I am writing this from my table, with a feeling of great accomplishment over our ever issue of Inspiro India magazine which has been a success and is being viewed all over the nation. With the completion of three beautiful years, the feeling of pride and sense of we experience unbeatable. All through our journey, we have tried giving voice to some breathtaking artists. Their work is their voice- we are simply the medium. Rightly said by Emile Zola, “If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.” We simply couldn't agree more. And, here, I would leave you with these beautiful words in another walk through the beautiful world of art..!!

Let's keep creating..!! Stay Indian, Stay United..!! LESANCY SHARMA Content Editor INSPIRO INDIA MAGAZINE ‘CAC Club, India’ [email protected]

November’16 inspiroindia.com 05

KODAK EKTRA U N I Q U E C A L L I G R A P H Y W I T H 2 1 - M E G A P I X E L R E A R EXHIBITION DRAWS A CROWD: CAMERA, DSLR-LIKE FEATURES LAUNCHED: What do a graphic designer, a teacher, a interior designer and an expert in Camera company has launched manuscripts have in common? Visit the photo-focused Ektra smartphone. The 'Aksharparva' for the answer. smartphone has a unique design with a Aksharparva is an unique exhibition of huge camera lens at the back, and it boasts calligraphy art by four Nashik-based artists of DSLR-like modes and features. The that is pulling crowds to the Sadhana Art smartphone has been launched in Europe Gallery, Indira Nagar. Organisers claimed at €499 (roughly Rs. 36,800). that an exhibition dedicated to the art of It has a huge 21-megapixel fast-focus calligraphy has been organized in Nashik camera rear sensor with OIS, f/2.0 for the first time. aperture, PDAF, and dual-LED Flash. These four artists have used umbrellas, There's an additional 13-megapixel front cups, papers, canvas floor and several camera with f/2.2 aperture and PDAF for other unconventional platforms to present selfies. their skill in calligraphy.

A M A Z O N P R I N T S P H O T O ST+ART FESTIVAL WILL BE PRINTING SERVICE LAUNCHED: PAINTING BENGALURU RED WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL ART WORK: has entered into direct competition with printing service St+art Festival is a collaborative Shutterfly with the announcement of its platform for street artists from India and printing service Amazon Prints. Amazon around the world. It works on the idea of Prints is essentially a service for printing 'Art for Everyone' with the primary digital photos and creating custom photo objective of making art accessible for wider books. Every time you print online photos audiences while having a positive impact with Amazon Prints, you can customize on society. your order with your favorite photos, After having wowed Delhi folks with themes, paper types, and print sizes," the stunning street art on everything from company said in a note. Amazon is offering giant shipping containers to DDA free shipping on orders worth more than complexes earlier this year, the St+Art $15 (roughly Rs. 1,000). India festival will be making Bengaluru its home for a month in October.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 07 #inspiroindia | www.inspiroindia.com #inspiroindia | 1,50,000+ Submissions // #iiframe |62,000+ Submissions www.inspiroindia.com As per Sachit, taking a picture is quite simple which anyone and everyone can do. What actually interested him in a picture is its beauty, simplicity, elegance and the way he looks at it because this is going to be his signature in his picture. In his belief, a watermark isn't something that is going to tell people this is his picture but his vision would. He approaches the nature the way he wants it and approaches people with a smile to never offend them and makes sure to get Sachit Chainani the best of that consent. Photographer Travelling anywhere gets him to observe things in a way people wouldn't generally. A He is a person trying to step out of the box very typical photographer's thing drives him with his vision and ideology. He is someone to create a picture. who likes chilling on the beaches as well as He himself is pretty sorted as an inspiration trekking on mountains. He loves the sunset to click but the amazing photographers he and waits for the sunrise. He clubs on the sees on Instagram who create something songs like one dance, closer and loves marvellous are his major inspirations to keep listening to old kishore kumar songs late learning new things and implementing a lot night. He is on a mission to create of techniques in his pictures. innumerable stories in his life to tell people He, currently, is not to fancy with his about. He just picked his mom's phone in his equipments and software. He uses a Nikon teens to click pictures around wherever they D5100 (crop sensor camera) with a basic kit went and they luckily would turn out to be lens and he edits his pictures on Light room. great. He started enjoying that part and started practising it more to just get better but About Inspiro India Magazine: he wasn't exposed to this part of creativity “This one magazine that I've been following still. He demanded for a camera when he since a long time that gives creative heads a realised he is ready to seriously practise this platform to showcase their moves to the little hobby that gives him happiness and viewers is something really cool.” makes other people smile when he shows them his pictures. He didn't realise when did this hobby turn into passion and now, he would want to make this something he could survive on.

