Innholdsfortegnelse for November/December 2023 i Cosmopolitan India

Almost year-end usually signals a time for paying homage to what has been, and re-evaluating how far you need to go. And if you, unlike I, have reached a place of zen, I sense you’ve been practising small moments of gratitude to lift your spirits and fill your days with hope and glimmers of joy. Just like our stunning and incredibly down-to-earth cover girl Khushi Kapoor, who makes her first-ever solo magazine cover debut with Cosmopolitan India, fresh off the success of the highly anticipated and most talked-about film of the year, The Archies. Grounded, humble, and immensely talented, her love for cinema and fashion comes through from the get-go. Everything you need to know about the girl of the moment on page 97. As you get ready for a…

NOT JUST SURVIVING BUT THRIVING! You are able to whip up image-defining moments on the reg…and stay somewhat sane while coordinating them. It is not always (ever?) a breeze, but ya know what they say, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” At least that’s your mantra while gently voicing your “honest opinions” and chewing out tardy tailors.…

ANKITA JAIN labelankitajain.com @labelankitajain Based out of Shahpur Jat, Delhi, Ankita Jain’s eponymous label is for women who want to feel confident about themselves. Jain and her team create made-to-order and handcrafted pieces in an array of silhouettes—you’ve got everything from ruched shirt dresses, athleisure swim sets and bodysuits to gilded saris and body-fitted crop tops. Here, you’ll find something for every body type and persona. AKHL akhlstudio.com @akhlstudio A Central Saint Martins’ alumnus, Akhil Nagpal made his runway debut in the GenNext showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020. The Mumbai-based designer makes it a point to “radically contemporise” Indian handcrafted techniques through innovative materials. A few favourites as per Cosmo India include the experimental textured sari dress with tassels as well as a dress in which Nagpal has woven…

We all have parts of ourselves that we’ve tried to hide, the parts we think are imperfect, flawed or worse—deserve to be berated. A bulging tummy, large hips, tiny breasts, broad shoulders, patchy skin, pigmented underarms—the list is hardly exhaustive. Time and again we’re made to feel less-than and set apart from sample-sized beauty only to find ourselves in an often-damaging relationship with our body. The truth is that we live in a world full of unsolicited advice, narrowly defined standards of beauty and one that will continue to be barraged by labels and judgments no matter how hard we try to belong—because that is what we have been told to do. But take it from these women—redefining beauty and saying ‘f*** it, it’s fine,’ to the world is better…

You know everything about your friend, have top-notch banter, and—the secret weapon—have coached them through all their previous relationship issues. Surely, adding sex and/or romance into the mix would just be the cherry on top, right? If you’re thinking about ditching the dating apps for good and finding love (2am booty calls are a type of love, no?) closer to home, you are definitely not the only one with this idea. Research suggests that Gen Z women are the most likely to start dating someone they considered a friend first. But the course of friends-to-lovers doesn’t always run smoothly, and a Monica and Chandler ending isn’t guaranteed. Before you make a move, consider this… FEEL OUT THE VIBE Unlike the apps, approaching someone in-person also means having to deal with…

TOODLES, SMARTPHONE Here’s not just any wearable but a clothing-based, OpenAI-powered one. The idea…leave your phone behind thanks to the AI pin but still stay connected. BIG SCREEN GAMING, ANYWHERE AR glasses are now, passé. This one’s (apparently) *game-changing* as it can get—it connects to PCs as well as gaming handhelds. DOUBLE DUTY Is it a laptop? Is it a tablet? Well, it’s just a versatile 2-in-1 portable gadget for all your work and play needs. SHUTTERBUGS ALERT Not one you can buy (sigh), but we thought you should know about this KidSuper (hello, Colm Dillane) collab with LV. It’s a bag and a camera packed into one! TIMELESS DESIGN MEETS PERFECT SOUND Here’s the best audio, courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins, and the classiest design thanks to McLaren Automotive.…

Remember those bananas you put in your freezer weeks ago? To “make” “banana” “bread”? Ha. Here’s a much faster and tastier way to use them: Break out your blender and churn up a batch of this stuff, courtesy registered dietitian and nutritionist Patricia Bannan. It is a matcha frappuccino lover’s thick-and-creamy dream come true. Perhaps the best part? You won’t even have to pop a Lactaid. We know, it does sound too good to be true. But it is true, and we are just gonna accept that as a little miracle. Another one? The fact that this s’cream takes only five minutes to make. Think of all the things you can do with that extra time (*cough, scroll Instagram, cough*). GREEN TEA SOFT SERVE SERVES 2 Ingredients • Large ripe,…

January 1 Good news for your 2024 resolutions: Mercury Retrograde ends today, so you are starting the year with a clear mind. January 20 Pluto is in Aquarius for the first time since 1798 (!). This is a great time to advocate for the rights of marginalised communities and help other people out. April 1 The first Mercury Retrograde of the year begins—and no, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. It is in Aries, so watch your temper. May 25 Jupiter enters Gemini for the first time in 12 years, encouraging us all to become ~students of life~. August 5 Mercury Retrograde take two. This time it starts in Virgo before moving into Leo on August 14, like a shadow ban to your star power. November 25 The third and…

It’s been a slow, but steady, rise to the top for Kriti Sanon—one that currently sees her enjoying this new phase of success—where she, one of the top female actors in the country, is now a National Award winner as well as an entrepreneur. Kriti is cherishing each and every role, be it sizzling on screen or building a brand. Cosmo: Take us through your journey as an entrepreneur. Kriti Sanon: My journey as an entrepreneur has been a fascinating odyssey of self-discovery and creative exploration. Hyphen, my skincare brand, is a testament to my belief in the power of balance, symbolising the fusion of science and nature—much like the ‘hyphen’ itself. In the long run, we want Hyphen to go global and be recognised for its credibility, standing strong…

Firsts are special. The first love, the first cheque, the first win, the first big break, all hold a special place in our hearts and, in many ways, become the defining point of our lives. And no one exemplifies this better than Lakshya, whose journey to Bollywood is what dreams are made of. From being an MTV Roadies contestant to making his television debut with the youth-centric drama series, Warrior High (2015) and giving critically-acclaimed performance as the lead in India’s most expensive TV show, Porus, Lakshya has come a long way. And now, he is the new ‘Dharma Boy’, who we all have our eyes on. His Bollywood debut in Karan Johar and Guneet Monga’s action thriller, Kill—it was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently—has received…

HOW TO SLEEP BETTER by DEEPA KANNAN Sleepless nights and 4am doomscrolling sounds a tad too familiar? Then this comprehensive guide offers an easy-to-adapt prescriptive lifestyle that will empower you with incredible tools for a healthier life. Ayurvedic health counsellor, Deepa Kannan explores the root cause of poor sleep and also explains how to use all our senses for a better sleep schedule. PERMACRISIS by GORDON BROWN, MOHAMED A. EL-ERIAN, MICHAEL SPENCE WITH REID LIDOW The times we live in are really hard and complex! Surging inflation, poor policy responses, an escalating climate emergency, and a decline in global co-operation among others—this book is a plan to fix the fractured world so that we can prevent crises and better manage the future for the benefit of many. HER ONE TRUE…

1. Name a song that represents your typical holiday mood. a The drama-filled I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. b Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer because you’re gunning for your own unsung hero status. c The always-iconic and belt-worthy Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 2. Okay, let’s get into your fave *wholesome* seasonal situation. Pick one: a Jokes flying during a spirited family board game night. b Watching people open the gifts you lovingly selected for them. c The matching PJs and adorable group photo ops. 3. What’s a holiday gathering responsibility that you slay every time? a Giving a hilarious toast. Something about taking centre stage just feels natural to you. b Writing a sentimental greeting card message gassing up each and every loved one. c Decorating every room to absolute aesthetic perfection. 4. It’s Thanksgiving…

JAFFY GARG, 36 “If you’re seeking a chic and elegant winter look, picture yourself in a grey woollen short skirt elegantly paired with a black high-neck sweater. Complete the ensemble with sheer stockings and sleek block black heels. This outfit effortlessly exudes timeless charm, making it a versatile choice for various occasions—from a cozy dinner date to a day at work.” PRANJAL SINGH, 22 “For an unexpected pairing, try a classic grey drazer (dress + blazer) with a pair of white knee-high boots and white sunglasses, a gold chain, and a sling bag. My favourite part about this outfit is the structure that it brings to this look. This outfit screams power and all the shades complement each other well. If I had to give a name to this look…

