Rising actress Tanya Maniktala is currently winning plaudits for her role of Lata in A Suitable Boy, but she surprises you claiming that she had no idea she would be vying for the lead role in a new Mira Nair web series when she went in for the audition.
“I used to work as a copywriter and I was happy with it. One day a friend called me and asked me to come for an audition, without telling me what it was for. I showed up at the audition and it was for ‘A Suitable Boy’, for Lata’s character! I was shocked. Just a few days before the audition, my friend and I were talking about the novel and about Lata and Malti’s relationship in the story, because we could relate with it. It was sudden but it was the most memorable audition of my life,” recalled Tanya.
The series is based on Vikram Seth’s novel of the same name. Tanya essays the young and petite 19-year-old Lata Mehra, whose beauty lies in her simplicity, honesty and humility. Lata embodies the modern and newly independent India, which is coming of age.
The show is written by Andrew Davies and also features Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, Rasika Dugal, Vivaan Shah, Shahana Goswami, Ram Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, and Namit Das in pivotal roles. It streams on Netflix.
Amid border stand-off with China, Indian Army will hold a four-day commanders’ conference starting from Monday where all strategic and human resources will be deliberated upon…reports India Daily News. Indian Army Commanders’ Conference is an apex level biannual event, which formulates important policy decisions through collegiate deliberations. It is being held in New Delhi from October 26-29, 2020.
The conference will be attended by senior officers of the Army including the vice chief of army staff, all commanders, principal staff officers (PSOs) of the Army Headquarters and other senior officers.
“The first day will be spent deliberating on matters related to Human Resource Management,” a source said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the conference on October 27 but prior to that the conference will be addressed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and all the three Service Chiefs.
On October 28, Army Commanders will hold in-depth discussions on the various agenda and an important update will be given by Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). This will be followed by brief updates on various issues by the various PSOs.
On the last day of the conference, Director General of Border Roads (DGBR) will update the forces on the various infrastructure development projects being undertaken by Border Roads Organisation and allied formations.
“Automation initiatives to optimise utilisation of manpower at various levels of the Army will also be discussed,” said the source.
The conference will close with the presentation of Sports Trophy and Flight Safety Trophy, followed by the closing address by the Army Chief M. M. Naravane.
Light Candles For Soldiers
Urging the countrymen to honour the armed forces guarding the Indian borders by lighting candles at homes this festive season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed the need for unity among indians and cautioned them about divisive forces.
Addressing the nation in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’, he also urged the citizens to light candles in homes this festive season to honour the brave hearts guarding India’s borders.
“Unity is power, unity is strength, unity empowers, united we will scale new heights. However, there are elements who try to plant the seed of suspicion among us, divide us. The nation too has given apt answers each time,” the Prime Minister said ahead of ‘National Unity Day’ on October 31.
Urging the Indians to honour the armed forces deployed on borders, Modi said: “Friends, we must also think of our brave-heart soldiers who are firmly stationed on our borders in the line of duty, even during this festive time, all in service and security of Mother India. We have to light a lamp each at our homes in honour of these brave sons and daughters of Mother India.”
“We have to constantly try through our creativity and love to bring out beautiful colours of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ even in the smallest of our tasks,” he added, while speaking on the theme of unity.
Kevadia (Gujarat): The ‘Statue of Unity’ that was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in honour of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia, Gujarat on Oct 31, 2018. (Photo: IANS/BJP)
The Prime Minister will attend public events in and around the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as Statue of Unity, on October 31 at Kevadiya in Gujarat.
Stressing on the need for maintaining unity, for which Sardar Patel fought so hard, the PM asked the people to carry forward the entire spectrum of values that unite us to inculcate a sense of ease and belongingness among people living across the country.
He added that Patel devoted his entire life for the unity of the country and integrated the Indian people with the freedom movement. The birthday of Sardar Patel is now celebrated as the ‘National Unity Day’.
He also paid tribute to then PM Indira Gandhi who was assassinated on October 31, 1984.
Actress Shweta Mahadik has left the show Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega, and says she is now looking for bigger and lucrative avenues.
“After two fruitful years with the ‘Guddan’ team, I think this was the right time to move forward and look for bigger and lucrative avenues. I have given a lot to this show and the show has given me abundance in terms of fame and creativity,” she said.
