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<p>The Pink City of India is famous for its historic monuments and rich culture. But little do people know that the Jaipur market is a one-stop shopping destination for precious gems, wooden and marble handicrafts, traditional occasion wear, and feisty spices. A shopper’s paradise, the best shopping places in Jaipur offer unbeatable prices for an array of products that will make your experience an enriching one.</p><p><strong>7 best shopping places in Jaipur:</strong></p><h2>1. Johari bazaar</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_JB_1660145578974.jpg"></figure><p>The heart of Jaipur, Johari bazaar is the home to India’s most luxurious jewels. Lined with shops to mega-sized jewellery stores, at this Jaipur market you will find everything from precious gemstones, imitation handmade jewellery, delicate Kundan work kadas, and semi-precious gems. With a limited warranty on the products, a trip to Johari bazaar will test your bargaining skills.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Johri Bazar Chuwapimpara, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Jewellery with precious gemstones, kundan kadas, handmade necklaces</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours:</strong> 10 am to 11 pm</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, Kabul Chicken Sajji, Shri Shyaam Chaat Bhandar</span></p><h2>2. Tripolia bazaar  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_TB_1660145590297.jpg"></figure><p>At Tripolia bazaar, get your hands on the best lac jewellery and a variety of bangles. A must-visit place when in Jaipur, the bazaar is bustling with locals and tourists who visit the area to take back a piece of Rajasthan’s traditional accessory. Despite being known for their lac bangles, Tripolia also has a variety of shops selling local bandhani fabric, brass artifacts, and souvenirs.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Tripolia Bazar in Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Lac bangles and, tie and dye fabric</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours: </strong>10 am to 7 pm</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Shrii Gopi Pavita Bhojnalaya, The Palace Cafe, Samrat Ki Kachori Samosa</span></p><p><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">AlsoRead0</span></p><h2>3. Chandpole bazaar</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_CB_1660145600994.jpg"></figure><p>Get your hands on Jaipur’s famous items and handicrafts at Chandpole bazaar. An abode for collectors, Chandpole bazaar is flocked with hawkers and artisans selling their craft at reasonable prices. If you are looking for intricate marble, stone, or wood sculptures, head over to the khazanewalon ka rasta. A winding lane in the bazaar where you will discover hidden shopping gems of the city.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Indira Bazar, Jhotwara, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Stone and marble sculptures</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours:</strong> 11 am onwards</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Krishna’s Bakery, Mohan Restaurant, Bagra Pavitra Bhojnalaya</span></p><h2>4. Kishanpole bazaar  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_KB_1660145615368.jpg"></figure><p>Housing some of India’s best fabrics, Kishanpole bazaar is a wholesale hub in Jaipur for all things Rajasthani. Jaipur’s famous market, at Kishanpole bazaar, you can also buy wooden sculptures and textile souvenirs like torans to take back home.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Kishanpole Bazaar Road, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Jaipuri fabric and wooden sculptures</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours:</strong> 11 am to 9 pm</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Akbari Hotel, Morija House Restaurant, New Janta Bakery  </span></p><h2>5. Nehru bazaar</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_NB_1660145623624.jpg"></figure><p>This Jaipur market is famous for traditional footwear. Find vibrant and intricately woven Jaipuri jootis for everyday and party wear. Your bargaining skills will come in handy at Nehru bazaar because the sellers are very adamant about prices. Try a pair of shoes before buying, jootis are known to give shoe bites when they run a size small.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Film Colony, Jhotwara, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: J</strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">aipuri jooti</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours:</strong> 10.30 am to 7.30 pm</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sardar Ji’s Lassi and Kachori, Mohan Restaurant, Neelam Dhaba</span></p><p><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">AlsoRead1</span></p><h2>6. Sireh Deori bazaar</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SDB_1660145632724.jpg"></figure><p>This Jaipur shopping market has the best variety of streetwear in the city. At Sireh Deori Bazaar, shop for exclusive leather items, colourful puppets, and one-of-a-kind hangings made by local artisans. Opposite the famous Hawa Mahal, the bazaar also has shops selling Rajasthani quilts and snacks.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Sireh Deori Gate, J.D.A. Market, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Camel leather products</span></p><p><strong>Opening Hours:</strong> 11 am onwards</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Marky Momos Hawamahal, Art Cafe, Heritage Buffet Restaurant</span></p><h2>7. Bapu bazaar</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BB_1660145643932.jpg"></figure><p>One of the best shopping spots in the city, Bapu bazaar, has a shop for everything. A one-stop shop for all Jaipuri items, handicrafts, snacks, and even spices—you will be spoilt for choice at Bapu Bazaar. Your bags will feel a little heavier and your wallets lighter because this street-style Jaipur market is easily the best there is.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Bapu Bazaar, Jaipur</p><p><strong>Must-buy items: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Jaipuri razai, footwear, handicrafts, bags</span></p><p><strong>Opening hours:</strong> 11 am onwards</p><p><strong>Where to eat: </strong><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Valentine Cafe, Samrat Restaurant, Falahaar, Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar</span></p><p>A beautiful shopping destination, Jaipur markets offer more than products to buy. They take you on a cultural experience where you can take back a piece of their varied history in the form of their craft. </p><blockquote><p>Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. </p></blockquote>

A paradise for shopaholics, these Jaipur markets will take you on an enriching experience as you stroll through lanes buying a piece of the city’s rich heritage.

A paradise for shopaholics, the Jaipur markets will take you on an enriching experience as you stroll through lanes buying a piece of the city’s rich heritage.

7 Best Shopping Places In Jaipur You Can’t Miss | Zee Zest

Top Shopping Places In Jaipur For The Shopaholic In You

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<p>The Indian film universe is about to witness the addition of some stellar movies scheduled to release in theatres and streaming platforms this month. Some of the highlights include mom-to-be Alia Bhatt’s dark comedy-drama Darlings, which marks her debut as a producer, and the Aamir Khan and Naga Chaitanya-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha, which is a remake of the Hollywood blockbuster Forrest Gump and Telugu star Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday’s Liger. In addition, there’s a comedy to make you ROFL, drama to stir your soul, and crime and mystery to stimulate fear.  </p><h2>1. Darlings </h2><p>Starring Alia Bhatt, Vijay Varma, Roshan Mathew, and Shefali Shah in pivotal roles, Darlings is a dark comedy that tells the story of a mother-daughter duo (played by Alia and Shefali) trying to find a footing in Mumbai and simultaneously seeking love in extraordinary situations. The film is written and directed by Jasmeet K Reen and is co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 5, 2022, on Netflix</i></p><p><i>Watch the Darlings trailer here: </i> </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmx5KDOpqeg"></oembed></figure><h2>2. Laal Singh Chaddha </h2><p>An official remake of the 1994 Hollywood blockbuster Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks, Laal Singh Chaddha features Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan from Bollywood in lead roles, and Telugu star Naga Chaitanya in a special role. The trailer of the movie has received mixed reviews on social media, and many netizens couldn’t help but draw parallels between characters that Aamir has played in the past including PK and 3 Idiots and his upcoming one in Laal Singh Chaddha.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 11, 2022, in theatres </i></p><p><i>Watch Laal Singh Chaddha trailer here:  </i></p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Tg5BLRmTcg"></oembed></figure><p>  </p><h2>3. Raksha Bandhan </h2><p>One of Bollywood’s most popular jodi, Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar are back with another small-town comedy-drama with a social message, right in time for the festival of Raksha Bandhan. In this film, Akshay plays the role of a small-time businessman and his relentless efforts of getting his four sisters married. Meanwhile, his love relationship with Bhumi struggles because he has pledged to tie the knot only once all his sisters are married.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 11, 2022, in theatres </i></p><p><i>Watch Raksha Bandhan trailer here: </i> </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQF4zbOKoEY"></oembed></figure><p>   </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Dobaaraa </h2><p>Actor Taapsee Pannu is on a roll! Her upcoming film Dobaaraa is a thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap and produced by Shobha and Ektaa Kapoor. It is a Hindi adaptation of the popular Spanish thriller Mirage, and the story revolves around the life of a young woman, who tries to save the life of a 12-year-old boy. But little does she know; this boy is indirectly involved in a murder that took place twenty years ago.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 19, 2022, in theatres </i></p><p><i>Watch Dobaaraa trailer here:  </i></p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoAouCAhDW0"></oembed></figure><h2>5. Liger </h2><p>Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday come together for an action drama based on mixed martial arts, which will be released in Telugu and Hindi languages. Vijay plays the role of a MMA fighter who from suffers speech impediment, and Ananya plays his love interest in the film. Liger marks the Bollywood debut of the legendary ex-professional boxer Mike Tyson, famously nicknamed ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘Kid Dynamite’. Co-produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film also stars Ramya Krishnan as the lead’s mother, and Ronit Roy.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 25, 2022, in theatres </i></p><p><i>Watch Liger trailer here: </i></p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgcruVx0dNM"></oembed></figure><p>   </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Thai Massage </h2><p>Divyendu Sharma, Gajraj Rao, Sunny Hinduja, and Rajpal Yadav will be seen in director and writer Mangesh Hadawale’s Thai Massage. It is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a 70-year-old man who is facing erectile dysfunction. Thai Massage, touted as a family entertainer, is shot in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and Thailand.  </p><p><i>Releasing on: August 26, 2022, in theatres </i></p><p><i>Watch Thai Massage trailer here:  </i></p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbVoXdmKWMQ"></oembed></figure><p> Now that you know about all the exciting movies releasing in August, which of these are you watching this month? <i>Darlings, Raksha Bandhan, Liger, </i>or any other? </p>

Comedy, drama, mystery –ask for it and there is a movie on the genre releasing this month.

Here is a list of Hindi movies releasing in August 2022 in theatres and on OTT. Read more on zeezest.com. 

From Liger To Darlings: 6 Hindi Movies Releasing In August 2022

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5 Ways To Experience Kerala’s True Culture

<p>Chettinad has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and colourful history. Its stunning palatial mansions, beautiful well-planned towns, intricate craft forms, and flavourful food has been stuff of legends. Despite this rich cultural heritage the region has remained off the popular tourist circuits. The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival is working to change that.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PHOTO-2022-08-03-15-03-51_1659958910690.jpg"></figure><p>The four-day fiesta aims to promote local crafts, skills and art forms of the region and take it to a larger audience across the country. The idea, say the organisers, is not just to create awareness but also to generate tourism for the region, which is the only way to sustain its heritage. “We had mooted the idea of organising the festival to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage,” informs Mrs Meenakshi Meyyappan of The Bangala who has been leading conversations around the conservation of Chettinad’s heritage for years and had first conceived the idea of the festival with the Yacob George, the General Manager of The Bangala, a heritage hotel run by her family. “We felt that for this rich heritage to survive we need to generate economic activity in the Chettinadregion and that a cultural festival will bring about sustainable heritage tourism.” The idea was then given the shape of a four-day cultural event and a comprehensive list of cultural experiences was curated by Padma Shree awardee Leela Samson, who is also a Bharatanatyam artiste, writer and actress. The festival, scheduled from August 12-15, 2022, promises a host of experiences for the visitors. </p><p><strong>Zee Zest brings to you a comprehensive list from Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival:</strong></p><h2>1. A walk through the mansions of Chettinad</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PHOTO-2022-08-03-15-12-29%20%281%29_1659958895989.jpg"></figure><p>Made by the Chettiars, the mansions of Chettinad stand testimony to the community’s wealth, and passion for art and architecture. These sprawling mansions showcase the financial and social prowess of the community and of the family they belong to: the grander the mansion the more respected the family. Since the Chettiars travelled across the world, their mansions reflect their exposure to western and eastern countries and are adorned with choicest of materials from all over the world — think Belgian glass, Burmese teak and Italian marble. In the many walks scheduled during the festival you can witness the architecture, which is a mélange of Eastern and Western styles and carry elements of all possible forms from art deco columns, to Victorian parapets, to Gothic domes to traditional courtyards, sprawling verandahs and Mangalore tiled roofs.</p><h2>2. A trail of Chettinad’s ancient temples</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PHOTO-2022-08-03-15-07-36_1659958833094.jpg"></figure><p>Like all Tamil temples, the temples of Chettinad are not only popular for their spiritual value but also serve as keepers of the ancient Tamil culture. Colourful, multi-spired, small, big, or grand, these temples have stood for centuries and remain relevant even today in the region. At the Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival, you can participate in guided tours of local temples led by Dr Chithra Madhavan, along with musical inputs by Amritha Murali. While Dr Madhavan is a renowned writer and historian, Amritha Murali is a known violist and vocalist. The temple trail takes you to Jeyamkonda Soleeswarar Sivan Kovil, known for its 125-odd rare sculptures, Thiruvengadamudayan Perumal Thirukovil, known for its lofty seven-tier rajagopuram; the Ayyanar Trail meanwhile takes you to the unique roofless shrines in Urupatti, Arandangi, Kuthadivayal and Panjati. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p> </p><h2>3. Dance recitals and lessons in history</h2><p>Music and dance performances, instrumental recitals and special lectures by historians, conservationists, and writers aim to draw attention to the cultural heritage of Chettinad and the need to celebrate it. You can attend Bharatnatyam and Carnatic music performances, flute recitals, talks on the architecture and heritage of Chettinad and lectures on the arts and crafts of the region by some of the most renowned artists and historians in the region. These talks and performances, organised inside scenic temple courtyards and historical mansions, promise to help you gain deeper understanding of the culture while keeping you engaged and entertained.</p><h2>4. A peek into Chettinad cuisine</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PHOTO-2022-08-03-15-09-27%20%281%29_1659958848438.jpg"></figure><p>No cultural festival is complete without its cuisine and Chettinad is known the world over for its spicy, nuanced, and diverse food culture. The four-day festival promises luxurious lunches, delicious dinners and languorous breakfast. Hosted at some of the most beautiful properties in Chettinadu these showcase age-old family recipes, cooking styles and native ingredients preserved as family heirloom by the community. For those who love to cook, the Chettinad cooking demo and workshop at The Bangala is a highlight, for those who love to eat there is a temple dinner promising authentic temple cuisine and two elaborate dinners at the legendary V. VR. House, Kaanadukathan, PMA House, Kottaiyur, and The Bangala Karaikudi. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Saris, baskets, diamonds and more</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PHOTO-2022-08-03-15-12-31_1659958861621.jpg"></figure><p>Chettinad is a haven for art and craft lovers. Being deep in the heart of Tamilnadu the region has a rich tradition of handwoven saris in distinct checkered patterns and detailed borders. The region is also known for colourful cement tiles, beautiful antique utensils, art and teak furniture from old mansions, bell metal lamps, kottan baskets and diamond work. At the Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival, you not only have a chance to see these craft forms being made but also take some home from the exhibitions at the MS House. And while at it you can also sample, and take home, the famous Chettinad Palakaram, or fried snacks. These crunchy savoury chaklis and mixtures will remind you of Chettinad for weeks afterwards.</p>

Immerse yourself in the splendour of centuries-old temples, Chettiar mansions, and the craftsmanship of tiles and textiles of the region at the four-day festival. 

A four-day Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival focuses on Chettinad’s history and culture. Read about it on zeezest.com 

Celebrate Tamil culture at Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival 

Why You Should Be Part Of Chettinad’s Heritage And Culture Festival 

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<p>When you think of the big-fat Indian wedding, what comes to mind? Extravagant décor, 150 more guests than one can handle, lavish spread of food that covers all possible cuisines—from chaat to sushi, paanwala flown in from Lucknow, and all of this at a place like Bali or Maldives or even Goa. Are we getting warm?</p><p>Now picture this. Customised invites, a venue decorated so elegantly that it transports you to another world, a menu curated so specifically that you’d think they called to ask you for your preferences, mini events that lead up to the main wedding in such a meticulous fashion that you would want to attend them all, and wedding favours that will steal your heart. Yes, the big fat Indian wedding is changing.</p><p>Luxe event designer and founder of the Chennai-based company, The A-Cube Project, Ambika Gupta says: “While for years, fairy-tale and destination weddings have been the ultimate dream, today most couples are opting to have more intimate celebrations, focusing on the smaller details. Right from invites to the food, couples are increasingly looking for innovative ways to add a personal touch and signature to the event that will set them apart from the rest adding scope for experimentation.” </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Let’s go green</h2><p>The other factor that has come to play is people are also becoming environment conscious. "Carbon footprint is becoming a definite topic of discussion, and couples are opting for green weddings or sustainable weddings to reduce the event’s effect on the environment,” she says.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_image%201%20Preferred%20stage_1661429882480.jpg"></figure><p>Gupta—who put together a breathtaking wedding for film actors Nikki Galrani (Tamil and Malayalam cinema) and Aadhi Pinisetty (Tamil and Telugu cinema) a few months ago—picked every single element extremely thoughtfully. “We used shola flowers from West Bengal to decorate the stage and it made the whole place look ethereal,” she says, adding, “Actor Kajal Aggarwal took the initiative to incorporate recyclable elements and give recognition to coconut farmers by using <i>pettis</i> for her <i>haldi</i> bridal backdrop.” Sourcing locally is yet another way to ensure you keep a check on your carbon footprint. Gupta sourced traditional flowers such as the tube rose and white lotus too, as part of the décor for the actors’ wedding. </p><h2>Intimate and personal</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_image%202%20Wows_1661429919566.jpg"></figure><p>Intimate settings are yet another change that’s slowly creeping into wedding, especially after the pandemic. “Using Nikki and Aadhi’s wedding as an example, they had their <i>mehendi</i> in their garden and we all saw how Bollywood celebrities Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor tied the knot in their living room. Even in the most intimate weddings, couples are looking for extremely personalised décor. And the best part is the challenge that comes with it—to be creative with décor when space is limited,” Gupta explains.</p><p>Even when it comes to food, personalisation is key. “Choices are constantly evolving with changing trends. Couples personalise cocktails, appetisers, and main course according to the theme of the event. We are always looking to push our boundaries so we can cater to the newer demands,” she says.</p><p>Yet another thing to keep in mind is that stories always add to the personal touch when it comes to planning weddings. “We heard stories of how Aadhi and Nikki met, how their relationship developed over time, their romance, their friendship—and these stories actually enabled us to weave a perfect wedding for them,” Gupta says. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_image%203%20Nikki%20Galrani%2C%20Ambika%20Gupta%2C%20Aadhi%20Pinishetty_2_1661429944810.jpg"><figcaption>Nikki Galrani, Ambika Gupta and Aadhi Pinisetty </figcaption></figure><h2>Home is the best destination</h2><p>One of the effects of trying to be eco-conscious is that a lot of young couples are also preferring to be married on their home turf. But that does not mean one cannot bring Bali to their living room. From setting up a Middle Eastern ambience for a sangeet and an engagement party at a faux Chettinad home to a wedding that’s inspired from the Louvre Museum in Paris—Gupta points out that a customised theme can elevate any wedding, as long as the elements are not ad-hoc but detailed. “It’s important to make sure everything, no matter how small, comes together properly, flows from one to the other, and doesn't look like everything was slapped on in a hurry,” says Gupta, signing off. </p>

Chennai-based celebrity wedding planner Ambika Gupta talks about the evolving trends in desi weddings. 

Chennai-based celebrity wedding planner Ambika Gupta talks about the changing trends in Indian weddings. Read about it on zeezest.com 

The Changing Trends In Indian Weddings | Zee Zest 

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<p>Pooches are the best thing on social media and there’s no way to deny it. Their funny antics leave us in splits or just make us smile, whether we’re stuck in traffic or just trying to cheer up. </p><p>Watching them being cuddled, pranked, while sporting a range of cute outfits is a part of our daily routine now. There are very few things as adorable as watching them and it’s impossible to scroll past these videos without liking and sharing them with your peeps. But then, what draws us to them?</p><h2>Why do people follow dog influencers?</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJKARZelY09/"></oembed></figure><p>What is that they do to us to make our world better? When we asked people why they follow dogs on social media, we received a collective response, “They make us feel good and are the ultimate stress busters.” But that isn’t all about it, there’s more to dog videos and influencers with massive following. The world’s most followed dog on social media, Jiffpom has 9.6 million followers, followed by Doug the Pug with 3.7 million and Shinjiro Ono with 2.4 million following respectively. From their drools to their snores, everything they do is adorable and sells on social media.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChaT5Agpchx/"></oembed></figure><p>According to a recent Barkbox study published in Adobe.com, 1 in 10 dog owners has created a separate profile for their dog and some of these draw more traction than their own profiles. To understand the psychology behind, we turned to Mitali Parekh, canine behaviourist, founder of GoodDog! Pet services, who says, “We are wired to respond to cute things like children, and that same applies to when you see a dog or a cat video. The psychology behind this is that you have to understand that dogs and we evolved together 25,000 years ago. Dogs were the first animal we domesticated, so there’s a bond over here which is 25,000 years old and watching them makes you happy. However, the purpose is not just entertainment. It’s good when people use their content to spread awareness about the ethical methods of training involved.”</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgzDJiqvSXH/"></oembed></figure><p>Another study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, that was published on firststopsingapore.com states watching these videos can help reduce stress levels by up to 50 per cent. It was noted that after watching these funny videos for 30 minutes straight, their blood pressure dropped to the ideal pressure range. A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology says that being exposed to funny videos</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>The growing trend of celebrity dog influencers </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIz3fYJ7aE/"></oembed></figure><p>Celebrities might have a massive fan following, but their furry friends are no less - they are the superstars of social media in their own right. From Paris Hilton to Priyanka Chopra, their pets have their own social media accounts, Hilton Pets, Diaries of Diana, and Abraham Bailey are just to name a few. They are well-groomed, accessorised and exceptionally adorable dogs and their day-to-day activities are documented strategically that go phenomenally viral drawing millions of double taps and mushy comments. In fact, even random clips of them lounging have the potential to leave us in complete awe. But why do people want their dogs to be Instagram famous and show how much they love them and make sure it’s well showcased on social media?</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVRwSztsZ3C/"></oembed></figure><p>“The whole internet is essentially run by cats and dogs much before Instagram. Even on Reddit, the minute it came up in the late ‘90s. The reason why pet parents feel the need to create their dog’s profile is the same reason why parents feel the need to tell everybody about the little things their child has done when nobody is interested. This is much better because you can unfollow or not follow content you are not interested in. While the rest of us have to listen to how cute their children are and how well they click in person. Dogs are a child replacement in many cases, people may not put up their children’s picture because of superstitious reasons but people very much want to share the joy and fun they have with their animals among like-minded people.”</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfEqMTPpUne/"></oembed></figure><p>However, on the side note, Parekh stresses that it’s also about sharing happiness and that makes other people happy. “It forms a bond of community and of course, it’s great for business. If you’re running a pet-related business, for instance, animal behaviourist and show many things your dog can do, that way your dog is your resume,” she explains. In fact, it’s perhaps the only content on social media that doesn’t trigger negativity and calms your brain.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BeiXc8VHmCc/"></oembed></figure><p>Earlier in an interview with Financial Times, Priyanka had shared that it wasn't her, but Diana who chose her. Recalling how she ended up adopting Diana in 2016, she said, “It was four years ago, at a time in my life where I was really low: I had just moved to the States, I was mourning my father’s death, I didn’t know anybody – I was working on Quantico for ABC and going back home on my own. One day, I was doing an interview with BuzzFeed, and they unleashed all these puppies on me and I was supposed to answer questions when I was handling them. Diana kind of hid under my arm. I just fell in love with her and had to take her home. I had somebody to take care of and, in return, she took care of me. I feel that about my pups in such a big way. If you look after them, they really look after you; they heal your heart. They make us more human.”</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcfjLRkhutW/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bac1fa52-8d28-4bcd-88b1-8092da4657b9"></oembed></figure><p>Similarly, celebs including Madhuri Dixit, Disha Patani, John Abraham, Raveena Tandon and many others share pictures and videos of their dogs’ daily activity with captions such as, “Nothing like a little unconditional love all day every day!”, “If I had to describe what beauty is...this is it” and so on. And these adorable pups filling up our social media feeds have become a major part of our digital regime. According to experts, engaging with them (in this case, virtually) increases serotonin and dopamine in our brain and it makes us feel happy and positive. May we never tire of seeing more of them. We can’t deny that they are a lot more entertaining than humans, can we? </p>

On International Dog Day, Zee Zest dives into the growing trend of four-legged influencers on the internet. 

On the occasion of International Dog Day, let’s take a look at what draws us to them and makes our world better. Read more on zeezest.com 

The Growing Trend Of Dog Influencers On Instagram | Zee Zest

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International Dog Day

 Dog Influencers On Instagram

Celebrity Dog Accounts

<p>“My dream role? I am a greedy actor. I am someone who wants to do it all,” Huma Qureshi tells us. “But being a superhero would be my dream role.” </p><p>We’re chatting with the <i>Maharani 2</i> actor on the sets of Zee Zest’s August 2022 digital cover shoot at the newly launched Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai hotel. She’s dressed in a plain black t-shirt and a comfy pair of track pants, her hair tied in a ponytail, and a bare face that tells us she's comfortable in her own skin. It is a dressed-down, cosy attire for a rainy mid-week afternoon before she transitioned into the chic style diva for the digital cover shoot. We started with multiple rounds of rapid-fire questions to break the ice, and I was comforted by her casual and friendly demeanour peppered with a unique sense of humour and sarcasm. That set the stage for a candid conversation about her travels, experiments with movies, becoming a positive thinker, and leading her life on her own terms.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_17_AUG_20222284_1661487550073.jpg"><figcaption>Our cover star Huma Qureshi is wearing a multicoloured dress from Zara with a Lable Jenn leather belt, and  a trench coat by Kh House of Khadar. She has accessorised the ensemble with a pair of E3K earrings and Soeazi nails. She is wearing Coach Audrey, a sleek rose gold watch paired with rich burgundy mother of pearl dial, adorned with sparkling crystals.</figcaption></figure><p>“People often think that I am a very serious person. But I am a goofball and you should never take me seriously,” she asserts. A few responses to our rapid-fire Q&A, and there is no doubt that she’s funny—but there is also no way we can take her lightly. There is no mistaking that her dynamic personality and jauntiness also come with a strong work profile. </p><p>Huma shot to fame with her debut role in the multigenerational crime saga <i>Gangs of Wasseypur </i>(2012). Her badass portrayal of a mafia’s wife won the actor several awards. She and her fellow actors garnered global recognition when <i>Gangs of Wasseypur </i>was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012; after all, it was the first mainstream Bollywood film to be selected for the Director’s Fortnight. She has won critical acclaim for her roles in <i>Dedh Ishqiya </i>and <i>Shorts</i>. And that’s just Hindi films. She won the ‘best actress in a leading role’ award by one of India’s leading publications for her performance in SonyLiv’s <i>Maharani</i>, a political drama series on OTT. Huma as the protagonist managed to mesmerise the audience with her powerful and magnetic aura. Cut to 2022, Huma’s <i>Valimai </i>(in Tamil and Hindi) has garnered a lot of appreciation; and now, she’s ready to reel in the success of the second season of <i>Maharani</i>.   </p><h2>Conforming is not the norm for Huma</h2><p>Huma’s not the one to try and fit in; instead, she stands out, knowingly or unknowingly, courtesy of her game-changing approach to life. “I never took any of the stereotypes seriously since I valued dedication and hard work. I firmly believe that you get what you give, thus I always gave my all and [have] received nothing less,” shares Huma, who seems to have made her peace with the fact that her work will do the talking on her behalf. </p><p>This is evident in her unconventional role choices. If you have watched <i>Dedh Ishqiya</i>, <i>Ek Thi Dayan</i>, <i>Badlapur</i>, <i>Dobaara</i>, <i>Kaala</i>, or <i>Army of the Dead </i>(her Hollywood debut), you’ll notice that each character has a distinct personality. At one point she’s the companion of a con-woman; at another, she’s playing a mother looking for her daughter’s whereabouts in a totalitarian regime; and then there she is acing a Qawwali performance in the recent Sanjay Leela Bhansali film <i>Gangubai Kathiawadi </i>with her killer expressions. “I enjoy exploring and experimenting with new roles and scripts, so I select a project that allows me to learn a new character and become a better version of myself,” shares Huma, who looks at each work opportunity as a chance to learn new things and skill sets. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_17_AUG_20222351_1661487440748.jpg"></figure><p>Based on her experience in the industry playing diverse and eclectic roles, Huma also feels that at this point, we are walking the talk when we say that women today should be empowered in more ways than one. “The audience is quite appreciative of how well women are doing in every aspect of life,” she says.   </p><h2>Well-being comes first</h2><p>"Health and wellness have always been top priorities for me; but in 2022, I started prioritising mental wellness too,” shares Huma, who swears by the mantra: ’my body, my rules’. In 2021, Huma debuted on TV as the host of Zee Zest’s <a href="https://zeezest.com/shows/fit-fab-feast-with-huma-qureshi-4"><i>Fit Fab and Feast</i> </a>with Huma Qureshi, where we watched her ace fitness challenges like a bawse. And in 2022, her focus on mental well-being has been evident. Scour through her Instagram profile and you’ll know there’s more than what meets the eye. She’s adventurous, creative, affectionate, ambitious, and straightforward. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_17_AUG_20222440_1661487458341.jpg"><figcaption>Huma's donned a white mesh off-shoulder ruched midi dress by Herin, paired with Zevar King earrings and nails by Soeazi. She is is wearing Coach Cary 34mm watch that sparkles with bright rainbow-hued pavé crystals.</figcaption></figure><p>She recently opened up about how battling her inner demons gave her the confidence to embrace herself in the most authentic way and her life decisions. Curious to know how that happened, we enquired about Huma’s secrets for mental and physical wellbeing. “I make sure to set out time for my wellbeing. I combine HIIT (high-intensity interval training) with yoga for my workout. And my physical and mental health have greatly benefitted by my practice of yoga and meditation,” she explains. But her biggest therapy, and stress reliever, has been her dog. </p><p>Her lightness of being and optimistic attitude toward life becomes ever more evident through her poetic endeavours. Soaking in the little moments and joys of life, and weaving them into poetry, Huma is clearly a dreamer, who is manifesting her own desires one step at a time. Loving, living and dreaming, Huma often gives wings to her gypsy soul by bringing alive her hidden melancholic poet.  “I want to go where the seas meet the skies, mountains kiss sunshine, and winds whisper sweet-nothings in my ears,” reads one of the verses she posted on her social media account. Perhaps, this is Huma’s way of expressing herself. Or maybe, it’s a beautiful escape from the strenuous limelight. Either way, it’s hard to ignore this whimsical side of Huma.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_17_AUG_20222280_1661487476729.jpg"></figure><h2>Thinking positive </h2><p>A key point in taking care of one’s mental health is to cultivate a positive outlook on things. Huma acknowledges the power of positive thinking and says that it has allowed her to communicate with the universe. “Because attraction is defined by what you think or say, optimistic thinking has enabled me to achieve much in life.” </p><p>But it doesn’t take much time for positivity to turn toxic at times. The need to always be positive at any cost, in any situation, can get tricky, and Huma quite agrees. “It is not easy to change your negative thoughts to positive ones. It is genuinely not easy to do, but I believe we do it most of the time,” she reassures.  </p><h2>Matters of size </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ZEEZEST_17_AUG_20222101_1661487388100.jpg"><figcaption>The 'Maharani 2' actor is sporting a Dhruv Kapoor ruffle shirt with a Massimo Dutti satin skirt. Her look is paired with a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, hand cuffs and a pair of earrings by Zevar King, and nails by Soezi. On her wrist is Coach Preston 36mm bejewelled watch studded with pavé crystals across the dial, bezel and bracelet.</figcaption></figure><p>Come to think of it, our cover girl's already a real-life superhero—not force-fitting herself in society’s moulds and inspiring people to bring the change they want to see. Sure, Huma tasted success early in her film career, but criticism wasn’t far behind. She faced negative comments online regarding her body weight. While it did affect her initially, over time, she stopped reacting to body shamers. “I am not doing something to make them happy or to get friendly with them so that they write good stuff about me. That is their opinion and I leave it up to them. That is their opinion and I leave it up to them,” she said in an interview with Hindustan Times. </p><p>Huma is clearly paving the path for body positivity—living her life on her own terms, loving the person that she is, and celebrating herself unapologetically are her ways of dealing with all that hate. “Celebrating yourself is really important. If you won't, who else will!,” states the Maharani 2 actor. </p><p>The confidence she channels today comes after nearly a decade of proving her mettle as a talented actor and performer. Also, by being at the receiving end of criticism for her weight and dealing with it. When not making our jaws drop with her excellent dialogue delivery and charisma, Huma is busy advocating body positivity and smashing stereotypes in her own unique way. She’s also raising eyebrows with important questions like ‘why can’t we respect and appreciate individuality?’ and ‘why does there have to be a box? And why is it important for us to fit into that?’. </p><p>To continue to champion this cause and her belief that every person is beautiful, Huma is now gearing up for <i>Double XL</i>. It will be her debut film as a producer and will address the pressing issue of body shaming, which she has been a victim of, time and again. </p><p>Huma is all about finding joy, not sticking to stereotypes, and doing whatever she deems fit—be it related to her body, mind, life, or career; and we’re totally digging this oh-so-relatable Maharani! Aren’t you?  </p><p><i><strong>Credits:</strong></i><br><i>Editor: Sumita Bagchi  </i><br><i>Photographer: Atul Kasbekar</i><br><i>Creative Consultant: Mitrajit Bhattacharya</i><br><i>Watch Partner: Coach</i><br><i>Assistant photographer and BTS video: Rahul Sawant</i><br><i>Video Edit: Media Edge</i><br><i>Stylist: Aastha Sharma, Wardrobist</i><br><i>Assistant stylist: Reann Moradian and Nida Shah</i><br><i>Hair stylist: Ajay Vishwasrao</i><br><i>Makeup: Susan Emmanuel</i><br><i>Location: Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai</i><br><i>Artist PR: Pearl Media </i></p>

For most of us, she already is a real-life superhero, showing us the real meaning of self-love and confidence.

Zeezest.com digital cover star for August 2022, Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi talks about self-love, wellness, self-care, and more.

Interview with Maharani 2 Actor Huma Qureshi | Zee Zest Digital Cover Aug 2022

Huma Qureshi: The Maharani Who Aspires To Be A Superhero 

Huma Qureshi

 Wellness 

Health 

Digital Cover

Body Positivity

Culture

Entertainment

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<p>Growing up in Delhi, fed on a steady diet of mythology and drama, my earliest memories were of standing in endless fields of grass watching a glorious enactment of the Ram Leela.</p><p>Next to my grandmother’s home in Model Town, for just a few rupees, we all went to visit a veritable wonderland, partaking in the festivities around Dussehra. Toy sellers sold swords, bows and arrows and maces made of wood, each carefully wrapped in shiny gold and silver paper sheets. Sweet and snack vendors lolled around the parade ground. Ferris wheels and merry-go-rounds whizzed round and round at a dizzying pace.</p><p>In the cacophony of it all, a makeshift stage stood at the centre of the field. Garishly painted sets, including a palace, the forest—Ashok Vatika and Lanka, were pushed in and out of the stage ever so often. Acted out by a motley cast of mostly men, we craned our necks to see the abduction of Sita Mata and Hanuman ji’s decimation of Lanka.</p><p>Finally, when the war drew to a close, Lord Rama, who had just stepped off the stage on to a chariot, (and many times on foot depending on the production budget) pierced the bellies of the demons’ effigies: Ravan, Kumbhakarn and Meghanath with a blazing arrow.</p><p>We watched the straw demons go up in a blaze of fireworks, each collapsing in slow motion, nearly missing the screaming crowds who ventured too close. Amidst a sea of people, my eyes were filled with stars while flames leapt into the sky. A memory that has stayed on for decades.</p><h2>Living traditions</h2><p>When the blooms of night jasmine or raat ki rani’s perfume filled Delhi’s air, you knew that autumn was making way for winter, and that Dussehra was around the corner. Sweeping across northern India, Ram Leela, a condensed form of Ramayana with songs, narration, recital and dialogue is performed. The vivid dramatisation of Ramcharitamanas is based on the Hindi text penned by Tulsidas, who made the Sanskrit epic accessible to all.</p><p>In 2008, UNESCO inscribed the performance of Ram Leela as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity that brought communities together, without distinction of caste, religion or age, involving those of all faiths in the performance, from playing roles to designing costumes. But in recent times, with the emergence of TV, this euphoria has dimmed. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>This popular form of storytelling has iconic centres which have been performing for centuries: Ayodhya, Ramnagar in Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna and Madhubani. The glory of Lord Ram is enacted out in a series of performances, spread over 9 days to 12 days, and sometimes even a period of a month, such as at Varanasi’s Ramnagar, where the Ram Leela tradition has continued for nearly five centuries. This magnum opus has been nurtured under the aegis of the royal family of Varanasi. The Ramnagar Ramleela is held across different locations of the town and over a million visitors throng the city to watch.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-1851-festive-dussehra-culture-inside-image_1617808425725.jpg"></figure><h2>Revisiting Ram Leela</h2><p>One of my favourite Ram Leela was the one enacted by Delhi’s Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, a production that has continued for over 60 years. Every year, all the cousins would be bundled up to watch this immaculately detailed production, an iconic dance ballet. I remember when we were very young, a monkey from the vanar sena leapt onto my baby brother’s lap, who wailed his lungs out for the rest of the night.</p><p>Over the years the production has evolved to keep up with the times. By the time my nephew and niece witnessed the dance drama, painted backdrops had made way for digital screens and the costumes were more lavish and sophisticated. Voices of the characters were more definitive; Sita Mata and Lakshmana, rather than just playing mute spectators, fated to a destiny they did not choose, were shaping their narrative.</p><p>After I moved to Mumbai, the memories of Dussehra slowly faded. But good fortune brought Lord Rama right to my doorstep when a travelling all-male troop from Moradabad visited my sister’s condo in Gurugram. The five-hour non-stop performance by Sri Ram Singh Chitrakar started in 1965, by a gentleman, Yogendra Singh Raju’s father. Thirty male actors took to stage, reprising roles from the epic. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>The role of Ravan was played by an actor called Rahul, who had won accolades in many reality shows. Raju, a criminal lawyer, who played the role of Lord Rama, said the act gave him strength and good fortune.</p><p>As I watched the children mesmerised by Ravan’s rambunctious laugh and Sita Mata’s piety, I knew that the tradition was in good hands, to be enjoyed by generations for the years to come.</p>

Ram Leela brings to life the legend of Ram and the victory of good over evil in North India’s Dussehra celebrations.

Ram Leela has been an integral part of north Indian celebrations of Dussehra. Find out how the tradition has evolved over the years. Read Zeezest.com

The Art and Relevance of Ram Leela in the 21st century | Zee Zest

What’s Dussehra Without Reveling In The Mighty Leela Of Lord Rama?

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<p>Born and raised in London, Rahi Chadda can rightly claim to be a male supermodel—given the plethora of high profile campaigns he has fronted for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Estee Lauder, Chopard, Viktor and Rolf, BVLGARI; not to mention, magazine covers and the front-row invites at fashion weeks in New York, London, Paris, and Milan. Chadda is at the top of the global fashion tree and he doesn’t look set to climb down for quite some time yet. In a candid chat, the statuesque model opens up about breaking barriers, his fashion inspiration, wardrobe essentials, and the road ahead. </p><p><strong>Excerpts from the interview: </strong></p><h2>1. You studied law and then international employment relations. What piqued your interest in fashion?</h2><p>Fashion is a party; it is fluid and fun. When you have conversations with people, we all want to talk about who is wearing what and why and how they influence and inspire us. Fashion has a feel-good factor, and I wanted to be a part of that. Law was great, but I realised it wasn’t my calling.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_1_1660896028247.jpg"></figure><h2>2. You have worked with some of the top brands in fashion, walked the red carpet at Cannes, and even been the first brown male ambassador for Dior Beauty. What do you consider as your career highlight so far?</h2><p>It is difficult to pin a specific highlight. At the moment, the highlight is the bigger picture. When I started, there were hardly any brown men in sight in fashion. We all got into this to share our perspective of fashion—and working with the top brands has been great because I now have a greater outreach. With many fashion brands having 100 years-plus history, what is the modern perspective? It is diversity and inclusivity, and it is a privilege to be a part of that.</p><h2>3. You are British with Indian roots. Does that influence your sartorial choices?</h2><p>It does, although the influence isn’t obvious. My style is quite quirky or ‘fluid’ as some may think. However being Indian, our style is filled with colour, metallics, and variety. A few years back, western menswear hardly had any colour or variety; there was a strict rulebook that isn’t spoken about. This was a conflict for me as my culture encourages me to be vibrant, and that is how I stand out, by being just that.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_2_1660896038301.jpg"></figure><h2>4. You also own a beauty clinic in London—Panache and Marina. What led to that?</h2><p>I had difficulties with my skin when I was younger and at the time it was all St Ives Apricot Scrubs and a lot of trends that really weren’t good for you. I remember discussing with my mother one night and she was tired of me moaning. She said, “stop complaining and do something” and when I slept on it, I woke up with the idea to open my own clinic. Retrospectively, it is quite a jump to decide this, but I was determined, and I knew a lot of people that wanted treatments. So I thought why not? I have the passion for it, and there is a demand.</p><h2>5. You were at the Milan Fashion Week. How was the experience and what trends are likely to trickle down?</h2><p>Milan Fashion Week has always been fabulous for womenswear but menswear has been getting better and better each season. The last time I went, it was truly exhilarating and I was excited for more! In terms of trends, I will adopt the leather-on-leather trend; I have always found this to be hot, but to have a suit in yellow leather: iconic! Another noteworthy trend would have to be a statement silhouette like the ’70s or ’80s. I suit a ’70s silhouette and colour palette with the flared trousers and orange hues—it compliments me well. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_3_1660896057336.jpg"></figure><h2>6. South Asian representation at fashion weeks and influencer community is still thin. How are things changing in that regard?  </h2><p>We are still a minority in the community, there is no denying that. But in fairness, we have seen a major shift in recent years. It started with influencers of colour showing their talents and worth, inspiring the consumer, and in turn that demand became apparent for brands to change their runways. There is work to be done, but that influence is present, and we need to celebrate that to encourage more. We need more influencers, more representation on the runway, and those who lead the top brands. We need designers of colour too—that is very important.</p><h2>7. What is your beauty regime? Any tips for men?</h2><p>How cliché would it be if I said that my beauty regime is drinking water? I joke. Naturally, I have my own clinic so I will do a bit of microdermabrasion or treatment to reset my skin—this is key to allowing your skincare to work. Other than that, cleanse twice a day, moisturise and have a serum beforehand, eye cream, and top it up with SPF to keep the UV rays at bay. That is my tip for both men and women.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_4_1660896327963.jpg"></figure><h2>8. You have impeccable fashion sensibility. Who are your fashion inspirations?</h2><p>Well, thank you for that compliment, that is very kind. Someone notable would be Yves Saint Laurent. I love his history of pushing boundaries and I apply that to my own style. But generally, I am inspired by the culture and the cities that I visit. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>9. What items dominate your wardrobe? And what brands do you patronise?</h2><p>Flared jeans, they go with everything. I would probably be buried in mine; I love them so much. In terms of brands I love Tod's—the leather they use is divine, and their shoes are incredibly comfortable. They are my go-to.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_5_1660896346815.jpg"></figure><h2>10. How often do you visit India and what are the things you love doing while here?</h2><p>I try to go as often as I can, although I admit I have been so busy that it is difficult to fly over after Covid. Naturally, I love visiting my family and visiting places that are dear to me since my childhood—it is a sentimental place.</p><h2>11. How do you switch off?</h2><p>Turn off the phone, spend some time with my mother, and put an eye mask on.</p><h2>12. What next?</h2><p>Who knows? I have some things lined up, but I can only say that bigger and better things are coming. You’ll see.</p>

London-based Rahi Chadda, from walking international runways for global brands to gracing top magazine covers and impeccably-curated Instagram feeds, is the toast of the fashion world right now. 

