The long summer is gone and it is getting pretty much cold day-by-day. Even though winter is for a very short time in India, it is about time to pack up those light weight cotton and linen clothing and bring out the jackets, scarfs and hoodies. If you thought women are the only ones who are interested in seasonal clothing and men don’t care at all, you are absolutely wrong. Men are more conscious of their attire and they like to be well quipped as well. Thus, we are going to going through the bang on-trends for 2016 to start working on a guy’s winter fashion game.
The only thing that comes to our mind when we think of winter is – jackets. From leather to shearling – it is a style statement in itself and a must have clothing item in the wardrobe of every man. The key to nailing winter style is to layer pieces of various fabrics to keep you warm without the bulk. Thus, layering can make you look stylish and impressive at the same time. Some winter jackets for men available include hooded, leather, long woolen ones, trench coat and others.
• Hooded Jackets –
A black hooded down jacket is a must have for a man’s wardrobe. It must be light weight jacket but should protect you from winter and keep the look trendy as well. The jacket is also a versatile one and works seamlessly with a number of outfits as well. You can layer over a shirt, t-shirt, etc. For jackets, you can also opt for the colours like Black, Brown and Blue. It will give you the perfect style statements for those winter treks, hike and outdoor sport and adventure activities.
• Duffle Bags –
How convenient are the convertible duffle bags? Yes, it is another must-have as well. Winter is the perfect time for trekking and other adventures. Men prefer to keep multitaskers at hand and hate to carry several elaborate things. So, a convertible duffle bag to a backpack is a versatile option to look out for. These are extremely sturdy and makes it easier to stash away all your essentials.
• Check pattern –
Check pattern is another savvy style stamen for the men. Mostly they prefer them over prints and patterns. Thus, subtle checks patterned shirts are extremely popular and can be easily own as a formal wear as well. The trend to the street with grunge-inspired checked outerwear and block color are also some style to look out for.
• Shearling coats –
Shearling coats is a cult classic for men. This is the perfect pick for winters and various brands have come up with their own style and cut. Also, Shearling coats are available in different models, styles and fabric combinations. Shearling is basically made from sheared sheep or lamb or from synthetic fibre. It is affordable and there’s nothing softer and cozier than wool in the colder months.
• Leather jackets –
How can your wardrobe be complete without leather jackets? It has become a symbol of a symbol of rebel culture and ruggedness. Leather jackets are a wardrobe essential that every man can pull off. These are perfect for transitional weather as well as colder months. It has such amazing versatility which allows you to use them in a casual outfit or to smart up your style with just a few simple twists.
• Cardigan –
Whoever said cardigans aren’t manly, haven’t seen a man style it well. The style of cardigan has come a long way since the 1850’s. Various fashion designers have been trying out this style and makes it look brilliantly smart and casual. . This multi-purpose piece of fashion apparel can be worn with a suit and tie, and will look as stylish when worn with either a smart polo shirt – buttoned up of course – or a plain t-shirt on a warm summer evening.
• Scarfs –
Scarf is another fashion statement for men and the best way to deck up for the fall and winter time. Whether a man wears a scarf with casual jeans or a suit, it adds a stylish element and charm to the personality. There are various ways to tie a scarf and you can wear it for both formal and casual occasions. It’s also a good rule of thumb to keep the rest of the outfit simple so it isn’t competing with the scarf for attention.
So, how do you think you are going to carry out the winter look this year?
That Pakistani ladies are drop-dead gorgeous is a no-brainer. One glance and you’ll be transfixed for they are blessed in the looks department and how! Long cascading locks, piercing eyes, radiant skin (I do not equate radiant with fair by the way. It is co-incidental that most ladies here have lighter skin tones), chiselled frames, luscious lips, well-defined features and what not. With the advent of Zee Zindagi channel, we are now able to treat our eyes to these smouldering lasses from across the border better. On that note, let us have a look at the most gorgeous Pakistani ladies who have graced our TV screens in recent times. Admire-mode ON.
1. SANAM SAEED- Confession number one for the day- She IS my first lady crush (which means I have biasedly put her on top here). Besides her striking features, what I admire about her is her command over acting. At a time when most flutter eyelashes in the name of acting, it is Sanam Saeed who comes as a breath of fresh air. The lady is capable of giving all the top shots both in India and Pakistan a run for their money with her acting chops. Need an example? See Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Talkhiyaan (which according to her is her most favourite role till date. How do I know this? She’s my lady crush. I am supposed to know this, right?)
A model before venturing into acting fully, Sanam’s style blends comfort and trends effortlessly. A chiselled frame and oodles of intelligence make her stand apart. I think I should stop here for it is looking like an ode to Sanam, isn’t it?
2. SABA QAMAR – Inarguably the lady with the most well-defined features and another powerhouse actor, Saba Qamar Zaman first appeared in the television series Main Aurat Hoon. She won the PTV award for the best TV actress in both public and jury choice categories in the 16th Annual PTV awards on 23 July 2011. She has appeared in a variety of television dramas and advertisements. Her portrayal of a negative character- Saman in the drama ‘Maat’ won her a number of accolades.
3. MOOMAL KHALID – With a face as cherubic and seraphic as hers, a hue male fan following is expected quite naturally. A new kid on the block, Moomal Khalid was born on 2 nd September 1977 in the city of lights- Karachi. She went on to do a drama- Guriya Rani which does justice to her appearance, doesn’t it?
4. AREEJ FATIMA – First things first. She resembles Kriti Sanon to a great extent in my humble opinion. With a radiant skin that has striking features and enticing eyes, Areej Fatima stepped into the Pakistani drama industry with a leading role in the 2012 Geo TV serial Kis Din Mera Viyah Howay Ga 2, and followed it with serials including Mar Jain Bhi To Kya (2012), Paree (2013), Humnasheen (2013), Woh (2013), Kissey Apna Kahein (2014), Aik Pal (2015), Khilona (2015), and Ishq Parast (2015). We demand to see more of this pretty lady in future.
5. MAYA ALI – The textbook definition of bubbliness, chirpiness and exuberance – Maya Ali’s vivacious persona makes her an instant hit with her fans. She has worked as video jockey at SAMAA TV, Waqt News and Dunya News. She made her screen debut with a supporting role in the 2012 Haissam Hussain's Hum TV serial Durr-e- Shahwar, the same year she played her first leading role, again with Haissam Hussain's Geo TV serial Aik Nayee Cinderella. Her portrayal of the independent, strong-willed and upright Zara in the hit drama ‘Aunn Zara’ and nuanced comic timing in it, remains a high point in her career. A girl you’d like to take home to your mom, wouldn’t you? Psss… she is unmarried.
6. SONYA HUSSAIN – A renowned Pakistani TV host, actor and model from Karachi, Sonya Hussain is simplicity personified. With a glint of innocence in her eyes and luscious lips, she makes for a pretty face but wait, she is much more than that. She is known for her work on the drama Mere Hamrahi, Mein Hari Piya, Marasim, and Angeline Malik’s Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain. Her portrayal of a naïve girl who was deserted on a busy road at night by her husband in Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain struck a chord and till date, remains her best performance for me.
7. SANAM JUNG – Heart break alert! She got married RECENTLY. Yes, I understand. It aches. But that does not stop us from admiring this stunning lady. Cuurently, the host of Hum TV’S Jaago Pakistan Jaago, Sanam Jung began her career in showbiz as a VJ on AAG TV, She made her acting debut with a leading role in the 2013 Hum TV serial Dil e Muztar, which earned her Hum Award for Best Television Sensation Female. She subsequently featured in the critically and commercially successful series Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai (2013), Mere Humdum Mere Dost (2014), and Alvida (2015).
8. SANA JAVED – Making her debut on television with Mera Pehla Pyar in 2012, the stunning Sana Javed made it to the A-List of models and actors in Pakistan in a period of two years. With eyes that pierce into one’s souls and a smile that melts one, Sana is blessed in the looks department. Another powerhouse performer to step into the Pakistani drama industry in recent years, Sana has all it takes to be the Czarina of the industry.
9. SAJAL ALI – With a face so angelic and smile equally endearing, Sajal Ali is a knonw Pakistani actress who is noted for playing a variety of characters in a range of serials—from contemporary social to romantic dramas. Ali first appeared on screen in a minor role in one episode of the 2009 Geo TV’s comedy drama Nadaaniyaan.
10. SYRA YOUSUF- Brace yourselves for another heartbreak, boys. She too is married. To top it all, she has a daughter too named Nooreh. Originally a model, she won the Veet Celebrations of Beauty Awards, in the Most Beautiful Smile category and the Sunday Award for Best Showstopper Award. Syra Yousuf started as VJ at MTV Pakistan hosting Bheja Fry and Most Wanted. She made her acting debut in serial Mera Naseeb opposite Sanam Saeed and went on to do many advertisements and dramas that etched her as a A-lister of Pakistan’s drama industry.
Editor’s Note: They have all got gorgeous eyes and really striking features.
Top Natural Skin, Hair and Body Care Brands in India
By Nidhal
Tossing away all those chemical-laden cocktails into the trash seems a herculean task given the paucity of alternatives at hand at present, isn’t it? Not anymore. You do not have to repine anymore for there are some niche brands that are not just environment-friendly in their approach but also cent per cent transparent about the ingredients’ list of each and every product of theirs. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
No need to glower at your high-end chemical-laden product anymore for burning a hole in your pocket and not throwing any commendable results for here you go with a list of Indian brands- all of which sell via Amazon India, that are not just safe for topical application but also budget-friendly.
1. MAHAGRO – A small but incredulously devoted team based out of Hyderabad, MahaGro may have entered the natural skin, hair and body care market recently (2012) but earns a thumbs up from one and all thanks to their nourishing all-natural, chemical-free, preservative-free, artificial-fragrance- free and cruelty-free products.
Offering not just beauty products (like- herbal bath powder, pimple pack, face pack, hair wash powder, etc.) but also ingredients that can be used to whip one’s own recipes (like orange peel powder, tulsi powder, etc.), their products don’t cost an arm and a leg if you’re contemplating adding the same to your shopping carts. Owned by the obliging Krishna Karthik, they are about to launch herbal soaps and shampoos soon in addition to shipping products PAN India.
My vote of approval goes to the following products-
(a) Herbal bath powder- Enriched with the benefits of myriad herbs in dried form with a lingering aroma of camphor predominantly, Mahagro’s herbal bath powder makes for an efficacious face pack too in addition to being a bath powder. Ideal for use in summers when the mercury rises to unprecedented levels, it cools one’s skin instantly, thereby soothing it.
(b) Herbal hair wash powder- To those who are fond of giving a wide berth to chemical-laden hair masks/packs, Mahagro’s herbal wash powder is of use. Composed of only dried herbs and leaves sans any chemical preservatives, teaming it with one’s base ingredient of choice say- coconut milk, would work wonders for one’s mane. Regular use will obviously throw much more flattering results vis-à- vis a single use.
2. TARIKA AYURLABS- The picture-postcard Pondicherry (called Pondy by the locals) gives one’s eyes not just sights to behold but also one’s skin and hair, oodles of unadulterated nourishment through a brand that targets beauty woes through the ancient Indian science- Ayurveda. Not even 1% of the composition of any of their 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free and chemical-free products contain any nasties that’d compel you to grimace.
Crafting a wholesome combo of products, ranging from hair oils, face serums, face masks to face scrubs, each product impresses with its unique composition. From offering products that seek to address the woes of aging, pimples/spots, foul body odour, excess hair fall to having lacklustre skin, they offer beauty combos that work wonders in allaying the same with regular use.
I would recommend Tarika’s daily facial sandal face mask as well as night oil for face (saffron) to all those whose skin loses its lustre and glow thanks to the barrage of chemical-laden cocktails we pour on ourselves daily in a bid to get the same. A little goes a long way that’s what I realised after using both the gems! Versatile enough to be blended with raw milk and neem decoction, the mask suits every skin type, leaving your skin inherently cleansed and nourished NATURALLY.
The cherry on the cake is Tarika Night oil for face (saffron). The aroma is ethereal, heavenly…a sort of aphrodisiac, taking your olfactory senses to a ride. Upon applying, with a little massage, it blends in with one’s skin easily. Sleep with it for within a few days, you will wake up with skin that looks restored to life. Let’s be rational- one or two uses won’t throw wondrous results. Given the kind of environs we inhabit, we need to be persistent in application. And if we are, the beauty combo from Tarika Ayurlabs leaves you chuffed.
PRICE-
Daily Sandale Beauty Mask: INR 480 for 50g (Buy HERE)
Night Oil for Face Saffron: INR 695 for 30ml (Buy HERE)
3. ISHAAN ENTERPRISES: RAYAAN HERBALS- Based out of Hyderabad, this all-natural venture helmed by Mrs. Reshma Thakur believes in giving a wide berth to chemical preservatives. Incepted in 2013 with a vision to craft exquisite skin, hair and body care products sans any hogwash (read: chemicals), Rayaan Herbals (the brand) that comes under Ishaan Enterprises (the company) came to the rescue of all those fraught with seeing chemical-laden products inundate markets! With an expanding range that seeks to cater to varying needs of its customers, if you are at the sea, don’t repine for you can touch base with them (Facebook) and get products tailor-made to suit your needs. Another feather in their cap is that they manufacture the products themselves so every facet is scrutinised to the backbone.
Coming from raw parts of a plant say- stems, flowers, roots, leaves, etc. their herbal products are intricate mixes of herbs. In my humble opinion, one should give a shot to their Hair shining pack. A natural fix for those whose locks look lustreless and drained off gloss, mixing it with the base ingredient that’s most compatible with one’s locks will ensure that it packs a punch at other hair woes too like- lack of softness, brittleness, etc. Dedicated use overtime will surely leave one with more thunderous results than single/two-time uses. It performs to a great extent on what it claims, however, do not get dispirited within a few uses for everyone’s hair condition differs and depending on how damaged one’s locks are, it will work.
4. IRAYA- ‘From the earth’ as is meant by its name in Sanskrit, Iraya- based out of Ahmedabad brings forth to our notice, the bountifulness of nature, which when harnessed ethically nourishes us to the backbone. Without elaborating much on what all the brand offers (Because we all know that! Iraya is a established name. One needs to be living under the rock to be unaware of it), what the USP of Iraya is to me, is that they not just ferret out the most esoteric herbs and blend them to concoct nourishing skin treats but also name their products in a way that is strongly reminiscent of the days when people relied on Ayurveda and natural remedies to tend to her beauty woes instead of store-bought products.
The product I recommend is the Kantivardhak Lepa which does justice to its name- imparts a winsome glow (Kanti) to my face and neck within a few applications without stinging it. Versatile enough to be blended with as many base ingredients (such as- curd, buttermilk, rose water, etc.) as you can come up with, it gets my vote of approval. I find it apt for use by all skin types. Slough it gently while removing to aid the process of scrubbing. Wouldn’t that be equivalent to saying that we are getting the best of both worlds- scrubbing as well as getting a glow? Yes, it surely would be.
5. RAW RITUALS- Handcrafting taken seriously- that’s how I delineate Raw Rituals. Based out of Ahmedabad, this organic skin and hair care venture is helmed by the warm and welcoming Mrs. Lovina Aggarwal and makes no about doing everything manually be it- boiling, whipping, blending, packaging, or designing. If that’s insufficient then, they have all the feathers in their cap to sweep you off your feet- cruelty-free, organic, preservative-free and cent per cent transparent about the ingredients added.
Offering lip balms, face packs, face scrubs, hair oils, body massage oils, face serums and cold-pressed soap- all free from chemicals, there is no reason why Raw Rituals doesn’t deserve a place on our list. I would recommend Raw Rituals’ peppermint and orange lip butter to all those looking to soothe their perennially dry lips that yearn for all the more moisturisation as the mercury goes down. The USP is that it is colourless, thus apt for use by men/boys too. The subtle aroma is capable of sending you into a tizzy thanks to peppermint essential oil which it is replete with.
Read the reviews of the orange lip butter HEREand their Ethereal Face Serum HERE
If you remember some time back I did a post on shaving myths, see HERE. So today I thought of sharing the benefits of shaving and the correct method of shaving.
Let’s begin with the benefits of shaving:
Economical : It has to be the most economical method of hair removal. While waxing requires help usually and the charges range from Rs. 500-1000 for hands/legs etc., depending on the body parts and type of wax and from where/whom you get it done, shaving can be done at the comfort of your home yourself and one gift pack worth Rs.550/- will last you ages as it comes with changeable cartridges
Time saving : You need not visit a salon or need any appointments for shaving. You can do it anytime, anywhere. All you will need is your razor and shaving gel.
Easy and quick : It’s also the quickest method of hair removal. This is the biggest benefit in my opinion 😀 I am always running late and I am most of the times in knee length dresses/midi skirts, I bless my Gillette Venus during that time :p It’s like a savior, I finish shaving in 5 minutes literally.
Painless : Well yes ladies, it is completely painless! While waxing and epilation give me huge red bumps which take 2-3 days to subside, shaving seems like a blessing in comparision.
Travel friendly : I always carry my razor when I am going on a 9-10 days holiday/vacation. With my razor with me, I can wear whatever I want to! Yes, you can carry an epilator too, but a razor is much smaller and lighter in comparision. And as explained above, easy, quick and painless coz you got no time on a vacation to sit and epilate! Always prefer a razor over an epilator
While there are number of benefits of shaving, the only con would be that you have to shave once in 5-7 days depending on your hair growth. But I think that is totally doable considering the benefits and how quick it is.
Now, let’s come to the correct method of shaving. I know a lot of girls have dryness, itchiness, ingrown hair, etc. after shaving, if you follow this method step by step, I assure you that there will be no such problems.
1. Exfoliate your body/parts where you want to shave a day prior using a body scrub/loofah/bath gloves.
2. Moisturize your skin beforehand. Never start shaving on dry skin
3. Soak the skin for 1-2 minutes in the shower before starting to shave. But do not let the skin soak in the bath for too long as the water will plump up the skin and that may affect the smoothness of shave.
4. Always use a shaving gel. The Satin Care shave gel is meant for sensitive skin and has aloe vera. It not only keeps the skin moisturized and give a super smooth shave, it also soothes the skin coz of the aloe.
5. Clean the razor well, in between each part.
6. Wash off, pat dry and use a rich, moisturizing body butter/body lotion. If it has Retinol, that would be even better!
7. Keep moisturizing for 2-3 days
That’s it. If you follow this exact method, there will never be any dryness or itchiness.
You can buy the Gillette Venus All in One Pack HERE
I am exploring the new Coolpad Note 5 phone since the past few days and you must have already seen my Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Selfie post with the Note 5.
I took the phone with me all around and spent 24 hours just with this device, documenting my 24 hours day.
The pic I clicked in the morning, running some errands..
Some random clicks..
Red Velvet Cupcakes..
Later in the evening I had to go to an event. I clicked this selfie on my way to the event..
Few clicks at the event..
It got dark on my way back, and hence I used the ‘Night’ mode to click this selfie.
Next day, I had a shoot planned, so took the phone along there.
Mandatory selfie on my way to the shoot..
Shoot Location..
Candid click by my photographer of me with my Coolpad Note 5 😀
And back home..
So that’s how I spent more than 24 hours documenting what I did and where I was on my Coolpad Note 5. I absolutely loved the pictures. These are all raw and unedited.
The camera offers Night mode, Beauty Mode and Pro mode. You can adjust everything manually in the Pro mode. It has 13 MP rear camera and 8MP front camera with LED flash.
It has 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM with a massive 4010 mAh battery. The metal body behind looks super sleek and stylish and I love this gold color!
It has a 5.5” large display with scratch resistant 1920 x 1080 resolution screen.
The innovative fingerprint sensor behind unlocks the phone, clicks pictures, also quickly dials and records calls. It offers dual sim 4G slots.
All these features for the price of Rs.10,999/-. this phone is a total steal! See more details and/or buy HERE. It is available for sale already.
What do you like the most? Have you tried the Coolpad Note 5?
There may be myriad outfits at any given point of time. Period. Quite naturally, every trip to the market to zero in on an outfit for an occasion and you’d be spoiled for choice. While most outfits aren’t ‘versatile’ In the sense that you can’t put them on for any occasion/event sans a second thought. Come on, who wears a saree for a casual day out with friends, after all? But wait, there is one attire that is rightfully versatile to a ‘great extent’. Be it a casual day out with friends or a party, a date or a flight journey, jumpsuits are there to your rescue. Let us then, have a look at those Tinsel- town ladies who carry jumpsuits the best 🙂
1. SONAM KAPOOR- She strode in elan in an Elie Saab Jumpsuit On Day 3 Of MAMI 2015 and we were swept off our feet. Sonam, like never before, makes heads turn and after seeing her, we get to know why. This leggy lass is a Fashionista not for anything.
2. NARGIS FAKHRI- She is a lady who dresses effortlessly but doesn’t get as many roses thrown at her as some do in Tinsel-town so, here we are, doing what we think she deserves. That is to say, drool at her. At an event in Mumbai, Nargis looked drop-dead gorgeous in a sleek black jumpsuit. Minimalism is the key here and it works wonders, don’t you think so?
3. DEEPIKA PADUKONE- And here comes the reigning queen of Tinsel-town’s Box Office. And it looks like DP has made up her mind to plumb jumpsuits like no one. Be it a tiger-print or a strapless jumpsuit, a high-necked white jumpsuit or one revealing her décolletage, Deepika has gone all out with the attire and made heads turn. My favourite amongst all would be the one in tiger-print 🙂
4. YAMI GAUTAM- Swaddled in a Do & Be jumpsuit, Yami beams radiantly. Her nude makeup, minimal accessorising and girl-next- door charm compel us to envisage ourselves in place of Ayushmaan Khurrana as he serenaded her in Vicky Donor with ‘Paani Da Rang’. This looks proves that simplicity never goes out of vogue.
5. ATHIYA SHETTY- Newbies Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi made an appearance at F Bar in Delhi during one of the promotional tours of their then, impending flick- Hero. Athiya was swaddled in a gorgeous white jumpsuit by designer Ridhi Mehra from her latest collection. It goes without saying that she did justice to the embroidered ribbon sleeves jumpsuit.
6. KAJAL AGGARWAL- For the promotion of one of her flicks- Sardar Gabbara Singh, the perky Kajal kept things minimal in a Zara jumpsuit. Red lip, a classic wristwatch and nude pumps completed her look and don’t we just look at her with sheep’s eyes all this while?
7. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN- During one of the screenings of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kareena sported a black and white printed DvF jumpsuit. With a Christopher Kane black sling bag with gold chain and Saint Laurent sandals, she rounded off her look. Aren’t you smitten?
I know I haven’t done an OOTD here since a long time, that’s coz of Instagram! Yes, I usually post my OOTD’s and outfit pics with details there, so you don’t see many OOTD’s here on the blog. If you want to see my regular OOTD’s, follow me on Instagram @bhumika_t
I did a special shoot for 3 outfits recently and hence I made sure I post it on the blog and not just Instagram.
I had this dress since quite some time now, but due to monsoons or some or the other event, I couldn’t get to shoot in this. Also since the material is raw silk, it gets crinkled super easily. This shoot was right after I had got this from ironing and still it has crinkled :/
But nonetheless, it is also the material which is very comfortable and looks really nice! Love the silhouette.
I love the sleeves and the gold embellishment work on the sleeves. This dress is from a Kolkata based brand Mada Sasa. They make customized fusion wear like drapes, gowns, kurtis, tunics, etc. Also they make it in your customized sizing as per the measurements given. Check out more on www.madasasa.com or their facebook page HERE
I paired it with my nude Zara strappy heels, a cocktail ring, fusion bracelet and a gold clutch.
Dress: Mada Sasa
Heels: Zara
Ring: Eesha Zaveri
Bracelet: House of Tuhina
Earrings: Dang
Clutch: Gift from Kerastase
Today’s post is a little different, I wanted to share some things about health and travel insurance as it is still taken for granted and many people are not covered.
One of my dear friends recently got diagnosed with Malaria and had to be admitted to a hospital. Getting admitted in a hospital (without surgery) can set you back by around 20,000/ day. It is here that the importance of health insurance policies comes into the picture.
Health insurance in India, popularly known as Mediclaim, is nothing but an Insurance which covers expenses related to necessary hospitalization due to a sickness or an accident. Health insurance is generally an annual policy, renewable every year. The policy covers hospitalization due to sickness and accidental injury. You can claim health insurance in 2 ways – cashless or reimbursement.
Cashless – You don’t have to pay anything. You go to the insurance company’s website, check out their network of Hospitals & get admitted to the nearest network hospital which gives admittance just by showing the cashless card (which will be processed within 2-3 hours)
Reimbursement – In case you happen to be admitted in a hospital which is not in the network of your insurance company, you will have to make all payments on your own to the hospital, and then claim the same from the insurance company.
Tips for choosing a health insurance plan
Opt for family floater
If a family of three buys a family floater mediclaim of 3 lakhs, the full family covered can make claims of upto Rs. 3 lakh in a year, subject to other terms and conditions in the policy. In most policies self, spouse, and kids are covered in a family floater policy. On the other hand, individual mediclaim is a product where each member is covered under a separate Sum Insured. Taking individual policies turns out to be more expensive than family floater.
Cover pre-existing diseases
Pre-existing ailments or diseases are symptoms, diagnosed ailments, or any existing or past health condition which exist at the time of applying for mediclaim policy. When you apply for a mediclaim, please ensure that you provide a detailed medical background about your family. Ailments which already exist are generally covered by mediclaim after 4 years. In a recent trend, most insurance companies now have started putting permanent exclusions for pre-existing diseases in the policy.
Royal Sundaram Health Insurance has come out with their policies with extended features as listed below:
• No room rent capping (some policies cap hospital room rent at a measly number)
• No Disease specific sub limits.( most policies in the market will restrict the amount payable for defined illness / treatments )
Travelling is something that is enjoyed by everyone. But travelling overseas usually means that one is entering a new and unknown land where the language, culture, people, and conditions are different. If in such a new land, one may face the plight of loss of baggage, robbery, health problems etc. During such difficult times, financial aid is needed, and that’s when travel insurance comes to your rescue. While one is on a trip, it is good to hope that your trip proceeds as expected and planned, but it is not necessary that it will.
Out of India, expenses for hospitalization are higher than those within India. Thus, if one is traveling overseas, purchasing a travel insurance can protect the insured against such unexpected expenses due to ill health or accidents. If one is injured due to the accident or falls ill during the trip then the expenses of the medication as well as for hospitalization or emergency evacuation is paid partly or fully(this will depend on the policy coverage offered) by the travel insurance company and thus less burden on the insured.
Royal Sundaram’s Travel Insurance covers almost everything you can think of;
• Overseas medical covers of up to US$ 150,000.
• Security against unexpected emergency surgeries, diagnostic tests (such as X-Ray, blood tests, scans) and medical aid prescribed by the attending physician
• Covers emergencies and essential dental treatments
• Total coverage for loss of checked-in baggage
• Coverage for delays of checked-in baggage which includes reimbursement for emergency purchase of clothing and toiletries, up to a certain limit
• Coverage for loss of travel documents which includes reimbursements and reissuing duplicate documents
• You can also avail hijack distress allowance under this scheme
Remember the previous post on Bollywood ladies who sizzle in bikinis? Weren’t you left slobbering, drooling and wanting for more? The ladies certainly sported bikinis with enormous aplomb, confidence and a sense of pride in their bodies that one couldn’t help but have their heartbeats race at a pace most F1 racers would be put to shame. So here you with a brief rundown of those Bollywood Ladies whose swimsuit avatars have been the most graceful, tasteful and magnetic of all.
1. KATRINA KAIF- If you thought her abs in Kala Chashma were a treat to your eyes, think again! The lady’s got more to soothe your eyes. Her pink swimsuit avatar in Sau Aasmaano song from Baar Baar Dekho gives one a no-holds barred view of her sculpted sun-kissed body as she saunters on the picturesque beaches in the song. Katrina Kaif donned a pink swimsuit in Baar Baar Dekho and made sure that she brought a carefree and laidback attitude to an otherwise sultry swimsuit.
2. PRIYANKA CHOPRA- Priyanka Chopra, PC for short ensured that the temperature on the beaches of Miami increased by a few notches when she strutted in a shimmery golden swimsuit in Dostana. What I can say for certain is that cine-goers back home had their jaws drop in awe.
3. SHILPA SHETTY- And here comes another Dostana girl! Shilpa Shetty Kundra has a body sculpted to perfection. Period. But when she swaddles herself in an itsy-bitsy swimsuit while grooving to the tunes of ‘Shut Up and Bounce’ all you can do is look at her unblinkingly while controlling yourself from slobbering.
4. SHRADHHA KAPOOR- Her face and frame both bill her as a typical happy-go- lucky, effervescent and exuberant girl-next- door whom you would have always wanted to ask out for a date but couldn’t summon the courage to. But when the livewire Shraddha sports a swimsuit (with an enviable bralette) not only do you get an impetus to modify your beach wardrobe majorly but also you are left gasping for more.
5. KIARA ADVANI- The Fugly actress ensured that she took all her fans by surprise as she posed in a black swimsuit for the magazine cover of Maxim India February 2015. Kiara Advani’s sensual avatar here certainly grabs one’s eyeballs.
6. ESHA GUPTA- The Desi Angelina Jolie- Esha Gupta oozed seduction, magnetism and appeal as she swaddled herself in an itsy-bitsy swimsuit for Elle Magazine. The cover of the magazine reads “Esha Gupta in summer’s sexiest swimwear”. After having a look at it, one cannot help but nod almost hypnotically in approval.
7. JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ- Sri Lankan import and former beauty queen- Jacqueline Fernandez unleashed her sensual and sultry facet as she sent the carnal interests of one and all into a tizzy with her audacious and alluring swimsuit appearances in Murder 2. She certainly raised the visual appeal of the thriller by a few notches, we say!
Editor’s Note: I saw the movie yesterday and Katrina looked fab, the only good thing to see in the terrible movie :p She looked mesmerizing in that hot pink bikini with voluminous, blow dried hair and that tan! Also Esha Gupta and Shilpa Shetty can rock anything! Super hot bods! Agree on PC too, that gold bikini scene is unforgettable 😀
Sometimes, a part two becomes indispensable say- in case of your favourite flick that left you wanting for more after it ended and the same can be extended to admiring the looks of men across our border 🙂 With Top 10 most good looking Pakistani men, I brought to you the most famed, easily-identifiable and unquestionably charismatic Pakistani men- a great many of whom you would have feasted your eyes to on TV or in flicks. With Top 10 Most Good-Looking Pakistani Men: Part 2, here’s to those heartthrobs who are just as good as the previous ones though not as easily identifiable to an average Indian “yet”. Shall we begin pampering our eyes then?
1. EMMAD IRFANI- *Drool *Sigh *Slobber that’s what this 36 year old model from Peshwar is desirability-personified. With features chiselled to perfection and piercing gaze that sets one motionless, here is to this hot property who is every inch a Greek God.
2. MOHSIN ABBAS HAIDER- A gifted singer who’s foraying into Lollywood (Pakistan’s film industry) with “Teri Meri Love Story”, Mohsin is the classic example of the adage- Where there is a will, there is a way. Faced with countless obstacles in the inception of his journey in the field of professional arts, he persevered and how! Thankfully, he did else we wouldn’t have treated our ears to his soulful a capellas. ‘Zameen-O- Zaman” and “Wo Su-e- lalazar’ being my earworms. Not to forget, doesn’t have typical chocolate boy looks? He’s married so, kindly do not set on hypothetical voyages
3. SAMI KHAN- A thorough gentleman at first sight, Sami Khan set his foot in the Pakistani entertainment industry in the year 2004 but it was in 2011 that he bagged his first Best Actor award at the 16 th PTV Awards. Doesn’t he look devastatingly good-looking?
4. ADEEL HUSSAIN- There’s a glint of mischief in the eyes of this innocent-looking 38 year old Pakistani actor- Adeel Hussain who is best known for his roles in Daam, Mata-e- Jaan Hai Tu, Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai and Mera Naseeb. His performance in the recent Pakistani flick “Ho Mann Jahan” earned him a lot of fanfare and rightly so.
5. AFFAN WAHEED- Cuteness is appositely his epithet. Watching him with sheep’s eyes as he recites soul-stirring shayaris in Urdu would melt you without a doubt! 31 year old Affan Waheed is best known for his roles in Main Bushra and Aik Pal.
6. SHEHROZ SABZWARI- The doting father of Noorain and husband of the chirpy Syra Yousuf, Shehroz Sabzwari is your typical high-school crush who’d bring back memories of those days in the twinkling of an eye. Best known for his role in the film Khulay Aasman Ke Neechay directed by Javed Sheikh, he is textbook definition of a chocolate boy.
7. SIKANDER RIZVI- A man’s desirability hits roof top if he happens to concoct lip-smacking cuisines. And if that man is inherently blessed in the looks department, the combo becomes fatal. Sikander Rizvi is a Pakistani film actor and chef, known for playing the lead role in the romantic comedy Dekh Magar Pyar Se along with Humaima Malick. Not only that, he owns a café in Karachi which makes him don another hat besides being an actor!
8. MOHIB MIRZA- It’s by a quirk of fate that this debonair actor forayed into acting. As a student, he ran out of funds to pay the fees for the nest semester, so he along with this friends began a theatre company og their own called “Dramybazz” . They wrote and staged a play “One way ticket”, which ran in PACC for 7 days receiving an overwhelming response. Mohib, as a result earned thrice the amount he needed to fund the next semester. Soon TV followed and recently he was seen as the male protagonist in the Pakistani flick “Bachana” opposite Sanam Saeed which garnered rave reviews.
9. SHAHZAD NOOR- A charismatic Pakistani model and actor- Shahzad Noor won two Best Model Male awards at 10th Lux Style Awards and 14th Lux Style Awards respectively. He received three consecutive nominations at Hum Awards as Best Model Male, winning one.
10. USMAN MUKHTAR- A Pakistani director, producer, and actor rolled into one- Usman Mukhtar is one of the few independent directors based out of Islamabad, Pakistan. Doesn’t he remind you strongly of Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean? Captain Jack Sparrow, we are swooning already.
Image Source: Google
Editor’s Note: I think I will stick to Part 1 😀 Most of my favourites are in that list