While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Madikeri :
In a notable achievement for Indian winter sports, Thekkada Bhavani from Kodagu has secured a silver medal at the Merino Muster cross-country skiing event held at Snow Farm in New Zealand.
Competing in the Women’s 30s age category for the 21 km race on August 22, Bhavani completed the course in 1:34:38, making her the first Indian woman to both participate in and win a medal at an official Worldloppet Skiing Federation event.
The Merino Muster stands as one of New Zealand’s premier long-distance cross-country skiing competitions and serves as a key leg on the international Worldloppet circuit.
While the main event spans 42 km, the 21 km race offered Bhavani a strategic platform to venture into long-distance racing and ski-marathon formats.
Bhavani’s remarkable finish in New Zealand is another addition to her recent international successes.
During the 2025-26 winter season, Bhavani earned distinction as the first Indian woman to win an International Skiing and Snowboard Federation (FIS) medal.
She also holds the honour of being the first Indian cross-country skier to qualify and race in the FIS Cross-Country Ski World Cup, expanding her competitive range from sprint and distance races into long-distance endurance circuits.
Bhavani is currently undergoing an extended international training program at Snow Farm. Her preparation and international exposure have been made possible through financial and logistical backing from the Reliance Foundation and the Government of Karnataka, which contributed Rs 10 lakh through its Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to support her training.
Reflecting on her achievement, Bhavani noted that competing in her first Worldloppet race served as an important test of her endurance training.
She expressed that earning a category win in the 21 km event provides substantial confidence as she prepares for the upcoming international season.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home / by Express News Service / August 25th, 2026
Acclaimed Bharatanatyam artiste from Kodagu, Mukkatira Shilpa Nanjappa, has been selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under the category ‘Overall Contribution and Scholarship in the Performing Arts.’
The award is India’s highest honour for performing artistes under the age of 40. Shilpa is the first person from Kodagu and the first Kodavathi to receive the coveted recognition.
Candidates are nominated by eminent artistes and previous SNA awardees and are evaluated on the strength of their body of work and contributions to the performing arts.
In the ‘Overall Contribution and Scholarship’ category, artistes are expected to demonstrate not only excellence in performance but also significant contributions through research, teaching, curation and allied activities.
In Shilpa’s case, the award recognises more than a decade of work in documenting, preserving and promoting Kodava culture and heritage through academic research, alongside a distinguished performing career spanning nearly three decades.
She was awarded the prestigious two-year Fellowship for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) for 2019-2021. Her topic was ‘Adaptation of Kodava language/literary compositions into the classical format and Bharatanatyam’.
Shilpa Nanjappa is the daughter of Allaranda Uthappa and Kaveriamma couple. She is married to Mukkatira Pavan Nanjappa.
Stamp of approval for Kodava culture
Born in Bengaluru and at present settled in Kodagu after her marriage, Shilpa Nanjappa is also an ‘A’ grade artiste of Doordarshan. Speaking to Star of Mysore, Shilpa said that being nominated itself was a significant honour because nominations come from senior members of the fraternity.
“When members of the dance community hold me in such high regard, that recognition alone feels significant. For the first time in my life, an award is not about me; it is about the work, the community and a stamp of approval for Kodava culture and heritage,” she said.
“I have dedicated more than a decade to propagating and preserving this tradition. I hope this recognition helps the Kodava language reach places it has never reached before. This award is a huge acknowledgement for micro-culture representation in larger cultural spaces and is integral to the survival of micro-cultures,” she said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 16th, 2026
Boxing needs a bigger push in South India, says Indian men’s boxing head coach C.A. Kuttappa.
Hailing from Kokeri village in Napoklu, Kodagu, the land known for producing Olympians and brave hearts, Chenanda Achaiah Kuttappa (C.A. Kuttappa) is an internationally known boxing coach who has been credited with shaping some of the best Indian boxers, including Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Suranjoy Singh, Shiva Thapa and Amit Panghal, among others..
An ex-serviceman, Kuttappa, who retired as a Subedar from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) earlier this year, is currently the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team that won two gold and two silver medals at the recently held Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa training one of the boxers during the preparatory camp for Commonwealth Games-2026 which concluded recently.
A Dronacharya Awardee (2018), Kuttappa previously worked with the Indian men’s boxing team as head coach from 2018 to 2021, during which an Indian boxer won a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships.
