1 All of Us Strangers, 2023 In 2003, Wayne Lammers brought out an English translation of the Japanese novel Ijin-Tachi to no Natsu (Strangers). A lonely TV scriptwriter decides to visit his childhood home one day where he had lost his parents. When he returns, he develops an intimate relationship with his neighbour. In the book, the neighbour’s character is written as female, but director Andrew Haigh takes the liberty of casting a male actor to play the neighbour, opening conversations within the story about gender and sexuality.Read: Strangers by Taichi Yamada 2 Turtles All the Way Down, 2024 Pics courtesy/Youtube At the time of writing Turtles All the Way Down, John Green had spoken about dealing with OCD while growing up. He wrote his mental illness into this novel with a lot of difficulty, creating Aza Holmes, a character who suffered from it, too. Holmes and her best friend Daisy are on a quest for the hefty reward money for finding the billionaire Russell Pickett. However, Holmes ends up falling in love with his son. Her OCD becomes very central in the Hannah Marks-directed film as it had kept her from intimacy for a long time.Read: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green 3 Cobalt Blue, 2022 Tanay and Anuja, two siblings, fall in love with the same person, who comes to stay as their paying guest in Pune. Readers get to read both perspectives as Kundalkar lays them out through the two voices in his 2006 Marathi novel. The novelist adapted the story for the screen by Kundalkar more recently. It takes us into the heart of a queer relationship unfolding against the background of a traditionally heteronormative and conservative Indian family.Read: Cobalt Blue by Sachin Kundalkar (translated by Jerry Pinto) 4 The Taste of Things, 2023 Depicting love between couples in their 50s (and beyond) is a rarity on screen even today. Set in 1880s France, Tran Ang Hung’s film manages to shift the lens and show the tender relationship between Dodin, a gastronome, and Eugénie, his most glorious cook. The film’s opening is like a dance, a true feast to the eyes, as one witnesses the workings of a kitchen. What’s really special about the film though is that it is a photograph of love caught in the later stages of life, as it strengthens, withstanding many hardships over the years.Read: The Passionate Epicure by Marcel Rouff 5 Red, White & Royal Blue, 2023 With international relations at stake, the royalty in the US and Britain attempt to sell a narrative of friendship between the first son of the United States, Alex Clairemont-Diaz, and a British prince, Prince Henry, after pictures of their confrontation are published. However, this soon blossoms into a love story between the two men. The film (see left) by Matthew Lopez is a nuanced adaptation of the 2019 novel by the same name. Read: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
29 May,2024 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaSleight of hand. Distraction. Illusions. In the cynical world coloured by modern technology, the simple illusion of magic no longer holds the same sway. Yet, there is a new genre that has emerged and is slowly capturing the attention of the modern audience — mentalism. From names such as Lior Suchard to Suhani Shah, there is a list of personalities who can take an audience by the hand and cast a spell using simple games of prediction, premonition and precognition. On June 2, Sharman Joshi, actor, will join mentalist Bhupesh Dave in a show titled Braintertainers that seeks to enchant as much as arouse curiosity. In a moment from the rehearsal The curiosity, for this writer at least, was triggered by Joshi’s presence on the show. The 3 Idiots actor who played Raju Rastogi in the cult flick, is remembered for his versatile screen personas, and not as a performer of mental tricks. “It was an interest that began when I attended Dave’s show six years ago,” Joshi recalls. As a guest, he found it fascinating that an individual could read the audience so well, and in so short a time. “I wanted to learn more about how he read people and his performance methods,” he says. And so, over many meetings, and a long hiatus during the pandemic, the actor signed up for an internship to learn the craft behind the art. But how does one go from being in a Raju Hirani film to studying expressions? “Curiosity,” laughs Joshi. Dave recalls, “I showed him only a few techniques of gauging and identifying signals in the beginning, but he went on to do his own research and would come back with some very interesting approaches and questions. That got me thinking if he should pursue this more seriously.” After four months of intense training and workshopping, the duo is all set to bring their first show to the Mumbai stage this weekend. The two performers work the details with their team While the genre has been popular — finding its way to television through series such as Psych, Sherlock and even the eponymous, The Mentalist — Dave is keen to point out that there is a key difference between magicians and mentalists. “It is the highest form of magic. Mentalists work with mental illusions, i.e. studying behavioural patterns, body languages and facial expressions.” Before he turned to mentalism, Dave was a Civil Services aspirant, and