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What lies beneath?

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During one of those regular brainstorming sessions, when I was asked to become a salesgirl at a lingerie shop for a day, I knew what I was getting into: Boring cotton bras and panties. I mean selling them to even more boring middle-aged aunties and girls. How exciting could selling the bare essentials be?
Very exciting. That’s what I realized after spending a day at a lingerie shop in Convent Junction, Cochin. The owner of the shop agreed to ‘hire’ me for a day and keep my identity under wraps from the rest of the staff.So far,so good.

Underwear everywhere  

Friday was my first (and last) day at ‘work’. The moment I stepped inside the shop, I gasped. Never in my life had I seen so many ‘under-things’ together. And even if I had seen them, I had never noticed. They were everywhere- in all imaginable (and even unimaginable) shapes, sizes colours and designs.
Soon I was introduced to my colleagues – Sheetal, Nisha, Sangeeta and Anjana. A mischievous twinkle lingered in my eyes. They didn’t know I was a spy.

Good noon, uncle …..

It was at Eve’s collection that I learnt two important lessons in life. Lesson one: Always keep an open mind. For example, while at a lingerie shop, never assume that your customers are going to be women. ‘Girlie’ things always attract more men than women.
Lesson two: Reporters have a long way to go before they become lingerie experts.

Oh lord
The first customer was a fat, old gentleman. “what does this old ‘ker want ?”one of my colleagues asked.
Before I could tell him that we didn’t sell men’s underwear, he stumped me with his demand: some ‘cute, red’ lingerie for his beloved.

“Ass….le” giggled another.

Simple looking lingerie, the kind women actually wear, were an absolute no no for him. “I need something that will set our imaginations on fire,” he told us. When we gave him the flimsiest stuff available in the store, he looked at least 20 years younger. Uncle left happy, humming a popular Bollywood number.

Pink please

Our next customer was also a man. He wanted pink lingerie for his 25 year old girlfriend, who is a nurse in a city hospital. The pink man proved to be an expert on the subject. “Hero Rayappan knows more than his girl” one of my fellow salesgirls commented.

Ladies last

The nurse guy had just left when an aunty walked in. “oh, gosh…” a colleague groaned. Apparently, the woman shopped for bright-colored lingerie every 15 days. “She buys more lingerie than vegetables” they informed me.
This time, she wanted jet red panties. It seems her husband loves red on her. Is he a Superman fan, I wanted to ask.
Next in line was a really overweight lady. We were not sure we had anything that would fit her. And the woman was very choosy. “Why is she so choosy? With her size, does she even have a choice?” a colleague murmured.
But the staff, polite and patient with every customer, after a frantic search, found what she wanted. “I want to spice up my romantic life” she whispered. The fat lady, it seems, had fat money also. She paid an outrageous amount for three pieces.

Angry

Customers can lose their cool even in cool lingerie shops. One woman lost it when the shop manager refused to take back her purchase saying she didn’t have the box in which the lingerie was packed.
After arguing for a good 15 minutes, the woman stormed out, saying, “fine, don’t take it, I will throw it away”
The ‘sister-turned-mod’ left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth.

A little secret

My colleagues told me a love story was blossoming in the shop. One of the girls was having an affair with a sales boy who delivers stuff to the shop. The boy, they told me, was treated like Prince Charming by all of them! Wow. Finding a love mate in a lingerie shop! Can it get more romantic than that?

Just because they serve you doesn’t mean they like you. Kevin Smith made the movie Clerks about sales folks in a shop. Angaadi Theru ( Market Street), a 2010 Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Vasanthabalan, starring debutant Mahesh and Anjali in the lead roles also showcases the sales folk’s story.. What they say about you once you are gone? Reshma Nair from FWD life became a salesgirl in a lingerie shop for a day to eavesdrop on salesgirl’s bitchy talk. It might not have been Clerks nor Angadi Theru, but it sure was a lot of fun. Go on, peep inside.

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Movies

A Nostalgic Journey Through Love &Cinema : Best Bollywood Romantic 90s Movies

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As we reminisce about the golden era of Bollywood cinema, the 90s stand out as a time when romance reigned supreme on the silver screen. From epic love stories to heartwarming tales of passion and longing, 90s Bollywood movies have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. If you’re in the mood for some classic romance this vacation, here’s a curated list of the best Bollywood romantic movies from the 90s that are guaranteed to make you swoon and fall in love all over again.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995):

Directed by Aditya Chopra, this iconic film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is a timeless masterpiece that continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its unforgettable love story, breathtaking scenery, and soul-stirring music, “DDLJ” is a must-watch for romantics of all ages.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994):

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this beloved family drama starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit is a celebration of love, tradition, and togetherness. With its vibrant song and dance sequences, endearing characters, and heartwarming storyline, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” remains a cherished favorite among Bollywood fans.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):

Directed by Karan Johar, this romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji is a quintessential love triangle that tugs at the heartstrings. With its catchy music, stylish costumes, and memorable dialogues, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” is a nostalgic journey back to the 90s era of Bollywood romance.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999):

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this epic love story starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice. With its grandiose sets, soulful music, and powerful performances, “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

Rangeela (1995):

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this romantic musical starring Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar, and Jackie Shroff is a colorful and vibrant ode to love and dreams. With its foot-tapping music, electrifying dance sequences, and captivating performances, “Rangeela” is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and entertainment.

As you embark on a nostalgic journey through the best Bollywood romantic movies of the 90s, prepare to be swept away by timeless love stories, unforgettable melodies, and iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or simply in search of cinematic escapism, these timeless classics are sure to make your vacation a memorable and magical experience. So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up with your loved ones, and let the magic of 90s Bollywood romance transport you to a world of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

 

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Events

Celebrity Muses at Lakme Fashion Week 2024

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Celebrities from Bollywood create a lot of buzz every year when they appear in fashion shows as the faces of up-and-coming or established designers in the nation. Lakme Fashion Week is one such event where a large number of Bollywood designers participate. As anticipated, the LFW roster this year had a number of well-known names and was stylish as well. Numerous well-known figures, including Madhuri Dixit and Ananya Panday, sashayed down the ramp. Let’s examine a few of the most well-known figures seen this season on the ramp.

Ananya Pandey

Ananya Panday looked amazing on the catwalk as she paired an off-the-shoulder black petal dress with high-rise leather boots. Wearing a long ponytail and walking confidently, she looked stunning for designer Rahul Mishra.

Aditya Roy Kapur and Janhvi Kapoor

Walking for fashion brand Kalki, Janhvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur took the show on the road. Aditya Roy Kapur was spotted wearing a black sherwani with embellishments, while Janhvi Kapoor sported an off-the-shoulder silk shirt and a maroon mermaid skirt.

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit wore a gorgeous black floral co-ord set with a stylish blazer that gave off business woman vibes for Ranna Gill. She accessorized with modest locks and maroon lips for a neutral makeup look. 

Shanaya Kapoor

On the other hand, Shanaya Kapoor was spotted walking the ramp for Anamika Khanna while sporting an oversized white shirt with embroidered details and high-rise boots.

Tripti Dimri

Tripti Dimri graced the ramp for Shantnu and Nikhil donning an exquisite floor-length silver skirt paired with a sleeveless black top, a chic belt, and a magnificent set of hand gloves. 

Tapsee Pannu

As she walked for Gauri & Nainika, Tapsee Pannu was also seen on the ramp wearing a gorgeous bodycon gown with a mermaid cut end.

Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora spun around in a gorgeous pastel lehenga adorned with golden flower embroidery while she walked the Lakme Fashion Week runway for Anushka Reddy.

Rakul Preet

Rakul Preet, the newest bride in town, was also spotted on the ramp, walking for Ritika Mirchandani while sporting a white crop top and a skirt with a high thigh slit.

Aditi Rao Hydari

In Nirmooha’s ‘Ekatra’ collection, Aditi Rao Hydari embodies royalty as she explores individualism with dark purple coordinated outfits embellished with geometric designs and a dash of shine. 

Divya Khosla

In Rajdeep Ranawat’s opulent ‘Nizam’ collection, which is made of silk and features vintage accents, Divya Khosla looks stunning. The collection is inspired by the grandeur of Lucknow and the royal jewels of Hyderabad.  

Sara Ali Khan

Varun Chakkilam’s ‘Lenora’ collection, which combines modern style with Hyderabadi cultural aspects in pearl grey embroidered lehengas, features Sara Ali Khan flashing burn marks.

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Events

Lakme Fashion Week Day 2 Highlights

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From March 13 to 17, Lakme Fashion Week was held at the famous Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, which is situated in the center of the Bandra Kurla Complex. Lakme Fashion Week 2024 covered every genre, with an insightful and diverse list of designers showcasing their work. Collections included haute couture, street style, country wear, gothic vampire inspired, 1800s cowboy tribes, Indian bridal, Venetian tea party, and Victorian gowns. It’s time to break down some of the major SS’24 fashion trends as fashion week just ended. Sustainable Fashion Day, held on Day 2 of Lakme Fashion Week in collaboration with FDCI, featured some incredibly stunning runway looks. 

Til, Yavi, and Inca’s Collection

With their current collection, Inca, Til, and Yavi showcased sustainable design with clothing that promised both unparalleled comfort and glamour. In her role as Inca India’s show stopper, actor Dia Mirza dominated the show. Wearing an opulent all-black suit from their “Love is a Verb” collection, Mirza strutted down the runway. The collection complemented the concept of the event and was influenced by traditional artisan skills and repurposed materials.

Gaurang Shah’s Designs in Pink Hues

Gaurang’s “Gulaal” Lakme Fashion Week Spring/Festive collection. Lehengas and sarees with long-forgotten embroidery, such as Mochi, Parsi Gada, Petite Point, Kasuti, Phulkari, Kutch, and Kashmiri, were featured in the collection in the adaptable color pink.

Tea Cultures of the World x Chola 

With a focus on inclusivity and authenticity, Chola by Sohaya Misra and Tea Culture of the World honoured the merging of fashion and tea culture, embodying confidence, individualism, and empowerment. The collection’s runway was lit up by actresses Neha Dhupia and Konkona Sensharma’s stunning walks in black and white costumes.

U’Core by Urvashi Kaur

In Urvashi Kaur’s U’Core, contrasting selvedges were prominently featured. Her mother, Anupama Singh, along with notable models like Ratna Pathak Shah, Tillotama Shome, Rasika Dugal, Mallika Dua, Faraz Ansani, Shweta Tripathi, and Santanu Hazarika, showcased the collection’s artistry through stitch line details and hand block printing.

R|Elan X JJV Kapurthala

On Day 2 of Sustainable Fashion Day at Lakme Fashion Week, style and sustainability were guaranteed by the R|Elan X JJV Kapurthala collection. JJV incorporates ethical practices into its design philosophy in a seamless manner, improving garment performance and decreasing textile waste.

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