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Gopi Sunder : Hitting the Right Notes

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Historically, musicians were known not to be the most affable of human beings. Preferring to remain aloof, shying away from crowds, singing about the heavens and worlds beyond, a musician was always considered an enigma. A piece of code that was considered too hard, or even too dangerous to decipher. But like everything in this world, musicians have evolved too.

Gopi-Sunder-FWDLife-Jinson_Abraham-9Your present day musicians are no wandering mystics; they do not shy away from a crowd. In fact, the 21st-century musicians are master tacticians who know the pulse of the listener; they know what sells and what doesn’t and are deft with their social skills. A perfect case in point would be the man that we are featuring here; a master hit-maker and a musical genius in his right, Gopi Sundar. As Gopi himself says,” I know what the audience wants, and I give them exactly that.” Having composed music for over a hundred movies and over 5000 jingles, Gopi Sundar is currently among the most sought after musicians in South India today.

Music Milestones

At an event held not long ago at Vigyaan Bhavan in Delhi, Gopi was awarded the National award for best original background score for the movie 1983. A flood of reactions followed, both positive and negative. Nonetheless, the award was seen by many as a fitting tribute to the man who has enthralled the South Indian audience with some ground breaking musical scores in the past few years, be it Ustaad Hotel, Bangalore days or Left Right Left.So what did the man himself have to say when asked about winning the award?

“I don’t make music for the awards. I make music because I want to make music. I am not saying that the award does not make me happy. All I am saying was I was no less happy before the award. For me, someone humming my song is as good as any award.”

There is something in Gopi, probably in his boyish smile or in the unassuming look of his eyes. You can’t say which, that makes you feel that this is not one of those regular “I don’t care about awards” statement, and you somehow end up believing what the guy says.We know Gopi as somebody who has, in some ways, revolutionized the film music scene in Malayalam. Be it the fiery background score of Big-B, which set a new trend in Malayalam cinema or the idea of getting actors to sing playback for him.But you see none of that revolution in person. Gopi comes across as gentle and unassuming. What it would take it wipe the smile on his face, we wondered? Luckily for us, we never Gopi-Sunder-FWDLife-Jinson_Abraham-3found out.

The shoot happened right after Gopi had completed composing music for Shyamaprasad’s latest directorial venture, Ivide. He was taking time off from his hectic schedule, for a trip to an exotic location, and we caught him just before he left. Working for Ivide was a challenge in some ways, he says. “Ivide is very unlike a regular Malayalam movie and had to be treated differently. The background score had to be detailed intricately with silence and sound in the right places. I enjoyed working on it,” he says.Gopi has a knack of explaining things with analogies- he says “ just like a cameraman should know how to use both light and darkness to his advantage, a musician has also should learn how to use silence in his music that he creates.”

Getting them Sing

So this movie again has actor Prithviraj singing out to us. Now, what is with actors singing playback, I wonder? Is it just a marketing gimmick like what he has always admitted it to be?“Yes,” he says, “It started off as a marketing idea because I thought that an actor’s voice could sell. But I soon found out that actors have an uncanny ability to impart the feel that a song demands. In some cases, they manage to do better than singers. Mainly because an actor is able to associate with what the character is supposed to feel in that instance”. He also says, “You have one voice speaking in the entire movie and then when it comes to songs, you have a different voice. Isn’t that a little odd?”Thinking of it, isn’t that true? Getting tuned to his analogies, I had a laugh when he joked about actors singing are like fit actors who do not depend on their stuntmen.

Work and Play

Apparently, Ivide was just one of the fourteen movies that Gopi was working on in the past few months. To top it off, he casually mentioned that there are twelve more projects that he has to start working on, once he returns from his trip. Ouch, that’s a lot of work he’s doing. Is he a workaholic? He casually replies, “No, I always work on my terms. I prefer not working late nights. I never put myself under stress, because I know that could affect the quality of music that I produce.” Twenty original scores over a period of three months and he is still not stressed out? “Coming from the fast world of advertising has its perks,” he laughs. As we got ready for the shoot, I asked him if he has a done a shoot earlier. “Yes, but that was a long time ago,” he said. He was a little stiff to start off, understandably uncomfortable. We warmed up with a few decent shots and then Blessy, our stylist had this idea of playing some Gopi-Sunder-FWDLife-Jinson_Abraham-1peppy music. And voila- didn’t that work? The music got Gopi in his groove and in seconds we saw him transforming into a blithe boy- strumming the invisible strings on an old stereo, brandishing the trumpet as if it were a machinegun and turning his rockstar mode on with the microphone. He just had fun and Jinson, our photographer, clicked away. We are waiting for the reactions for the shoot to pour in, but let me tell you something. One look at the photos and the ladies at our office went,”Oh my God, he is so cute!” Quite something for the man who started of feeling absolutely out-of-place when the shoot started off. The day ended with a surprise for us and more so, for Gopi. A few friends of Gopi invaded the studio, and one of them had a delicious looking chocolate cake in his hand, and it said Happy Birthday Gopi. A pleasant surprise indeed. Oh! It certainly was a very happy birthday as the birthday boy blew the candles out and smeared the cake on all his friends .So how old did Gopi just turn? He looks at me, smiles mischeveously and walks away!

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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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