Move over refrigerator magnets, keychains and straw hats — there’s a new kind of travel souvenir in town and, unlike most others that simply gather dust in your storage after a few weeks, this piece of memorabilia can stay with you for your entire lifetime. We’re referring to vacation tattoos, a rising trend among hip, experimental globe-trotters. Take, for instance, newly-weds Ira Khan and Nupur Shikhare who decided to get inked together during their honeymoon in Bali. While the happy couple chose matching turtles, tattoo artists in the city say that the trend is gaining more steam than ever before. “As holidays and tattoos become more accessible to younger generations of travellers, it is but a natural next step to combine the two. While this isn’t a completely new phenomenon — we’ve all heard of those infamous ‘Goa’ tattoos — we’ve had many people travelling to or transiting through Mumbai, who stop by for a quick tattoo to remind them of their blissful holiday,” says Ronit Raut, lead tattoo artist and owner of Black Dot Ink Tattoo Studio in Andheri. Ujjwal Judge; Ronit Raut and J’son D’souza Inking memories Raut recommends small, minimal motifs that relate to the most memorable aspects of your holiday. If you’re starved for ideas, he suggests sticking to aeroplanes, waves or even a compass. “I believe that tattoos become cooler once they have a special meaning attached to them. For example, if you’re taking a trip to the mountains, you can describe the elements that comprise your journey in your tattoo — the mountains, the scenic beauty of nature and yourself as a small character can be incorporated into a neat design. Stick to minimal tattoos that don’t require too many sittings to not interfere with the rest of your travel itinerary,” suggests Ujjwal Judge, a tattoo artist and founder of Portal Tattoo, Bhayandar. Although it may seem exciting to get yourself inked in a foreign language or with exotic religious symbols, the artists advise against it. “Unless you’ve done your research about the culture and language, and are very sure about what your tattoo means and represents, steer clear of these designs. The biggest reason why travel tattoos are often the ones that we receive cover-up requests for is because they often don’t mean or portray what the clients think they do and, even worse, are culturally offensive or insensitive,” says Raut. The flip side “I would advise against travel tattoos,” cautions J’son D’souza, owner of Tatau Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Malad. He adds that since tattoos are a lifelong commitment and require careful aftercare; they shouldn’t be undertaken on a whim. “It’s very important to do your research about the tattoo studio and artist to make sure their style and standards meet your expectations. Tattoos also require a lot of careful aftercare, which is nearly impossible to do while on vacation,” he elaborates. Raut adds, “In India, people love to get inked in Goa because of the low costs and, often, because they’re acting on an alcohol-fuelled impulse [remember what happened to Ed Helms’ character Stu in The Hangover Part II?]. The tattoos don’t heal properly as they neglect the aftercare and also because of the poor standards of the studios. If you don’t have the time to research your options, it’s best to skip the tattoo and enjoy the rest of your vacation instead,” he advises. Plan right Dos. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and excessive sweat. Don’t swim until the tattoo has healed. Hydrate before and during the session. Ensure you’ve eaten before, so you have enough energy to sit through the session. Make sure your artist understands your idea to create the ideal design Don’ts. Drunk tattoos don’t heal well and can be a cause of instant regret. Research the artist’s work and check hygiene standards at the studio - Ronit Raut, Ujjwal Judge
27 April,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulSustained by love WE started the Pune Jazz and Blues Club back in the early 2000s, and I took over in 2010. The objective was to make people aware of jazz through listening sessions, recordings and musical concerts. It was never to charge money. We still have free entry for listening sessions. We have Mehdi Niroomand of Shisha Café in Pune who loves and wants to promote jazz music. Most jazz clubs are sustained by the love for the genre. They are not money spinners, not even in the USA. Despite its growth, it remains a niche genre. But it is growing and has a steady following here. We started out with listening sessions, but slowly added video content, and sessions on jazz history to complement live performances. Ashwin Panemangalore, co-founder, Pune Jazz and Blues Club Casual and fun Mehrotra’s artwork for the cover Jazz Yatra 1988 While I was in Dubai in the ’70s, I would often buy records. My mother was trained in Hindustani classical, and I grew up around music. One of the first albums that switched me to jazz was The Weather Report. It was a game-changer. Later, I was part of the team with Jazz Yatra started by Niranjan Zaveri. We were lucky to hear Dizzy Gillespie perform. So, when I was approached to create the covers for the album, I was more than happy. The challenge was that you could not pick a theme because the performers were so diverse. So, I would focus on a single instrument or performer, and paint in my style. I still attend jazz concerts in Mumbai. The only thing I miss is that it has become clinical. Jazz should be casual and fun. At most shows these days, you are seated. It does not have the same feel. Jaideep Mehrotra, artist and jazz lover, Mumbai The artist with his collection of records. Pics Courtesy/Jaideep Mehrotra.com For the passionate listener Records from Sujit Sinha’s collection I started collecting [music] in 1987 when I was in my teens. It started with pop and classical rock, but I realised many of them had jazz influences. The first album was Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue. That was different and very interesting. One of my particular interests has been the sub-genre of British Jazz. The trigger for me was the music of Amancio D’Silva. He was a guitarist from Goa, who moved to England and created a record with the Caribbean-origin saxophonist Joe Harriott. The album was called Hum Dono. That caught my attention. Slowly, I discovered other names in the genre. British jazz is very distinct, and is a melting pot of influences from India, the Caribbean, and the subcontinent. Bengaluru has a rich heritage of jazz culture. Recently, Windmills Craftworks in Whitefield hosted several jazz musicians. But the genre is still one for passionate listeners. Despite the growing interest of youngsters in records and collections, it is not a popular genre among listeners. Sujit K Sinha, records collector, Bengaluru Sujit K Sinha Shifting interests My love for jazz dates back to school. I was always fascinated by the improvisational aspect of the genre. It also helped that I was trained in both Western and Hindustani classical music. Hindustani classical, in fact, has more in common with jazz and helped to sharpen my instincts further. While I have only been travelling as a performer recently, I can tell that Mumbai has a more aware jazz listener. They are exposed to diverse music. Delhi is growing that culture, especially with The Piano Man Jazz Club. But I can tell you that there is a definite audience, though niche. The marker for me is the wedding season. I was surprised when friends told me about a growing request for commercial jazz at Indian weddings. Now, even if they are asking for Michael Bublé or Frank Sinatra at an Indian wedding, I would take it as a win. It shows a shift in pattern. Meera Desai, bassist and vocalist, Mumbai Gigs to catch . Quadrophonic: Catch the quartet of Sanjay Divecha, Prayaag Baruah, Rhythm Shaw and Srinjay Banerjee team up with Louiz Banks for a rare performance. ON April 28; 11 amAT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO prithvitheatre.orgCOST Rs 500 . Jazz and cocktails: Schubert Vaz, Anand Vaity, William Fernandes and Steve Francis put up a special celebration of jazz with this concert by The Bombay Jazz Club. ON April 30; 6 pm onwardsAT The Irish House, Phoenix Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg Lower Parel.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 499 . Celebrate on the big stage: The 13th edition of the International Jazz Day takes stage with Louiz Banks bringing together a range of artistes from Adrian D’Souza and Gary Lawyer, to Emmanuel Simon and Omkar Dhumal. ON April 30; 7 pmAT Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 944 onwards . Guitar on live: Rhythm Shaw will showcase his virtuoso guitar skills in a special jazz session at this Bandra venue. ON April 30; 10 pmAT Bonobo, Kenilworth Plaza, off Linking Road, Bandra West. FREE
27 April,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarShinobis of Mumbai, here’s your chance to prove who the OG Hokage is. This Saturday, a cafe in Versova will be hosting a Naruto Trivia and Cosplay night. The guests of honour will be cats, who apart from giving their purr of encouragement from time to time, will also be up for adoption. The evening will include three rounds (more if there is a need for tie-breakers). While the first round will be a question-and-answer session, the second will up the game by asking participants who said a particular dialogue in the anime. The one that follows will require them to give wrong answers only; this stage will test both the participant’s creativity and knowledge about the show. Members of the Team 7 “We host similar trivia nights at least once a month. The idea is to bring feline-lovers of a particular fandom together, build a community and make them see how cats can be some of the best companions of humans,” shared executive director of Cat Cafe Studio, Lamya Kapadia. Winners in the trivia and cosplay segment stand a chance to win original merchandise from the anime verse by The Sensei Store. On April 27, 6 pm onwards. At Cat Cafe Studio, Aaram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West.Log on to insider.inCost Rs 300 Secrets of the shinobi Tsunade >>Naruto's name was inspired by Japanese surimi (fish paste) narutomaki. This topping for ramen has a pink or red spiral design in the middle.>>Narutomaki’s spiral-shaped patterns, as also seen on Naruto’s costume, are believed to represent the whirlpools found in the Naruto Strait.>>The protagonist’s Hokage moniker, Orange Hokage, is a tribute to his parents (red hair) and Minato (yellow hair). When red combines with yellow, it creates orange.>>The character, name and plot for Sasuke was inspired by Sanpei Shirato’s 1961-published manga, Sasuke.>>Naruto’s blood type is B. The Japanese believe that people of this blood type are easy-going and bubbly. Game on! Let's see how well two Naruto fans fare in our warm-up quiz before the big night. Questions:1. Who is the new member of Team 7?2. How many gates did Might Guy open while fighting Kisame?3. Who took the cursed mark off Sasuke?4. What is Zabuza’s sword called?5. Who was the legendary Sannin who became the fifth Hokage?6. How much time does a Leaf Village ninja take to reach the Sand Village? Rahil Parkar, 24, founder of Castu, Nerul4/6>> Sai>> Was it 7 or 8? >> Itachi>> I cannot recall>> Tsunade>> 3 days Dakshata Pawar, 23, founder of Mage Coven, Santacruz3.5/6>> Sai>> Eight>> The red head girl>> Kubikiri something>> Tsunade>> 3 days Correct answers: 1. Sai 2. Six 3. Itachi 4. Kubikiribocho 5. Tsunade 6. Three days
26 April,2024 07:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiHere’s an art exhibition with a difference. Tomorrow, attend End of Year Exhibition 4.0 organised by Saturday Art Class, a women-led non-profit organisation started by Manasi Mehan and Chhavi Khandelwal in 2017. The platform is dedicated to nurturing creativity and holistic development in children from lesser privileged communities through visual arts and social-emotional learning. The event offers visitors all kinds of opportunities including immersive art experiences, interactive installations and workshops (Surreal Art Collage Workshop and Celebrating our City and Mumbai in Madhubani Art style). On April 27, 10 am to 6 pmAt Pioneer Hall, St John the Baptist Road, Bandra West. Log on to urbanaut.app/partner/saturdayartclass (to register) Craving a rave? Kitchen Rave, a convergence of culinary arts and house music, is making its public debut at its new IP, Kitchen Rave Station. Witness chef Rafael Garcia cook up a Latin American feast while DJs Sim Sim and Zokhuma bring in the heat with their tunes. On Today; 11 pm at Los Cavos, 24th Road, off Linking Road, Bandra West. Log on to @kitchenrave.in (to register) Cost Revealed on request
26 April,2024 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThis month, as part of Sarmaya Talks’ immersive sessions themed on culture and heritage, Vidya Shah and Madhur Gupta will showcase their projects that aim to shine a light on the rich legacy of musicians and dancers respectively in India. Carnatic musician Shah has been working, for almost a decade, on building an archive of women who made music in the gramophone era of the early 20th century. Although some of her work is recorded in her book Jalsa: Indian Women and their Journeys from Salon to the Studio, it did not end there. “There were several of these women, who were called Baijis, who became an integral part of the clan,” she says, “This is a subject that has the potential to keep growing. We’re only at the tip [of the iceberg].” Vidya Shah Shah spent time reading books at the British Library and its South Asian archives and libraries in India which contained accounts in Hindi and Bengali. She was most excited by personal stories preserved in the homes of the families who were associated with these musicians. Travelling and collecting these stories was important. “For instance, a lot of zamindars in Kolkata would do soirees or mehfils with the Baijis. Their families continue to live there. Then, there are some baadis [Bengali: houses] with walls full of portraits of musicians. They are frozen in time… It’s like you almost touch that world.” Odissi dancer Madhur Gupta’s work on courtesans of India in his book, Courting Hindustan, is in a similar vein. He digs deeper into the socio-economic and political conditions under which the courtesans had been creating music across centuries and the role they played in shaping the cultural history of the country. Looking at original archives, especially audio and video recordings, and research papers helped him in the process. “The real challenge was to research about courtesans of ancient India because there is no real evidence to go back to, other than the Sanskrit texts and manuscripts,” he reveals. His talk will explore the political dynamics that these women held in their time, and the effect of questions of morality, most dominantly seen in the colonial era, on them. He will portray some of their emotions through a live performance as well. ON April 26; 6 pm onwardsAT Joss, 2nd Floor, Rampart Row, 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.LOG ON TO @sarmaya_india (to register)
