A foreigner's first bite of Bengal: Scottish influencer falls for Kolkata's fish kabiraji
West Bengal, nestled in eastern India, is nothing short of a treasure trove for those who adore fish. With a rich culinary lineage that stretches back generations, the region offers an array of unforgettable dishes, including the beloved spicy fish curry and the crispy, comforting kabiraji. In the heart of Kolkata, one institution stands tall as a symbol of this enduring food culture — the Indian Coffee House. This age-old café, deeply woven into the fabric of the city, is cherished not only for its nostalgic setting but also for its accessible prices and timeless menu that has won over both locals and visitors.Recently, Scottish travel vlogger Hugh, known for his content under the name "Hugh Abroad," found himself seated at this storied café. His goal was simple — to experience one of Kolkata's most iconic dishes, the famed fish kabiraji. Capturing the moment for his followers, he documented every bite in a video that quickly gained momentum online.Positioned at a table marked by years of use and memories, Hugh placed his order — a single serving of fish kabiraji priced modestly at Rs 125, roughly equivalent to $1.50. Soon, the dish arrived — a crispy golden fillet nestled beside sliced onions, pungent mustard, and bright red ketchup.Upon first glance, Hugh seemed intrigued by its presentation. Through his research, he'd learned that the dish was made using Bhekti, a tender freshwater fish that closely resembles sea bass. As he cut into the crusty exterior, he remarked on its weight and density, indicating that it was more filling than he had imagined.Taking his first bite, he noted that the texture was richer and more substantial than the airy, flaky fish dishes he was accustomed to in Scotland. While the kabiraji wasn't quite what he expected, the spice and flavor left a positive impression. Dipping it into mustard added an extra layer of zest, which he described as intensifying the taste. He even sprinkled a bit of salt to balance the flavors further.Comparing it to his homeland's beer-battered fish, he admitted it was softer and doughier — but still appealing. Ultimately, Hugh gave the dish a respectable 7.5 out of 10 and encouraged others to try it.Uploaded on Instagram on February 27, the video has since drawn over 2.1 million views. Fans were captivated by Hugh's animated expressions and genuine enthusiasm. Some asked about his favorite Indian street foods, while others recommended new places, including Apanjan. One viewer joked that after so many spicy adventures, Hugh's stomach would return to Scotland 'tougher than ever.'
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Hindustan Times
18 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Husain's 21 unseen canvases on auction depict his vision of the last century
MUMBAI: Dadiba Pundole recollects the day towards the end of 2003 when Maqbool Fida Husain walked into the Pundole's art gallery, located in Fort, Mumbai, and asked Dadiba to postpone the next exhibition, as he wanted to use the space as a studio. 'He told us, 'I've lived through the 20th century, and I want to document it in paint',' Dadiba said. That very evening, buckets of paint and rolls of canvas arrived. Husain, then 90, pinned one stretch of canvas up on the long side of the gallery and approached it with a charcoal. Over the course of the next few weeks, during which time Dadiba grew increasingly anxious, Husain sketched and painted almost incessantly, bringing icons and political events to life with bold colours. 'At that time, we had no clue what would come of it. We didn't know how much he wanted to paint, or what all he wanted to depict. Nothing was discussed,' Dadiba said. Husain eventually moved his canvases and paints to a friend's empty apartment in Deira, Dubai, and within a year produced 25 works — often cutting up his canvases into diptychs or triptychs — that he showed at a day-long event at the Al Burj in 2004. The works, which he initially titled, An Artist's Vision of the 20th Century, and eventually came to be called, Our Plant Called Earth or OPEC, were exhibited hanging as scrolls from a high ceiling. Actor Shabana Azmi was invited to conduct a conversation with the artist. After showing these works at the Pierre Cardin Centre in Paris, Husain sold all of them to Mumbai-based businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava for a spectacular sum of ₹25 crore — an amount that at the time 'could have bought all of Husain's oeuvre up to that point,' Dadiba pointed out. Later that year, Husain announced his plan to make 100 works around the same theme, and sell them to Srivastava for ₹100 crore in a press conference held in New Delhi's Vadehra Art gallery. 'While Srivastava is not a collector, both of us share similar concerns about Indian art being greatly undervalued and that it deserves to be treated on the same platform as Western art,' reported Husain telling the reporters. The same December, Srivastava's company, Swarup Group, started an online agricultural commodities exchange. Two years later in 2006, the Central Bureau of Investigation initiated a probe into the Swarup Group and against Srivastava for alleged misappropriation of ₹150 crore from a ₹236-crore loan from the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). In 2008, a tribunal permitted NAFED to secure assets of ₹100 crore, including the Husain paintings. Husain, too, abandoned his project, and only these 25 works remain of his prolificity. A little over two decades later, the works are back on Dadiba's walls, this time completed, and ready for auction on the orders of the Bombay high court. The sale is being conducted on the instance of NAFED, the claimant in the court case. Dadiba submitted a valuation report of the paintings, valuing them at ₹25 crore, last May and earlier this year, the gallerist-turned-auctioneer was approached to put the works under the hammer. In March, his team began serious work on the paintings that had stayed rolled up for several years. He rejoined some of the canvases that the artist had split, for the sake of visual continuity, and also treated all of the works to rigorous restoration. The works that now total to 21 lots will be auctioned on June 12, under strict rules laid down by the Mumbai Sheriff, which includes that interested bidders submit an Earnest Money Deposit of ₹5 lakh and that they pay the amount of the sale by June 27. The high court has asked for a Sheriff's report on the sale of the works by July 3. The works are variously priced – some between ₹60 lakh to ₹80 lakh, others between ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore. The final cost of the works may go up higher, as Husain has recently seen an upswing among collectors. Earlier in March, a 1954 piece titled Gram Yatra fetched ₹118 crore in a Christie's auction. The works are historically significant as they not only depict the famed artist's vision of the last century, but also point to his varied inspirations that shaped his global and cosmopolitan outlook. We see a Charlie Chaplinesque figure hold a young child's hand as a rocket takes off behind them. Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin, the leaders of Great Britain, the United States of America and Soviet Union, respectively, sit around a chess board with human figures toppled over it as pawns, inspired by the Yalta Conference of 1945 that signalled the end of World War II. In a far more abstract triptych, we see different races of men sit on a bench that has been propped up by goblins and cherubs. They are bookended by one figure holding an Olympic torch, and another, dressed in coattails balancing a tray. Another canvas shows the backs of two women — one in a sari, another in a dress, a clear indication of the East and the West — sitting together in convivial joy as a dove spreads its wings beneath their bench. Explaining this series and Husain's approach, art critic Ranjit Hoskote, writes in the show's catalogue: '(...T)he 20th century was, far more than any previous epoch, distinguished by the self-conscious and global historical awareness that its artists, intellectuals and political visionaries demonstrated. Many of these figures — whether the Communists, the Free Market advocates, the Suprematists, the Surrealists, or the protagonists of the Non-Aligned Movement — saw themselves as actors on a world stage, with all of recorded history and geological time as their backdrop and the cosmos as their frontier. With his boundless curiosity, inventiveness, playfulness and commitment to inquiry, Husain embodied this world-view to perfection.' 'What's interesting to see is the range of influences Husain clearly had in his life. But what is even more curious for me is to wonder what else he would have shown had he completed his original idea and made 100 paintings,' Dadiba said.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shah Rukh Khan rents, Aamir Khan buys, Priyanka Chopra sells: What's driving Bollywood's real estate trends?
