Kochivibe  is always on the lookout  for Talents who are making it BIG in life and one of the searches ended in Ifthikar Ali – a singer , music composer and producer.  At the age of 17 he launched his first musical album and then two years later he launched another musical album mantra. I caught up with “Ifthi” for a quick interview!

1) Tell us something about yourself ?

I was born in Trikarpur in Kasargod District, Kerala and did 3 yrs diploma from Arena Multimedia Bangalore and was in Dubai from 2005-2009. I am now back in Bangalore and is the CEO of RightClick Interactive.

2) Somethign about Ifthi the talent musician

Self taught musician, composer, singer. Had training of harmonium (carnatic) for a month, but later stopped so that I can concentrate on piano and chords.

3) How early did you begin developing your music talents and the path taken?

I was 10  when I first started playing around with keys, a casio keyboard which I got as a birthday gift. First song that I composed was the prayer song  for Vidyathiraja School when I was in 9th grade.

4) What all instruments do u play?

Keyboard.

5) The Kind of music you like?

I love all kinds of music. I go by a rule ‘Sounding Good’. Anything that’s appealing to me. No definite description for that. Depends on the mood.

6) Tell us about the work you have done so far?

First album was Dil Hai Deewana, released in 2 districts. First professional project was malayalam album Mantra in 2003. Then an un-released project October, still sorting out the release issues. An International instrumental album ‘in-conceivable’ with a singaporean artist. One single ‘Show me love’ with canadian producer Moilim Yacoub aka MY.

7) It said the new comers are always asked for money to get a chance to sing in movies? Would u pay to get a chance to sing in a movie?

I have had offers like that. I haven’t done so far, I won’t be doing. I take music as a passion. I don’t need to invest in that to get recognized. For an artist, his talent is the investment.

Your take on Reality Shows (Singing)

It’s a good platform for the new comers. Hope the back end of such shows are genuine.

9) Your dream aspiration and role model?

AR Rahman

10) What is your recent project?

Right now working on a international album for a chennai/bangaore based company Tune4. Mix of instrumental, hindi and english. I have few other projects in the pipeline, but not clear as such to speak about.

11) Valentines Day is near do u have a valentine and what plans for valentines day?

Nope I’m working this valentines, travelling from friday to monday for an album project.

12) Your concept of Love? and Recommend Top Romantic Songs of your choice for Kochivibe readers!

If you think about the fantasy side, Love is something u cant live without… everyone in this world loves something or someone….. the heart skipping a beat or goosebumps, missing someone badly etc etc

Practical side, it’s how you adjust with someone…it is the level of understanding between two individuals and willingness to sacrifice small things in life. It’s about how well you share and care each other.

Love for me as a musician is a source of inspiration. Anything around the concept of love is a spark.

and my top pick of romantic songs would be

• Manju Pole of the film Dost (All time fav – Malayalam),
• Bole Sajni from Doli Sajake Rakhna (Sonu Nigam/ARR),
• When you say nothing at all (Ronan Keating)
• Right here waiting (Richard Marx)

You can catch Ifthikar in this facebook fanpage.

This is the chat conversation we had with Dilruba Pandey, Navy Queen 2009.

1.  How did the Navy Queen come about?

I was told by a lot of friends to take part in navy queen 3 years back. But then I had lot of work here, my VJing and Ads kept me very busy, and also I had a lot of work in Mumbai. This time I made it a point to take part, somehow I felt 2009 will be very lucky for me. I took part and the rest as they say is history.

2. The Highlight of this year is that, the winner is married. Where you the only married person taking part?

No not at all, there were quite a few married women. I think there were 6 to 7 married  women in the prelims and we had 4 in the finals. I believe the tag queen itself signifies the maturity of the person, it does not matter if you are married or unmarried, what actually matters is if you are portraying  your feminity on stage or if you are actually celebrating your womanhood on stage.

3. So was there a generation gap?

Oh! No, I’m still in my late twenties, and there was no generation gap at all. In-fact I was the one making all those jokes and getting trendy with them. There were a few young girls who were so mature and I kept telling them not to grow up and stay in their teen age. It was a fun grooming session we had, so there was a lot of bonding and it was fun.

4. So what is your connection with Kochi?

Well I used to travel a lot to Kochi while I was in Mumbai being an image stylist. My connection with Kochi started then. Then I moved here when my husband got posted here. In the beginning it was a little depressing, coz things were not happening here, but I think it picked up in a year’s time.

