VOL-2 ISSUE-11 `100 I MAY 2018
THINK. CREATE. LIVE
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VIJAY AMRITRAJ THE SYNONYM OF SUCCESS
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. RAJESH JEGANATHAN
& ADVISORY BOARD
CONTRIBUTORS THOTA THARRANI CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD
A young and dynamic medico. He runs the prestigious Billroth Hospitals based in Chennai. Dr. RAJESH JEGANATHAN
& ADVISORY BOARD
A young and dynamic medico. He runs the prestigious Billroth Hospitals based in Chennai.
This year we enter a bigger dimension, planning across a wider reader base with THOTA THARRANI THOTA THARANI a big step forward, this was ignited with a This by yearthe weone enter a bigger dimension, planning logo designed and only Thota acrossLifestyle a wider reader baseawith a big step forward, Tharrani. Brew extends heartThis year we enter a bigger dimension, this was ignited with athe logolegend designed by the one warming planning thank you note to across a wider reader base with only Thotacontributions. Tharani. Brew Lifestyle a himself foraand his bigincessant step forward, this was ignited with extends a
heartwarming thank the legend logo designed by theyou onerole andtoonly Thota Tharrani. Brew Lifestyle extends a heartfor his incessant contributions. thank you note to the legend ASHOKwarming VERGHESE himself for his incessant contributions.
VEEJAY VEEJAY SAI SAI
An award-winning writer, editor, and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian An award-winning writer,food editor and a classical music, fashion, theatre, and art.
himself
culture critic. He has written and published VEEJAY SAI extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art.
He is the ASHOK directorVERGHESE of Hindustan group ASHOK VERGHESE of institutions, the pioneering He is one the of director of Hindustan group of educationalinstituions,one groups in the country. He educational is of the pioneering groups a big supporter and cause for promoting in the country. He is of a big supportergroup and cause for He is the director Hindustan young talent in art and music.
VITA
Passionate about grassroots development of sport in India. She co-owns VITA DANIChennayin FC, Chennai’s football team in the ISL and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India’s first-everabout professional table tennis league. Passionate grassroots development
ofpromoting institutions, theand pioneering youngone talentofin art music. educational groups in the country. He is a big supporter and cause for promoting young talent in art and music.
VITAinDANI of sport India. She co-owns Chennayin FC, Chennai’s football team in the ISL and Ultimate Tableabout Tennis (UTT), India’s firstPassionate grassroots development G ever VENKET RAM table tennis league. ofprofessional sport in India. She co-owns Chennayin
ANIL JAIN ANIL JAIN
A leading Indian fashion photographer whoand has FC, Chennai’s football team in the ISL shot principle stills for several Ultimatephotography Table Tennis (UTT), India’snotable firstprofessional table tennis league. firms. ever He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for a while, after which he joined G VENKET RAM a course in visual communicationa at Loyola College. He then worked with photographer Sharada Haskar A in leading Indian his fashion photographer who and 1993, started own studio. G VENKET RAM
An intensive design to succeed and redefine the parameters of success. Anil Jain was always cut to be ANIL JAIN andesire Entrepreneur takingand an active interest in Business An Intensive to succeed redefine the parameters of success, AnilHeJain was right from an early age. is the promoter of Refex always cut industries out to be Ltd; an Entrepreneur, taking Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, and Anil Jain Intensive to succeed an active An interest in desire Business right and fromredefine investments. the parameters of success, Anil Jain was an early age. He is the promoter or Refex always cut out to be an Entrepreneur, taking industries Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, an active interest in Business right from and Anil Jain Investments. an early age. He is the promoter or Refex
has shot principle photography stills for several notable films. He quit his engineering A leading Indian fashion photographer who studies to work with cinematographers ARUNA has SAIRAM shot principle photography stills for for a while, which heHe joined aengineering course in several notable films. quit his A winner of after the prestigious Padma Shri award. She visual communications at Loyola College. studies to work cinematographers for is the vice-chairman of with the Sangeet Natak Akademi He then worked Sharad a while, after with whichphotographer he joined a course in which is India’s premier national institution for Haskar and in 1993, started own studio. visual communications athisLoyola College.
industries Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, NEERU NANDA and Anil Jain Investments. A graduate of Delhi university and a passionate
NEERU writer. NANDA She was
a free-lanced feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing. Author of NEERU NANDA a collection of short stories titled ‘IF,’ she has also A graduate of Delhi University and a worked on novels and short stories for childreen.
music He andthen dance. Ms. Sairam is one of India’s most worked with photographer Sharad renowned ambassdor’s forstarted music successfully taking Haskar and in 1993, his own studio. ARUNA Indian music to SAIRAM the International arena.
passionate writer. She was a free-lanced A graduate of Delhi feature writer for ten years beforeUniversity switching and a passionate She wasofashort free-lanced to publishing. Authorwriter. of a collection feature writer years before on switching stories titled “IF”, she for hasten also worked to publishing. Author of a collection of short novels and short stories for children.
ARUNA SAIRAM A winner of the prestigious Padma Shri award. She is the vice-chairman of the A winner of the prestigious Padma Shri Sangeet Natak Akademi which is India’s award. She is the vice-chairman of the premier national institution for music Sangeet Natak Akademi which is India’s and dance. JEGANATHAN Ms. Sairam is one for of India’s DR. RAJESH premier national institution music most renowned ambassador’s forof music, A young and dynamicMs. medico. He runs the prestigious and dance. Sairam is one India’s successfully taking Indian the most renowned ambassador’s Billroth Hospitals based in Chennai.musicfortomusic, international arena. successfully taking Indian music to the
stories titled “IF”, she has also worked on novels and short stories for children.
INTERNAL TEAM TEAM INTERNAL
INTERNALTEAM TEAM INTERNAL INTERNAL TEAM
EDITOR & CEO EDITOR & CEO
EDITOR & EDITOR & CEO PUBLISHER & CEO CEO
Sameer Bharat Sameer Bharat RamRam Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Sameer Bharat RamRam Sameer Bharat Ram
DESIGNER DESIGNER DESIGNER DESIGNERS DESIGNER DESIGNER DESIGNERS
An award-winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, DANI fashion, theatre, food and art.
international arena.
