Expressing her gratitude, Kiran Rao stated, “I am deeply honored and delighted that Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life. Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope this film will resonate with audiences worldwide, just as it has in India.”

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, features a fresh ensemble cast including Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, and Chhaya Kadam, with a standout cameo by veteran actor Ravi Kishan. Released in theaters on March 1, the film garnered praise from critics and audiences alike, steadily gaining momentum through word-of-mouth.

Though it didn’t achieve massive box office numbers, Laapataa Ladies found a growing fanbase following its release on Netflix, where it reached a wider audience. The film, a social satire based on Biplab Goswami’s award-winning story, was brought to life with a screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai. It also earned recognition on the international stage, having been screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last year.

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She wore a sleeveless black corset top with a deep scoop neckline, the structured bodice perfectly hugging her curves. The top featured an inverted conical hemline, adding an edgy vibe. Draping a black blazer over her shoulders gave the formal piece an informal twist. To elevate her bold, dramatic look, Rashmika paired it with high-waisted distressed jeans embellished with sequins, creating a striking contrast with the refined corset and blazer. A bold red handbag added a warm pop of color to her neutral ensemble, completing the high-glam streetwear aesthetic. The entire look was a fusion of luxury and contemporary boldness.

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Her statement sari was paired with a sleeveless blouse with a plunging V-neckline, revealing her sun-moon tattoo. To elevate the look, she added a matching floral scarf tied around her neck, a stack of classic red bangles, and striking yellow vintage Givenchy sunglasses. Her half-up, half-down hairstyle and bold winged eyeliner gave the outfit a perfect nod to the retro vibe.

Channeling the iconic style of 70s Bollywood divas like Hema Malini, Rekha, and Zeenat Aman, Dimri reminded us of the era’s signature bold colors, geometric prints, bell bottoms, and playful accessories such as headbands and oversized sunglasses.

For the same film promotions, Dimri previously dazzled in a Kashida sari from Tarun Tahiliani’s 2024 Otherworldly collection. The paisley-print sari in rich hues of blue, red, and pink was edged with a gota patti border. She completed the look with a cut-out red blouse featuring colorful tassels and dainty earrings from Khanna Jewellers, further solidifying her place as a retro style icon.

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Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024, Alia Bhatt’s cinematic achievements span multiple languages and genres, earning her numerous awards and widespread acclaim. As a true multi-talented icon, Alia embodies the core values of L’Oréal Paris, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment, and sharing the brand’s mission of inspiring self-belief among women worldwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome Indian actress Alia Bhatt to the L’Oréal Paris family,” said Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global President of L’Oréal Paris. “Alia’s use of her global platform and role as a producer to promote inclusivity in the film industry and elevate Indian cinema on the world stage is truly admirable. Her dedication to caring for both people and the planet makes her an ideal ambassador for female talent, entrepreneurship, and the endless opportunities L’Oréal Paris seeks to create by uplifting women’s worth.”

Expressing her excitement, Alia Bhatt shared, “I am honored to join the L’Oréal Paris family and stand alongside a community of strong, powerful women. Having always been passionate about skincare, I admire L’Oréal Paris for its pioneering innovations and unwavering commitment to excellence in the beauty industry. The brand’s focus on women’s empowerment deeply resonates with me, as it strives to make every woman feel valued and empowered. I look forward to collaborating with L’Oréal Paris to make a positive impact in the beauty industry and champion inclusivity for women.”

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The Irish Tradition of Women Proposing:

One of the most well-known leap day traditions originates from Ireland. According to Irish folklore, St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick, allowing women to propose to men every leap day. It was believed that this reversal of traditional gender roles would bring good luck and fortune to the couple. While this custom may seem antiquated in modern times, it serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of societal norms and the persistence of age-old customs.

Greek Superstitions:

In Greece, leap years are often associated with superstitions and caution. It is believed that any actions taken during a leap year, especially major decisions like marriage or starting a business, may be fraught with misfortune. Consequently, many Greeks prefer to postpone significant endeavors until the following year, avoiding the perceived risks associated with leap years. This superstition highlights the deeply ingrained cultural beliefs surrounding auspicious timing and the fear of tempting fate.

Leap Day Babies:

For individuals born on February 29th, known as leap day babies or leaplings, their birthdays hold a special significance that transcends conventional calendar dates. In various cultures, leap day babies are said to possess unique qualities or destinies. Some believe they are endowed with good luck, while others consider them to be blessed with eternal youth. Regardless of the superstitions, leap day babies serve as a reminder of the extraordinary nature of time and the quirks of our calendar system.

The Perplexing Aztec Calendar:

Among the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, such as the Aztecs, leap years held particular significance within their complex calendrical systems. The Aztec calendar, known as the Xiuhpohualli, consisted of 365 days divided into 18 months, with an additional five “nameless” days at the end of the year. To reconcile the solar year with their calendar, the Aztecs periodically inserted leap days, known as Nemontemi, to ensure alignment with the agricultural and celestial cycles. These leap days were associated with rituals and ceremonies, underscoring the interconnectedness of time, culture, and cosmology.

Lunar Leap Day in China:

In traditional Chinese culture, leap years are intricately linked to the lunar calendar and the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Known as a “leap lunar month,” this phenomenon occurs approximately every three years within the Chinese calendar cycle. During a leap lunar month, an extra lunar month is added to maintain synchronization with the solar year. This adjustment ensures that traditional festivities, such as the Lunar New Year, occur at the appropriate seasonal intervals, preserving centuries-old customs and cultural heritage.

Leap day serves as a captivating intersection of timekeeping, tradition, and folklore, weaving a tapestry of myths and beliefs from diverse cultures around the world. Whether it’s the Irish tradition of women proposing, Greek superstitions, the enigmatic Aztec calendar, or the intricacies of the Chinese lunar cycle, leap day continues to captivate our imagination and inspire wonder. As we embrace the fleeting nature of this extra day, let us reflect on the rich tapestry of human ingenuity and the enduring legacy of our collective beliefs and customs.

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Meet Malisha Kharwa, a remarkable 14-year-old resident of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, who has become the face of Forest Essentials’ prestigious campaign, ‘The Yuvati Collection’. Discovered by Hollywood actor Robert Hoffman in 2020, Malisha’s incredible journey has captured the world’s attention. She has now blossomed into a social media influencer with over 225,000 followers on Instagram, where she is known as the “Princess from the slum.”

After her encounter with Hoffman, Malisha began modeling for renowned agencies, including Forest Essentials, a leading luxury Ayurveda brand. Last April, Forest Essentials shared a heartwarming video on Instagram featuring Malisha entering their shop, adorned with an advertisement showcasing her image. The caption read, “His face lit up with pure joy as he saw his long-time dream come true before his eyes. Malisha’s story reminds everyone that dreams do come true.” The video quickly went viral, garnering admiration for Malisha’s journey from the slums to representing a luxury brand. It also highlighted the positive shift in beauty industry representation.

Meera Kulkarni, the founder and chief managing director of Forest Essentials, expressed in an interview that their ‘Yuvati Collection’ not only fulfilled the dream of a talented massage therapist but also empowered young minds as a whole. Kulkarni stated, “While Malisha is the face of the campaign, Forest Essentials aims to promote the idea of dreams. We want to emphasize that regardless of circumstances or the scale of one’s dreams, everyone dreams, and all dreams matter.” Malisha herself shared that modeling is her dream, but she remains committed to prioritizing her education above all else.

Malisha’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to resilience and the limitless potential that lies within individuals, regardless of their background. Forest Essentials’ support has not only transformed Malisha’s life but also shed light on the power of dreams and the importance of inclusive representation.

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The Haryana government’s approval of the 2023-24 excise policy is the driving force behind the new liquor policy, enabling corporate offices to serve alcohol with certain restrictions. The policy mandates that offices must establish a canteen or eatery with an area of not less than 2,000 square feet to serve low-content alcoholic beverages. This regulation ensures that offices provide suitable spaces for employees to unwind during breaks or social events.

