DARPAN MAGAZINE | JULY-AUG 2026 by DARPAN Magazine

JULY | AUGUST 2026

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFEST YLE

Singh

Sarpreet

A South Asian Story on

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A Piece of Home:

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SUMMER

the Best Time to Rebuild

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CANADA DAY means to What

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relationship dynamics in The DINKs, SINKs, DINKWADs and KINKERs Era to rediscovering the importance of genuine, offline friendships in an increasingly digital world, these stories reflect the changing realities of modern life. We also celebrate Canada Day through the eyes of immigrant families, whose journeys have enriched the fabric of this country while preserving the traditions that keep us connected to home.

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Hello DARPAN readers, There’s something special about summer. The days seem a little longer, the conversations linger a little more, and life invites us to slow down, reconnect, and create memories with the people who matter most. As we welcome our July–August edition, we hope this issue becomes part of your summer—whether it’s enjoyed over a morning coffee, packed in your beach bag, or read during a quiet weekend getaway. Our cover story celebrates one of Canada’s most recognizable creative voices, Jasmeet Raina. From making millions laugh as Jus Reign to becoming an acclaimed filmmaker and storyteller with Late Bloomer, Jasmeet’s journey is a testament to staying authentic while constantly evolving. His story reminds us that success isn’t about fitting into one box—it’s about having the courage to keep growing.

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Throughout this issue, we explore the many ways our lives and communities continue to evolve. From unpacking new

You'll also meet remarkable individuals who continue to make our community proud—from Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal, the first Sikh Canadian to summit Mount Everest, to Sarpreet Singh, whose journey has taken him to soccer’s biggest stage. Add to that inspiring style, beauty, and lifestyle features, and there’s something in these pages for everyone. As we enjoy the season, we’re also looking ahead to one of our most anticipated celebrations of the year—the DARPAN Extraordinary Achievement Awards, taking place on October 2. For more than 15 years, these awards have honored exceptional South Asians whose achievements have inspired our community and created lasting impact. Nominations are now open, and we encourage you to nominate a trailblazer whose story deserves to be celebrated. Sometimes the most extraordinary people are those quietly making a difference around us every day. Thank you, as always, for allowing DARPAN to be part of your journey. Wishing you a summer filled with laughter, adventure, meaningful connections, and moments that remind you of the beauty of community. Happy reading!

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2026 C O N T E N T S

J U LY - AU G U S T

LIFESTYLE

DARPAN FEATURE 32 The Little Boy Inspiring Hope Far Beyond Himself – Gurmoh Singh Gill

COVER STORY

46 The DINKs, SINKs, & DINKWADs Era - Rethinking Family, Freedom, and the Future 52 AI Slop, Authenticity, And The Collapse Of Online Credibility 58 How To Build Strong Offline Friendships In A Forever Online World

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 DARPAN 10

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay

12 Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal 16 Sarpreet Singh 20 Lata Pada 24 Ahmed Khan 26 Pukhraj Bhalla 30 Sukhmani Sadana on Satluj

62 A Piece of Home: What Canada Day Means to Immigrant Families 66 Luxury With Longevity: Designer Bags That Double As Investments DARPAN FITNESS 72 Why Summer Is the Best Time to Rebuild Your Health DARPAN RECIPES

104 DARPAN MOVIES 90 The Hottest Upcoming Releases Of 2026 DARPAN TRAVEL 96 Beyond the All-Inclusive: Punta Cana Off The Brochure 102 - DARPAN CRUISER DARPAN WEDDING 104 Anjalie and Justin DARPAN AUTO 108 2026 Honda Passport 110 2026 Kia EV9 GT 112 2026 Nissan Armada CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS 114 Meet Prakhar Sahni

76 Chef Bal Ajgaonkar DARPAN STYLE

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78 Love, Light, and Legacy: Inside Abhinav Mishra’s New Couture Chapters

70 Deep Shergill: The Crusader Changing Maternal Care in Rural Rajasthan

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1 Congratulations on your election as leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia. What message do you believe your victory sends about the direction British Columbians want the province to take?

DARPAN

7 You have called for repealing DRIPA and restoring greater certainty for investment and resource development. How would you pursue economic growth while maintaining respectful and productive relationships with First Nations communities?

Thank you for your kind words. Our victory is a victory over the extremism and incompetence of the NDP. The people of British Columbia have had enough, and they want a leader who will fight for them instead of against them.

The responsibility for treaties rests with the federal government. The Government of British Columbia's responsibility is to look out for the interests of all British Columbians, and that is exactly what we will do.

2 Your leadership race focused heavily

on affordability, economic growth, and public safety. Of all the promises you made, which would be your top priority on day one if you become B.C.'s premier? To be an effective Premier and leader of a new government, you need to prioritize a number of issues, and the three you mentioned here will all be among our top priorities. We also want to focus on restoring people's freedoms: the freedom to succeed, the freedom to think for yourself, the freedom to take care of your family without government coercion, and the freedom to enjoy your property and all the beautiful land, rivers, lakes, and oceans around us. 3 You have pledged to suspend provincial and regional gas taxes for at least 12 months. Given the province's fiscal challenges, how would you offset the loss in revenue while maintaining essential services?

PICTURE COURTESY:HON. KERRY-LYNNE D. FINDLAY

We will immediately free up all our resources - energy, mining, forestry, and hydroelectricity - for development. British Columbia should be the richest place on Earth! We have everything we need to be prosperous; we just have to get government out of the way. We can do that while still taking care of the environment. The two can work together so that we all succeed and create more wealth to pay for lower taxes, improved health care, better schools, and other essential services. 4 In your victory speech, you spoke about reversing what you called the NDP's "economic vandalism." What specific policies do you believe have hurt B.C.'s economy the most, and what are the top 3 policies you would implement to get the province back on track?

There are a number of policies, such as the overregulation of mining, forestry, and energy, that are stifling our economy. Deregulation, faster approvals for development, and bringing billions of dollars in lost investment back to British Columbia are among the most important ways we can get the province back on track. 5 Public safety remains a growing concern for many British Columbians, particularly with rising concerns around violent crime, gang activity, and

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reality back to this situation by defending the interests of all the people of British Columbia, rather than just a small group.

HON. KERRY-LYNNE D. FINDLAY LEADER, CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF BC The Hon. Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay was elected Leader of the Conservative Party of BC on May 30, 2026. She served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of South Surrey – White Rock until the election of 2025. extortion targeting businesses. What concrete measures would a Findlay government implement to make communities safer? The number one factor driving increased crime in British Columbia is the illegal drug trade and the foreign gangs that perpetuate it. We must regain control of our ports and shut down the illicit drug trade, human trafficking, and lawlessness that have been allowed to flourish under the NDP, who care more about the rights of criminals than they do about the rights of their victims. 6 You have promised to defend private property rights, particularly in light of recent Aboriginal title rulings in British Columbia. How do you balance the protection of private property with the province's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples?

Private property is only one component of the out-of-control land claims issue. What good is a person's private property if an unelected and unaccountable third party has control over the street your house is on, the parks where your children play, or the roads, rivers, ports, forests, lakes, and other supporting infrastructure? All of these could be controlled by someone you cannot even vote out if you disagree with their decisions. We must bring

8 Your campaign emphasized "faith, family, and freedom" and stronger protections for free expression. How do you ensure these principles resonate with and represent the diverse communities that make up modern British Columbia? Faith is something that many people hold. It means respecting people of all faiths and all people of goodwill. Family is the building block of every society, and we will support and protect the rights of families. Freedom is what Canada was built on. The NDP does not understand these principles because they seek to impose policies on people that they would otherwise never voluntarily accept. We will respect everyone's freedom to believe, to make their own choices, and to live as free citizens without unnecessary government coercion. 9 Your leadership win came after a closely contested and at times divisive race, with differing views emerging within the BC Conservatives. How will you bridge those internal divisions and ensure the party presents a united front to voters going into the next election?

I have been meeting individually with members of my caucus over the past several weeks. We had an incredibly successful and unifying Caucus Retreat in Penticton last week, where I laid out my vision for the party and the province, and the entire caucus came together, including my former leadership rivals. The party is now completely united and ready to form government and save our province. 10 Looking ahead to the next provincial election, what do you believe is the single biggest issue that will determine whether British Columbians choose change or stay the course with the current government?

The economy and property rights will be front and center, no matter who takes over the helm from David Eby. Their entire party is incompetent and has failed British Columbians. Unfortunately, that will only get worse because their socialist ideology has failed everywhere it has ever been tried.

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RReacti

eader's ons

Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com

"This was such a fun read! I've been listening to Jazzy B since I was a kid, and his songs still get everyone on the dance floor at family weddings. It was so nice to read about the man behind the music and everything he's achieved over the last 30 years. Thank you, DARPAN, for giving a legend the cover story he deserves!" – Harjit Sandhu Re:Thank you, Harjit! We couldn't agree more, Jazzy B has been the soundtrack to so many of our lives. It was an honor to celebrate not just his music, but the incredible journey and legacy he's built over three decades. We're so glad you enjoyed it! – DARPAN Magazine

Tag us on social media: @DarpanMagazine & #DarpanMagazine

"What a brilliant idea for a feature. I found myself smiling the whole way through because every single piece of advice reminded me of my own parents. They really do know best, don't they? There are so many golden life lessons in this story, beautifully written!" – Nikita Bains Re: Thank you so much, Nikita. We all have those 'Mom was right' or 'Dad did warn me!' moments, and we wanted this story to celebrate exactly that. It's wonderful to hear it brought back memories and resonated with you. – DARPAN Magazine

"I really enjoyed this article. It was well researched, easy to follow, and gave some great insights into a topic that doesn't get explained very often. Definitely one of those stories that teaches you something new." – Gurjot Brar Re: Thank you, Gurjot! That means a lot to us. We always strive to make complex topics accessible and relevant to our readers. We're so pleased you found the story informative and engaging, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. – DARPAN Magazine

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

AJAYPAL SINGH DHALIWAL By Naina Grewal

PICTURES COURTESY: AJAYPAL SINGH DHALIWAL

MEET THE FIRST SIKH FROM CANADA TO SUMMIT MOUNT EVEREST At 8,848 meters above sea level, the summit of Mount Everest is often described as the roof of the world. On May 20, 2026, Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal became the first Sikh from Canada to reach it, a milestone celebrated across communities in Canada and beyond.

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or the Surrey-based lawyer, the achievement marked the culmination of years of training and perseverance, but the mountain's greatest lesson came during a perilous descent from the summit, an experience that left him with a renewed appreciation for humility, gratitude, and the value of everyday life. Born in Kassam Bhatti village in Punjab's Faridkot district before later settling in Canada, Dhaliwal did not set out to become a mountaineer. Although he had always enjoyed hiking, he only began pursuing it seriously a few years ago. "I always loved mountain climbing,"

he shares. "But I really started taking it seriously around 2023." After completing the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal in 2023, Dhaliwal set his sights on something bigger. He began training rigorously, progressing from weekend hikes to running and endurance sports. "I started running 5K, then 10K. I had never run even one kilometer in my life before that," he recalls. When he questioned whether he was too old to attempt Everest, a veteran climber reassured him: "It's about attitude. Age is just a number."

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That advice stayed with him. Over the next few years, Dhaliwal immersed himself in endurance sports. He climbed Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. He summited Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain on Earth, and pushed himself into unfamiliar territory through marathons, triathlons, and Ironman competitions. He completed his first Ironman in Washington and ran his first full marathon

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

in Los Angeles just months before his Everest attempt. Behind the scenes, the dedicated athlete’s preparation became almost scientific, as he worked with running coaches, strength trainers, and endurance specialists. Furthermore, before Everest, Dhaliwal spent three months working with a yoga instructor to improve breathing efficiency and recovery. He highlights, “Yoga taught me how to use oxygen effectively and recover properly." Dhaliwal’s first Everest attempt, however, ended in disappointment when he was forced to turn back from Camp 4 in 2025. Though many climbers never return after a failed summit bid, Dhaliwal viewed it differently: "I wasn't sad when I came back. I just knew I had more work to do." The failed expedition became a turning point rather than a setback. Returning home, Dhaliwal focused on refining every aspect of his preparation before making another attempt the following year. This time, he reached the summit. Yet, the greatest challenge was still ahead. During the descent, Dhaliwal became separated from his support team in the Death Zone, the area above 8,000

meters where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for extended periods. His oxygen supply ran dangerously low. Conditions deteriorated rapidly. At one point, he suffered a severe fall and lost consciousness. Many climbers have succumbed to such circumstances. Dhaliwal credits both faith and mental discipline for helping him survive. "Chardikala," he says, referring to the Sikh principle of resilient optimism. "When I was in the Death Zone, the positivity from Gurbani kept me alive. What I wanted to preach, God made me practice very fast." Eventually, fellow climbers and Sherpas located him and helped guide him back to safety. "One thing I learned is not to panic in a crisis," he emphasizes. "Otherwise, your thought process shuts down. If you don't panic, you can find solutions." When he returned home, family members were relieved simply to see him alive. "Everyone was so happy that I had come back in one piece," he says with a laugh. "They told me, 'This is the last adventure.'" In fact, at various points in his journey, family members questioned whether the risks were worth it. Yet support eventually outweighed hesitation. That close brush with danger

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

also left a lasting impact on Dhaliwal himself, reshaping how he views the small comforts of everyday life. "We were thirsting for every sip," he remembers. "I got about 200 milliliters of hot water, and with that I brushed my teeth, washed my hands, and rinsed my face. I value everything more now and take nothing for granted." That shift in perspective has also shaped the message he now shares with others about human potential. "God has given us the greatest gift, our body. If you train it properly, nourish it properly, and rest properly, you can make your body do almost anything." His own story serves as evidence. He began serious endurance training at 46, long after many athletes have reached their peak. "We all make excuses that we're busy," he points out. "But if you can't give one hour to your body in twenty-four hours, everything else becomes worthless." Even after Everest and a neardeath experience, Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal has no plans to slow down, with more climbs, marathons, and competitions ahead. While becoming the first Sikh from Canada to summit Mount Everest earned him recognition, the mountain's greatest gift was perspective. In a place where every breath mattered, Dhaliwal discovered that true achievement lies not in standing on top of the world, but in returning with greater humility, gratitude, and resilience.

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A SOUTH ASIAN STORY ON SOCCER’S BIGGEST STAGE

SARPREET SINGH By Natasha D’souza

PICTURES COURTESY: SARPREET SINGH

As FIFA World Cup 2026 captivates audiences across North America, football is once again proving why it remains the world's most unifying sport.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

cross packed stadiums, passionate fan bases, and nations brought together by a shared love of the game, the tournament has become a celebration of cultures, communities, and dreams. Among those to have lived that dream is New Zealand international Sarpreet Singh. At 27, Singh has already built a career many young footballers aspire to. He has represented New Zealand at multiple levels, competed at two FIFA U-20 World Cups, earned senior international honors, and spent time within the Bayern Munich system, an achievement few footballers from Oceania can claim. His appearance at FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the latest chapter in a journey that has taken him from New Zealand's youth ranks to some of the biggest stages in world football.

