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<p>Easter is one of the most important festivals celebrated by most denominations of the Christian community. According to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Christ was reborn on the third day of his crucifixion and therefore Easter marks his rebirth.</p><p>Known to be a moveable feast, Easter dates are based on the lunar cycle; the first Sunday after the full moon in the month of March—also known as the Paschal (Passover) Full Moon. Thus, Easter Sunday usually falls between March 22 and April 25 every year. This year, it is on April 9.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Easter-Traditions-inside_1616656331712.jpg"></figure><p>Despite being a Christian festival, Easter involves many pre-Christian traditions. The word ‘Easter’, for instance, is said to have been derived from ‘Eastre’, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of fertility and spring. This is why, Easter eggs and Easter bunnies, which represent new life, are popular symbols of the day.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Crucifixion-of-Jesus-Christ_1616655658765.jpg"></figure><p>Easter is also said to be related to the ancient Jewish festival of Passover, which is in remembrance of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Though both festivals are celebrated at the same time of year, it’s not always that they fall in the same week.</p><p>Even though Easter is the principal feast for the Christian community, it is a sedate feast. Despite the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, it lacks the joie di vivre of Christmas since it falls so soon after the crucifixion of Christ, which is on Good Friday.</p><h2>Ash Wednesday or Ash Monday</h2><p>“For most Christians, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday or Ash Monday, depending on the rites that are in practice. While Lent starts with Ash Wednesday for the Latins; it starts two days earlier for the Syrians with the Ash Monday,” writes Chev. Prof. George Menachery, an anthropologist, Indologist and historian.</p><p>Ash Wednesday comes from an ancient Jewish custom of wearing dust on the forehead, symbolising the dust from which God created all. In Goa, the period just before Lent is marked by the Carnival based on the template of the Rio or Portuguese Carnivals. The Goa Carnival has become a big tourist draw for the state.</p><p>Preparations for Easter in the orthodox churches are more extensive, starting with remembering all the departed the Sunday before the Great Lent. Most churches observe Ash Wednesday by burning the palm leaves used on the Palm Sunday of the previous year and smearing the ashes on the foreheads to mark the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. The reference here is to what God told Adam: “Dust thou art and unto dust thou return.”</p><h2>Lent</h2><p>Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and penance, also marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ fasted and suffered in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights before he started his ministry, and faithful Christians follow suit. That being said, Lent isn’t actually 40 days long, it is around 46 days, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday.</p><p>For many, it is a 40-day affair because they do not count Sundays. Sundays are considered to be a celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ and are looked upon as joyous days and hence many don’t fast on Sundays. Furthermore, depending on the various Christian denominations and rites, the period of Lent again differs, explains Jesus Vivian Raja, a Roman Catholic Deacon residing in Delhi. “For some Christians, the 40 days of Great Lent includes Sundays and begins on Clean Monday or Ash Monday. The Oriental Orthodox, on the other hand, observe eight weeks of Lent.”</p><p>The period of Lent may vary, but devout Christians abstain from desserts, alcohol and meat. However, again depending on the denomination and rite, some Christians give up all forms of meat except fish, and others give up on all animal products, including eggs, milk, butter, and fat. </p><h2>Palm Sunday</h2><p>Easter week begins with Palm Sunday, observed in memory of Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem riding on a donkey than making a pompous grand entry. He was welcomed with a wreath of olive branches. “During church mass, everyone is given a frond of palm (coconut leaves in the coastal areas), which are then shaped into crosses, and later displayed on family altars. Some churches also have a procession where the community waves the leaves in the air, symbolising togetherness,” explains Jesus Vivian Raja. </p><h2>Maundy Thursday or Passover Thursday</h2><p>Palm Sunday gives way to the Passion Week, which begins with Maundy Thursday—the Thursday before Easter. The word Maundy is derived from the Latin ‘mandatum’, and it means mandated. Notably, this day is also called the Passover Thursday as it follows the Jewish observance of the feast of the Passover with a sacrifice of a lamb and unleavened bread, as ‘mandated’ by God through Moses during the captivity of the Jews.</p><p>Today, in most Christian churches on Maundy Thursday, priests symbolically wash the feet of 12 non-ordained people, recreating and commemorating the Washing of the Feet and Christ’s Last Supper, a day before his crucifixion. After the service, it is a common sight to see churches give loaves of bread in memory of the Last Supper.</p><p>It is on Maundy Thursday that you’d see churches selling or distributing small, lightly sweet yeast buns that are marked on top with a cross, popularly known as <a href="">hot cross buns</a>. Made of flour, milk, sugar, butter, eggs, and occasionally currants and spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, hot cross buns are to be eaten on Good Friday.</p><p>According to the Nasrani Syrian Christians Network (NSC Network), the Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala, also known as Syrian Christians, commemorate the Passover night of Maundy Thursday with one of the most traditional dishes, Pesaha Appam or paschal bread. Derived from the ancient bread of Jewish tradition, these rice cakes are not fermented with yeast in accordance with the Jewish commemoration of Pesaha or Passover.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pesaha-Appam_1616655899893.jpg"></figure><p>The preparation for pesaha appam starts a week before Holy Thursday and involves the drying and grinding of rice. In some homes, the head of the family makes a cross from the palm leaf collected from the parish church on Palm Sunday and places it on the dough. The dough is then cooked in steam. On Maundy Thursday, this unleavened bread is then eaten alongside Paal or Pal, a coconut-based dip/drink.</p><p>Traditionally, the head of the family breaks the appam into 13 pieces symbolising Jesus Christ and the twelve Apostles, dips it in Paalukurukku (syrup) or Pesaha Pal (Passover milk), and then distributes it amongst the other family members after reading the Old Testament narration of the Passover feast. The celebration is a local version of the Israelites' Passover rites and Christ's Last Supper.</p><p>At the Last Supper, it’s said that Jesus Christ passed shared bread with his disciples saying, “This is my body, take it and eat it,” and then shared a cup of wine saying, “This is my blood, take it and drink it.” This was done to mark God’s new covenant, and that they were to remember Jesus and what he did for them. According to the Old Testament, this supper was the Passover Meal – a meal to remember the covenant God had made with the Jewish community when they were released from captivity in Egypt. Remarkably, this is also the basis of the Holy Communion (Eucharist) services in most Christian churches.</p><h2>Good Friday</h2><p>A day of mourning, Good Friday, commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This day signifies that Christ gave his life to save humankind from sins—that is where the ‘Good’ in the Friday comes from.</p><p>In Malayalam, this day is called ‘Dukha Velli’, denoting sorrow, whereas in Tamil it is known as 'Periya Velli', meaning the 'big' Friday. This day is a sombre one, with most Christians attending mass almost the entire day and ritually following Stations of the Cross.</p><p>“At Church, we would attend the Passion Play, wherein the passion of Christ is reenacted. The entire congregation participates in the narration of the timeline from the moment Jesus was taken into custody till the moment he was crucified,” explains Shannon Lawrence, an East Indian Roman Catholic who works as a Sous Chef at The Bombay Canteen.</p><p>In Kerala, church services end with the drinking of Choruka, a decoction made of bitter gourd juice and vinegar. At other Christian churches, worshippers are offered Kaipuneeru made of the juice of panal tree leaves and vinegar. This symbolises the incident when Jesus, while hanging on the cross, calls out, and hearing his cries some of those watching the event take a piece of cloth, dip it in vinegar, lift it to his mouth, making him drink.</p><p>Some other churches offer some steaming hot kanji, made of watery rice and occasionally served with some pickle and pulses, immediately after the long mass. In some Christian homes, fasting is de riguer on this day, and most people stick to eating very simple foods if they do so at all.</p><p>“At home, I recall my grandmother making us plain congee, which we ate with a spicy mango pickle on the side, to represent austerity and mourning,” informs Sefi Elza George, a Syrian Christian who’s now based in Mumbai. For Lawrence, it would be just one simple meal of either plain dal or soup that would be made and consumed on this day.</p><h2>Holy Saturday and the significance of fire and water at the Easter Vigil Mass</h2><p>All Christian traditions have their own way of bringing in Easter; either at midnight or on Easter Sunday morning, and upon returning home. In most Christian Churches, on Maundy Thursday, the entire church is darkened by extinguishing all candles and lamps, representative of a world without God. Therefore, at the Easter Vigil mass, the new fire is blessed, and the paschal candle is lit.</p><p>Holy Saturday services have involved the lighting of lamps, candles, and even torches, as an embodiment of the light of Christ coming into the world and dispelling darkness. The Paschal candle from that day on burns near the altar to signify the presence of the risen Lord.</p><h2>The Easter feast </h2><p>After an austere period of fasting, Easter has a close association with food. All the stops are pulled with a dining table groaning under the weight of delights that were forbidden during Lent. “After midnight mass, we would usually cut a cake baked by my mom,” shares Jesus Vivian Raja, who currently resides in Delhi.</p><p>In most homes, it is a customary tradition to bake something on Easter, so as to allow the comforting smell of the fresh baking to herald new beginnings. This tradition is said to have been derived from ancient Anglo-Saxons who baked small wheat cakes in honour of the springtime goddess, Eostre. After converting to Christianity, the church substituted those with sweetbreads that were blessed by the church.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Matta-Rice_1616656215003.jpg"></figure><p>In India, various Christian communities have their own traditional Easter sweetbreads rooted in pre-Christian traditions. Most East Indian kitchens whip up an assortment of dishes that are served alongside deep-fried bread known as varyas and fugias. Both are slightly sweet, fermented and spongy, with the only difference being that fugias are round, while varyas are doughnut-shaped.</p><p>After Easter Sunday services, people return home for a sumptuous breakfast. “As a special treat, mom would make us appams and chicken curry – a traditional Kerala-style Easter breakfast,” says Sefi Elza George a Syrian Christian currently residing in Mumbai.</p><p>Back in Chennai, Jesus Vivian Raja’s Easter special breakfast spread would usually include typical South Indian items such as idlis, vadas, sambhar, chutney, Pongal, kesari and even dosa. “Lunch would always be Mutton biryani and fish fry or prawns, all prepared in Chettinad style as we hail from Chettinad, he further adds.</p><p>“On Easter Sunday we would visit our families bearing traditional Easter sweets and cake, and then celebrate with a grand afternoon luncheon. Meats, vegetables, and desserts would make for a veritable feast for the senses,” reminisces Genevieve D’Costa a Goan Roman Catholic currently residing in Vasai Road, a Mumbai suburb.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Meat takes centre stage in Easter celebrations</h2><p>Easter feasts are based on foods that one had given up during Lent. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find lamb in the Easter celebrations of many communities. The roasted lamb dinner that many, especially Anglo Indians eat on Easter Sunday actually predates Easter—it is derived from the first Passover Seder of the Jewish people. Besides, Jesus Christ is considered to be the new Paschal lamb, who was sacrificed for our sins and whose blood made the perfect and everlasting covenant.</p><p>Going back to pre-Christianity, pigs have always been a symbol of luck and prosperity. In pagan times, people celebrated the arrival of spring and the rebirth of the land by eating pork as a way to try and ensure a prosperous planting season and subsequent harvest. Additionally, although the Jewish Old Testament law prohibited the eating of pork, the eating of pork and other pig products later came to be allowed in order to provide a sense of inclusion.</p><p>Dukracha maas is savoured by Mangaloreans and Goans especially on feast days. No Goan household can do without pork on this special occasion. “Pork sorpotel or pork vindaloo would be that one dish that would always be recreated in our kitchen year after year. Usually, the vindaloo or the sorpotel would be prepared several days in advance to savour on Easter with sannas or steamed rice cakes fermented with toddy,” explains Debbie Daruwala, a Goan currently residing in Vasai Road.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sweet-Dumplings_1616656063554.jpg"></figure><p>However, Easter for Aggie D’Costa, a Goan Roman Catholic, sitting around and drinking glasses of homemade grape wine is the fondest memory. At George’s maternal grandmother’s place, Easter spread would be a potpourri of Kerala-style duck roast, meen vevichathu (red fish curry), aviyal and ishtu (stew), all of which would be polished off with appams. However, what she misses the most are her grandma’s Kozhukattais which are steamed rice flour dumplings stuffed with jaggery, coconut and spices.</p><p>For Lawrence, the Easter-special meal at home mainly comprised of a whole roasted pig, an East-Indian special Mutton Tope (stew of mutton on the bone made with fresh ginger, garlic and bottle masala, and usually finished with poha), Roasted tongue, Beef Olives (flattened meat stuffed with aromatics cooked in a onion green chilli masala) and a coconut-based chicken curry. These would either be relished with what the East Indians call the Wedding pulao, made with brown onions and boiled eggs or East Indian bread, fugiyas or chittiap (a fermented flatbread, similar to a pancake).</p><h2>Easter treats</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Caramel-custard_1616655569564.jpg"></figure><p>Easter dessert in most Goan and Mangalorean homes comprises either caramel bread pudding or plain steamed bread pudding. However, some Christians also make custard to end the festival on a sweet note. In Lawrence’s home, dessert mainly included Easter eggs and bunnies that were mostly made of marzipan, and also bonnets and thali sweet, a coconut cake made in a thali.</p>

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<p>I did not know Rishi Kapoor, I was not his friend, neither had I worked with him, spoken to him or even met him; but he knew me.</p><p>Not because I was notable, but because his lust and piety for food were so boundless, that he associated me with that carnal passion. I first met him several years ago at a wedding. I mean I hardly met him, from nowhere I heard this loud exigent voice calling, “Eh Foodie, come here!” It was a crowded wedding, jam-packed with film celebrities and important people.</p><p>Rishi Kapoor sat me down, his older brother Randhir Kapoor on one side, me on the other, and a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label in the middle, and he spent that whole evening, talking about food.</p><p>He had watched several episodes of my TV show <i>The Foodie</i> and with an inquisitive mind, he wanted to know whether the Muradabadi Yakhni Pulao was similar to an Awadhi Biryani, whether, the Biryani at Bohri weddings in Mumbai was better than that available at the stalls near the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi. Whether Kebabs and Curries at the ITC Grand Central, Parel really made the best Haleem in Mumbai or was the one from Pista House in Hyderabad better?</p><p>He spoke about how he liked his Parsi Akoori slightly creamy and spicy and that no one in Mumbai could make one to match his exacting specification.</p><p>That evening, we sat there, animatedly chewing the fat and wetting our whistles, those who came to our engrossed table to pay their respects to the two scions of the Kapoor family, were cast aside, and we continued into the evening, extolling the virtues of non-vegetarian, north Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken, Nihari, Parathas and even Chinese food.</p><p>At the end of that evening, since we were now one big happy food family, I asked him, whether he would appear as a guest on my food show. He looked at me with great affection, put his arm around me and said, "I love you yaar, but no I won’t, just too much effort." It was at that point that I fell in love with him.</p><p>We had exchanged numbers and we followed each other on Twitter, and once in a while, I’d either get a DM or a message from him when he wanted to share or inquire about food. The Kapoor family’s love for Chinese cuisine is well known; even when I interviewed Rishi’s uncle, Shammi Kapoor, on <i>The Foodie</i>, he insisted our meal be ordered from their favourite restaurant China Garden, and I could see his eyes light up when the food arrived.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-2372-obituary-foodie-rishi-kapoor-inside-image_1616669914913.jpg"></figure><p>When I hosted Ranbir Kapoor on the show, he too couldn’t stop broadcasting the love that the Kapoor khandan have for Chinese. So, I was not at all surprised when my cousin Rahul Velkar, owner of Mr Chow’s, an upscale Chinese takeaway chain, excitedly telephoned me one very rainy Mumbai day. The lanes of Bandra were flooded; it was raining cats and dogs, and lo and behold, at their kitchen door at Chimbai Road, drenched from head to toe, walked in Rishi Kapoor, hunting for Chinese food.</p><p>Now only a wanton foodie could go on foot in the pouring rain looking for some wontons and a Chinese feast. He of course ordered more than half the menu and trudged back home, I’m sure to drier clothes and a cosy meal.</p><p>It became a habit. Every time our paths crossed, we would again huddle up and chat about something oily, greasy and delicious. Like the time we met at a party at Kishor Bajaj’s (of Hakkasan, Yauatcha and Bada Sahab fame) house. The subject was Khichda, slow-cooked mutton with spices and wheat. So salivating was the discussion that I called Hassan Mansuri of Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar and implored him to send their most brilliant Khichda to Rishi Kapoor’s house the next day. I could not partake of that meal, but Chintuji messaged post-dinner and I can imagine what a feast they must have had.</p><p>It was a few months later that I heard that he was ill and was being treated in New York. We exchanged a few messages after he returned to Mumbai, but I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. In Rishi Kapoor, we lost a good honest man who loved his life.</p><p>Chintuji, may you rest and feast in peace.</p>

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<p>The famous Lathmar Holi in Mathura doesn’t need an introduction; it is the first destination that pops in our head when it comes to Holi. Said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, thousands of devotees throng the Radha Rani temple here in Barsana every year to celebrate Lathmar Holi that falls few days before the main Holi celebration in Mathura. As per the Hindu calendar, Lathmar Holi falls on full moon day or <i>purnima </i>of the Phalgun month, when women dress up as <i>gopis </i>and hit the men playfully with stick or <i>lathis </i>when they try to throw colour. The tradition dates to the mythological era of Radha and Krishna, the ideal couple believed to be the symbol of love; where the latter was beaten by the former when he and his friends tried to throw colour at her.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mathura-Air-bnb-inside-1_1617110618396.jpg"></figure><p>A day before Lathmar Holi celebration in Mathura falls Laddu Mar Holi, where devotees gathered at temples sing, dance and throw laddus at each other, only to be consumed as <i>prasad</i> later. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>A week-long affair, the pomp and show of Barsana's Lathmar Holi is witnessed in Nandgaon as well, and is also celebrated as Phoolon Ki Holi, Gokul Holi and Widow's Holi across Vrindavan. The whole celebration period is marked by dance and music, till the day of Holika Dahan, which falls a day prior to the main festival, also known as the Dhulandi Holi in Brij.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mathura-Air-bnb-inside-3_1617110631121.jpg"></figure><p>Tourists not just from India, but from all over the world gather to be a part of the whole festive frenzy of Mathura Holi festival, and if you want to experience the same, here are five Airbnbs you can check out on your next trip to Mathura and enjoy Holi in Mathura. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>1. Clean, Green and sunny minimalist modern house</h2><p>While you are obviously visiting Mathura for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/culture/5-holi-celebrations-in-india-you-didn-t-know-of-263 ">Holi celebrations</a>, if you are also looking to spend some quality time with your family in the quiet, then clean, green and sunny minimalist modern house is the perfect neighbourhood accommodation, from where you can also explore places such as, Khurja, Ferozabad, and Moradabad. </p><h2>2. Cozy Room For 2 People. Near Janmabhoomi & Railway Station</h2><p>However, if you want to be where all the action is, then this cosy room for two, near Janmabhoomi and Railway Station, is the place for you. Not just comfortable rooms, it also offers a lounge, restaurant area and daily housekeeping. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>3. Room For 2-Opposite Prem Mandir-Vrindavan</h2><p>Those of you who have visited the iconic Prem Mandir must know of its scenic beauty. Therefore, if you want to relive the same, then this room for two, opposite Prem Mandir, Vrindavan is where you get to enjoy the sightseeing. The place also lies close to popular sites such as Banke Bihari and Iskcon temple. </p><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>4. Vrindavan Cottages By Sheosante </h2><p>Well, if you are seeking more privacy, you can easily have an entire apartment to yourself at Vrindavan Cottages By Sheosante. </p><p>AlsoRead4</p><h2>5. Brij View - Premium Serviced Apartments & Suites</h2><p>Another apartment again close to the famous Prem Mandir is the Brij View - Premium Serviced Apartments & Suites, which offers a complete view of the city and is also well furnished. </p>

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<p>Twenty-five year old Bhuvan Bam, the YouTube star, lists his Google Nexus as one of his best purchases because he began making his videos on it. And are we glad! The funnyman starred in a popular short film, <i>Plus Minus</i>, and even launched his own merchandise line called Youthiapa.</p><p>We take a peek at what his real life is like behind those one-liners on reel.</p><h3>Your journey from BB Ki Vines to an actor</h3><p>I was the funny kid in class; did a lot of drama, but never thought I could actually make a career out of comedy and acting! So BB Ki Vines has been a great platform for me, it connected me with a lot of people, and I could do what I love and even be a part of a film that won a Filmfare award. It's surreal!</p><h3>It’s taken a lot of hard work, we’re sure. Where does the inspiration to create come from?</h3><p>It’s the people around me; my friends and family, quirky people I’ve met, observed and known. I use all the fun and drama we have in our lives and turn it into a video. The topics are relatable, and so people enjoy the content. That’s what people tell me, hey that’s a character we can relate with!</p><h3>Tell us about a funny incident that made you LOL</h3><p>This one time, someone came up to me and asked for a picture and I obliged. Then he asked me what my name was and before I could answer, he said, “<i>Acha choro</i>, Facebook <i>pe </i>upload <i>karunga toh pata chal jayega</i>”.</p><h3>Facepalm! We’re sure you’ve had some crazy fan encounters too…</h3><p>OMG, there was this one time when I was walking out of a mall after a film and this girl comes up to me and starts sobbing. I’m befuddled, she’s sobbing and people are staring. I try to ask her what’s wrong, how can I help? She says she’s a huge fan and wants an autograph. I agree to do that. I sign in her book, but then things get weird. She wants me to sign her back. I get nervous because I don’t want to poke her, so I am being very careful and suddenly she says, “stab me!” I was so taken aback, I quickly signed on her back and ran away. It was crazy!</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h3>In moments like these, who is your voice of reason?</h3><p>My family and friends. They are brutally honest with me, whether they agree with me or not. Our relationship has remained unchanged despite the popularity.</p><h3>You’re a social media star. But who are you following on social media?</h3><p>Will Smith, Shah Rukh Khan, Superwoman (Lily Singh), Karan Johar and sometimes even Rakhi Sawant, just for interesting content.</p><h3>Comedy comes from a place in the heart and mind that is awakened, where does it rest, for you?</h3><p>Comedy is about looking at everyday humour. For me, it’s my eyes that observe people and situations; my mind because I make them funnier and exaggerate them, and my heart because that what I put it into whatever I do.</p><h3>And what else does your heart desire?</h3><p>Seafood. It’s the best!</p><h3>Any kitchen disasters to share?</h3><p>I can’t even fill ice trays without dropping all the water, so…</p><h3>An ingredient you could add to anything?</h3><p>Salt</p><h3>What are some things that sound like compliments but are actually insults?</h3><p>A few times when I was at the airport, some people started calling me ‘Bancho Bancho’, and at the YouTube FanFest 15,000 people were chanting ‘Bancho Bancho’. I don’t want to be called Bancho, ha ha ha.</p><h3>What quote or saying do people spout but is complete BS? (Like “Money can’t buy you love”)</h3><p>“<i>12th Kar Lo Phir Toh Aish Hai”</i></p><h3>What’s the most useless talent you have?</h3><p>I can bite my toenails.</p><h3>And a celebrity crush?</h3><p>Sara Ali Khan</p><h3>What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?</h3><p>I read my horoscope this week which said a lot about the incoming money. I don’t believe in horoscopes but this one time, I wish it comes true.</p><h3>Any deep dark fear?</h3><p>That all of this will go away someday</p><h3>If you had a superpower...what would it be?</h3><p>Reading people’s minds</p><h3>What’s the weirdest question you’ve been asked?</h3><p>Will you go on a date with me and my boyfriend?</p><h3>What's your most embarrassing childhood memory?</h3><p>I suffered a wardrobe malfunction in my school’s fancy dress competition. I was wearing a saree.</p><h3>If you could…who would you like to collaborate with?</h3><p>Cardi B and Atif Aslam.</p><h3>And what’s on your current playlist?</h3><p>Songs by Bruno Mars and John Mayer.</p>

We catch up with funnyman Bhuvan Bam, the first Indian YouTuber to earn 10 million subscribers.

