ANUJA MATHUR
Hello, it's Anuja Mathur!
I am the founder & Editor-In-Chief of Fashion & Lifestyle Magazine – Popp Dapp. I am an engineer and an MBA professional with almost a decade of work experience in branding & entrepreneurship. Since I am a 90s kid, I grew up at a time when the technological bandwagon was quite a slow pace and we had the luxury of acoustic sources of information. I envisioned Popp Dapp out of a sheer allure for fashion & fashion literature since my childhood.
Coming from an academically inclined family and not having a media or publication background, I had to learn the nuances by experiencing them. Having an engineering wit and management know-how has helped me a lot in bringing my vision into actuality.
There would not have been a better time to indulge in a business that is a perfect combination of digital and analog. Popp Dapp is a print magazine by heart, but has been equally sturdy digital footprint with digital features, podcasts, blogs, and vlogs. Just like ‘swipe & select fatigue’ amid Gen Z, ‘digital ad fatigue’ is another point that needs to be considered while getting into newer ways of advertising. A perfect amalgamation of paper & screen is the solution.
Popp Dapp is produced by quality publishers and is utilized by India's prestigious, high-end brands to support their advertising campaigns. It is a proven method to target decision-makers and opinion leaders! Within 4 years, we have developed brand collaboration with Times Talent (India’s largest repertoire of talent), content distribution collaboration with Amazon Prime Video & Marvel Studios India, covered Shahrukh Khan’s Meer Foundation initiative, features international content such as story with Kat Graham, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Mendes, Anne Hathaway, etc. Covered celebrities like Karan Johar, Shibani Dandekar Akhtar, Aneez Bazmee, Sunny Leone, etc.
Forthwith, Popp Dapp stands at 150K+ global readership, 50K+ print distribution, 1000+ stories featured, 500+ brand stories, & 900K+ reach every month. POPP DAPP depicts transfix & charm, hereby promising to give the readers a 361st-degree view of topics & discussions!
Thank you!
EDITOR'S NOTE
JUL 2024 | VOL V ISSUE IV
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital culture, social media influencers have emerged as pivotal arbiters of taste, style, and innovation. Their influence extends beyond mere aesthetics; they shape consumer behavior, dictating trends across fashion, beauty, wellness, and beyond. Collaborations with luxury brands and high-street retailers alike are testament to their clout, as they seamlessly integrate promotional content with engaging storytelling.
This new breed of digital celebrity commands a unique trust, often surpassing traditional advertising methods in efficacy. They are the vanguards of contemporary culture, continually redefining the boundaries of influence and shaping the future of digital interaction.
July is a time for bold expressions, playful creativity, and unapologetic style. In this
issue, we dive into the world of bright hues and striking patterns, celebrating the fearless fashion choices that define summer 2024. Our cover features the enigmatic Radhika Seth, who perfectly captures the spirit of summer with her dynamic style and captivating energy. Artists like Radhika are the vanguards of contemporary culture, continually redefining the boundaries of influence and shaping the future of digital interaction.
Climate change activists champion sustainability and advocate for decarbonization. Their campaigns highlight the catastrophic impact of anthropogenic emissions and deforestation. This issue captures & highlights the constant efforts of activists like Aakash Ranison & Sneha Shahi. They emphasize the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem preservation, and carbon sequestration.
Physical fitness enhances cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, flexibility, and resilience, promoting longevity, mental well-being, and overall vitality. We have talked to athletes like Girish Bindra & Ripudanan Bevliabout their journey & physical health.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you feel inspired to embrace the bold, the beautiful, and the unexpected. Here’s to a season of style that’s as bright and dynamic as the summer sun!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
APR 2024 | VOL V ISSUE III
Innovation is the bandwagon that businesses (especially startups) are always desperate to hop on! Today, if India can embark on its reputation and maintain a global status in the world economy, it is because of innovation.
The Cambridge Dictionary definition says, “Innovation is the creation and use of new ideas or methods.” As per my understanding, innovation is a novel idea that has applicability, the capacity to snowball, and sustainability. We have lately seen a lot of startups starting with roaringly innovative ideas not being able to withstand the test of time. This happens due to the lack of longevity in their innovation.
But there are creators like Aniket Gupta who are trying to innovate with sustainability, aesthetics, and longevity. Or artists like Yohan Marshall and Sukhnidh Kaur, soar high in the sky of creativity and art.
We are honored to feature the story of the renowned and magnificent director, Nitya Mehra, and get a glimpse of her multifaceted mind.
This issue also covers the stories of stylists like Meagan Concessio and Namita Alexander, who are remolding the set definitions of fashion and culture. And the special cover story with the fashion industry’s one of the most seasoned designers, Nandita Mahtani, listening to her journey and experiences.
It is true; summer's the same. We are the ones who are changing. This summer issue of Popp Dapp aims to present a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed perspective of society and the times to come.
I hope it resonates with you all!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
FEB 2024 | VOL V ISSUE II
You know the thing about life, it is not a noun – it is a verb “living.” It is not what we have, it's what we do continuously – better than every passing moment. The same is true with love; it’s ‘loving’ – the process. We have lately trimmed down the capacity and comprehension of the term ‘love’. Whereas, loving is a way of living. Loving your chores, loving your work, loving people around you, just loving in general. Sounds like a weird concept – right? Well it is, and so is life – absolutely and beautifully weird. Things happen to us in a completely random and haphazard fashion. The trick is to not try to understand the patterns by acting intellectually; the trick is to try your best to live it by acting alive!
This issue is dedicated to the people who have been striving to their fullest to make the best of this one (unless you are a cat, lol!) life. Who could be a better ambassador for advocating a fuller life than Karan Johar himself? Our cover story celebrates the amalgamation of two powerful personalities from the domains of entertainment and fashion, respectively – Karan Johar & Sanjay Nigam. Sanjay Nigam is an entrepreneur dedicated to uplifting and uniting India's fashion industry.
It gives goosebumps to listen to the stories of women like Rani Rampal, a robust Indian hokey team player – where she talks about her struggles and triumphs. Not only her but there are artists like Moses Koul – who are redefining the definitions of experienced & seasoned actors, showcasing unbelievable acting skills.
This issue also captures the rawest essence of the freedom of existence. "They're Us" is a photograph series dedicated to capturing individuals from the LGBTQ+ community in their most unfiltered and genuine state. Women like Alina Gross, Sonam Nair, and Gina Badhen are breaking the molds created by decades of inheritance through their groundbreaking work in the fields of photography, direction, and makeup, respectively.
Through this issue, we have tried to bring to you the incredible exemplars of courage, perseverance, agility, determinant efforts, and timeless sagas of success!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
NOV 2023 | VOL V ISSUE I
After the world was a bit underwhelming in practicality, a zillion hope is not rested on the conceptuality – particularly in self-expression, spirituality, and creativity – to give a new direction to the generations to come. Art has always been an eminent part of the culture and whatever innovative art forms we are witnessing, are cut out from the ancient cultural fabrics. As a concept, art cannot be pure innovation – it always finds it is rooted in the of yore. And artists are like craftsmen who batten past to the present and create a treasure for the future.
Artists like Siddhartha Kararwal are trying to make society see and understand its reflections and flaws with his vivid sculptures and fixtures. Then there is Jayesh Sachdev, redefining the way we look at creativity and holds the National Record for having painted India’s largest concept artwork.
We are privileged and honored to project stories of writers like Judy Balan and Mehak Goyal, who speak years ahead of their age and are imprinting their words for the time ahead. Brands like Triune are putting the audience in flux to the extent a creative imagination can go.
The issue also captures multi-hyphenate talents like Koel Purie, who is unlocking her talents one by one and giving the audience an unrealistic-looking career trajectory. Kashvi Majmundar is an 8-year-old time-bomb who holds the acting knack of an 80-year-old artist – with her grip, stability, and delivery.
The cover star Soundarya Sharma talks about her conviction, perseverance, hard work, and experiences. Not just this, this issue also captures a talent repository – Gaurav Chopra, an astonishing audience with the human capability to portray the multilayered shades of a single character.
This issue celebrates art, creativity, talent, flair, craft, and skills. Everything starts and ends at nothing; it is a circle that plays again and again and again. At Popp Dapp, we have completed one more circle with this Anniversary Issue and saying to the year to come – down the hatch! 17 issues, 17 collections of stories, 17 assemblages of journeys, and 100s of people sharing their multicolored peregrinates. This anniversary issue is as special as all of these in the repertoire!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
AUG 2023 | VOL IV ISSUE IV
Recently, I have been pondering that we as a generation have become more susceptible to information. Internet, Instagram, YouTube, AI tools, VR tools, and now Chatgpt - the world looks pretty unreal (pun intended). In a capitalistic world, everything is somewhere or the other dependent on technology. And with tech dependence growing as we speak - we can hardly recognize where to draw a line. In the world of fashion, having AI collection launches feels surreal. Since there are two sides to every coin, there are certain flip points to the advent of AI as well - but today, we are not focusing on that!
Artists would find a way to express themselves - devoid of the vector they choose. And with NMACC (Neeta Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre) embarking on its opening, the whole world looking at India now. We had the privilege to talk to a Drag artist from India – Alex Mathew, who walked us through his journey from Alex to ‘Maya.’ We have featured Chhaya Momaya - a metaphor for sophistication, timeless style, and luxury entrepreneurship.
This issue editorial spread 'Bandhe', elaborates visual storytelling of two individuals in an unrealistic and unloved sphere to magnify the other side of the queer love stories of the past. We are absolutely honored to be talking to James Ferreirs, a veteran designer, and showcasing his immense experience in the industry.
We are so happy to be able to showcase the story of a girl coming from Haryana, proving her knack in Punjabi cinema, giving some epic performances in the OTT world of Hindi cinema, giving birth to a unique startup idea, and getting funding from ‘Shark Tank’ of Rs. 1 crore - Parul Gulati.
Various other exclusive features like that of Abhishek Golecha, Paridhi Dhanuka, Neeta Kishnani, etc. have made this issue a true blend of creativity, hard work, and a bouquet of success at different stages of life.
This issue has been nothing less than a treat for us while creating it and we expect to give you all a buffet to tickle your pallet of creativity!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
MAY 2023 | VOL IV ISSUE III
Frivolity could ever defy a feminine urge of being heard, comprehended, and supported by the people in her inner circle. However clangorous the conversation can be around subjects like the glass ceiling, the grassroots need of any woman is – the freedom of choice. The choice of making her own decisions, the choice of not deciding sometimes, the choice of prioritizing her mental health over peer pressure, the choice of saying no to the things she does not like, and the choice of voluntarily dressing up feminine, the choice of standing against the goring noise of judgments around the term ‘feminism.’
We are honored and privileged to have with us people like Aashti Miller and Aaquib Wani, making their way into Forbes 30 under 30. Twisted tales with a common axis of monumental knack and hard work bring us to women like Durga Devi Smruti and Hiral Nagori, excelling in their respective fields of work. I feel unreal and thrilled to come across personalities like Nafisa Tosh, Sandhya Shetty, and Ujjwala Raut making their mark in an industry that is pithed with competition – fashion.
Some covers become timeless and this issue’s cover story with Bollywood’s ace director, writer, producer, and star maker – Mr. Anees Bazmee, is no less than an epic. This issue also seizes the essence of artists like Kanchan Chander, Veera Kapur, and Viraj Khanna, striding at the pinnacle.
Avant-grade young entrepreneurs and brand owners like Meghana Kiran, Vaishnavi Bala, and Shivam Garg gave a sneak peek into how the fashion & accessory industry would look in the coming future. This issue holds a memorable place of allure and adore with us and with this, we are endeavoring to depict the multifaceted nature of the world of entertainment, fashion, and art.
Hope you enjoy this!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
FEB 2023 | VOL IV ISSUE II
A unique and reinvigorated beginning to everything is what a new year carries with it. It is a time to rewind the clock and buy yourself another 365 days of adventure, evolution, and new experiences. Though it feels like a clean slate to paint our aspirations, there is invariably debris of past emotions and experiences in the background. These leftovers are very crucial for us to have wisdom and discernment of the more encouraging fortune.
Our Jan-Feb 2023 issue talks about 'The other side - dropping the veil'. This issue focuses on unapologetic personalities from various walks of life. Whether it’s Asha Puthli a powerhouse of flair who didn’t shy off from swimming anti-stream in the ocean of safe plays, or it's Vanessa Calderon, narrating her journey and experiences in Hollywood. We have also covered how Isha Koppikar has evolved past her status of just being an artist and has emerged as an actor, producer, wife, mother, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, lifestyle influencer, and wellness expert.
Popp Dapp talks to Ridhima Pandey, who appears to have comprehended the essence & urgency of climate change at an early age, and is a 15-year-old activist fighting global climate change. With a cover star as dynamic as the whole concoction of the issue sounds, we capture Hasleen Kaur, the model & actor reflecting on how she was always keen on getting into acting and now is eager to work with every actor & director possible!
Showcasing stories of young, vibrant, and superbly talented artists such as Anushka Kaushik coming from Saharanpur – a small town in UP who is now all set to stretch her wings in the entertainment world. This issue has been nothing less than a varicolored picture, wherein we have tried to show a kaleidoscopic vision of the world that we live in.
Have a great year ahead!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
OCT 2022 | VOL IV ISSUE I
In 2022, beauty isn’t defined the way it used to be. It’s no longer about flawless skin or the chiseled body, but the individuality, personality, and self-expression, to set your own goals and make them happen. This is embodied by the line-up of change-makers we feature in this issue, starting with our cover star Toshada Uma.
While it's not unusual to see an individualistically beautiful girl make it to the head ramp of top-notch brands, when Toshada hits the ramp, she makes sure to leave her mark with a robust personality. Another such talented individual is GurjeetSingh, presenting a peculiar art form to the world via his creations. Hanifa Haris a photographer by profession & a storyteller by choice combines her imagination with rigorous data analysis to create high-quality pictures.
POPP DAPP spoke to a stunning global model of Indian ethnicity expanding her wings across the countries – Palak Gupta, redefining & conquering the standards of ‘beauty’ internationally. And Kriti Vij’s acting soul, wit & screen presence is truly a lexicon of a new-age crop of talented artists.
Making people feel something through your performance is one of the toughest things to do. And someone who always hits the right chords is Varun Badola, tinkering audience’s emotions since 1994!
Saba Khan, a celebrity makeup artist is redefining the face of the Indian makeup world with her makeup looks projecting the exoskeleton of one’s inner self. As you read this issue, I hope it inspires you to find your own definition of beauty and makes you thrive in it. Why become like someone else, when you can unapologetically – ‘be like you’?
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
JUL 2022 | VOL III ISSUE IV
Since the very inception of POPP DAPP, the supposition has been to assemble (or at least try to) an amalgamate of creativity and acumen that has both pace & sustenance. But there’s something that we as a human race have realized lately – nothing is conclusive. Nobody could’ve imagined a time when we had to launch and foresee fashion collections digitally. A time when nothing could’ve been planned for the future execution. A situation where no one has the answers. So, here is the vision behind our July 2022 issue – carpe diem (i.e., living in the moment and making the best of it).
What better thought could’ve stemmed the issue that talks about the people who are striving hard to make every moment of their lives worth living. Whether it’s the most celebrated Bollywood journalist, Abira Dhar, or the photographer who has changed the way we see fashion, Priyankk Nandwana. Both of these, as well as others, have showcased their zeal in the most astounding manners. We were privileged to connect to Aditya Raj Singh Rathore, a young, vivacious, and talented new crop royal heir, working to conserve his roots and the rich culture of Rajasthan.
And because the issue needs to project all the vibrance that we as a team have worked upon, the cover had to be exactly that – vivacious. Our cover star Avantika Dassanicomes from a gene pool of talent and is ready to embark on the content world with her artistry and charm. This issue also encapsulates the essence of how actors like YohannChopin are diversifying into the domain of production and expanding their creative horizons.
We’ve tried to present the content which would somewhere tickle your fashion genes as well as current your loins to get moving!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
APR 2022 | VOL III ISSUE III
Women and words – I tell you! Well, a female brain indeed processes words and connotations in a much deeper way than a man. So, here’s a woman putting out another word to converge our conversations on – equalism! Though the concept of ‘feminism’ needs a much deeper understanding and then perforation in the society, improvisation in its approach would do no harm. On one side where ‘feminism’ talks about the liberation of women and getting rid of the patriarchal oppression, ‘equalism’ talks about giving opportunities based on merit – regardless of gender.
In this issue, we’ve talked to women excelling in various domains of life, career, and personal choices. There’s RoshiniKumar, who’s tackled life head-on and conquered her insecurities and issues. On the other side, there’s Karan Vig, a talented designer who’s remolded the whole concept of male & female dressing by exhibiting chic sarees in his normal routine. We’ve also touched upon the most aesthetically inclined domain of the entertainment world – modeling. Supermodels Naisha Bhargabi, Diksha Thapa, and Rachel Maria Bayros have opened up about their escapades, journeys, battles, and conquests.
Creative expressions vary from individual to individual and their impression on the consumer of the art. On one side where Megha Rao, expresses herself through her paintings, poems, and novels, on the other side there’s Apeksha Porwal, who emotes her creativity on camera as a brilliant actor. There are sturdy women continuously striving towards a future that looks through their gender, ethnicity, and conformity.
Our cover star Pia Sutaria – a multi-hyphenate artist giving her 1000% towards art, creativity, self-expression, and novelty. This girl is bridging the talent & opportunity gap between India and western countries with her perpetual efforts in the domain of ballet & other performing arts.
This issue has also encapsulated talent like Arindam Aggarwal (founder & owner) of A2 bats who is creating an international quality product, which would soon be the face of cricket bats & accessories worldwide. And Eshan Sadasivan, creating an innovative product for uplifting & strengthening the future generations with ‘Deskit’. We’ve tried to create a concoction that depicts equality and equity, notwithstanding the societal reservations and cages!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP
JAN 2022 | VOL III ISSUE II
Slowing down the pace of this world has given us an ample amount of time and space for vivid introspection. That could be the only silver lining of this black cloud that has engulfed the whole world for the past 2 years now. We got time to speculate and navel-gaze what we’re fighting for as a society.
Sometime back while I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, I found out a quote saying “Pandemic wasn’t the same for all of us. Some of us entered into it while we were already going through some catastrophe in our lives”. This made me realize that one thing that has somewhere unified everyone on this planet, also has different implications on different lives. It’s all about the way we tackle what we’re thrown into. The way we celebrate the small happiness that we’ve got – is all that matters!
Face – the façade for our delight, the veil for our inner riots, the reflector of our diversity, and the mold for our experiences. The plethora of compliance that these faces bring to the table and the life that they’ve brought onto this issue – is preposterous. Having these brave hearts on the cover is the perfect start to a fresh year.
This issue also talks about the foundation that’s working towards giving acid attack survivors a way of life & financial stability. And we got the opportunity to interview the person behind ‘Sheroes’, Mr. Alok Dixit. He has quite efficiently explained the ground realities and facts of a cause that’s so eminent for our society.
We’ve also tried to encapsulate stories from different segments of media and entertainment with exclusive interviews of Rakshanda Khan, Runa Laha, and NyraBanerjee. Wherein, they’ve shared their experiences into their respective crafts. Marianna Mukuchayan, the renowned celebrity makeup artist explains her knack in her field.
This issue also touches upon two big names of the fitness industry, Shivohaam& VijaiThakkar, who’ve given their golden know-how and fundas on physical as well as mental health. Along with them, we’ve got a slice of life from the world peace protagonist - GurmeharKaur.
We’ve hereby tried to create a concoction of content taking the base note of celebration & happiness!
- ANUJA MATHUR, Editor POPP DAPP