Just another day in the office. Outtakes from a wedding shoot

Going over printouts and colour proofs and what not for upcoming issue. 

With my gorgeous friend Aliya, yet again.

Model: Aliya Zaidi

Photographer: Samantha Sin

MUA: Rennie Fensham 

Galaxy magazine, Fall 2012: Melanie Z cover girl

Woo hoo! It's here at last.

Galaxy magazine, Fall 2012. 

Worked with an amazing team to create the best cover/issue yet.

Melanie Z on the cover rocked it out.

My usual team at the shoot, Olaf Mueller (photographer), Karen Yiu (makeup) and co. 

Worked with the loverly Tasha Ling (stylist) for the first time, she styled the cover shoot/inside shoot.

Already working on Dec issue now... 

PS: The Galaxy font is gold - but when you scan the mag cover, it comes out black. Don't ask.... 

It looks much better on hand that online! ;0)

Shankar Mahadevan in Concert: Indian singer, composer, TV Star and Reality TV Judge in Hong Kong

Normally when Indian singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan visits Hong Kong, it’s for a private performance. But the star has announced a one-off concert in the city for his loyal legion of fans, who he loves to connect with through social media.

“Well, I have a fan page which has about 730,000-plus followers,” said the star, who is also a judge of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa (an Indian talent show similar to The X-Factor). “I joined quite recently and originally wasn’t that active. But now it’s a great way to inform people about events, about my music academy, and get their feedback. When you see how many young people are taking part in reality shows via social media, it’s great to know that interest in Indian music is alive and well with the youth.”

Mahadevan had his own star encounter earlier this year when he performed with soul legends Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.

“Walking up the stage to sing with my musical heroes, the ones I’ve looked up to my entire life – what can I say? I was representing India for a jazz festival at the United Nations and all these luminaries were on the same dais. To have Stevie Wonder on the piano, sing with him and Chaka Khan. Amazing!”

Mahadevan will be performing on Sunday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available through hkticketing.com.

Shankar Mahadevan Live In Hong Kong
Sunday, 7 Oct 2012 at 7pm
Tickets: HK$300-HK$1500
HKCEC - Hall 5G (Harbour Road Entrance)
Tickets: www.hkticketing.com 

Galaxy cover: Summer 2012: Kimberly Verge stuns in Armani on the cover of the magazine

Super-duper thrilled with the Summer 2012 issue of Galaxy. Best cover, best cover-shoot yet. 

Gorgeous cover girl Kimberly Verge in Armani, shot inside China Rouge. 

The full shoot coming up... 

Photography: Jonas Lillie 

Stylist: Jolene Lin 

Makeup: Karen Yiu 

Hair Adam Wong 

Models: Kimberly Verge and David Elliott from Starz People 

Art Direction: P.Ramakrishnan 

An amazing shoot done at Galaxy Macau's China Rouge. 

Friend's tireless aid to Thais hit by floods inspires photographic fund-raiser to rebuild homes

Model turned photographer David Elliott

Locally based model-photographer David Elliott’s first exhibition, A City Under Water, at JaaBar in Central, is a fund-raiser to help victims of last year’s flooding in Thailand.

“Last November, I made a four-day trip to the heart of the flood zone,” Elliott said. “A friend of mine was heavily involved in the flood aid. Every morning, we were arranging and picking up supplies and driving to Pathum Thani [province], where we would rendezvous with the boats – a necessity in navigating the floodwaters. The waters rose to the shoulders of the few people whom braved them. There was such a starkness in contrast to the imagery I captured and to the murky, milk tea-coloured water which we were floating in.”

Lending their support at Saturday’s exhibition opening were models David Oshry and Anna Rivera, photographers Jesper McIlroy, William Furniss and Lucy McNally, actor Darren E. Scott and socialite Yumiko Honda.

“The project was inspired by my friend Mednune and her devoutness to help the Thai people,” Elliott said. “She was there working tirelessly, as long as there was one person suffering, she was getting up and about working. In the wake of any calamity, we all want to do something, and it was then I decided the imagery I captured, could be used as a device to help her bring something back to the beautiful souls of Thailand. All proceeds from sales will go towards re-building homes for those who lost theirs to the flooding.”


CITYSEEN
P. Ramakrishnan
Jun 14, 2012

David Oshry, David Elliott and Darren

Behind the label: Maria Grazia Baldan

Who started it? From her hometown of Udine, in northeastern Italy, Maria Grazia Baldan relocated to Milan to work as the Italian agent for American costume jeweller Kenneth Lane. Working from a small office in the city, she began creating pastel-coloured floral bangles. The galalite bracelets were a huge success and she launched her eponymous label in Sardinia in 1980. Using antique pieces, corals, imperial jades, ivory and coins found on frequent visits to China, she started assembling unusual designs, selling them at her small store in Via Fiori Chiari, in the charming Brera neighbourhood of Milan. In 1995, the shop moved to its current space, in Via Tivoli, also in Brera. Travelling between her Milan store and the Porto Rotondo shop in Sardinia, Baldan continues to make vintage-inspired pieces....


P. Ramakrishnan
May 13, 2012

New on the Block: Balmain

Balmain has opened the gilt-edged doors of its first Hong Kong store. The Paris-based luxury label had been available at Joyce, Swank and Lane Crawford, but the couture house's store can now be found in Harbour City....


P. Ramakrishnan
May 13, 2012

Galaxy Magazine

Galaxy Magazine, Spring issue out now. My lovely, lovely friend Cara Grogan graced the cover.

In the midst of working on the Summer issue now.

Can read the bi-lingual magazine here.

KK in HK: Interview with one of the Greatest Indian Singers and Vocal Prodigy KK aka Krishnakumar Kunnath

For his first live show in Hong Kong, tonight, Indian singer KK (real name Krishnakumar Kunnath) plans to rock. One of India’s most versatile singers, he has the distinction of being equally at ease with a soft love song as he is with a rocking Bollywood number.

“I am a really bad example for aspiring singers as I rarely practise, don’t do my riyaaz [rehearsing scales],” he said. “I get the song, just sing it and go home.”

With no aspirations to be a playback singer in Bollywood, he surprised himself with his steady climb to stardom in India. He has been nominated for a best-singer award every year since 1999.

An opponent of the instant fame promised by reality television shows, KK has rejected lucrative offers to be a judge. “The kids want to be famous within the span of a series, make instant money and then, when the hype and dust settles, they don’t know where to go,” he said, adding that he had met many contestants. “I tell them to relax, do the work, build their own repertoire of songs, and then slowly hit the live-show circuits. I understand the lure of the money, but they’ve got to think long term.”

Having shied away from the camera, we wonder how he’s going to face the Hong Kong crowd. (Tues, May 1) “It’s a conundrum. I don’t like it when cameras are on me, but I love performing live on stage. The connect with the audience, that instant reaction, that’s something else.”

KK will perform tonight in the Jockey Club Auditorium at Polytechnic University, tickets HK$450-HK$1,200. For enquiries call Red Peppers Entertainment on 9037 8869 or 9461 3676.

P. Ramakrishnan
(e-mail: ramakrishnanp at hotmail dot com!)

The Beat Goes On: Interview with Hong Kong's very own Jack Byrne

All of 21, Irishman Jack Byrne is tripping the light fantastic with his eclectic tastes in music as the new hot DJ in town. Between gigs, KEE exchanged some notes, of the musical kind.

Words: P.Ramakrishnan
Images: Tim Cheng


What are you listing to right now?

Right this very moment, I'm listening to "Must I Go (Waifs & Strays 2 Drops of Acid Remix)" by Teva, mind bending! Currently I've been listening to a lot of deep house, producers such as Jamie Jones and Maceo Plex are amongst my favorites. Recently I've been finding a lot of underground house music, it has that element of freshness to it that I love and it's really good to relax to.



What was the first cd you ever bought?

There are a few CD's I think could have been my first but to be 100% honest I can't remember, when I was really young there were always house CD's and cassette tapes lying around at home, playing in the kitchen or in the car when driving to my grandparent's house on the weekends. When I got a bit older these CD's and tapes all ended up in my room. When it came to buying CD's I used to go to a shop and listen to almost the whole disk before I decided whether I really wanted to buy it or not, it was something very personal to me, spending time and money making sure I was buying something really worthwhile.

What sort of music do you like to play? Who's been an influence?

As I have grown up my taste in music has changed drastically, I have always had a passion for house music, however I go through phases listening to all different genres of music which I believe has helped me develop my current sound when DJ-ing. When I play, there needs to be momentum, I can't keep playing the same mood for a whole night, I like to feel as though music is constantly building as the night goes on. Deep house, tech house, funky, nu-disco, techno, electro… These are amongst my favourite styles to play however it's the way in which they are delivered which I find the most important.

It’s been a much traveled tour of Asia and UK as a youngster, but is Hong Kong finally home? What have you seen and learned behind the scenes?

Yeah, Hong Kong is home. Working behind the bar at Drop for the past year I have seen the way in which the resident DJ's (Joel Lai, Eric Byron, Janva Tam & Tai Pan Dan) are able to read the crowd and are able to entertain the customers. I would definitely say listening to these DJ's for the past year has helped me learn how to improve my skills as a young DJ. I would not have had such a passion for my music if it weren't for my upbringing. My parents used to go to Ministry of Sound warehouse parties in the early 90's and there was always really good music playing in the kitchen or in the car when growing up in London.


What do you hate to hear at a club? What do you love?

When it comes to music I can be such a snob. Not a fan of anything which could be considered commercial or mainstream, even as a child growing up if there was pop music on TV I would switch to the news. I have no problem with nightclubs playing such styles of music, it's what a large percentage of people enjoy and it's the reason they go out clubbing, However,personally it isn't my style. I love being in a club and hearing something fresh that I haven't heard before that makes me go "WWAAHH!! WHAT IS THIS!?". I enjoy being around like-minded people who all enjoy similar music and don't go out looking for anything in particular, just to enjoy the music and have a wild night.


What are you surfing?

Facebook! I'll share a track or two on my wall, Beatport, YouTube and a few small promotional music websites such as The Fresh Beat are usually where I spend most of my time if I'm surfing the net.


What are you reading right now?

When I was younger I used to read quite a lot of non-fiction, biographies and autobiographies in particular, I find peoples accounts on past occurrences really interesting. Iggy Pop's autobiography was full of bright and fascinating stories, I highly recommend it to anybody… willing to keep an open mind.

February 2012, The Goods

Of lace and leather

C'N'C Costume National, the Italian fashion house of edgy menswear, specialises in interesting accessories. Check out the lace-up trainers (far right; HK$2,700) with a blue ink-stain effect on the ankle, or there's the strong but understated slip-on brown leather boots (right; HK$3,850). C'N'C Costume National is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0700.

Tang twisters

Not one to shy away from variations of a classic, we're all for the washed cotton red Mao jacket (HK$3,500) from Shanghai Tang's Rite of the Phoenix collection, matched with a cotton pique shirt with grosgrain trim (HK$1,880) and simple stretch cotton chino trousers (all left; HK$1,980). For something lighter, grab the linen shirt (HK$1,980), worn over a long-sleeved T-shirt (HK$1,480) and accessorised with a Scuba Class 888 watch (all above; HK$4,500). Shanghai Tang is in 1881 Heritage, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2368 2932.

Belt it out

Looking to perk up your wardrobe? Head to Galliano for a sift through the accessories. The multi-hue knit belt (far right; HK$1,750) hits all the right notes while, for a tough rocker look, there's the studded black leather version (right; HK$1,550). Galliano is in Times Square, tel: 2151 0822.

Way of the dragon

There's no running from the dragon this season. And German brand Hugo Boss has picked up on the trend, as seen in the Densor reporter bag (bottom; HK$4,600) and Deviton wallet (below; HK$1,800), both of which sport an embossed Chinese dragon. Hugo Boss is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1802.

February 26, 2012
Keep it short

Alright guys, it's time to get in shape and show some leg. As the latest Jil Sander spring-summer runway demonstrated, a perturbing trend of short shorts is on offer for men this upcoming season. A plastic jacket (HK$16,900) with a knit top (HK$9,900) and shorts (all below right; HK$5,700) took the look to extremes. But we rather like the purple pleasures of a simply cut printed tee (HK$6,900) paired with black shorts (both below left; HK$5,700). Jil Sander is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.

Eye on style

Proving it's not just about diamond-coated felines, Cartier's range of accessories for men is equally bedazzling. These tortoiseshell shades (below right; HK$12,000) and funky oblong-shaped wraparound shades (far right; HK$5,250) with panther-head arms are well worth a look. Cartier is in Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2522 2963

Original spin

Anyone for tennis? Loro Piana is ready to outfit those of you who are with its garment-washed, yarn-dyed cotton, denim and suede shoes (left; HK$5,900), a thin, two-toned striped pattern Egyptian cotton St Martin scarf (centre; HK$5,800) and an eye-catching Delon leather tennis bag (far left; HK$24,900) with cotton shoulder straps. Loro Piana is in IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7398.

February 19, 2012

Mark of distinction

It's not just the vivid colours and razzmatazz that makes Versace so distinct. We also like the more subtle look of the embossed belt (left; HK$3,200) and caramel leather holdall (above right; HK$27,900). Versace is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1008.