We speak to YouTube sensation Bhuvan Bam and find out how became the first Indian YouTuber to earn 10 million subscribers. Read Zeezest.com

Bhuvan Bam Interview - Celebrity Interview | Zee Zest

Bhuvan Goes Bam Bam!

Interview

Comedy

Entertainment

&lt;p>Over the last decade, Yoga has witnessed a hipster transformation in the way it has been taught, accepted and practised. With the West going gaga over the age old Indian routine with celebs like Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, Miley Cyrus and others giving it a nod, yoga has only recently caught the fancy of millennials and celebrities in India.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;br />
So if you want to make yoga a part of your lifestyle, whether at home or with a trainer, here are some tips from Anshuka Parwani, a celebrity fitness trainer and Instagram influencer. Parwani has been a yoga expert for over a decade and has trained a host of celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora Khan, Amrita Arora, Nimrat Kaur, Sonal Chauhan, Rakul Preet and Tushaar Kapoor. With her FlyFit program, a collective training that includes Aerial Yoga and Yoga Pilates, she is creating a holistic fitness regime that empowers the mind and body alike.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>How is yoga different from other fitness and workout regimens?&lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Essentially, all workouts are excellent. Yoga tends to stand out and make an impact because of the internal makeover that it gives your body. It massages the organs, eases your breathing, works on the core, and thus is a 360 degree holistic practice. Some &lt;em>asanas &lt;/em>even focus on reducing your stress levels and cure ailments. The radiant glow that you will see on someone who practices yoga regularly can rarely be achieved through any other kind of training.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>Is the training routine any different for a celebrity? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Every student, celebrity or no celebrity, is treated the same way. However, celebrities tend to be more focused, more resilient and determined; it is very rigorous and needs work. Celebrities come with intense pressure and travelling schedules that can be super hectic and unpredictable. Yoga is something that creates a balance, keeps the individual calm and brings a sense of self. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>Kareena Kapoor Khan is someone who has been in fabulous shape post her first pregnancy. Can you share what was special about her training, pre and post pregnancy?&lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Kareena was my first student and we started off with prenatal yoga, postures and practices that would evolve every month. With every changing trimester, we changed her routine and mixed it up by adding Pranayama, or other kinds of workouts. Pranayama is a great combination with yoga and it works fabulously on the body.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>Kareena was back on the mat within three weeks after her delivery and this is exactly the kind of dedication you need when you wish to attain a healthy and balanced state of mind and a good physical form. Especially, since dealing with strengthening post pregnancy is a big deal. Kareena is someone who is extremely disciplined. She will never miss a class, her focus is phenomenal and her routine does not budge from day to day. She puts in a 100%, which shows in her posture and form.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>How does yoga impact the mind and the body? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Yoga impacts the mind just as much as the body as there is a lot of mind control involved. You need to focus on breathing techniques, there is a lot that goes into sensitising your mind on how your body functions, the way it will react and what&lt;em> asanas&lt;/em> will affect you in what way.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>You also work with children who are just three-years-old! What are the challenges you face with such young yogis? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I personally believe that yoga should start young. I have kids coming in at the age of 2.5 who we teach &lt;em>yogasanas&lt;/em>. The whole trick is to make yoga fun for them. Teaching them fun animal poses like the cobra pose or &lt;em>bhujangasana&lt;/em>, gets them involved and keeps them engaged. Kids these days are very easily distracted and keeping their minds occupied is a big part of the deal. Teaching them to focus, getting them to understand breathing and essentially, keeping it playful and interactive, is the best way to do it.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>Do you prescribe specific diets to supplement the training process? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Inherently someone who is a Yogi practices a Satvik diet but there has been a shift to pescetarian or veganism. It&rsquo;s important to focus on what works for you; we never prescribe weight loss that is counted with a weighing scale. I advocate fat percentage loss as you could be thin, but your fat percentage could be a massive 50 percent. For our celebrity clientele, we focus on inch loss when a movie is scheduled. For foods, I suggest having celery juice if you are someone who loves greens. Haldi or turmeric and milk is very beneficial. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>What are some of the Dos and Don&rsquo;ts while practicing different styles of yoga? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I have always maintained that unless you have a contraindication, you should be able to do everything. Talking to a teacher will always help and doing yoga under someone&rsquo;s guidance is essential to ensure a good form. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>What are some of the new age yoga techniques that you incorporate while training? &lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>As long as you are sticking to your roots and doing it with integrity, I think any kind of yoga should be appreciated. However, a technique that I don&rsquo;t believe or endorse is beer yoga.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
&lt;strong>What are some of your go-to&lt;em> asanas&lt;/em> to boost metabolism, cure headaches, and deal with stress?&lt;/strong>&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Standing on the head or &lt;em>Shirasana&lt;/em> is the king of all poses. . It immediately sends blood to the brain, stimulates the thyroid gland, and the core. The cat and cow pose (&lt;em>Marjaryasana/Bitilasana&lt;/em>)is a wonderful way to massage the shoulder stand, &lt;em>sarvangasana, halasana&lt;/em> or plough Pose also work brilliantly for the mind and body. &lt;br />
 &lt;/p>


The 'What Women Want' host practices yoga in the air and never misses a session , Anshuka Parwani, a celebrity fitness trainer, tells Zee Zest.

Check these hints from Anushka Parwani, a celebrity fitness coach. She talks about why yoga is essential for everyone and shares her views on Pranayama and yoga. 

Interview: Celebrity Fitness Trainer Anshuka Parwani | Zee Zest

What’s Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Secret Workout? We Get All The Deets From Her Yoga Trainer

&lt;p>Actor, presenter, Roshni Chopra describes herself as design-obsessed, fashion and beauty nerd, who is always planning her next vacation and equally importantly, her next meal. A glimpse of her stunningly curated Instagram will have you fixated on the picture-perfect effortless glamour she exudes. She likes to refer to her Instagram page as a “visual aesthetic diary of sorts.” &lt;/p>&lt;p>When you meet her in person, the same iridescence captivates you. A firm believer in the power of good vibes, for Chopra beauty is not skin deep. We got talking to this self-confessed ‘beautiholic’ who is known for her love for natural products and brands, and her own skincare and haircare beauty decoctions. A mother of two boys, she also co-founded the fashion label ‘RCDC’ along with her sister Deeya Chopra. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0 &lt;/p>&lt;p>In a freewheeling conversation about her secret to glowing skin, beauty myths, tips and make up dos and don'ts, Roshni Chopra bares all, from her party essentials to her homemade face masks. &lt;/p>&lt;h2>For parties and social gatherings, what is your signature look?  &lt;/h2>&lt;p>Social gatherings are about celebrations; for me, it means celebrating my individuality. Instead of following trends I tend to dig out my favourite looks, restyle them, and wear a lot of colours and a little bling too.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>I’m big on coloured eyeliners to add a pop to my look, along with a healthy dose of mascara, and a flushed look on the cheeks. I prefer highlighter sticks rather than powders. My favourite is Nudestix and the genuine glow stick from Estée Lauder. I also love the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter by The Balm cosmetics.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What does the perfect shoot look involve? Something that you don’t really wear daily. &lt;/h2>&lt;p>For shoots, eyelashes go a long way. Also contouring and a very defined brow, which I never do in real life, works great with studio lights. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1 &lt;/p>&lt;h2>Since you lean more towards naturally derived beauty products, which have been your best finds? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>I’m loving Enn’s Closet and Just Herbs from the homegrown brands. Internationally, I’ve loved Versed skincare. Their products are gentle and effective.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What will we find on your vanity dresser right now? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>On my dressing table, you will always find Huda power bullet (lipstick), Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Day Serum and Kiehl’s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream. When it comes to fragrances, it is ‘The Noir 29’ by Le Labo. I’m also loving the Sebamed face wash and the Aveda Invati Scalp Rejuvenation Serum. &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What is the secret to your fit body after having two kids? And any tips for mothers-to-be? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>I believe eating right plays a significant role. My simple rule is: No carbs after 7:00 pm (I eat my dinner with my kids). One often neglects mental health and stress and its impact on weight management. I know this sounds silly but if your mind is calm and you get eight hours of sleep, it keeps you from binge eating.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>My advice to new mums-to-be will be to moisturise a lot. Oils are good for this. I’ve used Bio-Oil and liked it quite a bit. Be careful that the stretch marks never really go once they come so the thing is to prevent that by regular oiling of the skin, especially the abdomen area. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead2 &lt;/p>&lt;hr>&lt;h2>BEAUTY QUICKIE WITH ROSHNI CHOPRA &lt;/h2>&lt;figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:50%;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Roshni-Chopra--inside_1612887992562.jpg" alt="Roshni Chopra Skincare Make Up">&lt;/figure>&lt;h4>What is your beauty product fetish? &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Face sprays (I collect them). &lt;/p>&lt;h4>One beauty product that you always carry… &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Lip balm. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>Past beauty faux pas that makes you smile now... &lt;/h4>&lt;p>In my early TV days, I would just let them cake me up. I still shudder when I recall those days of pure ignorance!  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A beauty ritual you wish you could indulge in more frequently than you do… &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Sleep! &lt;/p>&lt;h4>What do you do to perk up a bad hair day?  &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Braids, ponies, and hairbands.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>Most understated beauty product? &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Almond oil, Vaseline, coconut oil and haldi and honey and lemon…I could go on…  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>One product that you will always advise a friend to add in their skincare routine... &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Try not to forget eye cream. The area under the eyes ages faster than the rest of the face. Also, the most obvious, the sunscreen—we all know this but forget it too often.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>My personal morning skincare routine is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin c serum and then day cream followed by sunscreen. At night, I just cleanse and put on the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair for eyes and face. &lt;/p>&lt;hr>&lt;h2>What is the one skincare lesson you learnt in recently and would like to share? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>Mix it up, be regular, have fun with it! Make the skincare ritual about me-time and pampering yourself. And drink lots of water!  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>DIY beauty remedies you swear by… &lt;/h2>&lt;p>I’ve been using aloe on my hair. It’s a great hair mask and really conditions the hair. Another ingredient which I use very often is turmeric. It’s great for brightening and purifying the skin. I mix some turmeric powder with some apricot oil, honey, kaolin clay and almond meal for a nice clarifying face pack. &lt;/p>&lt;h2>You travel a lot, and often for work, shooting and creating looks. What is the secret to your holiday skin?  &lt;/h2>&lt;p>Holiday glow comes naturally from the happiness within! But that aside, it’s nice to carry overnight leave in masks, hydrating face sprays and serums and lots of sunscreen because we’re mostly outdoors on holidays! &lt;/p>&lt;p>I also carry Moroccan oil, a scalp rejuvenator, and my Dyson Airwrap. Also, I make it point to pack a hair mask that is easy to travel with in a small package. &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What would you recommend to women who would wish to have Instagram-ready skin while travelling?  &lt;/h2>&lt;p>Summer Fridays makes a Jet Lag Mask which is great for hydration. I put that on before a flight. Also, the Farsali Rose Gold Elixir is great to spray on. Another favourite for hydration is the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, it can go over or under make-up and is multipurpose.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>As a frequent flier, is there in-flight ritual you follow to stay looking fresh? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>Your skin should be prepped for travel before you board a flight. I use a mask the day before I travel as well as one before I get on the plane. I also hydrate a lot by drinking plenty of water.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What is your hair type and what is your haircare routine? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>My hair has become fine over the years, it never used to be though. I oil it once a week and mask once a week and wash every three-four days.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>A beauty ritual that gives you an instant high… &lt;/h2>&lt;p>It has to be face masks! I love the entire process, the ritual and feeling like I am doing something good for myself.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>What is on your beauty wish list?  &lt;/h2>&lt;p>I am always on the hunt for new fragrances. &lt;/p>&lt;h2>Which is your best spa memory? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>One of the best spa memories was in a boutique hotel in Rajasthan. They really had the ambience and the rituals down pat. Sometimes it is not about how fancy the spa is but the attention to detail!  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>Biggest beauty myth according to you is… &lt;/h2>&lt;p>More is more! So untrue, girls with the simplest routines often have the best skin.  &lt;/p>&lt;h2>Most overrated beauty tip/product? &lt;/h2>&lt;p>All the super expensive creams. Read the ingredients and do not fall for the packaging and the hype. Your skin doesn’t need very much, a simple cleanse and moisturising routine works well, if done consistently.&lt;/p>

The proponent for au naturel beauty shares her skincare routine, DIY beauty remedies and more.

Check out the interview with Roshni Chopra on getting glowing skin, decoding beauty hacks, beauty myths and shares her Favorite beauty products.   

Roshni Chopra Shares Secrets to Her Glowing Skin and Make Up Tips – Zee Zest 

Roshni Chopra Shows You How to Glow Like a Pro for Your Next Party 

Inspirational stories that need to be told! 

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Zee Zest shares the success stories of six remarkable women and their achievements. 

Interview with 6 Successful Women Achievers – International Women’s Day – Zee zest

6 Women Achievers Setting a Gold Standard for All 

International Women's Day

Pop Culture

Beauty

Bollywood

&lt;p>Is the cold winter wreaking havoc with your skin? If dry and cracked skin are the enemies, then head to your pantry and get your kitchen superstars together to banish flaky skin.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>1. Olive Oil &lt;/h3>&lt;p>“Most oils are natural moisturisers”, says dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Abhishek Pilani, founding member of Assure Hair/Skin & Physio Centre, Mumbai. “If you apply an oil after a bath onto wet skin, the oil will stay on longer and have a better impact on the skin,” he adds. Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon at Cutis Skin Studio, Mumbai further explains, “Olive oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, anti-ageing antioxidants, squalene and vitamin E, and hydrates the skin well, but only topically. It is not ideal for extremely dry skin due to its low penetrating power. The first cold press olive oil is the purest form and can be applied to both face and body.” &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/h4>&lt;p> Whip one egg with a tablespoon of olive oil. Eggs are a rich source of protein, and helps improve skin’s elasticity and tightens pores, adding glow. Olive oil is full of antioxidants, contains Vitamin A and E, and prevents free radical damage. Keep on the face mask for 15 minutes and then wash off. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>2. Oatmeal &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that makes it suitable for all skin types. It contains saponins, “which is moisturising and acts as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells,” explains Dr Goel. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home: &lt;/h4>&lt;p>In a grinder, mix a cucumber (a good moisturiser, the antioxidants delay ageing of the skin and thus keep the skin rejuvenated), almonds (its rich vitamin E content helps your complexion and the damage done by the sun), cream (hydrating agent is skin is extremely dry) or yoghurt (if you have normal skin type) and some oats. This face mask maintains the pH of your skin and helps you get supple skin. &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized" style="width:900px;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Natural-Moisturisers-to-Try-this-Winter--inside_1612363772704.jpg" alt="avocado face pack for mositurising face pack ">&lt;/figure>&lt;h3>3. Avocado &lt;/h3>&lt;p>The buttery avocado is a superfood that’s great for your skin. “Besides being rich in healthy omega-3 oils and several minerals, avocado's potent antioxidant properties, Glutathione, gives your skin the right kind of moisture it needs. Plus, its creamy consistency is a bonus nourishment in itself,” explains Dr Soma Sarkar, Medical Director & Dermatologist, Skin Inn, Mumbai. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home: &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Mash some avocado pulp with some yoghurt (its creamy nature further adds moisture to your skin) and leave on the mask for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with cold water. You can apply this face pack twice a week. You could also replace yoghurt for honey, but honey could irritate the eyes, and some people may be allergic to honey. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>4. Coconut Oil &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser and works to clean away grime and dirt as well as help in de-tanning. “Coconut oil has the deepest penetration power among the oils, owing to its small particles, and works on extremely dry skin,” reasons Dr Goel. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Mix raw honey (has moisturising and antibacterial properties) and cold pressed coconut oil. Keep the mask on for about 15-20 minutes till the texture softens on your face, and then rinse off with warm water. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>5. Milk and yoghurt &lt;/h3>&lt;p>“Milk has the superpower to remove the oil-soluble impurities thanks to its fat-soluble enzyme lipase, protein-based impurities with the help of protease and dead skin cells with lactic acid,” says Dr Goel. It’s no surprise that Cleopatra used to bathe in milk. “Milk is also a mild exfoliant and has anti-inflammatory properties, and is perfect for sensitive skin, while the creamy texture of yoghurt further adds moisture to the skin,” adds Dr Sarkar. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/h4>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Yogurt-and-Strawberry-FaceMask--inside_1614249821878.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>A face mask of one tablespoon probiotic yoghurt, one teaspoon raw honey (has moisturising and anti-bacterial properties) and two ripe strawberries (rich in vitamin C and salicylic acid—nutrients that brighten, lighten, and cleanse oily, acne-prone skin, creating a clean and clear complexion) should work wonders on dry skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes till the mixture settles and dries out, and then gently scrub off the face mask using warm water. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>6. Papaya and Banana &lt;/h3>&lt;p>“Papaya is a rich source of vitamin A and the valuable proteolytic enzyme papain. The enzyme breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells, while vitamin A works as an antioxidant, leading to glowing skin,” says Dr Goel. Dr Sarkar agrees and adds, “Ripe bananas also have a rich antioxidant quotient and can be mashed and put on the face. Just be sure to use a wash cloth to wipe it off so that it doesn’t make the skin dry.” &lt;/p>&lt;h4>A face pack to try at home: &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Papaya or bananas can be mixed with cream (great hydrating property) and used as a face mask. Use room temperature water to wash off after 10 minutes. &lt;/p>

Look no further than your kitchen for these skin-hydrating potions

From Milk to Avocado, here's a list of foods that will protect and keep your skin and face moisturised against the winter cold.

 Foods that Save Your Skin from Winter - Zee Zest

Food for your Skin: 6 Natural Moisturisers to Try this Winter 

&lt;p>If Diwali for you is all about memories that have faded away like the days spent anticipating the Diwali holidays, upbeat family gatherings highlighted with exchange of gifts and the early morning ritual of bursting crackers and abhyangasnan—elaborate oil bath—it’s time to revive to them all. In an era of Facetime and sugar-free laddus, if there’s one way to get a glorious glow on your skin without raiding your neighbourhood beauty store or peeling off skin sheets, it’s to trust your granny-approved ubtan ritual.  &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ubtan-tomato_1612364648099.jpg" alt="Ubtan Tomato Face Pack">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Our grannies were the ultimate queens of DIY beauty—no steeply-priced facials and beauty creams, their beauty potions were made from fresh ingredients from the pantry. Powdered legumes, sundried herbs, different flours, good old natural ingredients tackled most skincare woes.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Turmeric for brightening and blemishes. Tomato for mattifying oily skin. Almonds for keeping those wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Neem leaves to cure the most stubborn acne. Gramflour or besan as an exfoliator for oily to combination skin. Powdered masoor dal mixed with milk as a gentle exfoliator for dry or mature skins. And we’re just about getting started.  &lt;/p>&lt;p> &lt;/p>&lt;h3>A royal recipe for face mask&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Mix together in full fat cow’s milk, a few strands of saffron, soaked almond paste and a generous pinch of turmeric. This may sound like the recipe of turmeric latte but is one of the most effective masks for face to render skin that’s soft, clean and radiant. In fact, add to this some sandalwood powder, and you have a secret that will get you glowing for the festive season. &lt;/p>&lt;p>In south India, a mix of legume powders, gramflour, herbs, turmeric and Kumkum oil is traditionally used as a daily exfoliating cleanser to keep the skin soft and bright. Before Holi, in north India, there is a tradition of making super nourishing &lt;i>sarson ka ubtan&lt;/i> with turmeric, chickpea flour, mustard, sesame oil, fresh cream and honey. &lt;br>However, these super effective remedies came at a cost. They were a little messy and time-consuming, compromising on the convenience that modern skincare formulations promised. As spending time sourcing, pounding and blending the best ingredients got tougher—our time-tested beauty rituals were elbowed out.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Not anymore. Desi DIYs once dismissed as rustic, pedestrian and messy, are getting ahead of the sheet masks and peel-off facials and staging a comeback of sorts! Beauty brands are curating the best of natural home remedies in easy-to-use powders—grandma-approves!  &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Ubtans – Ayurvedic beauty rituals &lt;/h3>&lt;p>“Ubtans or powdered cleansers are the world’s oldest cosmetics. The purist Ayurvedic remedies don’t have a mention of creams, gels or lotions, it was always formulations that are oil-based or in powder format,” explains Arush Chopra, co-founder and CEO, Just Herbs.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Ubtan is herbal cleansing powder, that can be used in dry powdered form, or mixed with water or milk to make a cleansing paste. “Ayurveda mentions 32 ubtans and their recipes, the proportion in which herbs, roots, leaves, grains, barks, nuts and seeds should be mixed for a particular result. Ubtan is part of the 16 &lt;i>shringars &lt;/i>(16 steps to top-to-toe beautification) of bridal beauty. Different regions of the country may have a different take. Turmeric-sandalwood-saffron is one of the most ancient and popular ubtan recipes,” adds Dr Taruna Yadav, senior Ayurveda expert at Forest Essentials.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>The classic &lt;i>haldi-chandan&lt;/i> ubtan was used by the royal princesses to get a pre-festive golden sheen on their skin, in pre-highlighter era. Whether you want to calm the breakouts or get rid of the tan or reduce the appearance of fine lines, this is the perfect go-to powder mask. So effective was the combination of sandalwood, saffron and turmeric that it is an integral part of Indian wedding festivities. &lt;/p>&lt;p>Mayoon, is a similar ritual for the muslim brides-to-be where a ubtan made from turmeric, sandalwood powder, herbs and aromatic oils is applied to their hands and face. What has changed is the ease with which you can access it. All you need to do is to reach out to our favourite ayurvedic beauty brand, and chances are that you will find there. Take your pick from Forest Essentials Sandalwood and Turmeric Body Polisher, Kama Ayurveda Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack, Just Herbs Body Luster Sandal Turmeric uptan.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Ubtans: The superheroes of Clean Beauty Movement &lt;/h3>&lt;p>With the clean beauty movement finding support amongst conscious consumers, increasingly it’s possible to find the beauty remedies you grew up with packed smartly and available off-the-shelves. Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sans silicones and fillers, 100% natural—these were not just words but a way of life in India till a generation ago. That’s because Ayurveda, the traditional Indian wellness system, which literally translates to the science of life, advises you shouldn’t put on your skin what you would not put inside your body. &lt;/p>&lt;p>These Ayurvedic staples are fast emerging as super heroes of the clean beauty movement as they tick all the boxes of being result-oriented, environment-friendly (no chemicals or microbeads that kill marine life) and completely naturally derived. “These are soap-free or non-foaming cleansers, made in small batches to preserve their freshness and potency. The moment you open a Forest Essentials ubtan –whether it is Tejasvi or Soundarya or Narangi and Nagkesar – you can smell the herbs and the freshness of the ingredients. Pure, fresh, this is as good as food for skin,” says Yadav.  &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized" style="width:900px;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_sUbtan-Multani-Mitti_1612364621502.jpg" alt="Indian Ubtan Face Pack Multani Mitti">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Earlier, while ubtans or powdered face masks were a part of the niche Ayurvedic-beauty segment, now they are becoming part of mainstream brands. Sample these: Innisfree 5 Minute Green Tea Leaf Powder promises to moisturise and cool the skin; Herbivore’s botanicals Pink Clay Mask is a gentle exfoliator for all skin types; Origins Ritualitea Matcha Revitalising Powder Face Mask claims to cleanse in a jiffy. Yadav points out that when used dry, as in case of &lt;i>udvartana &lt;/i>(an ayurvedic treatment with dry powders), it aids in reducing cellulite and overall toning of the body.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Ubtans—the zero preservative solution&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Unlike water-based beauty formulations that require preservatives, ubtans are powdered formulations with sun-dried and hand pounded ingredients. Hence no preservatives are required to stabilise the product. That these are 100 per cent natural is appealing to the new-age conscious beauty customer,” elaborates Chopra, who believes that ubtans are the backbone of an Ayurvedic brand like his.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>This is not all. “In Ayurveda, powder is supposed to be the most potent of all beauty ingredients. When you remove water from herbs and leaves, only the active ingredients remain. When extracting active ingredients from a particular herb, you can only extract 10-25 percent, whereas its 100 percent in a powdered format,” explains Prashanthy Gurugubelli, founder of Daughter Earth, an Ayurvedic beauty brand. Daughter Earth has come up with a single botanical powdered mask formula in seven variants, namely Jamun, Brahmi, Aloe vera, Amalaki, Neem, Lemon peel and Yastimadhu (licorice) as Gurugubelli wanted to preserve the potency and purity of the ingredients. “I wanted to give the choice to the customer to use the ingredients as they are or blend it as per their concerns.” &lt;/p>&lt;p>It’s not just the classic recipes which are getting bottled, but also unique family beauty secrets, which were handed down from mother to daughter. Deepshikha Deshmukh, founder of the brand Love Organically, delved into potent superfoods, royal beauty diaries and &lt;i>dadima’s &lt;/i>kitchen secrets to curate a range of powder face masks to addresses skin concerns – from tanning and dehydration to acne and oily skin. A big advocate of traditional ubtans, she points out that these are not just skin-friendly but also planet-friendly. “Unlike single-use sheet masks that end up clogging the gutters, powder face masks are easily biodegradable,” she says.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1 &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Find your perfect Ubtan &lt;/h3>&lt;p>How do you know which one’s for you? Check out the ingredients and match those to your skin concerns is Yadav’s advice. Look for multitaskers. “For radiance or glow, look for saffron, rose, sandalwood, turmeric and orange peel. Neem, Multani Mitti and Nagkesar have a purifying effect and are good for acne-prone, oily skin types. Ubtans enriched with powder of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and pistachio nourish from within, taking care of fine lines and first signs of ageing,” advises Dr Yadav.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>In Ayurveda, skin is categorised as per three doshas – vata (dry), pitta (combination) and kapha (oily) and the same ubtan will give best results if paired with the right mixing medium. “For vata we recommend nourishing whole milk or cream, for pitta, rose water or aloe vera works very well, whereas for kapha, mixers need to be astringent in nature, such as orange or lemon juice, tomato juice and yogurt to balance the oiliness,” adds Yadav.  &lt;/p>

Ditch those sloppy skin sheets for DIY ubtans and watch your skin glow.

Ubtans are Ayurveda-approved powders that are available in your kitchen to take care of all beauty worries 

Ubtans are making a comeback as everyone turns to these ayurvedic desi face packs - Zee Zest

Our Favourite Beauty Trend this Festive Season is the Revival of Rustic Ubtans 

&lt;p>Ask Katrina Kaif what beauty means to her. “Confidence, being happy and joyful. Everything else is just icing on the cake,” exclaims Kaif, who recently celebrated the first anniversary of her beauty brand Kay Beauty in partnership with beauty retail giant Nykaa. As the official brand ambassador of L'Oréal at Cannes or as the leading lady in Bollywood, Kaif has managed to stay effortlessly glamorous, but never over the top with her looks. &lt;/p>&lt;p>For Kaif, the business of beauty is not just a passing fling, but a long-term commitment. As a fashion inspiration to many, Kaif wanted to create a makeup line that is easy to apply and cares for the skin. Her foray into beauty is not limited to a one-off collaboration, but a more personal one, where she is involved as much in the product development and expansion of the brand, as in the promotions of Kay Beauty with her Instagram feed revealing details of new product launches, video teasers and expressing her gratitude on completing one successful year of her brand and the ever-growing Kay beauty community.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Kaif’s experience of working with the best makeup artists in India, her first-hand experience with beauty brands and the latest trends in the world of beauty has shaped the whole range at Kay Beauty— ultra-glam, long-lasting products that also care for your skin. In its debut range in 2019, Kay Beauty had launched an extensive line of eyeshadows, liners and lipsticks in comfortable crayon textures for women on-the-go and at price points that has made glamour accessible. Soon nail colours followed, and recently, a range of liquid liners and mascara were added to the existing line. For the first year celebration, the brand launched a series of Kay Beauty Matte  compacts.&lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0 &lt;/p>&lt;p>Speaking about makeup products that don’t harm the skin with chemicals, Kaif mentioned that Kay Beauty’s makeup line is infused with a signature blend of chamomile and marula oil that is healthy for the skin. Though critics mentioned that Kay Beauty is no Kylie Jenner, the popularity of the line amongst millennials has silenced most.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Scroll down to find out some secrets from Katrina Kaif’s beauty diary: &lt;/p>&lt;h3>The one trick to take you from blah to wow in a jiffy &lt;/h3>&lt;p>An important makeup trick that works for all occasions and for any kind of event is to wear some lip colour. If you have had a long day, and are feeling tired, a pop of colour on the lips is a sure-fire way to instantly brighten your face. &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized" style="width:900px;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Katrina-Kay-beauty-inside_1612364551852.jpg" alt="Katrina Kaif Kay Beauty">&lt;/figure>&lt;h3>Beauty hacks every woman should know &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Who needs a makeup artist to get a glamorous makeover? There are several easy and DIY beauty tutorials online that show how to ace the perfect winged eyeliner or how to nail the smokey-eyed look. Watch some of the beauty tutorials on our social media platforms where beauty bloggers and beauty influencers share tricks to enhance your features.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Secret for a dewy, beautiful skin  &lt;/h3>&lt;p>It’s important to exercise four times a week. When out in the sun, make sure to wear a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. Moisturising your skin regularly, getting eight hours of sleep and a healthy diet always work wonders for your skin. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Beauty faux pas to avoid  &lt;/h3>&lt;p> &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:21.69%;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Soft-Nude-katrina_1614246077804.png">&lt;figcaption>Soft Nude Blush&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>One beauty faux pas that can make or break your look is not wearing the right shade of foundation that matches your skin tone. It’s important that on single application, your skin does not look white, grey or pink.   &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Favourite products from Kay Beauty  &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Lip crayon in Billboard, eye shadow crayon in Rebel and the Kay Beauty Volume and Length Mascara. One go-to makeup look involves contouring, brown shadows around the eyes and nude lips. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Best makeup lesson learnt &lt;/h3>&lt;p>The trick lies in blending and layering the makeup—start with the lighter colours and build them up. For the lips, I go with the lightest colour, and then keep adding. I start with a lipliner to fill the lips first, then keep adding colours till you achieve the perfect shade. I trust nude lips and bold eyes-an all-time favourite look that never fails to make heads turn.   &lt;/p>

Make a note of her personal favourites from Kay Beauty RN. 

Katrina Kaif’s turns entrepreneur as she launches new makeup line that care for the skin in association with e-commerce platform Nykaa.

Katrina Kaif launches new makeup line called Kay Beauty - Zee Zest

All You Wanted to Know About Katrina Kaif and Her Beauty Secrets 

The actor who prefers an au naturel approach to beauty shares her skincare routine, DIY beauty remedies and more.

Skincare

Wellness

&lt;p>International Women's Day is just round the corner, and on the occasion, we need to acknowledge and appreciate women who are leading the charge of change for the betterment of the planet and its people. With their hard work and the ability to overcome any challenges, these personalities have thrived to bring a positive change in the society and have inspired many across the globe. Sports, politics, entertainment, science, there is not a single field where these women have not made a mark. So, here are 10 such changemakers who made it to our list this year.   &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Karuna Nundy&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Karuna-Nundy-inside_1614770808414.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Instagram.com/karuna.nundy&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>From playing a key role in drafting the anti-rape bill post the December 2012 Delhi rape incident, to helping Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors get better healthcare; among others, Supreme Court Advocate and International Human Rights Lawyer Karuna Nundy is not only known for her remarkable work in India, but for her contributions in countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Maldives, as well.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Hima Das&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hima-Das-inside_1614770905121.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Instagram.com/hima_mon_jai&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>“Welcome Aboard! Heartiest Congratulations to @HimaDas8 and all 597 newly selected Sub Inspectors of Assam Police. Together, we'll write a new saga of people friendly policing in the State, to serve the citizens of Assam,” a tweet by the Assam police recently stated, as sprinter Hima Das was inducted as Deputy Superintendent of Assam Police. Nicknamed ‘Dhing Express,’ this athlete has been grabbing headlines since becoming the first in India to bag a gold medal at the IAAF World U20 Championship and, later being declared the state’s sports ambassador by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.   &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Mahua Moitra&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mahua-Moitra-inside_1614770951986.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Facebook.com/MahuaMoitraOfficial&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>A fearless critique of the ruling party, Trinamool Congress MP, Mahua Moitra has always turned heads with her fiery speeches in the Lok Sabha. In her maiden speech in the Parliament, which became the talk of the town in no time, not only did she question ministers' educational qualifications, amid the NRC row, but also warned of signs proving that the country is sliding down a dangerous path.&lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Guneet Monga&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Guneet-Monga-inside_1614770994993.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Instagram.com/guneetmonga&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>After producing critically acclaimed movies such as &lt;i>The Lunchbox &lt;/i>and &lt;i>Masaan &lt;/i>under her production house Sikhya Entertainment, Guneet Monga managed to bring an Oscar home with her film Period. End of Sentence in 2019. In fact, last year, while the BAFTA nominee’s film &lt;i>Jallikattu &lt;/i>did enter the Oscars but failed to make to the top 15. This year, once again, her film &lt;i>Bittu &lt;/i>aided by Ekta Kapoor and Tahira Kashyap, under their cinema collective Indian Women Rising, joined the race for the prestigious award. And now, her Flipkart Video Original &lt;i>Zindagi inShort &lt;/i>on Netflix is grabbing attention.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Faye D’Souza&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Faye-Dsouza-inside_1614771018193.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>At a time when the fourth estate is losing steam, it is because of journalists like Faye D’Souza that citizens of India still have some faith in the news. From calling out a misogynist guest on-air, to standing up to trolls like a boss, to even stepping down from her position at a news channel,  she has never feared from believing in herself, saying what she wants and then walking the talk. Now a proud owner of a YouTube channel, she brings to people thorough investigative pieces showing what mainstream media refuses to.   &lt;/p>&lt;h3>KK Shailaja&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KK-Shailaja-inside_1614771055865.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Facebook.com/KKShailaja&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>It was because of the tremendous efforts of Kerala's Minister of Health and Social Welfare KK Shailaja that the state, despite being the first in the country to record coronavirus cases, managed to fight the pandemic and flatten the curve. She was not only showered with praises in the country, but was also honoured on UN Public Service Day and invited to speak at the United Nations on behalf of India. In fact, recently, while successfully taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, she appealed to the people to participate in the government programme.&lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Flt Lt Avani Chaturvedi&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Avani-Chaturvedi-inside_1614771147992.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Just when people thought women couldn’t be fighter pilots, she proved them wrong by becoming the first of the three from the country to hold the rank, the other two being Bhawna Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal. In 2020, the trio was felicitated with the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind. Hailing from Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh, Flt Lt Chaturvedi who along with Kanth and Singh, was inducted as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force in 2016, made history back in 2018 by becoming the first female pilot to fly the MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, solo for around half an hour over the Jamnagar Air Base.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Gita Gopinath&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gita-Gopinath-inside_1614771169893.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Facebook.com/IMF&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Another woman making to the list of firsts is International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, who was appointed by the institution back in 2018. Her views on the controversial farm laws, India’s Economy and more, recently made headlines. Not only is she the Director of Research Department and Economic Counsellor at IMF, but also serves as John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University. She was even awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President Kovind in 2019.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Kamala Harris  &lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kamala-Harris-inside_1614771269139.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Erstwhile District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, United States Senator, and now finally the 49th Vice President of the United States, Kamala D Harris has not just given the country its first-ever woman Vice President, but also its first African American and first Asian American Vice President. She is determined to not be the last vice president of her kind. Did you know, at the age of 13, Harris and her sister led a demonstration in front of their apartment in protest of the policy that banned children from playing on the lawn?&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Team ISRO&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Speaking of women taking charge of the world, how can we forget those who are making it big in another world. We are talking about the talented ISRO scientists, some of them being, Ritu Karidhal, Anuradha TK, Nandani Harinath, Minal Rohit, and M Vanitha, who made India’s historic Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions a reality. Yes, not just Earth but women from India have successfully scaled new heights by reaching the Moon and Mars as well.&lt;/p>

These women are shunning stereotypes to climb new heights.  


This Women’s Day We Recall 10 Female Achievers Who Made Headlines Around The Globe. For more such stories, read ZeeZest.com 

Indian women Achievers | Zee Zest

Women Of Many Firsts

<p>Straightforward and erudite are two adjectives that describe Tahira Kashyap Khurrana. The mother of two and celeb wife is constantly pushing the envelope of creativity by taking a stance on social issues. She uses humour as a tool to express her thoughts, which peeks through every time she shares a post on her social media.  Her book, published in 2020, <i>The 12 Commandments of Being a Woman</i>, also uses humour whether it is about raging hormones of a young adult or severe insecurities because of her husband’s success.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMJ1i7xDuYc/"></oembed></figure><p>And it is this evolution of personality—a simple girl from Chandigarh, who survived cancer and today is at the helm of a cultural movement driven by passionate stories and storytellers, for and by women—that give us goals. </p><h2>Rules are meant to be broken</h2><p>She has set up a cinema collective—Indian Women Rising (IWR)—in association with two other strong women in the entertainment industry, Guneet Monga and Ekta Kapoor. The collective aims to discover, nurture, and bring the spotlight on Indian female talent in cinema across the world. The sole purpose of IWR is to disrupt the status quo and amplify the voice of Indian female filmmakers. Rules need to be broken to forge ahead. “If anyone tells you that you are lesser, that you should be okay with getting less or justifies disparity, you have to debunk it, says Tahira. This does not have to be about women or men. “As a human, if you find yourself subjugated or dealt a bad hand, you must stand up for yourself," she believes.</p><h2>Women in spotlight</h2><p>Women-centric narratives drive Tahira as a storyteller. “There aren’t enough stories being told about women. When there are such limited stories about them, you get into this replication mode and it sort of becomes a stereotype,” explains Tahira. Apart from her book, during the lockdown, she started an Instagram series, <i>The Lockdown Tales</i>, which were a series of short stories inspired by daily lockdown life, and recently, her short film, <i>Pinni </i>(starring inimitable Neena Gupta) has won hearts and accolades alike. Women make up for half of the human population and “the underrepresentation of women bothers me.” At the same time, Tahira is conscious of not falling into the ‘holier than thou’ trap. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Equality is the endgame</h2><p>At the end of the day, it all simmers down to parity and equality. IWR’s film <i>Bittu </i>is a case in point—the Oscar-nominated film is about a friendship between two little girls, at risk due to a poisoning accident. Tahira’s <i>Pinni</i>, part of anthology film <i>Zindagi inShort</i>, is also a tale of a woman trying to find equality in her everyday life. “These are subjects that really need to be discussed, and not just discussed, implemented! It is time to move away from our patriarchal setup,” Tahira remarks. “It is humanity that needs to be the endgame winner.” She feels this will only take place when there is compassion, and it is not something that only women can stake claim to. </p>

Author and director, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana talks about inclusive storytelling and how it can change society’s worldview.

With her book ‘The 12 Commandments of Being a Woman’ and cinema collective ‘Indian Women Rising’, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana makes a strong case for why women-centric stories need to be heard more.

Interview with Tahira Kashyap Khurrana – Zee Zest

We Need More Stories About Women In Mainstream Media: Tahira Kashyap

Women

Til Gur Holds Special Pride Of Place During Makar Sankranti Celebrations Across India

What Makes This Marathi Cookbook A Culinary Classic Five Years On?

<p>Any child who has ever celebrated Easter Sunday in honour of the Resurrection of Christ, will tell you all about the Easter egg hunt, which is an inseparable part of the celebration. After all, the egg has been the symbol of new life, fertility, growth and new hope since time immemorial—and the practice of painting hard-boiled eggs during springtime well precedes the Christian era by several accounts. In fact, the earliest Easter eggs included both hen and duck eggs that were painted in bright vegetable dye and charcoal.</p><h2>Decoding Easter eggs</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Chocolate-Easter-Bunny_1614794906189.jpg"></figure><p>In the Christian era, the egg’s hard shell came to represent the sealed tomb of Christ while the cracking of the shell represents Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Besides, the eggs are a fitting end to the 40-day period of Lent that is all about fasting, penance and abstinence for the faithful. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>With the advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century began the manufacture of egg-shaped toys which were given to children at Easter. The Victorian era saw the introduction of satin-covered eggs—that were nothing short of veritable works of art and contained gifts and candy. A notable milestone was when chocolatier John Cadbury made his first French Eating Chocolate in 1842 but it was not until 1875 that the first Cadbury Easter eggs were made. Pouring chocolates into the mould was a big deal—until the Dutch invention of a press for separating cocoa butter from the bean. This allowed the production of mass-scale cocoa butter and was the secret of making moulded chocolate.</p><h2>Chocolate Easter eggs</h2><p>The earliest chocolate eggs were essentially dark chocolate filled with sugared almonds. And then came the advent of milk chocolate in 1905, setting the pace for milk chocolate to rule the roost. As things stand today, the Easter egg is a piece of confectionary that is both exciting and exacting.</p><p>Chocolate aficionados demand better stuff at all times, and they transcend barriers of race and age. From shell eggs that are essentially hollow eggs filled with different varieties of chocolates, plastic eggs with jelly beans to creme-filled eggs and those made of marzipan, the sky is the limit as to the variety available.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Painting-easter-eggs_1614794830202.jpg"></figure><p>Aparna Nelthrope, mom to 10-year-old Karyn says: "The nicest thing about Easter is when kids are asked to find either the painted ones or actual hard-boiled ones. Similarly painting the Easter egg is a fun activity involving plenty of laughter and bonhomie." </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>What rules the roost in the Indian scenario apart from the simple chocolate egg is the marzipan Easter egg, an Anglo-Indian specialty that uses egg white, almonds and sugar and rose water. Marzipan is basically a confection consisting of sugar or honey and ground almonds.</p>

Tracing the Easter egg’s history from its pagan roots to its present-day delicious avatar.

Celebrating Easter with coloured and dyed hard-boiled eggs has pagan roots which evolved into today’s popular chocolate eggs. Read more on Zeezest.com.

All You Need to Know About the Easter Egg Tradition | Zee Zest

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<p>International Women's Day is just round the corner, and on the occasion, we need to acknowledge and appreciate women who are leading the charge of change for the betterment of the planet and its people. With their hard work and the ability to overcome any challenges, these personalities have thrived to bring a positive change in the society and have inspired many across the globe. Sports, politics, entertainment, science, there is not a single field where these women have not made a mark. So, here are 10 such changemakers who made it to our list this year.   </p><h3>Karuna Nundy</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Karuna-Nundy-inside_1614770808414.jpg"><figcaption>© Instagram.com/karuna.nundy</figcaption></figure><p>From playing a key role in drafting the anti-rape bill post the December 2012 Delhi rape incident, to helping Bhopal Gas Tragedy survivors get better healthcare; among others, Supreme Court Advocate and International Human Rights Lawyer Karuna Nundy is not only known for her remarkable work in India, but for her contributions in countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Maldives, as well.</p><h3>Hima Das</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hima-Das-inside_1614770905121.jpg"><figcaption>© Instagram.com/hima_mon_jai</figcaption></figure><p>“Welcome Aboard! Heartiest Congratulations to @HimaDas8 and all 597 newly selected Sub Inspectors of Assam Police. Together, we'll write a new saga of people friendly policing in the State, to serve the citizens of Assam,” a tweet by the Assam police recently stated, as sprinter Hima Das was inducted as Deputy Superintendent of Assam Police. Nicknamed ‘Dhing Express,’ this athlete has been grabbing headlines since becoming the first in India to bag a gold medal at the IAAF World U20 Championship and, later being declared the state’s sports ambassador by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.   </p><h3>Mahua Moitra</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mahua-Moitra-inside_1614770951986.jpg"><figcaption>© Facebook.com/MahuaMoitraOfficial</figcaption></figure><p>A fearless critique of the ruling party, Trinamool Congress MP, Mahua Moitra has always turned heads with her fiery speeches in the Lok Sabha. In her maiden speech in the Parliament, which became the talk of the town in no time, not only did she question ministers' educational qualifications, amid the NRC row, but also warned of signs proving that the country is sliding down a dangerous path.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h3>Guneet Monga</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Guneet-Monga-inside_1614770994993.jpg"><figcaption>© Instagram.com/guneetmonga</figcaption></figure><p>After producing critically acclaimed movies such as <i>The Lunchbox </i>and <i>Masaan </i>under her production house Sikhya Entertainment, Guneet Monga managed to bring an Oscar home with her film Period. End of Sentence in 2019. In fact, last year, while the BAFTA nominee’s film <i>Jallikattu </i>did enter the Oscars but failed to make to the top 15. This year, once again, her film <i>Bittu </i>aided by Ekta Kapoor and Tahira Kashyap, under their cinema collective Indian Women Rising, joined the race for the prestigious award. And now, her Flipkart Video Original <i>Zindagi inShort </i>on Netflix is grabbing attention.  </p><h3>Faye D’Souza</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Faye-Dsouza-inside_1614771018193.jpg"><figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure><p>At a time when the fourth estate is losing steam, it is because of journalists like Faye D’Souza that citizens of India still have some faith in the news. From calling out a misogynist guest on-air, to standing up to trolls like a boss, to even stepping down from her position at a news channel,  she has never feared from believing in herself, saying what she wants and then walking the talk. Now a proud owner of a YouTube channel, she brings to people thorough investigative pieces showing what mainstream media refuses to.   </p><h3>KK Shailaja</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KK-Shailaja-inside_1614771055865.jpg"><figcaption>© Facebook.com/KKShailaja</figcaption></figure><p>It was because of the tremendous efforts of Kerala's Minister of Health and Social Welfare KK Shailaja that the state, despite being the first in the country to record coronavirus cases, managed to fight the pandemic and flatten the curve. She was not only showered with praises in the country, but was also honoured on UN Public Service Day and invited to speak at the United Nations on behalf of India. In fact, recently, while successfully taking the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, she appealed to the people to participate in the government programme.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h3>Flt Lt Avani Chaturvedi</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Avani-Chaturvedi-inside_1614771147992.jpg"><figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure><p>Just when people thought women couldn’t be fighter pilots, she proved them wrong by becoming the first of the three from the country to hold the rank, the other two being Bhawna Kanth and Mohana Singh Jitarwal. In 2020, the trio was felicitated with the Nari Shakti Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind. Hailing from Rewa district in Madhya Pradesh, Flt Lt Chaturvedi who along with Kanth and Singh, was inducted as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force in 2016, made history back in 2018 by becoming the first female pilot to fly the MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft, solo for around half an hour over the Jamnagar Air Base.</p><h3>Gita Gopinath</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gita-Gopinath-inside_1614771169893.jpg"><figcaption>© Facebook.com/IMF</figcaption></figure><p>Another woman making to the list of firsts is International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) Chief Economist Gita Gopinath, who was appointed by the institution back in 2018. Her views on the controversial farm laws, India’s Economy and more, recently made headlines. Not only is she the Director of Research Department and Economic Counsellor at IMF, but also serves as John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University. She was even awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President Kovind in 2019.</p><h3>Kamala Harris  </h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kamala-Harris-inside_1614771269139.jpg"><figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure><p>Erstwhile District Attorney of San Francisco, California Attorney General, United States Senator, and now finally the 49th Vice President of the United States, Kamala D Harris has not just given the country its first-ever woman Vice President, but also its first African American and first Asian American Vice President. She is determined to not be the last vice president of her kind. Did you know, at the age of 13, Harris and her sister led a demonstration in front of their apartment in protest of the policy that banned children from playing on the lawn?</p><h3>Team ISRO</h3><p>Speaking of women taking charge of the world, how can we forget those who are making it big in another world. We are talking about the talented ISRO scientists, some of them being, Ritu Karidhal, Anuradha TK, Nandani Harinath, Minal Rohit, and M Vanitha, who made India’s historic Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions a reality. Yes, not just Earth but women from India have successfully scaled new heights by reaching the Moon and Mars as well.</p>

<p>If there is one Indian festival that unanimously tugs at the heartstrings of a community with its effervescent spirit, bonhomie, unadulterated celebration and deep reverence, it is undoubtedly the ‘Pujo’ or Durga Puja celebrated by Bengalis across India and abroad. Durga Puja is an annual 10-day festival that celebrates the homecoming of Goddess Durga and starts with Mahalaya and ends on Dussehra. It celebrates the victory of good over evil by Goddess Durga and honours the powerful female force (shakti) in the universe. Ask any Bengali what Pujo means to them and you will most often be stumped to hear that it is the most “awaited” time in the calendar that they look forward to, probably even more than their own birthdays!</p><p>According to me, Pujo is an emotion, a sense of nostalgia that takes over with Goddess Durga entering our homes and hearts, every autumn. It is about the deep love for culture, the warmth of celebrating together and revelling in the celebration of the cult of the goddess. If you still wake up to the chant of Yaa Devi Sarvabhuteshu or even listen to the record sometime in the day, you will know the feeling I am describing. While the experience of being in Kolkata and soaking up the pujo euphoria and energy can make you giddy with its scale and pace, the celebrations in Mumbai are not far behind.</p><h2>Glittering Pujo celebrations of Mumbai</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-1153-Durga-pujo-mumbai-inside-image_1616411765197.jpg"></figure><p>In 2018, we visited the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, the biggest and the most star-studded pujo in Mumbai on Maha Saptami to find out more about this legendary puja.</p><p>Founded in 1947 by Padmashri Sasadhar Mukerjee and Shrimati Mukherjee of Bombay Talkies, 2018 marked 71 glorious years of the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, being organised by one of Bollywood’s most prominent Bengali families. Every year, the entire Mukherjee clan, including sisters Kajol and Tanishaa and cousins Rani Mukherji, director Ayan Mukherji, Sharbani Mukherjee and their family elders like Tanuja, take an active part in the puja celebrations and welcome thousands of devotees to their family-run puja.</p><p>With a brand-new venue at Golden Tobacco Limited in Vile Parle, the 17.5 ft impressive idol of Ma Durga has been sculpted by Shri Amit Pal and his team of artisans from Kolkata and is possibly the biggest eco-friendly Durga idol in the city. Made from materials such as straw (khor), wood, bamboo, nails, shulki (rope made from jute), clay and sand from the banks of river Ganges, cloth, and chalk, the life-size idol draws you with her captivating gaze.</p><p>“The theme of the pandal this year is ‘Fort’ which symbolises strength. Around 8,000 plus people are served the pujo bhog every year and the numbers keep increasing every year. With newer technologies coming into play each day, the celebrations are getting better with each passing year, but the service and devotion remains the same," says Debu Mukherjee, veteran actor and organiser of North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti.</p><h2>The pujo-bhog connection</h2><p>The five days of pujo are a whirlwind ride for Bengalis with a mix of festive finery, festive bingeing, and the ritualistic eating of Mayer bhog. Starting from Shasthi to Dashami, the kitchens at North Bombay Sarbojanin Puja Samiti are busy cooking the quintessential bhog for the devotees. No pujo is complete without relishing the khichuri, labra, and payesh at the pujo pandal.</p><p>“Keeping our tradition in mind, we serve bhog to all the devotees who come to visit Ma Durga. What makes our puja unique from the others in the city is that we invite people from all walks of life to come to seek blessings from Ma Durga and relish the delicious bhog that is made and served with utmost affection by the Mukherjee family. Everyone—from children to teenagers to adults and even our beloved Kajol and Rani—serve bhog at the pandal. It is a gesture to extend our warmth and hospitality to all those who come to our pujo,” says Samrat Mukherjee, committee member and grandson of Sashadhar Mukherjee.</p><p>Meena Chattopadhya, daughter of legendary actor Pradeep Kumar informs us that there is a close group of women in charge of cooking the Maha bhog for the Goddess. “We have seen our mothers and grandmothers cook bhog and we have learnt these recipes from them. These recipes are handed down to us from generation after generation and we have been cooking for the last 30-40 years. The maha bhog made for the goddess is then mixed with the bhog served to all the devotees so that everyone receives her blessings.”</p><h2>Making of a legendary bhog</h2><p>Elaborating on the making of bhog, Sharmila Mukherjee, who is also part of the integral team that cooks bhog for the goddess, throws some more light, “While the menu varies a little every day—from khichuri to pulao or payesh to gulab jamun—we make sure that we make <i>niramish </i>(vegetarian) bhog on all days. This is cooked without onion-garlic as per the tradition of Durga pujo.”</p><p>With a focus on service and devotion that reflects in the way this pujo is organised year after year, eating bhog here is also a personal favourite, as it brings together the familiar smell, sight, taste and much more. The inimitable taste of khichuri, labra, and payesh remains etched in your memory as you relish these since your childhood is hard to forget. When asked about the secret recipe that makes bhog so very special during pujo, Sharbani Mukherjee explains, “It is nothing but the blessings of Ma Durga that makes the bhog so special. No matter how much you try to recreate the same recipe of khichuri and payesh at home, it will never taste the same.” We agree!</p><h2>A star-studded family affair</h2><p>Amidst all the grandeur and glitterati—this pujo is well-known for its celeb quotient with several Bollywood regulars such as Shreya Ghosal, Bappi Lahiri, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Shaan, Sumona Chakravarti and more in attendance every year—what strikes you is how the entire Mukherjee family comes together to put together this festive extravaganza. The sons and daughters of yesteryears Bollywood celebrities and their grandchildren—some of who are even modern-day superstars—are involved in some or the other aspect of the puja. </p><p>You can spot the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and other relatives of the family busy doing big and small jobs—from sorting the flowers and petals for the <i>pushpanjali </i>(prayer offerings) to distributing flowers to the devotees on the stage to the adults taking charge of the massive bhog and prasad distribution during the five days to some taking charge of the aartis every morning and evening and then some even swinging to the beats of the <i>dhaakis </i>and <i>dhunuchis </i>that complete the entire experience of Durga pujo. And the brilliant line-up of cultural programmes that are scheduled every evening makes sure that all five days of pujo are spent in the good company of friends, food and music.</p><p>Carrying on their family tradition year after year, the journey of this ‘gharua’ (homely) puja is reflected in the growing numbers and its growing popularity. For foodies, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti, like all others, offers a plethora of Bengali delights such as lucchi and alu dum, mutton kosha, rolls, <i>koraishutir kochuri</i> and other typical fare at the stalls inside the pandal.</p><p>So, the next time you visit this pujo, don’t be star-struck if you find your favourite Bollywood celebrity serving you a bowl of payesh or some crispy <i>begunis</i>.</p>

The North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti is popularly known as the Mukherjee Badi Pujo.

From making the bhog to planning the theme, the Mukherjee clan comes together for the oldest and biggest Durga puja celebration in Mumbai. Read Zeezest.com

Bollywood’s Famous Mukherjee Family Celebrates Pujo | Zee Zest

How Mumbai’s Star-Studded Pujo Welcomes Ma Durga Into Our Hearts Every Year

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<p>This year, Holi is scheduled to fall on March 28 and 29 respectively, and speaking of the festival of colours, the most famous celebrations across India that immediately strike your mind are those held at Mathura, Brindavan, Varanasi, Pushkar amongst others. But beyond the famous <i>Lathmar Holi </i>and<i> Phoolon ki Holi</i>, the festival is celebrated in unique styles across the country—from the northeast to down south—which deserve your participation. </p><p>AlsoRead4</p><h2>Manipur </h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Manipur-holi_1616512458962.jpg"></figure><p>Holi is celebrated as Yaoshang amongst the people of Manipur’s Meitei community. The five-day festival starts on the full moon night in the month of Lamta as per local lunar calendar. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal Chongba dance or the moonlight dance, performed by youngsters to the beats of Dholkar or the drum. The festival begins with the building of a thatched hut that's later burned and kids going door to door to ask for money which is called Nakatheng. The burnt hut is believed to be sacred to the followers of Vishnavism, who later collect the ash, and smear it on the devotees. On the second day, girls collect Nakatheng and ask for money from their relatives to organise Thabal Chongba, and then on the fourth and the fifth day colours and water come into play. The people of Manipur have been celebrating Yaoshang for 300 years now. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Hampi, Karnataka </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hampi-holi_1616512483381.jpg"></figure><p>The UNESCO World Heritage temple town of Hampi in Karnataka is a sight to behold on Holi. Locals celebrate the festival of colours with gusto along the river Tungabhadra dancing to the drum beats. There is music, fun and frolic as merrymakers play with colours and jump into the river at the end of it, to not just wash off the colours, but to also get rid of their sins. It is a remarkable moment as people assemble around the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire for these festivities.  </p><p>AlsoRead1 </p><h2>Purulia, West Bengal</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Holi-West-Bengal_1616512514072.jpg"></figure><p>What is Holi in North India, is Basanta Utsav in West Bengal. But it is in the Purulia district of the state where the festival truly comes to life with a three-day folk festival. It is not just about playing with colours during Purulia’s Basant Utsav, but a grand showcase of local artforms such as the Chau and Natua dance, Darbari Jhumur and Baul, a form of local folk music, performed by locals and tourists alike.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>Kumaon, Uttarakhand</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kumaon_1616512532059.jpg"></figure><p>Uttarakhand's Kumaon region celebrates Holi for two whole months! There are three celebrations over the two months – Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and Mahila Holi. Baithki Holi begins on Basant Panchami where friends and family members get together to celebrate the festival by singing both classical as well as Kumaoni folk songs. This is followed by Khari Holi where locals dress up in the traditional attire of <i>kurta pyjama </i>and <i>nokdaar topi</i>, and visit each other's house while also singing and dancing on folk songs. Lastly, the Mahila Holi involves women-only gatherings where they sing spiritual and love songs. </p><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>Goa </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Goa-Holi_1616512558894.jpg"></figure><p>Holi in Goa is celebrated as Shigmotsav, involving colours, music, floats and traditional folk dances called Fugdi, Talgadi and Ghode Morni. The festival commences with devotees bathing the village deity dressed in saffron and offering prayers. They also sing Goan folk songs, dress up in colourful clothes and carry flags called Dhawaja. Moreover, sounds of music played on instruments such as Tatari, Dhol and Tasa reverberate on the streets of Goa. On the fifth day of the ongoing festival that continues for over a fortnight, people celebrate Rang Panchami by smearing <i>gulal </i>on each other. The final day is all about grand parades including, heavily crafted sculptures, statues, floats, etc., and people dressed as mythological characters. This year, the festival began on March 21.</p>

From Yaosang to Shigmotsav; here's how some Indian states celebrate Holi. 

Are you looking for the best places to experience the vibrant Holi celebrations in India? Explore the unique and exciting Holi celebrations in different states and immerse yourself in the colorful festivities.

Top 5 Destinations to Experience the Vibrant Holi Celebrations in India in 2023

5 Holi Celebrations In India You Didn’t Know Of

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<p>It may seem like being a celebrity is an easy task. But like they say, it takes a village… Only in this case, it takes a bevy of celebrity fashion designers, fitness and culinary experts, and makeup artists to help celebrities put their best look forward. Behind the effortlessly flawless looks and appearances, red-carpet or airport, is a lot of hard work and dedication. Zee Zest’s latest show <a href="https://zeezest.com/shows/zee-zest-healthy-body-and-hearty-meal-with-huma-qureshi-4"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,60%);"><i><strong><u>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi</u> </strong></i></span></a>takes a break from the ‘fabulous Bollywood lives’ to show you the true inside story and the journey of this versatile and bold Bollywood actor who has proved her mettle with several unconventional and power-packed roles.</p><p><i>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi </i>follows actor Huma Qureshi as she hustles between her work, workouts and friends to live a balanced life. Unlike her reel portrayals, Qureshi is vivacious, fun and always up for a challenge—and challenged she is! Experts across the three segments of fitness, fashion and food, push her out of her comfort zone to try something new in each episode. </p><p>We quizzed the team of celebrity designers, fitness and culinary experts on this show to share with us why they think this show is a must-watch. Here are five reasons why <i>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi </i>has to be on your binge-watch list right away:</p><h2>1. The REAL life of a Bollywood celeb</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Krishna%20Shroff_1615634537511.JPG"></figure><p>Looking good all the time is a tough task, something that celebrities must master on good and bad days. <i>Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi </i>takes a look at the hard work and dedication behind putting together all the fashionable looks. “It's a fabulous idea to know and understand the three most important aspects of a person's life, especially a celebrity. So, to watch someone as real as Huma and her journey of fitness, fashion and food, is going to show the real struggles of being a celebrity,” believes fashion designer Payal Singhal. While we often relate to actors on-screen, we hardly ever know them in the flesh and blood. Krishna Shroff, fitness expert and owner of MMA Matrix, also a close friend and Huma says, “I think with <i>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi</i>, her fans and supporters will get to see the behind the scenes and the real life of their favourite celebrity. It's pretty cool that through this show, fans will get a glimpse of a celebrity's day-to-day life.”</p><h2>2. Knowing the actor Huma Qureshi </h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Namrata-Purohit-inside_1615634562804.jpg"></figure><p>Unlike the serious roles that she plays on-screen, Huma Qureshi in real life is a fun-loving and adventurous person. “Huma’s energy and zest for life is what makes her so relatable and fun. This show will bring out her childlike curiosity and her eagerness to try something new, whether in fitness or food,” says Pilates specialist Namrata Purohit, co-founder of The Pilates Studio. The show also tests Huma’s people skills as she meets people who tend to stay behind the scenes, such as Nick Harrison, partner and co-founder of Slink & Bardot, one of Mumbai’s popular French restaurants. “I like to joke that once I am in front of the camera, I instantly become like Chandler from <i>Friends, </i>where I simply can’t take a decent photo and my face contorts to the most unnatural, unappealing positions. However, shooting with Huma was very different. She is a warm and amicable person who helped me be at ease throughout the shoot," he says. The show catches Huma in her true element, <i>sans </i>her celebrity status. Ace fashion designer and film stylist Manish Malhotra who styles Huma in the first episode, says, “I may have met Huma because of the film industry, but today I can say that even if she is not an actor, I will love to stay in touch with her. Her warmth and exuberance is what reflects in the show.” </p><h2>3. Three cheers for body positivity</h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Payal-Singhal-inside_1615634589112.jpg"></figure><p>Huma Qureshi plays a real woman on <i>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi </i>who does not fit the bill of stereotypical Bollywood bombshell and we love that! Fashion designer Payal Singhal explains, “Huma is a fantastic actor and makes a strong case for body positivity. She embraces her curves and is all about being comfortable in your own skin. The realness that she brings to an outfit, appearance or character is relatable. It’s her body confidence that will resonate with young girls. The fashion segment on <i>Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi </i>is a conscious choice to work with outfits that will show people that you do not have to fit into certain norms of style trends. We are trying to push the boundaries and experiment with fashion and keep it real and stylish.”</p><h2>4. It’s all about balance</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mehul-Vora-inside_1615634668135.jpg"></figure><p>A wholesome and happy life is all about achieving balance, whether it is via food or fitness. “The problem with most people is that they don't find time for themselves and are too preoccupied with work,” says Soshihan Mehul Vora, president, Kudo India. The various fitness and food episodes on Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi will encourage people to plan their fitness and food goals and strike the right balance in their lives. Watching Huma chase her fitness and food goals is bound to motivate audiences to inculcate healthy habits in their lifestyle too. Pilates expert Namrata Purohit explains, “Pilates works on the whole body- inside out and ensures a mind and body connection.” Emphasising on the importance of fitness, Krishna Shroff describes how training involves more than just working on your physicality. “It really strengthens you mentally, especially, combat sports such as Mixed Martial Arts and Kudo. According to Nick Harrison, the show will encourage people to look good, feel good and take care of themselves, share a meal with friends, and discover new cuisines without feeling like we’ve over-indulged.<br> </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Nick-Harrison-inside_1615634712548.jpg"></figure><h2> </h2><h2>5. Healthy does not mean boring</h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Raveena-Taurani-inside_1615634799903.jpg"></figure><p>Watching Huma whip up healthy meals is surely a big takeaway from the show. Raveena Taurani, plant-based chef, founder and CEO at Yogisattva, breaks down the healthy eating philosophy in one of the episodes, “Healthy means nourishing your body and soul with food and activities that fuel both the mind and body holistically.” Keeping health-conscious foodies in mind, restaurants are now tweaking their menus to suit their patrons. “Don’t be shy to ask what the healthiest items on the menu are. We can even make minor tweaks to existing recipes, to make them healthier,” boasts Harrison. </p><p><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,60%);"><i><strong><u>Don't Miss: </u></strong></i></span><a href="https://zeezest.com/episodes/zee-zest-fit-fab-feast-with-huma-qureshi-ep01-mma-with-huma-30"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,60%);"><i><strong><u>Digital First Premiere of Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi</u></strong></i></span></a></p>

Manish Malhotra, Payal Singhal, Namrata Purohit and Krishna Shroff share their verdict on why you need to watch this show now.

Fashion designers, fitness trainers and other experts share why you must watch Zee Zest's show Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi.

5 reasons to watch Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi on Zee Zest

Get Up Close And Personal On Fit Fab Feast With Huma Qureshi

Fit Fab Feast

Huma Qureshi

Virtual or in person, men or women; no one compromised on fashion this year.

