ALKA JOSHI REWRITES HER MOTHER’S HISTORY. What if she weren’t married at 18, but instead, had studied and launched a business? Where would her agency and ambition have taken her, in 1950s India? And how would she have reacted to a life of freedom, even if only in fiction? Joshi’s lush, eloquent debut, The Henna Artist, then, is a gift of liberation.
The novel follows 17-year-old Lakshmi, who escapes an abusive marriage and makes her way to Jaipur; there, she establishes herself as the most in-demand henna artist for the city’s wealthy women. For Joshi, it was a deliberate choice of profession: It maintains a class distance, but allows enough access for her to become their confidant. An accomplished debut, it is an international bestseller, and a Reese Witherspoon X Hello Sunshine book club selection. But Joshi’s biggest accomplishment, perhaps, is living a life that requires no revision.
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STRONGER TOGETHER
For the first time in 15 years, two of the country’s most powerful fashion platforms—Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in Delhi and Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) in Mumbai—joined forces to host one phygital, seasonless edition that was streamed across social media channels. A prudent decision, many stated; one lauded for the collaborative efforts to preserve an industry impacted by the global pandemic. In a special conversation with Bazaar, Sunil Sethi and Jaspreet Chandok share their views on the historic decision and the future of Indian fashion...
THE SUPERS
They have witnessed an exclusive industry become inclusive. They have dealt with the changing norms of beauty. They have battled countless hurdles to stay at the top of their game. Meet India’s most celebrated supermodels as they connect with their inner beauty, and share their journey of self-love, acceptance, and evolution in the modelling world that is as unforgiving as it is glamorous.
NATURE LOVERS
In a first, two prominent advocates for the cause of environment protection have a conversation about the urgent actions needed to safeguard our future. Dr Krithi Karanth, Director of Centre for Wildlife Studies, speaks with actor Dia Mirza, champion of environmental rights, about her work and views.
REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Parliamentarian Mahua Moitra is unapologetic, unafraid, and here to make her voice heard. Bazaar gets to know the woman everybody is talking about...
THE MIGHTY, MIGHTY BIRKIN
How the Hermès carryall withstood trends and weathered seasons to become an indelible part of the culture.
A MOVEABLE FEAST
Follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba, visiting the author’s cherished haunts and discovering new culinary delights.
The Power Of Sisterhood
Mothers, daughters, and sisters...they are the women who shape us and teach us the value of female bonds. In a special Bazaar feature, we speak with four leading families of India, to celebrate the relationship they share.
Can Women Build A Better World?
With more finances and funds at their disposal, female entrepreneurs help in accelerating social progress. Here is how...
INDIA ON A PLATE
Celebrity chef Sarah Todd marries classical Indian favours with French techniques in her latest cookbook.
ENCHANTED FOREST
High couture takes a whimsical journey into the unknown...
Chase Your Dream
It’s time to find the gift or message deep within you and share it with the world.
Contemporary Queen
Best-selling Ayurvedic author Sahara Rose Ketabi has made a life out of modernizing ancient wisdom.
IQ EQ & DQ – the trinity women posses
Lakshmi Iyer, President and CIO – Debt & Head - Products at Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company, says women should grab opportunities with both hands and invoke their IQ, EQ and DQ ‘astras’ and brave the work world:
Young Women Lead the Green Brigade in India
India, like the rest of the world, is facing the scourge of rising pollution levels, particularly in the urban pockets of the country. In the fight against pollution and environmental degradation, many youngsters are proactively working towards spreading environmental awareness, designing ‘green’ products and technology to prevent environmental degradation and reduce pollution and creating ‘sustainable’ enterprises for a cleaner and greener planet. Among the youngsters, it is the women who stand out for their sheer conviction and drive.
THE HUMANE TECH
Accenture decided to train every staffer in latest technology and deployed AI-based chatbot to guide employees
FIREBRAND
Indian-American actor and filmmaker Dr Lakshmi Devy is sending out a strong message of women’s empowerment through her directorial debut
As farmers and protestors, women want to stand up and be counted
They can drive tractors and they can teach kids. They can shout slogans, and weed a field. India’s female farmers are out to prove that they’re far from invisible
FIXING THE BANKING MESS
Public trust in India’s banks has been shaken by all the bad news about bank failures, misgovernance and a gargantuan Rs 9.4 lakh crore pile of bad debts. How to avert the impending catastrophe
यूनिको बुक ऑफ वर्ल्ड रिकार्ड में दर्ज कराना अपना नाम
लक्ष्मी ने 58 मिनट में 46 व्यंजन बनाकर
लक्ष्मी पूजन फिर भी जेब खाली की खाली
कोरोना के नाम पर पूरे देश में केंद्र सरकार द्वारा असफल तालाबंदी लागू की गई. परिणाम इतना भयावह है कि तालाबंदी थोपे जाने के 8 माह बाद भी देश किसी भी स्तर पर संभल नहीं पाया है. मजबूरीवश देशवासियों ने इस साल तमाम त्योहारों पर हाथ भींच लिए और अब दीवाली, शादियों की धूमधाम भी तालाबंदी की भेंट चढ़ रही है.