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL TEAM TEAM
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL TEAM TEAM SUB EDITOR
Akshaya Akshaya G G
Aishwarya Aishwarya Sridharan Sridharan
Yoheswari Devaraj
Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Sheeba Grace Akshaya G Aishwarya Akshaya GVijayaraghavan Aishwarya Sridharan Sridharan Yoheswari Devaraj Sheeba Grace Nanditha Sheeba Grace
FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURE /FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURE // CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
CIRCULATION CIRCULATION CIRCULATION CIRCULATION
Vijayaraghavan Suri Aishwarya Kanchi Dhinesh Babu S SNanditha AnaghaJanani Natraj Nandita Vijayaraghavan Vijayaraghavan Aparna P Kochumon Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani SuriGanesh Vidhya Anand Sanjana Ganesh Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Dhinesh Babu S Babu Dhinesh Babu S Babu Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Aishwarya Kanchi Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Vidhya Anand Sanjana Nanditha Dhinesh Dhinesh S Elumalai V Elumalai V Elumalai Elumalai V V V Elumalai John Paul S John PaulJohn S John John Paul S Paul Paul S S
Abinaya Subramanian Akila Sridhar Sheeba Grace Sadakshi Kalyanraman Keramalu Akila Sridhar Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanaraman Aishwarya Kanchi Aarathi Arun Veejay SaiSai Silambarasan Silambarasan Sadakshi Kalyanraman Karthik Keramalu Akila Sridhar Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Aishwarya KanchiKarthik Aarathi ArunKalyanaraman Veejay Silambarasan Silambarasan Roshan Siddharth Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Senthamil Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Vilani Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Vilani Senthamil
RRYA GG YD DG TG E& YD EE& D ENENSS I I GG NN SS TT RR AA TTSESETG S& YA TT E& SI IG Published by Sameer Bharat Ram Published Publishedby bySameer SameerBharat BharatRam Ram
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THINKLIVE CREATE FROM THE ARCHIVES WHATS BREWING
08 COVER STORY
08 VIJAY AMRITRAJ THE SYNONYM OF SUCCESS
CONTENTS
ISSUE-11
26 CREATE
16
THINK
16 ILOVE 20 HASHTAG
26 KARTHICK IYER & THE KEY TO HIS VIRTUOSITY 32 SOORAJ S KURUP –A MUSICAL RENDEZVOUS 38 CHENNAI’S BUZZING CO-WORKING SCENE
44 LIVE
44 THEYYAM 50 BE AN ART INSIDE OUT
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BREW MOMENTS
55 BREW WOMEN”S AWARDS 2018
58
WHAT’S BREWING
58 Mother’s Day, WORLD’S FIRST SELF DRIVING STORE, MAGIC LEAP ONE ARHEADSET, JBL EARPHONES WIRELESS
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BREW BREW LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEAUGUST JULY 2017 2017
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ELEGANT CREATIONS FOR THE MARVELLOUS YOU.
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COVER STORY
VIJAY AMRITRAJ THE SYNONYM OF SUCCESS Photography : G. Venkat Ram Location : The Leela Palace, Chennai Words : Sheeba Grace
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Vijay Amritraj - The man who put India on the Global Tennis Scene. After two and a half decades of his last match, he still holds the most tour titles from Asia. He is not just a successful tennis player but a successful businessman, actor and overall, a very successful human being! He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour in 1983. Amritraj is also an excellent actor having notable appearances such as the MI6 agent Vijay in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. He also appeared briefly in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) as a starship officer. He was a regular character in the NBC TV series: ‘The Last Precinct’ as well as a guest star on various television shows such as Hart to Hart. He has since gone on to become a sports commentator, has been a judge at the Miss Universe pageant and has developed a successful multimedia business. Amritraj is the host of a talk show named ‘Dimensions with Vijay Amritraj’ telecast on CNN-IBN. Vijay Amritraj was appointed as the United Nations Ambassador for Peace. He has then been raising awareness on the issues of drugs, HIV/ AIDS and in raising funds to fight the spread of AIDS worldwide.
1) Tell us briefly about your journey as a tennis player. I understand it was your mom who encouraged you and also who is mostly responsible for your success. But did you like playing tennis as a kid? Did you enjoy it? Yes I enjoyed it because it made me healthier. It was the reason I started playing tennis in the first place. Once I started playing and got involved in it, I enjoyed it more and more. 2) How was the experience of having your brother as your partner for most games? Interestingly, we really never did not get along. My brother and I always got along and enjoyed each other’s company through our entire career. Most of my years I only played with him. 3) How was the transition from being a player to becoming a commentator? Well, it was new. Obviously when I started doing television shows as a commentator, it was a new challenge and I enjoy new challenges. As years went by, I got better at what I did. And you learn on the job as well. I’ve done it for a very long time and I have always enjoyed bringing out the best in other people.
“My brother and I always got along and enjoyed each other’s company through our entire career.”
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4) Being named the 8th Messenger of Peace by the UN, how did you get involved with the UN? I think that people have been watching my works with many charitable organizations around the world for many years. Obviously I played a sport on a very high level and I had already led India to two Davis Cup finals. When Secretary General’s office called to meet up and he said this would be wonderful for the UN if I would accept and I did. It is a great honour to be with all the others including Mohammed Ali and Michael Douglas to be a Messenger of Peace and serve the UN and all of its causes worldwide.
5)Tell us in today’s world what do you think could bring about World peace? There is no one simple example. Such things take time. It has to be a work in progress. The most important thing is, as an individual irrespective of what job you are in or wherever you are be it any part of the world, irrespective of what religion you are or what ethnicity or background you might have, I think every day it might be a good idea to see if there’s a way if you could put a smile on the face of a person you don’t know.
6)What’s the story behind the Vijay Amritraj foundation? How can people be a part of it? You can find everything on our website, vijayamritrajfoundation.org you can take a look at what we do. It is a very small foundation but we try desperately to make a difference in the lives of families and children, especially women and children. 95 percentage of it is geared towards that. It is based in the US and we started it about 12 years ago after my term finished with the UN.
“It is a great honour to be with all the others including Mohammed Ali and Michael Douglas to be a messenger of Peace and serve the UN and all of its causes worldwide. ”
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7)We would love to hear the idea of a success from a successful man like you! Tell us about your idea of success… The two most important things are: You have to be comfortable with yourself and the fact that irrespective of where you go, who you meet or what you do that you are comfortable doing it and you have great belief in yourself. And for me the greatest success amidst all the things that I have done in my life is that my children call me every day. 8)What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week? The thing that caught my attention recently was the front page photograph of the leaders of the two Koreas meeting each other. It was something that nobody could have missed. 9)What advice would you give your younger self? Everyday should be a day of learning. I think I have tried very hard to do that. To this day, I feel like every day is a day of learning and I think it is no different from what I feel today where you respect and help the wishes and dreams of young people. And also you make sure that you always, always, always have a fondness and respect of the people who have come before us. 10)What is that one question that you wished people asked you but never did? One magazine asked me that many, many years ago and that was, how would you like to be remembered? And the answer to that is that there is a famous saying by an African American Supreme Court Justice of the US Supreme Court. The quote is exactly how I feel and that was “He did what he could with what he had.”
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THINK
I L VE Available on the App Store and Play Store
Roshan Siddharth
Most of us would have watched, or at least heard of the film ‘Her.’ An all-star ensemble cast. Wonderful script, exhilarating performances and the whole masterpiece package. The film opened to rave reviews and holds a special place among review aggregators. It had won several accolades, including the academy award for best screenplay. The film is about the life of a man in the near future and how he falls in love with an interactive Bot named Samantha. Brilliant idea for a movie, or a book, not possible in reality many say, but they forget what the voices in their smart phone are. Welcome to the 21st century!
At the turn of this century a small step changed the dynamics of relationships all over the world. A phenomenon which transformed the way people thought of intimacy and human relationships. The phenomenon of the internet chatroom. Chatrooms gave people the chance to interact with a person whom they’ve never met and be intimate with them. This marked a paradigm shift in how relationships will be viewed and transformed in over a decade. Chatrooms became social networking. Remember Orkut? Orkut became Facebook. Then
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Facebook became an app. And then all of a sudden Tinder became the go to dating app. Tinder sweeps people right off their feet or left and determines their relationship status herewith for however long. When Facebook transformed into a virtual living room for family and friends, nobody knows. Here we are at the era of virtual relationships. And every one is scared. More so, for those who have watched the film ‘Her,’ because we all are humans just missing other humans. Our work
has consumed our life that we forgot to be humans. And we are dependant on technology. Though there are two sides to a coin, one Google search and a million results arrive on how tech has been impediment to human relationships and health. Especially on matters which concern generation and millennials are frivolous with relationships and can’t handle one because they use technology. But, as a fact, the same was said about the Walkman, televisions, newspapers and even the largescale availability of books after the press was invented.
