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The Shehanai Plays On: Recalling Ustad Bismillah Khan On His 102nd Birth Anniversary

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Ustad Bismillah Khan
Image from: newsgram.com

Google pays its tribute to the maestro by featuring the greatest shehnai player on today’s Doodle

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

For generations of past and current Indians, the subtle melodies of the humble shehnai were recognized and raised beyond traditional Indian weddings thanks to the master of the instrument – Ustad Bismillah Khan.  Born in Dumraon, in the Buxar district of British India on March 21 in 1916, the maestro passed away on August 21, 2006. On his 102nd birthday today, we continue to remember him and his rich musical legacy that he left behind.

Hailing from a family of traditional musicians, Ustad’s father, grandfather, and great grandfather were court musicians who played in the palace of the Raja of Bhojpur. Ustad had the privilege of playing his shehani at the Red Fort at the time of India’s independence, on August 14, 1947. Thereafter, it became an annual affair. It is little wonder then, that Bismillah’s stature led him to become a recipient of India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 2001, being only the third Indian musician to be awarded the tribute after MS Subbulakshmi and Pandit Ravi Shankar.

Having begun playing the shehnai at the age of 14, it was his concert at the Calcutta All India Music Conference in 1937 that shot him and the shehnai into the mainstream of classical music in India, after which the instrument and the man become synonymous with each other. His reverence for the shehnai was so much so that after the death of his wife, he began referring to his instrument as ‘Begum’. As a result, in a mark of respect, his shehnai was buried with him when he passed away.

A gentle soul, Ustad was known as a symbol of communal harmony. He has performed all around the world and has been venerated by various orgganisations. The Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi brought out an award in his name in 2007, titled, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp of Rs 5 in 2008. And among many others, Google is celebrating his brith anniversary with his image as today’s Google Doodle. The image has been illustrated by Chennai-based illustrator Vijay Krish, in which the musician is seen playing his shehnai.

Shehnai

Source: Google

Hark back to those mesmerising tunes through one of his performances below:

Source: YouTube

 

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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

Weekly Style Updates

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We love the style that speaks volume. FWD is back, and this time it has an incredible list of our favourite influencers and celebrities who looked amazing. Our weekly style update focuses on creating a personal style journey that changes with you, not merely on following trends.

APARNA THOMAS

Aparna Thomas looks stylish and contemporary in her House of Vandy black and white ensemble.

AMITHA JOBIN

Influencer Amitha looked radiant and majestic in Design Me Cochin’s golden  lehenga

ARATHI PODI

Arathi’s designs always incorporate her personality into her clothes. Her blue velvet gown is stunning, and the jewellery completes the whole ensemble.

AHAANA KRISHNA

Ahaana Krishna’s vacation ensemble is as vibrant as summer, proving that style is really about expressing oneself. In Singapore, looking stylish in her orange minidress

MAMITHA BAIJU

Jobina Vincent dressed Mamitha Baiju in an embroidery organza jacket, crushed satin fabric by T and M Signature, and a pearl-encrusted crop top

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The Microscopic Handbag Phenomenon: MSCHF’s Bold and Tiny Louis Vuitton Creation

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In the realm of fashion, innovation knows no bounds, and the boundary-pushing collective known as MSCHF constantly proves this point. Their latest creation, a microscopic handbag inspired by Louis Vuitton, has taken the industry by storm, captivating fashion enthusiasts around the globe. Breaking free from traditional size constraints and redefining functionality, this miniature accessory has ignited curiosity and sparked a sensation. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary world of MSCHF’s microscopic handbag, exploring its origins, unique features, and the remarkable buzz it has generated.

MSCHF, renowned for their unconventional and thought-provoking projects, partnered with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to unleash a game-changing collaboration. Together, they birthed a surprising twist on the classic handbag, pushing the boundaries of scale to an entirely new level. The microscopic handbag challenges the norm and introduces an audacious new concept.

Measuring a mere 1.5 inches in height, the microscopic handbag is a masterpiece of miniaturization. This whimsical accessory captures the essence of a traditional Louis Vuitton purse, complete with the iconic monogram pattern and signature leather trim. Despite its minuscule size, it exudes luxury and craftsmanship, embodying the brand’s prestige and aesthetic.

The MSCHF microscopic handbag represents a captivating fusion of fashion and art. It blurs the lines between these creative realms and prompts us to question our perception of material possessions. Through this micro-sized wonder, MSCHF challenges our understanding of fashion’s role in society and invites us to contemplate the value we attach to material goods.

Since its introduction, the microscopic handbag has caused a viral sensation across social media platforms. Its diminutive size and unexpected collaboration have captivated fashion enthusiasts and sparked intriguing discussions. This extraordinary creation serves as a catalyst for conversations about fashion trends, the power of satire in design, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Once again, MSCHF has successfully captured the attention of the fashion world, pushing boundaries and reshaping our perception of what is considered fashionable.

MSCHF has cemented its legacy as a disruptive force in the fashion and art realms. Their innovative and thought-provoking projects consistently challenge norms and captivate audiences. With the microscopic handbag, they have once again showcased their ability to generate intrigue, spark conversations, and inspire wonder within the industry.

In conclusion, the MSCHF microscopic handbag stands as a testament to bold creativity and audacity in the world of fashion. Its tiny size and unexpected collaboration with Louis Vuitton have shattered conventional handbag design and ignited curiosity on a global scale. This extraordinary creation not only exemplifies the artistry and innovation of MSCHF but also invites us to reflect on the ever-evolving nature of fashion and its profound impact on our collective imagination. As we eagerly anticipate MSCHF’s next groundbreaking venture, one thing is certain: they will continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion.

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