Life & Style

Kareena Kapoor arrives in Manish Malhotra costume for the Gala dinner at Lakmé Fashion Week 2025 on March 30, 2025 in Mumbai, India.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan says she has walked down the ramp many times, but the one when she was pregnant with her first child Taimur Ali Khan, will always be memorable.

Kareena was speaking at the Lakme Fashion Week X Fashion Design Council of India gala which marked the 25 years of the fashion extravaganza on Sunday (March 30, 2025) night.

The event, which closed the 2025 edition of LFW X FDCI, was hosted by Indian-origin American actor Kal Penn.

At the gala, Kal asked Kareena which has been her most memorable walk at LFW and why.

“There have been so many over the years but the one that I walked with Tim in my stomach [belly] would always be special. I’m a mother, it’s emotional,” she said, recalling the LFW X FDCI finale held in August 2016 when she walked the runway in bridalwear by Sabyasachi.

Indian Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan showcases a creation by designer Sabyasachi at Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2016 in Mumbai on late August 28, 2016.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

Kareena gave birth to Taimur, who is now eight years old, in December 2016.

Kal, who was dressed in a black ensemble and jewellery designed by celebrity favourite designer Manish Malhotra, then fielded another question to the Crew star about her opinion on fashion critics.

“I love fashion critics because most of them speak the truth. We have movie critics who keep actors on their toes, so even fashion critics should keep some of the designers and models on their toes. It’s okay,” she said.

What goes on in her head when she’s about to get on the ramp?

“Don’t fall. But if I do I’ll pick myself up and suck my tummy in,” Kareena replied.

Kal also asked Kareena about a long-standing rumour about her in the Hollywood circles. The Namesake star said he‘s heard a story that once she was in her vanity van brushing her hair and the door opened with an assistant director telling Kareena that her shot was ready.

“You looked through the mirror and said…” he said as Kareena chimed in: “But I’m not.”

Asked if it was true, the actor teased: “What happens in my vanity van stays in my vanity van.” Earlier during the gala, Kareena also spoke about her “tremendous” association with Lakme as the face of the brand.

The actor, who was dressed in a beige bralet and lehenga created by her close friend Malhotra, also announced that she was “embarking on a new chapter” with Lakme.

“Whether it was walking the ramp when I was size zero or Taimur in my belly, whether it was size 10 or 12, that never mattered. What mattered was that my heart was on the stage with Lakme Fashion Week, with each and every designer I’ve walked for.”

“I’m back again with the Lakme family. Hopefully will be back on the ramp with all my favourite designers wearing their outfits, maybe not as size zero, but owning it completely,” she added.

The actor went off script during the event and declared that she was not going to use the speech on the teleprompter, inviting applause from the gathering which had the who’s who of Indian fashion industry such as Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni Shane Peacock, Gaurav Gupta and Ritu Beri in attendance.

Kareena gave a shout-out to the army of people behind the showstoppers and designers who make fashion shows a reality.

“The real icons are our fashion stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists, choreographers, and those smashing hot 60 models who are backstage. I’m honoured to be the face of Lakme, but 25 years of Lakme Fashion Week is not about us actors walking the finale, it’s about all and everyone who has been backstage. We owe it to them, they make us look amazing,” she said.

“All our designers who are out here, my darling friend brother Manish, Tarun, each and everyone. Tonight should also be about each person who has worked for the 25 years to make us all look amazing on the ramp,” she added.

As summer intensifies and the holiday season approaches, travel firms are seeing a significant surge in demand from the fast-growing Tamil Nadu market. What stands out in this trend is that the majority of this increase is being driven by Gen Z travelers. With a growing appetite for adventure, cultural tours, and personalised travel options, Gen Z is emerging as a key demographic for tour operators.

“Gen Z travellers (aged 13-27) are redefining luxury travel with a clear preference for international destinations that offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. They are not just looking for a quick getaway — they are investing in well-curated, memorable experiences, with an average deal size of ₹2 lakh,” said Hari Ganapathy, co-founder, Pickyourtrail, a travel startup headquartered in Chennai. “They are also decisive planners, typically finalising their bookings around 42 days before departure and embarking on their adventures within 58 days,” he added.

Santhosh Kanna S., senior vice president at Thomas Cook India Limited, pointed out that demand has been strong from the Tamil Nadu market for the travel period April-June. “Summers remains a favourite time to travel for not only families but also millennials, young professionals, Gen Z, and solo travelers,” he added. According to Mr. Kanna, easy visa and visa-free entry has been a game-changer, especially for destinations like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, providing greater convenience and flexibility for last-minute plans.

Swaminathan Subramanian, co-founder of Exoticamp Adventures, also pointed out that a defining trend this year is the rise of Gen Z travellers — and they’re not holding back. Armed with EMI options, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services like Simpl, LazyPay, and ZestMoney, this cohort is comfortably booking both domestic and international trips, he added. He explained that the summer traveler demographic is a diverse mix this year. “The two dominant groups are: young families seeking school vacation getaways and young professionals aged 22-30 leveraging the string of long weekends,” Mr. Subramanian said.

Spiritual and adventure tourism

Rakesh Bawa, senior vice president and head (holidays), SOTC Travel Limited, said that Tamil Nadu’s millennials and Gen Z, have been drawn to spiritual tourism coupled with leisure and adventure experiences such as white-water rafting, river rappelling, kayaking, and night treks, among others.

For Thomas Cook, escorted group tours are witnessing brisk demand, and top international favourites include Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and new destinations like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Sabah (Malaysia), Bintan.

Tourist favourites

“Kashmir is drawing special attention this year with the Tulip Festival on and the recent opening of new train stations, making the region more accessible than ever. Down south, the staples — Kodai, Ooty, and Munnar — continue to be popular, especially among families from Tamil Nadu and Kerala looking for quick, scenic getaways,” said Mr. Subramanian.

Sharing his views on location trends of Gen Z, Mr. Ganapathy said: “Topping their list is the Maldives, reflecting their love for serene, tropical escapes. Bali follows closely, reaffirming their inclination toward picturesque island getaways. However, it’s not just beaches that attract Gen Z — Dubai and Singapore, with their vibrant cityscapes and dynamic experiences, show that this generation also seeks excitement beyond these shores.”

Tuesday, or Mangalvar, is dedicated to two Gods – Lord Hanuman and Maa Durga. And while the worship of Lord Hanuman on a Tuesday is more famous, in some regions, Maa Durga is worshipped.
Lord Hanuman is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram and is the symbol of devotion, power, and selfless nature. And it is said that worshiping Lord Hanuman on Tuesday can help remove fears, obstacles, and negative energies from life.
And for Maa Durga, people worship the fierce and caring nature of the Goddess, and it is believed that people who worship Maa Durga wholeheartedly are blessed with courage, wisdom, and love.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the global icon and Bollywood diva, has long been admired for her unmatched beauty and impeccable sense of style. Each time she steps out, she manages to steal the spotlight, leaving her fans and fashion enthusiasts in awe. Recently, the actress made headlines for a jaw-dropping look at a family wedding, proving once again why she is one of the most admired fashion icons in the world.

At her cousin’s wedding, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan truly looked like royalty. She was seen wearing a resplendent red-toned Anarkali suit that featured intricate golden embroidery, perfectly complementing her fair complexion. The ensemble’s rich detailing and regal hues made her the centre of attention. The soft makeup, highlighted by a bold red lip, a stone bindi, and her voluminous open curls, further enhanced her ethereal appearance.
To complete her traditional yet contemporary look, Aishwarya adorned herself with statement jewellery – a stunning polki and kundan choker, matching earrings, a maang teeka, and delicate bangles. Every piece of jewellery added to her desi charm, making her look nothing short of a queen. Aishwarya’s grace and elegance were palpable, and her appearance at the wedding soon went viral, sparking admiration across social media platforms.

