When 3 friends from 3 different walks of life were brought together by their common tastes and outlook towards life, they were not really surprised that they had many common dreams in life as well. One of which was to convert their love for fashion, art and style into a business reality. 2 rounds of discussion, and later these 3 friends who share a very deep bond had already come up with a name for their brand- ‘soul sisters’ and were raring to go. Rima Kallingal, Shwetha Vijay and Neetha Manoj, Soul Sisters are geared up for Kochi!

Rima Kallingal, model and actress, who is one amongst the soul sisters, says “It gives me immense hullabaloo and pleasance to acquaint the people of Cochin with Soul Sisters. The past two years have been the best phase of my life, where in I experimented my life as an actor, and was wholeheartedly accepted in my own persona! I am lucky a peeress to be living a life the way I want and destiny is taking me a rollercoaster ride from a journalist to a dancer to a Miss Kerala runner-up to an actor!! But to quench my addiction for experiments with life I’ve piloted myself in a new venture in life. Soul Sisters- A fashion icon tag amongst the juvenility has always pumped my adrenalin to present to my people, my own label and thus I gave birth to Soul Sisters”.

Fashion Circus, the exhibition by Soul Sisters will be held at Hotel Abad Plaza on the 4^th and 5^th of August 2012. They are showcasing sarees, jewelry, salwars, skirts and a lot more. So fashionistas and shopaholics in town, make sure you hop in at Abad tomorrow. Soul Sisters are ready with their big collection.

Kochi is gearing up to welcome the biggest beauty pageant of the year. And Miss Kerala it is! Bringing together Malayali girls from across the globe, the pageant is one-of-it’s-kind, and is a platform for girls to showcase their beauty and brains. Dubai, United States of America, or wherever you belong to, you can be a part of this big event. Auditions will be held in different parts of the globe, and we are going to update you on that!

Founded in the year 1999, and started off by the prestigious Impressario Event Management Company, Miss Kerala has been the biggest and most successful beauty pageant Kerala has witnessed over the years. Girls who have won the title have been provided with umpteen opportunities in Cinema and small screen as well. From Ranjini Haridas, Rima Kallingal, and more, the lists of successful people (who have won the title) are huge.

The winners also take part in many social service activities. From working towards the betterment for the girl child in the society, providing education opportunities to the underprivileged and more, the funds are used for many activities in the society.

The panel of judges who select the contestants are the best ones from the media, those who have marked their presence in the showbiz. Glitz and glamour awaits this Miss Kerala 2012. So if you think you are game for it, register NOW!

For more details, check out their website at http://www.misskerala.net/paegent2010.php

You can also visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/misskerala.world

Kochi movie buffs, this Friday looks like quite a big treat! With some great Hindi and Malayalam flicks pouring into the theatres this week, make sure you make some time for movies. This week, we have the much awaited Bollywood flick ‘Players’ hitting theatres. Yes, you can see Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha, Abhishek Bacchan and all your favourite stars in this one. The flick might (might not) be ‘Italian Job’, but what if it can entertain you all the while long!!??

Malayalam movie-buffs, we have some great news for you too. If you are Asif Ali fan, you would not want to miss ‘Asuravithu’, Everyone has been waiting for the release of this movie, and with Samvritha Sunil, Lena etc. playing the lead roles, you would love watching this. The movie is directed by A. K. Sajan and Asif Ali plays the role of Don Bosco, a young religious man who works for a seminary. Certain incidents change the life of this young man. Go watch it yourselves to know where the movie can take you!

‘Kunjaliyan’ starring Jayasurya is the next one. A complete family entertainer, this movie would not fail to entertain. The movie is directed by Saji Surendran who has gifted us with some great flicks like ‘Happy Husbands’, ‘Ivar Vivahithatayal’ and ‘Four Friends’. ‘Orkut oru Ormakoottu’ will be something which you would not want to miss. With Rima Kallingal in the lead role, and more than four young fresh faces making their entry to Malayalam cinema through this movie, ‘Orkut oru Ormakoottu’ would not fail to amuse you.

