When 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 08:32 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 KambleFor Martin D’Souza aka Flubber, founder and creator of the International Clown Festival, it has been a busy week even before Diwali arrived. The Mumbai-based artiste and clown has been on tour across cities like Delhi, Goa, Kolkata and Pune since September. “We started preparing last year, and in fact, have begun preparations for our next tour already,” he laughs. This hectic schedule might feel a stark contrast to the skills and light-hearted moments they will bring to the city stage tomorrow. “Clowning in India had a very different perception 10 years ago. It has changed. Audiences are now more receptive to international acts, understand the skills, and appreciate new experiments,” he points out. The 10th edition of the festival this year will witness clowns from across 10 different countries featuring acts like Joel and Patricia from the Peru Classic Ballerina Act, Sebastian and Cynthia from Argentina UV juggling, Denis from Brazil, Maria from Russia and jugglers Carlos (Spain) and Antonella (Italy) among others. A high-balance act While clowning is a serious art form on the international circuit, India is still growing into it. D’Souza, the former vice president of the World Clown Association, says, “Plenty of youth have stepped into the field with a high level of skill. Our youngest clown is about 25 years old and the oldest performer is around 65 years old. We also have a team of over 12 female clowns this time around.” The skill and the acts also vary according to location. In addition to performing on stage, the tour has stopovers at hospitals, and schools across the country. “In a hospital, clowns have to be subdued and gentle. In a school, we have to be interactive and bring in the children who are shy and afraid, while keeping a social message in mind,” he reveals. The audience themselves have changed. D’Souza notes that Goa, for instance, had grandparents and parents outnumber the children. Martin D’Souza Yet, will this ancient tradition that dates back to court jesters in ancient times, lose out to the increasing screen addiction among the children, we wonder. Not so, Flubber objects. “The feedback I have received is that they [children] have never experienced a happy live show. They go to movies, or play outdoors with their friends. But there are few avenues where they can witness their parents open up and laugh as they do, or join them [the parents] in laughing as equals. Now, that is incredible. If you are a child doing something silly, and watch your stern father/mother laughing out loud, it is a bonding experience,” he notes. A performer balances balls on stag; (right) Children join the troupe on stage during a balancing act With a schedule stretched across four days in the city this year, the veteran clown promises new excitement. “This is my hometown, and the audience is always very demanding. I always keep that in mind and schedule some new surprises for a Mumbai show. Wait and watch,” the veteran promises. On November 3 to November 10; 11 am onwardsAt St Andrews Auditorium, Bandra West (November 3, 8 and 9); CIDCO exhibition and convention centre, Vashi (November 10) Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 800 onwards
02 November,2024 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar‘Start simple and keep moving forward’Adopted veganism: March 2009 This mantra is how Rithika Ramesh started her vegan lifestyle back nearly 16 years ago. Her commitment to veganism was inspired by a powerful moment. “I saw a calf being pulled away from its mother while the dairy farmer milked her, and I realised we are consuming the calf’s share of the milk,” she explains. “I hail from a vegetarian family, and we predominantly ate South Indian and Maharashtrian food, which is already almost vegan. Transitioning to this diet doesn’t need to be a hassle, even for those cooking for you,” she argues. For those interested in adopting veganism, Ramesh suggests a gradual approach with familiar foods, like dal and sabzi. “I would recommend first-timers to research both the movement and the dietary approach, and try to get through the first month on a vegan diet before introducing alternatives. Start small and avoid filling your diet with foreign ingredients,” she advises. Lentils pack essential nutrients. REPRESENTATION PICS Ramesh also recommends exploring dairy substitutes: almond, soy, or coconut milk for tea or coffee, cashew-based creams or coconut milk for curries, and plant-based yoghurt for daily use. Nutritional awareness is also essential; Indian staples like lentils, chickpeas, and leafy greens provide many nutrients, and Vitamin B12 supplements can be helpful. Ramesh also encourages using Indian spices and herbs and cooking with coconut or mustard oil for additional depth and flavour boost. While veganism is often seen as challenging or costly, Ramesh argues otherwise “You can stick to simple home-cooked meals, chaat, and South Indian dishes without non-vegan ingredients for a pocket-friendly diet.” While it is common to feel socially uncomfortable about your choices, one can opt to dine at vegetarian or vegan friendly restaurants and seek community support to stay motivated. Mumbai has a wide range of vegan restaurants and grocery options to choose from “I believe a vegan would never go hungry in Mumbai. There’s everything from café fare to street food that’s vegan-friendly here,” she explained. Veganism has been known to have many health benefits. “My allergies have disappeared, and I’ve seen others with resolved gut issues like bloating or constipation. My metabolism has improved, and I generally feel lighter,” Ramesh remarks. For those looking to adopt the diet, she advises “Stick to simple food, avoid over-complicating your diet, and remember why you chose this lifestyle at every step. Check your Vitamin B12 and D3 levels ensuring they stay balanced.” Rithika Ramesh, director, India at Generation Vegan, Powai ‘Indian food is a blessing’Adopted veganism: Early 2019 For Sakshi Kukreja, veganism wasn’t just a diet, it was a commitment. Inspired by online research on veganism and animal cruelty documentaries, the then 19-year-old chose to transition from vegetarianism to veganism. Since starting her vegan diet in early 2019, the sports enthusiast, faced unique challenges, particularly around maintaining her protein intake. “I started studying nutrition and how Indian food could be made vegan-friendly, realising that veganism can adapt to everyone’s personal preferences and needs. Since I did Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and powerlifting, it was essential for me to prioritise my protein and nutrient intake,” she shared. Transitioning to veganism involves challenges, especially when it comes to letting go of familiar foods and adapting to the taste of vegan alternatives. “I have the biggest sweet tooth, and love Indian sweets, but you have to be mentally strong. I missed the taste of desi sweets, but animal cruelty mattered to me more. I realised that having a positive mindset towards alternatives like vegan sweets is important,” she explained. Mixed dals can introduce balance to a vegan meal Kukreja believes a vegan diet can be simplified by embracing traditional Indian food. “Indian food is a blessing in disguise; it’s mostly vegan-friendly, with an abundance of flavourful vegetables and dals. It’s important to keep trying new things and educating yourself about nutrition, your body’s needs, and how to mould your diet to be vegan-friendly.” For people with a busy work schedule and hectic routines, sticking to veganism can be challenging, particularly when travelling to places lacking vegan alternatives. “I often travel for work to places that don’t have many of the options we have in Mumbai. I find it best to stick to an Indian diet and eat seasonal, locally sourced vegetables paired with protein-rich channa or mixed dal for a balanced meal. Snacks or meals that fit my diet are also helpful,” she noted. She has observed notable health benefits since turning vegan, “I’ve noticed that I don’t have any body odour when I sweat, which is caused by bacteria, and I’ve noticed inflammation in my body decreasing as my skin clears up. When you follow a diet religiously, you learn to read your body better,” she remarked. Kukreja advises that a vegan lifestyle is more manageable when approached gradually, with a well-planned diet. “Give up one thing each month and replace it with an alternative that provides the same benefits; for example, replace milk with another calcium-rich substitute” she concluded. Sakshi Kukreja, lawyer, Thane Eat the vegan way Our picks of the best, most diverse vegan menus in the city Chickpeas can be a good vegan source of protein >> Japanese cuisineAt Kuuraku, Linking Road, Bandra West. Call 7304496623 >> Continental and European cuisineAt Neuma, near Regal Cinema, Colaba.Call 7031493333 >> Gluten-free, keto-friendly, organicAt Farmers’ Cafe, Celeste Building, Khar West.Call 7506015930 >> Punjabi cuisineAt Sadak Chaap, Uthalsar, Thane West. Also in Chembur, Powai, Malad, Khar. CALL 9955224485 (Thane) >> Desserts At Fig - The Bakery, Kadam Marg, Lower Parel. Log on to @fig_thebakery >> Multi-cuisineAT Santé Spa Cuisine, BKC; also in Girgaon.Call 8767861111 >> Indian thali At Aharveda, Parsi Colony, Andheri West.Log on to @aharvedafood >> SaladsAt Greenr, Pali Hill, Bandra West; also in Breach Candy.Log on to @begreenr >> GelatoAt Vegan Bites, Twin Tower Lane, Prabhadevi.Call 7666586430 >> Lebanese, Mexican and Asian cuisineAt Yogisattva Plant Based Cafe, Khar West. Call 9867455009 >> SandwichesAt Tralata - Wholesome Food, Narmadadevi Society, Mulund West (takeaway only) Log on to @tralata.wholesomefood (for delivery)Call 9136003677
01 November,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi | Kanisha SoftaAs Diwali festivities commence in full force we decided to take a break from the fanfare when we stumbled upon an interesting podcast called Queen is Dead. It pulled us out of the Diwali and Halloween clash, and sent us out for a delicious discussion on the Hammer Horror films of the 1950s and 60s. The third episode in the Halloween series, Hammer Horror Films 101 is a dissection of the staple British horror films of the mid-90s and the cultural echo that they left behind to guide future filmmaking on how horror developed as a genre on screen. Christopher Lee as Dracula The podcasters, Varun Bhakay and Dhruv Goyal are seasoned cinephiles in the matter and very deftly guide the listener across the cinematic landscape of the Hammer production company. Taking inspiration from existing literature, the Hammer Film Productions brought out classics such as The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959), The Two Faces of Doctor Jekyll (1960), and the Dracula and Frankenstein series to the public. The last two have been the definitive must-watch in the genre. A scene from The Hound of the Baskervilles Dracula occupies the majority of the conversation as the podcasters pick up the various elements that made it such a landmark film in history. Right from the Gothic mise-en-scene to the measured horror and camera restraint in depicting violence and gore, Dracula mastered the formula of a ‘transgressive’ tonality in its first foray into the horror space. It is a very ‘classy’ horror film in its production and treatment of the subject, which as the podcasters quite enthusiastically reveal later, does not translate into the filmmaking of Don Sharp’s Rasputin, the mad monk. Based on the life of the infamous peasant-mystic whose controversial relations with the Czars of Russia and a notorious personal life made him the stock of a psychic-horror imagination, the film evokes neither terror nor interest for such a rich subject matter. The lack of a cinematic synergy and the obviousness of its horror make it a very rudimentary production of Rasputin’s lore. Throughout the episode, the podcasters playfully drop in Bollywood references such as Shantipriya’s revenge sequence in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om, the impact of Makdee (2002) and the absolute non-seriousness of Jaani Dushman (2002) before teasing us another insightful discussion on Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining in their next episode in the Halloween series. Log on to: Spotify
01 November,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaFresh from a Diwali pooja with her extended family, comedian Sonali Thakker answers our call. Any other weekend, you’d probably find her up early, catching a morning walk through the city. And by the way, she’s just moved into her own new place in Bandra. But don’t start picturing Thakker as some kind of role model. In fact, that’s exactly the image she’s aiming to knock down in her latest one-hour stand-up special, fittingly titled Perfect Role Model. “No one tells you this, but in an Indian family, there’s an unspoken expectation to be the one child that everyone admires, the one who sets an example for the others,” Thakker shares. Her background as a former CA aspirant and dedicated dance student before standing up for herself, quite literally, proves her point. “Over the years, I have realised that you can’t please everyone. The most you can do is embrace your flaws and be the perfect version of yourself,” shares Thakker, revealing that her new special is all about coming to terms with this new definition of ‘perfect’. Thakker in performance This isn’t Thakker‘s first time shifting gears, though. “Every three or four years, I have a life changing realisation that leads me to rediscovering my voice, much like the government changes hands,” she humours. The comedian calls her younger self a “confused youngling”, a persona that stands in stark contrast to juggling professional, personal and social responsibilities as a 35-year-old. “I’m married now and spend most of my time figuring out home loans and taxes. That’s bound to bring some unexpected humour in your life,” she laughs. For the comedian who has spent a decade touring the country and international venues, including a pit stop at the coveted Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2019 and 2023, the new set marks another gamble. “Growing up around South Mumbai, I have always found my natural voice in English. This will be my first hour-long set that is purely in English, and my first clean, family-friendly set after a long phase of experimenting with Hinglish to play to the crowd,” she reveals. A residential building photographed by the comedian during a heritage walk in Dadar East Thakker isn’t casual about her love for the city. Every other weekend, you’ll find her exploring her favourite Art Deco structures in the Fort precinct, or wandering into one of Bandra’s old villages to find peace. “I’m obsessed with Mumbai. I can’t survive anywhere else,” she exclaims when we nudge her about the fascination. “I grew up in Dadar East — the nexus of what was old Bombay and the ever-evolving Mumbai. I went to my first heritage walk in Kala Ghoda nearly a decade ago, and it soon became a routine. When someone says there’s nothing new to see here, I point them to the oldest neighbourhoods. That’s where you’ll find something new, every single time,” Thakker adds. Despite all the makings of the ideal comedian for the urban Mumbaikar, you’ll rarely find Thakker’s content making the rounds on social media reels or shorts. She explains, “Putting your life, or your content out on the Internet is a huge commitment. I have never deemed myself ready for the flipside of social media hate until very recently. If I’m able to build confidence through my upcoming performances of the special, I’d love to put it out on streaming platforms soon,” Thakker hints as she signs off. On November 2; 6.30 pmAt Backspace, Lodha Boulevard Mall, Majiwada, Thane West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 399
01 November,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursdayTrick or treat This party for your little munchkins includes multiple Halloween-themed activities like scary face painting, balloon ghost making, colouring activity and more.Time 4.30 pm to 6 pm; 6.30 pm to 8 pmAt Fun Kids Zoo, Thakur Complex, Kandivli East. Cost Rs 500 (90 mins) FridayGood food for a good mood The sadya will feature delicacies like puliyodarai and erissery Begin the month with a soulful festive meal. With delectable dishes like erissery, kadala kari, cabbage thoran, mezhukkupuratti, and puliyodarai among other cherished favorites, this Diwali sadya that features traditional South Indian food. Till November 3At Santosham, Naupada, Thane; also in Powai. Cost Rs 1,499 SaturdayAlong the shore November is the ideal time to witness the city’s diverse marine life up close. This walk at Juhu will explore the intertidal zones, as participants may come across anemones (above), hermit crabs, sponges, and even an octopus. Time 5 pm onwardsAt Juhu Koliwada, Santacruz West. Log on to @naturalistexCall 8976451433 Nights to remember Humour is rapidly taking over the city’s nightlife. This Saturday, witness famous comics Punit Pania (below) and Siddhartha Shetty give you a hangover full of lame jokes. Time 11.30 pm onwards At Ministry of Games, AB Nair Road, Juhu. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 249 onwards SundayTime to rock on Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Pic Courtesy/Instagram City-based band The Venom Berries will perform live and throw a tribute to the famous ’90s rock bands, Green Day and Foo Fighters.Time 8 pm onwards At House of Pandora, Khar West. Log on to sortmyscene.comCost Rs 500 onwards Go with the flow Delve into a session of art therapy at this DIY unguided session, where the aim is to let you discover your thoughts and process without intervention. Time 11 am onwards (multiple sessions, one-hour-long batches) At Dorangos near Learners’ Academy, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 (all material and two beverages included) Shop for our strays This garage sale by the Welfare of Stray Dogs offering books, home décor, musical instruments, sports equipment, doggie beds and more, will raise funds for the welfare of the strays of Mumbai. Till November 6; 11.30 am to 7 pmAt Laxmi Baug Hall, near Opera House, Girgaon. Log on to wsdindia.org
31 October,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiFor those of you who hate pitch darkness even when they’re asleep, ditch your boring night lamps, and add a touch of your favourite popular culture moments through Geek Monkey’s quirky lamps. I recently purchased a Joker acrylic night lamp (Rs 795) for a friend. This one looks like a holograph when lit up. It has a soft golden glow which doesn’t disrupt your sleep. The best part is that it comes with a charger, and you don’t need to replace batteries every once in a while. Among other quirky picks, we liked the astrologer night lamp, Neymar’s jersey night lamp and Monkey D Luffy’s famous bounty poster. Log on to: geekmonkey.in
31 October,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
