Sonali's Society

Nimrat Kaur

“I love her for making progressive and extremely ahead-of-her-time choices in her film selection, whether it’s Kaagaz Ke Phool or Guide, which is genuinely one of my all-time favourite films. I feel Waheeda ji has always been true to who she is as a person, and that reflects in the way she carries herself. She has a quiet grace and quiet strength which you actually experience when you meet her and when you see her work.” A true timeless beauty in every sense.

Life in Plastic

Perhaps it is time for Smriti Mandhana to expand her display cabinet. Already, Asia Cup and Asian Games honours are battling for space with Commonwealth Games silverware and that massive World Cup medal. Let’s not forget an Arjuna Award and a Women’s Premier League title too. With centuries scored across all three international formats of the game, our women’s national cricket team vice-captain has been hitting it out of the park for quite a while now.

Smriti Mandhana and her mini-me

News of the latest addition to her trophy shelves came in yesterday, with Mandhana’s appointment to another team — this one devoid of other batters, but chockful of big hitters. Mattel brand Barbie picked Mandhana for their first-ever ‘dream team’ of global female role models — alongside ‘teammates’ including tennis legend Serena Williams, professional footballer Chloe Kelly, and German singer Helene Fischer. An initiative to mark International Women’s Day and recognise her impact both on and off the field, this ‘award’ may be Mandhana’s best one yet: a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll created in her likeness.

A dream for many little girls, but a reality for less than a handful of Indian women — para badminton player Manasi Joshi and Olympic gymnast Dipa Karmakar are the only others to be immortalised in this way in previous years. Sadly, though, the dream ends as a one-off. Collectors hoping to snag a Mandhana mini-me should know that neither this Barbie nor the others are hitting store shelves anytime soon. In fact, the 
only Indian icon whose Barbie you can actually buy off the shelf is Katrina Kaif — because even in the doll aisle, she’s a bestseller.

All praise for the pangat

Of course the Tendulkar wedding was going to be a talking point, and so we’re obligated to dish out the details. Across an assortment of reels, most folks have already seen the arrivals and exits of everyone from the Ambanis and the Bachchans to the badshahs of cricket — MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag included. At one point, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh and Raj Thackeray stood chatting with the Gowariker brothers, Ashutosh and Avinash, and we were convinced the press would breach its barrier! Even Asha Bhosle made an entry, so it’s safe to say the attendance was epic.

Arjun and Saaniya, flanked by their families. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

From friends and family, however, we hear different highlights. A traditional Maharashtrian pangat marked the meal service — an incredible feat considering the guest list reportedly ran into the thousands. Two floors at the St Regis served as seating, with guests giving glowing reviews to both the food and the floral arrangements. If any grievances were aired, those were restricted to the rush for the elevators.

Amid the ocean of attendees, the newlyweds naturally took centre stage: Arjun earned praise for his calm and composed demeanour, while his blushing bride Saaniya stole the show in a statement sindoori sari. A meritorious mention also to the mother of the groom: I thought Anjali Tendulkar looked as stunning on Thursday as she did on her wedding day in May 1995 — even prettier, if that is possible. And with that, this roundup is a wrap.

From Ink to Intrigue

Move over Emily in Paris — our actor-author export to France is making waves in MobLand! We’re talking about Koel Purie Rinchet, who appears to have landed a part in the beloved British crime drama television series, alongside a stellar lineup of stars including Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and former Bond Pierce Brosnan.

Koel Purie Rinchet

On our shores, famous fans of the show include telly tsarina Ekta Kapoor and actor Arjun Kapoor, but the Guy Ritchie‑produced mob saga has a global audience going gaga. Created by Ronan Bennett, MobLand’s successful first season is now being followed by a second, greenlit back in June 2025. With filming in full swing across the UK, faithful fans are crossing their fingers for a premiere before year-end. And now, with Koël joining the fray, all of India will be more invested.