Mumbai Diary: Monday musings

Not so smart, this
With smart phones in the hands of almost everybody these days, people are absorbed by their phones, even while walking and crossing roads. Recently, a young woman was so engrossed in her smart phone while walking, typing away on the phone, she ended up ramming her chest into a stationary truck.

(ouch!) The truck which was parked opposite Holy Family Church, Chakala had long construction rods which ended up injuring her. She was rushed to the doctor and fortunately, she did not suffer a serious injury.

Traffic police who were at the scene tell us of another incident where a woman on a smart phone was molested. The woman, they say, was so fixated by her phone that the pervert took advantage, touched her inappropriately and managed to get away.

Though many people saw the incident, it happened so fast that even the law enforcers were unable to nab the criminal. It is better to refrain from using smart phones while walking on the roads, it's smarter to be safe than sorry. Don't talk when you walk.

Blue blood
A whiff of blue blood filled the Neel restaurant, on Saturday night, November 1, for the preview of ‘Royal Fables' to be held on November 7 at the Palladium hotel in the city. The Saturday night preview saw a clutch of media persons talking to a smattering of participants of Royal Fables.

An exhibit at the preview for Royal Fables. Pic/Atul Kamble

This is basically an exhibition of art, clothing, jewellery, handicrafts and more, designed by the heirs and current generation of the royal family, which people can buy. The Royal Fables has been founded by communications professional, Anshu Khanna, who said it is her attempt at preserving and creating awareness about our royal heritage.

One hears that royal family scions and heirs are to descend to Mumbai very soon, for Mumbai's first edition of Royal Fables. Saturday night gave attendees a slice of what is expected, paintings, fusion wear, ethnic wear and crafts.

With Mumbai much less used to ‘royalty' than say Delhi or Hyderabad where Fables has been held previously, it will be interesting to see how the city reacts to the exposition. The privy purse is abolished, but will Mumbaikars dip into their purses for a piece of the royal past? Incidentally, Royal Fables is open to all, commoners and kings.

Czech this out
If it is Tuesday, it must be the Czech Republic. Tuesday, November 4 to be precise. The Czech Republic will mark its National Day at the Oberoi Trident in Mumbai, tomorrow.

Panorama of Prague Hrad and Vitas cathedral

One hears that Deans of Czech Universities are to be in Mumbai and will be honoured at the Rooftop Hotel Trident (Oberoi). Strains of jazz music will emanate from the Rooftop venue, as the Kvintessence Quartet from Prague, will play too. Apt perhaps considering that, the cafes of Prague are full of with jazz musicians.

For all those who have been to Prague, it is nostalgia time. For those who have not, the picture below may lead them to think, it is time we Czech-ed this out. Hai na?