Reviews

Film, TV, Art & MusicHobbyInternationalLifestylePeople & Culture
The Lifestyle Portal

The Rise and Evolution of Breakdance: From Bronx Streets to Global Stages

8th grader Advika Karve from JBCN International School, Mumbai explores the powerful journey of breakdance from the streets of the Bronx to global recognition. Through her research, she uncovers how breaking began as a form of expression for African‑American and Latino youth and eventually transformed into a worldwide cultural movement. Advika highlights the dance’s creative influences, iconic crews, and the four foundational elements that shaped its evolution. She also reflects on breaking’s rise to the Olympic stage and its impact on young dancers today. Her writing captures both the history and heart of a dance form that continues to inspire millions.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesLifestyleParentingWorkshops
The Lifestyle Portal

The Superpower Switchboard: A Creative Art Reset for Women to Manage Energy and Overcome Burnout

In our second Creative Reset Art Workshop, we explored a theme that felt deeply personal for every woman in the room — the Superpower Switchboard. We often forget that we carry inner switches that can shift our energy, soften overwhelm, and bring us back to ourselves. Through simple art, colour‑coding, and gentle reflection, the women mapped what they access easily, what they’re learning, and what feels hard right now. What unfolded was a space of honesty, connection, and quiet strength. By the end, each woman walked away with a clearer sense of what to switch on, what to release, and what to choose for herself.

Read More
BooksReviews
The Lifestyle Portal

Book Review – I Read ‘The Silent Patient’ During Exams — Here’s Why I Couldn’t Put It Down

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grade student studying at Mahindra International School, Pune, demonstrates a strong narrative instinct and an impressive sense of voice in her writing. Her review of The Silent Patient goes beyond summarising the plot; she captures mood, tension, and character psychology with clarity and depth. Maya’s observations are sharp yet grounded, showing how thoughtfully she engages with the books she reads. Her writing reflects sincerity, curiosity, and a growing confidence in her craft — qualities that make her work both engaging and memorable.

Read More
BooksEssays & Short Stories
The Lifestyle Portal

The Ghost Crew of the Volga‑4: A Deep‑Sea Mystery

Maya Malhotra, a 10th grader from Mahindra International School, Pune, crafts a gripping deep‑sea narrative that blends mystery, science fiction, and emotional depth. Her story follows diver Steig Thorn as he descends into the Litke Trench and encounters the Volga‑4, a submarine that vanished in 1975 yet appears untouched by time. With precise detail and a steady build‑up of tension, Maya creates an eerie, immersive world where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesPep TalkWorkshops
The Lifestyle Portal

How Our Creative Reset Art Workshops Help Women Overcome Burnout & Find Balance

After years of working across different industries — from content and IT to AI and entrepreneurship — I realised something simple yet powerful: we don’t always need more technology; we need more connection. We want to feel heard, acknowledged, and understood. But in the constant noise of innovation, we forget to pause and check in with ourselves. The Creative Reset Art Workshops were born from this need. Through gentle art, mindful reflection, and unhurried conversation, we create a space to breathe, reset, and return to the parts of ourselves we often neglect.

Read More
Film, TV, Art & MusicInternationalLifestylePeople & CultureReviews
The Lifestyle Portal

The Truth About Music Ownership: What I Learned from Taylor Swift’s Fight for Her Masters

Advika Karve, an 8th grader from JBCN International School Mumbai, writes passionately about the challenges artists face in owning their music. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s fight for her masters, Advika explores how creative freedom, financial rights, and personal expression are deeply connected to music ownership. Through real examples from global icons to K‑pop artists, she uncovers how unfair contracts and industry systems often take control away from the very people who create the art. Her writing reflects a young learner’s growing awareness of the music industry and a strong belief that artists deserve respect, autonomy, and ownership of their stories.

Read More
Essays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicLifestyleParentingReviews
The Lifestyle Portal

From Boardroom to Baby Bottles: What ‘Baby Boom’ Teaches Us About Reinventing Success

JC Wiatt’s life was all about power meetings and six-figure deals—until a baby landed in her arms, turning her world upside down. What began as chaos slowly blossomed into clarity. She didn’t just learn to change diapers; she learned to change her life. From boardrooms to baby bottles, JC’s journey reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful destinations.

Read More
Smudges, Blots & Breakthroughs: Embracing Mistakes Through Art
EducationEssays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicPep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

Smudges, Blots & Breakthroughs: Embracing Mistakes Through Art

We often see mistakes as flaws — something to hide, fix, or feel ashamed of. But what if a mistake was simply a new beginning in disguise? As an artist and mentor, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence, patience, and possibility. Whether it’s a blot on a painting or a detour in life, mistakes have taught me to pause, reflect, and trust the process. In this piece, I share how art helped me reframe failure, let go of perfectionism, and find joy in the unexpected — both on the canvas and off it.

Read More
When you're not afraid, you attract success. Photo source: IMDb
Essays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicPep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

The Scrapbook of Possibilities: A Film That Makes You Rethink Life

Some movies stay with you, filling you with valuable lessons that you didn’t expect to learn. I almost skipped this Netflix movie ‘The Last Holiday’ (2006), dismissing it as just another regular drama. I’m so glad I gave this movie a chance.
While “The Last Holiday” was a work of fiction, I am sure there will be millions who will resonate with Georgia Byrd. They may go back home and rethink their priorities, whether it’s worth putting away little dreams in a book just because they’re too afraid to give it a try.

Read More
Sitare Zamee Par_Film poster
Essays & Short StoriesFilm, TV, Art & MusicParentingPep Talk
The Lifestyle Portal

Sitare Zameen Pe: A Tribute to a Geneticist from my Mentorship Journey

Watching Sitare Zameen Pe with my daughter was a heartwarming experience. The film’s message about accepting children with special needs reminded me of my mentorship with Dr Shruti Bajaj, a leading geneticist. During our writing sessions, she helped me understand Down Syndrome in a clearer, more caring way. Her words stayed with me and echoed through the film, helping me explain the condition to my daughter with kindness and confidence. This piece isn’t a review—it’s a reflection on how stories, both from films and real life, can change how we see, feel, and accept with greater empathy

Read More