Saat Phere COMPLIMENTARY WITH ZOOMDELHI (SELECT RUN), DELHI/NCR
VOL 1 ISSUE 1 • DEC 2017
#Bridal mehandi
Age Shagun New
QC U UI I S R NI KE YS
Z
Zany Zingy Zesty
areen Khan
Unevolution of the Indian bride 100
Years
ANJALI SAHNI Anjali Sahni’s creation mystifies women for formal evening wear and creates a distinctive look by offering the finest embellishments wrapped in a dreamy pallette of colors to unfurl the inner beauty of the women of today. Surface ornamentation and jewel embellishments is the forte of the label. FLUER is the essence of her collection. Plum blossom flowers has been used as an inspiration which compliments and enhances the feminine beauty.
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From the EDITOR’S DESK
Indian weddings no matter how “low-key”, have always been synonymous with grandeur, tradition and lots of fun. So much has evolved over the past century, yet it all remains the same in essence. Brides have gone from coy and subdued to confident and feisty. The food has gone from local and traditional fare to fusion and international delicacies. The home-style haldi & mehendi ceremonies with dholkis and spoons have given way to pool side foot tapping DJ parties. But at heart, we still know that it is more about two families coming together as two people join in holy matrimony. Everyone still waits with bated breath to see what the bride is wearing and the cousins still compete to hide the grooms shoes for a hefty “juta-chhuppai”. In our inaugural issue, we saw this idea transpire into our cover story about the “un-evolution” of the Indian bride in the same way. The fashion and styling of the bride through her various functions have transformed from coy suits and sarees to contemporary crop tops and gowns, over the century. However, for her look on the actual wedding day almost all brides still opt for a timeless and classically traditional look. So, while every bride wishes to be updated with the latest trends for her cocktail or reception, when it come to her big day ethereal and timeless is the choice for the day. At Saat Phere, we want to make this enormous task of putting together a fabulous wedding not just stress-free, but fun. We aim to be a credible source of anything and everything wedding via our modern-day multi-media platform (print, web & exhibition). Our magazine will bring you the latest and best in wedding related fashion, food, travels, events, photography and so much more. Happy wedding planning!!
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Saat Phere is a joint initiative by ZOOMDELHI and Glam n Gleam, Printed, Published and Marketed by ZOOMDELHI. Graphic Designer Shahid Ahamad For any query related to editorial and advertising contact us at Email: glamngleam@gmail.com Phone: +91 9555 355 212, 011 4606 3232 Registered office address: 253, 3rd Floor, Opp. Pancsheel Commercial Complex, Shahpur Jat, Opp. Bank of India, New Delhi- 110049. December 2017 Saat Phere 03
Contents New on the Street
6 Serving up cuisines with a side of quirk!!
Story Board
8 Evergreen Parampara- Channeling Royalty
Zany Zingy Zesty 10 Zareen Khan
Cover Story
6
12 100 years- Unevolution of the Indian Bride
Inside Track
22 Mehendi- The new canvas of the wedding love story 30 Experiential Gifting- The New Age Shagan
Beauty Box
24 Your Pre-Bridal prep- Get Set Detox! by Shahnaz Husain 28 Aromatherapy to beat the Bridal Blues by Dr. Naresh Arora
Dil se... Dil Tak 26 Good luck charm by Shailja
Chai aur Charcha
22
10
32 Managing Joint Finances by Prakhar Gautam
26
Celebrity Spotlight
34 ‘Dil Buffering’ Girl Aanchal Munjal
32 04 Saat Phere December 2017
New on the Street
Serving up cuisines with a side of quirk!!
It
is said that the music and poetry of a place give a sense of its culture. So, when you hear a melodious crooner singing his heart out about “mohobbat hai mirchi” and “shaadi ka laddoo” being a priority, you know that we Indians take both our food and emotions seriously. Since time immemorial both have always been free flowing at Indian weddings, be it the ‘Big Fat’ kind or a low-key affair. So, take a cue from the latest trends in wedding food and flavours and check out the wedding halwai in a new age
06 Saat Phere December 2017
avatar- The Food Truck. Thanks to the advent of globetrotting as a new Indian hobby and food shows like Masterchef,
hosts and guests alike look forward to engaging their palettes in a variety of food choices. These ‘restaurants on wheels’
will drive up to your venue on the designated date and time and impress your guests with a novel culinary experience. There are options aplenty in the NCR area itself, and being mobile they are usually accessible even in the most remote of locations. You can look at various scrumptious food specialities ranging from Mughlai, Indian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian to Sushi, Mexican and Italian fare- just take your pick!! Along with serving
up lip-smacking grub to your guests, sans the hassle of kitchen set up and clean-up, a Food Truck also adds a tonne of pizzazz to you functions décor. This is a great option to check out, for some of the smaller ceremonies such as the rokka, haldi, mehendi, shagan, etc., where the gathering is limited to a select crowd. At your next occasion, feature one or more of the many Food Trucks in the city and watch your guests enjoy this memorable and novel culinary experience.
story board
Evergreen
parampara This wedding season, channel the Padmavati era... because looking royal is always in!!
08 Saat Phere December 2017
December 2017 Saat Phere 09
Celebrity talk
Z
any ingy esty
areen K
O
na beautiful breezy evening in Delhi, we caught up with the gorgeous Zareen Khan. She looked radiant in an orange hi-lo top and white denims while promoting her upcoming film venture. She came across with a vibe that is hard to find - a mix of the ‘girl next door’ looks with a smokin’ personality. She was extremely warm as she sat down to speak with us about her likes, dislikes, upcoming film and lots more. When asked about doing “bold” roles she shared that the public perception of any actor changes with every new film released. After ‘Veer’ people perceived her to be a sweet and innocent looking Indian girl, but after ‘Hate Story 3’ and ‘Aksar 2’ the same people perceive her as sexy.
Talking about what she thinks of this constant slew of body shamers and trolls online these days, especially towards actresses and their appearance, she wittily quipped, “I think, the people who troll you are secretly in love with you,” because otherwise “who has the time to especially go to your page and write all sorts of mean stuff.” Oh Boy- she had us floored with her zingers- take that haters!! Sharing the secret to her wonderfully radiant skin, she said that as clichéd or preachy as it might sound- “I do all the obvious things that we are all aware of; drink lots of water, exercise regularly and never-ever go to bed with make up on”. Beyond all this, she tries to remain happy, 10 Saat Phere December 2017
because she believes, “no matter how much you spend on face creams and packs, if you are not happy inside that will reflect on your skin.” Being a part of the glamour industry, we asked about her fitness routine as well and she was candid in sharing her story of how exercise is no longer just about being thin for her. Crediting her trainer Abbas Ali, for changing the way she looks at food and exercise, for her working out is now about fitness and treating your body well. Her fitness regimen includes a rotation of weight and functional training along with cardio. She emphasized the importance of a regular exercising routine and giving time to yourself even if it is just half an hour every day; walk, run, jog anything that has you physically moving. At the heart of it all, she is like the girl next door sharing that she loves anything chocolate, when talking about her cheat food (although she hasn’t had it in quite a while!!). “If you give me a man and Nutella, I think I’ll choose Nutella”- see we told you she was not just a gorgeous beauty but a witty gal as well!! Summing up her mantra of life eloquently she said she has kept it to - “No Drama, live peacefully and be happy”.
Khan
Quick 7 FAV GENRE MOVIE TO WATCH: Comedy FAV DESIGNER: Falguni & Shane Peacock FAV WORKOUT: Strength training and MMA SNEAKERS OR STILETTOES: Sneakers SMOKEY EYE OR BOLD LIP: Bold Lip LEATHER OR LACE: Leather GOLD OR DIAMONDS: Diamonds
December 2017 Saat Phere 11
cover story
100 years- Unevolution of the In
the past century everything about the Indian wedding has evolved. From a coy, apprehensive and teary eyed bride departing her parental home to the tunes of “babul ki duayen leti ja” we have come to today’s excited bride who enters the wedding mandap grooving to the beats of “Tenu kala chashma jachda hai”. The millennial Indian bride is intelligent, ambitious,
Indian Bride
independent, outspoken and so much more. She is a lot more involved in every aspect of the wedding and its planning. Today her attire is an amalgamation of carefully curated and thought out “looks” with bespoke `designer wear, complementary statement jewellery pieces and harmonious make-up and hair.
detail oriented frenzy, the quintessential Indian bride on her D-Day looks very similar in styling to her counterpart a century ago. The Indian bridal look has always been a statement maker, with its vibrant colours and rich metallic hues. Over the years much has changed indeed, but the desi bride still loves her traditional mathapatti/ maang-tikHowever, we noticed that ka/ paasa. The fabrics have an through all this razzle-dazzle and unmistakable iridescence and the
cuts are styles of wedding day garments are still quite similar. Most of the experimental, fusion and western concepts are worked into the mehendi, sangeet or reception looks. The wedding day is one where it is almost always about staying classic, tradition and “Oh sooo timeless.”. So here in our inaugural issue we bring you the “un”evolution of the Indian bride.
Maharani Gayatri Devi Whenever there is talk of Indian style icons the one name that forever tops the list is Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. She is unconditionally the ultimate style icon of the era, that too in the day an age of no PR and stylists to help her call the shots. Her sense of style was truly her own. Her wedding look was the classic silk saree with sequin work paired with elegant traditional jewellery pieces like a ‘borla’ and a gold necklace and earrings. She was also seen in a traditional Rajasthani poshak during the later ceremonies.
Anjali Tendulkar
A qualified doctor in her own right, she chose to give up her practice to tend to home and hearth while her husband won accolades for the nation. The effervescent bride to cricket’s superstar Sachin Tendulkar, shone in a traditional silk saree in auspicious colours and a simple yet very traditional bridal look at their wedding, nearly three decades ago.
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Vanisha Mittal Heiress to the L.N.Mittal business empire, she was beyond spoilt for choice with the purveyors of the finest couture in the world at her beck and call. It was a week-long affair with multiple occasions as part of the wedding festivities. However, even this desi bride opted to stay true to the “classic Indian bride look” in a traditional red Abu-Sandeep customized creation on her wedding day. Her over all look and styling at the actual wedding ceremony is a testament to the timeless appeal of this NRI, yet truly desi at heart bride.
Tanira Sethi
Daughter of the FDCI chairman (Sunil Sethi) and an upcoming textile designer herself, this girl knows a thing or two about fashion. Her wedding décor alone, designed by couturier Varun Bahl, comprised of over 1 lakh red roses. So, we were quite smitten to see this beauty don a gold lehenga and red dupatta with a gorgeous polki maang-tikka, haar and heavy earrings to complete the ensemble. Her bridal look is very modern but also typical in attire, making yet another case for a “timelessly-traditional” looking Indian bride.
Tina Ambani A successful actress in her own right through the 80’s and now wife of Anil Ambani, this beauty was known for her chic sense of style on screen and off screen as well. So when we decided to try and dig up some old photos of the lavish wedding of Anil Ambani to this diva, lo and behold, what do we see, but the elegant sophistication of a traditional Gujrati bride. Clad in a red, white and gold bridal silk saree, she looked every bit the classical Indian bride- timeless and chic all the way. December 2017 Saat Phere 13
Nita Ambani Although this renown industrialist wife and daughter-in-law, came from simple beginnings, today she is the chairperson of the Reliance Foundation and the Founder and Chairperson of the Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Known today for her style statements just as much as her CSR endeavours, as we suspected she was every bit the coy and resplendent bride on her wedding day. Her look and style was every bit true to tradition, in a silk saree and gold jewellery to create the quintessential bridal look of her time.
Sita Devi (Maharani of Kapurthala) This royal beauty was given the title of “the secular goddess” by British Vogue in 1935. She was known to be amongst the most glamorous royals of her time and was often photographed for fashion magazines for her amazing style sensibilities. She was a regular part of Europe’s elite fraternity and a true lover of fashion and trends. Being extremely fond of western couture she was a regular at the ateliers of Chanel & Lanvin. A true fashionista, so popular was her sense of style that whatever she wore one day, became a trend by the next day. But she also favoured her traditional sarees and jewellery looks when it came to landmark occasions such as her wedding.
Sharmila Tagore
When she donned a bikini for the first time for the cover of Filmfare magazine in 1967 and then in her movie ‘Evening in Paris’, she won hearts of fans all over. She later went on to marry Mansoor Ali Khan, the ‘Nawab of Pataudi’. It was the royal wedding of the year. Her gesture to pay homage to his roots was well appreciated by all. She wore a royal sharara outfit for the wedding. The rich colour and the very customary styling created a regal and traditional looking Muslim bride out of this gorgeous cover girl, complete with a pallu and huge maang-tikka, for her D-Day look. 14 Saat Phere December 2017
Shilpa Shetty Actress and entrepreneur, she could well be coined as the brand ambassador of the sexy saree. Her fabulous figure would have let her pull of the most elegant of contemporary or fusion outfits. But, her bridal look was clearly very traditional with a saree inspired lehenga by Tarun Tahiliani. There was no mistaking this diva on her wedding day as a classic South Indian bride with the flowers in her hair and elaborate jewellery such as matha-pattis, kamar-bandh, raani haar, braid jewellery and the works.
Sania Mirza
The face of Indian tennis and a seeded international player, this is a woman with spunk on and off the court. Besides her athletic achievements she is known for her unabashed honesty and love for fashion. So when she married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in a traditional Hyderabadi Muslim wedding ceremony, a sight of the bride was eagerly awaited. Not one to disappoint, Sania looked resplendent in a maroon saree that was worn by her mother 25 years ago at her own wedding. She looked every bit as gorgeous at her small and private wedding ceremony with a traditional and timeless D-Day look that was much appreciated and liked by fashionistas and media alike for its sentimental value and fashion quotient.
Vidya Balan An extremely talented actress and a poster child for the saree, when Vidya Balan got married, there was little need to guess what was going to be her outfit of choice at the ceremony. Although the wedding was an extremely low key and private affair, she was dressed in a vibrant bright red kanjeevaram with heavy temple style jewellery to complete her bridal look. Although she was sans a maang-tikka or nath, the bright red saree, the full sindoor and saaj-shringhar along with heavy temple style jewellery is a shoe in for the classic desi bride, who cannot and will not be missed in the crowd. December 2017 Saat Phere 15
Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan
One of the most applauded actresses of her time, Jaya Bachchan, was a force to reckon with in Bollywood in her hey days and still continues to be a well-respected veteran of the industry. A top rated actor of her time, she married Amitabh Bachchan at the peak of her career. When she decided to get married, her choice of outfit for her D-Day was clear to see. Dressed in traditional bridal finery she looked gorgeous in a classic red and gold saree, every bit the coy and shy bride of that era.
Saira Banu A box office darling in the 60’s this diva was known for her spirited performances and stunning beauty. So, naturally she broke many hearts around the country when she tied the knot with then reigning superstar, Dilip Kumar. Her bridal look was the talk to the town in an understated yet elaborate get up that unmistakably stood out. With a gota sharaha and lots and lots of flowers adorning her, this elaborate look was one that still had the bride standing apart from the crowd.
Sajida Sultan of Bhopal The daughter of the last Nawab of Bhopal, she was the begum of Bhopal. She went on to marry Nawab Iftekar Ali Khan who was the then ruling Nawab of Pataudi. She was the mother to famous cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan as well. Her wedding day look is a resplendent show of traditional royal attire in a gorgeous sharara and lots and lots of heirloom jewellery pieces, like an oversized jhoomar, maang-tikka, heavy gold choker and earrings, very much in keeping with the attire of a traditional Indian bride 16 Saat Phere December 2017
Gul Panang
This adorable actress, model and former beauty queen is known for her sassy style and devil may care attitude towards things. Case and point-she arrived at her own gurudwara wedding riding in the side car of a motorbike. Need we say more for this spunky ray ban sporting funky bride of the millennium!! However, alongside the Ray Bans and the baraat on a motorbike- the heart of her look was a traditional onion pink lehenga with gota patti and zari work desiged by JJ Valaya and Anita Dongre. To complete her ensemble she was decked out in total bridal gold jewellerymaang-tikka, jhoomar, heavy earrings, necklace et, al.
Saakshi Dhoni
Thiers was a romance that Hindi movies are made of. Childhood family friends who lost touch only to accidentally bump into each other again while he was a rising cricketer and she was the new intern at the hotel where the team was put up. A whirlwind romance followed by nuptials with full fanfare was a mesmerising tale for Indians and cricket fans alike. Being a high profile cricketers wife is no small feat and Saakshi Dhoni was no exception. Her simplicity and resplendence shone through beautifully as she was decked out in a Sabyasaachi red and green lehenga for the wedding ceremony. Her classic look was only further elevated by the nose ring
Kareena Kapoor When this leading lady chose to marry the ‘Chote Nawab’ of Pataudi, it was a match made in fashion heaven. So, naturally there was a lot of curiosity as to what her outfit would be. Would she opt for a creation by her all-time favourite designer Manish Malhotra? Or would she go for something different this time? What came as a surprise (a pleasant one for many) was that at the Nikaah ceremony she decided to go with the same sharara that her mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore had worn on her wedding day over 4 decades ago. This with a complete big maang-tikka, jhoomar, large earrings, etc, keeping her entire look very classically traditional and timeless. December 2017 Saat Phere 17
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
The Bachchan-Rai wedding was one of the most followed Bollywood affairs in recent times. It was also the one that piqued a very high level of curiosity among fans and media alike. When the most beautiful woman in the world is getting married, the world is curious beyond regular norms. So when pictures of her in full bridal finery and a traditional red and gold kanjeevaram saree and heavy traditional temple style gold jewellery started making the rounds, it was a pleasant surprise for many, especially in this day and age of ball gowns. Her extremely classic look included a maatha patti, kamarbandh, a huge polki necklace, lots of gold and kundan bangles completing the quintessential desi bride factor.
Indra Nooyi
This current CEO of Pepsi Co has been listed multiple times on the ‘Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women’. She is an inspiration for women across the globe in the way she has artfully managed corporate career, glass ceilings, marriage and motherhood. So we decided to see what goes on in the mind of a non-fashionista and were quite excited with what we discovered. At her wedding to Raj.K.Nooyi, almost 30 years ago, our desi girl at the heart of it all, also donned a bright pink, yellow and gold kanjeevaram silk saree with traditional gold necklace, earrings and hair jewellery, et.al.
Mira Rajput Ever since the news of Shahid Kapoor’s impending nuptials broke, the public was curious to know what the bride-to-be would be wearing. Of course, this discerning beauty did not disappoint. She looked timeless, elegant and extremely traditional in a pale pink lehenga with a jhoomar and classic kundan and navratni jewellery. In the words of her wedding trousseau designer Anamika Khanna herself, she mentioned that Mira’s brief was very clear for the wedding look she had in mind. “The idea was not to set trends here, the idea was just to make the bride beautiful and create something that will remain timeless”. So ultimately even Mira Rajput, the envy of millions of girls in this new millennium opted for a traditional bridal look. 20 Saat Phere December 2017
Mehrunissa of Rampur
The princess of Rampur was raised in the lap of luxury. So needless to say her bridal look would be worthy of being spoken about. On her wedding day she was dressed in traditional red attire with gorgeous oversized pieces of gold, kundan and pearl jewellery. She looked every bit the royal Indian bride that one would expect. The jhoomar and maang-tikka, the heavy earrings and necklace and the huge yet dainty nath are all typical bridal jewellery trousseau pieces that are adding to the enigmatic beauty of this royal bride.
