All posts filed under: PEOPLE

Ishani Kanani of Lukka Chhupi talks about her Creative Journey

Lukka Chhupi is to Ishani Kanani what The Chocolate Factory is to Willy Wonka. It’s an expression of urges. Kanani has created an infused mix of bright, quirky and spunky products that can liven up even the dead. Brimming with hand-crafted products using traditional textiles with block prints and tempestuous floral and unwavering geometric patterns, the venture is a box of sweet goodies that makes the heart sing for more. We sat down with the founder of Lukka Chhupi for a talk to learn more about her creative journey. Lukka Chhupi is an interesting name for a brand. What’s the story behind the decision? Lukka Chhuppi germinated as an idea and a desire to create a scrapbook of sorts; a collection of memories in the form of fabrics accumulated from various places of visit. It is a collection of memories. It is a journey as well as a destination. The story behind the name, on the other hand, begs little to no attention, as it is one of spontaneity and the spur of the moment. ‘Lukka …

On Reality, Records and Rap | Borkung Hrangkhawl

Published by Shweta Rao

Times are a-changing. India’s underground rap scene is gradually making an appearance with artists passionately rapping about social issues. Fans in the movement have quickly favored rants placed neatly around American hip-hop beats, and addressing issues like corruption, identity crisis, poverty and human rights. We had the pleasure of interviewing Borkung Hrangkhawl, better known as BK, a standout talent in the hip-hop scene. BK is among the rare glitch-hop rappers in India, blending elements of hip-hop and dubstep with a bold lyrical style and fearless musical delivery that have truly shaken up the Indian music scene. BK started out performing with New Delhi’s hip-hop group Dropsquad, and went on to release his debut album in 2013 along with Ina (his DJ), Lima Kichu (bassist), and Emmanuel (guitarist). From winning “Superstars ” and VIMA Music Awards, to having one of the fastest spreading Indian indie videos on the internet, BK has never looked back. For an artist who is independently moving forward on a musical endeavor, BK is big on bringing other local talents to the limelight. …

Being a Runway Success with Supermodel Ketholeno Kense from Nagaland

Published by Lungzeu

Ketholeno Kense is a name that needs no introduction. Just a year after winning the prestigious Kingfisher Calendar Hunt in 2014, she quickly made her mark in the industry by modelling for top designers such as Atsu Sekhose and Tarun Tahiliani. Kense is a shining example of how the Indian runway fashion scene is embracing new and distinctive personalities. Her star power has even caught the attention of renowned international publications such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue! With the essentials at hand and a unique romance with the industry, today Ketholeno is more inspired than ever to delve deeper into the craft of modelling. Roots & Leisure recently caught up with the ravishing Naga beauty to discuss her creative journey and future aspirations. R&L: We would love to know how you became who you are today. How was it for you when you first started? Leno Kense: I started modelling in college because my height presented me with a lot of opportunities. But back then, I didn’t have a serious plan to follow it …

Faces | Lovely Old Couple from Arunachal Pradesh

Published by Pooja Ghose

“We are on our way to the Gompa (Buddhist Temple). We go there every morning to meditate for an hour or two daily. We have to go uphill so it’s a bit tiring at this age, but this is how we would like to start our day . . Our children – they live in the city, and we sometimes go to visit them, but we soon start longing to come back to the hills. We like the peace and quiet here. This is our home. We have been telling our children to come back home.. but they seem caught up for now.”

Meet the Roots and Leisure Team

Published by Roots & Leisure

Roots & Leisure was founded by Tiarenla, Sungdi and Amenla from Nagaland, located in the North East of India. HOW IT ALL BEGAN . . . Roots and Leisure was founded by three of us (Tiarenla, Amenla and Sungdi) from Nagaland, which is located in the North East region of India. Our story dates back to 1994 – the year Tiaren and Sungdi met at boarding school in Darjeeling and became good friends. Fast forward 10 years, Sungdi meets Amen in Ahmedabad, while attending engineering college, and they become inseparable – almost like family. Another 10 years later, when Amen moved to Bangalore (in 2014), she finally got to meet Tiaren, after hearing so much about her from Sungdi. Over coffee, we discussed starting a passion project to try and help promote our Northeastern roots through stories of our local friends from the region. So (finally) in 2016, we decided to give it a shot, and start the project as a weekend activity. One fine Sunday, we pulled an all-nighter and launched a blog in less …

Visiting Nagaland | People, Sunsets and More

Published by Roots & Leisure

“We are visiting Nagaland for a friend’s wedding. We’re on our way to Noune resort* and had to stop for a shot of the sunset. So beautiful . . . just like the people here – so calm, warm . . . and in a quiet beautiful world of their own” *Check out details about Noune resort here. Chilling in the Longchen Homestay (which is like super homely and everything there is made with bamboo and wood) – before heading out to explore Nagaland 🙂

My Experience at Nagaland Hornbill Festival 2014

Published by Roots & Leisure

Our reader Priyanka Mhatre from Mumbai, shares her Hornbill festival with Roots and Leisure. In December 2014, one of my friends Radhika asked me to join her on a trip to Nagaland. It was a random plan with a fleeting mention about a festival called Hornbill. I always loved impromptu plans, so I agreed to go with this one as well. Luckily, we had a friend from Nagaland, who helped us book our tickets to reach the festival through a convenient route. With just a week left for the trip, I thought of looking up the web to learn more about Nagaland and the Hornbill festival. My Google search results threw up pictures that looked amazing. Apparently, the festival was organized in a hilly area where the local tribes participated to showcase their culture and lifestyle. I also came to know that our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi was scheduled to grace the festival with his presence. This wasn’t some obscure festival after all. I was going to be a part of something big! I …

Catching up with an old Classmate during Navratri

Published by Roots & Leisure

“Alumni Night [at CEPT,Ahmedabad] is something I always look forward to – since it happens during Navratri.Friends from from all over come together to attend this one night of dancing. It’s like you never left. . . . and to be back here again in the same campus – catching with an old friend is just perfect.” “I had a long day but I’ll never be too tired to dress up for the night. It’s like the best thing about Navratri – wearing a chaniya choli! 🙂 Law garden (in Ahmedabad) have an amazing collection of traditional stuffs – especially the jewellery!”

Meet Keren Longkumer from LOQ | The Sole Whisperer from Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

How many of us are familiar with the concept of the American Dream? This grand aspiration has inspired countless individuals worldwide, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and achieve great success in America. We had the opportunity to meet Keren Longkumer, a courageous young talent hailing from Northeast India, who embodies this spirit. Keren was born in Medziphima, spent some years in Kohima, and completed her education in Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh. Following her academic journey, she embarked on a path to Los Angeles to study shoe design—a decision that would prove to be fateful. In this vibrant city, she crossed paths with another budding artist, Valerie Quant, who shared Keren’s passion for unconventional forms, proportions, materials, and meticulous attention to detail. Today, both Keren and Valerie proudly stand as co-founders of LOQ, an internationally recognized footwear brand with operations spanning four cities and a thriving online presence. With a bold vision to redefine classic designs for modern women, LOQ aims to unveil a new perspective on women’s shoes. Here’s an exclusive interview with Keren Longkumer …

Photos and Video | Ziro Festival of Music 2016

Published by Roots & Leisure

Some of our readers have shared some lovely photos for those of us who couldn’t make it to the festival. The location is beautiful and it definitely looks like a lot of fun out there! Check out the photos and a video. Hope you enjoy it 🙂 Waiting for the shows to begin! And there’s food as well! Oh just in case it’s not obvious, our friend (Sukesh) is trying to eat a grasshopper. Slurp! Members SOFYIUM and Koloma bands warming up before the show. Italian band Gramlines playing at the fest Photo courtesy : Naren Jamatia, Rohan Abraham