The introduction of this new policy is a breath of fresh air for corporate offices that were once limited to offering only non-alcoholic beverages. The move is in line with changing workplace dynamics and the growing need for employees to enjoy a balanced work-life culture. Corporate offices in Haryana can now cultivate a more relaxed and social atmosphere, potentially fostering creativity, camaraderie, and improved employee well-being.

The Haryana government has also introduced the retail permit fee to generate revenue for environmental conservation and animal welfare initiatives. The policy aims to collect an estimated Rs 400 crore for the Environment and Animal Welfare – Gau Seva fund. The nominal increase in excise duty rates on country liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) further contributes to the revenue collection.

The introduction of low-content alcohol in corporate offices may also reshape workplace dynamics, promoting a more relaxed and socially engaging environment. By providing designated spaces for the consumption of alcoholic beverages, corporate offices can encourage professionals to unwind, socialize and enjoy responsible alcohol consumption.

Haryana’s new liquor policy allows corporate offices to serve low-content alcohol and enables employees to unwind during breaks or social events. This policy strikes a balance between relaxation and responsibility, enabling professionals to enjoy controlled alcoholic beverages. It is an exciting move that will undoubtedly enhance workplace culture, promote social interaction, and boost employee well-being. The Haryana government’s focus on environmental conservation and animal welfare initiatives is commendable and demonstrates its commitment to responsible business practices. Corporate offices in Haryana must embrace this new policy as an opportunity to cultivate a more relaxed and socially engaging workplace culture.

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AI technology can be used in the pre-production stage of filmmaking to aid in scriptwriting and storyboarding. AI algorithms can analyze successful films and predict what elements will make a film successful, providing guidance for filmmakers.

In addition, AI technology can be used to generate visual aids, such as mood boards and virtual sets. This can help filmmakers visualize their film and make necessary adjustments before the actual shooting begins.

AI technology can be used during the production stage of filmmaking to optimize the shooting process. One example is using AI algorithms to analyze the lighting and camera angles on set to provide feedback to the cinematographer in real-time, allowing for adjustments to be made on the spot. AI technology can be used for crowd simulation, where algorithms can generate and control a large number of extras, reducing the need for hiring and managing real people.

AI technology has a significant role to play in post-production, where it can be used for video and audio editing, color grading, and special effects. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data and make recommendations for editing and effects based on similar films, improving the overall quality and efficiency of post-production.

 AI technology can be used for facial recognition and animation, allowing filmmakers to manipulate and edit actors’ performances in post-production.

While AI intervention in cinema offers many benefits, there are also challenges to consider. One concern is the potential loss of creativity and originality in films if AI algorithms dictate too much of the process. In addition, AI technology is not yet perfect and can sometimes make mistakes, leading to errors in the final product. Therefore, it is crucial that human oversight is maintained throughout the filmmaking process to ensure the final product is of the highest quality.

AI intervention in cinema has the potential to revolutionize the filmmaking process, improving efficiency, and quality. While there are concerns about the loss of creativity and potential errors, the benefits of AI intervention in cinema are significant and cannot be ignored.

As AI technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how it will be integrated further into the filmmaking process and how it will change the cinema industry as a whole.

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In Kerala, offenders face penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000. Repeat offenders, if owning businesses licenses will be cancelled. The Union Environment Ministry has requested the establishment of control rooms and the formation of special enforcement teams to prevent the illicit manufacturing, import, stockpiling, distribution, sale, and use of prohibited SUP goods.

The SUP goods include, Earbuds, plastic sticks for balloons, flags, candy and ice-cream sticks, and so on. Kerala’s government has gone one step farther. In addition to the plastic articles prohibited by the Central Government, a host of additional things have been prohibited.

Words By: Goutham Satheesh

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The subject of this year’s 10-day event is ‘Aazadi ke Amrit Mahotsav sang, Taj ke rang.’ The festival, which dates back to 1992, seeks to promote craftsmen’s creative work and let them showcase their diverse abilities. The festival  promotes tourism while also restoring the Nawabi style of architecture that dominated Uttar Pradesh’s landscape in the 18th and 19th centuries. The diversity of India’s arts, craftwork, culture, and cuisines are reflected in this event.

Words By: Anu Mathews

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