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by Akash Khatri THE XXXVI ENTRÉE 7 July 2022 FOOD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An avid foodie? Someone who wouldn’t mind non veg for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Then wazwan is your one stop. So catch the next flight and head to the Switzerland of India, the spectacular valley of Srinagar and walk in a wedding or celebration. I promise you that the natives will be more than happy to serve you. The Vale of Kashmir has been attracting people from different corners of the world not only for its charm, beauty and tranquillity but also for its mouth-watering, delicious and spicy dishes and cuisines. The hidden secret lies in the variety of hot spices like cardamom, ginger, fennel seeds, cinnamon, black cumin and so on. They are popular because of their appealing flavour, texture, and palatability characteristics. They form an inextricable part of Kashmiri culture. The names of the dishes and their bountiful, spice-rich sauces tell us a long history of influences. The infusion of tradition and culture lead to a beautiful amalgamation of dishes. The methods of cooking are borrowed and mixed Iranian, Afghan and Central Asian practices. Wazwan (Kashmiri: وازِوان) is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine, the preparation of which is considered as an art and a point of pride in Kashmiri culture and identity. Almost all the dishes are meat-based using lamb or chicken with a few vegetarian dishes. Recently, Wazwan is also served internationally at Kashmiri food festivals and reunions. From wedding celebrations to memorials commemorating the 40th day after a family member’s death, the wazwan feast forms an integral part of family gatherings in Kashmir and leaves a person mouth-watered if sniffed from a distance. The credit for popularizing wazwan dishes goes to Persian and Sanskrit immigrants. The word wazwan is derived from two words, ‘Waze’ means a Cook and ‘Wan’ means a place where the cook cooks. The origin of the term has also been derived from a Persian word, ashpaaz, which means a special cook proficient in making soups, and with the passage of time the term became “Waza”. Wazwan is an art and is learnt through heredity only. It is rarely passed on to other persons outside the clan. It is an integral part of the Kashmiri culture and heritage. The availability of the Waza determines the marriage schedule of weddings. A week or two before the function or ceremony chief cook is hired to discuss the quantity and quality of rice, meat, spices, chicken, vegetables and other items of cookery. The whole wazwan is cooked on wuri, firewood stove-train, in large and small copper cauldrons, locally called Daeg and Degchi. It consists of thirty-six meals, fifteen preparations of meat are cooked overnight under the guidance of a head chef called Vast Waza who is assisted by other cooks. The basic prerequisite of a wazwan is that freshly slaughtered meat is used for its preparation. It also contains a lot of dry fruits and spices which are freshly homemade. The red colour is usually derived from either the Kashmiri chillies or Cockscomb flower called Mawal. The feast is so opulent that each platter customarily gets piled with 8 to 13 pounds of meat and can take more than two hours to eat. Waste is out of the question. Many wazwans end with doggy bags and guests angling to take away more of their favourite dishes. The process of serving begins with washing hands of guests by providing water to them by a copper jug and a basin, called Tash Naer. After that, Dastarkhan, Table Cloth is spread on the floor which serves as a sanitary surface for food and groups of four people sit around it. A sizeable circular dish, traem, with a mound of rice with different varieties of wazwan on it is served to each group. Then, Waze takes rounds with copper cauldrons and a ladle to serve the additional dishes one by one. Meanwhile alongside, salad, curd, water and soft drinks, and pulao are served. Along with these dishes curd, pickle and chutney made of walnut, onion, pumpkin, radish etc. are served in small pots. They say variety is the seasoning of life. Some of the main dishes of this extravaganza spread are: Rista These are meatballs served in fiery red gravy. Each Traem consists of 4 Ristas one for each person. They are made by boneless meat which is smoothened on a wooden mallet and often have meat fat which is added while the meat is smoothened. The perfection requires extraordinary skill Lahabi kabab or Moachi kabab Succulent skewered lamb kebabs which are flattened, given diamond-shaped and cooked in spices and yoghurt. Waza kokur (two halves or two full chicken cooked whole) Daeni phoul (mutton dish) Doudha ras (mutton cooked in sweet milk gravy) Rogan josh Lamb which is marinated at least 2 hours before is cooked in oil and Kashmiri spices, the colour of the dish comes from Kashmiri Red Chillies added to it. Methi Korma It is a sort of stew usually made with lamb stomach and flavored with methi or fenugreek leaves which adds a lovely unique flavor. This flavored gravy is very famous amongst Kashmiris and part of the extensive meat cuisine of the region. Tabak maaz It is a glossy meat made of lamb ribs that are cooked twice and then simmered in yogurt with spices till tender. It’s then fried thoroughly and served in dry form. The richness of the dish is apparent with the ingredient list, it tastes absolutely fabulous and the aroma pulls you towards another bite. Daniwal korma (a mutton curry with coriander) Waza palak (green spinach cooked into a silky consistency with small mutton balls known as paliki riste) Aab gosht (lamb cooked in milk curry) A sacral area of the vertebral column of lamb or mutton is cooked in milk with saffron, cardamoms and without other spices. Marchwangan korma (an extremely spicy lamb dish) Kabab (minced meat roasted on skewers over hot coals) Gushtaba (a velvety textured meatball in white yoghurt gravy) It is the finishing dish made of minced mutton balls which are made in yogurt and spices. It is similar to Rista but less spicy and it’s aroma resembles yakhni. Gustaba is like Rista made from pounded meat emulsion. Yakh’n This dish can be prepared with lamb or lotus stem. It is a spiced yogurt based dish cooked without chilies. Bay leaves, cloves, cardamoms are the prime flavors to the dish. The mutton is cut in the form of chunks of about.5-6 cm which is pre-cooked in boiling water for 20 mins before adding the gravy of yogurt. Ruwangan chhaman (cheese squares with tomato gravy) It is cheese cooked in tomato sauce along with spices. Cheese is called Chamman in Kashmiri. Dum selva (potatoes cooked in yoghurt gravy) Dum aloo Gand Aanchaar (chopped onions mixed with chillies, salt, yoghurt and spices) Muji chetin or Mooli akhrot chutney (a sharp radish and walnut chutney) Phirni The wazwan ends with this creamy delicacy, it is a milk pudding thickened with semolina or ground rice, flavoured with cardamom and optionally saffron, set in individual bowls with slivered nuts and silver leaf Ufff, it ends finally. I’m already drooling at the thought of all of it. You surely won’t be able to walk back home after all that eating. Let me know, what was your favourite pick from the 36 entree, mine stays Yakni ; ) #Tabakmaaz #Lahabikabab #Srinagar #Degchi #Phirni #foodie #Roganjosh #wazwan #Rista #Gushtaba SEARCH How to keep your skin healthy naturally FOOD Fantasy breakfast FOOD All About Homebrewing: The Art of Making Probiotic Fermented Beverages FOOD Virgin Territory: These non-alcoholic thirst quenchers are mixologist approved FOOD Tasting the sunny side of Christmas: Christmas Cocktails FOOD POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape Breeze By Lebua State Tower: Duck Skin, Oolong, And The Distance Between Who You Are And Who You Were 9 September 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape China Table Restaurant At Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: A Dim Sum Story At Dusk 7 September 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape The Blooming Gallery: A Fever Dream Of Matcha And Moss 15 August 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape Thiptara At The Peninsula Bangkok: Thai Soul By The River 28 July 2025 FOOD RELATED POSTS Advertisement

by Akash Khatri 10 Must Try Classic Cocktails 7 July 2022 FOOD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can’t go wrong with a classic cocktail. Whether you’re craving a tried-and-true Dark N Stormy, or a posh Cosmo. Here are 10 must try Classic Cocktails. COSMOPOLITAN: The origin of the Cosmopolitan is disputed. But one popular story is that the Cosmo was created by a college student named Neal Murray. He did not get the job just because of the management’s racism. But once while they were all away for a weekend for an event, the staff snuck him in. In three days, they trained him. And by the time the management returned, his talent and skill made them accept him as the new bartender. One night he was experimenting with the cocktail, Kamikaze. He discovered that adding a splash of cranberry juice to the drink gave it a delightful pink color, and a delicious fruity punch. When someone asked him what it was, he said he didn’t know. The customer responded by calling it “very Cosmopolitan”, which is how it got the name. SCREWDRIVER: Why would one call a drink made of vodka and juice “screwdriver”? The screwdriver originated when American Oil workers in the oil fields of Turkey, started adding vodka to their orange juice, for an extra kick. And since they didn’t have any spoons handy, they stirred it with screwdrivers. That explains the name. And since they weren’t supposed to be drinking on the job, “Screwdriver” was an easy way to refer to it without ginning it away. TOM COLLINS: In 1874, there was a mass prank going around in New York in which people used to tell their friends that a man named Tom Collins had been spreading nasty rumors about him or her in a nearby bar. People would then go to the local pub and ask for Tom Collins. The bartender of the pub heard that joke too many times and got an idea. After that, the next time somebody ran into the bar demanding to see Tom Collins; the bartender gave a refreshing gin cocktail. LONG ISLAND ICED TEA: A consistent theme with classic cocktails- the Long Island Iced Tea also has multiple origin stories. Some claim the drink originated during the prohibition, when an older gentleman with an entrepreneurial spirit created a cocktail to look like iced tea as a way to drink by disguise. Not only did the iced tea look aesthetic, but also having five different alcohols definitely added to the appeal. MARTINI: Martini is a mixture of gin and dry vermouth. In the early 1860s, people used to frequently go to the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco and order bartender Jerry Thomas’s special mixture of gin and dry vermouth. And then they would take an evening ferry to the nearby town of Martinez. The bartender later named his signature cocktail ‘Martini’ in reference to the destination people headed to after consuming the drink. MOJITO: A 16th century in Cuba holds resemblance to the modern-day Mojito. This mixture of mint, rum, sugar, and lime juice was originally made with a harsh liquor called aguardiente. The lime juice and sugar used to cut the hard taste. The name of the drink comes from a Cuban spice made from limes, called mojo. BLOODY MARY: In the 1920s, Fernand Petiot, an American mixed up equal parts tomato juice and vodka. A patron in the bar suggested he call the drink “Bloody Mary.” He said it reminded him of the Bucket of Blood Club in Chicago, and a girl he knew there named Mary. When he took the recipe to New York, the people weren’t too impressed at first. They said the drink tasted a bit bland. He added black pepper, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, lemon and a splash of tabasco pepper sauce, for those who wanted it. And that’s how an American classic was born. DARK N STORMY: Made of spicy ginger beer and rich Gosling’s Black Seal dark rum, the drink allegedly got its name from an old sailor who compared the drink’s murky hue to the color of storm clouds. An old fisherman commented on how it looked, comparing it to a cloud “only a fool or dead man would sail under.” It’s an unproven legend. But the drink’s connection to the joys and dangers of seafaring is well-established. BELLINI: This delightful wine cocktail is a blend of white peach puree and Prosecco. Giuseppe Cipriani, started mixing up the fruity tipples in 1934 and the pink color of the drink reminded him of a saint’s toga from a painting by Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini. Thus, he named his cocktail ‘Bellini’ in honor of the painter and his artwork. MARGARITA: There is an old drink which is a mix of brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice; called the Daisy. A bartender in Tijuana, Mexico was making a Daisy and accidentally grabbed a bottle of tequila instead of brandy. The accident became a hit at the bar. And it was then made famous as a new drink called Margarita, the Spanish word for the Daisy. SEARCH How to keep your skin healthy naturally FOOD Fantasy breakfast FOOD All About Homebrewing: The Art of Making Probiotic Fermented Beverages FOOD Virgin Territory: These non-alcoholic thirst quenchers are mixologist approved FOOD Tasting the sunny side of Christmas: Christmas Cocktails FOOD POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape Breeze By Lebua State Tower: Duck Skin, Oolong, And The Distance Between Who You Are And Who You Were 9 September 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape China Table Restaurant At Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok: A Dim Sum Story At Dusk 7 September 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape The Blooming Gallery: A Fever Dream Of Matcha And Moss 15 August 2025 FOOD By Shriniwas Kodape Thiptara At The Peninsula Bangkok: Thai Soul By The River 28 July 2025 FOOD RELATED POSTS Advertisement

SOCIETY by Anadi Gupta How can antidepressants affect your life? 1 December 2020 SOCIETY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If your illness is being treated, taking an antidepressant may be a part of your treatment plan. Antidepressants work by balancing the chemicals in your brain which are called neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotions. Taking these medications can help in improving your mood, sleeping better and can also affect your appetite and concentration. If you are taking antidepressants then the first thing you need to know is that how can it affect your living. It may also happen that sometimes you are in trouble and antidepressants won’t work for you, it may affect you unfairly. If you do not see any change in your mood after a few weeks, then it is important to talk to your doctor about this. Many times it happens that the antidepressant you are taking first does not show any result but after some time, using another can benefit. This is seen in 50% of the people. Depression can be treated with medication or counseling. Sometimes both are used. Talk to your doctor to find out what will work best for you. Seek help from your doctor to learn about medicines called antidepressants. Never hesitate in asking for help and always remember that you are not alone. #depression #Antidepressants #Anxiety #Mentalhealth #selfcare SEARCH Why India is the most depressed country in the world? SOCIETY Looking Through The Excellence Of ‘Jaali’ Architecture SOCIETY Why the Gender Pay Gap is Wide and Disturbing SOCIETY Festival of Stones SOCIETY The Pygmalion Effect SOCIETY POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Uniting Voices, Shaping Futures: Dive Into Mun 2.0 At NIT Patna 8 September 2024 SOCIETY By Anushka Sharma These Healthy Habits Can Lower Your Risk Of Depression 31 August 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak A Glance In The Kshitij’23: A Euphoric Escapade 26 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Mithibai Kshitij: Epitome Of Diverse Social Cause Empowerment 24 January 2024 SOCIETY RELATED POSTS Advertisement

Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub By Anushka Sharma Dialogues That Never Disappoint With Actor Saqib Ayub 4 April 2024 COVER STORIES Advertisement In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where every actor strives to carve their niche and leave an indelible mark, one name shines bright with versatility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his craft – Actor Saqib Ayub . With each role he undertakes, Ayub has seamlessly transformed into characters that resonate with audiences, captivating hearts and minds alike. From the silver screen to the digital realm; From Farzi to Thugs of Hindostan , his performances leave an undeniable imprint, earning him accolades and admiration from fans and critics alike. When asked about his script selection process, Saqib Ayub sheds light on his meticulous approach. He delves deep into each script, dissecting its essence, unraveling the intricacies of the plot, and assessing the significance of his character within the narrative. Ayub's eye to discern ensures that every role he takes on is not just a portrayal but an embodiment of the character's essence, which contributes meaningfully to the storytelling canvas. In his quest for artistic exploration, Ayub's interests span a diverse array of genres. From slice-of-life dramas to pulse-pounding action thrillers, he yearns to challenge himself and delve into uncharted territories. Whether it's the adrenaline-fueled action sequences reminiscent of Akshay Kumar's cinematic ventures or the gritty realism of Anurag Kashyap's dramas, Ayub seeks roles that push the boundaries of his creativity and showcase his range as an actor. He also looks forward to sport-dramas, biopics and dark comedy/ thriller. After all, isn’t challenging oneself exactly what acting is all about? Saqib knows how to push himself and how! When asked about how he prepares to step into the shoes of the character he seeks to play, Saqib tells us that he adopts a rigorous approach to preparation. Whether it's undergoing physical transformations or immersing himself in the psyche of his roles, he leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of authenticity. From shedding pounds to embody the essence of an addict in a forthcoming project to embracing the physicality of a "common man" in one of his movies, Ayub's dedication to his craft knows no bounds and it’s very much visible in the portrayal of his character in various movies, such as Brahmastra and Bambai Meri Jaan . When asked about how he deals with creating a balance between the characters he plays and his real life, he talks about how imperative it is to create proper boundaries. Despite the immersive nature of his roles, Saqib maintains a delicate balance between reel and real life. When queried about the psychological impact of his characters, Ayub highlights the importance of compartmentalisation. He emphasizes the need to immerse oneself fully in a character's mindset while preserving one's individuality and mental well-being. He also throws light upon how movies are never shot in a linear manner. It’s all about bringing the puzzle pieces into a state of perfection! Akin to an ode to the Unsung Heroes: Saqib also talks about how the writers of the movie ought to be celebrated to a huge extent. In an industry where actors often steal the spotlight, Ayub extends his admiration to the unsung heroes behind the scenes – the writers. He acknowledges their indispensable contribution to the cinematic tapestry, advocating for greater recognition and appreciation of their craft beyond awards and accolades. A film without a good writer can never be a good film, and it’s high time people acknowledge that! As Ayub reflects on the actors who inspire him, he pays tribute to stalwarts like the versatile maverick from the south, whose transformative performances have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. He also honors the legacy of the late Irrfan Khan , whose nuanced portrayals continue to inspire generations of actors. Additionally, he also expresses his admiration for Christian Bale , whose unparalleled dedication to his craft sets a benchmark for excellence in Hollywood. In a realm where talent reigns supreme, Saqib Ayub stands as a beacon of artistry and dedication. With each role he undertakes, he not only entertains but also enlightens, breathing life into characters and narratives that linger in the hearts and minds of audiences. As he continues to traverse the cinematic landscape with grace and grit, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of those who dare to dream and defy conventions. 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Two Decades In Motion: Jay Thakkar And The Rhythm Of Relentless Ambition By Shriniwas Kodape Two Decades In Motion: Jay Thakkar And The Rhythm Of Relentless Ambition 18 May 2025 COVER STORIES Advertisement “Cinema isn’t just where I work — it’s where I belong.” – Jay Thakkar Jay Thakkar is not your nostalgia-laced child-actor-turned-soul-searcher cliché. No sir. He didn’t fade into anonymity to return with a beard and a broken guitar. He never left . This guy has been clocking in and clocking out since 2004—every take, every audition, every damn frame. While the industry was out there lighting fireworks and burning out by breakfast, Jay was quietly lighting his fire. And he never stopped feeding it. Now, 2025 rolls in like a freight train, and Jay’s not blinking. He’s marking 21 years in Indian cinema with two full-blown theatrical releases in May, like some kind of cinematic one-two punch. First up, Bhool Chuk Maaf —a romantic comedy from Maddock Films dropping on May 16th, with Jay alongside Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, and the kind of cast that makes you sit up straighter. Then, just seven days later, Kapkapiii , a horror-comedy rollercoaster from Zee Studios, directed by the legendary Sangeeth Sivan, with Jay starring next to Shreyas Talpade and Tusshar Kapoor. No fluff, no filler—he’s a lead in both. He isn’t being edgy. He’s being factual. Since he was a kid, Jay has been grinding. 500+ ad films, 15+ features, 50+ TV shows , and 10+ web series —an arsenal of work so vast you’d think he cloned himself. Remember Cheeku in Gutur Gu ? Bunty Miyaan in Ek Duje Ke Vaaste 2 ? That silent, layered villain in Adrishyam ? He doesn’t just play roles—he mutates, morphs, becomes. From the heartland vibe of UP65 to the psychopathic shadows of Mauka-E-Vardaat , Jay doesn’t find his characters. He hunts them. And while we’re here—he’s not just acting. Jay’s also a Maharashtra HSC Board Topper (yes, that exam), and he holds a postgrad degree in Marketing & Advertising . While others were busy crafting influencer bios, he was studying media theory and splicing reels in his mind. “People think academia and acting are two different beasts,” he shrugs. “They’re not. Both need obsession. Both need rhythm.” Jay’s a full-spectrum force. Prosthetics? Sure. Accents? Bring them on. Mythical villains, 86-year-old kings, unstable psychopaths—he’s been all of them. The man once played Rakhbaan in Hatim , covered in makeup for hours, only to deliver a line with more conviction than most people summon while ordering coffee. But here’s where it gets freaky—in the best way. He’s also a watcher. A chronic observer. He loves the smell of edit rooms. The lighting setups. The lens choices. Jay doesn’t just act in a scene—he reverse-engineers it while