Kuttappa (standing second from right) seen with the Indian men boxers at Glasgow, Scotland.
Kuttappa was also part of the Indian boxing support staff during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when Vijender Singh won a bronze medal. He was also the head coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
After a break of a year, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) re-appointed him as the head coach of the Indian men’s boxing team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Kuttappa flanked by his wife P.U. Ashwini (right) and daughter C.K. Yudhi.
A resident of Gokulam 1st Stage in Mysuru city, Kuttappa is married to P.U. Ashwini and the couple has a daughter, C.K. Yudhi
Star of Mysore caught up with C.A. Kuttappa during his recent visit to Mysuru following the heroics of the Indian boxing team at the Commonwealth Games 2026. Excerpts:
Star of Mysore (SOM): Sir, firstly, thank you for talking to Star of Mysore. The recent achievements in boxing at the Commonwealth Games-2026 have been spectacular compared to previous Games. What do you have to say about that?
C.A. Kuttappa: The achievements have been remarkable. We have been able to achieve success because of our hard work and the efforts of the coaches and supporting staff, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists and others.
SOM: How was the preparation for the Commonwealth Games? Winning seven gold medals in boxing is a great achievement.
Kuttappa: After the Nationals, we went for build-up competitions in Spain and the Czech Republic, where we won a lot of medals. Later, we got good opportunities to participate in other international boxing events in which our top boxers selected for the Commonwealth Games took part. We also keep track of the progress being made by lower-ranked boxers who are in the No. 2 and No. 3 positions.
They play a crucial role as backups in case the top-ranked players miss the main event due to injuries or other reasons. We have been able to achieve good results because of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), as they provided us with the much-needed exposure and opportunities to prove our potential, which we did at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Compared to previous years, the Government of India has been encouraging sports. How do you think it has helped sportspersons?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are getting a good budget for boxing as well. People always compare other sports with cricket. It is a different sport. They have done extremely well and we cannot be compared with them.
We also need to do well at the international level. If we want to be considered at the same level as cricket, we need to work hard, plan well and execute those plans to win more medals at the international level.
SOM: What was the feeling when the boxers you coached were winning gold medals at Glasgow?
Kuttappa: As a coach, it is a completely different feeling. We always plan before the bouts. Watching videos of the opponents and discussing their styles, attacks and movements are some of the things we do. It is important as it helps our boxers understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
There are times when we change our strategies and tactics during the bout. When our execution goes according to our plans, the results will be satisfactory, just like at the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: With the Commonwealth Games mission accomplished, the next target is the Asian Games. How are the preparations?
Kuttappa: Yes, we are now preparing for the Asian Games to be held in Japan from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Compared to the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games is a tougher competition. Countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which are among the top-ranked boxing countries in the world, will be competing as well.
They are really good in terms of technique and tactics. The intensity of the bouts will be high and mentally demanding. Come what may, we are confident of doing well in the Asian Games, similar to what we achieved in the Commonwealth Games.
SOM: Talking about boxing, most of our boxers are either from North or Northeast India. Where is South India lacking?
Kuttappa: Most of our boxers are indeed from the North or Northeast. People there think of boxing as a sport, but here it is considered fighting. I always tell my boxers not to take the punch but to hit the punch. We need to educate parents and children about boxing as a sport in South India.
In the North or Northeast, the situation is entirely different. People take up boxing as a profession. There are boxers earning a good Rs. 15 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh every month. The State Governments have been extending all necessary help, with sponsors also coming forward to support top-ranked and high-performing boxers.
In the South, importance is given to very few sports and people insist on getting their children educated rather than allowing them to pursue sports as a profession.
SOM: Speaking about yourself, you come from Kodagu, which is famous for hockey and producing soldiers for the Indian Army. How did boxing happen to you?
Kuttappa: I started my boxing career in 1992. Before that, there was a selection process for only three sports disciplines: Swimming, volleyball and boxing. Since I was good at athletics and sports, I passed the physical fitness test and they asked me to choose between the three games. I asked them for some time and told them I would like to try all three sports before making a choice. I tried all three and finally selected boxing.
In fact, one of my father’s cousins, C.C. Machaiah, who is an Arjuna Awardee in boxing, had also told me about how boxing as a profession would be useful and help me financially.
