The Writer’s Flight

  It’s the season of love- the month of Valentine’s. However, the madness was palpably missing this year on 14 February at least in the capital city for some strange reason. While on my way to attend a fireside chat with Karan Johar at New Delhi’s luxury hotel known for its old-world charm (as part of the Indian Chambers of Commerce (ICC) centenary celebrations) I was wondering if the old-world charm of "love" has worn away by the visibly  thanda  looking Dilli roads. I was still registering the general lack of Valentine’s Day fervour, when the host introduced KJo saying- “I want to thank Karan for taking out time even on a Valentine’s Day” to which KJo replied in his characteristic witty style – “which, by the way, doesn’t speak volumes about my love life.” The man who taught the world how to love through his romantic movies said he was happiest being single and skipping marriage for kids- “In my personal life I was smart and skipped that part to the best part of ha...

  In an increasingly screen-driven world, theatre fosters human connection, providing a shared space for collective experiences and emotional exchange. It nurtures creativity, communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence in youth, crucial for navigating today’s world.  

  “If you have a third eye, then you can act” – says  Chittaranjan Tripathy Director, National School of Drama. An accomplished artist himself, his plays include the likes of Taj Mahal Ka Tender, Capitol Express, and he has acted in Hindi films like Delhi 6, Shubh Mangal Savdhan, got an award for best supporting actor award for his role in the Hindi short film ‘Biscut’ at Chile international film festival and showcased his talent in web series likes “Sacred Games”, “Rasbhari”, “Raktanchal”, “Farzi”. Namrata Kohli in conversation with Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy Director, National School of Drama 1.      When it comes to theatre, can everyone perform? Like Shiamak Davar says – “Have Feet. Can dance.” Do   think   everybody   has   that   innate   ability   to   act? If you have a third eye, then you can act.   One   has   to   be   deep and   perceptive.   So,   it   is ...

  A journalist from Indore moves to Delhi to work with a leading media house in New Delhi. A classically trained female musician from Kanpur finds it difficult to pursue her unconventional career in a non-metro, and moves to Mumbai in search of name, fame, money. A fashion designer from Jaipur relocates to Delhi to intern with top designers. A fresh engineering graduate based out of Bikaner moves to Gurgaon because the “pay is significantly higher in metros and opportunities for growth are also there. Here I may earn Rs 20,000 as against a good Rs 60,000- Rs 1,00,000 in a metro. My town has no MNCs, corporate hubs and no exposure to big opportunities. Staying in my cocoon means goodbye to growth.” Beyond finances, young women from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are migrating to metros for freedom. They want financial independence, away from family control. It’s an escape from the small-town patriarchy —no curfews on timings and dress codes and more importantly, no pressure to “settle dow...

A day of love marked by mush and roses, Valentine’s Day gifting does a somersault with a wide variety of practical gifting options ranging from gadgets and gizmos to jewellery, fitness and wellness options By Namrata Kohli Modern expressions of love go beyond traditional flowers and chocolates. They incorporate personalization, digital experiences, and experiential gifting that cater to evolving lifestyles. Couples are using creative reels, carousels, and heartfelt captions to express love publicly. Some are using AI tools to craft personalized poems, messages, or even customized AI-generated couple portraits. A growing trend includes compiling past memories into short cinematic clips shared online. Its fitness over food for Generation Z and gyms are more likely the places for prospective partners to meet or dating partners to spend time rather than lounge bars and cafes. Bumble’s recent research highlights an emerging trend in modern dating, where fitness plays an important role. ...