Jungle jive Aadrai jungle is a beautiful, serene forest where you will get to see Kallu waterfalls, Nageshwar Temple, and ancient caves. The jungle trail, by Treks and Trails, will showcase the natural beauty of the Sahyadris. The cost of the trek includes a vegetarian breakfast and lunch, a trekking guide, and first aid.ON June 6 and 7; 9.45 pmMEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East.CALL 8591064044LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 799 (cost without transport) Rs 1499 (cost with transport) Waterfall wonder Nanemachi waterfall. Pic courtesy/Liveb4youdie Situated in the district of Raigad, Nanemachi waterfall is approximately 180 km away from Mumbai. The 400ft waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery. Liveb4youdie is organising the trek to the waterfall, and the cost includes breakfast and lunch, as well as trek expertise and first aid. ON June 14 and 15; 10 pmMEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East.CALL 8369427519LOG ON TO liveb4youdie.comCOST Rs 1599 (with transportation); Rs 999 (without transportation) Ancient trail Korigad Fort. Pic courtesy/Adventure Geek Korigad Fort was built in the 14th century. Besides its rich history, the place is a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Organised by Adventure Geek, this trip includes breakfast, lunch, evening high tea and trek expertise. Transportation from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and back, is included in the package. ON June 8 and 15; 6 amMEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East.CALL 9004675388LOG ON TO adventuregeek.inCOST Rs 1349 (with transportation)
02 June,2025 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamGrowing up, this writer firmly believed that the Japanese spoke fluent Hindi in their everyday life. Doraemon, the adorable cat robot, had finished a crash course before taking screen, and Pikachu the Pokémon had somehow evolved to pick up our slang. Two decades after we had a rude awakening, we sat face to face, or at least ear to ear over a call with the woman who fuelled our innocent misconception. Sonal Kaushal, now in her 30s, reveals that she was only 13 years old when she voiced the character. We can cut her some slack. Kaushal voiced the character Doraemon from the eponymous Japanese series. PIC COURTESY/DORAEMON ON YOUTUBE “I would spend hours in the studio. I had kept my alter-ego under the wraps at school because I didn’t want the attention,” she recalls. That worked fine until her dad showed up one day to pick her up, and accidentally outed her. “The next day, the principal announced it during the morning assembly. My classmates were shocked,” she laughs. Next week, the artiste will host young aspirants like her at an exhaustive five-day workshop on the art form. Bubbles from Powerpuff Girls. PIC COURTESY/CARTOON NETWORK ON YOUTUBE Voice acting is no walk in the park, we learn. Right before our conversation, Kaushal has wrapped up an extensive recording from home. “Volume, modulation, and pitch are all key to my job. A quick introduction to these fundamentals should set a beginner on the right track. Fortunately, it’s a passion anyone can follow from home,” she points out. Fortunate, also for her three-year-old-daughter lounging on her lap during our conversation. “She doesn’t need to watch rhymes on the television. All the characters are inside me,” she quips. Chota Bheem. PIC COURTESY/GREEN GOLD KIDS ON YOUTUBE For instance, did you know that the popular character Bubbles is just one pitch modulation higher than Doraemon? We get a live demonstration from Kaushal that takes us down memory lane. Younger children might be delighted to know that just a tad lower than Doraemon, sits the pitch register for Chota Bheem. This peculiar skill set comes at a cost, though. “I miss sipping on kala khatta golas and coconut water. Unfortunately, they don’t pair well with a voice artiste’s vocal cords before a recording,” she reveals. When the young artistes step into the studio under Kaushal’s wings, there’ll be one concern at the back of her mind. The unprecedented rise of artificial intelligence tools hasn’t done her industry any favours. “AI does a pretty good job in emulating voices. It’s a threat that cannot be negated. But at the end of the day, it’s the emotion behind the voice that strikes a chord with your audience,” she shares. As someone who believed that the Japanese spoke fluent Hindi at home, we can attest. ON June 13 to 17AT Malad West (location revealed on registration)LOG ON TO @the_motormouth on InstagramENTRY Rs 9,999 (for five sessions)
02 June,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleNestled in Nanora village, 35 kilometres north of Panaji, Goa Heritage Distillery is having its moment in the spotlight. Ozzo Feni (pronounced uzo, which means fire in Konkani under brand Cazcar has just received the first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) tag for feni in the country. Second-generation owner of the distillery and founding member of Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association (GCFDBA), Gurudatta Bhakta, reveals, “It is a proud moment for us, and the state of Goa. The Government of India has made a GI policy that puts the onus on the Department of Tourism to promote the produce nationally and internationally. This is the beginning of feni’s journey on the global map,” he believes. The apples being deseeded for processing The brand has been made following stringent regulations of GI certification — the cashew apples are sourced from Goa and all utensils used are stainless steel, copper or glass. The condensation of feni takes place in earthen mud clays called launi. Gurudatta Bhakta “The recent launch of Ozzo Feni by Cazcar marks a pivotal moment in feni’s history. As Goa’s first GI-tagged cashew feni, it also becomes India’s inaugural GI-certified alcohol brand. This designation elevates GI Feni to a status comparable to Scotch in Scotland or Champagne in France, positioning it as India’s first officially recognised geographical indication alcoholic beverage,” reasons Hanzel Vaz, GCFDBA secretary. Helpers crush the apples History of feni The Portuguese missionaries, who brought the cashew plant trees to Goa, had introduced the cashew apple to the region. They started distilling feni and passed on the art to the locals. Feni-making became a cottage industry. Bhatikars, as people who made the feni were called, fired the bhatis or earthen pots. Today, it is made in copper pots under the coil method. “In those days, the juice used to be extracted by feet,” Bhakta tells us, adding, “Now, every process is mechanised. The juice is fermented naturally for 72 hours, and then distilled. The first distillate is called urak, and the second distillate along with a portion of the juice is feni. This double-distilled spirit is distilled at strength at bottling, which means it is not watered down. The ABV (alcohol by volume) is between 40 to 43 per cent.” The juices of the crushed apples being collected A peasant’s drink, feni was never meant for the dinner table. Deviya Rane, chairman, Goa Forest Department Corporation, started a cashew festival in Goa in the month of April or May; raising the status of feni. It is slowly coming into the top bars and restaurants of Goa. The only challenge is that feni is an acquired taste, Bhakta tells us. The furnaces used to distill the juices for feni The Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association was formed in 2007. “The State Government, under the wing of Science and Technology, decided that feni is a heritage spirit of Goa; it was previously regarded as country liquor. Cashew apples are grown in many parts of India, but feni is made only in Goa,” informs Bhakta, who is the founding member of the association. The finished product of Ozzo He signs off with an anecdote: “Mothers in Goa would give their children some feni to carry when they moved to colder regions of the world. They advised them to consume two spoons if it got too cold. There is a related quote as well in Konkani: ‘Goencho soro jeevak boro’, which translates to: Goan feni is good for health.” Log on to: www.cazcars.com
02 June,2025 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaIf you adore fitness, you have one thing in common with Sunny Deol. If you also adore teddy bears, you have two. And it’s the latter that would probably strike most readers as unexpected, even if it’s also what more people have in common with the hulking star than his strapping physique. So, what is it about soft toys that contribute to their age-defying, stereotype-shattering appeal? Actor Sunny Deol with his soft toys. File pics What makes them such comforting bedfellows? As Dr Nahid Dave, psychiatrist at Thought Matters, explains, “As children grow up, they turn to a transitional object — typically a preferred toy — that helps them to transition from their dependency on the mother or the primary caregiver to self-soothing. As we grow older, we learn to soothe our own emotions. But we also develop different attachment styles and different personalities. For some people, the presence of a transitional object offers a sense of calmness.” Simran Shinde associates soft toys with child hood memories A cuddle for your soul Soft toys do more than just look cute; they act as grounding objects, triggering the release of calming hormones, and offering a sense of security and emotional support. For some, the presence of these toys can reduce anxiety and stress, and induce relaxation, thus contributing to more restful sleep. “Biologically, hugging, cuddling, or stroking a soft toy can activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the heart rate. But any form of attachment triggers a dopamine kick, as well as a surge of serotonin when you are in the presence of the person or object. Over time, these hormones are replaced by oxytocin, which creates a sense of security,” says Dr Dave. For 33-year-old media professional Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay, the presence of a beloved soft toy helps to calm her down during difficult times. “In addition to the physical solace of cuddling them, I look to them for their constancy and companionship when I feel unheard or not understood. In many ways, it feels as though they will never let me down,” she says. Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay Dr Dave notes that a marked preference for a soft toy is more common in individuals with an anxious attachment style. “They are constantly afraid of abandonment or they’ve had experiences where they’ve trusted somebody who has left them for some reason. The toys offer a sense of permanence; a sense that they will not be abandoned. Similarly, individuals with an avoidant attachment style, who shy away from all forms of closeness, may still unconsciously have the desire to be held and to be close to somebody. So, in that case, you know, the stuffed animal or a transitional object helps to fulfil that need,” she clarifies. The warm fuzzies Dr Nahid Dave “My soft toys offer their silent and constant presence, which feels very comforting. To me, their companionship comes without any judgements. After a day of adult responsibilities, embracing them is a simple and sweet reminder to unwind, de-stress and briefly reconnect with my child-like self and return to a simpler time of my life,” explains 23-year-old finance professional, Simran Shinde. For Shinde, the toys are also time capsules, marking several emotions and different phases of her life. Her current assortment includes teddy-bears that she was given at the age of four, as well as other newer additions that she bought during different phases of her life, including while on holidays. Like Shinde, many people associate soft toys with positive childhood memories, which affords them a sense of emotional security, Dr Dave elaborates. The physical softness and warmth of a stuffed animal can also afford feelings of sensory wellbeing contributing to more restful sleep. Although Dr Dave says that it isn’t common, an overreliance on soft toys can become a problem if you are unable to sleep or function in that presence, or need one particular toy to feel yourself. “This could mean that you are depending more on that object than what it provides. However, I don’t see a problem with using a stuffed animal or a weighted blanket or something to calm or soothe yourself at bedtime. Such objects are just a psychological additive to improve the quality of your sleep,” she concludes.