The reality, however, that articles on the web fail to cover or admit is how technology has enabled relationships to break the barriers of time, space, creed and location. It has proved that the emotion you can have for a person is quantifiable by making sure the people involved in a relationship can share their hopes, dreams, feelings and love across the planet with the click of a button connected to the internet. For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one without ever knowing what happened to them, this is the Holy Grail. And globally this have become something of a celebration where people are able to keep their close ones actually close while other people are simply just happy about it.
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Another beautiful feature is that it helps people from two different parts of the world connect in a whole new way, while they could not even connect with people around them. Now this is important because this is what ‘Her’ was all about. As humans we are social beings. We cannot do without the company of another and if we do there is a strong pining to be in the company of someone who feels us. It is a void we fill using the presence, emotion and connection we share with the other person. A shoulder to lie on, essentially. When we can’t make this connect with the people who are around us, we just seek it elsewhere. Which is alright and thanks to technology possible too, be it human or bot!
At the end of the day, there is living evidence that tech has only helped people establish a quantifiable connection, be it family or the better half. Scores and scores of people will testify as to how a Skype call or a photo on WhatsApp gives them the assurance that their loved one is well. And helps them receive and send love back and forth with no questions asked. And henceforth this shall be a way of life for all of us. It will be a life of love available in all forms and figures, downloadable as an app using wireless signals and growing inside a computer chip.
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THINK
HASHTAG The Ruler of Social Media Anagha Natraj
The Hashtag has now become a part of everyday vocabulary for millennials and the generation after them. It is not uncommon to hear words like ‘Hashtag winner’ or ‘Hashtag weird’ in the middle of regular conversations. While purists of the English language completely disapprove of this new trend, many others see it as an evolution of the language itself. But what is interesting to note is the way it has shaped mass movements in India and has become a way to get updated of the news on the go. The Hashtag has been essential in building communities worldwide and
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creating a sense of cohesiveness. Many hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #AllLivesMatter, and #HeForShe have brought millions of people together to express solidarity for a cause. The #MeToo campaign which called out sexual assault and harassment was one of the more significant social media campaigns of recent times. The hashtag evolved to be viral because it gave women and men all over the world, the courage to talk about their unfortunate experiences. A topic that was previously taboo in most houses in India, became the centre of discussion thus paving the way for open-mindedness and a platform for sexual assault victims to call out the offenders. This also brought into limelight, the seriousness of the issue. There were more than 12 million #MeToo posts on Facebook within 24 hours of the start of the campaign.
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The Hashtag has now become a part of everyday vocabulary for millennials and the generation after them
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The moment we open Facebook or Twitter or any social networking app for that matter, the one thing that catches our eye is the humble hashtag. What started off as a marketing tool a decade ago has now become one of the most defining technological features of the current generation. When the pound sign (#) was used before a word to group topics in 2007, no one anticipated the hashtag of becoming a part of our culture. It was not foreseen to become one of the major tools of spreading awareness and starting mass movements.
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Hashtags are also used for challenges , where a person is required to perform the challenge and upload a picture/video of it along with the specific hashtag. For example, the recent #PadManChallenge which went viral in India, required each person to take a picture with a sanitary pad, upload it with the hashtag and challenge a few friends to do the same. While marketing of the Pad Man movie was the main idea behind this, it also helped normalise conversations about menstruation. #SitImproper was another challenge campaign started by Whisper 22 BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
which urged women to break the stereotype that they had to sit in a particular way. As a marketer, there is no denying that a hashtag is a brand statement. Kitkat’s #HaveABreak is used by people worldwide when they Instagram the chocolate, for example, it contributes to the brand’s perception. “This is a long term investment of time and energy as the saying has been associated with the brand for so many years to be where it is today. Most brands start a hashtag and expect it to catch on at once with their customers - but it definitely doesn’t work
that way, especially now that the average person spends only 1.75s on a piece of social media content before scrolling,” says Priyanka Rajagopalan, a marketing agent. There are many campaigns that are rooted in India and have helped in bringing together large numbers of people. #IndiaAgainstCorruption, #VVIPRacism, #JusticeForJisha are a few movements in the country that gained a lot of momentum. News Channels have started using hashtags on their social media handles to help the
public follow a breaking news story on the go. Anchors and reporters urge viewers to tweet with a particular hashtag to gain more insight into a topic. “Hashtags have become a new symbol and yardstick in digital world. If a hashtag is trending on Twitter or any other social networking site, it signifies the seriousness of the issue. It catches the attention of wide range of people including media outlets. The digital world empowers a person to express his thoughts then and there,” says Shabbir Ahmed, a Journalist.
Times Now was one of the first news channels in India to start the hashtagging trend. Hashtag wars are now a common feature between news channels where each one tries to get their tag to be trending. In an age when the television was the main source of news consumption, TRP ratings showed viewership of each channel. However, in the age of media, hashtags show traffic and viewership of websites (of news channels, in this case), thus becoming an important tool to generate revenue from advertisers.
“News outlets use Hashtags to generate public opinion on a story or an issue but at the same time if the hashtags generated by news outlets start trending then it means that the story has caught the attention of the viewers. So hashtag in a way is a new form of TRP ratings,” he says.
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There is no denying the fact that this 10 year old phenomenon has changed our lives.
Closer to home, In Chennai, the hashtag #SaveJallikattu saw thousands of people gather at Marina Beach to support the cause. What began as a simple hashtag on Facebook led to over a hundreds of thousands of people coming together and fighting to protect their cultural identity, overturning a Supreme Court law as a result. This is the power of the hashtag. “Sometimes social media decides the agenda for mainstream media and hashtags play a crucial role. Hashtags help you to gather your thoughts under one platform, it gives greater visibility for the person
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In a world that is so connected, people no longer are passive viewers to the media, they are in fact an active part of it. The Live feature on social networking sites as well as the rise in Citizen Journalism has led to news coming out in its raw form, without any kind of gatekeeping. This can be viewed as both positive as well as a liability. This can lead to the increase in unbiased, un-opinionated journalism but at the same time there is no check on the content leading to the spread of fake news. The previous generation had only one option of expressing their opinion on an issue - letters to the Editor. Now everyone has a platform to express his or her thoughts. This is the result of digital revolution where each individual feels empowered.
who is using the hashtag and in some cases it makes things easier for experts or Journalists to understand what people think about a particular issue,” says Shabbir. As much as Hashtags are used for good causes, there have been instances where people gather at a place to start a frivolous movement. A time when the hashtag became viral for all the wrong reasons was when singer Suchitra’s twitter account was hacked and personal videos and scandalous pictures of many celebrities were posted. #Suchileaks was the talk of the town which brought down the reputation of a lot of actors. As a cultural symbol, it does brings people together (foodies, bloggers all have some standard hashtags that they use), and is a great way to jump leverage and gain visibility during a trend - especially on Twitter. There is no denying the fact that this 10 year old phenomenon has changed our lives. From its ability to unite the internet to real world activism, it stands as a tool for social change as well as entertainment. It shows us that a mere symbol can go on to create a new cultural scene.
