How well will a traditional Japanese garment and the island nation’s national costume fare in a packed Bandra eatery buzzing with electronic music? We’ll find out this weekend, thanks to Chandni Ahuja aka KIBO (below), who will give the cosy venue an Indo-Japanese makeover to celebrate fusion music, art, and food. Her only ask — show up in your funkiest kimonos. For the 28-year-old who grew up on Hayao Miyazaki’s dreamy Studio Ghibli’s movies, the party is a dream come true in itself. “After years of working in event management and watching DJs perform live, I finally quit my job to try my hand at spinning the decks. The party celebrates a year of my identity as KIBO (Japanese for ‘hope’) and the onset of the pre-Diwali bashes,” she reveals. While the party boasts of a genre-fluid line-up, you’ll have to make your way through pop-up stalls featuring glitter art, Japan-inspired tattoos, and a Kimono stall (for those who didn’t get the memo) before you face the music at the mezzanine floor of the venue. On the guestlist are experimental artistes like Gandhar Shembekar, Mayank Vidhani and nearly a hundred Mumbaikars looking for a Japanese escapade. ON October 19; 8 pmAT Next Door Eatery and Bar, Chapel Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @thekibonoparty on InstagramENTRY Revealed on request Also Read: Halloween 2024: As wicked as Lucy Westenra
16 October,2024 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAsha’s VoiceAsha, one of Mathangi Subramanian’s creations, is “very, very small” but showcases some big ideas. She loves to sing and her songs have the power to lighten up people’s moods. One day, she recognises this, and uses her voice at a village meeting, bringing the community together. In his illustrations, Saheb Ram Tudu employs pastels and soft colours to depict glimpses of the village and its people. They guide readers who are ready to engage with new ideas. Full of Light Shakthi with her drawing Shakthi wins an art competition at school but her Amma does not appreciate it. Soon though, a disheartened Shakthi meets a friend who uplifts her spirits and reminds her of everything that makes her great. Subramanian’s story about Shakthi will connect well with older children. It introduces readers to nuanced emotions like dejection and finding self-confidence. Proiti Roy’s sharp illustrations strengthen the text. The Freedom Sisters Payoshni. ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY/PRATHAM BOOKS In Menaka Raman’s story, illustrated by Kruttika Susarla, young Payoshni wishes to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. However, she isn’t being let into any of the groups that have gathered across the city. Her desire to play her favourite musical instruments, such as the trumpet or the French horn, to celebrate the day helps her discover a way to express herself.Log on to prathambooks.org
15 October,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaRama is in a fix, Lakshman is at his wit’s end, and if you head to Neeraj Singh’s Ravan Leela tomorrow, you’ll find yourself equally perplexed. In this play-within-a-play that tells the story of a Ram Leela production unfolding in a fictional village, the ten-headed antagonist takes hostage not just Sita, but the entire production. His demand is a corporate manager’s worst nightmare — he wants a 400 per cent raise, and he wants it now. Written by Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner playwright Dr Kusum Kumar in 1980, the play follows an amateur theatre group’s attempt to stage Ram Leela in Jigarpur. “Things go south when the actor playing Ravan has a mid-performance epiphany, and refuses to die at the hands of Rama unless he is given fair compensation for the day’s work,” Singh explains. What ensues is chaos of epic proportions, quite literally. Actors playing Ravan and Sita rehearse a scene at an Andheri studio Growing up in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, Singh knows the extravagant Dussehra tradition like the back of his hand. “The essence of Ram Leela is in its exaggeration. It’s not as if the story of Ramayana has changed with time. What manages to draw in people year after year is the animated performances by the semi-professional troupes that make the story relatable,” he shares. It was a staging of Dr Kumar’s play in his hometown in 2018, however, that hit a tad too close to home. Also Read: A tour through Navratri and Dussehra celebrations across India Singh gives us a sneak peek of an exchange where the organiser, Kashiram, reasons with Ravan claiming his funds have dried up after bribing the local authorities and cops, leaving him no option but to cut corners. “When I approach venues or producers in real life with my troupe to seek funding for our plays, we’re often met with similar excuses and ultimately, rejection,” he sighs. In the play, however, Ravan retorts. Pointing to his protruding belly he exclaims, “You fill the treasuries of those above you, but what about this one? It needs a refill too.” The cast rehearses an act centred on the character (centre) Kashiram With most of these lines adapted from the original play, the greater challenge in directing the play, Singh says, was writing lines for the audience of Jigarpur that is slowly losing its patience. “It’s the first time I had to direct an audience. Because they are seated with their backs to the real audience, their actions must express their frustrations,” he laughs. And express, they do. What begins with hurling insults at the stage, soon turns into a barrage of tomatoes, eggs, onions, and anything the villagers can get their hands on. “Leave the vegetables out of this, do you know how expensive they are?” Ravan calmly negotiates. Neeraj Singh All things said, done, and thrown, Singh shares his takeaway from the 1980 play, “We often think the protagonist owns the story. But in Jigarpur, as it is in real life, the antagonist, the troublemaker, and the revolter, all play a role in bringing forth the truth.” Does that mean Ravan finally gets that 400 per cent raise, we ask Singh. While the director prefers we don’t spoil the climax for you, let’s just say as always, truth prevails. ON October 15; 7.30 pmAT Veda Kunba Theatre, Four Bungalows, Andheri West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 250 onwards
15 October,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOn the eve of October 31, the wicked will be brought back from the dead. Among werewolves, vampires, ghosts, zombies, a bride will rise in a white dress, a veil and a blood-stained mouth. “Lucy Westenra is one of the most iconic vampires to date. The bride-turned-vampire always comes back on Halloween, as fans of Dracula recreate her Victorian look for parties, events and trick or treat,” shares Sapna Bhavnani, founder of Wench Film Festival. Participants will learn how to craft Lucy Westenra’s collar and veil The horror enthusiast is kickstarting a series of Halloween events, starting with a costume creation workshop titled Unleash your Inner Vamp. “The first thing to sort when you think of Halloween is your costume. In India, the festival is celebrated with fanfare, but we still don’t have many people creating their own costumes,” she shares. Lucy Westenra, Bhavnani believes, is the best look to begin with. “The Dracula character does not only have a huge fan following but also carries a very elaborate, classic haunted look. The charm lies in her veil, and her gigantic circular collar, which are both fairly easy to create under the right guidance,” she explains. Bellinda Bawa This costume creation will be helmed by veteran costume and headgear designer Bellinda Bawa. “Bellinda has been working in the field for 25 years now. You can find her work in many Bollywood movies, advertisements and fashion publications. More recently, she made headgear for the cast of the movie Crew, featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon and Tabu,” Bhavnani tells us why she thinks Bawa is the best person to collaborate with for this workshop. Circular paper for collar, Roll it into small cones and Stick the cones We catch up with Bawa over a call who gives us time in between an ongoing session on the subject. “I recently also taught some college students how to craft Lucy’s veil and collar. It was a big hit among students. This workshop is not only fun but also functional,” she reveals. Participants will dive right into the craft after they have selected the colour palette. They can choose between golden, black and white. “The material will primarily involve paper, net and some embellishments. Both the veil and the collar will be ready in about two hours, and participants can wear them for the upcoming parties,” Bawa suggests. Layer one of the collar and The final look Pulling off the complete Lucy Westenra look is not necessary. They can go for a fusion of characters, add their own creativity to the look or wear these on a completely different occasion. “The collar and the veil can be styled for various occasions. Think music concerts, family functions or any themed events with an elegant dress code,” Bhavnani adds, “We have a lot of events lined up for Halloween where you can style these in different ways as well. For instance, coming up on October 25 is our opera for vampires where participants will be invited to a vampire wedding, or, the one-of-a-kind zombie walk in Mumbai, for which we will roll out details soon.” This workshop will end with a fun photoshoot. On October 19, 1 pm to 3 pmAt The Den, ground floor, Prabhat Kunj, off Linking Road, Bandra West. Log on to insider.in; @wench.filmfestival (for details on upcoming Halloween events)Cost Rs 1,499
15 October,2024 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiWith Dua Lipa’s unique take on Diet Coke making waves online, fans and foodies alike are joining the trend, thanks to her unexpected twist of adding pickle juice and jalapeños to the soft drink. The singer has been spotted sipping on this bold concoction, garnishing it with pickles and jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. Gordon Ramsay recreates the drink What began as a quirky addition to the soft drink has now turned into a viral sensation, catching the attention of celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Internet personalities who have been seen trying this unique drink. Among those inspired by the trend is Lokhandwala-based chef Mahek Mandlik who has been running her own culinary studio in the Andheri neighbourhood since 2017. Eager to experiment with the latest trends, she took up the challenge of creating this viral drink by adding her own spin on it with a Bloody Mary mocktail version of the drink. Bloody Mary Coke-coction Ingredients >> 100 ml fresh or canned tomato juice>> 100 ml Diet Coke>> 1 ½ tbsp of pickle juice (or juice from gherkins or jalapeños)>> 1 tsp tabasco sauce>> 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce>> 3-4 ice cubes>> Gherkins or jalapenos for garnish Mahek Mandlik Method In a tall glass, pour tomato juice and Diet Coke. Add 1 ½ tablespoon of pickle juice, 1 teaspoon of tabasco sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavours. Add ice cubes to the glass to chill the drink. Garnish with a slice of gherkin or jalapeño for an extra tangy touch.
15 October,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaIt's the biggest fashion crossover we’ve witnessed in recent times — one that began with oversized blazers being worn with all manner of casual and even sporty separates, including shorts, skorts, tights and even jeans. And now, the other parts of your business wardrobe are slowly following suit, joining hands with your off-duty aesthetic to create a versatile trend known as ‘corp core’. “In many ways, this is the ultimate evolution of professional 9-to-5 attire and everyday fashion. We’re seeing this trend gain momentum in both the luxury and retail markets,” says fashion designer Sanjana Bubber. She points to influencer Dolly Singh’s recent turn on the red carpet, draped in a saree made of suiting material, as definitive proof of the trend tightening its hold over Indian fashionistas. That brings us to the all-important question: what does corp core actually include, and is there an easy way for you to emulate it? Kriti Sanon in a chequered blazer; (right) Khushi Kapoor’s neutral look Out of office In essence, the corp core trend involves merging business attire that’s intended for the boardroom with elements of your own personal style — this could mean blending pieces that are strictly meant for boardrooms and office cubicles with more laidback styling, a hint of sexy, or chic luxury pieces, Bubber explains. Essential to this trend are tailored, well-fitted pieces in structured fabrics. “Avoid fabrics with stretch that tend to sit closer to your body. Opt for cotton-silk blends, worsted wool, suiting materials, linen or hemp that hold their shape well,” she elaborates. She also adds that in terms of prints, this trend lends itself especially well to stripes (of varying widths and densities) and checks, including windowpane, oxford and herringbone checks. For colours, stick to neutral shades such as black, navy blue, charcoal grey, pigeon grey and powder beige, she suggests. Dolly Singh’s traditional take on the trend. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar says that the trend encompasses silhouettes such as boxy cropped blazers, which can be worn with high-waist pants; cropped button-ups paired with midi skirts; or even tailored cropped vests styled with paper bag trousers. “These combinations create a flattering and balanced shape, adding structure and style. Remember to balance proportions by combining cropped tops with high waisted structured bottoms and experiment with layering,” she suggests. Other flattering combinations include cropped blazers, jackets and shirts, which Ambekar terms as essential pieces, worn with high-waist bottoms such as wide-leg pants, skirts or shorts. Matching sets comprising cropped blazers and shorts can create a cohesive casual look, while a cropped shirt paired with a sleek A-line or pleated midi skirt creates a silhouette that is both sharp and laidback. Bubber adds that to master the aesthetic, you could try incorporating masculine cuts from the corporate world, such as a peak lapel, with very feminine pieces such as a corset or a pencil skirt. “At its very essence, the trend embraces androgyny and gender-fluid clothing, which is what the global fashion industry is moving towards,” she summarises. Also Read: With 'chocolate brown' this season's colour, follow these tips to look your best Sanjana Bubber; Aanchal Bubber Mehta; Mitali Ambekar Keeping it chic A great way to add visual interest to a corp core look is with layers, says fashion designer Aanchal Bubber Mehta. “Layering lets you play with textures, silhouettes and colours, to keep your look from seeming too staid,” Mehta explains. An easy way to add a pop of colour is with coloured piping or a bright inner layer that peeks out from under a structured blazer or overcoat. She recommends carrying this aesthetic over to Indian apparel. “The saree is a power suit on its own. By choosing the right fabric and colours, swapping out a blouse for a more structured corset or vest, and adding an upper layer in the form of a coat or blazer, you could elevate your saree into something more dynamic. Similarly, pinstripe palazzo pants in suiting material, with a mid-thigh structured kurta or menswear jacket and a thin, pleated dupatta will exude power,” Mehta says. When it comes to accessories, Mehta suggests keeping it simple, structured and understated. “Structured bags, leather belts, minimalistic metallic jewellery, and pointed pumps are all great picks. Make sure to pick power accessories with clean lines that do not take the focus away from the clothes,” she recommends. Ambekar suggests statement belts, chunky loafers, ankle boots and mini crossbody bags to further elevate the look while maintaining a modern edge.
14 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulLove is a powerful word that holds different meanings in different people’s lives. In the recent episode of the Modern Love podcast by the New York Times, released last week, the American actor Andrew Garfield treats the listeners with a heartfelt essay, Learning to Measure Time in Love and Loss. It was written by Chris Huntington and published in December 2013 in the New York Times. The column reflects on the nature of love over time as it deeply explores how different relationships are interwoven, especially romantic ones. Chris Huntington The 50-minute-long podcast (interrupted by a few short advertisements) is an emotionally honest conversation between the podcast host Anna Martin and the guest Andrew Garfield. This episode is more than just a celebrity reading out an essay as the Amazing Spider-Man star shares his vulnerabilities through his personal experiences in relationships. As Garfield narrates Huntington’s essay to Martin, he tears up. His style of narrating adds an extra layer of emotion to the column. Garfield reveals how he strongly connects with Huntington’s piece as it reminds him of losing his parents. “I’m sad at losing anyone. I’m sad at the concept of not having children of my own. The sadness is a true longing and there is no shame in that,” the 41-year-old actor admits. “I long for love to connect with life and I want to live courageously true to myself,” he adds, offering a message on self-compassion. This episode can be a learning experience for listeners who are looking forward to viewing the connection between love, time and loss from a distinct point of view. The conversation becomes a therapeutic experience as the Hollywood star redefines mid-life crises as ‘mid-life exploration’, offering empowering guidance to embrace emotional growth. This episode weaves storytelling with personal reflections on life in general providing an ideal listening experience. Log on to Spotify and Apple Podcast
14 October,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiIs life a sprint, or more like a marathon? How about just a leisurely run in the park with a new friend? Soham Arora and Tanish Agarwal, two passionate runners, are inviting Mumbaikars — the laidback chillers, the dedicated runners and most importantly the time-strapped nine to five-ers — to join them in their stride. Bombay on Foot, the duo’s new venture is “more than a running club. It’s a community of people trying to get fitter in the long run,” says Agarwal. Soham Arora The collegians who recently began their academic year at Vile Parle’s DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, know a thing or two about preparations. For the past two months, 20-year-old Agarwal has been conducting recces across Mumbai to pick safe and beginner friendly running routes in the city. “Overcoming the mental hurdles and making time to run is a job half done. Morning walkers will know how pedestrian-unfriendly the streets of Mumbai are,” he explains. The club has charted a three-km-long route in the Bandstand area to kick off their initial sessions. While Agarwal, a district level 100m sprint medallist, has the logistics planned out, Arora sheds light on an apprehension that might resonate with many, like this writer. “I hate socialising. The idea of heading out with a group of strangers can be daunting,” he admits. After the club’s pilot run last weekend, Arora seems to have shed his reserved personality. “I ran alongside a baker, a chartered accountant and a businessman. Running might be the best ice-breaker,” the 19-year-old shares excitedly. Agarwal chimes in, “When you accomplish a difficult task with a group of people, you automatically bond with them on a deeper level.” To avoid overcrowding, the 30-member runs will be regulated through a WhatsApp group. A moment from a warm-up session If simply visualising a three-km run has already tired you out, rest assured — the duo doesn’t mind a fair bargain. The run is flagged off at the Bandstand promenade opposite Mannat, and follows the route to the North end of the promenade and back. “Naturally, you might not want to start with running against time right off the bat. You can choose to run, jog, or take a brisk walk. Regardless of your choice, we rendezvous at the starting point in 25 minutes,” Arora explains. Tanish Agarwal Each of the walks, we learn, will be accompanied by a warm-up and a cooldown session. “People who have worked a desk job six days a week might not be in the best shape when they show up to the run,” Agarwal reasons. The 30-minute warm up includes stretches, jumping jacks and breathing exercises. As for the cooldown session, the duo promises “cups of piping hot filter kaapi and candid conversations.” We wouldn’t bargain on that. ON Every Sunday; 7.30 amMEETING POINT Opposite Mannat, Bandstand, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @bombayonfoot on Instagram Pre-run checklist . Assess your fitness level and do not sign up for hardcore running clubs right away.. Build up stamina by walking at your first few sessions. Signs like breathlessness are a sign to slow down. Chart a step-up plan with an experienced member . Include strength training in your routine . Warm-up and cooldown periods are a must Inputs by Girish Bindra, running coach Also check out. The Bombay Running CoLOG ON TO @the.bombay.running.co on Instagram . Bombay HashLOG ON TO @bombayhash on Instagram . Chembur Running ClubCALL 9819526328 . Bombay Running LOG ON TO @bombayrunning on InstagramCALL 7400088990
14 October,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleA surgeon, a techie and a voiceover artist walk into a coffee shop. To find out what happens next, we speak to Bhakti Shah, whose punch needling workshops in the city draw in people from all walks of life to try their hand at the emerging leisure time hobby. “The crochet wave that took over the city last year put the spotlight on embroidery-based hobbies. Punch needling is a more beginner-friendly practice for the time-strapped Mumbaikar who is on the lookout for an easy hobby,” the Goregaon-resident, who took up punch needling in 2022, suggests. For the uninitiated, punch needling involves using a thick hollow needle to pierce (thus, ‘punch’), yarn or thread through a fabric canvas to create textured artworks. Rainbows, flowers, emojis and motifs are ideal picks if they are your first attempt, we learn. “The size of the loops you create while punching determines how fluffy or flat the stitch will be. With the right mix, you can create some fun pieces,” she adds. The kit includes a hollow needle, thread, and a cloth canvas The reason working professionals are increasingly taking to the hobby, Shah believes, is thanks to its easy-going, slow-paced approach and short learning curve. While a wrong stitch in crochet might land you in a fix, punch needling has no such regulations. There are happy accidents. “If you mess up, you can simply re-punch over the area, and you might just discover a new texture,” she shares excitedly. Shah remembers a time when only those with experience in stitching were interested in this lesser-known hobby. Most of the learners at her workshops have never picked up a needle in their life. Participants work on their pieces at a previous workshop There is a downside though. As intriguing as Shah claims the activity to be, most of her students don’t return for more than one session. “A single four-hour session can equip you with the skills to pursue the hobby by yourself at your home, commute, or workplace. The initial hand-holding is all it takes,” she shares. Participants at the workshops are sent home with a kit that includes thread, needles and a fabric canvas. Their homework is to send Shah pictures of their own creations when they find the time to stitch on their own. Bhakti Shah “Most of the participants go on to pursue it independently. Punch needling is almost addictive,” she laughs. Among these serial punch needlers are senior citizens and retired professionals seeking a hobby to pass time. “Older individuals are usually hesitant to join such workshops because they fear they might not be able to keep up with the young participant’s pace. But funnily, they pick up the technique way faster. After all, they have something the youth doesn’t — patience,” Shah shares. With the World Mental Health Day celebrations behind us, Shah believes it would be remiss to not shed light on the soothing properties of the activity. “Punch needling requires you to be fully focused in the practice at all times. When you have the needle in your hand, you enter a flow state where the punching becomes rhythmic after a point. I’d say it is meditative,” she remarks. On October 13, 10.30 am and 2.30 pm; October 19, 10.30 amAt Starbucks, near Khalsa College, Matunga East; Third Wave Coffee, Runwal Greens, Mulund West. Call 9821876950Entry Rs 1,550 (includes refreshments and takeaway kit) Get, set, punch Head to these expert-approved stores for your first punch needling set >> Pooja EmbroideryAt Shop 25, BMC Market, opposite Borivali Railway Station, Sundar Nagar, Borivali West.Call 9892567446 >> Furia General StoresLOG ON TO Shop 18/19, Gupta Market, opposite Malad Railway Station (West). Call 9892313499 Goodies to go Check out these small businesses offering handmade punch-needled goodies. >> Gypsy SoulTake your pick from handmade accessories and handbags to pillow cases and rugs.LOG ON TO @thegypsysoulshop PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM >> Autumn PunchChoose from customised pieces like dream catchers, memorabilia and personal punch-needled messages this gifting season.LOG ON TO autumn_punch_by_jya
12 October,2024 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe festival of Navaratri is a celebration of feminine strength. This year, its spirit was upheld in a heartfelt way, by helping nine women start new businesses and achieve self-sufficiency by content creator Siddhesh Lokare and his team in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and rural Mahrashtra. “We wanted to empower the women to tap into their potential by providing them with tools and opportunities to create a life of financial independence,” Lokare says. The businesses — from a flour mill to a food cart — cater to daily community needs. The Empowering Naari initiative began in August, with research and surveys conducted with the help of local NGOs, to connect with women from neighbourhoods within Mumbai as well as Khidukpada and Kalamboli near Navi Mumbai. Payal Shendre at the new beauty parlour Having picked a group of women from these locations, and learning about their skills, interests, and current needs through an interview process, the team chose business ideas that fit each woman’s strengths and could be scaled up. Pre-orders for the businesses were arranged to ensure a smooth start, and digital platforms were set up for ventures such as the papad and tote bag businesses. “We’ve received great support from the local communities. People are buying atta from Kala Jadhav’s chakki, and women in Bhingar are excited to visit Payal Shendre’s beauty parlour, the only one in their village,” Lokare shared. Siddesh Lokare Depending on their requirements, the equipment was arranged by the initiative, carts and shops were set up, and rents for up to 11 months were paid for. “We also created a WhatsApp group to enable the women entrepreneurs to motivate each other and cross-promote their businesses,” he explains. To commemorate this new beginning, the women participated in a ‘gullak shapat’ ceremony, holding gullaks and taking a pledge to fulfil their business visions. “The gullak is symbolic of their journey, where they collect their income and commit to their vision,” he points out. The funds for the project were raised through crowdfunding and donations, with logistical help coming in from the Create Together Foundation. Lokare’s team and local backers from the community will act as points of contact to guide the women through their first months in business, ensuring they understand the basics of the enterprise, while helping the women make the most of this opportunity. “There were many challenges we faced, but everything came together eventually. This [initiative] wasn’t done for the numbers or content, but for the soul. I hope to keep expanding this effort with each Navaratri,” Lokare signs off. Call 9082636304 Log on to: @sidiously_ on Instagram for more details
12 October,2024 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaThe average Joe. Early in Mustansir Dalvi’s engaging biography of Charles Correa, the reader is introduced to Joe, the working township protagonist in You and Your Neighbourhood, an animated film the iconic architect directed as his final Masters’ thesis at MIT. We are given a peek into the then-aspiring architect’s vision, where he backs the power of individual acts and public participation for greater civic good. Dalvi was commissioned to write Citizen Charles (Niyogi Books) that releases today at Z Axis, a conference in Mumbai that honours six decades of Correa’s ideas. “I am glad that I got a chance to reconvene with his life, work and thoughts, as an architect and a true-blue Bombaywallah,” shares the architect, academic and author-poet. The title was chosen, Dalvi explains, because, “he epitomised an involved citizen. Correa’s architecture is an extension of this engagement.” Kanchanjunga Apartments, Mumbai. FILE PIC For the reader, it’s an insightful, well-paced chronicle about one of post-independent India’s most brilliant minds. The narrative is lucid and doesn’t overwhelm with technical or academic jargon. The handy size makes it less intimidating for readers who’d like to discover Correa’s legacy. The QR codes linked to his films are a bonus that open a window to his filmmaking avatar. Dalvi recalls the process of putting his life into words, “Piecing together a biography as a narrative was challenging. I was fortunate to be able to interview both Monika Correa, Charles’ wife and partner in the adventures that made such a rich life, and Nondita Correa Mehrotra, Charles’ daughter, for information about his family, background and younger days, and for their insights into his work and career. They were most generous.” Layout of the building (1962): © Charles Correa Associates, courtesy Charles Correa Foundation The early chapters offer a peek into his emerging dream. The Bombay connect began as a schoolboy who lived in Ballard Estate and studied in St Xavier’s Boys’ School in Dhobi Talao. Dalvi feels Ballard Estate could have played its part, “The Ballard Estate we see today is, physically at least, the Ballard Estate that Charles grew up in. This is a planned part, the work of George Wittet, who created a compact precinct that connected the docks with the main business areas of Bombay. Charles grew up seeing these stately piles, with their classical details. He must have walked down its tree-lined avenues and that this quiet sense of order and calmness, of a Bombay that once was, must have profoundly influenced his own space-making as an architect.” Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur. PIC COURTESY/ Wikimedia Commons Mighty Joe His interest in design and architecture took him to MIT School of Architecture and Planning. Dalvi recaps those years as only a fellow student of architecture would. “Correa was lucky to get enlightened teachers at MIT, broadminded enough to accept a twelve-and-a-half-minute-long animated film, called You and Your Neighbourhood, in lieu of a dissertation. His film, where Joe plays the neighbourhood hero, showed how homeowners in downtown Boston facing urban blight due to additions of infrastructure and urban sprawl, could improve their lot by making incremental changes to the spaces around them in collaboration with the police and health systems.” Correa believed that positive change was not dependent on top-down urban planning by professionals. His work was appreciated by his teachers and authorities in Boston. “The inferences from this film can be seen in Correa’s work through his career, whether in seeking solutions from local contexts or appreciating the value of design being built incrementally.” A rough sketch of its layout (1986): © Charles Correa Associates, courtesy Charles Correa Foundation Climate matters Correa, the visionary, described Indian architecture as “a three-legged stool: climate, technology and culture”. Dalvi explores in detail this maxim by citing multiple examples of his designs where these terms found a synthesis and harmony. “His ideas about climate were developed in his earliest mass-housing projects, including his prototypical Tube House and the PREVI housing in Peru, and his iconic Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. Climate continued to be a central concern right into his later buildings like Lisbon’s Champalimaud Center for the Unknown.” With India already experiencing the effects of climate change, Dalvi has a message for young architects, “We will all have to tackle it sooner rather than later, and they would do well to follow Correa’s central tenet: ‘Form Follows Climate’.” TLC for Bombay “I realised, by the time I finished the book that to understand Correa best, you have to look beyond his architecture and to try to appreciate him as an active participant in the life of his city, his country and his world. His concerns were the people he built for. He explored the possibilities of the local, and his designs emerged from these granular understandings.” Mustansir Dalvi The book, apart from saluting Correa, offers insight into a period in post-independent India when leaders and administrators were in sync with Indian architects like Correa and his contemporaries, and even looked overseas (Le Corbusier - Chandigarh). With the New Bombay plan, while it was unfortunately never fully realised as Correa had envisioned it, interestingly, extensive coverage in The Times of India and a special edition of the MARG magazine in the 1970s, nudged civic authorities to consider it as a suitable remedy to decongest the island city where he suggested creating a ‘satellite city’ on the mainland, connected via a series of waterways. In the concluding chapter, Dalvi writes: ‘It is a loss to the city as well as to the architect, that so little of his vision was realised here.’ He elaborates, “Correa’s frustrations and ours, as good citizens, are rooted in his unrealised public projects, urban interventions in Bombay that would have left the city a much better place, but for various vested interests and the hubris of the State.” Key plans like the Backbay Plaza, the eastern waterfront, Fort’s overhead pedestrian walk, and the pavement dwellers’ project, never took off; the truncated Mill Lands plan diluted his vision of bringing to the city a large consolidated public green common space. “Correa did a lot for the city. The city did not follow up,” Dalvi reminds us.
12 October,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezADVERTISEMENT
