Name: Shweta Kunoor

Designation: Actor, model

Sun Sign: Cancer

Education:
I have studied in different cities as my father would get transferred from place to place. I have studied in eight to nine schools - Bangalore, Pune, Willingdon, Jaipur, Indore amongst others. I completed my graduation but didn't pursue further studies.

Entry into the world of modelling and advertising:
While I was studying in Pune, I got my portfolio done. It was just a spontaneous move and I didn't take it very seriously at that point of time. Almost immediately, I bagged the Fair & Lovely cream campaign. Over the years, I have done campaigns for Fair & Lovely creams and soaps. I have also worked in films made for Dabur, Wrigley's amongst others.

View about the controversy over the "fairness" ad:
I don't believe in discriminating people based on their skin colour. However, I do believe that in certain areas of the country, several women face problems due to dark skin. Down south India, "fairness" is the in thing. Well, the strategists of that particular ad must have done their homework. While, we were shooting for the ad, we didn't believe that it would create antagonistic feelings. I feel that things have been blown out of proportion needlessly.

Difference between ad films and feature films:
Ad films have a shorter duration and most of them get over before 25 days. Client requirements are given more importance. In the case of feature films, the unit members spend more time with one another due to longer schedules. There is ample scope for improvisations and innovations. New ways of expressing creativity are sought and discovered.

Entry into feature films:
I used to get several offers for doing feature films - especially from south India. Between 1999 and 2003, I have done 16 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Kanada and Telugu. I have acted with some of the leading actors of south like Ajith, Kartik and Mamooty. She won the "Best Debut - Actress" for Telugu for the film Chala Bagundi in the year 2000.

My first Hindi film that will be releasing soon will be Ramgopal Varma's Darna Mana Hai. However, my real debut will be in a movie produced by Percept Picture Company - CU@9. The movie is being directed by debutant director Marlon Rodrigues who began his career as a promo director with Channel V and MTV and has been involved with popular shows like BPL Oye, Videocon Mangta Hai,
Liberty First Day First show, Bacardi Blast, MTV Fresh, MTV Bakra, Smirnoff Mega mix amongst others.

CU@9 is a spine chilling thriller about revenge, betrayal and self-styled justice. A mystery that explores the darker side of the human mind. Aimed at targeting the contemporary youth, the movie is an edge-of-the seat tale of deceit that guarantees to blow your mind. I play a double role in the film.

Impression of television:
I hate Indian television - I can't stand it and get irritated. I feel that it lacks depth. I hate it when my mother watches the meaningless serials. Things must change.

Things I would like to change about the glamour world:
I would like the audiences to change their tastes so that the people associated with the world of films can make better movies. At present, everyone is sticking to the tested formula. The audiences rarely accept change.

Five years from now:
I see myself touching peaks of popularity and working with famous well-known directors. However, I am sure that I shall never work in a television serial. Even if I don't have work, I would prefer to sit at home rather than work on TV.

Name: Edna Samuel

Designation: Advertising & PR professional

Sun Sign: Gemini

Education:
I completed my graduation from Mumbai University. The fondest memories I have of my college life include the fact that I was chosen as Miss Thane (a district in Maharashtra) during college days. Education is important, but, I believe that my advertising career has been shaped by on-the-job-training, knowledge and experience.

Entry into the world of advertising, event management and public relations:
I started my career with Midas Touch in 1993 headed Shriji Bhattacharya. In 1994, I moved to Shrusti Communications and then to The Asian Independent Network, part of Harshad Mehta group of companies. I was an associate producer for fashion shows that were going to be aired on C&S channels.

Since 1997, I have been with Motif Advertising. I handle clients such as Dream Team Productions (a production house that has done several shows on either Zee TV and other channels). At present, they are planning a travel show with Nafisa Ali as the host. The pilot for the bilingual show (Hindi and Urdu) has been shot in Vienna, Austria.

Very soon, I shall be a part of the PR and advertising cell of Parvez and Vispi Damania promoted Farsight Risk Management Consultants. Farsight will target high value clients in the business of non-life insurance and reinsurance business. I have worked with the Damanias on other projects earlier.

I have worked for the ICICI Prudential and the Housing division event. I have also worked on accounts such as Shinrai Toyota, Le Meridien amongst others. I have also undertaken above the line activities such as printing jobs, banners, posters. I have serviced clients in smaller towns - for instance a hotel in Kolhapur that is on the verge of opening a sports bar. I have worked with Simon Davidson who was involved with InMumbai Miss Mumbai show. At present, I am working on the account of Davidson's multi-level marketing project - Forever Living Products.

We also have an existing relationship with a Muscat based agency called Knowledge Garden promoted by Priti Kambli.

I shall also be working with an Israel based association called Club International that has plans to do a Johny Lever show in Israel sometime in August.

Impression of television:
I rarely watch TV - if at all, I prefer to watch news channels and music channels. I feel that some of the TV serials have some great production values but poor storylines that drag on till eternity. Also, audiences are lapping up the fare as it is the only source of cheap entertainment.

Things I would like to change about the advertising business:
There is a lack of quality manpower - especially smaller agencies find it difficult to source creative personnel. However, the number of free lance operators in all the departments - be it creative or media or strategic planning - has increased phenomenally. Despite our willingness to pay, we find it difficult to get talented people at the right time.

Five years from now:
The emphasis will be on bagging as many new clients as possible and grow at triple figure rates. The entertainment industry will be a sunrise industry with so many independent producers who are creating content on both terrestrial and C&S channels. Certainly, I see myself heading a bigger entity.

Name: Avantika Meattle

Designation: Film-making, freelance camerawoman

Entry into the field of filmmaking:
Most of us are not very sure about what profession we should adopt post school. In school, I preferred to take science and later in college, took up economic honours. But, all along I wanted to be somebody and achieve something special in life.

I was always interested in photography. During my college days that I picked up my dad's Nikon camera and started shooting. Whenever the camera showed green light I would click, without planning or having knowledge of technical details. I coaxed my friends to model till they were quite sick and tired of my persuasion. Water and fire has always fascinated me, I used to make my friends splash their face with water repeatedly to get the effect that I had envisaged.

During third year of my college, I decided to work for an event management company to get first hand knowledge of media and its interaction. At that time my classmates were concentrating on CAT, whilst I used to loiter around; and of course, play badminton for my college.

After my BA, I applied to Sophia College in Mumbai for a Mass Communication course. We were taught different aspects of Mass Communication. I grew extremely fond of camera and used to take pleasure in being the official photographer of my class group.

Professional experience:
After graduating from Sophia, I was supposed to return to Delhi. However, I felt it would be a great idea if I had some practical experience. This experience changed my focus in life from ordinary "Click! Click!" girl to a professional.

I decided to call a few cinematographers since I knew literally no one in Mumbai. On a sunny Sunday morning, I decided to call Santosh Sivan - I had learnt a lot and seen several movies directed by him. I was surprised when he invited me to come immediately and meet him. Before I even realized, I was assisting him on the film Asoka -an experience of my life!

My most memorable experience:
The making of Asoka was definitely an intriguing and an extraordinary experience. I was working with a talented and a creative cameraman - and I couldn't have asked for more. On the first day of the shoot, I just stood with the clapboard. I had never experienced an actual film production before! I was very impressed to see the professionalism and dedication of the entire unit. It was a dream come true! Actually, I hadn't even dreamt of such a break.

Production houses versus films:
After Asoka was complete, I started working a lot on advertisement films. I was handling ad filmmaker Ravi Deshpande's Delhi office. Working for ads is a completely different scenario.

Here at the ad agency, delivery dates of the project are of prime importance. Ad projects are little more impersonal,
whereas in a feature film, you are deeply involved. Actually one is sleeping, eating and contemplating about the same theme until the film is complete.

For me, I could relate more with feature films than ads. In a feature film, one develops a passion, association and the whole scenario becomes personal. You imagine yourself as part of the happenings. Here, you can innovative and improvise on the creative aspects. However, in ad films you work on constraints such as the theme and the time frame.

Ad agencies and production houses relations:
Well! It really depends from agency to agency and the creative directors associated with it. Some agencies have brilliant ideas - they trust the director and give him independence/freedom to make the film. Some clients, however, have a habit to interfere. Sometimes, there is a predicament when the agency assumes that they have created an award-winning concept and expect the ad film maker to deliver the goods - meaning awards!!!

Most of the time, client servicing people are bothered about the theoretical aspect of the shoot and the
instructions. They do not acknowledge that during the practical shoot, there is so much of creativity and imagination that can be translated for the enhancement of the film.

My idol:
Well it is Santosh Sivan! He makes the most difficult shot simple. It is an experience to see him work. He is so creative and has a grasp of the scene - a quality which makes the complicated scene a child's play. For Santosh, camera is his favourite toy and he definitely loves to play around with it. You should see his face; it glows up upon seeing the camera. His movie Terrorist was really a delight. There are only a few cinematographers who can match his level, his energy and his sense of humour!

Recent experiences:
Now, I am freelance camerawoman, I made a few short documentaries and just finished shooting for MTV in Delhi.

The last advertisement I shot was for Ravi Deshpande Pictures. We were shooting with a 35 mm and a DV simultaneously for a "British Petroleum" ad. I was doing production and camera for the shoot. I was really tired, the heat was getting to me and was trying to hold the camera steady. Being squashed between all the equipment, my fingers automatically started quivering against the camera. I was trying to control but the shake just wouldn't stop. It was a nerve wrecking time. I knew the agency and Ravi were expecting a perfect shot. This thought made me feel worse. But thank God, everything went ok and everybody was happy.

On honing of my skills:
It is very important to stay abreast of new technical innovations in advertising and feature films. In advertising, I read international award magazines and watch T.V. contemplating how I can improve my skills. In features films, I love watching classic movies. I appreciate European cinema and can spend hours reading about it. With each film, it is an awesome learning experience. From Tarkovsky to Kieslowski to Indian filmmakers like Guru Dutt and Satyajit Ray. It is overwhelming to read the historical facts about Indian movies and learn how it progressed from Phalke to now.

There has also been a revolution in the movie equipment - accessories and hardware. Even the new techniques get obsolete very fast until one keeps track of what is happening around the world. Magazines like American Cinematography are of great assistance.

However modern techniques and hardware do not always make a great film. It is only with inner passion and versatility; with simple equipment, dedication and hard work that a great movie is created. New techniques do make different with three-dimensional effects but great movies are made with simple equipment. Movies like Potemkin, Pather Panchali amongst others are classic examples.

Five years from now:
I see myself in the same business and becoming better and better. In this field, passion is the most important thing. One can overcome anything hurled at you, if you are willing to work hard, love what you are doing and be true to your work and yourself. One can even achieve stars.

Name: Manoj Dhanwani

Designation: Managing Director Megan Impex

Sun Sign: 23 September, cusp Virgo-Libra

Foray into the business of watches and timepieces:
I was initiated into the horological field when I used to stay in Dubai. Very soon, I expanded the company's existing range of brand of watches in the low-segment, mid-segment range and a few Swiss brands.

On returning to Mumbai, I decided to launch Megan Impex along with my partners (actually family members) and took the plunge into the watch business. More so because it was the natural choice after the successful stint abroad. It also gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion in dealing with 'Fashion and Lifestyle' branded watches especially in the mid-segment.

Bringing the Giordano brand to India:
We brought the Hong Kong based international brand, Giordano Timewear, to India. The brand Giordano Timewear caught my imagination and fascination. "Giordano Timewear" represented excellence in craftsmanship and innovative designing and best of all: value-for-money. In the mid-segment Giordano Timewear had a distinct edge in quality, workmanship and pricing.

The challenge was to scale up distribution, marketing, communication and the product mix. This smooth transition was facilitated by an in-depth study of the prevailing conditions in the Indian horological market.

At present, Giordano Timewear is now available in 125 outlets in 20 prime centers of India. The retail outlets, carefully chosen by Megan Impex team consists of a mix of traditional outlets (retail points for watch trade) and non-traditional outlets (departmental stores, fashion and boutiques. In fact, retailers prefer to keep Giordano watches in their stores as the product has carved out a niche for itself amongst Indian consumers.

Stint in modeling:
For someone who stumbled into modelling accidentally, I suppose I attained quick success within a short time span. In a short span of time, I had completed a wide gamut of advertising assignments. In fact, my varied repertoire of work at a young age would even make a veteran model envious.

My first ever ad film was for Hongkong Bank, in which I played an upmarket businessman. People identify me with the picture perfect torso baring ad film for "Provogue Shirts" and the "Pepsodent" commercial in which I enacted the role of a 37-year old. Nothing could highlight my versatility more than the fact that he was simultaneously playing a teenager in the film as well as a 37 year old in an ad film, when in real, Manoj happens to be a 26 year old young man.

My versatility as a model left a lasting impression on both the advertising agencies as well as the audiences - even today people remember me. Top fashion gurus like Hemant Trivedi swear by me - I was a favourite for both ramp as well as fashion catalogues.

In just a few months, my ascending ad film career graph included work of repute. A sample of which is press advertisements for Bajaj Auto, Bisleri Soda, Sheetal Catalogue, Jeaneration shirts, Spykar Trousers, Cotton World Cup (UK), covers for three health magazines.

TV stint:

I have done TV commercials such as Pepsodent Toothpaste, Apollo Tyres, Provogue Shirts, HSBC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Finance, Boomer Bubble gum. I have acted in TV serials such as Anand Mahendroo's Fitness Programme Body Basics. I have also done music videos such as Abhijeet's Karz (Remix) and K Vikas' Jaane Jaana. I often watch television - provided I get time.

Foray into films:
Besides being an accomplished model, I managed to make a mark even in films. I acted in Columbia Tri-Star's Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi produced by Tyger Films. I ended up tapping my hidden potential as a natural yet controlled performer.

My character, a 17-year old teenager named 'Haklu' captured the hearts of both young and old.

My strengths:
My captivating smile, my chiselled six pack body, my ability to look both - a boy next door as well as a dashing hunk of a man. These qualities have enabled me to enact numerous characters in ads with much ease.

His ability to portray a unique "personality" and "cherish life" attitude are depicted at every stage of his social and professional life!

Five years from now:
To successfully mix business with modelling! I hope that Giordano becomes very popular in various parts of the country. To introduce several new watch brands in India.

Name: Gauri Shinde

Designation: Creative films and in-house director, Lowe

Sun Sign: Cancer, 6 July 1973

About my career:
I have been at Lowe for the last four years. I was doing in-house production at Bates before that for a year. I had co-directed documentaries and worked on various documentaries before that.

Recently, I made a short fiction film for which I was invited to the Berlin International film festival. I have been supervising the production of advertising films at Lowe; but now I have also got into direction of films too. I have been involved right from pre-production to post production of films, as an interface between Lowe and production houses.

Career in ad films being an unplanned one:
No, my career in films was not planned, I wanted to be a writer and was fascinated by films. But, when I got a chance to be close to films, that's all I have wanted to do ever since. It has been a great learning experience at Lowe. This is the place where I started my career as an ad filmmaker in the last one year.

I took a break and I did a course on film making from New York in 2001. There, I worked on a short fiction film, a five-minute film on man-woman relationship. When I came back from New York, I got my first break in direction. Balki (R. Balakrishnan) had always supported me and then it was decided, I will direct the Fair and Lovely commercial.

On first directorial assignment:
The first film I directed was the Fair and Lovely (F&L) under eye dark circle remover cream (the "matching") commercial. This I would say was my most challenging assignment. It was a huge responsibility, firstly it being a Levers brand, secondly it was the launch of this variant for F&L. This also is my most cherished work, because it being my first and it doing so well.

I was sweetly shocked. Lot of credit goes to Balki and Lowe, for giving me an opportunity to work on this commercial.

The entire film was complete in less than a month. Pre-production took two weeks, followed by two and a half days of shoot. Post production was complete in a week. Frankly speaking, I had sleepless nights but I am very happy it came out pretty well.

It feels great when any actor does well and gets more work and recognition. For instance, the young girl, who says "matching-matching", got lot of offers after F&L ad. Here mother came to me and told me she was being referred as "matching-matching" kid. She is getting offers on the basis of her work in the commercial so it feels great.

Also, I got to know MTV had made spoof of this commercial. Even cartoons have made in a national daily, so feels great. I am trying to direct more films now and also continue to supervise Lowe films, which are being sourced from outside (other directors).

On advertising becoming television-oriented:
Yes, we can very safely say advertising is television led. It is the most powerful medium, as we all already know. And almost everyone has access to it. It is the best form of communication because with film, language is never a real barrier. Plus, our country is such a film crazy nation and to people like us, what best way to communicate to but through film. I can only talk about the kind of advertising we do at Lowe.

I think advertising is back to realism. Time is up for unnecessary gloss and glamour. So much so that we see a lot of real characters and real stories with nuances that one can relate to. Consumers can see through any fraud that your trying to push, so some amount of sincerity works. Technically, ad films have become more superior.

In today's world, producers cannot afford to relax and have to be updated with knowledge - especially of the way in which films all around the world are made. While doing an ad film, producer needs to take immense care at every stage to see that the quality of the film does not suffer at any point. Or else, there is always another producer to take his place.

Hectic schedule of being supervisor and in-house director:
I love it most when I am busy. In fact, when I am not busy I get restless.

My idol:
I do not really idolise anyone but admire the work some people have done. I have admired Balki for a lot of the path breaking work that he has done; and for his sheer passion for advertising and films. I admire a few current filmmakers in India like Shivendra for his hardcore realism in advertising films. And then I admire some works of some international directors like Frank Budgen, Tom Tykwer amongst others.

Hobbies:
Besides film-making, I love traveling and doing pottery.

Name: Oliver Sean

Designation: Singer

Sun Sign: Gemini

An introduction:
I am India's first truly international complete musician with Indian roots - a singer with a unique style, a songwriter, an arranger and producer all rolled into one - a complete musician. The greatest compliment I received was from veteran musician Remo Fernandes who said: "Oliver has cool songs, warm charm, sex appeal, killer looks - everything it takes to go very, very far". His music is a fusion of blues-n-rock with a smattering of the tabla and yet mainstream so that everyone can identify with it at different levels!

The early years:
Born in Goa to an Italian father & Portuguese-Goan mother, I began singing on stage at the early age of four. Influenced by my family of musicians, I picked up the guitar at the age of eight. I started writing my own songs by the time I was 11; and at age 13 I was tutoring other kids older than me on how to play the guitar, keyboards & drums. People were not surprised when I got a scholarship in school for the most outstanding student in music.

At 13, I joined the band 'Knights' and moved onto to the band 'India' at age 15. Finally, at age 17, I started my own band 'Cloud 9'. I relocated to Dubai at age 20, where I pursued an MBA while simultaneously doing live performances and eventually setting up a recording studio there. Then, I went on to release my first single There She Is Again under my own record label 'WOA International' which received a lot of critical acclaim and airplay.

Then I went to California and enrolled at the Recording Institute of Technology at Musicians Institute, so as to learn more about Sound Engineering & Production and later moved to London to explore avenues there. I was soon offered to perform at the Mick Jagger Centre, which led to more performances there.

Impressed with my original compositions and singing style, Waterfall Studios and SKY TV contacted me to record live and subsequently put three videos of my live performances across the SKY TV Network across Europe and America. I have been travelling between the UK and India ever since.

About my debut album:
My debut album I like it has had a soft-launch in the UK and India. It has songs I have written over the years. It has been completely recorded and produced by me primarily in my Dubai studio with the finishing touches given at my Goa Studio.

I have played different styles of music over the years. This is reflected in my songwriting in the album - from blues to country and rock - all this with a fusion of acoustic guitars and tablas - a clear reflection of the fusion of my cultures!

My lyrics talk about love, longing and life, but remain boyishly uncomplicated - with trademark references to Goa - sand, surf and bikinis. However, what enhances the album further is my unique singing style and some clean guitar-playing!

I dedicate this album to my uncle late Victor Alvares - who was a legendary 'bass' guitarist with Remo's band "The Microwave Pappadums'.

The songs on the album include Tonite (a blues rock song with a cool acoustic guitar twist), I Like It (a classic rock song with an unique blend of tablas with the acoustic guitar); Nicole - a unique fusion element on a predominantly country style song, amongst others.

I will be officially launching another album with the video I Like It in June '03 followed by a whirlwind promotional tour across India and abroad. A second video Nicole will be on-air after the promotional tour.

My live act:
The Oliver Sean band comprises a drummer, a key-boardist, a bassist, a tabla player (with a violinist joining-in at times as a guest musician). My live act is a high-energy act with a lot of visual impact reminiscent of International classic rock acts, blended with my charisma and killer looks.

Generally, I prefer playing original songs at my shows, because I strongly believe that "musicians should not get stuck into the rut of playing covers, but should make an effort to write their own stuff and play their originals when they perform live.

However, I do indulge in the rare performance of classic rock songs such as Satisfaction (Rolling Stones) and I Shot the Sheriff amongst others. But these too are improvised by us - giving the songs a flavour of his own ! Another aspect of my live performances is my 'unplugged' session where I enthrall the audiences all alone - just myself and my acoustic guitar !

I have performed extensively in the Middle East and the UK and of course around India as well. However, one of my favourite places to perform remains at the beach concerts in Goa 'cos I truly believe that the audience there really knows how to party.

What I feel about my industry:
It's a tough industry, but if you have the talent and belief - there is nothing to stop you". This belief and confidence is reflected in my ability of getting the crowds to sing along and enjoy with my originals due to their simple-yet-meaningful lyrics and catchy hook-lines, developed with years of experience performing live.

Where I see myself after five years:
I see myself being a part of this great industry. I would be seen producing albums for talented new, young artistes and lending a helping hand to promote them.

One thing's for sure - my music and performances is gonna get you saying - I LIKE IT!!