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<p>The arrival of a new year gives us another excuse to hoard pretty planners, diaries, and satisfying journals. After all, don’t we all want to track tasks, take notes, and plan our weeks and months? Planners and journals have always proved to be one of the best ways to stay organised, focused, and always ahead of our schedules.</p><p>If you’re struggling to juggle a busy work-leisure schedule, are always in a hurry to note down something very important, want to ‘Marie Kondo’ your tasks, or need a helping hand to organise your schedule—we have found the best planners and journals to keep you inspired and motivated in 2022.</p><h2>1. Everything Planner, Comma Products</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXLDeUkvefh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>For real busy bees who need a vibrant dose of fun colours in a planner to kickstart the year, this one is packed with a 54-week glance view, month and year-at-a-glance sections, important dates of the year, and many more features. The vibrant monotones with abstract nature prints promise to help you stay focused and increase your productivity. This planner offers tons of space for day-to-day note taking too.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://commaproducts.com/collections/everything-planner"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>2. Classic 12 Month Planner, Odd Giraffe</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXp_JCuo7QT/"></oembed></figure><p>New beginnings are in order, and Odd Giraffe’s 2022 planners are a reminder of hope and positivity. The theme for their 2022 planners is 'optimism'. The brand collaborated with over 10 female artists from around the world and asked them to make designs keeping the theme in mind—and the result is beautiful and empowering, with assorted planners featuring rich visuals. Their 2022 planners make getting organised fun and simple. Inside you’ll find year, month, and week views, tons of pages, lots and lots of stickers, monthly goals, reflection and habit trackers. Besides that, the planners come with encouraging weekly fun to-dos like 'mail a card to your best friend' and compliments to keep you going.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://oddgiraffe.com/pages/planners"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>3. Pocket-Sized Planner, Baar Baar Dekho</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/BtC1Genn1b_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>This quirky pocket-sized planner is slim and chic but without dates. Being pocket-sized and refillable, it allows you to add to your yearly planner bit by bit or throw away the pages to start afresh in the next year. With quotes scattered here and there, this easy planner is what you need for your hopes, dreams, and optimism for the New Year.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://baarbaardekho.com/collections/daily-planner/products/its-okay-to-fail-daily-planner"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. The 2022 Happy Planner Bundle, Pop It Out</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWdoTPDPHOW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>Who doesn’t want a colourful, doodle design planner to start the New Year on a bright note? The vibrant design that runs all across this planner helps you jot down your dreams and goals more efficiently. The 244-paged planner comes with a hard-bound cover, a pen loop, lots of stickers, and separate sections for monthly goals, to-dos, important events, and budget planning. From habit tracker and period tracker to gratitude column and goal tracker—this diary will be a lovely companion for the coming year.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://popitout.in/"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>5. Alice In Wonderland Journal, Dots & Doodles</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQqffTKJgA1/"></oembed></figure><p>This undated journal is for your big ideas, inspirations, and to-do lists. This beautifully-designed journal cum planner, which can be personalised with your initials or full name, helps you achieve your goals in style. Available in two variants, blank or ruled pages, it’s a joy to use this journal.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dotsanddoodles.in/collections/hardboud-journals/products/alice-in-wonderland-1"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>6. A Well-Designed Day Planner, Studio Aoura</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXfpCTDvShO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>As the name of this planner says out loud, these undated planners are intricately designed and celebrate the everyday ordinary with thoughtfully laid out pages and spreads. The insides contain to-do lists, budget expenses, and a section for weekly reflections to pen down how you feel, your goals and plans. It also comes with inspirational quotes and vibrant illustrations to uplift the spirit as you pass the days. The pretty floral designs on the cover make it a must-have.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.studioaoura.com/collections/planners"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Sabzi Recipe Journal, Callidsign</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQnwaEaDhjf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>Whether it’s home-cooked meals, fine dining, or an irresistible dessert—food connects all of us. If you’re someone whose happy place is the kitchen, it’s time to invest in a recipe journal this New Year where you can write about your adventures in the kitchen and other food-related things that pique your interest. If you have recipes passed down for generations or a recipe that you have discovered as a quarantine cook—pen them down here so you know where to look for your comfort food.  </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.callidsign.in/recipejournals"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>8. Digital Detox Journal, The Ink Bucket</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CT2Ab67vRb7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>We have spent half of our lives glued to our laptop and mobile screens. Giving up your digital devices, even for just a few hours or days can be tough. That said, all of us at some point or the other have thought about going into a full ‘digital detox’ mode. The Inkbucket’s Digital Detox Journal guarantees more page time and less screen time. With inspiring content, vibrant designs to keep you engaged, and a few prompts in between for activities that can grow into regular hobbies—this journal creates avenues for a much-needed digital detox!</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://theinkbucket.in/products/digital-detox-journal"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>9. Reusable Planner, The Goofy Store</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYBBA9SoPTI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>The pandemic really made us focus on living a mindful life and that is not just limited to shopping for fashion and beauty essentials. When it comes to yearly planners and journals, the same outlook must be followed. Introducing a fun reusable planner by homegrown brand, The Goofy Store. This planner happens to be a large-sized reusable sheet that you write upon with a gel pen and then wipe away easily—it’s like a cool whiteboard for your space! It comes pre-designed with elements that keep track of your shopping list, to-do list, weekly calendar schedules, appointments, reminders, and so much more. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thegoofystore.in/collections/reusable-planners"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>10. 2022 Planners & Calendars, Alicia Souza</h2><p> Did you really think a list with the best planners for the next year would be complete without Alicia Souza’s yearly creations? Her yearly calendar or planner has now become synonymous with her beautiful designs. The all-new 2022 planner is cuter than ever and more durable too with textured paper and a mini-wellness tracker in addition to the usual monthly habit tracker and meal planner. The planner is filled with new adorable illustrations.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aliciasouza.com/collections/2022-planners-calendars"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>11. Gold Rush Notebook Diary, Navneet HQ</h2><p>For those on the go, these diary-like notebooks are easy to maintain without much fuss. The rich gold effect in the design gives it a decorative look, which makes it a perfect choice. These notebooks come in classic gold and rose gold designs along with abrasion-proof zip-lock packaging too. This one adds a bit of glam and richness to the desk.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>12. Journal Multifunction, Nappa Dori</h2><p>Featuring a raw and rustic look, the journals from Nappa Dori invite you to set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. The journal comes with a leather pocket and two pen loops on the front panel. Even, the exterior is composed of strong greyboard and genuine leather.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nappadori.com/journal-multifunction-2-2-tan.html"><i>Where to buy</i></a></p><h2>13. Bare’s Planner, Bare Necessities</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX-IEOBvfE7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>The OG organic and clean lifestyle brand and platform, Bare Necessities just debuted their sustainable 2022 planner. It’s an un-dated hardcover planner designed to help you plan your days mindfully and with purpose. It includes both monthly and weekly trackers, interesting recipes and sustainability tips along with motivational quotes and a dedicated space with ideas, prompts to help one reflect with gratitude.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://barenecessities.in/collections/stationary/products/a-fresh-start-planner-undated-journal">Where to buy</a></p>

From recipe journals to motivating planners, conquering 2022 has just been made easy!

