How Strela Luwang beat epilepsy to represent Manipur in Miss India



International Desk
photo: collected

photo: collected

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No matter the competition, the home advantage is real, we are told. Thousands cheering for you every time your name is announced can only be a good thing, right? And imagine if you win? The noise, the cheers, and the memories will remain forever etched in your memories.

But Strela Thounaojam Luwang, Femina Miss Manipur, who will walk down the ramp of Femina Miss India 2023 in her home town of Imphal, is already a winner and an example for several people. And in some ways, her name has already made it to history books: she will forever be the person who represented Manipur the first time the state hosted the prestigious event.

“Excited is a word that cannot even express my feelings right now. I’m ecstatic, to be fair, and I must say Manipur is ready to welcome the whole country with huge smiles and open arms,” Strela told EastMojo over the phone from Mumbai, just days before landing in Manipur for the final leg.

“It’s a proud moment for Strela, as she represents Manipur with grace and dignity p, showcasing the beauty of sisterhood and the unity in diversity of India’s diverse culture,” wrote Femina Miss India on Facebook.

On Friday, after undergoing intensive sessions in Mumbai for a month, contestants from 28 states and two union territories arrived in Imphal City, the capital of Manipur, for the pageant’s grand finale.

Difficult journey, resilient Strela
Strela Luwang started her career in modelling at the age of 14 and always dreamt of participating in the pageant. “I am so thankful for all the love and support I’ve received from the people of Manipur. It is definitely not an overnight success. I would say it came with lots of hard work and effort as I’ve been preparing and praying for this for more than five years,” said Luwang.

But as is often the case, the reality was starkly different to her dreams.

Born to Thounaojam Ratan Luwangcha and Ashalata Chingsubam of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai, Strela, the sixth among eight siblings, suffered from seizures during her youth. Luwang said that life was not easy when she was young, and her parents bore most of the suffering.

“I’m so thankful and sorry to them even today,” she said, adding, “I call it a blessing and not a hurdle. When I was sick and immobile, I had imagined a life I wanted to live in the future when I finally overcame my illness. I must say: those visions are why I am here today, living and working hard for the life I imagined then.”

Thankfully, seizures are now a thing of the past, and she is gracefully living her dreams with dignified, hard work and confidence, now hoping to bring home the Femina Miss India title.

Sharing her experience at Femina Miss India thus far, Luwang said, “The journey has been amazing, and I am also looking forward to making more memories and bonding with the few days left. The team is very supportive and kind. Our managers are our best friends. We can go to them for anything. They will offer a shoulder when we need to cry.”

The glamour industry is known for cut-throat competition and lack of empathy, however, for Luwang, her co-contestants were the ones who gave her strength and comfort.

“We would fool around when the situation is a little grim and have a pep talk if any of us is facing an issue, that is the sisterhood we have for one another,” she said.

Besides modelling, Strela, a former cabin crew, is pursuing her business studies in Manipur. During her free time, she loves to write, sing and play the ukulele, which, she says, is ‘her cradle of comfort and joy’ amid her hectic lifestyle.

A different industry, a reformed outlook
According to the beauty queen from Manipur, the concept and focus of beauty pageants changed drastically over the years.

“The once-appreciated preachy answers and speeches are less appreciated right now. Today, a beauty queen is someone relatable. She can make mistakes, doesn’t have to be perfect or look perfect in every way possible. That feeling of reachability will inspire the younger generations to have the same passion,” she said.

So, today the changes are evident not only concerning inner beauty or outer beauty, it is about self-acceptance and assurance. “I must say it is pretty successful in its way,” added Luwang, also a social influencer.

Luwang has over 45,000 followers on Instagram and several thousands more on other social platforms.

“My followers are my friends, their love and support have been what made me go about when doubts shadow my mind and I am so thankful to them for always being there for me,” she said.

   

Baby Nazneen lost her mother



Entertainment Desk, Barta24.com
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Popular singer Baby Nazneen has lost her mother. On the morning of 17th April, her mother Abida Mansoor died in Bangladesh Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment. (Inna lillahi wa---- Rajiun). She was 75 years old.

She was suffering from various problems including kidney complications for a long time. She is survived by three daughters, one son, grandchildren and many other great-grandchildren. According to family sources of Baby Nazneen, she was buried at Banani graveyard after Zohar prayer on Wednesday. On April 16, Baby Nazneen left for Japan from the US for professional reasons. She got the news of her mother's death from there. She is scheduled to return to Dhaka soon. She asked everyone to pray for her mother.



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Popular singer Khalid passed away



Entertainment Desk, Barta24.com
Picture: Collected

Picture: Collected

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Khalid, vocalist of popular musician Chaime band, has passed away (innalillahi wainna ilahi rajioun).

He died on Monday (March 18) around 7:15 pm. The singer's body is said to be at Comfort Hospital, Green Road.

This information was confirmed by lyricist and composer Prince Mahmud.

Among the notable songs sung by Khalid are– Saralater Pratime, Jatata Megh hole Brishti namey, Kono karonei ferano gelo takey, Hoyne jabaro bela, Jodi himalay theke dukkho ashe, Tumi nei tai.  

The songs of Khalid, the artist of numerous popular songs, were once on the lips of the neighborhood listeners, played in various shops including Bipani Bitan. 

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Rabindra Musician Sadi Mohammed passes away



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com, Dhaka
ছবি: সংগৃহীত

ছবি: সংগৃহীত

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Rabindra Musician Sadi Mohammed passed away. It was initially reported that he committed 'suicide'.

His death was reported after evening on Wednesday (March 13). Shamim Ara Neepa, a family friend of the legendary dancer and artist, told the media. His body is currently at Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital.

When asked about the cause of such death, Neepa said, "He went into a state of trauma after his mother's death." He was not exactly normal mentally. Perhaps he could not bear the pain of losing his mother. This is how it went. He fasted on Wednesday. He had iftar too. After that, I think he has decided to migrate to the country of no return.

It is to be noted that last year on July 8, mother Jebunnesa Salimullah (96) died of old age disease. Since then, this music star was suffering from mental depression due to various reasons.

Mohammadpur Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Tofazzal Hossain told the media that Sadi Mohammad's hanging body was found in the room where he used to sing. He is believed to have committed suicide. The people of the house shouted and did not get his response. Later they broke the door and found the body hanging inside. Police recovered the body around 8 pm after receiving the information.

Sadi Mohammad received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music from Visva Bharati University. In 2007, he made his debut as a composer with the album Mee Saippa Bhorer Shisire. In 2009 his album Shravan Akash and in 2012 his album Sarthak Janam Amar were released. He was also working as director of cultural organization Ravirag.

Sadi Mohammad is the son of a martyred father in the first hours of the liberation war. His father's name is Shaheed Salimullah. In 1971, the house C-12/10 on Taj Mahal Road, Mohammadpur was one of the hotbeds of the freedom movement. Dhaka Metropolitan Awami League leader Salimullah's house used to have regular meetings with the top leaders of the party, Bangabandhu's son Shaheed Sheikh Kamal also used to come.

On March 23, 1971, in that house on Taj Mahal Road, Sadi Mohammad's father Salimullah flew the flag of Bangladesh, that flag was sewn by Sadi-Shibli's mother Jebunnesha Salimullah.

Salimullah's house became the target of attack by non-Bengali Biharis and Pakistani troops on March 26, 1971, due to the flag flying. The whole house was burnt, Salimullah was shot dead. 

