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A Hat - Trick at Ripon Building

A Hat - Trick at Ripon Building

Carving Her Own Niche!

SHE GREW UP AMIDST ARDENT ARTISTS, HER MOM BEING A PROFESSIONAL SINGER AND HER DAD BEING A RENOWNED MUSIC DIRECTOR. SO IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT DANCE AND MUSIC WERE AN INDISPENSABLE PART OF HER LIFE; WHICH IS ALSO WHY EXPRESSING ART COMES NATURALLY AND EFFORTLESSLY TO THIS YOUNG STARLET. AS A CHILD ARTIST, HER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE CINEMA STARTED WHEN SHE WAS JUST 13 AND SOON, QUITE UNEXPECTEDLY, SHE GOT A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH FAHADH FAASIL IN ‘MAHESHINTE PRATHIKARAM’. THE MOVIE WENT ON TO BECOME A SUPER HIT AND HER CHARACTER, ‘JIMSY’ BECAME SO POPULAR THAT TO THIS DAY, PEOPLE RECOGNISE HER BY THAT NAME. SHE WON ACCOLADES NOT JUST FOR HER DEBUT PERFORMANCE BUT ALSO FOR HER MELODIOUS PLAYBACK SINGING IN THE MOVIE. RITZ CATCHES UP WITH THE YOUNG, CHIRPY AND VERY TALENTED, APARNA BALAMURALI, WHO IS BUSY JUGGLING PROJECTS IN MALAYALAM AND TAMIL.

Ready Steady Lol!

Aravind Subramaniam popularly known as SA, likes to describe himself as a filmmaker by profession and a stand up comedian out of frustration! He is probably one of the reasons why stand-up comedy has become a 'thing' in urban Tamil Nadu given that he was amongst the first few who dared to take on the challenge to get behind a mic and risk humiliation while trying to get a room full of strangers to laugh at his jokes and not at him! Fortunately for SA his pronounced 'Madrasi' tones, free-flowing humour and effortless body language worked with an initially reluctant audience. In no time he got everyone LOLing and ROFLing, and before he knew it he had created a new space for creative comedians like himself...

Embracing The New!

LAVANYA TRIPATHI IS UNFAZED BY THE RAT- RACE THAT CINEMA OFTEN SEEMS TO BE. SHE PICKS HER ROLES WITH CARE AND CHISELS HERSELF TO PERFECTION.

The Star Strikes Back

She lives true to the meaning of her name. Nakshathra or Shining Star embodies every quality that a star should possess. She’s always sparkling, bubbly and full of life. Anchor, VJ and actor, Nakshathra Nagesh rose to fame after her role in En Iniya Pon Nilave and As I Am Suffering from Kadhal. RITZ Magazine caught up with the cute, chirpy and naughty Nakshathra over a fun and quirky rapid fire interview.

The Unstoppable Star

When music director GV Prakash Kumar made his debut as an actor a few years ago, no one could have predicted that he would slide into the premier league of Kollywood actors with such ease. On and off the screen, he maintains a low profile with no starry airs, humility in his actions and sincerity in his words. Excerpts from an interview with the star...

The Festival Of Fasting And Feasting

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar, is celebrated all across the world by fasting from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are what complete the holy month. Muslims look forward to opening their fast on the 30th day, with the festival Eid-ul-Fitr, which they celebrate with great pomp and show. We went into the homes of some well-known Muslim families in the city, to get an insight on how they spend this auspicious month and, anticipate and prepare for Eid.

The Pizza Bakery

The Pizza Bakery

The Challenger's 'Track' Record

Pankaj Kumar Bansal, IAS

Finding Your 'p - Spot' Is Like Hitting A Jackpot!

 Finding Your 'p - Spot' Is Like Hitting A Jackpot!

We Should Thank Our Fans For Getting Us Together

Director Selvaraghavan and music director Yuvan Shankar Raja, who are back together again with Nenjam Marappathillai, open up to RITZ on films, life, friendship and more.

Saturday Night, Not So Nice?

It’s a Saturday night at the city’s hottest hangout for the hip and happening. The usual suspects – pulsating music, long queues at the bathroom, free shots for select ladies, the works – the scene is seems quite similar in every night club! But wait a minute, once you soak in the ambience, you realise there is more than just that! You can smell the less harmful one, the weed aka marijuana, in the air. Movies, mocha, and music used to be the craze amongst youngsters, but now drugs and its wanton abuse, groping, molestation and many other unsavoury incidents have been added to the list. We've heard of clubs being shut down due to nefarious incidents that have taken place there, and even raids and inspections happening regularly to keep such occurrences in check. Suddenly, everything is not fun as it seems. RITZ scours South India’s major cities to comprehend what’s going on and talks to a few people about their seediest experience in a nightclub or bar. 

One Man

A THOUSAND FACES AND A MILLION BEATING HEARTS...Vikram is something else. His passion for cinema, his infectious energ y, his inspiring spirit, his zest for life... this South Indian Superstar definitely is on a different high altogether! The kind of high you get when you are at peace with yourself and in love with your life. In a laidback, chilled out chat with Aruna R Krishnan, in her spanking new chat show Galatta With Aruna on the YouTube channel Galatta Tamil, Vikram discusses the myriad of things going on with him now... and on staying young and staying hopeful...

Ladies Day Out!

From time immemorial, there has been a myth that women aren’t ‘good drivers’. Though it has been proven wrong time and again, when it comes to driving luxury vehicles, we find the number of lady drivers dwindling. BMW Platino Classic decided to bust this myth by inviting a team of women to the special BMW Range drive on a 50km scenic route from Kochi to Alappuzha! RITZ catches up with some of the lucky ladies who recount their fun day out!

A Passionate Crusader!

Blood Sweat and Tears has been a novel that has won a lot of critical acclaim ever since its publication in 2013. The author of this charming novel, Arya Rajam, daughter of the legendary dancer, Anita Ratnam, was born in New York City. Having spent her childhood with her grandparents in her multi-generational home in Chennai, she has always been fascinated by books, dance, music, sports, mythology and fashion. Her busy career as an author has not deterred from taking up initiatives like #ReviveAndRestore that is actively involved in creating awareness about cleanliness and waste management. Ritz has a freewheeling chat with the young and spirited Arya, who talks about her career as an author, her environment friendly initiatives and her next book, Dual Dragoned Throne!

The Flying Elephant

From lush green fields, beautiful backwaters to exotic spices, God’s Own country is unique, rich and vibrant in its resources. Quite naturally, its pulsating beauty reverberates into its traditions, culture and language as well. Viakerala celebrates its roots through its products that are reminiscent of Kerala’s typography and rich heritage. RITZ is in conversation with the mastermind behind the brand that is taking Kerala across the globe, Theresa Joseph George!

Kaleidoscope Of Colour & Culture

When Amitabh Bachchan tells you Breathe in a bit of Gujarat or Kuch Din to Guzaro Gujarat Mein in the Khushboo Gujarat Ki campaign by Gujarat Tourism, he means it and you will too when you experience the gorgeous state of Gujarat yourself. The choices are endless and with Kite Tourism, Border Tourism, Wellness Tourism, Spiritual Tourism, Religious Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Golf Tourism, Cinematic Tourism and so much more, sky is the limit to what you can see and do during your stay in Gujarat.

Lights, Camera... Scream!

When the usual suspects are paraded on prime time tv debates, on which I too figure, not as an anchor anymore, but a panelist, I cannot help wondering if we can also form a cricket team!

Taking The Reins

Born to a hotelier’s family in Delhi, he was always fascinated by the hospitality industry. With his father being the Chef at the Oberoi and then the Leela, he got the opportunity to travel extensively around India and abroad. The fascination gradually grew into inspiration and then, became his passion. After completing his degree in hotel management, he joined the ITC group and his 16 year journey in the food and beverage sector and later, operations and admin, led him through wonderful properties in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and finally the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Being passionate about new learnings and experiences, he has never shied away from venturing into new horizons. So when the Marriott group beckoned, he decided to take the plunge yet again! RITZ is in conversation with Sumeet Suri, the newly appointed General Manager at the Kochi Marriott!

The Dancing Star

When he moves his nimble feet, you’re left in awe. A man of many talents, a dancer, choreographer, performer and entertainer Raymond Callanan from Chennai, leaves everyone captivated with his talent every single time he takes to the stage. Innovative and unique, he combines his witty sense of humour and novel ideas with a level of mastery seldom seen.  In a candid chat with RITZ Magazine, Raymond talks about his passion for dance and what keeps him going.

The Rockstar

This dashing young man is not just a star in the making but also a singing sensation! Crowds swoon as he starts to hum his melodies. To him, happiness is…Music. He was just six when he performed on stage for the very first time. From then on, he has performed at various events and won accolades. His musical career kicked off with the Music Mojo show on Kappa TV, which led to the creation of the very famous band, Thaikkudam Bridge. He swung yet another surprise for his fans by debuting as a lead star in the Mollywood film, Rockstar. The film unleashed the promising actor in him, pushing him into another tangent altogether. And now, with the release of his latest flick, ‘Katha Paranja Katha’, this very talented singer-actor has been stealing the limelight for all the right reasons. Ritz is in conversation with the true Rockstar, Siddharth Menon!

Donning Many Roles

She was just a toddler when she first faced the camera. Her passion for dance began when she turned three and right through school, she stole the limelight with her dance, music and theatre performances. Modelling and ad shoots soon became her forte. She was preparing for her tenth boards when she bagged the role in ‘Malarvadi Arts Club’, that went on to become a big hit! A model, actor, singer, social worker and a lawyer by profession, she has also won the Doordarshan accredition for Bharatnayam! She took a short break from movies to pursue her degree in law and now she is back under the spotlight yet again with ‘Hey Jude’! RITZ is in conversation with Apoorva Bose who dons many roles both on and off the screen!

Park Encounters

Show me how you walk in the park and I'll tell you who you are! In the course of my daily 'constitutionals', I'm at my judgmental best, sizing up the different folks who come here to unwind. It does take all kinds to make a Park. Not the sort who prefers a tan, I end up going at different times of the day. An hour after after sun rise or just around sun set. My schedule makes for a wide and varied sample size!

Dare To Dream​​​​​​​

This is the age of dreaming the impossible dream. An age where no ambition is too high or overarching. The best time to do the unthinkable is indeed NOW. The cover of the May edition of South India's largest lifestyle magazine RITZ, is adorned by individuals who embody this never-say-die spirit.Each of them is now a name that has set a benchmark in their respective fields of entrepreneurship. Say hello to Mohan Ram K, Managing Director of Zingbi Fashion; the much-in love and driven-by-passion couple Anirudhan Grandhee & Aishwarya Gupta, Directors of Viswa & Devji Diamonds and Dr Sethuraman, leading dermatologist and actor who are all making a major difference in the manner in which their businesses function while also serving as an example of how to enjoy success in your passion.

Never Say Die!

He may not be the regular Macho hero who will bash up villains and scream punch dialogues but his down to earth persona and innocent humour will definitely crack you up into splits of laughter. Be it humour or drama, he has proved his mettle as a talented actor with his memorable roles in Malayalam Cinema and of course with his Telugu debut film, Raktham, that won multiple international awards this year. RITZ is in conversation with Mollywood star Sanju Sivram, who will bowl you over with his warm smile and humble demeanour!

Catwalk Couture

Gracing our cover this month is Shriya Bhupal, whose line ‘Shriya Som’ has created a niche for itself in no time. The designer has just come back from a showcase at the Lakme Fashion Week, that got her rave reviews for her collection ‘Vignette’. The garments have strong silhouettes adorned with fragile embroidery in multiple patterns and techniques that depict a unique balance of comfort with style. In a tetea-tale with Shriya, we found out more about her life as a designer and this efflorescent affair with her collection on the runway...

Chic And Contemporary

Ever since she discovered her love for jewellery designing eight years ago, she has been unstoppable. Ananya Malhotra Reddy, with her eponymous label is redefining the belief of jewellery just adding to one’s look. She feels there is much more to each piece and through her fusion designs, is out there to prove it. Hailing from a family that has pioneered the fashion industry in their own way, she has seen it all and knows exactly what it takes to be a part of it. At her recent collaboration with Shriya Bhupal, we snuck her out for a candid chat to know more about this lovely, young thing. Here’s all that she had to say....

A Tax Man Who Files His Returns To Society!

A Tax Man Who Files His Returns To Society!

Lean, Mean And Tech – Savvy

SUMIT SHARAN, IPS

Symbol Of Justice

Storming into a male bastion is Justice Indira Banerjee who holds the coveted position of Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. She exudes both radiance and confidence. Justice Banerjee hails from a family of bureaucrats. Her father was an I.P.S. Officer and her mother a homemaker. She studied at Loreto House, Calcutta. She had leadership qualities even as a school student and was a member of the Leadership Training Service-LTS .She was also multi talented and was part of the Literary Society, Debating Society and the Dramatics Club. She was also interested in sports activities and was a part of the basket ball and table tennis school teams.