Alisha Chinai, Shaan and Sonu Nigam

Make your Friday a fun day by checking out this list of 25 Indian Pop songs that rocked the parties we had when we were kids (those parties usually consisted of samosas, chips and Rasna).  Honestly, I started this list with 5 songs, then went on to 10… 12… 20, and finally 25 (thanks to Swagata from Team MissMalini for her contribution, if she had her way, we’d reach 30!). So check this list out and tell me your favourites! There’s also a playlist of 10 MORE songs by Rashmi which you should listen to as well as today is all about #FlashbackFriday! Have fun!

1) Maaeri

Personally, I think this is Euphoria’s finest song before they vanished into thin air. Also who can forget Modiji’s cameo in this one!

2) Tanha Dil

Someone’s definitely cutting onions in the next room, why else would my eyes water? BRB.

3) Dooba Dooba

Mohit Chauhan, your voice makes me believe in love. If you knew me, you’d know that’s a big deal.

4) Raat Shabnami

Such an awesome, sensual song! Not like the crass stuff we have developed a taste for these days. I know I sound 80 but man this song is good stuff! Also Asha Bhosle, you are a goddess.

5) Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi

Not only is Falguni Pathak the queen of dandiya, that gurrrl is the queen of songs that perfectly explain the plight of teenage girls and their hormones.

6) Pari Hoon Main

The song I sing when anyone asks me to introduce myself.

7) Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao

Another Asha Bhosle chartbuster, this time with the powerful vocals of Adnan Sami. Loved this song even though the video looked like a condensed version of The Wedding Planner.

8) Sochta Hoon

What a catchy, emo and adorable song! But what’s with the weird body paint on that girl’s back? Also, the singer Babul Supriyo is now a Union Minister and I think this song played a major role in getting him there!

9) Deewana- Sonu Nigam

Sonu Nigam, you have a magical voice and enough clout, please cut a pop album soon!

10) Gur Naal Ishq Mitha

Working on a petition to bring back Bally Sagoo and Jas Arora.

11) Dil Le Gayi

The second thing Gujaratis can be super proud of, after our Prime Minister!

12) Hum Naye Geet Sunaye

Who was your favourite Viva girl? I loved Pratichee (God knows why). #VivaForever

13) Teri Deewani

Kailash Kher at his best. It was a tough choice between Saiyaan and this song, but I ultimately went with Teri Deewani because that’s the song that started the trend of amazing songs from Kailash and his band Kailasa.

14) Tera Chehra

Has Adnan Sami lost so much weight that he has disappeared completely? Where is this guy, he sings so well!

15) Khoya Khoya Chand Rehta Hai

Babul returns, this time with Alka Yagnik and Dia Mirza looking gorgeous in the video.

16) Piya Basanti

So. Many. Feels.

17) Khamaj

So. Many. More. Feels.

18) Ishq Tera Tadpave

Sukhbir is the king of my heart. At least in this list. He should be yours too!

19) Meri Neend Ud Gayi Hai

Love the name of this band more than the song. A Band Of Boys, so nice, so simple.

20) Stereo Nation

The singer’s name is Taz. I love the ’90s.

21) Kangna Tera Ni

Love that the girl’s kangna gives Dr. Zeus signals that she’s interested in him.

22) Rock Tha Party

This is the song we got our swag on to.

23) Dil Lutiya

The singer’s name is Jazzy B and I love him because he’s so…jazzy.

24) Bolo Tara Rara

Come on guys, sing with me!

25) Mujhe Pyaar Hai Tumse

This video has Anshuman from Jab We Met! Okay I know he played a douchebag, but the song is nice!

Which one is your favourite?

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Instagram @aditya_pimple, @gadgetwala, @NGTIndia

Guys! Where were you this weekend? I’m only asking this question because I finally have something to boast about, so before you ask, I’ll tell you myself – I went to the Bacardi NH7 Weekender in Pune and it was AWESOME! I’m sure more than half of Bombay under the age of 30 was also there with me, except that uncle who kept dancing in circles in the same spot (would have taken a video but thought that would be too intrusive). So before leaving for the city, I had thought I’ll definitely blog about it because it’s so easy to write about things we love to do. Sadly, that’s a myth because there are SO many things to write about that it’s difficult to condense it. But, because I’m nice and kind, here are my 5 best moments from the weekender.

1) Amit Trivedi’s performance

Source: Twitter @stupidmaximus, @ankitv and @aimlessaims

I’ll be honest, I’m woefully ignorant about the indie music scene in our country, that’s why I knew just a handful of performances I had to watch. Being the Bollywood buff I am, topping this list of must-see performances was Amit Trivedi and man, that was a GOOD decision! The guy rocked it. We danced so much to London Thumakda that we broke a bench (why I was dancing on a bench is not something I will disclose because my mother reads my blogs). We were still tame compared to the girl right in front of us. She went all Beyonce combined with Shakira and a little Rihanna! It was a sight to see.

2) Being a part of a human taxi with the stand-up comedian Sahil Shah

@Source: Instagram @sahilbulla

More popularly known as Sahil Bulla on Twitter and Instagram, Sahil Shah was chilling at the weekender with a bunch of people who decided to grab my friend and then me and my other friends and form a ‘human taxi‘. Our task was to randomly grab the arm of people we see walking close to us and walk together till our destination arrives. Sadly I couldn’t get a picture because it was such a spontaneous thing, but I did recognize the funny man and I hope he performs next year! Check out his group East India Comedy’s Wrecking God and you’ll know what I’m talking about!

3) Sitting on a ferris wheel

Source: Instagram: @shreemiverma, @MTS_India and @pal36

There was a ferris wheel where people could hop onto and get a bird’s-eye view of the entire venue! Of course I jumped onto it. I think I’ll make it a point to do it in Bombay too.

4) All India Bakchod

Source: Instagram @aditya_pimple

The kind of response AIB got on their debut performance at NH7 just shows how much we Indians appreciate good humour. Talent speaks volumes and this bunch of people have just shown us what started as a podcast of two people randomly talking about stuff can lead to if you have it in you! *Bows down*

5) Raghu Dixit killing it!

