A forum for discussing the lifestyle of vibrant city of Kochi. Please post pictures, reviews and news of restaurants, pubs, fairs and all other matters that relate to changing lifestyle of the metro city...........

For last one year, a silent revolution happened in restaurant sector of Kochi, targeting upper middle class and upper class guests. Nearly 5 to 6 stylish restaurants opened in the city, offering a new dimension for lavish treats and dining.

The latest to open was Spice Route restaurant in Oberon Mall, slated to be one of the opulent restaurant in the city, offering traditional cuisines of ancient spice route cultures. The restaurant spread over 4000 sqft, offers rich traditional Indo-Arab food with spot grilling and barbecue cafe. Promoted by Masterchef Anil Kumar, the restaurant offers lavish buffets for lunch and dinner.

The restaurant is designed with traditional Arab architecture fused with Malayalee and Rajasthani arches and decor, the restaurant is a prefect places for business luncheons and family dinners.

The daily sumptuous Lunch buffet with more than 30 spreads and other dishes is offered at Rs 350/- and lavish dinners at Rs 470/-

http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?programId=1186587&BV_ID=@@@&contentId=7753241

Thanks

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Have anybody heard or seen a prestigious buliding like this before?

This the world's only surviving Building constructed by Dutch East India Company in the world.

This 350 year olf bungalow once reflected the might of Dutch Empire with offices and imperial residences of Dutch Army Commanders

This large bungalow was one of the places, where one of the greatest Botanical record Hortus Malabaricus were prepared.

Know this place?

Friends, I am not telling about any structure in Netherlands or Holland. This 350 year old historical monument lies in the heart of Kerala's own little Lisbon- The Fort Kochi, which was once the jewel of Dutch Imperial Crown

Friends- may I introduce David Hall, a living lost monument and legacy of Dutch history forgotten in pages of History, revived now to its back erstwhile glory and prestige.

Today the property belongs to Government of Netherlands maintained thro' its Overseas agency- CNO, now leased to Cochin's own leading hospitality chain- CGH Earth.

Today this large bungalow is a Dutch Centre where regular western performances are performed, a large art gallery, a traditional Dutch cafe and museum showcasing memorabilia that once associated with the Mighty Dutch Empire.

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An Article in Hindu

Sure-footed Time has taken its toll on much of Fort Kochi, altering it, except for a few landmarks that remain. David Hall retains its old world character. Here it seems Time walked out roaming carelessly around only to knock on its door recently. T he restored and renovated David Hall has opened as a cultural centre and an art gallery, with a chic, alfresco cafeteria and an art residence as part of its new face.

Makeover

The makeover by its present keepers, CghEarth hotel, who has taken it on lease from CNO India (Foundation for the cultural history of Netherlands Overseas) has been gentle and in line with its historicity.

Prof. R. Ramaswamy of TKM Engineering College, who has been associated with its restoration since 1990 (before it changed hands), is happy that the process is complete. “Any old building cannot survive without functioning. Finally in its new avatar this 300-year-old Dutch building will survive. It will be transferred to the next generation.”


And the new generation will get this legacy with its characteristic features intact. “We have strictly adhered to the Dutch typology while restoring the structure,” he said. Mridula Jose, interior architect explains the guidelines the team placed before themselves in this huge task.

“We wanted the building to be an exhibit on its own, besides the fact that it will be a canvas to showcase art and culture.” Former mayor and Councillor K.J. Sohan who was the custodian of the building till it got its present owners has some interesting facts about the place. Built in typical Dutch architecture, Sohan says that the wooden roof is made of flat face rafters as opposed to Kerala architecture where they stand vertical. These horizontal rafters result in a sag in the wood, which is supported by trusses across them. The restoration has exposed this wonderful old –Dutch style of construction and the roof is a showpiece by itself.

“The shape of the roof is like an upturned hull, which is a Dutch feature. We have removed the false ceilings and applied a protective coating of oil to protect the wood,” says Mridula

The new inserts like lighting, display and furniture are contemporary. The modern lighting highlights the drama of the rafters and the beams, the elegance and strength of wood. The wall, three feet wide in some places, and the four column windows are other Danish features. A historical curiosity arises form the single row of exposed yellow bricks on the front veranda.

Sohan explains the historical evidence: “They are natural stone that was brought from Europe as ballast in the ships! Many structures of the same period, in Fort Vypeen and Fort Kochi have these stones.” An expansive garden courtyard with its old trees has seating around them and the café, which will serve healthy gourmet food.

As the Hall was associated with the well-known Dutch commander Hendrik Adriaan Van Reede Tot Drakestein who is known for his ‘Hortus Malabaricus’, a book on the flora of Malabar Coast, there are plans afoot to grow those very plants there.

Jose Dominic, CEO cgh who ideated the concept approaches it as a centre to enjoy our historical legacy.

“We have done a contemporary adaptation of this historic space. It will be a gallery of art, craft of diverse communities of India and performing art centre of lesser and little known arts.”

Its formal inauguration done by the Dutch Ambassador and Minister of Culture on April 23rd 2009 and it threw open this ‘Ancient Dutch’ treasure the wheels of history once again turn in a new direction taking the vicissitudes of David Hall to a new tomorrow. And then Time would start afresh!

For last one year, a silent revolution happened in restaurant sector of Kochi, targeting upper middle class and upper class guests. Nearly 5 to 6 stylish restaurants opened in the city, offering a new dimension for lavish treats and dining.

The latest to open was Spice Route restaurant in Oberon Mall, slated to be one of the opulent restaurant in the city, offering traditional cuisines of ancient spice route cultures. The restaurant spread over 4000 sqft, offers rich traditional Indo-Arab food with spot grilling and barbecue cafe. Promoted by Masterchef Anil Kumar, the restaurant offers lavish buffets for lunch and dinner.



Woww, I visited the restaurant yesterday. It was literary crowded with no space to sit at all. I waited for 1/2 hour to get a seat. I think it was my first experience in any Kerala Restaurant.

The design was gorgeous and ideal for romantic dinners, provided the crowdy noise gets reduced. Perhaps on other days it may be not much crowded as yesterday was a holiday.

Food is really tasty and more good as it as an Star hotel appeal in presentation. I really liked it. Infact Masterchef Anil himself was present among the guests, seeking their opinions. A good initiative at all.

However the restaurant is slightly costly, unless you opt for buffet. Buffets are bit heavy for me. So I paid almost twice, to get my favourites in limited quantities.

I think, may be to control crowd, in today's newspaper ads of Spice Route restaurants are out, asking public to make advance seat booking for Buffet Dinners at 0484-4000040.

Thanks

She is as complex and captivating a dancer as her lengthy name, and her dance moves will make you sit back and take note. Cecile Berrebi de Noailles from Paris was in the city recently for a dance workshop at the Daazlers Dance Studio on Ponneth Temple Road, Kadavanthra. The director and professor of contemporary choreographic workshops of dance and an active choreographer of Agora company, her life is dedicated to dance. “This is my second visit to Kerala and I would love to associate with the people here,” says the 43-year-old dancer who hardly looks her age. Cecile started learning ballet when she was five years old under Opera de Paris. She continued with her dance lessons into her teenage.


“I started learning contemporary dance when I was 17 and performed solo at the age of 21,” she says. Cecile who has choreographed almost 43 dance sequences of one-hour duration says she takes inspiration from everywhere, including paintings. “Contemporary dance is totally different from classical ballet as it portrays the evolution of the body, and is all about the freedom of thought process,” says Cecile.

Cecile loves to travel and she takes her dance all over the world. She also tries to learn new art forms during her journeys. “I have been to Japan and the US and have tried to imbibe their cultures as well,” says Cecile. During her first visit to Kochi she enrolled at the Dharani School to learn mohiniyattom and bharatanatyam. She even tried to master Carnatic music. “I wanted to introduce myself to Indian classical dance forms and found them extremely fascinating as well as complicated.” Cecile says she found them tough to master within a short span of time. “The dance forms here are entirely different and I could not adapt them to my dance choreography,” she says.
This international soloist dance’s mission in Kerala is to initiate a new thought process towards dance and implement different ideas on contemporary dance. Her two-hour dance class at the Daazlers was attended by a mixed group of dance lovers and dancers. There were classical and modern dancers and also yoga artists for the programme. She started with some stretching and breathing exercises, mostly adapted from the classical ballet moves. In the second half she taught the class a few contemporary dance moves. The two-hour dance session ended with relaxing warming down stretches. “I got a good response and I simply loved working with the group,” said Cecile at the end of the session. For all those who attended the class it was a big inspiration as it was an opportunity for them to learn contemporary dance with a touch of classical ballet.


“It was very useful for all those who attended it,” said Sreejith P, director of Daazlers Dance Studio who attended Cecile’s class. The Daazlers with Sanchara Dance Company is collaborating with the Parisian to introduce a new-age dance through different projects in Kerala. “Contemporary dance is yet to catch up here and modern dance as such is widely misinterpreted,” says Sreejith. “A dance sequence should be portrayed through body movements and not by using properties as seen in dance reality shows,” says Sreejith whose mission is to promote contemporary dance in its true form. Cecile’s plan is to spend six months in Kerala and six months in Europe. “Ballet is new to this part of the country. I want to start dance classes here so that people will get a chance to experience this classical dance form in all its splendour,” she says.


She hopes there will be many takers here for classical ballet. The city will witness her performance with Daazlers, as a dance event has already been organised in the coming months. So, if all goes as planned, Kochi will have a ballet dance school to its credit soon.

Source:- http://expressbuzz.com/states/kerala/ballet%E2%80%99s-own-belle/202545.html

If cricket is not making its lady luck smile to Sreesanth, surely hotel business will do a big smile for him

Sreesanth's latest venture S36 is now open in Kochi. S36, part of Sree's own Muzicaffe has opened its first Mughal theme restaurant called S36 Mughali in Bat&Ball Inn near Foreshore Road. Bat & Ball Inn is joint venture of Robin Uthappa, S Sree Santh and J.K.Mahendra having branches in Bangalore and Hyderabad.

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S 36 is the latest venture of Sreesanth in restaurant business. This time he decide to try desi flavour and chose Mughali.

The restaurant is well maintain and can seat upto 30 people at a time. The restaurant of-course upscale and well maintained

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It has 2 areas, an indoor area where its very cosy. The outdoor area is open, spacious area with live grills and barbecue corner for evenings. It also has a ghazal platform where regular performances takes place after 7:30 pm

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The food is quite good, tasty, though very limited. The presentation is almost equal for a star hotel. However selection remains to a few popular traditional items. The restaurant has good chaat corner and excellent juice selection, some even desi styles

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Ideal for romantic dinner and corporate power lunches.

http://a.imageshack.us/img255/6660/30082010090s.jpg

Thanks

If cricket is not making its lady luck smile to Sreesanth, surely hotel business will do a big smile for him

Sreesanth's latest venture S36 is now open in Kochi. S36, part of Sree's own Muzicaffe has opened its first Mughal theme restaurant called S36 Mughali in Bat&Ball Inn near Foreshore Road. Bat & Ball Inn is joint venture of Robin Uthappa, S Sree Santh and J.K.Mahendra having branches in Bangalore and Hyderabad.

http://cricketnow.in/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/the-bat-and-ball-inn-bangalore.jpeg

S 36 is the latest venture of Sreesanth in restaurant business. This time he decide to try desi flavour and chose Mughali.

The restaurant is well maintain and can seat upto 30 people at a time. The restaurant of-course upscale and well maintained

http://a.imageshack.us/img227/5637/30082010093c.jpg

It has 2 areas, an indoor area where its very cosy. The outdoor area is open, spacious area with live grills and barbecue corner for evenings. It also has a ghazal platform where regular performances takes place after 7:30 pm

http://a.imageshack.us/img830/408/30082010092.jpg

The food is quite good, tasty, though very limited. The presentation is almost equal for a star hotel. However selection remains to a few popular traditional items. The restaurant has good chaat corner and excellent juice selection, some even desi styles

http://a.imageshack.us/img840/5946/30082010091m.jpg

Ideal for romantic dinner and corporate power lunches.

http://a.imageshack.us/img255/6660/30082010090s.jpg

Thanks

Personally I like the ambiance of Bat & Ball Inn. It is cozy and warm with elegant bed rooms, economical while almost like a home stay facility with only 5 rooms. I remember one Suit is named after Sir Viv Richards. We are one among the corporate customers for Bat & Ball Inn along with LG, ITC and others. The only restaurant serves chinese & North Indian dishes.
I had seen almost all the cricketers, film fraternities and celebrities name and their ravishing comments in the visitors / guest note book.
It is heard that a new group has taken over the management of the hotel from JK mahindra. And the garden restaurant also has renovated and named S32.
Cheers to Sreeshant, Robin & JK :cheers:

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Make your way for India's biggest DJ Party, In Kerala only in Kochi on Sept 18th-19th, 2010

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At AVA Lounge- Dreams Hotel, Kochi

Another modern Cafe and Bakery now opened in Kochi. Bake My Days, a leading Confenctionaist and Bakery brand operating in Kochi, opened its second outlet in posh Jawahar Nagar in Kadavanathara

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The new bakery has a good cafe, along with a variety of premium cakes and Indian sweets. In addition, a small roastery and Delicatessen is also opened along with it.

The chain also plans to open 2 more outlets soon, one in Gold Souk Mall and another in MG Road soon.

Unlike other cafe chains, BakeMyDays offers most of its products are lower rates and offers a quite hang-out in price-conscious Kochi youths.

Thanks

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Just 45 minutes from Kochi International Airport, Ramada Lake Resort and Spa is an exclusive 5 star deluxe resort. 8 acres of secluded waterfront land.

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http://www.ramadacochin.com/ (RAMADA COCHIN/)

^^^^

Kochivibe got an exclusive sneak preview of the Ramada’s new club Qube or Club 1100. The club looks real hip and the lights and sound are mind blowing. Definitely a party spot, its just amazing. As you can see, its a sight for sore eyes, the lasers and smokes and the LEDs just makes you feel as though you stepped into a different world altogether. So Kochi gets another neat place to party at, enjoy the pics in kochivibe, we will have more updates coming up.

Kochivibe got an exclusive sneak preview of the Ramada’s new club Qube or Club 1100. The club looks real hip and the lights and sound are mind blowing. Definitely a party spot, its just amazing. As you can see, its a sight for sore eyes, the lasers and smokes and the LEDs just makes you feel as though you stepped into a different world altogether. So Kochi gets another neat place to party at, enjoy the pics in kochivibe, we will have more updates coming up.

QUBE luks kewl...:cheers:

Preparations on for Kochi marathon
Preparations are in full swing for the Heartmiles Kochi Marathon, organised by the Lions International with the support of the district administration, to be held on September 26.

The Navy, the Kerala Police, the District Sports Council, and various corporate giants in the city are also participating.

Registration for the marathon is free.

Two hotline numbers – 0484-3089966/68 – are available for registration. Besides, registration can also be done through the website www.thekochimarathon.com. Registration forms are also available at the following points – Penta Menaka, Oberon Mall, KFC, Bay Pride Mall, Coffee Bean, K.R. Bakes, and Royal Food Court and Madapparambil Gym, Aluva.

The distance to be covered in the marathon has been revised.

The distance of the half marathon will be 21 km. Altogether, there will be nine categories in the marathon.

College and school students or corporates will have to take part as a team.

To register the team, they may contact the event manager Y Brand or the two hotline numbers. More details can be had from the website.

Guys, be part of the states biggest Marathon....
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/19/stories/2010091960300200.htm)

International models to participate in fashion show at Kochi
Its raining fashion here as two back-to-back style extravaganzas are slated to take place in the city next month.While international models including Tamara Moss, Carol Gracias and Bruna Abdulla will walk the ramp on November 21 to unveil the Hari Anand and Patti Strein 2011 collection, a model hunt on the other hand will come up with new promising faces for the fashion industry.Designer Anand's show is being organised by Studio E, the corporate brand of BNQ Event Management private ltd, in association with Fashion TV at the KTDC Hotel at nearby Bolghatty.The show would be choreographed and televised by FTV, Anand told reporters here.'Les Mannequins 2010', a South Indian hunt for up and coming models will be held here on November 6.Six winners - three men and three would be given a chance to walk the ramp with Fashion TV models participating in the collection."The auditions will be held on Oct 16, 20 and 24 at Kochi, Chennai and Bangalore respectively," Hari Anand said.This will be followed by a preliminary round and four days of grooming sessions coordinated by Datu, a well known fashion choreographer from Chennai.Twenty finalists would be provided individual portfolios in print and prizes worth Rs three lakhs, while winners would get a one year brand endorsement agreement with Chennai Silks.
ibn live (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/international-models-to-participate-in-fashion-show-at-kochi/396914.html)

Italian food fest at Le Meridien - Kochi / Cochin

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We gave you the buzz on the Italian food fest that started on the 15th at Le Meridien, the ‘Festa Italiana’. We got to check the fest firsthand ourselves yesterday. The fest at the Treasure Trove restaurant and the Italian ‘air’ can be seen as you reach the entrance. The whole placed is decked in the Venetian sort of style and the bright colors that do relate to Italy. The staff is similarly attired, friendly and warm. The spread looked impressive on a quick look over; we were greeted by the captain of the restaurant and offered Italian country bread with some pesto sauce, a light gentle start to ‘our’ Italian Fest. The buffet also offers beverages from beer to wines, red or white and the assorted juices or aerated drinks.
Cold meats

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Cold meats

We checked out the Classical Minestrone Soup with pesto, the flavors of the herbs were gentle and it was just delightful. What’s wonderful about the subtle flavors of the herbs which can really make a difference to a dish. We checked out the assorted breads which had some interesting candidates like the pita bread, basil pesto bread, soft herb rolls, to be short, there were quite a few . To go along with the breads were a nice set of cheeses. We took our time enjoying the varied tastes of the breads and cheeses over a glass of red wine.
Our next step took us to the cold meats and salads section. You have your usual salad-material, lettuces, balsamic vinegar, olives, olive oil, zucchinis and a lot more of the green. What interested us more was the set of cold cuts, which did look pretty good and tasked likewise.
Assorted Breads

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Assorted Breads

Over to the main course area, they had dishes that were already cooked and set, and then they had live stations. The live stations churned out food to-order. From a seafood station to a pasta and pizza station, it took us a while to decide on what to try out. On the main course section, we tried out the Grilled Beef with rosemary and red wine sauce. The meat was finely cooked, tender and properly done on the outside, tender and pink in the inside. That was indeed a fine sight, the meat was delightful, with the rosemary flavor being a little on the heavy side, but it being rosemary, who can complain. There was a chicken and a veal dish that tasted quite good too, cooked with tomato and white sauces, the main course had quite a good feel to it. There some side dishes like the wild mushroom fritters and roasted potatoes with Italian red onions which went well with the main course. italian food fest 023 (Large)
We were very lucky to get a plate of the grilled seafood, which had salt crusted Sea Bass with fennel and lemon salsa and calamari’s. The Bass was the dish that stood out, it was juicy, it was crispy, it was subtle, it oozed gentle flavors and it was succulent. That was the highlight for us, five stars for that dish, it was perfect!
We tried out their pastas which was again a lot, they had sauces from alfredo, carbonara, arrabbiata, mixed seafood sauces and many more. What interested us over the pastas they had was the two that was house made, Gnocchi and Tagliatelle, it added a nice authentic touch to the whole fest.

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With the main course done with it was the Dolci ( sweets in Italian ) that we eyed. The dessert section was beautifully set up, there was an arrangement with resembled a tree on which Pannacotta’s were placed. The whole place looked quite nice and being the dessert section, it even intrigued us further. So with no further adieu, we tried out the different sweet savories. The Chocolate Pannacotta was heavenly. There were other like Kiwi, berry, they were also nice, but to me the Chocolate really stood out. And as I hoped they had Tiramisu and it was a welcome addition to the marvelous meal we had.
Heavenly

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Heavenly

A good meal should always be topped off with coffee or tea and they brought us fresh cups of the same, as we sat back and looked back on the meal we had, I can say it was quite good. Service was very good, with the staff being very friendly and prompt on bringing you with anything that is required. The whole ambiance was nice and well toned, the spread was nice and varied, authentic to the feel. As a whole on the Italian Fest, is where you can take your family, your date, your friends or yourself for a nice dinner over a nice glass of wine ( or without), it is quite worth it to try out.
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Kochi Vibe (http://www.kochivibe.com/our-take-on-the-italian-food-fest-at-le-meridien-kochicochin/)

Hairomax Miss South India 2010: Awesome foursome
Four finalists have been selected from Kerala for The Hairomax Miss South India 2010 contest, the auditions of which were held at Hotel Wyte Fort, Kochi. The four finalists are: Aiswarya Muraleedharan, Geethu Christy, Priyanka Mohan and Denita Anand. The finals, in which four contestants each from the four South Indian states will participate, will be held at the Le Meridien Convention Centre, Kochi on November 6. The auditions were judged by anchor and model Ranjini Haridas, Miss Andhra Pradesh Valentina Mishra among others.

The grooming sessions for the contestants will have sessions on yoga, meditation, personality development, catwalk, beauty tips, photo shoot, talent search etc, sponsored by Pegasus, the organisers.

The final three-and-a-half-hour long event will have four sequences and cultural extravaganzas. Among the judges are actors Swetha Vijay, Aditi Chibber, model Simer Mottiani and media personalities Vijay Babu and Thoshma Biju. The winners will get a gold plated crown designed by Prakash Parakkat. The title winner will win ` 1 lakh while the first and second runners up will win ` 50,000 and ` 25,000 each respectively.

Apart from the title winners, the other subtitles to be won are Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Beautiful Eyes etc.

This year the organisers have decided to bear the expenses of the heart surgery of two children at Sunrise Hospital.


Express Buzz.com (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/hairomax-miss-south-india-2010-awesome-foursome/216495.html)

Lokah - awesome cafe

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Lokah Restaurant & Cafe’,

NH 47, Bypass
Next to Mitra Super Market
Cochin,India, 682019

Dial: +91 484 4033220 | 4033221

Courtesy: Kochigallan

Lokah indeed is an awesome restaurant...

The Navy Fest, the annual fair associated with Navy Day celebrations began at the Naval base here Thursday with Vice Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command inaugurating the event.

The fair, which opened at 11am, attracted good crowd despite the inclement weather, a Naval press release said. It will conclude on Nov 28 would be open to visitors on all days.

The exhibition consists of several stalls of models of military hardware. The models of ships and aircraft, Cut models of diesel engines, aircraft seats, working models of dry dock operations, missiles, torpedoes have also been displayed.

This year in addition to naval exhibits, commercial stalls, amusement rides and food stalls, an exhibition of Press Photographs under the auspices of the Ernakulam Press Club, will also be an attraction. There are about 75 commercial stalls. The visitors would be allowed to visit the warships and Aircraft of the Indian Navy.

Source:http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8330695&tabId=1&programId=1080132913&channelId=-1073865030&BV_ID=@@@

Hari Anand & Patti Stren 2011 Collections Show in Kochi

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Hari Anand & Patti Stren 2011 Collections Show in Kochi

Things haute up in Kochi

The black and white collection that was showcased at the Hari Anand-Patti Stren show at Gokulam Convention Centre drew aahs and oohs from the audience comprising the fashion conscious and the wannabe in-crowd. And there was our Kerala Tourism Department Corporation chairman, Cherian Philip, wearing a short black printed designer shirt and mundu, enjoying the show. KTDC was one among the different sponsors of the show event managed by Studio e.

Called Alphabets 2011, the detailing on the clothes and saris is what impressed. That there was plenty of wearable stuff is the news part. Patti Stren's small prints were used in saris, tops and skirts. Twenty models including Candace Pinto and Rajeev Pillai walked the ramp, showing off the saris, tops, trousers, blouses and men's wear.

The pleated saris and even pants took the cake. A lot of silver and muted gold work borders gave the saris, in linen and silk, their identity as also the tiny Patti Stren prints. Apart from just one or two size zero models, the others were better endowed and two see-through net blouses sat well on the model, with strategically placed embroidery. One black jacket was the cynosure of all eyes as the viewers looked for the skirt in vain. That was no wardrobe malfunction, however. Hah..is this Kochi..you had to pinch yourself to believe it, as the audience sat deadpan. Fitted trousers with tiny bead-worked hangings all over, had a whole new look as they looked like living things, when the models walked, dangling all over. Satin skirts, and a few other colours like pink, blue and deep brown took off the monotony of black and white, as also patch-worked blouses.

Men's wear had brocade jackets, pleated cloth trousers, and bloomer-pants. Scarves and linen shirts in black and off white, with and without collars were shown, though men's clothes were in the minority group.

Source (http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/fashion/article939644.ece)

Airtel Kochi Mini-Marathon
Bharti Airtel, in association with the Kochi Corporation, will conduct the Airtel Kochi Mini-Marathon ‘Clean city, green city,’ as a part of accelerating cleanliness drive in the city, on December 12.
Manoj Murali, vice-president (operations), Bharti Airtel, Kerala, said that the marathon would be a platform that not only promotes health and fitness but also environment conservation. Registration is open at multiple locations in the city.
Those interested can walk into all Kochi Airtel relationship centres, cafes and shopping malls.
The participants can also register directly at the venue, Maharaja’s Stadium, on December 12. The total prize money for the open 10-km marathon run will be Rs 2 lakh. This year, the run has been divided into the open 10-km marathon run, the dream run and the costume run.
The participants will receive a sapling that will underscore the need of environment protection and conservation. Mayor Tony Chammany will flag off the marathon. For details and registration, log onto www.kochimarathon.com (http://www.kochimarathon.com)
Express Buzz (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/cochin-carnival-from-sunday/229553.html)

Pull at this pit stop
When you are out of fuel, energise yourself in more than one way. The Indian Oil Corporation as a part of their corporate social responsibility has decided to give your pit stop a facelift. Apart from sporting a new look, the Jubilee retail outlet at Pongam, Angamaly, on NH 44 is a feast to every travellers’ eye and any environmentalist’s dream. It encompasses a variety of comforts, including restaurants, public convenience facilities, truckers dormitories and a children’s park.
Plush with greenery, the serene surroundings make you forget your tiring drive. This petrol bunk has more to it than just having to watch someone filling your car with fuel.
Distinct in its stature, this petrol bunk has a variety of aesthetic treats coupled with an eco-friendly motive.
Apart from filling petrol, one can take a stroll down the butterfly garden.
The garden functions not only as a sanctuary for butterflies but also a means to renew self-propelled flowers.
It attracts butterflies from all parts of Kerala as it possesses the optimum temperature and humidity for them to thrive. Commonly found species of butterflies in the garden are Red Pierrot, Lime Butterfly, Common Mime, Malabar Banded and Southern Birdwing. Birds, spiders and lizards help in ecosystem stabilisation.
Vermiculture forms an important part of the diverse ecological objectives.
Vermicompost obtained is used as fertilizer for gardening purposes.
Alternative sources of energy are the need of the hour. Keeping this is mind, The biogas plant set up in the outlet helps meet the basic cooking need in rural areas.
Rain water harvesting, waste water management and a herbal garden are the other striking features one can see. Waste is being managed to facilitate segregation such that it can be used properly.
“This endeavour is a glimpse into how consumer-friendly approaches are welcome at all times, says a visitor to the pump” Burning fossil fuels like petrol contributes heavily towards global warming. But, in the present scenario this is inevitable.
An eco-friendly petrol bunk does its bit for the environment and pleases the customer.
Petrol bunks have moved on from their traditional cocoons and have gone all the way to break the conventional ways. Competition to make a mark on the customers’ mind harbours innovation.
Gone are the days when petrol bunks were just for dispensing fuel.
Express Buzz (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/pull-at-this-pit-stop/230681.html)

De Aquaria 2010: Pet Expo
A world of exotic and rare species of marine and feathered life await visitors at the De Aquaria 2010, the ongoing aqua and pet show at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. The exhibition, which has nearly 2,000 varieties of fish, 20 odd varieties of pigeons, poultry, pheasants and dogs, is held in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council.
The entry fee is Rs 30 for weekdays and Rs 40 for holidays, for which you can access the pet exhibition, the consumer section, the pet fashion show to be held later this week and the daily entertainment programmes by film stars in the evenings.
While visiting the aquaria, watch out for the members of the Arowana family, which are extremely rare and imported from Malaysia, as they are considered to be lucky charms in Chinese feng shui. The varieties range from the flower horn to the Banjar red and they cost the earth - between Rs 75,000 and Rs 1 lakh. Every single one of these bred in captivity has been micro-chipped and thus they cannot be stolen. Equally rare and pricey is the porcupine like Lionfish, whose poisonous sting can kill a human in less than seven hours. Other ‘must see’s here are the multi-coloured Parrotfish, the mud crab, the Red Pacu, which is however a harmless variety of the killer one, the very rare Kohaku karp, the Arapaima gigas - the largest fresh water fish in the world, the catfish, the Mickey Mouse platy and the freshwater lobster. Most of these are for sale and the baby fish are available in a separate section. Besides the fish, tanks, tank accessories and marine plants are also on sale. Beginners can go for the nano aquarium, a small, sturdy tank plus accessories for Rs 199.
The pigeon section has been organised by the Pigeon Foundation of India and features rare and exotic varieties like the Jacobin, which hides its head under a feather tent under stress, the pouters which have been imported from Pakistan, the American fantail and the English carrier which was earlier used to send messages of international consequence and, of course, love letters.
Not to be missed is the poultry collection from Madhu Madaserry which has pure breeds of the black and white Cochin Bantam hens and rare and colourful pheasants like the Lady Amherst, many of which have been imported from USA. One of the varieties is said to have the ability to give tsunami warnings.
Dog lovers have more of accessories from Pets Mall to look forward to than dogs - the highlights are the huge great dane, the ubiquitous pug and the Italian mastiff. There is a whole range of dog leashes, different varieties of chewey bones, toys, soap -- everything your four-legged pet might need, in short.
The times are 2 pm - 9 pm (weekdays) and 11 am to 9 pm (holidays). The exhibition will end on December 19 and be prepared for a good crowd in the evenings.

Express Buzz (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/in-the-world-of-pets/231241.html)

City youngster overcomes odds to reach for the sky

Dindigul : ‘Aiming for the skies' is an expression that best suits Flying Officer C.S. Nandeep, a young fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Last Saturday, when the 22-year-old Kochiite elegantly commanded the combined graduation parade of 171 newly-commissioned flying officers at the Air Force Academy at Dindigul and received the President's Plaque for the best cadet in the flying branch and the Sword of Honour from the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik for being the best cadet, the clichéd expression was reclaiming its worth.It was indeed a day of reckoning for an aspiring young boy with humble family circumstances.

Enthusiastic student

Born to Kaloor-based C.N. Shyjan, a motorcycle mechanic, and Pushpa, a Mahila Pradhan agent, Nandeep, his teachers vouch, was a “humble but enthusiastic” student of St. Augustine's High School, Ernakulam.Always an above-average learner, he joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 2001 and secured an ‘A' certificate thanks to the mentoring of V.A. Joy, the school's Associate NCC Officer (ANO).The boy went on to win scholarships and was adjudged the best NCC cadet in Ernakulam in 2004.

After clearing the AIEE Examination, Nandeep joined the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut, when providence came knocking on his door.With his parents' support and mentor Mr. Joy's encouragement, he took the difficult decision of calling off regular studies mid-way through and chose, instead, to join the 117th course of the National Defence Academy.

“I joined the Echo Squadron of NDA and later commanded my squadron as its Cadet Captain at the passing-out parade,”.“I was also awarded the ‘Best Air Force Cadet Trophy' for coming first in the overall order of merit in NDA,” Nandeep recalls.

At the Air Force Academy, he was part of the 186th Pilots Course and began flying the Kiran mk-1 (HJT-16) aircraft as part of the first phase of flying training.During this time, he was part of the academy's football team that took part in the Hexagonal Sports Meet 2010 in NDA.

“I came first in the overall order of merit in Stage-I training at the academy and was awarded the Chief of Naval Staff Trophy. I also got selected to the fighter stream and went to Air Force Station Hakimpet for the second phase of training in the same aircraft.”Now a consistent performer, he was selected as the best cadet in ground subjects and in the overall order of merit in Stage-II of flying training at Fighter Training Wing (FTW). “I was blessed to have a wonderful instructor in Wing Commander Sandeep Seth at Fighter Training Wing (FTW), Hakimpet,” says Nandeep in all humility.

Nandeep has so far logged over 100 hours flying the Kiran and is slated to join the Air Force Station at Bidar for the third stage of training in the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Hawk aircraft in early January next.

“My dream is to become a test pilot,” says Nandeep with a disarming smile.

Source (http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/22/stories/2010122263130200.htm)

After Heritage tourism, entrepreneurs in Kochi is turning towards Creek Tourism, by conducting dinner cruises in Kochi Backwaters.

Though dinner cruise is there in Kochi conducted by Govt run KSINC's Sagarani Cruise, a large DJ Party based cruise is all set to roll out in Kochi's backwaters. Creek Cruise, is arranging full fledge party cruise on 15th and 16th of Jan in Kochi Backwaters, with a ultra-luxurious cruiser loaded with DJ music, dance bar, international buffet etc. The company is currently testing the market with 2 day cruise. If found profitable, it will be done daily, as a floating DJ lounge bar.

For experiencing it, call at 9847321773 or 906199971. Admission reserved only for couples with a price tag of Rs 850 per person for a 4 hour party cruise. Josh for it.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/17/images/2011011765542101.jpg

Happy News- The most premium car-Jaguar Land Rover brand has made a foray into the Kerala market through Muthoot Motors-Kochi, part of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. The new Jaguar showroom will be soon ready in Kochi. Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group, handed over the key of Jaguar XF to Asher Rasheed, Managing Partner, Oriental Timbers, Kochi.

Causing hardships to commuters in Kochi, many private bus operators have started withdrawing their service from certain sectors in large numbers. Even as the bus owners blame the frequent hike in the price of fuel and spare parts, the commuters in and around the city are finding it difficult to reach their destinations.

The bus operators said that many of them have started to surrender their permits. “About 47 buses — some plying from Aluva to Kochi, and a few in Tripunithura and Poothotta — have surrendered their permits during the last one year. We are unable to run the services as the cost is increasing by the day,” M B Sathyan, Private Bus Owners Association (PBOA) general secretary, said. “The Thiru Kochi service has also contributed to our losses. The Thiru Kochi buses that do not keep the time schedule are a big blow to us,” he said. But the authorities with the Motor Vehicles Department denied the reports that a large number of private bus operators have surrendered their permits. “We have received only a few applications for surrendering permits. Of the three or four applicants, one has given us a fresh application for issuing the permit once again,” Ernakulam RTO C G Michael said.

The commuters who are facing difficulties to reach their destinations are demanding more Thiru Kochi services in lieu of the private buses that have stopped services.

“About 12 private buses plying in the Ernakulam-Perumbavoor route stopped service in the last few months. The commuters, especially office-goers and students, are having a tough time because of this. The authorities should introduce more Thiru Kochi buses,” Prasad, a commuter, said. The authorities with the Motor Vehicles Department said they are ready to introduce more Thiru Kochi services. “We are ready to introduce more buses if people make use of the Thiru Kochi service,” sources with the transport department said. The authorities said that 20 more Thiru Kochi buses will start their service soon.

