Anuraadha Tewari on how she started her writer’s web called Kosen Rufu

Kosen Rufu is a writer’s space, created by writer-director Anuraadha Tewari. While she derives the name from her Buddhist practice, she says that the space has given birth to many successful writers working in the industry today. “The year was 2017. I was done with writing for television and done with working solo. I did briefly contemplate changing professions as well since I was dabbling with psychology already. However, a deep introspection revealed to me the fact that I wasn't done being creative, I was simply bored of the way I had been working for the last 13-14 years. It was monotonous and creatively lonely. That is when the idea of Kosen Rufu was born. Incidentally, it is a phrase from my Buddhist chanting practice. when people ask what it means, I get to spread the message,” she says.
She adds, “It was a simple idea. To create an umbrella where I gather small teams of writers and do live jam sessions over stories. A lot like musicians jam on songs. It was still very early days of the web business in India and writers' rooms were still not fashionable yet. But I had sprung them already, out of simply my own need! And as manifestations go, just as I left TV a lot of web show bibles started coming our way. That is how it became our focal point and specialization.”
Talking about the process of how things worked out in her company, she says, “By 2018, I concretised the idea and actively found many young and fresh minds who I trained via live projects. It became a sound model and each year I found a new 'batch' of fresh minds. I am so proud to see a whole lot of them turned independent writers or absorbed into platforms now! It was a bit like a writers' room cum writing workshop rolled into one. We worked out of a co-working space in Araamnagar and created some mammoth ideas. I also trained myself on how to run a writers' woom under Ilene Chaiken, the Writer of 'The L Word'. This has been how I have been working ever since. Over the last 2 years, I have cut down on the number of projects we do since it got a little exhausting. Currently, the show on air is Raisinghani vs Raisinghani which went through a writers' room in its first month of episodes. We also have 'Dil, Dosti, Dilemma', produced by Ten Years Younger, which stands as the latest Kosen Rufu endeavor out there.

Apoorva Arora: The New Face of top brands in Health, Education, and Fashion

Apoorva Arora, a versatile actress known for her impactful performances across various shows and movies, has recently become a sought-after choice for major brands. Apoorva is riding high on success and now she’s being the first choice for most of the brands that includes Well Being Nutrition, CollegeDekho app, and the saree brand Odhni, is a testament to her growing influence and relatability.
Well Being Nutrition: Advocating a Healthier Lifestyle
Well Being Nutrition, a brand dedicated to promoting health and wellness through its range of organic supplements and nutritional products, collaborated with Apoorva Arora. Apoorva's commitment to a healthy lifestyle and her ability to connect with a diverse audience make her the perfect face for the brand. Her collaboration with Well Being Nutrition will surely inspire many to prioritize their health and embrace a balanced lifestyle.
CollegeDekho: Championing Educational Choices
Education is a crucial aspect of personal growth, and the CollegeDekho app simplifies the process of making informed decisions about higher education. Apoorva Arora, with her youthful charm and strong influence among students, is an ideal choice for the app. Her association with CollegeDekho is aimed at encouraging students to explore various educational opportunities and make well-informed decisions about their futures.
Odhni: Celebrating Tradition with Style
Apoorva Arora's elegance and grace have made her a natural fit for Odhni, a renowned saree brand that celebrates traditional Indian attire. As the face of Odhni, Apoorva brings a contemporary touch to timeless sarees, appealing to modern women who value their cultural heritage. Her endorsement of Odhni highlights the brand's commitment to quality and style, making it a preferred choice for saree enthusiasts.
The Impact of Apoorva's Brand Associations
Apoorva Arora's association with these diverse brands showcases her versatility and broad appeal. Her endorsement not only boosts the brands' visibility but also resonates with a wide audience, from health-conscious individuals and aspiring students to fashion-forward women. Apoorva's journey from an actress to a brand ambassador is a reflection of her growing influence and the trust that brands place in her ability to connect with people.
As Apoorva continues to shine on screen and beyond, her collaborations with Well Being Nutrition, CollegeDekho, and Odhni are set to inspire and influence her fans, encouraging them to make healthier choices, pursue educational goals, and embrace their cultural roots with style.

