As a mountaineer, I am required to go out for a 10 to 15 km run every day. Last Sunday, when I ran 22 km, the impact of the heat on my body was obvious. During the last 5 km of that run, I felt as exhausted as when I had begun running five years ago. I can easily do a 21-km-run without sipping on water. But this time, I had to take several water breaks. The heatwave is a surprise for everyone in Mumbai. We are all humans, and our body cannot adapt to this drastic change in weather so quickly. So, the first thing to remember while going about your fitness regime would be to listen to your body. Experts recommend reducing the intensity of outdoor workout and focusing more on sustenance. File pics 1 Runners, walkers and joggers must not be disappointed if the distance they have covered is lesser than their usual training. This is the time to focus on sustenance. Another thing they can do is slow down the pace and take several water breaks. 2 For those who work out in the open, it is imperative that you monitor your heart rate every now and then. A smart watch would be the most ideal option. Whenever the smart watch shows that your heart rate is in the red zone, stop instantly. If it is in the green or yellow zone, go on. However, if you don’t possess a smart watch, your body will still send you signals when you are overdoing it. One such signal that you should never ignore is the inability to speak in between sets. 3 Dehydration causes the muscles to become inflexible. Ensure you are warmed up well. Begin your training with sufficient stretching so that you are not fatigued quickly. 4 Summer is also when adults and children like to step out and play outdoor sports. They could either do it before the sun gets too harsh in the morning, preferably before 9 am, or in the evening post 6 pm, when it is cooler. Choose grounds and turfs with shade. Keep tracking your heart rate to understand when the workout is getting too much for your body 5 Take frequent hydration breaks to avoid cramps and heat strokes. Carry Fast&Up electrolyte reload. Pop a pill in water and drink it on the go. Watermelon and lemon juice also help maintain electrolyte levels. Adopt healthy lifestyleJashan Vij, health and fat-loss coach Wear sunscreen before stepping out to avoid sunburn The combination of extreme temperatures and humidity in Mumbai can significantly impact the regular lifestyle of its residents. High humidity levels exacerbate the discomfort caused by the already sweltering heat, making outdoor activities challenging. Commuting becomes more uncomfortable, leading to increased fatigue and irritability among individuals. Additionally, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration rise, prompting people to stay indoors more often. This can affect outdoor recreational activities, social gatherings, and even work productivity. Furthermore, increased humidity levels may lead to issues like mold growth and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions, impacting overall health and well-being. With the IMD warning of a heatwave and soaring temperatures, fitness enthusiasts must take precautions to ensure their safety while continuing their practice, both indoors and outdoors. Consume hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables. Respresentation pics 1 Outdoor enthusiasts should wear lightweight, breathable clothing. Applying sunscreen protects against sunburn and heat-related illnesses. 2 For indoor workouts, ensuring proper ventilation and air conditioning is essential to maintain a comfortable environment. 3 Changes in diet may be necessary to support the body’s increased demand for hydration and electrolyte balance during such heat waves. Focus on consuming hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables with high water content, including watermelon, cucumber, and oranges. Electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, coconut water, and yogurt can help replenish minerals lost through sweating. 4 Avoid heavy, greasy meals. Opt for lighter, easily digestible options that prevent sluggishness and discomfort during hot weather. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in hydrating foods and electrolytes can support overall health and well-being. From the doctor’s desk >> Drink plenty of fluids — about 16 ounces before starting and five to seven ounces every 15 or 20 minutes. Avoid dehydrating liquids like alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks. >> Wear comfort fit apparel that helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated. >> Slow down and work at an even pace. Be aware of your limits and ability to workout safely in heat. Schedule frequent breaks. Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area. >> Use a damp rag to wipe your face or wrap it around your neck. Avoid getting sunburnt. Find shade or block out the sun as far as possible. Dr Sandeep Rayate, CMO, Bhatia Hospital, founder, Shri Sai Clinic
19 April,2024 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiDirty Hands Co., a Bandra-based initiative by Sanskar Sawant, began as a response against a shift experienced in the world of visual art towards more digital modes of creation, away from hands-on, analogue work. “Many of us, illustrators and designers, have had to move away from our styles to match the needs of the market,” says Sawant. Dirty Hands is, therefore, an effort to support artists who wish to return to their practice from time to time. A woman browses through printed artworks at the previous edition of the event To spread the lost art and joy of printmaking, the organisation is hosting a six-day exhibition, starting this Saturday. Artworks of 16 multidisciplinary, seasoned and emerging artists will be displayed including those of Tarini Sethi, Aniruddh Mehta, and Lokesh Karekar. The team has also curated workshops with experts from various sub-disciplines. For instance, a lino-cut printmaking workshop will be facilitated by the artist Poorva Shingre, where participants will learn how to carve their own designs onto linoleum blocks and press the inked blocks onto paper to see them come to life. Participants will benefit from hands-on experience of printmaking With such a packed exhibition, we asked Sawant, why call the event the ‘Boring Party’. He reveals that it was only out of fun and playfulness because the line-up of artists is anything but boring. Kshitij Rahatekar, the marketing and PR lead, adds that their intent behind the event was to “create a fluid and comfortable space, away from the rigidity of an art gallery, where everyone could come and participate.” The six-day long exhibition includes immersive workshops One of the events that we look forward to is Tanya George’s type walk, which will be a trail around Chapel Road to understand small histories of signage within alleys. George has been leading type walks around Mumbai since 2018, and will facilitate one on the last day of the exhibition. While she studied typeface design during her postgraduation in the subject, she shares that her research process has continued to evolve. “Over the years I’ve reached out to shop owners; while walking, I’ve had conversations with aunties seated outside their homes. Local residents have invited me to tea, and have shared stories about buildings,” she reveals. What participants can expect from this, therefore, is a mixed bag of the information and stories collected by George as well as moments to reflect on the choices made by the artists who designed the signs, giving these buildings their character and identity. ON April 20 to 26; 6 pm onwards (daily) AT Subko Mary Lodge Bandra, 21 A Chapel Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @dirtyhandscompany (to register) The Guide’s top picks >>Screen print custom making with Dirty Hands Co.ON April 22; 1 pm to 4 pm >> Zine making with Pearl D’SouzaON April 23; 1 pm to 4 pm >> Type-walking through Bandra with Tanya GeorgeON April 26, 4pm to 6 pm
19 April,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaWriter Munshi Premchand penned Idgah, a short story about a young Hamid’s tryst with peer pressure, ridicule, and bullying in the 1930s; long before the spotlight was on conversations around children’s mental health. For years, the short story has lived on in the Hindi curriculum textbooks in schools; briefly memorised, rewritten on answer sheets, and soon forgotten, year after year. Grooming Babies, a Mumbai-based enterprise working to contemprise Indian heritage for children, aims to give Idgah a new lease of life through a dastangoi performance titled Eidgah this weekend. While the 13th century art form and the writer might seem separated by eras, styles and geographies, director Veena Manoj believes that they have more in common than one may think. “We were searching for an art form that will do justice to this beautiful story; since Premchand wrote in Hindi and Urdu, and the dastangoi form of storytelling also has roots in Urdu storytelling, we chose to adapt it for a dastangoi. A dying art form in itself, we felt this would be an apt way to keep it alive in the hearts and minds of children,” she shares. The set is adorned with miniature dolls to make it appear like a mela To keep something alive in a child’s mind, or even have the privilege of a child’s attention, you need more than a simple recital. Manoj seems to know it well. To make it more appealing to children, the stage is adorned with a mela-like charm, replicating the rural setting of the original story. “A handcrafted giant-wheel replica lights up and moves as soon as the characters in the story reach the mela. The sudden movement intrigues the children, almost always. We have also put together a small village set-up with mud toys to give a visual reference to children,” Manoj informs us. Munshi Premchand. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Interestingly, the dastangoi will be performed in simple English and Hindi, a departure from the academic Hindi coloured in poetic metaphors that marks Premchand’s works. “We wanted to make the story appealing to modern city kids while retaining the spirit of Premchand’s writings. The essence of the dastangoi format is that the story is told in a rhythmic verse, with a sit-down style, and dramatised through voice and body movement. We have also tried our best to retain that,” the director adds. We learn that the story narration is blended in such a way that even if the audience does not understand any one of the languages, one can still follow the story. Children interact with the duo at a previous performance Bringing this intricately planned performance to life will be actors and storytellers Meher Gehi and Dr Pooja Jain. For Gehi, the key to leaving a lasting memory in the children’s minds lies in showing, not telling. “Values from the story such as selflessness, empathy, and delayed gratification are difficult to inculcate through academic reading. When you present a story through a performance, you stimulate multiple senses in the children. It is this multi-sensory experience that remains etched in their minds,” Gehi notes. Veena Manoj To that end, the hour-long performance is sprinkled with short interactions with the audience. “We ask them simple questions to ponder upon such as how they would react to a dilemma the protagonist is facing,” the actor reveals, adding that sometimes the excitement gets out of hand and leads to unforeseen interruptions in the performance. In what seems like a learning right out of a Premchand story, Gehi shares, “In moments like these, we remind them that the fun can only continue if they allow the story to unfold. We ask them to wait for their turn patiently. Surprisingly, they understand, and calm down immediately.” On: April 20; 5 pmAt: Recreate Spaces Studio, Mohid Heights, RTO Road, Andheri West. Log on to: in.bookmyshow.comEntry: Rs 499
19 April,2024 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble>> Zero Point Bombay: In and around Horniman Circle/ Edited by Kamala Ganesh, Usha Thakkar and Gita Chadha: This curation of writings by academics, historians and key voices deep-dives into the emergence of the Horniman Circle and key landmarks of its neighbourhood. >> City of Gold/Gillian Tindall: Pick up this chronicle for an outsider’s view of why the island city was dubbed ‘City of Gold’. >> Bombay: Places, Names and Street Names/ Samuel T Sheppard: A fascinating ready reckoner to discover the origins of names and places >> Mumbai: Theatre of Conflict, City of Hope/ Mariam Dossal: A well-researched documentation on how the original city took shape, form and identity. >> Shivaji Park: Dadar 28: History, Places, People/ Shanta Gokhale: A look into this middle-class neighbourhood by one of its most celebrated cultural voices of the area. >> A City Icon/ Rahul Mehrotra and Sharada Dwivedi: The story of Victoria Terminus (today’s CSMT) is in many ways the story of how a city came to be. Read it for invaluable insights about the early days of Bombay.
18 April,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamSummer holidays are here, and if that isn’t enough motivation for you to get out of your reading slump, BookBuddy will come to your rescue. The app records the books in your TBR and wish list. It also has options to update reading status. Although it is frowned upon to judge a book by its cover, if that one absolutely pretty-looking book caught your eye, we won’t judge you, nor will this app. Instead, it helps you source more details by scanning the barcode on the book jacket. The app also records the books you have loaned to friends, and the books you have borrowed. Log on to: App Store
18 April,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiOnce a musician, always a musician. Or so it seems with filmmaker Mrinalini Tewari. Growing up in a family with musical roots, she was familiar with the folk tradition through her mother, a singer. But it was not till she returned to her home state of Uttar Pradesh in 2018 for a documentary, that she truly rediscovered her love for music and languages. This weekend, Tewari will join Nitish Ramabhadran (keyboards) and Manasquam Mahanta (guitar) for a unique set, Echoes du Monde, that blends language, music and memories. “I learnt classical music as a young girl, even before I joined school,” Tewari shares. It was this early inoculation to the art that kept her curiosity going. “Even as a filmmaker, I remain curious about the many cultures of the world. Languages, after all, are also sounds,” she points out. It was these languages that led her to a return to music. Since 2018, she has travelled across UP, MP and Rajasthan recording folk musicians for various documentaries. “I actually wanted to make a musical documentary. However, it did not happen. I did make one on Kashmir (Echoes From The Soil of Kashmir, 2022),” she says. The experience left a mark. “People often think of Uttar Pradesh as a Hindi heartland. It has a plethora of languages. There is Braj, Awadhi, Bundelkhandi to name a few. Each dialect is distinct, and carries a different cultural mark. It also changes from region to region. For instance, Braj is a dialect from northern UP, while Awadhi comes from the East, and Bundelkhandi is more prominent towards southern regions of UP,” she notes. She composed her first original Braj song in the same year. “Jaoo Saiyyan has a sense of longing and love that is common in the folk tradition. Even Blues, for instance, is a folk form. It reflects pain and longing that is unique to this form,” she says. Manasquam Mahanta; Nitish Ramabhadran; Mrinalini Tewari This juxtaposition of seemingly diverse forms comes alive through the set. A compilation of nine to 10 songs, the set will feature original compositions in Awadhi and Braj, as well as songs by the Portuguese singer Cesária Évora. While the songs range from folk with strains of classical, to Brazilian jazz, the form remains folk. This diversity is further emphasised in Ramabhadran and Mahanta, who are known for individualistic jazz creations. “I love the diverse approach to their music. The key is that they share the same vibe for music,” she remarks. The challenge, she admits, will be to balance the compositions, languages and their forms. While setting out on their first such project together, Tewari remarks, “This is where the title Echoes du Monde comes from. These are sounds from the world. I have always been curious about these sounds, and would like to highlight them through my work — music or films.” ON April 21; 7.30 pmAt Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to insider.inENTRY Rs 300
18 April,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayUnfold the Paithani Join writer and designer Radhika Tipnis in an interactive online conversation organised by Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum about the unique characteristics of traditional Paithani sarees, their rich history and the intricate weaving techniques.Time 7 pmLog on to @bdlmuseum (to register) FridayFun with folk Move to a mix of house music infused with Marathi folk instruments like the tutari at musician Kratex’s debut show in the suburb. Expect a nostalgia trip with house remixes of classical folk songs.Time 7 pmAt Drunkyard, GNP Galleria 304, Regency Anantam Road, Dombivli East. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 1,250 onwards Turtle tripping Witness the surreal phenomenon of one of the last batches of Olive Ridley turtles making their way from the sandy shores to the seas at the Velas Turtle Festival. The two-day trip includes a visit to the Bankot Fort.Time 9 pmMEETING POINT Main Gate, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East. Log on to treksandtrails.org Cost Rs 3,299 (includes travel, accommodation and food) SaturdayPaint traditions Introduce your children to the age-old art form of Cheriyal mask painting from Telangana. Kids will learn techniques of painting the traditional masks with vibrant colours and create their own masterpieces to take home.AGE GROUP 5 years and above Time 11 am At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road Kala Ghoda, Fort. E-mail events@csmvs.in (to register) Entry Rs 35 Pic courtesy/Youtube Meet the starsAlex the lion and Marty the zebra have escaped New York’s Central Park Zoo with the whole Madagascar gang. Catch them live at Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, a stage adaptation of the animated classic by DreamWorks. Time 5.30 pmAt Royal Opera House, Charni Road East. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Entry Rs 400 onwards SundayRoll with it Try your hand (and feet) at a skateboarding session for all ages led by national medallist Shruti Bhosle. Learn the skills of finding your balance, cruising, and some beginners’ tricks.Time 4 pmAt Carter Road Skatepark, opposite APC Office, Bandra West. Call 9967803643 Pics courtesy/Instagram Potter aroundMaster pottery with instructor Jinal Patel at this special workshop for beginners. Take a deep-dive into the process right from preparing your own clay to sculpting your masterpiece. Time 12 pmAt Art Villa Academy, Bungalow 198/205, Gorai Part 1, Borivali West. Log on to @artvilla_academy Cost Rs 1,200 An artwork by Nilesh Kinkale All-star artWitness the ideas of cultural identity, community, family and nationality come alive through contemporary artworks by seven artists including Riyas Komu, Vinay Gusain, Nilesh Kinkale, and Ashish Thakur. At Ikko Art Gallery, Satya House, Sindhu Nagar, Sewri.Log on to @ikkoartgallery
18 April,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThis ain’t Texas”, crooned Beyoncé but you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise given the numerous Western-inspired outfits that have been popping up all over social media. With her most recent foray into country music, Queen Bey has also spawned the revival of a trend popularly dubbed as Cowgirl Couture. Think large brimmed hats, cowboy boots and fringed jackets and, if you’re completely committed to Beyoncé’s signature larger-than-life aesthetic, you’d opt for versions that were studded with rhinestones. But can this trend withstand Mumbai’s torrid summer and ongoing heatwave? Reza Shariffi “Cowboy fashion has always been one of my favourite trends. It has been a recurring theme on runways over the years simply because, if the elements are blended in well and styled right, they never look outdated. I have used many variants in my own film and fashion shoots,” clarifies Reza Shariffi, stylist and costume designer. He shares a few simple tips to help channel this trend, without sacrificing comfort. Vaishnavi Sagwekar in a harness Accessories make the lookStatement buckle and lasso belts can instantly add some Western flair to your ensemble, says Shariffi, while a bolo tie can be sported by both men and women in place of a traditional necklace. A cowgirl-inspired harness belt elevates even the most basic looks with cowgirl pizazz, suggests fashion designer Vaishnavi Sagwekar. Fringe accents are instantly reminiscent of cowgirl chic. Pics Courtesy/ Instagram Fringe benefitsAlthough now commonly used for decorative purposes, fringed jackets, pants and boots were an integral part of Western wardrobes for two very specific reasons — moving water away from the seams when the wearer was outdoors and for better camouflage. With that bit of history, you can dress your inner cowgirl with a fringed vest, bag or footwear. For a more practical and bohemian flair, try a crossbody bag, suggests Shariffi. Add an oversized plaid shirt or jacket to your basic fits Break down the lookWearing cowboy (or girl) elements from head to toe can look too exaggerated and theatrical. The key to making this trend work for you is to pick a few elements and work them into your everyday wardrobe. “Denim shirts lend themselves well to this trend — pick shirts with snap buttons for a stylish edge. Wear them with bandana print neck scarves to add a Western flair,” explains Shariffi. Of course, no Western look is complete without a plaid shirt (pick cotton for comfort) or trade it in for a gamcha weave, for an Indian spin, says Sagwekar. Flared bootcut jeans look stylishly Western Dabble with denimFlared denim jeans with a crisp white shirt is a classic combination, says Shariffi and, for those who dare, a denim-on-denim look can add an extra touch of drama. A light denim-wash shirt can easily replace a heavier jacket to keep you cool and protected from Mumbai’s searing summer sun. For a more laid-back and weather-appropriate look, you could wear a denim dress or skirt that’s paired with a sleeveless vest, Sagwekar signs off.
18 April,2024 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe translated works shortlisted for this year’s International Booker Prize come from diverse cultures that are all connected by their ability to tell stories about day-to-day conflicts affected by larger circumstances that their countries have experienced. We offer a handy overview of the six titles that are contenders for the award which will be announced on May 21. Crooked Plow by ItamarVieira Junior Translated by Johnny Lorenz from Portuguese, the book focuses on the lives of two sisters, Bibiana and Belonisía, young inhabitants of the Bahia region in Brazil. One day, while playing, they discover a knife in a suitcase that belongs to their grandmother. Their next step is perilous when they decide to taste its metal. Set against a rural landscape, the book lends us a small glimpse into a community — the quilombo community — that has stayed true to its rich connection with the earth, despite its colonial past. In his interview with the team at the Booker Prize Foundation, Vieira Junior shares, “I wanted to bring to the page the love that Brazilian farmers feel for the land itself, for the earth of the Brazilian countryside.” Not A River by Selva Almada Enero Rey, standing firm on the boat, stocky and beardless, swollen-bellied, legs astride, stares hard at the surface of the river and waits, revolver in hand.” The first line of Almada’s book is a startling beginning to a novel that deals most prominently with the theme of masculinity. It’s been translated by Annie Dermott from Spanish. Years after a horrifying accident, El Negro, Enero, and Tilo (their dead friend Eusebio’s son) are looking to catch a stingray along the Paraná River in South America. During this trip, they begin to share their stories and this is when the dominant theme truly surfaces. For Almada, a crucial purpose of writing the book was also to convey what the 1990s neoliberal policies did to Argentina — “impoverishing it”, as she shares in her interview — and how its reassertion can be felt today. The Details by Ia Genberg Infected with a viral fever, the unnamed narrator finds herself returning to a novel that carries an inscription. This opens memories from her past, as she paints a detailed picture, for the readers, of four people who shaped her life significantly: her ex-lovers Johanna and Alejandro, her ex-flatmate Niki, and her mother Birgitte. Translated by Kira Josefsson from Swedish, the book inquires into the richness and vulnerability of relationships and how one traces oneself through those connections. A small interesting fact is that the idea for the novel struck the writer when she was dealing with COVID fever, experiencing the state in which the story of the protagonist begins. What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma If Ia Genberg shows us one way of looking back and piecing together one’s life through its people, Jente Posthuma tells us a story of losing a piece of one’s life permanently. The protagonist named Two reflects on the time she spent growing up with her twin brother One, who was suffering from depression and died by suicide one day. Having shared a strained relationship with him, she tries to make sense of his world, reading his journals over and over again. The book is heart-breaking for most part but brings moments of lightness through Two’s humour. It has been translated from Dutch by Sarah Timmer Harvey. Mater 2-10 by HwangSok-Yong Translated by Sora Kim-Russell and Josephine Bae Youngjae, the book narrates the story of a factory worker wrestling with the colonial legacy of Japan in Korea. While staging a protest on top of an industrial chimney for being unjustly laid off, the protagonist Yi Jino has traumatic flashbacks of Korea as experienced by three generations of his family members. Before writing the novel, Sok-yong had carried out research and conducted interviews with locomotive engineers and industrial workers for a year to understand their stories. However, the inspiration came to him when he met a man about 30 years ago in North Korea, “who drove trains across the entire Korean peninsula.” Growing up in rail workers’ housing himself, he wanted to write a book about his memories and bring to the audience stories of industrial workers in a divided postcolonial Korea. Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck Set in 1986 Berlin, Erpenbeck’s book explores the complexity of a relationship between Katharina, a 19-year-old theatre design student and Hans, a man in his fifties, who turns abusive towards her as the relationship unfolds. The novel begins with the loss of love, and largely tells the story of the political transformations taking place and the collapse of East Germany as well. Translated by Michael Hoffman from German, this is a gripping novel that speaks of love but also pain at the same time. Log on to: Leading e-bookstores
17 April,2024 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLet’s admit it, we have all our rolled eyes at Nobita, claiming that we would make better use of Doraemon’s gadgets if only we’d get the chance; or crush those Beyblade competitions, Pokémon battles, Marvel and DC wars, and even hang out with Suppandi or the dreamy characters from Archies. No matter your choice of genre in the massive graphic world, the one thing it unfailingly does is offer a momentary escape. This weekend, a two-day window will directly open up into this fantastical verse as Comic Con India returns with its annual Mumbai leg of the festival. “I founded Comic Con India as a personal project [in 2011]. Like any other ’90s kid, my comic book journey began with Amar Chitra Katha, Tinkle, Archies and Tintin. The superheroes and manga came much later for me. But my taste in comics is a bit eclectic; my collection has a mix of everything. So, safe to say, I have favourites in all genres,” shares founder Jatin Varma over a chat from Canada. The team has put together an exhaustive schedule that offers something for everyone who is a part of this exponentially expanding universe. Shop from a wide range of merchandise, comic books and collectibles on sale “This year, we will offer panels and exclusive sessions featuring renowned names such as Demon Slayer voice-over artistes Natsuki Hanae and Yuma Takahashi by Crunchyroll, Amar Chitra Katha, Alpha Comics, Hallubol, Bakarmax, and Corporat. Expect a special stand-up performance, followed by some electrifying performances by DJ Kazu, MC Altaf, Shah Rule, Geek Fruit, Guy [Harun] Rob, and others, on the main stage. The event also features The Arena — a dedicated gaming expo, featuring fascinating experiences, tournaments, free play zones as well as the opportunity to meet and greet with leading streamers,” he briefs. Podcast hosts of Geek Fruit will be one of the panellists. Pics Courtesy/Instagram From the Marvel universe Marvel-published creator Jason Loo, who has titles namely Iron Man Annual #1, Sentry, Fantastic Four, Marvel’s Voices, among others, to his credit, will be making his way to India for the first time. “I hope to experience some good, authentic flavours like tandoori. And depending on how brave I am, maybe some vindaloo. I want to know how it compares to the ‘authentic Indian restaurants’ I’ve eaten at in Toronto!” Loo shares with this writer. Demon Slayer voiceover artiste for Tanjiro He adds that he hopes to take his fans at the fest along his journey as a cartoonist who has experience in working with publishers like Marvel, IDW/Lucasfilm, and Comixology/Dark Horse Comics. “And there may be a new comic announcement that I could shed light on,” he teases. Jason Loo As for aspirants and fans looking to make career in the expansive world of comics, Loo says that it is not the easiest path to tread, “If you have a tremendous passion for telling stories in the comic medium, start by writing or drawing your own short and let it grow from there on a regular basis. There’s a lot of grind in this business and it may take a long while before you see any returns [fandom, exposure, profit], so don’t be discouraged from doing what you love.” Expect two back-to-back cosplay competitions on both days of the fest Work it like that Corporate employees, you do not want to miss out on this rant by Web Comic of the year-awardee (Comic Con) Shubham Khurana. “This fest is a great opportunity to meet followers who only know me by my extensive work on corporate life. It is an even greater opportunity to take my rants, which are usually through my comics, to other corporats, as I call them, in person,” Khurana, who will also be launching his first ever-published book, Monday to Friday, at the fest, shares. Natsuki Hanae and (right) producer Yuma Takahashi will host a rendezvous A corporate employee for the past 13 years, the creator’s journey started as a need to vent about the prevalent corporate systems he found bizarre. “I shared one such comic, and people loved it. And thus, began my journey in this creative universe. Luckily for me, I never ran out of things to share from the corporate world.” His book plays around with terminologies in the corporate world like Monday blues and Fri-yay, weekend hits and misses, leaves and holidays (he petitions for HR departments to sync holiday calendars across companies), appraisals, and more. The two-day fest will include other exclusive book launches, cosplaying contests, music events, food stalls and merchandise on sale. A panel from the book Shubham Khurana will launch On: March 20 and 21; 11 am onwards at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Bandra East. Log on to: comicconindia.com (for passes and complete line-up)Cost: Rs 999 (single-day pass) The Guide’s top picks >>Special Session with Art Guy RobOn April 20, 4 pm >>Indian Championship of Cosplay - Mumbai QualifierOn April 20 and April 21, 7 pm >>Live performance by DJ Kazu (by Crunchyroll)On April 21, 5 pm >>Mumbai Comic Con Cosplay ContestOn April 20 and April 21, 6 pm >>Suppandi’s special birthday announcementOn April 20, 4 pm
17 April,2024 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiMaking the perfect dosa is nothing short of an art form. From grinding the batter to the right consistency, to the satisfying sizzle of oil hitting the hot tawa, to carefully rolling one out onto a plate, every step is a tradition in itself. A joint serving South Indian staples like idlis, dosas and uthappams in Borivali — Dosa Anna — is shaking things upand might just be the biggest challenger yet to the age-old dosa ritual. With an automatic dosa-making machine, the joint claims to be able to dish out 2,000 dosas in a day; all automated. We decided to check out this new tech-powered innovation. Outdoor seating at the restaurant. Pics/Devashish Kamble We are welcomed by the sight of an operator standing tall alongside the machine, almost as tall. This is the contraption that has set the neighbourhood abuzz. Locals from the food-loving suburb have labelled it the ‘digital dosa’, ‘no-touch dosa’, and even ‘dosa printer’. Founder Rohit Mendon settles the debate, “It’s an automatic dosa making machine. That’s about it. People love putting together creative names based on their observations, and honestly we don’t mind.” The dosa machine lets out a sustained sizzle, possibly in agreement. An operator initiates the process We learn that the sizzling sound, in fact, is the machine cleaning the tawa before its next task. “Cleaning is often the most tedious and contact-heavy task. You might have seen some stall owners cleaning the tawa with a wet cloth, risking contaminating the tawa,” a staff member points out. A couple of minutes later, the machine is ready to dish out our order of a crispy masala dosa (Rs 90). The batter is poured out through nozzles onto the temperature-controlled tawa. Like clockwork, a roller swings out to spread the batter. And now, we wait. The batter turns golden brown We strike up a conversation with Mendon, a trained chef, again to unveil the story behind these automated dosas. “The world is embracing automation. Multinational food chains have been using it to standardise their offerings for decades. Being a South Indian, I often wondered why such automation doesn’t exist for our own cuisine,” he reveals, adding that the machine was procured from a Bengaluru-based manufacturer as an experiment in February. Back inside the machine, things are turning golden brown. The operator scoops a generous portion of pre-made potato masala onto the tawa right in time. Another automated hand scrapes the dosa off the tawa, rolling it out onto our plate. We learn that while plain dosas can be dished out with zero contact, more complex orders require manually adding masalas, podi, or chopped vegetables. Does it justify the ‘automation’ tag then? We leave it up to you. For us, it’s time to tuck in. The dosa is rolled out The dosa has a uniform consistency of golden-brown crispiness, and is sprinkled with a special podi that has hints of garlic and chillies, reminiscent of the Mumbai vada pav dry chutney. Served alongside three other chutneys — mint, coconut and tomato — and a Kerala-style sambar, it doesn’t take us long to get to the last bite. All in all, if you’re looking for a quick, convenient snack and all things tech amuse you, Dosa Anna has all the makings of your new haunt. For this writer, who still believes that making a dosa by hand — the sizzling, spreading and rolling, all included — is a labour of love, it’s a fun innovation at best. Dosa AnnaAT Lotus Building, Pranay Nagar, Vazira, Borivali West.TIME 8 am to 10 pm, daily LOG ON TO @dosaanna_india Dosa, the quirky way A curated list of other innovative dosas that city foodies can tuck into >> Pizza burst dosa: If the thinnest crust on a pizza still isn’t quite crispy for you, try this pizza that uses a dosa as a thin base with traditional pizza toppings to bring the best of both worlds to the table.AT South Tiffin House, Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, Andheri. >> Burj Khalifa dosa: Call it the heights of culinary innovation, this dosa, built using four layers of dosa with oodles of cheese rolled and stacked, is a hat tip to the Burj Khalifa.AT Angel Dosa Center, Vikas Complex, Runwal Nagar A Plot, Norilipada, Thane West. >> Matka dosa: This dosa comes with a side of chopped veggies and paneer in a creamy gravy served out of a traditional clay matka. AT Avantika Chennai Café, Raj Arcade, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West. >> Masala dosa waffle: No tawas in sight here. Head to this unique stall where dosas are made in waffle makers and maple syrup gives way to desi ghee.AT Rangjo, 461A, near Maheshwari Udyan, Matunga East. **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Dosa Anna didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
17 April,2024 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