The show is very close to her heart.
“I would like to thank the makers and the channel team to have considered me for the character of Durga Jindal,” said Shweta.
“I would also like to thank my audience for showering me with so much love and affection. I want to ask for my audience’s blessing for my future projects,” she added.
In the past few months, the cast of “Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega” has gone through several changes. Lead actor Nishant Singh Malkani is no longer part of the show, which recently witnessed a 20-year leap. Savi Thakur is the new male lead actor of the show now.
Innovative space saving ideas using furniture. (Photo: Unsplash)
One of the most defining aspects of any home is the kind of furniture that is placed within it, each serving a specific purpose.
We have different furniture for different rooms, some essential and some for aesthetic appeal. However, if you think owning modern furniture is only reserved for spacious homes, think again! You can explore lots of different ways to use furniture to optimally utilise space within your home without any hassle. Raghunandan Saraf, Founder and CEO, Saraf Furniture shares how that can be accomplished.
Smart use of available space: First of all, chalk out a plan to see where and how you can arrange your furniture to create enough space within your home. See if there are any under-utilised corners or edges which you can use to place furniture, instead of having to keep everything in one place.
Stacking: Next, explore stacking options. These days, one can easily find countless innovative ways to stack panels on walls in order to create more space. This option also allows you to be creative and stack according to your preference. You can either stack vertically, diagonally, or horizontally, whichever style highlights your unique taste.
The changing trends in design, architecture.
Multipurpose furniture: Ergonomically designed furniture has been around for some time, and can be used for a host of different purposes. The best example of this is the Sofa-cum bed’ a classic space saving multipurpose furniture that can serve as a sitting space and also turn into a bed when required.
Moveable: It can often seem boring to see the same placement and setting of furniture day in and day out. With moveable furniture though, you can experiment with different settings until you find the one that suits your preference and reflects your personal decor style. Furniture with wheels or silicone stoppers is often easy to shift from one place to another.
Foldable/expandable furniture: Last but not the least, you can always invest in foldable or expandable furniture that is not only space-saving but also allow you the freedom to improvise. For example, foldable desks with flexible stands can be pulled out to create a portable work station and folded back when you are done.
Innovative space saving ideas using furniture. (Photo: Unsplash)
Go ahead, make the most of your home’s available space with this creative and innovative furniture and furniture placement ideas for space-saving that can allow you to lead a clutter-free life!
Ahead of Dussehra, which emphasises on the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, actors have shared their favourite films that define the theme of the festival.
For veteran actress Himani Shivpuri, it’s the 1998 film Salman Khan-starrer “Bandhan”.
“‘Bandhan’ is easily one of my favourites as the title itself talks of eternal bonds. It is an excellent example of a movie that shows truth always prevails. For all those have not seen this movie, the premise of the story was how Jackie Shroff’s character falls prey to selfish motives and remarries. This leads to him spoiling his relations with his ex-wife and his brother-in-law. He realises much later the importance of relationships and the mistakes he made all along,” the actress, who also featured in the movie, told.
“During this festive season of Dussehra, this movie acts as a reminder to not fall prey to sinful or wrong thoughts, and resentful actions but instead look for the good in people before it gets too late,” added the actress.
Actor-producer Tusshar Kapoor picks his upcoming film “Laxmmi Bomb”, starring Akshay Kumar.
Film “Laxmmi Bomb” poster.
“I can’t think of any other film right now about good winning over evil but ‘Laxmmi Bomb’. It’s a special film because it is a film about good winning over evil, a film with Indian values, something that everyone will connect with, something that will teach you a lesson, something that will inspire and can bring equality within our society,” he told.
Harleen Sethi went a little back in time to pick her favourite good-over-evil film.
“‘Rang De Basanti’ will never be outdated. It encourages the youth to stand up against injustice, sparks a sense of patriotism, and shows collective integrity against moral and political corruption. It forces you to think that letting injustice happen is also a form of injustice. It’s necessary to raise your voice for important issues and not take things lying down,” said the actress about the 2006 film by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra.
For actor Hiten Tejwani, it’s the classic Hollywood film “The Lion King” that fits the bill.
“I love ‘The Lion King’ — how Simba goes away and later comes back, and becomes the king,” said the actor.
Actress Gracy Singh shared the one film that instantly comes to her mind is her 2001 blockbuster release, “Lagaan”.
“The movie truly brought alive the theme of how good triumphs over evil. Burdened by heavy taxes and several years of drought, the farmers of Champaner come together to challenge the British army over a game of cricket, in a bid to stop the lagaan (tax) imposed on them. Their hard work and sincerity pays off in the end. The movie gave out a right message,” said the actress, who starred alongside Aamir Khan in the film.
“Mardaani 2” that saw Rani Mukerji in a cop avatar made many believe that good always beats evil. Actress Shamin Mannan thinks so, too.
“The way Rani not just arrests, but beats the hell out of that serial rapist is just amazing. Everytime I watch that movie, it gives me goosebumps and the way Rani’s character SP Shivani gives that monologue in an interview talking about what all a woman has to go through, and why it should not be even be compared to men, is just outstanding. Such performances beat everything else. Of course the negative lead has done a good job too, we need more movies like this,” said Shamin.
Actress Saba Saudagar agrees with her. “The reason why I love ‘Mardaani’ is because I find it very real and very non-filmy. The evil part of Mardaani reflects the society we live in and the good part also reflects the society we live in but take it for granted. The last scene of ‘Mardaani 2’ where Rani sits exhausted outside a residence, and then beats the antagonist with a Devi idol behind her, literally gave me goosebumps,” said Saba.
“It had a fabulous plot, great screenplay, some power-packed performances and has Durga Puja as a background theme. It was the best for me as a film that shows victory of good over evil. Plus, seeing the reality of how some men treat women, specifically pregnant women, was really heart-wrenching. It really was the most impactful film for me,” she said.
Actress Mugdha Chaphekar shared that there are a lot of films that convey the message of good winning over evil, but she has a favourite too. “‘The Shawshank Redemption’ doesn’t just show how good triumphs over evil, but also shows how truth always wins, you just have to have hope and that’s why I love it,” she said.
Designer duo Monica and Karishma of JADE held a virtual launch of their latest collection ‘The New School of Bride’ on Day 3 of the ongoing digital edition of the Lakme Fashion Week.
The collection focuses on millennial brides who like to mix “traditional styles with contemporary trends”.
The designers presented a fashion film that featured models dressed up in JADE light-weight lehengas, teamed with jackets and shiny make-up and hair tied up in twisted buns, high ponytails and textured braids. The colours used in the range are berries, reds and pinks.
JADE’s latest launch caters to millennial bride.
In the line-up, Monica and Karishma have also added Ek Taar lehengas made with a single thread of resham. There are textured skirts, silver thread-work jackets, and blouses that add a modern and global twist to the traditional ensembles.
To add some glamour, there has been use of accessories like silver bibs, Ek Taar belts, embellished mules, and cross-body sling bags.
Monica said: “After meeting hundreds of brides from across the globe, Karishma and I felt that the collection has to be about hope and the new-age bride. Ever since her teenage years, a girl dreams of her wedding day and weaving a hope of her beautiful future. We have heard so many beautiful stories from our brides. So the collection is dedicated to the brides and our artisans.”
She added: “Because I think this is the real time to support the craft that India stands for. The artisans are the real identity of India which no country in the world has. The true identity of India are the colours, our weaves and craftsmanship which makes us stand apart. And we wanted to use that in its best form. All our lehengas have beautiful craftsmanship but at the same time, keeping the sentiments in mind, we made it global and new-age.”
Pakistani actor Bilal Abbas Khan is glad that his show, Ek Jhoothi Love Story, will reach the Indian audience soon, and hopes they connect with the story.
“Right from the time I started working, it has always been more about the experience to enjoy being someone else for a while,” Bilal said.
About the show streaming in India, he said: “I am happy, because I know shows from Pakistan are liked in India a lot and I always get feedback that people in India are liking my work.”
“I do have hopes, because of the kind of content and platform it will be on. It will reach a wider audience. I want the audience to relate to the content, the characters, and I hope they like what we have made. That’s all I want and hope for,” he added.
Acclaimed Pakistani filmmaker Mehreen Jabbar’s “Ek Jhoothi Love Story” also stars Madiha Imam, and is scripted by Umera Ahmed, celebrated writer of the show “Zindagi Gulzar Hai”.
The show narrates the story of an imperfect family chasing perfections in this imperfect world.
“I always want to work with the right team, right director, and the right story. If a story can appeal to me on paper, it works wonders for me,” Bilal summed up.
Madhuri recalls working with late Rishi Kapoor, Saroj Khan
Actress Madhuri Dixit Nene walked down memory lane and recalled working with the late co-actor Rishi Kapoor and late choreographer Saroj Khan in the 1995 release, Yaarana.
The David Dhawan directorial was inspired by the Julia Roberts-starrer “Sleeping with the Enemy” and is still remembered for Madhuri’s hit dance number, “Mera piya ghar aaya”. The number was choreographed by Saroj Khan.
“Working alongside Rishi ji and learning the steps to #MeraPiyaGharAaaya from Saroj ji are some of my fondest memories… Today as we mark #25YearsOfYaraana, remembering both of them. This is dedicated to them and the whole team.”
The film released on October 20 in 1995. Incidentally, “Yaarana” clashed at the box office with the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”, which also opened on the same day on the occasion of Diwali that year.
Madhuri shared her post along with a few throwback pictures, in which she poses with Rishi Kapoor and Saroj Khan on the set of the film.
Saroj Khan choreographed a series of superhit dance numbers for Madhuri, including “Ek do teen”, “Dhak dhak karne laga”, “Choli ke peeche kya hai”, “Tamma tamma loge” and “Dola re dola”.
Saroj Khan passed away in July due to cardiac arrest, and Rishi Kapoor died after a two-year-long battle with leukaemia in April.
Fashion Forward: FDCI releases dates for India Fashion Week
Day 3 of the digital Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week Spring/Summer 21 saw luxury and contemporary embroidery export house, Milaaya Embroideries, launch its fashion brand Gaya.
Through a fashion film, it showcased a line of lounge wears for women that consists of two collections — Palm Leaf and Loungy Denims.
The Palm Leaf collection depicts the New Earth. It comprises playful, comfortable dresses, bomber and track sets, sweatshirts, pyjama sets, robes, kaftans, camisoles and t-shirts with tropical print in vibrant colours teamed with intricate thread and bead embroideries in contemporary silhouettes, made in soft knits, silks and cottons.
The Loungy Denims collection is a stylised mix of modern silhouettes, innovative embellishment and interesting patch-work with a comfortable loungy vibe and depicts the transition from loungewear for the day to evening smart-lounge.
Designer Anuradha Kuli also launched her SS’21 collections that includes sarees, mekhela chadar, dupattas, scarves and stoles in fabrics like Endi silk, Muga Silk, Nuni Silk, Spun silk and pure cotton. The designer has used vegetable dyes using raw materials such as turmeric, lac, iron, harda and manjishta to give vibrant colours to the outfits.
Speaking about the collection, Kuli, who specialises in traditional ethnic wear from Assam, said: “Looking back at time, I can truly confide today that the designs of all my collections are a pot-pouri of all the experience and inputs I have gathered primarily from all my mentors of the craft council of Assam and India at large, which I try to give shape in my fabrics.”
Designer Rimi Nayak’s spring/summer 2021 collection Bloom’ “narrates the story of hope and positivity” and celebrates “that feeling called Spring”. Her collection included lounge wears like maxi dresses, shirts, skirts and jackets with prints of variety of tropical foliage in bright and vibrant colour palette and free-flowing silhouettes.
Ashima Leena’s latest collection,’Umme Rabab’ pays tribute to the craftsmen and weavers of the textile industry. This collection combines hand embroidery in the form of curated textiles with classic AL Maharani silhouettes.
The line-up included lengthened jackets that can be worn with any of the classic silhouettes, peplums, circular lehengas, applique delicate sarees with jewelled tassels with chanderi and brocade woven Odhni’s along with antique gold fabrics, tiny hand embroidered beads and intricately appliqued brocades.
