Farozan Akhtar is a content producer at Hindustan Times. She writes about books, music, K-pop and other Hallyu-related subjects for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.
Articles by Farozan Akhtar
Dark and dystopian: The Kdrama flavour of the season
With Kdramas, like Squid Game and Sweet Home, becoming instant hits, dystopian shows are the latest big thing, and many have announced new seasons.
Published on Jul 22, 2022 05:00 PM IST
Kavita Devgan: People want to boost their immunity, by hook or by crook
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, chasing immunity has became everyone’s favourite pastime. Nutritionist Kavita Devgan’s book The Immunity Diet helps explain how to build your immunity the right way and live a fit life.
Published on Jun 28, 2022 08:36 PM IST
Sanjay Gagnani: TV audience loves to watch people fight; makers cater to that demand
The discussions about the quality of content on the Indian small screen came back into the limelight when actor Hina Khan recently said that it’s the audience who is to be blamed for regressive content on TV
Published on Jun 13, 2022 07:08 PM IST
Scandals that rocked South Korean showbiz
Kpop and Kdrama world is not all fluff and finger hearts. A look at some of the big South Korean stars who have been mired in allegations of bullying, drug abuse, violence, cheating and more.
Updated on Jun 10, 2022 09:15 PM IST
Never author Ken Follett: The last time I felt so full of ideas was when I was writing Eye of the Needle
Author Ken Follett talks to us about penning his latest book Never during the pandemic and dealing with the weight of expectations as a best-selling novelist.
Published on Jan 17, 2022 05:53 PM IST
South Korean singer Gaho: Performing for live audience again would be true healing
Gaho, known for Start Up and Itaewon Class OSTs, talks about visiting India, his new album Fireworks, offline vs online concerts, and more.
Updated on Dec 11, 2021 08:11 AM IST
David Levithan and Jennifer Niven on YA conventions: As long as it feels true to the character, it isn’t cliché
Working as co-authors for the first time, with the book Take Me With You When You Go, David Levithan and Jennifer Niven talk about writing for young adults, their favourites in their latest book and more.
Published on Sep 17, 2021 07:24 PM IST
For the love of plants: DIY tips for newbie gardeners
With change in seasons, plant care routine needs to be changed, too. Here’s some helpful advice for the monsoon and gardening tips for those just starting out with their hobby.
Published on Jul 10, 2021 10:16 AM IST
A free pass into DRIPPIN’s dreams for a better tomorrow
In an HT City exclusive, K-pop group DRIPPIN talks about their aspirations for the future, and dealing with the challenges of the pandemic.
Updated on Jul 09, 2021 07:51 PM IST
Bloom in blues: Stress buster balcony gardens thrive during the pandemic
Fledgling home gardeners in the city have taken to creating a little green haven on their balconies, finding it therapeutic during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Updated on Jun 15, 2021 11:37 AM IST
Liven up your decor and mood: Easy home revamp tips to try amid lockdown extension
Avoid lockdown blues by indulging in some home makeover therapy and breathing new life into your living spaces.
Published on May 24, 2021 04:48 PM IST
Life goes on: Even amid Covid-19, BTS keeps the show going
Sharing their “unadorned selves” in their latest album BE, South Korean boyband BTS talk about giving hope and comfort to the pandemic-stricken world, also share their Grammy dream.
Updated on Nov 20, 2020 11:26 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Halloween 2020: The K-pop edition
Happy Halloween! Let’s look at how some of your favourite K-pop celebs celebrated the festival of spooks this year.
Updated on Oct 31, 2020 12:03 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Sarah J Maas: Struggle with guilt of wanting to spend time with son when on a deadline
American fantasy author Sarah J Maas talks about her first adult fiction work, and balancing writing and motherhood, among other things.
Updated on Jun 13, 2020 08:11 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
Stay home, save lives, urge IN2IT, Dreamcatcher, AleXa in K-pop collab Be The Future
What better way to urge the young generation to practise social distancing than a pop-hued, catchy music video? K-pop artistes Dreamcatcher, IN2IT, and AleXa have teamed up to sing about fighting Covid-19 together.
Updated on May 20, 2020 06:35 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
What is Hollywood reading during quarantine?
With people around the world in forced isolation to beat Covid-19, many are looking to books for solace. Let’s take a look at Hollywood celebs’ lockdown reading list.
Updated on Apr 23, 2020 11:37 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Making lockdown fun: Fans dress up as K-pop albums
K-pop fans spend lockdown playing dress-up, with their favourite artists’ albums as inspiration, and it’s a sight for sore eyes!
Updated on Apr 15, 2020 08:10 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
K-pop sensation Z-Stars in India: Performing here was surreal
During their India showcase, Z-Stars talk about their fascination with Bollywood as they find themselves unable to get Hindi songs out of their heads.
Updated on Mar 05, 2020 11:30 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
Beyond Parasite: Journey into South Korean cinema
If the success of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite at the Oscars has whetted your appetite for South Korean movies, here are some films you should include in your must-watch list.
Updated on Feb 18, 2020 12:27 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
Sulli’s death sparks debate on bullying
The K-pop star is suspected to have committed suicide, putting the spotlight back on the mental health of celebrities.
Updated on Oct 16, 2019 04:05 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Indian K-pop star Priyanka: If BTS didn’t give up, who am I to quit?
Priyanka Mazumdar, a part of the South Korean pop group Z-Girls, is still getting used to celebrity life in South Korea.
Updated on Sep 21, 2019 05:34 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
A K-pop star, but Sid’s dil remains Hindustani
Siddhant Arora aka Sid of Z-Boys, the first Indian to feature in a K-pop group, reveals his recent holiday in India was all about desi food and Bollywood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2019 11:14 AM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
It’s our dream to perform near the Taj Mahal, says K-pop group IN2IT
K-pop group IN2IT, who wowed audiences in Delhi and Mumbai with their energetic performances and a special filmi tribute, would love to return for Bollywood projects.
Updated on Apr 23, 2019 01:38 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Z-Boys’ Sid: If you can dream it, you can make it happen
In an exclusive interview with HT City, Siddhant Arora aka Sid talks about his journey of becoming the first-ever Indian K-pop idol, his love for all things Bollywood, and his dreams of collaborating with BTS and Zayn Malik.
Updated on Apr 01, 2019 05:17 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
K-pop’s sun rises on Western television
K-pop idols’ appearances on Western television are proof of their surging popularity.
Updated on Mar 06, 2019 02:01 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
Make way for Indian K-pop stars!
Priyanka Mazumdar and Siddhant Arora are set to be the world’s first Indian K-pop stars and are being launched as members of two new groups, Z-Girls and Z-Boys, respectively.
Updated on Feb 15, 2019 05:16 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar
Book Review: Anything But A Wasted Life is more than just a stripper’s memoir
This book by Sita Kaylin is an unapologetic autobiography of a fierce woman, who happens to be an exotic dancer. It shows just how relatable the desires, dreams, and fears of sex workers are.
Updated on Oct 23, 2018 06:39 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
K-pop goes global: Blackpink, BTS, NCT 127, EXO’s Lay team up with Western artists
Cross-cultural collaborations with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Dua Lipa, and Jason Derulo are slowly pushing K-pop artists into the mainstream.
Updated on Sep 29, 2018 02:39 PM IST
Hindustan Times | Farozan Akhtar, New Delhi
