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Nature trail to music concert, explore these activities in Mumbai this weekend
ThursdayDil mango more Tuck into a mango-inspired menu at this patisserie’s curation that includes mango-topped waffles and mango falooda. TIME 12.30 pm to 10.30 pmAT La Farine Patisserie and Café, Sadguru Tower, Sector 19, Kharghar. CALL 9869053023 FridayStart on a high The view from the summit. PIC COURTESY/SGNP Walk into the weekend in the company of nature enthusiasts at Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s Jambhulmal Trail. Considered the highest point in the forest’s walkable area, the summit offers a panoramic view of the mighty jungle.TIME 6.45 amMEETING POINT Cycle stand, SGNP, Borivali East. CALL 7738778789ENTRY Rs 1,000 SaturdayShake a leg A moment from a previous bachata session. Pic Courtesy/ZOHRA MALIK ON INSTAGRAM Slip into your dancing shoes and head to a Dominican bachata instructional session for beginners by choreographers Kevin Rebello and Zohra Malik. The session includes an introduction to the dance style’s roots in Central America.TIME 7 pmAT Time To Dance Academy, Bhabola Chulna Road, Suyog Nagar, Vasai West.LOG ON TO @ttda_latinENTRY Revealed on request Sing along Alejandro Manzano of Boyce Avenue in performance. PIC COURTESY/Fear Nothing Visuals Popular American cover band Boyce Avenue will be in town for a classic pop throwback. The YouTube-famous boy band will bring cover songs and their biggest acoustic hits to their debut performance in India.TIME 7 pm AT Phoenix Palladium, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 1,500 onwards SundayShibori shenanigans A Shibori dyed t-shirt. PIC COURTESY/HUE COAST Learn the traditional Japanese Shibori dyeing technique.TIME 11 amAT Starbucks, Nazir Wadi, Juhu. LOG ON TO @huecoast ENTRY Rs 1,500 Gymnastics 101 A child learns the ropes. PIC COURTESY/GO FIGURE FITNESS Leap into the world of gymnastics at this training session curated for kids. TIME 11.30 amAT Go Figure Fitness, Vidya Nagari, Kalina. LOG ON TO @gofigurefitnessindiaENTRY Revealed on request
10 April,2025 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Team Guide Recommends: Mumbai musings
It is true that the wonders of this beautiful chaotic city never cease, especially for inquisitive folks like us who arrived on its inspiring shores. The Kala Ghoda precinct in SoBo is an area where this writer spent many Sundays discovering Mumbai’s art and history. And as a sweet keepsake of all those lovely days, we got ourselves a Kala Ghoda print notebook from a city-themed e-platform. They have a variety of Mumbai-inspired objects like candles, tumblers and cups that can make for cute gift options also. Log on to: bombaygothic.com
10 April,2025 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
This pop-up in Mumbai reimagines Indian iterations of cacao
Last mango season, chef Gokul Kumar aka Goku hosted a pop-up celebrating the fruit — leaf, wood, seed, blossom and all — across nine courses. This year, he focuses on cacao with Uncharted Terroir with Chef Goku at Magazine St. Kitchen, in association with Patricia Cosma and the Indian Craft Chocolate Festival, in collaboration with craft chocolate producers nationwide. A cacao pod. PICS COURTESY/GOKUL KUMAR “Indian cacao has long been overlooked globally and at home,” he says. “Most farms, some over four generations old, have grown for big brands, with little focus on quality or craft. The farmers I met in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, are hesitant to shift — but awareness is the first step. There’s a market now. It’s time we tap into it.” Meanwhile, global cacao is facing a crisis. Prices are soaring due to crop failures in West Africa — where most of the world’s supply comes from — driven by climate change, ageing trees, and disease. And yet, India’s potential remains largely untapped. This dinner is his way of changing the narrative. “Most chefs I know, including myself at one point, still default to Belgian chocolate. But Indian cacao offers incredible nuance, depth, and character. We haven’t explored it enough.” A single cocoa pod takes months of work to grow, harvest, and process. This menu traces its journey through every hand it touches — from farmer to forest to plate — giving Indian cacao the spotlight it long deserves. The Guide’s top 5 picks from the tasting menu Bread and butter: The first course is a nod to the chef’s personal journey — gluten-intolerant and passionate about sourdough. Featuring bread made with superior quality wheat from Punjab, the course includes chocolate sourdough using Manam’s Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) single-origin cacao. It’s paired with a vegan cherry-cacao butter