KAB TAK

This is an appeal to all non Indians… please respect the industry and the country you come to seek work in.
Recently yet another Pakistani model/ actress crossed the border.

Its amazing how obsessed they are with hindi films. No celebration is complete without a hindi film song. Hindi movies are eagerly awaited and styles copied shamelessly.
The past couple of years have seen several artistes move to Mumbai and work in the industry and yet there are repeated unhealthy comments and digs at the glamour world. Pakistanis never fail to blog about how cheap and crass the Indian film industry is and yet they continue to blog about indian artistes and cinema...their daily newspapers and websites are buzzing with ‘bollywood news’ and gossip...

What is most upsetting however, is that these very foreigners are not averse to wooing the media, even using them to get work but continue to spit venom at the content of the films, the scripts and vow never to wear short skirts and reveal.. but if you take a look at the youth of pakistan, they are deeply influenced by the west and their social gatherings consist of scantily dressed women...
These aspiring artistes are not embarassed about looking ttheir nose down at mainstream actors, never mind the fact that they secretly send feelers to the same people for work.

Please guys,stop humiliating yourselves and your country...and value your rich heritage.
Come if you must but do handle yourself with some dignity and respect the country that has the grace to welcome you with such warmth.You only make a fool of yourself for face it, you need us - we most certainly don't need such hypocrites in the garb of well-fed boa constricters..
wake up.....

KHUDA KAY LIYE

Very aptly titled 'In the name of the lord',
'khuda kay liye' is a defiant attempt at filmmaking - defiant because it defies the very norm of even the offbeat subjects that cinema can boast of.
Decent performances by the lead cast, especially Shaan ..the music - soulful and melodious. The composer seems to have very skilfully blended the conservative notes with the modern technicalities.

However, the script need to have been more taut... and the emphasis on the trauma that the elder son goes through in police custody could have been more subtle..
some things are more touching if left unsaid....

Naseeruddin shah's speech in the court was pretty quickly done with ... too much was said and quoted in just one scene which was actually very crucial to the script.

All in all, a decent attempt, but the darkness could have been lesser, the morbidity of some scenes,though crucial, could have been dealt with some softness and sensitivity.

ASMITA MARWAH

Asmita Marwahs' line, 'Gaia, an awakening' was understated, quiet, dignified and different.
Uniquely ethnic in spirit using traditional workmanship, the clothes had a distinct feel of nature with birds and leaves in colors that were bright, happy and very earthy using cuts and styling it attractively, helping one focus and appreciate both.
A classic example is that of an angarkha vibrant in its hues and print. The front was misleading with its plain bold cut while the back contrasted deeply.

The bright prints of gods and goddesses aso lent a bohemian yet stylishly chic look that spoke volumes of this very talented designer who possesses the most important skill of blending the conservative with the modern.

Asmita is clearly a designer to watch out for

The BUSINESS of fashion

Abhishek Dutta's collection titled 'Save the girl child' showcased on day three at the Lakme india fashion week 2008 was a mockery.
The lovable toddler that walked the ramp could hardly keep pace with the model and tripped once and as if that was not enough, while turning, the model probably forgot she had a little baby to also walk with and so the poor child actually fell right off the ramp at the feet of the first row viewers.
Unbelievable but true that the' business' of fashion is merely to attract crowds and generate hype and moolah.
Never mind the innocent who get trampled along the way.
Boo to Dutta who in any case is a mockery of a designer.

LAKME INDIA FASHION WEEK 2008 MUMBAI

'An eye for an I' was the theme but in this concept of duality, kiran used a combination of two fabrics together in the same outfit.
An interesting mix of textures were used for the range from Chanderi, silk cotton, tussar, jacquard,tweed georgette satin to linen and brocade. Detailing was subtle with pleats, African embroidery, hand painting, printing, crushing for texturing and quilting.
In a variation of color combinations, with much layering and embellished with prints, shibori, seaweed and parsi floral embroidery, Kolkatta manages to reign- always... with its sensitive play of colors, delicate craftmanship and handwork, intricate detailing and the sensible usage of fabrics.
Kiran comees across as different this time around.

LAKME INDIA FASHION WEEK 2008 MUMBAI

Invoking the River Goddess was Sonam Dubbals' theme derived from the three life giving rivers - the Mekong, Brahmaputra and Nile. It was a calming and serene feeling with the sounds of the flowing waterthe floral prints and graphic stripes with the usual quiet dignity in the craftmanship with its tufted centers.

The colour palette with the soothing shades of blue, turquoise, lilac, burgundy, purple, brown, green had a touch of gold to add to the elegance.
The oriental look of the kimonos, kaftans, angarkhas African tunics, Bakhu dresses, honjus and printed mandarin collar jackets had the very delicate intrusion of color in oranges and yellows.
The spiritual feel as always, is Sonams' trademark and one that comes across in every aspect of his presentation.