Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2025 i Hello India

‘REMEMBER: OUR HERITAGE IS NOT MERELY WHAT WE INHERITED; IT'S A LEGACY WE CHOOSE TO CHERISH, CELEBRATE AND PASS ON!’ India's heritage is a living, breathing canvas, woven with stories of ancient civilisations, spiritual wisdom, a plethora of traditions and festivals, varied cultures, and royal lineages galore. From the timeless caves of Ajanta and Ellora, to the intricate architecture of our South Indian temples, the exquisite sartorial craftsmanship in every corner of our country to precious forms of jewellery every element of our heritage has a story to tell. In the pages of our Heritage Special, we pay tribute to everything India's rich and vibrant art, culture and craftsmanship, exploring India's multifaceted legacy with royalty being the common thread. It was India's royal families that laid the foundation for the…

In bustling Mumbai, curved balconies, porthole windows, and tropical motifs on pastel façades gleam under the humid light, echoing colonial nostalgia. Across the globe, in Miami, neon hues radiate against the Atlantic breeze on similar geometric structures. Although worlds apart, the two cities are united by the timeless allure of Art Deco — a parallel recognised by a new festival dedicated to the unique aesthetics of this architectural style. To commemorate 100 years of the design movement, Art Deco Alive!, a twin-city festival, has been organised in Miami and Mumbai. The event, held in Miami recently with over 80 partners, culminates in Mumbai with a symposium, heritage walks, curated talks, and city-wide cultural activities, in addition to an exhibition in partnership with Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. And all of…

NATASHA BAGS THE amfAR PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP AWARD Businesswoman, philanthropist, socialite and global fashion icon Natasha Poonawalla won the Philanthropic Leadership Award in London, recognised by the amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research) “for her exceptional commitment to global health.” While accepting the award at the organisation's inaugural event, Natasha reflected on amfAR's long-standing relationship with her family since 2010, and their shared mission of advancing global health initiatives. IMDb RECOGNISES SRK AS INDIA'S MOST PROLIFIC STAR There are celebrities, and then there is Shah Rukh Khan. With three decades of acting behind him, IMDb has now declared what we always knew: King Khan is ‘India's Most Prolific Star.’ Their new report, titled ‘25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000-2025),’ is based on the top five most popular Indian movies released each…

Somewhere in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, 63-yearold Anil Raina is a reminder of the region's glorious artistic past — he's the only living descendant of the original painters from the Kangra or Pahari school of miniature art. He holds on to the stories of his legacy as firmly as he does the artworks in his aging steel cupboard. With a brush made of squirrel hair and paints derived from dried flowers, Anil tirelessly keeps alive the skills he's learnt from his forefathers. Away from the humdrum of the big cities, descendants of India's heritage artists are quietly carrying forward the legacy of their families. Be it the Pichwais in Nathdwara's Chitrakar ki Gali, Thanjavur's Tanjore artists, or Kishangarh's miniature artists. Beyond art enthusiasts in India, they're grabbing attention the…

His Ganesh Emporium atelier in Udaipur has the grandeur and antiquity of a 17th-century haveli, boasting 65 galleries and merchandise once associated with royalty who sought the finest artisanal fabrics, handicrafts, and bespoke décor rooted in antiquated aesthetics. Today, Vipul Shah has added a fashiontastic spin to the vintage crafts of the city. From Julia Roberts to Karan Johar, Lisa Ray to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, all have worn his captivating, richly embellished glocal jackets, while others come looking for his statement boho bags. Mothers of brides-to-be reach out to him for trousseau potlis featuring intricate needlework. HELLO! gets talking to the creative genius who integrated his global exposure with his rich design inheritance. We read that you were born into a family that already preserved antique Indian handicrafts… My family…

“I hate makeup. I don't like new jewellery. I don't like anything lab-grown.” These statements describe the young princess of Alwar in a nutshell. Demure, petite and beautiful, Janaki Kumari wears a legacy of nine generations on her sleeve with palpable pride and an unshakeable foundation that wants to hold on to the memories of her forefathers — be it in the form of her great-grandmother's pastel tissue saree that she's draped for the shoot, or the tales passed down to her through generations. Her grandmother's saree becomes the talking point, and for her, it's a trip down memory lane. “This drape belonged to my great-grandmother, Rani Usha Devi, the princess of Kapurthala, before she married into Alwar. I still remember her — she passed away when I was nine.…

Arguably the most striking medium of our preserved culture, jewellery is as integral to Indian heritage as it can get. From idols being decked up in ornaments to the phenomenon trickling down to classical dancers and brides, followed by royal dynasties with a penchant for treasures and the emergence of the concept of family heirlooms, there are certain pieces of jewellery seeped in history, some stretching back thousands of years. Amid evolving traditions, power changing hands from empire to empire, and often theft, there are some designs that have gone down in history for their remarkable craftsmanship, caratage and value. HELLO! brings you some of the most opulent pieces of jewellery that were once part of royal treasuries. NIZAMI NUANCES At one time, the Nizams were believed to own more…

1 PREP & PRIME Start with a primer to smoothen out the skin and set the stage for a base that lasts the night. 2 BUILD A BASE Evenly apply a lightweight foundation that's perfectly suited to your skin tone for a soft, radiant complexion. 3 SET THE STAGE Lightly dust some setting powder over the T-zone and under the eyes to lock in your base without dulling the glow. 4 A FEAST FOR THE EYES Follow up with a swipe of an eye tint across the lids. Deepen the crease and enhance further with eyeshadow. 5 DIVINE DEFINITION Line your eyes with a deep black kajal, smudging slightly for a sultry finish. 6 LASH OUT Apply a sculpting mascara for lifted, voluminous lashes. 7 AT FIRST BLUSH Dab some blush onto the apples of your cheeks…

WHAT: Valentino hosted its first sit-down dinner as a Diwali celebration in India, under Alessandro Michele's creative direction. Hosted at Nilaya Anthology in October, the evening was themed ‘Light Over Darkness,’ taking inspiration from the essence of the festival, which is known to unite all. BUZZ: The night shimmered with glamour as Bollywood's finest names rubbed shoulders with the crème de la crème of the city. In attendance were Malaika Arora, Twinkle Khanna, Athiya Shetty, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Vijay Varma, Manushi Chillar, Rohit Saraf, Malavika Mohanan and Shibani Akhtar — dressed in exquisite Valentino creations. Also on the guest list were prominent names such as Karishma and Shyamal Swali of the Chanakya School of Craft, Monica and Nihar Shah of Jade, Prerna Goel, Palak Shah of Ekaya Banaras, Priyanka Khanna,…

WHAT: South Asia's most influential voices across the fields of fashion, entertainment, media, technology, and business gathered for entertainment executive Anjula Acharia's annual ‘All that Glitters’ Diwali ball at Lotte New York Palace. BUZZ: From Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, to Kal Penn, Nora Fatehi and dozens of others, the glamorous event continued its philanthropic mission by raising funds for the South Asian Council for Social Services and His Majesty King Charles’ British Asian Trust, supporting critical global humanitarian initiatives. Also on the guest list were Bhumi Pednekar, Jessel Taank, Divya Mathur, Mona Patel, Priya Shukla, Siddharth, Deepica Mutyala, and Avantika Vandanapu, among others, many of whom were dressed exclusively by Falguni and Shane Peacock.…

WHAT: Bvlgari hosted the Serpenti Infinito, an immersive exhibition of art and craftsmanship, in Mumbai, celebrating the maison's most emblematic icon, the Serpenti. The event was organised at Art House at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). BUZZ: Hosted by Bvlgari CEO JeanChristophe Babin, Creative Director Lucia Silvestri, NMACC Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani, and Director of Reliance Industries Isha Ambani, the exhibition showcased over 75 artworks by 23 acclaimed Indian and international artists, who designed a myriad interpretations of the Serpenti. The event opened to an exclusive preview in the presence of Global Brand Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The cocktail reception was attended by over 250 guests, including eminent personalities such as Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mrunul Thakur, Khushi Kapoor, Diana Penty, Triptii Dimri, Manushi Chillar, and…

