Mumbai Diary: Sunday Dossier

Pic/Aishwarya Deodhar

Shared Shade

Two women share a dupatta on the steps of the Banganga lake in Walkeshwar.

Bihar readies for biennale 2.0

Dr Alka Pande

Two years after the inaugural edition of the Bihar Museum Biennale opened in hybrid mode, the second edition is set to make its physical debut in Patna. Kicking off on Monday, it will bring together four Indian museums, and eight international exhibitions from countries like Brazil, France, and Italy, with shows slated till end of December. Speaking to this diarist, Dr Alka Pande, who is the chief curator of a three-day mega museum experience that opens on August 7, says, the biennale is going to be a moving feast of arts, objects, and museums. "This is for the first time that the whole ecosystem of museums will be experienced and viewed."

Signed pieces of the Hadlee heritage

Mohit Choudhary

Cricket enthusiast Mohit Choudhary not only looks quite high and low for old cricket books on the streets of Mumbai when he's not ordering the latest titles to hit the world book market. He also gets his kicks by collecting autographs of cricketers.

Sir Richard Hadlee and Dayle Hadlee

What arrived in the mail the other day gladdened his heart and he was quick to share a photograph of his latest treasure with this diarist. Mohit received cards signed by the three Hadlee brothers from New Zealand - legendary Richard, the first man to reach 400 Test wickets, his oldest brother Barry and elder sibling Dayle.

With the next edition of the ODI World Cup close at hand, it's a good time to remember these three brothers figuring in the inaugural edition of the tournament hosted by England in 1975. Super. catch, this!

Yes, Ms High Commissioner

Alex Ellis

Another role and some international goals. The British High Commission is holding a High Commissioner For A Day competition for Indian women aged 18 to 23 to mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11. Those interested can record and upload a one-minute video answering the question, "How can young people help lead the way in achieving the sustainable development goals?", and share the video on social media platforms tagging "@UKinIndia" and using the hashtag "#DayOfTheGirl". You also need to fill an online application before August 18. "I'm always amazed by the talent spread across this country and have no doubt that India's brilliant youth will lead the drive for a better future in the years to come," Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, tells this diarist.

Pet right

Dr Pawan Kumar

With pets becoming kids, it's only fair that vets become paediatricians. So, Dr Pawan Kumar of Cessna Lifeline hospital has enlisted all docs and medical assistants from the country wide range of clinics to undergo training on low stress-handling. They're learning to reduce stress in pups and cats in waiting rooms by enriching the environment through games as well as by teaching the staff how to read body language.

My big, dark Indian wedding

Jayant Somalkar

India's favourite subject - arranged marriage - will take centerstage on an international platform this year. Writer-director Jayant Digambar Somalkar's debut Marathi feature film Sthal (A Match) will have its world premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival 2023. Somalkar explores the tradition of arranged marriages in rural India in Sthal, narrating the story from the perspective of a young girl highlighting issues like patriarchy, colourism and social evil.

"Sthal is more about patriarchy than just marriage. In an arranged marriage setup, a girl is presented as a commodity and judged by her skin colour, height and weight. I want to help drive a change with my film," Somalkar says.