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Strings Apart : Balabhasker on Music and Current Trends

FWD Life gets candid with musician Balabhasker

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Photo: Various Sources

I met Balabhaskar amidst the chaos of the food court in a popular shopping mall in Ernakulam. He, with his wife was busy shopping for a tour to Turkey. While his music has changed a lot in the last decade, he still looks handsome boy- next –door. Understanding Balabhaskar’s music is also about understanding the time it was created. During his days at Trivandrum in the late 90s, everything had its place and its designed rules, including rebellion. Youth festivals and the school-college orchestra ruled the roost with professional musicians who vied for attention during temple and church festivals, and classical concerts.These were open to the few who knew about it.

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Original music was probably rare; people came to listen to covers. It was in such a context that “Confusion” possibly the first Malayalam fusion band was born. Bala claims his inspiration is both from Ilayaraja and A. R. Rahman- Shringaravelan, Anjali, Roja.

The Initial Struggle

It was not just about finding gigs to play but also about educating the audience about the possibilities of fusion music. In the Malayalam industry, film music had its well-established style and for the same reason, it did not hold many creative possibilities for the young musician. The connect the band made with the younger audience could be possible because of the new sounds and genres that synced with the post-liberated minds of that generation. Like most bands that were popular, confusion too faced the question of choosing art over sustenance. For the same reason, we hold the art for art’s sake rebellion lost its way amidst the struggles of middle-class aspirations. Bala talks about instances he has accompanied classical musicians all over South India, and he says that the experience helped him to understand the nuances of playing to a knowledgeable audience. Responses would be very fast and harsh, and compliments can be very unusual with abuses hurled in a jovial manner. The height of playing to such a knowledgeable audience, he says, was the Montreal jazz festival, a 12- day music festival that attracts more than 3000 musicians from all genres. He was at the festival as the part of a band led by Louis Banks called Naad Brahma.

Overuse of Technology

Bala is a little skeptical about the overuse of technology in the production of music. With all the doctoring that happens in music studios today, he feels that the music these days is more a product of the sound engineer, not the musician or the singer. I could sense some disappointment in his voice. He is also not very appreciative of the route the music reality shows are taking these days. He believes that an undue importance given to on-stage appearance and antics could hamper the growth of a singer or a musician as it shifts the attention of the singer away from the music itself.He also feels that reality shows leave artists with very little scope to improvise and experiment with their music. Coming from somebody who audaciously incorporates the best from around the world in his music, it is totally understandable.

Bala is all geared up for the Turkey tour following that he will be in Kochi again for a big show. That means another blissful evening of some audaciously soulful music from this amazingly talented musician is in store for all the Kochikaar.

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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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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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