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It Was An Experience Like No Other : Azra Mahmood



Azra Mahmood, Renowned Model And Fashion Choreographer
Azra Mahmood in Paris Fashion Week (left)

Azra Mahmood in Paris Fashion Week (left)

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Attending Mugler's Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection showcase at the iconic Lycée Carnot School during Paris Fashion Week was an extraordinary privilege for me and my husband, Dewan Muhammad Sajid Afzal. We were graciously invited by Thierry Mugler's VIP and Media Relations Lead, Aiyda Mehnaz, and it was an experience like no other.

Azra Mahmood's Husband Dewan Muhammad Sajid Afzal

Before delving into the show itself, let's appreciate the historical significance of the Lycée Carnot School, established in 1869. This esteemed institution has nurtured notable figures such as former French President Jacques Chirac, World Trade Organization President Pascal Lamy, theologian Alexander Schiemann, and even members of the renowned electronic music group Daft Punk. The school's architectural splendor provided a fitting backdrop for Mugler's captivating presentation. And standing in such a setting and watching a Mugler show at a major event like Paris Fashion Week is a completely different experience for me.

Mugler's fashion show

Knowing Mugler's penchant for bold experimentation with solid colors, particularly shades of black, my husband and I opted for attire reflecting this aesthetic. I adorned a newly designed saree by the House of Ahmed, featuring a leather blouse with zardozi embroidered sleeves and intricate beadwork throughout. Meanwhile, Sajid, also the CEO of Shanta Lifestyle, donned a striking black silk and velvet tuxedo designed by Mehruz Munir of Zurhem, adorned with glamorous beading on the velvet portion.

Mugler's fashion show unfolded as a theatrical spectacle, deviating from conventional runway presentations. Forty-one models graced the catwalk, initially emerging in groups as curtains gradually unveiled the majestic hall of the Lycée Carnot School. Mugler's signature bold and feminine style shone through, highlighted by the predominant use of black, complemented by accents of red and unexpected prints.

Azra Mahmood

The show's culmination saw all models returning to the runway, unveiling the backstage to the audience—a poignant gesture honoring the often-overlooked contributors behind the scenes. The seamless execution of the event captured everyone's attention, transcending the presence of VIPs and celebrities in the front row, a testament to Mugler's captivating vision.

The presence of celebrities such as Mia Khalifa, Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz, and Korean superstar Junghua further elevated the ambiance of the event. For me, attending wasn't just about witnessing fashion; it was an opportunity to gain insight into the intricacies of such grand productions and how they differ from those in my home country.

brooklyn beckham and nichola peltz

Mugler's ability to maintain an aura of mystery without overt branding was striking. The punctuality of the show, starting and ending precisely on time, underscored a level of professionalism often overlooked by some of our designers.

Fashion TV (FTV) served as my gateway into the realm of fashion, captivating me with its coverage of Fashion Week events. FTV, alongside Paris Fashion Week, has been instrumental in shaping my journey, allowing me to foster beauty, innovation, and dreams. Embarking on my choreography career in 2004, the culmination of two decades has brought me to the pinnacle of attending such prestigious events as a spectator.

Mugler's fashion show

The sensation of experiencing Fashion Week in person is incomparable, evoking a profound sense of fulfillment and transformation. Reflecting on the quality of our work, I find reassurance in the fact that we stand on par with international standards. Contemplating the possibility of stepping away from my craft, I'm filled with a sense of contentment, recognizing the strides we've made. Our modeling industry has seen notable improvements, even if there's a slight lag in technical aspects, it's marginal in comparison.

This realization fuels my resolve to continue pushing boundaries and refining our craft. The journey from spectator to participant has imbued me with a deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication that underpin the fashion world. As I navigate this landscape, I carry with me the aspiration to perpetuate excellence and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Azra Mahmood

In the quiet moments after the show, overwhelmed by emotion, I realized the profound impact of being present at such a significant event. It was a deeply inspiring experience, reaffirming my commitment to raising the standards of my country's fashion industry to global acclaim. This satisfaction resonates deeply within me, propelling me forward with renewed vigor and purpose.

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