Thursday 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 PaulCity-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 PaulADVERTISEMENT
