Life & Style

Another amazing affirmation, ‘सा विद्या या विमुक्तये’ means ‘True knowledge liberates a human’, and this can boost the confidence of people who are full of wisdom but cannot achieve in life due to circumstances. It tells them that learning is not just for acquiring information, but also for inner freedom, and with real wisdom and education, you will be able to let go of the fear of ignorance, failure, and even shrug off the false beliefs about life.

Shining bright like a star at Anant and Radhika Ambani’s sangeet function, Ananya looked stunning in a champagne-hued sequin saree designed by Manish Malhotra. The combination of golden and silver hues looked unique and gave a stunning luminous shine, which was further enhanced by a strapless, plunging neckline and backless blouse. The well-fitted blouse was also adorned with matching sequin work and gave a sultry twist to her overall fit.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Well, while science hasn’t touched the topic, traditional beliefs agree. But, the best way to stay protected from the heat with the help of onions would be to consume them as then, they will be really helpful. Eating raw onions is said to help cool the body as their high water content contributes to maintaining the electrolyte balance in the body. They might prevent any inflammation you may face because of the scorching heat. Additionally, as per a research study published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, onions have proven efficiency in preventing heart attacks. Thus, there seem to be no reason why you shouldn’t include these magical peels into your diet.

Image credits: Canva

As per study published by the National Library of Medicine, titled Effect of cooking food in iron-containing cookware on increase in blood hemoglobin level and iron content of the food: A systematic review, “It can be inferred that cooking food in iron pot escalates the levels of blood hemoglobin and iron content of the food, and thus reduces the incidences of iron deficiency anemia. The bioavailability of food containing heme iron increases more when cooked in iron pot than food having non-heme iron form. Also, the content of iron in the food was found to be increased by cooking acidic food with iron ingots.”

Another study titled, Beneficial effect of iron pot cooking on iron status states, when four iron rich snacks (mean iron content 2.1mg/serving) were cooked in iron pots and 27 preschool children (mean age 2.9 ± 0.9 y, 12 boys) and were supplemented with the snacks for 4 months and anthropometry and dietary intake data were collected, hemoglobin, serum iron and transferrin saturation were assessed.

And in result, there was an increase of 16.2 % in the iron content was found in the snacks cooked in iron pots than cooked in Teflon coated non-stick pots. After 4 months of supplementation, a significant increase of 7.9 % was seen in the hemoglobin of the children.

Image: @psychologylove100 via TikTok

Optical illusion personality tests, as the name suggests, are fun and engaging tests that claim to reveal a person’s true traits by simply looking at the picture. These images are based on psychology and they have one or more elements in them. Based on what catches a person’s attention first, a lot can be decoded about how they perceive the world around them and who they truly are as a person.
In this particular image, there is a man walking and a man’s face in the background. It was initially shared by @psychologylove100 on TikTok. Depending on what a person sees first, the picture claims to reveal if a person is an independent thinker or do they easily get influenced by others. To take the test, simply look at the above image and notice what you saw first. Now read what it means below:
In awe, one user commented under the video: “These are so accurate” while another shared: “This was so true about me! “, reports the Express.

1. If you saw a man walking on a road first…
Then it means that “Other people’s opinions have no influence on your life. It’s true that sometimes consult those closest to you before making a decision, but if their arguments don’t convince you, then you don’t go along with them… When you’re talking to someone, you don’t mind disagreeing with the other person. This sometimes leads to conflict but you would rather stand by your opinion than pretend to agree with anyone else,” the optical illusion guru shared.
This also shows that you are confident in your own skin. You are independent as a person– be it walking alone, or having your own view points about life. And this makes you stand apart from others.
2. If you noticed a man’s face in the trees first…
On the contrary, if you saw a man’s face in the trees first, then it means that you are very concerned about what others’ think and say about you. You are a people pleaser, however, this could also make you worry unnecessarily. On the other hand, because of this nature of yours, people find you to be sweet and kind.
“The opinions of others are important to you. Before making any decision, you consult those around you, and when they’re against it you let it go, even if it’s something you really care about… There’s nothing wrong with considering the opinions of those around you, but it’s also important to take a step back from them,” the optical illusion expert further said.
How accurate was this particular test result for you? Tell us in the comments section below.

Actions often speak louder than words. And so, when your ex is trying to connect with you again, there will be signs that will be hard to ignore. Whether they regret the breakup, miss being with you, or simply want a closure on how the relationship ended– their actions will indicate how much they want you back.

It might start out just as simple “Hello” or maybe “How is life”? But their ulterior motive is different. Some attempts to rekindle the old flame could be accidental, some can be driven by nostalgia. The sudden run-ins, decrypted text messages and frequent interactions through friends.

The sooner you understand these behaviours, the better you can decide whether you want to engage with them or simply move on in life.

The question is: Are they genuinely wanting to get back with you? Or are they just falling prey to their loneliness? Let’s look at some sureshot signs of your ex trying to win you back:

Isn’t it fascinating what technology can do today? From AI to lightning-fast internet, everything is just a click away. But what happens when there’s no power? When your battery runs low?

That’s where something timeless steps in—an art form that doesn’t rely on screens or signals but on pure creativity and storytelling. Puppetry is more than entertainment; it’s a second life, a loyal companion, and a world where you control the story. It’s an escape from the digital rush, a space where your imagination takes centre stage.

Puran Bhatt, a puppeteer from Rajasthan, performing Rajasthani Kathputli folk tale “Dhola Maru.”
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR K

The magic of puppetry

In the heart of bustling streets and quiet village corners, puppetry has danced its way through history, bringing stories to life in the most magical way. Long before movies and cartoons, puppets were the original entertainers—spinning tales of gods, heroes, and common men.

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Across cultures, from India’s Kathputli of Rajasthan to Indonesia’s Wayang Kulit, puppetry has been more than just a show; it’s been a way to pass down traditions, teach lessons, and spark imagination. In temples, courts, and marketplaces, puppets have whispered history, acted out myths, and even poked fun at society.

What makes them timeless?

They let storytellers create a world where anything is possible — where a wooden doll can become a king, a shadow can turn into a monster, and emotions can be felt without a single spoken word. Whether for children or adults, puppetry isn’t just play—it’s a world where fantasy and reality meet, no screens needed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses glimpses of a puppet show highlighting parts of the Sundar Kand, by Puppetry artist Nalin Gamwari and the team of Sri Anura Puppetry Society, as he arrives at hotel, in Colombo.
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Traditional artistes of Nimmalakunta village in Sri Sathya Sai district prepare their leather puppets ahead of a show.

A scene from ‘Duryodhanavadham’ Paavakathakali (Glove puppet kathakali) organised by Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram in Tripunithura near Kochi.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

Meet Pupalife: A storytelling movement that’s reimagining education

Pupalife is not just an organisation—it’s a movement that believes in the power of stories to transform lives. Founded in 2015, Pupalife was born out of a single moment of curiosity when a child asked about shadow puppetry. The founder Mohana Sundaram, not knowing the answer, took it as a challenge. With nothing but YouTube and sheer curiosity, he began learning, experimenting, and performing—and that spark ignited the journey of Pupalife.

Team Pupalife

At its core, Pupalife is a storytelling collective that believes education is the key to social reform. And what better way to educate than through storytelling? Over the years, the team has mastered and explored more than 10 unique storytelling formats, from shadow puppetry and ventriloquism to folk tales and music-based narratives.

“We mix the traditional with the modern—bringing in folk instruments, songs, and tales while adapting them with themes that resonate with children today,” says Mohan. “Our stories are often inspired by thinkers like Thiruvalluvar, but the real magic happens when children join us in co-creating them. It becomes an interactive and imaginative experience for everyone.”

Talking about their ambitious All India Storytelling Camp launched in 2023, he adds, “We covered 48 locations across India and hope to reach 100 soon. Even when language is a barrier, storytelling isn’t. Through music, actions, and expressions, we connect with children everywhere. Stories are a universal language.”

But Pupalife is more than just performances. With a dream to build an institution dedicated to puppetry education—offering structured courses like diplomas, especially in shadow puppetry—the team is on a mission to revive this fading art form.

Boshikavya, Co-Founder, Pupalife performing shadow puppetry.

Their passion even took them overseas. “I went to Indonesia to study their traditional puppetry, especially wayang kulit,” says co-founder Boshikavya, who is also a lawyer. “It was eye-opening to see how deeply rooted and respected puppetry is there, and we want to bring that level of seriousness and structure back to India.”

With just a core team of four working out of a small office in Kodambakkam, Chennai, they’ve managed to reach a much larger audience, proving that big changes don’t always need big teams—just big ideas and effort.

“We may not be here after 30 years, but our stories will be—and we want the next generation to carry them forward.”BoshikavyaCo-founder

“He spoke through the puppet”: The life-changing impact of puppetry on autism

For many, puppetry may seem like an ancient form of storytelling. But for some, it becomes a voice. One such unforgettable moment in the journey of these passionate puppeteers was when a 24-year-old with autism, who hadn’t spoken for years, finally expressed himself—through a puppet.

“He can’t talk, he won’t express anything,” recalled the storyteller, speaking about their year-long puppetry workshop with autistic adults. “But after our intervention, he spoke something with the puppet. He delivered something,” shared Mohan.

Mohana Sundaram, Founder, Pupalife.

Interaction is the key

The interactive nature of the art form draws children in, making them active participants rather than passive learners. “Sometimes, we start a story, and then the kids take it forward. They create the characters, build the narrative—it’s their world,” Mohan explained.

“I give the puppets to them, I go and talk to the children, I involve the child in that play,” Mohan shared. “Automatically, the child becomes cooperative.”

Meet Mr. Vaan
Every great puppet has a story, and Mr. Vaan is no different. Stitched by Mohan himself, Vaan is more than just fabric and thread—he’s a character brought to life by imagination. His name wasn’t randomly chosen; it was given by a young girl who, when asked about its meaning, explained that it came from the Tamil word “Vaanam,” which means sky, what was also her brother’s name.

Even schools are beginning to understand the power of this medium. From life skills to academics, puppetry is now being developed into a structured curriculum with two tracks: storytelling for life skills, and concept-based academic modules. “When we go to schools, many children come just to feel the puppets once,” Boshikavya added. “They have a thirst to learn this.”

And perhaps, in a world dominated by screens, it’s that simple, tactile interaction—being able to hold, talk to, and become the puppet—that makes all the difference.

“Story is not bound by language. Even if I don’t know a child’s mother tongue, they can understand the story through actions, music, and expressions.”Mohana SundaramFounder, Pupalife

Imagination taking centre stage

Pupalife’s approach is rooted in hands-on engagement. They use shadow puppetry, an art form Mohan himself was drawn to, as a tool for imagination and storytelling. They also integrate folk songs into their performances, making it a cultural learning experience. “It’s not just about puppets — it’s about bringing in traditional music, old tales, and making children a part of it,” he says.

“And that’s the real magic of puppetry — it’s not about watching, it’s about doing. When a child holds a puppet, they aren’t just playing; they’re expressing, learning, and creating something uniquely their own,” he continued.

Ventriloquism

Ventriloquism is the art of speaking without moving one’s lips, making it seem as though the voice is coming from a puppet or another source. It is often used in entertainment, but it can also be a powerful tool for therapy and communication.

“One of our biggest challenges was performing a ventriloquism show for blind people. Since traditional ventriloquism relies on visual elements—like the movement of a puppet’s mouth and expressions —we had to adapt. We focused on creating distinct voices, engaging storytelling, and interactive dialogue to ensure the audience could fully experience the performance. The response was incredible, proving that ventriloquism is not just about sight but also about sound, imagination, and emotion,” Mohan said.

An interesting take

“I strongly believe robotics started from puppetry. If there is no puppetry, there is no robotics, which we are talking about now. So, that is the base for everything,” said Boshikavya, Co-Founder of Pupalife, who is also a lawyer.

“A robot and a puppet may look similar, but there’s a crucial difference—one follows commands, the other tells a story. That’s why storytelling connects with children in a way lessons and marks never can,” she added.

Fun fact: The Mechanical Turk

In the 18th Century, Wolfgang von Kempelen created the Mechanical Turk, a chess-playing “robot” that amazed audiences. Spoiler alert: It was actually a cleverly disguised puppet operated by a hidden human!

Photo of the reconstruction of the Turk, the chess-playing automaton designed by Kempelen.

“Puppetry isn’t just art—it’s a 3D model that brings stories and concepts to life. While drawings stay flat, puppets move, speak, and teach. Schools are beginning to see its value, with some even asking for weekly shows or workshops. It’s not just performance—it’s education in motion.”Team Pupalife

Pupalife continues to take this art forward through unique workshops where children learn, create, and perform.

Last week marked 25 years of fashion weeks in India, and that would include Mumbai’s Bollywood powered Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) and Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) supported Delhi Fashion Week. Just for comparison: Paris is in its 52nd year, Milan in its 66th, and New York, in its current format, is in the 32nd. Its legendary figure, Fern Mallis, is often credited with creating the format upon which Indian, Moscow and Berlin built their respective fashion weeks.

India’s fashion weeks are relatively young, but not so young that we can’t be self accountable. And a silver jubilee is a good occasion to look back — and forward.

A model presents a collection by Shivan & Narresh
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Indian-origin American actor Kal Penn hosted the evening at the Jio Convention Centre; Lakmé veteran, actor and crowd favourite Kareena Kapoor Khan took to the stage to announce her return to the brand and the ramp. But the loudest laughs were reserved for LFW head and Reliance Brands’ Group Vice President Jaspreet Chandok’s quip that the evening’s seating was decided by AI, not his team.

An A-list roster of 30 Indian designers, including veterans such as Anamika Khanna, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani, Sanjay Garg’s Raw Mango, but also younger creatives such as Bodice, and Jason & Anshu, showcased two archival looks from their past finale collections. A star was missing, though. Sabyasachi Mukherjee, of the eponymous fashion house, who got his start at LFW, celebrated his own 25th year this January, with what is considered the ‘show of 2025’.

The designer line up
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week

“We need to operate as an industry, and not as individual entities, if we want the fashion week format to grow. Brands must commit to show as part of the official calendar consistently, year after year — just as is the standard at international fashion weeks.”Rahul MishraFashion designer

Looking back

“I lived this show for the last three months, combing through, recreating, and reworking these archival pieces,” shared senior stylist Gautam Kalra, who worked on the gala show. It was not just nostalgia; Kalra and the designers revisited a time when Indian fashion weeks weren’t as heavily bridal-focused. True fans will remember Tahiliani’s jewelled T-shirts and Malini Ramani’s all-year-round resort glam.

Rahul Mishra’s show
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

The selected pieces were glamorous, and in some cases, recreated from memory because many designers haven’t maintained formal archives. It was fascinating to witness early experiments, such as the now-ubiquitous breastplate by Suneet Varma, or the cheeky throwback to the gold sling Manish Malhotra originally designed for Shah Rukh Khan in 2009 — a functional accessory from when the superstar agreed to close the LFW show with a fractured hand. Equally special was seeing archival lehengas from the doyenne of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar, who rarely opens up her atelier to the fashion crowd.

Anamika Khanna’s designs
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week

Business of runways

Over the years, questions have routinely popped up about the relevance of fashion weeks: some find the format ineffectual for international buyers, others are finding more opportunities in newer platforms, and a few are disenchanted with sponsorship and everything that comes with it. “The promise of fashion weeks from say 15 years ago has been somewhat eroded since social media, influencer culture and the undue importance given to Bollywood showstoppers. Shows still need to be critically evaluated,” veteran couturier and FDCI founding member Tahiliani — who in 2003 became the first Indian designer to showcase at Milan Fashion Week — minces no words.

Designer Tarun Tahiliani at Lakmé Fashion Week 2025
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

But Sunil Sethi, founder of FDCI, says, “Year on year, we have a waiting list of over 60 brands that want to be a part of the showroom or stalls. If fashion weeks didn’t generate business, we wouldn’t still have this rush.” He points out that a designer would have to spend ₹30 lakh to create impact with their own campaign or show, but a single fashion week show (₹6.5 lakh for a solo, ₹4.5 lakh for a dual, and just ₹2.5 lakh for a triple slot) offers brands models, make-up artists, choreographers, stylists — and that’s not even considering unparalleled publicity, content creation opportunity, and sales.

(L-R) Milind Soman, Ankita Konwar and Sunil Sethi at designer Namrata Joshipura show
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

“In the early 2000s, designers only did business of ₹1 crore; in the last year, independent designers with no corporate backing have done a total business of ₹20 crore with us,” he says, adding that designers must use fashion weeks as a springboard — to showcase at national and international platforms as well as trade shows.

“Tightly edited collections with a serious POV is the way to go ahead”Tarun TahilianiCouturier 

Consistency is key

Young designers such as Dhruv Kapoor, who has been consistently showing at Milan Fashion Week since 2022, are focused on business growth, too. “Moving forward, India needs to refine its buying patterns and move away from the consignment model,” he says. “Young brands struggle under this format financially — at a juncture when cash flow is of extreme importance for growing brands. Collections should be purchased outright, and multi-brand outlets [MBOs] should invest in promoting new products.”

Designer Dhruv Kapoor

Kapoor also emphasises the distinction between heritage clothing and ready-to-wear collections. “Inviting international buyers to see exquisite heritage garments makes little sense if they have no market outside the NRI audience. If India wants to establish a global presence, its products must be tailored for international retail.”

It is a sentiment that embroidery wizard Rahul Mishra understands all too well. “We need to operate as an industry, and not as individual entities, if we want the fashion week format to grow,” he says, insisting that brands must commit to show as part of the official calendar consistently, year after year — just as is the standard at international fashion weeks. A regular at Paris Fashion Week for 11 years, Mishra acknowledges that despite the global platform he enjoys, Indian fashion weeks remain impactful for his business.

Rahul Mishra (right) with Janhvi Kapoor (centre) at Lakmé Fashion Week
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

“By 2030, I hope they will garner the same level of attention from international buyers and media. There’s no denying the role of sponsors in subsidising shows for us in the country, but as our industry matures, we need more subtle and creative ways to collaborate with them — so that clothes and shows can still maintain their integrity.”

There are many practicalities to consider, too. According to Kapoor, while a lot has been formalised under industry seniors, emerging designers still require guidance on fundamentals — be it line sheets (a catalogue-like sales tool for buyers), standardised quality control, production, and shipping documentation. “These are crucial elements of building a brand, yet many designers are left to navigate them alone.” While prestigious design schools may teach the basics, fashion weeks remain the true testing ground.

Models present creations by FDCI x Pearl Academy
| Photo Credit:
PTI

“Moving forward, India needs to refine its buying patterns and move away from the consignment model. Young brands struggle under this format financially — at a juncture when cash flow is of extreme importance for growing brands. Collections should be purchased outright, and multi-brand outlets [MBOs] should invest in promoting new products.”Dhruv KapoorFashion designer

The question of why

“Indian fashion weeks, now more than ever, serve a deeper purpose. They are, and should be, a platform for cultural ideas that prioritise the local over the global,” says Bandana Tewari. Hailing from Sikkim, the culture journalist and sustainability advocate has witnessed first-hand how brands committed to indigenous practices uphold the integrity of their origins. “The new generation of designers are storytellers — not just of products but of immersive cultural experiences. They did not grow up in an era of globalisation and homogenisation. Instead, their work engages with the ‘invisible’ people in the supply chain, the time-intensive processes, and the deeper purposes of creativity.”

A model presents a collection by Somya Goyal
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Reliance’s Chandok, for instance, has categorically supported young talent, textile-forward designers, and artisans, and was greatly responsible for reuniting India’s fractured fashion week platforms.

Embracing the future

Indian fashion weeks have given us unforgettable moments: Katrina Kaif as Barbie, Akshay Kumar’s infamous Levi’s unbuttoning by Twinkle Khanna, and a very pregnant Kareena Kapoor Khan walking a Sabyasachi show. Including Bollywood showstoppers is a practice our industry can’t quite shake off, given its guaranteed return on investment. But designers have also delivered thought-provoking showcases: Kallol Datta’s no-front-row experiment in 2016, Rohit Bal’s Kashmiri poetry under a crescent moon at Quli Khan’s tomb in 2014, and Antar-Agni’s groundbreaking menswear debut in 2014 with its fluid and draped silhouette.

Models present a collection by Tahiliani
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

As the Indian industry matures, many of its original tastemakers may have stepped away — or return only for special shows. The focus has shifted to sustainability, and distinctive design languages. Nostalgia has served its purpose. Now, it’s time to move forward.

The writer is a Mumbai-based fashion stylist.

Former royal butler Paul Burrell, who once worked closely with Princess Diana, believes that despite public opinion and much scrutiny, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won’t get divorced. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, seem to have found a “balance” in their relationship and share a strong mutual goal: Building their brand and wealth together, Burrell shared.
Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Eden Confidential, Burrell said, “Despite the pressures on their marriage and lifestyle, I don’t see any signs of divorce. Harry would lose too much.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in 2018 and in 2020, the officially announced that they’re stepping down from their royal duties– a decision that shook the British monarchy and surprised the world. Since then, Harry and Meghan have taken control of their financial future. They moved to North America, launched their Archewell Foundation, and signed major deals with Netflix and Spotify. Meghan has also recently entered the lifestyle space with her brand As Ever, which was originally called American Riviera Orchard.
Burrell believes that it their shared ambition to grow their fortune, which keeps Harry and Meghan united. “They have a common goal to make themselves as rich as possible, as quickly as possible. That balance seems to work — both for their brand and their marriage,” he said, commenting on their marriage.

Meghan’s lifestyle brand was officially launched on April 2, 2025, and it’s already a hit. Her lifestyle products like– wildflower honey ($28), raspberry jam ($14), flower sprinkles ($15), and cookie and crepe mixes ($14 each)– sold out within an hour of the website’s launch in the U.S.
In her As Ever newsletter, Meghan called the launch a “pivotal moment”. She wrote, “Think of it as our time capsule. I hope when you see what I’ve worked so hard to create, you’re encouraged to know that whatever life brings, you can do it too.”

Meanwhile, Meghan’s new show ‘With Love, Meghan’ which aimed at giving a glimpse of her life in the US with Prince Harry (H) and their two children was aired earlier this year. The show received mixed reviews and has now been renewed for Season 2.

These days, being smart with your emotions is just as important as book smarts. It’s about how you handle your feelings, understand others, and deal with everyday challenges. But a lot of people don’t even realize they have strong emotional intelligence. It’s not always obvious and doesn’t always look a certain way.

You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out. Emotional intelligence often shows up in small, everyday moments– things you do without thinking. If you’re curious whether you might have it, here are five easy signs to watch for.