That the Internet loves a viral celebrity fitness video comes as little surprise… but when you add a stability ball, a set of dumbbells, shoulder presses and deep squats to the mix, the workout transcends from the realm of follow-along challenges to envy-inducing inspiration. The celebrity in this case is actor Alaya Furniturewala, who has netizens wondering if her superhero-esque routine can be replicated by those without a dedicated personal trainer at their disposal. We spoke to exercise scientist Benafsha Gazdar to learn more. Setting the stage “I firmly maintain that any exercise — even something as simple as going for a walk or a run, leave alone performing squats on a stability ball — must be targeted in a progressive, safe and scientific manner,” advises Gazdar. On the topic of adding squats to your workout, she adds that certain factors must be considered to determine your fitness level, before you plunge into any form of a workout routine. These include the following: Benafsha Gazdar >> A fitness test to determine what you can and cannot do. Even if you were an athlete in school but haven’t worked out in years, you are a beginner and must approach exercise from that mindset >> How long have you been exercising for? If you have less than a year of consistent experience, you are a beginner. An intermediate level would mean you have been exercising for up to two years, while over two years would place you at the advanced level. >> What are your goals? Are you looking to lose weight? Are you recovering from an illness or injury? Are you aiming to improve your fitness levels? Are you a professional athlete? >> What is your occupation? If you have a desk job, it’s likely that you will have to start with a lot of mobility exercises before you take up complex routines, to minimise the risk of injuries. Squatting goals “Squats are my favourite exercise to incorporate in every fitness routine,” says Gazdar. She adds that they are especially important as the movement is used by all human beings in their everyday life. To build up to Alaya’s level of dexterity, she recommends the following progression: >> Sit on a chair and stand up slowly. As you gain strength, you can stop just short of the seat of the chair. >> Squat using a stability ball between a wall and your back. >> Progress to bodyweight squats. Stand with your feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing out at a comfortable angle. Engage your core and look straight ahead. Keep your back neutral. Press your hips back, and begin bending your knees to perform the squat. Inhale as you lower your body. >> Your next move is a goblet squat, which is performed with a weight to improve your strength. Repeat the same moves as a bodyweight squat, but while holding a kettle bell, or weight in both hands at your chest. >> A barbell back squat takes your squatting game into the power lifting wheelhouse. Using a barbell lets your load squat to be progressively heavier, allowing you to keep gaining strength. >> Finally, you can graduate to an overhead squat holding a medicine ball or barbell over your head. Once you have mastered squats on a plain surface, you can attempt to perform them on foam pads and a bosu ball, before you try to squat on a stability ball, she concludes.
07 June,2024 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIt’s a challenge to get through to Varun Grover on a busy Thursday morning. Writer, filmmaker, poet, a National Award-winning lyricist and a sharp satirist — Grover juggles multiple roles. It is no surprise that his day is packed with meetings. Yet, he makes time. “Honest and real observations that relate to people are what defines good comedy,” the Lucknowite-turned-Mumbaikar begins. His upcoming set on the weekend, Nothing Makes Sense, is built around such observations of an India that Grover grew up in and lived through during the 1990s and early 2000s, and how it has evolved. Yet, his comedy is as sensitive to the world around him as his other writing. “There is a sense of awareness and a social responsibility [in stand-up comedy]. What you talk about must have some value in it,” he says. Nothing Makes Sense debuted in late 2023, and has since travelled across the globe with performance tours in Europe. The current tour, till July, will see the writer head to Bengaluru, Delhi and Hyderabad, following the performance in Mumbai today. “We had a good show in Europe. Since it is mostly in Hindi, it caters to a very desi audience. I did the first iteration back in September 2023, but the show keeps evolving. That is how storytelling and comedy is,” he remarks. This week should spark some creative observations. The surprising results of the Indian general elections, and the reactions to the coalition have already set off a flurry of memes online. Ask him about the future and Grover shies away from any predictions. “Never predict the