Mumbai Diary: Monday musings

Kickstart
While the world might focus on the ongoing US Open, owners and employees of some of the city's most promising startups like Handyhome, Doormint, Bizongo, Credr, Tinyowl, Holachef, Latahu, Taskbob and Flyrobe among others are busy playing an inter-startup Football League that will go on till September 27 (2 pm to 7 pm everyday) at Kick in Powai.

A football game in progress at Kick, Powai

Conceptualised by Kick and Sushil Reddy (who devises solar energy solutions with a startup at IIT-B), the tournament hopes to motivate employees as a startup life can get tough. We'd like to say, "Good luck boys, Goal for it!"

Sweet nostalgia
As one sips into the glass bottle, the raspberry flavour pleases the senses on a sultry September afternoon for more than just the relief it offers.

Established in 1865, Pallonji's, the refreshing soft drink brand, once a common sight in most city restaurants, can be spotted in a few eateries only, particularly the beloved Irani cafes.

This diarist hopes that just like how these iconic establishments have given Mumbaikars so much to cherish despite the odds, this soft drink brand will follow in their footsteps and live for another century perhaps.

Got it, loud and clear!
Ruled out Stuck on one of the walls near Juhu's Prithvi Theatre is this not-so-subtle sign that disallows people from even ‘thinking' of parking at the spot.

For all those who often overlook the No Parking signs by parking their vehicles right under them, you better pay heed to this sign or you may just end up messing with the Zohan of Juhu.

A date with Nandana Sen
We are suckers for dates. So, it was natural for us to recall that Mahesh Dattani's 30 Days In September, which opened (ironically) in June 2001, saw the on-stage debut of Nobel Prize laureate Amartya Sen's daughter Nandana.

The play also featured Lillette Dubey and Joy Sengupta. Nandana's performances were appreciated by both, the audiences and media.

The mind of ACP Isaque Bagwan
By the time you read this, a book on one of the city's most celebrated police officers would have released. Mumbai's retired encounter specialist ACP Isaque Bagwan's work and achievements is now packed into a thrilling book by the same name (Isaque Bagwan, Evershine Publications, Rs 300).

Poster of Shootout At Wadala

Written in Marathi by Ajay Tamhane, it crisscrosses the life and times of this three-time President's medal winner, and in the process also gives the reader a close look at the law and order in the city in the 1980s and 1990s. Unknown to many, he was the architect of the Manya Surve encounter that took place on January 11, 1982.

Cover of the book Isaque Bagwan

The Sanjay Gupta film, Shootout at Wadala, was ‘inspired' by this episode in Mumbai. However, Bagwan has always maintained that the film was factually incorrect. An English edition of this book is expected in a month.