Latest news with #RishabhJain
Mint
02-08-2025
- Health
- Mint
Glow drips, anti-ageing infusions, bridal concoctions—the dicey promise of India's beauty hustlers
Sanjukta Sharma The antioxidant IV craze has flooded India's upscale wellness clinics, promising glow-ups, detox, and eternal youth—all in a drip. India's IV hydration therapy market is witnessing rapid growth, with the wellness segment valued at $38.4 million in 2024 and projected to reach $65.1 million by 2030. Gift this article MUMBAI :The Wellness Co., located inconspicuously on the arterial Bandra Linking Road, Mumbai, is a miniature form of the global wellness-industrial complex visible in our timelines—the reels that capture potions inside sterile-looking tubes and gadgetry delivering potions into our pores inside plush treatment rooms. The Wellness Co., located inconspicuously on the arterial Bandra Linking Road, Mumbai, is a miniature form of the global wellness-industrial complex visible in our timelines—the reels that capture potions inside sterile-looking tubes and gadgetry delivering potions into our pores inside plush treatment rooms. They usually promote enterprises that promise to slay all things 'toxin", 'inflammation", or 'free radicals". Culturally extrapolated to India, they have turned into friends and emancipators of the dark-skinned—the skin colour we as a nation consider a curse. A tour of the rooms of the wellness clinic had me gobsmacked—and even aspirational. It challenged my wellness intelligence a bit. Whole body cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, collagen bed, plush recliners for IV sessions, workout rooms—I got to these chambers after a detailed consultation about my medical history with a certified professional. She specified I would have to go through some tests to qualify for some of these treatments—definitely for IV infusions, the preppy doctor said. Although I did not test-drive the treatments myself, being over-cautious and cynical by nature, I felt such relief when she said there were some pre-conditions to be able to be injected with one of the IV cocktails there. The treatments here cost anywhere between ₹ 8,000 and ₹ ₹ 50,000—the most expensive being the NAD+ IV, which the world's wellness elite hails as the ultimate anti-ageing elixir of the Longevity Age. 'Every IV is prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical doctor, and administered by experienced medical professionals, registered nurses, etc.," Rishabh Jain, who co-founded the Wellness Co. first in Gurugram, and followed by its success, in New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, and Chennai, and with 'more locations on the horizon", later told me. "Our IV drip formulations are US Food and Drug Administration approved, and only sourced from pharmaceutical-grade compounding pharmacies, so that our clients can trust in the purity and safety of what's going into their bodies. Everything is customized to the individual's health profile, goals, tolerances and medical history, and we monitor their progress closely throughout," said Jain, an Ironman athlete himself. Comprehensive vitals checks are done before an IV is administered, constant monitoring is done during the infusion, and careful observation and follow-ups are done after every session. 'We're also very upfront with our clients about what these therapies can and can't do," he added. The inspiration for Jain and his brother and co-founder Rohan Jain came from their own experiences as sports and wellness enthusiasts at elite wellness destinations like, say, Lanserhof, a medical spa at Waakirchen, Germany, or the SHA at L'Albir, Spain, or Paracelsus in Switzerland. My tour of the Wellness Co. chambers ended in a bit of an anti-climax: When I walked out to Linking Road, the extreme antithesis of the rarefied air of the wellness clinic, the cacophonous and thick-aired city rudely hit me. The ugly hype This tour took place a few days before newsrooms and health media began highlighting why anti-oxidant IVs can be dangerous, as proven by the death of model-actress Shefali Jariwala at age 43 due to a cardiac arrest. She took a Vitamin C IV at her home that day, while she was fasting—and logically, the assumption was that Jariwala was a regular wellness and beauty junkie, used to taking these IV infusions at her own will, as part of her wellness regimen to look good. Before you believe all wellness destinations in India are protocol-obsessed, think again. It is a completely unregulated market. The guidelines of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which is the only regulatory body for the wellness market, have not lived up to the age. In 2025, wellness is not just a luxury; it is heavily marketed and accessible to all. To test my scepticism, I put in an enquiry at IndiaMART, an Indian business-to-business (B2B) online marketplace, connecting buyers and suppliers, headquartered in Noida, for Glutathione—an antioxidant produced naturally in the human body—that I can buy straight from sellers for home use. During the next 24 hours, I received around 15 calls—all women, all representatives of companies selling Glutathione IV vials, offering me a platter to choose from: 'Snow White', 'Cinderella', 'Aqua Skin', 'Miracle White', and others. They called with exclusive offers from Kolkata, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai, and other cities. A lady from a Mumbai company said she could even hook me up with a qualified nurse who could come to my home and transport the 'Miracle White' to my veins. 