Cosmopolitan India - November-December 2023

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023, `150
INDIA
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97
Khushi Kapoor’s first
interview—everything
you need to know and
more—#OnlyInCosmo
upfront
17 “My journey
signifies
adaptability and
resilience”
20 Here’s the
ultimate end-of-
year watchlist
22 Ticket for one,
please
32 Can we finally
admit that
Edward and
Jacob were both
toxic for Bella?
35 Could you survive
being an A-list
Hollywood stylist?
OCTOBER 2023
THE COVER LOOK!
Photographer: Vaishnav Praveen; Stylist: Mohit Rai;
Hair: Aanchal Morwani; Make-up: Tanvi Chemburkar;
visit our website Styling Assistants: Shubhi Kumar; Tarang Agarwal
On Khushi Kapoor: Outfit, Munique; Shoes, Christian Louboutin
10 COSMOPOLITAN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN

134 Hit that toe-curling
big O with adult toys
36 Put your phone
down, pick up 136 The dos and don’ts of
these books doing your friends
38 Hello, this is a PSA: 138 Are we all in the same
all dog toys are not weirdly devastating
created equal three-month
40 Build your own
horror movie
24
A star in the
situationship?
42 Here’s the making,

Lakshya on his
Upgrade
annoying holiday
love for movies 141 A smart girl’s guide to
tradition you’ve
and making it all that matters
officially outgrown
big in the
industry. 146 On our tech radar
glowup 148 How to write an

AI-friendly CV
44 Let the boys show
you how it’s done frontrow
50 Balletcore...but this 59 18 epic brands that bigfashion
time, it’s for beauty matter this season 153 The Great British high
66 Just a list of ‘VERY street
52 Trust us, there’s still
so much to know HOT’ party essentials 164 Follow the call of the
about rosacea sorted disco ball
56 Beauty scoop 80 Be spotted...
82 Oh so charming! slaybeauty
84 Here’s what to wear to 173 Bejewelled
106
Uorfi Javed on the year
your next romp sesh
it has been—the good, 178 Lust List
the bad, and the ugly. 86 Sticky secrets
88 Street Style
90 Style news
obsessed
182 The two-ingredient
matcha soft serve
maincharacter your lazy sweet tooth
deserves
108 “We choose to spend
our time mindfully” 184 Raise a toast (stat)
110 How I learnt to love 186 Everything you need
my flaws for your next vacay,
courtesy of Shenaz
122 Show me the money
190 Your 2024 Horoscope
124 Strike a Chord
192 Oh! That’s cute
129 To manifest, or not
to manifest 194 How to find your
personal style
love&lust
131 Your un(official)
dating dictionary
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 COSMOPOLITAN 11

Chairman & Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie
Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie
Editor Pratishtha Dobhal
Deputy Editor Simi Kuriakose
Contributing Editor Smita Tripathi
Copy Chief Malika Halder
FASHION & FEATURES

Junior Features Writer Shubhangi Jindal
Contributing Writer Priyanka Kathuria
Contributing Writer Ria Singh
Contributing Fashion Stylist Palak Valecha
Contributing Jewellery Editor Ankita Malhotra
ART
Art Director Mandeep Singh
Assistant Art Director Satender Sharma
Chief Designer Ravi RG
Contributing Designer Vineet Singh
Junior Designer Chandan Arya
Video Editor Manav Purohit
Video Editor Sanjana Bhalerao
ADMINISTRATION
Editorial Coordinator Shalini Kanojia
Editorial Assistant Pooja Singh
DIGITAL
Digital Editor Sonal Ved
Digital Assistant Editor (Entertainment) Adit Ganguly
Digital Copy Editor Tanvi Parekh
Digital Features Editor Stuti Agarwal
Digital Senior Features Writer Akanksha Narang
Digital Features Writer Mitali Shah
Social Media Executive Tanmay Dinesh Ashar
Social Media Executive Rishika Mukul Shah
VOLUME 27 NUMBER 310

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12 COSMOPOLITAN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

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Editor’s Letter
Almost year-end usually signals a
time for paying homage to what has
been, and re-evaluating how far you
need to go. And if you, unlike I, have
reached a place of zen, I sense you’ve
been practising small moments of
gratitude to lift your spirits and fill Not to miss—
your days with hope and glimmers of VJ-turned-vlogger
joy. Just like our stunning and Shenaz Treasurywala “I sense you’ve Of course, not to
incredibly down-to-earth cover girl as she takes you been practising miss—Kriti Sanon
Khushi Kapoor, who makes her through her year in on being resilient,
small moments of
first-ever solo magazine cover debut travel and gives us Lakshya on making
with Cosmopolitan India, fresh off pro-tips on navigating gratitude to lift it big in the industry,
the success of the highly anticipated the ups and downs your spirits and and so much more.
and most talked-about film of the that come with fill your days As you step into
year, The Archies. Grounded, travelling to parts with hope and the new, and let go
humble, and immensely talented, known and unknown glimmers of joy.” of the old, my team
her love for cinema and fashion on page 186. and I remain
comes through from the get-go. Championing immensely grateful
Everything you need to know about homegrown brands for all the love you
the girl of the moment on page 97. has always been front and centre for continue to give us. Thank you for
As you get ready for a brand new us—so it only made sense that my trusting us with your stories. We
year, intentional on creating a wonderful team and I would curate can’t wait to bring to you even more
timeline that allows you to thrive, a list that becomes your go-to for all delightful and authentic narratives
read our story on how to keep a tight your sartorial choices—deets on as we ring in 2024!
grip on your finances (page 122). I page 59.
also urge you to truly choose to An oft discussed and sometimes Lots of Love,
celebrate yourself and shut out the dismissed talking point that goes
noise as you learn to accept your under the scanner in this issue with
wholesomeness—with or without two content creators hashing it out is
flaws. Find a guide to doing just that the debate...‘Can you truly manifest
on page 110. your life?’. Which side are you on?
Think you know what’s going on in You can write to me, I’d love to hear
the homegrown indie music scene? your end of the story! Pratishtha Dobhal
Head to page 124 with a healthy dose Editor
of hope for a plug in and playback. pratishtha.dobhal@intoday.com
Prepare to be completely taken in follow me on instgram:
by a side of Uorfi Javed you’ve never @pratishtha_dobhal
seen before as she evaluates the year
going by in the most succinct way,
on page 106.
follow us on instagram

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Can we finally admit that Edward Hello, this is a PSA: all dog
and Jacob were both toxic for Bella toys are not created equal
Page 32 Could you survive being an Page 38
A-list Hollywood stylist Build your own horror movie
Page 35 Page 40
upfront
“My journey
signifies
adaptability
and resilience”
Actor Kriti Sanon on making it as an
entrepreneur, the lessons learnt from
her standout performances, and
completing a decade in the industry.
By Adit Ganguly
Photographs: CARLA GULER
upfront | #interview

I
t’s been a slow, but steady, rise to
the top for Kriti Sanon—one that
currently sees her enjoying this
new phase of success—where
she, one of the top female actors in
the country, is now a National Award
winner as well as an entrepreneur. Kriti
is cherishing each and every role, be it
sizzling on screen or building a brand.
Cosmo: Take us through your

journey as an entrepreneur.
Kriti Sanon: My journey as an
entrepreneur has been a fascinating
odyssey of self-discovery and creative
exploration. Hyphen, my skincare my mood, ranging from chic and me. Before that, the audience felt I
brand, is a testament to my belief in contemporary to comfortable and wouldn’t fit in a small, de-glam world.
the power of balance, symbolising the laid-back. It is about expressing People started viewing me more as an
fusion of science and nature—much oneself freely through fashion— actor after Bareilly Ki Barfi. Mimi has
like the ‘hyphen’ itself. In the long whether it’s at a red carpet event or given and taught me a lot—the film,
run, we want Hyphen to go global a casual outing, my style mirrors the which was on my shoulders, and gave
and be recognised for its credibility, diverse facets of my personality. When me a character with such a beautiful
standing strong independently of selecting an outfit, I consider the graph and so much to portray as an
my name. ‘The Tribe’ is a movement occasion, my mood, and the comfort actor. I opened up as an actor and felt
inspiring individuals to embrace their factor. This process is about finding a certain confidence and excitement
best selves. And Blue Butterfly Films that perfect equilibrium between style on set, which I hadn’t felt before. I
is my venture into storytelling, aiming and substance and staying true to who was completely uninhibited, willing
to bring narratives that resonate with I am. to give it all both emotionally and
the human spirit. physically.
C: Your debut film Heropanti was
C: Take us through your fitness a big hit, working with SRK in C: Close to completing 10 years in
and skincare routine. How Dilwale, then Bareilly Ki Barfi the industry, what have been your
do they help you stay fit and was a turning point, and Mimi major takeaways?
beautiful from within? earned you a National Award. KS: The last decade has been a
KS: Exercise and skincare are What have each of these films whirlwind of lessons, growth, and
fundamental components of my daily taught you? gratitude. My journey signifies
routine. Consistent workouts not only KS: Every film teaches a lot, and adaptability and resilience. I’ve learnt
maintain my physical fitness but also I’ve learned everything on the job. the importance of staying true to
enhance my inner radiance. I was very raw during the shoot of oneself, embracing challenges, and
Heropanti and didn’t even know the cherishing the relationships built
C: Do you have a beauty mantra basics of a mark and camera facing. I along the way.
that you swear by? remember being fascinated with the
KS: Absolutely! My beauty mantra various departments of filmmaking. C: What’s the one thing that
is a fundamental one: never skip I am a thinker and a learner. I started you’re waiting to do next? What
sunscreen. I firmly believe that figuring out my process and craft can your fans expect in 2024
consistent sun protection is essential during that film. Dilwale was a huge and beyond?
considering our skin is exposed to opportunity for me as it gave me KS: I am currently shooting for Do
various elements, be it the sunrays or a massive audience reach. Being Patti—we are done with 65 per
indoor lighting. Wearing sunscreen in the same frame as Shah Rukh cent of the film and it’s been a great
regularly is non-negotiable for me as it [Khan] sir and Kajol ma’am, being journey so far. Next year will start
ensures that my skin remains healthy directed by Rohit [Shetty] sir, I was a with the Valentine’s Day release of a
and well-protected. baby on set, learning from everyone Maddock film with Shahid [Kapoor],
around. Bareilly Ki Barfi was another and then The Crew with Bebo
C: What’s your personal style like? milestone in my career that made [Kareena Kapoor] and Tabu ma’am.
KS: My style is a reflection of people aware of the performer in Lots to look forward to!Q

upfront | #watchlist
Here’s the
ultimate
end-of-year
watch list
Home alone for the
festivities? Here’s a
fresh crop of nostalgia
titles, new seasons, and
breakout movies to keep
you entertained.
By Shubhangi Jindal
The Archies
December 7, Netflix
The beloved trio is back! Catch

the wild adventures of Betty
(Khushi Kapoor), Archie
(Agastya Nanda), Veronica
(Suhana Khan), along with their
friends Jughead, Reggie, Ethel,
and Dilton, in this
coming-of-age, live action
Indian Police Force Percy Jackson and musical set in the fictional hill
January 19, Amazon Prime Video the Olympians
town of Riverdale in the 1960s.
Get ready for the digital extension of December 20, Disney+ Hotstar
Rohit Shetty’s cop universe! Shetty’s
Seen through the lens of the
Fans rejoice! The Percy Jackson universe is
debut web series stars Sidharth Malhotra officially expanding. The 12-year-old demigod unique Anglo-Indian community,
in a cop avatar as the lead, Shilpa who discovers early on that he’s the son of The Archies explores what
Shetty and Vivek Oberoi in pivotal roles. the Greek God Poseidon—is just coming to
The action-packed series is a homage terms with his newfound divine powers when
friendship, freedom, love,
to the selfless service, unconditional the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing heartbreak, and rebellion mean
commitment and fierce patriotism of his master lightning bolt. With help from to a bunch of teenagers. Get
Indian police officers across the country his friends Grover and Annabeth, he must
who put everything on the line in their call embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it
ready for a whirlwind of rock ‘n’
of duty to keep us safe. and restore order to Olympus. roll coming your way.

The Crown S6
December 14, Netflix
Things are about to

get ‘royally’
complicated. The final
season of The Crown
will take the series
from the late ’90s to
Wonka Your Christmas or the early 2000s,
December 29, In Theatres
Mine 2 encompassing the car
It is about time to get ready for a
December 8, Amazon Prime Video
crash that led to the
sugar rush! Timothée Chalamet
starrer Wonka chronicles the
tragic death of
It is the most wonderful time of the year,
chocolate maestro’s fantastical or is it!? James (Asa Butterfield) and Princess Diana
journey across the world before Hayley (Cora Kirk) reprise their roles for (Elizabeth Debicki) and
he established his legendary the sequel. After a mix-up with transport
chocolate factory. A fresh take on at the airport, the two tribes end up
also claimed the lives
Roald Dahl’s popular novel, this at each other’s accommodations on of her boyfriend, Dodi
film will delve into the vivid and different sides of a valley and opposite Fayed (Khalid Abdalla),
mystical world of the imaginative ends of the Tripadvisor rating scale.
young chocolatier and what made Can their relationship survive another
and the car’s driver,
him world famous. turbulent Christmas? Stay tuned to know. Henri Paul, in 1997.
upfront | #solowatch
Ticket for M
y pulse was racing as I walked into
a packed Tuesday showing of Glass
Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
The theater’s escalator and long
one, please
concession lines were filled with people meeting
up with friends and loved ones to watch Rian
Johnson’s latest. And then there was me, handing
over my ticket—just the one—to the AMC staffer.
Going to the movies alone isn’t some
The case for a new type of groundbreaking thing, I know. Plenty of people
cinematic experience. do it all the time. It’s just that I’d never been one
of them. This was the end of an era for me, and
By Tamara FuenteS that realisation hit hard: Shame crept in—did it
Illustrations By Derek Abella look like I couldn’t find at least one friend or even
an acquaintance to tag along? Embarrassment
followed as the seats on either side of me filled with
chattering groups. I kept my eyes straight ahead,
focused on the screen, while my mind spiralled
around how I ended up here.

Of course, I could have Oppenheimer in a rare 70mm IMAX screening. All by
waited to watch Glass Onion myself—but never totally alone. I had the other audience
from my couch as soon as it members experiencing it all with me. The directors were
arrived on Netflix. But with there in spirit too, telling the story through their lens.
so many spoilers already The actors, as well, making me stop and think with their
populating Twitter and the fact performances. And the composers, whose scores bring
that I’d hosted a Knives Out such emotion to each scene, among many others.
watch party for my birthday While I definitely don’t love the circumstances that
the year before, the superfan brought me to this new routine, I am enjoying its many
in me couldn’t resist seeing it upsides. I never have to worry about what a companion
on the biggest screen possible. thinks, so I can totally soak in a movie I love (or leave a
Even if the experience came movie I hate). I don’t have to coordinate schedules—if
with a side of heartbreak over I suddenly want to go see something after work, I never
dozens of “let’s go to the movies” texts gone unanswered. have to wait around for anyone else’s response. Hell, I
See, for years, this was “our thing”—one of my best can even do a last-minute double or triple feature without
friend’s and mine. He was my movie-watching ride-or- asking whether anyone has a full free day on their cal.
die, the person who decided to rent out an entire theater Plus, you’d be surprised how easy it is to find a single
so we could take in A Christmas Story on his birthday, ticket, even for midnight showings of the latest Marvel
just the two of us. The person who suggested we go see film or a limited screening. And then there’s all the snacks
Doctor Strange on election night in 2016 to escape the I have to myself, because in our current reality of limited
news. Movies were the thing that brought us together refills and overpriced concessions, every kernel counts.
and were what we talked about late into the night at our Every ticket counts too. Just like movies can help
favourite bar. We’d go deep on what we loved about a us process our own lives, we can all help the theater
film, what stayed with us, and how it made us feel about experience survive. Hollywood dynamics are always
the world around us. changing, and the successes of entire movie franchises or
Until he slowly stopped replying to my movie requests, genres often rely heavily on box-office numbers. When I
let alone my “how are you?”s. He’d resurface eventually pay to see movies like Barbie or Blue Beetle, I am telling
only to go dark again—over and over. I kept trying, kept those in charge that I want and need more women-led
texting, for months. But after nearly a year, I started films and superheroes of colour. That I want more movie
to accept that my phone wasn’t going to buzz with an theater moments, period.
invitation or RSVP from him—and that in the meantime, All this hasn’t brought me answers to why exactly my
I’d missed out on dozens of big-screen moments brought friendship broke down (believe me, I’ve searched for
to life by my favourite actors, directors, and writers. them, even going to see my ex-BFF’s favourite, Your
Unless I wanted to miss even more, I’d have to be a little Name). But I have discovered a lot about myself and
brave and admit that some traditions (and what I deserve in my friendships and
apparently, some friendships) aren’t meant relationships—and that’s why you
to be set in stone. And that I’d have to do this can still catch me laughing, crying,
thing that we loved on my own. screaming, and girl-dinnering-with-
Yet as the lights began to dim in the Glass popcorn-and-M&Ms my way through
Onion theater, something shifted for me. movies on my own.
The movie started, and I went from being I guess Nicole Kidman was right,
surrounded by strangers, feeling very alone, dammit. Heartbreak does feel good in
to feeling like I was part of something bigger. a place like this. Because it’s not just
Here we all were, deciding to watch the same heartbreak but healing too. And a safe
thing, laughing at the film’s funny moments way to sit by yourself with other people
and collectively gasping during its big reveals. and just be. That’s the kind of magic
For 2 hours and 19 minutes, we were a
community. One that, for me at least, filled a
“Heartbreak does I’ll keep coming back for. And the kind
I’m now recommending to you. Q
friend-size hole in my heart. feel good in a
Since then, I have done a Dungeons
& Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and
place like this. TAMARA FUENTES is the entertainment editor
at Cosmopolitan, where she covers TV, movies,
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 double feature, Because it’s not music, and books. She is also a member of
the Television Critics Association, the Latino
been to every film that was a part of Studio
Ghibli Fest’s yearlong event dedicated to
just heartbreak Entertainment Journalists Association, and the
Writers Guild of America, East.
director Hayao Miyazaki’s hits, and even seen but healing too”
Red shirt, Qasimi; Pants,
Zara; Maroon trench,
Perona; ring, Misho
Designs; necklace, Studio
Love Letter; Electrical
Watch (Gunmetal with
black leather strap),
Police Watches
Sit back and watch a

star in the making
Kill actor, Lakshya talks to Cosmo India about his
spectacular Bollywood debut and what keeps him going.
By Tanvi Parekh
Photographer: Keegan Crasto; Stylist: Akshay Tyagi
Tunic, Siddartha Tytler;
Leather jacket and
trouser, The V
Renaissance; Necklace
and Rings, both Misho
Designs; Watch, Police
Watches
Denim co-rd set,
Huemn; Menelik
Watch, Police Watches;
Shoes, Zara
Tunic, Siddartha Tytler;
trouser, The V
Renaissance; necklace
and rings, both Misho
Designs; Watch, Police
Watches

Denim shirt, Huemn;

Menelik Watch,
Police Watches

Fringed Bomber jacket
with Panelled trousers,
Line Outline; rings,
Misho Designs;
necklace, Studio Love
Letter; Salkantay (Black
Silicone Strap) Watch,
Police Watches
irsts are special. The first I love: work. These titles will come L: As an actor, irrespective of the
love, the first cheque, and go. Also, if I start looking at medium, your job is to act and
the first win, the first big roles with the intention to be ‘the deliver. The only thing different is
break, all hold a special next something’, I will only add a lot my approach towards work. When
place in our hearts and, of pressure on myself, and I don’t I started off, I didn’t know anything
in many ways, become the defining work well under pressure. I’ve been about this industry, its people or how it
point of our lives. And no one working for the past eight years works or even how it is to be on a set.
exemplifies this better than Lakshya, because I believe in this work...I love In hindsight, the six years I spent in
whose journey to Bollywood is what this work. television was a huge learning curve.
dreams are made of. From being an It gave me the opportunity to work on
MTV Roadies contestant to making C: What is your core memory from myself, my aptitude, and my skills. It
his television debut with the youth- the shoot? prepared me to play the protagonist
centric drama series, Warrior High L: You know how you sometimes in a film.
(2015) and giving critically-acclaimed feel that your body is exhausted and
performance as the lead in India’s you just can’t do it? We were shooting C: Do you have someone who met
most expensive TV show, Porus, for 30 hours consecutively and we you along the way, taught you the
Lakshya has come a long way. hadn’t slept well. I don’t easily get works, and mentored you?
And now, he is the new ‘Dharma tired physically, but that day I was L: After my last TV show, Porus, in
Boy’, who we all have our eyes on. both mentally and physically 2018, I took a sabbatical as I wanted
His Bollywood debut in Karan exhausted. It was one of those days to try my hand at films. A few weeks
Johar and Guneet Monga’s action when I didn’t have it in me to do had passed by and then I met Shanoo
thriller, Kill—it was showcased at the anything and wanted to push the Sharma (casting director, Yashraj
Toronto International Film Festival schedule by a day. But somehow, Films). She brought out something in
(TIFF) recently—has received an I motivated myself by saying that I was me that I didn’t know existed. She told
overwhelming response, so much doing something I love. Cut to, I was me I needed to unlearn a lot of things
so that he is touted as B-Town’s next able to pull off the stunt with utmost to learn new things. She said, “I know
action hero. That’s a first he has sincerity. Being able to pull that off you will be a big thing one day. Just
earned and he attributes it to hard on that particular day is something give the process more time and it will
work and hard work only. I truly remember. My last day on the happen for you.” And eventually, it all
In an exclusive conversation with shoot, too, was equally memorable. panned out. She played an important
Cosmopolitan India, (also one of his My director announced a schedule role in where I am right now.
many firsts) Lakshya talks about his wrap for me and every person present I really got lucky in this aspect as
journey as an actor, the life lessons he there started clapping for me and the everybody who I met, from directors
has learnt along the way, and more. applause went on for a good seven to to co-actors, believed in me since the
eight minutes. It was special. first day. I learnt a lot from Kushal
Cosmo: How was the experience Zaveri, the director of Warrior High
of watching your debut film, Kill, C: Did you always know you and my other director, Lalit. I also
being showcased at TIFF? wanted to be an actor? learnt a lot from people who didn’t
Lakshya: Honestly, after we shot L: No, acting came to me along the do their job well (I took notes of what
the film last year, I saw it for the first way. I never wanted to act because not to do) as I am very observant. So, I
time at the TIFF screening. I didn’t know I had it in me to be an have learnt something from everyone
I was sitting bang in the middle of an actor. Considering where I come from who I met in these six years and am
audience of 1,700 people, and their [Delhi], travelling to Mumbai, and still learning.
unfiltered, most honest reactions were acting, let alone be a part of a Dharma
a massive validation for me as an actor, film, was a faraway dream. It was a C: Since you do not belong to the
an artist, and for everybody who was a too-good-to-be-true kind of a thing industry, did you feel you will have
part of that film. I don’t have words to for me. I came to Mumbai in 2015— to put in more work?
describe the experience as I had never when I was 18—and got an MTV L: No, not at all. It didn’t make any
been at the receiving end of anything show. I am 27 now and have been difference to me because though it
like this ever before. working for nine years. I had never is my first movie, I have experience
thought my life would shape up like in acting. It is not like that it was the
C: You are being touted as the this, but here I am. first project of my life. You have to
next action hero of Bollywood. believe in yourself a lot to be here
How do you feel about that? C: How was the transition from because unless you don’t, nobody will.
L: I am excited to do more of what television to Bollywood? Ultimately it boils down to what work

