Here is a supermodel with MALAYALI genes. From fashion shows to ads, he has marked his ‘Oomph-ness’ everywhere! No no, it’s not John Abraham. This time, we bring you to one of the hottest names in fashion industry, and it’s none other than KOCHI’ s own TONY LUKE. A pride  to every Malayali, TONY LUKE has marked his presence in the fashion arena, not just in India, but worldwide. KOCHIVIBE bring’s you an exclusive interview with Malayali’s pride TONY LUKE, and that too on the auspicious Keralapriravi day! Read on what Tony says about his work, family, love-life and more….

You must be having a huge female fan-following. Do you get Facebook requests every day and random calls from unknown numbers?

Huge fan following is for the rock-stars and POP artists. I am just another lad waiting on the bench waiting to be made a part of the game. Yes, in the last 5 years that I have turned professional in the fashion business, I do have people appreciate me and my work. It’s important to me and it makes me want to strive even harder to be better.

Initially I opened face- book for personal reasons. That is to keep in touch with friends and people from the industry. But what I didn’t foresee was its unimaginable reach in the virtual world. Yes, many requests do come in every day. I ignored them initially, but I received many messages, some sweet, some sad and some utterly rude, on being ignored. I kind of decided then to accept as many people as my friends as long as they are genuine and have some common people in the middle. I did change my attitude to that of “There are no more strangers in my life but friends and lovers that I haven’t met yet! “. I reckon I have around 4,000 friends on my list and should grow more and more as I get better by my work. No random calls on my phone.

Your route to being a supermodel would have been tough. Was it a struggle in Mumbai? Would you share a few experiences on that with us?

My first work was a group photo for a bathroom footwear company back in Bangalore. Went along with a friend being promised Inr 200 for being an extra. I looked so odd in the group, they asked me to take a hike. Wasn’t paid either. Not the best start! My first professional fashion job was with Bharath Sikka. It was for the Park Hotel campaign. I was selected based on some poloroids. He is the best in the country who snapped some of the greatest male models in this country Like Millind and Arjun Rampal. That was a good start. Later in the final year in Bangalore, I took part in a nation-wide casting for Indian fashion week held in Mumbai in 2003. I went on to do the highest number of shows in that event. I ended up with good 10 shows at the Indian fashion week 2004 in Delhi. Immediately after, I decided to take a break to pursue my post-graduation in MA IBA at the Regents business school, RBS London, U.K.  In 2005, while in London I turned a professional model with Milan being the staging point. I joined Major Model management, Milan.

Many of them don’t know that you are a Malayali. Is it that you are not keen on giving interviews to Malayalam channels, dailies or magazines?

It’s definitely not that I am not keen or interested. I wasn’t at all approached by any of the so called magazines, channels or dailies from my state. Either they are not aware of my existence or they are not interested.

Tell us something on how you ended up being a model?

It just happened that I look good in pictures/videos, and it was kind of acknowledged by everyone who took a peek at them.

Who are your role models from the fashion field?

Bruno Santos. The only male model in the history to shoot for both the warring brands of Armani and Versace. Edgy, genetically gifted with an impossibly muscular lean body and a dancers grace in front of the camera. Speaks SEX with clothes on. Period!

For all the ladies out there, what is your idea of romance? (P.S: Are you seeing anyone)

Something simple that involves the both of us. Movies, eating ice-creams or a cozy dinner at a nice joint. She would mean the world to me. To me the sun will rise and set with her.

What item of clothing, do you think, shapes your personality?

A full-Piece beautifully customized tailored top-to bottom SUIT .

Which are the popular national and international brands you have worked for?

I am extremely choosy when it comes to commercial shoots. Slow and sturdy without a complete burn-out! Worked in Milan, Germany, South Africa , Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai with some of the leading agencies.  Krizia Uomo Menswear in Milan, Salvatore fergamano in Hong Kong, Harley Davidson in Shanghai, Shopper stop campaign, Titan shades, indigo nation, Smirnoff campaign, Collective Campaign,4 consecutive months editions for GQ India, all prominent Magazines, all the prominent fashion weeks in the last 3 years and say about 500 stand alone fashion shows. And the opening Music video of Sherlyn Chopra directed by prahlad kakkar. Still fresh and not abused. Will soon unleash some great commercial work.

How important is money to you?

It’s been exactly 5 years and a half since I turned a Professional in modelling.  I have managed to do some very interesting work during this time. I haven’t measured the prominence of my work in the last years by milestones such as financial returns or my status quo in my country. The very essence of all that I tried and achieved in the last one year was to answer the question of whether I deserve to be in this profession. If you aren’t willing to try everything and make a mistake, then you’ll never make anything of yourself. I have done fairly well. I look to better myself in the coming years.

What is your view on same gender sex?

We live in a time and place where we have grown to accept and respect another’s needs and beliefs- To co-exist in peace and harmony. What we do in life echoes an eternity and if spending your life with that person  brings you moments that take your breath away and is worth every bit, then it definitely cuts across all boundaries such as gender, ethnicity or racial outlook. My view positively reflects it.

Tell us something about your family, education, and interests.

I was born in Ernakulam, kerala. I was bought up initially in basel, Switzerland where my mother, Theresa Kocherry, was a surgeon at the local hospital, Kantonspital. My Father is Mr. Luke Kocherry. He is a Business man. We got some heavy weights in the family. My father has 13 brothers. From George Kocherry who is the arch bishop to the Vatican to national activist father Thomas Kocherry . I have a younger sister, Annmary Luke, who is on her way to becoming a full-fledged lawyer.

I would say I was pretty inflexible when it came to rules and regulation. So I got myself kicked out from the local kindergarten school. My family posted me at a boarding school in Ooty called Good shepherd public school where I did my schooling till standard 6^th.

I finished my 10^th from Choice school tripunithura, Kerala. Ranjini Haridas was my class-mate and we continue our friendship to date.

My high school was at the Anglo-Indian sports school called Montfort Anglo-Indian higher secondary school, Yercaud. Got out with excellent grades and was crowned the sports champion. But not without my flamboyant irregularities which actually bought my father into the so called secret meetings with the principal while I stood outside the office. Went on to finish an Engineering degree in Information science from P.E.S.IT, Bangalore. Then a post-grad in MA IBA at the Regents business school , RBS London, U.K.

What keeps you sailing in a crisis?

God says in the Gospel “every place the sole of your feet tread, is given to you by me. I will give you strength so have courage. In your darkest moments, do not give into despair, for I will be with you every step!”  Faith in a higher power, my family and in myself helps me weather the punches life throws at me.

Message to aspiring models?

Focus. Persistence. Competitiveness. Relax and enjoy the ride. It’s your life and worth every bit.

Message to Kochivibe readers.

Look at life with an open mind. It does throw a lot more opportunities at you than you can possibly contemplate within the confines of the four walls. To every other youngsters of my generation, this is our time! Grasp it with everything you have! Keep reading Kochivibes. It reflects on what I just said!

Malayali’s are a little too choosy. From selecting their favorites to demanding what they need, we know we want the best. We accept uniqueness, and applaud when talent is brought forth. We appreciate them too. The same formula lies in accepting artists as well. Maybe that is why Malayalam movies are renowned for it’s being ‘class apart’ factor. Thanks to our ‘being choosy’, we are always given the best, and not just the clichéd commercial trash where heroes hit villains flying from destination one to destination two, (which would be more than 4-5 miles). Trust me, Malayali’s DO NOT accept it.

Malayali crowd is a little too excited when it comes to TV shows, or rather phone-in programmes. You get to talk on air for a couple of minutes with your favorite VJ who enquires about your well-being (inevitable Q), what you have been up to lately, whether you are dating (that is, if you are unmarried), what you cooked/had for lunch today, and more…A perfect pastime to beat the un-welcomed boredom that took a toll over you. TV producers are always in the hunt for good VJ’s who can entertain the masses AKA callers. It’s not easy, not as uncomplicated as you might think. It takes a little too much. But we need to admit that Malayalam TV owns very few VJ’s who have really marked their presence in the industry and brought a style of their own. Kochivibe brings an exclusive interview with a young VJ whom Kochi is acquainted with. This ‘boy next door’ was born and brought up in Kochi. So his love for Kochi knows no boundaries. Meet Sreenath Bhasi, more specifically the young man on TV ‘BHEERA’.

Singer, VJ, RJ, and now an actor, this talented young man loves art and wants to remain a good artist forever. So how did all this happen? “I used to work with Kiran TV initially. I always wanted to do something related to art, and I knew that was my true calling. I loved dancing and singing. Yes, I wanted to do movies too, someday. VJ’ing got a little too mechanical after a while, and hence I had to stop it. But doing Song 4U (in Rosebowl) is awesome. I love everything about that show”, says Sreenath. He has been anchoring the show along with the very pretty Ranjini Haridas. “Ranjini is amazing. She is fun. I respect her a lot as a professional, and she used to make things easier for me during shows. Initially, I was skeptical whether she would show ‘jada’, but she is extremely fun to be with it”, adds Sreenath.

Sreenath has done a noticeable role in Blessy’s ‘Pranayam’, and this young man is looking forward for more good roles to grab. “If you are passionate about doing good movies, you need to choose the right roles. I really do not want to run around trees saying ‘I Love You’. That is so not my type”, says Sreenath.

He has been a singer, and his heart lies in music. Since his college days in Chinmaya Vidyapeeth in Kochi, Sreenath had his own music band which was quite popular in Kochi. “Our band was called Crimson Wood. It was fun” says this young musician.

So what has been his success mantra in life? “I believe that if you are passionate about doing something in life, you end up doing that. Everybody said that I cannot become a VJ because my Malayalam was poor. But that never really affected me, even though I’am working on improving my Malayalam”. “Life is all about love. I have lovely people around me. Friends like Aashiq Abu and people working in Papaya Media, have added to the happiness factor in my life. They have been with me through thick and thin. Not just when you are partying, but always”, added Sreenath.

What is he up to next? “I’am working for a short film. It is directed by Pramod who was a producer in Rosebowl channel. My show in Rosebowl is also going good”, said Sreenath.

Having been here all through his life, Sreenath loves Kochi and everything about the city. “Kochi is getting better. There are so many places to chill out, and the nightlife is awesome. Music scene is also nice in Kochi”, says this young star.

So what does he have to say to our Kochivibe readers? “If you want to do something in life, make sure that you go grab it. Don’t wait for the end result. Move on. It is a process”, says Bheera. So aspiring VJ’s and actors, why don’t you try this mantra?

This is what Ranjini Haridas, our pretty lady who has been awing us with her personality on stages has to say about her being a part of Miss Kerala, how it has helped her and more. “It was the first time that I ever took to the stage alone. So I guess the Miss Kerala pageant played a vital role in building my confidence, shaping my personality and most importantly I could start believing in myself which goes a long way in being successful in life”, says Ranjini. This young lady was the Miss Kerala title winner for the year 2000. Ranjini says that the Miss Kerala contest has been the journey where she could discover herself.

“Confidence is everything and it is something that can be developed. No one is born with it. Today I’am known for my confidence and ability to tackle situations well!”, adds Ranjini. And to all the Miss Kerala aspirants out there, “Just be you. Naturality and confidence goes a long way. Believe in yourself and everything else will just fall in place. At the end of the day enjoy the experience that you get to undergo. Best of luck to all contestants of Miss Kerala 2011”, said Ranjini!

If you are a Malayalee, you have by now seen ‘that video’ in which Jagathy Sreekumar speaks his mind about how anchors or presenters should behave on television. The venue was the grand finale of Munch Star Singer Junior – a reality show on Asianet. It is plain to everyone who is familiar with any amount of Malayalam television that his scathing attack on anchoring was directed at Ranjini Haridas. His problem with Ranjini’s style of anchoring is that she speaks a line or two about the previous performance before going to the judges to hear the scores announced. He argues that no one except the judge of the event has a right to speak about the performance of the participant and if an unqualified speaker such as the anchor says something about it, it is blasphemous and unacceptable.

Fair enough, I accept that as his personal opinion. Except, it isn’t. Moments before he launches the verbal tirade directed at Ranjini, Jagathy says “I like Yadhu (one of the participants) the most” and later he follows it up with “I was at a function earlier this evening and all the housewives in the audience asked me to tell the judges to give the prize to Yadhu. And I am saying this because the public opinion should be heard”.

Wait, what? So essentially he is saying

• No one should, on any stage, make a comment about the performance of the participants except the judges but I would love it if ‘Yadhu’ wins the prize.
• And an unqualified speaker does not have right to say stuff when there are qualified judges around and then he plays to the gallery saying their opinion is what matters the most.

Pause. Deep breath. What? Okay, Cognitive dissonance QED.

To me, as a person who has done a fair bit of anchoring, an anchor is well within his/her rights to express his/her opinion on the previous performance and especially so in Ranjini’s case because she rarely uses anything except encouraging language. If you just want a person to call out the next participant’s name, you might as well use a tree.

What is even more WTF is the fact that there was unanimous applause to Jagathy’s statements and Berly the popular Malayalam blogger wrote ‘An Open Letter to Ranjini Haridas’ in which he tries to shred Ranjini’s take on the same in ‘Deccan Chronicle’. Now this, I cannot stand. Berly’s whole argument seems to be based on this premise: Jagathy is a wonderful actor who is deeply loved and respected by all Malayalees. True. Ranjini cannot speak good Malayalam and speaks only English. True. Therefore Jagathy can say anything he wants about Ranjini and she and everyone else should accept it. False.

What irks me most about Berly’s post is the usage of words such aaanatham (manliness) and nattellu (backbone) in his piece on the same. It is clear that such a piece does not target the opinion expressed by Jagathy or Ranjini but the people involved at a personal level. It is most unfortunate that such statements are made in public domain and people are allowed to get away with it. There is a very strong tendency among Malayalees (sorry for the stereotyping) to pull down a person who does good work but is not yet an established personality, even more so if that person can speak some good English.

When God was designing his own country, he got two things wrong on the configuration machine – he turned up the humidity rate to double of what it should have been and turned down the humility quotient to half of what it should have been – a simple typo between humidity and humility perhaps. The basic problem with Malayalee (me included) is his sheer arrogance and inability to accept something good for what it is. The Malayalee has a beef with almost everything (*mild chuckle*), except the widely accepted superstar. And so there is and always will be a lot of negativity surrounding Ranjini Haridas.

PS: Minor edit – I have changed the last line of this post since it was distracting readers from the point at hand. Perhaps it calls for another debate at a later stage.

This article was written by Tony Sebastian who blogs at http://tsebastian.blogspot.com

The season to flaunt your beauty is here. Apart from showing the prettiness you possess, reveal to the world your inner beauty, charm and charisma you carry, and of course, all the good things you have acquired. Yes pretty women, you got that right! The Miss Kerala contest 2011 calls you. Have you ever wished your voice was heard on a public forum? Have you ever wanted to talk out loud with at least a hundred ears paying heed to you? Well, winning the contest (or being a part of this) can be the door to a world of opportunities. If all you can think of is the glitz and glam factor that lies on top of this pageant, you got that wrong. With so much to explore beneath, ladies, you cannot ask for more!

Hat’s off to the organizers for bringing out such pageants so that we can discover more of ourselves through this podium provided. Leaving aside clichéd terms about Kerala that includes ‘not-so-progressed-in-fashion’ or ‘stereotyped fashionistas’, this contest has always ensured that Kerala stands right in the forefront when it comes to the fashion scene.

Miss Kerala winners have made it big. From Ranjini Haridas (whom we all look up to with much awe for the lady she is), Rima Kallingal (the prettiest curly haired lady which Mollywood has been blessed with), Jovita Tess George (Malayali’s own tanned lady with appeal absolutely stunning), Indu Thampi (whom you would see in movies very soon), the list goes on with all the best names to boast of.

The year 1999 saw the first Miss Kerala being conducted. With geniuses to groom you and experts to judge you, what more can you ask for??? If you think you possess confidence, can carry off yourself well, but needs the right guidance, Miss Kerala is the platform to be. REGISTER SOON!!!

The path is not rosy! You need to beat the thorns in the right spot. But who wouldn’t mind beating those pricks for good reasons!!!  :)

She is the ultimate answer for style amongst the youth in Kerala. Shez got substance and the ‘oompphh’ factor that any girl would seek for. Shez the girl of the times. The pretty lass of contemporary times. Yes, you guessed it right. We have our very own Ranjini Haridas, exclusively for our Kochivibe readers.

You’ve been into MCing since the past 5 years, and it’s the same old ‘Welcome to the show’ and ‘Let’s take a break’ always. Don’t you get bored of it?

True…It has been a long five years and I must be honest, things are getting extremely monotonous and boring, as there is nothing new happening on the reality show front…but I only shoot about 5 days a month for it. So its not such a bad bargain..;) I also have to credit all my popularity today to Star Singer. So I really shouldn’t be complaining…I absolutely love my live shows though. So that gives me enough and more excitement to take me through life. I’am good for now!!!!

Too much of criticism about your Malayalam??

I guess so. But it’s never really bothered me coz it’s not something I did consciously or deliberately. I was, and am still being me. But i have improved a lot though. So how about giving me some credit for the change. Hehe !!!

You’ve been in Kerala for sucha long time, and you still have not learnt Malayalam?

Are you asking me or telling me?
There are so many rumors about Idea Star Singer starting from the whole SMS thing being biased, to the judges sleeping with the contestants. Is that all true??

Wow, that’s the first time I’ve heard that interesting, would be my first reaction!!! And second would be, why would anyone want to sleep with my judges…that’s just not kewl!!! The answer to that is already in your question. I guess that is exactly what they are…rumors!!!

As for the SMS issue, I can vouch for my show quite confidently. I must say that it is done with utmost transparency. So if anyone wants to question that they can ask for it and the channel would happily provide facts and figures.

So when can we see you hitting the big screen?

Hmm..dunno.. I haven’t really got that many interesting offers…I’am someone who believes that people turn to the big screen for the want of three things-fame, money or because of a genuine passion for acting…Inshallah…fame and money I have enough to satisfy my needs, and as for passion towards acting. I’ am yet to discover that in myself!!!! I also am a tad bit scared coz the public already identify me as Ranjini Haridas and they are familiar with each and every mannerism of mine. I feel that if I were to act like another character, they might pick out my flaws faster, which is a huge risk I might run into if I turn to that profession. But you never know…I’am always up for a challenge..;) !!

Your take on pre-marital sex and Homosexuality?

Unfortunately we live in a time and zone where our society has fixed views on such issues and where such acts are frowned upon. I don’t believe I’am judgmental at all. Live and let live I say. So I’ am completely okay with pre marital sex between consenting adults and also homosexuality…as long as people doing these things believe in it and stand by it!!

Your worst encounter with a man?

Never really had a worst encounter. Lots of bad ones ..But nothing significant enough to pen down!!!

What do you think of the name ‘Indi Commandos’ for our beloved IPL Kochi team?

Hate it. Hate it. Hate it!!!

Girls or ladies drinking in Kochi are still a big no-no. You find a girl smoking on the streets, and people tend to label her a BITCH. But it’s somuch different in Bangalore and the other metros. Isn’t Kochi lagging way too behind?

My take on this is a li’l different. Metro cities have kids from all across the country. So the kids or girls we see smoking or drinking in a Bangalore pub or the streets of Mumbai are probably girls from cochin or Calcutta, or Jaipur or anywhere else for that matter…Similarly when kids from Bangalore and such cities head out its freedom for them to try and do all the things they are not allowed to!! I don’t think it has anything to do with which city you come from or belong to…when cochin gets to be a metro with a wide cross section of peoplefrom outside the state you will see such sights here too..

So who is that lucky guy dating you?

Haha..i definitely wouldn’t call him lucky.. Neither would I name him and give him instant recognition. If he wants that, he can earn it himself..!!!

Health tips for the Gen-X of Kochi?

I would say that Gen x is already on the right path. Avoid everything white, everything fried and everything sweet…Simple. Easy to say, difficult to do. I know!!!!

Gone are the days when the only role of women was cooking and child rearing. Women in India (especially in the more conservative south) are gradually playing a more visible role in society , and perhaps there’s no greater affirmation of how far we’ve come than the Hairomax Miss South India Contest, where young women from various social and cultural backgrounds come together to show off their talents, brains and of course, not inconsiderable beauty.

Four beautiful young women have made it to the finals from our very own state of Kerala: Aiswarya Muraleedharan, Geethu Christie, Priyanka Mohan and Denita Anand. The auditions were held at the Hotel Wyte Fort on October 19th, and judged by former Miss Kerala Ranjini Haridas, Miss Andhra Pradesh Valentina Mishra and Managing Director of Nupal Remedies Mr. Krishnakumar. These contestants will now go through grooming sessions emphasizing all round development: yoga, meditation and personality development for the mind, as well as photo shoots, catwalk training and beauty sessions. These sessions will be under the guidance of Mr. Arun Ratna from Fashion Runway, Mr. Sameer Khan from Elite Model management, Valen’s Model Management, and Mr. Jayagopal and Mr. Jaison Paulson from Jaison Fitness First.

The finals will be held at the Le Meridien Convention Centre in Kochi on November 16th and will have four rounds interspersed by cultural performances. Four representatives from each of the four states Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka will battle it out for the crown, over designer saree, casual, black & black and linen wear rounds, sporting ensembles designed by Sajimon Parayil.

The judges include actors from all of south India such as Swetha Vijay (also a former Miss India) Aditi Chibber and Kaushal Prasad, model Simer Motiani, fashion designer Sajimon Parayil and media personalities Vijay Babu and Thoshma Biju.

The title winners will get a gold plated crown designed by Prakash Parakkat, and cash prizes of `1 lakh, `50,000 and `25,000 for the first, second and third positions respectively. Apart from these, other titles include Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Congeniality, Miss Cat Walk, Miss Perfect 10, Miss Talented and Miss Photogenic.

This beauty event is not without a heart, literally. The organizers, Pegasus Events, will use part of the proceeds from this event to cover the expenses for heart surgery for two children at Sunrise Hospital,
Go out there and do us proud, girls!
The contestants from Kerala

Zoom 2009 is an all Kerala photography camp & competition at Sri Gopinath Vidhya Mandir (VHSS, Panangad) Kochi, in assosiation with Kerala Lalithakala Akademi on 14 November 2009 – (Children’s Day). The competition is open to students from 8 to 12th classes (CBSE, ICSE, VHSS & HSS). There will not be any kind of registration fee for the same. The theme of the competition is ‘Daily Life’.

Prior to the competition, a two day photography workshop will be held on 12th & 13th of November at the school premisis by eminent photographers associated with the Academy. The winners of this, now on, annual event will be awarded cash prizes and certificates of merit.

1st Prize – Rs.5000
2nd Prize – Rs.3000
3rd Prize – Rs.2000
10 Consolation Prizes – Rs.1000

The prize distribution event will be organized at the school grounds on 15th November 2009. The prizes will be awarded in the presence of Honorable Minister Of Education, Sri M A Baby and other eminent personalities. The curtain comes down with a mega cultural program.

For more details please contact 9467626794 / 938756066 / 0484-2700258 / 0484-2368910 / office@gmet.in

Kingfisher, the company known for its good times is all set to rock the famous Allepey Boat Race to be held on 8^th August 2009. As part of the celebrations Kingfisher has come up with an innovative concept for all boat race lovers and party animals this year. The Kingfisher Good Times Boat will be a truly unique experience wherein the exclusive party crowd will get to cheer the Nehru Trophy Boat Race participants with India’s top models & Kingfisher cheerleaders while they shake to groovy music by DJ Savio.

In order to create hype and excitement around the concept, the Kingfisher Good Times Party will be held on July 25^th at Glow, Hotel Harbour View, Kochi. True to the brand positioning, Kingfisher will bring down the best of DJs, fashion designers and models to give consumers a chance to experience the Good Times featuring India’s top designers, Abdul Haldar and Chaitanya Rao showcasing their collections for the first time ever in Kerala. 9 female and 3 male models will walk the ramp including a surprise showstopper. Fashion consultant, Ramesh Menon will choreograph the fashion show featuring top models Deepthi Varughese (Miss India Worldwide 2009); Sherin Sam (Ford Supermodel 2009); Faith Pandey (Femina Miss India South 2009); Rohini Idiculla (Miss Kerala 2007); & Madhumita De (Gladrags Supermodel) amongst others.

To extend the ‘Good Times’ further, Kingfisher is also bringing down top DJ Chico from Dubai to give the party animals a never before seen DJ-ing musical experience.

Here are exclusive photographs of the fitting session and press release for the Kingfisher Fashion Show scheduled to happen tomorrow at Glow, Harbourview Hotel, Cochin.

Photographs By Jayesh Mohan