5. Which are the Ads you have done?

I have done a lot, I was the face of Apple properties, sunetra eye drops, hridyamruth, I have done about 10 ads. I was also the face of Parpiddam, a magazine. I’m also the face for an online shopping network. I have also done a Malayalam movie, in which I had a small role. The name of the movie was called Roudram.

6. Are you planning to get into movies?

I would love to get into movies, I have done a lot of theatre in Pune and also I’m a trained western classical singer. I have done a lot of musical theatre. I’m on the lookout for good roles, I will not do a small role again, I’m looking for something substantial and has some weightage. I also compere stage shows.

7. What do you think of the casting couch?

It definitely exists, but I have my priorities straight. That is one of the reason why I did Raoudram 2 years back and I have not done a movie till today. Roudram was great, the director was a thorough gentleman. I had a few more offers but I did not get the right vibes. Not all directors are like that some are good and some are bad, who are we to judge. I don’t know about the Malayalam industry that much, but the ad world and TV industry is very clean as far as I know. The industry is not bad, sometimes I feel as an actor, there are agents, who tell you that there is a role available but it comes with a few conditions. It purely depends on how ambitious the girl is, nobody is forcing anybody to do it. So we cannot really blame the industry.

8. How did the Rosebowl thing happen?

Rosebowl happened through a friend of mine. A few people told me that I need to be in front of the camera, and not behind styling people. I gave it a go, sent my pictures and did an audition and thus it happened. We had a blast shooting for Rosebowl, my director used to tease me and tell me the wrong malayalam pronuncitaion to be told on screen for my show song4u.

9. So are you missing Pune.

Yeah, Pune is my life. I have my parents there and all my friends. But Kochi is a very happening place now and i can never forget what Kochi have given to me.

10. Are you Fashion Crazy?

I’m completely into Fashion. I am always dressed upto my best. I love clothes, make up and I love making a statement.

Catch Dilruba Pandey Exclusive Interview only on kochivibe

We at kochivibe had the pleasure of catching up with Dhanya Mary Varghese for a cup of coffee and conversation. Below is the interview transcript.

1. Tell us how did it all started, you’re modeling and acting?

I was a student of St Teresa college and was in the cultural team, mainly into dancing. My favorite form of dancing is classical- bharatnatyam, kuchupudi etc. I got a great platform to launch my career(modeling and movies) from St. Teresa ‘s college

2. Which was your first modeling assignment?

Chavara and Chungath Prince Jewelers.

3. Tell us more about your modeling days?

It’s been 4 years since I have come in to modeling/fashion industry. There is no age bar in the modeling field. I prefer to be known as a model rather than an actress. There is a lot of scope in Mumbai. I have done couple of ads with Mumbai and Delhi based agencies – Asian paints, East Tea campaign by Rajeev Menon, and with Kerala agencies – my ads were kalyan and manorama.

4. How did the transition for modeling to movies happen?

I got into movies through ads, You invoke the interests of directors and casting agents when you start appearing on the cover of magazines. ‘Thirudi’ was my first movie and then ‘Veeramum Eeramum’ (Tamil movies). ‘Nanma’ was my first Malayalam movie and then I acted in ‘Thalappavu’.

I was in my degree when I was shooting for Tamil movies and had a break of a year after every movie. I wouldn’t have got a chance in movies if I was not a model. I can say that I paved my way into acting through modeling. Director Shaji Sir gave me a chance to act in his latest movie after watching my East Tea Commercial.

5. Where you nervous or excited when you faced the camera for the first time? Did you always have a passion towards acting in movies?

Yes, I was very nervous about the first take, infact everybody will be nervous. You are new in the industry. When you meet the directors I was not sure what to talk to him. But now, I feel that I’m slowly becoming part of this industry.

I was always more interested in dancing. I was planning to have career in dancing. My mother was interested in sending me for dance classes.

6. How do you pick roles? Since you are new in the industry do you really have the freedom to pick and choose scripts or do u just have to do anything that comes your way?

When you are new to the industry we never get a chance to read the script. We can request the director to read a couple of lines from the script. I pick a role mostly by listening to the brief of my character given by the director.

7. ‘Thalappavu’ was less glamour’s role. How did it affect your modeling career?

‘Thalappavu’ was a completely deglamorised role ,A few directors had told me that I don’t have face for Malayalam cinema, but after watching’ Thalappavu’ directors have got back and appreciated for the work I have done in the movie.

8. Your biggest obstacle till date?

The audience accepting the characters in portray in the movies I have done.

9. Your dream role?

I have just started my career in the industry, so currently don’t have any. But would like to be able to act like Shobana or Sridevi.