Tipping the scales

The Homme Lizard collection at agnes b has an understated and reptilian tongue-in-chic feel about it. For elegant wristwear, there's the Homme b. Yourself Bracelet (below; HK$750) and the Homme two-tone bangle (above; HK$890). For its militant machismo, we also like the dogtag-style necklace (right; HK$890). Agnes b is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2805 0678.

Welcome black

Bulgari's simple and sophisticated leather accessories collection has an unmistakably refined and polished sheen. We like the travel bag in black grain calf leather (below right; HK$21,200), and love the flat messenger bag in black coated canvas and calf leather (below left; HK$5,800). Bulgari is in Pacific Place, tel: 2918 1221.

Class act

Gieves & Hawkes, once the go-to bespoke tailoring house for British military officers and the House of Windsor, is still dressing gentlemen of note. For your own bit of blue-blooded finesse, try the light grey Prince of Wales check wool silk suit (HK$14,500) with sky blue striped shirt (HK$3,350) and red and white fine patterned silk tie (all above left; HK$1,050). If it takes a more nautical look to float your boat, there's the red jacket (HK$6,950), casual striped T-shirt (HK$1,350) and white trousers (all far left; HK$2,350). Gieves & Hawkes is in IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7220.

February 12, 2012

Beckham beckons

David Beckham's line of underwear designed in collaboration with H&M will land in Hong Kong this week. The inexpensive, body-conscious collection is uncomplicated and deft, much like the man himself. Check out the grey boxer briefs (right; HK$149) and black square-cut briefs (far right; HK$149). The vests and T-shirts (HK$149 each), and long johns and pyjamas (HK$249 each) are also worth a look. H&M is at 68 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2110 9546.

Pack a punch

To celebrate the opening of MCM's first satellite store in Asia, the German brand has unveiled its latest leather goods collection, Munich by Night, in Hong Kong. Inspired by Munich's vibrant 1970s music scene is the black leather metal- studded Musik backpack (above left; HK$23,800). For a softer look, there's the Handwerkskunst backpack (below left; HK$23,800). These limited-edition backpacks are available exclusively until March 31 at MCM, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 3425 4051.

Tribal glance

Burberry Prorsum's menswear line for spring-summer has an African vibe inspired by designer Christopher Bailey's travels. We love the dark moss twill cotton oversized heritage parka (HK$22,000) with chrome yellow scoop-neck top (HK$7,300) paired with the bright ink chambray linen skinny leg trousers (HK$7,300), the bright amber viscose crochet cap (HK$3,900) and the tan/tangerine Arundel moccasin (all far right; HK$7,700). For a dashing option, we like the chambray linen two-button jacket (HK$13,000) with white cotton poplin oversized shirt (HK$4,100) and ink-blue bleached Ikat cotton trousers (HK$8,100) topped with the primrose white viscose crochet cap (HK$3,900) and finished with dark Raffia Wallabee shoes (all right; HK$6,300). Burberry is in Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511.

Cool call

The Prada Phone by LG 3.0 (below; HK$6,300) is a stylish option for fashion-conscious types seeking an Android handset. Incorporating the fashion brand's distinct minimalist elegance, the no-fuss gadget has one of the biggest and brightest screens available. It features a glossy touch screen (127.5mm by 69mm) and Prada's signature Saffiano pattern on the back, with minimal hard keys completing the sleek simple finish. Prada is in Alexandra House, tel: 2522 2989.

February 5, 2012

January 2012, The Goods

Colour code

Too much black on yet another fashion page? How about a splash of colour from the fine fashion house of Paul Smith? Renowned for classic shirts and suits, the British brand carries accessories that have just the right amount of fashion-forward hues. The striped scarf (below; HK$1,950) and leather wallet (right; HK$1,390) are handsome enough, but our vote goes to the tartan chukka boot (bottom; HK$2,490). Paul Smith accessories are available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Noir reason

If you've got travel plans this year, head back to basics. From iconic British brand Dunhill, the all-black flight headphones (above; HK$6,900) will let other passengers know when you're not up for a chat while the Bourdon single-zip briefcase (left; HK$8,995) has a suave simplicity that says you mean business. Dunhill is at Pacific Place, tel: 2537 1009.

Nice and easy

For Roberto Cavalli, taking a simple dinner jacket or coat and injecting it with the brand's sense of easy luxury comes all too easily. Take the python shawl collar jacket (right; HK$24,995) and the shearling duffle coat (above; HK$99,995) as proof. Roberto Cavalli is available at The Swank in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.

Basic gear

For most Hongkongers, buying anything from British brand Topman meant going online and waiting for a delivery - or popping over to a neighbouring country. Well, no more. The brand has landed on our smoggy shores at long last. A wide range of casual menswear can be found, and we're loving the biker jacket (left; HK$1,150) for its simplicity and utility. And do try to resist the urge to flash your partner while wearing the elegant trench coat (above; HK$1,390). Topman is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place.

January 1, 2012

Rest his sole

Eugene Heschung created his brand back in 1934, with shoes made traditionally in France, with Norwegian or Goodyear stitching. Decades later, the label is still making grand strides with its fashionable and comfortable footwear. We particularly like the slip-on black Heschung Cerato black ankle boot (above; HK$5,280), for its minimalistic cut and polish. The Malus Texas brown shoe (right; HK$4,780) has a classic silhouette and sheen. Eugene Heschung is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

All covered up

There's a nip in the air, so you need a jacket that shields you from the wind and covers up those extra pounds gained over the holidays. Calvin Klein Jeans has a couple of solutions: a padded shearling brown leather jacket (top; HK$2,990) and an even more forgiving soft black leather jacket (above; HK$6,990). Calvin Klein Jeans is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 9506.

Nuts and bolts

The Elis Nova line of accessories for men has a distinctly masculine ring to it. We were amused by the silver bolt ring (HK$2,690) and cufflinks (both above; HK$2,590). Elis Nova is available at Harvey Nichols.

Military precision

For DKNY this season, clean, modern military lines are the inspiration, with a natural palette of ash, sombre greys, dark navy and black. We love the slim silhouette of the grey wool, single-button, slim-lapel suit jacket (HK$3,990) matched with graphite-wool, pin-tuck trousers (HK$2,390) and cotton polo top (all left; HK$990). For a more formal affair, the black wool two-button suit (HK$5,990) with a white cotton, slim-fit shirt (HK$1,590) and black silk tie (all far left; HK$790) is flawless. DKNY is at Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 2799.

January 8, 2012

About lace

British brand Marwood launched its debut collection a year ago and has found an audience for its vintage designs and traditional silhouettes. We're not sure how functional the mesh pocket square (left; HK$780) would be but we're definitely up for the cloud bow-tie (below; HK$1,400), made from traditional English lace. Marwood is available at Kapok, 5 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254.

Right foot forward

Without judging wearers of the easy, slip-on, uncomplicated, laceless shoe, embodied by JM Weston's leather moccasin (right; HK$5,445), there's something to be said for the striking elegance of the lace-up leather shoe (below; HK$7,625). JM Weston is in The Galleria, Central, tel: 2234 7288.

Carry your cargo

As an iconic menswear designer and now filmmaker, writer, art collector, stylist and more, Tom Ford sure has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. So, what's next? Before we get wind of his next endeavour, how about grabbing a bag (below; HK$12,000) of his divine design? Tom Ford is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7802.

Plum pickings

Sometimes, you just need to return to the simple pleasures of a timeless classic. To do so, head to the Ralph Lauren store and peruse its Purple Label. We fawned over the classic suit (HK$46,600), with purple tie (HK$1,500) matched with a dress shirt (HK$3,550) and polished shoes (all right; HK$12,500). And we were floored by the cinematic elegance of the topcoat HK$62,800) and waistcoat (both below right; HK$8,900). Ralph Lauren is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2869 0388.

January 15, 2012

Wrap stars

If the biting winds are giving you the chills, wrap yourself in a warm silk and wool tartan scarf (right; HK$5,700) by Hermès. And if the holiday excesses have gone to your waist, look to the brand's flattering black leather belt (below; HK$3,400). Hermès is in Pacific Place, tel: 2522 6229.

Style check

Kenzo's simple yet striking cardholders (top; HK$1,490 each) have been guest-starring in the pockets of the fashionable and famous all season. The printed canvas tote (above; HK$3,190), however, is playing the leading role with the truly fashion-forward. Kenzo is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2175 4233.

Eye catching

We're always keeping an eye out for Prada's men's accessories and instantly fell for the new vintage-inspired wrap-around shades (below right; HK$2,100), which have a sporty feel and classic look. For a splash of colour, we also like the sleek cobalt blue shades with a thin bridge and classic silhouette (below; HK$2,200). Prada is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9233.

Minimal instinct

Much has been written about Belgian designer Kris Van Assche's stint at Dior Homme and his early work with Yves Saint Laurent. It's therefore no surprise that his namesake brand features a minimalist aesthetic and formidable attention to detail, as seen in the long black jacket (HK$17,900), trousers (HK$6,490) and boots (HK$8,900), foiled with a simple white shirt (all above far right; HK$3,990). The zipper jacket (HK$13,900) and trousers (HK$6,490) with eye-catching caramel boots (all right; HK$8,900) are effortless and pan-seasonal. Kris Van Assche is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

January 22, 2012

Aliya Zaidi: Beauty and the East

As you might expect of a former model who strutted the catwalks from New York to Lahore in the early 1990s, Aliya Zaidi's wardrobe is a festival of colour, embracing both the styles of the wild West and the conservative East.

"I am a big fan of Dolce & Gabbana, the clothes fit like a glove and remain classics in my opinion," says the mother of two. "I also love the over-the-top drama of Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier. I adore Tom Ford's design sense and the attitude that he has brought to fashion."

She reels off a list of those behind the seams in Karachi and Lahore. "Pakistani designers like Umar Sayeed, Faiza Samee, Shamaeel, Ayesha Farook Hashwani star in my cupboards. And I love long, printed saris from Indian designer Satya Paul," she says.

"Pakistani fashion stems from heavy and ornate bridal pieces. Weddings are decadent and the bride and groom are outfitted in the finest silks, embroidery and jewellery. A mother works on a daughter's trousseau for years. Intricate handmade embroidery has been part of our fashion culture for hundreds of years and has trickled down from the royals to the masses. People in Karachi and Lahore will dish out thousands of dollars on couture."

The shimmer of Zaidi's rhinestone-studded shoes - the trinity of Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Giuseppe Zanotti - lines multiple-tiered shelves.

"I love colour. A bright dress not only brightens up your day, but also lifts your spirit. There is nothing like rolling out of the house in a bright fuchsia number on a dull, rainy Hong Kong morning. I love Missoni, Milly and Pucci for statement pieces."

Her favourite accessories are trinkets that carry sentimental value, including a Tiffany pendant her husband gave her on their first anniversary. She also has a soft spot for everyday silver hoops. "I have been wearing hoops since middle school. My Rolex means a lot to me, as my mother wore it every day until she passed away. She also gave me her gold coin earrings, which I think are classic. Passing down jewellery is part of my culture, and I plan to do the same for my daughter."

For the New York fashionista in her, she has monogrammed necklaces from Chanel, shades from Tom Ford, perfumes by Jean Paul Gaultier and handbags from Bottega Veneta.

But having risen to fame in Pakistan, where she was voted one of the nation's most fashionable people by the local press earlier this year, Zaidi carries the Eastern aesthetic with ease. She marries ethnic jewellery with Western ensembles. It is an art she has perfected with time.

"I've been heavily into gold accessories for the past two years. I love old school Kundan and polki jewellery [large, chunky Southeast Asian pieces]. It can dress up a Western outfit or enhance traditional gear.

"I am infamous for changing outfits at my parties," she adds with a laugh. "I am very much into drama. I like to have one dress for receiving the guests and one for enjoying the party. Clothes are my passion, and I have no qualms admitting it. My closet consists of items I fell in love with 20 years ago. And I still love them."

To Zaidi, wardrobe is the ultimate personal statement. "What you wear should reflect you - an outfit should complement your personality," she says. "A loud and busy print is so not becoming on a woman with a quiet disposition. You should be able to guess what I'm like from what I wear."

Caption: Aliya Zaidi's closet is bursting with bright colours (top); part of her jewellery collection (above).
Photos: Sabrina Sikora



NOTES:

Though we met thanks to a truly awful person in Hong Kong, the silver lining remains, till date, the grand introduction to the ever-stunning Aliya Zaidi. I remain in constant delight in the presence of the gorgeous Aliya who stays in a perpetual state of grace.


Along with my other tall-drinka-water, model-turned-photographer Sabrina Sikora (aka gorgeous-much?), we spent a delightful afternoon chatting and snapping away. And this feature came about for Lifestyle, last week in South China Morning Post.

Even before I arose from the dead (magazine finally went to print and I slept for 14 blissful hours), I knew the feature had hit newsstands by the innumerable missed calls and msgs. The brown contingent maybe small in Hong Kong, but they are frightfully media-aware! Aliya and family were out of town the day the paper came out with the feature, am hoping all those who matter like it!

We shot Aliya Zaidi in Western (D&G) and Eastern outfits (AFH) but the powers-that-be-chose this look.

Now the big q; what to do next year? Hmm.

Meanwhile, outtakes below.
And the feature on the left was mine too. I really did have a Good Friday. ha.

Show & Sell: Macau to host Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra

A night of song-and-dance in Macau showcased the best of Hindi cinema far from the magical, musical shores of Mumbai, the land where the term ‘Bollywood’ was born and bred as a distant, tan cousin of Hollywood. Now bigger than ever before, are you ready for an Asian invasion from the largest film industry in the world?

By P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp @ hotmail. com)


As the constellation of Indian stars descended in Macau, working the red carpet as it led to the copious and cavernous CotaiArena, at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, only a hall of its 15,000 seat capacity could shelter the largess of Bollywood and its fervid fans. The event, Zee Cine Awards, an annual affair that rewards the Hindi film industry’s best and brightest luminaries with a golden trophy on a dais littered with star dust. Many in the audience shelled out a dear dime to watch screen-icons live on stage, as a four-hour extravaganza, filled with song, dance and comic skits came alive far, far away from the film capital of the world, Mumbai.

The South-East Asian community (the Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis) descended en mass, filling coveted seats, as expected, but in the audience, there were many Macau residents, Chinese, Malaysian, Western faces, enraptured by the glitzy affair. Crossing cultural borders, the musical mayhem that lights Indian cinema finds a mélange of surprising fanatics.

Stella Choi, a PR representative from a major luxury brand, born and brought up in Macau, had a prime aisle-seat at the show at the Venetian. “I first saw the Indian film ‘3 Idiots’ on screen and loved it,” she says, with an unstoppable grin. “I loved it so much, I’ve seen it three times. And I can do the first steps in the song ‘All is well’ from the movie. I was so surprised that the college guy/actor in the film was 40 something years old! And the girls are all so pretty in movies.”

Indeed they are; with a bevy of beauty queens with silken sashes (six Miss Worlds, two Miss Universes and two Miss Asia Pacifics have all ended up on screen), it’s almost a prerequisite for a leading lady to enter the Hindi film industry with a sparkling tiara and title at hand. To break into Bollywood, it’s near impossible for an actor without a notable surname to make it to ‘hero’ status; the industry is notoriously nepotistic where nearly every contemporary actor is the son of… somebody with a film credential! The current lot of stars are mostly progeny of other actors, directors, writers and carry the rewards and burden of fame that comes with showbiz.

And what a business it is; with an average of over 800 films released each year in 24 Indian languages, the Indian film industry earns roughly US$2.2 billion. Budgets of Hindi films seem paltry when compared to American, the most expensive Indian films cost less than US$5 million to make. It’s not just the billion plus population of India, but beyond country lines, the entertainment industry finds audience and eye-balls from Georgia to Japan.

Which perhaps explains why the distinctly Indian show was staged in the foreign shores of Macau. Punit Goenka, Managing Director and CEO of Zee television network says, “With each edition of Zee Cine Awards, it has been our earnest endeavor to take Indian cinema in all its glory and splendor beyond national frontiers and leave a memorable footprint at an exciting new global destination each year. The response from Macau has been overwhelming to say the least.”

Concurring with Goenka, the CEO of one of the largest television networks in the world, Edward Tracy, President and CEO of Sands China Ltd, says, “The Venetian Macao couldn’t be happier about hosting the Zee Cine Awards this year. It’s such an outstanding event, and the CotaiArena is the perfect choice for a venue.”

With the telecast of the show to air on television in over 167 countries, 600 million viewers globally have the opportunity to watch the festivities. In comparison, this year’s Golden Globes hosted by Ricky Gervais saw 17 million viewers. For some, Pitt, Jolie and Cruise means nothing, where Bachchan, Khan and Kapoor resonate deeply.

Such is the mass appeal of Indian films that even Hollywood has to kowtow to the facts and figures; reports suggest over 1.8 billion people watch Western films (ie English language movies) each year, but over 2.8 billion pairs of eyes watch Hindi movies (not counting the other regional films that also churn out of India), either in its original format, or in subtitled, dubbed versions.

The numbers are astounding, and yet, as avant-guard Indian film director and producer Anurag Kashyap says, “Well, in the West, Bollywood is there for comic relief. Whenever we say the word Bollywood, they move their bodies, do a song-and-dance.”

Indeed they do. For all its international viewership, fiscal success and fanclubs, Hindi cinema doesn’t perhaps garner the respect or critical acclaim of an Akira Kurosawa film. Rarely will you see an Indian film listed in the Academy awards under the Best Foreign Film category. The escapist fare rarely does well at film distribution and exhibition fairs at Cannes or Korea. But does it matter?

When asked if he can be the cross-over star to jump into the Western hemisphere and bring Bollywood to the international arena, leading actor Shahrukh Khan says, “We don’t need to go to them, they are coming to us.”

At the press conference held at the Sicily Room Convention center at The Venetian Macao, international representatives from Singapore, UK, US, Fiji Islands and international cable networks had set up shop. When a blonde-blue eyed media rep from Time Out gushed to Shahrukh Khan in broken Hindi, “Main aapki sabse badi fan hoon,” [I’m your biggest fan], Khan humbly held the palm of his hand to his heart and bowed.

The format of the Hindi film, with its requisite song and dance, is in fact what’s bringing in an increasing global audience. Despite its non-linear, often nonsensical narrative and the purple pleasures of its picture-perfect scenes and scenarios - the latest Hindi films are beautifully shot and have a technical finesse that’s a far cry from its predecessors - there’s an order in the chaos that provides real pleasure to the reel endeavor. This year, Khan’s own films premiered not just in regions with a strong South-East Asian population but in Germany, Japan and Russia. The fan-following in non-Hindi speaking Malaysia is so large, Khan received the title of "Datuk" (equivalent to British Knighthood) from the governor of Malaysia's southern Malacca state.

Gone are the days of dancing around trees, singers and Grammy-nominees Ashanti, Tina Turner, Akon have collaborated in Hindi films. The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears, Ricky Martin have suffused Bollywood beats and tracks into their own. When Indian actors graced the stage of the Golden Globes last year to give an award, Emma Thompon and Paul McCartney whistled in delight at their sight.

Khan is more than right, Indian films are not shape shifting to suit audiences abroad, but the audience is adjusting its view of Hindi films.

As Time magazine columnist Richard Corliss, with a self-professed ‘diagnosis of Bollywood fever’, says, “A cinema marked by vigor, visual ingenuity, signposts to a land so remote and exotic it is measured in decades, or ten time zones. These are territories I can explore for years, yet not exhaust their riches.”

To be sure.




SIDE BAR

The A-to Zee of Bollywood, Cliff’s notes on the crème de la crème of Mumbai’s glitterati who glistered in Macau during an eventful weekend;

The Reign of Khan


SHAHRUKH KHAN: Part of the trinity of Khans who are the definitive leading men of Bollywood (which also includes Aamir and Salman Khan - no relation) Shahrukh Khan, 46, is often called ‘King’ Khan for his unprecedented reign at the box-office. Perhaps the sole exception to the rule of being a leading man with no link nor lineage in the film industry, a once stage and television actor kicked off his remarkable cinematic career back in 1992. Two decades and 75+ film appearances later, he is one of the most influential (and wealthiest) men in Mumbai who brings his oft imitated and rarely repeated gimmicks and gumption to the screen.

