News / Author / Seema Goswami

Seema Goswami

Articles by Seema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: A filter for the strain

Everybody’s stressed. Few manage it well. Skip the boring advice, ditch what the IG gurus say and do what works for you

If you’re feeling burnt out, there’s nothing better than spending some time in nature. (Adobe Stock)

Brunch

Updated on Mar 08, 2024 03:41 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: The trips you can taste

Some foods are worth travelling for. Some taste best with a side portion of nostalgia. Some are impossible to detach from the city that made them famous. Dig in

Each city has food that you just won’t find anywhere else. Like puchka in Kolkata. (Adobe Stock)

Brunch

Updated on Mar 01, 2024 03:11 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: It’s a blooming miracle

The birds are singing, the flowers are flowering and this spring season is giving rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal

Spring marks the time for winter feet to undergo the rigours of a pedicure after months spent encased in boots. (Adobe Stock)

Brunch

Updated on Feb 23, 2024 05:16 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Sailing the rough C

Someone else’s disease and misfortune shouldn’t bring out the voyeur in you. Offer support and find ways to be of actual help

When King Charles’s cancer diagnosis hit the news, people began asking intrusive, thoughtless questions. (Shutterstock)

Brunch

Updated on Feb 16, 2024 03:57 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Jaipur is part of the plot

The Jaipur Literature Festival celebrates books, authors, publishing and stories. But there’s music, parties and fun too

Mary Beard, Bonnie Garmus and Peter Frankopan were among the speakers this year. (HT Archives)

Brunch

Updated on Feb 09, 2024 05:37 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Vacation or guilt trip?

Travel may be the best stress buster. And yet, for some, the journey between home and the airport is surprisingly stressful

Travel anxiety is real. The trick is to be mindful and distract yourself. (Shutterstock)

Brunch

Updated on Feb 02, 2024 04:15 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Next thing on the list

Turns out, making a list and checking it twice is quite satisfying. Put pen to paper or type it out, but get those tasks done

I have four master-lists for packing when I travel. (Adobe Stock)

Brunch

Updated on Jan 26, 2024 03:55 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: See and be scene

Is it a mad, mad world? Today, strangers’ personalities and quirks are on full display for anyone who cares to watch

People are now much less inhibited about posing for photos and taking selfies in public. (Adobe Stock)

Brunch

Updated on Jan 19, 2024 04:24 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Take the middle road

If you grew up middle class, some habits are hard to shake. Some you don’t notice. Some you’ll probably treasure forever

Shows such as Gullak do a good job of portraying middle-class families and their struggles.

Brunch

Updated on Jan 12, 2024 03:27 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Hitting the high notes

From flavourful grocery store sandwiches to surprisingly good movies, 2023 had a lot of unexpectedly stellar hits

Morocco has everything, from seaside towns to modern cities. (Adobe stock)

Brunch

Updated on Jan 05, 2024 06:17 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Peeking at tomorrow

Less scrolling, more reading. Shopping less, getting stronger. A 2024 wishlist so legit, it’s giving us all New-Year goals

Fitness is always a good goal. Try a mix of Pilates and resistance training for more flexibility. (Shutterstock)

Brunch

Updated on Dec 29, 2023 03:44 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Walking in a winter wonderland

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. In Kolkata, however, it’s a celebration for the whole city, regardless of religion

Christmas in Calcutta is marked by fireworks and the bright lights of Park Street. (Shutterstock)

Brunch

Updated on Dec 22, 2023 06:35 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Hilltop holiday? Beach, please

Dreams change and so can your dream escape. Don’t choose between mountains or beaches. Get there and enjoy yourself

Heading to the mountains means driving up meandering roads, taking in the beautiful views, and sipping hot chocolate by a bonfire. (Shutterstock)

Brunch

Updated on Dec 15, 2023 04:16 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Once upon a dine

Some authors offer readers a seat at the table with how they write about food. They make it an integral part of their stories, and flavour our lives

Enid Blyton’s stories always had many descriptions of food, from picnic lunches to midnight feasts .

Brunch

Updated on Dec 08, 2023 04:05 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Switch to airplane mode

Flying is stressful, especially if you’re on a long-haul trip. Here’s how to plan ahead, prepare yourself and stay refreshed

Instead of staring at screens, listen to an audio book or some relaxing music. This will put you to sleep far more effectively. (Adobe stock)

Brunch

Updated on Dec 01, 2023 03:56 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: When the screen gets the royal treatment

Watching the latest season of The Crown seems like an exercise in voyeurism as it charts events we remember all too vividly

Elizabeth Debicki plays Diana as a victim. But it is nice to see the scenes between her and her sons, William and Harry. (Netflix)

Brunch

Updated on Nov 24, 2023 03:41 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Reduce, reuse, rewind

Before plastic replaced paper, cheap flights replaced train journeys, and online shopping became the norm, we focused on growth, not garbage

Air travel used to be a special treat; everyone largely used trains to get around both for work and play. (Adobe stock)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 17, 2023 03:38 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: The flip side of festivity

Every year, like clockwork, these annual occurrences make one bristle with anger and wonder where humanity is headed

Each year, Diwali is marked by explosions all across the night sky, even though the air quality is terrible and people are suffering. (Adobe Stock)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 10, 2023 03:33 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: The first-date charm checklist

A man should have more to offer than clean shoes, nice aftershave and table manners. Here’s how to ace a first date

Pay attention to your date. Be receptive to non-verbal cues as well. (Adobe Stock/Shutterstock)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 03, 2023 07:51 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: The Calcutta chromosome

You can take the Bengalis out of Kolkata, but you’ll find them celebrating Pujo in practically every part of the world today

Neighbourhood pujos in Delhi are smaller, more intimate affairs, with a genuine sense of community. (Shutterstock)

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 27, 2023 04:43 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Add to cart? I’d rather not

Physical stores offer a shopping experience that online portals just can’t compete with. Touch, feel, try, buy. It’s instant gratification of the best kind

There’s something addictive about being able to buy something at the touch of a button, but when shopping for clothes, touch and feel are important too. (Adobe Stock)

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 20, 2023 03:50 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Why high heels still rule the screen

Towering heels are at best, uncomfortable; at worst dangerous. But on TV, women are in them from sun up to sun down. Come back to Earth, please?

And Just Like That (2021 - ) is considered out of tune because Sarah Jessica Parker and her co-stars still live in their stilettos.

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 13, 2023 03:51 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Celebrate birthdays, celebrate yourself

Make a big deal about your birthday, no matter how old you are. It’s a chance to chase new experiences with loved ones

I know, I know. At my age I should know better. All I know is that I feel ridiculously alive on this day of all others. (Adobe stock)

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 06, 2023 04:32 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: The families we choose

As you grow older and find your own tribe, you realise that blood really isn’t thicker than water. It’s the friends you make who become your family

Friends can become chosen family, as with the characters in Four More Shots, Please! (2019).

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 29, 2023 03:54 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Please share your location

Where should you live? In the buzzing centre of town? Or in a quiet suburb, far away? Every choice calls for compromise

Choosing to live in Delhi means compromising on space but also means being closer to parks such as Lodhi Garden. (Shutterstock)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 22, 2023 03:45 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Is this seat taken?

There are no perks to having reduced mobility. You may pass through airport security more quickly but a life in need of assistance is hardly an advantage

Don’t shame people who are in wheelchairs. You will never manage to embarrass the small minority who are faking. (ADOBE STOCK)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 15, 2023 04:50 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Guardians of their galaxy

Building an imaginary world takes skill and dexterity. Few writers get it right, immersing readers into a parallel reality from which they never want to leave

John le Carré’s Circus, populated by such legendary characters as George Smiley, have kept the columnist entertained for decades.

