Keen to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to a peaceful space for a mind and body recharge? Situated one and a half hours away from Mumbai, the Art Village, located in the Sahyadri Valley offers a beautiful experience of monsoon while nestled within nature. “Believing in the motto of being sustainable while giving back to the society in a cultural and artistic sense, the entire village has been created using earth-building technology and recycled materials. By offering complementary art-based activities such as weaving, pottery, sound therapy or painting sessions based on the artists’ availability, we aim to offer a unique and enriching experience to our guests,” shared Ganga Kadakia, founder, Art Village Karjat. Visitors can stay in cosy air-conditioned cottages, engage in underwater music swimming, take a long stroll at their organic farm, enjoy a relaxed read at their spacious lounges and have their fill at their farm-to-table café. Kadakia promises an engaging stay with artistic activities and a peaceful vibe, all within the comfort of nature. Log on to www.artvillage.co (for bookings)
27 August,2025 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Rhea VargheseMalaika Arora is at it again — the 51-year-old has created yet another fitness challenge that has predictably gone viral on social media. This time, she shared a video of herself attempting a headstand with the help of an instructor and finally nailing the admittedly challenging yoga pose after a few failed trials. In addition to making for a really cool photo or video, a headstand also offers several benefits to your body — from building upper body strength, to improving balance and control, to boosting circulation and flexibility. Ease the flow Before you attempt to recreate the pose on your yoga mat, in the comfort of your home, it helps to pay heed to Juhu-based wellness yoga instructor Rashika Chellwani’s observations. “The headstand, or Sirsasana (or Shirsasana), is often called the king of yoga poses. But it’s not a pose to attempt casually. (From left) Place your palms on the ground, Kick up one leg at a time with support from the wall and Carefully assume the headstand pose in a controlled movement. PICS COURTESY/RASHIKA CHELLWANI To ace it, you need more than just upper body strength — it’s a full-body effort where your arms, shoulders, core, and even your legs play an equal and important role in achieving balance. Preparatory poses such as the plank and forearm plank help strengthen the upper body and core, while squats, sumo squats, and glute exercises support the lower body,” she explains. She also notes that the Surya Namaskar is an excellent full-body workout: 12 rounds a day can build both strength and stamina. Slow and steady As a first step, Chellwani suggests spending some time strengthening your wrists with wall drills. Place your palms firmly on the floor and kick up one leg at a time, while using the wall for support. “Remember, a headstand is not just about strength. It’s also about mind-body coordination. Adding pranayama techniques like deep breathing, Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari can sharpen focus and calm the mind, making your practice safer and more grounded,” she advises. Rashika Chellwani However, she also recommends avoiding the pose if you have neck, spine or blood pressure issues. “Never rush into a headstand without warming up. Always practise under guidance at first, ideally using a wall for support until you gain confidence. A safe headstand is one that’s entered into with control and awareness, not speed. Patience and consistency are your best allies,” she concludes.
27 August,2025 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThere are days when we instinctively feel out of place in our own body and mind; making us feel disconnected with our own selves. This is where Yumiko Yoshioka steps in with her Body Resonance workshop that strives to re-establish the connection through Butoh. With roots tracing back to late 1950s Japan, Butoh is a diverse form of theatre and dance involving a performer in white body makeup channelling the depth of their emotions using slow, dramatic body movements. Born in Tokyo, and based in Berlin since 1988, Yoshioka came up with Body Resonance, a series of body movements incorporating characteristics of Butoh, combined with Yoga, Noguchi Taiso gymnastics and Tai Chi, to name a few. These techniques allow one to use their body to embrace vibrations and sensations guided by the universe. Yoshioka performs Before The Dawn. Pic Courtesy/Bea Jun “After participating in various political movements as a university student, I reached a stage of burnout and decided to do something to enrich my soul. One day, I came across a flyer, requesting for Butoh dancers, and even though I was inexperienced, it felt like a calling, and since then my life has never been the same,” shared Yoshioka. The versatile dancer and choreographer, who has visited India four times in the past, made her fifth and recent visit to Auroville, Tamil Nadu. She conducted her first Body Resonance workshop in the country during her visit from August 10 to 16. The seven-day session showcased various techniques to its participants who felt liberated and in control of their body and mind. Participants perform bodywork exercises at Yumiko Yoshioka’s workshop in Auroville. Pics courtesy/Yuvasri, Yatra Arts Media Her upcoming workshop at UsPaar, Alibaug, a space for artistes to interact with like-minded people, will involve a range of exercises and techniques for performers and non-performers alike to reconnect with themselves. “From making waves, to rotation exercises, and forming the number eight using their bodies, these techniques will help open passages to release unnecessary tension, freeing their bodies to make space for creative energies while seeking inspiration to be able to dance openly,” explains Yoshioka. She is keen that participants discover their uniqueness amidst a sea of commonalities. “I hope people will not only find the workshop fun and enjoyable but invoke curiosity within themselves. They should come up with their own ways to dance and experience wholeness like never before.” On August 29 to 31; 10 am onwardsAt UsPaar, Kashid, AlibaugCall 8580464578 (WhatsApp for registration)Entry Rs 15,000 (includes meals and accommodation)
27 August,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Rhea VargheseGod knows where all the modaks have been disappearing from the Shree Siddhi Sai Ganpati pandal in Borivli this year. Actually, he doesn’t. The fictional case of Bappa’s stolen modaks becomes the foundation of forensic psychologist Krupa Nishar’s one-day pop-up at the 32-year-old pandal at Borivli’s Vazira. A stall, cordoned off with crime scene tape, will put devotees in the shoes of a detective. The premise is simple: Ganesha and his brother Kartikeya lock horns in a friendly face-off. Ganesha emerges victorious and bags a sweet modak reward from mother Parvati. All was good, until one night, a box of modaks vanished without a trace. Participants examine the scene at Nishar’s forensic psychology pop-up. PICS COURTESY/KRUPA NISHAR “The collaboration might sound unusual, but it’s important. For many of us who grew up watching television, the idea of a detective begins and ends with shows like CID and Crime Patrol. My aim is to debunk myths about real-life crime solving and sensitise participants to the challenges faced by the courts, police, prisoners, psychologists and families affected by a crime,” Nishar adds. The expert has conducted multiple workshops across the country before making her way to the suburb this weekend. Kartik Gada, a junior member of the mandal, remembers playing detective at Nishar’s workshop in Andheri earlier this year. “I always wanted to bring the experience to more people. Ganeshotsav seemed like the perfect time,” he shares. In its 33rd year now, the mandal comprises a small group of five housing societies in the neighbourhood, who chip in towards a simple eco-friendly celebration every year. A set of clues from the case So, what really happens at a forensic psychology pop-up? From a simple spot-the-difference task where participants closely observe pictures of Ganesha’s room from the day of the theft, to more complex tasks including QR codes and memory maps, the case reaches conclusion in approximately 10 minutes, Nishar informs. “One of the segments requires you to memorise emergency numbers like 1098, the national child helpline and 112, the ambulance helpline. These numbers are as important as the more widely-recognised 100 code,” she reminds us. Nishar knows that the faithful