From learning Hindi to turning vegetarian and using jet spray: American mum shares how India changed her life
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NDTV
33 minutes ago
- NDTV
6 Secrets Behind Bhumi Pednekar's 35 Kilos Weight Loss
Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar 's incredible weight loss journey has inspired many. The talented star, who made her debut in the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha, gained over 30 kilos for her breakout role. Later, she shed an impressive 35 kilos without extreme diets or shortcuts. So, what is the secret behind her transformation? From dietary changes to fitness routines, here are some simple yet effective tips that helped her achieve her weight loss goals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@bhumipednekar) 1. Healthy Diet and Portion Control Losing weight doesn't require skipping meals and eating tiny portions. Her meal planning was centred on nourishment and balance. "Food was never the enemy," Bhumi once told Times of India that she prioritised portion control and home-cooked meals over eliminating entire food groups. She ate with awareness, incorporating lean proteins, sabzi, handmade rotis and seasonal fruits. 2. Breakfast Ritual Every morning, she started with something healthy. Fresh fruit, a small amount of porridge or toast and a handful of soaked almonds would set the tone for the day. Ditching trendy bowls or fancy smoothies, she opted for straightforward and reliable meals. By fuelling herself early, she avoided energy slumps and needless snacking later in the day. 3. Workout Routine Sticking to one type of workout often becomes monotonous. She was constantly changing things up. Bhumi's exercise regimen was unexpectedly diverse and personal. Rather than going for what appeared to be hard, she chose exercises that made her feel good, like Pilates, weight training, long walks outdoors and dance-based routines. 4. Mental Strength Despite the fact that she had to put on weight for her debut project, public affection and support kept her mentally strong. She did not consider her weight a weakness. The star took advantage of it as a springboard to regain her health at her own pace instead. The shift was driven by purpose rather than shame, which is why her emotional well-being remained unaffected. 5. Patience And Time Bhumi took her time with her weight loss journey. There was neither a crash phase nor a deadline. Every kilogram lost was the result of perseverance and preparation. The actress said that she paid more attention to how her clothes fit and how she felt on the inside than to the number on the scale. She achieved a lasting and side-effect-free transformation by slowing down. 6. Being Open About Her Feelings Bhumi Pednekar candidly shared her feelings about the struggle of early mornings, the discipline required, emotional eating and the occasional touch of self-doubt. She kept it honest and real in a field where transformations are typically glamorised. Bhumi Pednekar lost oodles of weight using these 6 secrets, so can you.
Hindustan Times
37 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Coffee is getting a fruity makeover: Fruit-infused coffee brings fresh flavours to your brew; 2 recipes to try at home
Your favourite beverage just got a flavour glow-up. Fruit-infused coffee is winning hearts and levelling up coffee from basic to bougie. While you may already be familiar with fruity notes in the coffee, they are often syrup-based. This is where fruit-infused coffee steps in, using real fruit in the brewing process. The rich notes of coffee are being paired with fresh, tropical fruit like oranges. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Tea and coffee in fine dining? Chef shares beverage pairing rules, Indian dishes to go with, and brew types In an interview with HT Lifestyle, chef Dheeraj Mathur, cluster executive chef at Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, Delhi NCR, unpacked the latest beverage trend of fruit-infused coffee. For those who enjoy a good brew, there is growing openness to flavour profiles that go beyond regular coffee notes. This coffee trend also highlights the potential for beverage innovation in culinary arts through the technique of fruit fermentation, as pointed out by Chef Dheeraj. Sharing a basic lowdown on the trend and what it really means, Chef Dheeraj said, 'In India, fruit-infused coffee is a rising trend, especially among those who drink speciality coffee. The trend focuses on infusing coffee beans with fruits and more exotic and natural ingredients to make different flavour representations. Recently, however, attention has focused on the next critical step: how coffee cherries are processed after they are picked from the shrubs. Out goes the traditional process, and in comes a futuristic experiment known as fruit co-fermentation.' What is the process of making fruit-infused coffee? Fruit-infused coffee is organic and does not involve adding flavoured fruit syrups to the coffee. Instead, real fruit bits are added during the brewing process. (Shutterstock) Fruit-flavoured coffee is different as it is more organic, because it involves real fruit slices in the brewing process, rather than fruit-flavoured syrup. This makes the flavour notes much more authentic. Chef Dheeraj explained the process of fruit co-fermentation, which is used to prepare fruit-infused coffee, and it has no place for any artificial fruit syrups. Clarifying more about the brewing process, he said, 'Fruit co-fermentation is a thorough process performed with freshly picked coffee cherries and fresh fruits. Therefore, it has nothing to do with artificially flavoured coffees that are roasted and then poured with syrups or oils. Instead, the actual effort begins immediately after the cherries are collected.' Further describing the process of fruit fermentation, he continued, 'Harvested fruit is transferred to sealed chambers that either keep all oxygen out or allow some in. Once inside, producers add slices of pineapple, peach, citrus, or other desired fruit. As the hours pass, the beans absorb the aroma and flavour of the steam rising in the tank, allowing fresh notes to enter the cup without overpowering the coffee. The ultimate result of all of this effort is a flavour that tastes significantly more complex. Specifically, mouthfeel, brightness, fragrance, and even the way the aftertaste lingers can all change in wonderful ways.' The sweet, fruity flavours carry a nuanced balance, in tandem with coffee's rich notes, without tasting like a juice. He added, 'Nobody expects the coffee to smell like juice, yet the additional fruit delicately elevates the beans' natural characteristics rather than masking them under sugar sweetness.' Types of fruit-infused coffee variants Strawberries are added to coffee for a fruity touch- like this strawberry latte.(Shutterstock) So, what are the fruit flavours that are teaming up with coffee for a whole new brew update? Chef Dheeraj listed out three types of fruit-infusions, which include different fruity pops of taste: Citrus Infusions: Orange, lemon and other citrus fruits add a refreshing twist to coffee. Berry Infusions: Strawberries, cranberries and other berries bring sweetness and tartness. Tropical Fruit Infusions: Pineapple, mango, and other tropical fruits create a sweet and creamy flavour. Now that you're aware of the broad fruit categories, let's take a closer look at some specific fruit pairings. One fruit doesn't need to be the hero ingredient; multiple fruits from the same flavour profile can be combined to create a more layered experience. Chef Dheeraj shared a few coffee drinks based on fruit pairings and their flavour profiles: Citrus and Coffee: Orange, lemon, and grapefruit pair well with coffee, adding a bright and citrusy flavour. Orange, lemon, and grapefruit pair well with coffee, adding a bright and citrusy flavour. Berry Bliss: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a sweet and fruity flavour profile. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries create a sweet and fruity flavour profile. Tropical Twist: Pineapple, mango, and passionfruit add a sweet and creamy flavour to coffee. 2 fruit-infused coffee recipes to try at home Chef Dheeraj shared 2 recipes that you can try: 1. Orange-Infused Cold Brew The zesty orange flavour feels perfect for iced brews. (Shutterstock) Ingredients 100 grams coffee, coarsely ground 700 ml water 2 oranges, each cut into 8 pieces 1 inch cinnamon stick Method Place coarsely ground coffee, water, cinnamon and orange slices in a large container. Set aside for 12-24 hours for brewing. Filter coffee through cheesecloth or a filter and remove orange slices. Pour into a glass, garnish with an orange and enjoy. 2. Blueberry Latte Blueberry latte has a sweet yet tarty taste.(Shutterstock) Ingredients ½ cup frozen blueberries 2-3 tbsp brown sugar or sweetener of choice ½ tsp vanilla extract 180 ml milk of choice 60 ml espresso 1 cup of ice if making cold coffee Optional garnish: Whipped cream Method Over medium-high heat, combine the blueberries, brown sugar and vanilla in a small pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Liquid should be smooth, and blueberries should be breaking down. Set aside to cool a bit. Transfer the compote to a small blender and pulse until smooth. Brew espresso and set aside. Layer 1-2 tbsp of blueberry compote in the cup, then fill the cup with ice. Pour milk of choice over ice, then add the espresso. Give it a little stir and enjoy.
Fashion Value Chain
2 hours ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Footfall Surge: Malls in NCR Redesign Strategies to Attract Footfall
Delhi-NCR's retail landscape is seeing a compelling revival. Footfall in malls has not only bounced back post-pandemic but is surpassing pre-COVID levels during weekends, holidays, and festive periods. This resurgence reflects a deeper shift in consumer behavior, where physical spaces are once again central to how people shop, socialize, and unwind. Retail Redefined: NCR Malls Transform from Shopping Hubs to Experience-Driven Destinations In response, mall operators and developers are reimagining these spaces to go beyond transactions. By blending entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences, they are aligning with the expectations of experience-hungry, digitally aware consumers. Indias retail sector is poised for historic expansion, with a record 16.6 million sq. ft. of Grade A mall space expected to be completed across the country's top seven cities by the end of 2026, as per Anarock's report. Leading this growth are Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR, which together will contribute nearly 65% of the new retail space, reaffirming their position as the country's most promising consumption hubs. The research reflects a broader trend of rising consumer demand, fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and the entry of global retail brands into the Indian market. The report also notes that leasing activity remains robust, with over 12.6 Mn sq. ft. projected to be leased across 2025 and 2026. A key driver of this momentum is the entry of more than 60 international brands across fashion, electronics, lifestyle, and food & beverage sectors in the past four years. As a result, mall developers are increasingly focusing on quality and location, with a clear shift toward Grade A developments. Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls – Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, says, 'In the NCR region, malls have become central to redefining how modern India experiences retail. Consumers are seeking deeper, more curated interactions, placing value on ambiance, events, personalisation, and lifestyle integration. In Gurugram, rising disposable incomes, strong metro connectivity, and significant infrastructure upgrades have made the city a magnet for top-tier Indian and global brands, rivalling even Delhi. At Ambience Malls, we've responded to this shift by creating immersive, multi-sensory environments, combining gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas. We've also integrated sustainable design elements and eco-conscious dcor to align with evolving consumer values. Our malls are designed to be places where people not only shop but build lasting emotional connections and experiences they return to.' As malls evolve into holistic lifestyle destinations, developers are rethinking how space is planned and experienced. Fashion, F&B, entertainment, and essential services are being blended more intelligently to guide consumer flow and maximise engagement. Theres a clear move toward premiumisation of the tenant mix, with high-end brands and gourmet experiences gaining ground, but without distancing the broader, value-conscious audience. Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, 'Gurugram's commercial growth has been a catalyst for the city's thriving retail ecosystem, driving strong momentum in leasing activity. We're seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations-people now gravitate toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Interestingly, Gurugram's next big retail story is emerging from high-potential yet untapped micro-markets, and we see a significant opportunity in locations like Old Gurgaon, where curated, experience-led retail formats will strike the right balance between convenience and discovery.' Ishwin Singh Hora, Director, Reach Group, says, 'High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. Unlike traditional mall environments, high streets allow brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives, while benefiting from easy accessibility and a vibrant street-level presence. Thus, with strong interest from both national and international brands, we see high street retail as the next frontier in urban shopping experiences, especially in dynamic cities like Gurugram.' Prakash Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Ocus Group, says, 'Retail leasing in NCR is growing momentarily, particularly with the renewed focus on organised high-street formats and evolving investment preferences. We're seeing global and domestic brands increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Thus, we see the market clearly shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail.' Thus, the resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals more than just a return to pre-pandemic normalcy-it marks a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. While the numbers are encouraging, the real challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time.
