Sonali's Society

A combination of great acting, graceful and vibrant dancing skills, and versatile expressions. Apart from all her classic films, I absolutely loved her English Vinglish. While she left us far too soon, Sridevi will always remain the ultimate timeless beauty.”

No sides, just celebrations

Puran polis were on the menu for Sagarika Ghatge and hubby Zaheer Khan yesterday, as the couple and their beautiful baby boy Fateh celebrated Gudi Padwa. Adorably, the almost one-year-old was more than happy to go back for seconds at lunch — a little gourmand after my own heart.

Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge

An abundance of marigolds and mango leaves set the scene at Sagarika’s family home, despite renovations being underway. Silver plates and a perfectly laid table were never up for compromise, of course — and neither was getting all dolled up for the occasion. Sagarika wore a sindoori red sari from her own brand, Akutee, while both her boys — the beefy former cricketer and their baby — wore kurta pyjamas. 

If there’s a quiet flex here, it’s this: festivals in this family aren’t about picking sides. From Gudi Padwa to Eid, Sagarika and Zak celebrate it all — effortlessly, stylishly, and entirely on their own terms. A welcome reset in a divided world.

The hills are alive

After a brief hiatus from the limelight, the original Mr Bond has resurfaced — via a poignant reel — to remind us why he remains our most beloved storyteller.

Ruskin Bond

Currently navigating the slow road of physiotherapy following spinal surgery, Ruskin Bond confessed this Wednesday to an even more daunting hurdle: his eyesight now prevents him from reading or writing by hand. Yet, in true Bond fashion, the narrative never stops, so the nonagenarian has found a new rhythm — dictating his latest musings to his granddaughter, Shrishti.

“I won’t stop writing until I’m gone, or until my mind gives way,” says the Mussoorie native — a line that truly tugs at the heartstrings. Even as his body recalibrates, Bond’s creative pulse remains as vivid and sharp as ever. With a slate of new book releases timed for his birthday in May, the Bard of the Hills is proving that his spirit is nowhere near retiring. Mumbai fans — including filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj — can’t wait.

Home is where the heart is

Though she is currently in the Maldives for her cousin’s wedding, Scoop star Karishma Tanna is a self-confessed homebody. From a cutesy coffee machine to framed photographs and fresh flowers galore, her home is curated with love and focused on her family — husband Varun Bangera, her mum, and their dogs included. Making it easier to manage it all is the fact that her mum lives in the same Bandra building as she does — “I live one floor up,” the actor explains.

Karishma Tanna. PIC/ROHIT MENDIRATTA

Splitting time between both homes, Karishma has recently wrapped up a meticulous renovation of her mother’s apartment, with hands-on assistance from designer-entrepreneur Indraja Menkar. GoodHomes India, amongst our favourite design magazines, has all the dope on this transformation, but never content with public domain data, we reached out to managing editor Avril Noel D’souza for more. “Karishma’s foremost priority was a pet-friendly home,” Avril tells us, explaining many of the actor’s design choices. “She also wanted the space to celebrate all her memories with her mum.”

With thoughtful touches, clever storage solutions, and a warm, inviting palette, the revamped apartment now mirrors Karishma’s own aesthetic — resulting in a space where family, memories, and furry companions truly feel at the heart of everything.