When Tamil scripts become a fashion trend
Karunakaran says the collection began as a tribute to the city, but from there, the thread of the narrative evolved into a celebration of identity, 'an unapologetic expression of who we are and where we come from'. He adds that the collection is being expanded to include women's wear. 'It's declaration of pride.'
In one look, Karunakaran has a verse of the Kural block-printed on a jacket paired with Korean pants. 'We've gone beyond just printing the alphabet to creating meaningful designs,' says Karunakaran, whose clothes are priced between Rs 6,000 and Rs 60,000.
Designers from outside
Tamil Nadu
too are scripting the language into their couture. In Mumbai, actor Sonam Kapoor was recently spotted in a cream saree designed by Masaba, which had the Tamil letters, 'th', 'na' and more in black and gold.
'The Tamil script has a unique visual appeal,' says Karthiknathan S, a graphic designer who specialises in Tamil lettering. 'With almost 216 distinct characters, there is a lot of visual diversity.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Bolsas nos olhos? (Tente isso hoje à noite)
Revista Saúde & Beleza
Saiba Mais
Undo
He adds that when Tamil was adapted into a font, ascenders and descenders were adjusted for visual consistency. 'As a result, words and sentences form patterns with varying heights and depths. Depending on the preceding or following letter, ascenders or descenders are altered, creating intriguing patterns.
It pushes the possibilities of what can be done with the Tamil letter.'
This, perhaps, explains why Tamil-script clothes have been well received, even by those unfamiliar with the language, says Dubai-based designer Vino Supraja, who has incorporated it into her collection 'Purisai', named after the Purisai Nadaga Pairchi Palli, a therukoothu school founded by Kannapa Sambandhan Ayya, who was awarded the Padma Shri this year.
She adds that the appeal is so universal that most of her clients for the collection are Emiratis and Singaporeans, not Tamilians.
'After our London Fashion Week show, the script became a conversation starter. It gave us a chance to discuss Tamil language, therukoothu, and Purisai's cultural richness. The Tamil script is the visual anchor,' says Supraja, who grew up in Vandavasi, 10km from Purisai, where her father served as a doctor.
Supraja also wore a saree featuring the school's name in her handwriting when she received the Global Sustainable Trailblazer Award recently at the House of Commons.
Mayank Bhutra, a designer from Rajasthan raised in Erode (which is why he has named his brand Erode), says using the Tamil script in his clothes is about celebrating the place where he grew up. 'We're in the process of developing our own typeface for the clothes, blending Tamil and English in a contemporary design,' says Bhutra, who adds that as a child, he saw Jamakalam weavers at work and was fascinated.
When he returned to the craft as an adult, he realised that despite years of tradition and a GI tag, there were no new designs or patterns. And that, he adds, was when he decided to help script Jamakalam a 'contemporary identity.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kyrie Irving once dreamed of becoming Journalist before choosing a career in professional Basketball
Kyrie Irving nearly chose journalism before basketball (Image via: Getty Images) Kyrie Irving is known worldwide for his elite ball-handling skills and highlight-reel moments on the basketball court. But long before he became an NBA champion and one of the game's most talked-about stars, Irving had a very different dream; he once wanted to be a journalist. Before Basketball took over, Journalism was Plan A for Kyrie Irving Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey, Kyrie Irving always had basketball in his life. He played high school ball at Montclair Kimberley Academy and later moved to St. Patrick High School, where he gained national recognition. But during those early years, especially as a junior, Irving had other ideas for his future. In a recent live stream, Irving opened up about his interest in journalism. He spoke about how he wanted to attend Indiana University, inspired by former NBA great Isiah Thomas. 'I wanted to go there for journalism. I liked how the media worked, being behind the camera, doing interviews, just having fun filming stuff with my friends,' he said. His natural curiosity for how things worked behind the scenes made him think seriously about a career in broadcasting, something few fans ever knew. Kyrie Irving's career took a different turn, and so did his view on media As Irving's basketball career progressed, his journalism plans faded into the background. He went on to play for Duke University before declaring for the NBA Draft after just one season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo From that point on, basketball became his full-time path. Ironically, despite his early passion for media, Kyrie has often been at odds with it. Over the years, he's criticized how the media portrays him, saying his views are often taken out of context. The turning point came in 2017 when he requested a trade from Cleveland. Since then, he's regularly made headlines—not just for his game, but also for personal decisions and bold opinions. At times, he's called reporters 'pawns,' while the media has labeled him as a locker room distraction. Some believe that his off-court image even cost him a spot on the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team. FAQs Did Kyrie Irving really want to become a journalist before joining the NBA? Yes, Kyrie Irving once considered pursuing a career in journalism. During high school, he planned to attend Indiana University to study media and broadcasting before choosing basketball full-time. Why has Kyrie Irving had issues with the media? Irving has often felt that the media misrepresented his views and personal decisions. Over the years, he's been vocal about how certain narratives have painted him unfairly, leading to tension between him and NBA reporters. How is Kyrie Irving doing with the Dallas Mavericks? Since joining the Mavericks, Irving has found more stability both on and off the court. He appears more focused, less involved in controversies, and continues to connect with fans through live streams and social media. Also Read: Gabrielle Union Wade and Dwyane Wade share joyful yacht vacation moments with daughter Kaavia in new photos Kyrie Irving enjoying stability and focus with Dallas Mavericks Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Irving seems more grounded. He's found his rhythm on the court and stays connected with fans through live streams, perhaps a subtle return to his early broadcasting dreams. It's clear that while basketball became his main focus, his love for storytelling never truly left. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bollywood rain songs: When rain stayed in the background, emotions took centre stage
Hindi music has often used the rain imagery to evoke drama onscreen. Rain often brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, coaxing us to hum melodies about saawan, bijli, baadal, barkha, and bahaar. It deepens the emotional drama of a scene, and sometimes says what words can't. "Rain is more than just visual. It becomes an expression, a mood, even a metaphor, depending on the scene," says cinematographer Nigam Bomzan (The Family Man 1, Marjaavan, The Empire, Jism 2). 'Rain has to be a character and not just a backdrop. It gives you a lot more than what the scene or actors are trying to tell you.' Kavita Seth echoes a similar sentiment when she says, 'To the educated and sensitive audience, romance of the rains lies in unearthing hidden meanings in lyrics that are connected with Nature.' From heartbreak to healing, freedom to desire, rain elevates a song's impact — often without the lyrics ever mentioning a single drop. As Nigam points out, 'Sometimes you don't even need background score when you have rain. You just place the boy, the girl, and the rain, like Mohit Suri did in Aashiqui 2. That's enough.' As Haruki Murakami once wrote, 'Look at the rain long enough… you gradually feel your body falling loose, shaking free of the world of reality.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola That hypnotic quality defines cinema's enduring romance with rain — a romance that, as Raveena Tandon once said, 'will never lose its charm.' Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua (Shree 420, 1955) Filmed on Raj Kapoor and Nargis, this Shankar–Jaikishen composition, voiced by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, perfectly captures the essence of love. Rain plays a perfect matchmaker here. The iconic image of Kapoor and Nargis sharing a tender moment under a shared umbrella in the song became the template for countless rain sequences in Bollywood that followed. Bhaage Re Mann (Chameli, 2004) A rain-drenched dance of release and reflection. Sunidhi Chauhan's mellow vocals and Kareena Kapoor Khan's fluid movement under falling drops combine to create a deeply serene, almost meditative experience. With each listen, the song urges you to step out and dance in the rain. Kaate Nahi Kat Te (Mr. India, 1987) In an era when Indian films often used bobbing flowers as a metaphor for passion, rain songs emerged as a bolder and more sensual alternative. Kaate Nahi Kat Te features Sridevi in her trademark chiffon sari, evoking splendour and sensuality. Combined with Javed Akhtar's evocative lyrics, the rain setting beautifully amplifies the longing and romantic intensity. Kyunki Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2, 2013) One of the most memorable recent rain scenes shows Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor sharing a romantic moment under a coat on the streets of Mumbai. While it may not quite match the magic of Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua, it still offers a powerful, rain-soaked romantic number for contemporary Bollywood fans. Tum Se Hi (Jab We Met, 2007) Mohit Chauhan's composition carries the romance, with Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor drenched in rain, celebrating love through imagination and rain-burnished emotion. Dilbara Dilbara (Dhoom, 2004) Not all rain sequences are romantic. Esha Deol and Uday Chopra, in a playful rain-dance amidst car repairs, use rain to invite joy and spontaneity—adding lighthearted mischief that contrasts with traditional themes. Mana Ki Hum Yaar Na (Meri Pyaari Bindu, 2017) Like love, rain is unpredictable. It can whisper or roar, tease or console, hide or reveal. It makes ordinary streets sparkle, slows down racing hearts, and turns the simple act of getting soaked into a million stories of longing, laughter and sometimes even heartbreak, as in this Sachin-Jigar composition. Kausar Munir has beautifully penned the song. Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo (DDLJ, 1995) Hindi cinema doesn't only want you sitting in one place and pontificating about life. It also wants you to go out on the streets and experience the rain in its gusty, splashy, unpredictable madness, like Kajol does in Aditya Chopra's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as she tells her mother about the man of her dreams in Jatin-Lalit composition Mere Khwaabon Mein Jo. Janam Janam (Dilwale, 2015) Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol echo the Raj Kapoor–Nargis umbrella scene from Pyaar Hua, updated for modern audiences. Sung by Arijit Singh, this song rekindles nostalgia with Pritam's composition and Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics. Taal Se Taal Mila (Taal, 1999) Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan's duet, backed by AR Rahman's blend of classical and modern beats, makes the monsoon feel like music you have to move to and completely lose yourself in its rhythm. Chori Chori Jab Nazrein Mili (Kareeb, 1998) A romantic rain song from the 1998 film Kareeb, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is sung by Kumar Sanu and Sanjivani, with music by Anu Malik. The song pulls you into a world where love is everything and easily becomes a monsoon favourite you'll want to play on repeat.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
How tall was Hulk Hogan? Exploring the physical marvel that was The Hulkster
Hulk Hogan (Image via WWE) Terry Bollea, known to the whole wide world as Hulk Hogan , was one of the biggest stars the world of wrestling ever saw, sometimes quite literally. At his prime, standing at a massive height of 6 ft 7 in, which is roughly around 201 cm tall, he was one of the tallest stars in the in-ring game who was a regular participant for decades. While he retired in 2012 from being an active wrestler, Hogan was still a part of the WWE until his last day. Unfortunately, the veteran star passed away in the morning of July 24, bidding goodbye to the world of wrestling forever. Hulk Hogan was a giant in his prime years Hulk Hogan was one of the tallest stars who played an active part in the world of wrestling. While not the tallest ever, that spot definitely belongs to Giant Gonzalez, who stood at a monstrous height of 8 ft, he was still up there. At 6 ft 7 in, Hogan was one of the tallest stars with a long-standing career, despite his hulking physique. In his prime, he even hulked over Lou Ferrigno , star of the 1970s television series, The Incredible Hulk. Allegedly, when Hulk was working the wrestling circuit in Memphis, he appeared on a local talk show alongside Ferrigno, who was 6 ft 5 in or 196 cm tall. Side by side, Hulk Hogan easily dwarfed the man who was supposed to be playing the biggest Avenger at the time. Weighing 295 pounds (134 kg) with 24-inch (61 cm) biceps, his physique was a true marvel that had fans all over the world cheering for him. With such an expansive career, he was regarded as the most recognized wrestler in the world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Hulk Hogan's multiple injuries affected him physically Several injuries and surgeries led to Hulk Hogan losing a few inches later in life. Being one of the biggest stars in wrestling meant working a lot over the years, which unfortunately, led to many health issues for the Hulkster. He had over 25 surgeries in his lifetime, and even lost a couple of inches because of problems in his spine. Hogan has had over a dozen back surgeries, neck surgeries, and knee surgeries. Also, rumor has it that 3 or so of his vertebrae shrank because of multiple injuries, which led to his losing a few inches of height. And of course, with age too, he was bound to lose some. At the end of the line, it was assumed that he was around 6 ft 4 in. Also Read: Hulk Hogan's car collection was just like him - muscly and loud - adding to his impressive net worth For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
