Meet this year's HELLO! Hall of Fame winners: Part 2

ADITI RAO HYDARI: TIMELESS BEAUTY 

Why: Her rare blend of old-world grace and contemporary charm makes her a time traveller on screen, and a perfect choice for both period epics and modern social dramas.

BOLLYWOOD’S BEAUTY BIAS

“While I’m an actor first, I’m grateful that people find me beautiful, though it’s subjective. Having said that, I’d like to play every kind of woman that I’m ‘allowed’ to play. I say ‘allowed’ because a film is created by a writer and executed by a director for a producer. Since these decisions are made by them, I’d like them to not be based on the supposed physical beauty of the character but more on her inner beauty and strength.”

THE ART OF IMPROV

“If you’re feeling and listening, you’re improvising — sometimes delicately and sometimes a little more obviously. For me, being on set and in front of the camera is about surrendering, listening and breathing into the rhythm your director and the written page are taking you to. To do that with an amazing co-creator and co-star feels very special.”

THE DIRECTOR-ACTOR RELATIONSHIP

“Two projects that have been announced are Imtiaz Ali’s O Saathi, and Konkona Sen Sharma and Jaydeep Sarkar’s Welcome to Khoya Mahal. Konkona is the most thoughtful, kind, and nurturing person, director, and actor. It’s the little things she says and how you feel around her that make my relationship with her special. She’s very clear in her communication, which helps make connections when one gets stuck in certain rhythms. I loved her and felt much loved acting with her on Geeli Pucchi [part of the Netflix anthology Ajeeb Daastaans], and more so now being directed by her. The directoractor relationship for me is sacrosanct and lifelong.”

EXTENDING HER FASHION FOOTPRINT

“This fashion collaboration with Satya Paul was a first for me. I presented lots of ideas and some of them were brought to life. If and when I do this again, I’d want to spend more time on executing the ideas. It’s a learning curve. I love Indian textiles and sarees. So it was special to do this with a legacy brand like Satya Paul and [designers] David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“It’s super special. I love the HELLO! team and their love for me makes me feel happy! I’m also excited about the HELLO! and India Today Group partnership. Lots of luck and love!”

ISHAAN KHATTER: MOST STYLISH PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Why: For him, fashion is a form of self-expression — a dance of fluidity and form. His edgy sartorial choices made him a Gen Z style icon in India, while his front-row appearance at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in Paris turned heads. 

THE VOCABULARY OF STYLE

Ishaan Khatter dresses the way he chooses his roles — instinctively and with a refusal to be boxed in. There’s no rigid formula to his wardrobe. Instead, there’s an ease with experimentation. Whether it’s a sharply cut suit, or a more relaxed silhouette, Ishaan’s style vocabulary feels effortlessly cool. Unafraid of prints or painterly colours, he veers towards silhouettes that blur the lines between classic and contemporary. There’s also a physicality to the way he carries clothes — much like his performances, his fashion has this tinge of unpredictability that makes him compelling on the red carpet and beyond.

A GLOBAL ICON

Today, Ishaan is fast becoming a front-row staple at international fashion shows, and he has found a perfect partner in crime in Alexander Roth — one of the best in the business today, the New York-based stylist is a master of casual luxe and gender-fluid aesthetic. Be it the Bordeaux-red velvet Gaurav Gupta bandhgala he wore at Cannes in 2025, channelling the ‘modern maharaja’ aesthetic, or the ease with which he embraced ‘cool-guy couture’ in a structured black leather jacket and crew neck sweater paired with bootcut blue jeans at the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2026 show, Ishaan and Alexander are a match made in fashion heaven. What we’re seeing right now it the rise of a global fashion icon. And these are still early days.

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“Style, for me, is about feeling like yourself — just a little more elevated. It’s about having fun with it, not overthinking it.”

BOBBY DEOL: PERFORMER OF THE YEAR – OTT (MALE)

Why: After starting out strong reprising the role of a manipulating megalomaniac kingmaker in ‘Aashram’ Season 3, he captivated audiences with his gripping performance as an egotistical superstar in ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’

CHARACTER STUDY

“Ajay Talwar is a father who deeply loves his family and is willing to go to any lengths for them — that’s the emotion I truly resonated with. Beyond that, he’s an actor within the story, and being an actor myself gave me a sense of familiarity with his world. Aryan Khan did a remarkable job with the show; he was incredibly certain about the tone, the character’s graph, and the world he wanted to build.”

THE REEL-REAL DICHOTOMY

“I’m soft-spoken by nature, but as an actor, you’re constantly exploring characters that are far removed from who you are. I believe we all carry a range of emotions; it’s just a matter of how we express and control them. Characters closer to my personality come more naturally to me, but it’s the grey, more complex roles that truly challenge me. That’s where the real beauty of the craft lies.”

THE TIFF DEBUT

“I never imagined myself attending a film festival, so being at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival for Bandar was truly special. It felt incredibly rewarding to showcase our work at such a platform. Working with Anurag Kashyap was a great experience. His work has always been widely celebrated at festivals. Overall, it was a very fulfilling and memorable time.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“It’s always a wonderful feeling to receive an award. It’s both overwhelming and humbling to be acknowledged for your work. The Ba***ds of Bollywood was truly a team effort, with Aryan leading it so clearly, and every actor and crew member playing an important role in making it what it is. I’m thankful to HELLO! for appreciating both me and the show.”

HUMA QURESHI: PERFORMER OF THE YEAR – OTT (FEMALE)

Why: After delivering another gripping performance as Rani Bharti in ‘Maharani,’ she stole the show as Badi Didi in Season 3 of ‘Delhi Crime,’ her perfect dialect and skewed moral compass making it her “best, worst character.”

CHARACTERS OF MORAL CONTRASTS

“Both characters were morally opposite and interesting for me to explore. In Maharani, the journey feels personal. Rani Bharti is a woman who rises against all odds. She’s resilient, emotional, and constantly evolving in a world of power and politics. In contrast, Badi Didi in Delhi Crime offered me the chance to explore the psyche of an antagonist, someone far removed from my morals. I’ve often said this: Badi Didi was my best, worst character. When I was first offered it, I was honestly surprised, but that’s what made it thrilling.”

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025

“The biggest highlight was the audience’s love. Whether it was people connecting with Rani’s journey in Maharani, or reacting so strongly to my character in Delhi Crime, it reminded me why we do what we do. I’ve also felt a lot of personal growth taking on roles that scared me and stepping out of my comfort zone. I was finally okay with not always playing the ‘likeable’ character. In a world that’s been quite chaotic, storytelling has been my anchor.”

ON THE CARDS

“I have some interesting projects lined up, including films like Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, and my own production, Baby Do Die Do, which I’m particularly passionate about. It’s an exciting time because I’m not just acting but also shaping the stories I want to tell. I think 2026 is going to be about taking more risks while continuing to surprise the audience.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“It feels incredibly surreal. Both Delhi Crime and Maharani are special to me for very different reasons. Delhi Crime was an opportunity to step into a completely new space, playing someone so dark and complex, while Maharani has been a journey I’ve lived with for years now. To be recognised for both, in the same breath, feels deeply humbling. As an actor, I’ve always been chasing stories that challenge me, and this year really allowed me to do that.”

DR. LAKSHYARAJ SINGH MEWAR: ROYAL HERITAGE CUSTODIAN OF THE YEAR

Why: For continuing the legacy of one of the world’s oldest surviving dynasties as the 77th custodian of the House of Mewar, and bringing our heritage to the forefront as the Chairman and Managing Director of The Lake Palace Hotels and Motels Pvt. Ltd.

REINTERPRETING HERITAGE

“This is a challenge that every generation of every royal family has to face. In Mewar, over the past 1,500 years, my forefathers have been conscious of their legacies… There are several dimensions to heritage, and we’ve grown up learning to respect these. Our City Palace Museum today is bustling with activities and visitors. Every gallery, every exhibition meets world-class standards, and we’re proud of how we’re working with the finest professionals from across the world, and with India’s Ministry of Culture.”

BALANCING AUTHENTICITY IN CHANGING TIMES

“Authenticity, and a love to please the guest are all interlinked. We have to serve with warmth and a genuine smile, whether it’s offering a glass of water, or a flute of champagne! Every guest is satisfied with such service, and will remember it for years to come. It’s this enthusiasm that will distinguish us. The rest really does not matter!”

ROYAL RESPONSIBILITIES

“Education and the environment are the two most important ‘Es’ in my life. Over the past two decades, I’ve been steadily improving the infrastructure and educational standards at our Maharana Mewar Public School and the Maharana Mewar Vidya Mandir. It’s extremely satisfying to see how happiness spreads from the students to their families, and back to the school environment. In fact, the Guinness World Records has bestowed 10 of its awards on the programmes and initiatives I began in early 2019, which continue till date.”

A MODERN-DAY MAHARAJA

“I have to live up to my responsibilities, build on the platforms that have been provided, and continue to work without fear or favour. That, in true spirit, is the identity of Mewar and its people. We’re here to serve humanity, to inculcate the sense of independence and self-reliance that our illustrious forefathers, like Maharana Pratap Singh, passed on to us.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“Every recognition comes with a baggage of responsibilities! Over the years, we’ve been trained to be at our best, do our best, and ensure that we add value to the honour we possess... The living legacies of Mewar.”

MIRA KAPOOR: CONTRIBUTION TO BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Why: She has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in India’s beauty and wellness space, taking the vision further with her label Akind, and newly-launched ‘health sanctuary’ Dhun Wellness.

ONE OF ‘AKIND’

“We focus on barrier-first skincare. Instead of chasing concerns after they appear, we work at the root level, strengthening the building blocks of skin. Our approach is gender-agnostic and purposeful. Our makeup is barrier-supportive, as well. Traditional makeup often disrupts the skin barrier, creating a cycle where you need more corrective skincare. We aim to break that loop, allowing people to engage with beauty, texture, and colour, while still protecting and supporting skin health. That balance defines my philosophy.”

MOVING TO HER OWN ‘DHUN’

“With Dhun Wellness, the intention was to pioneer an urban wellness ecosystem that brings together holistic healing, accessibility within the city, and a sense of luxury — a space where wellness becomes a sustainable, integrated lifestyle, not an occasional indulgence. Our next phase is focussed on integrating biomarkers, IV therapies, and advanced longevity technologies into our offerings. The goal is to move from reactive wellness to proactive, data-driven wellbeing, while still staying rooted in deeply restorative, human-centred practices.”

GAPS IN THE MARKET

“A significant gap still exists in barrier-focussed skincare. Much of the market continues to be driven by quick fixes and trend-led actives, often at the cost of long-term skin health. There’s a need to shift the narrative from correction to prevention, from over-complication to intelligent simplicity.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“The recognition is deeply meaningful — not just on a personal level, but as validation of the intent behind what we’re building. To be acknowledged as a founder who has created two purpose-driven enterprises feels like an affirmation that thoughtful, long-term, and impact-led work does stand out. It reinforces the responsibility to continue building with integrity, depth, and vision.”

VIKRAM GOYAL: CONTRIBUTION TO DESIGN

Why: For decades, he’s redefined the language of brass through his mastery of the repoussé technique. A celebrated product designer and craft revivalist, he weaves sculptural sorcery at his renowned Vikram Goyal Studio and lifestyle brand, Viya.

DESIGN THROUGH AN INDIAN LENS

“Over the past decade, there’s been a much-needed shift in how Indian design is understood globally. There’s a growing appreciation for depth, for process, provenance, and the hand behind the object, rather than just surface aesthetics. Indian crafts are no longer being viewed through a purely decorative or ‘heritage’ lens; they are increasingly seen as sophisticated, contemporary practices that can hold their own within global design conversations. For me, the most exciting shift is the movement towards authenticity, where design is not about replication but about reinterpretation.”

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025

“For the Vikram Goyal Studio, Soul Garden [an art installation] stands out as a special immersive experience. Set within the elegant gardens of L’Hôtel de Maisons — once the Parisian home of Karl Lagerfeld — the installation was inspired by the Panchatantra, honouring India’s cultural lineage. These unfolded through various sculptural animal forms crafted in metal, like the Gaja & Karabha, the elephant and calf; Kurma, the tortoise; Vyaghra, the tiger; and Nakra, the crocodile. Scaled to inhabit interiors as consoles, seating, and tables, the hidden repoussé details of the animal fables revealed themselves slowly to the curious eye. For Viya, the defining moment was the opening of the brand’s flagship store at the iconic Trafford House in Mumbai in February. The space marks an important shift as it brings together home décor, gifting, and apparel into a single, cohesive expression.”

ON THE CARDS

“We are now looking at expanding Viya more thoughtfully. Apparel has introduced a new dimension to our design language, which we’re continuing to build on. At the same time, the Vikram Goyal Studio remains engaged in developing new collections and exploring material innovations. As for what lies ahead, there are a few ideas quietly taking shape within the studio, still evolving, still finding their form. I think 2026 will be about revealing these in ways that feel both unexpected and inevitable.”

MAKING IT TO THE HELLO! HALL OF FAME

“It’s deeply humbling. Design, for me, has always been a continuous journey rather than a destination, one that is shaped by collaboration, craft, and constant learning. To be recognised for something that is inherently collective feels both gratifying and grounding. This honour belongs as much to the many artisans, collaborators, and teams who have been integral to this journey as it does to me.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: VIKRAM BAWA
INTERVIEWS: SANGEETA WADDHWANI, ANANYA GHOSH, REWATI RAU & SHRADDHA CHOWDHURY