Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier

Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

On the road to fitness

A fitness enthusiast and his companion find an unusual spot for their exercise routine on the Eastern Express Highway near Ghatkopar.

Now, here's a spicy mix of things

Chef and culinary consultant Ajeet Kalbag has been setting up restaurants for two decades. He has always harboured the desire to launch a brand of piquant chutneys. Finally, he is giving in to that passion with a new gourmet spice blends initiative - Chef's Pestle. He told this diarist, "The lockdown shook all of us and made us look within. We had time to think about the changes we can consciously make. I had always wanted to make spice blends that make the process of cooking somewhat easier for those who don't experiment with food. I could give shape to my plans in the past two years." The platform has spices such as nihari masala, ghee roast masala, Chettinad masala, ranzka, cajun and khow suey mixes, among other options. Kalbag noted that Chef's Pestle will operate digitally and a website is currently underway. "The chutneys and masalas involve less fuss; you choose your protein, add the masala and water, and let all of it cook."

Entrepreneurs who lead the ethical way

Razia Kunj and Sangita Maji and Dolon Kundu

If you are a conscious customer who looks up terms such as fair trade and ethical goods while shopping for products, this event will cheer you up. Bandra's Cache Art Gallery will feature the works of three women-led artisanal enterprises - Razia Kunj by Razia Kunj, Aankona by Sangita Maji, and Maarttikkee by Dolon Kundu. While Kunj designs jewellery that's rooted in tradition, Kundu, trained in pinch pottery, is a National Award winner, and Maji is known for bringing West Bengal handloom to the fore. How are these enterprises ethical? To that Kunj asserted, "We believe in fair trade. Although all three of us work with small teams of artisans, we ensure a comfortable environment for work. Nobody from these groups is underpaid or exploited." The designer mentioned the event that's currently being held at the gallery is her first show in two years. For details, head to @raziakunj.

Solo retellings of the universe

(From left) Dr Tarana Khubchandani, Jatin Das with daughter Nandita Das; the show at Jehangir Art Gallery marks Das' 80th anniversary

Painter and muralist Jatin Das returns to Mumbai with a solo exhibition titled Prakriti Purush. Das is glad to be back after five years: "I don't have any idea about my next show. I don't plan my art as per a theme, and neither do I plan shows. As the works take their course, I follow. These art pieces were born out of my artistic meanderings while making a mural in Ahmedabad. I explore different forms of prakruti [nature]; this series on Shiva inspects the concepts of prakruti and purush. My art isn't guided by religious beliefs." The display will be up at Jehangir Art Gallery until April 11.

A homecoming feast in Bandra

Three city-based home chefs are coming together to make your Sunday special. Gitika Saikia, Rhea Mitra Dalal and Madhumita Pyne will whip up a feast at Bandra's Terra Speakeasy Bar. Mitra Dalal will have Gochujang chicken, lagan nu custard and kheema rajma chawal, among other things, in her kitty. "I can't wait! The last two years have been equally dull for all of us. The food and hospitality sector is a lot about interacting with people," Mitra Dalal told us, further adding, "There is a thrill in doing live events, especially when people can come back for more." This pop-up might just be the thing to brighten up our weekend.

When clay meets sea creatures

Vinita Mungi at work. Pic Courtesy/Anil Rane

After two sold-out ceramic workshops with artist Vinita Mungi last weekend, Chemould/Shift is back with two more this Saturday. Unlike other workshops that take place in a studio space meant for creating, this one sets up shop in the middle of the gallery, surrounded by the ceramic sculptor's pieces from her first solo exhibition titled Eccentric Structures/Intimate Worlds, comprising artistic expressions of sea sponges, oblong shells and other organic creatures found in the deep blue. In this edition, participants will discover the joy of creating their own mini sea creatures along with Mungi who will share her knowledge of hand-building techniques in a one-on-one training session. Mungi told this diarist, "It was fun to see participants at the last workshop use my work displayed at the gallery as a source of inspiration for their own creations." For more details, and to register, check out @chemouldshift on Instagram.