For gaming freaks Gamers in Thane have found their new haven at an arcade café opened by Shreyas Kelkar, born from his passion for gaming. “As a teenager, I couldn’t afford gaming equipment due to its high cost and limited availability. I wanted to offer youngsters the chance to experience top-tier gaming consoles and the latest games in a comfortable environment, and at affordable prices, starting at just Rs 70 per hour,” Kelkar explained. The café features a high-end setup with six PlayStation 5 consoles, Xbox Series X, a racing simulator, and 65-inch TVs, “We offer an immersive setup with music and coloured lights that change with the music, heightening the energy and giving players a rush,” he added. The racing simulator is a unique console racing equipment featuring a two-player setup with a steering wheel and pedals, to provide a realistic racing experience. The café boasts over 30 popular games, including story-based and competitive options, with Kelkar taking customer feedback to keep the collection up to date with the latest trends. Unlike most gaming cafés, patrons can also enjoy snacks like chips, frankies and vada pav while gaming. Shreyas Kelkar “We allow eating while playing but maintain hygiene by regularly cleaning the space and equipment,” Kelkar assured. The café also hosts competitive gaming tournaments, such as the recent FIFA tournament with cash prizes, and plans to hold a Valorant PC tournament soon. “Our goal is to build a community of gamers, where players can connect via WhatsApp groups and join games together,” Kelkar said. He plans to expand to Mumbai, introducing the racing simulator at new locations. TIME 11 am to 10 pm AT Infinity Arcade Game Zone, Shop.no 3, Gurudwara service road, Bhaskar Colony, Naupada, Thane West. LOG ON TO @infinityarcadethaneCALL 6262-292994COST Rs 70 onwards (per hour). For book nerds Readers at the library cafe Born out of the desire to fill a gap for cosy solo reading spots in Thane, Cafe Anecdote was founded by three friends, is a library-themed space. “We wanted to stay true to the concept of a library café, and have a wide range of books, some purchased, others pre-loved,” said Mohit Bhoir, co-founder of the café. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the boho chic decor and their signature cloud lights adds a whimsical touch. The café serves a mixed cuisine menu, with comfort food and quick snacks. “We try to cater to all preferences and offer an all-day brunch menu, Italian favourites and an assortment of quick bites, including fries, waffles, and pancakes,” Bhoir added. The space focuses on creating a community and aims to be a neighbourhood favourite for all those looking for a peaceful time. “Through our workshops and open mic events, we want to create an interactive, vibrant community and give the people of Thane a platform to share their thoughts and creativity” he explained. The cosy haven is not only perfect for co-working or a solo date but also an inviting spot for friends to hang out and unwind. “We saw many cafés in Mumbai embracing solo dining, and wanted to bring that comfort to Thane where people can feel at ease dining alone or working in peace. At the same time, we aimed to create a relaxed, welcoming space for friends to gather,” Bhoir concluded. Also Read: Intimate dining over niche, regional cuisines in Mumbai Co-founders Prathamesh Patil, Mohit Bhoir, and Shubham Shah TIME 11 am to 11 pm AT Cafe Anecdote, Amrapali Arcade, opposite Vasant Vihar High School & Junior College, Vasant Vihar, Thane West. LOG ON TO @cafeanecdoteCALL 8082008111COST Rs 600 for two For movie buffs The space offers access to (right) OTT shows and (left) a food menu Corporate employees turned café owners, Neha Mannur and Sanket Kamble, launched Ajab Cafe Kaa Gajab Theatre this June to offer a unique blend of food, drinks, and entertainment. “As Gen Z ourselves, we are drawn to unique experiences at affordable prices,” said Kamble, co-founder of the café. The café boasts of a large screen tv with multiple OTT streaming platforms available to rent at R799 for two hours and forty five minutes. Sanket Kamble and Neha Mannur The décor, inspired by the co-founder’s film making hobby and love for cinema, features iconic Bollywood posters like Chachi 420 and international hits like Naruto. “From the décor to the name, we wanted everything to feel filmy and distinctive,” Kamble added. The café aims to provide a space where groups can come together to watch movies and shows with snacks, instead of watching them alone at home. The menu elevates typical theatre fare with quick bites like fries, noodles, pasta, and sandwiches, catering to the tastes of younger crowds. “Sanket’s mother has been a pillar of support for us, she plays an instrumental role in helping us set up the café and even helped us polish our cooking skills,” Mannur explained. Nestled in the heart of Thane, the café boasts an easily accessible location. “Having grown up in Thane, we wanted to introduce this concept to our city,” she explained. The café hosts private birthday parties, providing a bespoke décor for film lovers to celebrate. “Our space offers a filmy ambiance and the privacy allows one to celebrate with their loved ones instead of being surrounded by multiple tables and people like that in regular cafés” Kamble said. The duo aims to expand the café to new locations, and commence community screenings. TIME 7.30 am to 11.30 pm AT Ajab Cafe Kaa Gajab Theatre, Neelkanth Heights, opposite Jalaram Traders, Sainath Nagar, Majiwada, Thane West.LOG ON TO @ajab_cafe_kaa_gajab_theatre CALL 8356066417
