Latest news with #AnindyaSaha


Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What if you could wear your fave song?
Pics: Anindya Saha Music shapes how we move, feel, and even dress. Ahead of World Music Day, we shot at the iconic The Park, Kolkata with a bunch of spirited girls. The brief? Let your favourite music genre define your OOTD. 'The idea was to let their energy shine through the styling. Music and fashion came together as a celebration of self-expression,' said stylist Anupam Chatterjee. Snapshots from a day of music and style. Style your tune: Choose a pastel wig in lavender and blue for standout flair Try layering a vinyl corset over an oversized teet Chunky silver boots can steal the show Chains and leather gloves can add bold, edgy details to the look Opt for a dramatic makeup with glitter for idol-level glam Style your tune: Opt for a vibrant handloom sari Pair with chunky silver jewellery Opt for dark kohl rimmed eyes and nude lips to make your eyes pop To bring forth the versatility of classical music, throw in a pair of funky white sneakers Tie your hair up into a half bun to add a fusion touch Think: Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars, Lose Yourself by Eminem Style your tune: Wear a pop-coloured cap backwards Layer an open oversized shirt over a cropped top Choose baggy joggers for comfort and easy movement Go for chunky white sneakers to keep it dance-friendly Add statement headphones as a fun accessory Think: Ghungroo from War, Desi Girl from Dostana Style your tune: Wear a floral corset top to add a playful and feminine touch Pair it with a white bodycon skirt for a sleek, fitted silhouette Add strappy nude heels to be dance-ready Accessorise with a chunky necklace for a glam touch Keep your hair loose and wavy to let it flow Think: Heaven's a Lie by Lacuna Coil, Unsainted by Slipknot Style your tune: Wear a black faux leather corset or a bustier Pair it with high-waisted leather pants or tailored trousers Fishnet sleeves or long, mesh gloves can give your outfit an edgy vibe Layer chunky chains, studded chokers, and statement pendants Complete look with smoky eyes, dark lipstick, and a pair of chunky boots I have always been drawn to the bold and intense beauty of gothic metal, like Cristina Scabbia's style. Wearing this look in the heat is tough, but it makes me feel powerful and confident – Akanksha Bhattacharya Fusion music thrives on the timeless versatility of ragas that blend seamlessly with B'wood, pop, and more to create fresh sounds rooted in tradition – Anoushka Dasgupta I grew up dancing to B'wood songs. It is not just about fashion or music, but about self-expression, feeling confident and letting my personality shine through – Bitasta Sinha Roy Growing up, dance was just a routine. But over time, I realised that hip hop was what truly resonated with me. Eminem's music played a big role in shaping my taste and interest in the genre – Alkaria Hashmi K-pop is incredibly catchy. I love the variety and creativity in their music video outfits, and the choreography is always impressive – Pracheta Banerjee


Time of India
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
City cools down with healthy, seasonal drinks
Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds. Pic: Anindya Saha From refreshing, low-sugar concoctions to the undisputed reign of the magnificent mango, Kolkata's cafes and restaurants are stirring up delightful beverages to beat the heat while keeping health and taste in perfect harmony. Think house-made coolers, fruity elixirs and seasonal blends – there's something for every palate. CT speaks to them to find out what Kolkata is drinking to beat the heat. Guilt-free sips Kolkata summers are pushing people towards purpose-driven drinks. 'Gen Z and Millennials want drinks that hydrate and energise,' says Vikram Khinwasara, co-founder, The Yellow Straw. Sougata Halder, executive chef, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge echoes: 'There is a growing demand for low-sugar options.' 'Our fresh juices are mostly without added sugar,' adds Aayushi Bajaj, founder, Pinkk Sugars. 'They're a refreshing and wholesome choice. ' 'Organic and fresh ingredients are in high demand this season,' says Suman Burman. Mango madness, a signature summer drink with mango pulp and sesame seeds 40% surge in mango-based beverage sales is seen during peak summer months Patrons are looking for refreshing robust aromatic drinks. We are using Kasundi in one of our drinks as a nostalgic ingredient. It is something that is used in almost every house in Kolkata – Suman Burman, manager, SKAI Rich in electrolytes and natural salts, aam panna helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke Regional mangoes, modern twists Vikram reveals that his team sources regional mango varieties like Langda and Himsagar, to bring authenticity to the beverage. He says, 'Our mango shake is a tribute to a traditional Marwari recipe: Aam Ras. We use real mango pulp to keep the essence intact.' The mango obsession doesn't stop there. 'We have our summer faves such as the mango chilli drink,' said Prateek Kayan, co-founder, Motherland. 'We also do a fancy version of Bel Sherbet at the café,' he added. There's nothing quite like a seasonal shake to beat the summer heat. When the temperatures rise, I find myself constantly craving something that's not just cooling, but also flavourful and a little sweet– Dolly Singh, model Customers are leaning towards light, refreshing flavours –think citrus, mint, watermelon, and subtle spice. Ingredients like gondhoraj lebu, fresh berries, and herbal infusions are especially popular– Chef Sougata Halder Five flavours Kolkata cannot get enough of Gondhoraj Ghol Mango shake and Lassi Mint lemonade Aam Panna Watemelon juices and mixes Model: Dolly Singh Pics: Anindya Saha Location: SKAI


Time of India
09-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Dive into the world of delicious ‘makha'
Model Sushmita Saha relishes kancha aam makha and jamun makha. Pic: Anindya Saha Aam, jaam or peyara, the next word that sits well with these is makha. It is a feeling, a tradition, and the taste of nostalgia for Bengalis. The tangy, spicy medley is a quick fix that transforms everyday ingredients into an explosion of flavours. Tossed in mustard oil, kasundi, with chopped green chilies, CT explores what makes this humble bowl an all-time hit. Peyara makha. Pic: Anindya Saha 'Makha is deeply seasonal' Bengalis grow up with all kinds of makhas, starting right from mashed rice and veggies, often a baby's first solid food. In summer, makhas becomes a daily ritual since a variety of fruits like kamranga, jamrul, and kodbel are available around this time. 'The jhal and tok mixed with the zing of kasundi gives an umami effect,' says Pritha. Food writer Ranjini Guha puts forth how makhas cool the body, with its blend of salt, spices, and mustard oil. She recalls her mother's sabu makha on Neel Sashti: 'It was an absolute show-stealer.' Even overripe or tart fruits find purpose. 'We used make Aam bhaate with unwanted mangoes, mustard oil, and salt,' said Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A dish and a quick fix Makha has carved out a space in modern kitchens too, reinvented by time-starved urbanites and nostalgic cooks alike. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo 'It's a quick fix when my domestic help isn't around. I sometimes just rustle up a chingri makha,' says Ranjini. 'On days I have the time, I recreate a kodbel makha or nimki makha to bring back a slice of my childhood. The versatility of makha makes it endlessly adaptable, sometimes into a salad, sometimes as a side dish, and sometimes even as a starter. 'Most makhas don't follow a strict recipe, they can be freely innovated. But no Bengali recipe collection is complete without them,' adds Ranjini. 'Toss some onion, green chilies, mustard, nimki, jhuri bhaja, and seasonal fruits like kancha aam and you have the perfect evening snack,' adds Debjani. Even non-vegetarian versions like chingri makha, murgi makha, and maachh makha have found their way into pop-up menus that celebrate rural Bengal. Budget bites, big on taste Makha is the epitome of frugality without compromising on taste. 'Makha is multi-dimensional in its utility and taste,' says Ranjini. It makes clever use of pantry staples like mustard oil, green chillies, and salt – ingredients found in almost every Bengali kitchen. Often, overripe or slightly bruised fruits and leftover food items find a new lease on life as makha, ensuring minimal waste. Since it requires no cooking, it saves both time and fuel. 'It is economical. The ingredients are mostly available in every household, which makes it affordable as well,' said Debjani. Fruits for your makha Kodbel makha. Pic: Debjani Chatterjee Alam Raw mango Jamun Wood apple Pomelo Guava Kamranga or Star fruit Jamrul or Rose apple Tamarind Maach Makha Kancha Aam Makha Quotes: Makha is multi-dimensional. It can be a salad, antipasti, or a humble home dish, it's still not a lost tradition – Ranjini Guha, food writer If you look at it economically, makha is a humble food for Bengalis. The ingredients are mostly available all the time in our pantry and also somewhat diminishes the affordability factor – Debjani Chatterjee Alam, food writer The making of kasundi starts during Akshaya Tritiya, and then with the arrival of summer fruits, the season is ideal for makhas – Pritha Sen, food historian


Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Plan an ice-cream social with scoops, sprinkles & swirls
Pic: Anindya Saha When the mercury climbs and the sun beats down, there's no sweeter escape than the cool, creamy comfort of an ice- cream social. It's a throwback to simpler times — joyful, hands-on, and perfect for all ages. Kids revel in the chance to build their dream sundaes, while adults indulge their inner child, debating over toppings like rainbow sprinkles or caramel drizzle. The setup is easy, the vibes are high, and the mess is half the fun. Forget sweltering in the heat and plan this fun summer activity for your buddies. From colourful décor and retro music, to the best frozen treats to cool off. Lahoma Bhattacharya played the perfect host, throwing the ultimate ice-cream social for friends Raipurna Halder, Sanjukta Dutta and Imon Sengupta. CT joined in the fun too, capturing every sweet, sticky moment. A sweet sprinkle of toppings An ice-cream social is meant to bring out your inner child so don't hold back on the toppings. Chef Vidisha Batwal suggests getting playful with your ice-cream presentation — think mini tubs like the ones you'd find at a kid's birthday party, perfect for serving up cheerful little waffle sundaes; or go a little extra with bubble waffles rolled into cones and generously filled with your favourite scoops. For something a bit more unexpected, she advises trying crispy crepe rolls that act as both wrap and dessert — a deliciously edible upgrade that adds a gourmet touch. Craft the perfect aesthetic Table runners in pastel stripes or polka dots Small signage like 'Build Your Own Sundae', 'Toppings Bar', or 'Scoop Me Up!' Backdrops with ice-cream illustrations, balloon arches, or ice-cream parlour themes Themed props like waffle cone cutouts and carts Serving displays with labelled jars, cake stands, and tiered trays for toppings Consider adding a DIY sundae or float station, live ice-cream churning demo or hiring a gelato cart Polaroid photo corner with themed props for guests to take the perfect Insta-worthy shot Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .


Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pedalling through wetlands that feed & cleanse the city
Pic: Anindya Saha On World Biodiversity Day, Calcutta Times took the off-road bicycling trails of the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). We ventured on the trail with cyclists who frequent the e marshy fields and tree-laden groves, by the expansive water bodies – to rediscover the 'kidneys of Kolkata'. It cleanses the city's wastewater naturally through its own ecosystem of ponds, algae and fish. Kolkata is the only Indian metro to boast such a natural system – saving an approximate `500 crore per annum in the process (other metros, like Delhi, pay for wastewater treatment). The wetlands, spread across 12,500 hectares, is an ecologically critical and biodiversity-rich ecosystem that also serves as a bicycling hotspot for a large section of the city's riders. But this frail bubble needs better awareness – and the responsibility lies with us. 'Responsibility is key' Wetland mornings see a fair share of recreational cyclists. The venue hosts a range of migratory bird species – which makes it a favourite haunt for birders, who gather around shallow ponds (bheris), mudflats or grassy embankments near Chinarpur, Bantala and Nalban. All of this, however, needs to be handled responsibly. Noise, littering, plastic waste – these are pollutants that elicit a strict no from environment organisations. 'While Ramsar recognition brought awareness, scientific interest and legal recognition to the EKW, it has not been sufficient to counteract the pressures of urbanisation and climate vulnerability,' said Sayantani Dutta of Jaladarsha Collective, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of waterbodies in and around Kolkata. While there has been a rise in community groups and green NGOs conducting 'eco-cycling' tours to raise awareness from Khoriberia to Kheyadoho, ultimately, the onus to preserve the delicate balance of the EKW ecosystem is on us, as citizens. Bicycles, the most important commute Roads in and around the EKW are mostly unpaved — ideal for bikes, not cars. Bicycles act as the backbone of daily logistics in this delicate landscape. This landscape, recognised as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance), is crucial to Kolkata's food security infrastructure. It supports over 20,000 local fisherfolk and farmers. Most of them use cycles to transport fresh fish and vegetables to local markets in Kolkata. 'Many local schoolchildren commute on cycles, keeping the carbon footprint low,' said Nobina Gupta, founder director of the Disappearing Dialogues Foundation. With pukka roads comes the proliferation of auto-rickshaws, spewing noxious fumes. The Metro Railways, cutting through a part of the wetlands, pose another hazard in terms of noise, especially for crepuscular and nocturnal bird species. EKW is also home to Indian Palm Squirrels, Fishing Cats and Indian Flapshell Turtles Migratory birds sighted at EKW Northern Pintail Wood Sandpiper Rosy Starling Siberian Stonechat Quotes: Unregulated solid waste dumping has led to the water quality in the EKW being affected, with plastic pollution being a major threat to fish and aquatic plants – Sayantani Dutta, co-founder, Jaladarsha Collective Development, if not sustainability-focused, is bound to pose an ecological hazard to the EKW's frail ecosystem – Nobina Gupta, founder director, Disappearing Dialogues FoundationEarly morning wetland views are absolutely breathtaking. It is a Kolkata not many have seen – Ritobrata Patra, cyclist