November’16 10 inspiroindia.com Photos by Sachit Chainani November’16 inspiroindia.com 11 596 Photo By: Atul Nahata Location: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat Clicked By: Canon 520 HS

593 Photo By: Sahil Tavkar Location: Mumbai Clicked By: Nikon d5300

November’16 12 inspiroindia.com 361 Photo By: Ayanava Sil Location: Sikkim, India Clicked By: Nikon D5100

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November’16 inspiroindia.com 13 Photos by Rajiv Sinha November’16 14 inspiroindia.com Photos by Rajiv Sinha November’16 inspiroindia.com 15 Photos by Mukesh Choudhari November’16 16 inspiroindia.com Although, many Instagrammers really do inspire her. She loves editing but for her Instagram posts, she doesn't edit much. It's just a little VSCO here and a little Pixlr there. All phone apps though. She uses a Canon 600D .Apart from that, she has a 18-55mm lens. That's it for her gigantic kit. In apps or software, she uses Photoshop and Lightroom but only rarely. Mostly she uses VSCO, Pixlr and Filterloop. Her favourite subject is' people'. Human Ishani Das anatomy is so beautiful. You can't stop Photographer exploring. Even when she meets people, she There are people who always witness is more attentive to their eyes, hands, how something and realise that it could have been they tuck a strand behind their ear or adjust a stunning frame. And that's how Ishani their spectacles or laugh. She just admires always felt - like her eyes were attached to how beautiful a person can be. She is not secretive camera somewhere. She is a fashion fussy about locations. She loves plain white communication student. First, she is an artist walls. What she is fussy about is the light. and always will be. She started the art of Photography is all about the light. photography 8 years back with her little The master-advice, digital point and shoot. She was very timid to "DON'T STOP. Even if you are trying take her camera out in the public and just something and it comes out shit - well, it's start shooting. So, she resorted to closed your shit and no one can make your kind of rooms and the only subject she knew well shit again. It's unique. I am following so there was herself. many people on Instagram who have A process just happens in her mind so fast. improved SO MUCH over the period of time. First a very random inspiration hits. Next It's astonishing. Also, pay attention to details. thing for her is to visualise herself cutting that It's the details of a photograph, a painting, or light, or how should the shadows overlay her anything that can really make it even more etc. After that is just a matter of setting up her beautiful. " camera on self-timer. With time she has understood, at which angle her body will About Inspiro India Magazine, look good and where should light fall exactly "Being a communication student, I know so the photograph comes out great. how much this country needs more creative Ishani is not very vocal with words, her magazines. Filmfare, Elle India, India Today portraits are her only source of artistic etc are not something that can satisfy our expression. She would go on and on until she creative minds. We need more to inspire us. gets what she wants. It's just the Inspiro India Magazine does just that. It's determination in her that drives her. She is growing, yes, but at least it has made an her own inspiration. She looks up to many advent into this business which can fill a gap photographers but she has never tried to for us." recreate anyone's work or even take inspiration from them. November’16 inspiroindia.com 17 November’16 18 inspiroindia.com Photos by Ishani Das November’16 inspiroindia.com 19

Photo By: Piyali Naskar Location: Rabindra sadan, Kolkata Clicked By: 2S

Photo By: Garima Seth Location: Cavelong Point, Chennai Clicked By: One Plus 2

Photo By: Devesh Baheti Location: Hyderabad Clicked By: iPhone 6

November’16 22 inspiroindia.com Photo By: Ruqaiya Kishangunjwala Location: Galaxy J7 Clicked By: American Library, Kolkata

Photo By: Ajinkya Jadhav Location: Latur, Maharashtra Clicked By:

Photo By: Debanjana Chatterjee Location: Princep Ghat, Kolkata Clicked By: Iphone 5s

November’16 inspiroindia.com 23 Photo By: Ruchika Sharma Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur Clicked By: Lumia 540

Photo By: Kulgaurvi Singh Ranawat Location: City Palace, Jaipur Clicked By: Iphone 5s

Photo By: Taniya Ganeriwal Location: Lodhi garden, Delhi Clicked By: IPhone 5s

November’16 24 inspiroindia.com Photos by Mohit Tejpal November’16 inspiroindia.com 25

PHOTOGRAPHER : SWAPNIL JUNJARE Words by Damini Gaur |Photos by Swapnil Junjare 23 year young engineer, Swapnil Junjare; presently pursuing his post graduation in Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New jersey happens to follow a path afar his qualification talks about.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 27 Though he did not go for any lengthy professional course, but during a year drop he did a 2-and-a-half-month course in Besides camera his favorite gadget; photography which educated him about basics of studio lighting. During this course he likes hitting the strings of guitar and read he'd found his mentor who later as well. As a child he had a dream to be a enlightened him for two years and finally game designer until he realized that it he started off with his professional wasn't his cup of tea. Back trailing he told wedding and food photography. us it was 2013 when he first clicked and it is Coming onto style of work, he tries to see not worth sharing how it turned out to be. something from an angle or in way that it Eventually, it was his best pal Pranav, who has not been seen without losing the point taught him and he developed interest in it of focus from the composition. He doesn't for it made him travel and socialize. Talking restrict himself to a specific style. He about the challenges he faced, Gear usually follows rule of third, balance, Acquisition Syndrome; what he described, golden ratio, diagonal leading lines, gripped him. He restricted himself to the symmetry and breaking the symmetry. He limits of his camera and compared his work tends to shoot almost all his photos with to that of recognized photographers. He natural light because according to him, it failed to realize that improvisation after a becomes easier for him to see and notice the limit is the game of lenses or specific light movement and direction of light when its effects. However gradually the realization coming naturally rather than a studio. In his came and he could just grow over this own words, “Photography becomes a lot syndrome. He puts his heart in whatever he easier when you let go of your is doing so that outcome never disappoints awkwardness and learn to communicate him; irrespective of the generic response. more. The main advice I would give is the Yet another issue was his final year of simplest one, 'Keep shooting, don't stop'. graduation which brought lot of warning No amount of youtube tutorials are going to notes of rustication due to low attendance make you as good as you think you want to to his father. He feels photography makes be unless you take the camera and start him grow in terms of confidence and looking at light like its falling on something satisfaction whenever there's a new with a purpose.” Wow !!! these are some accomplishment. words!!

November’16 28 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 29 November’16 30 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 31 He currently uses a Nikon D750 user with an 85mm 1.8 lens. He has a GoPro hero 4 black and intends to buy a wide angle lens soon. Delving into the story of his favorite shoot till date, he beautifully poured out his sentiments that all of his shoots happen to be memorable experiences for him. However, two of them remain close to his heart. First one was a test fashion shoot at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which was his first of the kind. Soumya, patiently let the shoot happen despite so many flaws and first timer's issues. Second one was with his mentor at Crawford fish market, where he had to shoot the area and the atmosphere in monochrome and come up with exactly 11 pictures. He waited for 4 hours, shot in the smell, met many people, dealt with the police, still got the shots that he thought were good. They still are and that's what made it to be an amazing learning experience.

November’16 32 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 33 November’16 3234 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 35 Walking us through his process for creating a captivating portraits and post processing he explained that it entirely depends on the kind of portrait he is dealing with. If it is a street portrait, then he tries to talk to the person, usually a conversation of general happy memories and takes candid shots of his emotions. If it is a headshot or a fashion shoot then he considers the light, see how it is falling, then the background, and then finally at the subject, trying to make it stand out in the light and contrast with the background. Comforting the models is of utmost importance. Post processing is largely relative. He just keeps one thing in mind, to show the scene in a way that highlights the focus better without losing out on the charm the picture has. Just enhance the interesting things in the picture. Sometimes he goes to the extreme of changing colors everywhere but that is purely experimental. He processes mostly on Lightroom CC and Photoshop CC. Ultimately getting candid about his interests (besides camera) travel, gaming and Mom's food invite his temptations. The best thing he enjoys about being a photographer, he gets to go new places and meet new people. Appreciation of work keeps him motivated. Since he has moved to U.S. recently no new project he is working on. He is just absorbing New York city. Not to forget mentioning, he wishes to see Alaska and Iceland once. Artist inside him has a message, “learn, read, communicate, be introverted if you have to be, but know when to speak up; being silent is not an easy art to master. Keep shooting, keep drawing, keep making music, whatever it is you do, don't stop learning, because there should never be an end.” He thinks Inspiro India to be a great initiative for young and upcoming artists to showcase their creative skills. It is a great platform to connect with new age masses.

November’16 36 inspiroindia.com Photos by Swapnil Junjare November’16 inspiroindia.com 37 November’16 38 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 39 Photos by Suvankar Roy November’16 40 inspiroindia.com Photos by Dibakar Roy by chloe walker Nayantara Parikh Photographer November’16 42 inspiroindia.com Inspiro India: Tell us something about yourself and how did you start creating?

- My background and training are in film and cinematography. I loved movies and at 16, I decided that I wanted to be behind the camera. The love for shooting developed in college - where I quickly realised that I had no interest in directing movies and only wanted to shoot them. When I moved back after 8 years, I made the shift to still photography and started specialising in portrait and fashion rather than feature films.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 43 Inspiro India: Can you talk a bit about Inspiro India: If not this, what would your stunning portraits and way of have Nayantara been doing? working? - I wish I could bake and ice cakes all day. Or - I like to keep the mood light on set, but I am I would go back to my original path and not a fan of people talking too much while shoot movies. I can't really imagine a life we are shooting. It's important to maintain where I'm not behind the camera. a good mood; even if you're having a bad day- your mood can affect the subject and Inspiro India: Could you tell our readers the entire shoot day. Your subject needs to how to reach such excellent results in trust you. Taking a picture of someone can fashion photography? What are you be very intimate. looking forward to purchase next? - I am tired of renting and I want to buy my Inspiro India: Did you face any kind of own LED light panels. If I could purchase problems while pursuing this field? How anything, I would get 2 x 4 bank 4 ft. Kinos satisfied do you feel after working in this field? with tungsten and daylight bulbs. I also need to add a variable ND filter to my kit. It - I have constant issues with my health, but is important to plan ahead 85% (with your that's a good reminder to anyone that when stylist, make up artist, etc) and leave the rest you have a physical job, you must keep in to the magic that happens on set. It might shape. And by in shape I mean strengthen sound cheesy, but one can't control the muscles you use every day - it sounds everything when one is shooting. I'm also a simple, but by not doing so one can be in a firm believer in practice makes perfect. lot of pain (trust me, I know!). The schedule Don't over shoot, don't over process, and of working constantly can be gruelling, so wait for the right moment to press the it's good to make rules for oneself- button. Even though most of us shoot otherwise you work every single day, all digital these days, I try to treat it like film hours of the day and night. I try to not take (which I learned on), measuring when to work calls at meal times or after 9pm. take a shot as opposed to taking a burst of images. Inspiro India: What is it about Fashion/Portrait photography that Inspiro India: Natural light or Studio interest you the most? What are your top Light? three favourite photography locations? - I almost always shoot with natural or and Why? available light. I augment that light with - I love shooting faces, they are full of LED light panels if need be. I can't think in a stories. I had promised myself to not work studio when I see a white wall- my brain in Fashion when I returned from the States goes blank. Because I learned lighting for (because of the hectic schedules), but after film, I am very attached to constant light one fashion shoot I knew that's where my sources and I try to never use strobes. strength lay. I have no favourite locations as such. I love shooting people in their homes. Inspiro India: Who is your all-time I assisted shooting a movie in Tulum, favourite model to work with? Mexico a few years ago - we shot in the - I've shot Rodali a lot and I absolutely love Cenote. It was absolutely stunning and I shooting her. would love to go back and do a shoot there.

