Mumbai Diary: Saturday Dossier

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Power podcast
This Women's Day, India's first indie music podcast that showcases the best Indian artistes saw eight female musicians from Mumbai come together for one harmonious episode. Aditi Ramesh, Ramya Pothuri, Aarifah Eve Rebello, Nush Lewis, Kamakshi Khanna, Pooja Mazoomdar, Warsha Easwar and Tanya Shah made one of the prettiest sounding jams, thanks to the mouth trumpet sounds and multiple harmonies.

And along with ensuring that the blend of genres sounded as one entity, the ladies also got talking about what they love about being a woman, aided by Mae Thomas, whose brainchild the podcast is. “I wanted the The Ladies Special to be a place where I could have brilliant musicians come together and jam,” Thomas told this diarist. It's one you don't want to miss.

For more women in power
Mumbai-based musician Raghav Meattle, known for his politically-inclined lyrics, who made quite the noise with his previous single where he commented on the government's policies, celebrated Women's Day by uploading a story on the Women's Reservation Bill on social media.

The artiste posted ab­out the fact that only 12 per cent of Lok Sabha members are women. “The Reservation Bill has been pe­nding for so many years. The Op­position isn't doing anything about it after coming to power. Who's going to be serious about taking it forward?” Meattle told this diarist.

A risky ride
While authorities have come down heavily on people talking on their ph­ones while driving, actor Radhika Apte pointed out a new menace — drivers wa­tc­h­ing videos wh­ile driving. Unfortunately, it's not a rare sight as every second cab driver who doesn't have a passenger, has mastered the art of keeping one eye on the phone and the other on the road; a skill we would have appreciated had it proven handy in tracking Google Maps.

But this entertainment option is less common during bumpy auto rides thanks to the potholes and speed bumps on the roads. So, in the picture where Apte called the act “too dangerous”, you can see how the auto driver has used his earphones to fix his phone on the auto's steering handle. We wish for less jugaad when it comes to accident-inducing acts like these, please.

Follow this map
The first time we visited Uno Mas, we made the mistake of not taking the service lane that leads to Inspire BKC, the building where the restaurant is located. So, we had to get off at a petrol pump on the main road and make an arduous walk to it.

But there are others who had made the same mistake. We know because the restaurant has put up a map on its social media page. Nidhi Mane, their guest relations executive told us, “There were people who would miss that service lane. So, we put up the map to make things easier.”

Third time lucky
The St Regis Mumbai is back with its annual fashion and sport soirée at Mahalaxmi racecourse. The third edition of The Millionaire Asia Polo Cup scheduled for today will see the ARC India and Chile teams compete, followed by a fashion showcase by Nivedita Saboo.

“Polo in an innate part of our legacy and a perfect complement to the brand. This is a much looked forward to event,” Anuraag Bhatnagar, GM, St Regis
Mumbai, told mid-day.

What a waist

The svelte Kalki Koechlin pinches her waist as Faraz Arif Ansari (left) looks on during an acting workshop conducted for members of the transgender community on Friday. Pic/Sameer Markande

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!