Life & Style

Coro

The latest addition to Bengaluru’s kid-centric community is Coro, a members-only family club. Founded by Tena Pick and Tanushree Seth — who met through a Whatsapp support group for mothers during the pandemic — Coro offers parents a space to work, and children to play and connect. “We were aware of the lack of adequate infrastructure for children and families in Bengaluru, and mothers were constantly having to choose between their professional lives and parenting,” says Tena, also the founder of Project Kal, a gender leadership academy in the city. 

Coro currently offers in-house activities through the week, as well as events and workshops by a curated lineup of facilitators
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Coro currently offers in-house activities through the week, as well as events and workshops by a curated lineup of facilitators and organisations such as the LooRoo Club and Moving Minds. “Our aim is to create a space where children can play, explore, and foster a sense of independence. Our playshapers use a variety of approaches that all fall under methodology of play,” says Tena, “Every week has a different theme, such as ‘the world around us’ or ‘little explorers’, and every day that theme is explored through different modalities, such as music, theatre, arts, and storytelling.”

Storyteller Heidi Faye Pereira at Coro Space. Shot on OnePlus #FramesofIndia
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN

For the summer, a range of movement, dance, music, arts, crafts, sensory play and children’s theatre activities are being planned. “We also have food pop-ups, events for the adults on the work floor, and networking opportunities for our families. In the months of April and May, we will host our own summer camp for children,” she adds. 

Membership plans start at ₹15,000 a month. For non-members, upwards of ₹500 for an activity.

The LooRoo Club organises playdates themed on books, festivals; workshops for educators; and eco-friendly birthday celebrations
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

LooRooClub 

With play-based learning at the core of  The LooRoo Club, founders Lakshmi Kaushik and Sangeetha Arjun say it represents “everything we cherish — childhood wonder, deep roots in nature, and a love for our city”.

“Sangeetha, a nutritionist and play-based educator, and I have been friends since third grade, growing up in the 90s with unstructured outdoor play. As parents, we wanted our children to experience the same joy of exploring nature and learning through play – making concoctions with mud, leaves and flowers, and making mud cakes,” says Lakshmi. What began as small playdates for their children quickly grew into a larger community.

Sangeetha Arjun and Lakshmi Kaushik
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The name LooRoo, she says, is inspired by their children, Luca (Loo) and Rudra (Roo). “It’s also a perfect short form of our beloved city, Bengaluru!” says the architect and paper-cut artist.

Known for their immersive, nature-inspired play experiences, the duo organise playdates themed on books, festivals; workshops for educators; and eco-friendly birthday celebrations. “We use real materials like leaves, flowers, and mud, and bring books and traditions to life through interactive activities,” she adds. 

A play date by The LooRoo Club
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

At a farm-themed playdate themed on What The Ladybird Heard, for example,  children harvested real potatoes, made pretend food for farm animals using oats, leaves, and grains, and painted farmer boots and ladybugs. “They built tiny worm farms, printed with fruits and veggies, and splashed around in a muddy slush tray, giving farm animals a bath. The day ended with a play-dough garden, filled with colourful flowers,” says Lakshmi.

Playdates start at ₹1,500 . Details on @theloorooclub on Instagram

Children at  Imagine That! Creative Studio
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Imagine That

When Gitanjali Budhrani’s daughter was younger, she found herself driving all over the city for her child’s classes.” I was battling traffic with a cranky child and spending half the day on the road! That’s when I realised there wasn’t a designated space in Central Bengaluru for children’s classes or events,” says the former restaurateur. 

Cut to November 2023, and Gitanjali founded Imagine That! Creative Studio to fill that gap. “While the idea stemmed from my own experience as a parent, I also knew several teachers who had well-crafted curriculums but no space to conduct their sessions. On the other hand, I met parents who were eager for classes but didn’t want to commute long distances every week,” says Gitanjali, who opened her second studio at Koramangala recently.

Imagine That! offers parents-toddler sessions, after school and kindergarten classes, athletics, and art groups
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

What started as a casual search for a suitable space, she says, quickly turned into something bigger. Today, Imagine That! offers parents-toddler sessions, after school and kindergarten classes, athletics, and art groups. “Every Saturday, we host workshops that cover STEM, STEAM, nature play, crafts, baking and storytelling. These are especially popular among working parents who may struggle to fit weekday classes into their schedules,” adds Gitanjali who also offers Nature-based learning. “We’ve hosted workshops where children and parents team up to make crayons using mud and clay, create art with flowers and leaves, dye shirts using natural mud pigments, to name a few.”

Every Saturday, Imagine That! hosts workshops that cover STEM, STEAM, nature play, crafts, baking and storytelling
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

For the coming months, Gitanjali is collaborating with various teachers to host summer camps. “These camps will run for the first half of the day, offering kids a structured yet fun way to spend their mornings. We’re also keeping our regular weekly classes going for those who wish to stick to their usual schedules,” she says.

Upwards of ₹900. For details, call 9916512586

Kavya Chandra (far left) at a Nature walk
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

A Green Venture

For the last decade, Kavya Chandra has been educating school children, and families through curated Nature camps and day trips in the city that are aimed at “helping them disconnect from their digital lives”. “These experiences are held at public parks and private farms, and today A Green Venture offers experiences which range from education-based content to recreation-based content (Nature quizzes, treasure hunts, outdoor art, etc) for families. We also have overnight camps for kids and Nature walks for private and corporate groups,” says Kavya, who was recently certified as a Nature guide by the government-recognised Skill India. 

A practicing urban grower of over 100 species of plants, she says her methodology is curated based on the audience/ group visiting. “We incorporate storytelling, facts and knowledge, insect and bird spotting, sensory activities, Nature facts and a fun quiz/ game with takeaways at the end.” 

A walk and activity in progress
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Kavya also offers “celebration walks”, and has conducted them for anniversaries, birthdays for children, and senior citizens. “We have special customised walks for certain flowering trees in Bengaluru, and all our celebration walks come with several sensory activities where we get children to observe and learn from picking up fallen treasures, and being mindful of small creatures that they encounter. Our walks are conducted in a way where we talk and teach to both children and adults,” she explains, adding that such activities are important given the “Nature-deficit” lives most people lead today.”

Children at a Nature camp
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“There was a time where going outside and playing was a normal thing to do; as children we were outside constantly looking under stones, peeping into hollow trees, trying to spot nests and birds etc, observing insects. Today, children are stressed all the time, whether it’s studying or being at home in front of the screen, says Kavya, who is now planning for their annual Nature Camp for children in the summer which will be scheduled in April/ May.

Nature walks upwards of ₹800 and the Nature Camp is priced starting at ₹8,500 per person. For details, call 9886400312.

Crispy Palak Patta Chaat
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

On a hot and humid afternoon, we found ourselves at Bombay Truffle for lunch. The soothing interiors and cosy seating were inviting so we lingered. We started with their popular crisp palak patta chaat and Bombay-style pani puri, while our refreshing strawberry mojito mocktail arrived in the meantime.

The first brand under Collective Cuisines, this pure vegetarian fine dining restaurant is committed to affordable luxury We began with pumpkin shorba, which had a comforting richness, thanks to coconut milk and olive oil, the chef explains. Next came the crisp palak patta chaat — spinach leaves dipped in a rice flour and besan batter, deep-fried, and drizzled with tangy and sweet chutneys, chopped onions, tomatoes, sev, chaat masala, coriander, and pomegranate seeds.

Biscoff Tres Leches
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The jalapeño cheese kulcha and pani puri arrived together, but it was the kulcha that stole our attention. This gourmet take on the classic Indian bread, infused with jalapeños and oozing melted cheese, delivered a deep, umami-rich flavour. As for the pani puri, in true Mumbai street-food style, it was served with potato, black channa, and ragda fillings, along with a choice of dips. The pomegranate-infused pani with chaat masala and tamarind stood out. At the chef’s recommendation, we tried the Peshawari paneer kebab, presented on a shimmering gold plate. Stuffed with minced nuts and cheese, the paneer was cooked to perfection.

Bombay-style Pani Puri
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

For the mains, we order an assortment of breads — cheese olive naan, lacha paratha, and garlic naan. To accompany them, we chose the Bombay-style dal makhani and paneer tikka masala. The cheese olive naan stole my heart, pairing perfectly with the mildly flavored, buttery dal makhani, which had a rich, smoky depth. The paneer tikka masala, infused with a hint of kasuri methi, was equally indulgent.

From their continental menu, I opt for the penne in creamy basil pesto. While the subji dum biryani was decent, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. The basil pesto pasta, however, was a different story.

basil pesto pasta,
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Having decided on dessert even before our soup, we wasted no time. The biscoff tres leches and gur (jaggery) ice cream arrived soon after. While the ice cream was a bit underwhelming, the tres leches more than made up for it. This fusion of caramelised biscoff flavours with the classic Latin American three-milk cake was pure indulgence — soft, spongy, and soaked in a luscious biscoff-infused milk mixture, topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts.

