Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

My Top 10 books by Pavana Reddy

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry: I read this book before visiting India for the first time, and it gave me insights into parts of my culture that I would never have been able to achieve on my own. This novel is as rich as it is heart-breaking and I highly recommend it. I return to this book at least once a year.

An Equal Music and A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth: Vikram Seth is one of my favourite authors, and these two books have a permanent spot on my bookshelf. Seth writes in such a detai-led, careful manner – his words paint beautiful images that transport you to a different time and place. Each charac­ter is distinct and rich; by the end of the book you find yourself missing them as tremendously as you would a dear friend.


The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos: This novel is about two Cuban brothers who come to New York in the 50’s to pursue their dream of becoming famous Mambo musici-ans. The book follows one character from his youth to his old age and eve­rything that happens in-between. If you are looking for a gripping, true to life story about what happens to dreams when we don’t take care of them, this one is for you.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami: This is the first book by Murakami that I read, and it is the story that hooked me to his work. Murakami is known for his magi­cal, mystical way of writing – one read is never enough. This book in particu­lar stuck with me for so long, I chose two words from it to use as my writing pseudo name, ‘Maza and Dohta’.

Call Of The Wild by Jack London: When I was a kid, this was the first ‘adult’ book I ever read and was so proud of myself for finishing it. This book is a classic and a must-read for anyone who loves stories about adven­ture and loyalty.

Yellow Women and a Beauty of the Spirit by Leslie Marmon Silko: This is a collection of essays by Silko, which evoke the history of Native Americans. From the use of literature to the telling of stories in order to preserve history – this book is a beautifully weaved col­lection of truth and importance about a people who have been systematically erased from our classrooms.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rush­die: A classic story about the background of partition in India and Pakistan told through a mystical, fairytale-like way of writing. An incredibly educa­tional and fulfilling read.

Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese: An incredible story about twin brothers born in Ethiopia to a British surgeon and an Indian nun. Without giving away too much, this book explores the power of healing others while trying to come to terms with one’s own heartache.

The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis: When I read books, it’s usually to es­cape into another world. With Lydia Davis, however, you pick up her book and read a short story when life gets too hard to handle. I read this book to deal with the real world because that’s how she writes. It’s really hard to describe what Davis’s writing does for me, but all I can say is I highly recommend anything written by her.

The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri: A classic! Rich in character descriptions and the realities of painful family ties, this novel is one of the most poignant stories written by Lahiri. I read this book anytime I need a refresher on what good writing looks and feels like.

  • Pavana Reddy is a Los Angeles-based writer and poet. Her first book, Rangoli, features a collection of poetry which travels through the dynamics of diaspo­ra and colourism across both border­lines and cultures.

Her work has been featured by note­worthy luminaries such as Anoushka Shankar, who invited Pavana to write a song for her Grammy-nominated al­bum Land of Gold. Visit www.pavana reddy.com, Instagram & Twitter: @mazadohta for more.

More For You

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split
Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Twitter/info katy perry

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split

Quick highlights:

  • Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
  • The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
  • Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
  • Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.

Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.

Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Beckham family

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere

Getty Images

Brooklyn Beckham’s absence looms over Harper’s birthday as family rift deepens

Quick highlights:

  • Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
  • He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
  • Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
  • Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.

The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.

Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Cardi B poses with a live crow outside the Petit Palais in Paris

Instagram/lamodemagazine__

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Quick highlights:

  • Cardi B appeared at Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 couture show in Paris holding a live crow on her arm.
  • Her dramatic black gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s creative director.
  • The surreal look paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion.
  • The show marked a shift in Roseberry’s aesthetic, away from corsetry towards freer silhouettes.

Paris Couture Week opened on a dramatic note this year as Cardi B made a startling entrance at the Petit Palais wearing a black Schiaparelli gown, with a live crow perched on her arm. The rapper’s appearance outside the venue sent photographers scrambling as the bird flapped and squawked, setting the tone for a show rooted in tension, elegance, and surrealism.

The outfit, crafted by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 collection, featured graphic fringe and a towering beaded neckline. But it was the crow, alive, glaring, and restless, that stole the spotlight, embodying the fashion house’s long-standing obsession with the unexpected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield  at Wimbledon

Garfield and Barbaro twin in Ralph Lauren for their most public appearance yet

Instagram/voguemagazine

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield quietly confirm relationship with Wimbledon appearance

Quick highlights:

  • Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro stepped out in matching Ralph Lauren looks at Wimbledon 2025.
  • The couple shared affectionate moments courtside, including hand-holding and a cheek kiss.
  • They were first linked romantically in February after being spotted at a London play.
  • The pair may reunite on screen in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro made their most public appearance yet as a couple on Sunday, arriving hand-in-hand at Wimbledon 2025 in coordinated white ensembles and sharing subtle yet sweet moments of affection. The actors, who were first rumoured to be dating in February, looked completely in sync as they entered the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on 6 July. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the two smiled for cameras and appeared relaxed throughout the day.

  Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro arrive hand in hand at Wimbledon in all whiteInstagram/voguemagazine

Keep ReadingShow less