Mumbai's skyline isn't just dotted with luxury skyscrapers and sea-facing villas—it's shaped by the dreams, dilemmas, and lifestyle choices of India's biggest stars. While some celebrities are investing crores into owning a piece of the city they rule, others are choosing the flexibility—and status—of luxury rentals. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With temporarily leasing swanky duplexes and Aamir Khan purchasing a new flat amid redevelopment, the age-old 'Rent vs Buy' debate is heating up in Bollywood. But what's really influencing these decisions? Is it just economics, or is image, transience, and status playing a bigger role? Here's a closer look at why some celebs are laying down permanent roots, while others are simply renting the dream. Shah Rukh Khan rents as Mannat gets a makeover King Khan himself is setting the tone for the conversation. While his iconic residence Mannat is undergoing renovations, Shah Rukh Khan has rented out four floors in the upscale Puja Casa building in Bandra. The cost? A staggering ₹24.15 lakh per month. While many fans may assume a superstar like SRK would opt for another purchase, this move is strategic. It's temporary, functional, and allows him to maintain privacy and lifestyle standards without committing to another major investment. Aamir Khan buys a new pad amid redevelopment In contrast, Aamir Khan—known for his measured decisions both on and off screen—recently purchased a Rs 9 crore flat in Bandra. With his current residence in Pali Hill set for redevelopment, Aamir seems to be making a long-term play, securing a new property even as he waits for possession in the redeveloped building. His decision reflects a more traditional approach: stay invested in real estate, especially in a locality that aligns with one's stature. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The transaction also included a hefty Rs 58.5 lakh stamp duty and Rs 30,000 registration fee—small change for the superstar, but telling of his commitment to ownership. The Glamour of Renting For many younger stars, however, renting seems to be the preferred choice. It offers access to luxury living without the burdens of ownership in one of the world's most expensive real estate markets. and Katrina Kaif, Bollywood's power couple, reportedly renewed the lease on their Juhu apartment—paying Rs 17.01 lakh per month, with a 3-year rent outlay of approximately Rs 6.2 crore. Add to that a Rs 1.75 crore security deposit, and it's clear that this isn't about affordability—it's about lifestyle without long-term commitment. Kriti Sanon resides in a 5,184 sq ft duplex in Andheri West, rented from none other than Amitabh Bachchan. At Rs 10 lakh a month, the apartment gives her the luxe image and space a star of her rising stature demands, without locking in crores. Renting with a Purpose Not every celeb rents for flash or flexibility. Some, like veteran actor Anupam Kher, do it out of practicality. 'I prefer renting in Mumbai and investing elsewhere,' he said in an interview, revealing he owns properties in Chandigarh and Shimla, but chooses to stay on lease in the maximum city. Similarly, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal chose to rent a sea-facing apartment during what they perceived as a 'depressed market,' showing a mix of financial savvy and emotional detachment from Mumbai's unpredictable real estate scene. Building Legacy While many rent for convenience, others, like Aamir Khan and (who still resides in his iconic Galaxy Apartments), buy to build legacy. Owning a home in Mumbai isn't just a financial decision—it's a statement. A marker of permanence in an otherwise unstable profession. For fans, these homes become landmarks—'Jalsa,' 'Mannat,' and 'Galaxy' are now Mumbai Darshan mainstays. A generational sense of belonging is rooted in these properties. In industries like Bollywood, where image is currency and stability is rare, real estate becomes more than shelter—it's a mirror of where a star sees themselves in the arc of their career. Who Is Renting and Why? 1. Professionals on Temporary Job Assignments Many tenants today are individuals who have relocated for work on short- to medium-term assignments. These are professionals employed in large or influential companies who are unsure of where they'll be posted next. As job locations shift post-appraisal or due to internal transfers, committing to property ownership doesn't make financial or practical sense. This leads to high churn in rental housing, with very few tenants staying in the same flat for more than a few years. 2. Displaced Residents from Redevelopment Projects Another significant segment of renters includes families temporarily displaced due to the redevelopment of their existing properties. These individuals rent flats while waiting for their redeveloped homes to be completed. This has added to the demand in the rental market, particularly in cities undergoing massive infrastructure and redevelopment drives. 3. Young Adults Delaying Homeownership The current generation that should be entering the housing market is largely priced out due to high real estate costs and the requirement for a substantial down payment—typically 20% of the property value. For instance, a Rs 1 crore home requires Rs 20 lakhs upfront. Building such savings early in one's career is unrealistic for most, leading them to prefer renting until they can accumulate the necessary capital. 4. Low Rental Yields for Investors Most property owners renting out high-value apartments are not professional landlords. They often earn a modest 2–3% rental yield annually. These flats were not bought with the intention of generating rental income but are typically the result of mandatory reinvestment of sale proceeds to avoid tax liabilities. 5. Historic Purchases Dominate the Rental Market The flats currently available for rent are mostly older or "historic" purchases. Owners have often moved on to better properties but choose not to sell the older ones. Reasons include their emotional attachment to the house or even the lack of urgent financial need. Such properties are retained 'just in case' and only listed for rent when lying vacant. 6. Indian Mindset Towards Real Estate In India, real estate is seen as a legacy asset, not something to frequently sell or trade. Many owners avoid selling unless absolutely necessary—such as for funding a wedding, children's education, or financial emergencies. This mentality stems from a broader cultural inclination to hold onto possessions, even unused ones, under the belief that they might be useful in the future. What should you do? In a candid chat with ETimes, Prashant Puri, Horseshoe Realty Ventures was asked, With Shah Rukh Khan reportedly renting a home, it brings up an important question: Is renting becoming more popular—even preferred—in major cities like Mumbai? What factors are influencing this trend among the urban elite and should the middle class also consider it as a more feesable option? "Yes, it's become a trend now. And if you see it microscopically, these apartments are rented by the people from the same fraternity. So there are two things which are influencing this. One, for two, three years, it doesn't make sense in context of Shah Rukh Khan. It doesn't make sense to buy an apartment because if he is going to sell it again and then he would have to invest a great majority of money to stay in that." Explaining the math behind these investments, he says, "Right now, his rent runs into so many lakhs. But what would be the capital worth of that property? Several crores, I'm guessing. So the return on investment is hardly 3%. More than that you get if you keep your money in the Bank FD. He will also enter into the trap of capital gains when he wants to shift back to Mannat." He adds, "Also, the investment which he will put in to buy a new apartment for a temporary residence. Will not appreciate that much. So paying rent is cheaper." Now we have these actors and the elite who are renting out these spaces. What benefits are there for a rented apartment versus that of an ownership when it comes to, you know, middle class? In Mumbai from a middle class segment, either they are people who are on the move or their buildings are going in for redevelopment. Rentals are going up in Mumbai is because Mumbai is entirely under redevelopment, so there is a competition going on between two groups. There are only so many flats in the city in proximity to work spaces, schools, and the demand is higher than usual because of these development projects. Hence rentals are soaring. Celebrities are known to invest in multiple properties, especially in upscale neighbourhoods. In your view, what drives this trend—personal lifestyle needs, investment strategy, or brand image? In recent months, several high-profile names—from to Gauri Khan—have reportedly sold their apartments, while , and Ranveer Singh have invested Rs 100 crore in luxury homes. What is driving this trend? "When big stars buy a real estate apartment, those become almost destination apartments. That's going to be the place where they want to live for years. When you see the smaller apartments being sold by them for Rs 10 crore, Rs 11 crore, most of these are led by capital gain issues or some could also be driven by capital gains. What is particularly prompting this? Well, the issue is with the Gen Z's and the millennials. If you go by an old book, people would work hard to create a real estate, but now I don't see that going anywhere because the younger lot is more interested in vacationing abroad, dining in expensive restaurants, basically a major portion of the fund flow is going into lifestyle choices than real estate. Rather than investing in things that are appreciating in nature, people are investing in experiences which depreciate in nature. Real estate is the most expensive asset and you can buy it only twice or thrice in your entire life. Equity Players Don't Want You to Buy a Home? According to Prashant Puri, equity market players—such as mutual fund houses, brokers, and wealth managers—are not incentivised to encourage home buying. The reason is simple, when an individual invests in real estate, that money exits the equity ecosystem. 'Today, for buying a 1 crore apartment, his 20 lakh rupees is in the market with them. The moment he buys it, that 20 lakh gets out of the market from their system… and gets into real estate, which is jammed.' This 20% down payment no longer remains investible capital—it's locked into a physical asset. Additionally, the remaining 80% is financed via a home loan, and the monthly EMI payments, which could have otherwise gone into SIPs or stock investments, are now servicing a mortgage. 'He has to pay EMI on the balance 80%. That surplus is also not going to them.' Hidden Messaging Behind 'Rent Is Better' Highlights that much of the public narrative around renting being superior to buying is not just consumer wisdom—it's strategic communication driven by financial institutions, Prashant says, 'The messaging also depends on whom it is favouring. If you demotivate them from buying, then that money doesn't go out.' By encouraging people to rent, the equity ecosystem ensures that disposable income continues to flow into market-linked instruments. This benefits fund managers, advisors, and investment platforms who depend on steady inflows. Unlike financial instruments, real estate demands significant commitment. It's illiquid, capital-intensive, and emotionally tied to long-term goals. That's why people buy homes only a handful of times in their life. 'Thrice is the maximum, twice is the minimum. So that money, once it's gone into real estate, is stuck.' Real Struggle for Entry-Level Buyers Puri points out that the rental segment is largely consumed by people just starting their careers—young professionals with uncertain futures and limited savings. He says, 'The people who are at the entry-level are major consumers of rental accommodation. They still don't know where they will be.' Even if they aspire to buy, the sheer cost burden discourages them. For instance, an Rs 80 lakh home loan would result in an EMI of Rs 80,000/month—whereas the same apartment could be rented for Rs 20,000. 'The consumer is thinking, why should I pay 80,000 per month to own when I can rent it for Rs 20,000?' This perceived gap in value plays directly into the equity industry's hands, which benefits when buyers postpone their purchase and keep investing. 'Till then, that Rs 80,000 was going into equities, but now it's going towards building of a real estate, which is going to be there for you with life,' he explains. This redistribution of funds away from equities is seen as a loss by market players, hence the reluctance to promote homeownership narratives he reasons. Luxury Buyers Don't Face This Dilemma For high-end real estate buyers—those purchasing Rs 4–8 crore apartments—this equation doesn't apply. Their cash flow is not strained, and buying a home is often part of an upgrade rather than a financial struggle. "These apartments are sold by people who have already achieved or arrived in life. Cash flow is not an issue," he says. Such buyers don't face the rent vs buy dilemma; they buy based on lifestyle preferences, not investment logic. In one of his more direct remarks, Prashant warns consumers that their financial decisions are subtly being influenced. 'Everybody's thought process is being channelised by the drivers of market.' The equity market's consistent messaging—'stay invested', 'don't stop SIPs', and 'compounding works'—is designed to retain capital, even during volatile phases. Puri predicts, 'One single jolt and everybody would be out of it. That's why the mutual fund industry keeps saying—keep investing, keep investing.' For the average person watching this spectacle unfold, the choice between renting and buying boils down to more relatable concerns: affordability, long-term goals, and lifestyle needs. Ultimately, the real estate vs equity debate boils down to capital control. Equities offer liquidity, growth, and churn. Real estate offers permanence, security, and capital appreciation over time—but at the cost of cash flow flexibility.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Bhool Chuk Maaf' Box Office collection day 13: Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi's time-loop drama crosses Rs 65 crore mark
Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi 's latest film 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' is on a winning streak. After a delayed start at the cinemas, the film has now touched the Rs 65 crore mark in just 13 days. The time-travel love story has clearly struck a chord with the audience and is showing strong performance at the box office, despite facing competition from Hollywood releases. Day 13 collection According to early estimates shared by Sacnilk, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' earned around Rs 1.75 crore on its 13th day. This brings the film's total India net collection to Rs 65.10 crore. Occupancy on day 13 Even after nearly two weeks, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' continues to attract viewers to cinemas. On Day 13, Wednesday, 4 June 2025, the film saw an overall Hindi occupancy of 8.07%. Morning shows had a 5.34% turnout, while afternoon shows rose to 9.56%. Interestingly, evening shows recorded 0% occupancy, but numbers bounced back during night screenings, which reached 9.30%. Here's a full breakdown of the film's daily earnings so far: Week 1 Collections: Day 1 [Friday]: Rs 7 crore Day 2 [Saturday]: Rs 9.5 crore Day 3 [Sunday]: Rs 11.5 crore Day 4 [Monday]: Rs 4.5 crore Day 5 [Tuesday]: Rs 4.75 crore Day 6 [Wednesday]: Rs 3.5 crore Day 7 [Thursday]: Rs 3.35 crore Total Week 1: Rs 44.1 crore Week 2 Collections: Day 8 [Friday]: Rs 3.25 crore Day 9 [Saturday]: Rs 5.25 crore Day 10 [Sunday]: Rs 6.35 crore Day 11 [Monday]: Rs 2.2 crore Day 12 [Tuesday]: Rs 2.2 crore Day 13 [Wednesday]: Rs 1.75 crore (early estimate) Total Till Now: Rs 65.10 crore What is 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' about? Set in the spiritual city of Banaras, 'Bhool Chuk Maaf' tells the story of Ranjan, played by Rajkummar Rao. He's madly in love with Titli, portrayed by Wamiqa Gabbi, and wants to marry her. But to win her hand, he must first land a government job. Just when it seems like Ranjan has managed everything, things take a strange turn. He breaks a promise he made to Lord Shiva—and ends up stuck in a time loop. Ranjan starts reliving the same day over and over again. The story that follows is both heartwarming and funny, as Ranjan tries to fix his mistakes, seek forgiveness, and make the right choices to break the cycle. B-Town Shines at Bhool Chuk Maaf Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
