10 July,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Atul Kamble
While the remains of a decades-old-tree surround them, youngsters take over a street for a game of cricket in Churchgate
For years Craig Boehman has trained his lens on the bustling street life of Mumbai, while hiding another talent. The American recently released his independent single, BE. "I used to write poetry, and play the guitar, back in the United States, when I was 20-years-old," revealed Boehman, adding that this was "a return to the music he had created on demo audio cassettes and mp3 recorders."
The single, a simple, poetic ballad about the self, is only the beginning. "I have to admit that I have taken the help of technology to sharpen up, add a studio sound to the demo tracks I created. I began working on music when people were beginning to switch from analogue mode to mp3s and digital players. Now, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence [AI], people have the opportunity to use technology to facilitate their talent. You do not always need a studio and a large ensemble to turn your creations into finished productions. I think it is a creative challenge I am looking forward to," the photographer told this diarist.
A Dashavatar performance at Nehru Centre in April this year. Pic/Rane Ashish
THE halls of St Xavier's College (autonomous) will echo with ancient Indian myths as Utkarsh Patel and Arundhuti Dasgupta of the Mythology Project will helm a 10-day course on the Dashavatar starting July 31. "We will focus on the many myths of the Dashavtar, and their impact on folk art, drama, theatre.
You can find their influences from the Ganjifa paintings of Odisha to the Dashavatar performances across Konkan in Maharashtra," shared Patel. Hosted in collaboration with the Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, readers can write to shilpa.chheda@xaviers.edu for more information.
Neeraj Majhi educates children at Marine Drive. Pics Courtesy/Neeraj Majhi
IN the aftermath of Mumbai's monsoon fury, Spider-Man, 21-year-old Nalasopara resident Neeraj Majhi has stepped into the Krrish avatar to help police keep Mumbaikars away from Marine Drive. When this diarist prodded him about the choice of character, he replied, "Krrish, as a superhero, has always stood for helping people. I know I don't have superpowers, but if I can help people during the rains and inspire others to stay safe, that's enough for me."
A view of the flooded streets in Lonavala. Pics Courtesy/Lonavala Women's Foundation
While the rain gods might have taken a break from the furious onslaught over the last week, many residents of the neighbouring monsoon destination of Lonavala are struggling. "Lonavala saw over 26 inches of rain only on July 6. The resulting flooding cost people their homes, livelihoods, and shelters," shared Brinda Ganatra, chairperson, Lonavala Women's Foundation. To offer a hand, the foundation has opened doors to their family's Hotel Chandralok, offering people refuge and food, while also starting a fundraiser.
"This is an exceptional rain occurrence in Lonavala, and has taken a toll on its people. We are trying to help with their necessities from mattresses to towels, clothing, and other essentials. We are also tying up with the Shivdurg Mitra Rescue group to try, and rescue the animals who have been caught in the waters," Ganatra shared. Readers keen to lend a hand can reach out to them at 9422510656.