doing calisthenics in his head. He’s as much a student of the frame as he is of the fire within it. Fitness? Jay checks that box with Taekwondo, Karate, CrossFit, and some other forms you probably can’t pronounce. Spiritually? The guy meditates. Serves. Resets. But don’t mistake that Zen for softness. His mantra is brutal in its precision: “Honesty saves everyone’s time.” And that honesty bleeds into every scene, every silence, every role. You ask him about social media, and he laughs—not with disdain, but with clarity. “Visibility is tempting,” he admits. “But I’ve never confused being seen with being real. My path’s never been for sale.” In a world that celebrates chaos disguised as creativity, Jay Thakkar is surgical. Every role he chooses, every pause he takes—it’s all planned. This isn’t a man riding the wave. He’s charting the current. Legacy? He’s building one. Not through gimmicks or “comebacks,” but through consistency. Rodina , the Hollywood–Russian film? He starred in that. International, local, silent, loud—he’s done it all, and he’s not slowing down. Jay isn’t trending. He’s rooted . He isn’t performing for applause. He’s performing because he must . “Cinema is my school, my temple, my home,” he says. “It’s where I become.” No dramatics. Just the truth. Just the work. Just Jay. Two decades down the line, and the man’s just now firing up the engine SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

Aakanksha Singh, the Runway 34 actress talks about Self-Love and Self Upliftment By Aparajita Jaiswal Aakanksha Singh, the Runway 34 actress talks about Self-Love and Self Upliftment 6 June 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement Aakanksha Singh, who made her film debut with the Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt -starrer Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017) , before turning her attention down South, is back in the Bollywood fold. She will be seen playing a pivotal role in Runway 34 , featuring Ajay Devgn , Amitabh Bachchan and Rakul Preet Singh . In a candid conversation with Aparajita Jaiswal, the actress talks about her experience so far in the film industry. Aakanksha Singh discerns that it is definitely a difficult job to leave your mark on the film industry. She recognizes that it is not only a challenge to leave your mark on the film industry but any field for that matter. “I feel that with so much of competition and so many good actors to compete with you. I feel that you have to be really good in your content and your craft. You have to keep updating your craft, you have to keep learning and with every project you have to prove yourself,” she persists. “The audience is really very smart. They like to see good content and good actors and it definitely is a challenge to give them what they want to see. So I would say that yes it’s difficult but it’s not impossible and if you are good I think that the audience will love you. Perhaps it may take time but it is not impossible at all.” “My journey so far as an actor, has been so good. I’m really grateful that I’m living my dream and I’m doing what I love. I’m very fortunate and grateful that I’ve got an opportunity to be in this industry and to be an actor. If I see my graph I would say that from here on I would really want to explore more and do more and more work and I always believed in quality rather than quantity.” The actress says feeling rather proud of the wonderful work that the movie-goers have been fortunate enough to see. “I’m really very proud of all my work and from here on out I really hope and wish that I’ll get more opportunities to perform better and to showcase my talent more.” Aakanksha Singh is making headway into the industry with warp speed as she is expected to release multiple new projects in the coming few months. The actress is excited to reveal her new project, a south anthology film, which is releasing on OTT very soon. Another one of her projects, an originally Telugu series, Parampara, dubbed in 7 languages including Hindi, is expecting its second season to release in July. Aakanksha plays 3 different age groups in a new Hindi series which is expected to be announced soon. “There are so many actors I look up to,” Aakanksha says. “But if I had to choose one name, I would say, both nationally and internationally, Priyanka Chopra . What she has done for herself and she really made our country proud. So, anyone who is dreaming to make it big, she is an inspiration and it’s amazing to see where she is at right now.” Aakanksha Singh is a true inspiration for those of us constantly worrying about where life will take us. “For me it is very important to live in the moment and I always try to live in the present. I am really enjoying the kind of projects I’m doing and the opportunities I’m getting. I don’t know where it will take me but the work satisfaction I’m getting is more than enough and I feel like if my work is good and if the audience is liking me, definitely it will take me somewhere. Nobody can plan that and I don’t plan my future. I go with the flow and I am just enjoying the process and without even thinking what will be there for me tomorrow.” Aakanksha Singh talks about the ease with which she slipped into the character that she played on screen for the movie Runway 34 . She felt right at home with the character. “I would say easiest of all was runway 34 . My character Samaira Khanna was easiest to slip into of all the characters I have played. It was not only just the character but the environment that I shot in. It was smooth and everything was in place. I feel that as a team, we enjoyed working together. So yes, that was the easiest character I feel, without any hesitation, I just slipped into.” Aakanksha Singh talks about her favourite character amongst all the ones she has played so far. “There are two short films, and both the characters are really close to my heart. One is Methi ke Ladoo where I played Radhika and the other one is Kaid. Both the characters were very complex to play, I would say. As I said, the easiest character was runway 34 Samaira Khanna but these two characters were really difficult to portray because there were so many complex emotions and I really enjoyed that.” The actress shares her views on Body Positivity and Women Empowerment. “I feel women empowerment and body positivity is much too correlated. I feel that it is very important for a woman to be empowered with the education and with a sense of self-worth. It is very important to accept yourself as you are. When it comes to body positivity as well, it is very important for us to accept ourselves and also accept others; the way they look and the way they are there. There should not be any judgement passed over. You have to be very comfortable in your skin. Recently I stated in one of my posts as well, how much I love myself. Initially I was not very aware of how I was not putting myself on the front foot but now I have realised it is important to love yourself, to work on yourself and to love the way you are. So I think it is very important to accept the fact that everybody is different from one another, and female empowerment also comes when you lift each other. One female can lift the other and they can cheer for each other. It is very important to know the importance of education and take your own decision in your life. I think the two are correlated as we talk about both being empowered and body positivity. One thing which plays an important role is the self-confidence that we have. It is very important to have that and we need to love ourselves.” Aakanksha Singh talks to the young readers of the magazine and says, “Life is too short so enjoy each and every moment of your life. Just be there, wake up, show up and love yourself as much as you can. Because the only thing which will stay with you is your body and your mind. So train your mind