The best news I heard in recent times. I think, the red buses were the curse for that city whose repute is nothing less than notoriety. They were better known as Red Killers. Its nice to hear, that they are leaving themselves. I feel, KSRTC must act and start more services.

I wish, similar services for Thrissur too, which really bleed under private buses. Hope city bus of KSRTC will be a reality in all towns of Kerala

^^ Agree fully. Given a choice , people prefer KSRTC services to the private killers.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/20/images/2011012061860201.jpg Even as Navy's Commander Dilip Donde, the only Indian to circumnavigate the world solo, is skippering a four-member team on the famed Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei in the ongoing Cape to Rio race across the Atlantic, a modest offshore sailing race between Kochi and Androth in the Lakshadweep group of islands was flagged off at the naval south jetty here on Wednesday by Vice-Admiral K.N. Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

This is the third edition of the annual race being organised by the Offshore Sailing Club of India.

A total of five teams — three from the commands of the Navy, one from the Tri-services command in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and an army team from the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) — are participating in the race. The teams, each with a crew of five, will steer their 24-foot sailing yachts to Androth before returning to Kochi. The race, on completion, will cover a total distance of about 400 nautical miles.

What makes this edition of the race special is the participation of a team fielded by the Navy's Watermanship Training Centre at Port Blair.

Teams' safety

The team has already sailed over 1,200 nautical miles to reach Kochi to take part in the race. Besides naval aircraft, two ships of the Southern Naval Command, Navy's only sail training ship INS Tarangini and a water jet propelled fast attack craft INS Kalpeni, will ensure the safety of the teams during the race. They will also extend other administrative support.

Prior to the flagging-off ceremony, there was a flypast by a Chetak helicopter, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and a Seaking Mk 42 C.

The event is title-sponsored by Cochin Shipyard Limited.:)http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/20/stories/2011012061860200.htm

The 5th edition of the Vasco da Gama Yacht Rally sets sail from the marina at the Bolgatty Palace here on Thursday. The three-and-halfmonth rally is scheduled to finish at the Alanya Marina in Turkey in the second week of May. Twenty yachts from 11 countries such as France, the UK, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Finland, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Brazil, and 70 yachtsman of 17 nationalities will be part of the event.

The rally sets sail to Goa, and then to Mumbai from where the fleet would leave the Indian waters for Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt, before reaching Alanya on May 15, if weather stays favourable. Fifty other yachts will join the rally in Mumbai, Jolly Thomas, of the Kerala Watersport and Sailing Organisation, which is cooperating with the event, said. This is the second time that the rally is sailing from Kochi to Alanya after three rallies had sailed the other way round, starting from Turkey. The rally is being organised and led by 71yearold Dutchman Lo Ewik Brust onboard his yacht Mistral, visiting Kochi for the 7th time.

Cricketer Sreesanth to launch fusion music band in Kochi
Cricketer and city lad S. Sreesanth is all set to thrill the spectators with his jig. The spot this time around is not a cricket field, but a music show venue.

The speedster has chosen to showcase a few of his dance numbers during the first curtain raiser show of his own fusion band, ‘S36-The Band' at Jtpac here on January 30 at 6.30 p.m.

The band derives its name from the first letter of the cricketer's name followed by his favourite, believed to be the luckiest, jersey number.

On January 30, the band will dish out original pieces besides improvised contemporary English and Hindi hits. India Elements, which manages several international music bands, will be the promoters of ‘S36'.

While a grand official launch of the band is scheduled to be held in Dubai during May-end, the band will perform four curtain raiser shows in major Indian cities in the run-up to it.

At Jtpac on January 30, Malayalam playback singer and Sreesanth's brother-in-law Madhu Balakrishnan and Punjabi singer Preeti Bhalla will perform along with the band's musicians.

Members of the band were selected after a series of auditions and trials. ‘S36' has Anoop and Narayan Unni as keyboard players, Sandip as its lead guitarist, Arun Roop as the drummer and Chippuy as bass guitarist.

Guest musicians are Dennis Jose (flute and saxophone) and Shomi Davis (percussion).

For entry passes for the curtain raiser show, call 0484-6003636.
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/23/stories/2011012354560700.htm)

S36theband (http://www.s36theband.com/) - New band from Kochi!!
Ace Indian cricketer from Kochi, Sreesanth and his bro-in-law, South Indian playback singer Madhu Balakrishnan, has brought up yet another Music band from the city.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs034.snc6/166448_136476409748181_108302305898925_244742_5146657_n.jpg

S36theband (http://www.s36theband.com/)

Cochin Flower Show 2011 on the way
A 500-feet-long creative piece based on ‘Flowers and Egyptian Mythology’ will be the highlight of the Cochin Flower Show 2011 organised by the district agri horticultural society. The work will have sculptures of Egyptian heritage including that of a Pharaoh and Queen Cleopatra carved to perfection by experts in the flower arrangement. Other attractions of the show include about 500 varieties of Phalaenopsis plants from Germany and 6,000 species of plants from Bangalore. There will be around 3,000 plants from home gardens in the district, bonsai, more than 1,000 medicinal plants and about 13,000 decorative plants. There will also be plants from the Kerala Books and Publication, Cochin International Airport and NPOL besides rare flowering and decorative plants, crotons and fruiting plants. The plants and their seeds will be available for visitors at reasonable prices. There will be flower arrangement competitions for children and adults on February 11 and 12. On February 12 Flower King and Queen contests will be conducted for children in the age group 4 - 11 in association with the model management group Lukmans. There will be cultural and entertainment events every evening in association with the show.
The Agricultural Department, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, NABARD, Marad and Moovattupuzha agricultural market will exhibit a wide range of fruits and vegetables directly collected from the framers. There will also be pavilions by the State Horticultural mission, State Medicinal Plants Mission, Farm Information Bureau and Kerafed. The show starting on February 10 at the Siva Temple Ground will conclude on February 16. It will be on from 9 am to 9 pm.
Indian Express (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/cochin-flower-show-2011-on-the-way/246329.html)

S36-The Band launch at JT PAC
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Courtesy: kochivibe

Cochin Flower Show 2011
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Source: Manorama

Cochin Flower Show opens today
Cochin Flower Show, being organised by the District Agri-Horticultural Society, will open on Thursday at the Siva Temple Ground here. The highlight of the show would be over 500 imported Phalaenopsis orchid plants from Germany and over 6,000 flowers from Bangalore that would be on display, said M. Beena, District Collector and chairperson of the Flower show, at a press meet held here on Tuesday.

Over 3,000 flowers from households, bonsais, over a 1,000 medicinal plants and about 13,000 decorative flowers would be on display. Institutions such as Kerala Books and Publications, Cochin International Airport and NPOL would be taking part. The event will be on till February 16.
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/10/stories/2011021053180600.htm)

Zapak Gameplex - SA Road, Cochin
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Source:kochiservnet

Creek Cruise Cochin pioneered cruise tourism in the state way back in the 90s with state-of-the-art yachts that redefined luxury. Launched initially in Dubai, the company is now one of the biggest cruise operators in India with branches in most of the states. The cruise operations in Kochi, provides a chance to the tourists to experience the scenic beauty of the backwaters and the ocean while indulging in the comfort and amenities of the sailing vessels.
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Creek Cruise provides several innovative packages which includes organising corporate meetings, cocktail parties, New Year bashes, birthday and wedding parties on its vessels plying in and around Kochi. As one of the leading cruise operators in Kochi, it also has well experienced management and staff. You can enjoy sailing in the protected and pristine lagoons of the Arabian Sea.

Anchored in quiet secluded bays, basking in the superb sunsets, great food, exotic cocktails and the sailing can make your trip a memorable one. Or you can take to fishing in crystal-clear, warm waters blessed with an abundance of marine life.

Wind surfing, sailing and power boating are among some of the exciting water sports that are available to tourists along the beaches of Kochi. The company has also launched a Cruise Club with members enjoying free packages and have access to various cruises among the boating locations. "One can plan vacations around Cruise Clubs and enjoy the beautiful waterways and marina amenities. The response to the club membership drive is overwhelming and we expect it to touch 5000 soon", says Manoj, managing director, Creek Cruise, Kochi.

http://www.expresstravelworld.com/201102/backwaters09.shtml

Kochi-Muziris Biennalle declaration tomorrow
Kochi Biennale Foundation has announced the establishment of India’s inaugural festival of international contemporary visual arts, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The Biennale, a non-profit endeavour, will be held in Kochi and Muziris in 2012. Partnering with the Muziris Heritage Foundation the Biennale will celebrate India’s rich cultural and social heritage.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale will be the largest contemporary public art event in the country. To be held every other year, the project will showcase artwork created by some of the world’s most engaging artists, both established and emerging, from India and abroad.
The exhibition will present a variety of mediums from film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media to performance art. The Biennale aims to create a platform for debate by introducing ambitious contemporary international visual art practices and theory to India, showcase new Indian and international art, enabling a dialogue among the public, artists, curators and local and international
visitors.
Through the celebration of contemporary art in Kerala region, the Biennale will present artworks throughout Kochi and Muziris in existing exhibition sites, public spaces, heritage buildings and other non-traditional venues. Alongside the exhibitions the Kochi Biennale Foundation will organise seminars, workshops and a comprehensive and far-reaching educational programme.
The official declaration of the Biennale will be held at Durbar Hall Ground on Thursday February 17 at 6 pm. The event will be officially declared by Education and Culture Minister M A Baby in the presence of ministers, senior government officials, senior artists, scholars, critics and the public.
The launch will be followed by a performance by the band Avial, and panchari melam by Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, supported by 150 artists, in a live audio-visual percussion concert.
Indian Express (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/kochi-muziris-biennalle-declaration-tomorrow/248426.html)
Manorama (http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=8818855&tabId=1&programId=1080132913&channelId=-1073865030&BV_ID=@@@)

Zoriya – The Gen X Store
The ultimate ladies western outfit store, Zoriya, has opened at Kochi!! The pink and yellow painted walls are the ideal imagery for the wide range of colorful outfits that awaits you in the store. For the all ladies out there who wanna keep it stylish with pretty tops, gorgeous dresses, fashionable denims, and cute skirts.

Store owner Poojitha Menon, who is quite popular to us all as a TV anchor, says that what makes her store exceptional and unique is the ‘collection of western casuals’ that they offer you.

The store is located close to the Passport office in Panampilly Nagar.

http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/zoriya-the-gen-x-store-panampilly-nagar-poojitha-menon-kochi-cochin.jpg

http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/zoriya-the-gen-x-store-panampilly-nagar-poojitha-menon-kochi-cochin-2.jpg
Source: KOCHIVIBE (http://www.kochivibe.com/)

New stores

Akbar travel has opened new points in CIAL, Aluva & Perumbavoor

Sylcon opened its 5th oulet in Kochi near Padma Jn.

Cera bath tub studio inaugurated near Vytilla, Kochi after openening outlets in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Kolkata.

Dhathri opened its specialty treatment hospital at Palarivattom.

Lisa Ray is back in India after her vacation and she certainly wants to live life king size. She has been spotted lunching at a cafe in Kochi all by herself.
We hear that Lisa is currently in the middle of filming a food show and is touring different cities across India, tasting the cuisine and handpicking the places she would like to feature.
Eyewitnesses say that Lisa is in the pink of her health having battled and won against cancer. She was seen sporting casuals and savoured her lunch for about an hour.


Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Lisa-Ray-spotted-lunching-in-Kochi/articleshow/7547610.cms

Kochi Film Festival: A treat for film buffs (http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/news/kochi-film-festival-a-treat-for-film-buffs/252892.html)

KOCHI: Metro Film Society will hold a one-day film festival featuring a selection of films screened at the international film festivals in Goa and Thiruvananthapuram.

The festival, to be conducted in association with Kerala Chalachitra Academy, Kochi Corporation and C-Head, is from 10.30 am onwards on March 5 at the Town Hall. The films include ‘Kelin’, ‘Little Rose’ and ‘Night and Fog’. Two short films — ‘In Search of Narayani’ and ‘Pranayathil Oruval Vazhthappedum Vidham’ — will also be screened.

‘Kelin’ (The Daughter-in- Law) is from Kazakhstan. The film has no dialogues. Set in the untamed grassland of ancient Kazakhstan, Kelin narrates the tale of an arranged marriage after losing her true love. Two competing suitors fight for a beautiful bride and the wealthy one wins. Gradually, as the story unfolds, the beautiful bride is shown happy in her new home with her new love and new role until there is a drastic turn. The not- so-familiar rituals unify with the folkloric landscapes.

The film is a classic blend of love, lust, betrayal and revenge.

Set in Poland in 1968, ‘Little Rose’ is an autobiographical extract from the Polish author Pawel Jasienica’s experience.

The government of Poland started an anti-Semitic campaign due to Israel’s triumph over Egypt in the six-day war.

Rose, who works as a typist in a university, is used as a tool by her lover to trap Adam, a teacher in the same university.

Initially, Rose is happy in faking love and ambushing Adam.

Rose, Rozek and Adam form a brutal love triangle.

‘Night and Fog’ broods on the predicaments of domestic violence. The opening scene shows Lee Sum killing his wife and children before killing himself.

The rest of the film peeps into what went wrong in their marriage, how love transformed into hatred and what lead the protagonist to do such a disastrous deed.

‘In Search of Narayani’ is a journey in search of a literary character. It may look odd but here it becomes a fascinating foray into the inscrutable complexities of reality and fiction.

There’s history, personal experience, fiction, film and theatre — all related to Vaikom Muhammad Basheer’s unforgettable character Narayani in his novella ‘Mathilukal’.

‘Pranayathil Oruval Vazhthappedum Vidham’ is about a man and woman who find each other on the internet.

Naturals Family Salon, a pan-India name in the Indian beauty industry, has opened its fourth salon in Kerala at Kakkanad near Kochi. With this launch, the salon chain has touched the mark of 89 in the country. There are also plans to complete inaugurating its 100th outlet by the end of this month, Ms Veena Kumaravel, Founder-Chairman of Naturals Beauty Salon India Pvt Ltd, said. As part of country wide expansion plans, she said, the company aims to open 500 by the end of the fiscal year 2013. Of this, 26 salons are planned in Kerala. The company is all set to achieve a turnover of Rs 60 crore by the end of this fiscal against Rs 35crore achieved last year. With phased pan-India expansion, Naturals salon chain anticipates to achieve Rs 150 crore turnover by March 2012 and Rs 250crore for the fiscal year closing during March 2013. With the expansion plan underway, Naturals intends to produce 1000 women entrepreneurs and provide job opportunity to 15,000 people. The salon boasts of already having 70 women entrepreneurs in its chain, she added.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article1507699.ece

Naturals Family Salon, a pan-India name in the Indian beauty industry, has opened its fourth salon in Kerala at Kakkanad near Kochi. The salon boasts of already having 70 women entrepreneurs in its chain, she added.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/article1507699.ece

Is this a UNISEX salon or a Naturals W for Women only ? A Naturals W was functioning near CCD at Fourth Gate Calicut. Are there any UNISEX salons in there, please discount the ones functioning in stat hotels.

CINEMAX Movie Marathon 2011
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CINEMAX (http://www.cinemax.co.in/)

Is this a UNISEX salon or a Naturals W for Women only ? A Naturals W was functioning near CCD at Fourth Gate Calicut. Are there any UNISEX salons in there, please discount the ones functioning in stat hotels.

I don't about that. Its since 2008, I started knowing more about Kochi facilities, after I settled there.... I have been only to 2 saloons- Ole in Grand Hotel and one near KR Bakeries in Kadavanthara, which both are unisex palours.

In Dubai, VLCC is an unisex palour, so I believe its Kochi unit must too be like that.... I think locals can help more about it.

I don't about that. Its since 2008, I started knowing more about Kochi facilities, after I settled there.... I have been only to 2 saloons- Ole in Grand Hotel and one near KR Bakeries in Kadavanthara, which both are unisex palours.

In Dubai, VLCC is an unisex palour, so I believe its Kochi unit must too be like that.... I think locals can help more about it.

This is an Unisex Salon, infact all the naturals salon's are Unisex!

Naturals Unisex Salon (http://www.naturals.in/salonlocator.html)

Cochin Twestival (http://cochin.twestival.com/) 2011 on March 24th

http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Twestival1.png

After the huge success of Cochin Twestival 2010 , this year Cochin Twestival is all set to happen on 24th March and its going to be huge . For the uninitiated Twestival is short for Twitter-Festival, a social media event organised by volunteers worldwide to support social causes, by bringing people and communities who interact online, to a real offline meetup to contribute to the cause and, which is equally important, to have fun. Cochin Twestival is one of the hundreds of local editions of Twestival, held worldwide.

The first Twestival of all time started in January 2009 and it spread all over over the world and soon 202 cities were part of it

Source: Cochin Square (http://www.cochinsquare.com/cochin-twestival-2011-on-march-24th/)

Cochin Twestival (http://cochin.twestival.com/)

Tete-a-Tete with Indrajith
http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/indrajith-sukumaran-kochivibe-interview.jpg

He has been for the last 10 years. He has acquired the best of acting skills from his dad and mom. Known to be the most multitalented and adaptable artist in the Malayalam cinema industry, he has a line of movies that makes him the topmost in the industry to date. Presenting before you, the one and only Indrajith, with an exclusive interview for our Kochivibe readers.

When do we get to see you in the directors’ shoes?

Not anytime soon. But it’s definitely there in the cards. I wanna explore more as an actor. So maybe you can see me directing a movie a few years down the lane.

What kinda stuff do you engage in for stress relief? And how much of a party animal are you?

As a stress buster, I travel a lot. We visit temples, watch movies, and I ensure that I spend time with my family. My kids hardly get to see me, so when I ‘am home, I ‘am completely with them. And about parties, I used to go once in a while. But I ‘am not very fond of ‘em. I use to party a lot, few years back with my friends in Bangalore. But now it’s more or less getting boring for me. I prefer being at home than outdoors.

So when does your mom, brother, and you get time to be together amidst everyone’s busy schedule?

We do find time! But it’s not that we get together for all the festivities, but we make sure we have some time for all. We had the ‘Amma’ show rehearsal in Kochi last week, and all of us including Prithvi were there. Also, Poornima has work only five days a month. So she will be at home always.

You were born and bought up in Trivandrum, and now you have completely relocated to Kochi. How does it feel?

Well, I shuffled to Kochi for convenience. Initially, during shoots, I had to stay at hotels in Kochi. So I thought, why not have a house here? But Kochi is the perfect place to be in. It is a happening place and will be one of the best cities in the country in the next 5-6 years. In the coming years, you can treat Kochi in par with cities like Bangalore or Chennai.

Can you share with us your body building tips?

Healthy mind, healthy body. In Malayalam movies, the shooting schedule is strict. So I work out when I get time. I cut down on carbs and fatty stuff. That’s all I do.

Exclusive message to Kochivibe readers….

Keep doing whatever is right… Be happy always!!!
Courtesy: Kochivibe (http://www.kochivibe.com/tete-a-tete-with-indrajith-sukumaran-interview/)

Chris Pfeiffer (http://www.chrispfeiffer.com/) Redbull Street Tour 2011 in Cochin
Stunt men and bike maniacs get ready to learn from the champion himself. Chris Pfeiffer (http://www.chrispfeiffer.com/), the 4-Time Motor bike stunt riding world champion will be unveiling his skills on 4th April at Marine Drive helipad. The stunt show is part of the Redbull Chris pfeiffer street tour. Including Cochin , he is making his stop at 10 cities all around India . The All India tour will start from 21st March at Kolkata.

Watch the promo video on the RedBull Website (http://www.redbull.in/cs/Satellite/en_IN/Video/Playing-to-the-crowd-021242904496938)

He will be using custom made BMW F800R (http://webmotorcyclenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/BMW-F-800-R-specifications.jpg) and his Beta Evo 300 4T (http://www.betamotor.com/system/attachments/0000/1539/Evo_4T_125_200_web.jpg) for the stunts .

http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/965/LEAFLET-FRONT.jpg

The event will take place in the following cities:

City: Kolkata
Date: 21st March
Venue: Milan Mela ground, Science City, Dhapa
Timing: 3-5pm

City: Jaipur
Date: 24th March
Venue: Gaurav Towers, Malviya Nagar
Timing: 4-6pm

City: Delhi
Date: 26th March
Venue: Ansal Plaza, Khel gaon marg
Timing: 4-6pm

City: Chandigarh
Date: 27th March
Venue: TBD

City: Coimbatore
Date: 29th March
Venue: TBD

City: Ahmedabad
Date: 31st March
Venue: Karnawati Club, NH 8C
Timing: 3-5pm

City: Pune
Date:1st April
Venue: Pancard Club, Baner Hills, Baner Road, Baner
Timing: 6-8pm

City: Mumbai
Date: 3rd April
Venue: Inorbit Mall, Malad
Timing: 4-6pm

City: Cochin
Date: 4th April
Venue: Marine Drive Helipad; Landmark: Rainbow bridge
Timing: 4-6pm

City: Bangalore
Date: 6th April
Venue: Palace Grounds, Raj Mahal Vilas Extension, Armane Nagar
Timing: 4-6pm

Courtesy: Cochin Square (http://www.cochinsquare.com/chris-pfeiffer-redbull-street-tour-2011-in-cochin/)

Health fair to educate Kochiites
Kochi is all set to host a health fair at BCG Healthsquare, India’s first multi-disciplinary Health Mall. The fair, to be held at the BCG Health Square, Palarivattom from March 11-13 2011, aims at bringing together experts and major companies in the health, medicine and wellness markets.
An exhibition conducted on these days will showcase everything from beauty products, fitness equipment, alternative therapies, spas, beauty therapists to leading manufacturers in the national health care industry.
An array of activities ranging from blood bank, eye bank, ayurvedic camp, laughter cycleathon and medical camps with the motto “Health is Wealth” will also be organised alongside the exhibition.
On March 11, Tony Chammany, Mayor, Kochi Corporation, will inaugurate the Health fair at BCG healthsquare at 10.30 am. The IMA Blood Donation Camp will be held from 10 am to 1 pm. Sachidananda Kamath (IMA -President, Kochi) will inaugurate it. The Angamaly Eye Bank will initiate an Eye Donation Pledge from the participants on the same day. On March 12, an ayurvedic camp will be conducted by Dhatri.
Free consultation will be offered by a panel of Dhatri doctors relating to lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, arthritis, joint disorders, gynecology and slimming programmes. On the same day, a laughter cycleathon will also be organised with the motto “Laugh Out Loud for Health.” Two experts from Chiri Club, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr Venugopal and Prof George Joseph will flag off the “LOL for Health” at BCG Healthsquare. Seven-eight cyclists wearing “LOL for Health” T-shirts will cycle from the venue to major corporate offices in Kochi to promote laughter for health.
Dr Venugopal and Prof George Joseph will give a small session to the corporate staff on the benefits of laughter for health. The cyclists will distribute LOL for Health logos on the way to the general public; a warm gesture of sharing laughter.
On March 13, The Cochin Backwater Round Table 131 will be partnering with BCG Health square, in conducting a medical Camp at the venue from 10 am to 1 30 pm.
Eminent doctors representing multifaceted disciplines -orthopedics, general medicine, neurology, nephrology, ENT, dentistry, ophthalmology, gastroentrology, obstetrics, paediatrics and others - will offer free consultation for all who walk into the “Health is Wealth” medical camp. Random blood sugar and ECG tests will also be performed. A pharmacy distributing free medication as per doctors’ prescriptions will also be available for those attending the medical camp.
Indian Express (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/health-fair-to-educate-kochiites/255206.html)

SUR – Lucky Ali Live Concert in JTpac Cochin
http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Capture.jpg

Lucky Ali , Indian multi platinum Singer, Song Writer, Actor and Composer is performing live at JT pac on 27th march in a programme titled SUR. His whole team is coming down to cochin to give us treat that you dont wana miss.

His team includes
Mishko M’ba (Bass Guitar):
Butto (Flutist):
Alwyn Fernandes (Rhythm Guitar):
Joe Antony (Drums):
Muthu Kumar (Percussionist):
Mercedes Bhatia (Lead Guitar):
Aman Mahajan (Keyboard):
Manoj George (Violinist):
Subash pradhan (Gutarist / Vocal)

Book you tickets HERE (http://www.jtpac.org/reservation.php?show=50)
JT PAC (http://www.jtpac.org/)

Seafood cuisine from the best Chefs in Kerala. Its Coast to Coast food fest at Ramada Resorts Cochin. Experience the best of India’s Westcoast from Malabari to Malavani . Head on to Ramada this weekend and make this weekend something special.

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The food fest is available on Saturaday and sundays ( 7.30 pm to 11 pm ) @ Rs.699 / head for Adults and Rs. 325/ head for kids...

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00504/17KIMP_FILLER1_504215f.jpg

The Naadan Kushinee 2011 added variety- and spice- to the habitual diet of Kochiites and provided them a food fest with a difference.

Organized by the departments of French and Botany and the Women's Guidance Cell of Cochin College, the 2-day food fest held on 12th and 13th March 2011 at the Cochin Club in Fort Kochi showcased the ethnic cuisine of the different communities that call Kochi home.

Veggie delight

“We had organized a Kushinee last year and its success prompted us to have another one. There are approximately 20-25 ethnic communities and sub sects here and each community has its own culture and cuisine. We thought an event like this would be way to present the vegetarian cuisines of these groups,” says R. Somadha, Professor, Department of French who spearheaded the event.

With Konkani, Gujarati, Vaniya, Punjabi, Bohra Muslim, Kutchi, Jewish as well as traditional Kerala cuisine on offer the fest was well represented with the tastes of multi-ethnic Kochi. “The cuisine of Kerala has been influenced by the Dutch, Portuguese, Sri Lankans and others. For instance, stew and puttu has its origin in Portuguese fare while appam in Dutch and nool puttu is of Srilankan influence,” adds Somadha.

While the Kerala stall offered delicious and familiar fare, the others were a foodie's delight and a gastronomic adventure. From the Kappa puzhukku, puttu, pathiri, unnakaya, ada of the Kerala-Portuguese stall to the Brudher, peera ada, sharkara vada, kozhukatta and more of the Kerala-Dutch stall, the ‘traditional' dishes were well-represented.

The Bohra Muslim stall boasted Thali meals (with veg fried rice, bohra roti, navaratna kurma) while the Kutchi Muslims' space manned by Iqbal Sait, Aslam Dawood and their families offered the traditional cooling badam sarbath (perfect for the hot day!), nutritious goonda ladoo, tempting nankhatai and gudupapadi.

Luxy Johnson and Alice Joseph who are members of the Kudumbasree project had delicious, fresh naadan items like achapam, avalose podi and unda, jackfruit ada and vellappam.

Around 11-12 women and a few kids held the fort at the Konkani stall. The oldest of the lot, Rajam G. Pai and Anasuya Manohar were in their element. “What we have here are things made on an everyday basis. Our food is nutritious and economical with no part of a plant or vegetable being wasted,” they said. With five to six varieties of dosas, uzhunnu appam, bajjis and a variety of chutneys and powders to add to the taste, there was a lot to savour.

The Vaniyan cuisine was brought to the fest by the Vasya Mahila Samaj of Kochi and they tempted the audience with laddos, burfis, pappada vada, pickles etc. Palak parotta and subji, khaman (coconut) dhokla, corn patties, pudina chutney and typical Gujarati pickles were the highlights at the Gujarati stall put up by Meena H. Pandya and Yogish H. Vyas. The Tamil Brahmins had come equipped with a stove to make piping hot dosas to be had with tomato paste and chutney, along with tea or coffee for the parched.

Popular Punjabi

Particularly popular was the Punjabi stall where everything from rajma-chawal to parathas, lassi and chaats cost just Rs. 20. Manned by Happy Singh, from Punjab, the food and the prices delighted the fest-goers.

Extraordinarily enough West Asian (Jewish) dishes like falafel (fried balls made from boiled chickpeas seasoned with garlic, jeera, coriander), humus (chickpeas puree containing parsley, garlic, sesame oil and pepper), tahini (sesame paste) and latkes were available. Monique Fontana represented the Jewish community and had this to say “I was part of the event last year and felt that I must represent not only the Jewish community but the expatriate communities as well. We have typical Jewish dishes here today. Latkes are a traditional food for the Jewish Festival of Lights.”

The ganamela by singer Afsal and troupe on the evening of the first day was an unexpected bonus and added to the fun at the fest. Crooning Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam songs, he added to the magic of the evening.

If the response of the locals and the foreigners who thronged to the event was anything to go by, ‘Naadan Kushinee' was an unexpected delight.

Unbelievably it was a foreigner who tried the first dish on the morning of the 12th and come evening he was to be found streaking from stall to stall trying out every different and eye-catching dish.

Looks like the taste for the ethnic is catching!

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/Food/article1543986.ece

After the huge success of Cochin Twestival 2010 , this year Cochin Twestival is all set to happen on 24th March and its going to be huge . For the uninitiated Twestival is short for Twitter-Festival, a social media event organised by volunteers worldwide to support social causes, by bringing people and communities who interact online, to a real offline meetup to contribute to the cause and, which is equally important, to have fun. Cochin Twestival is one of the hundreds of local editions of Twestival, held worldwide.

http://i56.tinypic.com/runxq0.png

The first Twestival of all time started in January 2009 and it spread all over over the world and soon 202 cities were part of it . Archana kavi was one of the celebrity guests and an active tweeter who took part in the event . This year the expectations are high and the organizers are working hard to make it a reality.

Source : Cochin Square

As part of the expansion plans of Pramod Clinic, an advanced treatment facility centre, TheSmileCentre.in will be opened at Kadavanthra on March 21.
The core areas of the centre are smile designing, dental implants, laser dentistry, dentofacial trauma and deformities.

According to Pramod, director and chief dental officer, TheSmileCentre.in, the centre has the facilities to perform the entire spectrum of dental and facio-maxillary treatment procedures. The clinic is fully equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

The team of doctors and staff are given periodic training programmes to update their knowledge concerning advances in the field of dentistry and allied sciences.

The clinic has a tie-up with Saraf Hospital for complex dental and surgical treatment cases under complete medical back-up and in-patient facilities. Advanced techniques are followed in anaesthesia to ensure pain-free treatment procedures for both children and adults.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/thesmilecentrein-opens-on-monday/257698.html

The Kochi edition was launched on March 18.

Deccan Chronicle, the south-based English daily, is getting ready to take on The Times of India (TOI) head on in Kerala. In order to strengthen its footing before the TOI takes off in the state, it has launched its first edition from Kochi, with an initial print order of 25,000 copies. The English daily bears a cover price of Rs 2.50.


Talking to afaqs!, Amit Shukla, chief executive officer, Deccan Chronicle, says, "We expect robust advertising revenues for this edition, both from local, as well as national advertisers in Kochi." He adds that though the total size of advertising revenue for English newspapers in Kochi is not very large as of now, the company hopes that it will grow with the increasing competition in the state.

To promote the edition, the group distributed free sample copies for a period of three days. Once the three-day period from the launch date is over, readers need to confirm the subscription at regular rates of Rs 2.50 per copy to continue receiving the newspaper.

Value for money packages for advertisers is also being deployed to enable trial advertising. "After that, when an advertiser likes the business results from the advertising, they could commit serious money. That will probably be as true of Kochi as it has been in the other markets," says Shukla. He adds that Deccan Chronicle's entry into Kerala will help expand the total pie of English newspapers there.

The newly launched edition will carry the usual supplements such as a daily city tabloid, and the TV and Entertainment Guide on Saturdays, apart from the Sunday Chronicle, which will be distributed in Kochi.

Deccan Chronicle targets the same group as the TOI - people who know English and have young minds, of any chronological age or gender.

When asked if the latest launch is part of Deccan Chronicle's strategy to strengthen the brand's footing in order to tackle competition from the TOI in the South, Shukla says, "Competition is inevitable and healthy in a free market and it will always be there. Classically, the way to retain leadership and grow as a leader is to keep your focus on the readers and help towards the growth of the market, leaving it to the other players to keep their focus on attacking you or adopting guerrilla tactics, depending on what they decide is appropriate for their size. This is broadly true of the newspaper space as well."

http://www.afaqs.com/news/story.html?sid=29996_Deccan+Chronicle+launches+the+Kochi+edition+its+first+one+in+the+state+of+Kerala

Kochi to host ‘Twestival’ on March 24
Official Logo
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00509/avn_twestivalogo_jp_509811f.jpg

Kochi will play host to the social media event Twestival (Twitter Festival) on Thursday. This is the second time that the festival is being held in the city after the social media’s outreach programme began globally in 2009.

Programmes during the day will include music by different bands, besides prize distribution for a quiz competition which is already under way on twitter. Funds raised during the festival will go to charity - this time to Adarsh Charitable Trust working for the rehabilitation of differently-abled children. Organiser Sajan Mani said that Twestival promises to be bigger, better and more fruitful this year than in its previous editions. The number of Twitter’s active Indian users is rising fast and the focus has shifted from mere micro-blogging to using the power of responsible social media.

Twestival happens in more than175 cities around the world annually on a single day. Twestival, according to the organisers, can be termed a festival of the new age, being widely global and specifically local at the same time.

Besides being a powerful collaborative platform for causes, it is also a fantastic opportunity to expand one's social circle by connecting with like-minded peers in the community, says Cochin Twestival (http://www.cochin.twestival.com).
The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article1563882.ece)

http://i55.tinypic.com/3089pc7.jpg


Believe it or not… Mr. Chris Pfeiffer, the The King of World Freestyle Biking, to show off his skills in Kochi. Yes, at the Marine Drive Heli-pad on 04 April 2011, as part of the “Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer India Tour 2011″.
Timing: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Its for the first time that he is visiting Kochi. And for the second time in India. Apart from Kochi, Chris would also be visiting 9 other cities in India.
Chris Pfeiffer rides at the BMW Tower : (For all those who haven’t seen his performance )

A library aboard a ship that has some of the best books from around the world at affordable prices! Too good to be true? No. The international floating library, Logos Hope, is really set to call at the Kochi port here for the first time on May 25 and stay for a month, giving bookworms in the state a treasure trove.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/29floating2.jpg.crop_display.jpg

Decked with thousands of titles, ranging from science to philosophy, sports to economics and medicine to cookery and arts, the ship would be anchored in the city waters for a month. It is estimated that the library will exhibit half a million books to woo booklovers from across Kerala.

The largest floating library run by GBA Ships, a German-based international charity, was started 40 years ago with the intention of providing quality literature to people across the globe. It will have more than 400 volunteers from different countries. They will assist visitors surfing through the bookshelves, besides sharing with them the exciting tales of their journeys across different continents.

The crew of this book fair consists of people of 50 different nationalities and this factor itself proves the ship’s intention to spread peace around the world.

The books are all available at affordable rates, so booklovers in Kochi will be able to bring home many international bestsellers without emptying their pockets.

“I would love to visit this library aboard a ship. Just think of all those international titles there. I would buy some good fiction that is not available in the city bookstores,” says Anita Mary Thomas, a BA student of St Teresa’s College.

“More than anything, the environs, reading or searching for interesting books aboard a ship will be a big thrill. In Kerala where the habit of reading is still alive, the ship is a welcome vehicle,” says Salil, a voracious reader from Thrissur.

Visitors will also get an opportunity to browse through the books and arrangements will be in place to help them board the ship.

