Karina Pandya

  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...

“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...

    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...

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-...

  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....

What truly shapes a child’s future—academic success or emotional well-being? While many believe that education is primarily about gaining knowledge from textbooks, it is, in reality, much more than that. Education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s overall personality, influencing their values, behaviour, and life skills. Understanding this broader purpose of education requires an understanding of child psychology, which helps explain how children grow and develop. Every child is unique and is influenced by different environmental factors. These differences affect how children learn, behave, and express themselves. Some children grasp concepts quickly, while others may need more time and support. Similarly, some children express their emotions openly, while others tend to be more reserved. Recognising these individual differences is essential for creating an effective and supportive learning environment. While academic achievement is important, a child’s emotional well-being is ...

 When  The Big Bang Theory  first aired in 2007, the world looked very different. Life felt simpler—there were no AI assistants woven into everyday routines, no TikTok shaping trends overnight, and remote work wasn’t the norm. Fast forward to 2026, and technology has completely transformed how we live, work, and connect. Back then, comics and gaming were considered niche interests; today, they are a global mainstream culture. Social media would add an entirely new layer to the show, making it faster, smarter, and far more digital—though its core essence would remain unchanged. The real question is: would modern technology bring the gang closer together, or push them further apart? It’s easy to imagine Howard Wolowitz as a tech influencer with a popular YouTube channel, while Penny might thrive as a lifestyle content creator. Sheldon Cooper, on the other hand, would likely avoid social media altogether—or perhaps use it only to correct strangers on...