10. Do you think that we have equitable actress in Tamil or Malayalam. Actresses who can caryy a movie by themselves.

We have lots of actress who have the talent, but the movies have always had male centric scripts and the talent a lot of times goes unnoticed. We also don’t get enough opportunities to prove our skill levels.

11. What’s your professional goal?

I would like to be remembered by the next generation for the characters in portray. For eg: Shobhana, though she is not active in movies anymore we still fondly remember some of her characters especially the one in ‘Manichitratazu’ where she portrayed ‘Nagavalli ‘.

12. How was your college life?

I have completely enjoyed my college life, especially being a part of the cultural team. I used to bunk classes using excuses like dance practice. Studying was always difficult to me, the college was very strict about attending class, and permissions to leave the hostel etc. But college also gave me loads of opportunities, as I mentioned earlier my modeling career kicked off from St Teresa’s college.

13. Did you enjoy School or college more?

School was different, I used to be in a co-ed school and used to have a lot of friends then, I don’t think I have studied at all. Then college was a shock, it was more like a jail. The seniors were not very forgiving, I have wished many times if only I could go back and study in a co-ed college, I think I would have enjoyed campus life better. But I’m not complaining, St. Theresa’s gave me a platform to get into modeling and thus cinema.

14. Recount for us some instances from your college life, embarrassing as well as fun instances.

Two instances that come to mind are, when I got caught bunking classes and after winning the overall trophy for the cultural competition.
The first one was when I bunked classes citing the excuse of dance practice, i went to the auditorium to watch a show, I was sitting by the window and the teacher concerned saw me sitting there and questioned me about it in class, I very conveniently and confidently told her about dance practice, only to get a shouting for lying. We have also jumped out of the hostel to eat food, since the hostel food can get a little drab at times, Our regular excuse then was to get photocopies.
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15. How long do you plan to stay in movies? And what after movies?

I want to continue doing cinema for at least the next 10 years. After that I think I will be part of the industry in some capacity or method, I can’t place my finger on anything yet.

16. Would you like to have an arranged marriage or marry someone you love?

I would definitely want to marry someone I desire.

17. So have you found someone already?

Yes

18. Nice, So is he from the film line?

Yes, but he not someone you would guess. People keep asking me who do you like among the youngsters, Its none of those people.. so your guesses are probably wrong.

19. How far do you see marriage?

Don’t know yet, I will cross that bridge when it I get to it.

20. Your thoughts on approving homosexuality in India?

90% of people wouldn’t appreciate it in Kerala, Having grown up in a certain culture with its own values I think it will be difficult for people like us to accept it.

21. Your thoughts about Kochi.

Cochin is slowly becoming a chota Mumbai. But there is heaps more to grow, I think Kerala on the whole needs to have more economic growth, that way we will not have brain drain but brain gain. Now a lot of talented people have migrated to other cities because of fewer opportunities here.

22. What are your thoughts on body enhancing cosmetic surgery? Would you do it?

Lots of Bollywood actresses have gone under the knife. In the past we used to prefer the natural beauty, as times change so does our mindset. I haven’t thought about doing cosmetic enhancement, but if people want a face which will which will sell then I guess surgery will work.

23. A brief on Kerala café movie.
It’s a multi cast movie, more like a Dus Kahaniya than Twenty 20, I’m paired with Suresh Gopi and I play a character called Herenmai. This has a great ensemble of actors including legends like Mammooty, Suresh Gopi and Dileep. I think this will a different type film, that has never been attempted in Malayalam cinema.

Quick Fire :

• Favorite Actor:  Amitabh Bachan, Shah Rukh Khan
• Favorite Actress: Srivedi, Maduri, Shobhana
• Favorite Color: white
• Favorite Food : Icecream
• Dream Vacation place: Switzerland
• Your sun sign: Virgo
• Best day of your life: My first movie shoot.
• Thoughts on politics: I hate politics
• Will you ever join politics : Never say never.
• Visualize a great evening for us: To spend an evening with loved one.
• Your take on fashion, what are your preferences : I love to drape a saree, but we can’t wear that everyday. Casuals with kurtis etc…
• Favorite brand: would be Pepe Jean.

Interview with Dhanya Mary Varghese Coming soon in Kochivibe.com

1. Architect –> RJ –> VJ –> DJ, what’s making you move on like this ?

I’me a very perfect example of the youth of today , I have a very short attention span. So, I get pretty bored of things really quickly, as a result of which I always want to try out 20 different things at the same time. I have just been lucky to be able to do those 20 different things at the same time and they have all kinda worked.

