For actress Sadaa Sayed, best known for films like Jayam, Anninyan, Aethirree, etc., gardening wasn’t a lifelong passion; it was something that gently found its way into her life, one phase at a time. What began as a quiet act of rescuing dying plants during the stillness of lockdown slowly transformed into a deeply personal journey of healing, especially after the loss of her father. Today, her balcony is a thriving sanctuary of over 200 plants, with a special love for the delicate yet resilient Hoya family. But beyond the numbers and rare collections, it’s the emotional connection that defines her space. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with M Priyanka Goud, Sadaa shares how her garden is more than just greenery; it’s where grief softened, routines found meaning, and life, in its most organic form, continued to grow.” Her journey towards gardening Gardening found me in phases. Growing up, I watched my father lovingly tend to everything, from chikoo and coconut trees to mango trees and vibrant flowering plants. But back then, I never felt that connection. Even later, in our Mumbai home, while my parents cared for hibiscus, tulsi, curry leaves, and humble money plants in our balcony, I remained a distant observer. It was only during the lockdown that something shifted. I began rescuing dying plants I’d see outside shuttered shops, bringing them home and nurturing them back to life. That’s when I discovered my love for foliage, collecting varieties like Hoya and surrounding myself with greens that felt quietly alive. Life got busy again, and I was left with only the hardy ones, money plants and philodendrons, while delicate beauties like calatheas slowly faded away. Gardening became therapy through life’s phases After losing my father, I returned to my plants in a completely different way. Repotting root-bound greens

When summer arrives in full force, so do the electricity bills. The air conditioner becomes your best friend, and also your biggest expense. But what if you could enjoy a cool, comfortable home without watching your energy costs skyrocket? The good news is, you can! With a few strategic changes and smart habits, it’s possible to reduce heat indoors while keeping AC usage efficient and affordable. Dhanush Kumar brings you a practical, lifestyle-friendly guide to staying cool without overloading your electricity bill. Block the heat before it enters The easiest way to cool your home is to stop the heat at the source. Close curtains and blinds during peak sun hours. Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly raise indoor temperatures. Use thick curtains, blackout drapes, or reflective blinds during afternoon hours. Light-coloured curtains work best as they reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Additionally, using window films, which are heat-reflective and affordable, can reduce solar heat gain without darkening your home too much. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting Traditional incandescent bulbs generate heat. Switching to LED lights not only lowers electricity consumption but also keeps rooms cooler. LED bulbs consume less energy and emit minimal heat, a small change that makes a noticeable difference during peak summer. TIPS Let Air Circulate Naturally Good airflow reduces dependence on air conditioning. Cross Ventilation is Key Open windows early morning and late evening when temperatures are lower. Allow fresh air to circulate naturally. Use Ceiling Fans Smartly Ceiling fans don’t cool the air; they circulate it. But that circulation helps sweat evaporate faster, making you feel cooler. Pro tip: Set ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise in summer for a cooling effect. Seal Gaps and Insulate Properly Cool air escaping means your AC works harder. Close gaps around doors, windows & AC vents. Use

Nestled comfortably between luxury and elegance, Dinaz’s eye for imaginative design and impeccable execution creates multi-layered décor and immersive experiences that delight all the senses. From vintage elegance to contemporary glamour, Design & Décor by Dinaz has grown into a trendsetting firm curating celebrations that remain rooted in memory. From Ambanis to the Ram Charans and the who’s who of the country, weddings feel incomplete without her touch. Here, Dinaz shares her expert insights on wedding décor in 2025. 1.What are the most prominent wedding decor trends you’re observing across India in 2025?This year, weddings are less about grandeur for its own sake and more about experiences. Décor is becoming highly immersive each wedding tells a story through layered themes, curated art, and thoughtful detailing. Couples are leaning towards fusion concepts traditional Indian elements blended seamlessly with contemporary luxury. 2.In your view, what is the single biggest decor transformation shaping Indian weddings this year?The biggest transformation is the rise of personalisation at scale. Even the largest celebrations are designed to feel intimate and meaningful, where every detail reflects the couple’s journey. Décor has shifted from just visual beauty to becoming a medium of storytelling. 3.Which colour palettes are dominating the season? Have you noticed any surprising comebacks?We’re seeing muted pastels paired with regal jewel tones sapphire blues, emerald greens, and deep burgundy. The surprising comeback is gold but not in its loud avatar; instead, antique, and brushed gold accents are adding understated richness. 4.Are couples leaning more towards luxurious opulence or sustainable minimalism in their decor choices?Interestingly, they want both. Couples are very conscious today they desire the glamour and drama of a luxury wedding, but with choices that reflect responsibility and mindfulness. So, the décor is opulent in aesthetic but minimal in waste, a balance of indulgence and intent.

Across Indian homes, wardrobes, and stores, there’s a noticeable shift away from synthetic gloss and mass production toward something deeper, calmer, and more rooted. Earth tones and organic textures have emerged as the leading design trend of the moment. But in India, this isn’t just a passing aesthetic, it’s a return to heritage. Whether it’s the handwoven texture of khadi, the terracotta of rural homes, or the ochre walls of Rajasthan’s palaces, India has always had a strong connection to natural materials and earthy palettes. Today’s movement is a modern reimagining of that age-old wisdom. Hashtag Magazine captures the trend.  Why Are Earth Tones and Organic Textures Trending in India? Cultural familiarity: India’s architecture, crafts, and textiles have always drawn from nature — red earth, turmeric yellow, indigo, stone, jute, and clay. In Indian Interior Design Natural materials and earthy palettes are finding their way into urban homes, boutique resorts, and even co-working spaces. Indian Brands Leading the Way: Freedom Tree (Mumbai): Known for its bold yet earthy colour palettes, Freedom Tree combines handcrafted Indian sensibilities with contemporary design — think teak wood furniture, hand-printed textiles, and terracotta accents.  In Indian Fashion India’s fashion scene is embracing natural fabrics and subdued colours — a counter to the once-dominant trend of bling and embellishment. Top Indian Brands Embracing Earthy Aesthetics: · Anavila: Known for her linen saris in muted tones, Anavila is synonymous with earthy elegance. Her palette includes pale greys, olive greens, and natural browns — woven with stories of craft revival.· Nicobar: This contemporary lifestyle brand offers earthy wardrobe basics, travel gear, and home décor with Indian soul. Their use of khadi, cotton, and bamboo blends modern cuts with a grounded colour scheme.· Okhai: Backed by Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development, Okhai supports rural artisans and offers naturally