Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Pic/Satej Shinde

Papa kehte hain... err pda kartein hain

Should be the background song playing as Jackie Shroff behaves like papa bear on spotting son Tiger's picture at a calendar launch at Khar on Tuesday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Moda Goa to open in October

Wendell Rodricks was known for more than just his designs - his warmth, hospitality and dedication to see things through. And since he shifted to Goa, his focus has been on reviving the culture and tradition of his home state. One such project is the Moda Goa Museum, which was due to open doors on March 27.

On display will be over 800 artefacts dating from the 7th century AD to the present time, including statues, furniture and photographs besides costumes, jewellery and accessories. Following Rodricks's untimely death last week, there has been much concern about the fate of the museum. But the late designer's husband, Jerome Marrel, made it official with a social media post that the museum will open doors on October 19, the day the two met 37 years ago. Here's looking forward to that.

Comic relief

There's a new comedy festival in town. Following Delhi and Bengaluru legs, it will come to Mumbai on March 11.

The finale on March 15 will have five shows with more than 20 comedians including Aakash Gupta, Rohan Joshi, Naveen Richards, Radhika Vaz , Kenny Sebastian and Sejal Bhatt, performing in different formats. This first such edition will see a range of unique experiences for audiences including women's showcases, LGBTQ shows and regional comedy.

"This is a celebration of comedy and versatility of all the messages it can hold. We will ensure there's something for every comedy fan, as well as bring newer fans into the fold. It brings together a diverse range of shows from stand-up comedy to sketch troupes, roast battles, comedy storytelling, debates and gaming formats - as well as venues, partners and artistes," Gunjan Arya, from the organiser's team, told this diarist.

Prepping policy via film

The Centre for Policy Studies at IIT Bombay is organising a film festival starting today. Titled Atelier: Talking Policy Through Cinema, it will screen short films, documentaries and feature films that encourage engagement at policy level.

The themes are varied, from food politics to caste iss­u­es. It opens with Stories of 833 mi­llion, a coll­e­c­tion of shorts by the People's Archive of Rural India, and inc­l­u­des others like Aani Mani.

The screenings will be followed by discussions with P Sain­ath (in pic) and Ratna Pathak Shah.

Touch of Canada, in Saki Naka

Come February 22, and a new kitchen and bar in Andheri East will whip up eclectic modern world cuisine with influences from Europe, Japan, the US and Asia.

Founded by Pradeep Shetty, the director at Maharaja seafood restaurants, hotel and outdoor catering, and Canadian-Indian chef Stefan Gadit, Mable Kitchen and Bar will also have a herb garden at the restaurant for edible flowers and herbs.

"We believe that despite their love for the eternal favourites, Indian diners want their food to evolve. So, we have retained the taste and feel of the food while giving guests a new dining format," Shetty told this diarist.

Chef Gadit revealed the menu has been inspired by his travels. "They introduce me to different cuisines. I always return with a bag full of herbs and spices," he added.

Casual dadagiri

After a meal at Khar Social yeste­rd­ay, this diarist was left with a bitter aftertaste when the server walked to the table and asked us to open Zomato app on our phone. When we raised an eyebrow, he said it would take a few seconds to give feedback and rate them.

"I'll do it for you," he offered. We asked if it's to improve ratings, and he said, "Oh, we're at 4.7 - it's high." We weren't keen. Yet he insisted. "Why have you been asked to do this?" we asked. He shrugged. Another staffer then demanded we give her our number and name. "For internal data." We decided to "log out".

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