Jazz evenings Open your Thursday evening with a session that explores three musicians playing with rhythms at will. This weekday concert brings vocalist Dominique Cerejo to the fore with Rajesh Punjabi of The Bombay Jazz Club as they serenade the audience with jazz standards, while adding some of their own to the mix. With keys taken over by Rahul Wadhwani, expect an evening of fun and freedom.On Today; 10 pm At Bonobo, Kenilworth Plaza, off Linking Road, Bandra West.Call 9619930030 Let’s get real This Sunday a gig with Sunil Kumar Gurjar AKA Rahgir Live promises to touch your soul. Known for songs that give the listeners a reality check, he is back in the city with another tour. This time, he will belt out unreleased songs as well. On May 12; 7 pmAt Hotel Rangsharda, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 499
08 May,2024 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIndia's social movements have always been interlinked with the arts. It is no surprise then that one of the earliest legal cases of censorship was placed on a theatrical production that almost spurred civil unrest in Bengal in the late 1800s. For Amatya Goradia, writer-director of the play 1876, it was the captivating blend of history, drama and a resonance in current society that drew him to the story. The play will premiere the first show of its opening leg in Andheri today. Amatya Goradia “As a writer, I am always on the lookout for stories. A year ago, I was reading up on court cases that emerged from the urge to write a legal drama. I was curious about laws that cover the arts; it’s how I learnt about the Dramatic Performances Act (DPA) of 1876,” 32-year-old Goradia explains. An alumnus of Mithibai College, he grew up watching rehearsals and reading sessions of Gujarati theatre from his father, theatremaker Jayant Goradia. His first break was at the Thespo Festival in 2013 with another historical play, EQ, based on the life and times of Albert Einstein. The history of the 1876 act, he shares, is a microcosm of the state of Bengal during the late 19th century. The trigger to it all was Dinabandhu Mitra’s work, Nil Darpan. “It was a simple play that laid bare the oppression of the Indigo Commission on the farmers of Bengal. It was direct, and scathing on the government,” he reveals. Naturally, the play formed the core of his upcoming production. Goradia instructs actors While Nil Darpan was in production in 1861, it caught the attention of the British colonists only after it was reportedly translated into English by illustrious Bengali poet Michael Madhusudan Dutt, and published by Reverend James Long. Staged during the Indigo Revolt, it created a stir that resulted in Long’s imprisonment, and eventually, to founding of the first commercial theatre company in India, National Theatre in 1872. “In fact, the first commercial production by the National Theatre was Nil Darpan — almost a repartee to the British Empire,” says the director. “It is even more relevant when you remember that over the years, many theatre makers such as Vijay Tendulkar, and even lokshahirs such as Namdeo Dhasal have faced cases and imprisonments. Any theatre or performance that provokes the audience to react or act, political or apolitical, against power is often charged by law,” he points out. Dinabandhu Mitra. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Finding the story was the beginning. “It was tough work to source details, since little was available in terms of data or background. I explored the nature of the case, and its resonance with current society rather than history through the production,” he shares, adding, “The history featured in this play emerges through the stagecraft — costumes, characters and the diction. Since it’s set in Bengal, we worked on our diction, so we could include Bengali in the dialogues,” he reveals. The play debuts today. Goradia is confident of a good run, “We are hoping to return to Prithvi in June this year, before taking it to other venues. The idea is to keep performing as much as we can, and wherever we can.” On Today, 9 pm; Tomorrow; 6 pm and 9 pmAt Veda Kunba Theatre, Four Bungalows, Andheri West.Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 250 onwards
08 May,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar>> Bond through beats: Introduce your children to the hip-hop world as they learn the basics of beatboxing from the talented artistes of the Indian Beatbox School. The session will end with a parent-child jamming session.On May 11; 4 pm to 6 pmAt Hullabaloo Children’s Studio, Juhu. Age group 4 years and above Message 9653410559 (to sign up) Cost Rs 850 (for a child and its parent) >> All in one: Learn 11 art forms in this workshop from making clay houses and Jharokha frames to danglers, key holders and other creations. Brush up techniques like mirroring, creating pearl strings, 3-D outlining, among others.On May 14 to May 17, May 20 to May 23, May 27 to May 30; 2 pm to 4 pm At 1203, Daffodil, A-wing, Vasant Park, Kalyan West.Log on to @thecraftic_pallaviMessage 9004917540Cost Rs 2,200 >> Develop soft skills: Make the most of your children’s vacations and get them to sharpen their soft skills with trainer Sameen Khan. The sessions will focus on communication, creativity and teamwork.On May 26 to May 31; 2 pm to 5 pm At Azeem Heights, Sector 34 C, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.Age group 6 to 12 yearsMessage 9321696882 (to register)Cost Rs 1,000 >> Science is fun: This workshop includes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) experiments for your little munchkins. Expect bubble sculpting, making thaumatropes (optical toy with a disk), slime war, and aerodynamics.On May 29 to June 3; 10 am to 11 amAt Playseum, Linking Road, Santacruz West. Age group 3 to 6 yearsMessage 9930300595Cost Rs 500 >> A for Acting: Here’s a perfect plan for kids to brush up their acting skills. They will learn improv, creative thinking and ideation. On May 15 to May 18At St Andrew’s College for Philosophy and Performing Arts, Bandra West. Age group 10 to 13 yearsMessage 9920824403Cost Rs 2,000 PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM >> Let the music play: Add drama to the holidays and sign your children up for this musical theatre workshop by Rachna’s Funclub. From classical to contemporary hits, your children will learn and prepare a show for you to watch. On May 14At Maker Arcade, Cuffe Parade.Age 5 to 8 yearsLog on to @playydate_Message 8591409386Cost Rs 4,999
08 May,2024 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiBabus of Nayanjore This is a story about the landlords of Nayanjore, “the Babus”, who lived extravagant lives before the floods washed away their wealth. Kailas Babu, the protagonist, who is the last descendant of the lot, travels to Calcutta, having lost all of his landed property. However, he carries with him his ancestral pride and his heirloom. The narrator elaborately lists what the latter included: “a silver cruet for sprinkling scented water, a filigree box for otto-of-roses, a small gold salver, a costly ancient shawl, and the old-fashioned ceremonial dress and ancestral turban”. Babus of Nayanjore deals with class conflicts and the ideas of being self-made versus inheriting ancestral property. From Stories from Tagore, translated by Charles Freer Andrews. Misplaced Hope/Forlorn Hope (Bengali: Durasha) After arriving in Darjeeling, the narrator, “a freshly bloomed Bengali Englishman”, finds the urge to go for a walk down the Calcutta Road. During his walk, as little drizzles of rain and clouds of fog envelope the town, he comes across a weeping woman, who reveals herself to be the daughter of Ghulam Kader Khan of Badraon. She has a story to share. Her story casts light on the austerity of Brahmanism and the extent to which she went, following Kesharlal, a Hindu Brahmin, until she realised that it wasn’t so much a path that showed the right way of living but a mere habit, a practice. From Selections from Galpaguchchha, translated by RK Chattopadhyay The Two Sisters (Bengali: Dui Bon) The Two Sisters deals with ideas of human frailty, desire, and the complications within certain marriages, that often leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouths. The story revolves around the life of Shashanka and his wife Sharmila. An unexpected turn of events takes place when her sister, Urmimala arrives to stay with them. The story is reflective of the representation of ‘the woman’ that came to be drawn by men in the period of nationalism in 1930s and ’40s India. The opening lines are telling, when the narrator says, “There are two kinds of women, or so I’ve heard some pundits say.” While this is written as a novella, it reads like a short story because of its pace. From Two Sisters, translated by Nirmal Kanti Bhattacharjee A Wife’s Letter (Bengali: Streer Patra) This epistolary story, as the title suggests, is a letter written by a wife after 15 years of being married. She confesses about how she felt within the house in which she lived with her husband. She also opens up about writing poetry in secrecy, which helped her all these years. Recognising her own intelligence, she fights for her independence. When Bindu, her sister-in-law’s sister comes to stay with them, she begins to witness similar events unfolding which snatch Bindu’s freedoms too. The story was adapted into a Bengali film by Purpendru Pant in 1972. One may identify the role of the protagonist portrayed by Madhavi Mukherjee, who played the better-known Charulata in Satyajit Ray’s film. From Selections from Galpaguchchha, translated by RK Chattopadhyay Hungry Stones (Bengali: Kshudhita Pashan) Tagore’s ghost stories are not always the first choice of his readers when they read his writings. But such stories make for some of the most interesting finds. Hungry Stones captures a brief moment in the life of a collector of cotton duties, who goes to stay in a house which was the former palace of Emperor Mahmud Shah II. He’s given a warning by the clerk “Pass the day there, if you like… but never stay the night.” Soon, he is enchanted by its spell and the spirits of its past residents, some anguished souls who left curses behind. In 1991, the story was turned into a film adaptation by Gulzar. He called the film “Lekin…” (“But…”), a word uttered ever so frequently on recognising a moment of doubt. From Selections from Galpaguchchha, translated by RK Chattopadhyay LOG ON TO e-bookstores Artful masterpieces Face of a woman, inspired by Kadambari Devi, ink on paper, on display at National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi Apart from being a poet and a writer, Tagore was also a painter. Having grown up in a family of artists, he learnt how to paint but his style was unlike that of his nephews Abanindranath and Gaganendranath Tagore who led the Bengal School of Art. He never wished to name his paintings, urging the viewers to read them as they liked. His early art often entailed shapes of imagined animals, “a probable animal” as he would call these. His later portraits, however, were some of the most melancholic ones, reflecting his own grief over the death of those he loved and lost. What’s so beautiful is that he founded Visva-Bharati University, which would be a “seat of learning”, a space for creative ideas to flow freely and flourish. Kala Bhavan, the fine art institute, continues to see passionate art students pursue their dreams. . A Quick View: Clip from Sotheby’s YouTube video on Tagore’s Paintings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBYu0dFhRjk . A Detailed Lecture on his Art: Clip from Smithsonian Education on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYriVkYlFHg
07 May,2024 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAs we step into Atul Bachhav’s 3D scanning studio tucked away in an inconspicuous alley in Malad on a busy evening, we realise we might have dropped by at an inconvenient hour. Inside, Bachhav is in the middle of what looks like a workout session, holding a pose in full gym gear, complete with a sweatband and running shoes. A hand taps on our shoulder from behind, we turn, it’s Bachhav, the founder of Ideazzzz Creative Studio, and a creative director with over two decades of experience in graphics and animation. What we were greeted by at the door is a miniature resin clone of the founder; one of the many that sit on the front desk to market the studio’s new service — 3D printed life-like miniatures. Call it eerie, call it creative, or call it genius; for now, it’s time to witness how these miniatures come to life in three working days. 1 The subject steps into the 360-degree camera set up illuminated by LED strips. The proprietary set-up comprises 95 cameras — nine DSLRs that capture the head and neck area, and smaller digital cameras that capture the subject’s body from all angles. The founder directs, “capture!”. In a single click, the scan is complete. 2 Following a 15-minute compilation process, the scanned images are now presented as a rough consolidated 3D model on a computer. This software was developed in-house by the studio to get quick previews of the scan. We learn that in cases where the subject moves during the capture, leading to an unsatisfactory 3D model, the scan must be repeated. 3 Using a visual reference, the rough model is worked upon by a trained technician in a process called re-topology. The 3D model is smoothened and any stray artefacts are removed to produce a cleaner model (right). To simplify this process, the studio recommends wearing basic outfits and holding back on accessories that might have dangling elements. 4 The digital model is sent to a portable 3D printer that prints the model layer-by-layer using a resin-based compound. Fifteen long hours, and 4,548 0.5 mm thin layers later, the nine-inch-long model is ready for further processing. 5 To harden the soft and flexible resin model that is prone to breakage at this point, a process called UV curing follows. Ten minutes of basking in UV light inside a portable chamber, and the model is ready. 6 The model, along with a reference video, is sent to local painters who use acrylic paints to replicate the finer details. We learn that these artists belong to the same communities that paint Ganesh idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in the city. A few final touches, and you have a mini version that will last as long as a year on your desk. Three Ds to remember Miniatures at the studio . Do not wipe the models with strong cleaning solutions. A clean dry cloth works best.. Do not expose the model to high temperatures at places like car dashboards. Keep them in cool and dry environments for a longer life.. Do not tug on parts of the model; resin models can fall apart when subjected to strain. Atul Bachhav AT Inf Ideazzzz Creative, Lotus Business Park, off Swami Vivekananda Road, opposite Dal Mill Compound, Malad West.CALL 9867071434 (for queries)COST Rs 15,000 onwards (prices differ by model size and complexity)
07 May,2024 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleScoring an impressive 98.5 per cent in her Class 10 board exams to emerge as the topper in one of India’s largest states should have been a proud and joyous moment for 15-year-old Prachi Nigam. However, when the Uttar Pradesh native’s photograph appeared alongside her accomplishments on social media, she was subject to relentless and brutal trolling on account of her appearance, with much of the hate directed towards her facial hair. Since then, Nigam has hit back at the trolls stating that she does not let the negativity affect her and is choosing, instead, to focus on her academics. However, the incident has sparked several conversations about how vulnerable teens can come into the crosshairs of appearance-based judgment and scrutiny, as they grapple with the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty. An uncomfortable transition “Puberty is a phase defined by rapid physical and emotional development. Physically, adolescent boys and girls experience accelerated growth in their height, weight and muscle mass. This is also when their bodies develop secondary sexual characteristics, including the development of breasts in girls, the growth of facial and body hair in both boys and girls, and changes in voice pitch. Boys typically develop broader shoulders and a more muscular physique, while girls develop wider