While I was studying Architechture , I did not really attend college , I was in this college where you went when you went , and at the end of the year , you somehow clear your papers. So , because we used to spend so much time in the canteen eating idlis’ , it gave us the time to do theatre , radio jockeying and thigs like that.

2. How has the life been ? From an architect to a VJ.. You are a celebrity now ! How would you rate the ride ?

It was super fun. A few days ago , I was called by my school , and the school alumni presented me the “Young Achiever” award. When people look at my life , they see the achievements.. But for me, It has always been about having fun . ! I twwet saying “Ime in Pune , Bangalore ,Kochi…” .. and people respond saying ” Whoa man..! I wish I had your lifestyle ! , I would kill millions to have your lifestyle  ” . For me , its just that I like having fun and this is what I wanna do.. If I could actually squeeze in a party in the morning , another one in the aftrenoon and another one in the night , I would do that..!

I have this really interesting philosophy  , “ If it feels good , Overdo it..!! ” I wouldn’t really recommend it , but it seems to really work with me.

3. Was this the same reason why you decided not to pursue architechture ?

There was no plan. ! I did not attend college for the 1st two years , somehow managed to clear my 1st 2 years papers.  As a matter of fact , in my second year , we had 6 papers. and the pass mark was 35 . I ended up getting five 35s and one 36..! Yes..! I scraped through..! In our third year , we had 17 papers , and I completed the entire syllabus in 3 months. Thats when I started to get serious about my studies. !  In the fourth year , I topped my university in Design..! and the 5th year was when I started to get lazy again. We had to do a thesis . Instead of completing the thing in 1 year , I took a year off , hung out with my girl friend, I did radio , I did all kinds of things , while my parents were asking me why I didn’t write my exams.! And I would be like , weel do it the next year..!!

So I finally thought that I have to get the thesis out of my way..  and there are more things I want to do with my life . I wanted to join a worldwide chain of resorts called ClubMed , . They were recruiting in India , and the idea was to join them as a Bartender and travel the world with them  . My dad is in the Army, so we never really had the money to spend on a lavish holiday .! I thought I want to see the world , and Ile do it through a company. ! So , while I was working on my  thesis  , I thought , If  Broacha can do it , So can I. Broacha actually changed things for a lot of us. Before him , there were people like Danny McGill and Kamal Sidhu and Rahul Khanna , these are all very aspirational people. ! they always wore designer clothes and always looked certain way . !  And then Broacha was there , in his  shorts and t-shirt , cracking jokes . It was fun.

I auditioned for the VJ hunt , didn’t really expect to win , because everybody else who was auditioning was either a model or, already a mini celebrity from Bombay . And I was the only kid from Bangalore , who loved dancing , loved music and cracked a lot of stupid jokes which no1 really understood , and I guess that was what they were looking for at that time. !

I think a lot of people after Broacha and me , looked at us and said  ”If they can do it , we can do it as well..! “. and thats how the whole concept of VJing in India changed.!

4.  How was the transition from  being a RJ to a VJ.. Thats when you get a face..! How did it change your life ?

Like I said , its just hit me now , the school giving me an award and all . It didn’t really strike me as being anything unusual . I was doing something on Radio , and then I moved to Bombay , did something on Television. I really didn’t think too much about it . ! Its part of the reason why I have been able to do relatively well with live audiences . Ime a very stupid person , and I say this with all sincerity. Ime so stupid that I dont realise that there is something to be really frightened of  , like talking in front of people.  I dont realise that it should be scary.

5. How did things happen with Pearl ?  How did you guys meet ?

We met throught some mutual friends in Delhi . And Pearl was based half in India , half in Amsterdam , and she was picking up DJing . and we spent time talking and talking. I even remember this time when I called one of my friends and said “Dude , I met this girl.! ”  and he was like “Yeah ryte.! “.. So, thats how it all started..!

6. Being a famous personality and a public favourite , you must be used to the controversies and dodgin them , How do you handle them ?

Actually , I have just gotten used to it  ., this whole thing that happened on SplitsVilla has made me realise that there are people out there who are really weird . You just get a flavour of how they are what they would  do to draw attention to themselves . Its a little bit bizzare , because I have always had attention directed on me , thats not because I wanted it , but because I have this lifestyle where I really dont care and always want to have fun. Theres a bunch of people who would go to any extend to be able to say “I need to be in the media! ” .