The Seminal Scion


RANBIR KAPOOR: If ever there was one to the manor-born, it’s the fourth generation Kapoor, Ranbir, who’s family has been in the film industry since the 1920s. All the Kapoor men have been in the film industry in some way or form for so long, its hard to imagine the Hindi film industry without a Kapoor anecdote or antecedent. At age 25, when Ranbir appeared on screen after a brief tryst of studying abroad, the scion continued tradition as expected by gracing the silver-screen. As one of the young heartthrobs of the nation of a billion plus, Kapoor teeters well between being seen as a capable actor and a shirtless poster-boy.

The Dreamer, the Dancer

SHAHID KAPOOR: Perhaps better known for his stylised and indomitable dancing skills on screen and stage, young Shahid Kapoor has the burden of being the eldest son to multi-award winning actor and director Pankaj Kapoor - and the inevitable comparisons that arise with such a precedent. Though a competent actor of note, he dreams of being known more for his turn as a thespian instead of those perfect turns he does with a leading lady during an unforgettable song-and-dance routine.

The Beauty Queen


PRIYANKA CHOPRA: At age 19, Priyanka Chopra was one of the youngest beauty title holders (Miss World 2000) to slip into Bollywood and take it by storm. Unlike most of her contemporaries, Chopra has zero relatives linking her to the film industry; she’s the eldest daughter in a family of doctors. She won Miss India and Miss World consecutively over a decade ago, that garnered enough attention from film producers to make a beeline towards her crown and glory. With a quiet confidence and a killer bod, the wonderfully articulate Chopra is slowly etching a niche in the fiercely competitive industry.

The English Rose

KATRINA KAIF: The anglo-Indian former model (with an English mum and a Kashmiri father) Katrina Kaif has made it to the upper echelons of Bollywood, one film at a time, polishing her once non-existent command of the film vernacular all the way to being a contender to the top slot. No one’s quiet sure of how to encapsulate the unprecedented success of Kaif, who’s mostly known for his polished demeanor more than her dialogue delivery. In a visual industry that relies heavily on a pretty picture and pulchritude, she makes for fine, refined pixels.

Beauty and the East


VIDYA BALAN: Actress Vidya Balan came into the game a little late, but she proved herself to be the game-changer. A versatile actress of note, Balan did over 300 commercials, acted on television and auditioned multiple times before she hit the screens in 2005. With classic south Indian looks, the curvy belle of the Bollywood ball is not model-size but is its model citizen. Known for her finely tuned performances and opting for roles and films of merit, Balan may not spin box-office gold all the time, but her performances go for gold every time.

Now that's a stretch: Tiana Harilela swaps luxury for Yoga

Many in the Hong Kong "in" crowd might remember Tiana Harilela, 36, from her spell working at a luxury champagne company and frequent appearances in social columns.

Dressed in her designer gear and blinged out, she was by no means unfit, but she's now in the best shape of her life, and she attributes it to yoga.

Her first experience of physical or hatha yoga was with her late grandfather, businessman George N. Harilela. "He taught me my first ever yoga pose. He was also the first person to introduce me to the yogic kriyas [cleansing rituals] at a young age. But his biggest influence on me was his subtle teachings of the 'true self' and the inner aspects of yoga. He is still in my heart as my first teacher."

While among the glitterati, she says she was far from a spiritual being. Up until her early 20s, she kept a distance from everything spiritual and Indian.

"I knew I needed a practice with a challenge, so I turned to Ashtanga Vinyasa as taught by the late Sri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. This was one of the most powerful yoga practices I had ever seen and tried. I was hooked."

Frequent trips to Mysore have followed. She cites Paul Dallaghan, who runs the beautiful Samahita Yoga Thailand retreat in Koh Samui, as one of her biggest influences. Dallaghan's master, Sri O.P. Tiwari, is the head of the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute in Lonavala, near Mumbai. Through their guidance, Harilela is now an Ashtanga yoga teacher teaching simple pranayama, a special form of breathing exercises.

"It is one of my favourite things to teach because it brings everything inwards and I have personally seen how it has transformed me," she says.

What's been the biggest effect of doing yoga?

The biggest surprise for me is how it has changed my body. Physically I am stronger and leaner. There is a lightness about my body now. Because the asana practice I do is about two hours long, postures flowing one into the next, and practised six days a week, there is a wonderful effect on the respiratory system. You sweat out toxins and allow for your body to move back into balance. Ashtanga Vinyasa is a very cleansing practice.

What do you preach and teach?
I teach Ashtanga Mysore style, which is the best way to learn yoga. It's like having a private class with other people in the same room. You learn in the correct way pose by pose. You only move to the next pose once you have mastered the previous one. Everyone is doing the same sequence within a time frame at his or her own pace. Nowadays, there is a lot of rock 'n' roll and music in yoga classes. In this class, the music is the breath, and it is one of the most beautiful things to witness and try. It also allows for independence in the student. The teacher is there to guide and to help.

How did yoga help your recovery from the motorcycle accident you had in India last year?
I smashed the right side of my body and face. I was unable to fly back to Hong Kong due to complications. I still suffer pain in my face from nerve damage, and I have problems with my right shoulder and hip from the crash. I never thought I would be back to my practice. It took a long time to be able to do some of the things I was doing before. Meditation, yoga asana and pranayama brought me back. There was this inner sense of spirit that kept me going. It's a story I tell my students when they think they cannot do something. The human spirit is unbeatable when it shines.

Your Hong Kong friends may be surprised at how fit you are now. What do you tell them?
It's a combination of yoga and balance. While I am still working on balance in life, I feel my levels are better. I eat healthy as much as possible. I have a green and predominantly wheat-free diet. I sleep early. It's a different lifestyle altogether from what I was doing years ago. It's peaceful and there's less chaos and drama, which I feel adds to looking and feeling good on the inside and out.

Have you changed your diet?
I have. I have a predominantly vegetarian diet, eating fish once in a while. I have also changed my thought process about food. I pay attention to the foods that have acidity in them and those that are alkaline. My husband is a great chef and mainly cooks healthy vegetarian cuisine. He is always showing me herbal substitutes to take. I think maintaining a good diet and having fun cooking is the best way. You cannot just exercise and not add the food part in. We aim to show it can be fun and delicious to be healthy.

What's your indulgence?
Well, that's easy: chocolate.

Pic Caption: Tiana Harilela credits her late grandfather, George, with introducing her to her first yoga pose and the cleansing yogic kriyas.
Photo: Edmond So

March 25, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Where to launch a fancy dragon-themed vodka (in the Year of the Dragon)? Dragon-i, of course

No stranger to ostentatious parties, Dragon-i was the place to be last week for the launch of Royal Dragon's new vodka collection. As the Jamie Foxx party anthem Blame it (On the Alcohol) aptly echoed into the wee hours, partygoers included model Ana Rivera, restaurateur Bonnie Gokson, fashion blogger Denise Lai, Cove and Zue Overly, Nisa Huber and Olivia Buckingham.

One power couple, Andrew and Lumen Kinoshita, were seen limping from foot injuries. "Can you not mention that?" We wouldn't dare.

Dragon-i's Gordon Lam had hurt his leg too and was clunking along with a cane. At this rate, a bejewelled walking cane might be the season's most fashionable must-have accessory.

Michel Morren, creator of the vodka, said: "It is the Year of the Dragon, Dragon-i's the club to be seen [in]. Where else, and when else, could I launch the finest vodka in the world called Royal Dragon Vodka?"

Gokson said: "It's very smooth, I like it. The bottle itself is beautiful."

The hand-blown bottles, with a glass dragon inside, were stunning, especially the limited-edition bottle "The Emperor", crowned with a Royal Dragon pendant of 18 carat gold and festooned with 35 certified diamonds. The bottles were flanked by bodyguards as many guests tried to snap photos on their iPhones.

Outside, there was a dragon's roar of another kind. Lamborghini presented special-edition models, the Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore, Gallardo LP560-4 Noctis and Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder (each bearing a gold dragon imprint), which loudly zoomed through Wyndham Street during the launch party, letting all and sundry know of the vodka's grand arrival.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 27, 2012

'A family man who gives to charity: Interview with photographer Olaf Mueller as Kim Dotcom gets Arrested

Photographer who worked for Hong Kong internet millionaire now under arrest in New Zealand says he found him larger than life, but also very private

By Lana Lam and P. Ramakrishnan

A Hong Kong photographer who worked for Kim Dotcom, the millionaire accused of major copyright crimes by the FBI, has described the founder of Megaupload as a devoted family man who simply wanted to keep a low profile.

Fashion photographer Olaf Mueller, 31, first met the German-born Dotcom in 2007 after an odd e-mail landed in his inbox.

"He inquired from a weird e-mail so I thought it was spam. Then my assistant said it's some rich guy who wants to have his picture taken with his wife," Mueller said. "He's a huge guy. He's definitely not shy, very confident and very sarcastic."

Dotcom, who changed his name from Kim Schmitz, is currently in custody in New Zealand after he lost his appeal to be released on bail last week. In court, Dotcom said he was not a flight risk and simply wanted to be with his three young children and wife, who is due to give birth to twins in April.

The 38-year-old, who founded file-sharing sites that allowed users to download content, was arrested last month after police raided his home in Auckland.

The FBI have accused Dotcom of being the mastermind behind one of the biggest copyright breaches in US history and are seeking his extradition.

When Mueller took pre-wedding photos in 2007 of Dotcom and his wife Mona, a former model from the Philippines, he had to relinquish all copyright for the pictures.

"He made sure he owned the copyright, which was okay for me because I just charged accordingly," Mueller said. His rates for Dotcom ranged from HK$150,000 to HK$250,000 per session.

The wedding photos were taken at Mueller's studio, which was in Kwun Tong at the time, because Dotcom wanted to keep things private.

After the wedding portraits, Dotcom asked Mueller to take family photos. At the time, Dotcom had two children and his wife was pregnant with their third child.

Mueller also took interior shots of Dotcom's home, which was a luxury suite at the five-star Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai, taking up an entire floor.

"It was quite homey and very tasteful," Mueller said.

At one point, Dotcom, who split his time between Hong Kong and New Zealand, offered to fly Mueller to Auckland to take photos of his mansion but this job never happened.

Dotcom was also a fan of Mueller's art photography, bidding HK$150,000 at a charity auction in 2010 for a large artwork that featured Hong Kong-based celebrity model Jocelyn Luko.

"I showed it to him before the auction and he really loved it. He also liked the idea that it was for charity," Mueller said.

Dotcom told the photographer that he already had a spot in his New Zealand home to hang the artwork, which was called In High Spirits.

Last month, the work was seized by authorities along with bank accounts and luxury cars worth millions. Dotcom will remain in custody until February 22 when US authorities are expected to file extradition papers.

Above pic caption: Hong Kong fashion photographer Olaf Mueller at his studio in Kowloon Bay - he took pre-wedding photographs for Kim Dotcom and his wife Mona

Feb 05, 2012

Dance in her pants: Dancer Bethany Taylor stays fit

FIT AND FAB: Bethany Taylor

The rigmarole of a gym is not for everyone. The unpredictability of weather can be a hindrance for those who like to go for a run outside, and team sports are for a chosen few. But anyone can dance at any age and at any time, right? “I suppose,” says Bethany Taylor, an interior design student. “All you need is some great music and some space.”

She started dancing at age four, when her mother took her to baby ballet in Muscat, Oman, and trained at the Emma Tse Elite Dance Academy in Hong Kong for years. “I’ve tried pretty much every style of dance – ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, jazz, salsa, street,” says Taylor. “My favourites are ballet and street dance; one form is strictly disciplined and the other, freestyle. I love how much attitude and fun you can have with street, while ballet is so elegant. And which girl didn’t want to be a ballerina growing up?”

Although dance is a personal and individual experience for her, it’s helped Taylor in her modelling profession, too. “It gives you amazing control over your body, and you know what angles your body looks good at. It also helps with stamina. Shoots are always so long, and you’re usually standing up, so [training for dance] helps to keep you going for long periods of time.”

Three years ago, Taylor opted to go to college in London instead of taking the difficult route of professional dancing. Although she gave up the hard-core discipline of ballet, she’s found other forms of expression through a range of classes at Studiodanz in North Point.

“Classes are mostly taught in Cantonese, but it’s helped me learn faster as I’m not distracted by what’s said and I follow the movement. I’m forced to concentrate and pick up faster, which has been an excellent form of self-discipline. And dance is the finest form of motion and discipline.”

What drew you to dance?
Ballet is so beautiful and elegant. It’s really high art. I may not do it much any more, but I still appreciate it. Now I dance for fun, and it is the most fun way to exercise.

Is there any particular dance you’d like to try?
Zumba – it’s half exercise, half dance, and looks really fun. It’s a concoction of salsa and aerobics. I’ve been meaning to go, and this year I’ll do it.

What’s your diet like?
Processed food is a definite no, but the word “diet” really puts me off as I don’t believe in dieting. If you eat properly, watch your calories, but don’t deprive yourself, maintain portion control and eat a healthy amount. You don’t need to follow whatever diet is in fashion.

What’s been a memorable dance class?
At Pure Fitness in Central, choreographer Tony Stone [who has worked with stars like Salt-N-Pepa, Falco and LL Cool J] came to teach for a brief session, and it was a serious dance-off and workout. For three hours we were moving non-stop. It was a good class. He’s in his 50s but is in amazing shape.


What other ways do you stay fit?
Gym about four times a week, which keeps my cardio up. I have regular sessions with a personal trainer, and he’s really tough. The day after our sessions, I hate him – but it’s worth going to. I do my own body conditioning regime at home to keep toned, and go to street dance classes a few times a week at Pineapple Dance Studios [in London] more for fun. There’s no exercise that I hate. I have so much energy and love being active.

What’s the secret to looking really lean and toned?
Before a shoot, I cut my carbs and salty foods, and just have proteins and vegetables. And I drink a lot of green tea and water. If hungry during a lengthy shoot, I snack on cashews and bananas.

What’s your favourite health food?
It has to be quinoa; it’s so easy to prepare and so tasty. It fills you up but doesn’t make you bloated, and you can add whatever you like to it. My favourite combination at the moment is with celery, feta and ham. I’m also a massive fan of making fresh soups. It’s cheap and easy, and you get your daily dose of veggies.

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Portrait by Sabrina Sikora Photography
http://sspmodels.phanfare.com/
Feb 07, 2012

Aasha Bhosle: The Essence of Star Power

Indian singing legend credits her great success to a strong work ethic writes P.Ramakrishnan.

As if singer Asha Bhosle wasn't legendary enough - and we don't use the term lightly - she received some extra heavy metal for her overcrowded trophy room this month. Not only was she honoured at the 10th Pune International Film Festival for her "outstanding contribution to Indian cinema", but the Mumbai media house, Screen, also presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Bhosle, 78, has at least 31 other such similar felicitations, including a Grammy nomination and a BBC lifetime achievement award (presented by then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002). So when Bhosle herself is asked how many trophies line her cabinets, she sounds genuinely perplexed.

"I have no idea," she says, laughing, and turning to ask her son, Anand: "Do you know how many? Well, the most memorable awards were the national awards given to me by the president of India [in 1981, 1986 and a Padma Vibhushan award, the second highest civilian award, granted by President Pratibha Patil in 2008]. The rest, well, it's nice to be mentioned.

"But I have to confess one thing: everything came late to me in life."

Bhosle's achievements are ever-more remarkable as the younger sibling to India's "nightingale", Lata Mangeshkar. Two legendary singers born to the same household, mellifluous careers mired in mumblings of who's better. "I received everything 20 years after it was due to me - fame, recognition, awards," she says. "And the other half of my life got lost in the pointless conversation about who was better: me or my elder sister."

Like the rivalry between operatic divas Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, with loyalties divided by fanatics, composers and producers, the rivalry between the Mangeshkar siblings has filled pages of Indian print since the 1940s. But it's an issue Bhosle refuses to address today, after years of supposed musical riffs and rifts. "I respect and love my sister. We meet for every family function. What others say, who is bothered?"

If it's hard to pinpoint who's greater, it's easier to note who has sung more. A few months ago, Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Bhosle as the most recorded artist in the history of music. She was awarded a certificate for "the most studio recordings [singles] for recording up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs and in over 20 Indian languages since 1947".

And Bhosle is still upping the record, as she's in the studio often and tours annually. Clad in her trademark sparkling saris, her hair pinned in a matriarchal bun, her arms and neck festooned with diamonds and pearls, the grandmother of five will be hitting the stage in Hong Kong on February 23 at the Cultural Centre.

Bhosle has performed with artists ranging from Nelly Furtado to Boy George, and even collaborated with boy band Code Red in the 1990s. While some of the names have faded into irrelevance, Bhosle's spotlight hasn't dimmed. She remains one of India's highest-paid singers and the nation's current crop of singing stars literally bow when she walks into a room. Think of Aretha Franklin in a sari, with a strong adherence to traditional Indian values.

Bhosle has sung cabaret songs, classical music, pop, disco and devotional songs in different languages - her vast repertoire performed with a vocal prowess of three octaves.

Why her singing contemporaries' voices have wilted with time while she remains a force to be reckoned with is no mystery. "Perhaps it's because I work just as hard now as when I started," she says. "I haven't forgotten the days of struggle. I know it takes 100 paisa to make a rupee. For years, I travelled great distances on foot and train from home to the studio. For the longest time, I made about 100 rupees [HK$15.30 today] a month. I remember the day I got 2,000 rupees for a recording. It was like I'd won the lottery.

"Today's singers get on a reality show and make hundreds of thousands a year. I have no issue with that, but what kind of fame is it? They still sing our old songs ... They have to make it on their own merit, not as pale imitations. Temporary fame is fleeting."

When asked who she likes among the current crop of singers, Bhosle politely evades the question. "I have no time to listen to [new] songs," she says. "I'm so busy recording or doing TV shows [judging musical reality shows in Mumbai] or on tour. But when travelling, I listen to the old songs. And keeping aside all the politics, I often listen to Pakistani poets and singers, such as Ghulam Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."

Bhosle strikes an elegiac note when she reminisces about her recordings with other singers from the 1950s and '60s - Kishore Kumar ("Who was the funniest person I've ever met and one of the most gifted"), Mohammed Rafi ("the greatest vocal range and a kind man") and Mukesh ("the perfect gentleman. They say you can't be a good singer if you're not a good person - well, he was a great singer and a greater person").

The current work ethic has changed, as well. "We had a full orchestra and had to perfect a song in one take," Bhosle says. "There were days of rehearsals. If there was a minor error or wrong note, we had to start all over again. And, for the most part, we all got along, as there had to be camaraderie among the musicians. We worked long, long hours. Today, well, you'll be surprised to know that often my so-called duets were recorded in one country, my co-singer in another, and it's all mixed together. And auto-tune, it's the funniest thing I've seen. We're now in an era where you don't have to be a remotely competent singer to sing."

This will be her third concert in Hong Kong, and her memories of the city reflect those of many other tourists.

"I went to Hong Kong in 1986 and in 1989 for shows at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. I remember shopping in Hong Kong after my shows, getting chiffon saris, things for my three children. I don't remember much else. At this age, my interest in shopping has gone, but music hasn't left me, and I haven't left music."

Eternal Asha, Feb 23, 8pm, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, HK$300-HK$1,200, Urbtix. Inquiries: 6019 0621

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Jan 29, 2012


Pic Caption: An Indian national treasure, Asha Bhosle has been entertaining with her records and live shows for decades.

Knit-Picking: Sabrina Sikora snaps Katherine Webster for LJ! 2012

Model: Katherine Webster 

Wardrobe: LJ 

Hair/make-up: Sabrina 

Photography: Sabrina Sikora

Test shoot with photographer, the gorgeous Sabrina Sikora. 

Pics of the lovely Katherine. More to come! 

woop!