Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

All tied up

Mallakhamb guru Uday Deshpande (right) watches as his wards practise the traditional sport at Shivaji Park in Dadar

Her Spidey sense of Mumbai art

Pic courtesy/@_srush_tea_

Santacruz-based artist Srushti Bansode hit the nail on its head with her interpretation of an open-ended theme ‘speaks your vibe' for an art contest co-hosted by Zake, a Mumbai-based graffiti artist. Bansode's entry was an intricately detailed digital artwork that merged the Spider-Man and Spider-Woman multiverse and included an ode to Mumbai's street art. She added, "For me, art is exploring the familiar from a fresh perspective. I interpreted Spider-Woman in the black uniform with colours of the original Spider-Man - blue and red. I'm also a hip-hop and graffiti fan, and included this in the background and the character's outfit." Bansode was also announced the contest's winner at the time of us going to press.

Also read: Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier

Kamathipura's ode to Maa

A moment from the grand aarti on Wednesday. Pics/Atul Kamble

We find it just that one of SoBo's grandest celebrations of Navratri, a festival that honours the divine feminine power, can be found in the bylanes of Kamathipura. And so, when this diarist reached New Municipal Building at Shuklaji Marg to witness a traditional celebration on Tuesday night, she was hardly phased at being greeted by an enthusiastic batch of over 300 people, all dressed in striking reds.

Women flaunt their garba moves

The Nav Durga Bal Mitra Mandal is hosting its 32nd pandal this year, and they continue their tradition of keeping it non-profitable, and open to all. Each day, a grand aarti of nearly an hour is followed by two hours of zestful garba, alongside a food counter. "More than 1,500 people gather here over the nine days every year. We welcome anyone who seeks Durga Maa's blessings," said a representative of the mandal.

Namaste Woojin!

Pic courtesy/Instagram

Mumbai's K-pop lovers are excited to welcome singer Kim Woojin for the first time as part of The Moment Tour India at the end of this month. Fans will have a chance to get up close and personal with the K-pop idol since the concert will take place indoors at Dublin Square in Phoenix Marketcity, while pre-selected fans will get to experience a photo session with Woojin. The singer takes the stage with tracks from his latest album Bounce that explores themes of individuality and self-confidence, including the fan-favourite, On my way. Speaking about his India tour, Woojin told us, "I'm really curious about Indian music and look forward to experiencing the love Indian fans have for K-pop. I can't wait to see them soon in Mumbai."

Tuned in for art

Rujuta Lad in performance

In Mumbai, space is always at a premium," said Geetha Mehra (inset), director of Colaba-based Sakshi Gallery, "and so, we wish to use the space available to us in the best way possible." The art gallery, which was established in 1986 and has since been a cornerstone for the city's dynamic art scene, is ready to offer its platform to showcase other forms of art, primarily music. Its inaugural classical concert today will feature Hindustani vocals by Rujuta Lad, accompanied by Tanay Rege on tabla and Siddarth Mesta on harmonium. "This concert is more like a baithak, with an intimate audience. Going forward, we plan to introduce other genres like jazz. We will host one solo performance under this initiation every five weeks or so," she revealed to this diarist.

Moves like Jagger

Mansi Shukla at the restaurant

It isn't just patrons who pick a café based on its vibe. Mansi Shukla, 18-year-old student at LS Raheja College of Arts & Commerce and staff member at Bandra's Boojee Cafe, chose the eatery for its environment, too. Shukla caught the attention of this diarist with her moves; grooving to foot-tapping tracks played in the café, and dancing about as she waited on tables. Where does she get her confidence to unapologetically be herself? She replied, "It's the people here, including Jyoti, my manager, and the atmosphere. I love interacting with everyone. That's why I joined the café." Her hectic evening shift did not dampen her contagious energy. Shukla admits, "There's a lot of pressure at college, but working here refreshes me." Celebrities are frequently spotted here, but this diarist feels Shukla is the shining star.