Mumbai Diary: Saturday Dossier

Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Love Birds

A flock of seagulls foreground a young couple sharing an intimate moment at Dadar Beach

Gubu-Gubu goes to Karjat

A moment from the play at Karalewadi Zilla Parishad Shaala

Students at the Kamal Vidyalaya and Karalewadi Zilla Parishad Shaala in Karjat were in for something different this week. Mumbai-based Gillo Repertory Theatre put up two renditions of a Marathi play, Gubu-Gubu at both schools on February 26. Founder-director, Shaili Sathyu shared with this diarist, "The children responded amazingly well, and were very interactive, even joining the performers in reciting dialogues and dancing. At one point, intrigued villagers from nearby areas came to watch as well."

Children at Kamal Vidyalaya watch performers enact a scene from the play. Pics Courtesy/Gillo Repertory Theatre

Mittal's April pranks

Aditi Mittal. File pic

It might just be February, but a comedian can never be too prepared. Come April, Aditi Mittal is set to launch her special Bad Altitude on YouTube. "I intend to release it on April 1. I always intended it for OTT, but it was getting so complex, I decided to go on my own," Mittal revealed with a gleeful laugh. This page had written about Mittal's performance back in January. "It is a show about my recent trip to Mount Everest," the comedian had shared.

While the April 1 date might seem like a prankster's dream, Mittal has no time to rest. She is already at work on her next set, Beti Testing that will go on the floor in the second half of March. "It is a spin on the techie term, beta testing. For now, the set is under work, and literally being ‘tested'," she told this diarist.

Little Theatre gets an upgrade

Audience at the newly refurbished performance space

The cultural hub of National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) had a new look on Friday. The Little Theatre stage is now back with some improvements and a plaque to affirm a new association with the international investment firm, Jefferies. The space opened on Friday after undergoing a basic refurbishment of its interiors, with more improvements to come in the near future. Regulars can be assured that the space will retain its rich and diverse programming. "In an interconnected world, institutions and enterprises cross borders with ease. The plaque we unveil today is, therefore, more than a marker of recognition. It is a testament to a relationship built on trust, respect, and a common belief that culture is a universal language - one that transcends geography, sector, and background," shared NCPA chairman Khushroo N Suntook.

(From left) Former HDFC vice chairman Keki Mistry, former HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, NCPA chairman Khushroo N Suntook, and Aashish Agarwal, Country Head (India), Jefferies at the launch. Pics/Satej Shinde

Trumpeting for Joe

Gedion Labane, Consul General of South Africa, Mumbai presents the award to Joe Vessaokar (right). Pic Courtesy/@gohalluhallu; (right) Vessaokar plays his trumpet by a street in Bandra. Pic Courtesy/Minaz Ansari

Residents around the area of Bazaar Road in Bandra would definitely be familiar with the notes of musician Joe Vessaokar. We are pleased to learn that, after decades of sharing his music with Mumbaikars, the trumpeter has been felicitated for his work with The Pillar of Hindustaanee Society award.
"I was in attendance at an event for the Trans Asian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Indo-Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held at Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Colaba on February 24. I was suddenly called on stage for this award (given to distinguished personalities), for my contribution to music," Vessaokar recalled in conversation with this diarist. He added with a chuckle, "I played the trumpet even afterwards, in front of many foreign guests. All I can say is, I love sharing my music with others."