Be it furnishings or artefacts, Indian textiles can give your décor the oomph you were looking for.

Five things to keep in mind while incorporating Indian textiles and traditional prints in your home décor. For more read ZeeZest.com 

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5 Ways To Reuse Your Old Saree For Home Décor 

For Mother's Day, the actor is teaming up with her mom Sharmila Tagore for a virtual charity event. 

Bollywood actor Soha Ali Khan talks about the Mother's Day 2021 virtual charity event with SaltScout.com and lessons she has learnt from mother Sharmila Tagore and daughter Inaaya. For more, read Zeezest.com.

Mother's Day Special Interview With Actor Soha Ali Khan | Zee Zest

My Mom Taught Me To Give Back, Says Soha Ali Khan

Exploring the rich musical heritage of the desert folk of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

The Kalbeliyas, Manganiyars, Langa and more, these folk communities of Rajasthan have a rich musical heritage. Take a trip to the desert land of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to explore more. Read ZeeZest.com

Travel to Jaisalmer to Explore Folk Music | Zee Zest

A Journey Through The Vibrant Soundscape Of Western Rajasthan 

<p>Keeping a six-year-old occupied on long and dull summer vacations at home is a task. Mother took a chance on an activity that she was fond of and proficient in—needlework. Armed with a scrap of cloth, a needle and darning thread she took it upon herself to teach me the most basic of stitches, the running stitch. It was a great way to keep me busy and teach me an important life skill. I took to needlework like a bee to honey. My enthusiasm excited mother and filled her with pride as she went on to teach me how to hem a seam and then onto sewing a button.  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/dPXKgdKfxK/?igshid=d4weholpxjh4"></oembed></figure><p>Sewing and needlework, growing up, was an essential part of girls’ convent school curriculums. For three years of primary school, we were tasked to master the cross-stitch; each year the canvas of the matty cloth grew as did the expectations to master more difficult patterns. I fumbled, mostly because the way my mother sewed each cross on the perforated fabric was different from what the teacher and my friends were doing. And though school curriculum baffled me, that I was adept at more stitches than the others helped me keep my morale up—satin, herringbone, lazy daisy and the French knot. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>A misguided sense of feminism </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Embroidery-inside-1_1620978738921.jpg"></figure><p>It is a familiar tale for anyone who has memories of needlework. It was always the matriarch who introduced basic ‘silai-kadai’ to young girls that was to not only help ace the extracurricular activity in school but also learn a skill. As years went by many of us lost touch with what can only be described as an art form. Gunjan Thapar, a student of art history from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan adds, “I saw it as a ‘girly’ activity and shunned it.” For many, embroidery was a sign of extreme femininity and as teens in a newly liberalised nation it was ‘anti-feminist’.  </p><p>Eight years ago, I picked up the needle and thread again, to ward off boredom by creating personalised mementoes for friends and family, and to invoke nostalgia for a craft that I used to love. For the last couple of years, more people are finding embroidery as a hobby to take the edge off from the daily hubbub. “Working in Delhi, away from family, I found embroidery cathartic and relaxing, and so much better than binge-watching Netflix!” says Arinita Sandilya, a wildlife conservationist by day and embroidery artist by night. There is a newfound interest in embroidery with more and more people acknowledging it as a bonafide art form. It’s a similar tale for Neha Sharma, who is based in the US. “I got back into embroidery while I was studying at university. I found that in my free time outside of studying, I would spend my time watching Netflix and not doing anything productive, so I started cross-stitching again.” Alas, for me, the hobby remains a sporadic activity primarily because of lack of discipline and sheer procrastination. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>A revival? </h2><p>Cut to 2020, the lockdown and free hands-on time saw many renew their interest in embroidery and acknowledge it as an art form. It’s a pity that it has taken so long for it to garner interest and gain popularity. Thapar explains one of the main reasons was that embroidery was not given its due, relegated to only women or artisans. But keeping in mind the amount of time, skill, and attention to detail it requires, it can be a powerful artform, believes Sharma, who uses it as a medium for commentary on socio-political issues. “My series #SouthAsianSunday took off when I started stitching countries that are not normally represented in the South Asian diaspora. ‘South Asian’ culture is very North Indian-centric in the United States, and I wanted to break that narrative. My most recent #SouthAsianSunday post was a statement to ‘end caste supremacy’ and to amplify Dalit voices” she says continuing her work despite losing dozens of followers on Instagram. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEywrcRjSK5/?igshid=1mhk9ck60cqf6"></oembed></figure><p>Thapar, on the other hand, took it upon herself to bring embroidery to the fore by recreating some of the world’s most celebrated art pieces. Her USP is the fact that her embroidered pieces are miniature, made so as to make them available and accessible to more people; these include a version of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Piet Mondrian De Stijl art. “If my canvas increases so would the price of each piece,” she adds. In India, a ‘value’ driven nation, embroidery still has to deal with biases such as ‘anyone can do it’, ‘why so expensive?’ “It’s not an artisan who embroiders but an artist. It is time that embroidery is given its due the same way a fine artist or sculptor is given for his/her work,” believes Thapar.  </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>Impact of social media </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Embroidery-inside-2_1620978723263.jpg"></figure><p>Modern embroidery has a diligent fan-following on social media. Platforms such as Etsy, Instagram and Pinterest have become a haven for embroidery artists to not just showcase and sell their art but also as a source of inspiration. “There is so much happening in this space, there are so many talented embroidery artists. A look through Instagram is enough to overwhelm you. But they are also the best source of inspiration,” says Sandilya who sketches out her concept on paper and then takes the old school way of tracing it on fabric by creating a sandwich of carbon and tracing paper. The patterns and messages conveyed in modern embroidery art are not about the delicate and dainty homebody’s utilitarian pursuits.  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-RKOUyhQEp/?igshid=at5gudshixxk"></oembed></figure><p>Mixed medium, for instance, where painting and needlework are combined with ideas such as traditional floral designs with modern elements, social justice or pop culture, have become popular. “The modern embroidery world is full of bold, feminist, and unapologetic patterns where nothing is off-limits and I’m excited to contribute to it. One ground-breaking and the controversial piece I have done is a take on the phrase ‘veg biryani is biryani’ surrounded by flowers and leaves. Stay tuned for the war that will erupt in my comments section,” adds Sharma. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGptzkOnz0M/?igshid=mciidw9o4qd9"></oembed></figure><p>At the same time, traditional forms of embroidery have their own takers, especially in the home décor enthusiasts. Bengaluru-based Maitrayee Roy Shukla of The Needle Crafter has made a niche for herself, creating vintage-style embroidered table napkins, runners, cushion covers and even Christmas ornaments! She has used the artform as an enabler—she taught her house help to learn a new skill as well as help her with scalability. “During the lockdown, my local tailor was suffering, so he, I and his friends got together to stitch masks,” she adds. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLOFqp_JYs8/?igshid=102g58nzz1k7z"></oembed></figure><p>Roy Shukla brings the conversation to a full circle, “There is no formal education for embroidery and needlework. For the majority, it is an art form that is handed down from generation to generation.” She herself had lost touch with the little she had learnt in her childhood and had to depend heavily on YouTube. While the younger generation has shown interest as purveyors of embroidery (it is nearly not enough), it is still a dying artform and in need of desperate revival. </p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>How to get started with embroidery</h2><p>So, if you want to try your luck at needlework and embroidery, these embroidery artists tell you how to go about it: </p><ol><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Stitch Kits:</strong> Anchor’s Stitch Kits are the go-to get you started in your embroiderer’s journey; they are available on </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.in/s?k=anchor+stitch+kit&ref=nb_sb_noss_1"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Amazon India</span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"> and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.flipkart.com/search?q=anchor%20stitch%20kit&otracker=search&otracker1=search&marketplace=FLIPKART&as-show=on&as=off"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Flipkart</span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Raw Material:</strong> Any old scrap of cloth is perfect to start. Embroidery hoops (used to hold the fabric taut as you sew), Needles and skeins of threads are easily available on Amazon. You can also check out craft websites such as </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://itsybitsy.in/"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Itsy Bitsy </span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thedesigncart.com/"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">The Design Cart</span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">. </span><br><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Having said that, your best bet to find the best quality material will be those hole-in-the-wall mom-n-pop shops that sell arts and crafts supply. They are in short supply now.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Patterns and stencils:</strong> While computer software may make it easy, nothing beats the trusty carbon paper, tracing paper and a little bit of imagination.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>Resources:</strong> There are booklets as well as tomes dedicated to embroidery art but start simple with social media platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram. YouTube is a great way to learn new stitches and techniques.</span></li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

From grandma’s utilitarian hobby to revolutionary art form, what does the future hold for embroidery. 

From SUPW activity in schools to an art form, hand embroidery has never received the credit it deserves. Here is how you can get started on hand embroidery. Read ZeeZest.com

The future of hand embroidery as an art form | Zee Zest

Revival or Denial – The Embroidery Art 

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Culture

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Street market finds, heirloom pieces and exclusive luxury must-haves, this fashion Influencer tell us how to be a trendsetter.  

Fashion do's and don'ts by influencer Sonam Babani, read zeezest.com 

Interview With Fashion Influencer Sonam Babani | Zee Zest

From Model To Fashioneiress : Sonam Babani Shares Her Fashion Mantra   

25-year-old Anya Gupta is a modern farm girl, with a focus on conscious fashion and lifestyle.

Lifestyle influencer Anya Gupta from Chandigarh shares tips on how to build a sustainable wardrobe and talks about the power of social media to share messages. For more, read ZeeZest.com

Interview with Anya Gupta On Sustainable Living | Zee Zest

This Lifestyle Influencer Will Change Your Mind About Sustainable Living

<p>For the longest time, those born in the year 1990 shared that detail of their life with great hauteur, given that it was a year of great change, in India, at least. Those ’90s kids will now, have to make room for Coronials-- a new crop of cool kids, born during the Coronavirus pandemic, that has undoubtedly changed all our lives. Mitali Sagar, mommy to one such Coronial, and one half of the popular fashion blog House of Misu, who was pregnant during the pandemic shares with us how she dealt with her pregnancy with so much changing around her. </p><p>Thankfully for Sagar, the first and most difficult trimester of her pregnancy was spent in a world not yet turned upside down by Coronavirus. But ironically, both the virus and her pregnancy were detected around the same – December of 2019. “This was planned, so it wasn’t a shock or scary at all. But what was daunting was how quickly it all happened, because we had just started,” she quips, adding that initially, she wasn’t paying too much attention to the pandemic and that the gravity of the situation only struck her when her international work trips to London and Singapore had to be called off. </p><p>Once the urgency of the situation became apparent and before the countrywide lockdown could be imposed in March, Sagar drove down with her family to her holiday home in Mahabaleshwar for a relatively quieter two-month quarantine.  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>But what is it like to be pregnant in the middle of a global health pandemic and a national lockdown, while being home quarantined in a secluded hill station in Maharashtra? Equal parts liberating and daunting, if this fashionista is to be believed. “Once the lockdown started, I was already in my second trimester. And by then, your doctor visits are typically scheduled a month apart. I was late for one of my appointments by two months, which is when my doctor started insisting that I come back to Mumbai. That’s when I buckled down and figured out how to get a pass, which was very difficult because I was going from a Green Zone to a Red Zone. I had to apply multiple times and convince the authorities to issue me a pass, given that I had a very important test that needed to be done in that phase.”  </p><h2>BFF: Best friends for fashion </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_co-founders_1622108184174.jpg"></figure><p>After a lot of back and forth, though, Sagar managed to return to Mumbai in May and sort out the officialities. And Sagar is good at paperwork. In fact, it is the very thing that differentiated House of Misu from other blogs. When childhood friends, Sagar and Summiyya Patni founded House of Misu in 2009, they did so by registering it as an official company first, and then foraying into designing, styling and digital influencing market.  </p><p>“We’ve known each other since the age of six and grew up together, only to part ways when I went to study in the US. But we were always heavily into fashion and knew that we wanted to work together eventually.” Once House of Misu was registered as an official company, the two started a blog and a Facebook page, which at the time, was the most popular social media platform.  </p><p>“When we started, we would not even share our own pictures and it was more about looks that inspired us. So, it was very Pinterest-like,” she explains. As their brand grew, they realised designing for exhibitions and styling projects was more time-consuming and less profitable. As the digital market grew in India, the fashionista BFFs realigned themselves for it. Today, it continues to be their prime source of income.  </p><p>But then COVID-19 broke out, and the volume of paid projects for the digital space shrunk for influencers across the board. Slowly, as the world limped back to normalcy, opportunities started trickling in. By then, Sagar was well into her third trimester and barely equipped for strenuous work. “Summiyya had to step in and take charge. It was unfair, the amount of work she had to handle alone. But I guess, that’s why she’s a best friend.” </p><h2>Post-Covid fashion</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_lockdown1_1622108308991.jpg"></figure><p>If there’s one thing Sagar learnt during this time it is the importance of being relevant. “Look at what happened with Jeff Bezos [CEO and founder of Amazon]. His net-worth just sky-rocketed in the last few months. In that sense, I think the digital space is here to stay. And it is one of our strengths,” she says, explaining why it will continue to be HoM’s prime focus. </p><p>As for the fashion industry, Sagar projects that it will undergo a huge overhaul with each brand, designer and corporation trying to come up with new strategies. “Collections are no longer super heavy; they’re incorporating more loungewear and a dialogue on sustainability to fit in with the new world,” she tells us, adding that trends that are likely to become huge post-Covid, include a shift towards sustainable fashion with a new interest in indigenous fabrics, produced by indigenous labour, and the veering away from mass-produced products in favour of homegrown and handmade brands. “In terms of trends, I think silhouettes and colour palettes will continue to be in line with the projections made by the industry. With beauty trends, too, I feel natural and organic products and no-makeup, dewy looks are going to rule the roost. People care more about what’s in their products today,” she says. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Staying stylish while pregnant</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mitali-Sagar-black-dress_1622108320852.jpg"></figure><p>For someone whose world revolves around fashion, pregnancy pans out in style, too. But Sagar says her fashion, beauty and fitness regimes were an extension of her regular life merely adapted for pregnancy. “I have worked out pretty much all my life, so even when I was in my first trimester, I tried to do so at least thrice every week, even if it was just a little bit of yoga,” she shares, explaining that the biggest change was that her routine had to be tailored to fit a healthier pregnancy, rather than to control weight or stay fit. This meant more breathing exercises, stretching, practising poses to help with acidity and better blood circulation and light Pilates. “Your workout routine will have to change with your pregnancy. So, for example, in the second trimester, as I started to feel better, I would go for walks, do lunges and squats, because that helps prepare your pelvic region for childbirth. And arm strengthening exercises because you need strong arms to carry your child, to make them burp and put them to sleep,” she adds.  </p><p>As for fashion, this stylish mommy shares, you’d be surprised how much you already have in your wardrobe that can be recycled into maternitywear. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to go full out on maternity wear because it has little use later. Just look at clothes you already have and fill in the gaps with pieces you absolutely need, such as leggings, activewear and jeans. I got a few pieces from a brand called, Momsoon. Apart from this, dresses with flowy silhouettes, large T-shirts and you’re good to go,” she suggests.  </p><p>With skincare, however, Sagar advices you to practice caution. “Stay as natural – in terms of the brands you choose – as possible. Read the labels and simplify your routine. There is a lot going on with your hormones, so some ingredients/chemicals may bother your skin faster. Always double-check with a doctor or, do a little research to ensure your products are pregnancy safe. For example, Retinol or Vitamin A is not pregnancy safe,” she cautions, adding, “Be easy and uncomplicated and use sunblock!” </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Quick Takes </h2><h3>Three current fashion trends you particularly love… </h3><p>Tiered dresses, skirts and shirts… it’s an up-cycled boho vibe and I love it. Flats and slides, basically comfy and easy to wear shoes. Perhaps it’s because I’m massively pregnant but I’m loving this trend still. And feathers! Obviously, I would prefer the feather to be faux. And I can’t wait to find some cute pieces to add to my wardrobe. </p><h3>One new homegrown Indian fashion brand you love? </h3><p>Bodice. They have some really chic minimal pieces.</p><h3>A new beauty product you adore? </h3><p>Cold-pressed almond oil. I’m loving it for belly rubbing and the face. </p><h3>Five wardrobe must-haves? </h3><p>A great fitting pair of jeans, an oversized white shirt, a fitted long sleeve turtle-neck in black, a bra that fits you perfectly, one chic blazer, and a face mask. </p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

You don't need a brand new wardrobe to nail maternity fashion, says one half of the popular blog, House of Misu.  

House of Misu's Mitali Sagar shares her lockdown pregnancy experience and hacks on how to stay stylish when pregnant. For more, read ZeeZest.com

Interview with Mitali Sagar of House of Misu | Zee Zest

Fashion Influencer Mitali Sagar On Keeping A Pandemic Pregnancy Stylish

Motherhood

Interview

Influencer

 Fashion

Style

Instragrammable Indian fare, glided decor and a space dedicated to our own Mimi, New York just struck gold.

Celebrity and actor Priyanka Chopra's new venture, Sona, a modern Indian restaurant in New York, opened its doors on March 26, 2021. ZeeZest.com shares the details.

Priyanka Chopra Opens Her Restaurant Sona in New York City | Zee Zest

Priyanka Chopra’s Restaurant, Sona, Is Now Open, And We Can’t Keep Calm!

The story of how the girl-next-door became an early YouTube star. 

One of the most talked-about lifestyle YouTubers in India, Sejal Kumar, shares tips on how to become a successful vlogger (content creator). For more stories, read Zeezest.com.

Interview with Youtuber Sejal Kumar | How to be a successful vlogger

Sejal Kumar's Secret For Making It Big On YouTube

<p>When <i>The White Tiger</i>, an adaptation of Aravind Adiga's Booker Prize-winning eponymous novel directed by American director Rahim Bahrani, premiered on Netflix this January, audience reactions were unanimous, that Adarsh Gourav is a star. The film also starred Bollywood bigwigs Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao, but Adarsh's performance shone like a bright spark.</p><p>Up until now, the 26-year-old actor, who has been acting and singing since the age of 14, has been a part of prolific films and web series such as Anil Kapoor's <i>Black & White</i>, Shah Rukh Khan's <i>My Name Is Khan</i>, Sridevi's <i>Mom </i>and <a href="https://zeezest.com/shows/fit-fab-feast-with-huma-qureshi-4"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Huma Qureshi</u></span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);">'</span>s <i>Leila</i>. But his role as Balram Halwai, a rich Indian family's ambitious driver who uses his wits to escape poverty and become a successful entrepreneur, has helped him give his career a new dimension. Adarsh's skill in portraying a character that transitions from light to dark, did not escape the audience. His acting abilities are drawn from his learning at The Drama School, Mumbai, on sets from fellow actors and directors, and his need to understand the A-Z of the character he is playing, he shares with us. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_netflix_the_white_tiger_poster_1619775377793.jpg"><figcaption>Adarsh Gourav with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao on ‘The White Tiger’ poster </figcaption></figure><p>His character Balram in <i>The White Tiger</i>, which marks the second lead role for Adarsh, bagged him a nomination for best actor at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) 2021. He was competing against the likes of late Chadwick Boseman, Anthony Hopkins, Tahar Rahim and Mads Mikkelsen. Gourav lost the award to Hopkins, who won it for his performance in, <i>The Father</i>. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>In a Zoom interview with Zee Zest (scroll up), Adarsh acknowledges that no one deserved the BAFTA more than Hopkins and termed the nomination as one of his biggest wins. He also speaks about the Indian representation at the BAFTA 2021, the rise of OTT, the Balram hangover he's reeling with, an important lesson he's learnt from Priyanka and Rajkummar, who he lovingly calls 'Raj', and five things he has learned from his acting journey so far. </p><p>Move away from all the international buzz he's generated and you'll notice that Adarsh is unaffected from the brouhaha of stardom. He continues to be the self-aware and humble boy from Jamshedpur who swears by his <i>maa ke haath ka khana </i>and regrets leaving his Hindustani classical music practice behind  for the big city life  in Mumbai where he moved as a teen. In an attempt to know more about the Adarsh that's hiding behind this impressive actor, we tossed a bunch of quick-fire questions at him. Read on for the edited excerpts: </p><h2>Who has been the biggest influence on your life and how?</h2><p>My brother because he is a flawless human being. He is an ambitious and well-informed person and never stops learning.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Adarsh_gourav_interview_zee_zest_1619775477101.jpg"></figure><h2>Are you a foodie? If yes, what are your most favourite dishes?</h2><p>I am a vegetarian and I love chilli paneer and roti the most. I also love a good juicy bean burger with loads of lettuce and barbeque sauce. Occasionally, I am like Chinese food, Manchurian and noodles, in particular. I am a fan of <i>ghar ka khana</i>, anything that my mom lovingly cooks. But if I have to pick a favourite, it has to be my mom's <i>lauki ka kofta</i>. Pizza is one of my favourite binge foods and I love the ones they make at Greedy Man's Pizzeria in Bandra. </p><h2>Describe your personal style in three words.</h2><p>My personal style is effortless and comfortable. I prefer comfort fashion and clothing that is breathable. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Do you have any regrets?</h2><p>If I could, I would have told the 14-year-old Adarsh to take it easy, stop worrying about fitting in too much, and to have continued classical music. When I moved to Mumbai, and joined a new school here, I wanted to fit into the city, I thought classical music was uncool and I wanted to start singing English songs. Of course, I enjoyed Western music as well, but I would have really liked to continue my classical journey and not quit. </p>

Zee Zest caught up with the young actor to discuss working with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the rise of OTT, and Adarsh off-screen. 

Zee Zest talks to Bollywood actor Adarsh Gourav on his BAFTA nomination, the rise of OTT, lessons from working with Priyanka Chopra and Rajkummar Rao, his favourite foods, personal style and his biggest regret in life. 

Interview with Bollywood Actor Adarsh Gourav of The White Tiger 

Meet Adarsh Gourav, The Breakout Star From The White Tiger

Bollywood 

Hollywood

Celebrity

Celebrity Lifestyle

tell it like it is with adarsh gourav

The second wave of the pandemic has hit the country hard. Here’s a list of fundraisers you can contribute to.

Here's how you can extend a helping hand by contributing to these campaigns offering COVID-19 essentials | read ZeeZest.com  

Fundraisers Saving India| Zee Zest  

Help India Combat COVID By Donating To These Fundraisers

Your one-stop destination for expert-approved information regarding the pandemic. 

We, at Zee Zest, are speaking to scores of doctors and experts to answer your most common queries, share updated information, and slow down the spread of fake news, bogus remedies and myths. 

COVID 19 FAQs Answered By Experts | Coronavirus in India

Zee Zest’s Handy Guide For All Your COVID-19 Queries

<p>There are several NGOs and groups around the country that are channelling their efforts towards COVID-19 relief and procurement of medical oxygen for our gasping nation in these times. The second wave of the pandemic has left us all battered and everyone wants to do their bit to help, in cash and in-kind. Individuals are at the forefront of running resource centres, volunteering all their time, and in the process, saving many lives. </p><p>While contributing towards a cause is a reward, there are brands and individuals who will give you a token of their appreciation for it. From a boxful of bakes to a lesson in type design, here’s a list of unique COVID-19 relief fundraisers that you can contribute to.</p><h2>1. Good Slice’s Bake for India</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COVpGHMJySQ/"></oembed></figure><p>Earlier this week, Neysa Mendes, baker and founder of Good Slice, a page for healthy recipes on Instagram, decided to do a COVID fundraiser called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BCC1aGOtM2LPjHFfZqU0PD_oLBV53vXMx-NNv2e12iI/edit#gid=0"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>#BakeForIndia</u></span></a>. Mendes was to bake 10 of her signature chocolate tarts and contribute the proceeds to Hemkunt Foundation that is working tirelessly to bridge the medical oxygen shortage in the country. The response was overwhelming, Mendes baked 12 tarts, and went on to urge others across cities to bake for COVID-19 relief. These bake sales tracked on a simple Google Doc, where 10 or more items are being auctioned, now span Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and more. You can order plum cakes, pasta, cheesecake, tarts and souffles, all for a good cause. Add till when it is on?</p><h2>2. Kalapi Gajjar-Bordawekar’s lessons in type design</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COM9g-Rp_-L/"></oembed></figure><p>Well-known type designer and co-founder of the Bangalore and Iceland-based studio, Universal Thirst, Kalapi Gajjar-Bordawekar is doing what he knows best. Sharing his skills with those who contribute to COVID-19 relief in India right now. Posted as an announcement on his Facebook page, Gajjar-Bordawekar has already managed to raise Rs 60,000 and is offering more time slots in exchange for donations. </p><p>For anyone who contributes between Rs 100–5,000 to a COVID charity, he will offer a two-hour design consult. For those who contribute over Rs 5,000, Gajjar-Bordawekar will help in drawing glyphs and/or engineering fonts, a task that could normally take up to 40 hours of his time. </p><p>For details and to reach out to him on Facebook or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/kalapi.gajjar/"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 30%);"><u>Instagram</u></span></a>.</p><h2>3. Signed work from Artists for India</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COag920p_80/"></oembed></figure><p>In a unique campaign, an illustrious list of non-resident Indian and other artists has come together to fundraise for COVID-19 relief. The campaign, which is open to both the diaspora and Indians, urges you to contribute 100 GBP or an equivalent amount towards the Mission Oxygen campaign by the Democracy People Foundation, on Ketto. Once you have made the contribution, you will receive a signed work from one of the artists on the list. </p><p>The names include authors Sonia Faleiro, Salman Rushdie, Kamila Shamsie, Fatima Bhutto, Alice Albinia, Diksha Basu, Nikita Lalwani, Deepa Annapara, and many more. Other names are swiftly being added to the list and the campaign is open till May 6, 2021. </p><p>Email <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:sonia@soniafaleiro.com"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">sonia@soniafaleiro.com</span></a></p><h2>4. Priya Kuriyan’s illustrations</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COQJ-yfpJwA/"></oembed></figure><p>Illustrator and comics artist Priya Kuriyan, who was also involved in COVID-19 relief work during the first wave through Quarancharity, is now putting out four of her illustrated prints for sale. These prints, sized 10 inches by 10 inches, cost Rs 2,500 each. Kuriyan requests that the donation be made to Hemkunt Foundation and a receipt shared with her. Donations can be made for Rs 2,500 and above. The prints available are ‘Salesgirls gone viral, ‘A cat with three different names’, Everybody be cool,’ and ‘Love(birds) in the time of corona’.</p><p>Email <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:priyakuriyan@gmail.com"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">priyakuriyan@gmail.com</span></a></p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>5. Anshumani Ruddra’s product sessions </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/baboonzero/status/1385590907206963203"></oembed></figure><p>With several years of experience in product building, Anshumani Ruddra, now associated with Google Pay is offering to spend two hours on product building, organisation structure, career advice and more, if you make a contribution of Rs 50,000 or above to any COVID-related cause, including hospital bills, treatment and oxygen. Ruddra has also included a list of COVID charities in case you want to choose. </p><p>Reach out to him over <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/baboonzero"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 30%);"><u>Twitter</u></span></a>, let him know of the donation you have made, and Ruddra will book a time slot with you. </p><h2>6. Limited edition jewellery by Studio Metallurgy</h2><p>The Delhi-based <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://studiometallurgy.com"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Studio Metallurgy</u></span></a> by Advaeita Mathur, which draws from industrial design to create exquisite jewellery is stepping up for COVID-19 relief too. They have opened out their limited-edition section, with handcrafted pieces by Mathur herself, for an auction. With every piece bought here, 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Hemkunt Foundation for oxygen cylinders, Give India’s Covid Missions and MCKS Food for Hungry Foundation, for meals for the underprivileged during the crisis. </p><p>Last we checked, only a few of the pieces remained, so you might want to grab yours quickly. </p><h2>7. Macrame art with Vishwa Narhwal</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COPsMXVJpdl/"></oembed></figure><p>Macrame is the art of creating new textile using decorative knots. It has been gaining popularity in recent times and now you can learn it too. Macrame artist, Vishwa Narhwal, will let you participate in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/fundraisers/learn-art-and-save-lives/jointeam/d30d9ebe196051e4cdbd"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>a two-day workshop</u></span> </a>that will teach you the basics of the form and how to make plant hangers, mandala mirrors, bags, and more. She will also give you lifetime access to some valuable macrame videos. All this for a minimum contribution of Rs 1,500 to her fundraiser. Proceeds will be donated to Hemkunt Foundation. </p><h2>8. Photographs for charity, by Origin One</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COcbskyJqpk/"></oembed></figure><p>The Delhi-based design store <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.originone.in"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Origin One</u></span></a> that sells stationery, rugs and photography has recently made an announcement that a 100 per cent of their profits will be directed towards Goonj, Hemkunt Foundation and Feeding India for COVID-19 relief. They have also made available a series of photographs where 75 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to these charities. So, get shopping for some design picks! </p><h2>9. Fashion for COVID relief by T.Berry Atelier</h2><p>The sustainable luxury brand T.Berry has also announced that 100 per cent of its profits will be donated for COVID-19 relief through the Give India COVID-19 Fund. Amid exquisitely crafted apparel and luxury home furnishings, they have also got a new range of luxury masks and face coverings. What’s better than contributing for the cause while you make a fashion statement in the new normal?</p><p>Connect with T.Berry Atelier on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/tberry.atelier/"><span style="color:hsl(0, 0%, 30%);"><u>Instagram</u></span></a>.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>10. Sponsor a meal through Bandra Restaurant Community </h2><p>This is for those who have been detected positive for COVID or want to contribute towards meals for COVID patients. Seven restaurants (Seeds of Live, Pack-A-Pav, Seefah, Bombay Salad Co, Supper, Earth Café and Yogisattva), part of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10iUC_PZgSMu_d9nRh_ApqzTYp4FkGUlXqKL1gMQfF7Y/viewform?edit_requested=true"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Bandra Restaurant Community</u></span></a>, from Mumbai’s Bandra suburb have come together to start a free healthy tiffin service for COVID patients in the area. They will provide both lunch and dinner, free of cost, delivered to you within the neighbourhood. You can choose to contribute Rs 100 towards the initiative and these donations will be directed for COVID-19 relief. For the others, you can contribute Rs 500 to sponsor a meal for a COVID patient. </p>