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CREATE
KARTHICK AND THE IYER KEY TO HIS VIRTUOSITY Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Someone wise once said, “The true mission of the violin is to imitate the accents of the human voice, a noble mission that has earned for the violin the glory of being called the King Of Instruments.“ And how very true! From the first note you know it is different from anything you’ve ever heard. It begins simply, but with an arresting phrase, so simple, but eloquent as a human voice. It speaks, beckoning gently as it unwinds, rising and tense. It spirals upwards, the tension growing with each repeat of the phrasing, and yet somehow it grows more abandoned, wilder with each note. The violinist, his eyes remain closed as his fingers flow over the strings, spilling forth surely more notes than possible from a single violin. For one mad moment you actually think there are more of them, an entire orchestra of violins spilling out of this one instrument. You would never have heard anything like it-it is poetry and seduction and light and shadow and every other contradiction you could think of. It seems impossible to breathe while listening to that music, and yet all you would do is breathe, quite heavily. The music itself becomes as palpable a presence in that room as another person would be--and its presence is something out of myth. Today, contemporary violinists are rewriting the rules with new character and rhythm that ties them almost effortlessly to their listeners. They are bringing a fresh perspective to music, its creation and production. One such neoteric virtuoso is Karthick Iyer, violinist, composer and songwriter whose music, notes and voice has created a niche not only for himself but also for musicians and artists in the world of contemporary music today. When the idea of a child prodigy was still something strange and new, Karthick was one of the few artists to actually turn it into a full-fledged career through sheer determination and excellence. A tireless advocate for the violin and for music education in general, Karthick is a specialist with a tone like no other, eking emotion out of strings and giving new life to melody.
Pull Quote: “When you play, you merge with the violin. It becomes part of your being, part of your body. It really is an extension of who you are.”
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How would you best describe your musical journey so far?
Undoubtedly enriching and humbling at the same. Tracing back to my childhood, when my parents first enrolled me in Carnatic Music classes at the age of 8 to my first public performance at 13 to making a lifealtering decision of choosing a career in music at the age of 20, I have indeed come a very long way in this journey. There came a time when I had the opportunity to freelance with several established musicians and groups like Oxygen (a Chennai-based fusion band), Emergence (an Indo-acoustic band from Auroville), The Raghu Dixit Project, and Susheela Raman. It was a summation of all these experiences and my own personal commitment to my carnatic roots that eventually shaped my vision for Indian classical music in a contemporary sense. Indosoul was born out of an evening concert that I played with a bunch of other musician friends in Chennai and after that there was no looking back. With Indosoul, our resolve is to create globally approachable music designed on the traditional bedrock of carnatic classics. At the core of Indosoul’s, every composition lies classical footprints enriching every beat, every tone and every chord of the music that is created. While Indosoul may belong to the genre of fusion music, its soul is the innate collaboration and meeting of the minds that helps us ensure we don’t disturb the integrity of carnatic classics in any way. Infact, we have been fortunate enough to have received mostly positive acknowledgement and acceptance from our listeners across the globe and across varying demographics.
What is the music of Indosoul about?
We are living in an age where new forms of music are taking centre-stage and reimagining the way we create and consume music. Indosoul’s music is a forward-thinking collaboration of Indian classical music with other genres such as Rock, Pop, Progressive Rock, Soul, et al., in an effort to take classical music onto a global platform, and make it palatable to an audience beyond. When there is a meeting of minds between musicians from diverse musical cultures, a new sound comes out and this interests people irrespective of their specific leanings. All our compositions have deeply textured and layered articulation of music that is rooted but eclectic. Our first music album, ‘Looking Within to Look Beyond’, struck the right chord with millions and established us in the independent music cosmos then. With our second album, ‘The Pallavi Shift’, we took a higher leap of musical faith and collaborated with the French musician Dondieu Divin to create radically different sounds and rhythms. Currently, with our third album ‘Two Sides of Karma’, we intend to broaden our horizons further to explore the cause and effect of Karma on all our lives and trace the troughs and crests of such karmic journey through music. We would be taking a tangentially different route exploring the electronic elements of music with our fourth album later this year.
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What in your opinion is the one quality that today’s musicians must have to make it?
I think the field of performing arts necessitates the obvious qualities of hardwork, perseverance and willpower but above all these, I believe it’s the ability to be your true authentic self that is substantially more important and also highly underrated today. As an artist, I personally went through a long phase of evolution where I was constantly emulating someone else, mostly replicating the works and style of legends who I grew up watching and listening to. But there came a point when I realised the significance of breaking those shackles of pastiche and finding a rhythm of my own to ensure my music stands unique to everyone else and resonates better with my audience.
To what extent has social media enriched and elevated you as an artist and your band?
In one word, immensely. Networking is not particularly my forte so in that respect, social media has helped me put my music online and hit the right chord with people that matter. The two-way access enabled by social likes and shares between my music and people across the globe, is an unparalleled contribution that I’m extremely grateful for.
QUICK TAKE
1.What is the soul of Indosoul - The moving power of our music and its ability to evoke intrinsic emotions in listeners. 2.What does music mean to you - From a childhood hobby, to a growing passion, to a career path today, music has meant different things in different phases of my life. For me, music, besides its inherent meditative and motivational influence, also brings endless potential for innovation, creative interpretation and infinite exciting possibilities waiting to be unravelled. 3.What is the one aspect of classical music that you would like to change - The quality of sound in classical music needs to be elevated to keep pace with changing music. 4.What would you prefer, recording as a studio musician or playing at a concert? - The latter, because playing to a live audience comes with an unmatched resonance, energy and connect like no other. 5.What is the one passion besides music that you would like to explore - Writing. I love writing drama in particular and enjoy storytelling through words. At some stage of my life, I want to write a book. 30 BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
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CREATE
SOORAJ S KURUP A MUSICAL RENDEZVOUS Aparna P Kochumon “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame... Rama Kalyana Vaibhogame... This song from the bi-lingual anthology film – Solo, is still on loop for many music lovers. Sooraj S Kurup, the composer, lyricist and the singer of this soul-stirring melody is ecstatic when he talks about his music. With a deep-set voice and the twinkle in his eyes, as Sooraj speaks calmly, one can hear the soft hum of Sita Kalyana from his studio in the background. He seems to have mesmerized the millennials with his musical charm like the legendary Pied Piper! In his early teens, Sooraj was just another lad of his age, who took up lessons in Mridangam. The art, which he pursued for over eight years, proved to be a pivotal influence in his life and
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unearthed his innate ardor for music. His mother, who was a self-taught singer, was his foremost Guru and she motivated him to take part in music competitions at school, which won him several accolades. It was when he was gearing up to take up MBA
“Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame… Rama Kalyana Vaibhogame…” after concluding his Bachelor’s degree in Communicative English at CMS College, Kottayam that he realized that music was his calling. Though it led to a short irk with his parents, Sooraj convinced them and joined a course in Audio Engineering at Muzik Lounge,
Chennai - an institute headed by the renowned music composer, Stephen Devassy. Sooraj – a multifaceted sensation, apart from his musical endeavors has also tried his hand in film direction and acting as well. He directed the short film – Punarjani, a take on drug abuse, during his college days. He donned the role of the Assistant Director in K B Venu’s movie – August Club and performed a cameo role in the movie Sakhavu. Devoid of any traditional training in Carnatic music, Sooraj is an exemplar of how talent and relentless hard work can enable one to accomplish great heights. Sooraj elucidates on his musical voyage in a casual tryst.
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Q. What piqued your interest in Music? My mother was my influence and my first Guru. She too, like me has not undergone any conventional lessons in Carnatic Music. An ardent fan of the Akashvani – All India Radio, she used to record her favorite light music songs and teach me so that I could participate in youth festivals at school. Another major influence was the mridangam classes I used to take from my Guru, Sri. Subhash D Nair. As a classical percussion instrument, Mridangam laid the foundation to my basic knowledge in Raagas (tune) and Thaalas (rhythm) which led to an obvious affinity for Carnatic music. I used to engage in jamming sessions with my friends and my knowledge of playing the keyboard is completely self-taught.