Born and raised in Auckland, Singh's rise through New Zealand football was steady rather than sudden. Growing up in a Punjabi family in a country where rugby dominates the sporting landscape, he chose a different path, one that would eventually take him across continents and into some of football's most demanding environments. His talent became evident early. Selected for New Zealand's squad at the 2015 OFC U-17 Championship, he went on to represent his country at the FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2017 and 2019. Competing against some of the world's best young players helped shape his development and reinforced his reputation as one of New Zealand's brightest prospects. The transition to senior football came swiftly. Singh made his debut

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

for New Zealand in 2018 against Canada before scoring his first international goal later that year against Kenya. His performances soon attracted attention beyond Oceania, leading to a move to Germany and a stint with Bayern Munich. For a young footballer from Auckland, it was a remarkable leap and one that exposed him to the elite standards of European football. That journey ultimately led him to the holy grail of every footballer’s dream. By representing New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Singh became the first player of Indian heritage to start a match at the FIFA World Cup. It is a milestone that extends beyond football, reflecting the growing presence of South Asians in the global sporting landscape. "Football is the biggest sport in the world," he says. "It's the sport that brings literally everyone from all parts of the world together. There's such a special thing about this game, and to see it at this World Cup is really amazing. Across three different countries, so many games and all different cultures, religions, and all the

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"You have to instill selfbelief within yourself that you can do it. I think that's one of the areas where we can work on more as South Asian people, to really believe in ourselves and really give our best."

people coming together to watch." For Singh, football's greatest power lies in its ability to unite. "The game is for the people," he says. "And it really unites everyone together. We could hear our Kiwi fans there. They were proud of us. They've gone the extra mile to support us, and it means a lot." As his profile has grown, so has his appreciation for what his success represents for others. "To see the growing presence of South Asians in football or in sport or in life in general, it means a lot to me," he says. "It's a very proud feeling. I think it shows that we're capable of big things and we just need to persevere and believe in ourselves more because anything's possible in this world." His World Cup appearance carries particular significance. "To be the first Punjabi player at the World Cup, it means a lot to me," he says. "It means a lot to my family. And I'm really happy and excited to see what the future holds for both myself and also for the South Asians that are coming through the ranks."

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

When asked what advice he would offer aspiring footballers, Singh's answer is refreshingly straightforward. "First and foremost, you have to work hard. It's a bit of a cliché phrase, but nothing beats hard work." At the same time, he believes ambition should never come at the expense of enjoyment. "The most important thing is to have fun along the way because if you don't enjoy what you do, then it's hard to be successful at it." Professional football, he acknowledges, can be demanding both mentally and physically. "You have to win the battles in your mind, and you have to continue to grow, to improve and to strive to be better." Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Singh's journey is one of self-belief. "You have to instill self-belief within yourself that you can do it," he says. "I think that's one of the areas where we can work on more as South Asian people, to really believe in ourselves and really give our best." Sarpreet Singh's journey from Auckland to the FIFA World Cup stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and belief. For young South Asians across the globe, his story is a reminder that the path may not always be visible, but it is possible, and that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, are worth pursuing.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

"My focus is on supporting the next generation and ensuring these traditions continue to evolve and flourish."

LATA PADA

PICTURES COURTESY: LATA PADA

By Tuhina Ghoshal

Dancing Across Cultures, Building a Legacy

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or more than three decades, Lata Pada has been one of the most influential voices in Indian classical dance in Canada. A celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of Sampradaya Dance Creations, she has dedicated her life to preserving tradition while reimagining its place in contemporary society. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Pada began learning Bharatanatyam at the age of six. At the time, she had no idea dance would become her life’s work. “I knew I enjoyed it very much, and I was fortunate to have a good teacher who gave me a strong foundation,” she recalls. Her training continued through childhood before being briefly interrupted by university studies and a move abroad. After marrying and immigrat-

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ing to Canada as a young bride, Pada found herself in Thompson, Manitoba, a remote northern town where Indian classical dance was virtually unknown. The move marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. While adapting to life in Canada, Pada discovered that her artistic background sparked curiosity among local audiences. “There were no Indians in Thompson at that time, and people had never seen anything like classical Indian dance,” she says. Invitations to perform soon followed, allowing her to introduce Bharatanatyam to audiences who had little exposure to South Asian culture. Unlike many newcomers who settle in large multicultural centers, Pada’s early years unfolded in a community with almost no South Asian presence. Rather than feeling isolated, she embraced the opportunity to connect deeply with local culture. “We learned Canadian folk songs, went ice fishing, and really became part of the community,” she says. “It gave us experiences many newcomers may not have when they arrive in larger cities.” Her family later moved to Indonesia, where she spent a decade continuing her Bharatanatyam training with renowned guru Kalyanasundaram while also studying Balinese dance. The experience broadened her artistic outlook and

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deepened her understanding of how culture can be expressed through movement. Today, Pada describes herself as comfortably rooted in both Canada and India. “I don’t see those identities as separate,” she explains. “They are very strongly synthesized.” While Canada provided opportunities, support, and artistic freedom, India remains central to her creative foundation. Her approach reflects the experience of many immigrants who learn to navigate multiple cultural realities without sacrificing either. “I feel privileged that I had the chance to learn such a wonderful classical art form,” she says. “At the same time, I deeply appreciate everything Canada has offered artists like me.” In 1990, Pada founded Sampradaya Dance Creations with a vision of elevating Bharatanatyam within Canada’s cultural landscape. At the time, misconceptions about Indian classical dance were common. Many audiences viewed it as a folk dance or lacked awareness of the years of rigorous training required to master the form. “I wanted people to understand its depth, sophistication, and artistic richness,” she says. Drawing from contemporary themes while remaining grounded in classical technique, she introduced Bharatanatyam to wider audiences through collaborations with artists from Korean, Chinese, Flamenco, and Caribbean traditions. These artistic exchanges helped establish Bharatanatyam as a respected and relevant part of Canada’s performing arts ecosystem. Over the years, Pada’s productions have explored themes that transcend cultural boundaries. Works such as Mandala drew connections between Tibetan sand mandalas and Hindu yantras, blending Bharatanatyam with Kathak, contemporary staging, and cross-cultural musical influences. For Pada, innovation does not mean abandoning tradition. Instead, it means discovering new ways to communicate timeless ideas. “Any theme you want to present can be expressed through Bharatanatyam,” she says. “Its vocab-

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

ulary is incredibly comprehensive and versatile.” Through movement, rhythm, gesture, and facial expression, Bharatanatyam offers a complete artistic language capable of addressing both ancient stories and contemporary concerns. Pada’s contributions have earned national and international recognition. In 2008, she became the first South Asian performing artist to be appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, recognizing her contributions as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and community leader. She later received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the President of India and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. She received a Graduate degree in Dance from York University in 1996 and was also appointed an adjunct professor in the Graduate Faculty of Dance at York University. Her journey has also been shaped by the profound personal loss of her husband and two daughters in the Air India Flight 182 tragedy, an experience that strengthened her commitment to advocacy and the value of the arts in society. Today, Sampradaya continues to nurture future generations of dancers while expanding opportunities for Indian classical artists across Canada. Through initiatives such as the upcoming Summer Skies Festival in Mississauga, Pada remains committed to creating platforms where diverse artistic voices can thrive. Reflecting on a lifetime devoted to dance, she measures success not through accolades but through impact. “Dance has given me tremendous fulfillment,” she says. “Now, my focus is on supporting the next generation and ensuring these traditions continue to evolve and flourish.” For Lata Pada, Bharatanatyam has never been simply a performance art. It is a bridge between cultures, generations, and identities, a living tradition she has spent a lifetime helping Canada understand, appreciate, and celebrate.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

By Ancy Mendonza

AHMED KHAN PICTURES COURTESY: AHMED KHAN, INSTAGRAM/SAFESPOTFOUNDATION

hen Ahmed Khan walks into a Surrey high school, he's not there to lecture students or hand out life lessons. More often than not, he's lacing up his sneakers for a game of basketball, setting up boxing pads, or ordering pizza. It may seem simple, but for many of the young people he works with, those few hours after school can be the difference between finding a sense of belonging and falling through the cracks. At just 24, Khan has already built a career around supporting youth who need it most. As part of Surrey Schools' Integrated Child and Youth team, he works with students navigating trauma, mental health challenges, family instability, addictions, and involvement with the justice system. But it was what happened after the school bell rang that ultimately inspired him to create the Safe Spot Foundation. Khan's own story begins in Punjab, Pakistan, before his family immigrated to Canada when he was seven

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

BUILDING A SAFE SPACE TO BELONG

years old. Like many newcomers, the transition wasn't easy. His father, an orthopedic surgeon back home, found himself working security in Canada. Growing up in Surrey's Newton neighborhood, Khan witnessed the realities of gang violence firsthand. He watched childhood friends become involved in crime, saw others end up in prison, and realized how easily life could have taken a different path. "I was around it," he says matter-of-factly. "I played basketball with them, played soccer with them. Some ended up in jail. It could've gone either way." His original dream was simple: become a police officer. He enrolled at the Justice Institute of British Columbia and began pursuing a career towards policing when a conversation with one of his former high school counsellors changed everything. Knowing Khan's journey, his counsellor suggested he apply to the Surrey Schools' Safe Schools department. He did, and at just 20 years

old, became the youngest person ever hired into the department. While working as a Safe School Liaison, Khan launched an after-school boys' group for students considered at risk. The program quickly became a safe haven for students who simply needed someone to listen: “Sometimes young people don't need someone to solve all their problems; they just need someone who consistently shows up for them." Two years later, district funding for the program came to an end. Rather than letting it disappear, Khan decided to continue it himself. He reached out to friends to pitch in for Gatorade, protein bars, and pizza. Schools opened their

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

gyms, and Khan volunteered his evenings. To continue running the program safely and responsibly, he taught himself how to register a nonprofit. That decision became the Safe Spot Foundation. Today, the foundation runs two streams - free weekly after-school programs, where students spend two hours playing sports, hearing from guest speakers, sharing a meal, and building relationships with mentors who genuinely care. The second is a series of community initiatives that include sports tournaments, homeless outreach initiatives, and more, that extend that sense of belonging beyond school walls. Khan lights up when he shares the story of one student he has known since Grade 8. Struggling with attendance and mental health, the teenager never believed graduation was within reach. Through Safe Spot, he found consistency, confidence, and purpose. This year, he'll walk across the graduation stage and now serves as a mentor to younger students entering this same program. For Khan, that's the true measure of success. His vision is ambitious: to expand Safe Spot across British Columbia, reaching communities facing many of the same challenges as Surrey. But he believes lasting change doesn't begin with larger organizations, it begins at home. "I think parents are under so much pressure today," he reflects. "But more than anything, kids need time. They need someone to show up for them." Sometimes, showing up looks like playing or watching a game of basketball, a slice of pizza, or simply staying back after everyone else has gone home to have one more conversation. For Ahmed Khan, that's exactly where lasting change begins.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

PICTURES COURTESY: PUKHRAJ BHALLA, YOUTUBE/HUMBLE MOTION PICTURES

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: JASWINDER BHALLA’S LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH

PUKHRAJ BHALLA “

Whenever I think about a scene, a dialogue, or even writing something, I often ask myself how Dad would have done it." 26

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By Naina Grewal

ew figures in Punjabi entertainment are as beloved as Jaswinder Bhalla. As the industry marks the legendary actor and comedian’s first death anniversary this year, his absence continues to be deeply felt. Yet, his legacy lives on through his son, Pukhraj Bhalla, who is carving out a successful career while honoring the values and standards his father set. Admired for several creative ventures, including his breakout role as Jass in the hit web series Yaar Jigree Kasooti Degree, Pukhraj has emerged as one of Punjabi entertainment’s most promis-

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ing young stars. Over the years, he has balanced acting and music with ease, earning praise for projects such as Mahi Mera Nikka Jeha, Teriyaan Meriyaan Hera Pheriyan, Jinne Jamme Saare Nikamme, Haterz, and Udeekan Teriyan, along with popular tracks like Hostel Boliyan, Zaalma, Dil Haare, Countless, and Chaabiyan. For Pukhraj, films have always been more than a profession; they have been a way of life. “There was always a filmy environment at home,” he recalls. “I grew up around films and watching shoots. I’ve had a genuine interest in cinema since childhood. Also, I hold a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Filmmaking and Production from Punjabi University, Patiala. Simply put, films are all I know.” That lifelong connection to cinema takes on special significance with Carry On Jatta 4. In a deeply emotional tribute, Pukhraj reprises his late father’s iconic character, Advocate Dhillon, ensuring Jaswinder Bhalla remains an integral part of the fan-favorite cinematic universe. “It is a dream to be part of the franchise,” he shares. “There’s a deep sense of pride in knowing that, even in

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his absence, Dad remains part of the film. Audiences are experiencing his humor and screen presence once again, while also feeling the emotion of his legacy living on.” Evidently, the role came with immense responsibility. Through a blend of performance, VFX, CGI, and AI-assisted voice technology, filmmakers recreated Jaswinder Bhalla’s presence on screen. Pukhraj performed all of his father’s scenes, a process that demanded precision and emotional strength. “Dad’s shoes are large ones to fill,” he admits. “I was nervous, but I also felt very lucky.” Undoubtedly, Jaswinder Bhalla’s influence remains a guiding force in his son’s creative process. “Whenever I think about a scene, a dialogue, or even writing something, I often ask myself how Dad would have done it,” Pukhraj reflects. While comparisons to his father are inevitable, he approaches them with love and humility: “I have never really been compared to my dad, but now, after he’s gone, even if someone does, I’d be happy.” As Punjabi cinema continues to evolve, Pukhraj believes its future lies in innovative storytelling. “Whenever I get a film, even if it’s a relatively ordinary story,

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I try to make it extraordinary through my acting,” he says. This year is shaping up to be a significant one for the actor, with Carry On Jatta 4, Yaar Jigree Kasooti Degree - The Film, mystery-crime OTT film The Statement, and Punjabi film Toona all in the mix, along with numerous other projects in the pipeline. As he continues to build his own identity in the industry, Pukhraj remains committed to meaningful work while carrying forward a legacy that has touched generations. “I’m excited to make more space in people’s hearts,” he emphasizes, a simple yet powerful ambition that reflects both his own aspirations and the enduring spirit of the Bhalla name.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Beyond Satluj:

SUKHMANI SADANA

By Ancy Mendonza

PICTURES COURTESY: SUKHMANI SADANA, IMDB

on Censorship and Why History Deserves Many Voices

he conversation around Satluj has grown far beyond the film itself. Inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the Honey Trehan-directed film—headlined by Diljit Dosanjh—was briefly available on ZEE5 before being removed following government action under the Information Technology Act. As debates around censorship, artistic freedom, and historical storytelling continue, actor and screenwriter Sukhmani Sadana, who plays a television journalist in the film, reflects on the responsibilities of storytellers, the changing role of journalism, and why history should never be reduced to a single perspective.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

Q. Satluj has become part of a much larger conversation about censorship than cinema itself. Where do you think the line should be drawn between protecting public interest and protecting artistic freedom? Sukhmani Sadana: Storytelling comes with responsibility for everyone involved the writer, director, producer, and actors. When films are based on real events, they should be made by people who approach the subject with honesty rather than the intention of provoking controversy. In Satluj, Honey Trehan presents history through a straightforward narrative

without asking the audience what to think. Cinema should allow different perspectives to exist. If someone wishes to tell another side of the story, they should have the freedom to do that too. Audiences today are thoughtful enough to engage with different viewpoints and form their own opinions.

Q. You portray a fearless journalist in the film. Has journalism changed, or is courage still its defining quality? Sukhmani Sadana: Courage remains the foundation of journalism. The challenges may look different today, but there are

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

still journalists asking difficult questions and standing by their principles. At the same time, I do feel earlier generations displayed an extraordinary fearlessness despite having just as much to lose. That spirit continues to inspire me, and it was one of the reasons I connected so deeply with my character.

has undeniably created curiosity. Many people who may never have watched the film are now asking why it was restricted. In that sense, the conversation has become much bigger than the film itself. Attempts to suppress a story can sometimes make more people want to understand it.

Q. If a young journalist or filmmaker approached you today wanting to tell a difficult story rooted in history, but was worried, what would you tell them?

Q. Do controversies like this discourage filmmakers from telling politically or historically sensitive stories? Sukhmani Sadana: I don't think this changes the mindset of storytellers. There have always been filmmakers who choose to explore difficult subjects, just as there have always been those who prefer commercial cinema. Films dealing with complex history have existed for decades. Ultimately, it comes down to the kind of stories a filmmaker believes in telling.

remember Satluj?

Q. Has the controversy changed how people will

Sukhmani Sadana: I think the film would have found its audience regardless, because of the subject it explores. However, the controversy

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Sukhmani Sadana: Tell the story you believe in but remember that storytelling carries immense responsibility. Your work should contribute to understanding rather than deepening divisions. Present the subject honestly, acknowledge different perspectives where appropriate, and trust the audience to think for themselves. Most importantly, don't be afraid to tell meaningful stories, but never misuse the power that comes with telling them.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

The Little Boy Inspiring Hope Far Beyond Himself

Gurmoh

Singh Gill By Ancy Mendonza

Three-year-old Gurmoh Singh Gill may never fully understand why strangers across the world know his name. But for countless families living with rare diseases, the little boy from Surrey has become something far greater than a fundraising campaign - he has become hope.

PICTURES COURTESY: DR. STALIN GILL

or his parents, Dr. Navpreet and Dr. Stalin Gill, life changed when they realized their son wasn't meeting the same milestones as his older sister. He wasn't walking independently, and something didn't feel right. They went from one doctor to another - from family physicians to pediatricians and neurologists. Everything, they were told, was normal. At one point, Gurmoh was even diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His parents refused

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

to accept it. “We knew something wasn't fitting," says Stalin. After insisting on further testing and paying for investigations themselves, the family finally received an answer earlier this year. Gurmoh has an ultra-rare genetic condition called hereditary spastic paraplegia caused by a rare mutation that progressively damages the nerves controlling movement. Every day it threatens to take away abilities he still has today. For most families, that would have

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE been the end of the story. For the Gills, it became the beginning of a fight. They launched a fundraiser to develop a gene therapy that could potentially stop the disease in its tracks. The cost is staggering—an estimated $8 million—but the response has been even more extraordinary. They’ve raised around $2.4 million through campaigns and community support. People who have never met Gurmoh have donated, prayed and shown up. Then came the messages from other parents. A father in India called Stalin, whose own child lives with a rare disease. The family had left Canada and returned to India after receiving their son's diagnosis, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. "He told me, ‘My son deserves parents like you.’ Another mother from Edmonton told me that whenever she goes to the Gurdwara, she prays for Gurmoh first, because if they can develop a therapy for him, they might be able to develop one for her son later on,” Stalin recalls. These are a few of countless conversations the family has had with parents around the world. Some need help finding clinical trials. Others need assistance writing emails or translating medical information: “We've been able to help so many other parents who can't write an email or understand English. We're helping them connect with the right people.” In many ways, Gurmoh's story has become bigger than one little boy in Surrey. Researchers at McGill University, who are working on developing the gene therapy for Gurmoh under the leadership of Dr. Ziv Gan-Or, see something bigger too. If they succeed, it could lay the groundwork for treatments for thousands of other rare neurological diseases. If fundraising and regulatory approvals stay on track, they hope to have the therapy ready by next summer. And unlike traditional medications that require years of treatment, this thera-

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py would be delivered through a single injection. "He would be cured within 15 minutes as soon as the injection is in," says Stalin. "One injection, and it's a done deal."

The science already exists, but the infrastructure does not. And that, perhaps, is the most frustrating part of this story. Despite Canada's reputation for universal healthcare, families like the Gills often find themselves navigating a system that seems entirely unprepared for rare diseases. British Columbia does not have a pediatric neurogeneticist, the specialist best equipped to treat children like Gurmoh. The province doesn't have a laboratory capable of performing the genetic testing his diagnosis required. His samples had to be sent to Finland. The family says they were told the wait for an MRI under sedation in B.C. can be as long as three and a half years. Three and a half years is an eternity when a child's nerves are deteriorating. There is no central registry for rare diseases in the province. No single institution for families to call, and

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

absolutely no clear pathway for parents who suddenly find themselves facing an ultra-rare diagnosis. And while Canada speaks often about becoming a leader in healthcare innovation, families battling rare diseases continue to rely heavily on philanthropy and community fundraising to access groundbreaking therapies. According to the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, approximately one in 12 Canadians lives with a rare disease, two-thirds of them children. Rare, it turns out, is not so rare after all. The irony isn't lost on Stalin. He says governments often wait until children become disabled before providing meaningful support: “What if we invested before that happened? Why do we want kids in wheelchairs and hospital beds?” These are questions worth asking. Because the infrastructure required to develop Gurmoh's therapy would not disappear after his treatment. It could become the foundation for future gene therapies in Canada, making treatments faster and more affordable for countless other families.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

This isn't simply about one child. It's about whether Canada is prepared to embrace a future where rare diseases can be treated, and perhaps one day cured. It's about whether innovation is something we celebrate in speeches or something we're willing to invest in when real families need it. Most of all, it's about hope. The kind carried by two parents who have put their careers on hold to save their son. The kind shared by communities that have rallied around a little boy

they've never met. And the kind held by families across the world who now look at Gurmoh and see possibility. "There are millions of Gurmohs in Canada with different names," Stalin says. For now, one little boy from Surrey continues to play with his fire truck and dream of becoming a firefighter. Unaware that, in trying to save him, an entire movement may be taking shape around him.

To support Gurmoh and help build a future for children living with rare genetic diseases, scan the QR code below:

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

PICTURES COURTESY: JASMEET RAINA, YOUTUBE.COM/JUSREIGN & INSTAGRAM/ LATEBLOOMERSERIES PICTURES COURTESY: A MASTER MEDIA & SILVESTER LAW

COVER STORY

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DARPAN

Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

By Naina Grewal

THE EVOLUTION OF A STORYTELLER FROM JUS REIGN TO LATE BLOOMER AND BEYOND For an entire generation of South Asian youth, Jasmeet Raina arrived long before representation became a buzzword. How the creator once known as Jus Reign grew from being a YouTube sensation to one of the most prominent South Asian storytellers in the community is a story of the power of telling our stories on our own terms.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

oday, nearly two decades after posting his first videos online, Raina has bloomed into a new chapter. As the creator, lead actor, and creative force behind the acclaimed television series Late Bloomer, he is no longer just making audiences laugh. He is challenging them to confront family dynamics, identity, trauma, healing, and the unspoken realities of growing up as a South Asian immigrant in North America. The evolution feels natural

now. For Raina, though, it was never part of a carefully mappedout career plan.

The Accidental Trailblazer Before streaming platforms invested in diverse voices, before algorithms served up ethnic creators by the thousands, and before conversations about immigrant identity entered the mainstream, there was Jus Reign: a young

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

COVER STORY

Punjabi Sikh uploading comedy sketches to YouTube and making an entire community feel seen. Born and raised in Guelph, Ontario, to an immigrant family, Raina initially followed a more conventional path. Like many South Asian children, he attended university with the expectation of likely pursuing a stable profession in the field of medicine. At the same time, he was experimenting with comedy videos online. When he began posting YouTube videos in 2009 under the name Jus Reign, social media looked very different from what it does today. Raina recalls, "Smartphones weren't even that accessible back then. If you wanted to watch a video, you'd go to your laptop or your computer and watch it on YouTube.” At first, he simply found his videos funny, but eventually, the meaning crystalized. "I think I came to that realization as I was doing it," he notes. "Initially, I started off with, 'Oh, this is funny. We do this in our families.' But then it was that

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

universal experience of people having gone through the same thing that allowed us to bond." What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much larger. His sketches about Punjabi parents, family expectations, racism, and cultural misunderstandings resonated with audiences around the world. In fact, Raina built a loyal following that stretched far beyond Canada. Raina remembers one moment with his mother that perfectly captured how far his comedy had travelled beyond the screen. She was in the middle of scolding him when she suddenly paused. Mid-lecture, she realized she was repeating lines almost word-for-word from one of his sketches. “She clocked it,” he says, laughing. “She realized she was doing that, and then we just looked at each other and burst out laughing. She was like, ‘I can’t even say anything anymore because you’re just going to put it

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

in a video.’” Simply put, Raina’s videos were funny, chaotic, and endlessly quotable. Viewers shared them in computer labs, passed them around at family gatherings, and memorized punchlines that became part of the cultural lexicon. However, beneath the humor was something more profound. Raina was documenting a shared experience that many children of immigrants had never seen reflected back at them. What started as comedy had become a mirror.

The Disappearance Then, almost without warning, he was gone. For a creator who had built an entire digital universe out of everyday South Asian life, the silence was impossible to ignore. One day, there were new sketches, characters, and punchlines circulating across group chats and classroom computers. The next, nothing. No upload schedule. No farewell video. No explanation that fans could latch onto. There was no announcement, just a gradual fading out that turned into years of speculation, echoing a growing sense of confusion. Was something wrong? Was this permanent? Was he okay? Online, theories multiplied, but real answers were scarce. Looking back, Raina describes that period less like a dramatic exit and more like a necessary pause in momentum that had become unsustainable. The pressure of constant output, combined with the expectations that came with being one of the most visible South Asian creators on the platform, had begun to weigh differently. The silence, in hindsight,

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

“IT DIDN’T FEEL LIKE YOUTUBE WAS THE RIGHT PLATFORM FOR ME AT THAT POINT IN MY LIFE. AS A PERSON, I WAS CHANGING. YOUTUBE BEGAN TO FEEL TOO SIMPLE. I WANTED MORE OF A CREATIVE CHALLENGE, SOMETHING WITH MORE EMOTIONAL RANGE, MORE DEPTH, AND MORE ROOM TO GROW." was not empty. It was transitional. Raina remembers making one of his final videos before the hiatus and feeling something unfamiliar: the format that had once felt instinctive no longer felt creatively fulfilling. The endlessly upbeat, rapid-fire talking-head persona that defined Jus Reign no longer reflected who he was becoming off-camera. He details, “It didn’t feel like YouTube was the right platform for me at that point in my life. As a person, I was changing. YouTube began to feel too simple. I wanted more of a creative challenge, something with more emotional range, more depth, and more room to grow.” Arguably, it wasn’t that the platform had stopped working. It was that he had outgrown the version of himself it was designed to amplify. The humor was still there, but the questions he wanted to ask

were no longer the kind that could be answered in a three-minute sketch. That said, a creator who had once felt omnipresent in social media feeds suddenly vanished at the height of his cultural relevance. It would be years before that absence would be filled again, this time not with sketches, but with something far more deliberate: a scripted world built from the same lived experiences that once shaped his humor, but now given space to breathe in a different form. That world would become Late Bloomer.

Healing Through Storytelling The return to storytelling almost came as a correction in direction for Raina. Where Jus Reign had once been built on speed and relatability, Late Bloomer, with Season 3 just released, moves differently. It slows everything JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

COVER STORY down, sits inside moments longer, and allows silence to do some of the work. For Raina, that shift wasn’t just creative. It was personal. “The biggest drive behind the show was probably just having gone through changes in my personal life, and therapy, and having some form of healing,” he highlights. “I felt like wherever an artist is, the best work is produced based on where they are at that moment, and if they’re truthful about what they’re going through.” That idea sits underneath Late Bloomer, even when the show is not explicitly about it. Family conflict is not simplified into good or bad. Conversations do not always resolve. Characters misunderstand each other not because they are written to, but because that is often how communication works in real life. Raina is equally intentional about how that philosophy extends to casting and representation on screen. On Late Bloomer, he is clear that authenticity is not something he delegates easily, even when he is wearing multiple hats himself. “I’m always trying to cast as authentically and as real as possible,” he

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

emphasizes. “I want the characters to feel real. For any Punjabi character you see on the show, I make sure we get that right. Even if it means street casting or bringing in people we know, I’ll push for more auditions. They have to sound, feel, and look like the characters they’re portraying.” That same instinct for control and specificity extends behind the camera on Late Bloomer, where Raina recounts stepping into directing initially came with external resistance, despite feeling like a natural extension of his existing process. “When I said I wanted to direct, I got a lot of pushback,” he admits. “There aren’t that many people who write, act, direct, and produce at this level.” Nevertheless, he just felt too strongly about taking on episodes that were especially personal, including the student storyline and the 9/11 episode. “I just felt

like I had to do them,” he remarks. “There was only a certain way I saw them working.” After directing his first two episodes, his first-ever experience in the director’s chair, he says the response helped shift perception, allowing him to push his directorial talents further in the new season. Raina states, “This is my first time acting on screen, my first time writing, my first time doing a lot of this. But I’m still doing it. There was a week I was really sick with a high fever and still had to shoot. I think people can use inexperience as an excuse, but I don’t really see it that way. You’ve got to just keep going.”

