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<p>Underscoring her creative dialogue with India and paying homage to the blurred lines between fine art and craft, creative director of Dior women’s collections Maria Grazia Chiuri brought together two widely celebrated Indian artists—Madhvi and Manu Parekh—at the  Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2022 Haute Couture show at Musée Rodin in Paris on January 24. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_4_1643625621553.jpg"><figcaption>The Dior Haute Couture 2022 show space at the Musée Rodin</figcaption></figure><p>Karishma Swali at the ateliers of Chanakya and the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai used the language of embroidery, interpreted through meticulous artistry and textile techniques, to bring the artworks to life. This is not the first time that the Mumbai-based Chanakya School of Craft—which Swali co-founded with a mission to develop and foster education, skill development and self-determination among women while investing in the preservation of Indian cultural heritage and the promotion of the arts—collaborated with an international name. Earlier, Chanakya has collaborated with iconic fashion brands such as Fendi, Valentino, Gucci, Maison Margiela, and Versace to create unique conversations rooted in craft and innovation. The large-scale hand-embroidered textile panels were installed throughout the show space at the Musée Rodin till January 30. </p><p>Edited excerpts from a conversation with creator Karishma Swali.</p><h2>1. How did the collaboration with Christian Dior come about?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_6_1643625630218.jpg"><figcaption>Karishma Swali, Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Dior women’s collections, and Pietro Beccari, CEO, Dior</figcaption></figure><p>The seeds of this collaboration were sewn many years ago when I began collecting Madhvi and Manu Parekh’s works. I found an incredible synergy between modernism and traditional Indian motifs, with a deep reverence for exceptional craftsmanship as a unifying thread—exemplifying my mission for Chanakya School of Craft. Showcasing the couple’s art intentionally explores the male/female dichotomy, not as opposition, but as complementarily. India’s most inventive modern artists, their work is modern with a spiritual abstraction. Also, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s creative director of women’s collections, has always been a true champion for craft excellence, fostering and preserving indigenous master techniques from around the world. We are grateful for her collaboration and mentorship. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. Tell us about the specialities of artists Madhvi and Manu’s oeuvre, and how you interpreted each?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_5_1643625640966.jpg"><figcaption>Flying Goddess - Madhvi Parekh and Karishma Swali for Chanakya</figcaption></figure><p>Honoured with the National Award from Lalit Kala Akademi in 1979, Madhvi Parekh’s art is the confluence of modernism and traditional Indian craft patterns and is steeped in folk traditions. To interpret her artwork through embroidery, Chanakya cultivated a folk vernacular by using dimensional techniques in repetition to form background textures that evoke a magical world of folktales and the pastoral idyll. A laureate of the Indian Government’s prestigious Padma Shri (1992), Manu Parekh is among India’s best-known modern artists. His works feature places like his iconic Benares series or the energies of interconnectedness that one can see in his series about the third eye. To interpret his art, meticulous attention was paid to creating layers revealing many hidden details that invite individual exploration. </p><h2>3. Tell us about some of the techniques you employed…</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_2_1643625648831.jpg"><figcaption>Looks from the Dior SS22 Haute Couture show</figcaption></figure><p>To represent Madhvi’s artwork World of Kali, the quintessential embodiment of Shakti—or feminine energy, fertility, and creativity—through our craft, raw linework techniques were employed to lend an energetic charge to this installation. In Manu’s case—the Chant series—raw threads were employed to create a feeling of vibration and energy. The other techniques used in the installation include couching and traditional Indian fine needle zardozi stitches to create a sfumato effect, a technique allowing tones and colours to blend gradually into one another, producing softened outlines or hazy forms. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>4. How many artisans and how many man-hours went into the craft-centric wall hangings at the Dior couture show?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_1_1643625658966.jpg"><figcaption>Looks from the Dior SS22 Haute Couture show</figcaption></figure><p>As many as 320 dedicated artisans have worked in synchrony like an orchestra for over three months to bring these artworks to life. It has taken over 2,18,000 hours to be able to create this monumental installation.</p><h2>5. How did you merge your ethos with the works here?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_3_1643625669743.jpg"><figcaption>Karishma Swali with Maria Grazia Chiuri</figcaption></figure><p>We choose to use only organic handwoven fabrics and raw materials. Everything is processed using vegetable dyes. The sustainability of craft and of the planet is very close to my heart. Thankfully, this project allowed space for both. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>6. What’s your vision for the Chanakya School of Craft?</h2><p>In the near future, we see the Chanakya School of Craft growing as a centre of excellence for multi-dimensional learning focussed on the preservation of exemplary Indian master crafts while investing in their reinvention and innovation. Together, we can all create a more inclusive tomorrow that consciously preserves communities, craft, and our environment</p>

Co-founder of Chanakya, Karishma Swali, tells Zeezest how she took large-scale hand-embroidered textile panels at the Dior couture show in Paris. 

Karishma Swali at the ateliers of Chanakya and the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai uses the language of embroidery to bring to life the works of Indian artists Madhvi and Manu Parekh at Musée Rodin

Dior Haute Couture 2022: Chanakya School of Craft Mumbai At Musée Rodin

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<p>It doesn’t come as a surprise that the most distinctive aspect of our country, India, is its astonishing amalgamation of the heterogeneity of cultures and traditions that can be traced back to ancient times—but still holds a cardinal value even today.</p><p>Indian culture has never failed to keep us enthralled, especially when it comes to our performing arts—including classical Indian dance forms playing a significant role with its spectrum of beauty originating from different parts of our country. But little do people know that the birth of these dance drama genres actually took place in our temples, worship being the main goal.</p><p>Despite the fact that each dance genre arose from a distinct state, its roots are all the same. The 'Natya Shastra', an old Sanskrit scripture, is where the foundation can be traced. The much-maligned shrines in temples kept the art form alive thanks to their rituals of devotion until a cultural rebirth pushed the dances out of the temples and into modern-day dance forms. </p><p>Presently, the recognised classical dances of India include Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. These dances are historically regional, and they demonstrate a unity of central principles in a myriad of styles, costumes, and expressions.</p><p>So, for all the dance enthusiasts and cultural researchers, we've compiled a comprehensive introduction to the many Indian classical dance forms. Let's take a closer look and explore the rhythmic gems of our heritage.</p><h2>1. Bharatnatyam</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Bharatnatyam_1641911757419.jpg"></figure><p>Bharatanatyam is a prominent Hindu form of Indian classical dance that originated in modern-day Tamil Nadu and is recognized for its locked upper torso, bent legs, fantastic footwork, and exquisite sign language of body motions, including facial expressions. Bharatnatyam is noted for its diverse hand gestures, known as mudras. To comprehend and perfect this dance form, one must first understand the definition of the term "Bharatnatyam," where “Bha" denotes feelings, “Ra" is an abbreviation for musical notes, “Ta" refers to the beat, and "Natyam" refers to the Sanskrit word for drama.</p><h2>2. Kathak</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kathak_1641911769228.jpg"></figure><p>An exquisite dance with North Indian origins, Kathak is said to have originated with the roaming bards known as Kathakars or storytellers in ancient northern India. Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit words Katha, which means story, and Kathakar, which means one who recounts a tale. Kathak is known for its outstanding footwork and flawless rhythmic patterns, which are controlled by the performer wielding roughly 100 anklets known as <i>ghungroos </i>that happen to be an integral feature of this dance form. The perfect synchronization in Kathak is graceful enough to swoon anyone's heart.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Kuchipudi</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kuchipudi_1641911778905.jpg"><figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure><p>Kuchipudi, a traditional dance style from Southern India, is recognized for its synchronized footwork, outstanding eye movements, and breath-taking storyline—making it the perfect combination of Lasya and Tandava. This dance style incorporates both singing and dancing by the artist, which is why it demands both abilities as well as much more hard work and devotion than any other dance form in India. Raja-Radha Reddy is among the most famous Kuchipudi dancers in India, along with Uma Rama Rao and Yamini Reddy.</p><h2>4. Odissi</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Odissi_1641911789365.jpg"></figure><p>Originating from the Hindu temples of Odisha, Odissi is a major Indian classical dance, known for its unique features which include hip deflection, postures with three body flexes, and hand gestures with an arching pattern. The Odissi dance form, which has been around for a long time, is performed amid the sacred and calm environs of Shri Jagannath Temple in Odhisa. As a result, many statues in various Odissi poses are found around the temple grounds. This dancing style is a cross between Lasya and Tandava, and is mostly performed by women dancers who can be seen doing more than 50 fascinating mudras gracefully.</p><h2>5. Kathakali</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kathakali_1641911803152.jpg"></figure><p>Kathakali is a fascinating art form that originated from a variety of social and religious theatrical traditions that existed in ancient India. It is one of Kerala's most spectacular classical dances, where 'Katha' denotes a story or a tale and 'Kali' denotes a performance or an art form. The costume and make-up are two features that clearly distinguish this dance from its contemporaries. The Kathakali dance form consists of interesting facial gestures and heavy costumes, which include traditional face masks and green body paint. Aside from the outfit and makeup, the dance also features Soppanam singing. </p><h2>6. Sattriya</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sattriya-Nritya_1641911814994.jpg"></figure><p>Sattriya emerged from the neo-Vaishnavite movement begun by Srimanta Sankardev in Assam in the 15th century in Sattra, a monastery. This Assamese classical dance is another prominent Indian classical dance form. Vaishnavism adds to the appeal of this dancing genre. The themes and styles utilised in Sattriya dance are predominantly centred around Lord Krishna—however, there are references to other Vishnu avatars like Rama and Sita, as well as tales from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Manipuri</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Manipuri_1641911827036.jpg"></figure><p>Inspired by the dance drama of Radha-Krishna called Raas Leela, the Manipuri Dance is a renowned Indian traditional dance form that originated in the Indian state of Manipur.  The dance form is based on Hindu Vaishnavism themes, and features magnificent performances of a curvaceous physique with a cheerful grin, colourful and elaborate costumes, and accessories—indeed make this a mesmerizing classical dance to watch. </p><h2>8. Mohiniyattam</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mohiniyattam_1641911845473.jpg"></figure><p>Mohiniyattam is another wonderful dance form that you cannot miss. It is a prominent dance from Kerala and is characterized by swinging and elegant body motions with no abrupt jerks or stops. The name 'Mohini' alludes to Lord Vishnu's beautiful female avatar who is tasked with putting a stop to evil forces. Apart from that, Mohiniyattam evokes images of attractive women dancing.</p><p>These Indian classical dance forms are not just famous in India but across the world. Classical dance is indeed one of the most popular and beautiful dance styles. It aids in the formation of a lovely bond between emotions, mind, and body—which is essential for living a healthy lifestyle. Because of the large level of attention required to recall the distinct postures, it is a scientifically proven fact that classical dancing style aids in boosting focus. Classical dances are an integral element of India's rich culture, with each stance having its own meaning.</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>

Mesmerising Indian classical dance forms might have originated in ancient temples, but they hold relevance even today. 

Mesmerising Indian classical dance forms might have originated in ancient temples, but they hold relevance even today. Read more on zeezest.com. 

8 Indian Classical Dance Forms You Need To Know About | Zee Zest

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<p>If the last two years have taught us anything, it is to be kind—kind to people around us, kind to ourselves, and above all kind to our world. The year 2022 has brought with it a glaring perspective and stunning clarity. As we unlearn behavioural patterns and adopt new ways of living, the last two years have given us a chance to renew ourselves. To think bigger, to consume more mindfully, to manufacture more consciously, to create more freely, to give back more openly, and to go back to our roots wholly are the guiding principles in this New Year. Keeping true to these aesthetics, this is the right time to stress on veganism and espouse all things vegan in our life—then be it what we eat, what we wear, or what we practice.</p><h2>Clothing naturally</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mud-Jeans_1642435779914.jpg"></figure><p>By the time Bert van Son founded MUD Jeans in 2012, he had seen it all. He realised that the endless demands for material, due to rapid production, was ruining our planet. He wanted to do things differently. The PETA-approved vegan certificate for his brand of denim ensures that no animal products were used throughout the production process. Jeans are one of the most polluting items in fashion. Each pair uses 7,000 litres of water and nasty chemicals. MUD Jeans makes high quality, sustainable jeans, recycling every single pair after use. What van Son realised was the ethos that defined Indian fashion for ages.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_DOODLAGE-X-JUNE_1642435800146.jpg"></figure><p>Doodlage co-founder Kriti Tula says: “Upcycling is a deeply rooted tradition in most middle and upper-middle-class families in India. Every garment lasted more than we hoped. We were simply not wasteful. Everything was less disposable.” With her DOODLAGE X JUNE collection, she made a full circle. Each piece in the collection is painstakingly handcrafted with hand-embroidered details.</p><p>It was the disturbing reality of consumerism that spurred Germany-based Indian fashion designer Chandra Prakash Jha to make silk in such a way that no silkworms would be harmed. The collection also won him the German Sustainability Awards—Design. Jha’s brand Cocccon works closely with organic silk farmers in his native state of Jharkhand. The German brand is today the world’s largest manufacturer of ‘peace silk’. “Peace silk is the process of producing silk where the silkworm doesn’t have to give up its life. Peace silk tries to revolutionise the concept of not killing any living creature for our greed,” he says.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_I-Am-Animal_1642435868971.jpg"></figure><p>Activist-entrepreneur Kunal Avanti’s I Am Animal—an all-new organic athleisure brand—was born out of Avanti’s love and loyalty to animals and the environment. I Am Animal is a PETA-approved cruelty-free brand that employs conscious 100%GOTS-Certified Organic fabrics to bring their superlative design sensibilities to life. Their primary collection, Collection Zero, comprises T-shirts, hoodies, tanks and joggers that combine comfort and wearability for the discerning Indian consumer. Avanti says: “I Am Animal is a passion project and a labour of love. It is an extension of all that I believe in, a sustainable solution that channels the value systems of the generation of today, and gives it a fashion-forward look. We have maintained ‘planet friendly’ and ‘design centric’ as our core concepts.” I Am Animal is a conscious and planet-friendly brand that walks the talk and aims to close the gap between sustainability and affordability. The brand opts for low-impact, vegan dyes that reduce water consumption.</p><p>Then there is faux fur. The fashion industry is increasingly acknowledging veganism and cruelty-free materials in their designs. Donna Salyers’ Fabulous-Furs began with a passion for animals and the belief that cruelty-free fashion could be achieved. “Our fabrics and materials are carefully selected to ensure the finest luxury faux furs. Our faux furs are made of the most natural-looking, visually and texturally exquisite textiles,” says a spokesman for the brand. The brand sells in 46 countries, setting a benchmark for quality in today’s faux fur market.</p><h2>Slaying it with accessories</h2><p>The percentage of sustainable fashion in India is still small and the lack of education/information has made this progress very slow. But in recent years, there has been a positive impact. More and more consumers are asking questions about how their clothing and accessories have been crafted. Brands are going the extra mile to walk the talk. Eco-friendly Mumbai-based fashion brand FOReT, which has been approved by PETA, stresses handmade luxury from nature. It endorses sustainable philosophies at every stage of production. A portion from every purchase also helps forests in rural parts of Maharashtra.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Outhouse1_1642435932883.jpg"></figure><p>Outhouse Jewellery, helmed by Kaabia and Sasha Grewal, is known for its dramatic fashion jewellery with an artisanal appeal. With a presence in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata—the brand is launching its very-first bucket bags crafted in PETA-approved vegan leather featuring 24k rose gold finishing. The vegan all-important accessory comes in a variety of colours. This versatile bag can be worn in different ways as it comes with an attachable top handle. Their new jewellery collection is also steeped in Outhouse’s signature aesthetic of chic yet daring creations and gives a nod to veganism. “The collection is a bridge between yesterday and today,” say the founders.</p><p>Kolkata-based The House of Ganges redefines everyday vegan luxury handbags and accessories for men and women. Founders Riya and Ricky Osatwal say, “The world around us is our source of constant inspiration. When we say handmade, we mean it. We do everything in-house including product design, development, production, and fulfilment. All our products are manufactured in our own factory. As a brand, we believe in creating ethically made goods.”</p><h2>Pure beauty</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Stick-Blush-From-Anastasia-Beverly-Hills-%284%29_1642436043576.jpg"></figure><p>The touchstone for beauty today is clean formulations with as few ingredients as possible and guaranteeing extraordinary performance. Leading Italian brand KIKO Milano, which made inroads into India a few years ago, launched its Konscious beauty range to breach the new vegan frontier. The formulas do not contain ingredients of animal origin. The packaging too is sustainable, eco-friendly, and minimalist to reduce environmental impact. “Where possible, we’re committed to using a percentage of recycled plastic from industrial waste inside our packaging. Brushes have synthetic fibres and the handle of our eye brush is made of plant-derived plastic. The paper packaging of every box is biodegradable,” says the brand in a release. Anastasia Beverly Hills, believes in creating balance and harmony. As a leading beauty innovator for over two decades, Anastasia Beverly Hills is at the forefront of industry trends while remaining true to its core. Naturally, veganism is its calling card.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arise-All-Good-Scents_1642436195760.jpg"></figure><p>As the beauty industry makes progress, it has also become more conscious. For many, veganism is a huge part of their lifestyle. So why shouldn’t their beauty products be vegan too? “Skincare should be a joyful, nice treat for your skin to restore and maintain your skin at its natural best. Not a ‘treatment’ with a ‘mission’,” says chemical engineer Shankar Prasad, who set up the vegan beauty brand Plum in 2013.</p><p>Disguise Cosmetics is India’s first 100%vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand. From gorgeous lipsticks enriched with avocado and marula oil, the brand is driven by the need to experiment. The Mumbai-based brand was founded in April 2018 by three scientists, Desiree Pereira, Shivangi Shah and Lakshay Mohendroo. “Ditching aside the conventional definition of ‘beauty’, we set out on a journey to discover what beauty means to us in its true, raw, imperfect form,” the trio says.</p><p>India is a country that has a deep historical and cultural connection to the world of fine fragrances. A number of ingredients from India are used by luxury perfumeries around the world. Rajiv Sheth, the founder of All Good Scents, launched the brand with inspiration in all aspects of modern French perfumery and multicultural experiences stressing cruelty-free and vegan products. “All Good Scents aims to provide India with the luxury of sustainable yet affordable perfumes and fragrances,” says Sheth.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Food of the gods</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Getafix2_1642437738617.jpg"></figure><p>The entire talk of veganism began with food. It all started with what we put inside our bodies before moving to the outside. Restaurants today are increasingly going vegan. A lot of packaged foods have come up, riding on the vegan bandwagon. Delhi-based Getafix embodies guilt-free indulgence. The cafe was recently awarded the title of Restaurant Serving the Best Healthy Food 2021 and founder and managing director Dhruv Chawla was awarded the Best Restaurateur of the year. The eatery emphasises on making healthy food delicious and accessible without compromising on the taste or palate. It offers a carefully considered selection of nutritious ingredients and superfoods like buckwheat, barley, amaranth, and quinoa. The menu mindfully recreates every scrumptious dish in a healthier way—wholewheat hand-rolled pasta, custom-baked breads, in-house sauces, homemade yoghurt-based smoothies, slow-pressed juices, and vegan gluten-free dishes. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Brrgrr-Co_1642437898279.jpg"></figure><p>Likewise, Delhi-based AKU’s: The Brrgrr Company, founded in 2018, is a homegrown fast-casual brand recognised with superb food served swiftly. They deliver fresh meals produced with real ingredients. Created by brother-sister Akriti and Ankit Malhotra it has introduced slow-food ideas combined with fast-food service.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_CBD-Oils---The-Trost_1642437651316.jpg"></figure><p><br>Over time we have forgotten the age-old principles of healing and wellness. Sustainable slow practices ease the pressures of life and find holistic solutions to lifestyle conditions. Hence, The Trost was born. Though the inspiration for the brand came from a stint the founder had in Switzerland, the technology was adapted from there but the core product was nature’s biggest gift and very much local, Indian flora—the healing cannabis plant. The Trost aims to break the taboo around the misunderstood plant. The brand aspires to change that perception and create a platform that makes the benefits of cannabis easily accessible for everyone looking to use the plant for its therapeutic, nutritional and medical benefits. The brand also boasts hemp nutrition and CBD oils. The Hemp Nutrition segment has Hemp Hearts, Hemp Powder, and Hemp Seed Oil. A simple solution to plant-based protein, the hearts, powder, and seed, can be a part of a number of dishes and help increase a person’s protein intake, in the natural and sustainable form. Founder and CEO Harshal Goel says, “We want to be able to harness the true potential of the plant and make it available in a legal and ethical manner.”</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_OZiva-Product-Range-images_1642437769591.jpg"></figure><p>Aarti Gill, co-founder and CEO of OZiva, India’s leading certified clean and plant-based nutrition and wellness brand, believes that with Covid-19, the interest in clean, plant-based nutrition, building immunity and taking care of one’s health are high on priority. The pandemic has catapulted the need for holistic wellness. Plant-based nutrition is one of the best dietary approaches towards ensuring holistic nourishment and longevity for the body. “Gone are the days of extreme diets, unnecessary ingredients, and false promises. People have started to take care of their diet and nutrition, and as we step into 2022, we’ll see more people continue to follow suit and eat food that is good for the body and the environment,” she says.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_N%C3%A4ck_1642437507221.jpg"></figure><p>Several studies have found that adhering to a plant-based diet could have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Plant-based diets are rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fibre which is linked to a lower risk of multiple lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disorders, and type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note though that adhering to a complete vegan diet needs very good planning and should be focused on eating whole foods and foods that are rich in antioxidants. Malin Petersson, co-founder and CEO of Näck, a Swedish-Indian startup, couldn’t agree more.</p><p>“Adopting a more plant-based diet lifestyle has become an important consumer shift in the industry in recent years. The health benefits coupled with the increased understanding of livestock production and its impact on climate change are major factors contributing to this shift. Here I would like to draw special attention to the plant-based protein sector where growing concerns over environmental impact from animal-based protein have led to an extensive demand for plant-based protein options. I’m sure we will see more product development in this area in the coming years especially when it comes to flavour, colour and scent,” she says.</p><h2>Best foot forward</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rhea-Kapoor-x-The-CAI-Store-Img-min_1642437813728.jpg"></figure><p>Vegan leathers are also increasingly in demand for interior design and shoes, with innovative creations made from many plant-based materials including mushroom leather. When Aradhana Minawala, co-founder, The CAI Store, started her vegan footwear brand in 2015, it was still an untapped and new market space. “In fact, vegan products are still quite untapped, but there is a lot of potential for brands to grow this industry. We are known for our summer flats which can be worn everywhere, and build peoples holiday wardrobes. Now, we are entering the heels space where we constantly create our own structured heels to give a unique look to our designs,” she says. Celebrated <i><u>jutti </u></i>label Needledust has also sensed the mood and is slowly going vegan. Its stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh celebrate vibrant vegan India with sparkles of gold fireworks in sequin, beads, details of <i>gota </i>and the classic <i>dabka </i>work. Their alternative footwear collection is 100%handcrafted and vegan.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Needledust_Laila_3690_1642437824910.jpg"></figure><p>Sustainable footwear brand Cordalife’s passion for helping people in a sustainable way has driven the brand to start a socially responsible business from the ground up. The brand is built on the belief that giving people life-sustaining, confidence-boosting, independence-generating jobs can do more to improve the life of a person in poverty than a donation. Making rope sandals—their flagship product—creates this opportunity. Mumbai-based PAIO, a PETA-certified unique vegan shoe brand based in India, has a similar belief. Their made-to-order shoes can be completely customised and all the shoes are entirely handmade from start to finish. Shweta Nimkar says her passion for shoes started at a young age. Her brand PAIO launched its first collection in 2016. “We use fabrics and synthetic leathers for our shoes,” says Nimkar adding that her brand is currently in process of creating a range of wedding shoes for the Indian market. “These shoes are made using fabrics such as Chanderi and georgette and faux silk,” she adds.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_PAIO_1642437578660.jpg"></figure><h2>Catching up</h2><p>Co-founder Paras Arora’s Doodlage upcycles factory waste into short limited edition collections. “What we waste is segregated and converted into accessories, soft furnishing products and paper to make our packaging or stationery products. All our pieces and fabrics are made with ethical production units and our packaging is designed to be plastic-free,” he says. The brand is known for its quirky stationery products.</p><p>Décor is increasingly going eco-friendly and vegan. There are many ways to make your home a monument of eco-friendliness, whether it’s introducing more plant life, trading single-use materials for sustainable alternatives, or even installing a suite of innovative smart home tech. One option is wood, which remains an excellent choice for lightweight construction projects, as well as finishing touches like wooden furniture, cabinetry and decorative detailing. If you need a strong, solid material, concrete mixes that include naturally-sourced material like bamboo could be the way to go.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Casa-Decor1_1642436216233.jpg"></figure><p>Niraj Johri, founder, Casa Décor, says, “Sustainability isn’t just for structural elements. Even small changes can be made with sustainability in mind. As a home decor company, we are invested with the responsibility to decide the materials and products that should be used and how people interact with their surrounding spaces. The best way to achieve sustainability is to choose quality over quantity, classics over trendy, and simplicity/functionality over embellishments.”</p>

From food to fashion to beauty, here's how you can make vegan choices this year.

How Brands And Consumers are adopting a vegan lifestyle in 2022

How To Adopt A Vegan Way of Life

Vegan

Life Lessons

How To

Trends

From haldi to mehendi, here’s what Katrina Kaif donned for her pre-wedding festivities. 

Check out what Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif wore for her pre-wedding functions – haldi, mehndi and more – on ZeeZest.com. 

From Haldi To Mehndi: Katrina Kaif’s Pre Wedding Looks

Katrina Kaif Picks Sabyasachi Lehengas For Her Mehendi And Haldi Ceremonies

Move over Goa and Rajasthan! South India has some of the most picturesque wedding destinations in India. 

South India has some of the most picturesque wedding destinations in India. Read more on zeezest.com.

6 Romantic Wedding Destinations in South India | Zee Zest 

These Are South India’s Most Romantic Wedding Destinations

<p>After being tight-lipped about her relationship, Naagin actress Mouni Roy finally tied the knot with her long-time beau, Suraj Nambiar, an investment banker based in Dubai. The newly wedded couple got married at Hilton Goa Resort on 27 January, Thursday as per both Malayali and Bengali wedding customs and traditions. The wedding festivities saw many of the actor couple’s friends such as Mandira Bedi, Aamna Sharif, Arjun Bijlani and many more. The bride and groom gave their fans several happy and loved-up images looking stunning in their wedding finery from their wedding ceremonies to help you with all the inspiration for the wedding season.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_12_1643375864942.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mouni Roy</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_6_1643375693968.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Arjun Bijlani</figcaption></figure><p>The Bengali beauty, Mouni Roy looked like a sassy fashionista for her Haldi ceremony dressed in a sleeveless white sharara set. Her ensemble had golden detailing all over, while the dupatta featured a broad golden border. Floral jewelry accompanied her haldi look. Twinning with her, groom Suraj Nambiar also opted for a white monochrome look with a collared kurta and pyjama set. For the Roy-Nambiar mehendi ceremony, Mouni opted for a bright yellow fusion ensemble that came with a statement blouse and a voluminous, flouncy skirt. The halter-neck styled blouse came with additional mirrorwork, cowrie shell detailing and tassels while the intricate embroidery uplifted it. Her skirt was a simple one with embellishments only. Adding a jewelled touch, she wore a traditional <i>maangtika</i> with dangling earrings. Smoky eyes and nude-pink lips gave the final touches to her pre-wedding look. Her beautiful mehndi can be credited to artist Halima Khan, who was also a part of cricketer Jaspreet Bumrah’s wedding. The groom looked dapper for the pre-wedding functions in a beige-coloured kurta accented with a floral embroidered Nehru jacket.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_9_1643375713713.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mandira Bedi</figcaption></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_10_1643375587054.jpg"></figure><p>On 27 January, Thursday morning, the couple had a traditional Malayali wedding ceremony. Mouni looked resplendent wearing a traditional Kanjeevaram saree with red and golden woven border. Her traditional temple jewellery was designed by Anmol Jewellers and included <i>maatha-patti</i>, <i>kamar-patti</i>, bangles and earrings. Her bridal makeup included a smokey eye and defined brows with tinted cheeks and neutral lips. Her hair was worn back in a braid with a white floral <i>gajra</i> woven in. She was styled by celebrity stylist Rishika Devnani. The groom wore a gold-toned kurta with a white <i>mundu</i>.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_8_1643375627744.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mouni Roy Fanpage</figcaption></figure><p>The same evening, the couple had a traditional Bengali wedding ceremony. Mouni wore a Sabyasachi classic red lehenga in handwoven silk with embroidered zardozi borders. The stunning ethnic wear came with a customised veil with a verse written ‘Ayushmati Bhav’. Mouni adorned herself with heavy traditional bridal jewelry from Anmol Jewellers. Her look was accentuated with heavy eye makeup, well-defined brows, mascara-laden eyelashes and tinted lips. The groom, Suraj, wore an ivory silk sherwani with a beige shawl with embroidered borders.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_3_1643375658010.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mouni Roy </figcaption></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_5_1643375784533.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mouni Roy </figcaption></figure><p>We wish Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar a very happy married life. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mouni%20roy%20wedding_4_1643376081739.jpg"><figcaption>©Instagram/Mouni Roy </figcaption></figure>

From mehendi to haldi, here’s what Mouni Roy and her husband wore for their wedding festivities

Mouni Roy-Suraj Nambiar Wedding Photos: Find out what they wore. Read more on zeezest.com 

 Mouni Roy And Suraj Nambiar Wedding Looks To Bookmark

Mouni Roy Looked Resplendent As Both Malayali And Bengali Bride

Mouni Roy

Wedding

Bollywood

From recipe journals to motivating planners, conquering 2022 has just been made easy!

Here are the best planners, calendars and journals for 2022. Read more on zeezest.com

13 Best Planners And Journals for 2022

13 Best Planners And Journals To Achieve Your Goals In 2022   

Here’s your binge-watch list for this New Year.

Here is a list of all the international movies and web series you can watch on Netflix, Prime Video, and Lionsgate Play in 2022. Read more on zeezest.com.  

12 International Shows And Movies To Watch in 2022 | New Releases

12 International Shows And Movies To Keep You Hooked In 2022

Food trends for 2022 are all about getting used to “the new normal,” making our lives more sustainable and flavours more exciting.

Food trends for 2022 are all about making our lives more sustainable and flavours more exciting. Read more on zeezest.com.

10 Hottest Food Trends In 2022 | Zee Zest

10 Hottest Food Trends to Watch Out For In 2022

<p>Every year lexicographers (people who compile dictionaries) spend months and months on research to scour through the public lingo and discover words that are worthy of being added to dictionaries. In 2020, Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary added <i>aadhaar</i>, <i>chawl</i>, <i>dabba</i>, <i>hartal</i>, <i>shaadi</i>, and 21 other Indian English words in their new edition. Meanwhile, Collins Dictionary chose the word ‘lockdown’ as word of the year 2020 after their website registered more than a quarter of a million searches for ‘lockdown’ during that year. </p><p>In 2021, we saw another set of words—new and old—getting added to our vocabulary, many of which then made it to the top global dictionaries including Cambridge and Merriam Webster, Collins, and Dictionary.com. Collins' word of the year is ‘NFT (Non-fungible token), while Oxford Languages' chose ‘vax' due to the sheer number of times it was used in 2021. </p><h2>1. Hygge</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_hygge_1641412848066.gif"></figure><p>Do you know that feeling of snuggling up on the couch in front of a flickering fire? Or wearing your favourite slippers while drinking hot tea? Well, there’s a name for that: hygge. It represents a cosy lifestyle with warmth and comfort.</p><h2>2. Vax</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_vax_giphy_1641412833531.gif"></figure><p>'Vax' was chosen as the word of the year by the Oxford Languages due to the sheer number of times that it was used. This word happens to be very versatile. As a noun, it means vaccine or vaccination. As a verb, ‘to vax’ means to vaccinate. And if you point your phone at yourself during or after vaccination, especially one against Covid-19, then you’ve taken a vaxxie or a vaccination selfie.</p><h2>3. Cheugy</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_cheugy_shutterstock_1641412791877.jpg"><figcaption>© Shutterstock</figcaption></figure><p>There’s another new word to deride the millennials, coined by the Gen-Z. Originated in TikTok, cheugy is a catchall description for someone or something that is basic, trying too hard or isn’t trendy enough. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Metaverse</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_metaverse_giphy_1641412769848.gif"></figure><p>Metaverse recently weaved a whole new universe around it. It refers to a digital realm or collective of virtual experiences, almost indicating a vision of the future of the internet, which got hyped after Facebook’s October announcement that it was renaming itself Meta.</p><h2>5. Doomscrolling</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_doomscrolling_giphy_1641412758740.gif"></figure><p>Haven’t we all done it, especially during the pandemic? Doomscrollingis basically reading negative news on social media or news sites and scrolling for more—scouring through the depths of the net, no matter how depressing the news might be. Eventually, you become obsessed with staying up to date with bad news.</p><h2>6. Allyship</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_allyship_giphy_1641412751682.gif"></figure><p>This may sound like a tough term to remember, but it has noble connotations. Dictionary.com has chosen this as word of the year 2021, and it refers to the status or role played by someone who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of any marginalised groups in all areas of society and often stays in solidarity with the struggle.</p><h2>7. Dutch baby</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_dutch_baby_pancakes_canva_1641412737638.jpg"><figcaption>© Canva</figcaption></figure><p>If you thought Dutch baby literally means a human baby with Dutch citizenship,  then you are mistaken. It’s actually a pancake! It’s a type of large, puffy pancake which is served as three small different pancakes with powdered sugar and freshly-squeezed lemon juice. It is baked in a skillet and is typically served as a breakfast dish with toppings such as fruit. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>8. NFT (Non-fungible token)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_NFT_giphy_1641412728765.gif"></figure><p>Glasgow-based Collins Dictionary picked ‘NFT’, an abbreviation for non-fungible token, as their word of the year for 2021— and why wouldn’t they? NFTs are raking in big bucks and creating buzz across India and the world—from finance pages of news publications to auction houses. According to Collins’ official report, they recorded an 11,000% rise in the use of the term NFT.</p><p>The website describes NFT as ‘a unique digital certificate, registered in a blockchain, that is used to record ownership of an asset such as an artwork or a collectible.’ Know more about NFTs here.</p><h2>9. Double-vaxxed</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_double_vaxxed_giphy_1641412718567.gif"></figure><p>Another colloquial term that was shortlisted by the Collins’ Word of the Year 2021 team is double-vaxxed. Journalist and author David Shariatmadari, who wrote the blog on Collins’ website, said that double-vaxxed refers to a person who has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>10. ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response)</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_ASMR_giphy_1641412640357.gif"></figure><p>Cambridge Dictionary and Merriam-Webster added ASMR, which is an abbreviation for the autonomous sensory meridian response, to their dictionaries and described it as ‘a pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect’.</p><p>ASMR videos, which feature sounds and visuals like whispering, tapping, and chewing, have skyrocketed in popularity in the past couple of years with hundreds of content creators on Instagram and YouTube uploading videos that induce this feeling. Netizens believe it’s a wonderful way to relax and sleep better.  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHLvsboM8I4"></oembed></figure><h2>11. Cancel culture</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_cancel_culturegiphy_1641412660476.gif"></figure><p>‘The practice or tendency of engaging in mass cancelling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure…’ that’s how Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term cancel culture. Fans and followers withdrawing support from a celebrity for a certain statement he or she made or citizens cancelling their support to a political leader, forcing him or her to step down is all part of cancel culture. When a person is ‘cancelled’ by the masses, they lose a lot of support (fans and followers), which can harm their career.</p>

Double-vaxxed, doomscrolling, or ASMR videos, these words will help you tide through 2022—and you need to know them now!

Here’s a list of words that got added to international dictionaries like Cambridge, Merriam-Webster, Oxford English and others in 2021. Read full story on zeezest.com. 

Top Trending Words That Got Added To The Dictionary In 2021

11 New Words To Brush Up Your Vocab And Survive 2022

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Richa Chadha In Pursuit Of The Nine Rasas Of Acting

<p>In an industry teeming with new faces and loads of talent, it often becomes difficult sometimes to make people notice your strengths as an actor. Kirti Kulhari, who started her career with ad films and theatre, got noticed in her second film <i>Shaitan</i> (2011)—but it was only when she starred as one of the three leads in the ground-breaking movie <i>Pink</i> (2016) starring Amitabh Bachchan and  <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/style-beauty/why-taapsee-pannu-doesn-t-believe-in-following-fashion-trends-3837">Taapsee Pannu</a> that she started getting noticed. </p><p>Since then, the actress has been part of films such as <i>Indu Sarkar</i> (2017) and web shows like <i>Four More Shots Please!</i> (2019) and <i>Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors</i> (2020) have helped strengthen her position as someone who can deliver the goods. A familiar face on OTT platforms, Kulhari’s latest release is Vipul Shah’s medical thriller <i>Human</i> on Disney + Hotstar, in which she plays a doctor who exposes the sinister world of human drug trials. We caught up with the actress to know more about the show, her role, and her plans for her production house.</p><p><strong>Edited excerpts:</strong>  </p><h2>1. Before taking on this role, were you aware about human drug trials? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_2O8A8792_1643097246590.jpg" alt="kirti kulhari"></figure><p>I was actually not aware that such things happen—I was as naïve as that. That’s one of the reasons why I found this show so interesting. When I’m reading a script that is based on facts or true incidents, I juggle with the idea of how much is fiction and how much is fact. Sometimes the lines are blurred and it amazes me because the reality of life is incomprehensible. We don’t know about so many things that are going on around us. The moment I know that something is based on true incidents, my interest level goes up even higher and I want to know how much of it is true. I remember being just very shocked at every point of going through the script with my writers and directors. I always believe that reality is far stranger than fiction. Someone watching on-screen might think that they are showing too much but we actually don’t know how much really happens. I am continuously fighting these same thoughts—<i>yeh kuch zyada nahi ho raha</i>? However, when I’m told this actually has happened, it shocks me and at the same time, I want this to reach people because I want us to become more aware of what’s happening and to what extent. We cannot turn a blind eye. While the reality of things might hit you hard, I would rather know the truth than be happy in my ignorance of the truth.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. Your character Dr Saira Sabharwal is a complex character with a lot going on in her personal and professional life. What appealed to you about this role?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kirti-Kulhari-In-human_1643097139808.jpg" alt="kirti kulhari"></figure><p>The fact that she is not all black or white was the compelling factor here. For me, grey is the new colour and I wish to explore that. The more I understand human behaviour and myself, I realise that this is what interests me. Someone might have a very interesting character in mind, but if it’s not written in a way that is layered, has depth, or any shades, it doesn’t interest me. I think it is the grey which is the most real part of us as human beings. I am interested in bringing out your truth as a human being and giving you a perspective of your own self. I want people to become more comfortable with the idea of grey and not carry the burden of being perfect.</p><h2>3.  You are playing an LGBTQ character for the first time in your career. Did that weigh on your mind or was it something you were looking forward to?</h2><p>Going back to my previous answer, it added to the idea that I wanted to do this role even more. I felt so ready to take this up with this show and represent a certain community in the way that’s in the script. I was rather very excited. For me, the fact that she is not just a homosexual but a closeted homosexual was very interesting. At the same time, at the back of my head, I always have this concern that I need to represent them correctly. As an actor that’s a responsibility towards the people or community I am representing. Here, although the idea of her being a homosexual is not in your face, you can see it in the way it’s running her life in a number of subconscious ways. She is continuously hiding her truth from the people who love her. You see it in the constricted relationship she shares with her parents because they haven’t accepted a big part of who she is. I felt this show was dealing with this idea in a more internal way and I’m just happy that I got to play this role.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>4.  Were you nervous about the on-screen kiss with Shefali Shah?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kirti-Kulhari-Inside-image_1643097152757.jpg" alt="kirti kulhari "></figure><p>I am very comfortable with intimacy on screen. I am finishing the third season of <i>Four More Shots Please!</i> and that has added a lot to this idea in many ways (laughs). It’s not just on-screen but even otherwise, it has made me very comfortable with my sexuality and with myself. The sexiest thing about anybody is how comfortable they are in their own skin. So, I wasn’t really nervous about the kiss part. The first kiss I had shared with a woman on-screen was with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/style-beauty/what-is-the-best-beauty-advice-kalki-koechlin-has-received-2826">Kalki Koechlin</a> in <i>Shaitan</i>, and I remember freaking out before the shot but it was hardly anything. This one was a proper kiss. My only concern was what if I get turned on (laughs). What if there is a part of me that likes women or enjoys this experience? That’s perfectly fine too but I will have to look at my life very differently from that point onward. I remember when the first take happened, I was like ‘okay it was just another kiss on screen’. There was a certain amount of nervousness only because it was new territory for me. </p><h2>5.  <i>Pink</i>, <i>Four More Shots Please! </i>and now <i>Human </i>are web shows that delve into stories of women protagonists. Do you think there is a growing interest in sharing the experiences of women?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_1642492860981_1643097164034.jpg" alt="kirti kulhari "></figure><p>I think this change that is happening around us is brilliant. We have seen this happening in spurts but now it’s a different ball game altogether where people are writing stories about women and they are being represented in different ways. We have moved beyond the generalisation that a girl or a woman is like this. We are going into different professions, communities, strata of society, further widening the scope, and going into more depth. It’s reflective of how society is opening up, the way they are accepting and supporting women, and their quest to be independent and empowered. More power to all of us!  </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>6.  You recently launched your own production house Kintsukuroi Films. Can you tell us the context behind the Japanese name that means repairing broken pottery with gold powder?</h2><p>The context is very simple. Art is very close to my heart. I truly believe that art is capable of doing something wonderful for society and the world at large. The idea is to mend broken hearts and souls. We are all broken in some ways. We are all pained and carry our own traumas and are healing from them. I wish to add to the healing process by doing what I know, which is to create art, to create cinema, to tell stories that touch people’s hearts and souls, and take them further on their journey of self-healing.</p><h2>7.  Can you tell us a bit about your first project as a producer in which you are also starring as an actor?  </h2><p><i>Nayeka</i> is a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/culture/terrifyingly-hilarious-here-s-a-cinematic-feast-full-of-black-comedy-delights-4945">dark comedy thriller</a>. It’s the story of a struggling actress who is finding it hard to survive but at the same time, her passion for acting is like an obsession. Somehow, she gets caught in a crime and ends up in a mad cat and mouse chase where people have sinister motives. It’s a mad ride!</p>

The actress who plays a LGBTQ character for the first time in her career gets candid about the kind of roles that excite her.

Kirti Kulhari takes on a powerful new role in a groundbreaking LGBTQ movie! Explore her experience and delve into the story behind this must-watch film.



Kirti Kulhari Embraces Bold Role in New LGBTQ Movie

I Am Very Comfortable With Intimacy On Screen,” Says Kirti Kulhari

Kirti Kulhari

LGBTQ

Shefali Shah

Your binge-watch list in the coming year promises to be packed with exciting series and films.

Your binge-watch list in 2022 promises to be packed with exciting series and films on Netflix, Prime Video, Sony Live, Disney + Hotstar, and more. Read more on zeezest.com.

OTT Shows And Films To Watch In 2022 | New Releases

Curious to see Deepika Padukone step into Anne Hathaway’s shoes or how Aamir Khan would play Tom Hanks’ role from a classic? Read on.

Curious to see Deepika Padukone step into Anne Hathaway’s shoes or how Aamir Khan would play Tom Hanks’ role from a classic? Read Zeezest.com. 

 7 Official Indian Adaptations Of International Shows And Movies | Entertainment

Must-Watch: 7 Official Indian Adaptations Of International Shows And Movies

<p>There’s something so satisfying about losing yourself in a good show or movie. This year, we saw plenty of international productions that made us forget about work pressure or the fact that we are still living in pandemic times. From subsequent seasons of some really binge-worthy shows and movies that you have been waiting to watch to brand-new series fighting to become your new favourite—here’s our handy list of what to watch that you must keep by your side. Happy watching! </p><h2>1. Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts </h2><p>The year is began on a happy note for all Harry Potter fans. <i>The Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts</i> premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime India on January 1 in India. The retrospective special invites fans on a first-person journey as it reunites Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and other esteemed cast members and filmmakers across all eight Harry Potter films to celebrate the anniversary of the franchise’s first film, <i>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone</i>. </p><p>On: Amazon Prime Video </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFGS4zZWGoA"></oembed></figure><h2>2. Rebelde </h2><p>A reboot of the beloved soap opera from the early 2000s, Rebelde develops within the hallways of Elite Way School, with a new storyline and characters. It follows a group of students who are trying to win the Battle of the Bands. Of course, love and friendships can’t be far off in a scenario like this! The show starts streaming on January 5. </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJYJksHREIc"></oembed></figure><h2>3. After Life Season 3</h2><p>Ricky Gervais announced the third season of his popular comedy series <i>After Life</i> on his social media—promising his viewers that the dog does not die. The sad news? This will be the last time audiences will get to watch the comedian and actor play Tony who is trying to recover from his wife’s death and learning to move on.  </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cACeal74sSc"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Breathe</h2><p>One of the most-loved romantic films in recent times, Breathe starts streaming from January 28 onwards. The biographical drama stars Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy who do not give up on each other even when the former gets paralysed from the neck down because of polio at the age of 28.</p><p>On: Lionsgate Play </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JycCFypvgmI"></oembed></figure><h2>5. Marvelous Mrs Maisel Season 4 </h2><p>The delightful and the aptly titled <i>Marvelous Mrs Maisel</i> is back with her adventures and misadventures in the fourth season of the much-anticipated show. The hilarious new season sees her finding a gig which creates a rift between her and her family and friends. Kelly Bishop, Milo Ventimiglia, John Waters, and Jason Alexander make guest appearances in the show. The new season starts streaming from February 18. </p><p>On: Amazon Prime Video  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLhLRwvDA2c"></oembed></figure><h2>6. Ozark season 4</h2><p>The thrilling drama that follows the Byrde family’s journey from a normal suburban life in Chicago to their dangerous criminal enterprise in the Ozarks is back for another season. Season 4 of the show will release in two parts consisting of seven episodes each, the first one beginning January 21. </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8QwwWnLboU"></oembed></figure><h2>7. Reacher </h2><p>Based on the novels by Lee Child, <i>Reacher</i> stars Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher, a veteran military police investigator who has just recently entered civilian life. When Reacher arrives in the small town of Margrave, Georgia, he finds a community grappling with its first homicide in 20 years and he mistakenly gets embroiled in a controversy—one that will require Reacher’s keen mind and hard-hitting fists to deal with. Season one of <i>Reacher</i> is based on Lee Child’s first Jack Reacher novel <i>Killing Floor</i> and releases on February 4, 2022. </p><p>On: Amazon Prime Video </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSycMV-_Csw"></oembed></figure><h2>8. Black Mafia Family</h2><p>The crime drama series set in the late 1980s tells the tale of two brothers who rise from the streets of southwest Detroit. Inspired by the exploits of the Black Mafia Family, a drug and money laundering organisation, it will start streaming from January 7. The acclaimed series has Russell Hornsby, Demetrius Flenory Jr. Da'Vinchi and Michole Briana White in lead roles and is helmed by Randy Huggins. </p><p>On: Lionsgate Play </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcp2KpgElRI"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>9. The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window</h2><p>This darkly comedic psychological thriller starring Kristen Bell promises a premise that will have you on the edge of your seats. Anna (Bell) witnesses a gruesome murder from across her window which sets off a series of events in motion. The eight-episode series will drop on January 28. </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vik0kdPIxF8"></oembed></figure><h2>10. Hotel Transylvania: Transformania </h2><p>Your favourite monsters are back in a new adventure that sees Drac (Brian Hull) with his most terrifying task yet. He and his monster pals get transformed into humans and Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster! Now, they must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late. The movie will air on January 14, 2022. </p><p>On: Amazon Prime Video </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suJohjIvfo"></oembed></figure><h2>11. Bridgerton Season 2</h2><p>The much-anticipated season two of the absolutely scandalous and entertaining <i>Bridgerton</i> will be available for viewing from March 25. Fans of the show are aware that Rege-Jean Page will not be returning for the second season, but there are a whole lot of juicy scandals and romance to look forward to.  </p><p>On: Netflix  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX7j0TjkxPE"></oembed></figure><h2>12. Josie</h2><p>Featuring Sophie Turner in the titular role, this thriller drama centres around Hank, a recluse who meets a mysterious student who has been transferred from the town of Baymont. With enough chills and thrills, this January 14 release will keep you hooked till the end.</p><p>On: Lionsgate Play </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3_c-aSZF5M"></oembed></figure>