I'm a fitness enthusiast: Anuj Arora

Actor Anuj Arora, who has been a part of TV shows like Burey Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum, Bandini, Thodi Khushi Thode Gham, Behenein, and the web series Anarchy, says fitness plays a huge role in his life. He said, “I'm a gym enthusiast, going every day and working out six days a week.” “I love sports and played table tennis for 15-20 years, representing my state and school in numerous tournaments. My workout regimen consists of 2–2.5 hours daily, combining weight training, cardio, core exercises, functional training, and running,” he added. He follows a high-protein diet, consuming 18 eggs daily—prepared as omelets, bhurji, or boiled. He further said, “I also eat plenty of salads and vegetables, focusing on low carbs. For gaining phases, I add some multigrain chapati at lunch. Additionally, my diet includes paneer, pulses, protein shakes, nuts, fruits, and soups.”  
He mentioned that health consciousness runs in his family, especially from his father, who emphasized fitness and stretching exercises. “We grew up with cows at home, so our dairy products were always fresh and healthy. Maintaining health is crucial in my profession; looking good on screen and fitting specific roles require consistent fitness efforts. I've learned that skipping workouts makes me feel low,” he said. “Managing demanding schedules demands extra effort. I always carry my food, including eggs, protein shakes, and fruits, wherever I go. Hydration is key—I ensure to drink 5 liters of water daily. Diet discipline is paramount, and my profession keeps me motivated,” he added. 
Anuj believes that today fitness is a universal priority, heightened by post-COVID awareness. “I compete with myself as my own idol, always striving to outdo yesterday's efforts. Genetics and body type significantly influence fitness; controlling your diet is crucial. My major challenge was gaining muscle as a naturally lean person. Transforming from 45–50 kg to 60–65 kg required a significant investment of time and energy, achieving results after 4-5 years,” he said. 
“Fitness goals are subjective, tailored to each character I portray. I aim to maintain sufficient fitness to transform for different projects. Having six packs every time is neither healthy nor  needed so it depends on what character you are playing,” he ended.

Love the Rain: Celebrities talk about their love for monsoon

After the summer heat, everyone waits for the beautiful monsoon. It is the season to relive one’s childhood memories and have chai and pakoda while looking at the beautiful sky. Here are a few celebrities talking about their love for rain and their to-do list for the season:
Sheezan Khan:
Rain is always special for me. Since childhood, and I honestly love Mumbai in rain, I consider rain to be Rehmat! I don't eat pakodas, but I definitely go on the road, or maybe to eat ice cream. I love getting drenched in rain.
Twinkle Arora:
I love monsoons unless there's a halt in traffic. Otherwise, it’s my favorite. It was my mom’s favorite too. I have so many memories of monsoons. Once it was raining so beautifully that me and my mom decided to sleep in the hall near the biggest window, so we adjusted the sofas, brought out comforters, and tugged ourselves in watching the rain, the trees, and the thunderstorm. We ended up sleeping on the couch.
Shubhangi Atre:
I just love everything about the rain. I just love monsoons. Mumbai monsoons are to die for. I wait the whole year for the monsoon season. Although there are a few issues, like traffic jams, I still love the rain because it makes nature so happy. The trees and plants become so vibrant, and the forests turn lush and green. Since I love nature, I really enjoy the monsoons. Every year, I eagerly wait for the monsoons so I can go on long drives, bathe in waterfalls, and play in rivers. This is my time to recharge my soul. And on rainy days, I believe there should be a holiday from shooting, and I also enjoy eating ice cream in the rain.
Sara Khan:
I love everything about the monsoon; it's my favorite season. I enjoy getting drenched in the rain—who doesn't? I love the sound of raindrops and the smell of wet earth during the monsoons. I enjoy going on long drives, having chai and pakoras, and eating ice cream from roadside vendors. For me, rainy days are cozy days. Sometimes, I love to just get inside my comforter, stay there all day, have something hot, and binge-watch a movie or a series.
Radhika Vidyasagar:
Monsoons make me the happiest person. I feel so joyful when it rains. Come Monday, and I’m the happiest person around. Since childhood, I have had so many memories associated with monsoons. It starts with school memories—new bags, new water bottles, and all those green surroundings. These are golden memories. As school kids, we would have new uniforms and make new friends. Also, being born in June, with my birthday on June 30, the monsoons in Pune were always pleasant, like a bit of London rain making the weather perfect. The greenery everywhere and the lush green plants around my house all made me so happy. Monsoons truly make me the happiest. I love monsoons because of these childhood memories. Despite some man-made errors and accidents, I’m very happy. I plan to make the most of it this year. I’m trying to incorporate visits to Borivali National Park early in the morning and trips to the Kanheri Caves in the rain. I enjoy monsoon treks and trips so much. The monsoon is the best season for me, and I love it the most.
Shaan Mishra:
The monsoon is definitely a time to relive childhood memories. As kids, whenever it rained, we would always make paper boats and try to float them in the collected water. We didn’t care about getting wet; we just wanted to enjoy the rain. Our surroundings, the neighborhood, everything felt so alive. Monsoon also teaches us that even the sky cries, but it brings life with its tears. It's a reminder that, after hardships, joy follows. The monsoon provides a refreshing break from the heat, and we always look forward to it. It's like being an artist who, despite any backdrop, brings smiles to others—always spreading joy. Whether working or not, the monsoon is a time to enjoy beautiful places, a cup of coffee, and good music. Being from the mountains, I have wonderful childhood memories of the monsoons.
Sherleen Dutt:
Growing up in Jammu and Kashmir, the monsoon holds a special place in my heart. It's a time that reconnects me with cherished childhood memories of playing in the rain. I remember eagerly telling my mom on rainy mornings that I didn't want to go to school, just so I could enjoy the rain a little longer. What I love most about this season is its ability to transform the landscape into a lush green paradise. The rain not only nourishes the earth but also brings a sense of tranquility and renewal. On a rainy day, I find joy in simple yet meaningful activities that enhance the cozy atmosphere. One of my favorite things to do is find colorful umbrellas, especially those with vibrant rainbow designs, which always bring a smile to my face. Another tradition in our home during the monsoon was enjoying mom's deliciously crispy pakoras paired with hot chai or coffee. It's a comforting treat that brings warmth on a rainy day. Meanwhile, my dad would immerse himself in gardening, tending to our plants, which thrived during the monsoon. Personally, I love taking quiet walks in the rain, feeling the cool drops on my skin, and inhaling the earthy scent of wet soil. It's a time for introspection and appreciating the beauty that nature offers, even in its most gentle tears.

Rashmi Gupta talks about her new role Chandra in Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare

Actress Rashmi Gupta, who was seen in Pandya Store and has donned the role of Goddess Parvati in Hari Om’s series Tirupati Balaji Kathasar, has entered the Sony SAB show, Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare Produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions. The show stars Ishaan Dhawan and Riya Sharma as the leads. Sharing more information about her role,Rashmi, she says,”It’s a proper parallel lead and the story is interesting in a very positive way. The language is shudh Hindi and I can’t use aaj kal ka Hindi language, so I am learning some more sophisticated Hindi for that. The best part of being in a daily show is that I am working everyday and since it's a daily soap, you have to wake up early. I maintain a timetable and I think it’s like going for a job. And at the end of the day, I am working and busy which is great because who wants to be out of work in a city like Mumbai.”
Rashmi also adds, "Usually on television shows and films, we see two sisters as rivals or not on good terms but in our show, Chandra and Tara are very close and they share a wonderful bond.” Rashami also shares,”I have been welcomed with a rose and a handwritten letter on my first day of shooting, it was so nice of them, it really made me feel special. I am looking forward to having a great time on the set.”

Manjari Mishra: The pressure on men to fulfil the role of the sole breadwinner can be immense

Actress Manjari Mishra says that while it may seem that men have it easier than women in our society today, the role that men are expected to play is also not easy. She says that earning money and providing for your entire family can get challenging. “The pressure on men to fulfil the role of the sole breadwinner and provider for their families can be immense. Society often places these expectations on men without considering their own desires and aspirations. Many men indeed sacrifice their own wants and needs to ensure the well-being of their families, often without expressing their own struggles,” she says.
She adds, “In middle-class families especially, where financial stability can be precarious, young boys often take on responsibilities like part-time jobs or tuitions to support their families. This not only requires courage but also deprives them of the typical experiences of youth.”
She says that while today both husband and wife shoulder responsibility, the onus comes on the man to provide. “While times are changing and women are also contributing significantly to household incomes, the societal expectation for men to be primary providers still persists. Even if parents don't overtly discriminate between genders, there's often an implicit expectation for boys to take on this role. It's crucial to recognise and address these societal norms to ensure that both men and women have the freedom to pursue their own paths and aspirations without being constrained by traditional gender roles,” she says.

Shama Sikander is royalty and grace personified in her beautiful dress

Shama Sikander is one of those raging beauties in the Indian entertainment industry who simply keeps getting better and better with time. Over the years, the charismatic diva has enthralled us time and again with her hypnotic beauty and no wonder, she's a deadly combination of serious talent and drop-dead gorgeous looks blended in one personality. Her acting skills and her ability to emote and tell a story or portray a narrative with just her eyes and expressions have been known to one and all and that's exactly what makes her such a fine artiste with a touch of finesse and effortlessness. Be it her work on-screen or her captivating and mesmerizing videos on her social media handle, everything manages to make our heads spin big time and we love it.
As far as traditional outfits are concerned, Shama's royalty and ethnicity vibe hits a new high all the time and no wonder she serves as the quintessential visual delight all the time. Given the fact that she's a natural beauty, she hardly has any make-up on and that's what is most desirable about her infectious personality. Shama is often compared to a fine wine that simply gets better with time and age and no wonder netizens feel that she can give any modern-day teenager a serious run for their money when it comes to ethnicity and royal vibes.
Well, the internet has certainly given their opinion big time that it is Shama Sikander who actually deserves to be a part of a project like Heeramandi simply because of her effortless grace. Here's hoping that the man who actually matters aka Sanjay Leela Bhansali also feels the same after watching Shama's impeccable grace. Absolutely stellar and gorgeous indeed. On the work front, Shama Sikander has quite many interesting projects happening at her end, the official announcements of which will happen soon as per the ideal timelines. Stay tuned for more updates.

It presents both opportunities and challenges: Arushi Nishank on entourage culture

Actress-producer Arushi Nishank, who has been part of music videos like Teri Galliyon Se, Wafa Na Raas Aayee, and is producing a web series titled “Life Hill Gayi”, feels the entourage culture that exists in Bollywood is an opportunity as well as a challenge. Speaking in reference to Anurag Kashyap’s recent interview, where he opened up about the entourage culture that exists in the industry, and said that actors come with their own team of 7-8 people, and they are allowed to do it because he or she is the actor of the film, she says it’s important to be respectful to others when going with a team.
She said, “The entourage culture in the industry presents both opportunities and challenges. It has definitely grown a lot. Personally, I think there's a balance to be found. It's understandable that some actors need support from their team, but it’s important to keep things respectful.” “Being a producer myself, I totally understand the stress the production goes through when the actors demand a certain entourage, which doesn't even fit the budgets of the shoot. Whereas, a smaller, more focused team can often be more effective and keep the set atmosphere positive and professional. Everyone should feel comfortable and able to do their best work without feeling crowded or overwhelmed,” she added.
Sharing her thoughts on the actor's team making social media posts and reels, she believes that though she knows the importance of being connected to her fans, she feels sharing too much steals away the authenticity. “Social media is like a double-edged sword, bringing both connection and distraction. The constant reel-making and documentation can indeed blur the lines between reality and performance. While I understand the importance of staying connected with fans and maintaining a social media presence, it can take away from the authenticity of the moment,” she said.
As an actor, she prefers to keep her entourage small and focused. She said, “Usually, I bring just one or two people with me on set: my assistant and sometimes my personal stylist or makeup artist. This helps me stay organized and ready while keeping the atmosphere calm and professional. I find that a smaller team allows me to concentrate better and connect more effectively with my fellow actors and the crew.” 
Arushi also agrees that the atmosphere on a set can indeed be affected by the number of people present, and this can sometimes lead to tension or discomfort among the cast and crew. She said, “While teamwork is essential, too many people can overwhelm actors, disrupting their focus. Though I feel fortunate that the actors on the set for our upcoming Hotstar web series were very cooperative and always chose to listen to our problems as well. Personally, I prefer a smaller, more focused team because it helps maintain a calm and professional environment.”
“It’s important to respect each other’s space and create a comfortable setting where everyone can do their best work. Balancing support with a respectful and peaceful environment is key,” she ended.