The festive excitement of Navaratri is in full swing, but so are the inevitable wardrobe and make-up mishaps that come with it. Influencer Dollie Solanki shares her top hacks to help you twirl through these festivities without a hitch. >> No melt make-up A major hassle during Navaratri is keeping your make-up intact through hours of dancing and sweating. Start with a primer to secure your base. Use gel kajal and eyeliner, setting it with black eyeshadow to prevent smudging, and opt for waterproof mascara. Layer cream blush with powder blush to lock it in place and use a long wear or vinyl lipstick for smudge proof and glossy finish. Dollie Solanki wears no-melt make-up >> Dupatta dilemmas solvedTo keep your dupatta secure without damaging delicate fabrics, ditch safety pins and use fashion tape on your shoulder and between pleats for a twirl-proof look. This tape can also secure the corners of your choli and keep it in place. >> Sweat stain saversTo prevent sweat stains, apply glycolic or Alpha Hydroxy Acid toner a few hours before dressing, followed by a dry stick anti-perspirant. For cholis with sleeves, sweat pads can be lifesavers to absorb moisture and prevent sweat stains. >> Sneaker power Sneakers are your best friend for comfort during long nights of dancing. Wear them under your ghagra and customise them with sequins, beads and mirror work for a festive flair. Pair ghagra cholis with sneakers for comfort. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM >> Keep the jhumkas, lose the acheReduce strain on your earlobes from heavy jhumkas by attaching silicone washers behind your earring stopper. >> Bindi that won’t budgeFor a slip-proof bindi, matte-fy your make-up with pressed powder especially on your forehead or draw a small circle with long-wear lipstick instead of using a bindi. >> Tame the hairNothing beats a sleek bun during Navaratri. Tame flyaways with a hair wax stick and add a gajra scrunchie for a traditional touch. Skip heat styling, as perspiration will undo it quickly. >> Beat the bling burnUse baby powder to minimise chafing from heavy necklaces. Fashion tape can be used to secure heavy jewellery to the choli, keeping it in place and tangle-free. >> Garba go-toCarry a small pouch with essentials like fashion tape, safety pins to fix any malfunctions, compact powder, tissues and electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated. >> Hands-free, hassle-freeInstead of a phone charm or sling that can tangle in your lehenga, or slip and fall off, opt for a small embroidered pouch that blends with your outfit, securing it with a safety pin or fashion tape.
09 October,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaEveryone under the blue sky is born equal,” shared visual essayist Siddhesh Gautam. The city-based illustrator, who is best known for his exhaustive work on anti-caste movements, has approached the final stage of releasing an anti-caste print magazine, All That Blue, that will explore themes of liberty, equality and fraternity. “We have been working on the project for a year and a half now. We are currently raising funds for the inaugural editions,” he added. Arun Vijai Mathavan’s photographs give a peek into the life of people who conduct post mortems With 30 contributors, this magazine will have a visual template. “There are so many artists who talk about essential topics through their artworks ranging from caste and sexuality, to activism and climate change. But due to the digital era we live in, these moving artworks never make it to print,” he explains, adding that a downside of the digital era is also that once something goes on print, it becomes more reliable. “There is also validation and a medium of documentation in print media. In the Dalit Panther Movement, for instance, there were so many beautiful and expressive graphic artworks that got lost along the way because there wasn’t enough documentation,” the artist notes. Siddhesh Gautam While contemporary artworks from South Asia are picking up, he thinks that many don’t either can’t find a medium to give their artworks a print platform or are possibly unwilling to find one because they haven’t been exposed to the benefits that come along with it. “South Asian contemporary art is a whole entity. As an artist myself, I had no clue the impact print can have until my own artworks were published. I wish to expose people who talk about stories of equality to this medium as well,” he says. While many visual stories will explore anti-caste expressions, Gautam has pushed the boundaries to make it an equal-for-all magazine. “One such photo story by Arun Vijai Mathavan offers a peek into the life of people who conduct post mortem. Youlendree Appasamy, based in South Africa, will trace her Indian heritage and inter-racial relations and identities. Visual artist Shehzil Malik is contributing from Pakistan and will shed light on feminism. Jenny Rowena will talk about her husband, Hany Babu, who is in prison for four years without trial, and is continuing his activism from behind the bars. Bhumika Saraswati’s photographs will explore Dalit women working in farms in extreme heat,” he lists some examples from the upcoming publication. The cover layout. Illustration courtesy/Shrujana Shridhar The magazine will also include a few poems which are heavy on imagery to keep alive the visual theme of the book. “We have restricted the words to less than 300 per story. We want people to read stories through the visuals,” he shares. While everything down to the layout is ready, they have managed to raise over the half the funds required to print the magazine. “This magazine will function with different teams every time we release an edition. I don’t want this to be led by the same team of designers and editors, especially if the idea is about democratising it. This will allow newer ideas each time. The aim is to make it a collective,” he reveals. Log on to: @allthatbluemag (to learn more about the contributors and the magazine); @bakeryprasad (for fundraising details)
09 October,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiFrom Gigi Hadid to Anushka Sharma and Kriti Sanon, the micro-bob is emerging as the hottest hair trend for 2024. It is considered by many as the quickest and easiest way to refresh your look. For celebrity hairstylist Drishya Bhagyanath, the micro-bob is a simpler way to ease into the big chop, for those who want to shed their lacklustre or damaged mane but cannot commit to a pixie. A Bob cut on wavy hair, like Gigi Hadid’s, inherently adds volume “Micro-bobs are slightly shorter than regular bobs and sit just on the, or slightly above the jawline. They are great for defining the jawline and accentuating the features. In terms of styling, they require some work, depending on your hair type,” she explains. The good news is that this style can be sported by all hair types and lends itself easily to bangs, voluminous or sleek looks. Here’s how to get it right. Bob it your way The micro-bob is quite versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. Pick your bob based on your hair type and care routine. “The French bob is an instant classic and looks modern and chic. It’s synonymous with effortless Parisian style and is inspired by French actors from the 1920s. This style works best for straighter to slightly wavy hair, as the blunt edges can make thicker hair or very curly hair look boxy,” Bhagyanath advises. Anushka Sharma’s sleek, straight bob cut exudes effortless elegance You can style a French bob with a thick fringe or box bangs or even with baby bangs for an edgier look. A less extreme version of the micro-bob is the asymmetrical bob, which is cut so that one side of your hair is longer than the other. This style can be personalised based on your face shape and the facial features you’d like to highlight. It is often worn with a deep side part and you can tuck the shorter side of the hair behind your ears for a more sophisticated look. Finally, the layered bob is a graduated haircut that adds movement and texture to the hair. The layers can be subtle or feathered, depending on the type of aesthetic you’re going for. This style works well for those who want more face-framing pieces. Deepika Padokone carries off a layered bob cut. Pic Courtesy/Instagram A matter of style Before you commit to the big chop, it may be worth considering the amount of aftercare that goes into keeping your bob looking its best. Bhagyanath enlists the following aftercare strategies: >> Straight hair: People with straight hair can style their micro bob by naturally air drying the hair or using a dryer on a cold setting with a nozzle to make the hair sit in place. Follow this with a hair serum to take care of any fly aways that may make your bob look sleek. Kriti Sanon sports a long bob cut >> Wavy hair: A micro-bob on wavy hair can look bulky if the hair is too thick. This style works best on slightly finer hair, since the style inherently adds volume. If you have a wavy bob, style it with leave-in products such as a mousse or volume spray. >> Curly hair: Bhagyanath recommends cutting the curly micro bob slightly longer as your curls will naturally coil up and make the style look shorter. Curly bobs with fringes add softness to the face. To style curly micro-bobs, use styling gels or curl creams.
09 October,2024 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulRamleela, the story of Rama, is re-enacted across India every year on Dussehra, upholding the country’s ages-old oral storytelling traditions. There are hundreds of versions of the Ramayana, with several different character arcs and plots. But at the centre of these diverse cultural takes on the epic are the unchanging, strong virtues of Lord Rama. “Lord Rama stands for truth, courage, honesty, willpower, kindness and love,” shares Veena Manoj, co-founder of children’s edu-drama platform, Grooming Babies. “By retelling the story of Lord Rama to children every year on Dussehra, we introduce them to the rich Indian cultures and traditions, and teach them these essential virtues,” Manoj adds. This Friday, she will bring back her 11-year-old drama, Ramleela, to Powai, in time for Dussehra. Her handmade puppets “I founded Grooming Babies in 2012 along with two other mothers, Oindrila Purohit and Pratiksha Seth, who, like me, thought that children nowadays are growing up out of touch with Indian culture. To break the prevalent Westernised upbringing, we introduced our first edu-drama, Ramleela in 2013. Since then, we have staged over 250 shows across the country,” she reveals. The group’s other famous edu-dramas include I am Bhaarat, Luv Kush and Eidgah. Ramleela is an interactive performance featuring handmade puppets by veteran puppeteer and actor Sahba Bhandula. “In this performance, children will become water, monkeys, trees, and mountains. This is done to involve them in the narrative. In the end, we present an effigy of Ravana, whose ten faces are made of balloons. We team up with Lord Rama to burst these balloons and mark the victory of good over evil, and spread positivity. We explain in detail why Dussehra is followed by Diwali, when Lord Rama returns home after his 14-year exile, and is crowned king of Ayodhya,” she explains. Veena Manoj On October 11, 4.30 pm onwards At Kidzee Preschool and Daycare, Hiranandani Garden, Powai. Log on to insider.in; @groomingbabiesEntry Rs 499 onwards
08 October,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiYou can almost hear rapper Soni Yadav aka MC Lit’s heart race as she recounts her first performance in Delhi last year — a moment that marked several milestones for the Kurla resident. It was her big break and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to leave an impression on her long-time idols in the audience. Under the surface, however, it marked a moment of deep irony. After a year of delivering meals as a food delivery agent to make ends meet, Yadav stood on stage, performing on an empty stomach. “I was so busy taking it all in that I couldn’t find time to eat,” she recalls. As Yadav continues to moonlight as a delivery agent and writing rap songs, she is now ready to share her story through a new EP, Safar (Journey). MC Lit and Divine backstage Drive or die “They would call me Lady Yo Yo in school,” Yadav laughs. The name stuck with her for her impromptu performances of rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh’s songs between classes. “Those were fun times. By the time I graduated school, I was writing my own verses and performing for friends,” she reminisces. The COVID-19- induced lockdown in 2020 changed things. “Suddenly, the responsibility of going out and earning a living became very real,” she recalls. Yadav turned to delivering meals to put food on the table, taking home Rs 200 on good days, and failing to break even with her fuel expenses on others. “But I never stopped writing. I’d write between deliveries and after work,” she adds. Divine intervention In 2023, Yadav’s words reached the city’s OG gully boy, rapper Vivian Fernandes aka DIVINE. “A video of me performing in my delivery agent uniform made its way to him and he invited me to open his Delhi show,” she reveals. Yadav had never performed for a large concert audience, let alone in an unfamiliar city.“Things went unexpectedly well. I had skipped my meals, but adrenaline fuelled me through the set,” Yadav smiles. The rapper has since collaborated with Major C, an early proponent of hip-hop in the city known for founding Bombay Bassment. “He is like a mentor to me now. From recording to performing, he has been by my side as a guiding force,” she shares. On the right track With two audio tracks from the EP out, three more are slated to be out this year. “The one I’m recording now is an ode to Sanju Baba [actor Sanjay Dutt]. My peculiar style of walking would often irk my teachers in school. I’d tell them ‘This is Sanju Baba’s style!’. The song is a throwback to such memories,” she reveals. Among big names, you’ll find old friends in Yadav’s phonebook. “I am active in the delivery riders’ group where I have many dear friends. When I have the time, I check how business is looking for them,” she laughs. While Yadav might find it difficult to join them regularly now, she’s looking forward to riding soon. “One of the upsides is that I can log in and log out of the delivery work when I want. A ride through the city might make for a nice break from the studio sessions,” she signs off. LOG ON TO MC Lit on YouTube To listen to the tracks, log on to https://youtube.com/shorts/uoOKwmOoPMA
08 October,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleInktober is a month-long art challenge founded by American artist Jake Parker in 2009, designed to enhance skills, experiment with their craft, and enjoy the creative process of making art. Throughout October, participants create and share an ink drawing each day. One piece a dayNishkaa Chamaria, design student, 17 Inktober is a challenge where consistency is key. I approach the prompts by relating them to my own life, interests, age and convey my messages and opinions through my art. This year, I used the prompt of a backpack to symbolise storing childhood dreams while incorporating elements like Dora’s backpack. I start brainstorming from the first thought or metaphor that comes to mind and create a mind map using it to go beyond the literal meaning of the prompt. For the ‘Binoculars’ prompt, I focused on how we often view and analyse negative emotions too closely, and removing the binoculars helps us see the bigger picture, clearly. Each year, I aim to polish one specific technique; this year, I’m focusing on hatching and cross-hatching, while evolving my personal style by experimenting with a variety of techniques. Working on one piece a day helps me stay focused and do justice to each prompt. Over the years, I have noticed progress in both the speed and quality of my work since my first Inktober in 2023, particularly in ideation and creative thinking. Paper vs pixels Savio Mascarenhas, art director and comic artist, 54 Inktober brings artists back to the basics of art — just an idea and a sketch. It pushes the boundaries of imagination every day. As a comic artist, I introduced my main character in 2022, a gallant little hero living in a fantasy world. Each prompt sends him and others on new adventures. I will try to weave the daily prompts into a visual tale by the end of the month. For example, the ‘Backpack’ prompt had characters emerging from his backpack, while the ‘Boots’ prompt introduced a gorilla called Boots. I approach each day’s prompt individually, resisting the urge to think ahead, this keeps me focused and grounded in the present moment. Working on paper has reconnected me with the physical process of art-making and brings out a different side of my creativity. Unlike digital art, it challenges me with permanence and responsibility, since there is no undo button on paper. This month, I aim to play with light and shadows using different shades of grey in my work. Throughout the years I have seen my characters, and their world evolve with additions to the story. I encourage every artist to take in this challenge for their growth and evolution. Putting emotions on paper Amey Acharya, tattoo artist, 33 Inktober feels like a festival to me — liberating and deeply connecting me to my art. It grounds you to the fundamentals of art and serves as a yearly reminder to stay consistent. It’s about pushing yourself to create every day, not about competing with others. When I approach a prompt, I focus on the first emotion it sparks. Each piece becomes a reflection of the emotions I carry within, like my ‘Boots’ prompt, featuring Puss in Boots is a nod to the cats I grew up with. Inktober is a commitment to exploring new mediums and techniques so I don’t restrict myself and have used everything from hair dye to leftover coffee to create art. After the month ends, I sometimes combine prompts, like fusing the first and 30th to challenge myself and spark new ideas. This year, I plan on creating the first 20 prompts in black ink, and try switching to watercolours for the last 10. Art takes on a life of its own, I believe in letting it flow naturally without stressing on the end product much. Let’s get started . It’s never too late to start; you can begin now. Push the limits of your imagination by reading or watching new things. Don’t chase perfection. Experiment, and don’t dismiss ideas too soon. Walking helps clear your mind and generate new ideas. Observe your surroundings — inspiration can come from anywhere. Be patient during ideation. Don’t let social media trends dictate your style. Use basic tools to express your creativity . Be consistent, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. Take inspiration, but don’t compare yourself to others
08 October,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaAsk a toddler today who their best friend is, and you’re likely to hear names like Baby Shark, Peppa Pig or JJ from their favourite YouTube series. “Interacting with children of their own age is a vital part of building social development skills in children, but we’re unfortunately straying further away from it every day,” shares pre-primary school educator Sonakshi Bhalekar. PLAY, Bhalekar’s new venture with sibling Kshitij Agarwal, will aim to bridge the gap with workshops, activities and educational games. Shreya Kapoor “When my daughter turned one, I struggled to find a peaceful playspace that could engage her in social and cognitive activities. Parents often mistake a buzzing space for a healthy one. When children are overstimulated, they ultimately experience an energy crash and subsequent mood swings once they’re back home,” shares Bhalekar. To address this pitfall, the new space is spread over a 1,100 sq ft area with designated areas for play, reading, and exploring your creative side. “The wall climbing area and the sensory play areas seem to be the favourites,” Agarwal remarks. The sensory play area, equipped with brightly coloured toys, crayons and canvases, help kindle the child’s creative abilities, Bhalekar claims. For tots who might need a larger space, a glow-in-the-dark room offers its walls for the young prodigies to unleash their imagination. “It’s a constant learning process. We are keeping a keen eye on how children react to each of these activities to reshape it to their needs,” the co-founders admit. The space is open to children from the ages of six months to eight years. Sonakshi Bhalekar and Kshitij Agarwal For mom-preneur Shreya Kapoor, who organised a DIY dandiya night at the space yesterday, the benefits of such activities are manifold. “Festivals are the perfect time to bond with your child. We plan such sessions on weekends to ensure working parents can make time for a fun family outing. When children dress up in traditional attire and lend a hand in the décor, these memories remain etched in their impressionable minds,” she points out, adding that the trio plans to collaborate soon for upcoming Halloween, Diwali and Christmas festivities. AT Ground floor, Shyamkunj CHS, Linking Road, Khar West.TIME 11 am to 8 pm LOG ON TO @playbytwotinythoughts (for cost and upcoming events)
07 October,2024 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleWatch Cats (2019): This film is a must-watch for cinema goers and Broadway CATS’ die-hard fans. Directed by Tom Hooper, the film is a musical fantasy and a modern take on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular Jellicle cats. Written by Hooper and Lee Hall, the star cast includes Taylor Swift, Dame Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen. LOG ON TO JioCinema TS Eliot, whose work Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats inspired the musical Cats (1998) - full musical: For those keen to have a look at the original musical that premiered in 1983 at the Broadway theatre, this documented playlist is an unmissable watch. It is a rare recorded version of the 1998 stage production of Broadway’s Cats available for fans to watch on The Show Must Go On! channel. Do not miss it. LOG ON TO YouTube A glimpse from the trailer of the 2019 movie, Cats. Pics Courtesy/YouTube; wikimedia Commons Listen The Wrong Cat Died podcast: In an insightful series of the podcast started in 2019, host (inset) Mike Abrams delves into the world of the 1982 musical, interviewing its cast members and fans to explore the backstories of the Jellicle characters to find out the fascinating details about them and the show’s process.LOG ON TO Spotify Cats (Original Broadway Cast Recording) 1983: Dive into the world of the original Broadway show through this album containing the recordings of songs sung by the cast members. Some of the songs included are Memory, and The Jellicle Ball, which will take you on a nostalgic trip of the musical adaptation of TS Eliot’s 1939 book. LOG ON TO Spotify Read Cats: The Book of the Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber: Grab a copy for a behind-the-scenes view of the iconic musical by (inset) Webber. The book contains illustrations, including coloured photographs and drawings from the making of the original show. The illustrations are by John Napier, who worked as the set designer in the musical.LOG ON TO flipkart.com
07 October,2024 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiBy Shriram Iyengar, Anisha Shrivastava, Kanisha Softa (With inputs from The Guide Team) The idol at Notunpalli Sarbojonin’s pandal will be draped in a classic white dhaaker shaaj Draped in sacred whiteThe Notunpalli Sarbojonin Durgotsab celebrates its 52nd year with Ma Durga adorned in the traditional ‘daak-er shaaj’ theme. This style features the deity dressed in pure white, using delicate shola (pith) ornaments, which are handmade from the spongy core of the shola plant.FROM October 9 to October 13 AT Notunpalli Sarbojonin Durgotsab, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @bandradurgapujansdc Word to the wiseThane’s oldest pandal, Bangiya Parishad will celebrate its 62nd year with the theme “Education is Power” depicted through the decor. The eco-friendly pratima will be made of clay sourced from Kolkata.FROM October 8 to 13AT Highland Gardens Ground, Dhokali Link Road, Dhokali, Thane West. The decor of the pandal depicts the theme of education using the motif of letters of the alphabet and ladders Asiatic Library in ThaneThe New Bengal Club will merge the history of Mumbai with Kolkata’s traditions. “Our pandal is modelled after Mumbai’s Asiatic Library, reflecting the theme “Knowledge is Strength, Knowledge is Power,” said Prabir Choudhary, president.FROM October 8 to 12AT Near Neelkanth Woods, Manpada, Thane West. Traditional rootsSince 1951, the Khar-based Ramakrishna Math has been home to those seeking peaceful, traditional pujo festivities that date back to the times of the saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa.FROM October 8 to October 13AT Ramakrishna Mission, Ramakrishna Mission Marg, 12th Road, Khar West.CALL 02261818000 Celebrating differencesThe 94-year-old Bombay Durga Bari Samiti will celebrate the spirit of India’s diversity this year. President of the Samiti, Susmita Mitra shares, “Ma is celebrated across the country in so many different ways, through languages, form and even food.” They will also host a unique fashion show on Wednesday that will showcase the diverse sari drapes from across India. From October 8 to October 12ATMathuradas Vissanji Memorial Hall, Tardeo. Also Read: A tour through Navratri and Dussehra celebrations across India Lending a handThe Banga Maitri Sansad pandal will pay tribute to the beauty of Kolkata, creating a ‘city within a city’ experience for visitors through trams, yellow cabs and the iconic Victoria Memorial, while also lending a helping hand to charities.FROM October 9 to 12AT Senior Railway Institute, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East. A moment from a sindoor khela at Santacruz last year Call of the hills A moment from the Aamra Prabashi pandal last year The spiritual mountain town of Kedarnath forms inspiration for the Aamra Prabashi society at this Thane locality.From October 8 to 13At TMC Ground, Rodas Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. Celebrate and empowerThe 102-year-old Bengal Club at Shivaji Park, will celebrate their 89th Durgotsav with a focus on preventing violence against women. The pandal, inspired by the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, and a 19-foot eco-friendly idol will add cultural grandeur to this celebration.From October 8 to October 13At Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, Veer Savarkar Marg, Dadar West. LOG ON TO @bengalclub_shivajipark Mumbai meets BengalWalk into the Powai Bengali Welfare Association’s celebrations, and you might find a tribute to the city of Mumbai. From the Gateway of India to the beloved double-decker buses will be part of the pandal. Members of the LGBTQiA+ community will participate in the events of debi boron and sindoor khela.FROM October 8 to 13AT Durga Puja Ground, next to BEST depot, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. Poetry and prayer“We prioritise the intricate details of the protima over size, which is why our karigars from Kolkata use eco-friendly Ganga mitti,” said Fulcrum Foundation member Anvesha Ghosh. The celebrations will honour Bengali poet Nazrul Islam’s 150th birthday with a performance of a medley of his works on October 11.FROM October 9 to 13AT Supreme Banquets, Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Hiranandani Meadows, Thane West. The Chembur pandal has hosted unique activities like mallakhamb Artisans on showThe 70th Durgotsav by the Chembur Durga Puja Association will focus on the visual arts of Bengal, with decorations featuring shola kaaj, crafted by traditional artisans from West Bengal.FROM October 8 to October 12 AT RCF Ground, near Ashish Cinema, Chembur. Tales from South India Come Navaratri, and South Indian communities in Mumbai dust off traditional dolls and miniature idols to set up Golu. Comprising nine platforms with wooden or clay figures, they narrate the stories of gods, heroes, and folk tales. >> AT Marubai Gavdevi Temple, near King’s Circle, Matunga East. TIME 5 am to 12.30 pm; 4 pm to 10 pm >> AT Bhajan Samaj, 90 Feet Road, Garodia Nagar, Ghatkopar East.TIME 5.30 am to 11 am; 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm >> AT The Fine Arts Society, near Vijaya Bank, Postal Colony, Chembur.TIME 10.30 am to 5.30 pm By Devashish Kamble Also check out The Bombay Durga Bari will celebrate the diversity of India for this year’s pandal theme >> North Bombay Sarbajanin SamitiFROM October 8 to 12AT SNDT University Grounds, Santacruz. >> Seawoods Culture Welfare AssociationFROM October 8 to 13AT Ganpath Seth Tandel Ground, Sector 26, Seawoods. >> Navi Mumbai Bengal AssociationFROM October 9 to 12AT CIDCO Exhibition Center, Sector 30, Vashi.
07 October,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThere must be something in the air of the North East. The region produces an interesting mix of musicians with a taste for experimentation as well as a passion for nostalgia. From the folk rhythms of Tetseo Sisters to the heavy strings of Girish And the Chronicles and Minute of Decay, to the bluesy-rock melodies of Soulmate, the variation is far beyond anything the plains produce. “It comes down to community,” says Abhishek Gurung. On Sunday, the vocalist will lead the veterans of the 23-year-old rock band, Still Waters, down from the hills of Sikkim for their first performance in the city in the last decade. Founded in 2001 by Sonam Lachungpa and Anant Pradhan, the band was among the first English rock bands out of Sikkim to break through at the Great Indian Rock Festival. For Gurung, who grew up watching Lachungpa, the band remains a standard for old-school rock. “I remember watching them on college circuits, and dreaming of it. It is hard to explain how it feels to actually be a vocalist in a band you admired,” he says. While the group has been constantly changing, the fidelity to old-school rock remains constant. Abhishek Gurung Rock music, Gurung notes, is part of a community experience in the North East. With competitions, college circuits and regular festivals including the genre, it has become a part of the culture. This explains the prevalence of bands, rather than soloists, in the region. The Mumbai trip is a first for the new line-up, remarks Lachungpa. The founder was last here in the city when the band participated in the band competition, Taking Pole Position, in 2010. “It was the perfect way to catch the attention of a mainstream audience. Independent music has its limitations,” says Gurung. Sonam Lachungpa With a strong influence of Western rock, the band bonded together. “It is easy to play when you respect each other,” the vocalist remarks. The music is ‘feel-good-riff-rock,’ he says. Their first album in 2002, Rock to the Rescue, with its riff-heavy tracks and raspy vocals, the album is a throwback to the bands from the ‘80s.Isn’t that a little too old-school, we ask? “Why change if it works,” Gurung laughs. Returning to the city for the first time since 2020, Gurung reassures that the performance will be a touch of the old, with a promise of something new. “We are working on a few new sets, and hope to bring that style to the stage. We hope to release these in the coming months,” he adds. On October 6; 9 pm onwardsat The Stables, Peninsula Redpine Hotel, near Airport Road Metro Station, Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri East. Call 9326824004 (for details) Entry Rs 499
05 October,2024 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIf you’re a fashion lover, you’ll recognise that most of 2024’s breakout trends have involved some element of nostalgia. It comes as little surprise, therefore, that the colour that’s taking over designers’ mood boards and runways now throws it right back to the 1990s. We’re referring to chocolate brown, often referred to as the perfect neutral because of its inherently rich but understated aesthetic. Polished and sophisticated, this hue lends itself to a variety of looks. We spoke to fashion stylist Disha Selarka for inspiration on creative ways to look our chocolat-ey best. The perfect canvas “Chocolate brown comes into its own when paired with interesting textures and fabrics. It adds depth to the garment and instantly makes you look more put together. It also pairs very well with other neutrals and makes for wardrobe staples. One of the most popular ways to wear chocolate brown is in a head-to-toe look, with textural contrasts. Brown is also a popular colour for workwear as it is much softer than black, without detracting from the air of formalness,” Selarka explains. Colours that work well with chocolate brown are earthy tones such as cream, cobalt blue, olive green or even aubergine. If you’re feeling experimental, mix it up with pastels such as lilac or a pop of light blue, or add a bold red for a heady contrast. Tailored, structured pieces work well in this colour. We suggest investing in high-waist pleated trousers, pencil skirts or knitwear in this colour. While chocolate brown suits most Indian skin tones, if you find that the colour is washing you out, choose a hue that has a hint of red. People with deeper skin tones can pair chocolate brown with a vivid hue, such as burnt orange, golden yellow or jade green for a flattering contrast, while those with very light complexions can prevent the colour from seeming too jarring by wearing it with a pastel hue, cream or white. Disha Selarka Keep it fresh Selarka points out that the versatility of this colour allows it to lend itself to a variety of aesthetics. “A tailored brown jacket can elevate a pair of basic blue jeans. A black-and-brown combination is an instant classic and looks very chic. On a sunny day, you can tone down the intensity of chocolate brown by wearing it with white or cream,” she advises. If the colour feels too overpowering at first, start small by incorporating it in accessories such as your bags, belts, footwear. Or layer a brown top with neutral such as a white shirt, paired with black trousers or jeans. When it comes to festive wear, experiment with a monochromatic look, pairing brown pants and a kurta, or a co-ord set. For a bolder combination, wear a chocolate brown saree with a contrasting blue, red or green blouse, Selarka signs off.
05 October,2024 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