Ever heard ‘The Monkey’s Paws’ story? If not, Google it right away. But coming to the point: Be careful what you wish for! 2023 was the kind of year that I once wished for—flashing lights, people talking about me, everyone recognising me. As everyone knows by now…I am a professional attention seeker. Little did I know everything comes with a cost. I didn’t really know how to handle things like rape threats, death threats, multiple FIRs. All this made me extremely anxious and, at the same time, depressed. Even after enduring all this, I am not where I want to be—not accepted by the fashion world or the industry, still struggling to make a name on my own, still struggling to survive. I came to Mumbai with no money so…

It doesn’t matter if you are crunching numbers at a desk or organising the coolest events for your livelihood, the fact is that all of us need to be able to manage our finances better and secure our future. To make this simpler for all of us, let’s start by tackling this by income. FOR BEGINNERS If you are earning just under `5 lakh per annum (LPA), you have to focus on embracing the budget, enhancing your emergency fund, and becoming besties with SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Let’s be honest, you’re not going to get anywhere unless you craft a beautiful budget (practical too) and stick to it! List down all your expenses and use the 50-30-20 rule to guide you. According to this rule, not more than 50 per…

OPEN CASTING Good news, singles! Gen-Z is rewriting relationship trends with ‘open casting’—it’s the opposite of typecasting—where true connection goes beyond physical appearances. Fitting into the socially accepted beauty trends is no longer the norm…this generation is open to dating beyond their usual “type”. Irrespective of if a potential partner has similar personality, look, education, or economic status, the current dating pool is willing to cast a wider net when it comes to prospective romantic partners. Simply put, everyone is getting a little less picky. EXPERT ADVICE “In the dating realm, ‘open casting’ translates as finding a possible best fit for oneself that goes beyond what your ‘type’ might be. You need to broaden your horizon and not nessecarily go by the boxes you want to be ticked by a…

It is no secret that job hunting can be a bit of a slog. Like everything else in our lives, recruitment has gone digital—and with so much competition out there, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need a PhD in Photoshop to create an all-singing, all-dancing CV (with a cover letter to boot). But with the rise of AI, there’s a chance a pair of human eyes may not even look at your application at all. Kinda bleak. “The use of AI technology [in recruitment] offers several benefits for employers,” says Steven Warnham, a researcher at Totaljobs (one of the UK’s leading online job boards). “It enhances efficiency by swiftly analysing and screening a large volume of CVs, which saves valuable time and resources.” But, he…

Indian Police Force January 19, Amazon Prime Video Get ready for the digital extension of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe! Shetty’s debut web series stars Sidharth Malhotra in a cop avatar as the lead, Shilpa Shetty and Vivek Oberoi in pivotal roles. The action-packed series is a homage to the selfless service, unconditional commitment and fierce patriotism of Indian police officers across the country who put everything on the line in their call of duty to keep us safe. Percy Jackson and the Olympians December 20, Disney+ Hotstar Fans rejoice! The Percy Jackson universe is officially expanding. The 12-year-old demigod who discovers early on that he’s the son of the Greek God Poseidon—is just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing…

Whenever you hear people stress the importance of sustainable or ethical shopping, their side-eye is likely going straight to the fashion industry. Which, fair. But any retail product can be problematic behind the scenes, and if your goal is to be a mindful consumer, you should probably stop to evaluate all the stuff you buy—and not just for yourself. Honestly, if you have a pet, you’re already halfway there. Animal parents (hi) are often obsessed with keeping their critters safe, reading the fine print under treat ingredients and ordering booties to protect paws from harsh weather. My mini Goldendoodle, Waffles, doesn’t ride in any car without being strapped into her doggy seat belt. So why would I get her toys that could harm her…or the planet? Let’s all shop safer…

PERSONALISE YOUR ROUTINE For Agou Sitlhou—Cosmo India’s emerging fashion influencer of ’22-’23—following trends isn’t just about staying in vogue…it is about finding valuable insights that streamline one’s routine and saves time and effort. Talking about a surprising entry into his skincare routine, the high fashion content creator, model and stylist says, “Sunscreen is something I never thought I would try. In the past, I struggled to find the right one for my skin, and would experience breakouts after application. I took a break for a while but decided to give it another try, changing the brand, and since then, I haven’t faced any issue.” Transforming his skincare routine into a self-care ritual has been a key source of joy, Agou tells Cosmo India. “I personalised my routine with products that…

MASTER STROKES Designer Amit Aggarwal’s maximalism meets late designer Wendell Rodricks’ signature simplicity…and the result is a collection that transcends time and celebrates the best of Indian fashion. True to both their styles, this capsule features geometric cuts in striking colours. This collaboration brings to life the boundless joy that comes from slowing down in a world, which is constantly in motion. THE LUXE LIFE Mumbai is the latest city to join Cartier’s international network of boutiques, marking a new chapter in the history of the maison in India. The maison announced the unveiling of its newest store at Jio World Plaza, Mumbai, with their House Ambassador, Deepika Padukone in attendance. Designed by renowned Parisian design agency Moinard Bétaille, this all-new boutique pays homage to its local heritage through bespoke…

THE YELLOW DIARY 1. Tell us about your journey as musicians and what inspired you to come together as a band? From the moment I (Stuart DaCosta) met Rajan Batra and felt the need for a bigger sound to Sahil Shah, Harsh Gadhvi and myself bringing our unique flavours to The Yellow Diary, our journey is what feels like a divine intervention. The deep connection we share as friends creates a collaborative atmosphere and a safe space for exploring every emotional avenue. 2. That one moment that truly brings you joy. For a musician, each day brings new moments of joy, whether stumbling upon ideas for compositions, connecting with the audience on stage, or mastering challenging pieces of music. 3. What is your process of blending energies and collaborating to…

I grew up watching Sex and The City, and Carrie Bradshaw’s column—in which she reflected on various aspects of life and relationships—seemed inspiring to me. Just like Carrie, I feel deeply about things and ponder on so many things that make life. I had a natural inclination towards writing about sex and relationships because these parts of our lives have a profound impact on our well-being. But it was only a few years ago, in the wisest phase of my late ’20s, that I started becoming more sexually empowered. I learnt more about my body, what pleases me and just how amazingly orgasmic orgasms are! Yet, until then I had never tried sex toys. They can seem terrifying to a sex toy virgin—all those ads showing a penis-like structure vibrating…

“If your mind thinks you can achieve it, it is because you are capable of doing it. This has led me to do things that people think are impossible.” “Beauty will always be seen depending on how we think about it. For me, it has everything to do with the interior. Over the years, standards change and it is impossible to meet all of them, but you can meet the standard you set for yourself.” “When I do what I like, if I overcome my limitations, when I surround myself with people who contribute to me, I feel confident…and that is when I feel most beautiful, because I am satisfied with what I live, with what I feel and with the person I am.” “The times I have felt prettier…

I kicked off January 2023 in Melbourne at the Australian Open, where tennis balls became fashionistas, and the coffee was so good I even debated smuggling it home (just kidding!). I witnessed Novak Djokovic’s triumph at the Tennis Open, cheering like a true Aussie. Then, Sydney beckoned with its glamorous skyline and Bondi Beach vibes! Picture this: the hottest men and women in their swimwear, trading boring office briefcases for surfboards, catching waves during lunch breaks or as soon as they punched out. It was a symphony of beach bodies and the ocean became the ultimate lunch break escape while the surfboards doubled as city chariots. In Sydney, the beach wasn’t just a destination…it was a lifestyle. Hey mama, big news! I dared to jump from the sky in Cairns—YOLO…

Did you know that each calendar year has something called a “universal year number” that tells you a lot about its vibe? 2024’s is 8 (2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 8). And 8, in numerology, is a BFD. It signals that, for all of us, the next 12 months will be about growth, wealth, and leadership. And also about paying back karmic debts—which can be amazing or stressful, depending on what exactly you owe. Oh, and one more thing: your manifestation abilities will be extra on point, so set some big goals and intentions right now and get ready to watch them come true.…