The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Pic/Satej Shinde
Pav-Packed meals
ADVERTISEMENT
Catching a quick break in between work, a group of men eat vada pavs in a truck at Retibunder, Kalwa
Fighting zombies
Days Left Behind is a short film that toys with the concept of zombies. It features actor and theatre practitioner Aaryan Deshpande. Now that the film has won accolades from across the world and made it to prestigious nominations, Deshpande said the hard work has paid off. “We have worked for 10 to 11 hours on a daily basis to wrap up shooting in a couple of weeks, but it feels rewarding now,” Deshpande added. He said this film satiated his curiosity, as few directors explore the zombie or fantasy genre in India.
Crossing borders with nature
Lubaina Bandukwala and (right) Baela Raza Jamil
A peace initiative by Indo Pak Book Lovers Club witnessed author Lubaina Bandukwala and activist-public policy expert Baela Raza Jamil virtually meet over stories. The digital event called Yugen hopes to inspire kids and adults with deep respect and love for Nature. In fact, Yugen is a Japanese word that hints at the subtle profundity of things, taking them beyond their superficial existence. Commenting on the objective of the meet, Bandukwala told this diarist, “Storytelling events on Nature are always wonderful. I spoke about my book titled Coral Woman. Jamil, as a senior educator, shared stories from her series Sayani Saheli [meaning wise friends] where three girls act to counter climate change. This is an opportunity for us to talk on common themes and find connections with each other. I am glad that we’re finding connections especially through environmental concerns, as families need to start thinking about issues we face as one world.” The author added that the meet increased her faith in the belief that stories are for everyone, and from everywhere.
Colaba wanderings
The Gateway of India and Colaba Causeway. That’s pretty much the extent of the SoBo neighbourhood that visitors from other parts of the city restrict themselves to when they visit the area. But a walk this weekend that sailor-explorer Daniel Sequeira, who owns Karfule, a historic Art Deco-themed petrol pump in Ballard Estate, is hosting will take participants to less-explored nooks and crannies. “I will be looking at different aspects of Colaba, and take them to spots they wouldn’t go to otherwise. Rarely do people go to smaller areas inside the markets, or look up and notice things, which is what the walk aims to do,” Sequeira shared. Folks who are interested in the island city’s heritage, can visit @gohalluhallu on Instagram to sign up for the walk and explore this precinct.
Rani KoHEnur’s time in LA
Who doesn’t know American drag queen and television judge RuPaul Andre Charles? This year, the drag icon’s much-awaited contest will have Sushant Divgikr, popularly known as Rani KoHEnur (below) as one of the participants. Divgikr, who is overjoyed to announce their presence at the upcoming DragCon in Los Angeles in March, told this diarist, “The invitation brought tears to my eyes because I will be the first Indian ever to walk the red carpet and perform at this prestigious event celebrating drag and performance artistes from all around the globe. It is time Indian culture and performance art were presented on a global stage; I am blessed to announce that I will be the medium through which the world will see my country’s fabulous cultural heritage in my drag.” They [Divgikr’s preferred pronoun] added that the performance is their gift to their parents, who chose to love and accept them regardless of their gender and orientation.
Ritual art takes reimagined course
One of our favourite books that celebrates the art-meets-design format, is back in print, and in a new avatar. In 2015, Tara Books joined hands with Jagdish Chitara, a practitioner of the Mata-Ni-Pachedi art form to capture the traditional art, and its narrative movement. The new version of Cloth of the Mother Goddess book has freshly done information sections; the sections have been silkscreen-printed onto a multi-panel cross-shaped cloth. The reader can unfold, and read each of the folds. Visit tarabooks.com to buy a copy.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