When the first call came in from a Journalist , I was like ” I kinda know what Michael Jackson must have felt like.! “. The whole Splitsvilla issue actually turned out to be a very bizzare thing and I was forced to sit down for half a day , take each one of the allegations and reply to them on my FaceBook Blog.

Now , I have gotten a little bit aware of how bizarre things can be . Its forced me to look at people differently.  I have always lived the life of a teenager , and this is definitely not going to change the way I live , but its going to make me think a little more about the people I hang out with. !

7. As a permanent career choice , which would you prefer ( Architect / RJ / VJ /DJ  )  ?

I think I would go for being an RJ. Thats still my first love , I dream of starting a new radio station of my own at some point in life..!! Radio is such a wonderful medium..its so much fun.! Its so addictive ..! It consumes ones life in such a positive manner. I would recommend it to anybody.! I have never met a single person who works in a radio and who has told me that they dont enjoy their job..!

8. How did the name Flavour Boy come up ?

I dont know..! Well , how did the name Submerge come up ? Its just happened when we did not have a name for our party. Lets call it Submerge ?? Okay , Lets call it Submerge..!!

9. Can you shed some light on the birth of Submerge ?

It came out of frustration.! When the first Submerge party happened , we just called a group of friends , about 40 people and by 3 nights , we were up to 600-700 people..!! We did not really know that there were lots of people fedup with the scene in India , with the same remixes , the same Bollywood songs . We all wanted something where we could go and listen to music that we enjoyed . That is how sumberge came about , and it just spread like wild fier.

The two rules that we made in Submerge was that nobody was allowed to tell the DJ what music to play . We also encouraged the DJs not to use the microphone. The music should do the communication.! So we cut out all the “Cmon Baby..Shake It. Yey..yay..” crap !!

10. Being a DJ , you have a very tight schedule. Have you ever thought that because of the busy schedule , it is loosing its pleasure charm ?

Yes.! It does get tiring at times , like when yu have 2 nites of long sets .! But it never gets boring.!! Never..!! Its just that ,  sometimes I wished I had more energy..!

11 . You have been quite a few times to Kochi now.! What do you think about the city and its people ?

The people from cities with a smaller Clubbing comunity tend to be a lot more loyal and a lot more passionate about their music and that’s always fantastic for the DJ.! The reason why people become DJs is that music excites them to a level that they want to share it with other people . Its always good to be in cities like Kochi and Pune , because the enthusiasm is there , its like naked enthusiasm and naked energy . People in the south are a lot more intellectual and open to new ideas .

12. Your favourite club ?

Pacha Ibiza . It has a main dancefloor that hold about 2000 people. Theyve got a second dance floor , a terrace , a baby funky room. , the outsied restaurant room.. Its just insane.. ! The place is just so beautiful , beautiful decorations, awesome sound system.! I was  lucky enough to be in DJ console because Pearl was playing there last year.!  We became really good friends with the security at the DJ concert , because he was in Goa for Submerge..!

13. Your favourite DJ ??  apart from Pearl.. ?

DJ John DigWeed . He turns  the music sensational. Its the transition, the flow , the entire journey that he creates which is so awesome about him .. !!! He is the only DJ I know , who does not look at the crowd , no smiles..!! He just stands there , plays his music and makes sure that the crowd has fun ! .  If I had to pick an Indian DJ , I think we’ve got a bunch of them . for eg , Pearl , she knows what music to play when . That is what makes a good DJ..! DJ Tuhin Mehta , DJ Sanjay Dutta  , DJ Nawed .! are excellent DJs as well.. !

14. Theres a part of the the society that considers Partying as taboo.. Whats your message to them ?

Partying is possibly the most positive thing that you can do with your time . It helps you unwind , it helps you relax.  It helps you connect with people , It helps you make new friends..! Ofcourse there are aspects of partying that the scoiety might frown upon , the alcohol , the smoking , or the drink driving for that matter .

Its all about knowing yourself , knowing your limits , being responsible , and respecting the people around you . Partying is not just about getting sloshed , and uploading party pics of FaceBook.. I dont subscribe to that idea..!

Questions from readers of KochiVibe

1. Rajmohan: We saw you on the Silver Screen for Snip.. Can we expect to see more of you in films ?

Hey Rajmohan, I just read this amazing script in which I play the role of a police man.  As of now , I have date problems . I am a person who is happy with my music , but when something comes along , I dont miss it.!

2. Zuhair: It was a huge disappoinment when you were not on the judges panel for Roadies 6.. Can we expect you on Roadies 7 ?

Yes Zuhair, I am back on Roadies 7..! A lot of things have been changed regarding the selection process.. You will soon find out about it.!