London-based supermodel Rahi Chadda is the talk of the town. Here’s why 

Meet Rahi Chadda, The Indian Supermodel Turning Heads | Zee Zest

Why Is Everyone Talking About This Lawyer-Turned-Supermodel And Fashion Influencer? 

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Influencers

Fashion Influencer

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‘I Don’t Get Competitive With Music,’  Says Shalmali Kholgade On World Music Day  

<p>Arjun Kanungo is best known for his songs, <i>Baaki Baatein Peen Baad, Khoon Choos Le </i>(<i>Go Goa Gone</i>) and <i>Gallan Tipsiyaan</i>. These songs have become staples at clubs and parties across India. The irony, however, is that Arjun Kanungo had no focus on music till he was 18 years old. The centre fire pistol champion and national-level basketball player is also a trained actor from Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City.</p><p>He used to perform in a band with Asha Bhonsle when Sachin Jigar noticed his talent and onboarded Arjun for <i>Go Goa Gone</i>. Arjun Kanungo’s incredible journey continued, composing music and singing songs for films as well as singles. He has worked with big music labels including Sony Music and very recently with Believe Label & Artist Solutions.</p><p>It’s good news galore for Arjun Kanungo—he recently got married to his girlfriend, model Carla Dennis. Just prior to that he released his debut music album,<i> Industry</i>. An association between his own label One Mind Music along with Believe, and across all major streaming platforms. He gives credit to the Believe team to deal with his artistic tendencies— “I’m finicky with everything, so I’m very happy that I’ve got someone that understands that and maximises that. I’ve had a great experience with them. They are much more than just being distributors. I want to give them a lot of credit for this album because they have really worked hard on promoting it and giving it that spotlight which I think it deserves.”</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arjun%20Kanungo%20-%20Industry%20Cover_1660736824145.jpg"></figure><p>Some of the highlights of Kanungo’s album Industry are collaborations such as the official Indian rendition of Vaultboy’s international hit <i>Everything Sucks, Foto</i>’ featuring Rashmeet Kaur and <i>Ishq Samundar </i>featuring KING. The album is a showcase of Kanungo navigating his signature pop-music style while incorporating more experimental music concepts. Of the need for an album release today he says, “I felt it was time to put myself artistically forward in a way I hadn’t done before and began working on the album. I wanted it to be raw, real but hyperbolic in its vibe. It took me about 9 months to write the 12 songs and for the last 2 months, we’ve been working on concepts for the music video.”</p><p><strong>Zee Zest delved deeper into </strong><i><strong>Industry</strong></i><strong> and Arjun Kanungo’s multifaceted life, here is what he had to say. Edited excerpts:</strong></p><h2>1. How would you describe the overall sound and vibe of <i>Industry</i>?</h2><p>So, Industry is my baby, like I have been conceptualising it for two years now. It is quite autobiographical. It is about my experience in the industry, it's about my own music. You know it's very personal, that's the vibe, it's a personal vibe but sonically I would say it's modern, it's urban. It's got a lot of melody in it, but it's got some high-energy beats as well. So yeah, I would say it’s unique for sure.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. How did the collaboration with Vaultboy come about?</h2><p>I was approached by Vaultboy’s team to do the Hindi remix of his track, <i>Everything Sucks</i>. Initially it was supposed to be a single, but I liked it so much that I asked them if they were interested in putting it in my album. They loved the idea and we just kind of went with it. It was a very organic kind of collaboration, there wasn’t much back and forth at all. I am very happy with the way it turned out to be honest.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arjun%20Kanungo%20-%202_1660736784256.jpg"></figure><h2>3. What was so special about the song, <i>Everything Sucks, </i>that you chose to give it your spin?</h2><p>I loved the song! I think it's a great song and people all around the world love it. It's a huge song in the US, China and Korea. It's a bonafide worldwide hit. On TikTok it's huge, on reels it's huge. I think that everyone understands what's awesome about this song and that's why it's done so successfully. It's a unique song and I was very happy to be offered to be a part of it. Honestly, you know I think it's taken the song one level up because I think it's made it so desi and it kind of has that vibe that people in India will vibe with. I’m super happy that I did it and I think it's a great song.</p><h2>4. What is your take on social media and its impact on the popularity of music?</h2><p>I think that social media is very important, I think it's so important to be a musician and be active on social media today because everybody is on social media. It's growing more and more every year. I think it's now more important to musicians than legacy media because that's where people discover their music. I think that in today’s day and age a musician’s focus should be social media, it should be digital. I think that's where your audience is and especially your younger audiences, that's where they find their music.</p><h2>5. You also have songs with Rashmeet Kaur and King, which are very distinct from each other. Can you throw light on the process?</h2><p>Every song I would say is a different process. My process with King was different, my process with Rashmeet was different. With Rashmeet, the song was ready, and she just came and sang it whereas with King it was a much more collaborative process. We both wrote our own lyrics and King wrote the hook line. We sat together and made the song together, so it was a very different process. King was a very strong collaborator with me on <i>Ilzaam</i> and on <i>Ishq Samundar</i> so I think that it's different for every song. With King it was a chill and let's write a song vibe and with Rashmeet she just came and sang the melody and lyrics that were already made. I would say it was definitely more collaborative with King but I don't want to take away any credit from Rashmeet, she has just taken Foto to that next level which you know I think the song deserved.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arjun%20Kanungo%20-%203_1660736814381.jpg"></figure><h2>6. Why did you choose to release an album in today’s day and age, when singles tend to do better?</h2><p>I don’t know if singles tend to do better. I mean worldwide people are dropping albums and I think that culture is really going to pick up in India because young people today are listening to non-filmy music a lot more than they used to, and they are cheering for their best artists. They want to spend time listening to their favourite artiste’s music more and more. So, it's very important to have many songs out and not just a single because your audience is looking to consume more and more music every day. So, I don’t think it's better than dropping a single. I think both of them have their own purpose and their own function and I think that the more types of formats there are the better it is because the audience is hungry for more music.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. You wear multiple hats, from an entrepreneur to an actor. How do you juggle these various roles?</h2><p>I feel like it's all connected, like a lot of people tell me that I work too hard, and I work too much. I am obsessed with my job; I can’t think beyond it. I don't have any work-life balance, I just work because I love it so much. I don’t feel like it's work, I live for it, so I suppose I’m unique in that case. I’m obsessed with my job, like I don’t want to go home and chill and do other things. This is my work, this also my playtime, it's everything.</p><p>It’s not so much about juggling but about using my time efficiently. I think the more I do things the more I become an entrepreneur and a musician. I say ’become’ because I feel like every year, I become a better musician and a better entrepreneur. I think that even acting falls into the same category, everything is so mixed today that you have to be an influencer, you have to be a musician, you have to be an actor - all at once. I think those are the guys that are successful because there are so many opportunities today.</p><h2>8. What is next in the pipeline for you?</h2><p>So, next in the pipeline for me is a lot of singles! We’ve released only part 1 of Industry, part 2 will release in October-November. So, I’m just preparing for that and we are halfway through. It should be ready in September. There are a lot of videos to shoot, there's a lot of acting also. There's a short film that I just finished, which is going to release at the end of the year.</p><p>I just started a company called One Mind Music, we are signing artists as well. It's like a label and an artist managing company so I’m doing that as well. Along with that, I’m working on some international collaborations. There's a lot of international work happening in the next 365 days because the world is getting smaller and people all around the world are collaborating and audiences are becoming global.</p>

Arjun Kanugo’s debut album is an expression of his emotions and experiences and some great collaborations.

Actor-singer-composer Arjun Kanungo talks about his debut album, Industry in association with Believe Label & Artist Solutions

Interview with Arjun Kanungo on album Industry I Zee Zest

Interview

Music

Arjun Kanungo 

Celebrity

<p>Mumbaikars, if your weekends aren’t only about Netflix and Insta Reels, and you are looking for places to venture out, we got you covered! We are here with a complete list of events happening in the city across genres. From stand-up comedy to heritage walks and music concerts, there’s something for everyone. Check them out and make sure you grab your tickets soon.</p><h2>1. OnTour featuring Nucleya </h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chty8M9KAev/"></oembed></figure><p>Calling all Nucleya fans! For a perfect start to your weekend, head to the Nesco Centre in Goregaon, where India’s leading EDM artist will be playing all his hits. The concert aims to showcase artists across genres at different cities in India and has a great line-up of other supporting acts where they will be sharing their life experiences with fans.</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 27 August</p><p><strong>Time: </strong>5 pm</p><p><strong>Venue:</strong> Nesco Centre, Goregaon</p><h2>2. Rohan Gujral Live - Rasa</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChrQnR-j9_L/"></oembed></figure><p>You don’t want to miss out on this night packed with jokes and laughter by stand-up comedian Rohan Gujral, known best for his hilarious sketches on <i>Comicstaan </i>(2019).</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 27 August</p><p><strong>Time: </strong>8 pm</p><p><strong>Venue:</strong> Rasā - The Stage, Goregaon</p><h2>3. Zakir Khan, Tathastu</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Chh7GeRBV8X/"></oembed></figure><p>Zakir Khan <i>aka</i> ‘the Sakht Launda’ upcoming show will take fans through his journey so far. The performance will give an insight into his life before he became a comedian starting from his childhood days. Not just that, he will also share his biggest learnings on stage as a standup comedian. In an Instagram post, inviting people on the show, he wrote, “<i>Agar apne “Tathastu” dekha hai toh inn shehron me reh rahe apne doston ko zaroor bhejiyega. Meri haisiyat nahi hai ki tathaastu ko mai sirf mera kahu, yeh unn sabka bhi show hai jinhone Ise kabhi live dekha hai. Yeh “Tathastu” ke aakhri kuch shows honge shayad, toh aapke show me apne logon ko zaroor bhejiyega.</i>”</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 28 August</p><p><strong>Time: </strong>8 pm</p><p><strong>Venue:</strong> Hotel Rangsharda, Bandra West</p><h2>4. #BandraWalk by Khaki Tours</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgrGRh_vJwB/"></oembed></figure><p>Have you explored the heritage beauty of Bandra on foot? If not, book a walking tour with Khaki tours this Saturday and acquaint yourself with the nooks and corners of Bandra, the hidden gems of Portuguese heritage, the churches, villages, and communities.</p><p><strong>When:</strong> 27 August</p><p><strong>Time: </strong>10:30 pm</p><p><strong>Venue:</strong> Bandra fort</p><h2>5. BEST-Operation of Heritage Tour</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pro%201_1661521415973.jpg"></figure><p>South Mumbai is an architectural marvel and it gets even better at night. To experience the beauty of the heritage buildings and museum, register yourself for a tour of South Mumbai on open double deck buses of BEST. It doesn’t get any better, we bet. Please note, it’s on first come first serve and you have to reach the venue 20 mins prior boarding time.</p><p><strong>When: </strong>27 and 28 August</p><p><strong>Time:</strong> 12 am </p><p><strong>Venue: </strong>Dr SPM Chowk (Museum), Kala Ghoda</p>

From stand-up comedy to heritage walks and music concerts, there’s something for everyone. 

From stand-up comedy to heritage walks and music concerts, there’s something for everyone. Read more on zeezest.com 
 


Weekend Events In Mumbai | Zee Zest

Mumbai Peeps, Get Busy This Weekend With These Cool Events

Events In Mumbai

Mumbai Weekend Events

7 Longest Movies In Bollywood : How Many Have You Seen?

Working With Aamir Khan Was A Dream Come True: Naga Chaitanya 

<p>Adaptations are tricky business. You can either surpass expectations set by the original or fail to impress the audience who have high hopes from the remake. Unlike in the past when Bollywood would rip-off international movies in the name of ‘inspiration’, filmmakers have started buying the rights of movies in order to officially adapt them. Case in point, the recently-released Laal Singh Chaddha, an adaptation of the Hollywood blockbuster Forrest Gump starring Tom Hanks. Early reviews that have poured in seem to suggest that Aamir Khan’s movie which has been 14 years in the making has done complete justice to the much-loved original.</p><p>However, Bollywood adaptations have often been a hit or miss with the audience. Zee Zest takes a look at a few official adaptations of international films to see whether they received bouquets or brickbats. </p><h2>1. The Girl on the Train (2021)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_girl%20on%20the%20train_1660303669379.jpg"></figure><p>Parineeti Chopra played the protagonist in The Girl on the Train, the official Hindi adaptation of 2016’s successful Hollywood movie of the same name. Based on a novel by Paula Hawkins, the mystery psychological thriller with Emily Blunt as the protagonist had received widespread acclaim. However, and in spite of the earnest effort by Chopra and the rest of the cast, the Hindi counterpart could not do justice either to the writing or to the performances.</p><h2>2. Bang Bang (2014)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Bang%20Bang_1660303703714.jpg"></figure><p>If there’s anyone who can match Tom Cruise’s good looks and charm in Bollywood, it’s got to be Hrithik Roshan. The light-eyed actor starred in the official Hindi remake of Cruise’s 2010 movie Knight and Day. Katrina Kaif plays an unassuming bank receptionist whose chance encounter with a mysterious thief (Roshan) leads to a series of high-octane stunts, car chase sequences and high-on adrenaline action, before the couple are reunited in a dramatic way.</p><h2>3. Dil Bechara (2020)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_dil%20bechara_1660303719768.jpg"></figure><p>Actor Sushant Singh Rajput gave one of his career-best performances in the official Hindi remake of The Fault in our Stars. The 2014 Hollywood film was based on John Green’s 2012 novel of the same name. Unfortunately, the Bollywood movie, also starring Sanjana Sanghi, turned out to be Rajput’s swan song and was released posthumously. Formerly titled Kizie Aur Manny, Dil Bechara was about two terminal cancer patients who fall in love with each other. The movie was praised for its performances and characterisation.    </p><h2>4. Badla (2019)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_badla_1660303732087.jpg"></figure><p>An adaptation of the 2016 Spanish film The Invisible Guest, Badla was lauded for its genuine twists and solid performances by its two lead actors – Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu. Playing a lawyer and his client respectively - with the latter insisting that she has been wrongfully accused of killing her lover – the two actors were in great form in the whodunit.  </p><h2>5. The Body (2019)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The%20Body_1660303749747.jpg"></figure><p>Rishi Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi and Shobhita Dhulipala starred in the official remake of the Spanish film The Body. Directed by Jeethu Joseph, the mystery thriller revolves around the disappearance of a businesswoman's dead body from the morgue. When the inspector in charge, played by Kapoor, investigates the husband (Hashmi), he discovers there is more to the truth than meets the eye. Although the film had some solid performances by the cast, the box office wasn’t too kind to its fate.</p><h2>6. Notebook (2019)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Notebook_1660303771530.jpg"></figure><p>The Hindi adaptation of the 2014 Thai film The Teacher’s Diary was the debut vehicle for both its lead actors – Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal. Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, it tells the tale of a retired army officer who joins his father’s school as a teacher. He comes across the previous teacher’s diary and falls in love without even meeting her. The movie did average business at the Box Office but Bahl and Iqbal were lauded for their confident performances.    </p><h2>7. We Are Family (2010)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_we%20are%20family_1660303790131.jpg"></figure><p>Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts’ popular movie Stepmom saw its Hindi adaptation with Kajol and Kareena Kapoor stepping into their Hollywood counterparts’ shoes. The English movie was a much-loved one with some superb performances. Who can forget Sarandon dancing with full abandon to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough! However, the Hindi film wasn’t as successful and received mixed reviews from critics who were not impressed with the melodrama about a dying woman and the woman her husband is in love with.    </p><h2>8. Looop Lapeta (2022)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_loop%20Lapeta_1660303815636.jpg"></figure><p>The critically-acclaimed German experimental film Run Lola Run won several accolades when it was released in 1998 and was even selected as the German entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards. In 2022, Taapsee Pannu got into Franka Potente’s shoes as the woman who has to arrange for a large sum of money within 80 minutes in order to save her boyfriend. The quirky Hindi adaptation turned out to be a fun watch, but didn’t exceed any expectations.  </p><h2>9. Dhamaka (2021)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_dhamaka_1660303834594.jpg"></figure><p>Stepping away from his usual rom-com roles, Kartik Aaryan played the role of a news anchor in this adaptation of The Terror Live, a South Korean action-thriller. Though it was not his comfort zone, Aaryan was convincing as the journalist running against time to save the city from a terrorist attack. Directed by Ram Madhvani of Neerja fame, Dhamaka received mixed reviews from critics who praised the lead actor’s performance but felt that the story lacked the drama to make it a real edge-of-the-seat thriller.  </p><h2>10. Tubelight (2017)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_tubelight_1660303847815.jpg"></figure><p>A few years earlier, Salman Khan too stepped away from playing his usual macho roles in favour of playing a simpleton in Kabir Khan’s Tubelight. The Hindi film was an adaptation of the 2015 movie Little Boy which had not exactly received raving reviews when it was released. Khan’s film is set in pre-independence India and sees him playing a simple guy who wants to reunite with his brother who has been sent to war. Unlike Aaryan though, Khan could not do enough to convince the audience with his rather flat and unconvincing performance. </p>

With Laal Singh Chaddha’s release, here’s a look at some other Hindi films that were official adaptations of foreign films

With Laal Singh Chaddha’s release, here’s a look at some other Hindi films that were official adaptations of foreign films. 

10 Bollywood Movies Adapted From International Films I Zee Zest 

Bollywood 

Foreign Films Remakes

Official Remakes Bollywood

Aamir Khan

<p>It’s been a decade of Alia Bhatt in the movies and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that in the last 10 years, the talented actress has become a darling of the masses as well as the classes. In 2022, Alia has had several firsts. It started with a banger of performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s <i>Gangubai Kathiawadi</i>, followed by SS Rajamouli’s globally successful epic action Telugu film <i>RRR</i>. The actress also shot for her first Hollywood film <i>Heart of Stone</i>, got married to her sweetheart Ranbir Kapoor, and also has a baby with him on the way. Her latest Hindi film, <i>Darlings</i>—which releases on Netflix on Aug 5—is special in more ways than one because it also marks her debut as a producer. </p><p>Directed by Jasmeet K Reen, the black comedy has Alia sharing screen space with Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, and Roshan Mathew. We caught up with the powerhouse performer on her process of choosing scripts, her Hollywood experience, her stint as a debut producer, and working with Ranbir Kapoor.</p><p><i><strong>Edited Excerpts</strong></i></p><h2>1. Why did you opt for an OTT release for Darlings? </h2><p>It’s a decision we made a year ago when we were shooting the movie. This is not the type of film which is a spectacle. It’s not larger than life and doesn’t have big songs or big action. It’s an intimate watch. This is a solid film with emotion, thrill, romance, and comedy. With Netflix, <i>Darlings</i> will reach 190 countries at the same time. We are sitting here and watching Spanish and Korean content. They should also get to watch our content. At the end of the day, whatever platform it is on, a good film will always work. You cannot quantify the love a film receives. <i>Highway</i> is possibly my least-grossing film but you still remember it after all these years because somewhere, it touched people’s hearts. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Untitled-1_1659599326348.jpg"></figure><h2>2. How did you think of casting Vijay Varma to play your husband in the film?  </h2><p>It’s very strange. When I heard this script, Jasmeet asked who do I think would be right to play the character of Hamza and I asked her what she thought of Vijay. She said it’s so strange you said this because I was also thinking of him. Vijay is such a fantastic actor. He is like a chameleon—he just fits into any role so seamlessly. We knew he would be able to bring that freshness and newness to Hamza’s character. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slide2_1659611624637.jpg"></figure><h2>3. You have worked with Shah Rukh Khan as an actor and he always speaks fondly of you. How was it to work with him as a co-producer in a creative capacity? </h2><p>It was really easy because he’s very trusting. He will be there for every important moment, all the important days and decisions—but at the end of the day, he lets you be and that is also the mark of a solid producer. I have seen Karan (Johar) also do this. He has so many directors under his wing. He really lets them go through their own journey and make their own mistakes. Of course, we feel pressurised because we wanted to make sure we make a good film and it’s my first association with Red Chillies as a producer—so you want every experience to go well. It went off really well because there was trust and that trust creates a calm atmosphere. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slide1_1659611881726.jpg"></figure><h2>4. This was the first time you walked onto a movie set, not just as an actor but as a producer as well. How did that feel? </h2><p>On set, I’m an actor first. I don’t think I walked onto the set thinking my acting process has to change because I am a producer now. I have always felt protective about my films and I feel even more protective about<i> Darlings</i>.</p><h2>5. As an actor, you have played a variety of roles. What sort of content do you want to be associated with as a producer? </h2><p>I consider myself a creative producer so I will definitely try to give my creative input to the best of my abilities, and add that to another writer/director’s journey. I think any story that touches the heart, whatever form it’s told in, is a story one would want to tell. I can’t say what story it will be but it should touch the heart for sure. </p><h2>6. Would you cast Ranbir in a film you produce? </h2><p>Why not, if he likes the script! (laughs) </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slide_8_1659612298588.jpg"></figure><h2>7. How do you choose a script? </h2><p>There’s no formula. No matter what anyone says, the creation of movies and being a part of the movie world are all part of playing the instinct game. There are times when you are so excited about a film but it doesn’t come together and the audience doesn’t like it. Sometimes you feel, it’s not gone the way you wanted and the audience loves it. When I like a script, it’s an instinctive feeling. I ask myself if I would like to watch this film as an audience. Will I be entertained, intrigued, and invested? I look at all that first and then I get into the depth of what is my part in it and what I can bring to the table. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slide7_1_1659611706669.jpg"></figure><h2>8. You were part of the mega-blockbuster <i>RRR</i>. There is a big debate going on about South Indian films and Bollywood these days. What do you have to say about it? </h2><p>Why is there a debate? We are the Indian film industry and we should feel proud if any of our films do well. We have been making films in more than 20 plus languages for years now. There will always be some films that will do well, while others won’t. Let’s not even try and create a competition between the North and South. In fact, if there is anyone we should be competing with, it should be Hollywood. Why are we competing with ourselves? </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>9. Now that you have stepped into production, are there any thoughts on direction as well? </h2><p>I never say never but one step at a time. Direction is a very hard job; in my opinion, it’s the hardest. At the moment I don’t have a story to tell. I just hope every director wants to tell a story with me. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Slide3_1659611778215.jpg"></figure><h2>10. How was your experience of working in your debut Hollywood movie and sharing screen space with Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot? </h2><p>It was a wonderful experience. I was quite nervous initially. I had not even taken my team and had literally gone alone. There was a new team, a new crew, and this is my first action film; but I have to say, they were very attentive. I got my dal-rice whenever I felt like having it. They made me feel at home. I got to learn a lot, but at the same time, I felt it was not so different from here. We are doing similar things in both places but in different languages. For the first few days, it was a little confusing to realise that I have to speak in English in front of the camera. That threw me off a little bit initially but I got used to it and then I had a blast. As for Gal Gadot, she is an icon and an inspiration. She is also producing <i>Heart of Stone</i> and so, we had a lot in common to talk about. She was lovely, warm, and possibly has the most beautiful energy I have ever come across. </p><h2>11. In 2022, you got married and now you also have a baby on the way. Do you feel the need to slow down? </h2><p>Not at all! In fact, if you’re fit, healthy, and fine, there is no need for rest. My work gives me <i>sukoon</i>. It keeps my heart, mind, and soul alive and charged.</p>

The darling actor-producer Alia Bhatt reveals why we should be competing with Hollywood and producing movies that touch the heart.   

Alia Bhatt opens up about her Hollywood debut, releasing Darlings on Netflix, and her thoughts on casting husband Ranbir Kapoor in a future home-production. 

Alia Bhatt On Co-Producing Darlings With Shah Rukh Khan | Zee Zest 

Shah Rukh Khan Really Trusted Me With Darlings: Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt

Celebrity Interview

Ranbir Kapoor

OTT 

Netflix India 

Varun Dhawan Believes Friendship Is The Key To A Happy Marriage

<p>Love her or hate her, but you can’t ignore her, that’s what Sima Taparia is for you. The first season of <i>Indian Matchmaking</i> was slammed and criticised for glorifying sexism and misogyny. It showed the real and regressive side of Indian marriages and surfaced the inherent patriarchal norms in big fat Indian weddings. Objectifying women and expecting them to be coy, submissive and non-opinionated was one aspect of it. The other was expecting couples to adjust, compromise and be flexible for a successful marriage.</p><p>But one thing that we can’t deny is the fact that Sima aunty was real and unapologetic. She didn’t mince words and still sticks to her mantra - adjust a little, have patience, keep your ego aside, compromise a little and love will follow. Even though modern-age women are not okay with that concept, it doesn’t stop ‘Sima from Mumbai’ from returning with the second season of the insanely popular Netflix series with another set of couples, some new and some from the previous season.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChEgtLLAoCq/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><p>Last season, none of the stars aligned and Sima wasn’t able to match a single person on the show, but this year it’s going to be different. Zee Zest got Sima Taparia to talk about her journey, her take on the regressive side of Indian marriages and the upcoming season.</p><p><strong>Excerpts from the interview:</strong></p><h2>1. Tell us about your journey, what prompted you to get into matchmaking?</h2><p>I had a unique ability from God to remember the relations and recall it instantly. Since matchmaking requires this unique strength, my family was prompted to do matchmaking. I did matchmaking for my own younger sister 26 years ago who is happily married in Boston. I continued matchmaking socially. However, in 2005 I took up this profession. I started very small with my family and social circle. Initially I was doing it myself, however later I did have an office to support.</p><h2>2. How has the matchmaking scene changed during the pandemic?</h2><p>In covid times, I had very less staff. We had to work extra hours to cater to the clients. All clients are the same and expect the same. I am continuing my work and trying to find the right candidate for them.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChByTYigtlR/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>3. You think the idea of arranged marriages has evolved? How are you trying to bring in a change?</h2><p>I just do my job and try to guide my clients to see the person beyond the superficial biodata. Society is changing and I am glad to see people's attitude slowly changing. I have seen changes in parents and candidates’ requirements. Boys and girls have their own set of criteria. I like to work with people who are genuinely looking for their life partner.</p><h2>4. Most of your clients in the first season expected girls to be coy, obedient, submissive, and non-opinionated. Are you okay with that?</h2><p>All clients are not the same, just like our fingers on the hand. I have to deal differently with each. It is challenging and also fun to work with them.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgj5zFsgoAa/?hl=en"></oembed></figure><h2>5. How is the second season different from the previous one?</h2><p>I think you have to watch the release on Aug 11. Stars did align for some people on the upcoming show. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>6. You received flak for the first season for its deep-rooted issues such as colourism and sexism in Indian matchmaking, does it affect you at some point?</h2><p>I spoke what my clients ask for, I have no criteria for them.</p><h2>7. What are some of the weirdest criteria you have got from your clients?</h2><p>I remember a client from Delhi. She wanted a girl of a particular height, particular skin colour, particular hair length. It was a challenge however stars did align for the client.</p><h2>8. Do you think that most Indian arranged marriages are regressive and glorify misogyny and sexism?</h2><p>The Indian marriage industry is unorganised but still runs in billions. Parents want a fat wedding as it is once in a lifetime.</p><h2>9. You think a little adjustment, flexibility and compromise is the only way to a successful marriage?</h2><p>Understanding, giving and taking love is important but patience supersedes. Patience is needed by both. Love will flow. Have a great bonding and live happily. There is nothing as ideal in marriages.</p><h2>10. What's your definition of a perfect marriage? What's the secret of your successful marriage?</h2><p>I was married in 1983 when I was only 19 and a half years old and my husband was 21. My husband is a pillar of strength. We do have differences however we still have great bonding. We do adjust and have great understanding. </p>

Sima aunty’s successful marriage mantra remains unmoved - adjust, compromise, be patient and love will follow.

SimaTaparia is back with the second season of Indian Matchmaking. Read more on zeezest.com

Sima Taparia Interview On Indian Matchmaking Season 2 | Zee Zest

“Love Is Important, But Patience Is Key,” Reveals Sima Taparia In Indian Matchmaking 2

Sima Taparia

Indian Matchmaking 2 

Indian Matchmaking

What Is Lumba Rakhi? Significance And Everything Else You Need To Know

10 Bespoke Rakhis For A Personalised Rakshabandhan For Your Sibling

<p>In India, siblings are synonymous with unlimited banter, baseless arguments, inside jokes, and a whole lot of love. Whether he is the Ross to your Monica or she the Sansa to your Arya—a relationship so intimate needs a special day. And what better way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan than the Bollywood way? A bucket of popcorn, two glasses of your favourite drink, and sibling-inspired movies to watch all night long. Sounds like the perfect plan, right?</p><p><strong>Here are 7 movies to watch on Rakhi:</strong></p><h2>1. Dil Dhadakne Do  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_DDK_1660143967259.jpg"></figure><p>Ayesha and Kabir, played by Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh, are the classic Indian brother-sister duo. They fight, argue, disagree, but in the end, it's the both of them against the world. Kabir’s courage to speak up in support of his sister’s turbulent marriage and her career choices truly signifies what this bond is about. A light-headed Bollywood drama is the kind of movie to watch in 2022.</p><h2>2. Hum Saath Saath Hain  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hum_1660144239022.jpg"></figure><p>Sooraj Barjatya’s <i>Hum Saath Saath Hain</i> is a traditional take on the Indian joint family. A home where everyone co-existed peacefully might seem far from reality in today’s time. But this 90’s iconic movie still has a certain charm that will make you love your sibling a little extra on the special occasion. One of the more quintessential movies to watch on Raksha Bandan, <i>Hum Saath Saath Hain</i> shows the unity of siblings despite family strains.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Iqbal</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Iqbal_1660143991342.jpg"></figure><p>One of the most heartwarming brother-sister pairings in reel life, <i>Iqbal</i> is Bollywood’s hidden gem. It was and still is one of the best movies to watch in 2022 with your sibling. A mute and deaf boy with a dream to play for the Indian cricket team seemed far from reality. But his loudest and only cheerleader, his younger sister, stood like a rock when it came to nurturing his goals. Judge less and give your sibling unconditional support for whatever it is that they wish to achieve as a gift this Raksha Bandhan.</p><h2>4. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_JTYJN_1660144001623.jpg"></figure><p>This movie may have been about teenage heartthrobs Genelia D’souza and Imran Khan. But it was the brother-sister chemistry that won our hearts. Aditi, an outspoken extrovert sister and Amit (played by Prateik Babbar), a timid stay-at-home creative soul, are two siblings who were once best friends. With time and age they slowly drift apart, only to realise their love for each other had never drifted.</p><h2>5. Sarabjit  </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sarab_1660144009720.jpg"></figure><p>Inspired by true events, <i>Sarabjit</i> is one of the more intense sibling movies to watch on Rakhi. Captured and branded as a spy after Sarabjit Singh mistakenly crosses the Indian border, his sister Dalbir fights against all odds to prove his innocence. Sarabjit is a tale of strength and courage with a heart-warming ending that depicts unconditional love between two siblings.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Dhanak</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Dhanak_1660144018223.jpg"></figure><p>The purest form of love is between siblings, and <i>Dhanak</i> shows us just that. One of the more unconventional movies to watch in 2022, <i>Dhanak</i> is the story of a visually-impaired brother and his relentless sister—fighting against all odds to get his eyesight back. She accompanies him on a journey through the scorching deserts of Rajasthan to the city in search of a doctor. Full of innocence and bravery, this movie will make you shed a tear or two on Raksha Bandhan.</p><h2>7. Raksha Bandhan</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_RB_1660144067070.jpg"></figure><p>Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar’s <i>Raksha Bandhan</i> is one of the movies newly expected to be released on 11th August, 2022 on the occasion of Rakhi. Based on the life of an older brother with four young unmarried sisters, <i>Raksha Bandhan</i> shows the struggles he faces to find suitable grooms before he ties the knot. A relatable comedy hitting Indian cinemas soon, <i>Raksha Bandhan</i> lauds the efforts a brother endures for his sister’s dream wedding.</p><p>A designer rakhi and fancy gifts are a great way to show you care. But this Raksha Bandhan do things a little differently by taking the road less travelled. Spend time with your siblings and make that bond stronger than ever. </p>

7 Bollywood movies to watch on Raksha Bandhan with your siblings

Ayesha and Kabir or Aditi and Amit—evergreen Bollywood movies to watch with your sibling on Rakhi 2022. More on zeezest.com

7 On Screen Brother-Sister Duo  Movies To Watch On Rakhi This year

Iconic Bollywood Movies To Watch With Your Siblings This Raksha Bandhan 2022

Bollywood Movies 

Rakshabandhan

Rakhi

Movies To Watch

14 Must-Watch Hindi Shows And Films On OTT Platforms In 2022

<p>The holiday gods have blessed us with a long weekend this year to celebrate Independence Day. And what better way to unwind than in the comfort of your home, binge-watching patriotic movies on OTT to awaken our inner Bhagat Singh. From action-packed series to gripping movies, there's tons to watch on ITT this long weekend for Independence Day. </p><p><strong>Here are 7 of the best show and movies to watch on OTT platforms:</strong></p><h2>1. Jeet Ki Zid on Zee5</h2><p>An inspiring series to watch during your long weekend, Jeet Ki Zid on Zee5 is based on India’s former Special Force officer Major Deependra Singh. Played by Amit Sadh, Major Deep faces an injury in the Kargil war, but his never-give-up attitude and discipline help him overcome impossible challenges to become a successful corporate professional.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKYycfHpQyV/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>2. The Family Man, Season 1&2 on Amazon Prime</h2><p>Starring Manoj Bajpayee, The Family Man is an edgy, nail-biting action-packed drama series to watch on Independence Day. Packed with relatable Indian flavours and charms, the series tells the story of a middle-class man who works for the NIA (National Investigation Agency) and his everyday challenges. His efforts towards protecting the nation from sleeper cells and terrorists, while protecting his family and maintaining sanity in his personal life are laudable. The brunt of his high-pressure, secretive, and low-paying job affects his family, and yet he is the perfect family man.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTCetfXjcix/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>3. Delhi Crime on Netflix</h2><p>A spine-chilling series on Netflix, Delhi Crime is inspired by true events that took place in the capital city. An opening scene shows the gruesome after-effects of the 2012 Nirbahayagang rape case. Playing the role of DCP of Delhi Police Shefali Shah—a mother of a young daughter—invests herself to get the victim justice and cracks the entire case within two days. Starring actors like Rasika Dugal and Adil Hussain, the show has garnered a solid fanbase in the first season. Season 2 is expected to release on August 26th.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CH8T5GnH9Ol/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>4. Shershah on Amazon Prime  </h2><p>One of the most loved and watched movies on OTT, Shershah is the story of late Captain Vikram Batra—PVC awardee and a soldier of the Indian Army. His mettle and utmost dedication to his nation contributed to removing Pakistani soldiers outside Indian territory during the Kargil War in 1999. He lost his life during combat but saved the lives of all the soldiers in his unit.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS_jW0ElYAy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>5. State Of Siege: Temple Attack on Zee5</h2><p>Among the many movies to watch on Independence Fay, check out Ken Ghosh’s State of Siege on Zee5. One of the lesser-known OTT movies, Temple Attack features Akshaye Khanna in a tale based on true events. In the movie, NSG commandos risk their lives to save hostages from a temple in Gujarat that has been taken over by local terrorists. You can watch this action-packed thriller in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLKEuKYlZti/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>6. Rang De Basanti on Netflix</h2><p>Is Independence Day even complete without watching one of the most critically-acclaimed movies on OTT, Rang De Basanti? A story so seat-gripping and stirring, Rang De Basanti revolves around the lives of five boys in present-day India. Unambitious and incautious about the world around them till they lose a friend. Inspired by the story of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Chandrasekhar Azad, Aamir Khan and the boys take matters into their own hands to bring justice to their deceased friend. One of the best movies to watch in 2022, Rang De Basanti, has a charm that never fades. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNzjWrSBSLO/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><h2>7. The Forgotten Army on Amazon Prime</h2><p>There are plenty of patriotic films to watch on Independence Day. A new series to watch instead of a movie is The Forgotten Army- Azaadi Ke Liye on Amazon Prime Video. Bollywood director Kabir Khan’s debut on the OTT platform shows true events from Netaji’s INA (Indian National Army) who came forward in the fight for India’s Independence. A forgotten hero and his heroic soldiers, the series throws light on the Azad Hindu Fauj who travelled 3884 km from Singapore to Delhi to be a part of India’s struggle but were labelled as traitors.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUYSI2j_JX/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="></oembed></figure><p>These are seven of the most acclaimed series and movies to watch in 2022 on Independence Day. Their thrilling plots and mind-numbing reality will make your heart swell with pride as you witness India’s chronicles written in the sands of time. </p>

Watch these action-packed movies and make the most of the long weekend. 

Action-packed thrillers with a gripping plot line can awaken the patriotic spirit even on a lazy long weekend. Watch these 7 series and movies on OTT this Independence Day. 

Series And Movies To Watch On Independence Day On OTT

7 Best Patriotic Movies And Shows To Watch On Independence Day 2022

Independence Day

Independence Day Movies

Patriotic Movies

OTT Shows

7 Pet-Friendly Staycations In And Around Mumbai

<p>Taking over our lives, beds, couches, and hearts, how paw-fect would it be if we could take our furry friends everywhere with us? What if we told you there are some great pet-friendly restaurants in Mumbai that allow you to dine with your four-legged friends? Only a pet parent knows the pain of leaving behind their little piece of heart at home only because they’re not allowed at cafes and restaurants in the city. Today pet-friendly cafes not only allow you to bring your fur babies inside but also create a comfortable environment for them to be at ease.</p><p><strong>Here are 6 pet-friendly cafes in Mumbai to explore with your four-legged BFF:</strong></p><h2>1. Doolally Taproom</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_1_1660988869354.jpg"></figure><p>Take your pet on a date to any of the Doolally Taproom outlets for a fun day with the little buddy. One of the best pet friendly places in Mumbai, Doolally has a very chill vibe. At any given time you will find a puppy, or even Doolally’s own cat trotting around the place chilling with guests.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Kemps Corner, Khar, and Veera Desai Area</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 2,400</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Brewed Beer, Fries basket, Chicken ghee roast</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>9 am to 12:30 am</p><h2>2. Woodside Inn</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_2_1660988877631.jpg"></figure><p>Looking for pet-friendly eateries in Bandra? Check out Woodside Inn, which is a pet-friendly restaurant on weekdays (Monday to Friday) till 6 pm, and a raving pub on weekends. How cool is that now? If your pet throws tantrums about their food, they even allow you to carry your own pet food and feed them at the pub.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Pali Naka, Pali Hill, Bandra</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 1,000</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Baba Sehgal Thecha, Paneer Koliwada Burger, Spice Girls Sunday Roast Tenderloin Burger</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>11:30 am to 1:30 am</p><h2>3. The Bagel Shop</h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_3_1660988884852.jpg"></figure><p>Imagine if co-working spaces were also pet-friendly cafes? The Bagel Shop allows you to work and bring your furry friend along, but only in the outside section of the cafe. Sip your coffee, take breaks to give rubs to your pet, and enjoy quick bites from their delicious menu. It doesn’t get better than this.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Carter Road, Bandra West</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 1,200</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Bagel Sandwiches, Bagels, Chocolate Fudge Cake</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>8 am to 10 pm</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Leaping Windows</h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_4_1660988894951.jpg"></figure><p>Leaping Windows is among the best pet-friendly restaurants in Mumbai and offers delicious waffles, coffee, and comics. Perfect to double date with your pet and their playdate, the space allows your fur baby to freely roam the place with their other friends. Brunch with your doggos and cattos as you geek out on their amazing anime comic collection.</p><p>When you step out, earn brownie points by feeding strays that crave the love and affection our domestic pets receive. Feed strays, but do so responsibly and keep these pointers in mind.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Versova, Andheri West</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 1,200</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Banoffee Pie, Nutella Pancakes, Pork Ribs</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>10 am to 10 pm</p><h2>5. The Village Shop</h2><p>One of the lesser-known pet-friendly places in Mumbai, The Village Shop lets you hang with your pups, kittens, hamsters, and their friends. One of the few vegan cafes in the city that allow pets in their beautiful open area, you can request a bowl for your furry friend too. The Village Shop has an extensive menu and a separate seating area so your furry baby can move around freely while you sip on decadent hot chocolate.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Pali Hill, Bandra West</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 800</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Almond Cake, Carrot Cake, Lasagne</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>8 am to 11 pm</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Pefe</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_6_1660988924011.jpg"></figure><p>The cutest pet cafe in Mumbai, Pefe gets its name after combining our two loves, Pet and Cafe. With a dedicated zone for pets where they can play around and be their mischievous self, you can enjoy a fun lunch with friends. Pefe has an entire menu curated for dogs, so be at peace that your four-legged baby will also return home with a full belly.</p><p><strong>Location: </strong>Lokhandwala, Andheri West</p><p><strong>Cost for two: </strong>INR 850</p><p><strong>Must-Have Items: </strong>Mocha Coffee, Mixed Sauce Pasta</p><p><strong>Timing: </strong>12 noon to 12 midnight</p><p>With good food, happy vibes, and your snuggle buddy by your side—these pet friendly cafes in Mumbai offer a perfect date experience with your four-legged friend. If you want to take your pet on a vacation, check out these pet-friendly hotels in and around the city for a fun-filled pawcation. </p>

Pet-friendly cafes not only allow you to bring your fur babies inside but also create a comfortable environment for them to be at ease.

Looking for a Paw-fect date with your furry friend? Check out these 6 pet friendly restaurants in Mumbai

6 Pet Friendly Restaurants & Cafes In Mumbai

6 Pet Friendly Cafes In Mumbai 

Pets

Cafe

 Mumbai

Animals

<p>When Naga Chaitanya received a call from the casting department for a role in <i>Laal Singh Chaddha</i>, the Telugu actor could not believe his luck. Although he had not been actively looking to do a Bollywood film, the official Hindi adaptation of the Hollywood blockbuster <i>Forrest Gump</i> was too big a deal to pass on. Plus, who would give up the chance of sharing screen space with Aamir Khan? </p><h2>Learning from the best</h2><p>“The script of Laal ticked all the boxes for me. It made me put in all that effort and make that transition to see how I fare here. It happened at the right time,” says the actor who has won several awards down South for his roles in movies such as J<i>osh, Ye Maaya Chesave, 100% Love, Premam</i>, and <i>Shailaja Reddy Alludu</i>. One of the biggest draws for him, of course, was the opportunity to observe the Bollywood superstar’s process and gain some insight into it.  </p><p>Chaitanya plays the role of Laal Singh Chaddha’s best friend Balaraju Bodi in the movie, and got to spend a lot of time with him. “Working with Aamir sir has been a dream come true for me. Our off-camera moments will always be special—whether it was the rehearsals, sitting up till 3 am and chatting about movies, our early morning drives to the shoot location… all that time really gave me an insight into his process and how or why he does certain things. All these moments have definitely taught me a lot and I will always cherish them,” he adds. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Special connect</h2><p>Initially, it was Tamil superstar Vijay Sethupathi who had been confirmed for the role. However, things didn't work out and Chaitanya found himself giving his nod to it. If there were any apprehensions in his mind about doing the same, he does not show it. “I was just told that there was an issue with his dates,” says the actor, adding that his role has been completely redesigned since then. “I think when Vijay sir was a part of it, it was supposed to be a Tamilian man but when I came in, it was completely redesigned to be a Telugu person. It happened in a very clean way,” he says. </p><p>Although it happened organically, the actor—who is superstar Nagarjuna’s son—has another special connection with his Bollywood debut. His character was named Balaraju after deliberating over a number of names. Coincidentally, and much later, he got to know that Balaraju is also the name of one of his grandfather Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s films that came out in 1948 and was the first silver jubilee film of Telugu cinema. “It was a huge deal then and for me, this film is a huge deal. It’s my first film in Hindi and a chance to prove myself to a much larger audience. So sentimentally and emotionally, it felt magical to know about this connection,” he smiles.</p><h2>Bollywood and more </h2><p>Growing up in Chennai and Hyderabad, Chaitanya is proficient in Tamil and Telugu and it took him a couple of months to memorise the Hindi dialogues. “Fortunately, I had 6-7 months to prepare for my role. Advait sir (director Advait Chandan) took me through the lines and was my diction coach in a way. He was very patient with me,” he shares, adding that if he has time to prepare, then he can deliver well but he is yet to reach a stage where he can have an impromptu conversation in Hindi. “I’m still working on that,” he admits. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>Ask Chaitanya if he aspires to do more work in Bollywood and he says that for now, he is waiting for August 11 to see the audience’s reaction to his performance. “I love the kind of cinema Bollywood puts out. I love the actors and directors here,” he says, adding that things will be clearer to him post the movie’s release. “An opportunity to be a part of a film of this scale, that too with Aamir sir does not come so easily. If it does well, it can really do wonders for you. So a lot depends on it,” he believes.  </p><p>Next up, Chaitanya has wrapped up the shoot for a Telugu horror web series where he plays a journalist and will soon begin filming for a Tamil-Telugu bilingual film to be directed by filmmaker Venkat Prabhu. </p>

The Telugu star plays the Bollywood superstar’s best friend in the upcoming Hindi film Laal Singh Chaddha.

Telugu star Naga Chaitanya plays Aamir Khan’s best friend in the upcoming Hindi film Laal Singh Chaddha. 

Naga Chaitanya On Aamir Khan & Laal Singh Chaddha | Zee Zest

Naga Chaitanya 

 Laal Singh Chaddha

Priyanka And Nick Jonas Finally Bring Their Daughter Malti Marie Home From NICU

<p>If you expected Season 2 of <i>Indian Matchmaking</i> to be any different, it’s not. Mumbai’s matchmaker Sima Taparia is still advising her clients to adjust, compromise and be flexible for a happy marriage. The new season also features cast members from the previous season such as Pradhyuman Maloo, Aparna Shewakramani and Nadia Jagessar. While Pradhyuman found his happily ever after in Ashima Chauhaan, without Taparia’s help, the other two are still in search of their potential matches. However, what has caught more attention than everything else is Taparia’s regressive comments on Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s marriage and her advice to her client to not to marry a man who is younger than her.</p><h2>Sima Taparia says Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra aren’t a good match</h2><p>In the second episode, as Nadia told Taparia about a man named Vishal whom she liked at the party she hosted, Taparia found him too young for her. She said, “Two-three years okay, but seven years younger...I mean, they'll not be...because they'll have a difference. Matureness is very important. You are more mature because you are seven years older. So I think we'll drop Vishal (sic).” Adding to Taparia’s thoughts, Nadia's mother Namita also said, “I think if the guy is seven years older, it's okay. But for the girl to be seven years older, I don't know. Maybe I'm old-fashioned.” To which Sima said, “Even I'm old-fashioned.”</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf5JuRsJm3-/"></oembed></figure><p>While Nadia cited the example of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' marriage to Taparia and how they share an age-gap of 11 years, the matchmaker was quick enough to say that she doesn’t think it’s a good match, “But I don't feel it's a good match. Sorry to tell that. They have married, but it's not a good match. He looks so small and petite in front of her, and she looks elder (sic).” Nadia’s reaction to that statement is literally all of us. Later Taparia added, “Nadia liked Vishal because he was a cute and attractive boy. But I think she should see more things than this in a boy.”</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Why the double standards about age-gaps?</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgz336tvC8O/"></oembed></figure><p>It’s sad to see how the age difference always matters more to others than it does to the two people involved in the relationship. Being judgmental about a couple’s personal choice has become more like a cultural prejudice and it’s problematic. Society's take on the age gap in relationships is somehow muddled. While they are okay with a man being 10 years older than the woman, there’s a social disapproval towards women if they are older to the man. Nobody questions the man. Why such double standards? A woman being older doesn’t equate to baby-sitting or dominating the man. Why is it so difficult for society to accept a woman who’s more mature, independent and opinionated? Isn’t love and a consensual relationship between two adults and their personal choice enough and above all this?</p>

It’s time to debunk stigmas and cultural prejudice around age gaps in relationships. 

Indian Matchmaking Season 2 is out and Taparia’s regressive comments on Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s marriage is grabbing all the eyeballs. Read more on zeezest.com 

Sima Taparia On Priyanka Chopra And Nick Jonas’ Age Gap | Zee Zest

Sima Taparia On Priyanka Chopra & Nick Jonas: “They Are Not A Good Match”

Indian Matchmaking 

 Priyanka Chopra 

5 Underrated Bollywood Movies For Travel Lovers

<p>If you’re a cinephile like us, here is a monthly OTT update to help you stay on top of your binge game. Seven days and seven new releases are sure to keep you hooked and on the edge of your bed. From Sima Taparia’s misogynistic satire Indian Matchmaking to Locke & Key's blended supernatural plot, there is something for everyone across genres.</p><p><strong>Here are some of the latest movies and tv shows to watch across OTT platforms:</strong></p><h2>1. Indian Matchmaking, season 2</h2><p>When Mumbai’s most sought-after matchmaker, Sima Taparia, makes a comeback after two long years, her job is still as complicated as ever. Helping lost individuals find their ideal life partner, Sima Aunty is globetrotting meeting new and old clients across the eight episodes of the show. Doing what she does best, her insightful knowledge and traditional methods are put to test as she sets out to meet vague demands of man buns to semi-vegetarian diet partners.</p><p>Watch it on Netflix on August 10.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/MwydGN-mao0"></oembed></figure><h2>2. Locke & Key, Season 3  </h2><p>A family blended with supernatural forces, Locke & Key is inspired by the critically-acclaimed book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. When three siblings move into their dead father’s home, they discover mysterious keys and doorways that open to different dimensions. Acting as pseudo guardians of the keys, the trio faces evil entities in the Key House. The final season is packed with thrilling suspense and drama, making it one of the best tv shows on your must-watch list.</p><p>Watch it on Netflix on August 10.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/PX-t1wYNtBs"></oembed></figure><h2>3. Rashtra Kavach Om</h2><p>An action-packed thriller starring Aditya Roy Kapoor and Sanjana Sanghi, Rashtra Kavach Om is based on the life of a special force commando and his mission to save the country. Om is played by Aditya Roy Kapoor, who was wounded in action and deals with amnesia. He sets out to unfurl his past and clear his father’s name, who was once considered a traitor to the country. With lots of fighting, drama, and a gripping storyline, Rashtra Kavach Om is one of the movies to binge-watch with the family on Raksha Bandhan.</p><p>Watch it on Zee5 on August 11.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/coJrnPbbmwg"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. A League of Their Own</h2><p>An adaptation of the same movie from 1992, <i>A League of Their Own</i>, shows the struggles of an all-American girls professional baseball league in new America. Set during World War II, the movie tracks the lives of players, who battle injuries, sexual assaults, and racial discrimination to make their way to the top. Its intriguing and relevant storyline, even in present-day America, is one of the most thought-provoking movies to watch with full concentration.</p><p>Watch it on Amazon Prime on August 12.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/H8qMhtkB18k"></oembed></figure><h2>5. Cadaver</h2><p>A gory police thriller, Cadaver is one of the new movies to binge-watch during your Independence day long weekend. Playing the role of a police surgeon, Amala Paul, is a forensic expert who is under the mounting pressure of analysing a trail of corpses left behind by a ruthless killer. A highly intensive profession, Dr Bhadra struggles to keep her own life safe while helping extract evidence for the police. The plotline is gripping till the very end, while Amala’s performance as Dr. Bhadra is excellent.</p><p>Watch it on Disney + Hotstar on August 12. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/foSlB_cTXrI"></oembed></figure><h2>6. Never Have I Ever, Season 3  </h2><p>Packed with teenage drama, Netflix’s favourite <i>Never Have I Ever</i> is making a comeback with Season 3. If you’ve invested your time in the previous two seasons, you’ll be happy to know that Devi and Paxton are officially a couple. Making the entire school jealous of their PDA, Devi eventually begins to question her commitment to the relationship after the appearance of a hot Indian boy. A series we all resonate a little too well with- new love, even newer infatuations, and complicated high school life.</p><p>Watch it on Netflix on August 12. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/d_N99x0gAAk"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Five Days At Memorial</h2><p>Based on true events, <i>Five Days at Memorial</i> is inspired by a book by Sheri Fink, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. It’s set in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, when local hospital employees struggle to keep patients alive after a disastrous turn of natural events. With triggering scenes where employees might have deliberately ended patient lives, the hospital is under scrutiny by the police.</p><p>Watch it on Apple TV on August 12. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/Az81r01YwLw"></oembed></figure><p>This coming long weekend promises to serve binge-worthy content and nail-biting movies that will leave you with a lingering sense of what's next. </p>

With Raksha Bandhan and the Independence Day long weekend, OTT platforms are serving you with exciting TV shows and latest movies to binge watch till your heart’s content.

With Raksha Bandhan and the Independence Day long weekend, OTT platforms are serving you with exciting tv shows and latest movies to binge watch till your heart’s content. Read more on zeezest.com

Latest Movies & TV Shows To Binge Watch

7 Latest Movies And TV Shows To Binge Watch

TV Shows

Latest Movies 

Movies To Binge Watch

Tv Shows Must Watch

<p>His is a name that is attached to some of this generation’s foot-tapping, chart-topping, path-breaking melodies—whether it is films or commercial music. The name Benny Dayal is often an instant recall when it comes to songs such as <i>Pappu Can’t Dance</i> from the film <i>Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na</i>, <i>Tamil Fever</i>, a collaboration with Nucleya and <i>Jai Jai Shiv Shankar</i> from the film <i>War</i>. He has written and sung not just in Hindi but also in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi and Bengali amongst others. But did you know this Malayali boy, who also is a trained dancer, was working in a BPO before fate favoured his musical endeavours?</p><p>It was the legendary AR Rahman who discovered the unique bass in Dayal’s voice and gave him a break in the 2007 Tamil film, <i>Sakkarakatti </i>for the song <i>Chinnama Chilakamma</i>. He mentioned that his success would be impossible without the support of his fans and that he is grateful—“I just have only one thing to say and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”</p><p>Apart from the films Dayal is working on, he is excited about independent projects that are lined up for him for the rest of the year. We spoke to the talented singer-songwriter who has been crooning for us for 15 years, on the sidelines of Deltin’s Epic Weekend in Goa recently, where he was performing.</p><p><strong>Edited excerpts:</strong></p><h2>1. From your break with AR Rehman to associating with Nucleya, how has the journey been for you as a composer and musician? </h2><p>Great. So, you get to learn a lot of stuff, especially when you make music and meet musicians. When you collaborate to make music, there's a lot of back and forth. And for me, it's about learning how to come to a point which is perfect for the song. Give the apt things and try to find that magic when you're making music with all these great musicians. To be guided by them sometimes, and if they feel they are guided by you, it is an amazing give and take. That's what I've learned. There’s a lot of calmness and a lot of love amongst both the artists in collaboration. You learn not only just to be a good musician, you learn to be a good human being too.</p><h2>2. How many songs have you been a part of in your more than a decade-long career?</h2><p>I don't count. That’s something that I don't do. A lot of people give me numbers, but I just close my ears. I just want to continue working. I never want to take a count of how many songs I've sung. I'm not the kind of person who's going to sit there and count how many awards I have won. I really don't care. For me, it's just about making music and performing and spreading joy to people. And whatever rewards come from it is well deserved. That's how I look at it.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Who and what are your musical inspirations?</h2><p>There are a lot too many. For me, the core of the musicians who really resonated to me over the years is definitely Michael Jackson, AR Rahman, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Freddie Mercury, Jagjit Singh, Kishore Kumar, Yesudas and Chitra.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_1_1661347782986.jpg"></figure><h2>4. Did you ever imagine that your music will connect to people across the country to this extent?</h2><p>Never. I never imagined it, but I dreamt about it. More than imagining I used to dream about being on stage and that people are singing all my songs back to me. It’s happened now. It's a wonderful feeling. It's something that you worked hard for. And that's actually the way you gauge.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3O9MFI-wf/"></oembed></figure><h2>5. What role does travelling play in your creative process?</h2><p>My agenda whenever I travel anywhere is not even sightseeing, it is to eat local food. In Goa, I have a lot of fond memories and connect to the Reis Magos Fort, and Mario Miranda art gallery. That's one of my favourite things because I'm a huge Mario Miranda fan. Besides that, it's just food for me. It's not even beaches.  </p><p>My favourite destination though is Kerala because I am from Kerala. When I perform there the audience goes pretty wild and the shows are super energetic.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Can you throw light on some of your upcoming projects?</h2><p>So many. In 2020, when the pandemic happened, I think there came a zone for all of us to prepare for whenever things open up. So, yeah, a lot of new music has been released in various languages and live shows, a lot of tours and a lot of concerts are happening. For me, 2022 especially has been very blessed and busy. It's a great feeling to be back on the road once again. But besides that, a lot of wonderful endeavours are coming forward in terms of film music and independent music –which mostly brings me joy. The current scenario especially is enabling the independent musician in me to put forward music. But right now, the magnifying glasses are on independent music. It's a good time for everybody.</p>

The singer-songwriter is behind some of the country’s most popular earworms, and we bet you didn’t even realise it!

