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Makeup Mantras: Rasika Dugal reveals her beauty secrets, favourite winged liner trick and a sunscreen mistake to avoid
Lifestyle

Makeup Mantras: Rasika Dugal reveals her beauty secrets, favourite winged liner trick and a sunscreen mistake to avoid

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Actors don’t always rely on layers of makeup and hours in the chair for luminous skin and effortless charm. For Delhi Crime and Manto actor Rasika Dugal, skincare starts with fitness and good sleep, while makeup is about enhancing—not hiding—her natural features. In this candid edition of Makeup Mantras for HT Lifestyle, Rasika talks about her glow-from-within secrets, the only two products she can’t live without, and the quirky DIY hack she uses to draw the perfect eyeliner every time.

Rasika Dugal believes in simple makeup mantras.(Instagram/ Rasika Dugal)

Q. Shooting schedules can be harsh on skin. How do you keep yours healthy and glowing amidst the lights and long hours?

Rasika Dugal: Exercise! It’s the best skin hack. There is nothing that makes the skin glow more than a good workout. But it can’t be at the cost of good sleep. So, a good workout after a good night’s sleep is my mantra. It can be tough to do both when I am shooting. On those days, I choose one or the other. Exercise well. Drink lots of water. And remove the make up as soon as you don’t need it!

Q. What are the makeup products you always carry in your bag, no matter what?

Rasika Dugal: Lip balm and Kajal.

Q. International brands or homegrown Indian brands for makeup: What do you prefer and why?

Rasika Dugal: Whatever is tried and tested and works best for my skin. Sometimes, the most recommended brands don’t suit your skin and a lesser known brand just clicks. It about what your skin needs at that time. Initially, I experiment with a few products to see what works. Once I find something that works for me, I pretty much stick to it till my needs change. Because what is suitable for your skin also keeps changing with age, with the weather, and so on.

Q. Do you have a go-to sunscreen that works under makeup without leaving a white cast?

Rasika Dugal: ISDIN photoprotector. Blends into the skin well and feels light. Sunscreen is a must these days. I have made the mistake of not wearing sunscreen when I am indoors. And that’s a no-no.

Q. One makeup trend you secretly can’t stand?

Rasika Dugal: I am not a fan of bling on the face.

Q. A DIY beauty hack you want all your fans to learn?

Rasika Dugal: Use tape to get your winged liner right! It’s a great hack. Just put a small tape on the edge of your eye in the direction in which you want the liner. And then you don’t have to worry about the liner being swiggly or messy. Once you remove the tape, it’s a nice, neat line!

Q. Is there a makeup look from one of your characters that you were not comfortable with?

Rasika Dugal: Makeup is about the details. It is amazing how one tweak can change so much. For example, whether you brush your eyebrows up or not can just make you look so different! I like to use make up effectively for character work.

Wigs or hair extensions are great for changing the look of a character. Especially, when there is a time jump in the script… But they are the most uncomfortable to wear throughout a shoot day. They can be heavy and no matter how good the quality, the clips hurt after a couple of hours. They are the first thing I want to take off when the director says pack up!

Q. Share your guide to a 5-minute makeup routine for all lazy women out there!

Rasika Dugal: For a lazy day: Moisturize really well, put on some sunscreen. Wear Kohl. Glossy lip balm. And you are ready to go.

For a not so lazy day: In addition to the lazy day routine, apply a nice primer. Add some concealer to the undereyes. Then use very tiny dots of it (because concealer is typically heavier than foundation) on other parts of the face and blend, so that the undereyes don’t look patchy. Brush up the brows and done!

For anything else: 5 minutes is too ambitious!

Q. What’s the weirdest place you have ever done your makeup in?

Rasika Dugal: In a cab in France! On my way from the airport in Nice to Cannes. My flight was delayed and I had to make it in time for the announcement of my film ‘Manto’! I had quickly changed in the airport loo and figured that the only way I would make it in time would be if I did my make-up in the cab. The driver was obviously not thrilled. He kept mumbling throughout the hour long drive. Thankfully, I don’t speak French!