Red shirt, Qasimi; Pants,
Zara; Maroon trench,
Perona; ring, Misho
you are putting in. If you work hard, it Designs; necklace, Studio
Love Letter; Electrical
does not matter if you are a star kid or Watch (Gunmetal with
an outsider. It is not that as an outsider, black leather strap),
Police Watches
I will get extra sympathy. On the other
hand, a star kid may have slightly easier
access to the big names, but they have
to live up to the expectations of the
audience and that is quite difficult
too. Your work should speak for you as
nothing else may last.
C: You said that you went through

a rigorous audition process? What
did that entail?
L: For Porus, I had gained a lot of
muscle mass and I was 90kgs. As part
of the whole process, Shanoo (Sharma)
felt I had to lose more weight as there
is a screen approach and age. I had to
come down to 80kgs to look my age,
but it was all worth it.
C: How would you describe

yourself in three words?
L: I am extremely passionate,
introvert-ish, and in transition.
C: What is the one piece of advice

you will carry with you?
L: When Kill was screened for the
first time in Toronto, and we were all
on stage, including Karan (Johar) sir,
I was feeling a little nervous. When we
were stepping down from the stage,
I asked sir if he thought I came across
as passive or under-confident. That so, it is important you are aware of L: I am working on a show right now,
is when he said, “You be yourself. where you are in life. but I can’t talk more about it. I want
However you feel that particular day, more work and more films that bring
you stay true to it. Don’t try to be C: What is your process of out my talent. I want to keep working,
anything other than that.” Till date selecting a role? that’s it.
I abide by it and him saying that means L: I follow my gut instincts. You read
a lot to me because I really look up something, you like it, and you go for C: What is your dream role?
to him. His belief in me is a massive it. When I heard the script for Kill L: If given a chance, I would love to
validation and is bigger than any pay the first time, my only question was, play Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Jordan,
cheque I will ever receive in my life. “When are we starting this? Am I a in Rockstar (2011). And when I land
part of this?” When I meet a director, my dream role, I think I will know, and
C: What is the one principal you I know whether they will be true to I will wait for it. Q
will always abide by? the movie and be able to bring out the
L: Be on time, always. You don’t have best in me and take care of me. If the
to act cool by walking in late. It is director is somebody I believe in and if
simple. Be respectful and be grateful the material is good, I am sold. Editorial coordinator: Shalini Kanojia; Hair
stylist: Arnold Dsouza; Makeup artist:
for the work you get. At any given Mahima Wachher Salvi; Assistant stylists:
point in time, there will be people who C: What are you looking forward Sanjana Shah and
Roshni Jhunjhunwala
would do anything to be in your place, to, now?

upfront | #reeltalk
Bella Swan: the rose

stuck between two
toxic thorns
Can we finally
I
t’s been 15 years since the cultural phenomenon
that was the first Twilight film hit cinemas, and
parodies and throwback clips have peppered my
admit that Edward feed with nostalgia. ICYMI (how?) the franchise
follows mortal teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart)
and Jacob were

as she falls for vampiric love interest Edward Cullen
(Robert Pattinson). But love is never easy and things get
complicated when her werewolf BFF Jacob Black (Taylor
both toxic Lautner) also confesses his love for her. So while I, along
with the rest of the bisexual community, also fancied
Bella, the fandom was ablaze with the debate over which
for Bella? of the walking-red flag males to side with in the ultimate
battle for her love: Team Edward or Team Jacob.
But can we finally address why our pop culture romance
Fifteen years after Twilight hit obsessions are deeply problematic? And why is it that
we are so drawn to toxic characters? I loved the Twilight
screens, whose team are you on? novels and adored watching the stories unfold in the
The answer should be neither. films—the New Moon soundtrack remains as iconic as
Dakota Fanning’s red eyes as vampire Jane Volturi—

but the more I think about these books and blockbuster Bella’s throat open in minutes. And need we say more
movies, the more uncomfortable I feel for Bella. about the domestic violence that’s shown among the
In the first Twilight story, she’s soon caught up in a love werewolf pack?
triangle with two men who would literally die for her. But The message here is: it’s in their nature, so how
the intensity of their love is, at times, unsettling, and at can these men be expected to control themselves?
others, extremely worrying. Yes, it is ‘just entertainment’, “Depicting male passion as unsophisticated gives men a
but how much have these teen movie narratives false understanding of their sexuality,” says Ailey Jolie,
subconsciously shaped our ideals of what romantic love a relationship therapist. “It leads women to accept
looks like? Often with unhealthy depictions of love violent advances, tolerate mistreatment, and assume that
bombing, toxic male rivalry, and emotional manipulation. men are only ever interested in the physical aspects of
In one scene, Edward enters Bella’s bedroom through relationships. We need narratives that don’t associate men
the window while she’s sleeping and watches her. strictly with uncontrollable sexual urges.”
Romantic...or chilling? “Watching a partner sleep isn’t Since its release, Twilight author Stephenie Meyer
creepy in itself,” says Ness Cooper, a sex and relationship has spoken extensively about the idea of vampires
expert. “It is the secrecy, entering the room without and werewolves as metaphors for the frightening
her awareness or consent [that’s problematic]. We call behaviours of humans. It is clever, but it’s not that obvious.
this psychosexual stalking.” And don’t get me started on
how he runs hot and cold, showering her with attention
before ignoring her in the school halls, all excused by “People who withhold love aren’t
the ‘brooding and mysterious, complicated man’ trope.
But people who withhold love and warmth aren’t a sexy a sexy puzzle to solve—we
puzzle to solve—we should all expect open affection from
our partners. should all expect affection from
Then, of course, we have Jacob—a childhood friend
of Bella’s, who also happens to be a werewolf. He falls our partners”
hard for her in New Moon
and struggles to control
his primal werewolf urges,
aggressively kissing Bella
before she rejects his
advances. Which is to
say: consent isn’t exactly
a thing in these stories.
“[The time when] Twilight
was written probably had
an influence around how
consent is depicted,” Cooper
says. “It’s likely that those
viewing it now have a better
understanding of consent,
and some will likely see that
many of the behaviours
aren’t consensual.”
Whether you can spot
the red flags or not, the
theme of men not being
able to control themselves
throughout the franchise
is a strong one. Jasper, an
ex-confederate soldier, can
barely contain his thirst
for blood when Bella is
in the room. If it weren’t
for the other vamps, he’d
be uncontrollably ripping

upfront | #reeltalk
fans are greeted with weddings, honeymoons, sex,
and pregnancy. And through all this, we watch Bella’s
agency—already a fragile shadow—being diminished
even further.
As you might recall, Bella wants to become a vampire
so that she and Edward can overcome the obstacles
they face. Edward doesn’t want Bella to change, but
she is absolutely adamant. Edward finally agrees to
convert her, on the condition that Bella agrees to marry
him. This idea of bridehood as currency, with Bella’s
humanity being used interchangeably with the idea
of her purity and her value? Ew. She wasn’t asking
for marriage, Edward, mate, she just wanted to be
immortal.
“Really, Bella has very little choice—these are
ultimatums,” explains Cooper. “It appears she has the
option to choose, but in reality these choices are led
by the male characters. She’s forced into a relationship
binary based on heteronormative monogamy
with puritan values. These kinds of rules, coercive
control, and conditions around change can lead to
co-dependency. They can also make a relationship feel
unsafe.”
I’m a sex writer, so it’d be remiss if I didn’t mention
the sex in Twilight. While on their honeymoon, Bella is
keen to consummate the marriage, but Edward doesn’t
want to because he’s worried he will injure her with his
vampire strength and gorgeous stone-like body. Bella
Even Bella’s
BFF put his feels fairly frustrated by this, understandably. In some
desires before ways, I admire Edward’s desire to keep Bella safe at all
her best
interests costs, and her respect for his ‘no’. But as someone who
is also obliged to bring up the orgasm gap (the disparity
in climaxing between genders), I hate this for Bella.
“It appears she has the option to The frustration, the withholding, the ‘it’s for your own
good’—none of it was sexy, because at no point did Bella
choose, but in reality these choices consent to being in a sexual relationship characterised
by denial. But, then again, what’s worse? Having your
are led by the male characters” hot vampire husband withhold sex from you, or the
scenes in which we see Bella all bruised up after a
I remember loving Twilight but thinking, “Why are lovemaking session with Edward? She did it for love!
these dudes so entitled about Bella? And why are they But also, it is kind of horrible to watch.
being so intense?” While Twilight’s success is undeniable, I am certainly
Also, where did this ‘Team Edward’ or ‘Team Jacob’ not the only person who feels uncomfortable about
narrative even come from? Why pick, when they’re both the beloved franchise, which has since come under the
clearly so terrible for Bella? Both men frequently put microscope of clued-up social commentators. Thanks
their rivalry towards each other before what’s best for to its ability to blend modern teen anxieties—isolation,
her and, even when they do put her first, it is on their insecurity, horniness, and a deep desire for romance
terms (because they’re apparently better equipped to and excitement—with sultry eye-gazing, six-pack abs,
decide what’s good for her than Bella herself). “This plot undeniable passion, and undertones of good and evil,
line does very little to challenge the cultural conception it was the film franchise of the late 2000s, and so it will
that our worth is related to the people that want us and always hold a special place in my heart. But looking back
reject us,” Jolie adds. with hindsight, it’s fair to say that I’m not Team Edward
Rivalry and possessiveness aside, the fourth and or Team Jacob, I’m officially just Team Bella.
fifth films are where things get really dicey. Twilight Boy, bye. Q

Could you survive
being an A-List
Hollywood stylist?
Creating iconic looks is no fool’s game.
By Annabel Iwegbue
START
You’re monitoring the Oscars red carpet online when, ugh, you
spy somebody way more famous wearing the same gown as
your Hot New Starlet. You immediately:
Orchestrate a twinning Tell your client to throw

photo op. What? Like it on her nearby publicist’s
wasn’t intentional? blazer. It works...until
everyone on social media
starts clowning the
last-minute addition.
You’re cut. :(
Phew!!! Now it is charity gala time, and your charge is having

second thoughts about the dress she loved at the fitting. “It
makes me look shapeless,” she insists. WYD?
Another client—a very cool fashion risk-taker—just arrived at her
huge premiere and she’s feeling good! But the internet is dogpiling.
How do you handle her wrath once she catches on to the backlash?
FaceTime all her friends Hey, she’s the boss, and

so they can fawn over her insecurity always shows
outfit. Objectively, she up in the pics. You
does look good. Except she quickly pull one of the
doesn’t appreciate your 15 backup fits You hop on IG and post You ease her
resistance to her instincts. you brought. your original mood board, worries with the classic
then scold the haters Beyoncé quote: “You
for not “getting” it. You’re know you that bitch when
feeling vindicated—but you cause all
your star does not love the this conversation.”
Sorry, you’re out. extra attention your mini
tirade garners.
Aaand now...she has spilled soy sauce all over an

archival look. How do you approach the designer?
Buh-bye!
NOT JUST SURVIVING BUT THRIVING!

You quietly return the You apologise and
dress a few days later plead for forgiveness, You are able to whip up image-defining moments on the
with a heartfelt apology promising as many
Image: GETTYIMAGES.COM
note. You are known for professional cleanings

reg...and stay somewhat sane while coordinating them. It is
your likability, after all. as it takes. not always (ever?) a breeze, but ya know what they say, “If
you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
At least that’s your mantra while gently voicing your “honest
opinions” and chewing out tardy tailors.
Hey, you tried.

upfront | #readnow
Put your phone down,
pick up these books
Because...too many books and not enough time till this year ends.
By Ria Singh
HOW TO SLEEP BETTER
by DEEPA KANNAN
Sleepless nights and 4am
doomscrolling sounds a tad
too familiar? Then this SOMEONE LIKE HER by
comprehensive guide offers AWAIS KHAN
an easy-to-adapt Would you ever defy tradition
prescriptive lifestyle that to build your life if you were a
will empower you with young Pakistani woman? This
incredible tools for a novel is about Ayesha, who
healthier life. Ayurvedic lives in a conservative city
health counsellor, Deepa where unmarried women over
Kannan explores the root the age of 25 are considered
cause of poor sleep and a curse by their family. A
also explains how to use all beautifully written story about
our senses for a better love, corruption, and a
sleep schedule. woman’s determination to
thwart convention and find
peace...whatever it may cost.
ZEBA: AN ACCIDENTAL
PERMACRISIS by GORDON SUPERHERO by HUMA
BROWN, MOHAMED QURESHI
A. EL-ERIAN, MICHAEL This thrilling debut novel by Indian
SPENCE WITH REID LIDOW HER ONE TRUE LOVE: A NOVEL by actress Huma Qureshi is about
The times we live in are really RUCHITA MISRA the rebellious and bratty
hard and complex! Surging What is better than to feel the protagonist, Zeba, who discovers
inflation, poor policy responses, incredible power of love in all its her superpowers after travelling
an escalating climate emergency, forms, especially when choices define to a distant land. But as she gets
and a decline in global destiny? This novel is about the love the powers, so does she the
co-operation among others—this affair between Ikadashi Kumari: a wife responsibility. Zeba saves the
book is a plan to fix the fractured and a mother, and Fredrick world from the clutches of a cruel
world so that we can prevent Heisenberg who is engaged to a tyrant as she explores her
crises and better manage the popular American celebrity. Will they transformation from an “unruly”
future for the benefit of many. fight destiny and their own fears? girl to a superhero.

upgrade | #stuffwelove
Hello, this is a PSA: all dog
toys are not created equal
And you should probably know exactly what they’re chewing on.
By Maddie Hiatt
OH, HI, QUALITY CUTIES
Just a few lil somethings your fluff can
(safely) chew on.
strapped into her doggy seat

belt. So why would I get her
toys that could harm her…or
the planet? Compiled by SIMI KURIAKOSE. Photograph: RAVI RG; All Products Courtesy Of Brands.
Let’s all shop safer together
by looking for products
that use recycled materials, 6
natural dyes, or organic or
W
henever you hear people stress the biodegradable fibers and/or 1. Pizza Slice Plush Toy,
Goofy Tails Food Buddies,
importance of sustainable or ethical shopping, that are labeled “nontoxic,” `225. 2. Premium Pet
their side-eye is likely going straight to the “fair trade,” or “food-safe.” Toy-Turtle, Topdog,
`1,045. 3. Friendz Dog
fashion industry. Which, fair. But any retail Responsible brands will Plush Toy-Deer (with Foam
product can be problematic behind the scenes, and if your be forthcoming about their Rubber Ring and
Squeaker), GiGwi, `725.
goal is to be a mindful consumer, you should probably stop to sourcing and values (a lack 4. Denta Mint Flavour
evaluate all the stuff you buy—and not just for yourself. of transparency is a red flag, Natural Rubber Fun Rugby
Ball Toy, Trixie, `491.
Honestly, if you have a pet, you’re already halfway there. as is a chemical smell when 5. Garry The Giraffe Plush
Animal parents (hi) are often obsessed with keeping their browsing IRL). You can Toy, Barkbutler, `615.
6. Goofies Foxy Dog Toy,
critters safe, reading the fine print under treat ingredients and get started with the items Huft, `799.
ordering booties to protect paws from harsh weather. My mini above—Waffles and I can
Goldendoodle, Waffles, doesn’t ride in any car without being totally vouch for them. Q

upfront | #showreel
Build your
own horror
movie
QUESTION Option 1 Option 2
My best vampire The lowest effort

What did you wear on
costume, with a Fenty red outfit possible. I’m
Halloween night?
Are you the type to lip (shade Stunna, obv) a mouse, duh!
survive to the end,

My best friends, who
or will you die in the Who are
you with?
know me better My weird cousin
first five minutes? than anyone
By Furvah Shah A calm and friendly

Where do you A haunted house.
neighbourhood, because
want your At midnight. In
Photography: GETTYIMAGES.COM; MOVIESTILLSDB.COM; PATTI PERRET/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

that’s where strangers
story to be set? the pouring rain
Saw X. The Exorcist: Believer. are kind. Right?
Five Nights At Freddy’s. Trust us
when we tell you, spooky season You receive an
never ends, and you can fully Put the person on Cry, throw my phone
anonymous—and
embrace the dark side. If you’re loudspeaker and talk away and lock myself
creepy—phone call.
after a fright, the cinema could be creepily back in the bathroom
What do you do?
calling your name, thanks to a
bunch of new scaries that have hit
the big screen (box of popcorn to If necessary, A pair of GHD A leftover bit of wood
cover your eyes = encouraged). what’s your weapon straighteners warmed from that time I tried to
But how do you think you’d fare in of choice? up to 400ºC DIY a bedside table
a horror film of your own? Are you
trotting into the haunted mansion A close friend who’s been
like you own the cobweb-strewn Who would you go A local detective acting kind of strange
place, or does the mere sound of to for help tracking I secretly think is and distant recently.
a creaking pipe have you diving Nothing to worry about,
down the villain? really, really fit
under the duvet for protection? of course
Your scream queen moment
awaits... The whole thing was a The assailant is caught
How does your
prank for a new when their DNA is found
story end?
reality show on a packet of Hobnobs

upfront | #uptospeed
Here’s the annoying holiday
tradition you’ve officially outgrown
Because we’re levelling up and choosing peace this year.
By Annabel Iwegbue
1. Name a song that represents your a A harsh (but accurate)
typical holiday mood. observation about her own
relationship.
a The drama-filled I Saw Mommy
Kissing Santa Claus. b A tight smile and a quick run to
the bathroom to rant to your
b Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
group chat.
because you’re gunning for your
own unsung hero status. c Assurance that you’re handling
it “perfectly fine, thank you,
c The always-iconic and belt-worthy
and anyway, what’s everyone
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
watching on TV these days?”
5. Which (currently) nonexistent
2. Okay, let’s get into your fave device would come in the most
*wholesome* seasonal situation. handy for you during this time of
Pick one: the year?
a Jokes flying during a spirited family a An emotional thermometer
board game night. that flags when a convo you’re
b Watching people open the gifts you entering has the potential to get
lovingly selected for them. dicey.
c The matching PJs and adorable b A mind-reading tool that

group photo ops. takes your gift-giving skills
from amazing to downright
supernatural.
3. What’s a holiday gathering c Definitely that time-turner from
responsibility that you slay Harry Potter, to get twice the
every time? errands done in half the time.
a Giving a hilarious toast. Something
about taking centre stage just
feels natural to you. 6. Which festive movie trope really
speaks to your vibe?
b Writing a sentimental greeting card
message gassing up each and a The way-too-fun drunken dive bar
every loved one. karaoke scene.
c Decorating every room to absolute b The corporate bigwig returning

aesthetic perfection. home to their small town and
becoming actually likable again.
c A frantic last-minute
4. It’s Thanksgiving eve, and over airport chase to win back
drinks, your distant aunt makes a loved one.
a loud and shady quip about your
recent breakup. What’s your retort?
MOSTLY As MOSTLY Bs MOSTLY Cs
The Dinner Debates The Kitchen Meltdown The Sold-Out Gift Chase
Chances are, you struggle to hold your Your people-pleasing tendencies might Perfectionism is probably your
tongue any time of year, but forced familial lead you to place too much pressure on Achilles heel, including when it
interactions can really push that trait to the your culinary masterpieces. But we’d bet comes to spoiling the people closest to you.
forefront. Yes, Uncle Andy’s anti-cancel your family would give up one side dish But this year, instead of obsessing over your
culture rant at the dinner table is begging in exchange for a more chilled-out you. shopping list for weeks, give yourself some
for a rebuttal, but you have to pick Here’s a wild idea: Go for a store-bought grace. No one has ever been mad at a gift
your battles. contribution this season. card, ’kay?
Trust us, there’s still so much to
Balletcore...but this time, it’s for beauty
know about rosacea
Page 50
Page 52
glowup
Let the boys show

you how it’s done
Seeking answers for your skincare queries? Same. Cosmo India
speaks to four skincare and beauty aficionados about their
surprising experiments, best finds, sources of joy, and more.
By Priyanka Kathuria
PERSONALISE
YOUR ROUTINE
For Agou Sitlhou—Cosmo India’s
“I am eagerly
emerging fashion influencer of ’22- waiting for
’23—following trends isn’t just about advancements
staying in vogue...it is about finding
valuable insights that streamline one’s in scar removal
routine and saves time and effort. products”
Talking about a surprising entry into
his skincare routine, the high fashion
content creator, model and stylist
says, “Sunscreen is something I never
thought I would try. In the past, I
struggled to find the right one for my
skin, and would experience breakouts
after application. I took a break for a
while but decided to give it another try,
changing the brand, and since then, I
haven’t faced any issue.” Transforming
his skincare routine into a self-care
ritual has been a key source of joy,
Agou tells Cosmo India. “I personalised
my routine with products that not only
cater to my skin’s needs but also
have scents and textures that bring a
sense of relaxation.” Staying up-to-
date with the latest skincare trends
has proven to be of value to him. His
2023 finds are a lip tint that enhances
his skin’s natural glow and pimple
patches. Gushing about his latest
finds, Agou says, “I highly recommend
the Skeyndor Aquatherm Moisturiser.
Since I started using it, I have fallen in
love with it, and the container is nearly
empty. This moisturiser leaves my
face smooth, soft, and with a radiant
glow. What’s remarkable is how the
foundation and concealer effortlessly
blend on top of it, making it a versatile
choice. Interestingly, I have found that
I often don’t need a primer when using
it. Moreover, it suits both combination
and oily skin types, truly standing out
in my skincare routine.” One of the
most joyful aspects for him is the deep
cleansing process, whether it’s through
exfoliating, using a charcoal mask,
or indulging in a face mask sheet. He
says it is all about finding a balance
between innovation and what works
best for a personalised and effective
skincare routine. Anticipating what’s
in store, he concludes, “I am eager
for advancements in scar removal
products. Additionally, I hope for the
development of pills or injections that
can eliminate the suffering associated
with various skin diseases.”

glowup | #triedandtested
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
“I never thought I’d try beauty
content until lockdown hit us and I
discovered my love for
make-up,” says Ankush Bahuguna,
the creator of ‘Wing it with Ankush’
[his Instagram make-up handle,
obv]. “I prefer sticking to what
works for me but I am all for trying
trends, only if they excite me.
Most beauty trends and hacks
you see online are mere gimmicks
so I try everything but follow
and promote only the ones that
work.” His standout discovery for
2023 is the Acne Squad Breakout
Terminator Spot Corrector. “It is
this tube that helps calm down
my acne, and I have never been
less stressed about getting
pimples,’’ the content creator
and actor chuckles. “Snail mucin
and Thymol T essence have
also worked very well on my
skin this year.” Tips for a joyful
skincare routine: Consistency is
key! “No matter how expensive
or good your products are, they
can’t transform you overnight, it
won’t show results if you are not
regular,” advises the 2022 winner
of the coveted Cosmo India Male
Beauty Influencer of the Year
“I prefer award. For him, joy comes from
sticking to what locking in all the goodness with
works for me a thick moisturising gel as a final
step before bedtime. “In my head,
but I’m all for it makes up for all the water I didn’t
trying trends, drink through the day, the pointless
overthinking I did, and the number
only if they of nights I have stayed up watching
excite me” reels, getting dark circles.
Obviously, it doesn’t work like that,
but it feels good nonetheless. I’m
taking care of myself and that is
my favourite part.” He commends
the Indian market for its strides in
sunscreen formulations, with each
year bringing newer, better, and
lighter options—a positive trend
that aligns with the evolving needs
of consumers.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
“I thought I would never try
getting a vampire facial. But I did!
And the results were amazing,”
says make-up artist Shantanu
Dhope. He embraces intriguing
trends, finding them interesting
to observe. However, when it
comes to his routine, it is the
tried-and-tested practice that
wins. When asked about his
recent discoveries and what
part of his routine gives him
joy, Shantanu highlights, “For
me, doing skincare is my time
to relax and unwind, especially
my nighttime routine. Double
cleansing is non-negotiable for “Double
me. Also, as someone who
wears make-up quite often, I cleansing is
didn’t realise the impact having non-negotiable
a simple skincare routine can
have. Taking my make-up off
for me”
with a cleansing balm after a
long day of work/events is the
most satisfying part. I love it
when the skin feels super clean
before I go on with the rest of
my routine.” Two skincare gems
have earned the enthusiast’s
recommendation. The Cosrx
Snail Mucin essence and, a
permanent staple for years now,
the Estee Lauder advanced night
repair serum. A tip he shares,
“I think everyone should take
their time to massage their
skin. I do feel the products
work better when you spend
time in the application.” Talking
about exciting developments in
skincare, Shantanu says, “I love
that Korean and Japanese beauty
brands are garnering attention in
India now, and I’m always excited
to try new products. Also, many
Indian brands have been upping
their game in creating some
amazing yet simple skincare.
I hope in 2024 we continue
simplifying our skincare routine
and stray away from complicated
ones.”

glowup | #triedandtested
LET ACNE BE ALONE

“I like trying trends but eventually I go
back to my tried-and-tested routines,
which my skin loves,” discloses
Suunny Pandey, a beauty and fashion
content creator. Facing fears often
leads to unexpected discoveries. In
his case, the once-feared face razor
is now a go-to tool. “I use it to shape
my brows and beard very often. I
think more men should embrace face
razors.” The good ol’ toner is a 2023
discovery that, he mentions, has had
a positive impact on his skincare
routine. “I used to be ignorant
toward toners until last year. I always
knew the benefits but never tried
it consistently to believe in it. My
pores have minimised visibly since I
started dedicatedly toning as a part
of my routine.” The introduction to
Japanese skincare products further
had a favourable impact on his skin.
Sharing a few tips for people seeking
joy in their beauty routine, he affirms,
“Skincare journey is different for
every individual, so you can only find
joy if you enjoy and believe in what
you are doing [much like most things
in life]. For me, trying a chemical
exfoliant and applying a hydrating
gel right after is very fulfilling.
Joy isn’t derived from trends, do
what your heart and skin desire.”
Suunny is all about taking a holistic
approach towards skincare—he
applies a thick layer of moisturiser
post-serum and rubs ice on the
face before make-up...something he
mentions is therapeutic. Products
that he swears by are Sulwhasoo’s
first care activating serum, Ilem
Japan’s rejuvenating night gel, and a
Cetaphil moisturiser. He concludes
our chat by saying, “2023 was all
about ceramide, peptide innovations
and acne patches from discreet
transparent ones to quirky fun ones.
We are collectively embracing the
fact that we need to let acne be
alone and not touch it. In 2024, I
“Facing fears am expecting the skincare industry
often leads to to be more targeted to skin ageing
unexpected and lifting. Also, a spike in prebiotic
skincare, which essentially retains
discoveries” the good bacteria on your skin so
the natural cycle is not disturbed.” Q

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glowup | #onfleek
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glowup | #skintastic
Trust us, there’s still so much

to know about rosacea
With diagnoses on the rise, we investigate why the skin condition is only
now having its long-overdue moment on social media.
By Charlotte Bitmead
Photographs: GETTYIMAGES.COM, Compiled By: SIMI KURIAKOSE

B
lush may be hot right now
but when I was growing
up, I spent all my pocket
money on tubs of
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse
trying to camouflage my naturally
ruddy cheeks. I have always been
frustrated by my skin flushing and it
took me until I was in my late teens
to officially get to the bottom of why:
I had rosacea. Despite not knowing
much about the condition, the relief
I felt being able to understand a little
more about my skin was
unparalleled.
Acne advice was being preached
everywhere I turned, yet it seemed
rosacea was only spoken about in
hushed tones at pricey
dermatologists’ offices. With rosacea
diagnoses only rising, the lack of
information available is shocking.
“Rosacea is a common chronic
inflammatory disorder. I think of it
as our skin’s overzealous defence
mechanism in response to the
environment,” says dermatologist
Sam Bunting. “And it is something
many people have a genetic
susceptibility to.”
A survey conducted by the
National Rosacea Society found that
“I was terrified about (papules) and white-headed spots
(pustules), typically in the centre of
almost 90 per cent of people with the future and had no the face, over the cheeks, nose and
rosacea said the condition had
lowered their self-confidence and
one to talk to about it ” chin,” explains Dr Bunting. Coming
in at type 3 is phymatous rosacea.
self-esteem, with 41 per cent —Lex Gillies Most common in men, this involves
reporting that it had caused them to a thickening of the skin as well as the
avoid public contact or cancel social signature redness. Finally, type 4 is
engagements. The conversation BIGGER THAN BLUSH ocular rosacea; “gritty, sore, and red
around self-esteem is still being There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it eyes are a common symptom in as
regularly discussed with acne, but is comes to rosacea. In fact, there are many as 40 per cent of patients and
only now being thought of with now four different recognised may be associated with skin changes,
rosacea. Even the skin-positivity versions of the condition. First up is or may occur in isolation”, Dr
movement in all its glory appeared to type 1, also known as Bunting tells me.
leave those with rosacea erythematotelangiectatic rosacea Oh, and another myth that’s been
off its radar for far too long, despite (talk about a tongue-twister), which circulated? That only those with fair
good intentions. “is characterised by a prolonged skin can suffer from it. “General
flush and is often the first sign of the awareness of rosacea is rising,
condition”, says Dr Bunting. type 2 particularly in skin of colour, which
is the most common, papulopustular
rosacea. “This form gets mixed up
with acne because you see red spots

glowup | #skintastic
means people are better at
recognising the symptoms,” says
junior doctor Kemi Fabusiwa. “As
climate change continues and we see
more sunlight and stronger
ultraviolet rays, this may also trigger
rosacea symptoms in people who
might otherwise have been
unaffected.”
From the outset, rosacea is often
misdiagnosed in deeper skin tones
because the telltale signs of redness
and dilated blood vessels aren’t as
obvious. “Dark-skinned individuals
should look out for warmth and
flushing, especially after triggers
such as alcohol or spicy foods, as well
as a burning or stinging sensation
after applying certain products,”
explains Dr Fabusiwa. “The best way
to assess whether a darker-skinned
person has rosacea is to analyse the
skin under natural lighting and try
assessing if there is any underlying
redness. You may also notice
significant amounts of post-
inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
Diagnosing the condition on dark
skin tones has been made even
harder due to the lack of racially
diverse images in medical textbooks.
A study from 2018 found that just
4.5 per cent of images in medical
textbooks at top medical schools
included dark skin tones.
ROSACEA RESISTANCE
While many teens bonded over their
acne horror stories, I did not know
anyone else with rosacea until my
mid-twenties, which made me feel
isolated. The steady rise of social
media has facilitated a community
for those with the condition.
Lex Gillies (@talontedlex) is the
UK’s top rosacea influencer and
regularly uses her platform to
educate and raise awareness of the
condition. “Being told at 21 years old
that you have an incurable skin
condition that affects your face is a
really upsetting, isolating
experience,” says Lex. “I was
terrified about the future and had no
one to talk to about it, so I turned to

the internet and found some US
forums that provided support and A guide to
advice from fellow sufferers.” dealing with
There’s no denying that social rosacea
media has changed our lives, and
just like with most cases, the way it Understand
is shaping the conversation around your triggers
“Alcohol, spicy foods,
rosacea has its ups and downs. “I irritating soaps, fragranced
think access to social media, and the skincare, stress, and UV
radiation. For those with dark
anonymity that affords, has made us skin, it is important to reduce
casual in our cruelty towards irritation as it is much more
prone to post-inflammatory
others,” says Lex. She quickly hyperpigmentation,”
warns, “On the other hand, skin- says Dr Fabusiwa.
positivity communities have been
Do use
one of the best things to ever
“Unfragranced products and
happen to me. Filling my feeds with ingredients such as ceramides,
people who look like me, who have From top: niacinamide, and azelaic acid
Influencer Lex to help support a healthy skin
experienced similar and who are Gillies, make-up barrier,” says Dr Bunting.
sharing tips, advice or just showing artist Rose
Gallagher and Don’t use
support has been transformative in writer Charlotte “Essential oils, physical
my skin journey.” Bitmead exfoliants or chemical
This led to the birth of sunscreens, as these can
deplete barrier function and
RosaceaCon, the first-ever rosacea
community event, expected to run in
“I feel like the trigger sensitivity,” says
Dr Bunting.
2024. In organising this event, Lex conversation (about SPF is a must

aims to bring together “an amazingly
supportive and knowledgeable
rosacea) is changing” “The sun is a major risk factor
to both rosacea flare-ups and
secret club” that she often sees in —Rose Gallagher hyperpigmentation,” says
Dr Fabusiwa.
her comments section. “I want every
Talk to your GP
person to leave the event feeling doing something wrong—you’ve had
“If it’s having an impact on
informed, supported, and too much to drink, you’ve eaten your self-esteem, the GP can
empowered,” she says. sugary foods, you aren’t looking after prescribe retinoids, antibiotics
and other prescription-strength
Part of this same force for change your gut health.” medication that can pack a
is make-up artist Rose Gallagher, The guilt is mentally damaging, punch in managing rosacea,”
says Dr Fabusiwa.
whose tutorials are targeted at but the rise of misinformation on
rosacea solutions. “I’ve had redness the internet can physically harm
in my skin for as long as I can you, too. “I can’t tell you how often
remember, but I didn’t even know I I’ve been on a random page that has
had rosacea,” Rose says. She suggested mixing up some yoghurt that it was so much better to try to
confesses to using make-up as a and some egg whites and you’re work with my skin and try to treat my
crutch in school. Now, her content is going to be fine,” says Rose. One flare-ups as cues to follow.”
encouraging those with rosacea to hopes the rise of these trusted Although the risk of fake news and
have fun with their make-up, rather ‘skintellectuals’ and artist pros using the internet go hand in hand, this
than using it as a mask. Despite the their platforms to spread awareness “we’re all in it together” mentality
positivity of this movement, Rose and facts is helping to drown out among a group of experts and people
still feels rosacea is discussed with a the noise. with the condition makes me feel
sense of hopelessness. “I think more positive about the future. I
there’s so much negativity when you FACE OF THE FUTURE only wish I’d had this community
google rosacea, it’s all doom and This emerging generation of rosacea when I was first experiencing
gloom,” she says. “I feel like the patients is changing the narrative. symptoms. Who knows, maybe I’d
conversation is changing; however, I “I’ve reached a point of acceptance have put the harsh physical facial
still think there’s this underlying with my skin,” says Lex. “For so exfoliants down, and saved myself a
belief that if you have rosacea, you’re many years, I was in denial. But as I lot of tears. Q
learned more about my skin and
about rosacea in general, I realised

glowup | #news
Beauty
scoop
We bring you the latest gossip, trends,
and tips from the world of beauty!
By Simi Kuriakose
TREND ALER T: CHERRY COKE HAIR

Who recalls the cherry cola lip trend that was a summer favourite this year and had
the beauty girls going gaga!? Taking inspiration from the same, we’ve now got the
cherry coke hair trend that’ll remind you of delicious brown fizzies with its cherry red
overtones. We can guarantee this one’s going to top the hair colour charts. Still
wondering what the look is about? Let’s just go back to RiRi’s Y2K crimson crop or
Megan Thee Stallion’s summer 2022 look...the only difference is that while the icons
showcased stark red tresses, we’re suggesting a sunkissed red that will make you a
real head-turner. Go ahead, girl! Paint the town red.
IT ’S R AINING CHRISTMAS SY
GIF TS, BUT ALSO ALL
HALLELUJAH YEAR ROUND
Last -minute shopping woes? Luxe This new Cherries & Cheer range from
homegrown brand Love, Indus has the The Body Shop is for anyone who
perfect solution for you—their nostalgia- wants to get into the Christmas spirit,
inducing hamper, which they’ve curated place it under the tree for near and dear
right in time for the festive season. This ones, or both. The Limited Edition
holiday set includes the Amrutini® Retinol Cica Ampoule collection provides an aromatic
Precious Potion Vital Cream (50 ml), Holiday, Innisfree, `2,850 experience with an extensive range
Amrutini® True Brew Transforming that includes a shower gel, body butter,
GET THAT
Serum, Bengal Tiger Cufflinks and Pocket body oil, hand balm, lip balm, and
Scarf from House of Badnore. We can a body mist.
bet that you’ll be tagged the official queen HOLIDAY GLOW Cherries &
of gifting among friends and family. Korean beauty skincare brand Cheer Shower
Innisfree has just launched their Gel and Body
holiday collection so you can put Butter, The Body
Shop, `475 and
your best face forward this season. `1,495
Get clear skin with the cult brand’s
four variants—Vitamin C Brightening
Serum Holiday Set, Green tea Seed
Hyaluronic Serum Holiday Set, Best
Trio Holiday Set, and Retinol Cica
Ampoule Holiday Set. Excited!? Well,
we are. Because here’s your solid
reason to get started with your skin
Rare Riches, care resolution already!
Reimagined Gift Set
For Women
Fragrance mists,
Love, Indus, `19,500
ALL THINGS ROYALTY

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PROBLEM
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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 COSMOPOLITAN 57

Here’s what to wear to your
next romp sesh Street style
Page 84 Page 88
Sticky Secrets Style News
Page 86 Page 90
frontrow
18 epic
brands that matter
this season
Here’s Team Cosmo urging you to wear local so
you can gear up for a style revolution.
frontrow | #stuffwelove
ANKITA JAIN
labelankitajain.com
@labelankitajain
Based out of Shahpur Jat, Delhi, Ankita Jain’s
eponymous label is for women who want to
feel confident about themselves. Jain and her
team create made-to-order and handcrafted
pieces in an array of silhouettes—you’ve got
everything from ruched shirt dresses,
athleisure swim sets and bodysuits to gilded
saris and body-fitted crop tops. Here, you’ll
find something for every body type
and persona.
ĀROKA
aroka.in
@arokaofficial
Shweta Agarwal and Karan Ahuja’s slow
AKHL fashion, ready-to-wear label is about
akhlstudio.com blending feminine styles and masculine
@akhlstudio silhouettes to create trans-seasonal,
A Central Saint Martins’ alumnus, Akhil gender neutral, and inclusive pieces. The
Nagpal made his runway debut in the designers believe they use fabric to tell a
GenNext showcase at Lakmé Fashion story, often aligning social messages
Week 2020. The Mumbai-based designer with their design nous and processes.
makes it a point to “radically Apart from their experimental pieces
contemporise” Indian handcrafted such as draped and ruched dress with
techniques through innovative materials. detachable sleeves and a textured T-shirt
A few favourites as per Cosmo India for men that is inspired by an installation
include the experimental textured sari collection ‘Gamma’ is influenced by art created by Tracey Emin (the English
dress with tassels as well as a dress in artistic interpretations of waveform artist is known for confessional and
which Nagpal has woven patterns and radiating spectrums, autobiographical works), the brand also
hand-embroidered gold and silver especially as seen in Icelandic-Danish crafts accessories such as neckpieces,
metallic yarn tapes together. Their SS24 artist, Olafur Eliasson’s work. shoes, bags, etc.

BITCH AND TWO STICKS
meghanakiran.com
@bitchandtwosticks
This men’s knitwear brand was launched
as textile designer Meghana Kiran’s
passion project—she mastered the craft
of knitting by binge-watching YouTube
tutorials. Kiran uses techniques that
include the stockinette stitch, blind hem
stitch, and overlock stitch, among others,
on fabrics such as mohair and recycled
cotton. We love the pop-hued ensembles
that often feature embroidered patches.
BLUORNG
bluorng.com
@bluorng
Siddhant Sabharwal and Mokam Singh
started this streetwear label in 2020,
and now, they have a flagship store in EVEMEN
Mumbai and their first studio in the Indian evemen.co
capital. From classics such as hoodies @evemen.co
and T-shirts to pieces including their Founded by Sam Chhabra, this
ripstop cargo—it is got about 12 community-driven brand is centred on
multi-purpose and two detachable celebrating gender diversity. From
pockets along with low-hanging vintage wash hoodies to military
suspenders—that measure up to the shorts as well as bootcut cargos that
hype, Bluorng has, in time, become a feature about 17 pockets and
go-to label that’ll help one earn that street oversized full-sleeved shirts, you’ll find
cred. What’s best? They also have a slew a range of streetwear pieces that are
of accessories—their structured leather perfect as is or to layer with.
bag is a cool staple to own.

CLARACHÉ
clarache.in
@claracheofficial
Shivani Kapoor’s brand is perfect for
those of you looking for gender-fluid
silhouettes with a tinge of nostalgia and
hints of pop hues. We’re talking
70s-inspired pieces such as oversized
pantsuits in pastel pink or acid lime
green, or fuzzy cropped knits. Imagine
walking into a newsroom wearing a
funky newspaper graphic print cropped
blazer? We stan!
LIMERICK BY
DOH TAK KEH ABIRR N’ NANKI
dohtakkeh.com limerick.in
@doh_tak_keh @limerickofficial
Founder and creative director Abirr and Nanki Papneja’s brand,
Juhi Melwani’s label brings to which they launched in 2014, is
the forefront handmade Indian known for using a plethora of prints
textiles through contemporary in their designs that effortlessly
silhouettes. If Cosmo India had blend modern silhouettes and
to pick an outfit, we’d traditional craftsmanship. Think
recommend the three-piece co- laser-cut on acrylic (a twist on the
ord set titled Gajra Re (right)—a age-old technique of thikri from
scoop neck, hand-embroidered Rajasthan) or their take on the
corset with a draped dhoti skirt 400-year-old art of Pichwai through
and a free-size cape for prints, Limerick is known to
women—and the Ilaake bowling experiment with indigenous
shirt and shorts set for men. techniques.

TRIUNE
triune.store
@triune.store
Prasoon Sharma’s label, which he
launched in 2019, is all about a
fascinating interplay of textures and
hues all while using ethical and
innovative production practices. More
often than not, one would find whimsical
digital prints at the centre of Sharma’s
collections. The Cuban shirt showcasing
a hunting scene between an elephant
and a tiger is one of our favourites.
MARGN
margn.in HIRO SHOP
@margnworld hiroshop.in
Founded in 2021 by Ranjit Yadav @hiroshop.in
and Saurabh Maurya, this fashion Designer Hiral Jajal’s first label
collective focuses on handknits was an ethnic brand named Hiral
and functional workwear and Khatri. Later, after being in the
features crisp silhouettes, process of helping her brother
elevated knitwear, and symbolic Jay Jajal for his label Jaywalking,
details. Through their clothing, she launched her own streetwear
Yadav and Maurya aim to interpret label titled HIRO in December
and comprehend “human 2020. From a cocktail dress that
systems”. Want an experimental is a corset bustier-meets-ruched
piece in your wardrobe? We skirt to a double-collared denim
suggest the relaxed signature jacket, Hiral’s pieces mix comfort
wrinkle effect jacket. and function.

MELLOWDRAMA
mellowdrama.co.in
@mellowdrama_official
An alumni of the London College of Fashion,
Aaina Mahajan launched this label with a
capsule collection in 2016. The idea was
simple: to create quality pieces that are
affordable. With denim as their USP, Mahajan
ensures that her pieces—she uses techniques
like fabric manipulation, embellishments and
prints, mixing multiple washes, etc.,—are such
that the same piece can be worn in both the
boardroom and at the bar counter.
ROCH STUDIO
roch-studio.com
@rochstudiio
VULGAR This Gurugram-based luxury fashion
vulgar.co.in label is gender-agnostic and is built
@_vulgarofficial on the values of circularity. Ronak
What started out as a passion project Choudhary’s brand is deep-rooted in
for designer Akshay Sharma became a nostalgia of Indian culture, and the
full-fleged label that crafts designer explores fresh techniques
statement-making clothes. Sharma to showcase this wistfulness
ticks off so many boxes...asymmetrical through quirky silhouettes and
silhouettes—check; body inclusivity— experimental pieces. Our favourites
check; strategic cutouts—check; fluid includes the Barbie Dil shirt that
pieces—check. A piece that draws features the puffer hearts, a pair of
one’s attention is the quilted faux wide-legged crochet pants, and the
leather that is crafted using actual Sooraj pouch bag, which is a
industrial screws. sun-shaped carryall.

POLITE SOCIETY
politesocietyshop.com
@politesociety_official
Surmai Jain’s label was conceived
keeping in mind the person she is—
her idea was to create a label that
rejects what the societal definition of
“appropriate” stands for. The
designer mixes both street elements
and power dressing into her clothing.
A corset-style playsuit to a
heart-shaped bustier, you will find
pieces that have
deconstructed silhouettes.
RKIVE CITY
@rkivecity
Launched in 2022 keeping PRXKHXR
zero-waste policy in mind, founder prxkhxr.com
and creative director Ritwik Khanna’s @prxkhxr
upcycled denim brand—it has a For his streetwear label,
studio and atelier in Delhi’s Dhan Mill Delhi-based designer Prakhar
Compound—focuses on Chauhan primarily uses excess
post-consumer textile waste. prints or even artwork—from
Patchwork denim, colour-blocked animals as well as the works of
pieces as well as natural patina dyes Satyajit Ray—that he and his
feature as constants in Rkive City’s team develop in-house.
clothes and bags. Currently, Cosmo Comfortable, utilitarian clothing—
India is crushing on their digitally printed shirts and shorts,
camouflaged reconstructed screen-printed T-shirts, among
trench—a winter essential. others—is the brand’s USP. Q

frontrow | #trending
Just a list of Photograph: ANUSHKA MENON; Compiled By: MYRA KAPUR DUTTA
party essentials sorted

No matter where the party’s at...we’ve got your every mood covered.
Compiled by Palak Valecha
Illustrations by Tanya Chaturvedi
Life of the party
Your ‘walk into a party and make every head turn’ outfit is just what we’ve
scoured for you. This NYE outfit (done)!
Jaala Nano Rhinestone

Clutch, Cult Gaia,
`42,800
Indira Earrings, Deepa

Gurnani, `35,700
Metallic strapless
dress, Zara, `3,990
Fringed sequin skirt,

H&M, `2,699
Vibrantly
Pumps, Steve Samantha Jones
Photograph: GETTYIMAGES.COM
Madden,
`15,000
Luna Cocktail
Ring, Swarovski,
Venus la Petite CSlutch, Benedetta
`15,500
Bruzziches, `87,000

Stupid cupid
We know you’re looking for love...and we know we can help you find it.
Heart pendant necklace,

Coach, `7,000 approx
Carrie Bradshaw
Paloma Dress, Malie,

`3,000
Lyssa Sandals, Photograph: GETTYIMAGES.COM ; Compiled By: PALAK VALECHA

Michael Kors,
`18,000
Bonnie Ruffle Dress,

Forever New, `7,650
Broken heel pumps,

Tory Burch, `35,500
approx
Diamond frame clutch, Jimmy

Choo, `2,00,000 approx

Drama mama
Fret not...those of you who like to come in ‘haute’ (and bring all
the chaos along).
Emily Cooper
Bold evil eye ring band,

Bansri Mehta Design,
`2,885
Dragonfly brooch, Mia by

Tanishq, `4,000
Bellary Wooden
Sunglasses, Sasha Wear,
`8,000
Heritage patchwork silk

shirt, Gucci,
`2,08,500 approx
Sparkle Heart Earrings,

Olivia Dar, `5,100
Photograph: GETTYIMAGES.COM ; Compiled By: PALAK VALECHA
Printed pants, Vero

Malea Sandals, Saint G, Moda, `3,000
`11,500

Spill the tea

Super chic with a side of gossip, if that’s what you’re aiming at...
look no further.
Wrapped in a
bow pearl
Necklace,
Kate Spade, Giully quilted
`14,800 shoulder bag,
approx Guess, `7,000
approx
Mini shield sling bag, Burberry,

price on request
Crystal G hair
clip, Gucci,
`43,300
approx Rachel Green
Photograph: GETTY IMAGES ; Compiled By: PALAK VALECHA
Brocade jacquard short

dress, Max Mara,
`81,500 approx
Barocco knit dress,

Versace, `2,18,600
Carisma slingback
pumps, Dune, `10,900

Let’s get talking!
Can’t break the ice anywhere you go? Here’s us making sure at least your
cute outfit becomes the conversation starter!
Lara Jean
Bow hair clip,

H&M, `600
Faux suede
mini skirt, Vero
Moda, `2,100
Little bow
studs, Azga,
`850
De-Tracy lightly washed

slim fit jacket, Diesel,
`30,000
Scallop pearl embellished

cardigan, Kate Spade,
Retroact Sneakers, Aldo, `33,100 approx
Sweetheart Floral `14,000
Corset Mini Dress,
Cider, `3,599 FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 COSMOPOLITAN 75
Sober rover
Not vibin’ with a drink in your hand...who cares. We think
a well-curated look should suffice. Elevation
necklace,
Daniel
Wellington,
`7,700
Adagio pearl drop earrings, Soft knot bow mini crossbody

CaratLane, `13,100 bag, Ted Baker, `13,500
Annette Hargrove
Messenger bag, Tod’s,

price on request
Striped knit dress,

Massimo Dutti, `9,000
Howell court sneakers,

Tory Burch, `19,500

Keep me company
Get chatty with the other gals at the party! You could be soaking in the
compliments thanks to your fits, or just returning the favour.
Monica Geller
Purse studs, Anaash,

`3,400
Jacket, American Eagle,

`6,000
Braided effect clutch,

Love Moschino, `16,200
approx
Relaxed tapered ankle

jeans, Lauren Ralph
Stonewashed tee, Almost Gods, Lauren, `17,800
Trice metallic accent `4,000
loafers, Charles & Keith,
`9,000

frontrow | #trending White gem
studded cocktail
ring, Arvino,
`2,100
Butterfly-shape
crystal-embellished
ring, Maje, `9,659
approx
Rhoda earrings,
Deepa Gurnani,
`21,000
Silver howlite
Iconic purple
copper turquoise
square ring,
thread earrings,
La Manso, `13,157
March Jewellery,
approx
price on request
Rangeela
haar, The Olio
Stories,
`12,500
Lavender earrings,
Maison De Nura,
`12,500
Sonam Kapoor
Amphora ring, Anneli necklace,

Misho Designs, Zohra Jewelry,
`6,695
`6,500
Image courtesy: THE BRANDS, Compiled by: ANKITA MALHOTRA
Enchanted keshi
pearl studs,
Outhouse,
`13,500
Aurora pearl diamond
necklace, Prerto, `6,800
Be spotted...
in this season’s best jewellery trends. Coz you never know who’s watching!

