Lady of the Lake

On a resplendent October evening, SIMRRAN GILL arrives in the ancient city of Udaipur with Bollywood actor Athiya Shetty, who plays the royal bride for our cover shoot.

Produced by CHIRAG MOHANTY SAMAL

Photographed by RAHUL JHANGIANI

Assisted by AZFAR KHAN

Styled by DIVYAK D'SOUZA

Assisted by KHUSHI BHATIA

Hair and Make-up by KIRAN DENZONGPA

Assisted by KARCHUNG GURUNG

Couture Partner: QBIK

Styling Partner: PHILIPS

Location: TRIDENT, UDAIPUR

A jetty ride over Lake Pichola in Udaipur is not new to me. This time, it is at dusk. The sun is inching towards the horizon, the City Palace is glowing, and Jagmandir is preparing to bid adieu to its last bunch of visitors for the day. I, however, am waiting for the sky to turn dark. After all, the glittering lights from the City Palace make for a great spectacle. But instead of a smooth exit, the sun chooses drama, and fills the sky with hues of orange and soft pink. You can never predict the spectacles of Udaipur, a new surprise lingers in every corner of this royal city. It also effortlessly straddles two worlds. On one hand is the regal history of Rajasthan, lush Aravallis, and man-made lakes, and on the other is a contemporary city with towering hotels embodying ancient art, architecture, and spirit.