02 June,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIt wasn’t so long ago that self-help gurus on Instagram were touting elaborate skincare routines as the most wholesome form of self-care. Not anymore. Self-care has finally broached the skin barrier to reach deeper within. Inner peace is now the biggest flex. Much of this shift can be attributed to the constant overstimulation that we’re exposed to on a daily basis. As a generation, we’re waking up to the harsh reality that all the sheet masks in the world can’t wipe out the impacts of elevated cortisol levels and sleepless nights. The butterfly hug is an effective way to reassure your brain, and calm down anxiety As psychologist Namrata Jain explains, “Emotional self-regulation is quietly becoming the foundation of modern mental health care. Today, whether you are speaking with a therapist, a start-up founder, or a tired parent, the quest is the same: to feel grounded and calm in an increasingly chaotic world.” She adds that the post-pandemic rise in anxiety, burnout and chronic stress has compelled people to look inwards. “People are not just mentally drained, but their bodies are showing signs of emotional overload too. That’s because mental health is not just about thoughts, it is about how the body holds and processes emotions,” she elaborates. Long-term anxiety, burnout and stress can affect physical health, and require emotional recalibration. Representation pics/istock Enter emotional self-regulation — the ability to calm yourself, not by ignoring or suppressing what you are feeling, but by learning how to meet your emotions with effective tools. Emotional intelligence coach Dr Taylor Elizabeth likens emotional self-regulation to responding, instead of reacting, to life. “Just as our physical body needs rest days to rebuild, our nervous system needs quiet moments to recalibrate. These moments reintroduce ease into the body and build long-term resilience, focus, and emotional clarity,” she says. Calm on call “When we engage in breathwork, grounding techniques, or even slow movement, we signal to the brain and body that we are safe. The vagus nerve plays a vital role here — it acts as a communication bridge between the body and the brain. Stimulating it through techniques like humming, cold splashes, or long exhalations helps transition us from stress to steadiness,” explains Dr Elizabeth. Jain adds, “Calm is not a thought; it is a physiological state. Our nervous system has two major modes: fight or flight [which keeps us alert] and rest and digest [which allows us to restore]. The goal is not to eliminate stress but to know how to switch gears when we need to.” She suggests the following strategies to activate calm: Techniques like orienting and the physiological sigh help de-escalate stress and rebalance oxygen levels >> Orienting: This technique involves gently looking around your environment and letting your eyes settle on things that feel pleasant or neutral. From a neurobiological standpoint, orienting activates the ventral vagal complex — a part of the parasympathetic system associated with safety and social connection. It sends cues to the brain that there is no immediate threat, reducing sympathetic arousal. >> Humming: Humming creates vibration around the larynx and vocal cords, directly stimulating the vagus nerve. This stimulation has been shown to lower heart rate, decrease inflammation and increase heart rate variability (HRV), a biological marker of resilience and relaxation. Sometimes, just humming in the shower can improve vagal tone, helping the nervous system shift from high alert to restoration. Taylor Elizabeth and Namrata Jain >> The Butterfly Hug: Crossing your arms and rhythmically tapping each shoulder stimulates both hemispheres of the brain, a method used in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy to process emotional distress. This bilateral stimulation helps reduce activity in the amygdala, the brain’s alarm center and enhances connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thinking and emotional regulation. >> Cold face immersions or ice baths: Exposing your face or body to cold water triggers the dive reflex, slowing your heart rate and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, calms stress rapidly and restores a sense of safety. Even 30 seconds of dipping your face in ice cold water or a brief ice bath can shift you from overwhelm to grounded presence. >> The Physiological Sigh: This is a specific breathing technique that involves two short inhalations through the nose, followed by a long exhalation through the mouth. This helps reduce carbon dioxide buildup in the bloodstream and rebalances oxygen levels, signalling the nervous system to de-escalate from stress mode. It is one of the fastest known ways to induce a state of physiological calm. Finally, overwhelm thrives in silence, Jain points out. And so, sometimes simply naming and acknowledging what you are feeling — ‘I am feeling irritated’ or ‘I feel anxious’ — can reduce the emotional charge. “I also encourage micro-practices: brief pauses between tasks, resetting your breath before a meeting, or even taking 10 seconds to place a hand on your chest and check in. Physical movement, even gentle stretching, helps release emotional build-up. And carving out daily ‘white space’ — time with no input — is more powerful than most people realise,” assures Dr Elizabeth, pointing out that a nervous system reset doesn’t need to be elaborate: it can be a five-minute walk without your phone, a quiet tea ritual, or a full exhale while sitting in the car.
31 May,2025 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulWhile the general public across the globe got introduced to the design style of Art Deco, thanks to Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 The Great Gatsby, as a Mumbaikar it’s a subject much closer to us. Bird cage candle holderCost Rs 599Log on to westside.comPic courtesy/Westside.com This glamorous design style flourished in the 1920s and 1930s, celebrating the advent of concrete, highlighting geometric shapes, with rich colours, metal and luxurious materials for the interiors. A metal and glass table lampCost Rs 3225Log on to thedecorkart.comPic courtesy/thedecorkart.com A blend of modernist design aesthetic and ornamentation that could be restrained or lavish, the style first gained international prominence in 1925, with the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris — a world fair that formally introduced and named the movement. Ceramic deco vaseCost Rs 3499Log on to whisperinghomes.comPic courtesy/ whisperinghomes.com Mumbai is home to the second-largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami. The cluster of buildings facing the Oval Maidan and Marine Drive promenade form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, a tag that was conferred on these iconic residences in 2018. Chevron-inlay side tableCost Rs 17,155Log on to pepperfry.com Art Deco Guidebook Metal bowl Cost Rs 1600 Log on to tatacliq.comPic courtesy/ luxury.tatacliq.com Dos >> Include luxurious materials like velvet, marble, glass, lacquered wood, metal finishes and mirrors, which glimmer. Incorporate velvets in rich, jewel-tones or black. Overlap different materials and finishes>> Focus on lighting that includes a mix of glass and metal in fluted and geometric design>> Play with symmetry and juxtaposition of shapes. Also play with scale, which adds boldness to the style>> Mix pieces inspired by Indo Deco to make your home relevant Fluted glass vase Cost Rs 2150Log on to nestasia.in.Pic courtesy/nestasia.in Don’ts >> Don’t let patterns overwhelm you; use restraint to highlight certain sections>> Avoid going crazy with rustic elements that don’t always pair easily with Art Deco elements>> Don’t shy away if you are a minimalist, as this era also mixed restraint with opulence. You can celebrate Art Deco with attention to minimal details
31 May,2025 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora SabhnaniThe surprise, stormy onset of a Mumbai monsoon and the presence of legends like Steve Waugh, Anil Kumble, Matthew Hayden and Robin Uthappa can sound intimidating. But having faced off chef Gordon Ramsay in a kitchen rush has helped chef and restaurateur Sarah Todd. Organised by the The Australian Government, the evening titled Taste the Wonders of Australia at the Launch of the 2025/26 Australian Summer of Cricket, also witnessed the cricketers participating in a cook-off. With the quartet preparing carrot seven ways with chopped Australian macadamia and Australian lamb laal maas, the event proved to be an appetising one. Over an email interaction, Todd shared details on her love for India, food, cricket and the year ahead. Excerpts from the conversation: Mid-Day: The love for cricket and food always finds a way through. What makes this cook-off such an enjoyable prospect?Sarah Todd: There’s something so intriguing about seeing a superstar you know from a completely different world — out of their comfort zone and into a field we love: cooking. We get to see their personalities shine in a whole new light. MD: Any favourites from the Mumbai cook-off?ST: Matthew Hayden was definitely a standout — he’s spent so much time in India, and his love for the food really shows. But I have to say, the others brought their own flair too. From Anil Kumble’s quiet precision to Steve Waugh’s unexpected creativity and Robin Uthappa’s infectious energy — it was anyone’s game. MD: Speaking of competition, how has the Masterchef kitchen been this year? ST: This season, you’re going to see a completely different version of me — the fearless, powerful, boundary-pushing version. I’ve come in with years of experience, having built restaurants, studied global cuisines, and really refined who I am as a chef. It’s not just about creating dishes, but about telling stories, sharing emotions, and owning the moment. Former Australian captain Steve Waugh and cricketer Matthew Hayden get some tips from Todd MD: You’ve had a longstanding connection to India through your restaurants, travels and love for food. Are you still surprised by this country?ST: People often talk about regional diversity, but what continues to blow my mind is the micro-regional brilliance — the heirloom ingredients, tribal traditions, hyper-local foraging practices. And what’s even more beautiful is how these age-old techniques — fermenting, sun-drying, slow cooking — are exactly what we celebrate in chefs today. MD: Is that beginning to show across the Indian restaurant industry?ST: It’s an exciting time to be part of the food industry in India. There’s a new wave of chefs who are ditching the formula and bringing in deeply personal, hyper-local, and globally aware concepts. Mumbai is becoming this melting pot of street-style innovation and refined dining; Bengaluru is embracing indigenous ingredients in modern ways, and Goa has become a sanctuary for experimental cooking. The group pose for a selfie MD: Can we expect the return of Sarah Todd, the restaurateur, to Mumbai?ST: I’m definitely dreaming up something meaningful — something that captures the evolution of who I amtoday, both as a person and a chef. I’ve learned so much from this country, and I’d love to bring that full circle. So yes, a return is definitely on the cards. Just watch this space. MD: The monsoon is here, so we have to ask for your favourite Mumbai snacks? Anything you miss?ST: Start your day with a hot cup of adrak chai and pakoras from a local stall — that combo never fails. In Mumbai, I’d say don’t miss batata vada with spicy green chutney, or misal pav with that fiery tarri. If you’re near Dadar, get yourself a piping hot plate of sabudana khichdi. Of course, bhutta (charred corn) with lime and masala on a rainy evening is pure bliss. MD: What’s next for you? Cricket, food, travel...ST: I’ve got some big, inventive projects brewing — from content to culinary ventures to travel films. I’ve also just finished filming something incredibly special that will show a side of me most people haven’t seen yet. I’m fired up, grounded, and more inspired than ever.
31 May,2025 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarActing is an art that needs to be practised and honed from time to time. Manas Gupta, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumnus, firmly believes in the acting philosophies of American actors and acting mentors, Sanford Meisner and Uta Hagen. Using the skills that he picked from the FTII, Gupta is conducting a 13-day acting workshop called Anatomy of a Scene, starting on June 1. A game centred on creating imaginary spaces. Pics courtesy/Manas Gupta Gupta shares about the idea behind this first-time workshop, “I believe in what Sanford Meisner said, that ‘acting is doing’ and ‘acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’” This idea forms the foundation of my approach. In our workshops, we draw deeply from the Meisner technique, particularly his focus on moment-to-moment work and following one’s impulse. When you’re relaxed, focused, and genuinely listening to your partner, your reactions become real. You’re not acting in the conventional sense; you’re simply being under the given circumstances.” Apart from Meisner’s work, Gupta will also reference Uta Hagen’s technique, especially her Nine Questions, to help actors understand their characters and scenes on a deeper level (*see box). The workshop focuses on foundational acting tools like presence, listening, and impulse work, combined with structured scene analysis using techniques from Meisner and Hagen. Manas Gupta Gupta credits his alma mater for his skill set, “At FTII, I had the privilege of learning under teachers like Mr Benjamin Gilani and Mr Naseeruddin Shah. The exercises I was trained in, like action problems, imagination-based work, and many others, formed a strong foundation for my practice. These weren’t just techniques but ways of experiencing the scene, the character, and the craft.” The 29-year-old has been teaching acting for one and a half years. His workshops include non-text exercises to build instincts, script breakdown to understand character and relationships, and practical scene rehearsals culminating in on-camera performances. “This layered approach helps actors develop both the internal understanding and external skills needed for truthful, dynamic acting,” he believes. Gupta is hopeful that by the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of how to approach a scene with confidence and clarity. “They’ll learn to trust their instincts, stay present in the moment, and connect truthfully with their scene partners,” he signs off. ON June 1 to 13; 11 am to 2 pmAT Abyaas Manch, first floor, Plot No. 131, Glows, Part 1, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri West.LOG ON TO district.in (limited spots available)CALL 8652722682ENTRY Rs 9000 Uta Hagen’s nine questions 1. Who am I? 2. What time is it? 3. Where am I? 4. What surrounds me? 5. What are the given circumstances? 6. What are my relationships? 7. What do I want? 8. What is in my way? 9. What do I do to get what I want?
30 May,2025 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiWhen the Bandra-Worli Sea Link was under construction, I wondered how the flamingos — who migrate to Sewri each year — would survive the mess the construction wrought. The frames I imagined stayed with me. And now we’re repeating the same horrors with the Coastal Road, Mumbai’s new sea links, and the endless other such horrific, blindly approved ‘development’ projects,” rues Devashish Makhija, author of the just-released Go Go Flamingo (Tulika Books), a children’s book where a flamboyance of flamingos flying into Mumbai offer an honest take on the impact of development on its already-threatened environment. The flamingos are representative of all nature — it is at first bewildered, then curious, then horrified, and finally, destroyed by man’s endless appetite for destruction,” he elaborates. The author, who is an award-winning film director, was clear about the subject but also aware that nudging his target audience to read it was going to be a challenge. “To make the [young] reader relate to the flamingos, and their eventual quandary, I humanised and personalised them. Because we [humans] have an innate primitive mechanism for our survival that won’t easily allow us to empathise with the other. To make the reader feel for the other, I thought of giving the flamingos human traits.” We loved this representation in the flamingos’ names, courtesy Makhija’s ability to seamlessly blend quirk with a critical topic. Based on rough storyboards, Kuriyan juxtaposed everyday waste onto proportionate size cut-outs of the flamingo characters, and shot them. With the hose pipe that was almost life-size, she drew a nearly life-size flamingo image to juxtapose it along with the pipe for authenticity. The pictures were photoshopped and placed within the book’s layout Illustrator and artist Priya Kuriyan wove magic to bring life into these talking-emoting flamingos. “I have a habit of creating characters by juxtaposing objects over drawings, and photographing them. Devashish saw one such image I had created of flamingos entangled with one another that I had made with a bird of paradise flower. It was his cue to write this story, and it also became my cue to the treatment the picture book would require,” recalls Kuriyan who prefers working with a plan for her books. However, this assignment was different, “because much depended on the objects I could source. So, I had to be okay with some degree of unpredictability. Despite having a rough storyboard, I had to adapt and change a lot.” Makhija and Kuriyan wanted children to first be intrigued by the book, and its appearance, and then be drawn into its environmental message. “Dev was sure from the start that there should be the element of irony that runs throughout, where the flamingos are covered in garbage, yet they are clueless about what it does to them (which is a reflection of our [humans’] attitude when it comes to polluting our Earth),” shares Kuriyan. Makhija was clear that the garbage the flamingos discover would be the ‘Found Objects’. This would give the storyline the required sense of two worlds colliding (representative of organic nature, and the inorganic man’s world). He wanted to ensure that children relate immediately to the waste from our world, which is all around us, daily “…so that the flamingos feel like they are from another world than our own illustrative world — hopefully, to sub-textually communicate that we treat anyone from a world removed from our own as the other, and value their lives and prerogatives much less than our own.” Makhija leaves us with a probing connection between Mumbaikars and these pink beauties, “These flamingos are migrants, quite like I have been all my life. I didn’t originate in the lands I forage for food in. I am perhaps unwelcome, but am I unable to see that until it’s too late?” ON May 31; 11 am (book discussion) AT Kahani Tree, Prabhadevi. LOG ON TO @kahanitreeENTRY Rs 500 Kids’ Corner The Review Go Go Flamingo by Devashish Makhija is a very interesting book for young kids who are six years old and above. It speaks of a flock of flamingos who land in the city waters, and are horribly surprised. The book shows how we pollute water bodies in Mumbai where flamingos come to breed in the winter months and how we human beings dirty the (Sewri) Creek by throwing garbage and then, the flamingos eat this garbage. The flamingo drawings by Priya Kuriyan are super cool, cheerful and realistic, showing the poor birds getting caught with pipes, pearl necklaces, nets, syringes and slippers. The book will help children understand how bad things are. It will help their imagination about flamingos, and how creeks and water bodies look when under threat. It will also help them learn to not pollute water bodies. The colour of the flamingos is very pretty, and the illustrations are mind-blowing. Children will enjoy it and develop imagination about the creeks and as well as beautiful images of flamingos, and their appearance. I feel it is important for the coming generations to be aware of their environment. Go Go Flamingo offers knowledge about not harming the ecosystem. Parents, please buy the book, and enjoy it with your kids. It will be a good time-spending activity with them. Aanya Kalbag, Dadar
30 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezThere was a certain guilty voyeuristic pleasure in watching players fall down like dominoes to silenced gunshots in the popular Korean survival web series Squid Game (2021). “As long as it’s not happening in real life,” we had reasoned with our conscience. We spoke too soon. Just in time for the new season of the series slated for June 27, a Mumbai-based community is bringing the Squid Game experience to the city. A team of 11 K-drama enthusiasts, led by 29-year-old research professional Ayesha Shaikh have been working on recreating the eerie atmosphere at an indoor venue in Goregaon. “I was watching an episode of the second season last year when I felt a strong urge to bring it to life in Mumbai,” Shaikh recalls. A still from the newly released trailer for the third season of Squid Game. PICS COURTESY/NETFLIX ON YOUTUBE Unlike the dystopian series where a secretive society scouts for players in dimly lit lanes, Shaikh settled for a less terrifying approach. At the Marine Drive promenade earlier this month, the team slipped into uniforms resembling the guards from the original show to spread the word. “We spooked a few people out, I think. They were equally shocked and amused,” the organiser admits. With more than 60 players already signed up for the upcoming challenge, we must say, Mumbaikars are a brave bunch. Passers-by on the promenade are all eyes as the character walks past Staying true to the rules of Squid Game, players will stick to a white and green dress code, complete with player number badges. Games from the show like Dalgona Candy, where players must carefully scrape a shape out of hard sugar candy will make a return, we’re told. “We wanted to keep the games as accurate as possible. The tug-of-war sequence from season is on the cards, and so is Mingle, where players must form groups of a specific number announced when a rotating carousel stops,” Shaikh reveals. A moment from the Dalgona Candy game in the series One of the concluding games will see players’ legs tied together as they navigate a pentathlon, much like the Six-Legged Pentathlon task from season two. The past few months of navigating Mumbai’s excavated roads and broken footpaths should be adequate practice for the players. It better be, or the six red guards and the infamous faceless Frontman stationed at the hall will escort them to their elimination. The venue will feature the infamous doll that popularised the series worldwide We hope you aren’t actually killing people off if they lose,” we quip, albeit a tad nervously. “Far from it,” says Shaikh. With their badges snatched and their symbolic deaths registered, players can continue to watch the game unfold, followed by upbeat dance performances by K-dance groups, The Sirens and Cygnus. “If they’re hungry, they may even grab a bowl of hot ramen and sit back at our food partner’s booth,” Shaikh recommends. If there is indeed life after death, we hope it’s something like this. Ayesha Shaikh ON June 1; 2 pm to 5pmAT Event Banquet, opposite Filmistan Studio, SV Road, Goregaon West.LOG ON TO @kure8_eve_nts on InstagramENTRY Rs 749 (online); Rs 999 (walk-ins)
30 May,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFive grown men huddled around a board game in a classroom can make for an amusing sight. Yet, this was no child’s play, as we discovered when we met them at the Somaiya Vidyavihar University campus on a rainy morning. “There has always been a category of serious games, meant for strategising and logistical management,” says Ronak Chitalia. Elements of the board game The board game designer, and founder of the Bombay Board Game Club, is part of the upcoming workshop at Somaiya University that will focus on the use of board games as instructional tools to encourage urban innovation. With a background in corporate management, Chitalia used his love of board games to transform his management approach. “The objective is to upskill those individuals who are already in the workforce,” he explains. Experiential learning Professor Lakshmikant Hari, chairperson Centre for Sustainable Development, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, is among the many educators familiar with this method. Laying out the popular board game, Energetic, the professor begins to explain. Four players have to collaborate on the common objective of a sustainable clean energy project within 2045. “The roles are those of a politician, activist, researcher/engineer and entrepreneur. Each one has powers and limitations,” he explains. With election years, natural disaster, and political upheavals thrown in, there is a lot at stake. Participants test a game We are curious to understand the Mumbai context; the professor says it is more complex than we assume. “You want sustainability. But how do you achieve it? If I were a politician, my decision would depend on public opinion. Why would I risk going against it? Then again, land is business for the entrepreneur. The table has to accept a trade-off for the long-term,” he reveals. Effective communication Despite popular myth, every government official is capable enough to understand these complex variables. “Yes, but in many cases, they learn by experience, and often after they have arrived at a problem,” Chitalia points out. Hari adds, “You need to know your resources, understand the requirements and act decisively ahead of time.” Not to put it bluntly, one cannot wait until the monsoon arrives to start planning drainage or think of energy after reaching maximum population density, he says. The cards denote familiar urban crises such as heat waves, storm surges and air pollution that might hinder a project These factors, though known, do not often find redressal in the rush of daily business. “Table top games allow people to voice their opinions across the table. Unfortunately, there are time constraints for government officials to take this one. But over our tests, we realise that these collaborative experiences help open up their view points,” Hari says. Think Indian A closer view of the rulebook of Chor Bazaar The workshop is an extended summer school programme that will travel to IIT Madras in July. The sessions at the workshop will also see faculty and professors from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, FLAME University, Pune; and REarth Japan participating. “One objective of the workshop is to involve multiple stakeholders, and understand the way ahead. But we are also looking to encourage designs about local neighbourhood challenges,” Chitalia shares. A deck of cards from the game, Dhobi Ghat Among these are two typical Mumbai works — Chor Bazaar and Dhobi Ghat. While the former is a fun bargaining game, the second has a community perspective where players are challenged to upgrade the heritage neighbourhood, while retaining its historical value. Currently in play-testing mode, it could be available by the end of the year, Chitalia confirms. Ever the teacher, Hari shares, “We need to nudge the next generation using the right tools. They are the ones to shape the future.” Let’s see how the dice rolls. FROM June 2 to June 7; 9 am onwardsAT KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Somaiya Campus, Vidyavihar. LOG ON TO kjsim.somaiya.eduEMAIL play2progressindia@gmail.com COST Rs 20,000 (inclusive of complete access for all days and certificate of participation) All on board One of the best ways to enjoy the indoors during the monsoon is to gather your friends or family around, and have some fun over a board game. Azul Duel: THIS is a competitive strategic game played by two players. Here, participants decorate a palace’s ceiling. However, there’s a twist to the game. You have to be strategic while placing the tiles on the ceiling. A wrong move can shake up the structure. The time for this game is between 35 and 45 minutes. It has many components such as scoring markers, acrylic tiles, bonus chips, factories, dome plates, and scoring tablets. LOG ON TO boardgamesindia.com COST ₹ 2,800 Binca Fletter Dash: Here’s an engaging game where you must fill in the blanks with words. The game is played by three to six players. It’s competitive as well as strategic, and helps boost creativity, vocabulary, and quick thinking. It’s suitable for children above eight years, as well as for teenagers and adults. It’s a comparatively short game with a duration of 15 to 30 minutes. It’s ideal for family time, night outs, and classroom activities. Being compact and light, you can carry the game along with you. If you prefer games with a literary touch, opt for Binca's Fletter Dash. LOG ON TO toyfort.in COST ₹854 Boitas – Trick-Taking Card Game: The story behind this unique game is based on the Sadhaba, or traders of ancient Odisha who were seafarers and used to have adventurous journeys. Participants have to don the role of these sailors as they trade different places and bring luxurious goods and prosperity to their kingdom. The board game depicts the ancient culture of the state. History and adventure lovers will enjoy the concept. It can be played by children above 14 years, teenagers and adults. It requires two to four players, and the duration of the game is 30 to 40 minutes. LOG ON TO kheogames.com COST R1,999 Bollywood Charades: The game is like dumb charades but with a twist. Here, one can draw, act, dance, or even use the dialogues to explain the films. It is played in teams, has no age bar, and requires four-plus players. It’s perfect for families, game nights and parties. It’s an interesting combination of Bollywood and games. This will be a riot for fans of Bollywood. It’s a fun way to channel your inner Bollywood side, and also show off to your friends. LOG ON TO amazon.in COST R800 KS Galactic Cruise: If you’ve got what it takes to become the CEO of a space cruise but, check out KS Galactic Cruise. Players compete with each other and use every strategy up their sleeves to become the CEO of the space vehicle KS Galactic Cruise. The game is played by two to four people, and the duration is 90 to 150 minutes. It’s a good pick to have on game nights, at parties, or simply when stuck at home because of the rains. Teenagers above 14 years and adults will enjoy the game. LOG ON TO boardgamesindia.com COST ₹ 10,000 (Curated by Minal Sancheti)
29 May,2025 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