30 September,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaThe Maharashtra Mitra Mandal Library celebrates its 13th anniversary today. Popularly known as the MCubed library, it is nestled in a quiet lane amidst the bustling streets of Bandra. What began as a children’s library in 2011 expanded within a year of its opening, into a space that houses books for grown-ups as well. The team at the library has since witnessed a welcoming community of supporters. Their journey, however, wasn’t always smooth. Rajiv Eipe and Priya Kurian were the first two Mehlli Gobhai award winners; (right) Canato Jimo Vaishali Shinde, co-founder of the space, opens up, “During the pandemic years, we faced a major setback, especially since the space is community-driven. We had to shut down the library. Getting back on our feet was tough. An initiative like this cannot succeed unless people come together and participate.” Shinde is relieved that the situation has since improved. “We have been fortunate that the community has helped with raising funds, providing furniture, coming down for events like our author meet-ups and movie screenings. It’s truly coming back to its earlier stage.” A moment from the Common Room evenings Since 2022, the library has also hosted an award ceremony, supported by the Mehlli Gobhai Trust, to acknowledge the work of an accomplished illustrator of children’s literature. The Mehlli Gobhai award includes a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, along with a certificate and a statuette. The award was named after the painter and abstract artist, “The man who found art everywhere”, as writer Jerry Pinto called him in his book dedicated to Gobhai’s life. Pinto wrote the title as a quiet meditation, drawing on his conversations with the artist, Gobhai’s early days, his work as an illustrator for children’s books, his family, and the story of his pet loris. This year, the award will be presented to Canato Jimo for his book, Afo and I. “Usually, we invite publishers to send three entries. A panel of judges chooses the winning entry from these books,” reveals Shinde. “This is the third year of the award. We present it on the day of our anniversary, and prior to the ceremony, the winner conducts an illustration workshop for children.” Vaishali Shinde and Vibha Kamat Shinde tells us that she and co-founder Vibha Kamat are constantly trying to innovate to anchor children towards creative activities, while holding their attention. For instance, they now celebrate authors’ birthdays to make the experience of reading fun for young readers, in addition to their storytelling sessions. “We have started a new initiative for grown-ups, too. It’s called the Common Room, where every Friday we have activities like movie screenings followed by discussions. We also encourage talks by people from our community who have been doing great things in their day-to-day lives,” she concludes. Kids and parents participate in an art and craft workshop AT Princess Building, near Bandra Gymkhana, D’Monte Park Road, Bandra West. FROM Monday to Sunday; 10 am to 8 pmLOG ON TO https://mcubedlibrary.com/ FREE
30 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaHow does money grow? Well, if you grew up in an Indian household, you know it certainly doesn’t on trees. Adeetya Jain, a 17-year-old from Andheri might have the answers. EcoByte Kids, a new venture by Jain and his team of teenagers spread across the country, is aiming to teach kids about world economics, personal finance, and budgeting sans the usual jargon through newsletters, videos, and an upcoming app. Adeetya Jain “I was reading the business section of a popular daily in 2018, and I was left with more questions than answers,” the engineering aspirant shares. We’re nodding in agreement as the teenager explains further, “When I asked my seniors in school who had these subjects in their curriculum, they couldn’t articulate their understandings either. After a certain point, my parents couldn’t cater to my never-ending list of questions.” With a team of like-minded teenagers that Jain met on professional networking platform LinkedIn, the 30-member-strong team has set out to create a simpler newsletter. A page from the newsletter explains the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict “The idea with the weekly online and offline newsletters is to ensure the