In the first year, there were no results as I was still in the learning process. In the next two years, I won the sub-junior and junior titles for Karnataka and the junior national championship. After joining the Indian Army, I represented Karnataka in many national-level competitions and also won a bronze medal at the National Games held in 1997.
After I was injured and stopped boxing, I was thinking about what to do next when my senior officers advised me to continue with boxing. So, I completed my diploma in boxing and joined the national camp as a coach. I have trained Olympic medallist Vijender Singh, Akhil and other top boxers and continue to train boxers even today.
SOM: How does it feel to be awarded the prestigious Dronacharya Award at a young age?
Kuttappa: It is satisfying. I believe it is a result of hard work and sacrifice. You should ask my wife and my mother. They both know the amount of time I have dedicated to my profession.
I only get to spend one or two months at home. Most of the time, I am travelling with the team, preparing them for competitions. I have taken up the responsibility of the national team and it is my duty to ensure they do well and bring laurels to the country.
SOM: Sir, thank you so much for your time and all the best for the Asian Games and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Kuttappa: Thank you.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Special Interview / by S.N. Venkatnag Sobers / August 12th, 2026
Kruti Coffee has opened its first UK cafe on Tooting High Street in south London. The launch signals the Odisha brand’s global push and a wider showcase for Indian speciality coffee.
Kruti Coffee, a speciality coffee brand that began with tribal coffee farms in Odisha, has launched its first UK cafe in south London, marking the start of its global expansion. The company opened the outlet on Tooting High Street this week after receiving its first coffee consignment from Kolkata following the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement last month.
The cafe is designed to offer a full speciality coffee experience, with manual brewing methods and espresso-based drinks made using Kruti Coffee’s signature 100 per cent Arabica house blend. The company said the outlet is meant to introduce the diversity and quality of Indian speciality coffee to an international audience.
“What began as an effort to revive a forgotten coffee plantation in Koraput has grown into a journey of showcasing the incredible potential of Indian specialty coffee to the world,” co-founder Jeeta Mona said. “Opening our first international cafe in London is a proud milestone-not just for Kruti Coffee, but for the farmers and communities whose dedication makes every cup possible. We look forward to sharing the richness, diversity, and story of Indian coffee with coffee lovers from across the globe,” she said.
Founded in 2013 as an impact initiative to revive a neglected coffee plantation in the remote hills of Koraput in Odisha, Kruti Coffee describes itself as a farm-to-cup speciality coffee venture focused on quality, sustainability and social impact. Over the past decade, the company said it has partnered with some of India’s finest coffee producers while continuing to champion coffees from its home region.
The company said its coffees are roasted at the Select by Kruti Coffee roastery in Bhubaneswar, following standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. Among its best-known offerings is Kindiriguda Naturals, which was recognised as Best Arabica Naturals at the Fine Cup Award during the World Coffee Conference. “Visitors to the new London cafe will now have the opportunity to experience this award-winning coffee alongside an extensive selection of Indian single-origin coffees, carefully crafted blends, and seasonal microlots,” the company said in a statement.
Mona said London was chosen for the brand’s first international store because of the city’s global influence, strong cafe culture and growing interest in speciality coffee. “The new outlet marks the beginning of the brand’s global expansion and its mission to establish Indian specialty coffee among the world’s finest coffee origins,” she added.
At a launch event attended by British Indian parliamentarians and community leaders on Thursday, Mona was joined by Kruti Coffee’s Head Roaster and Barista Pabitra Sahoo, who presented a series of speciality manual brews. With the opening of the London cafe, the Odisha-founded brand has taken its first step in showcasing Indian speciality coffee to a wider global market.
With PTI Inputs
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> World / by India Today World Desk / with PTI Inputs / August 21st, 2026
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the inspiring journey of Kalpana Kuttappa, one of India’s top roller skaters, whose determination and resilience have made her a role model for young women nationwide.
From humble beginnings in Mysuru to representing India on the global stage, Kalpana’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and unwavering support from family.
Born in Madikeri, Kodagu district, Kalpana moved to Mysuru at a young age for her schooling. Today, she is pursuing her B.A. (Corporate Economics) graduation at Women’s Christian College in Chennai, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for roller skating.
Her journey into the world of skating began at the age of four when her uncle gifted her a pair of roller skates. What started as a childhood hobby soon turned into a lifelong passion when her mother noticed a group of children practising at a rink and encouraged her to join skating classes.
