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Art and Injustice : My Unfair Lady

Four women on performing arts and depicting women’s injustice.

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Art and Injustice My unfair Lady

 Photos: Ramesh Varma

A stirred bafflement in me was when the curtain fell at Ekharya, India’s first solo drama performance festival. All the performances opened up to new perspectives, especially Indian plays. They are more open-ended than reductive. One may think plays are passive, but it stimulates interaction and institutes a dialogue. It may not be inter-personal or even a critique. It could mean, intra-personal. That’s the deepest, just when you’re immersed in introspection.

Kalyani-mulay

The Soaring Lioness

I saw her as one; she had a guttural voice, as she talked about a scene called “Dushasana Vadh” from the war of Kurukshetra. That ferocity was portrayed in her bright red sari with a dot of vermilion on her forehead. She walked with a swagger of gadadhaari Bhim.

Dr.Teejan Bai, the first woman from the Pardhi community, is known to perform a form called Pandavani. This time it opened it with an iconic story from the Mahabharatha. Her ballad resonated with the phrase “Tohe sharam laaj na aaye Nakul” (Don’t you feel a little bit of shyness?). Her indelible Draupadi Cheerharan from the lore Mahabharat made her exemplary, but also infamous. Ostracized by her community, she took the bold decision to sing the Pandavani professionally. When asked about the barbarity done on women, she said, “The atrocities have fairly reduced compared to our times. These days, girls are well educated and soaring to better heights.”teejan-bai

Sharpness, truths and bluntness

As long as we live in a society that is reigned over by male heterosexual norms, female bodies will continue to be “user- friendly” and “saleable”. In the play, C Sharp C Blunt, the concept was based on a plight only going in circles: a loop. A question on gender construction, how folkways frame boys and girls. It narrated stories of three women: a germinal singer who’s forced by a lady director to sing songs that are equivocal. It’s worse when her parents cannot embrace her independence and society nags her about marriage. Then an actress who was coerced to expose herself in a rape scene. In life, she’s pestered by the society’s questions about her husband’s opinion, her late working hours and higher salary. Finally a software (an app named Shilpa) which becomes self-aware and starts utilizing data about human perverted preferences for its advantage. Singer MD Pallavi has calibrated the moods and situations with the looping, pitch-shifting, overlaying and processing voices. Her humor was a lesson that laughter could only ease the pain. All of the characters shared problems that could not break out from the loop.

M-D-Pallavi

Eyes beyond the unSeen

One may despise the truth, but it is an inevitable fact of life. When girls breathe for the first time, it isn’t just the oxygen but fumbled words of “must do”. unSeen starts with a 10-minute stream that gushes forth hysterical self-suspicion. How should she carry herself so that she does not provoke a man to paw her or how she shouldn’t get caught in a man’s eye? The play probes Rabindranath Tagore’s misconstrued notion of womanhood (women are intellectually and physically weaker than men). Kalyanee Mulay bluntly depicts a woman’s quotidian rituals: menstruation, depilation, dressing up. Donned in a necklace draped with clunky kitchen utensils, she shook her hips in a skirt cut from a plastic washbasin. Her handbag was made from a bent frying pan, and she essayed a women’s journey in an astounding way.

Mesmerized by Monologues

One of the final performances took me to a blank state of mind, as symbolic as the body adorned in white cloth. She lay on a wooden base in a crematorium with a fierce smell of incense. Seema Biswas, the National Award winner was a cynosure among the audience. Jeevit ya Mrit directed by Anuradha Kapoor is the story of a widow, Kadambini. Taken by her relatives and left to be burnt, Kadambini gains consciousness.seema-biswasThe rest of the play is about the monologues that set foot in the dominion of dreams, desires, sights and interior landscapes inhabited by memory. The dramatic lighting and thumping music enhanced the soliloquies. They were narrated not only with superb modulation, but also a surreal navigation through different deaths in many widows’ lives. When asked about feminist theatre to Seema Biswas she quipped, “ There is no border to distinguish something called feminist theatre. It could be remarked as a different way to tell a story.”

I was overwhelmed by the fact that theatre and artists have the prowess to move you; deeply, which probably even cinema may not be able to do so. I could feel my nerve wrench as I saw artists venting out on stage. From raising certain questions on democracy, basic existence of women, how human lives have become like a circus to introducing a completely new genre called object theatre, the topics were divergent, but what stayed along with me was the energy on stage they had displayed. Even after the wrap up, it was unfathomable. Unreal.

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Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep

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Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top  activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.

The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.

Agatti Island:

Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Minicoy Island:

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.

Kadmat Island:

For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.

Amini Beach:

If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Bangaram Island:

Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.

Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Beauty

Kiara Advani’s Soft Glam Makeup Look

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Kiara Advani is proof that a look may be beautiful without always requiring intense contouring and layers of makeup. The actor from Satyaprem ki Katha has a natural, luminous, and unquestionably head-turning approach to soft makeup that is worth emulating. Lekha Gupta, her makeup artist, created the ideal mix between a clean, glowing complexion and a subtle brown smoky eye. Whether it’s for her big day or multiple red carpet appearances, the actor has a reputation for doing minimalist makeup flawlessly.

Kiara Advani, wearing a body-hugging pink gown by Tran Hung, was spotted having a pink moment that was enhanced by her bold beauty appearance. Her face was defined by the delicately bronzed cheeks, her glossy nude lips completed the ensemble, and her gently smudged out makeup accentuated the shape of her eyes.

Lekha Gupta, the makeup artist, accentuated Advani’s eyes by using mascara to lend drama to the lashes. She gave Advani’s skin a dewy base and then defined the cheekbones with a warm, peachy bronzer. Her lips were covered in a glossy lip gloss that complemented the brightness of her pink costume, and her brows were nicely shaped and filled in. In terms of hair, the actor sported a glossy, blow-dried mane that had a contemporary centre part to complete the symmetry of the ensemble.

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