Not A Comeback, A Continuation Even as Late Bloomer anchors this chapter of his career, Raina is already thinking beyond it. He

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

“I REMEMBER BEING A KID, I WANTED TO DO EITHER COMEDY, ACTING, OR DIRECTING. NOW I’M DOING ALL OF THEM. THAT PART OF ME WOULD PROBABLY THINK, WHOA, YOU’RE ACTUALLY DOING THE THING YOU SET OUT TO DO. "

outlines, “I’m working on and developing more, but I’m also excited about, hopefully, Late Bloomer Season 4.” Lightheartedly, when asked to imagine an alternate reality where Late Bloomer never materialized, Raina, almost amused by how differently things could have unfolded, responds, “I don’t know what else I’d do. I don’t feel compelled to do YouTube anymore.” He pauses, then adds with a half-smile, “I think I would’ve just become a hermit, honestly. I would’ve travelled, maybe gone to the mountains, just walking everywhere on foot. Maybe I would’ve gone to Nepal, done some hiking, spent time in a monastery, and even learned martial arts.” He laughs before continuing, “So that was kind of the split for me. I was either going to do that or do this.” In many ways, those hypothetical crossroads was

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

mirrored by those closest to him. Raina notes that his family’s understanding of his work has also shifted significantly over the years. As he puts it, “In the beginning, they were confused; they didn’t really understand what I was doing. But then, they truly began to believe in my creative vision. Now, they are even more supportive of me than I am of myself, and really just champion me to keep going.” Pondering on the passage of time, Raina turns to his younger self. “I remember being a kid, I wanted to do either comedy, acting, or directing,” he shares. “Now I’m doing all of them. That part of me would probably think, whoa, you’re actually doing the thing you set out

to do. And younger me would also think my Pokémon card collection is very cool, even if nobody else does.” Moving forward, Raina resists the idea that his story has reached any kind of fixed point, embracing instead an everevolving sense of fluidity. What ties it all together is not a single breakthrough or reinvention, but a continuous return to the impulse that first pushed him to begin: storytelling. And running through it all is a sense of continuity with who he has always been, as if the different versions of himself are still in conversation, each one recognizing something familiar in what comes next.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Mr & Mrs SAMBAR KITCHEN 12827 76 Ave #109 Surrey, BC V3W 1E6

+1 236 592 5863

Open Daily 10 AM – 10:30 PM

w w w. m r a n d m r s s a m b a r. c o m

PICTURES COURTESY: FAHAD PHOTOGRAPHY

here is something comforting about walking into a restaurant where the aroma alone tells you you're in for something special. At Mr. & Mrs. Sambar Kitchen in Surrey, it's impossible to miss. The scent of freshly steaming idlis, golden crispy dosas, simmering curries, and slow-cooked biryani greets guests before the menu ever does, transporting many straight back to the bustling streets of Chennai. Opened on January 26, 2026, Mr. & Mrs. Sambar Kitchen is the realization of a dream shared by partners Vijay and Balaji - two chefs whose combined decades of experience have culminated in a restaurant dedicated to one simple philosophy: serve South Indian food exactly the way it is meant to be served. No shortcuts, and certainly no watering down flavors. "We don't ask customers how spicy they want their food," Vijay says with a smile. "If we change the spice level to suit everyone, we lose the authenticity.

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We want people to experience South Indian food the way we grew up eating it." It is a bold approach, especially in a market where restaurants often adapt recipes to suit local palates. But authenticity is the very foundation on which Mr. & Mrs. Sambar Kitchen has been built. For Vijay, the journey began over two decades ago when he arrived in Vancouver as an international student. He worked in restaurants across the Lower Mainland, cooked for celebrities, and quietly nurtured one dream- to someday open a restaurant that celebrated the food he grew up with. That dream found the perfect partner in Balaji. A graduate of Hotel Management in 2007, Balaji grew up inspired by his uncle, a chef whose passion for cooking sparked his own interest in the culinary world. His career took

him through restaurants and international cruise ships before bringing him to Canada in 2018. Together, the pair knew exactly what they wanted to create: not just another Indian restaurant, but one that proudly represented the rich culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu. At the heart of their menu, alongside rava dosas, mutton bone soup, uttapams, and more, is the dish that has quickly become their signature: Ambur Biryani. Unlike the more familiar biryanis made with basmati rice, Ambur Biryani is prepared using Seeraga Samba rice, a short-grain aromatic rice native to Tamil Nadu that absorbs spices beautifully and creates a flavor profile unlike anything else. Alongside it sits their equally popular Chennai-style biryani, giving diners two distinct regional experiences. The response has been overwhelming. Vijay recalls one customer who ordered the mutton Ambur Biryani

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

BALAJI Owner

VIJAY Owner

BRINGING THE TRUE TASTE OF HOME TO SURREY and became emotional after his first few bites. "He told us he hadn't eaten a biryani this authentic anywhere in North America," Vijay says. "He was almost in tears because it reminded him of home." Even the restaurant's name has a story behind it. The owners originally planned to call it ‘Sambar Kitchen,’ a nod to Vijay's mother's signature sambar recipe that inspired the restaurant. But feeling the name was a little too common, they decided to add a twist. "We added 'Mr.,' and then realized, 'Without Mrs., there is no Mr.,'" Vijay laughs. And just like that, Mr. & Mrs. Sambar Kitchen was born: a name that's as warm and welcoming as the food they serve. For Vijay and Balaji, authenticity extends far beyond the food. Hospitality is just as important. Every guest is welcomed with water, a warm smile, and staff who are happy to explain unfamiliar dishes and regional specialties. It's the kind of

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

service that reflects South Indian hospitality—genuine, unhurried, and deeply personal. "We want people to leave knowing they'll always get authentic food here," says Vijay. "More importantly, they'll have the same great experience every single time. That consistency has become the restaurant's promise. In a city where Indian restaurants are plentiful, Mr. & Mrs. Sambar

Kitchen has found its identity by staying true to its roots. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it celebrates the bold flavors, cherished family recipes, and culinary traditions that have defined South Indian cuisine for generations. For those craving a perfectly crisp dosa, a comforting bowl of sambar, or perhaps one of the most authentic Ambur biryanis this side of Tamil Nadu, Surrey has found a new destination worth discovering. JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

The

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, HEMALI MISTRY, BALRAJ SINGH AND SHELLY KAUR

DINKs, SINKs& DINKWADs

Era

By Naina Grewal

Rethinking Family, Freedom, and the Future NOT LONG AGO, ADULTHOOD FOLLOWED A FAMILIAR SCRIPT: FINISH SCHOOL, FIND A JOB, GET MARRIED, BUY A HOME, AND HAVE CHILDREN.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

oday, that script is being rewritten, with lifestyle labels like DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids), SINKs (Single Income, No Kids), and DINKWADs (Dual Income, No Kids With a Dog) reflecting shifting ideas around family, finances, and fulfillment. For many young adults, the question is no longer when to have children, but whether to have them at all, with others delaying parenthood for career growth, financial stability, travel, or personal development. Influencer and Women Empowerment Advocate Hemali Mistry, who has been open about being child-free by choice, believes today's generation is rethinking long-held assumptions. "I think

people are waking up to what it means to be a good parent and the amount of effort that it takes, especially women," she says. "This is the first time in history where parents are having raw, open, and honest conversations on what parenting takes because social media has given them a platform to share their stories. Once you understand the full mental, financial, and physical cost of having kids, it makes sense why people are either waiting until they're truly ready or opting out altogether." The choice to remain child-free, however, is still met with skepticism, particularly within South Asian communities where marriage and children are often viewed as expected milestones

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

“

"This is the first time in history where parents are having raw, open, and honest conversations on what parenting takes because social media has given them a platform to share their stories. Once you understand the full mental, financial, and physical cost of having kids, it makes sense why people are either waiting until they're truly ready or opting out altogether." - Hemali Mistry

Influencer and Women Empowerment Advocate

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rather than personal decisions. Questions like “Who will take care of you when you're older?” or “Won't you regret it?” remain common. Mistry doesn't shy away from those conversations. "I'd rather regret not having kids than having kids because then at least the regret only affects my life and not the child's," she points out. "I truly believe it takes a village to raise children, and I love being an active member of that village." She also challenges the notion that choosing not to become a parent is somehow irresponsible: "How is it anyone's inherent responsibility to have kids when having them is a choice? The world is not going to end if I have kids or not." Instead, she argues, fulfillment looks different for everyone. "No one can tell you what fulfills you," she emphasizes. "A fulfilling and meaningful life looks like doing things that make you feel happy." According to Balraj Singh, RCC and owner of One Heart Wellness Clinic, today's decisions around marriage and parenthood are becoming far more intentional. "There are several factors contributing to this shift," Singh explains. "The rising cost of living, housing affordability challenges, career demands, and a desire for greater personal freedom all play a role." That said, beyond economics, he sees a generation that's willing to pause. "Rather than following traditional timelines, people are asking themselves what genuinely aligns with their values, goals, and circumstances." Of course, that selfreflection often comes with emotional challenges, especially when personal choices clash with family expectations. "One of the most common challenges is

guilt," Singh reveals. "Individuals may feel they are disappointing parents, extended family members, or cultural communities." For many South Asians, the pressure is not necessarily explicit, but deeply embedded in culture and family traditions. Singh admits clients frequently wrestle with balancing respect for those traditions while remaining authentic to themselves. "The conversation is often less about rejecting family life and more about creating a life that feels authentic and sustainable." He believes the discussion shouldn't be framed as choosing one lifestyle over another. "There is no single definition of fulfillment," he outlines. "What matters most is that individuals make conscious choices that reflect who they are rather than living according to expectations that do not resonate with them." The idea of conscious decision-making is central to Emotional Wellness Coach and Hypnotherapist Shelly Kaur. She challenges one of society’s most persistent assumptions, that children guarantee happiness or security later in life. “It is a myth that only

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

"One of the most common challenges is guilt. Individuals may feel they are disappointing parents, extended family members, or cultural communities... What matters most is that individuals make conscious choices that reflect who they are rather than living according to expectations that do not resonate with them." - Balraj Singh

RCC and Owner, One Heart Wellness Clinic

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

children can bring happiness,” she warns. Shelly points to research suggesting that long-term life satisfaction is shaped more by physical health, financial stability, social connection, purpose, and community engagement. While many parents find meaning in raising children, she adds there is no evidence that having children guarantees happiness, just as remaining child-free does not necessarily lead to loneliness. Kaur also highlights changing family dynamics, where adult children may live far away, face their own financial and emotional pressures, and may not always be able to provide expected support. Kaur also shines the spotlight on newer discourse on the ethics of having children: “Modern ethical discussions increasingly ask whether creating a new life carries moral responsibilities from

a spiritual standpoint.” Through deeper reflection, she connects broader questions about suffering, poverty, and war back to the idea of birth itself, suggesting that existence inevitably carries pain and loss. This leads to the perspective that some younger adults are rethinking parenthood by weighing not just personal readiness, but also the ethical implications of bringing a child into the world. “The real goal is not approval from society, but alignment with one’s own truth,” Kaur asserts. A meaningful life can come through relationships, creativity, community service, spirituality, travel, career achievements, and finding one’s own calling. She also notes that a society valuing freedom should respect both those who choose parenthood and those who do not, while encouraging more conscious reflection around life-altering

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

decisions like having children. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from today’s growing list of lifestyle labels is that modern life no longer follows a single blueprint. DINKs, SINKs, and DINKWADs are less about categories and more about shifting definitions of family and fulfillment. No path is less or more valid than the other. The key is having the freedom to define family, purpose, and fulfillment for oneself.

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"Modern ethical discussions increasingly ask whether creating a new life carries moral responsibilities from a spiritual standpoint.” - Shelly Kaur

Emotional Wellness Coach and Hypnotherapist

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DARPAN FEATURE

AI SLOP

Authenticity, And The Collapse Of Online Credibility Are We In A Digital Trust Crisis?

By Naina Grewal PICTURE COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, ANISHA SIDHU AND KIRAN SINGH

AI-generated content is rapidly reshaping the online information ecosystem, but not in the simple way many people assume. The more pressing shift is not just that machines can now produce text, images, and videos at scale, but that audiences are increasingly unsure about what, or who, they are even looking at.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

he rise of "AI slop," a term used to describe the flood of low-quality AI-generated content circulating online, has only deepened that uncertainty. What emerges is not just a content problem, but a trust crisis.

As Anisha Sidhu, business leader in AI and tech, brand strategist, and founder of Altiora Infotech, puts it, “We’re moving from a world where ‘content output’ was the differentiator, to one where intent, originality, and lived perspective matter more than ever.” From a business perspective, AI-generated content may not be replacing authenticity. Instead, it may be raising the bar for it. Sidhu adds, “Audiences are becoming increasingly aware of AI-generated content, which means trust is no longer earned through volume or polish. It’s earned through clarity, consistency, and a human point of view behind the brand.”

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

“Audiences are becoming increasingly aware of AI-generated content, which means trust is no longer earned through volume or polish. It’s earned through clarity, consistency, and a human point of view behind the brand.” Anisha Sidhu

Founder, Altiora Infotech and Brand Strategist

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

In her view, the brands that will stand out are not those producing the most content, but those using AI deliberately, where AI is used to scale execution, but human judgment stays at the core of messaging, storytelling, and positioning. In that sense, AI does not remove the need for creativity or strategy but intensifies it. Moreover, this shift also has implications for how organizations think about people and teams. Sidhu explains, “The value of teams is shifting from production-heavy roles to thinking, directing, and interpreting roles, people who can guide systems rather than just execute tasks.” She frames this as a structural change in hiring and organizational design, where the most valuable contributors are those who can translate between technology and meaning, rather than just generate output at scale.

At the same time, AI opens significant opportunities for speed and precision. It allows businesses to personalize communication, accelerate creative testing, streamline recruitment processes, and create tighter feedback loops between audience behavior and decision-making. However, a new tension is also introduced. When everyone has access to similar tools, differentiation becomes harder to maintain. Sidhu highlights this balance directly: “The biggest opportunity is clear: scale with precision. The biggest risk is loss of differentiation through over-automation.” Without strong editorial direction or a clearly defined brand identity, she argues, organizations risk producing work that becomes increasingly interchangeable: “If businesses rely too heavily on AI without a strong brand voice, editorial direction, or

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

“If media outlets can establish a relationship of trust with their readers, the rise of generative AI becomes an opportunity... When trust becomes rare, its value rises.” Kiran Singh

Award-winning Journalist cultural understanding, they risk becoming indistinguishable in the market.” Beyond opportunity and optimization, Kiran Singh, an award-winning journalist, describes how the erosion of trust in media has been building long before generative AI became mainstream. Reflecting on his experience reporting during the pandemic, he says, “It taught me resilience, the importance of collaborating with fellow reporters in good faith, but most importantly, I learnt how nationwide and global campaigns can be launched to erode trust in the news.” He emphasizes, “Labeling tough questions as ‘fake news’ was simply the beginning of this erosion of trust.” For Singh, AI is not the origin of the problem, but it has accelerated an existing vulnerability in how people consume and interpret information. Singh also

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

points to the broader media environment: “This, coupled with Meta’s ban on sharing news on social media platforms in Canada, has enabled alternative channels to label themselves as ‘media’ and try to pass their slop as ‘news.’” The result, he suggests, is a fragmented information landscape where the boundaries between journalism, commentary, and synthetic content are becoming harder to identify. One of Singh’s key worries is how this affects younger audiences. “While the younger generation may be less prone to taking any ‘news’ at face value, we are also the ones consuming more and more of it, scrolling fast on multiple apps on our handheld devices,” he asserts. This can contribute to political apathy and disengagement, where users no longer pause to question whether what they are seeing is accurate or fabricated. He is clear

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

that journalism cannot be replaced by automation: “Gathering news stories and reporting is an exercise in critical thinking which simply cannot be outsourced to generative AI models.” At the same time, Singh acknowledges that the crisis of trust also creates a potential opportunity for credible outlets to differentiate themselves more clearly. “If media outlets can establish a relationship of trust with their readers, the rise of generative AI becomes an opportunity,” he details. “When trust becomes rare, its value rises.” This, he suggests, could even reshape the economics of journalism, encouraging audiences to financially support outlets they believe are consistently reliable, especially if those outlets position themselves clearly against automated or synthetic content. Undoubtedly, AI is simultaneously expanding what is possible and complicating what is believable. It is accelerating output while demanding stronger human direction. It is increasing efficiency in some areas while intensifying concerns about credibility and misinformation. The common thread across all use cases, however, is trust, and how difficult it becomes to maintain when the signals of authenticity are no longer obvious. Ultimately, the question is not only what is real, but whether we are willing to invest the time, institutions, and critical thinking required to find out.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FEATURE

How To BUILD STRONG

OFFLINE Friendships In A Forever Online World By Shweta Kulkarni

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

n a recent weekend getaway, I stumbled upon a scene that refreshingly felt out of place in our screenobsessed times—A group of ten women, all in their 60s, playing antakshari at the resort’s gazebo. The vibe was cheerful; laughter echoed through the air as they cheerfully sang old Hindi film songs. None of them were glued to their phones and were completely immersed in the moment, simply enjoying each other’s company.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

A casual chit-chat with this spirited bunch revealed that they were all school friends and shared a bond spanning over 50 years. What made their friendship special is the fact that despite life's many responsibilities, they make it a point to meet now and then. Later, watching this spry group of friends splash about in the pool with the carefree enthusiasm of teenagers, I couldn't help but reflect on how different friendship looks today. While many Boomers continue to nurture deep, real-time connections, the younger generation is trapped in what can only be described as a "reel-ationship"—a friendship maintained through likes, comments, emojis, memes, snaps, and an endless stream of forwarded content. That joyful group of

women was a reminder of how truly beautiful it is to bond with friends. Human connection is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and numerous studies have shown that strong social bonds are closely linked to better mental health, lower stress levels, and greater overall happiness. In fact, even a brief conversation with a friend can boost our mood and provide a sense of belonging that can’t be achieved through any digital interaction. However, as our schedules are becoming increasingly busier, nurturing real-world friendships requires a more conscious effort now. The good news? It doesn't have to be all that complicated either. Here are some tips on how to build stronger offline connections in a forever-online world:

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN FEATURE

Update Your Friends Before You Update Social Media It is ironic that while most of us claim to be perpetually busy, we somehow always find the time to instantly post about a promotion, a dream vacation, a fancy dinner, or a major life milestone. Sharing life updates online has become second nature. Within minutes, the update is LIVE, and we are ready for the likes, comments, and heart emojis to roll in. But when was the last time you picked up the phone and told your closest friend that exciting piece of news before posting it online? Relationships strengthen when you make your buddies feel like insiders, not followers. So, the next time you are eager to share a major update with the world, consider calling or messaging the people who matter most first.

Prioritize Verbal Communication No doubt texting is convenient. But real connections are not built via WhatsApp messages. Nothing carries warmth, emotions, excitement, concern, joy, or empathy better than a voice. Hearing a friend laugh, listening to the excitement in their voice, or sensing that something isn't quite right creates a deeper understanding. Even a quick ten-minute catch-up call

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

while commuting or cooking dinner can help maintain a meaningful connection. Voice notes and video calls are also a good option to nurture a healthy friendship.

Step Out & Meet in Person While that long-pending Goa or Bangkok trip with friends may forever remain in the planning stage, start small. Yes, coordinating schedules can be hard, but nothing replaces the joy of meeting friends face-to-face. After all, the comfort of a warm hug can never feel the same as a hug emoji, right? If your friends live in the same city, try to meet regularly. Grab coffee after work, catch a movie, explore a new restaurant, or simply take a walk together. Shared experiences create memories you can revisit years later—something that can’t happen online.

Having A Rough Day? Call Your Friend A random wise man on the internet once said, “Sometimes talking to your friend is the only therapy you need.” And whoever said that was absolutely right. Nowadays, we often turn to social media when we are feeling stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed because mindless scrolling offers temporary distraction. But it rarely provides the comfort and support we truly need. Human interaction is especially important when we are feeling low, so the next time you are having a bad day, call a friend. Friendships deepen when you allow yourself to be vulnerable to your friends. Some of the strongest friendships are built during difficult conversations rather than celebratory ones.

Create Simple Friendship Rituals Strong friendships require intention. Create traditions and rituals that strengthen your bond. It could be a monthly brunch, an annual holiday, a Sunday evening call, a dinner tradition, or even a shared morning walk. Rituals create consistency and give friends something to look forward to. They become anchors in busy lives and help ensure that friendship doesn't get pushed aside by work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Be Fully Present One key aspect of building strong relationships with friends is to give your undivided attention. When you are spending time with a friend, put your phone away. Listen actively. Engage in conversation. Ask questions. Being fully present shows your friends that they matter and that your time with them is important. Feeling heard, valued, and understood is what transforms acquaintances into lifelong friends.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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GUEST FEATURE

A Piece of Home PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, INSTAGRAM/THECITYOFSURREY, DR. SHIMI KANG

Dr. Shimi Kang

What Canada Day Means to Immigrant Families

very Canada Day, I watch my parents the way you watch someone holding two things in their hands at once. There is pride—real, hard-won pride in the country that became their home. And there is something quieter underneath it, a tenderness that surfaces in an old song, a familiar dish, a story that begins with “back home.” I grew up in the space between those two feelings. I am not an immigrant, but I am the child of immigrants, and that inheritance has shaped how I understand this country and this day.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

The grief of immigration is rarely spoken aloud. When people leave their homeland, they leave more than a place. They leave the smell of a particular street, the sound of a language spoken without effort, the grandparents whose laughter now travels through a phone screen. They are often told to focus on the gains—the opportunity, the safety, the future—and those gains are real. But the smaller, sacred losses do not disappear simply because the decision was the right one. And so, to the immigrant families reading this: your grief is seen. If you are the one who packed a life into a few suitcases and began again in an unfamiliar place, please know that the ache you carry is not weakness or ingratitude. It is love— love for a home that shaped you. You are allowed to miss it fiercely and to

Dr. Shimi Kang MD, FRCPC

Mental Wealth, Addiction & Motivation Specialist, Global Speaker, Media Expert & #1 Best-selling Author, Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Dr. Shimi Kang is an awardwinning Harvard-trained doctor, researcher, and keynote speaker specializing in the science of motivation. She founded FutureReady Minds, is the host of ‘Mental Wealth with Dr. Shimi Kang’ on YouTube, and is the author of the #1 national bestselling parenting book ‘The Dolphin Parent.’ Her work focuses on mental health, addiction, and brain-related conditions, offering assessments and treatments like psychedelicassisted therapy and more.

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GUEST FEATURE

build a new life here at the same time. Those of us raised in your homes have watched your quiet courage, and we carry it forward with gratitude. What makes this country remarkable is that you were never asked to leave everything behind. This is the quiet genius of Canada. In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as official policy, later affirming it in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. It is one of the few places on earth where the law itself says that you can become fully Canadian without erasing who you were. You are invited to bring a piece of home with you—your language, your faith, your festivals, your food—and to weave it into the larger fabric of the nation. That idea changes everything. In so many places, belonging demands surrender: assimilate, blend in, disappear into the majority. Canada offered immigrant families a different bargain. It imagined a country not as a melting pot that dissolves difference, but as a mosaic that arranges it into

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something beautiful. The Diwali lights, the Eid celebrations, the Gurudwara langar feeding strangers, the heritage languages spoken at the dinner table—none of these make a person less Canadian. They are Canadian. They are the texture of a nation that decided its strength would come from its plurality rather than despite it. The children of immigrants are the living proof of that vision. We are raised in two worlds at once, fluent in the customs of our parents’ homeland and the country of our birth. We translate between generations, carry recipes and proverbs forward, and move through life with a doubled sense of belonging. What our parents experienced as loss, we often experience as inheritance—a richness, a rootedness in more than one place. That is the gift you gave us, and only a country like this could make it possible. None of this erases the deeper history of these lands. Long before Confederation, the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples lived

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

here, and their presence and stewardship remain part of who we are as a country. To honor the home that welcomed our families is also to remember, with respect, the peoples who were here first. That truth and the pride of this day can sit side by side. So, this Canada Day, to every immigrant family who chose this country and was chosen by it: thank you. You did not have to choose between where you came from and where you were going. You brought a piece of home, and in doing so you helped build something rare and beautiful—a country made stronger by the many homes its people carry within them, and a model the world would do well to follow.

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DARPAN FEATURE

Luxury With Longevity

DESIGNER

BAGS

That Double As Investments

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, LOUISVUITTON.COM

omen are often accused of being shopaholics, splurging on clothes, shoes, and, of course, designer handbags. But here’s the thing—not every splashout is literally meant to burn a hole in our pockets. In fact, some wise purchases not only act as cool fashion statements but also as savvy financial moves. Yes, you heard it right! In the realm of high-end luxury, while most fashion buys begin to lose value the moment they leave the boutique, a select group of premium bags follows a different trajectory. Much like fine art, vintage watches, or collectible wines, these coveted pieces can retain and sometimes even increase their value over time.

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The booming resale luxury market proves the case in point. According to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Vestiaire Collective, the leading global platform for pre-loved luxury fashion, secondhand fashion and luxury is gaining ground fast, with the global resale market expected to hit up to $360 billion by 2030. And collectible handbags are the most sought-after categories. Having said that, not all designer bags earn the ‘investmentbag’ status. The pieces that rule the resale market are the ones that come with the premium tag of exceptional craftsmanship, timeless appeal, limited availability, and the prestige of a heritage brand. So, if you are considering building a luxury handbag collection that is as smart as it is stylish, here’s your guide to bags that are worth betting on.

Hermès’ Birkin and Kelly

When we talk of luxe fashion, a few brands command as much prestige and value as Hermès. Luxury is never loud; it is defined by meticulous craftsmanship, unparalleled exclusivity, and designs that remain timeless. This French maison embodies all these qualities. A Hermès bag is the undisputed queen

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DARPAN FEATURE of the handbag empire, and at the very top of the hierarchy sit two Hermès legends: the Birkin and the Kelly. With an approximate wait time of six months to three years, both models are notoriously difficult to purchase. Even at the Hermès store in Paris, where appointments can be secured through a lottery-style system, securing one of these coveted bags is far from guaranteed. Unlike most splurge-worthy purchases that lose value over time, Birkins and Kellys frequently command premiums on the resale market, particularly rare colors, exotic leathers, and limited-production editions.

Louis Vuitton’s Speedy & Neverfull Chanel’s Classic Flap

A favorite among elite collectors for decades, Louis Vuitton has mastered the art of creating high-end bags that are both desirable and attainable. The brand is more accessible than a Hermès or a Chanel and offers a solid entry point for those seeking to invest in designer bags. A LV bag's appeal lies in its broad global recognition, exceptional durability, and constant demand. The Speedy, originally introduced in the 1930s, is the brand’s most coveted and recognizable handbag ever created. Its timeless silhouette and rich heritage have ensured decades of popularity, making vintage and limitededition versions particularly attractive in the resale market. Equally iconic is the Neverfull, a bag that effortlessly balances practicality with style. Its versatility has made it a favorite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.

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Chanel is renowned not only for crafting luxury but also for legacy. A Chanel bag is not just any wardrobe essential but a wearable investment, especially the iconic Chanel Classic Flap bag. It was first introduced as the 2.55 handbag in 1955 by Gabrielle Coco Chanel, with a revolutionary design featuring a shoulder chain (a radical concept at the time) that liberated women from carrying cumbersome hand-held clutches. Decades later, Karl Lagerfeld reimagined the design, introducing the interlocking ‘CC’ clasp that has now become synonymous with the modern Classic Flap. What makes this bag a hot seller in the resale market is Chanel’s pricing strategy. The fashion house has raised prices every year, sometimes multiple times annually. So, a bag purchased five years ago could be worth significantly more today due to these increases. Collectors are often drawn to versions crafted in durable caviar leather, while the Chanel 2.55, which is still sewn following the original principles created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955, continues to attract purists who appreciate its historical significance and understated elegance.

Christian Dior’s Lady Dior

Carrying a Lady Dior bag is not merely making a style statement; it is akin to carrying a piece of heritage and fashion history. Introduced in 1995, the bag soon became the most iconic bag of all time when France’s first lady, Bernadette Chirac, gifted it to Princess Diana. Diana instantly fell in love with it, and the bag became her wardrobe staple. The royal carried the bag at multiple public engagements, including at her first Met Gala in New York City. Dior renamed the design in 1996 in her honor. Collectors are particularly drawn to limited-edition versions, artist collaborations, and rare colorways, many of which command strong resale premiums. Its association with Princess Diana only adds to its emotional, cultural, and resale value.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Gucci’s Jackie 1961

Gucci’s classic Jackie 1961 has seen multiple iterations, but its list of endless admirers has never faded. Originally launched in 1950 as the G1244, the bag soon gained worldwide attention after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was frequently photographed carrying it. Her affection for the style was so influential that Gucci eventually renamed the bag in her honor. The modern Jackie 1961 retains the elegant hobo silhouette and signature piston clasp that made the original famous. The bag's heritage credentials, celebrity associations and periodic limited-edition releases have helped maintain strong resale demand.

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DARPAN SALUTES

Deep Shergill The Crusader Changing Maternal Care in Rural Rajasthan By Aprameya VN

PICTURES COURTESY: MATA JAI KAUR CENTRE

child grows up in a large family in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar in the early 1960s. He is the youngest among 10 siblings and is raised by his grandmother, then in her 80s. His mother dies due to poor, unhygienic conditions, a death that could have been prevented with better healthcare. Water is contaminated, medical facilities are scarce, and childhood is difficult.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

That child was Deep Shergill. More than six decades later, Shergill lives thousands of kilometers away in Canada, where he built a successful real estate business in Alberta after migrating in the early 1970s. But despite financial success, the memories of his childhood and the circumstances that claimed his mother’s life never left him. About two decades ago, he decided to do something about it. In 2009, Shergill launched the Mata Jai Kaur Centre in Sri Ganganagar with a singular goal: improving access to healthcare for women and children in the region. "My grandmother once told me, 'I planted and nurtured a mango tree whose fruit I knew I would never live to taste. But I planted it anyway, because I knew others would one day enjoy its shade and its fruit,'" Shergill tells DARPAN, recalling the advice that continues to drive his work. The NGO is named after his grandmother, Mata Jai Kaur, whose

words, he says, shaped his sense of responsibility towards the community he came from. Though Shergill spends most of his time in Canada and visits India only once or twice a year, he remains closely involved with the organization’s activities. A dedicated team on the ground, many of them relatives and long-time associates, oversees day-today operations. The focus is simple but ambitious: providing free healthcare to women in villages that often lack access to quality medical services. Every Sunday, doctors travel

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SALUTES

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

from the city to 35BB village in Sri Ganganagar to examine women and children. The consultations cover a wide range of issues, including maternal healthcare, reproductive health, and mental health concerns that often go untreated in rural areas. The center also runs a comprehensive maternal care program for expecting mothers. "We take care of expecting mothers throughout their nine-month pregnancy," Shergill said. Women from economically weaker backgrounds receive free treatment and delivery care. Those who are relatively better off also receive free consultations and medical guidance. However, they are free to choose where they wish to deliver their child. The program has become a lifeline for many families in the region. Women travel from villages located within a radius of nearly 25 kilometers to attend the weekly clinics. In addition to its Sunday consultations, the center organizes healthcare camps every six to 12 months, allowing residents to consult experts and undergo medical check-ups that are otherwise difficult to access in rural settings. Over the years, the organization has also expanded its focus to mental healthcare for women, an area Shergill believes remains deeply neglected in much of India. Untreated anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions during or after pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for both mother and child. Yet in India, where mental health continues to be heavily stigmatized, countless women struggle in silence.

Mata Jai Kaur with grandson Deep Shergill

My grandmother once told me, 'I planted and nurtured a mango tree whose fruit I knew I would never live to taste. But I planted it anyway, because I knew others would one day enjoy its shade and its fruit.'" For Shergill, addressing maternal wellbeing means looking beyond childbirth itself and recognizing that a healthy pregnancy also depends on emotional support, counselling, and access to mental healthcare. Under the Khushee Mamta program, spearheaded by his nephew, Dr. Aneel Brar, and his daughter, Sherri Shergill, the center has incorporated mental health support into its outreach efforts. “Our mental health staff from the Khushee Mamta program travel to nearby villages in our catchment area to provide counselling,” says Shergill.

The numbers offer a glimpse into the scale of the work done so far. The center has helped deliver more than 1,000 babies and has provided medical support to at least 50,000 people since 2009. Yet Shergill believes the work is only beginning. The biggest challenge, he says, is funding. "We have limited resources," he said, adding that the organization has applied for an FCRA license in the hope of accessing foreign funding and expanding its programs. Additional resources would allow the center to increase the frequency of medical camps, bring in more specialists, and reach villages that currently remain outside its network. For Shergill, however, the effort has always been about more than numbers. It is about ensuring that other families do not experience the same hardships that defined his own childhood. The memory of losing his mother due to inadequate healthcare continues to shape his mission. As he looks back on the journey from a village in Sri Ganganagar to a successful life in Canada, he believes lasting social change begins at home. He has a message for expats who want to help people in India: “Many expats want to pay for poor people's daughters' weddings. They should instead help educate girls from poor families, which will go a long way in uplifting society,” he argues. For Shergill, giving back is not charity. It is the fulfilment of a promise made long ago—a promise to ensure that the seeds planted by one generation continue to bear fruit for the next.

Donate online at: www.matajaikaur.org/Donate

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DARPAN FITNESS

Why

SUMMER is the Best Time

Health to Rebuild your

By Asma Kassam

Every summer I come home to British Columbia and feel my body and mind gently aligning. PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

remember that health isn't something we need to overthink and stress about, but rather something we reconnect with. As a former personal trainer of more than ten years, I now know that our bodies are seasonal, and each season has its purpose. Ten years ago, my blogs and articles would offer up body weight exercises to do in the park. While I still highly encourage outdoor workouts for extra vitamin D, fresh

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Asma Kassam is a Dubai-based health and ﬁtness professional, writer, and marketing strategist specializing in women’s wellness and performance. With a background in kinesiology and experience leading ﬁtness communities, her work explores the intersection of strength training, nervous system health, and sustainable wellness.

Instagram: @findyourflow_fitness

air, and different exercises, I now know that health isn’t just workouts, steps, calories, and macros. Those things certainly have their place, but optimal health is a holistic endeavor. The practices that seem almost too simple or insignificant are often the very things that create a lasting foundation.

Email: asma@activekinetix.com Website: www.activekinetix.com

In my earlier personal training days, I believed the answer to better health was in doing more. Another workout, another nutrition strategy, another routine. Experience has taught me something different. True health isn’t built through constant pushing; it’s built by creating the right conditions

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN FITNESS for the body to function, and trusting our internal rhythm. The human body has the ability to heal, adapt, and restore itself when we consistently provide it with the basics it has always needed. Being in my forties, I now approach health from a more cellular point of view. Modern life has quietly moved us indoors. Fluorescent lighting, screens, air-conditioned environments, endless notifications, and headphones all have a stimulating effect on our brain. Perhaps this is why so many people are searching for ways to improve their sleep, reduce anxiety, increase energy, or simply feel like themselves again. Rather than viewing these experiences as personal shortcomings, I believe they are common signs to create more internal harmony than we think is necessary. Fortunately, summer naturally provides many of those opportunities. Something as simple as 10 minutes of morning sunlight has a handful of benefits for everything from our Pineal gland to mitochondrial health. These both influence energy,

focus, sleep, and hormones. My group coaching clients often ask me for supplements, vitamin recommendations, etc. The foundations of my health coaching methodology are centered around creating supportive structure. Starting with the most impactful first. For one of my recent clients, something as simple as going to bed 1 hour earlier has made the most profound impact on her health and fitness. I don't believe health has to involve a perfect workout routine, perfect supplement stack, or even hitting 10K steps. It begins with deciding. Deciding on the change, then coupling it with lifestyle shifts, makes optimal health more accessible and progressive. One of the most effective behavioral change strategies is known as habit stacking, attaching one small habit to something you already do consistently. Rather than trying to transform your entire lifestyle overnight, you simply build momentum one habit at a time.

For example:

Habit stacking creates new brain circuits and expands the body’s capacity for growth. These methods are no longer just for high performers; they're becoming essential for anyone wanting to protect their physical and mental health in an increasingly demanding world. If we don't intentionally shape our daily environment, something else inevitably will. Maximizing time outside also naturally leads to more movement, often without us even realizing it. Parking a little farther away, taking the SkyTrain instead of driving every now and then, walking to meet a friend, swimming at the lake, or exploring a new trail all become opportunities for the body to heal itself. Health doesn't always require adding more to our calendars; sometimes it simply comes from living our everyday lives a little differently. Building a healthier body is a lifelong journey, and in my experience, caring for our mental health is one of the most important investments we can make. Prioritizing even 10 minutes of

Habit 1:

Habit 2:

Wake up 30 minutes earlier.

Do a 15-minute loop around the neighborhood.

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DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Vitamin D and morning light exposure nourishes eye health, cellular health, bone health, brain health, and circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycles). The healthiest people aren’t just chasing workouts; rather, they’ve built a life that keeps them stimulated in multiple ways. Lastly, one of the richest offerings the summers bring that is highly relevant to our mental and physical health is social connection. Whether it is a much-needed, wellbalanced patio session or going to community events, social interaction stimulates the release of oxytocin and endorphins. It may even provide a remembrance or sense of belonging that can feel so nourishing these days. So, while summer naturally invites us to be more active, my recommendation is to keep it simple and create more space for the season to unfold. Allow your sleep and wake cycles to adjust with the light, spend more time outside than you think you need to, and let nature do some of the work.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Food

TANDOORI

PICTURES COURTESY: BAL AJGAONKAR

Chef Bal Ajgaonkar Chef Bal Ajgaonkar is an accomplished culinary professional whose cooking is inspired by the rich coastal flavors of Malvan, India. Trained in Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Tourism, he built his expertise in some of India’s leading five-star hotels, mastering the foundations of classical cuisine. Over the years, he refined his craft alongside internationally acclaimed and Michelin-starred chefs, developing a philosophy centered on precision, seasonality, and respect for ingredients. Now based in Canada, Chef Bal brings a contemporary approach to regional Indian cuisine. As Executive Chef at Desi Lounge in Vancouver, he blends traditional spice profiles with local ingredients, delivering innovative and elevated dining experiences. 76

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Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

• • • •

1 lb Brussels sprouts Salt (to blanch) Toasted coconut (to plate) Lemon wedges (to serve)

For Tandoori Marinade: • • • • • • • • • •

1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon red chili powder ½ tablespoon salt ½ cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste ½ teaspoon garam masala ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ tablespoon mustard oil ½ teaspoon chaat masala

For Tempered Cauliflower Puree: • • • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon garlic, minced ½ medium onion, chopped 1 lb cauliflower florets ½ tablespoon garam masala ½ tablespoon chaat masala ½ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste) ½ cup cream Milk (to cook the cauliflower) Oil (for tempering) 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

Directions

Prepare Brussels Sprouts:

1. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half. 2. Blanch in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green. 3. Drain and set aside.

For the Tandoori Marinade:

4. In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, red chili powder, salt, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and mustard oil. Mix well until smooth. 5. Add the blanched Brussels sprouts to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. 6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deep flavor.

Prepare the Cauliflower Puree:

7. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. 8. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. 9. Add cauliflower florets and enough milk to cover. Cook until the cauliflower is soft. 10. Finish with cream, Chaat masala, and adjust salt. 11. Transfer to a blender and purée until smooth. 12. In a separate pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, and let them crackle. 13. Add turmeric and garam masala, then pour in the cauliflower purée. 14. Stir well, check seasoning, and keep warm.

Cook the Brussels Sprouts:

15. Thread the marinated Brussels sprouts onto skewers and cook in a clay oven or grill until nicely charred and cooked through. 16. Remove from heat, sprinkle with Chaat masala, and squeeze fresh lemon juice.

To Serve:

17. Spread 2 tablespoons of the tempered cauliflower puree on each plate. 18. Sprinkle toasted coconut. 19. Place the charred tandoori BrusselsTM sprouts on top and serve.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Asparagus

SHORBA

Ingredients For Shorba: • • • • • • • • • •

2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon garlic, minced ½ medium onion, chopped 1 lb. asparagus, chopped 150 g green peas ½ tablespoon garam masala ½ tablespoon chaat masala ½ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste) ½ cup cream Water (To cook asparagus)

Teja Gur is foil-sealed to ensure maximum freshness & quality!

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For Presentation: • • • •

Boiled quail eggs Croutons Asparagus tips (tails) Microgreens

Directions 1. In a medium-sized pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. 2. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. 3. Stir in garam masala and add the chopped asparagus and green peas. 4. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the asparagus and peas are tender but still bright green (avoid overcooking to maintain vibrant color). 5. Stir in cream and chaat masala. 6. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to purée the soup until smooth. 7. Reheat gently if needed, check seasoning, and adjust salt or spices as desired. 8. Ladle the hot shorba into bowls. 9. Garnish with boiled quail eggs, croutons, asparagus tips, and microgreens for an elegant presentation. TM

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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DARPAN Style

Love, Light, and Legacy: Inside

ABHINAV MISHRA’S NEW COUTURE CHAPTERS By Shweta Kulkarni

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

Abhinav Mishra has built a distinctive design universe that seamlessly brings together his passion for traditional craftsmanship, storytelling, and Indian celebration. Renowned for reviving and reimagining traditional mirror work for a new generation, the designer has spent years refining the craft through extensive research, travel, and close collaborations with artisans across North India, allowing it to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition. Continuing his love affair with mirror work, Mishra recently unveiled two new collections—Baradari: Bridal 2026 and The Queen's Palace: Couture 2026.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN Style

hile Baradari is a cinematic celebration of the Indian wedding and the bonds that make those moments meaningful, The Queen's Palace expands that narrative into a world inspired by India's historic queens' palaces, where light, music, artistry, and grandeur come alive. Distinct in mood yet connected in spirit, the collections reflect Mishra's ongoing exploration of love, togetherness, and the joy of celebration. For Mishra, Baradari and The Queen's Palace are not standalone collections, but significant chapters in a larger narrative that has shaped his eponymous label.

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style “For me, these collections are all part of a larger emotional journey that the brand has been exploring over the last few years. One Love in 2025 was about the idea that love transcends boundaries and communities. Whereas our Tribe collection explored belonging, connection, and the idea that we are all part of something larger than ourselves. Baradari: Bridal 2026 continued that conversation through the lens of the Indian wedding, celebrating family, friendship, community, and the collective joy that exists when people come together. The Queen’s Palace: Couture 2026 naturally becomes the next chapter in that story.

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN Style

If Baradari celebrates the coming together of people, The Queen’s Palace imagines the world where those celebrations unfold. Inspired by India’s historic Queen’s Palaces, from Jodha Bai’s Palace in Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal to the Maharani Palace within Mubarak Mandi and the Zenana quarters of Mehrangarh Fort, the collection explores spaces that were once filled with ceremony, artistry, music, and celebration,” explains Mishra. He adds, “Creatively, Baradari is rooted in the wedding itself, while The Queen’s Palace expands into a larger couture universe of glamour, light, music, and imagination. Emotionally, they remain connected through the same values of love, togetherness, and celebration."

JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

DARPAN Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN Style

At its core, the collections are anchored in the idea of bonds of love; reflecting a belief that love sits at the center of everything—not just in romantic terms, but in the relationships that shape everyday life. “Love, celebration, and togetherness have always been at the center of the brand. In many ways, every collection explores those themes through a different lens,” says Mishra. Mishra’s exquisite silhouettes reflect that spirit. Baradari is built around classic bridal and occasion wear silhouettes. Expansive lehengas, structured blouses, regal veils, sherwanis, and timeless celebratory dressing are central to the collection because the narrative is deeply connected to the wedding itself. With The Queen’s Palace, the silhouettes become more fluid and contemporary. “We explored voluminous occasion wear, softer drapes, contemporary Indo-western separates, sculpted forms, dramatic capes, and statement couture pieces. The silhouettes reflect a world inspired by movement, glamor, light, and celebration while remaining rooted in craftsmanship,” Mishra informs.

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DARPAN Style The collections also signal a refinement in the designer's aesthetic vocabulary. Heritage craftsmanship remains central, but it is layered with contemporary construction, aristocratic influences, subtle Mongolian references, and a heightened sense of structure and proportion. Mirror work, the defining element of the Abhinav Mishra universe, takes on new dimensions in these collections. Signature embroidery is enriched through intricate hand techniques, tonal textures, couture-level detailing, and the introduction of crystal embellishments that add luminosity and depth. “Mirror work has always been the foundation of the brand and remains the craft language I feel most deeply connected to,” he says. “Since the very beginning, I have been committed to reviving and reinterpreting the craft in ways that feel relevant to contemporary India. With Baradari, mirror work was explored through rich bridal craftsmanship, layered embroidery, traditional techniques, and celebratory detailing. In The Queen’s Palace, we evolved that language further through crystals, stones, geometric motifs, and contemporary placements inspired by the way light interacts with reflective surfaces. While the techniques continue to evolve, the intention remains the same: to celebrate mirror work as a living craft and continue pushing its possibilities through new forms of storytelling and design.”

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DARPAN Style

If Baradari is about the arrival of celebration, then The Queen's Palace is where that celebration resides. And together, the collections represent more than bridalwear and couture. They form two interconnected chapters in an ongoing story rooted in craftsmanship and united by a belief that fashion is ultimately about bringing people together. In Abhinav Mishra's world, clothes are only the beginning; the real magic lies in the memories, emotions, and celebrations they help create.

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DARPAN BEAUTY

HAT’S IN THAT TUBE

Demystifying Latest Skin Care Ingredients By Michele Marko

PICTURES COURTESY: PAULA'S CHOICE, GRACE & STELLA, TIM FALLA

Do you know what’s in your skincare products? Maybe? This isn’t an alert about safety concerns around certain ingredients but rather a question of whether we truly understand what those ingredients are and their intended purpose and benefits. Just as we were getting our heads around one star ingredient such as Hyaluronic Acid— something that delivers an amazing amount of moisture to the skin—a new one arrives on the beauty scene. But is it new or just new to consumers via beauty media buzz? 86

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“I think it is a combination of factors,” observes Dr. Tim Falla, senior vice-president, research & development at skincare brand Paula’s Choice. “There is a lot more easily accessible information available now, not only on ingredients and what they do, but also on what skin requires in different circumstances such as aging, sensitivity, acne, etc. So many traditional ingredients, and their use, are getting a resurgence, resulting in a lot more dialogue around ingredients.” Grace & Stella’s Chief Marketing Officer, Caroline Finn, notes that while some ingredients have been studied and in use for decades—like Niacinamide or Bakuchiol—it’s only now, due to social media and more knowledgeable consumers, that there’s “mainstream awareness.” She also points to a shift to ingredientfirst marketing on the product packaging for a higher profile.

