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Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Plus-size isn't a fad, inclusion isn't a checkbox: Sobia Ameen
The model-activist turns the mota kalo 'slur' on its head. Yet again. Architect, activist, model and a powerful voice representing South Asian women, Sobia Ameen is acknowledged for her work advocating body positivity and diversity with her unique aesthetic. But even with a fan following that spans cultures and demographics Sobia is routinely trolled and the recent and most vicious attack has led to an outpouring of support and love from around the world. In a candid conversation with Calcutta Times, Ameen spoke about the irony of trolls using "mota, kalo' (fat and black) to shame her and question her very 'existence,' her tips to young women who look up to her and more. * I grew up in a culturally rich and diverse household. I used to push away my mother's Punjabi influence, trying so hard to be only Bangali, not realising then that I could be both, and so much more, all at once. * We saw a brief push for plus-size representation in the last three-four years in our region. But now, with the Ozempic craze and the return of ultra-thin ideals, the narrative has shifted again, not because inclusivity failed, but because it was treated like a trend. Sensationalism does not last. * There is no single way to define a 'brown girl', we are a melting pot of cultures, histories, gene pools, traditions, traumas and lived experiences. We are drastically different yet deeply connected through similarities. So instead of trying to fit into one fixed aesthetic, we should celebrate the many forms we come in. Sobia says: 'What feels good, looks good. Love yourself. Every single day, not just when you feel your best' You have been the face of both defiance and grace for South Asian women - featured in global magazines, campaigned for global brands. But here you are, once again, speaking up for your right to be seen the way you wish to. For agency. Why do you think we are still struggling to walk the talk when it comes to inclusivity and respect? I do not seek agency from cowards hiding behind a screen. I will continue to be myself and pursue my goals on my own terms, no one can take that away from me. All I'm saying is -live and let live. I am open to constructive criticism, but when the commentary is purely about my body, I think I speak for many people with feminine bodies when I say: we have the right to express ourselves and to defend that expression. The root issue is bigotry and patriarchy and let's be honest, some of the harshest comments come from women too. But that, again, is a reflection of patriarchal conditioning. Many of these women look like me. That is the irony. The system is skewed in how it perceives women and the feminine, as if our right to exist with joy outside their narrow standards of beauty is a threat. It scares them. What if I empower others to speak up about harassment? What if I give them permission to love themselves? How dare I exist with joy and confidence while not fitting into their mold? To make them feel worthy and enough just as they are. What truly disturbs me is sexualisation and hatred. The fact that men are allowed to express these things publicly without consequences. This is why we are still struggling to 'walk the talk' on inclusivity and respect. We are skimming the surface when the issue is rooted in systemic entitlement and dehumanisation. It reminds me of William Golding's Lord of the Flies- the unchecked chaos, the moral decay. Much like the pubescent boys in that story, some of these men are reckless, cruel, and lacking in self-governance. That savagery must be addressed, not just for me but for anyone who dares to live, speak, and love in their truth. Many brands have been creating more choices for plus-sized women, and many are also creating colour cosmetics for brown Asian girls. But we rarely see that representation on the ramp or mainstream campaigns or content. Why is that? When brands are asked why we don't see plus sized or brown South Asian women in mainstream campaigns or on the ramp, the usual answer is: 'That's not what the average consumer wants.' And to an extent, that is true. With shrinking attention spans and mass consumers being easily influenced by trends, it is hard for brands to take risks or back data that contradicts the current aesthetic ideal. I have said this before, and I'll say it again: the goal was never to make 'plus-size' a fad. There is space and demand for all kinds of bodies, but brands often treat inclusivity like a checkbox instead of a long-term commitment. Many of us who have been part of these so-called 'inclusive' campaigns want to be seen for who we are and what we do, not just as a symbol of diversity. Now that the trend of tokenising one person from each marginalised group is fading, we are seeing fewer people who reflect real consumers. That's not a coincidence; it reflects how shallow the commitment to inclusion really was. Sobia with her mom, Nasima How would you define the brown-girl aesthetic? Do you think it is high time we owned it instead of trying to change what we are gifted with? To me, the beauty of the brown-girl aesthetic lies in its incredible diversity. That is something my mother taught me early on. She always encouraged me to see beauty in every soul I encountered. That shaped how I view the world even today. All versions of brown-girl beauty are valid and deserve space. But to truly embrace that, we need to decolonise the way we view ourselves because so much of what we are taught to admire comes from colonial standards of beauty that never included us in the first place. And while we are redefining that aesthetic, we must also acknowledge the role of other genders and queer identities who have shaped our beauty culture. Their contributions are often erased or mocked, and that erasure is a legacy of colonialism too. Owning the brown-girl aesthetic is not just about embracing how we look, it is about reclaiming the lens through which we see ourselves. Shoutout to all brown girls out there * What feels good, looks good. Love yourself. Every single day, not just when you feel your best. * Style, beauty, confidence; they all begin with self-respect. Honour your body type, skin tone, and all the versions of yourself, even on the days you don't feel like your ideal version. * Learn what makes you feel confident, not just what trends say you should wear. * Wear colours that make your skin glow, cuts that make you stand tall, and most importantly, choose things that make you feel like you. * Confidence is not something you find in a mirror; it is something you build every time you choose yourself. We think 'mota-kalo' would be a fab name for a brand of women's wear. What do you think? Honestly, I think I want to start a brand called 'mota-kalo' now. I am definitely considering this as an option. It sounds so chic to me, unapologetic, memorable, and rooted in reclaiming words that are used to shame. But I would not create 'mota-kalo' just to slap anyone in the face. I would want the success of the brand to be a slap in the slap. The loudest response to misogyny and patriarchy is to thrive and to do it on your own terms, with style, power, and joy. Sobia wore her mom's sari You have many fans in India - and globally of course. Being a role model and a source of inspiration to young brown girls takes a lot of work. How do you keep yourself relevant? India holds a very special place in my heart. I always say my heart lives in Mumbai and my food palette in Punjab. Honestly, I don't have a formula for staying relevant. Maybe it is the alignment of my planets, who knows? I just live by one principle: I must be true to myself and not lie (or try my best not to)! Everything else comes second. I think that kind of honesty resonates with people, across all ages, backgrounds and borders. The love I receive always outweighs the hate. And maybe that is the real secret to staying relevant: not chasing trends, but choosing to show up, with joy, consistency, and truth- no matter who is watching. How did growing up in Bangladesh and connecting with Bangla culture shape you? Like many in Bengal, my father was a devoted reader of Tagore but to this day, I do not know anyone who has read more of him than he has. When he was younger, my grandfather made him handwrite ten pages of Tagore every day, so you could say it left a mark. I grew up surrounded by songs from the Gitabitan , with early mornings spent being coached in Rabindra Sangeet but failing till date (laughs). I cannot say I have much talent for singing, but I have always admired the poetry in those lyrics. Satyajit Ray's films were a staple in our home, especially Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne and Hirak Rajar Deshe . As I grew older, I began exploring more of his work. What struck me most, beyond the iconic aesthetics, was how authentic and layered his characters were. Ray had a way of telling the hardest stories with simplicity, and that is a level of creative mastery I deeply admire. One can only hope and dream of expressing themselves so beautifully. Both Tagore and Ray were far ahead of their time, especially in how they wrote their women. There was always a quiet strength and deep empathy in their portrayal of female characters, and that is something I continue to hold close and aspire to reflect in my own work especially as a Bengali woman. Sobia's style statement Always evolving: Her style changes every few weeks or months, depending on inspiration. Rooted in tradition and art: Draws from cultural heritage and global experiences. Mixes the old and the new: One day a sari, the next a bold, quirky print. Believes in balance: Style should feel like home before it looks like a statement. Sobia's comfort outfit Ammu's cotton maxi: Simple, traditional, deeply comforting. Not about trends: Prioritizes how clothing feels over how it's perceived. Emphasizes ease: Comfort is key, even if it's not runway-worthy Pix: Sheikh Taseen, Purno Das and assisted by Anjoy Kundo 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 .
Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pedalling through wetlands that feed & cleanse the city
Pic: Anindya Saha On World Biodiversity Day, Calcutta Times took the off-road bicycling trails of the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW). We ventured on the trail with cyclists who frequent the e marshy fields and tree-laden groves, by the expansive water bodies – to rediscover the 'kidneys of Kolkata'. It cleanses the city's wastewater naturally through its own ecosystem of ponds, algae and fish. Kolkata is the only Indian metro to boast such a natural system – saving an approximate `500 crore per annum in the process (other metros, like Delhi, pay for wastewater treatment). The wetlands, spread across 12,500 hectares, is an ecologically critical and biodiversity-rich ecosystem that also serves as a bicycling hotspot for a large section of the city's riders. But this frail bubble needs better awareness – and the responsibility lies with us. 'Responsibility is key' Wetland mornings see a fair share of recreational cyclists. The venue hosts a range of migratory bird species – which makes it a favourite haunt for birders, who gather around shallow ponds (bheris), mudflats or grassy embankments near Chinarpur, Bantala and Nalban. All of this, however, needs to be handled responsibly. Noise, littering, plastic waste – these are pollutants that elicit a strict no from environment organisations. 'While Ramsar recognition brought awareness, scientific interest and legal recognition to the EKW, it has not been sufficient to counteract the pressures of urbanisation and climate vulnerability,' said Sayantani Dutta of Jaladarsha Collective, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of waterbodies in and around Kolkata. While there has been a rise in community groups and green NGOs conducting 'eco-cycling' tours to raise awareness from Khoriberia to Kheyadoho, ultimately, the onus to preserve the delicate balance of the EKW ecosystem is on us, as citizens. Bicycles, the most important commute Roads in and around the EKW are mostly unpaved — ideal for bikes, not cars. Bicycles act as the backbone of daily logistics in this delicate landscape. This landscape, recognised as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance), is crucial to Kolkata's food security infrastructure. It supports over 20,000 local fisherfolk and farmers. Most of them use cycles to transport fresh fish and vegetables to local markets in Kolkata. 'Many local schoolchildren commute on cycles, keeping the carbon footprint low,' said Nobina Gupta, founder director of the Disappearing Dialogues Foundation. With pukka roads comes the proliferation of auto-rickshaws, spewing noxious fumes. The Metro Railways, cutting through a part of the wetlands, pose another hazard in terms of noise, especially for crepuscular and nocturnal bird species. EKW is also home to Indian Palm Squirrels, Fishing Cats and Indian Flapshell Turtles Migratory birds sighted at EKW Northern Pintail Wood Sandpiper Rosy Starling Siberian Stonechat Quotes: Unregulated solid waste dumping has led to the water quality in the EKW being affected, with plastic pollution being a major threat to fish and aquatic plants – Sayantani Dutta, co-founder, Jaladarsha Collective Development, if not sustainability-focused, is bound to pose an ecological hazard to the EKW's frail ecosystem – Nobina Gupta, founder director, Disappearing Dialogues FoundationEarly morning wetland views are absolutely breathtaking. It is a Kolkata not many have seen – Ritobrata Patra, cyclist
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Easter comes home with love, laughter & treats
Beyond the chocolate eggs and festive decorations, Easter is about coming together, sharing joy, and celebrating new beginnings. In Kolkata, the community embraces this spirit with open hearts and time-honoured traditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Calcutta Times had the pleasure of joining three families as they prepare for and celebrate Easter. We also witnessed firsthand the warmth, laughter, and delicious food that make this time so special. Easter is like a celebration of new life: Alisha Easter fun: Easter day is about going to the church in the morning and making time for loved ones for Alisha. 'My mother and I try to have lunch together, despite the rush at our bakery and evenings are purely for friends,' she says. Traditions: Pointing at the colourful marzipan eggs on the table, Alisha explains, 'It is my great grand mum's recipe and is a traditional Goan variant. It has been passed through four generations and each generation has added their quirk to it. Every year we look forward to drying & colouring and putting the eggs together. All of the Holy week I go to church every day.' Easter is a celebration of renewal, filled with the essence of togetherness: Natalie Easter fun: Gathering with loved ones for paagal pani – a pool party, is a must for Natalie. 'When my kids were younger, I'd always do an egg hunt for them,' says Natalie Traditions: Having dinner with friends after the Saturday mass, and a Sunday lunch with family is an Easter ritual to Natalie. Yellow rice-kofta curry, along with other delicacies are a must on the table. 'I still get Easter eggs from my sister,' she says. Easter is a celebration of renewal, filled with the essence of togetherness: Johanne Easter fun: Gathering with loved ones for paagal pani – a pool party, is a must for Natalie. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'When my kids were younger, I'd always do an egg hunt for them,' says Natalie Traditions: Having dinner with friends after the Saturday mass, and a Sunday lunch with family is an Easter ritual to Natalie. Yellow rice-kofta curry, along with other delicacies are a must on the table. 'I still get Easter eggs from my sister,' she says. Easter is the celebration of new life. All of it is wrapped up in the fun of egg hunts and the precious time spent with the love of family and friends – Natalie Pote Easter symbolises new life. It is about starting on a fresh slate. More than anything, it reminds us that our sins are to be forgiven –Alisha Alexander It's my first Easter after getting married. I'll always cherish memories of my brothers and I waiting eagerly for the Easter spread my mom would lay out – Johanne Mantosh
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From polki to solitaire: Tolly divas talk wedding jewellery goals
Akshaya Tritiya holds a special place in our hearts, including some of Tollywood's most loved actresses. This day is believed to bring lasting wealth and good fortune, and for these stars, gold isn't just a precious metal, it's a legacy, a celebration of self, and a secure investment. Calcutta Times caught up with a few leading ladies from the Bengali film industry to find out the one dream jewellery piece they've set their hearts on, whether for their wedding day or simply to cherish forever. 'Jadau kundan is more than just an adornment' The one for the big day: For her big day, Koushani has been dreaming of indulging in a grand, layered Kundan Jadau Polki set. 'I dream of a stunning ensemble complete with earrings, a statement necklace, elegant bangles, and a matching finger ring,' says the Bohurupi actor. Even if it costs a fortune, jadau kundan jewellery is more than just an adornment to Koushani Mukherjee. 'It's heritage and artistry,' she says. 'I wish to gift myself an uncut diamond ring ' The one for the big day : Idhika has always been mesmerised by the allure of diamonds. She says, 'Whether I walk down the aisle or not, she wishes to gift herself an uncut diamond ring.' The ring will be a symbol of self-love for Idhika Paul. She says, 'I remember Sushmita Sen 's diamond ring. It was from that moment that I knew I'd one day gift myself a stunning uncut diamond.' 'The elegance of diamond jhumkas truly stand out' The one for the big day: Be it my wedding or any special occasion, I dream of gifting myself a diamond jhumka with a matching necklace. Unlike traditional gold or kundan, diamond jhumkas have a timeless elegance that truly stands out. Oindrila Sen's vision of her D-day jewellery is versatile – perfect for both eastern and western outfits. 'I once saw a stunning pair of diamond jhumkas in a Dubai mall, and they've lived on my wishlist ever since,' she says. 'A solitaire ring & projapoti tikli have always been on my wishlist' The one for the big day: Today, on this auspicious day, my heart is full as my fiancé, Debmalyo Chakraborty, and I will be buying a solitaire ring. It has been a long-cherished dream that he's making come true. Another favourite of mine is a traditional gold projapoti tayra-tikli with layered chains and intricate detailing, studded with precious stones. 'The projapoti tikli has always been on my wishlist, and I plan to gift it to myself for our wedding day – a meaningful treasure I'll wear with pride and love as I step into this new chapter of my life next January if everything goes well,' says Madhumita Sarcar.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
We're honoured to have shared the screen with Mousumi Chatterjee, say Yash & Nussrat
Aarii , directed by Jiit Chakraborty, is a poignant family drama that delves into the complex dynamics between a mother and her son. The film thoughtfully captures the emotional peaks and valleys that shape their relationship, offering a heartfelt exploration of the strength and fragility of familial bonds. Starring Yash Daasguptaa , Nussrat Jahan , and the legendary Mousumi Chatterjee , the film is extra special as it marks Mousumi's return to Bengali cinema after 12 long years. Calcutta Times caught up with Yash and Nussrat to chat about their experiences working on the film and what it was like sharing screen space with a veteran actress like Mousumi. Read on... Tell us the story of Aarii. Nussrat Jahan: Aari is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through the highs and lows of everyday life. It's a film that feels real and familiar, capturing moments that make you laugh, cry, and pause to think. What makes Aarii so special is how easy it is to connect with—the characters, the situations, the feelings—they all feel like part of our own lives. With a perfect mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling, Aarii is a heartfelt slice-of-life movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. Yash Daasguptaa: Aarii is a story that speaks to the heart—it explores emotions, love, and the weight of duties and responsibilities. It follows the journey of an ailing mother suffering from anterograde amnesia, and her son, whose life revolves around caring for her. It's a touching journey filled with laughter and tears—a true rollercoaster of emotions. How did the title of the film come to mind? NJ: One morning, over a cup of coffee, Yash asked me, 'How do you like the name Aari for the film?' I couldn't resist the sweetness of the word. Aarii carries a lot of nostalgia. It has this soft, lyrical quality to it—almost like a whisper from the past. It feels personal, tender, and even a bit poetic. YD: We used this word innocently throughout our childhood. Whenever we had fights with friends, we used to say, tor shonge aarii . Even elders would tell us that bhab and aarii are part of life. Once the audience watches the film, they'll understand how perfectly the title fits the story. How often do you two end up arguing and then say 'aarii' to each other? YD: The person I have the deepest emotional connection with is the one I argue with the most. So yes, Nussrat and I argue pretty often. But we always mend it—those arguments turn into bhab . NJ: During the filming of this movie, we've had fallouts and differences of opinion, which I believe are common in any workplace when you're striving for the best outcome. But there's an unspoken rule between us: no matter the issue, we resolve it before going to bed. If I'm at fault, I'm the first to apologize—and Yash does the same. How is it working together as a couple? Do personal aspects get in the way? NJ: The decision to work together toward a common goal stems from a personal space. But on set, we're completely professional. Behind the scenes, we're often busy managing our respective responsibilities. Acting while also handling production is no easy task. YD: As producers, we have to ensure everything runs smoothly on set so the entire cast and crew feel comfortable and appreciated. Nussrat and I both make sure of that. Our professional chemistry is great—we always discuss things before making decisions. On screen, we play our parts with honesty, and I believe the audience enjoys our camaraderie. Did Yash pamper you on the sets? NJ: I don't think Yash was in the mindset to pamper me as a heroine on set ( laughs ). Most of the time, we were focused on ensuring others were comfortable. That was our top priority as producers. How was it working with a veteran actress like Mousumi Chatterjee? YD: We call her Mou , and she is the 'Shero' of our film. I play her son, and I must say, the affection she has for me is nothing less than what I received from my own mother. The whole team took care of her as much as we could—acting at her age is no small feat. And her acting prowess? Still as strong as ever. She'll always be a mother figure to us, and we're beyond happy and honored to have shared the screen with someone of her caliber. She's now a part of our lives forever. In an interview with Calcutta Times , Mousumi said her chemistry with Yash is better than the Yash–Nussrat camaraderie? NJ: ( Laughs ) Absolutely true. A mother's place can never be taken by anyone. The bond between Yash and Mousumi Chatterjee goes beyond cinema—it's for life. I've seen them laugh and cry together on set, and they talk for hours on the phone. Their love is beautiful to witness, and it makes me so happy. YD: I'm truly grateful to God. We met for a film… but fell in love instantly, like family. In real life, I lost my mother a few years ago, and she lost her elder daughter. So, in many ways, we filled each other's voids. Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
