Mumbai Diary: Monday Dossier

Pic/Shadab Khan

Aiming for the top

Near Haji Ali, a worker slowly climbs to the top of a coconut tree to trim the leaves

A new direction for Appupen

Illustration by Appupen. Pic/Instagram

In the age of digital overdose, you do not often come across images that make you stop and pause. Artist, graphic novelist and illustrator, Appupen's Instagram feed made us do just that. The novelist unveiled a new illustration, introduced as the cover for his next book, on the feed. "The connections are not yet clear, but I hope to fill in the gaps as I go along," he admitted to this diarist. Regardless, the images do take you by surprise. When this diarist enquired if his style is changing, the artist quizzed back, "You will have to tell me!" Prodded on, Appupen revealed that it is the direction in which the dystopian mythos in his Halahala series will go. As for the book, readers will have to wait for the right time.

Taking the natural approach

Last Saturday morning, students of the Thakur School of Architecture and Planning visited the Ghodbunder fort (below) to study natural and sustainable means of conserving heritage. Managed by the Sankraman Studios, the fort has been preserved using lime paste, and the traditional mortar of jaggery and methi among others. Architect and assistant professor Esa Shaikh explained, "It is a unique way to learn about restoration and conservation." Praising the studio's work, he added, "The project was informative on integrating the landscape into the heritage structure, which is rare." Students do learn better out of the classroom.

Open your art

An artwork by Dharavi Art Room

The Dharavi Art Room has been helping local children explore life through books and art. In an exhibition of artworks created by the kids that started over the weekend, they're inviting art-lovers to explore possibilities through which children can keep the artist in them alive. The exhibition, at Fluxus Chapel in Bandra, is underway till May 5. "It's a mix of works; some are by the really young kids, others by older ones, some of whom are pursuing art in college. It's also a fundraiser to gather some money towards their scholarship, so they can continue studying," shared co-founder Himanshu S.

On the world stage

Sushant Divgikar (below) is preparing for his big day on the stage. This diarist had previously revealed about Divgikar being picked for RuPaul's DragCon in Los Angeles on May 13 to 15 where he will face the spotlight in his drag avatar, Rani KoHEnur. Divgikar shared details of his look, "As Rani, I will not only be representing myself as a performer but each and every queer / LGBTQiA+ artiste from my country." With RuPaul in attendance, style comes first. "On the red carpet, I will be incorporating elements of our national bird - the peacock." He will also be performing his new original, Exotic, a Punjabi pop/club mix for RuPaul and his audience.

The verdict is out

(From left) Ashwin Sanghi, Sujata Manohar, Rasila and Divyakant Mehta Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The book launch for Rent Act expert, Divyakant Mehta, at the Birla Kreeda Kendra was quite the event last weekend. Mehta launched his biography, I, The Jury, in the presence of ex-Supreme Court justice, Sujata Manohar and author Ashwin Sanghi. Complete with a faux courtroom, it was the fitting stage for the veteran expert. "The book recalls a journey from Mahua to Mumbai," Mehta told us. The objective is to inspire a new generation entering the profession, he added. With a 42-year legal career behind him, the gentleman had quite a few tips for greenhorns. "You have to associate with the best. If you travel widely, you get different perspectives from people," he advised. Or you could simply read his book and pick on the wisdom of his experiences, which we suggest.