ThursdayMid-week laughs Anirban Dasgupta, Gurleen Pannu and Shashank Chakrabarti push back the week’s trauma with some schadenfreude and self-defeat in their new late-night sets. Time 10 pm onwardsAT The J Spot, Gulmohar Road, Juhu Scheme, Juhu.Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 349 onwards FridayBrew ’em up Nothing beats the stress of a work week like a good cuppa joe. Learn the secret to brewing your perfect cuppa at the ongoing Mumbai Coffee Festival, with showcases of latte art, and diverse coffee brews to lift your spirits.Till December 1; (varying Time slots)AT South Sky, Jio World Drive, BKC. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 549 onwards SaturdayRide the line Pics Courtesy/Instagram If this does not get your kids off the couch, nothing will. Help them learn skateboard tricks and skills from professional skateboarders. With equipment provided, it is the perfect outing for kids. Time 11 am onwardsAT Ramhari Kishan Dhote Udyan, near Hinduja Hospital, Mahim. Log on to @skateboardinginMumbai SundayTuck into OG Odia fare Enjoy Odia cuisine such as the mandia guda sherbet and dali bara at this rare pop-up by MasterChef India contestant Biswajit Moharathi at Momo Café. Time 7 pm to 11 pmAT Momo Café, Courtyard By Marriott Mumbai, Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri East.Cost Rs 2,475 onwards (buffet service) Art retail therapy Looking for good art to brighten up your home? This massive exhibition of over 3,500 works of art at the Kalaa Spandan Art Fair has many works on sale. From mandala to Madhubani and mosaic, take your pick from the works on offer. Time 11 am to 7 pmAT Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
28 November,2024 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSimple and seasonal, is what Dakiwanri Warjri AKA Daki, one half of Symbai, a Khasi food pop-up, tells us when we ask her to describe the dishes that she and her sister Daphimanroi AKA Daphi usually prepare for their culinary trips in India. “The point of Symbai is to introduce people to traditional Khasi cuisine and some of its quintessential dishes which are simple yet very flavourful,” Daki tells us over a call. The sisters have planned a five-course spread in a limited-seating dining experience with the platform, Mumbai Foodie that will take patrons on a culinary journey to the lofty Khasi hills of Meghalaya, replete with soups, salads, curries and seasonal fruit pickles indigenous to the region. “One of the things that have been a favourite on the menu and people actually look forward to having is the smoked pork. The Khasi people eat it a lot which is why it is on the menu as well. Another one would be chicken cooked in black sesame, a very traditional preparation. There are many sub-tribes within the Khasi area. Bhoi is one such region in the hills where they cook a lot with fermented fish. Drawing inspiration from the region, we have fermented soy, chestnut curry and ash gourd cooked in black sesame for vegetarians as well. The fruit pickles are also coated in a spice mix rather than just brine to pack a punch,” Daki explains. They also have an interesting take on dessert. “We’re not a dessert-eating community but the honey from the hills served with purple yam makes for a great combination. Unlike regular honey, it has a citrusy note to it which makes it even more interesting,” Daki reveals to us. From what started as a fun pop-up for friends in Puducherry in 2022, Symbai has come a long way with the flavours of Khasi food permeating different corners of the country. “We have had pop-ups in Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Puducherry; this is our sixth edition in Mumbai. We wanted to showcase Khasi cuisine to people because there is very little knowledge about it in general. Khasi food is actually one of the simplest and most nutritional meals you can have. It was on our friends’ suggestion that we thought of building a brand around Khasi food. With time, we realised that people actually enjoyed the cuisine. Given that we didn’t even have a name when we started, we received a lot of traction for our pop-up,” Daki tells us. Dakiwanri (left) and Daphimanroi prepare a dish during a pop-up When we ask her for the meaning of Symbai, she says, “It means seed. It’s like we are planting a seed of Khasi cuisine in people’s minds. Also, a seed is the beginning of food, so it made sense. It is quite metaphorical actually. But more than that, I think I liked the word a lot, which is why it got stuck with us,” she laughs before signing off. Log on to: @symbai_pop on Instagram Note: Seats for the pop-up were sold out at the time of going to press. Ja stem (Rice cooked with turmeric) Daki and Daphi have listed out a simple Khasi dish for patrons to try at home. Ingredients >> 250 gm rice>> 3 tbsp lard>> 2 big, grated red onion>> 1 crushed garlic, clove>> 1 thumb ginger (grated)>> 1/2 tsp Lakadong turmeric>> 1/2 tsp wild pepper>> Water (double the quantity of rice)>> Salt to taste MetthodWash the rice and keep it aside. Heat the lard in a pan. Add onions, garlic and turmeric once hot. Fry until slightly brown. Add half cup of water and bring to a boil. Add in the ginger and pepper and let it simmer for five to six minutes. Add water and salt and bring the mix to a boil again. Add in the rice and bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Need to know >> Khasi cuisine is not very heavy on spices; the cooking is simple, and it leans on seasonal fare.>> Several ingredients in Khasi cuisine are picked locally, and foraged to this day.
28 November,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaI want to ensure the bansuri gets the identity it deserves across the world,” is legendary Indian flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar’s prompt reply when asked about his next goal. This passion for the instrument that has shaped his musical journey over the years shines through in every question he answers. Majumdar, who is known for his jugalbandis with other instrumentalists, will take the stage at a music festival organised by St Xavier’s College’s Indian Music Group this weekend, performing alongside his son, Hrishikesh Majumdar. “I am excited about this father-son jugalbandi. I hope my 24-year-old son’s performance will inspire youngsters to take up music as a career,” he shared. Apart from taking bansuri to the global stage, Majumdar’s efforts to popularise the instrument among the youth, is well-documented. “Youngsters are interested in learning to play the flute. Through the Ronu Majumdar Flute Foundation that I started in February 2022, I am teaching so many children from around the world,” the flautist reveals. However, youngsters’ approach towards acknowledging Indian classical music has changed. “Indian classical music is currently in a phase of change. There was a time when we used to do only alaap for an hour. Now, people have lost patience. To connect better with them, we have had to change the packaging of performances. Younger audiences appreciate the rhythmic jugalbandi. We have taken to fusion music as well. It is essentially classical music, interspersed with interesting beats and lyrics,” Majumdar explains. Majumdar feels it’s necessary to make Indian classical music more interesting for youngsters, to encourage them to pursue this art form. However, he has an important message for them, “Youngsters are running behind success; they seem to care only about how quickly they can take the stage to perform. That’s the wrong attitude. Your guru will tell you when the right time to go on stage is. One needs to have seriousness and devotion towards learning the subject.” Drawing from his love and dedication towards this craft, Majumdar wants to get ‘bansuri’ its due. He remarks, “Sitar and tabla are popular in foreign countries as Indian classical instruments. But when it comes to bansuri, they refer to it as the ‘Indian flute’. That hurts me. When I composed music for the Hollywood film, Primary Colours, I ensured that they mentioned the instrument as ‘Bansuri, the Indian flute’ in the CD. My next goal is to make the Indian flute known as ‘bansuri’ because that’s its identity.” On November 30; 4 pm onwards AT St Xavier’s College, Dhobi Talao, Fort. ENTRY Walk-ins permitted Mumbai and Majumdar Varanasi-born Majumdar was influenced by the musically rich environment of the city, which was home to stalwarts like Kishan Maharaj, Girija Devi and Ustad Bismillah Khan. However, he believes that Mumbai played a huge role in shaping his career in music. “I came to Mumbai in 1973 with my father. He insisted that I learn from a guru who can help master my craft, so I became a disciple of Pandit Vijay Raghav Rao,” he recalls. “My first concert was in Mumbai as a 13-year-old. After the performance, when people said that this kid played like a maestro, I realised that the flute is going to be my life. Mumbai gave me everything I have today. The city is an ocean of music,” he summarised.
28 November,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainDear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen SuggestionsAbhimanyu Lodha, banker, Bandra While her first book, We Should All Be Feminists, merely scratches the surface, this one by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie hits it out of the park with specific, practical suggestions on how to march in the direction of becoming a feminist. Her writing style is approachable, high on storytelling, funny, and relatable. She encourages a conscious approach for combating the subtle ways in which society enforces gender norms. Adichie speaks directly to those seeking to foster a more inclusive world. It was an 8/10 for me. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceShrushti Doshi, student, Bhayandar I wanted to start reading again, and one of my neighbours had the book. Also, there was a reading challenge by Abhi and Niyu (couple-influencers who speak about positive and impactful ideas). They pushed us to read at least 10-20 pages daily, so I joined it, and, since then, have followed through. I didn’t like the initial pages, but after giving it a chance, I read it and loved it, and kind of lived it as well. Vayam RakshamahHarshawardhan Shetty, commercial real estate consultant, Andheri I’m currently trying my hand at 1950s Hindi novels. Acharya Chatursen’s work blew my mind. This book shows a completely different side of Ravana. It’s about his quest to unite various clans under the Raksha community. He portrays Ravana as a complex character with both admirable qualities and flaws. Chatursen’s narrative is so rich with historical, geographical, and mythological elements. It’s an enlightening read for anyone interested in Indian mythology. MetamorphosisKinjal Parekh, marketing professional, Malad I read the book by Franz Kafka particularly to be a part of the Literature Live’s discussion, where it had been selected as Book in Focus this season. There couldn’t have been a better one this year. We as individuals, and as a society, are still struggling to find a place in this world, trying to find meaning in the randomness of events. I saw 16-year-olds participating in the discussion at the fest, which showed how people today are finding pieces of themselves in a century-old book. Eighties Hindi pulp fictionSiddhant Shekhar, writer, Chembur I’m on a Hindi binge at the moment, and reading ’80s pulp fiction, especially by Surendra Mohan Pathak. I had always seen his books at railway stations in my childhood, but my mom always made sure I was herded away from them. Over the years I forgot about it. Recently, I saw a character reading a Surendra Mohan Pathak novel in an episode of Mirzapur, and it reminded me of him. After that I started tracking his books down and reading them off and on. The Giver QuartetCharvi Garg, digital marketer, Versova I’m reading Son by Lois Lowry. She explores complex themes in children’s and young adult literature. Son is the fourth book in the The Giver Quartet. The series revolves around the themes of individuality, freedom, and the importance of experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions. She’s truly a master storyteller and it all comes together so beautifully in the last book. My brother told me about them when I was going through a reading slump years ago. I had read the books then, and would look for their hard covers. Recently, I was gifted those, so I began re-reading the series. Available: At leading bookstores and e-stores
28 November,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaIf it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, talks like a duck, could it possibly be a… bag? As absurd as it may seem, this train of thought may sound a little more coherent if you’re a fashion lover who has been recently confronted with a seemingly endless barrage of statements, or ‘It’ bags on reality television and social media. Shalini Passi carries a duck-shaped bag And, for that, we have none other than art collector Shalini Passi (of Netflix’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives fame) and designer brands, including one Italian name that debuted a hyper-realistic, oversized clutch that resembles actual celery stalks, to blame. Passi, on the other hand, boasts an extensive collection of statement clutches, which range in inspiration from a sparkling alien head to a vintage brick phone to a miniature harp. Statement bags have minimal utility If you’re eager to trade in your trusted tote for one of these glittering, sculpted extravagances, the two biggest questions you’ll be posed with are: what can you fit into one of these clutches, and how do you style them? Answering the first of these dilemmas, celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar says, “An ‘It’ bag is not big on functionality. Such bags are designed to make a statement, and practicality is often relegated to a secondary status. They’re intended to be quirky accessories that can be used to add visual interest to an otherwise predictable look,” she clarifies. Mitali Ambekar The ‘It’ factor To make an It bag the star of your look, experiment with unique shapes and sizes, Ambekar advises. Depending on the occasion, the time of day, or the aesthetic you’re going for, you can take your pick of a mini bag, a hyper-realistic style, colour-blocked design or a diamond encrusted piece. Ambekar suggests keeping a few style basic guidelines in mind: Safa Siddiqui flaunts a quirky dollar bag >> Pair bold shapes with neutral or monochrome outfits in contrasting tones, to make the bag pop. For example, an all-white outfit, a slip dress, or a silk shirt with pants and stiletto heels make a good canvas for almost any statement bag. >> Play with textures by combining glossy bags with matte or textured fabrics, such as tweed and linen. A patent leather bag, for instance, looks great against a woollen coat. >> Colour-blocking is an effective way to make the bag shine. Pair vibrant bags with complementary hues. For instance, pair a cobalt blue bag with an orange outfit. Textured metallic bags add the perfect bling to a party ensemble >> Printed or hyper-realistic bags can instantly elevate solid or monotone outfits. Try and contrast the tones of the clothing to the tones of the bag. The viral lime green celery bag would look great against a lavender outfit. >> Balance shapes by pairing structured bags with relaxed outfits and quirky designs with fitted silhouettes. A flowy A-line skirt with an organza pussy-bow blouse can be styled with a structured geometric bag, to add acontrast against the flowy clothing. >> To highlight a cross-body or belt-style bag; wear it with statement sleeves or a cropped top. >> Keep proportions in mind while styling; smaller bags complement petite frames and oversized designs suit taller figures.
27 November,2024 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThey say the best way to learn something is by getting involved with it and nothing better than an experiential museum to teach the young minds of this generation about the creatures of the prehistoric era. The Museum of Solutions, in collaboration with Get Set Learn, an educational consultancy platform, is bringing an immersive experience called Dinosaurs Among Us, to India. It is an exhibition about palaeontology, conceptualised by the American Museum of Natural History. Tanvi Jindal Shete From role-playing as dinosaurs, to tracing fossil impressions, the exhibition has a host of activities planned for children. But why palaeontology, we ask? “Learning about palaeontology is important because it sparks curiosity in children and helps them to understand the world in a deeper way. By studying dinosaurs and their evolution, they not only learn about prehistoric life but also grasp fundamental scientific concepts of evolution, adaptation, and extinction. These kinds of immersive experiences allow children to engage with complex concepts engagingly and memorably,” Tanvi Jindal Shete, founder of Museum of Solutions, tells us. The fossil sandpit at the museum The exhibition is designed to offer an interactive experience to children, pulling them into the world of palaeontology to understand the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. “We have a fossil excavation sandpit where children can use real tools to piece together a jigsaw puzzle of the excavated skeletons. There’s also an activity where they will be encouraged to trace fossil impressions of these prehistoric creatures and take them home,” Shete reveals. Children excavate mock bones This edition of Dinosaurs among us has been curated by Dr Akinobu Watanabe, research associate at the American Museum of Natural History and assistant professor of anatomy at New York Institute of Technology. By blending learning with interactive activities, the boundaries of knowledge are made more porous for young minds, making it an indelible personal experience for them, “We hope to inspire children to explore, question, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future” Ameet Zaveri, co-founder of Get Set Learn, explains. The exhibition is open to visitors of all ages while the activities are targeted for children from three years and above. A kid assembles a dinosaur fromexcavated puzzle pieces TILL January 31TIME 10 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Friday), 10 am to 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday)AT Museum of Solutions, Victoria House, Lower Parel.LOG ON TO bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 399
27 November,2024 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaRead India’s Founding Moment: The Constitution of the Most Surprising Democracy: MADHAV Khosla’s work goes beyond the Constitution’s focus on rights, duties, and laws to analyse the document. Through a detailed exploration, the book examines how India’s founding figures cultivated a democratic ethos in a nation grappling with poverty, illiteracy, and social divisions in the aftermath of colonial rule.Log on to: amazon.inCost: Rs 352 onwards The Constitution of India for Children: This engaging book by Subhadra Sen Gupta takes young readers on a journey through key moments and ideas that shaped India’s Constitution by answering important questions about party symbols and the women in the Constituent Assembly. Log on to: amazon.in Cost: Rs 299 Listen The Longest Constitution by Priya Mirza: Hosted by Priya Mirza (inset), this podcast offers insights into the meaning of key constitutional provisions, ideals and laws with respect to landmark cases such as Menaka Gandhi’s passport case and AK Gopalan’s case. Log on to: Apple, YouTube and Spotify Ideas of Our Constitution: In this episode of the weekly The Seen and Unseen podcast, host Amit Varma sits down with author Madhav Khosla. They delve into the key ideas that shaped the Indian Constitution, offering an insightful look at the vision of the country’s founders. Log on to: Apple, YouTube and SpotifyAlso Read: Composer-flautist Guillaume Barraud dives into his musical journey and Mumbai Watch Samvidhaan: This gripping 10-episode series takes viewers on a cinematic journey through the creation of the Indian Constitution. It explores pivotal moments and milestones such as the Cabinet Mission, the Preamble, and the final draft. Through the lens of actors like KK Raina, the series highlights the debates, challenges, and decisions that shaped India’s democratic foundation.Log on to: YouTube Sucheta Kripalani in the film series Women in Constituent Assembly: This series highlights the life and contributions of 15 women who played a vital role in India’s constitutional journey and were part of the Constituent Assembly. Among them are notable figures such as social reformer Dr Durgabai Deshmukh, and Sucheta Kripalani, the first female Chief Minister of an Indian state.Log on to: YouTube Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by Jabbar Patel: This biopic of Dr BR Ambedkar portrays the life and struggles of the architect of Indian Constitution. Starring Malayalam actor Mammootty as Dr Ambedkar, the movie traces key moments in his journey, from his education in New York to his fight for social justice and equality. The film is dubbed in nine languages, including Hindi and English. Log on to: YouTubeAlso Read: This musical theatre performance in Mumbai will explore mallakhamb and kalaripayattu Constitution Day Quiz: Put your knowledge of the Indian Constitution to test with essential questions and their answers. Discover facts about the document that shapes India’s democracy.Log on to: YouTube Shop Preserve your thoughts: Pen your thoughts in timeless style with this carved wooden diary, featuring the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Crafted in elegant mahogany or golden teak finishes, this customisable notebook lets you carry a piece of history while making it uniquely yours with optional engravings, key rings, or greeting cards. Log on to: woodgeekstore.comCost: Rs 899 onwards PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM Postcards that speak Patriotism: Reclaim Constitution brings the spirit of India’s democracy to life with Constitution-inspired merchandise. They offer a set of postcards featuring 22 magnificent artworks drawn from the original handwritten book of The Constitution of India. From lapel pins to Preamble-themed t-shirts, it’s an interesting way to wear your patriotism.Log on to: postcardrewind.comCost: Rs 150 onwards A constitutional keepsake: Display your patriotism with a framed copy of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. It is printed on handmade paper crafted to resemble the original document. The wall hanging comes with a brass chain on the back for easy use. Log on to: indicinspirations.comCost: Rs 1,090 onwards
26 November,2024 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaIf you catch the bubbly, chatty Australian theatremaker Benjamin Knapton art gallery-hopping or savouring a bowl of his favourite dal makhani in the lanes of Bandra this week, you couldn’t possibly guess that he’s in the city to orchestrate a daring artistic endeavour. Inspired by a 2017 visit to the Mallakhamb India school in Santacruz and a trip to the home of kalaripayattu in Kerala later, Knapton will debut his new production Warriors — a theatrical relook at the two traditions — at the Royal Opera House Mumbai, in collaboration with the Australian Consulate General, The Centre of Australia-India Relations, and Avid Learning, this weekend. The Mallakhamb India troupe at a previous performance The idea, Knapton tells us, is to open the audience’s eyes to the artistic expression and emotional undertones of the martial arts that are often overlooked amid the physical spectacle. The audience is not the only one in for a surprise. “I was both excited and curious when I first heard about the idea,” admits mallakhamb artiste Atharva Angre, adding, “Mallakhamb is already an incredibly dynamic and visually captivating sport. This was the right opportunity to present mallakhamb in a fresh avatar while staying true to its traditional roots.” A mallakhamb artiste showcases his flexibility and core strength While it’s not the first uphill climb for Knapton, who presented a simpler version of contemporary mallakhamb in the city in 2019, the inclusion of the CVN Kalari Sangham artistes ought to add a layer of challenge. The director has just locked in the final structure of the 90-minute show before we catch him over a call. He gives us a peek, “The show begins with artistes from both art forms showcasing their skills on stage together — much like a collage of traditions. My favourite part, though, is a semi-improvised jugalbandi between a mallakhamb and a kalaripayattu artiste that plays almost like two jazz musicians riffing off each other’s lines. It will be a first for both the audience and the performers,” he reveals. Donn Bhat City-based music producer Donn Bhat, who shoulders responsibility to lay out the soundscape to this novel production, admits that it’s not every day that you make music for a martial arts performance. “Being a theatremaker, Ben [Benjamin] usually throws musical ideas at me in terms of words and emotions. To understand what his vision is, and to bring it to life has been a fun experiment,” he laughs. Angre chimes in agreement to the novelty of the challenge, “Synchronising our movements with live music requires us to adjust our routines, timing, and focus. It was undoubtedly more challenging than usual, but equally rewarding,” he adds. Benjamin Knapton Angre and his troupe might find some semblance of familiarity amidst all the newness, though. “We are using ambient sounds from the troupe’s home turf in Santacruz. Sounds of airplanes flying past, waves crashing and other chatter from the area are all part of the composition,” Bhat reveals, adding that the duo is still toying with South Indian sounds like the konnakol leading up to the premiere. Atharva Angre What has kept an Australian theatremaker, a Mumbaikar obsessed with experimental music, and traditional artistes from two ends of the western coast together through four months of gruelling planning and trial and error, we wonder. It’s the shared aim to take the indigenous arts to the global stage, they agree unanimously. “We performed a show at the Sziget festival in Budapest with the mallakhamb boys, right before the COVID-19 lockdown. The audience there spent an hour after the performance talking to the performers about the intricacies of the art form. We have seen the intrigue these art forms can spark in audiences from all walks of life. If the premiere is received well, we might just set out on a world tour with it,” Knapton signs off. On: November 30; 7 pm At: Royal Opera House Mumbai, Girgaon.Log on to: insider.inEntry: Rs 499 onwards
26 November,2024 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAmitabh Bachchan ke ghar ke saamne,” comes the answer; quite like a direction given to an autorickshaw driver in Juhu. The question that this writer posed was whether composer-flautist Guillaume Barraud had been to Mumbai before. The Paris-based Barraud is amused. Having lived in the city for five years in the early noughties, the 46-year-old certainly knows his way around town. Even as he is speaking with this writer over the phone, Barraud is preparing for his next concert in Kochi. This is part of a India tour for the composer and his quartet — Tam de Villiers (guitarist), Guillaume Ruelland (bassist) and Maxime Zampieri (drums). “It is good to be back,” he admits. Hariprasad Chaurasia. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The country has changed a lot since Barraud first visited it in 1999. “I was already into yoga and meditation in Paris. It exposed me to the sound of the flute,” he recalls. A guitarist by training, Barraud found the flute, more specifically the bansuri, more suitable for his expression. “I was moved so much, and transported by the hypnotic sound. It is like you sing into the flute. All your emotions move through your breath,” he remarks. Having heard the sounds of Shakti and The Mahavishnu Orchestra, as well as the influence of Hindustani music on Miles Davis and John Coltrane, he was curious. Barraud (left) in performance with Prabhu Edouard in Geneva It so happened that the visit to India proved to be the beginning of an adventure. Barraud learned the bansuri through one of its greatest exponents, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Their meeting was a matter of pure chance, he admits. “I was travelling through Gujarat, and had bought my first bansuri. I was practicing at a hotel one morning when someone knocked on the door. A student of Panditji, and I started talking about the bansuri. Soon, we were friends. When I visited Mumbai to meet him, he introduced me to Panditji.” Barraud collaborates with composer Frank Strobel and the Tonhalle Orchestra This is when Juhu became the place to be for Barraud between 2001 and 2008. “Panditji’s school was also close by, and we had a band that would perform across the city,” he shares. The five years of learning would inform his approach towards composition and music. He shares, “All composition emerges from the mode, or the raga, as we say. For instance, with my first work, I was focussing on Gurjari Todi. I was playing the guitar on that particular scale, and was able to develop harmonic changes and progressions to find a narrative.” The need to tell a story or have a conversation through music is one of the lessons handed down during his schooling with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Describing Panditji’s class, Barraud recalls, “For him, the class was an opportunity to develop new ideas, like in a music lab. We were his mirrors. He would experiment new ideas, and we would repeat in a question-answer form through music, creating a conversation, a narrative. Is that not so similar to jazz improvisation?” It is no surprise then that the composer has adapted this style as a part of the composition process for the upcoming project, Tales Of The Bamboo Reed. “We plan to release the album next year, but it is currently a work in progress. The tour is an opportunity to build up the chemistry and tighten the sets as we go along,” he says. After performances in Delhi, Chandigarh and Kochi, they will arrive in Mumbai before the final performances in Bengaluru. Despite the number of stops, Barraud admits there won’t be enough time for a proper Mumbai darshan. “I would love to go and meet Guruji again. Sadly, we won’t have enough time. But that is the life of a musician on tour,” he concludes. On: November 27; 9 pm onwardsAt: Bonobo, Kenilworth Mall, Linking Road, Bandra West Take your pick from these off-beat French jazz classiques >> Gypsy Guitar by Angelo DeBarreLog on to: Spotify >> Paris 24H by Paris Jazz Big BandLog on to: Spotify, Apple iTunes >> Sous les Pommiers by Anne PaceoLog on to: Spotify, Apple iTunes >> Meet Quincy Jones by Les Double SixLog on to: Spotify, YouTube >> Cour Encore by Clara LucianiLog on to: Spotify >> Histoire de Melody Nelson by Serge GainsbourgLog on to: Spotify >> La Bellevilloise by The Pantheon Gypsy BandLog on to: YouTube
26 November,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarPhysical stores . From festive greetings to custom keepsakes, this shop has been spreading holiday cheer for five decades. They offer a wide range of options, from Christmas designs featuring Santa and his elves to Christmas cards featuring the Nativity scene with a variety of different embellishments inside some. Cards with custom text are also available for orders of minimum 50 cards, while photo personalisation begins at minimum of 100 cards. AT Satyam Collection, Chheda Sadan Building, Churchgate. TIME 9.30 am to 8 pm (Monday to Saturday)CALL 242138800COST Rs 30 onwards . A craft shop brings back the charm of old-school Christmas cards with sacred illustrations and blessings. Sold in as single-buy cards as well as in packs of five with vintage floral envelopes, these cards are perfect gifts for spreading festive cheer to your loved ones. AT Itsy Bitsy, Korum Mall, Mangal Pandey Road, off Eastern Express Highway, Thane West. TIME 10.30 am to 9.30 pm CALL 6366951536 COST Rs 50 onwards . Head here for Christmas-themed cards in the classic red, green and gold shades. They also sell Christmas décor and festive merchandise. AT Satyam Gallery, Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga Railway Colony, Matunga East. TIME 10 am to 9 pm CALL 9321489062 COST Rs 60 onwards . This has been a go-to gifting haunt for years, offering over 50 unique card designs, including pop-up cards and Christmas tree-themed styles, it’s a treasure trove for Christmas shopping.AT Archies Gallery, Natasha Shopping Centre, Hill Road Bandra West. TIME 10.30 am to 9.30 pm CALL 9820797337 COST Rs 50 onwards . This veritable goldmine offers a wide range of cards designed to capture the festive spirit. Choose from 12 different types of prints and traditional motifs to a variety of card sizes with options available across price ranges.AT St Paul Book And Art Centre, St Paul Media Complex, Duruelo Convent School, Bandra West. TIME 9 am to 7 pm (Monday to Saturday); 9.30 am to 7 pm (Sunday) CALL 226407127COST Rs 12 onwards Take the e-route . With an eclectic range of hand painted and illustrated Christmas cards which have been digitised for the perfect wish, this platform has cracked the code of Christmas warmth. They offer regular and express deliveries pan-India.LOG ON TO @skyforapalette on Instagram COST Rs 125 onwards . From classic Christmas designs to quirky and cute Santa cards, they offer an affordable and festive range of greeting cards for everyone.LOG ON TO thepeppystore.inCOST Rs 100 onwards . Switch to sustainable gifting options this Christmas with these seed-based cards and envelopes made with 100% post-consumer waste cotton. These greetings are available in the form of single-buy cards as well as sets. LOG ON TO plantables.storeCOST Rs 149 onwards . With Christmas postcards in sets of five, a special secret Santa card with a hidden surprise, and even a light-up card, this e-store is sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday greetings.LOG ON TO oyehappy.comCOST Rs 200 onwards
25 November,2024 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIt is in our postal addresses,” says the 34-year-old illustrator who goes by the pseudonym Bao, when we ask her where one might see the lines of caste in a city that prides itself on being a great equaliser. “When I mention Deonar or Mahul, there’s a palpable change in the tone of the conversation. These localities have historically been synonymous with lower class and Bahujan populations,” she explains. Jai Bhim Nagar features on the January panel as a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle From the 1971 inauguration of Dr BR Ambedkar’s cremation site, Chaityabhoomi in Dadar by daughter-in-law Meerabai Ambedkar, to the ongoing struggle for basic rights by the Dalit community in Powai’s Jai Bhim Nagar, the artist’s new calendar takes Mumbaikars on a walk through the landmarks of the anti-caste movement hidden amidst the evolving urban-scape. Dr BR Ambedkar and the Chaityabhoomi pillar feature in the April panel Bao’s journey begins from her home turf in Chembur, which was once a hub of migrant labourers who worked in its dumping grounds and the refineries. “I stepped out to talk to residents of all of these localities to unearth the oral histories. It wasn’t a surprise to me when I found that caste intersected with the class struggle. Even within lower-income slums, there are clear demarcations between upper-caste and Bahujan settlements. For them, the struggle for a dignified life is ongoing,” she shares. Bao On the southern tip of the city, Bao finds a similar story. While the Ambedkar Nagar slums behind the Backbay Bus Depot saw mass displacement during the communal riots of 1992 and 1993, residents of Geeta Nagar on the southern tip of Colaba rose in revolt in 1995 against eviction drives through the Geeta Nagar Rahivasi Sangh and Geeta Nagar Mahila Vikas Sangh. Bao reminds us that it would be remiss of us to not address the birthplace of the Dalit Panthers in the city. “Namdeo Dhasal, the literary legend who led the Panthers in the 1970s and ’80s found strength and solidarity in the streets across the BDD Chawl in Kamathipura. One of my artworks features a black panther leaping forward as an ode to Dhasal,” she adds. Talking about calendars, we ask the artist, who most recently started a moving (literally) anti-caste reading club that travels on Mumbai locals, how the year that is drawing to a close has been. “There have been slivers of hope and moments of disappointment,” she reveals. The artist recalls visiting the ongoing struggle between the residents of Jai Bhim Nagar in Powai and the authorities over a proposed resettlement. “It is a historically documented fact that when reclamation or redevelopment project starts taking shape, the marginalised communities are the first to take a hit. The hope comes from the fact that young, English-speaking youth are now actively documenting and working towards a brighter future,” she signs off. LOG ON TO @thebigfatbao (to pre-order) COST Rs 4,000
25 November,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