even cleared the state exams in 1986. “I took mentalism up as a profession in late 1988-89,” he shares. Since then, he has been constantly learning, adapting and evolving new techniques. These understandings offer insight into the one common factor that has remained unchanged — human behaviour. For Joshi, this was the common plane between theatrical acting and stage illusion. “As an actor, we are as much readers of people’s behaviour as anyone else. The elements of the performance also overlap. Moreover, I was drawn to the immense amount of concentration and skill required,” Joshi reveals. Tricks is a rather simplistic term for something that happens so quickly; it feels instinctive. “I watch and read people from the minute they are in front of me. Whether they choose a black marble or a white one, are lying or not, it all comes across in facial features, ticks and behavioural patterns. It is not an exact science, and even I make mistakes. The trick is to tide over the mistakes with showmanship,” he laughs. The duo debuted the show for students at SKC College in Vasai earlier this year. “I was still unsure of myself in front of people, despite being an actor for so long. Dave suggested this was the best way to gain that confidence. Now, I have it,” Joshi remarks. The Mumbai show will mark the beginning of a tour that will see the duo take to stages across the country and perform. “The 21st century is a digital age, and how we do is just as important as what we do. In fact, in some cases, the trick is not so important as the presentation,” shares Dave. ON June 2; 4 pm and 7 pmAT Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 250 onwards
29 May,2024 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhile the city was caught up in the IPL knockouts and finals last weekend, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and Real Madrid fans had their own nail-biting showdown. A friendly encounter between Borussia Dortmund Supporters Club Mumbai and Pena Madridista De Bombay, the two official fan clubs, built the anticipation for their clubs’ upcoming clash in the finals on June 1. Even as Madrid fans emerged victorious at the local turf in Juhu, the question remains: which way will fortune sway at Wembley this weekend? The UCL trophy. PIC COURTESY/WIKEMIDA COMMONS Club comes first It will be interesting to see Toni Kroos’ last hurrah on the biggest stage. A key factor could also be whether Carlo Ancelotti plays Andriy Lunin or Thibaut Courtois in goal. Ancelotti has stated that he considers Courtois the best in the world, but he’s coming back from the injury. I’m hoping whoever plays has a good game, and doesn’t make a name for himself for the wrong reasons. My eyes are on Mats Hummels. He is no spring chicken; he’s been here before and knows the pressure of a big game. If he has a masterclass to display and is able to keep our forwards quiet, it will give BVB a chance. Matchday ritual: For years, I’ve considered myself the jinx. I leave for a movie, a stand-up comedy show, or someplace where I can’t see the match as soon as it begins. I watch the replay the next day. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Real Madrid Jitesh Shahani, 34, founder, Peña Madridista De Bombay Defence for the win The club has been criticised online before every game only for each win to be chalked off as a lucky win after the game. This UCL run is anything but lucky. The defence has been rock-solid, and we have wingers who close down the flanks with their respective full backs, and that’s one area I will be looking into the most. It has been said far too often: attack wins you games, defence wins you titles. I would love to see Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho rip open the Madrid defence in the second half but that will depend on manager Edin Terzić and his substitutions. I hope that the players soak up the atmosphere and play without pressure, it wasn’t easy getting to the finals. Matchday ritual: A Reus jersey, BVB scarf, with the lyrics to ‘Ole Jetz Kommt der BVB’ memorised. It’s going to be a glorious day. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Real Madrid Kaustubh Rane, 29, PhD student Rise in silence Every football enthusiast doubted the fate of the club this season. After a slow start, Dortmund emerged from the bottom of the group to eventually topping the group, surprising everyone in the process. More than individual brilliance, our boys fought as a team to secure an entry into the finals. The duel between Mats Hummels and Vinicius Jr will be very interesting. With the experience of Hummels keeping fast players like Kylian Mbappe at bay in the past and the dynamism of Vinicius, I am looking forward to the clash of the two powerhouses. Matchday ritual: I will wear my club jersey and watch the game in the comfort of my home with a few colleagues and pretend that the stakes are low to save myself from the disappointment in case things don’t go our way. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1–0 Real Madrid Mayank Pachauri, 30, consultant No weak links Toni Kroos in his 10th, and now what we’ve come to know as his final year not just at our club but also for the game has been in some of the best forms of his life, cutting through defence lines with just one single pass and orchestrating our entire game from the middle. Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo has been sensational on the wings, while the defensive partnership of Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger has been solid. Their coordination and experience will be essential in keeping Dortmund’s attackers at bay. Matchday ritual: Before every match, I call my father or any immediate family member and say “Real Madrid is going to win tonight” three times in a row. It seems to have worked well. Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 0–3 Real Madrid Nakshatra Jadhav, 27, technical director Crack this footie quiz Borussia Dortmund fans hold up the team flag at a meet-up 1 The UEFA Champions League (UCL) was formerly called X before its rebranding in the year Y. What are X and Y?2 The iconic UEFA Champions League Anthem is written in three languages. Can you name them?3 The list of most appearances in UCL matches is topped by Cristiano Ronaldo, while Lionel Messi takes the third spot. Which player holds the second spot?4 When was the last time a German side played a Spanish side in a UCL final?5 Which manager has won the highest number of UCL titles. (Bonus points if you can name the teams.) Zinedine Zidane at the 2002 finals; (right, in black) Carlo Ancelotti Archil Sahu, Pena Madridista De Bombay3.5/5European Cup. I’m not sure which yearEnglish, German and FrenchIker CasillasNot sureCarlo Ancelotti with AC Milan and Real Madrid Sanket S Gaonkar, BVB Mumbai2.5/5I don’t knowNo ideaIker CasillasReal Madrid in 2002, but I can’t recall the opponentsCarlo Ancelotti with AC Milan and Real Madrid Correct answers:1. European Cup and 1992, 2. English, German, and French, 3. Iker Casillas, 4. Real Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, 5. Carlo Ancelotti with AC Milan (2003, 2007) and Real Madrid (2014, 2022) Catch the match Real Madrid fans cheer for the team at a previous official screening of a football match >> TAP RestobarAt Juhu; Bandra and Andheri.Call 42631000 >> The Studs - Sports Bar and GrillAt Unit 2, Centrum IT Park, Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane West. 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28 May,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor fashion-loving celebrity mums-to-be (Rihanna, we’re looking at you), maternity wear has been taking on a bold, sexy new avatar — tight, sleek and bump-highlighting fits. While they are awe-inspiring, they also can be quite impractical for Mumbai mums-to-be, especially in our hot and muggy summers. And so, actor Deepika Padukone’s decision to favour flowing, loose garments with forgiving waistlines and more relaxed cuts seems like a much-needed breath of fresh air. Although decidedly streamlined with a more feminine view of maternity clothing, her looks have been inspiring women across the city to choose chic comfort with confidence, all over again. Alia Bhatt in a wrap dress; (right) Richa Chadha wears a co-ord set “Comfort remains the top priority during pregnancy, which makes most women opt for clothing that marries form with function. The cut, waistline and choice of fabric should be important considerations when you pick out your maternity wardrobe,” explains Sonal Kharade, a costume designer. She, and stylist Amrita Saluja, offer a few tips to keep hot mamas feeling cool! >> Cuts to accentuateSoft breathable fabrics such as muslin, cotton and linen are no-brainers in this regard, says Saluja. “Opt for maxi dresses or jumpsuits with a low crotch in these fabrics, or pick out comfortable co-ord sets in a relaxed fit,” she advises. Kharade recommends fit-and-flare or A-line dresses that look sharp without compromising on comfort. She notes that petite women will look best in a wrap style or a dress with an empire waist that sits right below the bust. These, she says, lengthen your frame and accentuate the narrowest part of your torso, without engulfing you in swathes of fabric. Further, pleated, mid-length skirts are especially popular this year, and can be easily styled up or down, depending on the occasion. >> Make a statement“Don’t be afraid to experiment with prints and stripes, and add plenty of accessories to make your look truly your own. Pick either your wrist or neck to create a statement look. If you are wearing anything with long sleeves, pull them up so that your wrists are visible. Similarly, wear slightly cropped pants that expose your ankles — this adds definition,” Saluja explains. Amrita Saluja and Sonal Kharade >> Ace the athleisure lookMaternity activewear is a growing market segment, patronised by women who want to look chic, keep active and stay comfortable. When shopping, opt for styles that offer tummy support and look for softer, more breathable fabrics that offer just the right amounts of compression,” suggests Kharade. If you are a more adventurous dresser, opt for a unitard or a jumpsuit, layered with an oversized button-up shirt. >> Go big on accessoriesChunky sneakers, big bags, wrists layered with accessories, and cute hair bands and big scrunchies are all easy ways to dress up your pregnancy, says Saluja. As a pro tip, Kharade suggests wearing bump-supporting shorts underneath your dresses and skirts to help with back pain.
