The BMC has claimed to be monsoon-ready this year, but it’s highly unlikely that the city roads will be pothole-free. File Pic

I like waiting for the BMC to issue proclamations of all kinds based on whatever mystical tests it uses instead of science. It will tell us when the rains are expected, for instance, then promptly issue a new date 24 hours before the original one, citing fresh new information that has probably been sent to its meteorologists via WhatsApp. It will talk about how much water will be collected in our lakes and rivers, then revise that figure every three weeks depending on what percentage of water cuts it can announce for free publicity. I suspect a lot of BMC employees spend their days simply dreaming up new statements to issue, because doing this is a lot easier than completing any actual work.

The good news is, it claims to be monsoon-ready this year. Yes, it claimed to be monsoon-ready last year, too, and the year before, and the decade before, but why should that stop it from issuing a new press release about how it is definitely monsoon-ready this year? If it doesn't issue these statements, how is it supposed to justify the thousands of crores that are poured into our streets and mysteriously vanish before touching the asphalt?

This year's statement says that only 522 roads continue to remain dug up in the city. This presumably does not include the street outside your home or mine, or any street you pass over the next week, because finding a street that isn't dug up in Mumbai is almost like finding proof that our ministers have actually been to school. Apparently, completing road repair and renovation work in the city is definitely the target, which isn't surprising because it has been the target since man first set foot on the Moon. I assume this doesn't include the roads that have been torn apart for the Metro, of course, because the chances of them being smooth and pothole-free in your lifetime or mine are a billion to one.

The Andheri-SEEPZ line of the Metro runs just outside Andheri station towards Versova. The street it tore up and demolished over a decade ago has yet to recover. It has turned into an unofficial market, with commuters now long used to the idea of going around in a wide circle in order to hit SV Road. One can't help, but use that as a benchmark when thinking about what the city will look like when the current Metro projects are finally complete, a century from now.

Our civic body - I use those words loosely, of course - has reportedly prepared a plan of completing work on 1,106 roads in several categories during the financial year 2018-19, with roads classifieds into categories of project roads, priority 2 and priority 3 roads. This must have taken them a few months, because everyone knows how important the task of naming plans or renaming roads is, and how these discussions can go on late into the afternoon. Project roads are easy to spot because they exist in various states of disrepair all around us, but it's hard to figure out the difference between priority 2 and priority 3 roads. In a city that is home to millions of commuters an hour, one would assume all roads are a priority, but that is clearly not the case.

Project roads are also supposed to undergo complete reconstruction, which is BMC-speak for 'we are going to tear them down and start again, and use your taxes to do it a few more times'. The statement didn't just talk about the future though; it also claimed that work on 879 roads was completed by the end of April. Chew on that when you dislocate your shoulder in a rickshaw on your next trip.

I'm pretty sure the fault lies with us. We are the ones who prevent the BMC from focusing on more important things like memorial plaques and compel it to waste valuable time and money on insignificant issues like pothole-free, monsoon-ready roads. If you care about your city and respect the BMC, you should do the right thing and avoid the roads. Work online instead of at an office, chat with friends and relatives via video calls, and educate your children with the help of YouTube videos. Don't use roads until the pesky monsoons are over. Stay at home instead.

When he isn't ranting about all things Mumbai, Lindsay Pereira can be almost sweet. He tweets @lindsaypereira Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com

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Illustration/Uday Mohite

I knew two Mumbai cops. Two Mumbai cops who went to the same college as me. Yeah, Ashok Kamte and Himanshu Roy were marginally junior to me at St Xaviers' College. Two Bombay boys who became police officers and subsequently looked after the city they grew up in.

One who followed in his father's footsteps as a policeman. The other who chose not to become a doctor like his parents. There was an incredibly tragic irony when Ashok was shot on 26/11 in the narrow lane that separated our college from Rang Bhavan. (It's no surprise that Ashok and Himanshu considered each other brothers — and Himanshu always regretted not being in Mumbai, standing side by side with Ashok, when he was gunned down).

I knew Himanshu Roy a bit. Mumbai is a small city in spite of its size. And, South Mumbai an even smaller world. Himanshu was born and brought up in Colaba, schooled in Campion, and graduated from our college.

I first met him in 1995 at a friend, Mark Manuel's home. He was then an incredibly, lean, bespectacled man — wiry and tall. And I remember thinking he was very gangly for a cop. But he exuded great hunger. There was a glint in his eyes, a manner in his demeanour, a strength in that stick-like figure. I'll never forget that bristling energy. He was like a coiled snake, ready for action, ready to change the world, ready to catch the bad guys, a superhero without the cape and mask. He was idealistic and worldly wise at the same time. (It perhaps requires those two qualities, to join the force and survive). He was about to leave for Nashik, from where he returned two years later, with rippling Popeye arms and a barrel chest.

There is something incredibly brave in deciding to become a Mumbai cop. Not just because of the valour required in handling criminals. But, of the skill needed in navigating a system run by politicians.

It was no surprise that the cases he handled were of a diverse nature. IPL spot-fixing, the J Dey and Pallavi Purkayastha murders, the riots of Khairlanji. He devised anti-dacoity measures in rural Maharashtra, cracked the Shakti Mills rape case. He set up Mumbai's first Cyber Crime Cell, and established a special cell to deal with crimes related to women.

So, the news that he'd shot himself in his flat, was incredibly sad. Cancer had wreaked havoc on his body and perhaps he saw no other way out. But suicide is always a many-sided Hydra. The debate on whether it is a brave move, a cowardly act, a desperate measure or a selfish resolution will rage on forever.

But for me, there is always one trait linked to killing oneself — loneliness. Whether Himanshu 'Hercules' Roy was lonely in his final hour we'll never know. But, a man who'd spent his life protecting a city, ultimately couldn't protect himself.

Goodbye, big man, I'm sure you're out there somewhere, looking out for us.

Rahul da Cunha is an adman, theatre director/playwright, photographer and traveller. Reach him at rahuldacunha62@gmail.com

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Actress Keerthy Suresh as Savitri in Mahanati

Telugu cinema — specifically Baahubali 1 and 2 — knocked the daylights out of Bollywood. Now comes the ravishing Telugu-Tamil film Mahanati (Great Actress, in Telugu; Nadigaiyar Thilagam in Tamil), directed by Nag Ashwin, a biopic on top film star Savitri garu (a Telugu honorific). This sensuous, period, feminist film, starring Keerthy Suresh and Dulquer Salmaan, rivals Bollywood's best. Kommareddy Savitri (1937-1981) was a remarkable female superstar of Telugu and Tamil cinema, who acted alongside top Tamil and Telugu stars such as Sivaji Ganesan, MG Ramachandran (MGR), Gemini Ganesan and Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), often got paid more than the heroes, and even produced and directed six films in the 1960s and 1970s, some with an all-female crew, featuring these top heroes — all practically unthinkable today. Savitri acted in nearly 200 films in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi, including Pelli Chesi Choodu, Devadasu, Missiamma, Maya Bazaar and Pasamalar, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, and the films she directed include Chinnari Papalu. Her career spiralled downwards after she secretly married co-star Gemini Ganesan (then already married to Alamelu and in another relationship with Pushpavalli with whom he had Hindi film star Rekha), and his jealousy and alcoholism drove her to drink; she cut back on her career to appease him, turned alcoholic herself and went to ruin. The film has released worldwide, including in India; it is currently also showing in Mumbai with English subtitles.

Indian biopics on women film stars — including Milan Luthria's Dirty Picture on Silk Smitha with Vidya Balan (Hindi); KG George's Lekhayude Maranam: Oru Flashback (Lekha's Death: A Flashback) on actress Shobha's alleged affair with a top director (Malayalam), and Ranjith's Thirakkatha (Screenplay) on Srividya and her alleged affair with a top Tamil star (Malayalam) — are mostly tragedies. What is remarkable about Mahanati is that while it shows Savitri's courage, feistiness, stardom and generosity, it also shows her poor decisions in love, marriage and finance. She is a homebreaker and an alcoholic who also neglects her children. Yet, the film valourises her as someone who believed that life is short, and so made the best of it. In fact, the film, presented by Vyjayanthi Movies, is produced by two women, sisters Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt of Swapna Cinemas.

The film is told through Madhuravani (Samantha Akkineni), a journalist in the 80s, investigating Savitri's story with her photographer boyfriend Vijay Anthony (Vijay Deverakonda) after Savitri is found in a hospital, after being in a coma for a year. Nag Ashwin, in only his second feature after Yevade Subramanyam, shows outstanding assurance and craftsmanship. Throughout, there are scenes switching seamlessly from Savitri's real and reel life; and the period sets have been gorgeously recreated, including a 'stairway to heaven'. Keerthy Suresh carries the film with aplomb: sparkling, yet dignified, even in her despair. Top Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan sportingly plays second fiddle and charming rake. Sai Madhav Burra's screenplay packs in a lot. LA-based Spanish cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez's cinematography is marvellous: ironically, he digitally shot the period parts and used super 16mm film stock for the more recent 80s. The costumes by designers Gaurang Shah, Archana Rao and stylist Indrakshi Pattanaik are exquisite, as are Shivam Rao and Kolla Avinash's sets. Mickey J Meyer's music is versatile and soulful. At 2h 57mins, the editing by veteran Venkateswara Rao Kotagiri flags a little, yet keeps you engaged till the end.

Meenakshi Shedde is South Asia Consultant to Berlin Film Festival, award-winning critic, curator to festivals worldwide and journalist. Reach her at meenakshishedde@gmail.com

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Vishnudas Bhave. Pic/Premji Sosa

The next time you book your tickets for a play, think of this name: Vishnudas Bhave. An important figure in the history of Indian theatre, Bhave is best known for his pioneering work in the mid-1800s. Born in Sangli, Bhave arrived in Mumbai in 1852, only to change the face of not just Marathi theatre, but the whole infrastructure surrounding the industry. "He didn't invent theatre, but he certainly innovated it," says historian and researcher Murali Ranganathan.

Bhave will form the core of a talk on the modernisation of theatre in Mumbai that Ranganathan will deliver this Friday as part of arts and science conversation platform, Mumbai Local's first curated session by playwright Ramu Ramanathan. For over a decade, Ranganathan has been extensively researching the history and development of the entertainment industry in Mumbai, and this session is a leaf borrowed from the pages of his larger project. He says, "Bhave looked at the theatre infrastructure available in then-Bombay. He decided that, instead of staging plays in the backyards of the rich or through building temporary sheds, where people could just walk in, he could change the non-ticketed scene to actually charging for plays at Grant Road Theatre."

Interiors of Grant Road theatre. Pic/Drama Queens Representation purposes

The Bhave-fication of theatre in Mumbai also meant that people wanted value for money. Before Bhave's arrival, says Ranganathan, instead of tickets, an aarti plate was passed around at the end of a show, on which people would place a patron sum voluntarily. "Buying a ticket meant that audiences expected more from plays. Hence from semi-religious plots, the plays shifted to pure entertainment," he explains. A byproduct of this entertainment factor was the introduction of the genre of farce, in which the foibles of the rich and contemporary issues were critiqued through the veil of humour. Bhave and his company staged farces on widow remarriage, children's education, English missionaries, and, oddly, a cautionary tale to raise awareness on a series of murders of children that happened for robbing them of jewellery.

Stating that he is interested in "excavating" libraries with an archaeologist's enthusiasm, Ranganthan's research draws extensively from news archives. The reason is that Bhave's methods paved the path for previews, reviews, and ads, many of which are to be found in these archives. "Mumbai's theatre scene in the 20th century has been well-researched, but the times before that still need more work," says Ranganathan. He adds that his talk will also cover other theatre groups that followed Bhave's suit, a maverick balloonist who drives mass entertainment, and how practices like yoga caught the modern imagination. It all sounds intriguing, and best heard from Ranganathan himself.

Where: Kitab Khana, Somaiya Bhavan, Flora Fountain, Fort
When: May 18, 5.30 PM
Free
Call: 61702276

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Cousins Ayush, Aryan and Arjun Asher enjoy some quiet book reading time with their friend Rudra Shukla at their Worli residence. Pic/Ashish Raje

Of gods and humans

Author Arshia Sattar is no stranger to mythological retellings. Best known for her English translation of Valmiki's Ramayana, Sattar recently released a new children's collection titled Garuda and the Serpents (Juggernaut Books), which draws from the Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana to deliver stories that will evoke both wonder and delight. From tales of why the gods and the asuras churned the ocean, to how Vishwamitra and Vasishtha became enemies for life, these marvellous adventures of gods and humans is not to be given a miss. And, with Sattar, who has a PhD in South Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago, helming the narrative, these stories, we know, rest in safe hands.

Garuda and the Serpents by Arshia Sattar
Age Group: 10+
Price: Rs 350

A rare friendship

The recently-released graphic novel, Indira (Context, Westland), definitely has a special place in history. The young adult novel, which has been brilliantly executed by writer Devapriya Roy and animation filmmaker and illustrator Priya Kuriyan, begins with the story of Indira Thapa, a Std VI student at a government school, who is given an assignment to write an essay around her namesake. Over the course of a long, hot summer and a curious friendship with an artist who is working on a biography of Gandhi, Thapa gets tangled up in the life and times of the country's only female prime minister Indira Gandhi. Through graphic panels and beautiful prose, Roy and Kuriyan lead us through Gandhi's rich legacy, including her rise during the Bangladesh War (1971) and fall, post the Emergency (1975-77). This one is for teenagers who'd like to revisit history differently.

Indira by Devapriya Roy and Priya Kuriyan
Age Group: 13+
Price: Rs 599

Magic on wheels

Lavanya Karthik's Neel on Wheels (Duckbill) is what we think, should be on every kid's must-read list. The book, illustrated by Habib Al, tells the story of Neel, who is wheelchair bound. But, that's hardly holding him back. Neel's wheelchair transforms itself to fight dragons and monsters and chase away scary creatures of the night. One of the prize winners in the Children First contest — started to create more books featuring children with disabilities as protagonists — this book deals sensitively with his challenges and the lovely relationship between Neel and his younger brother, who regards him with awe and respect.

Neel on Wheels by Lavanya Karthik and Habib Al
Age Group: 5+
Price: Rs 299

Family matters

Sharanya Manivannan's poetry is a sheer delight to read. With The Ammuchi Puchi (Puffin Books), the poet and writer has collaborated with illustrator Nerina Canzi to tell the story of Aditya and Anjali, who love listening to their grandmother's stories. Unfortunately, their lives fall apart on the night their grandmother passes away. Suddenly, her stories seem to lose their meaning. It's only when something magical happens that they feel their grandma is with them, after all. The dreamy illustrations complement the poetic prose, for a poignant story.

The Ammuchi Puchi by Sharanya Manivannan and Nerina Canzi
Age Group: 4-7
Price: Rs 199

Grandma knows best

No summer reading is complete without escaping into the stories by author Ruskin Bond. In his new book, Memories of Hills and Dales (Rupa), Bond's protagonist is an affectionate, brimming-with-stories grandmother, who shares tales of the past with her granddaughter Koki. From a mysterious kiss by a stranger in the dark to schoolboys taking off for a trek to a glacier, an old kite-maker reminiscing about his heydays and a beautiful village girl whose charms a city boy can't resist, this slice-of-life collection — many of which are autobiographical — takes us through the life in the hills and the joys, sorrows and excitement it holds.

Memories of Hills and Dales by Ruskin Bond
Age Group: 8+
Price: Rs 195

Suitcase memories

Nidhi Chanani's heart-warming debut graphic novel, Pashmina (HarperCollins India) weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures. The story revolves around Priyanka Das, who has many unanswered questions — why did her mother abandon her home in India? What was it like there? And, most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? Pri's mom avoids all these questions. For Pri, her homeland only exists in her imagination, until she finds a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a fantasy world more vivid and colourful than anything she could have ever imagined. But to know whether this world is for real, she needs to travel further. For young readers, Chanani creates a world that magical through her prose and illustrations.

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
Age Group: 8+
Price: Rs 399

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Order of the day
Start your week with Before Sunset
8 pm – 11 pm: Some films one can never watch enough. If you call yourself a die-hard Richard Linklater fan then you wouldn’t want to miss the chance of watching this film. Join Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as they meet nine years after they first found each other serendipitously, on the streets of Vienna. One of the finest performances from the lead pair, this one never gets old.
14 Monday
WHERE: Drishyam VFX, Andheri West
Entry: R200
log on to: www.1018mb.com

Enjoy some spontaneous laughter
7.30 pm: Tired of the same old rehearsed lines? Then this act is for you. Mosey on to Bandra this evening where you will be treated to some improv comedy. There’s no pre-written material and your stand-up for the day, Max Fernandes, will pick up from you to bring humour on the go. You can be a participant (recommended) or a passive audience. Take your pick.
15 Tuesday
where: The Cuckoo Club, Bandra
Entry: Rs 200
Call: 9619962969

Give in to some waffle pleasure
1 PM onwards: You’ve managed to make it through Monday and Tuesday. So, you need a little treat. Celebrate the day at The Waffle Factory and avail their offers on shakes and iced teas. The offer is on every Wednesday right up until August 29. So, if you have a friend you meet only mid-week, this can become a standing date. Sweet idea? We think so, too.
16 Wednesday
where: The Waffle Factory (across outlets)

Hear the women out
9.30 PM: It’s not often that you hear women take the stage in India’s Indie music scene. Which is why #ladiesfirst is an initiative that needs your support. This evening, Social Offline x nrtya will host the Nush Lewis band and Ladies Compartment. Your ears, tonight, will be treated to jazz, blues, American folk, indie, and Carnatic Indian classical traditions.
17 Thursday
Where: Todi Mill Social, Near Viva Center, Lower Parel West
Entry: Rs 400
Call: 65110361

Relive Bollywood’s golden melodies
6.30 pm: Why should every evening out be about Western music? Relive some good old Bollywood memories as a host of playback singers along with live musicians bring to the stage, the tunes of Laxmikant-Pyarelal. And, if you are a fan, then one more reason to not give this a miss: Pyarelal Sharma Ji himself will conduct the whole 40 piece orchestra team and singers.
18 Friday
Where: Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion
Entry: Rs 250-Rs 3,000
Call: 24078888

Make your own organic make-up
2 PM to 5 PM: This is what we have always wanted. Make-up that’s organic, not tested on animals and perfectly suitable for our own skin. The Mumbai Fashion Academy is hosting this workshop where you will learn how to make your own concealer stick, liquid foundation, powder cake, make up remover and more. All material will be provided.
19 Saturday
Where: Mumbai Fashion Academy, Parel
Entry: Rs 2500
Call: 9769671960

Take it slow this time
If you think speed dating is not quite your thing, there’s the option to try this. Life of Line, a speed-dating company is slowing things down with this unique event. Participants will get to spend 30 minutes with the eligible singles of their choice, as opposed to the regular eight minutes. The custom category has been created following feedback from over a 1,000 people. The idea is to give more time to the right person. Life of Line verifies the profiles, both professional and social. The profiles of your date is shared ahead of the meet.
When: 3 pm, May 26 
Where: Hoppipola, 5th Lane, Ramkrishna Nagar, Khar West
Entry: Rs 3,999
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

See flowers in all their arty glory
Bas Meeuws is a Dutch photographer known for his photographic still life series. This exhibition titled Spring In The Wintertime is being presented in India for the first time. It’s a selection of 43 photographs that also includes a previously unseen work.
When: 11 am to 6.30 pm, 
till May 31 
Where: Tarq, Colaba 
Call: 66150424

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails
Here are the drinks that promise to take you through the heat. The summer-themed drinks at Nara are inspired from those in Thailand. Sip on cocktails like Chiang Rai (Mango and Galliano), Chiang Mai (Mango mojito), Mae Sot (pineapple and Bacardi). For a fruity mix, try the Kerff Rot Spritz and the raspberry and cranberry drink. There’s also the Thai Monk and the Fangs Tonic, which is a spin on the gin and tonic.
When: 12 pm to 1 am 
Where: Nara, Raheja Towers, BKC 
Call: 61378080

Catch the Boyzlife
The two-member band Boyzlife featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, formerly of Boyzone and Westlife respectively, are in India for the first time. Their concert titled Boyzlife Live will feature a blend of the greatest hits for their former bands. The Boyzlife show has been performed several times since 2016 and Mumbai will get to see it finally. For 90s kids especially, this concert would make for an ideal trip down memory lane.
When: 7 pm onwards, May 19
Where: Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
Entry: Rs 1,000-Rs 1,750
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

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Pics/Gautam Benegal

The setting of Gautam Benegal's A1 Chiken Sope cartoons is largely familiar to those who get their meat from the local market. The air is thick with down feathers, and dismembered bits of chicken scattered about, with butchers being none too fussy about our sensitive nerves. In Benegal's hands, however, this scene is turned into a humorous commentary of our contemporary socio-political scenario.

A1 Chiken Sope series, where we meet a butcher named Salim Bhai and his rather chatty coop of chicken, has been one of Benegal's longest series. The National Award-winning animation filmmaker and cartoon first invented A1 Chiken Sope in 2006 for the supplement of a newspaper, after a bird flu scare, when people had stopped consuming chicken. The poultry business was evidently suffering. A minister smuggled in a tandoori chicken leg into the Lok Sabha, and started eating it to prove that it was perfectly safe. "I drew a cartoon of a chicken shop where one bird boasts to another, showing the headlines, 'Hey guys check this out, my second cousin, twice removed, made it to the Lok Sabha'," says Benegal, 52. In 2009 A1 Chiken Sope found more takers, the year when Benegal joined Facebook.

Having made nearly a thousand cartoons in this series, he says, "On social media, you can post a rough sketch and it becomes a mass pool of conversation with several people contributing to it, which is not the case with mainstream media," he says. The chicken, or chiken as Salim Bhai's shop terms them, play the role of both the naive public and the court jester. In one cartoon, the chicken bid adieu to their former coop-mate, bundled in a black bag, as Salim Bhai hands it over to a customer. "There goes Sonu... recruited into the militia," says one hen. "The chicken's work is to get slaughtered. They are a captive population, but a large percentage is happy at being kept. There is a person who is their benefactor, and is selling them out. We are all chicken," he says, adding, "There is an existential angle to this. The only way to escape is to stop being chicken," he says.

