Taj West End, Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Deepak Chhimwal as its new executive chef. With over two decades of experience across some of India’s most renowned kitchens, Chhimwal steps into this role to lead the culinary narrative at one of Bengaluru’s most iconic hospitality addresses.

A champion of seasonal Indian produce and hyperlocal ingredients, Chhimwal blends regional authenticity with contemporary finesse. His culinary philosophy focuses on crafting menus that are experiential yet deeply rooted in tradition. Prior to joining Taj West End, he served as executive chef at Taj City Centre, Gurugram, where he transformed the hotel’s food and beverage landscape through award-winning concepts.

“At the heart of every dish is a story. Taj West End is a place where legacy meets innovation. I look forward to curating experiences that honour Karnataka’s culinary heritage while embracing mindful, modern approaches to food. LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru is close to my heart as it brings the authentic flavours of North for our guests,” Chhimwal shared on his appointment.

In his new role, Chhimwal will reimagine the hotel’s signature restaurants, curate exclusive chef’s tables, and lead farm-to-fork initiatives and zero-waste philosophies—placing sustainable luxury at the centre of Bengaluru’s evolving dining scene.

Recognised as Best Chef of the Year by the Asia Food Congress, Chhimwal is also a certified Taj departmental trainer and ISO 22000 internal auditor. A dedicated mentor, he has been instrumental in nurturing emerging culinary talent and promoting wellness-forward dining inspired by Ayurvedic principles and plant-based innovation.

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

• Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

• Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

• Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

• Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

• Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.