Latest news with #HumansofBombay
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mandira Bedi says shooting for DDLJ song ‘traumatised' her; Saroj Khan scolded her for ‘dancing like Sunny Deol': ‘Have seen the film only once'
Mandira Bedi had already made a name for herself on television with her iconic show Shanti when she made her acting debut in Aditya Chopra's legendary film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Although her role in the film was small, it was pivotal. In a recent interaction, Mandira opened up about working with choreographer Saroj Khan on the film and how her lack of dancing abilities led Saroj to compare her to Sunny Deol. Speaking to Zoom, she shared, 'The first thing that I was asked to do on the DDLJ set was 'Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna,' and honestly I hadn't shaken my hips in my life. I was asked to put my hand on my head and shake my hips and I told her, 'This body movement I don't understand.'' Saroj Khan, known for her sharp eye and demand for precision, quickly noticed Mandira's discomfort with the dance steps. Talking about the experience, Mandira added, 'Saroj ji said to me, 'You are shaking your shoulders like Sunny Deol. You need to shake your hips, women shake hips.' So I was traumatised. I don't know how I got over the 4 days of that song.' Mandira also admitted that she had expected a bigger role in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Reflecting on the same, she said, 'I did some more simpering and blinking of my eyes in the song and when I saw the film, I realised, there isn't much of me in it. I have seen the film only once during the premiere and never after that. It was nice to be a small part of a big film.' In an earlier conversation with Humans of Bombay, Mandira had elaborated on her experience while shooting for DDLJ. She revealed that she had to give multiple retakes. While Shah Rukh Khan was patient with her struggles, Kajol took a little longer to warm up to her. She said, 'It was lovely shooting with Shah Rukh Khan, because he just made me feel so comfortable. He is such a natural, he is so kind. Even with my retakes with the song, he was very accommodating and very nice. Kajol also, she didn't take to me the first few days, but eventually she did, and we all got along really well. It was just a really nice experience, all told, in my 22 days. I look back at it with a lot of gratitude, it's definitely one for the books.'
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mandira Bedi on bringing up biological son Vir, adoptive daughter Tara: ‘She's more like me than him, looks like my character from Shanti'
Actor Mandira Bedi had earlier opened up about her emotional and logistical struggles with the adoption process when she and her late husband, filmmaker Raj Kaushal, decided to adopt their daughter, Tara Bedi Kaushal. Though the process was challenging, Mandira recently revealed that she finds more of herself in her adoptive daughter than in her biological son, Vir. Speaking to Zoom, she said, 'Motherhood is the best thing that has happened to me. I adopted my daughter at the age of 4 and had already had a biological son. I am a very lucky and privileged person to be an adoptive and a biological mother. Not many people have this journey.' She added, 'To see something in the child that you have given birth to, but to see something of you in a child that you haven't given birth to, I think that is unbelievable. My daughter is more like me than what my son is. My son has a musical mind, he is gifted with music but I can't sing. Whereas my daughter is athletic, sporty and has long curly hair. When I put her hair up in a clip, she looks like my character of Shanti.' Earlier, in a conversation, Mandira had described the adoption paperwork as 'tough'. She also recalled how they flew Tara to Mumbai on a private jet, having chosen to bring her home during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'This is maktoob… for a girl who had never sat in a car before, she took a trip on a private jet. It was naseeb, kismat. We wouldn't have used a private jet, but it was too dangerous to fly commercially because Covid was at its peak. It was the most practical solution at the time,' she had told Humans of Bombay. Mandira lost her husband Raj Kaushal in 2021 due to a heart attack. Since then, she has not remarried and continues to raise their two children as a single parent.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Air India crash took 5 lives from one family. Cousin's message will break you: 'The world is already moving on, but ours...'