Since then, Kalpana has never looked back. She has represented Karnataka and India in numerous national and international roller skating competitions, earning hundreds of medals along the way.
Her achievements include participating in the World Championship held in Italy in 2024 and attending an ice skating coaching camp in Bangkok in 2017. She also took part in the 13th National Ice Skating Championship in 2017.
She has probably not returned without a medal from the competitions she has taken part. This talented roller skater also represented India at the World Championship held in Italy from Aug. 25 to Sept. 5, 2024. Currently, she is preparing for the Asian Championship to be held in South Korea from July 19-30.
Kalpana’s journey, however, has not been without challenges. Coming from a middle class family, she has had to overcome financial constraints and a lack of institutional support. Her father, Mukkatira Subbaiah Ravi, works as a mechanic in Mysuru, while her mother, T.K. Swathi (Thathanda), is a manager at an auto spa company in Chennai.
Despite these hurdles, Kalpana’s family has been her pillar of strength, supporting her dreams every step of the way.
“The journey has been tough,” Kalpana says. “There is not much encouragement from the Karnataka Government, and roller skating is not yet recognised as an Olympic sport. Finding sponsors is also difficult, even after winning medals and accolades.”
Kalpana Kuttappa with her parents Mukkatira Subbaiah Ravi and T K Swathi.
Infrastructural challenges
Infrastructure remains a significant challenge for roller skaters in India. Mysuru, where Kalpana grew up, has only one skating rink for the entire city.
Seeking better opportunities, she moved to Tamil Nadu, where she found slightly more support from the State Government and a less politicised environment. “Hopefully, roller skating will be recognised as an Olympic sport in the future so that we get access to better infrastructure and facilities,” she says.
Kalpana’s dedication to her sport is unwavering. She trains for 8-9 skating sessions a week and spends time at the gym to build strength. Balancing her academics and training, she ensures she attends all her college classes before heading to practice in the evenings.
But Kalpana’s ambitions don’t stop at roller skating. She dreams of serving her country in another capacity — as an Officer in the Indian Army.
After her graduation, she plans to appear for the Combined Defence Examination (CDS) and get commissioned into the Indian Army. “It is always a pleasure to serve the country, whether as an athlete or an army officer. It’s a pride that everyone feels while serving the nation in different capacities,” she says.
Kalpana Kuttappa stands as a shining example of what women can achieve when they dare to dream and persevere against all odds. She inspires us to strive for greatness, not just on the rink, but in every arena of life.
Her story is a reminder that with determination, support and the right opportunities, women can break barriers and excel in any field they choose.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by S N Venkatnag Sobers / March 22nd, 2025
Jammada Preeth Appaiah, a resident of Bannimantap and a member of the Mysuru Sports Shooting Academy (MSSA), won two gold medals at the 14th Karnataka State Shooting Competition and Championship 2026, organised by the Karnataka State Rifle Association (KSRA).
The championship was held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Bangalore University shooting ranges in Bengaluru from June 10 to 30.
Preeth struck gold in the .177 Open Sight 10M Air Rifle Senior Master Women (National Records), .177 Open Sight 10M Air Rifle Women (National Records) and .177 Open Sight 10m Air Rifle Master Women (National Records), further strengthening her credentials in the sport. She has been training under coach H.S. Vivek since taking up shooting in 2024. Her recent success adds to an impressive run this year.
Earlier, she won two gold medals at the Nagraj Rao Jagdale Shooting Contest and Championship held at the KSRA range in Bengaluru.
She is now preparing to compete in Air Pistol events to qualify for the South Zone competitions. Preeth is also the only Kodavathi competing in the Open Sight Air Rifle category.
Apart from shooting, Preeth has distinguished herself as a mountaineer. She scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in 2023 and Mount Elbrus in 2024, adding two of the world’s highest peaks to her list of achievements. She is married to Advocate Jammada M. Aiyanna.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / June 28th, 2026
In a touching act of humanity, a grieving wife chose to give life to others by consenting to donate her husband’s organs after he was declared brain dead at Kodagu District Hospital, Madikeri, managed by Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS).
Dalu, 46, a resident of Aravathokkalu village in Ponnampet taluk, had suffered severe head injuries after falling at his house on May 17. Despite treatment, he succumbed to his injuries, following which his wife Rajeshwari agreed to donate his organs.
The donation marked the first organ retrieval procedure in the history of Kodagu District Hospital. Doctors retrieved his heart, kidneys and corneas, which were later transported under ‘zero traffic’ arrangements to hospitals in Mysuru and Bengaluru for transplantation.
Dalu was initially treated at Gonikoppal Government Hospital before being shifted to Madikeri District Hospital on May 19 after his condition deteriorated. A CT scan revealed critical internal head injuries.
Family consent, procedure
On May 22, doctors confirmed brainstem death after two rounds of examinations by a medical board and mandatory observation procedures under Indian law. The family was subsequently counselled on organ donation and Dalu’s wife, Rajeshwari, gave her consent.
The organ retrieval surgery was carried out in the early hours of May 23 under the guidance of Kodagu Medical College Dean Dr. A.J. Lokesh and Senior Surgeons Dr. Somashekar and Dr. Nanjundaiah.
ICU Specialist Dr. Nishid Joseph and Nursing Officer Pavan continuously monitored and stabilised the donor’s condition ahead of the procedure.
Nursing staff Jayashree, Anil and Manjunath, along with Senior Nursing Officers Vasanth and Mahesh, assisted through the night.
To Mysuru and Bengaluru hospitals
By 2 am, Surgeons had successfully retrieved the two kidneys, heart and corneas. Medical teams from Mysuru and Bengaluru, including specialists from JSS Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya, participated in the procedure. The organs were dispatched to recipient hospitals by 6 am. The hospital later held a solemn ‘walk of honour’ for Dalu. Rajeshwari was also presented with an official organ donation certificate in recognition of the family’s decision.
Speaking emotionally, Rajeshwari said, “We wanted his death to give life to others, so we agreed to donate his kidneys, eyes and heart,” she said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May24th, 2026
Following the consent by the victim’s family, the management at the hospital contacted several other hospitals and made a list of the recipients.
Dalu (46), a resident of Arvathoklu near Gonikoppal, was admitted to the District Hospital aka Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) after he suffered severe head injuries in an accident. Photo | Special Arrangement
Madikeri :
A 46-year-old man, declared brain dead, gave a new lease of life to over four people after his family donated his organs. In a landmark achievement, the organ donation procedure was conducted for the first time at the District Hospital in Madikeri.
Dalu (46), a resident of Arvathoklu near Gonikoppal, was admitted to the District Hospital aka Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) after he suffered severe head injuries in an accident. However, Dalu was not responding to the treatment, and after 48 hours of observation, a two-stage medical committee conducted the examination and confirmed loss of brain stem functions. The hospital declared him brain dead.
While tragedy struck the family of Dalu after he was declared brain dead on May 19, Dalu’s wife Rajeshwari, took a bold step. Following counseling by the medical experts at the District Hospital, Rajeshwari agreed to donate the organs of her husband.
“My husband suffered continuous epilepsy attacks on May 17 and he was shifted to the District Hospital. After several tests, the doctors at the hospital confirmed that my husband was brain dead on May 19,” recalled Rajeshwari. An estate worker who also works as domestic help to run her family, Rajeshwari decided to donate her husband’s organs after she learnt that it would help many patients.
Following the consent by the victim’s family, the management at the hospital contacted several other hospitals and made a list of the recipients. As Dr Nanjundaiah, District Surgeon, explained, “We are intimidated about the organ donation to Jeevasarthakathe (state government body that coordinates organ transplantation) and hospitals that were in need of organs were recognized.”
The kidneys of Dalu were donated to recipients registered with JSS Hospital in Mysuru even as expert doctors Dr Vijay and Dr Manjunath Shetty, who visited the District Hospital to retrieve the kidney conducted the transplantation in Mysuru. Further, corneas were transplanted to registered recipients at Mysuru Medical College.
Since the functioning of the heart of Dalu was slow, the heart valves were retrieved and the transplant was done at a private hospital in Bengaluru. “However, we could not find a recipient for lungs and hence we did not remove Dalu’s lungs,” Dr Nanjundaiah confirmed. He added that since Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences has already been accredited by SOTTO and NOTTO, the case was reported to the State Organ and SOTTO. The organ procurement process was carried out under the guidance of SOTTO.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of KoIMS Dean Dr Lokesh AJ., Hospital Superintendent Dr. Somashekar and District Surgeon Dr. Nanjundaiah. ICU team Dr. Nishid Joseph and Nursing Officer Pawan worked tirelessly to keep the patient’s condition stable.
