Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December - 2024 i Cosmopolitan India

In just a few weeks, as our Nov-Dec ’24 issue finds a spot by your bedside, or travels with you as your page-turner BFF, we’ll be ringing in 2025 with a fresh vibe. I want to wish each and every one of you a zen-like and remarkable start to the twenty-fifth year of the 21st century. As a millennial who was terrified, yet hopeful that Y2K would not be as tragic and apocalyptic as some conspiracy theorists made it out to be, these 24 years have been wildly cool and contentious, all at once. Never a dull moment! This year, the Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford University Press Dictionary captured two states of mind with their ‘Word of the Year’ picks. A cheerful, hopeful disposition thanks to Cambridge rooting for ‘Manifest’—think…

1 First things first, where are you going? a. Mykonos—my parents might be sponsoring, but I am doing all of the planning, and that is just a lot for me, y’know. b. Have you heard of this really low-key place in Asia? Tokyo? c. Anywhere my boyfriend takes me. 2 Your drink of choice: a. Something with champagne, darling! Maybe a Bellini? b. I’ll have that weird but pretty-looking cocktail with ingredients I can’t pronounce. c. Anything that my Boyf makes for me. 3 What’s the vibe you’re bringing to the party? a. Living my best life, dancing on tabletops. b. In a corner, being mysterious. c. You will find me with the DJ behind the console, and then posting multiple stories about it (+ a few impromptu sing-alongs, of…

Welcome to the Jungle December 20, In theatres Despite all the rumours of it being shelved, this much-hyped multi-starrer is finally dropping this December! With a massive production scale, the Ahmed Khan-directorial has so many big names — Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and Paresh Rawal—that it might make the Om Shanti Om song look like a small gathering. It is the third of the Welcome franchise, and it’s about to serve up more chaos and comedy than we know what to do with! Mickey 17 January 31, In theatres Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite follow-up is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7. The Robert Pattinson-starrer space-drama is about protagonist Mickey Barnes, an employee on a mission to colonise a freezing planet. He…

In biology, there is a term called mycorrhizal networks. It refers to the underground system through which trees share water and nutrients. But these networks do more than just sustain life—they allow trees to communicate. Trees send distress signals, prompting neighboring trees to adjust their behaviour. Just a minute, why are we talking biology in Cosmo? Well, just like trees, we’re rooted in something bigger. Our heritage grounds us, shaping us into who we are and how we guide our future generations. Remembering our roots isn’t just about tradition, it is also about carrying forward a sense of belonging, strength, and the promise to grow together. It is our textile—that’s the very heritage we are talking about here. Now is the perfect time to shift our focus from the “next…

WE DID NOT SEE THIS COMING Mike Amiri’s eponymous label has brought the West Coast to New Delhi’s Chanakyapuri—yes, really! The Los Angeles-based luxury brand AMIRI has launched its first-ever retail store in India. With celebrities like Shanaya Kapoor, Shubman Gill, and Anand Ahuja in attendance, the opening was all things Hollywood—we also got a glimpse of their Pre-Fall and AW’24 collections. Ahem, run, don’t walk, to The Chanakya. FROM ONE IDOL TO ANOTHER After Blackpink’s Lisa Manoban’s rather unusual departure from the French luxury fashion label Celine as its global brand ambassador, the 27-year-old singer and actor has been replaced by another K-pop idol. Suzy Bae of the K-pop group Miss A has filled in the very big shoes left by Manoban. In a statement, Bae shared, “I am…

I’ll be the first to confess—there appears to be an insatiable curiosity, perhaps even an unfounded obsession, about the wild world of Bollywood. We all want to know the details: Who is doing what (and whom)? What a conversation between Karan Johar [filmmaker] and [actor] Kareena Kapoor Khan would sound like beyond the lights and cameras? Where they wouldn’t be caught dead [sic]? And the party spots they’d love to be papped at et al. Here, long working hours, endless rehearsals, trade secrets over drinks, wild nights until the wee hours of the morning, whispering campaigns behind the closed doors of flamboyant parties, and head-turning fashion choices, all intertwine and feed into outsider perceptions of glitz and glam. “A Bollywood party is by far one of the most glamorous rooms…

REACH OUT TO OTHERS Elisabeth recommends finding like-minded communities or people in the same boat. “Like any of us who has a path that deviates from the norm, you need to find your tribe. Also, look for wise counsel, outside people in your life who may be invested in your decision, to gather more intel.” WRITE IT DOWN Ann suggests jotting down your thoughts with prompts like: I’ve always thought that by now my Ilfe would look like…/What would it take or what would have to happen in order for me to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to parenthood and feel good about it? Finally, make a list of all your fears related to the decision, put them in an envelope and take a breather. DON’T RUSH IT “Remember, the fact…

CHANGE THE WAY YOU READ Of course, nothing can replace a good ol’ paperback (yes, the word for that musty smell from books, it is bibliosmia. TML). However, the Kindle’s latest 7-inch update—it’s got features such as auto-adjust brightness, better battery life, wireless charging—does make for pleasant long-read experiences. Perfect for the tech-obsessed. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024), Amazon, ₹16,900 approx LOST TWS, WHAT’S THAT? Imagine dropping your earpods while you’re walking down the street and are unable to find it (true story from not so long ago). With this TWS, you don’t have to blame your astigmatism—the device has long-distance map positioning and floor search, just in case you lose the pair. It’s the brand’s first earpods with their next-generation operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT—spatial audio, face-to-face translation, AI volume…

Come December, my family (including my now six-year-old twins) and I will complete our 21st trip. Timeline, you ask? In the last four years—that’s an average of slightly over five trips a year. My partner and I realised our love for travel even before we got married—trust me, we planned way more for our first trip together as a married couple than the wedding itself. As we were contemplating moving out of Kolkata (in search of better career opportunities, a fatter paycheque, and a truly adult life), one of the reasons we chose Delhi was the Himalayas. And as life happened to both of us, we got sucked into the seductive allure of travel escapism. Now, don’t get me wrong—life isn’t bad. We both have jobs that we (more or…

DJ Angel aka Rajwender Kaur Johal On breaking stereotypical shackles “Music is the universal language of mankind; I’ve always been drawn to music, and DJing helps me curate an immersive experience to connect with people through rhythm, melody, and vibration. While there’s no denying that it is a male-dominated field, I seldom let societal norms dictate my choices. Back when I began, in 2007, female DJs were few and far between. My journey has been challenging, to say the least…but when you bring something unique to the table, people respect your craft regardless of your gender. Each time I get behind the deck and connect with the crowd, it reinforces my belief that I have found my voice. My deep understanding of music and technical expertise set me apart, helping…

Here’s an OG question—joke on journalists: What is one sentence that gets them excited? Answer: “I have never told this to anyone before.” When in my recent interview with investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and haute couture connoisseur Mona Patel preluded an early answer with “I don’t usually share this, but I am going to with you”, I knew for the joke to be true, because boy…was I excited to hear what followed. The question was simple. Tracing her childhood back to Baroda for me, the “mystery guest” who took the Internet by storm with her MET Gala look in the May of 2024 spoke about growing up a tomboy. “While I was fortunate to have very progressive parents who fueled my rebellious tendencies, outside of this fortress I was very aware…

Cover up All eyes on you Filter-like finish Ace your base Prep ’n prime Brows on fleek Snatched! Dewy flush Golden hour glow Perf pout Spray, set, slay!…

TREND ALERT: GRUNGE EYESHADOW Sick of that basic swipe of hue on your lids? This winter, ditch the perfect cat-eye and get ready to blur the lines—literally! The grunge eyeshadow trend is back, and it is giving major 60s vibes. Think less precision, more drama. READY, SET, GLOW! Rejoice, beauty lovers. Augustinus Bader is here to make a splash in the world of Indian skincare thanks to their recent launch on Tira. Formulated by a biomedical scientist, these concoctions work like magic potions for skin regeneration. When it comes to your skin, you may not take your favourite celebrity’s word but you can surely rely on science for a never-declining face card. THE PERFECT FILTER The Easy Blur foundation by Huda Beauty is your golden ticket to a filter-like, flawless…

NITIN BAL CHAUHAN Hold onto your hats, fashionistas! Nitin Bal Chauhan sent Moscow Fashion Week 2024 abuzz with his collection Future Noir. Think sleek silhouettes in pristine whites, pale yellows, coral, blues, and blacks. The collection was both edgy and elegant—short dresses, voluminous pants, and sheer overlays brought about a relaxed feel while the metallic pin detailing gave a bold spin to it. The hero piece? A Picasso-printed sheer dress. This collection was out-and-out global in both look and feel. PRAKHAR RAO Eleven looks, each of empowerment and self-expression—that’s Prakhar Rao for you. This September, his contemporary luxury label, Zero Tolerance, made a debut showcase at the London Fashion Week. The collection titled Karm was handcrafted by skilled artisans in Lucknow. Think experimental silhouettes in Khadi with contemporary motifs—the looks…

Once a cheater, always a cheater’. It’s a phrase we were fed in our formative years, and—in some ways—it was a pretty feminist warning. It was protective armour, meant to encompass a general idea of ‘if they’ve hurt someone once, they’re likely to do it again’. Cheating was always part of the holy trinity of reasons that women were ‘encouraged’ to leave a partner; 1. Does he hit you? 2. Does he drink too much? 3. Does he cheat? If the answer to any of those three was a resounding ‘yes’, women were buoyed to exit a relationship. But the trouble with that ‘golden trifecta’ is how reductive it was. Just like the phrase ‘once a cheater…’. Both ideas have no nuance, no room for the vagaries of being an…

Oh, my god,” she said, gripping my hand, eyes wide and hopeful. “Can you please tell me… is this normal?” I had met this woman 20 minutes ago, perched on a bar stool, and now she was whispering in my ear how often she wanted sex and what exactly she was looking for. Telling someone who is three large white wines down that when it comes to sex, there’s no such thing as normal, and that as long as she feels safe, desired and it’s all consensual (and, of course, legal), then she should absolutely pursue what she wants, is tricky. Particularly when yelling over Charli XCX booming out of the speakers and trying to catch the barman’s attention. But I’m used to it…I’d say most of the people who…

You’ve done the research. You know exactly what you like. Your solo seshes are a well-choreographed routine featuring your fave lubes, the perfect combination of vibrators and erotica you already have bookmarked (how many times is it okay to listen to Andrew Scott’s Quinn story? Asking for a friend). But when it comes to asking for what gets you off? Suddenly you’re letting someone rub your inner labia for 10 minutes while they ask if you’re close—you’re not and neither are they. Asking for what you want in bed can be hard, but it is also the key to the best sex of your life. “We’re all responsible for our own pleasure and orgasms,” says clinical sexologist Gigi Engle. “Our partners are not mind readers and if you don’t communicate…

ANKUR WARIKOO | ENTREPRENEUR, AUTHOR IN FINANCE & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT “Automate your investment…NOW. The poor mindset is that you have your income, and whatever is left of it after expenses, if left, will be invested. The rich mindset is that I will first make investments with my income and then use whatever is left for monthly expenses. So, as soon as you get your income, sweep off a certain amount, ideally 40 per cent to your investment pool. And while you are investing, be passive with them and active with your income. By which I mean, spend more time thinking about how you can generate more income, and as far as your investments are concerned, invest and forget about it so it can compound and grow. Patience is key, and…

Hair and make-up: Marha Model: Emely Maltsberger Fashion agency: O Models…

I want to be remembered for my kindness,” Raveena, the Indian-American singer-songwriter, tells me over an email, her words ringing with sincerity. I first discovered her single Honey during the COVID-19 lockdown, and immediately felt as if I had discovered an oasis in a desert of DIY haircuts and Zoom calls. I thought to myself ‘Finally a musician who looks like me!’ Since independently releasing her debut EP Shanti in 2017, Raveena has cultivated a loyal following and matured as an artist. “I have evolved SOOO much, oh my god,” she admits. “I’ve grown in the way I handle my business and I am so comfortable stating my boundaries, opinions, and vision clearly. I feel so much more confident and fluid on stage, and know a lot more about performing…

I am not saying that when American actress Kim Richards called former American model Brandi Glanvile “a sl*t pig” in season 2, episode 7 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, it marked the beginning of the fifth wave of feminism—but hear me out. For the uncultured of us who are unaware, The Real Housewives is an American reality TV franchise by the TV network Bravo (you can watch it on Netflix or Jio). Inspired by one of my favourite shows, Desperate Housewives, this series follows the personal and professional lives of a group of affluent women from one particular American city. It began with Orange County in 2006, and since then has had 11 different series, 21 international adaptations, 27 spin-offs, and multiple runoffs (looking at you Bollywood Wives).…

The holiday season brings new beginnings; happy, hopeful days; and lots of occasions to put on that dress sitting at the back of your closet and let your face sing tales of glam and glitter everything. And just so you don’t fret about those pesky milia, acne, dry skin, or the lack-lustre skin after a night out, Cosmo got an expert to remind you of 10 things you just CANNOT miss doing for a skin that screams natural, flawless glow. 1. A tale as old as time you might say, but DO NOT go to bed with make-up on. Your skin is going to cry of clogged pores thanks to it and you know everything that shall follow. 2. Double cleanse, double cleanse, double cleanse—even if you go in with…

In 2024, we are operating in a world with a general—if still hazy—awareness that famous (and non-famous women) are often dramatically filtered, photoshopped, and physically modified. But there’s one strange fallacy at the heart of it all: Celebrities, those at the highest echelons of what society considers beautiful, won’t often admit to having had cosmetic enhancements. Many even go so far as to blatantly deny it. Let’s be clear: There should never be an actual—legal, regulatory, financial—obligation on anyone to admit that they have modified themselves, surgically or otherwise. Even celebrities should be granted privacy about the choices they make about their own bodies. But there is some kind of moral obligation. The position of power they occupy—they wield the power to reinforce beauty standards, the power to make a…

MANKA SINGH, 27 The American rapper Travis Scott’s lyrics ‘checks over stripes’ is what inspires me when it comes to fall fashion. I have paired a gingham bralette and shirt with neutral pants for this look, which I’ve completed with a minimal, checkered vintage bag and glasses. VAISHALI THAPER, 27 I learnt that styling has no rules about five years ago. For this look, I have paired metallic pants and a top encrusted with pearls. I love creating editorial looks for my audience—and this is a fresh one for when you want to go a little extra. PAVITRA SAGAR, 40 I am committed to working with homegrown brands to elevate Indian fashion on a global stage. For this look, I have paired a blue outfit from Deme with earrings by…

I’m that girl you’ve seen somewhere, but can’t remember where.’ I was aware of Wamiqa Gabbi’s Instagram bio. Not sure when I turned into a cyber sleuth on the supposed ‘new kid on the block’. Actually…I am certain of the time frame. It was some time after watching her impressive portrayal of Niloufer Qureshi—a courtesan-turned-movie star who, like a jackin-the-box, pops up doubts in one’s mind on whether she is likeable or not—in Vikramaditya Motwane’s period drama show Jubilee (2023), which is nothing short of an apt ode to the Golden Age of Indian Cinema. My Insta investigation on Wamiqa also ensued from recognising her from Basil Joseph’s (yes, of the 2021 superhero film Minnal Murali fame, for the uninitiated) Malayalam directorial Godha (2017)…I remembered my sister comment on how “this…

If the pieces of broken trust lie before you, there are a few things that can help you decide whether you should discard them, or try to put them back together. Ask yourself these five questions before you decide whether you want to stay or leave. Is this a pattern? Isolated mistakes are different from a pattern of hurtful behaviour. Take a good, honest look at what your partner has done—and see if they’ve made a habit of f*cking up and counting on your forgiveness. You might be able to work through a moment of weakness; hell, you might even be able to work through the pattern. But you need to establish if there is one, and get to the root of it. Why did your partner cheat—and is it…

To breed or not to breed? That’s the question increasingly on the minds of Gen Zs and millennials. It seems we’re ‘generation maybe’, perched on the fence with one leg dangling over baby gurgles, sippy cups, and school runs, while the other hovers over a life of freedom, financial stability, and sleep-ins. The decision of whether or not to have kids can be torturous. There’s camp Aching Ovaries, who feel that having children is fulfilling their biological destiny. Then there’s camp No F*cking Way, where the idea of spoon-feeding smooshed carrots to a toddler is on par with having open-heart surgery—without anaesthetic. There’s also the people who, for various reasons, are unable to have children. If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re part of a growing cohort. On TikTok, ‘Do…

You are lounging on a beach, warm breeze tousling your hair, when you lock eyes with someone. There’s something deliciously irresistible about this setting—a world away from responsibilities and routines, where sun-kissed skin, carefree energy, and sunsets that blur into starlit nights set the scene for what could be the perfect fling. A vacation fling feels like a bottled fantasy—an experience we embrace while knowing that it may be fleeting. But that is precisely its allure: It is as ephemeral as it is thrilling, promising us an escape, a new chapter, and perhaps even a piece of ourselves we hadn’t yet discovered. On vacations, people are generally more likely to let go of their inhibitions and be more spontaneous—the sheer thrill of anonymity, the mystery of not knowing what happens…

I have a confession—it has taken me around 20 minutes to write this sentence. This is not because I am an agonising perfectionist who ponders over every single word. It is because I’m increasingly distracted by literally anything that isn’t the task at hand. The moment I’m at my laptop, fingers hovering over the keys as if to start typing; my brain refuses to engage. Maybe I should do the washing-up from lunch? Did I reply to that message on Hinge? I think I’ll go and make a cup of tea before I start tackling these emails. Before I know it, I am woefully behind (sorry, boss). We’re living in the era of distraction. There was once a time when I could read a whole book in one sitting, lazing…

ARIES Do yourself a favour and triple-check your travel plans because (sorry) Mercury Retrograde is ready to wreak havoc on any long-distance adventures. By the time Mars Retrograde slides into Cancer at the start of 2025, you will be exhausted. Hot tip: Your first New Year’s resolution should be to take it easy. TAURUS Late autumn finds you feeling isolated and emotional. Mars Retrograde is also making it tough for you to feel at home, even in your own home. All is not lost, though, especially if you spend time redecorating, cleaning out your space, or even moving. A change of scenery is just what you need. GEMINI Incoming! Sagittarius season is typically extra romantic for you, but the Mercury and Mars Retrogrades are bringing relationship drama, ruining the vibes…

Gen Z’s motto is out—it is time you embraced kidulthood with stuffed toys. What were earlier relegated to conventions of childhood now make it well past adolescence without embarrassment, thanks to Gen Zs who are banking on these for emotional support as much as for the aesthetic. The numbers confirm the claim—the “kidult” market is said to account for approximately $9 billion (₹757cr approx) in toy sales every year now. And Squishmallows—a leading brand in the plushies space, which claims that 65 per cent of its buyers are between 18 and 24—did $1 billion (₹84cr approx) in annual sales in 2023. From the regular teddies, bunnies, dogs, penguins to sheeps, dragons, frogs, crabs, mantis, scorpions, worms, even peanuts, salt & pepper shakers, eggs, cookies, pizza slice, burger, eggplant, pickle, bok…

Look at you. Can you believe it? You woke up late AGAIN! I know you’re in a rush, but listen to this first… You are meant for big things. They may take time to happen, but they will. All that daydreaming didn’t go to waste. You don’t have a shelf life. There is no hurry. Enjoy what you’re doing. Enjoy when you’re not doing anything too. Let someone take care of you. You don’t have to be suspicious all the time. You are gorgeous. Your body is beautiful. It has been by your side since the beginning. Don’t treat it badly. Be kind to it. Validate it. Appreciate it. Let it be taken care of, by you. Work hard. Hone your skills. Choose to chase that. Money, fame, and adulation…