A ventriloquist, a freelance marriage officiant and a housewife walk into a bar. Lucky for the bartender, they’re all the same person, and they’re only there for the stage. Seema Golchha, a 52-year-old Mumbai-born comedian, picked up her first puppets in her 40s to entertain children in her family. After shifting base beyond Indian borders and globe-trotting with her fleet of talking puppets, she’s rolling up her sleeves for a comeback in the city tomorrow. “I had no plans to become a ventriloquist when I married into a joint family. After moving to Nepal, I used sock puppets one day to put the five or six kids in my family to bed. They loved it; so did I,” Golchha recalls. Her first public show in 2011 was no child’s play. A 70-member-strong audience had their eyes glued to the stage. “I was petrified. ‘What on earth was a housewife doing on stage?’ I thought to myself. But the jokes landed well and I realised this was my calling,” she reveals. In all fairness, we think some credit is due to Jack Denials, the furry blue puppet with a bit of an attitude problem, who took stage with Golchha. “I’ve always had to choose my words mindfully at home. But I had an outspoken side to me. Through Jack, I say all the things that you’d never catch me saying out loud,” she laughs. Jack might be a snob, a motormouth, a brat; but certainly not a fairweather friend. Nearly 14 years after their first rodeo, he’ll join Golchha once again on stage tomorrow. Seema Golchha (right) officiates a wedding with her puppet, Granny Over the years, watching and learning from ventriloquism legends like Jeff Dunham and Ramdas Padhye, Golchha has crafted some lovable characters. They were so adored, that a Dutch-Norwegian expat couple in Nepal once invited them to their wedding. “I was shocked when the groom-to-be asked me if my puppet, Granny, would officiate their wedding. The couple had no family in the country and found Granny to be a comforting presence. Sure enough, Granny pronounced them man and wife on their big day,” Golchha chuckles. In what sounds like one of our worst fears coming true, Golchha believes the puppets have a life and consciousness of their own. “What I write and what the puppets actually say on stage are often poles apart. It’s almost like they’re sentient beings,” she says, adding, “They improvise, cover up for me, and sometimes even surprise me.” At the risk of getting told off by a silly blue puppet, we ask to speak to Jack to substantiate these tall claims. Hi, Jack. How have you been?” we ask. “Never begin a conversation with ‘Hi, Jack’ if you’re on a plane. You might get thrown out,” he quips. “You’re a man of many words. But I’m sure you struggle with certain pronunciations,” we try to get even. “The F word. But Seema says it all the time,” Jack outs his master. The puppet is a sharp character. We suggest he parts ways to pursue a solo career. “Ssshhh... It’s on my checklist,” he whispers. “But you can’t exist without me!” Seema interjects. “And you, without me,” comes the retort. We seem to have hit a nerve. Hopefully, the duo sorts it out. They have a show to put on tonight. ON May 23; 7 pm AT Broadway Blues, Todi Mills Compound, Lower Parel.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499
23 May,2025 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSky full of stars Spot planets and observe constellations and celestial objects before the monsoon clouds cover the sky in the last full night stargazing party session by Stargazing Mumbai.ON May 24; 6.30 pm (registration)AT Stargazing Mumbai observation site, Mahuli, Asangaon. LOG ON TO stargazingmumbai.inENTRY Rs 1999 Groove and learn Pic courtesy/Chaosstartshere on Instagram Spin the decks and learn about crafting theme songs for TV cartoons and jingles in this beginner’s workshop by city-based DJ Vijay Phulwadhwa.ON May 25; 11 am to 2 pmAT Snickerdoodle Coffeeworks, Rambaug, Kalyan. LOG ON TO @community_kaarkhanaENTRY Rs 500 Climb on! Pic courtesy/Mumbaimovementacademy on Instagram Join a beginner-friendly rock climbing experience to learn essential climbing techniques including various hand and foot holds.ON May 25; 4 pm to 6 pmAT Mumbai Movement Academy, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West.LOG ON TO troveexperiences.inENTRY Rs 2000
23 May,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFor those who cannot go through the day without multiple cups of caffeine to fuel up their system, the residual brown stains on tabletops and desks are a nightmare. While the popular choice for coasters leans towards Indian folk art or simple plain ones, this writer recently found herself being drawn to fun, pop culture-themed wooden coasters at this online store. From cute illustrations of popular characters including Captain America, Jon Snow and Dwight Schrute, to historical figures like William Shakespeare and famous memes — the options are functional, pretty and humourous. While we have ordered a set of four coasters, you can also buy them in packs of six and 10, to add some quirk to your living space. LOG ON TO livingwaters.co.inCOST Rs 175
23 May,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaBe it the English, the Portuguese or the French, European colonists made an indelible mark in the evolution of the food Indians eat today. The Portuguese, in particular, have major contributions to Indian food along the West coast. They introduced the potato, cauliflower, okra, pineapple, papaya, cashew nut and tomato; these ingredients now form an intrinsic part of the cuisines of various Indian communities. Mumbai (with Bassein or Vasai, as the main port) experienced several changes under their rule, and the East Indian community is a living testament to history, preserving centuries’-old traditions while adapting to the modern world. Himalayan trout chinchoni. PICS COURTESY/MICHAEL SWAMY Often referred to as the original inhabitants of the cluster of Bombay’s islands, the community had access to local produce as well as imports. Since Vasai was a major trading port, it welcomed Arab, Greek, Persian and Roman traders. Over time, East Indians of this region were introduced to Portuguese cooking techniques and ingredients. The cuisine continues to survive and thrive today, thanks to several chefs and caterers who call the many East Indian (erstwhile) villages in Mumbai their home. Bombay masala arancini Chefs Michael Swamy and Altamsh Patel will offer a modern representation of Indo-Portuguese cooking with Saudade and Spice: East Indian Food Memories, a three-day pop-up at Hilton Mumbai International Airport. Swamy, who is also a food and travel photographer, and food stylist, has authored books including The East Indian Kitchen. He is inspired and powered by the many recipes of his grandmother Ethel Da Silva, an East Indian who married a Goan. Crumb fried lamb chops The menu includes dishes such as khimad, a rustic spiced gin drink; risoles or pastry filled with mushroom and vegetables or prawns; coastal green masala smoked prawns, and breads such as fugias and chitaps among other dishes. There are many options for vegetarians too. “The menu includes bhujing, where smoked chicken is grilled on a tandoor and served with a biryani made from poha. This dish has a rich history to it as it was food for mill workers. My favourite is Bandra lamb chops,” reveals Swamy. This preparation is made with bottle masala-rubbed Australian lamb chops, served over pearl barley in a coastal green masala mix. A view of Matharpacady village, a quaint East Indian neighbourhood in Mazgaon. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi ON May 23 and 24, 7.30 pm onwards (dinner); May 25, 12 noon to 4 pm (brunch) At Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Sahar, Andheri East. CALL 8373919503COST Rs 3500 onwards (dinner); Rs 4000 onwards (brunch)
23 May,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora SabhnaniNumismatics is a hobby for most people, but for Sanjay Joshi, it’s a full-time obsession. Joshi, an ex-deputy manager at the Bank of Maharashtra, converted his hobby into an educational programme for people. His upcoming exhibition, Glimpses of the World, will take you on a journey to different countries, as there is a story behind each exhibit. A stamp from Guyana depicting Lord Krishna celebrating Holi The collections are arranged according to the names of the countries in alphabetical order and colour-coded, making it easier for visitors to understand. Joshi explains, “I have arranged the collection alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. In total, I will be displaying more than a thousand exhibits at the showcase.” Triangular two dollar coins of Cook Islands, a dependency of New Zealand. Pics courtesy/Sanjay Joshi One of the key attractions is mythology-depicting stamps. He shares, “I have a stamp of Lord Krishna playing Holi with the gopis. The stamp was issued by Guyana in South America. The Czech Republic also had a stamp where you can see Lord Shiva with Parvati and Ganesha. Indonesia, a country with a majority Muslim population, also has a stamp of lord Ganpati.” Visitors view Joshi’s collection at a previous exhibition He adds, “Another key attraction of my exhibition is the polymer or plastic notes of more than 70 countries. I also have bimetallic coins from over 80 countries in my collection. Most currency notes are horizontally printed, but I have a few special notes that are vertically printed. The exhibition will showcase coins that are coloured, which is a new concept started by Canada. I have an extremely rare stamp from USA that depicts their former President Abraham Lincoln without his beard.” Sanjay Joshi Every exhibit sourced by Joshi required hard work, and had stories behind them. He recalls an anecdote of how he was lucky enough to acquire a rare note from Ethiopia, “This one time, I had an exhibition in Kalyan. A man approached me and asked if I had a collection from Ethiopia, so I showed him. He pointed out that I didn’t have a note of King Haile Selassie I. He returned after a while and handed me the note. The story was that his father was working in Ethiopia and had passed away recently. He, too, when studying there, met with the king. The rare note was found in his father’s bag.” ON May 24 and 25; 10 am to 7 pm AT Matushri Velbai Sabhagruha, Chandawarkar Road, Matunga (CR), Matunga East.
