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Moghul
heritage Pakistani designer Shaiyanne Malik, held her third fashion show in Colombo, this time at the Trans Asia Hotel last Sunday. Her designs of composed elegance infuse what her heart cherishes - the Muslim heritage. Malik says that she is truly inspired by very old pieces - architecture or even art and as she claims to be a revivalist, her inspiration is drawn from the Moghul, Persian and Turkish era. Her forte is hand-embroidery and some of her bridal outfits and other designs were made of soft fusion of fabrics, overlays studded with pearls to accentuate the embroidery. Malik is preparing for her next big launch of 'Spring Collection 2002" in Karachi next week. This collection keeping with tradition, bold and bright in hues of burgundy, scarlet, fuschia and red is sure to be a show stopper. Tune
in to your voice Her contribution to the film industry is far from over. As she continues to perform in art movies, she has taken on some excellent character roles that have earned her the title, Shabhana Azmi of Sri Lanka. Over the past few years, Anoja has been conducting a series of workshops through Abhina, the Anoja Weerasinghe Academy of Performing Arts. At this academy, she strives to teach and develop three of the abhinas (expressions) - voice, body movement and facial expression to people above 18. Children are creative, imaginative and can imitate any role, says Anoja. "It is as they grow up that they build barriers around themselves as they are pushed into becoming achievers, owing to various pressures from parents, friends and society. I am trying to help them free themselves of their inhibitions and become children again," she says. Towards this she works with the voice, to release its full potential, to modulate and articulate better. Warming to the subject, she says that parents today have no time for children and are forever snapping at them - don't shout, don't scream, don't lie. In doing so, parents are curtailing their freedom of expression which is the worst thing they can do. Children should be appreciated for creating a story rather than be scolded for fantasising. Instances such as these make children suppress their emotions and lose their confidence at an early age. Violence in society could also be attributed to this, says Anoja. During her sessions at the Academy, Anoja uses the techniques of the west, that she learnt while at the London Academy for Speech and Drama and her exposure to the international film arena. Her work with Barbara Hausmann from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Australian Director of the award winning movie 'Island', Paul Cox and Sue Weston, her mentor helped her master different aspects of acting. She uses exercises and meditation to help focus the mind and free it from tension and depression and insists on good posture. In addition she trains voices for better communication - to enhance interpersonal skills, to improve self-confidence and develop a positive attitude all of which would contribute to enhancing one's personality and discovering oneself. Her work with the Academy has been very satisfying and rewarding. She has helped with speech training for several politicians, aspiring actors/actresses of both films and teledramas, presenters and newscasters of TV stations and others. Suitable for teachers, lawyers, politicians, mothers with young children, housewives, etc., the workshop would make them effective communicators, Anoja asserts. Anoja is still working on establishing a formal school for dancing, music and acting, similar to Shantiniketan in Calcutta. The country needs something like this, she says. Speaking of the film industry, Anoja says there is a lot of talent among the new comers. What they need is proper training. Although support is being extended from friends locally and internationally for building, she is yet to acquire the necessary land. Her greatest
joy these days is her six-month- old grandson with whom she spends
a great deal of time. "He is so small but tries to imitate
every sound I make. He responds to music and my voice," exclaims
Anoja with delight. Anoja regrets not spending enough time with
her daughter and she hopes to make up for it with her grandson.
Although her daughter has done some acting, she does not seem very
inclined to take it up, on a big scale. "My grandson, however,
is my hope - I can tell right away that he is going to be very creative,"
she says. |
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innate
strength of mind and a purpose to everything she does.