Q. Tell us about your entry into movies. My debut as a composer was through the Malayalam movie, Valleem Thetti, Pulleem Thetti (VTPT), directed by my friend, Rishi Shivakumar. Our friendship goes a long way back in time and we had always dreamt about doing a project together. Bereft of any movie background and with no Godfathers in the industry, the struggle was immense for all of us. During our early days of VTPT, I used to accompany Rishi during the script discussion sessions and elucidate the BGM and set the tone for the scene while he narrated the story line. In this way, it delivered a better experience to the listener and helped me improve as a composer. Since cinema is an audiovisual medium, why should script narration lack some suave! (chuckles) Apart from the music, I have also penned the lyrics for four songs in VTPT. Though the movie didn’t do well as expected in the box office, the songs were received fairly well.
Q. Composer, Lyricist, Singer – which is your favourite role? Though each of them – a composer, a lyricist and a singer are distinct segments in the realm of music, I believe each of them are invariably inter-connected at several levels. One cannot shun himself from the other two and be a separate entity as the expertise and knowledge of one is dependent on and fulfills the other. I love all the three, but I would prefer to be a composer.
Q. After your role in Sakhavu, have you considered acting? I did receive a couple of offers for acting, both from established directors and new-comers, but I chose to decline. I am open to acting but I would only consider one if the role is unique and has an independent standing. In Sakhavu, though my character was portrayed in only two scenes, it did have a notable connection to the storyline.
Q. When you work, do you set a tune to the lyrics, or viceversa? I listen to the script prior to working on the music. Knowing the storyline helps me grasp the situation better and it aids in instilling a befitting music score. For me, penning the lyrics
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and composing the music are inseparable; one complements the other even in its making stage. The harmony between the lyrics and the music is one of the key factors in creating a good track.
Q. Tell us about Sita Kalyana and your experience working with the ‘Solo’ team. Solo was an unexpected project, which came to me at the last minute. Solo, starring Dulquer Salmaan is a compendium of four movies. The director, Bejoy Nambiar called up and suggested that I work on the music for ‘World of Rudra’, the final part of the anthology. He appreciated my work in VTPT and told me that in fact he and his wife were fans of the score ‘Sutrum Vizhichudar thaan Kannamma’.The scenes were already shot and the situation rendered a mood of dark and lost love. Bejoy wanted to include lyrics from the Swati Tirunal Kirtanam, Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame, if possible. I suggested that we start the song with English lyrics. Another singer was initially proposed for the song but everyone approved and applauded when I sang a test score. Thus, I became the singer too! The entire music crew of Solo comprised of experienced professionals. It was more of a fan-boy moment for me to work alongside my favorites such as Thaikkudam Bridge and Prashanth Pillai. I was elated when Mr. Prashanth appreciated me for Sita Kalyana. I shall always cherish those memories.
Q. What are the challenges you face in your work? The clashing of two deadlines is the most dreaded hiccup. It has occurred to me once or twice, so now I am very cautious about committing to projects and their timelines. I avoid cutting it too close since working in haste adversely affects the quality of my work. Like any other person, panic prevents me from putting my soul into the work and I am left discontented. I am occasionally troubled by mood swings but I ward them off and find solace ultimately in music itself. I do not have anyone working with me - no associates or assistants, I arrange the orchestration and programming by myself; that does make me a ‘solo’ musician! (laughs)
Q. What is your kind of music? I cannot put a bracket and categorize my favorite kind of music. I listen to mostly all genres, but I avoid heavy metal and the extremely loud music, which seldom has any musical elements in them. I believe music has to cast a soothing aura, which settles the chaos rather than add to it. When someone tells me that they like a song in particular, I make an effort to listen to it; I am inquisitive about what element in it allured them. However popular a song might be, I do not listen to it if it does not appeal to me.
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Q. With so many remixes these days, what is your take on them? Any favorites? I believe one must attempt a remake/ remix of a classic only if they can deliver a better version than the original. With advancements in technology, there is definitely scope to better a score and some of them like the Thaikkudam Bridge have been fruitful in reviving some masterpieces. I would say the reprise version of Aayiram Kannumaai from the movie Thattathin Marayathu is one of my favorites.
Q. Dream collaborations? I do not have any specific dreams nor do I chain myself to limitations. I believe possibilities are endless and would like to pursue them for as long and as far as I can. Nevertheless, I am a fan-boy who has been awed by the astounding performances by the Malayali superstars – Mohanlal and Mammooty and I hope someday I will be able to set score to one of their movies. Fingers crossed!
Q. Experiences about working in Mollywood and Kollywood. It has been a gratifying journey so far. Having worked both in Mollywood and Kollywood, I feel that the Tamil industry lays greater emphasis on music in comparison to Malayalam. For them (Kollywood), music wields great power and even an audio launch is organized and executed in a splendid manner. In comparison, the Malayalam industry is rather
subdued. Payments and recognition are also better in Kollywood.
Q. Upcoming projects? My first Tamil project – ‘Vandi’, starring Vidhart (Mynaa fame) is up for release by late May. I have scored the BGM and four songs for the same. Next, I will be working on ‘Monkey Donkey’, also a Tamil project, the shoot for which has just begun. In Malayalam, I have committed for the Tovino-starrer, ‘Luca’ which will commence its shooting around October.
Q. Who are your best critiques and your go-to people? Undoubtedly, my cousins and my friends! Sometimes they resort to such outrageous criticism that it touches a nerve! (laughs) I am always open to feedback; it has only helped me grow. I have an intimate friends’ gang of mostly technicians who have supported me all along and have been by my side through thick and thin.
Q. Family and their support? I am blessed to have an understanding family comprising of my father, mother, brother and my wife. I am often not available when they need me, owing to work commitments. Now they have become accustomed to it and they wind their schedule around mine so that we get quality time together.
“Music is my redeemer, my ultimate solace and euphoria; I am unperturbed by the chaos around as I make even my throbbing a part of my music!” 36 BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
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CREATE
CHENNAI’S BUZZING
CO-WORKING SCENE
BRINGING THE LIKE-MINDED TOGETHER…
Abinaya Subramani
Can a workplace or a group or an organization concentrate dedicatedly on their business or working model and not worry about the management of space and other office essentials? The answer is YES – and they are called co-working spaces. Although this model has existed for two decades now, the buzz began in Chennai only over a couple of years, with almost 40+ spaces in and around the city. Why is it buzzing now and what’s the difference between an office and a space like this? Let’s find out. But before that, what do you think is a co-working space? People work in spaces sharing it with different people and different organization; few prefer this style of work. Style of work? Yes, you will be working with a person from a different organization, simply because it is a shared work space. From big companies to almost any freelancer or any independent professional, work together in a shared communal setting. In Chennai, there are two different models of co-working spaces that are in operation right now. One dedicatedly built to give the feel of a real office and the other welcoming a different approach predominantly inviting creative and freelancers to collaborate in their space. Why do people choose a co working space though? Imagine you have a start-up just with five of your friends running around for everything. So, you hire a co-working space on per seat basis from a day to any number of years. You don’t have to worry about running the company, yes! Forget the electricity bill, Wi-Fi payment due dates, maintenance, tea or coffee, everything is taken care of. Here are four unique and successful models in our city. I got a chance to visit when I stepped out to know about Chennai’s upcoming coworking scene.