Here are the best planners, calendars and journals for 2022. Read more on zeezest.com

13 Best Planners And Journals for 2022

13 Best Planners And Journals To Achieve Your Goals In 2022   

2022 

New Year

Shopping

Planners

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<p>Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Alia Bhatt was recently named 2021 Person of the Year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.  </p><p>Confirming the same on its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.petaindia.com/blog/alia-bhatt-named-peta-indias-2021-person-of-the-year/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>official website</u></span></a>, PETA India wrote: "To celebrate her work in support of an animal-friendly fashion industry and her advocacy for dogs and cats in need, PETA India has named Bollywood star Alia Bhatt its 2021 Person of the Year."  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYAvcjHB84I/"></oembed></figure><p>In the year 2021, Bhatt launched the vegan kidswear brand, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.edamamma.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search-Brand&utm_term=Brand-Exact&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrWOBhBjEiwAq85QZ1E4u3AnyUmKIiI5a8oeTJYjEzA6rBnc9pZVOwqTxtrvbB0SwgCbqBoCVmcQAvD_BwE"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Ed-a-Mamma</u></span></a>, and invested in another vegan brand called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://phool.co/?gclid=CjwKCAiAzrWOBhBjEiwAq85QZ6xoG7NgdABX9SPX18V17LrgGhSvEujnFweQz8tGDDRSz5ZUkNsG_RoCBlIQAvD_BwE"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Phool</u></span></a> known for making products by recycling flowers discarded by temples.</p><p>"This year, Bhatt invested in Phool, the company behind Fleather, a vegan leather made from discarded temple flowers. Her vegan kidswear line, Ed-a-Mamma, won the 2021 PETA India fashion award for helping to nurture kids’ love for animals and nature. She previously also starred in a pro-adoption PETA India campaign to help cats and dogs, and called for stronger animal protection laws," <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.petaindia.com/blog/alia-bhatt-named-peta-indias-2021-person-of-the-year/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>PETA India added</u></span></a>.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Reacting to her recent achievement, Bhatt urged her fans to love animals even more than they love her.  </p><p>"From urging her fans to adopt from shelters and never shop for dogs and cats to advocating vegan fashion and using the power of social media to call for stronger animal protection laws, @aliaa08 speaks for animals and is PETA India’s Person of the Year," <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/1475669971829092352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>PETA India said in a tweet</u></span></a>.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUzDICNsf7G/"></oembed></figure><p>"Alia Bhatt is not only helping to advance vegan fashion but also encouraging the next generation to be kind to animals. Alia does not hesitate to speak up, whether she is rallying her fans to adopt a dog or cat or calling for action on crimes against animals,” the organisation quoted its director of celebrity and public relations, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.petaindia.com/media/alia-bhatt-named-peta-indias-person-of-the-year/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Sachin Bangera</u></span></a>.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>The actor is known for her remarkable roles in movies such as <i>Gully Boy</i>, <i>Raazi</i>, <i>Highway</i>, and more. Some of her films to be released in 2022 include <i>Brahmāstra</i>, <i>RRR</i>, and <i>Gangubai Kathiawadi</i>. Alia is also all set to share the screen with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra in Farhan Akhtar's <i>Jee Le Zara</i>, the much-awaited spin-off to blockbuster movies, <i>Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara</i> and <i>Dil Chahta Hai</i>—both based on an all-boys road trip.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJxrgwlsQD7/"></oembed></figure><p>Apart from Bhatt, personalities such as Dr Shashi Tharoor, former Supreme Court Justice KS Panicker Radhakrishnan, cricketer Virat Kohli, comedian Kapil Sharma, and actors John Abraham, Anushka Sharma, Sunny Leone, R Madhavan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Hema Malini, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja have also been honoured with PETA India’s Person of the Year Award in the past—for their respective contribution towards the well-being of animals.</p><p>Moreover, the organisation also recently named actors Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar as winners of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.petaindia.com/media/akshay-kumar-bhumi-pednekar-are-peta-indias-2021-most-beautiful-vegetarians/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>PETA India's 2021 Most Beautiful Vegetarians awards</u></span></a>. </p>

The Brahmāstra actor urges fans to love animals more than they love her. 

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt named PETA India's 2021 Person Of The Year, read zeezest.com. 

Bollywood Celeb: Alia Bhatt Named PETA India Person of the Year

Alia Bhatt Becomes PETA India's 2021 Person Of The Year 

Alia Bhatt

Bollywood

Actor

PETA

 India’s Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Is Miss Universe 2021

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<p>Kerala-born Sruthy Sitara (28) may have become the first Indian to win Miss Trans Global 2021, but she has her feet firmly set on the ground. After six months of rigorous preparation, she won the international beauty pageant for trans women that saw contestants from 16 countries, such as Australia, the Philippines, the UK, Indonesia, and Japan among others.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-5_1639390414910.jpg"></figure><p>Sruthy also bagged the Eloquent Queen of the Year 2021 award at the pageant.</p><p>After scripting history, she wrote an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CW6khcrMvYH/">Instagram</a> post dedicating her crown to Anannyah Kumari Alex (popular RJ and news anchor in Kerala who died by suicide), and her mother, who passed away in 2015.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>An advocate of the upliftment of the trans community, Sruthy was among the first four transgenders who were appointed for a government job by the Kerala government. She worked as a project assistant at the Transgender Cell, Social Justice Department. Like other members of the trans community, Sruthy too faced several trials and tribulations since her early years. She believes that winning the crown might serve as a step to “finally change the perception of the trans community in society.”</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-2_1639390342167.jpg"></figure><p>Sruthy’s win was celebrated across India, including her home state. Dr R Bindu, the Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice in Kerala, acknowledged her efforts to champion the rights of the LGBTQ people in the state.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/rbinducpm/status/1466292870042718216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1466292870042718216%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vice.com%2Fen%2Farticle%2F5dg35b%2Findia-model-actor-miss-trans-pageant-winner-lgbtq"></oembed></figure><p>In a telephonic conversation, Sruthy opened up about her early years, what this win means for her, and more.</p><p><i>Edited excerpts:</i></p><h2>1. What were your early years growing up in a Keralite household like?</h2><p>My early years were rather confusing, just like other trans women. I didn’t know what the issue was, because I would think like a girl and walk and talk like one. In my younger days, I mingled with a lot of girls too. My brother and my guy friends would ask me to play games that were considered masculine—like cricket and football—but I didn’t have any interest in them.</p><p>I suffered in silence through my school years, but I also made some great friends who helped me come out as Sruthy Sithara. Until school, I didn’t even know there was another gender, and it was only when I went to Kochi to pursue my graduation that I interacted with transgender persons. That’s when I understood that I am one of them. It was after completing my degree that I decided to reveal my identity. That’s when I became Sruthy Sithara!</p><h2>2. When was the first time you experienced gender dysphoria?</h2><p>I don’t think I can pinpoint the first time—I think I always felt like a woman.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-3_1639390360257.jpg"></figure><h2>3. After you came out, did you face resistance from your family?</h2><p>No, not like some others. I have had immense support from my family, and I am extremely grateful for that. After I came out as Sruthy, I opened up to my father with the help of two school friends and told him everything. I also spoke about my dreams and aspirations, and what I’d want to do after revealing my identity. He said he had known for six years and that he was happy I had finally embraced my identity. My father is my biggest strength. In 2015, my mother passed away, and he has always been there for me. He is the backbone of my success.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>4. Have you always dreamt of being a part of the fashion industry? How has life changed after the crown?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-6_1639390288896.jpg"></figure><p>Yes, I have always dreamt of being a part of the fashion industry. Growing up, I was inspired by Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai and I always dreamt of being like them. It’s a dream come true for me. Life has really changed after the crown—not just my life, but also the perception about the transgender community.</p><h2>5. Tell us more about your win and how did you prepare for it?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-4_1639390304293.jpg"></figure><p>I am very honoured to have this crown. It took us six to seven months since this was a virtual pageant and it was the first time I had participated in something like this. I have participated in contests before, but they were held live. I have realised virtual events are tougher because there were several tasks and rounds and towards the end, there was a Q&A that had to be completely spontaneous. I am happy that I made my country proud.</p><h2>6. What does this win mean for your community?</h2><p>By winning this crown, I can now tell the world that we are in no way inferior to men or women. We are equal and have the calibre to excel.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>7. How was your experience working as a project assistant at the Transgender Cell with the Social Justice Department as part of the Kerala government?</h2><p>Sruthy: It was a very good experience. I am happy that I was one among the first four trans persons, who got a job at the Social Justice Department. I worked towards the upliftment of trans persons in Kerala and also received the opportunity to meet Kerala's then Social Justice and Health minister, Shailaja Teacher.</p><h2>8. How important do you think education is to remove the stigma around transsexuality?</h2><p>As Nelson Mandela rightly said, education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. I believe awareness is important, so that people stop thinking wrongly about the trans community. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about transgenders that they are sex workers, beggars, and criminals. There are trans persons in IT, films, and the makeup industry—and we need to accept this. We are just like anyone else.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sruthy-Sithara-inside-image-1_1639390431927.jpg"></figure><h2>9. What are a few things that people should never say to a trans woman?</h2><p>The foremost thing is never to ask about their surgeries because it’s a very personal question. Some people also body shame trans women. There are bodily changes that occur as a consequence of hormone therapy, but people mock us. When our bodies show any differences from the cisgender persons, people tend to point these things, even in public places. It enables toxicity. </p>

Miss Trans Global 2021 Sruthy Sithara opens up about her early years, what this win means for her, and more.

Miss Trans Global 2021 Sruthy Sithara opens up about her early years, what this win means for her, and more. Read more on zeezest.com.

Sruthy Sithara: Miss Trans Global 2021 Speaks Out

“We Are Equal And Have The Calibre To Excel,” Says Sruthy Sithara, Miss Trans Global 2021

Fashion

Transgender

Trans Women

Trans Community

Beauty Pageant 

Lgbtqia

Style 

Interview

The 10th edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF) will be held at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on 18-19 December 2021.

The 10th edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF) takes place at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on 18-19 December 2021. Read more on zeezest.com. 

Everything You Need To Know About Bangalore Literature Festival 2021

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<p>The two-day Bangalore Literature Festival 2021 opens tomorrow at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) and will have over 160 international, Indian, and city authors participating in it. This year, the festival has four program formats—the most interesting of which is the Ask Me Anything (AMA) with authors. This will be a limited number interaction format with a select set of authors across both days. All you need to do is carry a copy of any book by the author to gain entry into the AMA session.</p><p>The concept of AMAs first began with Reddit, the online community. It brought in a subject authority and opened up a forum for people to ask them questions. These were often timed with current news cycles or subjects of intense discussion. During the pandemic, when people were home-bound, AMAs began finding their way into social media interactions—where everyone from authors, to influencers, to food and beverage professionals, those from the gig market and more set up AMAs as a way to interact and build an audience. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Attendies-3_1639824833830.jpg"></figure><p>“The pandemic left the world no choice but to cope. Writers whose books came out in this period were in the dark about how to go about it; publishers were scrambling. It was a time even the most social media-shy writers got tech-savvy and embraced it. The internet became a more intimate place, a marketplace as well as the town stage,” says Srikrishna Ramamoorthy, co-Founder of the Bangalore Literature Festival.</p><p>Award-winning investigative journalist Josy Joseph, author of <i>A Feast of Vultures</i>, and the recently released <i>The Silent Coup</i>, who has an AMA session at the festival too feels that the Internet aided his foray into writing. “My career as a non-fiction writer has been significantly aided by the online community. Both my books are relatively risky ventures and anti-establishment, and did not get much attention from mainstream media. Whereas, word-of-mouth, support, and endorsement of my books by social media stars, activists, and users have made both big sellers in the non-fiction space. My latest book has sold over 20,000 copies in the first two months. A face-to-face AMA is something I look forward to”.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BLF-2_1639824847287.jpg"></figure><p>Srikrishna believes that introducing AMAs at the festival is a great way for the audience to get to know someone better. “These conversations could give readers interesting insights into the writer's mind. It could also bring out facets of a writer's life that one might otherwise not get to know,” he adds. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Authors and the organizers of the Bangalore Literature Festival agree that AMAs online have opened up newer audience segments for a wide genre of books. Especially for introverts and for those who prefer the anonymity that the internet provides—being able to interact with authors directly opened up interesting avenues and understanding. For the few generations more attuned to digital reading and e-readers than paperbacks, online interactions with authors have opened them up to newer writers.</p><p>Aakar Patel, a syndicated columnist, and author of the recently published <i>Price of the Modi Years</i>, has conducted AMAs on Reddit before and has commonly been asked questions about his Twitter handle and the language he uses. “I have found that it is a really good way of meeting a lot of people together. At the AMA at Bangalore Literature Festival, I hope the questions that come in are based on the times we live in,” Patel says. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BLF-4_1639824820538.jpg"></figure><p>Josy too has done a few AMAs on Reddit and other social media platforms but finds that none of it gives you a real-life feel. The questions posted here often tend to come from a place of inexperience or are abrasive. Joseph expects to have a far more mature audience at his session at the festival. “Especially for someone like me who speaks the raw truth passionately, looking into the eyes of my readers is much more rewarding. I hope for a bigger impact in a face-to-face session because I am talking to a crowd who could influence policies, discourses, discussions, etc.,” he adds. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>The enthusiasm for such interactions is also reflected in the audience looking forward to these AMAs. Swaroop Dev, an advertising professional and an ardent visitor at literature festivals feels that an AMA will add to your perspective on authors. “Watching them talk and answer questions in the flesh gives you insights into their way of thinking, their clarity of thought and confidence,” Dev says. He is particularly looking forward to three AMAs: “That of Gagandeep Kang, who I thought was a brave face of the pandemic; Aakar Patel, for his brave, unrelenting stance against the government; and Sharda Ugra, easily the best, funniest, and most insightful sportswriter in the country. I’m a huge fan”.</p><p>The AMA sessions at Bangalore Literature Festival are quite the highlight for book lovers looking forward to some personal interaction time with their favourite authors. </p>

Ask Your Favourite Authors Anything At The Bangalore Literature Festival 2021

Always on the lookout for newer formats to liven up a literature festival, AMAs with a diverse range of authors will be a crowd-puller at the Bangalore Literature Festival 2021. Read more on zeezest.com. 

AMAs In An On-Ground Format At Bangalore Literature Festival 2021

Bangalore Literary Festival 

Bangalore

Karnataka

Culture

Bengaluru

From soaking in spirituality, folk music and even adventure sports, these festivals best describe India's diverse cultures. Book your calendars now.

Winter months between December and February is the best time to travel across India. Here are ten winter festivals that allow you to savour unique and varied cultural experiences.

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10 Winter Festivals In India That Are Worth Travelling For

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These eight hotels offer the best of Kodava experience in Coorg. For more read ZeeZest.com

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8 Hotels Perfect For Your Next Luxurious Holiday In Coorg 

<p>It's December! Time to bid adieu to the year 2021 and welcome 2022. And, what better way to do this than in the company of some good music, mind-blowing dance performances, fun cultural activities, and delicious food from different parts of the country. So, this month if you are willing to indulge in some traditional activities and soak in pure Indian vibes as you step into the next year, then you must attend these seven festivals.</p><h2>1. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/">Kumbhalgarh Festival, Rajasthan</a> </h2><h3>December 1-3, 2021 </h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-inside-image-3_1638360895010.jpg"></figure><p>Plan a trip to Udaipur to participate in the Kumbhalgarh Festival, organised annually by the Rajasthan Tourism Department at the Kumbhalgarh Fort (in the nearby Rajsamand district) to promote Kumbhalgarh's art and culture. The three-day festival gives you a chance to witness artists from distinct parts of the country perform folk music and dance, and take part in competitions such as applying henna or tying a turban. You can also enjoy light and sound shows which are held all night here.</p><h2>2. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hornbillfestival.com/">Hornbill Festival, Nagaland</a></h2><h3>December 1-10, 2021</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-inside-image-2_1638360736812.jpg"></figure><p>If Northeast India is still pending on your bucket list, then this is the perfect time to tick off at least one of the seven sisters from the list by visiting Kohima for Nagaland's famous Hornbill festival. Held at the Naga Heritage Village, for the festival various Naga tribes dress up in traditional attire with headgears and ivory armlets. It is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of the warrior tribes of the state. The festival, recognised internationally, welcomes tourists from all over the world who indulge in singing, dancing, eating and drinking as a part of the grand celebrations.</p><p>Other highlights include the Naga Morungs’ exhibition of art and craft, food stalls serving delicious Naga cuisine, archery,  wrestling, and music concerts.</p><h2>3. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nh7.in/">Bacardi NH7 Weekender</a> </h2><h3>Dates to be announced</h3><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvW2insABN/"></oembed></figure><p>Another grand music and comedy festival to look out for in December is the Bacardi NH7 Weekender that takes place in multiple cities across India. Organised by Only Much Louder (OML), the festival that started in Pune in 2010, has now travelled to cities like Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Shillong, and Delhi/NCR. Lucky Ali, Nucleya, Prateek Kuhad, and When Chai Met Toast are just some of the many artists that displayed their magic at last year's virtual edition of the music festival. While this year's line-up is still a surprise and even the dates haven’t been confirmed yet, as per an official <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/NH7/status/1465918510127730692"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>tweet</u></span></a>, tickets are to go live in three days.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-article/2018/cochin-carnival/697">Cochin Carnival, Kerala </a></h2><h3>December 25, 2021 - January 1, 2022</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-Banner_1638361585885.jpg"></figure><p>This is Fort Kochi's biggest gala, organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Ernakulum. The carnival witnesses a huge crowd on New Year's Eve that is gathered to witness the burning of the effigy of Pappanji, an old man wearing a suit—signifying hope and harmony. The carnival kickstarts with The Ceremony of Peace at The War Memorial and then hoisting of the Carnival Flag at Vasco da Gama Square. As a part of the celebrations here, you can participate in events such as cultural shows, food festivals, beach football, cycle races, and more.</p><h2>5. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://tamilnadutourism.org/FineArts/DanceFestivals/Default.aspx?catid=0402P01">Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Mahabalipuram </a></h2><h3>December 25, 2021 - January 15, 2022</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-inside-image-4_1638360840791.jpg"></figure><p>Around two hours from Chennai lies the temple town of Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district. The ancient port city is known for monuments from the Pallava dynasty dating to the seventh century. Every year, the UNESCO World Heritage site hosts Mamallapuram Dance Festival from December end to mid-January, where artists perform dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, and more. A popular beach resort, the place is rich in caves, temples, and ancient monuments and sculptures. When here, don't forget to visit the famous Shor Temple to witness the celebrations.</p><h2>6. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tansensamaroh.com/">Tansen Samaroh, Gwalior </a></h2><h3>Dates to be announced</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-inside-image-6_1638360822050.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Facebook/Tansen Samaroh</figcaption></figure><p>The four-day music festival is celebrated every year in December in Behat village near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. During the festival, organised by the MP government, artists and music enthusiasts assemble near the tomb of Tansen to pay tribute to the famous musician from Emperor Akbar's era. Throughout the event, one can witness various vocal and instrumental performances by both aspiring as well as known artists. In fact, at the end of the event, the best one out of the lot is also honoured with Rashtriya Tansen Samman—an award of the highest respect in the Indian classical music industry. Last year it was awarded to Santoor player, Satish Vyas. As per an official tweet, local artists can apply for the music festival by December 2.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/">Winter Festival, Mount Abu </a></h2><h3>December 29-30, 2021</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Music-Dance-Festival-inside-image-5_1638360807785.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Twitter/ Rajasthan Tourism</figcaption></figure><p>The famous Winter Festival of Mount Abu in Rajasthan is organised every year at the end of December jointly by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Municipal Board of Mount Abu. The festival, aimed at highlighting the state's rich culture and heritage starts with a parade covering the hill station and ends at the Nakki Lake Chowk—followed by lighting hundreds of diyas and setting them afloat. Artists can be seen performing various classical and folk songs. Sufi kathak, ghoomar, and shaam-e-qawwali are just some of the dance and music performances that you can enjoy here. Not to mention various sports activities, handicraft fairs, fireworks, band performances, and more.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: Kindly visit festival and state tourism websites for updates. </i></p>

Bring the year 2021 to a close with traditional dance and musical performances held in the month of December in India.

Dance and music festivals happening in India in December, read more on zeezest.com 

7 Music And Dance Festivals To Attend In December | Zee Zest 

7 Dance And Music Festivals You Must Attend This December 

Dance

Music

Festival

December

2021

With an untainted legacy dating back to 500 years, Kadlekai Parishe or groundnut fair in Bengaluru is a sight to behold. 

With an untainted legacy dating back to 500 years, Kadlekai Parishe or groundnut festival in Bengaluru is a sight to behold. 

Celebrating Kadlekai Parishe Or Groundnut Festival In Bengaluru | Zee Zest 

Going Nuts Over Groundnuts: Bengaluru’s Kadlekai Parishe

<p>As a literature festival that is an ode to the creative spirit of Bengaluru, this edition of Bangalore Literature Festival marks a new milestone with the annual festival completing a decade. Known to be a platform for established and upcoming writers, the festival sees engaging literary conversations that go beyond the realm of pure writing.</p><h2>The specifics</h2><p>For this edition, the festival will be held in its physical avatar (there will be no live streaming). Recorded sessions will be up on the festival's YouTube channel after a while. The literary extravaganza is all set to welcome 160 authors and speakers (12 of whom will be physically present and 40 who will join virtually). </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sania-Mirza_1639825110206.jpg"><figcaption>Sania Mirza, Indian Tennis Player</figcaption></figure><p>Some of the distinguished authors whom you can meet include Damodar Mauzo, David Baldacci, Rutger Bregman, Shashi Deshpande, Remo Fernandes, Lori Gottlieb, Chetan Bhagat, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Andy Griffiths, Jugal Hansraj, Josy Joseph, Gagandeep Kang, Pranay Lal, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sania Mirza, Manish Mundra, Rob Reich, Bee Rowlatt, Vivek Shanbhag, and Jeet Thayil among many others. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_David-Baladcci_1639824944120.jpg"><figcaption>David Baldacci, American novelist</figcaption></figure><p>The event will have four forums that include a new ‘AMA with An Author’ and will also have a bookstore. Atta Galatta, a city-based bookstore has partnered with BLF and they will be giving out the Atta Galatta–Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize for the best of English fiction and non-fiction, and Kannada writing. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Karnataka calling</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_BLF18_1639825120872.jpg"></figure><p>A specific focus this year, which is also a unique element, is a set of conversations called the ‘languages of Karnataka’ that has been curated by Prateeti Ballal. This will cover aspects like ‘scripting a future for endangered languages’, 'history of Kannada literature’, and ‘fiction without boundaries’. These sessions will see speakers including Purushottam Billimale, Rajendra Chenni, Kaveri Ponnappa, Sayeegeetha Hegde, Melvyn Rodrigues, Brinda Somaya, and Deepa Ganesh among others. “We have scholars and writers speaking on the following languages: Arebhashe, Beary, Dakhni Urdu, Halakki Kannada, Havyaka Kannada, Kannada, Kundapura Kannada, Kodava, Konkani, Koraga, Navayati, Sanketi, and Tulu. There are many more languages in Karnataka, and this is an effort to honour the unique linguistic diversity of our state,” says Ballal. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Session specifics</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Chetan-bhagat_1639824963312.jpg"><figcaption>Authors Chetan Bhagat and Sudha Murthy</figcaption></figure><p>There are several special sessions that you can look forward to including Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Zoom session from Houston to talk about her latest novel, <i>The Last Queen</i>; Chetan Bhagat who will be in the house talking about <i>400 Days</i>, his latest novel; and Featuring Jeet, a reading session by Jeet Thayil in the stories section. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Nandita-Bose2_1639825051530.jpg"><figcaption>Author Nandita Bose</figcaption></figure><p>Srikrishna Ramamoorthy, co-founder of BLF says: “For the ‘In the Life’ section we have Lori Gottlieb who is a New York Times bestselling author, TED speaker, psychotherapist, and author of <i>Maybe You Should Talk to Someone</i>, and Preeti Shenoy with her practical advice on career, family, health, relationships, finances, social media, and more along with inspiring stories and anecdotes from her own life. From our Cinema section, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra talks about his life and times in <i>The Stranger in the Mirror.</i>” As part of the discussions on the theme of ‘India and the world today’, political and current affairs journalist Josy Joseph, data journalist Rukmini S, outspoken Dutch historian Rutger Bregman and India’s leading virologist Gagandeep Kang will be speaking as well. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Shashi-Tharoor_1639825072317.jpg"><figcaption>Shashi Tharoor, writer and politician</figcaption></figure><p>In the section on ‘People and their stories’, there will be <i>JBS Haldane: Radical Science and Restless Politics</i> with Samanth Subramanian, <i>Remo: A Life in Words</i> with Remo Fernandes, and Historian Sriram V who will speak on Chennai. In the field of sport, Sania Mirza will speak about her book <i>Ace Against Odds</i>. There is also something for tech lovers with <i>System Error: Where Big Tech Went Wrong and How We Can Reboot</i> by Rob Reich and <i>Pilani Pioneers</i> by Sandhya Prakash and TP Pratap. If you are looking for a literary weekend in Bengaluru, head to BLF—it will stimulate your mind like no other.</p><h2>Fact File</h2><ul><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The Festival opens at 10 am on Dec 18 and Dec 19.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Entry is free and open to all, but prior registration is recommended.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">All attendees need to be fully vaccinated. Temperature checks will be done at entry and the use of face masks is mandatory.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The event venues are ventilated spaces, and the audience entry is on a first come first serve basis.</span></li><li><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">There will be a range of food & beverage available for purchase at the BIC Terrace on the third floor.</span></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.bangaloreliteraturefestival.org"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">For more information check</span></a></li></ul>

The original OTT actor shares on his latest release Feels Like Ishq, his IIT days and the old-school love.

In a Zoom interview, actor Amol Parashar talks about his journey from TVF Tripling to Vishesh Films productions and everything in between.

Interview With Actor Amol Parashar on Feels Like Ishq | Zee Zest

Conventional Love Stories Are Slowly Losing Relevance: Amol Parashar

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Interview with Miss Trans Global 2021 Sruthy Sithara | Zee Zest

<p>Ritwik Bhowmik’s journey in the world of performing arts began pretty early when he started performing in school plays at the age of nine. One diploma in acting later, he worked as an assistant director for plays and shorts. Bhowmik did get to be a part of a few acting projects, but even he was not prepared for the kind of adulation and critical acclaim he received after last year’s clutter-breaking web series <i>Bandish Bandits</i>, where he played the role of Radhe, a classical singer. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQlE7vPNfKP/"></oembed></figure><p>A year later, the actor is excited about playing the protagonist in Sony LIV’s <i>The Whistleblower</i>. In the thriller web series, Dr Sanket is a final year medical student, and a practising doctor, who stumbles upon an entrance examination scam. Bhowmik shares screen space with stalwarts such as Sonali Kulkarni, Ravi Kishen, and Sachin Khedekar among others. The actor spoke to Zee Zest about his role in the medical thriller and what kept him away from the screen for almost a year.    </p><p><strong>Edited excerpts</strong></p><h2>1. Why has it taken you so long to come out with another show? </h2><p>I actually started working on this show immediately after <i>Bandish Bandits</i> was released. We started working on this show in January this year. It took a really long time to make this show. I wanted to pay attention to it because it was such a detailed and complex story. I needed to understand it, how to shoot it and how to tell the story. We also had to fight a lot of battles like the second wave of the pandemic during which a few crew members also got COVID. I guess that’s what took us so long. Otherwise, there was no conscious choice to take a long break. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ritwik1_1639477853379.jpg"></figure><h2>2. Were you conscious of not getting stereotyped? </h2><p>After BB, I got a lot of offers saying ‘this is also a singer’, ‘this is also a Rajasthani boy’ etc. Honestly, I would have taken them up if the story had appealed to me. I’m not saying I’m not scared of getting stereotyped. However, there was no conscious choice of ‘I need to go far away from Radhe’. The choice was to be excited. I would want that with every project. I’ll be concerned if that stops happening. I am acting because I have always enjoyed doing it. When I read the script of the show, the little kid in me who wants to try out new things got excited. Also, I fell in love with the director of the show Manoj Pillai. He has a fantastic vision. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Your debut series did so well. Do you feel the pressure to deliver now? </h2><p>I always feel the pressure to deliver. I am just a panicky person in general. It’s a good thing because I am also a very lazy person. Gajaraj (Rao) sir had once jokingly said,<i> ‘main baraat ka ghoda hoon, jahaan band bajega main naach loonga’ </i>(laughs). That line makes so much sense to me and I stick by it. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUSK7bTtCx2/"></oembed></figure><h2>4. What was the main appeal of the show for you? </h2><p>Very selfishly, I would have to say it was my part, then the story and the director. I really think Dr Sanket's role is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It would have been really foolish of me to let go of something like this. I don’t know how it will look on screen and how it will be accepted by the audience. I questioned the character a lot while I was reading it. I just hope people don’t judge the book by its cover because there is much to it. </p><h2>5. How much research did you have to put into it? </h2><p>There is something I have always believed in and only recently I realised how important it is because I heard Naseer (Naseeruddin Shah) sir say it too. He told me to just keep reading the script and you will keep finding something. It is a habit I have inculcated. Also, there was no scope for research here because it was a 500-pager script. It took me a month to read it ten times! I had a lot of dialogue and conversations with the director and the writers. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ritwik-Bhowmik_1639477781518.jpg"></figure><h2>6. You have worked with so many stalwarts in both these shows. Anything you’ve learnt from them? </h2><p>The best thing about actors who have spent a lot of time treating it both as a profession and as an art is that they have great stories to tell. A lot of these great stories start with a single line anecdote and those lines are so memorable. What I have learnt is that we need to stop talking about acting like it is some rocket science. It’s more human than science. It’s more man than machine. I have seen how actors like Ravi (Kishan) sir, Naseer sir, and Sachin (Khedekar) sir approach their roles and they are so human about it. They approach most things from their heart and that is going to stay with me. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. Has the struggle become easier after <i>Bandish Bandits</i> or is it tougher since audiences have so many platforms and talents to choose from? </h2><p>So far, there is no idea of struggle in my head, neither before BB nor after. The stark difference in my life professionally as an actor is that I have gone from 'I will work when good work comes my way’ to ‘good work is coming every day, how do I divide my attention?’ </p>

The actor who was appreciated for his classical singer act in Bandish Bandits gets candid about his next, a medical scam thriller

Gracing our screens after his innings on Bandish Bandits, actor Ritwik Bhowmik talks about his journey so far. Read more on zeezest.com

Interview with Ritwik Bhowmik About Web Series The Whistleblower

“I Always Feel The Pressure To Deliver,” Says Ritwik Bhowmik 

Ritwik Bhowmik

Celebrity Interview

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From Raja Ravi Varma to Tyler, it’s the mass connection that has given art a new democratic language.

When discussing art, calendar art and street art are often overlooked. But these two genres have helped in democratising art and propagating it among the masses. Read on zeezest.com

From Calendars To Streets, Art For The Indian Masses | Zee Zest

Raja Ravi Varma To Tyler, Bringing Art To The Common Man

A mecca of colour, craft, creativity, and imagination that brings alive beautiful bandhani, block-printing, Kutchi embroidery, and other local crafts. 