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DARPAN BEAUTY

“Others, like Hypochlorous Acid, are genuinely newer to skincare, having migrated from medical settings,” Finn explains. “What's changed most is that consumers are now more aware of the link between specific ingredients and specific results, and that's pushing brands like ours to be more transparent and precise about what we use and why.” Hypochlorous Acid is a molecule that is naturally produced in the body with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Falla describes it as “ideal for skin conditions in which bacteria and inflammation are involved, such as wound healing, acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.” Though he warns that it can be difficult to formulate with, and to ensure stability. Finn states that Stella & Grace has had success using Hypochlorous Acid in a spray application that gently fights harmful bacteria, calms inflammation, and aids in healing the skin. “Because it’s so simple and so effective—it absolutely fits into our ethos of uncomplicated skincare,” she says. At Paula’s Choice, Falla says that a resurgence of interest in Peptides (short chains of amino

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DNA repair and cellular signaling and is the foundational ingredient for Paula’s Choice CellularYouth™ Longevity Serum. “This advanced serum was developed over five years of longevity research and is clinically designed to target the 12 visible effects of aging linked to the natural loss of cellular energy,” Falla explains. As Finn noted, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Bakuchiol have been studied and incorporated in formulations for years and are only really new to consumers. Niacinamide helps to minimize pore size, fades dark spots, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, and regulates oil production. Finn acids that have a range of roles adds that it’s exceptionally wellin delivering results in skincare products) is bringing about exciting tolerated across skin types. “For us, it embodies a core belief; effective innovation with the help of AI. and gentle aren't mutually exclusive.” “All aspects of skincare can be Clinical studies show positively impacted by specific peptide sequences that are designed Bakuchiol, a plant-derived for activity, solubility, synergy, etc., compound from the psoralea even before they are synthesized,” he corylifolia plant, produces comparable results to retinol, explains. reducing fine lines, improving texture, and stimulating collagen, Finn says. And it doesn’t have the side effects of retinol, like dryness, flakiness, or sun sensitivity. Anyone with ultra dry or sensitive skin will benefit from Ectoin, an ingredient that Falla says not only helps compromised skin but makes all skincare products work better. “It’s a small molecule first isolated from organisms that live in extreme environments in which it protects against heat, UV, lack of water and osmotic stress. It acts like a humectant, but instead of attracting water, like hyaluronic acid, it organizes water around cells and membranes to protect them. One new term in the anti-aging Ectoin is an excellent ingredient realm is NAD+ (nicotinamide for hydration, barrier support and adenine dinucleotide, oxidized). protecting against inflammation,” Falla defines it as a coenzyme Falla explains. found in every living cell which is For acne, rosacea, and essential for energy production,

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hyperpigmentation, Azelaic Acid is a highly beneficial ingredient. Falla states it’s a small molecule isolated from grains and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity that improves cell turnover and combats clogged pores. Another naturally-derived ingredient on the beauty beat is Ferulic Acid—an antioxidant also found in grains, fruits, and vegetables that neutralizes free radicals that damage skin and accelerate ageing. “What makes it especially valuable is its synergistic effect: when combined with Vitamins C and E, it significantly boosts their stability and potency—essentially doubling their photoprotective benefit. It makes everything around it work harder, which is exactly why we use it,” Finn explains. “And it fits into the Grace & Stella vibe, for sure, as it’s a multi-tasking hero.” As the beauty product sphere continues to expand, innovation in research and development is at the forefront for any successful producer—something that truly benefits the consumer.

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DARPAN MOVIES

By Shweta Kulkarni

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.IMDB.COM, INSTAGRAM/MADDOCKUNIVERSE

alk about the perfect mix of thriller, comedy, drama, chills, and larger-than-life entertainment—and the coming months have it all. Starting with India’s first female-led spy film Alpha, with Alia Bhatt stepping into a fierce action-packed role. Close on its heels comes the much-awaited Dhamaal 4, the latest instalment of the beloved comedy franchise that promises absolute mayhem. Then there’s Salman Khan’s hotly anticipated patriotic drama Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, arriving with plenty of emotion and national pride. Maddock Films is also expanding its horror-comedy universe with Bhediya 2, while Vvan – Force of the Forrest rounds out the list with a gripping blend of mythology, folklore, and suspense. Undeniably, cinephiles have plenty to look forward to. So, get ready to feast on some seriously exciting cinema.

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ALPHA

Release date: July 3, 2026 Directed by: Shiv Rawail Starring: Alia Bhatt, Sharvari, Bobby Deol

The recently dropped teaser of YRF’s next addition to its expanding spy-verse, Alpha, has only heightened anticipation for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest action spectacles of the year. The teaser offers a glimpse into the journey of a young girl (Alia Bhatt) who is trained by her father (Bobby Deol) to become a ruthless and highly skilled operative. Packed with adrenaline-fueled action and slick visuals, the film promises to deliver edgy entertainment. An official press release from the makers stated, “Alpha is a true-blue popcorn entertainer that is intended to be a celebration of the Alpha attitude of two girls in a never-been-done-before action film fronted by women in cinema.” Alpha is set to create mayhem on the big screen; after all, saving the world isn’t exclusively a boys' thing.

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DARPAN MOVIES

Release date: August 14, 2026 Directed by: Apoorva Lakhia Starring: Salman Khan, Chitrangada Singh

MAATRUBHUMI: MAY WAR REST IN PEACE

After facing several setbacks, Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace (formerly titled Battle Of Galwan) is finally set to arrive during Independence Week. Loosely inspired by a chapter from Shiv Aroor's non-fiction book India's Most Fearless, which chronicles the 2020 China–India combat at the LOC, the film stars Salman Khan as Colonel B. Santosh Babu. Combining classic themes of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, the project seeks to shine a light on the often-unseen struggles of those who serve the nation. Director Apoorva Lakhia shared, “At its heart, the film is about humanity, empathy, and the silent battles our soldiers fight. Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace captures that emotion and sacrifice far more truthfully. It reflects the soul of the story, preserving humanity even in the face of conflict.”

Release date: July 10, 2026 Directed by: Indra Kumar Starring: Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjay Mishra, Esha Gupta, Anjali Anand

DHAMAAL 4

The Dhamaal franchise, as the name suggests, has consistently delivered chaos, comedy, and complete dhamaal. The fourth instalment promises to be the biggest comedy celebration of 2026. While the plot remains tightly under wraps, fans of the franchise know exactly what to expect—an ensemble cast, outrageous situations, and a crazy ride to search for money, treasure, or both. Speaking about the film, Esha Gupta said, “I can’t wait for the audiences to see the madness we have created. Wrapping up the shoot feels truly special because this film is pure entertainment, and I am thrilled to be part of it.” Well, we hope you all are gearing up for the Dhamaal madness once again.

Release date: August 14, 2026 Directed by: Amar Kaushik Starring: Varun Dhawan, Abhishek Banerjee

BHEDIYA 2

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Varun Dhawan is ready to unleash his wild side again in the much-awaited Bhediya 2, the next chapter in Maddock Films’ rapidly growing horror-comedy universe. The first film followed Bhaskar’s transformation into a werewolf after being bitten by a mythical wolf, ultimately turning him into an unlikely protector of the forest. The sequel is expected to delve deeper into his supernatural abilities. Director Amar Kaushik explained, “Now that the universe is expanding, Bhediya can’t remain just another beast. There was a need to give him more powers. Once he gets powers, what happens? We mulled over it and finally decided to make him bigger and more khunkhar.” Bhediya 2 seems ready to howl louder than ever, are you ready to catch it on the big screen?

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DARPAN MOVIES

Release date: August 28, 2026 Directed by: Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Kumar Mishra Starring: Tamannaah Bhatia, Sidharth Malhotra

VVAN–FORCE OF THE FORREST

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Rooted in mythology, Vvan - Force of the Forrest is a high-concept mythological folk thriller, which is sure to get you glued to your seats from the beginning. Adding to the excitement is the creative force behind it — TVF’s Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra of ‘Panchayat’ fame. While the makers have revealed very little about the storyline, it is believed to be positioned as a dark, intense film that narrates the story of a rational, city-bred man who returns to his ancestral village, dismissing its age-old beliefs as superstition. But when he crosses its boundaries, he unknowingly awakens an ancient, divine force—a goddess whose power defies everything he understands about the world. Speaking about the project, Sidharth Malhotra shared on social media, “Excited to be part of this folk thriller, with a powerhouse team. Can’t wait for you all to experience VVAN - Force of the Forrest.” To be honest, we can’t wait either.

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DARPAN Travel

Beyond the All-Inclusive

Off The Brochure By Natasha D’souza

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Village Life Immersion: Markets, Streets & Daily Rhythm Beyond the tourist corridor, everyday life unfolds in steady rhythm. Small neighborhoods operate through local markets, roadside stalls, and corner shops that double as social spaces. Music drifts through open windows, and conversations spill naturally into the street. This isn’t curated for visitors; it’s simply life happening. What stands out most is the warmth in casual interactions: greetings from strangers, shared laughter, and a pace that feels unhurried and grounded. Do: Visit local markets, explore residential streets with a guide, stop at colmados, try street snacks like crispy empanadas (stuffed pastries), yaniqueques (fried dough), and chimis (Dominican-style burgers), and observe daily routines in community spaces. JULY | AUGUST 2026 // DARPANMAGAZINE.COM

he easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, is often marketed as an effortless escape replete with white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and a “wrist-banded” version of the Caribbean. But for first-time travelers willing to move beyond the resort gates, the destination unfolds into something far more dynamic: a mix of agriculture, community life, underground landscapes, coastal adventures, and cultural rhythms that rarely sit on a brochure. This itinerary brings together the most meaningful off-resort experiences, so you can see Punta Cana as a lived place, not just a poster backdrop.

Coffee & Cocoa Farm Experience: From Soil to Story Begin inland with a guided visit to small coffee and cacao farms where production is still deeply traditional. Coffee here is not a café aesthetic, but a craft shaped by climate, soil, and generational knowledge. You’ll walk through plantations, watch roasting over open setups, and taste brews that are bold, earthy, and unfiltered by commercial processing. Cacao adds another layer: raw beans are roasted, ground, and turned into rich chocolate in small batches. The experience is tactile and sensory, often involving hands-on participation. Do: Coffee roasting demos, cacao grinding, chocolate tasting flights, plantation walks, and storytelling sessions with local growers.

Macao Beach: Local Energy & Surf-Driven Coastline Away from resort-controlled stretches, Macao Beach offers a more public and energetic shoreline. It’s known for its waves, surf schools, and relaxed atmosphere where locals and travelers mix freely. Small food shacks line parts of the coast, serving freshly fried seafood and local staples. Do: Surf lessons, beach swimming, boogie boarding, photography, and casual seafood dining by the shore.

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International Business

Fly non-stop from Vancouver to Sydney Enjoy direct flights from Vancouver to Sydney three times a week, all year round. From iconic beaches to vibrant city life, Australia’s harbour city offers the perfect escape. Together, Qantas and our codeshare partner WestJet have Australia and Canada covered. Discover where we can take you with our extensive connected networks. Visit qantas.com or contact your local travel agent to book now.

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DARPAN Travel

Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve: Forest Trails & Freshwater Lagoons One of the most accessible natural escapes is a protected ecological reserve filled with tropical forest trails and freshwater lagoons. The water is crystal-clear and naturally fed, surrounded by dense greenery and quiet walking paths. It offers a softer, slower contrast to the coastline, ideal for travelers who want nature without intensity. The lagoons are calm enough for swimming, and the surrounding reserve supports birdlife and native flora.

Do: Lagoon swimming, shaded forest walks, wildlife spotting, guided ecotours, and photography stops along marked trails.

Hoyo Azul & Cenotes: Underground Blue Water Worlds Hidden within limestone terrain are cenotes, viz natural sinkholes filled with striking blue water. These underground pools feel almost surreal, with sunlight piercing through rock openings and reflecting off still surfaces. The water is cool, clear, and deeply refreshing, offering a completely different sensory experience from the warm coastline above. The geological formations add a sense of depth and stillness that makes the experience feel almost meditative. Do: Cenote swimming, short jungle hikes, guided geological explanations, and viewpoint stops overlooking sinkholes.

Off-Road Buggy & ATV Trails: Raw Terrain Exploration Adventure takes a louder turn with buggy or ATV excursions across rural terrain. These routes move through sugarcane fields, dirt tracks, farmland, and open countryside where the landscape feels unfiltered and expansive. It’s messy, fast, and intentionally chaotic: mud splashes, sudden turns, and long stretches of open trails define the experience. Stops often include hidden caves, small natural pools, or rural rest points. Do: ATV driving, mud trail rides, countryside exploration, water crossings, and cave or cenote stops along the route.

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Santo Domingo Extension: Colonial History & Cultural Depth For travelers with extra time, a visit to the capital adds historical context. The Colonial Zone offers cobblestone streets, preserved architecture, museums, and plazas that reflect early Caribbean history. It’s a more urban contrast to Punta Cana’s coastal environment, giving insight into the country’s cultural and political evolution over centuries. Do: Walking tours, cathedral visits, museum stops, café hopping, and historical district exploration.

CULTURE

Adventure Parks: Ziplining & Jungle Circuits

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Eco-adventure parks in Punta Cana combine adrenaline with landscape immersion. Zipline circuits stretch over tropical forest canopies, while suspension bridges, rope courses, and aerial challenges add variety to the experience. Popular options include Scape Park, Bávaro Adventure Park, and Monkeyland & Zipline Adventure. Raja Ampat, Indonesia Do: Ziplining, canopy walks, suspension bridges, obstacle courses, and jungle trail adventures.

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Sabyasachi Accessories Showcase at Holt Renfrew Vancouver

DARPAN Magazine attended the exclusive Sabyasachi accessories showcase at Holt Renfrew Vancouver, where timeless craftsmanship met contemporary luxury. Featuring the designer’s signature creations rooted in Indian heritage, the month-long pop-up offered fashion enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated luxury brands firsthand.

Khalsa Credit Union FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Presentation: The DARPAN team joined Khalsa Credit Union as FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket winners from the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan draw were celebrated. Bringing together community spirit, Vaisakhi festivities, and the excitement of football’s biggest tournament, the event highlighted the joy of giving back and creating unforgettable experiences for local families. since 1979.

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ICBABC Student Achievement Awards:

DARPAN Magazine proudly attended the 23rd ICBABC Student Achievement Awards, celebrating academic excellence, leadership, and the bright future of our youth. Bringing together community leaders, educators, and families, the evening honored outstanding students while raising scholarship funds to empower the next generation of changemakers through post-secondary education.