The library, that has already docked at various European, African and West Asian ports, will cover many countries in Southeast Asia after its Indian halt.

Helping hand

Those seeking to become volunteers on the ship must be over 18 years of age, and be in full agreement with the values of GBA Ships. No-one on board is paid. Detailed information is available on the official website
http://www.gbaships.org

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/books-ahoy-library-float-kochi-349

Indians feel happier and healthier than their counterparts in emerging economies, even though only a fraction of them follow the routine of regular exercise and health checkups, says a global survey.

Around 72 percent of Indians consider themselves healthy, compared to 60 percent in Brazil and 58 percent in China, says the The Philips Health and Wellbeing Index Report, that surveyed 8,300 people in over 23 countries over the last six months.


"Our survey found that for Indians, health and wellbeing are more passive than active," Vivek Sharma, chief marketing officer for Philips Electronics India, told IANS while releasing the report here.

Around 70 percent of the respondents equated happiness with their family, and said spending time with family and friends improves their feeling of health and wellbeing.

The survey, which was also conducted in 28 rural areas across the country, found that people in rural India based their physical wellbeing on three factors - access to clean water, toilet facilities and personal hygiene.

Women in rural households were more likely to resort to traditional and spiritual methods such as prayer and fasting to improve their sense of health and wellbeing.

In terms of cities, Bangalore is the top city in India when it comes to experimenting with new health remedies -- around 50 percent respondents used herbal medicines, accupuncture or yoga. But the city also tops the list of people admitting to consulting a mental health therapsist.

"The city has a sizeable number of young professionals, and the survey indicates that stress is a major factor in their lives," Sharma said.

Surprisingly, only three percent of Delhiites visit a health club, whereas Cochin tops the list with 40 percent. The trend of doing yoga is strong in southern India with 31 percent practicing it.

The report also found that Indians in both rural and urban areas rate declining vision as the top potential threat to their health in the next five years, followed by joint pain or arthiritis.

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-29/news/29358036_1_health-club-indians-rural-areas

Professional Tatooing and Body Piercing @ BODY ART - OBERON MALL

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4219/bodyartstudio.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/bodyartstudio.jpg/)

Image Courtsey-KOCHIGALLAN

CORPORATE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIP @ AMEOBA, GOLD SOUK MALL

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/5413/bowling2a.jpg (http://img135.imageshack.us/i/bowling2a.jpg/)

High on night life (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/high-night-life-433)


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It is a lovely Thursday night. For Parveen, 20, the fun is only beginning though the city is about to switch off its lights and get into a reverie.

A musician, Parveen can’t wait to know what the night has to offer her. A sip of her favourite cocktail and she is ready to live it up. Once the music is on, the bubbly youth hits the dance floor.

Another hour slips away with exotic cocktails before the crowd swells steadily. They swing and sway to the trance music that at times slips to house and hip hop too. This is a typical scenario from the Ladies’ Night that was recently launched at Ava, the lounge bar at Dream.

“This is the best place to chill out,” says Parveen as she joins her friends on the floor. As you listen on, the night grows younger, till you realise the clock has struck 12.

“Midnight is our cut off time but people linger on for some more time,” smiles Kevin Butler, the F&B Manager at the hotel as he makes sure his customers are enjoying their tequilas and mojitos.
In between one can find a group of teens, who dropped in to dance away the exam blues. They hang around for an hour and then push off in a jiffy.

“Mostly it’s those in the 30s and 20s that hop in,” says Kevin, as DJs Abhiram and Ram cheer the gathering with thumping music. “Occasionally we get a good number of expats,” he adds.
The lounge is teeming with party animals during the Happy hours on Wednesdays , Bollywood Fridays and regular Saturdays when DJ Savio serenades the crowd.

“Kochi is now ready to take in the party crowd,” says Ramu, the manager at Ramada Resorts that boasts of an equally dazzling lounge and dance floor named Club 1100, another favourite haunt of youngsters.

It was last September that Sandeep Menon, a frequent partygoer decided to enthrall the youth. Sandeep, who runs Parampara, a restaurant in the city, used to miss the party scene at Bengaluru, when he relocated to Kochi.

“Once Tandav, the only discotheque in the city shut down, there were not many options to chill out,” says the youngster who manages the dance floor in Ramada with his brother Mahesh.

Tucked a little away from the city, Qube is still a crowd puller because of its lovely ambience, terrific acoustics and superb music. “Many have doubts about what goes on at the lounges,” says Feby David, a regular party goer.

“Regular party goers make it a point to step into a place where the DJ caters to their liking,” says DJ Shekharfo, who plays at Qube.

New Delhi: Around 65 artists from 45 countries will participate in the Kochi-Muziris Biennale in Kerala in 2012 that is set to position Kochi as an "art-heritage destination". The art exhibition will be held at select places, including Fort Kochi and spice godowns, organisers said.The Kochi showcase is India`s first-ever biennale modelled on the Istanbul and Havana biennales and will be distinctly different from India Art Summit which is also a trade platform, the organisers said.

It will be held every two years. The Kochi-Muziris Foundation will be hosting a stakeholders event in Venice in June to promote the Kochi Biennale.

According to the organisers, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale will fill "a gap by giving artists from India and Asia a platform to exhibit their work".

"It is the need of the hour for the Indian art scene with artists now being recognised and Asia being looked at as a region of artistic importance. The biennale will position itself as a window to resonate the need for a platform that encourages such discourse towards appreciating international and national art practices," co-artistic director and co-curator of Biennale Krishnamachari Bose, a leading Indian contemporary artist and curator of repute, told reporters in an email interview.

........

News Source (http://spicezee.zeenews.com/articles/story86935.htm)

http://www.kifw.in/images/slides/b2.jpg

Kerala's first global fashion event is debuting this July from 7th to 10th at Casino Hotel, Kochi. The show will feature a series of runway fashion shows and exhibits from designers and lifestyle brands. As a production from the famed Storm Fashion Group, the event is an alternative fashion platform for emerging as well as established fashion designers from around the world; the event proposes to feed the Kochi's appetite for more and diverse fashion resources.
In addition to the benefits of traditional fashion weeks, STORM Fashion Weeks offers participating designers a continued business presence in Kochi and Kerala through a series of marketing tools including the Internet, a rep referral network, and audio-visual presentations to buyers and the press.

The shows will take place in at Casino Hotel,Kochi from July 7-10, 2011. The national press, fashion buyers and reps from boutiques, specialty stores and major department stores are being invited to attend.
In the emerging designer category only a limited number are being accepted on the quality of their designs, their marketability in the Kerala and their ability to fulfill orders. The runway shows will be professionally staged with top lighting and sound companies from india as well as professional runway models. There will also be exhibits of top-of-the line fashion accessories.
* Mamta Mohandas is the brand Ambassador of KIFW.
* Eminent designer from Kochi, Hari Anand is the Designer Host.
* Storm Fashion Company (http://www.stormfashioncompany.com/index.html) which conducts Chennai International fashion Week (http://www.cifw.in/home/) are also the promoters of KIFW.
* KIFW will take place every year in July.

Kochi International Fashion Week (http://www.kifw.in/index.html)

Capturing the ‘dark side’ of heritage spots
A tapori looking Mammooty strutting through Mattanchery streets, each shot and each angle reminds you of a Dharavi slum. There is an air of criminality looming large and the gruesome frames that follow add to it. When Mollywood filmmakers want to can a criminal hub, they head straight to Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. And for most of them the places neatly tucked away from the city have the perfect ambiance to shoot action films. “The uniqueness of the places is that you will find plenty of spots lost in a time warp. In the city you have state-of-the-art buildings with glossy looks. But here you have old buildings with worn out walls and unkempt spaces. It’s easy to turn them into something unfamiliar and exotic,” says director Martin Prakat. One of the main locations of his ‘Best Actor’ is an old three-storeyed building in Mattanchery, shown as the base of a quotation team. “But that doesn’t mean that the place and its people have criminal links. The characters in my film are all small-scale hoodlums, not mafia members or high profile criminals with underworld connection,” he says. He also says that it’s the umpteen visual possibilities of Fort Kochi and Mattanchery offer that make the places click. “You will find fresh angles everywhere and an artist can easily switch the locale into something unfamiliar,” he says.
Arun Kumar, director of another city-based film, ‘Cocktail’, says the places have a typical geography supporting the visuals that come to mind while conceiving a dark plot. “Kochi is the only city in Kerala with the real metro feel and it comes as the normal choice for a story with a corporate setting. Mattanchery and Fort Kochi are places with a specific texture matching grimmish threads. The dark and brooding streets there perfectly matched the mood and tempo of ‘Cocktail’s’ storyline,” he says.
Amal Neerad, who has captured classy frames of Fort Kochi in his ‘Big B’, is another filmmaker smitten by the enigmatic charm of the locale. “Fort Kochi and Mattanchery have housed people belonging to so many cultures and all the assimilation happened over the years has created an alluring medley. You won’t be able to find a space similar to Fort Kochi in Kerala. There are too many unexplored spots that bear the mark of history and heritage other than the Dutch cemetery and the synagogue,” he says.
Amal says he doesn’t believe that urban outskirts are places breeding criminals and the choice of the place has nothing to do with real life character of the place and its people.
“It is the great visual appeal—the seaside setting, colonial architecture and an aura of outlandishness,” he says.
Indian Express (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/capturing-the-%E2%80%98dark-side%E2%80%99-of-heritage-spots/272666.html)

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Gallans of Kochi!!! Unite and bash on May 14th at Qube-Ramada

Nashty Sessions heads to Kochi next weekend wid DJ Nash (Bangalore) in the mix!! Its time for the Nashty Neon Glow Party @ The Qube [Club 11 Hundred], Ramada, Kochi. Don’t miss the fun… Gallans, the clock starts trickling from 8:30 pm onwards

Abhinaya’ presents its second summer theatre festival this year. The travelling theatre festival will traverse Kerala, celebrating more than a month of contemporary themes on stage. The curtains will go up with Macbeth in Kozhikode on 26th of April. The festival will then travel to Kasargode, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kochi, Muvatupuzha, Kottayam, Kollam to culminate in Thiruvananthapuram on 07th June. Kochi edition of the festival will be hosted by ‘JT Pac’.

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Plays to be staged at JT Pac, Kochi:

- ‘The Lesson’ on May 21st 2011, Saturday
A hilarious adaptation of Eugene Ionesco’s celebrated French absurd play by the same name, it presents the absurdity of life through situations that seem and appear most common and ordinary. It puts forth certain arguments on the very purpose of education and the systems that are blindly adhered to in this regard.

- ‘Bhagavadajjukam’ on May 22nd 2011, Sunday
The contemporary adaptation of the 2000 year old Bhodayana’s Sanskrit text by the same title, ‘Bhagavadajjukam’ debates spirituality and materialism. The self – oriented political community, where one is driven by utilitarian behavioural norms and commercialised morals are subtly highlighted, criticised and poked at in this satirical theatre piece.

- Bard’s ‘Macbeth’ on May 23rd 2011, Monday
This is a stylized adaptation that concerns more with the psychological realms of the central character Macbeth.The story is told through the three central characters, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo, these in turn being mere reflections of Macbeth himself. The adaptation perceives Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a surreal poetry and is structured more as a ritual, a psychological saga to rekindle and awaken the soulless mob on the run.

About ‘Abhinaya’:

Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre – the flagship dramatic art practitioners of the state focusing on contemporary themes and stylisations that redefine the language of stage.

Established in 1992, Abhinaya has produced and performed around hundred plays. The research centre, conceived jointly by D Reghoothaman and late S Ajayan, is now home to some of the best theatre practitioners of the country. The works of Abhinaya are widely acclaimed and have received promotion and support from the art and culture hubs from the world over. The front ranking productions Sidhartha, Macbeth, Sagara Kanyaka, Bhagavadajjukam and Verdigris were staged at the prestigious venues of Asia, Europe, UK, and Latin America along with notable Indian theatre festivals including the Bharath Rang Mahotsav, Prithvi Theatre Festival and Ibsen International Theatre Festival. At the helm of the creative activities at Abhinaya are D Reghoothaman and Jyothish MG.

Fantastic posts Gallan..Welcome to SSC :)

YO! :nocrook: Gallan is here! Welcome!

A tattoo for every reason
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Gnaneswara Rao, the Kochi Tuskers batsman, has acquired a trendy look since the last time he came down to Kochi.

An ardent follower of Sai Baba and Lord Siva, Gnaneswara didn’t have second thoughts when he opted for an enormous tattoo depicting them on his right hand.

He got it done at Body Art, the newly opened tattoo shop at Oberon Mall, that has been a favourite hub of youngsters ever since it opened during the second week of April.

“Even though the pain of getting a tattoo is unbearable for many young people, they sit through the process very patiently for hours,” say the proprietors of Body Art, Nazrul Ahmed and Jersih M. J. Each one who comes in for a tattoo has a special reason for getting it done.

For John it was not just a fashion statement but a tribute to his sister Princy who died very young.

The word ‘PRINCY’ tattooed across his arm is one way that this youngster has chosen to keep her memories close to him.

Evidently within just over a month since its launch, the inking outlet has crossed the 100 mark in terms of customers. For the 23-year-old young Nazrul Ahmed and Jersih M.J., the new business venture is all about passion and love for tattoos and body art.

The duo reveals that recently DJ Savio spent Rs 7,000 to get Mother Mary tattooed on his arm.
DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/tattoo-every-reason-276)

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Courtesy: Cochinsquare

Marine Drive
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Fort Kochi
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India: Real beauty underestimated
By Belinda Henley
12:00 PM Monday May 30, 2011

I went on my first trip to India with a whole bagful of pre-conceptions. It was going to be noisy? Check. Hot? Check. Crazy? Check. And I was going to eat my body weight in spectacular curries? Check. But what I wasn't prepared for was the spectacular beauty of the country and the warmth, kindness and hospitality of the people. I was visiting the Kerala (meaning 'land of coconut trees') region, in the south west of the country. In particular, the city of Kochi, or Cochin as it is also known.

Kochi is the commercial and industrial hub of the region flanked by the western Ghats on the east and the Arabian sea on the west. It's a relatively small city by Indian standards with recent estimates putting the population at around 1.8 million. Being a port city, it has been indelibly shaped by the influence of those who have passed through, namely Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese. Geographically the city is made up of a series of three islands, connected by two bridges. There is the old town, 'Fort Kochi' the industrial centre, Ernakulam and Wellington Island.

The Kochi tourism sites claim it is one of India's best kept secrets, and it certainly seems to be that way. In the five days I spent there I only saw a handful of tourists, despite National Geographic magazine recently listing it as one of the 50 must see places to go.


We were staying in the stunning Ramada Resort, overlooking the famous Kochi backwaters on Ernakulam. The hotel has one of the best pools I have ever had the pleasure to dip my toes into, almost 100 metres long, curving around lush, heavily scented gardens of magnolias and tropical plants.

It offers Aruveydic spa treatments and a restaurant specializing in south Indian cuisine. Make sure you try the 'chicken hot pot' a mildly spicy soup; the Kottu Baradha, made from mince, chopped naan bread, onion, tomato and egg; the grilled fish caught right outside the hotel and cooked Indian style; the excellent vegetarian daals and the local bean dish Achinga Thoran.

The hotel also has their own swanky speedboat, which they pull up to the private jetty to take you on a tour around the spectacular Kerala backwaters. It is the ultimate way to explore the region, (ideally while singing along to T Pains I'm on a Boat.)

Up the road is the equally lavish Le Merdien hotel, currently home to the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, the newest team in the Indian Premier League 20/20 cricket competition.

Other than being an enthusiastic tourist, my mission was to film a story on some of the New Zealand cricketers making a small fortune playing in this highly lucrative competition. Cricket is religion in India, and for that reason, the players are largely prisoners in their hotel, unable to leave for fear of causing a small, or in fact reasonably large, riot. Bu luckily, there is far worse places to be holed up!

Kochi is an interesting juxtaposition of these lavish resorts and a more accurate reflection of 'real' India. It is only a short drive away from these properties to Fort Kochi, the historical hub of the city to get a sense of what this place is really about.

Going anywhere in India feels like you are taking your life into your own hands, the drivers seem to have no peripheral vision, they map a path in their head from A to B and off they go, letting no scooters, trucks, pedestrians, animals or women and children riding side saddle in their saris stand in their way :nuts:. The first few trips I had decidedly white knuckles, but it didn't take me long to realize that despite hundreds of seeming close calls, I was probably, bizarrely, safer on the road here than at home. There is no yelling, plenty of tooting but no road rage, and this attitude to the road and their fellow drivers is perhaps summed up in the motto of the local police force 'polite but firm'.

On the way to Fort Kochi we get a sense of what makes this place tick, commerce, industry, and how they live their day to day lives. It is the weekend and it seems like every spare patch of dirt has been taken over by groups of young men tossing a cricket ball around, they may be barefoot, with the most basic of equipment and on a dusty pitch, but some of them are highly skilled.

The waterfront of Fort Kochi is first port of call, our incredibly well spoken and knowledgeable guide Arnold takes us to see the local fisherman work their Chinese Fishing Nets (the only place outside China you can see this). It is believed that traders from the court of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets.

With five men working each net, they slowly lower them into the muddy waters, with no bait and then manipulate huge levers and pulleys to raise them up again - hopefully full of mullet, crabs, prawns and sardines. The fishermen make around 400 rupees, roughly $11 NZD a day, in line with the average wage for a mason or carpenter. It may seem like little by our standards, but the Kerala region has untypically high standards of living with wages, employment, education levels all well above the national average.

While there is not the haggling culture of some Asian destinations, the waterfront of Fort Kochi is the place to go if you want to indulge in some banter with well meaning salespeople and pick up some souvenirs. There are some stunning scarves, bags and locally made jewellery to be bought, but, like anywhere be careful who you buy from.

Our second destination is the St Francis church, the oldest European church in India.

On his 3rd visit to Kerala, Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese trader who reached India from Europe by sea, fell ill and died in Kochi. He was buried in St Francis church but later his remains were taken back to Portugal. However, his burial spot inside the church has been clearly marked out and is still regularly visited.

The church was once a lavishly decorated baroque style place of worship, much of the ornate detailing has now been removed, but it is no less impressive. The day I visited, the congregation were celebrating Sunday service in the local 'Malayalam' language.

St Francis church is surrounded by stunning trees, many of them hundreds of years old, including one of India's most precious trees, the Sandalwood. Previously used to carve thrones and furniture, it's rarity and worth now means it is used only for carving religious idols and crucifixes and for its scented oil.

Kochi is also home to the oldest Jewish synagogue in the Commonwealth. Built in 1568, it is magnificently decorated with individual hand painted Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers.

Many years ago, Kochi was a hub for almost five thousand Jewish families who fled to India to escape persecution at home. Sadly, the Jewish community has now almost completely dispersed and there are now just four Jewish families left in the city. This mix of religions and cultures has shaped the patchwork of Keralan society. Arnold tells me it is these influences, which has made the region one of the most 'worldly, welcoming and hospitable' places in India to visit. I'll certainly be back.

Belinda Henley's trip was aided by Singapore Airlines, Kerala Tourism Board and the Kochi Ramada Resort.
NZ Herald (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10728158)

Bollywood Fridays & Commercial Saturdays AvA Lounge
The AvA Longe, Kochi, presents the Best of Bollywood remixes on Fridays and Commercial Dance Music on Saturdays with their in house DJs… dj Raish, dj Jovin and dj Neil to set some mesmerizing music mood for you this weekend. And guess what. Couple Entry is FREE !!! ;)
Timing: Friday, 3rd June 2011 9:00pm to 4th June 2011 1:30am.
For More, please contact : 0484 4129999

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Anupam Kher’s autobiography, ‘Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’ @ JT PAC (http://jtpac.org/)
Autobiography of the very well known actor of Bollywood, Anupam Kher, will be played at the JT PAC, Kochi on Sunday, 5th June 2011. Its going to be an ‘Audi’ exclusive night at the JT PAC (http://jtpac.org/) on the 5th. There are a very few seats remaining. So grab them soon.
About ‘Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’:
This is a journey of a man who should have been a failure; one who manipulated his destiny and forced it to become a success. Never before, in the history of theatre, has the autobiography of an actor been dramatised on stage, especially when he is still practising his craft.
Anupam Kher, with over 300 feature films to boast, is perhaps the most versatile and prolific actor the Indian Cinema has ever seen. In recent times all the biggest blockbusters bear his name in the credits. e.g. Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaiyenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, Kya Kehna, and now, Bend It Like Beckham. Some dub him as a lucky charm.
At the zenith of his career and crossroads of his life, he pauses to reflect and share his pain, joy, tears and laughter, and Anupam’s struggle seems like a shaky Hindi film finding some coherence by the sheer determination of the protagonist and interesting twists and turns that life provides in fits and passion.
The play will be staged as a full production with Anupam narrating and dramatising the important events in his life, e.g. first romantic encounter, failure at Gandhi audition, casting in Saaraansh, awards, personal relationships etc.
Although the play will tell the story of a small town man making it big in the Hindi Film Industry, the audience will identify with him and find snatches of their lives being played on stage.
This is a play that celebrates life and reaches out to all, with honesty and rare candour.
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Kochi's date with Fashion Week :)



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Thulasi Kakkat Judges at the Kochi Fashion week audition
Priyanka Shah, former Pantaloons Femina Miss India Tourism (2007), and one of the judges for the audition of the Kochi International Fashion Week, gives a thumbs up to the models for the event

Kochi, here comes the fashion week and preparations seem to have begun in right earnest. This past weekend auditions for models for the Kochi International Fashion Week were held. The fashion week is scheduled to be held in July. Among the panel of judges was Priyanka Shah. She is a former Pantaloons Femina Miss India Tourism (2007); she also won Channel V's ‘Get Gorgeous II' (2005) and Miss Tourism World (2007). As far as the beauty biz goes she has been there and done that.

A veteran of beauty contests and reality shows (she was on Shahrukh Khan's ‘Zor Ka Jhatka…' as a celebrity contestant), Priyanka knows a thing or two about being judged and probably which is why she empathises with those on the ‘other side.' Being a judge and being judged are two entirely different things, she says and adds that she prefers the side she is on and ‘not being judged'. It takes a lot of courage to put oneself out there in front of perfect strangers who are probably going to make you feel like there's nothing right about you. “I remember what it is like being on the other side…but it all boils down to how one handles it and putting your best foot forward.”

Priyanka belongs to that tribe of pageant winners which takes its education seriously. She is a mechanical engineer, but that is another aspect to her. The glamour industry as the fashion/film industry is collectively referred to was her choice because it is her ‘passion.' She is acting in a film about which she ‘is not permitted to reveal too much'. But she has already acted in a Tamil film ‘Kalla Kadhalan'. She is pragmatic in her approach to the glamour business, and agrees that as far as women actors go they (generally) come with a very limited shelf life unless extraordinarily talented.

Since she is a qualified professional, does she believe that education is a must for this profession? “One should be educated, but that holds good for everybody, not just actors. I don't think it is absolutely necessary that an actor should be educated and have that as a backup before taking a plunge into the glamour industry. There are actors/models who may not be too educated but have done well or are doing very well and vice versa.” She, however, believes that an education is necessary so that people would be more aware about what they are getting into, “that is not just for this field. Every profession has its pitfalls and traps.”

When Priyanka says that she was the captain of the Indian women's netball team, one can't help but do a double take. She is the tomboy that became a beauty queen. Fitness is another ‘passion' and the other interest for this certified Pilate trainer. In her spare time that is what she indulges in, she says.

She is familiar with the modelling/fashion industry in Mumbai and Delhi.

So what is her take on this fledgling cottage industry in Kerala? Lack of exposure is one big minus point, says Priyanka. We have our Joey Mathew, Nina Manuel, Laxmi Menon etc… But the models that she got to see were lacking in exposure, understandably so as opposed to their counterparts in Mumbai, Delhi etc. “But they are all good.”

Since Priyanka, seemingly, has all the right and diplomatic answers it is very tempting to pose that one question any beauty pageant winner worth her sash and tiara dreads… “How old are you?”. Her answer is a ready “Eighteen till I die!” thank god for Bryan Adams. And she has been 18 for sometime now.

THE HINDU (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2057175.ece)

Kochi all set for a makeover

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KOCHI INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK (http://www.kifw.in/)

^^Feel good to see a Calicut girl being the face of KFW....:cheers:

^^Feel good to see a Calicut girl being the face of KFW....:cheers:

I read in Vanitha sometime back that she has already moved to Kochi

^^Thanks a lot for your info...:cheers: thats like Asin relocated to Mumbai..:)

And to add, Mamtha just have roots in calicut, she was raised abroad...:) and her family now lives in Skyline flat near Jawaharnagar, calicut.

^^Thanks a lot for your info...:cheers: thats like Asin relocated to Mumbai..:)

And to add, Mamtha just have roots in calicut, she was raised abroad...:) and her family now lives in Skyline flat near Jawaharnagar, calicut.

Great discussion! :cheers:

^^Thanks a lot for your info...:cheers: thats like Asin relocated to Mumbai..:)

And to add, Mamtha just have roots in calicut, she was raised abroad...:) and her family now lives in Skyline flat near Jawaharnagar, calicut.

Yes. Its obvious. Like Mumbai is home to Bollywood Kochi is now home to Malayalam film industry. Also it is the most happening city in Kerala. Hence Mamtha moved to Kochi:)

^^Feel good to see a Calicut girl being the face of KFW....:cheers:

Feel good to have her as face of KIFW, there aren't too many gals in the Malayalam industry with a "MODEL" figure!

Yes. Its obvious. Like Mumbai is home to Bollywood Kochi is now home to Malayalam film industry. Also it is the most happening city in Kerala. Hence Mamtha moved to Kochi:)

:cheers:

Hi,
I didn't know she was from Kozhikode, she was great in അൻവർ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2PqLfQAI_k)and ദി ത്രില്ലർ. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeP-bj6-oUA)
There are other nice girls in Malluwood: Bhavana and Nayantara. :)

I have a suspicion that she is not fully out of the myloma. She looks terrible often. I wish her a speedy and complete recovery, and back to her normal self.

An hour before his much-awaited autobiographical play Kuchh Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, Anupam Kher sat backstage at JT Pac Hall, nervous.

It was the 238th time that he was staging this two-and-a-half-hour play, yet the talented actor was still worried about how his audience would respond to it.
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“It is a different place, a different audience and I never take my audience for granted,” says Anupam, who took his play to various countries before coming to Kochi.

He was also apprehensive about the Kochiites’ comfort level with a Hindi play. But after three hours of non-stop applause and a hall full of audience in splits, he was back to his cheerful self, once again effortlessly winning the love and respect of hundreds who watched him perform.

The story revolves around a north Indian boy who had an intense desire to act and after facing many ups and downs, makes it big in Bollywood. Anupam single-handedly spoke all the dialogues of the 137-page script without boring the audience, running across the stage, changing costumes in a jiffy, entertaining his audience every single second.

“That is the format of the play, it is meant to be like a bed time story where a parent would take the different roles as it is narrated to a child. It is difficult because I am competing with myself. I am always addressing the audience and a lot depends on how they respond.”

And the response was overwhelming! He established a connection with his audience as soon as he stepped into the hall and walked its entire length taking a dig at someone, shaking hands with another, directing someone else to his seat. And when he finally went on stage, the first big applause thundered across the hall.

The audience sat glued as every other line, every expression and every action was laced with humour. At times, he indulged in self-mockery. He had no qualms revealing the secrets of his life in a hilarious manner.

“Not all my secrets, but what I choose,” he said. These included his first love, break-up, failure to get a role in the film Gandhi (“I have vowed never to see it and to this day, I haven’t!”), his first break and so on, often repeating the line, “Don’t fear failure. Zindagi mein kuchh bhi ho sakta hai (anything can happen in life).”

The actor has been in Kochi to shoot for noted Malayalam filmmaker Blessy’s latest venture Pranayam.

“Blessy is brilliant and looks at cinema with a sense of poetry,” says Anupam.

“Regional cinema has earthiness while mainstream cinema is more about technology or concepts from the West.”

He is also full of praise for Mohanlal who is part of Pranayam. “He performs effortlessly. I think both of us are similar in some ways.”

Actors Mohanlal, Jayaprada, Anoop Menon, Rima Kallingal and director Blessy were present to watch Anupam’s play. Mohanlal lauded his performance, which he termed ‘quite enlightening for an actor like me’.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/anupam-plays-himself-has-audience-splits-840

I have a suspicion that she is not fully out of the myloma. She looks terrible often. I wish her a speedy and complete recovery, and back to her normal self.

I too felt, seeing her in last award nite. But she is really amazing. How effectively she concealed her illness before others. Rather she it a style statement, be it her short hair post chemotherapy..... Really we all must salute her high spirits. Wishing Mamata for a speedy recovery

Audi with a big bang in Kochi with the A7 Sportback.

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Sandeep Madan, Audi’s South Asia sales head, and Mithesh Patel, Kochi director, launching Audi A7 Sportback in Kochi.

It unites the grace of a saloon, the functionality of an avant and the dynamism of a coupe.

Priced at Rs 64 lakh, the carmaker targets individuals who seek luxury and the sense of freedom in customising the vehicle in a way they want. Audi launched its beautiful new five-door executive sports coupe in the city on Saturday.

V shaped lines define the bonnet under which the powerful engine is waiting. The sprint from 0-100 km/hr takes just 6.3 seconds while the top speed is limited to 250km/h. Audi India is claiming a whopping 16.6 KM/l fuel consumption. The attractive Aluminium wheels create individual highlights.

Audi has kept its LED daytime running lights of the headlights in A7 also. The cockpit is designed with the driver in mind while the centre console leans towards him.

Considering the technology Audi has included an innovative, touch sensitive Multimedia Interface (MMI) touch, which enables the driver to control media playback and make calls all with just one finger and without taking eyes off the road.

The technology will be available on request. The generous loading space amounts to 1,390 litres with the rear bench seat folded down.

Sandeep Madan, Head of Regional Sales of Audi India, while launching the new Audi, stated that the company has registered a 110 percent growth in Kerala during the last fiscal. Audi India has upwardly revised its sales projections at about 5,000 cars for this year, as against 3,000 last year, he added.

Audi has sold 2,394 units in the first five months of the current calendar. So, if you are looking for a car with elegant and sporty proportions, your wait ends here.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/lifestyle/cars-and-bikes/audi-7-luxury-sportback-impressive-mileage-842

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It's early afternoon. Things are just warming up inside Gold Souk, but at Amoeba, the mall's gaming alley things are happening. A couple of groups of teenagers are busy bowling to their heart's content.

Step into the place any time of the day and any day of the week the chances are you will find a few people devoting their time and energy on 10 pins. Bowling has come to Kochi, and how! Those of us who grew up on a diet of Archies comics would be familiar with bowling, the bowling alley was Archie and gang's hangout. Youngsters can now boast of ‘some' bowling in nammude Kochi.

Bowling championship

The ball, in a manner of speaking, was set rolling by Amoeba Bowling Alley in Gold Souk. Boomerang followed suit with Boomerang Klub. About what brought bowling to Kochi? B. Syed, manager operations (South), Amoeba and Johnson Baby, managing director Boomerang unanimously declare that bowling as entertainment is catching up in the city. Amoeba is planning to conduct a bowling championship. Is it that popular ? Syed agrees that the trend is picking up, going by the number of entries that have come in for the competition. It is a trend that is fast picking up.

“There is more exposure now. People have seen it and are familiar with bowling in other places such as Bengaluru etc, and they want the same experience here,” says Syed. Amoeba, which is headquartered in Bengaluru, has 25 such ‘leisure' outlets in India but this is their first one in Kochi for the time being.

Johnson elaborates that there are games for young kids but nothing for those above 16. “This is a population that is still young but not young enough for the games for kids.” There are videogames, of course but those induce boredom after a point and these are essentially one person-at-a-time kind of games, but a ‘sport' like bowling is different. It is not vigorous, it is relaxed and you can play with more than two pals. “It is not just the college-going crowd which enjoys a round of bowling. Even the young working crowd enjoys this,” says Johnson Baby. He goes on to add that Boomerang Klub in Oberon Mall boasts of “a 60 feet alley, which matches international standards.”

The bowling competition organised by Amoeba is on at Gold Souk on June 11 and 12.:banana::banana::banana:



http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2087689.ece

Most travel shows tread the beaten path but here's one that is definitely different. "What's With Indian Men?" features supermodel Indrani Dasgupta and actress Sugandha Garg attempting to understand Indian men while journeying across the length and breadth of the country.

The show premiered on FOX History & Traveller June 4 and depicts the two women encountering men from different walks of lives, regions and tastes on their way.

"Most shows are scripted, but this one is not. All of us want to know about Indian men - and imagine being paid for it," Sugandha, known for her roles in films like "Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na" and "Tere Bin Laden", told IANS.

"A good travel show is very hard to come by. The reason why I call ours a good show is because it is not just travelling with voiceovers and montages of people travelling in different cities. In our show, we bring out the flavour of the places by making a local taking us around. We met a lot of locals and got to know about men from different regions," she added.

The show, which will every Saturday, will take Sugandha and Indrani to 10 Indian cities, including Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Guwahati, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

They have taken this trip to understand what makes Indian men tick and how these cities have shaped their menfolk.

"Being a part of the show was like doing a doctorate on Indian men. We left all our inhibitions aside while interviewing the guys and were amazed with their candid confessions," said Sugandha who is married to Rahgu Ram, the man behind MTV's popular show "Roadies".

The two women met men from diverse backgrounds, but they found one thing common in all of them.

"India is a totally diverse country and the men living here can be very different, but one thing is common and that is the sense of being providers. They still want to look after their families whether they are rich, poor or live in any part of the country.

"Their situation or tastes in food and girlfriends are very different, but one thing is the same that they want to be an important member of the family and the kind of a head of the family," said Sugandha, who also found out that the Indian men have an insane sense of humour.

"I never thought this about Indian men before and I never thought I'll attribute them with this ever, but Indian men are very funny. They have an insane sense of humour. They are very quirky. I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed my lungs out in the show," she said.

http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=243677:banana::banana::banana::lol::lol:

Hmm, if those women want to know the REAL men here, all they need to do is to ride a bus from, say Kaloor to Vytila.

Hmm, if those women want to know the REAL men here, all they need to do is to ride a bus from, say Kaloor to Vytila.

^^^^^^

So see its Kochi Men, whom our Supermodels liked the most



Supermodel Indrani Dasgupta and actor Sugandha Garg seem to be having a jolly good time travelling all across the country as the duo is playing host in the new show that attempts to delve into the psychology of Indian men across the country. Thus Indrani and Sugandha have been busy travelling to cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Jaipur, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, Varanasi, Guwahati, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

http://static.dnaindia.com/images/cache/1553292.jpg

Both the ladies have a lot to talk about their expeditions as they interact with the local men and try to find out what is it about the city that shape the men’s mentality. “It was like doing a doctorate on Indian men,” says Sugandha.

“I realised that people in Jaipur still have a royal hangover,” shares Indrani. “In delhi, there are still some old fashioned norms that men hang on to. But there was quite a mix in the city. Each city has its own mould of guys. For instance, men in Assam were so shy and reticent.” Though Indrani confesses to have travelled to all of these cities before for her modeling programmes, it was the first time that she got to mingle with the people so well.

“Chandigarh guys just cracked me up! They were really funny. I remember we spoke to this guy in Amritsar, who was a farmer and his seven generations had been into farming, but he was so obsessed with Bollywood and even wanted to get into movies himself.”

So which city men surprised Indrani the most? “Kochi was quite a surprise. The people were warm and friendly, the weather was fantastic, and everyone on the street spoke English.”

Sugandha, however, has her own take. “Delhi guys were quite amusing… the north humour is pretty hard to combat. Bombay is chilled out — the man-woman equation is more sorted here. Goa is full of new age zen boys — happy-go-lucky kinds. While Kolkata is so academic,” says Sugandha who had fun touring the country for the show What’s with Indian Men? “Amritsar men were so huge —all more than six feet tall. And of course the Benarasis are too cool… they love their paan with such passion,” she adds.

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_all-about-indian-men_1553291


:nuts::nuts::nuts::cheers:

Indrani Dasgupta tries to find answers to the rather complex question — What's with Indian Men — on the show

HTYJgJ6pPrA

There's more to her than just a pretty face and never-ending legs. Ramp scorcher and popular ambassador for some of the classiest of brands, supermodel Indrani Dasgupta has finally made her foray into television.

As co-host of FOX History & Traveller's new show “What's with Indian Men”, Indrani is thrilled with what's on her platter. “It's so much fun to be on TV, be myself, be silly and still have fun and learn a lot. It's a whole block away from the glitz and glamour of the fashion world that I'm accustomed to,” the Bong bombshell says.

Delving into what the show is about, Indrani explains: “Through this show, Sugandha Garg and I attempt to decipher Indian men while undertaking a journey across the length and breadth of India. Like other women, we too have the same questions about men and as we come across different men we try to find answers from them to our countless questions.”

The show will see the anchors travel to Delhi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kochi and Ahmedabad.

The USP, she says, lies in the fact that “it isn't like your usual travel show where the anchors stay at luxury resorts. It's all about going from one place to the other, analysing how these cities have shaped their men. Each city is shown in a new light.”

The men on the show have been candid in expressing their views, and the show, laced with wit and humour is for everyone, the ravishing anchor says.

And what are some of the myths about Indian men that have been busted on the show?

“It's unbelievable how stereotypes get perpetuated in society. Delhi dudes come across as mostly loud and aggressive but it's largely because they like being protective of their women. Bengali men are intelligent and creative but they are akin to the Mama's boy cliché.”

Indrani also pontificates how we tend to judge men on their outward appearance.

“When we were in Guwahati, we met guys with tattoos and piercings. All of them are either in a band or are good singers/musicians. They're the typical ‘Rocker boys' but they are so soft spoken and well mannered that one automatically feels safe in their company.”

She adds: “Men across India differ significantly. Geography seems to contribute largely to their constitutional makeup.”

If Men are from Mars, amid the differences there must be some similarity, and according to Indrani, “In the Indian setting at least, despite many women landing dream jobs and making the big bucks, it is still the men who wear the pants!”

“What's With Indian Men”, airs every Saturday at 10 p.m., on FOX History & Traveller.

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2093777.ece

It seems, Kochi has become permanent address on most of Malluwood actors’s ration cards. I am translating a cover story that came 2 weeks back Vanitha Veedu, a popular Malayalam Home magazine. Report courtesy:- R Ajithkumar



Critics call its Mosquito’s own land…. However Kochi has an answer to it. Its now home to almost all major actors and actress that rules the Malluwoods. This report goes through how each actor settled down in land of Queen of Arabian Sea.

The first to start the flow was Malayalam MEGASTAR Mamootty. Mammotty shifted his permanent address from Chennai to Kochi in 2006 when he brought 2 apartments and a posh villa from Skyline and settled in Gandhi-Nagar. Mammotty attempted to shift his address to Kochi in 1994 when he built an ultra posh home in Panampilly Nagar. However that time, it was Chennai that ruled Malluwoods, forcing our Mammuka to Kodampakkam shores. However since 2000s, Malluwoods started depending heavily on Kochi and its allied infrastructure, once again bringing back Mammukka to his hometown, where spend its college days and all those associated fun.

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Mohanlal in front of his house Vishmayam

Its always M&M that rules the roost of Malluwoods. If Mammukka moves to Kochi, how can Mohanlal avoid Kochi. Malayalam’s superstar Mohanlal has a strange habit of shifting residences once in every decade. From the warm arms of native home-town Trivandrum where he lived till 1990s, Mohanlal soon made Madras has his hometown like any other actor. Unlike other actors, he made his Madras residence famous by commissioning the services of Kerala’s celebrated artist Nampoothiri and Kanazhi to decorate his home with famous Kerala murals and large chundan vellam sculptures. The monotony for being in Madras for 10 long years, forced Mohanlal to shift his residence to Dubai Marina, after disposing his residence in Madras in early 2000, when the Dubai Real estate boom struck its gold. But how long can our Lalettan can ignore Kochi’s call. Lalettan did that in style. Disposing his ultra-posh residence, Mohanlal shifted his home to picturesque banks of Thevera’s backwaters in 2010, to craft his Vismayam, our lalettan’s dream home. His creative mind, helped him to identify a piece of plot that is surrounded by water on all its 3 sides, providing him sense of absolute privacy, something that most of actors consider as utmost luxury. Apart from this, Mohanlal has a luxurious sea-facing apartment in Marine Plaza and Bay Pride Apartments in Marine Drive.

If Big M&M starts liking Kochi, how can the Junior brigade avoid it. The fastly rising superstar, Prithiviraj felt his love with Kochi right from 2007, when he brought his first flat. For young super-star, it seems real-estate and cars caught his post-teen fancies. Prithiviraj has one of the largest numbers of cars among Malayalam stars, equally in terms of number of houses. Though he built his grand residence in his home-town Trivandrum, he was equally fascinated with Kochi. In 2009, Prithiviraj brought his second flat in Thammam. As his secret love was growing, he decided to settle in Kochi forever. As a marriage gift, he brought the ultra-luxurious flat in Maradu, Kochi’s fastest growing suburb where he moved with his wife on their wedding day, 3 weeks back. Apart from Kochi, Raju has homes in Chennai and Mumbai.

Perhaps no other actor had such a strong love to Kochi, as Kunchacko Boban had. The scion of one of Alapuzha’s premier family, Chackochan’s heritage home “Mallikal Udaya” in Alapuzha’s Convent Square has a brand value in its own right. It was a chain of dramatic events that brought our Chackochan to Kochi. In 2006, when fortunes of Malayalam chocolate boy started dwindling fast, Chachochan decided to pursue his dream, a MBA Degree from CUSAT. As preparations for joining, he started hunting for a new residence, which slowly turned him a leading real-estate broker of Kochi’s growing real estate market. Instead of pursing MBA, Chackochan made a windfall in the Kochi Real estate boom of 2006-2009. He first settled in the heart of Kochi, at Windsor Apartments in Church Landing road (near Medical Trust), then shifted to his first purchased home at Jomer Residences in Durbar Hall road. A dream-like come back for Chackochan, made him to become a neighbor of Mammotty, when he purchased luxurious Abad Silver-crest apartments in Jawahar Nagar, where he is currently residing. In addition, Chackochan has a posh apartment in Thevera, facing backwaters.

For Malayalam’s most popular actor- Dileep, Kochi is his own hometown. His love for Kochi is so well known that, he uses the word Kochirajavu (a name of his movie) as a brand for some of his properties and houseboats. Being born in Aluva and grown in laps of Kochi’s backwaters, Dileep’s love for Kochi is manifested through various forms of investments he made in the city. Dileep’s main residence Padmasarovaram is in his hometown Aluva, on shores of Periyar River, named his parents in VIP road, Aluva. His second home opposite Desom Hanuman temple near Kochi Airport, is almost like a fortess spread across 3.5 acres. Dileep has a backwater facing villa in Thevera and an apartment in Pioneer towers in Marine Drive. Dileep has made significant investment, with Graand Productions, Dlip’s Hotels and Resorts which manages a posh café in Fort Kochi and a charitable organization- GP Foundation.

It was an utterance of a word that forced Kochi born actor Jayaram to flee from his famous Chennai residence to secure warm laps of mother town. For actor Jayaram, Chennai was his home for past 2 decades. However in 2010, he shifted his residence to a posh villa in Kakkanad, when his Chennai residence was attacked a Tamil mob, after his controversial statement which alleged to be insult to tamil women. It was a bit hard decision for Jayaram to move out Chennai, but as the actor has a strong market in Malayalam and Kochi becoming a major cinema production hub, it was decided to settle down in Kochi. Jayaram’s hometown is Perumbavoor in Ernakulam.

For Jayasurya, Kochi was his own playground. Born in the city, it was a natural decision for the actor to settle down. After a slew of successful films, Jayasurya established himself as a strong contender for top hero positions. Year 2010 was a memorable year for Jayan, with all successful movies and a new address. Jayasurya built his twin villas facing Thevera Backwaters, one for himself and one for his parents. Jayan’s wife Saritha is also a Kochinite and has an own apartment in Panampilly nagar. Jayasurya also has an apartment in Panampilly Nagar and in Thripunithara.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yOPDMGQt918/TQXEkOkdbII/AAAAAAAANv0/oQL4P0omV1Y/s1600/ij.JPG

For Indrajith, Kochi has been his home since 2005. Indrajith proved himself as a role-model for his younger brother Prithiviraj to make Maradu has home, by constructing his own dream villa, Parthana. Indrajith’s wife Poornima Mohan, a Kochinite herself, helped Indrajith to realize the Kochi will have a strong effect in his life. Indrajith’s Prathana is a carefully designed artistic home designed by Poornima’s younger sister Priya Mohan. The home was once featured in Manorama Veedu Magazine as best interior house. Apart from Prathana, Indrajith owns a villa in Kakkanad and one in Marine Drive as well as a budget apartment in Layam road in Kochi.

Among heroines, Kavya Madhavan’s residence in Kochi is much talked about. Kavya’s Thammam’s residence was designed as per her own likings and specifications. Kavya came to Kochi in 2005, when she decided to shift from her home-town, Nileshwaram in Kasargod. Her entire family relocated to Kochi, where Kavya’s father started a new business and Kavya all set to become one of top heroines of Malayalam industry. Kavya initially resided in rented house in Elamkulam Choice Park and later shifted to Neptune’s Sapphire villas in Palachodu (Kakkanad). The new house, Madhavam, features more than 200 sqft sized Kerala murals and heavy wood works, is often talked about in Cine industry.

Thrissur’s own Bhavana, Rima Kallingal, Bhama etc are other major actress who has shifted their residences to Kochi due to their work schedules. Most them have rented or purchased posh flats mainly in Marine Drive and Panampally Nagar. Kannur’s Samvarutha Sunil also have made SRM Road in North, as her home.

Other prominent actors include Mukesh who constructed his own residence in Vytilla though he stay more commonly in his hometown Kollam. Sreenivasan was another popular Malayalam actor, shifted his residence from Chennai to cosy Giri Nagar, where he brought a house. However his son and popular singer cum actor Vineeth Sreenivasan prefer to settle back his father’s flat in T Nagar. For National Award winner Salim Kumar, Kochi was his own playground. Born in Paravur, he made Kochi as his base. When cash flew in, Salim Kumar decided to settle down in his home town Paravur by constructing a luxurious villa, the Laughing Villa which was often featured in various programs and magazines.

The recent mover to Kochi City, is Anoop Menon, who made a slow and steady progression from serial industry to one of the top actors of Malluwoods. Anoop decided to settle in Kochi, during the shooting of his movie- Cocktail. He brought a posh Skyline flat that overlooks Kochi Backwaters in Thevera. Bala, the upcoming actor from Chennai, soon found his place in Malayalam industry, decided to make Kochi as his home, after his marriage with Idea Star Singer finalist Amrutha. He built a luxurious palatial house on banks of Kadamakuddy- Paravur and also has another house in Edapally.

Its not only actors alone. The mother of Malluwoods, Kaviyoor Ponnamma has chosen Kochi as her home for past 15 years. She settled herself in Aluva, in one of the posh colonies. If Malluwoods Mother settled, so then the comedy queen Kalpana and her family resides in a common family plot in Thripunithara. She lives next to her sister, Kalaranjini as well as her ex-brother-in-law Manoj .K Jayan together in separate houses.

Kochi has its own galaxy of stars, born in its own laps. This includes popular actor Siddique, Lal (director), Arun, Nadir Shah, Ajmal Amir, Ananya (actress), Anil Murali, Babu Raj (Vani Vishwanath’s Husband), Bindhu Panicker, Capt.Raju, Geethu Mohandas, Harishree Ashokan, Jyothirmayi, Krishna, Lalu Alex, Meera Nandhan, Mitra Kurian, Remya Nambisan, who live in many parts of Kochi.

Truly, it represents, Kochi, the real Malluwoods of Kerala, with stars glittering in all parts of city!!!


:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Maharaja's pat for Salim Kumar
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/12mammuka.jpg.crop_display.jpg

Mammootty’s words said it all.

When a packed audience at the Centenary hall of Maharaja’s College, Kochi gave a standing ovation to one of its most celebrated students, Salim Kumar, the mega star could not have expressed it in a better way.

“I was never invited to this college for such a reception even after I won national award thrice,” he said, much to the delight of everyone present.

The event was a felicitation to Salim Kumar who won National Award for the best actor.

Mammootty, who inaugurated the function organised by the college’s old students association was delighted that his colleague had won two awards and made Kerala proud.

“Salim Kumar is a versatile actor. He now joins the league of actors such as P.J. Antony, Bharath Gopi and Premji whose unconventional performances fetched them the national awards,” he said.

The function was presided over by Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor K.R.Vishwambharan.

Former students, Justice Sukumaran, writer-director John Paul, P. Rajiv M.P, directors Ashiq Abu, Anwar Rasheed, singer Biju Narayan and friends of Salim Kumar were present at the function to felicitate the actor.

Salim’s classmates and teachers shared their memories and expressed their joy at being a part of the institution.

Thanking everyone for their kind words, the actor spoke affectionately about former principal Bharathan who was the first to advise him to try his luck for a career in films.

“He even offered me a letter to help me meet Mammootty and ask for a chance,” he said.

Salim said its an honour that he is still in the midst of his friends and college mates. This for me is valuable than any other achievement, he added.
DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/maharaja%E2%80%99s-colleges-pat-salim-kumar-875)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/anchor1_0.jpg.crop_display.jpg

Kochi is playing host to one of the largest fashion events of the country wherein 22 super models will set the ramp on fire.

The highlight of the show, titled Signature 2011, will be that the models will put on more than 100 garments designed by 27 fashion students of the Nirmala College of Information Technology, Kottayam.

The event promises to be a burst of creativity with each student presenting five garments inspired by Nature and exploring all possible colours, textures and fabrics.

The presentation of the De collection will be held at Taj Vivanta Malabar on June 18 while a trial show will be organised at the Lions Club in Chalakkudy. Deccan Chronicle is the media partner of the event.

Some of the top names who will be attending the programme are supermodel Rajeev Pillai, Miss Queen of India, Pooja Bhamara, Miss South India 2010, Shuba, Miss South India 2009, Jovita and others including Denzy, Sara Khan, Neha, and Jiyad Irani.

“I saw all the garments fashioned by these budding designers and was stunned by their professionalism,” says Sameer Khan, the renowned choreographer who will be leading the show. “I am sure this is going to be a blast.”

“I have also attended the previous fashion show conducted by the institution and was really bowled over watching the range of garments the student designers come up with,” quips Rajeev Pillai. “I bet this will be one show which will give the Cochin fashion industry a real punch.”

Supermodel Shuba Puthala also couldn’t hold back her excitement, “I can’t just wait to slip in to those gorgeous outfits,” she exclaims.

Other top models, Neha Ramesh and Lakshmi Anand, also chorus that they will doing their best to make the show a huge success.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/signature-high-fashion-273

Shifin Haneef was crowned Mr. Beautful Hair 2011 and Nayana G. Nair Miss Beautiful Hair 2011 at the HairOmax Beautiful hair contest held at Le Meridien Convention Center, on Sunday. The first runner-up (male) was T. R. Rahul and the first runner-up (female) Rainu James, says a communication.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/14/images/2011061454670501.jpg

The second runner-up was Bony Mathew (male) and Nikhila Gopinath (female), the release says.

The preliminary rounds of the contest were held on May 31 and 44 of 72 entries were shortlisted after the first round. For the finals, 24 contestants (12 boys and 12 girls) were selected.

The winners were declared after the finals, which consisted of three rounds in which the contestants were judged by a panel of five judges. There were three main title winners and five sub-title winners each from boys and girls.

The main title winners will be awarded Rs.50,000 each as prize money.

The second and the first runners-up will get Rs.25,000 and Rs.35,000 each respectively, while the sub title winners will get cash awards of Rs.10,000 each.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/14/stories/2011061454670500.htm

As there was no mention of venue in the source you provided,where come Le Meridian Convention Centre here.Wasn't this held at Gokulam Convention Centre?? :lol:

As there was no mention of venue in the source you provided,where come Le Meridian Convention Centre here.Wasn't this held at Gokulam Convention Centre?? :lol:

True, It was held @ Gokulam Park :)

NIGHT OUT @ AVA Lounge - DREAM Cochin
http://kochigallan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/PartyCochin.jpg
Courtesy: kochigallan

http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/dreams-of-reason.jpg

Bindhi Art Gallery, now is hosting a painting exhibition of Babu.C from june 9th to 16th. Babu .C is one of the contemporary artisits who is turning some heads since the inauguration of the exhibition on june 9th.

The exhibition is named as “Dreams of Reason” is oraganized by kerala lalitha kala acadamy.the venue Bindhi art gallery is on Kalathil Velayudan Nair road,behind Kerala Fine Arts Hall.

So what do you guys have to say about this? Planning to chip in a visit?? for more details please call : 91 48723337733

Signature ’11 JUNE 18th 2011 Vivanta, Taj Malabar
http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/nirmala-college-signature-11-vivanta-taj-malabar-maxxo-creative-kochi-cochin-5.jpg

The National Museum will launch campus museums in Kochi in Kerala and at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh as part of its initiative to promote art and culture among students across the country, it was announced Thursday.

The announcement was made by Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister K.V. Thomas after inaugurating an arts and crafts workshop ‘Know Your Museum’ for students at the National Museum here, a statement released by the National Museum said.

The museums will come up at Sacred Heart College in Kochi and Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala, Thomas added.

‘There are a number of educational institutions which are not in a position to come to museums because of various reasons, so the museum has to reach out to them by setting up museums in the campuses. This can be done by means of photographs of original objects and replicas of the art objects. The National Museum has recently set up the first people’s museum at St. Ephrem’s Higher Secondary School in Mannanam in Kottyam in Kerala,’ Thomas said.

National Museum administrator C.V. Ananda Bose said the initiative to set up another campus museum in Kerala will go a long way in helping students know their art and culture.

He also added that all museums should try and organise educational activities which should involve school children.

‘We should provide the right environment for children to know their art and culture. The museum is one of the places where a student can gather optimum knowledge from a very nascent age,’ Bose said.

Thomas lauded the National Museum for the ‘Know Your Museum’ initiative.
‘This creates awareness among school children about the art objects in the National Museum collection. This will also strengthen their inborn creativity, imagination and innovative skills through observation of museum objects,’ he said.

The ‘Know Your Museum’ workshop of art and crafts for students will continue in the National Museum till June 29.

http://www.inewsone.com/2011/06/16/campus-museums-to-come-up-in-kerala-himachal/56966

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/00659/hindware_659733f.jpg

Hindware Home Retail Private Ltd (HHRPL) is planning to open nine retail stores under its ‘EVOK Mega Home Store' brand by the end of this year.

The firm, an arm of Hindustan Sanitaryware and Industries Ltd, would be opening its 11th mega home store here on Saturday.

“With this, we now operate 11 stores, of which, 10 are in northern and western India. Our focus is now on southern markets,” Mr D. K. Jairath, Chief Operating Officer, Hindware Home Retail, told newspersons here.

The store would cater to all the needs of the middle- and upper-middle class customers by being a ‘one-stop shop; for products and services.

The company would roll out stores in Ludhiana, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai and Pune, among others locations, before March 31, 2012, he said.

While declining to give turnover of the company, Mr Jairath said: “In the present financial year, we are looking at Rs 110-crore revenue.

“There is huge potential in the market. The home retail segment market is estimated at about Rs 60,000 crore. With a cumulative investment of Rs 250 crore, HHRPL is aiming for Rs 400-crore turnover by FY14,” he said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/marketing/article2110262.ece?homepage=true

There was a golden time when the Fort Kochi beach ground shook with battle cries of raging wrestlers from all over the country. Kochi was then one of the major centres for wrestling. To protect the legacy of this sport strives a man who is passionate about it — T J George aka Minnal George.

Determined to promote his passion George has been giving training in ‘gatta gusti’ at his health club, Cochin Grapplers, free of cost. It’s a one-man army fighting for the revival of a forgotten sport.

George has been training youngsters since 1976 and has guided over 800 students. The present gymnasium is housed in two rooms inside a filthy meat market. Though they are provided by the Corporation for a low rent, the place is not fit for training during bad weather. Earlier there were proposals on giving land for the gymnasium but they were thwarted by politics. “The attitude adopted by the government towards this sport is lamentable,” said George who is the secretary of State Wrestling Council. He said the government doesn’t provide any fund or organise any zila meet when its comes to wrestling while it spends a considerable amount of money on state youth festivals and similar programes.

The equipment required for training is procured by George with the kind support of ‘gusti’ lovers of Kochi, because they know what wrestling means to him.

As part of promoting this sport, Cochin Grapplers is conducting several summer camps during vacation. They also conduct annual competition fights from September to December. Practice sessions are usually held at the beach, on the sand, following the traditional wrestling rules. “The present generation lacks the vigour and power with which we fought in those days,” George said.
Major techniques such as ‘navas bhand’, ‘dobi’ and ‘putti’ are taught here.

Now that ‘gatta’ wrestling has been recognised at the school level, the number of members at Cochin Grapplers has risen. George is giving free training for the children of Janaseva Shishubhavan. The club is facing several problems in terms of shortage of wrestling mats, funds and of course lack of a healthy venue. With numerous titles and fame, George has ruled the stomping grounds of professional wrestling from 1958 to 1968. He has seen the rise of many wrestlers such as Nickel Jamal, Veliyil Antony, Kollam Rasheed, Kayamkulam Dayanandan and a few more.

George, who is the only professional ‘gatta gusti’ trainer in the state is the reigning state wrestling champion since 1969. He was Mr Ernakulam from 1966 to 1968 and Mr Kerala in 1966 and 1967 (shortman class).
“At the age of 66,I am a settled man in terms of job and family and my wish is to find a better place for the gymnasium and offer quality training to all wrestling lovers,” said George.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/upholding-gatta-gusti-traditions/159819-60-122.html

Amoeba Corporate Bowling Championship 2011 – Results
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Winning Team: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
George T Valooran, Renny Easow, Abhi M, Akhil Pakkath. (Together won Rs. 10,000/-)
Runner up: Wipro
Robin Davis, Arun Madhavan, Kedar D, Satya. (Together won Rs. 5,000/-)
Courtesy: Kochigallan

Bus Day - June 22nd
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courtesy: cochin square

Children's film festival begins in Kochi
A three-day children's film festival titled 'Monsoon Dhamal' began at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Kochi on Friday. National Award winning child artiste Asna Aslam inaugurated this festival, being organised by the Children's Film Society, India, in association with the Heart Light Association.

The festival is being hosted in the state for the first time. Kelkkunnundo, a short film directed by actor-turned director Geethu Mohandas, was the opening film.

The films are screened in the three venues: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Maharajas College Auditorium and Chavara Cultural Centre. Writer and chairman of the festival committee K.L. Mohana Varma said that the best children's films during the last three decades would be screened at this festival.

Source (http://malayalam.galatta.com/entertainment/malayalam/livewire/id/Children_film_festival_begins_in_Kochi_50951.html)

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Twenty seven young designers proudly watched as 22 supermodels walked the ramp in Taj Vivanta, Kochi, wearing their pet designs woven into 100 tailored garments.

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The one-of-its-kind fashion show, organised by Maxxocreative Event, with Deccan Chronicle as its media partner, featured De Collection, using nature as a theme that inspired the budding talents of the fashion technology department of Nirmala College of IT, Chalakkudy.

The choreography of the show was done by Zameer Khan.

Ms Bangalore Neha Ramesh, Mr Hairomax Beautiful Hair Shifin Haneef and fashion photographer Anson Antony were present at the occasion.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/lifestyle/fashion/sizzling-ramp-kochi-489

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It’s going to be a carnival of contemporary art at Bindhi Art Gallery.

Students of RLV College of Fine Arts, Tripunithura, are set to exhibit their talent and showcase an art exhibition at this gallery.

A group of five MFA students from RLV College of Fine Arts, Anoop Kalarikkal, Abraham Alex, Prasanth T.F., Anoop Kumar and Sajo Joseph are going to conduct an exhibition of their works on canvas at the gallery in the city from June 21 to 27.

For seven days, the artists will splash the walls of Bindhi Art gallery with their creations much to the delight of art lovers. “Our main aim is to traverse and give a modern approach to contemporary art,” says Abraham Alex, one of the artists.

Bindhi, an artist who is also an art promoter and an art teacher, is planning to open the doors of her gallery for selected MFA students who will exhibit their paintings in the month of June every year.

K. Sidharthan, a well-known artist and the head of the department of painting at R.L.V. College, will inaugurate the exhibition at 5.30 pm on Tuesday.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/potpouri/arty-affair-488

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The crown sits beautifully on her shining mane.

Dressed in a pale green full-length gown, Jeemol Jaibin strikes a pose for the photographer.

She smiles confidently, her eyes bright with the euphoria of bagging the Mrs Kerala title last week.

And don’t mistake her for a homemaker who tried her luck at winning the crown in the pageant, which was organised by the Body Craft Multi International Health Club.

A dentist by profession, Dr Jeemol has modelled for a variety of products in her college days and has won BPL Queen and Pepsodent Mom contests too. But Jeemol does not think that this new-found stardom would mean an easy entry to the world of glamour. Though she is flooded with modelling offers, Jeemol is not so keen to take them up.

“I am concentrating on my profession now. I have to go to London for my higher studies. Though I am very much interested in doing commercials and films, my family is not very keen on it,” says Jeemol, who runs JJ Dental Clinic in Aluva and Kalamassery.

It was with the support of her husband, Dr Jaibin, that she took part in the contest.

The ‘model doctor’ made an entry into the ad world when she was a student at Vinayaka Mission’s Dental College in Salem. She won the Miss Vinayaka contest too and modelled for Salem PSA Silks, walked the ramp umpteen number of times, and was the face for Komusons commercials.

Jeemol married her college sweetheart and focused on her profession and did not encourage her patients to identify her as the girl on hoardings.

“I want them to respect me as a doctor, so when I am at the clinic I am a total doctor. But I have always been interested in the glamour field. If I had followed my passion from a young age, I would have become an established model or actor,” says Jeemol who takes extra effort to maintain herself. No carbs for her, and no sugar too. She has a personal trainer, and she was at her fittest best when the contest was on.

“That’s what worked for me during the pageant. Since I had walked the ramp during my college days I could face the contest with a lot more confidence.”

Along with the interest in modelling, Jeemol is also hooked to painting and has exhibited a collection of her abstract paintings and portraits during a group show in Kochi a couple of years ago.

Juggling her profession and other interests, this mother of nine-year-old, Anna, is taking lessons from artist Kukku John and is planning to conduct a solo exhibition soon.

“I love everything, modelling, acting, anchoring, and being a doctor, a wife and mother,” concludes the beauty queen as she flashes that winning smile once again!

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/doctor-model-now-mrs-kerala-703

It was a deciding day for Bina Thomas, Raji Elizabeth Jacob and Kaveendra Das K.R. when they chose to take part in art direction foundation workshop held in Kochi.

All of them will be given an opportunity to work in Malayalam movies which will be directed by filmmakers Sathyan Anthikad and Pramod Payyannoor.

The workshop was organised by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Art Directors Union and Cochin Media School. It was aimed at introducing those in the younger generation, who are passionate about cinema, to art direction and give them basic training in the field.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/FEFKA-workshop.jpg.crop_display.jpg

FEFKA general secretary and filmmaker B. Unnikrishnan inaugurated the eight-day workshop while director Joshiy presented certificates to the participants on the concluding day.

FEFKA Art Directors’ Union Secretary and senior art director, Sabu Pravadas, led the workshop which was attended by leading art directors in Malayalam Cinema.

It was informed at the FEFKA Art Directors Union that other than the three youngsters — Bina, Raji and Kaveendra Das — who displayed exceptional talent in art direction, all those who have proved themselves in the workshop will be given a chance in upcoming Malayalam movies.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/others/fine-%E2%80%98art%E2%80%99-direction-702

Hello ladies, its party time.. Ava Lounge,Hotel Dream is ready to rock you all with the pink wednesday, a DJ party by lady DJ’s, exclusively for you. The event will be closed for ladies and couples. The party will be on from tomorrow eve 9 pm and will be through till thursday 12 am.

http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/pink-wednesdays.jpg

Commercial dance music is the new wave of party to hit, the gods own country. This series of parties will perform at selected cubs in Kerala, featuring some of the best names in Electronic Dance Music (EDM).

Pink Wednesdays are the new Ladies Nights at Ava Lounge, at the Dream Hotel Cochin. This party will feature some electrifying and sizzling music from a host of lady Djs from within and outside Kerala. So what do you say ?? ready for the action??

Top authors to visit Kochi
Some of India’s noted literary stars will descend on Kochi this week.

The celebrated author of Sea of Poppies, Amitav Ghosh, will be in the city on Thursday to launch its sequel, River of Smoke at Taj Malabar.

Similarly, Anita Nair will be one of the participants at the convention on women leadership which will be held at hotel Le Meridien on Friday. And Jaishree Misra, who shot to fame with her debut novel, Ancient Promises, will be present at DC Books on Saturday for a special evening with readers.

Amitav Ghosh’s new novel, the second instalment of a trilogy, which is based on the opium wars of the 19th century, has already been welcomed by readers across the country, who have termed it a fabulously entertaining and remarkable feat of research.

Jaishree Misra will be reading from her new book, A Scandalous Secret at the DC Books which is at Nucleus Mall, Maradu. This will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

The grandniece of writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Jaishree has a close connection with Kochi, and has friends and classmates waiting for her in the city. Looks like a literary fiesta is in store for Kochiites.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/top-authors-visit-kochi-869)

Commercial Dance Music Night @ Ava Lounge

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cc: kochivibe

Trip Theory @ Qube
Feat. DJ Dominic, Merchants of Groove & Karmicfix

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cc: kochivibe

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The Saturday nights in Kochi is getting hotter and hotter !! The CDM saga continues at Ava Lounge as another swashbuckling party is charted on July 9 featuring DJ Savio with DJ Goapu [DaGroove]

The entries will be strictly limited for those above 18 years old. The party will be on from 9 pm onwards.For more details please call : 0484- 4129999

Some of India’s noted literary stars will descend on Kochi this week.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_vertical/article-images/amit_0.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The celebrated author of Sea of Poppies, Amitav Ghosh, will be in the city on Thursday to launch its sequel, River of Smoke at Taj Malabar.

Similarly, Anita Nair will be one of the participants at the convention on women leadership which will be held at hotel Le Meridien on Friday. And Jaishree Misra, who shot to fame with her debut novel, Ancient Promises, will be present at DC Books on Saturday for a special evening with readers.

Amitav Ghosh’s new novel, the second instalment of a trilogy, which is based on the opium wars of the 19th century, has already been welcomed by readers across the country, who have termed it a fabulously entertaining and remarkable feat of research.

Jaishree Misra will be reading from her new book, A Scandalous Secret at the DC Books which is at Nucleus Mall, Maradu. This will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

The grandniece of writer Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, Jaishree has a close connection with Kochi, and has friends and classmates waiting for her in the city. Looks like a literary fiesta is in store for Kochiites.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/top-authors-visit-kochi-869

Gourmet House

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One of Kerala's first and exclusive gourmet store, The GH is an exclusive supermarket selling premium Gourmet imported food brands, premium French-German bakery, a cheese store with more than 29 varieties of premium imported European cheeses, international branded meat products, roastery and delicatessen.

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The store is located in Thevera

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Open Bowling Tournament in Kochi
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cc: kochigallan

First All Kerala Darts Championship in Kochi !
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cc: kochigallan

Open Bowling Tournament in Kochi

cc: kochigallan

I think, these pics has to be posted in Sports thread. It make more better sense

I think, these pics has to be posted in Sports thread. It make more better sense

I thought on that, but these things are still a fantasy in our state and are not considered commonly as sport activities!

This Chennai DJ will make heads turn
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/Dominic.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Dominic Rozario

It’s another Saturday and guess what’s in store for that die-hard party hoppers?

A musical treat awaits them at Qube in Ramada tonight and Dominic Rozario, the man wedded to music, will serve them the very best in house music at the event, titled Trip Theory.

The Chennai-based youngster, who is on his second visit to Kochi, is all in praise of the city which’s growing in house and techno music, of which he is an expert.

“The first time I came here was for the Ocean Fest two years back,” remembers Dominic, who, along with other DJs like Nikhil Chinnappa, delighted Kochiites with different genres in house music.

The grand venue at Willingdon Island, coupled with head banging music, transformed the city into a happening metro like the others.

“ I want to recreate the magic once more,” says Dominic, a maverick on the turntable who loves to churn out techno and electronic music at several metros, especially Chennai, where people are very well aware of the nuances in house music.

“Nowadays people are bang on their musical inclinations and a sudden change in the beats or a clash is picked up in a jiffy. The stares you get instantly says it all,” says Dominic, who started off pursuing his love after winning a prize in the Amateur DJ Hunt In Chennai in 2002.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/chennai-dj-will-make-heads-turn-485)

Kochi, the new fashion hub?
Ten years ago, little Neha’s short skirts were the hottest topic of discussion in her hometown, Kochi.

A 15-year-old girl revealing her knees in public -— this was seen as one of the biggest insults for her family.

“Today, take a stroll around the city and you find a minimum of three girls strutting around in shorts and nobody bats an eyelid. Kochi has drastically changed over the years, thanks to a number of huge fashion events the city is coming up with every year,” says Neha Ramesh, a working professional.

The fashion culture of the city has certainly changed. Over the past few years Kochi has hosted to a minimum of 15 fashion shows a year, but for the first time from January to March 2011, about 15 shows have already been completed.

Kochi is gearing up to be the host of the International Fashion week this August — creating history of sorts! Following this are a string of top-notch fashion shows to be conducted in the city like the Kerala International Fashion Week, Small Screen Maharani, IIMS Fashion Show etc.

Dalu P., the popular fashion choreographer, who has been in the fashion industry for more than 12 years, considers Kochi one of the best spots for fashion to flourish in the coming years.

“I used to do more shows in other parts of the country, but for the past so many years Kochi has been my major business concern. Since this is a city with the biggest floating population(note the point :cheers:), we have developed a mixed culture here and hence people are becoming more open to the modern culture. I am sure Kochi will become one of the biggest fashion hubs of the country in the near future,” he says.