Earlier, a candid moment from the pre-wedding celebrations also captured Aishwarya’s effortless charm. In the photos, she was seen posing lovingly with her husband, Abhishek Bachchan. Aishwarya sported a chic black-toned outfit, while Abhishek kept it casual in a pink hoodie. Their daughter, Aaradhya, added to the cuteness quotient, looking adorable in a white dress. The family portrait exuded warmth, and Aishwarya’s beauty was the perfect highlight of the picture.

From her sartorial choices to her radiant smile, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to inspire fashion lovers with every appearance. Whether in a traditional Anarkali or a contemporary outfit, her style remains timeless and awe-inspiring.

If you want to look glowing and fresh in just a few minutes, focus on achieving dewy skin with a pop of colour for that vibrant, festive touch.

How to do it:

Use a liquid highlighter: A liquid highlighter adds a natural dewy finish. Dab it on the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, down the nose, and cupid’s bow. This instantly brightens up your face and gives you that radiant Eid glow.

Cream blush: Cream blushes blend easily into the skin, giving you a natural flush of colour. Apply a soft pink or peach shade onto the apples of your cheeks for a fresh, youthful look.

Highlight your features: You can even apply a small amount of highlighter on your eyelids for a subtle shimmer.

By focusing on glowy skin and soft, vibrant colour, you can create a fresh and youthful appearance that looks effortlessly put together.

Optical illusion personality tests, as the name suggests, are a fun and easy way to understand oneself or others better. These are psychology-based weird images that claim to tell about a person’s innermost thoughts and feelings based on what catches their attention first.
This particular image has two main elements: a shark and a man. But at first glance at the image, a person can see only one of the two elements, based on which a lot can be decoded about their true personality. This test claims to reveal if a person is straightforward or soft-hearted.
To take the test, simply look at the above image and notice what caught your attention. Now read what it means below:
1. If you saw the shark first…
Then it means that you are a confident and direct person, which makes it people to understand you. However, your straightforwardness might not be taken well with a lot of people, especially if there is an argument. In social settings, you like being in the limelight.
Whereas, in discussions you watch out before acting which helps you decide your views. However, sometimes when you focus on being right, you might appear to be too harsh to others. So, think before you speak.
2. If you saw a man first…
Then it shows that you are kind-hearted and sensitive as a person, which also makes you forgive others easily. People like this quality of yours and this makes them connect with you. However, since you are sensitive as a person, you might seem to be a bit reserved. You give much thought before trying new things. All in all, you are an easy-going person and you avoid having conflicts. But, because of this you should not avoid speaking up in situations where you should ideally stand up for yourself.
How true was this particular test result for you? Tell us about it in the comments section below. However, do note that these test results may not always be 100 percent true as they give generic results.
And if you liked this test, then do share it with your friends and family to know them at a deeper level.

After an amazing finale, Solo Leveling Season 2 is now over, leaving anime lovers both excited for the upcoming season and with chills. With stunning animation, tough battles, and many aspects of Sung Jin-Woo’s journey, the season came to a close. Let’s say that the creators did not disappoint at all with the eagerly anticipated final episode. People on the internet have expressed that they “can’t believe that the anime peaked” and that the episode contained elements they will never forget.

Solo Leveling season 2 ends

A Solo Leveling updates page shared stills from the episode and captioned the post, “#SoloLeveling Season 2 has come to an END! One of the best seasons in Anime history!.”

Reacting to this, one wrote, “Just witnessed peak after peak. Kudos to A-1 animators.” Another added, “They really jumped up the quality for Season 2 greatly. Everything on point in terms of action, music, animation, and choreography. “

@sololeveling_pr is more than an Anime or Manhwa it’s a lifestyle https://t.co/4nON3ywOw5

— Nexx Forge (@nexxforge) March 29, 2025

definitely one of the best🙏🏾 https://t.co/mebB3S1vcr

— Chance with Haki 🐐 (@Ol_tosinM) March 29, 2025

A third added, “It’s over. Saturday is not going to be the same anymore.”

