Wellness

Ranvir Shorey :I think- all the acrimony and differences should be set aside for the child

Ranvir Shorey is immersed into environmental conservation these days. From planting trees, to teaching his son Haroon about the importance of keeping the earth green, he has been right at it. The actor also talks to Lipika Varma about his relationship with son, and how Haroon enjoys the company of both parents who are also neighbours.

Critically acclaimed actor Ranvir Shorey was in news recently for his Adopt a Fallen Tree Pit

Campaign in association with the Make Earth Green Again(MEGA) foundation and the Municipal Staff of K-West Ward. Along with his 9-year-old son Haroon Shorey, the actor planted a Sita Ashoka (Saraca Asoca) tree for the campaign in support of World Environment Day. Ranvir speaks to Hashtag India about being a father, and how his living arrangement with actor and ex-wife Konkana Sen Sharma has proved to be a genius move for his son.

Adopt a Fallen Tree Pit Campaign with your son Haroon Shorey was quite interesting. What was the discussion like with Haroon about the project?

Haroon has attended a couple of events with me. We have been to arm wrestling events together. This one was special because in school they teach a lot about the importance of conservation of nature, trees and wildlife. So he is already aware about the environment, but this will properly reinforce the importance of taking care of trees and plants around us.

Your love for green pastures must have started from your home town in Jalandhar. Any memories of having a small farm house or garden?

I have been a fan of quite, serene, green lands throughout my school years. We used to go out on our summer holidays to the farm. Every year for a month or two we were at that full-fledged farm with wheat, rice, potatoes, carrots, you name it. I can actually drive a tractor very well.

What sort of significance does planting trees hold for you? Do you believe humans are responsible for the worsening state of our environment?

We made a deep impact on our natural habitat. We need to curb it, definitely step back and undo all the damage that we have done. We depend on the environment. We draw from our ecosystems, and over the years these have been depleting fast. It is our responsibility to replenish these ecosystems. Trees support a variety of life, including animals, insects, birds, soils, and all these are crucial for the survival of human life. There has been this wild, uneducated notion of medical oxygen increasing through afforestation during the pandemic period, but this is of course, a fallacy [laughs]. Increasing oxygen has nothing to do with planting trees. It is just our duty to do our best to conserve them.

How was it like working with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Anusha Srinivasan Iyer of Make Earth Green Again (MEGA) Foundation on their initiative?

I think BMC and the Make Earth Green Again (MEGA) Foundation both are doing a commendable job with the tree plantation drive. It’s a great idea to keep track of every tree that is uprooted and make sure it’s replanted. Anusha does some great work for the environment. She runs a cat and dog shelter called Positive, and is a good-hearted human.

Have you started spending more time gardening with Haroon ever since the campaign?

Well we don’t do gardening but we have a lot of plants around the house. Our window space is filled with plants. We water them every alternate day and generally ensure that everything is fine with them. In ourl little ways, we try to remain connected to nature.

You and Konkana separated last year. How has it been like raising a kid in this scenario. Are there any pointers you’ve specifically kept in mind?

I think all the acrimony and the differences need to be set aside for the child. That’s the only way you can look after the well-being of your child. Parents should be mature enough to put all differences and negative feelings aside so that they do not affect the child. We should also try our best for a seamless transfer of the living situation. Between me and Haroon’s mother, we are not rigid about whom he stays with and for how long. We keep it fluid. We are neighbours so it’s easy for him to visit both of us. If we couldn’t give him one home we have managed to give him one neighbourhood at least. He feels this neighbourhood is his own and these houses are just like rooms; whenever he wants he goes from one house to the other.

How do you two spend a typical day together? What sort of chores and games do you engage him in?

He is my little helper. He helps in setting and laying the dining table, keeps utensils in place. I keep him doing all this so that it’s an inculcated habit. We also play a lot of games. Our favourite is Uno. Haroon wins most of the time. He is quite good at it.

You and Konkana both enjoy reading books, and are thorough actors. Has Haroon developed this habit too?

He isn’t into acting yet, but he definitely enjoys reading. We encourage him as much as possible. He has just started Harry Potter and seems to be loving it.

June 26, 2021

Ranvir Shorey

Morning Rituals Win the Morning Win The Day

Modern lifestyles are often dominated by work, causing us to overlook essential routines that form the foundation of a healthy life. In the constant hustle whether driven by work pleasure or pressure we tend to neglect the growing importance of our well-being. As MANOGNA REDDY reminds us, taking control of our mornings is the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Enough of the hustle it’s time to prioritise yourself. Mornings offer the perfect opportunity to engage in rituals that energise and ground you for the day ahead. Begin your day with intention, and you’ll start to see meaningful and lasting changes. Do Not Snooze Waking up early grants you precious time to focus on personal health, wellness, and hygiene often the first things we sideline on a busy day. Hitting the snooze button may offer a few extra minutes of rest, but it often steals away time, leaving behind guilt and a rushed start. Embracing an early start not only adds structure to your day but also brings a sense of clarity and control that sets the tone for everything that follows. Hydrate Begin your day with a hot glass of water. This as a practice flushes out toxins from our body and helps aid digestion. You may also add lemon, ginger, or tulsi leaves depending on what suits your body best. Hydrating first thing in the morning awakens your internal system and gives a fresh kickstart to your metabolism. Exercise Give your body the movement it deserves. You don’t need a full gym session just 10 to 20 minutes of stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can work wonders. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles but also refreshes your mind and uplifts your mood. It also helps you stay disciplined and keeps laziness at bay throughout

Wellness

Ayurveda Silence and Stars: A Journey Back to Self at Santani

They say just five minutes in nature can start healing your body. At SANTANI WELLNESS Resort, Kandy, it takes even less. Tucked away in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, four hours from Colombo, this isn’t just a resort it’s a sanctuary where modern stress is gently undone by ancient wisdom. When I was invited to review Santani, I was simply expecting a luxurious break. What I received was a transformation of body, mind, and rhythm. Join SINDURI VUPPALA on her journey into one of the world’s most conscious wellness destinations. When the invitation arrived in my inbox to review Santani Wellness Resort, I paused. The name itself intrigued me. Santani a Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with” immediately hinted at something deeper than just another luxury spa retreat. As a journalist constantly on the move, my mind cluttered with deadlines and devices, the promise of “balance” sounded too good to be true. I needed it more than I realised. Getting to Santani isn’t a spontaneous affair. It’s a four-hour drive from Colombo airport, winding through misty hills and sleepy villages. But every mile feels like a slow unravelling of the stress that city life knots into your body. As we drove up the final stretch, literally skimming the edge of a mountain range, I rolled down the window and inhaled deeply my first real breath in weeks. The view: endless, green, alive. I didn’t know it yet, but I was already beginning to heal. We were welcomed not with cold towels or champagne flutes, but with something far rarer genuine silence. No music. No chatter. Just the soft murmur of wind through the trees and the gentle bow of a staff member who led us directly to lunch. The chef greeted us personally. “Tell me what your body feels

Wellness

Rice as Medicine: Choosing the Right Grain for Your Health Needs

Rice isn’t just a staple food—it’s a healing grain that’s been part of Indian diets for centuries. Different varieties offer different nutrients and health benefits, making it possible to tailor your rice intake to combat specific diseases and nutritional deficiencies. Hashtag magazine tells you how different Indian rice types support various health conditions: 1. For Diabetes Best Rice: Black Rice, Brown Rice, Red Rice, Sona Masoori (semi-polished) Why? Tip: Avoid highly polished white rice. Pair with pulses or vegetables for a balanced meal. 2. For Heart Health Best Rice: Red Rice, Brown Rice, Matta (Kerala Red Rice) Why? Tip: Use these for regular meals instead of white rice to protect your heart long-term. 3. For Iron Deficiency / Anemia Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Cook with jaggery or dark leafy greens for added iron absorption. 4. For Bone Strength & Joint Health Best Rice: Matta Rice, Bamboo Rice Why? Tip: Serve as a porridge (kanji) with ghee for enhanced benefits. 5. For Weight Management / Obesity Best Rice: Brown Rice, Sona Masoori, Red Rice Why? Tip: Try portion control with hand-pounded rice + salads and protein for effective weight loss. 6. For Digestive Health Best Rice: Gobindobhog, Indrayani, Kalajeera Rice (Baby Basmati) Why? Tip: Use these for curd rice or lightly spiced khichdi. 7. For Antioxidant Boost / Anti-Ageing Best Rice: Black Rice, Red Rice, Wild Rice (where available) Why? Tip: Great for beauty diets and detox routines. 8. For Pregnancy & Lactation Support Best Rice: Parboiled Rice, Gobindobhog, Kalajeera Rice Why? Tip: Make porridge with these during third trimester and postnatal period. 9. For Mental Well-Being & Sleep Best Rice: Kalajeera Rice, Indrayani Rice Why? Tip: Light evening meals using these rice types can aid better sleep and relaxation. 10. For Protein Deficiency (Supportive) Best Rice: Bamboo Rice, Brown Rice (paired with dals/legumes) Why? Tip: Always combine rice with dals or fermented foods for

Wellness

Increased Hair Fall in Summer and How to Control It

The sun is out and vacations are planned, but there’s one summer guest we never invite—excessive hair fall. If you’ve noticed more strands on your pillow, in the shower drain, or on your hairbrush during the hotter months, you’re not alone. Summer brings with it a slew of hair woes thanks to rising temperatures, increased sweating, and exposure to heat and humidity. The good news? It’s preventable and treatable with the right care, Hashtag magazine gives you a lowdown… Why Does Hair Fall Increase in Summer? 1. Sweaty Scalp and Oil Buildup:Excessive sweating clogs pores on the scalp, weakening hair roots and leading to hair fall. 2. UV Ray Exposure:The sun’s UV rays can damage the scalp, weaken the hair shaft, and cause dryness and brittleness. 3. Dehydration:Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy. If you’re not drinking enough water, your strands can turn weak and break easily. 4. Pool Chlorine and Salt Water:Frequent dips in the pool or sea? Chlorine and salt strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull and vulnerable to breakage. 5. Change in Diet and Routine:Holiday binging, skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, or high stress levels can also cause hair to shed more. How to Control Hair Fall in Summer 1. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Sweat-Free 2. Hydrate Inside Out 3. Cover Up When Out in the Sun 4. Avoid Over-Styling and Heat Tools 5. Oil Massage Once a Week 6. Use a Hair Mask 7. Eat Hair-Loving Foods 8. Avoid Tight Hairstyles 9. Use Satin Pillowcases When to Seek Help If your hair fall is sudden, or excessive, or you notice bald spots or thinning, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Summer hair fall is common, but sometimes it could be masking underlying issues like hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or