Retropoplifestyle

CHASING THE MONSOONS

Overcast skies, moisture laden clouds and the smell of fresh rain-soaked earth, the monsoons bring relief from the hot summer days and a sense of abundance and adventure. Make your way through the country and follow the raindrops as you explore some of India’s most breath-taking destinations with Taj, Vivanta and SeleQtions hotels.

A road trip to Nashik is a traveller’s delight. Take a scenic drive to Wine Country for a quick getaway at the quaint hotel nestled amongst vast expanses of landscaped gardens. Explore the city’s many wineries or indulge in an intimate picnic by the river, the choices are endless.

Embark on a journey to God’s Own Country with its serene backwaters, many shades of green and rich culture. Each offering beautiful views of Kerala’s many waterbodies, you can experience vignettes of village life, the flavourful cuisine of the region and glimpses of history like the centuries-old Bekal Fort.

Where better to enjoy the rains than in the midst of a 180-acre rainforest perched atop hills peppered with more than 200 species of flora and fauna. At Coorg, become one with nature as views of the mist-covered hills keep you spellbound. Enjoy an adrenaline rush with winding nature trails or sit back and indulge in the luxury of time with our signature experiences at the award-winning Jiva Spa.

For those looking to travel back in time, the Queen of Hill Stations – Ooty, is the perfect rainy day antidote. With its colonial-era architecture and lifestyle, the heritage hotel, offers guests a slice of life from the past. Walk through the lush Nilgiris tea estates, enjoy an idyllic afternoon high tea or learn the art of playing croquêt on the hotel’s lawns – there is something for everyone.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travelers and the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Hospitality Brand as per Brand Finance 2021, SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels, Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel – The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 221 hotels including 53 under development globally across 4 continents, 12 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is South Asia’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.

Lyricist Jaani’s ‘Mehrbaniaan’ by Desi Melodies

Romaana, one of the fastest-rising artists in the Indian music industry, has unleashed his eagerly awaited EP, ‘Mehrbaniaan’ via Desi Melodies. This album includes four songs created, composed, and performed by the 26-year-old. Several musicians have produced the music, including Jaani, Avvy Sra, and Jaydden.

Lyricist Jaani, who has written over 100 songs, and also mentored Romaana is immensely proud of him, saying, “Romaana isn’t just an amazing singer, he is a very talented artist as a whole and ‘Mehrbaniaan’ is a true testimony of his versatility. I have very closely seen how he has evolved as an artist in the last few years, his growth has been unparalleled. I am elated to have him in the Desi Melodies family and I am sure he will continue to make us all very proud!’

The first song on the EP, ‘Mehrbaniaan,’ tells a story of a helpless bride who has given up her toxic lover; As the protagonist longs for his partner, ‘Khair Allah Khair’ embodies that longing; The song ‘Kithe Reh Gaye’ is about the love of his life and his desire to win it back, and for ‘Mann Dolje’ Romaana uses the canvas to praise his lover’s eyes and how captivating they are by using alluring metaphors.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKF9dKqiYe/

Romaana embarked on the journey as a solo artist ‘Goriyaan Goriyaan’ under the production of Desi Melodies. Written and composed by Jaani, along with music by B-Praak, it currently stands at upwards of 28 million views on YouTube. Jaani has been a part of record-breaking songs such as Arijit Singh’s ‘Pachtaoge’ and B-Praak’s ‘Filhall’. In addition, he wrote the first stanza for B-Praak’s “Baarish Ki Jaaye” featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sunanda Sharma, and is credited as the lyricist of Jassie Gill’s super hit song ‘Ehna Chauni Aa’. The young talent has contributed to superhits like ‘Haath Chumme’, ‘Sufna’ and ‘Qismat’ as well.

Up your monsoon style quotient with United Colors of Benetton

Monsoon can be your fashion nemesis, always making you doubt your #OOTD options with United Colors of Benetton

COLOR STORY

A parade of pastel shades, rainbow combinations and must-have pieces to make this season functional yet chic.

Ranging from shorts to denims, t-shirts to waterproof jackets and bucket hats to belts, bags and more for both men & women;

For men

Price Range – INR 1000 – 8000

Available at United Colors of Benetton stores Pan India

Giorgia Andriani perfectly flaunting her bikini body in her amazing top 5 Bikini Outfits.