Anson Antony, a leading fashion photographer in Bengaluru is a Kochiite and is all praise for the fashion taste of his brethren back home.

“Every time I come down to Kochi for my vacation, I find the city has developed drastically especially as far as the fashion industry is concerned. Our youngsters have picked up an appreciable taste in the field. If Kochi continues with this pace it will definitely be the biggest fashion centre in the country within years,” he exclaims.

While Tinu, a Malayali model who has walked the ramp in most Indian metropolises, doesn’t think Kochi is anywhere near the other fashion centres. She accepts the fact that trends are fast changing.

“Malayalis have to understand that we models are not humans left for the world to ogle at. There is immense hard work every model goes through before he/she walks the ramp. In all other cities fashion shows are organised by designers in order to showcase their work thereby commercialising their products. However, it’s only in Kerala that you find a fashion show for the launch of cook wear!” she points out.

While Shiffin Haneefa, the model from Kochi who recently won the Hairomax Best Beautiful Hair contest, says the fashion scene in Kochi has changed so much that people have started accepting the fact that these events are more than just a skin show.

He says, “Kochiites today appreciate and encourage youngsters who enter the modelling industry. It seems to be the best place for young models like me to ‘cut our teeth’.”

Yet, Antony Richard Jason, the Managing Partner of Tactics, the Event Managers, which hosts some fashion shows in the city, has a very different opinion.

According to him, “Most fashion shows conducted in Kochi are nothing but cheap imitations of Western culture. Fashion shows should aim at developing a healthy trend in the city. What is the meaning of hosting bikini shows in Kerala? I really do wonder. I am planning to conduct a show in the city, which will focus on the style statement of traditional Kerala. It’s high time the fashionistas redefine the Kochi fashion scene.”

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/kochi-new-fashion-hub-717)

Hindu-MetroPlus theatre fest
India's biggest theatre festival is here for the very first time in Kochi and we're looking for some working hands and willing minds to join.

If you've ever been fascinated by the magic of the stage or are itching to work in a spirited group, build a sense of theatre and management or just want to do something different and, most important, HAVE FUN — trust us, this is the place to be.

The Hindu MetroPlus Theatre Festival, managed by evam is scheduled to start in Kochi on the first weekend of August and we are hiring now! We want energetic, enthusiastic, creative youngsters with time on their hands to help us run the festival. A whole month's worth of work and experience goes into the festival. You will get to be involved in marketing, ticketing, designing, production, decors, online media and various other aspects that are an integral part of the fest.

The fest runs for 3 days (5th – 7th Aug) featuring some of the biggest names in the Indian theatre circuit. If you are interested in event management or having a creative experience, or looking to earn a bit or watch some great theatre, contact us now!

Come, help out and have fun. Recruitments are on!

For details, mail mptfest@gmail.com or call us at 09940438669

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2134539.ece)

Durbar Hall to be new cultural hub of Kochi
The authorities are trying to give Durbar Hall (DH) Ground a makeover by transforming it as Kochi’s cultural hub.

According to the plans a cultural trust will be constituted to arrange weekly cultural programmes at the very popular DH Ground on a regular basis soon.

“A committee will be constituted to deal with the cultural activities at the new auditorium. This would be a platform for fresh talents interested in art and culture. The work would commence soon,” said Collector P.I. Sheik Pareeth. We are planning to finish the work before Onam festival, he said.

“Since Durbar Hall attracts hundreds of visitors a day, it is the ideal place for such feel-good activities. The cultural committee would make sure that programmes are conducted every weekend,’’ Mr Pareeth said.

The district administration has tied up with the Kerala State Film Development Corporation Ltd (KSFDC) to convert the DH Ground into a state-of-the-art open auditorium-cum-theatre.

The KSFDC has also plans to install a wide screen and a multimedia projector at the auditorium cum theatre. “Our technical team visited the ground. A wide screen will be installed in the auditorium so that films and documentaries can be screened,” said Managing Director Sanjeev Kumar Patjoshi, KSFDC.

The authorities are yet to finalise the total project expenditure. “We plan to put up small screens so public can view the events clearly. The project cost may go up as we need to buy the technical equipment,’’ he said.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/durbar-hall-be-new-cultural-hub-kochi-931)

Hi All,
This is my first update in this Forum.I had been a a big Follower of Kochi Forum from a long time.

I start with a Post on a topic (Its on Kerala and not on just Kochi) which has impressed me a lot. I am not sure if this has been published Earlier (because I had read this Quite a long time ago) but thought its a good start.

Appologies if its duplicate.

http://www.utne.com/archives/TheEnigmaofKerala.aspx

Some Extracts
"
Kerala (pronounced ker'uh luh) , a state of 29 million people in southern India, is poor--even for India--with a per capita income estimated by various surveys to be between $298 and $350 a year, about one-seventieth the American average. When the American anthropologist Richard Franke surveyed the typical Keralite village of Nadur in the late 1980s, he found that nearly half the 170 families had only cooking utensils, a wooden bench, and a few stools in their homes. No beds--that was the sum of their possessions. Thirty-six percent also had some chairs and cots, and 19 percent owned a table. In five households he discovered cushioned seats.

But here is the odd part.

The life expectancy for a North American male, with all his chairs and cushions, is 72 years, while the life expectancy for a Keralite male is 70.
After the latest in a long series of literacy campaigns, the United Nations in 1991 certified Kerala as 100 percent literate. Your chances of having an informed conversation are at least as high in Kerala as in Kansas.
Kerala's birth rate hovers near 18 per thousand, compared with 16 per thousand in the United States--and is falling faster.

Read more: http://www.utne.com/archives/TheEnigmaofKerala.aspx#ixzz1QYAvqjPU
"

^^

Hi Jayesh, Welcome to the forum. The above article better suits our Kerala Cafe. (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1122137)

Keep forum updated! :cheers:

Hey guys GOLDS GYM entered cochin
at vytilla opposite to THE HINDU

Film channel with subtitles
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Watching non-Malayalam films will no longer be a trouble for those of us who find it hard to follow the Hindi and Tamil accents or the foreign dialects.

One television channel has been devoting its services to bring to the Malayalis other-language films with Malayalam subtitles.

The channel, which has been available on local cable TV services, is now going to be launched with noted filmmaker Lal Jose as its creative head. The soft launch of its logo was inaugurated by actor Dileep at a function held in Ernakulam.

When One TV director S.A. Noushad and a group of youngsters approached Lal Jose with the project, the director was happy to observe a bunch of Malayalam movie lovers behind the initiative.

“We have a number of Malayalam channels. But there is a limit to which we can promote our movies on these channels. If good movies come out, there should be a good audience to appreciate them. Through One TV, we hope to create the habit of watching good cinema among Malayalis. The channel will dedicate a lot of its time in promoting Malayalam films.”

Actors Dileep, Kunchako Boban, Kailash, Arun, Samvrutha Sunil, Meera Nandan, Saiju Kurup, Producers Association President Sabu Cherian, who were present on the occasion, wished the channel all success.

A presentation of the channel schedule, introducing its programmes and anchors to the audience, was also made.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/film-channel-subtitles-132)
ONE TV (http://www.onetv.in/index.php)

A fashionable send-off
If you think moods, emotions and seasons are captured in art better, think twice.

The final year students of IIMS are exploring ways to unleash their creativity and their graduation ceremony will include a fashion show.

The show, set to take place in Kochi on July 16 with costumes designed by the students, will be brought to life by 15 models from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kerala.

The theme based sequences will be a treat to the fashion-minded people, with every sequence explaining the effort taken by each designer. The themes vary from subtle emotions of love to the changing seasons to a lonely girl on the streets.

“The ideas and themes are fresh as well as innovative,” says Dalu, the event choreographer, who is a popular name among fashion circles in the city. Dalu has been choreographing the Sunsilk Miss South India contest for the past seven years and the Navy Ball in Kochi for the past three years.

His repertoire includes the recent fashion shows for Tanishq, VNM and Sunny Diamond in Kochi.

Setting the ramp on fire will be Priyanka Mohan, this year’s Miss Malabar, Shruthi Nair, Ford Miss India and Sherin George former Navy Queen.

The event at IMA Hall will be judged by a fashion photographer, a fashion designer and a top model.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/fashionable-send-382)

SENSATION PER PARTY – DJ Night @ Nyle Plaza
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‘TEAM SENSATION’ is a DJ band formed by DJ ArEz and DJ Jeff Netto in link with SAMBAS KOCHI. The idea behind is to connect Electronic music with Indian and Western Music. TEAM SENSATION will perform with Other artist of Classic and Western. Trying to create a combo of feelings, emotions, and groove at the same time. TEAM SENSATION is now fully loaded as a band and as a group to make people groove and dance.
TEAM SENSATION is the fruit of a long dream. As friends, DJ ArEz and DJ Jeff Netto started thinking about this from 2008. They could not proceed because of their studies. Then ArEz started remixing BOLLYWOOD numbers. His second Album, ‘EVER GREEN @ TURNTABLE’ came out to be a hit in he country and achieved a whooping 2000 plus downloads.

cc: kochigallan

DHUN – A Musical evening with Talat Aziz (http://www.talataziz.com/) at JTPAC

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Enjoy romance in the rains at JT Pac with Talat Aziz. This Gazal maestro who completed his 25 Years Silver Anniversary with the launch of a special audio and video album in 2004, is now ready to enchant Kochi’tes with his voice and Gazals at the Jose Thomas Performing Arts Center (JT Pac). The ghazal maestro will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with his soulful music on Sunday, 3 July 2011 at 7pm.
For reservations and bookings, contact on 09349528057/09349528107 or log on to www.jtpac.org
cc: kochigallan

TLC (Travel & Lifestyle Channel), a lifestyle channel from the Nasdaq-listed non-fiction media company Discovery Communications’ stable, will be capturing everything about gold and other precious stones – from buying, wearing and above all enjoying jewellery – through its new India-centric series Oh My Gold (OMG!).

The five-part series, OMG! is shot in high-definition and will premiere on TLC every night at 9 pm, starting July 11. The series will be hosted by model-turned-actress Lisa Ray. OMG! will showcase the art of jewellery-making while delving into India’s extravagant jewellery traditions that are still prevalent today and make up the country’s rich cultural fabric. In this timeless journey, Ray travels to Hyderabad, Kochi, Chennai, Delhi and Jaipur, to uncover these cities' inherent jewellery styles.

“TLC has pioneered multiple programming genres, the latest being jewellery. India-commissioned content is central to TLC’s growth strategy and with OMG! TLC continues to raise the bar,” Rahul Johri, general manager and senior vice-president (south Asia), Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said here on Thursday.

Down south, Lisa Ray will go on a jewellery hunt in Hyderabad, travelling through the glorious era of the Nizams and unravel the glorious world of pearls here. In Kerala, the God’s own country, the actress’ journey in search for the significance of gold in the backwaters of Kochi becomes an extravaganza as she discovers gold on sea food, clothes and on a gold-plated version of herself.

“Lisa will embark on a divine exploration of temple jewellery in Chennai even as she visits the world's biggest gold stores and funky mobile jewellery. Grandiose gets an all new definition with the unveiling of a 1.5-tonne, 24-carat gold masterpiece,” Johri said.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tlc-to-gojewellery-hunt-down-south/441079/

Cue sports no more for the rich alone
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A contestant during a match in the 52nd State
Billiards Championship held at Rajiv Gandhi
Indoor Stadium in Kochi

It was the hunt for riches that Martin Scorsese depicted in his 1986 sports drama on pool hustling, titled ‘The Color of Money’.

But, watching young cueists in action in the pool rooms in Kochi, one would understand that it is perhaps not ‘a rich man’s game' after all.

“Many tell me, it is a costly sport and I have always disagreed with them,” says M.F. Mundadan, president of the State Billiards and Snooker Association. “Compare its expenses with football or cricket and see which one is cost effective. All you need is to buy a cue, which is affordable,” he adds.
A walk around the three-table pool room in the Regional Sports Centre will give you a better picture. On Monday, when the state championship started, a little girl Gopika S. Pai, just about the right size to play pool was seen tapping in a few red balls on the pool table.

“I started playing after I participated in a summer camp and it is a very interesting game,” said Gopika, shyly. The 12-year-old was dressed in her uniform as she had come straight after school to take part in the state championship in the junior category.

Like Gopika, there are many youngsters who are frequent players in various clubs in the city and not everyone has a cue, which they can borrow, during games.

“Even if you decide to buy a cue, it starts from Rs 800 and most often that is a one-time investment, until and unless you like to upgrade it,” said M.S. Sadanandan, billiards and snooker coach at the regional sports centre.

“Most of the youngsters come into the sport through summer camps, where they get to love the cue sports and shed their apprehensions about the game, that it is for the elite and that it is costly, and such things,” said Sadanandan.

“Billiards is the mother game and snooker and pool evolved in the later period. Pool, which is played on a smaller table attracts the youngsters,” said Sadanandan.

Meanwhile, Mundadan says that there are at least 33 places in and around Kochi with tables where guest players are allowed to play for affordable entry fees.

Anyhow, it is good that the wrong feelings about cue sports are changing but, on a larger scale, is the sport getting acceptance in the state?

“Sadly no because our kids are not patient and you need that a lot to excel in this sport. They want to become champions in a week and trust me, it will take at least a couple of months until you learn to strike the ball neatly,” said Mr. Mundadan.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sport/local-sports/cue-sports-no-more-rich-alone-824)

The party animals of kochi just can’t lay off thier dancing shoes..not yet as Kochi is defenitely gonna party a lot more harder as ‘Bons Tempos’ hits the kochi today. The Harbour view, at Gateway hotel, Marine drive is all set to rock the people of cochin with two awsome events

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for more details please contact :0484- 6673300

Bookworms and those are stuck at home not able to go out and play should check out the Monsoon Book Fest at the DC Books, Panampilly Nagar. Starting on July 1st 2011 to July 25 2011, the fest has quite a few other attractions to offer. Apart from their wide range of English & Malayalam books they have discounts running and they are even conducting daily lucky draws.

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DC Books is located at The Kairali Co-operative Housing Society, South end Panampilly Nagar. Call Mr. Rajeev at 9745604781 for more details.

Igniz 2011 a techno cultural fiesta coming this september 16th and 17th at SCMS school of engineering and technology….Follow the fest at www.igniz.in.

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It’s the men in Kochi, who managed to strike the right chord with Bong bombshell Indrani Dasgupta, who was in the city recently for her show, What’s with Indian Men.

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In the 30-day shoot schedule, the supermodel travelled to Delhi, Amritsar, Kolkata, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kochi and Ahmedabad to find answers to a rather complex question — What’s with Indian men — on the show.

But Kochi turned out to be a real surprise for Indrani.

“Kochi was my favourite as I was surprised by the guys there. They’re fun people with a great sense of humour, who are subtle and refined. Whether it’s the guy who has studied abroad and come back, the guy who fishes there or even the man who drove us around — all of them are so committed to their jobs. They don’t have that ‘I don’t need to work’ kind of attitude. They are not as loud as Delhi men. They’re very rooted and create value,” says the ravishing anchor.

Indrani, who is making her foray into the small screen for the first time, admitted that the show has helped her know men better and explore many new places. Although she has been to Kochi before for events, her recent visit was indeed special.

“It was a new experience for me, far from the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. It isn’t like your usual travel show where the anchors stay at luxury resorts. It’s all about going from one place to the other, analysing how these cities have shaped their men. We were in Fort Kochi most of the time. I’ve lived in Delhi and I always used to think Rajasthan attracts the maximum number of tourists. But Kochi is a big tourist hub too. The people are so warm and friendly. The best part is that everyone there speaks English. The food is amazing too. I enjoyed every bit of my stay in Kochi,” asserts Indrani.

According to her, the men on the show have been candid in expressing their views and the show is laced with wit and humour.

So what is it that she enjoyed the most? “The Kathakali performance was the most amusing part. I met male performers who do their own make-up for hours together. It’s not even those modern brushes, which they use but wooden sticks and natural colours. It is painstaking but it’s nice to note that they still want to be true to their roots,” she avers.

And, was there any myth that she busted in Kochi? “What my co-host Sugandha Garg and I wanted to know from Kochi men is, ‘do they like the larger than life image of their superstars and want to be like them?’ Though we hardly saw any six-pack obsession there, it was nice to see that Kochi men were very active. I met men there who love their football or other sports. And people in Kochi are so much into walking. They want their superstars to be relatable,” says Indrani.

Ask her if she would like to act in Malayalam films and pat comes the reply, “Why not, if I get fun and challenging roles. I love cinema. In fact, my mom even quips that I learnt the word Bachchan before Baba!”

She feels that men across India differ significantly and topography seems to contribute to their constitutional make-up.

“It’s unbelievable how stereotypes get perpetuated in society. For instance, Bengali men are intelligent and creative but they are akin to the mama’s boy cliché. But it was heartening to know that mindset of men towards successful working women is changing — they’re more cool and acceptable towards them,” concludes the hottie.

Whats other Celebs speak

It’s show time

Well-known faces from the city, who watched the programme, share their views on men and more.

Rima Kallingal, Actor - "There is more to Malayali men that women who travel alone in Kerala would know about. In my experience, travelling alone in Kerala, especially in mobs, has been a tough. Men take advantage of women who travel alone, like in the case of Thasni Bhanu. And how many of them would come to the rescue of women like Soumya, the girl who was raped and was pushed out from a moving train in Kerala?"

Anuj Gopakumar, Architect - "The show turned out to be just another travelogue and had little to do with Indian men. They made a few interesting observations like Malayali men are on the heavier side and have thick moustaches. But a lot about our men has not been addressed. They missed talking about NRI Malayali men and how we actively engage in political discussions."

Kailash, Actor - "Kochi makes everyone happy and that is exactly what has been projected in this show. Most people here come from other places for work, business or travel. We have a mixed culture and an outsider will always find something in Kochi which will suit their taste."

Ram, DJ - "It was a great episode. They have portrayed the best of Kochi. I liked it when they said that Kochi men are intelligent and hep."

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/kochi-men-don%E2%80%99t-care-about-six-packs-says-indrani-dasgupta-495

An evening of soulful music
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Ghazal singer Talat Aziz performing at JT Pac, Kochi on Sunday.

In an evening dedicated to his guru and ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan, veteran singer Talat Aziz rendered some moving and time-tested ghazals at JTpac, Tripunithura, on Sunday. Titled ‘Dhun', the show offered Kochi's crop of ghazal enthusiasts an interesting mix of rare and popular ghazal and film numbers, most of them on themes of love and parting.

Talat's melodious singing, marked by emphasis on lyrics and the sensibility they captured, coupled with impromptu ‘aalap' (exploration of the raga) in a bid to improvise, was greatly admired.

The rich texture of his voice brought out the range of emotions contained in the poetic verses at lower pitches, but it showed some strain as the singing reached a crescendo.

Mehdi Hassan's rare number, ‘Hamare dil se mat khelo…' set the tone for the two-and-a-half-hour performance. It was followed by the cadenced ‘Rafta rafta…' and the evergreen, rather inescapable, ‘Ranjish hi sahi…' in which the pining lover persuades his jilted lady love to come back, even if only to torment his heart yet again.

Through his interpretative singing, Talat precisely explained the lyrics of his popular number ‘Kaise sukoon paoon….' But his rendering of the soul-stirring ‘Zindagi jab bhi teri bazm mein…' from the movie ‘Umrao Jaan,' originally sung by Talat himself, failed to recreate the spell cast by the original track.

The remarkable part of the show was when Talat obliged the audience and sang whatever he could recollect from yesteryear soothing numbers of stalwarts, including the legendary Talat Mahmood. Mahmood's captivating melody, ‘Phir wohi shaam…,' from the film, ‘Jahaan Ara,' was sung as a tribute to the legendary singer.

On Sunday, Talat was ably accompanied by Jeetendra Kathak on the tabla, Rajendra Kathak on the keyboard, Ninad Mulaokar on the flute and Mohammad Rashid Khan on the violin. Navya Paul, marketing head of JTpac, compered the show.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2160829.ece)

Bump – Chartbusting Club Tunes with DJ Savyo & DJ Goapu @ Ava Lounge
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cc: kochivibe

Signature 2011 Fashion Show

I am posting some pics of recently held premium fashion show at Kochi Taj Hotel. The show was conducted by Nirmala College and 24 supermodels presented the designs and works of the students of the college. It has reported one of the best in fashion world recently....:):cheers:


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Image courtesy: Kochivibe and Senyphotography.

Ghazal mania hits Kochi
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In the wee hours of the night, when every light is out, a gentle, heart rendering song wafts through the air.

The distant voice brings with it a sea of emotions — of pain, of heartbreak and pathos.

The words hang in the air stirring your own emotions and then for some reason they seem to soothe yet hurt at the same time. This is a ghazal, a slow and soul rendering piece of music.

Hindustani music may not be the most preferred outlet for a typical youngster. But ask a young connoisseur what it means and he’ll tell you in detail all the emotions and feelings the music brings to him. “It calms you and soothes you so much.

When you feel sad and listen to a song by Jagjit Singh (the song Sajda) or Adnan Sami (Tera chehara, Kabhi tho nazar milao), it feels simply too good,” says Rahul Narayanan, an IT professional based in Thiruvananthapuram.

For Shaan, a journalism student, ghazals are the best way to capture your emotions with their lyrics circling around themes on love, separation and death. “The music takes you to an imaginary world. The words are so powerful and Urdu is the ideal language for it,” he says. “There are so many favourites, Chupke Chupke by Gulam Ali being one of the first.”

Umbai from Kochi, who has been singing ghazals for over 40 years, feels that Indian music cannot just fade away from the hearts of its people.

“Whatever modernisation comes in, traditional Indian music will not lose its influence on the Indian mind. When I recently sang at a programme in Cherthala, I was surprised by the huge turnout of youngsters among the audience. We should dedicate at least half an hour to pure Indian music on our television channels as this type of music has always stood for friendship, love and togetherness.”

Young singer Ranjini Jose however feels that Hindustani music is not so popular among the youngsters, except towards the northern part of Kerala.

“People listen to Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar in Kozhikode and Kannur. The ghazal culture is also slowly coming up in Kochi. I am invited to sing for a ghazal programme in Fort Kochi in September,” she says.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/ghazal-mania-hits-kochi-970)

Bowl, Throw Darts & Play Pool For Charity – Charity Bowl
Here is your chance to take part in Boomerang’s Charity Bowl, Oberon Mall. Join and take part as an individual or as a team and take part in the Darts, Pool and Bowling competitions. Proceeds from the funds raised will be used towards improving sanitaion of the Sneha Bhavan Orphanage, Palluruthy Call +91-9747015030 or +91-980999918. This event is powered by Salt Mango Tree. Be the change, Kochi!

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cc: kochivibe

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Whats with Indian Men- an Indian show in FOX History and Lifestyle channel, exploring culture and profile of Indian Men in 10 cities of India by two supermodels, Indrani and Sughanda. This is Kochi and over men made India's supermodels a good run!!!

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It’s the men in Kochi, who managed to strike the right chord with Bong bombshell Indrani Dasgupta, who was in the city recently for her show, What’s with Indian Men. But Kochi turned out to be a real surprise for Indrani.

“Kochi was my favourite as I was surprised by the guys there. They’re fun people with a great sense of humour, who are subtle and refined. Whether it’s the guy who has studied abroad and come back, the guy who fishes there or even the man who drove us around — all of them are so committed to their jobs. They don’t have that ‘I don’t need to work’ kind of attitude. They are not as loud as Delhi men. They’re very rooted and create value,” says the ravishing anchor. - DC (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/kochi-men-don%E2%80%99t-care-about-six-packs-says-indrani-dasgupta-495)
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I liked seeing the show and it was really a fun. But I find, its more of a travelogue than Men exploring the show.... Really happy to see our city Kochi is getting a world-wide attention:banana::banana:

Yes, that episode was real positive.

Our cities are in fact TWO cities. One is the modern, cosmopolitan, mall going, pizza eating city, and the other is the traditional, conservative, "cochin-is-not-bangalore" city. Only the relative size of the two varies.

Undoubtedly, Kochi has the majority on the former side.

Yes, that episode was real positive.

Our cities are in fact TWO cities. One is the modern, cosmopolitan, mall going, pizza eating city, and the other is the traditional, conservative, "cochin-is-not-bangalore" city. Only the relative size of the two varies.

Undoubtedly, Kochi has the majority on the former side.

Thanks MI for sharing those KEWL videos here! I jus love ém and ofcourse the galz too ;)

I miss my city! and for me, its the most beautiful city i have seen! many would agree! :)

Shloka: Small is where the future is
Shloka, the ethnic wear brand, is looking forward to its association with stores and new MBOs along with opening new stores. The brand has equal presence in big cities and small towns and is expanding simultaneously in both. “We are focused on growing our business in smaller towns. We feel they possess huge business opportunities for a smart brand that needs to widen its base,” says Nikhil Khimshia, Director, Shloka. He believes that India is growing through its small towns. People spend lavishly on weddings there. Also, it’s not possible to do business only in metros therefore, it’s important for brands to focus on smaller cities. Moreover, they have a strong demand for premium products. About competition from unbranded or regional players, Khimshia says consumers there are still price-conscious. They need to know more about brands. “When you design for metros, pricing doesn’t matter but it plays a big role in small towns. Consumers want good designs but at a lower price. We have a special segment for Tier II cities. For instance, the wholesale prices of kurtas start at Rs 2,500 in smaller towns.” Cities like Indore, Lucknow and Kochi are playing a big role in the ethnic market and promise a good future. “We are in Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. We also have a presence in UP, MP and Andhra Pradesh.”

On the scope of ethnic wear in the exports market Khimshia avers, “The ethnic wear market is very good especially in the UK and US and Canada. We are also targeting Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. We have confined our kids wear range to exports only. These are ethnic products for kids like kurta pajamas and depending on the response, we may also add sherwanis.”

Interestingly, the brand had planned to enter the junior wear market in India last year but the plans didn’t work out. Now they are planning it for next summer with a trial run in some Tier II cities. “We will start with around 25 different patterns.” For the forthcoming winter/festive season Shloka will have grand rajawadis inspired from royal Rajasthan. “This time we are focusing on cuts, silhouettes and colors. You won’t see much embroidery in our products,” he adds.

Shloka already has a presence in 250 MBOs. Its present in chain stores across Andhra Pradesh and in Ritu Wears, Appeal, Jindal and CnM. “We are concentrating on the north -- Delhi and UP. We are looking at the festive and marriage season ahead as also the winter. Also, our exports to the US and UK are doing well. Because of the excise, our exclusive store plans have been hit. We wanted to open a store in Bandra, Mumbai but had to shelve the idea and turn to MBOs and retail chains,” opines Khimshia.

Source (http://www.fashionunited.in/news/fashion/shloka-small-is-where-the-future-is-070720112218)

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/ritu.jpg.crop_display.jpg

One of the most respected names in the Indian fashion design industry, Ritu Kumar, will hold a three-day spring/summer and festive season collection in Kochi this month.

The line comprises of a palette of earthy colours combined with metallic effects, ranging from warm hues of terracotta, shades of fuschia, purple and the auspicious gulabras to turquoise. Also available will be Ritu Kumar’s bridal collection.

The traditional metallic effects created with a mixture of antique zardozi, aari, gota and patti work often teaming both gold and silver is used, which is symbolic of both the aesthetic sense and culture of the Indian subcontinent.

Ritu Kumar has been in the industry for more than 40 years and has developed a unique style of her own, reflecting the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a contemporary vocabulary. She was the first woman to use the boutique culture in India under the brand name Ritu.

The designer wear collection will be exhibited from July 8 to 10 at the Platino Classic Motors India, Maradu, Kochi.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/ritu-kumar-comes-kochi-401

Wrong Thread. Sorry

Gone are the days when Kochiites dreamt of shopping in Bangalore or Chennai for a pair of Levis jeans or a cool Spykar T. The incredible boost in the branded outlets in the city has been a sight astonishing. Kochiites have rather been sceptical or hesitant on the advent of a boutique or an apparel shop coming to town. But the long lingered wait for branded stuff has been worth it.

Earlier the preferences were so less that we had to drop in at either Seematti or Jayalakshmi to get hold of some good stuff. And if you are lucky enough, you might get a shirt or a kurta of your choice. But note that, only if you are lucky enough! The off-late picture in Kochi where people started off partying (like real well…) is when the thought of getting hold of stylish outfit struck us.

Now we have so many to look up to starting from Nike, Adidas, Levis, Identiti, Bits Indiana, and so many more. But for the ones who need a formal look, here’s Louis Philippe, Wrangler, also. And now, we also must realize the fact that you will not have to wait long to visit an exclusive outlet that can fetch you appealing Gucci sunglasses, elegant Dolce & Gabbana watches, or perfect chic wear Prada women’s shoes. Now, we have wider alternatives facilitating us to dress ‘stylish’!

http://www.kochivibe.com/buy-it-smart-kochi/

http://expressbuzz.com/Images/article/2011/7/8/0807-RituKumar-EP-L.jpg

Ace fashion designer Ritu Kumar’s 2011 Spring/Summer and festive season collection is all set to hit Kochi. The ensemble is defined as an ‘International fashion product with an Indian twist’.

The works of Ritu Kumar, known for her style of invoking ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a unique contemporary vocabulary, will be showcased at the BMW Platino Classic Showroom from July 8 to 10.

The label line available at Kochi is the initiative of Ritu Kumar’s son Amrish Kumar.

The clothes are set to be ‘trendy, with a modern silhouette and quite funky to meet the changing needs of the new generation.’ The collection comprises a palette of earthy colours combined with metallic effects, ranging from warm hues of terracotta, burgundy and red to shades of fuschia, purple and the auspicious gulabras to calming jade and turquoise.

Ritu Kumar’s bridal collection depicting the Indian tradition of embroidery will also be available. The traditional metallic effects of the bridal collection is created with a mixture of antique zardozi, aari, gota and patti work often with both gold and silver.

The collection is aimed at ‘representing and underlining the skills of the handloom weavers of India, who are the repository of centuries old motifs and textiles. This couture wear celebrates the textiles of India which are embellished by approximately 16 million practicing crafts people of the subcontinent,’ the organizers say. This indigenous creativity has ensured that the Indian society uses its own ethos and wears its own cultural identity using its craft skills for formal, religious and everyday wear.

http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/fashion/ritu-kumar-comes-to-kochi/292230.html

^^^^ unbelievable!! So many fashion shows happening in our city..:banana:

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/wh.jpg.crop_display.jpg

You’ll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky

The night comes alive as the singer puts everything into his song.

He holds forth for a few more hours, often obliging the requests of some of those who have gathered at the Tharavadu restaurant at Casino. The eighties give way to the relatively new Jason Mraz and Plaine white Ts.

“A rage among youngsters now,” explains Lenoy Manuel, the vocalist of band Exodus that has been performing at Casino for eleven years.

Exodus, a four-piece band formed 18 years ago, is one that keeps alive the tradition of hotel bands, which used to be the rage among Kochiites in the 80s and 90s. Many others are looking at a different direction, however, and catering to a wider spectrum that’s ready to gobble up anything from Funk to Alternative.

”I started off with the Progressive genre but now I’m a fan of alternative rock,” says James Peter, a 21 –year-old rocker in the city. James is the vocalist of White Sugar, a four-piece band that’s creating waves with their hard hitting songs like Time Machine and Sugar Rush that deal with social issues.

The band even has a song titled The Road, about the pathetic condition of roads here.

It’s just not head banging music people look forward to,” agrees the youngster, who is one of the lucky few with a rock legacy behind him.

James grew up listening to his brothers George Peter and Joe Peter. While George was the lead vocalist of 13 AD, one of the first bands in Kochi, Joe was part of Evergreen, the band that took their songs to different parts of the country.

“Yes, music is in the air and the musically inclined have a variety of options,” opines John Thomas, drummer of Motherjane, one of the top bands in the country with 300-odd concerts to their credit. In the scene since 1996, they have bagged the prestigious Jack Daniel Awards for the best vocalist, best guitarist and best drummer many times. “We like to call ourselves Indian Art Rock,” says John, emphasising the connection between music and multimedia.

The hard rock and pop that ruled the scene sometime back seems to be giving way to Mallu rock with bands like Avial, creating a niche in the multitude of genre that’s popping up by the day. Politically-aware and ideologically driven — that’s how Rave, one of India’s top music magazines, describes the Malayali rock band named after a popular Kerala dish.

The band that burst into the scene in 2003 has bagged six Jack Daniel Awards to date and has music lovers swaying to their signature style of merging Malayalam and English lyrics.

Technology is not far behind. “We do our recordings through skype as our vocalist Laji George is based in the States,” says Mithun of Pseutopia, one of the most promising bands. Their video album Free Lunch on Youtube has found a place in music lovers’ hearts.

Singing covers have become passé and the music scenario is alive and kicking with many coming out with their own albums. But the the city still lags behind Bengaluru and Chennai.

“When we started off, it was next to impossible to pull off more than three concerts a year. Things are looking brighter now but still there is hesitancy to shell out money for concerts,” says John.

Kochi gears up for a rocking time soon with Freedom Rocks, an event that will see many bands coming together for a cause.

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/KOCHI-FASHION-WEEK-COCHINSQUARE.jpg
Kochi International Fashion Week set for take off in August

കൊച്ചി ഒരുങ്ങുന്നു; രാജ്യാന്തര ഫാഷന് വീക്ക് ഒാഗസ്റ്റ് നാലു മുതല്

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/289/3487689219fashion.jpg
ഫാഷന് വീക്കിനു മുന്നോടിയായി കൊച്ചിയിലെത്തിയ ഫാഷന് ഡിസൈനര്മാരായ ഹരി ആനന്ദ്, ജയിംസ് പെരേര, സഞ്ജന ജോണ്, ബ്രാന്ഡ് അംബാസഡര് മംമ്ത മോഹന്ദാസ് എന്നിവര്.

കൊച്ചി: മെട്രോ നഗരം ഇന്നേവരെ കണ്ടിട്ടില്ലാത്ത ഫാഷന് മാമാങ്കവുമായി 'ഗീതാഞ്ജലി ലൈഫ് സ്റ്റൈല് കൊച്ചി രാജ്യാന്തര ഫാഷന് വീക്ക് എത്തുന്നു. മാറുന്ന കേരളത്തിന്റെ അഴകളവുകള്ക്കു ഞൊറിയിടുന്ന ഫാഷന് വാരത്തിന് ഒാഗസ്റ്റ് ആദ്യവാരം തിരിതെളിയും. ഒാഗസ്റ്റ് നാലു മുതല് ഏഴു വരെ കാസിനോ ഹോട്ടലാണു കേരളത്തിലെ ആദ്യ രാജ്യാന്തര ഫാഷന് ഷോയ്ക്ക് ആതിഥ്യം വഹിക്കുക.

ലോക പ്രശസ്ത ഹൈ ഫാഷന് ഗുരു ജയിംസ് ഫെരാരി ഡിസൈന് ചെയ്ത വസ്ത്രശേഖരങ്ങളുടെ പ്രദര്ശനത്തോടെ ഫാഷന് വീക്കിനു തുടക്കമാകും. പ്രശസ്ത സെലിബ്രിറ്റി ഡിസൈനര് സഞ്ജന ജോണാണ് ഗ്രാന്ഡ് ഫിനാലെയ്ക്കു വേണ്ടിയുള്ള വസ്ത്രങ്ങള് ഒരുക്കുന്നത്.

കേരളത്തനിമ ഒട്ടും ചോര്ന്നു പോകാതെയുള്ള വസ്ത്രങ്ങള് ഡിസൈന് ചെയ്ത് ഫാഷന് വീക്കില് പ്രദര്ശിപ്പിക്കണമെന്നാണ് തന്റെ ആഗ്രഹമെന്നു സഞ്ജന ജോണ് പറഞ്ഞു. കേരളത്തിന്റെ പാരമ്പര്യവും സംസ്കാരവും ഇടകലര്ത്തിയുള്ള വസ്ത്രങ്ങളും ഫാഷന് വീക്കില് അണിനിരത്താനായി ശ്രമിക്കും. പെണ്കുട്ടികളോടുള്ള വിവേചനം ഒഴിവാക്കുക, മനുഷ്യാവകാശ സംരക്ഷണം തുടങ്ങിയ സന്ദേശങ്ങള് പ്രചരിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിനു കൂടിയാണ് താന് ഫാഷന് വീക്കില് പങ്കെടുക്കുന്നതെന്നു സഞ്ജന പറഞ്ഞു.

മെട്രോ നഗരമായിട്ടുപോലും ഫാഷന്റെ സാധ്യതകളെ കൊച്ചി വേണ്ട വിധത്തില് ഉപയോഗപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടില്ലെന്ന് ഫാഷന് വീക്കിന്റെ ബ്രാന്ഡ് അംബാസഡറായ നടി മംമ്ത മോഹന്ദാസ് പറഞ്ഞു. ഫാഷന് ട്രെന്ഡുകള് മാറുന്നതനുസരിച്ച് മലയാളികളുടെ മനോഭാവം മാറുന്നില്ല. മലയാളി മനോഭാവത്തില് മാറ്റം വരുത്താന് ഫാഷന് വീക്ക് സഹായിക്കും എന്നാണ് തന്റെ പ്രതീക്ഷ. അതിനാലാണ് ഫാഷന് വീക്കുമായി സഹകരിക്കാന് തയാറായതെന്നും മംമ്ത പറഞ്ഞു.

ചെന്നൈ രാജ്യാന്തര ഫാഷന് ഷോ നടത്തുന്ന സ്റ്റോം ഫാഷന് സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഫാഷന് വീക്കില് 48 മോഡലുകള് അണിനിരക്കും. ഇതില് 14 പേര് കേരളത്തില് നിന്നുള്ളവരായിരിക്കും. മംമ്തയെക്കൂടാതെ മലയാള സിനിമയിലെ എട്ടോളം നടികളും റാംപിലെത്തുമെന്നാണ് സൂചന.

വിവേക് കരുണാകരന്, അരുണ സിങ്, ജതിന് കൊച്ചാര്, അര്ച്ചന കൊച്ചാര് എന്നിവരുള്പ്പെടെ ലോകപ്രശസ്തരായ 16 ഡിസൈനര്മാരാണ് മോഡലുകള്ക്കണിയാനുള്ള വസ്ത്രങ്ങള് ഡിസൈന് ചെയ്യുന്നത്. സ്റ്റോം ഫാഷന് ചീഫ് എക്സിക്യുട്ടീവ് ഓഫിസര് ഗൌരവ് ശര്മ, കാസിനോ ഹോട്ടല് ജനറല് മാനേജര് എറിന് ലൂയിസ്, ഫാഷന് ഡിസൈനര് ഹരി ആനന്ദ്, ഫാഷന് ഫൊട്ടോഗ്രഫര് അശോക് കോശി, ജോണ്സണ് എന്നിവര് പങ്കെടുത്തു. ഒാണ് ലൈന് പാര്ട്നറായി മനോരമ ഒാണ്ലൈനും, റേഡിയോ പാര്ട്നറായി റേഡിയോ മാംഗോയും, മീഡിയ പാര്ട്നറായി ദ് മാന് മാഗസിനും ഫാഷന് വീക്കിന്റെ താളത്തിനൊപ്പമുണ്ട്

മലയാള മനോരമ (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?programId=1073753765&contentId=9650967&tabId=11)
:banana::banana::banana:

http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/KOCHI-FASHION-WEEK-COCHINSQUARE.jpg
Kochi International Fashion Week set for take off in August


:banana::banana::banana:

Translation

The metro city of Kochi is going to see its first biggest international fashion festival, the Geethanjali Lifestyle Kochi International Fashion Week 2011 scheduled to held at Kochi Casino from August 4th to 7th.

The fashion week will open with premiere collections of International renowned Fashion Guru James Ferrari. Celebrated Fashion designer Sajana Jone's exclusive celebrity collections will be featured as part of grand finale.

Kerala themed fusion collections will also be featured in the Fashion Week

Storm Fashion, the organizers of famous Chennai Fashion Week, is behind this mega extravagance. 48 models will feature collections of 16 world renowned designers. Out of this, 14 models are Malayalee origins. Malayalam actress and KIFW brand ambassador Mamata Mohandas is expected to be show stopper.

^^
Thanx MI, i was lazy! :sleepy:

The Kochi man is changing for the better
Fashion is not only for women any longer, even men are extremely aware of what they wear, where they shop and also about the salon they visit.

A few years ago, it was only women who discussed where they shopped, where they workout and who their hairstylist is, while men were stuck to discussing about the cricket score, the grand prix results or the dynamic stock prices. And that’s exactly how it was in Kochi too, until few years ago.

Today, as Kochi is on the verge of becoming a metro city, men here have become very ‘urbo-metrosexuals’, who are very well aware of every single aspect of their physical and mental being. They are well read, up-to-date with technology and gizmos, and are aware of all movies (which was normally the forte of women), clothes, fitness and cuisine. The men of today are seen browsing through book fairs, shopping for clothes frequently, being finicky about their footwear and visiting a salon for facial, manicure and pedicure.

Exercising at a gym or having a personal trainer has become common in our city. Many men even practice yoga, tai chi or even simple meditation to relieve their nerves.

The other day, at a book reading of Jaishree Misra, I was overwhelmed by the number of men attending it and a bit shocked to see men buying clothes and home accessories from the stores around.

Today’s men are also extremely good fathers, totally involved in bringing up their children by taking interest in all that they do, including chaperoning them or simply taking care of the kids to give their wives a break.

I visit coffee shops quite often and it’s refreshing to see men sitting with their pals. They are not the lecherous type. They are guys who are having a good time unwinding or taking a lunch break. The male colleagues I hang out with are conscious of how they look, talk and behave.

So all in all, they are giving us women a run for our money and with the Kochi Fashion Week around the corner, we hope there’s a lot for men other than just the beautiful women.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/kochi-man-changing-better-039)

TOMMY HILFIGER - COCHIN

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FREEDOM ROCKS! Kochi gonna rock soon
6 GREAT BANDS who have kept the Rocking spirit of Kochi alive, prove that FREEDOM ROCKS! as INDIA celebrates her 64th Independence Day

Dutch Street

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/567/5a647a816bfeb1c6262979e.jpg

Whitesugar

http://www.voiceofcochin.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/8e53ed685768cb8faaceb8400e518bb1.jpg

Motherjane

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fZU2yqwzKqE/TIEGL7EI24I/AAAAAAAABEk/gQd_UPD5MIs/s640/16gxumd.jpg

Exodus

http://www.voiceofcochin.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/de34525c3db50f35f4f10478da4e8ae8.jpg

HERD

&

One surprise act! :nuts:

The fees structure to this event are :

VVIP Tickets- Rs 1000.
VIP Tickets – Rs 500.
Seated rockers – Rs 250.
Headbangers – Rs 200.

The details of the concert are below:

Venue : Fine Arts Society Hall , Kochi.
Timings: 2:30 pm – 10:00 pm.

So guys rock your freedom and hurry up before you run out of tickets.
cc: Voice of Cochin

When petrol prices goes up, Kochinites now look for RENT-A-CYCLE concept!!!!


http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/anch_0.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The humble cycle has taken an all new avatar in Kochi, and is now being hailed by youngsters for its economical, healthier and eco-friendly aspects, thanks to the efforts of Athirup M.S.

He has launched the city’s first cross-city bicycle club called Athi’s Bicycle Club or simply ABC.

Initially started in Thiruvananthaprum, the club set up base in Kochi three months back. Athirup, a 31-year-old engineer, has been pursuing cycling as a hobby for the past 15 years.

It was after his trips to cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where urban cycling is fast gaining popularity, that he was inspired to launch the club.

ABC has 150 cycles on the roads in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Instructions are received through mobile phones in this network. Athirup has set up cycle racks at Kaloor–Kadavantra Road, North and South railway stations, Kacherippady junction, Menaka Junction, High Court junction, Padma junction, Panampilly Nagar, Kadavantra bus stop and Vytilla North auto stand.

SMSing your name, address, profession and mobile number to 96455 11155 can avail of membership to the club. Membership fee is Rs 500, and Rs 2 will be charged as usage fee per hour and Rs 50 for a month.

“Cycles are pocket-friendly and healthy. They’re an answer to the nerve-wracking traffic jams and increasing fuel prices,” says Athirup.

The cycles are locked with number locks and its opening codes are SMSed to the members as and when they wish to use the service.

The USP of this enterprise is that bicycles taken from a particular rack can be returned to any other rack in the city and locked using the same principle.

And the user can deposit the money in a drop box, which is placed at the cycle rack. This service is available 24/7 with a happy hour package from 9 pm to 6 am.



http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/cover_3.jpg.crop_display.jpg

When you have barely crossed five, the first bicycle at the doorstep looks more dangerous than friendly.

The whole prospect of lifting both legs off the ground and leaving the job of dealing with gravity to a couple of beastly wheels may not seem such a welcome thought. A matter of hours — which may include a few falls, some major bruises and a lot of cursing — you are all pally with your first set of wheels. Sudhith Xavier was, at the age of 9, and he continues to be so 15 years later too.

Says Sudhith, a freelance designer, “I used to cycle during my school days and continued the practice in college despite peer pressure from classmates, who by then had matured to bikes. And now, three years after college, I still move around the city on a cycle and pedal to work. I’m a nature-friendly guy who likes trekking and hiking. Cycling has been my favourite form of transport and sport.”

Sudhith has even formed a group of friends for his cycle rides. “We go for a Malayattoor trip once every year. It is 120 kilometers long. The mountain climbing is a bit of a challenge.”

Pappu P.S. and Mario Priston Dcouhto are two others among the many cycle expeditors with Sudhith.

Pappu too, like Sudhith has been cycling since his school days. “When I was pursuing my PG in Rajagiri College, we formed a group called ‘Fire Bykers’."

"It had college students and local people who were interested in cycling. People like Father Prashanth, principal of Thevara College and Shaji, an NRI, were great inspirations. My interest in cycling mainly comes from the thrill of seeing new places. Cycling is a great way to learn new directions, especially to the routes that don’t have any buses running. It is also a good way to keep fit.” For Mario, it is the pleasure and simplicity of the exercise that lures him.

It is not always fitness and environmental friendliness that draws people to this age-old mode of transport. Vinod Venugopal, a freelance photographer, chooses to cycle because he ‘loves the feeling that comes from riding on a road at 4 in the morning or 9 in the night’.

“Kochi goes to bed very early so that helps. You also get a feeling of belonging when you cycle as opposed to say riding a bike or driving a car.”

For Riya Jacob, who’s just finished school, cycles are an easy way out — you’ve more freedom on the road and many traffic rules don’t apply to you.”

Eric Yu had had picked India on a whim. An hour had barely passed after arrival when the first pangs of regret began stirring in his mind. The taxi driver who was to receive him at the New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport was missing. Many anxious moments later, he managed to find the driver -- after parting with $5 at a public telephone booth.

Crossing the Himalayas had lost some allure for the president of enterprise business of telecom equipment maker Huawei Telecommunications (India) Co Pvt Ltd. The smattering of English on hand suddenly looked woefully short. Seven years later, in his sparsely furnished office in Gurgaon, Eric, smiling confidently behind his glasses, says he has no plans yet to return to China.

"Actually when I am in China, I feel like a stranger. I am more at home in India," he says without missing a beat. "I feel I am part of the society here."

Eric is part of a growing cadre of Chinese businessmen who have tied their fortunes to India's star, attuning their lives and crafting corporate strategies around a booming 1.3-billion-person market. In the blizzard of clothes, chemicals, metals, electronic goods and toys from China, one key export to India - executives - has largely gone unnoticed. The number of visas issued to Chinese executives increased nearly four-fold to 60,000 between 2004 and 2010, according to Chinese embassy data.

Like Eric, the scrum of Chinese businessmen turning to India is typically skittish about a posting due to a medley of prejudices, doubts and a history stuffed with animosity. Eventually, they become ensconced in a society that they say embraces them unreservedly. "Indians are warm and kind," says Shi Mingli, assistant representative of China Minmetals, who came to India in 2008.

Shi was not referring to Indian authorities. But thanks to the comity of ordinary Indians, Chinese executives who have spent years in India say their fears of tiptoeing through a minefield were largely unfounded. Far from it, many have played a starring role in their companies' breakneck growth because they have coalesced into the Indian ethos with unbridled enthusiasm.

Chinese businessmen regularly attend marriages of colleagues and friends. The groom arriving on a white horse never ceases to amaze them. They are enthralled by the dancing and the music. They love Indian food; tandoori chicken tops the list of favourite dishes. Kingfisher beer is not a patch on Chinese liquor, but is still popular. The malls in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are a shopper's delight. "So many vibrant colours, different styles and no repeats." They watch Indian movies. "3 Idiots was very funny; Slumdog (Millionaire) had nice songs." They match their soccer skills against Indian colleagues.

Some like Yao Wang Deepak, head of corporate affairs at telecom equipment maker ZTE Telecom Indian Pvt Ltd, have taken Indian names because they are "fascinating". Others like ZTE CEO Cui Liangjun have picked English names like Steven for the benefit of Indians.

Indian 'habits' have rubbed off on others like Liu Peng, GM Wireless of ZTE. "Friends say I have become slow."

India also offers a raft of picturesque holiday spots. The backwaters of Kerala and the deserts of Rajasthan are choice destinations. Kochi, says Liu, "is the best place in India. So beautiful, quiet, and lots of seafood." In Jaisalmer, Liu says he slept in the desert. "India is an experience for life."

For many Chinese, the India story has played out like a series of never-ending sequels. "I was not keen to come to India. But India was a big shock to me. It is just as modern as China," says Liu. His idea of India was built on a diet of Mithun Chakraborty movies. That India was "traditional" and the malls, restaurants and roads that greeted him in India came as a pleasant surprise.

Indians too would be just as surprised with the attempts of Chinese businessmen to adapt, given that they were screaming foul at Indian conditions not long ago. "They have taken to India just as a duck takes to water," says an Indian businessman who has interacted with Sinosteel executives.

One reason could be that the Chinese affect a down-to-earth and affable demeanour. Alka Acharya, associate professor of Chinese Studies in the Centre for East Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, says the Chinese make a concerted attempt to understand Indians. "They study us much more than we do."

The Chinese say the only big turnoffs in India are the heat and traffic. Language is a "bit problem".

http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5284260/growing-number-of-chinese-business-executives-working-in-india-not-willing-to-go-back

Bringing global trends in architecture to Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/others/bringing-global-trends-architecture-kochi-321)

Kochi is developing left, right and centre. An evolution is happening everywhere.

The acquired tastes of Kochiites is tellingly reflecting in all aspects of their life.

The tastefully done Victorian villas and the contemporary style architecture that dot the city are pointers to their evolving tastes. No more boring, identical looking homes, they seem to say.

“The globetrotting Malayali is willing to shell out that extra buck to live in style,” says Ravi Shankar, whose customised homes have been every Malayali’s dream for the past few years.

Ravi, floated Meridian Homes in 2005 after quitting his job with a construction company in Qatar. The result was a fresh outlook to the overall architecture that sprung all over.

His villas situated in prime locations soon became eye candies for their varied styles adopted from different parts of the world. His first project, Imperial Gardens, 50 villas in nine acres of land, introduced Kochiites to the concept of space.

“To emphasise on space, we introduced compound-less villas, something that inspired me during my stint in UK,” he says. He gathers feedback from prospective buyers who are aware of the contemporary architectural styles of today.

“Most of them are well travelled, and there is not always a need to sell a concept,” he says. “Malayalis are crazy about having a waterfront home,” says Ravi who plans to build the three storeyed villas with 50 percent open area and a water body that would also add to its aesthetics.

Although Ravi says contemporary architecture is the in thing, he has no doubt that it is the classical style that holds an everlasting impact. One of his new projects will introduce car lifts and private garages on each floor.

Ravi, through his Meridian Consultancy helps thousands of students with their education abroad.

“We have enabled 3,500 students from Kerala to get admissions in British universities,” says Ravi.

Lured by western beats (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/lured-western-beats-237)
The graceful figures move in precision, oblivious to the mad world outside.

Each movement is an expression that exhilarates their being and lifts their spirits. Lucid steps flow with the lilting music. If you think this is about a classical performance, you are in for a surprise. The rhythm of change is sweeping across Kochi.

From contemporary, jive, jazz and waltz to salsa and zumba, Kochiites can’t wait for more to get dancing.

But why is there a drift from Indian classical to western forms among the Gen Next? Classical dance forms require a lot of discipline and years of practice to master it compared to many of its western counterparts,” points out Susheela Pai, who enjoys imparting lessons in contemporary dance to many in the city.

Her Mudra Centre for Dance is popular. “In contemporary dance or modern dance you are free to express yourself. No rigid norms are to be followed.”

A reason why its gaining popularity among youngsters is that today’s generation is impatient with anything that requires time and perseverance. ‘Listen to your heart and follow its rhythm’ seems to be the mantra for youngsters who are taking to different western dance styles and even belly dancing.

“Thirteen and above — that’s the right age to start off with belly dance,” according to Supriya, a belly dance expert who has been conducting belly dance workshops at Mudra since last summer.

“A true understanding of the sensuous movements makes it enjoyable.”

And the response has been great among teens and the north Indian community, says the danseuse, who is also a jazz expert. She adds a fun element to her hour-long class by teaching her students to move in tune with a choice of peppy Bollywood numbers.

“Youngsters love it,” says Supriya, who is all set to start full- fledged classes from August owing to the great response.

But how about swaying back to shape with a dance- inspired fitness programme? Zumba seems to be the answer for the fitness conscious. Siva Loco of Body, Motion, Earth has adapted the Latino African dance form to suit all ages and has named it Tandav.

The guy who promises to take you back in shape within a few classes of Zumba swears by a medium paced salsa, which is a rage nowadays.

“The fast-paced dance styles don’t fizzle out the charm from ballroom dancing,” feels Merina Oliver, an engineering student.

Ballroom has a variety of dances like foxtrot, jive waltz and cha cha cha.

“The details like how to hold your partner and guide her are crucial in ballroom dance,” says Derek, a ballroom dance expert, who is gearing up for an Independence Day ball on August 15.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_vertical/article-images/cover_4.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The graceful figures move in precision, oblivious to the mad world outside.

Each movement is an expression that exhilarates their being and lifts their spirits. Lucid steps flow with the lilting music. If you think this is about a classical performance, you are in for a surprise. The rhythm of change is sweeping across Kochi.

From contemporary, jive, jazz and waltz to salsa and zumba, Kochiites can’t wait for more to get dancing.

But why is there a drift from Indian classical to western forms among the Gen Next? Classical dance forms require a lot of discipline and years of practice to master it compared to many of its western counterparts,” points out Susheela Pai, who enjoys imparting lessons in contemporary dance to many in the city.

Her Mudra Centre for Dance is popular. “In contemporary dance or modern dance you are free to express yourself. No rigid norms are to be followed.”

A reason why its gaining popularity among youngsters is that today’s generation is impatient with anything that requires time and perseverance. ‘Listen to your heart and follow its rhythm’ seems to be the mantra for youngsters who are taking to different western dance styles and even belly dancing.

“Thirteen and above — that’s the right age to start off with belly dance,” according to Supriya, a belly dance expert who has been conducting belly dance workshops at Mudra since last summer.

“A true understanding of the sensuous movements makes it enjoyable.”

And the response has been great among teens and the north Indian community, says the danseuse, who is also a jazz expert. She adds a fun element to her hour-long class by teaching her students to move in tune with a choice of peppy Bollywood numbers.

“Youngsters love it,” says Supriya, who is all set to start full- fledged classes from August owing to the great response.

But how about swaying back to shape with a dance- inspired fitness programme? Zumba seems to be the answer for the fitness conscious. Siva Loco of Body, Motion, Earth has adapted the Latino African dance form to suit all ages and has named it Tandav.

The guy who promises to take you back in shape within a few classes of Zumba swears by a medium paced salsa, which is a rage nowadays.

“The fast-paced dance styles don’t fizzle out the charm from ballroom dancing,” feels Merina Oliver, an engineering student.

Ballroom has a variety of dances like foxtrot, jive waltz and cha cha cha.

“The details like how to hold your partner and guide her are crucial in ballroom dance,” says Derek, a ballroom dance expert, who is gearing up for an Independence Day ball on August 15.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/lured-western-beats-237

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_vertical/article-images/cover_illustration.jpg.crop_display.jpg

It is the season of rain — that time of the year when curling up with a book in your bed seems the best way to spend your day.

Aptly, a monsoon book fest is on to lure book lovers into a world of words. DC Books is hosting the fest as part of its ongoing dictionary mela, at its centre in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi.

On top of the racks are the copies of the recently released River of Smoke by Amitav Gosh and Jaishree Misra’s Secrets Series.

Also on display and much in demand is Sedu’s Marupiravi. The Malayalam book has come out with four different covers and is a hit.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/it%E2%80%99s-raining-books-233

All time favourites Dan Brown and Chetan Bhagat would inevitably find their way into the hands of young readers while serious old-timers come seeking Great Soul Mahatma Gandhi and his struggle with India by Joseph Lelyveld or Bose in Nazi Germany by Romain Hayes.

Baba Ramdev — Resurgence of New India has also found its place on the rack, taking a leap straight out of the recurring newspaper headlines.

Other noted books like Hello, Bastar by Rahul Pandita on India’s Maoist movement, Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S. Hussain Zaidi, Battleground Telengana by Kingshuk Nag are also hot selling.

Funny words of Philip Roth in Zuckerman Unbound is still among the most wanted.

Arundhati Roy’s third book Broken Republic has been sought after. So is Siddhartha Mukherjee’s The Emperor of all Maladies.

“Men and women, girls and boys of all ages come and visit the fair, eager to see what’s new in the literary world,” says Rajiv, the branch-in-charge. The fest is on till July 25.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/23subelt.jpg.crop_display.jpg

Making a lot of effort to speak in Malayalam, Sanjana Jon had a smile for everyone who came to meet her. One of the biggest names in the Indian fashion industry, the Kerala-born designer was in Kochi after six years to play a big role in the Gitanjali Lifestyle Fashion Week to be held here in August.

Expressing happiness over the increasing role that Kochi has played in the fashion scene, Sanjana speaks about the simplicity of the culture. In her opinion Kerala has not come a long way from the days of mundum neriyathum. “It is so different from the other States, all of which use more colour. Here we stick to white. We are very laidback and toned down. Kerala may not be a trendsetting State but we make a solid statement that whatever progress we have, it is within the cultural setting.”

She agrees that there has been an infiltration of fashion from other States. “But those are subtle changes. I see the infliction of Northern dresses like salwar kameez and kurthis. But you don’t spot Mallus in bikini tops or hot pants. The changes are subtle, we can’t change overnight.” Even the youth culture, she feels, is a reflection of the traditional wear of mundu and jubba.

Sanjana and her brother Anand Jon made a loud entry into the fashion world, but only after leaving Kerala and touching the US soil. “There is obviously more feasibility and flexibility in the US,” she says, even as she keeps crediting the Kerala culture for the inspiration it’s given her. After all these years, Sanjana would still call herself a ‘sidekick’ to her brother Anand, who was the first Indian to make an entry in the New York Fashion Week.

It’s been nearly three years since Anand was convicted of several counts of sexual abuse. Sanjana has all this while been appealing to one and all to come forth to support her attempts to bring justice to her brother. “They should first understand the truth and then support the cause to free an innocent man,” she says.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/kerala%E2%80%99s-liking-all-subtle-and-white-424

Buy a RADO - just Rs 40 lakhs!

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9116/05072011297.jpg
cc: Metrovartha

Fourth Bus Day for Kochi (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2220202.ece)

The concept of Bus Day seems to have escaped the fate of many other programmes which were introduced with much fanfare but proved short-lived, as the fourth Bus Day comes up on July 20, in keeping with the decision to observe it on the third Wednesday of every month.

Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research in partnership with the Motor Vehicles Department and Indian Chamber of Commerce, a function to mark Bus Day will be observed at Vyttila junction.

The Bus Day campaign is aimed at promoting buses as the best way to move about in the city. It encourages people to leave their vehicles at home and hop on to city buses to understand the importance of the public transport system in reducing traffic and environmental issues.

This time, a lot of freebies have been planned to attract private vehicle users to opt for buses. Free rides on selected KSRTC air-conditioned low floor buses and private buses are among the offers.

The double-decker bus operating on the Angamaly-Thoppumpady route will be the icon bus this Bus Day. City buses will be decorated with flowers and balloons. Passengers will be greeted with cards and sweets. Discount coupons of Rs.5 will be distributed to car users prior to the event through selected petrol bunks in the city.

This coupon can be used as a substitute for the bus ticket in private buses on the day. Free mobile phone sim cards will be given to passengers travelling in city buses. The behaviour of bus crew and their conformity to the Bus Day special khaki uniform will be monitored and the best bus will be felicitated.


Yeah, Yeah. Applying clearasil for a tumor!!

The Kochi Muziris Biennial Foundation has struck a gold deal. The Foundation is planning to upgrade Kochi Durbar Hall Art Gallery into international level. The Art Gallery, which is currently part of Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, has secured approval from the Academy to upgrade to the levels of Jahangir Art Galleries of Mumbai etc.

The Hall which was former Coronation Hall of Kochi Kings, where later taken over by Academy to make into a Art Gallery. The foundation which is planning to host, India's first International Art Biennial, titled Kochi-Muziris Biennial has identified the Durbar Hall as its main center.

The upgradation costs is estimated at around Rs 3.5 crore, is expected to receive as grants and donations from various Malayalee artistes, which together joined to make Muziris Biennial Foundation.:banana::banana::banana:

http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?BV_ID=@@@&tabId=14&programId=4393755&contentId=9679721

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00694/16BGMMLORE1_694604f.jpg

Kochi-based rock band Mother Jane saw audiences applauding their song that appealed to all, to bow down to one god

It was the day Mother Jane became Queen Bee. When the Carnatic rock band played at a shopping mall on Sunday in the city, leisurely afternoon shoppers stopped entranced. Dedicated Janiacs stood around miming and mimicking the artistes' every move. In concentric circles on floors above, the shape resembling a large beehive, people watched as Kochi-based band Mother Jane occupied centre stage for a performance neither the band nor the crowd will forget in a hurry.

For the band, it was the first time that Santosh Chandra was handling their acoustic guitar, replacing Baiju Damodaran. And how! This eighth-grade guitarist brought in not only a guitar, but also a banjo, seamlessly shifting between the two to deliver Carnatic tunes with a touch of flamenco.

His antics with the guitar brought him great applause not only from the crowd, but also from the band vocalist and lyricist Suraj Mani, who looked on appreciatively as his newest band mate played to the galleries, joining Clyde Rosario on percussion, John Thomas and Deepu Sashidharan on bass and rhythm respectively.

“We never forget to have fun,” emphasises Suraj. “If we have a good time, then the crowds will do too. There's no point getting too serious.”

Is that why Asia's no. 1 rock act (AVIMA 08-09) with a cult following in Mexico and Japan are playing in a mall? Part one of the answer is that they're playing as a part of Lifestyle's promotion of www.artistsaloud.com.

More importantly, the band believes that everyone in India is inherently musical.

“Therefore, we don't really go looking for true-blue rock fans; we believe anyone can come in and appreciate our music,” Suraj says. And it's in the crowd, they trust. “It's often their response that has made a performance memorable. We've found out that it is not just about the sound of our music, it's about the vibration that catches on and flows, from us to the audience and vice-versa.”

Their trademark Kathakali style half-painted faces owes its origin to the same belief. “In the creative process, there is a god-moment from which energy and creativity flows. The half Kathakali face is an acknowledgement to the half man, half spirit that we embody onstage,” Suraj says. Of course, there's the spiritual and visual appeal of the whole thing.

Even in their music, this spiritual side is never missing. Their hit number from the movie “Anwar”, “I believe in Jihad, if love was a weapon,” had the audience in raptures. His message to the audience, “Lose your ego, and bow down to one god,” brought deafening applause from the audience.

Suraj Mani is also the man behind such powerful lyrics. Ask him what inspires him to write them, and he shrugs it off at first. “Nobody listens to the lyrics anyway”. But prod further, and he says that he usually throws himself into writing the first draft, a kind of emotional catharsis, and then polishes it.

Delve a little deeper, and you find out the reason he stayed on as a part of Mother Jane was because they asked him to write the lyrics. “I'd never written before in my life.”

So do they write the Carnatic part in consciously? Suraj Mani says that if anything, they initially tried to keep it out because they didn't want to sound like an Indian band. But the Carnatic tenor could not be helped, it came into “Soul Corporations” and “Maya”, and they made their peace with it.

It was also what the crowds loved the most. As Suraj Mani performed the alap of “Chasing the Sun,” the crowd also strained their vocal cords, losing themselves in the rhythm. You could see why the band had named their second album “Maqtub,” pre-written in Arabic. It was destined.

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2230057.ece

Union Minister K V Thomas on Friday said that the National Museum was planning to launch more people's museums in collaboration with local bodies and nongovernmental organisations. Speaking after inaugurating the campus museum at Sacred Heart College Thevara, he said that museums should emerge as nodal points for cultural exchange.

The new string of people's museums, being set up by the National Museum Delhi, will play a major role in passing on the rich cultural heritage of the country to the youth, he said.

The minister suggested that such museums in the villages and campuses should also showcase the local contributions, ancient agricultural implements, and tools used for works. A village museum will be opened at Kumbalangi as part of the Integrated Agricultural Village project. There is also plan to set up five elibraries in Ernakulam and starting consumer clubs in the campuses, he said. Various activities like workshops, research, studies, training and debates will be held at these minimuseums to ensure the participation of the masses in preserving and fostering the cultural heritage, he added.

"The existing museums cater to only certain sections of the society. We should think how far the common man is associated and benefited out of it now," he said. The campus museum was jointly set up by the National Museum and the National Museum Institute (NMI), Delhi. It will have 100 replicas, miniature paintings and photographs of masterpieces exhibited at the National Museum, New Delhi in the first phase.

In the next stage, the museum will showcase local artifacts and handicrafts. The campus museum will hold workshops, researches on museology and document traditional knowledge, making it a happening place and nodal point for cultural exchange. Fr Poulose Kidangen, Manager of S H Institutions presided over the function. Fr Jose Alex, provincial of CMI Sacred Heart Province, blessed the museum. Head of the Conservation Department at the NMI, M V Nair, National Museum Curator V K Mathur, corporation councillor Gracy Antony, D Thomas and principal Johnson Palakkapally spoke on the occasion.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/plan-to-set-up-five-elibraries-in-city/294626.html

The Festival in Bangalore and Kochi
Encouraged by the successful inaugural edition of The Hindu MetroPlus Theatre Fest last year, we are happy to be back in Bangalore with the second edition.

This August, the Fest — which was launched in Chennai in 2005 and held annually ever since — will run in five cities. Over the month, it will feature 20 performances in five cities — Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and, for the very first time, Kochi.

The Inaugural Edition of the Festival in Kochi

We are extremely pleased to bring The MetroPlus Theatre Fest to Kochi, a vibrant metropolis, where The Hindu has a substantial presence and to which it attaches great importance.

The inaugural edition of the Fest in Kochi features three first-rate plays over one weekend.

We begin with The Company Theatre’s The Blue Mug, a free-flowing narrative of personal memories that is performed by a star-studded cast and comes to Kochi after highly successful tours in the U.S., Europe and Singapore.

The second play is Rage Productions’ acclaimed One on One — a series of short, sharp and hilarious plays written, performed and directed by a talented bunch of people who need no introduction.

Finally, we showcase Perch’s Ms. Meena, a bold and inventive adaptation of a Swiss play that was commissioned for the 2010 Fest in Chennai as a result of an unexpected but happy collaboration between the Goethe-Institut, Pro Helvetia and ourselves.

We hope you enjoy what we have in store this year. And we hope you continue supporting the Fest as you have done since its inception.

For tickets in Kochi

Tickets are priced at Rs. 300/200/100. Student passes are available at Rs. 50. Season passes are available for Rs. 750/ Rs. 450.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased from today at www.thehindu.com/theatrefest and www.indianstage.in. Tickets for all shows would be available from July 20, 2011 (Wednesday) at Coffee Beanz (Panampally Nagar and Marine Drive) and The Hindu Office (Vytilla).

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/arts/theatre/article2235478.ece)

Art has a new address in city
Of late the huge corridors adjacent to the lobby of Le Meridien, Kochi, sparkle not just with luxury and flamboyance but with dash of artistic radiance.

When Padmasree Jayaram inaugurated the art gallery on Friday, the walls of the star hotel were showcases for contemporary art.

With a remarkable collection of paintings by renowned and budding artists, the artworks are sure to give everyday visitors a delightful experience and can bring a smile of cheer to the destitute.

“All the profit which will be earned by selling these paintings will reach UNICEF, through which the money will be distributed to the poor and needy,” state the officials of Le Meridien.

Amongst the 27 paintings on display by 19 artists, the one by the late poet Kamala Das entitled ‘Lady in Parda’ is the biggest highlight of the gallery and the most priced one too. The paintings range in price from a minimum of Rs 7,000.

“Surrounded by all these creative works, I am fondly reminded of my uncle, the writer and artist Malayatoor Ramakrishnan,” exclaims Jayaram. “At the same time, it would be more appealing if some brilliant photographs were also included in the gallery,” he says.

The inauguration ceremony had the Lalit Kala Akademi, Kerala chairperson C.N.Karunakaran, as the chief guest at the function.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/art-has-new-address-city-160)

Art has a new address in city

Is it a permanent facility or an event? I wish they make it a regular venue. Kochi badly requires such premium five-star art gallery....

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00696/MPTF2011-Lead_jpg_696264f.jpg

Encouraged by the successful inaugural edition of The Hindu MetroPlus Theatre Fest last year, we are happy to be back in Bangalore with the second edition.

This August, the Fest — which was launched in Chennai in 2005 and held annually ever since — will run in five cities. Over the month, it will feature 20 performances in five cities — Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and, for the very first time, Kochi.

The Bangalore edition features three fine plays. We begin with Quaff Theatre’s The Real Inspector Hound, which takes a comic and tongue-in-cheek look at the conventions of the Tom Stoppard whodunit. Next up is Evam, which experiments with Trans-Theatre in its adaptation of David Mamet’s cult play, The Duck Variations. The curtains come down with a play all the way from Korea. Creative Group Noni, which contemporarises traditional Korean puppet theatre to propel the narrative in its play Kkod-Du.

Over the years, our engagement with theatre has grown considerably. This is reflected in the Fest travelling to more and more cities. In 2008, we instituted the annual The Hindu MetroPlus Playwright Award, which carries a prize of Rs. 1 lakh for the best playscript in English. Last year, the scripts that won the first three awards were spun out into a book published by Penguin. And as before, we have striven to have allied activities such as workshops and symposiums on theatre to enrich the experience of the Fest.

The Inaugural Edition of the Festival in Kochi

We are extremely pleased to bring The MetroPlus Theatre Fest to Kochi, a vibrant metropolis, where The Hindu has a substantial presence and to which it attaches great importance.

The inaugural edition of the Fest in Kochi features three first-rate plays over one weekend.

We begin with The Company Theatre’s The Blue Mug, a free-flowing narrative of personal memories that is performed by a star-studded cast and comes to Kochi after highly successful tours in the U.S., Europe and Singapore.

The second play is Rage Productions’ acclaimed One on One — a series of short, sharp and hilarious plays written, performed and directed by a talented bunch of people who need no introduction.

Finally, we showcase Perch’s Ms. Meena, a bold and inventive adaptation of a Swiss play that was commissioned for the 2010 Fest in Chennai as a result of an unexpected but happy collaboration between the Goethe-Institut, Pro Helvetia and ourselves.

We hope you enjoy what we have in store this year. And we hope you continue supporting the Fest as you have done since its inception.

For tickets in Kochi

Tickets are priced at Rs. 300/200/100. Student passes are available at Rs. 50. Season passes are available for Rs. 750/ Rs. 450.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased from Monday at The Hindu's webiste and www.indianstage.in. Tickets for all shows would be available from July 20, 2011 (Wednesday) at Coffee Beanz (Panampally Nagar and Marine Drive) and The Hindu Office (Vytilla).

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/theatre/article2235478.ece

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A hectic week is about to give way to a day of fun and entertainment.

A bunch of youngsters are gearing up to let their hair down and be part of the Saturday night fun in the city.

A mood of elation is slowly seeping in. But what’s the thought that overtakes them? The PYTs go through their wardrobe to pick the best for the day. A night of fun has to be accompanied with proper attire they say in unison reflecting the transformation the city is going through as far as dressing up is concerned.

Yes, hop into any one of the snazzy lounges around town and you’re sure to be greeted by lovely cocktail dresses and exquisite party wear. If one seems to be exactly similar to what Kareena wore in Kismat Talkies, the other one catches your breath for its cut and plunge.

And despite the eyebrows the dress may raise, it’s clear that the rage to look gorgeous is on the rise!

“New trends are really catching up. Bollywood movies are luring the fashion conscious,” opines Ashima, a designer of trendy wear in the city. Her client list consists of a wide range of people who believe in getting dressed for an occasion.

“I have young girls telling me they need something unique to stand out in a party. Everyone wants to be a star for the night,” she adds.

So is it jeans and a kinky top to brighten up a party? “Nah,’’ says Ranjini Haridas, whose outfits on her shows are generously lapped up by many young faces.

“What I wear depends on my mood. But I love my knee-length dresses and black is my favourite colour,” coos this die-hard party animal who swears by brands like Mango and Zara.

Why, even Kochi is in love with themes that are slowly making an entry.

The once in a while pandy parties are so looked forward to by youngsters that it’s become a norm for those who attend to look the part with their colourful lungies and brightly hued tops. And it doesn’t stop at that. Even black and white is a theme that the city is crazy about.

But what if you don’t really care for those themes? “It’s better to stay out,” says Kevin Verhghese as he narrates how he felt when everyone but him stuck to the theme for a gala party. But all said and done do people get dressed to the nines? “At times youngsters forget where to draw the line,” feels Ramesh Menon, a model co-ordinator who has done many fashion shows in the city.

“The apparel turns out to be too loud and invites unnecessary attention. Gen Next seems to be in the mood showcase their wardrobes.” It’s just not wearing what’s in,’’ agrees partygoer Roopa George, “My dress should reflect my personality.”

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/43190

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The theatre fest arrives in Kochi with three fine plays that promise three days of thought-provoking entertainment

Get ready theatre lovers – the MetroPlus Theatre Fest comes to Kochi for the first time this August. Known for showcasing quality national and international theatre since its launch in Chennai in 2005, the fest has grown considerably over the years.

The inaugural edition of the Fest in Kochi features three fine plays – the free-flowing ‘The Blue Mug', with a star-studded cast that includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey and Rajat Kapoor; the funny yet profound ‘ One on One', showcasing the work of some of Mumbai's best known playwrights and directors; and the quirky ‘Ms. Meena', which arrives after travelling across the country, from Chennai to Hyderabad to New Delhi.

The Fest will run from August 5 to 7, at the Kerala Fine Arts Hall, Fine Arts Avenue. All shows start at 7. 30 p.m. Here's a preview of what have lined up for Kochinites:

The Blue Mug

The Company Theatre

(Mumbai)

August 5

This play comes to Kochi after a successful run in the U.S., Europe and Singapore. Loosely based on the bestselling book ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat' by neurologist Oliver Sacks (a series of case histories of his patients), it explores personal narratives of memory, and their free-flowing form. Directed by Atul Kumar, ‘The Blue Mug' is anchored by the performances its star cast, with a strong emphasis on improvisation. Indeed, there is no single playwright for this piece of theatre; ‘The Blue Mug' is a devised performance, put together by the entire team.

One on One

Rage Productions

(Mumbai)

August 6

This unique theatrical evening consists of eight sharp and hilarious monologues and dialogues in both English and Hindi. Put together by talented playwrights such as Anuvab Pal, Ashok Mishra, Farhad Sorabjee, Oliver Beale, Purva Naresh and Rahul Da Cunha, and well-known directors Akarsh Khurana, Kunaal Roy Kapoor, Nadir Khan, and Rajit Kapur, it tackles issues relevant to all urban Indians, everything from inedible airline food and Indian bureaucracy to attitudes towards homosexuality and the experience of moving to a big city. The result is a series of stories that range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply insightful and emotionally resonant.

Ms. Meena

Perch (Chennai)

August 7

‘Ms. Meena,' premiered at the MetroPlus Theatre Fest 2010, the result of collaboration between the Goethe Institut, Pro-Helvetia and The Hindu. Inspired by the classic play ‘The Visit' (1956) by Swiss-German playwright Friedrich Durrenmatt, and based on an original story by Rashmi Ruth Devadasan, it tells a tale of revenge and heartbreak, revolving around aging queen of the silver screen, Ms. Meena, and her return to her native village to make her final film. Directed by Rajiv Krishnan, the play is striking in its inventive use of props, and engaging use of live music, based on improvisation by the actors.

http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2233262.ece

Le Meridien along with Palette People, an organisation that promotes art and artists for over two decades, unlocks the passion of local, aspiring artists and provides them with a platform to exhibit their unique talent.

The corridor next to the hotel lobby has been converted into an art gallery where works of contemporary artists are being exhibited for sale. The space was inaugurated recently by actor Jayaram

The Art Corridor is a permanent art gallery at the hotel where 27 paintings of 19 artists are on display. The paintings done in different medium on different themes have price tags starting from Rs 7,000 onwards. Among the works the frame of writer Kamala Surayya named ‘Lady in Pardah’ stands out. The corridor gives senior and upcoming artists an opportunity to showcase their creative works to domestic and foreign guests who visit the hotel.

This non-profit endeavour is a part of the corporate social responsibility initiative of the hotel and Palette People. The proceeds from the sale of art works will be used to support emerging artists, The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other charitable organisations.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/art-corridor-at-le-meridien/295148.html

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Shawls and textiles, crafts and jewellery, straight from the heart of Kerala’s tribal world are on display at the Cauvery — Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Emporium in Kochi.

Cauvery brings this together in partnership with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

“All the products are made by tribals and the initiative is exclusively for the development of the tribals in India. The proceeds will go to them,” says Mainak Mandal, manager of Cauvery.

It is a melange of creativity from across the country. Metal and iron crafts created by the tribals of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, textiles from the north east, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu etc, shawls from the Bodhi tribes of Himachal, Dongria from the Dongria tribals of Orissa, Toda shawls from the Toda tribes of Tamil Nadu and several others are on display.

Bedcovers and cushion covers from Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, saris and silk duppatas from Orissa, Madhya Pradesh etc., tribal jewellery from the Ghantra tribes in Orissa, the Wancho tribes in Arunachal and the Banjara tribes in Andhra Pradesh are also on sale.

There are also tribal paintings — Worli paintings from Maharashtra, Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh, Pithora and Rathwa paintings from Gujarat, palm leaf Soara paintings etc.

Gifts and novelties, cane and bamboo products, pots and organic products make it one complete show.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/tribal-art-finds-new-platform-536

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Kerala's most prestigious fashion pageant, Hair-Omax Miss Kerala 2011 beauty contest will kick start in August, giving young Malayali girls an opportunity to showcase their beauty and talent.

“Through Miss Kerala contest, we are aiming to find a global ambassador of Kerala youth, one whose ambitions and aspirations match with that of the current young generation with all its fortitude,” Harish Babu, managing director of Impressario Event Management India Limited, the producers of the pageant said.

Miss Kerala, which was launched in 1999, was aimed at providing a platform for young Malayali girls to excel and prove their mettle amidst a competitive atmosphere. Over the years, more than 2,000 applications were received and at least 300 girls came in the final round.

Girls, whose at least one parent is of Kerala origin, between the age group of 18-24 and a minimum height of 5.2” are eligible to apply. Twenty-two girls will be shortlisted from the entries at the preliminaries for the final contest which will be held in Kochi.

The entries will close on July 25. This year’s highlight is that the public can also participate in selecting the contestants for the preliminary round as they can vote for their favourite contestant on the facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Kerala-Pageant/

Ladies’ night out in Kochi
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Sunita at AVA lounge

The night has just begun to grow darker and still.

But in one corner of the city sparkling cocktails give way to thumping music.

As swirls of smoke from the smoke machine clear you see Teena, who stands behind the turntable and smiles at a group of pretty faces who add colour to the snazzy AVA lounge at Dream Hotel.

But that’s when you discover it’s a Wednesday. Yes, the Pink Wednesday is here — to entertain all you vibrant ladies who are waiting to have a night out for themselves with peppy music and a string of cocktails.

“I’ve been waiting for a place like this to freak out with my girlfriends for long,” says Tanya, as she sips on Pink Lady, ‘one of fast moving cocktails.’

“This is a new theme and I think this one-month-old concept is really picking up,” says Fino Babu, the F&B manager.

“We are roping in a popular lady DJ who will perform once a month,” he adds as Teena does her best to play some numbers according to the mood of the crowd, which seemed to enjoy her beats. “House music has a lot of takers,” says Teena, who is excited about the whole concept.

From the vodka-based Blue lagoon to Mojito and an array of Martinis, looks like Pink Wednesdays are here to stay and brighten up the evenings of ladies in Kochi.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/ladies%E2%80%99-night-out-kochi-718)

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Kochi got another Lifestyle center. One of world's largest Gym cum Fitness center, Gold's Gym opened its first outlet in Kochi. The state-of-the-art gym center is another golden feature of high value seeking health conscious Kochinites.

The Gym is located at Vytilla Junction.

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FREE DJ Workshop at The Loop

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cc: Kochivibe

“REMO and The Microwave Papadums” at Jt Pac

JT Pac to host the live in concert “REMO and The Microwave Papadums” on 31 July 2011.
‘REMO’ is the highest selling Indian artist in English, and the only one to have Gold Discs in this category here. He has won Platinum and Double Platinum Discs in Hindi-Pop and Hindi-Film categories. He has taken his music to most countries around the globe, performing at international festivals from Tokyo to Dresden, the latest being The Big Chill in the UK and the Incredible India Festival in New York City. He has performed with Ian Anderson & Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and other global greats.
On 26 January 2007, he was bestowed the Padmashri award by the President of India. And now the Indian Posts have announced that they might release a postage stamp honoring Remo soon!!!

At JT Pac on 31 July 2011 (7pm)
For more details and bookings, log on to www.jtpac.org OR call 9349528057/107

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cc: kochigallan

‘binDass Bollywood’ and ‘Commercial Dance Music’ @ AvA Lounge

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cc: kochigallan

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The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, billed as India’s biggest art expo, will be attended by 65-odd international artists, including the recently released Chinese art expert, Mr Ai Weiwei, and Ms Fiona Tan, during its three-month ensemble which will start on November 2012.

The expo is modelled on the Venice Biennale, aimed at bringing together superstars in the art world across the globe and young local talents at the cultural hub of Kochi, which ingrains rich legacies of Europe, Africa, Southeast and Far East Asia. Kerala’s curator duo, Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, are the leading lights of the event. Both had left the shores of the home state to make it big in Mumbai. The Rs 75-crore project is funded by the Centre, the state and art connoisseurs.

“BMW, Audi and Deutsche Bank are vying for partnership as they have their own favourite artists,” Mr Krishnamachari told Deccan Chronicle. “We’re also looking for an Indian corporate honcho.” The Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, extended to the Biennale Foundation all support when Mr Krishnamachari called on him in the evening.

Muziris was the historic port that existed in the 13th century. It was destroyed in the flood of 1341. Lately, the Unesco-funded excavation has brought out more details on its historic relevance as the gateway to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism and Buddhism. All heritage buildings in Kochi would be refurbished to facilitate the art expo. The spin-off to Kerala, apart from being able to showcase the rich art heritage, would be the boom in tourist inflow, expected at 13 lakh.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/art-world%E2%80%99s-who%E2%80%99s-who-converge-kochi-2012-983

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Kochi is all set to host India’s first international Biennale in November next year, pushing the state’s tourism appeal to new heights.

A record number of 1.3mn visitors from all over the world are expected to converge at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale during the three months beginning November 2012 in the heritage zones of the city to view works by some 75 artists from 45 countries as part of a visual arts festival taking place in Kochi and Muziris – an area rich and unique in culture and history.

Internationally acclaimed Kerala-born artist-curators Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, the chief promoters of the event, are on an extensive research trip that has already taken them to Brazil, South Korea, France and Scandinavian countries besides Sharjah in the Middle East. They also expect many participants from the SAARC countries as well.

“We are also in talks with many corporate houses for sponsorship including household brands such car companies and leading banks. All these companies are interested in supporting the project and we are hoping to forge long-term relationships with them for at least three biennales. The business plan is being done by others - not by us artists,” they said.

Inspired by the world’s oldest Biennale in Venice, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale aims to bring together superstars in the art world across the globe and young local talents in the centuries old city which boasts of rich legacies of Europe, Africa, South East and Far East Asian and as well as China.

The legendary Muziris port city that existed until the flood of 1341, was discovered during the recent excavations at the nearby Kodungallur region.
The state government is building a tourism circuit there and archaeological excavation is currently underway.

Muziris is known as the gateway to Judaism, Christianity and Islam in India. The authorities hope to cash in on its rich maritime history dating back to 1st century BC. The biennale comes in handy for the southern state that wields its soft power to attract tourists.

Krishnamachari is now abroad for some 12 days every month participating in similar events and taking note of their features and ensuring the presence or high quality curators, production companies and allied supporters to make the Indian show unique and most contemporary.

The Kochi Biennale Foundation will restore the heritage buildings built by the Dutch, Portuguese, the English and the local maharajahs to their past glory and leave them to the participating artists to exhibit their works.

The cost of the maiden edition of the Biennale is estimated at Rs750mn, part of which will come as the budgetary support from the state government.

“Riyas and I had already visited many countries to meet artists, architects and curators and discuss the project with them. The response so far has been very encouraging and we expect many of them to come and participate in the event,” Krishnamachari said.

The Biennale Foundation will have a presence at the upcoming 4th International Short and Documentary Film Festival of Kerala, where they will be screening short films pertaining to Kochi-Muziris Biennale from July 31 to August 4.

“For the first time, India has its own pavilion at the 54th Venice Biennale. Our intention and vision is that Kochi will become kind of cultural hub in the future. We wanted to make it happen. That’s why we are working hard, day and night, on this project,” Krishnamachari said.

“Kochi is a melting pot of different kind of cultures. It’s almost like a larger world made into a small place. Kochiites speak 13 different languages”.
Krishnamachari left the port city in 1985 to enroll as a student at Sir JJ School of Arts in Mumbai. He’s now one of the most sought after artists and curator in India whose paintings fetch millions of rupees. His work Ghost:Transmemoir was bought by Greek art collector Dimitri Daskalopoulos for Rs15mn.
Like many Kerala migrants who return to their roots, he also has big dreams about his hometown.

He wants to develop it like Bilbao, the Spanish city that transformed itself into a successful service city following an industrial crisis, by building the Guggenheim Bilbao, along with sustainable infrastructure enabling cultural tourists to visit, and artists to work and exhibit there.

“The state can help us by conducting erudite programs and promoting cultural tourism. Once a poor industrial town, Bilbao is now one of the most well known places in the art world. The transformation is known as the Bilbao effect,” he said.

According to him, Kochi has all the qualities to get the place in the international art map. It’s an emerging IT hub which will compliment the biennale’s web-based learning and research and it’ll broaden knowledge of visual arts in India.

“The Kochi Biennale Foundation will collaborate with international heritage foundations to celebrate the rich and diverse history of Kochi. We are in talks with international arts councils such as the Dutch Heritage Council who are interested in renovating Indo-European heritage buildings in Fort Kochi for this festival,” Krishnamachari said.

“It will also be an important forum for underrepresented voices along with the celebrated”.

He feels that the absence of top class curators capable of providing museum with quality exhibitions and taking care of the historical buildings has meant the area has not been able to discover its rightful place in the art world.
For instance, the Hill Palace in Thripunithura is a wonderful place but is in very bad condition.

“We aim to provide an opportunity to elevate Indian art to an international level and create broad access and introducing new artistic expressions to a broad cross section of society,” reiterated Krishnamachari.
“If you have foresight, the amount you spend on this is nothing. This will be one of the greatest wealth people can achieve in a few years of time.”

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=448405&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22

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It’s six in the evening. The rain is pelting down covering the city in a patch of grey.

The right time to curl up in bed, some may think but the smarter among them would beg to differ. Step into the Rotary Bala Bhavan in Panampilly Nagar as the sun goes down and a rich tradition unfolds before you.

Yes, the Kalaris of yore is a rage now. And this time around, the unniarchaas in the making are gearing up to give the brave hearts in the city stiff competition. Adithadas and kaalchuvadus are their staple diet.

A set of sweeps and swirls by the sprightly bunch is all what’s needed to make our jaws drop in awe. As we take in the exciting martial arts skills displayed by the group consisting of 11-year- olds to 45-year-olds, in walks Sivan, the inspiration behind the lot.

“Women used to view Kalari with a lot of apprehension all this while. The use of weapons while practising is one thing that made them stay away,” explains Sivan Gurukkal, the Kalari expert as he guides his dedicated team through various leg movements followed by vandana chuvadu — beautiful gliding movements in eight rounds.

As they form a pattern with swift and smooth movements, they are ready to defend themselves from attacks in any direction. “The first time I did this, my legs went shaky,” says Priya George, an entrepreneur, as she looks at the ways Kalari has become a part and parcel of her life over the past year.

“Each movement needs quick thinking, which in turn sharpens your reflexes,” she says.

A fitness freak Priya gave up her swimming sessions for the love of Kalari. Now swimming has taken a back seat and the twice a week Kalari is what recharges me,” she says. Priya and her friends just can’t stop talking about the benefits this martial art has instilled in them.

“We are lucky to be part of an ancient tradition and this gives us a heady feel each time we come in for a session,” says Rosa who is accompanied by her tiny tots Anna and Varkey, students of Choice School. Little Anna, a Class VI student, is filled with energy as she flexes her body and follows her mom’s instructions word for word. Varkey, her brother, follows in Anna’s footsteps.

If Mridula is jovial about how it has made her lose five kg, another Kalari fan, Manisha Pannicker, who runs a travel company called Silk Route Escapes, narrates how she was able to ward off an eve teaser using some of the techniques she learnt in Kalari. Manisha is happy that her travel clients are also learning a lesson or two from Sivan.

“The martial art which propagates techniques in defending yourself is something that should be learnt by all women,” says Rosa.

Even a dupatta can turn into a great weapon in your hands, says Sivan, an expert in Thekkan Shaili, who discovered the magic of Kalari after a short stint in Karate.

“Even your body gets into a self healing process in Kalari which no other form of martial arts promises. But it’s sad that it’s not given its due among other martial arts. Even Taekwondo has found a place in the school curriculum,’’ says Sivan, a Canara bank employee of the Arakkunnam branch.

“Many of the tactics like pantheerachaan are practised by tennis players as they strengthen your ankles,” says Sivan who delights in imparting his knowledge to the present generation.

He runs the Sri Agasthya Kalari in Fort Kochi, an institution accredited under the Kerala Kalari Payattu Association

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/look-who%E2%80%99s-training-kalari-511

The Kochi Fashion Week is around the corner and the excitement is palpable because it is the beginning of a whole new world of opportunities for so many people.

The curtain raiser for the fashion week was not only about designers and celebrities, but also an eye-opener for event managers and youngsters of Kochi who have always dreamed of being models.

Brand ambassador of the fashion week, Mamta Mohandas, feels that fashion is an attitude and the time is just right for this kind of national exposure and because of television, to an extent, international exposure too. As people living here, we seem to feel that nothing happens or moves here and we are stuck going nowhere.

We always seem to look outside whereas many people look at Kerala for inspiration. So many Bollywood movies and adds use Kerala locales, clothes and jewellery, but we don’t think much of it, maybe because we see so much of it around us, but we shouldn’t discard it like most of us do.

Sanjana Jon and James Ferreira, famous designers who were here, said that they are basically going to work with Kerala fabrics and themes. James Ferreira says he wants to only work with cottons and kasavu as he feels it suits the weather and the style of Kerala.

He says fashion is also determined by the terrain one lives in. Sanjana Jon, on the other hand, is looking forward to working in and for her homeland Kerala. And that her fashion shows always are events she dedicates to the girl child and for human rights as she feels nobody really feels what it is to go through what her brother Anand Jon is going through.

Hari Anand, the first original all-Kerala designer, was extremely happy that finally Kerala will be on the fashion map and ace photographer Ashok Koshy was looking forward to clicking the entire gamut of Kochi models.

So it’s going to be fantastic and the exposure of people from in and out of Kochi working in tandem will only be a learning process through which everyone will benefit. So cheers to the Kochi fashion week. I hope we remember that things like this is all about a lot of people getting employed and an opportunity to do what they want.

So lets cheer for the models and all working behind the scenes. Ende Keralam ethre sundaram.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/kochi-international-fashion-week-here-690

‘Innerview’ the multi-brand furniture showroom by Vilangadan group has been opened on Seaport-Airport Road, Kakkanad.

The 5000-sq-ft showroom was inaugurated by Excise Minister K Babu. The showroom offers bedroom furniture, sofa sets, dinner sets, office furniture, spring mattresses of international brands. It also markets interior accessories.

“Ten similar showrooms will be opened in the state by 2015”, said Sabu Cyriac Vilangadan, managing partner. Benny Behnan MLA and Thrikkakara municipal chairman P I Mohammad Ali, were present on the occasion.

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Tiny tots at Bal Vihar sit wide eyed as she narrates to them short and sweet stories that extol the values of life.

A weekly session with kids is what recharges Rajeshree Kotecha and opens her mind to their world of fun and frolic.

A world that feeds her unlimited creativity with ideas galore. For, no kiddies party in Kochi is complete these days without a creative touch from the lady.

“I love kids and that's what urged me to do something to pep their world up.” And this turned out to be of big help for doting moms who wish to throw a surprise for their little ones on their special day.

“Theme-based parties have become popular in Kochi for the past few years,” says Rajeshree, who came to Kochi after her marriage from Uttar Pradesh 20 years ago.

Successfully organising a couple of Rajasthani and Gujarathi theme weddings for her friends instilled her with confidence to venture into organising theme-based children's parties that shortly became a rage, thanks to the exciting themes on offer.

One of the favourite themes most kids ask for is Noddy, where the venue is decked up as Toyland and each of the invitees are given yellow scarves and caps to resemble the cartoon character.

A set of colour schemes is chosen to go with a certain theme and the party is ready to take off. “Moms do tip me off on the themes their child would prefer but most of the time I sit with the little ones to know exactly what they want to make their day unique. Themes with cartoon characters are popular and the challenge is to come up with new ideas,” says Rajeshree, who ensures that the themes are not repeated often.

One of her specialities are the magic parties that see the kids being transported to a magical land, where invites with rabbits pop out of hats. Rajeshree has even more colourful themes like the Jungle theme where kids can get their faces painted as animals and astrological theme with star signs et all.

“Most of the themes are decided way ahead as most of the items are not available in the city and have to be outsourced.”

Her recent theme saw kids enjoying a lesson in pottery-making in a farm-themed party, which was given an eco-friendly touch with banana leaf streamers hung all over.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/all-rounders/queen-kiddie-parties-692

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She made her designing debut at the Cannes, has been the bona fide designer for international beauty pageants, and owns an impressive clientele including princesses, beauty queens, Hollywood actors and supermodels. Sanjana Jon is not just another Malayali who made it big in the global scene, but, as she puts it in her not-so-perfect Malayalam, ‘an artist who eternally draws inspiration from the place of her origin’.

In the city for Kochi International Fashion Week, she says being a fashionista is more of a balancing act. “For me fashion is something very personalized. You should always go for what suits you and never blindly follow the trend. You should always use a version customized according to your body type highlighting the best in you. Your eyes, complexion, weight, your complete body language - all this matters when it comes to what you wear,” she says.

She also adds that fashion carries cultural and regional flavours and it’s not mandatory that the ‘in things’ in global circuits are accepted everywhere. Sanjana says as a designer it’s the Renaissance era that inspired her most. “I love the Renaissance trends that brought out the best in all forms of art, be it poetry or painting. In India I love the Pre-British period where we set some fantastic fashion statements and trends.”

Though genres are no issue for her Sanjana confesses she has a special fetish for bridal wear. “Doing bridal wear has always been my forte and fascination. It’s a piece of costume so close to your heart, something you will cherish all your life,” she says.

Next to bridal wear she enjoys most doing college wear. “It’s something that reflects vibrancy, the spirit of tomorrow. Then I absolutely adore baby clothes. As of now I am planning to do an extensive line for little boys and girls.”

Sanjana, who will be in Kerala to showcase her collection at Kerala’s first major fashion event Kochi International Fashion Week, says she plans for a highly customized collection that will highlight the feel of the place. “Kerala is not marked by the profusion of colours as in Northern states. It’s the serenity of white that strikes you first and I am working on something that goes in perfect tune with the local vibes,” she says.

Sanjana, who entered the world of haute couture with her brother and celebrity designer Anand Jon, says she is just a shadow of Anand’s creative brilliance. “I owe everything I have to him. He is my guide and my inspiration. Anand is the true artist, the real fashion guru for that matter. I just followed in his footsteps. I was always in awe of what he could do and what he is capable of,” she says.

Sanjana says though she is passing through the most agonising phase of her life following Anand’s arrest she will never give up fighting. “I am fighting for my brother. We were victims to grave injustice and I am trying to brave the storm with all my might,” she says.

She also adds that she is trying to evolve from the turmoil that has encroached upon her life, “You cannot fight darkness with sticks and stones, you can only use light and that’s what I am trying to do.”

The New York based designer says her panoramic homeland is her biggest inspiration, something that sparks up her creativity constantly. “I grew up in the backwaters of Kerala and the serenity and the ambiance of our place are just amazing. I am hopefully looking forward to returning, but only with Anand,” she says.

Sanjana reveals that as of now she is involved with the activities of a big event. “I am planning something really big. For the first time in India we are going to break a world record in fashion. It’s going to be a huge event. Some over-the-top sort of thing, but highlighting our culture and tradition.”
We have seen Bollywood biggies walking the ramp for her and Sanjana says that most of the stars are her buddies, giving her a hand of support whenever needed. “Salman bahi is my rakhi brother. I have been part of his family for a long time. He is the best out there, a man with the right sense and sensibility. He appeals to me not as a star but as a genuine human being,” she says.
An activist’s outlook is the last thing you expect from someone in showbiz. But living in the midst of glam and glitz has not made Sanjana aloof to the world around her. Her shows are dedicated to the girl child campaign and she had worked with the inmates of Tihar jail for an extended period. “We, Anand and I, had decided that we will never go for fashion without meaning. We believe in ‘fashion with meaning’ whether it’s with the cancer society or the girl-child campaign.”

She says it was the grotesque visual of a lake in Rajasthan filled with female foetuses that drove her to the campaign. “That was when I woke up to reality which eventually lead to the girl child campaign. Even if it’s one drop in the ocean it means something,” she says.

http://expressbuzz.com/entertainment/interviews/designer-sanjana-jon/297481.html

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Nippon Toyota Towers Inauguration at Kalamasserry.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/show.jpg.crop_display.jpg

With Onam hardly a month away and the demand for white goods increasing, leading manufacturers have started coming out with new ranges of products and festival offers.

Major companies are targeting an Onam business of more than Rs 600 crore, a roughly 20-25 per cent rise over last year. Sony, Samsung, Godrej, etc, have already begun campaigns.

Samsung India is eyeing festival sales of Rs 250 crore this season with its range of TVs, audio systems and cameras. Company vice-president Rajkumar Rishi said this was a 25% jump over last year. Overall sales for the fiscal were expected to be more than Rs 525 crore, he said.

Sony India is expecting a sale of Rs 110 crore between mid-July and September. This would be a more than 40% jump over last Onam season. Its range includes TVs, cameras, handycams, music systems and laptops.

Godrej has set a target of Rs 75-85 crore. This would be around double last year’s sales, company vice-president Ramesh C. said.

The other players in the sector are expected to announce gifts and festival offers in the coming days. The trade here expects the turnover to go up, especially in a market where white goods are replaced frequently.

For the industry, Onam is the first of the festival seasons of the year to be followed by Ramzan and Diwali. Hence, it gives manufacturers an indication of festival sale prospects.

It is on the basis of Onam sales that campaigns for following festival markets are decided.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/mega-firms-plan-big-onam-758

The Kochi Marathon 2011

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The Kochi Marathon is organised by the District Administration Ernakulam in association with Lions Club International District 324 E4 along with Heart Care Foundation (HCF), Cardiological Society of India (CSI), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the Southern Naval Command and The City Police.

Associations & Support
The District Administration
Lions Club of Ernakulam North representing Lions Club International District 324
Heart Care Foundation (HCF)
Cardiological Society of India (CSI)
National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
The Southern Naval Command
The Kochi City Police
The Kochi Corporation
The GCDA
The Cochin Port Trust
Vyttila mobility hub

Event Management
The Event is managed by Y Brand Ads & Events, based in Kochi.

http://www.thekochimarathon.com/images/routemap.jpg

KOCHI MARATHON
Date 25th Sept, 2011
Time 6.00 am
Start JNI Stadium
Finish JNI Stadium
Distance 42 km

www.thekochimarathon.com (http://www.thekochimarathon.com/index.html)

Ground Zero & Friends – Set to rock you at the FREEDOM ROCKS!
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cc: kochigallan

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a 30-member team set out for a picnic from Panampilly Nagar. It had all the ingredients of a picnic but the picnickers were all over 55 years old. The trip was organised by HelpAge India, an NGO, to take senior citizens out for a day of fun and frolic. “This trip is the first of its kind that we are organising. So we have restricted the number. The idea came up in a conference in Delhi. We usually organise conferences, awareness programmes and the like but this time we thought of doing something more entertaining,” said Dr Feby Mathew physiotherapist, HelpAge India.

Suja Roy, the ward councillor flagged off the bus. The picnickers enjoyed themselves by singing folk songs,’theyyakam, theyyamkam, ninne kaanan kunji pennae, injiperumjeerakam manjalukotambari, neetiaracholayy’ and the like.

Kamalam, a retired school headmistress came equipped with folk songs and like a good headmistress made the whole crowd repeat after her. The male members had more radical themes. A P J Nair shared songs on social change and revolution. “It is the song of the Sasthra Sahithya Parishad on social revolution and the idea of knowledge for power”, he told later.

Before long, the bus was already in Mattanchery Dutch Palace. Many had visited the place several times, but that did not affect their enthusiasm levels. “This is different from other trips. We get to meet a lot of people. It is a refreshment for the mind and body,” said Krishnan Nair. Visit to the Jewish synagogue, Fort Kochi and a boat ride after lunch were the other programmes in their itinerary.

Members of three organisations St Teresa’s Mercy Home Kalamassery, Oasis Nedumbassery and Panampilly Nagar Senior Citizens Welfare Forum were present.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/here-we-go-picnicking/170917-60-122.html

Think about gourmet cooking in Kochi and what is the first name that pops in your mind?


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Yes, Nimmy Paul.

Step into Nimmy’s spick and span home at Thevara and it’s no surprise if you’re greeted by a delicious aroma. The sweet smell of pears and pineapple, mangoes and plums cooking in a hot syrupy liquid.

“Cooking is something spiritual and should be done with utmost care,” believes this petite lady, who has been enthralling foodies with her culinary skills from her home for years.

A cooking career that started from 1991 Nimmy is today proud to look back at the years that made her a connoisseur of not only Syrian Christian food but exotic dishes that come cooked with love and care from her cosy kitchen.

“Even as a child I dreamt of playing a host to umpteen guests from abroad,” says Nimmy, who as a child enjoyed the summer holidays at her various uncles and aunts. And this is what gave her an insight to Kerala cuisine.

“I still hold to my heart my ammamma’s Kinnathappam and valliamma’s Dundy cake,” she says.

The turning point in her life came when she was invited to be a teacher at Vimalaalayam after a stint at the Cultural Academy where she learnt the nuances of home making. “It was fun,” she says and that’s when she thought of extending her knowledge in cooking to those who were likewise interested.

Soon her home was flooded with the crème de la crème of Kochi.

“There was no need for me to put up any posters or advertisements as it was just word of mouth publicity,” says Nimmy as she remembers how she brightened up her home with different themes for each class.

An X’mas cuisine was accompanied by an ‘X’masy’ theme and the perfectionist in her even saw her dicing and preparing the veggies for the students all by herself. As she dished out her favourite dish of prawn cocktail even people from the outskirts of Kochi dropped in for a lesson in cooking.

Her dream of creating an awareness among foreigners about Syrian Christian food became a reality when she was visited by one of the editors of the New York Times in 2003. A mention of his experiences at Nimmy’s changed her life altogether.

If there were just two tourists who dropped in a month initially, the number swelled in no time at all. Now there are about 40 people a month and Nimmy ensures that each of her guests is treated to the most mouth-watering dishes.

From fish moilee to melt-in-the-mouth appams, Nimmy makes sure she gives them the best possible culinary fare. An exciting experience for the lady was a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland last year.

