Conversation

Moving Beyond Expectation

Mrs Sheela Kochouseph in a freewheeling chat with FWD Life about business and pleasure that has taken up her time in the last year.

Published

10 years ago

February 7, 2014

FWDmedia

It’s an year and a half since we interviewed Mrs Sheela Kochouseph at her house in Palarivattom. The decor is almost the same barring the few additions like the Head gear with piranha teeth from the Amazon Basin, and the Mother Mary figurine from Italy. What has surprised us is the high energy level and the way younger than a year ago interaction that she had with us. The phenomenal success of Vanessa- Valero, her travels abroad, a new addition to the family- her grandson, or even her casual attire- well, we don’t know what brought it about, but it was truly a memorable interview that FWD life has done recently.

Referring back to the older interview, there was a mention of market expansion for Vanessa nd Valero, also a similar line for children, how has the expansion being?

V-star under its various product lines of Vaneesa and Valero has started off in new markets, namely Tamilnadu and Karnataka. A new line for teenagers has been introduced too. The children’s line called Little Valero and Little Vaneesa is prevalent in the market.Our best selling product by far has been the leggings. It has become a major fashion trend. The light weight, cotton, spandex mix cloth with a bio-washed finish has become a hit largely due to the comfort it provides the user.

As for the future largely due to frequent enquires we are developing a new product line and a sales feature. The product line is a plus-size line of undergarments for women. Internationally we are exporting to UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Our exports contribute to 20% of our turnover.

Is there any reason why you expect a rise in export numbers and not so much in the domestic market?

The buying trend in the domestic market is changing a lot. As far as Kerala is concerned the Onam buying has been very dull last two years. Having brainstormed about this trend, I suppose the reason could be because the idea of buying something new for Onam is no longer relevant. The buying is happening all across the year, so are the reasons for buying too. The bridal season is big for our premium lingerie set the “Purple Passion” . April- May being precursor months for school opening become a big sales point for the teenager collection. Therefore there is certainly a evolution in the buying trends. Also has previously mentioned the online store, every customer segment now buying online.

As far as rest of India is concerned our biggest market is still Diwali.

WonderLa has now become the brand name for all your amusement parks, why was such a decision taken?

The primary reason was to consolidate the branding, all new amusement park ventures will be under WonderLa, for the same reason, Vega Land in Kerala is also been rebranded has WonderLa. It’s always easier to rebrand in Kerala because it’s our home base, people will always connect with the amusement park here. This consolidation was also necessary because WonderLa is going public issue soon.

Arun Chittilappillyis handling Wonderla and Mithun Chittilappilly is handling V.Guard and since the Vega Land brand is available, my husband Kochuseph Chittilappilly is heading the newly launched Vegaland Developers. The first project is a closed gate community in Vazhakala, Cochin, called Green Grounds. True to its name the property will have good landscaping and gardens, something which I have taken a personal interest. My husband and I will be moving there once the project is completed.

There seems to be a spurt in women entrepreneurs in Kerala, do you think the society has finally accepted women professionals?

It is true that professionally qualified people are coming together and building new business in all sectors. Yet the question of gender comes into play depending on the marital status of those involved. Parents don’t mind setting up businesses or encouraging their unmarried son to do business. When it comes to unmarried daughters they seem to hesitate.

In many cases it’s often after marriage and children reaching school going age that women establish their own brands. Until then it would be more of an exercise in creative outlet. Developing a company is a very tough process; it’s even tougher to make a steady progress, so unless there is an all around support from family it’s very discouraging to put in so much of an effort into it.

Government Support?

The biggest governmental support would be better infrastructure. The conditions of the roads are so bad that it’s a back breaking effort to visit all the units. The government should certainly look at using the taxpaying money in ways in which it will help the people, instead of pumping more money into loss making public sector institutions.

Recent international Travel

We love to travel and explore new things. One of the most memorable trips we had recently is to the Amazon basin and Spain. These trips were in totally different nature from each other. The visit to Amazon was very different from our normal trips. The head mask with piranha teeth was a memento from the trip. During a boat trip on the Amazon we saw how deadly the piranha can be. Even out of water the fishes show a single minded attempt to bite at flesh. There were also huge water lilies that could support the weight of a small child. We also saw the famed anacondas being treated like pets. We understood the extend of how tourism effects the lives of the people by the way in which they create exotic spectacles like walking around with snakes on their neck and little alligators in their hand, just to catch the attention of the tourists.

