News / Author / Shara Ashraf

Shara Ashraf

Shara Ashraf writes on lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty and health, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

Articles by Shara Ashraf

The fire within us: International Firefighters’ Day special

On the occasion of International Firefighters’ Day, we took these brave firefighters to meet individuals they had rescued years ago, risking their own lives. It was a reunion like no other!

With the help of the firefighters, we traced the individuals who they had successfully rescued from the deadliest of fires. It didn’t seem possible in the beginning, as people had shifted cities, changed jobs, or moved to new localities in the last few years. But, we were luckily able to connect to a few individuals who were rescued by these firemen. It was a highly emotional moment as the rescuers met their rescuees after years.(Shivam Saxena/Hindustan Times)

lifestyle

Published on May 04, 2019 12:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf Prayag, Prerna Gauba Sibbal, Abhinav Verma, New Delhi

Live on, warrior: A tribute to the brave Dulla Bhatti

Lohri 2019: The tale of Dulla Bhatti comes alive on Lohri. According to folklore, the brave rebel rescued girls from oppressors and married them off in traditional style. We celebrate his warrior spirit as we recreate an era long gone

We celebrate his warrior spirit as we recreate an era long gone.(Photo: Jasjeet Plaha/HT)

lifestyle

Updated on Jan 18, 2019 11:58 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Diwali special:Lighting up lives

On the festival of lights, we salute these inspiring, selfless individuals who feel the pain of others like their own

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 05, 2018 04:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, Abhinav Verma and Prerna Gauba, New Delhi

Doormats are rarely valued: Reham Khan

Cricketer-turned-Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s ex-wife, who penned her autobiography, says instead of exhausting themselves in finding a good man and then keeping him from straying, women should celebrate their own achievements

In the story of Reham’s struggle to rebuild her life lies a message for countless women in the subcontinent, who find themselves trapped in traumatic marriages and silently put up with abuse, blaming only fate.

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 20, 2018 10:15 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Job offers, financial aid pour in for acid attack crusader Laxmi Agarwal

Activist Laxmi Agarwal, the poster girl for acid attack survivors in India, was battling through the most trying times of her life. Abandoned by her live-in partner and jobless for a year, she was soon going to be homeless as she couldn’t pay the rent of her two room house in Laxmi Nagar.

Bollyood actor Akshay Kumar was among the first ones to come ahead to support Laxmi Agarwal.(File Photo)

india news

Updated on Sep 20, 2018 07:50 AM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Acid attack crusader Laxmi Agarwal falls upon hard times, struggles to find job

Laxmi Agarwal is facing possible eviction from her two-room flat in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar because she can’t afford the rent.

Acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal in Ludhiana.(HT File Photo)

india news

Updated on Sep 18, 2018 04:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByShara Ashraf

Live a life worth loving: Suicide survivors share their moving stories

Meet these gritty suicide survivors who saw light during their darkest moments. Now they inspire others to live a meaningful, worthwhile life

Singer Kailash Kher shares his inspiring story(Photo: Raviraj Kande/Olympus)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 12, 2018 03:40 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf and Prerna Gauba

Happy Independence day: This is the India we love

On this Independence Day, let’s celebrate these Indians who have set heartwarming examples of religious harmony.

Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna observed roza for 26 years, hoping to meet the family that saved his life.

ht special events

Updated on Aug 14, 2018 05:31 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf and Prerna Gauba

The tricolour of India: Here’s how to get the look right

Saffron, white and green, when brought together, hold a special place in every Indian’s life. Here’s a stylish ode to the colours that enliven the nation

In the lineup to Independence day, we tell you how to include tricolour in your look.(Photo by Sarang Gupta/Hindustan Times)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 11, 2018 11:35 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Want to be a model? Beware of con men, follow these safety rules

Beware of smooth-talking fraudsters and lecherous agents who will rob you of your money and self-respect. Remember, “If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

If you are an aspiring model, one of the red flags is the mention of a modelling card; any agent who talks about it is a fraudster.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 07, 2018 04:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByShara Ashraf and Prerna Gauba

Meet India’s very own Rihanna: Chattisgarh model Renee Kujur is the R&B superstar’s doppelgänger

Chhattisgarh model Renee Kujur has the chocolate skin, stunning eyes and a full pout that’s getting her all the attention as R&B superstar Rihanna’s perfect lookalike.

