Nature has been a favourite pastime for Gigi Scaria. The artist has been documenting the rapid rise of urbanisation on his travels across the globe. “The crisis has been coming for a long time,” he says, adding, “It is only in the last two decades that it has evolved into a model where you really don’t care about the consequences.” These actions, and the potential aftermath find their way into the visuals of Scaria’s ongoing exhibition, Biophilia, at Chemould Prescott Gallery this month. Natural Conflict The effect of rampant urbanisation finds representation in his works as the unstoppable bulldozer running through trees, endless infrastructure, and caged trees among other visual motifs. The curation is not limited to canvas. The Kerala-born multidisciplinary artist informs us that it includes sculptures and videos as well. Among the four videos on display at the gallery, one will include an endless cut of landscapes opening into other landscapes creating a visual illusion. It is a take on the avantgarde artist Lucio Fontana’s Cuts transformed to video, he explains. Gigi Scaria As for his influence of nature, Scaria says, “Right now, it is the most important thing for an artist to address. I do not say that art has the bandwidth to influence change on a large scale, but if you are a conscious artist and witness things, it should reflect in your work. It can help provoke like-minded people into generating sensitive art and perhaps, conversation.” TILL October 14; 11 am to 6 pmAT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, Azad Maidan, Fort. Forgotten stories Rajendrasing Chaudhari’s legacy in textile art finds expression with a posthumous exhibition On occasion, it takes the world time to recognise artists. While the late Rajendrasing Chaudhari was a well-known name among his peers, his work in textile and fabrics might still be unknown to the layman. With a posthumous exhibition, the Colaba space of Chatterjee & Lal hopes to change this. “Rajen, as he was popularly called, was a product of the Sir JJ School of Arts. He travelled across India in the late ’50s to study textiles and weaving. He was also among the first generation of artists to be involved with the National Institute of Design (NID) and CEPT in Ahmedabad,” gallerist and co-founder Mortimer Chatterjee informs us. (left) An untitled work from the mid ’90s. Pic courtesy/Chatterjee & Lal, heirs of Rajen; (right) a weave at the exhibition. Pic Courtesy/Instagram In that sense, the artist belonged to the generation at the cusp of a confident and modern India. “You need to look back to Rajen’s generation where the intersection between design and arts was much more porous. His generation of artists were imbued with Western influences but also the legacy of what we call the Bombay Revival School,” Chatterjee notes. With the interest in textiles growing among the art community, the gallerist remarks that it was as good a time as any to highlight Chaudhari’s contribution to the field. “He was incredibly active during the 1980s, 90s and also the early 200s. He did not have a gallery presence per se, that is why he was not exhibited much. He passed away in 2021, and this is really the first major commercial exhibition in his practice since he passed,” Chatterjee adds. Rajendrasing Chaudhari The exhibition includes works that trace the 40-year career of Chaudhari’s journey and interactions with textile weaving. His works highlight the influence of abstract weaves, as well as figurative expression — a reminder of the influences from his years at Sir JJ school of Arts, Chatterjee tells us. The gallerist explains, “The exhibition is an extension of the gallery’s efforts to highlight artists emerging from the Sir JJ School in the early to mid-20th century and their influences that the school played on artmaking practices in the 20th century.” TILL October 26; 12 pm to 5 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)AT Chatterjee & Lal, Kamal Mansion, Colaba.
