In an exclusive interview, Real Life Heroes – By Manvi speaks to indie rock sensation and internationally acclaimed songwriter Shriram Alluri about his musical journey, work collaborations and his love for Telugu. Telugu Artist Shriram Alluri was introduced to music at the age of four by his father who encouraged him and his sister to…
Author: readtoempower
As a composer, I am very particular about the sounds I choose – Bonny Abraham
He heard a song. The voice behind the mic, the soulful, the delectable penetrated the most intimate areas of his psyche, but the symphony in the background, stole his heart. He didn’t want to be that voice, he wanted to be that symphony. Bonny Abraham forayed into music at the age of eight. His mother, who…
We have built so many walls around us that, forget about enemies even lovers can’t enter – Paromita Bardoloi
In the world so fragile and irreparably broken, somewhere in the chambers of grief and exhausting silence, the writings of theatre activist, Paromita Bardoloi offer extraordinary compassion. Her work is reflective, decisive and takes one through a broad range of emotions. Born and raised in a joint family in a sleepy town of Assam called…
26 days on an oil tanker, and other experiments in Art
Rohini Devasher has had an intriguing journey into art. Ten years ago, the painter and printmaker collaborated on a project with amateur astronomers in Delhi. What began as joint investigations, stories and conversations culminated into a chronicle of this almost obsessive group of people whose lives have been transformed by the night sky. A matter…
I was not afraid to stand out, says Vogue featured artist Olga Kamenetskaya
When she said ‘Yes’ for an interview, it was nothing short of a splendid opportunity for me to dwell into the world of this Kiev-based artist, Olga Kamenetskaya, who gets unapologetically real and exceptionally intricate in every piece of art she creates. Her collection of one-of-a-kind (OOAK) dolls redefines beauty and represents a rare combination…
Stargaze ft. Artist Elisa Sheehan
In the quest of searching for my life’s purpose, I met Artist Elisa Sheehan. Walking down the alley, we talked about ‘purpose’, ‘nature’s influence’, ‘balancing life’ and ‘IKIGAI’. She re-affirmed my faith in how we never meet anyone without a reason. Manvi. Manvi: ‘Some impulses cannot be denied’ why do you feel so? Tell us…
Sawubona
I wake up early, check my phone, then sleep again! So, I am NOT really an early riser but a hopelessly late starter. In fact, according to my research, it looks like I am evolving, but slowly! As a practice, before I leave for the office, I try to finish my morning rituals and ensure…
I was afraid imagining what would people think if they knew I had a bipolar disorder – Diana Chao
Meet Diana Chao, Unilever’s 2018 Young Entrepreneurs Awards Winner, TEDx Speaker, conceptual photographer, award-winning artist and founder of Letters to Strangers (L2S) – an organization working to de-stigmatize mental illness through letter writing, peer education and policy-based advocacy. For Girls to Watch Spotlight, I caught up with Diana to experience her journey, to understand her…
I travelled to Cambodia five years ago and I saw something that changed my life forever – Samir Lakhani
What life it is to live, which has no experiences in it. Our experiences have the power to nudge our sensibilities and make us think beyond finite. When these experiences get transformed into knowledge, they create a vision. -Manvi Meet Samir Lakhani, the Founder of Eco-Soap Bank, a non-profit organization headquartered in U.S. working to…
Sometimes it might take us a little longer to get where we want to go, but keep at it and the world is your oyster – Ugyen Dema
My exchange with Bhutan’s first female captain, Ugyen Dema transported me to a conversation I had with someone a year ago. We had met for the first time after maintaining a consistent presence over email and text. Over a sip of coffee, he said to me, “A lot of times, its about seeking out opportunities….