Classics on the keys Tune into an evening of Western classical music with Italian concert pianist (right) Sergio De Simone. The critically acclaimed maestro will breathe life into compositions including Chopin, Polish folk inspired melodies, Schumann’s romantic compositions on the keys and Beethoven’s smooth and sustained melodies.ON May 15; 7 pm AT Royal Opera House, Girgaon. LOG ON TO insider.in Memories of pop Dance like it’s the 2010s at British-Irish pop band The Wanted’s debut show in India. The quartet will revisit the boyband craze with radio anthems like Glad you came and Chasing the sun that took the Internet by storm in 2012.ON May 17; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Dublin Square, Phoenix MarketCity, Kurla West. LOG ON TO gighub.inENTRY Rs 999 onwards Feeling folksy Catch British singer, songwriter and musician Ben Howard in an intimate live-setup concert. The 2013 Brit Award winner in the British male solo artist, and British breakthrough act categories, will perform hits like Walking Backwards and Days of Lantana from his latest album, Is It? that marks his foray into textured, experimental pop songs.ON May 17; 8 pm onwards AT Famous Studios, Dr E Moses Road, Gandhi Nagar, Mahalakshmi. LOG ON TO skillboxes.com ENTRY Rs 1,999 onwards From Mumbai to Madagascar Madagascar - A Musical Adventure is an adaptation of the animated motion picture Madagascar. Meet Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip-hip Hippo and, of course, the hilarious, plotting penguins as they take you for the musical adventure.ON May 18, 5.30 pm; May 19, 11.30 am and 4 pmAT Royal Opera House, Girgaon.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 400 onwards A fantastical realm In this post-modern two-hourlong Marathi play, Golkonda Diamonds, two people find themselves in a mysterious realm with no apparent exit during a train journey. ON May 19, 3 pmAT NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 350 Steps to an apology In the play The Apology, a student crafts a self-apology from her Guru only to be set free through classical dance.ON May 18, 6 pmAT Veda Blackbox by Veda Factory, Andheri West. LOG ON TO insider.inCost Rs 300
14 May,2024 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamTweens (pre-teenage years) are known to be a transformative phase when adorable, innocent children turn into mini monsters. They run around the neighbourhood ringing doorbells for sheer fun, mimic angry adults until they give up, or even swear to hate a certain vegetable and every one of the opposite sex for life. Tweens, as experts suggest, are when children start shaping their opinions, dreams, likes and preferences. It is only natural then, filmmaker and photographer Aman Chotani says, for them to be wary of anyone who doesn’t fit into the box of their newly formed ideals and values. “No matter what you do, children will pull another child’s leg,” Chotani shares. But where does one draw the line? “When they start becoming mean,” he responds. The video podcast is a game show that aims to shed light on children’s mental health Chotani’s new venture into his passion for filmmaking is a video podcast, A Mean Show. Here, he invites children to have candid conversations with him and play games. The underlying aim, however, is to create a mental health show. “As a child, I would stammer. And even though it made me strong, I was subject to intense bullying from children my age. Now that we are in the podcast era, I want to use this power of storytelling to spread awareness, and subtly ask kids to be kind to each other,” the host, who also recently became a parent, reveals. The seven-episode series is directed by Chetan Kumar and produced by Pallavi Arora. Each episode features one child. They are introduced as awesome Ashvik, amazing Aarna, rocking Ranveer or magical Myra, among others. The children begin by talking about their dreams — Yajat Kumar, for instance, wants to become an astronaut. He loves the movie Interstellar, and firmly believes that Neil Armstrong’s first-ever spaceship to land on the moon was created because he stole a surefire idea from the Russians. The sixth grader wishes to visit Japan, a tech-advanced country which is also home to anime. Chotani expresses his will to do the same, and hopes the two meet again in the future in Japan. Shivanika Raghav explains concepts like anxiety, multiple intelligence and screen time; (right) Yajat Kumar After a round of rapid fire, where Kumar associates the word wars with guns and siblings with wars, Chotani asks if the science enthusiast has ever been bullied. “Yes, sometimes,” Kumar admits. It has to do with the kid’s changing physique; his friends call him fat, a dog who barks when he defends himself and how one day, his big brain will explode. Kumar’s response to these comments that wins over Chotani and this writer. “I feel that I should be quiet because if I do that, they will get bored, and eventually stop talking about me,” he says. The episodes also feature special educator and art therapist Shivanika Raghav, who explains in two minutes concepts like anxiety, multiple intelligence and screen time. With each episode nearly 10-minutes-long, the podcast is a fun mix of games, banter and heartfelt conversations. It sheds light on the various interests of Gen Alpha, and how they are coping with the harsh, digital world they were born into. An insightful watch for both parents and children, this podcast promises to drive the message home through visual storytelling and entertainment. Log on to: ameanshow.com In tune with mental health Also check out these podcasts: >> The right sourceThe channel provides mental health and social emotional learning resources for kids and teens. They explain through visual storytelling concepts like anger management for kids, grounding techniques, emotions and feelings vocabulary, relaxation skills, and more.Log on to: Mental Health Center Kids on YouTube >> The onus is on parentsThis podcast by author and parenting expert Mark Gregston shows how parents can start being more mindful about a teenager’s mental health. He explores themes like why teens lie, intimacy, effective communication, online safety and the art of letting go.Log on to: Parenting Today’s Teens on Spotify PICS COURTESY/YOUTUBE >> Mental power with yogaExplore relaxation and enter the world of cartoons through relaxing yoga poses for kids. The host will tell you about the Little Mermaid Yoga pose, or why Kevin the koala can’t sleep. You can jump into (above)Rapunzel’s adventurous world and even get flexible with the Little Red Riding Hood.Log on to: Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube >> Listen up, girlsThese episodes directly speak to girls (both teens and tweens). Host and girl power instructor Stephanie Valdez shares guidance on personal development, physical and mental health, media literacy, and how to better handle friendships, relationships and family. Log on to: 10 for Teens + Tweens on Spotify
14 May,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiTake it easyThe undisputed winners for me are the Bhandardara and Igatpuri sites separated by an hour-long drive. They require no trekking and you can reach the campsite conveniently owing to good road connectivity. This makes them the ideal choice for kids, couples and families. Both sites have offered some of the best firefly sightings historically. Igatpuri stands out as the only firefly campsite that also offers water sports during the day like kayaking and rafting. Difficulty: BeginnerHow to reach: Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara. Hail a local jeep or join the group transportation vehicle. Alternatively, make the 120 km drive to the base camp via Bhandardara Phata and Kalsubai. Kuldip Rathore, trek leader, Mischief Treks ON 17 May onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station; Dogra Food Mall Kasara (for private vehicles)CALL 7719800777COST Rs 1,800 (includes food, transportation from Kasara and accommodation) Views from the valleyFor those who wish to take a detour from the hubbub of the city life to spot the fireflies with a short, yet enjoyable trek, Sandhan valley offers the right balance between adventure and leisure. This valley is also known as the Valley of Shadows because the sun’s rays don’t reach the ravines. The firefly trail at the base camp on the first day can be followed by a two-hour-long trek. For those looking for a memorable adventure, we also offer guided rappelling activities under our supervision down the valley. Difficulty: Intermediate How to reach: Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara. Avail of jeep services run by locals, or your trek organiser to reach Samrad village, the base camp through a two-hour-long drive. Vinayak Mahadik, trek co-ordinator, Trek Panda ON 18 May onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station.CALL 8888771773COST Rs 1,799 (includes food, transportation from Kasara and rappelling) On a high noteThe Harishchandragad Fort is known for its challenging trek that concludes with a panoramic view from 4,650 ft above sea level. However, not many realise that one of the base villages, Paachnai, offers some great views as well. Boasting dense foliage, the village becomes home to wildlife sightings, including fireflies from mid-May to June. During monsoons, the village is surrounded by scenic waterfalls. I recommend this trek to seasoned trekkers or those with adequate endurance training. Difficulty: Intermediate/expert How to reach: Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara. Make the two-hour drive to Pachnai via Igatpuri and Bhandardara Phata in a private or group vehicle. Alternatively, board a State Transport bus from Kasara to Rajur followed by Rajur to Pachnai. Public transport can be erratic. Neel Sheth, trek organiser, Treks and Trails ON May 18 onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station.CALL 8591064044COST R1,399 (includes food, transportation from Kasara, and accommodation) The Harishchandragad Fort trek features rocky terrain and scenic views Know before the glow >> Do not expect luxury; all firefly sighting camps are nestled in remote tribal settlements. >> Give the bonfire a break. Although a camping essential, continued exposure to smoke can harm, and potentially kill fireflies. >> Avoid playing loud music on your phones. It can disturb the fireflies. >> Carry a rainproof jacket, quick-drying clothing, an extra pair of socks and trekking shoes with good grip. >> While photography and videography is usually allowed, double-check if your flash is engaged. Flashes can instantly drive away fireflies. The Bhandardara firefly spotting camp >> Fireflies glow to attract mating partners. Do not attempt to touch or handle the fireflies during this vital phase of their life cycles. >> Research about the group you’re joining and enquire about the ethical measures in place. Responsible organisers must not overcrowd the sites and allow the fireflies their space. - Kuldip Rathore Also check out >> RajmachiThis site provides direct access to firefly sightings without a trek. However, situated only 84 km from the city, the site is prone to overcrowded camps.ON May 24 onwardsLOG ON TO treksandtrails.orgCOST Rs 1,199 (includes food, accommodation, and travel) >>Kothaligad Fort TrekThis trail in Ambivali is one of the closest spots to Mumbai for firefly spotting. A two-hour-long uphill trek featuring ancient stone steps ends with clear firefly sightings under the night sky.ON May 18 onwardsLOG ON TO mischieftreks.comCOST Rs 850 onwards (includes food and accommodation) A participant engages in kayaking in Igatpuri >>PurushwadiTucked away from the usual tourist spots, Purushwadi provides an unexplored, quaint and tranquil experience under clear skies during the firefly mating season.ON May 24 onwardsLOG ON TO mischieftreks.comCOST Rs 1,600 onwards (includes food and accommodation)
14 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleJust a couple of years ago, if you had spotted a group huddled around a screen on your commute, you could safely assume they were engaged in the beloved board game, Ludo. Today, however, this popular game of chance is slowly starting to give way to a more cerebral, yet equally captivating pursuit — chess. This growing passion for the game in the city, perhaps, is why ChessBase India, an organisation that promotes the game across the country, is bringing The Big Chess Summer Camp back to the city today for its second season. Priyanka Ved, a lawyer and chess instructor, is one of the three head coaches who will oversee the gathering of novices and experts alike, assisted by an army of volunteers. Over a short call, Ved explains that the camp is far from the image of a strict, structured camp that its name might have evoked in our minds. “We do not ask the participants to come in every day and sit through long sessions led by a trainer. The camp is free for all, and participants from all walks of life can drop in, work on their game, play a good match with like-minded individuals, and leave as they want.” Participants gather at the venue during a previous edition To facilitate this unique structure, Ved, along with co-head coaches Nithin Chandan and Shashank Mokashi has developed a self-learning module. A set of 45 activity sheets, beginning from the basics of the game such as identifying pieces, to complex check tactics, will form the foundation of the camp. “You can walk in, pick up a sheet based on your skill level, and work your way up from there. Whether you’re a novice or a professional, you can call for a volunteer or a coach if you find yourself struggling with a sheet,” she notes, further revealing that each of the sheets feature 10 activities accompanied by diagrams, hints, and instructions. While the coach admits that younger participants might have an upper hand in picking up on nuances of the game, she insists that nothing is put down in black and white. “We have had participants come along with their mothers and grandparents. By the end of the camp, the grandparents are the ones glued to the sheets,” she laughs. On the other hand, we learn that children as young as two-years-old have something to look forward to at the camp. An illustrated book, titled ChessPa (Rs 499), features a friendly grandpa who breaks down the absolute basics of the game. Young readers can get their hands on the book at the venue and the organisation’s website. Priyanka Ved Amid discussions about the many ways the camp is trying to make the game fun and lucrative for city audiences, Ved reminds us that it’s not all fun and games. Completion of all the activity sheets that the camp has to offer opens the doors to a monthly pan-India chess tournament organised by ChessBase India for the participants. “The goal, ultimately, is to get talented minds who show commitment to the game under our wing, and provide them the right platform,” she concludes. ON May 13 to 19; 4 pm to 8 pm AT Atrium 5, Phoenix MarketCity, LBS Marg, Kurla West. LOG ON TO chessbase.inFREE
