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Tag: INTERVIEW

  • Testing her talents in the real world-Gia Soni

    Testing her talents in the real world-Gia Soni

    Young Gia Soni has made major headway in acquiring skills that we all struggle to perfect as grown adults. At 10, she has claimed her place on the pantheon of writers, adult and young with the publication of two books. She received an award for Bright Young Artist (She Inspires) from MPs Bob Blackman and Joy Morrissey at the Houses of Parliament in March 2019. She has been interviewed on leading FM stations including Carla Delaney on Marlow FM.

    Besides attending a leading independent school in London, she spends her time swimming, playing with dogs and perfecting her craft.
    Anandi Iyer talked to the pint-sized wordsmith and spent time getting to know her better. We reproduce the interaction below.

    1. Gia, who are your favourite authors and what kind of books do you enjoy reading?

    My favourite authors are JK Rowling and Percy Jackson. I read all the Harry Potter books when I was 7 years old. I am intrigued by fantasy, mystery and magic. These books have all been made into super successful films and I have watched all of them multiple times.

    Percy Jackson’s books are all about Greek Mythology and I am obsessed with them.

    1. When you write, what do surround yourself with? Music perhaps?

    I love to write in my own quiet reading and writing corner in my room in complete silence and work my way slowly by drafting the theme first and slowly build upon characters and then weave a story together.

    1. What inspired you to write the Mystery of the Magical Sketchpad?

    I have been a voracious reader from very beginning as I didn’t have any siblings and both my parents work full time. One day I was checking my mum’s desk and found a poetry book written by her and published by her grandfather. She was just 10 years old, so I was inspired by her to write my own stories. My first book was a compilation of 10 short stories. My mum helped me in typing them out as I was just six and a half and didn’t even know how to use a computer. During the Covid lockdown my mum, dad, maternal grandma (I call her Nanu) encouraged me to work on my second book. That’s when I wrote ‘The Mystery of Magical sketchpad’ and this time I typed it myself. It took me some time, but it was worth it. Moreover, I dedicated this book to my Nanu as she is my best friend, and it was my 70th birthday gift to her.

    My teachers at the Haberdashers’ Girls school have always encouraged me immensely as well. I owe them big time for teaching me the power of words.

    My mum and me always get tips from Rahul uncle (Asian Lite Associate Editor, Rahul Laud) on the nuances of publishing.

    4. What are your aspirations? I know you have mentioned horses and a stable. Have you added any new dreams to your wish list?

    Yes, I love Horse riding and want to own a stable someday. I also swim for the Barnet Copthall swimming club and want to, someday, win a medal for Great Britain!

    1. You are amazing Gia; can you give us and our young readers some advice on how to follow our dreams?

    I read in an article somewhere that human beings have 70,000 thoughts every day. Those are a lot of thoughts! I would like to believe that if we can even tap into one single thought, we can create magic. From a thought to an idea to a full-fledged story, we all have the power to weave stories and spin magic. If you put your heart and soul into it, nothing is impossible. I would like to say to children my age: don’t get scared to dream BIG!

    (Anandi Iyer is a content specialist, marketing communications and fintech entrepreneur based in Singapore. Her passions include writing, art, music and languages. She can be reached at asiyer@yahoo.com)

  • Goa: Incentives for investors

    Goa: Incentives for investors

    Goa will take a holistic approach to promote key sectors and provide incentives to investors in these sectors. The state has always been open to dialogue about customising an incentives package based on the unique requirements of an investor. Ms. Swetika Sachan, IAS, Director, Directorate of Industries Trade & Commerce and CEO of Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board talks to Asian Lite

    Ms. Swetika Sachan, IAS, CEO. Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board: Tourism is the biggest sector in Goa and rightly so. It is something we are proud of and will showcase at the Expo. At the same time, Goa has a lot more to offer and we want to utilise the Expo to display that too. Our focus sectors are: Agro and food processing; IT and IT enabled services; Knowledge-based industry; Light engineering and Niche tourism like medical and luxury tourism

    Ms. Swetika Sachan

    ASIAN LITE: How do you think Dubai Expo 2020 will help boost Goa’s plans to attract overseas investments to the state across sectors, besides tourism?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is best known as a tourist destination. At the Expo, the state pavilion will showcase various other strengths of Goa alongside its tourist appeal. Sectors such as IT and IT-enabled services, light engineering, agro and food processing are some of the prime areas where the state encourages investment. In our interactions with investors, we would like to highlight the support that the government is willing to provide to give a boost to these industries and other focus sectors of the state.