Bombay Truffle, Anna Nagar East. Cost for two ₹2,800. For reservations, call 8925996602.

Bioluminescence or sea sparkle, locally called ‘Kavaru’, at Chellanam
| Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

It is that time of the year in Kochi, when the shrimp farms along the backwaters are sparkling in blue shimmer. ‘Kavaru’ or bioluminescence, the environmental phenomenon that gives the waters an electric blue backlight, is now a looked-forward to event on the tourist’s calendar. People from various parts of Kochi and outside visit the fishing villages of Kumbalangi and Chellanam where it is most visible. 

Travel and adventure sports companies have curated packages around the phenomenon that usually occurs during the March-April months in these regions.

Kayakify, a canoe and kayak tour agency based in Kumbalangi in Kochi, has been offering tours that let tourists enjoy bioluminescent waters at night. These one-hour sessions take tourists into the shrimp farms in Chellanam on kayaks and canoes.

Bioluminescence at Chellanam captured on a kayak
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Edwin Joseph, the founder of Kayakify, says kayaking is a relatively sustainable and safe way to enjoy the beauty of the phenomenon. “Bioluminescence occurs only when there is movement on the water’s surface, so visitors tend to throw stones and sticks into the water or sometimes even jump into it to see bioluminescence, which could adversely affect the fish ecosystem. With kayaking, the paddles trigger luminescent ripples, which don’t harm the delicate ecosystem,” says Edwin.

‘Kavaru’ at Chellanam
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT

The Kumbalangi-based company had organised bioluminescent kayaking tours last year too on a small scale. The kayaks are two-seaters, there are single seaters as well. Country boats are used as canoes. The tourists would be accompanied by trained instructors and they would be made to wear safety jackets as well. “Since we are doing this on a farm, the waters are not deep. It is safe even for very young children,” says Edwin.

The phenomenon is only visible at night, so the tours typically start from 8pm and go on till 1am.

Arthi Dharmaraj’s travel company Out in Dreams, based in Coimbatore, has already organised two group trips to Kumbalangi in March. “A large part of the popularity of bioluminesence in Kochi can be attributed to Instagram. We usually get a mixed crowd for these group tours and we get questions about the phenomenon, too,” says Arthi. “Bioluminescence is usually more common in oceans and people are curious to understand how it happens in the backwaters,” says Arthi.

Bioluminescence
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Out in Dreams offers a comprehensive package, which includes other activities around Kumbalangi too, other than bioluminescence kayaking. “We include a tour of the fishing village, including activities such as casting the net. It is a great way to experience the local culture and food,” says Arthi. The company has slotted two more tours in April. 

Bioluminescence is caused by dinoflagellate algae, which have luminescent properties. Any movement on the surface of the water — waves, fishing, or swimming can trigger luminescence.  Since the phenomenon is caused by a combination of environmental factors  — nutrient rich water, favourable temperature and salinity — it usually disappears when it begins to rain.

So keeping the unpredictability factor in mind, these kayaking tours also cash in on Kumbalangi’s village tourism potential. One of India’s first eco-tourism villages, the scenic village has a wealth of shrimp farms and Chinese fishing nets. Tourists also look forward to experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

For information, contact @kayakify.kochi and @out_indreams on Instagram.

“Who would have thought that I would go on solo trips at this age? I feel 16, not 60,” a child-like happiness is palpable in Jessy Joseph’s voice. This retired teacher from Thiruvananthapuram is referring to the budget tourism trips of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

The KSRTC buses, or aanavandi, as they are fondly called, the name derived from the two elephants that are part of its emblem, have been plying passengers to tourist destinations, temples, historical places, monuments etc across the State. The initiative, run by the Budget Tourism Cell (BTC), a vertical under the KSRTC, was launched in 2021.

A whopping 1,500 tour packages are in force now, operated by 90 out of the total 93 KSRTC depots in Kerala, while bringing relief to the cash-strapped KSRTC. “The stipulated target is ₹10 crore a month, which is not easily attainable. But we could collect half of it in December-January. Last month’s revenue was ₹3 crore, while it was ₹80 lakh the same time last year,” says R Udayakumar, Chief Traffic Manager, KSRTC.

Passengers during a budget tourism trip to Kollur Mookambika Temple
| Photo Credit:
Muraleekrishnan TV

An idea mooted by Biju Prabhakar, the former managing director of the KSRTC, the BTC trips have covered many unexplored scenic spots in the State. “No other State has such an elaborate scheme. Karnataka is doing it on a small scale, that too through contract carriages,” Udayakumar adds.

The first BTC package, before the official launch of the Cell, was from Chalakkudy depot to Malakkappara on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Thrissur district, in September 2021. “I was a passenger then and it turned out to be so memorable that I have been part of almost all trips from Chalakkudy depot. A favourite of the lot has been to Mamalakkandam [in Ernakulam district]. The picturesque trail was adventurous as well as refreshing. I am now waiting for new packages,” says Bindu KU, a government employee, who has been on over 20 package tours.

Currently there are BTC services to Malakkappara from all KSRTC depots, the highlight of the package being a journey cutting through a forest area, with viewpoints at Athirappilly, Charpa, Vazhachal, Peringalkoothu dam, Anakkayam bridge, Sholayar dam, tea estates etc.

A Travel to Technology trip organised by the Budget Tourism Cell for school students from Sulthan Bathery depot in Wayanad
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The packages are priced from ₹200 onwards, as in the case of Nagarakazhchakal, a two-hour ride on an open-top electric double-decker within Thiruvananthapuram city. It goes up to ₹6,500, for a two-day package from Kasaragod depot to Gavi in Pathanamthitta district. Except for short trips, the rates cover food and accommodation. Passengers are put up in dormitories with neat restrooms, an official says.

At present, the most number of BTC trips are operated to Munnar in Idukki followed by Gavi. Over 3120 tours were conducted to Munnar in the last four years, Udayakumar adds. The latest attraction in Munnar is the Royal View double-decker bus that operates three services daily offering a panoramic view of the tea town in three hours, passing through the scenic Munnar GAP road with a stunning view of the Western Ghats, tea plantations, misty hills etc. “We also have stay-in sleeper buses at the depot with a total of 150 seats, priced ₹220 per head,” says Anish R, coordinator, BTC (Central zone).

A trip to Gavi that has a pristine forest cover teeming with wildlife and birds is often clubbed with a visit to Adavi, famous for its coracle ride across Kallar river, and a trek to Parunthumpara in nearby Idukki district.

The BTC has also tied up with Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) for a tour on its luxury liner, Nefertiti, in Kochi. A ride through the Arabian Sea in the three-decker ship, enjoying music, good food, games and more is a huge hit. Tour packages are also being organised to other KSINC vessels, Sagararani and Suryamshu in Kochi.

Passengers near Nefertiti, the luxury liner in Kochi
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Mango Meadows, the agricultural theme park at Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district, also figures on the list of all depots.

For the devotees

Pilgrimage tourism is a big draw with buses plying to all the famous temples across Kerala. Included in this are seasonal packages to Thiruvairanikkulam in Ernakulam, Naalambalayathra, covering temples dedicated to Lord Ram and his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughna, in Kottayam and Thrissur districts, and the Panchapandava temples spread over Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts among others. We operated 250 services to Thiruvairanikkulam this season, says Anish.

During this year’s Attukal Pongala in Thiruvananthapuram, 103 trips were arranged from across Kerala. “Now temples are approaching us for tour packages,” says Udayakumar. He adds that BTC has special packages for educational institutions as well, called Travel to Technology.

Now that summer is at its peak, trips are being scheduled to destinations with cooler temperatures. The BTC has a coordinator in each district and they are assigned to come up with new packages. “In Thiruvananthapuram we have the Theeradesayathra or a trip through the coastal stretch, covering Poovar, Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Shanghumugham, Veli, Muthalappozhi, Anchuthengu and Varkala,” says VA Jayakumar, district coordinator, BTC, Thiruvananthapuram (North). Over 240 packages are scheduled for destinations across Kerala this month from various depots in the district.

An ambitious package coming up is night trekking at Chingeri Hills in Wayanad, in association with District Tourism Promotion Council. Trips will be operated from Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta depots. “Wayanad already has a night jungle safari from Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery depots. We have conducted over 300 such trips. Like Munnar, there is stay-in sleeper bus facility at Sulthan Bathery depot, with 61 bed spaces arranged in five buses,” says Varghese CD, zonal coordinator, BTC (North).

One of the passengers, KG Vijayakumar from Ramapuram in Kottayam, says, “I enjoyed staying in those sleeper buses. Even though I have relatives there, I preferred to be in the bus because it was something new.”

