The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Pic/Shadab Khan
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In view of heavy rainfall and a rise in cases of drowning across the city and beyond, a policeman warns cyclists at Bandra’s Bandstand.
SoBo gallery gets global nod
Fort’s TARQ was recently shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival 2023 to be held in Singapore in September. The art gallery housed in the 120-year-old KK (Navsari) Chambers, was among six projects selected in the public buildings category at the INSIDE festival, one of the sections of this fest. The building’s contemporary interiors and the retained heritage element on the façade was a key reason for its selection.
“I have observed many heritage buildings in South Mumbai have been renovated, and are housing new activities while maintaining the cultural context in which the structure was built. It’s wonderful that our Squareworks team is able to present the project at the festival, where we are letting the world know that there is this kind of a movement worth discussing and sharing in Mumbai,” shared architect Katsushi Goto, who steered its design.
The last of the greats depart
Tony Bennett performing in California. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons; (right) Gary Lawyer
This year is taking a heavy toll on music. The rare world of jazz crooners lost another legend with the passing of Tony Bennett on July 21. The 20-time-Grammy Award winner was 96 years old, and had a career that saw him team up with multiple generations, from Dean Martin to Lady Gaga. While few GenZers might blink at the name, Gary Lawyer recalled growing up to the music of Bennett, Sinatra and Nat King Cole. “He had a checkered career, and his classic , I left my heart in San Francisco, will forever be linked with him,” Lawyer said. Remarking on Bennett’s subtle, casual vocal style, the singer said, “Sadly, most youngsters are not exposed to that kind of easy singing, one where your vocal chords are not strained and pulled. Bennett was a rarity, even as a personality. After all, to be respected by presidents, ministers, musicians and fans is no mean feat,” he observed.
Youth power
Beach clean-up over the last weekend; (top, from left) Akshat Shah and Shubh Mehta
On July 21, 2019, 18 students from Change Is Us, a youth-led initiative, found themselves at Girgaon Chowpatty, hosting their first ever beach clean-up. To celebrate the fourth anniversary, over 180 youngsters joined them last Saturday at the same venue. “So many people managed to join us from far-off places despite the rains,” shared Shubh Mehta, its co-founder. Recalling how they began their journey, Mehta took us back to 2019, when his batchmate Akshat Shah was disturbed by the Amazon forest fires. The duo were in the 12th grade, and were advised by family and friends to focus on their studies. Shah, however, could not shake off the urge to act on that environmental disaster. After exhaustive research, the then 18-year-olds birthed their initiative towards climate change.
“There were days when only Akshat and I would be cleaning the shore,” recalled Mehta, adding, “On some days, nearly 1,000 people showed up.” This was after Ganpati visarjan last year. With an 80-member-strong team, largely comprising school and college students, the group will continue to host beach clean-ups and host seminars to spread awareness.
Dreamy notes in the city of dreams
On the bustling bridge leading to Bandra East station’s exit, an 18-year-old boy’s live gig grabbed the attention of hurried commuters. This diarist was intrigued to see a boy seated on the floor of the bridge with a Sony’s music set connected to his cellphone, as he belted out a few Bollywood hits, occasionally looking down at his phone for the lyrics. His music offered an island of calm against the constant rumble of passing trains and announcements. When we prodded, we learnt that the boy named Roshan hails from Uttarakhand. He arrived in the city two days ago, with an aspiration of becoming an actor. “But the guards at film studios won’t let me in,” he told us, adding that this is his way to earn and make it in the industry.
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