and Fielding. Karnataka Bulldozers were restricted to 159 IN 20 overs against the chase of 190.

The CCL Insider.

Cut to:

Practice match at the St. Paul’s college ground, Kalamassery
The practice match was full on at the St. Paul’s college ground, Kalamassery. The energy level was sky high. The actors have, by now, transformed themselves into disciplined players determined to win the game. Even with schedules getting tighter and tighter most of them made it to the practice match. Captain Mohanlal, the Sukumaran brothers-Indrajith and Prithviraj and Asif Ali are the only ones short of match practice.
Chief Coach Chandrasenan seemed to be extremely contended with the splendid defiance that the Kerala Strikers were posing against the C3 Team, a team that plays league cricket. Manikuttan claimed 3 vital wickets. He clean stumps the last batsman claiming the fourth wicket. “All players are working hard. The one who surprised me with his agility is Mohanlal. I was amazed by his deliveries. During nets practice, he gave only 2 wides out of 52 bowls. He took one wicket too” Says Senan. Assistant Coach Sunil is cheering Riyaz for his good fielding and sportsman spirit.

“I think we are playing really bad today. They easily retained the upper hand throughout the game.” One of the C3 team members was heard saying. Senan gives a happy look to Sunil and comments “It is not that they were playing badly, just that the Kerala Strikers improved immensely.”
They were a band of lazy boys who used to play cricket for fun. Now they have turned into serious men playing the gentleman’s game. “The entire team is an intelligent lot as they understand and capture things easily. The team is now ready to play A- Division. The team’s average Age is 30 years. Diet has to be controlled. They have to drink more water. Warm up and down is also very important.” Senan speaks of the transformation.
“Initially some of us didn’t even know how to use the accessories.” Manikuttan chuckles. The coaches interferes our conversation with a pat on the back. “Well bowled Manikutta. Just be careful when you bowl for a left hander, and then make sure you pack the offside and play”

“There was no misfielding. They covered overthrow, covered stumps.” Senan can’t stop beaming.
Meanwhile, Coach Sunil scolds Nikhil for talking during the match. Nikhil gives his usual cool smile, charms the coach and walks away to drink water.
Wide is very crucial in 20 20. Time is also on check. After 85 minutes, for every 4 minutes there is a fine of Rupees 3 lakhs.

“During our trip to Hyderabad, Vivek, Senan and Manikuttan came from Trivandrum and all others were from Kochi. Edavela Babu, the manager, was particular about keeping the time. He pestered everyone to be on time. Actors are infamously late usually. But that day, when every one of them came on time, the flight was two hours late. So we raided a hotel inside the airport. We kept on ordering food. Waiter was confused about who ordered what. And we did make use of the situation. Finally the waiter ran away.” Says Vinu Mohan.
Rajeev and calls him VV and
Vinu Mohan is VV or Vaayu Vinu for his team mates. It is his bowling that gave him the name. “He lets everything for the Vaayu, the ball reaches the other end by the sheer luck and help from the God of air.” explains Prajod Kalabhavan and Saiju Kurup

Vinu admits that he is the butt of many jokes, the celebrities have. His background in Aviation Technology is one reason. At the airport, he called up some of his friends and they said the flight would arrive only by 5 which he declared to the group. But the flight arrived earlier at 4. Asif and the rest of the group pulled Vinu’s legs during the entire flight. Now, when he opens his mouth to utter something, the rest of them say “Aviation, Stop.”
Dr.Rajeev Pillai’s diet is yet another insider joke. He eats 15 egg whites a day. Prajod Kadakkal says it is the secret to Rajeev’s modeling career. To get an entry into the NYFW you need to eat 15 eggs. His neighbours’ dog is a story of popularity now. Rajeev eats the egg white and give the dog the rest of it. It was skinny earlier. But all the cholesterol intake lead to heart attack and it died last week. Saiju Kurup adds that there were other dogs before this one that were treated by Rajeev’s leftovers.
For the actors, playing in an open field is a new feeling. Even for the ones who does dramas and stage shows, the feeling of people are looking at you from all angles is a bit difficult to cope with. At St. Paul’s Kalamassery, which has turned into their home ground, there are is no crowd to watch the game. The collge students are good friends with the team. The physical education teacher treats them like his students.
Team manager Edavela Babu claims that he is losing his big tummy watching his team play cricket. Team members counters it and declare that during the ramp walk at Hyderabad, the audience complained they couldn’t see his face but only the tummy.

At Hyderabad, Kerala Strikers was the most energetic team. Lissy was cheering like anything. She says confidently to every other team to find some other jobs as her team is going to win the cup. It seems like her spirit is spreading around. The team is just waiting for the camp at Kaloor International Stadium to start from

For the camp, the brand ambassadors, Lakshmi Rai and Bhavana will be there to cheer the team. The team members are preparing themselves for Bhavana’s sharp tongue. They know that none will be spared.

Cover Story

Starlit Wedding – Diya Krishna

Published

2 months ago

September 18, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Actor Krishna Kumar’s daughter, Diya Krishna, a popular social media influencer, recently married Ashwin Ganesan, a software engineer, after a long-term relationship. The couple celebrated their special day with a beautiful ceremony at a luxurious hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Diya’s family, including her siblings Ahaana, Ishani, and Hansika, along with her parents Sindhu Krishna and Krishna Kumar, looked radiant in coordinated light pink ensembles. The wedding was an intimate gathering, attended by close family and friends. Here are all the details of their magical day.

Haldi

For the Haldi ceremony, Diya and Ashwin were spotted in coordinated white outfits by Santini. The look was beautifully elevated with a pop of color from Diya’s pink dupatta and stunning floral jewellery by Florita Florals, adding a fresh, vibrant touch to the celebration.

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

MakeUp : Amala Brahmanandan

Jewellery : Florita Floral

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Location : Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa

Mehendi

Diya looked effortlessly chic in a vibrant multi-colored skirt set by Mahek Designs for the Mehendi celebration. Ashwin complemented her perfectly with a multi-hued jacket by Santini, completing their joyful and lively Mehendi look.

Diya’s Outfit : MAHEK DESIGNS

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Mehandi : MISHMA KAMAL

Event Planner : Grand Oyster

Photography : Abhijith SK

Sangeeth

Diya and Ashwin absolutely rocked their Sangeet in stunning black outfits by Santini, exuding elegance and style as they celebrated the night in perfect sync!

Diya’s Outfit : Santinni

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

DJ : TONIQ SQUAD

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding

For the wedding, Diya truly dazzled in a polished pastel-themed saree designed by the talented M Loft by Joel. Styled in a manner reminiscent of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s iconic fashion sense, the saree was a vision of beauty, adorned with elegant detailing, intricate embroidery, and flowing glamour, imparting a regal charm to her bridal look.

Diya’s Outfit : M LOFT

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Atelier by Regal Jewellers, Regal Jewellers

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Garlands : Black Gold Flowers

Photography : Abhijith SK

Wedding Second Look

For her second wedding look, Diya embraced a simple yet elegant white Kerala traditional set mundu, perfectly complemented by traditional jewelry from Bhima. Ashwin matched the aesthetic, dressed in a silk shirt and mundu by M Loft, creating a timeless and graceful duo.

Aswin’s Outfit : M LOFT

Jewellery : Bhima

MakeUp : Laxmi Venugopal

Draping : Aamee Hafsa Nazar

Event Planner : Grand Oyster, Decor Lab Events

Photography : Abhijith SK

Reception

At the Delhi reception, Diya stunned in a maroon saree, perfectly capturing the elegance of a newlywed. The North Indian-style chooda added a beautiful touch to her look. Ashwin complemented her effortlessly, looking sharp in a sleek black suit by Santinni.

Diya’s Outfit : Shazara Design Studio

Aswin’s Outfit : Santinni

Cover Story

Onam Elegance: Decoding the Traditional and Modern Looks of M-Town Celebs

Published

2 months ago

September 16, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Onam, the grand harvest festival of Kerala, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and elegance. Each year, Malayalam movie celebrities embrace the essence of the festival by donning a mix of timeless traditional outfits and contemporary styles that reflect their unique flair. From graceful sarees to classic set mundus, the stars bring out the best of Kerala’s sartorial heritage. In this lookbook, we decode the standout fashion moments from your favorite M-Town celebs, showcasing how they beautifully combine tradition with modern elegance to make a statement this Onam season.

Anushree

Anushree looked stunning in a double-colored set mundu from Naithu by Sruthi Prasanth, beautifully accessorized with exquisite jewels from Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Her look was perfectly complemented by flawless makeup by Sajith & Sujith.

Mahima Nambiar

Mahima Nambiar looks stunning in T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her festive look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature. Styled by Jobina Vincent, the ensemble is further enhanced with flawless makeup and hair by Pinky Visal, creating a captivating Onam look.

Ahaana Krishna

Ahaana Krishna exudes her signature charm with a simple yet effortlessly stylish look for this Onam in Black Set Mundu. Staying true to her unique “Ahaana style,” her minimalistic makeup and elegant hair were beautifully crafted by Amala Brahmanandan, perfectly complementing her festive vibe.

The Sukumaran Family

The Sukumaran family radiates elegance in their traditional Onam attire. Indrajith and Prithviraj opted for timeless simplicity, donning classic white shirts paired with mundus, while Mallika Sukumaran exudes a proud motherly grace in a beautiful, classic Kerala saree, perfectly capturing the spirit of the festival.

Shilpa Bala

Shilpa Bala looks stunning and stylish in a white and orange traditional salwar by Kalaakari, exuding festive charm. The look, styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, is perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry from Pure Allure. Her radiant makeup and hair, done by Sanaah, complete this beautiful Onam ensemble.

Anikha Surenderan

Draped in the stunning ‘Nila’ saree by Anusha Reji, Anikha Surendran mesmerizes with her grace and style. Styled to perfection by Mehaka Kalarikkal, her look is elevated by exquisite jewelry from Goldencup Bridal Rental Jewellery. With flawless makeup and hair by Ashif Marakkar. Anikha’s Onam look is truly captivating.

Nikhila Vimal

Like a muse straight from Raja Ravi Varma’s timeless canvas, Nikhila Vimal exudes ethereal charm in a stunning Pen Kalamkari Kanchipuram saree by The Saffron House. Styled by Smiji, her look is further elevated by flawless makeup and hair by Femy Antony

Dulquer Salman

Dulquer Salmaan looks ravishing in a classic white kurta set, effortlessly blending tradition with chic style. His Onam look radiates simplicity and elegance, making a timeless fashion statement for the festive season.

Pearly Maany

Pearly Maany looks stunning in a saree from T & M Signature’s Onam collection, “Thumbayum Thulasiyum.” Her elegant look is perfectly complemented by exquisite jewelry from MOD Signature Jewellery, with flawless makeup and hair by Touch by SiRe. The saree draping, beautifully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes Pearly’s enchanting festive ensemble.

Arya Babu

Arya graces this Onam in a pure Kerala handloom set saree by Kanchivaram.in, embodying the true essence of tradition and festivity. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by elegant jewelry from Gemforher, with flawless makeup and hair crafted by Manju Michael’s Salon. Arya’s ensemble is a perfect reflection of timeless Onam elegance.

Navya Nair

Navya stuns in her Onam look, wearing a beautiful outfit by Jugalbandhi. Her flawless makeup and hair, crafted by Sijan Joseph, enhance the festive charm. Adorned with exquisite jewelry from R. Giri Pai Jewellery, the look is captured to perfection by Black Lenzio, making Navya a vision of elegance this Onam.

Priya Prakash Varrier

Priya Prakash Varrier looks gorgeous and modern in a stunning saree by Mloft. Styled by Asaniya Nazrin, her look is flawlessly complemented by makeup and hair crafted by Unni, making her stand out with a perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.

Aparna Balamurali

Aparna Balamurali looks traditionally beautiful in a Kerala saree by R O U K A by Sreejith Jeevan. Styled by Rashmi Muraleedharan, her look is complemented with flawless makeup and hair by Sruthi Sai. The ensemble is completed with exquisite jewelry from Nakshathra Gold and Diamonds, making Aparna’s Onam look timeless and elegant.

Amala Paul & Family

Amala Paul’s family Onam picture is an absolute dream, with the family dressed in stunning red and white outfits. Amala shines in an elegant ensemble by Made by Milan, while Jagat looks dapper in his outfit from House of Messcal. Styled by Sapna Fathima Kajha, the look is further enhanced by flawless makeup and hair by Sajith & Sujith, and exquisite jewelry from Cressida Signature Jewels. Together, they capture the perfect festive spirit in this beautiful Onam portrait.

Rajisha Vijayan

Rajisha looks stunning in a leaf-printed saree by ALDA Designer, effortlessly blending tradition with a modern twist. Styled by Amritha Lakshmi, her look is perfectly complemented by makeup and hair by Laxmi Venugopal. The ensemble is enhanced with elegant jewelry from TT Devassy Jewellery, and the draping, beautifully done by Exotic Makeover’s Elizabeth Shinitha, completes this mesmerizing Onam look.

Miya

Miya embraces the spirit of Onam in a pure Kerala handloom Kasavu saree by Kanchivaram.in, radiating traditional elegance. Styled by Sabari Nath, her look is beautifully complemented by makeup and hair by Sijan Joseph. The ensemble is further enhanced with exquisite jewelry from Mayoora Jewelry Designs, and the saree draping, skillfully done by Krishnapriya P V, completes this timeless Onam look.

Cover Story

Sarees of India : Punjab’s Phulkari

Published

3 months ago

August 27, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

The traditional Punjabi art form ‘Phulkari,’ derived from the terms ‘phul’ and ‘kari,’ meaning flower and effort, is thought to have begun in Punjab in the 15th century by Punjabi women. Bright and bright textile art uses needlework and the most basic designs to create a fascinating, appealing, and ornamented result. Phulkari work is reported to be mentioned in Heer Ranjha’s Waris Shah love romance. References to this needlework tradition can also be found in the Vedic period. Women’s phulkari chadar, dupattas, sarees and other veil garments were traditionally exchanged as bridal gifts or heirlooms.

The inspiration for the Phulkari motifs would originate from their imaginations based on their surroundings, nature, animals, birds, gardens, or even a mother-daughter conversation. Marigolds, jasmine, peacock, and mustard flowers were frequently used as a means of expressing their feelings, inventiveness, and expressiveness.

Because Phulkari is made out of symmetrical designs, the craftsmen and women must count the amount of stitches on each side before proceeding, making Phulkari a time-consuming method. However, as time passed, people moved on to new techniques, and in addition to coarse khaddar fabrics, silk, georgette, chiffon, and normal cotton began to be used. Darning stitch- the most significant stitch- was used to border the khaddar in the past. Other stitches like herringbone, buttonhole, and running stitch were also utilized. These stitches were employed to make a unique motif or as a border.

The use of colors is extremely important in Phulkari art. Traditionally, just four hues were utilized, each with its unique meaning. For example, white is appropriate for elderly women and widows, red is appropriate for young girls and brides-to-be, and blue, black, and dark tones are appropriate for everyday use. Red was the most commonly used color to express enthusiasm, followed by orange for vitality and green for fertility.

In India, there is not just one sort of Phulkari, but numerous. What distinguishes one Phulkari from another is the darn stitching process, which is done on the reverse or wrong side of the fabric, which makes this handcraft unique. Here are some of the most popular Phulkari designs.

Bagh– A design in which horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stitching cover the entire fabric surface.

Chhamas – Chhamas fabric has mirrors stitched or woven onto it with yellow, grey, or blue threads.

Neelak– Neelak patterns have a black or red backdrop with bright yellow or red embroidery on top. For a distinct shining texture, the design is combined with metal or copper threads.

Chope– Chope is traditionally done in yellow and red threads and involves embroidering on both sides of the fabric. This embroidery is made out of a series of triangles or a step-ladder pattern.

There used to be 52 different types of Phulkaris, but that number has since been reduced to only a few. The states that use the Phulkari traditional art and needlework the most are Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.