to be a healthy mind, be a healthy body, love yourself and just go for whatever you would like to do and whatever you love just to do. Don’t resist, don’t think much about what will be there for you in the future. Live in the present and just go for it!” SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression by Akshra Khandelwal Purab Kohli’s Cinematic Expedition Through Films, Travel And Self-Expression 22 September 2023 COVER STORIES Advertisement As the midyear sun casts its warm glow upon us, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of moments, events, and experiences that shape our lives. For actor extraordinaire Purab Kohli, these last six months have been a whirlwind, an exhilarating rollercoaster of creativity and exploration that has left him both exhilarated and eager for more. As we settle in for a candid chat with the versatile actor, we delve into his recent adventures, cinematic escapades, wanderlust, and thoughts on life, work, and style. "It's gone by really fast. It's been quite a busy first half of the year," Kohli begins with a boyish grin, his eyes sparkling with the energy that has propelled him through a bustling six months. "I've been in three films back to back," he continues, recounting his dynamic journey since March. The actor's journey unfolded like a tapestry, with each thread representing a different cinematic endeavour. "Putul," he mentions a film that swept him into its narrative embrace throughout March and April. Followed by "Let There Be Love," a project that captivated him throughout May and June. And then there was "Ahutti," a venture that spanned from June to July, inviting him into another realm of storytelling. And then, the much-needed interlude - a holiday that rejuvenated his spirit and encapsulated the essence of family. "That brings us to seven months of the year, more than half the year. And raring to go for the next five months, looking forward to the next five months," Kohli asserts, his enthusiasm palpable. Speaking of cinematic ventures, Kohli's eyes light up as he delves into the intriguing world of "Blind." "It was a film released on Jio Cinema last month," he begins, recounting his role in the narrative alongside Sonam Kapoor. The film's chilling premise casts him as an evil, serial-killing driver, a role that contrasts starkly with his pleasant demeanour. The journey of filming "Blind" was marked by challenges, notably the lockdown restrictions and the winter cold of Glasgow, where the shooting took place. "A lot of the shooting of Blind was done in the dark at night," Kohli shares, his voice tinged with reminiscence of the intense experience. "When you see the film, you'll realise it was freezing conditions." But amidst the challenges, camaraderie blossomed among the small crew, creating an atmosphere of creativity and connection that kept spirits high. As the conversation steers toward his love for travel, Kohli's eyes light up like a child's Christmas morning. "Yes, of course, I love to travel. Who doesn't love to travel?" he exclaims. But the seasoned traveller has found himself favouring road and train journeys overflights, citing the exhausting ordeal of airports. "I wish someone could come up with an easier experience of airports," he muses, echoing a sentiment shared by many. For Kohli, travel is an avenue for self-discovery, a means to unearth uncharted facets of oneself. "I love seeing new places. I love discovering new parts about myself in these new places," he declares, an explorer at heart. A seasoned globetrotter, Kohli eagerly unveils the top contenders on his bucket list. Having recently ticked off Norway and Scandinavia from the list, he now sets his sights on South America, with Brazil, in particular, capturing his imagination. "Brazil is the next one to check off," he shares, his eyes glittering with the anticipation of new horizons. Peering into the future, Kohli opens up about upcoming releases and his plans for the months ahead. With a handful of releases on the horizon, he takes a step back to embrace family and recharge before diving back into cinema. Speaking of his journey in the industry, Kohli acknowledges the ebb and flow that characterises any creative endeavour. "The industry is always welcoming to anyone who has a reasonable success rate," he reflects. "But yes, to me, it has been very welcoming. It's been very open and loving for the last 25 years." A topic that couldn't be overlooked is Kohli's signature salt-and-pepper look, which he wears with authority and pride. "The salt-and-pepper look gives me some age," he chuckles, reflecting on the visual impact of his facial hair. He shares style advice and underscores the importance of comfort and authenticity in one's appearance. "Any style starts from knowing what makes you feel comfortable and wearing that proud," he advises, reminding us that confidence is the heart of true style. As our conversation with Purab Kohli draws to a close, we're left with a glimpse into the life of a man who thrives on exploration, creativity, and authenticity. His journey through the cinematic landscape mirrors the path of life itself - one marked by challenges, camaraderie, and a ceaseless pursuit of new horizons. And just as he leaves his mark on the silver screen, his insights into travel, style, and self-discovery leave an indelible impression on our hearts and minds. SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

Priya Ahuja gets candid about her life behind the screen by Aarti Singh Priya Ahuja gets candid about her life behind the screen 8 October 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement A crucial part of a legendary Indian sitcom that has been ruling our screens for years now; Priya Ahuja aka. Rita Reporter has first-handedly faced the uncertainties of the industry. “There is no guarantee or any mantra of getting successful.” She has been a witness to how the industry requires tedious and copious amounts of hard work. Hard work that more so than often goes hand-in-hand with good luck. Priya feels that social media is one factor that has indefinitely made a huge difference for people today. “Few things are like blessings, say social media for that matter. Instagram helps so much; you can showcase your talent in a lot of ways, you can make reels, portray different shades of yourself. You don’t need to rush and make portfolios and look for the casting director. Social media has made it very easy that you can approach a lot of casting people directly through Instagram and share your work directly.” Her love for her work can clearly be seen in her deep-seated understanding of the same. She feels that the most challenging aspect of her job is also the most beautiful aspect and that is “The Show Must Go On.” “Whatever happens in your personal life, you have to get up next day and shoot. Whatever circumstances you face; in your family or in your personal life, you have to give your best shot when you’re working. So, I feel that’s the most challenging yet the most beautiful part of being an actor” When not busy with any projects, Priya enjoys reading. “The book that I love the most and has made a lot of impact in my life is The Alchemist. Really really love that book.” When asked about the people that have the most influence on her, she revealed that there are a lot of inspiring people like Boman Irani, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Dilip Joshi. These actors who are so brilliant at their jobs, someone started late, someone got success a little late, they motivate Priya a lot. “It’s okay just keep working hard. One day- someday- you are going to get your due, if you’re good at your job.” And it isn’t a hidden fact that at times, it gets tough in showbiz. In times like these, Priya likes to believe that one day she will get it. “That faith in my hard work, in my talent, that one day, someday, I’m also