And yes, we do have many more running in our theatres including Oru Marubhoomi Katha, Don- 2, Beautiful etc. If you haven’t watched them, make sure you try them out this weekend itself. In the mood for Hollywood? Then watch Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol or Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Well, this looks like some real great treat! Who would want to miss this? Make sure you check the new flicks this weekend itself.

The hue and cry which has been raised over the past couple of days on the Mullaperiyar issue has raised a few brows. Whether everyone says it to be the intelligent marketing strategy of the DAM 999 crew on the onset of their forthcoming movie, or be it the tactics of the miners (as some say), or whatever, let us acknowledge the fact that this issue has been brought into the limelight, and that it is definitely a cause of grave concern.

The fact that there are hundreds of dams across India which is in the threat of destruction prevails. But does that mean that we need not give Mullaperiyar dam, which is the foremost hydro-electric generating dam in Kerala less attention? From the videos that are being streamed on Youtube to the awareness given on social networking sites, let us get the fact into our systems- Mullaperiyar dam needs to be revamped. ASAP!

Kochivibe spoke to a few celebrities. And here is what they think about the Mullaperiyar issue. INDRAJITH SUKUMARAN says that the obliteration of Mullaperiyar dam will lead to one of the worst disasters in human history. “There have been more than 23 tremors that happened in the past 8 months. This is something which needs immediate care and attention. The condition of the dam is worsening every other day”, says this young superstar. “Why don’t we stop talking and arguing over this and start doing something to save Kerala?!!”, added Indrajith.

RIMA KALLINGAL says that the film fraternity is joining hands to promote this cause. “We, from the film industry, are working towards creating awareness about the Mullaperiyar issue. Lives of so many people are at stake. People who live near the Mullaperiyar dam are at high risk. We are not against the sharing of waters from Mullaperiyar, but don’t you agree that lives of lakhs of innocent people are more important?”, said Rima. Rima added that the FEFKA has come with a one minute short film which will be screened in every theatre across Kerala before the movie. “Avial is coming up with a new version of their song ‘Aranda’. Ashiq Abu is doing a short film for the same cause. We are all joining hands to do our bit for Mullaperiyar”, says Rima. “The entry of Canadian porn star Sunny Leon was celebrated by our national media. The Mullaperiyar issue definitely requires more attention than all these”, added Rima.

Kochi’s DJ Sekhar shares his views on the Mullaperiyar issue. “We pose more risk than Tamil Nadu. So we must not wait for Tamil Nadu to take action, but make initiatives ourselves. We have a history of getting things done once it happens. Well, in this case, I think there would be nothing left if we keep procrastinating. Less talk more action!”, says Sekhar.

So much being said, but nothing done. This is the scenario that often happens when it is a government thing. But the reconstruction of Mullaperiyar is something that needs utmost attention. The Mullaperiyar issue is not something that needs to go down the drain. Authorities, are you listening!!??

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!!!  :)

Miss Kerala 2011 is here, and all the pretty young women are gearing up for the same. We all know that beauty and appeals are not the only things that reign this pageant. Charisma, attitude, personality, allure.. the list that a Miss Kerala contestant needs to possess is many! Kochivibe brings an exclusive interview with Miss. Kerala 2010 Miss. Indu Thampi who bowled over her judges with all these qualities. A native of Trivandrum, Indu Thampi is fond of Kochi too! Here is what she has to say to all the aspiring Miss Kerala contestants. Read on…

1. How did Miss Kerala happen for you?

My second cousin had participated in Miss Kerala 2008. Also, my batch mate, Geethu Christy participated and won the first runner up title in 2009. I have always been interested in personality contests.

2. How has the Miss. Kerala 2010 title changed your life?

Being Miss Kerala has definitely given my life a different hue. It was a green card to the film and modelling industry. I have currently finished a project, “ANABELLA”, which has been taken in both Tamil and Malayalam simultaneously. I had always wanted to act. People tend to listen to a public figure more seriously. Hence, I got umpteen opportunities to talk to young India. I was the chief guest at many schools and college level functions, for many talks and debates. Miss Kerala gave more power and audience for me and my views.

3. Beauty pageants in cities like Mumbai are a shortcut to movies. Whereas, our title holders do not make much of a screen presence (except for a few). What, according to you, is the reason for that?

(Laughs) Well I, for one, found my having won the title to be a stepping stone to Mollywood. Rima Kallingal is another famous name. But yes, I haven’t heard much of the Miss Kerala title holders going into the film field. It may be because most of them were NRI’ s and just rushed off to whatever they were doing before. But I think it’s mainly because of the lack of publicity. I myself just came to know about Miss Kerala after my cousin participated in it. But you and I both know that’s not the thing with Miss India.

4. What all are the causes that you have worked for after winning the 2010 pageant?

Well, the main thing about getting a title, as I said before is that you carry a certain power to your words and actions. My main attention has always been the future and that is ‘Young India’. I make sure that wherever I can, I make opportunities to meet, talk to them and encourage them. I would love to carry it to a higher level, and I’am still trying. Never say die!!

5. What all qualities should a Miss Kerala contestant possess, according to you?

A Miss Kerala, as the title suggests, should be a true representative of God’s Own Country. She should know Kerala, and be proud to be a representative of this beautiful land. It was a disturbing fact that many girls from Kerala, doesn’t even bother to know more about their native place. Just being born to Malayali parents, does not make you a Keralite. You must possess the gentle, yet strong and sensual nature that this state represents. You should be a true representative of this exquisite paradise, not only in looks, but also in thoughts, deeds and personality.

6. Should a lady be here only for the glitz and glamour factor? What more can she expect?

Glitz and glamour is an unavoidable part of any pageant and so is the case in Miss Kerala too. But there is something beyond the shine. What will get you to the top is your internal personal shine. Your true beauty that will never fade. The glitz and glamour factor is secondary, and depends a lot on who you are. With great power comes great responsibility. You will be looked up to, and so you need to think quite a lot before you act.

7. What are the projects in your kitty now?

I had made a promise to myself that I shall not let my studies down. I did a movie and immediate next plan would be to complete my post graduation. But that doesn’t mean, I shall let my passion, that is to act,  go away either. I have a few projects in the pipeline and hope to do them well.

8. Tell us something about your personal life.

My family consists of my grandmother, Mrs. Rajeshwari Thampy, my dad Mr. Suresh Thampy (who is into the holidaying business mainly catering to foreigners- GRASSHOPPER HOLIDAYS), my mother Mrs. Jayasree Thampy, and elder sister Miss. Rasmi Thampy. I also have a small dachshund of whom I’am extremely fond of. She is essentially a part of my family, and her name is ‘Bubbly’. I did my schooling from Saraswathi Vidyalaya in Trivandrum. I did my college from All Saints’ College, Trivandrum. These two places really paved my way to walk into who I really am. Literary and cultural fests, sports competitions, being chair person of the college union, the Miss Saraswathi Vidyalaya title, Miss All Saints title, class topper in studies, B. A highest mark holder in college has all helped me a lot. My family and friends have always made me believe in myself and go forward. My little sister (not biological) Chinnu Nair, always had utmost faith in me and my abilities. Well, my personal life revolves around my friends and family.

9. What is your message to all the aspiring Miss. Kerala contestants out there?

Go for it. Everybody who enrolls comes out a winner because it’s not only a contest, but a training ground for life. You learn to overcome your fears and your negatives and change into a better you. But be yourself, which is the most important thing. Let yourself shine. It’s fun!

10. And finally, what message do you have to pass on to our Kochivibe readers!

As the name suggests, if you want to keep up to the vibes of all that is happening in Kochi, Kochivibe is what you need. And to all those who are reading Kochivibe, all I say is keep smiling  as it can do wonders, both inside and out. CHEERS!

Subhash Maheswar is back with 2011 calendar. The calendar titled “Save Planet Fashion Calendar” spots celebrities like Rima Kallingal, Jyothirmayi, Amala Paul, Mythily and various other top models. The message is clear in each of the months which says Stop Global Warming, Stop Air Pollution etc.

Direction & Photography: subhash maheswar
Costume Designer: Rasna Subhash
Make up : Aniz Ansari
Grafix: Sumesh

Save Planet Fashion Calendar 2011 by Subhash Maheswar

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