Fashion

Kirti Kulhari striking the perfect balance

Raw and real, flawed yet strong are what Kirti Kulhari’s characters from Pink to Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors resonate with. The actor who has been delivering incredible, swoon-worthy performances, is now geared up for the next season of the popular Emmy-nominated show on Amazon Prime Four More Shots Please! Talking about her work, web space and how lockdown helped content creators and audience, Kirti gets into a conversation with Sweta Pendyala for Hashtag India.

You have been working in OTT and films that have theatrical release. What is the major difference in the experience you have had?

As there is no censorship over OTT platforms yet, it is liberating for the filmmakers to tell the stories the way they want to and for actors to be able to deliver without thinking about censorship. It gives freedom to perform and improvise. The world is opening up and this change has a lot to do with OTT. Boundaries are being blurred for the better. The best part about web shows is that it gives you time to tell elaborate stories. The shooting schedules are longer. On the other hand, there is no better feeling than watching a film on the big screen. I have been fortunate enough to work with people who are making good projects; telling stories that need to be told. Even the films that I have been a part of Uri: The Surgical Strike and Mission Mangal have been appreciated by the critics and the audiences alike; these films have made me a household name.

For over 10 months, OTT was the only platform people were consuming content from. Do you think this will help bridge the gap between the content screened in theatres and produced on the web?

I believe that trend exposed people to diverse content and allowed the audience to better accept that medium and appreciate good content. Filmmakers on OTT platforms also realised that the audience was looking for a certain standard of content, and have been working towards it. However, being kept away from the big screen for so long will definitely make them appreciate films in theatres even more.

How exciting was it preparing for your character in Four More Shots Please!?

Four More Shots Please! has been a joy ride, it’s like being home. Playing Anjana is one of my favourite things mainly because our approach has been to show what is real. Every human being is flawed in a way and that is real. It is what I think even the audience liked about the show. It has a universal appeal; it resonates not only with women but all genders and types of people.

After being nominated for an Emmy, do you feel an added responsibility or pressure to keep up with viewers’ expectations in the new season of Four More Shots Please!?

It is an international recognition; something from India that has been recognised is the most important thing for me. I am not someone who feels or takes the pressure. I don’t take things personally or get too excited. I certainly enjoy the moment, enjoy the glory it brings and let it go. I do my job with utmost sincerity and because I love acting and it is the greatest joy for me. Awards and recognition are bonuses, I do not pressurise myself for anything.

Quickfire

How do you keep yourself away from stress? Knowing when to disconnect helps. If a certain amount of stress is interfering with my health I just disconnect by taking a break to travel, cutting off on social media or just not being available for phone calls.

Cheat meal: Ye or Nay? I don’t do hardcore dieting. I eat balanced food, avoid junk, and do intermittent fasting. I can have a cheat meal or cheat day any time I want (chuckles).

What makes up your me time: Listening to music, watching what I like, meditation, reading, exercising, taking walks and cooking.

One word for your journey so far: Gratitude. I wouldn’t have gotten so far without going through the good, the bad and the ugly.

Your wardrobe must haves: White shirts and t-shirts, denim and comfortably short dresses.

Kirti in three words: Simple, honest and at peace

Could you throw some light on how Anjana’s character is going to evolve in the coming season? What can the audience expect?

Anjana is someone who widens your horizon and makes you look at the whole picture. The essence of the character will remain the same. Although the third season will see different layers of Anjana’s personality, she will retain the same energy and vision. The response of the audience has been overwhelming and I hope they keep showering their love on Anjana and the series.

Which role has been most challenging for you? Would you accept roles you don’t necessarily resonate with?

By far Anuradha Chandra in Criminal Justice has been the most challenging in terms of dark space, pain and angst the character goes through. Anu Chandra was a victim, a person with no voice and it was very difficult to play a character like that. The feeling of being so lost is not something which has been easy to feel and enact. It isn’t a character I would personally resonate with, but I took it as a challenge because I was open to exploring that world.

How do you deal with the stress of playing intense characters?

Playing intense characters is definitely challenging. It’s quite a task to understand their world and their issues. I am someone who gets in and out of a character very easily; I don’t take it home with me. However, I am sure some traits of each character subconsciously stay with me.

What specifically in Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors grabbed your attention that you chose to play such an intense character?

There were a few reasons, but the central theme touched a chord with me. I thought it’s a very important subject that needs to be discussed and it has been dealt with maturity and sensitivity in the script. I absolutely wanted to talk about the issue through the series. Apart from that, playing the role of Anuradha Chandra who is a victim of marital rape and abuse seemed challenging to me as an actor and that’s why I wanted to do that. Sharing the screen and working with actors like Pankaj Tripathi, Deepti Naval, Mita Vashisht, Anupriya Goenka, Aashish Vidyarthi, Shilpa Shukla and Kalyani Mule was an exciting prospect.

