Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Shadab Khan

Old bollywood magic

A man ferries his hand cart across the road from a wall mural of Bollywood actors Asha Parekh, Helen and Waheeda Rehman by Ranjit Dahiya at Bandra.

This one's just for the laughs

The comedy training institute, Cafe Comedy, celebrates their eighth anniversary this month and to mark the occasion, the founder of the institution, Amit Khuva, along with popular American comedy trainer Judy Carter, is conducting a free virtual comedy workshop on October 16, for all aspiring comedians looking for success in the field. "There are certain techniques that people can use to improve their material and Carter, along with me, will showcase these tips and tricks for all those who wish to tune in," Khuva told this diarist.

Fashion shows are back

Theatre veteran Dolly Thakore (extreme right) cheers as designer Vaishali S (in gold saree) takes a bow post the Shakuntala showcase at a city hotel

Vaishali S (Shadangule) officially kicked off Mumbai's fashion show calendar IRL, the first since 19 long months, on Wednesday evening at the Taj Mahal Palace with a bridal collection. The show saw ‘live' front row (Hello, Dolly Thakore!), models, and a performance by Merlin D'Souza on the keytar and Avadhoot Phadke playing the bansuri. Now only if the models had smiled more. The inspiration for the collection titled Shakuntala, Love in Modern Times, might have come from the epic meeting the modern, but the Mumbai designer's intent was to champion all things heritage and handmade - read Indian textile. Indeed, Shadangule's artistic interpretation of handloom fabrics - Bengal silks and Banarasi brocade blended with Merino wool and chanderis - was on full display, and so were her signature cording skills. The two married in a cheeky interplay of liquid gold with deepest hues of RGB colour wheel to finally climax on an austere white note. "The collection is a celebration of love in the 21st century, defined by the unique amalgamation of traditional beliefs and new-age lifestyles," said the designer.

Delivering diversity

Cloud kitchens have been one of the ruling trends in the food delivery space, especially since the past year. But essentially they're faceless, and we don't always know where our food is coming from, pointed out culinary entrepreneur Anurag Katriar. He is set to introduce Platform 7 by Indigo, a delivery and takeaway kitchen whose first outpost will be in Lower Parel. From thecha murgh and Kerala chicken fry to Italian pizzas, wings in different kinds of sauces, burgers and sandwiches, there's a host of fare on offer from five brands on one platform. Katriar shared that the platform will go live around Dussehra. "The idea is to deliver good quality food which is coming out of a visible kitchen space. In a few weeks we'll have our own app, too," he added.

BKC gets a book adda

Here's some good news for bibliophiles in Bandra East. A new bookstore, called The White Crow is all set to open today at Bandra Kurla Complex. The space will be run by the owner of city bookstores Wayword & Wise, and Lotus, Virat Chandok. Fort's Wayward & Wise was close to shuttering during the pandemic, say some, but Chandok held his ground through tough times. For all those keen to check out this new institution, head to the Jio World Drive at BKC today.

Clean and green

The folks at TEDxGateway, an independently organised TED event, have joined forces with the state government for TEDx Gateway Countdown, where speakers from different fields will put their thinking caps on to find solutions for the climate crisis. Aaditya Thackeray (in pic), Maharashtra's minister of tourism, environment and protocol, will give a special address at the ideation platform, which will be held on October 31. "It is our collective responsibility to protect and leave a safer, cleaner and greener planet for the generations to come," shared senior TEDx ambassador in India, Yashraj Akashi.