ThursdayThrill-filled fun Go all out on playtime at this venue, where packages for video games, arcade games, and go-karting are available for just R99.Time 11 am to 11 pmAt Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla West. Log on to phoenixmarketcity.com Cost Rs 99 FridayClay chronicles Victoria and Albert Museum Explore the parallel histories and contemporary landscapes that Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum shares with Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London, through ceramic collections at this expert-led panel discussion. BDL Museum TIME 4 pm to 5 pm AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East. Unplugged melodies Dive into the world of fusion, as artiste Shrirang Krishnan brings together beats of carnatic, Sufi, and Bollywood music to raise funds for budding Indian women scientists.Time 7 pm to 10 pmAT Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Hindurao Patil Marg, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. CALL 8657865475 Log on to @iwsa_1973COST Rs 300 onwards SaturdayRetail therapy Fill the weekend with self-love, and some conscious retail therapy. This pop-up at Shivaji Park will feature an exhaustive environment-friendly collection for sale by homegrown artisans and craftsmen. Expect sustainable apparel, home decor, (above) crockery, paintings, accessories, and more.Till September 22Time 11 am to 7 pmAt Scout Banquet Hall West, Shivaji Park, opposite Mayor’s Bungalow, Dadar West. SundayAye halo! Why wait for Navratri to show off your best traditional attire and some killer garba moves? Sign up for this pre-Navratri garba night, where enthusiasts will welcome the upcoming festival with much fanfare. Time 6 pm onwardsAT Vrindavan Hall, Trikamdas Road, near Kandivali Station, Kandivali West. Call 9136901020Cost Rs 350; (Rs 300 for individual passes for groups of 10 and above) In-house comedy Attend a live recording of the podcast, Ask (below) Gursimran Khamba Anything, in a house party-like set-up, where participants will get to witness and be part of the episode full of candid conversations.Time 10 pm At Spades Live, above Smoke House Deli, Pali Hill, Bandra West.Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost R499
19 September,2024 01:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi | Anisha ShrivastavaWe come bearing good news. If there was one thing missing on the Mumbai food scene, it would be a restaurant by Mukhtar Qureshi and Rahul Akerkar. Now, after 14 years the duo opens Waarsa, an Awadhi restaurant under Aditya Birla New Age (ABNAH) Hospitality at NCPA. We met them at the venue a few days before its scheduled opening. A turquoise blue door with a floral-motif doorknob welcomes us into the 56-seater. The walls wear a washed-out salmon blush, inspired by surkhi — a material used in historic buildings. Restoration architect Abha Narain Lambah has done up the space in modern renditions of the old. Intricate floral embossed patterns on the ceiling and the antique mirrors across the room offer depth and grandeur. Mukhtar Qureshi (left) and Rahul Akerkar at Waarsa, NCPA. Pics/Atul Kamble Mukhtar Qureshi, MasterChef at Waarsa, has donned a crisp white chef’s coat that reads Q-Man, and in contrast, Rahul Akerkar is in all black casuals. The two go way back when Akerkar opened Neel — Tote on the Turf with Qureshi at Mahalaxmi Racecourse in 2009. Akerkar calls his first encounter with Qureshi a happenstance. “He was working in the Indian section in our catering company, Moveable Feast. At the time, it was on my mind to never do a restaurant where I was not intimately familiar with the cuisine. But it happened with Mukhtar,” he admits. Awadhi nalli ka shorba and Daal q-man When Akerkar bowed out, the two remained in touch. Over the past decade-and-a-half, they charted different trajectories — Qureshi led the royal Awadhi cuisine restaurant Ummrao at Courtyard by Marriott, while Akerkar had opened Qualia. In the lockdown, Qureshi took the catering route and Akerkar moved to Goa. In 2023, he joined ABNAH as culinary director. “When we were toying with the idea for an Indian restaurant, I dialled Mukhtar, and asked him: ‘Should we open a restaurant again?’ Haq lasooni chaman and Khoobani ka meetha Waarsa, the duo tells us, means inheritance and the food takes inspiration from Awadhi cuisine’s footprint across Kolkata to Hyderabad, Lucknow, Kashmir and Varanasi. Akerkar finds comparisons with Creole food. “The [Creole] cuisine has its backbone in Latin America and West Africa, and is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Native American flavours. Awadhi food is a bit like that.” Waarsa puts the spotlight on khansamas and women chefs — the ‘aapas’ in the bawarchi khana. “Surely, what they ate at home was a far cry from how they cooked for nawabs,” explains Akerkar. Kashmiri seb ka korma When Qureshi began to plan the menu, there were several dilemmas: “Awaam ko kya chahiye? [What does the public want?]; Log mere paas wapas kyu ayenge? [Why will people come back to eat my food?]; “We created a menu jo ghar bhi lage, sheher bhi lage, aur galiyan bhi lage [flavours of homes, cities as well as streets]’.” He hit the road, touring Benaras, Lucknow and Kolkata. He gorged on chaats served on pattas and puri aloo with its humble watery gravy in Benaras. “In Lucknow, I visited a 200-year-old tunday kebabi joint; Ram Bhandar for dahi jalebi and samosa [to relive my childhood], and the famous Sharmaji’s chai stall. “The art of any cooking is to know when to put what ingredient. I noticed the food had earned a lightness without losing its original flavours. I had found my inspiration,” he recalls. Intricate floral and antique patterns adorn its interiors In the trial kitchen, Qureshi was busy working with baigan (brinjal), kadu (pumpkin), tendli (ivy gourd), parwal (pointed gourd), seb (apples) and ratalu (sweet potato). “Being a Qureshi, I have not given enough attention to vegetarian fare,” he laughs, adding, “It is corrected in this menu.” We begin the meal with two shorbas. The santre ka shorba (Rs 450) exudes a tangy sweetness of oranges in a broth with hints of pine nuts. Ginger holds all the flavours under its reign. It manages to open our palates and prepares it to welcome the Awadhi nalli ka shorba (Rs 490), which is a surprisingly light smoked marrow soup. Portions from the mutton shank make for tender morsels. Of the 30 kebabs on offer, we try kamal jad ki shaami (Rs 585; lotus root). It is tucked between fried lotus root stem chips that add a sweet crunch to the minced texture of the kebab. Jaituni dingri (R585), or olive rubbed mushrooms, are slathered in a slippery tapenade that leaves a tinge of tartness in the aftertaste. The finely minced Kakori kebab (Rs 875) is vintage excellence. We fold a mouthful into a bite of malai paratha. The Awadhi sunehri jhinga (Rs ,150) is charcoal fire-grilled in yellow chilli and saffron, giving a spicy hit and a fragrant finish. Mukhtar Qureshi Qureshi’s attention to vegetarian dishes includes the standout Kashmiri seb ka korma (Rs 685). The gravy is made of the fruit, paired with tomatoes. Haq lasooni chaman (Rs 685) is a paneer dish in Kashmiri spinach that’s packed with garlic. The khada masala ke murg (Rs 785) is local at its best. Made with whole garam masala, including cinnamon, cloves, pepper and spice. The signature, dal Q-Man (Rs 585), kid goat slow cooked in black masoor dal base finished with dill, bathua and white butter, is a community dish made during Muharram. The tarkari dum biryani (Rs 685) is a steamed vegetable biryani is too dry and falters, but the kareli ka dum dudhiya biryani (Rs 1,250) is a Hyderabadi rendition of mutton shank, mutton kofta, boiled egg, with gosht yakhni salan that is impressive. Qureshi has way too many versions of his signature khoobani ka meetha. Here, it comes with a purdah, baked apricot halwa cooked in its own sweet juice. “Awadhi food is known for its delicate use of spices, fragrance and a subtle nazakat. Qureshi’s cooking is all of that. My inputs were purely subjective, rather than telling him how to cook it. He doesn’t need that. It is his gift, not mine,” Akerkar signs off. WaarsaOPENS September 21 AT NCPA, Nariman Point. Time 12 pm to 4 pm; 7 pm to 1 amCall 9594943555 Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From British influences to kaanch pudding, Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil on how the royal kitchen of Bhavnagar has embraced cultural diversity in Gujarat
19 September,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaThere will be rhythm. There will be moves. There will be style,” promises Kruti Gandhi, founder of Abrazo Tango as we get on a call early in the evening. Gandhi is in preparation for the second edition of the Mumbai Tango Marathon, which begins tomorrow. The three-day event will mark a gathering of professional tango performers from all over Mumbai in a celebration of the Latin dance. Kruti Gandhi “After our first edition in 2023, we were surprised at how many people were looking forward to such events,” shares Gandhi who began her journey with tango in 2015. To this end, the group of Gandhi, and co-founders Tanvi Shah and Ajinkya Deshpande curated a series of events that spans across the spectrum of music, fashion, cuisine and dance from Latin American culture. The festival will be a mix of workshops and captivating performances Fashion, for instance, is a key part of the tango tradition. Gandhi explains, “People do not often understand how important the apparel and shoes are to a tango dancer. They are shaped to fit and enable movement in a particular way. As a professional, I have often had to spend much time sourcing the right shoes for my competitions. So, we decided to host a tango fair this year where people can walk in and buy apparel, footwear, and memorabilia connected to the dance form.” A performance from 2023 The three-day event is divided into multiple events for professional and amateur dancers, she adds. “The first day is earmarked for professional dancers, with workshops and sessions introducing them to the many forms and techniques,” Gandhi notes. Saturday, she adds, is specifically a celebration of the dance form. With over 20 hours of dancing performances, combined with the tango fair and workshops, it is open to everyone. “It is the perfect way to dip your feet in and experience the social effect of tango as a dance form,” she remarks. The performances are also reflective of a growing demand for the dance form in the city. “Tango is different, and more complex to other Latin forms like salsa or bachata. It is definitely growing in popularity, and since our last edition, we have noticed an overwhelming number of people demanding more such events in the city. The annual event might be a good start to it,” Gandhi concludes. ON September 20 to 22; 11 am onwards AT Girgaon; Nariman Point (venues shared upon registration).LOG ON TO @abrazo_tango on InstagramCALL 9987586384 (Kruti Gandhi) Also Read: How new-age jive socials are exposing more people to Kizomba
19 September,2024 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarHow did Paul McCartney sneak into France without a passport? What was The Beatles’ last conversation before John Lennon’s assassination? And why did the Imagine singer call himself a ‘b#*tard’ following his son’s birth? Peter Brown, The Beatles’ office manager, answers all the questions in his new book, All You Need Is Love: The Beatles In Their Own Words. The book is a collage of interviews, private conversations and anecdotes shared by those closest to The Beatles during their rise and fall. For fans of the Fab Four like me, who don’t mind a bit of juicy gossip from time to time, it checks all the boxes. Available: amazon.in
19 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleNature has been a favourite pastime for Gigi Scaria. The artist has been documenting the rapid rise of urbanisation on his travels across the globe. “The crisis has been coming for a long time,” he says, adding, “It is only in the last two decades that it has evolved into a model where you really don’t care about the consequences.” These actions, and the potential aftermath find their way into the visuals of Scaria’s ongoing exhibition, Biophilia, at Chemould Prescott Gallery this month. Natural Conflict The effect of rampant urbanisation finds representation in his works as the unstoppable bulldozer running through trees, endless infrastructure, and caged trees among other visual motifs. The curation is not limited to canvas. The Kerala-born multidisciplinary artist informs us that it includes sculptures and videos as well. Among the four videos on display at the gallery, one will include an endless cut of landscapes opening into other landscapes creating a visual illusion. It is a take on the avantgarde artist Lucio Fontana’s Cuts transformed to video, he explains. Gigi Scaria As for his influence of nature, Scaria says, “Right now, it is the most important thing for an artist to address. I do not say that art has the bandwidth to influence change on a large scale, but if you are a conscious artist and witness things, it should reflect in your work. It can help provoke like-minded people into generating sensitive art and perhaps, conversation.” TILL October 14; 11 am to 6 pmAT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, Azad Maidan, Fort. Forgotten stories Rajendrasing Chaudhari’s legacy in textile art finds expression with a posthumous exhibition On occasion, it takes the world time to recognise artists. While the late Rajendrasing Chaudhari was a well-known name among his peers, his work in textile and fabrics might still be unknown to the layman. With a posthumous exhibition, the Colaba space of Chatterjee & Lal hopes to change this. “Rajen, as he was popularly called, was a product of the Sir JJ School of Arts. He travelled across India in the late ’50s to study textiles and weaving. He was also among the first generation of artists to be involved with the National Institute of Design (NID) and CEPT in Ahmedabad,” gallerist and co-founder Mortimer Chatterjee informs us. (left) An untitled work from the mid ’90s. Pic courtesy/Chatterjee & Lal, heirs of Rajen; (right) a weave at the exhibition. Pic Courtesy/Instagram In that sense, the artist belonged to the generation at the cusp of a confident and modern India. “You need to look back to Rajen’s generation where the intersection between design and arts was much more porous. His generation of artists were imbued with Western influences but also the legacy of what we call the Bombay Revival School,” Chatterjee notes. With the interest in textiles growing among the art community, the gallerist remarks that it was as good a time as any to highlight Chaudhari’s contribution to the field. “He was incredibly active during the 1980s, 90s and also the early 200s. He did not have a gallery presence per se, that is why he was not exhibited much. He passed away in 2021, and this is really the first major commercial exhibition in his practice since he passed,” Chatterjee adds. Rajendrasing Chaudhari The exhibition includes works that trace the 40-year career of Chaudhari’s journey and interactions with textile weaving. His works highlight the influence of abstract weaves, as well as figurative expression — a reminder of the influences from his years at Sir JJ school of Arts, Chatterjee tells us. The gallerist explains, “The exhibition is an extension of the gallery’s efforts to highlight artists emerging from the Sir JJ School in the early to mid-20th century and their influences that the school played on artmaking practices in the 20th century.” TILL October 26; 12 pm to 5 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)AT Chatterjee & Lal, Kamal Mansion, Colaba.
17 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarBandra has great soil for all sizes of food formats to crop and thrive. Past a sliding door of the Japanese façade, we noticed that the 12-seater Abokado is all of 250 square feet. But it packs in a punch. The walls are a light lime green, like an avocado smoothie that gets a special attention on the menu. Wall art frames moonlight as mood lights in the evening. We are welcomed with a mini waffle cone with a dollop of wasabi ice cream. It sizzles our palates clean and we are ready for the meal. We cool down, first with a chilled iced matcha made in oat milk. Before digging into the fare, Mitesh Rangras, known for his iconic eateries including Lemongrass, Lemon Leaf, Potpourri and Soi Street, joins us for a bit of a rewind session on the journey so far. Five mushroom aguachile and Katsu chilli chicken “I turn 45 next year, and have been in hospitality for the past 20 years. When Lemon Leaf closed in 2017, we toyed with the idea to relocate. But it wasn’t fun anymore,” says Rangras, confessing, “I had a burnout. As a chef-owner, I wasn’t cooking enough. I decided to take a step. I was okay getting a job, a consulting gig, but I needed to change,” he recalls. It was his mentor, late veteran restaurateur Henry Tham who gave him his first gig. “I met him at least once a month for coffee and advice. They had just opened Koko in Lower Parel and The Good Wife in BKC. He was looking for someone to help launch Rockpool, W Goa. I told him I would take it up. A lot of chefs go through this phase where they need to step back and recalibrate,” says Rangras. A chef works on a yellow fin tuna. Pics/Shadab Khan After a short, much-needed holiday, he moved to Goa for six months and later, took up consulting projects across the country. In the lockdown, he joined hands with Varun Kapoor, his partner at Abokado, to help him in his frozen foods business. “From momos to dimsums, we were in the home delivery and commercial segment. This gave me an all-round perspective on supply chain, vendors, and a network. It was a boon to step away,” says Rangras. Last year, the duo decided it was time to offer something fresh. “I spoke to my close friend and mentor Kishor DF. He encouraged me to not be predictable, and start a sushi dimsum place,” reveals Rangras. The chat makes us hungry so we get to business at the nigiri section. Shitake mushroom (R250; 2 pcs) and with a soy glaze and yellow fin tuna (R390; 2 pieces) finished with pearls of black tobiko roe. Both sushi dishes have a tight, clean fold and present a mouthful of flavours. The menu’s star ingredient — avocados — comes from a third-generation farmer in Coonoor. A few years ago, he brought nearly 1,000 trees from Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. The good thing about the avocado-forward menu is that it is not forced, and does not go for an overkill. Shitake mushroom; (right) iced matcha latte From the oshizushi, or fried sushi, we get avocado, pickled cucumber, spicy mayo, jalapeño and sweet sauce (R450). Deep-fried uncut smashed sushi fried in potato starch. It is topped with salmon, avocado and tobiko. It is drizzled with a spicy mayo with yuzu and hot sauce and sprouts. Overall bland, the bite catches fire with the house sauce. We are in for a Mexican surprise with mushroom aguachile (R450) which has a bunch of smoked mushrooms including hiratake, shiitake, shimeji, button and wood ear. They come drenched in a sauce or aqua chilli which means chilli water. The green water has zest of lime dashi and cilantro, a hit of jalapeño and kombu seaweed extract. It is topped with pickled onions and avocado that smoothens the spice. We dunk thinly-sliced sourdough bread in. The main course is a filling, hearty rice bowl with katsu chili chicken (R500). Rangras has created a special sauce for this. The rice is cooked in a rice cooker with a stock of dashi, soy and chilli like a pulao. Served with baby spinach and sesame coated chicken katsu, we sip on the warm miso soup, and bite into the soy sauce egg for a textured and creamy finish. Mitesh Rangras Every meal hits a crescendo, when the stomach and heart agree. But, dessert pops its head out and we cannot resist. The signature honey cube (R400) is a brioche toast with salted caramel ice cream. The sugar-butter balance ensures that the crescendo stays. Abokado is a great option for a quick bite, a day meal or an evening indulgence. And we hear that Sunday brunch is also in the pipeline. AT: Abokado, Shop no. 1, Sefa House, Pali Mala Road, Bandra West. CALL 9821700034
17 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaNestled away in the far suburb of Kalyan is Kala Talao, an old favourite for morning walkers and runners, and the ideal weekend retreat for others. Jump rope athlete Aman Varma, however, remembers the tall gates of the premises most vividly. “We jumped right over it. And there we had the perfect training ground for jumping ropes,” he recalls. This daring leap to find a safe space to practice with his students in 2021 came to fruition when his students bagged gold and silver at the World Jump Rope Championship 2023 in the USA and the Asian Championship in Japan in July 2024. Varma is now opening doors to a training programme that will culminate in the World Championship 2025. A jumper performs at the 2023 World Championship (right) Students attempt a double Dutch variation during a session “Jump rope often confuses spectators. From a distance, it looks like we are merely skipping ropes, but when you get closer and observe how fast we’re going, that is what sets it apart,” the seven-time national champion shares, adding that the average professional athlete can achieve 160 to 200 skips in 30 seconds. These young athletes are fast, and they’re curious. Over the years, unique formats of jumping ropes have made their way into the sport. When Varma heads to practice with his students, they freestyle and ace double Dutches — where two jumpers work in tandem to put on a visual treat. Over the course of a year, Varma’s training regime will introduce participants to a 40-60 split of technical training and plyometrics (a form of short, high-intensity exercise). “While technical skill with the rope will ensure hand-eye co-ordination, it’s the plyometrics that will keep you fuelled with explosive energy,” the 26-year-old shares. While achieving the 200 jumps comes with years of building muscle memory, the trainer believes now is as good a time as any to kickstart the journey. “We have to start somewhere. The routines you see athletes ace online come on the back of many attempts that make it only to the gag reel,” he laughs. The athletes train at Calangute beach during a trip to Goa The athletes’ routines might look effortless, but the journey behind it has been far from easy. “When I started jump roping in 2011, I had the opportunity to attend an international competition. While the authorities helped me with paperwork, I couldn’t afford the travelling expenses. Being a lesser-known sport, my parents were hesitant to take the bet on me as well,” the long-time Kalyan resident shares. More than a decade later, things haven’t changed by leaps. “In 2017, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports eventually wrote us off, quite literally, by knocking the sport off the list of recognised sports, making it more difficult for new athletes to find support,” he informs us. Leading the rise of the sport from the frontlines ever since, are well-wishers and fellow athletes who see a promising future. “In 2021, we flew to Colorado for the World Championship. Most of us had no family or friends in the USA. The Indian diaspora showed us what it means to have each other’s backs. Local communities opened the doors to their homes, helping us with accommodation. Families would take turns to cook meals during our stay, and a local motel near the venue took our students in to ensure long commutes wouldn’t tire us out,” he recalls. From the team of young athletes, nine bagged podium spots that year. The Indian team on the podium at the 2024 Asian Championship Varma’s efforts, paired with the generosity of the community, has propelled the sport past the infamous zero to one phase. But things must change, the athlete believes. “Funding international trips to competitions is burning a hole in our pockets. Even for our voluntary sponsors, a trip that entails nearly Rs 5 lakh in expenses per athlete is too much,” he shares. Moreover, Varma hopes for better infrastructure for practising in the city. “We practise in halls, parks and beaches. But the flooring at international competitions is wooden. With the Indian Jump Rope Federation, I am aiming to push for more dedicated spaces in the city and nationwide,” he shares. Aman Varma By the time we conclude our conversation with Varma, he has found a new batch of promising jumpers. At the Sub-Junior National & 3rd All India Open Jump Rope Championship in Nanded that concluded last weekend, athletes as young as 14 years old bagged six gold and two silver medals. “These wins help us fortify our place as a sport worth investing in. In the years to come, I am sure all the eyes will be on us. Until then, we get our head down and stay on our feet,” he signs off. AT Rule the Ropes, Thakur Hall, Tandon Road, Dombivli East. LOG ON TO @ruletheropes CALL 9768452697
17 September,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleJust when you thought that it was safe to bring your skinny jeans back into circulation, another throwback trend has resurfaced to make you dig deeper into your denim archives — wide-leg jeans, a mainstay of the ’70s and the ’90s are back in an updated avatar. What makes the trend more popular and likelier to catch on this time around is the ongoing shift towards comfortable and relaxed fits. That these jeans hit at the most flattering part of your torso and elongate your silhouette are just added bonuses. But how do you go about styling a pair without appearing as though you’ve stepped straight off the sets of a Western? We got image consultant Taylor Elizabeth to share the scoop. Taylor Elizabeth The right pair “Wide-leg jeans and pants have been a staple in the fashion sphere for decades, proving their timeless appeal. The key to making them look contemporary and smart lies in the styling. Wide-leg jeans can be incredibly versatile and can enhance your overall look when styled correctly,” Elizabeth says. She offers the following guidelines to help pick out the perfect pair. . Fit: Ensure that the jeans fit well at the waist and hips. The length should be appropriate, either grazing the floor or sitting just above the shoes for a modern look. . Fabric: Choose high-quality denim with a slight stretch for comfort but enough structure to maintain the wide-leg silhouette. . Finishing: Check for well-done stitching, neat hems, and a polished finish. Avoid overly distressed styles to retain a sophisticated appearance. . Rise: High-waisted styles tend to be more flattering and versatile, providing a sleek silhouette that pairs well with a variety of tops. The 2024 update Unlike the ’70s, when the only appropriate way to style these jeans was with bohemian peasant tops, the 2024 comeback is more chic, streamlined and sophisticated. “A tucked-in silk blouse or a fitted knit top can create a balanced silhouette. For a more casual look, a well-fitted turtleneck or a tailored button-down shirt works well,” Elizabeth says. For dressier events, try adding layers to the outfit by the way of a tailored blazer, cropped jacket or long cardigan which can add structure and sophistication. When it comes to footwear, pointed-toe flats, heeled boots, or stylish loafers can complement the wide-leg jeans without overwhelming the look, she notes. Complete your look with minimalist jewellery, such as a simple necklace or elegant earrings, and a structured handbag can complete the outfit. A belt can also help define the waist and add a finishing touch.
16 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCoimbatore-born Ambai writes stories that linger with us long after we’ve read them. Her characters are deeply fleshed-out and drawn earnestly from life. Sudha Gupta, the cinnamon-tea loving detective, first seen in A Meeting on the Andheri Overbridge, is one such character, an everyday woman living in Mumbai. Sudha was sketched from “a combination of many women” whom Ambai knows, she tells us. In her latest collection, The Death of a Sarus Crane (Speaking Tiger), translated from Tamil by Gita Subramanian, the detective is back with four new cases. Each case provides a window into the inner conflicts of the protagonists and the reasons that compel certain situations to reach extreme ends. The strength of the book lies in the power of the detective to access emotions that others seemingly cannot. In entering spaces with care, a detective does not only solve crimes; they also save lives. Sriman Sudarsanam, a character popularised by Devan’s books This is most evident in her third story Sepal, where the protagonist is seen standing at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, contemplating suicide. “I wanted to explore human relationships and emotions in a city through this genre, not just through crimes, although they were also elements in the stories, but more through the complexities that a city like Mumbai creates around you,” shares the author, who spent her early childhood in the city and returned to settle in Mumbai in 1978. “I wanted a woman detective with a family and a very kind-hearted police officer [Govind Shelke] to sift through these relationships with warmth and sensitivity.” While Ambai cherishes the work of writers like Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, Ed McBain, Arthur Conan Doyle, she fondly remembers reading popular Tamil detective stories while growing up. These, she says, were easily found in circulating libraries. Among them, a writer she enjoyed most was Devan, the editor of Ananda Vikatan, a Tamil weekly, and creator of CID Chandru series. “He wrote many social novels which were serialised and had readers who admired him greatly, but his detective fiction was popular too, and had special readership.” She recollects his “fumbling detective, Sriman Sudarsanam,” alongside several other writers. Ambai. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons What makes Ambai’s stories stand out is her exploration of gender fluidities, often alluding to myth. She also explores the city, familiarising us with its streets and people. Referring to the title story, she remarks, “A case where a young servant girl was killed was in the news many years ago, and it did not become sensational at that time. Just a one-inch report. When I began to write about a similar incident, I thought Lokhandwala will be a good choice.” Migrants are an important part of the book, especially in the context of this story. When we ask her if this was a conscious decision, Ambai shares, “Mumbai has been a city of migrants for a long, long time. You can’t write a story based on Mumbai without referring to one group of migrants or the other. It is a natural choice, not a deliberate one. The migrants make the city what it is.” Cost Rs 499Available At leading bookstores and e-stores
16 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaSocial media is at it again, and this time, it centres around discovering happiness. The latest trend making waves online focuses on creating a hormonal balance through habits rather than by simply scrolling along. Called a dopamine menu, these programmes are a personalised list of activities designed to boost dopamine levels, improve mood, and prevent doom scrolling. The concept was popularised by multiple influencers from Jessica McCabe on her YouTube channel How to ADHD, to Payton Sartain on her podcast, Note to Self. The trend started going viral after actor Eva Longoria shared her own insight on the idea recently. Dopamine 101 “Dopamine, often called the happy hormone, starts to peak from the moment we wake up and gradually decreases as the day progresses,” explains Tejashri Acharya, child counsellor and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner. The menu thus, becomes a tool for mindfulness, aimed towards building healthy habits. Payton Sartain in her podcast Dr Chinmay Patkar, MBBS, DPM, psychiatrist, explains the need to structure when building a dopamine menu. The tasks, he suggests, should be divided based on their importance and the time they require. “Small, low-effort activities or appetisers such as putting clothes away are best done at the start of your day to maintain healthy dopamine levels. Mains comprise essential tasks like work or exercise that are often mundane but rewarding, once completed. Desserts are feel-good activities at the end of the day,” he explains. This gradual increase is to avoid overstimulation and limit engagement with dopamine hijackers — dangerously addictive dopamine-releasing activities like endlessly scrolling through social media. Ease into the tasks The menu’s effectiveness relies on its practicality and efficiency. “It’s important to manage expectations, as not all activities will provide instant gratification, and the absence of quick fixes can lead to disappointment,” explains Acharya. Simple stretches at your workdesk can help Spreading your activities throughout the day also ensures better consistency. “For instance, you can do basic stretches at your workplace, take a walk in the sun if possible, or eat fruits like apples or watermelon for an instant dopamine boost,” suggests nutritionist Saloni Kothari. A routine that lasts A dopamine menu should also prioritise enjoyment, and not feel like a chore. “Include activities that you look forward to. Learn to savour simple, mundane moments like making coffee,” says Dr Patkar, adding, “Do not burden yourself with tasks.” The key, Acharya notes, is to tailor the activities to your personal preferences; enjoyable activities are more likely to be repeated. A dopamine menu is split into appetisers, mains and dessert Kothari also emphasises the importance of adopting a fibre-rich diet to sustainably maintain stable hormone levels in the long term. “Eating a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, and dairy can help as these foods are a great source of dopamine.” Exercise is another mood booster, as regular workouts release endorphins and help you tap into your happy hormones and enhance your overall well-being. Saloni Kothari Avoid the pitfalls Overstacking and having unrealistic expectations is an obstacle for creating a successful menu. “A giant menu with a lot of activities might feel good in theory, but will create an unrealistic motivation curve from thought to action,” explains Patkar. Self-awareness plays a crucial role in this activity. A dopamine menu can include exercise and quality sleep While Patkar believes that the chances of any significant risks in going overboard with dopamine menus are slim, Acharya argues otherwise. “Over reliance on these activities can cause a dopamine crash, eventually leading to a burnout. They can become draining especially while balancing a hectic life.” Dr Chinmay Patkar and Tejashri Acharya Comparing your progress with others and obsessing over results can also be counterproductive. “It is important to take things slowly, as these programmes are meant to foster lifelong habits that require time to develop,” Patkar concluded. Experts suggest a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, and dairy Pitfalls to avoid . Do not burden the list with overwhelming tasks. . Do not expect instant results from activities that offer a long-term dopamine boost. . Avoid comparing your progress with others to prevent frustration. . Do not turn the dopamine menu into a rigid to-do list. . Avoid focusing solely on high dopamine activities as it can cause overstimulation. Fix your dopamine . Build momentum with small, low-effort tasks. . Balance the list by adding both calming and stimulating activities to prevent burnout. . Choose enjoyable activities that feel rewarding when completed. . Pair familiar habits with new ones you want to build, like gratitude journaling while on your daily commute.. Break down your goals and focus on small, actionable steps to avoid overwhelming yourself.
16 September,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaShelly was expelled. Van Gogh was expelled once. Ostrovsky was expelled once. Palme Dutt was expelled once. I was expelled twice,” wrote FN Souza in a typically daring statement in his catalogue to the 1948 exhibition at the Bombay Art Society Salon. A century after his birth in 1924 in Saligao, Goa, Souza remains one of the most expensive and prominent names for collectors and art lovers across the country. Minal Vazirani “Souza is, without doubt, a trailblazer in modern Indian art, and that can’t be declared in the past tense. His work drew from diverse, often classical, influences,” says Minal Vazirani, president and co-founder, Saffronart. To celebrate the centenary of Souza’s birth, the venture is set to host an auction of 48 lots of Souza’s works. Unsurprisingly, he remains an artist in demand, she reveals. The auction will feature works that are ‘evocative of Souza’s inner workings,’ Vazirani emphasises. The man, the enigma But what makes him such an attraction? Early 1940s in the city of Bombay was rather complex, admits art curator Ranjit Hoskote. Calling it a ‘global colony’, Hoskote remarks, “It was a very fertile and febrile city at the time.” To this, Souza brought boldness. “What he brought into the Indian scenario was boldness in addressing the erotic and questions of death and mortality.” FN Souza. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons It was in the city that the artist founded the Progressive Artist’s Group, a movement that would shape India’s modernist outlook in art. “The group was deeply influenced by their surroundings and each other’s ideas,” notes Vazirani. The works on auction, she shares, were curated to highlight his lesser-known inspirations. Hoskote points out an influence of Byzantine art in Souza’s famed iconographies, as well as art from the Gupta period. Passing through Bombay Yet, the city is a passing glimpse in FN Souza’s artistic memory. Gallerist Dadiba Pundole points out that Souza left the city for England early in his career. “He lived very close to Crawford Market. But during the time he lived there, he was still painting Goa through his landscapes. He was only in the city a short while,” he says. FN Souza, Fireman 9 - 11, 2001. Pic Courtesy/Art Musings But the presence was always there. Hoskote remarks that he grew up hearing the artist’s names in conversations between his parents. “The Artist’s Centre was one of his many hangouts back in the early years. It was a big locus for them [PAG group]. There was Chetana, now a restaurant, and of course, Jehangir Art Gallery and the Kala Ghoda neighbourhood.” Pundole recalls dropping Souza off at a hotel in Parel, after their first meeting in 1984. “He [Souza] clearly preferred living among the crowds. That environment fascinated him more than other parts of a city, not just Mumbai,” he admits. Untitled (Head with Horns), 1966 Similarly, for Sangeeta Raghavan, gallerist, Art Musings, Colaba, recalls him as an old family friend dropping by and working out of the house. She shares how the artist would often stay with the family during his visits to the city. “I have a small stack of correspondence that they [my father and Souza] shared, letters, cards. I remember one evening over dinner at my parent’s place, he spontaneously started doing sketches of some friends. It was quite a treat watching him,” she shares. 100 years later, perhaps, Souza might continue to evoke similar memories. LOG ON TO saffronart.com (for details on the auction) Ranjit Hoskote Souza in Bombay >> St Xavier’s CollegeFN Souza was a student of the prominent city institution in the late 1930s, before being expelled for sketching on the walls. >> Sir JJ School of ArtsThe institution marked his first formal education as an artist, before he was expelled again for participating in the Quit India movement of 1942. >> Crawford MarketHis residence in the city of Bombay during his short stay. >> Kala GhodaThe art district was the central hub for the Progressive Artists’ Group, of which Souza was a founding member. >> Sewri Christian CemeteryIt was here that the avant garde artist was laid to rest following his demise in 2002.
14 September,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