Benny Dayal has been singing for India for the last 15 years. Zee Zest asks what inspires him and his music. 

Interview with singer Benny Dayal | Zee Zest

What Is This Magic Behind Benny Dayal’s Music?

 Pop Music

Raksha Bandhan 2022: 25+ Premium Gift Hampers Your Foodie Sibling Will Love

7 Celebrity-Approved Ethnic Ensembles For Rakhi 

9 Cool and Fun Rakhis For Every Kind Of Brother  

<p>Whatever may be your equation with your sibling, Rakshabandhan is special. It’s the one day when you can set aside differences, if any, and pamper them. And one of the best ways to do it is to spoil them with a present. But buying the perfect gift requires a little thought and if you still haven’t managed to find one, Zee Zest has a list ready.</p><p><strong>Gift sets for siblings obsessed with beauty products:</strong></p><h2>1. Eye Talk Kit, Swiss Beauty</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Eye%20Talk%20kit%20from%20Swiss%20Beauty%2C%20INR%20925_1660120693806.jpg"></figure><p>A complete package of specially formulated eye makeup, it has an eyeliner pen, soft kohl kajal, ultimate eyeshadow palette kit and brow definer pencil. Now, what more does one need than those ravishing eye makeup or smokey eyes to doll up during Rakhi?</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://swissbeauty.in/collections/combos/products/swiss-beauty-eye-makeup-kit">Available here</a></p><h2>2. Radiance Box, Kama Ayurveda</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kama%20Ayurveda_Radiance%20Box_1660120726159.jpg"></figure><p>Get all the goodness of Ayurveda packed in a box for your sibling from a face scrub to night cream. This gift set will leave your sibling’s skin glowing, radiant and supple.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.kamaayurveda.com/radiance-box.html">Available here</a></p><h2>3. Hydration To Go, Laneige</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_2_1660120618249.jpg"></figure><p>A five-piece, travel-friendly set of TSA-approved essentials that work to provide skin-strengthening hydration, this kit is packed with nutrient-rich products that provide moisture-barrier strengthening and explosive hydration on the go for normal to dry skin types.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boddess.com/laneige-hydration-to-go-for-normal-to-dry-skin-5ea">Available here</a></p><h2>4. Sister’s Selfcare Kit, Mary Cohr</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_27_01_1660120658146.jpg"></figure><p>Let your sister feel extra special with a nourishing facial care kit that is enriched with 100% natural ingredients.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://marycohr.co.in/collections/gifting/products/sisters-selfcare-kit">Available here</a></p><h2>5. Airwrap Multi-Styler, Dyson</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_New%20Launch_Next%20generation%20Dyson%20AirwrapTM%20multi-styler%20%281%29_1660120837646.jpg"></figure><p>A total staple for every beauty fanatic, what better gift than the newly launched airwrap by Dyson to pamper your sibling? The next-generation styling barrels make hairstyling easier with no heat damage while maintaining hair strength as well.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dyson.in/dyson-airwrap-complete-long-copper-nickel">Available here</a></p><h2>6. Dewy Day Prep Trio, Neemli Naturals</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Dewy%20Day%20Prep%20Trio%20%281%29_1660120684551.jpg"></figure><p>This product combo containing serum, moisturiser and sunsceen has got all your skincare problems covered and is ideal for all skin types. The products brighten and plump up the skin to keep it dewy and smooth.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.neemlinaturals.com/products/dewy-day-prep-trio-for-normal-to-dry-skin?_pos=1&_sid=622fd7f15&_ss=r">Available here</a></p><h2>7. Vivid Obsessions Lipstick Duo, Manish Malhotra Beauty</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_MANISH%20MALHOTRA%20VIVID%20OBSESSIONS%20LIPSTICK%20DUO_1660120810833.jpg"></figure><p>The set of luxurious matte lipsticks has multiple colours to choose from, stay on all day and feel light as air on the lips.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.myglamm.com/product/manish-malhotra-vivid-obsessions-lipstick-combo.html">Available here</a></p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>8. Basic 7 Makeup Brush Set, Proarte</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Proarte%20set%20of%207%20%281%20of%2010%29_1660129592666.jpg"></figure><p>The multipurpose assortment of brushes offers effortless ease of use along with powerful durability. There are seven different types of brushes nestled inside the set: a foundation brush, buffing brush, blending brush, eye shadow brush, lip line and fill brush, eyelid and eyebrow applicator as well as line and groom brush.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://proarteworld.com/collections/makeup-brush-sets/products/proarte-basic-7-brush-set">Available here</a></p><h2>9. Skincare Oil, Bio-Oil</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Bio-Oil_GO_Skincare_Oil_bottle-min_1660129604114.jpg"></figure><p>This bottle of elixir is the perfect Rakshabandhan gift for your sibling. In addition to instantly hydrating the skin, it solves a number of skin concerns.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nykaa.com/bio-oil-60-ml/p/23215">Available here</a></p><h2>10. Rakshabandhan Gift Box, SoulTree</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Raksha%20Bandhan%20-%20GiftBox_1660129624360.jpg"></figure><p>Gift your sister a box packed with ayurvedic makeup essentials and brimming with love. The products are made with natural ingredients like organic ghee, camphor and almond oil.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.soultree.in/products/raksha-bandhan-special-gift-box?variant=41837458292927&currency=INR&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=&utm_source=&utm_medium=googleads&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwi8iXBhBeEiwAKbUofVxREMCxxn4xQD7S5g7riSfijjmRpQpMqNE9phvTgx8ornnU5cMDOxoCOKkQAvD_BwE">Available here</a></p><h2>11. Set Of 3 Moods, Seva Candles</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Seva%20-%20SET%20OF%203%20MOODS%20%287%29_1660129649091.jpg"></figure><p>This gift set encompasses three candles for distinct moods and the aroma feels transports you to a calm state of mind. Isn’t it quite a thoughtful gift for your sibling?</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sevahome.in/shop-all/set-of-3-moodsmoods-shots">Available here</a></p><h2>12. On The Move Kit, Kaya</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kaya_KAYA%20ON%20THE%20MOVE%20KIT_INR%20440%20%281%29_1660120741462.jpg"></figure><p>A daily essential regime pack that is travel-friendly, Kaya’s skincare kit comes with an easy-to-use 3-step skincare routine to maintain clear and youthful-looking skin. It comes with a cleansing gel, sunscreen and pore-minimising toner.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shop.kaya.in/kaya-on-the-move.html">Available here</a></p><h2>13. Rakhi Gift Kit, SUGAR Cosmetics</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SUGAR%20Cosmetics%20Rakhi%20kit_1660130278856.jpg"></figure><p>Let your sibling add a flattering definition to their makeup with this gift kit from SUGAR Cosmetics. For all-night party looks, these makeup picks from kajal to liquid lipstick are must-haves.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://in.sugarcosmetics.com/products/rakhi-gift-kit">Available here</a></p><h2>14. Perfect Rakhi Gift, Fixderma</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Fixderma%20Rakhi%20gift-%20Face21%20Cleanser%20%2B%20Face21%20Cream%20%2B%20Undereye%20Cream%20With%20White%20Gift%20Bag_1660130304789.jpg"></figure><p>This facial essentials kit comes with a cleanser, face cream and an undereye cream - all packed in a pristine white pouch bag.  An easy 3-step regimen can be done with these products.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.fixderma.com/products/face21-cleanser-face21-cream-undereye-cream-with-white-gift-bag">Available here</a></p><p><strong>Chic gifts for the stylish sibling:</strong></p><h2>1. Ladies Bucket, Aldo</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ladies%20Bucket%20With%20Non-Removable%20Chain%20And%20Pouch%20Detailing__1660120767349.jpg"></figure><p>Your sister will adore this elegant yet trendy bucket bag from Aldo that comes with a non-removable chain and golden detailing. It also has a tiny change purse attached that makes it look darn cute. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.aldoshoes.in/handbags/women/crossbody/tearin966008/683829016775.html">Available here</a></p><h2>2. Mint Floral Shirtdress, Bombay Paisley</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Bombay%20Paisley%20mint%20dress_1660129806473.jpg"></figure><p>This understated sleeveless dress is something your sister will love. The collars add a lovely layer to the shirtdress and the floral pattens lend a nice touch of spring to the silhouette. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.westside.com/collections/woman-ethnic-wear-bombay-paisley/products/bombay-paisley-mint-floral-printed-shirtdress-300907782?variant=41340290531381">Available here</a></p><h2>3. Aura Briolette Drop Earrings, Joolry</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Auro%20Briolette%20Earrings%20by%20Joolry%20%281%29_1660120669679.jpg"></figure><p>The magnificent briolette drops in the earrings add a hint of glamour and will add sparkle to your sibling’s ensemble. These earrings are perfect for Rakhi gifting.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joolry.in/product/briolette-drop-earrings/">Available here</a></p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>4. Yellow Solid Straight Suit, Global Desi</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Global%20Desi_1660129720915.jpg"></figure><p>Add some ethnic funk to your sister’s wardrobe and gift her this elegant three-piece ensemble from Global Desi. A picture-perfect look for every occasion,  she can up her style game easily with this suit.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.globaldesi.in/Women/Clothing/Sets-SS22GD1443PRL_Yellow.html">Available here</a></p><h2>5. Rose Bella Co-ord Set, House Of Fett</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_House%20of%20Fett%20-%202_1660129730804.jpg"></figure><p>If your favourite sister has travel plans in the future, then gift her this pink co-ord set. A fun and casual look for a day out, she will cherish this ensemble for sure.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://houseoffett.com/products/rosa-bella-co-ord-set">Available here</a></p><h2>6. Rose Gold Analog - Women's Watch, Casio</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_LTP-E154MPG-4A_DF_1660120798068.jpg"></figure><p>Bring a smile to your sibling’s face by gifting them this bold yet beautifully designed metallic watch from Casio. Isn’t it the perfect token of appreciation?</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.casioindiashop.com/Watches/A1852/Casio-LTP-E154MPG-4ADF(A1852)-Enticer Ladies Analog Watch.html">Available here</a></p><h2>7. Hibiscus Voyageur Anna Medium Cross Body Bag, TUMI</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hibiscus%20Voyageur%20Anna%20Medium%20Cross%20Body%20Bag_1660120710518.jpg"></figure><p>In celebration of Rakshabandhan, plan a trip with your siblings and gift them the most versatile sling bag by Tumi. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://luxury.tatacliq.com/tumi-hibiscus-voyageur-anna-medium-cross-body-bag/p-mp000000012412362?cid=ps:gmcfeed:googleglux:sokrati:20220803">Available here</a></p><h2>8. Light Pink Draped Sneaker, 7-10</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_7-10%20Women%27s%20Light%20Pink%20Draped%20Sneaker_1660120633395.jpg"></figure><p>If you’re looking for a cool Rakshabandhan gift for your sibling this year, look no further than a pair of sneakers. For the sister who is cool yet chic, choose this pair of sneakers which blends femininity with high fashion.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://7-10.in/products/710-206-wp">Available here</a></p><h2>9. Luggage Karlie Medium Leather Satchel, Michael Kors</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_MICHAEL%20KORS%20Luggage%20Karlie%20Medium%20Leather%20Satchel_1660120823944.jpg"></figure><p>This satchel bag from Michael Kors looks modern, ultra-chic, and offers a striking novelty appeal. Which sibling wouldn’t fall in love with this Rakhi gift?</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://luxury.tatacliq.com/michael-michael-kors-luggage-karlie-medium-leather-satchel/p-mp000000013593532?&cid=ot:prrakshabandhanmichaelkors27072022">Available here</a></p><h2>10. UNO Street Art Sneakers, Skechers</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Skechers%20UNO%20Street%20Art_1660120849460.jpg"></figure><p>These sneakers from Skechers is fun, youthful and a perfect pair of comfy shoes to gift for the artsy sibling on the go!</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.skechers.in/uno---street-art/155591-BKMT.html">Available here</a></p><h2>11. Go Nuts! Ring, Eurumme</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Eurumme%20-%20Go%20Nuts%20Ring_1660129761839.jpg"></figure><p>Your sibling at times can definitely drive you nuts. On this special occasion, tell her how much she means to you in a quirky way with this statement adjustable ring.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://eurumme.com/index.php/product/go-nuts-ring/">Available here</a></p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>12. Summer Siesta Bib Dress, Drawn</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Summer%20Siesta%20Bib%20Dress_Drawn_1660129777280.jpg"></figure><p>This beautiful dress is a statement on its own. The colourful design adds an element of fun to its wearer, which makes them the perfect gifting option.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shopdrawn.com/collections/frontpage/products/summer-siesta-big-bib-dress">Available here</a></p><h2>13. Peacock Watch, Jaipur Watch Company</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Peacock-Watch_Pro_1660223337399.jpg"></figure><p>Celebrations like Raksha Bandhan call for precious gifts and what's better than gifting an ornate watch? This beautiful peacock watch that amalgamates the essence of nature is another perfect gift. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://jaipur.watch/products/peacock-watch-ii-3?_pos=1&_psq=peacock%20&_ss=e&_v=1.0">Available here</a></p>

Still wondering what to get siblings for Rakhi? Here’s our last-minute shopping guide to the rescue. 

For Rakshabandhan, here’s your ultimate, last-minute gifting guide for your sibling. Read more on zeezest.com