'Are you a to-be bride?" asked another sales representative. When I said no, she assured me that after about 10 IVs of the bottle that she could ship to my home address, I could expect a skin colour at least two times lighter than my natural skin colour. They all cost anywhere between ₹ 7,000 and ₹ 15,000, depending on potency and quantity. Antioxidant IVs, including glutathione and various combinations of glutathione, vitamin C, and sometimes even zinc, have made the crossover from wellness to India's entrenched culture of blatant colourism. Glutathione, while detoxifying the body, diminishes scars and blotches while lightening skin colour overall. Once, perhaps even 10 years ago, wellness meant a balance—one that led to health and happiness. Wellness products were something that made you feel good or brought joy and were not medically harmful, perhaps a massage, a great workout, or yoga. Now, wellness is not only a false antidote to the fear of modern life and death but, in India, a way to reinforce regressive ideas of beauty. The wellness industry often takes medical terminology such as 'inflammation" or 'free radicals", and levigates it to the point of incomprehension. The resulting product is often a do-it-yourself therapy or an IV infusion that comes with a confidence that science can only aspire for. The antioxidant IV craze, more specifically the Glutathione craze, targeted more at women, is a confident messenger. India's IV hydration therapy market is witnessing rapid growth, with the wellness segment valued at $38.4 million in 2024 and projected to reach $65.1 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%, according to US-based market researcher Grand View Research. Globally, the market was valued at $2.32 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $4.23 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.97%. Known as 'the master anti-oxidant", glutathione has had patrons such as Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who owns a wellness empire of her own. In Bollywood, actresses Soha Ali Khan and Ankita Lokhande have openly talked about their glutathione results. The plain truth Without regulations, experts who actually know what glutathione is, are cautious and perplexed. 'When we know we are not getting enough antioxidants through the food we are eating because the quality of food is so not what it used to be for earlier generations, glutathione can do wonders. It is a very powerful antioxidant, and it can help detoxify. You can feel better, have less brain fog, and feel more energetic. The skin quality comes after that," said Dr Niketa Sonavane, a Mumbai-based dermatologist and an outspoken advocate for transparency and regulation in the wellness market. "But who is giving the IV to you? Under what conditions? How's the quality of the product being used? Is it glutathione at all? So it is crucial to do these treatments under proper medical supervision," she cautioned. Usually, treatments involve anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 milligrams of glutathione, often combined with vitamin C, administered once or twice a week. The human body produces glutathione naturally. Composed of three amino acids—cysteine, L-glutamic acid, and glycine—it plays a crucial role in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins. In medicine, glutathione is studied for its potential to treat various conditions. It has been evaluated for use in patients with cystic fibrosis and AIDS, as these individuals can have reduced glutathione production. It's also being researched for its role in inflammatory conditions and its potential to protect against the toxic effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. Some studies have shown that intravenous glutathione can help ease symptoms in people with vascular disease. 'While proponents claim benefits like improved energy, detoxification, and skin health, these treatments are not approved by the USFDA for many of these uses. Potential dangers and side effects include allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, abdominal cramping, and, in rare but severe cases, kidney or liver damage. There have also been reports of serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis," said Dr Rashmi Aderao, dermatology consultant at Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic, a chain of multi-speciality hospitals known for their dermatology departments. Both doctors told me that the risk is heightened when the infusions are administered without proper medical supervision, with improper doses, or when combined with other substances like high-dose vitamin C in individuals with G6PD deficiency. 'To take them safely, ensure the treatment is administered by a licensed and experienced medical professional in a sterile clinical setting, and disclose any pre-existing health conditions, especially asthma, kidney or liver disease, and G6PD deficiency," Dr Aderao advised. Like with all things wellness in this largely unregulated, wellness-obsessed, longevity-seeking new world, the benefits of glutathione and antioxidant cocktails are based on nuggets of truth. Just don't trust your bloodstream with it on your own will. Sanjukta Sharma is a Mumbai-based journalist behind the wellness and health IP The Slow Fix. Topics You May Be Interested In
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Jaipur entrepreneur roasted for mocking doctor over ₹1300 ear wax removal: ‘Next time use traditional cleaner'
A Jaipur-based entrepreneur found himself at the receiving end of sharp criticism online after a post he shared mocking an ENT doctor's consultation fee went viral. Rishabh Jain had posted a photo of his daughter holding a small piece of cotton following a routine ear wax removal appointment. The caption read: 'ENT doctor removed my kid's ear wax in 30 secs, charged whooping ₹1300, that too after a 'discount'. No wonder her clinic was emptier than Ritvi's ear.' (Also read: Indian doctor compares livers of 'weekend only drink' man and his healthy wife: 'Alcohol is a poison') The seemingly sarcastic comment sparked a strong reaction on X, with Jain's post garnering over 1.5 million views and more than 2,500 comments—most of them criticising his attitude towards healthcare professionals. Check out the post here: Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a renowned medical professional known online as The Liver Doc, responded bluntly: 'Next time you can use a traditional ear wax cleaner. You'll find them across the street. And not waste any money. Hope this helps.' The backlash quickly snowballed with several users pointing out the lack of understanding and respect for medical services. One user wrote, 'You are not paying for 30 seconds. You are paying for the skill to do it in 30 seconds. If you have a problem with cost, try doing it free yourself.' Another sharply remarked, 'There are people who sit on the road and do it for INR 50. Next time you should visit them. I would say the doctor has undercharged.' Others expressed concern over Jain publicly posting his daughter's image in such a context. 'Please delete this tweet which is exposing your child on this not so safe place. She deserves her privacy,' a user warned. (Also read: Liver Doc slams billionaire Nikhil Kamath for viral podcast on liquor industry: 'Alcohol is good business') Further criticism targeted Jain's approach as unprofessional and disrespectful. 'Such an attitude towards professional services is alarming. ENT specialists spend 10+ years studying before practising. The total time spent is: years of studying + years of practice + 30 seconds,' one user explained.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sitaare Zameen Par: Will Aamir Khan's new film rewrite the script for the neurodivergent?
Rishabh Jain is in his late 20s. He loves baking cookies, enjoys spreading laughter through comedy, and most of all, he is passionate about acting. Ever since he was 7 years old, Rishabh has been the "family entertainer" at his home and dreamt of seeing himself on the big screen. His dream is finally coming true. Rishabh, who has been braving the lesser-known Fragile X Syndrome, is one of the 10 neurodivergent individuals who are making their Bollywood debut with Aamir Khan's upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. Disability rights advocates hope that this casting of authentic people dealing with Autism, Down's Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome in a mainstream Hindi movie, challenges long-standing stigmas, redefines talent, and opens doors to inclusion and empathy among the country's neurotypical population. "10 faces - neurodivergent individuals play themselves redefining representation in mainstream Indian cinema. After years of stories being told about them, it's finally time for stories told with them... We hope with warmth, laughter and tender moments, this story will remind us that every mind has its own way of dreaming and shining," reads a celebratory post by the India Autism Center. Neurodivergence refers to a set of neurological conditions which make the individuals' brain function differently from what is considered 'normal' or typical. Some of these conditions include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Dyslexia, Down's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder among more. These can affect cognitive, behavioural, responsive and perceptive powers of an individual, impacting how they engage physically, mentally and socially. India has an estimated neurodivergent population of over 2 million. According to a Nasscomm Community whitepaper, 39 percent of 18–24-year-olds in the Indian workforce self-identify as neurodivergent. This explains the need for greater representation, inclusion and acceptance for this community at all levels. When it comes to neurodivergence in Indian cinema, few films have delved into intellectual disability. Anjali (1990), Main Aisa Hi Hoon (2005), Yuvraaj (2008), My Name Is Khan (2010), Barfi (2012), Hichki (2018) and Jalsa (2022) are some examples. Tanvi The Great, Anupam Kher's upcoming directorial which has recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, also touches upon autism. Sitaare Zameen Par is being touted as the spiritual sequel to Aamir's Taare Zameen Par (2017), which gave the audience a fresh perspective towards children with dyslexia, a learning disability. With his new film, the actor-producer hopes to wield that magic yet again for the intellectually challenged. One of the major differences in both the films is the fact that Sitaare Zameen Par has real people with intellectual disabilities bringing their raw energy on screen - a reason which also sets it apart from most Indian commercials films made about the community. Hindustan Times reached out to the film's team for details about the film's casting process, but they are closely guarding this information until the movie hits the theatres. ALSO READ: Autism in adults: How to cope and live a wholesome life One look at the film's trailer, and another at the debutants' behind-the-scenes lives, will tell you why the world calls them "special". Apart from Rishabh Jain, there's Aroush Dutta, who is a percussionist by passion; Gopi Krishnan Varma, who became India's first lead actor with Down Syndrome in a Malayalam film; Rishi Shahani, a gold medalist in swimming; Samvit Desai, who loves singing and dancing; Naman Misra, a software developer and model, Ashish Pendse, a poetry enthusiast; as well as Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali and Simran Mangeshkar. "Rishabh dreamed of this moment since he was 7 — he wanted to be a 'comedy actor'. He has been the family entertainer for years, mimicking SRK's pose, copying Ranbir's dance moves, echoing Mr Bean's Hellos, and now donning 'AK Sir's' (Aamir Khan) glasses with pride. So here he is — 20 years later, living that dream," Rishabh's mother Sangita Jain wrote in an Instagram post. A post shared by Rishabh Jain (@rishables) Shalini Kedia, Chairperson, Fragile X Society of India, is herself a mother to a boy battling this rare syndrome - a disorder discovered globally only in 1991. She says her son was India's first child to be diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome 26 years ago. As parents, Shalini and her husband felt lost mostly