Posts in category: Life Style

A few bruises here and there don’t really matter in the long run, do they, Capricorn? What matters is how you showed up, what you chose and how you stuck by it. We all know you are resilient, and you don’t need to constantly show this side of yourself to the world as proof of your existence. Sometimes the best way to float is to allow the seas to take you to shores you may be resisting, only to find out that this is where you need to be to feel alive and ticking. Every step you take forward is your step towards healing a bit of your past. Aries, it may sound ironic, but only when you decide to act differently in your present do you actually change the course of action for your future, and in turn, correct the past as you move along. Your angels remind you that this is your last leg, Cancer. Put your efforts and skilled work into whatever you are creating now, so that soon you will move forward and see buoyancy along with daylight.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Every step you take forward is your step towards healing a bit of your past. Aries, it may sound ironic, but only when you decide to act differently in your present do you actually change the course of action for your future, and in turn, correct the past as you move along. And while you may have been consistently thinking and acting upon various plans and routes, you may find yourself amidst sudden developments that catch you off guard, and this is not to unsettle you; instead, it is happening so that you wake up and see the plethora of possibilities that surround you presently.

Cosmic tip: Your restlessness is here to teach you stability and calm.

It’s written in your destiny, Taurus, whatever you are asking about or going round in circles with, is written already—not by anyone else but as a choice your soul has made to learn and master this lesson while you are pulsating here on earth. And sure, it may feel unfair, but tell me, is it not also rewarding at the same time? Things may have conspired differently in the past; you may have kept running in circles, and you are here now, making different choices, so begin expecting different rewards, too.

Cosmic tip: Now that you have your thinking cap on, use it to lay stable foundations and lead a life that you are truly meant to lead.

What seeded itself as a passion may have bloomed at its own pace, branching off in different directions, Gem—be it professionally or in any other manner. Now, while you know you are closing chapters, and you know you are stepping into the unknown, you also know that what lies ahead is promising. This interim phase is temporary and must not stop you from thinking of all the possibilities that lie ahead for you! Allow yourself to dream your best dreams because only then will you be able to make them your reality.

“Okay, you need to do this,” Maitreyi Ramakrishnan says, and I lean forward, half-expecting to hear about a TikTok trend that had bypassed me completely. “Take at least two friends. Take one friend. I don’t know how many friends you have. Take yourself, I don’t care.” Gen Z’s really starting to embrace solo dates, I think to myself. “You draw a pattern on a canvas,” Ramakrishnan continues, “you pick the yarn colours you want and you get this gun.” Her eyes are gleaming with excitement now. “Then, you poke it into this canvas piece, pull the trigger and it goes ‘drrrrrr’. The gun will keep pelting yarn and on the other side, it’ll fluff out like a rug. Rug tufting is so fun and therapeutic.”

It’s heartening to know that the 23-year-old actor, who has just completed an undergraduate degree in human rights and equity studies, while travelling as a charity ambassador for a children’s rights organisation and shooting for new projects, is like any other 20-something, swapping doomscrolling for grandma hobbies like gardening, bird-watching and mahjong. Her current obsessions also include crocheting, candle-making and hand-­painting pottery—all activities, I note, that require the use of both hands. It’s a habit that stems from playing video games at a young age. “That’s the beauty about gaming. You have to pay attention. You have to be actively engaged with it or you’re going to miss something,” Ramakrishnan says. “Take crocheting. You could do it while you’re watching something, but you will start forgetting how many rounds you’ve done and now you’ve messed up. So I like to do things that use my brain actively, and take me away from the screen or social media.”

It’s why, despite making her debut as the star of Never Have I Ever in 2020, Ramakrishnan has happily lent her voice to animated series and films like My Little Pony, Big Mouth and Turning Red (2022). She also appeared in Freakier Friday and The Twits this year and has the indie film Slanted set to release in 2026. The actor refers to her voiceover credits as “literally a dream” for a kid who grew up almost exclusively on animated films, particularly anime. Part of that is due to her dad (“I don’t think there’s anybody more excited for Zootopia 2 than him. And his hero is Po from Kung Fu Panda”), and part of it is because she found it easier to connect with those characters. “This is sad, but growing up, I could relate more to a cartoon dog than white Disney Channel kids.”

Instead, Ramakrishnan saw herself in the movies that were always playing in her Tamil-Canadian household during her childhood. “I’m a big fan of Pokkiri. What a great soundtrack. And Chandramukhi, I’ve always loved.” Now that she’s working in the film industry, I ask how her tastes have evolved or shifted. She’s currently enjoying dipping into Korean and Thai cinema but is allergic to watching “whatever hot thing” every actor around her is obsessing over. “I don’t want to watch some artsy-fartsy film because some film bro recommended it to me.”

Kurta pyjamas are a famous preference for men`s formalwear for each occasion, from low-key Diwali celebrations to complicated shaadis. To appear extremely good in kurta pajama, you need to understand what tone you need to set. This blog post will go into great depth about all the tips, tricks, and observations we’ve made after wearing this outfit for years.

For nightwear, an easy kurta helps you to look however you need. You can stay in your lifestyle and still appear true. When it involves fashion, informal kurtas are commonly shorter and no longer as tight.

Straight or slightly A-line cuts, which can be knee-length or simply above the knee, will come up with room to move. There are kurtas with backs that can be longer than the fronts. They appear appropriate with slim-fit pants and are stylish. Stay far from heavy crafts and matters that can be too vibrant in case you need to appear more professional. Something as easy as a border print or piping that stands out is enough to keep things interesting.

For traditional kurta pyjamas, you can change some of the style details. These must be healthy for the fashion of your shirt, whether being fabricated from metallic or embroidery.

A silk scarf over one shoulder can enhance the appearance of your outfit. You can still appear appropriate together with a pocket square in a shade that does not go with your outfit. You can also appear more glamorous in a bandhgala jacket or a style coat.

Let`s examine some key variations between the two patterns that will help you choose the proper one for your next occasion. Because I’ve worn kurta pyjamas to a black-tie wedding ceremony and lunch at the beach, I can say that those are about equal things.

1. Comfort

• Casual: They win in terms of all-day comfort. If they’re manufactured from mild substances like cotton or linen and feature open cuts, they may be adorable summer clothes.

• Formal: Formal kurta pants aren’t as comfortable due to the fact that they’re more about how they appear. You cannot wear them for hours on end. A five-hour wedding is too long to wear a heavy-design silk Kurta. You need to change dresses every hour.

2. Versatility

• Casual: These are excellent for ordinary use and may be worn in lots of ways. You can dress them up or down, so that you can wear them to brunch, church events, or maybe an ordinary workplace meeting. The only problem is that they might not feel fully dressed for very serious events.

• Formal: Because they are more about style and appearance, formal kurta pyjamas are less adaptable. But no matter how uneasy things are, they can’t be stopped from making a statement.

3. Personality Factor

• Casual: Kurtas are open enough that most body types can wear them. If a man is bigger, shorter lengths and looser cuts appear great on them. If a man is thinner, slim-fit patterns appear higher on them. Some of my bigger uncles wear cotton kurtas and look great because the straight cut doesn’t stick.

• Formal: Most people can’t wear formal kurtas that are stiff and have a lot of design elements. That’s when a custom fit is best. Churidar pyjamas are great for tall people because the fabric fits close to the skin and lets the legs stretch.

4. Simple Styling

• Casual: Because of the loose fit and simple fabrics, you can try new things without giving them too much thought. I wore a tunic and a straw hat to a beach party one time, and it was easy.

• Formal: More thought goes into formal looks. For these clothes, you want to be very cautious about how your footwear, hair, and add-ons suit because the cuts are tight and the fabric is heavy. If your hat or footwear doesn`t suit, it could mess up your complete appearance.

When you mix these styles, you need to be smart. Many people have found these tips useful.

• Wearing a Casual Kurta with Formal Pyjamas

What if you wear a regular cotton shirt with a silk churidar? You may seem like you belong in a fancy story. Check that the colors move nicely with each other. A white kurta and blue churidar is a safe choice.

• Wearing a Formal Kurta with Casual Pyjamas

Put a variety of needlework or zari work at the front of your shirt. Then, placed on straight-cut off-white or grey cotton pants. You still stand out, even though it is no longer too much. You’re not trying too hard to be the groom.