Happy 80th birthday! How do you feel? Can you even believe it? I can't! But when I look back, I can remember a time when there was nearly no prêt fashion in independent India. The British had wiped out entire belts of fashion crafts, and weaving communities were in famine. There were only copies of badly done Indian prints by rotary machines in Lancashire, England on cotton fabrics that were imported from India and then sold back to us. By then, we were an impoverished country, forgetting our fashion aesthetics, taught to aspire for all things British. Hence the foreign cloth burning movement [part of the Swadeshi movement] initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. In those early decades, what was your journey like? My career started in the late ’60s parallel to…

Disha Shah's journey in the marketing and public relations industry is a testament to her relentless passion for innovation and her unwavering commitment to client success. As the cofounder of Candid Communications, she has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, blending creativity with strategic acumen to steer her agency to prominence. In fact, her ability to anticipate emerging trends and decode consumer behaviour has played an instrumental role in positioning her firm as a thought leader in the ever-evolving, competitive landscape. Her expertise is broad, encompassing brand strategy, crisis management, influencer outreach, and compelling content creation, which enables her to deliver holistic, future-ready solutions for brands at every stage of their journey. Be it working with nimble startups, luxury brands, renowned architects, or visionary designers, Disha's clear understanding of positioning, consistency,…

Some creations illuminate a room. Others transform it. At Emanate Home, light is not an accessory — it's an experience. It shimmers between architecture and emotion, between what is seen and what is felt. Founded by Monis Ahmed, this modern lighting maison has redefined Indian luxury with a language of restraint, precision, and quiet grandeur. Monis doesn't design chandeliers; he sculpts moments. Each Emanate piece — whether a hand-brushed brass installation or an ethereal alabaster cloud — feels alive. It captures the silence between light and shadow, turning spaces into sanctuaries of mood and aesthetic. ‘Light is more than illumination — it's emotion, architecture, and art, all glowing quietly in conversation’ — Monis Ahmed Every design is a symphony of heritage and innovation, brought to life by master artisans whose…

Since inception, The Oberoi, New Delhi has stood as a timeless symbol of elegance and excellence. Sixty years since its founding, the hotel's legacy, as a space where Indian heritage meets modern refinement, lives on through its in-house wellness destination, Silhouette Salon de Beauté. A sanctuary that blends heritage, artistry, and innovation in every experience, Silhouette has long been regarded as one of Delhi's most distinguished addresses for beauty and self-care. “From the very beginning, we collaborated with leading international brands and built a reputation synonymous with artistry and luxury. Six decades later, I'm proud to see that my vision continues to thrive,” says Prem Mehra, who founded the place in 1965. Set within The Oberoi's serene interiors, Silhouette Salon de Beauté offers a spacious, elegant environment featuring ergonomically designed…

‘The idea is not just to make and sell. It's to showcase hand embroidery that would make connoisseurs gasp in awe’ During his student life, when Pankaj S. Chadha was still drawing, painting and doodling, his art teacher shared a few words of wisdom that continue to be the bedrock of how he functions as an aesthete till date. “Pankaj, it's not enough to just practise an art in the form you enjoy. Take it out to the world so its beauty is witnessed, but also ensure that its authenticity isn't mutilated, and the novelty is retained,” Gayatri Sanyal, an elegant Bengali woman, had remarked. Although this happened many moons ago, the designer shows you around his New Delhi atelier with the same excitement and passion of an eager learner,…

WHAT: To celebrate 35 years in fashion and cinema, designer Vikram Phadnis put together a grand showcase of his new collection ‘Ananta’ at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Actor Salman Khan, Vikram's long-time muse, closed the show in a striking black raw silk open sherwani, layered over a sharply tailored pintuck kurta and paired with straight pants. BUZZ: Seen supporting Vikram were his friends and celebrities dressed in his creations, including Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Genelia Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, Bobby and Tanya Deol, Dia Mirza, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Neelam Kothari Soni, Shibani Akhtar, Alizeh Agnihotri, Navya Naveli Nanda, Agastya Nanda, Ameesha Patel, Karishma Tanna, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Suniel and Mana Shetty, Arpita Khan, Laila Khan Furniturewalla, Shalini Passi, Zayed and Malaika Khan, among many others. Complementing Vikram's couture on the runway were Queenie…

WHAT: Designer Isha Jajodia, founder of the label Roseroom, hosted a Diwali dinner for Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of luxury label Chopard. BUZZ: The who's who of Delhi's high society had a gala time at Isha's intimate yet grand Diwali bash to welcome Caroline Scheufele to the city. The designer's home was decked up in all its glory, and drinks and hors d'oeuvre flowed uninterrupted. Among the guests were Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Kalyani Saha Chawla, Mickey and Vasuki Punj, Indrani Dasgupta, Niamat Bakshi, Savneet Anand, Abhishek and Nandini Modi, Sonia Passi, and Devyani Jaipuria, among many others.…

‘For 30 years, this house was a mute spectator to the vicissitudes of time and family issues’ The invitations arrive months in advance. These are formal invitations on thick cards that can be propped up on a desk or a fireplace. The type is formal and curlicued, and one can read the invite with their eyes closed. The invite is from Adil Ahmad, and he's asked you to a celebration for his mother, Saida Ahmad, whose birthday party in Lucknow everyone is going to. Well, sort of. Some people haven't been asked not yet anyway and the heartburn is profound. There's a perfect programme attached to the invite and the fete for that's what it is will be at the Ahmad's family home, Aiwan-e-Ahmad, in Lucknow, within dipping distance of…

THE NOBLE NAGARA This architectural elegance is found across the temples of North and Central India. Observe the Sun Temples in Konark and Modhera, the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar, and Kandariya Mahadeva in Khajuraho to note the key features of this approach — a raised plinth with steps leading up to the temples, the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) where the idol rests, and the curvilinear shikhara (or mountain peak) above it, which is the most distinguishable aspect of Nagara-style shrines. These flourished under the Guptas, Chandelas, Solankis, and Kalingas. The refined stonework on the exteriors often boast intricate intricate domes, erotic sculptures, deities, apsaras, and other motifs. DRAVIDIAN DECADENCE This distinct style of Hindu temple architecture from South India is characterised by temple complexes, gopurams (gigantic gateway towers), mandapams (long…

If one were to keenly pore over the costume history of Awadh, they would come across the shaluka, a corset-jacket originally worn by the region's aristocratic women over their Farsi pyjamas. While many attribute western inspirations for this garment, Asma Hussain — a noted couturier, costume restorer and textile revivalist — traces the evolution of the shaluka for the uninitiated, establishing the authentic Indian origin of the garment. This cropped jacket was, in fact, the angiya worn under a diaphanous cotton kurta, embellished with fine chikankari work that came atop the Farsi pyjama — the Indian equivalent of a bodice worn under English gowns. As years passed, the angiya evolved into a shaluka, with sleeves and heritage embroideries added to accentuate the surface. Ornate shalukas — worn as part of…

Few families embody the continuum of India's cultural and intellectual legacy as profoundly as the Hutheesings of Gujarat. From grand havelis designed by world-renowned architects and the storied Hutheesing Jain Temple, to a lineage steeped in scholarship from Oxford and Stanford, theirs is a tale of paradox and harmony, rooted in both grandeur and Gandhian simplicity. Spearheading this legacy is Umang Hutheesing, the fifth-generation doyen of the illustrious family, known for establishing India's first design company. “I grew up with art, history and culture in every aspect of life,” recalls Umang. “Our homes were historic havelis coupled with modernist masterpieces. Yet, our daily lives remained deeply Gandhian — anchored in simplicity and humility.” It's this duality, an intellectual lineage paired with true blue modesty, that has shaped his worldview and…

An embodiment of Indian handloom, Kapaas Katha is a mother's unfinished dream carried forward by her three daughters. Bhavna Vinayak, Shikha Jain Bhatt and Divya Jain grew up surrounded by the rich heritage of fabrics, aspiring to revive traditional clothing. Today, they not only honour their mother's entrepreneurial spirit, but also the traditional crafts of India through their label. At Kapaas Katha, passion, purpose, and heritage are woven together. It's a tale of cotton bales, though the narrative extends far beyond the textile. Every creation is a labour of devotion, hand-picked and carefully curated, woven by artists who are masters in a particular art form. Their signature kalamkari work is conceived from scratch, with every design and natural dye meticulously etched and chosen. Their bandhani lehengas, in particular, are a…

When we live in times that force us to overanalyse the small movements of people in videos to clock whether something is AI, it's reassuring to see fringe and fabric jounce just as nature intended. Who knew basic reality could hold such appeal? Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad has built his reputation on exactly that: designs that send the imagination soaring, and clothes that move, shimmer, and transform in ways only a human body can animate. Think: idea after idea, each more tactile and maximalist than the next. The 53-year-old fashion designer, who launched his namesake label in 1995 and became a regular at Paris Haute Couture Week from 2001, has dressed everyone from Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Blake Lively to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone —women…

In the number-driven world of fashion, sustaining the practice of a heritage craft isn't free from challenges. Yet, there are consummate designers continually celebrating traditional hand embroideries through exquisite couture, presenting them in their most authentic and intricate form. They recognise the value of the laborious artisanal work and deeply respect the resilience of our country's craftspeople, which has amazed the world for generations. This legacy is chronicled in a timeless narrative of elegance, adhering to the sanctity of quiet luxury. ZEALOUS ZARDOZI At a curated show held last winter, luxury label Divani exhibited apparel that could have been part of a bride's trousseau from an era gone by. A cloud of nostalgia ensconced the tangible presence of old yet gleaming designs that were showcased along with vintage iron trunks,…

WHAT: Ralph Lauren celebrated its Fall/Winter 2025 collection with an exclusive evening at The Nilaya Anthology, Mumbai. BUZZ: The showcase of Ralph Lauren's ‘The Modern Romantics’ collection was a star-studded event. The venue was reimagined to seamlessly blend the brand's creative vision with the location's tasteful character. A heady mix of cocktails and live music, the evening attracted Mumbai's elite and a number of celebrities. Among the guests invited to the exclusive showcase were Mira Kapoor, Sara Tendulkar, Aryaman Vikram Birla, Poorna Patel, Pinky Reddy, Juhi Godambe, Kalyani Saha Chawla, and Pinky Reddy, among many others.…

WHAT: Christian Louboutin showcased its Navratnainspired collection, La Vie en Inde, at an exclusive preview at its boutique in Mumbai. The limited-edition capsule of 10 pieces captured the palette of India's nine precious gemstones. BUZZ: Curated in collaboration with experience designer Eeshaan Kashyap, the soireé welcomed a distinguished gathering of personalities from fashion, art, and culture. Among the elite guests were Roohi Oomerbhoy Jaikishan, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Shweta Bachchan, Madhoo Shah, Kajal Anand, Mallika Singhania, Chhaya Momaya, Soniya Mirchandani, and many others.…

How to calculate your number Begin with your date of birth. Reduce the date to a single digit, if you're born on a double-digit date, by adding the digits involved. For example, if you're born on the 12th of a month, your number is 1+2 = 3 1 November asks you to take things slow. Rushing decisions or expecting too much too soon could leave you disappointed. Finding a steady balance is vital. Focus on keeping your finances secure and avoid unnecessary risks until after November 23. By the next months, you should see clearer chances for progress. 2 This month brings a wave of energy that can help you take action with regard to work, fitness, or personal goals, Surround yourself with supportive people and channel your energy into…