28 May,2024 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulArtificial intelligence is currently a global subject of fear and intrigue. As technology threatens to take over human abilities, a platform NewArtX has emerged in the city to prove how, if used correctly, it can act as an efficient extension to our skills. An ongoing exhibition at Tao Art Gallery has on display digitalised, immersive artworks that aim to take storytelling a step forward. Gigi Scaria’s artwork sheds light on global warming and urbanisation “Digital Fine Arts (DFAs) is a form of visual art. It is created digitally primarily for aesthetic purposes, and is judged for its beauty and meaningfulness,” shared NewArtX founder (below) Saryu Pareek Gupta. Gupta launched the platform on May 19 along with co-founders, Pulkit Gupta and Suresh Pareek. She shares that it took them two years to build it from scratch. “This is a curated platform for DFAs. We built it so that artists could explore digital art as a separate medium. This would also give the buyers a new experience. Our aim is to democratise art and make it more accessible to enthusiasts and collectors from across the country,” Gupta explains. Art by Jagannath Panda and Laxma Goud’s painting The exhibition, which is titled Boundless Horizons, features artworks by Valay Shende, Viraj Khanna, Gigi Scaria, Laxma Goud, Jagannath Panda, Bhaskar Rao Botcha, and Shampa Sircar Das, among others. Shende’s artwork, for instance, transcends 2-D canvases, and introduces us to a 3-D model of a lion sitting in a barren land of fallen trees. It is wearing a VR headset that takes the animal to a virtual, lush green forest. Valay Shende An ironic, and digital slap-on-the-face of technology, we think. “Recreating my physical art as digital art has been a rewarding process that expands my creative possibilities and audience reach. However, its importance lies in its ability to democratise art creation, foster innovation, reach global audiences, integrate with cutting-edge technology, offer new commercial opportunities and remain culturally relevant,” Shende shares. For their first-ever event, the Mumbai-based platform chose artists that were varied in their styles, language and stage of their careers. “They were excited to explore this new medium to tell the story that they have been trying to tell through their paintings or sculptures. We mint DFAs on the blockchain. This ensures that immutability, provenance, and authenticity are created with meticulous attention to detail capturing every brushstroke, colour and texture with utmost fidelity. Artistic brilliance combines with cutting-edge technology to give the user an interactive experience,” Gupta reveals, adding that they also explored dynamic DFAs that could change with real time events, like the time of the day. “The works exhibited here are not mere copies of the physical artworks; they are [recreated] to take the artist’s language and narrative forward,” Gupta signs off. AT Tao Art Gallery, Dr Annie Besant Road, WorliTill May 31, 11 am to 7 pm (open all days)Log on to newartx.com (to view and buy the artworks)
28 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiLeave it to Lao Tzu to come up with the oddest inventions. “A perfect cube,” the 6th century Chinese philosopher said, “has no corners.” That would have frustrated Erno Rubik. The Hungarian inventor’s creation of the multi-coloured Rubik’s Cube has been the boon and bane of many a puzzle solver. Yet, the latest progression of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is that a robot at the component production center of the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan solved the cube in 0.305 seconds. The human world-record stands at 3.13 seconds by Max Park. As technology enters the bastion of puzzle-solving, we reach out to cubing professionals and competitive cubers to tell us more. AI is only a tool I have been cubing for seven years now, and participated in World Cubing Association competitions. My single-solve is currently at 10.33 seconds, and a blindfold is at 24 seconds. Initially, people said three seconds is an impossible time to solve a cube. While we cannot compare machines with humans, AI can be a tool for learning and training better. A lot of cubers are already working on algorithms, calculations and building formulae. But in the end, it boils down to human ability. Siddesh Janardan Katkar, speed cuber AI cannot exceed human potential If you give someone a puzzle and a solution to it, then it loses its punch. Puzzles present challenges to the mind, and there is an adrenalin rush when you solve it. That is what drives cubers. But if you want to compete, you have to try the latest tools. It does not come on a platter though. You have to use your mind in the end. Today’s children are faster and adapt quicker to new technology. It is inevitable that they will reach out to AI as training tools. You can look at a video or a programme, but ultimately you have to use your brain and learn the moves to solve it. It has to be a mix. Why you make a certain move is just as important as making it. I cannot tell if a human can solve it within a second, but the potential of a human brain is infinite. AI itself was created by a human brain. It cannot exceed human abilities. Minella Gracious, cuber and founder,Minella’s Superstars Takes the fun out of it I started cubing at the age of nine, when I saw a cube in a shop, and became obsessed with it. I learned speed cubing through YouTube videos. AI can be an effective tool. Right now, there are apps on Playstore that give you shortest solutions. There is a number called God’s number in cubing. This is a formula to solve the cube in 20 moves — the shortest time taken. There are over four million ways in which a cube can be solved. It is hardly possible for a human brain to find all the solutions every time. If there is a way to extract the knowledge from a formula through AI, it will help. But it will become boring. If you can solve a puzzle in the most efficient way every time, then you don’t have to rack your brain anymore. I know, it is a contradiction, but I prefer to not have the AI to keep the fun. After all, humans have physical limitations. You cannot solve a cube in half a second by hand. There are limitations to human reactions and co-ordinations. Daniel D’Souza, speed cuber Inevitable, but not impressive Today, when everything is changing to AI, it is inevitable. Of course, human-solving skills are always more appreciated. AI tools will be appreciated by cubers, but it is more of a curiosity. The skill we speak about is for the development of the brain. Already, the speed cube record is down to three seconds. Even if an AI tool is doing it with a margin of one second, it is okay. A computer coming up with an answer within a second is impressive, but not shocking, to be honest. It is still the human skill that is the element of surprise. Leena Savla, director, Junior Cube Association Learn to cube . Cube ConundrumsAT Gokhale Road, Dadar West. CALL 9321690299 . Rubik’s classesAT Sarvodaya Park, Nandivili Panchanand, Dombivli East.CALL 8779789420 . Minella’s SuperstarsLOG ON TO @minellassuperstars . Junior Cube AssociationAT Patanwala Estate, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar West.CALL 9326169864
27 May,2024 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarYou wouldn’t expect a children’s play to address the Hiroshima bombings, or deep-dive into conversations around existentialism and the purpose of life. But with the right amount of souzou — Japanese for imagination, and the title of Gillo Repertory Theatre’s upcoming play, it might just be within reach. As director Barkha Fatnani puts it, “Kids will be entertained, and parents will have some interesting questions to answer on their way home.” The two-act play has traversed diverse landscapes before making its way to the city venue. The seed of the first play, Hermit Crab’s Dream, was sown in Fatnani’s mind at a storytellers’ residency in South Korea in 2017, and germinated into a play when she returned to the city with a changed worldview. “A Japanese storyteller narrated a story of a hermit crab that loses its shell, and with it, his ability to dream. The story was simple but managed to shed light on the Hiroshima bombings and environmentalism in a way that was far from distressing,” she recalls. Ritul Singh The play, interestingly, was first adapted for stage in Hindi; a decision that aligned with creative director Shaili Sathyu’s ongoing efforts to take children’s plays to the rural pockets of India. As part of the repertory’s Natak Yatra in 2022, the story was presented for young audiences in the hills of Uttarakhand before being translated to English. “Performing in the city can get monotonous. We set out on the yatra because we wanted to reach newer, unfamiliar audiences,” Sathyu explains. While Fatnani’s performance is set in the sandy shorelines of the Far East, the second play in the series takes a departure to the snowy landscape set in a fictional mountain range. Ritul Singh’s Frederick follows a titular mouse, and explores ideas of community work, how we face challenges in life, and questions about what work is more valuable to survival than others. Barkha Fatnani and Shaili Sathyu With stories set in visually diverse landscapes, Sathyu’s decision to take it to unfamiliar audiences doesn’t come without challenges, Fatnani admits. “When you talk about a beach in Uttarakhand, or snow in Mumbai, you’re bound to get a few confused looks,” she chuckles. The duo bridges the gap with immersive elements. From a bottle of sand sampled from Juhu beach that is sprinkled on the stage, to a large drum sourced from Pondicherry that mimic strong winds, these unusual props transport the audience to a land far away. Ahead of the performances this weekend, Fatnani admits that while the props are a great help, it’s ultimately in the audience’s hands to decide how well they really work. “We start every performance by asking the audience to close their eyes and imagine making their way across seas to the locations from the play,” she shares. How well the performances pan out when their eyes open to the stage, she notes, still rests entirely on a singular element — souzou. ON June 1; 5 pm and 7 pmAT St Andrew’s Centre for Philosophy & Performing Arts, Bandra West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 200
27 May,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIndie is the way Pick from a series of films by talented Indian independent filmmakers that cover a range of issues from regional cinema to village power dynamics and forest laws. >> Dhuin: A small-town theatre actor aspires to make it big in the city of dreams. However, the road isn’t easy. With a family under a financial crisis on the one hand and his own desires on the other, what decisions does Pankaj have to make? Dhuin is a 50-minute tender portrayal by Achal Mishra of an everyday India striving to make ends meet, while precariously holding on to their dreams. Written in Maithili and Hindi, what makes the film special is the challenge it poses to a monolithic depiction of Bihar in cinema. Silence and poignancy dominate it. >> Pedro: An electrician, Pedro, guards the farmland of his landlord Hegde. One day he finds his dog dead. It had consumed poison that was meant for a wild boar. When Pedro promises to kill the boar to keep the land safe, he accidentally shoots Hegde’s cow. The consequences of his action are visible. Pedro feels alienated from the village and we witness the power dynamics at various stages during the film. Having shot it in his hometown in Uttara Kannada, Natesh Hegde turns the forest land into a character of its own. >> The Road to Kuthriyar: Director Bharat Mirle’s feature (below) follows Dhruv, a wildlife researcher, who befriends a local tribesman, Dorai, while conducting a survey at the Kodaikanal Sanctuary. Dhruv finds out during the survey that Dorai and his community’s reality is rather bleak. They are fighting forest laws and poverty, among other things. The film adopts a documentary-style narration. While some parts are from actual interviews, Mirle finds moments to include storytelling and fiction into the film, describing the project as a “docu-fiction feature”. On May 25 and May 26. at G5A Warehouse, Mahalaxmi West. log on to insider.in Animation all the way Enjoy Keyframed, a showcase of animated shorts from students of IDC Mumbai, NID Ahmedabad, NID Bhopal and UID Gandhinagar. >> Pandari – New Tidings: In Tejaswat Kadam’s episodic short, the audience is transported into the world of Anga, where the protagonist Pandari and her little brother Kuho live and, so do legends and myths. Amid celebrations for the annual silk route festival in the grand city of Eyriya, the old king is being kicked out, and the coronation of the new queen is taking place. But what if the old king doesn’t want to give up his power? Inspired by cultural sites like Mumbai, Pune and Khajuraho, Kadam’s visuals of an imagined city are stunning and the clothing and armoury of the characters worth stopping by for. >> Phool Dei: Phool Dei is a harvest festival celebrated in several parts of Uttarakhand like Garhwal and Kumaon. In this short by Kartik Mahajan, a young protagonist goes about collecting flowers in her town during the festival. However, things soon take a turn when her town becomes a ghost town. Mahajan’s short, through a subtle palette that reflects soft innocence, focuses on the relationship between the protagonist and her brother. >> Mundu and the Malayali: a fictional docu‘Mundu’ary: The connection between a community of Malayalis and the mundu, a garment wrapped around one’s waist, is tight. In a fun animation, through minimal sketches, Rahul Dileep explores how the two are bound together from birth to death. The short was the animator’s graduation project while he studied at IDC School of Design in the city. On May 25; all day at Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar, Versova. Log on to insider.in
25 May,2024 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaFor fans of Regency-core, the latest season of Bridgerton has been serving inspirational fashion moments. We’re thinking full skirts, corset tops, gorgeous pastel hues, lace and, of course, kitten heels. It bears mentioning that not all of these elements lend themselves to Mumbai’s insufferable heat and long commute-filled workdays. Eloise Bridgerton in delicate beading on a pastel coloured dress So, we asked fashion stylist Disha Selarka whether and how the Regency-core look could be adapted to our wardrobes, without compromising on comfort or wearability. “An easier way to approach Regency-core is to break it down into smaller elements and simplify those into more wearable avatars,” Selarka explains. She lays down the following to make the style more approachable. Disha Selarka and Raghav Agarwal Silhouette chic“Corsets are a mainstay of any historic fashion look — you can wear corset tops, blouses, or even a dress. Either go for an actual corset or pick a style that looks like a corset but is not as fitted and doesn’t have boning,” says Selarka. She also recommends apparel with an empire waistline which, she claims, was a mainstay of every dress on the show. “This waistline flatters every body shape, and beautifully camouflages those areas you may not be as confident about. You could wear this waistline in a dress or even a breezy summer top,” she explains. Alia Bhatt in a saree Fabric concernsOpt for silk, lace, organza and tissue that are liberally worn by the characters on the show. You could wear them in your scarves, dresses, tops, trousers or — taking a leaf from Alia Bhatt’s Met Gala look — in a saree, advises Selarka. She adds that small floral prints and minimal designs work well, as do solids in pastel tones. Penelope Featherington from the series sports puff sleeves, lace and silk Keeping it desi“This season maintains the show’s lavish style, blending historical authenticity with contemporary flair for a visually stunning depiction of the Regency era. It features opulent fabrics such as silk and velvet, intricate embroidery, and vibrant colours. In the Indian context, while design aspects may evolve, the vibrant colour palette easily lends itself to occasion wear,” says Agarwal. He adds that elaborate beaded sarees and floor-length lehengas make it easy to recreate the aesthetic with traditional Indian looks, with fabrics such as tulle and organza leading the way. Kiara Advani wears a corset dress with pearls Puffs of volumeCapped or puffed sleeves are summer-friendly and look period appropriate, says Selarka. “Pair with a free-flowing and voluminous skirt. Remember, with this aesthetic, proportion is everything, so don’t be afraid to veer on the side of exaggeration,” she says. Raghav Agarwal, an ethnic fashion entrepreneur, is also partial to bishop sleeves, which he says add a touch of drama to tops and saree blouses. Sonam Kapoor’s look is a good example of carrying off small floral designs with matching jewellery Accessories matter“You can never go wrong with pearls! Wear your pearls in the form of earrings, necklaces or even bracelets. You can go for pearl hair pins as well if you wish to experiment further. Antique jewellery is another constant for most characters’ looks. Keep your pieces minimal and dainty,” says Selarka. Although colour-blocking is all the rage these days, she advises colour-matching your jewellery with your outfit. This, she says, instantly adds vintage charm to your look. With Indian looks, Agarwal recommends incorporating elements of regal Indian crafts such as Kundan or Polki-inspired designs in your jewellery.
25 May,2024 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulChef Virgilio Martinez wears a calm demeanour in a crowd. It instantly draws one in as he begins to narrate the story of his fine-dine cooking that begins with sourcing ingredients from the local biodiversity of Peruvian altitudes across regions from the Andes mountains to the Amazon forest. In 2023, his restaurant, Central in Lima, Peru was ranked No 1 in the World’s Best Restaurant List. Masters of Marriott Bonvoy and Culinary Culture have brought the 47-year-old Peruvian for a two-day pop-up at Koishii, The St. Regis Mumbai. Within the first 24 hours of landing in Mumbai, Martinez has eaten seafood at Trishna, and Gujarati delicacies at Soam; he even visited the spice market in Lalbaug. His food journey is captured in a soon-to-release documentary titled Virgilio. It traces his quest to source and study Peruvian ingredients, from cacao farms to corn grown on altitudes as high as 4,000 m, along with his sister Malena Martinez and wife Pia Leo. The trio has shaped the philosophy behind Central, MIL in Cuzco that offers a taste of Inca food and cultural history and research centre Mater Iniciativa (Initiative). “Peruvian and Indian cuisines share the culture of living with flavour,” he says, adding, “In a market, there is the chaos of information — smells, flavours, textures; each ingredient fighting for attention. The end experience is a balance of the harmony one creates with them,” Martinez elaborates. No prize for guessing his comfort food: Peruvian ceviche. Edited excerpts from the interview: Your thoughts on Central ranking No 1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list, 2023.This happened over [by following] a discipline of 15 years, not overnight. My motivation is to discover the unknown and share it with the world. Winning has opened new doors — to see the world, learn from it, and cook for more people. Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez. Pic Courtesy/Getty Images Does your approach to cooking change when you cook in another country?I listen and I learn. I keep an open mind for 50 per cent changes. The idea is to get in touch with humanity; that is important. I have brought a variety of quinoa, cacao from Amazon, and root vegetables. I will be using Indian spices and chillies I picked up from the local markets. On the Mumbai menu, there is a dish called Extreme Altitude that has Peruvian corn from over 4,000 m, paired with quinoa. The word ‘restaurant’ doesn’t seem to define your work…We are thinking beyond gastronomy, and instead working with different fields of understanding life and nature. This has a huge transformation in our work. We say we are cooking an ecosystem, but we are also creating our own ecosystem. We have the opportunity to redefine fine dining. It is a privilege to be on top of something and try to do something avant garde. We have this pressure, but it is welcome. Your patrons have one bite to experience it.This one bite is presented with context. A lot of stuff is going on in that one bite — it has to inspire you. It can be challenging; you can be judged by one bite. In a world where we are connected to our gadgets, you spend four hours on a meal and interact with nature. These moments are magical. People come in one state of mind, and we watch it dramatically turn into a more positive state. There is a feeling of transcendence. What we do is transformative, and I am not saying this in a pretentious way. Tell us about the Peruvian food traditions.In the Andean culture, Peruvians recognise the presence of Mother Earth. Before they sow seeds or harvest, or start to work on fields, they ask for permission from Nature. It seems like a magical connection, but for these communities, it’s just life. You tend to pick extreme ingredients at times...Once, I was questioned by the customs at [Los Angeles] airport for carrying piranha meant to be served for a dinner in California. It blew out of proportion. I used to be very curious, and sometimes, reckless. For me, it’s about searching for knowledge and spreading it. Cooking is a good place to share stuff. Doing something people enjoy; doing something you love. How do you find time to switch off?I always find my way back to nature. It gives me the peace to reflect about life. I gather all those learnings and take them into the kitchen. I need to see new stuff all the time, and that is why nature is fantastic, because nature is always changing. What are you taking back from Mumbai?Chillies for my wife, and a lesson in hospitality.
25 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum Pandya1 The Brooklyn Bridge that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan spans over which river? 2 Taller than the Eiffel Tower, name the world’s highest railway bridge that is located in India. 3 Until Westminster Bridge opened in the 1750s, which bridge served as the lone bridge to cross the River Thames? 4 The famous film, The Bridge on the River Kwai was set during which conflict? 5 The official colour of which world-famous and photographed bridge is called International Orange? 6 Because of its arched design, which bridge in Australia is dubbed The Coathanger? 7 The wooden covered bridges of a county in Iowa take centrestage in which critically acclaimed film that featured Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep? 8 Bach Long pedestrian bridge in Vietnam, which measures 327 m, is in the Guinness Book of World Records. What is its claim to fame? 9 This enclosed bridge in Italy, made from white limestone, has windows with stone bars, passes over the Rio di Palazzo, and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. Name the historic site. 10 Name the popular viaduct bridge in Scotland on which the Hogwarts Express chugs along in several of the Harry Potter films. Answers 1. East River 2. Chenab Bridge, Jammu & Kashmir 3. London Tower Bridge 4. World War II 5. Golden Gate, San Francisco 6. Sydney Harbour Bridge 7. The Bridges of Madison County 8. The world’s longest glass bottomed bridge 9. Bridge of Sighs, Venice 10. Glenfinnan Viaduct
24 May,2024 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamADVERTISEMENT
