ThursdayA laugh riot Unwind and enjoy an evening of comedy, stories and music as stand-up comics Kautuk Srivastava, Aadar Malik and Varun Thakur bring their best acts on stage in The Internet Said So.Time 8 pm At Below the Habitat, Khar West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 799 FridayRemembering the genius of Guru Dutt Pic Courtesy/Wikipedia Relive the cinematic legacy of Guru Dutt at this launch of the book, Pyaasa by late author Sudhir Nandgaonkar followed by a screening of the iconic movie. Time 6.30 pmAt Marathi Granth Sangrahalaya, Thane West. SaturdayFun-gi times ahead Step out in the sun and spend a day learning the science of fungi and understand the principles and requirements for cultivating oyster mushrooms at home. Time 9 am to 6 pmAt IndiGo Green Camp, Sunvalley, Mangoan Khurd. Call 9820068611Cost Rs 5,000 Story time People seated around the godhadi in one of the sessions Attend a unique theatrical experience called ‘Unshared Childhoods’ by Tanvi Shah, where patrons will gather around a ‘godhadi’ and witness music and stories in motion.Time 4 pm to 5.30 pmAt Zeba World, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Log on to @unsharedchildhoods on InstagramCost Rs 800 Sarangi notes Enjoy an evening of soulful performances dedicated to the late sarangi maestro Padma Bhushan Ustad Sultan Khan.TIME 6 pm to 10 pm at Royal Opera House, Girgaon. Log on to @mumbaiopera (to register, first-come first-served) SundayUnwind, switch off Discover inner peace and unwind through art-based therapy by psychologist Prarthana Agarwal.Time 11 am to 1 pmAt Kaya Yoga Studio, Devi Dayal Road, Mulund West. Log on to @metta.art.therapy on InstagramCost Rs 800 Make it a purr-fect Sunday! People play with their pets at a previous edition of the festival Dedicate this day to your cats and bring them to the ultimate fun at catapalooza. Along with fun games, free health check-ups have also been organised for your fur balls.Time 3 pm to 6 pm At The Beer Café, Shop no 6, ground floor, Cambata Building, Maharshi Karve Road, Churchgate. Log on to @petfedindia on Instagram Wanderlust Reconnect with nature and embark on an exhilarating night trek to Kalsubai that promises views of the Bhandardara backwaters and Arthur Lake.Time 8.45 pm meeting point Kasara railway station. Log on to bhatakna.comCost Rs 499 onwards Also Read: Enter the world of ceramic art with this festival in Mumbai
14 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaAn ode to clay and the vessels that accompany us through every stage of life, from refreshing sips of cool water after outdoor play, to the soothing comfort of chai on quiet mornings, will be celebrated at Kathiwada City House as part of their ongoing Maati Putr Ceramic Festival. Paying homage to the significance of clay in our lives, the event will feature a storytelling session led by ceramic artist Shampa Shah and a soulful ghatam performance by Sumana Chandrashekhar. People work on clay kulhads at an earlier workshop The festival, which began on October 18, aims to rekindle appreciation for ceramic art. “Our aim is to bring about more awareness to ceramic art as a high form of art and we wish to continuously inspire people to see the value and beauty in it. We plan to transform the gallery into a theatre with baithak-style seating for this event, creating an atmosphere that brings the essence of traditional gatherings into the heart of the city,” expressed Sangita Kathiwada, founder and artistic director of Kathiwada City House. The evening will open with an introduction of the artists, followed by Shah’s storytelling session. The Bhopal-based ceramic collector and curator has extensively studied ceramic art, travelling to various regions since 1992 collecting instruments and stories of potter’s lives. She will be sharing these stories of the potters and the types of pottery from the Thar Desert, and its surrounding regions. Her storytelling will help the audience trace the role of clay in every phase of life, from a child’s first meal cooked in a new pot to the clay vessel that holds a person’s ashes. Sumana Chandrashekhar and Sangita Kathiwada In this session, Shah will share mythical stories about ancestral potters Siria Devi and Sawla Kumbhar, as well as narratives of potters like Lunaram, Gopi Bai, and Siddharoji from Pokhran and Jaisalmer district, respectively, whom she met in 1994. “The session will discuss the techniques of potters from the desert region, their stories and perspectives on the changes in the tradition,” she elaborated. Shah will narrate in a free-flowing style and will use slides to visually illustrate elements within the story. A traditional set-up of pots, including some from Shah’s own collection from Jaisalmer, will further enhance the experience. “Pairing these stories with tactile elements like the pots will help listeners feel connected to them and the potters,” she added. After the storytelling, attendees will enjoy a break with a traditional mahua-based drink made from fermented mahua flowers, complemented by artisanal snacks. The food will feature artisanal snacks and a mahua-based drink The second segment of the evening will feature a ghatam performance by Sumana Chandrashekhar, a musician from Bengaluru with 15 years of experience. The ghatam, a clay pot with a narrow mouth, is considered to be one of the oldest percussion instruments. Chandrashekhar’s performance will weave together sounds of the pot, mystical poetry, as well as konnakol, the vocal percussion language of Carnatic music. Shampa Shah “I feel that the performance will bring a fresh sonic dimension and allow attendees to interpret the sounds and find a storyline within the beats. They will be able to notice the metallic ring of the ghatam’s notes as well as explore the variety of sounds created from different parts of the instrument,” she explained. In addition to these performances, attendees can explore a contemporary art exhibit by Gunjan Arora, showcasing textile and mixed media artworks. ON November 15; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Kathiwada City House 69, West More Apartments, B Wing, Sir Pochkhanawala Road, Worli. LOG ON TO bookmyshow.inCALL 9372859864COST Rs 1,799 onwards Also Read: This farm stay-cum-pottery studio in Titwala offers a creative escape from city life
14 November,2024 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaPastoral nostalgia Growing up as an only child in a cramped suburban apartment, books were often an escape. While I have amassed a collection, the one loss I feel deeply is that of an old tattered children’s book of Heidi by Johanna Spyri. Having received it as a birthday gift, it was a constant companion. The optimism of Heidi, a little orphan girl sent away to live by herself with a harsh grandfather, the struggle of living on a farm, her bickering with the goatherd Peter and discovering independence was too relatable. Such that even in my late 20s, the anime-series Heidi, Girl Of the Alps, by Isao Takahata became a way to relive the pastoral nostalgia. Till date, I return to the book as an escape from the cynicism of the world.Shriram Iyengar Web of wonder EB White’s simple story centred on two talking animals, literally ‘talks’ to readers about life and the revelatory layers of human nature without being judgemental. It’s why Charlotte’s Web will always be my go-to from my childhood storybook collection. While the hidden advice amidst the layering emerged in my 20s, about friendships, the power of words and sacrifice, it is the endearing, evergreen tale between a piglet and a spider that warmed the heart of my 10-year-old self when it arrived as Christmas gift, courtesy my parents. Today, I dip into it each time the mind yearns for wisdom and comfort, the good, old-fashioned way.Fiona Fernandez The magic of empathy The Magic Finger was the first book I finished reading all by myself, when I was eight years old. I can still recall the intrigue that the superpower-wielding protagonist’s escapades sparked in me. The book follows a young girl who uses her unique superpower to teach a family of hunting enthusiasts a lesson in empathy. Every time I revisit the book, it reveals a new layer and another lesson that I hadn’t noticed before. Looking back, having the important conversations about animal cruelty and being held accountable for your actions could not have been an easy task. But with a bit of Roald Dahl magic, it all becomes possible!Devashish Kamble School of life The Malory Towers series by Enid Blyton was a huge part of my childhood, and I still find myself going back to it. Reading these books while living in a boarding school made them feel incredibly relatable as the highs and lows of school life mirrored my own experiences. The groups’ pranks inspired my friends and I to try a few of our own. The themes of friendship and loyalty [in the book] set a foundation for these values in my own life. On my last day at boarding school, a friend gifted me the set, well aware of how much the series meant to me; it remains a gesture I’ll cherish forever.Kanisha Softa In search of platform 9¾ Like most kids from my generation, I devoured the Harry Potter series while growing up. I would receive them for my birthdays, and as soon as the party ended, I would curl up with my copy under the sheets and read through the night. This would be followed by re-reads and spirited discussions with Potterheads on how the films have left out important plot points. While I might have outgrown the series and harbour some strong reservations about how it panned out later, whenever an update related to Harry Potter pops up, I inevitably return to those sweet days of fantasy.Divyasha Panda
14 November,2024 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThe things that bind Mexico and India, apart from a fondness for partying at the drop of a hat, is food, music and an expressive culture. From the fiestas to the family dinners, food and flavour go hand in hand with Central American culture. This weekend, the country’s top bar, Handshake, will drop into the city for an exclusive two-day bar takeover. Mexi-Thai The visit marks the first Mumbai trip for the bar, which was founded back in 2018 and is renowned for their vintage vibe and décor. It is a theme that fits their collaboration with Slink & Bardot, admits head bartender Javier Rodríguez. A biology graduate who is now at the helm of curating flavours at the Mexican bar, Rodríguez will be accompanied by laboratory manager, Daniela Jardon on the visit. From their signature cocktails to flavours, the event will see the duo showcase their techniques and style. “I feel Mumbai is an exciting destination due to its rich culture, diverse culinary scene, and emerging nightlife. At Slink & Bardot, we aim to enhance this experience by introducing our innovative crafted cocktails that reflect the city’s spirit,” Rodríguez pointed out. An example of such an innovation is their signature Mexi-Thai cocktail. Rodríguez explains that the drink is a Don Julio tequila blanco with coconut oil, makrut leaves distillation, a cherry tomato water cordial topped with basil oil drops that brings out the aromas, a signature of the flavours from the two different cultures. Daniela Jardon mixes a drink The session is built around four signature cocktails from the Mexican hub. Aside from the Mexi-Thai, the fruity orange blossom cocktail (a blend of Don Julio tequila reposado, jasmine tea, vanilla and a touch of orange blossom essence) and the jasmine cocktail (Don Julio tequila blanco, jasmine tea and lemon) join Rodríguez’s example as the key elements of the sessions. Javier Rodríguez behind the bar. Pics Courtesy/Instagram As to how it will play with an Indian palate, familiar with spicier and colourful flavours, laboratory manager Jardon responds, “We love experimenting with bold flavours like tequila, tomato cordial and coconut oil. Cocktails like Mexi-Thai or an olive oil gimlet could surprise the Indian palate with their unique twists and unexpected combinations.” ON November 14 and 15; 9 pm onwardsAT Slink & Bardot, Thadani House, 329/A, opposite Indian Coast Guard, Worli.CALL 9326965643LOG ON TO @slink&bardot on Instagram (limited registrations)COST Rs 4,500 (3 cocktails); Rs 6,000 (4 cocktails, optional) Quick-fix is the way For a quick cocktail night fix, I always recommend a simple gin and tonic with fresh herbs and citrus. It’s easy to make yet refreshing, making it perfect for any gathering Javier Rodríguez Also Read: This Orlem resto-bar serves food with a dash of karaoke and community spirit
14 November,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe city’s cooler months have finally arrived, and as Mumbaikars grapple with lower temperatures, dwindling humidity, and persistent air pollution, many become increasingly vulnerable to a host of health issues. From respiratory problems to skin ailments, the city’s changing climate poses a significant threat to public health. Health experts list out simple, easy-to-follow guidelines on how to brave the winter weather and stay protected. Winter skincare guidebook “People generally experience dry skin when the humidity levels drop. It is essential that you prioritise moisturising to protect skin barrier,” says Dr Priyanka Ratnapurollu, aesthetic physician at Reaviva Holistic Health, Linking Road, Santacruz West. Siddhant Bhargava and Priyanka Ratnaporullu The right way >> Choose cream or oil-based cleansers that cleanse without stripping moisture.>> Use a rich, creambased moisturiser which has ceramide, squalane, hyaluronic acid and shea butter to deeply hydrate and restore the skin barrier.>> Use nourishing serums with antioxidants like Idebenone, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin against the pollutants.>> Even in dry, cooler climates, a broad-spectrum SPF is crucial to protect against UV damage. Choose either a SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen, whenever you are stepping out.>> Use a nourishing lip balm and an eye cream to keep these delicate areas hydrated from dryness. Avoid these>> Skip cleansers with strong surfactants like sulphates (e.g. sodium lauryl sulphate) that can strip the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.>> Avoid scrubbing and exfoliants which have AHA and BHA as they can disturb your skin barrier.>> Retinoids can dry out the skin further in dry climate. Consider reducing the frequency of use or switching to a milder formula. Preserve your vitalityThe winter months also tend to get tough on respiratory health as pollution levels surge. “During this period people experience symptoms such as irritation, throat pain or sometimes even coughing fits because of thick, dry air with very high levels of pollution. Just making a few changes to your eating and incorporating some physical activity can benefit your lungs,” suggests Dr Siddhant Bhargava, fitness and nutritional scientist and co-founder of Food Darzee.>> Start incorporating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in your regular diets such as orange, strawberry, and spinach. All these foods have properties that can provide protection against stress posed by pollution. >> Omega–3 fatty acids found in oily fish or walnuts are also helpful in dealing with inflammation which is good for the lungs. >> Drink water, herbal tea, or warm broth to avoid soreness of the throat and airways. >> Check air quality, have air purifiers at home, do indoor exercises, and wear a mask during high pollution days.
13 November,2024 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen Kolkata-based guitarist Rishav Bhattacharya found himself sitting next to a Bangladeshi gentleman on his bus ride to a music festival in Dhaka earlier this year, he knew a conversation about their shared cultural and artistic heritage was on the cards. And so, they talked about heavy metal music. “Bangladesh has a thriving metal scene; they are serious about their indie bands,” Bhattacharya tells us. The guitarist’s only complaint — the never-ending traffic jams in the neighbouring country. As Bhattacharya heads westward this weekend with his band Dreadhammer to perform in Mumbai, he might be in for a nostalgic trip of sorts. The young band comprising Bhattacharya, Supriyo Dawn, Soumava Chatterjee, and Samantak Kundu, is a risk-taking lot. Defying the classical music and Rabindrasangeet obsession in their households was just the beginning. “We decided to try our luck by tagging the Mumbai festival while posting our performance from Bangladesh online one afternoon. Being declared the winners by icons like Uday Benegal was a pleasant surprise,” the artiste shares. Taking inspiration from pioneers in the genre like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and newer bands like Havok, the band’s sound — evident in their debut EP Sovereign — is reminiscent of the rise of thrash metal in the 1980s, yet refreshingly modern. “No escape, no remorse, lust for blood and broken bones,” Bhattacharya sings in the EP. He assures us we’ll find a friendlier sight if we catch them offstage. “When the show’s over, we sit back and enjoy a beer together,” he laughs. As for how hectic these shows get, it depends on which city you catch the band in. “Kolkata’s scene has plateaued in terms of patrons. We have been trying to expand our reach, but there are only so many people you can reach while playing the same few venues,” the frontman reveals, adding that the Mumbai gig and the exposure it brings will hopefully help Dreadhammer hit the nail on its head. ON November 16; 3 pm onwardsAT Jawa Yezdi Stage, Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock Building, Mazgaon. LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 1,500 onwards Rock with it Catch these iconic bands at the upcoming festival >> Indus CreedWitness prog-metal pioneers Zubin Balaporia, Uday Benegal and Mahesh Tinaiker live.ON November 16 >> BloodywoodShake a leg or headbang to this New Delhi-based band’s dance-y take on metal.ON November 17 >> Girish and The ChroniclesThis Sikkim-born Bengaluru-based rock collective headed by Girish Pradhan will remind the city what classic ‘80s hard rock feels like.ON November 16
13 November,2024 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is that time of the year when Mumbaikars wrap themselves up in their finest words to catch a glimpse of their favourite literati. From poets, writers and historians to performers will be in attendance as the Literature Live! The Mumbai Lit Fest opens at the NCPA this Friday. While the line-up of guests and panellists features names from Gulzar, environmentalist Jane Goodall, Pico Iyer, historian William Dalrymple and Ila Arun among others, we round-up the most awaited talks, performances and sessions to catch this season. FROM November 15 to November 17 TIME 10.30 am onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO litlive.in (to register) Awards >> An honour to beatWorld-renowned poet Arvind Krishna Mehrotra (left) will be honoured as the Godrej Poet Laureate of the festival, followed by a conversation with poet Arundhathi Subramaniam.ON November 15; 6 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA. >> Playwrights to the foreCatch the winners of the Sultan Padamsee Playwriting awards as they perform excerpts, and discuss their work.ON November 17; 3.35 pm onwards AT Godrej Theatre, NCPA. >> The grand finaleFrom the Best Book of the Year to Best First Book, catch the latest arrival to the city’s literati at the final awards presentation of the literature festival.ON November 17; 7.15 pm onwards AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA. Sessions >> A poet sings alongCatch the reclusive but charming Gulzar in conversation on the subject of ‘Poetry is life’ at the inaugural session of the festival.ON November 15; 3 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> Introduction to a radicalArt lovers cannot miss this introduction to the life and works of the late Indian modernist FN Souza as art critic Janeita Singh, former MAP Bengaluru director Kamini Sawhney and Asad Lalljee, CEO, Avid Learning.ON November 15; 4.40 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA. >> Bow to the masterDo not miss violinist L Subramaniam as he drops into the city for a rare conversation about his virtuoso talent.ON November 16; 10.30 am onwards AT Godrej Theatre, NCPA. >> A wanderer in the cityThis conversation between author Pico Iyer and Shobhaa De will brighten up your weekend. ON November 16; 5.10 pm onwards AT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> Talking IndiaHistorian William Dalrymple will pick up the conversation on the expansive influence of ancient India, in the context of his latest book, The Golden Road.ON November 16; 6.20 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA. >> From field to deskYou will not get a better chance to catch the reticent former World Cup winning-allrounder Mohinder Amarnath than at the preview of his upcoming book, Fearless.ON November 17; 12.30 pmAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA. Jane Goodall with a rehabilitated chimpanzee in Congo >> Nature’s firstThe festival concludes with a rare but spectacular appearance by one of the world’s foremost anthropologists and primatologists, Dr Jane Goodall, as she delivers the closing address.ON November 17; 6 pm onwardsAT Tata Theatre, NCPA Performances >> Beats and bopsDrop in to catch this performance by UK-based duo Wright & Grainger that brings heavy basslines, melodies and spoken word poetry to the fore.ON November 15; 8.40 pmAT Experimental Theatre >> Voices of powerThis presentation from LGBTQiA+ writers from South Asia, including performances by Dia Yonzon, Mesak Takhelmayum, Rukman Ragas and Sara Haque adds to a growing presence of the community in the literary sphere.ON November 16; 2 pm onwardsAT Little Theatre >> Orpheus retoldThe duo of Wright & Grainger brings a touch of the classical to the proceedings with a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus through music and spoken word.ON November 16; 4 pmAT Tata Garden, NCPA. >> A medley of languagesIf you are in the mood for a unique linguistic adventure, catch this performance of Slovenian poetry in Marathi and English by Brane Mozetič, Gregor Podlogar, Hemant Divate, Manya Joshi, Sanjeev Khandekar and Veronika Dintinjana.ON November 16; 7.25 pm onwards AT Little Theatre, NCPA.
13 November,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhen Hollywood actor Tom Holland recently confirmed the next instalment in the Spider-Man franchise, the Internet went into a tizzy — the Spider-Man edits resurfaced, memes were unleashed and the Marvel community came back with its honorary council to discuss possible theories and plots. The cultural impact of this phenomenon is massive and, might we say, marvellous for how it completely took hold of our childhood. A 1992 Spider-Man comic from Kini’s collection All because of a one bespectacled, brilliant mind from New York who took the comic book phenomenon to great heights. Stan Lee, a visionary artist and storyteller, breathed life into iconic superheroes. From the Captain America to the web-slinging Spider-Man and the armoured Iron Man, he is credited with co-creating some of the most memorable characters in pop-cultural imagination, whose multi-media influence is one of the definitive moments of this century. FAN SPEAK His legacy is monumental — he introduced complex characters with personal struggles, relatable flaws and a depth that made comics more accessible. Lee helped elevate comics from niche entertainment to mainstream pop culture and got them recognised as an art form. For beginners, the best Stan Lee book is Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics. This book goes beyond the technique and introduces readers to Lee’s perspective on creating engaging storylines and characters. Another title is Excelsior! The Amazing Life Of Stan Lee which is his autobiography.Saahil Sharma, creator, Cheese Burger comics I have been a comic book reader and collector from a very young age. I remember picking up Marvel comics, and spotting the name ‘Stan Lee’ on the editions; I used to think how this man has given us such iconic characters. That was before the Internet arrived. Granth Book Store in Juhu has a good collection of his work.Abhijeet Kini, illustrator-creator, Angry Maushi comic series Also Read: Batman Day: ‘He is the best superhero without any actual superpowers’ In search of Stan Lee READ >> Signed classicsGet your hands on signed editions of Lee’s comics, original works of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby from the 1940s, reprinted archival issues and classic marvel superhero stories here.AT The Comic Book Store, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 9920070516 >> The full dealFrom Captain America to Spider-Man and the newest Avenger series, find full editions of Marvel superhero comics as well as Stan Lee books here.AT Crossword Bookstores. Multiple outlets (Bandra, Juhu, Phoenix Mall, Kemps Corner)LOG ON TO www.crossword.in BROWSE >> Up, close and personalWatch Stan Lee, the official documentary of the genius to know the man behind the books.LOG ON TO www.hotstar.com >> Binge ItSlip into the lore behind the creation of Marvel characters in Stan Lee’s Mutants, Monsters, and Marvels, a two-part documentary where Lee reveals it all to director Kevin Smith.LOG ON TO www.primevideo.com LISTEN >> Marvel-lous festListen to Marveling at marvel’s Marvels - Episode 122: Stan Lee, a podcast where Marvel enthusiasts discuss popular marvel characters and decode Stan Lee’s legacy.LOG ON TO Spotify >> Recall the legendPop culture geek Kevin Gallagher discusses Lee’s craft in Everything is Awesome- Episode 147: Remembering Stan Lee.LOG ON TO Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other
12 November,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaOn a bustling corner of Bandra’s 16th Road, Frozen Fun Café is the newest occupant on the F&B scene. This café is the latest venture by Vasuki Punj, founder-CEO of Frozen Fun and brings a scoop of the popular Italian gelato to India. The café builds on Punj’s love for gelato and Anjuna favourite, Cream Choc Goa’s distinctive gelato recipes; its menu goes beyond its gelato and sorbet, including breakfast and main course dishes. A quirky LED sign reading “Calling gelato ice cream is like calling a tuxedo a suit,” greets us into the pink-hued, soft-lit interiors when we drop by on an early evening last weekend. The gelateria serves 24 rotating flavours, ranging from Belgian chocolate, to sour cherry with countless toppings including marshmallow, lotus biscoff, sprinkles and nuts. We noticed that the menu offered familiar café fare that opened with a section called Gelato for Breakfast — Why Not? challenging the idea that gelato is meant only for dessert. Venetian tiramisu gelato We begin with the avocado toast on ciabatta, topped with tzatziki, avocado, feta, and pickled onions (R450). The combination was fresh and satisfying, with chopped cashews adding a nice crunch. Service was attentive, with the chef often checking in with diners. Next, we tried the tagliatelle ai funghi e tartufo (R550). The pasta was cooked al dente, with a mix of mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil. When we pointed out that it tasted bland, it was quickly addressed by the staff. The toasted walnuts added texture, though basil might have suited the dish’s Italian roots better than microgreens. Their gelato-focused menu includes unique options like gelato burgers served in a homemade brioche bun, smoothie bowls blended with tiny scoops of gelato, or sorbet for a balanced indulgence (including protein-based and acai options), sundaes, and waffles. They also serve a vegan range of sorbets, including mango, strawberry and lemon flavours. We sampled a few; the sour cherry gelato balanced tanginess had a creamy richness, while the Belgian chocolate was indulgent. Baileys had a subtle hint of liquor, naturally! The Italian picks were equally impressive, with classics like stracciatella choco chip offering delicate chocolate chips for texture while fior di fragola (Italian for strawberry flower), captured the bright, juicy essence of ripe strawberries with a smooth, fruity and flowery finish. Overhanging floral accents and mood lighting add charm to the ambiance. PICS/KANISHA SOFTA Sicilian pistachio brought a deep, nutty taste with a rich, velvety texture, while bacio, a chocolate hazelnut blend — balanced the earthy hazelnut tones with the lush sweetness of chocolate, creating a satisfying, layered flavour. After our thorough trial, we eventually opted for the Venetian tiramisu gelato (R235, small), a rich flavour reminiscent of the classic dessert. The gelato captured tiramisu’s essence, blending bold coffee notes with creamy mascarpone. On the flip side, the portions were stingy and costly, perhaps due to its location. Waffle cones cost extra; each cup includes a waffle chip. The café’s drink menu offers smoothies, sorbet mocktails made from house-made sorbets, and zero-sugar lemon sodas in multiple flavours. The gelato frappés and shakes bring a twist to café classics, featuring flavours from mocha and vanilla to Italian-inspired tiramisu. Made with their freshly churned gelato and customised toppings, these shakes and frappés showcase the café’s commitment to gelato as the centrepiece. Frozen Fun CaféTime 9 am to 1 am. At Shop 4, Shyam Kunj, Pali Naka, 16th Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: @frozenfungelatoCall 9082525976 Also Read: Food review: Why this Kandivali eatery serves ice cream inside fruits
12 November,2024 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaTitle: Royal-ishAuthor: Amrita GandhiGenre: Children’s fictionPublisher: Harper-CollinsIndiaCost: Rs 299 Seventh grader Lily Ray is a curious kid who loves vlogging about nature and gumboots. One day, while spending time in her scientist mother’s lab, she tests her DNA and finds out that she shares a microscopic part of her genes with the royal family of Bagradoo. When she writes to King Khair of Bagradoo about her discovery, he is delighted to host Lily at his palace during her summer break. Amrita Gandhi’s debut children’s novel, Royal-ish (HarperCollins India), is full of Lily’s adventures at the island kingdom, as she vlogs about its local plants and creatures and experiences several unusual happenings. An illustration of Lily with a backpack while on her trip A digital diary, built by her mother, accompanies her everywhere, often answering at the most inappropriate times. Young readers get a taste of mystery, with fantastical elements such as walking crocodiles, blue illuminated pinecones, and the island’s unique sea wonder, “the ponypups.” A young minister and the king’s cousin scheme to take over the royal throne; the big fat ledger goes missing; Lily discovers a half-moon pearl; bizarre events keep readers on the edge of their seats at all times. By including no more than a couple of illustrations in each chapter, Gandhi’s book fires the imagination of young readers. They get snapshots from Lily’s explorations but not more than that. One of the most important highlights for this writer was discovering that Lily wasn’t drawn as an overambitious child who takes on the task of saving the world. She is an ordinary kid, who is smart, fun, gets scared, and stumbles frequently. She has interesting hobbies. Having been invited by royal families and written about it during her career as a lifestyle host, Gandhi provides palatially striking characteristics to Princess Pashmina, King Khair, and the Dowager Queen. Adding to that, Professor Quill, who protects all knowledge, takes the cake, and his conversations with Lily make the book joyful to read. Also Read: Book review: Ditch the cape, lungi is cooler
12 November,2024 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaPula Desphande’s love for Pune and Dadar is well known. In one of his famous readings of his essays, he would remark, “There is nothing you cannot find at Lakshmi Road, Pune or Ranade Road, Dadar. Then again, anything unavailable in Pune or Dadar is not worth finding.” Yet, when Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder came under attack by the conservatives across the state, including Pune and Mumbai, Deshpande drew the line. A moment from the performance Typically, it was with a work of subtlety, humour and tongue-in-cheek satire titled Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder. Five decades after it was written, director Mangesh Satpute is taking the play, now retitled Mad Sakharam for the stage, on tour; bringing it to Mumbai this evening. “I grew up with PuLa Deshpande,” the 48-year-old former alumnus of Ramnarain Ruia college recalls. This fascination with the personality only grew with his interest in theatre. “In 2018, I was working on a comedy production, when I came across a collection of PuLa Deshpande plays, Amhi Latike Na Bolu. It was in this compilation that I found Bhagwan Shri Sakharam Binder.” Actors prepare their lines during rehearsals Written in 1974, the play was a reaction to the objections raised against Tendulkar’s eponymous production. What drew Satpute’s attention was the absence of details. “Usually, such compilations offer a timeline on the first staging or production of the play. This had no such information. The more I tried to find out, the more it sparked my curiosity. After discussions with several senior theatremakers, I learned that it had not been staged ever before,” he says. Vijay Tendulkar Deshpande’s play takes Tendulkar’s plot and flips it on its head. Where Tendulkar builds on Sakharam’s abrasive nature and moral depravity, Deshpande turns him into an aspiring spiritual guru. Both, understandably, poke fun at the hypocrisy of society. “You must look at the play as a reaction, and in context of the uproar [against Sakharam Binder] during the period. It was also perhaps the reason it was never staged,” Satpute remarks, adding, “PuLa did not see himself above the people ever, yet, he would not stand for hypocrisy. He could laugh at them and with them, as though asking, “Is this moral enough for you?’” One tool that the author uses to emphasise this hypocrisy is language. Sakharam Binder was infamous for the expletives Tendulkar used freely. “I found the language in PuLa’s work fascinating. He uses complex Sanskritised Marathi for the most inane actions. It is pure as a language, but makes Sakharam sound pretentious and hypocritical. You cannot help but laugh at such a person, and suddenly you realise who it is aimed at. That is precisely what he wants,” Satpute points out. Pu La Deshpande. Pic Courtesy /Wikimedia Commons It took over two years, and the hiatus of the pandemic, before Satpute and his team could put the production together. With a cast led by Sunil Jadhav, Kiran Rajput and Vishal More, the production is presented by theatre and film personality Sonali Kulkarni. Incidentally, Kulkarni played Lakshmi in the run of Sakharam Binder alongside Sayaji Shinde. Over the last few months, they have already toured Pune, Nagpur, Satara among other regions. Mangesh Satpute 50 years can be a long time. Does the play lose out its context, aside from the Sakharam Binder connection, we ask? “No,” the director emphasises, “The play is not set in a specific time or place. It is all the more relevant today. The hypocrisies it pokes fun at still exist. That is what theatre must address,” he concludes. ON Today; 7.30 pmAT Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com; in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 450 onwards Also Read: Prithvi Theatre Festival: Here are The Guide's top picks that you can indulge in this year
12 November,2024 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