23 May,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiThursdayThe wonderful world of alchemy Sign up your children for Potions, powders and gold, a workshop by Nutty Scientists, where they will learn how ancient art inspired modern chemistry.TIME 11.30 am to 1 pmAT Baobab tree area, Children’s Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda. E-MAIL events@csmvs.inENTRY Museum entry ticket applicable FridayMarathi melodies Pic Courtesy/Instagram Listen to Marathi ghazals at Sobaticha Karar.TIME 7 pmAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 500 SaturdayFlick o’ clock A still from Under the Boardwalk. Pic Courtesy/Paramount movies on Youtube Attend a screening of the animated musical comedy, Under the Boardwalk. TIME 11 am onwardsAT Dosti House, US Consulate General, Bandra Kurla Complex. SundayLaugh till you drop Catch stand-up comedian Abhishek Upmanyu (below) unleash fresh jokes at his show, Toxic.TIME 8 pmAT Lata Mangeshkar NatyaGruha Auditorium, Mira Road East. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2,499
22 May,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen the rains drenched Mumbai’s streets earlier this week, they might have also washed away many Mumbaikars’ daydreams of enjoying a calm, scenic monsoon in the city. While the rain gods are still in a mood, the wisest decision this monsoon, we believe, is to head straight to God’s own country. Earlier this month, this writer spent a weekend at an arts and crafts village tucked in Kerala’s Kotakkal town that has all the makings of a perfect rainy day retreat. Visitors at a live pottery session in the village Spread across 20 acres in Iringal village, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is home to local artisans practising age-old art forms in its spacious premises facing the calm backwaters of the Kuttiyadi river. Only a few of these practices will survive the test of time, we’re told. We’re right in time. Wandering in hallways marked by laterite walls, carved pillars and sloped terracotta roofs above us, we’re greeted by a young man beaming with joy, as if he’d seen an old friend in us. We’ve never met, but that doesn’t seem to matter around here. The young man is Arun AK, a speech and hearing impaired terracotta artist from Maniyur. He invites us into his workshop, one of the many that dot the village. Arun AK works on a hornbill sculpture. PICS/DEVASHISH KAMBLE (right) Sundaresan Payyanur’s recreation of St Angelo Fort Church, Kannur Inside, Arun is working on a life-sized model of a hornbill, surrounded by completed models of many more wild creatures. He’s most excited about the shiny rooster; it won him a State Award in 2021. In his outdoor warehouse, we spot an intricately carved terracotta Ganesha idol. If we had a tinge of trust in our airlines, it’d make for a timely gift to take home, given that our city has only recently imposed a ban on Plaster of Paris idols. Arun AK’s clay rooster won him the Kerala State Award Arun is not the only artist turning a new page at the village. Managed by Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), a workers’ cooperative that was established in 1925 to uplift unemployed youth from the margins, nearly 60 artisans call the village home. “It wasn’t easy to convince these artists who were scattered all around Kerala to leave their hometowns and converge here. We sat down with them and explained how wider exposure will only help them thrive,” reveals Rajesh TK, senior general manager, Sargaalaya. Wood carver Sundaresan Payyanur, for instance, is content that his works now sell well enough to not worry about his household expenses. His piece de resistance is a detailed recreation of the St Angels Fort Church in Kannur. Next door, artist Rineesh NM’s Kerala mural showcase is an oasis of colours. A painting portraying Lord Krishna in a scene from the Mahabharata is hung right across a glass encased piece depicting The Last Supper. A subtle reminder that we’re still in Kerala. Rineesh NM’s Kerala Mural-style depiction of The Last Supper While we settle down for a chat with handloom weaver NC Ayappan, our fellow visitors seem to have realised the village is not just an art haven, but a shopper’s paradise too. Huts selling bamboo mats, hemp handbags, wooden toys and upcycled jewelry pull them in. Others are drawn in by the aroma of local delicacies that are ready to be served alongside Kerala-style sadhya at the establishment’s cafeteria. But Ayappan isn’t bothered. The frail 80-year-old is quietly working his ancestral handloom, weaving cora grass mats. ”This is all I have. I won’t stop until my body gives in,” he smiles. NC Ayappan works his handloom Over a chat with ULCCS chairman Remeshan Palery later, over piping hot pazhampori (banana fritters), we learn of the co-operative’s principles. “You cannot negate the importance of finances in today’s age. But at the end of the day, it is people, honest ones at that, which can cause change. Sargaalaya stands as a testament to that belief,” he shares. Remeshan Palery and Rajesh TK On the drive back, we do the mental math behind possibly building such a village in Mumbai. Our driver briefly pauses the dancey Mollywood tune playing on the radio to tell us about the new six-lane main road we’re almost gliding on. “Does Mumbai have even bigger, smoother roads, sir?” he enquires. We know better than to lie in God’s Own Country. NEED TO KNOWAT Sargaalaya, Vadakara, Kotakkal, Iringal, Kerala. HOW TO REACHArrive in Kannur via direct flight from Mumbai. Take Thalassery - Irikkur Road to NH 66. Follow NH 66 to Kottakkal Road in Iringal. Kannur is also well-connected by Indian Railways-run train routes. TO BOOK A VISIT sargaalaya.in; ulccsltd.com Around Iringal Head to these attractions to explore beyond Sargaalaya Kunjali Marakkar MuseumThis museum in Payyoli, nearly two kilometres from Iringal stands in memory of the Marakkar naval warriors of the 16th Century.AT Payyoli, Kotakkal.TIME 9 am to 5 am Kolavi BeachSpanning four kilometres, this pristine beach is dubbed Turtle Beach by locals for its occasional Olive Ridley sightings.AT Kolavipalam Road, Iringal.
22 May,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOne of the signs of growing older is noticing decor improvements when you visit friends. So, the catchy guitar-clock at my friend’s new 2BHK did not escape my attention. Upon prodding, he shared that it was bought on The June Shop. Rustic, bright, and creative in design, it is a nod to his musical passion. The clock has now found itself on my decor list for June. LOG ON TO thejuneshop.comCOST Rs 1,899
22 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMagical fireflies Experience the seasonal spectacle of firefly-spotting at a one-night camp in Sandhan Valley by Adventure Geek. Enjoy bonfires and delicious meals at the camp. ON Every Saturday till June 14; 10 am MEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National ParkLOG ON TO adventuregeek.inCALL 9004675388COST Rs 2,799 (transportation and food) Rooftop camping Rooftop camping at Wai, Mahabaleshwar Pic Courtesy/Sunny’s camp a van Make new friends at an expert-curated two-day stay in a unique rooftop tent at Wai, Mahabaleshwar, organised by Sunny’s Camp A Van. TILL June 5; 8 am MEETING POINT Hiranandani Lawns, PowaiLOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 4,000 onwards (transportation from the meeting point, rooftop tent and bedding) Escape the chaos A beachside camping at Alibaug. Pic Courtesy/Bhatakna Tours Away from the city’s noise, embrace the serene beauty of Alibaug with Bhatakna Tours by signing up for their upcoming camp. ON Every Saturday till June 7; 3 pm MEETING POINT Mandwa Jetty parking lot LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 1,399 (accomodation and food) Heights of calm This one-night camp offers a surreal view of Prabalmachi. ON May 23 onwards; 2 pmMEETING POINT Chandu Halwai, Dadar West. CALL 9987282746COST Rs 1,599 (transportation and food)
22 May,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIt’s bold. It’s dramatic. And it works just as well on both men and women. It’s not the ubiquitous suits we’re talking about but rather a dandy hair trend that was spotted time and again at the Met Gala. The style in question is kiss curls — a retro revival that is equal parts versatile, sleek and chic. Henry Golding sports a chic kiss curl hairdo. Pic courtesy/Henry Golding on Instagram (right) Taraji P Henson in tinted curls. Pic courtesy/Checkthetag on Instagram “Kiss curls can be traced back to the flapper style, when big-ticket stars, including Josephine Baker styled their hair with a single statement curl at the top of the forehead. The curls are bold, dramatic and spiral, and lay flat against the cheek or the forehead. They weave together baby hairs and sideburns, creating dramatic swoops that ‘kiss’ the face, giving rise to their name,” shares celebrity hair stylist Drishya Bhagyanath. Dua Lipa experiments with multiple curls. PIC COURTESY/DUA LIPA ON INSTAGRAM (right) Ayo Edebiri flaunts a large kiss curl. Pic courtesy/Ayodebiri Make it yours This style works with both curly and straight hair, although it is typically paired with slicked-back looks. To start, separate a small section of hair at the front of your head and saturate it with a high-hold gel. Wrap this section into a curl, using either your finger or a tail comb, and carefully lay down the curl against your forehead. You could also use a hairdryer with a diffuser to ensure that the curl holds its shape. Once the curl has dried, set it with a medium-hold hairspray. You could further define the curl by compressing it with a flatiron or using a curling iron. Drishya Bhagyanath Experiment with style For people with straight hair, a small curling tong would be most effective to create a sculpted curl. Section the hair and separate the section you wish to curl. The rest of the hair can be tied into a sleek bun or a ponytail. Apply a heat styling product or curl cream to protect the hair you wish to curl. Count to 10 while curling it to achieve a tighter curl. The curls can be brushed out for a softer look. For those with wavy or curly hair, create a kiss curl by wrapping a strand of hair around your finger and pinning it. Use a curl cream for even more definition, Bhagyanath clarifies. You could either wear one large kiss curl like Ayo Edebiri or frame your face with multiple curls like Dua Lipa or Sydney Sweeney. For an edgier look, tint the curls with a different hue or add sparkle gel for an unexpected twist.
22 May,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulHow did you miss it, man?” is the gentle question coming across the phone. Rahul daCunha sounds a touch disappointed that yours truly gave the recent nostalgia of the Guns N’ Roses concert in Mumbai a miss. Hard not to be nostalgic when we are talking about the two-decade-old play that forms the basis for his upcoming film this week, Pune Highway. “It [2004] was a very different time. People had the time, energy and interest in true culture. It meant writing in all areas. Film, advertisements, cinema and theatre,” says daCunha, also a columnist with the Sunday edition of this paper. Having founded RAGE Productions in 1992 with Rajit Kapur and Shernaz Patel, daCunha was well on his way as a mainstay of the English theatre scene in Mumbai then. The early inroads It was also an era before quick flights. The completion of the Mumbai Pune Expressway in 2002 meant that travel between the two major metropolises was faster. This writer is old enough to remember the tinge of fear when relatives would take the new highway at night. It was the kernel to daCunha’s idea. Rajit Kapur and Bhargava Krishna (left) in moments from the play. Pic Courtesy/Rahul daCunha “Early in drama school, I learned to use the news for snippets of ideas. I remember reading about miscreants who’d lay a sack of rocks by the highway to look like a body, and rob people. One of these stories was about three boys, who were out on a trip. It stayed with me,” daCunha reveals. A co-writer on the film, Bhargava ‘Bugs’ Krishna was still in recovery in 2003. “I had just come out of hospital after a pulmonary embolism caused by severe diabetes, and years of overworking myself. So, I had taken a couple of months to recover when Rahul reached out about the play. People warned me not to go back on stage for I might die. But Rahul was adamant that this might help me live. And I did it,” Krishna reveals. Friendships on stage The first reading took place at Rachana Sansad in Prabhadevi. But rehearsals were often nomadic. “I remember we even travelled to Pune to get the flavour. We stayed in this downmarket hotel room for a few days,” daCunha laughs. “Lodge,” Krishna corrects as we mention it, “There is a sense of claustrophobia in the play. Amid the tension of the cops and the ganglord, there was also this very threatening waiter — not in the film — wonderfully played by Shankar Sachdev.” Rahul daCunha It was these friendships that made the adventure enjoyable. “I always used to wonder why [Martin] Scorsese worked with Robert DeNiro or Leonardo DiCaprio? It is comfort. I know exactly what they [Rajit/Bugs] can do,” daCunha shares. “Remember, we were still working in advertising. Every day after work, post 6 pm, we would show up somewhere to rehearse. Theatre was our social life,” Krishna adds. Back then, you could have found them at Ankur in Fort. “Or at On Toes, when around Prithvi Theatre. I used to be a big foodie in those days,” he recalls. Two decades on After 150 shows in the early 2000s, the duo finally turned their play into a film. “For what was essentially a Bombay story, I never expected it to travel to Germany, Holland, Seoul, Washington — nine cities. I suppose they all found that friendship familiar. It is the same familiarity we were looking for when I cast Anuvab Pal, Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh,” daCunha shares. As a millennial, one definitely recognises the flavour, like a sip of Goldspot in the summer. On: May 23At: Screens across the city
21 May,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