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE WITH UNCAFE
EMBRACE FRESH,
FEEL HEALTHY!
Farm-Fresh Ingredients
Unparalleled Taste
Vibrant Variety
@uncafesalad www.uncafe.in
VISIT US AT
Green Park, Delhi | Saket, Delhi
11:11 All for two Chakra charm
Pendant, Charm, bracelet,
Zillionaire, Golden studded evil
Zariin, `599 eye spin ring, Azga, `5,150
`25,000
Giva, `4,999
All charm Symbolic bracelet,

neckchain, Swarovski, `9,750
Ethnic Andaz,
`3,200
Gigi Hadid
Yasemi gold-vermeil
charm bracelet, Dreamcatcher
Hermina Athens, charm pendant,
`14,572 approx Stac Fine
Jewellery, `8,200
Hamsa diamond,
malachite and
14kt gold bracelet,
Sydney Evan,
`32,658 approx
These statement pieces will give your jewellery box a chic
upgrade and ward off bad intentions. Bye, bye evil eyes.
Image courtesy: THE BRANDS, Compiled by: ANKITA MALHOTRA
The kricia
charm bracelet,
Bluestone,
`34,115
Havana evil eye,

Carat Crush, Celestial charm
`37,000 ring, Cora
Jewellery,
`30,000

frontrow | #allthatlingers
Greca border bralette and

thong both Versace, `14,500
and `6,300, respectively GG tulle lingerie set, Gucci,
`91,700 approx
Ellie slip
dress,Hunkemoller
`3,995
Nadia bodysuit,
House of CB,
`6,200 approx
Bra and briefs, both Saint Laurent,

`17,700 and `14,500, respectively
Here’s what to
wear to your Nipple bra and thong, both Skims,
`5,600 and `2,400 respectively
next romp sesh

Whether you are single, taken or if it’s

a situationship...you deserve an
interesting luxe number.
Compiled by Ria Singh
Lace
thong
body,
H&M,
`2,299
Chemise, Kiki De
Montparnasse,
`55,420 approx
Bra and briefs both Dora

Larsen, `5,800 and
`3,900, respectively
Bra and panty, both

Savage X Fenty,`4,487
and `2,062, respectively
Mercy corset, Agent

Provocateur,`54,200
Bralette and briefs, approx
both Christian Dior,
prices on request
Bra, panty,
and harness,
all Bluebella,
`5,800,
`2,900, and
`4,100,
respectively
Sticky secrets
Choose from these nipple pasties to never shy away from wearing that tricky outfit.
Sianna pasties,
Agent Provocateur,
`17,485 approx
Heart pasties, Butt

Chique, `1,899
Sakura burgundy
nipple pasties in
lacquer leather,
Mariemur,
`2,914 approx
Image courtesy: GETTY IMAGES, Compiled By: ANKITA MALHOTRA
Miley Cyrus
Jini pasties,
Agent
Provocateur,
`13,738 approx
Diamante satin classic Copper metal

pastie, Dita Von Teese nipple covers,
Lingerie, `2,497 approx Honey Birdette,
`4,995 approx

PROMOTION
DELHI—A VIBRANT FILM

SHOOTING DESTINATION
From a single window e-clearance system to offering incentives, the Delhi Film
Shooting Policy aims to promote the city as a hub for filming.
D
elhi and its heritage buildings services and hosting an international film
offer the perfect location for any festival, among other features . The policy
genre of film. Now, the Delhi is not applicable for high-security zones
government has some good such as near Rashtrapati Bhawan, North
news for production firms and filmmakers. Block & South Block, Raj Path, Parliament
TheDelhi Tourism and Transportation House, India Gate, etc. for film shootings. In
Development Corporation Ltd (DTTDC), these areas, specific approvals from the
which is a Delhi government undertaking, Government of India are required . The
has been designated the nodal agency for permissions granted through the Online
easing the approval process for film Single Window Clearance Mechanism i.e.,
production agencies. For this purpose, e – Film Clearance would also be subject to
DTTDC has set up an e-film clearance guidelines/instructions of Ministries/
mechanism under the Delhi Film Policy Institutions of Government of India issued
2022. The nodal agency coordinates with from time to time. After the Launch of e-film
concerned agencies and stakeholders to clearance mechanism Portal on 13/05/2022
provide a friendly and efficient film- the No. of Films/Webseries applications
making ecosystem. This has simplified the received were 23 and No. of Films/
existing processes for granting filming Webseries approved for shoot were 19.
approvals. These include Kazakh Business Film, 12th
With the aim to brand the national and Fail , Origin, SCAM 2003 , Glucon-D,
international profile of Delhi through Aspirants 2, Inheritance, Covid Stories,
films, the Delhi Film Policy 2022 Indian Police Force, Suspicious Partner,
intends to build large, enthusiastic Afgan, Front Page, For Your Eyes Only,
audiences for films shot in Delhi Union, PATAL LOK 2, Hisaab Barabar,
and promote the city as a vibrant Shankaran, Special Ops2.
film shooting destination. The
policy is applicable to all Locations: Th ere are 512
filmmakers—both national and shooting locations of 20+
international—seeking permission stakeholder departments of Delhi
and claiming subsidy/incentive as per Government, GOI and other
the operational guidelines. agencies already present.
One-stop solution: The Delhi Tourism Validity: The policy shall remain
has created an online single-window in operation for a period of five
clearance mechanism aka e-film clearance years from May 2022 or until
to provide greater transparency, time- another polic y is framed,
bound approvals as well as better whichever is earlier. The policy
coordination among stakeholder provisions, however, may be
agencies and production firms. Nearly 25 amended from time to time to
agencies are connected online with Delhi cater to the changing needs and
Tourism and production houses. This requirements of the film
mechanism has fast-tracked the approval production agencies in
processes for film shooting. consultation with the Film
To promote Delhi as a film tourism Advisory Board. Delhi Tourism
destination, the Delhi Film Policy 2022 participates in tourism fairs,
offers incentives on the following expos, film festivals, and other
parameters: The Delhi Film Policy 2022 such events to promote Delhi as
was launched by the Delhi government in a world-class film shooting
the 2022-23 budget. The policy aims to destination for feature films,
make Delhi an international filmmaking web-series, T V series,
location by creating an enabling documentary films.
environment that encourages inclusive ĞůŚŝ&ŝůŵWŽůŝĐǇϮϬϮϮ
growth in tourism by supporting film-
making in the National Capital Territory of
Delhi . The policy includes setting up a `30
crore fund to support producers, subsidies
up to `3 crore for filmmakers, providing a
‘Film Card’ to avail discounts on hospitality
/ delhitourism / delhitourism_official Tourism_dellhi / dttcnews

frontrow | #ootd
JAFFY GARG, 36
“If you’re seeking
a chic and elegant
winter look, picture
yourself in a grey
woollen short skirt
elegantly paired with
a black high-neck
sweater. Complete
the ensemble with
sheer stockings and
sleek block black
heels. This outfit
effortlessly exudes
timeless charm,
making it a versatile
choice for various
occasions—from a
cozy dinner date to a
day at work.”
JANVI KALRA, 23
“Embracing the goth
girl aesthetic I totally
love, I have chosen
a long black dress
and accentuated it by
wearing silver hoops
that go well with my
rhinestone boots. The
only striking burst of
colour is the pink in
my hair, which takes
centrestage.”
Street
PRANJAL SINGH, 22
Style
We took the battle of the
Compiled by: MANVEEN GULIANI
“For an unexpected pairing, try a classic grey drazer

(dress + blazer) with a pair of white knee-high boots
and white sunglasses, a gold chain, and a sling bag. My best-dressed to the streets + your
favourite part about this outfit is the structure that it
brings to this look. This outfit screams power and all
homes, and were so impressed by
the shades complement each other well. If I had to your style picks.
give a name to this look it would be called the
‘Gen Z boss lady’.”

SIDDHIKA IYER, 20
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fond of
dressing up...experimenting with different aesthetics is what
I’m known for. Here, I’ve paired a classic button-down denim
skirt with black tube top and the OG black boots intending to
go for a light, vintage look!”
NAUSHAD KHAN, 21
“I’m a creative person at heart but never knew
how to express it until I started showcasing
that side through fashion. Here, I have gone
for a beige monochromatic look, paired with
funky, Y2K-themed silver accessories. I think
accessorising can bring any boring outfit to
life, and accentuate it to the fullest. While I’ve
always loved all things fashion, streetwear brings
forth ‘main character energy’ and gets my true
personality out to play. I just know I have a good
day when I’m dressed well!”
MALLIKA
SINGHANIA, 41
“I wore this printed
pant with an
oversized jacket
by Two Point Two
Studio to attend
the Dubai Fashion
Week this year. I
chose to wear this
with a black bustier
because I didn’t
want to take away
from the beauty
of the outfit. I also
added a pair of
chunky earrings with
my hair pulled back
so that the drama
of the outfit could
stand out.”

frontrow | #news
MASTER
STROKES
Designer Amit Aggarwal’s
maximalism meets late
designer Wendell Rodricks’
signature simplicity...and
the result is a collection
that transcends time and
celebrates the best of
Indian fashion. True to both
their styles, this capsule
features geometric cuts
in striking colours. This
collaboration brings to
life the boundless joy
that comes from slowing
down in a world, which is
constantly in motion.
News
The newest, latest, and most
talked-about fashion stuff.
By Shubhangi Jindal
A LIVING LEGEND
Balenciaga welcomed actor and
THE producer, Michelle Yeoh as its
LUXE LIFE newest brand ambassador. With
Mumbai is the latest city to a successful career spanning four
join Cartier’s international network years, the star boasts a slew of
of boutiques, marking a new chapter barrier-breaking achievements,
in the history of the maison in India. The including winning a Golden
maison announced the unveiling of its newest Globe, a SAG Award, and an
store at Jio World Plaza, Mumbai, with their Oscar. “Wearing Balenciaga
House Ambassador, Deepika Padukone makes me value the artistry
in attendance. Designed by renowned and craftsmanship behind every
Parisian design agency Moinard Bétaille, piece. The brand embodies a
this all-new boutique pays homage sense of originality and relevance
to its local heritage through while always remaining true to
bespoke creations. its heritage as a couture atelier.
It is an honour to partner with
Balenciaga,” said Michelle.

MADE IN INDIA
Charles & Keith has launched their
limited-edition India Exclusive Bag, a
magnificent ode to the rich heritage
and vibrant history of the country. The
bag is inspired by the famous Bagh
print, a traditional printing technique
from Madhya Pradesh, and draws WHAT MAKES
design inspiration from the country’s
royal past—when the tiger was revered
AN ICON
Blend the creativity of Swarovski and innovation
as a symbol of strength and intricate
of SKIMS for a showstopping impact that radiates
floral patterns adorned the country’s
confidence through every crystal. Showcasing AFEW Rahul
palaces. The burgundy embodies Mishra’s
an effortless fluidity, this mesmerising collection campaign
passion, courage, and love, while the
explores Swarovski’s signature stones with SKIMS shot by Rid
gold embroidery pays homage to the Burman
sleek silhouette upgraded with a modern twist.
opulence and grandeur, weaving India’s
Dare to bare with lightweight loungewear and
cultural heritage and celebrated legacy.
intricately embellished pieces that are crafted to
into every thread and stitch.
find the perfect fit for all body types. Pro Tip: Add
India exclusive bag, impact with Swarovski jewellery and body chains for
Charles & Keith, exceptional extravagance.
`8,000
THE NIGHT
WE ‘MET’
The most glamourous night in fashion
is back! This year’s theme is ‘Sleeping
Beauties: Reawakening Fashion’,
celebrating the opening of the Spring
2024 exhibition at The Metropolitan
Museum of Art’s Costume Institute,
New York. The exhibition is set to
feature 250 historical garments that
cannot be worn again. According
to Max Hollein, CEO of the Met,
“This innovative show will push the
boundaries of our imagination and
invite us to experience many facets
of a work, to learn more about its
history, and, ultimately, to gain a
deeper appreciation of its beauty.”

Follow @bazaarindia on
INSTAGRAM
for the latest in fashion, beauty and celebrity news.
A rollercoaster ride
Strike a Chord
ft. Uorfi
Page 106
How I learnt to love Page 124 To manifest, or not to manifest
my flaws
Page 129
Page 110
maincharacter
Outfit, Gaffe
Studios;
Jewellery,
Swarovski
maincharacter | #coverinterview
For her debut cover, actor Khushi Kapoor opens up to Cosmo

India Editor Pratishtha Dobhal about life so far, her love for
cinema and fashion, and her hope for the future.
Stylist: Mohit Rai
Photographer: Vaishnav Praveen
Outfit, Shivan &
Narresh; Jewellery,
Swarovski
“Pardon me while I burst…A decade ago, I never thought I

would be.. At 23, on the verge of spontaneous combustion…
But I think it comes with the territory…”
hen Incubus released their lead single, Pardon Me in 1999, and I discovered it
many years later, what struck me was how obsessed singers and players were
with the prime number, and how much of a life-defining time this could be for
someone who had turned 23.
At the sweet spot of being young and carefree, still wafting through corridors
of rebellion, very rarely has 23 been known for internalising and exuding a cool
state of equilibrium, self-assuredness, and inherent grace—qualities our cover
girl Khushi Kapoor embodies effortlessly—turning her into the MVP [most valuable player] at 23 as she
made her debut with The Archies on Netflix this month, ending the year with a trailblazing new beginning.
Walking into the studio, 10 minutes before her call time and the pre-promotional rounds for The Archies
were set to take off, Khushi eased into the set for her first solo debut cover shoot [ever!!!], immediately
relaxing the hecticness around her with her cool demeanour. Showing only a hint of nerves as she stood in
front of the camera with hair and make-up in place, she slipped into the first look after keenly going
through the rack of glam, thoughtfully curated for her. With every click, Khushi met the frequency of
expectations the crew and I had, giving us a whole range of expressions and emotions, telling of an actor
who understood what was needed and put her all and everything into delivering it.
When we finally sit down separated by distance, connected over call and our shared experience at the
shoot, Khushi lets me into her world with the same relaxed disposition as the day we met. Open,
thoughtful, reflective, poised, and incredibly centered talking about life so far, her love for cinema and
fashion, her tryst with destiny, her incredibly illustrious family and support system, The Archies and her
hope for the future.
Pratishtha Dobhal: Congratulations on one of the most talked-about debuts in the last few
years. What is your current state of mind like—grateful, anxious, excited?
Khushi Kapoor: Honestly, it changes every day—there are so many emotions and feelings because all of
this is extremely new to me. But most of all I am hopeful because we have made the film with a lot of
honesty and sincerity, and hope that people appreciate the work we have put into it. There is a lot of nerves
since this is the first time, I think, I am really putting myself out there as myself, but at the same time
there’s a lot of excitement too.
PD: Take us back to how it all came together—the process of being cast as Betty and travelling
back in time through the course of the film to a different era, your learnings about yourself.
Plus, how different or similar is Betty to Khushi?
KK: I think I must have auditioned at least four times (the first took place in January 2021) before I got
locked in as Betty. I did two auditions as Veronica and then I auditioned for Betty. There was a lot of
research that went into the accuracy of being in the ’60s. Zoya [Akhtar] immediately gave us all a handful of
comics that we would all read and carry everywhere. We went into it, studying the costumes and the looks
while working with an amazing team.
As far as the casting went, I feel Zoya saw a lot of similarities that resonated with the characters we were
meant to portray. We all completely trusted her. Although it is a fictional world that has been created, each
character has something that someone will relate to and connect with. I found a lot of myself in Betty and
that’s why I felt so connected to her. I didn’t feel I had to really do too much, since I feel that innately I am
like her.
Through the course of filming, I was discovering a lot of positives and negatives about myself. While
there were moments of doubt, I learnt how to put that behind me and have faith in myself as an actor,
acknowledging in the process that we had been chosen because Zoya saw something in us.
Outfit, Rhycni;
Jewellery, Inayat
Fashions;
Shoes, Christian
Louboutin
Outfit, Rahul
Mishra; Jewellery,
Swarovski
Make-up: Tanvi
Chemburkar;
Hair: Aanchal Morwani;
Styling Assistants:
Shubhi Kumar, Tarang
Agarwal
Outfit, Shivan &
Narresh; Jewellery,
Swarovski
PD: The Archies is set in the ’60s where the ensemble cast is in their coming-of-age era, all of
17! What was a regular day in the life of 17-year-old Khushi like until a few years ago?
KK: I was doing drama in school and was most excited for my theatre class every day. The highlight of
my day was coming back home from school to my dog, Panda (who has been with us for 10 to 11 years,
and now we have Mochi too) followed by watching TV as any normal 17-year-old would. I was also quite
big on sports until Grade 10 and played a lot of basketball, would go swimming, do a lot of track and
field. My mom would always tease my sister because I’d always come back with five or six medals and my
sister would just come home covered in mud, nothing to show for it.
PD: What are your earliest memories of being enchanted by the magical world of cinema? On
set highlights, enacting your mother’s films—anecdotes you’d like to share which left a lasting
impression before you became an actor...
KK: I think it was all I knew when I was a kid because my playground was a movie set and I think it is a
blessing for me. But at that time, I was so young I didn’t even realise where I was and what my parents
were doing or that it was a huge thing to be actors and producers in this world. Since birth it was very
normal for me because it was the only thing I was exposed to.
When my sister and I were not on set, we would be at home enacting scenes and watching films. I
have this specific memory of putting on Om Shanti Om at home and I would do the wave that Shah
Rukh Khan and others would do, making my cousin tie my dupatta on her bracelet to repeat the whole
thing. Mom would hate to watch her own movies at home and would get shy and awkward, so we would
end up watching them when she wasn’t around and re-enact funny things she would do in them. I
remember the Charlie Chaplin impersonations we would make her do at home.
PD: Given that your mother, the late Sridevi ji, has been one of the most celebrated and
legendary actors Indian cinema has ever seen, and your dad breathed life into ideas through
the massive production and projects he has taken on—did you have observational takeaways
that you made a quiet note of, or discussed openly with your parents and sister?
KK: I think Janhvi and I were both raised in a way where we were always told to have a positive and
humble attitude towards everyone. I think that’s the one thing that I have observed on sets from both my
mom and dad—how they speak and treat other people around them which also makes it easier for other
people to want to work with you.
Mom started acting when she was probably four years old, so for her it was just second nature. She
could easily switch on and off and I know I would never be able to come close to that in my entire career.
But I think just watching her taught me so much.
PD: Do you remember the first movie you saw that you couldn’t get out of your head? How
did it affect you? What kind of cinema do you like—the director wishlist (national and
international) you would like to work with?
KK: I think the first movie premier I have a distinct memory of is Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na. I was really
young but I remember I watched that movie every single day for a whole year. And then I remember
watching Shutter Island starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which sparked an interest in me, making me
obsessed with a wide range of movies across genres, learning a whole lot from all of them.
I love diversity in cinema, so there’s no specific box I would put myself into because as an actor I don’t
want to restrict myself either. I am grateful that I got to work with someone as amazing as Zoya, and
there are a lot of people I Iook up to and would want to work with...Imtiaz [Ali] sir, [Sanjay Leela]
Bhansali sir, Karan [Johar] and so many more people. They all have such distinct ways of telling a story.
Internationally, Greta Gerwig comes to mind right now. I recently saw Lady Bird, which is impactful as
it allows you to feel that as a young adult you can do something that brings about a change.
PD: Who do you go to for sage advice and pick-me-up moments when or if you are shrouded
in self-doubt? And what’s the best advice you keep turning to?
KK: I think between dad, Janhvi, Anshula, and Arjun, I go to them for different advice, depending on
the situation. My first call in most situations would be to Janhvi. She always knows the right thing to say to me to
make me feel better and calmer. Anshula is the best gift giver. She will always send me the right dessert that
makes my heart feel a little better, and Arjun bhaiya gives the best career advice. My dad is always involved in
everything I am doing—he’s constantly checking in with me. I am really grateful to have so many people in my
life who are so nice, caring, and supportive of me.
PD: Glimmers is the opposite of triggers—a big theme in our issue this month—which means little
moments of positivity that can help you feel calm and safe. Are there any recent glimmers that
became highlights on a mundane day? How do you temper your emotions?
KK: Unfortunately, I feel I have been exposed to the negative aspects of social media for so long. In my head I
would always think there would be a lot backlash to everything I do. But it has been so refreshing and nice to be
able to meet people who are so supportive and excited to see what we have made, to see what I have to offer.
That is something new for me, which makes me feel warm.
When it comes to mental health, I strongly believe in therapy and checking in with yourself because
prioritising your mental health is as important as your physical health. I used to journal a lot, also talking to
people you are close to helps. I love listening to music on the set, particularly when I try to take on a character
or scene. While filming The Archies, I made a playlist of a lot of ’60s music from films such as Grease and
Hairspray. When you are doing something dark and heavy on set you don’t want to bring that energy back
home because it can get really taxing on someone to carry that for so long. I have done a lot of acting workshops
that help you control and channel these emotions into your work without having to carry the weight of it all the
time. At the New York Film Academy, I could step away from certain types of pressure. Doing the same course
here came with a lot of expectations attached.
PD: Speaking of diversity and being experimental, you are already touted as fashion’s IT-girl. When
did the love affair with all things sartorial start for you? Who would you walk the runway for and
who are you gravitating towards as far as designers and styles go?
KK: When I was really young and we’d go for these award shows, I would wear whatever my mom would pick
out for me. I probably started taking interest in fashion with the Tumblr era, when I was about 14 years old. I
wanted to be a fashion girl and dress like people I looked up to yet bring my own flair to it. Watching my mom
and sister, who also loved fashion, was also helpful.
Speaking of someone in India I would like to walk for, it’ll be designer Manish Malhotra—I think his clothes
are beautiful. Internationally, there are a lot of new and unknown designers. There is this Swedish model Elsa
Holsk who has a new clothing brand, which I recently found....it matches my current aesthetic—it is very right
now, chic, and classic. And, of course, there is always Dior.
PD: You have minimal but impactful tattoos—what does getting inked mean to you?
KK: At 16, I got mom, dad, and Janhvi’s birth dates tattooed, and I remember my mom freaked out when she
saw it but I told her ‘it’s your birthday so you are not allowed to be mad at me’. But I have so many now that are
extremely meaningful to me. I have one that is from a letter Anshula wrote to me and I got it tattooed in her
writing on her birthday. I have Betty’s cycle tattooed as well...it’s my latest one. I have some that I thought
looked cool. I have always drawn all over myself in school. I would take markers and doodle on my arms and
legs and my teacher would yell at me. Now that I am older, I have a lot of tattoos but I think I’m done now!
PD: New Year plans? And, of course, what are you most looking forward to in 2024?
KK: I want to start off the New Year in a way that sets the tone for the rest of the year. So, hopefully around
New Year’s, I will be working on something and on the 31st night, maybe I’ll just bring it in with my close
friends and family. As for 2024, I have lots of tick marks in my head when it comes to work. I want to keep my
head down, and hopefully people will be appreciative of whatever work I am trying to put out and relate to
some of the work that I am doing. I’m excited to just dabble in everything and explore and experiment, whether
it is movies or in fashion. I think there’s so much I am blessed to be exposed to, so I am just looking forward to
the ride. Q
maincharacter | #selflove
A rollercoaster
ride ft. Uorfi
It’s been quite a year for Uorfi Javed. The social media star
pens a personal account of all the fun (and chaos) that 2023
was and what she hopes to leave behind in 2024.
E
ver heard ‘The Monkey’s Paws’ story? If not, Google it right away. But
coming to the point: Be careful what you wish for! 2023 was the kind of
year that I once wished for—flashing lights, people talking about me,
everyone recognising me. As everyone knows by now...I am a professional
attention seeker. Little did I know everything comes with a cost. I didn’t really know
how to handle things like rape threats, death threats, multiple FIRs. All this made me
extremely anxious and, at the same time, depressed. Even after enduring all this, I am
not where I want to be—not accepted by the fashion world or the industry, still
struggling to make a name on my own, still struggling to survive. I came to Mumbai
with no money so the thought of going broke again constantly haunts me. Well you
guessed it right—I don’t really have a lot of work. I keep saying I don’t care (and I
really don’t care) but when you’re worst was not finding the people
alone at night scrolling through your I expected to be with me
phone, it hits you...it hits you bad. I during my bad times. And
have constants thoughts: ‘What if then I had to make a big
people forget me?’ ‘What if I don’t decision: I cut off
get work after this?’ ‘How will I everyone—friends, team
manage my life?’ I wouldn’t say I love members—who I felt
a luxurious life but, yes, it is a will not help me grow. I
comfortable life right now. I don’t never expect a lot from
really want to go back to my cramped people. I usually live in
up one-room-kitchen apartment I my own world but there
used to live—even the idea scares are some rare situations
me. when I just want someone
The year 2023 has made me more to be there.
anxious and depressed. This is part of Let’s come to the
what I’ve wished for all my life but I good part now.
didn’t know the cost. If there was a Once the sadness subsided, I
world record of receiving the most learnt a good lesson—I am enough.
number of rape and death threats, I Cry for three days but get up on the
think I would be the winner. All this fourth day. I might not be in the likes
has made me seek validation even of Janhvi [Kapoor], Ananya [Panday]
more. Let me narrate a few bad or Sara [Ali Khan] (I would kill to be now I am smiling—I was on the
incidents of this year, apart from the there though), I might not get invited cover of The Dirty Magazine. Holy
rape and death threats and police to any fashion events (or anywhere s**t! I got to work with Anaita
complaints. actually) but I’ve realised that these [Shroff Adajania] who styled me for
I am rarely invited to any event. As shouldn’t be the goals. Rejection it. That lady is magical...she is so
someone who loves and lives fashion didn’t make me bitter, it only made down to earth, she made me feel
I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to me more ambitious. like something [else]. As I said, I am
be just invited. One day I got a call I think the best part of this year looking for validation and she gave
from this prestigious event was The Dirty Magazine [a home- me just that.
organisers. I got extremely excited grown magazine by fashion Of course how can I miss the
and I thought of wearing this stylist and creative director, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla shoot?
beautiful handcrafted dress, Kshitij Kankaria] shoot and They treated me like a star...I have
which took months to make. Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla never been treated this way. I didn’t
I was so happy, but on the shoot [she was the muse even know how to react. They even
day of the event the for the designer duo’s invited me to their party—it was
organisers tell me straight to Dazzle Collection]. I can’t kind of my first-ever “Bollywood
my face “there was a even tell you how party”. The feeling was very cool.
mistake in communication thankful I am to What I would like to leave behind
among us, the organisers both the teams. this year? My fear for the future, the
feel you are not fit to be Kshitij and feeling that I am not enough. I
invited to such an Aishwarya would also like to leave some
event.” Subramanyam a******* who don’t deserve to be
Another time, [social media around me. The ‘2024 Uorfi’s’ got
an event personality no time for these leeches! I would
organiser and like to tag along the few friends
withdrew my interviewer] who’ve stood by me. Also, maybe
invitation was changed my my ‘don’t touch me, I’m above you’
when a female life. They attitude—some people might call
superstar felt I will gave me it arrogance but that is my defence
degrade the something mechanism. My body just naturally
event! substantial in becomes sassy when I feel
But these are terms of threatened. Lastly, I would just
still not the worst fashion. Even like to say Google ‘The Monkey’s
part of 2023. The thinking about it Paws.’ Q

maincharacter | #couplegoals
“We choose urs isn’t a classic love-at-first-sight tale, but a

love story that blossomed over time. In 2015, we
to spend
crossed paths on a dating app, and little did we
know that it was the beginning of our journey
together. Fast forward to January 2020, and we
our time
were ready to start this incredible adventure called “marriage”.
At that time, we were both working in big multinational
companies, and what brought us together was our shared passion
mindfully”
for dance and travel. We spent countless hours getting to know
each other and gradually realised how compatible we were in
various aspects of life. Eight years since we met and there is still a
lot to learn about each other as we grow older together.
Couple influencers Anoosha and
Saurabh refuse to play by the NO SUCH THING LIKE ‘WORK-LIFE BALANCE’
Working together as a couple on our entrepreneurial journey is
rulebook. They write for Cosmo something that we are handling since last three to four years. It
India on how they make it work. seemed harder in the beginning but we framed a system to work
around the difficulties that came our experiences, and working on your
way. When we take on a new project inner growth.
is when we grow and have new things
to deal with as a couple. With every We have tried and tested
new challenge there comes tough different methods to come up
times, and when there are tough with the best balance. Now we
times then there will be fun times as improvise in an ad hoc manner
well. Solving these challenges gives as and when we see scope.
us a sense of accomplishment and joy Now we have set a routine
and makes our bond stronger. for six days a week and keep
Sundays completely dedicated
Over this period of time, we have to do nothing. We are ‘process
realised that there is no such thing oriented’ people and have
like ‘work-life balance’. Often in a realised one should genuinely
corporate set up , work is something fall in love with the process
which is generally looked upon as rather than getting fixated on
not a life, but for us it is not two the end goal to live a life with
separate things especially when we contentment each day. We came
are working on something that we out of the traditional 9-5 cycle to
love. We cannot really draw a line own our time, which we believe is
between that work and rest of the the greatest asset one can posses.
aspects of our lives. We would rather Now that we own our time we
call it: ‘How to balance life’. We choose to spend it mindfully. others desires. We are practically each
certainly believe that balancing all other’s therapist, stylist, nutritionist
the aspects in life is a must-needed LITTLE THINGS SPARK JOY and personal gym trainer! We plan our
skill for a life with contentment. Dance has been our love language. future together while we also make
When we say all aspects we mean Although Anoosha never had any each day count. We cry on each other’s
bonding with community, working on formal training in dance, she is a shoulders and make fun of each other.
your passion projects, taking care of natural and has enjoyed dancing We both are content with our lives and
health, entertainment, exploring new her heart out since childhood. I when life isn’t taken too seriously the
[Saurabh] started dancing when I was fun and laugher is meant to stay alive.
in engineering college (IIT-Bombay) We help each other to be our best
to overcome stage fear and have not selves every day.
stopped since. We knew that we both
shared this common interest in dance As we continue on this journey,
but it was not until the end of 2016 we deeply appreciate the freedom
we attempted to dance together. We to live life on our own terms. This
both have different styles and that year, we are thankful for the personal
has worked well in our creations. and professional growth that we’ve
We believe that dance is the work of experienced. We have gained valuable
the heart not brain. We dance like insights into the world of social media
no one is watching on most random economy, seizing every opportunity
songs and many a time it does not get to connect with those who support
posted online. and admire us. Exploring our dream
destinations has been a highlight,
It is these little things that we do as well as cherishing the precious
on a daily basis that spark the joy in moments with family and friends. Q
us. We talk a lot on a daily basis. We
cook together. We do a lot of things Anoosha Shetty and Saurabh
together, be it having meals, going to Chanderiya quit their corporate jobs
the gym. We also make sure to give and switched to content creation.
space to each other where both of us They focus on creating dance videos
completely own our time. As a couple, and blogging about their lives under
it is important to pay attention to each the Instagram handle @jodianoorabh.
maincharacter | #flawless
How I learnt to
love my flaws
Abandoning a care for the world’s judgements and unlearning antiquated
social conditioning helped these models unhate parts of their body.
By Maahi Shah
But take it from these women—redefining beauty
W
e all have parts of ourselves that we’ve tried
to hide, the parts we think are imperfect, and saying ‘f*** it, it’s fine,’ to the world is better
flawed or worse—deserve to be berated. A over living a life hating all that you are. So, what
bulging tummy, large hips, tiny breasts, broad do we do? Is it simply enough to talk about body
shoulders, patchy skin, pigmented underarms— positivity and pin up Pinteresque affirmations on our
the list is hardly exhaustive. Time and again we’re made to mirror? Perhaps. But healing from the hate you’ve
feel less-than and set apart from sample-sized beauty only been embroiled in can be a long-drawn, internal
to find ourselves in an often-damaging relationship with our battle with yourself—one we’d definitely recommend
body. The truth is that we live in a world full of unsolicited fighting. Find below experiences of a broken tryst
advice, narrowly defined standards of beauty and one that will with insecurities, the strength in vulnerability, a
continue to be barraged by labels and judgments no matter reminder to live how you want to every day and
how hard we try to belong—because that is what we have glimmers of hope that are to here to say,
been told to do. you’re not alone.
BEAUTY HAS NOTHING

TO DO WITH LOOKS
Roshini Kumar, Artist and Model
“I had issues with a lot of my body parts; my
stomach, my arms, my thighs…I think it makes you
feel alienated, as if you are the only one who has
these issues. Society tells you that you look different
and, for some reason, they’re always pointing it out.
Then you start looking in the mirror and hate yourself.
I hated myself. I thought I was disgusting for a large
part of my childhood.
But when I was unwell for a bit I realised that I was
living life for everyone else, except for myself. When
you’re put in a situation where you don’t know if
you’re going to live the next day, you tend to question
what you’re doing. So, I came out of the hospital and
decided that I’m going to live for myself. I was just tired
of hating myself because I’ve done that for years. I
also realised that the hate didn’t come from me. I had
no issue with my body before people said things about
it. I just started standing up for myself and stopped
listening to what people had to say. It took me about
five, six, seven…a proper 10 years to reach full body
positivity. When I was about 15, I discovered that I love
photography. I started shooting lots of things and when
I was in photography school at about 21, I reached
a place where I was body-neutral. Before I left that
school, I did a nude shoot for myself, and highlighted
all the flaws I hated back then. And it was so liberating,
I felt like I needed to be able to put this up, not being
afraid of what people are going to say. So, I put it up
on Facebook. The response was unprecedented. Every
single comment, a lot by women, said things like,
“this is so lovely to see something relatable”, “you’re
showing stretch marks”, “you’re showing cellulite”,
“you’re showing your real body unedited.” After that I
reached a level of being body positive—nothing could
shake me after that.
I got my first tattoo—‘I am what I am,’—at 15,
because I needed this reminder that this is it,
Rosh, from here on we’re going to turn our life and
embrace everything that we are. At 18, I got ‘beauty
lies within,’ because I realised, beauty has nothing to
do with your looks. Being beautiful, can be anything
you want it to be. So, just be loving towards yourself.
You can’t live a life hating yourself. I don’t want you to
wait till you get a disease, and then realise things. I
really want people to understand that you can live life
today. Just get up and choose to do whatever the hell
you want. Ignore everyone else. It’s worth it.”

YOU’VE GOT TO RISE UP BABY
Anjali Anand, Actor and Model
“I know that people who look like me will look different,
because we are plus size. Today, the conversation
around different body types has increased, but the fight
for it started way before social media. I have always
been confused when people say things like they don’t
like a certain body type. For me, it started back in the
’90s, when my sisters, or anybody I knew, would not
want a full-length photo of themselves or they didn’t want
their photo taken below a certain point of their body.
That is the schooling that I came from.
For me, it has never been about one body part. I’m six
feet tall. For me even to be in a picture with anybody
else was always weird. If you see me in group pictures,
I’m always bending. So, my biggest fight, not with
myself, but with the world has always been, ‘Why are you
so tall?’ ‘Why are you so broad?’ ‘Why are you so big?’
My shoulders are 19-and-a-half inches broad. I could be
a good dancer, but I was always standing in the back
row. If there’s a class photo, I was always standing
in a corner. I’m just a bigger person in this
normal-sized-average-person world.
I’m still fighting it but the only thing you can do is just
be so good at what you do, that it does not matter what
size you are, they will have to take you because there’s
nobody better than you at that. I may not know many
things, but acting is something that I know. It’s what I’m
made for. I’m doing it quietly, because I just want people
to be inspired by what I am doing and not by what I’m
saying. I make my own clothes because I feel I look
the best in whatever I wear. I’m not famous enough for
designers to customise clothes for me. I am not sample
size. But the time will come when they will want to
customise for me.
I genuinely believe how you’re feeling from the inside,
you end up looking at the outside. So, if you feel like
you’re the most beautiful thing on this planet, you will
end up looking like that—doesn’t matter what the world
says. The first time I watched Ranveer Singh on Koffee
with Karan, I said that this is my spirit animal. When we
started working together, I realised we are both mad
people and I just absolutely love him. During this time,
there was an ad of his that came up with Pepsi that
said, ‘Logon ko na mujhse badi problem hain [people
have issues with me],’ and I loved that because I felt the
same. People always have some or the other problem—
why am I always happy? How am I not a mess? The truth
is, I do have anxiety, I do go into depressive moods,
but it’s okay, I’ve just learned that you either go through
it happily or go through it in a sad way. You have to go
through it either way. So, this one line from that Pepsi
commercial that says, ‘Duniya kheechegi neeche [the
world will pull you down], but you’ve gotta rise up baby,’
is my reminder to love myself.”

YOUR SKIN DOESN’T DEFINE YOU
Aastha Shah, Model and
Content Creator
“It started off when I was seven or eight years old. I noticed
a few spots on my leg. We didn’t really know what it was
but we went to the doctor who gave me some medication
and said it would go away eventually. On googling it,
we realised it was vitiligo. The next day, we barged into
the doctor’s cabin and asked why he didn’t tell us. His
response? I know how parents feel when we tell them that
their child has vitiligo. That was the breaking point for all of
us.
I was really young to understand what it meant in this
society. My skin was brown, but I had white patches, which
made it very easy and clear for anyone who looked at me
to find out about the condition. It was not even like a part
of my body, which was covered, the whole world could
see me that way. There were a lot of people who definitely
made me feel very different. They used to pass a lot of
comments—some even called me Dalmatian [the dog]. We
started all kinds of medications.
My life was just going to school in the morning, coming
back, going to different doctors, applying different
kinds of medicines and coming back home to sleep. I
tried homoeopathy, allopathy, naturopathy—everything
possible. I remember going for this trip abroad where I got
sunburned, and my skin peeled off
and that white part turned black. At one point I had brown,
white and black skin. There were days where I would just
look in the mirror and cry.
I think the turning point was when I just went up to my dad
one day and asked if we could stop all the medication—
because my vitiligo wasn’t reducing, it was just growing
at a very slow pace. The next day, we stopped all the
medication. I started living life like a human being. I started
going out in the sun, spending time with my friends, and
eating normal food.
I think my parents and brother had a huge role to play
in this. They always encouraged me to wear shorts and
sleeveless clothes, and never made me feel different. It
was also because of them that I wanted to tell my story to
inspire others around me. I decided that I would make my
own profile public and started posting about my journey
but I got a lot of hate comments and I was going to make it
private again but a friend told me to just focus on the good
comments.
I realised that there were people who wanted to get in
touch with me to speak about my journey, so many people
from rural areas who had it way worse than I did—they had
no support from their families, some even put hot wax on
the skin, so that the skin gets burnt! There was so much
negativity surrounding vitiligo that I had to change the
narrative.
Being in front of the camera wasn’t always easy but, you
have to start somewhere. Two years ago I started creating
content and I haven’t stopped since.”

WE CANNOT SHAME THE
HUMAN ANATOMY FOR
DOING ITS THING
Gauthami Jeji, Model
“Honestly, in my head there are a lot of things
I’m trying to love about myself. Let’s start with
my tummy. I got fat during the lockdown and
a little cute tummy has popped out. I’m not
very confident about my thighs. I’m insecure
about body hair. But a part of my body that I
have really struggled with are my pigmented
underarms. Growing up, not a lot of women
were comfortable with pigmented underarms.
Having them just made me feel very conscious
and very uncomfortable. It is almost a feeling of
wanting to shrink and not wanting to be seen. I
would constantly put myself under the pressure
of having to wax, thinking it’ll take out the tan or
whatever these horrible myths you hear growing
up. I just grew up wishing it looked different.
The fact is that skin is supposed to have
multiple colours. We cannot shame the human
anatomy for doing its thing. But we grew up
seeing people capitalising on the human bodies.
It’s truly horrible. Not to mention, most of
these are done by old men in boardrooms who
don’t even know how it’s supposed to work.
It’s horrible that women get such little space
to just talk about their bodies and, have that
space to even accept it. During these times, my
sister often offered a fresh perspective. She is
someone who’s always thinking outside the box.
We still continue to have conversations about
our bodies, and self-image. She played a very
important role in shaping the woman I am today.
Even now, it’s something that I am trying not
to hate…even if I don’t love it right away. I
think we have to stop putting so much pressure
on ourselves to love it. Something a friend
told me recently was to break up with the idea
of shame. So, whatever I do, I just don’t feel
shame anymore. I think I have made my journey
with my self-image a little easier by taking
pressure off the table. So, for me, the word
“beauty” has evolved by not attaching it
to materialistic things and to attach it
to experiences. I’m so grateful for my
job that has given me so many opportunities
to wear some of the best clothes. There have
been so many times when I have been
in my pyjamas and messy hair and I have
felt more beautiful because that day I
probably was kinder to myself.”

HOW YOU SPEAK TO YOUR BODY
IS THE ONLY CURE TO A LOT OF
WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT
Freya Kothari, Model
“As somebody who has been obese for most of my
life, I feel that my entire body is something that I have
struggled with. Right off the bat—I would say my
stomach, or even my arms. My entire school life I was
called ‘Flat Freya’, because my ass wasn’t as normally
rounded as a woman’s ass would be. There were
songs that made fun of my weight and my breasts…
name-calling was a huge part of my childhood. I think
early on, especially when the millennials were growing
up, our access to reality was very different. Television,
advertisements and magazines portrayed one
idealistic type of body. I think growing up, I let people’s
judgement affect me because I didn’t trust my own
body. I didn’t trust that they were wrong. I didn’t trust
that my body was normal because there was no
information around that time.
Through a lot of internal work, you eventually
understand that these are just perceived flaws. With
modelling, I’m on a very tough journey because it’s
hard for me to be able to see my body on camera.
To the world you may look perfect. But in your
head, you’re occupying so much space, you don’t
know how to hold your body. You might wear a
t-shirt and pants and feel a particular way, but in
the same t-shirt and pants, I won’t feel like Freya
because I’ve not been used to that clothing on me
and it’s something that I haven’t cracked. I think it’s a
continuous process to build a relationship with your
body. For me, a major part of this happened during
the pandemic. I took up a three-month residential
drama course, where we were amidst nature. The
training was not just acting, it was about dance,
movement, emotions, and paying respect to the
Earth’s elements. At this point, I felt that I was finally
in touch with my body that was not material, but an
experience. I think my biggest learning would be to
just be present in the moment and accept you are
constantly working on your body.
I feel like it’s a long journey. And you can never say
which is the end moment in the journey. I’ve been
losing weight for a very long time. I was at the gym
once. I had just finished my session and I entered
the washroom. I looked at my belly and I was really
aggressively yelling at it. This older lady walked in,
told me never to talk to my body like that. Over time,
I realised that how you speak to your body is the
only cure to a lot of what you think about it. Just be
present and accepting of your body. Don’t be harsh
and don’t berate it—even when you eat a whole
doughnut. I have my moments of ups and downs.
Usually, I just dance to old Hindi songs to feel my
most beautiful.” Q

maincharacter | #kaching
Show me the money

Want to crack a few financial mysteries? Let Sayali Rai, founder of FinCocktail,
share a few tricks to turn your money around.
I
t doesn’t matter if you are
crunching numbers at a desk or
organising the coolest events for
your livelihood, the fact is that all of
us need to be able to manage our
finances better and secure our
future. To make this simpler for all
of us, let’s start by tackling this
by income.
FOR BEGINNERS
If you are earning just under `5 lakh
per annum (LPA), you have to focus
on embracing the budget, enhancing
your emergency fund, and becoming
besties with SIPs (Systematic
Investment Plans).
Let’s be honest, you’re not going to
get anywhere unless you craft a
beautiful budget (practical too) and
stick to it! List down all your
expenses and use the 50-30-20 rule
to guide you. According to this rule,
not more than 50 per cent of your
income should go towards needs
such as rent and electricity; not more
than 30 per cent to wants, like travel

and shopping; and AT LEAST 20 per
cent should go towards your
investments. Now, at this stage with a
limited income, this may be difficult,
but that is your ideal, so start working
towards it. You also need to carve out
an emergency fund, which should be
made up of at least three to six months of
your monthly income, stashed aside in a
different savings account (that you don’t
touch). This is in case of, duh, an
emergency like if you get laid off!
Last but not least, SIPs are your best
friends! They inculcate a consistent habit
of investing, which you NEED to
develop, and they can be started with as
little as `500! Pick the right mutual fund
according to your financial goals, risk
appetite, and liquidity requirements, and
get going. You will be surprised how
quickly this amount adds up.
FOR INTERMEDIARIES
If you are in the mid-range making
between `5 lakh and `12 lakh per
annum, you need to up your game.
Assuming you already have the budget roller in the `12 to `20 LPA bracket, some new avenues for investments
ready, the emergency fund stashed, and you ought to supercharge your open up for you. You can catapult
basic SIPs down, you now need to craft a investments. But beware of lifestyle your portfolio on to the next level by
credit history, forge a diversified inflation and debt trap! taking a chance on them. Use the
portfolio, and explore some side hustles! After you have got a hang of 90-10 rule to make sure that 90 per
As you climb the corporate and/or budgeting, emergency fund, credit cent of your investments are in
income ladder, you have to make sure history, diversified portfolio, and side vanilla assets like FDs, PPF, mutual
you start working on crafting your credit hustles, it is time to master debt. funds, stocks, and bonds and only 10
history. This means, using your credit Debt can be your friend if you use it per cent in the ‘something extra’ like
cards wisely, racking up points, and wisely. Use it to build assets and stay REITs or private equity.
making sure all your EMIs and bills are away from high-interest debt traps. Something we all forget is that
paid on time, so you have a good credit Pay all your EMIs on time and make lifestyle inflation is real. As you
score to be able to get loans in the future sure your EMIs don’t add up to more start making more money, you tend
at a great interest rate. than 30 per cent to 40 per cent of to think that you can even spend
You also need to pick different your income. more because you’ve earned it! The
investment vehicles for your portfolio As you join the high-rollers gang, sky is the limit with spending, but
and make it strong enough to weather all making that money is difficult and
storms that may come your way! The tends to have a ceiling. So keep your
market, economy, and investing world in expenses in check and even though
general can be a rollercoaster. You just BALANCE THE BOOKS the pie may have grown, stick to
have to strap your investments in safely zCreate a vision board of those budgeting percentages we
and you’ll be riding it to a bright future. your financial goals. It will help talked about.
Finally, who doesn’t like some extra you understand where you need There you have it! Remember, no
income on the side to splurge or help to invest and when you can matter which bracket you’re in, the
your investments grow? As you climb the realistically get there. game is yours to win. So, suit up, grab
ladder of success, you may see yourself zGet adequate medical your financial bat, and hit those
excelling in a particular skill. Work on insurance for every member of money milestones out of the park!
developing and monetising it. In this day your family, and term insurance May your wallets be fat, your
and age of freelancing, starting a side for yourself (if you have financial goals fatter, and your
hustle will be an extra cog in your wheel dependents). retirement peaceful. Q
that can help you move faster towards zTax plan! Don’t let your
your goals. hard-earned money be taken Sayali Rai is an entrepreneur, digital
away by the big brother. Save content creator and the founder of
FOR EXECUTIVES tax wherever you can. FinCocktail. The start-up is a simple
Ultimately, if you are a financial high- guide to personal finance.
maincharacter
char | #notesofjoy
Strike a
By Shubhangi Jindal
t h ei
,
ene
In d
ed.
r jo
ia n
sc
nc
urn
ic
rie
us
ic
us
ey
pe
ia n m
,i
sp in g
ex
so
n
ir a
tio
pe n
c h a ng y ’v e
u p a b o ut th e
n,
an d s the
t h e g li o m ent
m m er m
THE YELLOW DIARY to feedback and facilitate the song until they find a
cohesive blend that resonates. Technology facilitates
1. Tell us about your journey as musicians and
remote collaborations, but the key lies in genuine
what inspired you to come together as a band?
passion and a willingness to experiment.
From the moment I (Stuart DaCosta) met Rajan Batra
4. Share a moment when you thought that you’d
and felt the need for a bigger sound to Sahil Shah,
Harsh Gadhvi and myself bringing our unique flavours finally made it?
to The Yellow Diary, our journey is what feels like a When someone blasts our tunes in their car, or when
divine intervention. The deep connection we share as we hear our songs being sung back at us at a concert.
friends creates a collaborative atmosphere and a safe Writing songs that resonate is the goal, and being able
space for exploring every emotional avenue. to do that every day feels like a good starting point.
2. That one moment that truly brings you joy. 5. What are you most grateful for this year?
For a musician, each day brings new moments of As a band, we are incredibly grateful for our amazing
joy, whether stumbling upon ideas for compositions, team at Shark & Ink, their support allows us to focus
connecting with the audience on stage, or mastering on our music and evolve as better artists. Over the
challenging pieces of music. years, we’ve been expanding our team, gearing up for
3. What is your process of blending energies and better shows to make our mark on the global stage.
collaborating to create something fresh in an Our sound engineer, Div, our stage tech, Hemant, and
already saturated music scene? our tour manager, Mohit, have all been instrumental
Recognising complementary skills and styles, fostering in our journey. We’re excited for the opportunities this
mutual respect is essential. Artists should be receptive year brings.
maincharacter | #notesofjoy
LOST STORIES
1. Tell us about your journey
as musicians and what
inspired you to come together
as a band?
We initiated our music venture as
Lost Stories around early 2008,
securing our first record deal in
2009. Our shared passion for
Electronic Dance Music and folk
music brought us together, with
the goal of putting India on the
global map.
2. That one moment that truly
brings you joy.
Reflecting on our journey,
realising how we have evolved
from having family and friends as
our sole supporters to gaining a
vast international fan base brings
us immense joy.
3. What is your process
of blending energies and
collaborating to create
something fresh in an already
saturated music scene?
Our diverse musical
upbringings play a crucial role.
We leverage our individual
musical conditioning, allowing
it to manifest naturally in our
work—melding the melodies
and rhythms ingrained in our
subconscious with modern
electronica. This approach
extends to our collaborations.
4. Share a moment when
you thought that you’d finally
made it?
We view “making it” as
retirement. We value the process
and journey over an ultimate
goal. While we’ve experienced
iconic moments like our debut at
Tomorrowland [an annual music
festival in Belgium], considering
it as “making it” would have
hindered our subsequent five-year
run at the festival.
5. Collectively as a band,
what are you most grateful for
this year?
Our greatest gratitude this year
lies in finding clarity
amid chaos.
WHEN CHAI MET TOAST 3. What is your process of blending energies
and collaborating to create something fresh in
an already saturated music scene?
what inspired you to come together as a band?
When there’s a strong melody, lyric, motif, or all
All four of us were part of different bands during our
three already in place—then the job of making it
school and college days. Back then, most of us were
more into metal and progressive music. Fast forward sound fresh is much easier. The process varies
to 2016, we found each other through mutual friends from song to song, with ideas originating anytime,
and the music circles of Kerala, and wrote our first anywhere. We record voice notes and develop the
song together. Our music tastes had evolved, the best ones at our studio in Kochi, Kerala.
kinds of music we listened to had expanded, and 4. Share a moment when you thought that that
each of us brought some unique influence to the you’d finally made it?
table when creating together for When Chai Met Making music is subjective, and there’s always a
Toast. Though it was unlike music any of us had new aspiration pushing us forward.
made before, there was a sense of honesty and 5. What are you most grateful for this year?
originality we all felt in the songwriting, guess that This year, we completed our first full UK and US
connected with people too. tours, with upcoming tours in Singapore and
2. That one moment that truly brings you joy. Australia. We’re very grateful to be able to share our
Family is our greatest source of joy. music beyond borders.
maincharacter | #notesofjoy
MITRAZ 3. What is your process of blending energies and
collaborating to create something fresh in an
already saturated music scene?
what inspired you to come together as
Embracing various music genres broadens our spectrum.
a band? Our approach varies, focusing on creating different
I [Anmol] met Pratik in ninth grade when we both had no music by combining synths and live instruments. We
knowledge of music production but we did know how learnt music through trial and error, applying it to our
to play instruments and sing. I started learning music song creation process.
production from YouTube when I was in 10th, and later 4. Share a moment when you thought that that
started freelancing with Pratik. He used to compose you’d finally made it?
songs and I used to produce them. By 12th (2019) we After Akhiyaan and Junoon went viral, about three to
both learnt how to create a song from lyrics to music four months later, we quit freelancing to fully commit to
to mix and master in hopes of doing something bigger. Mitraz. That’s when we believed we had made it.
That’s how Mitraz was born in 2020. 5. What are you most grateful for this year?
2. That one moment that truly brings you joy. We are grateful to our parents, friends, fans, and
Discovering new music feels like finding everyone who shared or used our music. Above all, we
hidden treasures. are thankful to god for bringing us this far and beyond. Q
To manifest, or not to manifest
Are we vibin’ with the universe? Do things just happen to work out for a select
few? Or, is all of this is just another Insta hack?
Two actors take sides.
APOORVA ARORA SHIBANI BEDI

Actor Actor
I don’t believe in things that I don’t have any As someone who views the world with a lot
scientific proof of. I like to know the concept of skepticism, I was not sold on the idea of
behind manifestation. Otherwise it is a little hard manifestation. But what changed my outlook
for me to believe in it. So the reason it ticks me towards it was when things started transpiring when
off a little bit is because Instagram has made I surrendered to genuinely asking the universe what
it mainstream! People don’t understand what I needed. I have seen things work out in the ways I
manifestation is. One doesn’t even understand what wanted to, even if it’s taken time. Sometimes, just
it stands for or means but just believes in it cause the way you phrase your manifestation—the clarity
it is happening for others. That’s why I don’t even with which you ask—is what makes a difference.
want to get into it. I feel being at the right place But coming from a sceptic-turned-believer, I will
at the right time is key. And I am not saying that wholeheartedly say there is magic in the universe.
people who don’t get what they want have not put Sometimes you need to surrender to experience
in the hard work, of course they have. It probably it and when you do so, there is a big chance that it
means that another person just got lucky or had put will not disappoint you. I started believing in the
in more effort than the others. Speaking as an actor, power of manifestation when a lot of the things I
someone else may have a better day than me. I feel imagined myself doing—the profession I am in, the
whatever has to happen happens on its own and milestones I have achieved—came true. If I had
the combination of those things just add up. I think told my eight-year-old self that this will all work out,
there is a scientific proof behind manifestation she would have fallen flat on the floor. I still don’t
and I would love to hear it. To me, I feel it is like know the key, I still don’t know how it works. But I
a different aspect of spirituality. If something do believe that every time I surrender to the ask or
good happens we feel like we have manifested just tell myself this will happen, it works out. Every
it for ourselves and if something doesn’t happen time I stop second guessing myself, stop lacing my
according to you one feels they have to manifest it visions with ifs and buts, it becomes smoother. It’s
harder. Sometimes when your wishes aren’t met like my clarity fuses with the universe’s clarity to
even when you are manifesting, one can go in a show me magic! I think the way its changed the
dark space in their head, one might start blaming course of my journey is that I don’t get in the way
oneself and it might lead to some kind of mental of my imagination. Obviously not everything works
health issues. So it can be a lot. What happens when out just because you asked. But the narrative I
you are unable to make things happen even after thrive in is not laced with pessimism anymore. And
believing that you can? How do you see yourself? that is a very healthy change I have noticed in how
That is why I don’t believe in the concept I conduct my life. So much so that even if things
of manifestation. don’t work out, at least I walk with conviction.
.I N
Follow www.cosmopolitan.in for

the latest in fashion,
beauty, and celebrity news.
Hit that toe-curling big O with adult toys Are we all in the same devastating
three-month situationship?
Page 134
The dos and don’ts of doing your friends Page 138
Page 136
love&lust
Your un(official)
dating dictionary
Our relationship vocab lesson is
officially in session—here’s the
new glossary of love lingo you
need, to get your rizz on.
By Shubhangi Jindal
Relationship Expert: Dr. Maitri Chand
maincharacter | #getitright
OPEN CASTING
Good news, singles! Gen-Z is rewriting
relationship trends with ‘open casting’—
it’s the opposite of typecasting—where
true connection goes beyond physical
appearances. Fitting into the socially
accepted beauty trends is no longer the
norm...this generation is open to dating
beyond their usual “type”. Irrespective
of if a potential partner has similar
personality, look, education, or economic
status, the current dating pool is willing
to cast a wider net when it comes to
prospective romantic partners. Simply put,
everyone is getting a little less picky.
EXPERT ADVICE
“In the dating realm, ‘open casting’
translates as finding a possible best fit
for oneself that goes beyond what your
‘type’ might be. You need to broaden your
horizon and not nessecarily go by the
boxes you want to be ticked by a person
before you consider them to be a
potential mate.”
SOFT LAUNCH
Time to change your relationship status
from ‘single’ to ‘committed’, with your new
beau tagged for the world to see? If you’re
not totally ready to shout out about your
new romance from the rooftops, posting a
low-key photo preview of a talking stage like
this to ‘soft-lauch’ your special someone on
social media might just be the hint everyone
needs. Here are a few ideas: a photo of
perhaps featuring their head resting on your
shoulder or something as effortless as their
hand holding yours.
EXPERT ADVICE
“A ‘soft launch’ is a teaser of sorts that you
might be taken or in a relationship. This
can look like dropping hints here and there,
posting a group picture with your special
person marked on it, or just addressing the
person by a term of endearment. Usually
the reason behind this is because you are
not yet sure of the person or don’t want to
share too much.”
GHOSTLIGHTING
Here’s a relationship trend that offers the worst of
both worlds. Meet ghosting’s toxic new sibling—
gaslighting. If the person you have been seeing
unexpectedly cuts off all communication with
you or avoids meeting you, it is only natural that
you might want to ask them why. But if instead
of giving a reason they blatantly blame you for
the distance, making it seem like their actions are
‘your’ fault, then there are high chances that
you are being ‘ghostlighted’. If someone
who has ghosted you tries to re-enter your life,
think twice before you let them in—especially
if they come with a side of manipulation
and criticism.
EXPERT ADVICE
“Ghosting is when you dissappper on a person
while you are in regular contact with them.
Gaslighting comes in the realm of emotional
abuse...this is where you are made to question
your reality. Unfortunately, the combination can
be deadly. In the likeliness of this happening
to you, trust your own instincts, leave it be,
and move on because you don’t want to be in a
relationship with a person who lacks the integrity
to be honest with you.”
BEIGE FLAG
Listen up world, beige is the new red when
it comes to dating Gen-Z’s. Is your significant
other breathing a bit too loudly? Uses too many
emojis while texting? Makes sounds while eating?
Mispronounces words?...Perhaps, these little
quirks are doing your relationship more harm
than good. Let me elucidate: this is about odd
traits of the other person in the relationship
that don’t really bother you, but you do find it
annoying. In other words, you’re dealing with a
classic ‘beige flag’.
EXPERT ADVICE
“‘Beige flag’ is simply an interesting or eccentric
behaviour potrayed by your partner in anything
that he/she might say or do. It is meant in a very
benine way and by no means is it a warning sign
of sorts, in fact it can have a humourous slant to it
as well. For example, how they chop vegetables
and the kind of music they listen to at weird hours
of the day etc., all of it just shows how unique they
really might be.” Q
love&lust | #desire
Hit that toe-curling

big O with adult toys
These sexual stimulators gave some of the best orgasms only to convert a
sex toy virgin to a hoarder of sorts.
By Akanksha Narang
I
grew up watching Sex and The
City, and Carrie Bradshaw’s
column—in which she reflected
on various aspects of life and
relationships—seemed inspiring to
me. Just like Carrie, I feel deeply
about things and ponder on so many
things that make life. I had a natural
inclination towards writing about sex
and relationships because these parts
of our lives have a profound impact
on our well-being. But it was only a
few years ago, in the wisest phase of
my late ’20s, that I started becoming
more sexually empowered. I learnt
more about my body, what pleases
me and just how amazingly orgasmic
orgasms are!
Yet, until then I had never tried
sex toys. They can seem terrifying
to a sex toy virgin—all those ads
showing a penis-like structure
vibrating furiously make you wonder
if it is such a good idea to put it
in you. I mean no real human has
naturally vibrating body parts and,
if you haven’t used a sex toy before,
the idea of something convulsing in
your vagina can scare you. But then
there was Jane and Sutton (The Bold
Type) who had their own go-to sex
toys. They were so unabashed about
these that it felt like they were talking
about their toothbrushes.
MY DEBUT
I was convinced, I had to try out sex
toys—it was part of my journey to
sexual maturity and freedom, and
a hell lot of pleasure. [If Jane and
girlfriends and I had, any mention JOI Rotating Head
G-Spot Vibe & Clit
of the suction toys was preceded Licker, Love Depot,
Solo bunny air
pulse by moans of reminiscence and `11,000
stimulator, gratification. I wanted to explore
MsChief,
`3,199 these further but I also kept my mind
open to other kinds of sex toys.
The next addition to my collection
was the MsChief Virtuoso Vibrator the Virtuoso as the internal one and
with Air-Pulse Stimulator—using it Solo on the clit. Not every woman is
felt like I was ready to try more, as it able to get a vaginal orgasm but the
came with a plethora of settings, both sensations will offer you immense
in terms of modes and frequencies. pleasure nonetheless, making your
The air-pulse creates an effect of climax highly satisfying. At least it
Sutton can do it, so can I!] In May suction around your clit (pro tip: you did for me!
2023, I got my first little instrument can also place it on your nips). What’s While we are talking about mixing
of external stimulation that isn’t best is the other end of it can be used internal and external stimulations,
attached to a real person. as an internal vibrator. I tried a sex toy that does both. The
Just to make the debut a little I simply place the suction toys JOI Rotating Head G-spot Vibrator
more dramatic, I did myself on on my happy button, and do kegel- & Clit Licker, available on Love
International Masturbation Day. type of subtle movements, to remain Depot (you can thank me later). It
It was a Sunday, and there were has a little tongue-like structure too
no libido-killing emails, meetings, (yes, you read it right). The
and deadlines, giving me an Everyone experiences sex toy is curved, to allow
afternoon perfect for going inward.
I didn’t know how it would feel
pleasure differently. one end to be inserted in
your vagina, and the other
like, although the reactions of the You must go and find to be licking your clit.
many women using these made me
anticipate an orgasm so good that
your go-to companion There is too much pleasure
packed into one toy. The girth
you have to feel it to know it. for some ‘me time’ and the length? It is perfect
The first sex toy that I used was for someone who likes theirs
MyMuse’s Breeze Suction Massager. hands-free while at it. The thing is, well-endowed. I was almost sore
It looks non-threatening and when the orgasm is not there yet, the (but not sorry) the next day! Virtuoso
unassuming, and yet is powerful. different modes feel mild enough. vibrator and air
pulse stimulator
When I was selecting my debut But the moment the big O comes up, WHAT WORKED FOR ME bag, MsChief,
vibrator, I wanted something that can you begin to feel the sensations more I did try out other sex toys. `3,599
offer external stimulation because I profoundly. And before you know it, However, what really worked for
intended to make every single nerve you’re finding it hard to control your me was the suction technology.
ending of my clit throb with pleasure. moans from reaching the decibels of Be it MsChief Solo, MyMuse’s
This one came with 10 different a loud blender. Breeze Suction Massager or MsChief
speed settings and I explored each Another suction toy that I tried Virtuoso Vibrator with
one of them! and loved is the MsChief Solo. The Air-Pulse Stimulator, I just know
What worked for me was bunny toy looks absolutely cute and when my mood is right, orgasm
its suction technology, comes with 10 different settings is almost guaranteed. These have
which leaves you with too. With more than one sex toy, you by the clit and we all know how
toe-curling orgasms every I had an idea... powerful that is. You can also use
time you use it. these in partnered play.
MULTI-SENSATIONS Having said that, every person
A FEW MONTHS FOR BIGGER OS experiences pleasure differently.
LATER... When you have both internal and You must go and find your go-to
Before I even got my external stimulators, why settle for companion for some “me time”.
Breeze
hands on my very first Personal Body
just one type of orgasm? A blended What matters is that you sexually
sex toy, I knew I was Massager For orgasm is when you have two types, empower yourself to experience
Women,
a suction girl. During MyMuse,
happening together like one big O! orgasms that are bold—and then
the many brass-necked `3,999 So shooting for the stars, I decided pass the fearlessness on to someone
conversations, my to use two sex toys simultaneously— who needs it! Q
love&lust | #desire
ou know everything
about your friend,
have top-notch
banter, and—the
secret weapon—
have coached them through
all their previous relationship
issues. Surely, adding sex and/or
romance into the mix would just
be the cherry on top, right? If
you’re thinking about ditching the
dating apps for good and finding
love (2am booty calls are a type of
love, no?) closer to home, you are
definitely not the only one with
this idea. Research suggests that
Gen Z women are the most likely
to start dating someone they
considered a friend first.
But the course of friends-
to-lovers doesn’t always run
smoothly, and a Monica
and Chandler ending isn’t
guaranteed. Before you make a
move, consider this...
FEEL OUT THE VIBE

Unlike the apps, approaching
someone in-person also means
having to deal with the possibility
of being rejected face to face. Plus,
the possibility of being pied by a
friend ups the stakes even more. So
take some time to feel out the vibes
and see if they reciprocate your
interest, before you proposition
them at games night.
“Ask yourself why it hasn’t already
happened,” says Simone Bose, a
The dos and don’ts relationship therapist. “Is there

chemistry or just a bit of flirting
going on?” If there isn’t electricity
of doing your friends that could light up a small village,

ask yourself if your feelings are
strong enough that they’re worth
risking the friendship.

Eyeing up your mate? Best friends to lovers
sounds pretty great, but proceed with caution...
By Lois Shearing
BE PREPARED FOR A TAKE A BREAK IF YOU NEED TO
DIFFERENT DYNAMIC
Just because you have loads of fun
So, what if your romance doesn’t
survive past the honeymoon phase
Just be honest about
together, stay up all night sending and you want to de-escalate back to what you want
memes and always go to each other a friendship?
first with life updates, it doesn’t Bose suggests being prepared to
necessarily mean you’ll work out distance from each other to reflect DON’T LET IT GET TOO
romantically—although, it is a really on how you want to move forward. INTENSE TOO QUICKLY
solid foundation. “It is important to give yourself A large part of dating someone
“In a friendship, you don’t need to space,” she says. “Even if it’s a mutual you’ve just met the old-fashioned
be as vulnerable as in a partnership,” agreement, usually there’s someone way (through an app, obvs) is about
warns Bose. “So you need to ask who feels a bit more broken-hearted getting to know them as a person as
yourself, ‘Can they fulfil my needs?’ about it ending and struggles more much as it’s about getting to know
‘Do you have the same values?’ with the readjustment.” your compatibility as a couple; you’re
‘Can they go deep enough into the learning their go-to Thai takeaway
intimacy that you want?’ ‘Be ready to order as much as you’re feeling out
communicate about that.’” KNOW YOURSELF AS WELL whether they want kids. Dating a
The scariest part about becoming AS YOU CAN friend means you get to skip this
“more than friends” is whether or Before you make a move, take some step and can focus on what sort of
not you will be able to go back to time to reflect on what you want out relationship you want, which can feel
“just friends” if things don’t work of the hook-up or relationship. Do pretty intense.
out. You may end up feeling broken- you think they are endgame? Are “This feeling of being deeply
hearted and losing a confidant. Being you just looking for someone to fool known can feel very exposing and
ready for a new dynamic will prepare around with? Or are you suggesting vulnerable, particularly when it
you for setting boundaries and a FWB situation because you hope it comes to sex,” says counsellor
communicating your needs explicitly. might lead to something more? Natasha Silverman. “Some people
“You’ve got to just sit with yourself might feel safe and contained by
DON’T TELL THE GROUP and be honest about what you this pre-existing connection, but
CHAT STRAIGHT AWAY want,” says Bose. others might get the ick or find it
Despite hooking up with a friend too intense. Take it as slowly as you
being the juiciest gossip, consider need to and keep communicating
keeping things on the DL until you BOUNDARIES ARE YOUR BESTIE honestly about what works and
figure out what it is, Bose suggests. Because you know each other like the what doesn’t.” Q
Firstly, things might not last as long back of your hands, it can be easy to
as you hope and you will have to forget the boundaries you have learnt
update the group chat while still in in other relationships. “Support each
your feelings. other and stick to your own personal
Secondly, Bose says, your friends’ agreements, as this will keep you
opinions about the new dynamic both grounded in the relationship,”
might not always be helpful— says Lily Walford, relationship
especially if they know both of you. intimacy coach and founder of Love
“Take people’s comments with a with Intelligence.
pinch of salt. It’s important to trust
your own judgment.”
Plus, what’s sexier than a secret
hook-up? Nothing.
love&lust | #viberight
Are we all in the same

weirdly devastating
Photograph: GETTYIMAGES.COM; Books, from top: courtesy of Hogarth; courtesy of bloomsbury; courtesy of wednesday books.
three-month situationship?
Turns out, everybody goes through—er, grows through?—this kind of thing.
By Kayla Kibbe
T
he worst breakup I ever had wasn’t even a real breakup. It was
whatever you call it when you decide to tell the person you’re dating
that you love them, then cry yourself to sleep in their bed after they
reject you. I was 21, he was 37, and I had fallen into the kind of
delirious infatuation that almost feels inevitable a few months into a
romantically ambiguous thing where one party is more emotionally invested
than the other. I’d forgotten that these quick but intense quasi-relationships
almost always end this way, with someone (hi) feeling gutted.
I know you can relate. You know who else can? Taylor Swift. Her 2010
situationship with Jake Gyllenhaal was responsible for not one, not two, but
four different versions of the heartbreak anthem All Too Well. I’m guessing that
particular relationship followed a familiar but strangely hard to avoid pattern:
multiple dates, loads of romance, frequent texting, meeting friends or even RECOMMENDED
family—all sans labels or real commitment. And then...the crash. READING TO
If conventional dating wisdom suggests it takes half the time you were with SOOTHE YOUR
someone to get over them, it takes—by my calculations—approximately eight times CONFUSED
the length of your three-month situationship to move past it. While this may seem HEART
like an overreaction, there are a few legitimate reasons these splits are so painful, says
clinical psychologist Naomi Bernstein, PsyD. The short-lived affairs are a perfect
storm of factors primed to leave you reeling. Allow us to make it make sense.
YOU’RE BASICALLY cut off right in the middle of the

AN ADDICT honeymoon phase. You’re left with a
Brief courtships are the ideal breeding fantasy version of this person and THE PISCES: A NOVEL
ground for a particularly compelling what could have been—which, by Melissa Broder
form of love, explains Bernstein. according to Brock, is a major part of BEST LINE: “He was beautiful
and, yes, I loved him, in one of
Because one partner is usually more what we are really mourning when a infinite ways a person could love.
into it than the other, the level of situationship comes to an end. I knew that I would wish a
affection and attention you receive can thousand times that things could
have ended differently. But I also
vary significantly, setting your brain up YOU’RE PROBABLY knew, somewhere in me, that
for a rollercoaster ride of high highs GASLIGHTING YOURSELF there was no soft ending.”
and low lows. This is called Another reason these non-breakup
“intermittent reinforcement”, which, breakups can be so devastating: we
per Bernstein, is particularly “powerful don’t allow ourselves the time and
and addictive”. space to actually heal from them.
So when the relationship ends, Instead, we tell ourselves they weren’t
you’re essentially in a state of with- even “real relationships”, so we have
drawal, triggering feelings of no right to be upset. But surprise,
depression and anxiety, adds therapist invalidating your emotions is a great
Lindsey Brock. way to never fully recover from them!
THREE WOMEN
“Judging our feelings makes it by Lisa Taddeo
YOU’RE STUCK IN THE nearly impossible to process and BEST LINE: “Throughout
HONEYMOON PHASE release them,” Brock says. To assume history, men have broken
women’s hearts in a
In terms of the three months of it all, we should be able to quickly and particular way. They love
there’s a reason this length of time easily move on after a relationship, them or half-love them
seems to be so universal. According to however brief, undermines the real and then grow weary and
spend weeks and months
Bernstein, 90 days is around the time impact of our lived experience. extricating themselves
the “lust” stage of a relationship So repeat after me: just because soundlessly, pulling their tails
transitions into the “attachment” stage. your situationship didn’t meet the back into their doorways,
drying themselves off, and
When this societal criteria for a never calling again.”
happens, the "There’s a reason “serious” and
more infatuated
person will this length of time therefore “valid”
relationship, doesn’t
probably find is so universal" mean you don’t
themselves deserve to mourn the
willing to approach their partner with a loss of a romantically significant
desire to DTR, despite any fears that period of your life. If you or a loved
forcing the issue might be relationship- one has been emotionally destroyed I CAPTURE THE CASTLE
ending. (And it often is relationship- by a previously thrilling three months, by Dodie Smith
ending, which explains why so many trust that you are very much entitled BEST LINE: “Just to be in love
seemed the most blissful
situationships seem to meet their to be really dramatic about it. And if luxury I had ever known. The
demise around this time, notes that happens to involve penning a thought came to me that
Bernstein.) 10-minute musical masterpiece or perhaps it is the loving that
counts, not the being
Now the exciting thing that is been otherwise stumbling into your Red loved in return.”
a source of dopamine for the past era, thoughts and prayers for the Jake
few months is over, and you have been Gyllenhaal in your life. Q
.IN
Follow www.cosmopolitan.in for the latest in fashion,

beauty and celebrity news.
On our tech radar How to write an AI--friendly CV
Page 146 Page 148
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A smart girl’s guide to...

You didn’t ask but we thought you needed all the deets about tech
and what’s really going on in the world around you.
By Shubhangi Jindal
upgrade | #icymi
TRAYLOR
ENDGAME?
It’s definitely been a ‘cruel
summer’ for Taylor Swift (hello,
Time’s Person of the Year 2023)
fans! The pop star’s attendance
at Kansas City Chief’s game,
which happened in September
became the biggest pop culture
moments of the year. Guess
what?! Travis Kelce is a Swiftie
too. Plus, he was also one
of the many celebs to attend
Taylor’s record-breaking Eras
Tour. And now, the duo just can’t
get enough of each other—if
the hug post her Eras Tour isn’t
testament to that...we don’t
know what is!
...all
that matters
Photographs: GETTYIMAGES.COM (11)
Read...read...you’ll find everything you
need to be well informed.
By Shubhangi Jindal
DON’T LET THE THE ‘TUBE

BED BUGS BITE GIRL’ EFFECT
Following the fashion week in Apparently all it takes is
September this year; The City of creating a wave of 0.5 mode
Lights was infested with bedbugs. videos on public transportation
As fashionistas and celebrities to get everyone talking about
made their way home after Paris you. The 22-year-old Sabrina
Fashion Week—influencers Bahsoon gained TikTok
reportedly shared videos of bed popularity almost overnight in
bugs crashing the party. They September this year for her
were also papped on the city’s brazen moves of confidence
public transit, at movie theatres, on the Tube. This has inspired
and at the Paris airport. While people across cities to
the infestation may have made embrace their authentic selves
international news at any other and create their versions of
time of the year, it is the influx of Bahsoon’s distinctive videos—
influencers that made these blood- throwing caution to the wind,
sucking hitchhikers internet famous. quite literally.
HOB VS HONY
Popular photo-based storytelling platform, ‘Humans of Bombay’
(HoB) was accused by Brandon Stanton, the founder of ‘Humans
of New York’ (HoNY), of copying its storytelling format this
September, after the former sued a similar platform called
‘People of India’ (PoI) for alleged copyright infringement. Stanton HE’LL BE THERE FOR YOU
of HoNY was dissappointed at HoB filing a lawsuit against PoI, The world mourned the death of actor and comedian Matthew
while they themselves copied his initiative. The news spread like Perry aka the lovable Chandler Bing from the TV sitcom Friends
wildfire on the internet and gained a lot of interest. who died this Ocotober at the age of 54. Perry’s Friends
co-stars—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt
LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer attended Perry’s funeral along
with other loved ones, and also took to Instagram with heartfelt
messages and flashbacks to pay tribute to the late co-star.
Well, no one told us life was gonna be this way.
A STAR-
STUDDED
SOIRÉE
Beyoncé’s Renaissance
Tour birthday show in Los
Angeles was the ultimate
celebration for the reigning
queen of Virgo season.
She asked her fans to turn
up in their best disco-
worthy outfits and the
biggest celebrities followed
suit. Stars in attendance
included Pedro Pascal, Issa
Rae, Gabrielle Union, Kelly
Rowland, Tracee Ellis Ross,
the Kardashian clan, Prince
NOW WE’RE DOING MATH JUST
Harry, Meghan Markle and FOR FUN
more, along with singer If you buy anything that costs less than $5 (`420), it isn’t real
Diana Ross, who went on money because, at that price, it is practically free. Get it? It is
stage with her. girl math—women this year have a set of ‘ new rules’ that are
supposedly used to justify their impulse buys. Do your best
to defend the hefty price tag and if the purchase is, in fact, a
good one—it means that the girl math is mathing. Is it time for
everyone to go back and learn math all over again, or is this
just how calculations are made nowadays?
upgrade | #icymi
CALL ME MAYBE?
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk’s X unveiled
DECLINES TO LEGALISE SAME-SEX a new feature this October that allows users to
MARRIAGE place video and audio calls to one another without
having to share their phone number, taking X a
On October 17th this year, The Supreme Court of India declined to
step closer to turning into an “everything app”. As
legalise same-sex marriage in a ruling that also emphasised the rights of
of now, these features are exclusively available
the LGBTQ+ community in India to be free of prejudice and discrimination.
to X Premium (Twitter Blue) users on iOS, and will
The unanimous order by a five-judge bench led by India’s Chief Justice, DY
soon be available on Android. Ever wanted to call
Chandrachud came as a huge disappointment to the queer community,
someone on Twitter? Sorry, not everyone’s invited
five years after the court scrapped a colonial-era ban on gay sex.
to the party just yet.
THIRD TIME’S A CHARM!

Global pop music sensation, Ed Sheeran is all set to
return to the country to perfom in Mumbai as a part
of his ‘+ - = ÷ x’ Asia Tour on March 16, 2024. This
will be Ed’s third visit to India, following his previous
performances in 2015 and 2017. The concert
will reportedly take place at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi
Racecourse with fellow British singer-songwriter
Calum Scott as the special guest.
YOUNG MIND, BIG THOUGHTS

Heman Bekele, a 14-year-old ninth grader from Annandale, Virginia,
was named “America’s Top Young Scientist” after developing a bar of
soap that could be useful in effectively treating melanoma (skin cancer).
According to Bekele, the soap is made from compounds that could
reactivate dendritic cells that guard human skin, enabling them to fight
cancer cells. The young scientist envisions refining his invention further
and establishing a non-profit organisation to distribute the soap to
communities in need over the next half decade.
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES...
Love might be dead ! From short-lived marriages falling
apart such as Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, Joe
Jonas and Sophie Turner to almost a decade’s worth
of love from Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello, Hugh
Jackman and Deborra-lee, Natalie Portman and Benjamin
Millepied to casual situationships such as Taylor Swift and
Matty Healy, Bella Hadid and Marc Kalman—seems like
the whole world has been going through a heartbreak with
their favourite celebrities calling it quits. Well, while we
celebrate the beginning of something new, let us remind
ourselves that being single is actually fun.
MAKE YOUR MARK

The British Fashion Council announced (clockwise
from top left) Matthieu Blazy, Raf Simons,
Jonathan Anderson, Miuccia Prada, Sarah Burton,
and Daniel Lee as nominees for its prestigious
‘Designer of the Year’ award in the first week of
November. The award celebrates international
creatives impacting the industry through the
lens of purpose, excellence, and innovation.
Additionally, the event will also recognise 50 of
the most innovative and inspiring young creative
talent from around the world as part of ‘New
Wave: Creatives’. Q
upgrade | #stuffwelove
On our tech radar Let’s take a look at the cool (latest) gadgets
you should buy to be tech forward, shall we?
Compiled by Simi Kuriakose
TOODLES, SMARTPHONE
Here’s not just any wearable but a
clothing-based, OpenAI-powered one. The
idea...leave your phone behind thanks to the
AI pin but still stay connected.
Eclipse AI Pin, Humane,
`58,237 approx
SHUTTERBUGS ALERT
Not one you can buy (sigh), but we thought you
should know about this KidSuper (hello, Colm
Dillane) collab with LV. It’s a bag and
a camera packed into one!
Camera Bag™, Louis Vuitton
BIG SCREEN GAMING,

POWER-PACKED PIECE
ANYWHERE This soon-to-be launched smartphone
AR glasses are now, passé. This one’s (apparently) is powered by the Snapdragon 8
*game-changing* as it can get—it connects to PCs Gen 3. There is a reason they call it
as well as gaming handhelds. TIMELESS DESIGN MEETS the Monster inside.
Legion™ Go, Lenovo, `27,407 iQOO 12, iQOO, `45,000
PERFECT SOUND
Here’s the best audio, courtesy of Bowers & onwards (approx)
Wilkins, and the classiest design thanks to
McLaren Automotive.
Result: A WOW wireless speaker.
Zeppelin McLaren Edition,
Bowers & Wilkins, `81,680
REFINED
SOUND
Meze Audio created the
first Isodynamic Hybrid
Array driver that’s
portable! This new pair of
headphones claims to
provide an audio
DOUBLE DUTY experience like no other.
Is it a laptop? Is it a tablet? Well, it’s Empyrean 2,
just a versatile 2-in-1 portable Meze Audio, `2,49,967
gadget for all your work and
play needs.
Chromebook CM30 Detachable,
ASUS, `27,494
FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN

VINTAGE VIBES WIRELESS WONDER RENEWED AND HOW
An ace triple-camera phone with telephoto lens This fresh TWS offers redesigned The next in line after Watch 2, this
and refined ColorOS 13.2, this one also has an acoustics, better battery life, and comprehensive smartwatch includes a
upgraded vertical cover screen. upgraded audio quality. It also has phenomenal 16-day battery life (yes!!!). Also,
N3 Flip, OPPO, `94,999 active noise cancellation and is powered those cool features such as NFC car keys,
by AI enhanced talk solution. camera control...it’s got that.
MW09, Master & Dynamic, Watch 3, VIVO, `15,934 approx
`29,116 approx
TRACK ON SMART AND STYLISH

A functional piece, especially for those who This sleek and stylish TWS (it’s water and dust
have a weak memory. This tracking device resistant) has immersive active noise
comes with a ring-like shape upgrade and a cancellation and boasts an adaptive mode that
Compass View feature that can take you in the senses the environment and adjusts noise
right direction of your lost items. cancellation accordingly.
Galaxy SmartTag 2, Samsung, `2,799 Ear (2), Nothing, `9,999
MINI YET MIGHTY
Gorgeous thanks to the all-aluminium
finish, this portable speaker produces
quality audio that’ll blow your mind given
how compact it is.
Beosound A5 in Spaced Aluminium,
Bang & Olufsen, `1,24,746 approx
DRAWING
INNOVATION
Along with advanced pixel-
perfect accuracy so you
can sketch with precision,
this one also supports
magnetic pairing and
charging, and can enter
sleep mode.
Pencil, Apple, `7,900
PREMIUM TOUCH SPEED UNLEASHED

Bright screen, one of the most powerful chips, and a Perfect for both the gamer and the workaholic, this one
Leica camera system makes this smartphone the has a perfect Retina XDR display and provides up to
best one for perfect pictures. Let’s call it an 8/10. 22 hours of battery life.
14 Pro, Xiaomi, `56,890 MacBook Pro, Apple, `1,69,900 approx
upgrade | #thrive
How to
write an
AI-friendly CV
(It’s time to boss
those bots)
By Jade Biggs
I
t is no secret that job
hunting can be a bit of a
slog. Like everything else
in our lives, recruitment
has gone digital—and with so
much competition out there,
it’s easy to fall into the trap of
thinking you need a PhD in
Photoshop to create an
all-singing, all-dancing CV
(with a cover letter to boot).
But with the rise of AI, there’s
a chance a pair of human eyes
may not even look at your
application at all. Kinda bleak. KEEPING IT SIMPLE
“The use of AI technology WORKS BETTER
[in recruitment] offers several Avoid using complex
formatting and visuals,
benefits for employers,” says as these can be hard for
Steven Warnham, a researcher AI systems to interpret.
at Totaljobs (one of the UK’s the left). Bot bossing aside, candidates be judged on
leading online job boards). “It CHECKIN’ IT TWICE there is still some way to merit, not on [what] the
enhances efficiency by swiftly AI algorithms are sensitive go before we can trust AI existing (likely male and
to typos, so it’s best to
analysing and screening a large double-check your CV
with recruitment. “Lots white) picture of success
volume of CVs, which saves using sites such as of AI recruitment systems looks like”, she says.
Grammarly.
valuable time and resources.” are trained on how we as “We need to be careful
But, he adds, “as with any S-P-E-L-L IT OUT humans make decisions. to balance technological
technology, it is not fail-safe Be sure to spell out any That means, if they are innovation with human
abbreviations, as these
and is subject to mistakes and may be industry specific not designed correctly, the oversight—using it to curb
flaws”. And with recruiters and therefore risk not technology picks up on our own biases,” she adds.
being picked up by
estimating that as many as AI systems. prejudices and replicates And if you’re worried
35 per cent to 45 per cent of them,” says Khyati you’ve missed out on
CONSISTENCY IS KEY
companies are expected to use Sundaram, an expert on a job because of AI,
Be consistent with dates
AI to assist in hiring, we may and job titles, as this assists ethical AI and CEO of Sundaram and Warnham
need to play the system if we AI systems recognise Applied, the unbiased advise contacting the
Photography: GETTYIMAGER.COM
your work experience and

want to be in with a chance. employment history. hiring platform. employer. “It might be
So, is there a way around To avoid this, down to various factors
COPYCAT THAT
it all? Yes, according to Take keywords from the
“companies need to ensure and feedback can help
Warnham—by trying to get job advert and embed their tech tools have been you reformat your
these throughout your CV
into how exactly that robot will to make you stand out as
trained on the right data application for next time,”
read your CV (see his tips on a match. and are designed to help Warnham says. Q

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Follow the call of the disco ball
Page 164
bigfashion
The Coat, Topshop,

`10,030; boots,
Great
Dune London,
`21,123.
British
high street
Welcome to your new winter wardrobe.
Serving style at prices we can get behind.
Fashion Director: Saskia Quirke
Photographs by: Kaj Jefferies
bigfashion | #socosmo
Dress, Karen Millen,

`12,570; boots, Monki,
`6,860.
Jacket, Jen Ceballos x Mango,
`36,980; sweater, trousers,
both Bershka, `2,110,
`3,170.
Coat, TK Maxx,
`17,950; shirt,
skort, both
Zara, `2,740,
`3,170;
boxers,
Speltham,
`3,170; socks,
Calzedonia,
`260; loafers,
Uniqlo, `4,210.
Coat, Reserved, `9,500; top, Zara, `2,740; skirt,

New Look, `3,170; hood, Albaray, `4,120.
Jacket, skirt, both Pull&Bear, `5,280, `3,800; shirt,
Arket, `7,290; bag, We The Free by Free People,
`21,130; boots, Next, `5,070.
Jacket, Reserved,
`5,280; skirt,
Warehouse, `7,290;
bag, Arket, `18,910;
boots, Jeffrey
Campbell
at Free People,
`34,660.
Dress, Mango, `9,510; hat, Afta Youth, `7,400.
Model: Emma Breschi at Chapter Mgmt. Make-up and hair: Mary-Jane Gotidoc using Charlotte Tilbury and Hair by Sam McKnight.
Nails: Nichole Williams at Stella Creative Artists using Dior Manicure Collection, Le Baume and Dior Vernis. Production and casting:
Sophie Leen. Photo assistant: Oliver Patterson. Fashion assistants: Courtney Smith; Thérèse Hillman.
Jacket, Jen
Ceballos x Mango,
`31,700; top,
Weekday, `1,060;
trousers, Jigsaw,
`34,350; bag,
Charles & Keith,
`8,350; boots,
Whistles, `33,290.
bigfashion | #shineon
Follow
The call
of The
Sack, Scalpers;
pants, H&M Innovation;
boots, Trender; choker,
Elisheva & Constance;
chain, Dangelo; rings,
Iconique.
The year-end party season is here!

Shine to the maximum with your
looks just like actress Paola
Fernández. The busy bee has had an
interesting year and is getting ready
to celebrate and dazzle.
Styling By: Adriana Ayala-Belchez
Photographs by: Christopher Armenta
Dance,
dance,
dance
Top and skirt, H&M
Innovation; shoes,
Trender; bag,
Kurt Geiger.
To
the
disco
Dress and vest,
BCBG MaxAzria;
jacket, Liverpool;
glasses, Kate Spade;
earrings, Givenchy;
ring, Iconique.
fash
big ion || big
fashion fashion
#shineon
You
should
be
dancing
Dress, Mugler x H&M;
earrings, Kurt Geiger.
Meet
me at
midnight
Blouse, Sandro; skirt,
All Saints; boots,
Griselda Sánchez;
necklaces, UNOde50.
Playsuit,
Tia Adeola
All
eyes
on
me!
Ankle boots, Kurt Geiger.
Make-up: Jesús Placencia

for Revlon
Make-up assistant:
Ricardo Cárdenas
Hair: Gaby Montes de Oca
for The DryBar Mexico
Set design: Daphne
Vázquez Aviles
.IN
Follow www.cosmopolitan.in for

the latest in fashion,
beauty and celebrity news.
Lust List
Page 178
slaybeauty
Eugenia Rodriquez is an entrepreneur with her own light who never

gives up. And no beauty shines more than a woman who knows
how much she is worth.
Photographs by Germán Nájera + Iván Flores
Words by Andrea Sierra
slayfashion | #shineon
“If your mind thinks

you can achieve it,
it is because you
are capable of
doing it. This has
led me to do things
Look: Fendi
Jewellery: that people think
Peyrelongue
Chronos are impossible.”
Outfit, H&M
Studio; Jewellery,
Happy Diamonds
and Ice Cube,
Chopard
“Beauty will always be seen depending on how we think about it. For me, it has everything
to do with the interior. Over the years, standards change and it is impossible to meet all
of them, but you can meet the standard you set for yourself.”
slayfashion | #shineon
Outfit,
Alersundi;
Jewellery,
Tiffany & Co
“When I do what I like, if I overcome my limitations, when I surround myself with

people who contribute to me, I feel confident...and that is when I feel most beautiful,
because I am satisfied with what I live, with what I feel and with the person I am.”
“The times I have felt
prettier have been
because I feel safe,
good with myself. Outfit, H&M;
Because I know what Jewellery,
Tiffany & Co
I am worth and I am
sure of what I represent
and I deserve what
comes my way.”
slaybeauty | #alliwant
LUST LISTPretty stuff we’ve got our eyes on this month!

By Simi Kuriakose
Pretty Grunge
Eyeshadow
Palette, Huda
Beauty, `5,754
approx
Looking to make
room for a glam-
meets-bold
eyeshadow palette
in your vanity case?
Get this matte-
heavy one—its six
shimmer shades
are perfect for the
festive season.
Velvet Liquid Lipstick (Take Me

Home),
La Mior, `995 for 3
This one’s for those who are about
serious pigment that is transfer-proof,
velvety, whipped, and will give you an
eight-hour comfortable wear.
Hydra-Peptide Lip
Butter (Candy First Care Activating
Kiss), Nudeskin, Serum, Sulwhasoo, `6,200
`1,755
Infused with the goodness
Nothing like a
glossy and of licorice extract, this
hydrating tint— lightweight and nourishing
praise the make-up serum gives you a
gods for the glassy glow.
richness of
avocado and shea
butter—that gives
you contoured and
plump pouty lips.
Paradoxe Eau De
Parfum, Prada,
`9,500
This floral
fragrance, which
brings forth the
goodness of neroli,
is labelled the
girl-next-door
scent...it is
sensuous but not
too in your face.
A Line To
Pure Color Envy
Remember Stay
Sculpting Blush
All Day Waterproof
(Forbidden Berry
Liquid Eye Liner
470), Estee
Set, Stila, `2,752
Lauder, `3,960
approx
Get a soft and
Your friendships and
natural flush with
relationships might
this luxurious
fail, but trust us
powder blush. This
when we tell you this
shade flatters
bold and highly
almost every
pigmented liner will
skin tone.
not.
SOS Sun Repair

Booster,
Skeyndor, `2,250
You think there’s
nothing greater
than sunscreen?
All In One Leave-in
Well, we’ve got
Conditioner,
news! This booster-
Moroccanoil, `1,125
formula is perfect Restore My Shine
for when you need Damaged Hair Oil This versatile conditioner
to soothe the skin’s Shampoo and instantly detangles your
photosensitive Conditioner (in hair and also pampers
areas from image), Nyveda, `224 them by giving them
photoageing and and `251
redness. 72-hours of softness.
The shampoo has a
blend of nine
Ayurvedic oils while
the conditioner has
11. If those numbers
don’t tell you how
lustrous your hair will
be on using these, we
don’t know what will.
Eyeshadow Palette
Mini (Modern
Renaissance),
Anastasia Beverly
Hills, `3,600
Take inspiration from
Renaissance art and
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ADVERTISMENT
Your 2024 Horoscope How to find your personal style
Raise a toast (stat) Page 190 Page 194
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Page 184
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obsessed
The two-ingredient matcha soft serve

your lazy sweet tooth deserves
For when the McDonald’s machine is broken...

and for literally every other time.
Words by Hannah Chubb
Photographs by Massimo Gammacurta
Remember those bananas you put in your freezer weeks ago? To
“make” “banana” “bread”? Ha. Here’s a much faster and tastier way to
use them: Break out your blender and churn up a batch of this stuff,
courtesy registered dietitian and nutritionist Patricia Bannan. It is a
matcha frappuccino lover’s thick-and-creamy dream come true.
Perhaps the best part? You won’t even have to pop a Lactaid.
We know, it does sound too good to be true. But

it is true, and we are just gonna accept that as
a little miracle. Another one? The fact that this
s’cream takes only five minutes to make. Think
of all the things you can do with that extra time
(*cough, scroll Instagram, cough*).
GREEN TEA SOFT SERVE

SERVES 2
Ingredients
Q Large ripe, peeled bananas, sliced into one-inch pieces
and frozen
Q 1 tbsp culinary matcha green tea powder
Method
Q Remove the sliced frozen bananas from the freezer and let
sit for three minutes to thaw slightly.

Q. Place the bananas and matcha powder (feel free to
sprinkle in a lil more if you like it strong!) in a blender and

process until the texture resembles soft-serve ice cream.
Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
Q Serve immediately or place in the freezer to firm
up slightly for 10 minutes. (Leftovers will keep well in the

Pro Tip
If you want to make
freezer for up to a month—just reblend to get that
things chocolaty, pulse or
smoooooth texture.)
stir in a spoonful or two of
cacao nibs. Yes, this will
mean you actually need
three ingredients. Yes,
it’s still worth it.
ADAPTED FROM FROM BURNOUT TO BALANCE: 60+ HEALING

RECIPES & SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO BOOST MOOD, IMMUNITY,
FOCUS & SLEEP, COPYRIGHT © 2022 BY PATRICIA BANNAN.
RECIPE USED BY PERMISSION OF RODALE BOOKS, AN IMPRINT
OF RANDOM HOUSE, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE,
LLC, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
obsessed | #cosmomeet
DJ Nina Shah
Japanese dance performers
Raise a toast (stat)

It was a grand celebration of all things Japanese as Mumbai
got its first sip of Lemon Dou at its launch in collaboration with
Cosmopolitan India. The one-of-a-kind party had more than
100 guests from the fashion, entertainment, and F&B space,
who got together to enjoy a truly immersive experience.
Hosted at Estella, Mumbai, this fun event by Cosmo India
hosted the who’s who of the influencer community such
as Kajal Kothari, Diljaan Sayyed, Ashwinii Aheir and Akash
Choudhary, among others. The popular faces from the film
fraternity included actors Sunny Leone, Mugdha Godse, and
Moses Koul, etc. They graced the event for a fun evening of
interesting conversations over personalised drinks followed
by lots of laughter.
Guests at
the event
Mugdha Godse
and Mahak
Chaudhary
Mehak Chaudhary and
Ashwinii Aheir with a friend
Sunny Leone Anmol Dua and Sini Shetty

Manasi Scott Ashwinii Aheir
Moses
Koul
Rajashree Singha (right)
with a friend
Piyush Khati with

the cosplay artists
obsessed | #tripping
Everything you need for

your next vacay, courtesy
of Shenaz
From Australia and Austria to Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and
Italy, Shenaz Teasurywala has explored 14 cities across different
countries in 2023! So the VJ and actor-turned-vlogger is just the right
person to list valuable out what she learnt from her year of travel.
I
kicked off January 2023 in Melbourne at symphony of beach bodies and the ocean became
the Australian Open, where tennis balls the ultimate lunch break escape while the
became fashionistas, and the coffee was so surfboards doubled as city chariots. In Sydney, the
good I even debated smuggling it home beach wasn’t just a destination...it was a lifestyle.
(just kidding!). I witnessed Novak Djokovic’s Hey mama, big news! I dared to jump from the
triumph at the Tennis Open, cheering like a sky in Cairns—YOLO vibes all the way. When I
true Aussie. Then, Sydney beckoned with its landed, my heart was drumming like crazy,
glamorous skyline and Bondi Beach vibes! beating to the rhythm of pure excitement. Maybe
Picture this: the hottest men and women in that’s the secret to staying forever young. Trick
their swimwear, trading boring office briefcases your body to think it’s about to die! Oh did I
for surfboards, catching waves during lunch mention my sky diving partner was hotter than my
breaks or as soon as they punched out. It was a morning latte?
Then came Noosa, a coastal gem surrounded
by a national park that boasts lush mountains,
pristine white sand beaches—a captivating
blend of nature. Apart from the natural
beauty, the town also offers the best in
shopping, making it a harmonious fusion of
outdoor splendour and retail delights.
In Noosa, I fell for the coastal charm and
had the biggest crush on my broad-
shouldered Aussie surf instructor. Those
Aussies really know how to ride the waves! I
learnt the art of surf mud, it is how they save
their skin from the equator’s UV rays.
I thought I had the hang of the Aussie
waves. It was February 14—Valentine’s Day.
Dateless but overconfident, I stepped onto a
small beach in the Noosa National Park,
expecting to handle the waves like I do in
Goa. However, the furious Australian ocean
had other plans, pushing me up against the
rocks in a humbling encounter with its
power. Luckily, another tall, broad-
shouldered Aussie (they’re everywhere! Like
clones of each other...big, tall, blonde and
ripped!) came to my rescue, giving me my
Baywatch moment. People clapped as he THINGS AUSSIES TAUGHT ME
saved me! I fluttered my eyelashes as he gave zEmbrace Nature: Aussies truly enjoy and embrace
me mouth-to-mouth (resuscitation, of nature, making it a part of their everyday life.
course) thinking I found my prince, and that zSporty Lifestyle: The fitness culture is not just a
too on Valentine’s Day. But here’s where my fairytale took trend; it’s a way of life for Aussies.
a twist: his hot tall girlfriend in nothing but a tiny G-string zSustainability Commitment: Inspired by their
and white sparkling smile appeared clapping. My fantasy dedication to sustainability, I am rethinking my impact
crashed like the Aussie waves. Reality hit me, but the on the environment. I’m sorry for being part of the
memories are still wild in my head. problem contributing to the fading of the Great Barrier
Next stop, the Great Barrier Reef! Picture me, diving Reef. Let’s all be more conscious of our impact on this
deep in a stinger suit, surrounded by vibrant coral and fish. beautiful planet.
One of the boys offered to take me on a helicopter ride GRATITUDE LIST
where I could see the waves and coral from above! Yet, it
zTo the Hero in Noosa: A personal thank you to the
hit me hard that the reef is fading. Heartbreaking, really. hot Aussie who saved me in Noosa.
Wrapping up two months in Australia, from Black
z Skydiving Companion: Grateful for the tandem
Rovers to crocs, snakes, and sharks—Aussies have them
skydiving guy who made me feel comfortable up
all, making it the most adventurous place in the world.
above.
WHEN I PARTIED IN MY LINGERIE! z Everglades Crocodile: Even to the crocodile in the

Everglades for not chewing me up when I jumped in
It was March by the time I came back to India.
and lost my goggles.
Now, in Berlin—the wild child of Europe! When I first
set foot, I thought, “Hmm, not your typical European
beauty, a bit grungy.” But Berlin isn’t about fancy
postcards; it is a crazy mix of cultures, like the New York of the world’s ultimate techno haven. Honestly, the
yesteryears—a gritty masterpiece. anticipation in the line is as thrilling as the beats inside. It
I braved the queue at Berghain that could rival the Great is not just a club; it is a techno pilgrimage.
Wall of China. The bouncer there...must have had a PhD Now, let’s talk about Kit Kat—where the nightlife is
in mysterious vibes—the keeper of the techno kingdom. spicier than Andhra food. The bouncer there had me do
Word of advice: Wear black, ditch the smiles, and gear the unthinkable—ditch the dress and party in lingerie!
up for a weekend-long rave. That’s Berghain, renowned as Berlin, you’re not just a city; you’re a bold cabaret, and
obsessed | #tripping
yeah, I was a bit taken aback by the lingerie request. But Lesson learnt: Sustainability isn’t just about the
hey, lesson learnt! environment; it is a lifestyle, and in Freiburg, they’ve
So, Berlin, you might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but turned it into an art form.
you’re the tequila shot I never knew I needed. Cheers to
the city that dances to its own techno beat! OH! EUROPE, YOU BEAUTY
Next I headed to Baden-Baden, a spa haven nestled in Ah, Vienna in the summer—the city where the heat
Germany’s Black Forest. It is a symphony of relaxation makes you trade stilettos for sandals. While I revelled in
and luxury. But the spa etiquette took me by surprise! the artistic embrace of museums, I couldn’t help but
Imagine my shock when I got scolded [not for being too notice fewer trees and more grand buildings. A bit of
loud] for wearing clothes! Yes, in German spas, the bikini shade wouldn’t hurt, darling!
is a no-go. You have to be naked! It’s about hygiene, is Now, the Opera House. I dolled up, expecting front-row
their argument. glamour, only to find myself in the nosebleed section.
Lesson learnt. Embracing the liberating feeling of being Lesson learnt: not every ticket is worth its sparkle.
in the buff, Baden-Baden taught me that sometimes, true But Vienna had its share of adventure, too. I met a guy
relaxation means letting it all hang out. on the train who led me to the river where we jumped in,
In Freiburg, I learnt that sustainability isn’t just a and suddenly, the heat felt cooler, and I was happier. He
buzzword; it is a way of life. This fairytale town, where was cute too.
old-world charm meets futuristic innovation, does a fancy Lesson learnt: In the heart of Vienna, I learnt that
tango between ancient architecture and modern solar sometimes the best moments aren’t planned. Embrace
panels even on trash cans. Surprisingly, what I thought the unexpected, let spontaneity guide you, and who
was a gutter turned out to be sips from the Black Forest, knows, you might find a riverbank adventure with a cute
showcasing how looks can be happily deceiving. And stranger. Life’s real treasures often lie off the beaten path.
here’s the kicker: Freiburg isn’t just a pretty face; it’s the Prague, oh, the fairytale city that dazzles with its
most sustainable city in Europe. Walking down its medieval charm! Cobblestone streets, majestic castles,
charming streets, I discovered that using a car is frowned and a skyline that whispers tales of centuries past. It is like
upon here. stepping into an adult Disneyland, where every corner is a
page from a storybook.
However, the enchantment took a hit when I
encountered a less-than-magical reality. The people, sadly,
THINGS BERLIN TAUGHT ME weren’t as charming as the architecture. A server, blunt as
a hammer, confessed they cared little for repeat
zEmbrace the Unpolished: Beauty is more raw
customers, serving up stale fare with a side of attitude.
and real than photoshopped perfection. Berlin
Add a heatwave to the mix, and the city’s temper flared;
taught me to appreciate the imperfect charm.
Charles Bridge felt like Mumbai’s Churchgate Station at
zCultural Mashup: It’s not just a city; it’s a melting 6pm—crowded, chaotic with a dash of impatience.
pot of histories and stories. Every street corner tells
Prague, beautiful yet brutal, a place where the magic of
a tale, and every face carries a piece of this eclectic
the past meets the harshness of the present.
puzzle.
Lesson learnt: No matter how enchanting the setting,
zNightlife Adventures: Berghain and Kit Kat the charm fades when hospitality takes a backseat. Beauty
showed me that nightlife isn’t just about partying;
may capture the eyes, but warmth captures
it’s an art form, a liberating experience, even if it
the heart.
involves shedding a layer or two.
Now winding my way to Bratislava, which once shared
sisterly ties with Prague when they were both part of
GRATITUDE LIST Czechoslovakia (imagine them as once-upon-a-time
zBreaking Walls: Not the physical ones, but siblings). Bratislava may have felt like a budget version of
Berlin’s knack for breaking down preconceived Prague, but the people were the game-changer. It’s a
notions. Thanks for welcoming me into your quirky classic case of fewer tourists equating to more genuine
world. friendliness. In this smaller city, I found a richer
zStreet Art Wonderland: Berlin, you’re a canvas, experience, proving that sometimes less grandeur and
and your street art is the paint that colours your more authenticity make for an unforgettable journey.
rebellious spirit. Thanks for the visual feast. Lesson learnt: Sometimes, the hidden gems
zKit Kat Bouncer: Big thanks to the Kit Kat overshadow the grandeur, and it’s the genuine warmth
bouncer—the gatekeeper of a night filled with of people that truly defines a place. In Bratislava, I
surprises. You turned my evening into a bold discovered that a city’s true riches lie in its heart,
adventure. not just its history.
T STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN

Hopping on the train to Budapest, my fatigue But let’s talk about the men (for a change). Munich,
demanded a little luxury, so I treated myself to the Ritz- you’ve got a line-up of good-looking gents. And yes,
Carlton—a haven for a weary traveller. Budapest is a tale there’s beer, because it’s Munich! I just missed the
of two cities divided by the Danube—Buda and Pest. In October Fest but the liveliness was still there. I realised,
Buda, historic castles stood as silent storytellers while Pest Germans have a sixth love language...and it is beer.
buzzed with vibrant life, its streets alive with cafes, Now, winter surfing in the freezing ice creek is a thing.
markets, and the pulse of city life. Brave souls in wetsuits catching waves in the cold. I
The city’s soul, however, lay in its thermal baths— a couldn’t believe it. But they had beer to warm them up at
magical oasis where relaxation danced with history. As night, I guess.
the sun dipped below the horizon, Budapest’s nightlife It was autumn and the city was an explosion of colours.
emerged from the shadows. Ruin bars, vibrant and The English Garden was a runway of reds and golds.
eclectic, breathed life into the city after dark. And, oh, Lesson learnt: Beer can be a love language.
wandering through Pest’s streets felt like a stroll down Since it was cold everywhere else, I headed to Rome. It’s
South Mumbai—a surprising twinning of architectural my third time there, but the first solo visit. Cobblestone
vibes! But walking down the bridge brought a sudden streets and fashion vibes everywhere. Well, in the heart of
awareness—my feet were quietly protesting (I have Rome, near the Pantheon, I had a chance encounter with
developed a heal spur with all the walking and it was a guide—an archaeologist, to be precise. He was a silver
painful), despite the indulgence in spa-ing, partying, and fox with tall stature, and his stories breathed life into those
even spartying. It dawned on me: perhaps it was time to ancient stones. He became my Rome companion,
bid farewell to Budapest’s lively rhythm and head home. unveiling the city’s history in a way that made it
Lesson learnt: No matter how enchanting the unforgettable.
adventures, the call of home remains undeniable. Now, let’s dive into the feast! Roman artichokes, truffle-
Amid the grandeur of Budapest’s spas and vibrant infused pastas, and pizzas that make you forget about
nightlife, I realised the profound truth—there’s no diets. Calories? Mere myths in Rome. The cheese and
place like home, and I was missing it dearly. natural wines elevated every bite and sip to pure
decadence. Rome is not just a city; it’s a love affair that
FOR THE LAST LEG beckons to be embraced. Cheers to the eternal city of
After some rest I headed to Munich in October. Here, pleasure and passion!
coats are worn not just for the warmth, they’re a style Lesson learnt: You can go to Rome solo, but you’re
statement. And scarves? Worn with that effortless cool. never truly alone. Q
obsessed | #astro
Aries Taurus
By Jake Register You pride yourself on Thanks to Jupiter and
your independence, but Pluto, you are becoming
schedule your solo time more...experimental.
for the start of the Especially with your
year, because with Jupiter relationships, jobs, and
entering Gemini in May, interests. Free advice:
teamwork makes work hard in the first half of
the dream work. PS: Keep the year and late
track of your finances spring/early summer’s
in April—some astro weather
surprise expenses could bring you a
are coming. big promotion.
Gemini Cancer
Numerology First, you have to deal

with some 2023
Jupiter lighting up your
12th house of endings
says you’ll be
leftovers—exes you still means nostalgia is the
hook up with, jobs you are name of your game,
over, friends you’re no especially in the spring
able to manifest
longer close with. They and early summer. As
all need to get cut for you unlock your feelings
good. Jupiter in your sign, and dive deep, you
big things
starting in May, means you have the opportunity to
are growing, but only if bring parts of your past
you can get rid of into your present.
next year
All Galaxy Images: GETTY IMAGES. Tarot Card Image: MARGIE RISCHIOTTO AND RIDER-WAITE.
any baggage. Choose wisely!
By Esoteric Esa
Did you know that each calendar year has something
called a “universal year number” that tells you a
lot about its vibe? 2024’s is 8 (2 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 8). Leo
And 8, in numerology, is a BFD. It signals that, for
Virgo
all of us, the next 12 months will be about growth, Your relationships— Astrology is telling you
wealth, and leadership. And also about paying back both platonic and to get your rear in gear,
karmic debts—which can be amazing or stressful, romantic—are your focus Virgo, thanks to Pluto
depending on what exactly you owe. Oh, and one due to Pluto being in in your 6th house of routine
more thing: your manifestation abilities will be extra Aquarius for much for most of the year.
on point, so set some big goals and intentions right of the year. Just be Working long hours or
now and get ready to watch them come true. careful; you’re connecting adapting to a new
with VIPs, but their job will be a big challenge,
influence could potentially but the cosmos say it will
be harmful. Vet your be worth it. Take care
friends and lovers of yourself in
very carefully. the meantime.
he Next 12 M
d for t ont
C ar hs
ng
i
ul
rR
By Sarah Potter
You
You know how 2024 is an “8” year?
It’s also a ‘Strength’ year thanks
to the 8th card of the tarot’s Major
Arcana. Translation: a big theme of
2024 will be emotional strength.
Libra Scorpio Channel this as you practise staying
calm under pressure, flexing
Even if you are not the Take out the trash. your self-control, and stopping
biggest fan of trying Pluto moving into to think before acting—and most
new things, the stars Aquarius means you are importantly, taking care of
(and Jupiter) are urging finding out that a lot of yourself. You deserve it.
you to explore. Travel people in your life just
opportunities are coming aren’t good for you.
up, and whether for work Cut them out (for real
or for pleasure, you this time) and stick with
should definitely take the your true friends, and you
trips. You’ll end the will end the year feeling
year as a more completely energised
well-rounded person. and refreshed.
Add these dates

Sagittarius Capricorn to your calendar
Pluto is in your 3rd Finally! Pluto, the planet
house of communication of power, control, and By Jake Register
for much of the year, transformation, is leaving
giving your words a lot of your sign after literal January 1 May 25
power. Resist the urge years. The universe is Good news for your
to start fights, and finally giving you a break. 2024 resolutions: Jupiter enters Gemini
remember that you can So cool down. Chill. Find Mercury Retrograde for the first time in
find success by being stability. Take better care ends today, so you are 12 years, encouraging
kind, especially if you have of yourself, and settle starting the year with a us all to become
a partner who’s just as into a routine that works clear mind. ~students of life~.
driven and determined for you. Ahhhhh! August 5
January 20
as you are. Mercury Retrograde
Pluto is in Aquarius
take two. This time it
for the first time since
starts in Virgo before
1798 (!). This is a great
moving into Leo on
time to advocate for the
August 14, like a
rights of marginalised
shadow ban to your
communities and help
star power.
other people out.
Aquarius Pisces November 25
April 1
The third and final
You will be stepping into Sorry, Pisces, but your The first Mercury
Mercury Retrograde of
the spotlight this year bad habits are becoming Retrograde of the year
the year begins
thanks to Pluto entering more of a problem begins—and no, this
in Sagittarius.
your sign, bringing thanks to Pluto in your isn’t an April Fool’s joke.
Triple-check your
some big changes. Your 12th house. It is definitely It is in Aries, so watch
Thanksgiving
mission: stay true to time to clean up your your temper.
travel plans!
yourself. You might feel act by introducing
pressure to conform to healthier routines into
someone else’s idea your life. The good news:
of who you should be, but, whatever new, better
as always, just do habits you start will
you instead. stick around.
obsessed | #decor
Oh! That’s cute

We’ve put together a list of cutesy things that will
help you revamp your house to make it the home of
your dreams.
Compiled by Palak Valecha
Posh table accent, Escape

by Creatomy, `7,400
Aqua rustic
ceramic minikin,
Ellementry, `850
Riding the waves

cereal bowl, The
Plated Project,
`1,399
Monkey and pearl

necklace cushion
cover, Art-Chives,
`1,125
Plus toy teddy table

lamp, The June
Pegasus Shop, `4,199
Rocking
Horse, Neon
Attic,
`51,593
Image: GETTYIMAGES.COM
Fido bend table

decor, Orange Tree, All heart platter, Weaving
`3,699 Homes, `600
Asymmetric
mirror, H&M,
`2,000
Handcrafted terracotta
pumpkins, Pottery Barn,
`3,000
Contemplating, holding
and wondering
sculptures (set of 3),
Claymen Studio, Maroc ochre yellow
`12,300 Wave vase, table lamp, Freedom
Artisan Lab, Tree, `6,980
`6,990
Chalky cushion,
The Blue Knot,
`1,500
Blue twisted balloon
sculpture, Bent
Chair, `2,548
Pomegranate jar,
Suite Nº8, `1,320
Cru Basin
candle, Shivan
& Narresh,
`24,950 Rimini Blu Sun
figure, Bitossi TV tissue box,
Ceramiche at Nestasia, `1,290
Opulin, price on
request
Flab table lamp,

Harshita Jhamtani
Designs, `6,254
Extravagant
accent chair, Bay
Ladybird frosted globe, Window, `36,000
Elephant figurine
Kloe Studio, `8,850
candle, Casa Pop,
`900
obsessed | #fin
How to
find your
personal
style
Yes, you have one. Or at
least you do now...
By Cassie Anderson
Style is supposed to
evolve and grow,
L
et’s start with a simple visual:
Think of your ideal wardrobe just like humans
as the suitcase you’d pack for a
trip where the itinerary is ‘grab chic fine as long as you truly love them and into buying entire capsule wardrobes if
pics at every destination’. You’d likely can see yourself wearing them. Buying you don’t love every piece. So what if
take your favourite new dress, the pair something just because everyone else the majority of people say blazer is a
of jeans that fit you like a glove, and has it, though, is the fastest way to lose non-negotiable? Maybe you hate them
your wear-everywhere sneakers—not your personal flair. and you’d never wear one. So skip it!
the clothes that’ve been squished to
the sides of your closet for two years. 3. Look around if you 5. Avoid boxing yourself in
The lesson here? Personal style is start to feel lost When shopping, play dress-up. For
about curation, editing out pieces that The textures and colours you love are real! Try on absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-
don’t feel right, and investing in ones in your home and even the shows you n-g. Go out of your comfort zone—get
that feel great every day. Now, let’s... watch and the music you listen to. the vibrant colour, put on the print,
Building on these other modes of self- slip into a wildly different silhouette.
1. Shop your closet before expression will help your fashion This is how you’ll discover new
you shop the shops choices feel natural to you. You can aesthetics that work...and some that
Empty your dresser drawers and put also build off things you know you don’t. Style is supposed to evolve and
only your best stuff back. Donate the dislike—if you know you are really not grow, just like humans. You don’t have
rest. What remains is your foundation into, say, animal-print pillows, you to pick a vibe and stick with it for the
and a blueprint for the things you probably aren’t down for similarly rest of your life. You can be anything!
are drawn to and should get more of. printed clothes. Grunge one moment, minimalist the
This process will also help you realise next, cottagecore the one after that.
you have more favourite outfits than 4. Remember that staples
you think. are suggestions 6. Thrift!
You need them to bridge the gaps It is one of the most cost-conscious
2. Stop letting social media between the different categories you ways to refresh your look, not to
detour your direction identify with, but you don’t have to mention a great way to find all your
Our digital lives are polluted with ‘link have all of them. There’s no rule saying playing-dress-up pieces in #5.
in bio’. I am here to deinfluence you. you need every kind of T-shirt in your Thrifting is also environmentally
Images: GETTYIMAGES.COM
Cut out the noise and start your wish closet (you might go for boxy, friendly. Plus, vintage items are always
list by making mood boards on oversized ones, while your bestie more unique than the stuff everyone
Pinterest with only the images that wears baby-doll-esque tops, and that is else can buy in the moment online.
inspire you most. Shopping trends just fine). Focus on the ’fits you feel And just like that (sorry, had to), you
from the Instagram explore page is most confident in and don’t be swayed have your very own look. Q
AVAILABLE AT DELSEY PARIS STORES IN DELHI, MUMBAI, KOLKATA, BANGALORE, AHMEDABAD, GURGAON, NOIDA, TATA CLIQ, SHOPPERS STOP, AMAZON

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023, `150

121, Park Street,

*Based on a consumer study conducted on 110 subjects by MarketFrames, Dec 2022.

10 COSMOPOLITAN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN

42 Here’s the making,

glowup 148 How to write an

FOR MORE GREAT STORIES, VISIT COSMO.IN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023 COSMOPOLITAN 11

FASHION & FEATURES

VOLUME 27 NUMBER 310

12 COSMOPOLITAN NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023

Sakshi Kohli JONATHAN WRIGHT

SALES AND OPERATIONS

Deputy Regional Sales Manager (South)

Piyush Ranjan Das

Deputy General Manager (Operations)

Gucci Horsebit 1955 Mini

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Radiant & Real:

COSMOPOLITAN INR 150

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Cosmo: Take us through your

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The beloved trio is back! Catch

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Things are about to

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Sit back and watch a

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Denim shirt, Huemn;

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C: You said that you went through

C: How would you describe

C: What is the one piece of advice

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Bella Swan: the rose

and Jacob were

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Orchestrate a twinning Tell your client to throw

Phew!!! Now it is charity gala time, and your charge is having

FaceTime all her friends Hey, she’s the boss, and

Aaand now...she has spilled soy sauce all over an

NOT JUST SURVIVING BUT THRIVING!

note. You are known for professional cleanings

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strapped into her doggy seat

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My best vampire The lowest effort

survive to the end,

By Furvah Shah A calm and friendly

Photography: GETTYIMAGES.COM; MOVIESTILLSDB.COM; PATTI PERRET/UNIVERSAL PICTURES

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c The matching PJs and adorable b A mind-reading tool that

c Decorating every room to absolute b The corporate bigwig returning

MOSTLY As MOSTLY Bs MOSTLY Cs