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Anant Ambani Radhika Merchant Wedding Celebrations Include Epic 40 Day Bhandara Feeding Thousands Daily The wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani the youngest son of Indian business magnate Mukesh Ambani and Radhika Merchant have been a spectacle of global opulence and deeply rooted Indian tradition for months. Beyond the high profile guest list and designer couture what has captured the public's imagination is the unparalleled scale of their charitable initiative: a 40 day grand Bhandara or community feast. This astonishing act of generosity commenced in early June and continued until after the main wedding ceremony feeding an estimated 9000 people daily in Mumbai. This massive public feast which offered over 100 dishes across its full run stood as a humanitarian counterpoint to the family's renowned private extravagance.The Bhandara a traditional Hindu practice of feeding the less fortunate during auspicious events was organized at Antilia the Ambani family's residence. Far from a simple meal this was a meticulously planned spread served twice daily to thousands of people from all walks of life. The menu itself a marvel of logistics and variety featured a revolving selection of over 100 wholesome Indian vegetarian dishes. Staples like Vegetable Pulao, Dhokla a Gujarati delicacy, Gatte Ki Sabji, Paneer dishes, and Raita along with warm Pooris were part of the daily offerings. Traditional sweets such as Laddoos ensured a perfect end to the nourishing meals.The decision to host a public feast on this epic scale underscores the cultural significance of charity and social responsibility in Indian weddings. In Hinduism feeding the community especially the needy is considered a virtuous deed that brings blessings and good karma to the newlywed couple's life. By sharing their joy and their immense wealth with thousands of people daily the Ambani family not only honored this age old custom but also transformed their private celebration into a monumental public service event. The overwhelming positive response and the blessings showered upon Anant and Radhika by the countless recipients have been a testament to the profound impact of this gesture.While the Bhandara ran for 40 days offering a continuous cycle of fresh dishes the main pre-wedding functions in Jamnagar also featured a separate culinary extravaganza with over 2500 dishes served to VVIP guests over three days showcasing everything from local Gujarati specialties and South Indian staples to exotic international cuisines from around the globe. Yet it is the 100 dishes in 40 days for the community that has t
King Khan's Business Acumen How Red Chillies Entertainment Propelled Shah Rukh Khan to Billionaire Club Bollywood's Badshah Shah Rukh Khan has officially cemented his status as a global financial powerhouse by entering the billionaire club for the first time. According to the recently released M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 the superstar's net worth has soared to an estimated ₹12490 crore which translates to approximately $1.4 billion. This staggering figure not only makes him the richest entertainer in India but also places him ahead of several prominent global celebrities in the wealth ranking including pop icon Taylor Swift.Khan's financial empire is a meticulously diversified portfolio that extends far beyond his blockbuster film fees. The single largest driver of his wealth is his production and visual effects company Red Chillies Entertainment which he co-founded with his wife Gauri Khan. Established in 2002 Red Chillies has produced numerous cinematic hits and features a world class visual effects studio that has undertaken both domestic and international projects significantly contributing to his overall fortune. By owning the production house Khan captures the profits from his films ensuring a larger share of the economic value created by his box office dominance.Further bolstering his wealth is his significant ownership stake in the Indian Premier League IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders KKR. Co owned with his long time associate Juhi Chawla and her family KKR is one of the most commercially successful cricket teams in the league adding substantial value to his overall asset base. The superstar’s portfolio is additionally strengthened by numerous global brand endorsements and considerable real estate holdings. These assets include his iconic sea facing Mumbai mansion Mannat as well as luxury properties in international destinations like Dubai and London.Shah Rukh Khan’s entry into this elite financial bracket underscores a significant shift in the Indian economic landscape where the celebrity driven entertainment industry is increasingly becoming a major engine of wealth creation rivaling traditional sectors. The Hurun Rich List for 2025 has for the first time formally recognized the financial might of India’s top entertainers. Khan now leads this group widening the gap between himself and the next wealthiest Bollywood celebrities like Juhi Chawla Hrithik Roshan Karan Johar and Amitabh Bachchan. At 59 the actor’s journey from a television actor to a cinematic icon and now a billionaire entrepreneur is a remarkable tale of brand building
The Enduring Legacy of Hyacinth Bouquet An Appreciation of Dame Patricia Routledge’s Six Decade Career Dame Patricia Routledge the acclaimed actress best known to millions as the famously snobbish Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances has died peacefully at the age of 96. Her agent confirmed the sad news stating that she passed away in her sleep surrounded by love. Her death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades across theatre television and film leaving behind a legacy of iconic and deeply crafted performances that brought joy to global audiences.Born in Birkenhead in 1929 Dame Patricia’s passion for acting was matched by a serious dedication to her craft honed through classical training and tireless work on stage. While she became a household name relatively late in life in her sixties thanks to her definitive sitcom role her career was extensive and decorated. Before her television fame she was a two time award winner earning a Tony Award on Broadway for the musical Darling Of The Day in 1968 and an Olivier Award in London for her performance in the operetta Candide in 1988. This extensive background in musical theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company gave her a unique range allowing her to convincingly transition from Shakespearean roles and serious drama to the immaculate comedic timing required for the suburban snob.Her defining role as Hyacinth Bucket which she famously insisted was pronounced “Bouquet” ran from 1990 to 1995. The character a lower middle class social climber desperate to elevate her standing and perpetually embarrassed by her working class family became one of the most enduring figures in British comedy. The series was an international hit attracting peak audiences of 13 million in the UK and achieving cult status around the world including the United States. Following the success of Keeping Up Appearances Dame Patricia immediately found a second iconic television role as the titular amateur sleuth in the mystery series Hetty Wainthropp Investigates demonstrating her exceptional versatility.In later life Dame Patricia was widely celebrated for her contributions. She was appointed a CBE in 2004 and was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2017 for her extensive services to theatre and charity. Tributes poured in from across the industry praising her incredible range and her ability to bring a fierce precision and warmth to even the most outwardly grotesque characters. A poignant message she shared in recent years reflected on her long life advising fans that
The Afro Tax The Hidden Costs and Long Journeys for Black Hair Care For countless women with Afro and textured hair, a trip to the salon is not a simple matter of convenience. It's an hours-long journey, a calculated expedition that highlights a deep and pervasive inequality within the beauty industry. Across the UK and in many parts of the US, a significant shortage of salons and trained stylists who can properly care for textured hair has left a sizable and growing community feeling underserved and, in many cases, discriminated against.Data reveals the stark reality: in the UK, less than 1% of the country’s 35,000 registered hair salons are equipped to handle Afro and textured hair. This forces women to travel far and wide, often crossing regional boundaries or even countries, to find a stylist they can trust. This is not just a logistical inconvenience; it’s a costly and time-consuming burden. African American women, for example, spend four times more on hair care than their Caucasian counterparts and travel the furthest to find a salon that caters to their hair type. For a service that should be a form of self-care and relaxation, it has become a source of stress, frustration, and significant financial strain.The issue is rooted in a systemic lack of education and representation within the hairdressing industry. Historically, mainstream hairdressing certifications have not required students to learn how to cut, style, and care for Afro hair. This has created a major gap in professional expertise, leaving many stylists unequipped and, in some cases, unwilling to take on clients with textured hair. As a result, many Black women have experienced the humiliation of being turned away from salons, being told their hair is "difficult" or that the salon is not "equipped" to handle it.This struggle has broader social and psychological impacts. Hair is a powerful symbol of identity, and the inability to find professional care can lead to feelings of being an "other." It can affect self esteem and confidence, particularly for children and young people. The "Afro tax," a term used to describe the price discrimination and lack of availability for Afro hair services, is not just a financial burden but a reflection of a wider societal issue.Despite the challenges, there is a growing movement to address this inequality. Advocacy groups are lobbying for legislative change, and new certification standards in the UK now require all hairdressers to learn how to style Afro and textured hair. The rise of independent freelance stylists a
South Africa Overturns Apartheid Era Law Allowing Men to Choose Their Wives' Surnames In a landmark decision, South Africa's highest court has ruled that men can legally take their wives' surnames after marriage, overturning an apartheid-era law that was found to be unconstitutional. The ruling, handed down by the Constitutional Court, effectively puts men and women on an equal legal footing regarding surname changes, a move that has been hailed as a significant victory for gender equality.The case was brought forward by two couples who had been denied the right to either take the wife's surname or to hyphenate their surnames after marriage. The court found that the existing law, the Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1992, amounted to unfair gender discrimination because it only granted women an automatic right to change their surname upon marriage. Men, on the other hand, had to go through a complicated and often unsuccessful process of applying to the Department of Home Affairs to assume their wife’s name.In its judgment, the court noted that the law not only deprived men of their right to choose their family name but also reinforced "patriarchal gender norms" that dictate how women should express their identity. By making the woman's surname relational to her husband's as a default, the law perpetuated an outdated and unequal system. The court has given the South African parliament two years to amend the legislation to comply with the new ruling.This decision marks a significant step forward for a country that has made great strides in enshrining human rights in its constitution. While South Africa was the first in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage, which already granted couples the freedom to choose their surname, this ruling extends that same right to all heterosexual couples. The case underscores a global movement towards more equitable and modern family laws, challenging traditional customs and patriarchal traditions for a more inclusive and just society.
The Cost of Maintaining Luxury Homes Across the world, there are sprawling estates once owned by billionaires that now lie abandoned, a stark reminder of wealth, ambition, and changing fortunes. These mansions, often located in prime locations, reflect the extravagance and taste of their former owners but also reveal the impermanence of material success. From forgotten mansions in the United States to neglected villas in Europe, these properties tell stories of luxury, decline, and sometimes mystery. Many of these abandoned estates were once symbols of opulence. They feature grand architecture, expansive gardens, swimming pools, private theaters, and even personal art galleries. Some were designed by renowned architects or interior designers, making them highly valuable both culturally and historically. Despite their grandeur, economic downturns, legal disputes, or changes in the personal lives of their owners have led to their abandonment, leaving these mansions to deteriorate over time. In some cases, the maintenance of such large properties became unsustainable. The costs associated with staff, taxes, utilities, and repairs can be astronomical, even for billionaires. When estates are left unoccupied, nature and weather take their toll, causing once-magnificent homes to crumble. Inside, original furniture, artworks, and personal belongings may remain untouched, creating an eerie atmosphere of a frozen moment in time. These abandoned mansions often attract urban explorers, photographers, and journalists interested in capturing the juxtaposition of luxury and decay. They serve as cautionary tales about the fleeting nature of wealth and the challenges of maintaining large properties. Some estates are eventually sold, repurposed, or demolished, while others continue to stand as haunting reminders of their past grandeur. Beyond their visual appeal, these properties also raise questions about wealth inequality and social responsibility. While some billionaires abandon estates, many communities nearby struggle with housing, infrastructure, and public resources. The existence of such neglected wealth can prompt discussions on how excess resources might be used more responsibly or sustainably. In conclusion, the abandoned mansions of billionaires are more than just impressive ruins; they are narratives of ambition, excess, and decline. They capture the imagination, highlight the impermanence of material wealth, and reflect broader societal issues. Walking through their empty halls or viewing th
How Miranda July's All Fours Sparked a Cultural Awakening Around Midlife, Desire, and Female Reinvention In a literary world crowded with annual “must-reads,” it’s rare for a novel to not only dominate bestseller lists and book clubs but also permeate pop culture to become a true phenomenon. All Fours, Miranda July’s audacious and intimate exploration of a woman in her mid-40s, has done just that and more. Since its release in spring 2024, the book has ignited fierce discussion, praise, backlash, and a level of cultural resonance comparable to the legacy of Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying. At its core, All Fours is an erotic, existential, and emotionally charged narrative that challenges societal expectations of women in midlife. The unnamed protagonist a semi-famous, 45-year-old Los Angeles-based artist and mother sets out on a solo road trip funded by an unexpected advertising deal. But instead of reaching New York, she stops in Monrovia, where a chance encounter with a younger man, Davey, leads her to impulsively check into a motel. Days turn into weeks, and she spends her entire windfall transforming the room into a faux-Parisian escape, igniting a personal and sexual metamorphosis. This diversion becomes a symbolic detour from convention. Instead of the freedom she initially sought through travel, she begins a more profound internal journey unpacking the complexities of ageing, longing, identity, desire, and perimenopause. A diagnosis of hormonal transition becomes a spark for radical reinvention, with July’s protagonist confronting the idea that a woman’s libido and her sense of purpose should quietly fade with age. A Literary Mirror to the Midlife Moment What makes All Fours groundbreaking is its refusal to sanitize or sentimentalize female midlife. Instead, it dives deep into the chaos, passion, and raw uncertainty that often accompanies this stage. Critics have called it everything from “life-changing” to “hateable.” The New York Times hailed it as “the first great perimenopause novel,” while New York Magazine praised its unapologetic sensuality. The Washington Post even predicted it might “rally a generation of women.” The novel’s cultural ripple effect has been enormous. Women have championed the book with fervor passing it to sisters, mothers, and friends. Meanwhile, July’s media presence has surged. She’s been featured in major interviews, magazine covers, and was recently named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. A TV adaptation is already in the works, and the book is shortlisted for major a
Heston Blumenthal's Mood Swings Fueled His Genius But Also Brought Darkness "We just wanted a relaxing conversation with our dad and we weren't able to have one," says Jack Blumenthal. "It was horrible. And it was constant." Raw pain is etched on Jack's father's face as he finally realises how his undiagnosed mental illness and erratic manic behaviour hurt the ones he loves the most. In a new documentary, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is talking to his son for the first time about how he became impossible to live with."We'd plan it three weeks in advance, getting prepared just to see you for half an hour," says Jack, who now runs a restaurant himself. "And there was nothing I could do to help you." Heston wipes a tear away. "I'm sorry," he says. At the height of his fame in the 2000s, Heston Blumenthal was a culinary icon. Known for bacon-and-egg ice cream, snail porridge, and theatrical dining, he was a big brand worth big bucks. But behind the molecular gastronomy and Michelin stars, his mind was increasingly in turmoil. For years, he thought he was simply wired differently. Heston had long believed his emotional highs and lows were just part of who he was — part of the creative chaos that fueled his culinary genius. In the early years, his imagination ran riot in a positive way, he says. But gradually, the depression worsened. The highs became higher and the lows much darker. He recalls having to lie on the floor to cope during the filming of a cooking programme several years ago. At one point, he felt as though his new ideas were like thousands of sweets falling from the sky and he could only catch a few. But in late 2023, a manic episode escalated into psychosis. Heston was hallucinating guns and had become obsessed with death. He was admitted to hospital for the first time and finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder. "How did I get to 57 years-old before I was diagnosed?" he asks. I recently sat down with world-renowned psychiatrist Prof John Geddes to watch the documentary I'd been collaborating on — "Heston: My Life with Bipolar" In the programme there's a clip of Heston being interviewed in 2020 about using robots in the kitchen. He uses surreal, nonsensical metaphors: "I want to put the shadow back into the sunlight, I want to put the inside out back into the outside in… I want to put the being back into the human." Watching the interview, Prof Geddes says it's clear Heston was in the midst of mania at the time. "If I'd seen that then I would have immediately thought, 'That is a sick man'," he says. Th