Latest news with #ZeeshanAli
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Geopolitics scores but other influencer contents take a hit amid Bangla turmoil
1 2 3 4 Kolkata: From a noticeable dip in viewership from Bangladesh to a marked increase in hate comments, Bengal's content creators have encountered significant changes amidst the ongoing volatility in Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh relations. During the Aug uprising, content creators observed a drop in viewership from Bangladesh. While some managed to regain their audience, many continue to report persistent declines. In a bid to attract more engagement, several creators recently pivoted to producing more content focused on geopolitics. The escalating cross-border tensions have led to a surge in hate comments. Interestingly, this phenomenon has resulted in heightened viewership, greater audience engagement, and increased revenues for the creators. For many YouTubers, political tensions often lead to restrictions on the flow of media and content, directly affecting the reach and accessibility of creators and their material. Digital creator Zeeshan Ali, who runs a channel with 71K subscribers on Instagram, was badly hit. "I have a good following in Bangladesh, and they would visit the food joints I recommended once they visited Kolkata. After the uprising, the reach went. According to the trend, I should have 90K subscribers by now. Unfortunately, people from Bangladesh started unfollowing me. They are not keen on watching entertainment at all and are busy surfing content related to politics and conflict," he said. Actor and content creator Aparajita Ghosh, who presents podcasts on YouTube, expressed certainty that the viewership of her content would be double if the Indo-Bangladesh relationship had not become strained. "Any content I shared earlier would receive so much love from Bangladesh. People would generously comment. After the uprising, I hosted a podcast called Off Screen With Aparajita Ghosh. I am surprised that there is not a single comment from Bangladesh. I am sure the viewership would have been double, had this podcast been shared at least a year back," Ghosh stated. Aritra Banerjee, who has 176K subscribers on YouTube, faced the heat when the watch hours of his videos dipped during the Aug uprising in Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is a big market in terms of our viewership. The internet services were down during the Aug uprising. While my subscriber base remained the same, the watch hours dipped by 25% then. Once the internet connections resumed, the viewership was back," Banerjee said. "My show is about ghosts, and their viewership in Bangladesh remains steady at 11% regardless of any political developments. Ghosts are a different ballgame altogether, but I noticed several content creators who never engaged in geopolitics previously now produced three videos instead of one per day to take advantage of the increased viewer interest.," said Gourab Tapadar, whose 'Pretkotha' channel has 883K subscribers. Recent times have seen a surge in the number of hate comments for Indian content, with hyperactive trolls having a field day. Sharmila Maiti, who currently has 1.1 million subscribers on YouTube, experienced a 60% increase in hate comments on her channel. "People often watch content which they absolutely hate. They watch it to ridicule or troll. Last week, I posted a vlog with an interview of a meritorious student. Among the 600 comments I got, 550 were from Bangladesh. Most of them were very critical," Maiti stated. Such hate comments are not overtly detrimental for a channel as they help generate the engagement necessary for revenue.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor warns you might regain weight after Ozempic unless you do this
GLP-1 agonists such as tirzepatide and semaglutide have captured public attention for their ability to induce rapid weight loss. Studies suggest these drugs can reduce body weight by up to 22.5% over 72 weeks hence, it is crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects that may emerge with extended use. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Zeeshan Ali, MD, PhD, Nutrition Expert and Research Program Specialist at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), shared, 'Gastrointestinal side effects—such as nausea, constipation and abdominal pain—are commonly reported. There is also emerging research indicating potential risks, including gallbladder issues and vision loss which warrants further investigation.' Emerging data also suggests the need for closer examination of the neuropsychiatric effects of GLP-1 agonists. Dr Zeeshan Ali said, 'Some early findings have raised questions about potential links to mood changes, including anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviour—particularly in individuals with a predisposition to mental health conditions or addiction. However, more rigorous clinical data is needed.' Studies show that without sustained lifestyle changes, many individuals regain the lost weight once the medication is stopped. Dr Zeeshan Ali explained, 'This is because these drugs primarily work by suppressing appetite and do not address underlying contributors to obesity, such as insulin resistance, consumption of calorie-dense foods, emotional eating and low physical activity.' He added, 'Financial accessibility remains another major limitation. In India, the monthly cost of these drugs ranges between ₹14,000 and ₹17,000, putting them out of reach for a vast majority of the population.' The good news is that for many individuals, long-term success with weight management can be achieved through dietary and lifestyle changes. Dr Zeeshan Ali elaborated, 'A whole-food, plant-based diet—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients—has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health and support sustainable weight loss. For instance, the BROAD study found that participants following a low-fat, plant-based diet lost an average of 12 kg in six months and maintained it at 12 months—without the need for medication or calorie counting.' For Delhi residents, Dr Zeeshan Ali recommended, 'Simple shifts such as returning to home-cooked meals based on legumes like rajma and chana, whole grains such as millets and brown rice, seasonal vegetables, and fruits can make a meaningful difference. Choosing roasted chana over fried snacks, or replacing ghee-laden parathas with lightly stuffed rotis, can improve nutritional quality of the meal without sacrificing familiarity.' While weight-loss medications may provide a short-term solution, long-lasting transformation often comes from sustainable lifestyle and dietary interventions. These changes not only support healthy weight management but also improve cardiovascular function, enhance gut health, stabilise energy levels and contribute to overall well-being. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Plant-based diets can help Indians fight fatty liver, diabetes epidemic
India is witnessing a concerning surge in two chronic health conditions: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), earlier known as fatty liver, and type 2 now affects nearly 27.4% of the population, while over 77 million Indians are living with have said the combination of both diseases is dangerous, as it raises the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer, and To tackle this growing health crisis, a panel of global and Indian health experts has released new clinical guidelines focused on how Asian Indian patients can manage both diabetes and fatty liver more guidelines, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, place a strong emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes, especially moving towards a plant-based INDIANS SHOULD RETHINK SATURATED FATSThe guidelines advise cutting back on saturated fats like ghee, butter, and coconut oil, foods that are often wrongly believed to be healthy. Experts explained that consuming too much of these fats can lead to increased liver fat, chronic inflammation, and higher risk of metabolic diseases."Insulin resistance, being overweight, and obesity are the main reasons behind both diabetes and fatty liver,' said Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).advertisementHOW PLANT-BASED DIETS CAN HELPResearch shows that a whole-food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and seeds, can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver fat. According to studies, people following such diets have seen a 30% drop in liver fat within just weeks, and many were even able to lower their diabetes one randomised study mentioned in the guidelines, 43% of people following a low-fat, plant-based diet were able to reduce their diabetes medications. In contrast, only 26% in the conventional diet group achieved the same result.'Plant-based diets target the root causes of diabetes, excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance, and inflammation," Dr. Ali said. "They not only support blood glucose control but also improve liver health and overall metabolic balance."WHAT THE GUIDELINES RECOMMENDEat more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts, and seedsFocus on complex carbohydrates like millets, oats, and brown riceAvoid saturated fats like ghee, butter, coconut oilSay no to alcohol, which worsens liver healthGet regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivityMaintain a healthy body weightFor millions of Indians living with diabetes and liver disease, switching to a more plant-based, low-fat diet may offer a simple and powerful way to improve their health, without depending entirely on new guidelines provide both doctors and patients with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to manage these diseases better, starting with what's on their plate.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hair: 'It's just thrown away but it's gold'
Zeeshan Ali has been a drag artist for 10 years and has taken his show all over India. Central to his performance is a collection of around 45 wigs. 'It's an alter of identity, helping me transition from my everyday self into exaggerated, glamorous or whimsical characters. The right wig makes me feel more authentic and empowers me to command the stage," says Ali, who is based in Mumbai. But getting that look right wasn't easy in the early days. "When I started my career the accessibility of the wigs was extremely difficult in India. Most of them were to be sourced from abroad or I used to make wigs sourced from whatever was available to me like wool, fabric," he says. But things are different now. 'The trend is changing. Wigs are no longer just meant for drag or movie artists, but many straight women wear wigs to look different. It's no longer just a hair accessory but a style statement.' Indian hair has always been in demand for wig-making. The nation is the world's biggest exporter of human hair, supplying 85% of global demand. Kolachi Venkatesh, based in Avadi, Chennai, has been collecting hair for 20 years. He started at the bottom of the industry as a picker - collecting hair from households and rescuing it from the rubbish. 'My parents were hair pickers and then I started doing the same," he says. Hair collected by pickers from homes, salons and barbershops is called non-Remy hair. It requires more processing than Remy hair, which is carefully shaved straight from the scalp. Nevertheless, it has value. "It's just thrown away but it's gold," says Mr Venkatesh. Those pickers typically sell hair to local traders like Mr Venkatesh for between 10 cents and $1 (£0.80) per kilogram, depending on the quality and length of the hair. Shorter or damaged hair fetches less, while longer strands bring higher prices. For the individual picker, there's not much money in it. 'A diligent collector might gather 1–5 kilograms of hair in a day, earning anywhere from 59 cents to $6 per day. This income level is often below minimum wage standards, particularly in rural areas,' says Mr Venkatesh, who has 50 pickers working for him. 'While our work contributes to a billion-dollar global market our earnings remain meagre. Intermediaries control prices.' Most of the Indian hair collected by traders like Mr Venkatesh is exported to China where it is made into wigs. 'China has a huge wigmaking industry which is worth five to six billion dollars," says Benjamin Cherian from Plexconcil, the hair industry body that promotes the Indian industry and liaises with the government. If India wants a slice of the lucrative wig market, he says, then it has a lot of catching up to do. "When we look at China there are hundreds of factories spread across the country which add value to the hair industry, whereas in India the value addition still needs to be picked up,' Mr Cherian says. He says the government needs to help promote investment in the hair industry. "It needs automated sorting systems, sophisticated hair treatment procedures for the hair collected, innovative production techniques for manufacturing of wigs which will make India stand out.' Instead of exporting hair for hundreds of dollars, India should be selling wigs worth thousands of dollars says Mr Cherian. 'We have started working on it but it's a long way to go. We need to have research and training centres," he says. One Indian business trying to make inroads is Delhi-based Diva Divine Hair, co-founded by Nidhi Tiwari in 2009. The idea was to create high-quality hair extensions and wigs that would appeal to a broader range of customers. "There is a growing need for these solutions due to rising issues of hair loss and thinning among women in India," says Ms Tiwari. The company has been helped by a shift in attitude. "Once considered a niche or taboo topic, wigs and extensions are now openly discussed, thanks to evolving social norms and a shift toward acceptance," she says. Wigs have also seen a lot of development making them more attractive and comfortable. "Technologies such as 3D-printed wigs and digital colour-matching tools offer highly personalised options. Lightweight, breathable wig caps and improved adhesives have given customers to wear it for long time without discomfort," says Ms Tiwari. At the top end of the hair market is Temple or Remy hair. Much of the supply comes from Hindu temples in the south of the country where hair is shaved off in an act of veneration and faith. Raj Hair International is one of the biggest traders in the Temple hair business. Craftsmen at the company's Chennai factory sort and grade the hair according to colour, texture and length. "Remy hair has aligned cuticles, hair flows uniformly in one direction, which leads to less tangling and a silkier texture. This is high-value hair," says George Cherion, the company's chief executive. The firm tries to waste as little of the hair as possible. To help with that it developed a machine to untangle the hair. It's allowed them to work faster with fewer staff. "Our mission is to constantly upgrade the technology," says Mr Cherion. Business is booming. "Indian human is in demand globally due to its high quality, natural look, and thinness. The demand is skyrocketing," he says. Back in Mumbai Zeeshan Ali wants to see more Indian wigs on the market. As well as making them more affordable, he has a design suggestion: "A wig that can create a wow factor." 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BBC News
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
India hair: 'It's just thrown away but it's gold'
Zeeshan Ali has been a drag artist for 10 years and has taken his show all over to his performance is a collection of around 45 wigs.'It's an alter of identity, helping me transition from my everyday self into exaggerated, glamorous or whimsical characters. The right wig makes me feel more authentic and empowers me to command the stage," says Ali, who is based in getting that look right wasn't easy in the early days."When I started my career the accessibility of the wigs was extremely difficult in India. Most of them were to be sourced from abroad or I used to make wigs sourced from whatever was available to me like wool, fabric," he things are different now.'The trend is changing. Wigs are no longer just meant for drag or movie artists, but many straight women wear wigs to look different. It's no longer just a hair accessory but a style statement.' Indian hair has always been in demand for wig-making. The nation is the world's biggest exporter of human hair, supplying 85% of global demand. Kolachi Venkatesh, based in Avadi, Chennai, has been collecting hair for 20 years. He started at the bottom of the industry as a picker - collecting hair from households and rescuing it from the rubbish. 'My parents were hair pickers and then I started doing the same," he collected by pickers from homes, salons and barbershops is called non-Remy hair. It requires more processing than Remy hair, which is carefully shaved straight from the scalp. Nevertheless, it has value."It's just thrown away but it's gold," says Mr pickers typically sell hair to local traders like Mr Venkatesh for between 10 cents and $1 (£0.80) per kilogram, depending on the quality and length of the or damaged hair fetches less, while longer strands bring higher the individual picker, there's not much money in it.'A diligent collector might gather 1–5 kilograms of hair in a day, earning anywhere from 59 cents to $6 per day. This income level is often below minimum wage standards, particularly in rural areas,' says Mr Venkatesh, who has 50 pickers working for him.'While our work contributes to a billion-dollar global market our earnings remain meagre. Intermediaries control prices.' Most of the Indian hair collected by traders like Mr Venkatesh is exported to China where it is made into wigs.'China has a huge wigmaking industry which is worth five to six billion dollars," says Benjamin Cherian from Plexconcil, the hair industry body that promotes the Indian industry and liaises with the government. If India wants a slice of the lucrative wig market, he says, then it has a lot of catching up to do."When we look at China there are hundreds of factories spread across the country which add value to the hair industry, whereas in India the value addition still needs to be picked up,' Mr Cherian says the government needs to help promote investment in the hair industry."It needs automated sorting systems, sophisticated hair treatment procedures for the hair collected, innovative production techniques for manufacturing of wigs which will make India stand out.'Instead of exporting hair for hundreds of dollars, India should be selling wigs worth thousands of dollars says Mr Cherian.'We have started working on it but it's a long way to go. We need to have research and training centres," he says. One Indian business trying to make inroads is Delhi-based Diva Divine Hair, co-founded by Nidhi Tiwari in idea was to create high-quality hair extensions and wigs that would appeal to a broader range of customers."There is a growing need for these solutions due to rising issues of hair loss and thinning among women in India," says Ms company has been helped by a shift in attitude. "Once considered a niche or taboo topic, wigs and extensions are now openly discussed, thanks to evolving social norms and a shift toward acceptance," she have also seen a lot of development making them more attractive and comfortable."Technologies such as 3D-printed wigs and digital colour-matching tools offer highly personalised options. Lightweight, breathable wig caps and improved adhesives have given customers to wear it for long time without discomfort," says Ms Tiwari. At the top end of the hair market is Temple or Remy of the supply comes from Hindu temples in the south of the country where hair is shaved off in an act of veneration and Hair International is one of the biggest traders in the Temple hair business. Craftsmen at the company's Chennai factory sort and grade the hair according to colour, texture and length."Remy hair has aligned cuticles, hair flows uniformly in one direction, which leads to less tangling and a silkier texture. This is high-value hair," says George Cherion, the company's chief firm tries to waste as little of the hair as possible. To help with that it developed a machine to untangle the hair. It's allowed them to work faster with fewer staff. "Our mission is to constantly upgrade the technology," says Mr is booming. "Indian human is in demand globally due to its high quality, natural look, and thinness. The demand is skyrocketing," he says. Back in Mumbai Zeeshan Ali wants to see more Indian wigs on the well as making them more affordable, he has a design suggestion: "A wig that can create a wow factor."