Buy a plum cake or a tart, learn Macrame, own limited-edition jewellery, and so much more, while you contribute for COVID-19 relief funds. 

From typography to baked goodies, these individuals are adamant on making a difference and raising funds for COVID-19 relief efforts, by using their skills. For more read ZeeZest.com

10 Unique COVID-Relief Fundraisers in India | Zee Zest

Your COVID-19 Relief Contribution Can Bring You Returns

Covid-19

Fundraiser

Mental health practitioners are here to help combat the various issues we are collectively dealing with during the pandemic.

Mental health practitioners Asees Chadha and Varkha Chulani address various mental health issues we are collectively dealing with during the pandemic. Read ZeeZest.com

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COVID-19: The Mental Health Guide For All 

<p>The second wave of the pandemic caught us all off-guard. While resources have been scarce and the cries for help on social media and the rising number of deaths has left us all in collective grief, we’ve also been witness to an outpouring of citizen’s efforts. From sharing and verifying leads, common folk, and celebrities alike, have pitched in cash, kind, and time. The comedy fraternity isn’t far behind. Nearly every comic has turned their social media pages to resource centres for COVID-19 needs while amplifying calls for medical oxygen, hospital beds and COVID drugs. </p><p>Besides this, comics have also stepped up to raise funds through shows, often contributing a 100 percent of the ticket sales for oxygen procurement and meals for the needy. Recently, popular comedian Vir Das hosted four packed shows to raise a whopping amount of over seven lakh rupees. He is now following this up with two more shows over the weekend. </p><p>Besides fundraising directly through shows, comics as one would imagine, are also using their social media clout and skills to help in other creative ways. Here’s what some of them are doing. </p><h2>Comedy for COVID warriors</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Garv%20Malik_1621617980913.jpg"></figure><p>It was in September last year, amid the pandemic that comic Garv Malik found his niche and started a subscription service for comedy. In essence, you could opt for the monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription services and attend a comedy show every day. Besides a regular line-up, there are popular comedians who show up at surprise guests.  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>In the second wave, in a bid to help healthcare and frontline workers combat stress, Malik has opened the shows to them for free. They are added to a WhatsApp group where announcements are made and Zoom links to the day’s show shared. “There are about 70 people in the group and at any given time, 10-15 of them attend these shows,” he says. Malik also performed to a crowd of nurses on World Nursing Day and proceeds from a show each weeks are donated to a COVID charity. </p><p>Log on to garvmalik.com</p><h2>Hope in a show</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Papa-cj--edited%5B10689%5D_1621618023668.jpg"></figure><p><br>Popular Delhi-based comedian Papa CJ who premiered his show Naked and launched a book by the same name in 2019, was saving it up for an OTT release. When the second wave broke out, he realised he had to do his bit to bring a little hope in these bleak times. And it had to be more than fundraising shows. So, he has decided to release the special, Naked, as a video-on-demand through the platform, BookMyShow. Additionally, the show will be available for free for doctors. “As a comedian, the bigger role I can play is through bringing this out so people can come and forget about their troubles for an hour-and-a-half. Not only this, but they will also walk out of it feeling positive and hopeful”, he says.  </p><p>Log on papacjnaked.com </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Comedy writing for charity</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COsoIk0pGUr/"></oembed></figure><p>Screenwriter Nisha Kalra has stepped up in the second wave of the pandemic to start Art for Oxygen, a series of workshops and sessions, for COVID relief. And comedians form a large part of these efforts. The first one to take on a fundraising workshop, is popular comic Abish Mathew. The comedy writing workshop will cover topics like, ‘How do jokes work? What makes them funny? The difference between a joke writer and a comedy writer? And the basic of working in a writing room. While Mathew’s workshop is more theoretical, comics Kanan Gill, Ashish Shakya and Neville Bharucha will soon host their own for the platform. Shakya will help budding writers punch up their jokes and collaborate with them.  </p><p>Proceeds for these workshops, priced at Rs 1,000 per participant will be donated to Hemkunt Foundation, Mukul Madhav Foundation, Help Now 24x7 and TYCIA Foundation.  </p><p>Log on to insider.com </p><h2>Conversations for the COVID affected</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Amit-Tandon--edited%5B10691%5D_1621618077094.jpg"><figcaption>Facebook @Amit Tandon</figcaption></figure><p>It was last month, early into the second wave that comedian Amit Tandon offered to help COVID patients. Besides fundraising shows that he has and continues to be part of, he wanted to make people feel better. “I was feeling frustrated being stuck in my own home when my building was sealed. I couldn’t imagine how much worse COVID patients must have felt being restricted to a single room,” he says. So, he invited them to have conversations. “Each session have 15-20 people and I have conducted 20 such so far,” he says adding that they last between 30 minutes to and hour and there is sharing on both sides. “It’s not just me talking but the participants sharing their own stories and jokes too,” he says. In the end, everyone is feeling better even if it is for a short while.  </p><p>Email amit@tandonamit.com  </p><h2>Job threads</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COhgXmiF5Z8/"></oembed></figure><p>In another unique initiative, comedian Rohan Joshi, has sparked off a series of job threads on his Instagram page. It was last week that he put a message where he revealed that several people have been looking for work in the pandemic and he wanted to do something to make this search easier. This was followed by a thread for employers too. Following this, several other influencers like Sherry Shroff and Malini Agarwal took to using their social media reach to create job board.  </p><p>In a similar exercise much before the IG influencers caught on, comic Rahul Subramanian had pulled off a thread on LinkedIn that aimed to connect employers with potential employees. The thread is still abuzz with opportunities and gratitude. <br> </p>

To spread smiles and lift the spirits of those in distress

Comedians are stepping to help raise money and spread smiles. 

Comedians hosting shows to help people cope with covid 19 crisis

When Comedians Stepped Up For COVID 

COVID 19

Pandemic

Comedy

Charity

Good News

This Mother's Day surprise your mom with a gift that complements her personality. 

Here's what you can gift your mom this Mother's Day, read zeezest.com  


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When she gifted me her masala dabba, she was passing on her legacy.

A writer deals with the loss of her mother with handwritten recipes that she recreates in her kitchen as she takes a walk down memory lane. Read Zeezest.com

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How My Mother's Handwritten Recipes Helped Me Deal With Her Loss

<p>Following restrictions in the second wave of the pandemic, Soha Ali Khan is at home in Mumbai with her husband Kunal Kemmu, daughter Inaaya and pet dog Masti. And yet, the Bollywood actor-author has kept herself busy, devouring books by the dozen, spending quality time with her family, endorsing brands she loves, and kick-starting discussions on topics close to her heart. Equal parenting, environmental conservation and animal welfare top her list.  </p><p>For Mother’s Day this year, Soha is teaming up with her mother, the legendary actor Sharmila Tagore, to put a part of their wardrobes on sale for a virtual charity initiative. The ensembles are available on SaltScout.com to buy, and the proceeds will be donated to World For All, a Mumbai-based animal care and adoption NGO that works for the welfare of stray animals. “The past year has made me value my loved ones more and sharpened my perspective about what is important in life. While we are more home-bound, we can all find ways to contribute,” she tells us. </p><p>Soha speaks to Zeezest.com about her charity initiative, the cause, and lessons she has learnt from Sharmila and Inaaya. Edited excerpts below: </p><h2>1) You have been a supporter of World For All, the animal welfare NGO, and have adopted your dogs from them. What is it that draws you towards this cause? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_soha_ali_khan_interview_zee_zest_1620406405428.jpg"><figcaption>Soha with her pet dogs, Mishti and Nimki</figcaption></figure><p>Animals cannot voice their opinions, so they need us to speak for them. Being a pet parent is incredibly fulfilling - their unconditional love, loyalty, and compassion give us much to learn from them! </p><h2>2) What is the message you want to send out through this Mother's Day charity event with your mother, Sharmila Tagore? </h2><p>I want to say that we can keep finding ways to give back through our everyday lives. Joining the circular fashion movement is one of many ways. When you buy preloved clothes, you are choosing to be kinder towards our planet. Our [Soha and Sharmila’s] combined pieces will save an estimated 8,46,527.92 litres of water and 2,070.68 kilos of carbon if bought instead of newly-manufactured clothes. Proceeds from the sale support a cause close to our hearts, so we hope this can be a fun and new way for people to join the circle of giving. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3) If you could keep back three items from your mother's auction lot, which items would those be and why? </h2><p>There is a beautiful designer black Pashmina shawl with silver embroidery that I have had my eyes on for years. Then, a stunning pair of velvet Armani trousers and an <i>zari </i>embellished Ritu Kumar garment. My mother's taste is timeless, as are these items! </p><h2>4) Lessons you have learned from listening to your mother and from your daughter, Inaaya. </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_75341377_157606395594942_6187369164218064095_n_1620406460597.jpg"><figcaption>Soha's mother Sharmila Tagore and daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu</figcaption></figure><p>From my mother, I have learnt the importance of giving back, walking a mile in another’s shoes to better empathise with them, and appreciating every moment. And, from Inaaya, I have learnt to love fully, to dance like no one is watching, and to always look at the bright side. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5) How much does your upbringing influence the way you are raising Inaaya?  </h2><p>It has influenced me tremendously. There is so much more I understand about the actions and decisions of my mother, now that I am a mother myself. We are fortunate to have such people in our lives to look up to and learn from. And as a mother, I keep learning every day and try to be a better parent every day. </p><h2>6) In what ways are you like your mother? </h2><p>I am like her in her love for learning, self-improvement, curiosity, friendliness and love for word games. </p>

Entertainment

Feeling low? Here are some earworms to brighten up your Wednesday.

Beat the mid-week blues by listening to these cheerful and inspirational Indian podcasts. For more, read ZeeZest.com

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In partnership with non-profit organisation, Vibha, the Michelin-star chef plans to soon open vaccination centres in the country.  

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Chef Vikas Khanna Helps India| Zee Zest