Mustard, muted turmeric, soft dusky pink, ivory, pomegranate red, iron black, beaten gold, bold pinks, deep emerald, and sand like beige create the palette of the collection. The collection sees applique work with unique brocade fabrics, French knots and detailed zardozi embroidery, paisley patterns bordered with hand-embroidered beadwork and hand-made tassels.
If the pandemic has taught us all one thing it’s too be self-sufficient in the grooming department. From haircuts to hair colour, and beard trimming (for men)… one has tried it all at home during the lockdown. But with the added after affects of the monsoon, we don’t blame you if things have gone out of hand.
The main hair concerns at this time of the year include rough, frizzy hair and a dry scalp as a result of monsoon weather. As compared to other seasons, men and women particularly experience more hair fall, itchy scalps, dandruff, dryness, and frizz in this season. Rainwater is acidic in nature, as it collects impurities and dirt from the environment. In rainy weather with the mix with Sulphur Dioxide, hair tends to become much more acidic in nature which is extremely harmful to it.
When this rainwater comes in contact with the hair, it makes the hair texture brittle, frizzy and rough by stripping off the natural moisture from the scalp and tresses. Rainwater that gets trapped in the scalp also disturbs the pH balance of the scalp, laying a bed for bacteria/fungi to breed. Hair follicles can become sensitive and absorb water which makes the roots swell up, leading to hair fall and damage.
We roped in experts at Kama Ayurveda to share some do it yourself tricks after months of monsoon damage on your mane.
A guide to help revive monsoon damaged hair.
Hot Oil Massage to the rescue
Hot oil massaging ensures that essential nutrients are soaked deep into the roots and help to repair and revive the strands. Oils including Organic Cold-pressed Coconut oil and Cold-pressed Organic Neem Oil can be used once in a week. While Coconut oil acts as a protective layer to your hair and scalp, Neem Oil is cooling and clears out accumulated sweat and oil, which cause dandruff and itching.
Give your hair a regular oil massage using warm oil infused with herbs like Amla, Bhringraj and indigo. A warm oil massage helps to increase blood circulation to the hair follicles and helps grow healthy hair. It also conditions your scalp and keeps your hair from being unruly and frizzy. Especially, if you have dry hair, a good massage can help to restore the lost natural oils and lustre. The carefully prepared Bringadi Intensive Hair Treatment Oil from Kama Ayurveda consists of effective Ayurvedic ingredients that promote hair growth naturally.
Lemon Therapy
Lemons can help tresses which are affected by humidity or reducing hair fall by tightening the pores in the scalp. Lemon contains lots of astringents and antioxidants that help in cleansing the scalp and tightening the pores.
For this you simply need to squeeze out some lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Mix it well and pour it over your scalp and hair after you take a bath. This will help in tightening the pores which will control your hair fall and will also cleanse your scalp. Let is stay for about 20-25 minutes and gently rinse it off with cool water. Your scalp gets cleaned, and your hair fall is controlled.
Homemade Masks
You can treat yourself with a hair mask for frizzy hair using a few fresh ingredients from your kitchen. This helps deep condition the hair, locking in necessary nutrition, and strengthening the hair follicles. For this, mix a teaspoon each of Neem leaf powder, Amla powder, fresh yogurt, and mix them to create a creamy consistency. Apply this mask through the length of your hair and leave on for 30 minutes. Wash this with a mild cleanser and condition.
NATURAL COLOUR FOR GREYS
One of the trickier aspects has undeniably been colouring your tresses, especially with all the chemicals involved in the process, it’s no wonder people are nervous about a do it yourself hair colour routine. This has been the common feeling amongst both men and women.
To that end Kama Ayurveda recently launched an efficient, timeless and closest-to-natural solution to dying hair. Using time tested formulations the Organic Hair Colour Kit reduces or eliminates chemicals from your hair-care regime, especially while colouring grey hair
The kit is an all-natural hair conditioning and colouring combination adds body, richness, and shine as it includes both henna and indigo. Henna is a replenishing herbal conditioner and colourant made with organic henna leaves, that nourishes hair leaving it soft, shiny as it heals the hair shafts and prevents breakage by repair. While indigo is an all-natural hair colourant, made with organic indigo leaves which imparts a rich black colour when used in combination with the henna. It also smoothens out the tangles and makes the hair thicker, more manageable, and lustrous in texture.