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HQ
10
Located in the Guindy industrial area - HQ 10 is a brand new co-working space but already houseful with startups, medium scale entrepreneurs to even big companies hiring the space to work there. That is the demand for this model right now in the industry. The co-owner, Rohini Manian Bharath says, “This was a model that fascinated my brother and me, 15 years back while we were studying abroad. When we found out that it can be a good business model, we decided to start and here we are working on different branches now.” She added, ‘We even have a five-year plan to constantly develop and provide the best infrastructure, feel and ambiance at our spaces.” Although I said it’s a typical workspace, one working in a 24/7 IT company will feel the difference as soon they enter this space. This space has open desks for freelancers, creating a relaxing vibe with some plants in pots around, which I felt was so calming and definitely different from any regular workplace, at least in an industrial area like Guindy. Even to those working inside their cabins, this sight will be a mood changer and yeah, the Play Station right next to the cafeteria and the mini library definitely won me over. Like I said, you wouldn’t be sharing your space only with the people from your own organization; instead, you will be working with different professionals from different organizations in co-working spaces. The owners have designed the space with an aesthetic touch well, what do you expect from the leading builders in the city? Looking forward to more interesting spaces with lot more interesting features from them.
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RESOLUTION 501 The next one I visited was in a small street that was lead from one of those busiest roads in Chennai - Teynampet, Anna Salai. I was quite surprised to see that such a peaceful street existed in that road that I pass by every day. Varun Reddy is the owner of the space and again he is from a builder’s family. He says, “For us more than running a co-working model, this co-working space is an idea that worked out because we had extra space. We required only a small room to run our office and thought why not share it with everyone else?” Resolution-501 has open desks with two or three cabin facilities again with all the basic amenities like water, chai, coffee, Wi-Fi and electricity charges covered on your seat rent. Pointing out to a corner where the WIP was going on, Varun said, “Now we are just upgrading with few recreational facilities to ease people and give a holistic atmosphere.” And there goes on numerous spaces with such ideas and uniqueness! But does our Chennai have a space to those who really don’t want an office atmosphere? The answer is YES, how can a UNESCO awarded ‘Creative City’ (not really bothered about recognition but still, proud of the fact we are one of the most creative cities in the world) not have one?
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THE GRID
I have been hearing a lot about a space called ‘The Grid’ – an informal co-working space, so decided to check it out and see what the difference is. An old house revamped without disturbing the old mosaics and room partitions but with a lot of interesting details, which one can never miss. Just tried to lift this creative space’s veil and there she was, the women behind this beautiful space, Justine De Penning - a pukka Chennaiite with her Dutch-French roots, the owner of this eclectic space. As I walked down chatting with her, I noticed and touched one of her desks with a few names engraved on it. I asked her, “Wait, are kids coming too?” I don’t think anyone else will write on benches. But, super touched and excited with her answer, she said, “Oh no, that’s a bench we picked up from a college and yeah, I really wish these people could visit this space to find their college desks” Yeah, if I ever see my school desk, I will flip and cry out in joy. Justine glows with happiness everytime she talks about the space, it’s design and ambiance. The Grid was named precisely to serve as an informal network space for different people from different fields to come together and collaborate. Asking what Grid means to her - Justine said, “For me, The Grid is much more than just a co-working space. I have grown up around art and always had a creative sensibility with what I do. Over the years I became fascinated with the idea of bringing different kinds of artists and creative people together under one roof to share ideas and thoughts as well as have a focused informal place to work on their practice, have conversations and ideate collectively.” Places like these are now home for most of the independent artists, be it stand-up comedians, film-makers, theatre actors or musicians. Everyone is now celebrating their performances they do at these spaces because of the minimalism and intimacy they get with their very few audiences. This helps them interact with their audiences on a personal level. I would also like to add that such spaces are always on the lookout for artists who can perform and bring new changes to the atmosphere. These spaces would love to host new artists and help fill the void between your artist and you.
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BACKYARD
Moving on, the last space I visited was a calm, quiet and a go-to space for almost any freelancer in the city. Charging on an hourly basis, the Backyard has minute details and different sections as a part of their design. One such design is their ‘express’ wall, on which you can see all the interesting works from people this place has seen. Yes, you can display your work and leave a note there on their wall too. They change the stuff on this wall every month, while they change their food menu every single day (they are supporting another community who have a passion for cooking by selling their food apart from those any number of free coffees and teas you can demand there). Also, was quite impressed with the quotes and display of work they had everywhere, I couldn’t resist from asking what was their ‘thinking room’ all about? Thus followed a little embarrassment but, laughed out loud with them when they said, it was a ‘restroom.’ The idea of this space was then
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Nithya & Akshaya’s thesis project they did while graduating from their architecture school. Kudos to those young creative entrepreneurs/designers. And before I could conclude my question whether maintaining backyard is just a part-time thing they do apart from their designing projects, they said “No, architect designing is part-time apart from backyard” answered both simultaneously and there was a second of silence before we broke into laughter. Which tells how much in sync they are and I realized the level of rapport, passion and involvement they have in their project. Apart from the unlimited coffee and noninterrupting Wi-Fi, I can get from these spaces, I was also so happy to know that these spaces are breaking boundaries between people and I wish there exist no more strangers in this world. Happy Working!
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LIVE
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Rustic Esotericism and its Contemporary Relevance Aparna P Kochumon As the monsoon withdraws and the landscapes of northern Kerala, popularly known as Malabar are bountiful with lush green foliage, there emerges the fiery forms of the human-gods - the Theyyams. Etymologically, the word Theyyam refers to Gods in Malayalam. Clad in flamboyant costumes, colossal headgear and peripherals and painted with lavish slathers of vermillion, crimson and black, the Theyyam ritual is an incredible sight to behold! On temple grounds and at old ageing mansions, Theyyams emerge in the light of the flickering incandescent lamps and cantillate in the euphoric air. Adorning an extravagant attire and often possessing blazing torches, these Theyyam Gods and Goddesses are a transcendental incarnation of the Supreme One, on earth. The Indian tradition which has its roots inclined towards arts and culture, have always found a fascination in denoting their past, their beliefs and folklore through art which culminates as visual art, dance forms, enactments and music. Dating back to an era which cannot be precisely denoted, the Theyyam ritual which is an amalgamation of mime, theatre, dance and music and is an exaltation of the belief of the ancient tribes in the spirits of their ancestors, is the oldest performing tradition of Kerala. There are over 400 variations of Theyyams. Despite being a male dominant society, we can see a large segment open to women in the Theyyam cult. Based on gender, Theyyams can be divided into Aan Theyyam – males and Penn Theyyam or Amma Theyyam – females. COSTUME: The accessories for Theyyam are fashioned out of indigenous materials including Kuruthola or tender leaves of the coconut tree, wood, metals and fabric. Being an earthy art form, the outfits and allied paraphernalia are derived mostly from natural sources. Aniyalam refers to the costumes and attire used for a Theyyam performace. Depending on the raw material used in making the accessories, they could be both temporary
and permanent. Those fashioned out of tender leaves of coconut are used for a single performance while those crafted in light woods and metals including bronze, silver and gold, are permanent ones which can be reused. The head decoration uses an assortment of embellishments out of which the Mudi or the headgear is the most prominent. The Kondal, a piece of cloth placed on the head forms the primary base for the rest of the headgear. The Talapali, yet another crucial part of the head decoration, is an ornament with 21 silver or bronze motifs, which represent the 21 ancestors of the tradition. An arrangement of several ixora flowers in a string – Talapu or Talatanda, is fixed right above the Talapali. The performers use an array of pseudo ears - Kaathu to accentuate their demeanor. Mughapala or masks are fashioned out of varied materials including the spathe of the areca palm and cardboards. The face make-up – Mughathezhuthu uses natural colours obtained from ingredients such a Kasthurimusk, Kunkumam- saffron powder, Chayilyamvermilion, Chunnamb- quick lime, Manjal- turmeric and rice powder. Mascara or the black component is created by heating an earthen vessel with a lamp and mixing the soot with coconut oil. Though the basic form and outline of Mughathezhuthu cannot be altered, the thickness of lines and area is subject to the aesthetic eye of the make-up artist. The Koyipu or Kozhipushpam, denotes the comb of a cock and is considered as the most refined and complex among face-painting patterns. Apart from painting, the artists also use masks, pseudo eyes, fangs, moustache and beards in accordance to the character. There exists no other form of art, which lays such immaculate precision and distinctive appearance in face painting.
Clad in flamboyant costumes, colossal headgear and peripherals and painted with lavish slathers of vermillion, crimson and black, the Theyyam ritual is an incredible sight to behold!
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Theyyam performers accessorize their arms with an assortment of bangles made out of wood. On the legs, the Theyyam wears three kinds of ornaments namely, Patumpadam, Chilambu and Manikayla – all made of bronze. Patumpadam, a specially designed ornament is worn just above the jingling anklet, Chilambu. Manikayla a string of bells, is adorned above the Patumpadam and below the knee. Costumes around the waistline vary between Porathattu, Aroda, Chatta, Arakettu, and Adukku. Porathattu, a circular costume worn on the dorsal side of the artist and is reserved only for female Theyyams. Garments or Uduppu were initially fashioned out of tender coconut leaves. With advancements in the cultural milieu, performers also use fabric. Apart from the extravagant costumes, some Theyyams bear a primitive torch or Pandham which is lighted during the performance. These may be hand held or fixed to the costume cast. A particular Theyyam form, Theechamundi, has the performer walking bare feet on glowing embers. Ancillary weapons such as sword, sickle, trident and bow and arrow are also employed, depending on the character. KALASAM: Kalasam or Aatam is the dance ritual performed by the Theyyam artist. Though the act of dancing traces its roots back to centuries, the performers have grown, experimented and improvised the repertoire. The performance will be in synchronization to the backdrop medley of various percussions including drums and cymbals. The Theyyam artist undergoes a period of intense preparation including abstinence, fasting, prayer and solitary confinement to condition both the body and soul before adorning the sacrosanct attire of the human-god. Albeit there exists no gender or age restraints whilst embodying the consecrated being, often, veteran performers with an acquired skillset in martial arts are chosen to personify certain cardinal deities. Conducted in small village shrines or at houses as ancestor-worship in a pompous manner, Theyyam rituals are believed to be an abolisher of perils and furnisher of prosperity. The act is devoid of any particular setting, curtain or veils but is a rustic form of open theatre. The tradition of Theyyam has endured the tests of time and the onslaught of turbulent revolutions of politics, science and community. Apart from being an exalted art form, Theyyam possesses a facet of reverence and mysticism, which are welcomed by the onlookers who believe that
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these human-gods are capable of bestowing boons. Emotions of fear, anxiety and pain were weighed seriously in the initial years as the evolution and understanding of science failed to render a fitting elucidation on the cause and effects of a particular phenomenon. This natural struggle for an alternate ethos led to the concept of the supernatural, which is akin to Animism, Manaism and Fetishism or, the worship of material objects, which are supposed to have an innate power. The effect of psychic repressions resulted in a state of trance, which overwhelmed the physical and psychological realms. When played on a loop, this reverie proved to exude a calming effect, which aided in overcoming several crisis. The trance in fusion with beliefs, culminated as dance or performance. In lieu with the movement of culture, the beliefs gave rise to the custom of worship. The worship culture, which was setting into the social norms, combined with aesthetics, gave birth to Theyyam. An incarnate cult with subterranean yet profound roots that embrace a society as a whole, Theyyam surpasses the boundaries of caste and creed. In the early days, the Hindu community of Malabar rested their religious dogma solely in the Theyyam rituals and there were no alternatives to faith. A closer look at the art form reveals that there are three distinct stages in its evolution. The first phase comprises of a trace wherein kinesthetic combine with beliefs to give birth to a performance. The next stage supported the trace with scientific reasoning and tangible corroboration. The actual evolution of the art form commenced at this stage by defining rhythm and pattern to the chords of a musical encore or recital. This heady concoction of verses, chants and slivers of the fable is known as Thottam Paattu. The final phase saw the advent of Aryans who introduced the concept of Hindu deities into the art form of Theyyam. Having a primeval origin, Theyyam as we see it today, has undergone copious amounts of metamorphosis owing to several external elements.
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worship culture, which was setting into the social norms, combined with aesthetics, gave birth to Theyyam.
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In the ancient society, which dwelled upon rustic and rudimentary needs, Theyyam existed for the common welfare of the community. However, with advances in the socio-cultural arena and betterdefined frameworks of religion - Hinduism in particular, the role of the art form in a pluralistic society elevated to a greater dimension. It served as a means for the community to come together and celebrate, alongside partaking in varied chores of planning, organizing and execution. The cult functioned as an effective tool to address social issues and concerns like untouchability, Sati and pollution. Theyyams such as Pottan, Vishnumurthi and Kuttichaathan took a direct dig at social discrimination, which brought forth the need for equality in the community. The ardent belief in the divinity and the possible wrath that might come, upon displeasing the man-gods, propelled the people to abide by the norms and rules. In the remote past, the religious facet of Theyyam was limited to bringing about peace and social equilibrium. Theyyams established a belief mechanism to reason out troubles and uncertainties – its causes and aftermath. Sanctioned as customs and rituals, it justified the vicious cycle of life. Theyyam, though a primitive art form, is based on a well-curated philosophy on semiotics. It employs motifs and imageries from everyday life, which makes the complexities of the cult to be easily discernible and relatable to the common man. When offering blessings, the Theyyam listens to the predicaments of the devotees and offer practical and doable solutions. This traditional style of counselling combined with the divinity element creates an unyielding belief in the unconscious, reinstalling confidence and motivation in the being. The sacramental structure of any society is defined by its economic status. In a stratified society, the lower level population survives on a service based economic theory. They are performers of the Theyyam cult who benefit economically from their act. The concept of Theyyam its purpose and doctrine is a far-sighted one. Traversing through the ages, the core principles sustain its relevance even in today’s world. The significance of a communal binding and the need to propagate a green theory of life – as a partner with nature, rather than a master are the core principles of this living cult. Rather than patronizing idols and extending theologies on religion, Theyyam promotes the necessity to endorse pristine values and lead a path of morality. A seemingly crude art form, conceived and perpetuated by a section of illiterate, technologically oblivious generation with its dogmas that is pertinent in the contemporary world, is the marvel of Theyyam!