13 May,2024 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleTim Cook, who took over the reins of Apple from Steve Jobs in 2011, will turn 64 this year. And while the venerated CEO has indicated that he does not intend to retire in the near future, speculations are rife about who will take over his coveted mantle when the time comes. Business pundits across the world are taking a closer, harder look at Cook’s core team, considering that Cook himself was the COO under Jobs before he was moved up the leadership hierarchy. But what key considerations does an outgoing leader make when selecting a worthy successor? More significantly, why is this decision one of the most crucial ones that Cook can make in his already illustrious career? Although the idea of succession is not often discussed in leadership discourse, it is an important component of a successful leader’s legacy, experts say. “Succession planning is a key leadership requirement at all leadership levels. Dr Brajesh Bajpai, Rishi Piparaiya and Ojas Mehta Every senior leader should, if they haven’t already, plan their succession roadmap. The reasons for this are twofold; the first is an organisational requirement as the present leader will move up at some stage, and it is a part of their responsibility to ensure that someone capable steps into their shoes. The second reason is more strategic: what many leaders don’t recognise is that the fastest way to grow in an organisation is to make themselves redundant. While this might sound quite provocative, it simply means that if the leader has put together a team that is capable of doing everything that [s]he is responsible for, in the eyes of the organisation, that leader is ready to be moved up,” shares Dr Brajesh Bajpai, executive coach and mentor, and managing executive at Vodacom Group. Setting the stage Successful leaders breed more leaders, says Bajpai, noting that a reputation of building future leaders adds to the incumbent’s own leadership capital. A key step that a leader can take is to ensure that the process of grooming and nurturing leaders is embedded into the organisation’s DNA, suggests Ojas Mehta, a leadership development coach. “Regular training and development opportunities, as well as responsibilities that enable potential candidates to learn and develop their leadership skills must be built into their work. This is an investment that can yield rich dividends for the entire organisation in the long term,” he adds. Have a vision “Whether the successor is chosen from within the existing organisation or brought into the organisation has a lot to do with the objectives and vision of the firm,” explains Rishi Piparaiya, a leadership mentor. He clarifies that if the organisation is keen to maintain the status-quo and an even keel, an existing team member could be the best fit for the leadership role. On the other hand, if the organisation is aiming for disruption and wants to shake things up, bringing in a fresh face may be a much-required shot in the arm. Regardless of the decision made, it is important to involve all key stakeholders in the process. “With larger organisations especially, these decisions are not made in isolation, and the inputs of the board should be considered, and their concerns addressed. It’s also important to maintain clear and transparent communication with these stakeholders throughout the process,” says Bajpai. Let go of your biases It is human nature to want to seek out a successor that is similar to the outgoing leader. “We are genetically programmed to seek out people who behave and think like us. In the absence of checks and measures, these biases can get the better of us and set us up for failure. We could be inadvertently breeding a posse of ‘yes-men’ [or women], which creates several blind spots in the organisation’s long-term strategy and thinking,” cautions Bajpai. Proving that proximity by association doesn’t always ensure the best fit is Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s decision to sack her nephew, Akash Anand, from his role as national coordinator and also her political successor. In her announcement, she shared that she was considering the larger interests of the party as well as Anand’s perceived ‘lack of maturity’. When selecting a future leader, he emphasises on not choosing people who can do the job at hand but rather those who can get the job done or inspire others to get it done. “Organisations have been waking up to the importance of people skills, over purely technical abilities. Instead of relying purely on performance reports and spreadsheets, look for potential candidates with strong ‘soft skills’ such as empathy, conflict resolution, ability to manage stress, and how they handle feedback and ambiguity. Importantly, ensure that they have the right attitude, work ethic, and willingness to grow and adapt to the requirements of their role,” says Mehta. Smooth handover The kind of guidance a new leader receives can largely influence his/her performance in the new role. “While it’s important to not be overbearing, to micromanage or to overstay your welcome, it’s also crucial to give your successor the tools and guidance [s]he needs to essay the role successfully. Plan for some overlap and have a sound plan, which is shared with all stakeholders, to ease the transition,” shares Piparaiya. At the same time, Mehta highlights the importance of a failsafe plan that comprises the necessary countermeasures to stabilise the shift, should the new leader not be a good fit for the role (s)he has been tasked with.
13 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulJoin a three-hour-long walk around Fort where historian and author Sandeep Dahisarkar shares stories about heritage sites and structures in the area. He will be accompanied by photographer Nikhil Bagul, who will guide participants about architectural, street and portrait photography. ON May 12; 8 am to 11 amAT Fort. (Meeting point will be shared upon registration) CALL 9321521019Cost Rs 1,200
11 May,2024 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamGood hair days are a summer luxury only a select few enjoy. Ranbir Kapoor’s recent slick cut by hairstylist Aalim Hakim makes one wonder if a dreamy look like that is a common man’s cup of tea. “Absolutely,” shares celebrity hair stylist Elvis Vaaz, “Summer hair needs hydration. That’s key to good, healthy hair for men.” While most men resort to a clean-shaven look with ultra-short hair, Vaaz suggests that there are ways to add the right amount of style to it. Ranbir Kapoor’s look, she adds, has as much to do with his beard as his hair. “He has gone for a short fade on the sides for his hair, with volume on top. This is an ideal summer haircut as it makes the face look longer. Remember, we want the face to show in summer, to look cleaner, fresher and hydrated,” she suggests. Elvis Vaaz Ace the summer look>> The shorter, the cooler Shorter haircuts are trending, especially in Hollywood, and now in Bollywood, owing to summer. The perfect cut would be textured, longer hair on the top, with faded sides and faded beard. My recent work on Karan Kundrra for a shoot, for instance, allows him to carry buzzed sides with longer spiked hair. But haircuts can vary depending on the shape of your face, and the angles your hairstylist decides to give to your hair. Here are some styles for the season: Shahid Kapoor’s buzzed crew cut for Haider; (right) Karan Kundrra sports spikes and a faded haircut Buzz cut: The ultra-short hairstyle is favoured by actors for low maintenance and a masculine look. It is timeless, and suits a variety of face shapes.Crew cut: This is a classic hairstyle where the hair on the top is cut short and gradually fades on the sides and back. It’s a clean and polished look. Shahid Kapoor’s hairstyle in Haider is a fusion of the buzz and crew cut. Texture crop: This style features short hair on the sides and the back. The hair is longer and textured on top. It adds depth and dimension, creating an edgy look. Siddhant Chaturvedi’s style in Gehraiyaan is a good example. >> Structure is key >> Men with round faces can opt for hairstyles with volume on top. Some length on the side will elongate the face. Pick layered cuts, side-swept bangs or hairstyles with height at the crown. >> For the square-faced, softening angular features with textured layers or side-swept bangs work well. Avoid blunt cuts and opt for softer, rounder styles to complement the face shape. >> Embrace your greys Siddhant Chaturvedi opts for a textured cut in the movie, Gehraiyaan. PIC COURTESY/YOUTUBE; (right) hairstylist Chris Appleton’s salt-and-pepper look For those with salt-and-pepper hair, it can be a challenge to style their look. The perfect example is Chris Appleton, but he is a celebrity who is also a hairstylist. And not everyone can visit a salon daily. In such cases, men can opt for botox or nanoplasty [after taking expert advice]. These treatments clean the top of the hair and are a good option to straighten curly hair that is difficult to manage in summer. The best part about it is that your hair will remain healthy and styled for at least three months. >> Colours are cool If you wish to colour your hair, experiment with ashen tones and browns. Else opt for dark green, for a bolder vibe. However, always choose cool colours for this time of the year. >> Hair appeal >> Do not use gel or wax in summer. When you step out, you are bound to sweat, and the products seep into your skin and cause acne. >> Use aloe vera gel to hydrate your hair. It doesn’t burn the scalp, isn’t messy, and doesn’t seep into your skin >> Apply gentle cleansing shampoo, and dry shampoo if you need step out again in the day but are pressed for time to wash your hair.
11 May,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiTITLE I Kick and I FlyAUTHOR Ruchira GuptaGENRE FictionPublisher Rock the Boat/HarperCollins IndiaCost Rs 499 Journalist Ruchira Gupta’s I Kick and I Fly is a brave journey of a 14-year-old Heera who searches for a way to escape a terrifying fate that awaits her in the dark lanes of Lalten Bazaar in Forbesganj, Bihar. The area came to be better known as the Girls Bazaar, a market that trades girls in flesh trade. It is controlled by a goon-like figure, Ravi Lala, who sits in his lungi, with a gold chain around his neck, and from his perch, keeps an eye on “every family… every mud hut”. Navigating through the alleys and corridors following Heera, Gupta writes about the issue of child sex-trafficking that persists in India and extends beyond its boundaries. The book is fast-paced but not short on details; we see what Heera sees, we smell what she smells, and the growl of her starving stomach tells us her hunger is real. Writing from a position where one hasn’t personally experienced what the protagonist experiences can always be tricky but Gupta does this sensitively. At no point does the narrative turn into one of pity. In fact, Gupta isn’t so much of an outsider. Having worked for years towards helping girls break free from the vile systems of prostitution, especially through her NGO Apne Aap, and experiencing the threats by traffickers, she is aware that the dangers continue to linger even after the rescue. For this reason, she infuses a spirit of defiance in Heera’s character. We are witness to it from the beginning: whether it’s the everyday episodes of beating up Manish at school for bullying her and getting expelled, or little moments like finding value in the only pair of laced shoes that the family owns, rejected by the pawn shopowner, or transformative steps like choosing to learn how to master kung fu. One of the most likeable characters for us, who marks a turning point in the protagonist’s life is Rina Di, a martial arts teacher, who is the owner of the hostel where Heera goes to stay. She rescues Heera and pushes her to pursue kung fu, which would enable her to defend herself. In Rina, Gupta creates a powerful mentor figure for Heera who instils in her the strength, above all else, to move closer towards liberation and a desire to save those around her. The book bears a fitting title, one that reaches out for hope.
11 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaA talking tiger walks into a palace to meet an Indian princess. Only Neil Gaiman could imagine such a surreal but fascinating plot. Earlier this week, the Indian studio Graphic India announced their next animated feature with Gaiman titled Cinnamon. The film is produced by Saren Khan, Sharad Devarajan and Jeevan Kang for Graphic India along with Gaiman and Cat Mithos via The Blank Corporation. Kang will also direct the story of the young Indian princess, Cinnamon, and her journey of self-discovery. For Indian fans, the project is a watershed moment, considering Gaiman’s reputation as a modern-day mythmaker and creator. A prolific, inspirational writer, the Hugo and Newberry Award-winner is best known for his radical comic series, The Sandman, later turned into a critically acclaimed Netflix show in 2022. Apart from having worked with DC Comics, Gaiman also wrote the screenplay for Guillermo Del Toro’s HellBoy II (2008) as well as the acclaimed television series, Good Omens. We speak with Graphic India CEO and co-founder, and co-writer with Gaiman on the upcoming project, Sharad Devarajan on the unique project, challenges of myth-building, and what the future holds. Edited excerpts from the interview: How did the collaboration with Neil Gaiman come about?Sharad Devarajan: I have been friends with Neil [Gaiman] for a while now, and have always known of his fascination with Indian mythology. One of his many stories that I loved was Cinnamon. It had many themes that resonated with me while telling it in a way that appealed to the world, quite like Coraline. Coraline had some interesting themes that were very grown-up, even a touch dark. Does Cinnamon follow the same tone?SD: It [Coraline] had certain themes that were not seen in a typical Western animation film. We are also trying to deal with something similar [in this project]. We just finished writing a lot of the treatment, and are currently working on the script. So, I cannot reveal details. Will Coraline’s style be the template for the animation then?SD: Coraline was stop motion, but this will be different. We are trying to find elements that are unique and distinctly Indian to add to the animation. It also brings to the fore Gaiman’s work as an author and interpreter of myths. Similarly, you are coming off the success of The Legend of Hanuman. Does it influence the project?SD: Cinnamon is not mythology. It is not like The Legend of Hanuman where we had to ensure that the tale captures the ethos of the original myth in the most respectful way. It is a fun fable that allows you the freedom to explore, although it does have mythological undertones. It is also designed as an English-language film. We are particularly thrilled to see Jeevan Kang direct the project. How influential has his presence been?SD: Jeevan has been a partner of mine for a long time. He was the director for The Legend of Hanuman, as well as the upcoming series, Baahubali: The Crown of Blood. He is one of the foremost animation directors of the country, and believes in breaking boundaries to find a new style that is innovative and different. Speaking of Baahubali, it is another mythical world created by SS Rajamouli. How challenging or exciting is it to work with him?SD: I first met Rajamouli after Baahubali. He shared with me the years of work he had put in that nobody even knows of. He could show only a portion of it in the films. It was only natural for us to take it forward through comics and animated features. We share a common vision to change the perception of animation in India from being a medium for children to a platform for sophisticated stories. Sharad Devarajan Is that a future to which Graphic India will move?SD: We are storytellers who want to find the best medium to tell these stories. Comics and animation remain two big pillars in this process, but in the future, we have to examine how we approach interactive content. So, we are also moving aggressively into live-action. ‘There is so much life in Indian fiction’ An illustration from Burton’s Vikram and the Vampire. Pic Courtesy/Archive.org I grew up with thick, beautifully illustrated books of Indian stories. My first, and thus my favourite, was a collection of Indian Fables retold by a Czech author named Ivan Olbracht. It was a fifth birthday present, and I loved them. I have since been rediscovering that love [as an adult]. I have always been drawn to the rich tapestry of mythology and folklore that exists in cultures around the world, and India’s vast collection of fables and legends has long held a special fascination for me. So many writings for me go back to the first time I picked up Richard Burton’s translation of Vikram The Vampire. I was captivated by their magic, their wisdom, and their enduring power to speak to the human experience across time and space. Neil Gaiman With Cinnamon, I wanted to create a story that would pay homage to the classic Indian fables that had captured my imagination as a child. I find so much life in Indian fiction, and my heart always follows people who get the most out of their dictionaries and vocabularies; writers who take joy in the language. I tend to be more [Ernest] Hemingway-esque in my writings because I learned to write at a time when the economy of writing was incredibly important. What I love most about Indian writing is that I never get the feeling that anybody is trying to economise on words. Instead, they use beautiful words in the same way they use spices and colours. - Neil Gaiman
11 May,2024 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarYesterday, when Dhanendra Kawade packed his bags to leave Balaghat (in Madhya Pradesh) for Mumbai, his travel kit contained an unusual assortment. Water taps — half a dozen of them — alongside pipes, tubes and tools. Kawade, a familiar backstage name in Hindi theatre circles, isn’t in town to add to the ongoing slew of never-ending renovations. These plumbing supplies are props for the theatre maker and set designer’s upcoming non-verbal solo play, Nal Jal. A glass tank filled with water and miniature rubber ducks acts as a visual cue for the audiences to revisit memories from their childhoods involving water A quick glance through the title and synopsis of the play, and it would seem like Kawade is here to teach city dwellers a classic lesson in water conservation. Kawade insists otherwise. He elaborates, “Water conservation cannot be understood without first rediscovering the bond we share with water. The fact that we have commodified the resource to an extent where we are bottling it to sell it, speaks volumes about how disconnected we are. The play is a hands-on exploration of a forgotten bond. What the experience subsequently sparks in you, is secondary.” Kawade plays with water in the opening scene of the play Kawade’s novel idea is backed by his peculiar methodology that blurs the line between a theatre stage and a science experiment in the backyard. The backbone of the stage set-up that the designer conceptualised and built himself, are taps of varying heights, and vessels such as mugs, bottles, and bowls; all spread across a blue carpet made of plastic. As the play unfolds, the artiste, who plays the role of a young man scouring for water, fills them, one at a time. A unique sound, in harmony with a pre-recorded background score, fills the room every time a stream of water hits the surface of a vessel. “Each of these three-minute-long pieces of sound evoke memories of our everyday interactions with water, and the inherent music in it that we tend to overlook,” reveals Kawade. The artiste plays a tune on the flute to set the tone of a scene during a previous performance The 46-year-old admits that getting the sounds right hasn’t been a breeze, especially in the absence of a team. We learn that over the last decade, Kawade has extensively researched and learned from repeated trials and errors both during shows, and in rehearsals back home. “I watched a video of percussionist Sivamani creating music with water bottles in a live performance sometime in the late 2000s. I was intrigued, and set out to recreate it,” he recalls. As he juggles between props tomorrow, pouring water through tubes, pipes, and bottles, Kawade’s learnings will come to fruition. The music that arises from these experiments is accompanied by other embellishments such as a recurring mini flute. While the artiste admits he isn’t a trained flautist, he explains the intention, “I play a set of two notes that repeat in a progression to signify the absence of water; the sound mimics that of a hollow, parched well. On occasions where the protagonist finds water in one of the taps, I change the key of the progression to a brighter sound.” We learn that the stage is dotted by smaller contraptions that act as visual cues and complement the many isolated experiences the artiste will present. A glass tank filled with water and rubber ducks, for instance, symbolises the ponds in his hometown that Kawade grew up admiring. “These interpretations will differ between members of the audience; and that’s fine. This is precisely why I decided to take the non-verbal route with this play. The moment you declare the meaning explicitly, it is no longer personal for you or the audience,” he remarks. At the end of Kawade’s 30-minute-long experiment fuelled by five litres of water tomorrow, the stage will be open for audiences to come and explore the setup. It is this closing act that will reveal the true source of the water Kawade uses, along with a take-home message for the audiences. “I want them to engage all their senses and interact with the set to feel one with the life-sustaining resource. Only when you feel a personal connection, will your eyes open to the way we mistreat the resource today,” Kawade signs off. On: May 11; 7 pmAt: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. Log on to: in.bookmyshow.comEntry: Rs 150 onwards
10 May,2024 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor Mumbai’s sweet-toothed vegetarians finding inspired eggless dessert options on menus often ends with them having to settle for options in the ice cream section, or chocolate pastries. So, when we hear that Malad’s vegetarian dessert café, Dessert Therapy, opened a branch at Fort, we make a beeline for it. We reach the venue on the first weekend of its opening and realise that this kerbside restaurant with a massive seating area is yet to be discovered by SoBo’s vegetarian dessert fans. The interiors are painted with a balanced mix of warm and cool colours. The pendant lights and a bricked wall add appeal. We find our favourite spot by the gigantic arched glass windows. Loaded churro chips As we scan the menu, the co-founder, Harsh Shah, comes by our table and shares about the café’s origins, which started as a cloud kitchen founded by him and his brother Nisarg in 2016. “As big-time dessert fans, we wanted to introduce the concept of desserts as therapy,” he reveals. While the Malad café is best-known for its cheesecakes, Shah urges us to try something new at the Fort outpost. He hands us the mango menu. “The aamras tres leches [Rs 500] is a must-try,” he insists, and so we go by his recommendation. The dessert that serves four, arrives in a bowl filled with aamras. In the centre is a vanilla cake drenched in the milky mango juice, topped with cream and mango pieces. The cake melts in our mouth, and is a refreshing burst of the seasonal fruit. Next up is loaded churro chips (Rs 600). This dish can suffice for a group of three. The chips are warm and crunchy, and come topped with four types of chocolate sauces — milk, white, dark, and chilli. We suggest skipping this, or ordering chilli chocolate sauce separately in a bowl. The dessert is topped with strawberry and cream. Nutella Ferrero cheesecake (Rs 500), and their bestseller, Lotus Biscoff cheesecake (Rs 450) are next on our plan. By now, it’s evident that their portion sizes are generous. The cheesecakes are sided with a dollop of cream. While the former is an overload of sweetness, the latter is a fine balance of creamy and crumbly. Aamras tres leches (right) Lotus biscoff cheesecake With cutesy interiors and its diverse eggless menu covering pancakes, donuts, cookies, pastries and milkshakes, it is bound to cause a flutter among impressionable foodies who swear by their social media feeds. Dessert TherapyAt Meadows House, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort.Time 1 pm to 1 amCall 9152323023 Just desserts >> Cococart & CocoCafeAt Jio World Drive, Bandra East; other outlets in Vile Parle East; Andheri West; Navi Mumbai.Log on to cococart.in >> Dessert RepublicAt Kalyan Bhuvan, Matunga East.Call 35315999 >> ChantillyAt Perry Road, Bandra West.Call 7370808080 >> Ice LabAt Gandhi Building, Girgaon Chowpatty.Call 7738133012 >> Country of OriginAt Petit Hall, Malabar Hill.Call 9820034747 >> Affogato by JavaphileAt Asha Apartments, Khar West.Call 9152000229 >> Cou CouAt Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East.Call 90828 56979
10 May,2024 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
