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Naina Arora

Naina Arora writes on City, Art and Culture of Gurugram, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City

Articles by Naina Arora

Educated log toh humein kuch samajhte hi nahin hain, rue NCR security guards

In the wake of an incident wherein a woman manhandled a security personnel, we speak to guards about their daily struggles on the job. How much does a guard earn?Most security guards in gated communities across Delhi-NCR work a 12-hour shift and earn a starting salary of ₹10,000. They share that they are frequently on the receiving end of misbehaviour, and that salaries are often delayed. Some guards also work 24 hours. How much does a guard earn?

Security personnel of gated communities say that the misconduct towards them is a regular occurrence and they only tolerate the insults because they have to earn their livelihood. (Photo: Shutterstock (For Representational Purpose Only)

cities

Published on Aug 23, 2022 11:53 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, Noida

In line with creativity: Influenced by the Gita

Over 40 artworks will be on display at the exhibition, titled 16,108 Conversations between Krishna, Alexa and I.

The show is based on artist Mahima Bhayana’s nine-year research, of mapping lines from ancient art of miniature painting and calligraphy to contemporary times across diverse mediums.

cities

Updated on Aug 21, 2022 03:52 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Delhi Metro’s daily tales: Fight for seat, loud music are back as irritants!

A viral video of a seat spat has brought back the spotlight on ‘life in a Metro’! While the fight in the video was about reserving a seat with a bag, it’s not uncommon to spot such debates over other irritating habits of commuters.

Frequent metro travellers share how they are coping with the annoying co-passengers in Delhi Metro, in the endemic era. (Illustrations: Anurag Mehra/HT)

cities

Published on Aug 19, 2022 10:31 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Janmashtami ’22: 56 bhog, dahi handi, phoolon ki holi with renewed fervour

After a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, condominiums, RWAs and various localities in Delhi-NCR are geared up to welcome Laddu Gopal with revived fervour! From young ones dressed as Radha or Krishna, to dahi handi, there’s a lot planned for Janmashtami, today and tomorrow

RWAs and various localities in Delhi-NCR are geared up to welcome Laddu Gopal with Krishna Jhanki, Krishna Jhula, Bhajan Sandhya, and more. (Photo: Parveen Kumar/HT)

lifestyle

Published on Aug 18, 2022 11:20 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Baking delights: Cup cakes, popsicles get tricolour coating

Home bakers share that orders are also being placed by condominiums across NCR, where ceremonies are planned to unfurl the national flag and revel in patriotic spirit.

Tricolour-themed cupcakes, dessert jars and other sweet treats are gaining popularity along with tricolour sandwiches.

lifestyle

Published on Aug 15, 2022 12:06 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Kite flying enthusiasts bat for use of cotton manjhas, this I-Day

The recent death of a 35-year-old from a kite string has brought back spotlight on the downside of using glass powder-coated strings.

Those passionate about kite flying believe the tradition must be passed down generations, albeit with safety in mind. (Photo: PTI)

cities

Published on Aug 15, 2022 11:46 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

IndependenceDay2022: Singer Asees Kaur says she’s blessed to be an Indian

On Independence Day, Asees Kaur shares what it means to be a patriot in today’s day and age, how she yearns to sing patriotic numbers.

From loving memories of growing up in a free country to the heart wrenching memoirs of her grandparents, singer Asees Kaur relives it all as she looks at the India Gate that gets the Tricolour crown when dusk sets in (Photo: Manoj Verma/HT)

entertainment

Updated on Aug 15, 2022 12:13 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

PM asked me about my promise to bring gold for my mom: Nikhat Zareen

Commonwealth Games (CWG) gold medallist says meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was overwhelming.

PM Narendra Modi felicitated boxer Nikhat Zareen during a ceremony for the Indian contingent of Commonwealth Games 2022, in Delhi. (Photo: PIB)

sports

Published on Aug 15, 2022 10:03 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

An artistic celebration of freedom and dignity

The 20th edition of the LalitArpan Festival, is conceptualised by Kathak maestro, Padma Shri Shovana Narayan.

Catch Kathak maestro Shovana Narayan perform Roop-Vidroop, which is based on a true incident, about the self-awareness of an acid attack survivor who decides to live life with her head held high.

lifestyle

Published on Aug 08, 2022 10:04 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

#FriendshipDay2022: Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge

On Friendship Day, today, we celebrate some bonds that set sail in college corridors, braved thunderstorms, yet stay afloat.

Actors Adil Hussain and Annup Sonii who met at the National School of Drama decades ago, share how their friendship is still going strong, on Friendship Day today.

entertainment

Published on Aug 07, 2022 11:29 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

#DelhiAtDusk: The breathtaking transition from day to dark

At Delhi’s landmark spots, one can enter at twilight and keep exploring after sunset when the lights bring the buildings to life. Fans of the experience share their favourite moments from the transitory period.

At the Safdarjung’s Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb and Red Fort, one can enter early and keep exploring until sunset when the lights illuminate these historical buildings. (Photo: Raj K Raj/HT)

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Published on Aug 06, 2022 06:08 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

DU ki energy alag hai: Kailash ahead of performance at centenary bash

Padma Shri singer Kailash Kher has been invited to perform at the varsity, along with his band Kailasa.

Kailash Kher who recently performed at the Tiranga Utsav, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, says his passion for nationalistic tunes stemmed from his childhood. (Photo: Dhruv Sethi/HT)

entertainment

Published on Aug 06, 2022 11:12 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Frame by frame: Tracing the peak, Kailash and its tales

An ongoing exhibition in Delhi, Kailash-Mansarovar: A photographic journey, features 54 prints, and three panoramas by photographer Milan Moudgill.

Photographer Milan Moudgill’s exhibition shows how he went exploring the sources of the Brahmaputra, Indus and Sutlej rivers in 2007 — a full 100 years after Swedish explorer Sven Hedin; using Hedin’s journals, written accounts and maps. (Photo: Manish Rajput/HT)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 01, 2022 08:07 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Mirabai Chanu: Will have mummy ke haath ka khana once I am home

What makes weightlifter Mirabai Chanu’s victory at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in the women’s 49kg category sweeter for her is that it’s India’s first gold at the event

Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the women's 49kg weightlifting category match at the Commonwealth Games 2022 (CWG), in Birmingham, UK. (Photo: PTI)

sports

Updated on Aug 01, 2022 12:01 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Neha Bhasin: I used to wear leather pants to LSR, and was still accepted

Neha Bhasin may be settled in Mumbai now, but the memories of the Capital are still close to the heart of this Delhi-born singer

Singer Neha Bhasin gets nostalgic about growing up in and around south Delhi, and shares her fond memories of studying in Lady Shri Ram College For Women, Delhi University. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT)

entertainment

Published on Jul 31, 2022 02:51 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Teej times: Of ghewar and festivity

New Delhi The sight of ghewar making its way to the sweet shops of Delhi is one to behold for any dilliwalah

From mini ghewar in flavours such as kaju cream, to all time faves such as malai ghewar, kesar ghewar, chocolate ghewar and rose ghewar, there’s ample variety to explore in the bylanes of Old Delhi. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT)

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Published on Jul 31, 2022 11:22 AM IST

ByNaina Arora

Going viral has its fair share of negativity, says Deepika’s lookalike

Since social media noticed her resemblance to actor Deepika Padukone, Rijuta Ghosh Deb has gone viral as the actor’s lookalike

Digital creator, Rijuta Ghosh Deb, who has gone viral as actor Deepika Padukone’s lookalike, says she has taken a conscious decision to avoid negative comments on social media for her mental health.

entertainment

Published on Jul 25, 2022 08:34 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

#CWG2022: Lakshya Sen says music and routines keep him focused

Like his first name, which means goal, shuttler Lakshya Sen is just focusing on his aim — to win medals for India! Prepping for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (July 28 to August 8), the 20-year-old says his training is “going good” and his target is to “keep improving”

Ace shuttler Lakshya Sen says his aim is to play international badminton for eight to 10 more years, and win many tournaments.

sports

Published on Jul 24, 2022 10:06 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Delhi youngster bats for real gender equality through the reel

The film directed by Shadab Khan, stars actors Iqbal Khan, Shafaq Naaz, Sachin Khurana and Abha Parmar.

The film, X or Y conceived and produced by 17-year-old Delhi-based filmmaker Devansh Saraf, has won 13 awards nationally as well as internationally, and recently released on an OTT platform.

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Published on Jul 24, 2022 09:33 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

The extravaganza of Kuchipudi goes global

American dancer-choreographer Fred Astaire’s words — ‘Do it big, do it right and do it with style’ — came to the mind of those who were present at Sunnyvale Theatre in California, US

The two-hour concert by Natya Tarangini International, a Kuchipudi dance institute in the US, witnessed disciples joining from across the world, including UK, Oman, Singapore and Australia.

lifestyle

Published on Jul 22, 2022 06:10 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

I’m not calm before my game, I stay charged up: Hima Das on her prep for CWG 2022

Sprinter Hima Das talks about her prep for Commonwealth Games 2022, after a tough phase of injuries over the last two years.

Hima Das has her eyes set on a medal at the women’s 4x100m relay in Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

sports

Published on Jul 21, 2022 01:48 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Delhi’s monsoon is very kanjoos: Gagan Arora

Pakode, chai aur #DilliKiBaarish

Gagan Arora bring out his love for monsoon snacking at the popular spot of Khandani Pakodewala near Sarojini Nagar. (Photo: Gokul VS/HT)

entertainment

Published on Jul 20, 2022 12:53 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Aahana Kumra: On OTT, variety of roles for female actors is refreshing

Aahana S Kumra feels blessed to be a part of the OTT boom where relatable yet varied scripts are the norm.

Actor Aahana Kumra, has been a part of a variety of web shows such as Marzi, Official CEOgiri, Sandwiched Forever and Betaal, and recently portrayed a grey character in Avrodh 2.

entertainment

Published on Jul 16, 2022 12:58 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Dive into history with Delhi’s baolis

Monsoon is crucial to parched baolis, for they wait to resurrect themselves with rainwater; though not in all its glory

In early 1900s, the British documented over 30 stepwells in Delhi. Many of these still exist, some are even functional. It is said that at the Baoli of Feroz Shah Kotla, every Thursday, scores of devotees would throng the baoli and pray to the djinns. (Photo: Shantanu Bhattacharya/HT)

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Published on Jul 16, 2022 11:03 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Sargun Mehta: I have swept KMC auditorium

Sargun Mehta has carved a niche for herself in both the small screen space as well as the Punjabi film industry

During her theatre days, the actor says she has done everything from sweeping the floor to lifting props, and more.

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Updated on Jul 14, 2022 10:43 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Guru mantra: Play, fight, live like there’s no tomorrow

On Guru Purnima today, some popular personalities share how their teachers identified their inherent talents and dedicated themselves to honing the skills of their pupils.

On Guru Purnima today, popular personalities such as ace sprinter Hima Das, paralympian Praveen Kumar, photographer Avani Rai, and Kathak danseuse Shivani Varma talk about their gurus and their learnings.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 13, 2022 11:40 AM IST

ByKaran Sethi and Naina Arora, New Delhi

Kanwar Yatra returns: Safety meets spirituality and swag

Delhi-NCR based kanwars, who are ready to hit the road after two years — starting July 14 — say that safety is their first priority. Geared up to immerse in the enthusiasm of the festivities, some even share their playlist that will echo on the roads of the Capital. The Kanwar playlistKharcha Bhej DeDamak Dam Damroo Re BajeTu Raja Ki RajdulariMain Aa Gaya Re Bhola Tere Ghat PeKiska Karu Virodh O Bhole The Kanwar playlist

Kanwariyas spotted arriving from Haridwar NH 58, during the 2019 Kanwar Yatra, before the pandemic hit. The vigour and zeal will takeover city this year, after a gap of two years. (Photo: Sakib Ali/HT)

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Published on Jul 11, 2022 01:57 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Ritu Beri on #DelhiPolice merchandise: Wanted to create a sense of pride and honour

Backpacks, totes, duffle bags, purses, wallets, caps — You name it, and Delhi Police has it in their new set of merchandise designed by Ritu Beri

Apart from bags, the range of merchandise designed by Ritu Beri also has apparel, cufflinks, keychains, and other fashion accessories. (Photo:Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

cities

Updated on Jul 11, 2022 10:35 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

#Monsoonmania: Spotted a reptile in monsoon? Don’t panic

Wildlife SOS has already rescued 20 reptiles in 72 hours across Delhi-NCR. Reptile Spotting 101Keep an eye on its movement: If you see a snake or monitor lizard heading for a bush or an open paddock, you probably won’t see it again. If it enters your house, goes into a shed or under a vehicle, immediately inform the authorities.Stay alert: If you have tall grass or dense shrubbery around your house, trim it periodically. Also, avoid accumulating garbage. Rats and mice are snakes’ go-to prey, so it’s best to clean up and control rodents on your property.Call for help: Don’t attempt to take matters into your own hands. Contact wildlife experts like Wildlife SOS (9871963535) or the Forest Department (011-23370679) and wait for them to arrive. Describe the reptile in detail over the phone or try and send them a picture, so they can guide you appropriately. Reptile Spotting 101

Delhi-NCR, is home to a range of snake species, from extremely venomous ones such as cobra, common krait and in some rare cases, saw-scaled vipers among others.

cities

Updated on Jul 09, 2022 03:16 PM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

Staff will suffer, feels restauranteurs; customers happy

On Monday, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) prohibited eateries from automatically or by default levying service charges on food bills

As Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has prohibited eateries from automatically or by default levying service charges on food bills, restaurateurs feel this isn’t in the welfare of their staff. (Photo: Sanchit Khanna/HT)

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Published on Jul 06, 2022 11:51 AM IST

ByNaina Arora, New Delhi

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