• Adding Layers to Keep Things Even

In this case, layers are very helpful. A cotton kurta and a silk or embroidered bandhgala jacket are smooth approaches to step up your style. You may not seem like a wedding guest. Put on a khadi or linen vest over a dress shirt to make its appearance much less fancy.

Read more – Men’s Wear: 5 Key Fashion Inspirations to Ace Your Festive Wardrobe

Men’s wear not simply something you wear; it is the way you show off your excellent self. That’s why ordinary ones are excellent for days when you simply need to experience it exactly without placing it on a show. Now is when you actually shine, and everyone appears to you. You must wear a kurta made from light, ethereal cotton or silk to a marriage or a family lunch. It’s crucial to choose something that suits you and the event.

For Diwali celebrations, Radhika Merchant Ambani turned to Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla for a custom rose-pink tissue ensemble that shimmered like molten silk under the lights. The full-skirted anarkali featured a fitted bodice and collared base, overlaid with a structured angrakha-style jacket cut in gossamer-thin fabric with a subtle gold undertone.

Intricate marodi embroidery—one of the couturiers’ most recognisable signatures—traced the surface in raised gold zari threads, offset with glinting tamba tikki: hand-cut copper sequins scattered across the yoke, sleeves and hem.

The embroidery grew denser along the cuffs and borders, where layered bands of gota, zari and metallic fringe created a rhythmic, tactile edge.

Jewellery mirrored the garment’s grandeur: elaborate jhumka polki earrings with kaan chains, statement rings and her mangalsutra tipped with diamonds. Radhika Merchant Ambani’s hair was parted in the centre and swept into a low bun adorned with a gajra, while her makeup stayed luminous with clean skin and glossy lips.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Lighten up the mood with a pair of brown leather juttis. Get rid of the gajra and open up the hair for an effortless look, swap the earrings for something simpler and in gold,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Alia Bhatt turns to the archives in a gilded Ritu Kumar ensemble

Alaya F’s gunmetal Monisha Jaising look took 500 hours to create

Suhana Khan channels vintage glam in her violet sari by Manish Malhotra

And it’s a wrap, well, at least for Libra season (thankfully so)! We clung onto balance like it was a life raft during Libra season, trading confidence for self-scrutiny and turning “self-awareness” into overthinking. The fun bits happened, but the responsible bits felt like homework nobody signed up for. And thank goodness, it’s finally Scorpio season (October 23- November 21). Some zodiac signs should expect mysterious, transformational energy with a wink, like a plot twist that also hands you the script. Ideas snap into focus, messy plans streamline, and the blind spots you kept ignoring suddenly glow neon. The difference this time: you don’t just notice them, you fix them like a pro.

Are you ready for the ride?

Scorpio season sharpens the edges and deepens the playbook for some in the zodiac. These signs are most likely to thrive when the vibe gets mysterious, focused, and a little deliciously intense. Your Sun sign shows the light, Moon sign the undercurrent, Rising sign the stage—together they tell the whole story. Make sure you check it out, OK?

Scorpio

Your woes are behind you as are your sleepless nights. Take your birth season as your cosmic gift for showing up so graciously and steadfastly in the past sometime. Rest, recharge and recoup, Scorps as your passion will find its way back to the surface and every inch of you that has felt squeezed out will feel rejuvenated and well compensated. Now is your time to begin working on that side hustle, that dream that has been waiting for too long or simply that self- care routine you have been pushing off for a later date. Balance is here for you, and so is happiness. Claim it!

Leo

You finally make a choice and it feels oh-so-empowering to be taking a stand! You know that you must walk this path for just a tiny bit longer where a couple of things must be juggled before you make rapid headway. The good news is that the clouds are clearing and the sun is streaming down upon you. So go on, make your hay now. Fall in love with your life and serenade your dreams a little.

Cancer

Effective boundaries and structures are your best friend this season. When it rains it pours and the same holds true of your blessings, forward momentum and whatever you have been waiting on. Now the next couple of months can get super busy for you and the only way to maintain your sanity is by taking one day at a time and keeping your most important goals on top of your checklist. The only thing you must remember this season is to MYOB (Mind Your Own Business). Avoid getting sucked into drama that is not yours and you will sail through with the blessings that are here for you. The good part is you have the chance to heal a bit of your past that you are tired or repeating or running away from.

Pisces

Your emotional backbone is strengthening this season as is the warmth of your inner circle. Pisces, nurture your mental peace at all costs and you will only be able to find the tiny blessings that surround you. Your wisdom flows and your logic supports what you know to be the truth of your situation. You no longer feel trapped, in fact, you feel free and it is not just your vibe that has shifted, it is everything in your life. So settle in with faith and peace. You’ve got this.

Virgo

We get it, Virgo, life has been tough. But here is the deal, things are getting better. This season marks momentum and rapid movement for you in many spheres of your life. And your cosmic message is clear: to keep your calm and cool, make consistent time for yourself and your wellbeing. Say no where you need to and say yes only where you absolutely feel like. Remember that any resentment or dissatisfaction that may be surfacing is simply your body asking you for some downtime. You are rebuilding your relationship with yourself and your life. Listen intently.

Taurus

Your relationship sector receives a boost this season. Taurus, think long-term; balance that mind with your heart’s energy and you will automatically see that you already have what is important to you. Any dilemmas that arise will dissolve themselves when you go back to your heart and tune into its quiet strength. This season is teaching you that all paths lead home, and when you make peace with this, you will make peace with life. And then, magic will unfold.

Also read:

Star sign dates, traits and symbols explained for each zodiac sign

The luckiest zodiac signs this Libra season

Your birth date numerology can tell you more about yourself than you think

When you are sitting on your fire-breathing dragon, Pisces, it can feel easy to get swept away and dissolve into thin air, feeling frazzled and depleted by all that you can possibly do. However, Pisces, it is time to buckle down, wear your seatbelt and ground this heady energy. Just as you need to observe the traffic on all sides of the road to drive safely, but not get lost in it, you must choose to notice everything that is coming your way without getting swept away by it. Pick the pieces and become the leader you know you are born to be. Capricorn, you don’t always need to work hard; your experience and expertise give you an edge over the rest and this leads you to unique opportunities to lead and drive things in directions you are meant to go in. Self-care. This is a major theme surfacing for you, Libra. You feel spent and drained—perhaps it’s not the physical load, perhaps it’s purely mental, or even energetic. Whatever it is, you have been looking for peace and have you found it? You may have been burnt in the past, Aries, but now that you are here, you are ready to evolve and your angels only remind you to stay open to whatever and whoever enters your life. You never know the surprises that may be lined up for you.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Victory may have come your way; however, you are done with the ruins of war. Aries, while yes, reaching the finish line feels good, you are already ready to move on to something else—something more meaningful. You are not only evolving spiritually but also energetically, mentally and emotionally. You may have been burnt in the past, Aries, but now that you are here you are ready to evolve and your angels only remind you to stay open to whatever and whoever enters your life. You never know the surprises that may be lined up for you.

Cosmic tip: Stay vigilant but also remain open.

Taurus, you may be looking for happiness; however, are you really willing to release the past and let go of the old ways that keep you trapped and stuck in old loops? You are not where you used to be—mentally, emotionally, physically, financially or in any other manner. Acknowledge where you presently are and then learn new ways of making the world spin on your fingers.

Cosmic tip: This is your time to learn, evolve and grow.

Your love life may be undergoing some shifts, Gemini, and listen up—even if you feel your long-term stability or whatever peace you may have made with your life may be currently up in the air—remember that to uplevel, you must revisit what is okay with you and what is not any longer. Your heart may be blooming but you are also willing to be more realistic about your goals and expectations in life.

The first time you see LED masks in action, it feels like you’ve walked in on a sci-fi ritual. Someone’s face glows red, then blue, then green, as if being abducted by their own skincare routine. The marketing says “non-invasive rejuvenation.” The mirror says “robot at a rave.”

Few skincare gadgets spark as much curiosity as confusion. LED masks sit somewhere between science and theatre.

To find out whether the light is worth the hype, we spoke to Dr Rohan Goyal, co-founder and medical director at Nuvana, and Dr Mikki Singh, founder and medical director at Bodycraft Clinics. Both have seen how these glowing devices have slipped from clinic walls into living rooms, promising radiance that can be recharged.

What the light actually does

“LED light therapy is a non-invasive, safe treatment that enhances skin texture and health without any heat, damage, or recovery,” says Dr Goyal. “It uses a specific wavelength of light to stimulate the skin’s natural recovery and restoration process.”

It’s a therapy built on patience, not punishment. There’s no peeling or stinging, but the conviction that sitting under light can make you new again. But not all devices speak the same language. “While at-home masks offer an easier way to maintain results, they’re lower in intensity compared to in-clinic therapy,” Dr Goyal explains. “Clinical treatments use medical-grade machines with higher power and precise wavelengths, allowing deeper absorption and faster, more effective results. At-home LED masks are great for maintenance and prevention, but in-clinic therapy remains the most premium standard for rejuvenating skin health.”

Why the colours matter

Each colour carries its own function. “Red light boosts collagen and reduces wrinkles, blue light prevents acne-causing bacteria, yellow light relaxes inflammation, green light helps cover pigmentation, and near-infrared light helps in deep tissue repair and healing,” says Dr Goyal. Used together, they help “improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance.”

It’s easy to see why people are drawn to them. The colours suggest order, each light attached to a purpose. Behind the novelty sits method, with technology rewarding consistency more than curiosity.

How to actually use it

Dr Singh describes the masks as useful but optional. “LED masks are not absolutely essential; they can be used as a final step as part of a larger routine. If you do want to use it, be consistent and use it three to four times weekly to see results.”

She outlines what that consistency might bring. “Results could include reduced acne breakouts, reduced redness, and over time may have better skin elasticity in some cases.” Then she adds, “I personally have not seen any big differences.”

Her answer resets expectations. The benefits are gradual and modest, closer to upkeep than transformation.

Safety and selection

Both experts emphasise that safety depends on habit. “LED masks are normally safe for all skin types as they use non-UV light without causing skin damage or burn,” says Dr Goyal. “Consulting a dermatologist before starting red light therapy is always a good idea, especially for those with sensitive skin.”

For the British Museum’s inaugural Pink Ball in London, co-chair Isha Ambani chose an ensemble that celebrated the depth of Indian craftsmanship. Designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, the look was made entirely in blush pink chamoise satin; an architectural jacket paired with a column skirt, tailored close to the body before gently flaring at the hem.

Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania, the ensemble was part of the designers’ Phulwari embroidery collection, reimagined for this occasion in the house’s first-ever pink zardozi. Traditionally executed in gold, the technique took on a softer tonality here, rendered in old rose and vintage blush threads, and layered with pearls, sequins and crystals. Over 35 artisans spent 3,670 hours bringing the design to life, each stitch precisely placed across the jacket’s panels and skirt’s length. The embroidery spilled onto her shoes as a finishing detail, a hidden gesture that revealed itself only up close.

Instagram.com/anaitashroffadajania

Her jewellery, from Nita Ambani’s personal collection, added vivid contrast to the monochrome palette. A suite of heart-shaped emeralds—necklace, earrings, and a statement ring—introduced a sense of boldness against the delicate hues of the outfit.

Hair was parted down the centre and pulled back into a sleek half-up style, accentuating the neckline. Makeup followed the same tonal harmony: rose-gold lids, lengthened lashes, luminous skin and a mauve lip that framed the face without overpowering it.

Instagram.com/anaitashroffadajania

Crunchy, crispy and caramelised, the perfect triangle of a dosa makes its way to my table. I’ve been waiting the entire meal for this dish and tear into it greedily. This is no ordinary dosa, but a benne dosa that relies on koji, a type of mould that’s used as a starter culture in East Asian cooking, for sweet fermentation. Served with a velvety prawn ghassi, it’s a take on the milagai podi with cashews, curry leaf chimichurri, fried curry leaves and pickled kombu. Before I realise it, it’s gone. A star of the main course at Mumbai’s fine dining restaurant Masque, this koji dosa acquired somewhat of a fan following of its own, before it was swapped out this September when the menu changed for the season.

Strange and wonderful things are afoot in fine dining and home kitchens across the globe, and that’s exactly what I’ve been tracking in season two of Big Food Energy, a podcast that spotlights some of the most exciting food businesses in India and around the world. In the past few years, the dosa, much like the pani puri, has become a favourite amongst fine dining chefs across the world. Interestingly, it’s not just Indian chefs around the globe who are bringing their roots to new diners. International chefs are studying flavour profiles, age-old processes of the Indian kitchen and borrowing traditions to reinterpret them in new, exciting ways. When I first tried the dosa in question, I asked Varun Totlani, Masque’s head chef, about his choice to include it on a fine dining menu. “Having grown up in Mumbai, the food of the city has shaped my palate, which is inspired by everything from my own Sindhi roots to pani puri and dosa. The way we use fermentation techniques in India is unlike anywhere else, and I wanted to spotlight that in this course by combining it with koji.”

The dosa has quite a few fans in the fine dining world. A few years ago, chef Himanshu Saini, the only Indian chef to run a three-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant—Tresind Studio in Dubai—showcased a mini dosai with an avocado pachadi. Inspired after a trip to India, chef Ana Roš, of the three-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko in Slovenia, serves up her version of a delicately-plated dosa with goat, salty yoghurt, curry leaves and wild water cress. Over in New York City, at the legendary Eleven Madison Park, chef Daniel Humm has been experimenting with versions of a tomato dosa. His first iteration in 2018 featured a green tomato relish and whipped aged goat cheese alongside the fermented “pancake” along with a tomato tea with thyme and tomato salad with berries. In 2021, when the restaurant famously turned vegan, it launched a version of the same dish. And for a collaboration with Masque in 2023, chef Humm created a tomato tea with gondhoraj lime and chilli that he served with a dosa with tomato, drumstick and marigold.

You may not realise it, but your sleep position may be betraying your buried emotions and hidden anxieties. At least, that’s what some recent science says about certain “high stress positions”—also known as sleeping positions that reflect a state of stress. In fact, some say the way we sleep is a silent mirror of our inner storms.

How does stress influence the way we sleep?

Every night, our bodies speak a language we often ignore. Indeed, stress acts as an invisible maestro, altering our sleep cycles, our sleep positions, and even the way our bodies seek rest. Under tension, the body activates the stress axis (otherwise known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), releasing cortisol and adrenalin, the hormones that keep muscles tense and delay bedtime. The result: difficulty falling asleep, chaotic nights, and the constant seeking of a more comfortable posture to soothe an overflow of nervous energy. The mind, for its part, doesn’t stop either—thoughts go round and round, replaying scenarios a thousand times. Fertile ground for insomnia, indeed.

According to research conducted in March 2024, “psychological stress directly predicts poorer sleep quality, particularly due to rumination and social anxiety. (…) Moreover, the deep phases of sleep, those that repair and soothe, are often shortened.”

Physically, the body also folds in on itself: knees bent, arms clenched, jaw tense. The result: unconscious “high stress positions” that reflect a real inner discomfort. In the morning, these nocturnal tensions can leave you with aches and pains, neck pain, and a general feeling of tiredness. The result is a vicious circle: Stress causes you to sleep in certain tense positions which creates more tension in your body and thereby, more stress. The more stress you feel, the less quality sleep you get.

The most common high stress sleep positions

Behind every high stress sleep position lies a repressed emotion. These sleep postures, far from being harmless, betray a mind under pressure. Often imperceptible, these postures ultimately reflect the way stress invades our nights. Here are the most common postures:

Fetal position: Sleeping with the knees drawn up against the chest and the back rounded in order to protect the vital organs, indicates a need for security and a protective reflex in the face of latent emotional anxiety.

Arms crossed over the chest like a mummy: This defensive posture is often unconsciously adopted by tense minds seeking to maintain control—even in sleep.

Flat on stomach: Sleeping with your forehead pressed against pillow, neck stretched, causes breathing to shorten. This position may reflect a desire to release tension, but it prevents complete muscular relaxation by misaligning the body’s natural axis.

Rigid back: Sleeping with the body straight, arms by the side or crossed is typical of perfectionists or people under great stress, who find it hard to “let go” even at night.