because when they asked the doctor if they could meet or speak to another family dealing with the disorder, they were told: "I don't know another family." Running an awareness organization which brings together parents, children, therapists and experts to empower each other, has since been a passion project - a way of giving back to the world. ALSO READ: Autism in adults: Signs of autism spectrum disorder as you get older "Fragile X Syndrome is one of the leading inherited causes of intellectual disability and a common single-gene cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. My son wasn't even standing independently at the age of 18 months. He achieved all his milestones with the help of therapy. So, I see Sitaare Zameen Par as a personal victory in the sense that somebody with the Fragile X Syndrome gets to be on the big screen," Shalini tells HT Health Shots. Awareness, she believes, brings acceptance and inclusion. Plus, given how DIE - Diversity, Inclusion and Equity - are becoming key pillars in corporate workplaces, it is time that neurotypical people are sensitised towards their own behaviour in neurodivergent company. Nivedita, a mother of two who is working closely with parents of children with special needs in Delhi-NCR, says there is a dire need for neurotypical individuals to change their attitude and approach towards children with special needs. "Stop feeling sorry for anyone with special needs. Start supporting them," says Nivedita. She adds: "I interact with a lot of parents with kids who are battling ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and more. The least we can do, as a society, is to help them feel normal, instead of distancing ourselves and dismissing them. Even schools should sensitize children and teachers towards any child with special needs because not all kids with an intellectual disability need a special school. If a neurodivergent child needs therapy to fit into a certain system, neurotypical families need fixing of their minds towards these kids. It all starts with giving them an equal opportunity - whether it is the family, school, society or the world at large." What Sitaare Zameen Par attempts to do is spread the message of inclusivity through its mantra, 'Sabka Apna Apna Normal' - every person has his or her own definition of normal. This is a message that media entrepreneur Aditi Gangrade has also been trying to spread through her media company Much Much Media, a studio and community telling original stories of neurodivergence and disability for over three years. Aditi and her journalist-turned-producer husband Aalap Deboor were drawn to the subject of neurodivergence upon their own accidental Autism diagnosis in 2022, at the age of 23 and 33 respectively. "When we looked at Indian or even Asian content around autism, it was mostly from a very pitiful or infantilizing lens. Most of the content made neurodivergent people look like they don't know what they are doing, and are very childlike. That is why we decided to start Much Much Spectrum, a content division under Much Much Media to make original content focusing solely on disability and neurodiversity," explains Aditi. As someone who appreciates cinema, she found that "Taare Zameen Par" became a catalyst in urging several parents to look closer at dyslexia traits in their child and seek early diagnosis. With the new film, since the makers are bringing intellectually challenged people into the mainstream for real, she is hoping for a bigger change. Internationally, there are shows like Heartbreak High and Geek Girl, with good representation of neurodivergence. "From the Indian perspective, we were lacking in this sense. A very desi Hindi film with humour and something which the masses in tier-1, tier-2 cities can appreciate, is more than welcome. It helps to change the perspective to the fact that a developmental disability is not a deficit," says Aditi. ALSO READ: How to identify autism early to avoid complications? That truly resonates with what some of Sitaare Zameen Par's 10 cast members feel about themselves. Rishi Shahani, the swimmer and dance-lover, for example, says, "There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more. My ability is stronger than my disability. No matter what, I know I CAN." There's Gopi Krishnan Verma who has already had a brush with cinema. In 2021, he became the first Indian with Down Syndrome to feature as a lead actor in a Malayalam film titled Thirike. Born in 1998 with Down Syndrome, ADHD and respiratory issues, Gopi never let his disability affect what he is passionate about. In a past interview with Onmanorama, his mother shared that Gopi was attracted to cinema and performing arts since his childhood. He enjoys dancing and mimicry, and getting a chance to be a part of a movie was a dream for him. Naman Misra was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was around 3 years old. His speech and behaviour had regressed, leading people to treat him differently throughout his growing up years. But he grew up dreaming to do bigger things - of featuring on a magazine cover, some day. He went on to become a software developer and a model, and his dreams became bigger when he landed a role in Sitaare Zameen Par. "Honestly I would have never in a million years imagined working with The Aamir Khan and his team of young and budding workforce... My childhood dream was made and I feel a sense of euphoria and charisma inside of me," Naman writes on Instagram. Simran Mangeshkar clearly affirms her life's philosophy on her Instagram page: "Breaking barriers, one frame at a time. Born with an extra chromosome and endless magic!" While we wait to see the magic on screen, Shalini Kedia of Fragile X Society has a word of praise. "It's not easy to get neurodiverse children to act. They all come with their moods and their own set of habits. And when you're doing a movie, you will definitely want some kind of a performance. So, kudos to them!"