Real, whole season was straight gas!!!! ⛽⛽🔥🔥 https://t.co/Q9RA4s1gCc

— Kuzz Ultra (@Kuzz_Ultra) March 29, 2025

Peak has come to an end 💔💔 https://t.co/P3zd2XRt6q

— Gerard MB 🦹🏿‍♂️ (@GerardOrGMB) March 29, 2025

I just finished reading the manhwa! Damn it’s soooo good!!! 😭👏🏻💯‼️ https://t.co/e7CyhKDzyk

— 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘴 ·͜·♡ (@wanderlustxo16) March 29, 2025

A fourth went on to add, “Solo Leveling is more than an Anime or Manhwa it’s a lifestyle.”

The comments show us how the creators were able to captivate viewers and create a work that they don’t want to stop watching. Now, everyone is wondering if there will be a second season.

Additionally, Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow comes after the first season of 2024 and the recently released anime omnibus film Solo Leveling: ReAwakening. At A-1 Pictures, Shunsuke Nakashige directed the newest season. Chugong, H-goon, and DUBU (REDICE Studio) created the Korean webtoon series of the same name, which is adapted into the anime.

Where to watch Solo Leveling season 2?

You can stream Solo Leveling season 2 on Crunchyroll.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.

Ace designer duo Shantnu and Nikhil showcased their latest collection, Piazza Nova, at the ongoing fashion week in Mumbai. Known for their sharp aesthetics, this collection masterfully blended couture with contemporary fashion, creating a refined yet bold statement. The highlight of the show was actor Ibrahim Ali Khan, who stunned the audience with his impeccable style as he walked the ramp in a striking beige ensemble from the duo’s collection.

Ibrahim’s ensemble featured beige-hued pants that offered a comfortable, relaxed fit. Paired with a crisp white shirt, buttoned up to the collar, the look exuded understated elegance. A white tie added a sharp contrast, elevating the look even further. Over the shirt, Ibrahim wore a beige full-sleeved suit jacket, designed with dark-coloured buttons, functional pockets above the hem, and a classic dark motif on the front pocket, which added a subtle flair. He completed the look with brown shoes, offering a sophisticated and refined appeal.
The Piazza Nova collection was a celebration of Shantanu & Nikhil’s five-year journey with their Prestige-Pret brand. As India’s first Prestige-Pret brand, they have redefined modern luxury by offering accessible yet sophisticated designs. Piazza Nova paid homage to craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling, creating a perfect fusion of fashion and community. The collection embodied the brand’s ethos of personal expression and collective celebration, shaping the future of luxury consumption.

Among the highlights of the collection were sharp suits combining neutral tones with striking patterns and prints. The designs also catered to power-dressing for women, featuring structured blazers, jackets, shirts, and well-tailored pants. The entire collection showcased a seamless blend of formal wear with a modern twist, elevating traditional silhouettes and injecting them with fresh, contemporary appeal.

Designers Zaid Khatri, Amruta Vankar, Mubbasirah Khatri, Muskan Khatri, and Shakil Ahmed during the Design Craft Presents Artisan Designers of Somaiya Kala Vidya show in the 25th year of Lakmé Fashion Week 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai
| Photo Credit: Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

Indian fashion is entering an era of quiet reckoning — one where the silent hands behind couture’s most intricate weaves and prints are finally stepping into the light. For decades, artisans remained the invisible scaffolding of Indian fashion’s most-celebrated narratives. Now, the script is shifting. At Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI’s March 2025 edition, this shift felt not only palpable but overdue too. In a special show, titled Design Craft Presents Artisan Designers of Somaiya Kala Vidya, master craftspeople emerged not as footnotes but as the headline.

Established in 2014, Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), situated in Anjar, Kutch, is a pioneering institution that flips the script on how we view artisans and design. Founded on the belief that the custodians of India’s textile legacy deserve more than just seasonal patronage, SKV empowers traditional artisans with the tools of modern design, branding, and entrepreneurship — without asking them to abandon their roots.

Unlike urban design schools that often view craft through an outsider’s lens, SKV is embedded within the artisan community. It offers structured, culturally sensitive education to master artisans — many of whom have inherited centuries-old techniques of weaving, dyeing, or embroidery. The curriculum, taught in the local language and tailored around the artisans’ calendars, balances aesthetics with market relevance.

A model takes the runway during the Zaid Khatri show
| Photo Credit:
Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

The runway bore witness to a powerful confluence of tradition, technique and self-expression anchored by five artisan-led labels: Ajrakh Gharana by Zaid Khatri, Alaicha by Amruta Vankar, Elysian by Mubbasirah Khatri, Musk by Muskan Khatri, and Neel Batik by Shakil Ahmed. Each collection offered a distinct voice, rooted in heritage yet unafraid to play with silhouette, colour, and context.

With ajrakh as the centre of attraction, Zaid Khatri’s Eternal Ajrakh collection for his label Ajrakh Gharana was a journey from the past to the present and then into the future. It was a poetic reflection on time, layering ajrakh’s storied geometry with sleek, contemporary tailoring. His work asked a poignant question: Can tradition stretch into the future without losing its soul? Judging by his restrained yet evocative presentation — indigo jackets layered over fluid separates — the answer felt like a resounding yes.

Amruta Vankar’s Alaicha drew from her mashru weaving legacy, translating the tactile language of handloom into quiet luxury. Her palette was earthy, her cuts clean — each look paid an ode to rhythm and repetition, the two things every weaver knows intimately.

Amruta Vankar presents ‘Alaicha’ 
| Photo Credit:
Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

Mubbasirah Khatri (the only female ajrakh artisan and artisan designer in Kutch) designed the Anatomy collection for the label Elysian. Mubbasirah turned to ajrakh presenting a softer, dreamier take on the resist-dye technique. There was romance in her folds — fluid dresses in pastel tones, dotted with the signature clusters of tie-dye that whispered of patience and precision.

Muskan Khatri’s Mystery for the label Musk (spotlighting the tie and dye of the bandhani craft) brought youthful bravado to the runway, with cropped jackets, flared trousers, and a clever clash of patterns. Hers was a voice of defiance — proof that tradition does not have to mean restraint. It can flirt, rebel, and still hold on to its roots.

‘Elysian’ by Mubbasirah Khatri 
| Photo Credit:
Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

The beauty of the traditional batik craft was unveiled by Shakil Ahmed’s label Neel Batik for the collection Tradition to Modern. It was a striking interplay of bold hues and thoughtful silhouettes. Shades of vibrant red punctuated the timeless palette of black and white, moving together in fluid harmony across pieces titled Saadla and Bepota.

Saris anchored the Indian line-up with quiet strength, while the Western silhouettes carried a refined Indo-fusion sensibility. Textural play added depth to the collection, with abstract patterns drawn from Shakil’s own Instagram photographs — transforming digital inspiration into wearable art.

What united these five voices was not just their connection to Kutch or their training at Somaiya Kala Vidya (SKV), but their refusal to be boxed into categories of craft or costume. These were not artisans-turned-designers. They were designers — full stop — claiming space on their own terms.

Shakil Ahmed’s ‘Neel Batik’ 
| Photo Credit:
Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

At a time when fashion is eager to greenwash its image with buzzwords like ‘handmade’ and ‘sustainable,’ this showcase offered something rarer: authenticity without appropriation. It re-centred the narrative around the people who have always kept Indian fashion’s legacy alive — not in glossy lookbooks, but in dusty workshops, under the sun, dye-stained and dye-driven.

Muskan Khatri’s ‘Musk’
| Photo Credit:
Perfect Shadows / FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide

By giving these voices a runway, Lakmé Fashion Week was not just curating a show — it was correcting a long-standing omission. And as the applause rang out, it was clear: the future of Indian fashion is not about discovering the next trend. It is about returning to the roots, and finally, listening to the hands that have always known the way.