Entertainment
Fantastic Beasts and How to Drive Them
Rolls-Royce rolls out the powerful Black Badge to unleash a new era of power and luxury
The Rolls-Royce unveiled the Ghost and Wraith Black Badge editions last year and the world has been raving about them. The Black Badge is the latest incarnation from the luxury manufacturers with heightened performance and opulence. I was lucky enough to experience these beasts of a machine at a recently conducted exclusive experience drive. It had taken me a long time to encounter the dramatic Rolls-Royce Ghost performance and I felt like I was in a stunning dream. As I sat in the elegant interiors of the dark beast, I couldn’t help telling myself that anything was possible.The inner beauty of the Ghost Black Badge was enhanced by the deep, dark and luxurious cabin that is transformed by the technical fiber fascia. The two-tone leather seats with black purple pair catches the eye. I was nestled in comfort in the back seat with a coffee in my hand, and drinking in the more-than-spacious interiors. The cabin was darkened with chrome air vents which complemented the interior and exterior look and feel. The deep roof lining represented the mysterious night sky itself. Every detail felt perfectly fitted without leaving space for doubt.
Technical Prowess
The Ghost Black Badge has a 6.6-liter twin turbo v12 engine with 48 valves together with 840 Nm torque and 603hp (450kw). The fuel management is through direct injection. I was the ultimate Ghost rider (pun intended) have to agree that this is by far the fastest Ghost built. Upgrades to the automatic 8-speed transmission have made way for quicker shift capabilities and a notable 20 percent reduction on the throttle heft during downshifts. Proudly endowed with bigger, more responsive brakes, the ever powerful Ghost Black Badge does roll a fair bit more into corners when compared to the Wraith. However, that along with fat wheels and a suspension which is heavily biased towards the ride experience, the revised air suspension and enhanced Intuitive Throttle Response guarantee the Ghost Black Badge still has a propitious and iconic Magic Carpet Ride. This tainted Ghost Black Badge is a tenth of a second faster than the standard models, creating a new benchmark of 4.8 seconds for a 0-100km/h sprint thanks to the extra 40 horses and 44 pound-feet torque. That figure is stunning considering the size of the vehicle; however, the top speed is likely to remain unchanged at 250km/hr (electronically controlled). Another advanced feature is the satellite-aided transmission that anticipates the road ahead based on satellite data and shifts based on the inputs. Even though this being a Bond movie like feature, the Black Badge eight-speed holds gears longer for a faster sail on the Magic Carpet. It seemed like a whole new different world in the Ghost Black Badge that when we stopped for a break on the Bangalore-Goa road, it felt rather surreal.
Aesthetic Brilliance
As the tag, the Ghost Black Badge is brilliance at its max, and honestly the all black finish simply adds to its brilliance. The length of the vehicle is about 5399mm and width of 1948mm and the height of the same is about 1550mm. The approximate weight of the vehicle is 2490kg i.e. curb weight. The unbelievable style given to the wheels which are an updated one to the Black Badge by both design and construction was developed over four years. They are made from carbon fiber and lightweight alloy and feature 22 layers of carbon laid in three axes and folded back on themselves at the outer edges. On the technology front, the Ghost Black Badge has a wi-fi hotspot, offering easy connectivity for any on-the-go data needs. The most exhaustively engineered audio system, The Bespoke Audio System of the Ghost, was an experience. The various high-tech features made her fit in all ways to ride. All that I can say about the car is that the deep dark Ghost Black Badge, flying through the darkness takes luxury to the next level. The Black Badge is the most powerful Ghost ever created. I was left wanting when the dark dream came to an end, yet happy with the imposing blacked out appearance of the power that is the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost.
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Popular Curtain Fabrics to Consider for Your Home
When it comes to decorating your home, curtains play a crucial role in shaping both the aesthetic and the functionality of a space. The fabric you choose can dramatically alter the atmosphere, offering anything from opulence to a laid-back vibe. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your home.
1. Luxurious Velvet
Velvet curtains bring a sense of luxury and elegance. Known for their plush texture and rich appearance, velvet is perfect if you’re looking to add sophistication to a room. They not only provide excellent insulation but also block out light, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, or any space where you want a cozy, private atmosphere.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms, and home theaters.
2. Airy Sheer
Sheer curtains offer a light, breezy aesthetic that lets natural light filter through. These curtains are made from translucent fabrics like chiffon or voile, creating a delicate and ethereal look. Sheers are perfect for rooms where you want to maintain privacy while still enjoying sunlight, such as living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, and sunrooms.
3. Classic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most versatile curtain fabrics, known for its breathable and lightweight properties. Cotton curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, making them easy to fit into any design scheme. They’re also low-maintenance and can be machine washed, which makes them practical for high-traffic areas in your home.
Best for: Bedrooms, kitchens, and casual living spaces.
4. Elegant Silk
For a luxurious and glamorous touch, silk curtains are the go-to fabric. Silk adds a glossy finish and drapes beautifully, exuding elegance and grandeur. However, they require extra care and are better suited for formal spaces. Silk curtains are often lined to protect them from sun damage and to provide additional body and privacy.
Best for: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, and sitting rooms.
5. Versatile Linen
Linen curtains offer a natural, textured look that blends well with both contemporary and rustic designs. Linen is a durable fabric that allows light to softly filter through, and it also has excellent temperature-regulating properties. It’s perfect for creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere in any room.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces with lots of sunlight.
6. Durable Polyester
If you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance option, polyester curtains are a great choice. They are resistant to wrinkling, shrinking, and stretching, making them a durable option for everyday use. Polyester curtains are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, giving you plenty of choices to suit your home’s décor.
Best for: High-traffic areas like living rooms, guest rooms, and children’s bedrooms.
7. Chic Satin
Satin curtains are known for their smooth, glossy surface, which reflects light and adds a subtle sheen to any room. They are often used in contemporary and modern designs to bring a sense of refinement and class. Satin works well for rooms that require a touch of glamour without being as heavy as velvet or silk.
Best for: Bedrooms, formal spaces, and accent rooms.
Choosing the right curtain fabric can have a significant impact on your home’s overall design. Whether you prefer the lushness of velvet or the breezy nature of sheer fabrics, the right curtains can create the perfect balance between style and function in your space. Consider the mood you want to create and the practical needs of each room to select the best fabric for your home.
Events
The L’Oréal Paris Show at Paris Fashion Week 2024
The L’Oréal Paris runway at Paris Fashion Week 2024 was a captivating spectacle, celebrating women’s empowerment, inclusion, and sisterhood under the theme “Walk Your Worth.” A star-studded lineup of global icons brought glamour to the stage.
Kendall Jenner stole the spotlight in a bold red mesh asymmetric dress, paired with a vibrant lip and striking bleach blonde hair. Alia Bhatt, making her much-anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week, dazzled in a metallic silver bustier and black off-shoulder jumpsuit. Eva Longoria mesmerized in a sheer organza gown with a daring high slit, dripping in diamonds.
Other standout moments included Cara Delevingne rocking a red silk trench coat and high-waisted hot pants, while Jane Fonda exuded elegance in a shimmering silver trench, styled with metallic trainers. The event also featured appearances from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Heidi Klum, and Simone Ashley, each bringing their unique flair to the runway.
Kendal Jenner
Eva Longaria
Aishwarya Rai
Anitta
Viola Davis and Simone Ashley
Jane Fonda
Heidi Klum
Andie MacDowell
Cara Delevingne
Belinda Peregrin
Bethenny Frankel
Aja Naomi King
Beatrice Vio
Samadhi Zendejas
Alia Bhatt
Camila Cabello
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Laapataa Ladies: Kiran Rao’s Social Satire Becomes India’s Official Entry for the 2025 Oscars
Kiran Rao’s delightful bride-swapping comedy-drama, *Laapataa Ladies*, has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Monday. FFI Chairman Jahnu Barua revealed that the film was chosen from a pool of 29 contenders. A 13-member jury evaluated 12 Hindi, six Tamil, and four Malayalam films to decide the country’s submission for Best International Feature Film. Among the notable competitors were Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370, the National Award-winning Malayalam film Aattam, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light.
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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