The trip to Spain was a 7 days Epic Cruise. While the primary port of visit was various places in Spain like Barcelona and Mallorca, the journey also took us to places in Italy like Rome, Naples and Florence. The highlights of the trip were the Medieval Churches, Cathedrals and the Marble statues conceived in classical style. We brought back a small figurine of Mother Mary.

Choice of Food.

While we are in Kerala, it’s mostly Nadan food. There is no particular likes or dislikes when it comes to everyday cooking. The only exception to this would be when our children and grand children visit. During their visit we mostly cook continental cuisine, stir fried dishes and noodles. My original tender coconut pudding is also a great hit among family and friends. During a trip, the opposite hold true, both of us tries to explore all kind of new possibilities. From Octopus to snakes we have tried everything that’s available in various places we visited. But I must confess that Salmon, Spare ribs and fruit tarts remain an evergreen favorite.

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Netflix’s Cleopatra: A Controversial Provocation Egypt Could Do Without

Published

11 months ago

May 21, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

In the realm of streaming content, Netflix’s Cleopatra has recently grabbed attention, trending on most-watched charts amidst a contrived controversy over the casting of a Black actress in the iconic titular role. Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this installment is the second in her ‘African Queens’ series, which has stirred debates surrounding representation and historical accuracy. However, the current state of Egypt, grappling with numerous challenges, suggests that this provocative series is the last thing the nation needs.

The portrayal of Cleopatra has always been intertwined with fascination and debate, particularly centered around her appearance rather than her race, in historical accounts. The Hollywood industry, historically dominated by white executives, had marginalized Black talent, deeming them unmarketable and unworthy of significant roles. The industry’s limited embrace of Black stories in the past was primarily driven by profit rather than genuine progressivism.

In the case of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra, the casting of a Black performer in the lead role was destined to ignite controversy, especially among Egyptians increasingly hostile towards Afrocentrism. However, the preceding installment of the ‘African Queens’ series, Njinga, did not generate significant interest or impact, lacking the depth to stimulate intellectual discourse.

Director Tina Gharavi’s previous works, while sincere in their storytelling, did not display visionary filmmaking challenging the conventional Anglophone documentary style. Despite this, Netflix and Pinkett-Smith effectively employed marketing tactics, leveraging the race card to generate buzz around Cleopatra, ultimately leading to its elevated position in the charts.

Disappointingly, Queen Cleopatra fails to offer any fresh insights into the Egyptian icon. The four episodes follow a predictable and formulaic narrative structure, focusing on Cleopatra’s rise and fall without delving into her race. The series, featuring medium close-up interviews with academics predominantly from American and British institutions, coupled with lackluster dramatizations, fails to engage viewers or provide an aesthetically distinct perspective.

The show’s emphasis on Cleopatra’s physical beauty and sensationalized elements aligns with Netflix’s faux-liberal gender and sexual politics, which are often presented simplistically and lacking depth. While the representation of minority groups in film and TV is an important concern, solely focusing on representation can overshadow other vital aspects, such as artistry, film history, and the political use of aesthetics.

Critics and viewers fixated on the racial depiction of Cleopatra, generating substantial media coverage and overlooking the artistic value and storytelling approaches employed in the series. Amidst the heightened racial discourse, the nuances of Egypt’s complex relationship with blackness have been lost. Egypt’s struggle with economic crises, political challenges, and external influences leaves the nation feeling helpless and disheartened.

In its current state of turmoil, Egypt seeks a savior and is grappling with collective defeat, making the Netflix provocation an unwelcome addition. The nation, deprived of agency and self-determination, holds onto its historical heritage, which has been plundered by the West for centuries. In such circumstances, a reframing of their own history, even in the form of a fictional series, elicits a strong reaction from a nation grappling with numerous challenges.

Ultimately, while the casting controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra has sparked discussions on representation and historical accuracy, Egypt’s broken state and desperate need for stability and self-determination make this provocative series an unnecessary and untimely distraction.

Conversation

Unleashing the Power: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on May 5th Signals Major Transformation Ahead

Published

12 months ago

May 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

The cosmos are gearing up for a powerful event: the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This celestial spectacle promises to be a transformative experience that will shake us to the core. As the full moon aligns with the sun and the Earth casts its shadow, Scorpio’s dark and intense energy will be unleashed, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

Scorpio, known for its enigmatic nature and passionate intensity, is the zodiac’s most enigmatic and mysterious sign. It’s associated with death, rebirth, and transformation, making this lunar eclipse an auspicious time for letting go of old patterns and embracing a new, more authentic way of being. The Scorpio energy is all about digging deep into the shadows, exploring our subconscious minds, and facing the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

During this lunar eclipse, we can expect intense emotions to surface, bringing to light buried feelings and hidden desires. Scorpio’s energy is not one to shy away from the taboo or the uncomfortable, and neither should we. It’s time to confront the parts of ourselves that we’ve been keeping hidden, and to embrace our true selves.

As we navigate this intense energy, it’s important to remember to practice self-care and self-love. Scorpio’s energy can be overwhelming, so be sure to take breaks and ground yourself when needed. The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for growth and transformation, but it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to harness this energy and make the most of this powerful celestial event.

In conclusion, the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio is a powerful and transformative event that promises to shake us to our core. It’s an opportunity to face our fears, embrace our desires, and transform ourselves from the inside out. So, get ready to unleash your inner Scorpio and embrace the intensity of this celestial event.

Art

8 Best Podcasts of 2020

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2020

Abhirami Chandran

To the people who doesn’t know what a podcast is- it’s pretty much like a radio show and is released in a streamable or downloadable format through various sites. You can access to millions of podcasts in many genres from anywhere you have internet access.

Here’s a list of podcasts for you to listen:

The Musafir Stories – India Travel Podcast

The Musafir Stories is a wonderful online podcast that talks about iconic and, in fact, all sorts of travel destinations. The podcast series is hosted by Saif Omar and Faiza Khan who talk to fellow travellers about their various adventures across India.
Available on iTunes, Google podcasts, JioSaavn, and Spotify.

https://themusafirstories.com/

Second Life

This online podcast is hosted by Hillary Kerr from the well-known fashion publication Who What Where and it chronicles the career changes of its many guests. It spotlights successful women who’ve made major career changes.

You can listen to her episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, and Podbean.

https://www.secondlifepod.com/

In The Dark

In The Dark’s content is about uncovering the world’s most iconic crime cases. In short, it’s an investigative journalism podcast, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran.

You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Podbean.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-public-media/in-the-dark-apm

The Passion People Podcast

The Passion People Podcast is a series of conversations about following a passion and how to manifest it. There are several conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and icons that inspire the listeners, and the show is hosted by Naga Subramanya.

You can find the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, and JioSaavn.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/naga-subramanya-b-b/the-passion-people-podcast

GayBCD

GayBCD is an online podcast that seeks to understand what it means to be queer in today’s time. It’s hosted by Sunetro Lahiri and Farhad Karkaria and is created by IVM Podcasts. You can expect to find funny and comforting discussions about coming out and how a sense of humour, wisdom, and parlance play such an important role in understanding yourself better as a person.

This podcast series is easily available on YouTube, Stitcher, JioSaavn, and Apple Podcast.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/indus-vox/gaybcd

Harry Potter at Home

Harry Potter At Home is a new series by the Wizarding World that has famous names from entertainment, music, and sports reading chapters from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and the magic is still alive. They currently have the first two chapters out – the first by Daniel Radcliffe and the second by Noma Dumezweni.

You can listen to the series on Spotify and a video version is available on Wizarding World.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp

Maed in India

Maed in India prides itself on being India’s first indie music podcast and features conversations with, well, independent musicians from India and abroad. From unreleased music to unknown music stories, they have it all. It’s great for discovering new music, too.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, JioSaavn, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

https://maedinindia.fanlink.to/podcast

The Corner Flag

Indian fans of the European and Worldwide football can rejoice in this chat show about sports with comedian Amogh Ranadive. If you like hearing commentary on the latest Premiere league (or other) antics with an Indian twist this might just be the Indian chat show for you.