Archana Rao has established herself as a prominent name in the world of fashion design. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Fashion Technology, she quickly made her mark by winning the “Best Design Collection” award in 2007. This early success propelled her to further her education at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York. During her time there, she was selected to showcase her graduation collection at Lord & Taylor’s Pearson Line Debut in 2009, a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Background Archana’s design philosophy is rooted in simplicity and minimalism. She is known for her aesthetic sensibilities and her love for the form and structure of garments. Her passion for experimentation is evident in her work, where she skillfully manipulates fabrics to create innovative and timeless designs. Frou Frou In 2011, Archana Rao launched her own label, Frou Frou, named after the rustling sound of fabric. The brand targets youthful, trendy designs characterized by simple shapes, crisp folds, and ombre effects. The silhouettes and hidden details in her pieces are designed to be ultra-simple and timeless, appealing to a broad audience. Her Work Archana’s talent has been showcased at numerous exhibitions, including Lakme Fashion Week, where her collections have received widespread acclaim. Her designs are retailed across India, from Anahita in Chennai to The Project in Hyderabad, Keitaro in Kolkata, Rudraksha in Pune, and Attic in Mumbai. Internationally, her brand is available at Laki Noon in Kuwait. Notable Projects Archana has also made a significant impact in the film industry, working on the Telugu movie “Mahanati.” This project, her first in film, was driven by her interest in the movie’s script and her collaboration with her friend Indrakshi and the director Nagi, a close friend. Her work on “Mahanati” allowed her to explore historical costume design, a challenging yet rewarding endeavor that required extensive research and creativity to recreate the era’s fashion accurately. Experience with Mahanati Her work on “Mahanati” was particularly notable for the meticulous effort she put into recreating period costumes. With limited visual references, Archana had to rely on her imagination and research skills to design authentic and beautiful costumes that reflected the bygone era. This project showcased her ability to blend historical accuracy with creative flair. Artistic Vision When asked why she chose design, Archana expressed her passion for art and costume design. She enjoys researching and exploring different art forms from various generations, always seeking to improve and innovate within her field. Her commitment to the best forms of art drives her continuous exploration and creativity in costume design. Conclusion Archana Rao is a distinguished artist, designer, and costume maker. Her minimalist and simple approach to design has garnered her significant acclaim. Her collections are widely recognized and have been showcased across the country, earning her a reputation for excellence. Her work on the film “Mahanati” stands as a testament to her skill and dedication, leaving a lasting impact in the field of costume design. Archana’s contributions to fashion and costume design continue to inspire and influence the industry.
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Kareena Kapoor, the epitome of grace and talent in Bollywood, recently took Abu Dhabi by storm with her enchanting dance moves. The actress, known for her iconic role in the 2007 film Jab We Met, surprised her fans by grooving to the popular songs "Yeh Ishq Haaye" and "Nagada Nagada" from the movie during an event at Al Waha Mall. Dressed in a stunning blush pink tulle saree designed by Manish Malhotra, adorned with intricate mokhte pearls in a Kashmiri leaf pattern, Kareena looked every bit the Bollywood diva as she enthralled the audience with her performance. A video capturing her electrifying dance routine quickly went viral, showcasing her timeless charm and incredible talent. Kareena's visit to Abu Dhabi was for the inauguration of the Malabar Gold and Diamonds store, where she captivated the audience with her captivating dance numbers and infectious energy. Jab We Met, co-starring Shahid Kapoor and directed by Imtiaz Ali, remains one of Kareena's most beloved films, with her character Geet continuing to be a fan favorite. Despite rumors of a sequel circulating since 2023, director Imtiaz Ali has remained coy about the possibility, stating that a compelling story would be needed to justify a sequel. Apart from her iconic role in Jab We Met, Kareena has been captivating audiences with her performances in recent films like Crew, alongside Tabu and Kriti Sanon. With Singham Again on the horizon, fans eagerly await Kareena's upcoming projects as she continues to reign supreme in the world of Bollywood. Stay tuned for more updates on Kareena Kapoor and her upcoming projects as she continues to dazzle audiences with her talent and charm. PV Sindhu's journey in the Asian leg concluded on a somber note as she faced an early exit in the Indonesia Open, falling to Wen Chi Hsu in a hard-fought first-round battle. With the Paris Olympics looming ahead, Sindhu now turns her attention to intense preparation for the upcoming mega event. The Indonesian Open marked the final competitive match for Sindhu before her Paris campaign kicks off. Despite her best efforts, she succumbed to Hsu in a grueling three-game encounter, ending her hopes of making a significant impact in Jakarta. Sindhu's Asian stint has been a mix of highs and lows. Following a commendable performance at the Malaysia Masters, where she reached the final, Sindhu faced setbacks in subsequent tournaments. In Singapore, a much-anticipated clash against Carolina Marin slipped from her grasp, further adding to her challenges. Against Hsu, Sindhu encountered a formidable opponent who capitalized on every opportunity. Despite showing glimpses of her prowess, Sindhu struggled to maintain consistency, ultimately bowing out of the competition. As Sindhu gears up for the Paris Olympics, her focus shifts to rigorous training sessions and strategic preparations. With a training stint in Germany on the horizon, Sindhu aims to fine-tune her skills and overcome the hurdles that have hindered her recent performances. While Sindhu's journey in the Asian leg concludes with a sense of disappointment, she remains determined to bounce back stronger on the Olympic stage. With the support of her team and unwavering determination, Sindhu is poised to make her mark in Paris and pursue Olympic glory. Additionally, in other matches, the Paris-bound duo of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa secured a convincing victory, signaling a promising start to their campaign. As the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, Indian shuttlers strive to make their presence felt on the global stage. Devender Yadav, the interim chief of Delhi Congress, delves into the shortcomings of the AAP-Congress alliance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, highlights the impact of Arvinder Singh Lovely's departure, and outlines plans for the upcoming Assembly polls in a conversation with Saman Husain. Despite successful alliances in other states, the Delhi scenario presented challenges. Yadav emphasizes the importance of evaluating ground-level issues and addressing the weaknesses within the alliance through grassroots discussions and strategic planning. Addressing concerns about external influences, Yadav dismisses the notion that Kanhaiya Kumar's origin affected the outcome, stressing that the alliance lacked strength and requires restructuring. He acknowledges financial constraints but appreciates the support received from donors. Reflecting on Arvinder Singh Lovely's departure, Yadav asserts minimal impact on the cadre, though acknowledging the perception challenges such defections pose. Yadav advocates for enhanced community engagement and early candidate announcements to bolster the party's prospects in future elections. He admits communication gaps within segments of the electorate and pledges to rectify them through comprehensive outreach efforts. Regarding the upcoming Assembly polls, Yadav stresses the need for thorough evaluation before considering a renewed alliance with the AAP, recognizing the importance of strategic decision-making for the party's future prospects. Vijay Sethupathi, the acclaimed Tamil actor known for his diverse roles and powerful performances, recently shared candid insights into his career choices and his decision to step away from certain types of roles. Despite criticism from fans, Sethupathi had previously taken on special appearances in films like "Uppena" and "Michael," as well as portraying antagonists in movies such as "Master," "Vikram," and "Jawan." In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sethupathi revealed the reasons behind his reluctance to continue accepting multi-starrer and villainous roles. He expressed disappointment that his efforts were often overlooked, despite contributing as much as the leading stars. Sethupathi stated, "When you sign on a film with another star, you obviously know what you are signing on for in terms of the role. But sometimes, no matter how hard you’ve worked and done well, there’s very minimal value given to this at the end of the day." Addressing his decision to distance himself from villain and guest roles, Sethupathi confirmed, "I don’t want to play villain roles and guest roles going forward." He elaborated on the limitations and comparisons that come with portraying multiple antagonist roles, citing instances where his performances were criticized for similarities. Sethupathi's upcoming projects include his 50th film, "Maharaja," directed by Nithilan Saminathan, and featuring Anurag Kashyap in a pivotal role. He is also set to appear in "Viduthalap Part 2," marking his continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles on the silver screen. In a T20 clash on the unique terrain of New York, India secured a resounding victory against Ireland, showcasing dominance in both bowling and batting. The match, reminiscent of a Test match's cautious pace rather than the explosive rhythm of T20 cricket, saw Rishabh Pant's reverse-scoop six sealing India's eight-wicket win. Despite a slow start, India successfully chased down Ireland's meager total of 97, navigating through a pitch that offered assistance to the medium pacers but lacked the necessary runs for a formidable challenge. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's assessment of the pitch's unpredictability proved accurate as he and opening partner Virat Kohli grappled with the surface's challenges. While Sharma adapted his approach to gradually assert authority, Kohli's departure to an ambitious shot left the crowd dismayed. Pant and Sharma, recognizing the need for patience, cautiously built their partnership, understanding the importance of sticking to basics on such challenging pitches. However, it was India's bowling quartet that truly shone on the day, exploiting the pitch's grass and inconsistent bounce to wreak havoc on Ireland's batting lineup. Led by Jasprit Bumrah's deceptive pace, Mohammed Siraj's variations, Arshdeep Singh's swing, and Hardik Pandya's precision, India's bowlers made the surface resemble a furnace for the Irish batsmen. Despite occasional flurries of aggression, Ireland struggled to contend with the relentless pressure imposed by India's relentless attack. Pant, in his first official game for India after a hiatus, displayed agility behind the stumps, coping with the challenging movement and bounce generated by the seamers. Meanwhile, Pandya's return to form with the ball reaffirmed his versatility and impact across formats. Despite the surface favoring India's seamers and Ireland's batting lineup displaying technical vulnerabilities, India's bowlers showcased remarkable adaptability, transitioning seamlessly from the IPL to international cricket without missing a beat. In conclusion, India's comprehensive victory over Ireland in New York underscores their strength across all facets of the game, setting a promising tone for future encounters on diverse pitches and challenging conditions. The bullish trend in the market continues as the 30-share BSE Sensex surged by 696.46 points to 75,078.70 in early trade, marking a second consecutive day of gains. The buoyant start on Thursday follows the unanimous election of Narendra Modi as the leader of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This decision has instilled confidence in investors, leading to a continuation of the previous day's sharp rally. The NSE Nifty also witnessed an upward trend, climbing by 179.15 points to reach 22,799.50. Notable gainers among the 30 Sensex companies include NTPC, State Bank of India, Power Grid, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, and HCL Technologies. However, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Sun Pharma, and Asian Paints lagged behind. Narendra Modi's unanimous election as the leader of the NDA signals his historic third consecutive term as prime minister, following the NDA's victory in 293 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. In global markets, Tokyo and Hong Kong traded with gains, while Shanghai quoted lower. US markets closed in positive territory on Wednesday. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, highlighted the favourable global construct with the rising possibility of rate cuts by the Fed. However, despite the positive outlook, FIIs continue to sell on high valuations in India, especially compared to the relatively cheap valuations of Chinese stocks. While there is political stability in the near term, ongoing political developments are expected to influence market sentiment. In the commodity market, global oil benchmark Brent crude climbed to USD 78.71 a barrel. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,656.26 crore on Wednesday. The market's resilience is evident as it bounces back from Tuesday's decline, with the BSE Sensex surging by 2,303.19 points or 3.20 per cent, and the Nifty climbing by 735.85 points or 3.36 per cent on Wednesday, marking a positive shift in investor sentiment. In the latest election cycle, the Left-Congress alliance emerged as a formidable force, significantly affecting the BJP’s performance in West Bengal. Despite the BJP banking on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) to win over voters, the combined opposition of the Left and Congress, along with other factors, played a crucial role in the BJP’s setbacks. The Left-Congress alliance secured 12% of the vote across West Bengal’s 42 Lok Sabha seats, influencing the outcomes in at least 12 seats. Their presence also impacted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in three to four seats in North Bengal. The coalition, comprising popular and senior leaders, aimed to maximize their seat count. While they did not increase their tally significantly, their vote share saw a notable rise. Election Data Insights According to Election Commission data, the Congress-Left combine’s performance notably affected TMC’s chances in seats like Balurghat, Raigunj, and Maldaha Uttar. For instance, in Maldaha Uttar and Raigunj, Congress candidates secured over 2 and 3 lakh votes respectively, contributing to TMC’s losses in these constituencies by margins of 77,708 and 68,197 votes. In terms of specific outcomes, the Congress contested 12 seats, winning one — Maldaha Dakshin — and securing second place in Baharampur and Jangipur with a 19% vote share. A senior Congress leader noted an increase in their vote share compared to the 2021 Assembly election, particularly in North Bengal and Murshidabad. The Left’s Impact in South Bengal In South Bengal, the CPI(M) managed to regain a minor share of the Hindu vote, previously consolidated in favor of the BJP. This shift was crucial in affecting the BJP’s prospects in around a dozen seats. For example, in Asansol, BJP’s S S Ahluwalia lost by 59,564 votes, while the CPI(M) candidate secured over 1 lakh votes, contributing to TMC’s Shatrughan Sinha’s victory. Similarly, in Arambagh, the CPI(M) secured over 92,000 votes, narrowing the TMC’s winning margin to 6,399 votes. The CAA’s Limited Impact The BJP’s reliance on the CAA to win over the Matua community, which has around 1.5 crore Dalit members who migrated from Bangladesh, did not yield the expected results. Despite the BJP notifying the CAA rules ahead of the polls, their performance in the six Matua-dominated seats was underwhelming. The BJP retained Bangaon and Ranaghat with a slight dip in vote share but lost Cooch Behar. TMC retained the other three Matua-dominated seats — Krishnanagar, Barasat, and Bardhaman Purba. TMC’s Counter Campaign BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya accused TMC of misleading the Matua community regarding the CAA, creating fear and confusion about potential detention camps. TMC’s campaign effectively countered the BJP’s narrative, maintaining their hold on significant Matua-dominated constituencies. Conclusion The Left-Congress combine played a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape in West Bengal, affecting both BJP and TMC’s performances in various constituencies. The combined opposition’s strategic influence, along with local factors and effective counter-campaigns, underscores the complex dynamics at play in Bengal’s political arena. As the dust settles, these results highlight the importance of coalition politics and voter perception in determining electoral outcomes. In 2024, N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) might play a pivotal role in reshaping India's tech manufacturing landscape, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for transforming Hyderabad into a technology hub, Naidu's focus on tech innovation is evident even in TDP’s welfare-oriented manifesto, which highlights the promotion of artificial intelligence in the largely agrarian state. With the TDP's support being crucial for the BJP-led NDA to form the next central government, Naidu’s party is positioning itself to influence the allocation of centrally subsidized manufacturing projects, potentially placing Andhra Pradesh on the map as a major tech manufacturing destination. Naidu often reminisces about his significant meeting with Microsoft founder Bill Gates in the 1990s, which led to the establishment of a Microsoft development center in Hyderabad. This pivotal moment catalyzed Hyderabad's emergence as a key IT hub, now home to giants like Google, IBM, Amazon, and Hewlett-Packard. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Naidu continued his tech-forward initiatives, such as signing an MoU with the Adani Group in 2019 to build data center parks in Visakhapatnam. Concerns have been raised about new projects, particularly in the electronics sector, favoring Gujarat during the previous BJP-majority government. However, with a TDP MP potentially at the helm of the IT Ministry, Andhra Pradesh could attract significant investments in semiconductor assembly, laptop, and mobile manufacturing facilities. This shift could decentralize tech manufacturing from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka to Andhra Pradesh, further diversifying India's tech production map. Already, Apple supplier Foxlink has a base in Andhra Pradesh, hinting at the state's potential to attract more tech suppliers. With Hyderabad no longer serving as the joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, TDP aims to develop Amravati as the new capital, leveraging its influence in the new government to secure manufacturing projects along the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. This strategic move could bolster TDP's standing against local rival YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Naidu's role as a potential kingmaker could also address the financial challenges hindering Amravati's development, a project close to his heart. Despite setbacks, including the withdrawal of funding from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Naidu remains committed to making Amravati a reality, opposing YSRCP's preference for Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital. TDP’s manifesto provides a glimpse into its vision for the future, promising the creation of special employment zones and incentives for job-generating enterprises. It also aims to restore Andhra Pradesh’s brand, attract foreign investments, and leverage advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to boost industrial growth. Plans to develop Rayalaseema as an automotive hub and enhance the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor reflect Naidu’s comprehensive strategy for state development. In conclusion, N Chandrababu Naidu and TDP’s potential influence in the central government could significantly alter India's tech manufacturing landscape, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the sector. Their strategic vision promises a blend of technological innovation, industrial growth, and employment generation, heralding a new era for the state and the country. In a dramatic turn of events, TV actor Meera Deosthale has publicly accused producer Mahesh Pandey of withholding her dues from the abruptly cancelled show “Vidya.” This revelation comes after a prolonged four-year struggle to receive her rightful payment. Meera, who is currently starring in “Kuch Reet Jagat Aisi Hai,” took to social media on Wednesday to express her frustration. She claimed that despite her persistent efforts, a substantial amount of Rs 3.78 lakh remains unpaid since “Vidya” ended on Colors TV. Meera’s frustration has grown to the extent that she recently spoke with The Times of India and later took to Instagram to detail her ordeal. According to Meera, while a part of the pending dues, amounting to Rs 8 lakhs, was cleared after she approached the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) in 2022, the remaining amount has not been settled. She also mentioned filing an FIR against Mahesh Pandey in May 2023, which has yet to yield any results. Adding to her woes, Mahesh has reportedly ghosted her and failed to pay the TDS (Tax Deducted at Source), which has now resulted in a penalty for Meera. Responding to these allegations, Mahesh Pandey contended that he had paid Meera Rs 83 lakhs, including GST. He questioned why he would withhold Rs 3 lakh if he had already paid such a significant amount. Mahesh explained that the abrupt ending of “Vidya” caused him a financial loss of around Rs 4 crore. He expressed his disappointment over Meera’s decision to involve the association, citing ongoing financial losses in his company. Despite this, he maintained that he intends to clear her dues when feasible and is not asking for a reduction, a common practice among producers when shows end unexpectedly. Meera fiercely countered Mahesh’s comments on Instagram, highlighting the continuous work of his production house post “Vidya,” including producing “Gupta Brothers” and other shows on Doordarshan. She pointed out that Mahesh worked as a programming head on a leading GEC channel, questioning his claims of financial incapacity. “Making me beg for it is pure harassment,” she declared, stressing that the TDS deducted four years ago remains unpaid to the government. She further shared her frustration, revealing that she was made to sign a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that allowed the production to receive the final amount from the channel. Trusting Mahesh’s words, she agreed to this, only to be left unpaid. She questioned the authenticity of the so-called full and final settlement, urging for bank statements post-FIR to verify any payments made to her account. Meera’s outcry has found resonance among other actors. Shaan Mishra also claimed unpaid dues from the same production house. In a previous incident, actor Krishna Mukherjee accused “Shubh Shagun” producer Kundan Singh of withholding her payments. Actor Ali Merchant even disclosed contemplating suicide due to unpaid dues, highlighting a systemic issue in the industry. Meera’s relentless pursuit for justice underscores the need for financial transparency and accountability in the entertainment industry. Her courage in speaking out may inspire other actors to voice their grievances and demand fair treatment. |
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