November’16 44 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 45 November’16 46 inspiroindia.com Photos by Nayantara Parikh November’16 inspiroindia.com 47 Inspiro India: What did you want to become as a child? What dream is still on your bucket list? - I wanted to be everything from a lawyer to an usher to a businesswoman. But for now it's a dream of mine to shoot feature films and has been for many years. When the time is right, I will go back to movies I hope.

Inspiro India: Describe your post- processing work flow? What camera/s do you shoot with? And your favourite lenses and other equipment that you use?

- I shoot handheld with a Canon 5D mkiii. I am obsessed with shooting on a 50mm, and I like to shoot wide open. I had a canon 50mm 1.8 that is extremely light and a terrible lens (the focus is awful- if you've used it, you know) but I love it. I recently switched to the canon 50mm 1.4 and I am incredibly happy with it. I download raw files onto my drive and import into Lightroom. I have several presets that I am attached to, however for each shoot the look Inspiro India: What do you think about is adjusted according to what the client has Inspiro India Magazine? asked for and the brief they've given and - I think it's amazing to have a resource for then, into photoshop for additional colour photography and the arts in India, corrections if needed and touch ups. I back especially one that respects newer artists up to two drives and I don't delete anything and content coming out of India. We need a - even the stuff I hate, so I can remember platform to showcase our work, and there how and where to improve. are definitely enough people working in Inspiro India: What advice would the creative fields for us to have sufficient artist inside you like to pass on to our content. readers? - Practice every day. If you aren't shooting then read about it, if you aren't reading about it then look at images of the masters, study lighting, framing and exposing. There is always something new to learn. It's better to admit you don't know something and learn it, than to pretend you know something and f**k things up.

November’16 48 inspiroindia.com

Photos by Bhavya Singh November’16 50 inspiroindia.com Photo by Himanka Boruah

Photo by Priyavrat Tripathi November’16 inspiroindia.com 51 November’16 52 inspiroindia.com

Artist: Sneha Yadav November’16 54 inspiroindia.com If you can make a replica of this image by direct sketching it would be great, or else you may even make a new year & get a sketch effect by following the following steps: Covert the photo to grayscale (Ctrl+Shift+D / Cmd+Shift+D) Duplicate the layer by dragging into the new layer icon, or press Ctrl/Cmd+J Invert the layer Cmd/Ctrl+I Change to Linear Dodge blend mode and you should see a perfectly white image (Use Color Dodge for sharper edges) Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur (You could actually use any filter, as long as Sneha Yadav it creates a difference between the 2 layers) Brand Ambassador As you adjust the blur you will get a different Inspiro India result. Please note that the Colours set in the colour boxes are black (upper box) & white (lower BEHIND THE SCENES OF box) as default. Pontiac Artwork: Following this you will get a sketch effect & you can start filling in the details with Art : Digital desired brush size. Software : Adobe Photoshop. Do adjust the opacity every time you choose to colour a different element in the image. A THE PROCESS: I started with taking the simple note – make sure you work on less original & importing it into Adobe opacity & change the brushes regularly as Photoshop. per the size & the round ness. To give a Select the image & copy it onto a new highlight use a size 1 brush & make sure you Photoshop document (CTRL +N) & choose choose the right “white” from the colour the size as either A4/A3 as per your palette. convenience & also the resolution has to be Have fun giving a lot of textures to this set at 300 -500 & the orientation to be set us image. This is purely Black & White so Portrait as per the reference image. Paste the kindly pay attention to highlights & Reference Image & in the layer window you shadows. Alternatively, use the Dodge & can see a Layer 1 (make sure to turn this into Burn tools from the tool palette to give a a smart object) and resize the layer & fit it better result. onto the New A4. This gives you a clarity & Save a PSD with all the layers & merge the details are visible since as the image is now Layers to finally make a final layer with the stretched out. resolution set to the max.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 55 There were many influences that went into Aparna's decision to select this field. Her early mentors and her family always encouraged her to explore opportunities in this field. They pointed her in the right Aparna Ramesh Mhatre direction to explore the possibilities. Artist She has found that the only art style that's universally understood is realism. Everyone's heard the line “it looks just like a photo.” She thinks, for her, other styles hold so much more interest, both emotionally and in terms of the level of technical skill. She is not using any special tools for her work. She just tries to do her work with perfection to give it a little professional touch. Her inspiration is her parents' effort on her. Her paintings also inspire her. They give her the positive energy to do more and more perfect work. It usually takes her 3 to 4 hours to complete one art work. But, sometimes it takes upto 1 to 2 days. About Inspiro India, “I think it is the only right platform for my artwork.”

