>> Zero Point Bombay: In and around Horniman Circle/ Edited by Kamala Ganesh, Usha Thakkar and Gita Chadha: This curation of writings by academics, historians and key voices deep-dives into the emergence of the Horniman Circle and key landmarks of its neighbourhood. >> City of Gold/Gillian Tindall: Pick up this chronicle for an outsider’s view of why the island city was dubbed ‘City of Gold’. >> Bombay: Places, Names and Street Names/ Samuel T Sheppard: A fascinating ready reckoner to discover the origins of names and places >> Mumbai: Theatre of Conflict, City of Hope/ Mariam Dossal: A well-researched documentation on how the original city took shape, form and identity. >> Shivaji Park: Dadar 28: History, Places, People/ Shanta Gokhale: A look into this middle-class neighbourhood by one of its most celebrated cultural voices of the area. >> A City Icon/ Rahul Mehrotra and Sharada Dwivedi: The story of Victoria Terminus (today’s CSMT) is in many ways the story of how a city came to be. Read it for invaluable insights about the early days of Bombay.
18 April,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamSummer holidays are here, and if that isn’t enough motivation for you to get out of your reading slump, BookBuddy will come to your rescue. The app records the books in your TBR and wish list. It also has options to update reading status. Although it is frowned upon to judge a book by its cover, if that one absolutely pretty-looking book caught your eye, we won’t judge you, nor will this app. Instead, it helps you source more details by scanning the barcode on the book jacket. The app also records the books you have loaned to friends, and the books you have borrowed. Log on to: App Store
18 April,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiOnce a musician, always a musician. Or so it seems with filmmaker Mrinalini Tewari. Growing up in a family with musical roots, she was familiar with the folk tradition through her mother, a singer. But it was not till she returned to her home state of Uttar Pradesh in 2018 for a documentary, that she truly rediscovered her love for music and languages. This weekend, Tewari will join Nitish Ramabhadran (keyboards) and Manasquam Mahanta (guitar) for a unique set, Echoes du Monde, that blends language, music and memories. “I learnt classical music as a young girl, even before I joined school,” Tewari shares. It was this early inoculation to the art that kept her curiosity going. “Even as a filmmaker, I remain curious about the many cultures of the world. Languages, after all, are also sounds,” she points out. It was these languages that led her to a return to music. Since 2018, she has travelled across UP, MP and Rajasthan recording folk musicians for various documentaries. “I actually wanted to make a musical documentary. However, it did not happen. I did make one on Kashmir (Echoes From The Soil of Kashmir, 2022),” she says. The experience left a mark. “People often think of Uttar Pradesh as a Hindi heartland. It has a plethora of languages. There is Braj, Awadhi, Bundelkhandi to name a few. Each dialect is distinct, and carries a different cultural mark. It also changes from region to region. For instance, Braj is a dialect from northern UP, while Awadhi comes from the East, and Bundelkhandi is more prominent towards southern regions of UP,” she notes. She composed her first original Braj song in the same year. “Jaoo Saiyyan has a sense of longing and love that is common in the folk tradition. Even Blues, for instance, is a folk form. It reflects pain and longing that is unique to this form,” she says. Manasquam Mahanta; Nitish Ramabhadran; Mrinalini Tewari This juxtaposition of seemingly diverse forms comes alive through the set. A compilation of nine to 10 songs, the set will feature original compositions in Awadhi and Braj, as well as songs by the Portuguese singer Cesária Évora. While the songs range from folk with strains of classical, to Brazilian jazz, the form remains folk. This diversity is further emphasised in Ramabhadran and Mahanta, who are known for individualistic jazz creations. “I love the diverse approach to their music. The key is that they share the same vibe for music,” she remarks. The challenge, she admits, will be to balance the compositions, languages and their forms. While setting out on their first such project together, Tewari remarks, “This is where the title Echoes du Monde comes from. These are sounds from the world. I have always been curious about these sounds, and would like to highlight them through my work — music or films.” ON April 21; 7.30 pmAt Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to insider.inENTRY Rs 300
