In April, as the sun blazes down declaring that summer is here, fashion is all set to warm us with happy hues and colours that brighten and enlighten our lives. It is to complement this balmy mood around us that we decided to put together an issue that captures the ‘Lightness of Being’ in life and living. This is an issue that highlights the mellowing out of spunky divas, swapping the electric glare of celebrity for the uninhibited expressions of their individuality. Leading the pack is our cover girl, Shilpa Shetty, who was once the centre of a racist row on a British reality show, but has now metamorphosed into a confident graceful actor, one who exercises serious discrimination before accepting a role. “I’m not really as ambitious as people make me out to be,” she says, during a relaxed interview to Verve, during which she easily slips in and out of bright yellow outfits created specially for her by Verve’s favourite designers, Narendra Kumar, Surily Goel and Shantanu and Nikhil. Already known for her swan-like body, svelte and graceful, the ‘hot’ Shilpa has now mellowed; she smiles and laughs easily, coming across as a free spirit.

Next on the list – and don’t get taken in by the funky style – is colour-obsessed Koel Purie. While the metallic bikini top and yellow harem pants she flaunts might label her as the ‘exhibitionist’, Verve would rather call her the ‘individualist’. Her eclectic home and wardrobe that always boast a ‘peck of colour’ are entirely a result of her own effort and taste. She even dashes across to the local tailor to stitch up her dream cotton halter dress into a reality.

This is an issue that highlights the mellowing out of spunky divas, swapping the electric glare of celebrity for the uninhibited expressions of their individuality.

The third to be featured is Nikki Bedi, cheeky, funny, intelligent, good enough to be a one-woman show. She can do it all – act, emote and make you laugh. She’s been on stage, on TV, on radio and now she’s made it to Verve – because she’s grown up! She’s extraordinarily disciplined, never missing her morning power walks and does her homework before interviewing anybody on her radio show. These women bring a sense of fun into whatever they do. Chutzpah you might choose to call it.

With these three interviews, this is the underlying element of their personalities that we have tried to capture. As always, the people we write about, are those who represent a new thought or a new way of life. Shilpa, Koel, Nikki are women who have all had their moments in the sun. You can read about their trailblazing ways in this month’s issue and imbibe a certain joie de vivre, summer’s favourite accessory!