    ASIAN LITE: Would you be looking to have long term trade deals/ agreements with countries in certain focus areas like health, education, SME’s, Aerospace & Defence, Infrastructure?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Absolutely yes. We want to create sustainable growth in the state and such agreements and deals will help the state to work with a long-term vision in mind. With regards to policy making also, it helps to have such agreements in place so that the development can happen on an ongoing basis.

    ASIAN LITE: Besides the facilities and incentives, the new Investment Policy of Goa offers to the global investors which every state offers, what different/ unique has Goa got to offer in order to have an edge over others?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is in the process of drafting its new and updated Investment Policy. We will take a holistic approach in this policy to promote our priority sectors and provide incentives to those seeking to invest in these sectors. Besides that, the state has always been open to dialogue about customising an incentives package based on the unique requirements of an investor. This is what we intend to do in Dubai also. We would like to speak with potential investors, understand their needs and challenges and offer solutions that work for them. By extension, we also want the investors to see Goa’s uniqueness and understand the priorities of the state.

    ASIAN LITE: Do you have a roadmap to follow-up on the investment interests generated at the EXPO and bring them to ground level? Will you also be making local employment a part of the agreements?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Local employment and preservation of Goa’s beautiful ecosystem are the main objectives of the state when evaluating investment proposals. This will be at the foundation of every discussion we have in Dubai. Goan youth is skilled and talented, and we want to bring the right opportunities in the state for their benefit, such as agro and food processing and technical sectors such as IT, FinTech, to name a few.

    The roadmap is very simple, we want to talk to investors and find those who share the same motivations as the government to bring about responsible development in the state. State leadership will helm these discussions and myself and my team will be there along the way to provide necessary support.

    ASIAN LITE: Goa is largely known for its tourism worldwide. What plans have you to position the state as an investment destination for other sectors also besides EXPO DUBAI 2020?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Tourism is the biggest sector in Goa and rightly so. It is something we are proud of and will showcase at the Expo. At the same time, Goa has a lot more to offer and we want to utilise the Expo to display that too. Our focus sectors are:

    Agro and food processing

    IT and IT enabled services

    Knowledge based industry

    Light engineering

    Niche tourism like medical and luxury tourism

    ASIAN LITE: India is targeting to become $5 trillion economy by 2025. What do you think will be the pie of Goa in the overall contribution of states?

    SWETIKA SACHAN: Goa is a leading contributor in terms of the SGDP and has demonstrated continuous growth rate of the same. As our connectivity with the world and rest of the country increases, tourism is expected to grow too. We have a new international airport underway and an expansive network of highways under construction. Besides this, the state is also encouraging investments in the focus sectors as mentioned earlier.  Altogether, it is safe to say that Goa’s share of the pie will be significant and will continue to grow.

    ALSO READ: Goa invites global investors

  • In conversation with OPPO Brand Ambassador

    In conversation with OPPO Brand Ambassador

    Nayla Al Khaja, the ambassador of OPPO, an acclaimed Emirati film writer, director, and producer. The CEO of Nayla Al Khaja Films, a Dubai-based company previously named D-Seven Motion Pictures, and the founder of The Scene Club, Dubai’s first film club, launched in 2007, her films have participated in more than 42 festivals worldwide.

    As a global technology brand, OPPO is committed to empowering female business leaders both in the UAE and across the globe. OPPO is dedicated to supporting and encouraging women to be a driving force for change and share their fresh perspectives with the world.

    This Emirati Women’s Day, OPPO celebrates by shining a spotlight on acclaimed Emirati film writer, director, and producer Nayla Al Khaja. The CEO of Nayla Al Khaja Films, a Dubai-based company previously named D-Seven Motion Pictures, and the founder of The Scene Club, Dubai’s first film club, launched in 2007, her films have participated in more than 42 festivals worldwide.

    UAE’s First Female Film Writer, Director and Producer, Nayla Al Khaja

    In the United Arab Emirates Nayla has written and directed several films, all of which have been presented and awarded at various international film festivals such as Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).

    As an experienced film director, Nayla Al Khaja understands what is needed to create the perfect shot. As a brand fan and ambassador, the partnership between OPPO and Nayla was conceived from a shared passion for state-of-the-art camera technology available for all to experience and enjoy.

    Join us as we learn more about Nayla’s passion, inspirations, and words of advice for budding film industry enthusiasts.

    What inspired you to be a film director and producer?

    I had a small gallery here in Dubai before I got into film. I always thought I was gonna be a full-time painter, but motion pictures inspired me from a young age.

     As a child, I would watch VHS tapes back-to-back for hours. Of course, I was only allowed to watch certain genres as a child but, when I was seven or eight, I accidentally watched ‘The Exorcist’ and it truly scared me. A feeling that I still remember today.

