Humans dance to express, to bond, and often, to forget. “One of the most difficult things to do for people who have recovered from any kind of trauma is to talk,” says Tarana Khubchandani, a breast cancer survivor, and director of Worli-based art gallery, Art & Soul. “Activities like dancing allow people to drop their inhibitions, and connect with other people, without needing to say a word. It is a liberating experience that can become a kind of therapy in itself,” she says. After completing its first successful sessions of Joy of Dance with Salome Roy Kapur in April, the Worli-based art gallery is now ready to host the second round of this workshop. The funds raised will go towards a breast cancer medicine bank by Khubchandani’s NGO Passages. “This time, we are hosting the dance sessions every Wednesday for two months,” Kapur shares excitedly. The response last time, Khubchandani and Kapur add, was overwhelming. “Attendees had urged us to continue. And so, we are back with another round,” the duo exclaims. Kapur will teach Latin and line dancing in the eight sessions. “People are often worried about not being able to dance, but as they open up to it one session at a time, they lose themselves to music and perform without a care,” Khubchandani shares. This, according to Kapur, is the true joy of dancing. (Left and and right) Actress and dancer Salome Roy Kapur will teach Latin and line dancing The underlying aim, Khubchandani adds, is to spread awareness about breast cancer. “When people come to the gallery, they see several artworks and other content on display that talk about breast cancer. The funds raised will also go towards the breast cancer medicine bank. These instances encourage and remind them to get themselves checked. You’ll be surprised by how many lives are saved by getting these regular check-ups. We don’t wish to alarm or scare them. These dance sessions are primarily aimed at spreading awareness, and gently and playfully reminding participants to get themselves checked,” she explains. As for performing, Khubchandani assures us that the participants are in good hands. “Salome is the epitome of grace. It reflects in her students. I, too, was her student as a child, and have signed my daughter up as well,” she says. To this end, Kapur reminds us that the focus should simply be on discovering the joy of dancing. “I believe everyone should dance. Don’t care about forgetting the steps or not being able to do it. Join in, and see yourself surrender to the music,” the septuagenarian suggests. At Gallery Art & Soul, Shiv Sagar Estate, 1 Madhuli, Worli. On Every Wednesday, July 10 to August 28; 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm Call 9321118210 Cost Rs 6,000 (for eight sessions)
08 July,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi"If gymnastics has Nadia Comăneci, we have Tony Hawk,” declared the announcers at the 1999 X Games in San Francisco. Twenty-five years later, the 56-year-old, who once entertained fans with jaw-dropping flips and spins, will cheer on a new generation of skateboarders at the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics 2024. Tony Hawk: Until The Wheels Fall Off is a deep-dive not only into the sporting icon’s life, but the journey of the sport to mainstream attention. In that, it makes for an essential viewing. In the two-hour-long documentary, Hawk’s idols, including Steve Caballero and Stacy Peralta, revisit how a lanky boy from California carved out a space for himself amidst the rise fall, and resurrection of the skating culture in the USA. “He would fall, break a bone, and dust himself off for another run. We couldn’t do that,” states Peralta in a scene, aptly summarising the skateboarding spirit. Tony Hawk In a parallel narrative, narrated by Hawk himself, he unveils the loneliness, self-doubt, and criticism that came with the fame. The pressure leading up to his iconic 900-degree spin trick in 1999 in San Francisco, his tryst with quick money as a teenager, confessions of infidelity, and the health consequences from past injuries, all keep us at the edge of our seat throughout the runtime. Hidden in these narratives are foresights about the sport’s future. Be it Hawk’s father’s last words predicting “better days for the sport” or his family’s view that skateboarding might not really be a sport fit for the Olympics, these Easter eggs make for an engaging watch in hindsight. Skateboarding fan or not, we suggest you add the documentary to your watchlist because as Hawk put it in an official Olympics interview last month, “Skating has finally come of age… it’s been long overdue.” Available Jio Cinema
08 July,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleEarly to bed and early to rise — we’ve all heard that maxim that promises to make us healthier, wealthier and wiser versions of ourselves. But what if one small tweak to that formula could make us significantly wealthier, to the tune of being as successful as the founder of the global behemoth, Amazon? In a recent video, Jeff Bezos spoke about his fondness for being an early riser, but also added that he enjoys ‘puttering’ in the morning, only taking his first meeting for the day at 10 am. His slow start has earned mixed reviews from viewers, with some saying that this essential ‘me-time’ gives people the ability to prepare their bodies and minds for the day that lies ahead, while some others have dismissed it as a waste of productive time. Take it easy Taylor Elizabeth, an emotional intelligence coach, points to the many merits of Bezos’s ways. “Taking time for yourself can result in improved clarity and focus, which makes your mind feel sharper and more attentive. This practice also helps to reduce stress levels, bringing a sense of calm that can be quite refreshing. With a clearer mind, your decision-making capabilities will improve, making it easier to choose the best course of action in various situations. Additionally, you’ll find that your creativity and problem-solving skills get a boost, making it easier to come up with innovative solutions to challenges,” she explains. Jeff Bezos, Dr Nazneen Ladak, Taylor Elizabeth and Luke Coutinho What you do in the first hour of the day sets the vibe for the rest of your day, says integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho. He adds that if your start has been rushed, you are already operating under stress. Conversely, taking time in the morning to gradually ease into your day helps set a positive tone, reduces stress, and allows your mind to prepare for the tasks ahead. “Even if it means adjusting your sleep schedule to wake up earlier, it doesn’t mean you need an elaborate morning routine. It’s just about those one or two things that help you do your groundwork before you begin the day — whether it’s connecting with nature, morning prayers, setting intentions, or a yoga or workout routine. This can lead to more focused and efficient work throughout the day,” he clarifies. Experts suggest going slow with checking e-mails in the morning Not a catch-all solution However, just because you’ve started slow doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be more focused, or efficient, warns psychiatrist Dr Nazneen Ladak. “A slow start might lead to procrastination if not managed well, and can lead to you delaying important tasks unnecessarily. Further, if you struggle with a hectic schedule, you may find it difficult to accommodate a leisurely morning routine, without compromising on other responsibilities,” she says. And, as most readers may have already acknowledged, this approach may not be feasible for everyone, particularly those with early morning commitments or fixed work hours. Elizabeth points out that the practice of a slow start might conflict with traditional work hours and expectations, and could lead to less time being available for work, requiring more effective time management. Coutinho, on the other hand, believes that when it comes to a slow start, quality matters more than quantity. “In this age of being constantly on the move, multi-tasking, and being on the go-go-go, we need to learn how to slow down. Anyone who has researched longevity knows the importance of slowing down. Constantly doing something, and not taking it slow has been attributed to accelerated aging and wear-out. While a slow start may seem impractical in today’s fast-paced world, it can enhance productivity and well-being in the long run,” he emphasises, cautioning against the ‘hustle culture’ that’s often glorified on social media. Instead, he recommends taking a few minutes to start your day calmly, which he says can lead to more effective and efficient multitasking throughout the day. Opt for a softer alarm sound for a calmer start to the day Make it yours Continuing his theme of small but effective changes, Coutinho lays down the following guidelines: 1 Set a morning ritual: Incorporate a short, calming activity such as stretching, deep breathing, saying your morning prayers, gratitude practice, connecting with nature or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea or coffee, without looking at your phone or a screen. 2 Prepare the night before: Lay out your clothes, plan your breakfast, and organise your tasks for the next day, to reduce morning chaos. 3 Wake up gradually: Use a gentle alarm that mimics a natural sunrise or take a few minutes to wake up slowly and peacefully. 4 Limit screen time: Avoid checking your emails or social media as soon as you wake up, to prevent an immediate onset of stress and a cortisol rush. “I think it is important to ask yourself what a slow morning means to you and what is feasible for your lifestyle. It could be as simple as taking 10 minutes before your shower to enjoy your coffee or tea with intention, or a breathing exercise. If having a slow morning is important to you, it must begin with a good night’s sleep. I try to sleep at a reasonable time so that when the morning alarm goes off, I am not dreading leaving the comfort of my warm bed,” advises Elizabeth. Dr Ladak seconds these recommendations, adding that to make the most of your slow start, it’s crucial to back it up with efficient time allocation. “Allot specific times for high-priority tasks when your energy levels are highest, even if it means starting these tasks slightly later in the morning. Also, reduce the number of non-essential activities in the morning to allow for a more focused and calm start. Finally, gradually introduce elements of a slow start over a period, rather than attempting a complete overhaul, to better manage the transition,” she signs off.
08 July,2024 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulBefore ramen, pasta and sushi became buzzwords for Mumbai’s foodies, there was a generation that grew up on rolls, pattice, kheema pao and the odd burger. When Nicolo Morea popped up with his unique Crepe Station on Bandra’s Carter Road in 2003, it was among the city’s early forays to experimental European street food before the café culture took over. “The idea was to create something new that did not exist in the market here — crepes. We decided to keep it tidy, people-friendly and let the food speak for itself,” says the 47-year old Morea. The food spoke well, and led to a successful chain of outlets across the city. The many flavours of the frozen Greek yoghurts Now, the restaurateur who also set up The Elbow Room in Khar, is busy with his latest focus — frozen Greek yoghurt. This variation is an addition to his Greek yoghurts, Gutsy, that launched in 2023. “There are a few frozen yoghurt options but most of them are in softie forms. We wanted to create something that you could receive at home while watching television or catching up with friends,” he shares. Created in collaboration with co-founders, Adhuna Bhabani and Digambar Mayekar, these frozen desserts come in multiple flavours. Morea insists Greek yoghurt is different to the Indian dahi. “We strain out most of the whey water in dahi. This gives you a thicker, more concentrated level of protein, probiotics and antioxidants,” he says. The frozen yoghurt has a 60 to 40 per cent ratio of yoghurt to cream, he adds. Adhuna Bhabani and Digambar Mayekar This focus on health, and the use of minimal ingredients for effect is a product of Morea’s training at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland. After his culinary education, Morea also spent over a decade travelling and working in Europe. “That was the turning point. This was in 1990; when I went to Les Roches, I saw how food can amazingly be paired in its simplicity; and how you can use fewer items to create something special,” he says. One of his early memories of street food was wandering through post-Cold War Berlin, and discovering the diversity of sausages. Interestingly, he wasn’t inclined towards cooking while he was growing up. Yet, with Italian heritage on his father’s side, and Indian cooking on his mother’s, food was bound to have a strong influence. His return to India coincided with a changing world. “A lot of people returned after studying and working abroad. Their experiences of eating at cafes shaped the way we look at food,” he points out. Black sesame and (Left) The mango passionfruit frozen yoghurt was a popular pick. Pics/Devanshi Doshi So, what does he make of the city’s food habits today? “This is what Mumbai is about, with its diversity of Indian cuisine. Having said that, there are a lot of non-Indian cafés serving diverse fare. It is not just that the front of the house looks superb. Now, you have young innovative players putting in work and ideas into their creations. It is a very competitive market,” Morea observes. While the foodie in him rejoices, he also has an eye on health. “If we can bring about a little change to desserts with our range, using no preservatives, I will be happy. Yoghurt is great for the gut, and a great gut equals better mental health,” he concludes. AT Gutsy Greek YoghurtLOG ON TO Zomato, Swiggy and ThriveCALL 9076202022 TASTE TEST: Healthy and light We decided to try the frozen treat as part of our post-lunch meal on a work day. The delivery is efficient, but a little delayed owing to rains. As we opened the packaging, we liked that the bottles were neatly labelled. Compact and sealed, they manage to retain the frozen yoghurts in condition till consumption. Acai berry and miso caramel We pick from four flavours — Acai berry, black sesame, mango passionfruit and miso caramel. While they are well-packed, the absence of any added preservatives comes with a short shelf life. We notice this as the yoghurts begin to liquefy soon after the seals are opened. The texture is much like a froyo, without the frothy, creamy layer. This does not affect the taste. While the acai berry has the familiar sweetness, it is the miso caramel with its lingering after-taste that stands out. A choice for the outlier is black sesame. If you prefer a subtle yet distinct flavour, this one leaves a mark. The mango passionfruit is, understandably, a popular choice among the team with its explosion of tang and sweetness. It could easily become a house party favourite. The frozen yoghurts are easy on the palate and the stomach. There is no heaviness of a post-dessert binge, which bodes well for sweet-toothed souls like this writer.
06 July,2024 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSanjana Thakur’s short story Aishwarya Rai, set in Mumbai, won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2024 organised by the Commonwealth Foundation in late June. Her story beat over 7,000 entries to win the >> 5,000 prize. It follows a moment in the life of 23-year-old Avni, who works in an ad agency. She yearns for an ideal mother, living alone in the city and sharing a complicated relationship with her mother back home. To fill this gap, she takes the help of a shelter that engages in “reverse adoption”, a process through which children can adopt mothers. Thakur’s story explores the idea of a mother-daughter relationship. Its originality is in the premise it sets out for the reader. She tests the extent to which one can go to create an ideal life for themselves. Thakur also probes into the norms that creep in due to a culture of celebrity worship and emulation in search of beauty and perfection. The actress Aishwarya Rai represents this standard: a woman who could toss her “gorgeous, bouncy hair over her shoulder” in a commercial, and tell the women watching her that they could look like that too because they were worth it. The 26-year-old writer tells us, “I was looking at a toy store, and I imagined a mom’s store, where you could buy mothers off the shelves — based on their features and characteristics. That’s where the idea of the story began.” Thakur grew up in Mumbai but left the country at the age of 15. She admits, “Every time I write, I write with this sense of belonging and the desire to make sense of home. Mumbai feels like home to me and I find myself missing it when I’m here [in the US].” At several moments, it feels like a story about a home in our neighbourhood — the roadside vada pav stalls, the smell from a bakery, the khau gully nearby, and a calico cat nibbling at a few crumbs. “I think location is really crucial to me in my life and I think that informs the way I write. It ends up being very crucial to a lot of my characters as well.” She recalls that each time she returns home, the city changes. “Things are a little bit different from what I’d imagined. So, there’s always this feeling of longing for it when I’m not there, but also longing for it when I am there. I search for Mumbai in my memories, and, of course, I can’t find that.” In the story, we observe the protagonist, like Thakur, looking for an anchor too. The writer concludes, “A lot of my stories have characters who are coming of age. I think a big part of this age is understanding where you’re from and where you are.” My reading reccos >> Her Body and Other Parts by Carmen Maria Machado >> White Dancing Elephants by Chaya Bhuvaneswar >> The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai >> Girl in White Cotton by Avni Doshi >> Wild Milkby Sabrina Orah Mark >> Gods of Wantby K-Ming Chang
06 July,2024 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaIt’s being touted as the new silver bullet to our sleeping woes — whether as a pill, powder or bedtime drink, melatonin is taking over our social media feeds with its sweet promises of more restful sleep and renewed energy levels in our waking hours. But as with all supplements that are sold over the counter, the question of ‘how much’ and ‘how often’ remain largely unaddressed. The balanced view “Melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally produced by our brain as a response to darkness. It regularises our sleep-wake cycle — higher levels of melatonin help us fall asleep, while lower levels keep us awake. When the circadian rhythm is interrupted because of reasons such as increased light exposure after sunset, our use of gadgets or jet lag, consuming supplemental melatonin can help to regularise our cycle by inducing sleep,” explains Dr Nahid Dave, a psychiatrist at Thought Matters. She further explains that melatonin is prescribed only to initiate sleep and not to improve its quality: “Melatonin supplements have a half-life of 30 to 40 minutes, just long enough for you to fall asleep. Some sustained release tablets can help to sustain your sleep by mimicking your brain’s natural activity.” Avoid drinking coffee/tea at least six hours before bed-time “While melatonin supplements are recommended for many conditions including, but not limited to, sleeping pill withdrawal, insomnia, cancer, migraines and jet lag, it can also cause side effects such as cramps, daytime tiredness, depression, dizziness and drowsiness. However, it is unlikely to cause addiction and dependence. Speak to your doctor about the optimum dose for you,” advises Dr Salaah Qureshi, MD at Qure Clinic. To consume or not to consume “In case of sleeplessness caused by mental health concerns, the lack of sleep or of good-quality sleep is only the tip of the iceberg. The sleep disorder is usually secondary to something else, such as anxiety, depression, panic or lifestyle disorders. It is very important to treat the primary, underlying cause instead of directly reaching for melatonin when you’re struggling to fall asleep,” advises Dr Dave. She adds that melatonin is typically not prescribed for more than 60 days or two months, except in very specific cases such as dementia. While sustained use doesn’t cause physical addiction, there is a possibility of consumers developing a psychological dependence. Dr Nahid Dave and Dr Salaah Qureshi Further, many bed-time drinks contain significant amounts of sugar to enhance their taste, which could be counterproductive as far as the quality of sleep is concerned. “Consuming sugary drinks before bedtime can mess up your glucose metabolism and lead to abnormal weight gain,” warns Dr Dave. Before reaching for a melatonin supplement, both experts recommend following practices to ensure good sleep hygiene: >> Follow a fixed bed-time>> Your bed should only be used for sleeping, not scrolling>> Avoid using gadgets 30 to 40 minutes before your bedtime>> Don’t nap during the day or limit your daytime naps to 30 minutes>> No tea or coffee for at least six hours before you sleep>> Exercise three to four times a week Another piece of advice before taking a melatonin supplement is to try maintaining good sleep hygiene for at least 20 to 25 days. Also, differentiate between whether you are having trouble falling asleep, or if you are struggling with waking up multiple times in the night and not waking up refreshed. In case of the latter, seek the advice of a mental health professional.
06 July,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulSomewhere on the shorelines of Mumbai, a crab lives under a rock. If you flip the rock to steal a glimpse, it tucks its arms inside and imitates a rock. While we would have preferred Abra-crab-dab-ra, experts choose to call it the maroon stone crab. This writer knows this because they’ve just returned from a marine life exploration… on Instagram. Tidepooling GO is a series of posts that takes users on a Pokémon-themed exploration of the thriving marine life in Mumbai’s intertidal zones using references to the familiar pocket monsters. The sneaky crab, for instance, finds a partner in Krabby, the notorious crab from the Japanese series. Bombay dorid, a species of sea slugs (right) porpita porpita or blue dollar “It came almost naturally. Drawing parallels between the two was easy because many of the first-generation Pokémon were actually inspired by real-life creatures. As the monsoon settles in where heading out on shore walks becomes difficult, we wanted to use this to our advantage to educate people using a familiar point of reference,” reveals Shaunak Modi, core team member. All through monsoon, the community will post one Pokémon at a time on their page, with a 24-hour window for viewers to guess what creature from the tide pools of Mumbai it resembles. Participants examine a tide pool at a previous shorewalk Sounds fun. But what is a tide pool anyway? Modi explains, “In periods of low tide, small pools reveal themselves closer to the sea. These are anywhere between 20 cm to six feet deep, and house a diverse ecosystem.” From two-cm-long snails, to hydroids that imitate a plant to survive, these pools are home to many such fascinating creatures. “These tide pools span the entire coastline of the country. But for enthusiasts who live in landlocked cities and states, we have always wanted to share the experience virtually,” he adds. The latest clue features Staryu With the first post featuring Krabby already garnering participation from enthusiasts around the globe, Raniya Ansari, educator, and the creative brain behind the idea, warns us that things will soon get harder. “We started with relatively easy ones to set the tone. We already have a list of Pokémon including Tentacool and Mareanie that we have curated with the team; they are ready to go,” she shares excitedly. Shaunak Modi What’s more, we learn that the popular classification of Pokémon as rare, uncommon, and common might find a reflection in tide pool explorations as well. “The more common sightings include sessile [immobile] animals like the sea anemone, and other sea snails and common crabs. On the other hand, animals like sea slugs of the Cratena variety that feed on hydroids, and corals, which can only be seen during extremely low tides remain uncommon sightings. As of now, none of them are rare,” Modi reveals. The 40-year-old worries things might change. “With the changing tides, these animals have evolved to survive both underwater and exposed to air. The goby fish, for instance, can survive without water for a few hours. If the oceans were to recede, it will directly affect these intricate life forms,” he sighs. For now, the community is sifting through responses that are pouring in for their next clue — the water-type first generation Pokémon, Staryu, known for its regeneration powers and laidback demeanour. Time to put your thinking caps on. Log on to: @marinelifeofmumbai on Instagram
06 July,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KamblePIMMS — the gin-based cocktail — is a favourite. Fans love Alcaraz but boy, do they adore Sir Richard Attenborough! Several such delightful utterances from mic-ed up tennis spectators form the crux of Overheard at #Wimbledon, a newly-introduced capsule by Wimbledon’s social media team. Its tagline reads ‘The content you never knew you needed’, and it’s the ideal armchair viewing for those who love the aura and charm that comes with this annual tennis spectacle. Brit humour is in full flow — understated, dry and sometimes, unpredictable, like the (in)famous English weather. While some might cry foul because fans are mic-ed up where these 90-second capsules are not purely unscripted, but if you’re a true fan, you will never tire of the good stuff on the hallowed green turf. Log on to: @Wimbledon
05 July,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezIn Thursday’s episode of ‘Beauty is Pain’, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in March this year, revealed that hair smoothening and straightening treatments can cause long-term kidney damage. The culprit, doctors say, is the glyoxylic acid used in these treatments, which can adversely affect kidney health. This revelation has prompted beauty lovers to frantically scramble for alternatives (preferably the DIY or at-home variants) and several brands to step up to the charge with less intensive products and routines. While consistency is important, do not overuse the treatment This writer, in particular, had been struggling with dry, damaged strands and used to often get recommendations by well-meaning stylists to opt for hair ‘botox’ treatments. However, we chose to incorporate a pre-wash hair serum that significantly improved the hair’s appearance and texture, and even had our stylist questioning if we had been sneaking protein treatments behind their back. It also helped that the serum in question was much more affordable than most salon treatments or salon-specific products. And that got us questioning: Can at-home bond repair treatments replace salon sessions for those seeking a healthier mane and not poker-straight strands? Bonding with the best “Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. Chemical treatments and heat styling can damage the keratin’s internal disulfide bonds, leading to breakage, frizz, and dullness. This is where bond-building haircare steps in, promising to repair this damage,” explains Dr Madhu Chopra, a cosmetologist and managing director of Studio Aesthetique. Dr Chytra V Anand, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder of SkinQ is also optimistic about the efficacy of these at-home treatments. She says, “As a dermatologist, I can confirm that there is scientific merit behind the claims made by these products. Bond-building products, such as those containing patented ingredients like bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate [found in products like Olaplex], work by targeting and repairing these broken disulfide bonds. By re-linking these bonds, the products help to restore the hair’s structural integrity, making it stronger and more resilient to damage.” Further, products containing strengthening ingredients such as keratin, hydrolysed proteins and amino acids can enhance the hair’s structure, while nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, argan oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera further support healthy hair growth. Breaking it down Bond repair treatments contain components that imitate the natural process of bond formation to make the hair strands stronger. While the types of treatments range from masks to oils and serums, it’s important to choose your products based on your specific hair type and the kind of damage you are grappling with. For instance, if you have very fine hair, a leave-in product will add to your woes by weighing your hair down; a mask or a conditioner that washes off is better suited to this hair type. For coarse and curly hair, a leave-in conditioner or oil may work better. “Over-the-counter bond-building products in India can be a double-edged sword,” warns Dr Chopra. “Hair is unique — its porosity, texture, and needs vary between individuals. Applying generic products might not address the specific damage or even worsen it,” she says, recommending that seeking the advice of a dermatologist before beginning a new treatment is essential. Dr Madhu Chopra and Dr Chytra Anand Dr Anand also acknowledges the emergence of brands across different price points that have their own versions of bond-building treatments, which often incorporate unique blends of active ingredients. “The efficacy of these products largely depends on their formulation and the concentration of active ingredients. It’s essential to look for products that have been clinically tested and proven to repair hair bonds effectively,” she notes. Back it up When designing your hair care regimen, avoid products with harsh ingredients such as sulphates, parabens and alcohols, which can further strip your hair of its natural oils, says Dr Chopra. Additionally, consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins, which are essential for healthy hair growth and strength. Dr Anand recommends using moisturising shampoos and conditioners, as well as deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to maintain your hair’s moisture balance. Minimise the use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments, and never skip using a heat protectant spray. Finally, trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft, which can cause further damage, Dr Anand signs off. The haircare checklist Dr Anand recommends paying heed to the following parameters before using at-home bond-building products. >> Patch test: Always perform a patch test before using a new bond-building product to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients. >> Follow instructions: Adhere strictly to the product instructions for optimal results. Overuse can sometimes lead to product build-up, which might weigh the hair down. >> Consistency: Bond repair treatments should be used consistently but not excessively. Over-reliance without addressing underlying damaging practices may not yield long-term benefits.
05 July,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulWhen we think of Thailand, one of the first things that comes to our mind is its bustling street food-scape across its main cities and holiday havens. Now, Mumbai can savour some of its authentic flavours at the Amazing Thailand Food Festival 2024 organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand at a Bandra venue. It will be helmed by chefs Seefah Ketchaiyo and Karan Bane, along with Rohan Manglorkar and Dhanraj Shinde. Thai non-vegetarian spicy salad will be on offer at the festival “In India, there is a lot of scope to explore Thai cuisine, especially its street food. The idea is to offer such fare for Mumbaikars to savour,” shared Bane. The festival is packed with activities including Thai-inspired menus featuring live food stations, restaurant pop-ups as well as live music, performances by a Thai artiste, and gaming zones to add to the overall experience. “This year we are bringing down master chefs from Bangkok to curate its unique dishes as well as recreate its street fare. Five homegrown labels from Thailand will offer authentic Thai flavours,” shares Manglorkar. The menu boasts options like the khao soi, stew 5 spice and knuckle pork rice, and char siu pork rice; there are vegetarian options as well. Salad lovers can explore variations at the spicy Thai salad station, while meat fans will get a chance to taste their Thai-style deep-fried chicken and other preparations. Deep fried grill chicken Home-grown brands will offer bha-jang (pork and rice wrapped together in lotus leaf and steamed), Chiangmai sausages, Isan sausages, street-style grilled pork skewers and pork meat rolls with nam prik nhoom (Thai roasted chilli dip). “We will also prepare a north-eastern-style papaya salad from the Isan region of Thailand, which will be an interesting dish to try. Karan Bane and Seefah Ketchaiyo Most ingredients and sauces have been sourced directly from Thailand; these chefs are bringing along their own sauces and pastes, and dry products because the idea is to maintain the authenticity,” informs Bane. For sweet indulgences, visitors can tuck into Thai tea cake and coconut cake and Thai milk tea. Thai ice cream flavours like black sesame, kaffir lime coconut, durian banana, Mauritian vanilla bean, and red chilli will also be available. The menu includes five spice knuckle pork with rice Four skilled chefs from Mumbai will display their culinary chops at this festival as well. From Thai-styled smoked pulled pork sandwiches to fusion fare like the Pandan custard, and coconut chicken doughnut, their menus also promise an interesting culinary ride. There will also be a special restaurant pop-up, TumTor, curated by chef Thaloengsak Kongkwanmuang, AKA Chef Tor from Thailand. Cocktail enthusiasts can head to Sip with Seefah, an exquisitely curated bar experience with Thai-inspired concoctions. Chef Thaloengsak Kongkwanmuang On: July 5 to July 7, 12 pm onwards At: Corona Gardens, St John Baptist Road, Bandra West. Log on to: insider.inEntry: Rs 299
05 July,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIf you look up the term ‘heritage’ in an online dictionary, some of the first definitions will tell you that it is an inherited property, or traditional and cultural objects and practices passed down through generations in a family, society or nation. But for Vikram Sridhar, the seasoned storyteller, in times of increased human migrations, this definition is a constantly evolving one. “There is no one way to define heritage. It has different meanings for different people. And most importantly, heritage is not just something that is tangible,” he explains. In his visit to Mumbai for the weekend, the storyteller who shuttles between Bengaluru and Chennai, will facilitate a two-hour-long workshop for adults where they will not only explore what heritage means to each participant personally, but also find a way to dramatise it. Participants will practise physical activities to loosen up their bodies In a country where orality has dominated for thousands of years to preserve cultural traditions, and where some of the best tales were narrated to us by grandmothers at bedtime, Sridhar believes heritage comes in various forms. “It can be tangible, like the Marapachi dolls of South India, or intangible, like a memory,” he shares. In the workshop, participants will use storytelling and theatre-based tools to identify and explore various facets of heritage. “They will dramatise it. By this, I am not just referring to theatre. They can dramatise in the form they feel fits best — poetry, lullabies, acting, painting, sketching, prose, and so on,” he explains. The idea is to find a connection with the heritage, and choose an art form to present it. “These aren’t forms that you necessarily have to be comfortable with. For instance, you could choose singing, even though you are not great at it. Or quietly tuck away in a corner and sketch a memory,” he suggests. The workshop will also include physical activities, and a lecture demonstration, where Sridhar will delve into the nuances of the definition of heritage. “We take the term very loosely nowadays. We will deep dive into its changing meanings and various forms. It will be a very exciting workshop because you will witness how heritage can mean so much and so different to other participants,” he says, adding that participants can bring one piece of heritage with them to the workshop as well. The storyteller’s visit to the city will not be without his popular performance. On the same day, Sridhar will give an-hour long engaging performance, Mouthful of Stories, for children and families at Harkat Studios. “These are stories that will take you back to old ways of storytelling. Expect folklore, stories on nature, food, history, animals, people, and more,” he signs off. On July 7, 2 pm to 4 pmAt Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Email events@csmvs.in (registration is compulsory) For Mouthful of Stories:On July 7, 11 am onwardsAt Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West. Call 9945799224Cost Rs 300
05 July,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
