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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I want to break my boy-next-door image & play grey characters: Raunaq Kamdar
Raunaq Kamdar Whatever I have achieved in my life and career till now is because of the choices I made, and nothing else,' says Raunaq Kamdar , who will be completing 10 years in Gujarati films soon. The Kasoombo actor adds, 'It's evident that there are two distinct phases in my career-pre-COVID and post-COVID. While I have been working since 2015, I got recognition only after 2020. Earlier, I did whatever I was offered. But now, I am at a stage where I get to choose what I want to do from the numerous scripts I am offered.' '90 per cent of my career trajectory has been a result of my choices' Talking about how things changed for him after COVID, Raunaq says, 'When I did 21mu Tiffin (2021), a film we shot during the lockdown, there were many questions- be it about safety or having just a basic pay at a time when we needed to earn. However, it was my choice and it gave a great boost to my career.' He adds, 'Even before Naadi Dosh (2022), I had always played a lead in films, but I chose to play a parallel lead alongside Yash Soni in this film. People asked why I was doing this, but I really related to the character. That choice again made it one of my most loved roles. Yes, 10 per cent luck is always there, but I feel 90 per cent of my career trajectory has been a result of my choices.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo 'You can't judge the audience's response to a film based on its box office performance' Raunaq believes in 'focusing on the making of the film, rather than thinking about its box office performance.' Does he get Friday jitters? He says, 'I don't focus on whether meri film chalegi ya nahi chalegi. I have had my share of 'nahi chalegi' films (laughs). If I am convinced about my role, the story and the making, the film will be made well. Whether it performs at the box office isn't in our hands. If there is a bigger phenomenon happening on the day of my film's release, it will impact the film, right? I have had several movies that worked fine in theatres but found larger viewership online. Today, you can't judge the audience's response or a film's fate based on its box office performance.' 'We cannot say audiences don't watch our films in theatres anymore' While many filmmakers say that adequate audience support is still lacking for Gujarati films, Raunaq feels, 'The audience appetite has reduced because of the massive pool of options they have. The audience isn't stupid, they are clear about what they want to watch. Even many Bollywood films with big names aren't doing well because the writing and storytelling aren't convincing enough.' He adds, 'This year, some great Gujarati movies have hit the theatres and apart from getting critical acclaim, they have earned good money. So, if the content is good, audiences are willing to give Gujarati films a chance over Hindi films. We can't say that they don't watch our films in theatres.' After starring in Happy Family: Conditions Apply, ask Raunaq if he is willing to work more in national projects, and he says, "If I'm offered a good script, I will take up another national project. However, the casting process has changed. Every region has great actors and if one needs a Bengali character, usually a Bengali actor is approached. If I have to play only Gujarati characters in Hindi projects, I might as well explore other genres in Gujarat. " Now that he has completed a decade in the industry, does he want to do certain kind of roles now? Raunaq says, "While I am open to doing all kinds of roles, now I want to go beyond the boy-next-door characters. I am glad that the makers and audiences still give me the chance to play young characters, but I want to play more mature roles, preferably grey or completely negative characters."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Pratitee keen to make a mark
Bengaluru: India has witnessed a significant rise in chess over the past few years. D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa have emerged as the top representatives of this trend, and the performance across various age categories is promising. Among those making their mark is Bengaluru's Pratitee Bordoloi, who is eager to follow in their footsteps. The 12-year-old recently won a gold medal in the U-12 category at the FIDE World Cup in Batumi, Georgia. She has an impressive collection of medals, including two international titles from last year, along with silver medals in her budding career. It's quite an achievement for someone who took up the sport four years ago. Interestingly, her mother, Pranti Dutta Bordoloi, introduced her to chess, believing that Pratitee's strong mathematical skills could translate well into the game. "My mother noticed that I was good at math calculations. That's when she suggested I try chess, since it also involves a lot of calculation. I'm glad that I did," said Pratitee, who returned to the city late Friday after her victory in Georgia. Currently coached by GM Pravin Thipsay, Pratitee started participating in state competitions in the U-9 category, where she found success. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Her accomplishments at the national level helped her family realise her potential. However, balancing chess and academics has not been easy for her. As fan of Magnus Carlsen, she often misses classes while traveling for competitions, but she makes sure to get class notes from her friends. While the seventh-grade student at Shishya BEML Public School is focused on her upcoming term examinations, which begin on July 18, her next major competition will be the World Cadet Championship in Kazakhstan this September. Pratitee trains for an average of four hours a day, increasing to eight hours as competitions approach. "After my exams, I will be able to concentrate on my training," said Pratitee, revealing her aspirations. "I would love to win the Women's World Championship in the future."
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
With plane on runway, incoming flight makes last-minute go-around
New Delhi: The alertness of Delhi air traffic control (ATC) and pilots operating a SWISS flight to IGIA late Sunday saved the day when another aircraft ahead of the European airliner slowed in the air and didn't vacate the runway from the first available rapid exit taxiway. As a result, the spacing between the two arriving aircraft reduced from the four nautical miles being maintained by ATC, and the other plane was on the runway for 25-30 seconds longer than it should have. ATC asked pilots of the SWISS Airbus A330 to go around when it was at an altitude of 1,400 feet. It landed safely in the second attempt. The incident happened after 11.40pm Sunday when SWISS LX 146 was flying in from Zurich and a carrier's A320 from Phuket was ahead of it in the sequence of landing. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi According to a senior ATC official, the other aircraft was "four nautical miles from touchdown on runway 11R and LX 146 behind it was about eight NM from touchdown. The other aircraft reduced speed on final approach. Subsequently, SWISS was asked to reduce speed to minimum speed by the approach controller". ATC asked the SWISS flight to "continue approach" because even this slightly reduced horizontal separation would have been enough for it to land had the other plane landed and vacated runway 11R using the first rapid exit taxiway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo At 120 degrees to the runway, the alignment of the Y1 rapid exit taxiway would have made it possible for the aircraft to vacate the runway on landing roll itself and then LX 146 touching down. "After landing, ATC asked the other plane's pilot to vacate the runway via rapid exit taxiway Y1. But the pilot said the aircraft would vacate the runway by Y2, which is further down the runway and farther away from Y1. This resulted in increased runway occupancy time by 25-30 seconds," said the official. Since the other flight couldn't vacate the runway in time, ATC asked SWISS to "go around" or carry out a missed approach for "safety reasons". Flight tracking sites show the Lufthansa Group airliner did so when it was at an altitude of 1,400 feet. It landed safely in its second attempt at 11.51pm, as per flight tracking sites. At that time, Delhi was witnessing easterly winds — which is common during the monsoon season. IGIA's main runway 10/28 has been closed for repairs since June 15. With three operational runways (minus 10/28) and easterly winds, Delhi can handle a maximum of up to 32 arrivals in an hour. While the number of flights has been cut at Delhi, ATC and pilots still need to be extra careful to operate in circumstances to maximise aircraft movement. "We are operating amid a shortage of experienced manpower. Whether it is Delhi or Mumbai, the crunch situation leaves low margin for error. An aircraft slowing down or taking longer than anticipated to vacate the runway means quick decisions in real time to ensure safety," said an ATC source.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Alld HC junks pleas against move to pair govt schools
Lucknow: The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court on Monday upheld the decision of the state govt to pair primary and upper primary schools, which have less than 50 students, with nearby institutions. The court said that the state govt is bound to ensure that no child is left out because of any action taken by it. Pronouncing the verdict reserved on July 4, 2025, the bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia dismissed two separate writ petitions filed by Krishna Kumari and others. The petitioners had demanded the cancellation of the state govt's June 16 order in this connection. The petitioners had pleaded that the govt decision would deprive children, aged 6 to 14, from getting education in their neighbourhood which would be a violation of Article 21A of the Constitution of India. Opposing the pleas, additional advocate general Anuj Kudesia, assisted by chief standing counsel SK Singh and Sandeep Dixit, counsel for director, basic education, said that the schools would not be merged but 'paired' to improve the quality of education. They added that the impugned govt order was passed in a perfectly legal manner. Passing the judgment, the bench observed, "On a complete analysis of Rule 4(1), Rule 4(2) and Rule 4(3) read conjointly of the Right to Education Act, it is clear that the state government is bound to establish school on the nearest possible place from a habitation and in the absence thereof, it is obliged to ensure transportation facilities etc., by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo and in conjunction thereof identifying the neighbourhood schools, whether they are government schools or otherwise. " Considering the Nation Education Policy, 2020, framed by the central govt, the bench said, "The policy is laudable, and prescriptions have been given with regard to the steps to be taken to ensure that education is imparted at the initial level to all the citizens and the children of the country. There being no material to the contrary in respect of guidelines of pairing in the 2020 policy, which can be said to be arbitrary or in violation of Article 21A of the Constitution and finding the Government Order of June 16 to be in furtherance of the said objective, no interference is called for. " BOX Structural reform through pairing of schools will revitalise edu: Govt Times News Network Lucknow: The state govt's initiative to pair schools is a transformative structural reform aimed at revitalising the basic education system in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a govt spokesperson said. "This move addresses the deep-rooted challenge of thousands of small, under-enrolled schools that historically led to isolation for teachers and students, reduced peer learning opportunities, and weakened school governance," he said. According to education department's officials, under the pairing model, low-enrolment schools will be converted into Bal Vatika centres, in line with the emphasis of NEP 2020 on early childhood education. Larger 'host' schools will receive students from 'guest' schools, enabling more structured academic routines, dedicated subject instruction, and access to better infrastructure. "The initiative prioritises holistic development through team-based learning, project work, and integration of sports and digital tools to nurture 21st century skills," an official said.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Skincare for travellers during monsoon: What to pack and what to skip
Monsoon travel requires a simplified skincare approach to combat humidity and pollution. Experts recommend a gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, and consistent sunscreen use. Avoid heavy makeup and harsh scrubs, opting for hydration and protection to maintain healthy skin throughout your rainy adventures. Dreaming of monsoon travel? While lush views and rainy vibes sound dreamy, your skin might not feel the same way. Damp humidity, unpredictable temps, and city pollution can wreak havoc on your glow. That's why when you're packing your skincare bag for a rainy-weekend getaway or cross-country train ride, keep it light, intentional, and ultra-practical. Let's unpack what you really need and what can stay home while sprinkling in tips from real experts. Keep it simple but smart 'Travelling during the monsoon season can be challenging for your skin. The increased humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and pollution can disrupt your skin's balance,' says Niharika Jhunjhunwala, founder of ClayCo. Translation? You don't need an arsenal of products, just travel-friendly ones. Niharika recommends: A gentle, non-stripping cleanser A lightweight gel moisturizer packed with barrier-boosters like ceramides or rice extract A non-comedogenic sunscreen that stands up to sweat and drizzle Bonus: a sunscreen mist for quick reapplication over makeup Skip the heavy creams and intense exfoliants; opt for mild, enzyme-based scrubs once or twice a week Monsoon isn't a time to pause skincare - it's a time to adapt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Think hydration, protection, and simplicity. Back to basics: Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen Next up, dermatologist Dr. Saranya B from Kaya Limited weighs in: 'When you travel during monsoon, avoid confusing your skin with too many products,' she says. Her essentials list is refreshingly short: gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen. She adds, 'Many people skip sunscreen when it's cloudy, but UV rays still pass through. You must reapply every 3 to 4 hours.' Dr. Saranya also has strong words about makeup and creams: 'Avoid heavy foundations or powders while travelling in monsoon… use a tinted moisturiser or simply go makeup-free to let your skin breathe.' 'I often advise travelers to skip the heavy creams, thick makeup, and harsh scrubs… they can irritate the skin or block pores. Your skin needs to breathe, not be layered under makeup or perfumes.' Stay dry (or change fast!) On-the-go monsoon gear often leads to soggy socks and wet clothes, perfect breeding grounds for fungal infections. So what's the fix? Dr. Saranya's top tip: 'Change wet clothes as soon as possible. If you are trekking or walking a lot, also pack a mild antiseptic for foot care.' Also, chapped lips become a real issue: 'This can be easily managed with frequent application of a lip balm that contains SPF.' Inside-out care for hair and skin Founder Deeksha Rajani of Be. reminds us that monsoon affects more than just our face: hair and scalp flip between being oily and dry. 'Our formulations help adapt skin and hair naturally, with ingredients like marine collagen, biotin, and pumpkin seed oil… helping your skin and hair remain resilient, balanced, and healthy throughout the monsoon and beyond.' So, hydrate internally too - water counts, yes! And collagen/biotin-rich foods or supplements can support your natural barrier function. Double cleansing and ditching the junk 'Skip the clutter. Avoid over-layering. During the monsoon, skin doesn't need more, it needs better,' advises Queenie Singh of BiE. Her strategy: Double cleanse: Oil-based first to lift SPF, pollution, and grime; gentle cleanser second Hydrate with a lightweight serum or gel moisturiser Absolutely never skip sunscreen, clouds don't block UV Let skincare match your lifestyle, not the other way around Nature's boosters from Himalaya From natural ingredient guru Albin Antony at Himalaya Wellness. 'Look for natural ingredients like turmeric… a face wash enriched with niacinamide and licorice can help calm skin.' He's also a fan of turmeric-based sheet masks to combat skin fatigue - but again, skip heavy creams and powders. Celebrity derma's travel checklist According to Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, less is more - especially when you're on the move: 'Swap heavy creams for a gel-based moisturiser and pack a gentle, non-foaming cleanser… Don't skip sunscreen—it's just as important on cloudy days. Carry blotting papers for excess oil and a spot-treatment for breakouts. Avoid carrying too many actives or new products… Always pack a hydrating mist or thermal spring water spray.' Your monsoon travel kit (What to actually pack) Gentle cleanser (+ optional oil cleanser for nights) Gel moisturizer (pick ones with ceramides, niacinamide, licorice) Tinted sunscreen mist Turmeric sheet mask (once a week) Blotting papers Salicylic spot treatment SPF lip balm Antifungal powder & mild antiseptic Hydrating facial mist Monsoon travel doesn't mean dragging along a suitcase full of skincare cruft. It means packing smart - hydration, barrier support, sun protection, and active foot care. Keep your routine simple, natural, and consistent and your skin will rep the glow, rain or shine. Safe travels and fresh face, always!