18 April,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayUnfold the Paithani Join writer and designer Radhika Tipnis in an interactive online conversation organised by Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum about the unique characteristics of traditional Paithani sarees, their rich history and the intricate weaving techniques.Time 7 pmLog on to @bdlmuseum (to register) FridayFun with folk Move to a mix of house music infused with Marathi folk instruments like the tutari at musician Kratex’s debut show in the suburb. Expect a nostalgia trip with house remixes of classical folk songs.Time 7 pmAt Drunkyard, GNP Galleria 304, Regency Anantam Road, Dombivli East. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 1,250 onwards Turtle tripping Witness the surreal phenomenon of one of the last batches of Olive Ridley turtles making their way from the sandy shores to the seas at the Velas Turtle Festival. The two-day trip includes a visit to the Bankot Fort.Time 9 pmMEETING POINT Main Gate, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East. Log on to treksandtrails.org Cost Rs 3,299 (includes travel, accommodation and food) SaturdayPaint traditions Introduce your children to the age-old art form of Cheriyal mask painting from Telangana. Kids will learn techniques of painting the traditional masks with vibrant colours and create their own masterpieces to take home.AGE GROUP 5 years and above Time 11 am At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road Kala Ghoda, Fort. E-mail events@csmvs.in (to register) Entry Rs 35 Pic courtesy/Youtube Meet the starsAlex the lion and Marty the zebra have escaped New York’s Central Park Zoo with the whole Madagascar gang. Catch them live at Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, a stage adaptation of the animated classic by DreamWorks. Time 5.30 pmAt Royal Opera House, Charni Road East. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Entry Rs 400 onwards SundayRoll with it Try your hand (and feet) at a skateboarding session for all ages led by national medallist Shruti Bhosle. Learn the skills of finding your balance, cruising, and some beginners’ tricks.Time 4 pmAt Carter Road Skatepark, opposite APC Office, Bandra West. Call 9967803643 Pics courtesy/Instagram Potter aroundMaster pottery with instructor Jinal Patel at this special workshop for beginners. Take a deep-dive into the process right from preparing your own clay to sculpting your masterpiece. Time 12 pmAt Art Villa Academy, Bungalow 198/205, Gorai Part 1, Borivali West. Log on to @artvilla_academy Cost Rs 1,200 An artwork by Nilesh Kinkale All-star artWitness the ideas of cultural identity, community, family and nationality come alive through contemporary artworks by seven artists including Riyas Komu, Vinay Gusain, Nilesh Kinkale, and Ashish Thakur. At Ikko Art Gallery, Satya House, Sindhu Nagar, Sewri.Log on to @ikkoartgallery
18 April,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThis ain’t Texas”, crooned Beyoncé but you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise given the numerous Western-inspired outfits that have been popping up all over social media. With her most recent foray into country music, Queen Bey has also spawned the revival of a trend popularly dubbed as Cowgirl Couture. Think large brimmed hats, cowboy boots and fringed jackets and, if you’re completely committed to Beyoncé’s signature larger-than-life aesthetic, you’d opt for versions that were studded with rhinestones. But can this trend withstand Mumbai’s torrid summer and ongoing heatwave? Reza Shariffi “Cowboy fashion has always been one of my favourite trends. It has been a recurring theme on runways over the years simply because, if the elements are blended in well and styled right, they never look outdated. I have used many variants in my own film and fashion shoots,” clarifies Reza Shariffi, stylist and costume designer. He shares a few simple tips to help channel this trend, without sacrificing comfort. Vaishnavi Sagwekar in a harness Accessories make the lookStatement buckle and lasso belts can instantly add some Western flair to your ensemble, says Shariffi, while a bolo tie can be sported by both men and women in place of a traditional necklace. A cowgirl-inspired harness belt elevates even the most basic looks with cowgirl pizazz, suggests fashion designer Vaishnavi Sagwekar. Fringe accents are instantly reminiscent of cowgirl chic. Pics Courtesy/ Instagram Fringe benefitsAlthough now commonly used for decorative purposes, fringed jackets, pants and boots were an integral part of Western wardrobes for two very specific reasons — moving water away from the seams when the wearer was outdoors and for better camouflage. With that bit of history, you can dress your inner cowgirl with a fringed vest, bag or footwear. For a more practical and bohemian flair, try a crossbody bag, suggests Shariffi. Add an oversized plaid shirt or jacket to your basic fits Break down the lookWearing cowboy (or girl) elements from head to toe can look too exaggerated and theatrical. The key to making this trend work for you is to pick a few elements and work them into your everyday wardrobe. “Denim shirts lend themselves well to this trend — pick shirts with snap buttons for a stylish edge. Wear them with bandana print neck scarves to add a Western flair,” explains Shariffi. Of course, no Western look is complete without a plaid shirt (pick cotton for comfort) or trade it in for a gamcha weave, for an Indian spin, says Sagwekar. Flared bootcut jeans look stylishly Western Dabble with denimFlared denim jeans with a crisp white shirt is a classic combination, says Shariffi and, for those who dare, a denim-on-denim look can add an extra touch of drama. A light denim-wash shirt can easily replace a heavier jacket to keep you cool and protected from Mumbai’s searing summer sun. For a more laid-back and weather-appropriate look, you could wear a denim dress or skirt that’s paired with a sleeveless vest, Sagwekar signs off.
18 April,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe translated works shortlisted for this year’s International Booker Prize come from diverse cultures that are all connected by their ability to tell stories about day-to-day conflicts affected by larger circumstances that their countries have experienced. We offer a handy overview of the six titles that are contenders for the award which will be announced on May 21. Crooked Plow by ItamarVieira Junior Translated by Johnny Lorenz from Portuguese, the book focuses on the lives of two sisters, Bibiana and Belonisía, young inhabitants of the Bahia region in Brazil. One day, while playing, they discover a knife in a suitcase that belongs to their grandmother. Their next step is perilous when they decide to taste its metal. Set against a rural landscape, the book lends us a small glimpse into a community — the quilombo community — that has stayed true to its rich connection with the earth, despite its colonial past. In his interview with the team at the Booker Prize Foundation, Vieira Junior shares, “I wanted to bring to the page the love that Brazilian farmers feel for the land itself, for the earth of the Brazilian countryside.” Not A River by Selva Almada Enero Rey, standing firm on the boat, stocky and beardless, swollen-bellied, legs astride, stares hard at the surface of the river and waits, revolver in hand.” The first line of Almada’s book is a startling beginning to a novel that deals most prominently with the theme of masculinity. It’s been translated by Annie Dermott from Spanish. Years after a horrifying accident, El Negro, Enero, and Tilo (their dead friend Eusebio’s son) are looking to catch a stingray along the Paraná River in South America. During this trip, they begin to share their stories and this is when the dominant theme truly surfaces. For Almada, a crucial purpose of writing the book was also to convey what the 1990s neoliberal policies did to Argentina — “impoverishing it”, as she shares in her interview — and how its reassertion can be felt today. The Details by Ia Genberg Infected with a viral fever, the unnamed narrator finds herself returning to a novel that carries an inscription. This opens memories from her past, as she paints a detailed picture, for the readers, of four people who shaped her life significantly: her ex-lovers Johanna and Alejandro, her ex-flatmate Niki, and her mother Birgitte. Translated by Kira Josefsson from Swedish, the book inquires into the richness and vulnerability of relationships and how one traces oneself through those connections. A small interesting fact is that the idea for the novel struck the writer when she was dealing with COVID fever, experiencing the state in which the story of the protagonist begins. What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma If Ia Genberg shows us one way of looking back and piecing together one’s life through its people, Jente Posthuma tells us a story of losing a piece of one’s life permanently. The protagonist named Two reflects on the time she spent growing up with her twin brother One, who was suffering from depression and died by suicide one day. Having shared a strained relationship with him, she tries to make sense of his world, reading his journals over and over again. The book is heart-breaking for most part but brings moments of lightness through Two’s humour. It has been translated from Dutch by Sarah Timmer Harvey. Mater 2-10 by HwangSok-Yong Translated by Sora Kim-Russell and Josephine Bae Youngjae, the book narrates the story of a factory worker wrestling with the colonial legacy of Japan in Korea. While staging a protest on top of an industrial chimney for being unjustly laid off, the protagonist Yi Jino has traumatic flashbacks of Korea as experienced by three generations of his family members. Before writing the novel, Sok-yong had carried out research and conducted interviews with locomotive engineers and industrial workers for a year to understand their stories. However, the inspiration came to him when he met a man about 30 years ago in North Korea, “who drove trains across the entire Korean peninsula.” Growing up in rail workers’ housing himself, he wanted to write a book about his memories and bring to the audience stories of industrial workers in a divided postcolonial Korea. Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck Set in 1986 Berlin, Erpenbeck’s book explores the complexity of a relationship between Katharina, a 19-year-old theatre design student and Hans, a man in his fifties, who turns abusive towards her as the relationship unfolds. The novel begins with the loss of love, and largely tells the story of the political transformations taking place and the collapse of East Germany as well. Translated by Michael Hoffman from German, this is a gripping novel that speaks of love but also pain at the same time. Log on to: Leading e-bookstores
17 April,2024 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLet’s admit it, we have all our rolled eyes at Nobita, claiming that we would make better use of Doraemon’s gadgets if only we’d get the chance; or crush those Beyblade competitions, Pokémon battles, Marvel and DC wars, and even hang out with Suppandi or the dreamy characters from Archies. No matter your choice of genre in the massive graphic world, the one thing it unfailingly does is offer a momentary escape. This weekend, a two-day window will directly open up into this fantastical verse as Comic Con India returns with its annual Mumbai leg of the festival. “I founded Comic Con India as a personal project [in 2011]. Like any other ’90s kid, my comic book journey began with Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle, Archies and Tintin. The superheroes and manga came much later for me. But my taste in comics is a bit eclectic; my collection has a mix of everything. So, safe to say, I have favourites in all genres,” shares founder Jatin Varma over a chat from Canada. The team has put together an exhaustive schedule that offers something for everyone who is a part of this exponentially expanding universe. Shop from a wide range of merchandise, comic books and collectibles on sale “This year, we will offer panels and exclusive sessions featuring renowned names such as Demon Slayer voice-over artistes Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi by Crunchyroll, Amar Chitra Katha, Alpha Comics, Hallubol, Bakarmax, and Corporat. Expect a special stand-up performance, followed by some electrifying performances by DJ Kazu, MC Altaf, Shah Rule, Geek Fruit, Guy [Harun] Rob, and others, on the main stage. The event also features The Arena — a dedicated gaming expo, featuring fascinating experiences, tournaments, free play zones as well as the opportunity to meet and greet with leading streamers,” he briefs. Podcast hosts of Geek Fruit will be one of the panellists. Pics Courtesy/Instagram From the Marvel universe Marvel-published creator Jason Loo, who has titles namely Iron Man Annual #1, Sentry, Fantastic Four, Marvel’s Voices, among others, to his credit, will be making his way to India for the first time. “I hope to experience some good, authentic flavours like tandoori. And depending on how brave I am, maybe some vindaloo. I want to know how it compares to the ‘authentic Indian restaurants’ I’ve eaten at in Toronto!” Loo shares with this writer. Demon Slayer voiceover artiste for Tanjiro He adds that he hopes to take his fans at the fest along his journey as a cartoonist who has experience in working with publishers like Marvel, IDW/Lucasfilm, and Comixology/Dark Horse Comics. “And there may be a new comic announcement that I could shed light on,” he teases. Jason Loo As for aspirants and fans looking to make career in the expansive world of comics, Loo says that it is not the easiest path to tread, “If you have a tremendous passion for telling stories in the comic medium, start by writing or drawing your own short and let it grow from there on a regular basis. There’s a lot of grind in this business and it may take a long while before you see any returns [fandom, exposure, profit], so don’t be discouraged from doing what you love.” Expect two back-to-back cosplay competitions on both days of the fest Work it like that Corporate employees, you do not want to miss out on this rant by Web Comic of the year-awardee (Comic Con) Shubham Khurana. “This fest is a great opportunity to meet followers who only know me by my extensive work on corporate life. It is an even greater opportunity to take my rants, which are usually through my comics, to other corporats, as I call them, in person,” Khurana, who will also be launching his first ever-published book, Monday to Friday, at the fest, shares. Natsuki Hanae and (right) producer Yuma Takahashi will host a rendezvous A corporate employee for the past 13 years, the creator’s journey started as a need to vent about the prevalent corporate systems he found bizarre. “I shared one such comic, and people loved it. And thus, began my journey in this creative universe. Luckily for me, I never ran out of things to share from the corporate world.” His book plays around with terminologies in the corporate world like Monday blues and Fri-yay, weekend hits and misses, leaves and holidays (he petitions for HR departments to sync holiday calendars across companies), appraisals, and more. The two-day fest will include other exclusive book launches, cosplaying contests, music events, food stalls and merchandise on sale. A panel from the book Shubham Khurana will launch On: March 20 and 21; 11 am onwards at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Bandra East. Log on to: comicconindia.com (for passes and complete line-up)Cost: Rs 999 (single-day pass) The Guide’s top picks >>Special Session with Art Guy RobOn April 20, 4 pm >>Indian Championship of Cosplay - Mumbai QualifierOn April 20 and April 21, 7 pm >>Live performance by DJ Kazu (by Crunchyroll)On April 21, 5 pm >>Mumbai Comic Con Cosplay ContestOn April 20 and April 21, 6 pm >>Suppandi’s special birthday announcementOn April 20, 4 pm
17 April,2024 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiMaking the perfect dosa is nothing short of an art form. From grinding the batter to the right consistency, to the satisfying sizzle of oil hitting the hot tawa, to carefully rolling one out onto a plate, every step is a tradition in itself. A joint serving South Indian staples like idlis, dosas and uthappams in Borivali — Dosa Anna — is shaking things upand might just be the biggest challenger yet to the age-old dosa ritual. With an automatic dosa-making machine, the joint claims to be able to dish out 2,000 dosas in a day; all automated. We decided to check out this new tech-powered innovation. Outdoor seating at the restaurant. Pics/Devashish Kamble We are welcomed by the sight of an operator standing tall alongside the machine, almost as tall. This is the contraption that has set the neighbourhood abuzz. Locals from the food-loving suburb have labelled it the ‘digital dosa’, ‘no-touch dosa’, and even ‘dosa printer’. Founder Rohit Mendon settles the debate, “It’s an automatic dosa making machine. That’s about it. People love putting together creative names based on their observations, and honestly we don’t mind.” The dosa machine lets out a sustained sizzle, possibly in agreement. An operator initiates the process We learn that the sizzling sound, in fact, is the machine cleaning the tawa before its next task. “Cleaning is often the most tedious and contact-heavy task. You might have seen some stall owners cleaning the tawa with a wet cloth, risking contaminating the tawa,” a staff member points out. A couple of minutes later, the machine is ready to dish out our order of a crispy masala dosa (Rs 90). The batter is poured out through nozzles onto the temperature-controlled tawa. Like clockwork, a roller swings out to spread the batter. And now, we wait. The batter turns golden brown We strike up a conversation with Mendon, a trained chef, again to unveil the story behind these automated dosas. “The world is embracing automation. Multinational food chains have been using it to standardise their offerings for decades. Being a South Indian, I often wondered why such automation doesn’t exist for our own cuisine,” he reveals, adding that the machine was procured from a Bengaluru-based manufacturer as an experiment in February. Back inside the machine, things are turning golden brown. The operator scoops a generous portion of pre-made potato masala onto the tawa right in time. Another automated hand scrapes the dosa off the tawa, rolling it out onto our plate. We learn that while plain dosas can be dished out with zero contact, more complex orders require manually adding masalas, podi, or chopped vegetables. Does it justify the ‘automation’ tag then? We leave it up to you. For us, it’s time to tuck in. The dosa is rolled out The dosa has a uniform consistency of golden-brown crispiness, and is sprinkled with a special podi that has hints of garlic and chillies, reminiscent of the Mumbai vada pav dry chutney. Served alongside three other chutneys — mint, coconut and tomato — and a Kerala-style sambar, it doesn’t take us long to get to the last bite. All in all, if you’re looking for a quick, convenient snack and all things tech amuse you, Dosa Anna has all the makings of your new haunt. For this writer, who still believes that making a dosa by hand — the sizzling, spreading and rolling, all included — is a labour of love, it’s a fun innovation at best. Dosa AnnaAT Lotus Building, Pranay Nagar, Vazira, Borivali West.TIME 8 am to 10 pm, daily LOG ON TO @dosaanna_india Dosa, the quirky way A curated list of other innovative dosas that city foodies can tuck into >> Pizza burst dosa: If the thinnest crust on a pizza still isn’t quite crispy for you, try this pizza that uses a dosa as a thin base with traditional pizza toppings to bring the best of both worlds to the table.AT South Tiffin House, Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, Andheri. >> Burj Khalifa dosa: Call it the heights of culinary innovation, this dosa, built using four layers of dosa with oodles of cheese rolled and stacked, is a hat tip to the Burj Khalifa.AT Angel Dosa Center, Vikas Complex, Runwal Nagar A Plot, Norilipada, Thane West. >> Matka dosa: This dosa comes with a side of chopped veggies and paneer in a creamy gravy served out of a traditional clay matka. AT Avantika Chennai Café, Raj Arcade, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West. >> Masala dosa waffle: No tawas in sight here. Head to this unique stall where dosas are made in waffle makers and maple syrup gives way to desi ghee.AT Rangjo, 461A, near Maheshwari Udyan, Matunga East. **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Dosa Anna didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
17 April,2024 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt’s tough to imagine Rihanna as being anything but impeccably flawless. But, as the pop star-entrepreneur revealed in a recent interview, her multiple pregnancies have taken a toll on her body too, in the form of cellulite. “Third-trimester cellulite is no joke. You notice ripples emerging from places you never knew, and it’s all in your thighs, because your thighs are carrying the weight of your baby and uterus,” she shared in that interview. While 85 to 98 per cent of women who have gone through puberty can take heart that Rihanna, like them, has cellulite, experts say that the condition can become exacerbated during pregnancy. Regular exercise promotes circulation and improves muscle tonality. Representation Pics Decode the ‘orange peel’ effect Cellulite is the fat that collects in the little pockets just under the skin’s surface, making the skin appear ‘dimpled’, explains Dr Nandita Palshetkar, a gynaecologist. This cellulite becomes visible when the collagen fibres that connect fat to the skin stretch, break down or are pulled tight. She adds that cellulite tends to be most visible on the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks and breasts, and affects women more than men due to differences in the way fat, muscle and connective tissues are distributed in women’s bodies. Jashan Vij “Hormonal changes, weight gain and reduced circulation, which are common in expectant mothers, can contribute to the development of cellulite during pregnancy. Similarly, the elevated levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body lead to increased fat storage and can weaken connective tissues that bind the fat to the skin. Fluid retention and decreased lymphatic drainage can exacerbate the visibility of cellulite. Further, inadequate exercise, excessive calorie intake and poor hydration can also contribute to cellulite formation by promoting fat accumulation and reducing skin elasticity,” says Jashan Vij, a health and fat loss coach. Although some women may find their cellulite reducing post-delivery, some others may find that the condition persists or worsens due to factors like skin laxity and lingering postpartum hormonal changes, he shares. Benafsha Gazdar Smoothen the bumps Vij recommends consuming a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This, he says, provides the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants to support skin elasticity and repair. “Staying hydrated helps to reduce fluid retention, while incorporating regular exercise, such as strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and other low-impact activities that promote circulation, can improve muscle tone, enhance lymphatic drainage, and reduce the appearance of cellulite,” he advises. Prioritise low-impact exercise routines to safeguard the health of the mother and the baby Exercise scientist Benafsha Gazdar stresses on the importance of consulting with a gynaecologist and fitness professional before taking up a new exercise routine so that the health of both mother and baby are not compromised. “Many women stop exercising completely while pregnant, which makes them more susceptible to cellulite during and post pregnancy. It’s important to start exercising as soon as you can post giving birth, while also ensuring that the exercise routine isn’t very intense and that it doesn’t include high impact activities,” she cautions. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins enables skin repair Dr Aruna Kalra, senior gynaecologist, and obstetrician at CK Birla Hospital suggests gentle postpartum massages that stimulate blood flow, reduce fluid retention, and improve the appearance of cellulite, with consideration for any ongoing postpartum healing. “Cellulite can affect self-confidence in expecting mothers and one way for them to counter this is with the help of compression garments such as postpartum belly bands or compression leggings that support the abdomen and thighs and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, topical creams or lotions that contain ingredients such as retinol, caffeine, or collagen may temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite by tightening and smoothing the skin. Dr Aruna Kalra However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using any topical treatments, especially during breastfeeding,” she elaborates. Finally, she notes that if the cellulite is caused by weight gain during pregnancy, gradual and healthy weight loss post-pregnancy can help reduce its appearance. “Crash dieting or extreme weight loss methods should be avoided, as they can negatively impact overall health and breastfeeding,” she advises.
16 April,2024 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulAs the temperatures rise every day, something is inevitably changing around Mumbai. From high mercury and pollution levels to development that slowly encroaches upon green spaces, the urban space is a battleground between human needs and natural existence. Anuradha Parikh, artistic director of G5A, is familiar with this conflict. The upcoming Mumbai Climate Now! summit at the venue is built around this very concern that has only grown in recent years. “Climate change is a serious inevitability and will affect us all. As an arts organisation, it’s important to be a part of that conversation because one could argue that it is shifting culture that will ultimately affect our individual, and therefore collective behaviour,” she says. Neeraj Lohani The five-day summit, a part of G5A’s CityLab, will witness talks, artistic presentations and discussions on sustainability built along three lenses — architecture, community and environment. Parikh adds, “Stories are what we remember, carry with us and pass on. It is only through stories that we’d be able to transmit the emotions, the ideas, and the urgency that we so desperately need at this moment in time.” Among the conversations are panel discussions on subjects as varied as the changing nature of climate in the city, and its effect on residents, the need for conservation of the city’s definitive ecosystems such as mangroves, building a walkable city cued for sustainable living among others. The panellists include names such as environmental activist and founder of Sanctuary Nation Foundation, Bittu Sahgal who says, “Every last rupee we now spend on Mumbai’s infrastructure must pass through a filter that determines whether the investment will result in making Mumbai safer, or more vulnerable, to the impacts of the climate crisis we have foisted upon ourselves.” Parikh adds, “The panels will cover a wide range of topics and areas. But in essence, they will explore our human relationship with the natural world. How has our relationship with our planet changed, how is it continuing to change, and where must we try and steer that towards?” Anuradha Parikh and Bittu Sahgal The visual impact of these discussions will be conveyed through the immersive installation, The Lost Archive, at the heart of the venue. Conceived and designed by Team G5A, the installation will combine the audio/visual portrayal of Mumbai’s journey — from the past to a hypothetical future — as the core for the narrative told by Mumbaikars across time. The director explains, “The idea began building momentum when we tried to imagine what the stories of our time would be like, what would be remembered today. Imagining an oral history of the future. From there, we explored many multiple avenues, physical and digital, and it felt as though the crux had to be Mumbai. Without our city, so much would not exist.” Yet, what sets the summit apart is the use of these stories to force the issue. The installation will be supplemented by a series of dramatic readings, a fashion show and performances by artists from the local communities. These range from lyricist Javed Akhtar, theatre makers Yuki Ellias and Naseeruddin Shah, as well as dancer-choreographer Neeraj Lohani. For Lohani, the city’s tradition of dance forms the context of his exploration. He says, “I choose dance as a medium to express the idea of ecological threat and the need for conservation in Mumbai is a powerful and creative choice.” Parikh points out that the summit will also be a chance to discuss their ongoing work with the BMC on ward-wide projects that look at greening and re-wilding the city. In the end, she says, “We want Mumbai’s citizens to show up for our city, to jointly affirm our love and commitment to our home, and to chart a path forward.” From: Tomorrow; 12 pm onwards Till: April 21At: G5A Warehouse, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West. Log on to: g5afoundation.org or urbanaut.app/g5a (RSVP mandatory) Must-Catch Events >>Climate and the cityPanel discussion with Anuradha Parikh, Bittu Sahgal, architect PK Das, (above) Dia Mirza and Heeta Lakhani.ON April 17; 7 pm >> My love letter to MumbaiAn ode to the city by lyricist Javed AkhtarON April 17; 8 pm >> My love letter to MumbaiAn ode to the city by Naseeruddin Shah and Yuki Ellias.ON April 19; 9 pm and 9.30 pm >> Mangroves coalitionA discussion on conservation of the city’s mangrove reserves with Aaran Patel, Lubaina Rangwala and Tejashree Joshi.ON April 20; 12 pm >> Walk friendly cityA take on pedestrian-friendly alternatives by Rishi AggarwalON April 20; 6 pm >> Reimagining MumbaiAnuradha Parikh speaks with assistant commissioner D Ward, Sharad Ughade, PK Das, Bittu Sahgal and Dia Mirza.ON April 21; 6 pm
16 April,2024 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarYou might be forgiven if you believe improv artists who weave off-the-top-of-the-head, punchy dialogues into full-fledged comical plays within minutes don’t experience stage fear. But if you ask 28-year-old Sahir Mehta, who’s been in the industry for nearly 10 years, the fear of messing up never goes away. “The key [to improv] is to embrace your mistakes,” the founder of collective Little Big Stories shares. To prove this in practice, Mehta is inviting some of the best improv artistes of the city to deliver a performance in the first run of their production, Unsobered Nights, today. “We are hosting this in collaboration with Medium Sized Improv, a weekly show founded by Neville Bharucha, Manik Papneja and Shantanu Anam, where the same bunch of improv artistes gets together every Wednesday to perform small, humorous impromptu acts,” Mehta explains. Anam, who also runs Little Big Stories alongside stage artistes Papneja and Mehta, tells us that they plan on taking Unsobered Nights across the country, starting with Mumbai. “The Indian market has many local, homegrown and indigenous brands of alcohol popping up now. The aim is to bring artforms on the rise in India, such as improv, and these local brands under the same roof. We will collaborate with some of the best local bars and homegrown alcohol labels across India, and host such improv shows to both entertain and build a community.” Trisha Kanga, Anam, Tanvika Parlikar and Mathew in a performance The show will see all these artistes perform with Tanvika Parlikar, Trisha Kanga and Aditya Kashyap, who are also regular performers at Medium Sized Improv. “Some of us are college-mates. We were from different batches with different dreams in fields like economics and literature, among others, but somehow ended up in theatre,” Mehta chuckles as he recalls. The Delhiite, along with Parlikar, Anam and Papneja, moved to Mumbai in 2019 to finally pursue their common interest, theatre, as a career. Trust, Parlikar adds, plays a major role in improv. It helps, then, we presume, to have worked with friends who have all grown together over so many years to become accomplished improv artistes in the city. “It is important to listen when you’re doing improv. Listen to your co-performer, try to make sense of the narrative they are suggesting through their dialogues, and help them build on it,” Mehta suggests. Sahir Mehta and Manik Papneja interact with audience He has also now brought to the city It Takes 2, a fully improvised show that received an overwhelming response in Delhi last year. “For this one, Manik and I interact with the audience for the first fifteen minutes, understand their story, and use it as a prompt to perform a full play without any time to discuss. The only props we use are the chairs on the stage, which act as a multipurpose prop; sometimes, it becomes a seat in a different locale, or doors and walls in a cramped bathroom to cut the stage. They could be a tree, boulders, bushes and even a chess table,” he chuckles. The most important part for both shows, Mehta shares, is to keep it funny at the core. “Mistakes or uncertainties are inevitable. But these are also aspects that produce laughter from the audience. The only thing to do then is to play along and root for your own performance!” On: Today; 8 pm onwards (Unsobered Nights) At: The Habitat, Hotel Unicontinental, Khar West.Call: in.bookmyshow.comEntry: Rs 300 onwards On: April 20 and April 21; 6.30 pm and 9 pm (It Takes 2) At: The Jeff Goldberg Studio, Linking Road, Khar West. Call: in.bookmyshow.comEntry: Rs 500
16 April,2024 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