How do you choose a script?

It is an effective storyline above all else that compels me to settle on a script. Of course what I would be doing and how important my character is to the story also matters. I then look at how I can make a difference to the script as an actor, and how that character can make a difference to the world. The director’s vision also counts for a lot in the process.

Personal life has become a myth for public figures thanks to social media. Have you put in conscious effort to strike a balance?

Acting is what I love. It’s my passion. I believe in taking things the way they are, not overthinking or overdoing them. I have not been a social media person, I joined Instagram only in 2019 and have started liking it. I think it’s how you take it. I believe in showing my real self to the followers because that is who I am and I don’t shy away from that. I think to strike a balance all you need to do is to be true to yourself and everything else will fall in place.

I have not been a social media person. I joined Instagram only in 2019 and have started liking it. To strike a balance all you need to do is to be true to yourself and everything else will fall in place.

You were exploring places and travelling during lockdown. What was that experience like?

I love traveling, whenever I get a few days off, I make sure I travel. Staying at home during the lockdown was not very difficult for me, I loved being at home. I spent quality time with my family and myself. As soon as the travel options were opening up, I decided to travel while observing all the safety precautions. I would not say liberating, as being at home or working both are liberating as well but traveling after so many months made me happy.

What is in the pipeline for 2021?

Girl on the Train, Shaadistaan, season 3 of Four More Shots Please!, a few short films, a feature film and a few more projects which I cannot name right now but all will be releasing this year end.

How do you look at your journey so far?

I look at my journey with a lot of gratitude. Had it not been for all kinds of experiences—good, bad and ugly, I wouldn’t have been here where I am today.

What kind of role would you like to explore that you haven’t yet?

A sports biopic, a period film as I am very fascinated by Maharani Gayatri Devi’s story and an action film top my list right now.

February 1, 2021

#Actress, #Celebrity, #Diva, #FashionForward

Lakmé Fashion Week 2026: Designers Shaping the Future of Indian Fashion

At Lakmé Fashion Week March 2026, Indian fashion moved beyond spectacle into a more process-driven, thoughtful era. This season wasn’t just about trends; it was about how clothes are made, who makes them, and why they matter. From artisanal revival to futuristic textiles, designers showcased a powerful blend of sustainability and innovation. Hashtag magazine gives you the key highlights Péro by Aneeth Arora: Out of Office Background: Known for “international clothing with an Indian heart,” Aneeth Arora focuses on artisanal, handmade textiles. Collection Spotlight: The runway was transformed into a theatrical office space complete with desks and telephones. The collection used a strict palette of blue and white to reimagine rigid workwear as playful, comfortable attire. USP: Sartorial theatre that addressed the modern work-life balance through hand-embroidered, “carefree” garments. Manish Malhotra: Luxury Prêt & Accessories Debut Background: India’s premier bridal couturier, Malhotra, is famous for his cinematic glamour and association with Bollywood. Collection Spotlight: This show marked his first dedicated luxury prêt (ready-to-wear) line and the launch of MM Accessories. The collection focused on “Quiet Luxury”, multi-wear separates and travel-ready couture. USP: Lifestyle Branding. A pivot from heavy bridal couture to a versatile, modern wardrobe that maintains his signature “timeless glamour”. AFEW by Rahul Mishra: White Gold Background: Mishra is a global pioneer in sustainable luxury and was the first Indian to win the International Woolmark Prize. Collection Spotlight: In partnership with SUPIMA, this collection explored the ecology of cotton. Motifs included dragonflies, marigolds, and insects, all hand-embroidered on fine cotton and Chanderi weaves. USP: “Cotton into Couture.” Repositioning humble cotton as a high-luxury fibre through artisanal density and a quieter, more restrained aesthetic. Amit Aggarwal: Orizon Background: A master of structured, architectural fashion who uses recycled materials and signature metallic polymer strips. Collection Spotlight: In collaboration with Indriya Jewels,

Fashion

Gold Is Back: Why Classic Jewellery Is Regaining Its Shine in 2026

For the past decade, the jewellery industry has seen waves of change. Artificial jewellery, minimalist designs, and the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds have transformed consumer preferences, especially among younger buyers looking for affordable luxury. Yet in 2026, gold jewellery is quietly reclaiming its throne. From weddings to everyday fashion and even men’s accessories, gold is experiencing a powerful resurgence not just as ornamentation, but as a trusted investment. The Investment Factor One of the biggest reasons for gold jewellery’s comeback is simple: stability. While diamonds and lab-grown alternatives have gained popularity due to affordability, they often lack strong resale value. Gold, on the other hand, remains a tangible asset that can be sold, exchanged, or passed down generations. This financial security has made gold increasingly attractive to modern buyers who want jewellery that doubles as an investment. During recent wedding seasons in India, jewellers have reported rising demand for plain gold jewellery in 22K, 18K and 14K forms as buyers prioritise long-term value over heavily diamond-studded pieces. With gold prices steadily climbing in recent years, many consumers now view gold jewellery as a form of wearable wealth something that carries emotional significance while also retaining monetary value. Celebrity Influence and the Wedding Effect Celebrity culture continues to play a major role in shaping jewellery trends. A recent example is the high-profile wedding of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, which sparked widespread discussion about heritage jewellery. The couple’s wedding looks prominently featured elaborate handcrafted gold pieces inspired by South Indian temple architecture. Rashmika reportedly wore eleven pieces of traditional gold jewellery, while Vijay made headlines for embracing bold groom jewellery including layered necklaces, ear studs, cuffs and other royal-inspired ornaments. Their wedding highlighted something significant: gold jewellery is no longer just for brides. Men Are Embracing Jewellery Again Historically,

Fashion

Alfiya Karim Khan: Mumbai YouTuber Redefining Modest Fashion and Digital Influence

Alfiya Karim Khan grew up in Mumbai in a family where education was non-negotiable, and ambition was encouraged, so long as it followed a conventional path. Academically strong, medicine seemed almost predetermined for her. But internally, she felt drawn elsewhere. “Deep down, I always knew my life did not belong in a hospital corridor,” she says. “It belonged in the creative industry.” Choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media instead of medicine was met with hesitation and doubt. Coming from a background where most women were financially dependent, she had rarely seen female entrepreneurship firsthand. That absence became fuel. “Every time someone questioned whether content creation was serious, it pushed me to take it more seriously,” she reflects. What began quietly in her bedroom evolved into financial independence and professional stability. Today, her work represents more than a career; it symbolises “choosing conviction over comfort.” A Cultural Voice in Modest Fashion Alfiya identifies as a digital entrepreneur and a cultural voice within the modest fashion space. A decade ago, the online fashion landscape felt misaligned with her personal style. “I did not want to shape-shift just to belong,” she explains. “I decided to build around my authenticity instead of bending away from it.” Over the past 10 years, she has collaborated with global and legacy brands, been recognised among Forbes’ Top 100 Digital Stars, and represented modest fashion at Paris Couture Week. For her, these milestones represent more than visibility; they signal representation. “This is not just fashion content,” she says. “It is about showing that ambition and values can coexist.” Reinterpreting, Not Rejecting At its core, her work reinterprets mainstream fashion through a modest lens. Rather than rejecting trends, she modifies them, layering strategically and reshaping silhouettes. “Fashion does not have to be abandoned to align with

Fashion

Tiara Dhody: Inspired by Heritage, Driven by Design

Tiara Dhody is a Mumbai-based founder and the creative force behind Treasures by Tiara. She studied at Cathedral and John Connon School, the United World College in Singapore, and later at Sarah Lawrence College, experiences that shaped her global perspective and independent thinking. Growing up in a household where fashion and design were part of everyday conversation, she was naturally immersed in aesthetics. Influenced by her mother, Queenie Dhody, and Raja Dhody, she absorbed a visual language early on. Yet, she credits her broader worldview to quieter influences. “Beyond formal education, I feel most shaped by the books I read, the films I watch, the places I travel to, and the people I surround myself with,” she says. “All of it quietly filters into my work.” Jewellery as Intimate Expression Tiara has chosen the path of self-expression, and for her, jewellery is one of the most intimate mediums through which to access it. “It’s something you can wear, feel, and move with; it becomes part of your story,” she explains. She also describes a more intangible element: “There’s something cosmic about it, the way certain pieces seem to find you at the right time.” In India, jewellery carries memory. It is passed down, inherited, gifted, layered with sentiment and history. That cultural weight deeply informs her design philosophy. “What sets my work apart is the balance between meaning and wearability,” she notes. The pieces are expressive without being loud, crafted to feel personal and enduring rather than purely ornamental. Many associate her designs with strong feminine energy, detailed craftsmanship, and jewellery that feels lived-in rather than showcased. Designed to Be Lived In Treasures by Tiara approaches jewellery differently. It is not created to be stored away for weddings or rare occasions; it is designed to be worn daily. “The idea