Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2025 i Hello India

‘AS WE RE-EMERGE, REFRESHED AND RENEWED, WE INVITE YOU TO A NEW WORLD OF FAME AND ACCLAIM. ARE YOU READY?’ Hello, again! We are back with our print magazine—with a new look and feel, new energy, new ideas and new people, and across all our digital platforms and marquee events, as well. For me, as an Editor, HELLO!’s charm still lies in its pages, as you turn leaf after leaf, soaking in the beautiful shoots and personal stories we bring to you. It is in these pages that you meet the elite of India and the world, get a glimpse of the never-seen-before lives and homes of your favourite celebrities, and get to be a part of the EXCLUSIVE inner circle of royals, stars, super achievers and more. HELLO! and…

“A massive shoutout to HELLO! for its launch with the India Today Group. Huge congratulations to Ruchika and the entire team. Our covers with HELLO! have always been iconic! We can’t wait to see the incredible fashion content you’ll be sharing. A publication is built on dedication and devotion to showcasing the best in fashion and lifestyle. Your passion is truly inspiring!” – Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla “HELLO! is the gold standard for lifestyle, glamour and fashion… Weaving fabulous lives with beating hearts… It’s a ‘HELLO’ we never want to say goodbye to…” – Karan Johar “HELLO! has been a close companion over the years, and I feel great joy that it is back again with us! Congratulations to the entire team” – Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad “‘HELLO!’ again, Ruchika!…

During the 1950s, when the world of High Jewellery was dominated by the Art Déco style and platinum creations, Bvlgari stood out with bold yellow gold designs that recalled the warm tones and luminous sparkle of Italian landscapes. The signature technique, now reborn in a new collection, stands as a tribute to the pioneering essence of the maison, blending two of Bvlgari’s hallmarks—Tubogas and the use of yellow gold. Made of the unmistakable gold stripes seamlessly interlocked without any soldering, the four bracelets of the collection offer different choices for different tastes: an essential 18-carat yellow gold version, a contemporary three-gold iteration, and a more dazzling style featuring ultra-modern diamond studs. A VERSATILE DESIGN LANGUAGE These creations of exceptional flexibility are introduced in parure with a chain necklace adorned with…

1 I WOULD UPSKILL BY… Leveraging AI models to integrate into our business. And I’d also like to learn how to bake! It’s a skill that I need to learn. I bake awfully! 2 I’D LOVE TO SPLURGE ON… The runway looks of Chloé, YSL and Zimmerman. 3 THE IDEAL SUMMER GETAWAY INCLUDES… A journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express as it heads to the Ligurian coast, connecting Paris and Portofino through the romance of rail, winding through the French countryside and along the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras. 4 ON MY PLAYLIST IS… 070 Shake—that’s the artiste I’m listening to these days. 5 THE COOL SUMMER SHENANIGANS I WOULDN’T MISS… Would be Art Basel and the Dubai Art Fair. 6 THE HOTTEST SUMMER AUCTION NEWS… Is about a…

TALKING POINT The singer’s The Dil-Luminati Tour set new benchmarks for an Indian performing artist, for its brilliant sets, lighting and the sheer buoyancy of blending Punjabi folk, pop and hip hop. This game-changing tour reached 7,40,000 Diljit fans, running from April to December 2024, kicking off in Delhi, with stops across the country. The show also travelled to North America, Europe and Abu Dhabi. The total revenue earned touched Rs 600 crore. But more importantly, the tour contributed an astounding US$112 million to local economies and created over 5,300 jobs. The tax revenues alone touched US$13 million! QUOTABLE QUOTE “For me, Michael Jackson was a star. Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan are stars. They are the ones who own and carry stardom.” FUTURE TENSE Diljit’s upcoming projects include the…

TALKING POINT The actor’s enthralling, star-making performance in the Anushka Sharma produced Bulbbul skyrocketed her popularity since its release in 2020, although it’s her supporting role in Animal that really drew the spotlight on her. Cut to 2024, when she had a string of releases—from Bad Newz and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video—that kept her in entertainment headlines. FUTURE TENSE Triptii is said to be currently co-starring in an action-thriller with Shahid Kapoor, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. There are reports that she’s in talks for a film titled Vvan starring Sidharth Malhotra. She’ll also be seen in Dhadak 2 with Siddhant Chaturvedi. INFLUENCE QUOTIENT Triptii Dimri’s roles have been richly varied, and her performances in films like Bulbbul, Laila Majnu, Qala and Animal—a total blockbuster—have…

TALKING POINT Karan Aujla’s Tauba Tauba fame aside, many may be unaware that the 28-year-old multi-dance hit wonder is famed for his ability to dream up and execute catchy songs at an astonishing pace. Case in point: Diljit Dosanjh’s 2020 track G.O.A.T that took him 10 minutes to write (as he revealed on a show). Not only has he maintained a quick turnaround of popular releases, he has also had successful collaborations with artists like Nora Fatehi, Honey Singh, Bohemia, KR$NA and Badshah. He’s also worked with American rapper YG and actor Disha Patani. A few notable collaborations include Ek Din with Bohemia, The Game and J. Hind, and Tell Me with Ryan Tedder and Disha Patani. His lyrics and beats explore themes of Punjabi culture, relationships and daily life,…

For the disarmingly handsome London-based prince, Suryajit Singhji of Kapurthala, son of Tikka Shatrujit Singhji and grandson of His Highness Brigadier Maharaja Sukhjit Singhji, luxury runs in his blood. He’s no stranger to the world’s top brands, running luxury consultancy JMC with his father, in fashion, beauty, jewellery, wine and spirits, home décor and hospitality. Suryajit also runs MaceAero (he co-founded the firm), a UK-based boutique private aviation brokerage and advisory service for global clients, UHNIs and governments. Growing up quite literally in the lap of luxury, around conversations with the likes of LVMH owners, the Arnault family, who were friends with his father, as well as CEOs of brands like Cartier and Mr. Dolce (of Dolce & Gabbana fame), it’s only natural that Suryajit found a toehold in the…

Jaisalmer was the first checkpoint for Turkish and Arab traders who cruised through the Silk Route on their camels, bringing merchandise from their land to India and taking back spices and silk from this bountiful country. Dotted with a series of resplendent havelis built in the 1800s by the brocade merchants, this mystical city is named after Rawal Jaisal, who conquered Jaisalmer in 1156. Many centuries later, this land of golden sand is presided over by a young and handsome king, Chaitanya Raj, the 44th Maharawal of Jaisalmer. Tall, gentle in demeanour and sharp in intellect, Chaitanya is a leader who cares—for his environment, his legacy and the people who, for so many eons, have adored the Bhati rulers. Born and brought up between New Delhi and Jaisalmer, Chaitanya studied…

