Old age is second childhood. Every weekend, on holidays, and whenever she can squeeze in some time after completing her school work, 17-year-old Tanisha Desai hosts workshops to fill senior children’s lives with colour through her initiative, The Art of Ageing. The Santacruz-based art enthusiast has been hosting similar workshops for children to raise funds for an orphanage since 2020. “Recently, I signed up my grandmother [Usha Desai] and myself for an art workshop. On reaching there, I saw that everyone in that room was about my age, apart from my grandmother. She is 80 years old, and despite having been an artist when she was young, she was struggling to create the artwork. She kept asking me questions, observed me closely as I made my artwork, but found it difficult to do the same thing because her hands were shivering,” Tanisha recalls. Usha Desai and her friend participate in the first workshop While Usha managed to complete the artwork gradually with her help, Tanisha realised the gap in the society when it came to hosting experiences and workshops for the senior citizens. In an attempt to bridge this gap, she launched her free-for-all art workshops for those who are 60 years and above. “We held the first workshop online, where I taught them how to draw butterflies. It was a wholesome experience. By the end of the class, everyone was holding up their artworks, discussing ideas, and showing off to each other what they had created,” Tanisha smiles. Her workshops include different types of art like tote bag making, quilling, comics, and more. “It is relatively easy to teach art to people who are in their sixties. But I have participants as old as 85 years. With my grandmother, it was easy because she was previously an artist. Most who join have little to no experience in this. So, they end up asking me to repeat what I taught often. If it’s an offline workshop in my house or at the Senior Citizens Centre [Santacruz], I also approach personally to go over the entire process again as and when needed,” she shares. Tanisha Desai These workshops not only hone motor skills, but also build a sense of community and purpose. “That I can contribute to their happiness is the most rewarding feeling. As they engage with each other, it provides a solution to boredom and loneliness, which is, unfortunately, a common plight. Their creativity blooms with each session, as do their motor skills, cognitive abilities, and over well-being. It fills me with joy to see them leave the session proudly, holding their masterpieces and smiling cheerfully. Those smiles can light up the world; they surely light up mine,” she beams. Using these workshops as an analysis for the next step in the initiative, Tanisha will soon launch art kits for senior citizens. The first prototype, which is now ready, is a collage kit. She will introduce comic-making, sketching and calligraphy in the kits to follow. Age group: 60 years and aboveMessage: 9322251904 (for more details on the workshop) Also Read: International Day for Older Persons: This cultural programme in Mumbai will showcase the talent of senior citizens
01 October,2024 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi Doshi"I am a shy and reserved man,” 80-year-old Sion resident Rajnikumar Shah states curtly at the outset of our conversation. Ask the retired chemical engineer what he plans to present at a cultural programme later today, and he begins to open up. “Garba, and a bit of bhangra. I surprised myself this time. I hope I get the steps right,” he laughs. For many like Shah who are having their second coming of age, a talent showcase organised by 14 centres of Adhata Trust, a senior citizens’ community spread across the city, will make the perfect stage. You’d be mistaken if you believe stage fright is of the slightest concern for the old timers. While you read this, Shah is possibly gaming on his desktop; he has a reputation to live up to. “I have been playing the card games that came with my desktop for 15 years now. I have consistently made it to the top players’ list released by Microsoft week after week,” he beams. When he’s not setting records, Shah turns to the community. “I meet them every evening. It’s important to interact with people your age and share both the good and bad parts of your day regularly. Practising the dance routine with my friends, for instance, has been therapeutic,” he shares. Arun Nanda and Malti Agrawal Malti Agrawal, a 68-year-old who put her passion for Kathak on hold nearly half a century ago to tend to her family, agrees. “I spent a good part of my life carrying the weight of societal expectations on my shoulders. Now, I look at every day as a party. Being in your 60s can get lonely, and you cannot expect your children to make time for you all the time. With the friends I have made here, I know I’m never alone. At the end of the day, it takes someone your age to understand your problems,” she explains. Agarwal will join her girl gang in a mixed semi-classical dance performance today. While the duo’s enthusiasm is spilling over leading up to their performances, founder Arun Nanda takes a step back to shed light on the bigger purpose. “People often believe senior citizen organisations are only for retired individuals who have time on their hands. That’s far from the truth. Dancing, singing, and making art are all forms of movement therapy that have been proven to delay the onset of memory loss. The best thing you can do for yourself is make time for what you love doing,” he signs off. On: Today; 6 pm onwardsAt: St Andrew’s Auditorium, opposite Arya Vidya Mandir, Bandra West. Message: @adhatatrust (to register)
01 October,2024 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Devanshi DoshiLet's rewind to the 1970s; a new era that would firmly affix Mumbai’s status as the nation’s fashion capital. The city’s fashionistas awoke to Bombay’s (as it was known then) first-ever ‘designer’ exhibition. On offer were block-printed cotton salwar kameez sets (today’s co-ords) and sarees by Mita Parekh, a city-based textile artist who would go on to dress some of the era’s most sought-after names. Parekh’s design lens was unlike the maximalist aesthetic that had begun seeping into traditional Indian wear from Delhi-based designers. Her use of block prints, soft pastel tones, and minimalist but sharply contemporary motifs and colour combinations, struck a chord immediately. Parekh's prints on a saree from an exhibition held in the 1980s Soon, the city’s youth were trading in their trousers and skirts for sleek salwar-kameez sets, proud to showcase their modern Indian identity with a design ethos that resonated with the Western fascination for all things bohemian. In fact, Parekh reveals that her then 20-something-year-old daughter Radhi (now a SoBo gallerist) would proudly wear her mother’s creations to the discotheque, echoing her mother’s rebellious nature! Block printed salwar kameez. Pic Courtesy/Jitendra Arya (right) A panel from an advertising campaign from the 1980s Parekh's idea is poised to make a stylish comeback, with an all-new colour palette and a new medium, silk. This time around, she has traded in her blocks with discharge printing to create more vibrant designs. The upcoming exhibition will feature a collection of limited-edition sarees, dupattas and stoles that bear the markings of Parekh's unabashed love for all things artisanal and hand-made, and also reflect a marked shift in her design aesthetic. Same, but different Having studied design at Drexel University in Philadelphia in the late 1950s, Parekh delved deeply into mid-century Modernism, visiting leading designers at the height of the movement. She studied the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection of paisley shawls, for her MFA thesis. Her studies informed her design aesthetic, as did her Gandhian roots, which led her to astutely understand that handmade textiles and garments had to be made accessible at affordable price points to make their way into middle-class wardrobes. Unsurprisingly, her maiden collection sold out almost immediately. At the same time, Parekh was exporting block printed cottons to the West, which was in the throes of the Hippie Movement. Mita Parekh When we quiz her about whether fashion has come full circle, with fashion forward folk waking up to the importance of preserving these indigenous crafts, she explains, “Younger generations are resonating with the values that underpinned the counterculture movement of the 1970s — many of the ideals then, including sustainability and environmental consciousness are talking points for today’s youth. So, we have seen an encouraging trend of them choosing handmade over fast fashion. It is heartening. While it may be impossible to eradicate fast fashion completely, there is a need to create more demand for handmade garments to help democratise Mumbai’s consumption patterns.” Conscious revival The Indian government’s clarion call for ‘Vocal for Local’ has seen many brands create their versions of reviving Indian crafts. Mother and daughter, however, feel the need to detach the nationalistic sentiment that has been surrounding such revivals. “In the 1920s, there was a mass movement towards khadi with the Quit India movement. In the '70s, young Indians were reclaiming their roots with traditional Indian motifs. This time, however, we must think of ‘handmade’ objectively. We must all mindfully push towards bringing back the authentic,” they say. An example of the block print from the film Parekh’s roster ranged from actor Nargis to former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and included past beauty pageant winners. Parekh is clear that the country’s tastemakers, including actors and even political figures, can serve as fashion role models. Their endorsement of Indian crafts will encourage coming generations to embrace indigenous crafts and handmade textiles, she concludes. ON October 3, 5.30 pm (exhibition preview); 6 pm (film screening and discussion open to all)October 4 to October 6; (exhibition and film screening on all days) AT ARTISANS’ Gallery, 52-56 VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda. CALL 9324732348 (RSVP mandatory for film screening and discussions on opening day) Also Read: Bell-bottoms to ballet flats: The glorious revival of vintage fashion trends Block-printing the city's textile heritage In 2009, Mala Sinha, founder of Baroda-based Bodhi, a sustainable studio focusing on block prints, purchased 7,500 blocks from a Mumbai-based karkhana (workshop) that had long ceased operations. “When the blocks arrived, I was dismayed to find how improperly they had been stored and transported. They had been thrown together in large gunny sacks, were covered in years of dirt; many had been irreparably damaged. While purchasing it, my intention was to incorporate these prints into my own products. But that was impossible,” Sinha recalls. Revisiting those blocks later, Sinha’s team attempted to salvage it, by gently cleaning them. As she reviewed them, she was surprised by its patterns and designs. Filmmaker Mala Sinha with industrial designer Pradeep Sinha in a moment from the film “They were diverse and unusual. Each region has its block printing traditions, which are steeped in heritage. However, this set of blocks highlighted to me something I’d often pondered before. In our design education, we’re accustomed to learning from the best — whether royal costumes or crafts that were patronised by the aristocrats and nobles. We don’t look at what is worn by the common people. We don’t think it is worth our while studying that. These blocks were basic and presented a sense of urgency, almost as if the cloth had been woven and it had to be printed that same evening. There was no attempt to convert the block into a timeless heirloom. It also suggests that they were meant for what could be consumed immediately, which is also what Mumbai is all about. We are not here to revisit history. We move on quickly, changing with the times. It was fascinating to view these not from the lens of timelessness, but rather the flight of time,” Sinha elaborates. In her eyes, the blocks represented the true democratisation of the craft. Intrigued to learn more about its origins, Sinha arrived at these karkhanas in Mumbai. Although many had shut down and countless artisans who had travelled to Mumbai during the textile boom had either passed away or returned to their villages due to fading demand, Sinha captured several conversations with those who remained. It is these conversations; snippets of Sinha’s journey of these blocks and their restoration that form the subject for The Modern in Print, a documentary that captures the once-prolific textile printing industry that Mumbai was home to. The film’s narrative is based on first-hand research by Sinha and Suchitra Balasubrahmanyan, with Dinaz Kalwachwala directing the piece. Through the patterns created that range from a simplistic nautical print of sailboats and a charkha, to an extravagant recreation of a Mughal-e-Azam poster in five colours, the makers revisit the fascinations, ideals and dreams of erstwhile Mumbaikars, which have been frozen in time, on these small pieces of wood. The film also touches upon how commissioning personalised blocks and prints became a status symbol for the affluent and powerful in Mumbai, while the working classes eagerly embraced the quickly-made, cheaply-produced printed cotton textiles en-masse, grateful for the comfort, convenience and aesthetic that these garments afforded them. The film draws attention to how the advent of technology and fast-fashion alternatives led to the demise of such workshops, Sinha adopts a pragmatic approach. “It is foolish to hold on to the romantic notion of preserving the ones that are located in some of Mumbai’s most prime real estate. It’s also elitist to demand that these artisans continue to toil in a largely-manual trade, without aspiring for upward mobility, so that our nostalgia can remain intact. However, we can hope for this era to be remembered, whether through a museum or a preserved heritage site,” she suggests as a viable solution.
01 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulSundays are meant for leisurely walks in the Fort district. After admiring the colonial buildings (our favourite pass time) against the backdrop of an unusually blue sky that sultry morning, we dropped by Nandan Coffee’s new flagship outlet. It isn’t just a café, but more of an experience centre that celebrates three generations of the brand’s coffee-brewing heritage, sustainable farming, and artisanal craftsmanship, sourced from their estate in Kodaikanal. The best part — the space isn’t overwhelming because it still exudes the warmth of a coffee shop. Interiors of the Fort cafe Designed by Farida Mariwala Interiors — with installations by Faizan Khatri, this two-level space blends modern aesthetics with natural elements. There are seats by the large window, where abundant sunlight pours in. There is also seating downstairs, and a communal table and lounge area on the mezzanine floor. Photographs of their staff at the estate, a video on the estate-to-cup journey and captioned history of the brand’s origins adorn the beige walls. Ahead of their launch today on World Coffee Day, they have invited friends and family for tasting. We join Yahvi Mariwala — the third-generation entrepreneur who proudly takes us through Nandan Coffee’s journey that began with her grandparents — Hansraj and Hansa Mariwala over 30 years ago, transforming a barren patch in the Palani Hills into Nandanvan. A framed photo of the couple next makes the space feel just like home. Also Read: International Coffee Day: Elevate your coffee routine with these must-try recipes An Americano, cappuccino and nachni butter cookies. Pics/Anurag Ahire We started by browsing through the hand-harvested beans grown under the estate’s unique microclimate and roasted from light to dark roast profiles. The staff lets you sample brewed coffee before you select your beans and roast. First, we settled on 70 per cent Selection 9 Medium and 30 per cent Hawaiin Red Caturra, and thought it felt smooth on the palate, without the overpowering floral notes. When 10 per cent Robusta was added to it — making it a 60:30:10 ratio — it was a surprise for our palate, thanks to the added body to the texture. We can safely say, this is our new favourite. Yahvi Mariwala We moved on to the Create Your Own Coffee station, where we learnt the art of coffee blending and brewing. Our barista Shariq Hussain shared hands-on experience that immerses visitors in the craft of coffee making. He demonstrated it once and allowed us to use the equipment for making our cuppa. His latte art was A-rate, and ours was leaning on the abstract. “If you have steamed the milk correctly and poured it right, the coffee will still taste great. It comes with practice,” Hussain encourages us. Yahvi speaks passionately of their unfenced estate, where bison and elephants roam freely. The estate’s unique microclimate, enriched by natural water harvesting, organic farming principles, and the coexistence of wildlife, produces coffee that is as rich in flavour. She is infusing it with innovation and modernity. The packaging and cups are a hat-tip to Nandanvan’s landscape. Shariq Hussain brews coffee For food, the menu salutes the flavours of South India, like the estate in Kodaikanal. We tried the Mari-wala scramble (R445); the podi and parmesan were an unusual combination but a hit. The nachni porridge (Rs 545) was wholesome and can be a meal by itself. Our favourite was the tiramisu French toast (R645) and rosti Kejriwal (Rs 545) — both felt like hugs on a plate. Thankfully, the food doesn’t digress from the coffee. For Yahvi, coffee is a tool that connects communities, nurtures the environment, and enriches daily life, and there’s plenty of storytelling along the way. This, we feel, might help separate them from being just another coffee shop in an overcrowded market. Nandan CoffeeOpens: TodayAt: Mulla House, opposite Central Bank Head Office, Fort.Call: 7738069879
01 October,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiFor 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 ShrivastavaADVERTISEMENT