Source: Instagram @gadgetwala, @sahilgupta538 and @hinasundrani

What a star this man is! Raghu Dixit‘s act was one of the most beautiful performances I have ever seen in stage! There were dancers, shadow puppets and the crowds singing in Tamil because he asked us to. It was awesome.

I really can’t wait to go for the ‘happiest music festival‘ next year!

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Pinterest.com

Albus Dumbledore was easily one of the most influential men in my life. If, like me, you’ve grown up with Harry Potter and his friends, you will know how important and amazing the headmaster of Hogwarts is. I really think he did a better job of teaching me about life in general than any of my teachers did! That’s why I’ve listed down 10 of the best quotes by Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore that certainly changed my life. Check them out and shed a tear for the most beloved literary character ever written.

1) When he taught us the importance of love

Source: Pinterest.com

Still doesn’t stop me from crying for the dead characters in the series.

2) When he saved me and millions from facing depression

Source: Pinterest.com

My happiness is in re-reading the entire series while drinking endless cups of hot chocolate, what’s yours?

3) When he explained the basic difference between Harry and Voldemort with just one line

Source: Pinterest.com

Ability = Slytherin

Choice = Gryffindor

4) When he simplified something as frightening as death

Source: Pinterest.com

That still didn’t prepare us for his death.

5) When he showed how similar he and Luna Lovegood can be in their views of life

Source: Pinterest.com

No wonder Harry was so strangely attached to them both!

6) When he explained the power words can carry

Source: Pinterest.com

Words can start war… words can restore peace.

7) When he made us sympathise with future Draco Malfoy a little

Source: Pinterest.com

He always knew Draco could be bearable. Barely bearable, though.

8) When shit got real.

Source: Pinterest.com

The mirror of erised showed Harry’s perfect world, but sadly it was a dream – the kid learnt early that reality is the preferred world to live in.

9) When he said something we should always remember before making life-changing decisions

Source: Pinterest.com

That also includes whether or not should we order junk food or opt for a salad.

10) And last but never, ever the least….when he asked Snape this simple question.

Source: Pinterest.com

And Snape said..

Source: Tumblr.com

No I’m not crying, I swear I’m not. That’s just excess water coming out of my eyes. Happens all the time.

Which Dumbledore quote is your favourite?

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Giphy.com

Fat shaming is sadly a thing etched in our minds since the time we were kids. Larger people doing things is like the number one trope of slapstick comedy in most of the movies we’ve grown up on, but this advertisement being shared on Facebook takes the cake of being the shittiest thing I might have seen! Check it out.

Source: Facebook

Kya bakwaas hai yaar. Please stop making ads like that – it’s tasteless, ridiculous and overall shitty. This ad is wrong on so many levels!

1) The heading: Somebody please marry me!

Source: Giphy.com

Really?

2) The ‘advantages’ of marrying a fat girl.

Source: Giphy.com

Just stop.

3) The girl begging someone to marry her

Source: Giphy.com

With the extremely skewed sex ratio in India, I don’t really think she’ll be the one begging!

4) The money back guarantee, that too since 2009!

Source: Giphy.com

Thanks guys.

5) No blame game, no exercise, nothing.

Source: Giphy.com

You really think everyone is that gullible?

So basically, this advertisement is a shame and dissing people of any shape or size is horrible. What do you think?

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: YouTube.com

Eve-teasing is something that every girl has sadly gone through at least once in her life. What is most disturbing is that even today, after so many law reforms, social outrages and public anger towards sex crime, people still haven’t really changed. These three men definitely haven’t, seeing that that they sexually attacked two girls in a bus which was on it’s way to Rohtak. Thankfully, the girls were far too strong for these pieces of shit and were able to heroically defend themselves against them.

The girls are reportedly sisters, Arati and Pooja, who – as seen in the video – rightly claimed that no one helped them. As per the DNA report, one of the sisters was quoted saying:

“They threatened us and abused us. One of them touched my sister inappropriately. They started making obscene gestures … After heated exchanges, one of the boys called his friends asking him to beat us up. One of them beat my sister while two others caught hold of me. Then, I whipped out my belt and thrashed them. They pushed us out of the bus when it slowed down.”

After all the attention crimes against women received, ever since the 2012 Nirbhaya case that rocked the nation, nothing really changed. The offenders have been arrested by Haryana Police. The girls will be honoured during the Republic Day which falls on January 26th.

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Deepika Padukone in Happy New Year

It’s the last month of the year and are you still struggling to meet those stubborn fitness goals you set last year? Did Deepika Padukone‘s ridiculously hot bod in Lovely leave you a little blue? These are all signs that it’s finally time to get serious! Read on for 10 sneaky tips you can incorporate into your day to day routine to kick-start 2015 with the body and fitness you have in mind, step by step, without the help of a gym!

1) Start up your own Bootcamp

For the creative minds of the lot – get together with some friends and take turns to create your own Bootcamps. Each person in the group can take turns to come up with some new exercises each week or every couple of days. Coolest way to hang out!

Source: Instagram @elm_health

2) Get to know your City

Embrace your inner adventurer…go ahead and be bold, daring and adventurous! I bet there are atleast ten places in your city you had no clue existed or you’ve been meaning to go to, but just haven’t had the time. Well, go for it! Take out a few hours every week or twice a week, make it your mission to scout out some place you’ve never been to before and try to do it on foot (or at least semi by foot)! Most adventurous way to burn calories.

Source: Pinterest.com

3) Marathon with Friends

There are several out-of-the-ordinary runs you can participate in, many of which are for a good cause. Keep your eyes peeled for the Neon Fun Run – a 5 Km night-time spectacular run with four unique neon zones of rock, disco, pop and house music. A total party for your body, literally! Milind Soman and Rahul Bose are perfect examples of hotties with a love for marathons! Ladies, take note.

Marathon man…

4) Join Dance Classes

Love getting your boogey on every now and then? If so, this option was made for you. Join some dance classes…pronto! There are so many different dance genres to choose from whether it be Salsa, Rock n’Roll, Ball Room, Hip-Hop, Contemporary or even Bollywood. So go ahead and take your pick!

Wanna Dance With Somebody tee (Pic: @RockAndReverie on Instagram)

5) Turn your chores into a workout

If you’re a bit of a cleanliness freak and you prefer getting things done yourself, these tips will certainly be of interest. Make grocery shopping an exercise! Ban trolleys (as far as you can avoid them) and carry your bags to the car yourself. Hand wash your car every other weekend. Switch off that TV and get down and dirty with a mop or broom every few days. The key is to keep your heart racing! Music blasting helps a LOT.

rain-n-music

6) Make TV time, workout time

Calling all soap opera addicts. You know how you plop down onto the couch, grab some comfort food and dedicatedly watch those fave TV shows every night? Well, you can do exactly that – just ditch the munchies, and instead of sinking into your couch, watch your soaps while working on your abs, doing a few jumping jacks, skipping or squatting. Alternate with your exercises and trust me when I say: this kind of workout makes time fly.

Television (photo courtesy | aivault.com)

7) Make Happy Hour a sports sesh with mates

Why not change things up a little when you’re meeting up for that weekly happy hour with colleagues? Instead of sitting around at the same bar with the same drinks, get everyone together for a team session of soccer, cricket, dodgeball or even kickboxing – you choose!

Darshan Kumar trains Team MissMalini at Watson Gym,Bandra

8) Get rid of shortcuts

Go the extra mile, and you will be rewarded! Avoid lifts, take the stairs instead. If you’re walking somewhere, take the long routes and make sure you speed up your pace a little – this ain’t no stroll in the park! If you’re not a fan of jogging, that’s absolutely fine but make sure you take small, quick strides and make it a goal to keep walking until you reach your destination. Headphones and your fave tunes will help with this.

Source: Instagram @radiatepositivibes

9) Visit a sauna or steam room

When you’ve had a busier day than words can describe and anything physical is just beyond you – make these hot spots your best friends. Not only are they great for shedding calories without actually doing anything strenuous, but they’re also great for your skin! Just remember to stay hydrated when you opt for these.

10) Try Yoga

Not one for intense, sweaty workouts? Try Yoga. The great thing about Yoga is that you can do this all in the comfort of your living room. All you need is a mat and yourself. There are ample videos on YouTube that will guide you as you go and it’s super easy to get your hands on a Yoga DVD. In fact, Shilpa Shetty has a video on YouTube in which the actress herself takes you through various yogic postures and breathing. Give it a shot with Shilpa!

Couch Potato who? Never again! Incorporate a few of the above tricks into your life and I promise, 2015 will see a brand new you.

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Radhika Karle Pilates Workshop

Calling all Fitness fanatics and even those interested in trying something new out. Radhika Karle (renowned Pilates instructor and the chick behind Sonam Kapoor’s hot bod) will be holding a 1 – 3 days Pilates workshop in December.

The classes will be held at H.O.W, which is a state of the Art Dance and Art Studio on Hill Road in Bandra West. The studio was specifically designed to spend hours in – learning, building, creating and innovating with dance classes, music and Yoga – amongst many other things.

This is one fitness studio you’re going to want to pay a visit to! Start with Radhika’s Pilates and head to Fitternity for photos. Also check out the poster above for more details on the workshop.

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Wikipedia.org

Potterheads! Your dream of studying at the wonderful Hogwarts can finally come true. Now there’s good news and bad news (as always). So the bad news is that you’ll have to go Poland if you want to study at the College of Wizardry and the good news is…it’s not exactly impossible! So this wonderful thought came to a few Polish and Danish Harry Potter fans who were determined to take their magical education into their own hands – and the College of Wizardry was born. Set in a Polish castle, around 200 live-action role players from 11 countries gathered for a few days in November to experience the first session of Czocha College of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Curious to know more, aren’t you? Check this video out!

Students (who are cool enough to do this) are sorted into five houses: Durentius, Faust, Libussa, Molin and Sendivogius and they have to complete their S.P.E.L.Ls (Senior Protective Enchanter’s Lifelong License) to pass. I know I’d top this.

Source: Tumblr.com

The school is filled with a variety of professors, all of them have certain eccentricities which are often associated with Hogwarts professors. So there are ‘bumbling, absent-minded professors with scant memory of their own youth‘ and ‘sharp-tongued young lecturers‘ who’ll put you in place. If they are anywhere close to these two, I’m sold!

Source: Tumblr.com

The second session has been scheduled for April 9-12, 2015, still in Poland, and will cost attendees about $345. What are you waiting for? Let’s start saving! Or even better, let’ all unite an open a branch here in India! Who’s with me?

Source: Tumblr.com

Posted on MissMalini.com.

#RespectWomen

I came across the this video recently and it left me speechless. Being a girl who’s born and raised in India, I could instantly relate to what’s shown here. Yes, I can proudly boast of the fact that I stay in one of the safest cities for women across the nation – Mumbai. But that’s only because most other places are perhaps not safe at all. I don’t want to get into a Delhi v/s Mumbai debate here nor am I interested in playing a blame game. What I am interested in is hoping for a better tomorrow in this country. We worship women idols but often forget to treat the real ones right. Be it at the station or a local market, we often find men leching at us in a way that leaves us feeling disgusted. But unfortunately, it sometimes feels like there’s nothing much we can do except overlooking and ignoring them. Check out this video to know exactly what I am talking about.

Dear men, stop making us feel this way. #RespectWomen

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Youtube.com

You know how our parents remember the Bollywood songs of the ’60s and the ’70s and declare them to be far superior to all the stuff we currently listen to? That’s exactly how I feel about the advertisements we saw while growing up. Some were funny, some were weird and some were amazing but they all have one thing in common, they refuse to leave our heads! So here are 23 of the ones that will remain etched in my memory forever – feel free to add your favourites below!

1) Action shoes!

Where is this kid who starred in this and many ads of the ’90s? What is he up to? What’s his story?

2) Prestige pressure cooker

If you love bae, you will buy her the best pressure cooker. *sings la la la la in the Prestige lady’s voice*

3) Krack cream

The sight of her cracked heel still makes me shudder. Krack cream ads are the real reason why I get pedicures!

4) Bajaj Bulbs

Ain’t no bulb like a Bajaj bulb.

5) Shahid Kapoor Pepsi Ad

OMG! IT HAD RANI, KAJOL AND SHAH RUKH!!! Apart from the adorkable pre-stardom and pre-six pack abs Shahid Kapoor. What a cutie!

6) Piyo glassful doodh

Mom still thanks this ad for convincing me that ‘jiyoge plus 99‘ is possible because of milk.

7) Liril Preity Zinta Ad

Preity Zinta‘s rise to become India’s sweetheart began with this ad.

8) Nima Rose

Speaks wonders about the ad if my entire office knows the exact lyrics of the jingle no? Roz roz nima rose.

9) Lijjat Papad

That bunny was cute when I was like four years old, it’s creepy when I’m twenty four years old.

10) Whirlpool- Mummy Ka Magic

The Mummy here must have definitely got her Hogwarts letter.

11) Badshah Masala

We’ve had Rajput kings, Mughal kings, Maratha kings…but in our generation we have one true king, the king of swaadh and sugandh.

12) Washing Powder Nirma

Sing along with all your friends!

13) Complan Ad

Shahid Kapoor was always a star! And hey Ayesha Takia, where are you these days?

14) B-tex

Gross but memorable.

15) Vicco

Not even elaborating on how the Vicco turmeric jingle is known by everyone, EVERYONE. I think someone will definitely start singing Vicco turmeric nahi cosmetic while they dress me up for my wedding.

16) Close-up – Kya Aap Close-Up Karte Hain

Best. Song. Ever.

17) Polo – Beta Sweater Pheno

Classic.

18) Cadbury Ad

Cadbury ads have mostly been nice, but this one was one of the firsts and the first is always special!

19) Sunflower – Jalebi

The way that kid squeals Jalebi, it’s so damn cute! So so so cute!

20) Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan Cinthol Ad

I didn’t even know this existed till Marv (from Team MissMalini) told me! Shah Rukh and Gauri are definitely the golden couple of Bollywood and OMG Shah Rukh’s wet hair flip is so Pinterest worthy!

21) Ujala

Chaar bundo waala. #NeverForget

22) Aamir Pepsi Ad

Aamir is awesome as ever, Mahima is blah as ever but dude, Aishwarya Rai. I mean it’s a crime to be that beautiful!

23) Onida Devil Ad

Main hoo ek angel aur devil mera yaar.

Which one is your favourite?

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Bonobo, Dislocate and Paul Potts

Johnnie Walker The Journey is back with its second edition and we know how excited you guys are about the show happening today! That is exactly why we went over to have a fun chat with them before they mesmerize you with their striking performances! Keeping jet-lag at bay, the artists were warm, fun and extremely excited to perform here. It’s even better that it’s their first time here and that definitely makes this show more special doesn’t it? Check out the entire exclusive chat with Bonobo, Paul Potts and Dislocate on their art, their expectations from the show and their excitement of performing in India!

On the expectations from this show and coming to India

Bonobo: I mean, the show is sold out, so that’s great! And I’ve been getting a lot of noise about it on Twitter since the last couple of weeks so I think it’s going to have a lot of energy. I’m really looking forward to that.

Paul Potts: It’s great to be a part of something that inspires people because life does change very quickly sometimes. I’m really happy to be here, it’s my first time in India.

Dislocate: I just find India absolutely marvelous! The people, the energy, so for us to be asked to come to India was such a treat! We couldn’t be happier, it’s one of the smoothest arrangements we’ve ever seen.

Message for the fans

Bonobo: I’m hoping to touring wider in India, hopefully I’ll come back next year and do some more shows.

Paul Potts: I think who you are comes out if we allow it to, sometimes we lose what makes us an individual, everyday someone in their day to day job does something that is individual about them and we should celebrate that.

Dislocate: Live every moment of your life to the fullest, the mundane, the sparring moments, the absolute joyous moments, the everyday moments because you never know how long the journey is going to be!

See you at Mehboob Studios!

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Nimrat Kaur (Source: YouTube.com)

In case you haven’t seen it already, the Titan Raga watches have started a new campaign with a new hashtag #HerLifeHerChoices. Now I’m not always a fan of using a social issue to bring mileage to a brand but I cannot deny how beautifully this ad kicks ass. It’s like that nice, slow, perfect kick that strikes a little late but really, really hard. Helping matters is the beautiful Nimrat Kaur who had won our heart with The Lunchbox - here she essays the role of an independent, strong and very classy woman. Check out the ad below and tell me what you think of it!

Trust me, no lady here at MissMalini HQ is a misandrist, it’s just nice to see an ad that speaks volumes without saying too mc. It’s a little cheer for our sisters out there who are not apologetic about their career, their position and they way they wish to lead their lives. Nicely done Titan!

Posted on MissMalini.com.

IPTL 2014

IPTL 2014

I hopped on a plane to Delhi last week to catch the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) and it was LEGENDARY. Not only did we witness some rockstar International players in a once-in-a-lifetime face-off but also the Indian Aces – comprising of Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Gael Monfils, Sania Mirza, Ana Ivanovic, Rohan Bopanna and Fabrice Santoro - did a victory dance to Happy New Year’s Indiawaale! And if THAT wasn’t enough – Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh actually joined them on court. Unexpected, but totally ace :) So here’s a little flashblog into last weekend’s shenanigans in chilly Delhi and the things I loved best. xoxo

1. THIS Face.

When Nowshad found out we were going to Delhi for the IPTL he was SUPER excited! Wanna see his happy face? :)

Nowshad

2. Being 10 Feet Away From Roger Federer…

‘Nuff said. There’s something mega cool about being 10 paces away from tennis icons like this and watching them serve aces! #Bucketlist.

MissMalini

Indian Aces, IPTL

Indian Aces, IPTL

3. India Rising.

Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, IPTL

And how bloody cool is it to have our very own home grown talent, Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza playing doubles on court with legends like these?!

Rohan Bopanna, Roger Federer, IPTL

Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, IPTL

4. My Man, Monfils!

Ok, so I’ll be the first to admit I have a fairly limited knowledge of tennis personally (and can only identify a handful of players) but I think I’m going to remember THIS guy. Gaël Monfils is a French professional tennis player (also former French No. 1) and he is endlessly entertaining! Also he was very sweetly always ready with a bottle of water whenever his team mates came off court between games :)

Monfils, IPLT

MissMaini, IPTL

5. Aaaannnd Then They Took Their Shirts Off!

Sorry gentlemen, but when you’re a tennis legend, it’s totally called for (even encouraged).

Gaël Monfils

Roger Federer

6. The Indiawaale Victory Dance!

Rahul Sharma, Geetu & Naveen Wadhera

Sweet how one of the Micromax founders, Rahul Sharma was there with his team the whole time ON court cheering them on from the bench! #GoAces

Indian Aces, IPTL

In fact the Micromax team the Indian Aces were all kinds of awesome. They were constantly cheering each other on and being happy shiny. And of course they posed up a storm after every match :)

Indian Aces IPTL

I love that the Indian Aces decided to prepare a synchronised dance to Indiawaale in case they won. It’s really the cutest thing ever because Ana Ivanovic is clearly into it! #BollywoodCaling?

WATCH!

PS. Looks like they nailed it and took home the trophy in Dubai, YAY!

IPTL Winners

IPTL Winners

7. The Bollywood Quotient.

Now don’t get me wrong, I know tennis is a serious sport but I think the Bollywood presence was totally smashing! (Please forgive me, but I can’t stop making tennis puns, I hope it helps that at least I’m aware of it!) Not only did Amitabh Bachchan, Anuskha Sharma, Rana Daggubati and Lara Dutta turn up to watch the tournament…

Amitabh Bachchan

Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh grabbed rackets and wound up on court while Kiran Rao and baby Azad Khan looked on!

Roger Federer, Akshay Kumar & Riteish Deshmukh

Aamir Khan and Roger Federer

During Aamir’s game something pretty hilarious happened, despite being a decent player (he plays all the time at Khar, Gym!) he kept serving his balls into the net. So at one point Roger and Novak jokingly offered to hold down the net for him!

Aamir Khan and Roger Federer, IPTL

Deepika Padukone played too, she seemed to be enjoying herself, but I have to say I was disappointed in the outfit she chose. Sheer stockings for a tennis match? Why Dippy, why?!

Deepika Padukone, IPTL

There are at least 400 more appropriate (and not to mention MUCH cuter!) outfits meant for this sport, readily available around the world.

8. Two Little Munchkins!

MissMalini, Sania & Heena

My friends Naveen & Geetu Wadhera‘s daughter Sania wrote an essay that won her a spot as an Indian Aces mascot! She even got to walk a few tennis legends on court before their matches including Novak Djokovic, Mark Philippoussis and her own namesake Sania Mirza. (Needless to say, she was thrilled!) Here’s a copy of the letter she wrote, it’s utterly adorable. :)

I want to be a mascot because I love tennis.  It would be so fun to be around the best tennis players in the entire world.  I love playing the game!  I play every week and really look forward to my lessons.  My favorite stroke in tennis is backhand.  I love the movement of the sport and all the coordination involved. It feels good to run around, move my arms and get to the ball.  My parents both grew up playing tennis and we all get really excited to watch all the tournaments on TV.  It’s fun to watch all the amazing tennis players.  I like learning about the sport and seeing how they approach every shot.  I also like seeing all of the rules of the game in action like how a player wins a point or how someone loses a match or when the ball hits the line what happens.  It would be my dream come true to meet any of the players.  I’m going to practice really hard and one day, I hope to become a famous tennis player too! – Sania

Mark Philippoussis & Sania Wadhera

PS. This is her little brother (munchkin #2) Ishaan and he’s SUCH a mega cutie pie. Just eating a cookie, #LikeABoss.

Ishaan Wadhera

#MostAdorableFamilyEver!

Naveen, Ishaan, Sania & Geetu Wadhera, IPTL

9. Ana Meri Jaana!

(Obvious Bollywood reference, leave me a comment below if you got it!) But yeah, most of the time Ana Ivanovic was playing some guy was yelling either “Ana, I love you!” or “Marry me, Ana!” loudly from the stands! (Also Deepika, please note the activity-appropriate outfit and those adorable pink kicks!) I WANT!

Ana Ivanovic, IPTL

10. Fanboy Moment!

At one point our buddy Naveen Wadhera actually caught the Nike sweatband Roger Federer threw into the crowd after his victory.

Naveen Wadhera

And guess who got to pose with it on? :)

Nowshad, IPTL

11. Johnnie Bombay.

Speaking of fanboy, have you met Johnnie Bombay?! He was there too and it’s awesome how he brings his game face to every kind of event!

Johnnie Bombay, IPTL

Johnnie Bombay, IPTL

12. The Delhi Crew!

I ran into some of my favourite Delhi fashion crew who were adorably out of their element at a sporting event, but dressed perfectly for it anyway! :)

Sujata Assomull and Gautam Kalra, IPTL

13. My Framily!

A lot of my Bombay peeps also made the trek down for the love of tennis and we had an amazing time :)

Bombay peeps, IPTL

14. Special Props to KZK!

I’ve told you this a bunch of times but here’s a picture to go with it finally. Remember the guy who convinced me to start my blog back in 2008 while we were on a friends group holiday to Dubai? Well this is him! Karan Wadhera :) Can you believe it KrazyK? Look how far we’ve come :)

Nowshad & Karan

PS. He’s also a sick DJ and here are his 10 MUST PLAY hip-hop tracks for your next party!

15. DJ IRIE

Speaking of DJs, the IPTL DJ Irie (also the official DJ of the Miami Heat) was OFF THE HOOK! He was SO good we looked for him all weekend :)

16. The Pangea Afterparty

Club Pangea (which I took you to virtually for the launch, remember?) hosted the official after party.

Heena and MissMalini

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Pangea India, IPTL

Pangea India, IPTL

Pangea India, IPTL

Pangea India, IPTL

Pangea India, IPTL

Pangea India, IPTL

I love that this club is almost always bathed in pink and purple light and the music’s always pumping!

Pangea India

As you can see Johnnie Bombay struck again, able to somehow look Photoshopped even when it’s a real picture. #SpecialSkill

Johnnie Bombay

17. Bonus Set.

Goran Ivanišević is one of Nowshie’s tennis idols. So it totally made his year to meet him at Pangea that night :) Its so cute to see Nowshad having a real fan moment because it’s almost always the other way around with me jumping up and down about the latest celebrity to appear on MissMalini’s World :)

Goran Ivanišević and Nowshad

18. And That’s A Wrap!

After a crazy awesome three days of IPTL we were pretty much exhausted and almost fell asleep at dinner in Hauz Khas Village (where FYI, the Ogaan building has a darling little restaurant called the Coast Cafe!)

MissMalini & Nowshad

Nowshad and Heena

Posted on MissMalini.com.

MissMalini

People often ask me what a week in my life is like and I can safely say, it’s usually like THIS! (Which basically means no two weeks are the same, but they are almost always equally AWESOME!) So I thought it might be fun to give YOU a flashback of this past week so you can get the picture! Okthanksbye :) xoxo

MONDAY, #GOACES!

I spent last weekend (and all of Monday) in Delhi, living the dream – if that is, your dream includes watching Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic playing tennis 10 feet away from you along with some of Bollywood’s A-list for some extra masala!

Bollywood at IPTL

In fact I just blogged up a storm about my Delhi trip for the IPTL, man was it AWESOME. Read all about it right here. :)

Bombay peeps, IPTL

TUESDAY, #TOTHEMOON

I was still gushing about the fact that Arianna Huffington mentioned me in her Namaste HuffPost India blog post along with Manoj Bajpayee and Rahul Khanna! :) Did you get a chance to read mine? #JaiHo :P

And she tweeted me too! Boom.

WEDNESDAY, #GEEKCHIC BOLLYWOOD HANGOUT

Barun Sobti, MissMalini and Sehnaz Treasury

We hung out with the cast of Main Aur Mr. Right, Barun Sobti and Shenaz Treasury and had SO much fun, watch now! And I know the Sobtians want to drool at more pictures so here you go.

After that I popped over to the Facebook office in BKC and found my old message on their actual Facebook Wall :) so fun! Stay tuned for some MissMalini Facebook awesomeness coming soon too!

Plus I discovered that Keenan & Ryan Tham‘s new spot The Good Wife in The Capital building plays awesome R&B and has an absolutely delicious signature cocktail named after the bar :) Oooh and their chef Pankaj Bhingarde is super sweet and friendly so deffy ask for him and tell him I said hello :) What’s awesome is that the cocktail king Dimi Lezinska has created their bar menu so you know you’re in good hands!

And because Wednesdays are like that, we ended up at Gangsta in Bandra with my pal Roger Williams who was in town, more old school hip hop and a TON of dancing! :)

THURSDAY, #VOGUEEMPOWER

Homi Adajania and MissMalini

I was SO jazzed to be invited to be part of a Vogue Empowerment video shoot directed by Homi Adajani, that includes 99 power women + Deepika Padukone! Here’s a behind-the-scenes sneak peek :) Thank you for my dress Forever New!
PS. See? I told you I’d blog our photo Rohan Shrestha! :P

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That evening my pal Sunny Sara invited us to try out Byblos in Phoenix Mills. Pop in for an LIIT and dessert if you get a chance, super yummy. (I recommend the giant cookie!)

Byblos, Mumbai

Byblos, Mumbai

Ritik & Sunny

Byblos, Mumbai

Byblos, Mumbai

FRIDAY – #MMFRIDAYS FASHION HANGOUT

I hosted yet another Google hangout to chat with some of Aza’s hot young designers including Nikhil Thampi, Sonaakshi Raaj, Payal Singhal & Shubhika Sharma plus the Aza heiress (aka girl with the magic closet!) Devangi Nishar. Check out the latest festive dressing trends and learn some super cool draping tricks!

WATCH!

SATURDAY – #THEJOURNEY

Last night I got all decked out BBLUNT style courtesy Adhuna Akhtar (dress by AND – Anita Dongre) and was ready for an evening of tunes by Bonobo, Paul Potts, and Dislocate (the circus theatre) at the Johnnie Walker extravaganza at Mehboob Studio!

#TheJourney

#TheJourney

SUNDAY – PJS, BLOGS & MEMORIES

And that brings us up to Sunday which I have spent in pajamas, surfing through my timehop and blogging :) I hope you enjoyed my week, I wonder what next week will be like! Any guesses? :P xoxo

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Pinterest.com

Backstreet Boys are the best band of boys, guys. I have decided that and I know you’ll will agree with me because I know no one has gotten over their songs. NO ONE! Even now, I Want It That Way makes me blush; Show Me The Meaning makes me sad and Quit Playing Games With My Heart makes me bawl like a baby. So here are five of my personal favourite Backstreet Boys songs because nostalgia.

1) As Long As You Love Me

Here they sing about loving a girl for exactly the way she is, as long she loves him (or them, the entire band). It’s so cute! The boys don’t care who she is, where’s from as long as her love is pure. They don’t make them like that anymore!

2) Quit Playing Games With My Heart

*Sob* I’d never play with games with your heart guys. Never.

3) I Want It That Way

You are… my faaaaire… the one deeeesireee (when I’m 5 drinks down at a karaoke bar). That’s how influential Backstreet Boys are in my life.

4) Show Me The Meaning

So emo, so angsty, so much love. Admit it ladies, at least once in your life you’ve hoped for someone to sing this song for you!

5) Everybody (Backstreets Back)

Am I original?
(Yeah)
Am I the only one?
(Yeah)
Am I sexual?
(Yeah)
Am I everything you need?
You better rock your body now

I am guys, I am rocking my body because you said so!

Source: Giphy.com

This video was so cool on so many levels!

Weren’t they were the best band of the 90s’? They were definitely my favourite!

Source: Giphy.com

I mean how could you not love them? HOW? HOW!

Tell me your favourites quickly!

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Pinterest.com/pcause

All of us have that phase where we hear a song and it slowly becomes the theme song of our lives. I know I’m guilty of this and I’m sure you are too! Seriously, currently I’m obsessed with Jumme Ki Raat from Kick, before that it was Let It Go from Frozen, before that it was Coldplay‘s Magic and that list can go on. Eclectic list, no? So here are the stages I definitely go through when I start obsessing over a new song, let me know what you think!

1) Listening to it

Source: Giphy.com

You get to hear this song either on the radio, on YouTube or because your friend LOVED it!

2) Not liking it at all

Source: Giphy.com

At first you’re like what is this song, it’s so dumb, why do people like it so much? What is wrong with the world?

3) Tolerating it to an extent

Source: Giphy.com

Because people around you like it so much you start tolerating it to a certain extent.

4) Grudgingly accepting that the song is not that bad

Source: Giphy.com

It’s not THAT bad.

5) Grudgingly accepting the fact that you actually like this song

Source: Giphy.com

Okay it’s a REALLY nice song, I will accept it with grace.

6) Listening to it on loop

Source: giphy.com

Why does this song get over so quickly? Gotta hit play again!

7) All day all night

Source: Giphy.com

I can’t stop, I won’t stop.

8) Finally realizing that you’ve been listening to ONE song the entire day!

Source: Giphy.com

Do I actually know the entire lyrics of Jumme Ki Raat? *Goes on to sing it to herself again*

9) Deciding that you’ve heard this song far too many times

Source: Giphy.com

The obsession is waning.

10) Getting sick of it and slowly getting obsessed with a brand new song!

Source: Giphy.com

Friend: Dude have you heard this song? It’s awesome!
Me: It’s not.
Friend: It is.
Me: Maybe it is….

Posted on MissMalini.com.

David Guetta

Guys! Team MissMalini got an exclusive interview with David Guetta before he steals our hearts at the Enchanted Valley Carnival this weekend. The popular DJ answered our questions on music, Bollywood and also Priyanka Chopra. I know you’re curious to find out more about him. We can’t wait to camp in Aamby Valley and watch the maestro perform, can you?

David Guetta

Team MM: How does it feel to be back in India?

David Guetta: The main attraction of this country is that the audience here is extremely warm and the emotional response you get from them is something which every artist yearns for. Some DJs have decided to bet everything on the United States because that’s the big market right now, while others are really invested in Ibiza. For me, I’m also there but I also want to go to places where not everyone else is. I’m going, for example, on a tour of India. It’s a country where there’s little in terms of album sales, but I want to take advantage of this opportunity to discover countries and cultures. I loved playing in India. Last time; it’s been hard with my recording schedule to find time to go back, but now the album is released, I’m so happy to be able to go again to this magical country. The dance music scene has really escalated to a different extent after my debut visit and I’m very excited to see it.
Team MM: In one of interviews you said that you are quite in awe of Indian actress-singer Priyanka Chopra. Would you like to collaborate with her?

David Guetta: I met Priyanka Chopra at the Grammys a couple of years back. She’s an extremely warm person and it was a pleasure to meet her. She is part of a project I am doing with UNICEF; she sings one line of Imagine by John Lennon; I speak it along with other artists, actors, sportspeople – even Ban Ki Moon! We are inviting people from all over the world to record their duet with John – a message of peace and unity and for every share, a dollar is unlocked for UNICEF to help children across the world. As far as a collaboration goes, I’m always open to discovering talent. Mine is not acting! So maybe it’s best I just watch the movies and play music.

Team MM: Would you be unveiling any of your new songs for your Indian fans during your performance here?

David Guetta: I really liked the concept of EVC and the vibe it gives out. So I decided to play music from my new album Listen, here first. It has hit no.1 on iTunes in like 47 countries this week. Our single, Dangerous is smashing it! That one will be played at EVC for sure and I look forward to seeing the reaction. Of course, I won’t disappoint by playing my previous hits too! Get ready to party!

Team MM: How did your latest album ‘Listen’ come about? How different is it from your previous albums?

David Guetta: It’s more organic. It is one of my most personal and challenging albums till date. Honestly, I’m a little bit scared. It’s completely different from anything I’ve done before. There are featured artists of course, but none that you’d expect with me, and really it’s just completely different from anything I’ve done before. That’s why it has taken almost three years. It’s just different. This next album has tracks I couldn’t compare to any other record. I have always been drawn to harmonies and emotional music and this album is no exception, and it is even more song-based than my last one. Where it differs is in the production styles and featured artists. The first single Lovers On the Sun (ft. Sam Martin), was produced with Avicii, and features some of the electro-country vibe that Avicii has become known for. It’s a record I produced together with Avicii and my original influence for the track was Spaghetti Western movies. There’s an Italian composer who writes the scores for all those movies called Ennio Morricone so the idea was originally influenced by him. As the track was sounding so Western it had a bit of an Avicii vibe to it, so when I was in Sweden he called me and I said, “Listen, I have this record that I think will be pretty huge but it sounds a little bit too much like you, so do you want to finish it with me?!” So that’s what we did — he’s really talented and I think the track sounds amazing. I haven’t been in the studio with others as much. I wanted to perfect the album first, and then play it to different people to find the right featured artist for each song. I just wanted to push myself to the max, and then play it others. I know I can make beats that make people dance, so now the challenge is to create the best possible music and songs that are timeless.

Check out the track!

Team MM: Which Indian DJs will be collaborating with you for your acts in India?

David Guetta: I love to collaborate with talented people from all over the world. I’ve just finished my album Listen, so I am promoting that and not producing so much right now. At the moment what’s really exciting for me is to find really talented people who are not necessarily the most famous. Of course I’m happy to work with really big stars – it’s a huge honour for me – but I’m also happy to discover new people and I think that’s going to be a big challenge in the next few year. I would have loved to collaborate with Michael Jackson but it’s too late now.

Team MM: How is your Bollywood music awareness? Any likelihood of every working in a Bollywood movie?

David Guetta: Well I’ve heard Bollywood has a huge fan following in India but I’m only focusing on touring and promoting my new album currently.

Team MM: Do you see India’s EDM scene evolving? What has been your experience during your last tour?

David Guetta: I’ve only had a couple of experiences of India but I fell in love. So I’d say that the main reason more and more global artists are setting foot in this country is because of the responsiveness of the market. India is a growing destination that has an evolving audience. Dance music is the next thing for the next 10 years. There’s only moving ahead now.

David Guetta

Can’t wait to see him LIVE! Tell us your favourite David Guetta tracks :)

Posted on MissMalini.com.

Source: Twitter @monstershanu

Team MissMalini met up with Shashwat Singh (the guy who gave us the awesome why was Gauahar Khan slapped video) in Delhi and had a fun chat with the man who took the Internet by storm. He was sweet, simple and a lot of fun! Knowing that the guy packs a punch in in just a few minutes, we asked him to give our wonderful readers some cool tips to spend this new year and he did not disappoint! Check it out.

Tell us which point is the one you’re going to follow for sure!

Posted on MissMalini.com.

J.K Rowling

At this point it’s safe to assume that J.K Rowling always wins Twitter. She wins at life. She wins everything. If you’re a fellow Potter Head, like most of us in Team MissMalini, then Harry Potter was your safe haven as you transitioned from child to pre-teen to adult. In fact, whenever I’m feeling down and out, I just read or watch a little Harry Potter for a quick pick me up.

It still surprises me that I learn a new life lesson every single time I reread the books or sit through a Harry Potter movie marathon. Which brings me to this: earlier this week, the author revealed that there definitely was a Jewish student at Hogwarts: Anthony Goldstein. This prompted a series of tweets on the LGBT community:

Source: Twitter @claroswiin

JK Rowling’s tweet (Source: Twitter @jk_rowling)

My mind is blown. This poster was actually created by a convention, but if only the world was so much more like Hogwarts and the world of Harry Potter, where hope and bravery overcomes evil.

Posted on MissMalini.com.

photo courtesy: www.reddit.com

For the past 5 weeks I have become utterly obsessed with this podcast, called Serial. I first heard about it quite randomly from friends who were in town to attend another friends wedding in Goa. (And I’m not at all embarrassed to admit that Nowshad and I spent almost all of our “down-time”, between wedding events, feverishly listening to episode after episode of this fascinating story.) As of now, the first thing you’ll see when you visit the podcast website serialpodcast.org are the images below with a link to the final episode of season 1.

Serial

Just FYI – Serial – The podcast’s first season is a true crime story about the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a senior at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Hae’s ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, a 17-year-old student, was arrested, convicted of strangling Hae, and is serving a life sentence in a Maryland prison. Adnan’s conviction was based largely on the testimony of one man: an acquaintance named Jay, who described how he helped Adnan carry out the logistics of his murderous plot and later watched Adnan bury Hae’s body.

Fifteen years after Adnan Syed was found guilty of murder in Baltimore the case has become a podcast sensation.

IMPORTANT: If you have not heard any of the episodes, and before you read ANY further (AND in fact, if we are ever going to be friends) please immediately go to Episode 1 and listen to the entire thing in sequence and then come back; (please come back, because we need to talk).

In fact, I’ve even imbedded ALL 12 episodes for you here so you don’t have to go anywhere, for a while.

Crazy, right? This is them, back in 1998.

Adnan & Hae

Ok, so I must start by saying that the reason I find Serial SO utterly fascinating is that it involves the painstaking narrative of a real murder case that happened back in 1999. But the way they do it is so… so touchy feely. The narration, the testimony, the voices. It’s what we always recongized in the radio world as theatre of the mind. It allows your imagination to take flight and conjure up a visual that is unique to you and your imagination alone. (Here’s an example of how that works, picture a cube…)

Point being, that listening to a story unfold (especially one based on true events) is akin to reading a book. The magic of which we are all familiar with. Again – theatre of the mind. Because your mind is capable of far greater visual imagery (not to mention CGI effects) than any 3D movie will ever have to offer. But I digress…

Remember: if you read on, without listening to all 12 episodes, you’re in for a serious spoiler; and now, you have been duly warned!

Serial

By now you are familiar with the disarming voice of the Serial host, Sarah Koenig. I think she does a brilliant job being utterly honest about her own unresolved feelings towards the case and its protagonist – Adnan Syed. I have flipped and flopped with her time and time again thinking, he didn’t do it, did he? He couldn’t have, could he? Or equally often; Oh My God. He did it. He really did, how could he?

PS. Poorna Jagannathan, sometimes I feel like this too :) and btw, it delights me to no end that we listen to the same stuff.

Sarah Koenig (photo courtesy: mashable.com)

And now I sit here, having heard all 12 episodes, still conflicted (much like Sarah) and here are the questions that bother me most. The ones that keep me up at night. (Also admittedly, the ones I spend hours searching for answers to on Reddit.) I thought if I write them all down it might help… help me, help you? I don’t know. But for what it’s worth, here they are, and any ol’ time you want to have a chat with me about them (or any burning questions YOU might have) just leave me a comment below and you better believe I’ll be back to hash it out!

My 12 Questions About Serial.

(Remember these probably won’t make any sense unless you have heard Serial and understand what I’m talking about!)

Adnan Syed

1. Why doesn’t Adnan EVER say anything about Jay?
I know it’s been 15 years, but surely you’d STILL be pretty pissed off? At the very least hurt, confused, angry and emotional about someone who’s sole testimony sentenced you to life in prison? Apparently for no reason?! Why doesn’t Adnan ever say, Why Jay? Why?

2. What’s up with Jay having Adnan’s car AND cell phone the day of the murder if they were never even that good friends?

3. Are Jay and Adnan BOTH lying about what they did that day to protect someone else?

4. What’s with the almost too-vague reference to some “tension” over Adnan and Stephanie being BFFs and Hae confronting Jay about cheating on Stephanie? How come that never really comes up again?

5. The Asia letters. WTF. (Now look into my eyes and tell me you’re not high.)

6. The Nisha call. A devastatingly incriminating two-minute-twenty-two-second butt dial, really?!

7. How creepy is it that Hae was interviewed on TV about being a student athlete the same day that she disappeared and this might be that very same clip?

8. What if Adnan’s lawyer, Christina Gutierrez, discovered the truth, but defended him anyway and that’s why he’s still so grateful to her for keeping his secrets?

9. What was the BIG rumour that Sarah Koenig said she pursued, but couldn’t verify?

10. How creepy was that “I’M GOING TO KILL” on Hae’s November breakup note? And what exactly happened at 7:45am that day?

11. What did Hae’s note to Don mean when she said, “Hey cutie. Sorry I couldn’t stay. But I promise to page you as soon as I get done, okay?” Was the note even for Don?

12. Who killed Hae Min Lee? I have to know. One way or another. I have to know.

Now to decompress from all this heaviness! Here’s an insanely awesome SNL sketch that nails EVERYTHING about Serial. Twice.

Bahahaha! 

Ok…. so there you have it. A brilliant podcast, and much like life – an unresolved dilemma. Is that the same as reasonable doubt? You tell me. xo

First posted on MissMalini.com.