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LIVE
BE AN ART INSIDE OUT
Dark arts ain’-t the only art/ You are more than the darkness within. Akila Sridhar It’s been a while since I penned down anything and I feel like a fish out of water. I was initially planning to own it down as fish without dressing or onions forgotten to be served or lasagna forgotten to be baked. My hunger might drive across the whole point, as long as it is driven comfortably. It’s a luxury for those who have the time, comfort and craving to write while having the motivation, muse and fresh ideas. Ideas are like coffee, always better when hot and freshly served. First serving makes the day, second- a better mood and third- grit to be/let be; fourth- just enough to survive. That luxury is what we must strive for. Work for. Live for. Death is easy but living is the challenge we must endure to be remembered for the right reasons. The jigsaw pieces which are tougher to fit in are the most amusing. Every artist is said to go through painful phases in life to instill in themselves the creative passion. Or the
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encouragement needed to succeed. I always felt that such experiences open up a part of our brains which helps us transform pain into something beautiful and worthy of a show. People without show-business faces or beach bodies - burn and toil on the inside to bring out their inner beauty because that’s all they have. Fiction wrapped by society in fat and oil. Is it the reality though? Can fictional stories mean true stories? Can you be given the moon by your lover? (Unless he is Donald trump, cause there is nothing he can’t do- Nudges presidency) They share nothing but the answer- No. Do we HAVE to, have to present a rosy picture to impress and spread warmth! How do I put the smallest sentence and idea across without taking up much words and space- No.
Recently I realized that brain cells don’t need a painful memory to tune a melody; broken heart to paint love; lost one to captures memories around. But we need the fire. Traditionally fire was easy through pain. But pain isn’t the solution but a feeling. It’s not an emotion but a passing cloud. Amidst everyday life, we need to learn how to convert and monetize with what we’re dealt with. We need to become the chemists of our own laboratorieswe clearly need more ingredients. We need to paint our studios not of blood but of dreams- clearly a varied pallet. Inducing pain or attracting it, isn’t how artists are made - but lost. Over time that addiction to being broken will get you away from what you love- creation. Beatles saw it, poets wrote it, Heath Ledger lived it and Robin Williams ended with it.
If I hadn’t conveyed it clearly- Pain is like drugsseduced while taking it and mere void without it. Once in it, never anything without it. It is like the fire and you’re the fly- with every puff you’re dragged closer to death which is glorified because you’re the artist who showed that way. You sculpt your own end and carve it with your bare hands. Even if you want to live, you choose the end. Death isn’t the end but lack of creativity and fear of failure should be. Repeatedly I’ve portrayed through my works that existing isn’t living but making is. Making a difference or life or hope- that’s worthy to stay. Then how do we ignite the fire within us? To make us worthy enough to stay and be productive- to ourselves and people around. How do we be faithful and contempt? The answer is in you, it is you.
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You are enough. Monetize on all moods and change the settlement to sorrow. We are like junkies for adrenaline rush and excitement. We find the easy way to success and jump over a cliff for fame. We run towards an approaching train and hug the cactus to feel one more time. We fear. It’s Satan you are signing up with, don’t concede defeat to the Christ and shake with doom. Call it Lucifer, wrapped in fancy paper but content is satanic. Artists could be dark and ideas could be vague but we should explore, listen, see and feel more - good and bad to create better. Sorrow, sadness, pain and loss doesn’t make an artist deepen and realist - his love for his passion does. His strength and determination does. His path and stride does. His journey and destination does. BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
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You don’t have to be a bearded drunkard to ace Guitar, you don’t have to be a dropout or gothic to paint; depressed or pretentious to theatre. You can be you and do you. You should, find your own solution; be your own change; Don’t succumb to history, make them. Don’t give in to fear, win them. Don’t walk away from pressure, bear them. Don’t run towards death, embrace/ seduce /evade them. Don’t chase fame, earn them. Have a reason to exist, create and live. Don’t make pain your medicine or muse. Make it your experience and get on with life. Treat it like a pat on your back. Make it a passing cloud and shine bright. Get through the phase and never look back. Be in touch with basics, never stay there. Live your life this once and not for monies worth. Live it, don’t sell it. Feel it and not fake it. Be the change you want to see. Be new. Be you. Be your own cue. Be the reason. Season your tour with some. Don’t end at the beginning. You have places to go and people to see. Drinks to have and moods to be. Don’t burn out, never think pain can hold you back. Never let your pain drive you around, and make you be. Once you do, you’ll like being broken and that’s what you’ll ever be. You’re so much more than pain. You’re so much more than this. You are more. You are you. Bring the season to success. Raise and never set without victory. Mate, you’ve got it good- Make it count.
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BREW MOMENTS
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BREW WOMEN’S AWARDS SINCE 1986 2018
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The Brew Magazine presented the ‘Brew Women’s Awards 2018,’ in accordance with International Women’s Day. Women across various money fields were recognized and honored back for their achievements and their service towards the society. The event witnessed imminent people from Chennai who were there to support the awardees and also presented the awards to them. The event also witnessed the launch of guaranteed Price the March Issue of The Brew magazine which was a special women’s edition featuring late Sridevi Kapoor on the cover as a tribute.
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From left to right : Esther Shanthi - Caretaker (Corporation Burial Ground), Malavikaa Sundar - Indian Idol, Shaktishree Gopalan - Playback Singer and Independant Musician, Sherin Bosko - Social Activist, YG Maduvanthi - Actress, Sameer Bharat Ram Publisher and CEO of The Brew Magazine, Lakshmipriya Chandramouli - Actor, A. S Thahira - Inspector, Neerja Malik - Cancer Counsellor and Inspirational Speaker. BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
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WHAT’S BREWING
MOTHER’S DAY
We all know that moms are what make the world go round. Their unconditional love, good advice, and understanding nature render them superheroes. Lush Mother’s Day 2018 collection is here to make that celebration even better, thanks to a range of products that promise to spoil even more than their usual offerings. As described on the Lush’s website, it’s filled with “limited-edition self-preserving indulgences” that will make your mom feel like she’s enjoying a high class spa day. From bath bombs and soap to a massage bar and bubble bar, the products offered are indeed luxurious. And with names like “Mother of Pearl” and “Incredible Mom,” they truly are the perfect gifts.
MAGIC LEAP ONE AR HEADSET
WORLD’S FIRST SELF DRIVING STORE
Robomart – The world’s first self-driving store promises to bring the whole grocery shopping experience to your doorstep. Consumers will simply tap a button to request the closest robomart. Once it arrives, they head outside, unlock the doors, and shop for the products they want. When they are done, they just close the doors and send it on its way. Robomart tracks what customers have taken using patent pending “grab and go” checkout free technology and will charge them and send a receipt accordingly. Fully electric vehicles that are incredibly environmental friendly and they also leave a green footprint. Equipped with the latest cutting edge technology to access completely wireless EV charging Source: ces.tech
JBL EARPHONES WIRELESS
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The first product to come out of the Google-backed augmented-reality startup, the Magic Leap One Creator Edition AR headset looks like a pair of full-on goggles straight out of a steampunk universe. It includes a set of Lightwear smart glasses, a battery pack belt and a controller. Unlike other AR headsets, the Leap One projects a full 3D image onto your retinas, which can be focused on in the same way that real objects can. Pricing information hasn’t been released yet, but it’s due to ship in 2018. Source: cnet.com 58 BREW LIFESTYLE I MAY 2018
JBL Free truly wireless in-ear headphones deliver JBL Signature Sound in an intuitive, yet intelligent package. Completely free from wires and easy to use, the JBL Free is your flexible companion for calls, music and an active lifestyle. You get 24 hours of combined playback: 4hrs of continuous listening on the headphones plus 20 hours of backup from the smart charging case. The splash proof worry free IPX5 certified design keeps the music playing through sunshine and rain. Source: amazon.com
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