This year at the Golden Globes, while the ladies stunned the viewers as ever, even the men weren't behind in grabbing attention, read ZeeZest.com 

10 Celebrity Looks at Golden Globes 2021 | Zee Zest 

10 Celeb Looks From Golden Globes 2021 To Up Your Style Quotient 

<p>This is the one event that cinephiles world over wait with bated breath – Academy Awards nomination announcement. It defines the future of filmmaking and validates the hard work put in by directors, actors, cast and crew to weave a tale for the silver screen (or LED screens). 2021 marks the 93<sup>rd</sup> year for Academy Awards, popularly known as Oscars, and the nominations are out!</p><p>Hosted by one of world’s most beloved couples in showbiz – Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas – the nomination announcement saw films, actors, directors from various ethnic backgrounds and cultural landscape hit the limelight. It was an exciting night even more special with Priyanka dazzling in a Greta Constantine royal blue dress paired with neon pink pumps by Christian Louboutin, and Nick, who’s look was inspired by the Oscars’ statue, wearing a golden Dolce and Gabbana suit paired with white buckle shoes.</p><p>While the list was of course huge, we picked 10 movies for you to watch out at this year’s Oscars.</p><h2>Mank </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/MankFilm/status/1371451423691567107"></oembed></figure><p>Set up in 30s Hollywood, David Flincher's <i>Mank </i>starring Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, and Lily Collins, takes you to the world of <i>Citizen Kane</i>, and the famous controversy around its screenplay. The movie has bagged multiple nominations including, costume design, original score, sound, production design, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling and best picture. Moreover, while Oldman and Seyfried have been nominated for best actor and best supporting actress categories respectively, Flincher has made it to the best director nomination list. </p><h2>Soul </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOsLIiBStEs"></oembed></figure><p>Nominated for the best animated feature film, original score and sound; <i>Soul</i> shows the life of a New York based jazz pianist who soon after getting his big break, meets with an accident and lands up in a world before life on planet earth. Directed by Pete Docter of <i>Inside Out, Monster Inc, </i>and <i>Up</i>, the characters of the film have been given voices by stars Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Graham Norton.</p><h2>News of the World </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/NewsOfTheWorld/status/1372216253734129668"></oembed></figure><p>Tom Hanks starrer <i>News of the World </i>– a book adaptation of Paulette Jiles’ 2016 novel -- is a story of a Civil War veteran and an abducted girl, who travel hundreds of miles and overcome dangerous obstacles, to reach a safe place. The film has been nominated for best original score, sound, production design and cinematography. </p><h2>Nomadland </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sxCFZ8_d84"></oembed></figure><p>Chloe Zhao directed <i>Nomadland </i>starring Frances McDormand, David Strathairn and Linda May, is the story of a woman's journey through the American West, living the van life, after losing everything in the Great Recession in the 1930s. The film has bagged Oscar nominations in best adapted screenplay, film editing, cinematography, and picture. Moreover, while McDormand has been nominated for best actress in a leading role, Zhao has made it to the list of nominations for best director. </p><h2>Sound of Metal </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/SoundOfMetalUK/status/1371475708556509184"></oembed></figure><p>Directed by Darius Marder, <i>Sound of Metal </i>portrays actor Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer whose life goes topsy-turvy when he begins to lose his hearing power. Apart from putting Ahmed in the list of nominations for best actor in a leading role and Paul Raci for supporting role, the film has also bagged nominations for best original screenplay, sound, film editing and picture. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Judas and the Black Messiah </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/JATBMFilm/status/1372246353837924360"></oembed></figure><p>A biographical drama revolving around the assassination of American activist Fred Hampton back in the 60s, <i>Judas and the Black Messiah</i> has managed to score six nominations, including best adapted screenplay, cinematography, best picture, original song for <i>Fight for you</i>, and best actors in supporting role for Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. </p><h2>The White Tiger </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jJNyFuYKQ"></oembed></figure><p>Adarsh Gaurav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkumar Rao starrer <i>The White Tiger</i>, shows an Indian driver's journey of escape from poverty. A book adaptation of author Aravind Adiga's New York Time's bestseller and 2008 Man Booker Prize winner novel, the film has been nominated for best adapted screenplay. </p><h2>The United States vs Billie Holiday </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/TheUnit94083667/status/1370148491607961604"></oembed></figure><p>After already winning the Golden Globes 2021 for best actress for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film <i>The United States vs Billie Holiday</i>, actor Andra Day has now scored a nomination in the same category at this year's Oscars as well. The film follows the iconic jazz singer through all the ups and downs she faced in her career.      </p><h2>The Father </h2><p>Based on director Florian Zeller's 2012 play, <i>Le Perie</i>, the film is a story of a father-daughter duo with the former refusing all assistance from the latter in his old age as his dementia worsens. Best picture, adapted screenplay, production design, and film editing, are some of the awards it has been nominated for. Moreover, British actors Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman have made it to the list of nominations for best actor in a leading role, and best actress in a supporting role respectively. </p><h2>Minari </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/MinariMovie/status/1371451986885943298"></oembed></figure><p>Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, <i>Minari </i>is the story of a Korean American family's struggles to settle in a new place and work towards achieving its dreams. The film has been nominated for best original score, original screenplay, and best picture. While actors Steven Yeun and Yuh-Jung Youn have been nominated for best actor in a leading role and best actress in a supporting role respectively, Chung has made it to the list of nominations for best director.  </p><p>The award ceremony for the 93<sup>rd</sup> Academy Awards will be held on April 25, 2021 (April 26, 2021, in India) at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, and downtown L.A.'s Union Station, Los Angeles, USA. Predict your winners now!</p>

From Mank to Minari, these 10 movies are a must-watch from the Oscar 2021 nomination list

As Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas drop the list of nominations for Oscar 2021, we bring to our top 10 picks from it. Read ZeeZest.com

Top 10 films from Oscar 2021 Nominations | Zee Zest  

Top 10 Films That Made It To Oscar 2021 Nominations 

Hollywood

Movies

&lt;p>Over the last decade, Yoga has witnessed a hipster transformation in the way it has been taught, accepted and practised. With the West going gaga over the age old Indian routine with celebs like Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama, Miley Cyrus and others giving it a nod, yoga has only recently caught the fancy of millennials and celebrities in India.&lt;/p>&lt;p>So if you want to make yoga a part of your lifestyle, whether at home or with a trainer, here are some tips from Anshuka Parwani, a celebrity fitness trainer and Instagram influencer. Parwani has been a yoga expert for over a decade and has trained a host of celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora Khan, Amrita Arora, Nimrat Kaur, Sonal Chauhan, Rakul Preet and Tushaar Kapoor. With her FlyFit program, a collective training that includes Aerial Yoga and Yoga Pilates, she is creating a holistic fitness regime that empowers the mind and body alike.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>How is yoga different from other fitness and workout regimens?&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Essentially, all workouts are excellent. Yoga tends to stand out and make an impact because of the internal makeover that it gives your body. It massages the organs, eases your breathing, works on the core, and thus is a 360 degree holistic practice. Some &lt;i>asanas &lt;/i>even focus on reducing your stress levels and cure ailments. The radiant glow that you will see on someone who practices yoga regularly can rarely be achieved through any other kind of training.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Is the training routine any different for a celebrity? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Every student, celebrity or no celebrity, is treated the same way. However, celebrities tend to be more focused, more resilient and determined; it is very rigorous and needs work. Celebrities come with intense pressure and travelling schedules that can be super hectic and unpredictable. Yoga is something that creates a balance, keeps the individual calm and brings a sense of self. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Can you share what was special about her training, pre and post pregnancy?&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="media">&lt;oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFlacOcj7zs/">&lt;/oembed>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Kareena was my first student and we started off with prenatal yoga, postures and practices that would evolve every month. With every changing trimester, we changed her routine and mixed it up by adding Pranayama, or other kinds of workouts. Pranayama is a great combination with yoga and it works fabulously on the body.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Kareena was back on the mat within three weeks after her delivery and this is exactly the kind of dedication you need when you wish to attain a healthy and balanced state of mind and a good physical form. Especially, since dealing with strengthening post pregnancy is a big deal. Kareena is someone who is extremely disciplined. She will never miss a class, her focus is phenomenal and her routine does not budge from day to day. She puts in a 100%, which shows in her posture and form.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>How does yoga impact the mind and the body? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Yoga impacts the mind just as much as the body as there is a lot of mind control involved. You need to focus on breathing techniques, there is a lot that goes into sensitising your mind on how your body functions, the way it will react and what&lt;i> asanas&lt;/i> will affect you in what way.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>You also work with children who are just three-years-old! What are the challenges you face with such young yogis? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>I personally believe that yoga should start young. I have kids coming in at the age of 2.5 who we teach &lt;i>yogasanas&lt;/i>. The whole trick is to make yoga fun for them. Teaching them fun animal poses like the cobra pose or &lt;i>bhujangasana&lt;/i>, gets them involved and keeps them engaged. Kids these days are very easily distracted and keeping their minds occupied is a big part of the deal. Teaching them to focus, getting them to understand breathing and essentially, keeping it playful and interactive, is the best way to do it.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Do you prescribe specific diets to supplement the training process? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Inherently someone who is a Yogi practices a Satvik diet but there has been a shift to pescetarian or veganism. It’s important to focus on what works for you; we never prescribe weight loss that is counted with a weighing scale. I advocate fat percentage loss as you could be thin, but your fat percentage could be a massive 50 percent. For our celebrity clientele, we focus on inch loss when a movie is scheduled. For foods, I suggest having celery juice if you are someone who loves greens. Haldi or turmeric and milk is very beneficial. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>What are some of the dos and don’ts while practicing different styles of yoga? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>I have always maintained that unless you have a contraindication, you should be able to do everything. Talking to a teacher will always help and doing yoga under someone’s guidance is essential to ensure a good form. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>What are some of the new age yoga techniques that you incorporate while training? &lt;/h3>&lt;p>As long as you are sticking to your roots and doing it with integrity, I think any kind of yoga should be appreciated. However, a technique that I don’t believe or endorse is beer yoga.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>What are some of your go-to&lt;i> asanas&lt;/i> to boost metabolism, cure headaches, and deal with stress?&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Standing on the head or Shirasana is the king of all poses. . It immediately sends blood to the brain, stimulates the thyroid gland, and the core. The cat and cow pose (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana) is a wonderful way to massage the shoulder stand, Sarvangasana, Halasana or plough pose also work brilliantly for the mind and body.  &lt;/p>

The 'What Women Want' host practices yoga in the air and never misses a session, Anshuka Parwani, her fitness trainer reveals her fitness schedule.

What’s Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Secret Workout? 

Health

&lt;p>With cold wintery days upon us, it&rsquo;s important to stay on top of nutrition and stay healthy. For most of us, the winter season is loaded with potential health setbacks, so it&rsquo;s important to stay vigilant and be aware of the health risks associated with winters. Shorter days, colder weather, reduced daylight, and holiday bingeing gives us reasons aplenty to shrug our exercise routines and hibernate. Even those who are health-conscious tend to take a break during the winter season. The flurry of festivities and celebrations in the winter months ensures that the excess food intake and lack of physical activity, along with other environmental factors, results in toxic build-up, which eventually leads to winter-borne diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, respiratory infections, common cold, aches and pains, arthritis, immune compromised infections, weight gain, sleep issues, hypertension and even heart attacks.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;br />
Diet plays an integral part in staying healthy during winter. The switch to winter produce offers an exciting mix of seasonal and colourful veggies and fruits that are delicious, wholesome and packed with nutrition to cope up with the season&rsquo;s changes. It is advisable to eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups and load up on a diet rich in micronutrients and fibre to stay active and positive. Here&rsquo;s what you should pile load on to enjoy the winters and the delicious foods that come with winter.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Up your Fibre intake &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Fibre is an important ingredient of our daily diet plan. It is recommended that an adult consumes at least 30 g fibre every day. Fibre is essential in keeping the blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check and promote absorption of nutrients. Incidents of diabetes, coronary artery diseases and bowel cancers were observed to be low among communities, who traditionally consume more fibre in their diet.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Pump up with Anti-oxidants &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Anti-oxidants are a group of powerful substances, which are present in fresh fruits and vegetables, and are responsible for inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules in the body. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by oxygen, peroxides and free radicals. Free radicals are believed to be responsible for the development of diseases of blood vessels, cancers, and auto-immune diseases. Some of the most important sources of antioxidants that we can consume on a daily basis are goji berries, blueberries, pecan nuts, kidney beans, cranberries, coriander, clove, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cocoa, cumin, parsley, basil, ginger, thyme, etc.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Check your Vitamins and Minerals &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Vitamins and Minerals are micronutrients that are essentially needed for the body in trace amounts to do important vital functions. They contribute to our immunity, help to heal wounds, perform cellular repair, convert food into energy and maintain healthy bones. Some of the most important vitamins are A, D, E, K, B complex and Vitamin C and minerals are calcium, zinc, magnesium, sulphur, and selenium.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Eat Light &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>It is recommended to avoid foods that are too heavy, oily, deep fried, spicy and acidic in nature as they lead to vata and pitta (life forces) imbalance in the body. Instead eat foods that are good for digestion and help your overall health including honey, wheat, soup made of pulses, spiced buttermilk, etc. Some of the easily digestible spices such as garlic, asafetida (hing), pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin and coriander also keep us warm.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Drink Herbal Tea &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Natural and herbal teas such as lemon, ginger and green tea have anti-bacterial properties. They keep your body immune, soothe your sore throat, and fight other body disorders. An Ayurvedic herbal tea made by adding a pinch of mulethi, pepper, long pepper and ginger is ideal to consume in the cold weather; plus, it also helps to improve digestion.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Winter Vegetables and Fruits &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>During winters, the digestive fire becomes powerful because of the obstruction from flowing outward due to external weather. The peak in digestive fire may cause emaciation of body tissues. According to Ayurveda, the increased digestive fire demands heavy-to-digest food such as meat soups, food prepared with grains and pulses, freshly harvested vegetables, and more.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;br />
During this season, dried fruits are acceptable in small quantities, so as not to further accelerate the fire causing rapid digestion. Fruits that are exceptionally heating or sour such as bananas, cranberries, and green grapes are best avoided. Instead opt for seasonal vegetables and fruits such as sweet apples, apricots, berries, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, melons, oranges, pears, papaya, pumpkin, beans, cucumber, zucchini, winter squash etc.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;br />
Also, keep in mind that fruits and fruit juices are best enjoyed alone&ndash; 30 minutes before, and ideally at least 1 hour after, any other food. This helps to ensure optimal digestion. However, this rule does not apply to fruits that are usually considered as vegetables (avocados, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.).&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>&lt;br />
Include Herbs During Winters: &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>1. Basil or Tulsi provides relief from chest congestion by dilating the airways in the lungs. One of the easiest and most convenient ways of boosting your immunity system is to have 1-2 cups of Tulsi tea daily. Consumption of hot tea neutralises the cold coming into your body from the external environment and hence regulates your internal temperature. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>2. Turmeric is great for your health and is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. During winters, turmeric works wonders in improving your immunity and keeping diseases at bay. Try including it in your food or you can even add it to hot milk and drink every night. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>3. Triphala is a combination of three herbs&mdash;amla, beheda, harde&mdash;and is a potent antioxidant. Triphala aids the digestive capability of the body which tends to be down during winter. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>4. Liquorice is associated with curing respiratory issues since ancient times. It&#39;s one of the finest cures for cold, sore throats and related problems. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>5. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory gingerols and shogaols in ginger root help to relieve a sore throat quickly; and they also kill rhinoviruses, which cause respiratory infections like cold.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>6. Pepper is added to tonics for treating cold and cough. Pepper also provides relief from sinusitis and nasal congestion. It has an expectorant property that helps to break up the mucus and phlegm depositions in the respiratory tract. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;br />
&lt;em>Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director at Atmantan Wellness Centre, has two decades of experience in the wellness industry in India and abroad, Doctorate in Health Sciences from the United States and carries extensive knowledge in the mind-body medicine, along with a forte in Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Yoga & Physical Culture and Psychology. &lt;/em>&lt;/p>


From herbal teas to fibre-rich veggies, stock up on these winter essentials.

Winter diet is all about eating light, sipping on herbal teas, and including nutrient-rich seasonal foods, writes the expert from Atmantan Wellness Centre. 

Dr Manoj Kutteri on Winter Foods To Eat | Zee Zest

Secrets to Up Your Winter Nutrition  

&lt;p>A sore throat is usually the first sign that you’ve caught a viral infection. With days of coughing, sneezing and fever ahead of you, it would be wise to stock up on these immunity-boosting spices. Meanwhile, with all the discomfort a sore throat brings along, it can tend to put you off meals altogether. You don’t need to starve yourself just because salt water gargles aren’t doing the trick. Here’s a meal plan you can follow when you have a sore throat. Not only will it be easier for you to consume food, but these will also bring relief to your sore throat and there will be no interruption in your daily nutrition intake either.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Herbal Drinks&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Trade your regular cup of chai or coffee for warm and soothing herbal drinks. The easiest one to whip up is ginger tea. Simply add some ginger to a pot of boiling hot water and sip on this comforting beverage all through the day. Ginger comes loaded with antioxidants and improves immunity too. Continue reading the health benefits of ginger. If you like, throw in a few sage leaves. Thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it's very good at calming sore throats. &lt;/p>&lt;p>Turn to chamomile if the cough gets severe, its antispasmodic properties help to reduce coughing. Continue reading the health benefits of chamomile. Cloves work as a natural expectorant. Infuse some clove pods in a cup of hot water and drink it. This will help loosen the mucus from the throat and provide instant relief. You could also treat yourself to a concoction of hot water, honey and lemon. Honey acts as a natural cough suppressant, while lemon heals your sore throat and improves your immune system. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Soups &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Soups remain the go-to food when it comes to soothing a sore throat. Just like other warm beverages, soups help prevent inflammation in the throat and keep you hydrated. A bowl of hot soup will also ease chest congestion and open the sinus passages, providing you soothing relief. When you have a viral infection, it is best to stick with clearer, less thick soups as they are easier to consume. Plus it's best to make your own soup at home rather than ordering in or picking the cans and store-bought packets. Load your soup with nutrition by mixing chicken and vegetables in the stock.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Fruits&lt;/h3>&lt;p>When you have a sore throat, it is best to avoid acidic fruits such as oranges. These fruits can irritate the already inflamed surface of the throat. Go for soft, non-acidic fruits instead. Bananas are a good option. They provide your body with essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, potassium and vitamin C. Simply mash a banana with a spoon and you have a soft, super healthy food for your sore throat which is not even difficult to consume. Blend it into a smoothie if your throat is very irritated.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Pomegranates too boast impressive health benefits thanks to their antioxidants. Not only is this fruit loaded with immune-boosting properties but is also an astringent which can help fight infections. Apart from helping you stay hydrated, pomegranate juice brings with it health-boosting tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid – all of which can help improve your overall health.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Vegetables&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Veggies such as carrots, cabbage, potatoes, broccoli, kale and other such greens have powerful antioxidants to fight off infection and can be easy on your sore throat. However, they should be cooked until they are tender – it's best to steam them and if you do happen to boil them, don’t forget to drink the water. Adding a dash ofapple cider vinegar to your veggies could be a delicious way to have them, and most importantly, your throat will thank you for this. Mashed potatoes make for an easy-to-swallow and filling meal too.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Eggs and Meat &lt;/h3>&lt;p>While it’s important that you steer clear from red meat, you could turn to eggs and fishes such as salmon, tuna and mackerel for your daily source of proteins. Fish and eggs contain a significant amount of omega fatty acids, a compound that helps reduce inflammation. Eggs are a good source of zinc, a mineral that’s found in most cold medicines. When boiled or scrambled, they are usually easy to travel through an inflamed throat.Check out the five ways you can cook eggs. Try boiling your fish with little or no spices to maximise the protein intake and at the same time soothe your throat. While you're at it, find out how you can eat fish without hurting the environment.&lt;/p>

Yummy and healthy ways to calm that itch.

Find out which foods are good for a sore throat, herbal drinks that help soothe a sore throat. Also read which foods you should avoid when you have a sore throat on Zeezest.com.

5 Foods To Eat When You Have Sore Throat | Zee Zest

5 Foods You Should Turn To When You Have a Sore Throat

&lt;p>They come with different labels&mdash;&lsquo;Diet&rsquo;, &lsquo;Natural&rsquo;, &lsquo;Baked not Fried&rsquo;, &lsquo;Fat-free&rsquo;, &lsquo;Low-calorie&rsquo; and &#39;Multigrain&#39;. Each with the promise of being the snack or food that will not only satiate your cravings but also your nutrition needs. But beware, before you load your cart with these healthies, flip them over to read the fine print on the labels and ingredients list. We did the research so you can make healthier choices.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Energy Bars &lt;br />
 &lt;/h2>

&lt;p style="text-align:center">&lt;img alt="" height="531" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Energy-Bars_1613562756857.jpg" width="800" />&lt;/p>

&lt;p>Usually found in the same aisle as chocolates and candies, energy bars are no longer restricted for consumption only by athletes. Marketed as a healthier alternative to chocolates, most people don&rsquo;t stop to think before replacing a bowl of fruits or nuts with a bar. And why not? It&rsquo;s tasty and healthy, right? Wrong!&lt;/p>

&lt;p>Agreed, energy bars may have ingredients like rice, oats and whole wheat flour, and fortified with vitamins and minerals. But don&rsquo;t be led by claims, read the nutrition label&mdash;most energy bars are also laden with sugar and saturated fats.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>We checked three popular energy bars and found that two of them contained corn syrup, which is often used as an alternative to sugar. According to Pune-based nutritionist Maitreyi Bokil, energy bars cannot replace a good wholesome snack but may be an option for times when you run out of food or have to carry a snack with a long shelf life when travelling. &ldquo;At the end of the day, these are processed food items which may contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup whose consumption should be limited. They should not be mistaken as &ldquo;healthy&rdquo; foods and eaten either over or instead of natural energy-dense foods like dry fruits or nuts and seeds,&rdquo; says Bokil.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Diet Snacks &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Diet snacks give you a false sense of gratification by tricking you into thinking that you are snacking healthy. A closer look at the nutrition label reveals that they contain a high amount of sodium, which according to Harvard School of Public Health, can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and heart failure. Though it is mandatory to mention ingredients and nutrition count on all packaged products, locally manufactured diet snacks may lack these&mdash;another reason to stay off dubious &lsquo;diet&rsquo; snacks. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar in her book, Don&rsquo;t lose your mind, lose your weight, advises against the consumption of diet snacks and explains how we end up overeating these snacks, thinking they won&rsquo;t add an extra pound.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Flavoured Makhanas &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Makhanas are a great snack option when they don&rsquo;t come out of a packet! Just toss the plain unsalted makhanas in a little ghee and season with salt and pepper. But watch out if you&rsquo;re eating them off a packet of some new-fangled flavour marketed as &ldquo;healthy, air popped&rdquo; fox nuts. According to Bokil, salt, sugar and fat are three ingredients that you should watch out for. &ldquo;Fat carries flavour and commercial companies are always looking at ways to enhance the flavour of their product. Sometimes one serving of 100 grams has over 20 grams of fat which is almost equal to 4 teaspoons of oil. For someone on a weight loss diet, 4 teaspoons could be their oil allowance for the entire day. The second item to watch out for is salt which is also a taste enhancer and is liberally added to commercial products to enhance taste and for preservation. Sugar can be the third culprit but fat and salt are the greater culprits in case of makhanas,&rdquo; she says.&lt;/p>

&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Breakfast Cereals&lt;/h2>

&lt;p>&lt;img alt="girl eating cereal in a bowl" height="450" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Foods-you-thought-were-healthy-banner_1613562849926.jpg" width="800" />&lt;/p>

&lt;p>Breakfast cereals are convenient, but are they as healthy as you believe them to be? According to Healthline.com,  &ldquo;Breakfast cereal is made from refined grain, often by the process of extrusion (a high-temperature process that uses a machine to shape the cereal). It is highly processed and many ingredients are added.&rdquo;  Because of the nutrient losses that occur due to processing, manufacturers have to fortify these cereals with vitamins and minerals. &ldquo;Many popular cereal options available in the market today  are loaded with sugar, HFCS and preservatives.&rdquo; Bokil points out. &ldquo;The better cereals are those containing more fibre than sugar per serving. Choose a cereal that has fewer ingredients, with whole grains being the first ingredient. Whole wheat, jowar or ragi flakes muesli&mdash;are a better option compared to corn flakes or sweetened fruit loops. Unsweetened cereal options are a better breakfast option for kids as they come fortified with vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron and other vitamins and minerals.&rdquo;. So don&rsquo;t pick breakfast cereals only because they scream out &ldquo;whole grain&rdquo; to you.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Popcorn &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Just like makhanas, the way popcorn is prepared determines how healthy (or fattening) it is. Pop them from dried corn kernels, and sprinkle with salt&mdash;and you have a great snack to munch on. Binge on flavoured, or instant popcorn, it&rsquo;s laden with palm oil and sodium! &lt;/p>

&lt;p>According to Bokil, &ldquo;Popcorn available in movie theatres is loaded with salt, sugar (via syrups) and fat (via butter). One cup of dry, unbuttered popcorn is 30 kcal. A regular size popcorn at the movies can be anywhere from 5 to 6 cups which increases the calories to 150-180 kcal. The calorie count of buttered popcorn of the same size is over 300 kcal with 30 grams of fat. If you add caramel syrup over it, the calorie count increases by 45 kcal per tablespoon. In this manner, with an increase in size, there is an increase in calories, sugar, salt and fat which makes movie theatre popcorn an unhealthy option.&rdquo;  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>The caramel popcorn may contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) which is much sweeter than glucose or regular sugar, and detrimental to health. &ldquo;Increase in HFCS is directly related to increase in insulin resistance,&rdquo; adds Bokil.  Make sure you check the nutrition labels before buying the pre-popped popcorn at stores.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Digestive Biscuits  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>The term &lsquo;digestive&rsquo; may mislead you into thinking that they are good for your gut but is it really true? Digestive biscuits may claim to be rich in fibre, but did you know that they contain refined flour and vegetable/palm oil? Bokil opines that biscuits, in general, are unhealthy. &ldquo;McVities digestive biscuit contains 71 kcal per biscuit which weighs 15 grams with around 10 grams of carbohydrate (mainly from sugar and flour), 3 grams of fat and about 1 gram of protein and 0.5 gram of fibre. A Parle-G biscuit weighs approximately 4 grams per biscuit and contains 16 kcal, 10 grams of carbohydrate (mainly from sugar and refined flour) and almost no fat, fibre and protein. So technically, a digestive is marginally better than Parle-G as it has some amount of fibre, but people are likely to eat more of the digestive biscuits thinking they are &ldquo;healthy&rdquo;. So essentially, biscuits are unhealthy and should be eaten as an occasional treat, she suggests.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Whole wheat / Multigrain bread &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>From white, brown, wholewheat, to multigrain&mdash;and a wide variety in between&mdash;the choice of bread is vast. And then there are breads with millet flour, oats, and seeds. Does that make them a healthier choice? Think again!  Medical News Today, a UK based website for medical news,  suggest that &ldquo;MERE labels like &ldquo;multigrain&rdquo;, &ldquo;wheat bread&rdquo; or &ldquo;bran&rdquo; do not ensure a 100% whole grain product&rdquo;.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>Sample this: The calorific difference between brown and white bread is a mere 5 kcal! 100 grams of brown bread is 244 kcal while white bread is 245kcal. So why do we assume brown is healthier? Partly because we&rsquo;re sold to the idea that brown equals to whole food. Also, store-bought bread contains added sugars, salt, palm oil and preservatives. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>

&lt;p>Not much difference is seen in the glycaemic index of whole wheat bread and white bread. &ldquo;Both whole wheat and white bread have Glycaemic index ranking of > 70,&rdquo; adds Bokil. Glycaemic Index is the unit for a spike in blood sugar level when you eat a certain food&mdash;processed sugar and flour lead to a sharp spike in blood sugar. Whole foods that have fibre slow down the release of sugar making them a healthier option.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Flavoured Yoghurt  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>The importance of probiotics for gut health has put yoghurt in the good books. Manufacturers are coming up with flavoured varieties in an attempt to improve palatability. And that&rsquo;s precisely where the problem begins. Typically, a can of yoghurt which is supposed to be one serving contains 16 grams of sugar. And if it contains toppings like cookies, granola or dehydrated fruits, it piles on more sugar. &ldquo;The high sugar content can lead to a spike in insulin levels,&rdquo; says Bokil. A healthier option is to choose plain yoghurt and add fresh fruits or nuts to it.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Instant Oats &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Oats are a good source of fibre, contain 5.1 grams of protein for 100 grams, and vitamins and minerals. So yes, oats are a good option, but not when they are flavoured and loaded with sodium, and sugar. According to a report titled &ldquo;Is instant oatmeal even worth eating?&rdquo;  shared by Huffington Post &ldquo;some of those instant oats can house just as much sugar as your favourite baked goods!&rdquo; We checked the nutrition label of a popular strawberry flavoured instant oats and found that a single-serving packet contains 12 grams of sugar and just 2 grams of dietary fibre! Moreover, it also contains palm oil and artificial flavours which negate the nutritional benefits of oats. The healthier option is use plain oats which can be used in a number of recipes.&lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Cold-pressed juices &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Cold-pressed juices are the trend in the health industry. Their USP- nutrient retention and preservative free. While it is true that cold pressing prevents loss of nutrients there are still speculations regarding its health benefits. Wired .com  explains how nutrient retention does not necessarily guarantee its absorption by the body. They also explain how &ldquo;cold pressing&rsquo;s lack of heat isn&rsquo;t always a good thing&rdquo; by giving the example of lycopene found in tomatoes, which after going through the heat treatment are better absorbed by the gut. Moreover, if you look closely a few of them may contain added sugar, as much as 28 grams per 250ml. When you are gulping down this juice, you are consuming about 100 kcal just from sugar! Another loss is of fibre. A few brands do boast of retaining the fibre, but most of them do away with it, which results in reduced benefits. &ldquo;They do contain vitamins and minerals,&rdquo; agrees Bokil,&rdquo; but if you are already eating a well-balanced diet then these juices are only a source of extra carbohydrates and calories.&rdquo; &lt;br />
The best thing to do? Just munch on the whole fruit. &lt;/p>


Here's a list of foods you thought were healthy but are not!

Here is a list of unhealthy foods that you thought were healthy. For more such stories, read Zeezest.com.

10 Foods you thought were healthy but are not | Zee Zest

10 Foods You Thought Were Healthy But Are Not!

Snacks

Diet

Nutrition

&lt;p>Sometimes everyday foods do so much more than just feed our bodies—many are substitutes to pain-pills, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Think menstrual cramps, arthritis, migraine, body aches and even cuts or scrapes, there’s a food to offer relief. &lt;/p>&lt;p>Good news - all of the following mark a place of importance for themselves on the diet chart and not known to cause any side-effects, so eating and cooking with them can be good for you in general. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Salmon  &lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Foods-that-relieve-your-pain-salmon_1614166637339.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>This fish is loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which helps relieve tenderness of the joints in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 can also help improve blood flow and significantly reduce any inflammation in blood vessels and nerves. Besides, salmon also provides calcitonin, which the National Center for Biotechnology Information states can reduce inflammation in joints and provide relief against pain caused by osteoarthritis. For ideas to cook with salmon, head here. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Red Grapes &lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Foods-that-relieve-your-pain-red-grapes_1614166673921.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Red wine and grapes are known to contain resveratrol, a chemical compound that’s known to mediate anti-inflammatory effects. The Mayo Clinic reports that this compound can stop certain cells in the body from responding to the signals of inflammation, in the process fighting off the symptoms of pain. You could simply snack on a bowl of grapes or sip on some freshly prepared grape juice if red wine isn’t your poison. Apart from grapes, peanuts and cranberries too are known to be good sources of resveratrol. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Chilli Peppers &lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Foods-that-relieve-your-pain-chilli-pepper_1614166700390.jpg">&lt;figcaption>© Unsplash&lt;/figcaption>&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Capsaicin, a compound that gives these peppers their heat, is known to have painkilling properties, which is why it many a time is found in pain-relieving creams and gels. Online studies published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggest that when eaten, the heat tricks the brain into releasing endorphins, which help stimulate nerve endings and block pain signals. Don’t forget to throw in a few hot peppers into your daily meals. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Extra Virgin Olive Oil &lt;/h3>&lt;p>As good as over-the-counter medications, extra virgin olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory compound called oleocanthal, which works similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reducing pain and decrease inflammation. WebMD reports that olive oil can also help reduce the risk of strokes and some cancers. If you don’t already, high time you cook your veggies and meats in olive oil and even drizzle some of it on your salads. Throw in a few herbs and garlic into it and spread over your breads and toasts. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>&lt;h3>Pineapple&lt;/h3>&lt;p>This tropical fruit is rich in an enzyme called bromelain, which is known to reduce inflammation and lessen pain. WebMD states that this enzyme is especially helpful in treating pain and swelling as it helps muscles to relax. The enzyme can also help reduce pain and improve knee function in people suffering from arthritis. Time to start sipping on fresh pineapple juice each day or a few slices of this juicy fruit. Head here for more ways with pineapple. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Cherries &lt;/h3>&lt;p>These tiny powerhouses are a good source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant compound responsible for their ruby hue and more importantly, reduce inflammation and lessen pain. Studies have suggested that anthocyanin blocks inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes. In an online study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was found that runners who drank cherry juice experienced less pain after running. Apart from treating yourself to glass of freshly prepared cherry juice, you could simply soak some cherries in honey or agave, and serve over kheer, ice cream or custard. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Coffee &lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Foods-that-relieve-your-pain-coffee_1614166840294.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>As if we need an excuse for a coffee refill! A study conducted by the University of Georgia suggested that the caffeine in coffee can help improve athletic performance as it helps reduce exercise-induced muscular injury and pain. Coffee, when consumed in limited quantities, helps relieve pain caused by migraines and enhances the effect of certain over-the-counter pain relievers. And while coffee is one of the most common sources of caffeine, good news is that its benefits can be enjoyed in the form of tea and chocolates too. &lt;/p>

Give your medicine cabinet a healthy upgrade.

Naturally occurring foods you should add to your diet if you suffer from arthiritis, migraine and muscle pains. For more such stories, read ZeeZest.com.

7 Foods that help relieve aches and pains | Zee Zest

7 Healing Foods to Naturally Relieve Aches and Pains

&lt;p>Scrolling down contenders of the Word of the Year title by Oxford Dictionary, in the last decade, scarcely scores any confidence in modern day living. Consider these words: climate emergency, climate crisis, eco-anxiety, ecocide and global heating, to name a few. It’s enough to make any VSCO girl scream and discard her bamboo toothbrush, run straight for the hills. But worry not, we speak to experts who help us embrace slow living and a sustainable lifestyle in the first year of the new decade, one doable step at a time. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Going Farm-To-Fork Gracefully &lt;/h3>&lt;p>The Netflix documentary Game Changers threw the spotlight on the latest edible movement of going plant-based. But whether you are a meat eater, flexitarian, pescatarian or vegan, there are habits that will help you embrace a holistic diet going ahead. We speak to Delhi-based Radhika Khandelwal, Chef-Owner at Fig & Maple and Ivy & Bean, who shares some insights: “The coming decade promises to be one where people will be more conscious about what they eat, how they eat it, and where they procure what they eat from.” &lt;/p>&lt;h4>1. Grow your own produce&lt;/h4>&lt;p>So what if you don’t have a lovely garden? Use your kitchen window sill or balcony for herbs or spices for a bit of home farming. Think lettuce, chillies, spinach, carrots, even beetroots, and herbs such as oregano, basil and parsley. Then you can season your cauliflower and vegan cheese pizza with herbs and tomatoes plucked straight from your flower pots. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>2. Swap a mainstream ingredient&lt;/h4>&lt;p>An easy food swap (like rice or wheat) with an ingredient that's more diverse (like millet, barley, or buckwheat). This will help you stave off possible allergies due to GMOs, and eat locally grown, ethnic produce while supporting marginal farmers. As far as possible, try and choose organic, non-GMO grains.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>3. Source produce consciously&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Elbow your way to the local farmers’ market that are sprouting up across Indian cities to choose  from the beautiful, knobbly irregular-shaped produce that is fresh and straight from the soil without sweating over the airmiles. It’s time to ditch the perfectly shaped and polished veggies in supermarkets. Don’t forget to carry your own shopping bag with you! &lt;/p>&lt;h4>4. Preserve food&lt;/h4>&lt;p>According to John-Hopkins medicine, there is a very pertinent connection between the mind and the gut. Rather than guzzling down probiotics, why not chomp on gut friendly foods? Khandelwal recommends using techniques like pickling, fermenting, jamming, etc., to get all the good microbes in your tummy doing their bit. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>5. Eat the rainbow!&lt;/h4>&lt;p> “A diverse diet is good for the body and good for the planet!” says Khandelwal. Add generous servings of fruits and vegetables across the colour spectrum on your plate, giving you different vitamins, minerals and fibre, while being low in fat and calories. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0 &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Travelling Responsibly &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Tourism is known to leave a big, fat indelible footprint across earth. But it doesn’t have to be that way. A lot of tourists are becoming aware about their carbon footprint and environmental impact. In fact, reports state that around 38 per cent of Indians will adopt slow travel this year.  &lt;br>Shivya Nath, Author, Blogger and Founder of The Shooing Star, and responsible traveller, set out on her first solo trip in 2011. “In the age of over tourism and in the midst of a climate crisis, responsible tourism is not just a pressing need to protect the incredible natural and cultural heritage of our world, but is also the only way we can still find authentic experiences, engage meaningfully with locals and savour the pristine beauty (or what remains of it) on our planet,” says Nath. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>6. Expand the travel narrative&lt;/h4>&lt;p>We need to transform our guide-book driven travel narrative and embrace something experiential. “We need to expand travel to experiences that stimulate us and move away from the peer pressure of seeing or doing something just because it’s marketed as THE thing to do,” she says. So, the next time you decide a holiday, look at a food experience, the art, the music and culture of a region, rather than vying for a selfie at the ‘in’ spot. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>7. Go off season or choose countries off the beaten track&lt;/h4>&lt;p> Avoid being one of the sweaty hoard of tourists that arrives at a tourist destination during peak season when countless others descend as well. Shimla’s water crisis two years ago is a scary reminder of tourism’s negative impact on a destination. “The most practical tip to fix this imbalance is to prioritise countries or regions where locals are still genuinely curious to meet travellers, and can still reap the positive benefits of tourism,” says Nath. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>8. Opt for eco-friendly, local-run accommodations&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Nath, who has stayed in tiny boutique gems such as The Secret Garden in Goa and Sarmoli in Uttarakhand says, “Staying at eco-friendly homes has enabled me to experience the local culture beyond the tourist track, immerse myself in nature, interact with locals doing meaningful work in the area and gain an understanding of the unique circumstances of the people I’m visiting.” &lt;/p>&lt;h4>9. Walk, cycle or take public transport&lt;/h4>&lt;figure class="image image-style-align-left">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slow-Living-inside-1_1612345798858.jpg" alt="Slow Living Slow Travel Cycling">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>While you can be awfully tempted to jump in the next Uber when you’re on vacation, Nath recommends you slow down and smell the roses, enjoy scenic locales and reduce your carbon footprint. This is the most immersive way to discover a new city. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Building a Sustainable Home&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Our homes are sanctuaries in a world plagued by busy-ness. In the times of Marie Kondo, a clutter-free home not only keeps good energy flowing, it frees up resources for you to spend on something much more valuable: experiences. Jenny Pinto, Founder of Oorjaa, a design studio that handcrafts sustainable materials into lighting solutions, tells us how to go green at home and incorporate sustainable living practices.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>10. Be mindful of your purchases&lt;/h4>&lt;p>“Do I really need this?” Pinto asks you to question every purchase, however enticing—home theatre, laptop, cooking stove, and wine cooler. She advises the same restraint when you want to throw something away. “Many things can be recycled, repurposed or restored creatively,” she says. Dispose rubble and household items properly. Rubble can be used to landscape the gardens, or even something innovative like building a feature wall.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>11. An intelligent home design &lt;/h4>&lt;p>Living within four walls can be restrictive, so if you have the privilege to build or reconstruct your own home, Pinto advises you to design an energy efficient home. Account for ventilation to reduce the use of an AC. Bring in natural light into your home through windows. Add solar heaters and switch to LED bulbs. And finally, add a composting system and use water saving devices in your home.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>In the Pink of Health&lt;/h3>&lt;p>With stress, lifestyle diseases and depression on the rise, the popularity of holistic healing and wellness is understandable. Managing stress through yoga, meditation and pranayama, and turning inwards can enrich your outer world faster than any blingy bauble. Dr. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, the world’s oldest yoga organisation, tells us to make changes slowly, rather than suddenly and based on the latest fads in glossies. She says, “Always follow what your body is comfortable with. Yoga says to be with yourself, understand yourself. Observe which food suits you and which doesn’t, which routine suits you and which doesn’t and make your life accordingly.” &lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized" style="width:900px;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slow-Living-inside-2_1612345816286.jpg" alt="Slow Living Yoga ">&lt;/figure>&lt;h4>12. Eat home-cooked and fresh food&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Focus on ‘Ahar’ eating four times a day, she says. Food needs to be enjoyed, without skipping any meal (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). Drink liquids while eating and focus your awareness not only on what you are eating, but also how much.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>13. Rest and Recreation with a dose of discipline&lt;/h4>&lt;p>A healthy dose of ‘Achar’ or discipline is essential in modern day living where you laze around in the bed past noon on the weekends, or binge watch Netflix the whole day in PJs. “Discipline solves half your problems,” she explains. Add to that some ‘Vihar’ or rest and recreation, says Jayadeva Yogendra, whether it is sports thrice a week, a good stretch with yoga, or a refreshing walk in the neighbourhood park.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>14. Food for thought&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Think positive thoughts, remain calm and composed in every situation for a balanced state of mind. Meditate. Sit with yourself alone each day for some time, analyse where you are and where you want to go and work towards your goal.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Embracing Clean Beauty&lt;/h3>&lt;p>With pictures for the ‘gram and social media having exploded to the stratosphere, naturally looking good is paramount. But in our polluted cities, is there a gentler way of looking good without another layer of chemicals? DIY masks, face scrubs and other grandmother’s recipes are soaring in popularity, so before you reach for the turmeric latte, slather some of the fresh tuber on your face. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>15. Protect your skin with layers&lt;/h4>&lt;p>“Pollution is the biggest aggressor of skin issues that causes inflammation, damages collagen, disrupts the skin barrier, and consequently accelerates ageing,” says Nandeeta Manchandaa, the founder of Enn's Closet. Therefore, it’s important to create a protective layer with a toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen to form a barely-there yet efficient barrier between the pollutants and skin. Manchandaa recommends people switch to natural, safe and chemical free products, so that the harmful ingredients don’t penetrate into the bloodstream and cause harm in the long run.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>16. Embrace ancient tools&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Whether it is a kansa massage wand, a jade roller or Gua-sha, there are ample traditional beauty tools you can add to your arsenal to give you skin a lift, without resorting to invasive, painful procedures. “These tools offer a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, firmly rooted in their respective cultures. This traditional system believes in prevention and daily tending, helping in regular detox to prevent the onset of disease” says Rajni Ohri, founder of Ohria Ayurveda, which has created the Tridoshic Kansa skin massage wand for clean beauty warriors. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>17. Substitute chemicals with DIY&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Instead of slathering on a body wash with micro beads, use a gram flour and masoor dal ubtan. In place of chemical filled shampoos, use a mixture of &lt;i>amla, reetha&lt;/i> and &lt;i>shikakhai&lt;/i>. Eschew moisturisers, and rather slather on some body oil. The internet is full of granny’s beauty tips, so log on to glean wisdom from our ancestors, with proper precaution.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>Consume Fashion Responsibly&lt;/h3>&lt;p>The $2.5 trillion fashion industry is touted as the second most polluting industry in the world, accounting for more than eight per cent of the global climate impact, more than the airline and shipping sector. So, before you click on the buy button for your next fast fashion purchase, stop and think of how you’re impacting the planet.  &lt;/p>&lt;h4>18. Embrace smaller, slow fashion labels&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Buy slow fashion labels, which follow ethical practices and are gentle on earth. However, balance consumption by deliberating over every purchase. And if you buy one, give two pre-loved clothes away. “Being conscious of your consumption and buying lesser but better makes you want to automatically pick up clothing that has a story behind it, because you know it’s going to be in your wardrobe for a long time” says Natasha Tyagi Sachdeva, founder and Head of Design and Creatives, Taaka Clothing. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>19. Host clothes and accessories swapping parties&lt;/h4>&lt;p>When you don’t want to repeat an outfit (blame it on social media!), rather than discard it or stuff it at the back of your cupboard, host a clothes swapping party, where you and your friends and siblings can refresh their wardrobes, while it being easy on the pocket, says Tanya Jain, founder of slow fashion label, Pasithea. &lt;/p>&lt;h4>20. Refresh your old clothes&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Give a new lease of life to old clothes says Tyagi Sachdeva, who adds small badges or hand embroiders small hearts, stars or contrast stitch-lines on her old clothes to give them a wee pop. “I also love getting my clothes re-dyed to give them a new life,” says the designer, who also rushes to the &lt;i>darzi &lt;/i>to patch clothes together to remake them with patches or repurpose them.  &lt;/p>

Slow down, take a moment, learn from ancient wisdom 

From buying from local Farmers' Markets to thinking twice before making any purchase, let the new decade be about being conscious and slow living. 

20 Ideas for Slow Living, Clean Eating and Conscious Travel - Zee Zest

20 Ideas to Live Slow, Eat Clean and Travel Consciously in the New Decade

&lt;p>I was naive enough to think that once the verdict on trans fats was so clearly spelt out, they would vanish from manufactured food items. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Much to my surprise, leave alone elimination - even the so-called healthy foods have trans fats hiding in them!&lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-55-peanutbutter-inside_1614192792452.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Take, for instance, the case of peanut butter. I have always recommended peanut butter for children as it’s a good source of fat that is from a nut and is tasty too. To make this recommendation, I tried looking for a brand that did not contain trans fats and I must confess that it was almost impossible to find. I faced a similar challenge at the time of recommending microwave popcorn and ready-to-eat baked food items.&lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;p>Although I make it a point to read food labels, it’s my love for coffee that made me skimp on this habit. I purchased a particular brand of 3-in-1 instant coffee mix from the US and later noticed that it contained ‘hydrogenated palm kernel oil’. Quite evidently, trans fats find their way even into foods where you’re least expecting them.&lt;/p>&lt;p>So, where are you likely to encounter these trans fats? If laccha paratha or fried patties are your favourite foods when eating out, you are sure to ingest a reasonable dose of this not-so-healthy fat. &lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>What are trans fats?&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Trans fats are essentially vegetable oils that are solidified by a chemical process called hydrogenation. A cheap substitute for butter and ghee, these fats lend a layered, flaky or crumbly texture to the dough. This is why food items such as cookies, cakes and cake mixes, to name a few are likely to contain trans-fats. The crumbly shortcrust in your cheesecake is another likely place for trans fats to hide. Jalebi and samosas are quite certainly fried in this fat. As of now, there is no regulation to keep a check on this menace.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Just like the layered and crumbly foods, many creamy products owe their creaminess to this kind of fat. So it’s important to be wary of artificial creamers, ice-cream, and even icing mix that is pre-packaged.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Trans fats also add a fair bit of crunchiness to food, which is why microwave popcorn and many snacks that are partially processed or ready-to-eat are likely to contain this fat. Check out packets of chips and namkeens for the same reason.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Avoiding trans fats&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>With trans fats present copiously in most foods we commonly consume, how do we avoid this very unhealthy fat? Here are three ways in which you can exercise more caution:&lt;/p>&lt;figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-55-reading-label_1614193235434.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;h4>&lt;strong>Be aware of them&lt;/strong>&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Trans fats are often veiled in different names. You may have come across ingredients such as ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ on many food labels. Many of the oils, particularly soy and palm oils, undergo hydrogenation and are added to foods. ‘Vegetable shortening’ or ‘vanaspati’ are other variants of the same thing.&lt;/p>&lt;h4>&lt;strong>Zero does not always mean nil&lt;/strong>&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Food companies can round off values of anything below 0.5g to 0g as nil. Therefore, it’s not recommended to go by the brand’s claim of the food item being free of trans fats. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>&lt;h4>&lt;strong>Look at the ingredients list&lt;/strong>&lt;/h4>&lt;p>Food products that claim to contain ‘0 (g) trans fat’ should still be scrutinized on the basis of the listed ingredients. It is here that the presence of trans fats may actually show up. While on the surface, 0.45g will pass off as 0 g trans fat, you’ll see the same mentioned somewhere among the ingredients through the use of inscrutable nomenclature. &lt;/p>&lt;p>When trying to measure the dangers of consuming trans fats, it is crucial to remember that it is the numbers that eventually add up. This means that if you are in the habit of consuming many products or many servings of foods that contain these fats (even if the label reads ‘0g/serving’), it is likely that you are getting more than the amount that is considered safe. The safe limit is restricted to no more than 2g trans fats per day. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead2&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Why are they in your food?&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>If you haven’t guessed already, trans fats are a favourite among food manufacturers because they extend the shelf life of packaged products. So, until the time trans fats are phased out of packaged foods completely, it is important to ensure that you don’t consume too much of them.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Avoid fried and packaged foods as much as possible and eat fresh, home-cooked meals. Try and make frequently consumed sauces and spreads at home. So if you don’t find a brand of peanut butter without the harmful fat, you should consider making it at home. Grind the peanuts with a healthy oil that is not hydrogenated. All it takes is a little bit of time and effort to steer clear of trans fats and stay healthy.&lt;/p>&lt;p>&lt;i>Neelanjana Singh is president of the Indian Dietetics Association, Delhi Chapter&lt;/i>&lt;/p>

They’re the bad guys. Artery-clogging fats that increase your risk of heart disease.

Here’s all you need to know about trans fats, where to find them, why they are bad for your health and how to avoid them, according to an expert. 

Expert speak: Where are the trans fats are hiding in your food | Zee Zest

Where Are The Trans Fats Hiding In Your Food, An Expert Reveals

Trans fats

&lt;p>When Abhay Deol walks into the set, he will charm you with his sense of humour, apart from the deeply set dimples and preppy style. He is leaner than he appears on the screen and more charismatic. Most noticeably, no one will ever guess he’s a day older than 40! Like most celebrities, as he was shuffling between the set and meetings, we caught up with him to chat about all things food.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Fabulous at Forty&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>“I am pretty healthy. Thanks to my nutritionist, my diet is on track. For me, the concept of dieting is – Eat healthily and eat according to the activities in your day,” shares the actor. Fad diets are not his thing confesses the actor, but he is conscious of his calorie intake. “My nutritionist charted out a detailed food plan for me after analysing my BMI count, fat percentage, height and weight. According to her, my body needs 1,900 calories a day.”&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Protein-Packed&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image image-style-align-center">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-76-inside-eggs_1614196083689.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>Abhay has eggs for breakfast every single day, and it is part of his routine. His other meals are packed with protein too. The disciplinarian sticks to grilled meats and salads when he is shooting. Once in a while, he likes to don the chef’s hat. Abhay credits his sister for teaching him to cook when he was a student. Although he had help, he would sometimes cook with his roommate when he was in college in Los Angeles. So what was the last thing he cooked? Grilled chicken, of course! No prizes for guessing this one, he says. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Cheat Days&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Yes, those exist even for Abhay Deol! The actor indulges himself on Sundays and gives in to his sweet tooth. Mithais don’t soothe his sugar cravings, but he loves dark chocolate, cakes, cupcakes and pastries. A perfectly light and delicious crème brûlée made by his mother is the actor’s earliest memory of savouring a dessert. &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;strong>Fancy Food&lt;/strong>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>The actor prefers to dine-out at five-stars, likes to travel extensively and has recently completed an art course. “I love experiencing food from different places. While travelling, I often find myself looking for Japanese and Italian food,” he says before signing off. &lt;/p>&lt;p>&lt;i>Inside photo: Shutterstock&lt;/i>&lt;/p>

We catch up with the charismatic actor on all things food. 

What’s the secret behind actor Abhay Deol’s super-fit physique at 40? Find out in this interview about his meal plan, what he eats daily, cheat diet and more. 

What does Abhay Deol’s diet plan look like | Zee Zest

Actor Abhay Deol Talks About Eating Healthy And Reveals His Cheat Meal

&lt;p>Actor and musician, Monica Dogra talks about her vegetarian diet, cheat days and all things that feed her mind and body.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>1. Turning Veg&lt;/h3>&lt;p>I turned vegetarian when I was 12. The switch happened after watching a documentary on how meat is raised before it reaches our dining table. Apart from the many other benefits, keeping off meat has helped me stay lean. If you pay attention to your carbon footprint, turning vegetarian is the easiest, fastest and most effective way to be kinder to the planet.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>2. Start Small&lt;/h3>&lt;p>A lot of people get intimidated by the idea of turning vegetarian. They feel they will not be able to stick to a vegetarian diet. But I always tell them to start small and try it for a few days or a week. Don’t be hard on yourself. Do what you can.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>3. Don’t Judge&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Anyone who tells you that it’s super easy to stick to a vegetarian lifestyle (especially if you’ve been a carnivore all your life), is lying. My modus operandi is to do what I can and not be judgmental or picky. It is not the label of 'vegetarian' but the intent that matters.&lt;/p>&lt;p>A few years ago, when I was in Japan, I ate sushi, and I don’t regret it. I love food, and the culture of a place is tied to it intrinsically. Plus, I’ve done an excellent job of being a vegetarian for over 20 years!&lt;/p>&lt;h3>4. Pick Good Food&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Food is a gift I give to myself. I follow a strict diet for six days a week, and then I have one enormous cheat day. When I am holidaying with my family, I eat what I like but make sure I exercise.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>5. Begin Yoga&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Yoga and meditation have a significant influence on my food choices. I have been practising yoga for over ten years, and it spurred me to give up alcohol. When the benefits are so great, making a better decision comes easy.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>6. Think Holistic&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Meditation has dramatically impacted the way I eat and think about food. I read about foods that help you meditate more efficiently. The ancient Ayurvedic texts didn’t mention wheat in the list of grains.&lt;/p>&lt;p>Apart from being very difficult to digest, wheat is also a new world phenomenon. It’s perhaps why a lot of people are developing gluten allergy. Instead of wheat, I prefer eating local millets like bajra, ragi and rice.&lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;h3>7. Diet Mantras&lt;/h3>&lt;p>I try to eat raw foods. It just makes me feel better. I have cut down on wheat products as it doesn’t agree with me. Much of the wheat on the planet today is genetically modified. So I buy a lot of rice and ragi products. I have rice cakes for breakfast, a big salad for lunch and dal, rice and some vegetables for dinner.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>8. Health Supplements&lt;/h3>&lt;figure class="image image-style-align-center">&lt;img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Green-Smoothie-_1614202270562.jpg">&lt;/figure>&lt;p>I like spirulina and use it in my smoothies every day. I am not a big fan of whey protein and prefer vegan protein. I carry it with me even when I am travelling. I also use Maca root in my smoothies and cooked food. It’s rich in amino acids, vitamins and fatty acids. It also works as an energy enhancer and mood stabiliser.&lt;/p>&lt;p>I also consume a lot of nutritional yeast which is high in omega-3 and B12. I sprinkle it in my dal and rice. It has a cheesy, yeasty flavour. I eat Marmite–a concentrated yeast extract that has a very distinctive flavour. The taste is very unique-yeasty, salty, soy sauce-y flavour. It’s good for the heart, liver and kidney functions and helps protect the nervous system.&lt;/p>&lt;h3>9. Cleanse&lt;/h3>&lt;p>I indulge in a juice cleanse once every year. Most of us are not great at portion control, so it’s nice to take a break sometime.&lt;/p>

Read this if you’re trying to turn vegetarian but can’t stop thinking about tandoori chicken.

Monica Dogra shares how sticking to a vegetarian yoga-inspired diet keeps her body and mind healthy. Check out her nine easy tips!

Actor and musician Monica Dogra on how she sticks to a vegetarian diet - Interview - Zee Zest

9 Ways To Stick To Your Vegetarian Diet, Monica Dogra Approved

Vegetarian

&lt;p>Actor, presenter, Roshni Chopra describes herself as design-obsessed, fashion and beauty nerd, who is always planning her next vacation and equally importantly, her next meal. A glimpse of her stunningly curated Instagram will have you fixated on the picture-perfect effortless glamour she exudes. She likes to refer to her Instagram page as a &ldquo;visual aesthetic diary of sorts.&rdquo; &lt;/p>

&lt;p>When you meet her in person, the same iridescence captivates you. A firm believer in the power of good vibes, for Chopra beauty is not skin deep. We got talking to this self-confessed &lsquo;beautiholic&rsquo; who is known for her love for natural products and brands, and her own skincare and haircare beauty decoctions. A mother of two boys, she also co-founded the fashion label &lsquo;RCDC&rsquo; along with her sister Deeya Chopra. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>AlsoRead0 &lt;/p>

&lt;p>In a freewheeling conversation about her secret to glowing skin, beauty myths, tips and make up dos and don&#39;ts, Roshni Chopra bares all, from her party essentials to her homemade face masks. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>For parties and social gatherings, what is your signature look?  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Social gatherings are about celebrations; for me, it means celebrating my individuality. Instead of following trends I tend to dig out my favourite looks, restyle them, and wear a lot of colours and a little bling too.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>I&rsquo;m big on coloured eyeliners to add a pop to my look, along with a healthy dose of mascara, and a flushed look on the cheeks. I prefer highlighter sticks rather than powders. My favourite is Nudestix and the genuine glow stick from Est&eacute;e Lauder. I also love the Mary-Lou Manizer highlighter by The Balm cosmetics.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What does the perfect shoot look involve? Something that you don&rsquo;t really wear daily. &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>For shoots, eyelashes go a long way. Also contouring and a very defined brow, which I never do in real life, works great with studio lights. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>AlsoRead1 &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Since you lean more towards naturally derived beauty products, which have been your best finds? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I&rsquo;m loving Enn&rsquo;s Closet and Just Herbs from the homegrown brands. Internationally, I&rsquo;ve loved Versed skincare. Their products are gentle and effective.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What will we find on your vanity dresser right now? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>On my dressing table, you will always find Huda power bullet (lipstick), Drunk Elephant&rsquo;s C-Firma Day Serum and Kiehl&rsquo;s Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream. When it comes to fragrances, it is &lsquo;The Noir 29&rsquo; by Le Labo. I&rsquo;m also loving the Sebamed face wash and the Aveda Invati Scalp Rejuvenation Serum. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What is the secret to your fit body after having two kids? And any tips for mothers-to-be? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I believe eating right plays a significant role. My simple rule is: No carbs after 7:00 pm (I eat my dinner with my kids). One often neglects mental health and stress and its impact on weight management. I know this sounds silly but if your mind is calm and you get eight hours of sleep, it keeps you from binge eating.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>My advice to new mums-to-be will be to moisturise a lot. Oils are good for this. I&rsquo;ve used Bio-Oil and liked it quite a bit. Be careful that the stretch marks never really go once they come so the thing is to prevent that by regular oiling of the skin, especially the abdomen area. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>AlsoRead2 &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>BEAUTY QUICKIE WITH ROSHNI CHOPRA &lt;/h2>

&lt;h3>&lt;img alt="Roshni Chopra Skincare Make Up" height="527" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Roshni-Chopra--inside_1612887992562.jpg" style="float:left" width="395" />What is your beauty product fetish? &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Face sprays (I collect them). &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>One beauty product that you always carry&hellip; &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Lip balm. &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>Past beauty faux pas that makes you smile now... &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>In my early TV days, I would just let them cake me up. I still shudder when I recall those days of pure ignorance!  &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>A beauty ritual you wish you could indulge in more frequently than you do&hellip; &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Sleep! &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>What do you do to perk up a bad hair day?  &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Braids, ponies, and hairbands.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>Most understated beauty product? &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Almond oil, Vaseline, coconut oil and haldi and honey and lemon&hellip;I could go on&hellip;  &lt;/p>

&lt;h3>One product that you will always advise a friend to add in their skincare routine... &lt;/h3>

&lt;p>Try not to forget eye cream. The area under the eyes ages faster than the rest of the face. Also, the most obvious, the sunscreen&mdash;we all know this but forget it too often.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>My personal morning skincare routine is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin c serum and then day cream followed by sunscreen. At night, I just cleanse and put on the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair for eyes and face. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What is the one skincare lesson you learnt in recently and would like to share? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Mix it up, be regular, have fun with it! Make the skincare ritual about me-time and pampering yourself. And drink lots of water!  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>DIY beauty remedies you swear by&hellip; &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I&rsquo;ve been using aloe on my hair. It&rsquo;s a great hair mask and really conditions the hair. Another ingredient which I use very often is turmeric. It&rsquo;s great for brightening and purifying the skin. I mix some turmeric powder with some apricot oil, honey, kaolin clay and almond meal for a nice clarifying face pack. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>You travel a lot, and often for work, shooting and creating looks. What is the secret to your holiday skin?  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Holiday glow comes naturally from the happiness within! But that aside, it&rsquo;s nice to carry overnight leave in masks, hydrating face sprays and serums and lots of sunscreen because we&rsquo;re mostly outdoors on holidays! &lt;/p>

&lt;p>I also carry Moroccan oil, a scalp rejuvenator, and my Dyson Airwrap. Also, I make it point to pack a hair mask that is easy to travel with in a small package. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What would you recommend to women who would wish to have Instagram-ready skin while travelling?  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Summer Fridays makes a Jet Lag Mask which is great for hydration. I put that on before a flight. Also, the Farsali Rose Gold Elixir is great to spray on. Another favourite for hydration is the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, it can go over or under make-up and is multipurpose.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>As a frequent flier, is there in-flight ritual you follow to stay looking fresh? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>Your skin should be prepped for travel before you board a flight. I use a mask the day before I travel as well as one before I get on the plane. I also hydrate a lot by drinking plenty of water.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What is your hair type and what is your haircare routine? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>My hair has become fine over the years, it never used to be though. I oil it once a week and mask once a week and wash every three-four days.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>A beauty ritual that gives you an instant high&hellip; &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>It has to be face masks! I love the entire process, the ritual and feeling like I am doing something good for myself.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>What is on your beauty wish list?  &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>I am always on the hunt for new fragrances. &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Which is your best spa memory? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>One of the best spa memories was in a boutique hotel in Rajasthan. They really had the ambience and the rituals down pat. Sometimes it is not about how fancy the spa is but the attention to detail!  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Biggest beauty myth according to you is&hellip; &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>More is more! So untrue, girls with the simplest routines often have the best skin.  &lt;/p>

&lt;h2>Most overrated beauty tip/product? &lt;/h2>

&lt;p>All the super expensive creams. Read the ingredients and do not fall for the packaging and the hype. Your skin doesn&rsquo;t need very much, a simple cleanse and moisturising routine works well, if done consistently.&lt;/p>


&lt;p>Is the cold winter wreaking havoc with your skin? If dry and cracked skin are the enemies, then head to your pantry and get your kitchen superstars together to banish flaky skin.&lt;/p>

&lt;p> &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>1. Olive Oil &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
&ldquo;Most oils are natural moisturisers&rdquo;, says dermatologist and cosmetologist Dr Abhishek Pilani, founding member of Assure Hair/Skin & Physio Centre, Mumbai. &ldquo;If you apply an oil after a bath onto wet skin, the oil will stay on longer and have a better impact on the skin,&rdquo; he adds. Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon at Cutis Skin Studio, Mumbai further explains, &ldquo;Olive oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, anti-ageing antioxidants, squalene and vitamin E, and hydrates the skin well, but only topically. It is not ideal for extremely dry skin due to its low penetrating power. The first cold press olive oil is the purest form and can be applied to both face and body.&rdquo; &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> Whip one egg with a tablespoon of olive oil. Eggs are a rich source of protein, and helps improve skin&rsquo;s elasticity and tightens pores, adding glow. Olive oil is full of antioxidants, contains Vitamin A and E, and prevents free radical damage. Keep on the face mask for 15 minutes and then wash off. &lt;/p>

&lt;p> &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>2. Oatmeal &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that makes it suitable for all skin types. It contains saponins, &ldquo;which is moisturising and acts as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells,&rdquo; explains Dr Goel. &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> In a grinder, mix a cucumber (a good moisturiser, the antioxidants delay ageing of the skin and thus keep the skin rejuvenated), almonds (its rich vitamin E content helps your complexion and the damage done by the sun), cream (hydrating agent is skin is extremely dry) or yoghurt (if you have normal skin type) and some oats. This face mask maintains the pH of your skin and helps you get supple skin. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;img alt="avocado face pack for mositurising face pack " src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Natural-Moisturisers-to-Try-this-Winter--inside_1612363772704.jpg" style="height:608px; width:900px" />&lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>3. Avocado &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
The buttery avocado is a superfood that&rsquo;s great for your skin. &ldquo;Besides being rich in healthy omega-3 oils and several minerals, avocado&#39;s potent antioxidant properties, Glutathione, gives your skin the right kind of moisture it needs. Plus, its creamy consistency is a bonus nourishment in itself,&rdquo; explains Dr Soma Sarkar, Medical Director & Dermatologist, Skin Inn, Mumbai. &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> Mash some avocado pulp with some yoghurt (its creamy nature further adds moisture to your skin) and leave on the mask for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with cold water. You can apply this face pack twice a week. You could also replace yoghurt for honey, but honey could irritate the eyes, and some people may be allergic to honey. &lt;/p>

&lt;p> &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>4. Coconut Oil &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Coconut oil is a natural moisturiser and works to clean away grime and dirt as well as help in de-tanning. &ldquo;Coconut oil has the deepest penetration power among the oils, owing to its small particles, and works on extremely dry skin,&rdquo; reasons Dr Goel. &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> Mix raw honey (has moisturising and antibacterial properties) and cold pressed coconut oil. Keep the mask on for about 15-20 minutes till the texture softens on your face, and then rinse off with warm water. &lt;/p>

&lt;p> &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>5. Milk and yoghurt &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
&ldquo;Milk has the superpower to remove the oil-soluble impurities thanks to its fat-soluble enzyme lipase, protein-based impurities with the help of protease and dead skin cells with lactic acid,&rdquo; says Dr Goel. It&rsquo;s no surprise that Cleopatra used to bathe in milk. &ldquo;Milk is also a mild exfoliant and has anti-inflammatory properties, and is perfect for sensitive skin, while the creamy texture of yoghurt further adds moisture to the skin,&rdquo; adds Dr Sarkar. &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> A face mask of one tablespoon probiotic yoghurt, one teaspoon raw honey (has moisturising and anti-bacterial properties) and two ripe strawberries (rich in vitamin C and salicylic acid&mdash;nutrients that brighten, lighten, and cleanse oily, acne-prone skin, creating a clean and clear complexion) should work wonders on dry skin. Let it sit for 15 minutes till the mixture settles and dries out, and then gently scrub off the face mask using warm water. &lt;/p>

&lt;p> &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;strong>6. Papaya and Banana &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
&ldquo;Papaya is a rich source of vitamin A and the valuable proteolytic enzyme papain. The enzyme breaks down inactive proteins and eliminates dead skin cells, while vitamin A works as an antioxidant, leading to glowing skin,&rdquo; says Dr Goel. Dr Sarkar agrees and adds, &ldquo;Ripe bananas also have a rich antioxidant quotient and can be mashed and put on the face. Just be sure to use a wash cloth to wipe it off so that it doesn&rsquo;t make the skin dry.&rdquo; &lt;br />
&lt;em>&lt;strong>A face pack to try at home:&lt;/strong>&lt;/em> Papaya or bananas can be mixed with cream (great hydrating property) and used as a face mask. Use room temperature water to wash off after 10 minutes. &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;em>Images: Shutterstock.com&lt;/em>&lt;/p>


&lt;p>If Diwali for you is all about memories that have faded away like the days spent anticipating the Diwali holidays, upbeat family gatherings highlighted with exchange of gifts and the early morning ritual of bursting crackers and abhyangasnan&mdash;elaborate oil bath&mdash;it&rsquo;s time to revive to them all. In an era of Facetime and sugar-free laddus, if there&rsquo;s one way to get a glorious glow on your skin without raiding your neighbourhood beauty store or peeling off skin sheets, it&rsquo;s to trust your granny-approved ubtan ritual.  &lt;/p>

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Our grannies were the ultimate queens of DIY beauty&mdash;no steeply-priced facials and beauty creams, their beauty potions were made from fresh ingredients from the pantry. Powdered legumes, sundried herbs, different flours, good old natural ingredients tackled most skincare woes.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;img alt="Ubtan Tomato Face Pack" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ubtan-tomato_1612364648099.jpg" style="height:1350px; width:900px" />&lt;/p>

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Turmeric for brightening and blemishes. Tomato for mattifying oily skin. Almonds for keeping those wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Neem leaves to cure the most stubborn acne. Gramflour or besan as an exfoliator for oily to combination skin. Powdered masoor dal mixed with milk as a gentle exfoliator for dry or mature skins. And we&rsquo;re just about getting started.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>A royal recipe for face mask &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Mix together in full fat cow&rsquo;s milk, a few strands of saffron, soaked almond paste and a generous pinch of turmeric. This may sound like the recipe of turmeric latte but is one of the most effective masks for face to render skin that&rsquo;s soft, clean and radiant. In fact, add to this some sandalwood powder, and you have a secret that will get you glowing for the festive season. &lt;br />
In south India, a mix of legume powders, gramflour, herbs, turmeric and Kumkum oil is traditionally used as a daily exfoliating cleanser to keep the skin soft and bright. Before Holi, in north India, there is a tradition of making super nourishing &lt;em>sarson ka ubtan&lt;/em> with turmeric, chickpea flour, mustard, sesame oil, fresh cream and honey. &lt;br />
However, these super effective remedies came at a cost. They were a little messy and time-consuming, compromising on the convenience that modern skincare formulations promised. As spending time sourcing, pounding and blending the best ingredients got tougher&mdash;our time-tested beauty rituals were elbowed out.  &lt;br />
Not anymore. Desi DIYs once dismissed as rustic, pedestrian and messy, are getting ahead of the sheet masks and peel-off facials and staging a comeback of sorts! Beauty brands are curating the best of natural home remedies in easy-to-use powders&mdash;grandma-approves!  &lt;/p>

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&lt;strong>Ubtans &ndash; Ayurvedic beauty rituals &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
&ldquo;Ubtans or powdered cleansers are the world&rsquo;s oldest cosmetics. The purist Ayurvedic remedies don&rsquo;t have a mention of creams, gels or lotions, it was always formulations that are oil-based or in powder format,&rdquo; explains Arush Chopra, co-founder and CEO, Just Herbs.  &lt;br />
Ubtan is herbal cleansing powder, that can be used in dry powdered form, or mixed with water or milk to make a cleansing paste. &ldquo;Ayurveda mentions 32 ubtans and their recipes, the proportion in which herbs, roots, leaves, grains, barks, nuts and seeds should be mixed for a particular result. Ubtan is part of the 16 &lt;em>shringars &lt;/em>(16 steps to top-to-toe beautification) of bridal beauty. Different regions of the country may have a different take. Turmeric-sandalwood-saffron is one of the most ancient and popular ubtan recipes,&rdquo; adds Dr Taruna Yadav, senior Ayurveda expert at Forest Essentials .  &lt;br />
The classic &lt;em>haldi-chandan&lt;/em> ubtan was used by the royal princesses to get a pre-festive golden sheen on their skin, in pre-highlighter era. Whether you want to calm the breakouts or get rid of the tan or reduce the appearance of fine lines, this is the perfect go-to powder mask. So effective was the combination of sandalwood, saffron and turmeric that it is an integral part of Indian wedding festivities. &lt;br />
Mayoon, is a similar ritual for the muslim brides-to-be where a ubtan made from turmeric, sandalwood powder, herbs and aromatic oils is applied to their hands and face. What has changed is the ease with which you can access it. All you need to do is to reach out to our favourite ayurvedic beauty brand, and chances are that you will find there. Take your pick from Forest Essentials Sandalwood and Turmeric Body Polisher, Kama Ayurveda Suvarna Haldi Chandan Face Pack, Just Herbs Body Luster Sandal Turmeric uptan.  &lt;/p>

