“Make art when no one cares. Make it raw, make it real. That’s where your true voice takes shape—not through perfection, but through consistent, honest expression.” – Sharmila Coutinho
Sharmila Coutinho’s journey as an artist is one that beautifully blends resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. She recalls how drawing came naturally to her, never forced or taught, but simply present as her happy place—a space where the world made sense. At just seven years old, a simple Santa gift of a 24-shade colour set opened a world of endless hues and possibilities. That magic box was the first spark that set her on a path she would later choose to embrace fully.
Encouraged by her mother, Sharmila joined Bal Bhavan, where her creativity was nurtured in countless ways, from the art studio to the music room, from clay modeling to the library where she first discovered Vincent van Gogh’s letters. These experiences shaped her perspective, revealing not only the struggles of an artist but also the beauty of persistence and self-expression. Although she initially chose the conventional path of science and computer studies, her heart was always drawn back to colour and canvas. Dropping out to pursue Fine Arts was one of the most defining choices of her life, one that came with struggles but also profound fulfillment.
Her path as an artist was far from smooth. She faced doubts—both her own and those of others—but chose to bloom where she was planted. She worked hard, supported herself, and learned the ways of the art market through experience and even through setbacks. Her studio in Goa became the place where her work reached people across the world—Spain, the UK, and beyond—all without her chasing opportunities. Instead, her art spoke for itself. Among her many milestones, two stand out: conceptualizing and designing the Lusofonia Games torch, a seashell-inspired piece that symbolized unity among coastal nations, and creating the official IFFI poster when the festival first came to Goa.
Today, Sharmila continues her creative journey as Deputy Infographic Editor at The Times of India, where she works with visionary editors and design professionals who recognize her talent. She sees art not as confined by borders but as an evolving practice of growth and expression. For her, creativity begins in silence, in stillness, and in the ability to declutter both the mind and surroundings. Travel, music, psychology, and deep conversations fuel her inspiration, while minimalism helps her maintain the clarity to create.
Creating for Meaning, Not Metrics
She acknowledges the challenges—self-doubt, external pressures, fleeting digital attention spans—but believes true growth lies in creating for meaning, not metrics. For aspiring artists, her advice is simple yet powerful: create when no one is watching, create without applause, and create because it fulfills you. Recognition may come, but fulfillment lies in the process itself.
Looking ahead, Sharmila hopes to reconnect with the tactile side of art after years of working in the digital realm. She dreams of returning to hands-on creation—painting, experimenting, and building with materials directly.
Her journey is ongoing, her canvas still open, and through it all, one truth remains: stay true, don’t lose yourself in the noise, and let your creativity continue to bloom without borders.
Dr. Sushila Fonseca’s life is a compelling blend of science, literature, and social empathy. Born in Margao, Goa, and raised partially in Mombasa, Kenya, her journey began against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement—her father himself was a part of it. She pursued medicine at Topiwala National Medical College in Mumbai, where she later earned a post-graduate degree in Pathology and served as a resident doctor.
Her career brought her to Goa Medical College, but in 1983, she chose a different path: establishing her own private diagnostic laboratory in Fontainhas, Panaji. While her lab still serves the community, Dr. Fonseca has also carved a respected space in the world of Indian literature.
As an author, Dr. Fonseca writes both fiction and non-fiction, often weaving together her medical expertise with her desire to inform and inspire. Her books like What I Should Know About HIV/AIDS and Good Health Practices for the Family are written in an accessible, reader-friendly tone aimed at public health awareness. Her fiction, meanwhile, delves into more layered territory.
Rebecca’s Inheritance (2002) explores the devastating impact of alcoholism in families, Touched by Love addresses the emotional toll of HIV, while Invisible Currents highlights the drug trap. She’s also tackled themes of equality, cancer, and societal judgment—always grounding her stories in the realities of human health and relationships.
More recently, her work has gravitated toward historical fiction—driven by her passion for Goa and its past. Books like Against the Tide…47 Men…, Antonio Sequeira – His Quest for Goa’s Freedom, and When Faith Divides reflect her effort to turn historical events into engaging, emotional narratives.
She believes fiction has the power to reshape how we understand history—not through dates and declarations, but through human experience. “Historical fiction encourages readers to empathize with the people who lived through events and see the emotional and societal impact of decisions made by those in power,” she explains.
In When Faith Divides, her latest novel, she not only tells a story but also raises crucial questions about identity, belief, and societal manipulation—making it particularly timely in today’s socio-political climate. “I hope Goans will read it with an open mind, especially the youth,” she says, noting a concern that fewer young people today read books or engage deeply with history.
Dr. Fonseca’s creative process is driven by curiosity. She approaches each story with the attitude of a student—researching history, human psychology, and geography. When faced with writer’s block, she steps back and reflects, sometimes using it as a sign that the story needs a new direction.
When she’s not writing, she reads widely, across genres. She values feedback, especially when it’s personal—like the elderly reader who wept after reading When Faith Divides, or the young girl who connected so deeply with one of her characters that she mimicked her in daily life.
Dr. Sushila Fonseca writes for the sheer joy of it. “It’s a hobby,” she says. “But one through which I keep learning—whether it’s about medicine, history, or human nature.” If she had to describe her journey in one word, it would be “enriching.” And her writing certainly continues to enrich the literary and cultural fabric of Goa.
The year was 2003. A simple visit to a magic stall in Mumbai changed the course of Cdr Clifford N Parakh’s life forever. At 33, while still serving as a Naval Officer, Clifford purchased a small magic trick. What struck him wasn’t just the trick itself, but the joy it brought to others. That moment became the spark that would eventually ignite a full-time career in the world of illusion.
Encouraged by his wife Radhika and inspired by the renowned Goan illusionist Mr. Edmundo Da Cunha, Clifford took the bold decision to step away from his career in the Indian Navy and fully dedicate himself to magic. Now, over 15 years later, he stands as Goa’s leading illusionist, recognized not only for his technical mastery but also for his signature style of engaging, corporate-friendly entertainment.
Clifford’s act, meticulously designed for corporate audiences, is a blend of minimalistic setup and maximum impact. He operates with few props—often just a briefcase—but delivers a 45-minute act packed with sleight of hand, humour, communication, and mentalism. His performances are tailored to the business world: clean, interactive, and free of controversial content. Whether it’s breaking the monotony of a long conference or launching a product in a spectacular fashion, his shows are designed to leave a lasting impression.
What sets Clifford apart is his focus on audience interaction. He believes magic is not just about deception but emotional engagement. “When someone comes on stage, the entire audience lives the experience through them,” he says. Whether performing for CEOs or regional sales teams, Clifford takes time to research his audience, sometimes even learning a few lines in their local language to establish rapport instantly.
His most celebrated performance? The Mind Reading Duo Act with his wife Radhika. In this unforgettable illusion, Radhika is blindfolded while audience members silently think of names, numbers, or places. One by one, their thoughts are revealed with uncanny accuracy. “This is probably the only act of its kind in India,” Clifford shares, and it consistently wins hearts wherever it’s performed.
Despite his accolades, Clifford remains grounded. He views magic as a lifelong study of not just tricks, but of psychology, pacing, humour, and the deep, nuanced art of showmanship. “Even after two decades, I feel I’ve just scratched the surface,” he admits.
Clifford has had his share of on-stage mishaps too, but with presence of mind and years of experience, he always finds a way to keep the illusion alive. “The audience doesn’t know what’s coming next. As long as the trick ends logically, they’ll never know something went wrong,” he smiles.
He’s also cautious with technology in magic. While modern illusions often rely on digital props or internet-based tricks, Clifford prefers sleight of hand. “If tech fails, there’s no way out. Skill never fails,” he asserts.
Today, Clifford wears many hats—illusionist, author (Discover The Magician In You), mentor, and recipient of the prestigious Karamveer Chakra Award (Gold) for 2024. He has won the National Illusion Competition in 2009, featured on Prime TV’s street magic series, and etched his name in the India Book of Records (2022) for being the first to perform a magic show for the visually impaired—on radio.
For aspiring magicians, Clifford offers honest advice: master fewer tricks, perform them perfectly, be likable on stage, and never rely solely on magic for income—at least not at first. “Build a reputation first, then let the price follow,” he says.
In a world constantly chasing the next thrill, Clifford N Parakh brings something rare—wonderment. For a few magical moments, he invites audiences into a world where logic takes a backseat and imagination takes flight. And that, as he rightly says, is the timeless appeal of magic.
Sonam R. Korgaonkar’s journey into the world of makeup artistry is more than a career transition — it’s a story of passion rediscovered, of artistic identity reclaimed, and of a woman daring to rewrite her narrative. As we celebrate International Makeup Day on September 10, her path reminds us that beauty is not just surface-deep — it’s deeply personal, endlessly creative, and courageously transformative.
Once immersed in the structure and stability of the corporate and automobile sectors, Sonam always carried within her an unspoken fascination for beauty — not just the outer kind, but the kind that uplifts, empowers, and transforms from within.
It wasn’t until later in her career that she made the bold decision to follow her passion wholeheartedly. What began as a quiet interest in makeup eventually blossomed into a deeply fulfilling profession where creativity meets purpose. For Sonam, makeup is not just about technique — it’s about confidence, connection, and storytelling. Every client is a canvas, and every brushstroke is a step closer to helping them see themselves in their best light.
Why Bridal & Celebrity Makeup?
Her decision to specialize in luxury bridal and celebrity makeup came from a desire to do more than create looks — she wanted to create moments. Whether it’s the hush of a bridal suite or the fast-paced energy of a celebrity shoot, Sonam brings a deep sense of intention and artistry to every setting. For her, each assignment is about understanding a person’s essence — their story, their style, their spirit — and reflecting that with elegance and grace.
Being based in Goa has also profoundly influenced her creative lens. The tropical landscapes, golden light, and vibrant cultural fusion have helped shape a makeup style that is effortlessly luxurious and harmoniously natural. Working with destination brides from across the globe has taught her the delicate balance between glamour and authenticity — a signature aesthetic that has now become her hallmark.
Bridal makeup, she believes, is deeply personal. It needs to reflect not just the bride’s personality but also stand the test of time. With celebrity and editorial work, she enjoys the freedom to push boundaries and experiment — but even then, her approach remains thoughtful and refined. Whether it’s a glowing bride under the Goan sun or a celebrity walking onto a high-stakes set, Sonam’s work is rooted in creating beauty that feels elevated, not overpowering.
She recalls some of her most memorable projects as the ones where she could truly align her vision with that of her clients — where trust, creativity, and chemistry came together to create something unforgettable. One of her all-time favorite creations is her signature “sunset bridal look,” crafted especially for destination weddings. On the celebrity side, she thrives in high-pressure moments where artistry meets adrenaline.
Signature Style
What sets Sonam apart is her bespoke approach. She begins each project with an in-depth consultation, tuning into the client’s vision, personality, cultural context, and even the energy of the event. From there, she meticulously selects the right shades, textures, and finishes to build a look that feels entirely authentic — never copied, never generic. No two brides are the same, and for Sonam, that’s where the magic lies.
As someone always ahead of the curve, Sonam is constantly researching and experimenting. Whether she’s attending global masterclasses, studying new techniques, or testing out products at international beauty counters, her commitment to growth is unwavering. She doesn’t just add products to her kit — she investigates them, tests them, and studies their performance over time before they make the cut.
Clients often recognize her work instantly — radiant, velvety skin that looks like it’s lit from within, soft-focus eyes in warm peach and brown tones, and harmonized lips and blush that create a seamless, ethereal glow. Her signature aesthetic has become synonymous with elegance that feels effortless and skin that looks like a second, more luminous version of itself.
Of course, the world of luxury weddings and celebrity work isn’t without its challenges. High-pressure environments, tight timelines, and sky-high expectations are the norm — but Sonam’s calm presence, precision, and preparation allow her to navigate them with grace. She sees these moments not as obstacles, but as opportunities to prove that beauty under pressure can still be beautiful.
Sonam sees her clients not just as customers, but as collaborators. She believes in listening deeply, co-creating, and delivering not just what the client asks for, but something even better — something that feels true to who they are while being aspirational in finish. It’s this delicate blend of vision and intuition that elevates her work beyond artistry — into experience.
During peak wedding season, her days are long and exacting, starting early and revolving around curating one flawless moment after another. Despite the physical demands, the reward lies in the joy she brings to her clients. That moment when a bride looks in the mirror and sees not just makeup, but her most confident self — that, Sonam says, is priceless.
Skincare is at the core of her process. She believes great makeup starts with great skin — clean, nourished, hydrated, and respected. Her product choices reflect this philosophy: from rich moisturizers to long-wear foundations that feel like air, and lipsticks that last without losing their charm. Her top three must-haves for any bride? A deeply hydrating moisturizer, a flawless yet weightless foundation, and a long-lasting lipstick that holds its ground from ceremony to celebration.
For Sonam, the most fulfilling part of her journey is witnessing the transformation — not just of appearance, but of emotion. Seeing a bride glow with happiness, or a celebrity light up with confidence, is her greatest reward. It’s in those smiles, those moments of quiet pride, that she knows her work is more than skin-deep.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Sonam dreams of taking her artistry global — collaborating with luxury beauty houses, working with international celebrities, and creating bridal masterpieces in iconic destinations across the world. Each new opportunity, she believes, is a chance to blend culture, creativity, and elegance in new and exciting ways.
To the young women looking up to her and dreaming of a career in beauty, Sonam offers this: stay passionate, be patient, and never stop learning. The beauty industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving, but what sets you apart is consistency, authenticity, and your love for the craft. Success isn’t instant — it’s built brushstroke by brushstroke, day by day.
And if she could sum up her philosophy in one line, it would be this: “True makeup artistry celebrates and elevates a person’s natural beauty, leaving an impression that lingers beyond the mirror.”
From the lush, sunlit hills of Siolim, Goa, to the bustling kitchens of international cruise lines and five-star hotels, Chef Valerian, fondly known as Vali, has crafted an 18-year culinary journey rooted in tradition and driven by innovation.
Vali’s journey began in his childhood kitchen, where his mother and grandmother stirred up magic during family feasts and village celebrations. It wasn’t just the aromas or the spices—it was the love behind every dish that left a mark. Watching them cook kindled a fascination in young Valerian. While other kids played outside, he was inside experimenting with flavors, unknowingly laying the foundation for his culinary path.
🎓 The Culinary Climb
His professional journey started at Alcon Culinary School (then Victor Exotica, now Radisson Candolim), where he mastered the fundamentals. He worked as a commis chef, participated in hotel pre-openings, collaborated with celebrity chef Shailendra Kekde, and even managed seven cloud kitchen outlets during the COVID era, showcasing multiple cuisines from a single source.
Later, his culinary curiosity led him to the Royal Caribbean Cruises, where he further honed his skills in global and indigenous cuisines. From traditional Goan food to modern fusion, every experience added a new dimension to his cooking.
🍛 The Flavors of Goa – His Signature
Chef Valerian proudly champions Goan cuisine, presenting it with a twist while respecting its roots.
Must-try dishes include:
Goan Fish Curry – A coastal staple made with coconut, raw mango, and region-specific chilies.
Mackerel Uddamethi – A bold Hindu Goan curry with roasted methi, coconut, and local spices.
Chicken Xacuti – A spiced delight with poppy seeds and Kashmiri chilies.
Crab Xec Xec – A rich, aromatic dish of crab and roasted spice paste.
Pork Vindaloo – A Portuguese-influenced tangy pork dish, with variations across Goa.
Each dish speaks of Goa’s diverse cultural heritage—Hindu, Christian, Portuguese, and coastal influences blended into a single cuisine.
🔥 Innovation on the Plate
Vali doesn’t just recreate—he reimagines Goan cuisine. By using modern techniques like sous vide, smoking, and even molecular gastronomy, he elevates local dishes to fine-dining experiences. He’s blended Goan ingredients with Korean chili flakes, Japanese miso, and Mediterranean herbs to craft inventive fusion plates.
But no matter how far he goes creatively, he always ensures that heritage remains at the heart.
💡 Learning from the Kitchen
One memorable lesson came when experimenting with Balchão. A sweeter tomato purée accidentally altered the dish. But instead of tossing it, Vali added vinegar and spices—resulting in a pleasantly surprising twist that customers ended up loving. For him, mistakes are just hidden opportunities in the kitchen.
👨🍳 Inspirations Behind the Apron
Vali credits his mother and grandmother as his first culinary inspirations. He also follows Goan chef Avinash Martins, and looks up to Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and global icons like Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White. Food bloggers and Goan writers also shape his evolving palate.
📲 Social Media & Community
Chef Valerian uses platforms like Instagram and YouTube to:
Share Goan recipes and kitchen stories
Engage with a growing foodie community
Collaborate with chefs, bloggers, and influencers
Post behind-the-scenes content and food photography
His page is a visual feast that celebrates food, tradition, and creativity.
🚀 What’s Cooking Next?
Vali has big plans:
Launching a dedicated Goan food blog
Exploring fusion collaborations with chefs from different cuisines
Expanding his social media presence to connect with global food lovers
🗣️ Words to Young Chefs
For aspiring chefs, Vali’s advice is clear:
Experiment fearlessly
Respect tradition
Taste, adjust, repeat
Stay curious
And above all, have fun in the kitchen
🌶️ Kitchen Essentials
Vali’s Goan kitchen is never without:
Coconut – The soul of coastal cooking
Spices – To build flavor depth
Fresh chilies – For that bold punch
Fresh coriander – His go-to herb
From village feasts to global kitchens, Chef Valerian continues to share his love for Goa through every plated story. His mission is simple: “Let’s get cooking and savor the flavors of Goa together!”