Q. Fill in the blank: “I feel most beautiful when _.”

Rasika Dugal: I am wearing Kohl.

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Navratri 2025: Fasting rules to follow, what to eat and avoid during the 9-day festival of Shardiya Navratri
Lifestyle

Navratri 2025: Fasting rules to follow, what to eat and avoid during the 9-day festival of Shardiya Navratri

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Navratri 2025: Shardiya Navratri is just around the corner, and devotees of Maa Durga are preparing to celebrate the nine-day festival with great devotion and enthusiasm. This year, it will be observed from Pratipada to Navami of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, falling between September 22 and October 2. During this period, devotees worship Maa Durga’s nine forms, known as the Navadurgas. (Also read: Navratri 2025 calendar: When is Shardiya Navratri? Know correct dates and auspicious colours of all 9 days of festival )

Navratri 2025: Shardiya Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2, honouring Maa Durga’s nine forms. (Shutterstock)

Fasting is a significant part of the festival. Across the country, many devotees observe day-long fasts throughout Navratri, while some follow the tradition of “jodas,” fasting on two days out of the nine. Regardless of whether one is fasting, devotees are advised to follow certain dos and don’ts during this auspicious period.

Rules to follow during Navratri fasting

  • Navratri fasting is not just about abstaining from certain foods, it also involves lifestyle practices and guidelines:
  • Avoid strict fasting if you are a small child, elderly, pregnant, or nursing.
  • Skip regular salt, meat, eggs, onions, and garlic; use rock salt (sendha namak) instead.
  • Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
  • Stay hydrated with water, milk, and fresh fruit juices.
  • Wake up early, take a bath, wear fresh clothes, and offer prayers to Maa Durga.
Fasting is a key part of Navratri, with many observing day-long fasts or fasting on two specific days. (istockphoto)
Fasting is a key part of Navratri, with many observing day-long fasts or fasting on two specific days. (istockphoto)
  • Black clothing is considered inauspicious during this period.
  • Avoid haircuts, nail treatments, or shaving.
  • Both men and women can observe the fast; if nine days is difficult, fasting for a few days is acceptable.
  • Evening meals should be sattvic, fruits, milk, and juices are suitable for daytime consumption.
  • Charity and helping others are encouraged.
  • On Ashtami and Navami, Kanya Pujan is performed, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga.

Foods you can eat during Navratri

1. Flours: Buckwheat, rajgira, and water chestnut flour for rotis, puris, and other dishes.

2. Sabudana: Sago is used to make khichdi, vadas, and kheer.

3. Fruits and Dairy: Fresh fruits, milk, yoghurt, and homemade juices.

4. Vegetables: Gourd, potato, spinach, tomato, and capsicum.

5. Rock salt: Use instead of regular salt.

6. Samak eice: Also called Varai or Barnyard Millet, a substitute for regular rice.

Foods to avoid during Navratri

1. Wheat, rice, and their products

2. Pulses and beans

3. Onion and garlic

4. Meat, fish, and eggs

5. Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs

6. Packed or canned foods

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Harvard gastroenterologist shares 3 foods to avoid that cause fatty liver: ‘Sodas and juices are liquid poison…’
Lifestyle

Harvard gastroenterologist shares 3 foods to avoid that cause fatty liver: ‘Sodas and juices are liquid poison…’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Cases of fatty liver are on the rise, largely fueled by poor dietary habits and processed foods. While the condition can have serious long-term consequences, simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat accumulation in the liver and lower the risk of liver disease.

According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, sugary drinks and processed foods are detrimental to liver health.(Unsplash)

Also Read | Gastroenterologist says these 10 everyday foods are more dangerous for your liver than sugar

Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford universities, is breaking down the role of unhealthy nutrition choices that contribute to the accumulation of fat in the liver. In an Instagram video posted on September 9, the gut doctor revealed three common food choices that are detrimental to your liver health and should be avoided in order to protect your liver, stressing that simple dietary changes make a big difference.

Sugary drinks

According to Dr Sethi, sugary drinks like sodas and juices “are loaded with empty calories and can severely damage your liver, contributing to fatty liver disease.” Sugary drinks, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, contribute to insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation by overwhelming the liver’s ability to process fructose, leading to fat buildup and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a study published in Hepatology Communications.

The gastroenterologist dubs soft drinks as “liquid poison” and recommends sticking to water, sparkling water, tea or coffee, as they are much healthier choices.

Deep-fried foods

Second on Dr Sethi’s list are deep-fried foods. He states, “deep-fried foods, especially those cooked in unhealthy oils, should be avoided,” to reduce liver fat because they are high in unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, which lead to fat accumulation, inflammation, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to Chennai Liver Foundation.

Also Read | Hepatologist ‘The Liver Doc’ reveals why people must take weight loss drug Mounjaro and who should avoid it

Ultra-processed foods

Lastly, Dr Sethi explains, “Items like chips, candies, sugary cereals, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and detrimental to liver health.” Ultra-processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives that strain the liver, as per Hepatitis NSW, and can contribute to liver inflammation and disruption of the gut microbiome.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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Cardiologist says 'gut health impacts your heart health'; shares simple lifestyle habits to avoid post-meal bloating | Health
Lifestyle

Cardiologist says ‘gut health impacts your heart health’; shares simple lifestyle habits to avoid post-meal bloating | Health

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Updated on: Sept 02, 2025 08:21 am IST

Cardiologist Dr Alok Chopra emphasises the importance of gut health for heart health, sharing lifestyle tips to prevent bloating and improve overall well-being.

Your gut health is equally important to maintain your overall health. Moreover, a compromised gut impacts the functioning of your heart, too. According to a March 2017 study, changes in the composition of gut microbiota have been linked to hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and even type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Gut health impacts overall health—including your heart. These simple lifestyle habits can help you beat post-meal bloating. (Shutterstock)

Also Read | Are you always feeling tired? Cardiologist explains how fatigue can be a symptom for many cardiovascular diseases

In an Instagram post shared on August 29, Dr Alok Chopra, a cardiologist and functional medicine expert, stressed the important role of gut in ensuring your heart stays healthy. He also shared a few simple lifestyle hacks that can ensure your gut stays in the best shape by avoiding bloating. Let’s find out what Dr Chopra said.

Simple lifestyle hacks to avoid bloating

Sharing the lifestyle hacks, Dr Chopra captioned the post, “As a cardiologist and functional medicine expert, I’ve seen how gut health impacts overall health—including your heart. These simple lifestyle habits can help you beat post-meal bloating and feel your best.” Here’s what he suggested to avoid bloating:

Having the wrong balance of bugs may mean more byproducts that raise cholesterol levels and harm blood vessels. (Shutterstock)
Having the wrong balance of bugs may mean more byproducts that raise cholesterol levels and harm blood vessels. (Shutterstock)
  • Eat slowly and mindfully: Chew thoroughly to support digestion.
  • Avoid carbonated drinks: They trap excess gas in your system.
  • Watch portion sizes: Overeating can put stress on the gut.
  • Limit gas-producing foods: Like beans, lentils, and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage).
  • Take a gentle walk after meals: It helps reduce gas buildup and aids digestion.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps digestion smooth.

Can gut health impact your heart?

According to a report by the Johns Hopkins Medicine Organisation, experts have suspected a connection between gut health and heart health, and recent research adds evidence, finding that changes in certain types of gut bacteria are associated with high blood pressure, lower levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, and heart failure. Having the wrong balance of bugs may mean more byproducts that raise cholesterol levels and harm blood vessels.

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.