Explore the diversity of local handicraft and textile arts such as bandhani, block printing, lacquer and applique art brought alive by the karigars and artisans. 

A tour of the eight art and craft villages in Kutch | Travel and culture

8 Art And Craft Villages In Kutch Every Handicraft Lover Must Visit

<p>Rachita Vora, a self-taught digital artist and printmaker from Mumbai, who is also the co-founder and director of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://idronline.org/">India Development Review (IDR)</a>—India’s first independent online media and knowledge platform for leaders in the development community, produced in partnership with Ashoka University's Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy—takes us through ‘The Mumbaikar’ project. The series began as a personal project and pays tribute to Mumbai and homage to the iconic magazine covers of <i>The New Yorker</i>. Vora splits her time between Mumbai and Goa. We spoke to Vora to know more about her New Yorker-style love for Mumbai and why she chose Mumbai.  </p><p><strong>Edited Excerpts:</strong></p><h2>1. How did the art project, The Mumbaikar, start? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Mumbaikar-inside-image-2_1637923234101.jpg"></figure><p>I’ve lived in both cities—Mumbai and New York. And to me, in so many ways they are more similar than they are different. The recent construction and pollution notwithstanding, Mumbai is one of the world’s great cities, and I felt we needed ‘The Mumbaikar’ of our own—if not in terms of literature and poetry, then at least for the art. I never expected it to garner the kind of interest it has—both among people living in the city, as well as Mumbaikars who are based abroad.</p><h2>2. Why choose <i>The New Yorker</i> style?</h2><p><i>The New Yorker</i> magazine covers are such a wonderful tribute to New York City, and they have been the inspiration for this series. Plus, the play on words with ‘The Mumbaikar’ for this series is a nice coincidence.</p><h2>3. Is there a similarity between New York and Mumbai? </h2><p>Mumbai and New York have so many similarities. Both are great cities—with incredible art and culture, diversity, food, and people from all over. When I lived in New York though, two things that reminded me most of Mumbai: the energy and pace of life there, and the density of people.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Your images steer clear of the usual visual tropes that have come to define Mumbai. How do you choose your subjects?</h2><p>When I began working on the series, I decided I wanted to try and capture moments and sides of the city that you won’t find on a postcard or tourist souvenir—no Gateway of India, no auto-rickshaws, no Rajabai Tower. I wanted to depict aspects that would resonate with a Mumbaikar. Second, I chose to illustrate things that meant something to me and my own history with the city. But mostly, I wanted to have fun with it. </p><h2>5. The idea for the recent artwork in the series is crowdsourced. Tell us more…</h2><p>As the series began to get popular, I decided to crowdsource ideas from Mumbaikars for the eighth piece. So on social media, I asked them to tell me the memories and places they most associate with the city. I was overwhelmed with the response! There were so many unexpected and wonderful ideas—sandwich-wallahs, Dadar flower market, Irani cafes, the ‘champi’ guys on Carter Road, tetrapods, and the list goes on. The eighth piece in the series features the Dadar flower market and has been the most popular one so far on Instagram, where the entire series resides.</p><h2>6. You are not a trained artist but you took to digital art and linocut printmaking as hobbies last year….</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Mumbaikar-inside-image-3_1637923254819.jpg"></figure><p>My mother is an artist, so I inherited that talent from her and always loved making art as a child. I never pursued it professionally though, other than a few art classes during my undergraduate education at Yale University. During the pandemic, I found art again. It was a great excuse to re-enter my childhood in a way. I taught myself linocut printmaking, and also began painting digitally.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>7. How has Mumbai changed over the years? What do you miss most about the city? What has remained a constant?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Mumbaikar-inside-image-4_1637923944046.jpg"></figure><p>It has changed in so many ways and so dramatically—I’m not sure there’s ever enough space to respond fully to this question! </p><h2>8. Would you like to explore other cities too through this medium? </h2><p>I haven’t decided yet. If I expand beyond The Mumbaikar, I’d like to start with places I know reasonably well. I think that’s important to stay true to the core idea of the series, which is to feature timeless things about a place that resonates with its residents.</p><h2>9. Tell us about your cartoon series, This Nonprofit Life.</h2><p>I lead a digital media platform called India Development Review (IDR), which features cutting-edge ideas, lessons and insights are written by and for the people working on some of India’s toughest problems. I started the cartoon series 'This Nonprofit Life’ as part of our Humour section on the website. As the title suggests, the cartoon offers a humorous take on what it’s like to work in the field of social impact. The most recent one calls out Jeff Bezos’ ‘Marie Antoinette’ moment at COP26. You can find all cartoons on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://idronline.org/">idronline.org</a>.  </p><h2>10. Of all the images you drew for The Mumbaikar, which is the closest to your heart and why?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Mumbaikar-inside-image-1_1637923959831.jpg"></figure><p>It’s impossible to choose. There are parts of every print that remind me of childhood memories, and some of my best experiences with this city. For instance, the women cutting vegetables on the Mumbai local in the evenings, or the uncle who is relaxing on the parapet at Marine Drive right next to the lovers who are enjoying the sunset view. Or even the pair of prints, Mumbai by night and Mumbai by day, which show the stark contrast between the tall glass buildings and the vast stretches of informal housing that together are a fixture of any view of the city.</p><h2>11. What next? Do we see an exhibition on the horizon?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Mumbaikar-inside-image-5_1637923309646.jpg"></figure><p>Since I have a full-time job I’m taking my time and being selective about what I take on. There are a few collaborations on the horizon, one of which is a ‘Mumbaikar walk’ I am doing with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/gohalluhallu/?hl=en">Go Hallu Hallu</a>, a community for walking around and discovering the city and Urbanaut, an app that curates authentic, bookable experiences. It’s going to be a unique experience, and people who sign up get a free giveaway from the Mumbaikar collection. The walk is on December 5, 2021. You can check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/urbanaut_/">Urbanaut on Instagram</a> for more information.</p>

Digital artist Rachita Vora talks about finding inspiration for her ‘The Mumbaikar’ series that captures the city life from the iconic The New Yorker.

The mash-up poster series, ‘The Mumbaikar’, presents scenes from Mumbai in the style of the iconic The New Yorker magazine cover art. Read more on zeezest.com

Digital Artist Rachita Vora Talks About ‘The Mumbaikar’ Project

Here’s A Mumbaikar’s Take On The New Yorker

Digital Art

Mumbai

Pop Culture

Bollywood’s biggest wedding in 2021, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, has us in a tizzy. Here is all the dope on their wedding venue.

Playing host to the Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal wedding, take a look at what makes Six Senses Fort Barwara so special.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas Hosts Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal Wedding

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal To Tie The Knot At Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan

The actor, seen in and as Sardar Udham Singh, shares more about how this role has changed him as a person. 

Actor Vicky Kaushal speaks to  Zee Zest about his titular role in Sardar Udham, how it has changed him and working with directors Shoojit Sircar and Anurag Kashyap.

Interview with actor Vicky Kaushal on Sardar Udham

Vicky Kaushal Opens A Glorious Chapter From Our History Books

<p>The much-anticipated and talked about wedding of Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal is one that the whole country is waiting for with bated breath—some to see a ‘happily-ever-after story’, some to get inspired for their big day, and others just to get it over with and move on.</p><p>This Instagram video by digital content creator Ankush Bahuguna hits the nail on the head about India’s curiosity and investment in the #VickyKatrinaWedding.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXJW9oNDiAh/"></oembed></figure><p>From the guest lists to wedding outfits and sangeet performances to honeymoon destinations—speculations are rife. And humans of the internet have had a gala time unleashing their humour with memes.</p><p>Here are some of the memes that had us rolling with laughter:</p><p>Our fascination with couple names is getting ridiculous, don’t you think?</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/aniguha/status/1467905239558725634?s=21"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>This one is a savage jibe at a typical Indian mindset. For those who don’t understand Marathi, this translates to 'a girl's boyfriends in college’ versus ‘boy with a government job for marriage’</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXK1qMqNviC/?utm_medium=copy_link"></oembed></figure><p>Katrina Kaif’s wedding cannot happen without memes about her erstwhile beau, Salman Khan.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/motabhai03/status/1468197688088743937?s=21"></oembed></figure><p>Another one about ex-boyfriends</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXG1c69sUfI/"></oembed></figure><p>Did Vicky Kaushal luck out? Maybe, possibly!</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/1vishwajitrao/status/1468446108338638848?s=21"></oembed></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>It’s impossible that a <i>Vicky Kristina Barcelona</i> joke didn’t cross your mind! It’s all we’ve been thinking of.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/anuyeaah/status/1467037648522940418?s=21"></oembed></figure>

From jibes about Katrina Kaif’s ex-boyfriends to Vicky Kaushal’s luck, netizens have left nothing to imagination with these funny memes. Read on zeezest.com.

Funniest Vicky Katrina Wedding Memes | Zee Zest

ROFL With These Vicky-Katrina Wedding Memes

Vicky Kaushal

Katrina Kaif

Bollywood Weddings

<p>Politician and author Shashi Tharoor’s recent book with Aleph—<i>Pride, Prejudice and Punditry</i>—captures the ‘essential Shashi Tharoor’. It encompasses a lot of the writer’s concerns and themes, in both fiction and non-fiction, and even boasts a smattering of poetry. We picked Tharoor’s brain about his new tome and his journey as a politician-cum-author. </p><p><strong>Edited excerpts:</strong></p><h2>1. What prompted you to collate the essays and speeches into this book?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Shashi-Tharoor-Bookcover-inside-image_1638874698635.jpg"></figure><p>The idea actually came from my publisher David Davidar, who encouraged me to put together this book on the occasion of Aleph’s 10th anniversary since it also marks 40 years of my published books (my first, <i>Reasons of State</i>, came out in 1981). It didn’t take much persuading to convince me of the need for a volume that would expose a new readership to a wide range of my writing over the last four decades. </p><h2>2. Do you think humour is missing from our political discourse?</h2><p>Definitely! There are people who believe that humour doesn’t have a place in something as serious as politics, but I’d disagree. I think humour can be a source of camaraderie and friendship, essential for people who often find themselves at odds with each other in the political realm. But it’s been quite rare in India and attempts at humour misfire all too easily in our multi-lingual polity. Our trigger-happy outrage culture leaves little room for humour in politics—a fact of which I have personally been reminded more than once. I have learned the hard way the wisdom of Shakespeare’s sage observation that the success of a jest lies in the ear of the hearer, not the tongue of the teller.</p><h2>3. You write: “I am, in a sense, a child of the Indian newspaper”. Could you elaborate?</h2><p>In part, this is quite a literal statement. My late father, Chandran Tharoor, started in the newspaper business when barely out of college, representing a pair of Indian papers in post-war London, and spent his working life as a senior advertising executive for some of our country’s better-known mastheads. As a result of this, growing up in then Bombay and Calcutta, I enjoyed reading three or four newspapers every morning. Then during the day, the papers from the rest of the country would be flown in, and my father brought them home after work when I would have a second round of newsprint to digest. When, at the age of 10, I first published a short story, it was not in a fiction magazine, but in a newspaper, the <i>Bharat Jyoti</i>—the Sunday edition of Bombay’s venerable<i> Free Press Journal</i>.</p><p>That daily morning ritual of tea and newspapers alongside my father gave me an early and abiding passion for the Indian press—one which I have sustained during three decades abroad, when I would have Indian newspapers sent to me in places like Geneva, Singapore and New York. Throughout my UN service, I managed to write occasional pieces for Indian newspapers and maintained columns in three of them.<br>This relationship with print media (and now its televised and digital counterparts) is one that has endured well into my adulthood. Despite my criticisms and concerns, I firmly believe in the indispensability of a free press in any society, especially in holding the ruling dispensation accountable for its actions. </p><h2>4. You had your first published work at the age of 10. More than five decades on, is writing still as exciting?</h2><p>Yes, it’s rather sobering to realise that it’s been more than half a century since I first appeared in print in 1967! So why do I still bother? George Bernard Shaw probably explained it better than I can: “I write for the same reason a cow gives milk”. It is inside you and it has to come out, and like an unmilked cow, I’d be in real distress if it didn’t. I write because I feel I have to—and because writing continues to be a source of joy in my life and work. </p><p>It’s also true that, when you have so little time to write, given my full-time responsibilities as an MP and politician, you want your effort to be meaningful. Writing always comes at the expense of other things—your family, friends, entertainment, social engagements, and so on—so you really want to use that time in a very focused and effective way. I write because I have something to say. I limit myself to subjects on which I believe I have something worthwhile to say to my readers.</p><p>Having been a writer for so many years, it is a constant and vital part of my identity. It’s often “exciting” to use your word; but it also often just is.</p><h2>5. You say how Natwar Singh’s speech at St Stephen’s impressed you. Do we owe Shashi Tharoor, the politician, partly to him?</h2><p>In the book, I write of the time when Natwar Singh Sahib delivered an address at St Stephen’s when I was a student there. I wrote of it because it is an incident that remains etched in my mind. He spoke to us with such candour that I was compelled to listen. I have never forgotten the speech, thinking about which kept me awake most of that night and helped change my own career plans—deciding to join the UN instead of taking the foreign service exams, which put me on the path to where I am today.</p><p>You ask if it led to Shashi Tharoor the politician. In an indirect way, it did!  </p><h2>6. You have always taken immense pride in pluralistic India. But in the spate of recent events, do you see that the dogma of unity in diversity is a little shallow?</h2><p>I do not think that any ideal that acknowledges and celebrates diversity could ever be shallow. Indian nationalism does not follow the logic of geography, language, ethnicity, caste, creed, or religion. Emerging from an ancient civilisation, united by a shared history, and sustained by a pluralistic democracy—Indian nationalism is the nationalism of an idea. There is no single uncontested conception of an Indian identity, which leaves plenty of room for a multiplicity of identities. Pluralism and diversity have been built into the very foundations of the country. To deny them would be to challenge the very idea of India.  </p><p>As I love explaining to Americans, they may be a melting-pot, but we in India are not. We are a <i>thali</i>—a collection of different dishes on one platter. The dishes taste different and, since they are in different bowls, they do not flow into one another, but they belong together on the same platter and they combine on your palate to give you a satisfying repast. That is my idea of India’s unity in diversity.</p><h2>7. Many observers point to the bad news coming out of India—riots, corruption, the rise and fall of governments, uncertainties on economic policies. Yet you seem quite upbeat about India.</h2><p>Despite all of these troubling developments, I remain a cautious optimist. But then I define optimism as regarding the future with uncertainty: the pessimist says everything is doomed to fail, my kind of optimist says that if we do the right things and do those things right, we could still pull off a success. I am confident that these are the values, together with the innate creativity and resilience of Indians, which will propel India forward into the 21st century and beyond. This is not to say that no challenges await us or that the road ahead is smooth. But I remain unshaken in my belief that we have the tools to face the future.</p><h2>8. Writer, scholar, diplomat, politician—what do you most identify with and why? </h2><p>I’ve been privileged and fortunate in being able to pursue so many of my interests and passions in one lifetime. I have had a long and interesting career at the UN, where I had the opportunity to contribute towards addressing many of the great global challenges of our time. In politics, I am truly grateful to the people of Thiruvananthapuram, who have seen fit to make me their representative three times over. My political career has given me both moments of great turbulence and great satisfaction but always the comfort of being able to rest at night knowing that things I have done have made a difference in people’s lives.</p><p>I wouldn’t call myself a scholar, but if my research and writing has stimulated scholarship and prompted others into doing profound academic work, as so many have told me, then I am grateful.</p><h2>9. How would you sum up your writing?</h2><p>Writing has, in its own way, been immensely rewarding and integral to the person that I am today.  I would not be who I am without the ideas and the values that have defined my life, ideas and values that I have had the honour of sharing with the world through my writing. Writing has been my life’s constant companion and it is the path on which I hope to carry on trudging as long as possible. As I have often remarked, I am a former minister, and one day I will be a former MP; but I hope I will never be a former writer.</p>

The author-politician stresses that we will need journalists who are critical in guiding our journey to becoming a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive society.

Talking about his new book, Writer cum Congress politician Shashi Tharoor says his faith in India does not exist in a vacuum; it comes from the Indian people. Read more on zeezest.com

Shashi Tharoor On His New Book Pride, Prejudice, And Punditry | Zee Zest 

Being Humourless In Public Is Usually The Safer Path: Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor

Author

Books

The actor gets candid about his web show Hiccups & Hookups and the contribution of digital space in his professional journey.

Prateik Babbar gets candid about his web show Hiccups & Hookups, and the contribution of digital space in his professional journey

Interview with Actor Prateik Babbar on Hiccups & Hookups 

The OTT Space Has Helped Revive My Career: Prateik Babbar

<p>Be it Nagma Khatoon, Bholi Punjaban, or Zarina Malik—each character that Richa Chadha has played on-screen has written an important chapter of acting in the history books on Indian Cinema. It takes guts to launch your acting career as a leading lady with a gritty hinterland crime drama like <i>Gangs of Wasseypur</i> (2012), but Chadha wasn’t looking at dolling up in a chiffon saree to be the quintessential B-town heroine anyway. She followed up her maiden performance with the loveable, tough-talking female don, Bholi Punjaban in <i>Fukrey</i> (2013)—a role that went on to define Chadha in the coming years. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Richa-inside-image-1_1638449389422.jpg"></figure><p>A risk taker, she spotted the potential of the streaming platforms early on and became a part of the magnum opus <i>Inside Edge </i>(2017). The rest, as they say, is history. The third season of <i>Inside Edge</i>, which promises to be even darker and murkier in the fight to control cricket, drops on Amazon Prime Video on December 3. We caught up with Richa Chadha to know about her take on Zarina Malik, cricket and beyond.</p><p><strong>Edited excerpts:</strong></p><h2>1. How does it feel when you look back at the journey of <i>Inside Edge</i>?</h2><p>It feels really good. I feel happy to say I had the foresight not to believe any of the naysayers who asked me not to do a web series. Look at how everybody is on the streaming platforms today, it’s a great space for the actors to explore themselves.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. Did you think the series would become such a hit when you shot for the first season? </h2><p>The show offers a heady cocktail of cricket, Bollywood, and some realpolitik that goes behind the scenes. These are things India thrives on—this is what makes news. People are glued to their television sets for one of these three reasons every evening. IPL is hugely popular and this series was a take on the Power Play League, loosely based on the IPL. So, it’s a well-thought-out, well-crafted show for Amazon Prime, and that’s why we now have a season 3.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Richa-inside-image-2_1638449583114.jpg"></figure><h2>3. How did you prepare for the character of Zarina Malik—a boss lady in a man’s world of cricket? </h2><p>Zarina is definitely a difficult character to play because she is quite complex and insecure. She wants to hold on to power, wants to stay relevant, and wants to stay popular. That’s why I found the character interesting. I still wanted her to be vulnerable and humanised for people to understand her motivation. </p><p>I don’t think there are any real-life inspirations. Initially, during the first season, there were some speculations but they also died down simply because people realised it is purely a fictional show and not a documentary. I understand there were bound to be comparisons as only a few women have owned cricket teams like Juhi Chawla, Shilpa Shetty, and Preity Zinta; but Zarina is unlike any of them. I did work a lot to prepare for her character, mostly in the interior.</p><h2>4. What is Zarina’s character arc in Season 3 of <i>Inside Edge</i>?</h2><p>This season gets quite murky and dark. It gets dark because that seems to be the only way how certain situations will be resolved. Anyway, it was already dark when we were discussing spot-fixing. It’s bound to get murkier as people are out there to settle scores. Vivek Oberoi’s character Dhawan is out to get revenge, Bhaisaab (Aamir Bashir) wants to stay at the top of the world of cricket and somehow protect his daughter Mantra’s (Sapna Pabbi) interest. And Zarina wants to settle scores, wants a bigger piece of the pie, and wants to be taken seriously. She even manages to be successful to quite some extent.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWyC_qGFKbx/"></oembed></figure><h2>5. The third season deals with the controversial but relevant topic of legalising betting in cricket. What’s your own take on the subject? </h2><p>I think there is some kind of a fantasy league in the market. I don’t fully understand betting, I don’t even understand what they bet on. And thankfully, for the show I didn’t have to understand it, I had to just stick to the script. </p><h2>6. You have played powerful characters <i>Gangs of Wasseypur</i>, <i>Masaan</i>, <i>Sarbjit</i>, <i>Section 375</i>, and the <i>Fukrey</i> series. Do you enjoy playing these roles and do you sometimes worry about being typecast a bit? </h2><p>I am not worried about being typecast because I know I am being typecast. That acknowledgement is there already, so there is no alarming discovery for me. It tends to happen when you debut in Hindi films with a certain kind of a character in a film like <i>Gangs of Wasseypur</i>—and not in a chiffon saree, moving in slow motion, in a more commercial film. Your whole trajectory is different then. </p><p>I am still trying to break the mould a bit, not because there is a need to do the more glamorous parts; but as a theatre student, I want to explore the nine <i>rasas </i>of acting. What bothers me is that I am currently restricted to discovering just three to four at the most, like <i>raudra</i> (anger) or karuna (sorrow). But I want to go beyond that. I want to explore the other <i>rasas </i>like <i>haasya</i> (laughter) and <i>shringar </i>(love/beauty), etc. That’s why I want to diversify a bit and find roles that are created to suit that need of mine. I do like playing powerful women on screen. And I think I also exist to balance the algorithm of the leading lady roles. There are so many demure roles or the new trope of the so-called liberalised women, so I think there should be someone ready to take up well-written characters that don’t necessarily fit the above definition.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_RichaChaddha3_1638447189295.jpg"></figure><h2>7. Do you feel more meaningful roles are being written for women now? Are you satisfied with the roles that are on offer?</h2><p>I have been answering this question for a long time. I think meaningful roles with depth in mainstream content, both for men and women, are declining. People are not reading enough, they are watching videos, reels, getting used to content ready to expire in 15 seconds. For that reason, the patience to read books or watch cinema also declines. We will fully see the consequences of this in the generation that is born with a phone in their hands. In cinema, exploration is still going on.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>8. As actors, do you and Ali Fazal discuss work at home? Does it help to have a partner from the same profession?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_RichaChaddha2_1638447151388.jpg"></figure><p>We don’t really discuss work at home unless we sign something new and just exchange notes. That keeps our relationship fresh and exciting, we can watch cinema together or read poetry and watch plays.<br>I guess it helps to have a partner from the same profession, at least we both understand the weird hours and the weird travel that the profession demands. Sometimes, we spend months apart from each other. </p><h2>9. What's next for you, professionally?</h2><p>You will next see me in another web series called <i>Six Suspects</i>, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and produced by Ajay Devgn and Priti Sinha. It’s a great thriller with an amazing cast. I have a couple of international projects. And I am excited for the third instalment of <i>Fukrey</i>, which we will start filming soon. I am also involved in production. So, I have a busy year coming up.</p>

As the third season of Inside Edge debuts, we caught up with actress Richa Chadha on her journey in Bollywood. 

As the third season of Inside Edge debuts soon, we caught up with actress Richa Chadha on her journey in Bollywood. Read more on zeezest.com.  