About 35 of these cartoons will be shown at Chemould Prescott Road, Fort, starting May 25, for 10 days. You may want to pay close attention to Benegal's caricatures, where the strength of these cartoons lies. Rather than state the obvious visually, Benegal thrives on allusions and references. Everything is an open secret. "I draw a lot from the earlier part of the century, when cartoons were couched in symbolism and stylised references. The latter is true in my case — it's like guerrilla warfare. You won't be able to put your finger on it, but everybody knows and everybody smiles about what they are seeing," says the cartoonist, whose first brush with the art was as a 15-year-old with Satyajit Ray's children's magazine, Sandesh.

There is a certain rawness to them, with a lack of standardisation that we may see with daily cartoons in mainstream media. And Benegal is not interested in polishing them up either. His taste in cartoons, for that matter, is very James Thurber, the American cartoonist who was featured regularly in The New Yorker, and the late Abu Abraham, whose worked for several publications, including Punch and The Observer. "We are used to a very gentle form of cartooning in India, be it themes or visuals. I wanted A1 Chiken Sope to be very ad hoc, much like how politics in India is," he says.

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Sanjukta Basu

Delhi-based photographer Sanjukta Basu had an epiphany right before her 39th birthday. "I was introspecting on the years gone by, and realised that although I had achieved much, I didn't think I had reached a 'destination'. It was as if I was lost at sea, and needed direction. But then I decided to embrace the fact that I go where the wind takes me. I was going to be 40, and this was me. I wasn't going to change. That's how my first tattoo took shape in my mind," says Basu, who once practiced law.

And so, her first tattoo was a sailboat, with a wave and birds in flight, with the line "wherever the wind takes me". This was also the time the idea of a project on women with tattoos took shape. Typically, some of them got one to signify something profound, like a break up with a lover or a violent relationship. Others didn't think it needed a reason. "The project is about challenging the stereotype around women with tattoos. They don't get them because they are slutty or hippie, or because they are reckless," she argues.

The photographer, who is on the lookout for new subjects to shoot in Mumbai and Delhi, says, ideally, all women should get in touch with her and tell her their stories. Sunday mid-day got Basu to shares some of her favourites.

Vimala is an aviation professional, and loves wings. Years after she got married to the man she loved, she realised he was addicted to gambling, and draining her of finances. At 48, when she found herself free from the toxic relationship, she got a tattoo — a heart with wings. It was time to fly again.

Parama, Sanjukta's first subject for the Women And Body Art project, is not one person. Within her sits the essence of Kolkata, the city she comes from and loves. The tattoo on her forearm and is an image of Kolkata landmark Victoria Memorial, an angel atop it. It signifies her belief that something good lies in everything she sees.

Archana, a women's rights activist, grew up in a protective, privileged Tamil Brahmin family. While she has grappled with body image issues, she also didn't know that you could be anything else other than a doctor, an engineer or a lawyer. When she went to college, she met women from a variety of backgrounds and, before she knew it, the seeds of female solidarity had been sown. Her first tattoo is a symbol of feminism, and she got it on the day she learnt that feminism in fact, had a symbol.

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Pics/Crossing lines

On a fine April morning, when Mumbai-based slackliner Samar Farooqui drove into Settlement Number 63 in Chtaura, a town wedged between Beirut and Damascus, all he could see was a sea of white tents glistening in the sun. Under the plastic tarps lived thousands of displaced Syrians who had fled to the Bekaa Valley, the largest affected area and temporary home to over 3,00,000 Syrian refugees, when a brutal civil war broke out in 2011. Lugging the nylon webbings, carbiners and other slacklining equipment, Farooqui and 14 other volunteers, stationed themselves at the nearby parking lot waiting for the refugee children.

This was to be their playground for the next two weeks. Life on the line Slacklining is the art of balancing along a narrow, flexible piece of portable fabric which is usually anchored between two points, mostly trees. "Apart from being a fun fitness activity, it has an incredible ability to connect people, start conversations and change lives," says 27- year old Farooqui. It's the reason he booked a flight to Beirut and signed up for the Crossing Lines Project, an initiative launched in 2013 by Sonya Iverson, a scientist from San Francisco, who uses slacklining to change the way we see and talk about refugees. "I had met Sonya several times at different events. The last time we interacted was at the Move Copengagen festival in Denmark, when she mentioned her plan to introduce slacklining to Syrian refugees and organise a highline festival in Lebanon. It was just the kind of inspiration I was looking for," says the Neral resident who made a career out of slacklining when he founded Slacklife Inc. — a sport and recreation company — in 2014. A level playing field At the Chtaura parking lot, the lines are hooked to the cars in the absence of trees. It's one of the things the sport has taught him — to make the best use of whatever is available at hand. "In Mumbai, I've slacklined in building compounds, garden and promenades. In fact, I was even been arrested for slacklining at Marine Drive," he laughs. Once the line was set up at the camp, Farooqui says the excitement among kids was palpable.

"Children everywhere are the same. You don't have to be concerned about the language or the way you look. I didn't speak Arabic but we managed to communicate fairly well through non-verbal cues in those two weeks. With hand gestures, I would tell them to slow down or stop or move ahead," he says. It was through two local volunteer-based NGOs Salaam and Sonbola that provides education and recreational facilities to those living in the camps in the Bekaa Valley, that the team got access to the children. Forging a personal rapport with each child — there were nearly 400 of them — was difficult for the volunteers who hailed from Iran, America and the UK.

"On the face of it, you couldn't tell that the children had gone through so much trauma. There were some who were more reserved and took time to open up," he says. Periodically, the team would sit down and discuss the day's progress. "If one of students perhaps struggled through the slacklining experience and we noticed it, we discussed it and psycho-analysed it till we came up with a solution to make sure that we didn't leave with someone feeling demoralised," he says. In the two weeks, Farooqui picked up a couple of Arabic words from them, and in turn taught them English. What was most interesting, though was how the sport changed the dynamics among the children themselves. "When you are standing on the rope, wobbling and holding the hand of the person standing on ground, you are opening up to them. So the bullies in the group ended up bonding with the rest. Everybody was on the level playing field," he says.

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Photographer and graphic designer Anusha Yadav started the Indian Memory Project, an online, visual, narrative-based archive in 2010, to trace the history of the subcontinent via photographs and letters. Pic/Ashish Raje

EarLier this week, artist and oral historian Aanchal Malhotra, 28, travelled nearly 240 km to Chandigarh from Delhi, to meet a nonagenarian, who had lived through the Partition of 1947. As she speaks about it now, there's a lump in her throat. "I couldn't sleep that entire night," Malhotra confesses. "Even 70 years on, the woman is so afraid to talk about it. It had everything, from gun fire, to fleeing from her home in Pakistan, to her brother and mother being taken as prisoners, and to giving birth in a forest on her way to India. When she first delivered the baby, her immediate response was to throw it away. You can imagine what trauma she was experiencing." What surprised Malhotra most was when the 90-year-old asked her what she would do with her story. "I said that I wanted to publish it. The woman's immediate response was, 'who will read this?'. They really think that nobody cares. But, this is the story that has shaped the future of contemporary India."

The jewellery Aanchal Malhotra is wearing, was made in the North-West Frontier Province and was given to her great-grandmother, Lajvanti Gulyani, by her in-laws on her wedding to Hari Chand Gulyani in the year 1919. But it could have been in the Gulyani family before that as well. Since she became a widow quite young and was a single mother at the time of Partition, it was carried by her to India in 1947 because she thought she would be able to sell it and earn money to put her children through school. She then gave it to Malhotra’s grandmother, who has now given it to her. Pic/Nishad Alam

Malhotra is the author of Remnants of Separation (HarperCollins India), a book that revisited the Partition through objects carried across the border, and the co-founder — along with Navdha Malhotra — of The Museum of Material Memory, a digital repository of material culture of the Indian subcontinent, tracing family histories and ethnography through heirlooms and objects of antiquity. Since the launch of the archive last year, the founders have put together over 35 heartwarming object stories. Closer home, photographer and graphic designer Anusha Yadav's Indian Memory Project — an online, visual, narrative-based archive, founded in 2010, which traces the history of the subcontinent via photographs and letters — has helped us see history in another light. There is also Paris-based perfumer Jahnvi Lakhota Nandan, whose recently-published book, Pukka Indian: 100 objects that Define India (Roli Books), documents the most coveted symbols and designs representing our culture, by tracing its origin and significance in our lives. All three projects while different in essence and form, have one common intent — to record untold stories from our history and preserve them for posterity. But, as Malhotra's subject asked her, why should anyone be curious?

The chakla and belan originated in 7,500 – 6,000 BCE in Punjab. At the time, this region was cultivating wheat and barley extensively. Rather than using the flatness of the chakla and the pressure of the belan to what we might expect to be used around the country to make flatbread, whatever the ingredient might be, it is only in this region of north India that the chakla and belan were used simply because wheat and barley lend themselves to kneading. What must have been perceived as a high-technology kitchen tool then, the chakla and belan soon spread to other parts of the country. Text courtesy/Pukka India by Jahnvi Lakhota Nanda, Roli books; Pic/Shivani Gupta

Celebrating the mundane
Nandan, an alumnus of the School of Art and Design at Tsukuba University, Japan, admits that her project stemmed out of her curiosity to find out about the designs that define us an Indian. "Design is a mirror of our attitudes and habits. Through the course of writing this book on Indian design, I found that uniquely Indian gestures like churning, combing and calculating were reflected in it," she writes in the book. From the dabba, agarbatti, and kulhad, to Babuline gripe water, most of the objects Nandan chose for the book, have "either been made or originated in India, or have an element that is very Indian, or are being used in a very Indian context".

This picture is of Purvi Sanghvi’s grandfather Dwarkadas Jivanlal Sanghvi (extreme right in a black coat) and his brother Vallabhdas Jivanlal Sanghvi with their business partners at a Pen Exhibition in Bombay around 1951. The family ran Wilson Pens that quickly rose to huge fame and became a preferred choice of pens across the country. All government offices, law court, used the Wilson pens. The Wilson Pen Family made the orange, thick-nibbed pen that wrote the most fundamental document that defines the state of India: The Constitution of India written by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Pic, Text Courtesy/Indian Memory Project/Contributed by Purvi Sanghvi, Mumbai

It's while working on the book that Nandan realised how "our own homes are a repository of history". Here, she relays an incident when Shivani Gupta, the photographer for Pukka Indian, had been anxious about finding a mandira — a butter churner — that Nandan had mentioned in the book. "She went home, and realised that she had five of them in her kitchen. She didn't even know she was sitting on so much wealth." Nandan adds, "We don't tend to celebrate the mundane. What we celebrate are things that have obvious value, like jewellery, the beautification of the body or the exotic."

Paris-based perfumer Jahnvi Lakhota Nandan's recent book, Pukka Indian, documents the most coveted symbols and designs representing Indian culture, by tracing its origin and significance in the lives of its users. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Object as a catalyst
Malhotra's interest in people's histories began while working on Remnants of Separation, which was an extension of her Master of Fine Arts thesis project for Concordia University, Canada. Malhotra's research began after she came across a gaz (a measuring device) and ghara (a pot), which belonged to her nana's family, and had crossed the border. "Sometimes the Partition is too traumatic to speak about. When I started my research, I didn't know where to begin or what I could ask, without sounding frivolous. The object became a catalyst to enter into that conversation. So, rather than me saying 'Oh! You lived through the Partition, that must be awful,' I was now asking relevant questions, like 'why did you choose to take this gold bangle with you?'. The object then, didn't become something that recessed into the background, but something around which the entire background was arranged."

That's when she and Navdha decided to start The Museum of Material Memory. The duo encourages everyone to contribute, provided the object is from or before the 1970s. The archive comprises everything from a 5-inch-long, mottled sewing needle to a chaddar with traditional baagh and phulkari embroidery and a former Class II Income-Tax officer's diary filled up with the repeated words 'Sri Rama Jayam', meaning Jai Sri Ram. Each post is accompanied with the story behind the object. "Material ethnography is so vastly explored in the West, especially when it comes to events of trauma and crisis. What we are recording here, will never be found in any textbook. We need active memoralisation, not just of traumatic events, but of our tradition and culture, which is primarily oral."

Not just for nostalgia's sake
The indianmemoryproject.com, says Yadav, started off as a book idea, where she wanted to collect old, wedding photographs. "I wanted to document the idea of weddings in different cultures, and explore the entire phenomena behind the crew that makes it possible," she says. "While the book didn't happen, the pictures stayed with me." That's how, her archive, a first-of-its-kind in India, took off. "If you are fascinated with history, you will know that India really is a melting pot. Every civilisation has passed through it. And so we have all kinds of DNA in us. And considering photography was discovered two centuries ago, we did have a lot of content to discuss," says Yadav.

She admits that it wasn't as easy to get people to share their photographs or talk about their stories. "But, there needs to be integrity, transparency and you need to earn the trust of your subject. When you have these value systems in place, people are more open. I always thought of the archive as an institution." Funding for the project has been tough, says the archivist. "When I began, I was very clear that I didn't want to become a trust. Unfortunately, that's the channel through which most of the money comes from. But, there's a server and maintenance cost and the site constantly needs to be upgraded. Now, I have started putting in requests for honorariums. The only way I will get money is through a private funder, who is fascinated with the idea, and wants to back it as well. Sometimes, when a good sum comes from my own work as a photographer, part of the profits go to it. At the end of the day, it is an unofficial record of history, and I'm doing my best to sustain it."

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At the heart of No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) is the belief that everyone can dance. This free-form workout in the dark was thought up by Australian dance students Alice Glenn and Heidi Barrett in 2009 in Melbourne as a means to truly let go and express oneself.Creative freelancer and the woman behind the Mumbai chapter, Yooti Bhansali, says, "You can dance like nobody's watching, because nobody can see you and also, they're busy enjoying their new-found freedom. From a small room full of nutty dancers in Melbourne, this community has spread to major cities in Australia, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, New York, and is now Mumbai."

Bhansali heard about NLNL from an Australian friend. Is Mumbai ready for such a thing, we ask. "We've seen music gigs in art galleries, movies in bars and quizzes in microbreweries. So, getting people in a dark room to dance doesn't seem much of a stretch," she says Bhansali has got several queries from people across age groups, who are excited about the prospect of a physical activity that's fun. "It's not a party. It's a place where you dance freely. Of course, you could just dance in the dark in the privacy of your home, but let's be honest — would that be as much fun?"

When: 8am, May 23
Where: The Bandra Base, Baitush Saraf Bldg, TPS III, 29th Off Waterfield Rd, Bandra West
Entry: Rs 399, cash only. Get a friend for free

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When the trailer of Shank’s hit the Internet two years ago, it garnered over 2,00,000 views in under a fortnight. And, why not? Until then we had not really seen stylised montages of modaks and varan bhaat being served in a fine-dining ambience. The trailer had us curious about Ashay Dileep Javadekar’s film, which looked like a documentary. Where is this Shank’s, the Marathi fine-dining place, we wondered. Two years on, with the release of the film online, we have the answers.

The 1 hour, 11 minute-long film, shot on a Canon Powershot and iPhone 6, traces the journey of Shashank Joshi, a man who nurtured and nourished his dream of being a chef, right from his boyhood days in a small town in Maharashtra. We know him, little by little, through his family, especially one cousin he is close to. We know him through his college friend, through food critics and historians, and most importantly, his mentor’s daughter Pauline with whom he has the most extraordinary journey. We see how he had to fight the odds, and nearly give up before he makes his dream a reality.

Bhave in a still from the film

A generous part of the film is made of lush close-up shots of Maharashtrian food that is sure to get Indians, especially those from the state, excited. And for Westerners, well, it’s Indian food like they have never seen before — a far cry from tandoori chicken, paneer masala and dal makhni. The screenplay uses a documentary narrative to tell a fictional story. Javadekar seems to be an ardent believer of the phrase: God is in the details. The care with which each character has been crafted, from dialogues to props and their stories, you forget that none of it is real. That’s also because of the convincing performances the actors bring to the table. Makarand Bhave becomes Shashank, in the controlled passion with which he narrates his story. Playing Pauline Bonnet-Joshi, his partner in crime, is Melissa Ehrlich Blevins. She brings so many moods into her account, from compassion, to vulnerability, excitement, and determination. The supporting cast is also impressive.

Besides telling an absorbing story, Shank’s makes us ponder on questions like how the West perceives Indian cuisine, the importance of educating customers on the food, and also, the gender bias in the industry, a reality that is larger than we wish to acknowledge. Food for thought, quite literally. The film can be streamed seamlessly, at a reasonable price on a pay-per-view platform. Shank’s heroes Maharashtrian food like never before, but, more than that it urges dreamers, aspiring restaurateurs in this case, to make their real voices heard. Minus a few rough edges in production, the film might remind you of Chef’s Table. That’s interesting because when this film was made, Chef’s Table was yet to hit the screen. A word of caution though: Do not watch it on an empty stomach, unless you are looking to work up an appetite.

Log on to: www.njemovies.com
Price: Rs 99

Watch a Panchatantra tale
4 PM: Take your kid for a play, based on a story from the Panchatantra. Written by Vishnu Sharma, Hil Mil Kar, is about how a crow, rat, tortoise and a deer become really good friends and stick together against all problems. This play employs both traditional and modern musical instruments to tell the story.
WHERE: Harkat Studio, Bungalow No. 75,
JP Road, Versova, Andheri West
ENTRY: Rs 200
TO BOOK: insider.in

Dig into nihari gosht
12 PM – 3 PM: Transport yourself to the Royal Era of the Nawabs, with The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar's all-new Dawat-e-Khaas thali, which will allow guests to experience the aromas and taste of Awadhi cuisine. The delicacies include tunday kebab and dum biryanis.
WHERE: The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, Level 9M, The St. Regis, Lower Parel
PRICE: Non-veg: Rs 3,500; veg: Rs 2,500
FOR RESERVATION: 8291926985

Catch a nature exhibition
11 AM – 7 PM: See how fashion photographer Sunder Ramu romances with nature in one-of-a-kind exhibition, The Last Dance of the Leaves. The series of prints of pictures of dry leaves showcases a world that's both real and surreal. At the core of this exhibition lies the simple belief that we must live like a leaf and to remember that if the leaves go extinct, so will we.
WHERE: Tao Art Gallery, 165, The View, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
CALL: 24918585

Go shopping for your dream wedding
10 AM – 10 PM: Have a dream wedding in mind, but need help? The Wedding Story might just be what you're looking for. In its very first edition, the pop-up marketplace will offer a unique shopping experience with the most renowned names in the wedding industry under one roof. There will be a wide range of apparel, beauty and grooming, trousseau essentials, lifestyle products to choose from.
WHERE: 18.99 Latitude, 4th Floor, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
CALL: 9967130313

Discover Bandra of yore
May 27, 8 AM: Witness how the neighbourhood of Bandra is preserving its rich culture at a heritage walk, Bandra's Past and Present. The walk explores the unique physical spaces, character and cultures of contemporary Bandra; it spotlights the neighbourhood's particular history and legacies, and attempts by its communities to preserve the same.
MEETING POINT: Bandra Fort
ENTRY: Rs 850
TO BOOK: eventshigh.com

Enjoy a fruity sangria
7 AM – 1 AM: Sip on some refreshing sangrias at Smoke House Deli and deter away from the sweltering heat. One can choose from three uplifting options such as the rosso, melon and bianco. The sangrias come infused with tropical fruits like apples and pomegranate.
WHERE: Smoke House Deli, 33rd Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West
PRICE: Rs 699
CALL: 65287800

Draw a flamenco dancer on canvas
4 PM: Explore your creativity, by painting a flamenco dancer. This will be a guided session, shedding light on the strokes, sketches and techniques to help you paint better.
WHERE: SodaBottleOpenerWala, Sentinel, Powai
ENTRY: Rs 1,850
TO BOOK: insider.in

Paint a mug
1 PM – 4 PM: Beer and coffee lovers, this one is for you. At a fun workshop, you will learn how to paint your beer/coffee mug in five easy steps. You will first pick your mug, after which you'll choose a design or create your own, colour it and give it a name. You will get to take it back home after seven days.
WHERE: Doolally Taproom, 1st Floor,
135 Kwality House, Kemps Corner
ENTRY: R1,500
TO BOOK: eventshigh.com

Order of the day
Set the tone for the week
8 pm onwards: There's no rule that says you must let the Monday morning blues carry on till way after sundown. How about starting the week on a musical note then? Gather your gang and head to this karaoke night, where you can unleash your inner Madonna or Enrique or whoever is your crooning idol.
21 Monday
Where: Tipsy Gypsy, Level 1, Fun Republic,
Link Road, Andheri West
Call: 7021857037

Listen to acoustic fusion
7.30 pm: Bhrigu Sahni is a singer-songwriter known for his acoustic compositions. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Sahni is a graduate from Berklee College of Music. He uses altered tunings and flamenco techniques on the acoustic guitar to create a very different kind of soundscape. Give him a listen.
22 Tuesday
Where: The Cuckoo Club, Pali Hill, Bandra West
Entry: Rs 350
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

Get your mid-week break
8 pm onwards: If the words "unlimited sangria" is music to your ears, you would not want to give this a miss. Forget about the long work day and unwind with your poison, along with a buffet. What's more, you can actually dive into this DIY sangria and stir up a fancy concoction according to your taste.
23 Wednesday
Where: BKC Dive, Pinnacle Corporate Part, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
Entry: Rs 299 onwards
Call: 8655077330

Watch them fight it out
7.30 pm to 9.30 pm: Burqa Boxers is a documentary about Muslim women boxers in Kolkata. These youngsters who face the grim reality of abuse and rape daily, dream of a better future by learning boxing from Razia Shabnam, one of India's first female boxing coaches.
24 Thursday
Where: The Bagel Shop, Anand Vila,
Pali Mala Road, Bandra West
Entry: Rs 250
Log on to: www.instamojo.com

Attend a pro talk
4 pm to 6 pm: Get your dose of wisdom this week from global icon Niladri Kumar, who is a fifth-generation sitar player, and inventor of the zitar. Hear Kumar speak of his musical journey, his understanding of genres and the challenges he managed to conquer.
25 Friday
Where: Soundideaz Academy, Shah Industrial Estate, Andheri West
FREE entry
Call: 7045781807

Dance with your child
11 am to 12.30 pm: This one's for the mothers in the house. If you've wanted your little one to learn how to dance, here's a novel way of getting them started. Instead of sending them to a school, which could be a long-term option, you can actually match your own steps with them.
26 Saturday
Where: Impulse Studio, Tej Gaurav House, Matunga East
Entry: Rs 500
Call: 9987157242

Sample prints from Bengal
Prints from Bengal is an exhibition that features works that date back to the early 20th century by artists of Bengal, who lived through tumultuous periods in history. Think Partition of Bengal, Swadeshi movement, and the subsequent reunion of the state in 1911. The artists whose works will be featured are Gaganendranath Tagore, Mukul Dey, Ramendra Nath Chakraborty, Ramkinkar Baij and Rani Chanda. The prints range from lino-cuts to lithographs that reflect the history of the print-making process, while focusing on forms, structure, texture and use of negative and positive space. Interestingly, many of the works exhibited in Mumbai for the first time, recall the history of the venue of Project 88 that was once a century-old metal printing press.
When: 11 am to 7 pm,
till June 16
Where: Project 88, Colaba
Call: 22810066

Bite into cherry blossom specials
If Japan seems too far at the moment, this could be a close second, at least, food wise. Partake in a sushi-sake festival wherein the menu includes popular Japanese delicacies like a vegetarian miso soup, a sashimi sampler with varieties of salmon, tuna, scallops and hamachi paired with the Hakushika Honjozo Namachozo sake. You can also savour modern spin-offs like sushi burgers. The sake serving is of 60ml per course.
When: 12 pm to 1 am
Where: Pa Pa Ya, all outlets
Entry: Rs 2,199 for veg and Rs 2,999 for non-veg

Get started on Haiku
You've heard and read about haiku, and perhaps have been contemplating trying it out too. This workshop, conducted by Neha Bahuguna is good to get you started. Bahuguna, who is a NID graduate, has a multi-disciplinary approach and has, over the years, worked as a lyricist, writer and conducted storytelling and poetry workshops.
When: 3 pm, May 25
Where: ARTISANS' Gallery, Kala Ghoda
Entry: Rs 1,500
Log on to: insider.in

Watch a film on Pushkar
In Pushkar Puran, filmmaker Kamal Swarup explores the ancient myths and politicking of Indian gods, as the water in the Pushkar lake turns holy. The director has captured the exuberant goings on of this quaint lake town during the Pushkar Mela, revisiting its sacred stories and myths. The film has been beautifully shot by Ashok Meena and Kumar Avyaya.
When: 8.30 to 10.30 pm,
May 26
Where: Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar 2, JP Road, Versova, Andheri West
Entry: Rs 349
Log on to: insider.in

Hear music from the roots
Catch the duo Maati Baani, comprising vocalist Nirali Kartik and composer Kartik Shah. They are known for creating music rooted in traditions but set in a contemporary sound.
When: 8.30 pm, May 24
Where: Sharyans Audeus, Andheri West
Entry: R1,000
call: 26735115

Sign up for this app
Shilpa is an attractive, interactive, user-friendly phone app, touted to be the most popular app of 2018. It can sing, dance, and follow all your commands.
C Sharp B Blunt is a solo performance by Pallavi Arun, that takes a satirical look at the extent to which the female form is objectified. The app, Shilpa, ticks all the boxes in how women should behave with men. Until, of course, the next update is due.
When: 9 pm, May 24 to May 25
Where: Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Log on to: www.bookmyshow.com

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Over a phone call from Kolkata, Vikram Rajan*, an audio engineer and guitarist formerly based out of Mumbai, wants us to listen to a track that he has composed. It's available on Soundcloud and, as we stream it, we more or less agree that its flavour of electronica-jazz could accompany a languorous Sunday evening. "For a long time, I had been unable to come up with something good. And, then, I composed this around March while I was microdosing and sometimes, megadosing on acid," says Rajan.

The 33-year-old is referring to a way-of-life that's effectively snapping the ties between drug abuse and the creative arts. This is a lifestyle experiment that some of the brightest techies in Silicon Valley are engaging in, and has got psychiatrists and anti-drug crusaders distraught. "From a 100 mics paper, I take about 20 mics, twice a week, giving the doses a 2-3 days gap. The effects of acid last for about six hours for me," says Rajan, who started experimenting with drugs as a teenager.

After a litany of prescriptions failed to control her mood swings and depression, Ayelet Waldman found relief in LSD. The former federal public defender authored A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Mega Difference in My Mood, My Marriage, and My Life, in 2016. She wrote: "(It) made room in my mind not necessarily for joy, but for insight. It allowed me a little space to consider how to act in accordance with my values, not just react to external stimuli. This, not the razzle-dazzle of pleasure, was its gift." Pic/Getty Images

In need of a quick glossary before we proceed? Acid is officially called Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), a psychedelic drug banned in India, the possession of which can lead to imprisonment from one to 20 years under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. LSD is often illegally sold in the form of stamps, with the hallucinogen embedded on blotter paper. Mics is micrograms, that's one-millionth of a gram. A microdose is when you have about one-tenth of a recreational 'party' dose, which starts at about 200 mics.

"With microdosing, you are not tripping — this is not a trip. The euphoria isn't there. It's not about feeling good, it's about calmness," continues Rajan. Microdosing first hit headlines after Steve Jobs' passed away in 2011, when a number of inspiring tales on how LSD became the new go-to substance for enhanced performance by tech employees hit the net. Espresso became passé. 'Flow states' were the new yoga. While Jobs did more than just microdose (he was known to have gone all the way), Silicon Valley techies are reportedly doing acid in quantities such that their effects are 'sub-perceptual', where you won't "see stuff" but you harness its "positive" effects.

A dropper with CBD cannabis oil, used for medicinal purposes. Initial research in the area has shown that patients can reap the benefits without its full-blown 'high' effects

Paul Austin, founder of The Third Wave, where you will find a manifesto on microdosing, defines it as, "the act of integrating sub-perceptual doses of psychedelics, such as LSD or Psilocybin Mushrooms, into your weekly routine for higher levels of creativity, more energy, increased focus, and improved relational skills." The Third Wave, according to Austin, follows the first two waves, in which psychedelics were used indigenously for thousands of years, and then, in the 60s and 70s, when they were a part of American counterculture. Austin writes that The Third Wave is upon us, "brought about by recent developments in cannabis legalisation and psychedelic research — and it will change the way mainstream culture perceives psychedelic use."

Classically acid, now weed
For Rajan, however, it wasn't sub-perceptual Silicon Valley that got him to ration his 100 mics stamps, each of which costs about R2,000. It was simply a matter of demand and supply. Mumbai had better stuff than Kolkata, and more availability. Microdosing has classically been associated with LSD, but now has been extended to cannabis as well. Austin's website has guided instructions for microdosing on nine drugs, including cannabis and ayahuasca. Mumbai-based communications officer Varna Kumar*, 25, smokes a mandatory post-work joint every night in order to cope with anxiety and panic attacks. "I feel I have worked enough through the day, without much time to understand what I am going through. At night, when I am by myself, I smoke a small joint to achieve REM sleep," she says. The joint, a mix of two strains, sativa and indica, help her body relax. It makes her anxiety seem defeatable, is how she describes it. Her counsellor, who also smokes up, has not advocated this as a coping mechanism. "It's different from when I am smoking up recreationally during the weekend or when I am away on a vacation. I will do three to four joints when I have nothing to take care of," she says.

Rajan doesn't buy it. He offers an example that may be best contemplated upon or contested by those who have done both LSD and cannabis. "With weed, you are either stoned, or you are not. You will need to smoke up as soon as the high wears off. When you get stoned, your mind becomes passive. But, microdosing on LSD allows you to be calm enough to multitask, allowing a lot of information to be funnelled into your brain easily. You are alert, you are awake," he says, adding, "What is LSD all about? When you start tripping, you see a shift in perspective." You need not agree with Rajan, as he himself says, "We are all chemical reactions", with each of us reacting differently to drugs.

Covert, not convenient
Microdosing will often be compared to that hard-earned and well-deserved one drink after work hours. It's nothing like that, microdosers will tell you, and so will psychiatrists and rehab therapists. For one, microdosing has none of the ease of getting a drink at your favourite pub. You will be persecuted in your search for your creative spell or a calmer mind. Next, it's not even like getting a drug prescription that your GP advises you to have for the course of a fortnight. Kumar and Rajan know it all too well. Microdosing means self-experimentation, knowing when you are crossing the threshold into recreational high dosages. Cannabis, for instance, is best microdosed through edibles, like space brownies, which are available legally in some parts of the world. It's probably the reason why microdosing is yet to take on Silicon Valley proportions in India. "Here, we don't often get to know what strain of cannabis we are using, or where it is sourced from," says Kumar. Saying "this stuff is craazzyy" is, therefore, not enough if you want to microdose. "If you are living with family, it's hard to make edibles. All this means that the convenience factor associated with a drink is not the same with this covert process," she adds.

The idea of the junkie, with matted hair and piercings, is a stereotype that microdosing is replacing. It's no longer cool to be a junkie, especially in the vegan-conscious, gluten-free, aerial yoga health lifestyle that we are seeing around us. Microdosing may be the most metrosexual among the various kinds of drug use, and it carries the allure of high-performance and alleviation of mental health issues, with published studies to back these up. But doctors and psychiatrists are warning us about the glamourisation of microdosing, even as research to mainstream it for mental health is going on. Psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh says, "Microdosing encourages the thought process that you need a drug for enhanced performance or better creativity or to calm your nerves. This will mean that students microdose before exams, athletes before a run, couples before a wedding, and the next thing you know, because someone has to attend a birthday bash. There is no end to important situations in life. We are making people believe that a student could have scored an additional five marks in an exam had she just microdosed. Can you imagine the perils of this philosophy?" he says. He backs this up with the number of risks associated with prolonged drug abuse, such as a permanent change in brain circuitry, cerebrovascular diseases, and panic attacks.

Then there are those who will argue that moderation as 'one-drink-a-day' is more addictive than the weekend drunken revelry. Is addiction, even in microdoses, still addiction, where the brain searches for rewards compulsively? Kumar disagrees. "Microdosing is the difference between dependence and addiction. For example, I am dependent on a cab to take me to the station. Can I get through my day without it? Can I walk to the station? Yes, I can. That's what microdosing is. I can get through my day without a joint, but a joint just makes it a little easier," she says.Psychiatrist Dr Yusuf Merchant, who runs a rehabilitation centre at Kalyan, says microdoses pose the risk of turning into overdoses. "With any drug, the body learns to metabolise it faster. Which means, that the quantity for a microdose will keep increasing and your hold on reality will keep getting more tangential."

Rajan himself admits to a 'bad trip'. LSD users will tell you that recreational doses are best done in settings that you feel comfortable in, to enjoy, or cope, with the hallucinations. With microdosing, you are headed into your office or your studio to function better. Rajan had once taken more than a microdose, leading him to have a panic attack, the kind where he couldn't even see his hands. The golden rule, he says, is that if you don't go on a full trip, you will never know what a microdose is.

That ailing pain
The push for microdosing is coming from a quarter where its future seems to be most secured — pain management. Mumbai-based homemaker Susheela Kamath*, 48, was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer a couple of years ago, and having undergone nearly a year's worth of chemotherapy and radiation, the accompanying pain and nausea, were all too real. Her daughter provided her with high-grade hash oil. The dealer provided her with a tiny spoon, the kind that you are handed inflight to stir your coffee with. "I had to initially understand, through a lot of trial and error, by gauging my mother's mood, on what a microdose for her would be. Hash oil is very potent," says the daughter.

A little drop of it on her toast every day, helped Kamath cope with pain. "From the third day to the tenth day after chemotherapy, my mother would have about three to four spoons a day, and, on other days, just half a spoon," says the daughter. Coping with the pain meant she could do more during her day, and also have an appetite. Now, months after she has wound up chemotherapy and radiation, she has bid adieu to the prescription drugs that came along with it, and the hash oil as well, without yearning for that high. Unfortunately, unlike medical grade marijuana that is available in some countries, and still not permitted in India, the daughter did not know if the oil had cannabidiol (CBD), which gives marijuana its medical properties, or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives you the "high".

Dr Kailash Kothari, interventional spine and pain management specialist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, says that there is not enough evidence to either prove or disprove that microdosing on cannabis can help with pain management, the way opioids, such as morphine, act on the nervous system. "Do cannabinoids work like tranquilisers or do they have long-term effect? There is not enough research as of now," he says, adding, "Getting dependent on these takes a lot of time and not something that can happen in about 15 days of use." In the meanwhile, you can enjoy a night of quiet or a better track on Soundcloud by rationing your stash. But, is it short-term solace or long-term abuse?

*All names have been changed on request to protect identity

Artworks by Mehmet Guleryuz

"I am a representative, a child, a product, of the 1968 generation. I am a witness and a participant, a reactionary and an activist who was shaped by and responded to the changing social and political climate of my times. I have always seen every aspect of that which surrounds us as political, and I have always felt duty-bound to respond to these things as an artist," says Mehmet Güleryüz about the impact of the political climate of Turkey on his creative process. Evident through the fervent strokes seen in his artworks, the 80-year-old artist, one of the biggest names to emerge from the contemporary art scene of the country, has indeed responded to the many changes that have simmered around him over his 55-year career. The artist speaks about his creative journey as an actor, teacher and an artist, with the opening of his first show in the city, On The Road.

How has theatre affected your style of art?
My talent and gift for painting in parallel to that of my love of the fine arts as a whole forced me to take a leap into my simultaneous passion of theatre. You could say that I learned painting in the theatre. The problems that I had in reaction to the classic way in which the arts were taught forced me to make a choice to leave the field of fine arts studies and pursue an education/career in the performing arts. As a result of studying acting studio methodologies and our "emotion works", it also offered the scope where even though one was bound within the guidelines of the script, there was the opportunity to rediscover a new aspect. This gave me the invaluable opportunity to return to painting with my own methodology and vision, to understand what it was that I needed to do in painting. My very nature was open to improvisation, and to a sort of action painting that was in harmony with this sort of an expression and what I could call the foundation stone of my art.

How would you like to reiterate the importance of drawing to upcoming artists?
The act of drawing is open to everyone. It doesn't differentiate nor does it reject or exclude anyone. Everyone can, essentially, draw. The person who is responsible for that line, who can understand that when s/he draws, s/he only gains the identity of a painter after his or her decision to become a master of it.

Could you tell us about the paintings in this exhibition?
Although this is a selection from a different period of time covering over 40 years, it does not cover all processes. It contains only partial information of a very long journey. But at its core, it is always predominantly weighted in the human condition.

Has your journey to India inspired you in any way so far?
For anyone who cannot directly or intimately connect with it, India could be considered tera-incognita. It could be said to contain the unknown, but that which must definitively be discovered and experienced and learned from. Just imagine what this means for an artist, for someone like me. This is an experience which I am relishing and enjoying very much.

Till: April 24
At: Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda
From: April 26 to May 30
At: Jamaat, Colaba
Call: 22820718

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Shades of red, bordeaux, pink and yellow are the key emanating colours this summer. Along with these colours, core summer essentials like white and blue also build foundations of the wardrobe. Prernaa Lohiya, Marketing Manager, French Connection, and Samantha Chilton, Head of Design KOOVS, have listed seven best summer fashion trends you must look out for. 

1. Fun and message-driven slogan T-shirts: Fun and message-driven slogan T-shirts that speak your mind, some core checkered shirts and athleisure inspired look for men are big this season. For women, soft florals and fashion infused athleisure is here to stay.

2. Side-striped bottoms and popper pants: Some of the other trends this season include side striped bottoms and popper pants.

3. Summer dresses in pastel shades: For a more ethereal look, you can choose pretty summer dresses in pastel hues as well.

4. Florals, solids, and patterns in green: The new hot colour for the summer is green and this can be seen in the form of florals, solids and patterns.

5. Bohemian grunge: It is also that time of the season when Bohemian grunge and festival dressing is popular including details like studding, lace inserts and broderie.

6. Neon camo and digital oversized sleeveless shirts for men: Men can add an element of exploration, with utility and military accents. Also this season it's all about the prints; from contrasting resort florals to neon camo and digital oversized sleeveless shirts.

7. Embroidered denim jacket: For layering, denim works wonders in summer and one can pick an embroidered denim jacket to layer a look with clean slip ons.

This summer, let your clothes speak your mind and add bright hues to your wardrobe to make a fashionable statement, say experts.

(Edited by mid-day online desk, with inputs from IANS)

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50,000
The approximate books in the library of what used to be Mahatma Gandhi's Bombay headquarters during the freedom struggle

360
Books read by Gandhi that are housed in the museum

45
Books written by Gandhi that are part of the collection log on to gandhi-manibhavan.org

Six
The number of double decker tram models in the collection, which ran in the city from 1920 to 1964. Two of them are still functional

One
A trolley bus model that ran on an electric route between Gowalia Tank and Mazgaon from 1962 to 1971

Five
The total types of ticket-issuing machines in the museum log on to bestundertaking.com

82,795
Total documents (the oldest being from 1830s; with papers revealing the genesis of the company, and architectural and technical drawings including those of typewriter keyboards in regional languages)

52,006
Photographs (oldest being from 1880s with some taken by well-known industrial photographer Mitter Bedi in 1970s) in the archives

1,266
Memorabilia (including the ballot box made for the first election of independent India, along with models of typewriters, that of a refrigerator from 1958, steel cupboard from 1930s, safes, etc.)
Log on to: archives.godrej.com

780
Clay models in the collection of the oldest museum in the city

92
Miniature paintings

230
Total metal objects including artefacts in brass, bronze, copper, bell metal, koftagiri, bidri and photographs on metal
Log on to: bdlmuseum.org

60,000
Total exhibits, which include paintings, sculptures and numismatic

5,000
Natural history specimens in the collection of which 430 are currently on display

2,000
Chinese and Japanese art exhibits in the collection of which 1,100 are on display

4,000
Indian and non-Indian paintings and prints
Log on to: csmvs.in

10,000
Total exhibits of Indian coinage, paper currency, financial instruments and monetary curiosities

1,500
Exhibits that provide a ringside view of the birth of currencies
Log on to: rbi.org.in

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Love shopping online? There are many ways you can adapt to save money or get more benefit from the deal, say experts. Ramakant Khandelwal, Chief Marketing Officer at PayBack India, and Abhishek Agarwal, CEO and Founder, Globepanda, suggest how to save money:

Compare prices (automatically): You need to simply download a small robotic tool (in the form of chrome extension) which can instantaneously compare price of a product, that you are viewing at an e-commerce site, across most of the leading e-commerce merchants. It can confirm if the price you are seeing is the lowest across, or you should switch to another e-commerce merchant where it is the lowest. You can also set price alerts which will notify you at the right time when your desired product will be available online.

Free shipping: Always keep an eye on e-commerce platform who offer free shipping facilities. But mostly they put a cap of minimum order value, which leaves you with no choice but to exceed your budget to avail it. To overcome this, you can either upgrade your membership for an annual fee or club your purchases or with your friends, so that your cart value is above the minimum amount.

Read reviews about gifts, coupons, and discount: A lot of buyers are lured into buying from a particular site just because they offer free gifts, coupons and discounts. However, the gifts, cash backs and coupons may not really be a lucrative deal when you compare the after discount price of the product with the actual price on other sites. Moreover, the free gifts sometimes are really a thing you have no use for so read about it before you go ahead and order.

Exchange offers: Many e-commerce merchants provide exchange offers to customers wherein they can exchange their old product with a brand new one and pay off the effective final price. Make sure that your product qualifies for the offer. One good way to track such offers is to get a newsletter subscription. Hence stay updated about the best exchange offers.

Look for reward points: Reward point is a nice topping without any effort or cost. If you are only a little bit more aware you can easily earn extra points, offers and rewards on your online purchases. Sometimes, all it takes, is that you start your journey from an affiliate partner and get extra points. Points can be redeemed against attractive e-vouchers of several online portals ranging from fashion, gadgets and travel.

Adopt a saving strategy: Sometimes people register on an affiliate network and buy all things from that account which gives cash back on nearly every deal. This is a great way to save money on every purchase. Also, sometimes the price of a product you are interested in is lower in the incognito window as the seller has a tool in place which inflates the price of things a customer is interested in and has searched online in the past.

Additional offers: Most of the e-commerce merchants offer credit / debit card specific offers either in terms of discount or cashback, from time to time, which easily add to your savings. In addition to this, purchase via app can also get special deals, cashbacks and discounts.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

When we first lay our hands on Pashmina, we didn't know what to expect. And that perhaps, is one of the first indications of a good read. A coming-of-age graphic novel which explores the relationship between an Indian-American mother and her teenage daughter, illustrator and writer Nidhi Chanani's Pashmina (HarperCollins) is filled with magic and tied together in such a heartfelt narrative, it would be a challenge not to find bits of your own life in it.

Chanani says her affair with illustration began long ago and that the first step was to fall in love with art, which began when she started drawing as a child. The birth of Pashmina, she says, can be traced back to that phase of her life as well. "My inspiration for Pashmina came from a variety of sources: my mom, growing up in the US, my first trip to India, and the choices women make — all of these things are woven into the story. When I was younger my parents would travel to India often. When they returned, their suitcases had a pungent, almost magical smell — from a place that seemed very far away. I was probably 10 years old. Opening their suitcase made me feel close to this other world. In a way, I believe this story has been with me since then."

The relationship between Priyanka, the protagonist, and her mother hits home the hardest, in that it is an apt depiction of the dichotomy that characterises a quintessential Indian mother — egging us to be freer than they were but also being restrictive at the same time. Explaining what this depicts for her, Chanani says, "As I wrote Pashmina, it also became about the relationship between an immigrant mother and a first-generation daughter. Touching upon the layers of understandings and misunderstandings, I explored my own relationship with my mom. Priyanka, is a teenager and being one is hard enough, especially if you are glaringly different. Many of Priyanka's struggles are ones I experienced myself. She is not only racially different, she's a nerdy teacher's pet, she comes from a single-parent household, and doesn't have as much money as her Orange County counterparts. Her mother struggles to understand her and raise her with her Indian beliefs and values."

Nidhi Chanani

The story comes full circle when Priyanka finally visits Kolkata, her hometown (as well as Nidhi's) in a quest to understand more about her roots. Travelling solo to the country of her heritage forces Priyanka to break free of her sheltered life and grow up, to face herself and begin the process of seeing her mother as a whole person. "I wanted to explore a different path to India than I had experienced. My teenage understanding of India was tainted by poverty-stricken, third world imagery. How wonderful would it be if a young person learned about their culture through only positive representations? That's the root of Pashmina; opening a suitcase and travelling to a fantasy version of India where a character can learn about their heritage in a favourable light," Chanani says. While some aspects of Priyanka's life are similar to hers, the story is not autobiographical. "I love samosas and comics! However, unlike Priyanka, I grew up close to my family in India. Fortunately for me, I wasn't so alone," she shares.