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News / Lifestyle / Health / Cardiologist says ‘gut health impacts your heart health’; shares simple lifestyle habits to avoid post-meal bloating

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GI cancer surgeon reveals 4 habits to avoid and suggests 3 dietary choices to balance your gut microbiome | Health
Lifestyle

GI cancer surgeon reveals 4 habits to avoid and suggests 3 dietary choices to balance your gut microbiome | Health

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Gut health is one of the most talked-about topics in wellness discourse because of its close connection with other aspects of health, like mental well-being and immunity, through the gut-brain and gut-immunity axes. But you cannot talk about gut health without spotlighting the microbiome. At the very root of gut health is the gut microbiome. All the major functions of the gut, from digestion to nutrient absorption, are supported by the complex community of bacteria and other microbes in the gut. But this efficiency depends on maintaining a balance, and what you eat plays a vital role in keeping your gut microbiome healthy.

Add probiotics like raita to your diet.(Shutterstock)

ALSO READ: Hepatologist explains how gut influences memory, mood and mental wellbeing; unpacks why gut may be the ‘second brain’

Dr Hemant Jain, Consultant Laparoscopic and GI Cancer Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, shared with HT Lifestyle that traditional Indian foods help to support gut microbiome.

He explained, “The gut microbiome, or group of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that reside in our gut and help our digestive tract as a whole, from immunity to metabolism. Indian traditional food is largely respected due to its nature to heal and diversity, yet recent interpretations and lifestyle have induced imbalance in our gut.”

The attraction to processed fast foods is alarming in today’s time, as Dr Jain warned that they disrupt the gut microbiome’s balance and increase the risk of many gastrointestinal disorders. Dr Jain added, “Today’s food culture, urban living, and food processing have caused a significant imbalance of gut microbiota in most Indians, which may produce a variety of disease conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes and even mental illnesses.”

4 things to avoid

Processed foods like burgers and French fries are increasingly common among youth, but they pose serious health hazards to gut health.(Shutterstock)
Processed foods like burgers and French fries are increasingly common among youth, but they pose serious health hazards to gut health.(Shutterstock)

The first step to maintaining a healthy gut is eliminating some common yet harmful habits. Dr Jain shared which habits you should change:

1. Eating a lot of processed foods:

  • Indian urban and semi-urban households experienced a dramatic increase in packet foods of snacks, soft beverages, and ready-to-eat foods.
  • These highly processed foods have low dietary fibre and high added sugars and unhealthy fat content, which negatively impact the richness and functionality of gut microbiota.

2. Lack of dietary diversity:

  • Traditional Indian diets were once regional and vegetarian, involving frequent use of lentils, whole grains, vegetables, seasonal fruits, seeds, and naturally fermented foods (such as curd, pickles, and idli/dosa batter).
  • The trend of ease and the globalised food culture trend have limited dietary variety, thus denying healthy gut flora the diversity of fibres and polyphenols that they live on.

3. Increased use of antibiotics and pesticide exposure:

  • Inappropriate use of antibiotics and consumption of chemical pesticides through non-organic foods have the potential to disturb the balance in the gut microbiome.
  • It also sometimes represses beneficial species.

4. Sedentary lifestyle:

  • Sedentary life, stress, lack of sleep, and irregular eating patterns are now prevalent in urban India.,
  • This also disrupts gut balance, suggesting the necessity of an integrated gut care regimen.

Better dietary choices for a healthy gut

Choose healthy desi options like ragi roti and lentils.(Shutterstock)
Choose healthy desi options like ragi roti and lentils.(Shutterstock)

Now that you know the triggers of gut imbalance and are aware of precautionary measures, let’s take a look at some dietary choices that can support and improve your gut microbiome. Dr Hemant Jain highlighted these 4 dietary options:

1. Include a blend of vegetables like spinach, methi, carrots, beetroots, broccoli, and fruits, and nuts, providing a range of fibres and phytonutrients to feed an array of microbes.

2. Ancient Indian fermented foods such as dahi, buttermilk, idli, dosa, pickles, and kanji are natural probiotics and centuries old in creating gut harmony. These can increase counts of beneficial bacteria if consumed every day.

3. Prioritising top whole grains, including millets (ragi, jowar, bajra) and brown rice, lentil and legume types like masoor dal, moong dal, toor dal, chana, rajma, kala chana, chickpeas.

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.

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