Society Achievers - Sept 2022 by magnatepublishingpvtltd

Society LEGENDS ACHIEVERS& Neetu VinitaMickeyManishAliaNeerajGautamKapoorAdaniChopraBhattMalhotraMehtaChaitanya SonuHeroRealTheSood captures the nation’s heart! ACHIEVERS LIFESTYLETRENDS! Technology Fitness Mental Health Food Décor Fashion & More… Sept - Oct 2022 India UK/Europe USA/Canada ₹ 100.00€3.99$2.99The Magazine With Class www.societyachievers.com

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Associate Editor: Nichola Marie

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Assistant Editor: Amber Dias

Meet the maestros, mavens and mavericks who are taking on the world, one step at a time.

The buzz on food, fashion, fitness, interiors,relationships and more.

Fashion

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The Cover Story

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Why setting boundaries is the key to healthy relationships.

Japanese cuisine is winning over Indian taste buds.

Contents

Technology Climate responsive architecture takes centre stage.

Food

Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood wins hearts with real actions.

Relationships

Legends & Achievers

National, West Zone: Sunil Khavnekar +91 9820303096 Preeta Nair +91 9892746767

Publisher: Magnate Publishing Private Limited

Correspondents: Tsunami Costabir, Paula Dsouza

Grey is the new black.

Editor: Andrea CostaBir

Business Heads

All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Mumbai (India) only.

Insightful. Incisive. Celebratory! That’s ‘Society Achievers’ for you! As India’s most respected celebrity news and lifestyle magazine, ‘Society Achievers’ tracks and celebrates the success stories of inspiring icons, game-changers and newsmakers from diverse fields across the globe.

Editor’s Note

Joining Sonu on the cover are virtuosos who rule the global space with panache! These maestros include actress Neetu Kapoor, business tycoon Gautam Adani; Olympic javelin star Neeraj Chopra, actress-producer Alia Bhatt, fashion designer Manish Malhotra, fitness guru Mickey Mehta, and interior designer Vinita Chaitanya. Collectively, these ‘Legends & Achievers’ bring to the table a sumptuous recipe on the art and science of being successful! And adding pizzazz to the magazine is the ‘Lifestyle’ section on various interesting domains and trends.

Photograph: Viraj Shirodkar

‘The Cover Story’ showcases ‘real hero’ Sonu Sood, who won people’s hearts when he helped millions of migrants during the coronavirus pandemic. Till today, people form serpentine queues at the gate of his residence; knowing he never turns down those in need. This philanthropic avatar of Sonu’s has cemented his status as a national hero!

A trendsetting destination, ‘Society Achievers’ is your goto guide for all things exciting! Wrap your head around it... and tune in for an enriching read. Stay delighted!

“I see people in pain and suffering, and it breaks my heart…”

- Nichola Marie

Read on for a one-on-one with the cover star of Society Achiever’s inaugural issue. A man of few words, and a lot more action... A real hero in every sense of the term!

There’s a new No.1 crowned every Friday, but when you win people’s hearts, the love just never goes away… Say hello to Sonu Sood –the true hero!

Photograph: Rohit Gupta

Recently, a video went viral. It showed an endlessly long queue of people – 500 at the very least – outside a residential building, lining up one behind the other, files in hand, anxiety on their faces, a weak light of hope in their eyes. Their destination: Sonu Sood. They’ve heard he never lets down a needy man and they are here to meet that rare angel, no matter how many hours it takes them.

Cover Story

All heroes don’t wear capes. This one wears his heart on his sleeve, ready to clasp a shaky hand fumbling for help. In a world that’s not necessarily cruel but largely indifferent, Sonu Sood is plain and simple different. Post the coronavirus pandemic, many call him a national hero; we believe a man like him shouldn’t be defined by boundaries!

Photograph: Avinash Gowarikar

I don’t do it to feel better about myself. I do it simply because I am capable of helping, I have the resources. I see people in pain and suffering and it breaks my heart; so I try, in whatever little way I can, to be of some help. And over these past few years, I have been surrounded by good people who think the same way as I do. That’s how today I am doing what I can.

Actor, producer, model – you wear many hats. Yet the one you seem to have most warmly embraced is your real-life role of humanitarian and philanthropist. How did this urge to help the poor and underprivileged come about?

I cannot stand to see someone suffer around me. During Covid, it appalled me to see so many people, helpless innocent people, had their lives wrecked. People are still reeling from it today too. So, I just did what I could do instinctively.

“I try, in whatever little way I can, to be of some help. Over these past few years, I’ve been surrounded by good people who think the same way as I do. That’s how today I am doing what I can.”

In a world of make-believe, you stand apart as a true hero, not just onscreen but off it, making a huge and positive difference to innumerable lives in need of help. How satisfying is it to be a real hero of the masses of our country?

The film industry is known to have a generous heart, but we have perhaps never seen a single person so involved and evolved with helping the underprivileged as you. How do you plan and structure your system of helping and giving?

The Sood Charity Foundation works in different segments and organises different foundation campaigns for different people. Citizens can register as per their needs and the category they fall in, like Pravasi Rojgar, ILAAJ India, Ruk Jaana Nahi, Sonu for You, Prof. Saroj Sood Scholarship, Ghar Bhejo etc. The goal is to be of whatever help we can to those who are underprivileged or in need of help.

Do tell us more about the Sood Charity Foundation – its goals, mission, and achievements so far.

9 “I cannot stand to see someone suffer around me. During Covid, it appalled me to see so many people, instinctively.”didwrecked…hadinnocenthelplesspeople,theirlivesSo,IjustwhatIcoulddo

It started with a few endorsements, all the money that I have earned, I have asked them to give it to charity. Sometimes they give it directly to a school or hospital, sometimes they route it through our charity, the Sood Charity Foundation.

I want people to be able to share their moments with other people without having to jump to seven different apps. And I wanted to make an app that rewards people and offers discounts for sharing the moments that make them happy.

What is your personal motto in your path of philanthropy?

Who are your inspirations in your chosen mission?

My mom. She has always been my beacon of light, guiding me in the right direction to do good – as much as possible.

You have worked and made a huge success across various film mediums – Hindi as well as South Indian cinema. What has been your experience across all these different film industries so far?

You recently launched your new social media app for travellers called Explurger. Tell us more about your interest in travel and what you hope to achieve with this app.

I don’t have any specific motto. All I know is I want to help those in need till my very last breath.

I have always found all of them very warm and welcoming. They have taught me a lot and I am what I am thanks to their acceptance and their belief in me. These are all industries run by people who only care about making good movies and providing a sense of belonging to the audience.

We have seen videos of hundreds of needy people lining up at your gate each day in hope of help. Do you feel emotionally drained at times, or overwhelmed by the sheer numbers who need help? There may be times when I feel overwhelmed and I doubt myself, but then I remember that the point is to provide whatever help is possible. And people from all over the country are backing me with support.

Has your film career taken a backseat to your more prominent and time-consuming role of philanthropist? Any exciting acting/ production projects in the offing?

I don’t think that one takes away from the other. I am just as active in my job as I am in helping those around me. I have Fateh lined up, and also a couple of South Indian movies.

I don’t want to say anything too grand or outlandish. All I would say is that I am grateful for the love and affection that has been graced upon me, and I hope to be of help for as long as possible.

What would be your message to readers of Society Achievers?

“I don’t think that one takes away from the other. I am just as active in my job as I am in helping those around me.

Photograph: Rohit Gupta

I have Fateh lined up, and also a couple of South Indian movies.”

MeetTheyAchieversLegendsarebold,brave,brilliantandpavingtheirownwayforward.thelegendsandachieverswhohavedaredtodream,andcontinue to soar higher and higher! &

- Nichola Marie

Films

“The kind of selflessness that I’ve seen my mother go through

is -else…”anywherethrough)anybodyneverwhichsomethingI’veseen(goRanbirKapoor

The Return of

hether she is onscreen or off it, the eye is spontaneously drawn to Neetu Kapoor. If she nearly stole the spotlight at her son’s wedding, she equally won hearts as a judge on Dance Deewane Juniors, chatting with the paps, or matching steps with stars less than half her age. She proved her acting chops on the big screen all over again in JugJugg Jiyo, slipping into a new avatar. Unlike the stereotypical loud Punjabi mom of Hindi films, she was “subtle, rational and pragmatic about life,” as a review put it. It’s almost as if a lightbulb has been ignited within her, that makes everyone want to find their way into her circle, and bask in her warmth.

Neetu Kapoor

Admitting that she was broken after the passing of her husband, yes, she did seek therapy to cope with the loss, but eventually realised that she had to pick herself up. She chose to deal with her feelings herself, not putting the onus on friends or family. Deciding one day that she had to be strong and move on in her life, she did just that.

Marriedblink.life

Choosing to look after her own happiness, she declares she feels like a newcomer, doing television which she has never done before, and discovering different facets of herself as an actress

had its share of rough patches, but she has chosen to skim over the “friction and disagreements” and focus on the larger picture.

Ask her where her positivity comes from and she declares that she doesn’t know! Maybe she was just born happy, she surmises, it’s in her to choose being happy over being sad. Life has been no bed of roses for the actress, who had started off as a child artiste in films when she was just five, becoming the bread-winner of her family after the early demise of her father. Graduating to full-fledged heroine roles when she was barely 14, there was no looking back, as she featured in nearly 70 films in seven years, often working three shifts a day. When co-star and beau Rishi Kapoor popped the question, she gave up her thriving career for family life, in a

Through Rishi Kapoor’s illness and treatment, she was by his side like a rock. And when she lost him, we never saw her crumble either. It led son Ranbir Kapoor to share in an interview with Film Companion, “The kind of selflessness that I’ve seen my mother go through is something which I’ve never seen anybody (go through) anywhere else, and I don’t know if she’s healed, you know. …Maybe she needs therapy, maybe she needs to speak it out – maybe through her work, maybe through interacting with people.”

As she sallies forth, she’s unfazed by the criticism for not fitting the image of the “crying widow type,” as she herself puts it. “I just block the ones who troll me,” she says; this is the way she wants to be, and this is the way that she will be. There is nothing wrong with being happy, she points out, adding that she doesn’t need to be sad to miss her husband.

Opening the doors has allowed the breeze of fresh opportunity to waft in. Choosing to look after her own happiness, she declares she feels like a newcomer, doing television which she has never done before, and discovering different facets of herself as an actress. She had no intention of coming back to the movies but realised that acting is what she knows, and it was a great way to keep busy and happy. A chance to reject a routine life, she has embraced the possibilities.

“I just block the ones who troll me.” Neetu Kapoor

The trolls will need to look for other prey!

“Hope JugJugg Jeeyo was not a one-off case!”

A person dealing with such a situation should learn to ignore such trolls and their messages. You require few friends, family members who care about you and who understand you. You don’t need to please everyone. The best way to deal with them is to not expose yourself to their opinions. If you still get exposed to it, you should tell yourself that the person might have gone through bad experiences, frustrations and might be throwing that anger on you, so you should not take it too seriously.

Normal grief after the death of a loved one goes through five phases –

e) Reorganisation - where the grieving person readjusts to the life without the loved one.

It’s good that she has staged a comeback. Hope it’s for good, and JJJ was not a one-off case. She’s talented, and she’s maintained her looks well. She should now select good films to make a mark in her second innings too.

I think because Neetu Kapoor is a celebrity, she is at the receiving end of such trolling. Rishi Kapoor expired two years back and now if she has started working in TV and films, then that’s completely normal. If she was still not doing it, it would have been problematic. People should also understand that the image portrayed by actors in media or social media can be very different from what they actually experience in their real life.

c) Despair - a deeper understanding that the lost person is not coming back.

b) Searching - because of the loneliness and longing for the deceased person.

“If Neetu Kapoor was still not moving on, it would have been problematic.”

-Dr Chinmay Kulkarni - practising psychiatrist, Mumbai

a) Protest - which often is prolonged in untimely death of a loved one.

Grief reaction can take a few weeks to few months or longer, depending on person to person. Usually people reach the ‘Reorganisation’ phase in 6 to 12 months. In order to reach this state, people use different coping mechanisms. Socialising can be one of the coping mechanisms in dealing with loneliness, specifically if the deceased person is a spouse.

– Komal Nahta - film trade analyst, host - ETC Bollywood Business, editor - Film Information

d) Detachment - when the grieving person starts focusing on other aspects of life.

“She is the best!”

- Manav Manglaniphotographer, media influencer

Elegance personified! She is the best and my fave, love her vibe and the way she interacts with the paparazzi during shoots, pyaar se, very cordially. She takes care of everyone, asks how we all have been, and tells us that she will miss us when she is not shooting.

things you need to know about the world’s third richest man

- Namrata Nair

Business

Gautam Adani hit the headlines recently – he has pretty much made a habit of it, actually – when he overtook Bernard Arnault to become the third richest man in the world. The 60-year-old business tycoon is now only behind Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and SpaceX’s Elon Musk. Musk leads the rankings as the richest man in the world with a net worth of US$235.8 billion. The top spot might well be where Mr Adani has his sights fixed!

Did you know billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani once said he “could never take orders from anyone”?

4.India.The

1. Just two years ago, his wealth stood at US$10 billion. Today, Gautam Adani is worth approximately US$137.4 billion, overtaking India’s leading billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

group is winning some of the largest road contracts and growing its market share in business such as ports, logistics, transmission and distribution, city gas, and piped natural gas. On a rapid diversification spree, Adani bagged ACC and Ambuja Cement from Holcim for US$10.5 billion. The group is now the second largest cement manufacturer in India. The successful IPO of Adani Wilmar makes it the largest FMCG company in the country.

Here’s a snapshot of the success of the 1962born, latter-day Midas named Gautam Adani…

2. Did you know Adani is a college dropout? Choosing to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams while in his second year of graduation, he first tried the lucrative diamond industry of Mumbai, before returning to his home state Gujarat, to join his brother’s plastics business. He founded his own company, Adani Enterprises in 1988.

3. Adani Group is today a diversified organisation in India with market cap of over US$211.11 billion (as on July 29, 2020) comprising seven publicly traded companies. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it is a leader in transport logistics and energy utility portfolio businesses focusing on largescale infrastructure development in India. With four IG rated businesses, it is the only infrastructure investment grade issuer in

and gas to one day becoming a net exporter of clean energy.

6. Speaking to shareholders, Adani affirmed that the group’s market capitalisation rose to US$200 billion, and the group was able to raise billions of dollars from the international markets. This, he pointed out, was a direct validation of confidence in the India and Adani growth story. “Our growth and success have been recognised around the world. Several foreign governments are now approaching us to work in their geographies and help build their infrastructure.” This year, the group laid the foundation to seek a broader expansion beyond India’s boundaries, he said.

“Being an entrepreneur is my dream job as it tests one’s tenacity. I could never take orders from anyone.”

5. Adani wants to be the world’s largest producer of green energy, and has said he will invest up to US$70 billion on renewable energy projects. He leads the race to turn India from being dependent on imported oil

Adani has forayed into the media business with AMG Media Networks. The group also won the tender for privatisation of the port of Haifa in Israel in partnership with Gadot. Haifa is the largest of Israel’s three major international seaports. He also controls Mundra port, India’s largest, in his home state of Gujarat. In 2020, Adani acquired a 74% stake in Mumbai International Airport, India’s second-busiest, and is the country’s biggest airport operator.

10. The key to Gautam Adani’s success possibly lies in his own words – “Being an entrepreneur is my dream job as it tests one’s tenacity. I could never take orders from anyone.”

9. Did you know Gautam Adani was kidnapped in 1997 for a US$1.5 million ransom? He was also at the Taj in Mumbai when terrorists attacked it on the night of 26 November, 2008.

7. Adani’s NFBC unit, Adani Capital’s first-time share sale is planning to raise at least Rs.15 billion (US$188 million) in an initial public offering in Mumbai that could take place as early as 2024. It will offer about a 10% stake in the shadow bank and target a valuation of around US$2 billion. This financial unit launched in 2017, started small. It reported net income of Rs.163 million in the year ended 31 March, 2021. The firm has 154 branches in eight states and about 60,000 borrowers, and currently looks after about Rs.3,000 crore of loans.

“Our growth and success have been recognised around the world. Several foreign governments are now approaching us to work in their geographies and help build their infrastructure.”

8. To mark the 100th birth anniversary of his father Shantilal Adani, the Adani family came together to contribute Rs.60,000 crore towards charitable activities related to

healthcare, education, and skill development, focussing especially on rural India. “We have an opportunity in India to lift tens of millions of people permanently out of poverty. We owe it not only to ourselves but also to our country,” said the tycoon.

28 Sports

JavelinGolden Boy

Olympian Neeraj Chopra will go down in history along with the greats like Milkha Singh and PT Usha. He is the first Indian to have won a Gold in Athletics at the Olympics 2020, and continually serves to make his country proud. Paula Dsouza gets him to talk about his unwavering love for javelin throw and more…

I genuinely believe that I have picked up many aspects from all the coaches I have worked with, right from when I first picked up the sport. Each coach brings their own nuances, which I try to inculcate into my training and become better. In Coach Klaus’ case, he brings a lot of technical knowledge as a biomechanist, which is very useful for me as I train to improve my javelin throwing technique. However, what I enjoy the most with him is the fact that we have fun while training. He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on me, and asks me to enjoy myself while training or during a competition. So I’ve learned a lot about how to approach the sport through him, which I feel has worked in my favour.

A lot of people who have seen my videos and ads online or on TV have asked me if I want to work in TV or movies after my sports career. They feel I act well in those videos and have asked if I have ambitions in this domain, because they feel it’s something that I like or enjoy doing. But the reality is far from the case; I have absolutely no intention at all to make a career in acting or in front of the camera after my sporting career is over!

However, I think that entire period also helped make me the athlete that I am today. I was able to do proper rehab, get back stronger than before, qualify for the Olympics and win the Gold. It taught me to get a better sense of my own body, the limits I should push myself to, and more importantly, the line beyond which I should not push myself.

Please share something important that you have learnt from your coach Klaus Bartonietz.

Even today, he is one of my closest confidants and even though I don’t meet my family as often, I always try to speak to him when I need motivation. In sport, my role model has been Jan Zelezny, the javelin world record holder whose videos I grew up watching. Closer to home, the stories of Milkha Singh, PT Usha and more recently, Abhinav Bindra sir, have been inspirational to me.

Sport has taught me that there are no shortcuts to the top. And if you are able to put all your effort and dedication into something, you will achieve success. Sport has taught me the importance of patience, and the value of learning and believing in the ‘process’. These are virtues that I think go beyond the sports field and can be important life lessons as well.

In my sporting career and my life, the biggest challenge would probably have to be when I underwent the elbow surgery on my throwing hand in 2019. I had a successful 2018 season, winning the Commonwealth and Asian Games, and I was preparing for the pre-Olympic year with a focus on the World Championships and qualifying for Tokyo. At that point, to have to undergo surgery was a major challenge for me, since no one really knew what would happen post-surgery, as there are many instances of athletes not being able to recover completely after getting operated. It was something that did keep me up at night because I had to undergo a long rehabilitation process. It was difficult to stay positive and motivated, at times. And after I got fit, COVID happened, training and competitions stopped, and the Olympics had to be postponed. So it was a challenging two-year period for me as a whole.

I first saw the javelin when I was visiting a stadium near my village for some fitness and exercise. Some senior athletes were practicing the javelin and I was completely drawn by the way the javelin flew through the air; something about the way it flew with the tail swivelling all along drew me to the sport. After I tried it, I realized I really enjoyed the sport and there has been no looking back since.

I have always been very fond of and looked up to my younger uncle, Surender (father’s youngest brother). He is the only one in our large joint family who had an interest in sports and fitness, and it was him who pushed me to go to the stadium to take up sport as an overweight kid.

What is the biggest challenge you have had to face so far?

What would you say is a major misconception people have about you?

What is it that first drew you to javelin throw?

Who is someone you look up to? Why?

What is a virtue you think sport, more specifically athletics, has taught you?

“ I have absolutely no intention at all to make a career in acting or in front of the camera after my sporting career is over! “

I would like to keep doing what I do, and continue doing my best for my country at every competition I go to. Yes, I have won an Olympic medal and a World Championship medal, but I think the real legacy of my medals would be if I can continue living up to the expectations people have of me, while also inspiring the current and next generation of Indian athletes to believe that they can also be among the best in the world! That is what I feel would be the real value of my medal.

I know people think that I just say this, but honestly, I don’t let the pressure and expectations get to me. In fact, I feel motivated and spurred on, knowing that so many people believe in me and are praying for me to do well. From the beginning, I have always approached every competition with the same goal – to give my 100%, my best shot, and try to be the best version of myself on that day. That has worked very well for me so far, so I would like to continue approaching my sport the same way, and hopefully, give back to people through my performances.

I usually have my pre-event routine, which includes my warm-up and getting competition ready. I tend to listen to a lot of music as it helps me focus before the event. Typically, some fast beats and high-tempo music is good to get me pumped up for the event. Another thing I rely on quite a bit before the event is visualization, where I try to imagine myself throwing in the conditions I am going to be in on event day. This helps me a lot in terms of preparation.

How do you plan to prep for the upcoming Commonwealth and Asian Games?

Having been the first Indian to win a Gold medal in Athletics at the Olympics, how do you deal with the pressure and expectations of people?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into athletics?

Give your full dedication and hard work to training, surround yourself with the right support group of coaches and fellow athletes, remain patient, and trust the process of growth and development.

What is a goal you wish to achieve in the next 10 years?

My 2022 season will end with the Diamond League finals in Zurich on September 8. Overall, it’s been a great year, though I had a small issue with a minor injury which kept me out of the Commonwealth Games. Post season, I intend to take a short holiday, but am very keen on starting my post-season rehabilitation soon, so I don’t miss training for an extended period of time.

What do you do to tune out the noise and focus pre-event?

I think the biggest provision we can have in our country is to make sports more accessible to kids; to just play any sport. We lack playgrounds and fields across the country where children can take up sport in a safe and structured manner. This, in itself, can make a huge impact. Additionally, I think it is very important for talented youngsters to get included into structured training programs through government and corporate support so that even at the grassroots, more athletes are able to play and gain the health and wellbeing benefits that come from playing sport and keeping fit.

What is your favourite part about the javelin throw?

What was your main purpose for starting the #JavRun challenge?

2023 will be an important year because we have the Athletics World Championships as well as the Asian Games happening. Additionally, the qualification window for the Paris Olympic Games will start, and I’m keen on getting myself into the best shape possible to set myself up for good 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The #JavRun challenge came about when my team was speaking to the YouTube team about ways we could leverage the post-Olympics buzz into something more meaningful. I’ve always wanted to use my platform to spread the message of sport and fitness, so I started my YouTube channel with the hope that I can put out training and fitness videos which could inspire the next generation. The idea behind the #JavRun challenge was to get more people to take an interest in the sport of javelin, while also having some fun with it. The response has been phenomenal, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the way people have taken to it!

Having said that, it’s also a fact that we’re not always going to be in absolute perfect fitness or the body doesn’t cooperate, or countless other reasons why a training session or competition doesn’t go according to plan.

Oh absolutely, we use hurdles a lot in our training and it is something I love doing as part of my training. We do many jumps and drills using the hurdles which are primarily to help with the explosiveness, speed and general fitness that is crucial for a javelin thrower. Hurdles help strengthen and improve stability in the lower body, and the jumping and landing motions help the feet get used to the kind of force we typically face when going through the javelin throw motions of running and then blocking the momentum with one foot, and using that force to throw the javelin like an arrow out of a bow.

In what way can the provision of facilities for athletics in our country be improved according to you?

The best part about my sport is when you’re feeling in good shape, whether in training or competition, when everything falls in place, and you’re able to throw the javelin far!

I think that part of training (where there’s a belief or hope that you can do better and that you have a certain number of days or sessions to get ready for a particular target), that feeling is what I find incredibly exciting and humbling about the sport, which keeps me excited. It’s that feeling I chase consistently to keep training and playing the sport, and making it fun and interesting for me since there’s always room to do better.

A big part of your training has involved the use of hurdles. What kind of skill does that help build?

“ Sport has taught me that there are no shortcuts to the top. And if you are able to put all your effort and dedication into something, you will achieve success. “

Films

It is ten years since the release of Student Of The Year. But its very successful leading lady isn’t patting her back. Instead, she is smiling sweetly and ruthlessly operating according to her superior stillprogramming.internalHatersgiggleabouther

She’s less the roaring flame that devours; more, the slow burn that steadily powers new fulfilments… Get out of the way, haters

infamous gaffe on Koffee With Karan, or toss around the nepotism word; Alia Bhatt doesn’t even notice. She is just too busy winning the world.

- Nichola Marie

– it’s Alia Bhatt and Unstoppable!she’s…

Her superhit period crime drama Gangubai Kathiawadi has been a fitting high to her decade in films. It brought praise from all quarters. The Guardian gushed: “Bhatt is terrific, tearing through the film, her performance gathering momentum, as respect, desire, and a certain amount of fear flickers in the eyes of those around her.” The film also had the ever-generous Vidya Balan cheering, “How amazing it is that after two years when theatres opened, it is a femaleled film that has rocked the box office!”

With the biggest of them faltering at the turnstiles, this little slip of a girl brought the crowds into the theatres and kept them glued. Dham Dham Dham Dhamak Dham!

In her decade in films, she has shone in a plethora of different parts, growing into one of the most bankable stars of our times. And we do mean ‘shone’ metaphorically, because she got downright muddied to play the Bihari migrant labourer that absolutely tugged at the heartstrings in Udta Punjab (2016). It came on the heels of another deglamourised performance as the disturbed girl who, for reasons later revealed, discovers freedom after being kidnapped (Highway, 2016).

With the biggest of them faltering at the turnstiles, this little slip of a girl brought the crowds into the theatres and kept them glued. Dham Dham Dham Dhamak Dham!

“She was a girl, and now, she is a woman and she is dazzling.”

- Pooja Bhatt

Her charm and naturalness shone through even when she didn’t have much screen time (Kapoor & Sons, 2016). Why, she shone even when she played a character combating depression (Dear Zindagi, 2016). Her inbuilt antenna for underplaying saw her pull off another powerful role as the fragile yet daring spy faced with difficult choices (Raazi, 2018). And she does it all “without letting you see any of the effort she puts into her craft,” as director Meghna Gulzar points out. That analogy about gliding on the surface while paddling furiously underwater isn’t just a quotable quote.

Turning producer with Darlings (2022), coproduced by Shah Rukh Khan, she shows again that it’s the stories at the core that matter to her, never the predictable frills. A dark comedy, Darlings revolves around a wife who abducts her own husband to avenge the years of mistreatment she suffered at his hands – not a ‘safe’ choice by any standards, and thus she keeps the nation guessing!

There’s respect for Mahesh Bhatt’s little girl, who was once putting cream on daddy’s feet for Rs 500, “and then in two years had made more money than I ever did in my 50 years as a filmmaker!”

But much before that happens, there’s her own little co-production on the personal front, with husband Ranbir Kapoor... Barely was the happy news of her managing to tie down the notoriously footloose Kapoor in holy matrimony digested, than along came tidings of the impending arrival of their little bundle of joy later this year. Is there anything this girl can’t do? Oh and did we mention she has also made ‘manifestation’ a popular term within –and outside – B-town? A modern legend has now been created around how she made her wish for Ranbir Kapoor a reality by speaking out about her big crush on a public platform on at least three occasions – way before they even knew each other – and literally willing him to happen! Well, Prince Charming did not only happen, he sounds mighty kicked about it too…

Now, she has gone ahead and completed her first Hollywood film, the Netflix thriller Heart of Stone, starring with Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. There’s the biggie Brahmastra, a fantasy adventure touted to be the costliest Hindi film till date. And don’t forget Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani to release early next year, and Jee Le Zaraa, costarring Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif, which will celebrate female friendship.

“We can talk, laugh, and be honest with each other. I’m not a very expressive person, but I can express myself with her. And she just gets it. We are lucky that we found each Aliaother.”Bhatt is pretty much everywhere – endorsements, appearances, social media. Yet, she’s clever enough to avoid over-kill. The perks of having your head screwed on your shoulders the right way. Her father, the otherwise garrulous Mahesh Bhatt, is frankly awed. “She is not an extension of her parents. She is a fire of her own,” he declares. He goes on to explain, “Although I was a filmmaker, we always lived on the edge of the industry. Our home was not a hub for film parties. I made films to make a living, and these are the things that have gone into Alia’s consciousness. She works with a ferocity and focus, but she also has deep empathy.” And there’s respect for his little girl, who was once putting cream on daddy’s feet for Rs 500, “and then in two years had made more money than I ever did in my 50 years as a filmmaker!”

All that and also Karan Johar for a lifelong godfather! “She’s the first person I felt parental about… I love her and the country knows she’s one of our finest actors. I have a tremendous amount of love, respect and admiration and I’m allowed to say what I want about her… I’m like a parent to her… I genuinely love her and I want to say it all the time,” he has happily gushed. Breathes there a soul who doesn’t love Alia Bhatt? Unlikely, say even her now-husband’s So,ex-girlfriends!let’sknock on wood and keep our eyes trained on her next move. Like her sister Pooja Bhatt said – “She was a girl, and now, she is a woman and she is dazzling.”

T H E B I G G E S T B A T T L E F I E L D F O R F U T U R E I N T E R I O R D E S I G N E R S A N D A R C H I T E C T S I S H E R E Comingsoon India's No.1 Architecture, Interiors and Design magazine Initiative by www.societyinteriorsdesign.com The 20th Annual Society Interiors Design Competition & Awards Are Here. info@societyinteriorsdesign.comContact Calling all interior designers and architects of the future.

42 King RazzmatazzMesmerizingof Fashion Brilliant MalhotrarevivalistdesignerfashionandManishisrevered in the Hindi film industry yearsovercolossaltheurgesAndreadressedclamorsstarbeyond…andeveryandcelebritytobebyhim!CostaBirhimtosharesecretsofhissuccessthelast30andcounting!

Manish Malhotra is synonymous with dressing up the who’s who of the Hindi film industry for the last 30 years. How did you get into this space and continue to rule it three decades later?!

I believe the contemprarized fantasy and dreams stem from the story of heritage textiles and craft. Our origins are so strong that modernizing the Indian handloom does not necessarily mean propelling it to conform to modern times but instead merging the traditions, the refinement, and the impact of the handcrafted creation with the identity of today’s globalized generation.

I’ve been privileged to dress an entire generation of Bollywood actors and their progeny on and off the screen, and it has been lovely styling all of them.

I’m glad to share a commonplace in this industry to house the best actresses and actors over the years. I’ve always believed that fashion and films go hand-in-hand, so the clothes need to align to bring the characters alive to justify the role and the scene. I debuted in the ‘90s as a costume stylist and designer; I was the first to read scripts – an unheard of practice in Hindi films then. I believe that costume is integral to visual storytelling to make the characters more relatable to the audience. With costumes comes styling, make-up, accessories, and the whole look that gives the much-needed depth to the character.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Gauri Khan, Natasha Poonawalla, Janhvi Kapoor and so many other divas swear by your creations. What makes them trust you with their style statements over and over again?

You have dressed up generations of beauteous actresses and other celebrities. What is the key to staying relevant in the fashion industry?

44 “I audience.”relatablecharacterstostorytellingtoisthatbelievecostumeintegralvisualmakethemoretothe

I share a personal and deep bond with all of them; however, I feel work at the end of the day must be dissociated from personal equations. Moreover, each of these ladies, be it Kareena, Gauri, Karisma, Natasha or Janhvi, possess a unique style, and giving them a personal narrative every time I design for them has not only improved our work equation, but also created opportunities for innovation and experimentation.

Ranveer and Deepika have undeniable electrifying chemistry. I couldn’t think of anyone else but them to muse this extraordinary collection that celebrated purpose, people and progress.

I feel unsaid, unexpressed gratitude for the actors and filmmakers I spent a lot of time with during my work. Every experience is unique and different. I treasure every moment with them.

Define Brand Manish Malhotra.

Both of these talented superstars symbolize independence, power and passion. Their support and belief speak volumes about their contribution to communities at large.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were showstoppers at your recent fashion show for Mijwan. Are they your favourite muses currently?

The Manish Malhotra brand is about making an innovative statement in timeless, contemporary classic and responsible collections that tell the authentic stories of Indian craft and artisans.

You share a very close bond with quite a few filmstars… who are you closest to and why?

What is your design philosophy while creating clothes for both, women and men?

It’s about the people, progress and a strong purpose to protect and preserve the craft. My brand is all about ‘Couture, Customised, Modernised, Indian, Timeless Clothes’ that promote Indian craft with passion and patience. Over the course of 30 years I have witnessed obstacles, seen immense growth, success and change. Out of all, my personal favourite is change. Change for me means moving ahead with the times. It never hurts to try something new. With the required efforts and long-standing experience,

Describe your work ethic that has kept you at the top of your game for decades.

I run my business out of pure passion; the lines between my work and play have blurred. My work trips are often accompanied by personal recreation, such as travelling, discovering cultures, art and architecture, and meeting old friends and new people. Every experience is linked to my design expression. However, my wearer’s delightful personality brings out multiple variants of philosophy.

47 “Success is a journey; it’s destination.”doesn’toreitherone,overwhelminganandyou’reexhaustedecstatic.Itstopatone

“Our origins are so strong that modernizing the Indian handloom does not necessarily mean propelling it to conform to modern times but instead merging the traditions, the refinement, and the impact of the handcrafted creation with the identity of today’s generation.”globalized

I can transition from one segment to another while maintaining my signature aesthetics. Being in fashion, I’ve always looked at the bigger picture beyond fashion. My fashion inspiration is the outcome of innovative research, which, in turn, is an essential part of my design.

Since you enjoy a huge fan following and client base in the NRI arena, can you tell us what sartorial differences do you notice among Indians residing in India vis-à-vis the Indian diaspora across the world?

I don’t see them as NRIs or Resident Indians. They are global citizens representing India. Moreover, I feel style is something personal. Everyone’s perspective toward fashion is subjective. We need every Indian right now to focus on promoting Indian craft and artisans to keep our legacy alive and thriving. Be it their individual way or by wearing an Indian brand that supports handmade designs.

You formally teach aspiring designers the art and science of design. Tell us more about the design course you are involved with.

The London School of Trends partnered with me to facilitate students through video lectures where I share my experiences from my 30-year career and the study material to enhance their skills. Apart from the basic curriculum, what makes it different is the practical knowledge I impart that one would not find in the realms of a textbook. But it’s difficult for me to connect with the students daily.

What advice would you give fashion design students and aspiring designers?

Have fun, experiment and most importantly, find something you’re truly passionate about. Then you would not just be working, but genuinely enjoying the journey and bumps on the way. Also, interpersonal relationship-building skills are really important; interacting and meeting new people is necessary to widen your knowledge. These skills cannot be taught, but can be gained only through practical knowledge.

After immeasurable success, do you still have any dreams left to realize?

If I could work 48 hours a day, I genuinely would. I am an early riser. Depending on my schedule and being the last to leave, I could also be the first to reach the office; I’m so passionate about my work. It’s usually hectic. One day I’m in Mumbai, next day Delhi, then Hyderabad and I could go to Dubai for two days and return. The hustle comes with wearing many hats: shoots, administration, production, working with karigars, designing, brainstorming, marketing, and store visits.

Success is a journey; it’s an overwhelming one, and you’re either exhausted or ecstatic. It doesn’t stop at one destination. And it hasn’t stopped for me in the past 30 years.

You have corporatized Brand Manish Malhotra with your joint venture with Reliance Brands Ltd. What are your hopes from this association?

Expansion plans are under way; we shall reveal the details soon. I would not dive deep into the business jargon, but yes, the plan is to expand our customer base exponentially; we are currently weighing all our options and formulating plans. With Reliance, we hope to go more corporate and systematic. It’s the corporatization of Indian fashion that’s going to happen now. I’m not business educated, so this will help us with technology and sustainability. I’m grateful to have known the family closely. There could have been no better strategic partner to accompany us on our journey of global reach, business diversification, promotion of Indian craft worldwide, and renewed creative growth.

Could you give us a peek into the daily life of Manish Malhotra?

“I feel gratitudeunexpressedunsaid,forthe actors and filmmakers I spent a lot of time with during my work. Every experience is unique and different. I treasure every moment with them.”

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54 Fitness

Fit ambassador,India global fitness guru and life coach

- Paula Dsouza

Mickey Mehta is a force to reckon with in the realm of fitness and holistic living. His unique perspective on healthy living is refreshing and breaks away from several modern fitness stereotypes that we are often led to believe are the only way to stay healthy. With a focus on the mind, body and spirit, he is an ardent advocate of self-love and to say his methods have yielded successes would be an understatement. We caught up with the awardwinning holistic living guru for a little tête-à-tête to find out what makes him tick.

The maestro of healthy & happy living

Mickey Mehta on self-love, why mindfulness is a no-no and more…

For the most part, I have been very comfortable with change. However, I am not comfortable with the new technology coming in for fitness, health and wellness. I don’t particularly advocate counting your reps, steps and calories with digital machines and electronics. Fitness, health and wellness must be as natural as possible. The more dependent we are on machines, the more we think like machines,

For some, life is shaped by intention; for others, it just happens, and the latter is exactly how I find myself where I am today. Focusing on fitness, health, wellness and wellbeing is something that just “happened” in my life. The direct outcome of that was pursuing yoga and holistic healing as a career and life choice.

How did you first get into yoga and holistic healing?

Change is constant and thus a wisdom-based approach will get re-calibrated from time to time.

Here’s an excerpt from our conversation.

Yes and no. Yes, because it just so happened that I had the opportunity to train the Miss India contestants like Priyanka Chopra and Diana Hayden. So that claim to fame was there. But then television happened and I started writing articles, which contributed to solidifying my place. However, apart from all this, I would say good quality work and diligent service were key. Word of mouth has been the main reason for my growth, more than anything else. I’m grateful to God that I was at the right place at the right time.

become like machines and are limited by machines. If you want to be limitless, you must use the intelligence of self, connected with the intelligence of the cosmos and become the intelligentsia of this universe.

In a world that’s constantly changing, how have you had to adapt professionally?

Would you say the clientele and audience that you target has influenced your position in the industry?

“I possible.”beandFitness,anddigitalandyouradvocateparticularlydon’tcountingreps,stepscalorieswithmachineselectronics.healthwellnessmustasnaturalas

I was at my happiest when I was invited by the Sports Authority of India to be a Fit India ambassador. The moments when my first book The Shoonyam Quotient was released and when my first medical journal paper was published were also very exciting.

Looking back, what moment would you say you cherish the most?

“The misconceptionbiggest is that super fitness and bodybuilding are the be-all and end-all of being healthy.”

There have been many, I can’t really think of one such moment. Being invited to train the Miss India contestants was huge, as was training participants of Indian idol - Fame Gurukul and Nach Baliye for a couple of seasons. Being invited to speak at Harvard, IIT and IIM are also pretty special moments.

We live in a world where the pressure to succeed is high and failure is not an optionyour thoughts?

What is the best yoga position to help with stress?

The biggest misconception is that super fitness and bodybuilding are the be-all and end-all of being healthy. Alongside a sound body, it is important to have a buoyant spirit. Many people don’t focus on breathing which is enriching, empowering and strengthens the lungs and heart - this is where yogic postures and regulated breath disciplines like pranayama and meditation are essential.

Morning and night, dark and light - opposites cannot exist without each other. The same is true for success and failure - there is not a single person who is super successful that has never failed.

What are some of the biggest health-related misconceptions out there?

Stop doing and start being, that is what meditation is about. The goal is to put everything on pause and allow for reorientation. Concentrating while meditating is completely inappropriate - concentration and focus require the use of the mind and in meditation, we need to lose the mind. So, the whole aspect of mindfulness is complete humbug. When meditating one must free the mind of thought, awareness and consciousness. Any effort put into meditation defeats the purpose.

It is a part of life and perfectly fine because the more you fail, the more you learn, are enriched, and wisen up. In fact, people learn more from people who have failed because they have more to teach than successful people. And it goes without saying, success after failure is much sweeter.

People find it taxing to concentrate while meditating, how would you suggest one combats that?

Balasana is very good. It requires completely surrendering to Mother Earth, allowing gravity to take away all physical, musculoskeletal, psychological and emotional stress. It helps the body let go of toxins and relaxes the back as well. Other postures like Bhujangasana and Tadasana are also very good for releasing stress. ForwardBackward movements, Cat and Cow poses are also helpful.

Any recommendations to maintain consistency in fitness routines?

Consistency should be a way of life. Be compassionate, empathetic, sympathetic consistently. Be sincere and devoted consistently in your prayers. Eat, exercise, rest and meditate the right way, appropriately and consistently. The way to bring about consistency is through selflove. If you can love yourself and serve yourself the most, you’ll be able to serve this world better. Be selfish. As the first Aadi-Yogi said; “Yatha Pinde, Tatha Bhramande” - As is the atom, so is the cosmos.

“The secret to finding joy? I say, seed your desires on the banks of time and forget about them. Allow them to become fragrant gardens, orchards and forests. They will manifest.”automatically

What is the biggest secret to happiness?

The first step towards becoming healthier mentally, physically and spiritually is to understand that our breath is the most fundamental aspect of life. And the first step towards wellness is ensuring that it is conscious and regulated.

Confidence comes from self-love, prayer and meditation, and mingling with the elements. These elements of fire, earth, ether, air and water uplift, stimulate, nurture and nourish the elements in you. Remember, nourishment first starts at the cosmic level and then at the food level. Eating fruits and satiating yourself with fructose, vitamins, dried fruits and nuts also bring a lot of confidence.

What is the first step toward becoming healthier mentally, physically and spiritually?

The secret to finding joy? I say, seed your desires on the banks of time and forget about them. Allow them to become fragrant gardens, orchards and forests. They will automatically Ifmanifest.youchase them, they might recede. I believe that philanthropy and prayers with gratitude bring a lot of joy. “Jo karuna ki dhara behke bahar jaati hai, wo radha banke laut aati hai”.

The second is eating clean (fresh, wholesome, plant-based foods), and the third is exercise. Finally, meditation and prayer are essential.

Any tips on building confidence?

The biggest secret to happiness is fulfillment, contentment, santusthi; which comes from vairagya, which is nothing but secession from desires. As much as you desire, chase and aspire there will be disappointment. However, rather than talk about happiness, I would prefer the word joy. If there is happiness there has to be sadness because opposites always follow, so happiness can bring disappointment, but joy is a more central concept.

“When meditating one must free the mind of consciousness.awarenessthought,and Any effort put into meditation defeats the purpose.”

“The first step towards aspectmostourunderstandspirituallyphysicallyhealthierbecomingmentally,andistothatbreathisthefundamentaloflife.”

VinitaThe ChaitanyaMagic

Decor

Décor diva Vinita Chaitanya takes a break from designing the spaces of the rich and the famous to share insights into her USP of ‘divine mixology’.

- Nichola Marie

A leading name in the realm of interior design since several years, suddenly a Vinita Chaitanya designed home or customised space has become an absolute must-have for those who have ‘arrived’! What’s the feeling like? Pretty darn amazing… but it’s been a long journey… 34 years of being in this biz… and, except for the first six months of the pandemic, I super much never took a sabbatical…

To what do you attribute this more intense phase of attention coming your way? Social media... you cannot deny its reach!

You set up your design firm Prism in 1988. What were some of the challenges encountered and victories enjoyed through this journey?

I had just got married and I seriously thought that I would take a break after working for about four continuous hard years. Then things changed one evening and I got offered a job which I took without even having an office at that time. Just grabbing the opportunities at the right time and working hard towards achieving what I wanted to, has always been my mantra.

The challenges were normal, like a young person today starting up. But things started moving so rapidly after my first project… I received some great projects... And then I had Diya (our daughter) in the first two years after being married. I remember getting an offer to do seven paging offices (for MaxPage) throughout India at the time when she was three months. And I accepted it because my husband said, if you can do it, go for it and that was it. I literally took her with me everywhere but never thought so much about it. I think I was pretty gutsy… have always been!

Your client list ranges from Bollywood’s A-listers Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, to business tycoons Narayana Murthy, Kiran Majumdar-Shaw, to sports celebrities like Prakash Padukone. What draws them to you? My business works largely on word of mouth. Before I got onto Instagram, I wasn’t on any form of social media and, even today, new clients largely approach me because of referrals… And I’m super chuffed to say that, over my career, I have worked at times with three generations of the family, starting with the older generation and then their kids and now the younger lot. That’s something I am really, really proud of, that I have been able to evolve and keep current that even this gen looks my way.

Was design always an area of interest?

After I completed my Bachelor’s in Art, I knew I wanted to do something creative. For a bit, I even worked with friends in advertising. Very soon, my family moved to Calcutta from Bangalore and, on a whim, I joined the WPTI next door to our hotel in Calcutta to do a diploma in interiors. In about six months, the Oberoi Grand picked me up as an intern for their design department. And the rest is history.

Yes, trends have changed and I am happy to say that this change is for the better. We have evolved. My clients have always been world travellers. About 10 or 15 years ago, most of the homes would be filled with highend western brands. The last five years, I have clearly shifted this mindset. Now 50%-60% of items of furniture in the home would be an incredible ’Made in India’ brand, and it’s been an incredible, incredible success. Clients who come to me now are very aware that I am Indiaproud and a lot of the pieces I recommend are made in India, and a few accent pieces would be imported. It’s almost a reversal of what used to happen earlier!

“Clients who come to me now are very aware that I am Indiaproud and a lot of the pieces I recommend are made in India, and a few accent pieces would be imported. It’s almost a reversal of what used to happen earlier!”

How much have tastes and trends changed over the decades?

You are known for your unique flair for ‘divine mixology’, wherein you layer different cultures and periods to delightful effect. Do explain how this works.

I do love layering. It’s my USP… I am able to bring in elements from everywhere in the world and put them together in one single space or in a home. I don’t think so much about it. I do think that there are aspects of every culture which are so superbly interesting to me and which are so beautiful that I want them all in a particular place, and I am able to set them up together with a unique blend …That is the Vinita Chaitanya magic!

Personally, I enjoy anything beautiful. Indian culture and heritage is a very, very big language in my work. But I do also enjoy learning from, and using pieces which are finely crafted from all over the world. Ultimately, luxury in lifestyle is what I aim to give all my HNI clients.

I honestly work with all genres. Every single home is unique to the client’s brief. I may be just that magician which puts things together, but ultimately it is their home and there are no two ways about it. I do not think I’ve ever repeated maybe even a designer tile over all my projects.

Your design language is characterised by luxury, liveable art, Indian heritage, and Western contemporariness. How do you manage to combine all these elements into one cohesive whole?

One of your USPs is your passionate involvement in every project from concept through to delivery. How intensive is the process? Gosh, this is so, so intensive but I have created this monster and there is no stepping back from it... it only has to become better! In fact, this week, I’m handing over a project and I am literally creating mood boards of spaces and discussing with my team and my colleagues as to how the space will be detailed with the finest layering of objects and arts and floral, sometimes fruits and herbs… and how I am going to make the clients feel welcome in their own home.

“There are aspects of every culture which are so superbly interesting to me and which are so beautiful that I want them all in a particular place, and I am able to set them up together with a unique blend… That is the Vinita Chaitanya magic!”

How much of your client’s personality is reflected in your design of their spaces?

Your belief in the art and heritage of India sees you promote and showcase it extensively in your work. Why are we the only ones who don’t recognise what an incredible culture and heritage we have? When I was younger, I had the opportunity to meet some incredible people who are rooted in our culture and whom I learnt so much from. And today I have a platform and I can reach out to so many people. I do feel that I would be wasting the platform I have if I could not impart this knowledge and this feeling of pride, which is inherently a part of me.

So yes, my interior spaces do not end with furniture and soft furnishings, but I personally style your coffee-tables and all the rooms… and many times I have even stocked the refrigerator so that when the clients enter, voila, there’s fresh orange juice in the kitchen!

I try and venture into seeing and discovering the new. I am that person who would prefer to stay in a new hotel every time I go, even if it’s back to the same city, just to discover the area around me and to walk through places and notice the little things – from the flowers growing there to the architecture.

Amidst your demanding professional assignments, you clearly still manage to strike a sublime balance with your downtime at your Coorg home, called SlowLife. It’s so important. I cannot even emphasise what SlowLife means to us. Going there helps me think more clearly. It’s as if I am recharged... it has changed my life.

Travel is apparently a key source of fresh inspiration and inventory for you… Yes, travel for me is the hugest inspiration. It’s all about the experiences and every time I do travel,

An acknowledged expert on all things design and taste, do you still feel the need to learn and stay abreast of trends and technology? Everyday… you just gotta stay abreast of things.

Live it up with the latest in food, fashion, fitness, beauty, decor, relationships, technology and more…

Lifestyle

When in doubt,go monochrome!

68 Fashion

Black and white are favourites for a reason. The first being, the flexibility to mix and match several tones without seeming haphazard and unprofessional. Monochrome outfits are also the preferred choice for influencers and celebrities because of the potential to play with a single colour and express their unique personalities – just ask Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif or Tapsee Pannu who have been mesmerising audiences with their understated yet chic ensembles.

Pairing white with black, blue, brown or beige are some of the more popular monochromatic combinations, but the combination possibilities when playing with a single colour are endless, and that’s what makes this style fun! A monochromatic

What makes monochrome so special is that it appeals to all ages and personalities – be it a trendy college student, a rising professional or a star strutting the red carpet. A monochrome outfit will never fail to impress.

Paprika Rawal, Design Head, MADAME, clues us in on why monochrome is stealing the spotlight.

The buzz about monochrome

Monochrome designs first took form in the 1920s when Coco Chanel was experimenting with black and white as a concept with the goal to make apparel more stylish, modern and sophisticated. Since then the trend has risen and fallen several times, but it has this inherent timeless quality that ensures it always makes its way back on the fashion scene.

The fashionable choice

The good thing about it though is that you can create a look with any colour you choose. Pulling out everything you own and playing around with different combinations is the best way to start crafting your own signature look. Just choose the most flattering combos, match them with stylish shoes, and you’re good to go.

Finding your style

The monochrome trend is by no means a new one, but it is definitely seeing a resurgence… If you haven’t tried it, give it a shot, you just might like what you see. So be fearless, experiment and find a look that’s uniquely you.

While you are at it, remember to maintain a balance so that one colour/shade does not dominate the look. Add some depth with small accessories or whatever pairs best with your outfit.

69 go

It’s time to fly solo

outfit not only exudes sophistication, but also offers the freedom to experiment with striking accessories. On a slightly different note, they also make arranging your closet a breeze.

Adopting the monochrome trend sounds simple enough, but that’s not always so. The look can actually be rather challenging to pull off, especially if you lean towards bright colours or light neutrals. Finding a monochromatic look that works for you might just take some trial and error.

There comes a time when art must recreate itself, unwilling to be bound by the shackles of commonality. And that’s exactly what Manohar R. Jhunjhunwala, Managing Director, MRJ Trading Pvt. Ltd., has done with his new range of laminates titled ‘TIS: The Inside Story’.

With experience and insight, garnered over five decades, he has been a force to reckon with in the decorative laminates industry, and has mesmerized with many a collection that brings out the best in modern interior spaces. TIS promises to be another feather in that hat.

From a rocky start to new additions

Ayears.range

“Being in the trade since the inception of decorative laminates in India, I have been watching and studying the rapid change of trends in the industry. Some brands just introduced designs with the intention of making volume sales. On the contrary, I was always thinking about fulfilling the need of the niche market, who want to see the designs that complement texture and create a “wow” effect synonymous with natural veneer,” he adds.

Manohar JhunjhunwalaR. (MRJ) adds a new layer of style to interior spaces, says Paula Dsouza. A Laminated Tale

Originally slated to be launched in the early 2000s, TIS hit a roadblock in the form of unfavourable conditions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reignited his creative spark and pushed the ideas into existence. He reveals, “The idea to launch this unique range of products was to complement our laminates with decorative veneers used on surfaces. The Inside Story was our original concept but we decided to shorten it to TIS and use The Inside Story as a tagline to better suit our theme.”

What is advantageous about these laminates is that they are highly durable and can be used for commercial, residential and industrial purposes. They are also scratch resistant and easy to maintain. It is no surprise that demand for highpressure laminates has skyrocketed over the

Behind the story

top and it is pressed, causing the layers to fuse, resulting in a decorative laminate!

70 Entrepreneurship

apart, MRJ tells us that he prioritized the desires of most designers and architects when sourcing prints. This selective range would be able to complement most natural veneers used on the surface of a variety of furniture pieces. Its lack of exhaustiveness is what sets his collection apart. He says, “Most manufacturers feel that the range of the designs should be exhaustive to fulfil the requirements of every customer. I, on the other hand, wanted to launch a range that fulfils the desire of every individual, whether an architect or interior designer,” he asserts.

The Inside Story range mainly consists of highpressure laminates (HPL). They are decorative in nature and are manufactured by completely submerging layers of kraft paper in a specific type of resin. A layer of decor paper is then placed on

The most convenient aspect of this collection is that each sample piece is allocated a barcode, which on being scanned opens up the original full-sized sheet on anyone’s phone - bye-bye bulky sample folders.

Simple and original

What more could an interior designer ask for? But don’t just take our word for it, check out the TIS range yourself https://www.instagram.com/tislaminates/https://tislaminates.in/catalogueapp.TISlaminates.inat

An out-of-the-box thinker, MRJ refused to follow in the footsteps of those already in the industry and turned to something resembling innovation. He used his insight to curate an experience that any designer would be thrilled to be a part of. His goal then specifically became to ensure that his handbook of swatches could never be mixed up with that of another, and would be guaranteed a special place in the office of every architect and Thedesigner.beauty

of The Inside Story is that its handbook was created to occupy the least space. The final presentation included a set of four handbooks, which were as concise as possible, yet designed to aid the designer in his/her decisions. The collection is made up of 110 swatches that include wood patterns, solid colours, and exclusive abstracts. After witnessing changes in the international market, 35 new designs were added to his sample set.

Leading the way, Manohar R. Jhunjhunwala has also proved to be a marketing genius. He took a backseat and allowed his son Karan M. Jhunjhunwala to launch this unique range across the country. There was no venturing into cities for promotions, yet they caught the attention of designers from all over the country. “We have no desire to sell in volume, but to offer an exceptional range, backed by excellent quality to satisfy the desire of every innovative designer.”

Stress test

The main culprit is stress. It can significantly impact your ability to maintain a healthy weight and prevent weight loss too. This could be a result of the surge in levels of cortisol - the stress hormone; unhealthy stress-induced behaviours like overeating or overindulging, or a combination of the two. Either way, the link between stress and weight gain is glaring.

WeightOverMind

72 Fitness

The relationship between mental health and weight gain

Hussain Minawala - counsellor, vastu consultant, sacred geometry expert and founder, Beyond Thoughts - decodes the connection between mental health and weight loss.

There are numerous explanations for the connection between mental health conditions and weight. Starting with medication. There is evidence that several psychiatric drugs can cause weight gain. Although this factor was taken into account in a research study, those coping with mental health disorders should be mindful of how these medications affect their weight.

Losing or gaining weight is a challenge - but sometimes we just hit a block and no matter what we do, we cannot seem to get the results we want. That’s enough to make anyone spiral and set off on a quest to find a new diet or form of exercise. But we never stop to consider that maybe the problem is all in our heads, literally.

It is no secret that the state of our mental health impacts everything we do, especially the way we cope with difficult situations and make important decisions. What many often do not pay attention to is the direct correlation between the mind and our physical health, including body weight.

Apart from this, some mental health conditions boost appetite, while others lead to a decrease in physical activity or both. Depression is prime among them as overeating is a common coping mechanism. Similarly, it triggers a loss of interest in routine activities, including socialising, and can result in more sleep and less movement, a result of which is low caloric expenditure. Some mental health disorders can also impede memory, making it difficult to plan and stick to a diet.

Prioritize overall health and nutrition

Anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and other mental health issues and symptoms can affect sleep. And poor sleep quality has been linked to a lowered metabolic rate and increased appetite. Changes in social settings and lack of support add another layer of challenges when trying to follow a balanced diet.

Stress and mental health disorders take a toll but that doesn’t mean we do not have the power to change the way we act or respond. Here are a few suggestions to help take control of the situation and effectively manage weight…

Taking back control

Talk it out

Talking about your feelings with friends or family can be challenging. It’s normal to worry about upsetting people or worry about how it might affect your relationships. However, those closest to us can prove to be great sources of support.

Reduce stress with activities

It is crucial to find other stress-reduction strategies rather than turning to food. The good thing is there are a plethora of activities to choose from. Talk it out with friends or family, read a book, give writing, music or art a shot, practise deep breathing exercises or simply spend time in nature.

The release of serotonin - a neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep and hunger - is impacted by the food we eat and digestion. Hence, eating a balanced diet could help improve mental health. This should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low fat or fat-free dairy, protein - meat, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy - oils and healthy fats. Processed foods, trans fats, sodium and sugar should be consumed minimally.

Try simple exercises

Exercise is crucial for maintaining both your physical and mental wellness. Regular exercise will aid in weight loss and lower the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and even cancer. Physical activity also boosts blood flow to the brain and affects how the limbic system, hippocampus, and amygdala communicate with the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis which affects mood and stress responses. Just 50 mins three days a week or 30 mins five days a week works well. Power walking, brisk cycling or even yard work are good ways to start.

6. Provide options on how they can help. This can just be listening and providing emotional support, or you might require some concrete assistance.

A qualified mental health expert can help you determine the best course of action. Effective treatments typically include counselling or a combination of therapy and medication.

When you’re ready, try these tips to initiate a conversation:

3. Practise what you intend to say.

2. Select a convenient time and place. There isn’t a “perfect” moment, but it can help if you’re in a calm, comfortable setting.

Ask for help

1. Decide on a communication style that feels natural to you.

5. Be upfront and honest. Sharing something so private might occasionally feel awkward, but describing how your sentiments are impacting your life might make it clear to others.

Managing the symptoms of depression can be difficult when appetite and weight fluctuations have an impact on mood and energy. A therapist can provide direction and assistance with enhancing your mood, which may, in turn, help you restore your appetite.

When different tactics do not show results, it might be time to think about professional support.

4. Give them relevant details and instances.

One step at a time

WeightOverMind

Maintaining a healthy weight is good but before stressing out your body and agonising over poor results, take a moment to look inward and assess the problem. Remember, it is okay to take things slow and figure out what’s best for you. Do what you need to do to find your way to a healthy mind and body.

Setting the tone

Setting boundaries early on in any relationship – be it a friendship, a romantic relationship or even a familial one – is healthy for your mental health and the relationship as well. The way people treat us is not inherent but learnt, and we set the precedent with the way we allow ourselves to be treated during initial interactions. If we do not assert ourselves, it becomes difficult to do so later on… and might make taking a stand feel awkward and uncomfortable – and that’s not healthy.

It might not be our go-to move, especially since we are often taught at an early age to be accommodating, but it is important to set clear boundaries. Here are a few must-haves to help nurture relationships and ensure that we feel safe in them.

Have you ever been stood up for a coffee or lunch date by a friend or a romantic partner? We all face unavoidable situations at times; however, if this is a pattern with a particular person, it shows a lack of respect for our time. When we mutually agree on a time and place but only one of us takes the trouble to clear schedules, brave the traffic and reach the venue only to have the other arrive late or cancel at the last minute, it gets frustrating.

We must respect the number of calls we make, the time we take on calls, and how often we meet people. If we don’t like being on the phone too long or meeting too frequently, we need to say so and/or accept if the other person feels the same.

1. Respect each other’s time

Shaparia – life coach, astrologer and tasseographer – on maintaining healthy boundaries in our relationships.

RelationshipsSheetal

The traits of a healthy relationship in any form include respect, asking for permission, and being mindful, honest and responsible.

Drawing the line

5. Share only as much as we are comfortable with

Instead, lead with the ‘I’, like “I feel…” or “I was…”. Letting them know how we feel about things will ensure that we are heard.

2. Respect each other

4. Be clear about what you dislike

3. Use ‘I’ statements in a conversation

We need to be clear about our views; however, this doesn’t mean rattling off everything we dislike. For example, we get ticked off when someone isn’t good at time management; might feel like we’re in an interrogation room when people question us; hate unsolicited advice. When these scenarios present themselves, it is important to push back and make how we feel known, and to do so in a gentle but firm manner.

What and how much we share about our life with loved ones is a personal choice. The number of years we have known a person doesn’t define how close we are. Therefore, it is up to us to decide how much we let them know. And if such a time arises when a family member/friend doesn’t want to share certain things with us, we need to respect that and step back.

Making friends or getting into a relationship is easy, but cultivating the same is a challenge. We can only bring our best to a relationship when we have a healthy self-image and are willing to say “No”. It is a healthy, reciprocal relationship when we can clearly communicate what we feel and want, and are respectful towards others. Any relationship that lacks boundaries will fizzle out and can potentially be harmful to our mental health. So, stay strong and know that it is okay to take things at your pace; your relationships will be stronger and healthier for it.

Nurturing bonds that last

Since we aren’t carbon copies of each other, there will be differences of opinion. Our family backgrounds and values, and our responses to situations will also differ. This isn’t the end of the world, and neither does it mean you are not compatible. We must be mature enough to accept these differences and work through the relationship.

When having a conversation regarding expectations and boundaries, we have already lost if we start the conversation using ‘You’. For instance, “You made me…” or “You are always…”. This is the surest way to raise defenses and guarantee that the conversation will go nowhere.

The pandemic saw a clear divide in interior colour schemes, with some people seeking the comfort of calming neutrals while others sought the energising vibes of vibrant hues. However, as we step into life postpandemic, another surge of change in colour schemes is eminent, and while they will vary, some patterns are expected to emerge. What’s taking designers by surprise this year is that classic black seems to have been overtaken by dashing grey.

Decor

interiors.blackisontheStreet,WoodenDesigner,InteriorParikh,spillssecretswhygreythenewinhome

grey rule!Shades of Sejal

Grey hues offer the freedom to play with patterns and textures in your living space. Add drama with patterned carpets, lamps, and drapes in addition to playing with textured walls. A bright piece of decor adds colour and brings the space to life.

Grey is a calming and relaxing colour, but can also make a room feel lifeless and drab. However, you can always mix several tones of grey to create a stylish and modern space. The creative pairing of light and dark grey adds intrigue.

Marble itself has a posh, opulent appearance and can transform any room. Grey marble is a great option to create a cosy, welcoming living room with lofty inside walls. Add an abstract piece of wall art, unusual table decorations and accent lights to complete the effect.

Metallic grey backdrop

Layer different shades

Introduce depth in bathrooms

Pair with wood

There is nothing quite like grey and black interiors to create a dramatic impact. The versatility of black and grey design is astonishing. Whether eclectic, neoclassical or ultramodern, the shadow palette complements a variety of aesthetics. Heavy shading makes large, high spaces cosier, while dark walls give smaller spaces fuzzy borders that make them feel larger. Living spaces take on a refined personality, functioning kitchens transform into modern culinary experiences, bedrooms seem cosier at night, and bathrooms have a distinctive wow factor.

A metallic grey wall behind the bed is the way to go if you want to make a statement in the bedroom. You can use it to make your room more sophisticated and entertaining, while adding depth and intrigue. To avoid having a busy bedroom, keep the decor minimal.

A soft grey may help add depth and dimension to your space when decorating bathroom walls, cabinetry, or both. Black tiled flooring is another popular choice for bathroom design.

Going grey

Grey and warm wood tones go well together. The secret to pulling off this design is to surround the grey with various wood tones so that it stands out in the room. For instance, a light wooden floor will help a grey wall stand out spectacularly.

Reimaging interiors

Opt for luxurious grey marble

Play with textures

Decorative concrete finishes can help you create industrial-themed bedrooms. It provides the ideal grungy industrial effect, which is crucial for this design concept, as well as the ideal minimal industrial aesthetic. For a unified aesthetic, pair with warm browns and whites.

Grey is incredibly flexible and makes the ideal background for colour blocking. This can be accomplished with vibrant furnishing and colourful wall art.

Mimic hotel decor

Keep it fresh

Lean towards the industrial look

Bringing indoor plants into a neutral space is a great way to bring colour into the space. Plants offer warmth and contrast to the flat colour, creating a soothing spa-like feel.

Cool grey might be the solution you are looking for to master the hotel suite look for your bedroom. For a textured, opulent look, layer pillows and rugs on top of the bed. Add wall-mounted accent lights to the headboard or the wall behind the bed for a touch of glitz.

Monochrome prints

Grey lounge spaces look best when decorated with monochromatic designs. It is also a great way to create a modern space that exudes elegance. Finding the ideal piece of furniture and matching design elements will take care of everything else.

Create a focal point

Grey as a colour may get a lot of flak for being dull and boring because it doesn’t quite have the intensity of black. However, as a colour, it is extremely flexible and finds its way into a variety of design concepts. It can be used in a plethora of ways and can bring out the potential of a space. It also pairs beautifully with so many colours. So, go on, do your research and see for yourself what an amazing addition a grey scheme could be to your home, and most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the decorating process.

Embrace the dark side

84 Food

Itadakimasu!

Hosting a party and looking to set up an appetizing grazing table? Easy, just follow the trend and bring out the sushi grazing boards. With the growing popularity of sushi bars, unending combinations of toppings and endless tips and tricks to make sushi at home, it is safe to say that cities like Mumbai have been witnessing a culinary explosion of sorts with diners making a beeline for the best Japanese restaurants in town. While Japanese restaurants were quite elusive a decade ago with only a handful of them in expensive five-star hotels, the scenario today is drastically different.

Hitesh Keswani, Founder & Director, Silver Beach Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, cues us into Japanese food – the trending cuisine in Mumbai and other urban Indian cities.

Konnichiwa Japan

According to a report by The Japan External Trade Organisation, there are about 100 restaurants in India that predominantly serve Japanese cuisine. Food delivery apps like Swiggy and UberEats have also reported a considerable rise in the delivery of Japanese dishes in recent years. A cuisine that was largely inaccessible to a large chunk of the population is fast becoming a favourite with all. Since the opening of Tokyo, India’s first Japanese restaurant in New Delhi in 1989, Japanese cuisine in India has indeed come a long way.

Going Global

The world no longer lives in cultural bubbles and the willingness to experiment with different kinds of food has risen exponentially. The food scene in Mumbai and other urban cities is burgeoning, and the demand for good quality food that is both healthy and palatable is insatiable. Japanese cuisine made with the freshest of ingredients is light, non-spicy and nutritious, and perfectly fits the bill.

The healthy choice Japanese cuisine is often dubbed as one of the healthiest as it is prepared with fresh produce and healthy ingredients, is low in calories and offers several low-fat and low-salt dishes. With new, exotic flavours and sophisticated cooking

Another reason why Japanese food was dubbed haute or elite earlier was that most of the key ingredients were not easily available in India. A majority of them had to be imported, making them elusive and expensive. However, with increased exports of food products from Japan to India in recent years and the fact that several niche ingredients are now available in our country, Japanese food is becoming more accessible.

Some urban cities have a largely cosmopolitan crowd with a discerning palate, leading to a rapid rise in the number of eateries serving Japanese food. With a large part of the population working in MNCs and these cities being home to numerous expats, the desire to try out new cuisines is high. Add to this, the rise in those travelling abroad and getting exposure to international cuisines is commonplace. Then, of course, there is the influence of the internet, TV, pop culture, social media and OTT platforms which have tipped the scales in favour of Japanese eats.

Young India is making a conscious attempt to eat healthy food and hence Japanese cuisine is often the preferred choice. It is little wonder that numerous Japanese restaurants like Wasabi by Morimoto, Wakai, Koishii, Koko, Tsubaki and TakiTaki have mushroomed in the city of dreams in the last few years. Most of these outlets have also been catering to the large vegetarian market in the city with innovative dishes like the vegetarian bento box, yasai tempura, avocado tofu salad and yaki soba. Apart from the quintessential sushi, people reach out for a comforting bowl of miso soup, udon noodle soup, ramen, sashimi, tempura or even teppanyaki.

Rise of sushi

Sushi has become one the trendiest dishes with a plethora of toppings and ingredients beyond conventional raw fish. From spicy tuna, prawn tempura and even mango-avocado, sushi rolls are being prepared in a wide variety of ways. Relished with sharp wasabi and rich soy sauce, they sure have the millennials asking for more. Innovation and creativity are replacing the traditional, with chefs experimenting with fillings made from paneer and even green chutney! From sushi stacks and sushi by the cup, to sushi macarons, sushi donuts and sushi cakes, Mumbaikars (and the urbane set across India) are sure on a unique gastronomical journey!

techniques, it makes abundant use of fresh seafood found easily in Mumbai and some other cities, which again is a reason for its popularity.

The urgency to control carbon emissions and stop the looming climate catastrophe has woken up every industry to the echoing din of climate change. The latest edition of the COP26 summit highlighted the gravity of the situation as world leaders from all major countries gathered to pledge their allegiance and reduce greenhouse emissions and deforestation. The Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is no stranger to the effects of construction on our environment. And as the consequences of this impact become more evident, our focus has shifted toward more environmentallyconscious practices like climateresponsive architecture.

Technology

In withsyncnature

Architect Shobhan Kothari, needarchitectureclimate-responsivetellsfounder,co-ADND,uswhyistheofthehour.

While considering the climate response, we also need to pay attention to the environmental impact as they are closely interlinked. For instance, if the construction material for a site comes from a production unit located far away, the energy consumed in the construction process increases. The solution? Use local materials close to the Technologicalsite.

Architecture is not independent of the site and its various characteristics. Design decisions change drastically according to the site conditions of the project and its context. Climate-responsive architecture focuses on the climatic conditions of the site on which the structure is built. While working on site analysis, data regarding the sun path, wind direction, rainfall, humidity and soil conditions are collected. This data impacts many facets of the building design.

Designed to save

solutions to save energy in building operations have also evolved. Photosensitive lights are an example of an AI tool that helps reduce energy consumption. They adjust the intensity of the electric lights in the building in response to the available natural light and weather conditions outside. From a wider perspective, a designer needs to consider all the site forces – wind direction, sun path, amount of green cover on-site, and the available natural resources that can be preserved during the construction process.

What is climate-responsive architecture?

Taking a step in the green direction

It is definitely a move in the right direction that many designers and builders are opting for green ratings like GRIHA at least on the commercial level. These ratings define parameters on which a building is rated for energy efficiency. Our focus should equally be on the residential level, where the buildings mostly disregard the importance of ratings. Raising awareness about the merits of energy-efficient design and ratings is of utmost importance.

The aim of climate-responsive architecture is not just to design as per the site, but to also reduce the energy load on buildings via passive techniques. By enhancing natural ventilation and providing natural sunlight through design solutions, we can significantly reduce the reliance on mechanical systems like air conditioning and radiant heating.

Based on the location, the building is designed in alignment with the weather conditions. The climate is studied at macro and micro levels to understand the impact on the structure and surroundings. For instance, a building in a hot and dry region will have a compact form, and will be oriented in a direction where the heat gain is less. Similarly, design decisions will change for buildings in cold and wet regions.

In climate-responsive architecture, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The important things to keep in mind while designing though are site conditions, environment response, vernacular techniques and technological solutions. With a little determination, creative thinking and effort, we can create beautiful structures that help us move forward and grow in harmony with our environment.

At ADND, we ensure that all our projects are subservient to nature. We recently completed a project in Nepal where the concept of an ‘Aangan House’ was incorporated in response to the climate conditions, as the summers and winters are equally harsh in Nepal. So the building design and orientation were such that the solar heat gain was maximized in winters and minimized in summers. Similarly, in Alibag, one of our projects follows an immersive design where the structure merges with nature, rather than imposing on it.

Growing with nature

Designers can also use vernacular techniques as they are climate responsive and environmentally conscious. It can be a bit tricky though, as keeping up with the advancements in the design world means using modern design solutions. We need to find a balance between vernacular and modern techniques. There is a lot of collaboration happening between craftsmen, artisans and designers. We cannot have an either/or approach where we can only choose one option. There has to be an inclusive approach where these ideologies can work in cohesion.

Green design at work

Collaborating for a better future

The government provides subsidies and incentives to companies that use technological products and techniques to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. There is a focus on net-zero energy buildings/structures in which the energy consumed is equal to the amount of renewable energy produced on-site. The only issue with these solutions is a lack of implementation and high costs. Even though the scope is enormous, there is still a shortage of new players in the market.

Skinessential

Dr. Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, Dermatologist, Dr. Trasi clinic & La Piel skin clinic, shares 5 simple tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing at every age!

We’re all getting older, there’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can do is take care of our skin as it changes – to keep it healthy and retain our youthful glow. Genetics plays an important role in determining how an individual will look as they age, but external factors like heat, stress, pollution and personal habits like smoking, diet and physical activity all impact the skin.

Great-looking skin doesn’t happen by chance, it happens with good skincare. During the lockdown, many of us indulged in skincare tutorials and heard about so many different products and ingredients – enough to make anyone’s head spin! However, there’s no need to get hassled; skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. Let’s look at some tried and tested tips to care for your skin and bring out your inner glow – whether you are in your 20s, touching 50 or well beyond…

Beauty

Use a night cream/serum

Protect skin from the sun

Eat right

It is essential to have a daily skincare routine – and stick to it. It does not need to be elaborate or time consuming, and can easily be incorporated into hectic schedules. Cleansing and hydrating the skin, in the morning and evening, are the most essential steps. They lay the foundation for good skin health. Morning cleansing removes the sweat and oil secreted during the night, and helps the skin absorb other skincare products. Night cleansing removes the dirt and grime that accumulates during the day. Moisturising works at a cellular level to help restore the skin barrier and protect against external factors like dust and pollution.

Stop worrying and start caring for your skin today. It may be a slow and continuous process, but remember that no matter what stage of your life you are in, healthy, beautiful and glowing skin is yours to claim!

5 tips for healthy, glowing skin

Night creams or serums contain active ingredients that hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Choose one that suits your skin type and meets your unique requirements.

Regular and prolonged exposure to sunlight, or any type of visible light, can lead to premature signs of ageing. These rays contribute to the generation of free radicals which ultimately damage the natural skin cellular environment, causing the cells to wither. It makes skin look darker and wrinkled. A good sunscreen with UVB, UVA and infrared protection is necessary to protect the skin from these harmful rays. Choose a gel or a matte finish sunscreen to avoid greasiness.

Don’t let food and nutrition take a backseat. When it comes to skincare, a healthy diet is a prime requirement. A healthy body equals glowing skin. Eat at regular intervals and include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Cut back on junk food. As you grow older, include oral supplements like antioxidants, which are essential for good skin health.

Stick to a routine

Our skin constantly generates new skin cells and sheds dead ones. However, sometimes the skin cannot shed this dead layer, leading to hyperpigmentation, acne and skin infections. Mild skin scrubs, used regularly, gently exfoliate these dead skin cells, making the skin look brighter and younger. A word of caution, do not over-exfoliate as it may irritate and damage the skin. If your skin is dry, use a good moisturiser post exfoliation.

Exfoliate

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