January 2012, The Goods: My weekly column in Post magazine, South China Morning Post

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

December: The Goods

Mono mania

Designer Steve Mono launched his namesake brand in 2007 in Spain. Many of the items remind us of accessories and props from Mad Men, and with good reason. Mono says he loves "the kind of briefcases and wallets that men from the 1950s and 60s used to take to work". We like the minimalist simplicity of the leather folders (below left; HK$4,290 each) and navy leather bag (below right; HK$5,190). For a more casual look, there's the dual-toned tote with leather base (right; HK$3,890). Steve Mono is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Claim to frame

In collaboration with Italian eyewear brand Marcolin, Diesel has launched a series of funky glasses in technicolour shades. The bold look of the round two-toned glasses (below right; HK$2,200) will help you channel your inner rocker while, for some retro-biker glamour, there's the dark shades with leather side panels (above right; HK$2,200). Diesel is at 20 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2525 0540.

Play it cool

Derrick Rose's signature basketball shoe, the adizero Rose 2 (left; HK$949) by adidas, is being increasingly coveted by the trainer- loving set. Designed exclusively for the youngest player to receive the NBA's "most valuable

December 4, 2011

Play it again

Denim brand Replay has launched the Red Seal collection, aimed at the "go-getting, essential character that represents the appeal of 'modern indigo'," whatever that means. Push aside the PR spiel, however, and you'll find a fantastic range of casual clothing. For grunge appeal, there's the casual tee (HK$1,150) worn under a printed shirt (HK$3,150) on top of premium denim jeans (all below right; HK$2,790). To keep the winter chills away, there's the relaxed jacket (HK$3,930) worn over a more formal double-buttoned grey cardigan (HK$2,990) and logo-embossed T-shirt (HK$450), all anchored by distressed jeans (all below left; HK$1,550). Replay is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2808 2423.

Loud and proud

With its technicolour splendour, bold prints and Greek mythology-inspired logo, Versace has never been the label of choice for the wallflowers among us. As much as we're eyeing the red leather gloves with a silver stud shaped in the brand's signature Medusa head at the wrist (far left; HK$6,000), we're also taken with the simple charms of the black leather satchel (left; HK$17,900). Versace is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1008.

Opposites attract

Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli says he takes inspiration from the youth of America and names the Kennedy clan as his fashion icons. These diametrically opposite influences perhaps explain the wide range of men's accessories that pour out of his design house, from the polished elegance of the classic leather shoe (right; HK$7,595) to the sturdy, sporty dual-toned boot (below right; HK$9,915). Brunello Cucinelli is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2311 3068.

Get the party roaring

A little bling can go a long way, so add a bit to that party outfit with John Hardy's silver lava dogtag pendant with white sapphires (above; HK$10,400). For the more ferocious fashionista, there's the Macan animal-head silver bracelet with blue-sapphire eyes on a black-sapphire head (left; HK$23,600). John Hardy is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2533 3895.

December 11, 2011

Candy man

Ermenegildo Zegna, known for flawless, muted shades on impeccable suits, has launched a line of candy-coloured cashmere jumpers that customers can customise. On offer are personalised crew-necks, V-necks and half-zip jumpers, made from "white" cashmere (from the fleece of Mongolian mountain goats). Buyers can lengthen or shorten the torso and sleeves by up to 6cm and/or have their name or initials embroidered on the lower hem. Make merry with a V-neck jumper (above right; HK$9,600 each) or a soft crew-neck version (right; also HK$9,600 each). Ermenegildo Zegna is at 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3417 3088.

High fliers

Let's face it, aviators are never going to be out of style, so head to Loro Piana and grab a pair of its patented solar filters, originally made for glider pilots. The dark shades (above; HK$12,400), made with NPELP optical glass lenses (NPELP stands for the three rare metals used in the lenses - neodymium, praseodymium and erbium - plus LP, for Loro Piana) come with a titanium frame and each pair in the limited production run is numbered. Loro Piana is at IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7398.

Grey areas

Giorgio Armani's autumn-winter line has a notable softness to it, be it the cut, fabric, colour scheme or silhouette. Epitomising the collection are the dark jacket (HK$8,700), pinstriped shirt (HK$4,900) and grey waistcoat (HK$6,300) worn with matching trousers (HK$4,700) and gloves (all above left; HK$2,300). Also have a look at the silver-grey jacket (HK$18,900), which shimmers over the casual waistcoat (HK$8,300) and classic trousers (HK$4,900), accessorised with shadowy gloves (HK$5,700) and shoes (all above right; HK$5,700). Giorgio Armani is in Chater House, Central, tel: 2532 7700.

Think pink

When the Italian house of Versace collaborated with Swedish retail goliath H&M, a splash of colour was only to be expected. For those endowed with derring-do, there's the classic shoe in neon pink (below; HK$799). For the more traditional among us, there's the same shoe in simple black (right; also HK$799). H&M is at 68 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2110 9546.

December 18, 2011


By P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp @ Hotmail. com)

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.

Welcome to a Rouge awakening: Macau's hottest club is also its most artistic

The opening of the members-only China Rouge performance lounge at Galaxy Macau last weekend brought Hong Kong socialites out in force. The evening started with a performance by Dutch songstress Laura Fygi, who sang classic jazz numbers like Dream a Little Dream of Me.

Two years in the making, the cub is the dream project of Francis Lui Yiu-tung, the vice-chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Its opulent interior was done by Hong Kong designer Alan Chan, who collaborated with Japanese interior designer Ryu Kosaka of A.N.D. (Aoyama Nomura Design). Large-scale artwork, sculptures and mosaic murals - created by Chan himself - are one of the focal points of the venue.

"I wanted to integrate art from contemporary Chinese artists and not let the artwork fade away into the background, " says Chan, who commissioned original pieces by artists Bu Hua, Chen man, Deng Xinli and Zheng Lu. "The art is erotic, aesthetic,. Each piece is selected to set the one for each of the rooms. I took the art deco style of the 1930s Shanghai as the main theme. They are strong visual statement, with beautiful details and colours. That period in china had a profound impact on designs that followed across Asia."

Hedonistic lifestyle references dot the venue. There are champagne counters where crystal decanters sit on lacquer tables shaped like large Chinese scrolls. All the passages inside the octagon-shaped club lead to a bronze sculpture centrepiece by Zheng Lu. Inspired by the traditional Chinese poem, The Water Dragon Chant No 2, the entire piece is made of Chinese calligraphy carved into metal.

Fellow casino-owner Pansy Ho Chiu-king dropped by to celebrate. Hong Kong's glitterati included Shirley Hiranand, Marina Bullivant and husband Glen Root, Reyna Hairlela, tycoon Cecil Chao Sze-tsung, actresses Gigi Fu and Maria Chen, designer Marisa Zeman and model Rosemary Vandenbroucke.

"I first came to Macau decades ago, and there was nothing like this. You know what I remember best? A giant roach that crawled by my bedside," says singer Fygi with a laugh. "But, oh my, how Macau has changed. China Rouge is one of the most beautiful venues I've ever sung in."




NEWS
P. Ramakrishnan
Apr 06, 2012

Behind the Label: Daisy Knights

Who started it? British-born Daisy Knights graduated from London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2009 and soon set up her own studio in the Cotswolds. Growing up in the English countryside and spending summers by the sea on the Isle of Wight have informed Knights' work and her jewellery is heavily inspired by nature. She received the Bright Young Gem award in 2009 and, a year later, was named one of the "Hot 100" by Professional Jeweller magazine.

Why we love it: for its unusual mix of pretty bangles and brooches with tough skull and serpentine rings. The latest collection is inspired by vintage comics, the muse being Isis, a science teacher with superpowers. A gamut of celebrities has been seen sporting Knights' accessories, from Hilary Alexander and Alexa Chung to Rihanna and Daisy Lowe. We also love the fact that all the pieces are handmade from recycled silver and ethically mined gold.

What we'd pick: the blackened silver Feather ring (below right; HK$2,600), the gold studded wrap ring (above right; HK$2,600) and the studded bangles in silver (HK$2,115) and gold (all below left; HK$3,315).

Where can you get it? Daisy Knights is available at online boutique www.pretty-dangerous.com.hk.


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 25, 2012

Behind the Label: Cesare di Pino

Who started it? Founded in Milan, Italy, in 1987, Cesare di Pino is a menswear brand with production bases in Naples and Florence. Created by a group of designers, the label embraces casual trends, with smart, unfussy clothing inspired by a 1960s la dolce vita attitude. With its relaxed silhouettes and vibrant range of colours, Cesare di Pino is aimed at the young at heart and those looking for something unusual and evergreen.

Why we love it: because we're slaves to the charms of beautiful knits and all things tailor-made. The quality fabric, high thread count and soft linen are marks of this excellence. There's also a generous palette to choose from, with few uniform colours. The relaxed styling of the deconstructed jackets and polo shirts makes for stylish yet comfortable clothing. And what's not to love about the gregarious Bonhomie and Colorant collections?

What we'd pick: the light blue jersey-knit cardigan (HK$2,895) and seersucker navy and brown-striped cotton sport shirt (HK$1,495) with slim-fit cotton trousers (all left; HK$3,795). To stand out in the crowd, the striking multicoloured, interlaced woven belt with metal buckle fastening (left; HK$1,495) will do the trick. For a touch of pink, there's the soft, unconstructed, jersey-knit jacket (right; HK$11,955).

Where can you get it? Cesare di Pino is available at The Swank, in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2810 0769.


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
March 25, 2012

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.