Come December, and New Delhi reverberates with the soulful melodies of Jashn-e-Rekhta, a three-day festival that celebrates Urdu language, literature, and culture through poetry, qawwali, Sufi music, and captivating performances alongside book fairs, traditional cuisine, and intellectual discussions. For the first time, Mumbai will get a taste of this festival that will be held tomorrow at the NCPA through Shaam-e-Rekhta, in collaboration with Harish & Bina Shah Foundation. It features an evocative performance that captures the poetic essence of Noor Jehan’s journey through dance and poetry and a mushaira featuring poets like Waseem Barelvi, Javed Akhtar, Vijendra Singh Parvaz, and Pooja Bhatia, among others. A moment from a mushaira from a previous edition “Deewane itne jama huye, shahr ban gaya (there were so many fans — a city was built),” says Sanjiv Saraf, founder, Rekhta Foundation who started the platform. Born out of Saraf’s admiration for Urdu and its vast literary and cultural heritage, it has emerged as a global community that connects millions with the language. Nine years ago, he started the Jashn-e-Rekhta festival, which went global last year, reaching London and Dubai. “Urdu has such a rich poetry, expression, and subtlety tradition, often lost or underappreciated in the modern world. In my quest to learn Urdu — disheartened not to find a platform that could nurture my passion — Rekhta was born to make the language accessible to all, especially those who don’t know it but appreciate its poetic power,” explains Saraf.Also Read: Attend this session to learn about the East Indian community's lugra textile Huma Khalil and Sanjiv Saraf When he started in January 2013, adapting technology to digitise Urdu literature engagingly was challenging — Urdu’s unique layout and calligraphy required extensive resources. “We created an intuitive interface and partnered with passionate writers, poets, and artistes, whose contributions have been vital to making Rekhta a cherished platform,” he admits. For Shaam-e-Rekhta in Mumbai, Saraf feels the city’s rich diversity is the ideal backdrop. “I hope that people leave the space with a renewed appreciation for the language, and a sense of belonging to this cultural tapestry,” he adds. Huma Khalil, the foundation’s trustee and creative director, is thrilled to bring Shaam-e-Rekhta to other metros. “Mumbai, with its cultural vibrance, is an ideal place for Shaam-e-Rekhta, offering a chance to share Urdu’s depth with a wider audience. We aim to resonate with today’s audiences while honouring its legacy. By blending classic art forms with modern themes, we create an inviting space where people of all backgrounds can connect deeply with the beauty of the language,” she shares. Shaam-e-Rekhta will present Raqs-e-Naa Tamaam, a captivating dance drama that tells the extraordinary story of Noor Jehan’s life, alongside a mushaira that brings together both renowned and emerging poets. ON November 9; 6 pm onwardsAT Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 500 onwardsAlso Read: Spot flamingos at these places in Mumbai or sign up for these guided tours to learn more about them
08 November,2024 02:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiAs temperatures drop, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai get ready to welcome flamingos who mostly migrate from Kutch, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Africa, and Turkey. “According to Bombay Natural Historical Society (BNHS), nearly 1,50,000 greater and lesser flamingos arrive along the city’s seashores annually, offering a visual spectacle,” shared Sreekumar Krishnan, a wildlife photographer. They migrate from Gujarat, mostly in search of food and water. They favour shorelines and intertidal lakes that offer the right mix of marshy conditions and algae-rich waters. With the city’s fluctuating tides, these birds adjust their movements accordingly. “During high tide when the tide exceeds three feet, flamingos find it difficult to forage along the shore and retreat to nearby lakes to feed on blue-green algae,” he explained. As the tide recedes, they return to the shoreline, following this natural rhythm, their take-off and landing create a captivating scene for observers. Flamingos at the Bhandup spot. Pic Courtesy/Jitender Chandolia While enthusiasts have spotted a few flamingos in the Thane Creek, expect the majority of the flock to arrive in Mumbai and its surroundings by November-end. Visit the shore areas two hours before high tide starts for best views. Visitors are encouraged to explore these sites with a guided tour and a group of people for a safe and more enriching experience. Sreekumar Krishnan Spot them here Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary: This tidal estuary, located at the mouth of the Ulhas River, and designated Ramsar-protected site offers views of flamingos. Explore the sanctuary by beginning their journey at the Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre Museum.AT Mangrove forest, Coastal Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli Creek, Diva Nagar Road, Airoli. Bhandup Pumping Station Bird Watching Area: A year-round hub for bird watchers, this spot in Mumbai draws thousands of flamingosNovember end onwards. This bird-watching haven is also home to migratory and resident species like Rosy starling and Painted stork.AT Bhandup Pumping Station Bird Watching Area, Mulund East. TS Chanakya Lake: In November generally towards the end, small flocks of flamingos begin to arrive, testing the waters of Navi Mumbai’s Karave coast and inter-tidal lakes after travelling nearly 1,000 kilometres.AT TS Chanakya Birding Point, outside TS Chanakya Indian Maritime University Campus, Navi Mumbai. Seawoods Lake: This lake comprises of NRI Talawe and DPS Lake. During the high tide, birds travel from the creeks and move inland towards these water bodies where they rest and feed. These waters have become a resting ground for the birds and their juveniles, who seek the shallow waters to wait out the high tide and feed on blue-green algae.AT Sector 32, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai. Flamingos at TS Chanakya Lake. Pic Courtesy/Sreekumar Krishnan Sign up Float with the flamingos: Begin your day with a bird-watching boat ride at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. This guided tour offers a unique flamingo boat safari paired with a bird-watching walk, providing an up-close experience with the vibrant birdlife of the creek.FROM November 23 onwards, 7 am MEETING POINT Near Airoli Creek Flamingo Sanctuary entry gate (confirmed upon registration) LOG ON TO treksandtrails.org COST Rs 950 (child); Rs 1,199 (adult) Creekside colours: This guided flamingo boat tour by a professional naturalist, invites participants to experience winter migratory waters along the creeks. Guests are encouraged to wear muted tones to blend with the surroundings, while binoculars will be provided for close-up view of the spectacular birdlife.FROM December 1 onwards MEETING POINT Flamingo Boat Safari Entry, Mulund East. LOG ON TO theterntravellers.comCOST R899 onwards
08 November,2024 12:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaIn an era of screen domination and online gaming, board games are witnessing a stiff challenge when it comes to leisurely activities. But there is a gradual change in the gaming landscape and SHASN, a key player, is taking a step in the right direction by hosting a championship. Created by Zain Memon in Goa in July 2019, and conceptualised as a political strategy game for a team of two to five players, it requires players to navigate the tough terrains of politics and ethics to influence voters to win the election, which is the final stage of the game. This year, the platform is calling players from Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru and other cities to participate in an ultimate battle for a cash prize of R1 lakh. “It is like the biggest tabletop community coming together,” Memon tells us. With people from across India participating in it, the traction behind the game has increased manifold. Zain Memon This weekend, the event is segregated into multiple rounds, where the organisers also have a system to rank participants. “Since it’s a board game of four to five players, and there’s just one winner, others tend to lose interest along the way. That is why we have introduced Elo rating in this championship. Every player, whether amateur or pro, will be assessed and given a rating according to their game. The highest rated players will get special invites to the events that we have planned out for the whole year,” Memon explains. Elo rating is a system to measure relative skills in zero-sum games where after every game the winner takes a point from the loser and the difference between their ratings determines the total number of points gained. The SHASN championship is also going the sustainability way this year with their ‘zero-waste’ initiative. “Catering to a large audience means a sizable carbon footprint. We’ve also partnered with venues that already have our sets to ensure no use of paper and no shipping of game boxes. Players are also encouraged to bring their copies of the game,” Sakshi Shivpuri, community manager for the team, informed us. ON November 10, 1.30 pmAT Pair A Dice, Mhada Colony, Andheri West.Log on to insider.in ENTRY Rs 200
08 November,2024 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaFrom high fashion runways to viral Instagram posts — heirloom textile revival remains a hot topic, whether viewed from a sartorial or cultural lens. While much of this conversation revolves around fabrics favoured by erstwhile aristocracy — such as the regal Banarasi and Paithani weaves — little is documented about garments that adorned the everyday individuals of bygone eras. Even less chronicled is the textile legacy of Mumbai’s earliest inhabitants, like the East Indian lugra (once a quintessential part of the community’s cultural fabric) that is fading away from the memories and wardrobes of existing community members. Fabric histories Textile heritage chronicler Savitha Suri, co-organiser, shares that this session is part of an ongoing effort to revive the lugra, and spread awareness by sharing stories that it tucks into its chequered folds. “The lugra used to be commonly worn by women prior to the Anglicisation of the community and, by extension, of Mumbai. Today, barring a few elders residing in East Indian pockets like Uttan and Manor, the lugra has become a relic of the past. My research revealed that Bandra’s East Indians have no visual memory of even their grandmothers wearing lugras. The geographical proximity of these East Indian pockets to erstwhile Bombay has played an integral role in determining where this traditional textile was worn, and how soon it was given up,” she explains. To recreate the lugra, Suri worked with weavers from North Karnataka Suri’s decision to recreate the lugra stems from her conversation with culture chronicler Mogan Rodrigues. “Mogan had received his grandmother’s sonkari lugra, which dates back to the 1940s. He was keen to get one made for his wife and to preserve this aspect of his community’s heritage. Soon, we discovered that many were interested in learning more about this textile. We curated the project that involved recreating two versions of the sonkari lugra,” she elaborates. While the East Indian lugra is typically nine or 11 yards in length, the pieces recreated by Suri were of two types — a familiar six-yard weave with a single pallu for wearers who did not belong to the East Indian community, and a traditional nine-yard design with a double pallu for community members. “This was a limited recreation and not a revival in the truest sense of the term, as that would mean that the community has returned to wearing the lugra in their everyday lives,” she clarifies. However, the team’s efforts resulted in technically perfect recreations in terms of the weight of the silk and cotton used, as well as the overall saree design. “If you placed them next to each other, you would not be able to tell them apart,” she exclaims. The recreated sonkari cotton-silk lugra mirrors an original from the 1940s Revive, resurrect Suri’s research revealed several similarities between the Goan Kunbi kaapod, which she was instrumental in reviving, and the lugra. She also found that different families had different versions made of silk, cotton-silk and cotton, depending on their social status. “The design language and weaving techniques are similar to the textiles native to North Karnataka. When we studied migration paths of weavers, we plotted their route that leads from North Karnataka towards Maharashtra and Goa. Many similar weaves are still created in North Karnataka as the community has held on to its saree-wearing ways, unlike the native communities in Goa and Maharashtra. The insistence of the Portuguese to prevent these community members from wearing their traditional textiles also led to the lugra’s decline,” Suri says. To recreate the textile, Suri worked with weavers from North Karnataka who had the necessary skillset and the familiarity with the design language. Her conversations with them revealed that, over centuries, the weavers had customised several designs for the community. “Komdichi pai [feet of chicken] is a popular design motif because chicken farming was a common profession in the community and; as is the case with several Indian textiles here too, the community adopted designs that were inspired by their immediate environment. The motifs were also reflective of the wearers’ socio-economic background and religion,” Suri emphasises. These traditional hand-woven garments were part of the everyday East Indian wardrobe The colour palette reveals their lifestyle: “Indigenous communities follow a typical colour palette; red and green being the most common. Red symbolises fertility and Mother Earth, which agrarian communities deeply respect. Green represents prosperity and progress, indicative of fertile lands with abundance of crops,” elaborates Suri. The lugra type recreated by Suri’s team is the sonkari lugra, which was worn by brides when they visited their maternal homes after the wedding. Wealthier families would often include zari into these weaves. Newly widowed women would wear a blue lugra with red checks, while those who had been widowed for a while would wear purple. Savitha Suri “We observed this shift among the Kunbi community too. Widowed women would wear a single colour and simpler designs, symbolising their shift from materialism to complete renunciation of the material world. Textiles were not merely articles of clothing for the community — the lugra type was indicative of her socio-economic status,” Suri (inset) says. The draping style also reflects the wearer’s societal hierarchy — landowners draped the lugra differently from the agrarian folk. “Many East Indian women are unfamiliar with the lugra, and are thus unable to drape it. The idea is to involve the community in these revivalist conversations. This project has been a milestone event fuelled by the community. It’s their way of reclaiming the textile,” Suri signs off. Contact 9892080863 (Mogan Rodrigues) for details on the next workshop NOTE The November 8 session has been sold out
08 November,2024 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulShopping for a wedding trousseau is undoubtedly one of the most quintessential aspects of the Indian wedding experience. But, for most brides and grooms, these outfits are relegated to the back of the closet once the festivities end, destined to languish there until donated, inherited or discarded. Challenging this notion are celebrities like Alia Bhatt, who recently re-wore her mehendi lehenga from her 2022 wedding to a Diwali party. “The idea of mixing and matching different elements from your wedding outfit is gaining more popularity. Most brides balk at the notion of spending large sums of money on an outfit that will only be worn once in their lifetime. But, with a little imagination, it is definitely possible [and advisable] to get more wear from each piece of your wedding attire and to create looks that are memorable and sustainable,” says fashion designer, Sanjana Bubber. Sanjana Bubber Classic over contemporary While trendy silhouettes, such as a fishtail or flouncy, ruffled lehenga, can seem alluring, it’s important to adopt a more long-term lens from the moment you begin wedding outfit shopping. “Classic styles and traditional weaves are always a safer bet. If you have opted for a pastel palette, as many modern brides are, it is easier to re-wear the individual pieces as they can be creatively paired and layered,” says Bubber. Similarly, bear in mind that pieces embedded with a lot of crystals or heavy embroidery will be too heavy and too ornate to re-style, as compared to pieces with lighter cut-dana work or zardozi accents. Being conscious about these decisions from the time you begin shopping for your wedding also ensures that you aren’t stumped for ideas when you eventually get around to re-wearing your wedding fits.Also Read: Rita Monastero in Mumbai: Learn to make traditional Italian food from the chef Ira Khan chose to restyle her wedding saree for events; (right) Kiran Rao seen restyling her mother’s wedding saree A matter of contrasts When restyling the outfit, follow a simple rule — pick one, heavily detailed element from your wedding outfit and keep the rest of the outfit simple, to let that piece shine. For instance, pair your wedding blouse with a plain satin or taffeta skirt, or your wedding dupatta with a chikankari salwar-kurta set or a monotone co-ord set, for a look that’s contemporary but effective, without making you seem overdressed. Alternatively, you could wear your wedding blouse with a plain chiffon or silk saree or wear your wedding lehenga with a plain shirt — add chunky statement jewellery, such as polki, for a look that’s decidedly non-bridal while still festive. Another easy way to tone down your bridal lehenga is to wear it with a longer kurta and minimal jewellery.Also Read: From comedy to star-gazing: Indulge in these unique experiences around Mumbai this weekend Have an open mind Indian weddings are known for their OTT nature, and for ‘more’ being ‘more’. If you think your wedding looks are too cumbersome and too unwieldy to re-wear, don’t hesitate to seek the expertise of a local designer or tailor. A dupatta can be stitched up into a jacket or you can get a few layers taken off your lehenga to make it less cumbersome, advises Bubber. Similarly, wedding sarees can be used to make sleek separates. If you’re eager to retain the integrity of your wedding pieces, wear them in different combinations by picking a contrasting lehenga and dupatta. Colour-blocking, such as wearing a red lehenga with an orange or blue blouse, can make a look seem less bridal, while still keeping it in the realm of traditional-wear. Finally, don’t neglect the finishing touches: “In Alia’s case, she wore the outfit exactly the way she’d worn it during her wedding festivities. However, simply changing up the makeup and accessories made a world of difference — a slicker hairdo and more contemporary jewellery helped to considerably tone down the look,” Bubber signs off.
07 November,2024 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulAnybody can write poetry, they say. Perhaps, with a little help. In this case, a website called haiku.com comes as an apt avenue to blow off steam with fun haikus on random stuff. Even better is that it offers tips. Clearly, anyone can write poetry, just not good ones. Log on to writeahaiku.com
07 November,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIt feels like only yesterday that the Internet was agog about snail mucin, a viral skincare ingredient that has swiftly been replaced by rice water and, depending on the influencers you follow, collagen-based skincare drinks. Caring for your skin has never been trendier or more confusing than it currently is, with trends, ingredients and hacks emerging and fading out virtually every time your feed refreshes itself. And while it may seem like self-care to try to keep up with all the latest fads, the very transient nature of these trends can soon drive you into an overconsumption sinkhole, leaving you with piles of half-empty jars and a sizeable dent in your wallet. But this practice of cluttering your vanity with too many products can also be counterintuitive as far as your skin health is concerned. It is advisable to use sustainable beauty products “Constantly switching products can overload and irritate your skin,” points out Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics. Further, Dr Satish Bhatia, a board-certified dermatologist, shares that many of the skincare fads propagated on social media culminate in zero or even disastrous skin results. “We have many patients who come back to us when they have injected fillers themselves by following a DIY video, resulting in a secondary infection on the face!” he shares. Satish Bhatia and Dr Niketa Sonavane When less is more Slow beauty is a diametric contrast to the pervasive trend of skincare overconsumption. “It involves caring for your skin as if it was a garden — with patience, consistency, and the right ingredients that help your skin bloom naturally. With slow beauty, the focus is on routines that feel good, are sustainable, and bring out your skin’s healthiest glow without overwhelming it,” says Dr Sonavane. Get enough sleep and rest If you’re a skincare novice looking to embrace a slow beauty routine, Dr Mehnaz Jahan, a cosmetologist and founder of Keraderm Clinic, recommends starting with basic products and a simple routine. “Consider visiting an expert to assess your skin type. Select high-quality and sustainably-sourced products that address your unique needs. Simplify your regimen to a few essential items, and practice mindfulness during your skincare routine, treating it as a self-care ritual. It helps to familiarise yourself with ingredient labels and maintain consistency to allow your skin to adjust. At the same time, shop from sustainable brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices,” she advises. Using a hydrating serum is vital Keep it simple Dr Sonavane emphasises the importance of not blindly following trends and overcomplicating your routine. “Take time with each step of your skincare routine, and be attentive to how your skin reacts to different products. Always include broad-spectrum sunscreen in your regimen, and resist the urge to hoard products; instead, focus on what you will genuinely use,” she says. Similarly, Dr Bhatia urges that beauty lovers stick to a few essentials, such as a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum and a good moisturiser. “Look for high-quality ingredients that suit your skin’s needs and not just what’s trending. Slow beauty also means taking care of yourself in other ways, such as getting enough sleep, drinking water and eating well,” he says. Mahnaz Jahan Importantly, slow beauty is about giving each product enough time to work, and avoiding switching things up too often. It shifts the focus to a longer-term view of skin health and being consistent to see long-term results, while also being mindful about the quality of ingredients in the products you use as well as the ethos underlying their formulations. This shift, experts say, can make all the difference in your skin’s health and appearance, in the longer term.
07 November,2024 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThursday Movie maniaScreening: Attend a film screening of Tarsem Singh’s cult classic, The Fall for a filmy segue into the weekend. TIME 7.30 pmAT Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West.ENTRY Rs 200 Friday Laugh out loudStand Up: Stand-up comic Aditya Kulshreshtha AKA Kullu returns to Mumbai with his show, Smooth Kullu Smooth offering hilarious observations on middle-class life. TIME 7.30 pm onwards AT Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West. LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com COST RS 799 onwards Saturday Know your bodyHealth: Attend a symposium on navigating menopause with an interactive Q&A session by Dr Sukhpreet Patel. TIME 3 pm to 7 pm AT The Quorum Club, Lower Parel. CALL 9820291964 COST RS 3,000 onwards Look up in wonderNature: Take a weekend trip on a cosmic adventure to camp Suryamal with a group of stargazers as they engage in a night of celestial observations. TIME 12.30 am Meeting point Kasara railway station. MEETING TIME 4 pm LOG ON TO vikramvirulkar.com COST Rs 2,999 Art on our mindWorkshop: Get your child enrolled in this art therapy workshop that aims to inculcate mindfulness.TIME 11 am onwards AT Baobab tree, Children’s Museum, CSMVS, Fort. LOG ON TO @csmvsmumbai ENTRY Museum entry tickets applicable Sunday All about ThaneWalk: Walk through the neighbourhood of Thane to learn about its infrastructure and history.TIME 8.30 am onwards MEETING POINT Upcoming Cadbury junction metro station, Thane West. LOG ON TO walkingproject.orgFREE Boozy breakFood and drink: Let loose for the weekend, and go on a guided wine tasting session of six wines around the world. Be a part of conversations that will educate you about the rituals and nature of the drink, as well as anecdotes on the legacy of winemakers. Registrations close an hour prior to the commencement of the sessions. TIME 4 pm to 6 pm AT The Sassy Spoon, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO troveexperiences.com COST Rs 2,500
07 November,2024 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIt is a known fact that coffee does more than pushing away the remnants of a slumber; it is an ideal conversation starter. While people might have resorted to carrying disposable coffee cups in the rush of today’s fast-paced life, Ink N Brew café in Versova would like you to settle in for a session that not only includes a good brew but also intriguing conversation. Tijoriwala (onstage) performs a song Taking inspiration from the Persian tradition of coffee houses or ‘qahveh khaneh’, a space where people would gather to indulge in poetry, storytelling and theatrical performances, the café promises to host an exciting evening of storytelling by actor Umesh Vyas and a performance on Bella ciao by performer Rushabh Tijoriwala. Vyas has picked three stories from Italian writer Italo Calvino’s body of work for the narration. “The whole idea was to create a performance along the lines of a coffee theatre and we were looking for scripts short enough to fit that time frame. Calvino’s stories are not only succinct and entertaining but also carry strong messages. They have an unmissable appeal,” Vyas tells us. Umesh Vyas; Rushabh Tijoriwala Bella ciao is a folk song known worldwide for its association with the Italian resistance, just like Calvino’s body of work. Vyas explains the connection to us, “Calvino’s legacy is shaped around his association with the resistance and his stories present life in a very spirited and dramatic manner. We thought what better than Bella ciao to end a session with this writer.” Along with the storytelling, Vyas is also hoping to revive the habit of reading in people. “I have already received messages from people who were curious to know about Calvino’s work, which is a good sign because the session also has a motive to educate. I want people to read more about writers, and think deeply,” he shares, before taking our leave. ON November 10; 4 pm AT Ink N Brew, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 250
06 November,2024 10:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaTITLEBuy Yourself the Damn FlowersAUTHOR Tam KaurGENRE Self helpPUBLISHER Langom imprint of Bonnier Books UKCOST Rs 255 In her debut book, Buy Yourself the Damn Flowers, influencer and YouTuber Tam (Tamanna) Kaur crafts a refreshingly honest self-love guide. Divided into three parts — Understanding, Healing, and Reawakening — this book dives into self-love with theory, practical advice, and actionable steps. The book provides chapter summaries and homework at the end of each chapter. Kaur’s background as a self-help enthusiast shines through her writing as she introduces candid stories about heartbreak and self-discovery, which are relatable. The key themes each part explores include the first section which sets the groundwork by tackling fundamental questions surrounding self-love. The 24-year-old writer introduces readers to 10 components of self-love. This section simplifies complex concepts, followed by suggesting actionable steps and explaining the benefits of said steps. Some sections have overlapping concepts such as inner work and inner child healing which may feel a tad repetitive. The book debunks common misconceptions and myths such as self-love being linked to narcissism. Kaur’s personal anecdotes and struggles keep the information relatable but at times can distract the reader from their self-reflection or train of thought. Tam Kaur In the Healing section, the London-based Kaur takes readers through the journey of processing pain and rebuilding from within. The book explains 10 stages of trauma and their corresponding healing solutions, guiding readers from self-blame and sabotage to self-education and accountability. The final part, Reawakening, dives into developing boundaries, and maintaining self-love even within relationships. Kaur, who calls herself a ‘self-development influencer’, explores the benefits of solo time in, presenting a solo date bucket list and practical tips for self-care. This section highlights the idea that you are the love of your life and self-love is essential regardless of relationship status, making the book inclusive for both single readers and those in relationships. The book maintains a cohesive structure, presenting practical solutions alongside problems, which allows readers to understand each concept more effectively. Kaur’s conversational tone along with practical elements like tables, checklists, and summaries at the end of each chapter, make her advice easy to apply in real life. While she incorporates insights from her self-help journey on YouTube and her podcast, this book will resonate with Generation Alpha readers in particular, by offering them familiarity as well as fresh guidance.
06 November,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaWhen a 16-year-old Joshua Joseph navigated the narrow winding lanes of Dharavi in 2016, reciting impromptu rhymes for locals lounging on the sidewalks, he didn’t have many takers. They had more enticing distractions — marijuana, hashish and alcohol, to name a few. Dharavi Anthem by music producer Shaurya Verma and Joseph, who now walks the streets as MC Josh, opens a window to the same bustling lanes, but almost decade after his teenage experience. “When I stroll the streets now, I see people in a huddle around a beatboxer, a rapper, or a B-boy. Art has taken over. Dharavi has changed.” Joshua Joseph (centre) performs for the music video in Shahu Nagar The experience that sparked the fire in the 25-year-old’s heart to pen the anthem is one that is shared by the youth of Dharavi. “I was at a job interview with my friends from Dharavi last year. When the time came to state where we had come from, most of them claimed to be from Sion, Matunga or Mahim,” Joseph sighs. It’s not entirely their fault, he says. The outsider’s gaze is still coloured in pity, distrust and despise. Recorded in Joseph’s home studio, the anthem’s hook — ‘Mujhe garv hai main Dharavi se’ (I’m proud to be a Dharavi resident) — aims to break the stigma. While some choose to maintain their myopic view, Joseph and his contemporaries persist. At an event in the city earlier this year, singer Shankar Mahadevan joined Joseph and his crew in an impromptu cypher, later fondly labelling them ‘his Dharavi boys’ in approval. But Joseph is not just talking about performing artistes like him when he raps ‘Kala ki baat, kalakar yahan bhare pade’ (Talk about art, you’ll find an artist in every lane). “The irony here in Dharavi is that you’ll find someone who can dismantle a car and another who can build one from scratch, on the same lane,” he laughs. Joseph (in green) raps for Shankar Mahadevan (centre) in Mumbai Joseph is now recording a music video for the track in the lanes of Shahu Nagar where children from the neighbourhood will don shirts sporting lines from the track and sing along to the anthem. “Even before the release of the music video, the feedback has been overwhelming. Across crews, my contemporaries have started writing in to appreciate the effort,” Joseph smiles. A densely populated section in Dharavi. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The rapper, who most recently performed at the Ziro Literary Fest in Arunachal Pradesh in September, has a point to make through the anthem. Dharavi, he says, is no longer a place you’d pray to make it out of. “Why would you? Today, we have everything from safer streets to good schools and a buzzing economy that fuels the self-sufficient neighbourhood,” he reasons. Scan to watch an unplugged performance of Dharavi Anthem Joseph recalls Mumbai hip-hop pioneer Vivian Fernandes aka Divine’s concluding words at the recent Gully Fest event in Goregaon, “Divine bhai took a moment to announce, ‘To all my young fans, go to school, get educated, and chase your dreams. Not everyone needs to rap like Divine.’ I couldn’t agree more. We’ve rapped about dreaming in the slums for long enough, it’s time to make them come true.” LOG ON TO MC Josh on Spotify In sync with Dharavi Tune into these tracks that capture the essence of this buzzing locality . Code Mumbai 17 Rapper MC Altaf’s account of growing up in the gullies is an ode to the neighbourhood’s no-nonsense way of life.LOG ON TO YouTube . Dharavi Cypher Vol 1 This multi-artiste collaboration opens a window into the never-ending hustle to make it big from the slums.LOG ON TO Spotify . Nikkal Nikkal Dharavi rap duo Dopeadelicz talk about life and rebellion in this catchy tune that features in the 2018 Rajinikanth starrer Kaala set in Dharavi’s slums. LOG ON TO YouTube
05 November,2024 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
