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Biju Anthony: Conjuring Imagination

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Author Biju Anthony speaks about his debut novel Shadows Lie and how he became a writer from a being a banker

Words by: Charishma Thankappan    Photographs from: Anand A N

Vivid colours, high drama, and an intense sense of familiarity and identity of being a Malayali, are what charm the book Shadows Lie to the reader. Written by Biju Anthony, the book is set in Kollam in the 1950s.

A debutant novelist, Biju says that Shadows Lie is loosely based on his great grandfather’s life. “Set in an island in Kollam, it is a feudal set-up in the 1950s,” he says. “It’s a family drama in a Catholic setting.”

He first wrote the plot of Shadows Lie in the form of a short story and shared it with his friends. “They loved the geography of it. There is an element of exoticism around it. They suggested that it could be developed into something bigger.” Biju went on to leave his banking job and has been writing full time since the last three years.

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Hailing from Kollam, writing about the place came out as a natural process, though it was not a conscious decision. A murder mystery, Biju is quick to clarify that Shadows Lie is completely fictionalised. “As it is from my mother’s family, she was very clear from the start that I should state out clearly that it is fiction and there was no murder in the family. It was only a loose rumour!”

Based in the Middle East, Biju started writing during his college days and used to write in Malayalam. “I used to write poems and short stories. It was in my early 20s that I started writing in English, and that too after reading The God of Small Things. I am a big fan of Arundhati Roy. I love her play of words. Her writing has influenced me a lot. I love Kamala Das also, as she could handle English and Malayalam so well.”

Among the feedback that he got for Shadows Lie was the suggestion of bringing out the book in Malayalam. And Biju is prompt with his thoughts on it. “My Malayalam is good, so I’m thinking of translating it. I think it will be easy for me to write it as I used to be a topper in school in Malayalam,” beams the writer.

Another interesting bit about the book is its cover that arouses curiosity. “I was thinking of the book cover from the marketing side – as nobody knows me, if I bring out a book, nobody will look at it. And if I leave it to the publisher, I thought they will come back with something very minimal. So I wanted a cover where someone will look at it a second time at least and maybe then they might lift it up. I have a friend who is a Dubai based artist, and he said that he can look at it. There is a central character in the book called Bhadra and he was drawing around her. I checked out his Facebook page and saw the exact same picture (which is on the cover) with a few differences. We made a few changes and the picture was then finalised.”

So how does his writing process pan out? “I don’t have the end to end story in mind. I just write the prologue. I never had a chapter wise synopsis. I was building the story. Initially I used to write just one or two pages, or set a target of 1,000 to 2,000 words. It was also the time when I used to travel a lot, so I used to write everywhere – in the airport, at coffee shops.”

Other than writing, Biju has tried his hand at film production with the film Laila O Laila. It wouldn’t come as a surprise when one learns that he is the brother of known film producer Sophia Paul, who is the producer of Munthirivallikal Thalirkumbol and Bangalore Days. One cannot then resist asking the inevitable – with all the ingredients for a perfect thriller film, are there any movie plans for Shadows Lie? “I have never thought about making a movie out of Shadows Lie but after reading it many people came to me and told me that I should. There is no particular hero and heroine, so never thought on those lines. When the book was released, one of the directors actually contacted me. At the moment, I am still thinking about the viability of it,” says the author.

But for the moment, writing keeps him busy, as he is on his second book already, which is based on a lesser known story from Indian mythology. Biju calls himself a “slow reader” who prefers slim book. “I cannot read a huge book. I might buy them but cannot read them. I’m reading One Hundered Years of Solitude slowly because I just don’t want it to finish it!” Reading helps a lot, he says, but rues the fact that he doesn’t devote much time to it. “So now whenever I come across interesting tid bits,I make it a point to jot them down.”

The writer says that he won’t begoing back to banking. At present, he is assisting his sister in her business and is also subtitling. “I want to get into film writing and maybe some day make a film. Right now I have some of the things in mind but I don’t know the techniques and technicalities,” he signs off.

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Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

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Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

 Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira. 

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

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Cover Story

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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Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.

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