15 February,2022 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Satej Shinde
From the iconic SRK pose, to some couple love, Versova beach saw a range of frames on Valentine's Day
Rahul Da Cunha
Adman and Sunday Mid-day columnist Rahul daCunha fondly recalls industrialist Rahul Bajaj, who was a "nice guy". Many called him after the senior businessman's passing, remembering his ad campaign for Hamara Bajaj scooters.
Rahul Bajaj
"This was before I posted it on Facebook. I didn't think people would remember my contribution to a pitch I'd worked on so many years ago," he told this diarist, adding, "He [Bajaj] had swag without having a swagger.
Prashant Godbole jointly worked on the Bajaj Auto pitch
Businessmen of his stature tend to take themselves seriously. They usually don't have a sense of humour, and given the constant pressures they deal with, you get to see only their fierce sides. But Mr Bajaj had a rare kind of friendliness and humility." When daCunha was barely a year old in the advertisement industry, Bajaj passed on a sense of ease and faith to him.
"It was like he was telling us, [if I know my motorcycles, you know your advertising], and that trust-building went a long way," he reminisced. Taking a cue from Bajaj's humility and trust, daCunha revealed that he might write a book on "how to be a good client".
Cyclists, pedal up. If you're looking to grab a bite after a ride, pick up some gear or just connect with fellow cyclists, Velociti Cycle Café is the new place to hang out at. The space in Santacruz West offers cycles and gear, servicing, renting, and now, a café, too. Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai, Firoza Suresh (in pic), the brains behind the café which opened over the weekend, shares that the ride-and-refuel joint is an international concept. "Generally, whenever cyclists go for a ride, they end up having a bite to hydrate themselves. The café offers a place for them to grab a meal or coffee, or spend time at while their cycle gets serviced." The chairs and tables at this al fresco adda are modified from cycle handles and wheels, while the food is a healthy take on café staples, Suresh revealed.
Years ago, while visiting artist Mehlli Gobhai's brother in Boston, author Jerry Pinto chanced upon The Tree Book - a unique visual exploration of trees - on his shelf. Inspired by the beauty of the book created by Gobhai, Pinto took it to Speaking Tiger and it was published as a limited-edition title, without hurting any tree in the process. Now, the Mehlli Gobhai Visual Arts Program, an initiative by Goa-based library Bookworm Trust, is inviting organisations to explore the book through an experiential art and library module for kids. They aim to guide children to connect with art and trees, and create their own Tree Books over six weeks. On signing up, each organisation will get a copy of the book, a sample art kit and support from the trust. "Trees are highly networked individuals, and they have been caring and sharing for each other. And if this can happen through a Mehlli book, how lovely would that be?" Pinto remarked. Interested folk can head to @bookwormgoa to get in touch.
Artwork of rajma for The Legume Project by Shawn D'Souza
What does rajma remind you of - rajma chawal? Do you know that in south India, rajma is made with coconut, or that some households make tikki with the legume, and that rajma is not even Indian - it came from Mexico? The Legume Project by The Soul Company and Nivaala will delve into the world of legumes, and curate memories, stories and recipes surrounding them. "There are so many legumes across India, and every region and household has a different way of cooking them. Every quarter we'll pick one legume [the first being rajma] and trace its history and cultural relevance, and compile it in a zine," said Nivaala founder Shruti Taneja. Share your memories with them; write to hello@nivaala.co.
From iconic eateries to the journey of water in Mumbai, an upcoming festival will take us through the many stories that make up the city, one step at a time. In March, the Walks Fest will witness seven new walk leaders take to the streets to tell their unique stories. Heritage learning professional Alisha Sadikot, who is behind the initiative, shared that the fest was born out of a workshop. "If people have a story that they want to tell through a walking tour format, they sign up for the workshop and the idea is to have a walk fest at the end," she said, adding, "In this edition, there's someone who has researched the journey of water in the city; another walk will look at fashion in Kala Ghoda; there's one on the history of opium in Mumbai, among other unique subjects."
