Issue / Editor's Note, Spring 2006

by Anokhi Admin

Editor’s Note, Spring 2006

Nov 19, 2013

The ongoing buzz continues around South Asian becoming one of the largest and fastest growing visible minority groups in North America. And we’ve watched marketers who ignore these affluent consumers do so at their peril.

As part of this learning curve, marketing have come to realize that South Asian don’t respond to mainstream as campaigns that are simply translated into different languages, and more importantly, that South Asians can’t be stereotyped. As a response, many senior executives from ‘A list’ companies now meet with South Asian advisory panels two or three times a year to assess communications strategy and new product offerings and discuss which sponsorships will best increase the company’s profile within the South Asian community.

Reaching out to a group of people in their own terms, building relationships and developing trust are key to ensuring that no stereotypical boxes emerge.

The same thinking applies to each issue of ANOKHI in the development stage of our editorial. And so, our spring lineup, a reflection of the patchwork of interests our diverse readers have, clearly cannot be stereotyped!

After getting your dose of Bollywood from our interview with Shah Rukh Khan, described by Time magazine as “the world’s biggest movie star in terms of recognition”, peruse the fashion pages to find out what fastidious designers Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Robit Bal and Varija Bajaj have to say about trends on the global catwalk this season. And read about a young designer from Montreal, Hardip Manku, who is known for his fashion aplomb just as much as he is for his turban.

If spring and spunk are interchangeable, this would explain our perspective section this issue. Find out from first-hand experience what it’s like to attend a pole dancing class, which not only aerobicizes the body but also empowers the mind and spirit! Next, learn about tantra, the practice of celebrating love and keeping it nourished by harnessing the potency of desire and pursuing bliss versus suppressing it. At the core of tantra lies a current of energy, and understanding the 7-7-7 program will help you work with this energy and embrace and integrate natural part of your being.

If you’re looking to give your tired walls at home a facelift or upgrade that cozy space, spring is a great time to get a fresh new perspective. But thinking about renovations can make your head spin. Where should you start? Check into our how-to feature with a decorating consultant to find ways to take a small budget and do big things to revitalize a room.

Then, become inspired by Sooni Taraporevala, revered for her panache in writing screenplays for films like Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, Such a Long Journey and The Namesake, which takes us on the eye-pleasing journey through her new book PARSIS – The Zoroastrians of India; A Photographic Journey.

Our cover story this issue features sing/songwriter/actress Thara, who is climbing the ladder of success completely on her own terms. Her young, fresh perspective on life is endearing.

As always, hope you enjoy, and please give us your feedback.