Posts in category: Life Style

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.

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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.

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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.

Cosmic tip: Strike that balance between nurturing others and fanning your own inner fire.

Walk away if you want to, it’s okay if you need to, Leo. Your angels, guides and the cosmos remind you that they will forever be just two steps behind whenever you need them. Now, instead of overexplaining and overcomplicating things in your head, remind yourself that your permission and free will are the golden ticket that grants the cosmos and your benevolent helpers in the higher realms to intervene in your life in miraculous ways. Feel all your emotions but also open your heart enough to ask your team of light to come assist you in your life.

Cosmic tip: Your ideas and epiphanies are the bridges to your liberation.

You are done and we get it. Virgo, life can feel very tough and sore, especially when mentally you feel you keep going through the same hoops over and over in the same way under varied circumstances. Now here is the thing—a challenge repeats itself only until either the lesson is learnt or the karmic baggage is resolved. And in your case, whatever it may be, it is likely that this is the final straw that is asking you if you are really ready to level up. Look at it as the last question on your question paper, after which you know you have passed with flying colors, you don’t even need to wait for the results.

Cosmic tip: You are presently becoming the mentor and the mentee, the magic and the magician, the lesson and the reward.

Fuel your subconscious, your intuition and your innate creative energy through your vibrant and and active mental landscape, Libra. Dress up for yourself, preserve your mental peace and take a balanced approach in life. There is little point in struggling to keep up with the circus, Libra. So ask yourself, forget being the monkey, are you even the ringmaster of the circus you are trying to fix? Most likely not. And with this realisation, you will gather the courage to not only step away but also focus on what truly matters and how you wish to be going forward.

You’ve probably curated moodboards, picked your palette and maybe even finalised your dream lehenga and chandbalis. But while the playlists and outfits fall into place, there’s one element that deserves equal attention: your skin.

“Your bridal glow is not built in a day,” says Dr Harshna Bijlani, aesthetic physician, celebrity skin expert and founder of AgeLess Clinic. “It’s layered inside out with science, consistency and a little bit of soul care.” With six months to go, the focus is not just on looking flawless but on building a foundation that lasts, starting with lifestyle changes, skincare habits and treatments that work over time. A thoughtful bridal skincare routine begins here.

Six months to go: start with the basics

This is the ideal moment to get serious about your skin prep. “The first step is always to fix your foundation, and I don’t mean makeup. I mean your lifestyle,” says Bijlani. She recommends consistent sleep (ideally by 11 pm), cutting back on sugar and dairy if you’re acne-prone, and using sunscreen daily. “Sunscreen is your skincare insurance policy. It protects your treatments, prevents pigmentation and keeps your glow intact.”

Begin a personalised routine with actives like vitamin C for brightness, niacinamide to strengthen your barrier and retinoids (if suitable) for smoother texture. You can also start in-clinic treatments such as pigmentation correction through peels, Q-switch lasers or mesotherapy, and laser hair reduction if needed. “Don’t wait till the last minute to fix skin concerns that need months to heal,” she advises. Six months out is when you build your glow, not chase it.

Three months to go: plan your treatments

The three-month mark is peak treatment season. This window allows enough time for procedures that deliver long-term results but may need recovery. Energy-based options like Ultherapy, Fotona 4D or RF microneedling gradually lift and tone skin, with results appearing closer to the wedding. Regular IV drips containing glutathione, vitamin C, collagen and biotin can also support skin health from within.

If you’re open to injectables, this is the right time for baby Botox to soften expression lines, subtle fillers for contour and hydration, and skin boosters for luminosity. “The three-month mark is when your skincare routine, workouts and diet need to go on autopilot,” says Bijlani. “Consistency now equals confidence later.”

One month to go: maintain and protect

With a month left, avoid new products or aggressive treatments. “Your focus now is on maintenance, hydration and keeping inflammation down,” warns Bijlani. Skip first-time peels, strong actives or lasers. Stick to trusted facials such as hydra facials, LED light therapy and lymphatic drainage to sculpt and reduce puffiness. Continue IV boosters only if your skin is already familiar with them. Treat this period as a dress rehearsal for your wedding day.

One week to go: keep it calm

This final stretch is about calming the chaos. Stress and poor sleep can raise cortisol levels, leading to puffiness, dullness and breakouts. Bijlani recommends a simple routine: a gentle double cleanse, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid, peptides or ceramides, followed by SPF in the morning and a nourishing barrier cream at night. Cold water dunking can help tone and depuff, while gua sha or jade rolling can relax the face. Above all, prioritise sleep. “Nothing replaces a full night’s rest. No serum, no facial,” she says.

A day before: soothe and rest

The day before your wedding, give your skin a break. Avoid exfoliants, masks or new products. A gentle hydration mist, barrier cream and nourishing lip balm are enough. Stay away from waxing, shaving or picking at pimples. Use a cold compress if needed and focus on rest. A cup of chamomile tea, light reading or breath work can help ease nerves. “Keeping your body and mind relaxed is just as important as caring for your skin,” says Bijlani.

On the day: less is more

On your wedding day, simplicity works best. Hydrate, then use only what your skin knows and loves–a mild cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF. Bijlani stresses the importance of at least one makeup trial, ideally a month before. “It’s not just about finalising your look. It’s about testing how your skin reacts to the products, especially base makeup and eyelash glue.”

I have never been good at being still. My days are packed with a relentless stream of meetings, messages and manic deadlines that I struggle to navigate. Naturally, my body mirrors that chaos, with my shoulders always feeling tight and muscles knotted like ropes I can’t untangle. Every attempt at rest feels laboured and even if I am successful, it’s almost always short-lived. It’s the same with luxurious massages that offer temporary reprieve; hours later, the tension returns with a stubborn and unrelenting insistence.

Desperate for something more lasting, I followed a friend’s insistence and found myself at Sohum Wellness during a recent trip to Dubai. Unlike typical spa visits, where you are handed a form to tick boxes about ailments, this began with a conversation. I was led to an Ayurvedic doctor whose calm presence seemed to slow the world by a fraction. She listened intently to my words, paid attention to my movement and pointed out how my posture carried weight; things I hadn’t noticed. When she spoke of my dosha, Vata, it was as though she had read the script of my body: the restless energy, the mental agitation and the persistent knots of tension.

As she explained the nature of my imbalance, she also suggested a remedy in Njavara Kizhi, an Ayurvedic rice massage with roots in the temples and wellness centres of Kerala. Rare outside Kerala, and even more so in commercial spas abroad, the therapy promised something I hadn’t experienced in years: a chance for my body and mind to truly release.

“Traditionally referred to as Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, Njavara Kizhi (Ayurvedic rice massage) is a thermo-nourishing therapy where the body is massaged using warm boluses made from a unique variety of red rice native to Kerala, cultivated over 60 days and renowned for its medicinal properties,” explains Dr Jouhar Kanjhirhla, an Ayurvedic doctor at CGH Earth Kalari Kovilakom, Palakkad, Kerala.

Njavara Kizhi: A ritual of rice and warmth

My treatment at Sohum Wellness began with gentle breathwork before flowing into the soft, resonant tones of Tibetan bells. A few minutes later, warm herbal oil was smeared across my body, easing taut muscles and preparing my skin for the procedure ahead.

Then arrived a tray with small muslin potlis or kizhi, filled with Njavara rice that was simmered in cow’s milk and a herbal decoction infused with Bala root, prized for its strengthening properties. Two therapists worked in tandem, pressing, rolling and kneading them along every tense fibre. When the warm, herb-infused rice boluses were placed along my back, shoulders and legs, a slow, insistent release began. The weight of daily life, be it the deadlines, the constant notifications or the invisible tension, seeped from my muscles with each rhythmic press. For the first time in months, I could feel stillness that wasn’t empty but felt like a slow surrender.

There’s a reason why chandbalis always win favour when it comes to picking jewellery for a wedding. The moon-shaped earrings are an ideal blend of heritage and style, and make a mighty statement—even when they are all the jewellery you’re wearing. “Chandbalis have been cherished since centuries. They have been worn by the Mughals and the Nizams and are a part of India’s rich heritage. Today, these traditional pieces have become classics,” says Sangeeta Dewan, principal designer, Zoya.

Another reason for you to consider them a must-have in your wedding jewellery collection? Their sheer versatility. “Chandbalis can be worn with ethnic wear or even with Indo-western ensembles,” says Dewan. Sunil Datwani, founder, Gehna Jewellers, agrees. “They are a classic accessory to wear to a wedding, given that they go with every ensemble. You can even pair them with a Western silhouette to add some fusion to your outfit,” he says.

What style of chandbalis should you pick?

According to Datwani, the styles to currently look out for are long tassel chandbalis. “Double-hoop chandbalis are also very much in trend, while kundan chandbalis and jadau chandbalis with meenakari work are evergreen picks.” On the other hand, Dewan believes the trend today is mixing and matching. “Women are experimenting with several types of chandbalis—like earrings that have both chandbalis and jhumkas; earrings with two or more chandbalis in a single piece; shoulder duster chandbalis. The key is to pair contemporary outfits with heritage jewellery and also adapt these pieces to suit modern tastes,” says Dewan.

Not sure where to begin? Check out our edit of the stunning chandbalis that deserve space in your wedding jewellery box.

Long tassel chandbali

The East of Bengal Chandbalis, Sabyasachi, Price on Request

Lisboa Statement Moon Baalis, Isharya, ₹14,999

Multi-Color Statement Gold Dangler Earrings, Amreli Jaipur, ₹2,400

Double-hooped chandbali

Gold Finish Kundan Polki Chandbali Earrings, Joules by Radhika, ₹10,500

Kundan chandbali

Tanushree Oversized Kundan Chandbalis, Attrangi, ₹5,450

Zoya Kundan Pearl Chandbali Earrings, MR Jewels, ₹7,150

Multicolored Pankhi Chandbalis With Kundan Drops, Vamika, ₹14,500

Laado Kundan Chandbali Earrings, Avsa, ₹4,670

Jadau chandbalis

Majestic Peacock Plume jadau Chandbali, Queens Jewels, ₹5,600

Regal Cascade Jadau Earrings, Binni, ₹14,999

Temple gold chandbalis

Heavenly Ethnic Antique Gold Chandbali Earrings, Senco Jewellers, ₹3,13,936

Jhumka chandbali

Trellis Chandbali In Ivory, Amama, 6,000

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A new moon always signals a fresh start — and this one is no exception. The last few weeks of October have a lot to offer from an astrological point of view, as Jetteke van Lexmond knows. And yet the energy that comes with it is rather calm in nature. “We are experiencing a new moon in Libra, while at the same time Neptune is moving from Aries into Pisces after 14 years,” explains the moon expert. “This brings with it a gentle, almost dreamy energy and at the same time marks a major turning point that offers the opportunity for a profound, personal transformation.” Where you might have been able to look away until now, there is now a feeling of pressure that calls you to make long-delayed decisions.

New moon on October 21: a personal transformation is imminent

This phase of awakening is reinforced by the recent movements of Pluto in Aquarius, as Jetteke van Lexmond knows: “Both Neptune and Pluto are deeply connected to the subconscious – the place where memories, imprints and also traumas accumulate.”

On October 21, the new moon will be in the sky in the sign of Libra

According to the expert, this new moon represents a moment of reassessment – especially in the area of relationships. “The celestial event invites us to reflect; to think about how we relate to ourselves, but also to others. This also brings to light issues such as our own self-worth and boundaries.”

As Jetteke van Lexmond explains, this means that conversations lead to a deeper touch than would normally be the case: “We may feel unexpectedly hurt by the behaviour of someone around us or at the same time notice that we are holding ourselves back so as not to offend anyone. This is because the moon directs our awareness to areas where we have lost ourselves in relationships – whether out of fear or because of old patterns. At the same time, Libra reminds us that a real connection is only possible if we remain true to ourselves.”

According to the astrologer, the new moon also promotes compassion, not only towards others, but also towards our own parts that are still struggling with old pain. At the same time, this creates space for renewal, which can bring about an authentic balance. “The questions you should ask yourself at this time are as follows: What do I want to handle differently in my relationships or my decisions in the future? What am I willing to let go of in order to get closer to my true self?” The new moon offers the clarity needed to answer these questions.

On October 22, Neptune temporarily returns to Pisces – and allows us to look deeper

Before Neptune moves into Aries for good, it returns to the mystical and dreamy sign of Pisces on October 22, where it will remain until January 26, 2026, as Jetteke van Lexmond knows. “This return invites you to explore the deeper layers of yourself.”

When quirky artist Polly (Dakota Fanning) receives a mysterious box from a late-night visitor, she becomes trapped in a gruesome, supernatural game where she must sacrifice what she loves, hates and needs to survive. As reality warps around her, the film spins a claustrophobic nightmare that pushes her limits. With support from Kathryn Hunter, Mary McCormack and Rachel Blanchard, Vicious blends psychological horror with visceral shocks in a chilling, single-location premise.

Streaming on Prime Video

Nobody Wants This season 2 (October 23)

You simply keep looking for newness in life, Aquarius and perhaps this is the reason you feel unfulfilled and like you never reach your maximum potential. However, instead of investing sleepless nights steeped in this fear of never being enough or having enough or getting someplace, take a moment to listen to your intuition. You are mischievous. You are creative, and this is your core personality trait, Aries. It’s every time you try to deviate and be someone other than what you are wired to be, you go into overdrive and begin panicking. Your fears around money and stability are not unfounded, Leo. You are at that point where you need to dig a little deeper and make some decisions that will set the tone for your future. Instead of trying to wing it all by yourself, why don’t you consider seeking help, guidance, mentorship or assistance from others?. The past has not been easy on you; however, Scorpio, this has taught you a thing or two about life, about what you want from it and about who is really there for you. Financially, things may have been looking up and then boom, you might have felt a pit in your stomach when you realised that this situation involves taking more from you than giving 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.

You are mischievous. You are creative, and this is your core personality trait, Aries. Now the thing is, every time you try to deviate and be someone other than what you are wired to be, you go into overdrive and begin panicking. Loosen the grip a little, because this is what will allow cosmic gifts and support to find their way to you. A successful time awaits you, but you must first be willing to stay open to the flow of life.

Cosmic tip: Give some, receive some and most importantly, find that warm glow within it all.

Tough times are behind you, Taurus, and you may be considering taking off on a trip. However, your guides are here to draw your attention to a tiny detail in your life—the extremes you live in, you engage with them with resources stuck in extremes, too. You need to stay consistent with your focus. When you are trying to build something, you cannot be swayed by whims, especially when resources are concerned. Sure, indulge in yourself; however, also remember that responsibility is a trait that abundance and money love. So, how are you going to step up to be the leader that you need to be to change your life for the better?