November’16 56 inspiroindia.com Artist: Aparna Ramesh Mhatre November’16 inspiroindia.com 57 Artist: Narissa Coutinho November’16 58 inspiroindia.com Her paintings are where people can get lost into and try to find the narrative. Other distinctive feature of her art is a riot of colours. Like she says "When life shines in full glory, why be subtle? " As she mentioned earlier, she was into art since childhood. Soon she grew out of crayons into scribbling on scrap books, onto canvas and walls - that must be around age six. Decision to take art as profession came Avantika Mathur after high school when she was planning to Artist start her study for college. She chose She thinks she is born to dabble in arts. something which was her passion and gave Music and art has been a part of her life since her happiness. Earning out of something age two. With age, she became more you are passionate about and you love is a conscious about it and her curiosity grew in dream! And she is living her dream art progressively through time. everyday! Art imitates life. She flows with it like a She is formally trained in fine arts. She did bohemian. Stereotypes don't bind her. her Bachelors in Fine Art (Painting) and Art Initially, she experimented with form and History from the University of the style trying to find a unique style of her own. Philippines, Manila, and her Masters in With experience, she is growing both in Creative Painting from SNDT, Mumbai. confidence and inspiration to discover She is a very observant person. Her herself. An artist's challenge is to be able to paintings are not just portraits; they are an portray your ideas. So now, she paints and essay, a narrative, which tries to capture explores her style in different mediums. Her multiple aspects of the character she is art is a narrative of who she is. A new age painting. Look deeper and you will find that artist also faces challenges of how to reach the face in each portrait or artwork will out to a larger audience who understand convey not just the features of the your art. Further, artists occasionally slip individual, but the ethnic identity, the into 'dry' unproductive phases in creativity. temperament and the power behind those This can be very frustrating. Overcoming eyes. Her 'Emerge series' is a tribute to challenges is what makes an artist's life women- their rise in the new world order exciting. Art is a universal language. It's irrespective of their background. refreshingly liberating to her. It's her world She is a Surrealist; so her process is to dream- where she can be whoever she wants to be reflect-compose-sketch-paint-display. Her without any outer powers controlling. It is Imagination is her most favourite and often freedom. Her artworks are like her wings. used tool. The fuel to her imagination is her Fly baby fly!!! As a surrealist artist, she is life and her adventures. Actually, her prone to be highly imaginative, easily artworks are not about the final product but crossing into realm beyond real life imagery. more about the process, the journey, to reach She often explains to people that she lives an there. Each artwork is a discovery. Art uncompromising world which is totally her teaches her something new every day. own. November’16 inspiroindia.com 59 November’16 60 inspiroindia.com Artist: Avantika Mathur November’16 inspiroindia.com 61 The golden words, About Inspiro India Magazine “Everyone has an artist inside. It is you who “I think it is a great platform for artists to let has to find your pensive moments. Pick up their thoughts and work be known to public the material and let go. Who other than you at large. Inspiro India has undertaken an best understand the voice of your important task- bridging a big gap. People subconscious. Depict it. Art is a channel. Use will appreciate once they are educated and it to find yourself. You will realise how exposed.” liberating it feels.”

November’16 62 inspiroindia.com Artist: Drashti Shah November’16 inspiroindia.com 63 Alicia Souza Illustrator

November’16 64 inspiroindia.com Meet Alicia

Inspiro India: How did you get started? Inspiro India: What are the tools you What first got you into Illustrations? Tell couldn't live without? Can you please us a bit about yourself. explain about your work process? - I like to think that I really never stopped - An ink brush and paper is all I really need drawing since I was a kid. I didn't draw but I have way more that I need for finished more or less than any other child but I just work pieces. never stopped, when most did. It became My work process is really simple most of my part time job when I left college and the time. I start on simple paper, usually then full time job when I moved to copy paper, with a pencil. Once I finish the Bangalore. sketch, I ink it with an ink brush or a regular paintbrush and ink. Then I scan it and Inspiro India: How would you best colour it in digitally! Voila! That simple! describe your style of illustration? And Of course, there are times when I throw in the challenges you faced as an artist? photographs and textures, which involves a - I think I can call it a bit cartoony, funny few more steps but the above is my usual and whimsical. I think the challenges are process. the ones that anyone faces when they just start out as a freelancer in the field- starting Inspiro India: Who/What has been the with personal challenges of things one is biggest influence on your way of uncomfortable with, whether it's talking thinking? about money or social media or even just - I think everyone I met and talked to when I talking and then there are the others like began freelancing thought me something in financial of making ends meet when you some way. I can't say it was one person but just start out and carrying forth. It's a matter being thrown in the deep end really helped. of time and passion.

Inspiro India: What did you want to Inspiro India: Is studying illustration in become as a child? college worth the cost or do you recommend an alternative? - A veterinarian, an engineer, a mathematician, an accountant, a nun, a - I didn't study illustration so I can't soldier, and a boxer even. Never ever compare it to if I did. I think college is a time anything in the art field, but life is full of to explore but I think the 'real' learning surprises! starts when you start working. Though I think college can expedite basic knowledge, which is also necessary but not compulsory.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 65 November’16 66 inspiroindia.com Artist: Alicia Souza November’16 inspiroindia.com 67 Inspiro India: What do you enjoy most Inspiro India: What are you passionate about being a illustrator? about besides your work? - That I can work in my pyjamas. - Animals, baking, writing letters, stationery, yoga, meeting people, cooking, Inspiro India: What advice would you as and learning new things. an artist give to other creative heads out there ? And Some creative tips you'd like to share? Inspiro India: Can you explain to our readers bit about the daily drawing - Just keep your head above water and project? never lose hope! Draw daily and be diligent with your work. Nothing beats hard work - There's no project or anything but I just and passion. draw daily, that's it.

Inspiro India: What do you think about Inspiro India Magazine? - It's lovely and inspiring.

November’16 68 inspiroindia.com Artist: Garima Bhaskar November’16 inspiroindia.com 69 Artist: Rashi Agarwal November’16 70 inspiroindia.com

November’16 76 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 77 November’16 78 inspiroindia.com The Celebration of joy Photos & Words by Sayantani Basu

November’16 inspiroindia.com 79 Durga puja is celebrated for five days; they are called shasti, saptami, astami, Durga Puja - the ceremonial worship navami and dasami. People start pandal of the mother goddess, is one of the most hopping from the sasthi morning till the important festivals of India. Apart from dasami night. During this time many being a religious festival for the Hindus, roads has been blocked for vehicles, so if it is also an occasion for reunion and you are a tourist then it might be a rejuvenation, and a celebration of t r o u b l e s o m e p e r i o d f o r y o u traditional culture and customs. Goddess undoubtedly. But, if you love the Durga is referred to as the Goddess of atmosphere, the pleasure of home Power (Shakti). The idol of Goddess coming, the joy of togetherness you will Durga has ten hands and stands on the lost yourself in the crowed. At various back of a huge lion. She fights with a Puja pandals, the worship of Mother demon with ten different weapons. Durga is being performed both by the Now, as this festival mainly celebrated rich and the poor. by Bengalis, one can have its complete The VijayaDashami is considered to be test all through west Bengal. But, I am an auspicious day. On the day people here to talk about my birth place, the City visit their relatives. The people of the Of Joy, Kolkata. There is a place named trading classes begin their new year from kumortuli” in Kolkata. This is, basically, this day. At some places, Ramlila is the center of the idol makers and also the staged and Ravan is killed on the center of attraction of tourists and Dashami day. There are various stories photographer during puja, especially connected with the VijayaDashami. It is after “mahalaya” till to the first day of said that Lord Rama killed Ravana (evil Durga puja. demon) on this day and performed the The shopping season begins nearly one Puja of Goddess Durga. Since then it has month before the Durga Puja festival. been celebrated every year on this day. Huge crowd can be seen at marketplaces Another story is that one King Suratha and shopping malls. The festive season is performed the Puja on this day. The third also a boon for online shopping websites. i s t h a t G o d d e s s D u r g a k i l l e d They come up with exclusive deals and Mahishasura, a demon, on this day. offers to charm the customers. This is the Bengali ladies give an emotion-charged ideal time for a tourist to get to know of send-off to Durga amidst ululations and the real Kolkata. There are some places drumbeats. This marks the end of the like enplaned, hatibagan, dakhinapan goddess' brief visit to the earth. As Durga supreme place for shopping in this time. leaves for Mount Kailash, the abode of At some places, the Durga Puja is her husband Shiva, it's time for “Bijoya” celebrated twice a year, in Ashwin and in or Vijayadashami, when people visit Chaitra month. The Puja is happy time each other's homes, hug each other and for all. People put on new clothes; this is exchange sweets. Highly enthusiastic also a custom over here. The joys of devotees gather in large numbers to join children know no bounds. The grown-up the procession that carries the Goddess to people also enjoy it merrily. the ghats to be immersed in water.

November’16 80 inspiroindia.com At some places, the Durga Puja is of Goddess Durga or scenes from Hindu celebrated twice in a year, in Ashwin and epic texts. Nowadays, some pandals are in Chaitra month. The Puja is happy time themed on a social cause to spread for all. People put on new clothes; this is awareness. Day time is usually better to also a custom over here. The joys of see the pandals closely when the crowd is children know no bounds. The grown-up less however; the brightly lit pandals in people also enjoy it merrily Now as a hundreds of colors is quite a sight of its tourist it's hard to select which pandal to own in the evenings. There are literally see. The gorgeously decorated pandals thousands of Kolkata Durga Puja each emphasize a theme; be it the legends pandals but some stand out more than November’16 inspiroindia.com 81 others, as a result of their captivating decorations. Every year, they compete to outdo each other with the most elaborate and innovative themes. Let me make a quick list for you then. 1. Baghbazar 2. BadamtalaAsharSangha 3. Suruchisangha 4. Udayansangha 5. Kasibose lane 6. Kumortuli park 7. Lebutala park 8. College square 9. Mohammad ali park 10. Jodhpur Park. These 10 organizations have their own different culture and assessment. There are lots of other organizations too which are really good but this 10 are “must watch!” Food is a major feature of the Kolkata Durga Puja festival and Kolkata is reputed to be a foodie's paradise. Sure enough, in a festival this grand you are bound to find the most delicious and incredible variety of Bengali cuisine. From snacks and sweet dishes that only Kolkata is famous for; to the Kolkata Durga Puja special themed Bhog meals that has a little of everything. All the pandals offer Bhog (offerings made to the Goddess Durga which is later distributed among the devotees) and community kitchens are also set up. This grand social event of Durga Puja is all about the beautiful culture of the Bengalis in India. The evenings during I know it's hard to feel the glamour the Kolkata Durga Puja witness the streets passion of this festival over an essay, packed with thousands of people both that's way I am asking to all the reader of locals and tourists alike who come to see Inspiro India to visit Kolkata during the large beautifully decorated idols of durga puja at least for once. I bet you Goddess Durga, to offer their prayers. won't regret.

November’16 82 inspiroindia.com The Illikkal Kallu Photos & Words by Kannan K R The alarm woke me up to the sound of a heavy downpour - something which was Atop from the Kallu, one can get a unusual considering those last couple of panoramic view of Kottayam district and days. I sat on bed, slightly worried about on a clear day, Arabian Sea will be visible the day's plan. But soon I made up my far in the horizon. mind and decided to head for the day's I waited at the bus stop for about 20 destination - Illikkal Kallu. minutes hoping to board a direct bus to Illikkal Kallu gained popularity in the Kottayam and join Sumi at the bus stand - span of past one year through Facebook but I couldn't catch any. So I took a bus to and a few travel blogs. I still remember Changanassery, and from there, took reading about the place in a Facebook another bus to Kottayam. Sumi had travel group and adding it to my travel already arrived and I was half an hour bucket list. Hence, due to its increasing late. Next up in our plan was to head to popularity, roads to Illikkal are now well Poonjar where we will join Navaneeth. tarred with signboards kept at major But again, since we couldn't find a direct points. bus, we took a bus until Pala, and took a bus to Adivaram which will ply through At about 3400 feet above sea level, Illikkal Erattupetta and Poonjar. After a late Kallu is one among the highest peaks in breakfast at around 11:00 from Western Ghats and is situated above Navaneeth's home, we headed to Illikkal Illikkal Mala, thereby giving its name. Kallu through the Erattupetta - Teekoy - Half portion of the Kallu had fallen off Adukkam Road route. It was noon thereby giving it a horrendous look. The already. As we drove through the Kallu (which means rock in Malayalam) beautiful winding road to Illikkal Kallu, comprises of three Kallu's. Apart from arrays of mountains stood behind swiftly Illikkal, the other two rocks are Kuda moving fog. Sumi suggested parking our Kallu (Kuda being umbrella) and Koonu car half the way and cover the rest of the Kallu (Koonu being a hunchback). distance by foot. As we walked up, the Across Koonu Kallu, there is a half feet fog began to become thicker to a point wide narrow path called Narakapaalam that the person standing even a few which means bridge to hell - the name meters away couldn't be seen. We comes from the hazardousness it possess. climbed from the starting point a bit and Illikkal Kallu is also known as Kolliyaan sat atop a rock so that the fog will get Paara (Lightning Rock) due to its cleared. Parts of Illikkal Kallu could be probability to lightning. seen at times as the heavy wind kept Popular belief also says that the famous moving the fog towards left. At a point medicinal herb Neelakoduveli grows when finally the wind took all the fog here, which has supernatural powers and away, I saw it for the first time, the can increase wealth. gigantic and dreadful Illikkal Kallu.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 83 November’16 84 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 85 While Navaneeth and Sumi stayed back, If had a company then, maybe I'd have I climbed down and walked through the climbed up and crossed the Paalam narrow path towards Illikkal Kallu, somehow. Because according to me, it's d e s i r i n g t o s e e t h e f a m o u s always good to be with someone who Narakapaalam and if possible, try knows the place in situations like this. crossing it to enter the cave. As much as Like if the Kallu gets covered in fog the view is scenic, since the path gets within the time one reaches up there, the narrower towards the Kallu, it can be a only thing he can do is to wait, wait..and bit scary; and if heavy wind is there, it wait. Additionally, chances of lightning gets much worse. Each step carefully becomes high. placed, I reached the point from where When a group of drunkards came one has to climb a rock before attempting abusing each other, we finally decided to to cross the (in)famous Narakapaalam. return considering our safety. I left the But back then, I was unaware of this place with a self-promise to come back particular route - so I stood there in a with someone who had crossed dilemma of what to do next. I shot a few Narakapaalam at least once. pictures and waited in the hope to meet someone, probably a native who can SOME USEFUL INFO guide me. After about 15 minutes, a guy -Entry to the top of Illikkal Kallu is now came and started climbing up. But since I restricted due to an accident (second one saw a narrow ridge a few meters ahead of in 2016) which resulted in the death of a me, I was still in a dilemma whether he is tourist on the 18th of September, 2016. right and to follow him or not. By this time, he already reached the top and had -A car accident was also reported on disappeared. I sat on a nearby rock, September 26th (as seen in a Facebook utterly saddened for the fact that I travel group) due to brake fade. couldn't even find a way to see Narakapaalam. I then heard Sumi calling out my name - probably because it's been some time since they've seen me. I walked back a few meters, waved her and asked her to come down. A couple of minutes later, she joined me. I took my shoes off and tried to climb, but the jeans restricted me. I gave it a few more tries, but failed. In the process, Sumi started refraining me from going up considering its risk. I sat on the rock, regretting my decision of not following the guy who went ahead. Moments passed and we saw him returning after entering the cave through Narakapaalam.

