In the latter half of 1968, just before he returned to Mexico, the poet Octavio Paz and his wife visited the Elephanta Island. The Nobel Prize laureate would later write in his book, In Light of India, “I entered a world made of shadows and sudden brightness.” Having researched for years to unearth the historical past of Mumbai, environmental archaeologist and researcher Andre Baptista is now part of a team that seeks to bring the island’s ancient past out of the darkness into virtual light. The Elephanta tapestry by CyArk, launched last week, captures a walkthrough of the historic island’s Cave 1 with inputs from experts, insights on its art, architecture, history and even residents. A team member photographs the Ravananugraha panel at the cave Picking the spot At the heart of the project is CyArk, a San Francisco-based non-profit organisation using technology to document ancient heritage sites since 2003. Kacey Hadick, director of programs and development, CyArk, explains, “The project came about when we were looking at the impact of climate change on cultural heritage. We found Elephanta to be a good candidate where we could interview community members about the architectural and cultural elements as well as about climate change.” It was also the first time that they chose to add an interactive tapestry — narration, inputs and details — to the walkthrough experience. Kacey Hadick and Andre Baptista In 2022, supported by Iron Heart, CyArk took on India Study Centre Mumbai (INSTUCEN) as the local partners for the project. The team then set out to navigate the bureaucracy for permissions. It took them over six months to acquire permission for shoots with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mechanisms and photography. “The paperwork would make for a book by itself,” laughs Baptista, project director for the local team. “They don’t show that on Indiana Jones,” Hadick adds. A primary reason for INSTUCEN’s interest in the project was the innovative use of technology, shares director of school of archaeology, INSTUCEN, Kurush Dalal. “This is fundamentally the next level of technology in research. It has never been used in India before. We stepped in with providing support in terms of research, facilitating for the crew on the ground,” he shares. The team mapping out the caves Shoot on sight With limited time for shoots, the crew focussed on the complex of Cave 1 at Elephanta. Baptista says, “Cave 1 is the most elaborate. It has a subsidiary shrine, and there are panels, and a Shiva shrine.” These include the sculptures of Ravananugraha, the eight-foot tall iconic trimurti of Sadashiva and other structures such as cisterns and the sanctum sanctorum. The use of LiDAR adds another dimension to this tapestry. Hadick explains, “It uses light-emitted technology to create an accurate point cloud. These are then overlain with thousands of pictures to create a very high definition and accurate model.” A moment from the virtual reality walkthrough Tapestry of tales The result brought out some astonishing details, even for researchers. Baptista shares, “For instance, if you visit the cave, the Sadashiva can only be viewed from the base angle. With this technology, I can see features that have otherwise escaped attention.” Dalal agrees, saying, “I have been visiting the caves since I was 18 years old, but I have never seen them as clearly. If we repeat this exercise once a decade, a simple glance can help us pre-empt or detect micro damage to these heritage structures.” Kurush Dalal Weaving this imagery with inputs from archaeologists and historians like Dalal, subject matter experts like professor AP Jamkhedkar and the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch of the villages adds texture to the virtual experience. With Hindi, and Marathi soon to follow, the interactive tours are shaped to suit a large audience.Pointing out the platform’s use case as an educational tool, Baptista adds that it can also be used by researchers and archaeologists. Eye on the future “Elephanta is isolated from the sea. The material they are made of, basalt, is very hard. Also, the community has responded very well to the site,” Hadick observes. Baptista adds that while the rising impact of tourism to the site has resulted in issues with water, it is not yet a worry. “In addition to documentation, we also wanted to introduce a global audience to the concept of temple architecture and what it symbolises, how these temples became centres of storytelling, places to translate philosophy, ways of thinking and made them accessible to the masses,” Baptista notes. The technology, he reiterates, can function in a similar way by making research-based information accessible to the layman through a simple and interactive format. Having started with the first, the team will now take time for the next one. Hadick shares that they are currently set to work with CEPT Research and Development and the Centre for Heritage and Conservation on a different project around Jaigarh Fort in Rajasthan. “Structures can make for great personal stories,” he shares. LOG ON TO tapestry.cyark.org
24 September,2024 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarStudent support Founded in early 2017 by Akshay Chaturvedi, Leverage Edu is a platform which supports students from India, Nepal, and Nigeria planning to study overseas. Their videos on how students can apply to move abroad for their higher education tick all the required boxes. They guide in budgeting, selecting the best countries and universities according to the subject of interest and also share videos on the culture and values of different countries.LOG ON TO Study Abroad — Leverage Edu on YouTube Smart planning and budgeting This platform provides support to students to select the appropriate institution and country to study according to their subject of interest. They create videos on how students can apply to move abroad for their education. The videos on their YouTube channel help in planning a budget and selecting the best countries, universities and courses, according to one’s interests.LOG ON TO IDP India on YouTube The American dream YouTuber Pritesh Jagani (in pic) is a software engineer and career coach settled in California, USA. Jagani makes videos on how students can apply for higher education in the USA. On Yudi J, his YouTube channel, he shares videos about an international student’s life in the country, and how they can build a successful career, meet their financial goals with personal and professional well-being.LOG ON TO Yudi J on YouTube Keep it simple Here, you can access plenty of free content on a wide range of subjects including science, humanities, linguistics, mythology, filmmaking, and more. It is ideal for those keen to learn about a particular topic or get an overview. Their illustrated, explanatory videos simplify the learning process of subjects that might be difficult to understand.LOG ON TO CrashCourse Mind matters The School of Life makes videos on human psychology and covers various topics related to dealing with mental health issues. This can be the best guide for students struggling to stay calm during their stressful days of academic and personal life. Check out fresh content every Wednesday at 14:00 (GMT) on their YouTube page.LOG ON TO The School of Life on YouTube
24 September,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiTrumpets ahoy! Franco-Moroccan trumpeter Daoud brings his pipes to the city. Blending jazz and RnB, Daoud’s compositions challenge traditional norms, making for a perfect escape from reality. On September 25; 8 pm At Bonobo, Kenilworth Plaza, Linking Road, Bandra West. Log on to @bonobobandraFree Healing herbs If you are in the mood for some jazz, walk into this suburban venue for a perfect evening. Rosemary and The Herbs take stage with their unique compositions, style and pizzazz that can make for a memorable night. On September 28; 9.30 pm onwards At The Stables, Peninsula Red Pine Hotel, Marol, Andheri East. Log on to insider.inCost Rs 1,000 (full cover) Mix it up Swedish DJ and music producer Diorange is gearing to bring his viral Instagram remixes to life in a candid performance. With hits like Ali Ali and Kalakkhata on the setlist, we suggest you bring your dancing shoes along. On September 29; 8 pm AT Opa! Bar & Cafe, Hotel Peninsula Grand, Lokmanya Tilak Nagar, Andheri East.Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 2,000 onwards
24 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIn 1933, German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht fled the country at the cusp of the Nazi takeover. A wise move on his part. Not long after, his explicitly anti-Nazi works were publicly burned by the regime under Adolf Hitler’s orders. Today, at an artiste’s retreat in Wai, nearly 200 kilometres away from Mumbai, and worlds away from the Brecht’s hometown of Augsburg, students of the Drama School Mumbai are revisiting his stories. Die Sect, a collection of these stories will be presented in the city to mark the end of their artiste residency this weekend. “Choosing Brecht was a conscious decision. We wanted to promote critical thinking and develop political thought in the new generation of actors through theatre. Through 12 stories from Brecht’s Fear and Misery of the Third Reich, both — the actors and the audience — will be compelled to rethink their political beliefs and biases,” shares director and theatre educator Neel Sengupta. These stories, dubbed playlets by Brecht, revolve around ordinary citizens of Nazi-ruled Germany navigating fear, guilt, treachery, love and shame in extraordinary times. A moment from the rehearsals in Wai. Pic Courtesy/Drama School Mumbai “One of the things a student pointed out during the first reading is that the play is boring,” Sengupta laughs, admitting that the sentiment might resonate with many who prefer lighter, easy-going stories. The key, he believes, lies in finding yourself in these characters. “Separated by time and space, the characters somehow still resonate with us today. The students have come to realise it through repeated readings and discussions,” he reveals. The picturesque views at the residency space in Satara might have helped, suggests course leader Chanakya Vyas. “Being away from the bustle of the city without having to constantly worry about the logistics is a blessing. It shifts the focus onto the collaborative spirit of theatre,” he adds. Comprising students from all corners of the country, the production also marks what is possibly the first Brecht adaptation to be presented in Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, Bhojpuri and Malayalam simultaneously. “It would have been ironic to enforce just one language in a play about fascism,” laughs Sengupta. The playlet titled Worker’s Playtime, for instance, revolves around an interview that takes place in a factory where the interviewer censors the workers’ words before broadcasting them. “In our play, Bengali actors take on the role of the workers. With running subtitles displayed on the stage, you can watch their words being twisted in real time. Similarly, the multilingual cast has come in handy at multiple occasions,” he reveals. Bertolt Brecht, Chanakya Vyas and Neel Sengupta Vyas sees an optimistic future for his students. “I hope that with the experience of forming thoughts and performing in their language, these students contribute to the theatre culture of their own hometowns,” he shares. In an age where aspiring actors have a variety of pathways such as content creation and building online personas available to them, we ask the director if theatre will continue to be the sacrosanct foundation that veterans swear by. “Theatre is more than what you see on the stage. It teaches you the value of discipline and staying grounded that other mediums don’t. If you visit a digital media production set today, you’ll see a theatre actor not only acting, but guiding the entire shoot. In that sense, theatre is definitely here to stay,” Vyas assures us. ON September 27, 7 pm; September 28, 6 pmAT Drama School Mumbai, Charni Road; G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 150 onwards
24 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor Andheri-based Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, the day starts early with his favourite part of the routine — hitting the gym. At 1 pm, the master data associate reaches his workplace, and by 10 pm, he does what most people from this generation do for side hustle or sheer fun; he creates content with his friends. The only catch in this seemingly normal routine, which Prajapati barely looks at as a hurdle, is that he has both speech and hearing impairment. When we catch up with Prajapati over a video call, Kolkata-based interpreter Sayantanee Chatterjee joins us to help us communicate. “Different people have different mother tongues, mine is Sign Language,” Chatterjee translates Prajapati’s signs for us. “I have been deaf and dumb since birth. Nearly 15 years ago, I started creating content on different social media platforms to spread awareness about the deaf culture. Only one month ago, I went viral on Instagram. Two of my videos hit the million mark, with many other crossing views in lakhs,” he beams. Rakesh Kumar Prajapati’s take on the one-second-reel trend was informative and crossed a million views The 33-year-old specialises in both Indian Sign Language (ISL) and American Sign Language (ASL). Often, he collaborates with influencers overseas to shed light on how different countries have different sign languages, like Polish Sign Language for Poland and Laotian Sign Language from Laos, and so on. His content includes review videos of latest technological developments like new Artificial Intelligence tools, small occurrences of Hindu-Muslim camaraderie, women’s safety and equality, and more. Some of our favourite videos from his content are the ones with his friends in the city — where they playfully pull each other’s legs, go on bike rides, hang out at their favourite haunts, and even hit the liquor store. Each of these videos has quirky, light-hearted storylines that aim to sensitively educate viewers that people with these impairments are no different from them. “We are all the same. We have the same brain, sleeping and eating habits, and we like to hang out with friends,” Prajapati expresses. Sayantanee Chatterjee He believes that it’s time to make Indian Sign Language not a thing to mock, but learn. “After all, isn’t it just another language?” He asks, adding, “It is simpler to learn than most other languages. It’s a fun combination of gestures and facial expressions. I am confident anyone can learn it!” Chatterjee is one of the friends who creates content with Prajapati from time to time. “He texted me on Instagram one day, expressing how amused he was that I was making learning sign language look so easy through my content. Since then, we make videos together, and I also freelance as an interpreter,” she shared. “We get mocked on a daily basis for communicating in Sign Language, but our approach to life and creating content remains optimistic. Even though we get hurt, we translate it into more positive videos to spread awareness, and urge people to learn sign language,” the duo signs off. Log on to @rkshprajapati6 ISL for you Here’s The Guide’s recommended picks of online spaces that teach ISL. >> Indian Signing Hands Shiksha: This city-based organisation was established to reduce illiteracy in the deaf community. They run classes for specific subjects, such as English, Economics, Health and Fitness, and also conduct a month-long introductory course in Indian Sign Language at the beginner and advanced levels. These help in polishing communication and improving the performance of students academically. The course also offers an insight into deaf culture.LOG ON TO ishshiksha.com A professor teaches ISL at the DEF Coaching Centre >> Deaf Enabled Foundation: The foundation provides an introductory course spanning between a month and three months, especially for people who wish to facilitate interpretation. Learning sign language also orients organisations to open up and make their spaces more inclusive such that they may recruit members of the deaf community. They have an easy-to-navigate mobile app.LOG ON TO: def.org.in/indian-sign-language-classes/ >> National Institute for Speech and Hearing: For a shorter, quicker course, this is another fun space to learn the language. The organisation offers a free six-week course with simple vocabulary and grammar lessons for everyday use.LOG ON TO nish.ac.in >> Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC): Those who wish to study the language further and get employed as teachers and interpreters of ISL will benefit from the two-year diploma. It includes courses that introduce students to deaf culture, history, identity, audism, myths and facts, and bi-cultural identities.LOG ON TO islrtc.nic.in/dtisl/ >> Udemy: Deaf sentence structuring, layered mouth morphemes, descriptive signing, deaf manner and culture, and deaf psychology can be learnt in this self-paced course. This helps you educate yourself in ASL if you’re speaking to people in the US with hearing disabilities.LOG ON TO udemy.com/course/sign-language/ >> BONUS: Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities offers a Diploma in ISL Interpretation. Classes are held in offline mode. Students spend two years training. It also offers a diploma in special education and a diploma in hearing, language speech in other cities across India.AT 12 KC Marg, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Bandra West.LOG ON TO ayjnihh.nic.in Curated by Nandini Varma
23 September,2024 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThis Sunday, history buffs can be a part of a heritage walk across the temple town of Ambernath. Led by local heritage enthusiast Sandesh Adwan, the walk promises to be an enriching experience, combining ancient history with contemporary artistry. At the three-hour-long walk, participants will get to explore local culture across three key stops: the ancient temple, Kumar Misal Art Studio, and The Snickerdoodle Coffeeworks cafe. The Ambernath Shiv Mandir is the walk’s focal point, with its captivating myths and architecture. According to Vandana Verma, convenor of Snickerdoodle Coffeeworks, organisers of the walk, local legends suggest the temple was built overnight by celestial beings but left incomplete at dawn. The carvings depict an eternal dance between gods and mythical creatures, while an underground water source is believed to have healing powers. Some even speculate about a hidden passage filled with relics yet to be discovered. On certain equinox days, sunlight directly illuminates the Shiva Lingam, showcasing the temple’s astronomical precision. An artist at work in the Kumar Misal Studio Following the temple visit, the group will explore Kumar Misal’s Art Studio, where contemporary art finds inspiration from Ambernath’s historical roots. Verma reveals that Adwan, who holds a Master’s in Ancient Indian Culture, curated the walk using archival records and local legends. Gathering oral histories, especially around myths of hidden relics, was one of the biggest challenges. “Our goal is to help participants connect with Ambernath’s historical and artistic significance,” Verma adds. They hope that the walk will offer an opportunity to discover the timeless heritage of Ambernath, blending ancient spirituality with modern creativity. ON September 29; 9.30 amMEETING POINT Ambernath Shiv Mandir, Ambernath Prakash Nagar Shiv Mandir Road, Ambernath East. LOG ON TO @snickerdoodlecoffeeworksCOST Rs 750
23 September,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaTo celebrate the 75th anniversary of her guru the late Pandit Durga Lal, kathak danseuse Uma Dogra will host a special performance by Vaibhav Arekar at Shivaji Park tomorrow. “The 75th birth anniversary is a key point and a milestone. His [Pandit Durga Lal] work has influenced many young dancers through generations. If he were around today, Kathak would be heralded in a much different way.” The performance is a premiere of Arekar’s choreographed narrative in Bharatanatyam, titled Varsha-Harvest of Lost Dreams. The performance views the monsoon through the eyes of a farmer waiting in hope. “I wanted to dedicate the performance to Pandit Durga Lal, of whom I have heard such great things from all the masters,” Arekar shares. The dancer explains further, “This show, Varsha, is a farmer’s connection with the monsoon. It is told from his point of view. We were working on ways to connect to the monsoon. The wait for the monsoon is different for an urban child like me, or a farmer in the heartlands of India. I wanted to bring that expression to the stage.”
23 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarVersatile, elegant and universally flattering — the allure of black is undeniable. Yet, due to religious and cultural considerations, the colour is typically avoided for festive occasions, weddings included. However, the tide seems to be turning with celebrities sporting glamorous looks in the colour as recently as during last week’s Ganeshotsav celebrations. “In terms of colour psychology, black can denote strength, formality, sophistication and mystery. It can also symbolise traits such as being aloof, power, sadness and negativity. The difference lies in how the colour is perceived through the lens of culture and etiquette, as well as how the garment is styled,” explains image consultant Greeshma Thampi. These contexts can vary widely, she adds. For instance, while in Hinduism, black is considered to represent evil and bad energy, in Western cultures, black at funerals is a sign of mourning. Whether or not you choose to wear black to a particular event has a lot to do with your own personal beliefs as well as those of your host, Thampi points out. The fine line An all-black look can make you come across as being intimidating, unfriendly and unapproachable. That, says Thampi, is the reason why black suits are often worn by C-level executives who want to command authority. However, it would be quite off-putting at a social gathering. Here’s how to style black right. Soften it: To lean into the inherent sophistication of black, combine it with softer elements. Curved silhouettes, flowy and softer fabrics, and interesting textures could make your look less severe and more suave. Greeshma Thampi Skin is in: Don’t let the outfit wear you, Thampi shares. By that, she means striking the right balance between letting a little skin peek through with a fashion-forward neckline or hemline. Add some sheen: Instead of dull fabrics or those with a matte finish, choose silk, satin, chiffon, lace or georgette for a softer appearance. Velvet can work well for more glamorous night events as well. Tone it down: Balance the colour black with festive colours such as pink, gold, silver and red. Accessories play an important role as the black garment is the perfect canvas to showcase them. Adding items such as a statement necklace or bold shoes can make your look shine, while also resonating with the event’s theme. “For smaller and more intimate events, it is always better to check with the host, especially if they have strong cultural or religious beliefs. If there is a dress code, try to adhere to it. For wedding receptions or events that have a celebratory touch, it is fine to wear black unless otherwise specified,” Thampi signs off.
21 September,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe pen might be mightier than the sword, but there’s a stronger force that has fascinated, confused and baffled young writers for ages — publishing. “Writing an excellent manuscript is a job half done. Navigating the world of publishing — from choosing the publisher to marketing it to reach your audience — is the greater task,” shares author and poet Ashwini Sannake. This weekend, Sannake will join others like her who have made it out the other end of the maze to share her learnings with beginners. At the two-hour-long interaction, questions are bound to flood in from the curious audience members. Fortunately, Sannake knows what she’s signing up for. “The question that I get most frequently is how I took the first step towards putting my book out there,” she shares. The answer, the author believes, is in the question itself. “Self-doubt ends up killing more ideas than choosing the wrong publisher ever can. No one can help you take the leap unless you’re ready for it.” A moment from a writing workshop Rahul Saini, organiser and founder of Paperback Talks, the hosts for the evening, believes the doubt stems from the absence of a strong community to find encouragement in. “There exist readers’ clubs and communities in every neighbourhood of Mumbai today. Each of these readers has a writer in them that eventually shines through. But when the time to seek guidance comes, there’s no one stop solution in place,” he sighs. To that end, Saini has curated authors from varying genres like fantasy, sci-fi, non-fiction and poetry for the event. As much as a community might help you, Sannake believes we must address the elephant in the room — finances. “Whether you will make money, break even, or go home with a gaping hole in your pockets is naturally a big concern. At the session, we will reveal the figures behind the process without mincing our words, or rather numbers,” she assures us. Participants will learn about new self-publishing platforms that can help them publish a book for as low as R15 thousand, for a compact paperback version. Ashwini Sannake Saini, who has spent three years networking with authors through community events, sees a new trend emerging that is pushing writers to moonlight as content creators to spread the word. “It’s more concerning than exciting. Building your personal brand seems to have taken precedence over writing consistently. You’ll find some popular names today who started off as authors but now make social media content and write as a hobby,” he laughs, adding that the session will help beginners strike the right balance. Sannake leaves with an afterword for aspiring authors. “As much as you try to tick off all the boxes, chances are your first book won’t do as well as you expected. Months before my first release, this fear took over me as well. At the end of the day, you cannot control who reads your book. You might write a title for children and find admirers in their parents. However, as long as even a single reader is moved by your writing, you must consider the job done well,” she signs off. ON September 22; 4 pmAT Iteeha Coffee, behind Famous Studios, Mahalaxmi.LOG ON TO @paperbacktalks on Instagram (to register)ENTRY Rs 300 onwards
21 September,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn a recent episode of The Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan Holiday, American businessman and marketer, speaks with Timm Chiusano, an influencer who transitioned from a Fortune 100 executive to a social media mentor. Timm shares how his unscripted TikTok reflections on everyday life not only gained traction but also empowered him to embrace a more authentic career path. Through humour and vulnerability, he tackles imposter syndrome and highlights the importance of real-time self-reflection, emphasising that there’s never a perfect time to make a career leap. Chiusano discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and shares that reflecting on his day has been “like a video journal,” helping him learn from his mistakes. He emphasises, “You should feel comfortable that if you have aspirations you can do it.” Holiday reinforces these ideas, stating, “The more risks you take, the less scary they become,” and references Epictetus, saying, “It’s impossible to learn what you think you already know,” stressing the importance of humility and curiosity in personal growth. Overall, we found the conversation to be rich with insights about navigating career transitions, managing emotions, and the value of self-kindness. By framing appreciation as a daily practice, Chiusano and Holiday illustrate how embracing the small moments can lead to greater joy and clarity. This dialogue serves as an inspiring reminder that while the path may be uncertain, being present and reflecting on our experiences can empower us to grow and connect meaningfully with others. Log on to YouTube
21 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaFeeling feline Medha Srivastav, professional cosplayerWhile Batman’s signature mask and cape look has been central to the franchise, I couldn’t take my eyes off Catwoman’s bold feminine look when I first watched the animated series. While you can recreate the full look using limited resources like rexine fabric for the mask, cardboard cutouts for the cat ears, and plastic bottles for the eyewear, I recommend going for an inspired look for those short on time and looking for a practical recreation. Start with a contour kit to add definition to your cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of your nose and a light highlighter on the high points of your face to achieve the sharp defined look. For the signature cat eyes, apply a neutral or light grey colour to your entire eyelid as a base and focus the darker colours towards the outer edge to give your eyes that cat-eye shape. You can use a black liquid or gel eyeliner to create a sharp winged look. Apply black mascara to your lashes, making sure to emphasise both upper and lower lashes. Finish the look with a classic red lipstick and green eye lenses. Vintage bat-mania Sahil Shah, comedian, 33The entire Christopher Nolan Batman series is fantastic, but there’s a special place in my heart for the Burton films and the animated show. Michael Keaton and Kevin Conroy are my favourite adaptations of the characters. The Joker stands out as my favourite villain. His chaotic nature towards causing a crime completes Batman. I feel like they are in a weird messed up situationship. The Killing Joke is undoubtedly the greatest comic and provides the best backstory for the Joker. Batman Begins is a beautifully crafted story, perfect for anyone wanting to dive into the Batman universe. Nolan’s direction, combined with the music, the iconic tumbler and performances by Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Cillian Murphy, elevates it to another level. I have always wanted the Batmobile from the animated series, and while I am not quite as wealthy as Bruce Wayne, I do own a tiny Bat-Signal, a mask, and LEGO versions of the Tumbler. Jack Nicholson (left) in Batman (1989). Pics Courtesy/Youtube I’m Batman Satyam Pandey, game designer, 25I was introduced to Batman from its early animated show, through the comic books, and games alongside the theatricals. What better way to celebrate the hero than walking a day in his shoes? For someone looking to dive straight into the action, the Arkham trilogy on Windows, PlayStation and XBox is one of the most intricately crafted superhero video game series. The games are easy to navigate and give a realistic sense of being Batman, allowing you to meet the villains and allies from the original series. What stands out is the game’s open-world nature that allows you to roam around and experience parts of the dark Gotham universe at your own pace. I’m excited about the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow Virtual Reality game that is still in the pipelines. It’s going to be game-changing, quite literally. A still from Batman: Arkham Knight Your tat-signal Pranay Uikey, tattoo artist, 34There’s a good reason why the most common requests we get are for Batman tattoos. Batman personifies justice, courage, and the belief that even in the absence of any true superpowers, a man can rise to the occasion. If you have been procrastinating getting your first tattoo, a minimalistic 4-inch x 4-inch tattoo can be the perfect start. I recommend getting a smaller bat-signal or logo outline on your forearm if you’re paranoid about the outcome, and then moving to a more detailed, coloured tattoo on your upper arm based on how you like it. As cool as it may sound, avoid back, chest, or neck tattoos if you’re a beginner. A 4-inch x 4-inch Batman-inspired tattoo Comic craze Hamza Sayed, owner, The Comic Book Store, 27The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller is a true classic and, in my opinion, one of the best Batman stories. I love stories where Batman shines as a detective. The Killing Joke is another dark and gritty book, written in pure Batman and Joker fashion. Death in the Family shows darker trends with death featured for the first time, where Joker actually wins in this iteration. Our Bandra West store has unique comics, including rare copies from the 1940s in very good condition. Some sold comics feature the first appearance of the Batcave and Alfred Pennyworth. Until the Golden Age, Batman was portrayed in a relatively mellow light. Michael Keaton’s 1989 portrayal made his aura come into the limelight. Since then, his gadgets and world have evolved, becoming better. The recent comics portray deep themes of torture and suffering, emphasising that money doesn’t solve everything, making the storyline ideal for mature audiences who can appreciate the emotional depth, this made me connect with him and is why I consider him my hero. Celebrate in style Back in black: Jump on the Crocs trend with limited-edition Batman footwear. LOG ON TO crocs.com Dress for the job: Wear your love for Batman on your sleeve with graphic t-shirts. LOG ON TO souledstore.com Knight’s guard: Get home an adorable Batman bobblehead figurine to keep you company. LOG ON TO tinyminimo.com
21 September,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Kanisha SoftaADVERTISEMENT