17 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarBandra has great soil for all sizes of food formats to crop and thrive. Past a sliding door of the Japanese façade, we noticed that the 12-seater Abokado is all of 250 square feet. But it packs in a punch. The walls are a light lime green, like an avocado smoothie that gets a special attention on the menu. Wall art frames moonlight as mood lights in the evening. We are welcomed with a mini waffle cone with a dollop of wasabi ice cream. It sizzles our palates clean and we are ready for the meal. We cool down, first with a chilled iced matcha made in oat milk. Before digging into the fare, Mitesh Rangras, known for his iconic eateries including Lemongrass, Lemon Leaf, Potpourri and Soi Street, joins us for a bit of a rewind session on the journey so far. Five mushroom aguachile and Katsu chilli chicken “I turn 45 next year, and have been in hospitality for the past 20 years. When Lemon Leaf closed in 2017, we toyed with the idea to relocate. But it wasn’t fun anymore,” says Rangras, confessing, “I had a burnout. As a chef-owner, I wasn’t cooking enough. I decided to take a step. I was okay getting a job, a consulting gig, but I needed to change,” he recalls. It was his mentor, late veteran restaurateur Henry Tham who gave him his first gig. “I met him at least once a month for coffee and advice. They had just opened Koko in Lower Parel and The Good Wife in BKC. He was looking for someone to help launch Rockpool, W Goa. I told him I would take it up. A lot of chefs go through this phase where they need to step back and recalibrate,” says Rangras. A chef works on a yellow fin tuna. Pics/Shadab Khan After a short, much-needed holiday, he moved to Goa for six months and later, took up consulting projects across the country. In the lockdown, he joined hands with Varun Kapoor, his partner at Abokado, to help him in his frozen foods business. “From momos to dimsums, we were in the home delivery and commercial segment. This gave me an all-round perspective on supply chain, vendors, and a network. It was a boon to step away,” says Rangras. Last year, the duo decided it was time to offer something fresh. “I spoke to my close friend and mentor Kishor DF. He encouraged me to not be predictable, and start a sushi dimsum place,” reveals Rangras. The chat makes us hungry so we get to business at the nigiri section. Shitake mushroom (R250; 2 pcs) and with a soy glaze and yellow fin tuna (R390; 2 pieces) finished with pearls of black tobiko roe. Both sushi dishes have a tight, clean fold and present a mouthful of flavours. The menu’s star ingredient — avocados — comes from a third-generation farmer in Coonoor. A few years ago, he brought nearly 1,000 trees from Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. The good thing about the avocado-forward menu is that it is not forced, and does not go for an overkill. Shitake mushroom; (right) iced matcha latte From the oshizushi, or fried sushi, we get avocado, pickled cucumber, spicy mayo, jalapeño and sweet sauce (R450). Deep-fried uncut smashed sushi fried in potato starch. It is topped with salmon, avocado and tobiko. It is drizzled with a spicy mayo with yuzu and hot sauce and sprouts. Overall bland, the bite catches fire with the house sauce. We are in for a Mexican surprise with mushroom aguachile (R450) which has a bunch of smoked mushrooms including hiratake, shiitake, shimeji, button and wood ear. They come drenched in a sauce or aqua chilli which means chilli water. The green water has zest of lime dashi and cilantro, a hit of jalapeño and kombu seaweed extract. It is topped with pickled onions and avocado that smoothens the spice. We dunk thinly-sliced sourdough bread in. The main course is a filling, hearty rice bowl with katsu chili chicken (R500). Rangras has created a special sauce for this. The rice is cooked in a rice cooker with a stock of dashi, soy and chilli like a pulao. Served with baby spinach and sesame coated chicken katsu, we sip on the warm miso soup, and bite into the soy sauce egg for a textured and creamy finish. Mitesh Rangras Every meal hits a crescendo, when the stomach and heart agree. But, dessert pops its head out and we cannot resist. The signature honey cube (R400) is a brioche toast with salted caramel ice cream. The sugar-butter balance ensures that the crescendo stays. Abokado is a great option for a quick bite, a day meal or an evening indulgence. And we hear that Sunday brunch is also in the pipeline. AT: Abokado, Shop no. 1, Sefa House, Pali Mala Road, Bandra West. CALL 9821700034
17 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaNestled away in the far suburb of Kalyan is Kala Talao, an old favourite for morning walkers and runners, and the ideal weekend retreat for others. Jump rope athlete Aman Varma, however, remembers the tall gates of the premises most vividly. “We jumped right over it. And there we had the perfect training ground for jumping ropes,” he recalls. This daring leap to find a safe space to practice with his students in 2021 came to fruition when his students bagged gold and silver at the World Jump Rope Championship 2023 in the USA and the Asian Championship in Japan in July 2024. Varma is now opening doors to a training programme that will culminate in the World Championship 2025. A jumper performs at the 2023 World Championship (right) Students attempt a double Dutch variation during a session “Jump rope often confuses spectators. From a distance, it looks like we are merely skipping ropes, but when you get closer and observe how fast we’re going, that is what sets it apart,” the seven-time national champion shares, adding that the average professional athlete can achieve 160 to 200 skips in 30 seconds. These young athletes are fast, and they’re curious. Over the years, unique formats of jumping ropes have made their way into the sport. When Varma heads to practice with his students, they freestyle and ace double Dutches — where two jumpers work in tandem to put on a visual treat. Over the course of a year, Varma’s training regime will introduce participants to a 40-60 split of technical training and plyometrics (a form of short, high-intensity exercise). “While technical skill with the rope will ensure hand-eye co-ordination, it’s the plyometrics that will keep you fuelled with explosive energy,” the 26-year-old shares. While achieving the 200 jumps comes with years of building muscle memory, the trainer believes now is as good a time as any to kickstart the journey. “We have to start somewhere. The routines you see athletes ace online come on the back of many attempts that make it only to the gag reel,” he laughs. The athletes train at Calangute beach during a trip to Goa The athletes’ routines might look effortless, but the journey behind it has been far from easy. “When I started jump roping in 2011, I had the opportunity to attend an international competition. While the authorities helped me with paperwork, I couldn’t afford the travelling expenses. Being a lesser-known sport, my parents were hesitant to take the bet on me as well,” the long-time Kalyan resident shares. More than a decade later, things haven’t changed by leaps. “In 2017, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports eventually wrote us off, quite literally, by knocking the sport off the list of recognised sports, making it more difficult for new athletes to find support,” he informs us. Leading the rise of the sport from the frontlines ever since, are well-wishers and fellow athletes who see a promising future. “In 2021, we flew to Colorado for the World Championship. Most of us had no family or friends in the USA. The Indian diaspora showed us what it means to have each other’s backs. Local communities opened the doors to their homes, helping us with accommodation. Families would take turns to cook meals during our stay, and a local motel near the venue took our students in to ensure long commutes wouldn’t tire us out,” he recalls. From the team of young athletes, nine bagged podium spots that year. The Indian team on the podium at the 2024 Asian Championship Varma’s efforts, paired with the generosity of the community, has propelled the sport past the infamous zero to one phase. But things must change, the athlete believes. “Funding international trips to competitions is burning a hole in our pockets. Even for our voluntary sponsors, a trip that entails nearly Rs 5 lakh in expenses per athlete is too much,” he shares. Moreover, Varma hopes for better infrastructure for practising in the city. “We practise in halls, parks and beaches. But the flooring at international competitions is wooden. With the Indian Jump Rope Federation, I am aiming to push for more dedicated spaces in the city and nationwide,” he shares. Aman Varma By the time we conclude our conversation with Varma, he has found a new batch of promising jumpers. At the Sub-Junior National & 3rd All India Open Jump Rope Championship in Nanded that concluded last weekend, athletes as young as 14 years old bagged six gold and two silver medals. “These wins help us fortify our place as a sport worth investing in. In the years to come, I am sure all the eyes will be on us. Until then, we get our head down and stay on our feet,” he signs off. AT Rule the Ropes, Thakur Hall, Tandon Road, Dombivli East. LOG ON TO @ruletheropes CALL 9768452697
17 September,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleJust when you thought that it was safe to bring your skinny jeans back into circulation, another throwback trend has resurfaced to make you dig deeper into your denim archives — wide-leg jeans, a mainstay of the ’70s and the ’90s are back in an updated avatar. What makes the trend more popular and likelier to catch on this time around is the ongoing shift towards comfortable and relaxed fits. That these jeans hit at the most flattering part of your torso and elongate your silhouette are just added bonuses. But how do you go about styling a pair without appearing as though you’ve stepped straight off the sets of a Western? We got image consultant Taylor Elizabeth to share the scoop. Taylor Elizabeth The right pair “Wide-leg