Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Cosmopolitan India

BOLLYWOOD DAIRIES “‘This is the First Time I Am Living In the Present!’ was a visual delight and so refreshing to read. Radhika Apte's London journal spoke of her 'simple living and high thinking' mindset. I also enjoyed reading 10 Questions with Huma Qureshi. Ashwiny Iyer in 'The Most Crucial Thread of Storytelling Is the Way You Weave What You Want to Say' was not just insightful, but also extremely inspirational! I love how Cosmo always showcases women in such an honest, heartfelt manner. Look forward to the next issue!”— Sureena Anand HAIL THE HEROES “I would like to congratulate Cosmo for highlighting the efforts of our front-line heroes in Meet India’s COVID-19 Crusaders!. It was a much-needed story—positive and moving, in these times of despair. I found What Will…

There are but a handful of moments that can make or break the street cred of an Instagram-fan-account runner—that is, one of the few, the proud, and, yes, the wildly obsessive peeps who dedicate hours each day to cataloging a certain celeb’s every OOTD and comment reply. For Jessica, the mystery woman behind @KylieSnapchat, that moment was the 2018 Met Gala, Kylie Jenner’s first big event since she surprisebirthed one Miss Stormi Webster. What started out as a casual hobby to memorialise the Lip Kit queen’s Snap videos had turned into a full-on 1-million-followers (mostly unpaid!) side hustle, and fans were depending on Jessica to break the first looks of Kylie’s ‘I’m back, b*tches’ dress. And also, of course, keep tabs on any KarJenner drama. Jessica couldn’t let her Ky-or-die…

“I believe things that don’t help me deal with my day should be removed, and that includes people. Switch off from people who send you negative messages. Don’t look at social media for a day or two. Stay busy…” Ever since her battle with metastatic cancer, actor and author Sonali Bendre Behl has been tirelessly working towards creating awareness about the disease and its treatment. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Cosmo India, she tells us how overcoming challenges on the personal front made her realise the power of kindness and human connection. Amidst the current crisis, Sonali has an important message—that it is time to reach out to people all around us and offer whatever help we can. Cosmo: What is the importance of being compassionate, especially during times of…

Tiny sunglasses. The masked singer. Shoes with separated toes. Hollywood is into some extremely questionable stuff. We can probably chalk a lot of this up to strange personal tastes, but you can’t deny that this collective infatuation with kinda-yucky but sort-a-hunky fictional guys is worth more than an eyebrow raise. Honestly, we *know* we shouldn’t lust over them. And if we stopped thirsting and started thinking about why they’re so messed up, we’d probably (maybe) be turned off. But that wouldn’t be any fun, and besides, most of these nasties have at least one redeeming quality, right? Right??? 1. YOUR CRUSH: THE JOKER Clown make-up; greasy, green hair; and a rusty three-piece suit are what nightmares are made of. Yet… those dimples magically cancel it all out. WHAT IT SAYS…

LOVELY LISBON The stunning capital city of Portugal is one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in the world. An effortless blend of heritage, coupled with striking modernism, a zesty, citrusy scent does justice to its energetic vibe. Say hello to your new BFFs…. AMAZING AMSTERDAM This European city is perfect for millennials who want to soak in a bit of history, art and culture, and also squeeze in (several) fun night-outs. And for that, you need a scent that’s deliciously floral, but also has a strong essence. And you needn’t look any further… BOISTEROUS BERLIN This city’s vibrant culture and fast-paced life makes it an ideal place for free-spirited yet strong-willed visionaries. This lot of fine perfumes, that age well like wines, is ideal to get your creative…

Farhana Bodi Entrepreneur and Influencer “Dear Midnight Recovery Oil, they say that you glow differently when you are actually happy. That’s how you make me feel: happy! I turned to you when my skin needed help…and you kept your promise. My night-time routine is incomplete without you. Thank you for taking such good care of my skin, and ensuring I wake up looking flawless every single day.” Evelyn Sharma Actor “To my Clinique All About Eyes Serum, thank you for making my eyes sparkle every day! In good times and bad, you bring a fresh perspective and hope back into my life! You have been a true friend to have taken care of those nasty bags under my eyes and making sure no-one can tell that I have had a…

