Life & Style

For generations, the idea of ageing in India has been tied to the family home, with adult children expected to care for their parents in their later years. The thought of senior citizens living in dedicated retirement communities has often been seen as a departure from familial responsibility and is still met with hesitation. But with lifestyle and perception changes about old age, child-rearing and autonomy, society has made space for these communities to co-exist and thrive.

V Jayanth, a 70-year-old retired journalist, moved into Ziva Retirement Homes in Mamallapuram 10 months ago, after living in Chennai all his life. “Both my children are married, and it took me almost a year to convince them to let me move here,” he says, adding that the property is set along the scenic East Coast Road. “I go for daily walks, exercise in the outdoor gym, get my newspapers and brew my own coffee,” he adds.

Chennai Homes, Illam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

A recent report by JLL (a global real estate and investment management company Jones Lang LaSalle) and the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI) states that India’s senior living housing sector is projected to skyrocket over 300% by 2030, hitting the $7.7 billion (₹64,500 crore) mark. This upward trend is expected due to a demographic shift in the population.

The senior citizen population is predicted to almost double by 2050, and this will make India home to the world’s second-largest elderly population after China. The most pressing issue is to improve the quality of life and well-being for this growing segment of society, and South Indian cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru have emerged as the epicentre of the country’s senior living boom, commanding almost 60% of the market share.

Far from being the last resort, these spaces offer structured support, and a way for elders to lead fulfilling lives on their own terms. Along with providing around-the-clock maintenance care and emergency medical services, these communities host activities ranging from dance classes, game nights, movie nights, and the celebration of festivals, birthdays, and anniversaries.

“We have a poetry club, which was formed by those of us who have either taught English or has studied English literature, and we are 12-15 of us in this. Apart from this there are satsang and bhajan meetups, there’s a bridge club, and so much more happening in the community. You just have to make contact with what interests you,” says Jayanth.

Dance programme at Nana Nani
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Communities host activities ranging from movie and game nights, to trips to nearby tourist destinations, to even exhibitions and pop-ups set up within the premises. While residents are encouraged to take part in actives and keep busy, they are free to do as they please. “There is a carrom club, some regularly play cards, others go to the library or gym by themselves. This is their home, and they can do what they want to do,” says says Sabitha Muralikrishnan of The Chennai Homes, adding that all residents are required to inform the caretakers if they are stepping out or going out of station, just so everyone is aware of their whereabouts, but there is no restriction of movement.

“In the early stages, it was difficult for us to make people understand that this is not an old age home in the traditional sense. The mindset has changed because these communities cater to more than just security and medical services. They are more like resorts with a social life built into them,” says Umamaheshwari Yuvaraj, joint managing director, Ananya Group, which operates the Nana Nani senior living communities in Coimbatore.

Women celebrating Onam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The demographic that seems most at ease with this living arrangement is women since they are freed from obligations like cooking and care taking. “I have observed that women are the most social group on most of our properties, and they are able to be free and social because they are free of responsibilities. Many women have told me that it is freeing to not have to worry if the maid will show up on time,” she laughs. With well-equipped care facilities, curated social activities, and a network of peers, communities like these create an environment where elders can engage meaningfully with their surroundings.

These spaces provide more than just care — they foster independence while ensuring support is always within reach. Rama Swaminathan (84), who has been staying at Puducherry’s Serene Pelican, says that since she moved into the community almost two years ago, she has been able to indulge in her interest in cooking. “I did a diploma in cooking and I enjoy it a lot, but I was a school principal and did not have the time to do it much. Now I cook at leisure, talk to my plants, read books and relax,” she says.

In the Indian landscape, one of the major concerns that arises in assisted living communities is the food. Dietary preferences are nuanced and impacted by beliefs and religion. “We understand that elders have some very specific food preferences. Some don’t consume onions and garlic, and even from the health perspective, a lot of them have needs. We provide customisation of diets and even have doctors who monitor their daily food intake,” says Sabitha Muralikrishnan.

“Every morning after we clock-in, we visit each resident and go through a check-list. Have they had enough sleep, did they face any difficulties during the night, have they taken all their medication on time, did they speak with their family members, these questions are essential because they help us gauge an oncoming emergency,” says Devi, 35, a nurse who has been in the healthcare industry for the last 18 years, and now works with Coimbatore-based CovaiCare.

Beyond daily care, these communities also step in to help with end-of-life care and last rites according to the residents’ customs. “We take care of all the logistics so that the family doesn’t have to worry about them during the grieving period. We have tie-ups with hospitals and mortuaries which will hold the mortal remains until the families arrive in case they are abroad,” says Sabitha.

Inside the gated community of Coimbatore-based Nana Nani
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

While these communities prioritise providing a safe and scenic environment for the retired demographic to take a back seat, Colonel Achal Sridharan, 76, founder of retirement CovaiCare, is of the strong belief that the golden generation belongs right in the cities with all the youngsters instead of on the outskirts. “Retirement communities are the need of the hour because of the longevity of life and the unavailability of facilities for the elderly. These communities provide not just safety, but things like food, housekeeping and more.”

To rebuild a life at a much later stage is definitely a challenge for those who decide to move into these communities, despite the many advantages it provides. “This becomes a large investment at the age of 70. I have to uproot my life and come to some other place and find new surroundings and new people, all for basic facilities. Only 2% of urban senior citizens live in organised senior living communities. So this sector needs to be much more developed and accessible,” he says.

Despite the challenges these communities offer something far more meaningful — a sense of belonging among peers. For 93-year-old G N Rajagopal, finding a fellow retro Hollywood film enthusiast was a delight. “I met Mr K S Nair at the park in our community four and a half years ago, and he was looking at the sky with his big camera. I am also very interested in the sky and planets, so I asked him what he was doing. He showed me the planet Saturn and that’s how we became friends. We later found out that we both love and enjoy ‘50s and ‘60s Hollywood films. He is full of facts and details about all these films,” he says.

In these spaces, companionship replaces isolation, and shared experiences foster newer bonds. Combating loneliness in a community has hence been a central part of the senior living experience. Whether it is a group of retirees debating politics over morning coffee, a book club filled with animated discussions, or an impromptu gathering for festival celebrations, life here is shaped by the people who inhabit it.

Manjusha Das (third from left) and her friends at their pani puri cart, Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri at Paruthippara in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN

It is half past seven on a Saturday evening. The stretch near MG College at Paruthippara in Thiruvananthapuram has come alive with vehicles stopping by the row of food stalls. Among them is Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri, where two women are at work. Soon two others join them. They are Manjusha Das, P Niwetha, John Crishma Mole and Asiya D.

Chashu was opened early this year on this stretch, which is fast emerging as one of the popular spots for street food. The venture is Manjusha’s idea, thanks to her soul connect with Mumbai and its street food culture. “Although I am from Poovar here in Thiruvananthapuram, I was born and brought up in Maharashtra. After returning to live in the city, I missed the street food of Mumbai, especially pani puri, which is like an emotion for me. Even though you get pani puri here as well, they don’t taste the same. This is an attempt to bring that taste,” says Manjusha.

Crowd at Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri at Paruthippara in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Manjusha, 26, who has done a BTech in Biotechnology and post graduation in food and nutrition, is a dietician. “Others are students of an aviation institute in Thiruvananthapuram where I teach Hindi as a part-time job. That’s how I met them. While Asiya is a Malayali, the other two are from Tamil Nadu,“ she says.

Manjusha manages and supervises the venture as the others take care of cutting and chopping, preparing the food, setting up the cart and attending to the customers. Two other friends help with cooking and transportation, Manjusha adds.

Pani puri is available in five flavours at Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri at Paruthippara in Thiruvananthapuram.
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Chashu’s speciality is that the pani or water is available in five flavours — guava, mint, sweet, spicy and raw mango. The customer can choose from these flavours as they are kept in separate clay pots fitted with pipes. “Raw mango is tangy; the sweet pani has jaggery added to it. While consuming pani puri, people are always worried about the quality of the water. We have ensured that the water is clean,” she says.

Dahi puri at Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri in Thiruvananthapuram
| Photo Credit:
NIRMAL HARINDRAN

Manjusha says that it took some time for the food spot to take off. “None of us has done this before and so there were some hiccups initially,” says Manjusha.

Besides pani puri, they sell dahi puri, sev puri, bhel puri etc at the stall. “I plan to expand our menu by adding more chaat items and other street food popular in Mumbai,” she says.

So, why the name Chashu? “I wear spectacles and chashu is the short form of the Hindi word chashmish, meaning the girl with the spectacles,” she adds.

All snacks are priced ₹50 per plate. Take-away is also available. Chashu is open on all days from 5pm to midnight.

Shoes and bags being reworked at Mr. Pronto’s Leather Care and Laundry in Kottupuram, Chennai
| Photo Credit: Ravindran R

Riddled with holes, a fatigued looking Chanel bag that was relegated to the recesses of a closet, now has a new life. The holes are gone, the colour is back, and so is the bag’s personality. It is now traversing across the city from event to event and party to party as we speak.

At Mr. Pronto’s Leather Care and Laundry, bags and shoes are given a new lease of life and look, or even just cleaned based on the client’s requirements. But there are limitations. “We are not magicians. We set realistic expectations. We only do all forms of leather,” says Abhishek Dhingra, co-founder of Mr. Pronto, a shoe, bag, and repair company that was launched in Chennai in 2003. The city’s first outlet (now defunct) opened in Spencer Plaza followed by Alwarpet, Vadapalani, and Anna Nagar among others. Over the years, the establishment managed to set up shops in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

Leather Care and Laundry’s services first started in Delhi given the huge demand for restoring luxury accessories. The brand has now introduced these services to Chennai too. Apart from those in the city, clients from Bengaluru and Hyderabad also send their accessories here to be restored. While they receive luxury brands like Bottega Veneta and Yves Saint Laurent, restorations also expand to high street brands like Charles and Keith, and Aldo.

Before
| Photo Credit:
Ravindran R

It takes around a week to fix them based on the nature of service required. Services include concealing scratches with leather of the same colour and texture, scraping the top layer, recolouring heels, edging (colouring the edges of bags and shoes) restoring colour using Italian pigments, filling holes in bags with leather and dry cleaning. “Cleaning is a big aspect when it comes to shoes,” says Abhishek, adding that luxury products need to be handled a certain way. “Some high-end customers want their footwear shining all the time. So, after each wear it comes to us. Cleaning services start at around ₹600 based on the condition of the shoe, while spot correction for bags and shoes start at ₹1,000,” he says. They currently have a four-member team that operates out of a unit in Kotturpuram. Their skills are upgraded periodically with experts from Bangkok and the Philippines being brought in.

After
| Photo Credit:
Ravindran R

Abhishek first saw these services in the Philippines. “I saw the market outside India very responsive to this idea where people buy luxury leather goods and get it fixed. I decided to bring it to India,” he says, adding “Looking after a shoe is far better than buying many more.”

For details, Whatsapp 9940039000.

The facade of the Calve College in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit: KUMAR SS

The mention of Puducherry brings to mind its yellows, pinks, and greens. These colours and many others that define the city have inspired Nippon Paint to come up with the Pondy Style Guide. “We wanted to make something special for the people of Pondicherry,” says Mark Titus, vice president marketing – decorative division, Nippon Paint (India) and group marketing lead – The NIPSEA group. The recently-launched Pondy Style Guide is a curated colour palette using which people can incorporate Puducherry’s charm into their spaces.

The colour guide will be available at all the Nippon stores in Puducherry
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement

Tamil Nadu, and as an extension, Puducherry, is a focus market for the 144-year-old Japanese paint company. Nippon entered the Indian market in 2006, starting its own manufacturing unit in the country in 2010. “Colour is special to a country as diverse as India,” says Mark, adding: “If you travel across India, you can see the colour palette change every 100 kilometres or so, depending on the buildings around you and the preferences of the people.”

The company found inspiration in Puducherry’s Indo-French architecture and its unique culture and aesthetics. After a survey by a colour specialist, it came up with a palette that reflects the city’s vibrant moods. “The book has seven curated palettes that includes yellows, pinks, browns, and reds,” notes Mark, adding that they have plans to expand this idea to other parts of the country as well.

A view of the French Institute of Pondicherry
| Photo Credit:
KUMAR SS

Pondy Style Guide will be available at all the five Nippon Paint stores in Puducherry, apart from the company’s website.

As children, birthdays were such a big thing for us – donning a crisp new dress, calling all your friends over, birthday caps, snacks, and of course cakes and gifts! The joy was not so much about turning a year older, but the celebration aspect of it, and of course, the fact that you were being treated special and were not being told off by your parents! (even it was for only a day). As we grew older, birthdays lost their charm, now relegated to a quiet dinner (if at all), and some customary ‘Happy Birthday’ wishes from friends and family. However, regardless of whether you are big on celebrations or not, there are some things you should not do on your birthday… Here they are…

The Toda threads and jamakalam revowen showcase by FICCI FLO
| Photo Credit: R Ravindran

India’s rich array of crafts and the artisans behind it all  have countless stories to weave. 

Take P Sakthivel from Bhavani near Erode, for instance. He is the third generation from his family to be engaged in the art of weaving jamalakkalams but today, the circumstances of his business have changed, he says. “Powerlooms have taken over and there are fewer people now who are making jamakkalams the traditional way,” he says.

Anuradha Halan, who has been working with Toda artisans from the Nilgiris, has much to say about about watching the pioneering work of her mentor Evam Piljen Wiedemann, and how she popularised the Toda embroidery. 

Vharsha Raheja, Arti Bagdy and Nabila Avais
| Photo Credit:
R Ravindran

In a bid to honour these crafts, as well as work on a contemporary revival of their artistry through design interventions, the handloom and textile vertical of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), has been working for over a year now with two projects focussed on Toda embroidery and jamakkalams. The initiative aims to take it to a larger audience. 

Cushion covers and potli bags with Toda embroidery
| Photo Credit:
R Ravindran

“We began these projects, Toda Threads and Jamakkalam Rewoven, by understanding what the challenges faced by the communities working on creating the textiles were,” says Arti Bagdy, head of the textile and handloom vertical of FICCI FLO. Arti and committee members Vharsha Raheja and Nabila Avais, have been working on empowering these artisans through design interventions to suit evolving contemporary tastes and styles. 

“While Toda embroidery is featured predominantly on shawls, we have created an entire range of home furnishings with their distinct red and black embroidery on white. This includes cushion covers, table runners and coasters,” Arti says. The large jamakkalam, a traditional hand-woven carpet often in dark red, green and blue has taken shape as smaller, more contemporary rugs that can be used in homes as opposed to larger spaces. The distinct jamakkalam stripes also feature on cushion covers and coasters as a part of this capsule collection. 

“The Toda community is extremely small and among them, less than 350 women in the Nilgiris work on this unique embroidery. Despite the craft having a GI certification, we are seeing outsiders trying to replicate this without engaging with the Toda artisans,” Anuradha says. The Toda Threads project however, she says, has engaged directly with the women artisans who are extremely enthused by the response to these design interventions, she adds.  

Cushion covers and jamakkalam rugs
| Photo Credit:
R Ravindran

Sakthivel, who has been working on the jamakkalam project agrees that the newer designs and colours seem to have international appeal. “People have always loved the old-school jamakkalam patterns so it is no surprise that they want a version of this in their homes today,” he says. 

As part of the Toda Threads initiative, FICCI FLO also collaborated with designer Tarun Tahiliani, to showcase the versatility of Toda embroidery in contemporary fashion last July. 

Divya Abhishek, chairperson of FLO Chennai describes this initiative as the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and empowerment. “With a dedicated team and the artistry of our craftspeople, we are showcasing Tamil Nadu’s textile heritage to the world in a way that is both meaningful and relevant,” she says. 

Arti says that it is important to underscore the significance of these crafts, and for the global community to embrace the rich legacy of textile heritage this contributes to. “While these designs have been showcased at our meets and have found favour among our members across the country, we have bigger plans as well. We hope to set up dedicated channels to take these directly to the customers — through a website as well as in stores,” she says. 

Aston Martin Vanquish
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Aston Martin Vanquish stands as a pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, blending breathtaking design with exhilarating performance. Limited to just 1,000 units globally, this exclusive grand tourer is a statement of luxury and power. While the exact number allocated for India remains unknown, it is expected to be in single digits, given its significant price tag.

The exterior of the Vanquish is a seamless blend of artistry and aerodynamics. Aston Martin’s signature design language is evident in its sculpted lines. A lightweight yet strong chassis and bespoke finishes elevate its exclusivity. The vehicle exudes timeless elegance while maintaining an unmistakable sporting character.

Interiors of Aston Martin Vanquish
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Under the hood, the Vanquish houses a formidable 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine with water-to-air charge cooling, delivering an astonishing 835PS at 6,500rpm and 1,000Nm of torque at 2,500 – 5,000rpm. This powerhouse is paired with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring rapid yet smooth gear shifts. The Vanquish is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 345kmph. Precision engineering ensures that every aspect, from acceleration to handling, is finely tuned for performance enthusiasts. The advanced suspension system and state-of-the-art transmission provide a balance between comfort and high-speed agility, making it a true grand tourer.

Step inside, and the Vanquish reveals an interior that embodies luxury and sophistication. The cabin is a masterclass in opulence, featuring premium hand-stitched leather, carbon fibre accents, and an intuitive driver-focused cockpit. The infotainment system is equipped with a high-resolution touchscreen, offering seamless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium sound system, customisable ambient lighting, and advanced driver assistance features further enhance the experience. The ergonomic seats, crafted for both comfort and support, ensure long-distance journeys remain effortless. The Vanquish also offers advanced climate control, digital instrumentation, and a suite of connectivity features, making every drive an immersive experience.

Aston Martin Vanquish
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

With only 1,000 units available worldwide, the Aston Martin Vanquish is more than just a car — it is a collector’s dream, a rare fusion of art and engineering that exemplifies the brand’s storied legacy. For Indian enthusiasts, securing one will be an extraordinary feat, making each unit in the country an ultra-rare automotive treasure.

The Aston Martin Vanquish is an extraordinary machine that represents the pinnacle of British automotive excellence. With its breathtaking design, exhilarating performance, and ultra-exclusive status, it stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Whether admired from afar or experienced on the road, the Vanquish remains a symbol of luxury and performance that few will ever have the privilege to own.

The Aston Martin Vanquish carries a hefty price tag of ₹8.85 crore, making it one exclusive purchase!

Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes

It has been weeks since Viraj Sheth posted a clarion call of sorts on Instagram, announcing his search for the next big creator in India. His team has still been going through the responses they received. 

The announcement by the CEO and co-founder of Monk Entertainment — a creative digital media organisation, started in 2017, which represents a host of familiar faces you might have seen online including creators Niharika NM, Komal Pandey, Nancy Tyagi and Yashraj Mukhate — received over 49,000 responses. These were from beauty content creators, crochet enthusiasts, nutritionists, food vloggers, architects, photographers, singers, parenting experts, and more.

His motivation, Viraj tells us, is very simple. “We have been doing this for seven years and I feel like now is the time to start giving back. While we always sign on popular talent we can groom and take to the next level, we have not really worked with content creators from scratch,” Viraj explains. 

Over the last few years, influencers or content creators with an engaged following on social media have taken over the our mobile screens. They might talk about anything; food, fashion, politics, sports or tech, but are most importantly, an essential part of marketing, given their solid, sizable audiences. 

Amidst constant chatter about the relevance of influencers, and if the influencer economy is dying, the need to become ‘someone’ on the Internet seems to be well and truly alive. Viraj recalls how companies were wholly unfamiliar with terms such as influencers and the creator economy, when he started in 2017, but says times have now certainly changed. In his announcement, Viraj declares that the influencer marketing industry is going to be worth ₹7,000 crore in 2025. 

Fashion, beauty, podcasting, food, and technology are Viraj’s top five genres that he says are highly rewarding given how most consumer brands exist in these spaces. “These brands are the ones actively spending on marketing through influencers,” he says.

“I don’t think this market is saturated by any means,” Viraj adds. And he is preaching to a generation that is well and truly addicted to the endless stream of reels. “We are a country of a billion people, and there is always more room for creators, and there are millions of brands that actively want to work with these creators. Which creators will flourish, however, depends on who is authentic and creating the right kind of content,” he says. 

A virtual hit

So what should you be doing to be that ‘someone’ on the Internet in 2025? Viraj firstly has some news for us, that lays to rest some cloying trends. “This is going to be the year of people abstaining from creating over-the-top videos with trending and dramatic music. This next big wave will have people only strictly wanting to connect with accounts that truly resonate with what they are thinking,” he says. 

He also predicts that it will be time for actual skill and subject experts, who are often camera shy, to finally get in front of the camera. “There will be a focus on people who have done or built interesting things offline or have a certain kind of expertise. Earlier, people became creators first and subject experts later. Now there will be a flip of the same, and these people will take over, and build communities around their expertise,” Viraj explains.

For India’s next big creators, they are hoping to discover and mentor three creators. “We have stipulated a minimum time frame of one year that they need to work with us. We want to give them the right resources, and give them wings to grow and solidify their online presence,” he adds. 

So while dramatic declarations are made quite periodically by people about how creator culture will soon be dead, Viraj begs to differ. “The influencer marketing industry cannot die overnight especially given the economics of it all,” he says. “People are not going to instantly stop doom scrolling, and if Instagram does disappear, there is definitely going to be a new platform that will take over.”

Visitors taking a boat ride after the launch of the service at Sanna Kere in Lumbini Garden of Yadgir on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, the Tourism Department and Bengaluru-based Vinyog Ventures Private Limited have jointly launched boating facility at Sanna Kere, located in Lumbini Garden in Yadgir city.

MLA Channareddy Patil Tunnur inaugurated the facility on Monday.

“There are four types of water boat facilities in which visitors can travel. One each of kayaking, bumping, general and rafting boats are available for visitors. Visitors of all ages will find something to their liking,” Mr. Tunnur said.

Yadgir CMC Chairperson Lalita Anapur has said that it was the dream of citizens to travel in boats. “The dream has come true. The citizens should make use of the facility,” she said.

Assistant Director in the Tourism Department Ramachandra said that a tender will be floated to develop boat facilities in Mavinakere at Shahapur, Ibrahimpur Kere, Narayanpur Reservoir and Minaspur Kere.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sharanabasappa Koteppagol was among those who participated in the inauguration ceremony.

Nail art has become Thiruvananthapuram’s latest fashion fix, and the trend shows no signs of fading. The city is home to several dedicated nail art studios. Many beauty salons have also introduced specialised nail makeover sections, catering to the growing demand.

The customer base spans all ages, from teenagers to people in their seventies. 
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

It was a slow start for Thara Devi when she opened her studio, D Artistry, at Vazhuthacaud in July 2020. “The market for nail art was sparse at best, with only the occasional bride as a client,” she recalls.

But within a year, things changed. Social media fuelled a surge in demand, bringing more people in search of quality nail services. “In the last few months, the demand for good nail studios has only grown. Our studio has seen over a 50% increase in the average number of customers per day,” Thara says.

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Finger Tips: The Nail Studio, a premium nail salon, opened its franchise at Pattoor a few months ago. Mamta Pillai, owner of the franchise, recalls how, while living abroad, she would get her nails done before visiting the city for weddings. However, by the time the events arrived, her nails would begin to fade or chip.

Despite this, her manicured nails always sparked curiosity, and she noticed a growing enthusiasm for nail art. At the time, Kochi was the nearest hub for such services. “When I moved to Thiruvananthapuram, I wanted to bridge this gap by opening a nail studio — partly for the city, and partly for myself,” Mamta says.

Nail art done at D Artistry
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

She adds, “The city has surprised me. I was told there wasn’t a market for a dedicated nail studio, as people were too conservative to spend on it. But I’ve met clients who know exactly what they want.”

Caught red handed

“The market here loves reds,” Mamta notes. Reds, maroons and pinks are staples for customers whereas shades of blues and greens are less popular. Actress Parvathy Krishna, a nail art enthusiast, has stayed loyal to a single shade of red since 2019. “I have explored various designs, but haven’t changed the shade all these years,” she says.

Nail art works at D Artistry. Nail shapes range from ovals and squares to almonds and stilettos.
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

However, the variety of shapes, designs and accessories keeps things exciting. Nail shapes range from ovals and squares to almonds and stilettos, each customisable with embellishments like bows, pearls and gems. Thara adds that she is particular about the quality of gems being used.

Nail art at D Artistry. Reds, maroons and pinks are staples for customers whereas shades of blues and greens are less popular. 
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The current demand is for cat eye and chrome nails, the nail artists say. The shiny, metallic chrome polish comes in a range of colours and can also be used as a top coat over other shades. Some clients opt for a neon base coat with chrome layered on top for an extra gleaming effect.

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio.  The shiny, metallic chrome polish comes in a range of colours.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Cat eye polish is a glittery formula that adds depth to nails, with the colour appearing to shift depending on the angle. Chameleon cat eye, a variation of this style, enhances the effect with dual-toned polish for a dramatic colour change. “The illusion of the cat eye is extraordinary in the chameleon version,” says Mamta.

The signature shine of cat eye nails comes from tiny iron particles in the polish, which can be manipulated into patterns using a magnet.

However, glitter remains a bridal favourite. While some brides opt for nudes or soft pinks to complement their range of wedding outfits, others bring their sarees to match the polish perfectly. French tips and ombré designs continue to be timeless classics.

Nailing the experience

Nail art is a time-consuming process, with each appointment lasting more than an hour. Mamta shares that at Fingertips, the goal is to make the experience as relaxing as possible. The serene atmosphere allows clients to read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch Netflix while getting their nails done.

Thara Devi
| Photo Credit:
Nirmal Harindran

People also take it as an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. Mothers and daughters book sessions together as do brides and grooms, getting matching designs or doing manicures and pedicures.

While most clients at nail studios are women, men have also begun to take an interest. The customer base spans all ages, from teenagers to people in their seventies.

According to Vinod Hari of Nailed It at Mall of Travancore, 80% of their customers are first-timers. “With nail art now done using machines, the process is much faster. It takes under a minute, and with over 350 designs available, people can also customise their choices.”

Older clients and working women tend to prefer simple designs, while kids and teenagers draw inspiration from anime and K-pop idols, he says. “Many want to replicate Korean nail art. Since children under 13 typically don’t get their nails done, we offer press-on nails, charms, and jewels for them.”

Nail art done at Fingertips: The Nail Studio. Older clients and working women tend to prefer simple designs, while kids and teenagers draw inspiration from anime and K-pop idols
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Nail art studios rely on imported products to meet global standards. “Thiruvananthapuram is exposed to international trends, so we have to stay ahead,” says Mamta. With social media as inspiration, clients are increasingly exploring nail art on a global scale. When they request a specific design, technicians are expected to have the skills and tools to execute it flawlessly.

The cost of nail extensions ranges from ₹1,700 to ₹4,000 for the whole set, while nail art pricing varies by design, starting at ₹100 per nail. “Most of our designs are hand-painted and fully customised,” says Thara, adding, “We cater to brides, professionals, and those preparing for special events. If our work is subpar, we risk ruining their big day — there’s no room for compromise on quality.”

Mastering nail art is an ongoing process. “There is no substitute for practice,” says Thara, who also runs D Academy, a nail art training centre, since 2021. It offers a three-day crash course to month-long professional course. There has been an increase in number of people who turn up to learn the art, she says.