WHY THEY SHINE “Lovebirds stands at the intersection of modern minimalism, Indian craftsmanship and bold graphic expression. Our USP is in our ability to balance structure and ease—our designs feature architectural silhouettes softened by fluidity, always with a keen focus on functionality and wearability. Graphic prints are central to our aesthetic, lending a distinct visual language to our work. At the core of it all is a commitment to utility: clothing that moves effortlessly between occasions, transcends trends and feels instinctively personal to the wearer.” – AK FINDING THEIR WAY IN FASHION “Amrita’s journey started with curating vintage clothing at a boutique in Hauz Khas, Delhi, where she explored retail in design. My background in art direction and advertising leaned toward storytelling through visuals. The turning point was when we…

TALKING POINT Remember Alia Bhatt’s stunning sterling silver saree from the 2022 Indian Television Academy Awards? That’s a Bloni specialty made from waste recycled nylon and repurposed degradable faux leather. Everyone from Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karan Johar to Natasha Poonwalla, Anuskha Sharma and Ananya Birla have been seen in the futuristic designs of Creative Director Akshat Bansal, the young maverick from Haryana behind Bloni’s avante-garde garments. “The aim is for my pieces to resonate with new-age consumers who are looking for craftsmanship with a global appeal,” he had said in an interview with HELLO! in 2022. And global appeal he sure does have. Following his 2022 debut in Paris only five years after its founding, Bloni made quite the splash at the 2024 leg of the event, where he…

TALKING POINT The best-dressed mystery woman at the 2024 Met Gala is how the world first knew Mona Patel. This Vadodara-born Indian-American entrepreneur has become an influential presence in fashion and luxury, always spotted in such brands as Chopard, Bvlgari, Tiffany & Co., Schiaparelli, Dolce & Gabbana… The list goes on. It purportedly took just an hour-long meeting with Anna Wintour for Mona to earn an invite to the Met Gala. It wasn’t until her 30s that she developed her sense of style. Growing up, she didn’t have a free hand over fashion (it fell under “vanity” as it does in most conservative Indian households), though she did admire Alexander McQueen from an early age, crediting the designer’s “romantic warrior” aesthetic for inspiring her own blend of strong, elegant and…

THE CELEB FAVE “One of my most memorable looks was with Deepika Padukone a few years ago, when she wore Sabyasachi. I had the opportunity to do both her hair and makeup, and the look went viral. Seeing it resonate with so many people was incredibly rewarding.” THE ART “Natural yet refined, less is more, done yet undone, tidy yet untidy—these factors make up my USP… From a young age, I was drawn to the transformative power of hairstyling. Watching how a simple cut or colour change could boost someone’s confidence fascinated me. As I worked with celebrities and clients globally, I realised that hairstyling isn’t just about trends—it’s about artistry and personalisation. That’s how the concept of ‘hair couture’ was born. It’s about crafting a bespoke experience designed to…

TALKING POINT Makeup that liberates you is how Vasundhara describes her clean beauty brand. She says, “We’re for those who want to look good and feel good without spending hours in front of the mirror. Think ‘less is more’ dialled up to eleven.” Although she was never a beauty junkie, Vasundhara began to watch what she applied on her skin after she became a mom, and soon, Kiro was born as a pandemic baby. Its products offer textures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and efficacious for daily wear. Within just a year of its launch, Kiro began to make the right noise for its “clean, vegan and cruelty-free practices and high-quality raw materials” that built trust an enduring connect with customers, especially the growing segment of…

We are inside the Birla mansion on Carmichael Road, surrounded by an aura of sylvan old trees in full spring bloom. This bungalow stands apart from all the others in the area, for its regal terrace pool, beautiful Indo-Gothic architecture, laced with Burmese influences like their teakwood. Its well-thought-out bay view panels overlook a central courtyard, with water bodies extending into the living room from the lawns. Rare works by MF Husain and Suhas Awchat are easily spotted in the home, with a sprinkling of SH Raza. Pink granite, soothing marbles, multiple levels add subtle variety. The outside looks in as much as the inside looks out. Yet, the warm family portraits, the Victorian-Baroque upholstery all whisper of multiple generations of good taste. After all, South Mumbai is all about…

TALKING POINT During the pandemic, at a time when people were busy showing off their banana bread baking skills on the ’Gram, Aadit Palicha and his friend Kaivalya Vohra—both students of StanfordUniversity—decidedtooptoutof online classes and start a WhatsApp group for online grocery delivery. Within a year, the duo, meant to go to California the next year, launched Zepto, which has developed into one of India’s fastest-growing grocery apps. With some convincing numbers to show his parents, Aadit decided to take the leap of faith and dropped out of college; in 2021, he officially launched the Zepto app with Kaivalya. Valued at a whopping US$5 billion currently, Zepto has revolutionised the way India shops. Its latest offering, Zepto Cafe, its food delivery arm, recently crossed 1 lakh orders a day. Going…

TALKING POINT Much like the game he excels in, Gukesh always had a clear vision—to become the World Chess Champion. Born in Chennai to an ENT surgeon father and a microbiologist mother, Gukesh showed promise early on. He was all of seven when, along with his father, Gukesh witnessed a historic game between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in Chennai. And so began his dream of being inside that glass box one day and playing for his country. The young lad began training for chess, and in 2015, he won his first game in the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships. That triumph was followed by a World Youth Chess Championships in 2018 in the Under-12 category. QUOTABLE QUOTE “My mother still says: ‘I’ll be very happy to…

History was scripted in March 2025 when Kush became the first Indian driver in Formula 1 after 2012; he joined Alpine as a reserve driver for the ongoing season. He’s now only the third Indian driver after Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandok to be a part of an F1 team. Hailing from Bengaluru, the 24-year-old was introduced to racing at an early age as his older brother Arjun was also a racer. After initial schooling in Bengaluru, Kush moved to the UK, Italy and Switzerland to train in karting. He was 10 when he first won the Indian National Championship, and at 16, he took part in the Italian F4 Championship with BVM Racing. With his consistent performance, Kush made it to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2023, where…

FINDING HER CREATIVE VOICE “As a creator, my journey has evolved every single day, taking new shapes and forms. That’s what I like about it. Right now, my creative voice tells stories that matter to me, that have moved me and make me happy, certain that my audience would enjoy them. If they don’t, I learn from the experience and move on, refining it even more going forward.” NO ROOM FOR INDIFFERENCE “People tend to dismiss creators, assuming that fame or followers are easy to come by, but that’s not true. Creativity thrives when it connects with an audience; just because some don’t understand it, it doesn’t mean it lacks value. I’m glad we’re in a place in India where digital platforms are doing so, so well. I deeply respect…

What do you think is your unique creative signature? My writing probably sets me apart as an artist. That’s my unique creative signature. I’m experimenting with genres as I grow in this industry, but my writing will always have that identity that is mine. Anybody who’s heard my songs can tell this is the kind of stuff Anuv writes—it’s my way of writing. Is there one aspect of your craft that you feel people don’t fully understand, one that you’d love to share with them? People may not realise that there’s not a huge team behind my music. It’s just me writing, composing and working closely with the producer. Even the music videos and artwork… It’s all part of my creative input. Initially, these were just simple personal projects, but…

What is it like making it to TIME’s list of world’s greatest places in 2025? It’s incredible but also comes with responsibility. Recognition like this brings more eyes, expectations and even criticism. Being on this list is a reminder that Indian dining is evolving, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change. “Flavour-forward” and “playfully Indian” is how you refer to your menus. Could you elaborate on this? At [my newest restaurant in Mumbai] Papa’s, these sentiments mean that taste always comes first. Too often, tasting menus prioritise storytelling over deliciousness. But for us, flavour is the foundation. Our menu is about reimagining familiar Indian flavours in unexpected ways. Take our Tuna Samosa, for example. It looks like a samosa, but that’s where the similarity ends. We…

ON HIS CREATIVE VOICE “It comes from various inspirations—be it lived experiences, observations and what’s happening in the world. I focus on writing about real people and real-world issues, not for escapism but to reflect on the beauty, ugliness and quirks of life. The constant in my work is bringing to life relatable subjects that make readers feel connected to my stories.” ON LOVE, IDENTITY & SOCIETAL CHANGE “I grew up gay during a time when Section 377 was used to criminalise homosexuality, and the internet made it easy to expose people. My generation lived in constant shame, and even after its decriminalisation in 2009, we didn’t know how to handle that newfound freedom. The 2013 re-criminalisation was a harsh reminder of the hostility we faced. I wanted to capture…

For 25 years, Beyond Designs has redefined the concept of luxury, elevating maximal aesthetics through intricately crafted interiors and bespoke furniture, lighting and accessories. Founded by Sachin and Neha Gupta, the brand has transformed the Indian interior landscape with a visionary approach that seamlessly blends global influences across genres. Their signature style conjures a rich tapestry of heritage, history and indigenous craftsmanship, resulting in opulent, layered spaces that exude grandeur while remaining relevant to contemporary living. A CELEBRATION OF MATERIALITY & CRAFT Beyond Designs is renowned for its masterful use of fine materials—wood, marble, semi-precious stones, brass, crystal, glass and metals—each meticulously rendered to create bespoke creations. These materials find new meaning through nuanced craftsmanship, ensuring that every piece tells a story of artistry and sophistication. Their approach bridges the…

Tell us about your journey from furniture design and interiors to opening your store, Temple Town. I was dabbling in furniture as well as interiors because I loved the former part of it. Like sitting with the artisans and creating these new designs. Sometimes, it’s not even about creating new designs; it’s just getting them to make an old pattern that was there and not much in use now; it’s about bringing back those old pieces or remaking these antiques to keep them in vogue. We were an interior design studio and didn’t retail any furniture. But with time, we realised the need to display furniture, so we opened Temple Town eight years ago in Kochi and Thrissur, our home town. We named it so because it’s literally the temple…

SASHA JAIRAM One of India’s top celebrity photographers, she turns the camera into a mirror of mood and glamour. The Mumbaibased photog brings cinematic drama and feminine power to every frame. With a sixth sense for light and emotion, Sasha captures beauty that lingers long after the shutter clicks. In this issue: She worked her magic on all four cover stories. ROOHI JAIKISHAN A prominent Mumbai-based businesswoman, fashion icon, and art connoisseur, Roohi is the executive director of RR Oomerbhoy Pvt. Ltd. She has helped transform her family’s legacy into one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG firms, known for its gourmet products. In this issue: Roohi shares her 10 haute picks for the summer. SHOBHAA DE A novelist and columnist, her writing is bold, eloquent, and influential. Shobhaa is forthright with…

How PHAT is HELLO!? S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Seven letters of the alphabet. Just seven. Emotive. Interpretative. Powerful. The definition of “success” is subjective. But its hold over us is universal. Who doesn’t crave success? Admiration? Validation? The world needs heroes—people who evoke admiration, inspire others, challenge our imagination, shift boundaries and earn applause, one achievement at a time. This publication has consistently identified individuals worthy enough to have their lives responsibly chronicled in high gloss splendour on its valuable pages. To be featured in this magazine has long been viewed as a cherished recognition by the carefully hand-picked, bona fide global celebrities who make the cut. In an environment choking with shallow influence peddlers, it holds its own by continuing with its mission to showcase the lives of a broad spectrum of…

SHAMANS OF THE HIMALAYAS BY ANU MALHOTRA Shamans of the Himalayas is an unequalled treatise on the vibrant ‘devta’ culture that still survives in the picturesque Kullu Valley of the Middle Himalayas—a small, fragile bubble of a precious civilisational legacy in Himachal Pradesh. While we may be a smaller world today, owing to the giant leaps of technology, we are also in danger of becoming a homogenised monoculture. Written by a multiple-award-winning documentarian, the book looks at what we have lost and are fast losing. In a fluid first-person account, Anu Malhotra documents sacred rituals, magico-religious practices, traditional healing modalities and exorcisms, many of which are fiercely guarded occult practices that have never been documented before. The legends and myths of Devbhoomi come alive in this compelling journey of discovery.…

‘MY SUPERSTAR COUSINS ARE EVER READY TO OFFER A FRIENDLY EAR WHENEVER I NEED. THE MOST ENJOYABLE FEELING WAS SHARING MY WORK WITH THEM; I’M EARNING MY SEAT AT THE TABLE!’ Zahan, when an artiste comes from a blue-chip legacy like you do, it can work both for and against. Would you agree? Haha, I haven’t heard it called a blue-chip legacy before! I think there’s always a mix of things, irrespective of where you are in life. My advantage is having a support system that understands this industry. My parents made it clear my hard work would be the biggest currency of all. There may be opportunities, but there are expectations that sometimes feel heavy. So I’m devoted to learning everything and developing a self-confidence I can claim as…

TALKING POINT Although she has no nepo-connect to the highly nepotistic film industry, this young actor has garnered over 500 million watch minutes for her February 2025 release, Mrs. Prior to this, she has featured in two blockbuster capers, Dangal and Jawan, which rank among the highest-grossing Indian films. Sanya’s other commercially successful films were the comedy Badhaai Ho and biopic Sam Bahadur. She’s also noted for films like Pagglait and Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery. Her movies aside, Sanya enthralls fans on Instagram with her sinuous dancing, and few know that she choreographed Amir Khan’s moves in Secret Superstar. QUOTABLE QUOTES “In today’s time, you’re truly successful if a meme is based on you!” she has said. Her other passion is sustainable living, on which she has said, “I…

She wears her legacy like a haute couture creation. Precious, bespoke, to be crafted afresh in every era. History has lavished beauty on Jaipur’s royal women. If a string of pearls and a chiffon saree was all Maharani Gayatri Devi needed, her great-step granddaughter Princess Gauravi Kumari’s twinkling, guileless, jewel eyes are her ultimate accessory. Anything else feels superfluous. But let us be warned: looks can be deceptive. The fragile-looking late Maharani Gayatri Devi, known for her fashion and social activism, once famously said, “I just try to do what I can when I see unhappiness around me.” But she was quite the origin of a domino effect that has chased the royal women of Jaipur down the corridors of time. Gayatri Devi’s mother Indira Devi hailed from the highly…

The fresh-faced royal, is just back from a trip to Jammu, where he’s executive trustee of the unique, châteauxlike 60-acre Amar Mahal Museum and Library, perched on a hill overlooking the Tawi river. The son of VikramadityaSinghof Jammu & Kashmir and Princess of Gwalior Chitrangda Raje, Martand Singh—a lawyer by training who has practiced litigation in the Chandigarh and Delhi high courts—has been hands-on with the museum for the past five years. “I’m in charge of the maintenance, financial administration, projects, funding and upkeep of the entire museum complex,” says Martand. Amar Mahal, a private museum open to the public, was built in 1862 by Martand’s great-great-grandfather, Maharaja Amar Singhji of Jammu & Kashmir, in the style of a European castle. “It’s not your regular Rajasthani palace,” says Martand. “There’s…

TALKING POINT Edgy. Experimental. Chic. Classic. There are many ways to describe Tania Shroff’s chameleon-esque sense of style. But her signature? Confidence. A graduate from the London College of Fashion (she studied public relations and creative direction), Tania carries every outfit with a distinct sense of self-assuredness that renders a confident aura around her. Drawn to the transformative power of fashion from an early age, she pulls off street style with as much ease as she does contemporary chic, playing with bold colours and textures, and offering her followers a mix of style inspirations for every occasion. So much so that over the course of a few years, she’s become quite the sought-after figure by luxury brands like Cartier, Burberry, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Maje and the like. Amid all her…

TALKING POINT Hailing from a family that’s been in the Banarasi business for over a century, Palak Shah has been instrumental in bringing the silk into the mainstream since co-founding Ekaya Banaras in 2012. “It felt right to… leverage our deep-rooted expertise while reimagining it with a fresh perspective,” she says. “My goal has always been to give the Banarasi a new identity and modern sensibility, while staying true to our roots.” As her Instagram bio reads, Palak is changing the way we drape, one saree at a time, reimagining them through the lens of a stylist and a textile connoisseur. So much so that her expertise found its way across the world in collaborations with the Fédération Française de la Création Couture Sur Mesure, maisons Ferragamo and Missoni, and…

TALKING POINT Across the globe, influencers and users alike have been flashing this compact circular bottle containing a “magic elixir” they credit for boosting their hair health. Diipa Büller-Khosla, the influencer-entrepreneur behind this viral “Ayurvedistry™” brand, is often told, “Indē Wild made ‘champi’ cool again.” Just four years old, the skincare and haircare label is now worth US$30 million—having recently secured US$5 million in funding—and boasts a cult following across the UK, USA, Canada and India. “I grew up going to school with two champi braids. Instead of shrinking that part of myself as I got older, I owned it. When a young Brown girl sees that, it makes her feel like she can do it too,” says Diipa. Attributing their global popularity to authenticity and representation, she believes their…

The no-makeup-makeup look is a thing of the past in the mainstream—mostly. With Riddhima, it’s the era of “barely there yet most certainly there” looks. Ananya Panday’s glossy lips, Alia Bhatt’s sunkissed cheeks, Rashmika Mandanna’s smokey eyes and Diipa Büller-Khosla’s eye-accentuating strokes are all her expertise. “I did this one look for Alia for the NMACC opening. She looked like an angel… I also did Ananya’s look for a magazine that made her look like an international star,” Riddhima shares. Add to the mix the perfect hair days she gifts her clients, and her rising popularity among stars becomes understandable. “Makeup is so therapeutic. It helps me tune out of my mind. It’s like giving myself a blank slate,” she adds. FUTURE TENSE Besides a growing repertoire of industry A-listers,…

TALKING POINT For Tanvi Chemburkar, becoming a celebrity makeup artist was never in her line of sight. It was her innate love for the art that took her places. And by that, we mean becoming the go-to makeup artist for the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nita and Isha Ambani, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Ananya Panday and many others. “The one thing that set me apart… was how light-handed I was,” she says. “I could achieve the no-makeup-makeup look extremely well without making the face look cakey or heavy. My clients always complimented my workm saying they still look like themselves but with their features enhanced.” Most of Nita Ambani’s looks from her younger son’s wedding festivities last year were Tanvi’s work, as were a number of Rashmika’s editorial shoots and…

She lives the Truman Show in reality. Always under the scanner, followed every step by an army of paparazzi. Be it when she was at the Sangam during Mahakumbh taking a holy dip, or at her child’s school, waiting to pick her up. Or even at her brother’s mega wedding festivities, graced by global celebrities and heads of states. Yet, her calm demeanour remains remarkable. Isha Ambani Piramal, entrepreneur, caring citizen, wonderful daughter and loving mother-wife, is a powerhouse to say the least. A quiet force, she’s building exceptional retail and luxury edifices, new and tech-led, each enterprise miles from her business of inheritance. Isha marches on, bursting into fresh domains. She’s the embodiment of the idiom that change is the only constant, and to move ahead, you must not…

TALKING POINT The co-head of Kotak811, the digital banking arm of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the 35-year-old is the son of India’s richest banker, Uday Kotak, who founded their firm, which boasts a Rs 3.80 lakh crore market cap. With an academic foundation in economics and history from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Jay started his career as an intern at Goldman Sachs, where he gained experience in investment banking. He’s been the driving force behind their family bank’s digital transformation, laying focus on expanding their online banking services. As a result, he has successfully positioned Kotak811 as a mobile-first, paperless banking experience, the approach that the youth of today prefer over banking red tapism. FUTURE TENSE With Jay as captain, digital innovations under the Kotak811 banner…

Looking dapper in a crisp grey suit early in the day, Keshav Reddy’s charm is contagious as he gears up for his shoot with HELLO! at his sea-facing Worli home. A Hyderabad native, Keshav’s Mumbai address paints a pretty picture of his personality—warm, eclectic and welcoming. The pièce de résistance of his living room is an A Ramachandran painting, while an SH Raza occupies the place of pride on a blue wall. This 32-year-old third-generation scion of GVK Reddy Power and Infrastructure, the grandson of GVK Reddy, is sharp on time and every bit the youth icon he’s recognised as. He knows what it means to carry a legacy forward, and that being grounded is perhaps one of the most charismatic traits of a successful businessperson. Astute and sharp, Keshav…

