Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

My top 10 things that make me happy - Sangeet Samra

My dog: I have always had love for animals, but when I brought a dog home everything changed for me. He owns me and makes me the happiest. Animals are so innocent. My dog taught me compassion and is the reason I quit meat. He taught me about animal emotions; how they solely live off love and love you selflessly. I could be having the worst day, but my dog has the power to change it for me and brightens up my world.

Food: I love trying out all types of different cuisines. I travel a lot and before flying to a country I research about its cuisines. The love for food sometimes gets me into comfort eating, if I’m having a not-so-good day. Fortunately, I have good genetics so don’t put on weight easily. Otherwise, I would be killing myself in the gym every day seeing the amount I eat.


Travel: You get to learn about different cultures and languages when travelling, and I’m all for that. I love reading about different cultures, religions and languages. Whenever I travel I try learning at least a few words of the local language. It’s good because it warms up people to you when they see the effort you’re making.

Fashion: I’ve had love for fashion since childhood. When I was around 7-8 years old, I used to walk around wearing my grandma’s sari and my mum’s lipstick. I then started to colour my hair and try on makeup as I always felt that you can really express yourself through fashion. I like to try out different looks. One day I can dress up really edgy and the next day you will see me looking like the girl next door in a salwar kameez, and would not believe it’s the same girl, although of course my hair gives it away. I dress up according to my mood and don’t follow over-the-top trends. In fact, if I see something becoming really popular, I won’t wear it just because others are. I’ve had an opportunity to endorse awesome clothing brands such as Missguided, Pretty Little Thing and Dolls Kill as an influencer.

Music: I listen to different types of music when I’m getting ready for work. The kind of music I listen to is how I feel after. Songs have the power to send you back in time as you remember the situations, moments that you experienced when you first heard them. That is why the whole idea of doing music videos excites me because in a quick short video, you can literally express yourself based on the song. Jeeya Mar Ke and Jahan Hai Tu did exactly that. Being in these music videos have also led to film opportunities and I am currently in talks with a few people about them.

Adventure: I love doing adrenaline-filled activities. It gives me the ultimate high. My family and friends think I’m crazy, but activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, zip-lining over the mountains, paragliding give me a rush.

Dancing: Not only does it help me to stay fit and express myself, but dance also keeps my mind active. It’s something I feel the need to be in touch with at all time. As I do music videos and act, I need to be prepared at all times for any opportunity that can arise.

Animal welfare: Working for animal charities gives me lots of happiness and satisfaction. I feel, as humans we have a voice and should stand up for what is right. Animals have the same rights as we do on this planet. You hear all sorts of stories about animals being tortured and their sufferings, but unfortunately, many people don’t find that important. Many don’t care, and it’s very sad because I believe in many ways that animals are better than humans. They don’t show greed, selfishness and other negative qualities. They can’t speak, but they feel pain and heartache. So, when I help animal shelters and try to be the voice of the voiceless, it gives me the ultimate satisfaction.

Gadgets: We are living in such a fast-paced world that we can’t function without gadgets and technology. I love learning about new gadgets, technology and trying them out. It makes our lives so much easier and creative.

Hiking: I love going for long walks with my dog. There is nothing more soothing than being connected with nature. It calms me and makes me creative. I feel inspired when I see greenery around me, and it really relaxes my soul. Long walks not only help us stay connected with nature, but they also help burn out any negativity energy.

Sangeet Samra is a London-based model, actress and social media influencer.

Instagram:@SangeetSamra

More For You

Asian community

Menopause is a universal transition - one every woman will experience in her lifetime

iStock

Breaking the silence: Why Asian women must talk about menopause

Kiran Singh

For many women in the Asian community, the journey through perimenopause and menopause is still shrouded in silence, confusion, and, at times, shame. It’s often seen as something we just have to “put up with” quietly, as though struggling through it alone is a badge of honour. But the truth is, menopause is a universal transition - one every woman will experience in her lifetime - and it is time we start talking about it, especially within our cultural communities where silence often masks suffering.

We all go through it - so why don’t we talk about it?

Menopause doesn’t arrive overnight. For most women, it begins subtly during perimenopause, which can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s and last for several years. According to the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), over 30 recognised symptoms of perimenopause range from hot flushes and night sweats to anxiety, low mood, brain fog, and joint pain.

Keep ReadingShow less
How AI and music could transform dementia care for south Asians

AI tunes into dementia needs

How AI and music could transform dementia care for south Asians

THE recent World Health Congress Awards in Mumbai were a revelation. Stepping into that room overlooking the Arabian Sea, I was surrounded by pioneers and individuals shaping the future of healthcare with bold ideas.

Amid the buzz of innovation, one topic resonated deeply: dementia. It was not just the medical complexities, but the human stories, the silent struggles of carers, and the potential for technology to bridge the widening gaps in care.

Keep ReadingShow less
Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Good nutrition is the foundation of an active lifestyle

Great guide to building healthy eating habits

Nesreen G and Jayeeta Dutta

PHYSICAL exercise is important when it comes to fitness, but what we fuel our body with plays an equally vital role in achieving sustainable results.

The key to long-term fitness success is developing mindful eating habits that nourish the body and soul, enhance performance and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. This does not necessarily mean following a restrictive diet or complicated meal plans. It is about finding a sustainable balance that works for you.

Keep ReadingShow less
Easter foods

Easter food traditions reveal the deep connection between culinary heritage and faith

iStock

9 traditional Easter foods from around the world

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar, and across the globe, it’s marked with a variety of traditional foods. While customs differ by country, food plays a central role in how families come together to honour the occasion. Here are nine traditional Easter foods from different parts of the world.

1. Hot Cross Buns – United Kingdom

A classic Easter treat in Britain, hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns made with dried fruits and marked with a white cross. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, they symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus. Today, they are enjoyed throughout the Easter period, often lightly toasted and spread with butter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Sinha’s message was one of resilience and realism

Getty

The Chase’s Paul Sinha shares Parkinson’s update after major health scare

Paul Sinha, known to viewers of ITV’s The Chase as “The Sinnerman,” has spoken candidly about his experience living with Parkinson’s disease. During an appearance on Loose Women on Thursday, 17 April, the comedian and quizzer reflected on his journey from diagnosis to managing the condition day to day.

Sinha, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2019, revealed that his earliest symptoms were not what many would typically associate with Parkinson’s.

Keep ReadingShow less