The city’s cooler months have finally arrived, and as Mumbaikars grapple with lower temperatures, dwindling humidity, and persistent air pollution, many become increasingly vulnerable to a host of health issues. From respiratory problems to skin ailments, the city’s changing climate poses a significant threat to public health. Health experts list out simple, easy-to-follow guidelines on how to brave the winter weather and stay protected. Winter skincare guidebook “People generally experience dry skin when the humidity levels drop. It is essential that you prioritise moisturising to protect skin barrier,” says Dr Priyanka Ratnapurollu, aesthetic physician at Reaviva Holistic Health, Linking Road, Santacruz West. Siddhant Bhargava and Priyanka Ratnaporullu The right way >> Choose cream or oil-based cleansers that cleanse without stripping moisture.>> Use a rich, creambased moisturiser which has ceramide, squalane, hyaluronic acid and shea butter to deeply hydrate and restore the skin barrier.>> Use nourishing serums with antioxidants like Idebenone, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin against the pollutants.>> Even in dry, cooler climates, a broad-spectrum SPF is crucial to protect against UV damage. Choose either a SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen, whenever you are stepping out.>> Use a nourishing lip balm and an eye cream to keep these delicate areas hydrated from dryness. Avoid these>> Skip cleansers with strong surfactants like sulphates (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate) that can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.>> Avoid scrubbing and exfoliants which have AHA and BHA as they can disturb your skin barrier.>> Retinoids can dry out the skin further in dry climate. Consider reducing the frequency of use or switching to a milder formula. Preserve your vitalityThe winter months also tend to get tough on respiratory health as pollution levels surge. “During this period people experience symptoms such as irritation, throat pain or sometimes even coughing fits because of thick, dry air with very high levels of pollution. Just making a few changes to your eating and incorporating some physical activity can benefit your lungs,” suggests Dr Siddhant Bhargava, fitness and nutritional scientist and co-founder of Food Darzee.>> Start incorporating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your regular diets such as orange, strawberry, and spinach. All these foods have properties that can provide protection against stress posed by pollution. >> Omega–3 fatty acids found in oily fish or walnuts are also helpful in dealing with inflammation which is good for the lungs. >> Drink water, herbal tea, or warm broth to avoid soreness of the throat and airways. >> Check air quality, have air purifiers at home, do indoor exercises, and wear a mask during high pollution days.
13 November,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen Kolkata-based guitarist Rishav Bhattacharya found himself sitting next to a Bangladeshi gentleman on his bus ride to a music festival in Dhaka earlier this year, he knew a conversation about their shared cultural and artistic heritage was on the cards. And so, they talked about heavy metal music. “Bangladesh has a thriving metal scene; they are serious about their indie bands,” Bhattacharya tells us. The guitarist’s only complaint — the never-ending traffic jams in the neighbouring country. As Bhattacharya heads westward this weekend with his band Dreadhammer to perform in Mumbai, he might be in for a nostalgic trip of sorts. The young band comprising Bhattacharya, Supriyo Dawn, Soumava Chatterjee, and Samantak Kundu, is a risk-taking lot. Defying the classical music and Rabindrasangeet obsession in their households was just the beginning. “We decided to try our luck by tagging the Mumbai festival while posting our performance from Bangladesh online one afternoon. Being declared the winners by icons like Uday Benegal was a pleasant surprise,” the artiste shares. Taking inspiration from pioneers in the genre like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and newer bands like Havok, the band’s sound — evident in their debut EP Sovereign — is reminiscent of the rise of thrash metal in the 1980s, yet refreshingly modern. “No escape, no remorse, lust for blood and broken bones,” Bhattacharya sings in the EP. He assures us we’ll find a friendlier sight if we catch them offstage. “When the show’s over, we sit back and enjoy a beer together,” he laughs. As for how hectic these shows get, it depends on which city you catch the band in. “Kolkata’s scene has plateaued in terms of patrons. We have been trying to expand our reach, but there are only so many people you can reach while playing the same few venues,” the frontman reveals, adding that the Mumbai gig and the exposure it brings will hopefully help Dreadhammer hit the nail on its head. ON November 16; 3 pm onwardsAT Jawa Yezdi Stage, Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock Building, Mazgaon. LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 1,500 onwards Rock with it Catch these iconic bands at the upcoming festival >> Indus CreedWitness prog-metal pioneers Zubin Balaporia, Uday Benegal and Mahesh Tinaiker live.ON November 16 >> BloodywoodShake a leg or headbang to this New Delhi-based band’s dance-y take on metal.ON November 17 >> Girish and The ChroniclesThis Sikkim-born Bengaluru-based rock collective headed by Girish Pradhan will remind the city what classic ‘80s hard rock feels like.ON November 16
13 November,2024 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is that time of the year when Mumbaikars wrap themselves up in their finest words to catch a glimpse of their favourite literati. From poets, writers and historians to performers will be in attendance as the Literature Live! The Mumbai Lit Fest opens at the NCPA this Friday. While the line-up of guests and panellists features names from Gulzar, environmentalist Jane Goodall, Pico Iyer, historian William Dalrymple and Ila Arun among others, we round-up the most awaited talks, performances and sessions to catch this season. FROM November 15 to November 17 TIME 10.30 am onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO litlive.in (to register) Awards >> An honour to beatWorld-renowned poet Arvind Krishna Mehrotra (left) will be honoured as the Godrej Poet Laureate of the festival, followed by a conversation with poet Arundhathi Subramaniam.ON November 15; 6 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA. >> Playwrights to the foreCatch the winners of the Sultan Padamsee Playwriting awards as they perform excerpts, and discuss their work.ON November 17; 3.35 pm onwards AT Godrej Theatre, NCPA. >> The grand finaleFrom the Best Book of the Year to Best First Book, catch the latest arrival to the city’s literati at the final awards presentation of the literature festival.ON November 17; 7.15 pm onwards AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA. Sessions >> A poet sings alongCatch the reclusive but charming Gulzar in conversation on the subject of ‘Poetry is life’ at the inaugural session of the festival.ON November 15; 3 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> Introduction to a radicalArt lovers cannot miss this introduction to the life and works of the late Indian modernist FN Souza as art critic Janeita Singh, former MAP Bengaluru director Kamini Sawhney and Asad Lalljee, CEO, Avid Learning.ON November 15; 4.40 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA. >> Bow to the masterDo not miss violinist L Subramaniam as he drops into the city for a rare conversation about his virtuoso talent.ON November 16; 10.30 am onwards AT Godrej Theatre, NCPA. >> A wanderer in the cityThis conversation between author Pico Iyer and Shobhaa De will brighten up your weekend. ON November 16; 5.10 pm onwards AT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> Talking IndiaHistorian William Dalrymple will pick up the conversation on the expansive influence of ancient India, in the context of his latest book, The Golden Road.ON November 16; 6.20 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> From field to deskYou will not get a better chance to catch the reticent former World Cup winning-allrounder Mohinder Amarnath than at the preview of his upcoming book, Fearless.ON November 17; 12.30 pmAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA. Jane Goodall with a rehabilitated chimpanzee in Congo >> Nature’s firstThe festival concludes with a rare but spectacular appearance by one of the world’s foremost anthropologists and primatologists, Dr Jane Goodall, as she delivers the closing address.ON November 17; 6 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA Performances >> Beats and bopsDrop in to catch this performance by UK-based duo Wright & Grainger that brings heavy basslines, melodies and spoken word poetry to the fore.ON November 15; 8.40 pmAT Experimental Theatre >> Voices of powerThis presentation from LGBTQiA+ writers from South Asia, including performances by Dia Yonzon, Mesak Takhelmayum, Rukman Ragas and Sara Haque adds to a growing presence of the community in the literary sphere.ON November 16; 2 pm onwardsAT Little Theatre >> Orpheus retoldThe duo of Wright & Grainger brings a touch of the classical to the proceedings with a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus through music and spoken word.ON November 16; 4 pmAT Tata Garden, NCPA. >> A medley of languagesIf you are in the mood for a unique linguistic adventure, catch this performance of Slovenian poetry in Marathi and English by Brane Mozetič, Gregor Podlogar, Hemant Divate, Manya Joshi, Sanjeev Khandekar and Veronika Dintinjana.ON November 16; 7.25 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA.
13 November,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhen Hollywood actor Tom Holland recently confirmed the next instalment in the Spider-Man franchise, the Internet went into a tizzy — the Spider-Man edits resurfaced, memes were unleashed and the Marvel community came back with its honorary council to discuss possible theories and plots. The cultural impact of this phenomenon is massive and, might we say, marvellous for how it completely took hold of our childhood. A 1992 Spider-Man comic from Kini’s collection All because of a one bespectacled, brilliant mind from New York who took the comic book phenomenon to great heights. Stan Lee, a visionary artist and storyteller, breathed life into iconic superheroes. From the Captain America to the web-slinging Spider-Man and the armoured Iron Man, he is credited with co-creating some of the most memorable characters in pop-cultural imagination, whose multi-media influence is one of the definitive moments of this century. FAN SPEAK His legacy is monumental — he introduced complex characters with personal struggles, relatable flaws and a depth that made comics more accessible. Lee helped elevate comics from niche entertainment to mainstream pop culture and got them recognised as an art form. For beginners, the best Stan Lee book is Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics. This book goes beyond the technique and introduces readers to Lee’s perspective on creating engaging storylines and characters. Another title is Excelsior! The Amazing Life Of Stan Lee which is his autobiography.Saahil Sharma, creator, Cheese Burger comics I have been a comic book reader and collector from a very young age. I remember picking up Marvel comics, and spotting the name ‘Stan Lee’ on the editions; I used to think how this man has given us such iconic characters. That was before the Internet arrived. Granth Book Store in Juhu has a good collection of his work.Abhijeet Kini, illustrator-creator, Angry Maushi comic series Also Read: Batman Day: ‘He is the best superhero without any actual superpowers’ In search of Stan Lee READ >> Signed classicsGet your hands on signed editions of Lee’s comics, original works of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby from the 1940s, reprinted archival issues and classic marvel superhero stories here.AT The Comic Book Store, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 9920070516 >> The full dealFrom Captain America to Spider-Man and the newest Avenger series, find full editions of Marvel superhero comics as well as Stan Lee books here.AT Crossword Bookstores. Multiple outlets (Bandra, Juhu, Phoenix Mall, Kemps Corner)LOG ON TO www.crossword.in BROWSE >> Up, close and personalWatch Stan Lee, the official documentary of the genius to know the man behind the books.LOG ON TO www.hotstar.com >> Binge ItSlip into the lore behind the creation of Marvel characters in Stan Lee’s Mutants, Monsters, and Marvels, a two-part documentary where Lee reveals it all to director Kevin Smith.LOG ON TO www.primevideo.com LISTEN >> Marvel-lous festListen to Marveling at marvel’s Marvels - Episode 122: Stan Lee, a podcast where Marvel enthusiasts discuss popular marvel characters and decode Stan Lee’s legacy.LOG ON TO Spotify >> Recall the legendPop culture geek Kevin Gallagher discusses Lee’s craft in Everything is Awesome- Episode 147: Remembering Stan Lee.LOG ON TO Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other
12 November,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaOn a bustling corner of Bandra’s 16th Road, Frozen Fun Café is the newest occupant on the F&B scene. This café is the latest venture by Vasuki Punj, founder-CEO of Frozen Fun and brings a scoop of the popular Italian gelato to India. The café builds on Punj’s love for gelato and Anjuna favourite, Cream Choc Goa’s distinctive gelato recipes; its menu goes beyond its gelato and sorbet, including breakfast and main course dishes. A quirky LED sign reading “Calling gelato ice cream is like calling a tuxedo a suit,” greets us into the pink-hued, soft-lit interiors when we drop by on an early evening last weekend. The gelateria serves 24 rotating flavours, ranging from Belgian chocolate, to sour cherry with countless toppings including marshmallow, lotus biscoff, sprinkles and nuts. We noticed that the menu offered familiar café fare that opened with a section called Gelato for Breakfast — Why Not? challenging the idea that gelato is meant only for dessert. Venetian tiramisu gelato We begin with the avocado toast on ciabatta, topped with tzatziki, avocado, feta, and pickled onions (R450). The combination was fresh and satisfying, with chopped cashews adding a nice crunch. Service was attentive, with the chef often checking in with diners. Next, we tried the tagliatelle ai funghi e tartufo (R550). The pasta was cooked al dente, with a mix of mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil. When we pointed out that it tasted bland, it was quickly addressed by the staff. The toasted walnuts added texture, though basil might have suited the dish’s Italian roots better than microgreens. Their gelato-focused menu includes unique options like gelato burgers served in a homemade brioche bun, smoothie bowls blended with tiny scoops of gelato, or sorbet for a balanced indulgence (including protein-based and acai options), sundaes, and waffles. They also serve a vegan range of sorbets, including mango, strawberry and lemon flavours. We sampled a few; the sour cherry gelato balanced tanginess had a creamy richness, while the Belgian chocolate was indulgent. Baileys had a subtle hint of liquor, naturally! The Italian picks were equally impressive, with classics like stracciatella choco chip offering delicate chocolate chips for texture while fior di fragola (Italian for strawberry flower), captured the bright, juicy essence of ripe strawberries with a smooth, fruity and flowery finish. Overhanging floral accents and mood lighting add charm to the ambiance. PICS/KANISHA SOFTA Sicilian pistachio brought a deep, nutty taste with a rich, velvety texture, while bacio, a chocolate hazelnut blend — balanced the earthy hazelnut tones with the lush sweetness of chocolate, creating a satisfying, layered flavour. After our thorough trial, we eventually opted for the Venetian tiramisu gelato (R235, small), a rich flavour reminiscent of the classic dessert. The gelato captured tiramisu’s essence, blending bold coffee notes with creamy mascarpone. On the flip side, the portions were stingy and costly, perhaps due to its location. Waffle cones cost extra; each cup includes a waffle chip. The café’s drink menu offers smoothies, sorbet mocktails made from house-made sorbets, and zero-sugar lemon sodas in multiple flavours. The gelato frappés and shakes bring a twist to café classics, featuring flavours from mocha and vanilla to Italian-inspired tiramisu. Made with their freshly churned gelato and customised toppings, these shakes and frappés showcase the café’s commitment to gelato as the centrepiece. Frozen Fun CaféTime 9 am to 1 am. At Shop 4, Shyam Kunj, Pali Naka, 16th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: @frozenfungelatoCall 9082525976 Also Read: Food review: Why this Kandivali eatery serves ice cream inside fruits
12 November,2024 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaTitle: Royal-ishAuthor: Amrita GandhiGenre: Children’s fictionPublisher: Harper-CollinsIndiaCost: Rs 299 Seventh grader Lily Ray is a curious kid who loves vlogging about nature and gumboots. One day, while spending time in her scientist mother’s lab, she tests her DNA and finds out that she shares a microscopic part of her genes with the royal family of Bagradoo. When she writes to King Khair of Bagradoo about her discovery, he is delighted to host Lily at his palace during her summer break. Amrita Gandhi’s debut children’s novel, Royal-ish (HarperCollins India), is full of Lily’s adventures at the island kingdom, as she vlogs about its local plants and creatures and experiences several unusual happenings. An illustration of Lily with a backpack while on her trip A digital diary, built by her mother, accompanies her everywhere, often answering at the most inappropriate times. Young readers get a taste of mystery, with fantastical elements such as walking crocodiles, blue illuminated pinecones, and the island’s unique sea wonder, “the ponypups.” A young minister and the king’s cousin scheme to take over the royal throne; the big fat ledger goes missing; Lily discovers a half-moon pearl; bizarre events keep readers on the edge of their seats at all times. By including no more than a couple of illustrations in each chapter, Gandhi’s book fires the imagination of young readers. They get snapshots from Lily’s explorations but not more than that. One of the most important highlights for this writer was discovering that Lily wasn’t drawn as an overambitious child who takes on the task of saving the world. She is an ordinary kid, who is smart, fun, gets scared, and stumbles frequently. She has interesting hobbies. Having been invited by royal families and written about it during her career as a lifestyle host, Gandhi provides palatially striking characteristics to Princess Pashmina, King Khair, and the Dowager Queen. Adding to that, Professor Quill, who protects all knowledge, takes the cake, and his conversations with Lily make the book joyful to read. Also Read: Book review: Ditch the cape, lungi is cooler
12 November,2024 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaPula Desphande’s love for Pune and Dadar is well known. In one of his famous readings of his essays, he would remark, “There is nothing you cannot find at Lakshmi Road, Pune or Ranade Road, Dadar. Then again, anything unavailable in Pune or Dadar is not worth finding.” Yet, when Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder came under attack by the conservatives across the state, including Pune and Mumbai, Deshpande drew the line. A moment from the performance Typically, it was with a work of subtlety, humour and tongue-in-cheek satire titled Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder. Five decades after it was written, director Mangesh Satpute is taking the play, now retitled Mad Sakharam for the stage, on tour; bringing it to Mumbai this evening. “I grew up with PuLa Deshpande,” the 48-year-old former alumnus of Ramnarain Ruia college recalls. This fascination with the personality only grew with his interest in theatre. “In 2018, I was working on a comedy production, when I came across a collection of PuLa Deshpande plays, Amhi Latike Na Bolu. It was in this compilation that I found Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder.” Actors prepare their lines during rehearsals Written in 1974, the play was a reaction to the objections raised against Tendulkar’s eponymous production. What drew Satpute’s attention was the absence of details. “Usually, such compilations offer a timeline on the first staging or production of the play. This had no such information. The more I tried to find out, the more it sparked my curiosity. After discussions with several senior theatremakers, I learned that it had not been staged ever before,” he says. Vijay Tendulkar Deshpande’s play takes Tendulkar’s plot and flips it on its head. Where Tendulkar builds on Sakharam’s abrasive nature and moral depravity, Deshpande turns him into an aspiring spiritual guru. Both, understandably, poke fun at the hypocrisy of society. “You must look at the play as a reaction, and in context of the uproar [against Sakharam Binder] during the period. It was also perhaps the reason it was never staged,” Satpute remarks, adding, “PuLa did not see himself above the people ever, yet, he would not stand for hypocrisy. He could laugh at them and with them, as though asking, “Is this moral enough for you?’” One tool that the author uses to emphasise this hypocrisy is language. Sakharam Binder was infamous for the expletives Tendulkar used freely. “I found the language in PuLa’s work fascinating. He uses complex Sanskritised Marathi for the most inane actions. It is pure as a language, but makes Sakharam sound pretentious and hypocritical. You cannot help but laugh at such a person, and suddenly you realise who it is aimed at. That is precisely what he wants,” Satpute points out. Pu La Deshpande. Pic Courtesy /Wikimedia Commons It took over two years, and the hiatus of the pandemic, before Satpute and his team could put the production together. With a cast led by Sunil Jadhav, Kiran Rajput and Vishal More, the production is presented by theatre and film personality Sonali Kulkarni. Incidentally, Kulkarni played Lakshmi in the run of Sakharam Binder alongside Sayaji Shinde. Over the last few months, they have already toured Pune, Nagpur, Satara among other regions. Mangesh Satpute 50 years can be a long time. Does the play lose out its context, aside from the Sakharam Binder connection, we ask? “No,” the director emphasises, “The play is not set in a specific time or place. It is all the more relevant today. The hypocrisies it pokes fun at still exist. That is what theatre must address,” he concludes. ON Today; 7.30 pmAT Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com; in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 450 onwards Also Read: Prithvi Theatre Festival: Here are The Guide's top picks that you can indulge in this year
12 November,2024 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarEvery year in mid-November, Shillong and its surroundings are painted in shades of pink and white by the blooming cherry blossom trees. This year, it ought to bring back cherished memories as well. With disco pioneers Boney M arriving as part of their Farewell Tour and rap icon Akon performing for his Superfan Tour, the annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival promises to be a cross-generational nostalgia trip. Akon. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Rapper Daiaphi Lamare aka Reble who grew up in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills believes the state deserves the star-studded line-up. While Boney M’s performance featuring founding member Maizie Williams will come right in time leading up to Christmas in the hill state, where the ensemble’s songs are a crowd favourite, younger listeners like Lamare grew up listening to the likes of Akon, Eminem, and Biggie. “Unlike Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, no global hip-hop artiste has emerged from Shillong yet. For that reason, you’ll still hear tunes by these OG icons playing loud when you step out on our streets,” she explains. Reble (centre) in traditional tribal attire. Pic Courtesy/Youtube The rapper reminds us to keep an eye on the local talent that will take stage amid the global heavyweights. Khasi Bloodz, a hip-hop duo from the Khasi tribe, and collective Dewdrops — one of the few reggae ensembles in Northeastern India — top Lamare’s list. “Our artistes have been hustling with their head down for years. They’re now at the cusp of blowing up. You wouldn’t want to miss it,” she suggests. A moment from the 2023 edition of the music festival For organiser Jason Manners of Rockski EMG, the festival marks another plan coming into bloom. “This year, our goal is to create an immersive atmosphere that goes beyond music with multiple experiential zones,” he tells us. The Japan Arena, for instance, will feature sumo wrestling demonstrations, anime showcases, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and art workshops. “This edition is all about creating memorable moments, giving everyone a chance to try something new, and fully soak in the immaculate vibe of Shillong,” he signs off. A cherry blossom bloom spotted in Shillong this year ON November 15 and 16AT Kurkalang Stadium, Bhoirymbong, Shillong. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 2,399 onwards Also check out . BandlandHeadlined by American heavy metal veterans Avenged Sevenfold, this rock and metal festival should be on every metalhead’s list.ON November 23 AT NICE Grounds, Madavara, Bengaluru. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com . Hornbill FestivalThis convergence of musicians from across the country celebrates Naga culture through its music, dance and food culture. ON December 1 to 10 AT Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Nagaland. LOG ON TO hornbillfestival.com . NH7 WeekenderMark your calendars to catch acts like English rapper Jorja Smith and Bollywood and jazz veteran Usha Uthup.ON December 14 and 15AT Teerth Fields, Teerth Town Road, Sus, Pune. LOG ON TO insider.in Also Read: From Amit Trivedi to Jorja Smith: NH7 Weekender 2024 announces lineup for its 15th edition on December 14 - 15
11 November,2024 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFrom heritage landmarks and pulsating bazaars to chic cafés and art galleries, Colaba is an essential part of Mumbai’s cosmopolitan identity. Home to some of the most iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India, a historic causeway and The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba’s ever-evolving landscape has always played a warm host to every chapter of India’s dynamic history. This Tuesday, a diverse panel, consisting of St+art co-founder. Arjun Bahl, The Food Matters Group co-founder, Gauri Devidayal, author, Shabnam Minwalla, Ace Productions’ CEO, Raëll Padamsee and Vice-Admiral (Retd) IC Rao will join architect Nikhil Mahashur in an intriguing conversation on the locality’s cultural history as a part of Avid Learning’s Uncovering Urban Legacies series. A 1905 collotype of Colaba Causeway. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “This discussion will prove to be brilliant for audiences, guests and the public at large, who want to get an insight into how this southern part of Mumbai has evolved over the years. Colaba has had many transformations, many layers which have come up over the years,” says Arjun Bahl over a phone call. Wandering through Colaba’s winding lanes is like stepping through time, from Edwardian residences to Art Deco marvels, all coexisting in a vibrant cultural mosaic. (Left) Metro House and (right) Majestic Guest House “Colaba has definitely gentrified over the years. In the aftermath of the plague, the affluent section of Bombay’s population, mainly the Parsis and the Europeans, moved to Colaba from Byculla. Suddenly, you could see opulence to Bombay’s architecture and that is when Colaba started transforming into a culturally rich space. And the influx grew especially after the construction of the causeway as retail also entered the domain,” Mahashur explains. A view of Gateway of India and The Taj Mahal Palace hotel While Colaba’s multicultural demography is one of the most interesting and apparent indications of its transformation, there’s a strong military hold in its history too as Retd. Admiral Rao tells us, “The rocky shoreline of Colaba Island was a problem for people coming to Bombay in the old days, which is why it got converted into a military station. Now, there’s obviously a naval station, an army battalion and helicopter station in the area as well. But there are also these landmarks such as the Afghan Church (St John the Evangelist Church) and Prong’s Lighthouse, which are deeply associated with Colaba’s maritime activities.” Arjun Bahl and Nikhil Mahashur There is no doubt that in the midst of rapid urban development and especially for historical cities, space is a major issue. How can Colaba deal with the rules of modern architecture then? “Although Colaba’s architecture is old, none of them have open spaces. For it to fit contemporary needs, we have to start infusing more space to its buildings, without disturbing the eclecticism of its architecture,” reveals Mahashur. On November 12, 6.30 pm onwardsAt Coomaraswamy Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort.Register www.avidlearning.in Free
11 November,2024 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaMaster the mix Get groovy and learn how to DJ at this one-day workshop that will teach you mixing, beat-matching, and live performance techniques with hands-on experience in handling industry standard DJ equipment.ON November 11 to November 29AT Media Skills New York, Bhudargad Colony, Andheri West.LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 699 Shake a leg Slip into your dancing shoes, invite your dancing partner and head to this dance workshop to learn the ways of Kizomba — a lively social dance genre that originated in Angola in the late 1980s.ON November 17; 8 pmAT Latin Twist, Benchmark Plaza, 33rd Road, Khar West.LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 150 (exclusively for couples) Know your birds Sign up for an interactive session with naturalist Asif Khan that dives deep into the migratory patterns of some of Mumbai’s seasonal avian visitors including the flamingos.ON November 12; 2 pmAT Nature Interpretation Centre, SGNP, Borivli West.LOG ON TO @sanjaygandhinationalparkFREE
11 November,2024 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWith popular anecdotes in Maratha history like “Dh cha Ma” or “Attock se Cuttack tak,” have you ever wondered about the stories behind the Maratha victories and eventual decline? The Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai is hosting a lecture with Dr Uday Kulkarni on his latest book, Raghoba: The Assassination of Narayan Rao Peshwa (Mula Mutha Publishers), as part of their Bombay Booked series, which features book discussions focused on Bombay, the Bombay Presidency, and Maharashtra. Dr Kulkarni’s book delves into the pivotal 22-month-interregnum that determined the course of Maratha history in the 18th Century and beyond, when the political landscape swerved from peace and stability to war and uncertainty. The session will be chaired by Narendra Murkumbi, founder of Murkumbi Itihas Upakram, who has published several books on history. A painting of Ragunath Rao. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The Maratha Empire, founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji, was initially driven by a nationalist vision. However, personal ambitions eventually began to interfere. Raghunath Rao or Raghoba, emerged as a key figure in 18th Century Maratha history. After costly debt-ridden campaigns to Attock, Indus and beyond, and the 1761 defeat at Panipat, Raghoba hoped to assert control, but his nephew Madhavrao asserted himself as Peshwa. Following Madhavrao’s death, Raghoba aimed to control the new Peshwa, his younger nephew Narayan Rao. The Maratha polity, already fractured with internal disputes, grew more divided as Narayan Rao’s decisions antagonised certain factions, fueling a plot to replace him. Raghoba’s ambitions led to deeper political chaos, with chiefs turning against him ultimately leading to his removal by a coup. The neighbouring powers exploited the unrest, with the British in Bombay seizing Salsette, and later backing Raghoba’s bid to reclaim power. Edited excerpts from the interview Can you share insights on the central events and themes of your book?Dr Uday Kulkarni: The assassination of Narayan Rao is the central event of the book. It covers the crucial nine months after Madhavrao’s death, the reaction of the Ministerial party (Barbhai), and the English exploiting the situation for their gain. The book sheds light on the intense infighting, factionalism, and dynastic conflicts within the Maratha Empire. These issues reveal insights from the event that remain relevant even today. Dr Uday Kulkarni What is the historical significance and reader takeaway from it? The book presents a detailed micro-history built into a bigger story. Readers will gain a blow-by-blow account of actions of those involved, their motivations and how the events unfolded, and the cookie crumbled. The book draws from original and contemporary sources, including previously unpublished materials such as a 1796 map of Shaniwar Wada, a contemporary narrative of the event, and details of the counter-strike by the ministers, and the reclaiming of the seat of Maratha power. A section from the first page of the bakhar (account) on Narayan Rao Peshwa’s assassination that was used as a source for Kulkarni’s book For readers unfamiliar with this period in Maratha history, how do you hope this book will change their perspective?My books focus on the 18th Century, and I try to build a chronological narrative in English, as there is limited material on this period. I wanted to present the facts with the help of authentic contemporary sources and set the record straight through this book. It offers a unique incident of Maratha history and highlights the only political assassination recorded through micro-history. I aim to present facts that allow readers to form their own conclusions. Historically, British narratives have often overlooked Maratha power, or biased credit to their own figures. I believe that as more people read accounts like these, they will understand the true narrative of Maratha history. ON November 11; 5 pm onwards (talk), 4.30 pm (tea) AT The Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of India, Fort. LOG ON TO @asiaticsocietymumbaiFREE
09 November,2024 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaADVERTISEMENT
