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Why Gulzar’s Words Feel So Real

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In a world full of noise, Gulzar’s words feel like a quiet conversation with the soul. Many writers impress you with poetic lines, but then there are a few who reach into your soul without even trying too hard. Gulzar belongs to the latter. Not just an Urdu poet, he is also a lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director—all in one. A recipient of five National Film Awards, he has also been honoured with India’s highest literary award, the Jnanpith. Gulzar understands the space between feelings—the unsaid, the incomplete, the almost forgotten.  His writing is simple, yet deeply profound, lingering long after you’ve read or heard it. “Tujhse naaraz nahi zindagi, hairaan hoon main…” ( I’m not upset with life… just a little bewildered by it. ) Such a simple line, yet it carries immense depth. There is no anger, no dramatic sorrow—just a quiet confusion about life. Gulzar doesn’t tell you what to feel; he gently reminds you of what you already do. His words reflect human emotions, ...

Past, Present, Future: The Illusion of Time

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  Everyone’s talking about the future or the past, but where are they? They don’t even exist.   Time is usually spoken about as a time that we visit, but it actually feels like an illusion. We refer to the past as looking back, or moving forward to refer to the future as if these destinations have been chalked out on our paths. Language has a funny way of giving direction to how we think and feel. But they are not even places that we can visit or even things that we can touch. They are simply constructs of our mind, anticipation or reminiscence.  So, where are we really standing in time? Here and now.    The past, for its collection of all its emotional weight, is all about tracing footsteps. It is nothing but a memory existing – a photograph in the drawer or a sentence on paper. They no longer have any existence in the present universe, yet we refer to them so much. Memories – they feel so vivid long after they were once actively existing. It is only a rec...

Inside Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa: Where Hair Meets Luxury Wellness

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  In a city like Mumbai—the capital of fashion and Bollywood, where beauty, style, and lifestyle are constantly evolving—finding a salon that offers more than just a haircut is rare.   Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa   is not your everyday salon. It is a luxury destination where you can experience a range of services—from bespoke haircuts and treatments to Korean scalp therapies, skin treatments, indulgent spa rituals, and nail care. Founded by celebrity hairstylist   Florian Hurel , the brand reflects his philosophy:   “Hair is not just grooming—it’s fashion, identity, and self-expression.”   With years of experience in Bollywood and international fashion, Hurel brings global styling standards to India, creating a space that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. I was gifted a voucher by my family for my 40th birthday, and having never heard of some of these treatments before, I was naturally curious. It made me realise how much there still is to ex...

Ek Din: A Warm Feel-Good Movie!

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“Aur Ek Din Ek Din Aur Ho...” (Just one more day… let there be one more day.)  A remake of the 2016 Thai film   One Day , it is surprising to see so many negative reviews for this heartfelt romantic drama. Directed by Sunil Pandey and produced by Mansoor Khan, Aamir Khan, and Aparna Purohit,   Ek Din   is a slightly slow-paced film that requires patience and emotional investment. The story follows Meera Ranganathan ( Sai Pallavi , in her Hindi debut) and Dinesh “Dino” Shrivastava ( Junaid Khan ), centering on a shy young man who struggles to confess his feelings. There are emotional complexities too—particularly Meera’s involvement with Nakul Bhasin ( Kunal Kapoor ), a man still tied to his past. Shot beautifully in Japan, especially in Sapporo, the film uses its snowy landscapes to enhance its emotional depth, while parts were also filmed in Mumbai’s Film City. After a tragic accident, Meera develops a condition that prevents her from forming new memories beyond a s...

Have you been on a Walking Tour Yet?

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    Walking tours are increasingly becoming popular across the world as they are immersive ways to explore different areas of the city. They are affordable, accessible and offer in-depth historical, cultural and culinary insights.     Unlike other tours, they allow tourists to feel the city’s atmosphere, explore narrow alleys and interact with the environment. They are often led by locals or passionate experts who provide in-depth and offbeat knowledge that typical guides miss.    Some of these tours are specialised and cater to  culinary, historical, architectural, and even slum tours that offer a "real" look at a city. They are eco-friendly, offer slow tourism and a real look at a city. These tours have become especially popular among individuals who seek outdoor, active travel experiences, not only tourists but also residents who are increasingly trying to rediscover their own cities.    Some of the popular walking tour companies incl...

Tewari Brothers: Charni Road – A Sweet Shop in the Heart of Mumbai

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Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Charni Road,   Tewari Brothers   stands as a beloved destination for Indian sweets and savoury delights. Nestled amidst heritage buildings and vibrant local markets, and located close to the iconic   Girgaum Chowpatty , this sweet shop captures the essence of old-world Mumbai charm. I visited this outlet yesterday, just before heading to watch the iconic play   Sitan Banbas , and it felt like stepping into a slice of the city’s culinary history. Originating as a humble family-run business, Tewari Brothers has been serving traditional Indian sweets and delicacies for decades. Known for its commitment to freshness and authenticity, the shop offers a wide range of mithai and classic North Indian snacks, all prepared in a pure vegetarian setting. Some of its standout offerings include the indulgent paneer jalebi, the tangy and flavourful khatta kachori, the rich motichoor ladoo, and the soft, syrupy rasgulla—each item reflecting time-...

Sita’s Silent Strength: A Journey Through Exile

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  Known as India’s only surviving opera house, the Royal Opera House itself made the evening feel special even before the play began. On 2nd May 2026, I had the opportunity to watch Ank Theatre Group’s   Sita Banbas , based on Agha Hashar Kashmiri’s 1928 retelling of the   Uttar Ramayan . Watching a live performance in such a historic venue made the experience even more memorable. From the very beginning, I felt drawn into the world of the play. The atmosphere, combined with the anticipation of the audience, made it easy to get completely absorbed in the story. What I found most interesting was how the play focused on Sita’s life after her exile, showing her not just as a mythological figure but as a strong individual dealing with injustice and difficult choices. This made the story feel more relatable and meaningful to me. The performances really stood out. The actor playing Sita portrayed her emotions with subtlety and depth, making her pain and strength feel very real....