Discultured’s National Food Awards 2025 is set to take place this November in Delhi, bringing together the voices, stories, and talent shaping India’s food culture today.

Food in India has never been just about sustenance. It’s a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and how we live, with every meal carrying the weight of memory, geography, and tradition in a way that few other cultural markers do. Street food served hot at roadside stalls, thalis packed with local seasonal produce, intricately plated dishes at fine-dining restaurants reimagining familiar flavours, home kitchens keeping traditional recipes alive, and cafes experimenting with global influences come together to form a food culture that continues to evolve while staying firmly rooted in regional identity and generational knowledge.

When we hosted the first edition of the National Food Awards, our intention was to draw attention to the people who are making a real impact in this space, not just those with visibility, but also those whose work often goes unnoticed despite playing a crucial role in influencing how we think about food in India today. We celebrated chefs holding on to legacy recipes, restaurants offering thoughtful experiences, and food entrepreneurs bringing in new ways of thinking, and through all of it, what became clear was that Indian food culture is being carried forward by people who are invested in its legacy, its present realities, and the possibilities it holds for change.

This year, as we return with the 2025 edition, the intent remains the same, which is to celebrate the minds, hands, and ideas that continue to influence the way India thinks about food. What makes this platform unique is that it doesn’t only look at the obvious or the already celebrated. It goes deeper, recognising those who work behind the scenes, often without a spotlight, but whose impact is far-reaching.

As the food industry continues to go through its own changes, driven by the trends of sustainability, accessibility, digital influence, and a return to local wisdom, we believe it’s important to create space for dialogue, recognition, and representation. The National Food Awards is our small contribution to that larger conversation.

This November in Delhi, we look forward to meeting the people who are changing the food map of the country with their own unique contributions and to telling their stories the way they deserve to be told.

If you’re a chef, restaurant, food entrepreneur, or someone building meaningful work in the food space, this is your moment. Check out the categories and register now to be considered for the National Food Awards 2025.

Also Read: The Biggest Moments for Indian Cinema at Cannes 2025 That Had Everyone Talking

Register Here : National Food Awards

The Cannes Film Festival has always been a celebration of global cinema, glamour, and groundbreaking storytelling and this year was no different. Cannes 2025 stood out for its powerful mix of legacy and new voices, and Indian cinema found itself right at the heart of it all. Here’s a look at all the incredible moments that made this year’s festival really unforgettable for Indian cinema and had everyone talking.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Earns Global Applause and a Nine-Minute Ovation

When Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the festival, it received a powerful nine-minute standing ovation, becoming a proud and emotional moment for Indian cinema. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, the film tells a touching story of friendship, dignity, and pain, set in the heart of rural North India. Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who supported the film as executive producer, praised it as an important work that adds great value to Indian cinema. Director Neeraj Ghaywan was clearly emotional, moved by the strong and warm response from the audience.

Restored Classic Aranyer Din Ratri Celebrated Satyajit Ray’s Timeless Legacy

The Cannes Classics section took audiences on a nostalgic journey with the screening of Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri (1970), now beautifully restored. The film received a warm standing ovation, with legendary actors Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal present at the screening. The restoration was made possible by The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, with support from the Golden Globe Foundation. Filmmaker Wes Anderson, a longtime admirer of Ray’s work, introduced the film and described it as a timeless exploration of self-discovery and the desire to escape city life. The screening served as a heartfelt tribute to Ray’s enduring legacy in world cinema.

Payal Kapadia Joined the Competition Jury

After gaining attention last year with her Palme d’Or-winning film, Payal Kapadia returned to Cannes in a new role as a member of the main competition jury. Her selection was an important moment for Indian representation at one of the world’s most respected film festivals.

The jury was led by French actress Juliette Binoche and included members like Halle Berry, Leila Slimani, Carlos Reygadas, Alba Rohrwacher, Jeremy Strong, Dieudo Hamadi, and Hong Sangsoo. Payal Kapadia’s participation added to India’s growing presence in international cinema.

Guneet Monga Launches New Scholarship to Support Women Filmmakers

Award-winning producer Guneet Monga introduced a new initiative at Cannes through Women in Film India (WIF India), the Indian branch of the global Women in Film network.

The recently launched Cannes Producers’ Scholarship by Marché du Film is designed to connect mid-career female producers with international business leaders. To support the cause of increasing visibility, mentorship, and opportunities for Indian women in the film industry, producers Rucha Pathak, Rabia Chopra, Tillotama Shome, and Dimpy Agrawal joined Monga during the announcement.

Also Read: Dupatta Labeled as European Aesthetic is a Case of Cultural Erasure

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From iconic celebrations and creative showcases to innovative product launches and highly anticipated tours, there has been a lot that grabbed people’s attention all around the world. Here’s a brief recap of some of the most talked-about pop culture moments this week.

Robert De Niro Honored at Cannes 2025

At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, which took place from May 13 to May 24, 2025, legendary actor Robert De Niro was given an honorary Palme d’Or during the opening ceremony on May 13, in recognition of his incredible contributions to cinema throughout his life, and the award was presented to him by fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who has worked with him in several films. During his speech, De Niro did not hold back as he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump by calling him “America’s philistine president” and also spoke out against the proposed tariffs on foreign films, saying that such policies are harmful to both art and democracy and should be challenged.

Gucci Cruise 2026: A Return to Where It All Began

On May 15, Gucci presented its Cruise 2026 collection at the historic Palazzo Settimanni in Florence, which holds a special place in the brand’s story because it is where the House’s archive is located and where its journey began back in 1921. The brand’s decision to return to Florence for this collection felt like a full-circle moment, especially now as it enters a new creative phase with Demna Gvasalia taking over as creative director in just a few months.

The setting in Florence, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and strong connection with fashion, was the perfect choice for this show, and even the CEO Stefano Cantino mentioned how deeply Gucci and Florence are connected by saying “Gucci is Florence and Florence is Gucci,” which highlights how much the city has shaped the brand’s identity and vision over the years. The Cruise 2026 collection felt fresh and playful while still keeping the elegance and glamour that Gucci is known for, with materials like leather, velvet, and fur making a strong impression along with long gowns that stood out on the runway, especially one dramatic polka-dot gown that had a sculpted triple bow on one shoulder, which was one of the highlights of the show.

This collection gave a glimpse into what fashion might look like in 2026, with styles that felt soft, quiet, and chic but still left room for bold shapes and silhouettes, as seen in the use of structured cigarette pants, formal-looking skirts, floral and leather bottoms, and the return of the iconic GG belt from the archives. The overall colour palette was subtle and elegant, with shades of khaki and other neutral tones bringing calmness and depth to the collection, which showed that Gucci is moving toward a more refined and thoughtful direction while still celebrating its roots and embracing a modern sense of creativity.

In the end, this Cruise 2026 show was not just about showcasing a new collection but also about revisiting the House’s origins, reconnecting with its history, and stepping into a new chapter with confidence and style.

Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Unveils Needle-Free Nipple Piercing Collection

In May 2025, Kim Kardashian’s brand SKIMS launched a bold new product that quickly grabbed attention on social media, as the brand introduced needle-free nipple piercings that are designed to look like real piercings without the need for any actual piercing, making it a fun and temporary way for people to try the look without any long-term change. This new drop fits perfectly with SKIMS’ daring and modern style, as the brand continues to push the boundaries of what intimate clothing and accessories can be by mixing fashion with innovation in a way that gets people talking.

BLACKPINK’s 2025 Deadline World Tour

On Friday, May 23, Blackpink gave their fans a glimpse of what’s coming next by dropping a short teaser video for their upcoming stadium tour, which they have officially named the “Deadline World Tour,” and in this dramatic 30-second clip, the word “DEADLINE” slowly rises out of a sparkling pink glitter pool while intense music plays in the background, building excitement around their return to the stage. The teaser comes around three months after the group first revealed that they would be touring again after three years, with concerts planned across North America, Europe, and Asia. The tour will begin in their home city of Seoul and then continue with shows in four major North American cities—Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, and New York—scheduled for mid-July, and to wrap up, the group is also set to perform at the Tokyo Dome in Japan in mid-January 2026, making this comeback tour one of the most anticipated events in K-pop.

Also Read: Dupatta Labeled as European Aesthetic is a Case of Cultural Erasure

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