A popular package in this zone is the Nilambur circuit covering Conolly’s Plot that has world’s oldest teak plantations, Teak Museum and Kakkadampoyil waterfall.

Passengers having a coracle ride at Adavi in Pathanamthitta district
| Photo Credit:
Revathi Raveendran

Muraleekrishnan TV, junior superintendent at District Collectorate, Kannur, and a regular of the budget trips, says he looks forward to packages during the rainy season. “Paithalmala trek [in Kannur] was one of them. I have been there three times and it was a different experience each time. The Kasaragod trip has been memorable with visits to Ranipuram, Madhur Ganapathy temple, Bekal Fort, and Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy temple famous for its crocodile; in Wayanad, we went to En Ooru, the tribal settlement, Honey museum etc; the Kozhikode package was special with visits to Janakikaadu, Thonnikkadavu, Peruvannamuzhi dam… There is so much to see in our State.”

Meanwhile talks are on to start regular inter-state trips, especially to destinations in Tamil Nadu.

From Ponmudi trip in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
Muraleekrishnan TV

While senior citizens make up a majority on the list of passengers who turn up for the trips there are exceptions like 27-year-old Ajmal CP from Malappuram who travels with his friends. “Initially we were sceptical about how it would turn out. But we enjoyed our first trip to Munnar so much that we haven’t missed any package from the depot and have gone for over 10 trips in the last one year,” says Ajmal.

Jessy adds that most of the passengers on these trips have their own vehicles yet they chose to travel with a group. “By choosing a public transport these people are doing a great service for the environment. Lesser the vehicles, lesser the pollution,” points out Sumesh Kumar, Zonal Coordinator (South), BTC.

The passengers are appreciative of the conduct of KSRTC staff contrary to the perception that they are rude. Some passengers point out that the staff go out of the way to ensure an enjoyable experience for the group.

“The best part of these trips is forging friendship. We start the journey as strangers but by the end we become close friends. The KSRTC personnel in charge ensure that we bond with each other with dance, music etc,” say Jessy and Vijayakumar. Bindu adds, “Our safety is always taken care of.”

When a package is announced, the registered passengers are added to a WhatsApp group. That group is kept active and the members keep in touch. The depots announce the full schedule for a month on their social media pages and in WhatsApp groups.

At Bungalvu Kunnu in Nilambur
| Photo Credit:
Muraleekrishnan TV

There is no dearth of challenges as well. The condition of the buses has often come under scrutiny. “We work with several limitations. Sometimes we have to pay from our pockets in case of an emergency. At the end of the day, we want our passengers to return home happy,” says a KSRTC conductor on conditions of anonymity.

Contact the district coordinators for updates on the trips: Thiruvananthapuram: 9447479789; Kollam: 9747969768; Pathanamthitta: 9744348037; Alappuzha: 9846475874; Kottayam: 9447223212; Idukki and Ernakulam: 9446525773; Thrissur: 9074503720; Palakkad: 8304859018; Malappuram: 8547109115; Kozhikode: 9544477954; Wayanad: 7907305828; Kannur: 8089463675; Kasaragod: 9895937213

LEGO, a Danish construction toy production company based in Denmark, is known for its interlocking toys. The company has collaborated with some of the biggest brands in the industry, from Star Wars to Harry Potter. However, did you know that in 2003, LEGO was once in debt to the tune of $800 million, losing $1 million each day and just weeks away from collapse? How did the company maintain its life and, at the same time, succeed to unimaginable levels? Let’s find out!
Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, LEGO was the ‘IT’ toy in the 90s, with every kid wanting a LEGO set and being obsessed with creating something with the renowned bricks. Thus, just like every other brand, LEGO expanded its territory to clothes, watches, TV shows, theme parks and whatnot.
But with so much to do, the company was not excelling at any one task. The toy sales were decreasing, and behind the scenes, the company was struggling with finances. The company was facing a debt of $800M and was on the verge of collapse.
Then came the knight in shining armour, the new CEO, Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, a Danish businessman who succeeded Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen as president and CEO of the company in October 2004. He presented a unique question: “What if the problem…is LEGO itself?
One of his first moves was to slash the product lines by 30% and to lay off about 1,000 people. Then, deeper research revealed to him that the company was making 7,000+ unique parts, which made the production process slower and expensive. Thus, he and his team simplified certain brick types and focused on sets that were popular in the market.
Additionally, LEGO started focusing on what the fans and buyers actually wanted. They partnered with big brands such as Star Wars and Harry Potter to develop sets with storylines. The result was instant and quite visible, with the Star Wars set alone boosting the company revenue by 35%. Their lesson from this sale was that every creation has a story and to create, people need bricks!
By 2015, LEGO passed Mattel to become the world’s greatest toy company with $2.03B sales in the first half of 2014.

Shikhar Dhawan with Sophie Shine

After going through a difficult divorce in 2023 from Aesha Mukherji, looks like Shikhar Dhawan has now found love again! Earlier this year, the former Indian cricketer was spotted with a mystery woman at the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai. Netizens were quick to figure out that the mystery woman with Shikha Dhawan was Sophie Shine; the duo were also spotted together in November 2024 which fuelled their dating rumours. And now, in a recent media interaction, Shikhar Dhawan confirmed that he has indeed moved on from his divorce and found love again.
Talking at the Times Summit 2025 when Shikhar Dhawan was asked about his love life and if he is dating someone, the cricketer confirmed the speculations. He shared how his past relationship and divorce has changed him as a person, and those experiences might help him have a better relationship. “Yes, I have moved on. I wouldn’t say I was unlucky in love— rather, my choices came from inexperience. But now, I have experience, and that will come in handy. It was a learning curve for me,” Dhawan said.
On being asked if he is ready to love again, he replied, “I am always in love!”
However, on being probed further, the cricketer gave a witty response and refrained from naming his current girlfriend. He playfully answered, “See, I know how to dodge bouncers in cricket, and I know you’re throwing one at me now. But I won’t get caught. I will not take any name. But the most beautiful girl in the room is my girlfriend. Now you can figure it out.”
A video of this fun interaction is doing the rounds on social media. Netizens noted that the camera then focused on a woman in the room and she was Sophie Shine, again!
Who is Sophie Shine?
As per reports, Sophie Shine is a a Product Consultant and she is based in Ireland. While rumours of Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine dating each other are rife, but the duo have neither confirmed nor denied their relationship.
Shikhar Dhawan and Aesha Mukherji: What went wrong between them
Shikhar Dhawan was introduced to Melbourne-based kickboxer Aesha Mukherji through fellow cricketer Harbhajan Singh, as per reports. Aesha was 12 years elder to Shikha and alreadt a single-parent to her two daughters from a previous relationship. After dating for a while, Shikhar and Aesha got engaged in 2008 and tied the knot in 2012.
In 2014, they welcomed their son, Zoravar, and Shikhar also adopted Aesha’s daughters. However, trouble started brewing in their marriage soon after, and they separated in September 2021. Their divorce was finalised on October 5, 2023, with the court ruling in Shikhar’s favour on the grounds of ‘mental cruelty’ by Aesha.
The couple had a long custody battle for their son, Zoravar, which Shikhar lost. He was granted occasional video call interactions with Zoravar, but Shikhar says he has been blocked by Aesha and has had no contact with his son for many years now.

For those who like a little edge to their summer footwear, the Puma Rs-X³ Puzzle offers a vibrant, bold design with a breathable mesh upper. Its lightweight build makes it comfortable for hot days, while the cushioned sole provides support during extended wear. The striking colour-block design adds a touch of fun and flair to any outfit, making it perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement without sacrificing comfort.

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Apple milk, Madurai

Apple mix or apple milk, an ice cream-like dessert served at Amsavalli Bhavan in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. Moorthy

Nothing much has changed at Amsavalli Bhavan on Madurai’s East Veli Street ever since it was started 75 years ago. The hand-painted signboard, mosaic flooring, a narrow flight of stairs that leads one to the dim-lit air-conditioned dining room upstairs… In the 1970s, a new dish was added to its strictly non-vegetarian menu: apple mix, popularly known as apple milk or apple ice cream. Since then, it has become a ritual for anyone who eats their seeraga samba biryani to follow it up with a cup of the frozen dessert.

“My grandfather Gopal Pillai came up with the recipe after a trip to Goa,” says G Arunraj, the third-generation owner. Gopal arrived at the current version after a lot of trial and error. Apple milk is Amsavalli’s version of vanilla ice cream served with chunks of apple.

The dessert consists of plain milk, let to simmer for several hours with sugar, after which a suggestion of vanilla flavouring is added. It is frozen and served after adding diced apple. The result is a sweet, creamy, milky concoction punctuated by crispy cubes of apple.

“We make only small batches every day, that get sold out by 7pm,” says Arunraj, who adds that they have several “die-hardfans,” for the frozen dessert. “They wouldn’t hesitate to give us an earful if we run out of it,” he laughs, adding that they sometimes get requests from regular customers to set aside a cup or two.

Arunraj says that several political leaders have enjoyed their apple mix. “I have heard that my grandfather offered it to the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when she came to Madurai on an official visit,” he remembers.

Located at 42, East Veli Street, Madurai. Call 0452 2620117.

Jelly with ice cream, Nagercoil

Warens’ vanilla ice cream with jelly
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

When the nation woke up to news of its independence from the British on August 15, 1947, a small ice cream shop was being inaugurated in a town in Tamil Nadu. The owner Parameswaren was unaware of how monumental the day was. Today, Warens Ice Cream’s main store still stands in the same spot on Balamore Road in Nagercoil. “The neighbourhood had an agraharam behind it then, and someone who had a radio there heard that India had attained independence on our opening day,” says Babu Arunachalam, Parameswaren’s grandson.

Warens on Balamore Road in Nagercoil
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Warens is known for jelly with ice cream, its signature dessert that has remained a constant on its menu since 1947. “Grandfather initially sold a range of cold drinks such as sherbet that he made at home,” says Babu. Britishers, who would come to the Salvation Army Catherine Booth Hospital (CBH), near where Parameswaren’s shop was located, enjoyed his drinks. “They suggested he also make ice cream and even helped him import an ice cream machine,” says Babu.

At Warens, while the rest of the flavours are sourced from outside, they make their own mixed fruit jelly and vanilla ice cream. “When he started out, grandfather sold a cup for 25 paise,” says the 52-year-old, adding that today, the same costs ₹60, while their vanilla ice cream costs ₹30 a scoop. People from the city, who have settled elsewhere for work, make it a point to stop by for a cup of their jelly with ice cream, whenever they visit.

“We also have grandfathers bringing their grandchildren, reminiscing about the days they had ice cream here in their younger years,” says Babu. Warens has two branches in Nagercoil, and Babu says that they have plans to expand to other parts of Tamil Nadu . The name is short for Parameswaren, which was easier for Britishers, their first customers, to pronounce.

Located at Balamore Road, 92A/115, Tower Junction, Nagercoil. Call 9443375014

Jigarthanda, Madurai

Madurai’s popular jigarthanda, has been around since 1977, and was formulated by Sheik Meeran, who settled in Madurai from his hometown of Thoothukudi.
| Photo Credit:
G. Moorthy

The origin of this now omnipresent ice cream-based dessert can be traced to a corner shop in Madurai’s Keelavasal. It all began as an ice cream venture in the Sheik Meeran household in the 1960s. Meeran came to Madurai from Thoothukudi’s Arampannai village to make a living. “His was a large family, and everyone, including his two sisters and four brothers, pitched in,” recalls Mohammed Rabic, a relative.

“He started selling homemade ice cream door-to-door in a thooku vaali,” Rabic says. “He would serve it in a leaf placed on a vaazha mattai (banana stem fibre).” Meeran’s venture was driven by necessity. “His family struggled for their three meals,” says the 37-year-old. They gave their all into making the ice cream business a success. Gradually, people started noticing them.

The dessert has been around since 1977, and was formulated by Sheik Meeran, who settled in Madurai from his hometown of Thoothukudi.. Photo, . G / The Hindu.
| Photo Credit:
G. Moorthy

Meeran graduated from selling door-to-door to a pushcart, finally opening his own shop in 1977. He also made nannari syrup himself, and kept soaked kadal paasi (agar agar) that he sometimes added as toppings to his ice cream. “One evening, when there was a particularly high demand, he threw in everything he had: ice cream, kadal paasi, and nannari syrup and served it to customers,” recalls Rabic.

“It was an instant hit.” Meeran realised he had arrived at something special, and worked on it for six months. Thus, was born jigarthanda, meaning, ‘that which cools the heart. ‘

Rabic says that 90% of jigarthanda consists of milk, that they source from villages near Madurai. Everything, including the ice cream and the basundi topping, is made in-house. Jigarthanda has become synonymous with Madurai, something Meeran could never have imagined.

Located at 94, East Marret Street corner, Madurai. Call 9150099971/72

Mango ice cream, Chennai

The recipe of the mango ice cream is by the founder Kunhiraman, who started a petty shop in Madras in the 1920s.
| Photo Credit:
B. Jothi Ramalingam

C Kunhiraman General Stores in Royapuram sells what is arguably the best mango ice cream in Chennai. To buy a cup, one has to first get a token from the store, which makes the experience all the more charming. The mango ice cream at Kunhiraman is the result of the founder’s research and perseverance.

“It was launched in 1953,” says 46-year-old Akilesh Baskar, Kunhiraman’s grandson. Royapuram, says Akilesh, had plenty of Ango-Indian families back then, who suggested that his grandfather try making ice creams. “He came to Madras from Calicut in the 1920s, and first started a petty shop,” says Akilesh. “He later developed it into a grocery store, selling sodas and cold drinks on the side.”

C. Kunhiraman General Stores in Royapuram has been selling mango ice cream, made in-house, since 1953.
| Photo Credit:
B. Jothi Ramalingam

Kunhiraman, based on ideas by Britishers and Anglo-Indians, started researching on ice creams. “But before he could start making them, he passed away. His staff made ice cream in his memory, two years later.” The grocery store has also been selling grape juice from 1958, and Akilesh has also added chocolate milk and pista milk over the last one year. Kunhiraman’s mango ice cream initially cost less than one paisa, and was served in thick glass bowls. Today though, the bowls have been replaced by disposable ones.

“Most of our customers are from South and central Chennai,” says Akilesh, who has plans of expanding their brand. “I hope to sell our ice cream at restaurants in South Chennai soon,” he says. But the Kunhiraman experience will be complete only if the ice cream is had in front of their ancient grocery store, right where it all started.

Located at N Terminus Road, Chetty Thottam, Royapuram. Call 044 25904889.

What does it take to live a long and healthy life? A 100-year-old man, Dr John Scharenberg, who has spent a lifetime studying health and wellness, shares seven key principles for longevity. These are not just theories but proven lifestyle habits that have helped many people avoid chronic diseases and stay active well into old age. Here is all we need to know about these life-changing principles that can help maintain good health for decades.

Avoid tobacco completely

Representative image

Tobacco has been linked to countless health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. He said in a TED Talks that the 1964 Surgeon General’s report made it clear that smoking is dangerous, yet many still struggle to quit. The doctor points out that people who avoid smoking live longer and are at a significantly lower risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart attacks. Simply put, staying away from tobacco is one of the best decisions for longevity.

Say no to alcohol

Alcohol consumption has long been debated, but new research shows that even small amounts can increase health risks. A large-scale study revealed that there is no truly “safe” level of alcohol. Even moderate drinking raises the risk of cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular issues. While many believe a glass of wine is harmless, this doctor strongly advises cutting out alcohol altogether for better health and longevity.

Exercise every day

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for early death. Regular physical activity helps maintain heart health, strengthen muscles, and improve mental well-being. The doctor emphasizes that midlife (ages 40-70) is the most critical time to stay active. Those who exercise daily, regardless of their weight or health conditions, tend to outlive those who remain inactive. Walking, swimming, and strength training are all great ways to stay fit and add years to life.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity increases the risk of almost every major disease, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, the doctor explains that even those who are overweight can improve their health dramatically through regular exercise. He also highlights that many people overeat due to food addiction, which is similar to substance addiction. Identifying the root cause of overeating and making conscious dietary changes can significantly improve health and longevity.

Cut down on sugar

Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and even heart attacks. Many people unknowingly consume too much sugar, whether through processed foods, sweetened beverages, or even daily desserts. The doctor shares a case study of a patient whose cholesterol and triglycerides skyrocketed due to a nightly habit of eating large amounts of ice cream. Cutting back on sugar can lead to better heart health, balanced energy levels, and overall well-being.

Reduce meat consumption

A diet high in saturated fat, particularly from animal sources, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. While many are reluctant to give up meat, health organisations now recommend prioritising plant-based foods. The American Heart Association suggests reducing saturated fat intake, which effectively promotes a more plant-based diet. The doctor highlights that a vegetarian or plant-focused diet is scientifically proven to support longevity and lower disease risk.

Focus on preventive health

Prevention is better than cure. The doctor stresses that most chronic diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes, can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Studies show that lifestyle modifications can lower heart attack risk, stroke risk and diabetes risk—without the need for medication. Organizations like the World Health Organization and the European Cardiology Society support these findings, yet many people wait for a diagnosis before making changes. Taking proactive steps today can prevent major health issues in the future.