Latest news with #Kajal
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
ETBWS 2025: Customer-centricity: The heart of Simply Nam
Addressing a room full of founders at the ETBrandEquity's Brand World Summit 2025 , a makeup artist and educator Namrata Soni , founder of Simply Nam , spoke about her brand's journey. Despite her 26 years in the beauty industry, the world of running a makeup brand, which she started four years ago, was entirely new territory. "I don't know anything about running a beauty brand or makeup brand," Soni stated, crediting fortunate partnerships for guiding her journey. The ethos: Beauty for every Indian skin tone Simply Nam was born from a clear vision: "Makeup for real women." It's about "finding the beauty in every single person out there," focusing on confidence and enhancement rather than camouflage. In a market flooded with thousands of new beauty brands, especially post-lockdown, Simply Nam stands out through its founder's direct engagement. "I get to work with real women every single day. I hear what they have to say, I hear what they are missing," Soni explained. While trends are enticing, Soni learned the practicalities of product development. "I used to be very naive initially when I realised that, I just have to make this product and put it out," she shared, highlighting the long lead times for packaging and brand representation. Simply Nam prides itself on being an aesthetically clean, vegan and cruelty-free brand. While not "100 per cent clean" in all aspects, they prioritise climate and country relevance. "This brand is for all the amazing people who live in this country and all the amazing people who have never managed to find the right color." A sustainable beginning: The makeup towel Simply Nam's journey began with an unexpected product: a makeup towel. "Everybody asked me, the first question they asked me was why?" Soni's answer stemmed from her years as a makeup artist, witnessing the waste of 20 to 30 cotton pads per client and the skin issues caused by many makeup removers. This led to the creation of a sustainable makeup removal cloth, usable for "1000 washes" over five years. The brand's color cosmetics line followed, with a focus on "stable products" for everyday use rather than fleeting trends. They aim to be the go-to product when consumers leave for work or a night out, from glosses to compacts. Their collaborations include a partnership for Kajal, noted for its "seven times more product" and innovative, standout packaging designed to encourage repeat purchases. Customer-centricity: Simply Nam's core Simply Nam primarily thrives on its own website, though it also sells on platforms like Amazon, Tira and Nykaa. Customer feedback is paramount. "Every single complaint that we get, every single Love and Light that we get, comments that we get, we take it seriously," Soni affirmed. They even host sessions where customers test and provide input on upcoming products, making them feel integral to the brand's evolution. Recently securing a round of funding has brought both excitement and pressure. "Somebody else's money is coming in, but at the same time faith that people believe in us and they want us to grow in this very cluttered, overcrowded market of makeup," she shared. For Simply Nam, standing out means prioritising consumer relationships and developing products that enhance natural beauty. Soni lamented the historical challenge of international brands failing to cater to diverse Indian skin tones, often requiring makeup artists to mix multiple shades for clients. Simply Nam aims to address this gap, despite currently having a smaller collection. Their products are also climate-sensitive, performing consistently across India's varied weather conditions. The brand prides itself on working closely with Indian vendors. Soni's approval process is famously rigorous, with products undergoing personal testing for weeks before approval. "If I'm not going to use it on myself, I cannot expect consumers to use it on them. Am I right?" she posed. Simply Nam is intentionally not a "celebrity-driven brand," but rather a "product-driven brand" focused on its ethos and what it communicates to the consumer. Soni finds immense satisfaction in direct customer validation. "Today, when I walked in, I had such a beautiful experience where so many women came up to me and said, "We love this blush, we love this lipstick, we love your culture, and honestly, when I'm stopped at airports and I'm told that it just brings biggest smile to my face, because it makes me believe that I'm doing something right," she concluded.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Courtney Cox uses Victoria Beckham's eyeliner to create her go-to 90s smokey eye
Courtney Cox has just given fans an insight into the one eyeliner she uses to create a 'tattoo-like' eyeliner for a 90s smokey eye - and it turns out it's from Victoria Beckham Beauty Beauty icon Victoria Beckham has amassed plenty of praise for her best-selling eyeliner range at Victoria Beckham Beauty, as makeup shoppers and celebrities alike are obsessed with its pigment, blendability and staying power. Shoppers have been raving about this eye make-up essential as it continues to receive high praise as a best-seller, but the adoration doesn't stop there, as plenty of celebrities have been voicing their love for this eyeliner. One known fan of the Satin Kajal Liner is Claudia Winkleman, who swears by Victoria Beckham's eyeliner to create her iconic eye look. Courtney Cox has now joined the list of stars singing the praises of this liner. She shared on Instagram earlier this week that she uses it to create the 90s smokey eye she opts for repeatedly. Claudia is mostly married to a classic black liner look, and Courtney Cox has just revealed she too opts for the same black eyeliner, and explained why. The Friends star told her Instagram followers that she had her eyelids tattooed to create a permanent eyeliner effect without the need for makeup to complete the look, or needing constant touchups throughout filming. That said, Courtney explained that she had done it so long ago that the tattoos were now faded, and she needed a good, pigmented black liner to cover the old marks. The Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Eyeliner comes in a total of 21 other shades , including navy, bronze, and burgundy, as well as more unusual hues like mint green. Shoppers can choose from matte, shimmer, and jewel finishes, and each liner costs £32, either directly from her website or at Selfridges. The VB eyeliner is perfect for achieving Courtney's iconic smudgy effect that recreates the 90s smokey eye Courtney has rocked since Friends season one. It boasts a creamy texture that glides on in a single stroke with no dragging or pulling. You can use it to create a sharp, crisp line or blend and smudge it out to create a more lived-in look. It's also packed with skin-loving ingredients which are suitable for all skin types, and it's completely smudge-proof and waterproof, so once you've got it how you want it, it'll stay put all day. The eyeliner has also been created to be vegan and completely cruelty-free. The luxurious eyeliner promises "low maintenance glamour" with just one swipe across the eyelid, while also offering bendability and flexibility that means your new eyeliner can seamlessly blend into any eye look you want. And with grunge makeup making a comeback, these beauties are perfect for that messy, smudged style that won't budge for the rest of the day. And it's not just Courtney who loves this award-winning eyeliner from Posh Spice's brand, as plenty of 5-star reviews rack up. One 5-star reviewer raves: "Absolutely in love with the Kajal liner. Glides on like velvet." Another adds: "This eyeliner goes on smooth and smudges great. Once it sets, it stays in place all day. The colour is really pretty also." And another satisfied shopper beams: "This is the best eyeliner I have ever used. It's easy to put on and lasts all day. The sharpener is a great tool too." A fourth beauty fan writes: "Beautiful colour and probably the best liner I have ever bought. Stays without smudge all day." Another reviewer added: 'I've been using this soft, long-lasting eyeliner for a while now, and I'm absolutely hooked! The formula is smooth and glides on effortlessly, making it super easy to create a variety of looks. It stays put all day without smudging or fading, even during those long days. The colour payoff is fantastic, and it's really easy to build up the intensity. And let's not forget about the packaging! It's sleek and stylish, making it a pleasure to use.' However, one left a three-star rating, commenting: ' The eyeliner goes on like a dream but you have to be careful not to get it into your waterline otherwise it transfers under the eyes. I end up with blue/purple looking panda eyes after a few hours. To prevent this I have to apply very carefully and it blunts the pencil quickly. I never got this with my No7 kohl liner.' If you're on a budget and don't want to splash out too much, you can grab the viral All Smudge No Budge eyeliner while it's available from Beauty Bay, or take a gander at Wonderskin's Longwear Eyeliner on Amazon.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Beyond boundaries: These girls hit the cricket field daily — for freedom
Gurgaon: Every day, at the crack of dawn, before Millennium City stirs to life, around 25 young women pick up their bats and pads, not necessarily aiming for a place in a club, college or state team, but in defiance of gender stereotypes imposed on them. A cricket ground in Kadipur has become an arena of liberation for these girls, who are not just from the city but also other parts of south Haryana. For 16-year-old Kajal, cricket isn't just a sport, it's a statement of identity. After leading her team to victory at the national games in Panchkula, she made a decision that went beyond the boundary line. Her long hair, kept for years to please her mother, had to go. "Cut it so short that no strand comes in my eyes while I play," she told the barber after winning the nationals. But Kajal doesn't "want to be described as just a woman cricketer". "When gender is emphasised in sports, especially for women, it overshadows the athlete. People tend to see you as a woman in sports, rather than simply a sportsperson." You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Ask her about her favourite player and she quips, "When I look in the mirror, I see my favourite player." Her journey hasn't been smooth. During a match in Paladi, Mahendergarh, her shoes came off in the middle of a game. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo With no shops nearby, she borrowed an ill-fitting pair from a spectator and continued playing. The same determination defines her daily routine— running 1.5km to practise rather than taking the local transport to the cricket ground. "What kind of a sportsperson would I be if I can't even run a kilometre a day," she says. Kajal isn't alone trying to make a mark. Tanu (18), from a family of six sisters, is also scripting her story through cricket. "I would wake up before everyone else, finish all the household chores so my mother wouldn't have a reason to stop me," she says. Once, when locked in her room to prevent her from playing, she escaped when her mother was in the kitchen. "My mother beat me up when I returned. But it didn't matter. I had played enough cricket for the day," she smiles. But cricket wasn't her one true love. She started with badminton, then shifted to cricket after watching other girls play. As a left-handed batsman and part-time bowler, Tanu still remembers earning Rs 200 and player of the match trophy in a game, which gave "one more reason" to her family to allow her to play. For Harshita (18), the pursuit of cricket meant dropping out of college for a year. Now studying in Rewari and training in Gurgaon, she navigates the two cities to keep her dream alive. "Govt colleges in Gurgaon don't even have a girls' team. It's never been easy — managing academics in one city and training in another. But I'll do whatever it takes to keep playing," she insists. The girls aren't waging a lonely battle. Coach Ajit Singh, who started an academy in 2009, has been pushing their cause at every platform possible. He has seen his team become champions in multiple age groups at the School Games Federation of India tournaments. It was a community effort that transformed their training ground — once a barren patch dotted with Babul trees — into a proper cricket field three years ago. "A local councillor helped bring in debris from a nearby road and houses that were demolished. A municipal tender was issued to supply soil and grass. Thus, the pitch took shape three years ago," says Singh. But coach Singh rues the lack of consistent support from education and sports departments. He relies mainly on local corporate professionals and former playing colleagues for donations of bats, balls, and gear, and for funds for the tournaments he organises. One of Singh's supporters, who regularly donates equipment for the budding cricketers, believes the women's game should be celebrated as much as other leagues. "While everybody celebrates IPL and cheers for their favourite teams, few know that there is a women's premier league too. Why can't we celebrate that as well? Ajit used to play with us. One day, he came up with an idea of a women's cricket team and we said 'why not?'. Though we can't train them through the day as we work in corporate setups, we can support them with equipment and funds. So, we do that," he says. In a state with a skewed gender ratio, these young cricketers are writing a new narrative. With every ball bowled and a run scored, they are breaking boundaries.
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Kajal Aggarwal: The Star Who Redefined South Indian Cinema
Kajal Aggarwal is a name that echoes across South Indian cinema with elegance, versatility, and timeless charm. From her memorable performances in Telugu and Tamil blockbusters to her poised demeanor both on-screen and off, Kajal has carved a niche as one of the most respected and loved actresses in Indian cinema. With over 15 years in the industry, she continues to inspire millions of fans and aspiring artists. In this blog, we will delve deep into the journey of Kajal Aggarwal , exploring her early life, film career, achievements, personal life, and her lasting influence on the Indian film industry. Kajal Aggarwal was born on June 19, 1985, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, into a Punjabi family. Her father, Vinay Aggarwal, is an entrepreneur, and her mother, Suman Aggarwal, is a businesswoman who later became Kajal's manager. Kajal has a younger sister, Nisha Aggarwal, who also tried her hand at acting in South Indian films. Raised in Mumbai, Kajal pursued her schooling at St. Anne's High School, followed by her graduation in Mass Media (specializing in Advertising and Marketing) from K.C. College. Initially, Kajal didn't plan on becoming an actress; she aimed to pursue an MBA from a reputed institution. However, life had other plans. Her modeling career started during college when she got opportunities to appear in commercials and print ads. That exposure gradually transitioned her into films. Kajal made her film debut in 2004 with 'Kyun! Ho Gaya Na…', a Hindi film starring Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi. Kajal played a minor supporting role in the movie, but it was enough to spark her interest in acting as a full-time career. Her big breakthrough came in 2007 with the Telugu film 'Chandamama', directed by Krishna Vamsi. The film became a hit and Kajal's performance was widely appreciated. Her innocent charm, natural acting, and expressive eyes won her many fans in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, it was the 2009 magnum opus 'Magadheera', directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Ram Charan, that catapulted her to superstardom. The movie was a historic blockbuster and became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at that time. Kajal played a dual role with immense conviction, showcasing her acting range. The film's success firmly established her as a leading actress in the South Indian film industry. Also Read: Karishma Kapoor Height in Feet, Age, Weight, & Family – Complete Karishma Kapoor Biography Post- Magadheera , Kajal became a sought-after name in Tollywood. She starred in several commercially successful films like: Brindavanam (2010) with Jr. NTR with Jr. NTR Mr. Perfect (2011) with Prabhas with Prabhas Businessman (2012) with Mahesh Babu with Mahesh Babu Baadshah (2013) with Jr. NTR with Jr. NTR Govindudu Andarivadele (2014) with Ram Charan Each of these films contributed to her image as a bankable actress who could handle roles with grace and glamour in equal measure. Kajal made her Tamil debut with 'Pazhani' (2008) opposite Bharath, but her recognition came with 'Naan Mahaan Alla' (2010) opposite Karthi and 'Maattrraan' (2012) with Suriya. She further cemented her place in Tamil cinema with films like: Thuppakki (2012) opposite Vijay opposite Jilla (2014) again with Vijay again with Maari (2015) with Dhanush with Vivegam (2017) with Ajith Kumar Her chemistry with leading heroes and her effortless ability to adapt to different regional sensibilities made her a darling of both Tamil and Telugu audiences. One of Kajal Aggarwal's strongest qualities is her versatility. While many actresses are typecast into glamor roles, Kajal balanced both glamorous and performance-driven characters with finesse. She has portrayed: A warrior princess ( Magadheera ) ) A modern, independent woman ( Mr. Perfect ) ) A journalist ( Sita ) ) A village belle ( Sardaar Gabbar Singh ) ) A stylish urban girl ( Thuppakki ) Her expressive face, ability to emote subtlety, and command over language (she learned both Telugu and Tamil diligently) are testaments to her dedication as an actress. After a long focus on South Indian films, Kajal returned to Bollywood with 'Singham' (2011) opposite Ajay Devgn, directed by Rohit Shetty. The film was a blockbuster, and Kajal's performance was well-received, introducing her to a wider Hindi-speaking audience. Though she didn't take on too many Bollywood projects afterward, her appeal spread across India thanks to dubbed versions of her South Indian hits, often trending on satellite TV and streaming platforms. Over the years, Kajal Aggarwal has received numerous awards and accolades, including: CineMAA Award for Best Actress – Brindavanam – SIIMA Awards Nominations for Magadheera , Thuppakki , and Singham for , , and Filmfare Award (South) Nominations multiple times multiple times Vijay Awards Nomination for Thuppakki for Femina Power List 2016 – Recognized for her contribution to cinema In 2020, she was honored with the Zee Cine Awards Telugu for Best Actress (Jury) for Sita , further proving her ability to handle challenging roles. In October 2020, Kajal Aggarwal married Gautam Kitchlu, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur and founder of the design company Discern Living. The couple had a beautiful intimate wedding ceremony during the pandemic in Mumbai, surrounded by close friends and family. In April 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Neil Kitchlu. Kajal embraced motherhood gracefully and shared glimpses of her journey on social media, inspiring her fans with her openness and positivity. Kajal Aggarwal is known for her elegant, thoughtful, and often humorous presence on social media. With millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook, she uses her platforms to: Promote her work Support women empowerment and animal welfare Share wellness, fitness, and lifestyle insights Showcase her travel and family moments Her image is one of a modern Indian woman – confident, compassionate, and career-driven. In addition to acting, Kajal has dipped her toes into entrepreneurship and endorsements. She has endorsed major brands like Lux, Bru Coffee, Himalaya, and Chennai Silks. She also supports several philanthropic causes, especially education for underprivileged children, women's health, and environmental awareness. And she has collaborated with NGOs and regularly participates in charity events. Despite her marriage and motherhood, Kajal remains active in cinema. Some of her recent and upcoming projects include: Indian 2 (2024–25) – The much-awaited sequel to the Kamal Haasan classic, directed by Shankar. – The much-awaited sequel to the Kamal Haasan classic, directed by Shankar. Satyabhama (2024) – A woman-centric film with Kajal in the lead role. – A woman-centric film with Kajal in the lead role. Uma – A female-driven Hindi film showcasing a softer, emotional narrative. Her choice of scripts indicates her interest in meaningful and diverse roles, marking a new phase in her career post-motherhood. Kajal Aggarwal's journey from a marketing student in Mumbai to a top South Indian actress is nothing short of inspirational. She has broken stereotypes, seamlessly worked across industries, and maintained her stardom with humility and class. Her influence goes beyond just films: She's seen as a role model for women balancing career and personal life. balancing career and personal life. She's a trendsetter in fashion, frequently featuring in best-dressed celebrity lists. in fashion, frequently featuring in best-dressed celebrity lists. She's admired for her language fluency, professionalism, and adaptability. Kajal's long-standing presence in an ever-changing industry speaks volumes about her talent, discipline, and positive attitude. Over 60 films across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi languages 15+ years in the film industry in the film industry 7+ box office hits grossing over ₹100 crore grossing over ₹100 crore 30+ nominations and multiple awards and 25+ brand endorsements One of the most-followed Indian actresses on social media Kajal Aggarwal isn't just a glamorous face on the silver screen — she is an embodiment of hard work, grace, resilience, and evolution. From playing a charming rural girl to powerful lead roles in commercial and content-driven films, her journey reflects her constant drive to challenge herself. As she steps into the new era of her career post-motherhood, fans and critics alike are excited to see what she does next. Whether it's through path-breaking cinema, socially conscious efforts, or being an inspiring public figure, Kajal Aggarwal continues to shine bright. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Kajal Aggarwal's age? Kajal Aggarwal was born on June 19, 1985. As of 2025, she is 40 years old. Who is Kajal Aggarwal's husband? She is married to Gautam Kitchlu, an entrepreneur based in Mumbai. In which languages has Kajal Aggarwal acted? She has acted in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. What was Kajal Aggarwal's debut film? Her debut was in Bollywood with Kyun! Ho Gaya Na… in 2004, followed by her breakthrough in Telugu with Chandamama (2007). Does Kajal Aggarwal have children? Yes, she has a son named Neil Kitchlu, born in April 2022. What are Kajal Aggarwal's upcoming movies? Her upcoming films include Indian 2 , Satyabhama , and Uma . If you enjoyed reading this detailed profile of Kajal Aggarwal, don't forget to share it with fans of South Indian cinema. Whether you admire her acting, her style, or her journey, there's no denying that Kajal Aggarwal is a timeless star who continues to inspire across generations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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First Post
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
When Kannappa star Kajal Aggarwal said Prabhas looks better than Allu Arjun, Ram Charan and Jr NTR
During a rapid-fire round, Kajal Aggarwal was asked to rate Tollywood actors according to their looks and she gave Allu Arjun a 6/10, Prabhas an 8/10, Ram Charan a 7/10, Jr NTR a 6/10, Kalyan Ram a 5/10, and Ram Pothineni a 7/10 - clearly declaring the Salaar stars as the most handsome person among the lot. read more Kajal Aggarwal is currently garnering love for her portrayal of Goddess Parvati in Kannappa. Amid this, her old interview, where she is rating the biggest Tollywood stars like Prabhas, Jr NTR, Allu Arjun and Ram Charan in terms of their looks has resurfaced and is going viral. During a rapid-fire round with Sakshi TV, Kajal was asked to rate Tollywood actors according to their looks and she gave Allu Arjun a 6/10, Prabhas an 8/10, Ram Charan a 7/10, Jr NTR a 6/10, Kalyan Ram a 5/10, and Ram Pothineni a 7/10 - clearly declaring the Salaar stars as the most handsome person among the lot. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reddit fans agreed to her choice as one of the users commented, 'Those are honest and actually pretty fair ratings.' 'She's real and right. Love how she's straight to the point and honest,' wrote another. Interestingly, Kajal has worked with all the actors mentioned in the rapid-fire round. While she shared screen space with Allu Arjun in Arya 2, Kajal and Ram Charan worked together in Magadheera, Yevadu, Govindudu Andarivadele, and Naayak. With Jr NTR, she worked in Brindavanam. In Naandhi and Lakshmi Kalyanam, Kajal was paired opposite Kalyan Ram while she romanced Ram Pothineni in Ganesh. On the professional front, Kajal Aggarwal was recently seen in Kannappa, which also featured Vishnu Manchu, Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Raghu Babu, and Madhoo in prominent roles. She will next feature in The India Story, costarring Shreyas Talpade, followed by Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus Ramayana, which features Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Arun Govil, Rakul Preet Singh and Sunny Deol among others. Kajal will also be seen in the Kamal Haasan-starrer Indian 3.
