Monthly Archives: April 2025

There was a time when falling in love on screen meant declarations in the rain, last-minute airport chases and slow-motion glances across train platforms. We grew up on a cinematic diet of chiffon sarees fluttering amidst Swiss landscapes, misunderstandings smoothed over by a hug and heroes who always, always, knew when to bring flowers. Were those romcoms perfect? No. They were laced with casual sexism, obsessive jealousy and far too many no-means-yes moments. And yet, for all their flaws, they gave us something that is achingly rare today: stories that made us believe in love; foolishly, but earnestly.

A still from Nadaaniyan (2025)

Today, love feels different. We prefer texting over talking. Dating culture is more about the ick than the spark. Romcoms haven’t just vanished; they’ve lost their magic. Bollywood finds itself torn between reflecting the present (Gehraiyaan) and rebooting the past (Ishq Vishk Rebound), neither of which captures the messy, heart-on-sleeve charm of an old-school love story.

“I think the romcom is a dead genre,” says journalist and screenwriter Devarsi Ghosh. “The younger crop of actors helming them just can’t seem to carry them. And more than that, there’s a widespread feeling of heteropessimism.” Ghosh attributes part of the genre’s fall to a cultural mood shift. “Misogyny among young men is extreme today, and young women find no reason to see heterosexual relationships as aspirational.”

The problems aren’t just ideological—they’re industrial. The genre faltered when ’90s heartthrobs aged out of ‘puppy love’ roles and younger stars failed to fill their shoes. Love stories, once framed against family (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Saathiya) and religion (Veer-Zaara, Jodhaa Akbar) as the big villains, started dealing with existential crises instead (Katti Batti, Tamasha). It was novel, until it wasn’t.

In other words, one round lifts the static, the second restores the signal. And when you stop expecting one product to do all the work, your scalp starts responding like it’s been waiting for this moment the whole time.

What double cleansing your scalp actually looks like

The point isn’t to strip and soothe, it’s to sequence with intention.

Dermatologist and trichologist Dr Sravya C Tipirneni helped demystify the process:
“The first cleanser targets buildup. That could be a lighter shampoo, a scalp scrub, or a micellar formula. The second step focuses on your hair’s specific needs: hydration, strength, colour protection.”

You don’t need to invest in a five-step scalp routine. What matters is separating the act of cleansing from the act of care. The first wash lifts residue; the second supports the health of your actual hair. It’s not a product swap, it’s a mindset shift.

Who needs this? (and who doesn’t)

Dr Priyanka Reddy, founder of DNA Skin Clinic, makes an important distinction:
“Double shampooing can be helpful, but it’s not necessary every time. I recommend shampoo cycling; adjusting your products based on your scalp’s needs. You can stick to a gentle shampoo most days and use a clarifying one after workouts or heavy styling.”

In short, not every scalp needs this, and not every wash day deserves the double treatment. But if you deal with oily roots, sweat regularly, or rely on styling products between washes, this could be the intervention you didn’t know you needed.

“Oily scalps, fine hair, and people with active lifestyles often thrive with more frequent or layered cleansing,” Dr Reddy adds. “Dry, curly, or colour-treated hair requires gentler care. If you’re double cleansing, you need to use the right formulas and always follow up with hydration.”

Dr Tipirneni agrees, saying, “Use sulphate-free shampoos, dilute the first cleanser if your scalp is reactive, and focus the second shampoo on the mid-lengths and ends. And always deep condition, especially if your hair is high-porosity or chemically treated.”

A few red flags to watch for

It’s tempting to go all in, but your scalp will let you know when you’ve done too much. Dr Reddy warns against some common signs:

• Tightness, flaking, or itching after wash days
• Greasiness that kicks in faster than before
• Sudden hair fall or increased breakage