Say mom-to-be

One of my most abiding photographic memories is that of my very pregnant sister-in-law, in a fairly figure-hugging top. My brother standing next to her, twisted grin on face, pointing a waggy finger at her baby bump. This was about eight years ago, when "mat shoots" - maternity shoots - were not quite all the rage. Back then, they were setting a trend, by clicking a moment while sis-in-law was living out a painfully gratifying nine-month phase of her life: pregnancy. These days, mat shoots are common. You freeze your plus one (baby bump) for the realms of posterity. Also, women are now far more empowered to feel good about themselves at a time when, traditionally, you are supposed to be 'circumspect'. In our lead feature this weekend, we speak to those involved in the supply chain of mat shoots - about-to-be mothers and shutterbugs - in an attempt to capture one of the most memorable times of your life. Good thing that it's not just post facto motherhood that is being celebrated and printed in colour, but also the whole nine yards' (months?) build-up, right? Only, when you pose prettily for camera magic, you don't say "Say cheese". You say, "Say mom-to-be".
This summer, maybe you should tread paths less trodden - not the ones that invariably lead to the malls. So we give you a line-up of stuff to do... without breaking into a sweat. Chill! Kangana Ranaut is taking on more offbeat roles and Bollywood speculates whether the wild child is reinventing or it's blockbuster directors that are giving her a wide berth due to recent controversies. Recipes based on the much-talked-about Atkin's Diet star in Kitchen Classics. Travel takes on a freedom trail in Jo'berg. All this and much more.
Enjoy reading wknd. and have a great weekend.