DELICATELY DELIGHTFUL Falling right in the realm of hyper-femininity, these calming shades pack a sartorial punch by themselves. Light up a dark outfit with a pair of pastel-blocked shoes, or power up in a tone-on-tone look, à la Max Mara. NOT YO‘ BASIC BROWN Blending beautifully with both pared-down and OTT outfits, the various shades of brown—mocha, tawny, caramel, tan, etc—have a certain BFF-like quality. They pull a look together and lend finesse… everything you expect from a good friend and a fabulous accessory. NEON NECESSITIES It’s 2020, and if you don’t have a neon-something flashing bright in your wardrobe, this is your (bold) reminder. These electric accessories are like small energy capsules that have the power to take a look from ‘boring’ to ‘roaring’ in a matter of seconds.…

SHOW YOUR STRIPES No need to think about team colours if your dress already has all the hues. *Points at temple and taps*. TOP IT OFF Sporty sweats and jerseys look super-laidback! WIN THE MATCH No-one will question your fan status in two team-colour pieces. SUB IN THESE SETS, PLS Cold days in the stands got nothin‘ on these toasty tracksuits. WANT SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE SUBTLE? No need to hit ’em over the head with all the tonal coordination—small pieces have flair, too.…

As someone who grew up being viewed as ‘different’ in school, was used to standing out because of her size and strength, and has spent the best part of her life convinced that she was “incapable of being loved by a man”, Masaba Gupta, today, could well be an institution in self-love. While accepting oneself, with all their flaws and shortcomings, can take “many, many years’’, as she’ll tell you, the 31-year-old designer has journeyed impressively far on this path. Slowly and steadily working to turn all her fears into strongpoints and “sync her mind with body”, today, not only is she proud to “have more strength than most girls” she knows, she’s also not afraid to speak her mind (“I instantly fall sick if I don’t”, she laughs). Turns…

Nowadays, there’s perpetual pressure to be cheery all the time (insert smiley-face emoji). But it’s also important to totally own your sucky feelings. Watching your friends embellish their Facebook feeds, as they burst with love, celebrate #LoveWins, and share #BestTimeEver group photos, just confirms that social media is a #HappyPlace. And by that, we mean deliberately happy. This embellished approach can be seen IRL, too: every time someone asks how it’s going, and you respond with a ‘Great!’, when you really want to just lie on the floor in the foetal position and sob! “When someone admires your cheerful response, they’re not admiring your reality,” says Canada-based psychologist Randy Paterson. “This reinforces the sense that if they knew the real you, they would reject you.” This also encourages you to…

If you want to benefit, you have to stay put, even in the tough times.If you want to benefit, you have to stay put, even in the tough times. Okay, so it is true that the economy is in a weird place ATM. And sometimes, ‘weird place’ seems more like ‘totally screwed’. But you can safely take your face out of the paper bag: “The market has crashed before, and it has rebounded,” explains Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman and Co-Founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. “In 1992, after the Harshad Mehta scam, the market had collapsed by 50%. Even in 2008, it had crashed by almost 60%. But markets don’t work in a straight line. There will always be deep cuts, as will be great gains. You just have to weather the…

Look, listen, shredding a pay cheque on a thing that you don’t need for survival is lowkey terrifying. But what if you did it anyway…and actually felt good about it? Is that sorcery possible? Sure is! Right this way to Validation Station… START HERE 1. What kind of impact will this splurge have on your life? a. Oh, just priceless memories that could shape how I see the world. b. Time is money. So that. Mama needs more hours in the day. c. Not sure—but it’ll be very pretty! 2. If you don’t spend money on this thing right now, what will you do? a. Think about it forever and go to my grave regretting it. b. Spend the next two hours sob-singing sad Halsey songs. c. Pray to the…

SICKK “Loving myself is something I have always struggled with. I didn’t quite feel ‘beautiful’, and that’s probably why I created a drag persona. To me, self-love is essentially about taking the jagged bits of yourself—the weird, strange parts that no-one is willing to love—and honing them into sharp points you can use to cut down naysayers. I use confidence as an armour to face the world… and I stay confident by finding immense joy in doing what I do. Also, I have a habit of repeating affirmations to myself till they start ringing true—believe me, it really works. The look I have created here is inspired by nightlife… the electrifying thrum of a packed dance floor, where everyone is having a great time! When I put on my drag…

JUNE JUNE 18 Today’s Mars-sextile-Pluto transit carries extremely hot-and-bothered vibes. Meaning basically the entire world is back ~in the mood~ today. (Permission to send that ‘U up?’ text one huuuundred percent granted.) JUNE 20 Cancer season starts, and it’s all about protecting, nurturing, and supporting yourself and others. Which, yes, is all the stuff we *really* need RN. Only nice times ahead, please and thank you. JUNE 25 Venus goes direct in Gemini (bye, Venus Retrograde). Expect all things love, beauty, and money to start speeding up in a good way—your DMs are full, and your bank account is making a rebound. JUNE 27 Mars, the planet of libido (hot), enters Aries (exxxtra hot) today (like, it’s actually hot). This transit makes you feel inspired (fact: your nudes belong in…

PRINTS ARE FOREVER! As the sun comes out in all its glory, so do the prints! And having to stay in shouldn’t keep them out of your ‘drobes. Embrace the trend as you like: big and bold, for a standout look, or more subtle, to keep things classic.…

AS A COUNTRY, WE ARE CAPABLE OF SO MUCH AND CAN CATER BEAUTIFULLY TO ALL ASPECTS OF DESIGN AND FASHION. Kunal Rawal Designer “This has been an interesting experience for me, and I have had some super-fun, creative days—going about old-school R&D, chasing design musings, rewiring my thoughts, and developing a bird’s-eye view. The new normal, work-from-home scenario has been challenging, and I miss the outdoors, but I have made peace with it. Drop crotch tracks, boxers, PJs, ganjis, tees, flip-flops are my current lounging favourites. My personal style is easy yet eclectic and individualistic. I have been enjoying dressing up occasionally, too, with a mix of a shirt or a jacket with shorts/pyjamas for a twist. A believer in silver linings, I feel India’s future is bright. As a…

I have said in the past, more times than I can count, that the Internet might be the most glorious invention of our times… kicking open the doors to information and connection (and memes!) like no other. But there is a Mr Hyde personality to the Internet—and social media—which makes it a dangerous place for women. You know what I’m talking about because we hear about it every single day. Online toxicity against women—actors, entrepreneurs, young girls posting photographs of themselves—is so rampant and commonplace, that what should have been completely unacceptable is now, sadly, simply accepted as the way things are. The Internet has a sinister history of attacks against women. And the numbers are staggering—women are 27 times more likely to be bullied online than men. One global…

Cosmo: How does your new collection represent the evolution of the bruand? Payal Singhal: “This really is a new dawn for the ‘PS Girl’… she is stepping into this new decade having assumed a more mature avatar, while retaining her unique spark. And this collection is an ode to that. Also, while we have a signature style, our collection still manages to appeal to women with varied tastes—be it bohemian, traditional, fusion, or urban.” C: Tell us the inspiration behind your SS20 collection, Parvaneh. PS: “Inspired by ‘chrysalis’, the transitional state when a caterpillar is blossoming into a butterfly, Parvaneh expresses modernism through the language of traditional Indian art. The focus is on the translation of ethnic crafts into contemporary ensembles. Bandhani, abla, ikat, kantha, kashida and gota patti have…

SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA REBRANDED FROM BOLLYWOOD ACTOR TO TELEVISION QUEEN AND FITNESS GURU Shilpa Shetty Kundra navigated showbiz in the ’90s with some smart choices. After making a supporting-role debut in Baazigar (1993), she went on to play the leading lady in some major releases. While her Bollywood stint wasn’t exactly a dream run, an appearance (laced with headlines-making allegations of racial discrimination against her) on the British reality show, Celebrity Big Brother Season 5 in 2007 put her on the international map. She went on to win the show, and has since emerged as an Indian TV and social media darling. Today, Shilpa is an author to two books, a yoga guru, a multi-brand endorser, and owner of a holistic-wellness app, featuring her workout routines. HARRY STYLES REBRANDED FROM…

REINVENT THE SELFIE Lizzo’s a big fan of taking revealing selfies for the sake of, well, taking revealing selfies. She takes them for the sole purpose of celebrating herself and her body—and she’ll let her Insta followers know about it, too. Check your lighting and angles, and keep it for your eyes only—do it for YOU. SAY YOUR SELF-LOVE MANTRA Lizzo knows the best way to celebrate self-love is to speak it into existence, loud and proud. She made her Glastonbury audience, and her 6.2 million Instagram followers, chant her sworn-by mantra: “I love you. You are beautiful. And you can do anything.” On the advice of Lizzo, repeat as many times as you need. Maybe not in the middle of a meeting, though. MARRY YOURSELF Okay, maybe not literally.…

PLAYFUL LINERS EYES STOLE THE FOCUS THIS SEASON WITH A MULTITUDE OF EYELINER SHAPES GAINING MAINSTREAM ACCEPTANCE. IF THERE WAS EVER A TIME TO EXPERIMENT… IT IS NOW! A combination of hot and cool colours with iridescent accents always works like a charm when you’re going for a ‘Look at me’ look. A couple of pencils and a flair for arts and crafts will get you right in Iceberg’s zone. The winged eyeliner of your dreams, this one is a team effort that involves your favourite eyeshadow palette and your most-trusted, long-lasting liquid liner. This deconstructed liner with futuristic details seen at Matty Bovan is the perfect lazy-girl hack to look striking. Your usual kohl mixed with chrome shadow will do the trick. A pastel party on the lids is…

HAIR CARE FOR FINE HAIR… Do you have thin/super-fine hair? We understand that oiling your hair can weigh it down… Which is why we have curated this edit of light oils that will hydrate your strands minus greasiness. Just apply one from midlengths to ends (avoid the scalp) to give your strands the goodness of oil it craves. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE It's not just your skin that needs nutrient-powered care, your hair needs it, too. And Aveda's all new vegan and silicone-free Nutriplenish range does just that. Featuring Superfood Complex, including Omega 5-rich pomegranate oil, the range (comprising light and deep shampoo and conditioner formulas, along with a multi-use hair oil and leave-in conditioner) will help you find the perfect hydration recipe for your specific hair needs. THE NO MAKE-UP…

SUIT UP! A well-fitted, tailored blazer can really amp up a basic work outfit. You can also opt for a pantsuit in pastel or neutral shades to indulge in a bit of power-dressing, or mix things up by layering a blazer over a pair of jeans and a tee for casual work days. NOT JUST FOR FUN! Jumpsuits are no longer limited to casual, fun outings. The linen or denim options this season (with the right accessories, of course!) will help you go from play to work—or cazjh to chic—easy-peasy. MIX ‘N’ MATCH A winning combination is not governed by what’s hot on the fashion map! This one right here: a bold, bright skirt paired with a neutral tee and checkered blazer is one ensemble you just can’t go wrong…

’TIS THE SEASON! Comfy and stylish, sandals don’t just go in perfect harmony with your easy, breezy summer outfits, they also add a ‘relaxed-and-effortless’ vibe to a formal-ish ensemble. From sporty floaters to dressy platforms, and sleek to chunky designs, they come in a variety of versions, to suit all occasions.…

DAISY SAS REANG, 27 “We could all use a pop of colour these days to liven things up! I’ve teamed a mint-green top with relaxed-fit pants and a roomy blazer, both in different hues of purple. A pair of white sneakers add to the casual vibe.” BEN JAMIR, 25 “Monochrome can never go out of style. For this look, I have picked a black suit, reimagined for the hot weather (thus, the jacket casually held on the side), with a roomy, white shirt. The tangerine socks work well to add a pop of colour. I’ve completed the look with my favourite sunglasses and a utilitarian sling.” SANIKA PATIL, 23 “For me, there is no such thing as too much shimmer! Case in point: the sequinned jacket that I have worn…

The first thing people notice about Harnaam Kaur is her beard—dark, glossy, and framed by a vivid turban and perfectly-exaggerated winged liner. But that's not the most striking thing about this 29-year-old model, anti-bullying activist, and motivational speaker. No, what makes Harnaam truly extraordinary is her most compelling asset—a lion-heart, beating inside the body of a compassionate, sensitive woman. Harnaam, a British woman of Indian descent, hit puberty at the age of 10, and was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) at 12, which caused her to develop thick facial hair. PCOS is a fairly common condition, a hormonal imbalance that causes weight gain, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods. Harnaam waxed and shaved and bleached her hair several times a week, to a point where her skin would turn painfully raw, but…

Sleep Obviously. But being sleep-deprived can seriously affect your mood, for the worse. It’s important to switch off and rest both your mind and body. Relax, Physically, and Mentally Taking a ‘Mental Health Day’ off work is becoming increasingly common worldwide, and there’s a reason: taking leave for a day to recollect your thoughts is important for de-stressing. Connect And not just via Instagram. Be as social as you can, when it’s safe again. If it sounds daunting to put yourself out there, it could be an indication that you need some face-to-face time with loved ones. Do Something You Love Keeping your mind occupied with something that brings you joy is a great way to practise mindfulness, which is perfect for overcoming negative thoughts. Speak Up, and Ask For…

SHRIYA PILGAONKAR Actor “I have always been very comfortable in my own skin because my ‘sense of self’ never came from how I looked. And that has a lot to do with how I was brought up—our idea of beauty is a reflection of our values. While, as an actor, I like to stay fit and enjoy wearing make-up, it would be dangerous to attach my self-worth to my body, which will keep evolving with time. I live with a strong sense of awareness that my confidence needs to come from who I am as a person and what I am doing in life, rather than beauty or my body. I was a professional swimmer for 13 years and that would mean training in the pool for five to six…

Q I’ve heard eye creams are mainly meant for night-time routines, but my under-eye skin gets super-dry, and my regular moisturiser is just not cutting it anymore. What can I use to combat this during the day? A: Contrary to popular belief, eye creams can do a lot of good during the day, too! But be careful: since the under-eye skin is very delicate, some potent formulas can react if exposed to sunlight and pollution. You can use a gel-based hydrating formula, such as Laneige’s, to tackle dryness during the day. This cooling gel contains micro-sized hydro ionised mineral water particles that penetrate the eye area and prevents dryness for up to 24 hours. Q By mid-day, my face Q looks very dull, and skin parched and oily at the same time.…

Man of the Moment Coverstar Rahi Chadda opens up about juggling various roles, life in the lockdown, his tryst with beauty, and his future plans… Shop Local It’s time to support Indian designers and homegrown high-street labels… And to make it easier, we have curated an exhaustive list of ontrend pieces that should be on your radar already! Watch Out for These Beauties Meet the timepieces du jour that should be adorning your wrist right about now! Lust List The latest grooming products that will keep you looking, smelling, and feeling so good! The Denim Update The most-covetable pieces that belong in your ‘drobe this season. Collar, Holler The coolest versions of the timeless collared shirts as seen on the SS20 runways. Sporting It Right! Nothing spells casualcool quite like…

NOT JUST FOR LAZY DAYS! Who says shorts are just for Sundays at home? Pair the summer staple with an Oxford shirt and penny loafers for easy, evening drinks; or throw on a crisp, polo T-shirt and boat shoes for a preppy finish.…

CROP TOPS We needn’t remind you just how popular belly-button rings were in the noughties, and midriff-baring tops had a lot to do with it. You can turn this style from eww to chic by switching the Christina Aguilera ripped low-waist jeans with a pair of mid- or high-waist bottoms. RUCHING In a surprising turn of events, OTT ruching is again an acceptable look for celebs. For added luxe, swap your Mischa Barton-inspired cotton tops with strappy silk slips or sheer skirts. BAGUETTE BAGS Paris Hilton-esque baguette bags are back in a big way. If you still have yours, dust it off and add it to your work wardrobe, injecting an of-the-moment feel into your office attire. If not, score one when the pandemic passes. CARDIGANS Take your granny shrug…

Fire Up Your Speakers 1 Greatest Love of All By Whitney Houston 2 (Something Inside) So Strong By Labi Siffre 3 Purple Rain By Prince 4 Look Up Child By Lauren Daigle 5 Worship By Lizzo 6 Bloodstream By Ed Sheeran 7 Blessing By Jessica Mauboy 8 Malamente By Rosalia 9 Never Enough By Loren Allred React By The Pussycat Dolls 1. “I loved singing this song so much as a kid that my family arranged for me to record a version of it when we went to Dollywood (in Tennessee, USA) on vacation.” 2. “This is all about coming together and overcoming adversity. An empowering listen.” 3. “I’m blessed to have called Prince one of my best friends, and I love singing this in his honour.” 4. “Lauren writes…

ASHWINI NARAYAN, Sari Stylist and Drape Artist “When I was in college, I saw a photograph of the most stunning creature ever! She was Miss India, had competed at the Miss Universe pageant, and then shaved her head for a role in Star Trek. I ain’t no Persis Khambatta, but ever since I saw her photograph, I have wanted to shave my head. In the old days, widows were made to shave their heads, and that’s why it’s considered inauspicious in our culture. My parents subscribed to that school of thought, too, so I put the idea away, thinking I’d do it once I was married. But, as it turned out, my husband was even more against the idea. This lockdown finally gave me a chance to give it a…

So we were mindlessly scrolling Instagram (the way all good stories start now) when we saw about 15 different influencers posting things like: ‘Letting my skin chill until further notice’, ‘At least my make-up free face will be able to detox during quarantine’, and ‘The upside to isolation: not wearing make-up and giving my skin a break’. We love the idea—but aren’t actually convinced if it is right. Listen, we know this is a pretty insignificant thing to think about in the midst of a pandemic. But here we are, and TBH, a lot of us are spending more time with our reflections than usual, stress is making us break out, and endless spare time is putting us into mask-applying overdrive. So it’s normal to wonder how our skin will…

FEEL THE LIGHT It’s about time the delicate pink hue got its due. This shade might not be as loud as its scarlet/berry counterparts, but it has the power to lift your complexion in an instant. MAKE YO‘ POINT Turn any outfit into an edgy one by sporting a brooch or lapel pin. With shapes ranging from dainty to bold, and sizes from mini to maxi, this extra is a must-have this season.…

LA VIE EN ROSE In China, sunglasses were used as early as the 12th century. Made out of flat panes of smokey quartz, they helped protect people’s eyes from the sharp glare of the sun. Cut to 2020, we might not have glasses carved out of gemstones, but the pastel-pink hue is certainly the rage. Available in different textures, this colour has found home in many a shape, owing to its delicate hue. POLAROID PERFECTION In 1936, Edwin H Land began using his patented Polaroid filter for making sunglasses, revolutionising the world of optics forever. The dark glasses, along with saving your eyes from the wrath of the sun, lend a certain ‘special agent’ vibe to the wearer…which, in our opinion, is a rather sexy look! Plus, they are now…

1 EURUMME “I’ve always had a soft spot for chokers…and this one looks like a row of chocolate-coins around the neck! This adjustable choker features round and crescent golden agates, set in brass, with a gold finish. The result is striking!.” Moon Choker, ₹5,000 2 OCEEDEE X RAHUL MISHRA “Rahul Mishra’s embroidery is exquisite, and it’s a delight to see his intricate flowers handwoven onto these leather, pointed-toe mules. These shoes were modelled at Paris Fashion Week AW19-20, and they can now be on your feet, too.” Foliage mule, ₹11,949 3 DOODLAGE “Recycled fabric is always a win, and this pair of multi-coloured, patchwork bralette and trousers gets a thumbs-up for its minimal-meets-street-style vibe.” AVA Multi-Coloured Bralette, ₹2,800, and matching pants, ₹4,800 4 STUDIO NAACH “I like how these floral earrings are so simple…

PULLING THE RIGHT STRINGS Perfect to rep the SS20 runways trends in your at-home wardrobe, drawstrings don’t just come packed with a major style-punch, they are also cosy-AF. This season, you'll find them sitting pretty atop pants, shorts, and skirts, but also cinching the waists of tops, dresses, and jumpsuits, and even as trimmings on jackets, trenches and more (and you thought only your sweats came with strings attached?! Cute!). BLOSSOM BUDDIES! Miranda Priestly might have been right about "florals for spring…" but this summer, they kinda are groundbreaking! Case in point: all the flowered-up babies here. The trend has spilled from clothes to shoes, bags, accessories et al! You can choose to be in full-bloom head to toe, or carry just one element to make a statement. SAVE THE…

Picking up a tennis racket at the age of six didn’t just go on to define Sania Mirza in the years that followed, but it also shaped what was going to be the tennis star’s relationship with her body, for life. Growing up, Sania didn’t worry about what ‘looked’ good or bad on her, like girls her age possibly did. Instead, she focused on building a body that could better her game—a muscular, athletic body. And much of that early learning stays with her—even after almost two decades of playing professionally, six Grand Slam doubles titles to her name, a decade of marriage, and a one-year-old son. Comfortable with her body, in all its ‘perfections’ and ‘imperfections’, for Sania, the first step towards self-love is to learn to be content…

First, let us clarify that by ‘bad texter’, we mean the dude who takes hours to say he’s ‘bored at work LOL’, and/or spells ‘shrimp scampi’ as ‘shrimps camping’, not the bro who leaves you on read because he’s…well, honestly, there’s no excuse. From now on, the person who struggles to cough up an ‘okay’ should no longer be the one you drop from your rotation. Here’s why: 1. He won’t be phubbing you when you two are out together IRL. You’ll have his undivided attention because he responds to people on his time. 2. Your iPhone Screen Time report won’t make you feel personally attacked. Less texting = less time on your cellular = more minutes spent walking to the grocery store (or doing other cute, safe sh*t like…

“I tend to lean towards relaxed silhouettes, and love experimenting with unique, edgy pieces.” VIRKEN RAINA Inega Model Management “I’m wearing a pair of wide-leg denim pants with side buttons…I like how versatile this piece is and can be used to create different looks effortlessly. I tend to lean towards relaxed silhouettes, and love experimenting with unique, edgy pieces, to create fresh, new looks. For a no-brainer OOTD, I pair my jeans with a tube or a crop top: basically, anything short and snug. The scarves I’ve used here—one as a headgear and the other as a top—are both vintage, stolen from my mom’s closet. They added just the right pop of print and colour. I’ve kept the make-up minimal, the way I usually like it, with a tinge of…

AMRITA RAICHAND, CELEBRITY CHEF TRUFFLE EGGS ON TOAST WITH SPIRALISED VEGGIES If breakfast is your MVP meal of the day, then this toast, frontlined by eggs and veggies, is for you. FOR THE SPREAD Ingredients Cream cheese spread; cream cheese; salt, pepper; mixed dried herbs; some mixed, toasted sesame, and pumpkin and melon seeds. Method Mix all the ingredients together, and whisk until blended well. FOR THE SPIRALISED VEGGIES Ingredients Olive oil, yellow and red bell peppers, zucchini, minced garlic, finely chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Method Add a dash of olive oil to a hot pan. Then, sauté garlic first and then the onions. Increase the flame to high, and add the veggies (toss quickly to partially cook them, so they retain their crunchiness). Now take the pan off…

1 SIDDARTHA TYTLER TRACKSUIT, ₹28,000 While bubblegum pink might be an unorthodox choice for a men’s tracksuit, it is surprisingly flattering (and the reflective tape detail is an edgy twist). Perfect for the man who enjoys street-inspired fashion. 2 WENDELL RODRICKS LINEN PANTS, ₹8,000, AND COLLARED SHIRT, ₹8,500 As loungewear turns mainstream, this drawstring detail on a classic pair of white, linen pants is just the 2020 update you need. The linen, satin-silk shirt, with a contrasting stand fall collar, adds a pop of colour, but also a more formal feel to the more relaxed bottoms. The preppy combination is great for summer, while the high-half sleeves—very ’70s— add to the elegant-cool mix. 3 WARAQ BY TORAMALLY PADDED MULES, ₹7,056 APPROX Replace your regular black loafers with a pair that…

THE FOOPROOF KICK(S)-START! Whenever in doubt, opt for a pair of all-white, chunky sneakers to elevate any look instantly, especially if it is monochrome.…