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AlsoRead1 &lt;/p>

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&lt;strong>Ubtans: The superheroes of Clean Beauty Movement &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
With the clean beauty movement finding support amongst conscious consumers, increasingly it&rsquo;s possible to find the beauty remedies you grew up with packed smartly and available off-the-shelves. Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sans silicones and fillers, 100% natural&mdash;these were not just words but a way of life in India till a generation ago. That&rsquo;s because Ayurveda, the traditional Indian wellness system, which literally translates to the science of life, advises you shouldn&rsquo;t put on your skin what you would not put inside your body. &lt;br />
These Ayurvedic staples are fast emerging as super heroes of the clean beauty movement as they tick all the boxes of being result-oriented, environment-friendly (no chemicals or microbeads that kill marine life) and completely naturally derived. &ldquo;These are soap-free or non-foaming cleansers, made in small batches to preserve their freshness and potency. The moment you open a Forest Essentials ubtan &ndash;whether it is Tejasvi or Soundarya or Narangi and Nagkesar &ndash; you can smell the herbs and the freshness of the ingredients. Pure, fresh, this is as good as food for skin,&rdquo; says Yadav.  &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;img alt="Indian Ubtan Face Pack Multani Mitti" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_sUbtan-Multani-Mitti_1612364621502.jpg" style="height:600px; width:900px" />&lt;br />
Earlier, while ubtans or powdered face masks were a part of the niche Ayurvedic-beauty segment, now they are becoming part of mainstream brands. Sample these: Innisfree 5 Minute Green Tea Leaf Powder promises to moisturise and cool the skin; Herbivore&rsquo;s botanicals Pink Clay Mask is a gentle exfoliator for all skin types; Origins Ritualitea Matcha Revitalising Powder Face Mask claims to cleanse in a jiffy. Yadav points out that when used dry, as in case of &lt;em>udvartana &lt;/em>(an ayurvedic treatment with dry powders), it aids in reducing cellulite and overall toning of the body.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;strong>Ubtans&mdash;the zero preservative solution&lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Unlike water-based beauty formulations that require preservatives, ubtans are powdered formulations with sun-dried and hand pounded ingredients. Hence no preservatives are required to stabilise the product. That these are 100 per cent natural is appealing to the new-age conscious beauty customer,&rdquo; elaborates Chopra, who believes that ubtans are the backbone of an Ayurvedic brand like his.  &lt;br />
This is not all. &ldquo;In Ayurveda, powder is supposed to be the most potent of all beauty ingredients. When you remove water from herbs and leaves, only the active ingredients remain. When extracting active ingredients from a particular herb, you can only extract 10-25 percent, whereas its 100 percent in a powdered format,&rdquo; explains Prashanthy Gurugubelli, founder of Daughter Earth, an Ayurvedic beauty brand. Daughter Earth has come up with a single botanical powdered mask formula in seven variants, namely Jamun, Brahmi, Aloe vera, Amalaki, Neem, Lemon peel and Yastimadhu (licorice) as Gurugubelli wanted to preserve the potency and purity of the ingredients. &ldquo;I wanted to give the choice to the customer to use the ingredients as they are or blend it as per their concerns.&rdquo; &lt;br />
It&rsquo;s not just the classic recipes which are getting bottled, but also unique family beauty secrets, which were handed down from mother to daughter. Deepshikha Deshmukh, founder of the brand Love Organically, delved into potent superfoods, royal beauty diaries and &lt;em>dadima&rsquo;s &lt;/em>kitchen secrets to curate a range of powder face masks to addresses skin concerns &ndash; from tanning and dehydration to acne and oily skin. A big advocate of traditional ubtans, she points out that these are not just skin-friendly but also planet-friendly. &ldquo;Unlike single-use sheet masks that end up clogging the gutters, powder face masks are easily biodegradable,&rdquo; she says.  &lt;br />
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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Find your perfect Ubtan &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
How do you know which one&rsquo;s for you? Check out the ingredients and match those to your skin concerns is Yadav&rsquo;s advice. Look for multitaskers. &ldquo;For radiance or glow, look for saffron, rose, sandalwood, turmeric and orange peel. Neem, Multani Mitti and Nagkesar have a purifying effect and are good for acne-prone, oily skin types. Ubtans enriched with powder of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts and pistachio nourish from within, taking care of fine lines and first signs of ageing,&rdquo; advises Dr Yadav.  &lt;br />
In Ayurveda, skin is categorised as per three doshas &ndash; vata (dry), pitta (combination) and kapha (oily) and the same ubtan will give best results if paired with the right mixing medium. &ldquo;For vata we recommend nourishing whole milk or cream, for pitta, rose water or aloe vera works very well, whereas for kapha, mixers need to be astringent in nature, such as orange or lemon juice, tomato juice and yogurt to balance the oiliness,&rdquo; adds Yadav.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;em>Images: Shutterstock.com&lt;/em>&lt;/p>


&lt;p>Ask Katrina Kaif what beauty means to her. &ldquo;Confidence, being happy and joyful. Everything else is just icing on the cake,&rdquo; exclaims Kaif, who recently celebrated the first anniversary of her beauty brand Kay Beauty in partnership with beauty retail giant Nykaa. As the official brand ambassador of L&#39;Or&eacute;al at Cannes or as the leading lady in Bollywood, Kaif has managed to stay effortlessly glamorous, but never over the top with her looks. &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>For Kaif, the business of beauty is not just a passing fling, but a long-term commitment. As a fashion inspiration to many, Kaif wanted to create a makeup line that is easy to apply and cares for the skin. Her foray into beauty is not limited to a one-off collaboration, but a more personal one, where she is involved as much in the product development and expansion of the brand, as in the promotions of Kay Beauty with her Instagram feed revealing details of new product launches, video teasers and expressing her gratitude on completing one successful year of her brand and the ever-growing Kay beauty community.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>Kaif&rsquo;s experience of working with the best makeup artists in India, her first-hand experience with beauty brands and the latest trends in the world of beauty has shaped the whole range at Kay Beauty&mdash; ultra-glam, long-lasting products that also care for your skin. In its debut range in 2019, Kay Beauty had launched an extensive line of eyeshadows, liners and lipsticks in comfortable crayon textures for women on-the-go and at price points that has made glamour accessible. Soon nail colours followed, and recently, a range of liquid liners and mascara were added to the existing line. For the first year celebration, the brand launched a series of Kay Beauty Matte  compacts.&lt;/p>

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&lt;p>Speaking about makeup products that don&rsquo;t harm the skin with chemicals, Kaif mentioned that Kay Beauty&rsquo;s makeup line is infused with a signature blend of chamomile and marula oil that is healthy for the skin. Though critics mentioned that Kay Beauty is no Kylie Jenner, the popularity of the line amongst millennials has silenced most.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>Scroll down to find out some secrets from Katrina Kaif&rsquo;s beauty diary: &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>The one trick to take you from blah to wow in a jiffy &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
An important makeup trick that works for all occasions and for any kind of event is to wear some lip colour. If you have had a long day, and are feeling tired, a pop of colour on the lips is a sure-fire way to instantly brighten your face. &lt;/p>

&lt;p>&lt;img alt="Katrina Kaif Kay Beauty" src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Katrina-Kay-beauty-inside_1612364551852.jpg" style="height:900px; width:900px" />&lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Beauty hacks every woman should know &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Who needs a makeup artist to get a glamorous makeover? There are several easy and DIY beauty tutorials online that show how to ace the perfect winged eyeliner or how to nail the smokey-eyed look. Watch some of the beauty tutorials on our social media platforms where beauty bloggers and beauty influencers share tricks to enhance your features.  &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Secret for a dewy, beautiful skin  &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
It&rsquo;s important to exercise four times a week. When out in the sun, make sure to wear a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. MoisturIsing your skin regularly, getting eight hours of sleep and a healthy diet always work wonders for your skin. &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Beauty faux pas to avoid  &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
One beauty faux pas that can make or break your look is not wearing the right shade of foundation that matches your skin tone. It&rsquo;s important that on single application, your skin does not look white, grey or pink.   &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Favourite products from Kay Beauty  &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
Lip crayon in Billboard, eye shadow crayon in Rebel and the Kay Beauty Volume and Length Mascara. One go-to makeup look involves contouring, brown shadows around the eyes and nude lips. &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;strong>Best makeup lesson learnt &lt;/strong>&lt;br />
The trick lies in blending and layering the makeup&mdash;start with the lighter colours and build them up. For the lips, I go with the lightest colour, and then keep adding. I start with a lipliner to fill the lips first, then keep adding colours till you achieve the perfect shade. I trust nude lips and bold eyes-an all-time favourite look that never fails to make heads turn.   &lt;/p>

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&lt;p>&lt;em>Images courtesy: Katrina Kaif&lt;/em>&lt;/p>


&lt;p>If you can only think of Cardi B and Nicki Minaj when you think of rap, you need to know about these Indian female rappers, who are carving a niche for themselves with their swag and struggle in the male-dominant industry. &lt;/p>&lt;p>The existing literature on the Indian hip-hop movement will offer you a bleak and fragmented view of its history; one that excludes women out of its ambit. So, if you Google about the history of hip-hop in India, the search is likely to throw up names of non-resident Indian male artistes, like Apache Indian, Bohemia and Baba Sehgal. The first mention of an Indian woman in the hip-hop industry comes with Taran Kaur Dhillon aka Hard Kaur, who came to the fore with her wildly popular single &lt;i>Ek Glassy&lt;/i> in 2007 and which went onto top the UK charts for that year.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>For many, Hard Kaur is the OG trailblazer, and as she tells us herself, “The first one to do it.” But when compared to contemporary female rappers in India – who have used their art to address burning issues around colour-prejudice and women’s rights – Hard Kaur’s music pales. For all it does is encourage you to drink, do bhangra or “Move Your Body.”  &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead0&lt;/p>&lt;p>That is not to say that Hard Kaur has not played an essential role. The playback singer, actress and rapper shares, “When I started, I was the only female hip-hop artiste, and it was much harder for me. Women always get treated as second class citizens. We are intelligent and talented, but the reason why we aren’t given opportunities is because if we are, we’ll kick everyone’s a#$.” So, in a way, artistes like her, Baba Sehgal, Apache Indian, Raftaar and Badshah – however banal and reminiscent of American hip-hop artistes of the ’90s and 2000s, who ruled MTV with their songs about riches and babes – paved the way for Indian hip-hop artistes by creating interest in Hindi-English hip-hop.   &lt;/p>&lt;h3>A change in the scene &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Then, came Divine and Naezy, two of the most famous rappers in the current Indian hip-hop scene, who – with their hard-hitting, vernacular lyrics and gully rap – helped shift focus to Desi Hip Hop, with the “scene” being further propelled when director Zoya Akhtar decided to make a Bollywood film on gully rappers who rose to fame from Mumbai’s slums. &lt;/p>&lt;p>Deepa Unnikrishnan, a Mumbai based indie female rapper, better known as Dee MC, who has garnered a lot of support in the industry and has featured briefly in the Ranveer Singh-and Alia Bhatt-starrer film, reveals that despite being well-known in the underground hip-hop movement in Mumbai, things only began looking up for her, after Gully Boy. “I am considered one of the front runners of underground hip-hop in India, and yet, I haven’t been approached by a label to date,” Dee MC laments.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Dee MC recently released her new album, Dee=MC², and has used social reform as a subject in her songs, such as with Rang, for the video for which she tied up with online make-up retail brand, Nykaa. The bilingual number, with Hindi and English lyrics, addresses dark-skin prejudice in India, pulls no punches and goes like: &lt;i>Tan ko mere kuch aisa dikhaya/ Kaali hoon main iska ehsaas dilaya/ Karti bhi kya umar bas thi panch/ Rangeen thi duniya par main lagti daag.  &lt;/i>&lt;/p>&lt;p>Similarly, Mahima Dayal Mathur, a trained Hindustani classical vocalist, who goes by the moniker Bawari Basanti, isn’t an out-an-out hip-hop artiste, but sings about contemporary women in India. “I feel like there is a lot of resentment inside me from the deep-seated patriarchy that exists in our country. That is something that no movie will put a disclaimer for, no man will sing about, and no woman should ignore,” she says, adding that most of her new work will be about the idea of independence and protest.” &lt;/p>&lt;p>Like Mathur, Dee MC began classical training as a Bharatnatyam dancer at the age of five. She forayed into hip-hop culture through dance, until she, “Gradually began paying attention to the lyrics.” As someone who wrote poetry in school and danced, she says, “Rhythm came naturally to her, but struggled to find female artistes that weren’t mainstream.” &lt;/p>&lt;p>AlsoRead1&lt;/p>&lt;h3>The road to discovery &lt;/h3>&lt;p>Discovery, despite the undeniably growing intrigue in homegrown hip-hop artistes, continues to be an issue for female rappers in India. Trained in Carnatic, Bengaluru-based rapper Siri Narayan, or Siri (no, not Apple’s intelligent virtual assistant) sings in Kannada and English. Siri garnered renown after collaborating with TVF for the web-series Girlyapa’s anthem, &lt;i>Tu Bas Naach&lt;/i> and also featured in a song called Shuffle with Varun Dhawan. Highlighting the issues of discovery and representation vis-à-vis hip-hop in India and women, Siri says that many of the issues in this regard are the same as it would be in any field that is predominated by men. But particularly, “The problem with hip-hop in India is that most of the consumers are male, too. And even when I am performing, it's mostly men.”  &lt;/p>&lt;p>Siri believes that being a feminist rapper isn’t simply about having feminist content or lyrics. “For me, it’s not necessary to put feminist themes directly in my music. I also like working with women in the industry and co-creating a product by having female professionals behind the scenes, or behind the camera,” she shares. This comes through in Siri’s first video for the song, Live It, which showcases a bunch of girls having fun. “It doesn’t always have to mean something,” she asserts.  &lt;/p>&lt;h3>&lt;i>Mummy, main Gully Girl &lt;/i>&lt;/h3>&lt;p>Despite all odds, however, both mainstream Indian female rappers like Hard Kaur and Rajakumari and indie artistes like Dee MC, Siri and Mc Manmeet Kaur have managed to carve a niche (and an audience) for themselves. But this success was not without initial pushback from the family.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>“They all understand it now, but sometimes my mom’s like, ‘Okay, what’s happening?’ And then, at other times, she’s curious about my projects and proud. So, she takes turns, because I think it's a cognitive dissonance for her and my career choice confuses her. My dad however is very supportive," Siri shares.  &lt;/p>&lt;p>For Dee MC, too, things kicked off on a shaky note. “I was a chartered accountant (CA) and once I discovered the hip-hop community in Mumbai, it became very clear to me that I cannot sit in a cubicle or do a 9-to-5. So, the most difficult bit was breaking the news about me quitting CA to my parents . But me doing hip-hop is something that happened naturally and gradually until I was suddenly going for international tours to the UK and Canada. I feel that they couldn’t envision the future that we saw. Five years ago, no one understood why a bunch of people were going crazy about taking hip-hop forward in India, but now, they do.” &lt;/p>&lt;p>Yes, they do. Atta girls! &lt;/p>

All you need to know about fearless female rappers in India and what it takes to be heard. 

If you ask someone about the most famous rappers in India today, chances are that most people will mention Hard Kaur, Dee MC & Mahima Dayal Mathur. Click here to know more about them. 

Female rappers who changed the hip-hop scene in India - Zee Zest

Will The Real Gully Girl Please Stand Up! 

<p>In a case of never say never, Kubbra Sait has done it all—model, emcee, cameos in box-office hits, thought provoking roles on OTT series, voice artist for audio books and even a memoir. (Phew!) Sait spent second half of her 2020 in UK shooting for web series. During the lockdown, apart from penning down her memoirs and nursing her pet feline, Shifu Sait, back to health, she was on a path self-discovery, spending quality time with loved ones, heart-to-heart conversations about mental health and creating valuable content during isolation. </p><h2>Spotlight on Mental Health </h2><p>Sait started an Instagram live chat series called #WisdomWednesdays with her friend Ashdin Doctor, a habit coach. She says, “My friend [Doctor] and I usually call each other and have random conversations. One day, we thought why don’t we do this on Instagram and that’s how we started #WisdomWednesdays. We started welcoming questions from the audience and started discussing life like we would one-on-one over a cup of coffee.” The duo in these sessions have covered a wide range of topics such as bullying, drama and the highs and lows of life, the aim of the chat is to =one another take care of their mental health in all times. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQZSgbFA8g/"></oembed></figure><p>Mental health is a subject she feels strongly about as she points out that it’s high time we had a more open discussion about mental health. With people losing their livelihood and struggling to make ends meet, there is an enormous amount of anxiety and stress. “I consider myself lucky to be shooting a show from home. Imagine all those people who haven’t had any work to do, whose entire life revolves around work and the money that comes with it,” explains the actor. Sait reiterates, “I think the eventuality of this lockdown is going to be mental health and we need to talk about it more than ever. I really feel we need to normalise conversations about mental health.” </p><p>For her own mental sanity and peace Sait say she meditates regularly to be in tune with her emotions and not running away from them—“You’ll never see me going ‘hey, hi, I’m fine’. I’d rather not have that conversation with a person who won’t understand what I am saying.” On Twitter, she posted saying that it is high time people stopped saying : ‘so, you’re fine?’ She elaborates, “If you’ve called me, genuinely ask me how I am and give the freedom to tell you how I am. Don’t already load an answer in my mind. It’s not necessary I feel the same as everybody else. I think that was an important conversation to have.” </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Creating content in the pandemic </h2><p>The actor was most recently seen in <i>Wakaalat from Home</i>, a 10-episode lockdown comedy series that released on Amazon Prime in September, 2020. Sait plays the role of a divorce lawyer in the series directed by Rohan Sippy, was a one-of-a-kind experience and she feels they managed to deliver an earnest piece of work. “The premise of the series was divorce proceeding over video calls during the pandemic. [When the lockdown was implemented] family courts were shut, and people were clueless about how to get things done. That’s when the concept took shape and we decided to seize the moment. What’s interesting here was that the entire cast pitched in ideas and co-existed in the entire process – from conceptualisation to execution. We would discuss ideas on Zoom and Anuvab would turn them into dialogues.” </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_wakaalatfromhome_still_primevideo_1615184651898.jpg"><figcaption>A still from <i>Wakaalat From Home</i>; © Prime Video<i> </i></figcaption></figure><p>Now that was about creating the story, but shooting at home, without professional equipment and technical assistance can get tricky. Sait reveals how each of them had to don many hats during the shoot and it made her appreciate the smaller details as well as the role of every individual on a set. “I didn’t know the importance and value of a tripod. *laughs* And here I was, not just responsible for acting but also managing costumes, light, sound and other technical aspects.” </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>OTT platforms FTW! </h2><p>OTT has become the buzzword with cinephiles and Sait feels it deserves every bit of the attention. According to her, it is a democratic platform that has given a new lease of life to artistes. “Here, people don’t need to have a certain backing or brand/star value. If you’re good at your craft, you will get selected and if you ado  then you will get more work. A classic example of this would be, <i>Wakaalat from Home</i>’s casting director Abhishek Banerjee,” she says, highlighting how Banerjee's talent has earned him several casting opportunities.  </p><p>On Bollywood movies getting OTT-first release, she says that it is the need of the hour. Sait, who rose to stardom thanks to her role as Kukoo in Netflix’s <i>Sacred Games</i>, hopes people finally realise the importance of this source of entertainment. “Also, realise that what we do as creative people on sets is far more than just box office numbers. There are stories that are worth being told, there are stories that will be successful irrespective of numbers. This constant race and test mechanism which has ‘<i>woh chala toh ye hit hai </i>and <i>woh nahi chala toh hit nahi hai</i>” has no place here. I had tears of joy when an Amitabh Bachchan film released on an OTT platform,” gushes Sait. </p><h2>A journey of trial and errors </h2><p>A decade ago, when Sait quit her job as a corporate employee to pursue her dream to be an actor, she started out with modelling and emcee assignments upgrading to major TV commercials and well-known shows. This was followed by cameos in a few big budget Bollywood movies. But what helped her attain success in the acting industry was her decision to step out of her comfort zone and take up offbeat roles. For instance, her convincing portrayal of a transgender in <i>Sacred Games</i>. </p><p>Despite her experience Sait still chooses to describe her journey as ‘a journey of trial and errors’. “I am still a work-in-progress,” she says, adding, “Yes, I have been in Mumbai for a decade but as an actor my journey only began in 2018. I’d say it’s just the beginning for me because I found my soul only two years ago. I am just blessed to have met great mentors along the way.” </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><p>Sait’s secret to success, according to her, is diversity. “Since the beginning of my career, I have excelled in diversification. I do OTT, films, advertisements and social engagements – everything! So basically, I haven’t put all my eggs in one basket. Because if you do that, you set yourself up for failure.” She’s grateful for her diverse work profile because it has helped her meet such talented actors, writers and directors. “I think that’s given me a way forward. And I am very happy and blessed about it.” </p><p>“During one of my chats with Nawazuddin Siddiqui about work, I remember asking him ‘<i>aap thak nahi jaate intezaar karke</i>?’ and he had said, ‘<i>Mohtarma, aap ise intezaar kehti hai, hum toh pachees saal se intezaar kar rahe the</i>.’ My reaction was: yours is a next level conversation, I am leaving. But, to be honest, what he said has stayed with me ever since. This is what’s exciting. The kind of people who’ve got a headway before me into this business—this includes Sumeet [Vyas], Gopal [Datt] and Nidhi [Singh] (her co-stars in <i>Wakaalat from Home</i>) as well—they have worked tirelessly to be actors. When compared to their journeys, I haven’t done anything yet! Things have just fallen into my lap. But again, as I mentioned earlier, I have a long way to go,” Sait concludes. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5WllWTlHI6/"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>Rapid fire: </h2><h3>1. Emcee or an actor</h3><p>Actor</p><h3>2. Dubai, Bombay or Bangalore </h3><p>Mumbai </p><h3>3. What's your guilty pleasure? </h3><p>Baklava </p><h3>4. The weirdest habit I have is... </h3><p>I bite my toenails. </p><p>AlsoRead4</p><h3>5. Top 3 self-care tips you swear by? </h3><p>Drink plenty water, sleep well and watch a lot of comedy. </p><h3>6. OTT or Movies </h3><p>Movies on OTT </p><h3>7. A skin care product I can't live without </h3><p>My lip balm </p><h3>8. Your biggest weakness? </h3><p>I love food – I’ll eat six meals a day and have no regret about it. </p><h3>9. Your biggest strength? </h3><p>Tension <i>leneka nahi, </i>tension<i> deneka</i></p>