In the surgery that began at 2 am on Saturday, two kidneys, heart valves and eye corneas were successfully harvested. Neurosurgeons Dr. Sachin Dharwadkar and Dr. Vijayakumar, who arrived from Mysore, carried out the kidney harvest. Dr. Abhinandan and Dr. Chandrashekar collected the heart valves, and Dr. Shruti and the team collected the corneas. Nursing staff Jayashree, Anil and Manjunath and senior nursing officers Vasanth and Mahesh performed the task efficiently.
Meanwhile, Dalu’s remains were handed over to the family through a ‘walk of honour’ after the medical experts honored the donor’s service.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 23rd, 2026
Anvith S. of Madikeri has won the Champion Trophy in the junior category at the 15th International Brainobrain Abacus Competition held at Dubai.
8 year old Anvith S. is being trained by Mapangada Kavitha Karumbaiah at the Brainobrain Madikeri Centre. Anvith was one of the 6 contestants from Karnataka State.
The Abacus competition was held at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai. Over 1,800 children, from 16 countries participated, and it was a very proud moment for Kodagu, when 8 year old Anvith S. representing India won the Champion Trophy.
Anvith S. is the son of Srinivas V., who is a Lecturer in Made Maheshwara P.U. College and Pavithra M.N., who is working in National Highway Department. Anvith S. is studying in 3rd std in BGS. Public School, Made.
Anvith received the Champion Trophy from from Mr. Arul Subramanian, Director Technical of Brainobrain and Mr. Anand Subramanian, MD Brainobrain.
Faculty Kavitha Karumbaiah attributed the entire credit to Anvith S. for his determination to participate and to his parents and family, for their unwavering support, that made this huge accomplishment possible.
Anvith has won the Gold Topper Medal in the State Level Competition and also the Champion Trophy, in the National Level Competition in Chennai.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> General / by CLN Newsdesk / December 13th, 2025
Rida Tharana makes Coorg proud, picks Nikhil Gajare gown spotlighting Indian craftsmanship for her Cannes red carpet debut. See all the photos.
Coorg-born fashion and lifestyle content creator Rida Tharana officially made her red carpet debut at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 13. A day later, Rida took to Instagram to unveil a series of photos that showcase her look that seamlessly bridges the gap between avant-garde global fashion and the meticulous handiwork of Indian artisans.
Rida’s sculptural ivory gown at Cannes 2026
For her walk across the iconic Cannes Film Fetival red carpet, Rida Tharana chose a custom creation by Indian designer Nikhil Gajare. The gown is a striking example of contemporary couture, featuring a structured, strapless corset bodice and intricate curved paneling that flows across the torso, creating a 3D effect that mimics the organic lines of a seashell.
The rigid structure of the bodice gives way to a voluminous, multi-layered chiffon skirt, allowing for a dramatic twirl that captured attention. A unique, copper-toned pleated sash wraps around the hips, providing a metallic pop against the pristine ivory fabric and highlighting the fusion of different textile techniques. To complete the regal ensemble, Rida wore diamond jewellery by Sennes, with her hair styled in a high, textured, voluminous updo.
Rida’s candid post
Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, Rida shared a deeply personal message regarding her journey to Cannes. In her Instagram post, she admitted that her initial reaction to the invitation was to decline. “When I first found out I had the opportunity to walk the Cannes red carpet, I said no. I didn’t think I deserved it. I questioned myself every second,” she revealed
She credited her management team for pushing her beyond her self-doubt. Rida’s post touched on the rollercoaster of emotions — from the fear of public criticism to the eventual realisation that this was her moment to own. She also revealed that the choice of designer was deliberate. Having worked with Nikhil previously, Rida noted that the piece ‘felt like her’. She likened the experience to a childhood dream, stating that while she never had Barbie dolls growing up, the gown made her feel like a princess.
The debut marks a significant milestone for the creator, and by choosing to wear an emerging Indian couturier on one of the world’s most scrutinised stages, Rida reinforced her reputation as a cultural curator, proving that the journey from Coorg to Cannes is paved with hard work, authenticity, and a bit of self-belief.
“When I say this year is mine, I mean it. This year, and everything that comes after, is mine,” she concluded.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / HindustanTimes / Home / by Sanya Panwar / May 14th, 2026
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