    When I was in school, I began experimenting with an 8-millimetre camera and by the time I was 19, I had already made my first documentary. After that, it felt only nature that I fell in love with the process of filmmaking. Why filmmaking? Because the process easily spoke to me as I thrive on chaos, madness and unpredictability, and filmmaking had all these components. Being a producer came naturally as did moving into a director role as I had to be in control of my narrative and be true to what I wanted to direct.

    What does it mean to you to be an Emirati woman in the industry?

    When I lived in Toronto, I was a little fish in this huge ocean. Whereas here, in the UAE, I could be a whale in an aquarium, so to speak. Both experiences came with their own unique benefits and challenges, but I have a better chance to leave my mark and impact in the UAE as one of my primary goals is to inspire young Arabs in the region. I’m just one of the lucky ones where although there are parts of my career that I hate, I would say I love 90% of it, which is a great percentage. It’s fulfilling for me to wake up every day and do what I love doing, which is telling stories. So, I’m very blessed that way.

    At what age did you first own a camera? Do you remember your first shot?

    Wow, this was a long time ago! I think I was around 12 years old when I owned my first camera. The first shot I took was for a project called cliché where I filmed mundane scenes about life that didn’t mean much individually, but collectively they told a story. For example, one of the scenes I captured was of a man trying to reach up and grab a certain brand of diapers from a supermarket shelf, but he couldn’t reach it even though he was on his toes.

    UAE’s First Female Film Writer, Director and Producer, Nayla Al Khaja

    What advice would you give aspiring Emirati females who are looking to join the film industry?

    If you’re a woman with a passion for making quality movies and television shows, there’s no better time to get involved than the present. Despite the challenges women in the entertainment industry have faced, it is completely possible to have a successful, rewarding career in producing and filmmaking. My advice is to be fearless and a force that empowers other women around the world.

    For budding directors and producers creating content on their phones, what practical tips can you give to improve their photography and videography?

    Go out and explore every horizon that comes your way. No shot is considered a bad shot, creativity lies in the eyes of the beholder. Shooting more will give you more confidence and experience as well as giving you the knowledge to rectify previous mistakes. Don’t be afraid to get out there and shoot anything: there is always a story and there’s always success in failure Take inspiration from renowned directors and photographers making sure you follow and study their work.

    As a fan of the brand, how would you describe OPPO? What excites you about the brand?

    OPPO is one of the leading innovators when it comes to smartphones. When considering what smartphone to purchase it comes down to the feature and camera abilities. OPPO has managed to stand out from other brands when it comes to its camera abilities. What excites me about OPPO is their photo quality thanks to the hybrid 10x zoom capability. This capability helps me to zoom into pictures without losing any quality while I am working when I’m visualizing a particular shot. The fast charging is also a game changer as it helps me to be more mobile than simply waiting idle for my phone to charge.

  • ‘Stage performance teaches you humility’

    ‘Stage performance teaches you humility’

    It’s been a huge learning curve for me, I have learned how to set up a small studio at my residence with the help of my recording engineer at the studio…Usha Uthup speaks with Siddhi Jain.

    “Stage performance teaches you humility, dignity and honesty and makes you realise that the only reason you are up on stage is because of the audience and their love for you, art and entertainment,” says legendary playback singer Usha Uthup. The 1947-born artist tells that performing live for an audience is an “exhilarating experience”.

    Uthup, in a recent collaboration with Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) India which was founded in 2007 by violinist L. Subramaniam and Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, took a masterclass on the tips and intricacies of stagecraft. The popular artiste and singer broke down the elements of entertaining on stage.

    In an interview with us about life in lockdown and performing on both the real and virtual stages. Edited excerpts:

    What has been your most prominent learning during the lockdown?

    Throughout the past year, I think I have worked the most through the lockdown. It’s been a huge learning curve for me, I have learned how to set up a small studio at my residence with the help of my recording engineer at the studio. My team has helped me with the nuances of Zoom and other online communication platforms. I have been connected to people through phones and video calls.

    Another thing that I have learned and what the pandemic has taught us is to be global citizens. It has increased our horizon to think and care for people outside our social circle. To be careful and mindful of our deeds and how we impact people around us. I have also realised having a routine and being disciplined helps and is what has kept me going. I start my day by chanting mantras and taking a walk in my home. Post that I continue with my singing work.

    The concept of the ‘stage’ took on another form during the pandemic, with the computer and mobile screen turning into stage for artistes across genres. Your thoughts on this digital stage?

    During the lockdown, I was able to adapt to the digital stage seamlessly through the help of my team Gautam Basu, Somresh and Rinta. Through the lockdown, even though the stage shows couldn’t happen, I was able to connect with my audience through the 6-7 songs which I recorded in my home studio and released them on the social media platforms. The response has been humongous and shows the kind of love the audience has for you as a singer. It has also helped me to be a Global artist through my work. Plus the digital stage has not only boomed for performances, but also for online learning. Through SaPa India, I am able to conduct this masterclass on Stagecraft where people can learn about posture, stage manners and other nuances which can be used not only for live shows but for virtual shows as well.

    You had mentioned during the lockdown months that getting on a stage to perform would not be possible for some time. Are you happy that the entertainment and cultural spaces are opening up?

    USHA UTHUP (Wikipedia)


    For 51 years of my career, I have performed on stage for numerous shows. It’s an exhilarating experience of performing for the audience who are right in front of you and the musicians right beside encouraging you with each verse of the song. The stage performance teaches you humility, dignity and honesty and makes you realize that the only reason why you are up on the stage is because of the audience and their love for you, art and entertainment. So yes, it’s great we can go back to such ways of entertainment, of course keeping the Covid-19 precautions in mind. I’m looking forward to doing shows again.

    Also Read-Nihira composes, fuses Hindi lyrics with authentic Cuban music

    Please tell us about your association with SaPa India

     Kavita has been a dear friend of mine for years and I have such high admiration and respect for both L. Subramaniam and Kavita Subramaniam. And it’s great that they have a brainchild like SaPa, an academy, which is training children as young as 3-years-old. And I am so grateful to them for including Stagecraft as a subject. It’s one of the most important aspects of being an artist apart from technical knowledge, regular practice, among others. And I’m very thankful to them for giving me this opportunity to take the masterclass. It provides an awakening to people that no matter how good a singer or an artist you are, what would you do if you didn’t have the right kind of stagecraft to perform. Because entertainment is a serious business indeed.

    Apart from this masterclass, I am also designing and launching a self-paced course with SaPa India to be released shortly.

    About your upcoming plans..

    I have released about 6-7 songs with videos. The only difference between me and the other artists is that I don’t actively promote them through digital platforms like Instagram and YouTube because I’m not very well versed with such mediums. And my work is not just in Hindi films, but I have done songs across Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil as well. My latest project is now with SaPa India.

    Also Read-‘Shadow of music’

    Read More-Verma identifies himself with music

  • ‘Pandemic changed our view on craft’

    ‘Pandemic changed our view on craft’

    The collaboration is a way to forget the past and ring in a brighter future and new beginnings. After a truly testing year, we joined hands with Lakme Salon, FDCI & LFW are striving to spread joy and laughter, in the most trendy, stylish way possible…Pankaj and Nidhi speak with Puja Gupta.

    Talking about fashion itself is fashionable trend in the modern world of craft and art. Fashion designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi said the pandemic has changed their perspective towards their craft.

    “We’ve realised how prudent and imperative it is to design sharp and focused collections – reduce waste by designing less and ensuring each sample and each stitch and each cut of cloth counts,” they told.

    Considering these factors, the duo launched their latest collection at the ongoing phygitical FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week. IANSlife spoke to them to know their views on how the fashion industry will shape in a post pandemic era and the major collaborations that the industry has seen this year. Excerpts:

    Q. How do you see the fashion industry shaping up in a post pandemic era?

    Pankaj & Nidhi: The pandemic has definitely changed our perspective on our craft. We’ve realised how prudent and imperative it is to design sharp and focused collections – reduce waste by designing less and ensuring each sample and each stitch and each cut of cloth counts. Our planet and nature need nurturing and so do our creative souls and there won’t be peace if one comes at the cost of the other. We need clothing that remains wearable and feels good. The fabric is our immediate environment. Humankind has its environment in nature but the body’s immediate environment is the clothing that we wear. These are cool and comfortably stylish.

    Q. How do you see the collaboration between FDCI and LFW?

    Pankaj & Nidhi: A much-needed cohesive platform – unified with the energy of two powerhouses of Indian fashion, sending a message of solidarity, unity and cooperation between all stakeholders, a great message for everyone out there watching and following Indian fashion. The collaboration is a way to forget the past and ring in a brighter future and new beginnings. After a truly testing year, we joined hands with Lakme Salon, FDCI & LFW are striving to spread joy and laughter, in the most trendy, stylish way possible

    Q. The year already has seen many big collaborations in the fashion industry. How do you see this move?

    Pankaj & Nidhi: It was high time the fashion industry put a single consolidated front. Through these collaborations and the phygital editions they can enable designers to expand their consumer outreach.

    Q. Tell us more about your latest collection.

    Pankaj & Nidhi: The collection is inspired by a kaleidoscope and the myriad of unique patterns and visuals it offers. We’ve always loved geometrics. This time we were really fascinated with how patterns keep changing when you view them through a kaleidoscope. It’s a technicolour explosion and we wanted to do something vibrant, positive, and optimistic. This collection ‘Kaleido’ is geometrically sharp & comes in a burst of rainbow hues of brilliant reds, luscious oranges, unabashed pinks, ultra-violet blues and electric greens. The silhouettes are holiday ready — flowing maxi and mini dresses to kick back and let loose and tailored co-ord sets with sporty elements, to acknowledge our pursuits towards wellness and fitness. The fabrics are sheer, translucent, breathable and easy to wear.

    A kaleidoscope generates changing symmetrical patterns from small pieces of coloured glass, symbolising constant evolution. Creatively, too, we are always evolving, and this is the essence of our collection.

    Q. What kind of trends do you see in the season?

    Pankaj & Nidhi: We love the colours – they are brightly saturated and kaleidoscopic. The collection comprises comfortable jumpsuits and floor and midi length skirts and flowing maxi dresses along with bomber jackets in cropped length, and puff sleeve blouses in electric colours. We need a dose of cheer and this collection brings us a bit of joy and hope it does the same for everyone.

    The collection is spontaneously engineered to evoke optimism. With hand-cut appliques, a riot of rainbow colours, a plethora of breathable fabrics, and an array of wearable silhouettes, we want to help usher in a new beam of light into our lives and rejuvenate our souls. We’re excited to be collaborating with Lakme Salon, which shares our core values and has created a collection of fluid, free-spirited hair looks that beautifully offset our pieces.

    Q. Slow fashion is the talk of the hour, your views?

    Pankaj & Nidhi: Slow fashion is the need of the hour. Sustainability is an idea that we all need to embrace from the stage to of conception to execution. Even small individual contributions make a difference – and we are doing it by reducing waste, using recycled materials, producing sensibly and making each item worthy of being bought with some conscience.

    Also Read-Killer Fashion

    Read More-Democratizing the trends in fashion

  • ‘Women should know what they capable of’

    ‘Women should know what they capable of’

    Women today are excelling in diverse fields, and that in itself should be a motivating factor for other women to come forward and achieve their goals, she believes…writes Puja Gupta.

    Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif says ‘self-love is numero uno’ and urges every woman to be fiercely independent and voice her opinions.

    “People will tell us all kinds of things and that is why, self-love is numero uno,” she tells. Adding: “Women should know what they are capable of. Sky should be our limit. We should not give anyone any kind of power to bog us down or even under-value ourselves.”

    Katrina says she feels happy to see changes towards how women are perceived today.

    “The gap in education, the lack of access to equal opportunities and the deep-rooted belief that women are the weaker sex is a problematic perception. The stereotype that we attach to women should end and I am glad to see a change taking place as we speak,” asserts the popular star.

    Adding, “I grew up in a family where I was always surrounded by my mother and sisters. They are the strongest women I know. I believe that I am quite privileged that my gender has never made things difficult for me,” Katrina says.

    Women today are excelling in diverse fields, and that in itself should be a motivating factor for other women to come forward and achieve their goals, she believes.

    “Sometimes, I’ve noticed as women we feel apologetic for asking what we deserve. Instead, when we see women from different backgrounds and walks of life excelling across diverse fields and carving a niche for themselves, that in itself should be a motivating factor for other women to come forward and achieve their goals,” she says.

    “If you do not have anyone’s support, remember that you are self-sufficient. Change should come from within. We need to have a strong sense of self and not forget that we are made for the greatest things,” states Katrina, who recently launched Reebok’s ‘It’s A Man’s World campaign’.

    Speaking about the campaign, Katrina says that it is all about celebrating the differences between all individuals, making us all unique. “Our uniqueness is what makes us beautiful. I have always believed that respect stems from understanding and embracing each other’s personalities no matter how different they are to ours. I am glad to be a part of this important campaign,” she says.

    Does she feel the campaign is relevant to today?

    Kaif replies: “Like I said, it is extremely important and relevant. Men and women are different from each other in terms of their emotionality and physicality, among other things. The idea is to complement and respect each other. We are different but we are all equal in value. The campaign is even more relevant because it makes us think about how unique we are.

    “No two people can be the same and they shouldn’t be either. At a time when times are challenging and constantly changing, we need to keep reminding ourselves that we are who we are because of our unique personalities.”

    Also Read-Katrina’s new hair cut for new film

    Read More-Katrina speaks on sustainable fashion