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Shara Ashraf

Shara Ashraf writes on lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty and health, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

Articles by Shara Ashraf

The gift of life: Mum donates a part of her liver to save 8-month-old baby girl

Prisha, a one-year-old girl, was saved by her mother after being diagnosed with biliary atresia, a condition that could have caused liver failure. Her mother donated 20% of her liver to save her child's life in a transplant surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi. The family, from Bihar, took out loans and launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the cost of the surgery. Prisha's health has since improved dramatically.

festivals

Updated on May 15, 2023 10:23 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Parineeti Chopra to wear Manish Malhotra, Raghav Chadha chooses Pawan Sachdeva: Engagement look revealed

While Raghav Chadha will stick to his minimalist-chic style, Parineeti Chopra will wear a subtle Indian outfit

For the function to be held in the evening, the couple will wear colour-coordinated outfits

fashion

Updated on May 10, 2023 10:17 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

War over Rohit Bal: Close friend Lalit Tehlan and designer Rohit Gandhi trade serious allegations

One of India’s most well-known fashion designers, Rohit Bal, finds himself in the middle of an unsavoury controversy. We dig deeper and get you both sides.

Rohil Bal’s close friends say it’s painful to see such a celebrated designer wither away slowly.

fashion

Updated on Apr 11, 2023 08:15 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf

Women’s Day Special: Like mother, like daughter

On International Women’s Day, women achievers pay their mothers a compelling tribute as we help them dress up to recreate their mother’s look.

IPS Anita Roy’s mother Sumitra Roy (left) always propelled her to challenge gender stereotypes with self-belief.

fashion

Updated on Mar 09, 2023 12:19 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

‘Keeping our love a secret added thrills to our lives’

A ‘Dilli ka launda’ goes to Mumbai chasing his dreams, runs into his crush, a ‘heroine’ during a movie promotion, sweeps her off her feet with his simplicity and marries her a couple of years later in a secret ceremony, lest the news hampers her career

When the couple moved together, Amrita hid her identity from the house help fearing she could spread the news. (Styling: Shara Ashraf Prayag; Photo: Mayur Chhabria; Outfits: Khanijo)

bollywood

Updated on Mar 01, 2023 03:52 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Shiitake nigiri, tofu toban yaki: Green is trending!

Inspired by the Zen Buddhist diet, Japanese restaurant are celebrating plant-based dishes that masterfully mimic fish and meat

Plant-based nigiri at Sakura, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi

recipe

Updated on Jan 28, 2023 05:31 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel with a heart of gold

The punk provocateur will be remembered for her unabashed originality and her relentless activism to create a compassionate world.

The inimitable Vivienne Westwood inspired her fans to be dauntlessly authentic in their style and use it to create a better world.

fashion

Updated on Jan 19, 2023 07:12 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

#grazecraze: charcuterie is the new bouquet!

From celebrating special occasions to expressing love, these gorgeous nibble boards say surprise in the most flavoursome ways

Charcuterie board by New York-based Kimberly Charon

recipe

Published on Jan 10, 2023 04:13 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

From fodder to finesse: Millets have arrived!

The unpretentious millets are finally getting the applause they deserve, right from hobnobbing with luxe dishes on five star menus to making a mark on global platforms

Ragi, kuttu, jowar and jaggery laddoos by chef Sania Naqvi of Seeking Roots, a farm-to-table concept

recipe

Updated on Dec 27, 2022 06:13 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Christmas pudding: A dessert steeped in tradition

Fragrant, fruity, full of boozy spiciness — the Christmas pudding or the plum pudding is a festive gem that stirs delicious nostalgia

Every year, the pudding brings you hope lovingly wrapped in celebratory flavours, with a note that the best is yet to come. (Shutterstock)

festivals

Updated on Dec 27, 2022 06:53 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

#bindaasbride: She will play by her own rules!

No two brides should look the same! Here’s some inspo for the new-age bride who believes in celebrating her individualistic style

fashion

Updated on Mar 31, 2022 12:41 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag and Ruchika Garg, New Delhi

A passionate foodie, an outstanding cook!

Legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar had a great interest in cooking and she loved watching food shows, recall chefs who were fortunate to interact with her and serve her their food

In an interview, Lata Mangeshkar shared that she learnt cooking at an early age. Her naani and mother taught her the nuances of cooking. Lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri’s wife taught her Mughlai recipes and how to add kesar in them. (Photo: Twitter)

recipe

Updated on Feb 07, 2022 09:10 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag and Ruchika Garg, New Delhi

Acid attack survivors are not props

Fashion model and influencer Anmol Rodriguez calls out brands for using survivors for their own gains.

Anmol Rodriguez was doused in acid by her father when she was just two months old. (Photo: Mayur Chhabria)

fashion

Updated on Jan 28, 2022 10:47 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag, New Delhi

I dress up for myself: Param Sahib Singh

Queer artist and fashion designer Param Sahib Singh says that he doesn’t mind hate coming his way as long as he is able to portray truth through his work and personal style.

Param Sahib Singh’s art often reflects his own personal experiences

fashion

Updated on Jan 20, 2022 09:33 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag, New Delhi

Value your team if you want to survive Covid crisis: Manish Mehrotra

Don’t take anyone for granted, whether it’s your head chef or the guy who cleans your saucepans, says India’s top restaurateur-chef Manish Mehrotra, emphasising the power of teamwork

Effective team efforts will help you bounce back. Value your team and nurture them, says Manish Mehrotra

recipe

Updated on Jan 13, 2022 03:45 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag, New Delhi

Taking evil head on!

On the occasion of Navratra, we salute these brave, irrepressible women who have been fighting against evil in real life. Wearing beautiful sarees, they celebrate the nine auspicious colours dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

Women wear beautiful sarees, as they celebrate the nine auspicious colours dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga

fashion

Published on Oct 07, 2021 04:54 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag, Digvijay and Ruchika Garg

Saving your child from online predators

Sexual abuse can leave your child scarred forever. Here’s what you can do to protect your child from predators

The digital safety of our children is no less important than teaching them how to safely cross the road. (Shutterstock)

relationships

Updated on Aug 19, 2021 11:47 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Celebrating the go-getters who never quit

The HT City 30 Under 30 awards presented by Ambience raise a toast to 30 such fearless people from different walks of life who achieved phenomenal success before they turned 30.

festivals

Updated on Mar 27, 2021 07:22 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf

Transgenders in khaki: Ready to take on the world

Ridiculed and abused on a daily basis, transgender selected as constables say they will ensure that no one from their community is forced to live a life deprived of dignity.

The transgenders in khaki will now be first responders in handling law and order situations.

india news

Published on Mar 13, 2021 07:55 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

The community dogs of Dhanbad: pampered, protected, proud

In the coal capital of India, a group of animal lovers is encouraging people to treat dogs with love and compassion

Bagchi doesn’t like the terms stray dogs or street dogs. Dogs living within localites are community dogs, he says.

india news

Updated on Jan 21, 2021 11:45 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

No such thing as goodbye: A teacher’s family shares why they donated her organs after death

Even in her death, primary school teacher Syed Rafath Parveen could save four lives. Her family volunteered to donate her organs. They wanted her to live on forever through this act of compassion, they say.

Even as they dealt with unimaginable shock, Rafath’s family took no time to decide that they wanted to donate her organs(Photo: Rajesh Kashyap / HT)

india news

Updated on Jan 03, 2021 11:59 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Age old recipes, locally sourced ingredients are the stars in a post pandemic world

People would opt for simplicity over showiness and seek comfort in the past, says chef Manisha Bhasin

ITC Hotel’s first ever Biryani & Pulao takeout collection features Metiabruz Biryani , a rice and mutton combination, cooked in onion and spices with potato and boiled eggs. It derives its name from the historic Metiabruz locality(implying mud tower) near Kolkata

lifestyle

Updated on Dec 24, 2020 03:54 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

One limb is good enough to shoot for the stars: Pooja Agarwal

Whatever you are left with is everything, says this specially-abled shooter whose YouTube channel is helping many to learn how to live independently

Pooja Agarwal, 35, currently ranks 12th in the world and 3rd in Asia amongst para shooters((Photo: Tarasha/Hindustan Times))

india news

Updated on Dec 28, 2020 02:44 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Put some bounce back in your style with fringes

Fringes are to fashion what idioms are to language. They add vibrancy, quirk and playfulness but if you crowd them at one place, the impact is lost.

fashion

Updated on Dec 07, 2020 01:10 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Na Koi Hindu, Na Koi Musalman: Guru Nanak Dev Ji belongs to all

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, let’s recall the saint’s message of compassion for all

Shades of gold: A painting of the Golden Temple by Sanjeev Kumar Sinha

art culture

Updated on Nov 30, 2020 05:00 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

This lucky mom found her son after 15 years as she recovered lost memories

After 15 agonizing years, Supreme Court lawyer Rama Devi Chowdhary was reunited with her son when a sudden rush of memories helped her recall his name.

The inseparables: When you see Rama Devi Chowdhary and her son Mitrajit, not for a moment it feels that the two have just met after a separation of 15 long years.(Photo: Rajesh Kashyap/HT)

india news

Updated on Nov 30, 2020 10:08 AM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Golgappa to dim sum: Beetroot is having a moment in the food world

Chefs have come up with the most imaginative dishes featuring the humble root vegetable

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 25, 2020 09:07 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf Prayag

When Abhilash Thapliyal played an object on purpose

Many would wonder what’s going on here, but they wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if a woman shot such pictures, says the actor and host

The actor and host felt very uncomfortable striking those weird poses with mango ice-cream dripping down navel, he says.

fashion

Updated on Nov 10, 2020 02:36 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

There is something called fashion therapy

Fashion, lifestyle and fitness influencer Neha Modi Jalan shows us how to celebrate positivity with personal style

fashion

Updated on Sep 27, 2020 09:14 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf Prayag

Fun, Festive and Fantastical

When Covid gave us masks, we made them look so chic! The green monster couldn’tdull our sparkle!

A burnt gold mask with beaded laces adds a fairytale touch to this dramatic number

fashion

Updated on Sep 27, 2020 09:44 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf Prayag

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Shara Ashraf

Shara Ashraf writes on lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty and health, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

While Raghav Chadha will stick to his minimalist-chic style, Parineeti Chopra will wear a subtle Indian outfit

One of India’s most well-known fashion designers, Rohit Bal, finds himself in the middle of an unsavoury controversy. We dig deeper and get you both sides.

On International Women’s Day, women achievers pay their mothers a compelling tribute as we help them dress up to recreate their mother’s look.

A ‘Dilli ka launda’ goes to Mumbai chasing his dreams, runs into his crush, a ‘heroine’ during a movie promotion, sweeps her off her feet with his simplicity and marries her a couple of years later in a secret ceremony, lest the news hampers her career

Inspired by the Zen Buddhist diet, Japanese restaurant are celebrating plant-based dishes that masterfully mimic fish and meat

The punk provocateur will be remembered for her unabashed originality and her relentless activism to create a compassionate world.

From celebrating special occasions to expressing love, these gorgeous nibble boards say surprise in the most flavoursome ways

The unpretentious millets are finally getting the applause they deserve, right from hobnobbing with luxe dishes on five star menus to making a mark on global platforms

Fragrant, fruity, full of boozy spiciness — the Christmas pudding or the plum pudding is a festive gem that stirs delicious nostalgia

No two brides should look the same! Here’s some inspo for the new-age bride who believes in celebrating her individualistic style

Legendary singer late Lata Mangeshkar had a great interest in cooking and she loved watching food shows, recall chefs who were fortunate to interact with her and serve her their food

Fashion model and influencer Anmol Rodriguez calls out brands for using survivors for their own gains.

Queer artist and fashion designer Param Sahib Singh says that he doesn’t mind hate coming his way as long as he is able to portray truth through his work and personal style.

Don’t take anyone for granted, whether it’s your head chef or the guy who cleans your saucepans, says India’s top restaurateur-chef Manish Mehrotra, emphasising the power of teamwork

On the occasion of Navratra, we salute these brave, irrepressible women who have been fighting against evil in real life. Wearing beautiful sarees, they celebrate the nine auspicious colours dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

Sexual abuse can leave your child scarred forever. Here’s what you can do to protect your child from predators

The HT City 30 Under 30 awards presented by Ambience raise a toast to 30 such fearless people from different walks of life who achieved phenomenal success before they turned 30.

Ridiculed and abused on a daily basis, transgender selected as constables say they will ensure that no one from their community is forced to live a life deprived of dignity.

In the coal capital of India, a group of animal lovers is encouraging people to treat dogs with love and compassion

Even in her death, primary school teacher Syed Rafath Parveen could save four lives. Her family volunteered to donate her organs. They wanted her to live on forever through this act of compassion, they say.

People would opt for simplicity over showiness and seek comfort in the past, says chef Manisha Bhasin

Whatever you are left with is everything, says this specially-abled shooter whose YouTube channel is helping many to learn how to live independently

Fringes are to fashion what idioms are to language. They add vibrancy, quirk and playfulness but if you crowd them at one place, the impact is lost.

On Guru Nanak Jayanti, let’s recall the saint’s message of compassion for all

After 15 agonizing years, Supreme Court lawyer Rama Devi Chowdhary was reunited with her son when a sudden rush of memories helped her recall his name.

Chefs have come up with the most imaginative dishes featuring the humble root vegetable

Many would wonder what’s going on here, but they wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if a woman shot such pictures, says the actor and host

Fashion, lifestyle and fitness influencer Neha Modi Jalan shows us how to celebrate positivity with personal style

When Covid gave us masks, we made them look so chic! The green monster couldn’tdull our sparkle!

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