If you can’t remember the last time city-based indie-pop musician Raghav Meattle’s name popped up on your favourite music festival’s roster, you’re not alone. Speaking from his Bandra residence, Meattle, once a familiar face at live shows, pauses for a moment, then recalls, “It’s been a while, at least two years,” he laughs when we ask him about his hiatus. In a month’s time, Meattle will set out on an India tour with Intezaar Tera, his new collaborative studio album. The title of the 32-year-old’s new album seems apt for more reasons than one. Written as an ode to long-distance relationships, the album also comes after a six-year-long wait for his fans after Songs From A Matchbox, Meattle’s debut studio album released in 2018. “While the debut album was more cohesive and had a strong sonic identity, Intezaar Tera is much like a mixtape. Nine songs stringed together by the overarching theme of longing, yet musically diverse,” he reveals. The nine tracks, encompassing soul, folk, and electronica, feature collaborations with old friends and musicians from Meattle’s new venture, first.wav. Rohan Shetty AKA Shor, Ashish Zachariah AKA Maara, Jeremy Samson, Pradeep Mathews, Christy Joby, and Aditi Raj, all add their own spin to the artiste’s signature indie-folk style. Meattle admits he has taken a liking for the collaborative route of producing music over the years. “When I sat down to make music with these artistes, I realised how the process became more productive, objective, and quick, sans the usual artistes’ block and overthinking.” As for hitting the road, it’s a mixed bag of emotions for the artiste. “I’ve missed performing for large audiences. The set is a mix of songs from my debut album and the new one. Finding the right way to string them together, given that they’re sonically poles apart, will be a challenge. But I hope I can put together a good time for old and new listeners,” he concludes. LOG ON TO Spotify (for the album); @raghavmeattle (for tour details)
18 May,2024 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe Identity Installations at Phansi Museum, Durban Founded by architect and activist Paul Mikula, this museum houses a collection of traditional craftworks as well as artefacts like pots, spoons, platters, headrests, beaded clothes and accessories that mark important developments among indigenous communities of South Africa. The most fascinating of them are the skirts and aprons of Nguni women; each colour, pattern, and shape holds a meaning denoting a stage in the wearer’s life.Log on to Phansi Museum on YouTube Appearances Can Be Deceiving Exhibition at the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico Frida Kahlo’s wheelchair exhibited at the museum in Mexico The exhibition curated by Circe Henestrosa takes visitors across the wardrobe of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It shows Kahlo’s hand-painted as well as plaster corsets, her jewellery, custom-made shoes, wooden crutches, jar of bandages, back support. It throws light on her personal choices and political beliefs, and opens dialogue on body, clothing, and disability. Couple this with a tour around her home, Casa Azul.Log on to museofridakahlo.org.mx/virtual Furusiyya Exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Inside Louvre Abu Dhabi Spanning between the fifth and 15th centuries, the Middle Ages come under spotlight here. The exhibition compares the culturally social elites of the East and the West. For instance, a seal shows the Persian and the Roman emperors in combat. We also get a detailed view of the armour of the knights. Books and art on display depict a transfer of knowledge and ideas between the Islamic East (the Levant, Central Asia, Near East and Middle East) and the cultures in the west (like those of the French, English, and Germanic kingdoms).Log on to louvreabudhabi.ae/en/Explore/exhibitions Future Memory Tour at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Japan A broken watch marking the time of the 1945 bombings showcased at the museum This tour presents a walk through the corridors that hold memories of a broken Japan, in the form of testimonies of survivors and remains like clothes, shoes, etc., patches from the 1945 atomic bombing in Hiroshima. Each story is heartbreaking. One display, for instance, shows a caught shadow of a person, who had been sitting on the steps outside the Hiroshima Branch of Sumitomo Bank, possibly waiting for it to open when the bomb ended it all.Log on to 1future.jp/future_memory/#3d-portrait-of-a-museum Veiled Rebecca tour at the Salar Jung Museum, India Veiled Rebecca at the Salar Jung Museum It is best known for the marble statue Veiled Rebecca acquired by Salar Jung III. A tour takes us around neoclassical sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni’s Rebecca, standing in her skilfully sculpted translucent attire, which looks so delicate, as though it were made of a light cloth, not stone. Several other masterpieces from around the world preserved by the Salar Jung family can be found here. Log on to salarjungmuseum.in/Virtual-Tours.html Maple Viewers at the Tokyo National Museum, Japan Tokyo National Musem The museum consists of a number of national treasures and houses perhaps one of the largest collections of art objects from Japan. One such marvel is the Maple Viewing at Takao painting, a guided close-up of which points enthusiasts to its details: the arrival of winter, a cup of matcha tea for a penny, children relaxing by the Kiyotaki river, the flautists, the Buddhist monks, a sake party. It was painted by the artist Kanô Hideyori.Log on to artsandculture.google.com/story/ugVx66zJs5-sLQ The Listies’ Guide to the Melbourne Museum, Australia A Triceratops fossil at the Melbourne Museum This is a funny, quirky, and fantastic tour inside the museum. Beginning with a basic map, Matt and Rich, the listies, take us around the Blue Whale skeleton and the dinosaur skeletons, sharing information like when they lived, what they ate, etc. We then head to see other fascinating creatures like the bugs, the diprotodon displays, bowers and eels, along with the colourful sandstones.Log on to museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on Stories in Light Exhibition at National Gallery, Singapore In the 1950s, photography was being recognised as an independent art form in Singapore, where photographers began using the camera to imagine a new landscape and identity for the country after the Second World War. The exhibition, Stories in Light, introduces us to four modern photographers who played an important role in this development, carrying an intent to show the urban changes but retaining the freedom to experiment artistically.Log on to storiesinlight. nationalgallery.sg The Frans Hals Tour at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam This is the national museum of The Netherlands, which is dedicated to Dutch masters like Frans Hals. An audio tour of his work and life introduces the artist as the first in the country to use “free and loose brushwork”. His quick and deft strokes added fluidity and life to his paintings. It made them seem almost like photographs. Look out for the renaissance elbow poses and the Rommelpot player.Log on to rijksmuseum.nl/en/frans-hals American Fashions from 1740 to 1895, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC The Index of American Design collection here is worth checking out. It contains renderings of objects from the colonial period until 1900s. These include sketches of fine dresses with lace trims and ruffles, silk shoes with brocade work, silk waistcoat for men — each marking interesting developments in American society. Log on to artsandculture.google.com/story/mgVBDunxd5wXLw?hl=en Celebrate in the city . Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu SangrahalayaExplore the museum in a walkthrough of ongoing exhibitions including Ancient Sculptures: India Egypt Assyria Greece Rome, or take your pick from seven hands-on educational workshops.TIME 11 am onwards AT Kala Ghoda, Fort. Entry R35 (children); R150 (adults) (museum tickets apply) . Dr Bhau Daji Lad MuseumJoin a guided walkthrough of F Baltazard Solvyns’ People of Bengal: Coloured Etchings. In a separate workshop inspired by the same exhibition, learn about the science behind music and how waves travel from scientist Vinod Kumar Sonawane.TIME 11 am onwards AT Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East. LOG ON TO @bdlmuseum Also check out . Dali Theatre and MuseumLog on to salvador-dali.org/en/museums/dali-theatre-museum-in-figueres/visita-virtual/ . Sistine Chapel at VaticanLog on to museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html . Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryLog on to naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/narrated-virtual-tours
18 May,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaDon't adventures have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story.” For many years, this quote by Bilbo Baggins to his nephew, Frodo, would echo through this writer’s head back from when he first read The Lord Of The Rings by JRR Tolkien. Since it was first published in 1949, the epic saga has captivated generations of readers. JRR Tolkien. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The Amazon Prime series, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power, saw fans dive into the complex lore in the fantasy world. With the arrival of the trailer for the second season, the dark lord Sauron is on the rise. While fans are still split about the show, its makers have announced a release date on August 29. We reach out to fans in the city to know about their expectations from the latest iteration of Tolkien’s lore, and the characters they love. It lacks heart I got into the books because of the movies. I love the lore and fantasy that surrounds the world. I have seen the Rings of Power, and dislike it. The misrepresentation of Galadriel is something I hated. I would have loved to see them focus on the dwarves who reclaim Mount Erebor from Smaug. It would be better if they narrowed their focus on one race as a whole. The new trailer is okay-ish, but I wish they include more characters from the books. The one thing the series does not understand is the core message of Tolkien’s lore — a rejection of modernisation and a focus on simple living. Kevin Rodricks, 30, Bandra Will be fast-paced and action-packed I felt that they have taken quite a lot from the lore. I understand why a lot of people don’t like it, but it was okay. Tolkien’s literature is deep and detailed. You have to compromise when making an adaptation for the screen. The second season promises a lot of depth. It will be more entertaining, since the build-up is now done. The pace will be faster. The key to a good adaptation is to keep the spirit of the stories intact. I am looking forward to witnessing the rise of Sauron into this formless being. While Galadriel is an interesting character, to me, the story has always been about Sauron. Swapnil Raje, 48, Andheri Trying to be Game of Thrones Galadriel; (right) a moment from the trailer I remember renting out a CD when I moved to Delhi, and watching the movie. The same year, my sister brought me the book. I was obsessed with it. The first movies were a lot more loyal to the tone of the story. There were changes, but it is still not a bad adaptation. I put off watching The Rings of Power for the longest time, but caught up on it during a night-long binge last month. I never understood the series. It is trying to be Game of Thrones. I understand that from a production perspective, but not as a fan. While I have many complaints, I hope they do justice to Elrond in the second season. He is such a fascinating character and so important. Vivek Jha, 33, Powai Completely untrue to lore I started reading the book back in school just when the first movies came out. What caught my attention about the epic is the hope it offers. I love the movies, even though there were a few changes from Tolkien lore. I did watch the first season of The Rings of Power. I think they tried to take tidbits from the whole of The Second Age and tried to recapture the myth. Galadriel and Sauron’s tale is something that does not make sense. I will watch the second season, even though I dreaded the first; only to find out how far they stray. The only character whose story I look forward to is Gothmog, the orc with the disfigured face. Quinton Pereira, 36, Malad
18 May,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarA nine-year-old, intrigued by why there is a ‘bedsheet’ catching wind on a boat at sea, convinced her father to let her try her hands at sailing. “It was the perfect place to be with friends. In a concrete jungle like Mumbai, we were amused to find an open sea, with water splashing from all sides of the boat,” recalls Ayesha Lobo, who started coaching people when she turned 15. When she turned 23 in 2014, she founded a sailing school, Discover Sailing India, with the help of father Sunil and her sister Malvika. A moment from a previous session (right) The activity is pet-friendly With the monsoon expected to arrive next month, Lobo is busy wrapping up the last few sessions of sailing before they begin again in September. “To make these last sessions special, we have partnered with Mumbai Foodie [food community], for a sailing masterclass,” she shares. Apart from this, they will host private masterclasses for interested groups of friends or family. The masterclass, Lobo shares, is a way to give people a taste of what it is like being at sea. “People expect a tumultuous, rough sea. They ask me if it is going to be like Life of Pi or the Pirates of the Caribbean,” Lobo chuckles, “and while there will always be a risk when at sea, I tell them that this is not a movie, and the Mumbai bay is nothing like that.” School-going children learn to sail at sea She tries to touch upon all the aspects taught at length in the sailing courses, which she tells us begin with understanding the correlation between the sea, the wind and the sail. “Remember, the sail harnesses the wind, and that is how we get the momentum. Only after understanding this will you be able to know how to use the steering wheel to turn the boat,” she explains. After the group gathers at the meeting point, they take a transfer boat to the sailing boat. On the way, the trainers educate the participants about the concept of wind, currents and direction. Upon reaching, they learn how to set up a boat, pull and drop the anchor, and control steer and sail. Ayesha Lobo “The myth about sailing is that you have to be muscular to be able to do it. This sport is considered to be for strong men. Trust me, we have petite-framed trainees doing really well. In fact, nearly 80 per cent of my staff is female. The idea behind founding the school was to promote the sport among women. We wanted to create a path and fund the women at sail, because they don’t get nearly as much funding to pursue this as the men in the country,” Lobo shares. The school, apart from hosting experiences like yoga at sea and the two-hour-long masterclasses, also organises clean-up drives and participates in restoration projects. “We have courses for serious sailors, sessions for schools, for people looking for one-time-experiences, and of course, pet owners like us, who want their furry friends to be at sail,” she says. Sailing continues to be a passion and a getaway from the city for Lobo. “I urge people to try it because you will not only take back home new learnings but sailing also has the potential to relieve you from your stress. It allows you the time to breathe and think,” she signs off. Get ready to sail >> Take medication if you have motion sickness>> If you can’t swim or have anxiety, inform the instructors>> Carry drinking water to stay hydrated>> Sailing can be glamorous so dress to look cute in comfortable clothes >> Apply sunscreen and bring your biggest smile Till May 25; 7 am to 8 pmMeeting point Gateway of India. Log on to: discoversailing.in Call: 9920886114 (for slot availability and cost)
17 May,2024 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiUrban theatre audiences dipping their toes in regional waters usually draw their proverbial line at plays set in Hinglish. Marathi theatre, in the absence of such a hybrid tongue, has remained somewhat of a mystery to those unfamiliar with the language. A theatre festival titled Pratibimb will bring handpicked Marathi plays out of the ‘natyagruhas’ scattered in the city to the global stage at the National Centre For Performing Arts today. Rajeshri Shinde, festival director, believes the festival is a revival rather than a fresh introduction. “In the 1980s and ‘90s, NCPA would regularly host Marathi plays written by stalwarts such as PL Deshpande, who would frequent the stages here. Slowly, the shows moved out to close-knit hubs elsewhere,” she recalls. A moment from Sachin Shinde’s play Dagad Aani Maati The three-day festival will open with the first-ever presentation of Patra Patri, starring thespian Dilip Prabhavalkar in director and actor Vijay Kenkre’s adaptation of the former’s eponymous satirical book. Alongside other popular plays like Irawati Karnik’s romantic comedy Jar Tar Chi Goshta, the line-up features promising new talents like Swapnil Jadhav who will present his family drama Astitva, while the alumni of Ramnarain Ruia College’s theatre department, will present Golkonda Diamonds, an exploration of the sociocultural state of the world. We learn that seven of the eight performances at the festival will be accompanied by subtitles projected on black screens on either side of the stage. A moment from Golkonda Diamonds performed by alumni of the theatre department of Ramnarain Ruia College “We aim to present narratives not only from the usual Mumbai-Pune circles, but also from the hinterlands, where some supremely talented troupes have sprung up lately,” Shinde shares. To that end, the festival has invited Sachin Shinde’s directorial Dagad Aani Maati, which follows a young farmer’s quest to put his village on the map. “We want to show city audiences how the other side of the country lives, away from comforts and technological developments. Hopefully, it will strike a chord with Mumbai audiences,” Sachin revealed over a call from Nashik. Rajeshri Shinde For those interested in venturing beyond the stage, an acting and a set design workshop will transport participants to the backstage. The festival director elaborates, “Over the last 14 years, audiences have increasingly shown interest in the acoustics, stage set-up, and production of the plays we stage. We hope these workshops spark fresh interest for the performing arts in young minds.” ON May 17 to May 19AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com ENTRY Rs 200 onwards (for individual shows)
17 May,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleEarlier this month, a 24-year-old man lost his life and his friend was severely injured while jumping from a height of 120 ft into a plunge pool in Dabhosa in Palghar district. The inspector-in-charge at the nearby police station where the incident was reported, said that the water levels were low in the plunge pool and that this could have been a possible factor for the death. With the monsoon expected to arrive next month, and the trekking season in Maharashtra all set to pick up, it is important to adhere to basic safety guidelines and ask the right questions before you set out on your next adventure. Access management systems “India has no access management systems. No matter how long or short the duration of a trek is, operators must have the correct permits. This becomes a form of access management. While guidelines are in place, in certain places, there are still many gaps in the system. We must first acknowledge the gap and then work on it. If they don’t have registration, operators should not be allowed to conduct any commercial adventure travel activity,” says Vaibhav Kala, vice-president, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). “If it’s an established picnic spot or a trail that the government knows is witnessing traffic, is there nobody to tell trekkers what the code of conduct needs to be? In the case of plunge pools, for example, a risk assessment has to be done to record what the water levels are and whether it is safe to dive or not. Every activity must have risk assessment and a system to authenticate, authorise, and audit access, which is largely missing,” Kala explains. Vaibhav Kala The ATOAI works closely with the industry and the governments at the central and state levels, to advocate policies, study trends and create a safe environment for participants in adventure activities across 31 verticals. They have worked with the Central Ministry of Tourism to help formulate a national strategy for adventure tourism, which will, hopefully, encompass access management for commercial operations and this will hopefully be implemented soon. Planning ahead Jaya Balakrishna, ex-Indiahikes trek leader and a passionate hiker, believes that risk management and preparing ahead is key to avoid unhappy accidents. “Assessing hazards and developing situational awareness is the first and foremost thing to do when outdoors. Most times, safety doesn’t surface in conversations regarding a trek. This doesn’t mean that safety isn’t important. But safety means “freedom from harm”— it implies a guarantee that no one can undertake, especially in the wilderness. Instead of focusing solely on safety, we should focus on the idea that, while we can’t guarantee safety in the wilderness, we can learn to manage risk and minimise the likelihood of a serious incident. You can prepare yourself to respond to these types of events by having a solid trip plan before you go,” Balakrishna points out. “Courses like Wilderness First Responder help bring awareness and the hands-on experience with mock accidents and the first aid training imparted help to those in the outdoors to survive the wilderness,” she adds. The social media trap According to Yogesh Umbre, a professional rock climber, mountaineer, and part of the rescue operation team at Shivdurga Mitra Lonavala since 2008, many accidents these days have been caused because trekkers are trying to impress their social media followers. “In the recent past, we have seen incidents where trekkers deliberately take more risks to get more viewership and likes on their social media content. They also seem to lose concentration and focus all their attention on getting the perfect selfies. If the same attention was paid to safety, many accidents could have been avoided. Some trekkers follow other ‘influencers’ and set off on a trek without much knowledge about the place. They head to a destination without preparation, because it looks good and pay no attention to details,” Umbre warns. Seasoned trekkers and expert guides share their safety checklists: You come first Know yourself. It’s always good to fairly assess your capabilities before signing up for an adventure. This includes checking with your doctor about medical conditions. Don’t push yourself to do something that you are not prepared for, physically or mentally. >> Answer some vital questions: does the trek require preparation beforehand? What’s the best packing list for that terrain/weather? Have you been in that environment before and if not, what is the best way to adapt? >> “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear”, is a motto I swear by. It’s always good to have high-quality gear that will protect you in adverse weather and terrain. >> Learn basic outdoor skills — consuming enough energy by ensuring enough carbs and protein intake, going slow and steady, navigation skills, and setting up camp before sunset are some of the key skills. Shikha Tripathi, travel writer and founder, Snowfox Escapes Attention to detail >> Do thorough research about the place you are heading to. Secure details about water resources, camping spots and cliffs. Be aware of the entry and exit points. >> Avoid venturing alone; taking a local guide is helpful. >> Keep track of the time. Begin and end early. >> Download offline maps if available (Gaia, Wikiloc, Strava are some good apps to install) >> For forest and jungle trails, learn about its wildlife and their movement beforehand. Also, forest permissions/permits are a must. Meghna Kushalappa, founder, Treks n Tales Group decisions >> If you’re climbing high peaks, be aware of the timing of afternoon thunderstorms. If you’re heading for a hike, study trail conditions so you can plan ahead for a route that’s muddy or slippery. >> Discuss expectations as a team. It’s easy to assume that you and your friends have similar expectations and training, or that you think about risk in the same way. In reality, you are likely to find important differences that you may need to consider. >> In group treks, check if everyone understands the plan and can implement it. If only one person has first-aid training, and that person gets injured, what’s your back-up? It is also a great time to check your first-aid kit to make sure your supplies are well-stocked. Jaya Balakrishna, professional trekker and group leader When it rains >> It’s a common sight in the monsoon to see people wearing sandals and rubber chappals while trekking in the Sahyadris. This can be dangerous. Proper clothing and shoes play an important role in ensuring safety on treks. >> Avoid the selfie obsession while trekking. Take photos while resting or camping but keep both hands free while climbing. >> Carry a small laminated note with emergency contact details During day treks, share your live location with a friend or family member who isn’t on the trek with you. >> Almost all lakes, especially near Pune and Mumbai, are strictly no-swimming zones because most of them are backwaters of dams and hence, have undercurrents. Do not swim in any water body in the monsoon. >> Don’t disturb wildlife, especially snakes during forest trails. Most people aren’t aware of the difference between a non-venomous rat snake and a highly venomous Russell’s viper. >> Most forts have a main route with a staircase leading up; many don’t, and those are best avoided. >> Carry at least 4 litres of water in the summer Saptarishi Bhattacharya, seasoned trekking and wildlife enthusiast Local knowledge is key Members of the Shivdurga Mitra Lonavala participate in a rescue training session at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar >> Study weather conditions/predictions before a trip. Trained climbers avoid summertime in Maharashtra due to severe heat. Honeybees are more active and aggressive in summer, especially during treks around forts. >> Carry a first-aid kit, but also have knowledge of how to use it. >> Seek help of local villagers as they are familiar with the terrain, can warn you of risks and help during rescues. Carry contact details of rescue teams. >> Always carry a working SIM card; be sure of which network works best in that region. >> For waterbodies, one must know basic swimming. Non-swimmers should strictly avoid diving and swimming. Collect data about water depth, currents and tides. Yogesh Umbre, professional climber and rescue expert Sign up for these treks >> Wander the night Take a trip through the magical fort of Harihar and its history on this night and day trek.ON May 18; 9.30 pm MEETING POINT CSMT Station. LOG ON TO bhatakna.comCOST Rs 499 onwards >> Delight in natureA nature lover’s favourite, the Bhimashankar sanctuary is filled with majestic hikes.ON June 15MEETING POINT Neral station. LOG ON TO hikerwolf.com COST Rs 1,999 onwards >> Walk in the clouds End the weekend amidst the clouds with a trek to Kalsubai, the highest point in the Sahyadris. ON May 18 and 25MEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station.CALL 8799856476 LOG ON TO maharashtragadkille.com COST Rs 1,299 (includes transport and accommodation) >> Dive in for funJoin experienced trekkers as they set off for an adventure to the Kal Mandavi water fall to bring the summer to a close. ON May 19 Meeting Point Pritam Dhaba, Dadar East. LOG ON TO adventuregeek.in CALL 9004675388COST Rs 1,199 onwards Compiled by Shriram Iyengar and Devashish Kamble
16 May,2024 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Suprita MitterThursdayFeel the colours Start your weekend with a dash of colour at this healing session where you will use your bare hands as tools to understand brain-hand coordination.Time 2.30 pmAT Khar West (location revealed on confirmation). Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 1,350 (including equipment) FridayJoin the revolution Pic courtesy/Youtube Join fellow eco-warriors to understand the dangers of the industrial seed corporations through cinema in The Seeds of Vandana Shiva. Time 7.30 amAT Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to townscript.comCost Rs 250 onwards Craft your future Spend the weekend with friends, as you turn the clock back to design creative vision boards to set meaningful goals for your future.Time 6 pmAt Greenr Cafe, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Cumballa Hill. Log on to insider.inCost Rs 1,099 onwards SaturdayLEGO of all worries Pics Courtesy/Instagram Give your child a chance to explore their imagination this weekend as Legoland arrives in the suburb of Thane. AGE GROUP Four and aboveTILL May 26; 11 am onwardsAt Viviana Mall, Eastern Express Highway, next to Jupiter hospital, Thane West.Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 299 onwards Laugh with satirists The complex structures of caste, oppression, poverty and absurdity emerge through the tale of a garlic seller. Time: 6 pm; 8.30 pmAt Veda Factory, Four Bungalows, Andheri West. Call 9958624306Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 300 onwards SundayCelebrate a fiesta Kick-start your Sunday with a burst of energy with the flavours from Mexico. From epic recipes such as chipotle tiger prawns and lamb chili chilaquiles (below) paired with the magic of cocktails like the refresco de flor. Time 12 pm to 4 pm At Pompa, Linking Road, Bandra West. Call 9594131256 Read with the author Join Geetha K and Philip George (right) as they take readers on a trip through George’s autobiography, Racket Boy.Time 11.30 amAt Iteeha Coffee, behind Famous Studio, Mahalaxmi West. Log on to @paperbacktalksENTRY (registration mandatory)
16 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn the 1970s, Sandeep Manchekar was your typical schoolboy exploring suburban life in a quiet neighbourhood of Goregaon. If one thing set Manchekar apart; it was his unconventional passion for pottery, one that he kindled by moulding tiny pots at the age of 10. At Studio White & Gray in Byculla this weekend, you might catch glimpses of the young, enthusiastic boy in the now 56-year-old ceramic arts veteran, as he plays with fire to introduce the city to Raku, an ancient, complex, and high-stakes Japanese form of pottery. Manchekar recalls his first tryst with Raku in 1989, fresh out of Sir JJ School of Art where he pursued a diploma in arts and ceramics. Ullas Karde, a veteran ceramic artist from Bengaluru was visiting Kumbharwada, the potters’ cluster in Dharavi, to demonstrate Raku techniques. “I was drawn to the complexities and intricate designs that emerged from the process. I wanted to master it.” A traditional Japanese mask created using the Raku techniques Raku, however, is not a passion suited for the faint hearted. Manchekar spent the next two decades learning the art through extensive reading and practical sessions senior ceramic artists like Nirmala Patwardhan. “Raku kilns can reach temperatures of 1,000-degree Celsius within an hour during the firing process. Pulling them out to cool them, avoiding breakages, is the acid test of a ceramic artist. It is only by experience and practice that you ace the timing, and handling techniques,” he reveals. Through the workshops beginning this weekend, Manchekar will aim to share his learnings from the past 30 years with participants in the studio’s safe, controlled environment. “The spontaneity of the art form keeps me coming back, and makes Raku stand out from anything else I have ever practised,” remarks Manchekar over a phone call from his studio in Indapur in Pune district, where he currently resides along with his creations. This spontaneity, we learn, comes from a process called reduction that uses combustible materials like saw dust and newspapers to cool down the ceramics. “No matter how good you get at predicting these designs with time, the process will always surprise you with unique patterns,” he explains. Raku cups Leading up to the workshops where participants will be guided in bringing the art form to life from scratch, the artiste gives us a glimpse of what the rewards of this laborious task look like. “Tiny cracks often appear on the clay and the glaze as a result of the rapid heating and cooling effect. These cracks complement the unruly designs, and what you have is a Raku ware, only one of its kind,” Manchekar shares. For Gourmoni Das, multimedia artist and co-founder of the studio, the workshop marks another checkpoint on his way to introduce novel practices to the city’s small, but steadily growing community of enthusiasts. “Experienced veterans in the arts, like Manchekar, are ready to share their insights. We strive to provide them the right platform and bridge the gap between them and the learners,” he elaborates. ON May 18,19 and 25; 10 am and 2 pmAT Studio White & Gray, The Great Eastern Mill, Byculla East. LOG ON TO @studio_whiteandgray COST Revealed on request
16 May,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleStaying committed to your fitness goals can be especially difficult when the weather isn’t cooperating and the incessant heat has you feeling drained and exhausted even before you make your way to the gym. On days like these, say experts, home workouts can be a meaningful compromise. To really take your home routines to the next level, they suggest syncing your workouts to a fitness app that enables you to switch up your routine, track your progress and tailor your exercise plan, without having to expose yourself to the elements. Shivali Chatterjee “What makes fitness apps a viable alternative is the sheer variety of workouts they offer. Many apps also enable you to become a part of a fitness community, pair you up with a fitness partner and let you compare your progress with your peers, to make you more accountable and to gamify workouts. This can help to keep you motivated and be that dose of inspiration you need on days you’re feeling especially sluggish,” notes Jashan Vij, a health and fat loss coach. He, and other fitness professionals, share apps that you can use to keep yourself fit and active, regardless of where you are. Best from yogaFor yoga educator Shivali Chatterjee, this app stands out because of the range of instructors it allows access to. “Each instructor has a different teaching style, so you can easily find a practice that best suits you,” she explains. The app offers lessons for all levels of learners — from basic stretching to beginner sessions to routines for advanced learners looking for a bit of a challenge. Recco: Alo Yoga app It’s a HIITThis free app is hailed for its intuitive interface and lets users browse through various routines depending on the type of workout they’re after as well as what equipment they have at hand. For Avinash Mansukhani, a body re-composition and transformation specialist, this app is an ideal choice for those looking for HIIT (high intensity interval training) routines, in a quick, apartment-friendly format.Recco: Nike Training Club app Asanas for all“I’ve found Akshar Yoga’s channel to be exceptional due to its diverse range of yogic practices, including yoga asanas, meditation and pranayamas, along with insightful guidance on when to practice each. The depth of knowledge and presentation of information is truly remarkable,” says Chatterjee. The channel comprises podcasts, exercises and insightful Q&A sessions to make for an immersive and educative yoga platform.Recco: The Akshar Yoga channel Avinash M Adaptive and flexibleThis app offers personalised coaching by assigning you a (paid) fitness coach who will create your individualised diet and exercise regimen. The app, which evolved from a community-based platform, is flexible and adaptive — in that, you can continue to use it even after you rejoin the gym by modifying your workout routine, says Vij. The addition of a supportive community makes the endeavour a positive, uplifting one.Recco: Fittr app Jashan Vij Options galoreAn integrative health app that encompasses multiple types of workout classes, from dance and yoga to strength, this app stands out because of its proprietary energy meter, which allows users to track exactly how much energy they’ve expended during a workout, says Vij. What also sets this app apart is the option for members to join a live class and visit a fitness centre near them for a quick HRX, boxing or dance fitness session (time and weather permitting). Recco: Cult.fit app Log on to: App Store; Play Store
15 May,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulA Multilingual poetry event will celebrate the 163rd birth anniversary of Nobel laureate late (below) Rabindranath Tagore. Divided into two sections — recorded and live performances, the highlight of this gathering is that it invites poets who have translated Tagore’s works in their mother tongue. For the recorded section, Luz Maria Lopez will recite a poem in Spanish, while Longbir Terang will read out a poem in his native language, Karbi. In another special recorded session, Dr Radha Kumar will merge spoken word with performing arts. Witness live performances in French, Marathi, Urdu, Sindhi, and Bengali. On: May 18, 4 pm onwards At: Who are we Hall, first floor, Discovery of India Building, Nehru Centre, Worli. Email: nehrucentrelibrary@gmail.com
15 May,2024 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFamiliarity in the unlikeliest of places can be a delight. It evokes a sense of belonging; the memory of an invisible bond that connects individuals. The first sound of the nadaswaram in the single Yazhiha by Vidya Iyer AKA Vidya Vox hit this writer with such an evocation. The wind instrument pops up in the track that marks the finale of the singer’s latest EP Sundari; a product of ‘healing and self-discovery’ as she puts it. The six-track EP that was released on April 10 marks a return for the Los Angeles-based singer after her last major collection, Mad Dreams in 2019. She is quick to point out that she has been busy with releases in Thalaivi (2020) and more recently, Shubha mangalyam (2023) and Kakarattan (2023), albeit singles. While many of her songs in the past, starting from her debut EP Kuthu Fire (2016), did have elements of empowerment and independence, they felt “Thalaivi was the first instance that was directly inspired by my grandmother. I took the pandemic to delve deeper into my past. I wanted my next record to be inspired by my mother,” she says. The result is a compilation that is shaped by a deep emotional core. From the struggle of her mother’s domestic abuse, a divorce and successful rise as an independent parent and woman, the EP delves into some key moments. Iyer agrees, adding, “As an adult, I now understand how hard it must have been; the resilience she had to show for raising two girls in a country that was fairly new to her.” Then, came the matter of coming to terms with expressing it. “There was definitely a little bit of hesitation. But talking about that stuff was important. I had to remind people that I had grown up with it, and they have led to positive things. My melodies have been inspired by them. It [the EP] felt like peeling off a layer of the onion peel to get to the core,” she admits. The past also informs several elements of the music, such as the Tamil verses by lyricist Madhan Karky. “I wanted the lyrics to be mainly in my mother tongue, Tamil. We really pored over the words and went back and forth to find the right emotions,” Iyer recalls. This also carries into the music. Whether it is the mridangam in Ini ninte lokam/Go off, the thapattai in Sundari or the nadaswaram in Yazhiha, the music consciously sends out markers of the singer’s South Indian heritage. Of these, this writer is partial towards Yazhiha for its upbeat, vibrant blend of instrumentation and lyrics; a medley of Tamil rap with Carnatic classical elements. The other captivating track is the unapologetic, sassy Dangerous with Nikhita Gandhi adding to the attitude through elements of hip-hop. The tracks build up to a sense of rebellious independence and self-discovery. With Shankar Tucker bringing in his nous of production, the soundscape is vibrant and different to any of her past works. “It was an intentional ordering of the songs, lyrical themes and transitions,” she reveals. It seems like a long journey from creating covers and mash-ups to diving into production. “It has been fascinating. I have been learning through the process,” she reveals. The EP also feels like a release of pent-up emotions. “I need something lighter to work on for my next record,” she laughs. While she is already sampling disco bytes, Iyer shares that Sundari remains a core of herself as an artiste. “I think I have found my most authentic self as an artiste with this record. It contains elements of all the lessons I have learned through my journey, the musical ideas, stylistic elements, and emotions. I needed to experience all of it to arrive at this place,” she observes. But India is not far from her mind. “I hope to return to performing some of the songs live and connecting with people. Perhaps, later this year,” she concludes. That should be some homecoming. Log on to: Sundari on Spotify; iTunes
15 May,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