26 April,2024 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaRupesh Sangale, a theatre maker, recollects a memory from his childhood of watching the Nandiwalas perform. He remembers the sound of the bells, the sight of the decorated Nandi bull cut-outs, and the beating of the drum. “Nandiwala is a style of folk storytelling, a lok kala that uses art forms like puppetry, music, and dance to tell stories,” Sangale tells us. This makes it a dynamic style that calls upon its audience to participate. Children tend to find joy in it the most, possibly because it keeps up with the energy they bring to any room. Inspired by the potential of this style, Sangale decided to put together a show called Gubu Gubu with the Gillo Repertory Theatre. The play is about a hardworking and honest farmer whose landlord, Saheb, tries to exploit him. But as it unfolds, we see the farmer use his intelligence and his knowledge of the crops to escape the exploitation. When we try to prod him to find out the significance of the title, Sangale refuses to reveal. “It’s a surprise. The audience must come and experience the play to figure out,” he says. Rupesh Sangale He also promises that despite being written in Marathi, it will delight and arrest the attention of those who aren’t familiar with the language. The various elements have been arranged in a manner that makes the play interactive. “The audience is a crucial part of it at each stage. I am not the sole performer,” he adds, recognising the power of an actively engaged audience in performances such as these. At the beginning, he, therefore, plans to invite them to enter the story. “Aapko bhi mere saath kahani mein aana hi padega” (You, too, will have to step into this world and experience it with me). Observing how children respond to performances like these, he shares how it was necessary to transform monotonous narration of a story into a theatrical show. Children get excited by the various moving parts that have been included. “They are curious to know how puppets talk. They are very playful. Stories hold their attention; music and dance hold their attention,” he notes. Sangale believes that the theme will leave the kids growing up in urban environments with something to reflect on as well. “We all have some roots that go back to a rural setting, whether that is through our parents or grandparents. We must know where the food on our plate comes from,” he adds, before he returns to his rehearsals for the big day. ON April 28; 5 and 7 pmAT Prithvi House, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO bookmyshow.com COST Rs 200
25 April,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEvery now and then, I find the urge to hit the off-tread track. As a collector of quirky pop-culture prints, I stumbled upon an interesting collection from Wanemerch. Their merchandise is perfect for the ongoing election season. My pick was a design that combined two universes: the quartet of Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai, EV Periyar and Dr Ambedkar walking the road crossing made famous by The Beatles’ album cover. My voting day outfit is set. LOG ON TO wanemerch.blinkstore.in COST Rs 499
25 April,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursday Bask in poetryEvent: Savour the magic of poetry with three talented writers in Aditya Jadhav, Varsha Panikar and Saranya Subramanian for an evening of evocative verse and introspection.Time 7.30 pmAt APRE art house, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba. Log on to insider.in Cost Rs 399 Friday Photographs from the exhibition on sangeeta bari kala kendras. Pics Courtesy/Kunal Vijayakar Flourish in culturePerformance: Groove to the traditions of Lavani at a one-day festival by BSpot Productions that includes a play, photo exhibition and a Lavani workshop. Time 5 pm onwards at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu. Call 9892009357 Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 500 onwards Saturday Pic Courtesy/Instagram Sample urban history Walk: Take in the history, urban legends and stories that define the Fort district of Mumbai’s downtown neighbourhood in this weekend walk with conservation architect Mallika Kheer. It will end it with breakfast at Café Military.Time 8 am to 10.30 am Meeting point revealed upon registration Call 8591390149Cost Rs 900 Learn the green way of lifeFood: If sustainability is your thing, drop by for a one-day exhibition that brings together food and fashion sustainability and conservation.Time 11 am to 7 pmAt The Quorum Mumbai, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Free TesseracT at a performance. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Rock to the beatsMusic: A good weekend is incomplete without great music. Join metalheads as they move to the riffs of Brit alt-rock band TesseracT on the India leg of their album tour.Time 7 pm onwards At Phoenix Market City, LBS Marg, Kurla West. Log on to skillboxes.com Cost Rs 1,999 onwards Sunday Chuckles in the suburbsComedy: It might be tough to avoid a giggling bout as Siddharth Shetty opens his solo act, Phack You Avocado, in his home suburb of Mira Road. From middle-class quirks to food habits, learn about how the other side of Mumbai lives.Time 6 pm at Some Place Nice, Mira Road. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 299 Sign up for graffitiArt: As graffiti takes over the streets of Mumbai, get a taste of what it is to be a street artist with this workshop that teaches you on the art of spray painting, shaping and colours. Time 4 pm to 6 pm At Cafe Calma, The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner. Log on to troveexperiences.com Call 8262916889 Cost Rs 2,500 (paint cans included)
25 April,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOn a weekend when Mumbaikars donned their trendiest costumes to grace the popular annual superhero convention in Bandra, the scenes at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivali offered a different kind of convention in the outdoors. Like every weekend, it’s where naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, armed with cameras and bicycles as their props, gather to explore the national park. Last Sunday, we joined their ranks by signing up for a summer buggy tour that promised an introduction to four unique tourist spots inside the park. We were greeted by a group of young cyclists making their way back from a tiring trail, evident from the exhaustion on their faces. Not far away, a fleet of eight parked buggies caught our eye. As we struck up a conversation with a driver about the 2.5 km-long ride and purchased a pass (R50 per adult), the buggy started filling with tourists like us. With six passengers on board, we rolled into the main area of the park. The buggy embarks on the trip “Keep an eye out for wild animals. If it’s your lucky day, you might spot a deer,” the driver announced as we approached the half kilometer-mark on the trail. A kilometre, and no deer sightings later, we halted at the first stop — the Cat Orientation Centre. The driver showed us the way and instructed us to explore the museum and rendezvous at the entrance in 10 minutes. The two storeyed viewing gallery is dotted with life-sized replicas of wild cats made using fibre. Paired with information panels on the walls, they introduced us to lesser-known wild cats such as the Eurasian lynx and the caracal. We were drawn to an installation that presents the distinct features of a wild cat like its whiskers, paws and claws in a dissected form. What makes a wild cat’s claw different from a domesticated cat, and what exactly do those whiskers even do? Just as we begin to delve into the answers, a loud whistle echoes in the room. It was time to move out. With the short 10-minute limit, and a plethora of information to take in, having to leave the space without fully exploring it might have been a writing on the wall we missed. Young cyclists take a break from their ride at the park Back in the buggy, the driver, trained in the basic workings of the tour, briefed us about the concept of taxidermy as we navigate the smooth, winding roads inside the park. For the uninitiated, the process involves skinning a dead animal, measuring its carcass to recreate it using fibre and finally, stretching the skin over it. The results of the tedious process are displayed at the Taxidermy Centre, our second halt. A guide at the centre walked us through the various exhibits. We learned that the skins are sourced from animals who die a natural death in national parks spread across India and then worked on by Dr Santosh Gaikwad, professor of anatomy, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel. A guide within the space walked us through the collection of more than 200 exhibits, including a lion who infamously devoured an attendant and later died a natural death in the park. The walls are lined with birds ranging from sparrowhawks and the slaty-legged crake to the Indian cuckoo and peacocks. The newest addition to the collection, is a young spotted wildcat from the park. “Most visitors took a few selfies with these exhibits and left without enquiring deeper. We wished more people asked about the stories behind them,” our guide reveals, as we reached the end of the gallery. An installation of the Eurasian lynx We walked out feeling a mix of intrigue, fascination and the heebie-jeebies. The next stops — the orchidarium and a fragrance garden — would be a pleasant change of scenery, we hoped. The excitement didn’t last longer than our ride to the next spot. The driver informed us that the two spots that usually house a vibrant sea of orchids and flowers are barren during this time of the year. This was a downer since both locations were clearly mentioned in the publicity material that we referred to before signing up for this buggy trail. It was a disappointing end as we reached the drop-off point of our ride that was a few metres away. Later, we reached out to our fellow tourists for their verdict. A young consultant who was visiting the park for the first time voiced his concerns, “As a first-timer, I was a little lost at the gate and it was nice to have someone show you around. But I wish the stipulated time for viewing each spot was longer. A 10-minute exploration cannot suffice.” An older couple who’ve been regulars to the park for over a decade, echoed similar sentiments, “We wish the ride covered more areas. We were especially looking forward to the orchidarium. At best, this was a good respite from walking in the heat.” Over a short call with Shubham Hadkar, nature education officer, SGNP, we learned that the orchidarium, while open to the public throughout the year, blooms during the monsoons. He assured that both the orchidarium and the fragrance garden will be a part of the tour as soon as late May. We learned that transparent covers can be attached to either side of the buggies, allowing them to remain functional during the monsoons. Hadkar suggested an alternative for tourists visiting earlier than the blooming season — a tiger and lion safari spread across 40 hectares of land that is open all year, and offers the opportunity to spot the big cats. With the anecdote of the taxidermised lion still fresh in our mind, we deem it an adventure fit for another day and sign off. ON Tuesday to Sunday; 9 am to 5.30 pm AT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East.CALL 7020141522 (for queries) COST RS 94 (park entry fees); RS 50, (buggy pass for adults); RS 25 (kids below 12 years old) Also check out Sign up for these upcoming events for a fun exploration of the forest Bombay #Runs: Join this close-knit community of foodies and runners who will be organising a run at the park on the last Sunday of every month.ON April 28; 9.30 amMEETING POINT Arundhati Bungalow, Krishna Nagar, Borivali East.FREE Cycle to Kanheri: Pedal through the green lanes of the park with this guided cycling tour that makes a halt at the 2nd century Buddhist caves.TIME 7.15 am to 12 noon (daily)LOG ON TO treksandtrails.orgCOST Rs 699 Jambhulmal Trek: This beginner’s trek to the highest point in the national park will help you learn about unique species of plants. TIME 6.30 am to 12.30 pmLOG ON TO treksandtrails.org (dates available on request) Salim Ali Point Trail: Learn the basics of birding at this guided trail to the Salim Ali Point.ON April 28; 8 amCALL 8591318027ENTRY Rs 450 (members) Rs 550 (non-members) Buggy tour guidebook Dos:. Stick to the route demarcated for the tour and avoid venturing into unknown trails alone. Wear dull, earthy clothing and avoid wearing heavy accessories. If you feel unwell, stop at one of the many protection huts in the park. Consult a park attendant in case of unusual sightings or encounters Don’ts:. While photography is allowed, avoid using flash. Do not feed the animals; allow them to forage for it on their own. Avoid getting close to animals; it reduces the chances of sightings in the future. Do not play loud music on your phone
25 April,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleTucking into spoonfuls of aamras in Mumbai’s sweltering heat is a silver lining that’s reason enough to make summer feel a shade better. Add puris to the mix, and you have one of the most eagerly awaited dishes to indulge in. Mango fans from across the city suggest their favourite haunt to relish this addictive combo. The end result is a sweet mix of offbeat, traditional and new-old spaces. The Guide’s Top picks from around town: The Maharashtrian way Cloud kitchen Laxmi’s Puran Poli by home chef Laxmi Varma is delivering across homes in the city the Maharashtrian staple with aamras — puran poli, with a dollop of ghee.Log on to laxmispuranpoli.com (delivers in and around Navi Mumbai).Cost Rs 40 (puran poli); Rs 140 (aamras) Whiff of saffron The cloud kitchen’s special aamras is saffron-infused and comes topped with pistachios.At Good Food Concept, Worli. (delivery across the city and suburbs)Call 9820842525Cost Rs 275 (includes four puris) Playful mix Indulge in aamras made of a mix of mango varieties like alphonso, payri, Karnatak Badami and Lalbaug; all sourced from local sellers at APMC market in Navi Mumbai. The 1996-established trust in the midst of Lonavala also serves unlimited aamras puri in a thali for the die-hard mango fans.At Nina Gujarati Thali, Sancheti Lawns, opposite Kumar Resort, Lonavala.Log on to @lonavalalocalCall 9820068611 Cost Rs 280 (unlimited aamras puri in thali); Rs 250 (1 kg aamras) Rs 12 (for extra puri) Healthy, yes! This haunt is famous among fitness enthusiasts for its sugar-free aamras made with organic mangoes. The puris come in both low-oil and phulka varieties.At Dr Amit’s Kitchen, Flavourzy, shop No 4, Ishwar Bhavan Building, Khadilkar Road, Girgaon.Log on to @dramit_kitchen Cost 9820959869 Nostalgic treatThis 73-year-old restaurant right across Girgaon Chowpatty has been serving its good old aamras-puri since its inception in 1951. It prides in continuing to serve the same quality of aamras to family members who are generations apart.At Crystal, near Wilson College, across Girgaon Chowpatty.Cost R125 (for aamras); Rs 25 (for puri)Call 23692482 Spice it upThis one is loved for its in-house signature blend which adds a spicy twist to the otherwise sweet and crispy delicacy.At Metkut, Ghantali Mandir, Thane West. Call 9819433423 Also check out >>Surti, Bhuleshwar Road, Marine Lines East.Cost R125 (includes 5 pieces of puri and aamras) >> Golden Star Thali, Charni Road (take-away only). Cost R295 (300 ml aamras; 5 puris) >> Sujata Upahar Gruha, Thakurdwar, Girgaon.Cost R115 onwards (additional cost for signature fresh mango ice cream) >> Delhi Highway, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.Cost R549 onwards (for unlimited mango thali which include two mango desserts) >> Tewaris, Borivali; Sion. Call 9022335386 >>Manbhavan Premium Thali, Vasai. Call 9890821999 >> Aaswad Upahar and Mithaigriha, Gadkari Chowk, Dadar West.Call 24451876 >> The Soul Kitchen By Mihika (for a mango meal for two) Cost R1,200 (delivery across the city and suburbs) Call 9967317275 >> Khavayye, Majiwada, Thane West.Call 2235547155
24 April,2024 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiSari not sorry, whispered Rakul Preet Singh’s recent appearance in a blush-hued linen sari, which the actor effortlessly paired with a sleeveless white cotton blouse. And, as paradoxical as it may seem, her look spelled summer in so many ways. “That’s the thing with saris — they can lend themselves to a variety of looks, seasons, styles, aesthetics and moods. It all comes down to picking the right one and styling it right,” shares fashion designer Vaishnavi Sagwekar. She breaks down a few parameters to ace that summery sari look. Keep it natural A lightweight chiffon sari, as worn by Sara Ali Khan, makes for an easy-breezy look The best fabrics for the season are cotton and linen, or blends of these fibres. For dressier occasions, you can opt for chiffon or crushed chiffon for a breezy vibe. To create visually interesting looks, she recommends experimenting with colour and texture. “Summer lends itself beautifully to colourful looks. While whites and pastels are evergreen favourites, if your sari is in a lighter fabric, you can opt for darker hues such as purple or wine,” Sagwekar elaborates. Half-sari coolth Fashion designer Vaishali Sagwekar wears a half-sari drape Comfort should be your top priority, especially if you are wearing your sari to work and want to stay cool and chic all day long. Here, you can replace a traditional fitted blouse with a slightly boxy crop top, tee, kurta or even a shirt. If you must wear a blouse, Sagwekar recommends sleeveless designs made of cotton. “A drape that works really well for the summer is the South Indian half-sari. This comprises a sari draped as a skirt, which is paired with a blouse and a slightly longer dupatta that can be draped as a pallu. This style allows you to move freely, is much more breathable than a regular sari drape, and is quite fuss-free,” she adds. Lightweight, high style Replace your blouse with a crop top to stay cool. Add simple accessories like bangles to elevate your look When it comes to accessories, minimal gold and silver pieces score over chunkier, more elaborate styles in the summer months. If you are feeling experimental, beaded or fabric jewellery in floral designs can be an excellent way to breathe a little bohemian flair into your sari ensemble. “When accessorising, focus your attention to one part of your body — for instance, you can skip earrings if you’re wearing a statement necklace. A simple way to add interest, layers and movement to your sari look is with bangles,” Sagwekar signs off.
24 April,2024 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
