Tag: book-review

Entertainment

Back to the Best of Both Worlds: Hannah Montana Turns 20 and Brings the Nostalgia Back

Tanisha Cardozo

There are comebacks—and then there are comebacks that feel personal. The return of Hannah Montana after two decades falls firmly into the second category.

If you grew up in the 2000s, you probably remember this without even trying. Rushing home from school. Dropping your bag. Turning on the TV before anyone else could grab the remote. Because missing an episode simply wasn’t an option. Not when Miley Stewart was living the dream we all secretly imagined.

Now, 20 years later, Miley Cyrus is bringing that world back with a special anniversary edition set to premiere on Disney+. And suddenly, an entire generation is pausing to feel something they didn’t expect—nostalgia in its purest form.

What made the show special wasn’t just the wigs, the concerts, or the double life. It was how real it felt. Miley Stewart was just like us—awkward, emotional, figuring things out, dealing with family, friendships, and growing pains. And then, almost magically, she stepped into the spotlight as Hannah Montana, living a life most could only dream of.

That duality—ordinary and extraordinary—was the hook. It told us something powerful without being loud about it: you can be both. You can dream big and still be yourself.

And let’s be honest, it wasn’t just a show. It was a phase. From themed school supplies to posters, from singing along to the title track to arguing over who got control of the TV—Hannah Montana became part of everyday life. It shaped conversations, friendships, and even aspirations.

As the show ended and Miley Cyrus evolved into a global pop icon, that chapter quietly closed for many fans. Life moved on. We grew up. But somewhere, that version of ourselves—the one who believed in secret identities and big dreams—stayed behind.

Until now.

With the 20th anniversary special dropping on March 24, Disney’s teaser already hints at a return to where it all began—familiar sets, iconic visuals, and a wave of memories waiting to hit. And maybe that’s why this comeback feels different. It’s not just about revisiting a show. It’s about reconnecting with a time when life felt simpler, lighter, and full of possibility.

So here’s a question—if you hear “you get the best of both worlds” today… do you still sing along without thinking? Chances are, you do. And that says everything about the legacy this show has left behind.

EduConnect

“Goa Is the Best Place for a Young Girl to Grow Up”: Vogue India’s Rochelle Pinto at CTGD Centenary Lecture

Tanisha Cardozo

“Goa is the best place for a young girl to grow up. Here, women are so empowered; I have a sense of confidence because I grew up in Goa,” said Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, while addressing the centenary lecture of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias titled ‘Women in Leadership: How to Build a Career in Media’ in Panaji.

In conversation with Goan fashion designer Simran Dhond, Pinto reflected on how Goa’s multicultural environment and inclusive ethos shaped both her worldview and professional journey. She emphasised that in Goa, women are not treated as second-class citizens and that the State’s diversity creates a natural sense of equality. “It never occurred to me that I had to ask permission to take up space. Also in Goa, we have multiculturalism. There is a sense of equality and diversity, and we celebrate it. It is a world that almost looks like a fairy tale now. I think we need to all fight to protect that,” she said.

Pinto began her journey in media at the age of 11 as a child radio jockey at All India Radio, Goa. Despite now being a leading voice in fashion media, she shared that she did not grow up in a fashion-conscious environment, something she considers a blessing. Growing up as what she described as an “outsider” in a multicultural society gave her a deep sense of rootedness and curiosity. “There is a deep sense of rootedness because of being an outsider. As I grew up in a multi-cultural environment, there is a sense of curiosity, and I do not have a myopic view,” she said.

Now based in Mumbai with over 15 years of experience across print and digital platforms, Pinto has worked with leading brands such as Tweak India and the Condé Nast group. Throughout the interaction, she repeatedly underlined how being Goan has shaped her approach to storytelling and leadership. She explained that her Goan upbringing allows her to see individuals for who they are and engage with them at a human level, a quality that has helped her navigate the competitive media landscape.

Offering advice to young aspirants, Pinto stressed that talent alone is not enough to survive in the media industry. She spoke about the importance of ethics, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. “Do whatever it takes to get the job done. You need to learn to do everything, as it gives you a sense of confidence and you know exactly what you are talking about. I am a doer and not a dweller,” she said, encouraging youngsters to build both skill and stamina.

She also addressed the common perception that women compete aggressively for limited opportunities. Dispelling the myth, she stated that women often support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally. During an interaction with the audience, Pinto described journalism as a field that still demands old-school rigour. “Journalists are like vultures; others see a carcass, but we see a full meal there. If you have that mentality, you can find a story anywhere,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of fieldwork and curiosity in an evolving digital age.

Having also taught at Istituto Marangoni in Italy and St Paul’s Institute of Communication and Education in Mumbai, Pinto shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media. She observed that fear of new technology is not new, recalling that similar anxieties existed even during the invention of the printing press. “Writers have to evolve their skillset. Maybe they may not be writing anymore as the medium will change. I am not worried but more fired up to hone my craft and new opportunities to express myself,” she said.

Her reflections served not only as a celebration of Goa’s empowering environment but also as a call to protect its inclusive and multicultural fabric. For many in attendance, Pinto’s journey stood as proof that confidence rooted in identity, combined with discipline and adaptability, can shape a successful career on both national and international stages.

Special Occasion

Always… Alan Rickman: Ten Years On, His Magic Still Lives

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Ten years have passed since Alan Rickman left the world on 14 January 2016, but time has done little to dim his presence. For many, he remains Professor Severus Snape—the black-cloaked Potions Master of Hogwarts whose story unfolded not in grand declarations, but in quiet sacrifice. Through Snape, Rickman gave audiences one of cinema’s most emotionally complex characters, redefining loyalty and love with a single word that still echoes today: “Always.”

Rickman’s portrayal of Snape was built on nuance. Every pause, every look, every controlled outburst carried weight. Privy to Snape’s full arc long before the final Harry Potter films, Rickman played the role with remarkable foresight, allowing the character to grow darker, deeper, and ultimately more tragic as the series progressed. In a world of spectacle, his Snape stood as a reminder that true power often lies in restraint.

Yet Alan Rickman was never defined by a single role. Long before Hogwarts, he made an indelible mark as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, crafting one of cinema’s most stylish and intelligent villains. Gruber wasn’t loud or chaotic—he was precise, cultured, and chillingly calm, a performance that set a new standard for screen antagonists and announced Rickman as a formidable force in film.

His versatility shone just as brightly in romance. In Sense and Sensibility, Rickman’s Colonel Brandon was a study in quiet devotion, offering tenderness without theatrics. In Truly, Madly, Deeply, he portrayed love that transcends life itself, while in Love Actually, his performance as Harry—a man grappling with guilt and emotional distance—proved that heartbreak could be conveyed with a single glance and a restrained voice.

Rickman also left his mark behind the camera, directing films such as The Winter Guest, and lending his distinctive voice to characters like Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, he remained deeply connected to theatre, often returning to the stage and championing the craft of storytelling in its purest form.

Off screen, Rickman was known for his kindness, discretion, and unwavering support for the arts. He shunned celebrity excess, preferring thoughtful conversations, mentorship, and meaningful work. His diaries, published posthumously, revealed a man deeply engaged with the world—curious, compassionate, and fiercely committed to creativity.

On his 10th death anniversary, Alan Rickman’s legacy continues to cast a long, gentle spell. From Hogwarts’ dungeons to Hollywood’s brightest screens, his characters live on—not as performances, but as emotional memories etched into popular culture.

After all this time, we remember him not just as an actor, but as a storyteller who trusted silence, honoured complexity, and believed in the enduring power of love.

Always.

Human Interest

Fifty Years, Three Continents: The Fernandes Family’s Remarkable Return to Divar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

For the Fernandes family of St. Mathias, Divar, January 3 holds a meaning far deeper than a date on the calendar. It is a marker of movement, memory, and a lifelong commitment to Goa’s cultural soul. The day is the birthday of Genevieve Fernandes, the eldest daughter of family matriarch Antonetta Fernandes, and it also commemorates January 3, 1976—the day Antonetta travelled from Santa Cruz airport in Bombay to London with her six children to join her husband, the late Bernard Fernandes.

At a time when overseas migration meant uncertainty and sacrifice, Antonetta’s decision required courage and resolve. This, however, was not her first transcontinental journey. Nearly a decade earlier, in 1967, she had sailed from Mombasa, Kenya, to Marmagao, Goa, navigating life across continents long before such mobility became common among Goan families.

The family later settled in Leicester in the United Kingdom, where Antonetta raised six children while remaining deeply connected to the Goan diaspora. She was actively involved in organising tiatr performances and cultural programmes, and ensured her children participated in the Scouts and Guides movement, grounding them in discipline, service, and cultural pride.

Recalling those years, her eldest son Marius Fernandes speaks of values passed down quietly but firmly. He remembers his mother insisting that wherever one lives, one must give something back—especially one’s culture. Even far from Goa, the family was never allowed to forget who they were or where they came from.

Marius went on to work with British Telecom, building a stable life in the UK, but the connection to Goa never faded. In 2000, he returned to Goa with his family, followed soon after by his parents, completing a journey that spanned Kenya, Goa, the United Kingdom, and finally, a return home.

Back in Goa, Marius Fernandes—now widely known as Festakar—channelled his global experiences into cultural action. Over the years, he has played a key role in organising 104 festivals across the state, from intimate village celebrations to large-scale cultural showcases highlighting Goan music, art, heritage, and local talent. For him, festivals were never just about size or spectacle, but about giving villages confidence, offering Goan artistes a platform, and reclaiming public spaces for culture.

Reflecting on his journey, Fernandes sees migration as deeply connected to his cultural mission. Living abroad, he says, teaches one the true value of what was left behind. Returning to Goa was not about slowing down but about responsibility—towards people, culture, and community.

At the heart of this story stands 94-year-old Antonetta Fernandes, whose quiet strength shaped the lives of her children. Looking back at her extraordinary journey today, her words remain simple and deeply Goan. She speaks of celebrating the move to the UK, but more importantly, of celebrating the return to Goa to live a sussegado life.

Fifty years on, the Fernandes family story is not just about migration across continents. It is about adaptability, cultural continuity, and the enduring idea of home—proof that no matter how far one travels, some journeys are always meant to end where they began.

Special Occasion

Celebrate National Princess Day: Be Royal for a Day!

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

National Princess Day is a celebration of imagination, confidence, and the belief that anyone can feel like royalty for a day. It is dedicated to the idea that a princess can come from anywhere and that true royalty shines through kindness, authenticity, and joy. Many people dream of being a princess or meeting one, and this holiday taps into that timeless sense of wonder. It invites everyone to pamper themselves, embrace their fabulous side, and let a little fairytale magic into their lives.

For many, the world of princesses begins with beloved characters like Snow White, who first graced screens in 1937. Since then, countless princesses—from Rapunzel to Sleeping Beauty, and more recently Elsa and Moana—have captured hearts around the world. These modern heroines teach that being a princess isn’t just about beauty but also courage, independence, and staying true to who you are.

While most people associate princesses with Disney, National Princess Day was actually created by Nest Family Entertainment and Rich Animation Studios, the team behind The Swan Princess. Based on the Russian folk tale of Swan Lake, this hand-drawn animated franchise grew into a series of films that inspired a holiday devoted to imagination and joy. Their aim was to help children and adults alike celebrate the kindness, creativity, and magic that princess characters often embody.

There are countless ways to enjoy National Princess Day. Some choose to host dress-up parties, reenact fairytales, or put on small theatre performances at home. Adults may celebrate by discussing real historical princesses who made an impact, or by watching favorite films and documentaries about royalty, including those inspired by Princess Diana, whose legacy continues to touch hearts around the world. Others might plan princess-themed gatherings with sparkling décor, pink cocktails, crowns, or simply moments of self-care that make them feel cherished.

Whatever the activity, the purpose of the day remains the same: to celebrate the magic within yourself. It’s a reminder to stand tall, move with grace, speak with confidence, and embrace everything that makes you special. National Princess Day invites everyone to live with a little more sparkle and to honor the princesses—real or imagined—who inspire us every day.