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DARPAN Weddings

Q: How did you two meet, and what was your first impression of each other? We both met in grade 8. During high school, we did not really get a chance to get to know one another. However, in 2021, when we reconnected: Anjalie: I thought Justin was a very sweet and charismatic person who showed me he was a gentleman. Justin: I thought Anjalie was very kind and friendly. I could tell that she was very selfless and put others’ needs ahead of her own.

Q: Can you share the story of your proposal/ engagement? Our proposal was an intimate surprise where Justin had set up a backdrop, surprise photography, and close friends and family present. Anjalie: My sister asked me to get ready for a gala for her work. I had no idea I was getting ready for my engagement. It was a complete surprise, seeing him standing in a gazebo in a tuxedo.

PICTURES COURTESY:A MASTER MEDIA

Q: Describe your wedding day for us. Did you have a favorite part of the wedding?

Anjalie Justin 104

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Anjalie: Our wedding day was very calm and serene for me. My favorite part was the quiet moments in the morning with my family and getting to soak in the moment. Any small amount of nervousness escaped me when I got to see Justin inside the Gurdwara. After seeing him, the day just felt perfect. Justin: The wedding day was quite calm and smooth due to the assistance of our families, friends, and day-of coordinators, which alleviated the stress off me and Anjalie. My favorite part of the wedding day was the Anand Karaj itself, as I was finally able to call Anjalie my wife after being together for 4 and a half years.

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DARPAN Weddings

Q: How did you choose your Q: Looking back, is there wedding attire for both of anything you would have you? done differently? Anjalie: I went shopping with my mom randomly one day, not expecting to find anything that I really liked. I knew I wanted to go for a regal/traditional look but was open to different colors/ tones. The lehenga I purchased was the first I tried on and fell in love immediately. To tie the look in with the theme I was going for, a traditional gold set would pull the look together. My wedding outfit was from Surrey Bridal, complemented by stunning jewelry from Sunaar Jewelers. Justin: My plan was to shop around a few stores and try on outfits until I found what I liked, and that also complemented Anjalie’s outfit with a regal touch. The first store that my family and I went to was Frontier Bridal in Surrey. I ended up trying on 5-6 outfits, and the one that I tried on last was THE ONE, and the order was placed!

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married, and what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter together?

Not a thing! Both of us agree, all our vendors were incredible and executed our vision without any hiccup. There is nothing we would change about our week!

We’re both looking forward to getting to spend time with one another and create new memories while traveling, discovering new hobbies, and navigating life together.

Q: What do you love the most about one another?

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding, what would it be?

Anjalie: I love Justin’s caring and warm personality. He allows me to be myself and always encourages me to pursue my goals and dreams and is always in my corner cheering me on. Justin: I love how Anjalie is my number one fan. She helps me through hardships, and she celebrates my successes like they are her own. She allows me to be and doesn’t try to fit me into a mold that isn’t me.

Our advice to couples is to ensure both parties’ views, perspectives, and opinions are openly discussed. The wedding planning process can be very daunting; however, making sure to research reliable vendors and asking for help from friends and family members will alleviate a lot of the stress.

Q: How does it feel to be

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DARPAN DARPANAUTOREVIEW AUTOREVIEW

By Benjamin Yong

2026

HONDA PASSPORT TRAILSPORT TOURING

BIGGER AND BETTER

PICTURES COURTESY: HONDANEWS.COM

onda’s mid-size Passport enters its fourth generation this year, and returning to the fold is the TrailSport model touted by the brand as “the ultimate Honda adventure SUV.” "The all-new Passport TrailSport is designed for those who demand nothing less than the perfect blend of off-road prowess, rugged aesthetics, and top-tier features," says Emile Korkor, Honda Canada assistant vice president, in a media release. "Every TrailSport trim promises to deliver this balance, offering adventurous Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast thrilling trail experiences, unmatched street comfort, and striking rugged looks in every situation. Get ready for big fun and bold adventures with the Honda Passport TrailSport."

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Immediately noticeable is the increase in the vehicle’s proportions. The height, wheelbase, width, and ride height have all grown, and combined with other changes like a thicker C-pillar, longer hood, blockier headlights, hood scoop, and flared wheel arches, give the crossover a burlier and more distinct appearance rather than resembling a shrunken-down Pilot as before.

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $63,686 (AS TESTED) MOTOR: 3.5-LITER V6 HORSEPOWER: 285 @ 6,100 RPM TORQUE (LB-FT): 262 @ 5,000 RPM GEARBOX: 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC LAYOUT: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 14.5 L/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY)

The Ash Green Metallic is also a perfect match, one of two exclusive fresh paint colors, the other being Sunset Orange. Possessing a shorter front overhang, thick steel skid plates, exposed orange heavy-duty recovery hooks, stronger roof rails, and 18-inch wheels shod in General Grabber 31-inch all-terrain tires (co-developed for the Passport TrailSport), the SUV seems to now have a legitimate claim to the label alluded to above. Thanks to the bigger overall dimensions, rear occupants enjoy 33 millimeters of extra legroom, and the cargo space gains 156 liters when the back seats are folded down. Shame a third-row bench option isn’t available, given all the added space, but Honda

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probably doesn’t want to detract from sales of its bigger brother, the Pilot. Our Touring-spec loaner was equipped with premium features, including perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats, 12-speaker Bose premium stereo, rear climate controls, and expanded ambient lighting. All models receive a large 12.3-inch Google built-in-powered infotainment touchscreen display, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a much roomier center console bin that easily accommodates a full-size tablet or small handbag. A personal pet peeve of mine is when there’s no place to put a smartphone while driving—fortunately, a wireless-charging tray ahead of the shifter fits two phones side-by-side, and even the passenger gets his or her own storage shelf above the glovebox. The familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine is found under the hood, slightly revised to output five additional horsepower compared to previously producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed transmission is swapped out, and a new 10-speed automatic is installed. For the first time, the Passport takes advantage of the second-gen Honda i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, originally debuting on the current Pilot, which is advertised to react quicker than the outgoing setup. Though I didn’t get the opportunity to fully test the TrailSport’s off-road prowess, it has a specialty-tuned suspension and driving modes such as Snow, Sand, Tow, and Trail, each automatically optimizing vehicle settings to suit the selected setting. What is evident without hitting the trails is the stiffer chassis, resulting in a more refined and stable ride on the road. The 2026 Honda Passport is built at the company’s Alabama Auto Plant alongside the Pilot.

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DARPAN DARPANAUTOREVIEW AUTOREVIEW

By Benjamin Yong

2026

KIA

EV9 GT

FLAGSHIP EV RECEIVES SPORTY MAKEOVER

PICTURES COURTESY: WWW.KIAMEDIA.COM

ia is further trying to position itself high above the electric vehicle food chain with the flagship zero-emissions SUV, the EV9. Offering contemporary sporty styling, seating for up to seven, and all-wheel drive and up to 502 horsepower (top GT variant), the brand is certainly making a strong case. “The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” says Steven Center, Kia America COO and EVP, in a press release. “And EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You can have your

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cake and eat it too!” Love it or hate it, one thing you can’t call the vehicle’s design is boring. One of the more interesting elements is the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, which appears during the day as a solid panel but at night illuminates with a distinctive lighting pattern. Models generally bundle one animation, and in today’s subscription and microtransac-

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $82,295 (AS TESTED) MOTOR: DUAL ELECTRIC HORSEPOWER: 502 (NET) TORQUE (LB-FT): (LB-FT): 545 (NET) GEARBOX: SINGLE-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH SIMULATED STEP SHIFT LAYOUT: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 26.2 KWH/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY) tion world we live in, additional ones are available for purchase from the Kia Connect Store. Some of the exclusive features on the GT grade are the 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45R/21 high-performance Continental tires, bright green brake calipers, and the ENERGETIC animation on the outside, and inside, extra hits of green throughout the cabin, comfortable Alcantara-trimmed two-tone sport seats, badging, unique ambient lighting, and a special graphics theme on the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. One gripe I have about the dashboard is the placement of the sensitive virtual buttons that are easy to press accidentally when you’re navigating the main display.

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Packing the aforementioned 502-horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque courtesy of two electric motors, the EV9 is without a doubt quick. An electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential and Kia-first adaptive suspension also allow the mid-size SUV to tackle windy roads more than decently. Newly introduced standard Virtual Gear Shift technology simulates the feel of a traditional step-shift transmission while accelerating for a more performance-oriented motoring experience. The “shifts” are manually operable via paddle shifters. Pressing the Drive Mode button on the right upper spoke of the steering wheel toggles between Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive (custom) modes, tailoring shock damping, steering, and brake feel for different environments. In addition, users will notice a green GT button on the opposite side that puts the suspension to the stiffest setting for optimal handling. Like all other EV9s, there’s still 7.8 inches of ground clearance available and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when adventures take a rugged turn. The 800-volt architecture allows the vehicle to get from 10 to 80 per cent battery life in 25 minutes on a compatible 350-kilowatt DC fast charger. All 2026 and newer models are now equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS/Tesla) charge port, though an adapter is included so owners may continue using the older Combined Charging System (CCS) standard. MSRP for the 2026 Kia EV9 GT is $82,295, and the zero-emissions SUV is also sold in rear-wheel drive formats as well.

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PICTURES COURTESY: MEDIA.VOLVOCARS.COM

DARPAN DARPANAUTOREVIEW AUTOREVIEW

By Benjamin Yong

2026

NISSAN ARMADA NISMO

EMPHASIZING THE SPORT IN SUV

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $108,648 (AS TESTED) MOTOR: 3.5-LITER TWIN-TURBOCHARGED V6 HORSEPOWER: 460 @ 5,600 RPM TORQUE (LB-FT): 516 @ 3,600 RPM GEARBOX: NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC LAYOUT: FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FUEL ECONOMY: 18.1 L/100 KM (OBSERVED COMBINED CITY AND HIGHWAY)

PICTURES COURTESY: CANADA.NISSANNEWS.COM

or the auto-enthusiast-turned-parent, or just people who like big, fast utility vehicles, Nissan has answered the call with the first-ever NISMO version of the Armada. Engineered by the brand’s in-house tuning division (portmanteau of NISsan MOtorsport), this unique project is more than just an appearance upgrade, though the styling is definitely a talking point. The exterior is significantly different compared to the regular variant of the flagship SUV, boasting an elongated gloss-black grille, blockier bumpers, lower body aero with a splitter on the front and diffuser on the back, bigger roof spoiler, and hits of red and black all around. There are also LED fog lights and red-painted brake calipers. In addi-

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tion, the standard fender flares, exclusive black 22-inch forged-aluminum wheels wrapped in performance all-season tires, and adaptive electronic air suspension give this Armada a custom, slammed truck look. Unique to the model are two special paint colors: Black Diamond Pearl and Stealth Gray (with or without a two-tone Super Black roof), the latter

found on Darpan’s press tester. Everest White Pearl Tricoat (optional Super Black roof) is offered as well. Similarly, the three-row interior aesthetic is performance-oriented with a charcoal upholstery theme, red contrast stitching, and NISMO embroidery. The red quilted suede inserts on the backrest of every seat are stunning, and the front pair feature adjustable seat bolsters to

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hold occupants in tightly. Aluminum pedals and multicolored ambient lighting complete the package. Through a little software and hardware engineering wizardry, designers have managed to squeeze an additional 35 horses (for a total of 460) from the already impressive 425-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, normally found in the other Armadas. The rear-biased 4WD system is a hoot to drive and will get a tad tail-happy in the corners if you put the hammer down, and despite being a 6,100-pound beast, the sport-tuned suspension and electric power steering give the vehicle a sharper-than-usual handling feel. Paddle shifters add to the tactile experience. The retuned exhaust sounds throaty, and the turbo spool-up whine is seriously audible, magnified by the Active Sound Enhancement piping acceleration noise into the cabin via the Klipsch premium stereo speakers. If appearing as though you’re fresh off the track while hauling some recreational gear to the cabin on the weekend is your thing, it has the same 8,500-pound towing capacity as the rest of the lineup. Invisible Hood View utilizes the multiple onboard cameras to create an image of the ground beneath the engine bay to help avoid obstacles when on rugged terrain, or curbs when parking. Panoramic Front Wide View and the 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor, affording a birds-eye perspective of the SUV, provide extra assistance. For those wanting to do more serious off-roading, take a look at the other new Armada model, the PRO4X, bundling all-terrain tires, a rugged front bumper, increased approach angle, underbody skid plates, and electronic locking differential. The 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO is available in dealerships now and starts at MSRP $108,648.

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CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS SHARE THEIR STORY

Meet Prakhar Sahni What inspired you to make the move to Canada, and how has your journey been so far? I moved to Canada in 2020 to pursue better opportunities for my undergraduate studies, a higher quality of life, and a stable environment for growth. The journey has been rewarding, although it came with its share of challenges. Over time, I have built a successful career, established myself in the business community, and created a life that I am proud of. Where did you first stay when you arrived in Canada? When I first arrived, I stayed in a shared accommodation in Vancouver while I settled in. Living with others helped me adjust to my new surroundings and made the transition easier. How would you describe your experience finding a job in Canada? Finding employment was challenging at first because I had to adapt to a new work culture and build professional connections. However, persistence and networking helped me create opportunities and eventually establish my own business ventures.

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Prakhar Sahni, managing director of the TOTL Group of Companies, immigrated to Canada in 2020. He now calls Surrey home, where he continues to grow his entrepreneurial journey while embracing the community that Canada has to offer. What were some of the biggest surprises or challenges you faced when you first arrived? Adjusting to the weather, understanding Canadian workplace expectations, and building a new social network from scratch. I was also pleasantly surprised by how multicultural and welcoming Canada is. However, immigration is not always easy. There were days when things felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I had made the right decision. At times, I even felt like returning home. Looking back, those difficult moments helped me grow stronger and more resilient. How has your experience as an immigrant shaped your view of Canada as a country? The thing I admire most about Canada is its diversity. As an immigrant, I never felt pressured to give up my culture to fit in. Instead, I found that Canada encourages people to celebrate their heritage while also becoming part of the larger community. It has also shown me that Canada values fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity. While challenges certainly exist, I have found that there are many resources and communities willing to support newcomers

who are trying to build a better future for themselves. If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently about your immigration journey? I would focus more on networking and understanding the Canadian job market before arriving. Doing so could have helped me settle in and advance professionally more quickly. Looking back, I underestimated how important professional relationships are when building a career in a new country. How do you see the future for yourself and your family in Canada? I see a bright future in Canada. My goal is to continue growing the TOTL Group of Companies, create employment opportunities, and contribute positively to my community while achieving long-term personal and professional success. We have already successfully expanded to major cities such as Toronto and Calgary, which has been an exciting milestone for our business. Proudest Moment in Canada

Becoming a business owner and leading a growing company. It represents the hard work, resilience, and determination that helped me build a life in Canada. More than proud, I feel grateful to the Almighty for helping me achieve these milestones at the age of 26.

Advice for Immigrants

Building a new life takes time, but networking, working hard, and staying open to opportunities can make a huge difference. If everything is happening exactly the way you want it to, great. But if they’re not, that’s even better; God's plan could have something much bigger waiting for you.

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