TALENTED actress Preetika Rao has done things on her terms right from the beginning of her career and chosen to follow a path of her own creation. The popular star of blockbuster serial Beintehaa continued her journey with a return to television earlier this month in Love Ka Hai Intezaar, much to the delight of her adoring fans.
The beautiful actress is once again showing she is one of the most naturally gifted performers working in India and is already getting acclaim for the Star Plus serial. Eastern Eye caught up with Preetika to find out more about Love Ka Hai Intezaar, romance, future plans, fandom and more.
What have you been up to since Beintehaa ended?
After my first TV show Beintehaa ended I took a break for a while and travelled many places, which was fun. I was also invited to Leicester by Sabras Radio and visited the UK for the very first time. I recorded my first cover song with a music label that got me a good response. During this period I had also signed two projects with big producers, which were unfortunately canned by their respective channels. This has become rampant in the TV business due to immense competition and it wasted a lot of my time unfortunately. In March 2016 producer Siddharth Malhotra of Alchemy films contacted me for Love Ka Hai Intezaar for Star Plus and this time I was directly in contract with the channel, and was in an exclusive contract. As fate had it, I was ill with a stomach infection for almost five months, so it made sense for me to wait for this project to start as the delay was a blessing in disguise.
You must be happy Beintehaa continues to be popular around the world.
Yes I am thrilled that Beintehaa is reaching places. It was launched in Indonesia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, South Africa and earned me great popularity in these countries. I had no idea that Indian television had such reach and worldwide popularity. (Smiles) I have crazy fans now from all over the world and it feels amazing.
Why do you think Beintehaa is so popular?
I think concepts revolving around a Muslim background are rare on Indian TV screens. Plus the way the series was executed and presented and of course the love story was beautifully directed by Maan Singh. Also the character I played of a devout Muslim girl who is modern, yet holds traditional values and seeks answers to her questions from the holy Qur’an, was very endearing to people and made them call me their role model.
Your sister Amrita Rao is a Bollywood actress. How come you did not take up any offers from Bollywood?
I really don’t know what kept stopping me each time I got a Bollywood offer. It was almost intimidating. I was offered movies by Pradeep Sarkar, Kumar Taurani and Vashu Bhagnani to name a few. I also skipped the meeting for Aashiqui 2 when they were very keen to meet me. I did work in south movies, but quickly took up the TV offer as it was on Colors, which is the most popular channel in India and TV is now a huge platform there. I am open to short films, Indo-western collaboration movies and web series.
You made a stunning debut on television and have been in demand, but why have you taken so long to choose another project?
I come from a movie background and still consider myself new to television. The mostly traditional, rural and mythological concepts drive more ratings, than modern ones. It’s mostly the saas-bahu sari and sindoor concepts that appeal to the regional and rural audiences in India. Hence my generation of actors mostly find themselves stuck in characters far from their real selves. I am very choosy when it comes to selecting a subject because TV is a long time commitment and I don’t want to feel stifled in any particular role. That’s why I chose to wait so long for this show to begin.
What did you like about Love Ka Hai Intezaar that made you said yes?
I liked the fact that it is a stylish show with a lot of glamour involved. It’s not a typical Indian drama. Every frame looks like a Bollywood movie. The concept is modern and appeals to youth, something that not only I would enjoy performing as an actor, but something that even my audiences would love too watch me be a part of as well.
Tell us about the series and character you play.
I play the role of Mohini who is a young, vibrant, modern girl. She is the love child of Bollywood actress Kamini Mathur and Maharaja Madhav Singh. She joins a theatre group to get experience to train to become an actress, so that she can help to run her family. Her sister, who was a super star of yesteryear, has given up acting for 20 long years and the financial situation at home is not great anymore. Mohini believes that her family is her only priority in life. Her motto in life is that good happens to good people only when they work towards it and do not let bad happen to them. She does not believe in leaving disappointments to destiny.
What can audiences expect?
I’m sure they can expect a classy show unfolded in a TV show format. Great on-screen chemistry and an interesting drama with twists that will appeal to all generations and sensibilities.
How do you feel like you have evolved as an actor?
There are shots in which I don’t need glycerine to cry anymore. Television does make
you evolve as an actor. It puts you in so many different situations all in one series. A Bollywood actor would probably find himself in so many situations in an entire decade of roles.
The new series revolves around love. How much of a romantic are you in real life?
I am quite romantic at heart. I like to believe in love at first sight, but there is a dominant practical side to me, which keeps me away from getting into wrong relationships. I have lots of guy friends, but I have mostly been single all my life.
What qualities most impress you in a guy?
His honesty, integrity and respect for women impress me the most. I like guys who take women seriously and do not use them as an object of desire, just to have some fun in life and escape commitment.
What is your favourite love story of all time?
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam because the subject of love has been touched upon so delicately and beautifully like never before. The end was dramatic, yet so honest.
What is your favourite love song?
Film song Pehla Nasha because of its beautiful lyrics and the way Sadhana Sargam sung it makes it timeless.
Which leading man would you love to be romanced by on screen?
Ayushmann Khurrana because he is multi-talented and also sings. If I ever get to work with him we can sing a duet together. It would be so much fun.
What is happening on the musical front? Will you record any more songs?
I am already in talks for my second song and have lots of ideas in mind. Let’s hope it materialises very soon.
What is your greatest unfulfilled ambition?
There are many ambitions that are unfulfilled on the personal and career front. I am a very career oriented person and I am hoping to do some concrete acting work that is memorable for the audience.
If you could learn something new what would it be?
It would be swimming because that’s the only thing that I could not learn, but wish I could.
You have the most dedicated fans, but what has been your most memorable fan encounter?
Every fan encounter has been unique, but what touches me the most is when fans from other countries take the effort to buy me gifts and courier them to me all the way, just to bring a smile to my face. I am also impressed with every fan club and the effort that goes into building and maintaining one for an actor.
Who are you a big fan of?
I was always smitten by Aishwarya Rai as a child because I found her too perfect to be true. Even now when I see some of her movies or photographs they are magical for me.
Tell us something not many people know about you.
I was superstitious about failing my exams and hence kept a great distance from students in my class who failed often. I only mingled with toppers and felt it helped me as a student.
Why should we tune into your latest series?
(Smiles) Because it has me in it! And if you have watched my previous show and liked me as an actor you shouldn’t miss this one as this time my role will be different from what I played in the past and certainly very endearing.
Why do you love being an actor?
Nobody can teach you acting. It is a skill that you are born with and when you get a chance to perform as an actor it is the biggest creative high that you can experience. There is tremendous creative satisfaction in acting just like in dancing and singing, as both the art forms are very expressive and interactive at the same time and the audience response is almost immediate.
Give a message for your fans.
I feel bad that I had to make my fans wait for long before they could see me back on their screens, but now I am shooting long hours again and working so hard for them. I hope that they love my work and my new show and continue to encourage me like they have in my journey as an actor.
It may be an essential life skill, but for many, cooking at home can feel intimidating – especially for beginners.
With the cost-of-living crisis, more people are choosing to prepare their own meals and experiment with dishes in their kitchens. Others, inspired by restaurant dishes, social media trends and the rise in home cooking during Covid-19, are now looking to improve their own culinary skills.
The master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at homeInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Eastern Eye joined this spicy trend by inviting acclaimed chef Sultan Al-Mahmood from the Grande Restaurant in London to share his expert cooking advice for all abilities.
With more than 30 years of experience – including cooking for celebrities, politicians and the Bangladesh national cricket team, as well as running multiple restaurants – the master chef offers simple, easy tips for making tasty and healthy meals at home.
Basics: Before diving into complex recipes, start by learning fundamental skills like chopping vegetables, boiling food such as pasta, and making simple dishes like omelettes. Also understand what different ingredients – especially spices – do. A solid foundation in the basics will set you up for success with more advanced cooking.
Recipes: One of the most common mistakes is not reading a recipe properly. Always read the full recipe before you begin to ensure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. Then follow the instructions carefully – including timings, portion sizes and temperatures.
Always prioritise safety in the kitchenInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Plan and prepare: A little planning goes a long way. Have all ingredients ready before you start – this includes cutting, peeling and chopping anything in advance. It will make the cooking process smoother and less stressful.
Organisation: A calm, clean and organised kitchen is far more efficient than a cluttered one. Keep your essential tools within reach, and clean as you go. A tidy workspace not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also means less cleaning up afterwards.
Safety: Always prioritise safety in the kitchen. Use oven mitts for hot dishes, turn pot handles inward, store knives properly and take care when handling hot oil or boiling water. Be mindful of flames and keep children away from potential hazards.
Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, seasonal produce and good-quality protein-rich foods will elevate the flavour of your dishes and are usually healthier too.
Tools: A workman is only as good as his tools – and the same applies in the kitchen. Invest in good-quality knives, pots and pans. Many people continue using old or worn-out equipment, which can make cooking more difficult. Keep knives sharp for better and safer results.
Spices: Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of spices, yet many people use only a handful. Start learning about the different spices available and how they affect flavour. Gradually incorporate more into your cooking for better depth and variety.
Perfect pans: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can affect cooking time, temperature and taste. Always preheat your pan before adding ingredients – it helps prevent sticking and improves results. Heat: Understanding temperature is essential. Know the difference between low, medium and high heat, and learn how to control your oven or hob settings. Heat affects everything from texture to taste.
Avoid overcrowding the panInstagram/ thegrande_stratford
Embrace mistakes: Cooking is a lifelong learning process – even for professionals. Mistakes will happen. Use them as opportunities to improve your skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Get inspired: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are full of expert guidance in all cuisines. Use them to expand your knowledge and techniques. Recipe websites and blogs are also helpful learning tools.
Cooking classes: Join a cooking class to learn from experts. The sessions provide hands-on experience, build confidence and are often fun, social environments. There are more classes available now than ever before, including many that are focused on Indian cuisine.
Learn from elders: If classes are not an option, learn from older family members. There is a reason so many people say their parents cook the tastiest food – they have experience and are usually happy to pass it on.
Storage: Proper storage extends the life of both raw ingredients and cooked food. Invest in airtight containers and learn what belongs in each compartment of the fridge or freezer. Good storage habits reduce waste and keep food fresh.
Taste: One of your best cooking tools is your own palate. Taste your food as you cook – it helps you adjust seasoning and prevents surprises when serving. Also get feedback from family and friends to help improve your dishes.
Experiment: Once you are comfortable with the basics, do not be afraid to experiment. Try new flavours, cuisines and techniques. Most importantly, enjoy the process. The more you cook, the more confident you will become.
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As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on how disproportionately it affects south Asian women
We often talk about diabetes and menopause as two separate issues. But for many South Asian women in midlife, they collide quietly, invisibly, and with lasting impact.
As we mark Diabetes Awareness Week (10–16 June), it’s time to shine a light on this hidden overlap - and how it disproportionately affects women in our community.
At The Sattva Collective CIC, I work with South Asian women who are often battling low energy, mood changes, increased abdominal fat, and disrupted sleep. These aren’t just symptoms of a busy life - they’re red flags. Often, they’re signs of both perimenopause and early-stage Type 2 diabetes. And unless we start having this conversation more openly, too many women will fall through the cracks.
Why is this happening?
During menopause, oestrogen levels decline. This has a knock-on effect on metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage - all key players in diabetes risk. Meanwhile, cultural expectations of South Asian women - to keep giving, keep cooking, keep showing up - don’t leave much space for self-care or rest.
Add to this our traditional diets, which often lean heavily on carbs and fried foods, and it’s no surprise that South Asian women are particularly vulnerable.
But many don’t seek help until their health is seriously compromised. Why? Because in our culture, suffering quietly is often seen as strength.
We need to redefine what strength looks like.
True strength is recognising when your body is whispering for help - and responding before it starts screaming.
It’s choosing yourself, even when the world expects you to choose everyone else first.
It’s booking that health check. Asking the difficult questions. Saying no. Resting. Eating for nourishment, not just tradition. And surrounding yourself with women who are also reclaiming their health and their voice.
The South Asian Midlife Reality
Midlife for many of us is a crossroads. Culturally, we’ve been taught to keep going - no matter the cost. But the cost is becoming too high. Type 2 diabetes is preventable. And menopause is manageable. But only if we’re willing to challenge the silence and prioritise our wellbeing.
What you can do today
Don’t ignore symptoms. Tiredness, cravings, or foggy thinking could be more than hormones or stress.
Get screened. Especially if diabetes runs in your family or if you had gestational diabetes.
Eat mindfully. Incorporate fibre-rich vegetables, lentils, and whole grains while reducing sugary and processed foods.
Rebuild rituals. Turn meals, movement and rest into acts of self-respect, not duty.
Join a community. Being with others who understand your journey can be deeply healing.
As South Asian women, we deserve to thrive, not just survive. Let Diabetes Awareness Week be the turning point where we begin to see our health, our hormones, and our future through a lens of compassion and care.
(Kiran Singh is a lifestyle coach and menopause wellness coach. For more information about her work, you can visit kiransinghuk.com)
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning over the safety of certain pistachio-filled chocolate bars known as “Dubai chocolate”, amid growing popularity in the UK. The agency says some rogue imports could pose health risks, especially to those with allergies.
Allergen risk from mislabelled imports
Although many of the products being sold are safe, the FSA has found several chocolate bars that lack proper ingredient labelling or include potentially dangerous additives. The agency said some of these products do not comply with UK food safety standards and may not clearly highlight allergens, which is a legal requirement.
Professor Robin May, the FSA’s chief scientific adviser, said: “The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don’t meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.”
He advised shoppers to stick with “trusted retailers”, such as supermarkets or well-established online sellers, where products are more likely to be made with UK consumers in mind and labelled correctly.
What is Dubai chocolate?
The treat first gained popularity in 2021, when it was created by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda in Dubai. The chocolate bar features a filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and knafeh — a traditional Arab dessert made from shredded filo pastry soaked in syrup.
Its rise to fame was fuelled by social media. One video of a food influencer trying the bar went viral on TikTok, gaining more than 100 million views. Since then, the product has become highly sought after across the UK.
Growing demand and pistachio shortage
Dubai chocolate has become so popular that it has been blamed in part for a global shortage of pistachios. The soaring demand has led major brands, including Lindt, and supermarket chains such as Lidl and Waitrose, to release their own versions of the snack.
However, the FSA warns that some bars sold through unverified sellers may be illegal imports, containing unauthorised colourings or ingredients. UK law requires all food sold to include English-language labelling, a full ingredient list, highlighted allergens, and the contact details of the responsible UK or EU-based business.
Ongoing investigation
The FSA is working with local authorities to remove any unsafe products from shelves and is continuing its investigation to understand the scale of the issue. In the meantime, consumers with food allergies or intolerances are urged to only purchase bars clearly intended for UK sale.
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A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation
The date Friday the 13th has long been linked to misfortune. Whether you are superstitious or not, it is a date that stands out, referenced in films, books, songs and urban legends alike. But where did this association with bad luck begin, and does it really deserve its eerie reputation?
Biblical roots of the superstition
The origins of the Friday the 13th superstition are widely believed to stem from Christian tradition. According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, the day he was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, who was also the 13th guest at the Last Supper. This combination of the number 13 and the day Friday laid the groundwork for its ominous legacy.
Is Friday the 13th really unlucky?
Despite its reputation, there is no scientific evidence that Friday the 13th brings more bad luck than any other day. Still, the superstition persists.
A 1993 study in the UK suggested a curious correlation: even though fewer people drove on Friday the 13th, the number of transport-related accidents was higher than usual. However, the findings were based on data from only one town, leading to questions about the study's validity.
In contrast, a 2011 German study found no increased risk of accidents or bad luck on Friday the 13th compared to other days.
Some researchers believe it's not the day itself that’s unlucky, but that people may act differently because they expect bad things to happen, potentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A phobia with a long name
If Friday the 13th fills you with dread, there’s an official name for that fear: friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term comes from ‘Frigga’, the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named, and ‘triskaidekaphobia’, the fear of the number 13.
Historical events on Friday the 13th
While there’s no proof the day is cursed, several tragic events have happened on Friday the 13th, fuelling the superstition:
13 October 1307: Hundreds of Knights Templar were arrested by the French monarchy, many later executed.
13 September 1940: Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII.
13 March 1964: Kitty Genovese was murdered in New York, sparking a national conversation on bystander apathy.
13 November 1970: A cyclone in Bangladesh killed over 300,000 people.
13 October 1972: A plane crashed in the Andes, later portrayed in Society of the Snow.
13 September 1996: Tupac Shakur died following a shooting in Las Vegas.
13 January 2012: The Costa Concordia cruise ship crashed off the Italian coast, killing 30 people.
Of course, tragic events occur on many other dates too. But Friday the 13th continues to capture the imagination, precisely because of its long, often grim, cultural history.
Whether you see it as superstition, coincidence or cultural myth, Friday the 13th has cemented its place as the world’s most infamous date. While there's no proof it's any more dangerous than any other day, its eerie reputation ensures it never goes unnoticed.
If you have ever struggled to drag yourself to the gym after a long day at work – or if your motivation tends to dip midworkout – you are not alone. The simple solution to this all-too-common problem is a gym buddy.
A workout partner, or even a small gym crew, can be a game-changer for any fitness journey. Whether you are a regular gym-goer or just starting out, pairing up with someone can improve consistency, boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable.
The great news is that the gym is an easy place to make new friends. From chatting between sets to joining group classes or asking someone for a spot, the shared goal of getting fitter often leads to genuine connection. Many gyms now offer community events, buddy challenges and team-based training programmes that encourage interaction. Before long, a stranger at the squat rack might become your most trusted accountability partner.
Here is why the buddy system works:
Accountability: It is much harder to skip leg day when someone is waiting for you. A gym buddy keeps you on track simply by showing up – and expecting you to do the same. Over time, it becomes a positive habit.
Motivation: A good workout partner pushes you when you are tempted to quit. A shared high-five after hitting a new personal best is far more satisfying than a solo win. They also encourage you to push just a little harder.
Safety: Whether you are attempting a bench press or trying a new move, a buddy can spot you – helping prevent injury and building confidence when lifting heavier weights. Competition: A bit of friendly rivalry can work wonders. Trying to match each other’s efforts boosts performance and makes workouts feel more dynamic and engaging.
Partner exercises: There are many exercises you can do with a partner – from medicine ball passes and resistance band rows to partner planks and tandem squats. These moves build trust and make sessions more interactive. It is also a fun way to break routine and add energy to your training.
Social connection: The gym can be a surprisingly social space. Striking up a conversation by the dumbbell rack or joining a group circuit session can lead to lasting friendships. Many gyms also offer running clubs, weekend bootcamps or group hikes. For some, the gym becomes not just a place to train, but a community.
Shared goals: Having someone to share milestones with – whether training for a race, hitting a strength target or losing weight – offers valuable emotional support. Working toward a goal together builds teamwork and creates moments of mutual celebration.
Whether it is your best mate, partner, co-worker or someone you met at spin class, having a gym buddy can transform fitness from a chore into a shared lifestyle. The encouragement, laughter and collective effort can turn an ordinary workout into the highlight of your day.
Having a gym buddy can transform fitnessInstagram/ flexandfuel_official
So next time you are tempted to train alone, consider teaming up. You might get double the results – and discover the best gym hack yet.
Nesreen G and Jayeeta Dutta believe in creating sustainable ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and are here to share top tips. They don’t just chase goals, they crush them. Instagram: @flexandfuel_official