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni A head turner in her own right and a qualified design professional with a successful jewellery line, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni is just as well known for her own fabulous dress sense as she is for her famous family. So when time came for her wedding over a decade ago, she was not lacking for choice in available couture. So it was a sight to behold on her wedding day when she chose a timeless and classic bright red and gold Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga paired with her mom’s heirloom jewellery. This scion of the Kapoor family, definitely showed off her style sensibilities when opting for a traditional bridal look for her D-Day.
Divyanka Tripathi Extremely popular and adorable TV actress and celebrity Divyanka’s wedding looks were the latest aspirational trendsetter in weddings attire this past season. Her look for every occasion created social media frenzy beyond expectations. So when she did two separate looks for her wedding day, fashionistas couldn’t be more delighted. What we especially loved was how distinct in style yet how typically bridal both her looks were. She started out the evening in a gorgeous deep red and gold lehenga (the ultimate combination in bridal attire colours) paired with elegant jewellery, chooda and flowers in her hair. She then changed into a yellow, pink and blue lehenga creating a more fun look for the pheras, but the essence remained true to classic Indian bridal style with the traditional borla, heavy kundan necklace, earrings, haathphool, nath and kadas along with her chooda. She look truly ‘not to be missed’ bridal.
This perfectly sums up the fact that the haldi, mehendi, sangeet, reception, etc are all times of great wedding fashion experimentation. No matter when, where, how or what-the Indian bride is a classic style statement in her own right. Trends will come and go, but on her wedding day, she is a desi girl at heart and that has to reflect when she takes her saat phere. December 2017 Saat Phere 21
Inside track
Mehendi
The New Canvas of the wedding love story
S
ince time immemorial, the deep red colour of a bride’s mehendi has long been associated with her new phase of life. The intricate ‘jaal’ like patterns, the interwoven peacocks and flowers in unique designs are a sight to behold on her hands. However with the dawn of the modern era, mehendi art is taking new leaps in creativity. We see so many new elements tied into the henna designs. Gone are the days of the laissez-faire mehendi designs created by the artist on the spot. Just having your better half’s name hidden in the labyrinth of the designs is no longer enough for the millennial bride. The traditional mehendi from the days bygone was a series of delicate and intricate patterns made all over the hands,
22 Saat Phere December 2017
arms, feet and legs of a bride to be a day or two before the big day. Now a days the bride’s hands and feet are an indispensable canvas to depict the love story of the to-be couple in henna. More and more brides are taking consultations with their mehendi artists and having them create unique patterns within the elements of the mehendi designs that showcase the bride and groom’s story. Couple photos or landmarks where first meetings or proposals may have taken place are being translated into henna designs on the bride’s hands and feet. Today’s brides are equally self-aware and choosy about the kinds of embellishments they want in the patterns. It needs to complement her look on the mehendi function
and her big day; so we are seeing lots of gold or silver tones glitter, sparkle, mirrorwork and even crystals and Swarovski for the discerning new age bride. An amazing evolution of this beautiful tradition carries on with modern twists being added to fuel the creativity and enthusiasm of today’s modern Indian bride.
www.morataara.com GGN: Galaxy Hotel, 1st Floor. Sec 15 - Part 2. 0124-4278391/2 M'BAI: 6, Mani Mansion. Peddar Road. Mumbai. 022-65754822
Your Pre Bridal prep Get Set Detox! by Shahnaz Husain
P
eople think that cosmetic care can work miracles. But this is not so. If you want to look and feel good during your wedding, you need to detox and get rid of toxins and wastes. This has a renewing and revitalizing effect on the skin, hair and body. Take some common factors, like nutrition, exercise, sleep, relaxation and stress control into consideration. Start on an exercise regime in good time, three to four weeks before the wedding. If you want to build exercise into your lifestyle, plan your day. Set aside some time for daily exercise and relaxation. Start your day with 24 Saat Phere December 2017
10 minutes of stretching exercises or a brisk walk. Then do deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes, followed by meditation for 15 minutes. Before you begin on an exercise programme, check with your doctor. Yoga is one of the best forms of exercising, as it can be performed according to the individual capacity and stamina of the body. They also help the posture and add grace to the figure. Yogic exercises also include relaxation of the body and are known to benefit the mind and reduce stress. Indian weddings usually comprise multiple functions. To cope with
all of them, one needs to build up stamina and
fight fatigue. Start deep breathing exercises at least a month before the wedding to help calm the mind. Sit in a relaxed position. Your body should be relaxed. Breathe in slowly and deeply and then breathe out slowly. Concentrate your mind on your breathing. This is simply done by just observing the inhaling and exhaling of your breath. Focusing your attention on your breathing pushes all other thoughts away for a few minutes. Do this 10 times and you will find that your mind has become calmer and your body is also more relaxed. This helps to cope with stress, which tends to build up as one
approaches D-Day. For a detox diet, increase your intake of natural foods, like fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouted grains/lentils, yogurt and paneer. Keep to unprocessed and unrefined cereals. Substitute fresh fruits for rich desserts and confectionery items. Drink enough water and fresh fruit juices. Water helps to keep the system flushed and eliminates toxins and wastes. It is important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, along with fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Fruit and vegetable juices are best taken freshly extracted and should be diluted with water. Take the juice
beauty box
of one lemon in a glass of water, first thing in the morning, to cleanse the system. What do we do about those tired and puffy eyes, dehydrated skin from too much make-up, or bad hair days? These signs tell us that its time to detox to feel and look good. Give up coffee and drink green tea daily. It has great benefits. Also, make sure to drink more water. Have the juice of a lemon with a glass of warm water first thing in the morning. This helps to flush the system. You can also add spices to tea, like Ginger (adrak), Cardamon (elaichi), Cinnamon (dalchini) and pepper. Ginger is known as “a universal remedy� because it has so many benefits. Ginger boiled
in water can be had as ginger tea. Ginger tea is advised after meals for digestion. It also reduces inflammation. Not only do they detoxify the system by promoting the elimination of wastes, but also bring about a sense of well being. To relax and calm the mind, a few drops of essential oils can also be added to bath water to soothe and calm the mind, as well as remove fatigue. Rosemary oil, or cinnamon oil, would be good. Or, you can choose from lavender, or citrus oil. They can also be used in foot baths. Soaking the feet in hot water is relaxing by itself and adding an essential oil to the hot water gives the added benefits of the aroma.
December 2017 Saat Phere 25
Dil se dil tak
Good Luck Charm
by Shailja
badly needed the approval for this project, so that the steady income from it could help him sustain his family, his child’s education and other needs.
Shailja: Freelance photographer and content writer
“Daddy, don’t worry, I will give you my good luck charm. You will do good!”, said little Lia while lying in her father’s lap. “I hope I get this project. It will solve all our problems, and we will have a better life. I am breaking down now; how long will I have to wait?” Prashant thought to himself, visibly feeling edgy. The family was going through financial crisis. Prashant 26 Saat Phere December 2017
The next morning, he kick started his scooter and headed to Udyog Vihar for the interview. His daughter came running to wish him. “Daddy, you have my good luck charm. You are looking beautiful. You will get good marks!”, she added innocently. He looked at his image in the mirror, smiled and thought to himself; “Beautiful! Am I looking beautiful?” Soon, he was seated along with other candidates, waiting for the call. Despite the full blast of chill from the AC, he was sweating profusely;
perhaps the anxiety was taking a toll on him. The door opens and an old man in his late 60s makes a dash into the room, walking swiftly, waving at everyone, saying “Sorry! Got late”. Soon after his arrival, the candidates were called in. Prashant waited restlessly for his turn. The next moment, he was sitting before this gentleman, introducing himself. “I am sorry, Prashant. I got late. You know how things get at home during Ashtami Poojan. I had to do Kanya Poojan. Biwi aur kanya dono ko khush rakhna tha na aaj”, he winked and had a hearty laugh. Prashant tried his
best to smile or laugh at his joke but just couldn’t draw a smile on his face. He was nervous. Soon he started giving his presentation before the panel of six members of the board. A sudden boost of confidence, a surge of fresh energy, and belief in
himself had transformed a nervous Prashant into a confident young man. He was sure of his proposal. He believed in the quality of work he could deliver. Suddenly, there were whispers amongst the board members. They started discussing
ers. Thank you for your time. Perhaps my daughter’s good luck charm didn’t work here, but it will definitely work elsewhere”. He packed up his laptop and made his way towards the door. “Wait!”, he heard the authoritative voice of that 60 year old gentleman calling for him. “Tell your daughter her
something in the middle of the presentation, which disturbed the flow of it.
a good day, dear”.
“Ok stop. We have seen what you wanted to show. We have seen what you are, and what is expected out of you. You may leave. We shall get back to you, gentleman”, he was told.
Prashant felt like a million bees were stinging him. He didn’t lose his composure. On “But...I have not complet- the contrary, ed yet. You need to see he looked up it till the end, else how with a smile and said, would you understand!”, he begged. “Sir, how conveniently you have judged me! “No gentleman, there is First of all, there is nothsomething very peculiar ing wrong in having difwe noticed about you. We ferent sexual preferences. are afraid, you won’t be You must see the ability the right candidate”, he of the person, not his oriwas condemned again. entation. Secondly, this nail paint has nothing to “What was that, if I may do with my orientation. ask?”, a zapped Prashant This is merely a sweet asked. gesture shown by my 3-year-old daughter, who “Alright, if you insist. applied it last night as a You are wearing red and good luck charm, in order green nail polish on two to make me look BEAUfingers of your left hand. TIFUL. So that I feel We respect your way of confident for the meeting life, but this might not and get GOOD MARKS. work in our organization. I didn’t want to break her A man wearing nail paint tiny heart by removing speaks a lot about his this. I care for my daughorientation, character and ter and her feelings. We mental balance, and we may not have done kanya are looking for a mature, poojan at home or done stable and wise person things only to please my here. That’s my two wife, but I genuinely cents. Now shall we call care for this little kanya. the next candidate? Have That’s my way of kanya
poojan, by respecting her sentiments, by providing for her needs. I believe in the real world sir, not the world of pretenses where one does things only to please oth-
good luck charm hasn’t gone in vain. It has worked on six
wise old men who lived in a fool’s paradise. Will you convey this message to her?” Prashant was perplexed. “What do you mean sir? I didn’t get you...”, he asked with utter confusion in his voice. “You are smart enough to understand. You may join from tomorrow, but get rid of that nail paint now, as it has already done its work, will you?”, he said with a pinch of mischief in his voice. Prashant felt euphoric hearing the last few words. Suddenly, he felt very “beautiful” as his daughter had remarked. The good luck charm had worked, and had shown its power!
December 2017 Saat Phere 27
beauty box
Aromatherapy
to beat the bridal blues from such anxieties and enjoy this once in a life time occasion. They can seek out a good beauty counsellor and take a few sessions with them. They can also opt for natural therapies
T
he winter wedding season brings with it many amazing positives like beautiful weather conditions for outdoor activities, lazy lunches, window shopping, etc.. However, it also brings along causes for anxiety such as skin dehydration, wrinkles, complexion dullness, sun tanning, hair and scalp dandruff, hair fall, etc. Some brides may even suffer from stresses like
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pre-wedding jitters, mood swings, sleep disorders, irregular diet syndrome, and many other typical concerns such as, skin and body care, beauty regimen, and many other thoughts. Such stresses influence our endocrinal system and create imbalances in hormonal secretions, thereby having a negative effect on our skin and body. It is important for the “to be bride� to be free
like yoga, pranayam, etc. to remain fresh and keep their spirits high.
Beauty tips to create a healthy glow on your d-day:
o Use a mild face wash (aloe vera for dry skin or neem and tulsi for oily to normal skin) at least twice a day. o Always apply an aloe vera based skin toner after
every face cleansing. o Use mild sun screen with SPF 15-20 preferably with relaxing and calming aroma oils like jasmine, motia, ylang-ylang, rose, etc. o For facials- Aroma facials with gold, diamond, aloe vera, saffron, sandalwood and skin lifting therapies are recommended. o Never use hard scrubs like walnut which may make your skin sensitive and allergic. scrub beads with jojoba oil, wheat germ oil and vitamin A are highly suitable.
o Take half-teaspoon each of jojoba oil and avocado oil, mix in 2 drops each of vitamin E and A, 1 drop each of orange aroma oil and sandalwood oil. Apply 3-4 drops of this oil daily on the face. It will not only soothe your facial tissues but help calm out your nerves as well. This practice should be started one month before the Wedding day. o Incase the bride suffers from skin allergies, skin rashes and eruptions like pimple, acne, etc, she may prepare a spray bottle with 2 drops each of tea tree oil and patchouli Oil with 250 ml water. Thorough shake them together and apply this spray on your face at least twice a day. This will make your skin flaw less and glowing on your D-day.
o Create your own aromatherapy room before going to bed with one drop of either jasmine, lavender or sandalwood oils either thru diffuser, candle or putting the drop on the pillow. o Spray your room with lemongrass aroma oil to create a calming effect at the start of your day. o Spray your work space with either basil or lavender oil to improve concentration level. o Get a body massage with stimulating aroma oils once in a fortnight accompanied by steam
detoxification. o Use a body scrub with dead sea salt to help tissue and muscle relaxation and remove dead and dried skin cells and other skin deep impurities to revive the lost sheen and gloss of the skin. o Opt for a good body spa at a beauty clinic.
Dos and Don’ts for the Brides
1. Drink as much water as possible (Minimum 5 litres in a day). 2. Increase your fresh fruits and juices and liquid diets. 3. No aerated drinks are recommended. 4. Avoid fried and heavy foods. 5. Keep smiling and have positive attitude for the good things to happen in life.
Dr. Naresh Arora The author is a renowned Aromatherapist & Founder of Chase Aromatherapy Cosmetics
Tips to destress before the big day:
o Take an aroma steam with basil or eucalyptus oil in the day time to relive sore muscle tissue and tone them. This will also help in sinus disorders. December 2017 Saat Phere 29
Inside track
Experiential Gif t ing
The New Age Shagan
T
he traditional ‘shagan’ has taken on a new meaning in this post millennial day and age. A customary gift along with the guests best wishes to the newly-weds is the norm world over. In India, we typically saw this gift was in the form of cash or gold, in the days bygone. As time moved on there was a rise in gifting of household items added into the mix as well. A fancy bedspread or a toaster for the new home was considered a more modern concept,
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a decade ago. Cut to the present and we see newly-wed couples become more interested in sharing experiences together rather than amassing material things. So this translated into a new wave of “experiential” gifting. So, rather than gifting the couple a food processor or a ‘his and hers’ towel set, opt for a couples massage at a fine spa. They would love the idea of some pampering after the hectic wedding celebrations are done. If they are foodies, they would cherish a wine tasting and chef’s table dinner for two at a fine
dining restaurant in the city.
paragliding or camping experience in the hills. Wine lovers could The demand for cherish a trip and tour to such gifts has become a vineyard along with a so popular, that even a wine tasting. A couple random search on google who are history buffs will bring up several might love a heritage local companies that walk with some little cater to such needs with known fun-facts and phosome wonderful options. to ops. For photography If you know the newenthusiasts a photo walk ly-weds are adventure tour through their own junkies- consider gifting city could be the different them something interest- perspective that they ing like a trek- crave while spending king, some much needed quality time together after
the wedding. So this wedding season, jazz up your own gifting style and be remembered for giving the newly-wed couple a memory that they can cherish, rather than their 7th fancy photo frame.
December 2017 Saat Phere 31
Chai aur charcha
Money Matters in the Modern Marriage‌ by Prakhar Gautam A Prakhar Gautam: Author and Founder Parindey Storytellers
32 Saat Phere December 2017
bond of love sealed with solemn vows and a promise to live together. Through the ups and downs of life you will inevitably face phases of financial ups and downs as well. With an increasing number of women continuing to focus on careers, post matrimony as well, the modern-day marriage is also the coming together of two bank balances. This brings in the need for smart money management as a couple. Here are a few tips to help you with it:
Discuss your finances: The easiest way to manage finances is by talking about it. Discuss everything about your finances, from accounts to debts. It is imperative that both you and your partner share the details of each others finances. Talk about what you and your partner expect from each other. Decide who will take care of things like, managing the bills, purchases beyond certain limits, etc can be the best way to manage finance. Handle sensitive situations with care: When a sensitive situation which makes you uncomfortable comes up make sure you don’t do anything rash. This might affect your relationship in a negative way. Bring up sensitive subjects with care and compassion. For example, if your partner has a bad habit and over
spends on it try to handle the matter with empathy and a cool mind. This will strengthen your relationship and you will be more effective in helping each other gradually to cut out impulsive spending. Design Goals and Roles: As a couple, it is important to design a set of goals for yourselves together. Then define your roles and how you plan to achieve those goals, as a unit. Always encourage each other and build each other up. Be aware of your own weaknesses and strengths, and play off the strengths of your spouse to bring synergy to what you are trying to accomplish. Budgeting for Emergencies: An ‘emergency fund’ is a fund that is created for
unwarranted contingencies such as a lost job or an untimely medical expenditure. Such situations can affect relationships the most since they cause stress and focus is diverted. Tempers may be on the higher side and hence special attention must be paid towards keeping an emergency fund handy.
and helps maintain your relationship for longer. Money can be a major point of contention between two people. So it is always in the best interest of your relationship to start with an open discussion and deal head on with the finances and focus on love. (heart)
Honesty & Trust: Honesty is always the best policy, especially when it comes to money matters and its management in a marriage. As individuals, it is important to own up to mistakes that have been committed with respect to spending. It might cause a temporary argument but in the long run it builds the trust between two individuals. It is equally important for you to trust your spouse and not question them on every transaction. Trust strengthens the bonds of marriage
December 2017 Saat Phere 33
Celebrity
Spotlight The celebrity who’s style you admire: Kareena Kapoor - she could look fabulous even in a simple jeans and t-shirt
Your favourite designer: Manish Malhotra - who else!!
The movie you can watch a zillion times: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
The cheat food you look forward to having: Maggie
The secret to your glowing skin: Good genes
A beauty tip to share with your fans: Besan and lemon juice works wonders on your skin
Smokey eye or a Bold lip: Smokey eye any day!!
Sneakers or Stilettoes: Sneakers
Roses or Lilies: Roses
Your dream role: I want to play all kinds of roles and be known for my versatility
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Rapid fire with the “Dil Buffering” girl Aanchal Munjal
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