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Here’s the lowdown on the festive menu in an Indian Parsi home for Navroze

Nowruz also known as Parsi New Year is a day on which Parsis cook many non-veg recipes. Check out the Parsi dishes cooked on this day. Read Zeezest.com

What do Indian Parsis eat on Navroze or Parsi New Year | Zee Zest

What’s On The Menu For Parsi New Year?

From bespoke chef's table to champagne evenings, all your needs will be catered to at home in style. 

With the most anticipated time of the year round the corner, the capital is opting to party in their home with bespoke catering. Read more on zeezest.com.

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<p>It’s another New Year and time for good tidings. After all, starting the year on a good note, especially in the light of the pandemic has assumed renewed importance. We list seven such traditions practiced across the world that are believed to bring good luck.</p><h2>1. Eating grapes for good luck in Spain</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-4_1641389850429.jpg"></figure><p>The Spanish believe that eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, will bring them luck throughout the year. The idea is to eat one grape each with every chime at 12, so that you have good luck all through the 12 months of the year. The concept called 'uvas de la suerte' locally happens not just at homes but also at restaurants where people are seen eating the 12 grapes. Believed to have originated in the later part of 1800s, the wine growers of the region were said to have had a bumper harvest and hence the extra grapes were eaten. </p><h2>2. Cemetery calling in Chile</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-5_1641389984855.jpg"></figure><p>While it might sound morbid, there is thoughtful consideration behind the Chilean tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve in the cemetery. A relatively new tradition that started in 1995 when a family spent their New Year’s Eve with their recently deceased father in a cemetery. The next year onwards local authorities opened cemeteries to allow people to decorate the graves and celebrate with their deceased relatives. The tradition also helps people cope with loss. While a lot of people come with confetti and champagne, many others believe that it is a way to spend some peaceful moments with their loved ones who are no more and who will bless them with good luck in the New Year.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Throwing white flowers in the ocean in Brazil</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-2_1641389886376.jpg"></figure><p>Lemanjá (or Yemanjá), the goddess of the sea, is revered in Brazil and New Year’s Eve is the best time to pay obeisance. Brazilians dress up in white and throw white flowers into the ocean; many also offer presents to Lemanjá and locals believe that if it does wash ashore then it has been accepted by the goddess. The festival came to prominence in 1925 when a few fishermen made an offering of flowers and prayed for calm seas and a good catch of fish. </p><h2>4. Planting underwater trees in Russia</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-6_1641390036894.jpg"></figure><p>Started roughly 40 years ago, the tradition of planting Christmas trees in the ocean when deep-sea divers dressed as Father Frost or Santa Claus plant a fully decorated fir tree at the ocean floor. Locals believe doing this will usher in a year of good luck and prosperity. The other tradition that Russians follow is to write a wish, burn it and have the ash with champagne at the stroke of midnight!</p><h2>5. Hanging onions in Greece</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-1_1641389930548.jpg"></figure><p>In Greece, many people hang onions as a symbol of fertility, growth, and rebirth. As New Year is the time of new tidings and renewal, this tradition is followed by the Greeks to ensure the year starts on the right note. As onion bulbs can sprout and grow, the Greeks use 'Urginea maritima', a kind of onion known to grow abundantly and was known to have regeneration abilities. The onions are usually hung only after the family returns from the New Year Church service.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. Slurping soba noodles in Japan</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-7_1641389941611.jpg"></figure><p>Toshikoshi soba is a delectable buckwheat noodles in Japan made especially on New Year’s Eve. The tradition is believed to have originated about 800 years ago when a Buddhist temple gave soba to the underprivileged on New Year’s Eve, a tradition that continues to date. Soba is believed to bring good luck as it has a bite that makes it easy to break and symbolises breaking off the old year. These noodles are long and indicate the longevity of life and are healthy so eating these noodles also gives good health.</p><h2>7. Smashing plates in Denmark</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_new-year-tradition-inside-image-3_1641389950259.jpg"></figure><p>Breaking plates on purpose may sound like vandalism, in Denmark dishes are broken and piled up at the front door on the first day of January. The tradition started when people would fling dishes on each other's front doors in the past, which has become more civilised now as the Danes break the dishes at home and drop them at the doorstep. The people here believe that the bigger pile at the door means higher good luck in the year. However, the plates and dishes that are broken are usually the ones that are already damaged or cracked so there is no real wastage.</p><p><i>Images are for representational purposes only.</i></p>

There are several New Year traditions practiced across the world that are associated with good luck that are lesser known.

From Japan to Brazil, there are some unique traditions that are followed to bring good luck in the new year.

7 quirky new year traditions around the world

7 Whackiest Ways To Make A Wish For A Prosperous New Year

Traditions

Festive

<p>Taking the legacy of their illustrious father ahead, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash are making the sarod contemporary—even as they ensure they do not lose sight of tradition. The brothers, who perform both as partners and solo, have to their credit several stage performances and collaborations which include American folk singer Carrie Newcomer, Indian-American musician Karsh Kale, Grammy-nominated violinist Elmira Darvarova, Joe Welsh, and most recently Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi. The brothers believe that music is the biggest wealth that they have inherited and are making sure they take this forward to the next generation through their compositions that are rooted in tradition and yet strike a chord with the younger audiences. </p><p>Recently the duo was in Bengaluru as part of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts latest initiative, ‘Icons of India by The Leela’. Before their private concert at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash sat down with Zee Zest for this exclusive tête-à-tête.</p><p>Edited excerpts</p><h2>1. Inheriting the musical legacy of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, what role has music played in your life?</h2><p><strong>Amaan:</strong> I think before we knew what we were expected to do, we were already in it. We were lucky to have our father as a teacher and that's a big blessing. And God's been kind that we didn't have to go through the struggle many people go through. Having said that expectations are much higher, which is fair enough. It should be—we have been working very hard and it's a long journey. </p><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> Music has made us better human beings; it keeps you humble and grounded because you can't take yourself seriously. Also, the environment the child grows up in makes all the difference and when my father was travelling, our mother was our first Guru. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ayan_Amaan_Ali_with_Ustad_Amjad_Ali_Khan_4_1642587712888.jpg"><figcaption>Ayaan and Amaan with their father and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan</figcaption></figure><h2>2. What kind of pressure did you face being the sons of Ustadji?</h2><p><strong>Amaan:</strong> While I will not use the word scrutiny, we knew that we will be judged. Everything was given to us on a platter and by God’s grace whatever we have achieved may have taken much longer otherwise. You must accept and acknowledge the truth. But having said that—you have this, but what can you do with it? All we can do is hard work and not cheat. If you don't practice for one day, your teacher knows it and the audience knows. Music cannot lie. </p><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> There is pressure as there is good competition. As our father says, the biggest competitor is not somebody who's better than you, but somebody who is humbler. We have not taken any opportunity for granted. Also, we feel criticism is the biggest honour because people expect more if you are relevant.</p><h2>3. How has the pandemic affected your music?</h2><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> There is a positive and a negative side to it. The positive is that everyone is doing well in the family. The other frustrating part is that we have lost two years of our father’s career and for us as well, as we had some great lineups happening internationally. This was the time to introspect, to know our negatives and focus on what we needed to work on. This time has not been easy for artists. But the silver lining was that we could spend time with our family. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ayaan_Ali_with_sons_1642588049480.jpg"><figcaption>Ayaan spending quality time with his sons, Zohaan and Abeer</figcaption></figure><h2>4. How do both of you collaborate with each other to create music?</h2><p><strong>Amaan:</strong> We think it's a conversation and being positive about each other. When you are performing, it's about enhancing each other. It's not about you, but about the other person. When you are doing a duet, it's not about proving who you are. It's about proving who you both are together. </p><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> Your music reflects who you are as a person. Whenever you are collaborating or performing with anyone it is important to know each other's nature and temperament, and collectively try to make a flower bouquet. You must be in a happy place when you are on stage as Indian classical music is deeply connected to spirituality. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>5. How was your collaboration with Joe Welsh for your EP <i>Prayers</i>?</h2><p><strong>Amaan:</strong> That collaboration was initially between my father and him, and it so happened that while we were touring in the USA and he very sweetly asked both of us to come on board. It was an honour for us to be with two iconic legends on the same platform and same space. What we really like about the western classical industry is that they don't take themselves seriously. They hear more than they deliver, and that project has been received very well. We finished recording at a time when the lockdown was announced, and the proceeds are going to a foundation that is helping doctors and frontline workers. (Listen to one of the tracks from <i>Prayers</i> below)</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjRiWXCBpu8&list=OLAK5uy_klgT5JWts5w6gjX6oryEWAuJpeKZohmZs"></oembed></figure><h2>6. How was your recent live concert in the US after almost two years?</h2><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> We were committed to the shows before the pandemic, and we had to honour them—by God’s grace they went very well.  It's quite something to see a masked audience but perhaps that is just the world we live in. It's all happening, gradually, and we hope that the worst is behind us.</p><h2>7. As young classical musicians, do you feel there is an increased interest in the traditional forms of music today?</h2><p><strong>Amaan:</strong> Everything has its own journey. It's not the genre that's stagnating, but the performers who are unable to take it forward. Also, every genre is changing with time and the artists are reinventing themselves. Back in the 80s, our father started playing short pieces for which he was initially criticised—but today it's the need of the hour. There is no rulebook—every era has had its own way of representing classical music. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>8. Tell us about your album</h2><p><strong>Ayaan:</strong> We have worked with Kailash Satyarthi's foundation for a campaign called ‘Justice For Every Child.’ We hope we can make a difference by creating awareness for this foundation because they are doing amazing work and we want to contribute to that. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1D7706Hr6A"></oembed></figure><h2>9. Aayan, can you tell us about your twins’ (Zohaan and Abeer) maiden sarod track, <i>Our Love</i>?</h2><p>Honestly, it could happen because of the lockdown and by September, I felt we could give my father a surprise on his birthday in October. We recorded at home and then the files were sent to a programmer in Chennai and thanks to technology it was a great surprise for my father. But I think it's very important to always know that you're not the first or the last and you are only a humble custodian of the legacy you have.</p><h2>10. What are your future plans?</h2><p>You have plans but sometimes they don't work out. We are more spontaneous as people and things happen instinctively. In a musician's life planning really does not work. And when your plan does not work, you are a part of God's plan so that is a good thing. </p><p>AlsoRead2 </p><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Quick Takes</h2><p><strong>Upcoming performances:</strong> Our series with The Leela and we are going to the US for two shows.</p><p><strong>Who or what inspires you:</strong> Seeing people dedicated in whatever they do and the zeal for excellence without being complacent is inspirational.</p><p><strong>Compositions that have surprised you:</strong> Beautiful things are made in the simplest manner and compositions preserve a raga.</p><p><strong>Upcoming platforms to contemporize Indian classical music:</strong> Today social media, especially YouTube, has helped as no one can complain that there is no platform to showcase your talent.</p><p><strong>Dream collaboration/composition:</strong> Our dream has been fulfilled when we started performing with our father on stage. We are working with Mika Singh and we are open to different collaborations as we do not want to limit the sarod to a limited genre. </p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr>

Sons of sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash represent the seventh generation of a musical lineage.

Sons of sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash represent the seventh generation of a musical lineage. Read more on zeezest.com

Taking Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s Musical Legacy Forward

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash: Carrying The Musical Legacy Forward

Music

Sarod

Indian Classical Music 

ayaan and amaan ali 

Digital artist Rachita Vora talks about finding inspiration for her ‘The Mumbaikar’ series that captures the city life from the iconic The New Yorker.

The mash-up poster series, ‘The Mumbaikar’, presents scenes from Mumbai in the style of the iconic The New Yorker magazine cover art. Read more on zeezest.com

Digital Artist Rachita Vora Talks About ‘The Mumbaikar’ Project

Here’s A Mumbaikar’s Take On The New Yorker

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

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

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

Revival or Denial – The Embroidery Art 

<p>Gurgaon-based anonymous visual and performance artist Princess Pea recently collaborated with 500-odd women in Patna, Bihar, to co-create an art installation. This installation is a 40ft x 9ft textile-based artwork designed to resonate with the lived experiences of the women weaving together the interpretations of ‘dignity in healthcare’. The campaign titled, <i>Khud Se Pooche</i>, aims to raise awareness about access to dignified healthcare for women through an ambassador programme, roadshows, workshops with the artist, and putting up a symbol of co-creation. Here are some excerpts from an exclusive interview with the artist.</p><h2>1. How was the concept of Princess Pea born?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Princess-pea-inside-image-1_1640596615032.jpg"></figure><p>I ploughed the land to gather the clay that would compose the inanimate head. A combination of different kinds of clay was used in the dough, and when the prototype of the giant, hollow, quasi- female head was first sculpted and left to set, something serendipitous transpired. A fresh wild shoot sprouted from within, through the texture of the scalp. This accidental birth, the fortuitous yet unintended byproduct of the loam’s fertility, animated the sculpture, transforming it from a non-living, representational structure to a corporeal entity suddenly infested with life. </p><p>The ceremonial act of naming this new being was the final ritual in this process of creation. She came to be called a portmanteau of two central thematic concerns—the mythical category of Princess-hood and the imagining of the shoot as a specimen of the Pea family. It was at once her reverberation and emanation, which stemmed from her and was yet unique, signalling the birth of the other I, her second self. The wearing of the oversized head signals the transformation from the ‘real’ self to her imaginative other.</p><h2>2. In 2009, at the then-India Art Summit, art enthusiasts described you as a living sculpture. Your views…</h2><p>It’s an absolute delight when art finds its audience. The thing changes as the viewer interpret it in their own experience and vocabulary. Over the years the work evolved when the headgear was passed on to many other protagonists. Sometimes unapologetic and vulnerable conversations filled the room. </p><p>There are two ways to look at it—the sculpture as body, and someone as the sculpture, basically intrigued by the idea of life as sculpture. </p><h2>3. How has the journey been since then?</h2><p>A lot of learning and unlearning…</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Tell us about the recent collaboration with the women in Patna.</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BTS-installation-2_1640596760492.jpg"></figure><p>The aim of this women-led initiative is to collect a set of knowledge by sharing, accessing, and passing, daily rituals and respecting the gestures of vulnerability, making the neglected comfortable. This exercise is an attempt to bring women closer, make them see themselves differently, respect their beliefs, and install new ideas through each other’s life expectancies. The plan was to build trust, engage in a dialogue of empathy, and address fragility—while being inclusive and comprehensive. Personal stories were shared by me and women questioning care and dignity and its importance. An extensive discussion was done about the meaning of self-care and role play, leaving the discussion open for women to share their experiences.</p><p>As I have been working with homemakers, small entrepreneurs, and differently-abled women along with women who have suffered abuse, suffer from body image-related violence and mental health amongst themes of visibility and systemic erasure. The project enables us to build empathy and understand the gaps in healthcare. I intended to build a workshop module very closely with the <i>Khud Se Pooche</i> team, to build ambassadors in the small clusters in Patna and to develop a symbol of care with dignity. </p><h2>5. What are some of your other passion projects involving and seeking the emancipation of women?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Princess-pea-inside-image-2_1640596687212.jpg"></figure><p>Over the past two years and more, I have continued to work with women in certain communities in Goa through a range of short-term programmes. This began with a project that enables women to document oral histories and come to terms with the lack of opportunities, dissatisfaction, abuse, and aspirations through the act of writing/image-making. Along the way, I was also introduced to the Forca Goa Foundation and its work with young girls through football training in order to develop a series of interventions over the years through workshops, football sessions, health classes, and conversations with parents and young girls.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>6. You enter the homes of other women and often make them wear the head. Tell us more…</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Photo-credit-_-Suryan-Dang_-The-Pea-Family-Studio_1640596698719.jpg"></figure><p>This intervention—Paracosm—is a collection of lived lives and shared histories, based on collaborations, conversations, and contributions of the multiple lives women live in a single lifetime—in public, private, secret, and the fantastical. The project brings together thousands of Princess Peas performing in their own big and small worlds, narrating their closeted aspirations, their concealed frustrations, and the guarded kingdoms of their heart—a space often left for contemplation in the twilight.</p><p>The project brings these women to perform their daily lives in a public space. They then become proxies who wear the head for a day, looking at the other world they’ve always ignored—the mind that desires, aspires. The project brings together, conversations, recollections, and ruminations from the relationship of these two worlds as told by the women.  </p><h2>7. What has been your inspiration?</h2><p>Every woman I have met in my creative journey has been an inspiration. We are unapologetic and unabashed.</p><h2>8. You have earlier said that you are interested in exploring the notions of beauty and perfection. Tell us about it…</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BTS-images-of-the-symbol_1640596718363.jpg"></figure><p>My performance revolves around the ideas of identity, notions of perfection, self-worth, and the conflict between traditional and contemporary roles of women in Indian society. Indian women, on a large scale, fear for safety and do not feel they have the liberty to be who they are. They are heavily scrutinised over who they should be according to socio-cultural ideals. </p><p>Through the work, I question the hackneyed gender norms and ideas of womanhood set by a patriarchal tradition. The large head does not only mask my artistic identity but also represents the burden women carry on their shoulders dictated by society. We then confront this burden and revolt against the pressures of body image policing by accepting and loving her differences. As an artist, I chose to embrace these differences and celebrate them as a form of artistic iconography. It allowed me to love my differences rather than merely accept them.</p><h2>9. What is your next project?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Princess-pea-inside-image-3_1640596731923.jpg"></figure><p>Having Princess Pea’s own channel—a podcast or series of short films—which would focus on emotions and mental wellbeing of women; and conversations about life, society and relationship.</p><h2>10. Lastly, does Princess Pea ever take off her head? </h2><p>Nope! </p>

Gurugram-based anonymous performance artist collaborates with women in Bihar to raise awareness about dignified healthcare.

Wearing an oversized anime head, Princess Pea symbolises feminist ideals in her projects and works towards the emancipation of women. Read more on zeezest.com.

Meet Princess Pea, The Anonymous Performance Artist | Zee Zest

The Princess In The Pod

Performance Art

The year 2021 has turned NFTs into a gold rush movement for the world of creativity. Nothing is suddenly impossible.

The initial success in NFT art began with cryptopunks and now encompasses art, fashion, and even luxury timepieces

Why 2021 Was A Big Year For NFTs in Art | Zee Zest

Minting The Future With The Next Big Trend: NFTs

Give your hands a trendy makeover in 2022 with these nail art trends. 

Give your hands a trendy makeover in 2022 with these nail art trends. Read more on zeezest.com. 

7 Nail Trends to Start Practicing in 2022 | Zee Zest 

7 Nail Trends to Start Practicing in 2022

<p>It has been chaotic, but an equally creative year since Jaya Asokan took over as fair director for the India Art Fair. Coming back with a start-up mentality and an emphasis on experimentation, learning, and reverse-mentoring—Asokan says her team is more open than ever to new ways of doing things. As the fair director, she says, she is keen to build on the organisation’s strengths and take it to the next level with an increased focus on expanding the fair’s footprint locally, regionally, and internationally. Here are a few excerpts from our exclusive interview with Jaya Asokan.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Jaya-Asokan%2C-Fair-Director---India-Art-Fair_1641285121197.jpg"></figure><h2>1. What does the India Art Fair mean to you as an individual?</h2><p>I’ve been immersed in the arts all my life. For me, the fair, with its expansive scope, is a place where one can activate all their interests and passions—and truly work towards making a positive contribution to the Indian and South Asian art scene. </p><h2>2. Seven Indian galleries are said to be making their debuts this time. Tell us more…</h2><p>It’s a great sign for the future of Indian art that we have so many new galleries exhibiting at the fair for the first time in 2022. The galleries making their debut range from APRE Art House (Mumbai), Art Incept, Modern Art Gallery and Ojas Art (both Delhi) to Gallery Art Exposure (Kolkata). It is also noteworthy that the new galleries include not just those from the cultural capitals but also from other cities around the country like Frangipani Art Gallery (Ahmedabad) and Vida Heydari Contemporary (Pune). </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_F_1641285233182.jpg"></figure><h2>3. Tell us about the colossal mural by the women and trans-women collective Aravani Art Project that’s in the works.</h2><p>Aravani Art Project is a growing collective of women and trans-women artists who have been creating some stunning murals around the country, from Chennai to Bengaluru—and we’re thrilled to commission something especially for us at the fair, with the support of the Saffronart Foundation. The mural being planned will be a colourful celebration of community and resilience, looking towards a ‘gender-free’ world of creative freedom. Art and activism go hand in hand for the collective, and we are proud to bring them to our audiences in Delhi.</p><h2>4. You will also be including a presentation of NFTs by Terrain.Art. Tell us more.</h2><p>The fair has always been a space to have ongoing conversations about the art and culture world. Something of particular interest, globally and in India, has been the potential of technology in art. Terrain.art, which has been doing pioneering work in building an NFT art ecosystem in India, is perfectly placed to lead this discussion. At the fair, Terrain.art’s immersive presentation will show off the incredible potential of digital works, from interactive media and games to augmented reality experiences, by young artists like Khyati Trehan, Amrit Pal Singh, David Young, and Laya Mathikshara, among others.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>5. How do you plan to take the fair ahead in the years to come? Will it also have simultaneous virtual viewing?</h2><p>The power of the digital became amply clear to us last year, and we are now building towards becoming a year-round presence highlighting Indian and South Asian art and artists. India Art Fair’s website and social media platforms have already become the go-to source for all things art, and we plan to continue opening access through new editorial features, inspiring BMW Artist Films, a new art careers and opportunities noticeboard, and the IAF Parallel programme of events and exhibitions on Indian and South Asian art taking place across cities, both locally and internationally.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Maya-Jay-Varadaraj-It-Takes-a-Lady-and-a-Village-2021_1641285242177.jpg"></figure><p>Additionally, we have also expanded our digital programming, and have held a number of virtual exhibition walkthroughs including the amazing show of 250-plus artists from Kerala, Lokame Tharavadu—curated by Bose Krishnamachari and organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation—and of Michael Dzama’s latest show at David Zwirner in New York. We’ve also had very successful online workshops on printmaking, embroidery, Madhubani painting, and more, with great engagement from participants. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_P_1641285252406.jpg"></figure><p>In the run-up to the fair, we are holding the inaugural edition of a new online symposium, ‘Staging the Contemporary: The Next Generation’ in collaboration with Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai and with the support of Shiv Nadar University on January 6-7, 2022. The Symposium is aimed at the next generation of change-makers in art and will feature an exciting lineup of young artists, curators, writers, and collectives from across South Asia who are changing the face of South Asian art. </p><h2>6. What are the five highlights to watch out for this time? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Viswanath-Kuttum-Rituals-4-2020_1641285278374.jpg"></figure><p>A big focus for us this year is to highlight new names from across the region. In fact, our massive fair facade itself will be designed by a young artist Anshuka Mahapatra still in her master’s education at the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication in Hyderabad, who was selected on the basis of an open call we led in collaboration with Artdemic and the Gujral Foundation. Another area of the fair I want to highlight is our Platform action, reinvigorated this year by curator Amit Kumar Jain—which will be showing masterpieces from South Asian living art traditions like Mithila, Gond, and Rajasthani textile arts. The artists in this section will include names who have contributed immensely to contemporising traditional art forms.</p><p>There will also be a range of young diasporic artists at the fair. Aicon Art (New York) will be bringing works by Suchitra Mattai, an artist of Indo-Caribbean descent who explores histories of migration and memory in impressive installation works, while Blueprint12 (Delhi) will be bringing Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai, an Indian artist of Aghani descent who uses textiles as a personal and political tool—celebrating the feminine while also telling the harsh realities women have to face. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Yogesh-Ramkrishna-Some-People-are-Not-Fit-to-Rule-Themselves-2020_1641285288377.jpg"></figure><p>Of course, a definite highlight will be the works, talks, performances, and workshops by our artists in residence. Shantiniketan-based Arpita Akhanda and Chandigarh-based Gurjeet Singh will be presenting performances addressing the effects of colonialism on the body and stories of queer relationships respectively. Haroun Hayward will speak on the diverse inspirations behind his beautiful meditative panels, from Pakistani textiles to graffiti culture in London; and Indu Antony will tell us all about her delicate yet bold works exploring femininity and feminism, and how she builds spaces for art and community in Bengaluru.</p><p>Also, for the first time, the fair will also host two Preview Days along with two Public Days over the weekend. This has been done not only to limit capacity but also to give our collecting audience ample time to view, experience and acquire art. Access and ticketing will be made completely touchless and digital, which will also help us avoid long queues and unnecessary contact. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. How has the Indian art market been impacted by the pandemic?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rukshaan-Art_1641285294197.jpg"></figure><p>The Indian art market has been steadily growing for the past decade, with increasing interest and wealth around the country. Based on a solid foundation and not a boom-and-bust model, the market has continued to expand through the past year—even through the pandemic-related volatilities. In fact, 2020-21 has been the strongest sales year in the history of Indian art auctions, with a recorded 57% increase from the previous fiscal year sales. We also saw a noteworthy increase in online sales owing to new gallery-led collaborative initiatives such as South-South, InTouch and TAP India—as well as artist-led open source initiatives such as Art Chain India. The move online has led to greater price transparency as well as visibility of Indian art and artists among new millennial collectors who will be instrumental in shaping the art market of the future. Offline, there’s been a rise in Art Weekends which are key to engaging local artists and audiences, starting from the Mumbai Gallery Weekend, Delhi Contemporary Art Week, and Delhi Art Week to the recently announced Kochi Art Week.</p><h2>8. Each year, an ‘art car’ travels from the BMW Museum in Munich to be exhibited at India Art Fair. What would be on offer from the BMW stable this time around?</h2><p>This is our sixth year of partnering with BMW, with whom we have just launched the first-ever ‘The Future is Born of Art’ Commission. The Commission will give a young Indian artist the opportunity to design a car wrap for the BMW iX—BMW’s first and fully electric car in India. The Commission continues to build on our strong partnership with BMW, further building platforms for Indian art and artists while engaging deeply with our shared interest in building a sustainable future.</p>

Fair Director Jaya Asokan tells us all about the highlights of the fair scheduled from April 28 to May 1, 2022, at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Delhi. 

The 13th edition of the India Art Fair, scheduled from April 28 to May 1, 2022, will showcase a robust line-up of 75 exhibitors, including 62 galleries and 13 institutional participants. Read more on zeezest.com.

India Art Fair 2022: Director Jaya Asokan Shares What To Expect | Zee Zest 

Indian Art Fair

Delhi 

With 9000 dives under his belt, Sumer Verma, shares his passion for the deep sea.

Managing partner of Lacadives and Canon EOS ambassador, Sumer Verma, shares what it takes to be an underwater photographer on World Oceans Day.

Interview with ace underwater photographer Sumer Verma | Zee Zest

Capturing Life Underwater: India's First Underwater Photographer Shares His Tips

These are the best places to spot diverse animal life, including tigers, leopards, rhinos, birds and even river dolphins.

These wildlife sanctuaries in India are the best places to spot tigers, leopards, rhinos, birds, and even river dolphins. Read more on zeezest.com.

14 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India For AThrilling Safari | Zee Zest 

14 Wildlife Sanctuaries In India For A Thrilling Safari 

Safari India

<p>Did you know that all five species of turtles are legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and trade in turtle products is prohibited? Also, turtles face many dangers—natural and manmade—that have made them vulnerable. However, there are some individuals like Arunima Singh who are making a big difference to turtles and other aquatic species.</p><h2>Aquatic connection</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arunima-Inside-images-1_1642430885604.jpg"></figure><p>The gentle flow of the Gomti River making its way through her hometown, Lucknow, was the fulcrum of Arunima’s childhood. Though visiting the riverside was at times forbidden owing to its unpredictable nature, its waves gave her a sense of gravity. “The flowing river gushing through my childhood sowed the seeds for a life dedicated towards its restoration and upkeep. During my MSc, I chose to work on a small project on aquatic wildlife. I knew there was something in it which resonated with my sense of history as well as was pushing me to become a part of its vastness,” she says. Her formal journey in aquatic wildlife research and conservation began in 2010. While deciding on her university dissertation, a friend introduced her to Dr Shailendra Singh, the director of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://turtlesurvival.org/turtle-conservation/projects/tsaindia/">TSA India</a>. “He encouraged me to work on turtles and suggested I visit the Kukrail Gharial and Turtle Rehabilitation Center for inspiration. After my first visit, I was hooked. I regularly visited the centre as a volunteer and was later hired full time as a research assistant in 2013. Eventually, working on a turtle conservation project gave me insights into the lives of these animals, the roles of such rehabilitation centres and the numerous and covert threats faced by Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles (TFTs). The general lack of awareness about comparatively less charismatic wildlife, like TFTs, drove me further to work for their conservation,” she says. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Conservation cues</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arunima-Inside-images-2_1642430895173.jpg"></figure><p>Arunima works as a program coordinator for the ex-situ conservation program of chelonian and crocodilians, which include starting programs and developing the assurance colony of the threatened North India species. She also co-manages rescue and rehabilitation programs for chelonians, crocodilians as well as assists with the rescue of stranded dolphins. “I am pursuing a PhD degree in turtle ecology. As part of my Ph.D I am working on population dynamics and reproductive aspects of the Crowned River Turtle (Hardella thurjii).” Advocating the urgent need for conservation-breeding programs for some of the most threatened TFTs, working towards rejuvenating turtle conservation breeding programs in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department’s efforts in the development of assurance colonies, and head-starting programs for 13 freshwater turtle and tortoise (FTT) species of North India are part of her current role.</p><h2>Research and more</h2><p>In her role, Singh has generated information on the hatching and rearing of Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (Chitra indica) for the first time ever. This is an endangered softshell species for which she has developed a novel protocol for successful artificial oviposition and hatching of H. thurjii eggs, one of the least studied turtle species in the world. The information generated is aiding in the development of population replenishment programs. She is also working on the country's first and the longest population monitoring program for the freshwater turtle community, to understand the population trend of FTTs and associated threats in the lower Sarju River. </p><p>“I have worked with the fishing community along Ghaghra-Sarju landscape to avoid accidental drowning of turtles in their fishing gears and have also initiated a project on testing the efficacy of turtle excluder devices as a measure to reconcile community interest and long-term conservation goal,” she explains. Little wonder then that she recently won the NatWest Group Earth Heroes Save the Species Award 2021 for her exemplary efforts towards saving turtles. “Arunima’s work is at the grassroots level, building capabilities of local communities at vulnerable spots. The jury of the 11th edition of the NatWest Group Earth Heroes Awards was impressed by her dedication and science-based approach resulting in good outcomes on the ground,” says N. Sunil Kumar, Head of Sustainable Banking India & Head of NatWest India Foundation.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Making a difference</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Arunima-Inside-images-3_1642430932896.jpg"></figure><p>Singh has also worked on the concept of developing assurance colonies for all Indian turtle species under one roof. Assurance colonies, for the uninitiated, is a word that refers to a group of critically endangered or threatened animals in captivity. “Assurance colonies are developed alongside other conservation efforts for a particular species, to ensure that these animals do not go extinct while other conservation efforts show results. In the wild, these animals have very low chances of survival, and developing assurance colonies will help,” she says. She is also doing research that is aimed at understanding the nesting ecology of the Crowned River Turtle (Hardella thurjii) in the Ghaghara-Sarju River system—a part of the Gangetic River Basin, located in the Terai Arc Landscape. The species is among the least studied and most interesting one as currently no one understands the intricacies of their nesting behaviour. </p><h2>Overcoming challenges</h2><p>Gaining trust and drawing engagement of communities, both at rural and urban scales, has been the most challenging issue she has faced. “While it was difficult to draw the interest of urbanites who have severed their connection with nature to the real world, motivating rural and fishing communities to reduce their dependency on riverine resources was quite quailing. The relationship between reptiles and humans has never been very appealing and educating them about their coexistence and importance is difficult. Lack of charisma in reptilian research further adds challenges in terms of generating funding and convincing authorities for conservation actions, and getting required permissions has its own personal safety hazards. The recent exponential rise in illegal turtle trade is further posing challenges in the conservation efforts,” she laments. If you see a turtle in distress or being smuggled, you can report it on TSA’s recently launched mobile-based<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tsa.kurma_tracking_indian_turtles&hl=en_IN&gl=US"> turtle application (Kurma)</a> where anyone can report and get information regarding turtles. Looking ahead she says that she wants to continue working for turtles and management of associated habitats and develop species-specific conservation strategies at both the scientific and policy level. And that will certainly bring joy to the marine world.</p>

Meet Arunima Singh, who has done pioneering work in the conservation of turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, and Gangetic dolphins.

Arunima Singh has done pioneering work in the conservation of turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, and Gangetic dolphins. Read more on ZeeZest.com. 

Meet Arunima Singh, India’s Turtle Saver 

Talking Turtles With Conservationist Arunima Singh 

Safari India - Welcome To The Wild

Wildlife

Marine Life

Conservation

Find out why Shruti Haasan is auctioning some of her favourite clothes through an online charity sale. 

Shruti is auctioning some of her favourite clothes through an online charity sale with Salt Scout’s Dolce Vee to promote circular fashion. Read full story on ZeeZest.com.

Actor Shruti Haasan Talks About Circular Fashion And Plans For 2022

Actor-Singer Shruti Haasan Is Inspired By Comic Books

<p>With the pandemic keeping us away from theatres, OTT platforms have upped their release game ensuring we have something to watch in every genre. The coming year is no exception! Whether it is suspenseful dramas, big stars making their debut in the digital space, or much-anticipated subsequent seasons of successful shows—there is much to look forward to in 2022. Here’s a quick look at what’s in store: </p><h2>1. Looop Lapeta </h2><p>The official Hindi remake of the German film <i>Run Lola Run</i>, Looop Lapeta stars Taapsee Pannu as a girlfriend on a mission to rescue her boyfriend—played by Tahir Raj Bhasin—from a sticky situation. It sets in motion a series of both fortunate and unfortunate events for the lovers. </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI5lP3q8HG4"></oembed></figure><h2>2. Qala</h2><p>Late Irrfan Khan’s son Babil makes his acting debut with this Anvitaa Dutt-directorial, produced by Anushka Sharma. Described as a ‘beautiful, heart-breaking story about a daughter who craves her mother’s love’, the movie also stars Tripti Dimri and Swastika Mukherjee. </p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lla_Yzp6G-Q"></oembed></figure><h2>3. Scam 2003</h2><p>After showcasing Harshad Mehta’s story to the world in the brilliant series Scam 1992, director Hansal Mehta will helm the second season of the show. Scam 2003 will explore the story of scamster Abdul Rahim Telgi. The story will be based on author Sanjay Singh’s book <i>Reporter Ki Diary. </i></p><p>On: Sony LIV</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0JFByD97Dw"></oembed></figure><h2>4. Finding Anamika</h2><p>Madhuri Dixit-Nene makes her OTT debut in this suspenseful family drama series about a global superstar, wife, and mom who suddenly vanishes without a trace. As police and loved ones search for answers to her disappearance, her perfectly-crafted facade is stripped away—revealing hidden truths and painful lies in the life of an iconic actress.</p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mew2ZYxFDbw"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>5. Six Suspects </h2><p>Pratik Gandhi and Richa Chadha star in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s web series <i>Six Suspects</i>, based on Vikas Swarup’s 2016 novel of the same name. The latter will reportedly be seen playing an upright investigating officer trying to make her way in a male-dominated world. Pratik, on his part, has said that the audience will get to see him in a never-before-seen avatar.  </p><p>On: Disney + Hotstar</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArYUtpMczp0"></oembed></figure><h2>6. Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein</h2><p>Tahir Raj Bhasin and Shweta Tripathi Sharma are the protagonists in this new thriller series, which will start streaming on January 14, 2022. A romantic simpleton finds himself in the middle of a love crossfire in this dark, comical, pulpy desi thriller about three things that matter the most in India—money, power, and love. </p><p>On: Netflix</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG69F7oUD3g"></oembed></figure><h2>7. Gehraiyaan </h2><p>Ever since the first glimpse of Shakun Batra’s directorial <i>Gehraiyaan</i> dropped on social media, netizens can’t seem to get enough of Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi’s chemistry in the relationship drama that dives into the depths of complex modern relationships, adulting, letting go and taking control of ones’ life path. What’s more— there’s also Ananya Panday, Naseeruddin Shah, and Rajat Kapur in pivotal roles in the movie which will have its premiere on January 25, 2022. </p><p>On: Amazon Prime Video </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEvg1uLtblU"></oembed></figure><h2>8. Rocket Boys</h2><p>The extraordinary story of India’s scientists Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, and their pioneering nuclear programme, will be dramatized as a web series starring Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh. The teaser of the show was shared on Homi Bhabha’s 112th birth anniversary eliciting a positive response from fans. The show will provide a glimpse into their personalities and their accomplishments. </p><p>On: Sony LIV </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swi9vtCjYVg"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>9. Mismatched S2</h2><p>One of the most-awaited second seasons of an Indian show, <i>Mismatched’s</i> second season will take forward the story of the genius coder Dimple and Rishi, the hopeless romantic, who has lost all faith in love. With their futures at stake, Dimple and Rishi must navigate the rough terrains of frayed friendships, new love interests, broken promises, academic stress, and shocking rivalries.</p><p>On: Netflix</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oorgtfS5MmQ"></oembed></figure><h2>10. Gullak S3</h2><p>An ode to middle-class Indian families, the first two seasons of <i>Gullak</i> were appreciated for the writing, the humour, and terrific performances by the lead cast. The heart-warming story of the Mishras will continue to keep audiences engaged and entertained with its third season.   </p><p>On: Sony LIV </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBtzqt7QvT0"></oembed></figure><h2>11. Masaba Masaba S2</h2><p>Everyone knows what a talented actor Neena Gupta is, but with Masaba Masaba, the audience realised that her daughter—popular fashion designer Masaba—is not too bad in front of the camera either. In the second season of the show, Masaba goes in front of the camera, and her mother decides to go behind it. This one’s got all the makings of a great drama, with new loves, old loves, careers, image, and friendships coming to the forefront.</p><p>On: Netflix</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DegkGdq9xy0"></oembed></figure><h2>12. Human</h2><p>Human trials in drug testing is the subject of this edgy medical thriller directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Mozez Singh. The trailer of the show dropped recently and it shows Shefali Shah and Kirti Kulhari in the gritty thriller about business and ethics in the world of pharmaceuticals. The show will start streaming from January 14, 2022. </p><p>On: Disney + Hotstar </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-a15OrmiXA"></oembed></figure><h2>13. Khufiya</h2><p>The uber-talented Tabu and director Vishal Bhardwaj reunite for this spy thriller movie based on true events. It is a story about Krishna Mehra, an R&AW operative who is assigned to track down the mole selling India’s defence secrets, all along, grappling with her dual identity as a spy and a lover.</p><p>On: Netflix </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcBhgGvgDF0"></oembed></figure><h2>14. Rudra: The Edge of Darkness</h2><p>Based on the British psychological show Luther starring Idris Elba, <i>Rudra: The Edge of Darkness</i> will see Ajay Devgn making his debut in the digital space. The actor has described the show as ‘a compelling and highly intriguing story’ and has said that he liked the character because it was ‘intense, complex and dark’. </p><p>On: Disney + Hotstar   </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX2-dAR9PGA"></oembed></figure>

From Raja Ravi Varma to Tyler, it’s the mass connection that has given art a new democratic language.

When discussing art, calendar art and street art are often overlooked. But these two genres have helped in democratising art and propagating it among the masses. Read on zeezest.com

From Calendars To Streets, Art For The Indian Masses | Zee Zest

<p>Welcome to the world of NFTs or non-fungible tokens. These allow for clear ownership and easy transfer of any kind of art. Thirty-year-old Bengaluru artist Harshit Agrawal became the first Indian artist to join the NFT art bandwagon, minting eight of his AI-generated artworks that can only be viewed in a digital medium. “NFT means that it’s unique and can’t be replaced. And this is the future,” he says. The initial success in NFT art began with cryptopunks—essentially ‘avatars’ which many of us frequently use as our social media icons. Now, NFTs have taken 2021 by storm. Milan, the global capital of design, has upped the ante by opening a new contemporary art gallery—Plan X Art Gallery—that will host exclusively NFT-certified works.</p><h2>What are NFTs</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Birkin_1640268781928.jpg"><figcaption>The ‘Baby Birkin’ NFT auction closed at USD 23,500. © Birkin</figcaption></figure><p>NFTs or non-fungible tokens are a unit of data stored on a digital ledger or blockchain. A unique system that has been in the making since 2012, the year 2021 gave it the much-needed fillip—especially when Christie’s and Sotheby’s both entered the NFT market. Christie’s is even accepting auction bids with Ethereum, the most popular crypto-currency. Digital artist Beeple sold ‘Everydays: The First 5,000 Days’ for a whopping $69.3 million. Digital artist Pak’s works raked in $16.8 million. “Digital art has long been around, but never quite entered the mainstream art market because of the worry of it being easily replicated and thereby lacking authenticity. NFTs solve that problem by tamper-proof provenance on the blockchain,” says Agrawal. India’s exclusive blockchain-powered online platform—Terrain.art—focusing on art from South Asia was also born this year. The platform showcased 27 works by legendary artist Lalu Prasad Shaw. All the works were certified using NFTs. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Lot-No_1640268964337.jpg"><figcaption>Lot No. 70, Prayer, ETHEREUM. © Prinseps</figcaption></figure><p>Prinseps—a research-focused auction house—has stepped into the world of NFTs offering 35 gouaches on paper by Gobardhan Ash, alongside 35 accompanying NFTs—making it the first Indian auction house to do so. Vice-president of the auction house, Brijeshwari Gohil says, “NFT is the present and will grow and expand in the future as well. Art on a digital medium has been established since the 90s with video art. Art on digital screens is a mere progression as technological advances are taking place. The primary issue with digital art was its ownership. With blockchains and tokens coming in digital art is now being legitimised as a means of trading and establishing ownership.”</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_konstantinchaykin_1640268973216.jpg"><figcaption>Konstantin Chaykin transformed his Joker watch into a piece of artwork via NFT. © Konstantin Chaykin</figcaption></figure><p>The NFT market so far has been heavily skewed towards digital art. But this dynamic industry is ever-evolving and now comprises luxury watches, accessories and even fashion.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Establishing provenance</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harshit-artwork_1640268812159.jpg"><figcaption>Eight of Harshit Agrawal's AI-generated artworks were minted as NFTs. © Harshit Agrawal</figcaption></figure><p>It is no secret that the creative world is riddled with fakes. Bengaluru-based auction house Bid & Hammer ran into two major controversies in 2010 and 2014 related to the sale of fake masters. Aparajita Jain, founder, Terrain.art, says: “The art world is in the midst of a silent revolution. These unique digital assets that can be used as individual identifiers for physical assets on a blockchain are going to become the standard protocol for establishing provenance for any collectable, not just art. Blockchain technology provides our current and future collectors with a transparent, tamper-proof and trustworthy method of buying, selling, and securing their existing collection. And each time the works are resold, one can rest assured that the works are authentic. This will effectively cut down on the production of fakes.” </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Lot-No_1640268831794.jpg"><figcaption>Lot No. 52, Comrade, ETHEREUM. © Prinseps</figcaption></figure><p>While NFTs or digital receipts prove ownership, it does not mean that the owner can hold the physical art in his hands. It is the unique token that one buys, not the work per se. And, there’s big money involved what with the US dollar no longer enjoying the high returns it once did, NFTs could become the acceptable and best way to park investment.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Encompassing the impossible</h2><p>Recently watchmakers Patek Philippe, Jacob & Co, Jean-Claude Biver, and Konstantin Chaykin made their presence felt in the NFT space. As did fashion houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and more. Chaykin turned its renowned ‘Joker’ timepiece into an NFT and auctioned it in May 2021, and Jacob & Co’s first outing brought in a whopping USD 1,00,000 at an auction on the Artgails NFT platform. In November, NFT marketplace SM-ART announced it will auction the first-ever Patek Philippe NFT. After the auction, the physical watch was fractionalised, allowing members to buy shares of the timepiece for trading. “The Patek Philippe NFT is a groundbreaking moment for the industry,” said Danny Sangha, co-founder of SM-ART in a statement. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Jean-Claude-Biver_1640268916748.jpg"><figcaption>Bigger Bang All Black Tourbillon was the first NFT luxury watch. © Jean-Claude Biver</figcaption></figure><p>NFT is the cool new statement. Not surprisingly the entrance of fashion brands into the conversation is a natural next step. In October this year, couturier Manish Malhotra entered the NFT market with an assortment of sketches and GIFs of five costumes worn by the likes of Lisa Ray, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt. </p><p>Earlier this month, famed menswear designer Raghavendra Rathore too launched a collection of his personal artwork as NFTs. He released a limited edition NFT on the WazirX NFT Marketplace in association with the Fashion Design Council of India and Lakme Fashion Week. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Burberry_1640268877391.jpg"><figcaption>Burberry partnered with Mythical Games to launch an NFT collection within the multiplayer game Blankos Block Party.  © Burberry</figcaption></figure><p>For its fall 2021 collection, Gucci partnered with Christie’s on an NFT video called ‘Aria’. Likewise, Burberry worked with a game developer to launch its own NFTs. In a press release, Rod Manley, Burberry’s chief marketing officer, noted: “With this exciting concept, we are able to unlock genuine value for the gaming community by encouraging players to interact with our brand in an environment that celebrates art, design, and exploration.” Louis Vuitton took a bigger step by bringing out a collection of 30 NFTs. The fashion brand worked with Beeple on 10 of these NFTs. </p><p>“I do believe the market for NFTs will be big in India. I feel it will democratise art. Easy transferability will further add to its growth,” concludes Gohil.</p>