“Many people contact me even when they get back home,” says Nimmy, who is gearing up to give a talk at the Culinary Institute of America soon.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/node/45709

One-man music army. Remo Fernandez Live at Kochi (http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2305430.ece)

Remo Fernandes has always made music on his own terms, never depending on music companies for the release. On the eve of his concert in Kochi, he talks about his musical journey…

Remo Fernandes will be performing in Kochi this Sunday at JTpac. The maverick musician answered in detail queries relating to his music and career in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

You were the first big Indian name in English rock and pop music in India, who dared to strike out on your own, with zero support. On looking back, how do you feel?

I'm very happy I did it, and today I'm very happy that people like you recognise it! I had all this music inside me which I needed to let out, and since no record companies were giving me a contract, I started my own small home studio in Goa, and put out my first album.

Then one thing led to another; I scored music for two films, ‘Jalwa' and ‘Trikaal', and my music went national and then international within a couple of years. Totally unexpected.

Were you ever interested in architecture?

My Dad taught me my first musical chords and instruments. He always said music was a great hobby, but that one needed something steadier as a profession. I chose architecture because it involved drawing and design, and I loved both.

But as soon as I completed the course I went full time into music… One's profession is something we have to live with for most of our lives, so we might as well choose the one we love most. Then we never work a day in our lives.

Were you completely self taught? Guitar, flute and other instruments?

Yes, totally. I still cannot read or write music. My father enrolled me in music classes when I was about seven, but was wise enough not to force me when I refused to go back.

What is your idea of fusion music? You started it long before it became a vogue.

To me fusion is anything which is not pure-breed. Pure-breed is great, but can get predictable after a while.

When different music styles and cultures are thrown together, something unexpected and uncharted emerges I must say that nothing is truly pure-breed; everything is inter-related, all music and all musicians are influenced by something or someone else, so in a wide way, all music is fusion. We ourselves are fusion.

How different is the music scene today for beginners from the days you started out?

The computer and the internet have changed everything.

Today a kid with a CPU can record himself in CD quality, and put out a song on YouTube, FaceBook, etc. If it touches people's hearts and fancies, it can spread like wild fire.

Your lyrics are about politics, about corruption, staying away from drugs and you feel deeply about such causes. Today, do you find young musicians caring about such social issues?

My songs still are about such things which touch me strongly. Do check out my last release, “India, I Cry”, on YouTube, and on my website www.remomusic.com.

Frankly, I didn't hear socio-political songs in India back then, and I don't hear them today.

You are known to hold views like outsiders should not be allowed to buy land in Goa. Isn't that parochialism?

No. It is protection for a naturally and culturally unique, precious spot in India. We ruin all our natural paradises – look what we have done to Ooty, Simla, Dehra Dun; the list is endless.

These places are simply too tiny and fragile to accommodate onslaughts of settlers and builders from all over the country.

If we keep turning all our natural resorts into metropolis, where do we go on a holiday then?

What about your shows with A. R. Rahman? What is the common factor?

Besides being stage performers, we are both composers and arrangers who can handle everything from A to Z in a recording studio. I guess that's the greatest common factor between us.

You starred in the Pepsi ad more than 20 years ago, again setting a trend. What are you planning now?

What I'm planning now is a return to square one. I'm going to resurrect the old ones, as well as record and release my earliest songs – those written during my school and college days. That ought to be fun!

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General Motors India on Saturday launched the diesel version of Chevrolet Beat at a function in Kochi.

The all-new Beat Diesel version has the 1.0 XSDE SMARTECH engine developed specifically for India by the GM Technical Centre in Bangalore in collaboration with GM Power-train Europe.

"Offering a diesel engine developed for Indian consumers in our most popular model is a momentous achievement for GM India," GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym said.

"We are confident that with its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Beat Diesel will set a new industry benchmark and be a winner with local car buyers", he said.

http://english.samaylive.com/automobile/676491324/chevrolet-launches-diesel-version-of-beat.html

Heritage buildings built by the Dutch, Portuguese, the English and the local kings in Kerala’s port city of Cochin are returning to its old glory.

The buildings lying in a dilapidated condition are being restored by a group of artistes in connection with an international biennale to be held in the city in November next year. The biennale, the first of its kind in India, is expected to attract over 1 million visitors from all over the world.

Christened Cochin-Muziris Biennale, the events are scheduled to be held for three months in the heritage zones of the centuries-old city. A visual art festival displaying works of some world-famed 75 artists from 45 countries is a major highlight of the event.

The heritage buildings are being restored by the Cochin Biennale Foundation with the help of global arts councils such as the Dutch Heritage Council who are interested in renovating Indo-European heritage buildings to enable the artists to exhibit their works.

Internationally acclaimed Kerala-born artist-curators Bose Krishnamachari and Riyas Komu, the chief promoters of the event, said they would collaborate with international heritage foundations to celebrate rich and diverse history of Cochin.

“Cochin is a melting pot of different kind of cultures, which boasts of rich legacies of Europe, Africa, South East and Far East Asian and the Chinese. It’s almost like a larger world made into a small place. Our intention and vision is to turn Cochin into a kind of cultural hub in the future”, says Krishnamachari.

“The city has all the qualities to get the place on the international art map. It’s an emerging IT hub which will compliment the biennale’s web-based learning and research and it’ll broaden knowledge of visual arts in India”, he added

Another star attraction during this biennale will be Muziris, which is known as the gateway to different religions in India. The place shot into prominence after archeologists discovered remnants of a thriving port city that existed until the flood of 1341. The state government is already building a tourism circuit connecting Muziris to other tourist centres.

Krishnamachari said that Cochin and Muziris could not find its rightful place in the art world in the absence of top class curators capable of providing museum quality exhibitions and taking care of the historical buildings.

“There are some young people who really want to make this a most beautiful and very interesting place. They are working hard. We aim to provide an opportunity to elevate Indian art to an international level and create broad access and introduce new artistic expressions to a broad cross section of society”, he added.

He said that the Muziris Biennale Foundation was in talks with many corporate houses for sponsorship including household brands such as car companies and leading banks. Many companies are interested in supporting the project and happy to forge long-term relationships.

Inspired by the world’s oldest Biennale held every two years in Venice, the Muziris Biennale aims to bring together superstars in the art world across the globe and young local talents:banana::banana:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2011/July/international_July1551.xml&section=international&col=

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/hal.jpg.crop_display.jpg

Fasting is not new to a country like India which skips food to fight injustice — in one of the most noble fashions of protest, designed by its leaders, centuries ago.

It is also a country where every ninth month of the Islamic calendar, men and women fast from dawn to dusk, not to protest but to learn the essence of patience and spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God, for 29 or 30 days. It is the season of Ramzan.

Times have changed, habits have evolved, but certain practices seem tremain strong among the youngest blood in the lot.

Mariam Henna, a college-going teen in Kochi, says: “Even though I don’t follow all the rules of Islam, the one month of Ramzan is followed with sincerity. Fasting is observed throughout as the period awakens my mind to prayers, faith, hunger and mostly because of the yummy food during iftar!”

Mohammed Aleem, an engineering student in Kochi, feels that after 11 months of living the way one wants to, it is good to sacrifice for one month to know what poor people go through in life.

“Sacrificing all luxuries from dawn to dusk is not easy. You will learn discipline, determination and have an aim for life. Also there is the fun of thinking about the food waiting for you at the end of the day,” says.

Nihal Nazar, a final year engineering student in Kozhikode, began fasting for Ramzan as a ten-year-old ‘because everyone else was doing it’.

He says: “Later I understood the importance of doing so. It is not just about fasting food. It is a period when you talk less, control your temper, try to stay away from trouble as much as possible and spend more time on prayers.”

Faiths vary and attitudes differ from person to person. Ashik Salahudeen used to observe Ramzan as a teenager but later he stopped the practice. He continued for a few more years so as not to upset his parents.

“Then I thought that pretending is cheating. So I told my parents I won’t be observing it anymore. This is not the way to know hunger. It is when you don’t have any money to buy food and then you don’t eat — that is the way of knowing hunger. I have had that experience. There is nothing like not eating,” he says.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/life-fast-lane-377

Happy Ramzan, Mohammed Irshad.

Ramzan is one time we non-muslims look forward to great food. A bit paradoxic I know, since the Muslim brothers are fasting, and we just enjoy the food for dinner.

Malabar plaza offer an excellent, mouth watering collection every evening of the holy month.

Happy Ramzan, Mohammed Irshad.

Ramzan is one time we non-muslims look forward to great food. A bit paradoxic I know, since the Muslim brothers are fasting, and we just enjoy the food for dinner.

Malabar plaza offer an excellent, mouth watering collection every evening of the holy month.

RAMADAN KAREEM TO ALL HERE!!!!

Thanks for the wishes... Waiting for evening somehow.... The heat here in UAE this time, is really making things worse... And surely Ramadan is one of the best times for a hardcore foodies like me..... Evenings surely going to rock!!!!

Dileepetta, try out Iftar specials at Karugapally Junction in Deshabhimani road. I love the Ramadan iftar special in that stretch, which has some of the best iftars in the town..... This time I am going to miss that!!!

Ramadaan Mubarak to all! :)

I am currently in Kochi for few days, and am happy that i can get som hom cooked iftar items!!

Busy days, will get back to you guys, tc :)

Ramadan Kareem Malayali....

Happy to hear!!! Enjoy the real Iftar, especially those baked with love.... Take care and we expect back here with some good pics too....:)

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cc:- Manorama

Speeding Crorepatis

Kerala is witnessing a fast rise of new breed of hyper rich Malayalees armed with Jaguar, Range Rovers, BMW or Audi.... Realizing the powerful fancies of Keralites, all the major super luxury brands of world, have set-up shops in Kerala to cater the rich kids....

The path to Malayalee's speeding luxury dreams started off with Kochi, which even stands as the district where Rs 50 lakh+ cars sells the maximum. Though initially the trend was limited to Kochi and neighboring districts, today the trend is fastly spreading to almost the entire state, with heavy demands from other districts like Karsargod, Kozhikode, Trivandrum and Kollam.

While IT officials prefer cars within 30 lakhs, businessmen prefers Rs 50 lakh + cars. The run-away success of hyper luxury car Audi R 8 which costs more than 1.5 crore in Kochi and Kozhikode is a testimony of this trend.

The recent to catch fancies of Keralities is Jaguar and Range Rovers. Within last 6 months, 10 Range Rovers, each costing more than 1.5 crore, was sold, with Kochi again topping. Pathanamitta, a district having highly wealthy NRKs, brought more than 15 Range rovers Sports series, each costing around 89 lakhs.

Volvo Luxury cars also found its strong market in Kerala, with more than 60 to 70 cars were sold in last one year. Kochi ranks first in this too, with Kozhikode and Trivandrum on close heels.

Mercs, one of the last names in Luxury, were able to sell more than 100 cars in various models, which Kochinites forms more than 50% of its customer base. Likewise BMW 7 series also one area, which caught Kochinites fancies making half of more than 17 cars sold within last 6 months.

Among top purchasing districts, Kochi always finds its top spots.:banana::banana:

To give more surprise, even so-called backward Kasargod also made purchases more than 2 BMW series of car within these 6 months, which indicates the growing trend of Kerala!!!

Surely Kerala indeed is Wealth's own Land!!!!

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=9784660&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11

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CC: Manorama

The historic 7th century mosque at Kochuangadi in Mattancherry, the Chemapittapilly Mosque is going for a major renovation and make-over. The entire make-over is happening without losing its antique value. The entire cost is 25 lakh Rs.

An annex is constructed along with the main mosque, built in traditional Kerala style, which will facililate more people to offer Namaz. While exteriors will be retained in its traditional Kerala style, the interiors will be made lavish with marbles and tile inside.

The Annex will have facility to large iftar gatherings for Ramadan iftars.

The mosque was one of the first in Kerala, to have a copper tile roofing, a tradition of Hindu Temples that time, as permitted by Kochi Maharaja, a testimony of tolerance and equality of the Kings. Ever since, the name struck- Chempittapilly- (Mosque having a copper roofing)

http://www.franchiseindia.com/images/news/kimaya24653929.jpg

Kimaya, a luxury fashion house is planning to open 40 to 50 stores pan India and as well as abroad within the next few years. The new stores will be launched through mix of ownership as well as franchise model.

The brand is now also focusing on tier II cities like Ludhiana, Chandigarh, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Kochi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata etc apart from metros. Also, the company is seeking to extend its footprint to international locations such as London, New York, South Africa, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait etc. Currently, Kimaya has two franchise stores, one each in Chennai and Surat respectively along with established presence via owned stores in various metros.

Also, Kimaya Fashions Private Limited has received investment commitment of Rs 60 crore from Franklin Templeton Private Equity Strategy (FTPES), a rupee denominated private equity portfolio managed by Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Private Limited And advised by Darby Asia Investors (India) Private Limited fuel its proposed expansion plans.

http://news.franchiseindia.com/franchise/Kimaya-seeks-expansion-in-India-and-abroad-3929/

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It all started with ‘Keep on Moving’, the first song through which he forged a bond with the audience. The music buffs who crowded JT Pac had a blast as Remo Fernandes churned out one number after other. From the first song to the end of the nearly two-hour show, he kept the audience spellbound with his enviable voice range, spontaneous guitar strikes and soothing notes on flute.

After creating a pulsating mood through ‘Keep on Moving’, Remo presented his next song, exclusively for the beautiful young ladies present at the theatre. The singer played guitar and started the popular ‘Oh Meri Munni’ with Munna Chari on dholak and Mukesh Ghatwal on keyboard. Since the singer himself was the lyricist and composer of the song, Remo with stylized movements imitated the mannerisms of city girls. While rendering the lines he aped their catwalk culture and sophisticated outlook.

After a while Remo took his flute and began bringing out the best tunes. It was then the singer switched to a unique segment, very similar to our ‘thaniavarthanam’, to the thunderous applause of the listeners. The singer also presented an immortal piece composed by Beatles. What followed it was his popular folk hit based on Daman (a Portuguese island).

The much sought after ‘Humma Humma’ song from ‘Bombay’ was presented to appease the young listeners. After a short break Remo appeared in an entirely different costume - green over coat and a black gypsy pants. Then he sang his all time favourite ‘Bombay City’. The next number was exclusively for the lovers and the singer urged the couples to hold each other’s hands.
Though the singer is popular as an outstanding performer of pop and rock songs, his flute rendering was equally appealing.

“Up in the North East, a young shepherd sits with his flock on a hill top. Clouds float below him. Through them he can see his beloved’s hut half way down the hill slope. He knows her family is away at the temple festival. But not her; she is indoors cooking, the smoke dances out through the chimney. He picks up his flute and begins his wooing song,” he explained the song.
The slow paced flute was accompanied by a special drum, very similar to our edakka. Before concluding his concert Remo repeated his ‘Oh Meri Munni’ owing to repeated requests.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/remo-rocks-kochi/172541-60-122.html

The six day silk exposition is in town now! Bringing quality silk to the city from across 16 states in the country, the expo is a guaranteed treat to silk lovers. The ‘Silk Mark Expo 2011’ which was inaugurated by M. L. A Hibi Eden is happening at Hotel Gokulam Park, Kaloor. In a state where Silk is not manufactured like how it is being done in nearby states like Karnataka, the Expo is something new which you can check on.

Silk products which are certified by the Silk Mark Organization will be on display at the Expo. Along with the assurance of providing quality silk products to consumers, the organizers will make sure that Kochiites get acquainted with the best of silks from various parts of the nation. From Pochampilly Silks to Benares, and silk saris from West Bengal, Orissa and Assam, there is a multitude of choices to pick from. This is the fourth edition of the Silk Mark Expo in Kochi, and the response has been great.

The fest begins at 11 a.m, and ends at 7 p.m till the 7th of August. This is the perfect opportunity to add some ‘silkiness’ to your home, wardrobe and more

Message courtesy:- Kochivibe

http://www.kochivibe.com/silk-mark-expo-at-kochi/

Models let their hair down at KIFW party

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The glitterati, the glamour. Finally, it has reached the shores of Kochi!

The much awaited Kochi International Fashion Week got to a good start on Wednesday evening with the Lukmance Model agency, one of the official model management people, throwing a ravishing party at Hotel CGH Earth.

Apart from the snazzy models, those who graced the party included Shashi Abraham, Sanjana Jon’s mother, Kochi based designer Hari Anand, Gaurav Sharma of Storm Fashion Company, the organisers of the event and renowned photographer Ashok Koshy.

“For the first time, a model party of this level is being organised prior to a fashion show,” says Lukman, who runs Lukmance Model agency. Former Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan and celebrities like Suhasini, Shwetha Menon and Asif Ali will be a part of the show.

DC-Source (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/models-let-their-hair-down-kifw-party-324)

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Catapulting Kochi's position as one of the leading fashion cities of India, the lavish model parties on the eve of Kerala's first international fashion week- The Kochi Fashion Week 2011 marks Kochi's transition to the likes a metro city.

The warmup party held at Casino hotel in Kochi introduced the hot sizzling models and celebrities lined up for the today's Kochi Fashion Week 2011.

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So after 2 major events thats going to rock next 3 days, another bigger scale to happen soon after that...

Freedom Rocks, the mega rock band show organized by 6 major Pop-Rock bands of Kerala.

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Natasha Suri @ KIFW

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cc: Manorama

Fusion ghazal show in Kochi

Audio production and distribution company Satyam Audios, in association with event and artist management firm India Elements, is hosting a special musical evening at Jt pac, Tripunithura, on Sunday at 7 p.m. The show, ‘Mridu Malhar', is a fusion ghazal programme led by Hindustani music exponent Ramesh Narayan. It will also feature Ustad Dilshad Khan (sarangi), Prakash Ulleri (keyboard), Beni (mandolin), Josy Johns (bass guitar), Shomi Davis (percussion), Jerson (lead guitar), Mahesh Mani (tabla), Vijay Sen (harmonium), and singers Madhusree and Madhuvanthi.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2329873.ece)

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Works underway to make Kochi Durbar Hall Art Gallery International levels, as part of Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2012

Disco fighters @ AVA Lounge

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Passion for fashion
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On Friday, as the 30 metre long ramp was set on fire at the luxurious Casino Hotel, Kochi witnessed what could well be the beginning of a fashion revolution.

Bringing together 50 stunning models showcasing the collection of 20 Indian designers, the Kochi International Fashion Week (KIFW) seems set to change the face of the multi-ethnic land of Kerala.

The ongoing days of haute couture and prêt seem to have brought about such a wave of fashion that even the top models in the country, who are participating in the show are bowled over sensing the fashion frenzy of the Kochiites who have for the first time been witness to the KIFW.

“On Friday, when the girls first walked the ramp, the Kochi crowd was jumping with excitement as if they were waiting all this long to experience an international fashion show,” exclaims Dalu

Krishnadas, one of the top fashion choreographers in the country. He is astounded at the poise the audience kept throughout the show, especially the patience with which they waited for about half an hour until the next show began.

“Though I have been working with fashion shows across the country, I was a little sceptical about the Kochiites who hesitate to stay for an event so late into the night. But KIFW has cut across conventions and our people are really looking forward to a real fashion hungama!”

Sunaina Nair, a Mumbai-based model at KIFW, who is part Keralite, shares her deep excitement in finding the drastic transformation of her home land.

She quips, “I was thoroughly surprised seeing the warm response we received after our very first show in Kochi. Though I frequently pay a visit to Kochi, I never sensed the people’s deep passion for fashion before. But watching the gorgeous variety of trendy dresses sported by most of the boys and girls watching the show I know that Kochi has come up on the fashion meter.”

Bimpal, a Delhi model participating in the event, is more mesmerised by the fabulous designer collections, the scintillating music and the commendable choreography at the KIFW.

“It is my first trip to Kochi for a show. As far as I had known, Kerala has never been a place for fashion. But from the very first day of KIFW I realised that I was deceived. Keeping in view all the tremendous change that has come in the way of fashion, Kochi is just “amazing”!” she gushes.

The only model from Chennai is Leena Priya, who finds an encouraging trend developing in Kerala with the fashion week but at the same time finds the number of designers in Kochi significantly low in comparison to other parts of the country.

Leena comments, “It is probably because Kerala lacked a platform for budding designers to showcase their talent all this time that the number of designers is very small here. But I am sure with given a few years Kochi will be a strong fashion city.”

Tinu, the model from Kochi, who has already walked the biggest ramps in the country, is back to perform in her home city after a long break.

The young girl who earlier had the conviction that Malayalis rarely respected the hard work behind modelling is totally shaken after she saw how the new generation responded to fashion in Kochi.

“This is a real shock for me. Thanks to the wholehearted efforts put in by Gaurav Sharma in bringing the International Fashion Week to my home city, Kochi has now risen to the standards of any fashion capital in India,” she concludes.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/passion-fashion-872)

Some pics from The Hindu Metroplus Theatre Fest 2011-Kochi for the premiere of 'The Blue Mug' play.

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Shipra says during the course of The Blue Mug: “Life without memories is nothing at all”. If Blue Mug were to have a tagline, this could be it. On one hand you have Rajat, Sheeba, Vinay and Munish treating you to flashbacks of their respective lives; on the other, Shipra and Ranvir playing out the story of a person with memory stuck in 1983. The script is simplicity itself, there is nothing you might not have encountered yourself. This connecting factor endears the play to you, or maybe the presentation, the surreal picture painted on stage with one person talking under a spotlight while the others do random stuff in the backdrop. I won’t pretend to have understood all the abstract elements though. Lovely acting – highlight being Vinay and Sheeba. Excellent choice of music; the Hemant-da song, the retro jazz piece. Kudos to The Hindu for bringing this initiative to Kerala.

Vipin S Nair, Elamakkara, Kochi

True memories

Memories make up a person and ‘The Blue Mug' sure drove that point home!

The play never had a dull moment as it progressed though the memories of each of its characters.

The fact that all the ‘memories' (excluding that of a character suffering from memory loss) were true, added to the intensity and liveliness of the performance.

The myriad memories made us laugh, gave us something to ponder over and at times moved us.

‘The Blue Mug', for me, would be a memory to cherish.

Funny, yet profound; mirth tingled with melancholy. Awesome!

M.G.Gopikrishnan, Vytilla, Kochi

Unconventional format

The inaugural edition of the MetroPlus Theatre Fest in Kochi had a fantastic opening in ‘The Blue Mug'. The 90-minute play showcased some of the finest talents of Indian theatre. The play, with its unconventional and never- before-seen format, was mostly filled with solo performances of the cast literally living out their most cherished memories on stage. Sans any costumes or props, the actors flowed in and out so effortlessly, enacting themselves at different stages of their life. My personal favourite was Vinay Pathak whose body language was nothing less than pure magic. In toto, the play would easily find a place in my most cherished memories.

Dhruvan Gautham, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi

Its USP

Anecdotes from the past strung together and narrated in a very informal each artiste regales you with memories of childhood, summer with grandparents, ‘becoming man' college days, first brush with love, which gives us a sense of déjà-vu. Though there were moments that tickled your funny bone (like denying outrightly to your mother that you were not smoking even when smoke was coming out of your mouth), some of the jokes went overhead (because of the Hindi). Amidst all this, the message was sent loud and clear - “If you lose your eye or limb, you are aware of the loss. But what if we lose ourselves (our memory), there is no one to register that loss.” The USP of the play was the casual yet powerful performances of the artistes. The standing ovation was testimony to its reception by city theatre enthusiasts.

Marina.A.Chaly, Kaloor-Kadavanthara Road,Kochi

Reflection

As the protagonists travel back and forth in their memories, reminiscing a plethora of emotions, the viewers are also transported to their own share of memories of growing up, happiness, grief and loss. The ‘Blue Mug' destructs both the time factor of memories and the way they are tweaked to suit our fancies.

The dexterously enacted Chaplinesque scene of a childhood memory made one long for more.

Eric Eldho Paul, Vyttila

Excellent cast

The cast of the play blew our minds away with their performances. There were moments in the play when the audience found themselves lost in their own childhood days. In 90 minutes, the play took us on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. We laughed at the silly but naive memories of joint families, summer holidays, old grand parents, weird uncles, first kiss... and we also felt pain in our heart as we remembered memories of losing our close ones, loneliness of boarding school and the times when we were not there for our loved ones. The neurologist and the patient suffering from memory loss take the play to a completely new level.

Recha Tewary, Jawahar Road, Kochi

Silent mobiles

This play makes us realise that our memories shape us and make us who we are today.

The play, as it progresses makes you recollect your younger carefree days as well as small, unimportant instances that occurred recently, so much so that you let the mobile vibrating in your pocket be as it is and give the play your full undivided attention. Now, to make a hall full of people follow suit, that is quite an achievement!

Sachin.S,, Poonithura

Ranvir brilliant

Thought-provoking, humorous, poignant, irreverent and sometimes inscrutable, ‘The Blue Mug' was all this and more. A buffet of memories bringing to life adolescent romance, childhood pranks, visits to the city, growing up in a joint family, the first date, cantankerous elders and many more. Beautifully scripted, free flowing, the performances were flawless. I don't think there was anybody in the audience who did not find a resonance in their own lives. Ranvir Shorey was brilliant in his portrayal of a man with dementia; pathos and gentle, rustic, inadvertent humour exquisitely intertwined. A disturbing reminder of what happens when we forget to remember. Or perhaps, as Rajat Kapoor said; a counterpoint to the main message, that it may be better to forget sometimes.

P. Ramachandran, Vyttila

Encore, please!

Kudos to the Company Theatre Group!

It was a wonderful treat!

Most of the time I felt like skimming through my own memories, so familiar, so lively and then fading away myself....The cast was superb. The lady narrating that part of her grandpa and grandma was so original. They made excellent use of the stage, light and shade, enough to keep your eyes glued to the stage. Wish more and more creations from this group would come here.

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As our country gears up to celebrate its 64th Independence Day, the rocksters of Kochi too are waiting with bated breathe.

Six popular bands of Kochi will rock the city with their head banging music on August 15.

The event called ‘Freedom Rocks’, which will be held at Fine Arts Hall will see the bands Motherjane, Exodus, White Sugar, US, Dutch Street and Ground Zero performing.

“It’s been a while since Kochi woke up to rock music,” says James Peter of White Sugar.

Other than their own peppy numbers White Sugar members will also croon to some of the popular numbers of their favourite bands, Limp Biskit and Rage Against Machine.

The show is organised by Communicraft Event Production House and All for Rock, an organisation of rocksters in Kochi which promotes upcoming bands.

A highlight of the show will be the foot-tapping numbers by popular bands Motherjane and Ground Zero. While the showstopper from Motherjane will be their just released single, No Contest.

Ground Zero, a band formed by some of the members of 13 AD, is all set to enthrall the audiences.

“We haven’t lost our taste and passion for playing good music. The creative relationship of the band is very intense with this current line-up,” said Darshan Shankar of Communicraft, who is also the vocalist of the band Ground Zero. With its new verve, Ground Zero is waiting to relive the magic of 13 AD.

The proceedings of the show will go to Sampoorna, a school for children with special needs.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/kochi/rocking-cause-i-day-102

Bhanu (Muktha) starts a Parlour
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These are the days when actresses are involved in other businesses too, apart from just standing in front of camera. This, they feel, would ensure that their financial position is safe and secured even after they bid adieu to acting,

The latest to join the actress-entrepreneur bandwagon is Bhanu. The Mollywood actress, who started her account in Kollywood with Vishal-starrer 'Thamirabharani', has started a beauty parlour in Kochi.

"My mother Shali is a trained beautician. So I decided to start a parlour under her administration. The outlet has been named Studio Revive and it would be a one-stop shop for all beauty needs," Bhanu says.

The actress, who was last seen in Tamil in SA Chandrasekar's 'Sattapadi Kuttram', adds: "The support is so overwhelming and we happy to serve our clients. There are expansion plans too, which we would take up soon."

India Glitz (http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/69626.html)

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KOCHI: Even as the footprints of IT sector are fast growing in the state, a new trend gaining ground among techies to deal with stress is weekend getaways.

And leveraging upon this fad are two business segments - tour operators and event management companies. The USP of weekend packages is a cocktail of entertainment and adventure.

Some of the hot spots for weekend getaways are the Nelliyampathy forests, Vagamon hills, Marayoor valley and the hilly terrains of Wayanad.

Data provided by tour operators reveal that the number of IT professionals planning weekend trips is on the rise.

“The number of weekend picnickers is between 3,000 and 3,500 this year so far, as compared to the total number of 2,000 to 2,500 last year,” C P Ajithkumar, president, Travel Operators Association of Kerala, said.

“The expenses for these trips are flexible. We usually charge Rs 1,200 per person, excluding transportation and food charges. We provide them accommodation, a guide and a tribesman to assist them in trekking. If they demand, we provide them a cook,” Nihad S, marketing manager with a city-based tour operator, said.

“Regular IT groups consist of about six members and they are� usually mixed. Preferring to stay in the wilderness, in a bid to bond with nature, most of them avoid popular resorts,” he said.

The second week of August this year is a busy time for operators as, thanks to the Independence Day, three holidays fall in a row, he said. “We closed bookings by mid-July,” he said.

“Another reason for going on such trips is that there is no night life in Kochi and Thiruvanathapuram. So the options to chill out and relax are less,” TCS employee Ratheeshkumar said.


http://ibnlive.in.com/news/techies-go-wild-on-weekends/175567-60-122.html

When the entertainment sector in the city was not as packed with multiple options like today, an artistically inclined man tried to do something diverse.

With the support of friends, he made music lovers familiar with some new ways of enjoying live music. Meet A.J. Jose, popularly known as Goldwin.

From 1964 to 1982, Mr Jose regularly took the initiative to organise musical gatherings titled Goldwin Nights, Goldwin Musical Nights and Goldwin Discos.

Mr. Jose gets nostalgic rewinding to an era when he was a key member and a trusted all-weather associate among rock musicians and their fans in Kochi.

Talking about the Cochin of 1960s, he says, “It was Emile Issacs, member of one of the earliest city bands Elite Aces, who first discussed the idea with me of starting musical shows. I thought ‘why not,’ as Kochi never had such musical nights. Thus was born the ‘Goldwin shows.’

Goldwin Musical Nights was conducted combining both eastern and western music. It was for the first time that the city folks experienced popular Malayalam, Hindi and English songs being performed on the same stage.

The songs were mixed up so that the audience never did not go away once their favourites were over.

Goldwin Nights was an exclusive western music programme that attracted even rock devotees from as far as Calicut, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram.

“Even in the absence of telephone, it was not difficult to let people know about shows because rock music followers from different places of Ernakulam were connected with each other and news spread like wildfire,” says Mr. Jose.


http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/glam-sham/goldwin-times-kochi-616

Avial teams up with DJ Shekar & DJ Nash
The celebrated South Indian music band, Avial, has teamed up with Kochi's favourite DJs, DJ Shekar and DJ Nash, to do the remix version of the song, 'Aana Kallan' from director Aashiq Abu's new spicy flick, 'Salt n Pepper'. The video was shot in Club 1100 at the Ramada Resort.

The Avail band is the brainchild of four music enthusiasts - Tony John, Rex Vijayan, Mithun Puthanveetil and Binny Isaac. They have carved a niche for themselves by reproducing traditional Malayalam folklore into the metallic strings of their electronic guitars, drums and keyboards. Papaya Media, the creative designers of latest Mollywood flicks like 'Salt n Pepper,' 'Chappa Kurishu,' 'Traffic' and 'Daddy Cool' did the shoot. They are also the prime promoters of the band.

TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-13/news-and-interviews/29883899_1_music-lovers-avial-band)

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Freedom Rocks!!!! The grand rock concert on Independence day at Kochi

Freedom Rocks-
The grand Rock concert at Kochi to celebrate India's 64th independence day.

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Cochin is fastly rising with its demographics aptly changing its preferences to metro likings. This is getting clearly visible in rising number of Gourmet Shops.



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Here is a gourmet shop which you can say is exclusively Cochin! ‘Cochin Gourmet’, a new gourmet shop opened near Kacherippady, is something which Kochi shopaholics would not want to miss. From imported chocolates (not the ones you would find in bakeries), which are truly original, cookies, sauces, biscuits, and more, this shop is a must check out! Leaving aside the grievance that Kochi does not host many gourmet shops, this one paves way for a typical classy gourmet shop which you would love to visit.


With ‘ready-to-cook’ lasagnes and pastas (which are not a common sight in our shops), flavoured almonds, olives, and so on, this is a place where you can walk around aimless, but cannot leave without buying anything. It’s absolutely tempting. Brands like Tabasco and Tyrells (potato chips) are available here. The varieties of organic teas that they have are also worth checking. And for all those health freaks, you have exclusive imported health oils that can take care of your heart and body systems. Canola oil (which is not available in many shops here), used by brands like KFC and McDonald’s is available here.

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So if you want to do some Indian shopping, you get everything. From pickles to curry powders, everything is obtainable under one roof. Do not miss to try out their chicken rolls, and cutlets which are homemade. Started off by a group of youngsters Tixon, Teji, Roby and Joshy, Cochin Gourmet is creating waves already. The shop is located beneath RDS Nedungadan apartments at Kacherippady. The shop would be open from 9.30 a.m, and closes at 9.30 p.m. So if you are in the mood for the best gourmets, make sure you hop in at Cochin Gourmet!

http://www.kochivibe.com/cochin-gourmet-shop-treat-your-taste-buds-with-the-best/

Kochinites has another reason to cheer. Soon, we are going to have more better walking track from Rajendra Maidan to Marine Drive end, spanning more than 1.5 kms.



Subhash Park has always been Kochi’s pride. And, our very own park is now getting a facelift. You can very soon have a stroll over the walkway that will be connected from the Park to Marine Drive. The concerned authorities have started working for the implementation of this project. The park has been in a not-so-good condition since the past many years. In spite of hundreds of people visiting the park on a daily basis, the concerned people have not really done anything for uplifting the condition of this beautiful park.

This new walkway definitely would give an added charm to Subhash Park. Scheduled to be completed in a span of four months, officials say that the paper work for the walkway has already started. One of the major agendas in their list would be to find sponsors for this project.

For a city where tourists drop in everyday, in numbers of thousands, something like the walkway gives an added splendour. Also, this would be something which every child and adult who visits the park every weekend would want to check out. Hope this one doesn’t go down the drains. Let’s now wait and see how pretty a walkway this shall be.

http://www.kochivibe.com/subhash-park-gets-a-walkway/

Kochinites has another reason to cheer. Soon, we are going to have more better walking track from Rajendra Maidan to Marine Drive end, spanning more than 1.5 kms.

An active Government, Mayor, Collector etc can do a lot on the growth of Kochi as a total City! I feel, its happening now :)

Badatweetup ! at Abad Nucleus Mall
The first edition of the Baap of tweetups, the Badatweetup got off to an ebullient start. The Abad nucleus mall witnessed the participants share jokes and thoughts with the celebs for the event Kailash and Archana Kavi. The hot discussions stretched from hit movies to Anna Hazare’s protests.

The celebs opened the event with a small introduction on how beneficial the twitter social media is. Archana Kavi was attending her second tweetup was in a very animated mood and reacted to the comments and questions in a very buoyant manner, much to the delight of the tweeting community. Kailash on the other hand was the cool dude who got his twitter account going there at the badatweetup event. You guys can follow him up on twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/actorkailash .
The event got together twitter friends from every walk of life from CEOs to photographers from server analysts to hardcore manchester united fans. Exciting prizes were also given away during the event. The next badatweetup is already on its way! :)

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