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

A gypsy’s wonderland: Main Bazar in Delhi’s Paharganj is a delight for shoppers

With its kitsch-meets-boho charm, Main Bazar nestled in the bustling Paharganj is a smorgasbord of surprises for budget shoppers.

Main Bazar in Paharganj is a great place to shop for cotton wear.(Photo credit: Shara Ashraf)

cities

Updated on Jul 14, 2017 03:54 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

The bindaas bride: Women are no longer coy mannequins on their wedding day

A wedding video that has gone viral has turned a bride into a mini celebrity. This is the kind of insta-fame that everyone is aiming for. While it’s fun, the pressure can also be too much.

Amisha had no idea that her wedding video would go viral.(Coolbluez)

lifestyle

Updated on May 09, 2017 05:46 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

French cuisine: Indian gourmand’s newfound love

French cuisine has found new fans in its transformed state which is less fairytale and more relatable, enjoyable and fun.

lifestyle

Updated on May 05, 2017 05:27 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Have Delhiites become heartless and insensitive? HT City did a social experiment to find the answer

How would Delhiwallas react if they came across a terrified, injured woman on the road? Our social experiment led to many shocking realisations.

HT City did a social experiment to see if Delhiites would help stop domestic violence.

lifestyle

Updated on Apr 26, 2017 08:58 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Do it like Dita: 7 style lessons to learn from the vintage queen

Have a thing for vintage ? Ace the look effortlessly like Dita Von Teese

Vintage is a way of life for the American burlesque dancer.(Photo: Facebook)

lifestyle

Published on Apr 15, 2017 02:38 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Valentine’s Day special: How intolerant is India?

Is there no scope left for interfaith harmony in India? We did a social experiment a few days before Valentine’s Day and this is what we found out.

No religion is superior than love, say Indians.(Shara Ashraf/HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Feb 14, 2017 05:52 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf & Abhinav Verma, New Delhi

Rekha can rock any look. We play stylist to the evergreen diva. See pics

Looks like Rekha has finally woken up from her style slumber. It’s great to see the 80s diva experiment with her looks of late. With the help of some cool imaging, we tried imagining what Rekha would look like if she were to wear these clothes.

Rekha has the personality to rock the trickiest of fashion looks (NOTE: These pictures have been photoshopped to showcase the stylist’s fashion picks for Rekha.)

lifestyle

Updated on Feb 10, 2017 07:36 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Majid Khan, the famous biryaniwalla’s success story: Here’s how his life changed

Majid Khan has signed a contract with a leading modelling agency and he is also cooking at a fest with Masterchef India contestants

Majid Khan doing a fashion shoot for designer Pawan Sachdeva(Shara Ashraf/HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Feb 17, 2017 07:56 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf and Akshay Kaushal

When Bollywood divas got it all wrong: Don’t make these celebrity style mistakes

Being famous is no guarantee to flawless style. Even the most fashion forward stars get it all wrong at times. Here’s what to learn from these recent celeb looks:

Even fashion’s favourite people make style disasters.

lifestyle

Updated on Feb 17, 2017 07:55 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Good girls don’t cut their hair short, says who? The glamour industry

People in the glamour world believe that short hair belongs to the vamps; girls with short hair face ridicule and rejection.

Girls with short hair often become the victim of prejudice in the glamour world.(Yogen Shah & Shara Ashraf)

entertainment

Updated on Feb 04, 2017 07:36 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Deepika Padukone or Priyanka Chopra: Who wore the sparkly gown better?

While Priyanka Chopra’s Ralph Lauren number was a hand-embroidered gown, Deepika Padukone’s Naeem Khan gown was a sequin gold.

Who rocked the golden dress better?(Yogen Shah/HT Photo)

entertainment

Updated on Jan 16, 2017 03:44 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Happy Lohri: Go for stylish turbans, phulkari dupattas to amp up your style

Channel the fashion renegade in you tonight! Swaggish turbans, psychedelic phulkari dupattas and threadwork jackets paired with some adventurous jewellery is all you need to light up every Lohri party that you attend

Deck up for Lohri festivities in style(Shara Ashraf/HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Jan 14, 2017 01:53 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf & Akshay Kaushal

Make way for mature models: Grey is the new sexy in the fashion world

Grey is the new cool. Models in their late thirties, forties and fifties are changing the perception of beauty and fashion and taking the ramp by storm.

Daljit Sean Singh started modelling at 45.(Faisal Raza Khan)

lifestyle

Updated on Jan 27, 2017 07:27 PM IST

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

On PFW finale, Shantanu and Nikhil showcase their exquisite collection

This collection raises a toast to courageous, revolutionary fashion that doesn’t succumb to set norms.

Unconventional, groundbreaking looks from Shantanu and Nikhil’s collection.(Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo, Shara Ashraf/Concept and Styling)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 27, 2016 12:15 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

PFW Day 2: Namrata Joshipura showcases Concrete Garden collection

Not meant for the fashion novice, this collection reinvents sporty luxe in the most sexy, flamboyant avatar.

lifestyle

Updated on Apr 23, 2017 05:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Print Fashion Week 2016 raises a toast to the fashion rebels

On Day 2, fashion designer Namrata Joshipura presents her rebellious and fun take on sporty luxe.

Model Ashanti Asha in a sheer red maxi with embellishments, paired with a smart jacket by Namrata Joshipura.(Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo, Shara Ashraf/Concept and Styling)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 24, 2016 06:33 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

A fairytale beginning: Day 1 showcases Manish Malhotra’s stellar collection

Here’s a glam, refreshing take on traditional wear that’s perfect for lighthearted pre-wedding functions.

lifestyle

Updated on Apr 23, 2017 05:42 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

A fairytale beginning: Day 1 showcases Manish Malhotra’s stellar collection

Here’s a glam, refreshing take on traditional wear that’s perfect for lighthearted pre-wedding functions.

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 25, 2016 12:46 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Let the season of glam begin: Print Fashion Week is back with a bang!

Bollywood’s favourite couturier Manish Malhotra opens HT City Print Fashion week 2016. His imaginative take on Indian craftsmanship is perfect for those who script their own fashion saga.

A magnificent lehenga teamed with a sheer blouse from Manish Malhotra’s collection, A Persian Story.(Waseem Gashroo/HT Photo, Shara Ashraf/Concept and Styling)

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 24, 2016 06:11 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Trapped for years, transgender models Gauri and Shonali are breaking free

Season 2 of HT City Print Fashion Week features transgender models who challenge the traditional notion of beauty

(L-R) Gauri Arora; Transgender model Shonali Gujral.

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 24, 2016 06:14 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Designer funerals anyone? These farewell planners make a killing from the living

With more and more establishments offering customised services, a growing number of people are planning their farewell in advance.

lifestyle

Updated on May 12, 2017 08:57 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Bling, Bong swag and freewheeling sari: Invoking the goddess of style

Forget the predictable sari-blouse as you go pandal-hopping this Durga Puja. Here’s how to rock fun and lighthearted looks that’ll make you an instant head-turner.

Model Olivia Merey rocks a Kali print T-shirt.(Shara Ashraf)

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 11, 2016 10:17 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Life in prison: Tinka Tinka Dasna tells stories that no one wants to hear

Recent book by activist Vartika Nanda chronicles the unknown stories of prisoners behind bars.

books

Updated on Sep 27, 2016 08:46 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Exclusive video: Awe-inspiring story of acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi

Acid attack survivor Reshma Bano Qureshi has become an inspiration for survivors across the world ever since she walked at the New York Fashion Week. In an exclusive video, Reshma tells HT City how she put her past aside to fight against acid violence.

Reshma has a message for those who use acid as weapon against women.

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 12, 2016 04:28 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

11 things you didn’t know about acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi

Acid attack survivor Reshma Bano Qureshi has become the toast of India and the world ever since she walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week on Thursday. Here are 11 things you must know about the brave and beautiful teenager.

HT City was the first publication to do an elaborate fashion shoot with Reshma before she left for New York. The chirpy teenager was full of life when she met us for an early morning shoot in Delhi.(Shara Ashraf/ HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 09, 2016 05:39 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

This video has all the inspo for you to rock the hottest fashion trends

From party-perfect mesh to athleisure that has blurred the line between activewear and fashionwear, this video shows you how to make your favourite fashion trends more ‘you’.

With imaginative styling and adventurous makeup, you can give a party-perfect spin to your jumpsuit.(Shara Ashraf)

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 09, 2016 10:21 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Rakhis to take ‘neutral’ detour for siblings split between India, Pakistan

Separated sisters and brothers in India and Pakistan are routing their sibling love this raksha bandhan through neutral addresses — London and Dubai — because of growing hostilities between the two neighbouring nations.

A woman shops for ‘Rakhi’ ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival in Jammu on August 16, 2016. Given the tensions between India and Pakistan, siblings split across the border are sending their Rakhis via neutral countries like UK and Saudi.(Nitin Kanotra/HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Aug 17, 2016 07:30 AM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

Celebrate Independence Day with these tricolour-themed outfits

This Independence Day, drench yourself in the spirit of Tiranga without looking like a human flag .

lifestyle

Published on Aug 13, 2016 05:15 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf

Go puddle-stomping this monsoon looking your best

The sultry weather is no reason to dress sloppy. Here’s some inspo to help you go puddle-stomping in style

Soft brown and peach eyeshadow, deep cherry lips and messy hair can give your look an ethereal touch.(Shara Ashraf/HT Photo)

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 09, 2016 06:08 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByShara Ashraf, New Delhi

I am a survivor, not a victim: Reshma Banoo Qureshi

19-year-old acid attack survivor Reshma Banoo Qureshi who will walk the ramp at New York Fashion Week next month says she has nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.

Reshma with Ria Sharma, founder, Make Love Not Scars. Blush, a youtube channel on beauty and fashion gave the teenager a beauty makeover last year.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 07, 2016 12:30 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.

With its kitsch-meets-boho charm, Main Bazar nestled in the bustling Paharganj is a smorgasbord of surprises for budget shoppers.

A wedding video that has gone viral has turned a bride into a mini celebrity. This is the kind of insta-fame that everyone is aiming for. While it’s fun, the pressure can also be too much.

French cuisine has found new fans in its transformed state which is less fairytale and more relatable, enjoyable and fun.

How would Delhiwallas react if they came across a terrified, injured woman on the road? Our social experiment led to many shocking realisations.

Have a thing for vintage ? Ace the look effortlessly like Dita Von Teese

Is there no scope left for interfaith harmony in India? We did a social experiment a few days before Valentine’s Day and this is what we found out.

Looks like Rekha has finally woken up from her style slumber. It’s great to see the 80s diva experiment with her looks of late. With the help of some cool imaging, we tried imagining what Rekha would look like if she were to wear these clothes.

Majid Khan has signed a contract with a leading modelling agency and he is also cooking at a fest with Masterchef India contestants

Being famous is no guarantee to flawless style. Even the most fashion forward stars get it all wrong at times. Here’s what to learn from these recent celeb looks:

People in the glamour world believe that short hair belongs to the vamps; girls with short hair face ridicule and rejection.

While Priyanka Chopra’s Ralph Lauren number was a hand-embroidered gown, Deepika Padukone’s Naeem Khan gown was a sequin gold.

Channel the fashion renegade in you tonight! Swaggish turbans, psychedelic phulkari dupattas and threadwork jackets paired with some adventurous jewellery is all you need to light up every Lohri party that you attend

Grey is the new cool. Models in their late thirties, forties and fifties are changing the perception of beauty and fashion and taking the ramp by storm.

This collection raises a toast to courageous, revolutionary fashion that doesn’t succumb to set norms.

Not meant for the fashion novice, this collection reinvents sporty luxe in the most sexy, flamboyant avatar.

On Day 2, fashion designer Namrata Joshipura presents her rebellious and fun take on sporty luxe.

Here’s a glam, refreshing take on traditional wear that’s perfect for lighthearted pre-wedding functions.

Here’s a glam, refreshing take on traditional wear that’s perfect for lighthearted pre-wedding functions.

Bollywood’s favourite couturier Manish Malhotra opens HT City Print Fashion week 2016. His imaginative take on Indian craftsmanship is perfect for those who script their own fashion saga.

Season 2 of HT City Print Fashion Week features transgender models who challenge the traditional notion of beauty

With more and more establishments offering customised services, a growing number of people are planning their farewell in advance.

Forget the predictable sari-blouse as you go pandal-hopping this Durga Puja. Here’s how to rock fun and lighthearted looks that’ll make you an instant head-turner.

Recent book by activist Vartika Nanda chronicles the unknown stories of prisoners behind bars.

Acid attack survivor Reshma Bano Qureshi has become an inspiration for survivors across the world ever since she walked at the New York Fashion Week. In an exclusive video, Reshma tells HT City how she put her past aside to fight against acid violence.

Acid attack survivor Reshma Bano Qureshi has become the toast of India and the world ever since she walked the ramp at the New York Fashion Week on Thursday. Here are 11 things you must know about the brave and beautiful teenager.

From party-perfect mesh to athleisure that has blurred the line between activewear and fashionwear, this video shows you how to make your favourite fashion trends more ‘you’.

Separated sisters and brothers in India and Pakistan are routing their sibling love this raksha bandhan through neutral addresses — London and Dubai — because of growing hostilities between the two neighbouring nations.

This Independence Day, drench yourself in the spirit of Tiranga without looking like a human flag .

The sultry weather is no reason to dress sloppy. Here’s some inspo to help you go puddle-stomping in style

19-year-old acid attack survivor Reshma Banoo Qureshi who will walk the ramp at New York Fashion Week next month says she has nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of.

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