
Watch: Pooja Hegde's Homesick Remedy Is Enjoying Parle-G With Chai
A cup of tea with Parle-G biscuits hits home – simple, nostalgic and oddly comforting. This combo is a typical morning ritual for many Indians. From office chai breaks to slow Sundays at home, Parle-G soaked in aromatic tea makes for a heavenly bite. Don't know about you, but Pooja Hegde certainly agrees. In her latest Instagram post, the actress, who is currently shooting for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai with Varun Dhawan, was seen relishing this iconic combination in the UK.
Pooja confessed that, being away from home, savouring Parle-G with tea was her only remedy to beat homesickness. 'Simple joys to make me feel like I am at home,' she says in the clip before dunking a biscuit into her piping-hot tea and taking a scrumptious bite. 'This is some dangerous stuff,' she admits, before reaching for another one from the packet. The side note read, 'Nothing screams home like Parle G in my chai. Homesick remedies (red heart emoji).'
Watch the full video below:
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A post shared by Pooja Hegde (@hegdepooja)
Back in May, Pooja Hegde and Varun Dhawan encountered a storm while filming in Scotland. As the cast and crew took a break from shooting, Varun offered a glimpse of their lunch menu, prepared by chef Inder 'paaji'. The lip-smacking platter included misti chicken, mixed vegetables, grilled salmon and dal tadka. Varun then switched the camera towards a tent where Pooja and the others were seen enjoying the delicious spread. When the actor asked how the food was, everyone agreed that it was 'Changa (good).' The caption said, ' Hai jawaani toh khaana bhi khaana hai. Eating in a storm.' Read all about it here.
Apart from desi dishes, Pooja Hegde is also a fan of gourmet Italian delights. On her trip to Paris, the actress followed the 'map to dolce vita'. She treated herself to appetising Prawn Linguine and creamy, mushroom-topped spaghetti served with fresh lime soda. For dessert, she had a cone of gelato ice cream. Phew. Click here for the full story.
We are a fan of Pooja Hegde's gastronomical adventures.
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Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Unseen Childhood Photos of Tennis Legends: Their Humble Beginnings Revealed
Behind every powerful serve and match-winning rally lies a child once full of wonder, chasing balls across makeshift courts. Rare childhood photos of tennis legends open a unique window into the tender years of those who would go on to rule the sport. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These images—some never seen before—tell stories not just of talent, but of upbringing, opportunity, and determination. From dusty courts to global fame, here's a look at five tennis icons, male and female, through the lens of their early years. Their origins may be ordinary, but their journeys are nothing short of phenomenal. 1. Roger Federer Image via Instagram/ Tennis-magazine Hailing from the tranquil city of Basel, Switzerland, Roger Federer was born to a multicultural household—his father Swiss, his mother South African. By the time he was three, he was already swinging a racquet. Federer's early days were spent balancing sports with school, splitting his time between football and tennis until the latter took precedence. His natural flair and fluid game caught attention early on. A junior Wimbledon win in 1998 paved the way for his elegant ascent to the top. The boy from Basel would eventually become the maestro of modern tennis, collecting 20 Grand Slam titles along the way. 2. Serena Williams Image via Serena Williams' rise is the stuff of legend. Born in Michigan but raised in Compton, California, Serena was part of a tight-knit family guided by her father Richard and mother Oracene. The gritty public courts of Compton saw her earliest swings, often alongside her sister Venus. Homeschooled to focus on her game, Serena turned professional at just 14. What followed was a revolution: powerful groundstrokes, unmatched tenacity, and a career that shattered nearly every record in the women's game. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her journey—marked by both brilliance and barriers—has inspired generations beyond the world of tennis. 3. Maria Sharapova Image via Instagram/ Maria_Sharapova_Love Maria Sharapova was born in 1987 in Nyagan, a small town in Siberia, Russia, just after the Chernobyl disaster prompted her parents to move there for safety. Tennis entered her life early, and by the age of six, her raw talent was spotted by tennis great Martina Navratilova. That spark sent Maria and her father to the U.S., with barely any money and no English, to train at the Nick Bollettieri Academy in Florida. Her grit and elegance merged into a game that stunned Wimbledon in 2004 when she won at just 17. From ice-cold focus to glamorous dominance, Sharapova made tennis both fierce and fashionable. 4. Steffi Graf Image via Instagram/ Tennis_magazine Steffi Graf's tennis journey began almost as soon as she could walk. Born in West Germany in 1969, she was coached by her father Peter, who introduced her to the game at age three. Her first competitive win came at six, and by thirteen, she had broken into the professional circuit. Graf's style was all about ruthless efficiency—her footwork, timing, and discipline were unmatched. She reigned supreme in the late '80s and '90s, collecting 22 Grand Slam singles titles and becoming the only player ever to achieve a "Golden Slam"—winning all four majors and Olympic gold in one year (1988). 5. Novak Djokovic Image via Instagram/ Novak Djokovic was born in Belgrade in 1987, during a time of political unrest and economic hardship. His parents ran a pizza parlour and supported his dream against all odds. Even as NATO bombs fell on his city, Novak trained obsessively—sometimes in empty swimming pools or halls. His first coach, Jelena Genčić, famously called him 'the greatest talent since Monica Seles.' Novak didn't just dream big—he trained bigger. His steely mind and baseline brilliance propelled him to 24 Grand Slam titles, rewriting records in an era stacked with greats. There's something profoundly moving about seeing greatness in its earliest form. A shy smile, a clumsy stance, or a racquet almost too heavy to lift—these childhood photographs capture more than just faces. They hold quiet moments of ambition before the world took notice. Behind every trophy is a memory of scraped knees, early morning practices, and parents cheering from the sidelines. These images remind us that legends aren't born—they're nurtured, often in silence and sacrifice. And somewhere in those grainy frames, you can almost hear a whisper: this is where the journey truly began.


NDTV
24 minutes ago
- NDTV
Is Adventure Tourism In India Worth Your Money? The Red Flags And Safety Risks
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara inspired growth in India's adventure tourism market since 2011. The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030. Fatal incidents have risen due to unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and poor safety measures in India. In 2011, when director Zoya Akhtar released a movie about three male friends, intertwined in their own lives and taking a three-week-long trip, it not only became a commercial hit but also inspired many Indians to think differently about travel. You see, the movie titled (if you haven't guessed it yet), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, revolves around Kabir, Imran and Arjun, and their once-in-a-lifetime vacation in Spain before Kabir's wedding. The trip was essentially meant to help them combat their deepest fears through three adventure sports, each chosen by one of them. The trio explores Spain in a full-on desi way and eventually faces their fears through scuba diving, skydiving and running of the bulls. After facing each challenge, they experience a sense of gratification that makes many of us want to try at least one of the ourselves. Often, Bollywood and social media have glamorised adventure sports and the adrenaline rush that comes with them, turning it into something everyone wanted to chase post the film's release. Today, the Indian adventure tourism market is experiencing significant growth, fuelled by a young, thrill-seeking demographic and rising disposable incomes, all wanting to live life like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (quite literally). The market was valued at USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 46.731 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 19.6% over the next five years. However, unlike Kabir, Imran and Arjun—who underwent proper training before each sport—India's growing demand is being met without the same level of infrastructure and safety precautions. The Rise In Fatal Incidents Ft Adventure Sports This boom, however, has been a double-edged sword. As more Indians seek thrill-filled holidays, the infrastructure, regulatory mechanisms and safety checks haven't always kept up. Not everyone goes the ZNMD route of professional preparation and certified guides (Remember Laila from ZMND?). Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO of Travomint, a travel agency, points out, 'There's been a clear rise in incidents — due to unregistered operators, lack of training, and failure to meet safety standards.' He further lists some incidents: Puri Beach, Odisha - The most recent case, occurred in May 2025, a boat capsize incident happened at the Puri Beach involving Snehasish Ganguly, elder brother of Indian Cricket Team captain Sourav Ganguly, and his spouse, Arpita. Following this incident, the Puri district administration officially suspended all water sports activities in the region, pointing out the critical need for stronger safety measures. While many licensed vendors agree to worldwide norms, some continue to struggle with lack of regulations. Manali: Tadi Mahesh Reddy, a 32-year-old, at Manali was attempting to take off (during paragliding) at Raison when a sudden gust of wind caused his glider to descend instead of ascend, leading to his death. Goa - In January 2025, Shivani Dable, a 27-year-old girl from Pune lost her life during a paragliding activity in Keri Village, North Goa. Her glider crashed into a ravine soon after taking off from a cliff, and even the instructor did not survive. This incident raised concerns over safety practices, unlicensed operators and safety checks in adventure sports. Bir Biling, Himachal Pradesh - A tragic incident happened during paragliding in 2023, when a tourist's safety harness malfunctioned mid-air, raising concerns about unlicensed operators and outdated equipment. After thorough investigation, it was revealed that the flight was operated by an unregistered operator. This tragedy led to widespread public outcry and renewed regulations along with better standards for paragliding operators. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand - Several cases of rafting accidents were reported due to overloading and untrained guides during river rafting. One such case occured in 2017, when a Delhi tourist tragically died after a raft capsized near Garud Chatti bridge. After this incident, local authorities launched safety audits, however, implementation is still not consistent. Common themes? Unlicensed operators, untrained staff, and inadequate equipment. Today, Adventure sports in India vary in price depending on the location and season. Scuba diving costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 8,000 per dive, with Andaman and Lakshadweep on the higher end. River rafting in places like Rishikesh can range from Rs 499 to Rs 2,999 per person, depending on the stretch covered. Paragliding prices start at Rs 1,800 and can go up to Rs 5,500 in top spots like Bir Billing. But are they safe? Shreya Chawla* (name changed as per request), a 23-year-old professional from Noida, who loves adventure sports shares, 'They make you sign a waiver. If something happens to you, it's your fault. But the training is almost non-existent. During paragliding in Bir, I was just asked to run at a certain speed. When I went scuba diving in Goa, they dropped me into the water without any special preparation.' Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner at Tamarind Global, a focused destination and event management company, tells NDTV that adventure tourism isn't inherently dangerous, but lack of regulation makes it so. 'We always advise travellers to check if the operator is certified, whether there's insurance, and how trained the guides are,' he adds. Where The Law Stands In 2023, India's Ministry of Tourism laid out formal 'safety guidelines' for adventure tourism. These included age limits, mandatory insurance for operators, and penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for safety breaches. However, enforcement remains inconsistent across states. Mind you, these are just guidelines and not laws. Now, even though states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have issued more stringent region-specific guidelines, insiders say, many operators continue to flout the rules — either due to lack of awareness or because enforcement agencies lack manpower. Like Shreya's case, any first-timers trust operators blindly, not knowing what questions to ask or red flags to spot. How Industry Experts Are Tackling The Crisis Trishal Rao, Chief Sales Officer at SKIL, a travel management company, believes stronger checks are non-negotiable. 'We work only with ISO-certified or Adventure Tour Operators Association of India-affiliated operators. Our checks include reviewing guest feedback, auditing sites like TripAdvisor, and even demanding references for group trips,' he says. Rao adds that clients sign waivers, but it doesn't absolve the vendors of accountability. 'We ensure insurance is in place, and we expect partners to conduct drills, have evacuation plans and keep ambulances accessible. You can't compromise on safety,' he adds. D'Souza agrees and adds, 'Yes, there are more incidents — but mostly from unregulated players. We advise travellers to ask: Does the operator have certification? Is there insurance? Are the guides trained? Our role is to ensure transparency and accountability.' Even equipment matters, says D'Souza. 'We personally review activities before adding them to itineraries. Adventure stalls are everywhere now — not all are reliable,' according to him. But on ground level things are different. Not everyone is authorised, or trained enough. Trekking is one such activity that remains highly unregulated. Often people are misguided. Treks are made to sound 'easy' to appeal to the participants, but the reality might be different. This lack of information is consistent in the other adventure sports as well. Vaibhav Kala, founder of Aquaterra Adventures and senior VP of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI), says, 'Adventure tourism is gaining popularity due to the physical and mental thrill. But gear, guides and guidelines are critical. We need stricter enforcement and national registration for operators.' Kala is also part of a core team pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. 'We want a national register for operators and stricter controls. Currently, anyone with a few rafts or parachutes can open shop. That's dangerous,' says Kala. Who's At Fault, Really? While most operators make clients sign disclaimers, legally and ethically, both sides hold responsibility. Experts say that while tourists must be cautious, it's primarily the operators' duty to uphold safety norms. But many small vendors still operate in the grey zone. Rakesh, the owner of a similar adventure sports establishment in Manali, has been in this business for almost 10 years. In Himachal Pradesh, he says, many individuals, especially the inexperienced ones, are able to enter the adventure sports market as obtaining a licence is "pretty easy". According to Rakesh, officials conduct quality checks on equipment used in these activities only twice a year. Kala further notes that unregistered operators shouldn't be allowed to run at all. 'The National Tourism Board for Adventure Tourism is pushing for a model law to be adopted across states. That will be the game-changer,' he says. The debate on disclaimers and liability is far from settled. While many operators use waivers to shift responsibility, legal experts say they are not foolproof. How Can You Stay Safe? India's potential to lead in adventure tourism is undeniable. The geography, biodiversity and growing youth population make it a natural fit. But the foundation has to be solid. Till then, if you want to stay safe follow Kala's advice, 'We need three pillars — enforcement, education and ecosystem. Only then will we stop reading about unnecessary tragedies.' Before committing to an adventure, individuals should ask these key questions, says Kala - Have they researched the outfitter's (elaborate) credentials? Is the company registered with relevant tourism authorities or industry associations? Are the guides certified, trained in first aid and CPR, and experienced? What is the emergency exit plan? Rao adds that educating tourists needs to be a priority. 'At the point of sale, operators should hand out safety checklists. Digital platforms could include reviews specific to safety. Insurance should be offered as standard, not optional.' Remember, adventure tourism, by its nature, involves risk, but that risk can and must be managed. For India to become a world-class destination, safety should not be an afterthought. Until then, maybe watch Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara again — but think twice before trying to recreate the thrills without asking the right questions first.


NDTV
24 minutes ago
- NDTV
Travel Vlogger Shares Hack To Rest Feet Inside Flight, Leaves Internet Divided
While air travel is often lauded for its speed and convenience, one persistent issue remains largely unaddressed: the discomfort of airplane seating. Forget about stretching out or crossing your legs, the reality of cramped legroom often leaves passengers feeling stiff and restless. Travel vlogger Nicole Lazo offers a practical solution to combat this common problem. A DIY foot hammock crafted from a simple blanket or scarf, promising a more comfortable journey. Also Read: 5 Fascinating Reasons Why Airplane Windows Are Round, Not Square In the video shared on Instagram, the travel enthusiast takes out the complimentary blanket provided during the flight. Next, she makes a double knot with both ends. The vlogger then unlatches the tray table and opens it. She covers the table with the blanket with the knotted element in the middle, leaving a hollow-like opening drooping below. And that's all about it - your foot hammock is ready. After that, Nicole Lazo shows how easily she is able to rest her feet inside the gap. Also Read: "I used the free blanket they give you on the plane, but you can use any thin fabric, like a scarf. I've never tried keeping my feet up like this before while traveling, but it really helped! I was super comfortable and slept great! Happy travels!" read a part of her side note. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicole Lazo | Travel Tips & Ideas! (@nicolelazotravel) The internet had mixed reviews about the travel hack. "This is genius!! I'm short and this would be so comfy instead of barely touching the floor," wrote one user, approving the method. "This looks comfortable," admitted another. "I don't see a problem with you making a hammock for your feet, but I'm just questioning why it would be more comfortable than having your feet on the floor, or on your luggage," wondered one person. "This is the only travel tip I've ever seen on Instagram that is actually useful," noted an impressed individual. "The flight attendants should stop this kind of inconsiderate act," commented a critic. "So the whole time you are swinging your feet, the person in front is disturbed," read a sarcastic remark.