Styling the Hyderabadi lass...

One of the stylists from the city with international repute, Anand Kabra's creations are all about cut, color and quality. The designer chews the fat with Hyderabad Journal.

'Seeing beauty even in the dreary...' reads the website of Hyderabadi fashion designer Anand Kabra. An artiste of rare perception, Anand's collections of Indian ethos in international appeal, have philosophy weaved into every creation; distinct and unpredictable, too.

Born in UK, Anand moved to Hyderabad at the age of three. A product of Hyderabad Public School, this runaway medical student was more inclined towards arts since childhood. "I felt like someone guiding me to take up fashion. Still groping for a reason," he wonders.

Having pursued high national diploma from London College of Fashion, Anand's maiden collection was put on display at Hotel Grand Kakatiya in 1999. Ten years into styling only women's clothing, Anand looks forward to styling men only after some research. "No half-hearted attempts, please! In fact, I pick one for me just like that," he reasons.

Rather 'erratic' his working style is, Anand says, "It begins with a thought followed by understanding the period, character or book my collection is inspired from, for a three-four months. I put my best consistently only to realize at the end that I'd have done better!"

A staunch believer in 'no form and definite design', Anand prefers working with natural fibers. He loves playing with solid, pure colors rather pastels because of their 'intensity'. Popular for his trousseau collections, the designer is greedy for accolades and criticism, too. "A lot of fashionistas said they 'feel' it having 'slipped into a Kabra'. But I'm more concerned about critics."

With a wider clientele in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai than that in Hyderabad, Anand is proud representing the City of Nawabs on global platform. "The preferences and awareness of Hyderabadi fashion buyers is amazing. Hailing from a smaller cosmopolitan though, they stand out amongst the crowds, all for good reasons. Moreover, the culture of costumes, still a part of our daily lives, throws open the doors for me to imbibe the old-world charm into contemporary wear."

Not into the number game, Anand cares for learning from his counterparts. After the shows in New York, Paris and Shanghai, he realized that the world is watching India emerge as a fashion hub. "Fashion weeks are more about business than glamour. In India, not all but Lakme (Mumbai) and Wills (Delhi) have the substance. And, I'm trying to tap the Hyderabad markets," he sounds pragmatic.

Now working on the collection to be launched at the Lakme Fashion Week (Mumbai) in September, Anand chose to create his own market powered by a price point. "I can't work within a budget and never understand the mass market," he reveals his shortcoming.

"Ninety per cent of upcoming designers think that chasing lifestyles or rubbing shoulders with biggies would help make it. But, knowing well the craft and showing right aptitude do miracles," he suggests on a departing note.

From film watching to direction

An ardent movie-buff, city-based Ranjith B steps into the shoes of director only to give shape to his ideas on a canvas named 'Cinema'.

Like many, creativity drove him to films. A Hyderabadi and a product of Shadan Engineering College, 24 years old Ranjith went abroad and pursued MS in Computer Sciences, but only to find his calling in the tinsel town. His directorial debut U&I is in the headlines recently having caught the fancy of many for its bold tagline...'Love, Sex, Suicide'.

"It's a 'clean' film dealing with the contemporary issues and been hailed more by parents than the youths," Ranjith is visibly elated. The new star cast - Rohan and Aditi Chowdary - hasn't drawn crowds to the theatres though. "The movie has no big openings and needed more promotion. But, I'm happy I succeeded in passing on the message devoid of skin show and more entertainingly," he states. During his tenure in the US, MMSes on sex scandals involving young girls and actors greeted Ranjith quite often. "One day, I bounced upon the idea to make a film and came home. Here I'm now with U&I."

Well, playing a director with no prior experience certainly requires guts. "Though a movie-buff, I've never been to a film shoot nor pursued any course. Thanks to Mani Ratnam sir. I grew up watching his films and it did help me all through. I thank my producer for trusting me. Hope, I did justice to my role," this young moviemaker flashes his 32!

There are quite a few in the Tollywood who have chosen the path untrodden. And, Ranjith wants to join the league by making some path-breaking films. "My next project unfolds into a college political drama, for which I'm planning to rope in big stars. It subtly reflects the sentiments of students." In pre-production stage, the project would make a mark in the heart of the audiences like RGV's Shiva, Ranjith believes.

Asked about competition, all that he quips, "It's undeniably true that carving a niche in the glam world is quite demanding, but I love challenges." Well, Ranjith is also planning to put his experiences in a booklet on making quality films with low budget. "Keep your brains open and believe in yourself," he tosses in an advice to the latent talents before signing off.

Desperate to give in, seriously!

RJ Shekhar Basha is pretty desperate to bite the dust.The winner of the Best RJ Award consecutively thrice given away by the India Radio Forum feels it's high time to find mighty opponents to give in. He pours out his heart in a freewheeling chat with Hyderabad Journal.

"I'm longing for a tough fight and want to see myself losing to somebody's wit and intellect," radio jockey Shekhar from Big 92.7 FM exclaims on being inquired what he does to retain the top slot as an RJ.

The heartthrob of radio-buffs across the city has a quota at the India Radio Forum that honors the best of radio shows and RJs, every year. "Had I filed my nomination this year, I would have won the Best RJ Award again. But, I'm all elated to sweep the awards for best breakfast show and best promo for four years in a row. Now, I'm greedy for more in these two categories," he laughs.

Does it mean Shekhar Basha has no competitor with 'mettle'?! He diplomatically makes it clear, "RJing isn't all about blabbering. It isn't about sounding 'sweet' over radio either, but providing infotainment to the listeners, which I strictly follow." There are a handful of fellow radio jockeys that Shekhar admires, who according to him would make it big only if hone their skills.

The software engineer-RJ-VJ is recently seen donning the role of a tutor. "Yes, I deliver a guest lecture for free on radio jockeying at LAMBS Institute, set up by a UK firm, for those pursuing MBA in Media," he says with a glint of pride.

Any plans to set up an institute all by himself, then? Shekhar rules out the idea saying, "There are just five radio stations in Hyderabad and hardly any scope for all the students landing a job. No business plans, please!"

Might be he is overburdened playing multi-role, especially that of a teacher! "Well, there's a good teacher in me. And, I'm on cloud nine taking some time out to live my passion. I give enough time to my admirers who have been my support all through," he hastens to add.