jeans and pants have been a staple in the fashion sphere for decades, proving their timeless appeal. The key to making them look contemporary and smart lies in the styling. Wide-leg jeans can be incredibly versatile and can enhance your overall look when styled correctly,” Elizabeth says. She offers the following guidelines to help pick out the perfect pair. . Fit: Ensure that the jeans fit well at the waist and hips. The length should be appropriate, either grazing the floor or sitting just above the shoes for a modern look. . Fabric: Choose high-quality denim with a slight stretch for comfort but enough structure to maintain the wide-leg silhouette. . Finishing: Check for well-done stitching, neat hems, and a polished finish. Avoid overly distressed styles to retain a sophisticated appearance. . Rise: High-waisted styles tend to be more flattering and versatile, providing a sleek silhouette that pairs well with a variety of tops. The 2024 update Unlike the ’70s, when the only appropriate way to style these jeans was with bohemian peasant tops, the 2024 comeback is more chic, streamlined and sophisticated. “A tucked-in silk blouse or a fitted knit top can create a balanced silhouette. For a more casual look, a well-fitted turtleneck or a tailored button-down shirt works well,” Elizabeth says. For dressier events, try adding layers to the outfit by the way of a tailored blazer, cropped jacket or long cardigan which can add structure and sophistication. When it comes to footwear, pointed-toe flats, heeled boots, or stylish loafers can complement the wide-leg jeans without overwhelming the look, she notes. Complete your look with minimalist jewellery, such as a simple necklace or elegant earrings, and a structured handbag can complete the outfit. A belt can also help define the waist and add a finishing touch.
16 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCoimbatore-born Ambai writes stories that linger with us long after we’ve read them. Her characters are deeply fleshed-out and drawn earnestly from life. Sudha Gupta, the cinnamon-tea loving detective, first seen in A Meeting on the Andheri Overbridge, is one such character, an everyday woman living in Mumbai. Sudha was sketched from “a combination of many women” whom Ambai knows, she tells us. In her latest collection, The Death of a Sarus Crane (Speaking Tiger), translated from Tamil by Gita Subramanian, the detective is back with four new cases. Each case provides a window into the inner conflicts of the protagonists and the reasons that compel certain situations to reach extreme ends. The strength of the book lies in the power of the detective to access emotions that others seemingly cannot. In entering spaces with care, a detective does not only solve crimes; they also save lives. Sriman Sudarsanam, a character popularised by Devan’s books This is most evident in her third story Sepal, where the protagonist is seen standing at the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, contemplating suicide. “I wanted to explore human relationships and emotions in a city through this genre, not just through crimes, although they were also elements in the stories, but more through the complexities that a city like Mumbai creates around you,” shares the author, who spent her early childhood in the city and returned to settle in Mumbai in 1978. “I wanted a woman detective with a family and a very kind-hearted police officer [Govind Shelke] to sift through these relationships with warmth and sensitivity.” While Ambai cherishes the work of writers like Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, Ed McBain, Arthur Conan Doyle, she fondly remembers reading popular Tamil detective stories while growing up. These, she says, were easily found in circulating libraries. Among them, a writer she enjoyed most was Devan, the editor of Ananda Vikatan, a Tamil weekly, and creator of CID Chandru series. “He wrote many social novels which were serialised and had readers who admired him greatly, but his detective fiction was popular too, and had special readership.” She recollects his “fumbling detective, Sriman Sudarsanam,” alongside several other writers. Ambai. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons What makes Ambai’s stories stand out is her exploration of gender fluidities, often alluding to myth. She also explores the city, familiarising us with its streets and people. Referring to the title story, she remarks, “A case where a young servant girl was killed was in the news many years ago, and it did not become sensational at that time. Just a one-inch report. When I began to write about a similar incident, I thought Lokhandwala will be a good choice.” Migrants are an important part of the book, especially in the context of this story. When we ask her if this was a conscious decision, Ambai shares, “Mumbai has been a city of migrants for a long, long time. You can’t write a story based on Mumbai without referring to one group of migrants or the other. It is a natural choice, not a deliberate one. The migrants make the city what it is.” Cost Rs 499Available At leading bookstores and e-stores
16 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaSocial media is at it again, and this time, it centres around discovering happiness. The latest trend making waves online focuses on creating a hormonal balance through habits rather than by simply scrolling along. Called a dopamine menu, these programmes are a personalised list of activities designed to boost dopamine levels, improve mood, and prevent doom scrolling. The concept was popularised by multiple influencers from Jessica McCabe on her YouTube channel How to ADHD, to Payton Sartain on her podcast, Note to Self. The trend started going viral after actor Eva Longoria shared her own insight on the idea recently. Dopamine 101 “Dopamine, often called the happy hormone, starts to peak from the moment we wake up and gradually decreases as the day progresses,” explains Tejashri Acharya, child counsellor and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner. The menu thus, becomes a tool for mindfulness, aimed towards building healthy habits. Payton Sartain in her podcast Dr Chinmay Patkar, MBBS, DPM, psychiatrist, explains the need to structure when building a dopamine menu. The tasks, he suggests, should be divided based on their importance and the time they require. “Small, low-effort activities or appetisers such as putting clothes away are best done at the start of your day to maintain healthy dopamine levels. Mains comprise essential tasks like work or exercise that are often mundane but rewarding, once completed. Desserts are feel-good activities at the end of the day,” he explains. This gradual increase is to avoid overstimulation and limit engagement with dopamine hijackers — dangerously addictive dopamine-releasing activities like endlessly scrolling through social media. Ease into the tasks The menu’s effectiveness relies on its practicality and efficiency. “It’s important to manage expectations, as not all activities will provide instant gratification, and the absence of quick fixes can lead to disappointment,” explains Acharya. Simple stretches at your workdesk can help Spreading your activities throughout the day also ensures better consistency. “For instance, you can do basic stretches at your workplace, take a walk in the sun if possible, or eat fruits like apples or watermelon for an instant dopamine boost,” suggests nutritionist Saloni Kothari. A routine that lasts A dopamine menu should also prioritise enjoyment, and not feel like a chore. “Include activities that you look forward to. Learn to savour simple, mundane moments like making coffee,” says Dr Patkar, adding, “Do not burden yourself with tasks.” The key, Acharya notes, is to tailor the activities to your personal preferences; enjoyable activities are more likely to be repeated. A dopamine menu is split into appetisers, mains and dessert Kothari also emphasises the importance of adopting a fibre-rich diet to sustainably maintain stable hormone levels in the long term. “Eating a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, and dairy can help as these foods are a great source of dopamine.” Exercise is another mood booster, as regular workouts release endorphins and help you tap into your happy hormones and enhance your overall well-being. Saloni Kothari Avoid the pitfalls Overstacking and having unrealistic expectations is an obstacle for creating a successful menu. “A giant menu with a lot of activities might feel good in theory, but will create an unrealistic motivation curve from thought to action,” explains Patkar. Self-awareness plays a crucial role in this activity. A dopamine menu can include exercise and quality sleep While Patkar believes that the chances of any significant risks in going overboard with dopamine menus are slim, Acharya argues otherwise. “Over reliance on these activities can cause a dopamine crash, eventually leading to a burnout. They can become draining especially while balancing a hectic life.” Dr Chinmay Patkar and Tejashri Acharya Comparing your progress with others and obsessing over results can also be counterproductive. “It is important to take things slowly, as these programmes are meant to foster lifelong habits that require time to develop,” Patkar concluded. Experts suggest a balanced diet of fruits, nuts, and dairy Pitfalls to avoid . Do not burden the list with overwhelming tasks. . Do not expect instant results from activities that offer a long-term dopamine boost. . Avoid comparing your progress with others to prevent frustration. . Do not turn the dopamine menu into a rigid to-do list. . Avoid focusing solely on high dopamine activities as it can cause overstimulation. Fix your dopamine . Build momentum with small, low-effort tasks. . Balance the list by adding both calming and stimulating activities to prevent burnout. . Choose enjoyable activities that feel rewarding when completed. . Pair familiar habits with new ones you want to build, like gratitude journaling while on your daily commute.. Break down your goals and focus on small, actionable steps to avoid overwhelming yourself.
16 September,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaShelly was expelled. Van Gogh was expelled once. Ostrovsky was expelled once. Palme Dutt was expelled once. I was expelled twice,” wrote FN Souza in a typically daring statement in his catalogue to the 1948 exhibition at the Bombay Art Society Salon. A century after his birth in 1924 in Saligao, Goa, Souza remains one of the most expensive and prominent names for collectors and art lovers across the country. Minal Vazirani “Souza is, without doubt, a trailblazer in modern Indian art, and that can’t be declared in the past tense. His work drew from diverse, often classical, influences,” says Minal Vazirani, president and co-founder, Saffronart. To celebrate the centenary of Souza’s birth, the venture is set to host an auction of 48 lots of Souza’s works. Unsurprisingly, he remains an artist in demand, she reveals. The auction will feature works that are ‘evocative of Souza’s inner workings,’ Vazirani emphasises. The man, the enigma But what makes him such an attraction? Early 1940s in the city of Bombay was rather complex, admits art curator Ranjit Hoskote. Calling it a ‘global colony’, Hoskote remarks, “It was a very fertile and febrile city at the time.” To this, Souza brought boldness. “What he brought into the Indian scenario was boldness in addressing the erotic and questions of death and mortality.” FN Souza. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons It was in the city that the artist founded the Progressive Artist’s Group, a movement that would shape India’s modernist outlook in art. “The group was deeply influenced by their surroundings and each other’s ideas,” notes Vazirani. The works on auction, she shares, were curated to highlight his lesser-known inspirations. Hoskote points out an influence of Byzantine art in Souza’s famed iconographies, as well as art from the Gupta period. Passing through Bombay Yet, the city is a passing glimpse in FN Souza’s artistic memory. Gallerist Dadiba Pundole points out that Souza left the city for England early in his career. “He lived very close to Crawford Market. But during the time he lived there, he was still painting Goa through his landscapes. He was only in the city a short while,” he says. FN Souza, Fireman 9 - 11, 2001. Pic Courtesy/Art Musings But the presence was always there. Hoskote remarks that he grew up hearing the artist’s names in conversations between his parents. “The Artist’s Centre was one of his many hangouts back in the early years. It was a big locus for them [PAG group]. There was Chetana, now a restaurant, and of course, Jehangir Art Gallery and the Kala Ghoda neighbourhood.” Pundole recalls dropping Souza off at a hotel in Parel, after their first meeting in 1984. “He [Souza] clearly preferred living among the crowds. That environment fascinated him more than other parts of a city, not just Mumbai,” he admits. Untitled (Head with Horns), 1966 Similarly, for Sangeeta Raghavan, gallerist, Art Musings, Colaba, recalls him as an old family friend dropping by and working out of the house. She shares how the artist would often stay with the family during his visits to the city. “I have a small stack of correspondence that they [my father and Souza] shared, letters, cards. I remember one evening over dinner at my parent’s place, he spontaneously started doing sketches of some friends. It was quite a treat watching him,” she shares. 100 years later, perhaps, Souza might continue to evoke similar memories. LOG ON TO saffronart.com (for details on the auction) Ranjit Hoskote Souza in Bombay >> St Xavier’s CollegeFN Souza was a student of the prominent city institution in the late 1930s, before being expelled for sketching on the walls. >> Sir JJ School of ArtsThe institution marked his first formal education as an artist, before he was expelled again for participating in the Quit India movement of 1942. >> Crawford MarketHis residence in the city of Bombay during his short stay. >> Kala GhodaThe art district was the central hub for the Progressive Artists’ Group, of which Souza was a founding member. >> Sewri Christian CemeteryIt was here that the avant garde artist was laid to rest following his demise in 2002.
14 September,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarEvery time you meet Fr Milton Gonsalves at the 444-year-old Holy Cross Church’s rectory in Kurla, you experience a sense of calm. However, the 82-year-old revered priest and scholar — whose career includes roles as priest, principal, and Dean of the Bandra Deanery within the Bombay Archdiocese — still carries a fire in his belly. Fr Gonsalves is passionate about East Indian culture, which he often explores in his books on the community’s social, religious, and historical aspects. Having written about the East Indian villages of Thane, Kurla, Kalina, Uttan, and Dharavi islands, his latest work centres on the neighbourhood of Andheri. “I would like to share my knowledge about various places I have worked as a priest,” he says humbly. Also Read: Mid-Day Special | Why Uttan, Mumbai’s hidden village near Bhayander, should be on your travel list An archival picture of Our Lady of Health, Versova The Andheri West Villages booklet meticulously chronicles the rich cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and community life of the unique neighbourhood. The narrative intertwines the evolution of these communities with the city’s rapid urbanisation, offering a thoughtful reflection on the impact of modernisation on historical spaces. What stands out is the booklet’s balance between historical depth and contemporary relevance. It touches on traditional structures and practices that continue to shape village life while addressing the changes brought about by development. It also underscores the necessity of conservation efforts to protect these enclaves from being overshadowed by urban expansion. The church today For those interested in Mumbai’s cultural landscape, the Andheri West Villages Booklet is a resource that combines nostalgia with a forward-looking view on heritage conservation. Here are a few lesser-known facts about the neighbourhood from Fr Gonsalves’ book >> Historic roots: The villages in Andheri West boast a rich blend of East Indian, Portuguese, and Maharashtrian heritage dating back to 300 years. >> Gaothan layouts: These villages retain traditional Gaothan layouts with narrow lanes and communal structures, resisting urban development to maintain their historic character. Fr Milton Gonsalves >> Traditional livelihoods: While fishing and agriculture were once common, only a few families continue these practices today. >> Versova of the yore: Known for its beach and fort, Versova was originally called Visava; it was renamed Vesava and referenced as “VIS-A-VIS” by the British. Established by the Portuguese in 1559, the village was destroyed in 1694 before being rebuilt. The British maintained a military presence until 1818. Today, the Kolis continue their fishing trade, and the Koli Seafood Festival, initiated in 2006, celebrates this heritage. One of the two old crosses, built in 1887, in Kevni Gaothan and Kevni Pada. These crosses mark the enduring presence of historical and religious significance in the region >> Orchard dreams: The name Ambolim came from a massive mango orchard that once dominated its landscape. Founded by the Franciscans in 1554, the Church of St. Blaise in the neighbourhood was built in 1560. The old church was 100-ft-long, 25-ft-broad, and 30-ft-high. It underwent a significant rebuild in 1999. Amboli has since transformed from a vibrant East Indian village to a mixed community with high-rise buildings. Kevni: Kevni is a small village situated behind Saint Blaise Church, Amboli. In the beginning, there were sixteen families, each living in their own bungalows. Until 1975, there were only villas, chawls, and paddy fields cultivated in the village. Email: holycrossku@gmail.com (for more details)
14 September,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiFrom Kim Kardashian to Deepika Padukone, the reverse cat eyeliner has found fans across the globe, with Kiara Advani being the latest celebrity to sport this eye look with her signature flair. The reason it has so many fans across the globe, says celebrity makeup artist Swati Das, is because the style flatters hooded eyes and more mature faces. “This style involves placing emphasis on the lower lash line, creating a lifted and elongated look without overwhelming the eyelid. In essence, it is an innovative twist to the classic cat eye,” she explains. Kiara Advani pairs her reverse cat eyeliner with nude lips For hooded eyes, where the upper lid partially or fully covers the crease, a traditional cat eyeliner can be challenging as it tends to disappear when the eyes are open, Das says. “The reverse cat eyeliner shifts the focus to the lower lash line, bypassing the lid to create a defined, eye-opening effect. Similarly, for mature faces, this technique is often preferred as it avoids drawing attention to any fine lines or sagging on the upper lids. Instead, it subtly lifts and defines the eyes, adding a youthful and original look,” she elaborates. Kim Kardashian’s smoky take on the trend Das offers a detailed guide to acing the technique: >> Prep your eyes: Cleanse and moisturise your eye area. Apply a lightweight eye primer to ensure that your eyeliner stays intact. >> Conceal and set: Use a concealer to brighten your under-eye region and set it with a translucent powder to prevent smudging. >> Choose your liner: A gel or pencil eyeliner offers better control and precision. While black is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with colours like navy blue, brown, or plum for a softer look. >> Line the lower lash line: Start from the outer corner and work your way inward. Keep the line thin towards the inner corner and gradually expand it as you move outward. Swati Das >> Create the wing: Extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eye, angling it upwards. This will create the ‘wing’ effect. For a more intense look, extend the wing further and make it thicker. >> Smudge for softness: Use a small, angled brush or a cotton swab to gently smudge the liner. This softens the look and adds a smoky effect. >> Highlight the inner corner: Apply a light, shimmery eyeshadow or highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes to brighten them further. >> Finishing touches: Curl your lashes and apply a lengthening mascara to both your upper and lower lashes. This helps to balance the look and draws attention to your eyes. >> Optional steps: For added drama, you can tighten your upper waterline with a black or dark brown liner. This gives it the illusion of fuller lashes and adds depth to your eyes. “Since the reverse cat eyeliner is a bold look, keep the rest of your makeup relatively minimal. Use neutral tones on your lips and cheeks. Finally, a good skincare routine is a must especially for mature skin. Makeup glides on much more smoothly if your skin is well-hydrated,” Das signs off. Also Read: From brushes to brows: Beginner's guide to enter the world of make-up
14 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCome Sunday, furry friends of the city will take over the streets with their humans as part of Heads Up For Tails’ third edition of Dogathon. Hundreds of pet parents will come together across 10 cities in India with their pets to walk an extra mile and promote the welfare of community animals. ON September 15; 7 am onwards at Mamta B Cooperative Housing Society LTD, Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi.Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499 onwards
14 September,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWithout sneaking a peek, would you be able to describe the trees outside your window right now? If you drew a blank, much like this writer did, you’ve confirmed artist duo Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra's fear of the world turning increasingly ‘plant blind’. “We build our homes and lives around trees, and yet never consider them to be vital parts of the cultural identity of our surroundings,” explains Thukral. Through their exhibition Arboretum - Ebb and Flow, the Delhi-based artists are putting the spotlight on the flora that have new stories and old memories to share. Arboretum 25 - Quercus Pyrenaica Willd - A, 2024. PICS COURTESY/THUKRAL & TAGRA; NATURE MORTE INDIA The duo has nurtured a longstanding love for trees. “The idea struck us during the COVID-19 lockdown when we moved out of Delhi and video-called each other. I would take screenshots of the vibrant trees in Pondicherry that Jiten would show me,” recalls Tagra. These screenshots, owing to the network interferences, carried with them artefacts such as glitches and blurs. The collection of art works features odes to the chinar tree in Kashmir University’s Naseem Bagh campus, memories of holidays in Japan, and the nostalgic yellow amaltas flowers from Punjab. “The chinar, for instance, has been a mainstay in Kashmiri music, literature and festivities. We see it as a sentient being who has witnessed the history of the region firsthand,” the duo shares. Arboretum 24 - Platanus Orientalis, 2024 Tagra points us to various researches and theories that corroborate their belief. Canadian Ecologist Suzanne Simard, for instance, reveals how trees communicate through a network of soil fungi to share nutrients, carbon, and water. When we observe the photorealistic artworks closely, the glitches and blurs, they all find a reflection in the overall aesthetic. “The glitches reminded me of how we view trees in the modern world. Some people capture it in their photographs, some film them in motion, some write poems. We decided to turn our photographs into canvas paintings and imagine each stroke as a pixel,” explains Thukral. The artists project the images on a canvas and then, intricately paint over the details. Sumir Tagra and Jiten Thukral For Tagra, the return to Mumbai to present the works is a reminder of their passion for exploring unfamiliar terrain. “When we visited Japan for the first time in 2002 to document the trees there, we headed out armed with a simple printed map and nothing else. In many ways, the audience for art in Mumbai is similar. The city has a culture of stepping out and exploring galleries and learning something new every day,” he signs off. TILL October 12; 11 am to 7 pm (Sundays closed)AT Nature Morte Mumbai Gallery, Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba.LOG ON TO @thukralandtagra
13 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
