Then there’s the ‘marketing’ angle. By rotating elite pieces like the Jacob & Co
Triptii Dimri
Timeless beauty Triptii Dimri on Parveen Babi
It comes as no surprise that one ethereal beauty is drawn to another. Triptii Dimri — who commands the screen with a similarly haunting, soft-focus allure — finds her muse in the ultimate 1970s bohemian icon, Parveen Babi. This week, the modern-day ingenue pays a heartfelt homage to the actress who redefined Indian cinema with her effortless poise and avant-garde spirit. “There was something magnetic about her… she was bold, graceful, and unforgettable. To me, she’s a timeless beauty because her aura still shines decades later.”
Digital breadcrumbs
Forget the formal announcement — Kriti Sanon and Kabir Bahia are perfecting the art of the soft launch. Within hours of each other, the actor and her travel scion ‘bae’ posted individual shots of the same Northern Lights display this week.
Kriti Sanon
While Kriti kept her brand ambassador banner flying for Burberry even in the ice (showing off their signature cashmere scarf), Kabir made the most of an Arctic ATV — zooming around a makeshift track at top speed.
The real giveaway, however, isn’t just the scenery — it’s Kriti’s ‘like’ sitting prominently on Kabir’s adrenaline-fuelled post. If this isn’t a high-stakes game of ‘Connect the Dots,’ I don’t know what is. Why bother going Insta-official when you can signal a connection through subtext rather than tags, all without ever actually saying a word?
Legacy or leverage?
Marketing genius or man who’s all heart? Depending on the theory, Hardik Pandya’s multi-crore watch collection is either a high-stakes power play or a deeply personal tribute.
Hardik Pandya
The ‘heart’ theory is rooted in a quiet family legacy. Hardik’s late father, Himanshu, was apparently a lifelong horology enthusiast who famously sidelined his own dreams — and his budget — to prioritise his sons’ cricket kits and travel. Today, when the Mumbai Indians captain flashes a rare Richard Mille or a singular Patek Philippe, he isn’t just checking the time, he’s settling an old debt — wearing the luxuries his father sacrificed so his children could fly.
Then there’s the ‘marketing’ angle. By rotating elite pieces like the Jacob & Co. Rudra or the comparatively modest Favre Leuba Chief Skeleton during the 2026 T20 World Cup final, he has effectively turned his wrist into the cricket world’s most expensive billboard. Whether he’s honouring a legacy or just renting out real estate, one thing is clear: love or leverage, the mystery sells just as well as the moment.
New orrder, served hot
Awards and honours come thick and fast in March, but while some are just filler, this one’s a flex. On Wednesday, the 2026 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants dropped, and while the competition was stiff, two Indian powerhouses managed to make the cut.
Aditya and Aditi Dugar. PIC/SUNHIL SIPPY
Aditi and Aditya Dugar’s Masque continued its steady ascent, shimmying up four spots from 19 to 15. Beyond the rank, they also took home the Art of Hospitality Award, a massive win for Mumbai’s mid-town darling and head chef Varun Totlani.
Meanwhile, Masque’s former executive chef, Prateek Sadhu, is proving that his Himalayan pivot was a masterstroke. His Kasauli-based labour of love, Naar, made a thunderous debut at 30 — a massive feat considering it’s only been open for a little over two years. “This dream has been with us for much longer,” says chef Sadhu, rebranding his bragging rights as “a win for India.”
Prateek Sadhu
Of course, with the rise of the new guard, the landscape is shifting. The most notable change? Indian Accent has officially exited the top 50. Clearly, in the world of fine dining, the only thing more volatile than a soufflé is the leaderboard.
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