City-based community Mumbai Musafir will be organising a tree appreciation walk this Sunday that aims to educate people about the various tree and plant species in the Fort district that is otherwise known for its rich built heritage. This nature trail will start at Kala Ghoda and the two and a half-hour easy walk will end near Flora Fountain. “Most species have a cultural and religious significance. As people learn more about trees, they will be more protective about them,” founder Preeti Bhardwaj tells this writer. “Many of us have visited this area [Fort] to spot its heritage buildings, but we have rarely noticed the trees that elevate the ambience of the architecture in the locality,” Bhardwaj adds. Preeti Bhardwaj Study nature Professional botanist and educator Yatin Gholap will guide this tour, helping participants to identify the plant species and educate them with their features and benefits. The group will get to learn about tree morphology and their cultural significance. The botanist will explain the anatomy of each tree and its leaves, including the science behind its shape, size, and shade. “This walk is an initiative for people who are interested in nature to increase their knowledge of plants in a profound way,” Gholap tells this writer. Variety on display Some of the trees that participants can expect to see during this trail are Putranjiva, known for its medicinal qualities like healing skin aridity and phlegm; Jarul (also known as the Pride of India); the star apple tree, which has a striking golden colour on the back of its leaves; Taman, which is called the Pride of Maharashtra, and a range of garden species like Cassava plant and Hibiscus that are planted extensively across homes, and easily spottes in the city and its suburbs. The educator will also guide participants about commonly found plants that we tend to ignore despite them playing a vital role in our daily lives. On October 27; 7.30 am to 10 amMeeting point Near Chetna Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, Fort. Meeting Time 7 am Log on to urbanaut.app Entry Rs 950 Also Read: Discover Mumbai: Unique walks unveil the city's hidden stories and facts
22 October,2024 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiA 45-minute ice cold shower, a customary chat with the coach before stepping (always with his right foot) onto the court, a quick wipe of the brow, and then, a swing that sent the tennis ball flying across the court. For 23 long years, this was Rafael Nadal’s match routine, set in stone. It’s hard to say how much of it contributed to his illustrious career spanning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, but as the king of clay himself says in a 2022 interview with Essentially Sports, “it helped me maintain a routine and concentrate on the game”. Now, with the curtains drawing to a close, how well will the 38-year-old athlete adjust to the slow days and the unfamiliar luxury of leisure? Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis in an emotional Instagram video. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Psychotherapist Akshada Anikhindi believes you don’t have to be a global sport star to find yourself in Nadal’s shoes. “The brain and nervous system adapt to long-term patterns. When you work the same job — desk or field — for years, it becomes a significant part of your daily rhythm. When it disappears one day, the sudden disruption leads to feelings of emptiness, anxiety, or even grief,” she warns. Pace it right “Most of us thrive on being constantly busy. In such cases, slowing down, even slightly, can feel like withdrawing from a stimulant [a class of chemicals that increase the activity of the brain. For instance, nicotine],” shares Anikhindi. Thankfully, the brain also exhibits neuroplasticity — the ability to form new neural connections at any age. But the process is gradual. Akshada Anikhindi and Luke Coutinho “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline, but irrespective of your retirement plan, give yourself several months to a year to fully settle in. The brain needs time to adapt to build new pathways, and emotional processing plays a key role in this,” the psychotherapist shares, adding that it is completely normal to feel disoriented at first; it’s part of the process. Corporate trainer Rhea Punjabi agrees, “Tapering off your work life can be a good approach when you’re planning your retirement. Staggered retirement, where you gradually decrease your working hours can help you ease into it. For instance, start by working alternate days, or restricted hours. This way, your mind isn’t surprised when you have nowhere to be or nothing to do one day.” Rekindling old hobbies and (right) meditation can help you ease into the new phase. Representation pics Living untitled Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho recommends slowly detaching your self-worth and sense of purpose from your job title. “Making a big difference in the world through your work is commendable, but it’s not the only purpose you can find. Retirement is not about slowing down completely, it is about changing lanes,” Coutinho reminds us. For starters, the expert suggests easy ways to keep yourself busy: . Learn a skill: Pick up a musical instrument, a paintbrush or slip into your dancing shoes. Learning stimulates the brain, keeping it active and healthy. Lifelong learning can slow cognitive decline. . Get moving: One of the biggest traps post-retirement is a sedentary lifestyle. Sign up for yoga classes, walking clubs or Zumba lessons. . Find your tribe: Families can be a pillar of support, but if you find yourself alone, don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you who are also going through the same phase. . Prioritise wellness: You might have relegated your wellbeing to make space for productivity. Don’t feel guilty about using this time to listen to your body again. Anikhindi underlines the importance of meditation in the process, “Just 10 minutes set apart to practice mindful meditation, hatha yoga or restorative yoga can calm the nervous system. This creates a conducive environment for your brain to form new pathways. With time, you will start looking forward to quiet moments rather than running away from them.” Rhea Punjabi Stay in touch “Don’t leave tennis, man. Stay a little bit more. Stay with us,” Novak Djokovic urged long-time rival Nadal at an exhibition match in Riyadh last weekend. How must one react to a similar plea from co-workers, or one’s own inner voice while parting ways? Punjabi tells us that doubting your own decisions in this phase is common. “If you are extremely passionate about your work and unsure of your decision, a good way to stay in touch with your work is to assume the role of a guide, mentor or consultant,” she suggests. Coutinho agrees, adding, “It can be a fantastic bridge between full-time work and full-time retirement. It keeps your skills sharp, maintains a sense of purpose, and allows you to give back to the community — all on a flexible schedule.”
22 October,2024 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn a recent episode of Vitamin Be with Mohana, the host invites Mumbai’s iconic dabbawalas for their first-ever video podcast. It features Kiran Gavande, secretary of the organisation, and Vijay Pangare, administration lead and second-generation member of the community. The duo shares fascinating insights into their work, traditions, and the impressive 133-year-old system that powers one of Mumbai’s most trusted services. The episode opens with a tribute to founder Mahadeo Havaji Bachche, whose initiative has grown into a massive operation. Today, the dabbawalas run a meticulously timed system, collecting tiffins latest between 9 to 10.30 am, travelling and sorting by 12 pm, and again, delivering them before 1 pm. The podcast delves into the logistics of their operation with the guests explaining how their alpha-numeric coding system ensures each dabba reaches its destination. Pre-COVID 19, nearly 5,000 dabbawalas managed deliveries, but despite the pandemic, 2,500 dabbawalas continue to deliver one lakh tiffins daily. The podcast delves into their values of punctuality, discipline, and servitude which drive them stemming from their belief that serving people is akin to serving God. Gavande and Pangare highlight the trust they’ve built over generations, with customers even sending salaries or personal items in dabbas. They reflect on their global recognition, including receiving the prestigious Six Sigma certification for their efficiency. Despite their fame, their humility and dedication remain intact, as reflected in their meeting with Prince (now King) Charles of Great Britain on a Churchgate footpath in 2004, planned meticulously to ensure there was no disruption in deliveries. They recall the disruption in their services that was caused by the pandemic forcing them to halt deliveries for two years and how people and organisations came together to help them in times of crisis. Mohana MD. Pics Courtesy/Youtube The episode provides a brief overview of their future plans of launching an app and a central kitchen that provides homely meals, and expanding their services to include grocery and medicine delivery, using the dabbawalas. They answer the host’s query about competition from online delivery platforms, and emphasise that their service remains low-cost, reliable, and eco-friendly using methods such as bicycles and public transport as compared to the competition. The podcast concludes with a heartfelt message; here, Gavande makes an appeal to listeners to continue placing their trust in them as they embark on new initiatives. Just as they have for generations, they aim to serve Mumbaikars, striving to improve their services. Log on to Youtube
22 October,2024 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaMillennials, take heart — just when it seemed as though the fashion clock had turned all the way back to the skinny fits of the noughties, a new trend has emerged. And, to no one’s surprise, it’s roomier, more comfortable and even baggier than its predecessors. Barrel jeans, so named for their peculiar shape that includes a well-fitted waist, flared out mid-leg and tapered bottom, may seem a little daunting, but they’re far more flattering than you’d think. “In many ways, their distinctive silhouette resembles harem pants. The barrel shape of the jeans provides a more structured and modern look, making them suitable for a variety of styling options,” shares image consultant Taylor Elizabeth. Baggy with a difference With so many styles of baggy jeans on offer, how do you differentiate between the lot? Elizabeth elaborates that mom jeans typically have a higher waist and a straight or slightly tapered leg, whereas barrel jeans offer more volume and a relaxed feel. Boyfriend jeans, on the other hand, have a looser fit throughout and usually sit lower on the waist. “While barrel jeans are loose, they still have some structured elements because of the definition at the waist and ankles. And so, this can make them appear more tailored as compared to other baggy styles. They can also be styled to seem more sophisticated, while mom and boyfriend fits are typically more laid back and casual,” shares Greeshma Thampi, also an image consultant. Taylor Elizabeth and Greeshma Thampi The reason why this trend is catching on so rapidly is because they flatter most body types, Elizabeth explains: “For those with hourglass figures, the tapered leg accentuates curves without adding bulk. They also look chic on apple-shaped bodies, as the loose fit around the midsection offers comfort while the taper creates a balanced silhouette. Additionally, individuals with athletic builds can enjoy the relaxed fit and proportionate look.” Thampi, however, warns that the silhouette may not be suitable for triangular or diamond body types, as it draws more attention to the mid-section. Similarly, very petite frames may be further overwhelmed by the excessive volume and defined ankles. The all-occasion look For a semi-formal look, Elizabeth recommends pairing your barrel jeans with a tailored blazer and a fitted blouse. Pointed-toe heels can elongate your legs while statement jewellery will elevate your outfit. For more casual occasions, style your barrel jeans with a graphic tee and chunky sneakers, or a cosy oversized knit sweater and ankle boots. Add a crossbody bag for a relaxed yet stylish vibe. If you are a risk-taker and want to style your barrel jeans for more formal occasions, she advises wearing them with a luxurious silk shirt tucked in for a polished appearance. Layer with a cropped embellished tweed jacket to add texture and complete the outfit with sleek stilettos. Thampi points out that the key to nailing this trend is to balance the relaxed silhouette of barrel jeans with more structured pieces. “A fitted tank top or slim fit blouse can be very flattering, while a crop top can accentuate your waist and offer visual contrast to the bottom,” she signs off. Also Read: Ace the corporate core aesthetic with these styling tips
22 October,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulBengaluru-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 KambleADVERTISEMENT
