Hoppy hour! Experience the true mood and vibes in the last few days of Oktoberfest by heading to Alibaug. With a curated selection of craft beers from top breweries and a scrumptious spread to go with it, the event also features a cracking line up of live music to keep the spirits high. ON October 26, 2 pm; October 27; 7 pmAT Buddha Cafe Restaurant, Alibaug. LOG ON TO @moonstonehammockofficial on Instagram (for passes) ENTRY Rs 295 onwards Fun at the flea A woman checks out the collection. PICs COURTESY/INSTAGRAM The much-loved Lil Flea returns to Mumbai with an eclectic mix of fashion, food and fun. Support local brands as you discover the most unique finds in vintage collections, streetwear and handcrafted pieces while digging into the delectable array of global cuisine in the street food fair. You could also enrol yourself in pottery or perfume-making workshops that promise equal levels of fun and learning, or settle down at the open air movies. The festival also offers an exciting musical experience with performances from Wild Wild Woman and other indie artistes that are bound to keep you thoroughly hooked. ON October 25 to October 27; 3 pm onwardsAT Jio World Garden, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East. LOG ON TO thelilflea.comENTRY Rs 500 Zen escape Folk band Kabir Café will perform at the event in Bandra Play, pause and rediscover holistic wellness this weekend as you unwind in the India Soul Music Festival. Hosted by speakers and wellness experts like Jaya Kishori and Anand Kabir, the event promises to be a transformative experience. With a bunch of activities ranging from sound and energy healing, meditation to exhaustive workshops and seminars, the two-day event provides the perfect gateway to holistic living and personal well-being as you reconnect with your inner self.ON October 26, 12 pm and October 27, 10 pm.AT Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East.LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY R500 onwards
25 October,2024 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaAs we all scream for ice cream in the sweltering October heat, our quick pit-stop at the newly-opened Amul Ice Cream Lounge in Palladium Mall took us around the globe in cups and cones. The USP of the lounge, which serves different variations of the popular Amul ice cream party packs, is that the flavours are now available for a party of one. Each flavour, we further learn, is inspired by and named after a country. The expansive space follows a bottle green theme, and has comfortable couches along its border. Chairs of a similar colour tone are placed in the centre of the space, which opens up to the third floor of the mall’s East Zone section. Occasionally, people drop by with shopping bags in hand, to relax and indulge in a scoop or two. We begin with tasting flavours at the counter. First up, is Irani kulfi, which is really just malai kulfi in an ice cream avatar. We take a pass, and try the other flavours like Italian fudge, American mud pie, English apple, Persian peach, Turkish coffee. Finally, we order a scoop of Swiss chocolate, dulce de leche, Egyptian cantaloupe and Japanese matcha. Each scoop (200 ml), irrespective of the flavours, costs Rs 199. An extra Rs 25 is charged for cones. Egyptian cantaloupe. Pics/Devanshi Doshi Swiss chocolate is a balanced mix of bitter and sweet. For those with a bitter palate, we suggest you opt for Belgian chocolate; and for the sweet-toothed, American mud pie will make for the perfect choice. Dulce de leche also leans towards extra sweet; it is caramel flavoured, and sprinkled with almond bites. Japanese matcha, on the other hand, is a flavour which is sure to impress the growing demographic of matcha lovers in the city. It tastes bland at first, but just like the famous Japanese tea, the ice cream leaves a bitter-sweet aftertaste. The last flavour we tried, Egyptian cantaloupe gets all the votes at our table. The fruity melon flavour is the way to get a sinful respite from the heat. Most of these flavours represent a specialty from the country they represent. While we enjoyed the name play and the rare flavours, we think it is a big miss to leave Indian flavours out of the mix. Amul’s already-present gulab jamun ice cream (party pack), for instance, could have been a popular favourite. The lounge also offers select ice cream milkshakes (not allowed for takeaways). Despite the range of diverse flavours, you can only order a scoop in one size and not mix-and-match flavours in sundaes, which, we believe, would have bound to be the ideal crowd-pleaser. Amul Ice Cream LoungeAt 3rd floor, East Zone, Palladium Mall, Lower Parel. Time 10 am to 11 pmCall 7679856529 Also check these chill zones Guava ice cream >> Truly fruityGet fruit ice creams stuffed in fruits at this juice centre in Kandivali. At Kudrati Kahumbo, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West.Log on to @kudratikahumbo >> Moshi mochi, MumbaiFamous for its famous South Korean guava mochi ice cream (layered with sticky rice), blueberry pinwheel and Kalkatta paan kulfi, this ice cream parlour is best known for its offbeat flavours.At Ice Klub, Vasant Vihar, Thane. Call 9967585829 Red velvet kulfi roll. Pics Courtesy/Instagram >> Kulfi crazeFrom falooda coated kulfi, to red velvet, motichur, KitKat and black forest kulfi, this heritage ice cream parlour from Gujarat serving kulfis with a twist has now opened up in SoBo.At Hajoori’s Footreet, Dholkawala Compound, Mazgaon.Log on to @hajoorisfrootreet.southmumbai **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Amul Ice Cream Lounge didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
25 October,2024 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiIf you’ve ever walked the leafy lanes of Matunga near King’s Circle, there’s a good chance you’ve slowed down to admire the stained-glass windows of the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, or the gold-plated statue of Mother Mary (which was cast in Turin, Italy) that stands even higher atop its dome. These towering spectacles, however, tell only one part of the story. An underground marvel — the crypt — is home to hundreds of tiny relics from ancient and modern saints along with five intricate mosaic panels depicting the life of Christ and Don Bosco. For the first time in its history, the church will open the doors to this crypt for a stage performance — Omkar Bhatkar’s Sacred Voices from the West. The troupe at a reading “I was at the crypt nearly two years ago when I saw the relics of Thomas Aquinas, St John of the Cross and St Catherine of Siena. At the time, I was already working on my production that draws inspiration from their writings. I couldn’t think of a better venue to stage it,” Bhatkar shares about the poetic piece comprising handpicked verses of saints, martyrs and modern poets that still ring true in recent times. “These are not verses coloured in rituals. They are personal voices that shed light on the relationship between man and a higher power,” he adds. Bhatkar would go on to approach Fr Leon Cruz, director of youth services at the church, with his peculiar request. “When I heard what Bhatkar had in the works, I agreed that such a recital was best fit for the crypt. It’s an ethereal space with beautiful visual backdrops. It will help enhance the team’s recitals that explore the relationship between the personal and the divine,” shares Fr Leon, adding that in view of maintaining its sanctity, the venue will consider hosting any future performances only after due assessment by the church. The walls of the crypt are adorned with arched mosaic panels For the theatremaker, it’s not only the visual imagery that sets the venue apart. When Bhatkar’s troupe recites Aramaic, Hebrew, and Gregorian chants tomorrow, the words of the saints will echo in the 2,756 sq ft space, quite literally. “The crypt’s architecture lends it a natural reverb — the sound effect that adds the quintessential dreamy touch to the vocals. The initial idea was to ditch microphones and perform unplugged. But my sound engineer, who understands our vocal limitations a tad better, advised against such an audacious experiment,” he laughs. (Bhatkar’s other ideas included switching the fans off, and making the 100-member audience sweat it out to achieve lower sonic disturbance). As divinely serendipitous the events leading up to the event seem, we must address the elephant in the room. At a time when artistes are retreating into their own echo chambers, Bhatkar, an outsider to the faith, is treading into the very heart of a historic church to stage a recital. “This is where the pluralism of the city and the country shine through. We [Metamorphosis] have performed pieces in the past where the actor playing Jesus was a Parsi, Mary a Hindu, and Joseph a Muslim. I can’t think of any other country where this could be possible. At the end of the day, if your heart is in the right place, people tend to appreciate the effort,” he reminds us. ON October 26, 7 pmAT The Crypt, Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna, Matunga East. LOG ON TO @omkar_arte on Instagram to registerENTRY RSVP mandatory
25 October,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleHenry Ford once said “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty”. With focus on accessible learning, India Study Centre (INSTUCEN) will be launching its Spark of Knowledge Diwali initiative as a part of their ongoing promotions. They will be offering free online zoom lectures on various topics including archaeology, literature, rationalism and geology. The organisation will conduct one lecture on the first Sunday of each month, starting from November 3, continuing into the coming year. “We believe that knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Ruins of Pompeii Most people want to learn but can’t commit to long courses, so we devised single lectures on Sundays when they might be free,” explains Dr Kurush Dalal (right), director of Archaeology, INSTUCEN. The first lecture, titled Volcanoes and Volcanism, will examine the dual significance of volcanic activity in geology and archaeology, focusing on its environmental, climatic, and cultural effects. Registrations will be announced on INSTUCEN’s Instagram account, and will close 24 hours before each session. If the session reaches full capacity, those registered but unable to attend due to space will receive the link for the recorded lecture via email. Subsequent lectures will delve into the history of the Crusades through Medieval miniatures These sessions will be conducted by industry experts and academics like Dr Dalal, Professor Mayank Vahia and Raamesh Gowri Raghavan, among others. Lectures will introduce attendees to diverse subjects and new discoveries in fields such as geology, astronomy, archaeology, and more. Each session will conclude with a Q&A session for attendees to get their doubts solved. “We strive to have a rational approach towards teaching. The experts know what they are talking about and can simplify the vast knowledge available today in an accurate manner for the people,” Dr Dalal explains. The lectures aim to simplify complex information and jargon in an accessible way, using tools like imagery. “The only requirement is willingness to learn and gain knowledge. We believe that learning shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should be enjoyed. We aim to show that it’s never too late to learn and follow your passion,” he emphasises. Coins from Jerusalem The initiative aims to nurture a learner community with diverse scope of interests. In one of the interesting sessions to look forward to, INSTUCEN will celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr HD Sankalia on December 10, with a special series of free lectures, dedicated to the pioneers of Indian archaeology, notable women in the field, and great contributors to the discipline. From November 3; 7.30 pm to 9 pmTo Register @instucen on Instagram
25 October,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaThursday Turn up for funEvent: Attend this adult’s night out at this Lower Parel venue to try new craft cocktails, perfume potion making and spooky merchandise to kick off your weekend. Time 6.30 pm onwards At Museum of Solutions, Victoria House, Lower Parel. Log on to Zomato Entry Rs 1,399 Friday Drink in the fearFood and Drink: From the Devil’s Juggler to Carn-Evil Poison, sample some spooky mixes at this Carnival of Shadows. The décor and an in-house magician will add to the Halloween vibes. Till October 26 time 9 pm onwards At Carnival by Tresind, Santacruz West. Call 9152100123 Cost Rs 1,500 (cover charge) Saturday A child works on a mosaic of Ganesha at a previous edition Get imaginative Workshop: Let your children brighten this festival season imaginatively with this mosaic workshop, and learn to create mosaic diyas for Diwali. Time 3 pm At Crossword, Kemps Corner, Tardeo. Log on to @crosswordbookstore Cost Rs 399 (inclusive of all materials) Asperococcus pusillus by Anna Atkins Call of the blueArt: Curated by Nitesh Mohanty and Riyas Komu, this exhibition witnesses 30 artists like Tushar and Mayur Vayeda and Tajdar Junaid come together to express different visions of the colour Blue. Till January 1 TIME 12 pm to 4 pm At The Guild Art Gallery, Pipewala Building, Colaba. Free Sunday Experience acceptanceTheatre: A story of self-introspection and identity comes to life in this extension performance by Vidushi Chadha titled The Art of Beauty-Fool. Time 5 pm and 7.30 pm At APRE Art House, Sanghvi House, Colaba. Log on to Zomato Cost Rs 499 Pics Courtesy/Instagram Cheer with the fansScreening: Catch a potential title decider of the English Premier League as Liverpool take on Arsenal in a Sunday classic. Time 8 pm At ONE Aura, Andheri East; Raasta Bombay, Khar West. Log on to @arsenal_mumbai, @lfcmumbai Cost Rs 600 Flora Fountain. Pic Courtesy/Mayank Soni Peer through the lensWalk: Join award-winning photographer Mayank Soni on a photo walk through the Fort district detailing the secrets of urban photography, and the iconic architectural wonders of Mumbai. The walk is open to participants from all levels of expertise right from smartphone photographers to mirrorless and digital camera users. Time 7.30 am to 9.30 amMeeting point Chaayos Cafe, near Churchgate Station. Call 9892170395 for details
24 October,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhat would you do if you woke up on a random street on the other side of the world? If you’re in browser-based geography game GeoGuessr, where you’re dropped at random dots on the world map, you’d begin by looking for clues in signboards, architectural styles, and landscapes around you to take a guess and win points. For casual enthusiasts of geography and world cultures like me, the game is an addictive challenge that makes you rack your brains, and leaves you a tad smarter. Readers with a bad sense of direction might want to sit this one out. LOG ON TO geoguessr.com Also Read: Team Guide Recommends: Reading the signs right
24 October,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAs we stroll through the main gate of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, we’re greeted by a gentle rustling of leaves around us. It’s not the morning breeze, it’s the park’s rhesus monkeys — already up and swinging before the clock strikes 7 am. It seems yoga instructor Dipali Rege, who is leading the park’s new forest yoga sessions inside, has travelled the same route. “The mind is like a monkey,” she smiles as she begins the hour-long session. “If you can’t tame it, practising yoga is pointless.” We’re in the company of a healthy mix of senior citizens, young runners, and casual morning walkers who have all settled into their own cosy spots at the park’s amphitheatre nestled near the Nature Interpretation Centre. We later learn from nature interpretation officer Shubham Hadkar that the mini-amphitheatre had been non-functional for a year. “We wanted to slowly bring it back into operation, and so we decided to start with these weekly sessions with Rege,” he tells us. Participants perform stretches before the session; Rege demonstrates ushtrasana for senior citizens; Dipali Rege The session begins, naturally, with taming the monkey inside us. We’re asked to extend an arm and hold our thumb out at eye level. The goal is to channel our focus to the thumb to get into a meditative mood. “Focus on your thumb like you focus on your mobile screens for hours on end,” Rege laughs; her prompt works like a charm. Some basic body stretches and warm-ups later, we’re pumped up to get into the thick of it. “You need not replicate every step. Yoga is not the same for everyone. Identify your physical limitations and don’t compare yourself to the person next to you,” Rege instructs the participants who are itching to perform some asanas by now. For absolute beginners like this writer, the instructor’s warning is a blessing in disguise. Before assuming the ushtrasana (camel) position, the instructor walks up to the older participants in the group to suggest easier standing variations that they can follow. We appreciate the personal touch that senior citizens who usually choose to follow yoga tutorials online might be missing out on. Participants learn the standing chakrasana at the amphitheatre Over the next 30 minutes, Rege takes us through a range of asanas, while patiently answering concerns like, “Can I perform this if I have unstable blood pressure?” or “I have a back injury. Should I continue?” “You’re better off safe than sorry. Performing an aasana the wrong way can leave you feeling exhausted. Feeling a strain on your muscles is natural. But it should never be a struggle,” she points out, as we approach the penultimate pose manduk asana, which Rege claims helps improve gut health. For positions like this, the instructor suggests participants get their own yoga mats from home. After some gutsy twists and bends, it’s time for our favourite aasana from the day — shavasana, the corpse pose. There are no disclaimers here, the group assumes a sleeping position and Rege talks us through a step-by-step relaxation routine. Given the 6.45 am reporting time for the session, slipping into a quick nap doesn’t seem like a bad idea. “Keep your eyes closed and your ears open,” she instructs a participant who has possibly tried to sneak a peek of the blue skies above us. We comply. “Easing out of a session is just as important as warming up. If you’re waking up every day, and hurriedly performing a quick pranayama or asana, you’re doing yourself a disservice,” the instructor points out. Following a pranayama session to end the day, participants huddle around Rege for advice — some regarding their health conditions while others for their fitness goals. We step up for the average Mumbaikar, and ask Rege why someone who doesn’t have either must join her sessions. She leaves us with an anecdote, “I was invited to a school in Bandra to host a session last year. A visibly disturbed seven-year-old walked up to me and complained about being under the stress of academic expectations. In that sense, you are never too young to feel stress, or start practising yoga to beat it.” ON Every Sunday; 6.45 am AT Amphitheatre, behind Nature Interpretation Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park MESSAGE 7738778789 (registration mandatory for free entry at gate)FREE Breathe easy in the city Head to these green, open-air spots in the city to reconnect with nature . Bhandup Pumping StationThis popular flamingo sighting point is a birder’s paradise with native birds frequenting the area before the flamingos arrive in November. AT Off Eastern Express Highway, Bhandup East. . Nirvana Park PowaiThis Japan-themed park is spread across four acres of lush green land with stone paths and koi ponds. AT Central Avenue, Hiranandani Estate, Powai. . Culvem Village This village nestled in the Manori neighbourhood hosts a scenic sunset point where the Arabian Sea meets a cliff.AT Near Ambedkar Nagar Bus Stop, Gorai-Manori Road. . Bhavan’s Nature Centre This green oasis in the busy suburb is home to a lakeside walking path, native birds, reptiles, and adorable bunnies.AT Bhavan’s College, Azad Nagar, Andheri West.
24 October,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe ever-fabulous looking and self-confessed foodie Kareena Kapoor Khan took to Instagram recently, where she highlighted the importance of incorporating butter into our breakfast. She shared a glimpse of her morning meal, a half-eaten croissant accompanied by a generous serving of butter. We speak to nutritionist Saloni Kothari about how to keep the butter quotient intact for breakfast and enjoy it with the right balance. Yummy goodness Butter is rich in vitamins A, D, K and E, Kothari explains, “Consuming a teaspoon of butter early in the morning on an empty stomach or with black coffee can serve as an antioxidant, helping with constipation, boosting stamina, and jumpstarting your metabolism.” Breakfast of champions can be made better when butter is added in moderation, creating a balance. Saloni Kothari “Adding nut butter to your smoothies gives them a creamy texture and provides additional health benefits,” she suggests. Butter can also elevate the taste of multigrain toast or millet rotis. “A gentle slather of butter on a millet roti or wrap ensures the carb and fat ratio is balanced, and it contains lauric acid which aids digestion,” she explains. For those looking for a hearty breakfast, she recommends dishes like sandwiches filled with vegetables, flax seeds sprinkled over nut butter toast or in smoothie, or a sautéed mushroom and spinach wrap, all of which ensure a balanced intake of necessary food groups. Given the preservatives found in processed butter, Kothari advises making your own at home. “You can make it yourself or source it from home chefs,” she adds. Balancing act Despite butter’s many benefits, the nutritionist warns against overconsumption. “Since butter is ultimately a fat, eating it in large amounts can become problematic. A teaspoon of butter is typically recommended, but this can’t be generalised. It depends on individual dietary needs and health goals,” she explains. In the growing debate over which type of butter is best for Betty to buy, Kothari addresses the rise of vegan butter made from non-dairy substitutes such as nuts, seeds, and certain oils. “Vegan butter will have a different taste. In my opinion, it can be used if the diet suits you and you’re inclined to try it,” she says. Ultimately, Kothari stresses the importance of mindful eating and maintaining a holistic lifestyle. Try this at home: Corn salad bowl For a well-rounded snack, Riya Gala, chef and founder of Brown Kitchen (@the.brown.kitchen), suggests assembling an easy-to-make corn salad bowl. “This salad has a lot of benefits. Sweet corn is full of fibre and is a source for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It helps with digestion and promotes eye health. Sweet corn, along with butter can be a healthy and a filling addition to your diet, provided you make it right,” she explains. Ingredients>> 2 tbsp butter (preferably vegan) >> 1/2 cup corn>> 1/3 cup bell peppers>> 1/3 cup zucchini >> 1/4 cup broccoli >> 1 tsp red chilli powder>> 1 tsp black pepper powder>> 1 tsp salt>> Crushed peanuts and salad dressing, for garnish MethodTake a pan. Add butter, red chilli powder and black pepper powder. Add sweet corn and sauté it for a while. Take it off the heat after sprinkling some salt. Next, take a bowl. Add corn, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli together. Mix all the veggies, garnish it with choices of salad dressing and crush peanuts. You can also add lemon juice if desired.
23 October,2024 10:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThe idea of Russia as a hardy country with cold weather and a dynamic history often contrasts the works of the artistes and writers who claim it as home. From Fyodor Dostoevsky’s intense humanism, to the romance of Alexander Pushkin and Ana Akhmatova, there is a tradition of great art in the continent. This week, a few musicians will hope to revive the familiarity of the musical art of Russia in Mumbai with a rare performance. Olga Vasilyeva Part of the Words of the Russian Heart Festival, the concert is titled Masterpieces of World Music. Organised by the Russian cultural federation, it will witness soloists from the St Petersburg Opera and the Zazerkalie Theatre in St Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) perform works from the standards of Western Classical music. The performance also has a historical context. It will mark the 555th anniversary of Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin’s landing off the West coast of India in the late 1400s. “One of the core tenets of our programming philosophy is the belief in the power of cultural diplomacy to widen horizons and broaden minds,” shares Asad Lalljee, curator, Royal Opera House. Maria Chernyshova, lead pianist of the St Peter Petersburg Opera, reveals that this is the first trip to India for both companies. “Unfortunately, we won’t have a lot of time to spend in the city. We are only stopping by for a day or two,” she says. Maria Chernyshova and Yegor Prokopyev at earlier performances The programme, Chernyshova emphasises, picks from a vast collection. The pianist will be accompanied by Yegor Prokopyev (pianist) Zazerkalie theatre, leading vocalists, laureates of international competitions, including Maria Bochmanova (soprano) and Soslan Gagiev (tenor) from Saint Petersburg Opera, and Olga Vasilyeva (soprano) and Ivan Vasilyev (baritone) from Zazerkalie Theatre on stage. “We tried to choose something beautiful and popular but also representative of Russian art and music,” she says. This includes the works of the 19th century composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. “We have chosen a popular aria from his operatic work of Alexander Pushkin’s poem, Eugene Onegin. There is a focus on Russian works in the curation, including pieces by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov’s popular operas, and of course, my personal favourite, Rachmaninoff. It was important for us to show the quality and highlights of Russian music and its style,” she adds. This is not to say the evening is an all-Russian affair. “We will also be taking on a duet by Italian composers like Giuseppe Verdi, and Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. These are some of my favourite pieces. There are also some beautiful pieces by the French composer Georges Bizet,” she points out. With the concert marking the last leg of an October tour, the pianist hopes to conclude with a bang. “We hope it sparks an interest in opera. Every classical city deserves it,” she says. On: October 26; 7 pm onwardsAt: Royal Opera House, Charni Road East, Girgaon. Call: 23668888 (to register)
23 October,2024 10:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarBani Basu’s book, The Continents Between (Penguin Random House India), revolves around the story of Sudeep, Kamalika, and their children Swadesh and Aratrika. When Swadesh and Aratrika are still young, Sudeep and Kamalika decide to leave Calcutta (today’s Kolkata) and settle in New York. A few years later, when it becomes difficult for Sudeep to earn a promotion at the university because of his race, they return to Calcutta. Basu narrates how the quartet deal with being thrown into a new environment all over again, having to navigate interactions with extended family and new friendships. The narrative is energised by its multiple narrators as each carries the story forward without creating dissonance. The multi-vocal narrative from the point of view of the four characters strengthens their development through the story and gives the reader an understanding of how migration isn’t a singular experience. Moving across continents implies moving across cultures alien to each other. It becomes especially strange for Aratrika and Sudeep, to find a balance between assimilation and resistance. What don’t work as well are the sudden switches in the middle of a few chapters into the third person voice from the first person. This choice feels intrusive to the otherwise well-plotted story. As conversations of property arise, Basu’s take on India in the 1980s and women’s position at the time emerges too. In addition to the progressive female protagonists like Aratrika and Kamalika, she introduces ideas of modernity through the radical Swadesh. He is shown, from the beginning, to resist the dominance of white culture in the US, and later questions why the forefathers in India didn’t fight for the liberation of women the way they fought for the country. The book, originally written in Bangla in 1981, translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard this year, stands the test of time in its themes of identity, love, and politics. With the opening up of digital spaces, cultures expand but also collide. The book, while typical of a certain period, urges the readers to think about how migration, in its evolving forms, shapes our lives today. Cost: Rs 399 Available Leading bookstores and e-store Kiran Desai. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons (right) Jhumpa Lahiri Other books about migration >> Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai>> The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob>> The Namesake/Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri>> Immigrant, Montana by Amitava Kumar>> Jasmine Days by Benyamin
23 October,2024 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThere are two types of people in Mumbai right now — those counting down the days until the most popular band (and most controversial concert series) touches down in the city, and those who are carefully curating their film screenings and play schedules to not miss out on the buzziest titles. Sanjana Bubber And while some may argue that these two lots are as different as chalk and cheese, we decided to take on the challenge of putting together a definitive guide to suit both festival calendars, without breaking the bank or out in a sweat, thanks to the soaring heat and humidity. We also enlisted fashion designer Sanjana Bubber to lay down a few ground rules to help simplify the process. Rule 1Dress for the weather Monica Dogra picks a pink palette to stand out While it may be tempting to imitate your favourite influencer and break out your most extravagant looks, the rule of the thumb is to prioritise comfort and functionality, says Bubber. For hot and muggy Mumbai, that translates into breathable fabrics including cotton and linen blends, as well as looser fits that don’t cling to your body. Arti Sandhu in a boxy, breathable fit It also includes sensible footwear, such as sneakers, sandals and loafers that allow you to stand and walk on uneven surfaces for longer durations. Pick your colour palette depending on the time of day — while the mornings and afternoons lend themselves better to pastel hues, bold colours look striking during evening events. Rule 2 Mix and match Layered looks can add to a grungy appeal. Pics Courtesy/Instagram (right) Ambika Nayak pairs her jacket with a simple outfit Layers are a great way to combine textures, silhouettes and hues to create more personalised and expressive looks. “Thin denim jackets can easily be thrown over a tee or even a dress to add a grungy appeal, while fusion dresses or graphic tees worn under a tailored blazer can make you look chic and cool. Make sure to wear unlined or semi-lined jackets, and swap wool or polyester for linen. Similarly, structured pieces worn over flowy garments, such as a loose skirt or dress, make for a high-presentation, low-effort outfit,” Bubber explains. She also adds that fusion elements, such as pieces with thread-work and zari accents, as well as jackets, pants or skirts in Indian cuts, can help personalise your look and make you stand out. “You could try wearing a tee with a graphic print, with a full skirt and embroidered waist coat, for instance, or a plain jumpsuit with a cropped jacket that has Indian motifs or patchwork,” she suggests. Komal Pandey pairs her choker with a co-ord set Rule 3Accessories can bring your look to life Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for — androgynous, gender-fluid or expressionist — don’t neglect to make the outfit your own by adding the right accessories. A tailored blazer is simple but chic (right) Gender-fluid looks can be contrasting but eloquent if done right “Androgynous looks are typically pared down, with minimal accessories such as a smart leather bracelet or choker. Gender-fluid looks, on the other hand, are most eloquent when you juxtapose sharply feminine and masculine elements. You could wear intricate earrings or choker necklaces with a sharp pantsuit or co-ord set, or a Nehru jacket over very palazzo pants,” Bubber shares. Keep your make-up simple to avoid sweating it off, and experiment with one bold element, such as graphic eyeliner, or even glitter or metallic hues.
23 October,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
