Nindy Kaur is no new name in the game. She is the lead singer of popular Bollywood songs like “Singh and Kaur” from Singh Is Bling, “Tamanche Pe Disco” of Bullet Raja, and “Go Pagal” from Jolly LLB 2, just to name a few.
Music has always been a passion for Kaur, she’s been singing for as long as she can remember. But, if there’s something else that she’s always loved, it has to be a good lipstick! Kaur’s love for the perfect pop of color on her lips encouraged her to venture out into the world of beauty. And, she’s quickly dominating the scene.
In an exclusive one-on-one with Brown Girl Magazine, the singing-sensation-turned-beauty-entrepreneur talks about life on her end of the spectrum!
1. Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Southall in the UK. Then, I moved to Birmingham at the age of 4. All of my schooling, plus a year of college, was done in the UK. At the age of 18, I moved to Toronto, Canada.
2. How did music come into your life? What prompted you to take it to a professional level?
Music was always a part of my life. Being born and brought up in the UK during the ’80s, which was the peak of Bhangra (e.g, Heera, Alaap, Pardesi etc.), you were surrounded by nothing but Bhangra music, that was the trend.
Music becoming a career was after I got married to Manj (former singer and music producer of RDB. He’s currently the singer and music producer of Manj Musik). RDB was Manj’s band with his two brothers. He used to listen to me sing whilst driving, cooking, and cleaning. One day he said: ‘Right, you’re going to sing some songs for us, love.’ After that, I just remember hearing my voice in a Bollywood movie, Aloo Chaat.
3. You were born and brought up in London yet are so invested in your cultural background from a young age. How did you become so invested, and what led you to predominantly sing Punjabi/Bollywood over songs in English?
I was always a lot more comfortable singing Punjabi songs – don’t get me wrong, I love English/mainstream songs. But, I always felt I had a voice for Punjabi songs. If I’m honest, I always treated it as a hobby, something I loved doing aside from my full-time office job. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I would hear my voice in a Bollywood movie. I guess I was never chasing fame, it just came to me. The more I ran away from it, the more it came after me!
4. Being born and raised in London, was there ever a time when you felt that you may be subject to discrimination based on your choice of singing Punjabi songs?
Not at all! Being Punjabi in the UK was a trend!
5. Let’s switch gears to your newest beauty venture, Nindy Kaur Cosmetics. How did this idea come about?
Whenever I performed at shows I would always do my own hair and makeup. The one main thing I would make sure that would stand out was my bold-colored lipsticks. Most of the time, after the show, a lot of fans would come and ask me, ‘Nindy, what color lipstick are you wearing?’ I would get a ton of messages via social media asking me what color lipstick I’m wearing in certain pictures. That was it for me, and having my own makeup line became an obsession.
6. Were you big on makeup growing up?
The first time I wore lipstick myself was around the age of 19-20. I remember purchasing a MAC lipstick – proper bold red, and I loved it!
7. Do you feel that makeup plays a role in female empowerment? If yes, how so?
It’s [definitely] a boost of confidence!
8. What do you think is so powerful about a lipstick? What’s the reason every girl needs one good lipstick in her purse at ALL times?
I personally feel that lipstick is the most important when it comes to makeup. You can have an absolutely bare face, be out and about, and then your plans change. You’re going to meet a few friends and spend the evening out. You put that lipstick on and it changes your look instantly!
9. What is it like to be a South Asian entrepreneur in the beauty world?
I absolutely love it! I love to be driven. It’s a challenge with all the different skin tones. I love working with Bollywood celebrities. I definitely feel we need a lot more South Asian entrepreneurs in the beauty industry.
10. What is the one thing you’d change about the beauty industry?
I would love to get rid of low-quality products, replicas that are made and cause damage to peoples’ skin. The rules and regulations on such things need to be a lot firmer.
11. Are you going to be releasing more products in the near future? If so, what can we expect coming down the pipeline?
Yes, I will be releasing more products, for sure. For now, I am focusing on getting as many colors out there of the velvet matte lipsticks. I think it’s more cause I myself am a fan of them!
12. What is your everyday, go-to beauty regime?
Believe it or not, it’s super simple. Again, I cannot emphasize my passion and love for lipsticks. I cannot live without a lipstick, that’s always my finishing touch!
13. What is your favorite shade of the Nindy Kaur lipstick?
Hands down, “Betty Boo!”
14. What is that one beauty-related tip you give everyone?
Blend two lipsticks to create fuller lips! When your lipstick gradually gets lighter in the center of your lips, it creates a fuller look. Apply the lipstick to your entire lip and then add a lighter shade in the middle of your bottom and top lip, blending it with a brush! Great technique for fuller lips without lip injections!
You can shop the Nindy Kaur Lipstick collection, here.
Ever since we can recall, the Cannes Film Festival has been a merger of movies and glamour. On one side, there are hand-picked films — ready to premiere and make their mark in the world of entertainment — and on the other, audiences and paparazzi alike are served epic moments in fashion.
The festival, aimed to preview upcoming films from all over the world, invites a wide variety of guests that span the film fraternity, of course, but more recently, has opened its doors to many digital content creators, including renowned South Asian creatives.
With a more vast guest list comes a more recent debate: Cannes is a film festival and not a fashion showcase. Kickstarting the debate this year was none other than ace Bollywood director, Nandita Das, who in an Instagram post shared:
Sometimes people seem to forget that it is a festival of films and not of clothes!
In short, Das wants Cannes’ narrative to continue to focus on films.
But of course, there’s been a paradigm shift in the guest list over the last few years; this shift has allowed talents from various industries — including lifestyle content creators, entrepreneurs, etc. who showcase their work in fashion and beauty like fine masterstrokes — to walk the carpet and represent their craft, making space for others in their industry.
Influential names like Dolly Singh, Kaushal, Diipa Buller-Khosla, and Shivani Bafna — all of whom made a raging impact on the red carpet this year — weigh in on the significance of representing South Asian artists/influencers on the red carpet, and how they feel they’ve been part of this paradigm shift at Cannes Film Festival.
Diipa Buller-Khosla
I believe that each step we take at events like Cannes sends a powerful message of diversity, cultural richness, and artistic excellence. Representation matters, and the presence of South Asian creators on the red carpet at Cannes helps broaden the narrative of beauty, talent, and creativity. It allows us to showcase our unique perspectives, narratives, and contributions, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive industry. By actively participating and making our presence felt, we help create more opportunities and spaces for South Asian creators, encouraging others to share their stories with the world.
Since 2015, the first time I walked the red carpet, till this year I have always been invited by L’Oreal Paris, one of the main sponsors of the event. It has always been such an honor to be invited to the festival through the makeup brand that I have been using for almost two decades, and, before my social media career began. Personally, I feel a sense of acknowledgment from such a prestigious brand, and its head office teams that sponsor Cannes Film Festival, and value the work I have done and continue to do as a South Asian content creator within the beauty space. Makeup, hair, and beauty will always play a big role within the film industry and it’s something I have always created my content around which is why I am proud to attend.
This is a proud moment not just for me but also [for] my peers and the entire content creator ecosystem given that we have reached such new global stages and presence. Of course, as you said, such film festivals, once considered as an exclusive hub for a congregation of the finest acting talents have, in the last few years, opened their arms to more people from the entertainment industry.
This is not just a sudden phenomenon with a burst of Indian creators at the festival this year but there is increased participation from non-film and non-South Asian celebrities across various spectrums from different sides of the world. Along with the many filmmakers, actors, producers, etc I also met some amazing influencers and entrepreneurs from other sides of the world. It’s amazing to represent India and celebrate and champion the advent of the digital ecosphere on such a prominent platform.
The confluence of actors and creators signified the amalgamation of traditional cinema and new-age digital influence, highlighting the transformative power of creative expression and how festivals like Cannes have become more forthcoming and progressive in their approach.
Cannes, like any other prominent festival, boasts of a red carpet that is synonymous with fashion and glitz, and I wanted to use this opportunity to represent all the amazing Indian fashion designers on the carpet besides, of course, attending the screenings. As someone who is just not an influencer but also an actress, I thoroughly enjoyed all the red-carpet screenings and meeting like-minded film talent from around the world at the event. At some point in the future, I would like to be attending Cannes for a film I’ve featured in.
Creators are often placed into boxes of where they belong and the rooms they can be a part of. Being on the red carpet dismantles the ideology that there’s a cap on how far we, as creators and as a South Asian community, can go and what we can achieve.
The Cannes Film Festival has always been viewed as the epitome of a glamorous event — everyone who attends looks like they’re living their best lives. I used the platform to share an authentic message of what the experience felt like for me. To represent all of us who doubt our potential, experience imposter syndrome, and are nervous to find their place, yet continue to push through to achieve their dreams!
As the first Indian American influencer to walk at Cannes, I hope I can inspire young women to confidently ask, ‘Why not me?’
There’s no doubt that the Cannes Film Festival is centered around films, and continues to be a unique space for the global film fraternity to bring their art and showcase their aptitude. But, creators like Bafna, Singh, Buller-Khosla, and Kaushal — a special shoutout to Raja Kumari for being instrumental in paving the way as well — have their own set of responsibilities to fulfill upon their invitation to the prestigious event. Their will to represent their South Asian identities, celebrate their industries, and continue to hold space for their peers makes their presence at Cannes more than just clothes.
All images in the featured photo are from the influencers’ Instagram feeds.
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