that lets the subtle acidity of cacao butter shine — a playful, plant-based take on black forest flavours. Yelakki Cheese board: The cheese course is a thoughtful play on classic pairings. Collaborating with Chennai-based cheesemaker Namrata Sundaresan, the chef presents a kokum and cacao nib–rubbed Manchego aged for depth and complexity. Served with guava compote on a filled pastry, it pays homage to South American traditions while subtly referencing the Spanish conquest — tracing cacao’s journey from indigenous hands to European tables. Ghana dreams: One of the most poignant courses on the menu is a soup rooted in resilience. Inspired by African cacao farmers who, with little means and unfair wages, created a nourishing dish from leftover cacao pods and leaves, it speaks to struggle and ingenuity. The chef refines this humble, grainy, intensely flavourful recipe just enough for the plate — without stripping away its soul. It’s a tribute to the hands that grow cacao, and a reminder of the recognition they deserve. Gokul Kumar Mayan way: This course dives into cacao’s origin story through a traditional Oaxacan mole. Known as the land of seven moles, Oaxaca has long celebrated this rich, layered sauce — once made without chocolate, onion, or garlic. Only after the Spanish conquest did sweetened cacao find its way into mole, changing it forever. Much like sambar varies across Indian homes; mole is profoundly personal and complex. This dish reflects cacao’s transformation across cultures and time — a story of adaptation, survival, and the quiet power of food to carry history. Yelakki: The final course is a playful ode to elaki — the tiny, sweet banana from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. At first glance, it looks like a banana, but it’s entirely made of chocolate, filled with a banana-rum mousse. It also features cupuaçu, a Brazilian cousin of cacao with a coconut-like shell and rich, tangy notes. Shared by a friend from Brazil, it adds a unique twist to this dish. This dessert is all about surprise and nostalgia — a familiar flavour reimagined to end the meal with a sense of wonder. A reminder that cacao, like stories, can take many forms. ON April 11 and 12; 7.30 pm to 10.30 pmAT Magazine St. Kitchen, Byculla. COST '3,750 (exclusive of taxes)CALL 9987897207 (to book a slot)
10 April,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi
Lavani is all about shringar and abhinaya: Shakuntalabai Nagarkar
For years, the art form of Lavani has been looked down upon, often unfairly. For a folk-art form that traces its roots to the 18th Century, it still has a niche audience. Shakuntalabai Nagarkar has sought to change it over the last five decades. Growing up in the Bhatu Kolhati community, Nagarkar learned from her mother, Chhabu Bai Nagarkar, who stepped on to the stage. “It was not an easy world back then. There were struggles, but the art form was enmeshed in village life,” she recalls over a phone call from Pune. (From left) Chandrakant Lakhe, Pushpa Satarkar and Gita Waikar at a performance of Love & Lavani. Pics Courtesy/Kunal Vijayakar The Punekar will helm workshops at Bandra and Juhu venues as part of the Lavani Week. “It is not an easy dance form. But the girls today are skilled and quick to learn,” the veteran remarks. The workshops, co-hosted by theatremaker Bhushan Korgaonkar, are also a sign of the changing perception of the art. “Even women looked down upon lavani performances. But slowly, artistes like Surekha Punekar and myself, among others changed that,” she adds. A glimpse of their lives, and art will also be on display as part of a vibrant photo exhibition. Silk and steel For Nagarkar, the stage was always going to be her world. She had grown up learning the songs, and watching performances. “My mother insisted I learn Kathak to strengthen my footwork. I remember learning it to understand the movement,” she reveals. Her first performance was in 1971 at Parli Vaijnath in the Beed district. “The audience was perceptive. Tamasha and Lavani were the only forms of entertainment. There was no cinema going culture then,” the Sangeet Natak Akademi-awardee recalls. A frame from the photo exhibition Much later, she would join the New Hanuman Theatre Troupe in Lalbaug. “I have watched performances at Shivaji Park, in the Pila Haus [PlayHouse theatres of Kamathipura] in Grant Road. Even in Mumbai, the audience understood and encouraged the art; the sangeet and the taal,” Nagarkar explains. “We insisted on Baithaki Lavani [a form of Lavani that involve a focus on expression and music] rather than the other controversial forms.” This did not always bode well. “You learn to deal with it,” Nagarkar laughs, reminiscing over times when the audience would correct their movements. “I would simply turn to them and say, ‘Why don’t you show me?’, and sometimes they would. We would watch, and say amongst ourselves, ‘That’s actually not bad,” she reveals, with her signature sass. Skill and style Over centuries, Lavani has evolved into many forms such as Shringarik Lavani [expressive dance], Padachi Lavani [performed as a theatrical performance], Nirguni Lavani [a philosophical performance], and Baithaki Lavani. In recent years, it has acquired an interest across genders, and sparked scholastic studies too. However, it still relies on artistes with skill and charm. The latter is Nagarkar’s forte. At 65, she retains the seamless ability to transform into a playful, flirtatious muse the moment she steps onto stage in full regalia. “Lavani is all about shringar and abhinaya [beauty and expression]. I have watched, and been spellbound by Lavani artistes who never moved around the stage. They could cast a spell with just their eyes.” This ‘adaa’, Nagarkar explains, is more important than any technical move. “You may look beautiful, but if you lack adaa, what is the point of that beauty? This is the little nuance I try to teach anyone who wishes to learn,” she smiles. ON April 12 and 13, 10 am (BKC); April 17, (Juhu), 7 pm AT NMACC, BKC; Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. LOG ON TO nmacc.com; prithvitheatre.org CALL 9892009357 Cost Rs 600 (for workshop) Lavani in the city Rang Birangi Lavani (Dynamic modern stories told in Lavani form) ON April 11; 7.30 pmAT NMACC, BKC. Lavani photo exhibitionON April 17 (all day)AT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. Lavani ke Rang(A show about the world of Lavani dancers)ON April 17; 5 pmAT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu. Love & Lavani(A musical on the life of artiste Shabana Ashturkar)ON April 17; 8 pmAT Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.
10 April,2025 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
This art and literature festival in Mumbai celebrates marginalised voices
The Samashti Art and Literature Festival was built on the ideologies of iconic figures like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar and Namdeo Dhasal. Now in its eighth edition, the two-day festival will organise a range of events, including poetry readings, music concerts, film screenings, as well as an art exhibition and a nature walk. Dr Swapnil Dhasal, nephew of poet Namdeo Dhasal, and president, Dalit Panther says, “The festival represents the convergence of artistic rebellion and societal ideals, a beacon of progressive art and culture. Celebrating humanitarian literature and revolutionary artistic expressions, it’s a platform fostering traditional values merged with contemporary creativity. In 2025, we aim to amplify this legacy of social change through art.” Artwork showcased at the festival He adds that the festival champions the underprivileged, offering a stage for marginalised talents. “With a focus on poetry, one-act plays, music, and interdisciplinary collaborations, it empowers overlooked artists and challenges elitist structures.” Vaibhav Chhaya, founder and president of the festival says, “Today, as we navigate the nuanced terrains of cultural politics, the festival has emerged as a pivotal force — catalysing the careers of hundreds of artists and writers from hitherto ignored geographies and identities.” Dr Rewat Kaninde, secretary, Samashti Foundation, adds, “This festival celebrates Padma Shri Namdeo Dhasal’s path and highlights art and literature of India untouched.” This year, the festival is on the occasion of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jayanti. Mayura Saavi, an independent journalist and part of the organising team, says, “The event open with a performance of Halgi, a folk instrument, played by Shahir Charan Jadhav, alongside community representatives from historically stigmatised identities, across caste, gender, disability, and sexuality — reclaiming public spaces and breaking social stigma.” Shyamal Garud and Mukta Dabholkar Mukta Dabholkar will speak about the journey of Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti. She says, “It’s a platform built by the youth who are related to various social movements. It’s important for the younger generation to have secular spaces where they can express their opinions about the society.” The show will also honour literary icons like Javed Akhtar, Dnyanesh Maharao, Dr Shyamal Garud and Dr Amol Deolekar. Dr Garud, says, “It’s an honour for me to win an award named after Dhasal — a well-known name in the Marathi literature and the Ambedkarite movement.” ON April 11 and 12; 11 am to 10 pm AT Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Natyagruha, Byculla East.
10 April,2025 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti
Know more about Parsi-Zoroastrian culture at this exhibition in Mumbai
The Parsi Community of Mumbai played an important role in developing this city. Centuries ago, the community found a safe space in India when they escaped from the religious persecution in Persia. Since then, they have become an integral part of this country. Frohar Foundation welcomes enthusiasts to learn more about the Parsi-Zoroastrian culture and community through the exhibition, The Zoroastrian Saga. From history to religious activities and entertainment, the exhibition aims to offer a learning experience about the community. Ed Dr Cyrus Dastoor. Pics Courtesy/Frohar Foundation and Er Dr Cyrus Dastoor The three-day event, being held for the first time since 2019, will exhibit 3D models of a Parsi agiary as well as heritage structures built by the community. Ervad Dr Cyrus Dastoor, managing trustee, Frohar Foundation, shares about the exhibition, “There will be literature on the Iranian kings, including Cyrus the Great’s charter of human rights. We will exhibit a replica of a Parsi agiary, which will be the main attraction. There will be the sacred bull that will also be on display. All this will be showcased at the exhibition. There will also be entertainment programmes in the evening, including a Gaara embroidery design competition, music and antakshari, followed by Parsi devotional songs.” Ancient Zoroastrian coins from the Parthian Dynasty Dastoor talks about the main programme of the event, “We will also have a programme on inter-religious dialogue, which will be attended by religious leaders across faiths. They will speak on the subject ‘the concept of God in my religion’, which will be followed by audience interaction.” A 3D model of an agiary (fire temple) at the exhibition ON April 11; 6.30 pm (inauguration); April 12 and 13, 11.30 am to 8.30 pmAT Palamkote Hall, Dadar Parsi Colony, Dadar East.
09 April,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team
Mumbai Comic Con 2025: All you need to know about the pop culture festival
It’s that time of the year when you might just spot Aladdin hanging out of a fast local to Bandra, Superman stuck in Mumbai’s traffic jams, or Harley Quinn fixing her make-up in the rear-view mirror of an autorickshaw next to you. The Mumbai Comic Con’s upcoming 12th edition this weekend is all this cosplay craze, and more. From fan interactions with international comic creators to desi comics taking the centerstage with relatable stories, we pick our favourite features from this season’s line-up. On April 12 and 13; 11 am onwardsAt Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex. Log on to district.inEntry Rs 899 onwards Comic books calling >> Panel power: If you love web comics, there is no way you haven’t already come across Sumit Kumar’s Bakarmax’s comic strips floating on the Internet. From socio-political issues to slice of life Indian stories, know more about what goes behind the creation of the popular panels that have the readers laughing out loud. A panel from Corporat Comics by Shubham Khurana. Pic courtesy/Corporatcomics on Instagram >> Desk jokes: If you have ever chuckled at satirical takes on corporate culture by Shubham Khurana’s Corporat Comics, here’s your chance to catch the creator live, and know more about his exciting upcoming projects. A panel from Happy Fluff by Akshara Ashok. Pic courtesy/Happyfluff Comics on Instagram >> Beyond the laughs: From body image issues, to patriarchy, Akshara Ashok’s comic series, Happy Fluff, is as relevant as it is interesting. Don’t forget to get yourself and your girl gang a copy while you are there. Feel the thrill >> Anime mania: Step inside an island-style laboratory and interact with themed props or join a fight against the monstrous Kaiju from the anime series One Piece in an interactive new game. End the day by striking a pose with the glambot, and take home a digital keepsake at the Crunchyroll zone. The Crunchyroll zone will feature a One Piece egghead-style laboratory. Pic courtesy/Crunchyroll >> Whole new world: Get transported to the world of classic movie series like Jurassic World and How To Train Your Dragon at the Universal Studios experiential centre. Take home some adventurous clicks from the photo booths and interactive zones. >> Game on! Don a VR headset and unleash your inner gamer at the Nodwin gaming zone. Compete with your friends in booths featuring sports games, professional racing simulation and a large scale community league in the popular first-person-shooter video game Battlegrounds Mobile India. All eyes on the stage Tejas Menon and Dinkar Dwivedi of Geek Fruit in performance. PIC COURTESY/GEEKFRUITHQ ON INSTAGRAM >> It takes three: There are pop culture geeks and then, there’s Geek Fruit, the musical trio that prides itself in being unabashed nerds. Join musicians Tejas Menon, Jishnu Guha and Dinkar Dwivedi for a deep-dive into video games, comic books, movie discussions and theories. Come prepared to sing along to a few classic theme songs.ON April 12; 5.45 pm AT Main stage Spiderpunk, the cosplay contest (movie category) winner from 2024 >> Cosplay magic: What’s a comic convention without a showdown of the quirkiest costumes? Expect the usual suspects like Superman and Batman, anime favourites like Monkey D Luffy and video game heroes like Lieutenant Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley at the MCC Cosplay Contest and India Championship of Cosplay qualifiers. Even if you’re not taking the stage, come dressed in your best suit.ON April 12 and 13; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Main stage Sahil Shah and Rohan Joshi on-stage Comic kaun? Trust comedians and self-confessed pop culture junkies Sahil Shah and Rohan Joshi bring their unpopular opinions on your favourite comics to the stage. Franchise loyalists, don’t forget, these are just jokes; hilarious ones at that.ON April 12; 4 pm AT Main stage Hall of fame Jim Zub with his comics Catch these special talks by the international artistes behind your favourite comics Hiroaki Hirata and Kappei Yamaguchi >> Piece of Japan: One Piece fans, you don’t want to miss this. The Straw Hat Pirates are coming to town with Kappei Yamaguchi, the voice behind the sword wielding Usopp aka God Usopp, and Hiroaki Hirata, the voice of Sanji, the chivalrous smooth operator. Witness a live voice-over demonstration by the duo, followed by a discussion of the craft. ON April 12; 5 pm AT Main stage >> Conan decoded: Step into the savage world of Conan The Barbarian (above) with Canadian artist and writer Jim Zub, known for bringing the Cimmerian warrior to life. Zub will sit down for a chat about the blood, sweat and ink that goes behind the gripping tales.ON April 13; 2.45 pm AT Main stage Rob DenBleyker >> Just for laughs: If you dig dark humour, there’s a good chance you have chuckled at a Rob DenBleyker comic at some point. The creator of the Cyanide & Happiness comics will decipher his signature satire-meets-cynicism style humour for fans.ON April 12; 2.30 pm AT Main stage
09 April,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Divyasha Panda
Picasso's death anniversary: Mumbai's art world dives into what makes him unique
First among equals Pablo Picasso is possibly the most important artist of the 20th Century not just for his incredible talent but also for the art movement he launched with his Les Demoiselles d’Avignon in 1907. Cubism was a singular movement that revolutionised modern art and had a sweeping impact all over the world, including in India. His great work was Guernica, painted in 1937, and it brought home the horrors and violence of war in such an impactful way that its resonances are felt even today. This was the first time an artist was not glorifying death, or war, but showing us the reality of pain, loss and suffering.Anand Singh, MD and CEO, DAG Central to 20th Century art Picasso deconstructed the way perspective was used by fusing multiple perspectives in a singular plane. Hence yes, his legendary reputation is warranted. But also, he was very good at marketing himself. I particularly love Guernica (1937). Mural de Guernica (1937). Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons, Musee National Picasso, Paris It powerfully articulates the horrors of war. Created in response to the Nazi bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, it serves as a monumental anti-war statement. Executed as a large scale black, grey, and white work, the absence of colour heightens the sense of anguish.Prerna Jain, gallery director, APRE Art House A radical at the wheels At an age when everyone was focusing on musculature, sinews and anatomy, Picasso came up with Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907). It shocked the audience of that time. The Weeping Woman (1937) is a work with such complexity and emotion. You can see the emotional outpouring of the woman and her grief, and yet, Picasso manages to evoke those emotions by adding more rectangles, lines and cubes to it. Another example is the Bull’s Head (1942) made from a cycle seat and its handlebars. It is absolute minimalism. You know, people often say ‘Oh, I could have made this at home.’ But few can dare to put it out there. His ventures made him radical, since he dared to do it first.Arzan Khambatta, sculptor Life of a rockstar Nusch Eluard (1937). Pic Courtesy/Instagram I am just as interested in the lives of artists of that era as I am their art. However, life and art cross lines quite a lot — like their relationships. Picasso was a friend of the French poet, Paul Éluard and his second wife, Nusch. Before marrying Nusch, Paul was married to Gala, who divorced him and married [Salvador] Dali, all of whom were friends. Of these four friends, Picasso only painted Nusch (three times). She was a model, but his style didn’t require beauty for its execution. The choice probably is not that deep; he was said to be a womaniser after all.Sahil Arora, founder, Method Art Gallery Get your Picasso bug Pic Courtesy/franklywearing.com >> Wear the artistNothing says rebel like wearing a self-portrait of Picasso before his Cubist phase. This one is for true connoisseurs.LOG ON TO franklywearing.comCOST Rs 799 onwards Pic Courtesy/Tallenge.com >> Guernican coffeeFill up on your brew with a mug inscribed with the iconic masterpiece on the Spanish Civil War.LOG ON TO tallengestore.comCOST Rs 472 >> A rare curationIf you are looking for something different from usual, this forum offers a replica poster of Flex Part II — an unorthodox monochrome work that captures Picasso’s cubist evolutionLOG ON TO dessineart.comCOST Rs 800 onwards >> Picasso for homeIf you’d like to add his art to your home décor, head over to this Andheri space.AT Artevenue, Unit 21, Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri West. CALL 9611503626LOG ON TO artevenue.com
08 April,2025 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Love art? Indulge in this interactive game night to learn more about paintings
Understanding the nuances of art can be tricky but it can be an easier experience if the approach is an immersive and interactive affair. At Artcade Night to be held at Chemould CoLab later this week, you can learn about artworks by giving your visit a board game spin with a series of interactive games that will help you to understand the paintings in a fun way. Participants playing the card-based game, Queer Gods Abhishek Lamba, a game designer who co-created the board game, Shasn Azadi, and the host for the event, talks about his inspiration to add the game element into art galleries, “As a game designer I realised that game-ifying the space, designing games around art, making games around the exhibit, might make the people feel closer to the art.” Anybody keen to understand art better can sign up. They add, “I moved to Bombay and since then I am trying to take this game design skill set and bring this game-ification to different spaces. Artcade night was born out of that. I loved going to the art galleries but I always felt that visiting an art gallery was always a passive experience. I was keen to turn the gallery into a space that can be alive and that can help foster the spirit of creation.” A deck of cards elaborates the details of the queer mythology in the game. Pics courtesy/Abhishek Lamba Lamba explains the process, “It’s a 90 to 120-minute-long show where I will have spent some time in the art gallery already and have created games that will make you feel closer to the exhibit.” Neehara Kothapally, gallery associate at Chemould CoLab, says, “At Chemould CoLab, we love hosting events and workshops that respond to the ongoing exhibition and bring art enthusiasts together. So when Lamba approached us with the idea, we were immediately intrigued by the concept of blending game design and art to create a unique experience.” Abhishek Lamba Ahalya Rajendran, an artist from Kerala whose exhibit The Spaces Between, will be at the centre for the occasion, says, “Combining an exhibition of paintings about childhood days and memories with interactive games in the same space could create a unique and engaging experience for visitors.” ON April 11; 7 pmAT Chemould CoLab, second floor, flat no 8, Sugra Manzil, BEST Marg, Colaba.LOG ON TO @chemouldcolab (to register)COST Rs 499
08 April,2025 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti
Immerse in this workshop in Mumbai that focuses on drag art through stories
Before RuPaul’s Drag Race became all the rage on television, an early instance of drag in literature harks back to William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It, where the quick-witted Rosalind disguises herself as Ganymede, a male shepherd to indirectly woo her beloved, Orlando and cleverly guide his affections towards her. While it was normal for actors in Shakespearean theatre to cross-dress for their roles, one cannot deny theatre’s role in providing a safe space to explore one’s gender identity and expression — drag being one of the most bold, liberating and vivacious ways to do it on stage. Gurleen Arora aka The Mermellian This weekend, Gay Gaze Bombay is conducting Once upon a drag, a workshop by co-founder of the organisation and drag and theatre artist Gurleen Arora aka The Mermellian, that will take people through the techniques of drag performance. “While I have done quite a few storytelling workshops in the past, this is the first time I am doing one which is focused on the concept of drag performance. I will refer to songs, poetry and theatrical techniques to guide the workshop,” Arora shares. With fairy tales and folklore as running theme, the two-day workshop will allow people to put their own spin on characters from existing canon. “Folklore and fairy tales are these magical spaces that offer you a chance to step outside your comfort zone and get into a character you have designed for yourself. It is a powerful method of owning your identity,” they explain. Arora interacts with participants during a previous workshop. Pic courtesy/HARLEEN CHATHA Even though drag is mostly perceived as a very glamorous form of stage performance Arora tells us how it is an equally liberating space for people of the LGBTQiA+ community as well as questioning folks and even cisgender-heterosexual individuals to explore their gender expression. “Drag gives you the room to play around with your gender identity and explore the spectrum. Even the mere act of standing on stage, and wearing a certain kind of footwear can make a huge difference on how someone feels about their body. At the end of the day, it is also a community art form that is extremely empowering,” Arora shares, while also dropping a tidbit about a coronation ceremony at the end of the workshop. And with that it seems like the picture of fantasy is fully complete. ON April 12 and 13; 12 pm to 4 pmAT Veranda Bandra, Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @thegaygazebombayCOST Rs 2,000 (for both the days)
08 April,2025 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
Ballet goes rogue: Love sneakerinas? Here's how you can style it this summer
Remember the time when you had to choose between sporty and coquette-chic when figuring out your aesthetic (and vibe)? Perhaps a reminder that, in some ways at least, women can have it all, that conversation is no longer relevant — and for that, we have ballet sneakers to thank, a beautiful hybrid that meshes together the dainty femininity of ballerinas and the tough comfort of sneakers. Invest in a pair that matches your style and wardrobe Endorsed by none other than Bella Hadid and Chloë Sevigny, this mash-up has proved to be polarising and has tended to appeal more to fashion risk-takers than everyday fashionistas. But, as stylish Disha Selarka points out, that doesn’t have to be the case. Disha Selarka “This style is a balance of sporty and feminine, and the right pair balances both traits without one overpowering the other. Picking the right piece can make these shoes effortless to style,” she explains. The shoes also come in platform heel variants. Pic courtesy/Kelly Harrington on Instagram Keep it simple The key to making sneakerinas work for you is to let them do the work for your outfit. By that, Selarka means letting the shoes be the star of your show. The easiest way to wear them, therefore, is with an athleisure look, where the shoes add a hint of feminine flair. Or, you could turn the trend around on its head and wear them with a floaty summer dress to let the sneaker-half of the shoes add a little ruggedness. Dua Lipa dons a pair of buckled ballet flats. Pic Courtesy/Dua Lipa on Instagram Or more wear from your sneakerinas, opt for a minimal design that pairs well with business-casual blazers, starched button-downs or even pencil skirts. The shoes also come in a chunky platform version, which work the best with baby doll dresses — think of them as replacing your platform heels, but stick to a minimal colour palette (preferably neutrals) to keep your look from seeming too busy. For those of us who can’t be bothered with the discomfort of stiletto heels for a night out in town, a metallic pair of sneakerinas can be an effortless halfway point between comfort and style. One of the easiest ways to style a sneakerina is to pair it with athleisure fits. Pic courtesy/Vivaia official on Instagram Meet it mid-way If you’re as yet reluctant to dip your feet into the chaotic world of sneakerinas, Selarka offers Mary Janes or buckled ballet flats that offer a similar but pared down aesthetic. “Another easy way to mimic this trend is by simply swapping out the laces of your favourite pair of sneakers with satin ribbons. For a night out, you could use neon ribbons for a fun fashion moment,” she says. When it comes to socks, a no-show pair is ideal to let the sneakerinas stand out. Picking the right pair can greatly elevate your style. Pic courtesy/Carolina Marr on Instagram Or, lean into the other extreme and wear a knee-high pair, especially with softer short dresses. “A good pair of sneakerinas can be an investment; so make sure you only invest in a pair if it matches the rest of your wardrobe and is something you can see yourself wearing on the regular. If you already have a sporty wardrobe, a more feminine pair could be the only pick-me-up your looks need this summer,” she signs off.
08 April,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul