When Hollywood actor Tom Holland recently confirmed the next instalment in the Spider-Man franchise, the Internet went into a tizzy — the Spider-Man edits resurfaced, memes were unleashed and the Marvel community came back with its honorary council to discuss possible theories and plots. The cultural impact of this phenomenon is massive and, might we say, marvellous for how it completely took hold of our childhood. A 1992 Spider-Man comic from Kini’s collection All because of a one bespectacled, brilliant mind from New York who took the comic book phenomenon to great heights. Stan Lee, a visionary artist and storyteller, breathed life into iconic superheroes. From the Captain America to the web-slinging Spider-Man and the armoured Iron Man, he is credited with co-creating some of the most memorable characters in pop-cultural imagination, whose multi-media influence is one of the definitive moments of this century. FAN SPEAK His legacy is monumental — he introduced complex characters with personal struggles, relatable flaws and a depth that made comics more accessible. Lee helped elevate comics from niche entertainment to mainstream pop culture and got them recognised as an art form. For beginners, the best Stan Lee book is Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics. This book goes beyond the technique and introduces readers to Lee’s perspective on creating engaging storylines and characters. Another title is Excelsior! The Amazing Life Of Stan Lee which is his autobiography.Saahil Sharma, creator, Cheese Burger comics I have been a comic book reader and collector from a very young age. I remember picking up Marvel comics, and spotting the name ‘Stan Lee’ on the editions; I used to think how this man has given us such iconic characters. That was before the Internet arrived. Granth Book Store in Juhu has a good collection of his work.Abhijeet Kini, illustrator-creator, Angry Maushi comic series Also Read: Batman Day: ‘He is the best superhero without any actual superpowers’ In search of Stan Lee READ >> Signed classicsGet your hands on signed editions of Lee’s comics, original works of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby from the 1940s, reprinted archival issues and classic marvel superhero stories here.AT The Comic Book Store, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 9920070516 >> The full dealFrom Captain America to Spider-Man and the newest Avenger series, find full editions of Marvel superhero comics as well as Stan Lee books here.AT Crossword Bookstores. Multiple outlets (Bandra, Juhu, Phoenix Mall, Kemps Corner)LOG ON TO www.crossword.in BROWSE >> Up, close and personalWatch Stan Lee, the official documentary of the genius to know the man behind the books.LOG ON TO www.hotstar.com >> Binge ItSlip into the lore behind the creation of Marvel characters in Stan Lee’s Mutants, Monsters, and Marvels, a two-part documentary where Lee reveals it all to director Kevin Smith.LOG ON TO www.primevideo.com LISTEN >> Marvel-lous festListen to Marveling at marvel’s Marvels - Episode 122: Stan Lee, a podcast where Marvel enthusiasts discuss popular marvel characters and decode Stan Lee’s legacy.LOG ON TO Spotify >> Recall the legendPop culture geek Kevin Gallagher discusses Lee’s craft in Everything is Awesome- Episode 147: Remembering Stan Lee.LOG ON TO Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other
12 November,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaOn a bustling corner of Bandra’s 16th Road, Frozen Fun Café is the newest occupant on the F&B scene. This café is the latest venture by Vasuki Punj, founder-CEO of Frozen Fun and brings a scoop of the popular Italian gelato to India. The café builds on Punj’s love for gelato and Anjuna favourite, Cream Choc Goa’s distinctive gelato recipes; its menu goes beyond its gelato and sorbet, including breakfast and main course dishes. A quirky LED sign reading “Calling gelato ice cream is like calling a tuxedo a suit,” greets us into the pink-hued, soft-lit interiors when we drop by on an early evening last weekend. The gelateria serves 24 rotating flavours, ranging from Belgian chocolate, to sour cherry with countless toppings including marshmallow, lotus biscoff, sprinkles and nuts. We noticed that the menu offered familiar café fare that opened with a section called Gelato for Breakfast — Why Not? challenging the idea that gelato is meant only for dessert. Venetian tiramisu gelato We begin with the avocado toast on ciabatta, topped with tzatziki, avocado, feta, and pickled onions (R450). The combination was fresh and satisfying, with chopped cashews adding a nice crunch. Service was attentive, with the chef often checking in with diners. Next, we tried the tagliatelle ai funghi e tartufo (R550). The pasta was cooked al dente, with a mix of mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil. When we pointed out that it tasted bland, it was quickly addressed by the staff. The toasted walnuts added texture, though basil might have suited the dish’s Italian roots better than microgreens. Their gelato-focused menu includes unique options like gelato burgers served in a homemade brioche bun, smoothie bowls blended with tiny scoops of gelato, or sorbet for a balanced indulgence (including protein-based and acai options), sundaes, and waffles. They also serve a vegan range of sorbets, including mango, strawberry and lemon flavours. We sampled a few; the sour cherry gelato balanced tanginess had a creamy richness, while the Belgian chocolate was indulgent. Baileys had a subtle hint of liquor, naturally! The Italian picks were equally impressive, with classics like stracciatella choco chip offering delicate chocolate chips for texture while fior di fragola (Italian for strawberry flower), captured the bright, juicy essence of ripe strawberries with a smooth, fruity and flowery finish. Overhanging floral accents and mood lighting add charm to the ambiance. PICS/KANISHA SOFTA Sicilian pistachio brought a deep, nutty taste with a rich, velvety texture, while bacio, a chocolate hazelnut blend — balanced the earthy hazelnut tones with the lush sweetness of chocolate, creating a satisfying, layered flavour. After our thorough trial, we eventually opted for the Venetian tiramisu gelato (R235, small), a rich flavour reminiscent of the classic dessert. The gelato captured tiramisu’s essence, blending bold coffee notes with creamy mascarpone. On the flip side, the portions were stingy and costly, perhaps due to its location. Waffle cones cost extra; each cup includes a waffle chip. The café’s drink menu offers smoothies, sorbet mocktails made from house-made sorbets, and zero-sugar lemon sodas in multiple flavours. The gelato frappés and shakes bring a twist to café classics, featuring flavours from mocha and vanilla to Italian-inspired tiramisu. Made with their freshly churned gelato and customised toppings, these shakes and frappés showcase the café’s commitment to gelato as the centrepiece. Frozen Fun CaféTime 9 am to 1 am. At Shop 4, Shyam Kunj, Pali Naka, 16th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: @frozenfungelatoCall 9082525976 Also Read: Food review: Why this Kandivali eatery serves ice cream inside fruits
12 November,2024 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaTitle: Royal-ishAuthor: Amrita GandhiGenre: Children’s fictionPublisher: Harper-CollinsIndiaCost: Rs 299 Seventh grader Lily Ray is a curious kid who loves vlogging about nature and gumboots. One day, while spending time in her scientist mother’s lab, she tests her DNA and finds out that she shares a microscopic part of her genes with the royal family of Bagradoo. When she writes to King Khair of Bagradoo about her discovery, he is delighted to host Lily at his palace during her summer break. Amrita Gandhi’s debut children’s novel, Royal-ish (HarperCollins India), is full of Lily’s adventures at the island kingdom, as she vlogs about its local plants and creatures and experiences several unusual happenings. An illustration of Lily with a backpack while on her trip A digital diary, built by her mother, accompanies her everywhere, often answering at the most inappropriate times. Young readers get a taste of mystery, with fantastical elements such as walking crocodiles, blue illuminated pinecones, and the island’s unique sea wonder, “the ponypups.” A young minister and the king’s cousin scheme to take over the royal throne; the big fat ledger goes missing; Lily discovers a half-moon pearl; bizarre events keep readers on the edge of their seats at all times. By including no more than a couple of illustrations in each chapter, Gandhi’s book fires the imagination of young readers. They get snapshots from Lily’s explorations but not more than that. One of the most important highlights for this writer was discovering that Lily wasn’t drawn as an overambitious child who takes on the task of saving the world. She is an ordinary kid, who is smart, fun, gets scared, and stumbles frequently. She has interesting hobbies. Having been invited by royal families and written about it during her career as a lifestyle host, Gandhi provides palatially striking characteristics to Princess Pashmina, King Khair, and the Dowager Queen. Adding to that, Professor Quill, who protects all knowledge, takes the cake, and his conversations with Lily make the book joyful to read. Also Read: Book review: Ditch the cape, lungi is cooler
12 November,2024 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaPula Desphande’s love for Pune and Dadar is well known. In one of his famous readings of his essays, he would remark, “There is nothing you cannot find at Lakshmi Road, Pune or Ranade Road, Dadar. Then again, anything unavailable in Pune or Dadar is not worth finding.” Yet, when Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder came under attack by the conservatives across the state, including Pune and Mumbai, Deshpande drew the line. A moment from the performance Typically, it was with a work of subtlety, humour and tongue-in-cheek satire titled Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder. Five decades after it was written, director Mangesh Satpute is taking the play, now retitled Mad Sakharam for the stage, on tour; bringing it to Mumbai this evening. “I grew up with PuLa Deshpande,” the 48-year-old former alumnus of Ramnarain Ruia college recalls. This fascination with the personality only grew with his interest in theatre. “In 2018, I was working on a comedy production, when I came across a collection of PuLa Deshpande plays, Amhi Latike Na Bolu. It was in this compilation that I found Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder.” Actors prepare their lines during rehearsals Written in 1974, the play was a reaction to the objections raised against Tendulkar’s eponymous production. What drew Satpute’s attention was the absence of details. “Usually, such compilations offer a timeline on the first staging or production of the play. This had no such information. The more I tried to find out, the more it sparked my curiosity. After discussions with several senior theatremakers, I learned that it had not been staged ever before,” he says. Vijay Tendulkar Deshpande’s play takes Tendulkar’s plot and flips it on its head. Where Tendulkar builds on Sakharam’s abrasive nature and moral depravity, Deshpande turns him into an aspiring spiritual guru. Both, understandably, poke fun at the hypocrisy of society. “You must look at the play as a reaction, and in context of the uproar [against Sakharam Binder] during the period. It was also perhaps the reason it was never staged,” Satpute remarks, adding, “PuLa did not see himself above the people ever, yet, he would not stand for hypocrisy. He could laugh at them and with them, as though asking, “Is this moral enough for you?’” One tool that the author uses to emphasise this hypocrisy is language. Sakharam Binder was infamous for the expletives Tendulkar used freely. “I found the language in PuLa’s work fascinating. He uses complex Sanskritised Marathi for the most inane actions. It is pure as a language, but makes Sakharam sound pretentious and hypocritical. You cannot help but laugh at such a person, and suddenly you realise who it is aimed at. That is precisely what he wants,” Satpute points out. Pu La Deshpande. Pic Courtesy /Wikimedia Commons It took over two years, and the hiatus of the pandemic, before Satpute and his team could put the production together. With a cast led by Sunil Jadhav, Kiran Rajput and Vishal More, the production is presented by theatre and film personality Sonali Kulkarni. Incidentally, Kulkarni played Lakshmi in the run of Sakharam Binder alongside Sayaji Shinde. Over the last few months, they have already toured Pune, Nagpur, Satara among other regions. Mangesh Satpute 50 years can be a long time. Does the play lose out its context, aside from the Sakharam Binder connection, we ask? “No,” the director emphasises, “The play is not set in a specific time or place. It is all the more relevant today. The hypocrisies it pokes fun at still exist. That is what theatre must address,” he concludes. ON Today; 7.30 pmAT Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com; in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 450 onwards Also Read: Prithvi Theatre Festival: Here are The Guide's top picks that you can indulge in this year
12 November,2024 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarEvery year in mid-November, Shillong and its surroundings are painted in shades of pink and white by the blooming cherry blossom trees. This year, it ought to bring back cherished memories as well. With disco pioneers Boney M arriving as part of their Farewell Tour and rap icon Akon performing for his Superfan Tour, the annual Cherry Blossom Music Festival promises to be a cross-generational nostalgia trip. Akon. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Rapper Daiaphi Lamare aka Reble who grew up in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills believes the state deserves the star-studded line-up. While Boney M’s performance featuring founding member Maizie Williams will come right in time leading up to Christmas in the hill state, where the ensemble’s songs are a crowd favourite, younger listeners like Lamare grew up listening to the likes of Akon, Eminem, and Biggie. “Unlike Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, no global hip-hop artiste has emerged from Shillong yet. For that reason, you’ll still hear tunes by these OG icons playing loud when you step out on our streets,” she explains. Reble (centre) in traditional tribal attire. Pic Courtesy/Youtube The rapper reminds us to keep an eye on the local talent that will take stage amid the global heavyweights. Khasi Bloodz, a hip-hop duo from the Khasi tribe, and collective Dewdrops — one of the few reggae ensembles in Northeastern India — top Lamare’s list. “Our artistes have been hustling with their head down for years. They’re now at the cusp of blowing up. You wouldn’t want to miss it,” she suggests. A moment from the 2023 edition of the music festival For organiser Jason Manners of Rockski EMG, the festival marks another plan coming into bloom. “This year, our goal is to create an immersive atmosphere that goes beyond music with multiple experiential zones,” he tells us. The Japan Arena, for instance, will feature sumo wrestling demonstrations, anime showcases, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and art workshops. “This edition is all about creating memorable moments, giving everyone a chance to try something new, and fully soak in the immaculate vibe of Shillong,” he signs off. A cherry blossom bloom spotted in Shillong this year ON November 15 and 16AT Kurkalang Stadium, Bhoirymbong, Shillong. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 2,399 onwards Also check out . BandlandHeadlined by American heavy metal veterans Avenged Sevenfold, this rock and metal festival should be on every metalhead’s list.ON November 23 AT NICE Grounds, Madavara, Bengaluru. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com . Hornbill FestivalThis convergence of musicians from across the country celebrates Naga culture through its music, dance and food culture. ON December 1 to 10 AT Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Nagaland. LOG ON TO hornbillfestival.com . NH7 WeekenderMark your calendars to catch acts like English rapper Jorja Smith and Bollywood and jazz veteran Usha Uthup.ON December 14 and 15AT Teerth Fields, Teerth Town Road, Sus, Pune. LOG ON TO insider.in Also Read: From Amit Trivedi to Jorja Smith: NH7 Weekender 2024 announces lineup for its 15th edition on December 14 - 15
11 November,2024 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFrom heritage landmarks and pulsating bazaars to chic cafés and art galleries, Colaba is an essential part of Mumbai’s cosmopolitan identity. Home to some of the most iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India, a historic causeway and The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba’s ever-evolving landscape has always played a warm host to every chapter of India’s dynamic history. This Tuesday, a diverse panel, consisting of St+art co-founder. Arjun Bahl, The Food Matters Group co-founder, Gauri Devidayal, author, Shabnam Minwalla, Ace Productions’ CEO, Raëll Padamsee and Vice-Admiral (Retd) IC Rao will join architect Nikhil Mahashur in an intriguing conversation on the locality’s cultural history as a part of Avid Learning’s Uncovering Urban Legacies series. A 1905 collotype of Colaba Causeway. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “This discussion will prove to be brilliant for audiences, guests and the public at large, who want to get an insight into how this southern part of Mumbai has evolved over the years. Colaba has had many transformations, many layers which have come up over the years,” says Arjun Bahl over a phone call. Wandering through Colaba’s winding lanes is like stepping through time, from Edwardian residences to Art Deco marvels, all coexisting in a vibrant cultural mosaic. (Left) Metro House and (right) Majestic Guest House “Colaba has definitely gentrified over the years. In the aftermath of the plague, the affluent section of Bombay’s population, mainly the Parsis and the Europeans, moved to Colaba from Byculla. Suddenly, you could see opulence to Bombay’s architecture and that is when Colaba started transforming into a culturally rich space. And the influx grew especially after the construction of the causeway as retail also entered the domain,” Mahashur explains. A view of Gateway of India and The Taj Mahal Palace hotel While Colaba’s multicultural demography is one of the most interesting and apparent indications of its transformation, there’s a strong military hold in its history too as Retd. Admiral Rao tells us, “The rocky shoreline of Colaba Island was a problem for people coming to Bombay in the old days, which is why it got converted into a military station. Now, there’s obviously a naval station, an army battalion and helicopter station in the area as well. But there are also these landmarks such as the Afghan Church (St John the Evangelist Church) and Prong’s Lighthouse, which are deeply associated with Colaba’s maritime activities.” Arjun Bahl and Nikhil Mahashur There is no doubt that in the midst of rapid urban development and especially for historical cities, space is a major issue. How can Colaba deal with the rules of modern architecture then? “Although Colaba’s architecture is old, none of them have open spaces. For it to fit contemporary needs, we have to start infusing more space to its buildings, without disturbing the eclecticism of its architecture,” reveals Mahashur. On November 12, 6.30 pm onwardsAt Coomaraswamy Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort.Register www.avidlearning.in Free
11 November,2024 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaMaster the mix Get groovy and learn how to DJ at this one-day workshop that will teach you mixing, beat-matching, and live performance techniques with hands-on experience in handling industry standard DJ equipment.ON November 11 to November 29AT Media Skills New York, Bhudargad Colony, Andheri West.LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 699 Shake a leg Slip into your dancing shoes, invite your dancing partner and head to this dance workshop to learn the ways of Kizomba — a lively social dance genre that originated in Angola in the late 1980s.ON November 17; 8 pmAT Latin Twist, Benchmark Plaza, 33rd Road, Khar West.LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 150 (exclusively for couples) Know your birds Sign up for an interactive session with naturalist Asif Khan that dives deep into the migratory patterns of some of Mumbai’s seasonal avian visitors including the flamingos.ON November 12; 2 pmAT Nature Interpretation Centre, SGNP, Borivli West.LOG ON TO @sanjaygandhinationalparkFREE
11 November,2024 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWith popular anecdotes in Maratha history like “Dh cha Ma” or “Attock se Cuttack tak,” have you ever wondered about the stories behind the Maratha victories and eventual decline? The Mumbai Research Centre of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai is hosting a lecture with Dr Uday Kulkarni on his latest book, Raghoba: The Assassination of Narayan Rao Peshwa (Mula Mutha Publishers), as part of their Bombay Booked series, which features book discussions focused on Bombay, the Bombay Presidency, and Maharashtra. Dr Kulkarni’s book delves into the pivotal 22-month-interregnum that determined the course of Maratha history in the 18th Century and beyond, when the political landscape swerved from peace and stability to war and uncertainty. The session will be chaired by Narendra Murkumbi, founder of Murkumbi Itihas Upakram, who has published several books on history. A painting of Ragunath Rao. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The Maratha Empire, founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji, was initially driven by a nationalist vision. However, personal ambitions eventually began to interfere. Raghunath Rao or Raghoba, emerged as a key figure in 18th Century Maratha history. After costly debt-ridden campaigns to Attock, Indus and beyond, and the 1761 defeat at Panipat, Raghoba hoped to assert control, but his nephew Madhavrao asserted himself as Peshwa. Following Madhavrao’s death, Raghoba aimed to control the new Peshwa, his younger nephew Narayan Rao. The Maratha polity, already fractured with internal disputes, grew more divided as Narayan Rao’s decisions antagonised certain factions, fueling a plot to replace him. Raghoba’s ambitions led to deeper political chaos, with chiefs turning against him ultimately leading to his removal by a coup. The neighbouring powers exploited the unrest, with the British in Bombay seizing Salsette, and later backing Raghoba’s bid to reclaim power. Edited excerpts from the interview Can you share insights on the central events and themes of your book?Dr Uday Kulkarni: The assassination of Narayan Rao is the central event of the book. It covers the crucial nine months after Madhavrao’s death, the reaction of the Ministerial party (Barbhai), and the English exploiting the situation for their gain. The book sheds light on the intense infighting, factionalism, and dynastic conflicts within the Maratha Empire. These issues reveal insights from the event that remain relevant even today. Dr Uday Kulkarni What is the historical significance and reader takeaway from it? The book presents a detailed micro-history built into a bigger story. Readers will gain a blow-by-blow account of actions of those involved, their motivations and how the events unfolded, and the cookie crumbled. The book draws from original and contemporary sources, including previously unpublished materials such as a 1796 map of Shaniwar Wada, a contemporary narrative of the event, and details of the counter-strike by the ministers, and the reclaiming of the seat of Maratha power. A section from the first page of the bakhar (account) on Narayan Rao Peshwa’s assassination that was used as a source for Kulkarni’s book For readers unfamiliar with this period in Maratha history, how do you hope this book will change their perspective?My books focus on the 18th Century, and I try to build a chronological narrative in English, as there is limited material on this period. I wanted to present the facts with the help of authentic contemporary sources and set the record straight through this book. It offers a unique incident of Maratha history and highlights the only political assassination recorded through micro-history. I aim to present facts that allow readers to form their own conclusions. Historically, British narratives have often overlooked Maratha power, or biased credit to their own figures. I believe that as more people read accounts like these, they will understand the true narrative of Maratha history. ON November 11; 5 pm onwards (talk), 4.30 pm (tea) AT The Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of India, Fort. LOG ON TO @asiaticsocietymumbaiFREE
09 November,2024 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaBy the time the audiences sink into their cosy seats to laugh the workday’s stress away in Bandra and Andheri’s popular comedy clubs, Mumbaikars from the far-flung suburbs are usually still elbowing their way through packed local trains. On most days, they won’t find a seat to sink into. “Leisure is not wired into the average Mira-Bhayandarkar mind. We’re simply not conditioned to make time to unwind and laugh,” shares Rohit Pandey, showrunner for the NoBo Comedy Club. To bring the stand-up scene to the suburb, Pandey and his co-founders and comedians Ravi Gaikwad and Akash Purohit have pulled all strings; from handing out flyers on the streets of Mira Road (where locals mistook them for real estate agents), to inviting comedians from across the city to feature on the line-up. Their latest experiment is turning a local fitness studio into their stage. “The unusual venue works in our favour. During a pilot run, we found that the absence of a physical stage lent a personal vibe to the whole show. As for the sound, we carry our own sound mixer and engineer to the venue,” Pandey shares. Rohit Pandey Purohit, who has performed at numerous open mics across the city, knows he’s walking a fine line. The audience, he admits, can be brutal in the far-off suburbs. “While a crowd in Bandra might laugh through a joke they don’t understand, just to keep the spirits high, the audience here [in Mira-Bhayandar] is unforgiving. If a joke falls flat, the silence is twice as loud,” he reveals. The comedian has a trick or two up his sleeve, though. Jokes about the constant hustle to earn a living and the taxing daily commute — the elbowing and all included — are crowd favourites. With the open mics set to take place every Sunday at the studio, the duo hopes it helps live comedy find a footing in their home turf. “The biggest hurdle right now is accessibility and visibility. The studio is a larger space than our older spot [a coffee shop] and the ticket prices have been lowered to encourage the audiences to walk in. We hope our people reciprocate,” they sign off. Siddhartha Shetty performs at the club’s older venue ON Every Sunday; 6 pm (open mic) and 7 pm (set show)AT Soul Beats Dance and Fitness Studio, Shish Mahal, Bhaktivedanta Road, Mira Road East.LOG ON TO @nobocomedy on Instagram ENTRY Rs 99
09 November,2024 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOne of the highlights from Taylor Swift’s Eras tour was the presence of four sign language interpreters on stage. Such was the performance that one of them, Jill Deaton, received a standing ovation during the show in Dublin. With India growing as a destination for international music artistes, accessibility has become a talking point for music fans and organisers equally. Last month, at an Alan Walker concert held in an open-air venue in Bandra Kurla Complex, fan and accessibility advocate Virali Modi found herself struggling to navigate the venue in her wheelchair. “There were several points where gravel was carpeted over, obstructing my wheelchair. By the time we made it in, we [Modi and her partner] were exhausted,” she says. Though the organisers sought to fix it, it is an example of the problems that differently-abled fans want to be addressed. Pranav Naik A cultural practice The 2011 census marked out 27 million Persons with Disabilities (PwD) making up almost 2.1 per cent of the gross population of India, a number that has since tripled. In stark contrast, a 2023 survey by the Laboratory of Architectural Planning, Hokkaido reveals that over 42 per cent of Indian cities lack facilities for universal mobility. Modi observes, “The issue runs deep. We rarely see people with disabilities at festivals, and it’s a chicken-and-egg problem. No visibility means no accessible infrastructure, and without accessibility, people with disabilities can’t participate.” (From left) Virali Modi at an earlier concert; fans at the Alan Walker concert dance on the bumpy carpet Despite his immobility, Varun Khullar AKA DJ Aamish has been a music producer and creator for seven years. Working the console on his wheelchair has put him face-to-face with the issues on the ground, even losing out on opportunities. “The community [PwDs] should not have to ask for basic facilities. We are a part of society, and if you tell me you did not even consider my presence [when designing such a space], it sounds callous and dismissive.” Pranav Naik, principal architect at city-based Studio Pomegranate, suggests that the issue also reflects lack of representation. “We have building codes and even the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, but implementation is difficult. Even facilities at public and government spaces are built as an afterthought,” he says. DJ Varun Khullar at his console Key to accessibility Accessibility requirements in general, and at music venues are often overlapping, but distinct. Modi points out to some key features as:1. Clearly marked parking spaces close to the venue2. Paved pathways for easy movement3. Ramps to elevated viewing platforms/consoles4. Wider bathroom spaces and medical facilities Siddhant Shah, founder, AccessforAll, a disability-service platform that undertakes inclusivity outreach programmes and offers solutions, adds, “You have to take in account the caregivers as well. Most attendees at music events are not alone. You also need a team of volunteers sensitized and informed.” VG Jairam and Siddhant Shah The money tale For organisers, these variables add up to the logistics of event management, coupled with permissions and added costs. VG Jairam, director of Hyperlinks Brand Solutions that organises events such as Mahindra Blues Festival and The Mahindra Independence Rock Festival admits, “It is both an economic and infrastructural challenge. High costs and the need for specialised equipment, trained personnel, and retrofitting older venues can be deterrents.” While collaboration is growing, he adds that policy-level support and funding are needed. Volunteers assist differently-abled visitors at Lollapalooza 2024. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Roshan Netalkar, founder and director of the Echoes of the Earth Music Festival, agrees saying, “The venue, space and the deliverables of the festival matter. The last decade has seen a boom in events. Our cities have always been crowded; throw in a music concert, and it can become difficult to manage despite all the planning,” he says. This year, the festival in December will have ramps, separate wheelchair entries, spare wheelchairs, and a special platform as part of their inclusivity exercise. Change in the offing This is a sign of change, especially with global events such as Lollapalooza. Earlier this year, Shah’s platform collaborated with the international music festival in Mumbai to create a disabled-friendly space, complete with an enclosure for a sensory break. Roshan Netalkar Netalkar notes that international brands can be a catalyst. “The international stars as well as brands emphasise on these requirements. Indian venues will have to deliver to these guidelines. This could turn into a practice rather than an aberration in the future.” For Naik, it comes down to a change in the culture. “The cost involved is minimal. The bigger issue is cultivating a culture of empathy. This will stem from policy-making, and will have to slowly trickle down into daily practice in urban life.” The ramp at the Echoes of The Earth Music Festival in Bengaluru Modi believes music should be the magnet. “Organisers will prioritise accessibility if they understand the inclusive nature of music. Music unites us.” In short, as Kevin Costner learned in the 1989 cult film on baseball, Field Of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ Also Read: Lights, sound, action! Tracing the dynamics of concert culture in India
09 November,2024 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarCome 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 SiddiqiADVERTISEMENT