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(From left) Muazzam and Rizwan

While most Indian music aficionados consider Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as legendary Pakistani Sufi singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's only successor, his nephews Rizwan and Muazzam are also making a mark across the world. The Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali Group, which comprises the brothers (lead singers), five secondary vocalists, two harmonium players and a tabla player, performed at the recently concluded Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

To take their family's five-century-old legacy forward and shoulder the responsibility of being Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's nephews is no mean feat for the musician duo. "Nusrat saab's music was great. The expectations motivate us to work hard and keep up with his legacy," says Muazzam, as he talks about their greatest learning from their uncle-guru, Khan. "The fact that we can perform in front of a huge audience and impress them with our recitals is because of him. His teachings have helped us master the art of ghazals and qawwalis. Besides being an amazing artist, he was also an amazing teacher and person. Whatever we are today is because of his teachings."

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Though they perform different genres, their specialisation lies in qawwali and ghazals. "We also perform spiritual and contemporary music, and collaborate with musicians from across the world, but qawwalis and ghazals are our first love," says Rizwan.

While Rahat has explored Hindi film music and enjoys a huge fan base in India, the duo is also keen to do more work here. "We enjoyed visiting India a couple of years ago for a multi-city tour. We performed in seven cities, including Mumbai. It was an enriching experience as the audience in every city was warm," says Rizwan, adding that the duo counts Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ranjit Barot, Sivamani and L Subramaniyam among their favourite Indian musicians.

Expressing their wish to venture into Hindi film music, Muazzam says that they would love to collaborate with Indian composers. "Since Bollywood welcomes budding artistes warmly and gives them opportunities, we want to explore Hindi film music soon. In fact, Pritam da reached out to us and expressed an interest in getting us on board for his films. We are looking forward to working with him," he says.

Meanwhile, they are currently exploring the indie music space in India and working on an independent track with an Indian artist — they won't tell us who. "We are also in talks with a few music labels in India," says Muazzam.

Also Read: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Backs Out Of Recording Fearing Pakistan Backlash

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Illustration/Uday Mohite

Several years ago, when Dr Karanvir Singh was pursuing his doctorate in the field of applied psychology, he stumbled upon an interesting find. The focus of his PhD was relationships. What he surmised from those years of research and interviews was that "if people enjoyed good relationships with their partner, it also positively influenced and affected other areas of their lives too." But Singh, who now works as a relationship empowerment coach, believes that romantic utopia isn't possible, until one develops a perfect relationship with themselves.

Karanvir Singh

Having conducted over 55 workshops on relationship management across the globe, Singh is conducting a session for singles - My Perfect Welationship - that will equip participants with the right tools to create their happily ever after. The two-hour-long session, which will involve games apart from examination of case studies, will walk you through three main topics.

"First, it's important to define what is a right relationship," says Singh. While there is no ideal relationship, having false notions about love can be detrimental, he adds. Singh will also reflect on the need for "creating an inventory" of the kind of behaviour one is looking for, from their potential partners. "Top on this list is the non-negotiable ones," he says, adding that he will also discuss ways where one can spot the red flag in romance. Lastly, he will suggest ways of breaking the communication barrier. "When communication between two people is more aligned, half the conflicts can be gotten rid of," he says.

WHERE: Ninos Nook, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Breach Candy
ENTRY: Rs 2,000
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

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Palash Kothari. Pic Courtesy/Fahama Sawant

It's a hot, toasty afternoon in Mumbai. We can see bits of the pumpkin-coloured sky through the window blinds. The phone rings once, twice. On the other end is 21-year-old Palash Kothari aka Sparkle and Fade. "I really don't know what to expect," Kothari admits, speaking about his upcoming gig with Bengaluru-based producer-drummer duo Nikhil Narendra and Shreyas Dipali.

The Fringe is a new gig series to be launched in the city, which will feature artistes who create hybrid music. "Hybrid is very open. It can be analogue or digital, classical or jazz, acoustic or electronic, basically the coming together of conventional and non-conventional methods," explains Sainath Bhagwat, programmer at Mixtape, a Mumbai-based artist and event management company.

Nikhil Narendra + Shreyas Dipali. Pic courtesy/Mayuresh Vartak

"In the current scenario, there's a bulk of electronic and live music being made, which cannot be performed/consumed in a traditional club space. The idea for this night was born out of a collective desire to create a platform to showcase these artists in the right environment," Sainath adds.

Unsure of what to call Kothari's music, we dawdle between electronic and bedroom producer (a term used for musicians making and producing experimental music in their bedrooms) hoping to understand the use of Hindustani classical samples in his older EPs. "I am not sure what to call my music either. I began playing the synth when I was three and then, I trained in Hindustani classical. That was my first step into music, so the influence comes from wanting to put a little bit of me as a child into the music I make now," he elaborates.

"I was listening to pop and EDM in high school. Swedish House Mafia's concert in India inspired me to finally put my music out. Then I got bored, because it wasn't satisfying. So, I started making music that I felt right about. I mellowed down a little as a person and I guess that comes through in the sound, which is more solitary now," he says.

For Kothari, while the influences are aplenty, not mimicking takes conscious effort. "I am working on something now. So, I am going to stop listening to other music because it's difficult not to emulate them. I don't see any point in making music that already exists. In effect, this will probably also be my last gig before my new stuff is out," he signs off.

ON: May 10, 9 pm onwards
AT: The Quarter, Royal Opera House, Girgaum.
LOG ON: TO insider.in
CALL: 8329110638
COST: Rs 499

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Innovation Driven Approach and Creative Content Soars Radio City’s Share% to 12.4% (Source: RAM, Delhi, 12+ All)
Mumbai : May 08, 2018: Radio City 91.1FM, India’s leading radio network, backed by its innovative and enriching content has yet again dominated the capital city of India, emerging as a strong no.2 radio station as per the RAM (Radio Audience Measurement) ratings in Delhi for the week 12-15, 2018. Pioneering unique 360-degree intellectual properties spread across entertainment genres and superiority in programming content helped, Radio City secure a remarkable Share% of 12.4% over the past four weeks.
Radio City is #2 based on Share % in Delhi. (Source: RAM, Markets: Delhi, Demographic: 12+ All, Statistic: % Share, Daypart: Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am, Place of Listening: All, Week 12-15 2018).

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Abraham Thomas, CEO, Radio City said, "We are very excited to see growth in reach for Radio City in Delhi over the past few weeks. These ratings reinforce the loyalty conferred by our listeners in the city and encourages us to continue our effort in providing them with enriching content. Our innovation first approach has truly paid off as we can see that our station has emerged No.2 in Delhi amongst listeners and advertiser. Truly Dilli ki Rag Rag Mein Daude Radio City”

Radio City has also emerged as the No.1 player as per the latest RAM ratings In Bangalore with Share % of 25.4% Source: RAM, Market: Bangalore, Demographic: 12+ All, Statistic: % Share, Daypart: Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am, Place of Listening: All, Week 12-15 2018). Radio City ranks No 1 in Mumbai with Share % of 16.5% Source: RAM, Market: Mumbai, Demographic: 25-44 Sec AB, Statistic: % Share, Daypart: Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am, Place of Listening: All, Week 12-15 2018).

Radio City’s consistent top rating once again proves its popularity in one of the most competitive and prominent markets by providing its listeners with innovative and clutter breaking content

About Radio City 91.1FM:

Radio City, a part of Music Broadcast Limited (MBL) is a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. Radio City was the first FM radio broadcaster in India and brings with it over 16 years of expertise in the radio industry. as on March 31, 2017, Radio City reached out to over 52.5 million listeners in 23 cities covered by AZ Research (Source: AZ Research Report).

Music Broadcast Limited currently has 39 stations, including 11 newly acquired stations in Phase III auctions. Radio City in its third phase expands to Kanpur Ajmer, Kota, Bikaner, Udaipur, Patiala, Patna, Jamshedpur, Nasik, Kolhapur and Madurai.

Radio City has spearheaded the evolution of FM radio programming by offering content that is unique and path-breaking. The network introduced humor and the concept of agony aunt on radio with Baber Sher and Love Guru respectively. It also initiated the Radio City Freedom Awards and provided a launch pad to budding singers with Radio City Super Singer, the first-of-its-kind radio talent show in India. Through its ‘Rag Mein Daude City’ philosophy, the network has adopted a local approach that resonates with the listeners while inculcating a sense of city pride and infusing local culture and flavour on-air. The network provides terrestrial programming along with 51 other web-stations, through its digital interface, www.radiocity.in.

Radio City has been featured consistently in ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute. The network has repeatedly been called out as amongst the best in the media industry. In 2017, the company was included in the list for the 6th time.

For further details, log on to www.radiocity.in

Representational picture

New Delhi: Jewellery is timeless but when it comes to trends, every season, occasion and era brings with it a wave of intriguing new designs so make sure you are opting for the right pieces this season. Ishu Datwani, Founder of Anmol Jewellers, lists some tips.

• The big jewellery trend to look forward to in 2018 will be very classic European with designs and finish in an international tone.
• Classic diamond jewellery with statement diamonds and precious coloured gemstones like emeralds, rubies and tanzanite is expected to trend in 2018.
• Jewellery set in rose gold is another very popular trend as rose gold gives a very classy, elegant and luxurious look and works well for Indian skin tones.
• When it comes to bridal jewellery, diamonds will continue to shine as the eternal charm of Polki is here to lead the show.
• Samir Sagar, Director, Manubhai Jewellers, agrees that rose gold is expected to continue shining in 2018, especially in the lightweight segment.
• The metal has become popular as the warm pink hue brings with it a dash of luxury and can be clubbed with yellow gold and white gold jewellery too.
• Daily wear lightweight jewellery studded with diamonds in pink gold is trending amongst the young, urban, working women. The USP of these diamond collections is that they give the wearer the pleasure of adorning the luxury metal with diamonds on an everyday basis as the range starts from Rs 35,000 only.
• In bridal jewellery segment, Jadau continues to be in trend.
• Gold chokers with long kanthas studded in kundan karigari with colourful gemstones in hues of green, pink, red, blues and pearls have become a new trend, especially with Bollywood divas donning the same for reel and real life weddings.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Representational picture

New Delhi: With the summer heat scorching and the mercury level soaring, comfort is a serious concern for many. In this scenario, selecting the right fabric is a necessity so opt for the right clothing that makes you feel fresh. Designers Prarena Grover and Dhruv Sehgal list some must haves fabrics and few avoidable ones.

Must have fabrics
Cotton: Beyond any doubt pick up that cotton dress or the cotton shirt from your wardrobe. It not only makes you look smart and elegant but also scores high on the comfort level.
Reason: During summer it is a general tendency to sweat a lot and in such a situation cotton is just the apt fabric that absorbs this sweat. This helps in giving the much required relief and helps in cooling down your body temperature. In addition, cotton fabric gives you a relief if you are prone to any allergic reaction. Thus, cotton is just too apt for your sensitive skin.

Linen: The pastel coloured linen wear is just so perfect for your summer days. Fret no more and choose the right linen wear for yourself.
Reason: Tired of threat of unnecessary sweat? Considering that linen is highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat it helps in keeping your body free of moisture. So, the linen dress or blouse not just feels good to touch but also quickly removes your perspiration during the summer days.

Khadi: Khadi saris to the dress to shirts, it is the perfect wear for your summer evening.
Reason: Khadi is that handloom fabric which uses no chemicals in manufacturing. This skin friendly hand oven, organic fabric is just too perfect for your summer days.

Sheer: This is the ideal fabric for humid days. It is the fall and the interesting cut of the fabric makes it a must-have in your summer days.
Reason: As a fabric usually meant for wedding gowns or floral costumes or stockings or lingerie sheer does very little in the way of warmth for the wearer. This is the reason why it is one of the favourite fabrics for summer wear.

Avoidable fabrics

• Denim: Denim is a strict no for your summer days. It hugs your body too much and creates unnecessary suffocation in summer.
• Synthetic wear: Never indulge in a mix fabric in summer. It creates discomfort and may sometimes cause skin infections in this regard.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Beards are to men what make-up is to women, and a quick Internet search of actors in a pre- and post-beard phase will confirm this. Such has been the impact and acceptance of facial hair that they have gradually crossed the barriers of hipsterdom to find their way to boardrooms. But are corporate firms with a strict formal dress code open to men with beards?

"We have a strict dress code, where a shabby demeanour is unacceptable. We even keep daily checks; employees cannot walk into the office in jeans or sports shoes, especially when they have client interactions. But full beards are not a concern. We have employees with full beards and twirled moustaches," says Sudhir Dhar, CHRO – director HR, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Dr Sujaya Banerjee

Rohan Vaswani, CHRO, Nexus Malls, a fully owned subsidiary of investment firm Blackstone Group, shares a similar thought. The company follows a formal dress code from Monday to Thursday and smart casuals on Friday. "You can't walk into the office with your shirt not tucked in or in bright blue trousers. But beards, if they are well-kept, are fine," shares Vaswani.

Dress to impress
"The first impression is created by the physical appearance of a person; it's later that you have an interaction and people get influenced by your personality. So, if you seem shabby, you create a perception even before you talk," says Dhar.

He adds that as long as one is confident of carrying it off and not look out of place, a beard is acceptable.

Rohan Vaswani

"We conduct training on executive presence — how to look, behave and dress like a leader. These aspects are now becoming increasingly important as often, you find that people are competent but they don't make it beyond a point because they don't look like the part or someone who can represent the organisation before multiple stakeholders. It's not about good looks but about appearance. A haircut and a well-groomed beard are a part of this understanding. You can't have a two-day stubble where you look like you have just woken up and come to work. We actually check if there's a valid reason behind an unkempt stubble: Is the employee unwell? Or is he battling a low?" says Dr Sujaya Banerjee, CEO and founder of Capstone People Consulting.

Do you shave before an interview?
Most HR personnel we spoke to felt there's no middle ground; you either opt for the clean-shaven look or wear a groomed full beard. "It's better to shave off a two-day stubble and not go in between. It can be interpreted as a sign of laziness," warns Dhar.

"I am more interested in knowing if a person has the right competence and capability for the job. The older generation, however, associates beards with carelessness and mistrust. Traditionally, even in films, the bearded guy will always be the villain or from the underworld. If a full beard is groomed, it's fine. Long hair is not allowed. You are not an artist or performer, you are corporate. Hence, certain norms remain. We allow personal freedom as long as you stay well-groomed," adds Banerjee.

Make a bearded impact
"Some people look smarter with a beard," says Dhar. Vaswani feels that real estate companies are often promoter-driven, and the vision of the promoter and the top management often reflects on the staff where people would go the extra mile to keep with the image. "Those with gaunt features can look fuller with a beard. It also saves you the trouble of having to shave every day. A good beard can actually help you appear stronger. Also, today, people look for organisations where individuality is encouraged, where you can bring your authentic self to work. It's motivating to be in an organisation where you can express who you are, as long as it doesn't hamper business. So, if the beard is within acceptable parameters, all's well," says Banerjee.

Grooming tips
Keep it clean
Wash your beard three times a week to prevent the build-up of dead skin cells.
Keep it moisturised Oil your beard daily to keep it soft and moisturised.
Shape it up
Trim your beard when you see stray hair or as desired to maintain the shape. Repeat this once every two weeks when you want to maintain a consistent length.
Kaushal Pratab, founder, Shepherd For Men 

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Stretching from the imposing skyrises of Colaba and Malabar Hill to the fishermen's colonies in Worli, the prestigious VVIP Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency is the richest in the country making it a high-stakes affair for the two main contestants - Shiv Sena sitting MP Arvind G. Sawant and rival Milind M. Deora of the Congress.

Despite being wealthy, the constituency is barely 'generous' in exercising its franchise - it was way back in 1967, when George Fernandes won on a single point agenda of providing sufficient water supply to all, that 67.42 per cent electorate voted.

Again in 1991, the voting percentage plummeted to an abysmal 38.65, giving credence to the belief that people in high-rises remain indifferent to the political process. But in 2014 the percentage went up to a modest 52.48.

The population of Mumbai South is approximately 20 lakh and the voter strength is 14,85,846 including 15 per cent of some of the country's richest, a large 70 per cent dollop of middle-class and a sprinkling of 15 per cent eking out an existence in slums in what is one of the few fully urbanized constituencies of India.

Unconcerned by the turnout figures, Shiv Sena's Sawant exudes is optimistic of winning again.

"I am the voice of the masses and the classes. I have been present whenever and wherever I was needed in the past five years," Sawant told IANS.

On his rival Deora, he shot back: "Where was he for the past four years and nine months? This is what commoners and business community ask me. It is my work for all sections and my contacts with the masses that will decide the election."

Though incommunicado despite repeated attempts by IANS, the former Union Minister Deora has remained unflustered by the opposition barbs.

After all, in a political-corporate coup of sorts, last fortnight, he secured the open support of key players from India Inc, sending panic waves in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Sena combine.

Ranked as one of the most cosmopolitan constituencies, Mumbai South is beset with many problems that have remained unresolved over the years.

"There are hundreds of old buildings, ancient sewage lines, house gullies, traffic congestion and slum pockets in Darukhana, BPT, Colaba and Worli which are of great concern," Waris Pathan, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's sole Mumbai MLA, told IANS.

Though there is the ambitious Coastal Road project coming up, Patyan says "a lot will depend on its implementation, or it will be disastrous for the entire city".

Besides, there is the gnawing problem of security in the region which has witnessed two of the worst terror strikes in the country - the 1993 serial bomb blasts and the 2008 terror strikes.

Not surprising, since this constituency is home to the country's most affluent business districts which contribute hugely to the national exchequer, some of the poshest residential complexes, Indian and foreign banks, and national and international firms are headquartered here.

There are also offices of global corporates, airlines, embassies, luxury hotels, swanky restaurants and pubs, global tourist attractions, open shopping plazas, malls and multiplexes, reputed schools, colleges, an array of heritage buildings, the official residences of Maharashtra Governor, Chief Minister, the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and other judges, the Legislature and the Mantralaya.

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Voting day is here, but not all of us remember how exactly to go about it. Don't worry, mid-day's refresher has it all covered. Among the most important things to remember is to not forget to carry any one of the 11 accepted identity proof documents (see: Valid proof of identity) and to not use your mobile phone in and around the polling booth. Voting begins at 7 am sharp and will last until 6 pm.

While some of us may have got the voting slips, those who haven't got theirs need not panic. All you need to do is go up to one of the helpdesks set up at street corners and look for your name. If your name is on the list, the corresponding voting booth number and other details will be mentioned there. You can also look for your name online before leaving the house on https://electoralsearch.in. If your name is not on this list, you cannot vote. No argument. Do remember to register yourself on https://www.nvsp.in before the assembly elections.

Police officers being briefed about bandobast duty a day before voting day in the city. Pic/Sameer Marakande

No mobile phones

Mobile phones cannot be used within 100 metres of the polling booth, but for the working population of the city, who either votes on its way to or from work, you may carry your phone with you but must remember to either switch it off or keep it on silent mode. Cars and bikes, too, will have to be parked 100 metres away from polling booths. Only designated vehicles carrying people with disabilities will be allowed close to polling booths.

Only 11 valid ID documents

Please remember that the voter slip is not proof of identity. You have to also carry any one of the 11 identity cards. If you have none of them, once again, you cannot vote.

Please do not argue with the election duty staff, they have no role to play in this.

Shivaji Jondhale, Mumbai City Collector, said, "If there is no name on the electoral list, then people cannot vote. It is very important to be a registered voter. Further, if there is no voting slip but your name is on the electoral list of the Election Commission and you have a valid ID card, then by checking with the help desk you can find out the polling station and can exercise your right to vote."

Wait for the beep

The confusion about the long press while registering your vote on the electronic voting machine was cleared by Collector officials. They said your vote is considered registered once the long beep is heard. Do keep your finger pressed on the button until you hear it or your vote will not be registered.

Live Blog: Elections 2019 Phase 4 Live Updates: Anil Ambani, Rekha cast their vote

Come out and vote!

The Election Commission has taken various measures to ensure citizens come out and vote. The total number of voters in the city, is 96.39 lakh. The EC and Collector offices of the city are aiming at a voting percentage of at least 61% this time from 41% in 2009 and 51% in 2014.

Citizens, too, have come forward to help increase voter turnout. An ALM from Juhu has organised a pick-up for senior citizens to the polling booths. The EC, too, has organised help for people with disabilities. Further, in order to ensure proper transport system during the voting process, the Collector offices have organised 2,985 vehicles in Mumbai suburban district and 1,769 vehicles in Mumbai Island City.

There is a staff of 15,000 working in the island city and over 60,000 in the suburbs on election duty. There are 2,601 polling stations in the island city which has two constituencies, and 7,472 polling stations in the suburbs that have four constituencies, said officials.

Also read: Elections 2019: Mumbai Police to deploy 40,000 cops on election duty; issue guidelines

Students, take that selfie!

This year, the EC and government officials have been explaining the electoral process to young students in the hope that it reaches their parents at home. One of the initiatives is the 'selfie' movement, where students have been urged to take their parents to polling booths and put up selfies on social media with their parents after voting.

96.39l
No. of voters in Mumbai

61
Voting percentage that the Election Commission is expecting in Mumbai

Also read: Elections 2019: 422 polling stations in Mumbai declared 'critical'

Valid proof of identity

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Identity card issued by the Election Commission/Central and state government/ Public Enterprises / Local Body Institutes
• Bank passbook with photograph
• PAN card from the Income Tax Department
• ID card given by the Census Commissioner
• Job Card under Employment Guarantee Scheme
• Health card from the labour ministry
• Pension passbook or pension payment order with photograph of the retired employee
• ID card of MLA/MP
• Aadhaar card, too, will be considered as identity proof

Also read: Elections 2019: Popular politicians and key battles in Mumbai

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A day before voting in the fourth and final phase for 48 seats in Maharashtra today, statistics available with the Election Commission of India (ECI) showed that the worth of drugs, alcohol, precious metals etc. seized here over the past 32 days, was Rs 156.52 crore. The total worth of seizures of such items across the country, is Rs 3,244.59 crore.

As per ECI data about the seizures (from March 26 to April 28), the worth of precious metals (gold, silver etc), Rs 70.12 crore, was the highest in Maharashtra. This was followed by cash worth Rs 52.91 crore. Liquor worth Rs 25.64 crore was also seized. Drugs worth Rs 7.33 crore and freebies worth R9 crore were also seized.

Mumbai specific data
As per a press release issued by the chief electoral officer, Maharashtra, cash worth Rs 18.14 crore was seized from Mumbai city alone and 15 cases related to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct were filed. As per ECI data, from the time the Code of Conduct came into place till date, there have been seizures worth Rs 3,244.59 crore across the country. Of these, the total cash seized was Rs 781.82 crore, the liquor seized was worth R245.738 crore, and the drugs seized were worth Rs 1,193.81 crore. The worth of the precious metals seized was Rs 970.953 crore and the worth of freebies etc seized was Rs 52.26s 7 crore.

Rs 18.14cr
Worth of the cash seized in Mumbai

Rs 52.91cr
Worth of the cash seized in Maharashtra

Rs 781.82cr
Worth of the cash seized across the country

Liquor sales spike this month
Liquor sales have increased in the past 25 days by 10% in Thane district. Last year this month, 19,62,000 litres of liquor was sold in Thane district, and this year this month 20,06,000 litres of liquor has been sold so far. According to an Excise Department official, despite the severe summer, people are consuming whisky, while compared to last year, the sale of beer has reduced.

Earlier this month mid-day had reported that the Thane Election Commission and ED have sent notices to wine shop owners regarding maintaining proper sale records, to avoid cancellation of licences. "We have told them that we will compare sales of this period during last year and take action if they have increased drastically," said an ED official.
The ED and EC have been extra vigilant due to illegal sales during elections.

ED official Y Rathod, said, "Owners usually keep their shops open for longer hours during elections and sell liquor illegally. We have extra teams this time and have followed with strict checking. Due to this the transportation of liquor reduced during the elections. Also wine shop owners have kept their records clear this time."

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Polling for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls began on Monday in 71 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across nine states. Over 12.79 crore voters will decide the fate of 945 candidates today. Mumbai Police on Twitter shared a heartwarming post of senior citizens at the polling booths. 

Mumbai police on Twitter known for their quirky yet remarkable tweets, share an impactful message of senior citizens of Mumbai setting an example for the youth of the city with their active voting.

Leading by example, they vote till this age so that democracy lives longer and healthier! They have fulfilled their responsibility of creating a legacy, it is our responsibility to keep it alive. MRA Marg policemen assisting senior citizens to vote comfortably #LetsVoteMumbai pic.twitter.com/lDUkJyJSVm

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 29, 2019

The Mumbai police is also seen helping the elderly voters at the polling booths by holding their hand and offering them assistance as they walk towards the booth.

Raising the bar for the youth, senior citizens across the city are turning out in large numbers at the polling booths to vote. It is our pleasure to help them in every little way we can. #YourChoiceMatters #LetsVoteMumbai #LokSabhaElections2019 #लà¥Â‹à¤Â•à¤¸à¤­à¤¾à¤¨à¤¿à¤µà¤¡à¤£à¥Â‚à¤Â•à¥¨à¥¦à¥§à¥¯ pic.twitter.com/jH2KAO0IcS

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 29, 2019

As many as 40 polling booths in these constituencies, including 26 in suburban Mumbai, are being managed women. As many as 3.11 crore voters spread across the Mumbai metropolitan region and northern and western Maharashtra are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 323 candidates in the fray in these 17 seats.

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More than 3.11 crore voters spread across 17 Lok Sabha constituencies will cast their vote today, in the final phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra. While voters across North Maharashtra, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and parts of Western Maharashtra gears up to cast their valuable votes come April 29, a popular restaurant in Malad added its own twist in order to urge its patron and voters to cast their votes as responsible citizens.

While the Mumbai votes today, innumerable initiatives have come up in the city with innovative ways to encourage people to exercise their franchise. However, a suburban restaurant in Malad came up with a cheeky poster to encourage voters to cast their valuable vote.

The cheeky message by Uncle's Kitchen, Malad requests voters to cast their voters on April 29, 2019

Uncle's Kitchen in Malad is a popular eatery and it put up a rather quirky poster on the wall outside their restaurant. The poster on the wall of Uncle's Chicken read, "We will keep our chicks away from you till 6 pm so that you can cast your valuable vote." Thus, urging their patrons and voters in Malad and Mumbai to come out in large numbers on April 29 and cast their vote. They, of course, were referring to their chicken dishes in the witty poster.

Uncle's Kitchen in Malad is a popular restaurant that serves Chinese cuisine and celebrities including Mithun Chakraborty, Raza Murad, music director Pritam, Mohnish Behl and Suresh Oberoi are believed to be regulars.

The right to vote is the gift of democracy. Let's all go out and VOTE!#VoteForIndia#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/CuzLniWUsn

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 26, 2019

Just two days ago, Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to urge voters to cast their vote on April 29. He said that this year besides him and Anjali Tendulkar, his children, Sara and Arjun too will cast their votes for the first time this election. He captioned the video: The right to vote is the gift of democracy. Let us all go out and VOTE!

The results of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will be announced on May 23, 2019. You can log on to eci.gov.in for more information.

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Key, Chair

As the morning sunlight casts a warm glow on a terrace in Andheri, Yash Soni hands us a small glass bottle with a cork stopper. It fits between our thumb and index finger. Glinting at us from within is a tiny guitar carved out of the nib of a pencil.

Mic and fist, Eiffel Tower

A ‘wow’ escapes our lips as we squint to check out the intricate details — there are strings, tuning pegs, a saddle and Soni’s name carved on the instrument’s body. “It took me four hours to make it,” says the 26-year-old artist, one of the few in the city creating microscopic art out of pencil lead. This weekend, he will present a live carving session at Maker Mela, an event that celebrates art, engineering and science with a DIY mindset, at KJ Somaiya’s Vidyavihar campus.

Watch, Guitar

Russian inspiration
With a professional background in event management, Mumbai-born Soni’s tryst with pencil art began two years back, when he came across the works of experimental Russian artist Salavat Fidai on Instagram. “He carved a heart within a heart on a pencil. I was fascinated. Since art had been a hobby (he has created graffiti and speed painting works), I decided to try this too. I bought a pencil, a five-rupee cutter, and tried to carve a heart in a car, while travelling to Thane, and I was able to do it,” recounts the self-taught artist, who watched Fidai’s art-making videos repeatedly to learn the finger movements. “Now, we correspond too. His advice to me: be gentle and use minimal movements with fingertips,” he says.

Yash Soni with spool-and-needle carved on a pencil tip. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Be patient
Till date, Soni has created over 50 pencil carvings, including a key, a stiletto, a champagne glass, a watch, a chair, the Eiffel Tower, a fist with a detachable mic, a windmill with rotating blades and even a needle and spool, carved entirely out of the wood and lead of the pencil. On his wishlist are a scooter, a neckpiece and Mukesh Ambani’s tower of blocks, Antilla.

Soni’s tool set comprises two scalpels and a needle

“Carving on pencil requires a lot of patience. Since I prefer to focus on the details, it takes about four to five hours to make a piece, though I can make a heart in 20 minutes,” reveals Soni. The artist uses three basic tools — two scalpels with surgical blades and a needle fitted into a pen-like holder. “I start by shaving the wood with the scalpel and then, use a needle to carve the finer shape and details,” he adds. When we ask if he works in a particular kind of light, he confesses, “Initially, I would use a USB LED lamp attached to my laptop as a source of light when I needed to carve at night. My parents were anxious about it affecting my eyesight. Now, I’ve become more careful but I can work from any spot,” he adds.

Pencil matters
Soni uses a range of pencils, from 2B to 8B leads with a shiny finish, graphite pencils featuring matte-finish leads and carpenter pencils with a flatter surface. “Indian pencils aren’t great in quality and often, the lead within the pencil is already broken. The biggest challenge is breakage. 8B leads are thicker which helps me carve more intricately,” says Soni, who preserves the pencils in glass bottles or in customised frames.

Last week, he conducted a workshop-cum-exhibition at IIT-Chennai. Now, he also customises his works and sells them, starting from `4,000. “Most people are dismissive of the art since it’s on a pencil. My aim is to give micro sculpting the credibility it deserves,” he signs off.

Bombay Chamber Orchestra concert

Did you know that world renowned classical composers like Mozart, Beethovan and modern day legends like George Gershwin and Nat King Cole were Freemasons?

Well, they were. Freemasonry is not the shadowy organisation it is made out to be in popular fiction. Freemasons are actually the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political and charitable organisation. It also has the honour of being the world’s largest fraternal society.

The first Grand Lodge in England is said to have been formed on June 24, 1717. This means that 2017 is the 300th or Tercentenary Anniversary.

The Freemasons are celebrating the completion of three hundred years of their formation, with a series of events in Mumbai, spread over the two days of January 27 and 28.

Many non-Freemasons, know very little of Freemasonry, and even if they do, consider it a secret society. Even lesser is known about the fact that Western Classical music has been deeply influenced by Freemasonry and many leading composers were Freemasons themselves.

Freemasons, together with the Bombay Chamber Orchestra have invited leading performers from India and abroad, and have put together a once- in-a-life time musical soiree. The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 28 at 6:00pm, Sophia Bhabha Hall, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai.

ALSO READ: Not such a secret society, after all

Donor passes for the premium segments of Rs 5000 and Rs 1500 have already been sold out. The last few regular seats at Rs 1000 are still available. The funds raised by the event are earmarked towards the cause of dementia.

So you have got to rush and book those passes right now.

For programme details and online donor passes log on to:
http://freemasonryintheeast.dglbombay.org/concert/

South Dandies Swaraj rappers, Tamizh (left) and Sean YKV (centre) who are working on their debut album, recently performed with Kadhal Jack (extreme right) of Kacheri Movement in the city. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

“I say what I want to say and do what I want to do. There’s no in between. People will either love you for it or hate you for it.” Eminem, the global Rap icon, had elucidated the fundamentals of the genre cogently, whose origins are in Africa and Jamaica. Owing to the free flow, it entered India on a blissful note.

Legendary actor Ashok Kumar offered its first glimpse with the song, Rail Gaadi (Aashirwad), in 1968. Within two decades, the genre found allies in AR Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja. South Dandies Swaraj — a Rap duo comprising Suresh Agailan Bose (Sean YKV) and Rahul Prasad (Tamizh) - are taking forward the legacy, albeit in the independent space. The Mumbai-based group raps in four languages, but their highlight is Tamil.

Message in music
Sean, the lead rapper, wants to bring about a change through an album, that’s in the making. “My motto is Rap for change and Hip-Hop for life. I try to convey a message through every song. I am looking for a producer,” says Sean. The name of the band is suggestive of their South Indian roots. Earlier, the group had more members. “We were a Hip-Hop Collective with nine people, including a miniature artiste and a graffiti artiste. We had to bid goodbye to some members,” he shares.

The 28-year-old from Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) resides in Mahim and believes that rapping in different languages will help him reach out to more people. “It helps me connect to more listeners who understand these languages. We want to take our regional languages abroad,” he adds. Sean also performed alongside Apache Indian and Shankar Mahadevan in his initial days. “I didn’t get any break after those shows. But kids would take my autograph while senior citizens would kiss my hand. They thought my Tamil was retro,” he says.

Society matters
“Our music talks about recycling, rape, terrorism, social media and other social issues,” says Sean, who can also rap in Marathi. His colleague, Tamizh, sticks to Tamil.

One of the singles from the Dandies’ kitty is Idli Vada, the traditional breakfast in South Indian households. “I observed Idli and Vada vendors and wrote a song around their daily struggle, and how they see the society through customers,” explains Sean. The track, Social Kadhal/Pyaar, dwells on the overuse of social networking sites. “The world has become dynamic with Facebook and Twitter. This song is about the youngsters who spend hours on it.” The group also has a track dedicated to the feminists, called Nari Meri Nari.

The Dandies also developed a brother culture, being close to Kacheri Movement, a Rap outfit from Dharavi. They are often seen playing gigs together.

Sean is hopeful about his music’s reach. “I am not a party person. I am interested in the social issues. We know how African Americans changed the face of Hip-Hop when they used music as a vehicle for their struggle. I will try to do the same,” he signs off.

Unlock the mystery of butterflies

12 PM: Attend a session, where you will witness first-hand the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. The session will also include a short introduction on the life cycle of the butterfly, the plants that it attracts, and how you can rear your own winged insect.
WHERE: Green Hope, HDIL Dreams, Bhandup West
ENTRY: Rs 1,000
CALL: 8108900312

Groove with DJ Lloyd

5 PM: Bid adieu to the sun's last rays with DJ Lloyd serving you groovy tunes at Thalassa. A veteran in the music and programming industry, Lloyd Gueizelar, popularly known as DJ Lloyd, performs on psychedelic, house and various genres of electronica. While dancing, you can also dig into the delicious food.
WHERE: Thalassa, 21st Street, Khar (West), Off Carter Road
FOR RESERVATIONS: 9820004018/9820004019
FREE

Create that dynamic poster

BOOK A SEAT
11 AM: Don't miss this interactive Indiefolio masterclass conducted by illustrator Raj Khatri, creative art head of Marching Ants Advertising. At the session, Khatri will discuss the art of making movie posters. With movies having multiple characters — plot lines, venues, and themes — Khatri will talk about how one can package all those nuances and details into one poster. With 14 years of experience behind him, he is the man behind some of the most famous Bollywood movie posters of the last decade, including Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Bang Bang, Kahaani and Baahubali.
WHERE: antiSOCIAL, Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Khar West,, Mumbai, India 400052
TO BOOK: events.indiefolio.com
FREE

Go on a filmi tour

12.20 pm and 2.30 pm: Hop on for a two-hour guided bus tour of Film City, which will offer you a rare glimpse of the famous studio that has been the venue for some of the greatest movies in Indian cinematic history. If lucky, you may also get to see a live shooting in progress.
WHERE: Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, Santosh Nagar, Gate No. 1, Film City Road, Goregaon East
ENTRY: Rs 599
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

Talk about colour

11 AM: Do you know why there's no pink in a rainbow? Arnab Bhattacharya, a scientist at TIFR and a passionate science communicator, will discuss this and more in a special lecture on why colour is central to our lives.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu
CALL: 26149546

Enjoy a Bohri dawat

12.30 PM: Enjoy a shahi home-cooked meal with this curated menu by The Bohri Kitchen. With smoked mutton kheema samosas for starters, and the legendary raan in red masala, lagan ni seekh and saancha ice-cream, your Sunday lunch is going to be a treat. Address and details will be shared once you confirm your presence.
CALL: 9819447438

Surf the coast

4 PM: Take your family out for a sunset sailing experience in the evening. The two-hour boat ride along the Arabian Sea will end with the gorgeous spectacle of dusk settling over the horizon. This could just be the perfect short break you needed to wind down, after a long work-week.
WHERE: Near Taj Mahal Hotel, Jetty No. 5, Colaba
ENTRY: Rs 1,300 per person
CALL: 7738073691

Watch a political satire

7 PM: Make time for a political satire this evening. Ghashiram Kotwal, an adaptation of a play written by the acclaimed playwright Vijay Tendulkar, is based on Ghashiram Sawardas, who trades his daughter to Nana Phadnavis — a minister in the court of the Peshwa of Pune — in exchange for the position of police chief. The play highlights how people in power give rise to new ideologies and agendas and reject the same when their purpose is served.
WHERE: Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Sophia College Campus, B. Desai Road, Breach Candy
ENTRY: Rs 500 - Rs 2,000
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

ORDER OF THE DAY

Grow greens at home

MARCH 12, 11 AM - 2 PM: If you want to do something for the environment, start with your own backyard. Learn to make terrariums, miniature plants in glass. They are easy to maintain and perfect for most of us who live in flats. So sign up for the workshop, Make Your Own Terrarium (miniature gardening) organised by Urban Fireflys where you will learn the A-Z of making and maintaining your own terrariums and take home your own baby terrarium.
WHERE: Vrindavan Cafe, Dosti Club House, Dosti Acres Wadala (East)
ENTRY: Rs 2500
CALL: 9820341463

Go ga ga over mean machines

MARCH 9 - 12, 11 AM ONWARD: Attend the Mumbai International Motor Show which will feature some impressive automobiles, a 4x4 test drive track, a simulator zone, an accessories section, tyres pavilion and more.
WHERE: MMRDA Grounds, BKC Rd, G Block BKC, Bandra (East)
ENTRY: Rs 250

Laugh with Aseem Banatwalla

MARCH 10, 6.30 PM: Listen to Azeem Banatwalla from East India Comedy who is back with an hour of new jokes on travel, road rage, religion and his personal favourite — married life.
WHERE: Experimental Theatre, Nariman Point, NCPA Marg
ENTRY: Rs 399
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

Live the good life

MARCH 9, 6 PM: Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway on your anniversary or an activity-packed family vacation, there's a yacht for every occasion. All you need to do is sit back, relax and experience the joy of a fully crewed charter yacht sailing along the Mumbai Harbour.
WHERE: Blue Whale Water Sports, Apollo Bunder Road, Opposite Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba.
ENTRY: Rs 12,000
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

MARCH 06, MONDAY

Stuff your face with gujiya

TILL MARCH 13, 3.30 PM - 11.30 PM: Puranmal, a 90-year-old traditional Indian restaurant, has rolled out a Holi food festival titled Colour Me Food. From Gujiya, samosa stuffed with a mixture of grated and roasted dry fruits and khoya to the Chandrakala, a moon-shaped North-Indian Holi dessert, there's lots to look forward to.
WHERE: Puranmal, Bharat Bhavan, Juhu Road, Ville Parle (West)
CALL: 26718105

MARCH 07, TUESDAY
Listen to a married man's rant

9.30 PM: Attend a stand-up comedy night with Amit Tandon, who is known as 'the married guy' of stand-up comedy. After marriage and two kids, he realised it couldn't get any worse and took
to humour. With over 700 shows across India, Tandon is popular
for his witty observations culled from everyday life.
WHERE: Hard Rock Cafe, Sharyans Audeus, Fun Cinema Lane, near Balaji Telefilms, off Veera Desai, Andheri (West)
ENTRY: Rs 1,000
CALL: 8898087841

MARCH 08, WEDNESDAY

Watch Einstein come alive

6 PM and 9 PM: Watch Naseeruddin Shah make the great scientist come alive on stage. Gabriel Emanuel's Einstein, directed by Ratna Pathak Shah, captures the essence of Einstein, the man, who despite being a towering thinker, was plagued by doubt and disappointments.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 500
CALL: 26149546

MARCH 09, THURSDAY
Get an extra dose of chai
9.30 AM - 11.30 PM: Tea Trails has rolled out happy hours in the form of Thirsty Thursdays. So choose any signature tea and bites, and get another for free. Try out the South African Red Tea, Japanese Genmaicha or the Smokey Chinese Lapsang Souchong.
WHERE: Kingston Building, Ground Floor, Tejpal Road, Near Old Railway Crossing, Vile Parle (East)
CALL: 9022337766

MARCH 10, FRIDAY

Whip up a gluten-free breakfast

2 PM - 5 PM: Learn to prepare healthy, yummy food devoid of eggs, refined sugar, refined flour, processed salt, preservatives and gluten. This workshop will teach you how to make buckwheat porridge, five lentil dosa, ragi pancakes and nutty fudgy granola bars.
WHERE: Convent Avenue, Santacruz (West)
ENTRY: Rs 2,100
LOG ON TO: insider.in

MARCH 11, SATURDAY
Shake it like Shakira
6. 30 PM - 8 PM: Ladies, let your hips do the talking in this belly dance workshop with dancer Nupur Shah. She will teach you how to do hip lifts, pull off a basic shimmy, breathing techniques to keep in mind while you move and more. Apart from being a dance form, it's an effective way to lose weight.
WHERE: Aleph-The Divine Space ( Hippie Yoga Cafe ), 7-28/29 1st floor Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu
ENTRY: Rs 550
CALL: 9930384641

Create your own Mandala
4 PM: Ever tried your hand at therapeutic art? A Mandala workshop organised by Bombay Drawing Room hopes to help you create great art that is also spiritually calming. The visually appealing design of the Mandala is said to enable you to steer away from irritating thoughts, which in turn allows you to develop a higher level of consciousness. It's a perfect exercise for the mind.
WHERE: Somaiya Centre for Lifelong Learning, M G Road, Kala Ghoda,
ENTRY: Rs 1,500
CALL: 9619273009

Enjoy quick grub
12.30 TO 4 PM: Too lazy to cook on a weekend? Head to the British Brewing Company that's out with a lavish Sunday buffet to scarf down a quick, delicious meal. From boiled eggs, smoked salmon, grilled sausages, salami with freshly baked foccacia, croissants, muffins and lavash, there's something for every palate.
WHERE: British Brewing Company, Level 4 & Level 5, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
PRICE: Rs 1,200 per head with taxes; Rs 600 for kids between 6-12 years
CALL: 65656121

Bite into an icy treat
10 AM TO 12 PM: With summer around the corner, there's no better way to beat the heat than by enjoying lollies. Bright, peppy and fruity, popsicles are just what you need this weekend. Garde Manger has cherry picked a flavourful combination of these icy treats that you can devour along with their lunch and dinner staples.
WHERE: Garde Manger, 3, Paranjay Scheme Marg No 1, Paranjape Nagar, Vile Parle
CALL: 7045004488

Go on a heritage ride
4.30 PM: How about learning about the city's heritage while burning some calories? This unique heritage cycling trip in South Mumbai is the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. You'll start the cycling trip from Colaba towards Gateway of India. On the way, you will stop for interesting stories, fun facts, and of course, selfies! Cycles will be provided.
MEETING POINT: Colaba Sweet Mart, Ruby Terrace, Colaba Causeway, Apollo Bandar
ENTRY: Rs 1,100
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

Watch the funny men
12.30 TO 4 PM: Ready for some pure, unadulterated laughter? Cyrus Broacha and Kunal Vijayakar, two of the funniest men in Mumbai, are set to take the stage again, with 40 Shades of Grey Hair. Now, reinvented with new segments, the duo will tickle your funny bone with a stand-up cum theatrical revue that lampoons the life and times of Indian men.
WHERE: St Andrew's Auditorium, 55, Saint Domnic Road, Bandra West
ENTRY: Rs 100 – Rs 2,500
CALL: 9320130013

Catch a tribute show
8 PM: Here's how fans of classical Marathi music can spend their evening. Singers will come together to pay tribute to the two Big Bs of Marathi music Babuji (Sudhir Phadke) and Balashaeb (Hridaynath Mangeshkar). Catch Shriram Narsule, Makarand Gokhale, Amit Nikharge, among others, perform some of their most popular tracks.
WHERE: Shivaji Mandir, NC Kelkar Road, Kelkar Wadi, Dadar
ENTRY: Rs 100 – Rs 300
CALL: 9819314181

Attend a music fest
2 PM: What better way to spend your afternoon than swinging to great music. Get ready for some high-octane live acts at the FOMO FEST. Independent artistes will spin some new-age contemporary music with genres such as deep house, psychedelic rock and electro funk dominating the scene. And, it's going to be on till midnight.
WHERE: Razzberry Rhinoceros, Juhu Hotel, Airport Area, Juhu
ENTRY: Rs 500- Rs 1,000
CALL: 7400402604

Drape like a dream
MARCH 30, 5.30PM: If there's a versatile piece of clothing, it's the saree. And, Rta Kapur Chishti will certainly vouch for it. Her famed Sari School is in back in town. So, look beyond the Nivi drape, the saree as it is popularly worn, and explore new ways of draping it. This workshop will explore regional wearing styles and will be conducted by Kapur, who will show you four unique styles that you can use every day.
WHERE: ARTISANS' Gallery 52-56 V B Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda
ENTRY: Rs 1,500
LOG ON TO: insider.in

Dig into fusion food
ONGOING, 7 PM to 1 AM: Want to try a red velvet dhokla? Desi Culture, a new venture by Corum Hospitality, gives Indian food a twist. You could try items like chicken tikka sev puri and motichur tarts with elaichi foam. We'd recommend chef Gidwani's signature butter-chicken and dal makhni (cooked for over nine hours) learnt from alma-mater Padma Shri Imtiaz Qureshi.
WHERE: Desi Culture, C wing, Trade World, next to The Bar Stock Exchange, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
CALL: 24955766

Enjoy indie music
MARCH 29, 9.30 PM: Groove to talented indie artistes at the new edition of AWESTRUNG. The concert will feature singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, the energetic Local Train and Praveer Barot Projective, whose music is music is heavily inspired by The Beatles and Niravana.
WHERE: Courtyard, High Street Phoenix, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
FREE

Watch fave TV show over drinks
MARCH 27, 6 PM ONWARD: The House at Versova is hosting lazy Monday soaps wherein they will showcase TV shows that we all have seen in the past, but wouldn't mind watching again over scrumptious food and drinks. With the likes of Friends, Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother, they are open to showcase any other show as well. Entry is free.
WHERE: Bungalow 1, JP Road, Aram Nagar, Versova
CALL: 65264888

Give a cool makeover
ONGOING: This is a shoutout to salon professionals and stylists. Salonex is hosting an inter-salon competition along with hair and make-up competition. The event will be held in three categories — red carpet look, bridal and barbering games. Participants will have to send in their entries before March 30 and once selected, they will have to replicate the look at the finale on April 17.
LOG ON TO: http://www.salonex.in/competitions.aspx

Attend a charity event
MARCH 29, 10.30 AM ONWARD: Do your good deed for the day by attending a fundraising event by Tata Memorial Hospital, where proceeds of the exhibition go towards the cause of kids battling cancer. Titled Helping Hands, the exhibition will be a blend of philanthropy, fashion and food. Monisha Jaising, Farah Ali Khan and Kanika Kapoor will exhibit their collection.
WHERE: St Regis Hotel, Level 8, Lower Parel
LOG ON TO: www.helpinghandsindia.in

Take home a masterpiece
Ageless wonder
MARCH 27, 11 AM - 7 PM: Octogenarian Vishwanath Ram Kantak is frail, slightly bent and suffers from Parkinson's which makes his hands tremble and gait difficult. Yet, once he holds the paintbrush, his fingers weave magic. Check out the 82-year-old artist's new exhibition titled, Divine Vision, that comprises some stunning artworks. Monday is the last day to catch the exhibits.
WHERE: Jehangir Art Gallery 161-B, MG Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 9503344464

ORDER OF THE DAY

MONDAY, 27 MARCH
Get your dose of humour
8.30PM: If you think you have what it takes to be a stand up comic, sign up for this event. As an audience member, you can come and watch new talent take baby steps into the spotlight. You might even see some tragic attempts. Sourav Ghosh will be your host for the evening.
WHERE: Canvas Laugh Club, 3rd Floor, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel
ENTRY: Rs 200
CALL: 9004603115

TUESDAY, 28 MARCH
Celebrate Gudi Padwa
NOON - 12 AM: Enjoy traditional Maharashtrian fare on Gudi Padwa at Saptami. Vegetarians could try the paneer kala rassa, bharleli vangi, kale chanyachi ussal, dal varan and masala bhaat, while omnivores can dig into mutton Kolhapuri and kolambi chi biryani.
WHERE: Saptami, Holiday Inn, Sakina Junction, Andheri (East)
ENTRY: Rs 1,099 plus taxes
CALL: 40851800

WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH
Let's talk health
4.30 PM: Macrobiotic nutritionist, Shonali Sabherwal, who specialises in improving immunity and managing weight, is holding a talk on her book, The Detox Diet. She will help you unravel the secret to weight-loss, anti-aging and how to beat bad bacteria.
WHERE: Who Are We Hall, first floor, Nehru Centre, Worli
RSVP TO: aratidesai@nehru-centre.org
FREE

THURSDAY, 30 MARCH
Play beer bingo
7 PM ONWARD: Play a game of beer bingo at The Irish House. First you grab a bingo card for yourself that will have 'IRISH' written on it with numbers in each letter. A staff member will call out the numbers. The winners receive cash vouchers, glasses of free beer and more.
WHERE: Level 2, Rampart Row, 30, K Dubash Marg, Above Royal Oak Banquets, Kala Ghoda, Fort
CALL: 7095949925
FREE

FRIDAY, 31 MARCH
Pay tribute to Nasir
5 PM: Celebrate the joyous cinema of Nasir Hussain on the 15th death anniversary of the legend. Author Akshay Manwani will take you through some of the finest moments in his cinematic journey. The Revolver Club will play music from Husain's films through the ages on vinyl.
WHERE: Godrej ONE, Auditorium, first floor, Vikhroli (East), (Entry from Eastern Express Highway)
RSVP to: indiaculturelab@godrejinds.com.

SATURDAY, 1 APRIL
Enjoy baos and burgers
ONGOING, 12.30 PM - 1 AM: Hoppipola has rolled out a burger, bao and beer festival. Order a paneer khurchan bao for Rs 175 and get a beer for R50. You could even try the specials like the pan fried chicken burger, falafel and kidney bean burger, seafood burger and a mutton shammi kebab burger.
WHERE: Across all outlets
ENTRY: Rs 200
CALL: 32038653 (Lower Parel)

Blanco
If you are one of those who trips out on watching Laurel and Hardy make a fools of themselves, or Charlie Chaplin and his antics, then head to Blanco to rid yourself of the Monday blues. Sit on the open-air terrace and enjoy some comfort food like cheesy overloaded nachos, chilly cheese toast, fish fingers and home-made chicken nuggets. They also show Tom and Jerry cartoons as well. Who would want more?

Where: 201/202, Samarth Vaibhav, Lokhandwala Rd, Oshiwara, Andheri West
When: 5 pm to 8 pm
Call: 8097004656

The Pantry
Three years ago, at a time when short films were yet to be a rage, The Pantry in Kala Ghoda kick-started their short-film Fridays, wherein on the last Friday of every month, they'd screen a short, 8 pm onwards. Since then, it has been a regular hangout for film buffs. The screenings are organised by Cyrus Mistry's Shamiana Film Club and Manjari Makijany's Mac Productions. Diners can continue sitting at their tables while chairs for the audience are placed on the passageway between the tables. The next screening is on April 28.

Where: Plot No 14, ground floor, Yashwanth Chambers, B Bharucha Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22678901

Vkaao
Want Notting Hill to play in the background as you ask your girl to marry you? Or want to treat your action-crazy friend to a Transformer movie on his birthday? Vkaao at PVR allows you to do that with your whole gang in tow. They just rented a screen out for a proposal where the couple watched SRK tearjerker Veer-Zaara. Just get on their app and book a screen, and select from their 400+ library of Hollywood and Bollywood movies. You can either hoot at every scene or just shut your cellphones off. No one can tell you what to do anymore!

Where: PVR screens all over India
Cost: Same as a ticket cost, book on PVR website or app

Cuckoo Club
What's the point of watching an interesting film if you can't discuss it? The best part of this Bandra venue, is that often the cast/crew is brought on to conduct a Q&A with the audience. "When we screened The Stoning of Soraya M, a film that's banned in the US and Iran, we called the prinicipal of Sophia College, who has a deep understanding of Middle Eastern culture, to talk to the audience," says Sharin Bhatti of the Cuckoo Club.

Where: 5AA, Mac Ronells compound, next to Candies, St Andrews Road, Bandra West
Call: 9619962969

Harkat Studios
Movie nights at Aaram Nagar's Harkat give you the experience of watching a film with friends in someone's living room. This is a function of both, how they curate their guest list (you can drop and email at us@harkat.in) and that the space is, well, a living room. The films are usually indie creations and are joined by a theme for the day. Last Sunday's was 256 million colours of violence. The next one, though there's no date set, is slated to be a two-day fest of experimental films. You will share the space with 44 others. There's no entry fee, but you are welcome to donate to the cause.

Where: Bungalow #75, Aram Nagar 2, JP Road, Versova, Andheri West
Call: 26350064

Raasta
The party-hard venue turns into a quieter, intellectual space come Sunday when they screen indie Hollywood movies. Last Sunday, they screened Eddie Redmayne's controversial Danish Girl, which has since been banned from airing in the country. It seats around 400 people and there's free entry. Also, you can order your food and booze to your seat. This sounds too good to be true.

Where: 4th Floor, Rohan Plaza, Road no 5, Khar,
Call: 8655000811

Join an improv show
7.30 PM: Are you a fan of Whose Line Is It Anyway? If, yes, this desi version might just interest you. Join artistes Ankit Challa and Avinash Verma as they take suggestions from you to create an explosive and entertaining show. Incorporating music, theatre and comedy, this show will be nothing like anyone has seen before.

Where: The Cuckoo Club, 5AA Pali Hill, Macronells Compund, Side of Learners Academy Bandra West
Entry: Rs 350
Call: 9619962969

Paint like Picasso
4 PM: Spend your evening at a workshop, where you will be taught how to create cubist paintings - a style of art developed by Pablo Picasso. The unique form of expression draws inspiration from tribal art forms and modern thinking. No prior experience is needed.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Gandhi Nagar, Dr E Moses Road, Upper Worli, Worli
Entry: Rs 2,050
Call: 9619273009

Sip into a mango treat
12.30 PM to 1 AM: Your affair with the king of fruits just got bigger and better. This weekend, head to the Mighty Small Cafe and lose your soul and heart to delectable varieties of special mango cocktails and mocktails at the mango drinks festival. You can sip on some lip-smacking thirst quenchers like Mango Pulse, Chatpata Martini, Mango-hito, Mango Cream Delight and many more.

Where: Mighty Small Cafe, SMAAASH, Kamala Mills Compound, Gate No 4, Lower Parel
Price: Rs 249 onwards
Call: 49143143

Go for this
Analyse dreams with art
11 AM TO 7 PM: What do your dreams look like? Are they colourful, maze-like or are they monochrome? Catch Kolkata-based artist Tusar Kanti Pradhan reveal his unique perceptions about dreams and nostalgic memories of the past, with his mixed media exhibition. Some of the works depict his shared memories of people, people struggling in cities for their survival, but still bearing the organic traces of their rural origin and a complex sense of belonging. For this exhibition, the artiste dabbles with mixed media and natural pigment on paper.

Where: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22843989

Relish a Cantonese meal
7 PM onward: Call the weekend a wrap with a lavishly designed three-course set menu featuring a variety of chef's special Cantonese dishes. You can begin your meal with the mock duck salad followed by any two small eats. For the main course, you can choose between stir-fry chicken with black bean and stir-fry Indian salmon, before ending it with a mandarin sorbet.

Where: Hakkasan, 206, Krystal, Waterfield Road, Linking Road, Bandra West
Entry: Rs 1,750 per person
Call: 26444444

Enjoy a soulful evening
7 PM: Enjoy a scintillating evening, titled Lataasha with Pancham, that will bring alive the magic of legendary playback singers, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, and composer RD Burman.

Vocalists Shailaja Subramanian, Sampada Goswami and Alok Katdare, along with a live orchestra of 35 musicians, will perform to some of their most super-hit melodies.

Where: Ravindra Natya Mandir, Near Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi
Entry: Rs 250 – Rs 1,500
To Book: in.bookmyshow.com

Groove to Bachata
5 PM: This afternoon, take that boat and head straight to Raigad for an evening of dance and music. Artiste Dhanashree Mehta will get you grooving with a Bachata workshop that will get your heart racing and your feet tapping. You will return to the city rejuvenated.

Where: Beach Box, Mandwa Jetty, Kolgaon, Raigad
Entry: Rs 700
Call: 8291902662

Catch an animated film
6.30 PM: Watch the Secret of Kells, a story of young Brendan who lives in a remote medieval outpost which is under siege from barbarians. One day, a master illuminator arrives carrying an ancient but unfinished book, containing secret wisdom. To help complete the book, Brendan has to go on a quest.

Where: Alliance Française Auditorium, 40, Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines
Call: 22035993

Put memories to canvas
11 AM - 7 PM: Drop by at Jehangir Art Gallery to catch a glimpse of an exhibition by Kolkata-based artist Tusar Kanti Pradhan. Tilted Nocturnal Dreams, it reveals his artistic perceptions about memories of the past along with nocturnal illustrations about people, old trees and heritage.

Where: Jehangir Art Gallery, No 3, MG Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22843989

Get high on brew
Till April 15, 11 AM - 11 PM: AKA Bistro has launched a new bakes and brews menu. You can opt for an XOXO latte which contains double espresso, chocolate syrup and truffle oil. Mojito lovers can have the offee mojito with espresso, mint, lime and orange.

Where: AKA Bistro, 121 Nagindas Master Road, ground floor, Radha Bhavan, Kala Ghoda, Fort
Entry: Rs 150 onwards
Call: 9029293968

Hear songs of peace
7.30 PM: Watch Ekam Satt, a musical conceptualised and orchestrated by Ameya Dabli featuring Devaki Pandit (in pic) and Rakesh Chaurasiya. With an aim to spread the message of love and unity, the concert is curated in a way to make the audience pause and reflect.

Where: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
Entry: Rs 300- Rs 3,000
Call: 24920510

LOL with Johny Lever
8.45 PM: Johny Lever will tickle your funny bone with his live stand-up show. In this session, Lever incorporates references and his witty observations to do with social media, politics, human behaviour, pop culture, cultural affairs and technology, among others.

Where: Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Hindurao Patil Marg, Sector 16A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Entry: Rs 300-2,500
Log On To: bookmyshow.com

Join a midnight peddle
11. 30 PM: Explore the spellbinding coastal route of the city in the night. Your task is to completing 25 km; it starts from Colaba (Causeway) and ends at Band Stand (Bandra) taking multiple halts at Marine Drive, Shivaji Park, Worli Sea Face and beyond.

Where: Colaba Causeway
Entry: Rs 999
Log On To: www.mumbaitravellers.com

Book ahead
Revive ancient Indian weaves
April 13- 15, 10.15 AM - 12 PM: Vastrabharana, a textile fundraiser that has been initiated by the Craft Council of Karnataka, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. And, for the first time the event will take place in Mumbai. The exhibition, which is dedicated to reviving languishing handicrafts, will showcase unique textiles such as Palash weaves from Orissa, Kimkhwāb fabrics that originated in the Moghul era and Kalamkari, an ancient art form that was started by weavers in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh.

Where: Coomaraswamy Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Call: 22844484

Dine in the dark
April 4, 8 PM and 10 PM: They say the first bite is always with the eyes. But, what do you do when you're blindfolded? TAG GourmArt Kitchen by chef Ranveer Brar will provide this experience at Tickle Your Sense - a first of its kind blindfolded dinner experience. The chef will surprise you with a five-course vegetarian menu inspired from his travels in Europe. The idea is to enjoy your food without the use of one of your primary senses.

Where: TAG GourmArt Kitchen, 1st Floor, Kamala City, OSS Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel
Entry: Rs 1,200
Call: 8850566538

Humour dose
Laugh out loud
April 16, 7 PM: Remember the riot Laughter in the House sparked at the box office four years ago? The same team of vintage stars, leading a younger ensemble cast, will present its sequel, Laughter in the House – 2. This tribute to Adi Marzban has yet another choice selection of skits and songs from the legendary writer.

Where: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point
Entry: Rs 200 to Rs 1,200
Call: 6223742

Enjoy delish aamras
Ongoing, 12 PM - 11 PM: Satisfy your mango craving by sipping on delicious aamras at Golden Star Thali. The Charni Road restaurant is offering unlimited aamras every Saturday and Sunday - in addition to the sweets that accompany the thali. They also serve a bowl of complimentary aamras on weekdays from Monday to Friday. If you want to continue the party at home, they have the same in ½ litre & 1 litre packs.

Where: Golden Star Thali, 330, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Opera House, Girgaon
Call: 23671952

Chill with the ladies
April 5, 8.30 PM: Chalta Hai Comedy's new edition of Dame Funny will see Trupti Khamkar (in pic), improv artist Jeeya Sethi and writers Sumaira Shaikh and Urooj Ashfaq and IIM drifter Prashasti Singh at the event. Since Wednesdays are ladies nights at The Barking Deer, they will be giving away the first drink to all ladies at Rs 5. Men can come early and enjoy happy hours on the house brews and select liquor till 8 pm.

Where: The Barking Deer, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Entry: Rs 150 for ladies, Rs 250 for rest
Call: 61417400

Enjoy Gujrati poetry
April 8, 5 PM: Listen to Udayan Thakker and Dileep Jhaveri, two veterans of Gujarati poetry, as they discuss the form and its rich heritage and read their popular work in the language. While Thakker's poetry collection Ekavan (1987) was awarded by Jayant Pathak Poetry Award of 1987-88, Jhaveri is writing has received the Critic's Award (1989), the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad award (1990).

Where: Mithibai College, Conference Hall, Gulmohar Road, Suvarna Nagar, Juhu Scheme, Vile Parle (West)
Entry: Rs 200
Log On To: bookmyshow.com

ACP Sanjay Kadam starts his day early at the gym, before heading to his office in Bandra West. Pic/RANE ASHISH

Right opposite Dongri police station, cut only by a turning road-strip, is a small ground that sees a flurry of activity every evening. Men in khakhi head out here post work, and engage in a few minutes of pushing and pulling under the dim street lighting, before finally calling it a day.

The open-air gymnasium was started 18 months ago. Until then, the vacant plot doubled up as a makeshift storage area for seized goods. But, with a fitness-conscious senior police inspector, Nitin Bangale, at the helm of affairs, the force had a slim chance of escaping a tough physical regime. When not manning his jurisdiction, Bangale goads his juniors to train with him. In 2015, when Sangram Balasaheb Kadam, a trained body-builder, joined as sub-inspector, Bangale found a willing partner to fuel this obsession. Together, they pump enough iron to put Salman Khan to shame. But, could that be said of the rest of the force serving in the 97 police stations within the city's jurisdiction?

Last month, after the Mumbai police fired back at author Shobhaa De for a tweet that fat-shamed a cop, whom she had incorrectly assumed was from Mumbai Police, the force made no pretence at hiding its disdain. Whether this confidence had anything to do with the healthy turnaround that they have witnessed of late, was what piqued our interest. What we learnt on our 'fit cop' trail was that Bajirao Singham and Chulbul Pandey aren't just figments of Bollywood's popular imagination. Some of them are right there in your nearby police thana. The success stories, however, weren't written overnight. They have been in the making for years.

Seasons of change
Mumbai Police historian Deepak Rao says it was Arvind Inamdar, who first introduced the rigours of exercise within the force as joint commissioner of police, crime, in 1987. Now, 77 years old, the retired Mumbai-based top cop, recalls, "Back in the 1980s, the gang wars in Mumbai were at their peak. To tackle them, we started the Special Operations Squad (SOS), with brand new weaponry. But, unless they were physically fit, they wouldn't be able to fight anyone. So, every morning, I would meet them and run with them for at least six kms." However, this fizzled out after five years.

While some health initiatives were revived years later under former CP MN Singh (2002), the noose around ill-health only tightened during the last decade, says Rao. "Unlike earlier, 80 per cent of the force takes fitness seriously. You don't see hawaldars or officers smoking on duty these days," says Chimaji Adhav, inspector, crime branch, Unit 11.

When the present CP, Datta Padsalgikar, took over the post on January 31, 2016, he was confronted with disturbing figures from the previous year's health report. Of the 163 policemen, who reportedly died in 2015, 30 per cent had suffered from heart-related ailments. Long-work hours, stress, and poor-eating habits, were leading contributors to the problem.

Work hours re-jigged
Within a few months of taking charge, Padsalgikar called for a meeting of all senior cops to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

Top on the to-do list was slashing work hours of constables, who form 80 per cent of the force, from 12 to eight. "The idea was to ensure that the constable gets enough time to spend with his family and also exercise. This would ultimately make him mentally and physically fit," said joint CP (Law & Order) Deven Bharti. However, the project is still a work in progress.

Eight months ago, the Mumbai police also launched a free health-check drive, which made it compulsory for every cop to get an annual medical test done.

Defining a cop's fitness
What makes for a fit cop? Someone who has "learnt to start his day with fruit and not chai," says nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who has been working with the Mumbai police since 2016. Phase 1 of the Mumbai Police Welfare Project kicked off in October, in Zone IX wherein for over three months, she and her team visited all police stations on Tuesdays and Thursdays to conduct morning and evening sessions. Here, they would share inexpensive tips on diet and relaxation. They also tied up with gyms to help policemen get access to quality workout facilities. "They were reluctant at first — the eight chais a day didn't come down to two for everyone, but we got it down to five. The banana became the first meal of the day. As they observed positive changes in their body, they became more receptive," says Diwekar. The second phase of the programme will see her working with police representatives, in a more feedback-led module.

For holistic health professional Mickey Mehta, who continues to work closely with the Mumbai police, fitness in the force is more about mental resilience. "A cop who can clock in 15 hours a day and still has the energy to go on, is a fit cop. They, I feel, are more tenacious than their counterparts in Delhi and Haryana. The amount of pressure these guys can take is not funny," says Mehta, who conducted a training camp at Naigaon last year. The road to fitness, he says, is an uphill one for the police. There aren't enough training facilities, and maintaining a diet is a challenge. But, he rules out the need for gyms. "We don't want beefcakes. We are looking at resilient cops, not athletic ones. I recommend a desi workout — 21 minutes of dand baithak (push-ups/squats), stretching, naukasan (boat pose), chakrasan (wheel pose), dhanurasan (bow pose). They need more of military drills and agility training. For instance, I'd scatter potatoes on the ground and make them collect them in the least time possible."

While expert guidance is always at hand, the force too, has its own set of in-house experts. Inspector Sanjay Nikam, crime branch, was a fitness enthusiast even before joining the force in 2001. However, for him the need for mental strength trumps physical fitness. "When you don't have the opportunity to maintain a proper diet and get good rest, it is only your mental strength that keeps you going," says the 41-year-old, who set up a gym at the Wadala (East) police station, which was his first posting. "That gym is still used by policemen. Later, when I moved to Unit 4, I built one on the upper floor," says the inspector who would organise body-building competitions between 2001 and 2006, for the police force. Nikam's sustained efforts also inspired his seniors, who have followed his example and provided fitness equipment at their respective outposts.

DCP Dr Vinay Rathod enjoys the advantage of being a medical expert himself. "Having worked as a resident in one of Nagpur's busiest medical colleges has helped me deal with stress and pain. That comes handy when my staff approaches me for help. If someone has migraine or acidity, I'll recommend anulom vilom. The body's well-being impacts the mind and vice versa," says Rathod, who has run the half marathon for five years.

An endearing image
Sub-inspector Sangram, who grew up idolising Ashok Kamte, former additional CP, Mumbai police, still remembers the late cop toiling away at his gym in Kolhapur, during a brief posting there. Another popular role model is Himanshu Roy. ACP Sanjay Kadam says, "He changed how people perceived the police force. When he walked into the crowd, people scattered, not out of fear, but respect."

The ACP says that when a cop is fit, his confidence "increases by 100 per cent". "It boosts your morale," he says, adding that you begin to feel like a 'superhuman,' which changes how you handle work too.

Image consultant Rukhsana Eisa stresses on the importance of a smart-looking cop, because that has a direct impact on how the public perceives them. "Fitness will translate into confidence and that in turn will lend them a positive demea-nour while interacting with people. If they maintain a correct posture and a level of hygeine, it only adds to the overall image of a fit cop. This way, the feeling of negativity that people generally tend to associate with the police, will fade away."

ACP Sanjay Kadam starts his day early at the gym, before heading to his office in Bandra West.  PIC/SHADAB KHAN

Sanjay Kadam, 56ACP, Bandra police division
I begin my day at 6 am with a glass of milk and four almonds. An hour later, I head to the gym. I become a child in the gym, working out for at least two hours. I do a combination of weights, cardio and functional exercises. If I had to give advice on staying healthy, I would suggest taking packed lunch from home. On most days, my dabba comprises four to five rotis and sabzi. I eat rice only on Sundays. I don't smoke, drink or have tea.

Mickey Mehta, holistic health professional
Mehta says, "A cop who can clock in 15 hours a day and still has the energy to go on, is a fit cop. Mumbai cops, I feel, are more tenacious than their counterparts in Delhi and Haryana. The amount of pressure these guys can take, is not funny." For tenacious cops, not beefcakes, he recommends a desi workout of dand baithaks and yoga asanas.

Rujuta Diwekar, nutritionist
Diwekar and her team have been working with the force since 2016, sharing inexpensive diet and fitness tips. She says making the banana the first bite of the day is a small victory.

Arvind Inamdar is believed to have introduced the rigours of exercise within the force as joint commis-sioner of police, crime, in 1987

Himanshu Roy, former ATS Maharashtra chief, says ACP Sanjay Kadam, changed how people perceived the police force with his image.

Sub-inspector Sangram Balasaheb Kadam often works out with his immediate boss, senior PI Nitin Bangale, at a gym near Dongri police station. Pic/SHADAB KHAN 

Sangram Balasaheb Kadam, 29 Sub-inspector, Dongri Police Station
There's never a fixed schedule [for a police officer]. But, if I start work at 8 am, I wake up at 6.30 am. My diet is different because I am training to become a professional bodybuilder. I begin my day with six boiled eggs, one boiled sweet potato and oats soaked in water. I pack my own dabba. So, around 10 am, irrespective of where I am, I eat three boiled eggs, and a sweet potato. For lunch, I eat two chapatis and 300gm boiled chicken. This is followed by a cup of brown rice and 2 boiled eggs at 5 pm. At 9 pm, just before my workout, I have 3 boiled eggs again and mosambi juice, followed by a protein shake. Dinner is at around 12.30 and is the same as lunch.

DCP Vinay Rathod runs at least 15-20 km each week. Pic/BIPIN KOKATE

Dr Vinay Rathod DCP (Detection), Crime Branch
I joined Force 1 (a specialised counter terrorism unit) in 2011. For this, you need to undergo commando training for two months, where you run 25 km in full gear, while carrying 30 kg. I completed my training and then ran my first half marathon in 2011. Since then, running has become a part of life. I run three times a week and try to clock 15-20 km over seven days. As marathon season approaches, I increase the mileage to 17 km and then leave it at that. Also, while running the race, I am not keen on minimising time. I finish it comfortably in 2.5 hours. I intend to take my officers on regular treks as part of their physical training.

Inspector Chimaji Adhav swims twice a week to stay fit. Pic/NIMESH DAVE

Chimaji Adhav, 47 Inspector, Crime Branch, Unit 11
I wake up at 5.30 am and head out for a one-hour morning walk. I follow that with an hour in the gym in my housing society, where I do weights, skip-jumping and walk the treadmill. Twice a week, I swim. For breakfast, I have chapati-bhaji and do a light lunch if I get the time, which is usually three days a week. Else, I make do with a vada pao and bananas. For dinner, I have chapati-bhaji and one glass of milk.

Inspector Sanjay Nikam carries a mobile workout kit wherever he goes, so that he doesn’t miss a session

Sanjay Nikam, 41 Inspector, Crime Branch, Unit 4
I follow a seven-day workout rule because during a work week, you are bound to miss at least one day. My morning and evening workout schedule lasts from 6.30 to 8.30 am, and 20 minutes after 9 pm. In the morning I do cardio and weights. In the night, it's walking, running and lunges. I also carry a mobile workout kit, comprising extension, rollers and dip sets. That helps me maintain my schedule even when I'm on duty, especially out-station. I begin my day with 15 egg whites and a glass of protein shake, followed by a light lunch of three chapatis and bhaji (if possible). Between 4 and 5 pm, I have 100 grams of chicken. At 7 pm, I have a light snack with coffee. This is my last meal for the day. I only have a glass of warm water before going to bed.

Constable Sushant Mohite is professional body builder and continues to participate at events

Sushant Mohite, 30 Constable, LOCAL ARMS DIVISION, MAROL
I wake at 6 am, and eat an apple, three boiled egg whites, and brown bread or chapati. At 10 am, I eat two to three idlis, a banana and drink a glass of mosambi juice. If I don't manage to get my hands on this, I eat a sandwich without butter and potatoes. For lunch, I eat boiled chicken, chapatis and salad. Around 5 pm, I eat dry fruit, apple and some boiled eggs. Dinner is light with salad and fruit. I work out twice a day — 20 minutes in the morning and another 20 in the evening. I have struggled with my fitness, but a disciplined lifestyle has helped.

Create an arty shoe
12 PM: Here's your chance to add some pop and colour to your feet. A workshop in town will teach you how to create your own hand-painted shoes. You will also be initiated into shoe art, with lessons in unique patterns and designs. All materials, including the pair of shoes, will be provided.
WHERE: Doolally Taproom, Ground Floor 1, Plot 75/77, Park House, Colaba
ENTRY: Rs 1,250
TO BOOK: doolally.in

Pamper your pet
5 PM to 9 PM: Attend a dog carnival where your pet can have a fun day out. There will be interesting activities like pet personality contest, 'cool' dog pageant and special grooming sessions along with curated canine meals.
WHERE: Inorbit mall, Malad – Garden area next to parking lot of the mall
CALL: 66777999

Enjoy a Parsi meal
1 PM – 3 PM: Craving a Parsi delicacy? Feast on a special Navroze menu curated by Mahrukh Mogrelia, who will set a traditional table adorning seven auspicious items starting with the letter 'S', called the Haft-Sin. The dishes will include sherbets, sweets, dry fruits, and a variety of fruits.
WHERE: Nana Chowk, Grant Road (Full address will be shared on booking)
TO BOOK: www.eventshigh.com
CALL: 99201 50502

Sip natural beers
11.30 TO 1 AM: Get your spirits high later through the day with a new range that consists of exclusive artisanal premium craft beers. What's unique about these flavours is that they have no additives and chemicals and are wholly made up of natural ingredients.
WHERE: Woodside Inn, Link Plaza, Bhau Tatoba Toraskar Marg,
Andheri West
CALL: 26328963

Dig into egg kheema
7.30 TO 12 PM: Begin your weekend on a delicious note with your favourite breakfast dishes and cocktails. If you like it sweet, then chocolate pancakes are the best options. For desi lovers, there is anda gadbad (egg kheema) stuffed in omelette topped with spicy gravy.
WHERE: Light House Café, Love Grove Flyover, Siddharth Nagar, Worli
CALL: 9967414148

Seek the divine
11 AM – 7 PM: What if you could connect with the divine though art? A new exhibition, brought together by art curators Payal and Bindal Shah, hopes to extend this experience through the works of 19 talented artists. Around 100 artworks, inspired by the artist's connection with their spiritual self, will be on display at the exhibition titled The Seeking Artist. From abstract, composition, point of view and more, the art pieces will see an array of mediums, including watercolour, oil paints, pastel, charcoal, portrait and freestyle, work magic on canvas.
WHERE: Cymroza Art gallery, 72 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy
CaLL: 9820148450
FREE

Dive into theatre photography
5 PM: How do you capture a dynamic world like theatre in the still world of photography? What does the photographer need to understand about theatre to capture dramatic moments on camera? Ace lensman and theatre insider Nemai Ghosh will answers these questions and more at the new edition of Mumbai Local. Ghosh will take the audience through a selection of his photographs, and share his experience of the process.
WHERE: Dr BhauDaji Lad Mumbai City Museum, 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Byculla.
TO REGISTER: mumbailocal@junoontheatre.org

Soak in jazz music
APRIL 11, 8.30 PM ONWARD: Immerse yourself in a live music experience at Andheri's The Little Door, which collaborates with jazz ensembles every Tuesday. This time around, you can listen to Karim Ellaboudi (keys), Heather Andrews (vocals), D Wood (bass) and Aron Nyiro (drums). You can wine and dine while you soak in some free
flowing jazz.
WHERE: The Little Door, ground floor, plot B31, Shree Siddhivanayak Plaza, opposite Citi Mall, off New Link Road, Andheri (West)
CALL: 9920983833
FREE

Attend a hybrid dance show
APRIL 15, 7 PM: Catch a breathtaking amalgamation of Bharatnatyam and Lavani dance forms at the Sindhu Dance Festival. While the former is bound by rules, the latter is free and fluid. Here you'll see the lines blurring. Renowned lavani performer Shakuntalabai Nagarkar and Bharatnatyam dancer Vaibhav Arekar will perform at the event.
WHERE: Sheila Gopal Raheja Auditorium, next to Patwardhan Park, Bandra (West)
ENTRY: Rs 200 - Rs 1,000
CALL: 9820984699

Sign up for an artistic exchange
MAY 20 - 29: Here's a good opportunity for artists to work and interact with their ilk in this 10-day art residency programme that rolls out in May. Organised by Mumbai-based NGO, ICAC-International Creative Art Centre, the initiative seeks to connect artists from various genres fostering cross-cultural dialogue, artistic exchange and creates an environment for research and creativity. It will have 25 emerging artists working under one roof. Last date of registration is
April 15.
WHERE: Akhil Bhartiya Manav Vikas Sanstha, Dehgam, Gandhinagar, Ahemdabad
ENTRY: Rs 6,500
CALL: 9820151415
LOG ON TO: http://www.icacart. com/residency

Dil mango more

If there's one reason why we still like summer, it's because of the season's only saving grace — mangoes. So, if you want to satisfy your craving, restaurants in the city have a lot of in store

8.30 AM - 11 PM: If you're thinking healthy, AKA has the mango quinoa salad with pink ginger, baby spinach and bell peppers finished with mango and apple cider vinaigrette. For the experimental foodie, there's mango chili popsicle prawns marinated with mango aioli and roasted, served with house salad and raw mango salsa and grilled chicken breast with mango butter on a bed of peri peri sauteed vegetables.
WHERE: AKA Bistro, 123, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
CALL: 9029293968

10.30 AM - 11.30 PM: Chef Bunty Mahajan of Deliciae Patisserie has created a mango special dessert menu for you. You could pick from options like mango kiwi short cake, mango macaroons, mango mousse cake, mango meringue and mango mousse rhapsody.
WHERE: Khar Danda Road, Opposite Curio cottage, Khar (West)
CALL: 9029021200

8 AM - 11.55 PM: Poetry by Love & Cheesecake has rolled out a delicious mango-based breakfast menu. Starting with mango muffins, macaroons, tarts and smoothies, the options get more decadent with mango basil chocolate cups, where mangoes are tossed up with basil leaves and served in a cup made of chocolate, and chocolate marquise topped with chilli mangoes. If you want something quirky, there's honey nut and gouda with a verrine made with mangoes.
WHERE: Poetry by Love and Cheesecake, Pali Darshan, 33rd road, Bandra West
CALL: 9819935135

Two other must catch shows:

Shutterbug love
While FOCUS Photography Festival 2017 has drawn to a close, the flagship exhibition is on view. Curated by art historian Prajna Desai, Autobiography as Memory presents works by 18 photographers from around the world, selected through an open call for entries.
WHERE: Museum Plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla (E)
WHEN: Till April 30
ENTRY: Rs 10 (adults); Rs 5 (children)
CALL: 23731234

Views on dwelling
Dwelling Part II, the second and final installment of Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke's tenth anniversary show curated by Ranjit Hoskote features the works of 12 artists including Manish Nai and Kiki Smith.

WHERE: Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Colaba
WHEN: Till May 31, 11 AM - 7 PM (Sunday and Monday closed)
CALL: 22023030

Order of the day

Go on a wild safari
TILL APRIL 11, 11 AM - 7 PM: Photographer Hussain Nalwala, who has obtained a fellowship from UK's Royal Photographic Society, will take you on a wild safari through his paintings. You'll see delightful shots of horses galloping away at sunset, leopard perched on a tree and zebras fighting.
WHERE: 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 22843989

Have fun with colours
APRIL 11-12, 3 PM: Learn the art of watercolour painting with artist Bhavna Shah. At this workshop, you'll be taught techniques in paint application, brush-work, colour mixing, rendering light and shade, tonal value, and design in this medium. By the end of the class, you will learn to develop your own style.
WHERE: ARTISANS' Gallery 52-56 V B Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda
ENTRY: Rs 2,500
LOG ON TO: insider.in

Watch an Urdu play
APRIL 12 , 6 PM and 9 PM: Watch the Urdu version of Moliere's 14th century classic 'Ecole de femmes or School for Wives' by Balraj Pandit. Beewion Ka Madrasa is about Haneef Mohammed who would not marry because he believes all women are dishonest.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20 Janki Kutir Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 300
CALL: 26149546

Dine like a star
8 PM: Benares London, where Adele, Justin Beiber, Robby Williams and Tom Cruise have dined, has launched a new pop up menu. Chef Atul Kochhar will present a six-course meal which includes all the signature dishes from the restaurant.
WHERE: NRI, Maker Maxity, North Avenue, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East)
ENTRY: Rs 5000 ++
CALL: 30005040

Groove to Gurdas Maan
APRIL 14, 8 PM: Celebrate Baisakhi with the legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, who will feature his never-seen-before act at the Punjabiyaan Di Shaan Gurdas Maan, live in concert. The show will remind the patrons of Punjab and its culture.
WHERE: Shanmukhananda Hall, behind Gandhi Market, Comrade Harbanslal Marg, Sion
ENTRY: Rs 500 - Rs 5,000
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

Celebrate Easter
APRIL 15- 23, 10 AM - 12 PM: With Easter around the corner, Sassy Teaspoon has already rolled out a range of fun Easter specials. Bite into chocolate Easter eggs, mini Easter eggs in a chocolate nest and cupcakes decorated with Easter eggs. The decadent treats are available till April 23.
WHERE: Express Towers, Next to HDFC Bank, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point
CALL: 7666222777

RD Burman composed for more than 300 films in a career spanning 30 years

This weekend, a group of music enthusiasts is going to deconstruct the thin line between imitation and inspiration at a talk on Hindi film music. The works of RD Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan and OP Nayyar will be discussed at the event.

Shankar-Jaikishan ruled from 1949 to 1986

“Many tried to imitate a sound that worked well with listeners in that period. In fact, film producers would encourage music directors to do so. The music of Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Kalyanji-Anandji was close to the sound created by Shankar-Jaikishan and Burman,” says Ramesh KV, one of the speakers. “If you listen to the orchestration of a song, you will think it belongs to Burman, but it actually is by someone else,” he adds.

The full panel includes R Balaji, Shankar Iyer, Archisman Mozumder and Subramanian Iyer.

On: April 15, 7.30 pm
At: Pitaara – The Art Box, Yashwant Nagar, Goregaon (W).
Call: 9820393001
Entry: Rs 250

Learn to breathe and heal
12 PM to 3 PM: Sometimes just breathing the right way, can heal. Attend a work-shop organised by Dr Harsha Khand-elwal, who will teach you breathing techniques to help release tension.
WHERE: Bhagirathi Banquets, Jagjivan Ram Nagar, Mulund West
ENTRY: Rs 250
TO BOOK: www.eventshigh.com

Watch a comic play
7 PM: Don't miss a comedy about the rat race, how we cope with it, and what we put our lungs through, in the process. Set in the smoking area of a corporate building, Dhumrapaan offers a hilarious take on every employee's nightmare.
WHERE: Experimental Theatre: NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point
ENTRY: Rs 400 –Rs 500
CALL: 66223737

Visit a museum
10 AM: Witness the city's cultural heritage at an ongoing exhibition at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. The museum will showcase a rare collection of 19th century fine and decorative arts that highlight early modern art practices and craftsmanship in the erstwhile Bombay Presidency and beyond.
WHERE: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Byculla East
COST: Rs 100
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

Attend an art sale
10 AM to 10 PM: It's our natural tendency to put a face to everything and anything. Without it, the world almost seems illusionary. Artist Trishna Patnaik explores this concept with a new exhibition titled FACES, where she creates a range of face paintings using various mediums. You can also own these artworks.
WHERE: The Cuckoo Club, 5AA,
Mc Ronnel's Compound, Pali Hill Road, Bandra West
CALL: 9619962969

Spread the Easter cheer

From preparing sweet treats to digging into lavish meals, here's our guide to celebrating the festival

Sip fruity cocktails
7 PM to 1.30 AM: Whether it's late lunch or an early dinner, you must celebrate with cocktails. Complete the festivities with a new range of refreshing Easter drinks. From the Cotton Tail, which is a mix of vodka, passion fruit puree and lemon, to the Starfruit Spritz, made with gin and starfruit, there's something for every cocktail lover.
WHERE: One Street Over, Off Linking Road, Khar West
PRICE: Rs 350 – Rs 400
CALL: 26002224

Enjoy an egglicious treat
12 PM to 1 AM: If you want a break from the usual chocolate fare, head to Myxx. Dig into their fruit flavoured white chocolate eggs with dark chocolate sponge cake or indulge in their white chocolate egg stuffed with mango crème.
WHERE: Myxx, Navaratan Apartment, Near Juhu Post Office, Juhu
CALL: 60226700

Learn to make truffles
11 AM to 1.30 PM: What better way to spend Easter than learning how to make handmade truffles and some luscious drunken gingerbread. They'll be ready just in time to share with family.
WHERE: Flavour Diaries, Above Khar Social, Rohan Plaza, Khar West
ENTRY: Rs 3,499
CALL: 9022270033

Go brunching

12 PM to 4.30 PM: Fancy a lavish Easter brunch with family? The Seven Kitchens' lavish spread of traditional delicacies may just be the answer. From glazed ham and roast chicken to hot cross buns, and different types of baked quiche, stuffed breads and cocktails, this will surely cheer you, and everyone else, up.
WHERE: Seven Kitchens, Level 9M, St Regis, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
PRICE: Rs 3,000 and above
FOR RESERVATIONS: 61628422

Chill with tigers

MAY 17: This summer, gift your child a real Jungle Book experience. Heart and Soil is organising a three-day trip to the Pench Tiger Reserve, in Madhya Pradesh, fondly called as the Kipling country. Kipling wrote Jungle Book after spending his days in and getting inspired by the forests of Pench. The kids will see wildlife in its natural habitat and not in the crammed confines of a zoo.
WHERE: Pench National Park, Dharna Kalan, Madhya Pradesh
ENTRY: Rs 39,000 for a parent and child
CALL: 9819923115

Visit the Golden Temple vicariously
11 AM - 7 PM: Dr Mahesh Kharde, an orthopedic surgeon from Mumbai, will display his latest photographs on contemporary life. The series covers monuments in Rajasthan and Punjab and urban vignettes from smaller towns. Noteworthy among his photographs are the shots of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, turban seller in Rajasthan, ancient forts and palaces in Rajasthan and Karnataka.
WHERE: Jehangir Art Gallery, (Terrace Art Gallery), MG Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 9923660056

Take home an amrapali
APRIL 22-23, 11 AM ONWARDs: Angiya is organising a sample sale of indigenous bras that puts form, style and comfort before convention and constriction. This garment will combine organic cotton, deeper cuts and freer design. You could sample the Yasodhara, their version of a push-up bra and Amrapali, a crop-top bra.
WHERE: The Vintage Garden, Patkar Bungalow, 34D, Turner Road, Bandra West
LOG ON TO: https://m.facebook.com/theindianbra/

Create your own comic
APRIL 22, 10.30 AM: Have you ever dreamed of creating your own comic strip? Sign up for a workshop helmed by Mumbai-based architect and urban designer Nikhil Chaudhary who will introduce you to a rich medium of comics and graphic novels and show you how to create comics as a medium to express your thoughts. You will be guided into a hands-on session to create your own short comics.
WHERE: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Byculla
ENTRY: Rs 500
CALL: 23731234

Meet Master Tusk
APRIL 18, 12 PM: Watch Elephant in the Room, a play about a boy named Master Tusk, who has been given a new head — that of an elephant. Confused and bewildered, he finds himself lost in the forest. He encounters a motley couple — Makadi (spider) and Moork (poacher) — a clumsy duo in search of a big-ticket ransom. They kidnap Master Tusk, but their scheme goes awry when a prophecy is revealed.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 300
CALL: 2614 9546

Pedal for peace

7 AM: Cycling could well be a way of spreading the message of environmental conservation loud and clear. Caravan Trips and iKheti have organised a cycling session at the lush greenery of Aarey Gardens where, due to construction of the Metro, many trees in and around Aarey have been destroyed.
WHERE: Aarey Colony entrance, Goregaon East
ENTRY: Rs 750
LOG ON TO: www.insider.in

order of the day

Watch a French period drama
6.30 PM: Catch writer-director Francois-Xavier Vives's debut period drama starring Marie Gillain, Jalil Lespert and Miou-Miou. In 1920, when her husband dies, Liena is left alone with vast plantations of pines. She is determined to finish her husband's work and provide electricity to all her employees across her lands.
WHERE: Alliance Française de Bombay, 40, Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines
CALL: 22035993
FREE

Participate in a public adda
5 PM: Attend an interesting panel discussion organised by the Godrej India Culture Lab and Point of View where four feminists, Mona Eltahawy, Paromita Vohra, Geeta Patel and Bishakha Datta, will talk about sex, feminism, lipstick and other female-oriented issues. Titled 'What's Sex Got To Do With It? A Public Adda', the event is in celebration of Point of View's 20th anniversary.
WHERE: Auditorium, (1st Floor) Godrej ONE, Vikhroli (East). (On Eastern Express Highway)
RSVP indiaculturelab.@godrejinds.com.

Listen to a story

TILL 28 APRIL, 10 AM - 12.30 PM: Make it a productive vacation for your little one (aged 2 to 4 years) at a summer camp organised by Kangaroo Kids. There will be fun activities like art and craft, music, jewellery making, storytelling and puppet shows that will keep your kid engaged.
WHERE: NESCO Compound, near Hall No. 3, Western Express Highway, Goregaon (E)
ENTRY: Rs 4,500
CALL: 9820855659

Enjoy mango dhokla
ONGOING: Khandani Rajdhani is celebrating Aamlicious festival, where the fare goes beyond regular aamras and mango shrikhand. Enjoy some delicious kairi cabbage tikki, mango kofta pulao and more. Priced at `499, the menu will be rotational with two to three items made out of raw or ripe mango every day.
WHERE: Level 2, Phoenix Market City Mall, LBS Marg Kurla (West)
CALL: 9819555196

Groove to Burman hits
7.30 PM: Diehard Burman fans can head to Ravindra Natya Mandir for a musical extravaganza titled Forever Pancham where Sudesh Bhonsle will sing in the voice of SD, RD, Kishore Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. Others like Mohan Shetty, Pooja Sadarangani, Bipin Bhalerao and Aditya Salvi will join him in crooning a variety of numbers composed by the legend.
WHERE: Near Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi
ENTRY: Rs 200-Rs 1000
LOG ON TO : bookmyshow.com

Paint like a child

3 PM: Hone the artist in you at this painting party organised by The Bombay Drawing Room titled Doorway to Bliss. With no prior painting experience required, this will be a guided session, shedding light on the basic strokes, sketches and techniques and helping you getting in touch with the artist within. You'll have to paint the 'Doorway to Bliss' with acrylic paint on canvas.
WHERE: Independence Brewing Company, New Link Road,
opp. Citi Mall, Andheri (W)
LOG ON TO: www.bookmyshow.com

Harsha Dehejia looks at paintings by street artists on the Kala Ghoda stretch leading to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Sitting under a tree on a footpath that connects Jehangir Art Gallery with CSMVS, an astrologer reads the kundalis and palms of those keen to know their future. Nearby, a quack sells jadi buti (herbal medicines) sourced from the jungles of India. "Sometimes, will digging up medicines, a snake or scorpion jumps at me," he regales Harsha V Dehejia, as the latter strikes up a conversation with him.

A hawker at Ranade Road in Dadar. “Even art comes alive on a footpath,” says Dehejia. Pic/Datta Kumbhar

These anecdotes that Dehejia, 79, indulges in while strolling down the heritage precinct of Kala Ghoda are part of a 30-minute DVD that accompanies the second edition of his book, Walk With Me On Mumbai Footpaths (Wilco), launched recently.

In the DVD, you'll also find tete-a-tetes with Amin Sayani and Shobhaa De. "Mumbai's footpaths have a life of their own. Many people have started their careers and lives on these footpaths and gone on to become billionaires and movie stars," says De in the video.

Look closer at Pedder Road: On an afternoon stroll on the street in 1980s, Dehejia spotted a cobbler solving a crossword puzzle and down the road, a man sleeping in a bathtub. Pics courtesy/Harsha Dehejia

Blast from the past
Born and bred in Malabar Hill, Dehejia's fascination with footpaths traces back to his college days when he would walk down from Flora Fountain to elphinstone College. That's where he first met the aforementioned astrologer and quack. "I would spend a lot of a time at a street bookstore near Central Telegraph Office. I would also spot artists sketching on the pavements. Today, even 50 years later, you still find these treasures on footpaths. If you talk to those who work or live on them, you'll realise that their courage in trying to make a living is exemplary," says Dehejia, who has a double doctorate, one in medicine and another in ancient Indian culture. Previously, he has authored books on Krishna.

In 1970, he shifted base to Ottawa (Canada) in 1970 where is a faculty member at Carleton University, and also runs a radio show. "However, I hold a strong connect with Mumbai, visiting it at least once a year."

What's in the book?
A condensed version of the previous edition (2011), the book features over 100 photographs, which capture interesting people, and activities that take place on the city's footpaths on a daily basis. In one, a typist sits with his instrument drafting a letter near GPO, while a man naps in a bathtub-turned-bed on Pedder Road in another. The frames also showcase clay pots filled with water placed at a footpath in Chembur, a student preparing for an exam under a street lamp in Worli and kids using a pavement to play gully cricket in Borivali.

"Mumbai's footpaths are full of life, brotherhood, colours, enterprise and commerce, and religion. You'll spot many roadside shrines, which may be illegal from the municipal sense, but offer solace to those living and walking on the footpaths. You'll often see passersby stop at the shrine to offer a prayer. However, to discover their true beauty, you need to rid yourself of the notion that they are chaotic and dirty, and meet them with an open heart."

Many frames date back to 1980s, when Dehejia would pick up his camera and roam around the streets of Mumbai. "Then, in 2007, I was at a coffee shop, showing these photographs to [late historian] Sharada Dwivedi, who suggested that I bring out a book. That's how the project began," he recalls. The book also features photographs contributed by his friends and photographers, Rafiq elias, Chirodeep Chaudhroi and Sailesh Mule among others, along with illustrations by cartoonist Hemant Morparia.

Illustrations/Ravi Jadhav

Girgaum, Kamat Chawl Thakurdwar
Celebrating the festival for the last 122 years, simplicity is key for Kamat Chawl residents. And they are happy to share tales from the forgotten pages of history and freedom struggle. Here, they do not follow the concept of themed decor and celebrate the festival in an absolute traditional manner. The idol is made of eco-friendly material called shadu. Following the spirit of why the festival was started in the first place, the pandal is built by the residents and each one volunteers to manage the space and the stage area.

Khetwadi, Tulsi Building Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal
This is the 75th year of the pandal and, like each year, the Ganesh idol is made up of different things, mostly edible. For instance, dry fruits, cereal and pluses, chikki, and stationery and diamond have been used. This year's focus is on kids and the theme is Disneyworld. The idol is made of Cadbury chocolate and the children cannot wait to see their favourite sweet take the shape of their favourite deity.

Malad, Shree Sai Darshan Mitra Mandal
For the last 11 years, this eco-friendly Ganesha has been a hit with devotees. Made from paper and cardboard, the organisers use various concepts including football erasers, pencils and cars. This year, Bappa is giving a shout out to nostalgia as the idol is made of old coins of 1 paise, 10 paise and 20 paise. The mandal's focus is to create awareness and education, especially about global warming.

Ghatkopar, S G Barve Nagar Sarvajanik Ganeshostav Mandal
Since 1966, the pandal's idols, one large and one small, have been luring devotees to this suburb. This year's theme is a dreamy fusion of a golden pillared palace, the religious oeuvre of Om Ganapataya namah and the galaxy. A daily bhandara of rice, dal, chole, bhaji, papad, pickles and gulab jamun feeds a thousand people. A blood donation drive along with free blood test and blood group check is done during the 10 day period.

Fort, Fort Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal
Celebrated since 1956, this is one of the biggest fully centralised pandals in the city. This year, they have invited special artists from Rajasthan to create a palace setting. Their finesse and specially crafted artwork adds to the grandeur of the pandal. While you are here, you can easily spot a celeb or two. The maha aarti, especially for the police department, is scheduled for tomorrow.

Thane, Narvir Tanaji Mitra Mandal
For the last 38 years, this pandal has been not only known for its large murti and grand themes but also for reaching out to those in need, especially in rural areas. Bappa will happily rest in the grand Rajasthani Palace and overlook the tasks the members of the mandal will take up. Medical camps and a beautifully curated cultural programme that will see participants sing, dance and create beautiful flower arrangements and rangolis are in store for the Utsav.

Tilak Nagar, Sahyadri Krida Mandal
For the last 41 years, this pandal has been dedicatedly putting up themes on social awareness. This year, their theme is 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan' and will include artworks illustrating places from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, highlighting important destinations like the Himalayas and Madurai's Meenakshi Temple. These will be interspersed with reproductions of the metro, rail space research, army personnel and agricultural families to show how they co-exist to form an integral part of society.

Traipse through America
Sunset Cinema Club (SCC) is holding a Travel Movie Night in association with travel start-up Unpland. The movie to be screened is Into The Wild, a 2007 film about a young man who decided to renounce his possessions and hitchhike across America. "We have hosted several themed movie nights in the past. This time, we wanted to do something travel-centric. We ran an online poll to pick the movie for the screening," says SCC co-founder Sanchit Gupta.
On: September 3, 8.30 pm
At: The Barking Deer, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. log on to insider.in
Entry: Rs 312 (includes a beer or mocktail)

Understand the works of Renaissance masters
This evening, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, in collaboration with Alliance Francaise de Bombay, is showing three documentaries on Renaissance painters by filmmaker Alain Jaubert. The first film delves into Grünewald's painting Retable d'Issenheim (Altarpiece of Issenheim), while the second focuses on Baldassare Castiglione (Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione) by Raphaël. The third film is about Le Repas Chez Levi (The Meal at Levi's; in pic) by Veronese. If you walk in after 5.30 pm, entry is free.
On: Today, 6 pm to 7.30 pm
At: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, Byculla East
Call: 23731234

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Mary Poppins Returns

U/A: Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Angela Lansbury, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer
Rating: 

Disney drums up age-old magic by picking up the threads of an unforgettable original which had the unassailable diva Julie Andrews mesmerize way back in 1964. This time around Emily Blunt essays the all-important role of the magical nanny whose job is to put things right in the Banks’ siblings Michael(Ben Whishaw) and Jane’s (Emily Mortimer)now adult world just as she did when they were kids – with Lin-Manuel Miranda doing a Dick Van Dyke in this Rob Marshall sequel.

The setting is 1930’s London, Michael is a widower with three lovely kids and his sister Jane is an activist who appears to have lost out on love. Burdened by debt and threatened by the bank, Michael can barely keep his head up when Mary Poppins flies into their lives and makes all the difference!

Check out the trailer here:

Director Rob Marshall manages to tie-in to the original with enchanting ease - spelling forth a magical 130 minutes of music and fantasy that keeps you reminiscing while laying out an entirely fresh scenario that’s just as trippy as the original. Marshall reteams with cinematographer Dion Beebe, to give the narrative an inveigling widescreen luster, with production designer John Myhre and costume designer Sandy Powell chipping in with their nostalgia imbuing contributions. The pre-war 1930s setting is superbly presented just as the bath-time routine, excursion in the park and journey into an all-too brittle adventure, rekindle the vivacity and colorfulness of yore. It’s a wondrous amalgamation of ideas from the past and present, merging together in synchronicity of technique and wonder that is entirely enthralling.

Also Read: Emily Blunt Got Scared With Mary Poppins Returns Offer

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Glass

U/A: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Bruce Willis, James McAvoy
Rating: 

Shyamalan’s earliest films (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs) were brilliant, they intrigued, shocked and entertained all at the same time. The same cannot be said about the films that came later. The big budget ones especially were all jumbled up and schlocky. It felt as though the director never really achieved his vision. ‘Glass’ is a far better effort in terms of visual context but it fails on cohesion and lucidity – especially in the third act dominated by Shyamalan’s signature twists.

Glass, a sort of sequel to both Unbreakable and Split, spends its two hours plus without a strong story to tell. It is every bit as inconceivable and snaky a film as his worst but it still has a psychological depth that could have amounted to much more - if only the director had been a little more focussed. There’s so much he is wanting to say that it all gets lost in the confusion and incoherence brought on by a lack of emphasis.

Glass opens with Dunn(Willis) tracking down Split's villain, Kevin Wendell Crumb aka 'The Horde' (James McAvoy), a serial killer suffering from multiple personality disorder who has been preying on girls in the Philadelphia area. After some visceral action Dunn and Crumb are captured and taken to a secret wing of a psychiatric hospital also housing Mister Glass(Jackson) – to be studied by Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson), a psychiatrist obsessed with decoding the phenomenon of men who believe themselves to possess the powers of comic book characters.

Check out the trailer here:

This is an indie film (in partnership with Blumhouse)with no big studio backing it so there are budget constraints which Shyamalan could have overcome by running a tighter ship. Shyamalan manages to get close to poignant and memorable but the third act(rather threadbare) pulls you off that track all the way through. The twists don’t make much sense and in fact renders the entire work rather directionless.

The build-up is pretty good even though the action is all visual, internalised and verbose but the third and final act fails to make something out of that. The director and DP Michael Gioulakis manage to compose some fascinating and striking visual mayhem but it doesn’t amount to anything powerful. If you followed ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’ then there is a chance that you might cotton on to Shyamalan’s wavelength but for a large part of the audience this is going to be a film without a strong sense of purpose.

James McAvoy is simply the best thing about this movie. His enthusiasm and effort in playing out multiple personalities is extraordinary. Jackson wakes up from his stupor a little late and loses out on creating an impact while Willis looks on strategically- the thing he does best I guess. This is at best a baffling and inconsistent exercise in cinema!

Also Read: James McAvoy on Glass co-star Bruce Willis: He is most chilled dude

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Milan Talkies
U/A: Drama romance
Dir: Tigmanshu Dhulia
Cast: Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath
Ratings: 

This film is so inherently inconsistent, uneven in its storytelling that you feel like rooting for it still, simply because of the scattered set-pieces full of humour and insights/mannerisms of a small town, north India that you encounter once in a while.

It's almost like spotting diamond among the roughs - whether that be the local uncle breaking into nostalgic songs after a few pegs of whisky, or the street goon, wannabe Vidhayak (legislator) - both being the same - desperate to test his skills as a Hindi film star.

We're referring to Uttar Pradesh in particular, and Allahabad (now Prayagraaj) to be more specific - effectively a land of bakchods (blabber-mouths), with tonnes of tashan (exhibition of bravado) dictating mofussil male lives.

I know this isn't as true anymore, but another aspect that has geographically remained common to Indian towns is the cinema hall (or talkies) as the all-important landmark (there are usually two or three max in a district), where both the rich and the poor, predominantly young, but also the old, merge for their movie entertainment, and other accoutrements that naturally surround it.

Check out the trailer here:

Milan Talkies, that the film is named after, is one such adda/theatre in Allahabad where a young dude spends most of his time in the projection room, aspiring to become a Mumbai filmmaker when he isn't shooting low-budget films with neighbourhood talents himself. One assumed this would be some sort of a version of Giuseppe Tornatore's Italian classic Cinema Paradiso (1988) - ultimate tribute to the movies.

Hell, no. This is a full-on, wannabe-classic romantic story about that boy, and the girl with an authoritarian dad, and the fact that they can't get together - even as the film doesn't care to explain exactly why. And the two are happy to elope - not once, but several times in a row, and oh my god, 'will they, won't they,' just go on, and frickin' on.

The film is directed by Allahabad boy Tigmanshu Dhulia (Paan Singh Tomar, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster), who whether he likes it or not is probably better known for the dialogue, "Jab tak Hindustan mein saneema hai, log c****iye bante rahenge," that he delivered as an actor in Anurag Kashyap's iconic Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012). Such is how crisp dialogues (like tag-lines in ads) work on us anyway.

Whether this film itself is part-autobiographical or not, Dhulia got noticed as a filmmaker with his debut Haasil (2003) - at the time a rare, robust insider's account of his home-town, and campus politics in a north Indian small-town. Over the years, that script (or the premise, if you may) has been milked so much to death, that it's turned into a tiring genre of its own.

Ali Fazal (similarly seen as a UP ruffian in the Amazon Prime series, Mirzapur) plays the protagonist here - a role that I'm told has been through several replacements (Imran Khan, Shahid Kapoor, etc) in the past. Although at some portions he sounds/behaves a lot like Dhulia himself, Fazal is competent to the core (no doubt). As is the female lead (Shraddha Srinath), making her Hindi film debut.

The film itself though does little to the genre, besides deliberately revisit some old-world Bollywood cliches. Maybe there's some subversion (that I'm unable to see). Maybe a full-blown, big-screen romance hinges much on the scale, for effective suspension of belief, which is sadly missing. Either way, one suspects, much of this movie pretty much remains in the filmmaker's imagination/head. Rest of it, quite honestly, gave me a bit of a headache.

Also Read: Sonu Nigam's soulful voice in Shart from Milan Talkies will tug at your heartstrings

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Notebook
U/A: Romance
Dir: Nitin Kakkar
Cast: Zaheer Iqbal, Pranutan Bahl
Ratings: 

I, for one, am not of the belief that remakes are a bad thing. If made well, they can stand their ground and even shine, in some cases, better than the original. Given that Notebook is directed by Nitin Kakkar (the man behind the luminous gem Filmistaan), I had a fair share of expectations, despite the underwhelming trailer. Kakkar's powerful storytelling in the unassuming Filmistaan played in my mind as I walked in to watch Notebook, an adaptation of the Thai film, The Teacher's Diary that released in 2014.

It's not a good sign when, in a love story, children steal your heart over the lead pair. Individually, both debutants Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl sparkle, but they meet only at the fag end of the film. Kakkar draws out adequate performances from both, playing to their strengths, using the naivety of the novices to build on some screen charm. But with so much solo heavy lifting and a wobbly screenplay in tow, Kakkar delivers far short of what he is capable of.

Watch the trailer here:

As a plus, the film uses the picturesque settings of Kashmir, blending it with good music. The story, much like the original, traces the unlikely love life of Firdaus (Bahl) and Kabir (Iqbal). She leaves behind a notebook full of sketches and doodles; he is her replacement in a school where they teach. The notebook becomes a source of hope for Kabir, who connects deeply with her over the pages. She is an unusual teacher in an abusive relationship. As Kabir struggles to bond with the children, the notebook comes handy. The rest of the film paves the way to their final interaction.

Kakkar remains faithful to the original design, transporting his viewers into a world of innocence. It is concerning that the director never delves deep into the problems of the state, bringing forth its elements for a pure cosmetic use. A child with a fundamentalist father is a needless addition to the plot. Kabir's former job as a soldier, and his Kashmiri pandit background, also do little to add to the larger plot. It's a balanced view, but not a bold one; too simplistically handled, which is unlike Kakkar's risque style.

Watch it for the adorable kids, and if you are excited about star children in general, Pranutan is a good deal as a first timer.

Also Read: Notebook celeb review: Bollywood unanimously touts the film as a sweet and genuine

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After the death of three police personnel due to COVID-19, the Mumbai police are telling constables aged above 55 years and those having existing ailments to immediately proceed on leave. The option for the paid leave was made available on Monday and will last till the lockdown.

Accordingly, the police top brass has directed police stations and traffic divisions to give leave to such constables. If a constable still wishes to come to work, he will be allowed to.

Traffic cops are most vulnerable as their work involves highest people-to-people contact

The three deaths in the Mumbai police workforce occurred within 48 hours. Wanting to save the rest of their colleagues who might be especially vulnerable, senior officers have given clear instructions.

"We have given orders to police stations and traffic divisions to give leave to constables aged beyond 55 years. Those having serious health issues have also been advised to take rest," said Param Bir Singh, commissioner of Mumbai police.

A policeman checks a car at Bhendi Bazar. Pic/Ashish Raje

"On Sunday, we asked for information from the headquarters about constables aged between 50 to 52, 52 to 55 and 55 to 58 years and any ailments they might have," said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.

Health experts have observed that people aged above 50 and having health issues such as diabetes, asthma and heart conditions are more susceptible to the Coronavirus. "Since the beginning of the lockdown, we had asked our senior inspectors and traffic division in-charges to assign desk duties to constables aged above 50 years, with minimal contact with outsiders," said another officer. "Yet we lost three personnel. Hence, we are enforcing the policy further to avoid more fatalities," added the officer.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and spokesperson for Mumbai police, Pranaya Ashok said, "The message is loud and clear — cops aged above 50 should not be posted in hotspots or in containment zones. In fact, they should serve for tasks that involve minimum social contact. Now we are going a step forward by giving constables aged above 55 years the option to go on leave."

"Enforcing law and order is our priority but saving the lives of our men is also our duty. Therefore, we have given such constables the option to stay home April 27 onwards till the end of the lockdown. Traffic cops have the most contact with people, making them the most vulnerable," said a senior officer from the traffic police.

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