Thursday Taste of BhutanFood: From hearty stews to fiery curries, the food festival Bhutan to Bharat will bring Bhutanese cuisine to the city. Chef Michael Swamy’s special seven-course-meal promises to take you through the various cultures and traditions of our neighbouring country.Till June 2; 7.30 pm onwards. At Novotel International Airport, Marol, Andheri East. Call 69258888 Friday Summer calls for shoppingEvent: Get ready to tune your summers into a retro-style experience with Garmi Ki Chutti, a joint initiative by Dhoop and The Vintage Garden. From workshops to specially curated films, this edition will surely take you on a nostalgic run. With culture and tradition as their springboard, the cherry on the cake is their wooden and clay toys, books, accessories, and organic and hand-woven garments which will be offered on sale.Till May 26 At The Vintage Garden, Gurunanak Road, Bandra West. Log on to portal.ticketroot.com/events/garmi-ki-chutti-2024 Cost Rs 250 onwards Pics Courtesy/Instagram Pedal awayAdventure: Explore the city that never sleeps on wheels. This midnight cycling trip by LiveB4YouDie will start from Colaba, and cover many heritage sites till Worli, and back.Time 10.30 pm onwards Meeting point HP Petrol Pump, Colaba. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 249 Saturday That’s a goal!Kids: Nothing says a weekend well spent like an evening in the company of like-minded people, munching, cheering and grumbling over missed goals. Catch the FA Cup final live at a screening of the Manchester City versus Manchester United match at this venue. Time 7.30 pm onwards At The Irish House, Majiwada, Thane West. Call 7045911801 (to book a table) Breathe out all your worriesWellness: Set your mind free as an inner child therapist shows you how to achieve oneness with the higher soul in this two-day-long certified workshop.Till May 26; 10 am to 5 pm At Antahakarana Healing Centre, LBS Road, Ghatkopar West.Log on to antahakarana.com (for cost and registration) Sunday The clown town set-up in the Navi Mumbai mall Send in the clownsKids: Enter Clown Town, and get your children to meet and laugh with trained mascots. The set-up makes space for many activities like slides, outdoor games and tattoo art. Time 1 pm onwards At Nexus Seawoods Mall, Navi Mumbai.Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299 onwards Think like a poetPoetry: This evening of poems and ghazals promises to touch your soul. The stage is also open for you to share words that inspire thought and emotions. Time 3 pm to 6 pm At OF10, Supreme Business Park, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. Log on to linktr.ee/poetsofbkmn (for registration link)Cost Rs 99 (audience); Rs 199 (performers) LOL in MarathiComedy: Sign up for an evening packed with Marathi-flavoured humour as stand-up comic Mandar Bhide returns with a new set. This show will touch upon the love-hate relationship that Indians share with their families.Time pm onwards At Prabodhankar Thackrey Mini Theatre Sodawala Road, Borivali (West). Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299
23 May,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiMumbai-based singer-songwriters Karshni Nair and Andrew Sabu have been performing for over six years across the country. Nair arrived in Mumbai in 2018 from Pune and spent two years in the city during her college days. She returned a year ago and since then, has been working on putting out more music. Sabu, on the other hand, began his journey in the city, and has travelled to various cities to perform. With a lot more happening in the independent music industry in India presently, musicians have been trying to find their own space within it. They are not afraid of taking risks and creating within less popular genres. “The music we make is mellow and light; we’ve got guitar, vocals, and keys. But it’s indie-folk English music, which has a niche audience in the country. And even within that, there aren’t many musicians engaging with it,” says Sabu. Connecting sonically, he and Nair have been wanting to work together for years. This Sunday, they will be putting together a collaborative set in Versova. Interestingly, today, singer-songwriters are also getting more comfortable writing from vulnerable spaces. Most recently, Mumbai-based Tejas Menon’s new EP Museum explores his strained relationship with his father. Meanwhile, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya’s new single, Kaash comes from the dreadful realisation of watching innocence fade away. Nair and Sabu, too, admit to writing from personal experiences. Nair, who has also tinkered with poetry, reveals, “Like poems, this ability comes naturally in music too — to be uninhibited while writing [the songs].” Sabu nods, “I write music for myself first. It’s an extension of who I am. I guess that’s why the genre of indie-folk is niche. We could make curated music for people and it would do well. But this — what I write — reflects my personality.” Both Nair and Sabu believe that the best way to get noticed by an audience today is by creating more. Tours are the second step. “If we play a gig or two [with limited music], the audience would not have anything more to listen to,” says Sabu. To this, Nair adds that she wishes to also create more pieces of art around her music, for instance, music videos. Opportunities for singer-songwriters seem scarce today despite the interest. Nair observes that there are a lot of electronic gigs to which people prefer going. They enjoy dancing to the music. Some genres, especially those that require a bit of an emotional release, often get left behind. “There aren’t too many promoters pushing this kind of music,” Sabu notes. That’s why this gig in a more intimate space is important for the two. It’s one of the few ways that they can physically reach out to an audience. “You’ve to curate your own show and bring people to them over and over again. This is the start of that for us,” he concludes. ON May 26; 7 pm onwardsAT Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. ENTRY Rs 550 LOG ON TO insider.in
23 May,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaI had forgotten how much joy solving a jigsaw puzzle could bring. Recently, when I gifted my parents a (R300) customised puzzle of their photograph, my family sat together to complete it through the night. We didn’t touch our phones for two hours. Finally, after many mistakes, when the pieces came together to complete small sections of the puzzle, the family savoured the moment. Log on to @treasure_of_gifts8
23 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThis June, set out on jungle safaris at Tadoba National Park, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary or Ranthambore National Park to catch glimpses of magnificent fauna before they vanish into lush foliage when the rains arrive. ON June 7, 14, 21, and 28. LOG ON TO junglelore.net COST Rs 25,000 onwards
23 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWhoever coined the phrase “what a drag” could learn a thing or two about the high-octane motorsport that has kept racing enthusiasts glued to their seats for almost as long as performance cars have existed. The short, 402 m-long races, popularised by the rise in customisation in the 2000s are the perfect way to witness the marvels of modern automobile engineering. This weekend, Elite Action, a racing community, will bring the action to the Juhu Airport, a unique, yet somewhat familiar venue. The line-up includes electric cars like the Audi RS e-tron GT Rongom Mukerji, city-based motorsport enthusiast and the brains behind the event, takes us back in time to Mumbai in the late 1980s and 90s. “Back in the day, the airport was the heart of a small, yet close-knit community of performance vehicle owners. The airstrip would be transformed into a track, and the areas surrounding it would be used for off-roading. It was usually the high net worth individuals (HNIs) who would assemble at such closed events,” he recalls. A BMW (blue) and a McLaren (orange) prepare for a drag race While the airport subsequently evolved into a hub of general aviation (GA) and VIP aircraft movement, leaving the supercars no option but to hit the road, Mukerji insists that the fanbase has transformed just as much. It’s the democratisation of motorsports, he believes, that marks the evolution of the scene over the last four decades. “Super cars and bikes became more attainable and hence, common. Thanks, in part, to social media, the newer generation has developed an interest in competitive racing,” he notes. This weekend, after the last aircraft calls it a day at the Juhu Airport, Mukerji’s team will take over the airstrip, turning into a sight straight out of a Fast and Furious title. More than 80 supercars, comprising factory builds to supercars modified to perfection by motorheads, will roll into the venue. “To give every kind of enthusiast something to look forward to, we invited a diverse set of cars that will compete in different categories based on their BHPs [brake horsepower, a measure of a vehicle’s power],” he shares. A supercar participates in a pilot testing event at the airstrip in 2022 At the five-hour-long event, visitors can choose to witness the drag races from the stands or take a detour and get up close with the automobiles. “Where else can you find cars from the Mercedes AMG series, BMW M series, Porsches, Lamborghinis and McLarens under one roof?” Mukerji chuckles. We learn that electric vehicles like the Mercedes EQS, Audi RS e-tron GT, and the Porsche Taycan EV will also make an appearance. “They might not sound as powerful as their fuel-powered counterparts, but they can give them a run for their money,” the organiser reminds us. Amid ongoing discussions around the misuse of supercars in the state, Mukerji assures us that safety remains the first priority for him. “That is exactly what took us so long. We have a clearance from the Airport Authority of India and a strong set of SOPs that we will abide by,” he shares, adding that the spectators will be protected by barricades placed strategically around the tracks for their safety at all times. “There is a dearth of dedicated tracks in the country, with Maharashtra having none. I hope to see one soon so enthusiasts have a controlled environment to burn some rubber,” he concludes. Rongom Mukerji ON May 25; 8 pm onwards MEETING POINT Main Gate, Juhu Airport, Airport Area, SV Road, Juhu. LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 3,500 onwards (Airport rules apply) Ready to race? . Supercars including, but not limited to BMW, Audi, Lamborghini, Mercedes AMG, and Porsche can participate.. Owners of modified cars must declare their modifications and tunings to the organisers.. Vehicles will be categorised based on their BHP at the organisers’ discretion.. Participants should carry their own protective gear. . A valid Indian Union driving licence is mandatory. LOG ON TO eliteoctane.comCOST Rs 25,000 (registration fee)
23 May,2024 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn 2021, 19-year-old Abhishek Gandhi, along with his friend and co-worker Yash Shetty, decided to bring his passion for fashion and music under one roof in Mumbai. That year, after only 22 days of ideation, planning and execution, the duo debuted with their flagship event All You Can Street (AYCS). “It gathered around 600 people from the city,” recalls Gandhi, for whom the first edition was a great learning experience. As they gear up for the next edition at a Bandra East venue this weekend, he shares that their community has grown at least tenfold. “We are expecting over 8,000 people,” he beams. Abhishek Gandhi and Yash Shetty Like the community, its scale has also expanded. The proof is in the gigantic jumbotron they will install for the first time in a 64,000 sq ft venue, which will also make space for shopping, music, immersive activities, skincare, fashion show and film screenings. “In 2021, pop-ups were trending and we hosted one for city-born homegrown fashion label, Warping Theories. The turnout for that five-hour-long pop-up reached 500. That’s when I thought of introducing a platform focused on inclusive fashion, where we invite labels offering a diverse range of clothes to fit all choices and preferences,” he shares. Chaar Diwaari and Hanu Mankind This year, alongside 50-plus fashion labels, there will be a separate section for sustainable fashion. The fashion show will be another first. “We’ve hosted for other entities but this is the first time we will host a show for our event. Five brands will showcase their apparel that will go on sale instantly after the ramp walk,” he reveals. The focus will be on community-building, homegrown platforms, indie artistes, and budding filmmakers. Rare sneakers, accessories, skincare products and streetwear will be on sale. Rapper Yung Raja will perform at the event Of the 15 artiste-line-up, gigs by Yung Raja, HanuMankind, Chaar Diwaari, Natascha, Untriggered Showcase and 17-year-old The Sound Chalk Makes expect to be draws. Other activities include tattoo art, tooth gem application, fire photo ops, art experiences and game nights. On May 24 to May 26; 12.30 pm onwardsAt Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East. Cost R1,000 onwards Log on to insider.in (for tickets); @allyoucanstreet_ (for complete line-up and event details)
22 May,2024 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiWalking 1700 kilometres in 70 days is no small feat. It requires steady mental and physical preparation before the walk and endurance while at it. Inspired by the impact that similar journeys have had in the past, architect Gita Balakrishnan took it upon herself to take the leap too. Through her walk, she spoke to people from various socio-economic and educational backgrounds to understand the influence of design and designers on human lives. Her journey took her to several small towns, cities, and villages spread across the seven states between Kolkata and New Delhi. Interacting with participants during a session. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Her book, 1700 in 70: A Walk for a Cause (Rupa), documents this mission. Beginning with her introduction to architecture through her uncle and her relationship with her body over the years, the book moves on to her resilience over the years, and her training to build strength and fitness before the big project. Some of the most interesting parts of the book were her sharp observations on the need for architecture-and-design-based innovations within practices. For instance, her interaction with the 25-year-old trainee-nurses from an NGO in Jharkhand made her take stock of the challenges faced when they graduated from education to full-time work. Their infrequent visits to hospitals during the period of training made their eventual workplace seem alien to the nurses. She reflects on the need for designing modules which would focus on the layout of places of work. For somebody who underwent four surgeries in her twenties, had contracted tuberculosis, was advised a hysterectomy in her late thirties, diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, and fought sexual abuse, the 1700-km-walk is an achievement itself. However, we found ourselves often wishing for a more detailed view, as readers, of the conversations she had with various communities of students, teachers, activists, and workers she met during her walk. This would have given us a deeper understanding of her journey and learnings. The Old Way. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Also read Interesting titles about life-changing journeys: Journeys Across India: Durgacharan Rakshit, a scholar and business owner, travelled across India for 18 years by various means — on foot, train, boat, and horse-drawn carriage. The book, originally written in Bengali, now released in an English translation, is a detailed account of his observations in four parts. Rakshit divides it according to the four coordinates he visited, chronicling India between the 1870s and 1900. His curiosity and receptiveness led him to understand the way people dressed, worshipped, ate, created, engaged with rituals and customs, and lived. There are Other Rivers: From one coast in southern parts of India to another, Alastair Humphreys travels on foot for six weeks following the Cauvery River. He didn’t wish to see the typical locations, but to witness India through its everyday realities. He, therefore, captures pieces of India caught in the excitement of the festivals, the sound of song and dance, the smell and vibrance of flowers, posters of God, and local gossip at tea stalls. While Humphreys’s descriptions make the title a riveting read, we also pause with him at several moments where the body starts showing signs of fatigue like sore legs and feet, and thumping head from dehydration. Alastair Humphreys during his walk. Pic Courtesy/AlastairHumphreys.com The Gathering Place: A Winter Pilgrimage through Changing Times: The author Mary Colwell, takes a 500-mile walk through the Camino Frances (the French Way), from France all the way to the Cathedral of Santiago in Spain, the resting place of St James. Nearly three lakh people travel through it every year, but interestingly Colwell walks this path during the pandemic in 2020. She notes how walking a sacred trail in the middle of a changing political climate in the US was a way to connect the past, etched in the landscape and paths, with the present, and “understand more about being human on a challenging planet.” Between the Chalk and the Sea: About a decade ago, nature writer Robert McFarlane wrote The Old Ways travelling across the British landscape. Gail Simmons’s fairly recent book takes us, much like Mary Colwell, through the Old Way pilgrimage routes across England, from Southampton to Canterbury. Simmons is not so much a religious pilgrim but a walker writing about what it means to slow travel in the age of fast journeys, what it means to look at history anew, and what makes travel by foot different for a woman walker. Bonus pick: The Salt Path: After losing everything Raynor Winn and her husband Moth walk along the 630-mile-long South West Coast Path in the UK. Moth is also fighting an incurable degenerative brain disease. The walk is transformative for the two as they end their journey “reformed by the elements.” Log on to All titles are available at leading e-bookstores
22 May,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThe publishing industry continues to roll out books for children at a rapid pace, given the varied opportunities that the age group offers, from toddlers to tweens, and teenagers. Often, in this hurriedly compiled template, facts and figures tend to get glossed over, or disseminated in a half-hearted way. This reviewer has come across countless such titles, especially in the curated story/idea format that lose their sparkle and wow factor as soon as you starting turning the pages. With peak festive season still to arrive for most of India, Fun with Festivals (Hachette India) by Subhamoy Das and Sulaiman Ahmad is a handy, well-researched guidebook for the young, curious reader. The contributors manage to pack a punch with myths, facts and legends from festivals, ranging from the obvious (Diwali, Eid, Christmas) to the relatively lesser documented ones (Lohri, Onam, Navroz). Our favourite parts are the DIY activities that follow each chapter on that particular festival. The illustrations by Shamika Chaves give the book’s personality a certain vibrancy that softens the academic, studious edge that could have taken over, and possibly appeared as an intimidating read to some. Be it making a simple yet popular dish or a not-so-overwhelming craft project, there is something for each kind of discerning, impressionable child. Of course, it’s up to the parent or school teacher/ librarian to egg to reader to see these cool tasks to their logical end, or at least get them hooked on to it. That usually tends to be the most challenging part for such content, as they will tell you. As far as representation goes, we would have loved to read about festivals from the North East (apart from Bihu), the tiny Jewish community, as well as festivals celebrated by India’s vast and diverse tribal population. Those issues aside, it’s a fun ride. Pick it up to give young readers a better understanding of the amazing layers that make up secular, cosmopolitan India. TITLEFun with FestivalsAuthor Subhamoy Das, Sulaiman AhmadGenre Activity/ ReferencePublisher Hachette IndiaCost Rs 299
21 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezThe magic of a story is that it can be told and retold multiple times. Especially a tale as old as the Ramayana. From the hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh to the façades of Angkor Wat’s temples, the epic has had multiple iterations. One of the latest is a performance-play by Anoushka Zaveri. The 25-year-old writer-director is set to bring to the stage her take on the epic’s heroine, Sita, and her adventures in Glitch in the Myth. Opening this week at an Andheri venue, the performance takes on the adventure of Sita, from her childhood to marriage, and the epic that follows. “I always felt that Sita was unrelatable and unreachable as an ideal. Like so many of our icons, she is unachievable as a personality,” remarks Zaveri. A trained Bharatanatyam artiste, she was set upon the idea of reimagining the epic during a Navarasa sadhana course in Kerala back in 2023. “Even before I knew what the play was about, I knew how it would be,” she says. Having learned the dance form for over 15 years, it was only natural that she turned to it as the structure for her solo-act. The choice of her story was just as simple. “In this country, you grow up with the Ramayana — whether you are religious or not. Through cartoons, television, movies and texts, it is unavoidable,” she remarks. But all iterations tend to have one common thread. “The women in all these epics are merely part of the story by the virtue of their being,” she remarks. This led her to re-imagine the text in her way — a punch back at tradition, she says. Born in Mumbai, Zaveri grew up as a regular at plays around Prithvi Theatre with her father, an avid theatre lover. “Others would take their children to the movies. My dad would take me to plays,” she remarks. Her play premiered at Prithvi’s Thespo Festival in 2023, and won Zaveri the awards for Outstanding New Writing and Production, and the Pearl Padamsee award for Best Actor. Crafted over four-months, the performance blends Hindustani classical music, Bharatanatyam expressions, humour, and sass for a very post-modern take. “The show was born out of a sense of mischief, to break the rules. My Sita is someone a 25-year-old would relate to. She is a drama queen with a sense of adventure. She might lack personality, but is curious and seeks new experiences,” Zaveri explains. These experiences form a new perspective and identity different from the idealistic heroine most people are familiar with. Cue events like the struggle of finding a maid in her new palace, building a sisterhood with Soorpanakha, finding a mentor in Kaikeyi, or even meeting Mandodari, and discussing the men in their lives. “I find it odd that these epics have strong women in silos. They never portray a sense of sisterhood or their conversations about simple things, and I wanted to capture that,” the writer explains. Naturally, humour and mischief had to be a part of this new retelling. The dance form of Bharatanatyam and the music also lean into this trend. From using a single ghungroo — a taboo— to performing to the background of vocal ragas, it has enough to shock a traditionalist. “Incidentally, both forms of art have a long history of marginalisation and patriarchy. Moreover, they are gatekept stringently. This was my way of breaking the mould,” Zaveri adds. The vocals are performed by her sister, 19-year-old Maahi Zaveri. While the response has been good, Zaveri admits such performances will need a brave audience. “We are trying to break some rules here. It takes courage to watch something that shakes the foundation of what you have grown up with and assimilated deep into yourself. Even if I manage to touch one person in the audience, and make them rethink their perception, I’d consider it a success,” she says. On May 24 and 25, May 31 and June 1; 7 pm At Veda Black Box, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 350 onwards
21 May,2024 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarHave you ever felt like your brain has too many unmanageable tabs open? You’re scrolling through social media and work emails mindlessly and calls are buzzing, and it’s all set to the background score of that catchy tune from the latest viral reel. By the time you’re ready to hit the sack, it’s too late to pause and find a way out of the cycle. Activities like gardening can also be a form of meditation; (right) Practising slow guided breathing through pranayam can relieve work-related stress. Representation pics In a world that is constantly connected, achieving a sense of calm can feel impossible. Could meditation, the art of doing seemingly nothing, be the way to hit the pause button and reflect? Do it your way Schedule time between your meetings for short sessions I suggest meditation to working professionals simply because it fixes the root problem of being emotionally volatile. Meditation allows you to stay anchored instead of being thrown into panic in the face of stressors at work. It contributes to a more regulated mood and nervous system, which enhances overall emotional regulation. This gives way to better focus and attention spans and hence, enables you to finish tasks more smoothly. . Myth, busted: Meditation doesn’t have to look a particular way. For example, gardening, pottery, or any activity engaging your senses, done mindfully and with awareness, can be a form of meditation. The key is to be present in the activity itself, rather than letting your mind wander. . Quick tip: Incorporate micro-meditations into your daily routine during breaks or between meetings. These are short, focused sessions that can be done in just a few minutes. Basic breathing practices, commonly known as pranayama, can be very effective. Simple techniques like deep breathing or alternate nostril breathing can help reset your mind and reduce stress. If sitting still feels challenging, try a walking meditation during a break. Focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Akshada Anikhindi, mental health practitioner and founder, ThoughtSpace Ease into it Tanvi Mehra conducts a wellness session. Pic Courtesy/Instagram People who practise meditation regularly are more in touch with their higher states of mind, and can tap into their innate clarity, stability, and positivity. They function less from their lower states of minds and hence, slowly but surely, move away from pessimism, judgement, irritation and ego-driven responses and reactions. . Myth, busted: People think they need an hour or 90 minutes to meditate. The thought of sparing so much time to something that already seems daunting can really demotivate them. You can start by meditating daily for two minutes, then five, and 10 minutes. This practice, even if for a few minutes daily, adds up to a lot. . Quick tip: Every day, assign a time where you can set your phone aside. Take a couple of moments to witness the natural breath flow in the present moment until you feel at one with your breath, and time slows down. Once you feel more connected to yourself, continue with the routine. All it takes is awareness and a willingness to make it a habit. Tanvi Mehra, yoga-trainer and founder, Tangerine Arts Studio Follow the vibe A sound bath session in progress at Shrutika Rao’s studio One of the biggest long-term benefits or results of meditation that I’ve observed among the younger and urban participants is that one becomes extremely self-assured. It first begins with just a sense of feeling grounded and comfortable in the present moment, and with uncertainty. When people realise that their reactions to stress are causing them more harm than the stressor itself, it unlocks a new level of self-confidence. . Myth, busted: Meditation cannot have an agenda. Don’t aim to “mediate well” and gain something quantifiable out of it. Avoid trainers and sessions that focus on short-term rewards. Meditation is simply being in the present, doing things without immediate goals. It’s like trying to sleep; the harder you try, the more you stray from the path. . Quick tip: For those who can take time out occasionally, sound baths can be extremely beneficial. Vibrations work on a subtle level. When we’re stuck in the complexities of the mind, we need something subtle to permeate our mental state. We use seven bowls tuned to the seven notes that resonate in a way that leads to relaxation first, followed by deep relaxation — a state where your body and mind are both in a state of relaxation. Shrutika Rao, meditation coach and founder, Om Shala Wellness Beginners’ notes . It’s perfectly normal for the mind to wander or get carried away with worry, anxiety or fear. Instead of fighting it, gently bring your focus back to the present moment. . Avoid coaches and sessions that promise instant gratification. Meditation is not a pathway to pleasure. . If you feel out of place at your first session, look for another style; instead of considering yourself unfit for the practice. . Make sure meditation is an enjoyable part of your routine by choosing the method that suits you. Set small goals and slowly raise your intensity levels. Shrutika Rao and Akshada Anikhindi App’s the way Calm app . Headspace: Offers evidence-based meditations that are easy, and covers a variety of topics, from stress relief to sleep. . Calm: Known for its soothing meditations and sleep stories, it is perfect for unwinding after a long day. . Insight Timer: Features a vast library of guided meditations from different teachers, making it easy to find something that suits your mood. . Mindfulness exercises by Sean Fargo: Find resources like quick exercises and guided meditation sessions. LOG ON TO App stores
21 May,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleDreams of peace When I was a collegian, we were into our 50th year of Independence, and so was Ireland. As a fan of the band U2, I responded a lot to the music and cinema from the culture; they have a similar approach to colonialism. For me, democracy and elections became about peace. My playlist: New Year’s Day or Sunday bloody Sunday by U2 are my picks. The other song is Civil war by Guns n Roses. It opens with a quote from former US president, Abraham Lincoln. My watchlist: Tamas by Govind Nihalani is a must-watch for its insight on divisiveness and distrust. If you are looking for a play, Final Solution explores the complexity of the self over the larger picture. Another stand-out is Udhwasta Dharamsala by GP Deshpande. It talks about taking a stance against authority. Quasar Thakore Padamsee, theatre maker An era of anti-establishment I grew up in a time when almost all musicians were anti-establishment. It has changed over the years to becoming patriotic or jingoistic. Political voices in music are much lesser today. One of my inspirations was Bob Dylan, who was the perfect example. While not a great singer, Dylan was an incredible writer. It was all about the words and the thought. That’s how we can bring about change. A scene from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Pic Courtesy/youTube My playlist: You can list every song by Bob Dylan. One cannot go wrong with him. The other tracks that reflect social change for me are Imagine by John Lennon and The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Dylan. My watchlist: The film I love is Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, a perfect political satire that has stood the test of time. It sheds light on how business interests and politics conspire. Another film is Wag The Dog featuring Robert De Niro; another satire on the American politics of perception. Dhruv Ghanekar, composer Children of Woodstock Back then, there were a lot of tunes and artistes back then whose music, art and works focused on social change. The Woodstock Movement triggered a lot of songs that inspired us. Their themes filtered into my thoughts. My playlist: I would put John Lennon’s Imagine at the top. It is a song that continues to inspire our idea of an ideal society of peace. For an option, I would recommend anything from Bob Dylan’s repertoire. Bob Dylan My watchlist: I actually find movies and shows today to be more politically aware. I recently watched a movie on Martin Luther King, MLK/FBI. That was a good one. Zubin Balaporia, musician Lack of political music I have to confess there is a lack of sharp political music in our country. We have not yet reached that level. I was myself quite apathetic towards politics. My own music feels a little distant. I am trying, and hoping to change that. My playlist: Eyes Wide Open by Gotye, which is a surprisingly sharp comment. The latest one is the Blackbiird cover by Beyoncé in her album, Cowboy Carter. The original song by The Beatles had deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement. My watchlist: I am currently on X-Men ’97 series. It might feel cartoon-ish, but it is a fantastic take on civil rights, freedom of speech and individuality. The other wonderful show I’d recommend is Shogun. It is set in the early 15th century Japan, but offers detailed insight into human rights in vicious political situations. Tejas Menon, vocalist Songs of change >> Bandeh by Indian Ocean>> Chitta by Prabh Deep>> The Warli Revolt by Swadesi>> Ikebana by Alif>> Get up, Stand up by Bob Marley and The Wailers>> Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen Watch for social change Ghashiram Kotwal by Vijay TendulkarLog on to YouTube Andha Yug by Dharmvir BharatiLog on to Hindi Gharana on Spotify An Enemy Of The People (1980) by BBCLog on to YouTube Sinhasan by Jabbar PatelLog on to YouTube SwadesLog on to Netflix
20 May,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
