Meet Carol Menezes – Mangaluru’s engineer turned makeup artist

Felicia Sequeira
September 15, 2017

Make-up is an art in itself; an expression of creativity, its beauty in all its splendour. It's a love affair with colours, hues and shades. Despite the criticisms about how it makes a person’s look very deceiving, it possesses the power by giving you possibilities to transform your look temporarily, offers an experience to be a different version of yourself and gives you the confidence to feel attractive without going through drastic means such as plastic surgery

Just like a magician with his magic wand, a makeup artist owns the tools required to make one’s key features more noticeable thus drawing attention to their appearance and highlighting things about them that are attractive.

Carol Menezes recently decided to go a complete different direction from her engineering degree by pursuing a promising career path in make-up by watching YouTube tutorials and learning what products are used to achieve a certain look. With hands on experience in fashion designing, hair styling and makeup this talented Mangaluru girl is going places.

How young were you when you first played with make-up?

When I was around eleven years, I used to see other women wear makeup and I was so fascinated by the different colours and styles. Being at a young age, my mother didn’t allow me to use any. So the pocket money I used to get for junk food, I had saved it to buy make up to try on myself and eventually started buying more and better make up as the years went by.

When did you know a career in makeup industry was for you?

Well, just about four months ago as I was always interested in this but just never thought of taking it up as a career.

But after recently talking to a number of makeup artists, I soon realised it could actually be an exciting career with a lot of work. Plus there is so much creativity involved. I even did a comparative study with a software job and thought by working as a makeup artist; I would be able to work for as much as I want because I would be doing something that I am very passionate about.

What are some of your works as a make-up artist?

I have done makeup for the cover version of the song Hamsanaava from the movie Baahubali 2; also done makeup for Lagori, a popular music band for their music video and photo shoot. I was also fortunate to do makeup for Madhuri Upadya, the co founder of Nritarutya (an Indian contemporary Dance Company) and two other dancers as well. Besides these, I have done makeup for a bunch of other events like weddings and photo shoots for friends, family and others.

Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?

My cousin Gaurav sat me down and explained to me why I should be doing something I love and has been a huge support system in my life. He brought that skill out in me and discover that this was something I love doing on myself when I am free which makes me confident and content. It’s also very inspiring and motivational to see people doing what they love.

What three makeup items should every woman carry in her hand bag?

To be honest, I do not carry any make up in my bag. You don't necessarily have to carry any makeup with you

What do you find so fascinating about makeup?

I like how you can express your moods (happy, sadness etc) through makeup. Plus its fun to play with colours and look like anything and anyone with makeup.

What about your interest in fashion designing? Do you intend to pursue it as well?

I got interested in Fashion designing when I was very young by stitching clothes for my Barbie dolls with the waste pieces found at the tailors. I used to always stitch and design clothes for fiends and family. It wasn’t until last year, that I bought a sewing machine and started stitching skirts, bags, purses and designing them all by myself and very recently I was given the opportunity to design clothes for other people and also for a number of photo shoots which includes the outfits designed for the band Lagori.

To answer the second part of your question, I am versatile and love doing different things that keep me interested, but makeup is my focus for now.

Where do you see your career going next?

I would want to explore different kinds of makeup and various styles and eventually establish my own style.  I would want people to come to me because they won’t achieve that look with anybody else. 

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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News Network
November 13,2024

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In the heart of Mangaluru, where rising air pollution is spurring public health worries, voices are calling for a greener, cleaner shift in the city’s public transport. Leading this call is APD Foundation, a Mangaluru-based environmental NGO, which has urged Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to mandate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in public transport.

Abdullah A Rehman, CEO of APD Foundation, emphasized in a formal letter to the minister that Mangaluru’s public transportation system—efficient and organized with both government and private players—could transition smoothly to EVs in stages. He suggested that government-backed financial incentives, partnerships with EV manufacturers, and collaborations with environmental groups could streamline the switch.

Rehman stressed the potential of EVs to cut down emissions, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels, noting the quieter operation of electric buses. He confirmed that a copy of his letter was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner as well.

However, Dilraj Alva from the Dakshina Kannada City Bus Association noted potential challenges, explaining that the shift might take up to two years due to infrastructure and budget hurdles. Most EV buses, he explained, are procured through aggregators, not directly by individual operators. The addition of charging stations and other essential infrastructure further complicates the transition.

Alva also raised the economic concern: while diesel buses are priced between ₹30-40 lakh, electric buses can cost up to ₹1 crore. Reflecting on recent meetings with companies, including one in Manipal, he questioned the assumption that EVs are an absolute solution to pollution. “EVs aren’t entirely eco-friendly, especially when considering battery disposal,” he cautioned.

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