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Make the most of Thursday to Sunday with these fun activities in Mumbai

Thursday Groove the weekendMusic:  There is no better way to prepare yourself for a hip weekend than grooving to some good music. The Mumbai synth of Daira and Harmo’NO’nium come together for a rare gig at this suburban venue. Drop in if you crave some innovative beats to get you moving.Time 8 pm onwardsAt Rule 34, 148, C/D, Sector 2, Charkop Industrial Estate, Kandivali West.Log on to insider.in  Cost Rs 500 onwards Friday Pic Courtesy/Instagram Art and giggles Art: Witness artist Roshan Chhabria’s artistic take on the mundane everyday lives of Indian middle-class households with hints of visual humour at the ongoing exhibition titled Lipstick Stories.Till April 13  Time 11 am to 6 pm At Sakshi Art Gallery, 3rd Pasta Lane, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Free Saturday Mirror your craftWorkshop: Learn the unique art of clay mirror work with artist Nikhila Varun. Get yourself some digital detox as you team up with friends to enjoy this tactile art workshop.Time 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm At Candies, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Call 8655615440Cost Rs 1,500 The beer-burger jamFood & Drink: Is there a more perfect combination of juicy burgers and cold beer on a weekend? The second edition of the Beers and Burgers Festival comes to Chembur with its mouth-watering selection of burgers. From tofu tango to meaty meltdowns, try some of their tastiest creations. Check out a tribute to the city in the Mumbai coastal burger with its crispy kasundi-coated and beer-battered Bombay duck filet. This one washes down perfectly with a draught of cold brew. If you wish to skip the carbs, try the deconstructed options of beetroot, chipotle or za’atar to make it a perfect weekend. Till April 14 At Le Cafe, Jewel of Chembur, 1st Road, opposite BMC office, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur Gaothan, Chembur. Call 02267099977Cost Rs 1,800 (for two) Sunday Laugh out loud Comedy: Catch Varanasi-based comedian Anurag Singh live at his new solo show. Expect rib-tickling punchlines and observational comedy at the 90-minute long show that revolves around corporate culture, bachelorhood and the complexities of life in the city.Time 8.30 pm At Backspace, first floor, Lodha Boulevard, Thane West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299 onwards Pic courtesy/Youtube  Japanese maestro at workFilm: While anime is all the vogue today, there are few filmmakers who radicalised the genre like the late Satoshi Kon. Catch the works for Kon at this screening of Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress, two iconic films that inspired Darron Aronofsky and Christopher Nolan, among others. Discover the insights into Japanese culture, consumerism and its modernisation.Time 4 pm onwardsAt The Bombay Movie Club, Andheri East. (Location provided on registration) Log on to @thebombaymovieclub Entry RSVP is mandatory  Breathe easy  Kids: Introduce your children to the benefits of yoga at this guided session with certified children’s yoga coach Jasmeet KaurTime 11.15 am onwards At 3 Art House, Khar West. Call 8356024972 Age Group 6 years and above Cost Revealed on request

28 March,2024 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Devashish Kamble
Pic courtesy/themadriyazi.com

Love wearing shirts of your favourite bands? Check this out

One of the reasons I love hard rock as a genre is the variety of cool T-shirts to flaunt your favourite bands. The same cannot be said for a Hindustani classical music fan. But the discovery of themadriyazi.com could possibly change that view. This shirt from their musical collection is one for the classicists. What’s more is that they offer a wide variety to choose from. Log on to themadriyazi.comCost Rs 799

28 March,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Atop Kalsubai peak. Pic Courtesy/Mischief Treks

Love trekking? Check out these beginner-friendly adventure spots around Mumbai

Camp on the rocks Nandini Sharma, mountaineerNot only is Kalsubai the highest peak in Maharashtra, but it’s also an excellent choice for beginners. The trek difficulty is moderate, with some challenges like steep sections and rocky terrain. However, with a steady pace, even beginners can conquer it. For those seeking a slower, more immersive experience, there’s the option to camp at the mountain. This allows trekkers to take their time, soak in the beauty of the surroundings, and truly connect with nature.  How to reach: Board a local train to Kasara, from where you can catch a taxi to Bari village, where the trek begins. Together to the top A trekker climbs his way to Kothaligad Fort; (right) Chirag Dhabalia Chirag Dhabalia, trek organiserThe Kothaligad fort, located near Karjat is the ideal trek for beginners and amateur hikers. It is also a perfect option to introduce your kids to the world of trekking. Situated within a 100-kilometre radius of both Mumbai and Pune, with convenient road and railway access, Kothaligad provides the much-needed respite from urban commotion. The fort rises to a maximum altitude of 2,033 feet and was primarily used as a watchtower and ammunition depot by the ruling armies. The strategic location of the hill provides a commanding view of Padargad, Malanggad and other forts in clear weather in the summer. The trail is relatively safe and passes through charming villages. How to reach: Board a local train to Karjat. A 25-minute cab ride from Karjat to Ambivali village will take you to the base of the trek. State public transport buses may be inconsistent. Rise and splash Trekkers take a plunge at the Kalmandavi waterfalls; (right) Kuldip Rathore Kuldip Rathore, senior trek leader, @mischieftreksIf you’d like to trek in summers, sunrise treks are the ideal. These tend to start early, around 3 am to 5 am, and the ascent is completed by sunrise ensuring you do not get to face the day’s heat until you reach the peak. An ideal sunrise trek for beginners would be the Harihar fort trek that covers seven kilometres over a two-hour ascend. Apart from these sunrise treks you can also consider day treks, but the options are few. Kalmandavi waterfall trek in Palghar district is one of the best suited treks which also provides cliff jumping experience. The trek is short and can be covered in 30 minutes, to reach the waterfall. Experienced experts help you with taking the 40 feet plunge. This activity is suitable for non-swimmers too. How to reach: Take the Mumbai Ahmedabad highway and turn right at Manor junction towards Jawhar village.  In the city’s backyard Shubham Hadkar, nature education officer, SGNP The Sanjay National Gandhi Park offers short and sweet one day-treks for city folk who do not wish to spend time travelling away from the city and are looking for a short getaway. The Upper Kanheri trail stands out as a popular choice this season owing to a path that is shaded for the most part. Nestled in the national park, one can also expect to spot birds and bugs along the slow trail. This provides safe and convenient opportunities for young trekkers to get introduced to the practice of birding and wildlife photography. The Shilonda trail is another relaxed option with plenty of shade for enthusiasts. Beginners’ checklist Dos:☑ Take regular walks at least two weeks before the trek or trail☑ Wear light, breathable fabrics that absorb sweat. Cotton clothes are ideal. A hat can be considered for sun protection.☑ Carry at least two litres of water and some energy bars. Pack a few extras even for short one-day treks☑ Ensure that your shoes have proper grip and are not worn out Don’ts:x Do not play music on trails. Sounds can agitate animals in the surroundingsx Avoid flashy and vibrant outfits and accessories that might attract attention from wild animals x Do not continue with the trail or trek if you have last-minute apprehensions about your fitness and health x Never step away from the designated path even briefly. Reach out to locals for help if you are unsure or lost Trek time Kalmandavi trekON March 31; 5 am to 6 pmMEETING POINT Grandmama’s Café, Dadar East.LOG ON TO mischieftreks.com COST Rs 1,200 (includes food and travel) Garbett Plateau trekON March 31 and April 7; 12.50 am MEETING POINT Bhivpuri Road railway station LOG ON TO treksandtrails.org COST Rs 799 (includes breakfast)   Kalsubai sunrise trekON March 30 and April 6; 9.30 pm MEETING POINT Kasara railway station.LOG ON TO mischieftreks.comCOST Rs 1,100 (includes food and travel) Panshet lakeside campingON March 31 and April 6; 10 am MEETING POINT Camp Panshet, Velhe-Panshet Road, Panshet.CALL 7821092678 (for directions) COST Rs 999 

28 March,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
St Francis Church, Fort Kochi; (right) the tombstone where Vasco da Gama was buried after his death on December 24, 1524 and rested there until his remains were removed to Portugal 14 years later

Why this book is a must-read if you want to explore the history of Kerala

Title: The Curry CoastAuthor: Binoo K JohnGenre: Non-fiction/TravelPublisher: Speaking TigerCost: Rs 350 It’s tempting for this writer to bypass any new book that celebrates God’s Own Country out of fascination for the narrow strip of land that kisses the Arabian Sea on one side, and is blessed by the Western Ghats on the other. But this habit at times, has cost her dear, given the predictable tone and template found in a slew of recent glossy, hastily-researched armchair travelogue titles (courtesy: the ‘influencer/content creator’ demigods) that are now becoming the norm rather than exception. It is why seasoned journalist Binoo K John’s The Curry Coast comes as a refreshing departure from all of the above that we’ve experienced by virtue of having to play fair reviewer on the job. The tagline of the book reads: Travels in Malabar 500 Years after Vasco da Gama, and it lives up to the statement. This revised and updated version is a delight for any reader keen to rediscover the fine craft of research-backed stories that have their roots in the origins and histories of the land. John takes us through the locations that the Portuguese conqueror had set foot on. But it doesn’t end there. He mixes up his findings after chatting with local residents and researchers, and in the process cooks up an aromatic stew by piecing the past with the present. A view of the promenade at Fort Kochi overlooking the natural harbour. The area is believed to be one of the earliest European settlements in India From Quilon’s importance as the pepper hub, to Kotakkal’s tryst with Ayurveda, how Mahe fits into the scheme of things, and to Fort Kochi’s almost-fantastical love affair with visitors from the sea, he hasn’t taken any shortcuts. On the contrary, he was pored over historic records and traveller’s accounts, trudging the length and breadth of the coastline to gel it with present-day complexities. The end result? A deep-dive into history with a reality check on today’s Kerala along this historic stretch that was once on da Gama’s radar. Some of our favourite sections include his interweaving of culinary gems and socio-cultural anecdotes. To round things off, John makes a trip to Goa, the seat of Portuguese power on the Subcontinent until the liberation of the tiny region. This joining-of-the-dots travelogue gets our vote because of its dedication to facts and episodic detailing told by key voices with reflections on forgotten places. It’s an honest, rigorous attempt to showcase Kerala that misses the eye of the rushed writer.

27 March,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
Kiara Advani. Pics Courtesy/Instagram

Keep it fresh: How to ace the summer make-up looks while dealing with the heat

The arrival of summer has heralded the onslaught of ‘juicy’, colourful make-up looks on fashion runways and social media mood boards alike. But even as we scroll through the inspiration, it occurs to us that none of these looks factor in the searing heat, uncomfortable humidity and dust that have become synonymous with summers in Mumbai. Blue mascara can add a minimal and chic look; (right) Shraddha Kapoor in her summer look. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Neither are they built to withstand the rigours of the daily commute across a cityscape that’s in the midst of an all-encompassing, endless makeover. Is swearing off make-up and locking away our palettes and brushes our only recourse? Not necessarily, clarifies make-up artist Natasha Nyss. “It’s all about using the right products in the right quantities, with the right techniques,” she explains. With that, she lays down the following make-up mantras for summer 2024, the Mumbai edition.  Ace that base The most flawless make-up looks are built on healthy, moisturised and protected skin, Nyss emphasises. A hack that can up your skincare game, she says, is to ice your face. “Using ice helps with oil control and sunburn, while also tightening your pores. You can follow this up with primer only on your T-zone to keep the oiliness at bay. Your final step is to use the right sunscreen for your skin type — those with oily skin will be well served by gel-based sunscreens,” she suggests. Summer-proof your make-up Shanaya Kapoor Replace heavier foundations with tinted sunscreens, or BB or CC creams. If you must use foundation, she suggests using powder products that allow easy touch-ups and prevent your skin from looking greasy. Skip the eyeliner during the day, and use waterproof mascara to emphasise your eyes. Steer clear of liquid lipsticks and choose hydrating cream formulations to avoid chapped and dry lips. Carry a bottle of your favourite facial mist — choose a hydrating formula — and spray your face multiple times a day to keep your skin fresh and glowing, all day long. Don’t forget to protect your skin and hair with a scarf during your long commute outdoors. Limit colours Natasha Nyss Although popsicle-hued eye products are the rage on social media, Nyss points out that elaborate or very colourful looks will be hard to touch up on the go, and are prone to smudging. Instead, she recommends a fresh, flushed look, with a marked emphasis on blush. Here, instead of cream or powder formulations, Nyss advises using tints that last longer and stay put through hours of wear, and choosing shades such as caramel pinks, nude-pinks, corals and peaches. “Don’t be afraid to go a little heavy-handed but do keep the rest of your look relatively simple. If you do want to add a pop of colour, a hint of blue around the eyes will instantly summer-ise your make-up — try a blue mascara or a blue smudge-proof eyeliner for a minimal and chic, but playful edge,” she recommends. Finally, invest in travel-sized and multipurpose products that you can easily pop into your office tote. A pencil that you can use for your eyeshadow, eyeliner and lipliner is a good example, she signs off.

27 March,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Representation Pic

Theatre makers on the workings of the stage, and changes they would like to see

The need for commercial theatre Patel performs during a stage rehearsal of Rahul Da Cunha’s play, One On One. File Pic After a lull, people are now coming back to the theatre. It is great to see more and more shows enjoying a good run. I wouldn’t say it is at 100 per cent in the commercial space, but it is much better. There are also quite a few plays about poets and musicians emerging. There is a lot of such productions coming to the fore right now. People like to step out and enjoy musical plays, and sometimes, it is just coincidental. Things to change: The financial struggle of theatre remains. I suppose that is a continuous struggle when it comes to the lack of support or funding. People, especially newer theatre groups, are still finding it a challenge to make theatre happen. Beyond that, I wish there would be more commercial plays happening, especially in English. I do feel that is something we need to push and revive across the board. Otherwise, there are so many young people doing theatre, and that is great to see. Shernaz Patel, artistic director, Aadyam To celebrate diversity In our conversations with young theatre makers one fundamental question we ask is why we do what we do. And in the discussion that follows, questions often come up about the role of the arts in general, and theatre, in particular. World Theatre Day is a good occasion to ponder this. Shanbag (second from right) during a rehearsal of a production by Tamaasha Theatre. File Pic Things to change: Only a few weeks ago a student production in a university space was physically attacked allegedly for “hurting the sentiments” of the majority community. There are many other such instances of the narrowing of tolerance for different viewpoints.  And this is where theatre can play a role, because eventually the strength of the arts is in celebrating different viewpoints. Not just celebrate but also to assert that despite all our differences — and there are many of those — there is something universal that connects everyone. I believe this is the primary challenge that we in the theatre need to engage with. Sunil Shanbag, theatre maker, co-founder, Tamaasha Theatre Challenge of the times In the post-pandemic phase, a number of smaller places to perform are on the rise. Theatre is becoming a more intimate experience, especially in Mumbai. On the other hand, there is also an artistic resilience about the growing curtailment of what we speak about and how we can speak about it. That’s just the world we live in. I believe that right now, time has thrown down a gauntlet to playwrights to find a way to circumvent this [curtailment]; and many of them are answering it. A moment from Thakore Padamsee directed Every Brilliant Thing. File Pic Things to change: I wish to see more infrastructure put in place. I genuinely believe that where we are in 2024, information is not the primary need or purpose of a human being. However, empathy and what you feel about that information, is what theatre can impart. My recco: I would recommend When the Rain Stops Falling by Andrew Bovell, an Australian playwright. The play is set across 150 years, a generational story about many things that we are obsessed about now. Another adaptation of Every Brilliant Thing, that we also staged, is now available on HBO.  Log on to: dramaonlinelibrary.com Quasar Thakore Padamsee, founder, QTP Productions Need for more spaces There are definitely a lot of smaller venues in Mumbai, which is great. Many of them are new, so they are still cultivating audiences. I think what we desperately need in this city is other larger venues to perform at. When it comes to theatre, unless it is subsidised it is difficult. A moment from Khalid’s latest production, Shikaar. Pic Courtesy/Instagram, Suleiman merchant There is one Prithvi Theatre and a thousand theatre companies that want to perform there. There are a lot of people doing interesting work though. I think that theatre is always going to be a medium for young theatre makers, and as long as they are around, exciting stuff will happen. Things to change: Honestly, if we had more spaces and more support, things would be better. Beyond a point, it might sound like the same story over and over again. In a city like ours, we are starved for venues. People are willing to come and watch theatre in Mumbai. My recco: One of the plays I recently read and enjoyed is Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer-winner Disgraced. I really liked reading it. Other than that, I caught the recent screening at the NCPA of Vanya with actor Andrew Scott. He is a wonderful performer. Log on to: Disgraced on dramaonlinelibrary.com Sheena Khalid, director, Patchworks Ensemble Catch these plays A scene from Project S.T.R.I.P >> Project S.T.R.I.PON March 28 and March 29; 6 pm and 9 pm AT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 710  >> Firefly WomenON March 29; 7 pm AT Nirmik Cultural Centre, 2, Akurli Road, Kandivali East.CALL 8097946445 ON March 30, 31; 7.30 pmAT Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST Rs 400 onwards  >> Perspectives on The CrossON March 30; 7 pm and 9 pmAT Method Juhu, JVPD, Vile Parle West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 350 A moment from Anandowari >> AnandowariON March 30, 7 pmAT Rangshila Studios, Aram Nagar 1, Versova, Andheri West.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST Rs 200  >> Fasaad-e-Ishq, an adaptation of Moliere’s The MiserON March 31; 8.15 pmAT Creative Adda, 191, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 150

27 March,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
A young boy performs a muscle up at the park. Pics/Anurag Ahire

Western suburbs introduce outdoor calisthenics park

Away from cloistered air-conditioned gyms and wood-panelled yoga spaces, the Elysium Calisthenics Park at Marve Road might be a good alternative to give your routine a different, healthy spin. From ancient Greece to Australia, and Mumbai, the art of bodyweight exercises has slowly evolved. We decided to get two calisthenics practitioners to try it out. The park encourages calisthenics, a bodyweight-only exercise form for all enthusiasts. For 26-year-old Mervyn D’Souza, calisthenics was an incidental discovery. “It was Jaden who needed to find a way to maintain fitness,” he shares. Jaden, his 15-year-old brother, was already learning horse riding. “This was a good approach to build up my agility and mobility,” he shares. Having signed on in May 2023, the two brothers discovered that calisthenics allowed them to work on their bodies without an emphasis on weight training through fun, engaging challenges. Jaden and (right) Mervyn D’Souza at a session by (centre) Kirsten Varela The duo paid a visit to the park at 4 pm, post the afternoon onslaught of the sun. Founded by 31-year-old Kirsten Varela in 2018, the 5,000 sq ft space is equipped with battle ropes, bars, parallel bars, boxing bags and a team of trainers to guide them through the process. Varela explains that the inspiration for the park lay in the open street workout set-ups that he witnessed during his visit to Australia for his Master’s degree in 2016. A self-taught athlete, he turned to calisthenics after being disappointed by the competitive nature and closed doors of gyms. Now, the sports management graduate believes that the open-air set up that allows people to work out freely. Can the weather be a challenge, especially in the monsoon? “Not really,” Varela answers, “As a street practice, it is always in the open. Even in the rain. It helps build your endurance. Of course, we take precautions in terms of grips and have safety measures in place.” A calisthenics trainer helps a participant with his balance on the rope For Mervyn, calisthenics is an effort to regain his fitness. Having gained weight, the Malad resident has been on a journey to regain fitness and strength and tried aerobics and gym routines. But he prefers the bodyweight exercises of calisthenics to either. The brothers begin with sessions of dynamic and static stretching as instructed by the park trainers. These simple exercises enable the body to slowly adapt to the more rigorous exercises without the risk of an injury. Mervyn then turns to the use of battle ropes that combine high intensity cardio and strength training. “The park has sufficient equipment that can be chosen according to your needs. Battle ropes are better for me since I am focusing on strength training,” he explains. For Jaden, the objective is mobility and core balance. So, he uses the push up bars, before turning to the back lever. Having worked on the move for a year exercising in this space, the younger sibling has better control as he holds the position on the bars. Mervyn insists that the equipment is of high quality but the vibe matters most. “Some workout places can be judgemental, and make the joinees feel uncomfortable. It helps that the trainers are encouraging. There is no pushing or forcing you to try something. I remember when I managed to do my first push up, they encouraged me for that as well, it felt good,” he recalls. With separate changing rooms for men and women, the space also offers training as per body requirements. Mervyn remarks, “Bodyweight exercises are preferable since they focus on mobility. Working out in the open, with people around you, always helps me gain confidence. It is nice to have someone encourage you.” As the duo wrap up their session after two hours, others turn up for their sessions. Elysium Calisthenics ParkAt Rosario Farm, Marve Road, Rathodi, Malad West. Time 7 am to 9 am, 5 pm to 7 pm (Monday to Saturday) Call 9833352097Cost Rs 1,500 (per class); Rs 5,000 onwards (monthly sessions) Checklist 1 Take it slow. Calisthenics is about self-improvement.2  Warm-ups and stretches are paramount. Ensure that your body is completely warm with a 10-minute routine before you begin your workout.3 Do not assume or approach complex moves without guidance. There is a clear path of progression to calisthenics moves.4 Always have an expert at hand. They can help spot and pre-empt any injuries.5 Have a clear objective when you begin. Calisth-enics is a slow-burn programme, and not a quick-fix solution.  Binoy Boban, fitness trainer and consultant Where else to train?  . Indian School of CalisthenicsAT Arjuna Camp, SRPF Grounds, Goregaon East.CALL 7715953218 COST R4,000 onwards (per month) . Pure CalisthenicsAT 25/252, Veena Sitar Co-Op Housing Society, Kandivali West.CALL 9773968119 . Shanky Fitness GymAT Near Marthoma Church, Chembur East.CALL 9702097002 . Barbreed BombayAT St Thomas Road, IC Colony, Borivali West.CALL 7012584339 . Kettle Hell Fitness StudioAT 25, Bhoomi Heights, opposite Little World Mall, Kharghar.CALL 8850184612

26 March,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Paul Whitaker (centre) from the documentary, Beethoven’s Ninth: Sympony for the World. Pic Courtesy/YouTube

Beethoven’s best: Tribute to the musical legacy of the German maestro

Today marks the 197th death anniversary of one of the greatest, and perhaps most influential, composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven. He was playing and writing music at the time of European romanticism when emotions, feelings, and intuition were at the centre of all art, replacing rationalism and reason of the early 18th century. It’s a well-known fact that Beethoven had begun losing his hearing in his late twenties. He wrote, in a melancholic letter to his brothers, about the difficulty of admitting to an infirmity in “the one sense… which I once possessed in the highest perfection”. He added, “Therefore forgive me when you see me draw back.” However, he continued to make music that would change the way musicians, composers and listeners would think about the art form for years.  READBeethoven: A Life in Nine Pieces by Laura Tunbridge: Among the books written on the composer, Tunbridge’s work is one that immediately engages both a musician and a non-musician alike. It’s neither dreary nor excessively academic. Tunbridge balances the details of the movements within Beethoven’s music and the biographical aspects of his life — his relationship with his family, his travel to Vienna, the business of making money in music, the spirit of Europe in the late 19th century, his friendships with poets and musicians — that shaped his work.Log on to amazon.com Ludwig van Beethoven. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons WATCHBeethoven’s Ninth: Symphony for the World: This music documentary shows the impact of his Ninth Symphony on musicians and composers across the world, as we get to witness their own interpretations of it and discover it anew. Two of the most fascinating stories were of the Chinese composer Tan Dun in Shanghai, who found Beethoven in the rhythm of its people, machines, and vehicles, and of Paul Whitaker, who, himself born deaf, brought the glorious symphony to a community of deaf people.Log on to YouTube LISTENThe Beethoven 9 Podcast: We are familiar with his beautiful Ode to Joy (Symphony No 9) or the “four indelible notes” of Symphony No 5. But in the nine episodes of The Beethoven 9, Colorado Public Radio host Monika Vischer and one of the biographers of the composer, Jan Swafford, explore what the times were like and what Beethoven had set out to do while writing each of his nine symphonies. These 15-minute-long episodes can be easily consumed by all listeners.Log on to Apple Podcast; Spotify

26 March,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma
Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni and new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad during a training session. Pics Courtesy/Instagram; (Above, from left) Hardik Pandya recently took over captaincy of Mumbai Indians from Rohit Sharma; Ruturaj Gaikwad plays a shot during a match in the IPL tournament in 2023. Pic Courtesy/PTI

Succession game: Leadership expert outlines strategies for transitioning leaders

Fans of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team were in for a surprise on the eve of the Indian Premier League last week, when fabled captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down and Ruturaj Gaikwad was named the new skipper of the team. Dhoni, who has led CSK to five impressive trophies, leaving behind large shoes to fill for Gaikwad, a relative newcomer who debuted with CSK only four years ago. Quite naturally, expectations are running high for the new captain to uphold his predecessor’s illustrious legacy and riotous popularity. Drawing parallels with similar scenarios in corporate workplaces, leadership coach Ankoor Naik notes a few reasons why this type of a succession may be a particularly challenging transition for both the team and the newly anointed leader.   When taking over a team, leaders should avoid blaming their predecessors, and learn from them instead. Representation pics An uphill journey One of the most formidable challenges faced by an incoming leader, in such a scenario, is lack of acceptance by the team. “When the former leader is as well-loved, respected and successful as Dhoni, the team [and onlookers] can be prone to drawing unfavourable comparisons. Everything about the new leader — from their management style to temperament — comes under intense scrutiny, and often with unsympathetic outcomes. The situation becomes additionally complicated when a younger successor is handed the reins; many team members may be older and more tenured. This makes it more difficult for them to accept the change in command. There’s also the element of politics, with many team members believing it should have been them at the helm,” Naik elaborates.   It is recommended for new leadership to state their future plans, vision and methods clearly for the team He alludes to a recent development in the Mumbai Indians team, where Hardik Pandya’s nomination as Rohit Sharma’s successor evoked emotionally-charged responses from Jasprit Bumrah and Surya Kumar Yadav on social media: “In this case, it was easy to see that they believed that the decision was poorly received, and the two key players believed that despite being possibly worthier, they were overlooked.” Finally, with such a high-stakes undertaking, the successor may not always be given the time and space they need to prove themselves. They may end up taking shortcuts to earn the stakeholders’ validation, instead of establishing and working towards a more sustainable, long-term vision. Often, this can be to the detriment of the organisation as well as to the leader’s longer-term prospects within the organisation, he notes. Ankoor Naik and Rishi Piparaiya Brick-by-brick Naik and leadership mentor Rishi Piparaiya lay down a roadmap to help smooth the transitional process. . Credit where due: “It’s quite common to see new leaders blaming any past failures on the exiting leader and trying to win the team over with promises of fixing their ‘mistakes’. This strategy may backfire quite badly when it comes to a predecessor who was popular and well-loved by the team. In such cases, I’d recommend that the new leader honour the achievements of the former, and steer clear of any negativity or fault-finding,” Piparaiya says. At the same time, examine what methods worked for the former leader and get a pulse of what worked and what made them so respected in the organisation. Try to incorporate elements of these into your strategic plan. . No abrupt changes: Naik advises against trying to drastically change the team’s dynamic immediately after taking over. “It’s important for the new leader’s goals, strategy, direction and even intensity to be aligned with what the team is accustomed to. Any changes must be introduced slowly and gradually,” he explains. . Establish your own vision: Be clear about what you want to achieve, what you will carry forward from the past, and what you will build on your own, says Piparaiya: “Prepare a strong vision soon after assuming your role, and share this with your team and other stakeholders. This will cut down any second-guessing or suppositions, and help to reassure the team of your leadership.” At the same time, he suggests establishing a core team that is completely aligned with this vision — identify existing team members that you can carry forward into your journey, and bring in new resources to fill any gaps.  . Expect failure: Give yourself the space and room to fail, Naik says. “It’s unrealistic to expect to get everything right from the get-go. Failure is an important part of the job. It helps you realise what your strengths are and lean into those, so that you can function even better. To offset any apprehensions and misgivings, communicate frequently and clearly with other stakeholders and seek their support as and when required. Remember, it is in the organisation’s interest for you to succeed,” he clarifies. 

26 March,2024 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
DKRYPT’s Devanagari tag

Love graffiti? This beginners workshop will introduce people to the art form

Mumbai's art scene thrives in two distinct spheres. One flourishes within curated art galleries; while the other adorns the walls hidden in plain sight across the city in the form of street art and graffiti. A silver lining, perhaps, to Mumbai’s currently cratered and dug-up roads is the unexpected pause that it offers commuters, transforming traffic jams into a fleeting art gallery experience. As city-based graffiti artist DKRYPT prepares to conduct a beginner’s workshop next week, he gives us a sneak peek into the thriving and evolving community that is transforming the city’s urban landscape. The artist doodles on a collaborative wall “Graffiti is a form of self-expression. When you take over a wall, you’re leaving a mark in the city’s visual map,” the artist shares. We learn that the 27-year-old is making sure the mark he leaves is one that reaches every Mumbaikar. “Text forms a vital part of graffiti. Unfortunately, Devanagari is not represented well enough in a city with such rich cultural history. Martha Cooper, the renowned American graffiti photographer was recently in Mumbai, and in our conversations, she pointed out the surprising absence of the script on the walls. That was the turning point for me,” he reveals. DKRYPT Contrary to popular belief, the artist reveals that graffiti is a disciplined and structured art form. The first step, he shares, is to choose a pseudonym for yourself. “The quickest form of graffiti is a tag. Having a short and catchy pseudonym helps you paint your tag on the go.” The artist reveals that his own tag, dkrypt, is a play on the word decrypt, a nod to his educational background in programming. Once you have a tag that you think represents you in a nutshell, it’s time to flip the spray cans open. Except it’s not. “Many believe the next step is to simply doodle it on a wall. At the workshop, I will first teach participants the basics of blocking. Getting the basics down is vital and it gives you the artistic freedom to experiment,” he notes. Of the recent rise in interest for the art form among city residents, DKRYPT shares, “It has been a long time coming. People are starting to realise that there are ways to practise art beyond just picking up a paintbrush. A decade ago, you wouldn’t expect a ceramic or pottery workshop to have massive turnouts. As for graffiti, the tactile experience of spray-painting on a wall is a fun shift from traditional mediums. A lot of us grew up seeing artworks pop up on walls in the backroads and bylanes of the city. In a way, it’s also driven by nostalgia.” ON March 26; 1 pm onwardsAT Lil Gamby, Shop 2, 14th Road, Khar West.LOG ON TO @lilgambyCOST Rs 999 onwards

23 March,2024 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
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Attend this training camp to explore opportunities in officiating MMA fights

The Federation of Mixed Martial Arts India (FMMAI) is inviting enthusiasts to the other side of the ring at their first Referee and Judges Workshop in Navi Mumbai. Open to active combat sports practitioners, coaches and fans of the sport alike, the training camp will provide guidance and direction to those who wish to explore opportunities in officiating mixed martial arts fights. On March 27 to 31 At Bhanushali Wadi, Sector 19A, Nerul East. Call 9930796456 Cost Rs 8,000 

23 March,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team
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