future. We humans know nothing about anything. We hardly can tell what will happen next week,” he says in his signature dry humour. It is precisely why he keeps working on the set. The director of All India Rank (2024) shares, “I keep changing. I keep adding stuff because the world is constantly moving. When I go to a new city, I discover some local content. There is often a gap between the shows, and as you know, the news cycle changes.” But one thing is evident; the election results have ignited new-born hope among artistes. As one of the prominent critics of the ruling establishment, Grover has often come under fire from trolls online. “All artistes want a sense of freedom of the mind,” he reflects. Quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s famous lines ‘Where the mind is without fear/and the head is held high’, he says, “A feeling that what you say will not be taken out of context or cause FIRs to be filed against you, or end with you receiving death threats on the Internet or in real life; this enables you to create something of value for society in turn. Otherwise, you end up creating a system that generates conformity. And conformity makes for the worst kind of art, as we have seen time and again over the years.” This need to punch up to the establishment comes from his early inspirations, one of whom was the late Jaspal Bhatti. In the ’90s, he grew up listening and watching Bhatti’s sharp and rib-tickling satires on political parties, their hypocrisy and mismanagement. “There have been so many times that I have frequently thought about a world where he was still around and what he would say about the India of today,” Grover muses. But he won’t boot any comparison of comics as the last bastion of democracy. “Definitely not,” says Grover, “There are many others; writers, independent journalists, lawyers, activists and students, who have fought to make their voice heard, and make a difference.” Before he returns to his busy schedule, the filmmaker quips, “Comedy should surprise you with a thought that you had not framed in your mind.” ON Today; 5.30 pm, 8 pmAT St Andrews Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 1,499 onwards
07 June,2024 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn an age where authenticity is judged by one’s followers count first and work second, Radhika Sood Nayak reminds us of a Sufi saint who not only renounced the idea, but went on to shun his followers. “Madho Lal Hussain was a malamati sufi saint. He didn’t wish to be held in high esteem; for that would have led to worldly attachment,” the vocalist shares. This is perhaps why widespread recognition seems to have eluded the 16th century saint. Mela Chiraga’an, Nayak’s musical performance this weekend will aim to change that. Radhika Sood Nayak Along with guitarist Neil Mukherjee and percussionist Vinayak Netke, Nayak will present the saint’s verses through music, poetry, and storytelling. “Hussain took on many voices through his poetry. ‘Saalu’, for instance, talks about a bride’s shawl as a metaphor for human life. In another poem Buriyaan, the saint speaks as a prostitute to shed light on their lives. I will recite these poems to the best of my understanding,” Nayak reveals, adding that understanding here refers not only to the nuances, but the text itself, which exists largely in Gurmukhi (a Sikh script). A miniature painting of Madho Lal Hussain. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons While the words are as old as time, Mukherjee reveals that the music takes a fresh approach. “We wanted to take a detour from traditional Sufi performances; those popularised by greats like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, for instance. The modern electric guitar paired with the tabla will shape a minimalistic, yet layered soundscape that will allow the words of the saint to take centrestage,” he notes. Before signing off to head back to a rehearsal, the trio reminds us that the 90-minute-long presentation is more than just a performance. “The title itself takes from a three-day celebration of lights, poetry and devotion in Lahore that marks the saint’s death anniversary. It brings together Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus in great numbers; united by the idea of oneness in the eyes of God. It might be a good time to revisit this idea,” they suggest. ON June 8; 7.30 pmAT The Royal Opera House, Matthew Road, Girgaon.LOG ON TO insider.inENTRY Rs 499 onwards
07 June,2024 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursday Break away from boredomTheatre: Let your kids begin their weekends with Tara’s Trio, a play about a nine-year-old visiting her grandparents for vacation. Join her as she discovers secret friends and new adventures.Time 3 pm At Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 250 onwards Friday Snap a shotExhibition: Learn from the past, as well as the secrets to photography from Dilip Yande, or understand photo projects from Fawzan Hussain as they join other experienced photographers and journalists for a three-day session.Till June 9 At Dilip Piramal Art Gallery, NCPA, Nariman Point.Free Saturday Mark Hosking performs at a concert. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Rock the weekendMusic: Since they broke out in 1998, the Aussie progressive rock band, Karnivool has been on the list of many a rock fan in the city. If you are in the mood for some head banging, catch them on their pitstop in the city as part of their Tri Continental drift tour. Whether it is the heavy-duty drums of Steve Judd or the twang of Mark Hosking’s guitar axe, you can rest assured of a performance that is high on adrenalin.Time 8 pm onwards At The Lalit Mumbai, Navpada, Marol, Andheri East. Log on to skillboxes.com Cost Rs 1,999 onwards Laugh with the worldComedy: From the struggles in a Zilla Parishad school to the experiences of village boys in the big city, hear (below) Sahil Sheikh and Ganesh Joshi narrate their life with humour and Marathi sass. Time 8.30 pm At Backspace, Lodha luxuria, Thane West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299 French it upWorkshop: If you aim to take a trip to Paris, or make a career in France, pay a visit to the open house at the Alliance Française de Bombay, to learn of the many opportunities, and fun ways to learn French. Time 12 pm onwardsAt Theosophy Hall, near Nirmala Niketan, Marine Lines. Call 08928492437 Sunday The group discusses poetry and new ideas at a previous edition Poetry by the shoreCommunity: Nothing spells a quiet weekend than an evening of poetry and music. Sign up for this poetry circle as new poets build conversations, games and poetry on the Versova’s shoreline. Join the group as it explores new ideas.Time 4 pm onwards At Versova beach. Log on to @mannghadant (to register) Hoops and health Health: Get your body moving to shake away the stress with this exhilarating and quirky hula hoop workshop. Apart from being fun, the game is an easy way to improve mobility and make friends. Time 5 pm to 7 pm at Golds Gym, Breach Candy. Call 8262916889 Cost Rs 1,500
06 June,2024 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn Ted Chiang’s 2007 novelette, The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate, a fabric merchant from medieval Baghdad, Fuwaad ibn Abbas, walks into a new establishment “to peruse its wares”. On entering, he’s taken by an alchemist-owner, Bashaarat, to a gate called the Gate of Years, which can take one into the future. The shop owner narrates stories about those who’ve seen their future selves. Among them are a rope-maker Hassan, his wife Raniya, and a weaver named Ajib. The knowledge of another gate far away in Cairo, which takes people back into the past, tempts a guilt-ridden Abbas to set foot on an adventure and make amends with his late wife. What choices does he end up making? Through a stage adaptation, one of the city’s most established theatre groups, Motley Productions, will put together a dramatic storytelling show on Friday called The Gate of Years in a Versova studio. The adaptation will depict Chiang’s story in a new light, with Kenneth Desai taking on the role of the lead storyteller. The show will be performed in English. For Desai, the need to unearth the story arose from its sense of completeness. “It has everything from adventure, fantasy and humour, to a touch of sensuality, and a lovely moral at the end. What more can a story offer? Sometimes, you just connect with a piece; it resonates with you,” he tells us. The Gate of Years opens up into the future and the past. Pic Courtesy/Veda Factory He had come across the narrative during the pandemic when his wife, an avid reader, recommended the book to him. Since then, he had been memorising the lines. “But my memory is not what it used to be. When the lockdown ended, I had to relearn the piece,” he shares. He decided to keep the show minimal, without much music and backdrop — just a storyteller on stage, taking the readers back to an interesting time and milieu. “Nothing can compare to the audience’s own imagination. If that gets popped, then the work is done. That’s the attempt: to give them that little spark, so that their minds take over.” Desai believes in the power of Chiang’s narrative that delves into ideas of free will. “It is a modern take on time, a what if situation — what if the future was fixed?” He feels that the audience will leave the hall with an enjoyable tale with much to ponder upon. On June 7; 7.30 pm onwardsAt Veda Black Box, Veda Factory, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West.Log on to in.bookmyshow.comCost Rs 300
06 June,2024 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAt a time when bright, chunky graphics seem to have become the norm under the guise of ‘streetwear’, it was a pleasant surprise to spot the words of Urdu literature greats such as Jaun Eliya, Nida Fazli and Bashir Badr on T-shirts at Sukhnawar, an online store. When I got my hands on one, the fabric of the sweatshirt felt light and comfortable, a relief in Mumbai’s summery days. The indie brand offers a variety of designs to pick from, including sweatshirts sporting Urdu calligraphy and T-shirts with verses from evergreen poems like Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s, Kab thahrega dard. Now that’s something I’d like to see more of on the streets. Log on to sukhanvar.com
06 June,2024 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleHead out on a mystery togetherSign up for this fun escape room experience created for couples. Use your wit and collaborate to negotiate the secret chambers.On Daily, 11 am onwardsat Dorangos, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Log on to insider.inCost Rs 1,499 Finding firefliesPurushwadi, near Pachnai village, was one of the earliest locations that caught the fascination of tourists and naturalists as it is a haven to spot fireflies. This time of the year, the site organises a festival to encourage development via agro-tourism in a sensitive manner. Head here with your partner to experience this visual spectacle. On June 8, 9.45 am onwardsPick-up points Borivali, Andheri, Bandra East, Sion and Thane. Log on to treksandtrails.org Cost Rs 3,599 (per head; includes transport, accommodation and meals)
06 June,2024 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamUnited we plantJOIN this plantation drive, where green warriors will team up to plant 1,000 areca palm trees known for their air purifying properties.On Today; 8 am onwards At Borivali Court, Borivali West.Log on to @rotarydist3141 Also At: Aarey Colony, Goregaon East. on Sunday, June 9, 7 am to 11 am Log on to @waghoba.foundation BNHS Nature Reserve. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Create and conserveBuild bunds (small check dams) along streams at BNHS Nature Reserve. These structures are essential tools for water and soil conservation. Participants will also receive certificates.On June 9 Meeting point Sanjay Gandhi National Park Haathi Gate, Goregaon East. Call 9821120494 Illustration Courtesy/Priyanka Lele Have fun with waterAuthor Minaz Ansari will host a paani party, inspired by her eponymous picture story book. Children will be guided about the value of water in the interactive storytelling session. Bring along a reusable bottle of water.Age group 4 years and above On June 8, 5 pm onwards At Mcubed Library, D’Monte Park Road, Bandra West. Cost Rs 400 Seed of lifeLearn to make (left) seed bombs — tiny clay-covered mounds of seeds and growing soil. This workshop will be followed by a guided tree trail on the campus.ON Today, 11 am onwards At CSMVS, MG Road, Fort.Log on to events@csmvs.in (for registrations)
05 June,2024 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiCarbon negative, style positive This platform describes itself as climate-positive, and uses renewable natural fibres to produce their garments. Oziss specialises in classic staples for men and women in minimal solids and nature-inspired prints. These pieces can easily be mixed and matched to build an everyday capsule wardrobe. The label’s focus on sustainability is two-pronged — smarter and greener production methods, as well as investments in biodiversity projects and negative emissions technologies. Most of the platform’s apparel is made using repurposed fabrics that are rescued from landfills, while their packaging too is made of 100 per cent recycled paper. And unlike many of their counterparts who evoke varying amounts of admiration and despair (the latter being rooted in prohibitive price tags), their garments are relatively well-priced, and can be worn and re-worn in various ways, extending the wear you can get from each piece. Log on to oziss.in All that glitters is recycled Statement brass jewellery has been trending in a big way this year, but when you add sustainability to the mix, consider us all ears. Equiivalence is a homegrown jewellery platform that crafts versatile statement, almost sculptural, pieces made of 70 per cent to 100 per cent recycled brass. The lightweight, nature and art-inspired designs are handmade by artisans. Many of the pieces can be worn from day to night, and bear attractive price tags. Log on to amala.earth Do good, wear good Pic Courtesy/Instagram As a generation that practically lives out of our activewear, it’s always comforting to know that our beloved yoga pants and sports bras can be comfortable and environmentally-positive too, thanks to the efforts of platform like Good Indian. Their line of high performance and sustainable activewear is made of innovative materials such as recycled PET bottles and cotton that is grown in accordance with fair trade and conscious production standards. It also collaborates with carbon-offsetting NGOs to further lower their footprint. The products are well-priced and attractively designed, harnessing moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable even during the most intense workouts. Log on to goodindian.co.in A second sole Statistics reveal that globally, more than 350 million pairs of shoes are discarded every year. Some of these pairs are rescued by Green Sole, an environmentally-minded indie platform, who give them a second lease of life by upcycling them. The pieces are all made-to-order to prevent waste and are innovatively constructed — the uppers are made from organic, plant-based textiles and recycled materials, while the lining comprises recycled PET waste. The soles of the shoes are recycled from discarded pairs, while the in-sock contains 98 per cent post production waste material. The platform has also set up collection centres where customers can drop off shoes that have completed their lifecycle, for them to be repurposed into a brand-new pair. Log on to greensole.com Preloved, not unloved The uncomfortable truth that today’s fashion lovers must contend with is that even the most cherished possessions in their wardrobes will be repeated only a handful of times. Thrifting is a great way to extend the number of wears a garment or a pair of shoes will receive through its lifetime, and Swap Fashions, a Lower Parel-based store, is enabling sustainability-minded customers to do just that. Shoppers can thrift items from popular brands at a fraction of their original cost, swap pieces that have been purchased from the store for fresh items, or even sell under-used portions of their wardrobes. The store also has a rental option for statement gowns — the kind that attract all the compliments and likes in real life and on social media but are only good for one grand entrance — at very affordable prices. At Unit no. 106, 1st floor, Parvati Estate, Sun Mill Compound, Lower Parel.Log on to swapfashions.com
05 June,2024 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIndividuals hold the key Malhar Kalambe at a trash collection drive in Airoli Malhar Kalambe, founder, Beach PleaseOver the last seven years, I have seen a shift in the behavioural mindset of people. I believe that beyond government action and policy making, individual citizen participation is key to climate protection and conservation. There are things at the micro level that individuals can contribute to. Whether that is segregating your waste, avoiding single use plastic or reducing carbon footprints, it all adds up. Segregating your daily waste is something that I would recommend everyone in Mumbai should do. The waste on all our beaches, mangroves and the Mithi River, is washed up from domestic waste. At that point, segregating the plastic from wet waste is neither physically possible nor financially viable. Hence, they end up in the landfills adding to the pollution. Separating them at home, and avoiding single-use plastic, are simple but effective steps that can contribute to the larger interests of the city. Fishing for practicality Mohit Ramle embarks on a fishing trip in Versova Koliwada Mohit Ramle, president, Akhil Koli Samaj Sanskruti Sanwardhan SanghaDeep sea fishing is officially banned in the monsoon because several species of fish breed during this time of the year. Avoid purchasing young baby-sized fishes from the markets during this period. Question yourself and the seller about their sources if you spot such fish in the market. Let the fish breed and grow in these months for future catch. Additionally, if you wish to contribute to sustainability, ditch the idea that only pomfrets, surmai, rawas are worth buying. Species like bombil, tarli, pala, bangda, kupa [tuna] also carry great nutritional value. If both sides implement these measures, we can attain sustainability in production as well as consumption. Change starts at home Subhajit Mukherjee at a rainwater harvesting site Subhajit Mukherjee, founder, Mission Green MumbaiThe concretisation of Mumbai is a major contributor to the heatwave as well as depleting groundwater reserves. Rainwater harvesting techniques must be implemented depending on space and water availability. Housing societies can install a basic percolation pit in the premises, or route the flow of water from the terrace into the borewell pipe to improve the moisture as well as reduce heat on the surface. We have installed 3,000 such systems across Mumbai, and are open to working on more. I urge people to collect water and use it for non-drinking purposes like washing clothes, flushing toilets, and mopping. Let sustainability be the norm Zia Fatima interacts with children during a plantation drive Zia Fatima, biologist, Jane Goodall InstituteSchools carry the responsibility of creating a positive and lasting impact on young impressionable minds. Green corridors can be established in schools, with a focus on local biodiversity. Grow gardens full of native plants without the fear of insects; instead, let them flutter around in your campus. Children must be made aware that it’s okay to reuse, recycle or use upcycled goods. Make sure you incorporate environmental education in their curriculum to introduce them to basics like waste segregation. The next thing you know, they will start analysing the waste generated by them, and start composting at home and in their communities. These actions not only instil eco-conscious habits, but also create a greener environment where sustainable practices come naturally. Small steps, big impact Shubh Mehta (right) at a cleanup in Girgaon Chowpatty Shubh Mehta, co-founder, Change is UsThese are some changes you can make in your daily lifestyle to be a part of the battle against climate change. Utilise public transport instead of personal vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. For short distances, opt to cycle or walk. It’s healthier and environmentally friendly. Your body will thank you. Carry a reusable water bottle and food containers to avoid single-use plastics. Always keep a foldable cloth or jute bag handy to avoid plastic bags for shopping, especially from vegetable vendors. Use digital payment methods and e-tickets to reduce paper waste. Opt for digital invoices. Use energy-efficient gadgets like LED bulbs, energy-saving power banks, and appliances with high energy star ratings. Opt for sustainable brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices. Avoid falling for greenwashing and single-use plastics. Finally, support local produce by buying from farmers’ markets or nearby vendors to reduce carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation. Think twice before you consume Vinod Nindrojiya inspects clothes with a Waghri community recycler Vinod Nindrojiya, co-founder, Bombay Recycling ConcernConsume less of everything. This could be food, décor, products, and most importantly, clothes. Clothes are the first things that change with the slightest change in lifestyle, seasons, festivals, age or body weight. Mostly all clothes of wearable quality have a life span of four to five years. For every pair of clothes, make it a practice to use them for two years before buying a similar pair for a similar occasion. Then, reuse them for another two years. We have also now started door-to-door pick-ups of waste clothes. In case anyone wants to give the clothes away for recycling, they can drop a message on 8600293642, and we will send someone from the Waghri community, the environment warriors for textile, to collect them. Remember, that sportswear made of nylon or mix materials are the most difficult to reuse because they don’t absorb water and can’t be made into rags. Thus, they usually end up in the dumping grounds after a short life span.By Devashish Kamble, Shriram Iyengar and Devanshi Doshi
05 June,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Shriram IyengarLandour, often referred to as the tiara of the queen of hills, Mussoorie, is famous for its vehicle-free, narrow winding streets surrounded by lush deodar trees. On a recent trip to the picturesque town, we made a beeline to a favourite attraction — Landour Bakehouse, an isolated brick cottage, best known for its varieties of pastries and coffee. The package comes with an affixed nozzle to enable an easy pour In our attempt to recreate those pleasant moments back in scorching Mumbai, when we looked up Landour coffee online, we were surprised to discover that a Mullingar Hill-based coffee label packages the Landour coffee, and ships it across India. Options included Lal Tibba roast, Mullingar Roast, Clocktower Roast — all named after famous viewpoints in Landour, apart from the regular café blend. We ordered only the café blend that was delivered within a week. A view of the writer’s breakfast table A small nozzle on the package allowed the fragrance to slip out and fill the room the moment we unpacked it. As they don’t serve instant coffee, we needed to blend and strain it. This one, just like the coffee we had tasted in the bakehouse, had crisp citrus notes. We loved it because it has a medium-dark roast (80 per cent grade AA Arabica and 20 per cent Robusta beans), which is not too bitter for our palate. Although it is not possible to sip the coffee while experiencing Landour’s comforting weather at the moment, this virtual trip via the coffee indulgence ensured we could at least soak in a similar taste that took us down the memory lane. Café blend. Pics/Devanshi Doshi Landour Coffee didn’t know it was us. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for orders Log on to landourcofee.comCost Rs 525 (250 gm) 70% Volume of India’s coffee produced in Karnataka
04 June,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiADVERTISEMENT
