Bengaluru-based musician Sanoli Chowdhury’s venture Indie Grrrl might borrow its name from the eponymous movement that emerged in the USA and Europe in the 1980s, but it’s got the heart and soul of the Indian independent spirit. In an all-women showcase this week, young female songwriters who have ventured on the road less travelled will present their diverse styles in the company of like-minded artistes. Ramyaa Hariharan While Chowdhury will join the acoustic indie line-up on the first day featuring Mumbai-based RnB musician Rohini Maiti, and Delhi-based Ramyaa Hariharan who will bring a touch of Carnatic to her alternative indie set, the second day is all about celebrating women in hip-hop. Mumbai’s emcee Meghna Upadhayay, known for her verses charged with social messages, will join hands with Wild Wild Women — the saree-clad female collective that recently took the Internet by storm with a multilingual rap performance. “It’s always a pleasure performing alongside sisters who have overcome the same challenges to get where they are. Chowdhury reached out to me to curate the hip-hop segment of the event and we had a ball curating the experience. It’s also going to be a special one for us because it’s one of the firsts with our new member [skater Shruti Bhosle],” Ashwini Hiremath aka Krantinaari of Wild Wild Women shares. ON October 26 and October 27; 6 pm onwards at Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova. Log on to @indiegrrrl_india on Instagram (for full schedule and tickets)Entry Rs 499 onwards
21 October,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleResin rizz Resin artist Bhadra Bolia’s Diwali-special artworks are a collection of eco-friendly mini Ganpati, pooja thali, floral candles, shubh labh stickers, colour coasters, and more. These aesthetic gifts can be ordered individually or in customisable hampers featuring sweets, dry fruit jars, incense cones and flowers. Log on to @the_creative_taleCall 8433579924 (express shipping available across the globe)Cost Rs 380 for a pair of colour coasters It’s da bomb Make your festive packaging stand out this season with these unique cracker-shaped gift boxes, that are crafted to resemble chakris, sutli bombs, anar and rockets. These customisable boxes are made of tree-free paper. Log on to paperme.in (pan-India delivery in three to seven days)Cost Rs 2499 Festive aromas Pics Courtesy/Instagram Begin your day with these eco-friendly hampers featuring six natural farm soaps (coffee, neem, hibiscus, lemon, charcoal and turmeric), along with festive snacks packed in recyclable cardboard with soft paper shreds.Log on to @zemefarmsCost Rs 260 onwards, excluding shipping cost All in one Packaged in an upcycled paper box, this hamper includes four handcrafted diyas, five plant-able firecrackers, incense sticks, palm leaf décor, natural honey, dry fruit and a festive card.Log on to zwende.com (pan-India express delivery by October 27)Cost Rs 3,300 (hamper); Rs 360 (for express shipping) Feast in style Elevate your festive tableware with this wooden plate, hand-painted with intricate Pichwai art by artisans from the tribes of Rajasthan. Adding a touch of tradition and elegance, it doubles as a beautiful wall display or a striking centrepiece for your home. Log on to aadivasi.org (pan-india delivery in four day; seven to 10 days abroad)Cost Rs 1,000 Also Read: Diwali 2024: Eco-friendly and DIY ideas to elevate your home décor
21 October,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha Softa | Devanshi DoshiThe Vegetarian: A bite-sized review Han Kang’s International Booker Prize winning novel, The Vegetarian, is a searing look at the radical choices the protagonist makes in a rigid society and their consequent costs. It traces the life of a young Korean woman, Yeong-Hye, who wakes up from a visceral dream one day and decides to turn vegetarian against the backdrop of an imperceptive environment. Kang’s decision of giving readers three different points of view to portray this helps us witness how various people in the protagonist’s life — her husband, her brother-in-law, and her sister — deal with her vegetarianism. What we get is a tapestry of misunderstandings, a refusal of her family to fully comprehend Yeong Hye’s decision, leading to her physically and mentally weakened condition. One hears Yeong-Hye only through her narration of her dream to her husband. Deborah Smith’s translation brings out the manifestations of violence prevalent throughout the book without naming them. The details speak for themselves. The narrative movement is cinematic, such that at no point does one feel one is reading a translated text. Readers will find the last chapter particularly poignant. Further recommendations Read The White Book: Written as fragments, the protagonist wrestles with grief, as she mourns the loss of her sister through the colour white. While white stands for death, Kang also considers how it stands, just as much, for rebirth and life. Short passages switch between the most tangible objects like the paint on the door, salt, snowflakes, to intangible possibilities like boundary, the direction of the light, a laugh, and parting. Human Acts: Kang’s sixth title is an exploration of the past. It draws from incidents that occurred in Gwangju, South