Shopping for a wedding trousseau is undoubtedly one of the most quintessential aspects of the Indian wedding experience. But, for most brides and grooms, these outfits are relegated to the back of the closet once the festivities end, destined to languish there until donated, inherited or discarded. Challenging this notion are celebrities like Alia Bhatt, who recently re-wore her mehendi lehenga from her 2022 wedding to a Diwali party. “The idea of mixing and matching different elements from your wedding outfit is gaining more popularity. Most brides balk at the notion of spending large sums of money on an outfit that will only be worn once in their lifetime. But, with a little imagination, it is definitely possible [and advisable] to get more wear from each piece of your wedding attire and to create looks that are memorable and sustainable,” says fashion designer, Sanjana Bubber. Sanjana Bubber Classic over contemporary While trendy silhouettes, such as a fishtail or flouncy, ruffled lehenga, can seem alluring, it’s important to adopt a more long-term lens from the moment you begin wedding outfit shopping. “Classic styles and traditional weaves are always a safer bet. If you have opted for a pastel palette, as many modern brides are, it is easier to re-wear the individual pieces as they can be creatively paired and layered,” says Bubber. Similarly, bear in mind that pieces embedded with a lot of crystals or heavy embroidery will be too heavy and too ornate to re-style, as compared to pieces with lighter cut-dana work or zardozi accents. Being conscious about these decisions from the time you begin shopping for your wedding also ensures that you aren’t stumped for ideas when you eventually get around to re-wearing your wedding fits.Also Read: Rita Monastero in Mumbai: Learn to make traditional Italian food from the chef Ira Khan chose to restyle her wedding saree for events; (right) Kiran Rao seen restyling her mother’s wedding saree A matter of contrasts When restyling the outfit, follow a simple rule — pick one, heavily detailed element from your wedding outfit and keep the rest of the outfit simple, to let that piece shine. For instance, pair your wedding blouse with a plain satin or taffeta skirt, or your wedding dupatta with a chikankari salwar-kurta set or a monotone co-ord set, for a look that’s contemporary but effective, without making you seem overdressed. Alternatively, you could wear your wedding blouse with a plain chiffon or silk saree or wear your wedding lehenga with a plain shirt — add chunky statement jewellery, such as polki, for a look that’s decidedly non-bridal while still festive. Another easy way to tone down your bridal lehenga is to wear it with a longer kurta and minimal jewellery.Also Read: From comedy to star-gazing: Indulge in these unique experiences around Mumbai this weekend Have an open mind Indian weddings are known for their OTT nature, and for ‘more’ being ‘more’. If you think your wedding looks are too cumbersome and too unwieldy to re-wear, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of a local designer or tailor. A dupatta can be stitched up into a jacket or you can get a few layers taken off your lehenga to make it less cumbersome, advises Bubber. Similarly, wedding sarees can be used to make sleek separates. If you’re eager to retain the integrity of your wedding pieces, wear them in different combinations by picking a contrasting lehenga and dupatta. Colour-blocking, such as wearing a red lehenga with an orange or blue blouse, can make a look seem less bridal, while still keeping it in the realm of traditional-wear. Finally, don’t neglect the finishing touches: “In Alia’s case, she wore the outfit exactly the way she’d worn it during her wedding festivities. However, simply changing up the makeup and accessories made a world of difference — a slicker hairdo and more contemporary jewellery helped to considerably tone down the look,” Bubber signs off.
07 November,2024 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulAnybody can write poetry, they say. Perhaps, with a little help. In this case, a website called haiku.com comes as an apt avenue to blow off steam with fun haikus on random stuff. Even better is that it offers tips. Clearly, anyone can write poetry, just not good ones. Log on to writeahaiku.com
07 November,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIt feels like only yesterday that the Internet was agog about snail mucin, a viral skincare ingredient that has swiftly been replaced by rice water and, depending on the influencers you follow, collagen-based skincare drinks. Caring for your skin has never been trendier or more confusing than it currently is, with trends, ingredients and hacks emerging and fading out virtually every time your feed refreshes itself. And while it may seem like self-care to try to keep up with all the latest fads, the very transient nature of these trends can soon drive you into an overconsumption sinkhole, leaving you with piles of half-empty jars and a sizeable dent in your wallet. But this practice of cluttering your vanity with too many products can also be counterintuitive as far as your skin health is concerned. It is advisable to use sustainable beauty products “Constantly switching products can overload and irritate your skin,” points out Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics. Further, Dr Satish Bhatia, a board-certified dermatologist, shares that many of the skincare fads propagated on social media culminate in zero or even disastrous skin results. “We have many patients who come back to us when they have injected fillers themselves by following a DIY video, resulting in a secondary infection on the face!” he shares. Satish Bhatia and Dr Niketa Sonavane When less is more Slow beauty is a diametric contrast to the pervasive trend of skincare overconsumption. “It involves caring for your skin as if it was a garden — with patience, consistency, and the right ingredients that help your skin bloom naturally. With slow beauty, the focus is on routines that feel good, are sustainable, and bring out your skin’s healthiest glow without overwhelming it,” says Dr Sonavane. Get enough sleep and rest If you’re a skincare novice looking to embrace a slow beauty routine, Dr Mehnaz Jahan, a cosmetologist and founder of Keraderm Clinic, recommends starting with basic products and a simple routine. “Consider visiting an expert to assess your skin type. Select high-quality and sustainably-sourced products that address your unique needs. Simplify your regimen to a few essential items, and practice mindfulness during your skincare routine, treating it as a self-care ritual. It helps to familiarise yourself with ingredient labels and maintain consistency to allow your skin to adjust. At the same time, shop from sustainable brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices,” she advises. Using a hydrating serum is vital Keep it simple Dr Sonavane emphasises the importance of not blindly following trends and overcomplicating your routine. “Take time with each step of your skincare routine, and be attentive to how your skin reacts to different products. Always include broad-spectrum sunscreen in your regimen, and resist the urge to hoard products; instead, focus on what you will genuinely use,” she says. Similarly, Dr Bhatia urges that beauty lovers stick to a few essentials, such as a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum and a good moisturiser. “Look for high-quality ingredients that suit your skin’s needs and not just what’s trending. Slow beauty also means taking care of yourself in other ways, such as getting enough sleep, drinking water and eating well,” he says. Mahnaz Jahan Importantly, slow beauty is about giving each product enough time to work, and avoiding switching things up too often. It shifts the focus to a longer-term view of skin health and being consistent to see long-term results, while also being mindful about the quality of ingredients in the products you use as well as the ethos underlying their formulations. This shift, experts say, can make all the difference in your skin’s health and appearance, in the longer term.
07 November,2024 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThursday Movie maniaScreening: Attend a film screening of Tarsem Singh’s cult classic, The Fall for a filmy segue into the weekend. TIME 7.30 pmAT Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West.ENTRY Rs 200 Friday Laugh out loudStand Up: Stand-up comic Aditya Kulshreshtha AKA Kullu returns to Mumbai with his show, Smooth Kullu Smooth offering hilarious observations on middle-class life. TIME 7.30 pm onwards AT Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West. LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com COST RS 799 onwards Saturday Know your bodyHealth: Attend a symposium on navigating menopause with an interactive Q&A session by Dr Sukhpreet Patel. TIME 3 pm to 7 pm AT The Quorum Club, Lower Parel. CALL 9820291964 COST RS 3,000 onwards Look up in wonderNature: Take a weekend trip on a cosmic adventure to camp Suryamal with a group of stargazers as they engage in a night of celestial observations. TIME 12.30 am Meeting point Kasara railway station. MEETING TIME 4 pm LOG ON TO vikramvirulkar.com COST Rs 2,999 Art on our mindWorkshop: Get your child enrolled in this art therapy workshop that aims to inculcate mindfulness.TIME 11 am onwards AT Baobab tree, Children’s Museum, CSMVS, Fort. LOG ON TO @csmvsmumbai ENTRY Museum entry tickets applicable Sunday All about ThaneWalk: Walk through the neighbourhood of Thane to learn about its infrastructure and history.TIME 8.30 am onwards MEETING POINT Upcoming Cadbury junction metro station, Thane West. LOG ON TO walkingproject.orgFREE Boozy breakFood and drink: Let loose for the weekend, and go on a guided wine tasting session of six wines around the world. Be a part of conversations that will educate you about the rituals and nature of the drink, as well as anecdotes on the legacy of winemakers. Registrations close an hour prior to the commencement of the sessions. TIME 4 pm to 6 pm AT The Sassy Spoon, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO troveexperiences.com COST Rs 2,500
07 November,2024 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIt is a known fact that coffee does more than pushing away the remnants of a slumber; it is an ideal conversation starter. While people might have resorted to carrying disposable coffee cups in the rush of today’s fast-paced life, Ink N Brew café in Versova would like you to settle in for a session that not only includes a good brew but also intriguing conversation. Tijoriwala (onstage) performs a song Taking inspiration from the Persian tradition of coffee houses or ‘qahveh khaneh’, a space where people would gather to indulge in poetry, storytelling and theatrical performances, the café promises to host an exciting evening of storytelling by actor Umesh Vyas and a performance on Bella ciao by performer Rushabh Tijoriwala. Vyas has picked three stories from Italian writer Italo Calvino’s body of work for the narration. “The whole idea was to create a performance along the lines of a coffee theatre and we were looking for scripts short enough to fit that time frame. Calvino’s stories are not only succinct and entertaining but also carry strong messages. They have an unmissable appeal,” Vyas tells us. Umesh Vyas; Rushabh Tijoriwala Bella ciao is a folk song known worldwide for its association with the Italian resistance, just like Calvino’s body of work. Vyas explains the connection to us, “Calvino’s legacy is shaped around his association with the resistance and his stories present life in a very spirited and dramatic manner. We thought what better than Bella ciao to end a session with this writer.” Along with the storytelling, Vyas is also hoping to revive the habit of reading in people. “I have already received messages from people who were curious to know about Calvino’s work, which is a good sign because the session also has a motive to educate. I want people to read more about writers, and think deeply,” he shares, before taking our leave. ON November 10; 4 pm AT Ink N Brew, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 250
06 November,2024 10:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaTITLEBuy Yourself the Damn FlowersAUTHOR Tam KaurGENRE Self helpPUBLISHER Langom imprint of Bonnier Books UKCOST Rs 255 In her debut book, Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers, influencer and YouTuber Tam (Tamanna) Kaur crafts a refreshingly honest self-love guide. Divided into three parts — Understanding, Healing, and Reawakening — this book dives into self-love with theory, practical advice, and actionable steps. The book provides chapter summaries and homework at the end of each chapter. Kaur’s background as a self-help enthusiast shines through her writing as she introduces candid stories about heartbreak and self-discovery, which are relatable. The key themes each part explores include the first section which sets the groundwork by tackling fundamental questions surrounding self-love. The 24-year-old writer introduces readers to 10 components of self-love. This section simplifies complex concepts, followed by suggesting actionable steps and explaining the benefits of said steps. Some sections have overlapping concepts such as inner work and inner child healing which may feel a tad repetitive. The book debunks common misconceptions and myths such as self-love being linked to narcissism. Kaur’s personal anecdotes and struggles keep the information relatable but at times can distract the reader from their self-reflection or train of thought. Tam Kaur In the Healing section, the London-based Kaur takes readers through the journey of processing pain and rebuilding from within. The book explains 10 stages of trauma and their corresponding healing solutions, guiding readers from self-blame and sabotage to self-education and accountability. The final part, Reawakening, dives into developing boundaries, and maintaining self-love even within relationships. Kaur, who calls herself a ‘self-development influencer’, explores the benefits of solo time in, presenting a solo date bucket list and practical tips for self-care. This section highlights the idea that you are the love of your life and self-love is essential regardless of relationship status, making the book inclusive for both single readers and those in relationships. The book maintains a cohesive structure, presenting practical solutions alongside problems, which allows readers to understand each concept more effectively. Kaur’s conversational tone along with practical elements like tables, checklists, and summaries at the end of each chapter, make her advice easy to apply in real life. While she incorporates insights from her self-help journey on YouTube and her podcast, this book will resonate with Generation Alpha readers in particular, by offering them familiarity as well as fresh guidance.
06 November,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaWhen a 16-year-old Joshua Joseph navigated the narrow winding lanes of Dharavi in 2016, reciting impromptu rhymes for locals lounging on the sidewalks, he didn’t have many takers. They had more enticing distractions — marijuana, hashish and alcohol, to name a few. Dharavi Anthem by music producer Shaurya Verma and Joseph, who now walks the streets as MC Josh, opens a window to the same bustling lanes, but almost decade after his teenage experience. “When I stroll the streets now, I see people in a huddle around a beatboxer, a rapper, or a B-boy. Art has taken over. Dharavi has changed.” Joshua Joseph (centre) performs for the music video in Shahu Nagar The experience that sparked the fire in the 25-year-old’s heart to pen the anthem is one that is shared by the youth of Dharavi. “I was at a job interview with my friends from Dharavi last year. When the time came to state where we had come from, most of them claimed to be from Sion, Matunga or Mahim,” Joseph sighs. It’s not entirely their fault, he says. The outsider’s gaze is still coloured in pity, distrust and despise. Recorded in Joseph’s home studio, the anthem’s hook — ‘Mujhe garv hai main Dharavi se’ (I’m proud to be a Dharavi resident) — aims to break the stigma. While some choose to maintain their myopic view, Joseph and his contemporaries persist. At an event in the city earlier this year, singer Shankar Mahadevan joined Joseph and his crew in an impromptu cypher, later fondly labelling them ‘his Dharavi boys’ in approval. But Joseph is not just talking about performing artistes like him when he raps ‘Kala ki baat, kalakar yahan bhare pade’ (Talk about art, you’ll find an artist in every lane). “The irony here in Dharavi is that you’ll find someone who can dismantle a car and another who can build one from scratch, on the same lane,” he laughs. Joseph (in green) raps for Shankar Mahadevan (centre) in Mumbai Joseph is now recording a music video for the track in the lanes of Shahu Nagar where children from the neighbourhood will don shirts sporting lines from the track and sing along to the anthem. “Even before the release of the music video, the feedback has been overwhelming. Across crews, my contemporaries have started writing in to appreciate the effort,” Joseph smiles. A densely populated section in Dharavi. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The rapper, who most recently performed at the Ziro Literary Fest in Arunachal Pradesh in September, has a point to make through the anthem. Dharavi, he says, is no longer a place you’d pray to make it out of. “Why would you? Today, we have everything from safer streets to good schools and a buzzing economy that fuels the self-sufficient neighbourhood,” he reasons. Scan to watch an unplugged performance of Dharavi Anthem Joseph recalls Mumbai hip-hop pioneer Vivian Fernandes aka Divine’s concluding words at the recent Gully Fest event in Goregaon, “Divine bhai took a moment to announce, ‘To all my young fans, go to school, get educated, and chase your dreams. Not everyone needs to rap like Divine.’ I couldn’t agree more. We’ve rapped about dreaming in the slums for long enough, it’s time to make them come true.” LOG ON TO MC Josh on Spotify In sync with Dharavi Tune into these tracks that capture the essence of this buzzing locality . Code Mumbai 17 Rapper MC Altaf’s account of growing up in the gullies is an ode to the neighbourhood’s no-nonsense way of life.LOG ON TO YouTube . Dharavi Cypher Vol 1 This multi-artiste collaboration opens a window into the never-ending hustle to make it big from the slums.LOG ON TO Spotify . Nikkal Nikkal Dharavi rap duo Dopeadelicz talk about life and rebellion in this catchy tune that features in the 2018 Rajinikanth starrer Kaala set in Dharavi’s slums. LOG ON TO YouTube
05 November,2024 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThere are artists who create, and there are artists who simply are. FN Souza belongs to the latter category. The self-proclaimed enfant terrible of Indian modern art pushed boundaries of style and sensibility through his works, such that even as late as 2022, the Central Board of Excise and Customs seized his work, Lovers, claiming obscenity. It was the Bombay High Court that stepped in to release it earlier this week. “Souza would have had a laugh. During a tour in the 1960s, a local sheriff in Darlington, UK, did something similar. Souza being Souza, laughed away. He enjoyed being notorious,” shares Giles Tillotson, senior vice president, exhibitions, DAG and curator of the show. On the artist’s centenary, the gallery will bring together his works with another of his radical contemporaries, Avinash Chandra, in a rare exhibition titled Contours of Identity on November 12. The exhibition will be part of Art Nights Tuesday’s extended hours’ itinerary. Untitled, oil on paper, FN Souza, 1956; (left) FN Souza. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “The idea emerged when Ashish Anand [CEO, MD, DAG] pointed out that 2024 marks the centenary of Souza’s birth year. You must understand that Souza, apart from being an artist, was a very articulate man. He consciously crafted his persona of an unsociable, abrasive and creative talent. But to truly look at him, you have to observe him alongside his peers,” Tillotson notes. Like his radical contemporary, Avinash Chandra traced a path from the Delhi Polytechnic to London in 1959. He went on to become the first Indian artist to be exhibited at the Documenta Kassel in 1964. “But unlike Souza, Chandra was quiet. Even when he was persuaded to write about himself, he turned to the words of his friend, British art historian, WG Archer to describe himself,” Tillotson points out. Giles Tillotson The London of the period, with its open sexual liberation, music and societal norms, informed their works. Born between World Wars, both Souza and Chandra are notable for their bold explorations of sexuality while revealing complex negotiations with their cultural identity in Western contexts. “In retrospect, both of them were pushing at the boundaries. A common refrain among patrons would be that if these works came out 20 years ago, they would be banned.” Despite this sense of internationalism, Tillotson points out that Indianness mattered to them. The contradiction of having to leave India to explore their own identity is not lost on either of them. “It has to be viewed in context; despite their attempts, they were looked at as Indian artists. There is a constant tussle within them about their Indian identity and international style,” the curator notes. (Left) City, 1958 and (right) Untitled, 1963 by Avinash Chandra While the exhibition is not focussed on the artists’ London period, it does form a key segment of their career. Tillotson observes, “The internet has revolutionised the fact that everything is everywhere all at once. But as an art historian, I am often interested in that moment in time. This was also, perhaps, the last time in history that such a place could be attributed to a moment of art history. Their journey was also part of a contradiction. If they had to find their identity as artists, they had to follow the path of the international artists. If they had to redefine modernism in India, they had to leave India.” An experience so extraordinary it birthed a creative explosion that will come to life at the exhibition in Apollo Bunder. Avinash Chandra On November 12; 11 am onwards At DAG Mumbai, The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.Free
05 November,2024 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn 2011, seven-time Grand-Slam champion and tennis legend, Venus Williams was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an incurable condition that affects the body’s immune system causing extreme fatigue. This resulted in her withdrawal from most matches that year. However, it did not put an end to her journey. When she attended a wellness retreat, on a suggestion from her sister Serena, she became more self-aware and started making informed lifestyle changes for better recovery. In her new book, Strive (Hachette India), she shares what she learnt and how she moved forward towards becoming the best version of herself, through a process that was “easy, enjoyable, and exciting”. Here are Venus Williams’ top picks for a better all-round life with simple, practical suggestions. 1 Observe your diet: Williams took control of her condition when she adopted a vegan diet. She recommends that we observe our nutritional habits and understand what serves us best with our health conditions. Focusing on how one feels after a meal is a good way to identify what needs to be cut-down. For instance, even though Williams loved steak, she realised that she felt heavy after eating it. If something makes you feel sluggish, or disappointed, avoid it. Audit your pantry and fridge from time to time. 2 Balance the number of plates you can carry: There is a certain pride associated with handling excessive workload. Some days, we might be compelled to take on more than we can chew. In such situations, stepping away from two plates by choosing top priority areas is a helpful trick. Conversely, sometimes, we may be able to do more than we take on, but our “fear of failing” stands in the way. This is where we need to push ourselves and ask ourselves if we’re doing as much as we could to move forward. Having a good night’s sleep is a key factor that supports us to balance our plates, such that we may take smarter decisions and function well. 3 Fix your face: Williams believes that we “project the outcome” we desire. Posture is indicative of self-assurance. She recalls watching a replay of a match where her body reflected her lack of confidence. Posture includes what we do and our attitude towards others. To project confidence, our posture must correspond to it. This doesn’t mean looking stiff. On the contrary, one must look relaxed and calm. She suggests a few ways to check one’s posture at work. 4 Enrich and inspire: others: Growth happens where encouragement happens. Enriching the lives of others and inspiring them to grow is a part of realising that our lives are greater than us. It can begin with thanking people for contributing to the community or doing a good job. It can also involve enriching someone’s life by celebrating their victories. Williams urges us not to merely listen but to ask thoughtful questions and dig deeper to celebrate others. 5 Self-soothe: We encounter plenty of rocky moments in our lives. To deal with them, we must equip ourselves with “the right recovery tools”. Williams lays down a complete chart of food items, including “calming foods” that could help reduce anxiety and release “feel-good” chemicals. In addition to this, she outlines exercises that soothe muscles like our calves, abs, shoulders, hamstrings, etc., which tend to tighten up on a hectic work day. 6 Believe in the power of visualisation: It can be easy to give up after a failure. The power of visualisation helps us believe we can succeed. Williams asks us to close our eyes and visualise what we wish to achieve, and then visualise ourselves taking the necessary steps towards it. She follows this not only on the court but also before meetings, exercises and meal preparations. Available At leading bookstores and e-stores
04 November,2024 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaREAD The Psychology of Harry Potter: An Unauthorised Examination Of The Boy Who LivedHop on a magic broom and soar into the depths of the human psyche as leading psychologists of the muggle world, unravel and analyse the human mind and motivation by examining the psychological themes and the characters of the beloved book series.LOG ON TO amazon.in Quidditch Through the AgesThis book is a staple in the wizarding world, and perhaps the most read title in the Hogwarts Library. Readers will discover the early origins of the sport to the modern-day game adored by wizards and muggles alike. This definitive guide covers Quidditch history, iconic teams, common fouls, the evolution of racing brooms, the rules and the breaking of rules making it an essential read for any Quidditch enthusiast. LOG ON TO amazon.in LISTEN Hosts Tiffany O’Malley, Katie and Megan Petras. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Swish and Flick: A Harry Potter PodcastThis book club-style podcast assembles three friends from different Hogwarts houses for a spellbinding, chapter-by-chapter re-reading through the Harry Potter series. The hosts explain their knowledge of the Potter universe from the books and Wizarding World and unravel mysteries and fan theories, while speculating on ‘what-ifs’ by delving into theories and ideas of our own. It involves spoilers.LOG ON TO Apple, Spotify and YouTube WATCH A Very Potter MusicalThis musical parody based on JK Rowling’s books and movies begins with reimagining Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts with a hilarious and whimsical twist. It captures the wild adventures of the trio from competing in the House Cup Championship to tackling unexpected challenges.LOG ON TO YouTube Super Carlin BrothersThis dynamic brother duo dives deep into the wizarding world, exploring and reimagining characters, themes, and plotlines from the books and films. From “What if Ron were a Hufflepuff?” to ranking the greatest Harry Potter heroes and venturing beyond Quidditch to explore lesser-known wizarding sports, they offer fresh perspectives to the series. LOG ON TO YouTube Fans’ Corner Srushti Daga, 11, Dombivli I read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for the first time when I was 10 years old. I tried reading it when I was younger but didn’t find it interesting. Last year, I stumbled upon it again, gave it another shot, and ended up reading all the other books too. After finishing the book, I watched the movie, but I preferred the book. The movie left out some of the scenes, especially the fun and light hearted ones. I felt it didn’t flow as naturally as the book did, or capture some of the motives and depth the book had. On the other hand, the casting was spot-on. I loved how the actors brought the characters and their traits to life, especially Professor Quirrell, who was even better explained in the book but was cast well in the film. Reading the book let me build my own version of the magical world in my mind, while the movie helped me see it visually and add to my imagination. Alok Sharma, 43, Goregaon I started watching the Harry Potter films and reading the books recently after marrying a Potterhead. Now, along with my kid, I’ve been reading the beautifully illustrated Harry Potter novels by Jim Kay, his illustrations perfectly capture JK Rowling’s descriptions. I also listened to the audiobook of The Philosopher’s Stone by Stephen Fry — it was my first audiobook experience. I watched The Philosopher’s Stone movie in theatres when it was first released in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. I enjoy the movies but prefer the books because they seem to grow and mature with the readers as the series progresses and include more details. Rowling set up the first book almost like a chessboard, with hints and details that appear in later books, which shows how brilliantly planned the entire series is. The story also feels close to home for me. Since we moved cities a lot because of my father’s business, I was often ‘the new kid’, and can relate to Harry. I remember when the casting calls for Harry Potter were announced, even newspapers in Bhilai covered it, which fuelled the excitement, and it was clear how huge the series had become.
04 November,2024 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaAn angry man wielding a thick, heavy stick storms onto the stage. The collar of his shirt is popped up, and the sleeves rolled back in true 1990s Bollywood-thug-style. At most stand-up comedy venues in the city, this would mean the night is unfortunately, going to come to a premature end. If you’re at comedian Manoj Verma’s shows, however, the party has just begun. The comedian, who grew up in Haryana’s Bhiwani district likes to bring a bit of his hometown on stage with him. We can’t (and would rather not) complain. “Artistes like Manoj are deeply connected to their roots. Their mannerisms, writing and delivery are all inimitable. These voices are often relegated to smaller shows in Mumbai where we’re obsessed with Hinglish comedy,” shares social activist and host Rakshita Manglani, who is organising Zubaan Sambhal ke, a multilingual comedy showcase this weekend. For Manglani, the convergence of Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Haryanvi and Tamil comedians is part of a larger vision to acknowledge India’s diverse linguistic heritage, including her own Sindhi origins. ‘Dadho sutho!’, Manglani suggests, would be the right term to applaud an initiative like this. While Verma’s swagger is unmissable on stage now, things weren’t the same when he moved to Mumbai in 2022. “Haryanvi is my mother tongue. Naturally, I think and form ideas in the language. When I moved to Mumbai, I realised that the jokes my friends laughed their guts out on wouldn’t work here. I now translate my thoughts to Hindi and retain traces of Haryanvi to better suit the room,” he shares. We get a peek into Verma’s favourite Haryanvi joke, “I get on stage and introduce myself as Manoj Verma, a man from Haryana who is soon getting married. The audience waits for the punchline.” Those aware of the state’s concerningly dipping sex ratio, he says, would have found the punchline in the premise. The Haryana-born comedian will be joined by CV Narayan, a Bengaluru-based Tamil comedian who calls himself an ‘extreme extrovert’. “The South loves family humour. Jokes about South Indian households and their eccentricities are a sure-fire way to get things going in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru,” he shares, adding that although some audience members this weekend might not understand the language, they’ll catch on to the universality of the sentiment and have a good laugh. “Another no-brainer is the never-ending banter between the Southern and the Northern states,” he reveals, adding that his set will avenge the caricaturish representation of South Indians in the North with his own take on North Indian mannerisms. Finding himself in the thick of these punchlines is Ashar Khan, the co-host for the night. His new performance space in the suburb is diving head first into the deep end with the experimental show. “We built the studio with the aim to promote performance arts not only among the well-connected troupes and artistes, but those who are still finding their footing in the city. There are a few artistes in the city who are trying to make it big while still holding on to their roots. We owe them this much,” he signs off. ON November 8; 7 pmAT Showtime Studio, Moongipa Arcade, DN Nagar, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 200
04 November,2024 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