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Ganga Ghat, Varanasi | Mawlynnong, Meghalaya | By: Jyoti Prakash Sarmah By: Marjit Bhaskar Gupta

Wayanad, Kerala | By: Geo Abraham November’16 88 inspiroindia.com Pushkar | By: Sanatan Sharma

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh| By: Mayank Gandhi

November’16 inspiroindia.com 89 Dehradun , Uttarakhand | By: Tanya Agarwal Kosapet, Chennai | By: NS Hrishikesh

Chembra peak, Wayanad | By: Aman Mumbai | By: Lavanya Singh

Malshej, Maharashtra | By: Rishika Sharma Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu | By: Sarath S November’16 90 inspiroindia.com November’16 inspiroindia.com 91 AN AAR ANJ

Mehandee Meera Dureja Founder, Creative Director B November’16 92 inspiroindia.com She feels that the idea behind the brand, 'Banjaaran', started way before she actually started selling the products. She thinks of Banjaaran as an art label and also an extension of who she is. It was only after the amazing response she got post she attended the fashion week wearing some customised pairs of shoes, designed by herself- that she realised its Banjaaran is the art journal of an potential. She likes to look at design as explorer's unending odyssey. Banjaaran something that makes people feel translates an international aesthetic powerful and confident- in their own using local material and crafts-taking skin. She faced quite some challenges inspiration from what surrounds a when she started banjaaran- The design nomad, to make a global product/art process was essentially the same as that that connects with people, wherever it is of garments- which she has studied worn. about. Since, she had no formal training Her inspiration lies in her roots- her love in the making of a shoe- it took a lot of for handicrafts- and a desire to uplift and time of observing and learning in p r o m o t e I n d i a n c r a f t s . workshops to figure out the technical Using crafts like block printing, part-materials and process. But, she embroidery and Batik dyeing on fabric applied the same process as she did to and leather -combined with excellent learning everything else- one step at a construction - each shoe is made to look time. She has been a handicrafts person Bad Ass yet Desi at heart, like an Artwork as long as she can remember. So, for her, on your feet. whatever work she does has to be done With the launch of 'Make in India' using hands. Nothing can replace the campaign, we are fast becoming a love and effort that goes into making a generation that is going back to its roots, hand crafted product . She likes to think hand crafted things are expensive but of herself as an artist first- and then an they also speak volumes about where we entrepreneur- She wants to sell come from. She feels, people value experiences, not products- her aim products that are made especially for remains to craft a story behind each their sizes- or with techniques that product- from quality to little details cannot be replicated by machines- so she such as hand written notes and beautiful feels even for shoes, the future looks packaging- she likes to approach it like good. she has to weave wonderful stories for About Inspiro India Magazine, the brand- one product at a time. To " I think it's an amazing platform for us women who want to start a business, she creative heads- it reaches out to says that it takes a while for us to be taken beginners and experts alike- which seriously - but with hard work and makes it a valued creative media determination- we are unstoppable. platform- one that we all need.

November’16 inspiroindia.com 93 Make time for G reat Outdoor

Photos by Banjaaran

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1. Midnight by Kygo 2. People are strange by The Doors 3. Bombay Theme by A R Rahman 4. Zaman Zali by Bohemia 5. Leaving Home by Indian Ocean 6. Lions In The Wild by Martin Garrix & Third Part 7. Not Afraid by Eminem 8. WIEE by Martin Garrix & Mesto 9. Kun Faya Kun by Rockstar 10. Nayan Tarse by Dev D

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