Korea, in the year 1980. The city saw a massive student uprising, a response to the change in power and the implementation of martial law. Thousands of people were killed in the suppression by the military that followed it. Kang’s novel follows a young boy, Dong-ho, and others in his life who encountered the outrage in different ways. Available At leading bookstores and e-stores Listen Louisiana Literature Podcast: While growing up, Kang spent a lot of time reading, but recollects revisiting the same texts afresh, with new questions, during her teenage years. In the episode, she shares how this shaped her as a writer. “Since I was a child, it [has been] overwhelming to look at human beings… all the things we have committed throughout history,” and at the same time, seeing “dignified human beings all around the world. It’s like an impossible riddle for me.” She reveals, while exploring the two spectrums of humanity — the sublimity and the horror — through her work. Deborah Smith Nobel Prize Conversations: Jenny Ryden, a member of the Nobel Committee, speaks to the author after the award in this podcast. Kang shares what it means for a writer of Korean literature to have received the award, and who inspired her in her early years. She also recommends which of her books first-time readers must begin with. On being asked how she plans to celebrate the award, the author replies, “I’m going to have tea with my son and I will celebrate it quietly tonight.” Log on to: Spotify, Apple Podcast
21 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaMood for matki misal Matki misal. Pic/Anurag Ahire If you can’t schedule a beach holiday anytime soon, plop yourself at Vista for a beach-facing breakfast. Dig into authentic Maharashtrian style matki usal pav or a Bombay-style kheema pav. For fans of South Indian fare, there is rava onion chili dosa and appam-stew to choose from. Get a desi chai at the Vista special masala chai.AT Vista, Taj Lands End, Bandra. TIME 7 am to 10.30 amCOST Rs 1,650 (plus taxes) Juhu beach and pancakes We love a tipple at Gadda Da Vida in the evenings, but Novotel Mumbai also has a breakfast spread at The Square for the early birds. The pool-side view overlooks the beach. They make fresh griddle buttermilk pancakes (above). Pair them with a side of fruit, eggs and a glass of OJ. Palm trees line the Juhu haunt AT The Square, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Balraj Sahni Road, Juhu. TIME 6.30 am to 10.30 am (weekdays) 6.30 am to 11 am (weekends)COST Rs 2,700 (for two) Meet with Marine Drive The chicken croissant sandwich is served with a mustard dressing Pizza By The Bay, the OG spot bang on Marine Drive is offering a Breakfast with a View offer. From the chicken croissant sandwich with a mustard dressing, pina colada breakfast bowl, a vanilla and honey spiked yoghurt with sliced banana and pineapple and topped with toasted coconut shavings and granola, to scrambled egg and avocado bowl. If you’re in the mood for a breakfast of the champions, try the Mediterranean breakfast which has pan-grilled flatbread filled with vegetables and a side of hummus.AT Pizza By The Bay, Soona Mahal, 143, Marine Drive.TIME 7 am to 11 amCOST Rs 349 onwards French toast and the Arabian sea Al fresco seating at the SoBo café and An English breakfast spread Flurys, the much-loved Kolkata café, arrived in SoBo this July. It boasts of a stunning view of the Apollo Bunder promenade. Dig into its legendary Flurys full English breakfast (Rs 850), French toast (Rs 350), American pancakes (Rs 350).AT Flurys, 26, PJ Ramchandani Marg, Apollo Bunder, near Gateway of India, Colaba. TIME 7 am to 12 am (Open all week) COST Rs 1,000 (for two) Breakfast by the Bandstand A view from the restaurant Bandstand mornings get a lot more delicious at The Bandstand Pantry. Go healthy with tofu masala eggs or truffle smoked salmon scrambled eggs served with an in-house crusty country sourdough or Keto-friendly fluffy egg cups with parmesan cheese crust or a tropical forest berry smoothie bowl. They also serve a Mexican option of spicy guacamole, mature cheddar, and sunny side up. Forest berry smoothie bowl (right) oven baked egg cups AT Bandstand Apartments, Shop 1, BJ Road, next to Barista Cafe, Bandra West. TIME 7.30 am to 1 am COST Rs 1,500 (per person) Also Read: A vegetarian food trail through Mahavir Nagar khau gully in Kandivli
21 October,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaA Sharply dressed young man looks to his left. His dapper moustache and slick hair gleam even through the sepia tone of the old photograph. For someone unfamiliar with India’s history, this photograph of JRD Tata might just as well be that of a young actor in the fashion of a Clark Gable or Errol Flynn. It is among the many treasures that the late Ranjit Madhavji preserved in his iconic Hamilton Studios. Façade of the iconic Hamilton Studios; (right) the interiors Madhavji’s demise earlier this month brings the curtain down on an era of portrait photography that was as much a documentation of the city’s life and culture. Daughter Ajita Madhavji, who is the current director of Hamilton Studios Pvt Ltd, shares, “Before turning photographer, he was a textile merchant and freedom fighter. His talent led him to be appointed the official photographer for the Government of Bombay, Gujarat and Kathiawad.” He would go on to win the PSI Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rahimtulla award five times, among many other titles. Volunteers work on the preservation process The pulse of a nation The studio did not just capture people on film, but a city. This makes the archiving of the studio’s documents, photographs, films and material an essential task. To this end, they have teamed up with The British Library and Coventry University, with support from the Modern Endangered Archives Programme at UCLA Library, funded by Arcadia, a foundation dedicated to cultural preservation and open access, to digitise the material. Ben Kyneswood Dr Ben Kyneswood, associate professor of digital heritage and culture, Coventry University, has been overseeing the project since 2018. His introduction to the studio goes back to his visit to Mumbai for a photography exhibition in 2017. It sparked conversations about the archival efforts. In 2018, funding from the British Library was approved to document pre-Independence material. Work on the ground was led by Ajita and her team of assistants. Ajita Madhavji at the studio Over a Zoom call from Coventry, the academic reveals, “It would have been very colonial of us [the British Library or Coventry University] to have taken control of the project. The family has done a fantastic job in preserving it for so long.” Another reason was to educate new generations about this heritage. The professor says, “I understand that the only way for a younger generation to truly learn their history is for them to be involved in its preservation.” (Left) A photograph of orchestra conductor Mehli Mehta; (right) industrialist JRD Tata The project has already documented over 21,000 images that are now accessible on the British Library UK’s online platform. “We hope to document and archive material from 1928 to 1968. The optimal deadline would be in 2026,” Kyneswood says. All of it, he shares, is open source for people to enjoy. A photograph featuring the wedding of Mr and Mrs Newman-Sanders at Marine Lines in 1937 Currently, the team is busy working on the first batch of digitised material [for UCLA] that covers a period between 1947 to 1951, focusing on Indians who migrated to the UK under the 1948 British Nationality Act. The second batch, from 1963 to 1967, will capture a surge in migration. There are also plans for a third batch dating from 1951 to 1963 that will be taken on following the completion of the first two projects, Ajita informs us. The material in the studio is not limited to photographs, but includes glass and celluloid negatives, test prints, and invoices. At Hamilton Studios, ground floor, Narottom, NTC House, Ballard Estate, Fort. Log on to eap.bl.uk (for Endangered Archives, British Library, UK) 21kimages documenting the city’s stories have now been digitised Bombay’s own Ranjit Madhavji purchased the Hamilton Studios in Ballard Estate in the Diwali of 1957. Established by the third Baronet of Bombay, Ellias Victor Sassoon in 1928, the studio is housed in a building designed by George Wittet, the architect of another city landmark — The Gateway of India. It was to become the photographic destination for Bombaywallahs, from the Tatas to newly-weds, and personalities including Zeenat Aman, Madhubala, Saira Banu and Vinod Khanna. “He could capture the essence of a person in a single glance, and his compositions were always perfectly balanced,” Ajita recalls. Roll rewind I had collaborated with the studios a few times, especially for The Artful Pose in 2010. The studio has been a city landmark; time stands still when you walk in. You’d occasionally find Ranjit in some part of the studio, tinkering or working on a photograph. He was always there for any conversation on photography.The studio also stands out for its invaluable documents. From the many different analogue cameras and lenses to the material, it is a chronicle of how the city has grown and evolved over time. They are also a window into the art of photography — its progression from an event to something deeply personal. For me, the greatest legacy of Ranjit Madhavji is that he did not let the history of the studio be subsumed by commerce. - Rahaab Allana, curator and publisher, Alkazi Foundation for the Arts
19 October,2024 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFounded in October 2023, Irshaad Community will host its first-ever musical show with a focus on mental health, Haal E Dil Kaho - A Brainbow of Emotions. The intent is to increase awareness about mental health using music. A practising clinical psychologist and writer, Sharvari Prabhu, will perform over 10 to 12 songs from her album Haal E Dil Kaho this weekend. The singer and composer will be accompanied by Naveen Kumar on keys for this performance. Sarah Isani Listen to your heart “Haal E Dil Kaho means ‘Tell Me What Your Heart Wants’,” says Prabhu, who also co-founded a Marathi open mic platform Bolpat with her friend Ketki Bagalkar in May this year. “I noticed that there are very few songs in Hindi, or any regional languages in India that talk about mental health. To bridge this gap, I thought of creating songs in Hinglish [a mix of Hindi and English] that can spread awareness about mental health in a way that people can connect with it,” Prabhu told this writer. The line-up includes songs focusing on topics like depression, dopamine, anxiety, and guilt. One of her songs, Devil ka workshop, talks about comparison, which is a common issue in our society. “My aim is to perform such [mental wellness] songs that can converse with the audience,” she added. Sharvari Prabhu Platform for poets Founded by Jaabir Ali, Irshaad Community was set up with the aim to elevate the city’s poetry landscape. It aims to promote the aspiring poets and writers by providing them a stage to showcase their talent. “I met Sharvari at an open mic event; we performed on the same stage, and that led to conversations, and despite the age gap, we became good friends. I loved her unique way of performing and expressing emotions. She has normalised mental health in such a fun way that it made me realise that I want Haal E Dil Kaho to reach as many people as possible,” explained co-founder Sarah Isani, revealing how the show was finalised. Since then, the two began discussing the plan of the musical evening with the aim is to normalise feelings of all kinds of emotions that are considered negative, and to make people feel comfortable expressing it. “We are open to exploring, and hope to expand the team with more people who care for art and for the people around us,” Ali and Isani stated. ON October 20; 6 pm onwards AT Rasa- The Stage, Nritya Shakti, Sai Corporate Park, Bangur Nagar, Goregaon West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 199
19 October,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiWhat makes a city? Its infrastructure, administrative boundaries, high population density and municipal governance? “Yes, but more importantly, its people,” notes Himanshi Kampani. The proof is in the aisles and booths of CSMVS’ new Mumbai Gallery. Its first exhibition, People of Mumbai, opened to the public on October 14. Kampani, research and project coordinator, gives us a walkthrough of the space. We begin with a permanent exhibition display in the orientation room. “We plan to keep this exhibition permanent because it summarises the history of Mumbai, right from the Stone Age.” Kampani shares. Housed here are digitised maps of the city, from the 16th century Seven Islands of Bombay to the modern ages, ancient coins, IXth rock edict installed in the mid-third century by Emperor Ashoka Maurya, a small flight of stairs where people can sit and read books, and a mural by XXL Art Labs giving a glimpse into what to expect from the exhibition inside. “We will change the exhibition inside annually. People of Mumbai is curated by Nandini Somaya Sampat. The idea was to open this gallery with what lies in the centre of the spirit of Mumbai — the people,” Kampani shares. The exhibition is divided into three neon zones: Yellow zone for the city of opportunities, orange zone for the city of migrants, pink zone for the city of cosmopolitanism. Interestingly, each concept doesn’t begin where the other ends. Almost like a Venn diagram, the booths overlap with stories of the people — the first people of Mumbai, opportunity seekers, trailblazers and migrants alike — who continue to strengthen the foundation of the metropolis we know today. “Mumbai continues to welcome and accept people wholeheartedly. These booths reflect the same,” Kampani signs off. At Mumbai gallery, 1st floor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort.Time 10.15 am to 6 pm Cost Rs 150 (museum entry fee) The guide's fave halts 1 Virar Fast by artist Valay Shende is installed at the start of the exhibition. Crafted from stainless steel discs, the installation is a unique take on urban commuting. The installation is placed between a landscape photograph of the city, which transitions from a chawl to a shoreline. 2 Another installation in the orange zone brings to life a pani puri cart. In the centre, a monitor plays documented videos of the making of the various chaats available on the streets of Mumbai. 3 Koli artist Parag Tandel’s installation, How to cook ‘Bombay Duck’ in various ways, aims to memorialise the iconic Bombay duck fish, which is now disappearing from the city’s waters. “Soon, we will add a recipe of how to cook Bombay duck to this installation,” Kampani informs. 4 Patron flip panel in the yellow zone commemorates people who have contributed to the city’s growth, including Ratan Tata, Cornelia Sorabji, Dinshaw Maneckji Petit and Sir David Sassoon. These panels can be flipped to learn about their life. 5 Itinerants Mumbai’s nomads by Charmayne and David de Souza feature portraits of the nomads of the city who form an inseparable part of the city. This section in the orange zone also displays a borrowed chabuk. 6 The exhibition ends with artificial intelligence, a subject of curiosity and intimidation. AI artist Varun Gupta’s artworks, Cyborgbay, blend the Bombay of the early 90s with a futuristic, techno-ascendant age. 7 Pink zone ranges from stories of mill workers, cotton production boom in the city, chawl residents to the undying Bollywood dream. An entire aisle in this section is dedicated to the trailblazing costume by designer Bhanu Athaiya. This alley displays some of her original costumes, including the iconic dress-saree worn by Mumtaz.
19 October,2024 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleLate last year, 44-year-old actor Shamita Shetty shared a video on her social media profile raising awareness about perimenopause and sharing the changes her own body was going through during this phase. She enlisted sudden weight gain despite following the same diet and workout routine, increased appetite, brain fog and palpitations. Importantly, she highlighted the lack of public discourse about this transition that women in their late 30s or early 40s go through, which often makes them question if something is wrong with their bodies. Vinita Contractor Her views are echoed by holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach Vinita Contractor, who adds that while, for women, puberty and pregnancy get a lot of importance, perimenopause and the ensuant menopause phases are often overlooked and not accorded the importance they deserve. “When you consider that roughly 401 million women in India will be in the age group of 45 years and above by 2026, and that on average, women will spend roughly 30 years in the postmenopausal stage of life, it is alarming that despite women spending a significant portion of their lives dealing with perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, there is little information available to them about how they can make this transition smoother and adapt to it, just as they do with their other life transitions,” she shares. Mental and physical shift “Despite working in the nutrition space and following a healthy and conscious way of life, I was alarmed to find my body changing when I turned 48 years old. I was completely taken by surprise when my midsection started growing, I began losing lean muscle, experienced joint aches, and could feel my body composition changing. Upon consulting with a few gynaecologists, I realised that even if you are living a completely healthy lifestyle and have great genetics, changes during menopause are inevitable,” shares Contractor. Symptoms of Menopause “Perimenopause and menopause affect your quality of life in various ways,” agrees Dr Vaishali Joshi, a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. “It causes sleeplessness, irritability, mood changes, mental fog and decreased sex drive. Weight gain, truncal obesity, facial hair growth can have an impact on women’s physical appearance. Many women suffer from period irregularities, thinning of skin, wrinkles, sagging or loosening of their uterus, and bladder leading to leakage of urine,” she continues, adding that these symptoms may be further aggravated by weight gain, a previous history of mental health issues, associated health problems such as fibroids, a family history of osteoporosis, and chronic stress. The average age for menopause is 50 years, with perimenopause symptoms presenting themselves roughly a decade prior. Experts recommend consuming soybeans during menopause Help is at hand Dr Joshi emphasises the importance of a support system and of educating yourself, while Contractor believes that a ‘sisterhood’ of women who are of the similar age and going through perimenopause and menopause at the same time can be a valuable source of insight and empathetic awareness. Additionally, Dr Joshi recommends the following. >> Extracts such as St John’s wort, black cohosh and isoflavones (soya products) can help to reduce hot flushes and night sweats for some women. Phytoestrogens are also found in some cereals, vegetables and legumes including peas, beans and soybean Aerobics is a good exercise routine to follow to reduce hot flashes >> Alternative medicines such as homeopathy, acupressure or acupuncture can also help to control symptoms, as can complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or flower medicine >> Psychotherapy in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be useful for anxiety and mood changes >> Regular aerobic exercise such as running and swimming, low-intensity exercise such as yoga, a healthy disciplined diet, and reduced intake of caffeine and alcohol may help to reduce hot flushes and night sweats >> Meditation can help to manage irritability or mood swings Dr Vaishali Joshi As a first step towards offering women the support they may need, Contractor is conducting a three-day all women retreat in Pune. The retreat will encompass sessions with experts to equip women with the information they need to ease into this phase of their lives, include diet tips to improve gut health, and also include relaxation and stress management techniques. Contractor says that the programme is based on her six-pillar philosophy of sustenance (nutrition), strength (along with mobility and flexibility), stress management (elevated cortisol levels can exacerbate symptoms), sleep tools, sunshine and supplements to reset the body as per the circadian rhythm, and a shift in mindset to enable women to put their needs first. On August 30 to September 1At The Hidden Oasis Farm Stay, Kondhwa-Saswad Road, Pune.Log on to vinitacontractor.comCall 9987431913Cost Rs 11,999 onwards Also Read: ‘I couldn’t even talk to my friends about it’: Why women in their 40s are now talking about Perimenopause
18 October,2024 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThey say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but what if you could design your own city with skyscrapers, or a park in just an hour? This weekend will offer children a chance to step into the role of architects and create their own masterpieces at Dr Bhau Daji Lad City Museum, in collaboration with Troy Blocks. Using unit wooden blocks, children will design and build structures while engaging in sensory play. Troy Blocks was founded in 2019 by Farah Ahmad, inspired by the need to encourage children to step away from screens, and engage in creative, hands-on play. “I wanted to create gender-neutral, Indian-made toys that genuinely contribute to a child’s mental growth,” the Bengaluru-based serial entrepreneur explained, highlighting the gap in the market for toys focused on mental development. A child with her creation Reflecting on philosopher Roland Barthes’ idea that “the more a toy does, the less a child does,” Ahmad emphasises the importance of play that inspires creativity rather than passive interaction. Her journey was shaped by her experience in the toy industry, participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program at IIM Bangalore which helped bring block play to life with Troy Blocks. The museum will serve as a hub for creative learning, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development in children. “The children will discover a wide range of structures that can be created using 11 basic geometric shapes from the 62-piece kit. This experience nurtures creativity, lateral thinking, and essential skills such as spatial awareness and balance. Children will experience the cycle of creation and destruction as they rebuild, teaching them patience and resilience. They will work in a peer-to-peer format, which encourages collaboration and sharing,” she explained. Farah Ahmad The hour-long workshop will introduce these young participants to block play through guided mentorship from Ahmad and Hari Narayan, technical lead at Troy. They will be provided with self-exploration cards featuring 2D structures to help spark their imaginations and give a creative nudge. Ahmad informs that the event will focus on the process and not the product, hence the children will take home the experience. Accompanying parents can observe their child’s creativity, resilience, and teamwork in a museum setting, offering growth beyond the classroom. “We plan on using AI image processing technology to scan the child’s structure and gauge their level of gross and fine motor skills. We believe this will help educators understand the child better,” she summarised. Age group 3 years to 11 yearsTime October 19, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm; October 20, 11 am to 12 pm, 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm At Education Centre, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum Plaza, Byculla East.Log on to insider.in Entry Rs 100
18 October,2024 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaThey always find a way to surprise us,” admits Nandini Kochar, co-founder of the Jogeshwari-based Nazaria Arts Collective. She is referring to the new crop of young filmmakers stepping out of the collective’s Kahani Lab. They are currently preparing for the upcoming weekend showcase titled Reimagine, the result of a four-month long workshop that began in April this year. “The idea was to reach out to teenagers from low-income communities across the city, and offer them a platform to express and tell their own stories.” The young filmmakers at a shoot The result is five short films that capture deeply personal experiences as well as larger themes of gender equality, LGBTQiA+ rights, right to education and corruption. “The films were all written and conceived by the kids in their own ‘andaz’. For the first month, we only had conversations about their lives, to lay the ground for ideas and themes they would like to explore,” Kochar shares. The talents came from the neighbourhoods of Shankarwadi in Jogeshwari, Asalpha in Ghatkopar, and Kandivali. Sixteen-year-old Priya Jha’s film, Chitthi, is among the curation. The short film tells the story of a girl who is facing family pressure to get married after her SSC board examinations. The Kandivali-based teenager says, “It [the film] made me realise how powerful storytelling was as a medium. I saw how a simple narrative can shift perspectives, especially around a topic so close to my life as a girl.” Kiran Rao interacts with the children. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Kochar remarks how the stories were as much a form of expression as they were a need to contextualise distant experiences from the mainstream. “For instance, one of these stories in a film titled, Could It Be, is an LGBTQiA+ romance between two boys. Sandeep Keshari who, directed the short, had watched these stories unfurl in mainstream cinema, but did not have a source to contextualise it in their world,” she points out. Shreya Tripathi, another 16-year-old filmmaker agrees. Her film, Lollipop, tackles the sensitive subject of sexual harassment experienced by a young girl. She points out, “The workshop was a way to explore ourselves and learn how creative and deep thinking we are. It also taught me how much the small things around us matter, and how they impact us.” For Iqra Shaikh, a resident of Shankarwadi, the programme was a chance to flip stereotypes. Having noticed the lack of female Muslim superheroes on screen, the 16-year old decided to turn hero by creating a hacker who takes on a corrupt politician. But it was the process of collaborating and creating stories that excited her. She remarks, “I now have the power to share my stories in so many different ways. My favourite things now are filmmaking and zine making.” Nandini Kochar, Priya Jha, Shreya Tripathi and Iqra Shaikh Kochar hopes to carry this forward next year too. She has reason to. This project has now translated into potential career opportunities for some of these young filmmakers. They have also had a chance to interact with established filmmakers, including director Kiran Rao who had dropped by for a session. Shaikh, for instance, is interning as a video consultant for the NGO Gully Clinic, while Tripathi has already interned with Chalk & Cheese, the company that produced Payal Kapadia’s recent Cannes award-winner and Academy-award entrant, All We Imagine As Light. In view of this, Kochar notes that their first showcase on Sunday is open to the public, and will also be attended by organisations and students from schools across the city. Moreover, it will be hosted, curated and presented by the teenage filmmakers themselves. “The films that these kids are working on and making, deserve a larger platform since they are themes that will resonate with a lot of kids and adults alike,” Kochar concludes. On October 20; 11 am to 1 pmAt Museum of Solutions, Victoria House, Lower Parel. Log on to insider.inEntry Rs 300
18 October,2024 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAs the sun sets sooner, one is always drawn to a slurpy ramen bowl for late evening snacking, or even a post-midnight kitchen raid. If you love ramen and want to recreate that comforting bowl at home, SOI Wasabi’s just-launched DIY ramen kit might be just the thing for you. We recently tried one, and it turned out to be a fun culinary experiment. First up, we ordered single bowls of spicy miso ramen (Rs 325) which had mushroom, hot chilli oil, noodles, nori sheets, and the chicken shoyu ramen (R400) which included sesame, soy, noodles, burnt garlic, nori sheets, half-boiled eggs and chicken; both came with umami broths. We were hoping it would be something we could assemble. Unfortunately, it came pre-assembled — we only had to pour in the broth. It was not what we expected, so we called for a kit to assemble the next day. The drawback is that you must order at least four portions because it only makes logistical sense for the brand. Chicken shoyu ramen The Korean ramen bowl kit (R425) contained pre-portioned ingredients, packed separately, including fresh ramen noodles, a flavourful broth, dried toppings like nori, spring onions, and sesame, wet ingredients like chilli and sesame oil, and protein (chicken and soft-boiled egg). There were no assembly instructions because the chefs in the kitchen prefer that you assemble everything as you know best. The process feels approachable, even for someone who’s not a pro. While the broth was packed in a tetra, we reheated it because we like our ramen piping-hot. We had our quick-fix dinner in about five minutes, ideal for a weeknight meal. The broth was surprisingly rich and authentic, capturing the deep umami flavour essential in a good ramen. The noodles were fresh, and had a nice springy texture, far superior to instant ramen packs. The toppings, although minimal, were good enough to give the dish that restaurant-quality finish. Our extras — sesame and chilli oil — helped elevate the final flavours in the bowl. Post our tasting, we chatted with chef Shreyas Kadam of the cloud kitchen. He shared about ramen being a personal culinary pick where everyone has a different taste profile. “DIY kits let you enjoy creativity without the hassle of sourcing specialty ingredients. Some prefer more broth or more noodles while others don’t enjoy sesame, and while each ingredient boosts the dish when you assemble it your way, it hits differently.” Unlike a regular ramen delivery, where noodles can sometimes arrive soggy and the broth lukewarm, the DIY kit ensures everything is perfectly assembled. At over R1,700 for four portions, it’s not the cheapest option (especially if you plan on dining solo), but it’s worth the experience — of making your own ramen, especially if you have friends and family over. The kit gives you restaurant-style quality without leaving your home, which makes it a win in our book. Log on to Swiggy or Zomato Also Read: Head to Mazgaon for Korean street fare TODAY
18 October,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiADVERTISEMENT
