With a passion for filmmaking that stands apart from the mainstream in the best way possible, Ashim Ahluwalia has told tales in a very special manner by way of his direction on both the silver and TV screens. A National Award winner best known for critically acclaimed and provocative works like Thin Air, Daddy and Miss Lovely, his latest directorial project is based on the Spanish global hit, Elite. Retitled Class for the Indian audience, this Netflix series has garnered praise and also opened discussion on the pressing issues that the youth of India face today. HELLO! chats with the man of the moment to find out more…
Your style of directing is unique, and you tell stories in a distinctive way. What would you say is your ‘trademark’?
I’ve never fit into any particular space, so I guess I start by knowing there are no rules I need to follow. I just make things that don’t exist in the world yet, things I would like to watch through my perspective. What I feel like I can do is try and share that. I’m just glad others appreciate those things, as well. I need to learn something new from every project and make sure I don’t repeat myself. That’s about it!
Much like its Spanish installment, Class is made up of complex characters and hasn’t shied away from the caste and class systems in India, homosexuality and sexual content. How were you able to navigate these intricate elements for an audience that’s a little more conservative than the West?
Esta historia es de la edición April 2023 de Hello! India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2023 de Hello! India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
HEART OF A PRINCESS : ADISHREE SINGH
A CHAMPION OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, THIS BRIGHT YOUNG ROYAL FROM J&K DISCUSSES HER WHOLESOME CHILDHOOD YEARS, HER SPECIAL BOND WITH HER GRANDFATHER, AND HER VISION FOR A BETTER WORLD FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS, IN AN INTERVIEW WITH HELLO!
THE UNSTOPPABLE : NORA FATEHI
She's lighting up the entertainment industry with her dazzling dance moves, hit songs and captivating acting, driven by her ambition to make a global impact. Yet, as she confides in HELLO!, she remains girl at heart, cherishing her childhood friends, seeking a good, god-fearing man, and longing for more time with her loved ones
BOBBY CHADHA
WHILE HIS GLAMOROUS WIFE, RITU BERI, COMMANDS PUBLIC ATTENTION WITH HER BUSINESS, THE DAPPER BUSINESSMAN HAS CHARTED HIS OWN COURSE TO SUCCESS. IN A CHAT WITH HELLO!, HE DISCUSSES NAVIGATING LIFE OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT, FATHERHOOD AND THE SECRET TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE WITH HIS DETAIL-ORIENTED SPOUSE
Sandeep Namboodiry's
The passionate chef stepped into the kitchen at the age of 7 to flip pancakes, and he hasn’t left it since, in spirit. He chats with HELLO! about his chic new eatery Mesa Lodhi, crafting a menu that sparks joy and a dish that delights him
MARIE-ANNE OUDEJANS
OF DUTCH ORIGIN, SHE LIVED IN PARIS, NEW YORK, ROME AND MADRID BEFORE INDIA BECKONED, ULTIMATELY MAKING THE PINK CITY HER HOME. THE TALENTED AESTHETE SHARES WITH HELLO! HER PASSION FOR CREATING BEAUTIFUL PIECES INSPIRED BY HER DIVERSE HERITAGE, TRADITIONS AND CULTURES, HER LOVE FOR FASHION AND ART, AND WHY TRAVEL REMAINS HER FIRST LOVE
RIMPLE & HARPREET NARULA
THE COUPLE INVITE HELLO! FOR AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THEIR SOUTH DELHI DREAM HOME, FILLED WITH BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUES, ART AND FURNITURE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THEY CHAT ABOUT THEIR PASSION FOR TRAVEL, CREATIVE PURSUITS OUTSIDE OF FASHION, AND THEIR DYNAMIC FAMILY BOND, WHERE CONFLICTS ARE RESOLVED AS QUICKLY AS THEY ARISE
BANITA SANDHU - FROM BOLLYWOOD TO BRIDGERTON
ONCE CONFLICTED ABOUT NOT BEING INDIAN OR BRITISH ENOUGH, THE STUNNING ACTRESS HAS NOW EMBRACED HER DUAL IDENTITY AND IS LEARNING TO NAVIGATE THE WORLD MOST RECENTLY THAT OF REGENCY ENGLAND! ON HER OWN TERMS. THOUGH TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT HER RUMOURED LOVE LIFE, SHE TELLS HELLO! THAT OFF WORK, THERE’S ONLY ONE PLACE YOU'LL FIND HER: AT HOME, IN SWEATPANTS AND A T-SHIRT
SUNIL SETHI
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FASHION DESIGN COUNCIL OF INDIA REFLECTS ON HIS 15-YEAR LEGACY, SHAPING BRIDAL COUTURE AND LEADING THE COUNCIL, AHEAD OF THE FDCI-MANIFEST WEDDING WEEKEND ON AUGUST 3=4
CULINARY MAESTRO : ALEX SANCHEZ
THE AWARD-WINNING CHEF, KNOWN FOR CHAMPIONING LOCAL PRODUCE, PIONEERING SMALL PLATES AND CONTINUALLY REINVENTING HIMSELF, DISCUSSES HIS PASSION FOR COMFORT FOOD AND EMBRACING FATHERHOOD
Dancing In the Rain
From frizz to dampness and everything in between, revive your drizzle-drenched hair with HELLO!'s round-up of the best products to survive the storm and maintain a fabulous mane all season long!