come in all ages in this city that loves Bappa. All staff members, we learn, are trained in sensitisation and child-friendly language to filter out terms such as murder and death that might make the children uncomfortable. “The games are easy and don’t rely heavily on mythology, making it suitable for players of all ages. Children have often told me they feel like police and CID officers after the sessions,” she chuckles. Krupa Nishar We ask for a handy pro tip from the expert before we sign off; lest we’re caught off guard when the modak menace reaches our neighbourhood. “Things are seldom as simple as they seem. While hard evidence is vital, tapping into the psyche and carefully profiling all individuals connected to the case can open a world of clues and new suspects,” she reminds us. So, were you anywhere near Vazira in Borivli this past week? ON August 31; 5 pm to 7 pmAT Shree Siddhi Sai Sarvajanik Ganpati Mandal, opposite Ganesha Hospital, Vazira, Borivli West.LOG ON TO @officialkrupa.nisharEMAIL nisharkrupa.kn@gmail.com (to book a pop-up) All for Ganesha From modak options to sketching workshops, take your pick to get into the festive mood PIC COURTESY/BOMBAY SWEET SHOP Modak maniaIndulge in imaginative variations like Chocolate Hazelnut Modak and Puran Poli Modak. If you’ve been asked to watch your sweet count this season, we suggest the Maha Modak (above), a massive modak stuffed with ladoos and gujiyas.AT Bombay Sweet Shop, Bandra, Kala Ghoda, Oshiwara. LOG ON TO bombaysweetshop.com Take the cakeChoose from the Ganpati Cake (right) inspired by festive elements, or the bite-sized Ganpati cupcakes adorned with toppings like hibiscus flowers, fruits and paan.AT Toujours, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @toujoursmumbai Keep it classicDon’t fix what ain’t broken, they say. Get your hands on Panshikar & Co.’s signature mawa, kaju, pista or ukadiche modaks that have been mainstays at traditional celebrations for more than a century.AT Panshikar & Co., Girgaon, Dadar, Vile Parle, Ghatkopar.CALL 9819817330 (Girgaon) PIC COURTESY/TOUJOURS Sculpted with loveLearn how to build a Ganpati idol from scratch from a clay modeling expert. Take home your creation and celebrate Bappa’s arrival with joy.ON August 27 to September 7 TIME 1 pm onwardsAT Brew Haus Cafe, Cross Road, Opposite JaiGopal Industries, Dadar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 899 onwards Wall of graceLearn the traditional folk art of Kutch’s Lippan Kaam at House of Hand’s workshop and create Bappa-inspired wall hangings. ON August 30; 1 pm onwardsAT Pret A Manger, Infiniti Mall, New Link Road, Andheri West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 999 onwards Art of devotionJoin Suburban Sketchers, a Mumbai-based artist group at Bal Vikas Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal and unleash your creativity on canvas by sketching and painting Bappa in all its glory. ON August 28; 9 am onwardsAT Bal Vikas Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Hari Om Nagar, Borivli West. LOG ON TO @suburban.sketchersmumbai Compiled by Devashish Kamble and Rhea Varghese
27 August,2025 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThere’s a certain enchantment that comes with reading an interview where a celebrated modern-day author-poet is in conversation with a literary legend. It’s intimate, magical and insightful, all at the same time. Soliloquies by Adil Jussawalla is the first title in a series under Thayil Editions (HarperCollins India), a new imprint that is an attempt to consume and discover (or rediscover) the body of work of handpicked talent across India’s literary landscape. Jeet Thayil’s brainchild, the first in the series, kicks off in fine style with a tribute to Mumbai’s literary icon. It includes a rare selection of poems that Jussawalla wrote as part of a play, Jian, when he was barely 18-years-old. The palm-sized book contains his poetry, and a freewheeling interview by Thayil, packaged in pop art-meets-psychedelic design. There are delightful insights into Jussawalla’s childhood, his trysts and conflicts with his academic decisions, his personal life, and his return to the city of his birth. Adil and Katia in London, 1968/69. PIC COURTESY/VERONIK JUSSAWALLA The interaction reads less like an interview and more like a conversation. “I was struck by how frank and unpretentious Adil’s replies were to my questions. Some of the topics were personal, topics he has never addressed on record. It’s the viewpoint of a poet looking back on a life well-lived in literature, a poet with nothing to lose and nothing to prove. Throughout the interview, a wicked and self-deprecating sense of humour is in evidence,” reveals Thayil, adding, “For me, for all these reasons, the interview is as valuable as the poetry. It is an overview of a remarkable life, in which history is a constant, and cultural history, a bonus. For Indian poets, of whichever age and language, it holds an important lesson — not in the writing of poetry (which can’t be taught), but in how one can live as a poet.” View from Veronik’s bed-sit on Campden Hill Road, London W8, April 1968; AA School of Architecture, London, 1957. PICS COURTESY/ ADIL JUSSAWALLA Jussawalla also recalls a vibrant poet community in 1970s and ’80s Bombay. “Our conversation about this particularity hasn’t changed much over the decades. Bombay’s literary scene has stayed much the same since the seventies and eighties, at least in the important ways. While there are more avenues to publication than ever before — for example, independent presses like Poetrywala, Copper Coin and Red River, not to mention Instagram and Facebook, where you can publish if you are so inclined. While there are more publishers, it doesn’t make poetry any less precarious as a vocation.” The cover art by Bonita Vaz Shimray, HarperCollins India’s art director keeps the writer front and centre while bold and cutting-edge in appeal. Over five years, the imprint will publish 20 titles that marry text with photographs, sketches, and visual interventions Citing Jussawalla’s challenges, Thayil offers a reality check about a poet’s existence. “There is no literary culture, where books are reviewed in a meaningful way. There are no prizes for emerging poets. Poets are rarely offered life-saving teaching gigs. The road is as long and winding as it ever was. Of course, in a way this is as it should be. The lack of money and accolades for poetry is a way of separating chaff from grain. You need a will of iron and a very thick skin to continue into a poetic middle and old age. And even when you make it to old age, the rewards are uncertain, often non-existent. It is nothing short of a national shame that Adil was often unsure as to who would publish his next book, and that he has lived with that uncertainty for much of his life.” The book is smartly priced keeping in mind younger readers and writers. “They are the ones who may be most interested in the question of whether it’s possible to live a life in poetry,” feels Jeet Thayil. PIC COURTESY/NINAN JOSEPH Dharini Bhaskar, associate publisher, Literary, HarperCollins India, who has collaborated with Thayil for this imprint, is excited about this series, “This curation is fearless, experimental, privileges the written word, and also celebrates the book as an artifact. It is an important contribution to the world of literature; the kind that would survive the test of time. He was clear about the format and the writers he wished to approach. We had to begin with Adil Jussawalla, one of India’s most significant writers; the piece he wrote sets the tone for much that is to follow.” Second on the list is Buku Sarkar, who presents poems and spectacular images; next is Kamal Trilok Singh, whose raw and visceral short fiction demands to be read aloud, and finally, Karthika Nair, with her poems that include an entire ecosystem. Bhaskar believes that discerning readers, possibly familiar with writings by some of these names, are in for a treat. “What makes a writer a writer is that s/he surprises. We believe we know what we can expect from Jussawalla or Nair — but do we really? Jussawalla’s Soliloquies, for example, was written when he was barely 18; when he was grasping for the numinous. It is unlike anything else in his body of work, and until it was published as part of Thayil Editions, it remained an undiscovered gem. So, too, with the other writers who have offered something that startles, defies expectations, and reminds the reader that this is what art is all about — breaking the rules.” Dharini Bhaskar Thayil reminds us that Jussawalla wrote Soliloquies as part of a play called Jian, and was his first-ever long-form writing. “It was rejected by the writers and publishers he sent it to. Luckily for us, he didn’t throw away the manuscript. The fact that parts of the play are now available to the general reader is a life lesson. Keep the faith. Believe in your work. At some point, the world will catch up: an invaluable insight for all readers and writers,” he signs off. Log on to: harpercollins.co.inCost: Rs 399 In his own words Face the fact: “My first nickname, when my father’s mother saw me with that distorted face, was Quasimodo, which didn’t go down well with my mother. Eventually, the top of my head flattened out, but I can’t help the long face.” School canvas: “Later, my writings in the compositions we were assigned at Cathedral School began to be noticed by some teachers. I used to get good marks, but I never felt I would write as a career or vocation. It was just that I liked shaping things with paints and pencils and crayons, and I liked shaping things with words.” Nissim and Adil: “While I was in Bombay, I’d meet Nissim Ezekiel. He lived in a paying guest apartment nearby, at Warden Road. I showed him the manuscript of poems I’d written. He said he’d just been published by P Lal, and would send the manuscript to him. Lal accepted it and that’s how Land’s End, published by Lal’s Writers Workshop, came about.”
26 August,2025 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezAt 74, superstar Rajinikanth is showing no signs of slowing down. In addition to breaking box-office records with his releases, the actor is now taking over phone screens with his viral workout video that highlighted his commitment to fitness and, particularly, to regular strength-training workouts. It is a commitment that is being echoed by many seniors across the city, who are waking up to the importance of preserving muscle and on functional fitness in their later years. Strength in their 70s For Mulund resident and corporate trainer Aruna Mookhey, the decision to add a gym routine to her yoga practice was an awakening that dawned on her only a year ago. “For the longest time, I would steer myself and others away from the gym believing that lifting weights will make your body stiff. That changed when I met one of my coaching clients, a nutritionist, who advised me about the importance of preserving my strength. I decided to appoint a trainer and took up strength training at the age of 74. If I could go back in time, I would have begun this practice much earlier,” she explains. Mala Mansukhani performs a shoulder press and (right) aerial yoga. PICS COURTESY/MALA MANSUKHANI In addition to helping her physically, she claims that growing stronger also had mental benefits. “It gave me a lot of clarity and fortitude. I recently participated in a five-day bootcamp in Bengaluru, and successfully completed strenuous exercises, which even I didn’t think I could get through, Today, I alternate between strength training and yoga, to sharpen both my mental and physical gains,” she adds. Exercise scientist Benafsha Gazdar adds that the importance of strength training, especially for women, cannot be overstated. “But it’s also important to add mobility training to improve balance, as seniors can be prone to falls,” she notes. Getting it right In his viral video, Rajinikanth demonstrates key upper and lower-body exercises, including squats and an inclined dumbbell press. Gazdar maintains that given the higher risk of injury, especially for seniors who don’t have much of an exercise background, working out in a controlled environment under the supervision of a trainer is a must. “Form becomes especially important for seniors as injuries can be very hard to heal,” she explains. If you’ve never exercised before, walking is a great way to start, she adds: “It is a low-impact activity, and gets people into the habit of moving.” Mala Mansukhani, a 66-year-old Chembur-based fashion designer who runs Grow Younger, a non-profit community focusing on fitness programs for individuals above the age of 50, maintains that group exercises can offer vital mental stimulation and serve as an outlet for socialising, especially for seniors struggling with loneliness and the empty nester syndrome. “We have sessions covering a wide range of activities such as storytelling, dance, meditation, yoga and Zumba. Many of our members are accustomed to very sedentary lifestyles, but being in the presence of encouraging peers helps them to take the first step towards getting active,” she narrates. Mansukhani took up fitness at a later age herself, but quickly realised the tremendous benefits — she went on to run her first marathon when she was 47. Benafsha Gazdar At 50, she climbed Kalsubai Peak in the Sahyadris. And at 60, she successfully completed the Mumbai Marathon. Today, her fitness routine includes meditation, yoga, movement classes, strength training, tennis and, more recently, pickleball. Starting out slow For those relatively new to the world of fitness, Gazdar recommends simpler at-home routines including free-hand squats (a sit-to-stand, using a chair is a simple starting point), glute bridges and leg extensions. “Although they may seem quite minimal, we’ve seen seniors who have started out with these exercises going on to participate in powerlifting competitions,” she marvels. Beyond the physical strength, the added benefit of taking up a strength routine is what she calls a ‘feel good factor’ for individuals who struggle with becoming dependent on a helper or a family member for their basic functioning. Aruna Mookhey at the gym. PICS COURTESY/ARUNA MOOKHEY Emphasising on the idea of preventative fitness, she highlights that many seniors globally have begun taking judo-inspired lessons that teach them to “fall safely”. The lessons are taught by qualified judo coaches who teach participants safe falling techniques based on the principles of the martial art. Lessons such as these not only help seniors get over the fear of falls but also minimises injuries resulting from falls. “Seniors are increasingly demanding more from life and realising that life doesn’t necessarily slow down when they grow older. This is motivating them to change their mindset about fitness and incorporate routines that enable them to work, travel and even enjoy time with their grandchildren more effortlessly, concludes Mansukhani.
26 August,2025 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulLearn to co-exist My father began feeding strays around my society in Kalyan back in 2020. It was when one of the dogs picked up a contagious disease, that we realised how few resources there were in the neighbourhood. As a Law student, I have been observing the ongoing issue with care. I think it comes down to a lack of empathy. Regular vaccination of strays can mitigate the risk of diseases. Pics Courteys/Tanishi Masand Sadly, people view them [strays] as separate from their own societies. Dogs are territorial by nature, so to move them to a faraway shelter complicates matters further. Lack of information and awareness also fans the mistrust further. Tanishi Masand, animal feeder, founder of Paw Diaries, Kalyan Education is key I grew up around animals, and fed them out of passion and love. There has been a change in perception in recent years. People have begun to view indies as ‘dirty’, and want them off the streets in front of their homes. These animals were born, and grew up in these lanes much before we arrived. It always amazes me that indies recognise intent in people, almost instinctively. Moreover, they are part of a natural ecosystem — from preventing the explosion of rodent population to guarding against strangers. The issues stem from a lack of empathy and awareness. But I understand that it cannot be at the cost of human lives. This is where animal lovers have to step in as facilitators and become educators. Vijay Mohanani, founder, Bombay Animal Rights NGO Teach empathy My journey to building the Pawfriend’s QR Code started five years ago when a neighbourhood indie I was feeding went missing. I spent a few weeks in anxiety. Dogs are territorial, but they are vulnerable and terrified when they are lost. The clashes with street dogs often happen because of such incidents. I created the QR Code because it allowed us to track and keep an eye on our indies’ safely, while building a database of the number and species. In fact, Article 51 A (g) of the Constitution states that it is a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to protect, improve and be compassionate to the natural environment. This includes stray dogs, in your neighbourhood. We have to collectively teach young children the need for empathy towards animals, and also inculcate a love for nature. It is important to teach them the right ways to interact with the animals, and befriend them. Akshay Ridlan, founder, Pawfriend.in Stray animals are our responsibility We have been running a pet ambulance service in Mumbai for the last 20 years. It has been a family enterprise in that way. Caring for the animals, trees, birds and rivers around us is the responsibility of the citizen, and thereby, the government. As human beings, we are animal lovers by nature. I Call them my babies because of their nature. It does not take much to care for an animal. They are simple creatures, but they can be far more loyal than us. Over the years, I have never faced an issue with them. They always recognise when you are offering to help them. Rahul Pandurang Pashupathe, Trimurti Paws ambulance service Conduct regular outreach programmes The issue is a complex one and requires study. The control of population, and their aggression is down to the lack of inoculation and sterilisation. Unfortunately, that has not been happening on a regular basis, and the onus has come on to the animal lovers. A practical solution is for feeders and animal lovers to build a rapport with your Municipal Corporation, or local representatives. Roshan Pathak, animal rights advisor, PAL Foundation Solutions from the ground An indie enjoys its meal 1 If you wish to help, pick a regular feeding time. Once the dogs grow familiar, they will calm down and gather. 2 Coordinate with NGOs, municipal corporations or veterinarians to vaccinate and sterilise strays in your neighbourhood. It prevents the risk of rabies, and will nullify any aggression. 3 Keep an eye out on behavioural patterns and changes, and inform vets or NGOs. 4 Conduct regular outreach programmes in the neighbourhood bringing together animal behaviourists/NGOs, and Municipal Corporations to find common ground. 5 Promote adopting stray dogs. It will ensure rehoming of the strays, and also change perceptions. 6 Coordinate with municipal departments to maintain a database of the indies in your street. 7 Educate children on empathy and kind behaviour. 8 Be aware of NGOs and helplines in your neighbourhood. Helplines >> The Welfare of Stray DogsCall 8976022838 >> The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA)Call 9372787750 (Main office) >> YODACall 8899997704 >> My Shelter for Strays (Badlapur)Call 9359259447 >> Paw Diaries (Kalyan)Log on to @teampawdiaries >> Trimurti Paws AmbulanceCall 9833666616 >> Pawfriends QR Code tagsLog on to pawfriend.in >> PAL FoundationCall 8424032020 >> Utkarsh (Bhandup)Call 8976925958
26 August,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarRoz (short for ROZZUM unit 7134) is a robot. She isn’t programmed to live in the wilderness, but lands up on an island in a crate as a result of a shipwreck. Amidst the animals, she begins to build a new life for herself. She studies how these creatures move, hide, and communicate, and imitates them. One day when she stumbles upon an abandoned egg, and watches a gosling hatch out of it, she decides to take care of him. Wild Robot on an Island (Piccadilly Press) is a heartwarming illustrated edition of the first novel from Peter Brown’s Wild Robot series that explores this narrative. We learn about the journey that Roz and the gosling take. The energy of the plot is derived, first, from the animals’ response to Roz as she learns to adapt. Later it comes from the depiction of the changing seasons: bareness in fall, hibernation in winter, and exuberance in spring. The latter also reflects a transformative and difficult phase in the lives of Roz and her gosling. PICS COURTESY/AMAZON.IN Nine-year-old Krshna Lodha, an avid reader and a student of Arya Vidya Mandir School in Bandra East, had devoured the novel last year. When he read the illustrated version of the book recently, he realised it made sense for Brown to reach out to children aged four to eight years through it. The story is gripping; the animal characters come together to form an enchanting world. “I like the illustrated version because it’s easier to understand for younger kids. It has more pictures,” Krshna shares. He believes the novel could be challenging for young readers as it requires navigating a lot of text. The illustrated version, on the other hand, consists of fewer sentences and striking, detailed images. “I love the colours used in this book; they are so vibrant,” he reflects. “I think young readers will find the subject of the book interesting too.” He recollects being moved by the endearing moment when Roz finds the goose egg on the island and nurtures the gosling. Both books equally impressed Krshna. “They have the same storyline, but both have their own traits,” he elaborates. The illustrations lend themselves well to the landscapes within which the story takes place, and help us dive into Roz’s world with ease. The size and colours of the illustrations propel us to see the oddity of a robot on a wild island and follow its journey of survival in an unfamiliar world. The novel, Krshna tells us, contains several fascinating details which strengthen the story, but cannot find a place within the picture book format. Since he has read the books and watched the 2024 film adaptation by Chris Sanders, we wondered how Krshna would imagine Roz’s world. What would he do differently if he could create his own picture book? “Instead of making a picture book, I will turn it into a comic book. I will also make the animals three-dimensional,” he concludes. Available Leading bookstores and e-storesCost: Rs 599
25 August,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaIs Artificial Intelligence good for the environment? Probably not. But on the concluding days of London-based Samia Kapadia’s AI-powered exhibition Fragile Feathers, the scales tip in favour of a yes. Born from the love for birds and rising concerns over their degrading quality of life in this city, Mumbai-born Kapadia’s moving artworks, both literally and figuratively, hide a message behind the fascinating videos. A view of the digital exhibit at the Colaba gallery “Growing up in the city, I observed that the usual chirping of birds in the mornings slowly dissolved into a silence. I wanted to channel my concerns into immersive art, but I knew it had to be rooted in credible data,” says Kapadia, who moved to London to pursue a career in Visual Design in 2021. Help was at hand from a familiar Great Hornbill — the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) opened its doors to archival material, and introduced Kapadia to veteran wildlife photographer, Nayan Khanolkar. White Rumped Vultures Six birds that face the brunt of the city’s ongoing metamorphosis — White Rumped Vulture (Critically Endangered), Purple Sunbirds (Least Concern), Black Headed Ibis, Peafowl (Least Concern), Lesser Flamingo (Near Threatened) and Steppe Eagles (Endangered) — form the basis of the artist’s exhibits through poignant photographs contributed by Khanolkar. With the birds in hand, Kapadia recalls stepping out for some actual groundwork. “Armed with a camera, I stepped out in Mumbai Central to capture textures that define the current state of the city. Sand, gravel, smoke, and concrete weren’t hard to find,” she reveals. Kapadia’s reimagined vultures at a dusty construction site Over an online viewing of the works on request, Kapadia shows us how these textures and Khanolkar’s photographs met in an AI image generator to create the final artworks. A photograph featuring two White Rumped Vultures, for instance, undergoes a dystopian makeover. A fog-like overlay takes over the backdrop, and the vultures that were previously seen in embrace, take