Karina Pandya

Launching her eponymous label in 2012, Payal Khandwala has always approached clothing in much the same way she approaches art — minimalistic, thoughtful, and simple. It is with this quiet philosophy that she has steadily climbed the ladder of fashion, creating a distinctive space for herself in an industry often driven by excess and noise. “How women feel in clothing is more important, to me, than how they look in it. My aim has been to make clothes that quietly slip into your life and allow you to be weightless,” says Payal — a sentiment that perfectly captures the essence of her label. Her designs are never meant to overpower the wearer, but instead become an extension of her personality, moving with ease, comfort, and confidence. Her prism through which she sees fashion is deeply distinctive. She treats dressmaking almost like shifting paint onto a canvas, orchestrating colour, texture, and layering to create clothing that feels dramatic yet minimal at the same time. Every silhoue...

Biopics are everywhere these days. But Michael (2026) feels so different right from the very first frame. We all have heard of Michael Jackson; most of his fans were fans of his music, but were you aware that behind all that fame and worldwide success, there was a man who was constantly fighting against pressure, loneliness, and a lot of expectations? A nostalgic ride, this movie takes us on an emotional journey right from the first beat of Billie Jean to the final emotional performance. Film director Antoine Fuqua brings the King of Pop to life right in front of you and has you humming and singing right from your seat. His sensational moonwalk has you reliving history and nostalgia from the family band Jackson 5. In this movie, we are taken on a journey where we see glittering jackets, explosive stage lights, and, of course, the unforgettable moonwalk. Rather than opening like a movie, it opens like a concert right in the cinema! With millions of fans across the world, Michael was...

“One day, life becomes a responsibility, and that is the day we truly grow.” Sometimes, it feels as though life is no longer truly life — it becomes a responsibility. We live it less and fulfil it more. Heavy as it sounds, the reality often becomes heavier as life moves forward. As children, life feels free. There are no roles to maintain, no expectations to manage, and very few burdens to carry. But slowly, as we move into adolescence, early adulthood, and eventually midlife, we are forced to confront our responsibilities as human beings. First comes education, then higher education, and perhaps even further studies. After that comes a career, followed by family, relationships, and eventually the people who depend on us. Life gradually transforms into a series of commitments. And somewhere along the way, a quiet question begins to surface: Are we truly living our lives, or are we merely fulfilling responsibilities? “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it...

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, ...

  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...

  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...