hips and a more defined waistline. Further, girls start menstruating as their reproductive systems mature, and many boys and girls develop acne and oily skin,” shares Dr Nandita Palshetkar, obstetrician and gynaecologist. A personal care company ended up creating an inadvertent controversy with their campaign for Nigam. Pic Courtesy/Shantanu Deshpande on LinkedIn During puberty, the pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the gonads (testes in boys and ovaries in girls) to produce sex hormones. These hormones are responsible for many physical and emotional changes, explains Dr Nazneen Ladak, a psychiatrist. The child’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and risk assessment, is still developing, which can influence his or her emotional and social behaviour. “Hormonal fluctuations can potentially exacerbate tendencies toward depression and anxiety, while the ongoing brain development can result in increased impulsiveness and emotional outbursts. This emotional roller coaster can be confusing and overwhelming for teenagers,” she adds. Prachi Nigam. Pic Courtesy/YouTube At the same time, changes in hormone levels can lead to mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity and irritability. All of these can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Children may feel self-conscious about their changing bodies, especially if they feel that they do not meet society’s standards of what is considered beautiful. This, when combined with peer pressure and societal xpectations, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, says Palshetkar. “Children who are uncomfortable or unhappy with their changing appearance may withdraw from social situations, and isolate themselves from their peers. They may also be subjected to bullying and teasing, which can have long-lasting psychological effects,” she points out. Dr Nazneen Ladak Help them cope “In her interviews, Nigam demonstrates a calm clarity about the medical reasons for her facial hair. Such fact-based awareness can form a strong foundation for a healthy body image, experts say. “One way parents can help their child to cope with this tumultuous phase is to share books or resources that explain the process in a straightforward, reassuring manner. Consider engaging in activities that promote learning, such as attending workshops or health classes together,” says Ladak. Additionally, here are some other strategies you can try, to make the transition easier: The menstruation cycle for girls begins in their adolescence, and adds to their anxiety and self-consciousness >>Body neutrality over body positivity: While body positivity seeks acceptance for and celebration of all body types, it can inadvertently accord undue importance to one’s appearance, says Dr Nahid Dave, a psychiatrist at Thought Matters. She recommends adopting a body-neutral attitude that prioritises what the body can do rather than what it looks like. “Body neutrality stresses on the fact that an individual’s value is not determined by how they look or feel about their appearance. On the other hand, body positivity can sometimes achieve the opposite of what the movement set out to do, as it places undue pressure on people to celebrate their appearance, even when this celebration feels inauthentic. Body neutrality is thus a more pragmatic and realistic approach,” she clarifies. Dr Nandita Palshetkar >>Reinforce achievements, not appearance: Ladak recommends emphasising qualities and achievements that aren’t related to physical appearance. “Encourage your child’s talents and interests, which can provide a solid foundation for self-esteem,” she says. Similarly, Dave advises that parents steer clear of obsessing too much about their own appearance, and seeking validation from others in the form of compliments. “It’s important for parents to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies so that they can model the same to their children,” she elaborates. >>Don’t overcompensate: One approach that people use to try and shield their children from bullying or criticism is to become a ‘helicopter parent’ version of themselves. They embed themselves very deeply into their child’s activities and social life in a bid to protect them from pain and disappointment. This approach can lead to children feeling extremely ill-prepared to cope with the challenges they face in their later years. “Learn to listen to your child and acknowledge what they are going through. If they are being bullied, ask your child what they want you to do, to help. Although this is an uncomfortable time, it can also teach your child valuable coping skills and resilience,” Dave explains. Dr Nahid Dave >>Be realistic: In recent times, the concept of ‘pretty privilege’ has gained a lot of traction on social media. It means that people who are perceived as being good looking or better groomed automatically receive preferential treatment and are perceived as being more competent. “If your child is at the receiving end of such biases, you can help your child to cope by firstly, accepting that such biases exist, but also emphasising to your child that this perceived advantage is very temporary and that being talented, consistent and hard-working will open doors for them in the long term. If your child is old enough, you can also explain how societal standards of what is considered desirable keep changing to highlight the fleeting nature of such superficial judgments,” Dave signs off.
06 May,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulWhat would Taylor Swift do if she weren’t a singer? Hardcore Swifties will tell you that she’d be a great model or an actress, while others believe that she would be a competent businesswoman. But the most common, undebated response in the fandom is that if Swift weren’t singing, she’d be an English teacher. Our pick for this week’s podcast, Switched on Pop, has an hour-long-episode which builds on this theory. The proof, American hosts Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan say, lies in between the lines of her new two-hour-long double-album The Tortured Poets Department. Swift as the professor of the Tortured Poets Department The episodes of the podcast meticulously dissect popular music. This includes Ariana Grande’s new album, Eternal Sunshine, and how her compositions rely on microphone technique to let the music take over her voice, much like the crooners of the mid-20th century. One such episode invites Stranger Things actor Joe Keery, whose 2022 self-released album Decide is now gaining traction, to shed light on his lesser-known knack for creating music. Expect mind-blowing trivia that links Duke Ellington, United Airlines and K-pop group Red Velvet — they have all covered George Gershwin’s’ 1924 piano concerto, Rhapsody in Blue. In these well-researched conversations, you will also find the reasons behind Beyoncé’s rise to fame, if Olivia Rodrigo is stealing from Taylor Swift, Elvis Costello and Paramore, mid-career crises of Travis Scott and Post Malone, Louis Armstrong as the inventor of the modern pop star, and a compilation of the best of 2024. Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan. Pics courtesy/Instagram In this writer’s favourite episode, musicologist Sloan, and songwriter Harding, delve into Swift’s literary era. The double-album, which Swift touts as an anthology, is further divided into book genres by the experts. They pick up lyrics from her songs to prove how they can be classified into period novels, pulp fiction, thrillers, love stories, an autobiography and a fantasy. They joke how only in Swift’s literary world, which she stresses in the album only she has access to, Aristotle and Grand Theft Auto can come together and even rhyme. They end by defending the key reason for the hate the album received — it sounds familiar to her previous albums. “But don’t we turn to a particular writer because it is their standard style of writing that we most love?” The duo argues. Swift’s new album, in that case, continues to give the same warmth to her listeners as her previous songs. A bedtime binge-worthy episode, we recommend that Swifties tune into this one after listening to all the tracks on the album. Their observations and theories will leave you with a new-found respect for the performing artiste. Log on to: Spotify
06 May,2024 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiAs beautiful as art is, it ranks below human survival. Yet, occasionally, the struggle to survive can lead to unexpected creative explorations. For Sundeep Bhandari, founder of Gondwana Art Project, the COVID-19 pandemic was one such moment. “We had been working with tribal artists since 2019, when the pandemic struck. Suddenly, these indigenous artists found their livelihoods stopped completely since the markets were shut. It was then that we decided to expand our work on the project by taking them under our wings,” shares the Delhi-based curator. The project’s latest exhibition, The Modern Tribal-Connecting Traditions at the Jehangir Art Gallery this week is the result of the ongoing process of introducing traditional artisans to a new form and grammar in art. Uikey at work Over 45 artworks by 12 artists from Gond, Bhil and Warli tribal communities will be on display at the exhibition. The show is an updated and revised version of the exhibition that opened at Bikaner House in Delhi back in January this year, shares co-curator Jas Karan Gupta. “The project hopes to shift the perspective towards traditional art,” he reveals. Rukh Carrying Amir by Gond artist Rita Shyam Started as part of the Crafts and Community Development Association (CCDA), Bhandari and the project set out to re-educate the indigenous artists on the nuances of modern art, so as to enable them to expand their view. “These included simple things such as using a softer colour palette or pastels. Many of these artists have never worked in the abstract. We reached out to designers to help mentor them, and to help them to use different mediums. The Warli artists, for instance, created works with indigo-dyed cloth,” the founder shares. Gupta points out that the project also works with Sohrai, Kohvar, Paitkar, Kurumba and Baiga art forms of India. Mela by Ram Bai The result is an exhibition that is at once dissonant and beautiful in its medley. There is a focus on storytelling that underlines the artists’ ability to weave modern thoughts with their indigenous skills. Individuality is something the project emphasised on. The presence of a large women contingent of artists also adds to context to the showcase. “For a long time, there has been an artificial boundary between urban and traditional art. But times are changing. In places like Australia and Africa, indigenous art commands higher price points,” Bhandari explains. The exhibition in Delhi introduced the founder to an interesting observation. “The Bhil artists in India, for instance, create works using only dots and circles — a precursor to pointillism. In fact, even the aboriginal artists in Australia use a similar form and style,” he points out. Sundeep Bhandari The similarities don’t end there. “The Australian continent has a Gondwana region as well. It is believed to have formed when the continental plates split. Now, it is a theory; but a remarkable one,” he notes.With the Mumbai exhibition starting tomorrow, the project hopes to take these works to different cities. Kartik Bhandari, among the curators of the show, adds, “The idea is to create a continued livelihood for these artists while enabling them to access a larger market on the international space. We hope to take these to different cities to showcase the works and evolving styles.” On:May 7; 5 pm onwards (Preview); May 8 to May 13; 11 am to 7 pmAt: Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
06 May,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarA girl steps down from the stage after singing Wavin’ Flag by K’naan, a song that won the hearts of millions of fans glued to the screens during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Before singing, she makes a request to the audience, “If you all know it [the lyrics], please sing along.” Summer holidays are a great time to let children explore their creative freedom. One of the best ways is to let them be, and witness them nurture their imagination in their rooms at their own pace. Another is to encourage them to share spaces with others who, like them, are unburdened by the pressure of school during the break. This is where open mics come in. They create a non-competitive environment, not defined by the rigidity of rules. Supporting this idea, Dorangos, a Bandra performance space, will host a series of such sessions for children each weekend throughout May. “Parents had been reaching out to us, asking us if we wanted to do open mics for a younger audience, since it could really help boost their children’s confidence,” says Duran Pereira, manager of the venue. A young rapper shares his poem at the venue The thought of not putting a cap on the age range, with the youngest performers being five years old, is inviting, too. It opens up possibilities for creative collaborations among friends and siblings. “We’ve seen a girl singing on stage with her elder sister, who was about 20, playing the guitar for her,” Pereira adds, recalling a session they had organised a few months ago. Children will be able to experiment with poetry, dance, music — any form of creative arts that they’re willing to try. The stage has also witnessed a little rapper delighting the audience with his poem, Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Go to School. Another beautiful thing about these sessions is that there are recordings provided to the parents of the performers after the show; these moments become accumulated memories that the children will look back on many years from now and cherish for years after. On: May 5; 5 pm onwardsAt: Hall 2, Dorangos, 5 AA, above Fitness Freakz, near Macronal Compound, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to: in.bookmyshow.comCost: Rs 100 onwards (for entry and registration)
04 May,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEven if period dramas aren’t your thing, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the extravagant costumes worn by the stunning cast in director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s new series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Designed by Rimple and Harpreet Narula, the show’s outfits evoke luxuriance and a maximalist aura that, although reminiscent of the 1920s, elicits longing sighs from lovers of contemporary fashion. We reached out to stylist Khushboo Mishra for some practical suggestions to add a touch of that diamond sparkle inspired by the show’s brand of courtesan-core to your festive and traditional looks. Sonakshi Sinha wears a silk saree with embellishments that represents a slightly restrained take on this aesthetic A heritage throwback “Heeramandi’s aesthetics are characterised by opulence, intricate details and vibrant colours. The silhouettes, textiles, and artwork reflect a fusion of Mughal, Persian and Indian influences, creating a rich tapestry of cultural motifs and designs. Lavish patterns, luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet, and elaborate craftsmanship convey a sense of grandeur,” Mishra explains. Sinha’s velvet and zardozi embroidery come together for a rich and refined period look She adds that the distinctive maximalism of these looks is achieved through brocade and embroidered elements, and by accentuating the outfits with elaborate jewellery. Further, the use of distinctive motifs ranging from floral patterns to geometric designs adds to the outfits’ period appeal. Khushboo Mishra Elegant extravagance The simplest way to imbibe the Heeramandi aesthetic is with a saree that features intricate zari work reminiscent of Mughal art. Mishra suggests accessorising these with a statement Kundan necklace. Alternatively, you could pair a solid-coloured salwar-kurta or co-ord set with a vibrant dupatta that has Persian-inspired patterns. Set off this outfit against a fabric clutch featuring elaborate motifs and heavy, ornate jewellery with precious or semi-precious stones, she advises. Richa Chadha wears stone-studded, ornate jewellery Earthy contrasts Rich jewel tones (sapphire blue or emerald green) and earthy colours (rust red or deep brown) work best with this style. You could wear them in the form of silk pants or a full skirt, paired with a similar-toned or contrasting kurta or blouse with embroidered zardozi elements. Chadha’s look in the series exemplifies how kohl-rimmed eyes and a deep lip can complete the Heeramandi look For a more pared-down look, stick to a monotone base, accentuated by a silk or brocade scarf that features traditional motifs like paisleys or floral designs. For footwear, choose embellished juttis or sandals with intricate embroidery or metallic accents, echoing the detailed craftsmanship in the footwear sported by the show’s cast. Finally, complete the outfit with vibrant lip shades, subtle eye makeup, and an intricate hairstyle — a braided updo, a messy fishtail braid or a gelled vintage hairdo — to complement your overall look. Aditi Rao Hydari wears rich jewel tones and ornate motifs, which are quintessential elements of this aesthetic. Pics courtesy/Instagram The vintage style guide Fabrics: Silk organza, tissue, velvet, brocadeColours: Rich jewel tones and earthy shades with traditional motifsJewellery: Elaborate designs with stone accentsMake-up: Bold lip and kohl-rimmed eyes An all-brocade look by Rao Hydari is a hat-tip to the maximalist overtones of Heeramandi
04 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCity-based educator Dipna Daryanani’s childhood was quite typical; she grew up listening to stories passed down from her grandfather to her father. But unlike most of us who remember them in bits and pieces, she narrates them to this writer vividly, delving into every minute detail, over a short call. The credit, she insists, goes to her father’s interactive storytelling style that engaged all her senses as a child. Tomorrow, Daryanani will hope to bring the same style to life at The Magical Garden, an outdoor interactive musical storytelling session for children and parents. “When I perform tomorrow, I won’t be putting on a character. It’s a recollection of my own childhood, reshaped into a gripping story,” Daryanani reveals. The hour-long open-air performance will witness the artiste narrate personal anecdotes from her summer vacations spent travelling in trains, playing in her grandfather’s backyard, and running errands with her father. “It’s a trip down the memory lane for the parents in the audience; and a window to a simpler life for children who grew up in the city,” she notes. Dipna Daryanani enacts the interactive story at a previous outdoor performance. Pics courtesy/Instagram For instance, the artiste talks about short visits with her grandfather to music CD shops in the 1990s, a memory she holds dear. “Those trips made me feel special; like I was his favourite grandchild. Only as I grew older did I realise that each of his grandkids had similar stories to tell. That’s the magic we talk about in the performance. The magic is in being kind, in playing small, yet significant roles in someone’s life,” the artiste reveals. The 37-year-old will be joined by singer and composer Rohit Das, who will add an acoustic guitar to the mix. In addition to creating waves of rising and falling harmonies on which Daryanani’s stories will sail, Das will occasionally present Bollywood, songs from the 1980s. “Music evokes certain emotions in children, and makes the stories easier to recall later. As for the parents, it takes them back to their childhood, when things were simpler and the magic was easier to find,” she notes, adding that it’s this part where the group usually breaks into a dance and sing-along. Dipna Daryanani This movement, we learn, is an intentional addition to the performance. Daryanani, who also runs Move With Joy, a creative movement class, believes the city deals with a dearth of open spaces, and the underutilisation of those that exist. She elaborates, “Moving in a green, open space impacts your brain chemistry positively. At the performance, we encourage participants to sit down, feel the grass, and move the way they want.” Unlike many children’s stories, this one doesn’t present a happily-ever-after ending to the children; it makes them look for it themselves. A treasure hunt to find a hidden magical object that acts as a MacGuffin to the plot all along is the final chapter of the story. “Children love it when we reveal that the object we talked about is real and can be found. Various versions of the treasure are hidden around the venue. They are symbolic reminders to the children that the magic, as always, lies within them,” she concludes. ON May 5; 5 pmAT Experimental Theatre Garden, NCPA, Nariman Point. AGE GROUP 4 to 7 years LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY Rs 750 onwards
04 May,2024 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