Indian model Renee Kujur is a spitting image of Barbadian pop singer Rihanna.(Photo: Ashish Chawla)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 05, 2018 03:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Meet India’s Rihanna lookalike, the Chhattisgarh girl who went from ridicule to Riri

Renee Kujur was ridiculed for having a dark complexion, but now she is proud of the way she looks.

Renee Kujur hails from Bagicha, Chhattisgarh.

entertainment

Updated on Jul 04, 2018 02:58 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Warrior cop got so many calls that he had to switch off his mobile

The shy policeman who single-handedly saved a Muslim boy from an enraged mob doesn’t understand what’s so exceptional about his act. He says he would have failed himself if he let the boy down.

Gagandeep Singh happens to be a Singham fan, and says the character should be an inspiration for all police officers.

india news

Updated on May 30, 2018 01:45 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Lehenga, braid, mehendi at Cannes: Sonam, the princess bride, stuns on the red carpet

Actor Sonam Kapoor’s princess bride look stood out at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.

Actor Sonam Kapoor ditched predictable gowns and pants suits, instead opting to surprise everyone with a dreamy ivory lehenga by Australian couturiers, Ralph & Russo.(AP)

lifestyle

Updated on May 15, 2018 03:21 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Mighty moms: Making evil bow down

On Mother’s Day, we salute these inspiring women who lost their children in the most tragic manner. Instead of crumbling, they took up a mission to ensure that no other child meets the same fate

lifestyle

Updated on May 13, 2018 02:23 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf and Prerna Gauba

Only in Delhi: The city likes to wear its aggressive, bullying attitude on its sleeve

What would you call these T-shirts on display in Janpath? Crass or cool?

T-shirts with slogans that celebrate the uncultured, churlish face of the Capital

lifestyle

Updated on May 08, 2018 06:50 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Priyanka, the celestial warrior or Deepika, the graceful diva: Who would you vote for?

While Priyanka Chopra surprised everyone in a stunningly imaginative number, Deepika’s gown was very routine red carpet, more Cannes than Met Gala.

Priyanka surprised everyone in a stunningly imaginative number but Deepika kept it safe and predictable.

lifestyle

Updated on May 08, 2018 07:08 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Kiara Soul Kitchen: Head here for re-imagined, eclectic vegetarian food

This vegetarian eatery will leave even the carnivores impressed.

Dining at Kiara is a very JK Rowling meets Mark Twain kind of experience; this is where flights of fantasy meet culinary realities, where fusion doesn’t lead to confusion, and a creative mélange of flavours weave a tale of beautiful surprises.(Photo Jasjeet Plaha/HT)

lifestyle

Updated on May 04, 2018 12:25 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Baisakhi special: Meet these Punjabis who never say die

This Baisakhi, meet these inspiring go-getters from Punjab, who put aside odds to live their dreams. Here’s to the invincible spirit of the vibrant state.

Actor Teena Singh and model Shahzad Deol have made a name for themselves in the glamour world with sheer perseverance(HT Photo/Sarang Gupta)

lifestyle

Updated on Apr 13, 2018 06:52 PM IST

ByShara Ashraf

Cheating and public revenge: What to do when your partner breaks your trust

There’s life after you have been cheated on. How good or bad it’s going to be depends on how you deal with the incident.

Hasin Jahan filed an FIR against her husband, claiming that he was having multiple illicit affairs. She also posted screen shots of his obscene conversations with various women.

lifestyle

Updated on Mar 26, 2018 06:04 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

International Women’s Day: Empathy, not reproductive organs, makes a woman, say these ladies born as men

Their desire to be a woman, unconditionally, was called frivolous, deviant and abnormal. On International Women’s Day, we feature women born as men, who braved ostracism, ridicule and a battered past to live the way they always wanted.

lifestyle

Updated on Mar 08, 2018 02:20 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Republic Day special: We, the people of India

As we celebrate our 69th Republic Day, let’s also celebrate the myriad hues of diversity that make India unique.

Shara Ashraf (left), Nidhi Chandra (right) showcase the culture of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar respectively.(HT Photo/ Jasjeet Plaha, Shivam Saxena)

lifestyle

Updated on Jan 25, 2018 08:23 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, Akshay Kaushal, Prerna Gauba, Abhinav Verma, Etti Bali, Snigdha Ahuja, New Delhi

Photogenic food: Would you pay more for dressed up dishes?

While purist decry jaw droppingly pretty food, chefs say that it’s important to make food Instragram-worthy; that is what pleases guests.

Food often resembles art installations these days.

lifestyle

Updated on Dec 22, 2017 11:43 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Manish Malhotra showcases his glamorous collection on the finale of Print Fashion Week Season 3: See Pics

With this avant-garde collection, we raise a toast to the revolutionary spirit of fashion. This one’s for those who love game-changing couture.

Magnificent yet lighthearted, this is a gamechanging showcase of glamour.(HT Photo)

lifestyle

Published on Oct 31, 2017 03:17 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Gaurav Gupta showcases his Moondust collection on Day 2 of Print Fashion Week Season 3: See Pics

Gaurav Gupta’s Moondust collection celebrates magical realism in the most enchanting way.

Gaurav Gupta’s Moondust collection is all about breaking the routine.(HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 30, 2017 12:17 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Everything you need to know about the deadly Blue Whale suicide game

A game called Blue Whale suicide challenge targets those who are depressed and turns suicide into a thrilling game. As a 14-year-old jumps off the terrace in Mumbai, police suspect that the psychopathic network has spread to India.

The blue whale suicide game is prompting young people to end their lives.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 01, 2017 11:44 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Eating for fame: How safe is competitive gluttony?

A DU student recently ruptured his stomach lining after eating a large number of chilli burgers at an eating contest organised by a west Delhi eatery. Experts say that competitive eating is a dangerous trend and it must be discouraged.

Consuming enormous amount of food in one go can cause serious injury.(HT Photo/ Shutterstock)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 14, 2017 07:30 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Delhi’s obsession with dhuan dhuan cocktails using liquid nitrogen is making YouTube-trained bartenders thrive

In light of the recent incident of a Delhiite landing in hospital with his stomach “open like a book” after having a fuming cocktail, experts say that novice bartenders in the city are playing with the lives of guests by using potentially lethal liquid nitrogen as a toy.

The murky tale of smoky cocktails: Your fuming drink can leave you dead.(Picture used for representational purposes only)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 05, 2017 10:59 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Fashion that unites: Our Eid shoot showcases the beautiful diversity of India

Festivals are the perfect occasion to celebrate India’s multiculturalism and tear down the walls that divide us.

Model Arnela Zekovic in a white tussar silk sari draped over a red ruffled dress; Model Vishwaraj Singh Lavera in a circular kurta teamed with churidaar and floral Nehru jacket(HT Photo/ Shara Ashraf)

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 14, 2017 03:54 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf & Akshay Kaushal

Delhi’s historic Regal Cinema is on its journey to reclaim its glorious past

The iconic single screen cinema hall will be back as a cultural intermingling zone along with state of the art cinema viewing technology.

Delhi’s iconic theatre Regal Cinema that shut down in April, is going to be relaunched as a multiplex.(Shara Ashraf/HT Photo)

cities

Updated on Jun 14, 2017 06:27 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

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Shara Ashraf

Shara Ashraf writes on lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty and health, for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.

On the occasion of International Firefighters’ Day, we took these brave firefighters to meet individuals they had rescued years ago, risking their own lives. It was a reunion like no other!

Lohri 2019: The tale of Dulla Bhatti comes alive on Lohri. According to folklore, the brave rebel rescued girls from oppressors and married them off in traditional style. We celebrate his warrior spirit as we recreate an era long gone

On the festival of lights, we salute these inspiring, selfless individuals who feel the pain of others like their own

Cricketer-turned-Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s ex-wife, who penned her autobiography, says instead of exhausting themselves in finding a good man and then keeping him from straying, women should celebrate their own achievements

Activist Laxmi Agarwal, the poster girl for acid attack survivors in India, was battling through the most trying times of her life. Abandoned by her live-in partner and jobless for a year, she was soon going to be homeless as she couldn’t pay the rent of her two room house in Laxmi Nagar.

Laxmi Agarwal is facing possible eviction from her two-room flat in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar because she can’t afford the rent.

Meet these gritty suicide survivors who saw light during their darkest moments. Now they inspire others to live a meaningful, worthwhile life

On this Independence Day, let’s celebrate these Indians who have set heartwarming examples of religious harmony.

Saffron, white and green, when brought together, hold a special place in every Indian’s life. Here’s a stylish ode to the colours that enliven the nation

Beware of smooth-talking fraudsters and lecherous agents who will rob you of your money and self-respect. Remember, “If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

Chhattisgarh model Renee Kujur has the chocolate skin, stunning eyes and a full pout that’s getting her all the attention as R&B superstar Rihanna’s perfect lookalike.

Renee Kujur was ridiculed for having a dark complexion, but now she is proud of the way she looks.

The shy policeman who single-handedly saved a Muslim boy from an enraged mob doesn’t understand what’s so exceptional about his act. He says he would have failed himself if he let the boy down.

Actor Sonam Kapoor’s princess bride look stood out at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.

On Mother’s Day, we salute these inspiring women who lost their children in the most tragic manner. Instead of crumbling, they took up a mission to ensure that no other child meets the same fate

What would you call these T-shirts on display in Janpath? Crass or cool?

While Priyanka Chopra surprised everyone in a stunningly imaginative number, Deepika’s gown was very routine red carpet, more Cannes than Met Gala.

This vegetarian eatery will leave even the carnivores impressed.

This Baisakhi, meet these inspiring go-getters from Punjab, who put aside odds to live their dreams. Here’s to the invincible spirit of the vibrant state.

There’s life after you have been cheated on. How good or bad it’s going to be depends on how you deal with the incident.

Their desire to be a woman, unconditionally, was called frivolous, deviant and abnormal. On International Women’s Day, we feature women born as men, who braved ostracism, ridicule and a battered past to live the way they always wanted.

As we celebrate our 69th Republic Day, let’s also celebrate the myriad hues of diversity that make India unique.

While purist decry jaw droppingly pretty food, chefs say that it’s important to make food Instragram-worthy; that is what pleases guests.

With this avant-garde collection, we raise a toast to the revolutionary spirit of fashion. This one’s for those who love game-changing couture.

Gaurav Gupta’s Moondust collection celebrates magical realism in the most enchanting way.

A game called Blue Whale suicide challenge targets those who are depressed and turns suicide into a thrilling game. As a 14-year-old jumps off the terrace in Mumbai, police suspect that the psychopathic network has spread to India.

A DU student recently ruptured his stomach lining after eating a large number of chilli burgers at an eating contest organised by a west Delhi eatery. Experts say that competitive eating is a dangerous trend and it must be discouraged.

In light of the recent incident of a Delhiite landing in hospital with his stomach “open like a book” after having a fuming cocktail, experts say that novice bartenders in the city are playing with the lives of guests by using potentially lethal liquid nitrogen as a toy.

Festivals are the perfect occasion to celebrate India’s multiculturalism and tear down the walls that divide us.

The iconic single screen cinema hall will be back as a cultural intermingling zone along with state of the art cinema viewing technology.

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