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Social media reacts A devastating aviation tragedy struck on June 12 when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar area, claiming 241 lives out of the 242 people on board. In mere moments, families were shattered, dreams cut short, and futures lost forever. Among those on the ill-fated flight was an entire family—Komi Vyas, her husband Pratik Joshi , and their three young children, whose story has since emerged as an unimaginable a heart-wrenching interview with Humans of Bombay , Parag Mehta, cousin of Komi Vyas , opened up about the moment that shattered his world and the days that have followed began with a phone call—his Maasi nervously asking if Komi was on the flight they were reporting on TV. Parag's heart dropped as he scanned the list of passengers. One by one, the names confirmed his worst fears: Komi Vyas, Pratik Joshi, Miraya Joshi, Parduyt Joshi, and Nakul Joshi. All five were on that ill-fated to Parag, a doctor couple, Komi and Pratik, were preparing to start a new chapter in London with their children, 8-year-old Miraya and 5-year-old twins. Pratik had already been working in the UK, and they had spent weeks packing up their life in India, carrying hopes of a brighter future. Just an hour before takeoff, Komi had shared a cheerful family selfie in the group chat—her last the country watched the news in shock, Parag stood outside a TV screen, unable to stop pacing, unable to breathe. His mausa ji was already at the crash site, but no trace of the family was found. The official confirmation came soon: there were no survivors. But even in the aftermath, the pain did not end. Days passed, and while the remains of Pratik and the children were identified, at the time of the Instagram post, Komi Vyas's remains were not identified. The family has been living in a haze, sleepless and broken. DNA samples were submitted. 'She was the family's sweetest daughter', Parag are deeply moved by the tragedy, expressing that the loss feels intensely personal despite not knowing the victims. Many shared that the incident has left a lasting impact, with emotions ranging from heartbreak to helplessness. Several users spoke of the pain and sorrow they felt while reading about the family, with some saying the story gave them goosebumps. Others extended heartfelt prayers and wished the bereaved family strength to endure the unimaginable loss.
Indian Express
14-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘I'm going to work and afford a cook': When Sushmita Sen pushed against her father's wish for her to work in the kitchen
Across homes, simple acts—like sharing chores, cheering for women's achievements, or encouraging sons to be emotionally expressive—are quietly challenging old ideas about gender roles. In one such powerful example, Bollywood icon Sushmita Sen shared an anecdote about how she pushed against her father's archaic wishes and broke gender norms within the family. In conversation with Humans of Bombay, the former Miss Universe revealed that her father had once jokingly asked her to help her mother out in the kitchen. 'My father had jokingly once said, Titan, go help your mother out in the kitchen. You are a girl, you must know how to. I was like, daddy, I ain't going in the kitchen. So my father would say, Who's going to put food on the table. I said, the cook. So, you're going to get a cook? I said, yeah. I'm going to work and afford a cook. Now, when he is here in Bombay, I joke on the dining table — Daddy, see cook see cook.' Reflecting on the same, Juslin Jacob, clinical psychologist, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, told that in the pursuit of gender equality, sweeping reforms and large-scale movements often take center stage. While these systemic changes are crucial, some of the most meaningful shifts begin much closer to home — in the ordinary routines and quiet decisions made within families. According to her, small, conscious gestures can challenge deep-rooted gender stereotypes and lay the foundation for more equitable futures, particularly for women and girls. Gender roles are first observed, absorbed, and, crucially, reshaped within the walls of a household. 'In many households, women continue to shoulder the bulk of unpaid labor and emotional caregiving, often without recognition. When tasks like planning meals, attending school meetings, or managing finances are shared equitably, it sends a clear message: these responsibilities are not gender-specific — they are simply part of being a family,' she said, adding that children absorb not just what is said, but what is done. 'From a developmental psychology standpoint, this learning happens through a process known as modeling. Children internalize behavior by watching caregivers and family members,' she added. Micro-gestures — such as inviting everyone's opinion at the dinner table or choosing toys based on interest rather than gender — become influential acts of inclusion. They show children that traditional roles do not confine possibilities. 'Language, too, is a powerful teacher. Labelling a girl as 'bossy' when she takes initiative, or discouraging a boy from crying, reinforces outdated norms. Replacing restrictive phrases like 'boys don't cry' or 'that's not ladylike' with affirming, inclusive language builds emotional resilience and encourages empathy across genders,' explained Jacob. These subtle shifts expand children's understanding of what is acceptable, desirable, and possible, ultimately allowing girls to feel empowered and boys to grow into compassionate, respectful individuals. Encouraging children — especially daughters — to explore their interests is another vital gesture. 'Whether in academics, sports, or creative pursuits, parental support builds confidence and ambition. This not only promotes gender equality but also contributes to a culture where women can thrive in all areas of life,' added the psychologist. According to her, challenging gender roles doesn't require dramatic upheaval. It takes intention, consistency, and the courage to examine long-held habits. When fairness is lived at home, children value equality not as an exception, but as a norm. 'Sometimes, it's not the loudest changes that matter — but the quiet ones practiced daily. Whether it's sharing a chore, encouraging open dialogue, or rethinking how we speak to our children — change begins at home,' said Jacob, urging people to start today. 'Incorporate one small, intentional gesture into your daily routine. Let your home be the first step toward a more equal world,' she concluded.
Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Rejected 400 times, now steering a $130 billion company: Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora's unique journey
'Scarcity encourages you to be resourceful. It allows you to do a lot more with a lot less,' said Nikesh Arora, the CEO of Palo Alto Networks Inc., a US-based multinational cybersecurity company. Arora, in a candid conversation with Karishma Mehta of Humans of Bombay, opened up about his journey – from formative years to becoming the CEO of Palo Alto. The tech leader spoke about his humble beginnings in India and his views on the new wave of AI that has gripped the world. Arora, born in Ghaziabad, revealed that he grew up in a disciplined household which was a reflection of his father's role in the Indian Air Force. 'Growing up, we kind of moved around every few years. That brings a degree of adaptability to your life,' he said. His early years were marked by constant change and values passed down from his father: fairness and integrity. Talking about his earlier years, the CEO revealed that his academic journey led him to Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he pursued engineering. However, a chance detour altered his future. 'I was going to watch a movie the day of the CAT exam for IIM,' he told the host. Further into the conversation, Arora revealed that instead of India, he aimed for US business schools with a meagre $100, opting for institutions that waived application fees. He added Northeastern University in Massachusetts, US, but it also offered him a scholarship. 'They offered to let me teach computer science. So I had to learn it that summer.' Reflecting on his financial journey, the CEO revealed that it was not any easier. He recalled the days when he was borrowing from his father's pension fund. 'I was scraping around, teaching nights, doing all kinds of fun stuff just to survive.' Arora shared that after graduating, he witnessed one of the toughest phases in his life. 'I sent 400-plus applications and got rejected 400-plus times. I saved all the rejection letters. They're my motivation,' he said. The IIT BHU alumni shared that his breakthrough happened in 1992 when he began his career at Fidelity Investments. Here, he held varied positions, eventually becoming the vice president of Fidelity Technologies. During the conversation, Arora revealed that despite receiving negative feedback about his suitability for high finance, he persevered. He went on to earn a master's degree and CFA certification, eventually teaching a CFA course that subsequently led to his next opportunity. Arora's ascent from there has been meteoric. In 2004, he joined Google when the company was barely post-IPO. He described his beginning at Google as 'amazing, like being in a rocket ship'. In the next decade, he was instrumental in Google's revenue growth from $2 billion to over $60 billion. When asked why tech companies were failing, Arora said that they were failing because they stopped paying attention to product. 'If you don't build a great product, your company will eventually die.' After 10 years at Google, Arora said that he felt the urge to move on. 'I wanted to do something different,' he told Mehta. This led him to SoftBank and its charismatic founder, Masayoshi Son. Talking about Son, Arora said, 'Masa is someone whose risk appetite increases with age—that's rare.' The CEO said that Son taught him something simple yet profound – don't waste your time trying to fix bad investments. Focus on where you're already winning. However, not all his decisions aligned; the CEO revealed that he was sceptical of investing in WeWork. 'I saw it as a tech-enabled real estate company. There's infinite real estate in the world. I didn't think the market would give it a premium.' On ARM, too, he initially missed the bet. Talking about his exit from SoftBank, Arora revealed that it was mutual. 'Masa had a 10-year life plan and was supposed to step back at 60. But when the time came, he wasn't ready. I wasn't in a place to wait another 10 years,' adding that he continues to maintain an amicable relationship with Son. Later, after a sabbatical, Arora joined Palo Alto Networks. 'I tried learning golf. I got worse at it. I realised I needed to sink my teeth into something.' When Arora took over, the company was valued at around $18 billion; as of today, it's over $100 billion. When asked what he attributes his growth to, Arora credits his growth to timing and clarity of vision. 'Cybersecurity is a growing market. The more we rely on technology, the more our attack surface expands.' Arora took the company toward cloud and AI early on, emphasising constant innovation. 'If we can't build it, we'll partner or buy.' One of the most noteworthy qualities of Arora is that despite his stellar journey, he remains grounded. 'Nobody likes rejection… But part of growing up in India is believing in destiny. It helps you rationalise failure. 'Everything happens for a reason.' During the conversation, he also revealed his experience with ChatGPT, which left a lasting impression on him. When asked about his views on AI and India, Arora reflected on both the opportunity and complexity. 'There's a mad rush in the US to build massive compute clusters, even exploring nuclear energy to power $500 billion infrastructures. Meanwhile, models are commoditising and going open-source. The question is, 'Where will the true value of AI lie?' For India, Arora believes that the opportunity lies in localising AI. 'You'll be able to rent powerful models eventually, but differentiation will come from localised data and domain knowledge – our languages, our traffic, our culture. For instance, self-driving cars trained in the US would be stuck in India. That's where Indian companies can shine—adapting global AI to the Indian context.' 'You don't have to be first; you have to be smart. And I think there are enough smart people in India who will figure out how to make AI work locally,' he said.
