Latest news with #Prarthana
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bengaluru's Beku brings together books, bakes and beverages
Prarthana Prasad says that her founding of Beku, a café, bakery, and bookstore, which just opened its doors to the public, came from a very 'selfish place of creating the kind of space that I would have loved to go to.' The Bengaluru-based queer influencer says there are not many experiential places in the city, especially in South Bengaluru, where Beku is located. 'It is a common complaint that people make about Bengaluru: that there is nothing to do, only restaurants and pubs to go to,' says Prarthana. Beku, which is all set to host a day-long launch event on August 17, hopes to change this, 'taking the best of both worlds, an independent bookshop and a café, and bringing it together,' says Prarthana, who was inspired by independent bookshops in Delhi as well as Champaca, back home. 'I just love the feeling of walking into these spaces, and wanted to have something like that closer to me.' Beku, which means want in Kannada, is both a pun on the word bake ('because the bakery is a large part of what we are doing at Beku') as well as a nod to Kannada, which is close to her heart. A true-blue Bengalurean, Prarthana, whose mother is a Kannada author, conjured up this name at a traffic signal in the city. 'Most of us Bengalureans get our best ideas when we are stuck in traffic,' she quips. 'I thought Beku would be a really fun name because it is the kind of space that people want, that I definitely want as well.' The cottage-core-themed café , which is housed in a 40-year-old bungalow 'that used to be a veterinary hospital', is located on one of the main roads in JP Nagar. 'We have been sprucing it up for the eight months or so, using very exciting Bengaluru-based elements to do so.' For instance, much of the space's furniture and decorative elements have come second-hand from small shops in Shivajinagar, such as 'a lot of old chairs from government offices with a little desk on the side and original rattan patchwork at the back,' she says. 'They look like they have come from a different age.' Other highlights: brick accents, moss-green wooden windows and wood panelling, created out of upcycled sal wood and other 'quirky, cute elements like that,' she says. Three of the front rooms of the bungalow have been converted into the bookstore, the main hall downstairs has been turned into a café, the garage into a bakery, the kitchen has been upgraded to create food for the café, and the upstairs space will be used for events, explains Prarthana. 'The most beautiful part is the massive tree right up in front, my favourite part of this property,' she says. 'It is something featured in our logo as well.' Prarthana envisions Beku as a place where a visitor can spend some time, buying a book or attending an event, as well as enjoying coffee, a snack or even a full meal. 'We will be taking the F&B element to another level as we are going to have pizzas, pastas, rice bowls etc and serve specialty coffees,' she says. Also, having a space like this, where one can bond over books or a shared love of art, is a great way to connect with people, something many adults struggle with once they finish college, she adds. 'I just want it to be a space that explores the concept of connecting socially with people more than a regular café would,' says Prarthana, who also wants Beku to be a space that nurtures different communities, including the queer community. 'I identify as queer myself, and I found that it is really limited ― the kind of places we can go to feel welcome, feel normal walking in, just exist.' She says that she has tried to make Beku feel warm and welcoming to all sorts of guests as well as to offer a workplace environment that is encouraging to people from different backgrounds. Her inclusive philosophy is also reflected the hiring process. 'It would be considered maybe unconventional in the hospitality industry — a lot of women, young people, folks from the queer community,' she says, pointing out that it is not by design but simply by removing the bias that many people might have. 'It was a deep desire of mine to see a workspace in this industry that feels like you could just exist, do your job and leave, and you would not be judged for who you are or how you look. That has been a large part of what I have done with my hiring and the kind of people who are working at Beku right now.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupamaa: Jignesh mistakes Manohar for his brother-in-law, Anupamaa celebrates Raksha Bandhan with the Shahs
The latest episode of Anupamaa unfolds with a humorous yet emotional twist as Jignesh meets Manohar and addresses him as his brother-in-law. However, Manohar calls him by a different name, 'Mahesh,' leading to confusion. Leela steps in to clarify that Manohar is not Jignesh's brother-in-law, putting an end to the misunderstanding. Things take a dramatic turn when, due to some miscommunication, Jignesh assumes that Hasmukh is no more. Meanwhile, Leela hands Anupamaa sweets for Bhavesh on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and also gives sweets to Prarthana for Prem, Badshah, and Raja. Later, Anupamaa introduces Jignesh to Kinjal and the rest of the Shah family. At the Kothari house, Vasundhara marks the festive day with her own Raksha Bandhan celebrations. Khyati suggests that Pari, Rahi, and Mahi visit the Shah house since they are already heading to a wedding. Prem decides to call Prarthana, but Vasundhara disapproves. Defying her, Prem insists on contacting her. Back at the Shah house, Ansh feels upset thinking Pari, Rahi, and Mahi will miss Raksha Bandhan with him. But to his delight, the three girls arrive, bringing a smile to his face. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lisove: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Elsewhere, tensions rise as Pakhi refuses to tie a rakhi to Paritosh because he exposed her. Missing Samar, she reflects on their bond. Anupamaa too recalls her cherished memories with Samar and advises Pakhi to appreciate the present rather than dwell on the past. Paritosh apologizes, leading to a heartfelt Raksha Bandhan celebration. Meanwhile, Prem, Raja, and Badshah wait eagerly for Prarthana. Vasundhara declares she will not come and urges them to break their fast. Raja insists that Prarthana never eats without tying rakhi. Determined, Prem says that if Prarthana doesn't arrive, he will go to her himself. The episode blends lighthearted misunderstandings with deep family emotions, making this Raksha Bandhan in Anupamaa a memorable one.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prarthana Krishna clarifies the viral wedding video: 'It was just a photoshoot, she is my best friend'
Malayalam actress Prarthana addressed a viral video. The video seemed to show a same-sex wedding with her friend. Prarthana stated it was a creative photoshoot for social media. She clarified it was not a real wedding ceremony. The shoot mimicked trends on social media. Initial captions and visuals led to public speculation. Popular Malayalam television actress Prarthana has broken her silence after a recent video, which appeared to depict a same-sex wedding between her and a female friend, went viral on social media. The video, which showed the duo performing traditional Hindu wedding rituals, including tying the knot and applying sindoor, sparked widespread speculation and mixed reactions online. The actress, known for her roles in serials like Koodevide and Meenakshi Kalyanam, clarified that the video was not a real wedding but rather a creative photoshoot done for social media. "Thanks for the overwhelming response. We went viral instantly. It was just a shoot, not a real wedding. We also did what actresses from other industries did on Instagram. She is my best friend, happily married, and has a son," Prarthana explained in a follow-up video shared on her official social media account. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prarthana KriShna N Nair (@_actress_prarthanakrishnanair_) The video was initially posted with bold captions that drew attention from netizens. Prarthana wrote, "Not all girls are your toy! Get lost from toxic fake dramatic peoples," while her friend Ansiya shared the clip with the caption "with my pondatti", further fueling speculation. The visual and thematic presentation of the shoot — set against a temple backdrop with traditional attire — was strikingly realistic, leading many to believe it was a genuine ceremony. The internet quickly picked up on the video, and reactions ranged from supportive messages praising their courage to critical comments questioning their intent. However, the actresses have now made it clear that the shoot was inspired by similar content trending on social media platforms and was not meant to be interpreted as an actual wedding.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Anupamaa: Gautam slams Prathana by calling her pregnancy illegitimate; Rahi gets support from Parag
Anupamaa, starring Rupali Ganguly, has kept the viewers enthralled by its plot. The creators are going to great lengths to include intense drama in their next episodes. The show took off, and now, following Aryan's death, Anupamaa lives alone in Mumbai. While in Kothari's mansion, everyone blames Rahi because her mother murdered Aryan. Mahi, on the other hand, wants Prem in her life and attempts to keep him and Rahi apart. Rahi is embarrassed in the current episode of Anupamaa since she is Anu's daughter due to prior trauma. Rahi works hard around the house and forgets about herself. Anupamaa misses Rahi and attempts to call her. Rahi longs for her mother's love. Anupamaa decides to phone Rahi from a different number, hoping to hear her voice. Rahi hopes to launch her dance academy shortly. In the forthcoming episode of Anupamaa, Gautam and Prarthana confront marital problems. Parathana chooses to go on with her life and leave her toxic marriage. She is spotted staying with the Shah family while her divorce case is pending in court. Prarthana used to rally Anupamaa's support against Gautam, assisting her in making the decision to divorce her spouse. Gautam, who wishes to continue his marriage with Prarthana, takes complete control of the house and property. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Prarthana intends to live alone and is about to begin her dream life when her pregnancy announcement surprises everyone. Gautam is shocked and accuses Ansh of being the child's father. Ansh denies having any relationship with Prarthana. However, Gautam denies that he is the child's father. Both the Shah and Kothari families are stunned and dispute over who should have Prarthana's kid. Meanwhile, Rahi believes that everyone has forgotten her birthday, but Prem plans a tiny party for her. Parag does not forget his fatherly duties and gives Rahi a gift: the opportunity to learn dance from a well-known dance teacher in Mumbai. Meanwhile, Anupamaa secures a position as a cook at the same academy through acquaintances with whom she resides. Anupamaa and Rahi will soon reunite in Mumbai after a lengthy absence. What happens next? Will Rahi and Anupamaa forget their past tragedies and reconcile? Will Gautam accept Prarthana's baby? Will Ansh marry Prarthana and accept her baby?
The Print
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
No option but to be powerful in face of evil forces at our borders—RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Organiser
'We must strive for strength. As we pray through the daily Prarthana: 'Ajayyam cha viśvasya dehīśa śaktim' — 'Grant us such a strength that globally we are invincible'. True strength is internal. For national security, we must not be dependent on others. We should be able to defend ourselves. No one should be able to conquer us—not even if multiple powers come together. There are evil forces in the world who are aggressive by nature,' Bhagwat had said while sharing the RSS's vision for national security, military strength, and economic power of India. The comment holds significance in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The RSS mouthpiece, though, has clarified in the interview that it took place in the backdrop of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha—a meeting of the national council, the highest decision-making body of the RSS—which was held earlier this year in March, before the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi: India should not be dependent on others to defend itself and nobody should be able to conquer it even if multiple powers come together, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said in an interview to the Organiser . Brute power, he added, can be directionless, leading to blatant violence, and therefore power should be combined with righteousness, and when no option is available, wickedness has to be eradicated forcefully. 'We have no option but to be powerful as we have been witnessing the wickedness of the evil forces on all our borders.' Bhagwat spoke at length on a host of issues including the completion of 100 years of the Sangh, the role of women in the RSS, the journey of the organisation etc. At a time when the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has taken on the Centre over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, the RSS chief also said that the Sangh 'provides a thread to put all diversities in one garland of unity'. He was responding to the question of how the Sangh promotes inclusivity, given India's linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity. 'Come and see yourself, people from all languages, sects, and backgrounds work together in the Sangh, with great joy. The Sangh songs are there not just in Hindi but in multiple languages… While retaining their unique identity, everyone is working by upholding the sense of one nationhood,' he said. 'Someone will worry about Hindus only when…' Answering a question on Hindus facing exploitation in neighbouring countries including Bangladesh and violence being inflicted on them, Bhagwat said 'someone will worry about Hindus, only when Hindus are strong enough'. 'As Hindu society and Bharat are intertwined, a glorious nature of Hindu society will bring in glory for Bharat. Only such a strong Hindu society can present a model for taking along the people of Bharat who do not consider themselves Hindus, as at one point they were also Hindus. If the Hindu society of Bharat becomes strong, automatically Hindus will gain strength globally. This work is going on, but it is not yet complete,' he said. The Sangh chief went on to say that 'slowly but surely, that situation is evolving'. 'This time the way anguish against the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh has been expressed, this is unprecedented. Even local Hindus now say: 'We won't flee. We'll stay and fight for our rights'.' Asked about how the Sangh has been functioning as per the thoughts of founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Bhagwat said: 'The original thoughts of Dr Hedgewar, Sri Guruji, or Balasaheb are not distinct from the eternal (Sanatan) tradition and culture. The Sangh method of functioning has been firmed up after deep contemplation and experiences based on actual experimentations of the karyakartas,' he said. 'We are principle centered. We may take inspiration and follow the direction given by great personalities, but in every Desh-Kaal-Paristhiti (time and situation), we must carve our own path. This calls for constant discernment between what is eternal (nitya) and what is situational (anitya). What is nitya in the Sangh? Balasaheb once said, 'Hindustan is a Hindu Rashtra'. Apart from this, everything else in the Sangh is transient. The entire Hindu society is the accountable, custodian of this nation. The nature and sanskriti of this country is Hindu,' Bhagwat added. Therefore, this is a Hindu Rashtra, everything is to be done while maintaining this core, he added. Bhagwat said a Sangh Swayamsevak, while taking the oath, explicitly states that he is working for 'the all-round development of the Hindu Rashtra while protecting the sacred Hindu Dharma, Hindu Sanskriti and Hindu society'. The definition of 'Hindu', he further said, is also comprehensive, 'there is enough scope in it to maintain the fundamental framework and direction and still make necessary changes as per the need of time and situation'. 'Therefore, there is complete freedom to express diverse and conflicting opinions during discussion. Once a decision is reached by building consensus, everyone keeps aside individual opinion by merging it in the collective decision. The decisions taken are accepted as theirs by everyone. Hence, everyone has a freedom to do work and still maintain the direction with all others. The eternal is preserved; the transient evolves with time, space, and context,' he added. The daily shakha in modern times Answering questions on the role of RSS shakhas and whether the model of the daily shakha is still relevant amid changes in society and lifestyle, Bhagwat said, 'While the programmes in a shakha may have alternatives, the essence of a shakha is—coming together, cultivating collective virtues, and reigniting the resolve on a daily basis that we are working for the param vaibhav (ultimate glory) of Bharat Mata. This is the root, meeting, cooperating with each other is fundamental. This is the basis, it is irreplaceable.' The shakha is irreplaceable, the Sangh chief maintained. 'It provides an environment for inculcating individual and collective virtues. While the time and attire of shakha may change (and that's already allowed), there is no alternative to Shakha. Shakha is never irrelevant,' Bhagwat said, pointing out that people from advanced countries are studying RSS's shakha model. 'Every ten years we contemplate whether there is any other alternative. I have been present in such contemplations for six-seven times, but till date, no viable alternative has yet emerged,' he added. Asked to comment on the participation of women in the RSS, Bhagwat said the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the women's wing of the RSS, works for women and even though shakhas are designed for men, women attend and observe freely. He also said that women have representation and actively participate in the meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. 'In the early days of the Sangh, around 1933, it was decided that the work of personality development and social organisation among women would be done by the Rashtra Sevika Samiti. It continues to function effectively,' said Bhagwat. 'Whenever the Samiti expects the Sangh to work among women (for shakha work), then only we will think about it…the Sangh doesn't function only on the basis of male karyakartas, mothers and sisters support the work fully, only then the Sangh functions,' he added. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: 'Man wants to become Superman, Dev, Bhagwan,' says Bhagwat. Congress links it to 'non-biological' Modi
