A Few Of BeUnic Founder Ashish Chopra's Favourite Things

First, I have to be a little cheeky and mention my own brand, BeUnic. We pour our hearts into creating safe, vibrant, and joyful spaces. It’s more than just curating events; it’s about fostering genuine connections for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, creating memories, and building a chosen family.

Next, I’m constantly in awe of Ddebbarma. He creates the most stunning, elegant resort wear. His designs have this effortless grace that makes you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation. The fact that he keeps it affordable makes high fashion feel accessible.

For something more casual and custom, Ashco.store is a gem. The owner is an incredible artist who makes these amazing printed shirts. What’s special is that you can collaborate with him for custom pieces, so you get something that’s truly one-of-a-kind and fits you perfectly, without breaking the bank.

And finally, my biggest style secret is The Elite Thrift. Honestly, about 75% of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores now, and this is the best one I've found. It’s not just about affordability; it’s a conscious choice for sustainability and finding unique pieces with a history. The quality and variety they offer are just unmatched. It’s a treasure hunt every time you look. I also love the Whizzo Garb. 

First, Cologne Doll. She is one of the fiercest and commanding performers in the city. When she gets on stage, she owns it. People call her a 'lip-sync assassin' for a reason—she channels every beat, every emotion of a song perfectly. She’s witty, her costumes are immaculate, and her energy is absolutely infectious. She is a powerhouse.

I also adore Dark Fantasy. Her performances are a beautiful blend of drag artistry and technical dance skill. As a belly dance instructor, she brings this incredible grace, fluidity, and control to her numbers that is just mesmerizing to watch. It’s not just a performance; it’s a true spectacle of dance.

For me, there's only one name that comes to mind: Shreya Makam. She is an absolute magician. Her technical skill is flawless, but what sets her apart is her artistry—she knows how to enhance your features without making you feel like you're wearing a mask. In the chaos of getting ready for an event or a shoot, her calm, professional demeanor is a godsend. She’s always on time and uses only high-quality products, which is so important. I trust her completely to make me look and feel my best!

For a good laugh and a dose of warmth, Modern Family is my all-time favourite. Its genius is in its simplicity. It did such a brilliant job of normalising a gay couple's life, showing their daily chaos, their love, and their parenting struggles just like any other family. It’s a masterclass in sensitising people through humour.

On that same note, Schitt's Creek is a must-watch. It’s hilarious, brilliantly written, and has so much heart. The way it portrays a pansexual character and a gay relationship without making their sexuality the central conflict is revolutionary. The story is about love and acceptance, and the ending is guaranteed to make you have a good, happy cry.

And for something more intense and thought-provoking from India, I always recommend the Tamil film Super Deluxe. It’s a brilliantly crafted movie that powerfully explores themes of identity, gender, and societal hypocrisy through its characters, especially the incredible performance by Vijay Sethupathi as Shilpa. It stays with you long after you've watched it.

Pro Tip: You might also want to add some of these queer movies and series to your watchlist! 

Koramangala Social is my ultimate party destination, especially during the 'One Love' nights. It’s a monthly event that BeUnic co-hosts with Dark Vibe Society, and it’s pure magic. We get the best Bollywood DJ, showcase some of the city's most fabulous queer performers, and the vibe is just pure, unfiltered inclusivity and joy.

There's also Kitty Ko. It’s more than a club; it’s an institution. It has been a haven for the Bangalore queer community for years. Their Thursday drag shows are legendary and an absolute must-do. It’s a place where you can walk in and feel completely free to be yourself, surrounded by love and celebration.

If I want the perfect all-around experience, it has to be Jamming Goat. The ambience is just right—it's buzzy but you can still have a great conversation. More importantly, the staff are incredibly warm and knowledgeable, the food is fantastic, and the cocktails are consistently brilliant. It’s my favourite spot to take friends who are visiting.

But if the night is purely about worshipping the art of mixology, then SOKA and Bar Spirit Forward are in a league of their own. They are for the true cocktail enthusiast. The way they experiment with unique, often local, ingredients is phenomenal. Each drink is a masterpiece, both in flavour and presentation. It’s less of a drink and more of an experience.

I’m at Chai Days in Indiranagar almost every single day. It helps that I live right next to it, but the main draw is that it’s open late and serves as a perfect end to a hectic day. There's something incredibly comforting about sitting there late at night with their Ginger Lemon or Ginger Masala tea and a lot of gossip with my friends. 

I'm going to be completely honest with you: I actually hate beer. It's just a flavour profile I've never been able to get on board with. But, if I were at a party and had absolutely no other option, I'd probably reach for a Bira. I think their branding is fun and approachable, and some of their lighter variants are crisp and refreshing enough for even a staunch non-beer drinker like me to handle.

While I'm a huge advocate for thrifting, I can't help but admire the way some homegrown brands are dominating the fashion scene right now. Brands like The Souled Store, 5feet11, Eszett, Newme, and Bewakoof are really tapping into the pulse of what young India wants. They’re not afraid to be fun, colourful, and quirky. Their drops are frequent and always on-trend, offering unique and expressive collections that let you wear your personality on your sleeve.

My most underrated and exclusive ethnic wear source is the ‘tailor uncle’ near my house! In all seriousness, I think we've forgotten the magic of getting clothes stitched. It’s the original form of bespoke fashion. It’s sustainable, you get the exact fit and style you want, and it’s often more affordable. It’s about celebrating local craftsmanship.

That said, for ready-to-wear, I was genuinely impressed by House of Pataudi. I bought a few kurtas from them, and the quality is fantastic for the price. They have a regal but understated aesthetic, and the pieces have really lasted well.

I've been fortunate enough to visit about ten countries, and the one that completely captured my heart is Vietnam. I can't recommend it enough. Firstly, it's incredibly affordable, which allows you to have a rich experience without constantly worrying about your budget. Secondly, the country's beauty is breathtakingly diverse. We spent eight days exploring four different cities, and it still felt like we'd only scratched the surface, from the bustling energy of the cities to serene landscapes.

But the most important factor for me was the people. The kindness, politeness, and warmth we experienced everywhere we went were truly humbling. It makes all the difference in how you connect with a place. I am already dreaming of going back to explore more of what it has to offer.

Pro Tip: This guide will help you with the top places to visit here! 

For a quick and rejuvenating escape from Bangalore, my absolute favourite hidden gem is Sanctity Ferme. It's this serene property with beautiful private villas, some of which even have their own plunge pools. It feels like a world away from the city's chaos. What makes it truly unique is their exotic pet sanctuary. You can get up close and interact with animals like iguanas and snakes, which is such a memorable experience. They also have a gorgeous amphitheater and a sunset point that is perfect for pictures. It’s the ideal spot to disconnect and recharge.

Contact: +91 9342952025, +91 7603959382

My after-work spot isn't a bar or a café; it's the gym. I head straight to Cult. For me, it's the ultimate mental reset. Two hours of an intense workout is like therapy—it completely clears my head of any stress or noise from the day. It’s not just about the physical benefits, though losing 6 kgs in five months has been a great result. It's also about the discipline, the energy of the place, and the community. I've made some great friends there. It’s the most productive way I’ve found to invest in my well-being.