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<p>When there is little for even the most optimistic among us to stay positive since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, small steps count. We are all in collective grief and there isn’t much we can do to hide it. Yet, there are little things that interrupt these days of gloom with the faintest smiles. In times of fear and uncertainty, stories of humankind pull us through to show the good side and keep us uplifted. So, we have decided to collate things that brought a smile on our faces through the week and list them out every weekend.</p><p>We urge you to partake in these little moments of positivity with us and share stories of hope and inspiration, in these times.</p><h2>Mumbai Police’s social media</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COww0h-FUcK/"></oembed></figure><p>Being witty, hilarious and winning the internet are traits one would hardly expect from one of the most serious departments of state governance. Protectors of the city of Mumbai under duress due to the pandemic, the Mumbai Police, is effectively using humour to keep the city in check and cheered up.  Having said that, if you still haven’t checked out their Twitter and Instagram handles, you truly are living under a rock. They have got their messaging on point, whether it is drinking and driving, cybercrime or abiding by Covid protocols—and yes humour plays a big role.</p><p>Conceptualised and executed by HAT Media, a digital agency, Mumbai Police is acing the meme game with content full of sass and on oodles of pop-culture references—from Lady Gaga to Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, they have spared no one. So, start following them on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://Twitter.com/MumbaiPolice"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Twitter</span></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://Instagram.com/mumbaipolice"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Instagram</span></a> for the occasional smile.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>The numbers dropping in Mumbai</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mumbai-cases-going-down%5B8501%5D_1620993121324.jpg"></figure><p>From being the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in Maharashtra in the first wave to being hailed as a successful containment model in the second, the metropolitan city of Mumbai has come a long way. The model features pointers such as a timely lockdown, aggressive testing, and an effective triaging system. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on May 2, 2021, released figures that showed that the city's daily positivity rate had dropped to 9.9 per cent from 20.8 per cent in April 2021. On May 11, the city registered 1717 fresh COVID cases, the lowest single-day count since mid-March, and as of May 13, 6,27,373 patients have recovered from COVID-19. A sigh of relief for Mumbaikars indeed!</p><h2>The oxygen man of Mumbai</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Man-sells-car-to-provide-oxygen%5B8502%5D_1620993138458.jpg"></figure><p>With COVID-19 numbers on the increase all over the country, it is becoming difficult for the infected to avail hospital beds, oxygen supply and medicines. At such a time, Shahnawaz Shaikh, a resident of Mumbai's Malad area, has emerged as a lifesaver for many. Last year, he sold his INR 22 lakh SUV to procure 160 oxygen cylinders, which he donated to hospitals and several COVID-19 patients in need. As of April 25, 2021, he has helped over 4,000 people - a deed that has earned him the title 'oxygen man of Mumbai' on social media. Today, the 31-year-old has set up a control room where a team is working round the clock to help those in need. They get approximately 500 calls a day, he mentioned in a recent interview.  </p><p>It took a tragedy, his business partner's sister's death in an auto rickshaw due to lack of oxygen, for Shahnawaz to start this initiative. He knew if she had received oxygen in time, she could've survived. While he couldn't save her, he decided to do what he could within his capacity to address the issue of oxygen shortage in the city. It’s a story of hope that could light up the darkest of our days.</p><h2>Cab aggregators to the rescue</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ola-o2-cylinder--edited%5B8484%5D_1620993147428.jpg"></figure><p>Ola is now offering doorstep delivery of oxygen concentrators for free. With the help of the ongoing donations received by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://ola.foundation/donate"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Ola Foundation</span></a>, the company, with an initial set up of 500 oxygen concentrators in Bengaluru is now working towards scaling up to 15,000 across the country. All you need to do is login to the Ola app, request for the concentrator by providing the basic details, and the driver will deliver it at your doorstep for free. In fact, once the patient gets better and doesn't need it anymore, Ola will also have it picked up and prepared for the next patient.  </p><p>Uber has also been providing citizens free rides to and from their nearest vaccination centers, since the beginning of the drive earlier this year. In partnership with NGO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://robinhoodarmy.com/seniorpatrol"><span style="color:hsl(270, 75%, 60%);">Robin Hood Army's #SeniorPatrol</span></a> programme, the company is helping vulnerable and senior citizens dwelling in old age homes and poor neighbourhoods to register on CoWIN app and travel to and from the vaccination centres.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>The antics of Barfee, the poodle</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COx8JxsnJh4/"></oembed></figure><p>While social media is hardly the place one can find uplifting posts anymore, we’ve found a little ray of sunshine over the last few weeks. It isn’t much in comparison with the real changemakers that bring us joy in these bleak times, but Barfee, the poodle, has been the cause of many a smile. Atul Kasbekar’s Instagram handle will lead you to his. Kasbekar’s own timeline is full of Barfee’s antics. A milky white poodle that is sometimes manipulator and at other times, stealthy like a cat, is full of joy. Barfee’s walks, mealtimes and days with a vacuum cleaner will leave you in chuckles, as will Kasbekar’s witty commentary. The last we heard, Barfee is looking for a mate and wants to keep the quarantine wedding low-key. Give him a shoutout if you have a poodle in mind!  <br> </p>

In these bleak times, we promise you good vibes only. Here’s what gave Team Zee Zest a reason to smile. 

Things to be happy about 

Some Good News: Curated by Team Zest 

Stories Of Hope

We are back this time, with stories that are filled with hope, in these turbulent times

Bringing you hope in the second wave through positive news. 

Positive News During The Pandemic

Good News This Week: Curated By Team Zee Zest

<p>As we chase stories through the week and live our lives in isolation like many others at this time, there are things and experiences that stop us in our tracks. It could be a meal we can’t wait to shout from the rooftops about or a performance that we are eager to watch, or an OTT show we can’t recommend enough. So, we decided to compile them for you, in a handy little collection. Here’s what Team ZeeZest recommends this week.</p><h2>Could we BE any more excited?</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPQUOdFI2m7/"></oembed></figure><p>Coming this week, get ready to reunite with six of the most amazing FRIENDS the world has ever seen. After ruling our TV sets for 10 years between 1994 to 2004, not to mention the reruns since it went off air; they are coming back together after 17 years on HBO MAX on May 27, 2021. So, mark your calendars and get ready with a tissue box to watch Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Joey and Phoebe, walk in together in the iconic apartment, and once again gather on the orange couch, at their favourite café, Central Perk. All the millennials and boomers out there who have grown up watching Courtney Cox, Mathew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, on their old TV sets, stay calm, because aging is going to hit you hard after watching this. The FRIENDS Reunion: The One Where We Get to See Our Favorites Back Together Again, here we come.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRXVQ77ehRQ">Friends: The Reunion | Official Trailer | HBO Max </a></p><h2>Pasta for a cause</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pasta-making%5B11627%5D_1621931383897.jpg"></figure><p>Nutrition consultant Sangeeta Khanna is hosting a pasta workshop on May 30. You will learn how to make pasta from scratch using ingredients in your kitchen, no fancy equipment needed. Whole wheat pasta, jowar and potato gnocchi are on the menu for the evening. You will also learn about different pasta shapes and their importance when it comes to the multitude of sauces.<br>The fee of Rs 1,500 you spend for the pasta making workshop will go to various Covid-relief fund raisers including those by Kalap Trust, GiveIndia, Goonj, and Hemkunt Foundation. <br>For more details click <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gu36Ba1st6FGV6qlK41qNfeTOUUUzRc9mbkmGBBAKHE/mobilebasic">here</a>. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Vintage vibes with Posterally Studio</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLqceI4Jhgc/?utm_medium=copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>This e-commerce portal is a must-visit for any true-blue movie buff out there. Posterally Studio has an impressive collection and genuine reproductions of memorabilia from Indian films of yore--think <i>Umrao Jaan</i> starring Rekha and Satyajit Ray's <i>Agantuk</i>. They also have a selection of Hollywood posters and a collection of vintage ads. We're talking posters of <i>The</i> <i>Little Lulu</i> <i>Show</i> (the cartoon show) and Frederico Fellini's <i>La Dolce Vita</i>. This is not all, Posterally Studios also offers Kalighat and Raja Ravi Varma paintings. For someone who loves a modern approach to home decor, this website is a gold mine. We have already added a bunch of prints in the cart!<br>Prices vary according to size and provenance and start from Rs 2,000. <br>For more details click<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://posterally.com/"> here</a>. </p><h2>Kajol Srinivasan’s Twitter Spaces</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kajol-srinivasan%5B11625%5D_1621931510026.jpg"><figcaption>Kajol Srinivasan@Facebook</figcaption></figure><p>Comedian Kajol Srinivasan has been the one behind several viral tweets and has a steady Twitter following. With the launch of Twitter Spaces, she has now taken to hosting her own, nearly every night at 11 pm. These cover a wide range of subjects from travel experiences to dating and all the way to workplace experiences, all with a touch of humour. On occasion, she invites other comedians for a trial session of new material. We are hooked and would recommend you give it a shot, too.</p><p>Follow @LOLrakshak on Twitter.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>An Urdu mehfil</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPDPTBTJuX9/"></oembed></figure><p>A language that is fast disappearing from the country, remains alive in our lives through poetry, cinema and every piece of art is has influenced. In this rare curated online event (on May 27 at 6 pm) titled Urdu-e-Mohalla: A Journey Through Urdu’s Popular Culture with Yousuf Saeed by the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) in in collaboration with the Culture Worker Support Trust – CWST, Saeed will take participants through the history and evolution of popular Urdu culture in India. An independent filmmaker, archivist and scholar, Saeed has worked on several projects delving into the magical language in the past. These projects have contributed to music, cinema, literature and performing arts. We can’t wait to engage in literally discourse on a language so poetic, can you?</p><p>Click <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8515905016889/WN_P97Pu625TN2AITW9KEVKPw">here</a> to register.<br> </p>

We bring to you our favourties for the week ahead. 

From pasta making to the Friends reunion, and an Urdu Mehfil, here's what the team Zee Zest recommends.

Team Zee Zest Recommendations For The Week | May 25-May 31, 2021| Zee Zest

Zest Recommends: Make Pasta, Attend An Urdu Mehfil Or Catch The Friends Reunion

Zee Zest Recommends

Workshops

Movies

Decor

Beauty guru Shahnaz Hussain shares five homemade cures for summer skincare woes. 

Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain tells you how to get rid of skin problems in summer with natural ingredients from your kitchen. Read more on Zeezest.com

Home Remedies and foods For Summer Skincare | Zee Zest

Cheat The Heat With Natural Skincare Remedies

<p>You don't really need a reason to make your mama feel proud and special. But you cannot miss an opportunity either! Foodie, fashionista, fitness freak, nature lover, or more, if your mom falls in any of these categories, then we have just the right kind of gifts you can give her this Mother's Day.</p><h2>1. Fashion diva</h2><p>If you've inherited your sense of style from your mom, you owe it to her! Whether it's her style, sass and confidence, this Mother's Day, surprise your first fashion role model with something comfortable and fashionable. While most mums don't find the time to shop for themselves, there's nothing better than a pair of comfortable leggings and activewear to inspire her to take some time out for herself. To up the fashion quotient for the day or night, gift her Dandelion's new collection of nightwear that you can twin in too! And if you are looking for green fashion, opt from Nykaa Fashion's latest sustainable collection that can help your mom stay eco-friendly and glam. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-Fashion_1620289141569.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Myriad Activewear</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Dandelion_1620299977468.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Dandelion</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Nykaa_1620300017932.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Weaver story available at Nykaa Fashion</figcaption></figure><h2>2. Jewellery lover</h2><p>If bling is what excites her, then Pipa Bella by Nykaa Fashion Mother’s Day collection, is the perfect gift this year. A combination of necklaces, bracelets and rings in silver and gold plating, the collection also features an adorable take on mommy nicknames, such as, Mama Bear, Mama, Ma, Queen Bee, Mom #1, and more. If you are looking for something delicate yet striking, consider Payal Mittle's latest jewellery collection, or Shop Lune's handcrafted and modern Odi wiggly ring in gold vermeil, and Convertible Pearls and classic Zodiac medallions from Misho designs.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-Jewellery_1620289177400.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Pipa Bella by Nykaa Fashion</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mittle_1620306832828.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Payal Mittle</figcaption></figure><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COKYjymg1fv/"></oembed></figure><h2>3. Beauty conscious</h2><p>Gift your mom an indulgent selfcare ritual for a day. Whisk her away from the kitchen countertop and make her feel loved. Whether its vegan makeup from Kiro Beauty or Ayurvedic face cream that will smoothen her fine lines from Love Organically,  gift her a sustainable beauty routine she cannot resist. Not to leave haircare behind, introduce her to silicone free, vegan, Invati Advanced Intensive Hair and Scalp Masque by Aveda, and Kerastase's L'Huile Originale - Elixir Ultime, and Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum to take care of her tresses. If she is fond of styling her hair regularly, but worried about damage from the heat, the Dyson haircare range of Airwrap and Corrale, will allow her to create salon styles without causing any damage from the heat. Add another layer into her beauty routine with luxury candles by Misa for her to relax and rejuvenate amid the soothing fragrance of natural essential oils used in these soy wax candles.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-beauty_1620289298750.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Love Organically</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kiro_1620300083481.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Kiro Beauty</figcaption></figure><p> </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Aveda-_1620300159135.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Aveda</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Dyson_1620308280433.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Dyson</figcaption></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Foodie mama</h2><p>If Italian is what makes her drool, then gift her Cremeitalia's cheese hamper comprising of gourmet jars, Burrata, and products by The Baker’s Dozen, among others. And while you gift her a day off from household chores, surprise her with The Little Easy’s DIY Sangria Kit and get her in high spirits. We all know there’s nothing better than <i>maa ke haath ke khana</i>, so help her take it a notch hire with some ready to cook pastes specially for the rushed mornings. Pick from Tulua's butter masala, ghee roast and Malabar curry to truly show your appreciation. For all chai loving moms, go for Karma Kettle's Mother's Day collection of six teas including, Kashmiri Khawa Chai, black teas from Assam and Darjeeling, and herbal, floral loose-leaf tisane featuring Himalayan rhododendron, tulsi, clove, basil, marigold, and calendula.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-Food-drinks_1620289355606.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: The Little Easy</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Cremeitalia_Cheese-Hamper_1620300188549.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Cremeitalia</figcaption></figure><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COcqDhop6Ud/"></oembed></figure><h2>5. Hustler mama</h2><p>For an aspiring chef, unable to take out time from her busy schedule, help your mom hone her culinary skills by enrolling her for Conosh's upcoming Mother's Day online food workshops: Veg Summer Salads and A Healthy Approach to Everyday Meals, by Chef Neha Deepak Shah, co-founder of Meraaki Kitchen & Café White Sage; and Edible Painting and 2D Toppers on Fondant Cake (Eggless) by cake artist Urvi Zaveri. In fact, MasterClass is offering a buy one get one free membership for Mother's Day, that you can gift your mom and let baker Apollonia Poilâne polish her baking skills. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COZqzF-JN30/"></oembed></figure><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/COd1hJMNrPx/"></oembed></figure><h2>6. Health conscious</h2><p>Make sure your mom never takes her health for granted despite all the responsibilities and workload of both office as well as home. Gift her immunity tubes by Daily Rituals, supplements formulated with vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine ashwagandha. In fact, as a special offer for Mother's Day, the company is giving two tubes at the price of one. Another option to checkout is Onelife's organic wellness hamper, which includes organic honey, herbal green teas, cold press oils, collagen supplements, apple cider vinegar, and a plethora of dietary supplements to boost her immunity. Make sure you consult your doc before starting her on these.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-Fitness_1620289242609.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Daily Rituals</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Wellness-Hamper-by-One-Life_1620300288639.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Onelife</figcaption></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Décor enthusiast</h2><p>Spark the creative genius in your home’s domestic goddess, your mom, with Good Earth's Spring Awakening collection of décor and entertaining essentials. For some artisanal serve ware you can also checkout Studio Coppre and Zishta.  Speaking of relaxation. For moms with a green thumb, a planter by Bonasila will help her spruce up her indoor planting hobby. Light weight, elegant, easy to move, these fiberglass planters will give her a chance to redesign and recreate new interiors every day. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mother%27s-Day-Nature_1620289425447.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Bonasila Planters</figcaption></figure><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMj-al8pgq5/"></oembed></figure>