​The spaces we live in often shape how we feel, think, and interact with others. From natural light and open layouts to textures, colours, and materials, interior design can subtly influence mood, comfort, and even behaviour. This is why thoughtfully designed homes often feel calming, inviting, or energising without us being able to pinpoint exactly why.. A striking example of this can be seen in the lavish bungalow featured in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh. In the film, his character, Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, purchases a grand villa in Lyari, Karachi, for his wife Yalina (Sara Arjun). However, the home is not located in Pakistan as portrayed on screen. According to 23DC Architects, the bungalow, named Ananda, is actually situated in Amritsar, Punjab. In an Instagram post shared on March 20, the firm revealed, “That house from Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar The Revenge? It’s actually in Punjab! We’re delighted to see our project, Ananda, featured on the big screen in this cinematic masterpiece. Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun, your screen presence made the house look even more special.”. The home is designed as a seamless blend of modern architecture and nature, with a strong emphasis on light, space, and traditional elements. As the designers described, “Throughout the residence, light meets space in a thoughtful rhythm. Courtyards open like pauses in poetry, gardens weave through the structure, and traditional craftsmanship quietly supports contemporary design.” The bungalow features a modern facade with grey walls and wooden accents, a courtyard filled with sculptures and greenery, and expansive glass walls that allow natural light to flow through the space.. Inside, the design continues with a double-height ceiling, neutral-toned interiors, and minimal decor that prioritises comfort and openness. Elements like a spiral black marble staircase, off-white marble flooring, a crystal chandelier, and large windows create a balance between luxury and simplicity. The outdoor areas, including a landscaped garden, swimming pool, and cosy seating, further extend the living space, making nature an integral part of the experience.. Such design choices raise interesting questions about how physical spaces can affect emotional well-being, stress levels, and overall lifestyle. Features such as natural light, open courtyards, and minimal clutter are often associated with a sense of calm and clarity, but their psychological impact can vary depending on how individuals experience and interact with their environment.. How do natural light and indoor-outdoor connections influence mood, stress levels, and overall mental well-being?. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Natural light doesn’t just illuminate a home, it regulates the mind. Exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D levels, which are directly linked to improved mood, reduced symptom  

 ​The final day of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2026 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre didn’t just close a season; it made a statement. From Pearl Academy’s thought-provoking exploration of human creativity and artificial intelligence to Max Fashion’s irreverently joyful runway, and Satya Paul’s elegant new chapter with Aditi Rao Hydari, the evening was a masterclass in fashion’s extraordinary range. But it was Péro’s grand finale, and one unforgettable showstopper, that truly brought the house down.. The day opened with a showcase from Pearl Academy, where emerging designers tackled one of fashion’s most urgent conversations: the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence. Young, bold, and unafraid, these designers proved that the next generation isn’t intimidated by technology; they’re dressing it.. Max Fashion’s ‘unserious everything’: A masterclass in joyful dressing. If there was a collection that captured the mood of a generation exhausted by trying too hard, it was Max Fashion’s Unserious Everything. Effortless urban silhouettes, a philosophy rooted in freedom of movement, and a ramp that practically pulsed with energy — this was fashion as a good time, and nobody got that memo more enthusiastically than its star-studded cast.. Alaya F arrived like a burst of sunshine in a citrine crop top paired with low-rise blue denim jeans, a peppy, retro-inflected look that felt simultaneously nostalgic and razor-sharp. She wore the 90s revival with the ease of someone who was simply born for it.. Kalki Koechlin, ever the picture of considered cool, went the opposite route. Her all-white ensemble featured a clean sleeveless top and a flowing midi skirt, and it was minimalism at its most powerful. In a sea of prints and colour, she was the quiet full stop that made the sentence complete.. If there was a collection that captured the mood of a generation exhausted by trying too hard, it was Max Fashion’s Unserious Everything. (Source: Instagram/Lakmē Fashion Week). Then there was Siddhant Chaturvedi, who, frankly, refused to be contained by the runway. Dressed in a crisp white jacket adorned with quirky brooches, he brought a high-fashion-meets-theatrical-playfulness to the proceedings. He danced. He presented flowers to Kalki Koechlin. He made the whole thing feel like a celebration rather than a showcase, and the crowd loved every second of it.. The collection itself moved through three distinct worlds: Urban, Sports Core, and Core Casual, united by the singular idea that a wardrobe should never restrict the wearer.. Story continues below this ad. Aditi Rao Hydari for Satya Paul: A creative director steps into the light. A few moments at this season’s Lakmé Fashion Week carried as much personal weight as Aditi Rao Hydari’s walk for Satya Paul. This wasn’t merely a celebrity appearance; it was a debut. Hydari stepped onto the runway as Co-Creative Director of the Satya Paul x Aditi Rao Hydari  

 ​Before the nausea, the scans, the cravings. Before conception itself, there is an entirely different chapter taking shape for women in India and around the world today. It is called the ‘zero trimester’, a term coined by American sociologist Miranda Waggoner in her 2017 book of the same name, which examined how medicine and public health had begun focusing on women’s bodies as perpetually ‘pre-pregnant’.. Today, the concept has escaped the pages of academic sociology and landed squarely in the wellness mainstream driven by social media, biohacking culture, and a growing anxiety about getting pregnancy ‘right’ from the very start.. As Wired reported, the cultural obsession with wellness and optimisation, “currently driven and designed by male biohackers like Bryan Johnson and Peter Attia,” has now come for this murky preconception period. Women have started training for pregnancy “like it’s a marathon,” as influencer Kaylie Stewart announced to her 1 million TikTok followers.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. The numbers bear this out. Wired states in its report that the hashtag “#preconception appears in 106,000 Instagram posts and #pregnancyprep in 36,000.”. It adds, “Singular TikTok ‘prep’ videos rack up tens of thousands—sometimes millions—of views and likes.” ‘Pregnancy Prep’ influencers post curated lists, aesthetic vlogs, and GRWM (Get Ready With Me) TikToks filled with glowing, happy women. They suggest a litany of lifestyle changes, niche products, books, courses, and ‘quick’ tips to follow in the six to twelve months before getting pregnant.. But what does this global trend look like when it lands in India, with its particular mix of tradition, urban aspiration, and overburdened healthcare systems?. Story continues below this ad. What real women experience. For the women actually living through this, the picture is more textured. Juilee Ghadigaonkar, an account director, did not plan her pregnancy in advance. “Once I found out I was pregnant, I became very conscious about taking care of my health,” she says. Her guidance came primarily from her gynaecologist and not from social media, which she found overwhelming. “Too much overthinking is not good during pregnancy,” she notes.. Her pregnancy was hormonally challenging, requiring medication to stabilise her levels, and she experienced persistent nausea throughout. But what carried her through was professional medical guidance, a supportive work environment, and the empowerment to continue working despite the physical demands.. Prerna Gagerna, 33 and nine months pregnant at the time of speaking with indianexpress.com, had a more ambivalent relationship with the flood of preconception content available today. She was mindful about her health beforehand, taking balanced meals, staying active, and  

 ​Salman Khan on why his relationships did not last long (Source: Express archive photo). Relationships often go through phases of change, and when two people are not growing in sync, challenges tend to surface. On the newly launched show Two Much, actors Salman Khan and Aamir Khan opened up about this very issue, mixing light banter with some strikingly honest reflections.. Salman spoke about how imbalances in personal growth can create insecurities in a relationship, mentioning, “When a partner grows more than the other partner, that is when the differences start coming in; that’s when the insecurity starts setting in, so they both need to grow together. Both need to get off each other’s backs. I believe that.”. Aamir then asked him directly why his past relationships didn’t work out. To this, Salman replied, “Yaar, nahi jama toh nahi jama (If it didn’t work, it just didn’t). If there is anyone to blame, I am the one to blame.”. Many people experience similar struggles of insecurity, imbalance, and self-blame when it comes to relationships.. So, how can couples support each other’s personal growth in a way that strengthens rather than threatens their relationship?. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist at The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “As a psychologist, I often see couples struggle when one partner seems to ‘outgrow’ the other. Growth doesn’t have to create distance; it can build a deeper connection if approached with mutual respect.”. Practically, she says, couples can:. Create weekly check-ins where they share not just relationship updates but also personal wins.. Practice “mirroring support”—if one attends a big event, the other mirrors that energy by celebrating a milestone in their own world.. Set boundaries so personal growth doesn’t overshadow couple time.. How healthy is it for someone to take full responsibility when a relationship ends?. Khangarot mentions, “As a psychologist, I’d say taking responsibility when a relationship ends is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it reflects maturity — acknowledging our part allows us to process, accept, and move forward without being stuck in blame games. On the other hand, when this slips into excessive self-blame, it can numb deeper emotions and prevent genuine healing.”. Whether it empowers or harms depends on the individual’s personality and past experiences. “The key is balance: reflect honestly on what was within your control, but also recognise that relationships are co-created and don’t fall apart because of one person alone,” she notes.. Story continues below this ad. Early signs couples can look out for that indicate they may not be ‘growing together’. Many breakups stem not from lost love but from subtle mismatches that build over time. Khangarot shares, “Early signs include feeling dismissed when sharing achievements, one partner avoiding difficult conversations, or growing  

 ​Nestled in the scenic hills of Bir in Himachal Pradesh, Bir Billing has emerged as one of India’s most loved backpacker destinations. Known as the country’s paragliding capital, the region draws adventure seekers, nature lovers and digital nomads alike.. The good news is that you don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy this charming Himalayan town. From scenic hikes to monastery visits and café hopping, there are plenty of wallet-friendly experiences.. Watch paragliders soar over the valley. A participant lands during the world paragliding championship at Bir Billing in Kangra (Express photo). Even if you don’t plan to try paragliding yourself, visiting the Billing Paragliding Takeoff Site is worth it. Located high in the mountains, the spot offers sweeping views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra valley below. Travellers often hike or take a shared taxi up to the takeoff point and simply watch dozens of colourful paragliders glide across the sky. Sunset views from here are particularly breathtaking and completely free.. Explore Tibetan monasteries. Chokling Monastery, Bir Road, Bir Colony, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India (Image: Unsplash). Bir is home to a vibrant Tibetan community, and several peaceful monasteries are open to visitors. One of the most well-known is Chokling Monastery, famous for its colourful prayer halls and large prayer wheel. Another serene spot is Sherabling Monastery, located a short drive away and surrounded by forested hills. Walking through these monasteries offers a quiet cultural experience without costing anything.. Try short scenic hikes. The region around Bir Billing is ideal for budget-friendly treks. A popular trail leads to Gunehar Waterfall, located near the charming village of Gunehar. The short walk takes visitors through small farms, village paths and patches of forest before reaching the waterfall. Many travellers also enjoy morning walks through Bir’s tea gardens when mist still lingers over the hills. If you don’t mind a little bit of rock climbing, a trek to Bangarou waterfall alongside a trained guide could leave you with a lasting memory!. Café hop without overspending. Despite being a small town, Bir has a lively café culture that attracts backpackers from around the world. Spots like Garden Café and Avva’s Café are popular for their relaxed vibe, mountain views and reasonably priced meals. Spending a few hours reading, working or chatting with fellow travellers here is part of the Bir experience.. Visit the paragliding landing site. The Bir Landing Site is one of the liveliest spots in town. Throughout the day, paragliders descend here after flying from Billing, creating a colourful spectacle in the sky. Travellers often gather around the field with tea or snacks from nearby stalls while watching the parachutes land. There are also many rooftop cafes nearby from where you can enjoy the site of paragliders dropping off from the sky!. Story continues below this ad. Also Read | Beyond La