NEW DELHI : The release date of Aditya Chopra’s upcoming Bollywood production ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’ has been postponed due to rise in Covid-19 cases. The new release date will be announced later by the makers. Indian film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed the news on Twitter on Thursday. He tweeted, “#BreakingNews: #BuntyAurBabli2 – which was scheduled to release in *cinemas* on 23 April 2021 – has been postponed… #YRF will announce the new release date later. #SaifAliKhan, #RaniMukerji, #SiddhantChaturvedi #Sharvari.” In what is being dubbed as the second wave of Covid-19, new restrictions, and lockdowns are being implemented in certain parts of the country, most notably in Maharashtra. Owing to this, ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’ producer Aditya Chopra has decided to postpone the release of the film. ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’, produced by Yash Raj Films, was earlier set to release on 23 April. The film stars Saif Ali Khan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Rani Mukerji. The cast also includes debutante Sharvari. ‘Bunty Aur Babli 2’ is a sequel to the 2005 hit film ‘Bunty Aur Babli’, starring Rani alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan.

Vaani Kapoor credits her big films such as ‘War’, ‘Bell Bottom’, ‘Shamshera’, and ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ for getting her more eyeballs though she says along with it comes scrutiny. “When you do big films, while you are bound to get more eyeballs along with it comes a lot of scrutiny. I have always been clear in my head that I want to be part of films that allow me to showcase my skills as an actor,” said Vaani.

She added: “My next films — ‘Bell Bottom’, ‘Shamshera’, and ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ — are films that will hopefully entertain all of India and I have given it my all.”

In ‘Bell Bottom’, Vaani stars with Akshay Kumar, in ‘Shamshera’ she is opposite Ranbir Kapoor, and ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ will see her opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. “Signing big films has definitely helped me to get the required attention in the brand endorsement space as you are currently seeing. I’m in a happy space and I want to do good work and also sign brands that resonate with my beliefs and values. I can’t wait to see what 2021 has to offer,” she said.

NEW DELHI: Madhuri Dixit recreated 60s magic with legendary actress Waheeda Rehman recently by grooving on her iconic song from ‘Teesri Kasam’. The ‘Kalank’ actress was seen recreating the song with Waheeda on the sets of her dance show ‘Dance Deewane 3’. Madhuri took to her Instagram and shared a captivating video with the iconic actress, who came as a celebrity guest in the show, where she is seen grooving on the song ‘Paan Khaaye Saiyaan Humaro’ with her. The video is no less than a visual treat to all the fans on social media as both of them were seen exuding elegance while performing the steps on the song. The legendary actress Waheeda Rehman was seen clad in a bright yellow saree with an elegant neckpiece whereas Madhuri donned a white shirt with a bright pink patterned lehenga. She accessorised her look with a modish green neckpiece.

Spring is here, heralding hope and a new sartorial season. The most recent edition of fashion week—a collaboration between the Fashion Design Council of India and Lakme Fashion Week—adapted to the needs of the post-pandemic world by conducting their line-up of shows virtually. One of the most striking collections on display was designer duo Pankaj & Nidhi’s. Called Kaleido, the collection has been described as “a celebration of new beginnings on the ramp—of unbridled self-expression and an optimistic look at the future.”

Derived from the Greek term for ‘beautiful form’, Kaleido is an apt moniker for this set of free-flowing and bright-hued garments that encourage women to embrace and enhance their natural form. The brilliant reds, luscious oranges, unabashed pinks, ultra-violet blues and electric greens immediately grab the viewer’s attention, while the easy silhouettes are soothing to the eye. To ensure a well-rounded offering, tailored co-ord sets with sporty elements are also included.

The fabrics used are sheer, translucent, breathable and easy to wear.

Both award-winning graduates of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the husband-wife designer duo of Pankaj & Nidhi, have made a name for themselves in the industry through sheer grit and hard work.

August 2012 was a turning point in their career when they were chosen as Grand Finale designers, a first for young talent, at that year’s Lakme Fashion Week. Since then, they have been honoured with several prestigious awards. They operate through their on-ground stores located in Khar West and Altamount Road in Mumbai and Kila, Mehrauli and DLF Emporio Mall in Delhi.

Their latest collection is directly inspired by a kaleidoscope and the myriad unique patterns and visuals it offers. Both designers have always been fascinated with the constant change in patterns in a kaleidoscope.

The technicolour explosion that ensues in that unobtrusive device, sparked off inspiration to create something vibrant, energetic and positive. A kaleidoscope generates changing symmetrical patterns from small pieces of coloured glass, symbolising constant evolution. The designers felt this was the perfect analogy for their creativity which is always evolving too.

The basic elements of 3D geometry such as the shape of optical pyramids, also played a role in Pankaj & Nidhi’s latest line, with futuristic, optimistic and psychedelic nuances displayed through the use of graphic textures and patterns. The overall ‘other-worldly’ effect is highlighted through shiny prismatic elements of holographic embroidery and dexterously hand-cut appliqués in shapes of triangles, squares and diamonds that transition from colourless forms to a vast disbursed spectrum of vivacity. “This collection was nothing short of a celebration of life for us, and an ode to new beginnings. It was an optimistic look at the future, breaking the shackles of the past and moving ahead with joy and embracing one’s intrinsic self,” exclaimed the designers with pride.

The collaborative show between Pankaj & Nidhi and Lakme Salon, was broadcast live on the Lakme Fashion Week Instagram Handle on March 17. Hundreds of people tuned in to view the aesthetically designed set in pastel and pleasing hues, showcasing models dancing and swerving to upbeat music in feminine silhouettes and brightly coloured creations. Their attractive hair styles and vivid makeup added to the overall effect of exuberance and freshness. An optimised balance was visible in the pairing of feminine flounces with structured shapes—flattering both curves and lines together.

When asked about the effects of the pandemic on their latest collection, designer duo Pankaj & Nidhi, claim to have become more prudent in the usage of material and the utility of their designs. Designing sharp and focused collections, in order to reduce waste and ensuring each sample, each stitch and each cut of cloth counts, has become their mantra. “Our planet and nature need nurturing and so do our creative souls. Unfortunately, peace can never be achieved if one comes at the cost of the other. Humankind has its environment in nature but the body’s immediate environment is the clothing that we wear and hence we must care for both,” they say emphatically.

Living in the digital age certainly has its advantages as well as disadvantages. Where digital fashion shows have the potential to reach a much wider audience, physical events, even with limited seating and audience, help the viewer to connect emotionally with the show and with the garments on display. The talented designer duo hope that the current edition of fashion week is a one-off moment in history, and an amalgamated system is developed in the future where digital and physical can take place simultaneously, to reach a diverse and discerning audience.

The writer is a lawyer who pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com. She can be reached on nooranand@gmail.com.

Recently launched and much talked about ‘SAGA: Cuisines of India’, a modern Indian restaurant, finally opens its doors to the public for a great overall culinary experience. A venture by food & beverage entrepreneur Vishal Anand in partnership with Michelin Star chef Atul Kochhar, standalone restaurant SAGA boasts of one of the tallest bar displays in the world and the cocktails they do does some justice to it. “Our focus on bar is as much as on our food. We wanted to curate a unique experience for our guest and had the advantage of a 56 feet high ceiling which led to conceptualising one of the tallest bar displays in the world,” says Vishal Anand.

This combination, topped with that of ace designer Raghavendra Rathore designing the uniforms for the staff, sets the tone apart for SAGA right at the onset. It is an ambitious project, but I would say that the ambition is well worth it for two major reasons: It’s got class and it’s got taste. The décor is extremely European with high ceilings and gives us a feel of Rome or Brussels, whereas the food is regional Indian with each item handpicked from the states, and the liquor has been sourced from all over the world. The seating areas are on the ground floor, upper-level, and the alfresco section, each of which has been cleverly planned to offer the finest view of the exteriors, the outlet, as well as the band playing at the altar. What was striking for a person in me was the choice of colour—a combination of black and white for the floor and blue and brown for the seating—very unusual and bold. The other thing that attracted me as a person of literature and arts was the attention to detail—whether it was the embroidered napkins, the tasteful cutlery, the movable chandeliers or the storyteller they have on board—each aspect brings out those fine touches of creativity and imagination.

I asked Chef Kochhar about the inspiration for the food at SAGA, to which he replied: “SAGA is a modern Indian fun dining outlet with its deep roots in the Indian food culture and hospitality. Its food is all about the cuisines of India. The recipes are inspired from different regions and flavours that have crossed the boundaries of the country and made their space in a more global space. We also take inspiration from what is happening around us and reflect the same emotion through our food. At SAGA, we believe that food is a journey that one takes and we would like to be a part of that journey with you. SAGA also represents the stories that gravitate around the food, which helped the dishes to make their emotional connection with people around the world.”

My picks for the food are the Dal Moradabadi, the dry fruit stuffed naan, the Parsi Salli Boti, the Kerala Meen Ularthiyathu (King fish masala) and the Mangalorean Ghee Roast Prawns. Even though I am not a dessert person, I was pleasantly surprised to have the Bengali Brûlée, which I think they have nailed in terms of the ingredients, taste and presentation. For a place that boasts about having one of the world’s tallest bars, the drinks menu has to be “tall”. Taking off from the cuisines of India, the beverage menu is massive and truly global. From the choicest single malts to champagnes to wines classified by countries, the alcohol menu is vast and impressive, but also affordable. However, their signature cocktail range is inspired from the regions of India, my picks being the Maharaja Sour with whiskey as the base, Mysore Mahal (gin and gooseberry) and Nishat Bagh (aged rum and raspberry liqueur).

Vishal Anand is a self-confessed music buff, which can be seen in the state-of-the-art equipment with installations of speakers and woofers at different levels in SAGA. The well-placed JBL concert speakers—the first-of-its-kind for any restaurant—are what sets the place apart. Even though the time of opening may have been slightly risky, they team has put in a lot of thought and taken the pains to go that extra mile to ensure that SAGA is here for the long run and it is all set to become one of the better-known places in the city for a great dining experience.

Adhyayan Suman, who has essayed roles in hit projects like ‘Raaz 3’ and ‘Aashram’ (web series) and even sung the song ‘Soniyo 2.0’, will be seen in a music video ‘Peg Daariya’ which is hitting the right chords with the audience. Adhyayan spoke exclusively to The Sunday Guardian and spoke about singing, the new song ‘Peg Daariya’, and upcoming projects.

Q. You will be singing a song in ‘Ashram 2’. How did it happen?

Well, ‘Aashram’ has done a lot for me as an actor. I will always be indebted to Prakash Jha saab and Disha Jha. Prakash Jha films is like family now and I went up to sir during the narration of ‘Aashram 2’ and requested him if I could give one of rockstar Tinka Singh’s (the character he plays) songs from ‘Ashram 2’ a shot as a singer and he was kind enough to allow me to try my hand at it. I can’t reveal more but I’m really blessed.

Q. Your music video ‘Peg Daariya’ is getting good response from the audience. What is your reaction to it?

Adulation is what artists crave, ‘Peg Daariya’ is special cause the narrative is an experience I went through in my own life. I’m glad people have caught on to subtle things I and my director have tried to say. Gradually it is becoming the friendship anthem of the year. It’s growing on people and I always knew it would take a slow but solid start. More than the numbers it’s the connection I have made with music listeners. It’s such a humbling experience to be accepted as a singer too post ‘Aashram’.

Q. How was the experience of shooting the song?

The experience was wonderful. Most of the people I have worked with were friends and I thank them for being so helpful and selfless during the shoot. It was tough but we made it. I thank the team from the bottom of my heart for getting my vision and being so hardworking.

Q. What are your upcoming projects?

As of now I have signed nine OTT shows and three films. Five singles are in the pipeline. I am fortunate to wake up every day and work. I can’t ask for more.