going to be there. I am going to achieve that. And I know I am going to do that. So that keeps me going. It’s okay if yesterday wasn’t that great, it’s okay if today is just ok ok. But surely, tomorrow is going to be beautiful.” On a heartfelt note, Priya revealed that she doesn’t believe in failures. According to her, a failure isn’t a failure if you learn something from it. Yet still, one regret she’ll always have is her short span on the hit serials Balika Vadhu and Saubhagyavati Bhava . “I was part of Balika Vadhu, it was a beautiful character; and also, Saubhagyavati Bhava . Both the shows, really really hit. But unfortunately, my track got over too early. I shot for very less days in both the shows. So yeah that regret I think I’ll have somewhere.” She wishes she could play the two characters in the respective shows for a comparatively longer period. We were pleasantly surprised when Priya said that she doesn’t plan her life. “All I want is to stay an actor till my last breath. That is, you can say, my biggest aim or my biggest dream. I always, always, want to stay an actor. Of course I want to be more successful than what I am, I want to achieve way more, I want to perform a lot of different characters, want to do more and more challenging characters, roles in my life. That’s the only plan. I don’t know when and how things are going to shape up but I’m sure soon something amazing will happen in my life.” Moving onto the fitness aspect of her routine, Priya shared that she absolutely loves working out and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Everyone who follows her knows how big of an advocate she is of a healthy active lifestyle. “I would love to clarify this, that I am not into fitness because I want to stay slim. I am into fitness because I want to stay healthy. Getting up without any support, so that when I get up, my body shouldn’t hurt. When I grow old, I don’t want to walk with support, up until a certain age. Maybe after a certain age, I’ll have to, but until then I would like to stay extremely fit so I can take care of myself.” In conversation about women empowerment, Priya disclosed that Feminism and Women Empowerment isn’t limited to wearing what you feel like wearing, behaving in a certain way, acting chic; Feminism isn’t about being ahead of men. It is about feeling empowered from within. “It is about the choices that you make in life. You have the ability to make the right choices and decisions about your life. You feel secure in a society, you feel powerful, you feel like you are an equal decision- maker in your family as much as the man in your family is.” Talking about life away from work, Priya mentioned how most of her time is spent running behind her toddler. And when she is not running behind her toddler, she compensates that by running on the treadmill. Just kidding! When she’s not spending time with her son, she is usually working out. “Currently I started doing Zumba and I really really enjoy doing that. I am totally in love with it.” Wrapping up the interview, Priya mentioned some upcoming future projects that’ll be revealed in due time. “Please keep on showering your love and keep us in your prayers. Very soon you’ll see me in something amazing. As an actor, if you are my fan, all I can say is, promise that pretty soon I’m going to do something amazing and I won’t disappoint you. As an actor. As a human.” SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

SOCIETY by Akash Khatri Coping with Confinement 26 July 2020 SOCIETY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The earlier days of the pandemic caused a furore and great hullabulla. Great chaos everywhere, no school, no maids, work from home and still ambiguous about the situation ahead as we approach towards the end of lockdown four. During this whole topsy turvy journey gradually it seems we have become more human. A transition from a dependant to a more independent working – subtracting the maids and a more gadget-free atmosphere. During this whole transition period, I treasured dormant talent of my personality, as I could steal some time for trying out solo singing, penning down my thoughts to create short stories, experimenting in the kitchen and even nailed the unusual skill of giving men a haircut. Today I had lessons of stitching from my mom-in-law and found that it’s not that tedious and tricky as I had thought, of course, one needs to be lucky to have a good teacher beside you as my MIL is. I tried my hand on tailoring too, thanks to the lockdown. All and all it’s so much fun being indoors with family, doing crazy things and enjoying the nearness, attention as well as helping hand of the spouse. Above all, the level of tolerance has reached its acme and this habit I would always wish could be deep-rooted within me forever. At last, it took a microscopic-organism to make us more human. #LockdownPandemicIndependentConfinement SEARCH Why India is the most depressed country in the world? SOCIETY Looking Through The Excellence Of ‘Jaali’ Architecture SOCIETY Why the Gender Pay Gap is Wide and Disturbing SOCIETY Festival of Stones SOCIETY The Pygmalion Effect SOCIETY POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Anushka Sharma Uniting Voices, Shaping Futures: Dive Into Mun 2.0 At NIT Patna 8 September 2024 SOCIETY By Anushka Sharma These Healthy Habits Can Lower Your Risk Of Depression 31 August 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak A Glance In The Kshitij’23: A Euphoric Escapade 26 January 2024 SOCIETY By Rini Pathak Mithibai Kshitij: Epitome Of Diverse Social Cause Empowerment 24 January 2024 SOCIETY RELATED POSTS Advertisement

If you can dream it, you can achieve it – In conversation with Donal Bisht by Aadhya Venkatesh If you can dream it, you can achieve it – In conversation with Donal Bisht 21 August 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement As a big believer in dreaming big and working hard to achieve your dreams, Donal Bisht was a Journalist and Anchor who pursued her dream of acting and modelling. In college, her seniors pursuing film studies always called her to work in their short films and music videos. Despite being pushed towards being an actor, Donal believed she wanted to pursue the media industry and work as a journalist. She even established herself in the field with a four-year-long career but eventually realised that "the work did not make my heart happy and did not satisfy me". It was then that she dropped everything and came to Mumbai to pursue her passion for acting. "I really believe in destiny". She has been in the show business for five years and has only been climbing the ladder of success. Having started with TV shows, Donal did four years of back-to-back TV with shows like Ek Deewana Tha and Roop . She then realised that to achieve creative satisfaction, she had to do something different. "I did a South bilingual film in Kannada and Telugu. The shift, I would say creatively, is great when you do different things", she said. She never knew Telugu and didn't have any exposure to the language. But after multiple workshops and extra efforts on sets, she managed to get well versed in the dialogues and expressions. "I used to keep the first AD with me to do the lines thoroughly, in and out". She broke through the language barrier and had her proud moment when people asked her if she was a natural Telugu speaker. Now that her film is in the post-production stage, Donal is excited to see herself in the role. Once her film was on the verge of completion, she entered the Big Boss house and became one of the most respected contestants in her two weeks there. "People come to me and say they want to become like me and love my personality". Having done four back to back soap shows, she now wants to venture into the world of web shows, which she is doing through her MX player original Show, Zakhm. Zakhm is a "romantic thriller show where I play Kavya, a healer who heals people's wounds". She is excited about the release of the show. Donal is also a TEDx speaker and always urges her fans to dream. "Dreaming is very important. If you can dream, you can achieve". She says that once a person has an unrelenting dream that they strive to achieve, persistence will take them forward on their journey. Those who dream can achieve whatever they aspire to. The one mantra she follows in life is to leave no stone unturned. She believes that persistence is critical and that a person should never stop. "First try to fly. If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but you do the best". Running and Weight Lifting are her preferred modes of workout. She runs on the treadmill for 20 minutes a day and believes that fitness is what you eat, and one must take care of what suits them and what doesn't. Along with exercise, she also recommends her audiences watch their food intake and monitor what they eat because, more often than not, it is a particular fruit, vegetable, or seafood that causes allergies and bloating. "Observe your body and the way it reacts to food". Donal's favourite travel destination is her family home in Delhi, where she goes for all significant occasions. Other than that, one place she hopes to visit soon is Paris, which is her second favourite place. #donalbisht #coverstory #interview #fashion #actress SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

The Best Of Both Worlds With Deepti Sadhwani by Anushka Sharma The Best Of Both Worlds With Deepti Sadhwani 6 May 2023 COVER STORIES Advertisement There is a lot that meets the eye when it comes to Deepti Sadhwani. From being an investment banker in London to finally realising a niche that she has always been interested in, it wasn’t until long that Deepti Sadhwani opened her own production company and got into the realm of music albums, TV, and a lot more. When asked about whether she’d prefer singing or acting, she couldn’t help but find it hard to choose! “Being good at both will always give one an edge above the rest of the competitors. Hence, I’d love to be great at both.” We asked Deepti about who inspires her the most in the realm of music, to which she replied, “Lata Ji has always been a favourite. She has contributed so much into the realm of music, and is synonymous with the Gods of music. Sonu Ji has always been a dear friend and an inspiration to me. In live singing, one can’t ever imagine him miss a beat.” Well, we couldn’t agree more! Speaking of where she sees her career to be headed in the next five years, Deepti tells us that she seeks to ace the events on a global platform and get international recognition. There isn’t much Deepti wishes to change much, considering how both the industries are so dynamic, I just feel that there should be ample chances given to newcomers. They should be welcomed with more openness. When asked about a memory that’s etched in her memory, she fondly recalls how she was crowed as Ms. North India amidst her family, which also helped her get a glimpse into the world of glamour. We didn’t want to wind the interview without something spicy. When asked to pick between Bad Boy Shah and Diljit Dosanjh, Deepti was quick to not be partial! She tells us, “I’ve already been a part of a project with Baadshah, and he’s a dear friend. I’d now love to collaborate with Diljit!” We love how versatile Deepti is. From being dynamic in the genres she is into to being open to a host of new projects in the future, it’s empowering to see her live and thrive through her passion. SEARCH A Journey Shaped By Courage, Creativity, And Social Media With Aditi Sharma COVER STORIES Inner Joy Trails My Inspiration : A Candid Conversation With The Creative Anushka Kaushik COVER STORIES Barkha Singh’s candid candour makes the way to an eye-catching interview COVER STORIES Educate, Empower, Excel: Priyanka Chahar Choudhary's Inspirational Overture COVER STORIES Waluscha De Sousa On Being Her ‘True Self’ And Going On The Dream Journey COVER STORIES POPULAR POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Shriniwas Kodape The Eternal Strings Of Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash 4 October 2025 COVER STORIES By Anurag Sen Vivian Dsena: The Fluke Star Who Became Television’s Undying Heartthrob 25 September 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Unscripted, Unstoppable: The Many Lives Of Christine Gulasatree 22 August 2025 COVER STORIES By Ananya Patankar Off Script, On Truth: Anshumaan Pushkar In His Own Words 30 June 2025 COVER STORIES RELATED POSTS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

Anupriya Goenka Talks About Her Experience In The South by Ose Swaraj Anupriya Goenka Talks About Her Experience In The South 30 November 2022 COVER STORIES Advertisement In a candid interview with L'utopia magazine, actress Anupriya Goenka replicates her career graph and narrates her journey. We asked her why she decided to switch from corporate to the business world and whether she would still like to go back and she said, “I was working in the business space, then, in the corporate space and then acting happened to me. So, I started working very early in life, when I was around 16 and primarily, everything I was doing for the next seven eight years was only to make ends meet.” She also tells us that she started helping her father in his business, when she was in 11th standard. She says, “By the time I passed out and started working with him full time during my college, the business was already sinking and we had to make a choice, so I made the decision to wrap it up.” In her later years of college, she did a lot of travelling to various places to terminate the business and that was the time she started working in the corporate space. She tells us, “I started with call centres and then moved on to becoming an executive assistant, worked up with some top names and some major companies. By the time I shifted to Bombay for corporate work and later settled my family in couple of years, I started to feel that I needed to do something for myself and something creative.” She tells us about her interest in theatre since her school days and about her brief experience of it in the NSD extension workshops when she was in 12th standard. She says that theatre wasn’t possible with the normal working hours of a corporate setup and how she came up with a way out. “I had taken a leave to do theatre for some time and was supposed to come back to my corporate job. That was the initial plan but that kind of never happened because theatres didn’t pay my bills and I had to start earning from this line of work in order to sustain and be an actor on a regular basis. So that’s how commercial acting started for me.” We asked, whether she plans on going back to the corporate space and she said, “I don’t plan on going back to the corporate space as of now because acting is my passion, it’s my life and I really enjoy doing it. But at some point of time I do want to open up a small scale industry, I do want to be involved in some sort of a manufacturing setup. I plan on doing something which involves local artisans and have a shop setup, somewhere in the countryside; that’s also a dream along with acting, a distant dream as of now but, I believe that will happen sometime.” We asked about her association with the “Down to earth” organization, she told us how she wanted to do something for other people, kids, their education etc. She says, “It was ridden with some challenges because of the lack of proper systems and regular teachers. To have one kid or couple of kids constantly be with you was a little difficult because they keep getting shuffled between different centres and they would keep going back to working in odd jobs to sustain their families as well but, Down to earth really worked very hard in giving a regular sort of guidance, aligning themselves with each one of these kids and their future irrespective of where they were and keeping track of their performance. They really have shaped some lives beautifully.” She tells us about her contribution to the association as, “Primarily being involved in the events, support them as a volunteer, go meet the kids, get involved in teaching them sometimes and doing activities with them because it’s always nice for the kids to see outside people come and be part of their lives, which inspires them, gives them a perspective. I tried to support the organisation in any little way that I could.” To serve the obvious curiosities of every fan, we asked her about her upcoming projects and she told us about Asura 2 which should be released any time soon on voot, then there is a film called Gubaar which she completed last year and is playing the role of a psycho killer with a bit of comic space, with Vinay Pathak. Then there is Sultan of Delhi, a hotstar series, which has been directed by Milan luthria and Suparn Verma, which again is expected to come out next year sometime. Right now, as a main lead, she is shooting for a film called “Khilone” which is an action film. We asked her about the different experiences she had in the south industry compared to Bollywood to which she said, “ I think south industry functions differently than Bollywood – in the casting process, in the process of how you meet directors, how you audition for parts. I believe there are mediators but not so many casting directors, at least not at that time when I started off in 2013. That was my very first year in acting and I had done two films back to back, Potogadu and Paathshala, both in Telugu and after that I came back to Bombay and started working here more regularly so I don’t have that much of experience but, they really welcome you with open arms, they are very supportive, extremely quick with their work, very methodical and it was a great experience working there!” About facing the language barriers, while working in the south industry she tells us, “Both the projects were different as to how we approached rehearsing for dialogues and shooting scenes. In one project I had actually stationed myself in Hyderabad for one and a half months, just to prepare for the role and we had a bound script given to us and we kept rehearsing the lines. I am very bad at mugging, I was even as a student so it was very challenging for me. Generally I am very quick with my lines but because there was a language barrier, I had to really stress over learning my lines and trying to understand them rather than mugging and then emoting of course. In the second project, our lines would literally come to us on the day of shoot during hair and makeup and they were far more chilled about it. I would learn lines, sit with the Ads, they would make me understand each and every word as much as possible so that it would be easier for me to emote but a lot would be handled during dubbing to be honest. It was a great fun experience, though challenging it was quite a learning experience and the people in Hyderabad thankfully talk a lot in Hindi and understand it as well. They are very supportive so it never really felt that I was an outsider except for, when they would converse around me in their own language which I had tried to pick up on as much as possible, it was a very good experience!” I would love to work in the south again, hoping a good opportunity comes. They are doing fabulous work and their hard work and passion shows in everything project. The quality of content they are making is super and inspiring. We asked her, which book or people had the most influence on her growth and why, and she answered that the book which had a great impact on her life is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. She said, “It’s just the nature of the book of being so hopeful and full of promise and perseverance, talking about the mysteries of life.” Apart from that she told us that she greatly admires Amrita Preetam. She said, “She was a poetess, a novelist who was so filled with emotions and insight about life and yet, also very brave, very vocal and very edgy. She was this perfect combination of enigma and romanticism along with being very brave and edgy in her pursuits for what she wanted to do in her life and I greatly respect her for that.” We asked her if she could tell us about her aims for the future and the impact she aspires to have on her audience and fans and she told us, “There are many things that I want to accomplish, both career wise and personally. As an actor I want to do more challenging roles, roles which explore different aspects of me as a performer, like this year, thankfully, I have been part of different genres like, I am playing a psycho killer in one, I always wanted to do some comedy so it has a bit of comedy in it, I am doing an action film, I am playing this very negative and unredeemable character in Sultan of Delhi. So I am doing a variety of roles and I hope the audience will appreciate it and see the versatility even more. I have always got to work with great people and have very potent roles in the past like Padmaavat, War, Tiger Zinda hai, Asura, Ashram and mostly all these were intense characters. I do want to do a slice of life, and easy breezy characters too. Also I did play a rural character in Meri desh ki dharti but I want to explore that, much more. I did Padmaavat, i love period dramas aspire to do them even more. So there is a lot that I want to do as an actor. I really want to be attached to subjects which also have a social message and have an impact on my audiences, to be able to contribute in saying something that needs to be talked about and initiating a dialogue. So I hope through my work and acting I am able to make a larger difference and talk about subjects which have a bearing on us and our everyday lives, subjects that need to be discussed and the mindsets that need to be changed, like in Criminal justice 2 we discussed domestic violence, a very important discussion and I was glad to see the kind of dialogue that got initiated. I would like to do more of those things, those kinds of roles and bring about some kind of impact and difference.” Being a body positivity and women empowering magazine, we asked her to share her views on these topics for our readers. She stated, “I think as women, we are so blessed to be born in this sex, we have so much to offer in terms of our versatility of emotions, we are kind, compassionate, passionate, we can emote and experience much more, we understand emotions in a very different way and we can be strong and sensitive at the same time. I think being a woman is a blessing and it’s really sad that we get bogged down by having certain sort of parameters to follow when it comes to looking a certain way, be it in terms of the way we are coloured or shaped or dressed. I love a voluptuous body and dark skin and I am dusky. I have always been very comfortable with the way my body is. Though, I want to be and feel fit. I never really aspired to be a certain figure only, even though my job requires me to be. I need to be feeling good and be agile and physically fit which is very important I feel. But I do not want to cage myself by pressurising myself and suppressing my belief system, or my confidence because I need to be a certain size. So it’s very important to me to be comfortable in your skin and to appreciate what you have and that can only come from having the innate sense of appreciation of who you are. So fashion or being looked upon a certain way, is not so much about what is given to you and but more about what you do with it, how you appreciate and inspire yourself.’ You have to use fashion to make yourself feel good and not for others to feel good about you. 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