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 08, 2023 04:30 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Surviving college 101

It’s head-to-campus season for those studying overseas. Few things are as exciting or daunting. And yet, so much of college life hasn’t changed. Some advice

An image from 1979, shot at Delhi University’s Hindu College. Campus life is much the same today. (Arun Jetlie/HT Archive)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 01, 2023 04:16 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Why nostalgia always tastes better

No matter how hard you try to recreate them, childhood classics will never taste the way they did. That’s because they’re laced with longing

In The Princess and the Frog (2009), little Tiana was inspired by her father’s love for cooking. (Disney)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 25, 2023 02:48 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Spectator by Seema Goswami: Embrace your age, at every age

You don’t need to think wistfully about time gone by as you grow older. Each decade brings fun firsts, new milestones. Keep your years open

Turning 60 and older brings the next lot of fun firsts. You could start a podcast with your neighbours as the characters do in Only Murders in the Building (2021-).

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 18, 2023 04:58 PM IST

BySeema Goswami

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Seema Goswami

Everybody’s stressed. Few manage it well. Skip the boring advice, ditch what the IG gurus say and do what works for you

Some foods are worth travelling for. Some taste best with a side portion of nostalgia. Some are impossible to detach from the city that made them famous. Dig in

The birds are singing, the flowers are flowering and this spring season is giving rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal

Someone else’s disease and misfortune shouldn’t bring out the voyeur in you. Offer support and find ways to be of actual help

The Jaipur Literature Festival celebrates books, authors, publishing and stories. But there’s music, parties and fun too

Travel may be the best stress buster. And yet, for some, the journey between home and the airport is surprisingly stressful

Turns out, making a list and checking it twice is quite satisfying. Put pen to paper or type it out, but get those tasks done

Is it a mad, mad world? Today, strangers’ personalities and quirks are on full display for anyone who cares to watch

If you grew up middle class, some habits are hard to shake. Some you don’t notice. Some you’ll probably treasure forever

From flavourful grocery store sandwiches to surprisingly good movies, 2023 had a lot of unexpectedly stellar hits

Less scrolling, more reading. Shopping less, getting stronger. A 2024 wishlist so legit, it’s giving us all New-Year goals

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. In Kolkata, however, it’s a celebration for the whole city, regardless of religion

Dreams change and so can your dream escape. Don’t choose between mountains or beaches. Get there and enjoy yourself

Some authors offer readers a seat at the table with how they write about food. They make it an integral part of their stories, and flavour our lives

Flying is stressful, especially if you’re on a long-haul trip. Here’s how to plan ahead, prepare yourself and stay refreshed

Watching the latest season of The Crown seems like an exercise in voyeurism as it charts events we remember all too vividly

Before plastic replaced paper, cheap flights replaced train journeys, and online shopping became the norm, we focused on growth, not garbage

Every year, like clockwork, these annual occurrences make one bristle with anger and wonder where humanity is headed

A man should have more to offer than clean shoes, nice aftershave and table manners. Here’s how to ace a first date

You can take the Bengalis out of Kolkata, but you’ll find them celebrating Pujo in practically every part of the world today

Physical stores offer a shopping experience that online portals just can’t compete with. Touch, feel, try, buy. It’s instant gratification of the best kind

Towering heels are at best, uncomfortable; at worst dangerous. But on TV, women are in them from sun up to sun down. Come back to Earth, please?

Make a big deal about your birthday, no matter how old you are. It’s a chance to chase new experiences with loved ones

As you grow older and find your own tribe, you realise that blood really isn’t thicker than water. It’s the friends you make who become your family

Where should you live? In the buzzing centre of town? Or in a quiet suburb, far away? Every choice calls for compromise

There are no perks to having reduced mobility. You may pass through airport security more quickly but a life in need of assistance is hardly an advantage

Building an imaginary world takes skill and dexterity. Few writers get it right, immersing readers into a parallel reality from which they never want to leave

It’s head-to-campus season for those studying overseas. Few things are as exciting or daunting. And yet, so much of college life hasn’t changed. Some advice

No matter how hard you try to recreate them, childhood classics will never taste the way they did. That’s because they’re laced with longing

You don’t need to think wistfully about time gone by as you grow older. Each decade brings fun firsts, new milestones. Keep your years open

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like