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
2 held in Delhi for Punjab liquor tragedy; toll 23
The death toll in the Majitha spurious liquor tragedy has risen to 23, with two more fatalities reported. Police have arrested two individuals from Delhi, Ravinder Jain and Rishabh Jain, suspected of supplying the spurious liquor. AMRITSAR: The Majitha spurious liquor tragedy toll climbed to 23 on Wednesday, with two more people - Balkar Singh (45) and Sahib Singh (50) both from Bhagnwan village - succumbing. As many as eight more people are still under treatment in Amritsar's Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that police have arrested two people, Ravinder Jain and Rishabh Jain, from Delhi's Model Town in the case. "One of the main accused, Sahib Singh, was in contact with Rishabh, which was revealed through his WhatsApp chat history. It is suspected that Sahib received a consignment from Rishabh, which was used to manufacture spurious liquor in Punjab," he said. Amritsar SSP (Rural) Maninder Singh said that a court remanded them to police custody for two days. Meanwhile, the drug control department issued a press release claiming to have made significant progress in the fight against drug abuse in the Amritsar district. According to the release, drugs worth Rs 71 lakh were recovered, and licences of 38 medical stores suspended in the past two months.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Two suppliers held from Delhi as toll rises to 23
Amritsar : Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested two accused from New Delhi's Model Town in connection with the sale of spurious liquor that claimed 23 lives in villages of Majitha sub-division in Amritsar district over the past two days. The Amritsar rural police arrested Ravinder Jain and his son Rishabh Jain from the national capital for supplying raw material to one of the main accused, Sahib Singh. Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav posted on X: 'One of the main accused, Sahib Singh, was in contact with Rishabh Jain, as revealed through his WhatsApp chat history. It is suspected that Sahib Singh received methanol consignment from Jain, which was used to manufacture the spurious liquor in Punjab. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act, and investigations are underway to uncover other linkages in this illegal network'. Later, addressing a press conference, DIG (border range) Satinder Singh said: 'So far, 18 persons have been nominated in this case and 16 accused have been arrested. Delhi-based father-son duo cannot be spared as they are selling a chemical which could claim anybody's life. They are considered a major part of the entire racket. Sahib Singh paid ₹35,000 to Jain to purchase a 600-litre consignment of methanol which was to be used to prepare spurious liquor.' Till Tuesday, 21 deaths were reported, but two more victims succumbed on Wednesday, taking the toll to 23. Both the deceased belonged to Bhangwan village. Most of the victims were daily-wagers from Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Talwandi Khumman, Karnala, Bhangwan and Threawal villages. Husband of Ninder Kaur, who used to sell the illicit liquor and is one of the accused in the case, also died after consuming spurious liquor, said the DIG. 10 accused sent to 2-day police remand Ten accused, who were arrested on Tuesday, were produced in a local court and were sent to two-day police remand, said officials. A police probe revealed that methanol — a chemical used in industrial products —was procured in bulk online to prepare the toxic brew. Methanol is a light, colourless organic chemical compound which is poisonous when ingested and is illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, which is the normal consumable alcohol. Four officials, including Majitha deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and the local excise and taxation officer (ETO), were placed under suspension on Tuesday for negligence. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met the victim families and announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and said that the state government would bear the expense of education of the children of the victims. Two cases have already been registered at Majitha and Kathunangal police stations in Amritsar rural under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Excise Act and the SC/ST Act.