reader doesn’t have to scramble to decipher the terms. After thorough research, we use simple language to explain events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s impact on the global economy and how investment instruments really work, with a side of the latest finance news,” Jain explains. What stands out at the first glance of this newsletter is a handy glossary that breaks down words and terms for absolute novices. In this pursuit to make financial literacy the norm, Jain is assisted by industry experts and entrepreneurs like Namita Thapar who are keeping a close watch on the developments. Having grown up in the digital age, the importance of keeping up with modern consumption habits isn’t lost on Jain. We learn that in addition to an app and short video content, a new Natural Language Processing (NLP) chatbot is in the works. For the uninitiated, Jain explains it as a chat bot that can instantly answer all your doubts and present an infographic to help you understand it better. “You could ask the bot how you can budget efficiently given your expenses, and you’ll have a guide mapped out in seconds. We have a tech team of teenagers who are working on it and we should be able to release it early next year,” he assures us. LOG ON TO @ecobytekids on Instagram (to sign up for the newsletter)
30 September,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleStories abound in any conversation with artist and sculptor Satish Gupta. The Delhi-based creator opened his latest exhibition, One Note of Zen, presented by Gallery Art And Soul, at Worli yesterday. With over 20 canvas works, and two major sculptures, it marks one of the larger exhibitions by the artist in the city in recent years. “A lot of my work revolves around shunya — emptiness. Understand that emptiness and fullness are two sides of the same coin,” Gupta remarks mystically. This mysticism is a theme of his longstanding interest in the philosophy of Zen that dates back to his 20s, when he travelled to Paris on a scholarship. “I remember walking down the banks of the Seine when I came across the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore. As a student, I could only buy a second-hand book on Zen philosophy. It answered so many questions in my turbulent young mind,” he reveals. Blue Moon II, mixed media on canvas Many of the works on exhibit are born from what the artist terms hara (Japanese word for gut). He reveals, “In the practice of Zen, a key facet is the Enso [a circle drawn by a single stroke of the brush]. It is the result of hours of meditation leading to that once stroke that captures the force and feeling of your spirit.” So, how does one work on art using impulse? “The Chinese call it a ‘controlled accident’,” he explains, “You have a vision and work towards it, but allow for a space in which you let things happen.” An example, he remarks, is the 23-ft-tall sculpture, The Buddhas Within, placed in the garden of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Fort. “It was initially envisioned as a vertical Buddha. However, during the work, I realised that the sculpture was asking to be placed on its side,” he says. The installation titled Icarus. Pics courtesy/gallery art and soul Among the highlights of the current exhibition is a massive sculpture of a breaking wave titled The Cosmic Wave. At 16 ft x 8 ft in dimensions, it is the closest fulfillment of an instinctive vision drawn on the back of a rough paper during a flight back from London, Gupta says. “The sketch is actually included in the catalogue,” he adds. The massive size of the sculpture is a key reason for the exhibition being hosted in a studio space, Gallery Art and Soul owner Tarana Khubchandani tells this writer. The gallerist also points out that the exhibition stands out for its departure from Gupta’s previous creations with its focus on a calligraphic style. The calligraphy was on display as the artist took centerstage alongside theatre maker Yuki Ellias in a performance titled The Monk and The Moon on opening day. “I had seen a performance by Yuki [Ellias] in Mumbai, and was intrigued by how she utilised movement on stage. It was akin to Tai Chi, which is calligraphy without the pen,” he says. Over visits to his studio, Ellias and Gupta conceptualised the performance. Satish Gupta But there is a deeper story that inspired the title of the performance. The artist shares, “My studio was the victim of a large-scale art theft last year. After the initial shock wore off, it reminded me of the story of the Zen master Ryokan. When a thief steals his only belongings of a rice bowl and a tea cup, the monk writes, ‘How wonderful that the thief left behind the moon in the window.’,” Gupta laughs. TILL September 30, 10.30 am to 6.30 pm (Snowball studios); September 30 onwards (Gallery Art & Soul)AT Snowball Studios, Mohatta Bhavan Compound, Dr E Moses Road, Worli; Gallery Art & Soul, 1, Madhuli, Annie Besant Road, Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli.
28 September,2024 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSince 2018, the JCB Literature Foundation has awarded a literature prize to an Indian author whose new work of fiction has made a mark in contemporary writing. Last year, Tamil writer Perumal Murugan won it with translator Janani Kannan for Fire Bird. The shortlist and winning entry for this year will be announced in October. The award has a prize money of Rs 25 lakh. >> A Chronicle of an Hour and a Half: In Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari’s book, Vaiga, situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, is witnessing one of the worst storms in years, with torrential rain and floods. Amidst that, there’s a rumour of an illicit affair stirring the village into another kind of storm. >> Sanatan: Sharankumar Limbale (translated from Marathi by Paromita Sengupta) traces the life of the Mahars in Maharashtra facing discrimination by the upper caste communities. It oscillates between pre-Independence India and that of contemporary times, depicting the story of Bhimnak Mahar and his grandson. >> Lorenzo Searches for the Meaning of Life: After an accident, bed-ridden for a month, 21-year-old Lorenzo Senesi of Italy searches for answers to questions about his life and his identity. From a monastery in Padua to a Benedictine-ashram in Bangladesh, Lorenzo’s life takes him to places of spiritual worship and to an unexpected discovery of love in this book by Upamanyu Chatterjee. >> The One-Legged: Shakyajit Bhattacharya explores what fear feels like and how one deals with it in this novel through the protagonist, a boy named Tunu. The translation from Bengali is by Rituparna Mukherjee. >> Of Mothers and Other Perishables: Radhika Oberoi’s work looks at the story of a now-deceased mother, who lived in 1970s and 80s Delhi, alongside the life of her older daughter, the Wailer. The latter’s narrative mocks the advertising world, and aims to thaw the cold relationship with her younger sister, Toon, and dives into a protest in the city. >> Hurda: Three sisters are missing from Murwani, a village in Maharashtra on Valentine’s Day. The seriousness of their death gets buried under sensational reporting and new cases, until a few years later, a journalist comes to pursue the story. The book by Atharva Pandit is based on a real-life incident. >> Maria, Just Maria: Sandhya Mary’s Maria lives as an inmate at a psychiatric hospital, having lost the desire to speak after the passing of her grandfather, her Appachan. How did she end up here though? Maria scratches at her memories, which feature a host of characters, to arrive at an answer, “the cause of her madness”. Jayasree Kalathil has translated this book from Malayalam. >> Talashnama: In Sadnahati, West Bengal, young Riziya elopes with her Hindu tutor, leaving behind a political message graffitied on the wall of the village mosque. A decade later, after the tutor takes his own life, she returns to the village and has to navigate the world that has condemned her rebellious act. Written in Bengali by Ismail Darbesh, the book was translated by V Ramaswamy. >> Leaf, Water and Flow: This lyrical novel by Avadhoot Dongare (translated from Marathi by Nadeem Khan), stitches together voices that stand against power structures, such as that of an Adivasi woman who was part of a Maoist dalam, an egret, a writer, a reader, and a professional revolutionary, among others. >> The Distaste of the Earth: Discover the world of Khasi queens and kings, and encounter Kynpham Sing Nonkynrih’s exploration of their culture as he reimagines an oft-narrated tale from oral traditions — the love story of Manik, a pauper, and Queen Lieng in a modern retelling. At: Bookstores and e-stores Also Read: Booker Prize 2024 shortlist out; features largest number of women authors in 55-year history
28 September,2024 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAnnual sports day used to be a dreaded time when Bandra-based (below) Akshada Patil was a school-goer. Now, in 2024, the 27-year-old enjoys her early hour runs in the city, as she leads groups of new runners to finish 5k runs every alternate week. “Our 10th community run earlier this month saw 110 participants,” she beams. Running, just like Patil’s other life decisions, began impulsively, as she signed up for 42k in the annual Tata Marathon. “I had just started running short distances before lockdown — about two or three kilometers. Signing up for 42k was obviously a huge deal. I didn’t realise this until a friend knocked sense into me,” she chuckles. So, she decided to begin with the Navy Half Marathon (21k). “Training wasn’t easy. I was making all the beginner’s mistakes like sprinting and ending up getting tired easily. I signed up for Guided Runs with Nike, and that’s when my real journey with running began,” she recalls, “As I made friends in the running community, I noticed how the majority of the participants are 35 and above. Many of them started running because they now realised the health benefits of doing so. But it made me wonder what kept people from my age group from showing up at these marathons.” Participants warm up and dance as they ring in the 10th community run at Carter Road The content creator launched a YouTube channel where she would inspire youngsters across the globe to take up running as a hobby under the hashtag #RunwithOverlydaa. “After the first few months, I took down the hashtag because no one was using it. But my friends pushed me to go on. One day, someone from Ahmednagar posted about their running journey using my hashtag, thanking me for inspiring them. Soon, many others started resuming or going on their first runs under this hashtag,” she shares. It was also a time when community runs were all the rage in Australia and America. Enthusiasts started requesting her to host similar runs in Mumbai. “My first run was an invite-only initiative because I wasn’t sure how it would go. But the response was overwhelming, and now, I host open-for-all community runs for groups of over hundred people,” she reveals. Akshada Patil guides the group through the warm up Her runs begin with simple warm-ups, followed by dividing runners into pace groups. “The idea of the run is to make it non-competitive and community-oriented. That means that people can run throughout, or do a mix of running, jogging and walking as per their capacity. The pace groups are aimed to keep people with similar paces in company,” Patil explains. “While running, it is important to not think of it as a pain, or not compare yourself with others. If you follow these thumb rules, you’ll love your runs,” she signs off. Log on to @overlydaa on Instagram One step at a time >> Invest in a good pair of running shoes; your feet will thank you.>> Set small, achievable goals. Start with distances like 5k or 10k, and build from there.>> Join a running community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people keeps you motivated and makes the experience more fun.>> Don’t compare yourself with others. Every run is a personal victory, no matter the pace or distance.By Akshada Patil Also check out >> Sisters run together Sweat it out and run alongside, fellow sisters! Gear for 3k and 5k runs every Saturday in October. Each run is led by a certified coach, and is followed by bonding over breakfast at a nearby café. TIME 6.15 am to 7.30 amMEETING POINT Opposite Galaxy Apartments, BJ Road, Bandstand, Bandra West.LOG ON TO sistersinsweat.inCALL 9874272551COST Rs 250 per session, Rs 750 monthly packages >> Free fitness for all This community offers sessions four days a week for Harbour Line enthusiasts, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It features community runs, strength workouts, and training on the Sahyadri ground and Eastern Express Highway.TIME 6 am onwardsMEETING POINT Sahyadri Ground, Tilak Nagar, Chembur West. LOG ON TO @tilaknagarrunningclubCALL 8898465772 >> Run the Mumbai way Run along the iconic stretches of Shivaji Park and Marine Drive. Sessions are held twice a week, Thursdays for speed intervals and Sundays for long-distance runs.TIME 5.45 am onwardsMEETING POINT Thursdays: Shivaji Park, Dadar West. Sunday; near NCPA, Marine Drive.LOG ON TO @bombayrunningCALL 7400088990COST Free for running, join the crew for Rs 2,500 Compiled by Kanisha Softa
28 September,2024 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiAre you ready to put your alchemy skills to the test and chase after the Philosopher’s Stone? Fans of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood are in for a unique trivia night dedicated to the much-loved anime series. “We organise trivia nights every month and rotate between genres to keep things fresh,” shared Lamya Kapadia, executive director, Cat Café Studio. This time, it’s the cult anime series that’s taking the spotlight. “We had several requests for this. As a fan, I was thrilled to bring it to life!” Fans participate in the trivia night The trivia night promises something for everyone, from die-hard fans to newcomers. “We’ve structured the event into three rounds, blending both easy and hard questions,” Kapadia explains. “Participants will be tested on iconic quotes, character facts, and more.” Whether you are familiar with Edward Elric’s alchemy or just getting started, there’s something to keep everyone on their toes. Lamya Kapadia While the trivia is a major draw, the event holds a special twist. “Our trivia nights are always filled with energy and chaos, thanks to our furry residents,” laughs Kapadia. With a mission to promote cat adoption, the café hopes participants might leave not only with a trivia win but with a newfound connection to one of the kitties roaming the venue. From balancing question difficulty to creating a fun atmosphere, Kapadia and her team ensure an entertaining experience. “It’s challenging to curate questions that excite hardcore fans without overwhelming casual ones, but we always make sure there’s fun for all.” ON September 28; 6 pm AT Cat Café Studio, Harminder Singh Road, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.inCOST Rs 300
28 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaKeys and melodies NCPA returns with the ninth edition of Mumbai Piano Day with the legendary Louiz Banks, known as the Godfather of Indian Jazz. This event promises a mesmerising musical evening with a fusion of a variety of keyboards with piano performances, that range from jazz to other genres. A line-up of talented artistes will join Banks on stage, offering a memorable night. “This year, we have Anupam Kunapuli, a visually challenged pianist from Hyderabad, Rahul Vanamali, a vibraphonist from Chennai, and Israeli pianist Darya Mosenzon on the lineup,” says Banks, who is the main performer and the curator for the evening.ON September 28, 6.30 pm onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY Rs 720 onwards Bass, and more DJ and music producer Coco Bryce. PICs COURTESY/INSTAGRAM; Youtube Bass camp Festival is coming to the city with its final show, featuring Coco Bryce and Veer Kowli aka CHRMS. The night will be a fusion of high-energy beats and dreamy soundscapes. The blend of different genres of music include hip-hop and bass. The event promises an unforgettable aural adventure for hardcore fans of electronic music. Veer Kowli“We are not bound by any specific styles. It is a mixed bag of genres with a focus on our shared love for bass music,” says Kowli, highlighting what the audience can expect from this trippy soiree. ON September 27; 9 pmAT Bonobo, Kenilworth Plaza, Off, Linking Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @basscampfestivalENTRY Rs 300 onwards
27 September,2024 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Amey Mirashi | The Guide TeamNow might be a good time to set out on an emotional journey with Nine Select, the latest offering from the Tantra Theatre Group (TTG), as part of their captivating Random Tales series. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Navaratra, this intimate performance invites you to explore the depths of human emotion through six powerful monologues, each inspired by one of the nine fundamental feelings from the Natyashastra. Imagine settling into a cosy living room, surrounded by fellow theatre lovers, as the air crackles with anticipation. Tania Roychowdhury, one of the creative minds behind TTG, explains that their choice to focus on six specific emotions stems from a desire to highlight the nuances of each feeling. “We wanted to strip away the distractions of traditional theatre,” she says, “and create a space where audiences can connect deeply with the stories and each other.” Tania Roychowdhury What makes Nine Select special is its unique format — intimate and interactive, with minimal staging. This approach allows for a raw and genuine connection between the performers and the audience, making each laugh and tear. “There’s something electric about performing in such close quarters,” she notes, “We can feel the audience’s energy, and it enhances the experience for everyone.” As the premiere of their upcoming production approaches later this year, TTG is set to deliver an unforgettable evening that celebrates the power of storytelling in its purest form. If you’d like to experience a whirlwind of emotions, keep an eye on TTG’s social media for updates. On 29 September, 6.30 pm onwardsAT Cuffe Parade (venue revealed upon registration) Log on to insider.inCost Rs 100
27 September,2024 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaEvery character in anime has an element that is unique to it. More often than not, the element is a prop that adds to the character arc, and has its own story to tell. Think Naruto’s headband, Tanjiro’s earrings, Rukia’s bankai, or Luffy’s straw hat. These props that define cosplayers’ favourite characters are also ones that are usually difficult to source. “Props play a huge part in cosplaying. Most people resort to crafting it themselves, but end up erring too many times before they are finally able to somewhat figure out the correct techniques, materials and skills to craft it,” says Dakshata Pawar, founder of city-based anime and gaming community, Mage Coven. Inspired by her own journey trying to figure out the art of crafting these, she collaborated with veteran cosplayer and cosworker Surya Sreenivasan to introduce a basic to advanced four-hour-long workshop. Participants use foam sheets to make helmets at a previous workshop “I recently had the opportunity to learn how to make cosplay props from Surya. I felt like a complete novice. He taught me many simpler techniques with a lot of patience. So, I thought it is imperative to invite him to host a workshop with our community. The best part is that he doesn’t gate-keep; a trait, which unfortunately is common in our community,” Pawar reveals. With Sreenivisan’s guidance, she crafted her look as Rukia from Bleach; the key highlight being her Sode no Shirayuki’s bankai, or sword. Dakshata Pawar as Rukia from Bleach, sporting Sode no Shirayuki’s bankai or sword Sreenivasan, a former mechanical engineer, is a full-time cosplayer and cosworker (a professional who creates cosplay looks). “I was a gaming enthusiast and started cosplaying in 2013 as something I’d do for passion. As I created many looks for myself from scratch, friends started seeking my help in creating props or different elements of their look. Gradually, I took it up full-time,” he says, adding that his skills as a mechanical engineer come handy. “Cosplaying is a medium of expression, but more importantly for me, it is the way I learn problem-solving. It also fuels my knack for learning. Different cosplay looks require different skills, treatment, materials, and techniques. Once I solve the problems of figuring out the right material, for instance, I start learning techniques, like a certain kind of a stitch, to perfect the look,” he shares. Sreenivasan cosplays as Brimstone, from Valorant and Kratos from God of War Ragnarok At the hands-on workshop, the cosplayer will begin with the absolute basics of cosplaying. “Some people who are joining may be cosplaying for the first time. So, we will start with learning about building cosplay, different types of materials and tools that can be used and where they can be sourced across Mumbai,” he reveals. The hands-on workshop will end with armour-making. “EVA foam sheets are a popular choice for prop-making. But they can be a little tricky to handle and cut in order to make them into 3-D models. We will learn the correct cutting techniques and understand pattern-making, glues and gluing, priming and painting, and related skills. The workshop will also cover things to remember while cosplaying — like moisturising oneself properly before slipping into costume to avoid rashes caused due to perspiration,” Sreenivasan adds. Students try on hand-crafted helmets made of foam The skills learnt in the workshop can be applied to making many more props. Participants will also learn how to use the prop, and how to maintain it. “Cosplaying is picking up as a career. Those who love anime, gaming or comics, and wish to give this art of expression a try, must join us,” Dakshata shares. On Tomorrow, 3 pm to 7 pm At Satya Nagar, Boraspada Road, Borivali West. Log on to @scythesskunkworks (for more on cosplaying); @mage.coven (for registration) Entry Rs 700 Foam factThe craft of making costumes and props from different kinds of foam sheets is called foam smithing. It involves various skills and techniques like cutting, heating, gluing and painting.
27 September,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThere's going to be a whole lot of swaying and movement on display as Raqs Royale, presented by Hip-Nosis-Dance Of Desert, will take centrestage at a Mumbai venue. Witness the blend of traditional Middle Eastern movements and contemporary styles, featuring more than 100 dancers from across India, and international stars. The festival promises a series of masterclasses, workshops, competitions, and grand gala shows that showcase the very best of this ancient art form. Performers from countries such as Poland, Egypt, and the USA will share the stage, blending traditional belly dance with contemporary elements in awe-inspiring performances. The inception of Raqs Royale came from merging two separate festivals, Hip-Nosis and Dance Of Desert, with the goal of “elevating art and uniting hearts.” According to Payal Gupta, festival co-organiser, this eighth edition is the largest yet. “We wanted to create a space where dancers could learn, compete, and showcase their talent on a global stage while preserving the essence of belly dance,” she explains. The festival also serves as a platform for passionate performers from India and abroad to exchange knowledge and experiences. Payal Gupta Move and flow This year’s festival will host celebrated artistes like Poland’s Jasirah, renowned for her dynamic drum solo performances, Mohamed Shahin from Egypt, who brings the classical oriental belly dance style, and Deb Rubin from the USA, a pioneer in tribal fusion belly dance. Apart from performances, the workshops will cover everything from the crowd-pleasing drum solo sessions, to the poetic Muwashahat, a dance form set to Arabic poetry. There’s even a bonus session with live drummers, offering a rare chance to learn complex Middle Eastern rhythms. Beginners and seasoned dancers alike will have the chance to refine their skills, explore new techniques, and connect with like-minded individuals. The festival will also host a belly dance championship, where participants can compete for top honours. Beyond the dance floor, attendees can explore a vibrant bazaar with belly dance costumes, accessories, and more. Mohamed Shahin; (right) Polish dancer Jasirah will perform to a lively drum solo Challenge and celebration Organising such a large-scale event in a city as expensive as Mumbai is no easy task, Gupta admits. “It’s a challenge to balance the costs while making it affordable for dancers to participate. Plus, there’s the constant effort to change perceptions — belly dance in India is often misunderstood due to its portrayal in Bollywood, but through festivals like this, we’re working to shift that narrative.” She hopes such festivals will create awareness about the traditional essence of belly dance while embracing modern trends, “It’s crucial for dancers to understand the roots of the art before exploring fusion. We want to show India that belly dance is an art form to be respected, not just a performance for entertainment.” ON September 26 and 29; 9 am onwards AT Ajivasan Hall, Juhu Tara Road; Mukkti Cultural Hub, Andheri West LOG ON TO hipnosis-danceofdesert.in (for full schedule) COST Rs 500 (gala shows), Rs 5,000 (workshop)
26 September,2024 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaADVERTISEMENT
