Princess Gauravi Kumari on royal beauty secrets and what she loves about being a Gen Z
Some days, Princess Gauravi Kumari is on the covers of India's top lifestyle magazines. Other days, she's right in the middle of things at training centres in Jaipur, working with local women artisans and supporting their growth. One moment, she's front row at global fashion weeks or teaming up with luxury brands; the next, she's back in Rajasthan, focused on women's empowerment through the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF).As the daughter of Deputy Chief Minister Princess Diya Kumari and granddaughter of Rajmata Padmini Devi, Gauravi represents a modern kind of royalty. At 24, she's showing us what it means to be a Gen Z princess in today's world.You'll see her rocking a high-fashion dress with Jimmy Choo heels one day, and wearing a traditional poshak for a state event the next. She's equally at ease in both worlds. Her collaborations with the brands she works with also reflect this blend—for instance, Kama Ayurveda, a luxury skincare brand grounded in traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary innovation.'As someone passionate about preserving cultural heritage while making it relevant for today's generation, their approach resonated deeply with me,' says Gauravi on being the brand ambassador for the luxury skincare brand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kama Ayurveda (@kamaayurvedaindia)In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Gauravi shares some of her favourite Gen Z habits, her go-to skincare tips, beauty secrets passed down through generations, and her definition of luxury.Importance of skincare in daily lifeSkincare is very important to me, not just as a ritual for beauty, but as a way to take a moment for myself amidst the busyness of daily life. I find time both in the morning and evening to really connect with my skin; it's something I genuinely look forward to.Royal beauty secretGrowing up, beauty was always about simplicity and natural care in my family, and some of those traditions have stayed with me even today. One of my favourite DIY treatments is a gentle ubtan made with sandalwood, rose water and a hint of turmeric. It instantly refreshes the skin and leaves it glowing. These little rituals, passed down through generations, are so special to me – they remind me that true beauty comes from nurturing yourself with kindness and authenticity.On using natural skincare vs dermatologist recommendationsFor me, it's about finding a thoughtful balance. I deeply believe in the power of natural skincare – ingredients that have been trusted for generations and work in harmony with the skin. At the same time, I do believe there is a place for dermatologist-recommended products, especially when it comes to targeted concerns or treatments.I think the key is to listen to your skin, to be gentle with it, and to choose what aligns with both tradition and modern knowledge, always with a sense of care and intention.Favourite things about being a Gen ZI think what truly sets Gen Z apart is our deep sense of individuality and authenticity. We aren't afraid to embrace who we are, to speak about things that matter, and to seek out meaning in everything we do – whether it's in the way we work, express ourselves, or even care for our well-being. One of my favourite things about our generation is how connected we are to both tradition and innovation; we value heritage, but we also want to shape a future that feels more mindful and inclusive. There's a wonderful sense of possibility in the way Gen Z approaches the world, and I find that incredibly inspiring.What is 'luxury' for the modern royal?For me, true luxury lies in authenticity, craftsmanship and a deep sense of meaning behind what we choose to surround ourselves with. It's about pieces and experiences that are thoughtfully created and rooted in tradition but still feel entirely personal and relevant to today.Wellness talkFor me, wellness is really about balance – staying active, caring for my mind, and making time for rituals that nourish me from within. I enjoy a mix of strength training and yoga; it keeps me grounded and gives me the energy to take on the day. Skincare too is an important part of my wellness routine. I believe that when you take care of yourself with consistency and kindness, it complements everything you do.
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About the Flipkart Group The Flipkart Group is one of India's leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip and Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in Indias digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkarts marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created thousands of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI. 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The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
For Telugu snacks and foods you loved as a 90s kid, head to Coffee Sangam in Hyderabad
You know those memes that say, 'We did silly things before social media existed'? Well, we also had epic birthday parties —with menus to match. Think back to the late '80s and '90s: sandwiches were cut diagonally, cutlets were crisp and golden, chilli cheese toast was the closest we got to pizza, and puff pastries were non-negotiable. No fancy burgers or sushi platters, just good old comfort food that's now a cherished memory. Coffee Sangam at Jubilee Hills taps into that nostalgia and pairs it with a modern-day twist. This all-day café brings together 90s birthday party staples and Telugu teatime classics — reimagined for today's palate. It is where keema meets puri at breakfast, dosas come perfectly crisp, and eggs are served with a side of heritage. And yes, this is the place that gave Hyderabad its very first bobbatlu croissant (sweetened lentil stuffed flat breads) — a flaky ode to tradition layered with innovation. I gave it a shot, and will not be ordering it again. Styled in warm earthy tones, Coffee Sangam feels like a laidback dining room for your everyday celebrations. On one wall, a painted boat carries people across generations and cultures — a visual metaphor for the sangam or confluence the café hopes to represent. Chef Vignesh puts it best: 'Celebrate surviving work, flatter a good mood, or just treat yourself — no reason needed. Small eats that make everyone smile.' And that is exactly the vibe at Coffee Sangam. Whether it is a cup of strong filter coffee to wake up your soul, or a kadak chai paired with muska bun and a swipe of palm sugar, the café knows its audience. Think palm sugar bun sandwiches — yes, that is a thing now. Not your average bun maska, these buns are unapologetically slathered with butter. Disclaimer: This is not the spot for calorie counters or strict vegans. But if you believe in the power of carbs, butter, and joy —welcome to the table. After a few visits, I had worked my way through most of the menu — but without fail, I always circled back to the peri peri punugulu and pista podi mini idlis (each the size of a one-rupee coin). These are finger foods reimagined, but never too far from their roots. Chef Vignesh curated the menu with a clear brief: revive the nostalgic snacks of the '90s — cutlets, mutton samosas, and old-school sandwiches minus the lettuce-tomato trimmings. The kind of food Gen X grew up on, and Gen Z probably has not met yet. At Coffee Sangam, the cutlet, samosa, and sandwich trio are the true comeback kids, and reason enough to keep returning. It is always comforting to see the basics done right — like a cheese omelette with toast. On lazy mornings, Coffee Sangam makes a strong case for a no-fuss breakfast with a solid filter coffee. The brown laminate on the omelette? That golden crust we all know from homemade breakfasts. 'It's meant to remind you of home,' says Chef Vignesh. If eggs are not your thing, opt for the crispy dosas (served with two chutneys, glistening with ghee) or the puri with keema. You can even order the keema on the side with your dosa — highly recommended. A surprise winner here is the curd rice salad. A comforting bowl of curd rice amped up with puffed rice, crunchy chips, and a zing of lemon pickle — it is exactly the kind of chaos that works. For a sugar fix, go for the Milo French toast or the bread pudding with ice cream. On the drinks side, the coconut milkshake, Irani boba chai, and masala mint iced tea hit the spot — flavourful and not overly sweet. One note: if you have a big appetite, the portion sizes might feel modest. Order more. That is the joy of small plates, after all.