Italian supermodel turned B-town actress Giorgia Andriani always makes headlines with her astonishing pictures. And videos on her social media and as she never fails to allure her fans with her attractive dance moves. Recently, the actress crossed half a million followers on her Instagram and celebrated it virtually. Giorgia Andriani is all set to make her mark on Bollywood with her amazing acting skills and dedication. The actress can pull off any outfit with ease as she has an hourglass body. Taking to her Instagram account, Giorgia Andriani uploaded some mind-blowing bikini outfits that made the audience fall head over heels with the actress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ3ZoSWFwKR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Giorgia Andriani shared her floral embroidery black bikini outfit with a black silk scrunchie and wrote the caption, “Floating into summer-like ”. Giorgia Andriani glided into summer effortlessly and gave us beach vibes. Fans rushed in the comments to shower their love and admiration for her.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZHXsVld5Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also,

Giorgia Andriani’s wished her Instagram family ‘Merry Christmas’. And looked absolutely breathtaking in her red bikini outfit, decorated with multi-colored balloons. The actress surely looks like a Christmas delight and dazzled all her fans with her look.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CNH-g1nlW9k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And Giorgia Andriani looks stunning in a black bikini paired with a fancy shrug that completes the actress’s look. And the sand in the background adds the perfect contrast to the entire picture. Giorgia Andriani has let down her hair and poses at the camera. Giorgia Andriani looks extremely versatile in this picture as the shadow falls correctly showing her strong personality. The actress captioned the picture, “Writing in the sand.” The caption is apt in such a way as the actress rules all our hearts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJNhAzUle0q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Giorgia Andriani looks like a mermaid in her orange bikini attire and showcases her beautiful underwater swimming skills as she captivated all our hearts and attention by setting the internet on fire with her Instagram reel video. The actress makes swimming look easy, smiles, and showed her love towards her fans while making them fall in love with her throughout the video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B08aIddlxy5/

Last but, not least

the most bombshell outfit that made our heart go gaga was the hot wet swimsuit look that Giorgia Andriani had uploaded, the golden shimmer swimsuit is really looking goddess on her and is stealing our heart with that amazing eye contact pose, indeed she was looking the best as always.
On the work front, Giorgia Andriani made her debut in the south with the series “Karoline Kamakshi”. The actress Giorgia Andriani was seen with Mika Singh in his music album recreating the evergreen song “Roop Tera Mastana” which got a huge response from the audience, she will be soon starring in the film “Welcome To Bajrangpur” alongside Shreyas Talpade. Giorgia Andriani has more exciting upcoming projects that she will be announced soon

Zika Virus alert: Things you should know

By Dr. Anita Mathew, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital Mulund

Amid the growing threat of the third wave of COVID19, Maharashtra discovered its first Zika virus case, raising a caution on the kind of precaution needed to be taken in the coming days. Although the state health department has decided to conduct a door-to-door survey in the district in which the case was found, it seeks help from community, to help be vigilant and contain the spread of the Zika virus. The state health department also reports that cases of Chikungunya and Dengue are also on the rise.

SO HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ZIKA: The vector through which Zika gets transmitted is like that of Dengue and Chikungunya. Its symptoms are also similar to Dengue and Chikungunya. In majority of cases the disease is self limiting. Therefore, the only treatment required is symptomatic. Zika can cause complication in pregnant women. The infection can cause Microcephaly (a brain disability) or other conditions called Congenital Zika Syndrome.

The virus easily transmits from a pregnant woman to her fetus. It can also spread through sexual contact, transfusion of blood & blood products, and organ transplantation. Now, it is important that people identify Zika symptoms from other vector-borne diseases and COVID19.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR:

Mild to high fever
Conjunctivitis
Skin Rashes/Allergies
Headaches
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Sometimes atypical weakness of upper and lower limbs

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO FOLLOW TO STAY AWAY FROM DISEASE: It is important to note that there is no cause to worry if you take the necessary precautions. However, if you observe any changes in your body, especially the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consult your doctor. Don’t forget that any delay can cause undesired complications. Also, do not indulge in self-medication. Take these precautionary measures to stay protected and safe.

DOS AND DON’TS: People detected with the virus are requested to stay indoors, take as much rest as possible & drink plenty of fluids. Pregnant women should refrain from traveling, mainly to infected areas. No specific treatment is required, normally it is a self-limiting condition.

Since there is no treatment or vaccine available, reducing the risk of being bitten by a mosquito is the only option. Since the mosquito bites mostly during the daytime, making sure living areas are clean and no stagnant water is seen, emptying pots and buckets is important, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in such water.

Wear full-sleeved clothes
Ensure doors and windows are closed
Apply mosquito/ insect repellents
Drink only boiled water
Consume fresh homemade food
Avoid using Aspirin to treat fever
Visit your doctor if symptoms persist
Make sure your home is well ventilated
Avoid touching your nose and mouth with your hand, especially if your hands are not washed
Avoid visiting crowded places to reduce your risk of viral infections

Rakhi Hampers by Upstage Collect , luxe online retail store of Roseate Hotels & Resorts

Upstage Collect, the luxe online retail store of Roseate Hotels & Resorts brings you an extravagant gift to pamper your siblings. A wide range of expertly curated, unique and thoughtful gifts to make your sibling feel. As special as they truly are. Choose from a selection of signature mithais’, beautiful & elegantly handcrafted leather Rakhi’s. From Nappa Dori and Aheli candle, the perfect way to create your own oasis of calm with these heavenly scented candles.

What’s more, enjoy an exclusive 15% off the entire gifting selection until 22nd August 2021.

Make your celebrations even more special with our luxe Mithai by Roseate. A scrumptious selection of handcrafted sweets that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and create everlasting memories. An ideal choice, devour classics like Rabri Ghevar, Bal Mithai, Dhoda, Milk Cakes, Marble Barfi. Roasted Channa Ladoo, Caramelized Sugar Besan Ladoo and Coconut Ladoo to name a few. Those who would like to experience innovative delicacies can try Flaxseed Ladoo, Hazelnut Pedas, Crunchy Pista Lounge and Date & Nut Barfi.

An exquisite retail destination featuring discrete luxury, Upstage Collect features a curated selection of brands that offer a fine collection of luxury lifestyle apparel, textiles, home, jewellery, skincare and accessories. Upstage Collect exudes a distinct Indian personality with global sensibility at the core of its philosophy.

‘Family Rejoice’ Getaway

Wishing for a break? Refresh your mind with our ‘Family Rejoice’ package and take a much needed escape with your loved ones. Check-in and relax in our spacious, well-furnished rooms featuring amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, tea/coffee makers, complimentary mineral water, while washrooms offer luxury bath amenities.

Package also includes special breakfast, sumptuous dinner, late check-out and 20% discount on Food & Beverage. Relax, energize, have ‘we’ time and create joyful memories at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa! Package starts INR 7495/- + taxes, book on www.hotelmetdetlhi.com

Divas Mantra launches Rakhi Collection | Bandhan Edit

Divas Mantra has recently launched their Bandhan Edit. Their ‘Rakhi Collection’ is called Bandhan Edit this year; introducing the concept of repurposing the Rakhis even after the festival. Every year rakhis are discarded after use, generating 1.18 billion tonnes of carbon footprint.

At Divas Mantra, the brand believes in conscious consumption and wanted to take baby steps to improve its brand as socially responsible. Rakhis from the Bandhan Edit can be customised to Tikka, Brooch, Pendant, or even Cufflinks, at no extra cost.

The Trailer of ‘Bellbottom’ Launched

The star cast of the film Bell Bottom along with the PVR owners Ajay Bijli and Sanjeev Bijli launched the trailer of the film in Delhi’s PVR Priya, a single-screen theatre that was also the birthplace of PVR multiplexes. This was a hugely symbolic and nostalgic moment to welcome the enduring legacy of big-screen entertainment. The adrenaline-packed trailer does complete justice to the buzz around the film and promises an epic adventure full of world-class action, retro swag, a foot-tapping background score, massive production values, and Akshay Kumar’s action persona at its best. Akshay Kumar officially unlocked Delhi cinemas at the event. He encouraged cinema all to make the trip back to theatres once they complete both the doses of their vaccination while following all protocols so that cinemas are not forced to close again due to another wave. While interacting with the Media persons Akshay told that the team of ‘Bell Bottom’ rose to the challenge of releasing the film in theatres amid the coronavirus pandemic as there is little to life without some risk. ‘The pressure is there on everybody but I’m very sure that things are going to work out. There’s a challenge, a risk. But if you haven’t taken the risk in life, then what have you done? So we have gone with it,’ ‘In this journey, I have my producers Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani who have also taken the risk and that’s how we have proceeded.

‘When asked how he convinced himself to get back to the set, the actor said life has to go on. ‘We have to work and there’s no doubt about it. You all have also worked amid the pandemic. So, how can work stop? You have to keep on working and take care of yourself. This is going to be normal now and life has to go on,’ every project, there were close to 300-400 people working with me. So everything has to keep going on.’ Asked if there’s a concern about cinema halls remaining shut in the state, Akshay said the makers have taken a leap of faith.’It is a gamble and someone had to take this gamble. We have taken this leap and I’m confident that this is going to work.’ Lara plays Indira Gandhi in the film and has generated a lot of buzz on social media due to her transformation and prosthetics for the role. Lara revealed that she received a call from the makers about playing the former PM in the movie.“All it took was a call and they said that Lara this film is being made and we are casting for Indira Gandhi’s role. To portray the role of Indira Gandhi was challenging, Lara revealed. ‘But yes, of course, there is a great responsibility when you’re portraying somebody who is an iconic figure like her,’ she said. It was a challenge to get the body language of the character right, added Dutta.“As you all know that the film deals with a hijack situation that happened during her tenure. Given the dramatic events that were unfolding, she was somebody who was very centred and not prone to any dramatics. So it was important to portray her in that form.“I had a great time. There was a lot of homework and research that went behind it. But it was an opportunity of a lifetime that I’m thankful for,” she added. the movie is set in the 1980s and features Kumar as a RAW operative whose code name is ‘Bell Bottom’. It was also the first Bollywood project to commence production amid the pandemic last year.Besides ‘Bell Bottom’. Producer Jackky Bhagnani said though Maharashtra contributes almost 30 per cent to the revenue of films, he is not worried about the prospects of ‘Bell Bottom’.’With ‘Bell Bottom’, we are just happy to be the flag bearers. This is for the fraternity and we are very happy that this movie is coming in theatres. That is the most important thing. ‘Yes, business is important but for this film especially, the biggest box office is that we are coming to theatres,’ told Jackky.

Vaani Kapoor is all praise for Akshay Kumar and she told the decision to do the film was instant because she got a chance to share the screen with Akshay Kumar. Vaani reveals, ‘My father is actually a great fan of his, so am I! In fact everybody in our family… We watch all his movies..He is a great actor. He is approachable. He takes care everybody in his team.’ ‘I have a small but impactful role in Bell Bottom which I’m hoping will be loved by audiences and critics alike.’she further added.

‘Bellbottom’ is presented by Pooja Entertainment in association with Emmay Entertainment. It is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and Nikkhil Advani. Headlined by Akshay, the film also stars Vaani Kapoor, Lara Dutta, and Huma Qureshi and is directed by Ranjit M Tewari. The film is based on true events and the trailer has already started getting rave reviews. ‘Bellbottom’ is all set to release in cinemas next on 19th August, 2021. Bell Bottom will be the first Bollywood release after the second wave and reopening of cinemas which the team is hoping will encourage other filmmakers to announce the theatrical release of several pending projects. The film interestingly was shot after the first lockdown abroad and is now ready for release much before other films which were shot earlier but still not released including Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi.

Fruits for Beauty Care

By Shahnaz Husain

Fruits have been traditionally used for beauty care. Here are some benefits of fruits in beauty care:

Amla

Amla has the highest Vitamin C content that is not even destroyed on heating. It controls hair problems like hair loss and greying. To make amla hair oil, take a handful of dry amla. Grind coarsely and add it to 100 ml pure coconut oil. Keep in an airtight glass bottle and keep in the sun daily for about 15 days. Strain it and store to apply on the hair.

Lemon

We all know that lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C. As a cosmetic ingredient, avoid using it undiluted, as it can be harsh on the skin. However, on areas where the skin is thicker, like elbows and knees, rub lemon halves and wash off with water. Over a period of time, it cleanses and lightens skin colour. For rough hands, rub granulated sugar and the juice of a lemon together on the hands, till the sugar dissolves. Then rinse off with water.

Ripe Papaya

Ripe papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, like Vitamins A, C and B. These fruits also contains papain, a digestive enzyme, which helps to soften and remove dead skin cells, making the skin clearer and brighter. It also helps to lighten skin colour if used regularly over a period of time. Ripe papaya pulp can be applied on the face, or can be mixed with other ingredients like oats, curd and honey to make face masks. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes and wash off with water. Papaya helps to cleanse the scalp and remove dandruff flakes.

Banana

Bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium and also contain Vitamin C and B6. Bananas are beneficial for both skin and hair treatments. Its potassium content helps to soften both the hair and the skin. Bananas can be made into a pulp and added to both face and hair packs. Mix banana pulp with grated apple, ripe papaya pulp and oranges for a face or hair pack.

Apples

Apples contain Vitamins C, B6 and several minerals. They also contain pectin, which is said to have a soothing effect on sensitive skin. Apples help to tone and tighten the skin. Mix oats with curd, honey and apple pulp or grated apple into a paste. Apply on the face and wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes.

About Shahnaz Husain

Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.