TALKING POINT The youngest player to hit a double century in ODIs, the 25-year-old is one of India’s most promising batters. His rise from a small village in Punjab to international cricket is the stuff dreams are made of. Born to a farmer, Lakhwinder Singh, who aspired to become a cricketer himself, Shubman’s early training in cricket began with his father, when they trained together by bowling 500 to 700 balls every day. The family moved from Fazilka to Mohali for Shubman to have better access to cricket training facilities, and there was no looking back then. In 2014, Shubman scored 351 in Punjab’s Inter-District U16 tournament, racking up an opening stand of 587 with Nirmal Singh. He then went on to strike a double century in his U16 debut…

Jasprit Bumrah’s life story might be one of thebestexamplesof hard work and resillience rewriting destiny. Losing his father at age 5 and growing up amid financial instability with his mother, a teacher at Ahmedabad’s Nirmal High School, didn’t deter this Sikh boy from pursuing his love for the sport. From playing cricket in the school grounds, he made his debut with team Gujarat in 2011 and went on to make his T20 debut for the state against Maharashtra for the Syed Mushtaq Trophy. It was coach John Wright who noticed his bowling skills, and the same year, Bumrah featured in Mumbai’s 2013 IPL title-winning team. Almost a decade of consistent performances as a death bowler internationally, in February 2024, Bumrah was declared the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.…

THE PHENOMENON You’ll find him at high-profile events, perched beside Bollywood royalty, gracing the front rows of fashion weeks, or at those elusive invite-only soirées that dominate the Page 3 circuit. Both omnipresent and impossible to define—ask 10 people what Orry does, and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. But that’s the charm. Perhaps that’s also the strategy. “I like to think of myself astheinternet’s inside joke,” he tells HELLO!. “The girls who get it—get it. My creative voice? I only have one: playful, flippant and gloriously hollow. I’m not selling skincare. I’m not pushing a podcast. I don’t want your money or your email address. I just live.” With a social media reach of nearly 2 million users, Orhan Awatramani—better known to the world simply as Orry—has evolved from…

COURTING CREATIVITY “My creative voice is shaped by everything I’ve lived through, felt and learnt. Every person has something unique to share. For me, it’s my family. In a world where so much online content feels staged or distant, what sets our work apart is its authenticity. It’s not just content for us; it’s our life, messy and beautiful. My family brings out the best ideas in me. I love turning those moments into something people can truly connect with.” THE PERFECT SHOT “People often see a quick video or photo and think, ‘Wow, they live an endless vacation!’ But it’s much more than that. What you see takes days of planning—getting the right shot, chasing the perfect light and editing late into the night. It’s just my husband, Ivor,…

A STANDOUT DESIGN CREATOR “As an interior design content creator, I teach design in an easy and accessible way. The aim of my content is to break down barriers and show people the latest in design and home décor. But I only recommend products I’d potentially use at my own sites and projects—and that’s my creative voice.” EXPANDING DESIGN ACCESSIBILITY “People are taking time to realise that pages like mine are actually creating awareness about the design industry, which only a select few had access to earlier. Now, regardless of where you live or how much work you have, you have a lot more knowledge about the design industry, and I think that’s a very powerful tool.” INSPIRATION & INNOVATION “I draw my inspiration from two industries: interior design and…

MEETING GLOBAL STANDARDS “Masque was just ranked #19 in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list and India’s #1 Restaurant for the fourth time in a row! I’d be lying if the dream isn’t to break into the World’s 50 Best list, hopefully this year. It isn’t about winning awards but about what these lists represent: the validation that we’re in tune with global standards of wonderful food and impeccable service—not to mention the recognition from peers in the industry. The milestone for me will always be to stay a part of theimportantlists—itmeanswe’redoing everything right! BEHIND THE ‘MASQUE’ “Much like Rome, Masque wasn’t built in a day! My experience with Sage & Saffron was a starting point to clients’ expectations from their dining experiences. Of course, food has always been…

TALKING POINT From Pinto glass tiles being restored at 100-year-old Colonial homes in Mumbai to buildings refitted with Burma teak wood pillars covered in bituminous layers for weatherproofing, this distinguished architect and founder of Annkur Khosla Design Studio is renowned for her innovative approach to architecture and interior design. Having grown up in the hustle-bustle of South Mumbai, Annkur’s deep appreciation for the city’s landscape shaped her design sensibilities. Her sinuous use of form and function while sculpting fluid spaces corresponds perfectly to the city’s architectural marvels, like the Rajabai Tower and the high court building. Annkur believes that design should be an extension of a person’s beliefs. It’s this very philosophy that she has imbibed in her work, like the recent revamp of Mira and Shahid Kapoor’s sea-facing Mumbai…

Standing at the forefront of India’s ultra-luxury estate design, visionary architect Aparna Kaushik effortlessly integrates her profound passion for art and architecture, along with the allure of period dramas, into her creations. Her painstaking attention to the physical dynamics of a space is enriched by a profound understanding of human psychology and how people interact with their environments. At the heart of Aparna Kaushik’s approach lies a commitment to curating bespoke environments that speak to the unique aspirations and requirements of their discerning clientele. With an exquisite understanding of space and an immaculate ability to blend classic elements with contemporary innovations, each project becomes an eloquent expression of the home owner’s personal taste, while embodying an enduring sense of sophistication. The result is a tasteful portfolio that possesses timeless beauty…

In the ever-evolving landscape of high-end interior design, few names resonate as profoundly as Sources Unlimited. Established in 2004, the company has carved its niche as India’s premier importer of luxury home décor brands from Europe, the UK and the US. With an unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship and customer service, Sources Unlimited collaborates with top architects, interior designers and stylists to transform both residential and commercial spaces into masterpieces of elegance and sophistication. A CURATED EXPERIENCE Sources Unlimited operates on a factory-to-doorstep model, ensuring seamless integration of the finest European designs into Indian interiors. The brand’s meticulously curated portfolio spans furniture, lighting, accessories, surfaces and fenestration, showcasing the creations of over 500 European design houses. Their exclusive partnerships with prestigious manufacturers such as Giorgetti, Baxter, Rimadesio, Turri, Longhi, Sicis…

‘I love the idea of mixing my two favourite worlds together: fashion and wellbeing. The connect between them has inspired me since high school’ ‘I was named Héloïse Lee Agostinelli after Lee Radziwill, Jackie Kennedy’s sister, who introduced my parents. Her style has always inspired me’ ‘People tend to think that fashion is superficial, but my mother taught me that good taste and class are much more profound than the clothes you wear’ ‘I have a special love for Dior because my mother and my aunt have both been part of it since I was very young. I feel very proud to wear their designs’ ‘I studied nutrition to understand how to heal my body from within. So I enrolled in London’s College of Naturopathic Medicine. My four years there…

Showcasing craftsmanship and womanhood as a medium of expression, Shimai Jayachandra, a Kerala-born designer, unveiled her latest collection, ‘Daughters of Stardust.’ With her design language weaving dark romanticism and technical precision, the collection is an amalgamation of Kerala’s sacred grove rituals and celestial mythology. With the cosmos as her muse, the designer epitomised celestial metaphors into her garments. Her collection boasts contrast—think a fluid tulle cape embroidered with constellations with an infant child and nature layered over a black silk structured gown, symbolising the interplay of dominion and delicacy. There’s a unique interplay of materials, and the collection is also punctuated with avant-garde designs. Visualise soft silks pleated into spiral embroidery, tulles infused with molten metal, or a bamboo shoulder cape in the shape of a horn… These works of…

SALMON SPERM What is it? Don’t let the name throw you. This buzzworthy ingredient is making waves in skincare for its anti-ageing properties. Its secret: the polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), or the DNA-based molecules, extracted from salmon sperm. As salmon sperm DNA is naturally compatible with human skin, it gets easily absorbed. How does it help? These DNA-building molecules support skin repair and regeneration, speed up healing and improve texture. They also boost hydration, enhance collagen production—the key for firmer, smoother skin—and offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to calm irritation and fight signs of aging. How is it used? PDRN are typically found in treatments like salmon sperm facials or combined with microneedling to boost absorption as well as serums and essences for home use. HELLO! Recommends: Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum…

There are places that whisper elegance, and then there’s The Dolder Grand—a hotel perched above Zurich, Switzerland, where every corner has been measured, manicured and somehow still gives you room to exhale. It’s a legend of hospitality that doesn’t shout. It glows. At the heart of it all? A tall, quiet force in the kitchen named Heiko Nieder. He’s not just the chef of thetwo-Michelin-starred The Restaurant. His culinary fingerprint is everywhere—on the truffled custards at breakfast, the delicate simplicity of the tartines, the unexpected joy of a celery sorbet that somehow makes you emotional… Heiko doesn’t cook to impress—he cooks to move. One morning, in a soft-lit demo inside his sleek, orderly kitchen, he cooked for us. A custard. Simple. Golden. Topped with Swiss truffle shavings. It didn’t scream.…

LOOKING INTO HISTORY WITH JJ VALAYA Expect your statement frame game to get a retrofuturistic makeover—JJ Valaya has expanded his prêt label JJV Kapurthala with the debut of JJ Valaya Eyewear. Launched under their SS ’25 collection, these merge old-world elements with contemporary, experimental designs in typical Valaya style. Each piece is unique with the use of intricate, detailed elements like the chevron impression on the temples and the phoenix motif, lending the collection an eclectic identity. BVLGARI’S REIMAGINED SERPENTI + A NEW RECORD Cementing their name at the forefront of horology, Bvlgari, at their Watches & Wonders Geneva debut, showcased two icons to celebrate 25 years of innovation and craftsmanship. The Serpenti Aeterna they unveiled reimagines the maison’s iconic reptile silhouette in a bejewelled, uber contemporary avatar, while the…

Back in 1727, when Maharaja Jai Singh II decided to move the capital of his kingdom from Amber, he envisioned a supreme city that would not only safeguard its inhabitants from warring enemies, but also serve as a beacon of inclusivity, prosperity, beauty and knowledge. And so was born Jaipur, built as India’s first “planned city” on the basis of the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shastra, and the grid-like layout of European cities. The maharaja was a Renaissance man. He was a warrior, a statesman, a legislator and a man of science. His interests varied from astronomy to mathematics to the Orient and to town planning. All of this compelled him to extend his patronage to scientists, poets, writers, scholars, painters, craftspeople, town planners and jewellers. It…

HRITHIK ROSHAN IS ALL SET FOR THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR Taking over the reins from his filmmaker father Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik Roshan is set to helm the next chapter of the fan-favourite Krrish franchise. Marking his directorial debut, Krrish 4 is set to be a science fiction story centred on time travel, with Nora Fatehi joining the cast. Continuing the story line from its prequels, the movie will be a superhero spinoff, which will be co-produced by Rakesh and Aditya Chopra. BRITNEY, BEATLES & BIOPICS: MUSICAL TALES EN ROUTE TO CELLULOID The cinematic world is tuning into the lives of someof music’smost legendary icons. The long-anticipated Beatles biopic has finally taken shape. It will unfold as an audacious four-film project, each dedicated to a member of the band. Set to release…

TALKING POINT Rashmika Mandanna is the highest paid female actor from the South—she pumped up her Rs 2 crore fee for Pushpa: The Rise to purportedly Rs 10 crore for the sequel, reports say. From Telugu cinema to the Rs 900 crore global Bollywood blockbuster Animal, hers is an extraordinary ‘rise’ in itself, which earned her a spot in the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. At just 29, her journey is an inspiration. Beyond being a trained classical Indian dancer, she has no family background or history in any other performing art. Blessed with a grounded, relatable personality and a massive social media fan base, Rashmika’s other accolades include four SIIMA Awards (South Indian International Movie Awards) and a Filmfare Award, South. QUOTABLE QUOTE “In Pushpa: The Rule, there’s…

TALKING POINT A director’s actor, audiences marvelled at Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of a paraplegic athlete in Chandu Champion. He had to work on not just physical transformation, but also embody his character’s arc, going from victimhood to a heroic mentality in mind, body and spirit. Kartik’s other watershed performance had him in the horrorcomedy franchise Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 as faux exorcist Rooh Baba. The film not only got him acclaim as a versatile actor, but it also hit the box office jackpot, achieving a lifetime collection of Rs 336 crore across all languages! QUOTABLE QUOTE “I don’t have my uncle, or my dad, or my sister, or my girlfriend spreading positivity about me in articles or in the industry,” Kartik has quipped in a leading film…

TALKING POINT Loved for her unapologetic epicureanism and eccentricities on the show Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives, Shalini Passi is a widely respected philanthropist and art patron as well as a collector of andcommissionerof art from new talent. After innumerable magazine covers and awards, the founder of M.A.S.H—a digital platform that explores the intersection of architecture, art, craft, design and fashion—and the Shalini Passi Art Foundation has also sponsored the painting of the façade of the India Art Fair venue, featuring Ayesha Singh’s work. Shalini has stated that she donates all her earnings from her reality show and other ventures to charity, including supporting a village in Bihar through UNICEF. QUOTABLE QUOTES A number of Shalini’s quotes from the show have become anthems across the web, including, “The only reason…

Mahanaaryaman Rao Scindia, or Aaryaman as he prefers to be called, wears many entrepreneurial hats. The Yale-educated son of Union Minister of Communications and Maharaja of Gwalior Jyotiraditya Scindia, is also entering the public sphere with his focus on sports and education. Aaryaman co-founded the myMandi app as a way for small kiranas and thelawallas to procure fresh produce directly from centralised mandis or depots, reducing wastage and costs. At one time, it generated revenue of a crore a month, but now, his plan has pivoted. “We’re now creating an AI inventory management system called Project Kubera, named after the God of Wealth,” he shares. Aaryaman’s self-funded startup is essentially AI for retail, with an invoice billing system and then an inventory management system, for offline kiranas, FMCG stores and…

If one were to rate the most viral fashionist a in India recently, Radhika Merchant Ambani would win hands down. She was the most-talked-about bride ever, her looks, her ensembles, her pairing of brands becoming topics of seamless discussions that filled reams of newsprint. Radhika, the petite and pretty wife of Anant Ambani, is indeed the toast of the Indian fashion gaze. Her sharp sartorial sense makes her stand out in every crowd. Even in a room full of glamorous film stars, her style game ensures she remains a haute topic. A bit like the royal Brit princesses, much is expected out of her style vocabulary, and hence, little wonder that she’s become the prize muse for designers, stylists and social media papping and snapping. Designers will give an arm…

They’re sharp, they’re creative, and, more importantly, they’re ready to learn. Brothers Vishesh and Viraj Khanna, the creative minds behind the edgy and versatile AKOK, are carrying the legacy of their fashion veteran mum Anamika Khanna forward. But along the way, they carved out a niche for themselves that’s uniquely theirs. “I’m still learning about what works and what doesn’t… Everything I used to think fashion was and should be has shifted!” says Vishesh, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, London. The twins launched AKOK in 2020 as an extension of the luxury label, Anamika Khanna, spotting a gap in the prêt segment and a demand for high-end contemporary fashion among aspirational customers. Today, their artistic flair attracts a wide audience to their stores across Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad…

‘WHEN ICONS LIKE BEYONCÉ, ZENDAYA AND KIM KARDASHIAN WORE MISHO, IT WAS A SURREAL VALIDATION OF OUR JOURNEY’ THE ART OF JEWELLERY “Jewellery is more than just an accessory—it’s an extension of my personality. I see it as wearable sculpture, something that moves with the body and seamlessly becomes part of everyday life. It’s intimate, expressive and adds that final touch that brings everything together. I’ve always said Misho is a design studio that happens to make jewellery. My background in art and sculpture sparked a fascination with form and material. I was drawn to the idea of sculpture that could be comepart of one’s everyday life. That’s how Misho was born.” A CULT FOLLOWING “When I started Misho, I was creating pieces that resonated with me. I wasn’t thinking…

TALKING POINT Bhakti has been a vital cog in the Reliance retail space since her early career days with Ajio, before her stint at Reliance Brands. Within just two years since its April 2023 launch, Tira, under Bhakti’s keen eye, has eaten into the market share of much older and established industry players like Nykaa, Tata Cliq Palette and Myntra. “At Tira, we’re on a mission to reimagine beauty through a seamless omnichannel experience—setting bold new benchmarks for the world, inspired by the spirit and needs of the Indian consumer,” she tells HELLO!. Her degree in fashion and apparel design from Parsons School of Design, New York, supports her strategic decision-making and rapid ascent in the conglomerate, right up to the C-Suite. In fact, her innate skill of merging consumer…

A slow, mindful lifestyle is what you see on Isha’s page, but it’s interspersed with just the welcome amount of beauty content that keeps her audience engaged. “It’s the honesty and intentionality behind everything I share,” she says on what attracts brands and audiences to her. “I’ve built a space that feels like an extension of who I am—whether it’s beauty, lifestyle or even the slow, real moments in between—and consistently.” It’s evident that Isha isn’t one to jump onto the latest trend or become part of the noise around a new product launch. Authenticity, as she says, is her USP, and she only shares things that truly resonate with her. “Working with brands I love and use in my everyday life” is the most favourite aspect of her job,…

TALKING POINT Founded in 2020, d’you boasts a number of products that enjoy viral fame. The brand’s In My Defence Barrier-Building Moisturiser is touted as a game changer in barrier repairing. Their Hustle Face Serum and Good Grease are a few others among their many popular offerings. The reason for their loyal base of customers, Shamika says, is that they have always treated product performance as their North Star. “The best branding, marketing and packaging in the world can’t buy you loyalty. Only your products can,” she stresses, adding that it’s her resilience that keeps her going. “As an entrepreneur, 350 out of 365 days are tough, and there are enough reasons to give up. But the finish line is only visible to those that don’t give up…” FUTURE TENSE…

TALKING POINT Nikhil’s journey from dropping out of school after Class 10 to founding Zerodha with his brother and reaching a net worth of an estimated Rs 256 billion is the stuff legends are made of. Hailing from Karnataka’s Shimoga, he joined a call centre after leaving school, began equity trading and eventually founded Zerodha—India’s largest stock brokerage platform today. The 38-year-old’s Zerodha brought in a revolution of sorts in retail trading, offering zero brokerage fees and a tech-driven approach. In 2019, he also launched a wealth management company, True Beacon, which caters to high net worth individuals. Earlier this year, Nikhil made news when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his podcast debut on “WTF is with Nikhil Kamath,” where the two-hour podcast covered a wide range of topics on…

TALKING POINT Both 2011 IIT Roorkee graduates, Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar were involved in different initiatives during their college days. Shashank’s entrepreneurial dream took shape along with Harshil when he was working at Microsoft in Bengaluru. Not everything was hunky dory as the duo was rejected funding by over 100 banks before finally finding one that trusted their vision. Razorpay disrupted traditional payment gateways and was soon established as the go-to platform for startups, SMEs and large enterprises. Their flagship products—Razorpay Payments Gateway, RazorpayX (for neo-banking) and Razorpay Capital (for lending)—cater to diverse business needs, driving the company to handle billions of dollars in transactions annually. FUTURE TENSE A little over a decade into their Razorpay journey, Harshil and Shashank’s firms are looking at new innovations, amid a revolution…

For some, privilege comes with its own set of responsibilities. This 28-year-old is one of those whose humility is contagious and politeness endearing. The fourth-generation scion of one the country’s most illustrious families, Aryaman Dalmia has very big boots to fill, and he’s approaching the role with grace and conscientiousness. “My privilege doesn’t come without its responsibilities,” says Aryaman, a key pillar of the Dalmia family heritage with an unwavering commitment to ethical business practices. “The power of goodwill created by sound business dealings has been instilled in me from a young age.” Telling of his beliefs is the way he approaches this interview at this sprawling Delhi home—polite, cooperative and grounded. Son of Gaurav Dalmia, the businessman behind Dalmia Group Holdings that boasts a diverse portfolio spanning private equity,…

AIMING FOR THE ‘SKY’ “As someone who grew up playing on the maidans of the city and hearing the many stories associated with them, getting to play for Mumbai was a huge deal. My IPL journey began with the Mumbai Indians, followed by an IPL title in 2014 with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The biggest turning point for me was when I was back with team Mumbai in 2018. This was when I consciously changed my batting style, after a lot of introspection and self-analysis, and scored 500 runs in a season for the first time. I also got to be the opening batsman, a role I had never played before in my senior career.” THE DEFINING MOMENT “The one moment I keep going back to is the catch I…

TALKING POINT Manu’s sporting career began with games like tennis, skating, boxing and martial arts, before she picked up her first pistol. At just 14, she casually tried her hand at shooting, found it interesting and requested her dad to get her a sports shooting pistol. Little did father Ram Kishan Bhaker know it’d change the course of their life. Manu was 15 when she shot a record score of 242.3 and beat World No. 1 champion Heena Sidhu’s mark to win the 10m air pistol final at the 2017 National Shooting Championship. She went on to create history at the 2018 Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she bagged gold in the 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian shooter and first female athlete from the…

‘LAST YEAR WAS INCREDIBLE, BUT THE BEST HAS STILL TO COME… I HOPE I CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE A CHANGE THROUGH CHESS’ SHATTERING GLASS CEILINGS “I never set out to break barriers; I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to make a career doing what I love. It’s been a long journey filled with challenges. Sport isn’t meant to be easy, and that’s what makes it so aspirational. Playing and now commentary gives me so much joy, and along the way, if I can make others believe in their dreams and goals, if I can challenge stereotypes or bring a positive change, that would be my biggest win. My grandfather is from the army, and we grew up listening to his stories. I still remember his joy and pride…

‘WHEN PEOPLE SEE MY WORK, I SIMPLY WANT THEM TO FEEL HAPPY AND INSPIRED BY FASHION, BEAUTY, AND HOME DÉCOR. THAT’S REALLY IT’ DISCOVERING HER ARTISTIC EXPRESSION “Right from when I started 11 years ago, I’ve always strived to have fun with my style and never stop experimenting. That’s one of the biggest reasons people resonated with my creative voice and also what may have set me apart—I’ve always just been myself. There’s definitely been a lot of growth in my personal style and preferences, but the good thing is, I’m pretty sure my audience has grown with me, as well. So we’re evolving together, and there’s nothing more exciting than that.” METHOD BEHIND THE MADNESS “Many people think content creation is easy, that it’s just taking photos and posting…

BEING ‘GENDER-BENDER’ UNIQUE “Indeed! When I started off, everyone had their inhibitions about me, my artistry and the community… But slowly and steadily, my art broke all those barriers and delusions! And here we are today! Winning everyone’s heart, one song at a time!” FOLLOWING HEART OVER HERD “I didn’t cater to people’s expectations. Maybe that’s what explains my longevity. I believe art is limitless and boundless, so listening to what other people think I should do is a criminal waste of energy! I’d rather learn a new raga and try a different form of classical dance, or add to my already extensive repertoire of musical genres while people debate over what I should or shouldn’t do. I’m probably getting a manicure in another country and looking, doing and feeling…

You worked on the Jaipur Centre for Art (JCA) passionately for a year before it took shape in November 2024. What were your thoughts behind the inaugural show, ‘A New Way of Seeing?’ ‘A New Way of Seeing’ featured an extraordinary lineup of artists, including Anish Kapoor, Dayanita Singh, Tanya Goel, Alicja Kwade, Sean Scully, Hiroshi Sugimoto and Manjunath Kamath. The inaugural show [at the City Palace] focussed on material that would challenge some preconceived perceptions, celebrate artistic innovation and interact with the historical setting. You’re so vocal about your love for Jaipur. Do you see JCA attracting a lot of local residents as a place to hang out and immerse in the arts? Jaipur has always been a city of immense creative potential. One of the biggest challenges for…

TALKING POINT A limited-edition collaboration with Zara titled “Reverie,” released in October 2024, put the artist extraordinaire on the map. Jayesh’s work is an amalgamation of international styles, blending Japanese aesthetics, Mughal art and graphic design. Talking about his art as an extension of a global language, he says, “More than just visuals, my work is a catalyst—provocative, thought-provoking, a conversation that lingers. It’s experimental, constantly evolving, shaped by technology, colour and a graphical language that feels both precise and unrestrained.” Despite the vibrant colours and mythological elements that define his pieces, Jayesh believes that the intimacy of his work is often overlooked. “Beneath the layers, there’s desire, tension and creation,” he shares. “The energy between subjects is not merely symbolic but deeply personal, inviting viewers to feel something more—a…

Designed by 42MM Architecture, the APL Apollo corporate office in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is a striking testament to contemporary architecture, seamlessly blending luxury with cutting-edge design. Its commanding glass façade, accentuated by a bold exoskeleton, not only enhances the office’s structural integrity but also establishes a powerful visual identity. As the building ascends, its tiered massing recedes elegantly, giving way to verdant terraces on each level. These lush green pockets soften the urban landscape, offering people who work in the building some much needed natural respite. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a grand lobby at the entrance. A soaring double-height atrium immediately sets a refined and sophisticated tone for the space, alluding to the office’s exquisite design language. Monolithic elements dominate the interiors, with curved stone edges sculpting a…

Every product has a story to tell—this is the philosophy that Aux Home, a symbol of luxury living, wholeheartedly embraces. Now in its 14th year, the brand has grown from a collaboration with the finest luxury Italian labels to partnerships with over 20 renowned names, including Molteni&C, Glasitalia, Flos, Luceplan, Frigerio, Reflex and B&B Italia, among many such others. As the ultimate destination for design lovers, architects and interior designers, Aux Home offers an exquisite curation of kitchens, wardrobes, furniture, doors, lighting and objects. Their expansive 20,000 sqft showroom—designed in collaboration with Italian brands—offers an immersive experience that showcases not just products but a complete lifestyle. Behind Aux Home’s 14-year journey has been Harpreet Singh and Chitvi Kaur’s passion for curating design. “This journey is more than a mere passage…

Fashion with a cause is the one thing that never goes out of style. How did fusing textile and contemporary pieces become your USP? It took moving away and returning to India to rediscover the love and respect I have for Indian textiles. As I met weavers from across the country, I gained a newfound respect for the love and dedication that goes into creating our beautiful textiles, which brought to the fore the urge to keep the crafts alive. It felt important to celebrate them in my pieces in non-traditional ways, allowing these textiles to get integrated into everyday life. In my collection, we have brocade blazer dresses and bandhani jumpsuits, to name a few, which are products of this vision. Given that fashion designing is a legacy for…

“Designing is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about crafting meaningful expressions that resonate with the soul. Every piece should feel like an experience, not just an asset…” This is the unanimous leading vision of the board of directors at Nemichand Bamalwa Jewellers, Salt Lake, Kolkata. Led by Pramod, Vinay and Ravi Bamalwa—the grandsons of the late founder Sri Nemichand Bamalwa—the leadership continues to uphold the quintessential pillars of trust, quality and craftsmanship for fashioning jewellery. Synonymous with prosperity, growth and relationships, jewellery has long stood as an emblem of heritage in Indian society. Nemichand Bamalwa Jewellers has carried forward this legacy through its pioneering creations since 1987. Over the decades, the brand has garnered unwavering loyalty for its trendsetting designs, impeccable workmanship and steadfast commitment to transparency. Celebrating…