starkly grimmer poses. Together with archival audio from the BNHS, that was later tweaked to portray the impending doom of the chirps falling silent, Kapadia suggests the artworks are best viewed live. Lesser Flamingos The artworks, created using Comfy UI, a customisable module-based open source AI tool are experimental at best, she agrees. “This is my passion project. In some of the works, you can also spot some stray elements like my balcony window — from where I shot pictures of towering buildings — making a brief appearance. While the moving images might not be the best representation of my ideas, it’s a step towards making conservation more intriguing for audiences,” she says. Samia Kapadia The BNHS seems to be all in on the idea. After the ongoing pilot exhibition, the artiste will find inspiration in 10 volumes of The Bird Man of India Salim Ali’s The Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. “We’re also looking to turn this into an online experience soon, wherein viewers can log on to a microsite to watch the exhibits. I’m excited to see where this idea takes me,” she signs off. Nayan Khanolkar Till August 27; 11 am to 7 pmAt Strangers House Gallery, Clark House, Wodehouse Road, Colaba.Log on to @samia_kapadia on Instagram (for updates)
25 August,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIf you love watching shows that hit the mark with their impeccable comedic timing, Improv Fight Night is where you might want to be. Organised by Neville Bharucha, an Improv Trainer for over eight years, the show is a platform where students honing the craft under Bharucha’s tutelage sign up to seek guidance on learning various delivery styles from different mentors hosting the show. Three teams of 15 to 20 students engage in an improv ‘fight’ every weekend, with the best team making it into the finals. “We have Dwayne D’Souza, Rushabh Sakpara and Aditi Khanna as mentors this season. With 60 to 70 people signing up for classes every few months, the show invites people to enjoy and even participate in a few classes,” shares Bharucha. On August 24 to 31; 8.30 pm onwards At The Jeff Goldberg Studio, Matsyalaya Bungalow, Chimbai Village, Bandra West. log on to district.in Entry Rs 300
23 August,2025 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIt is a hubbub of giggles and laughter as we pass through the almost nondescript gates of the Ashray Committed Community Development Trust (CCDT) Shelter Home. Situated in the heritage structure of the Old Petit Bungalow, the shelter home has been a safe space for vulnerable and orphaned children, including those afflicted by HIV. But this is no stereotypical shelter home. “Why should these children have to do with less than mine or yours?” asks architect Apoorva Shroff. During her growing-up years, Shroff’s parents would often bring her to the same shelter home to celebrate her birthday. The new space designed by Shroff, is a return gift for those precious moments. “I did not want to go down the convenient route of donating money as charity. I reached out to them, and asked if there was something I could contribute to, personally. That’s when this idea came about,” she reveals. The children contributed to the design by putting their imprints on the hopscotch mats The playhouse was once a dilapidated warehouse filled with discarded material. Seeing how the children often stuck indoors in the monsoon, Shroff decided to turn the warehouse into something that might keep them occupied. “As a designer, I reached out to friends in the industry to pitch in with materials; from laminates to woods to decorative elements,” she reveals. After six months, the space now resembles a playhouse to envy. The walls are packed with cosy hexagonal cubby holes for the children. We also spotted a rope ladder leading up to the higher spaces — tried-and-tested for safety, we are informed. Even the tables and chairs are shaped to resemble jigsaw puzzle pieces that can be put together to make a common table. Another special touch is a tactile LEGO board — a personal favourite of Shroff’s — that has already caught the children’s attention, and volunteers as well. A tactile LEGO wall offers children a creative outlet for their interactions Yet, it is the personal touches around the structure that catches our eye. An elegantly manicured lawn featuring hopscotch lines, with outlines of hands and feet marked out by the children themselves. “We wanted to make them feel at home. We also painted their names across the walls of the exterior, so they can recognise it as their own,” the architect adds. The hexagonal shapes of the reading spaces also allow children to interact by climbing or moving around them Such development is not surprising. “It is part of our holistic child care development, and it is a programme developed and run in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Government. Even our alumni often return and contribute to help. The effort is to always make the children feel loved, and at home,” Sukanya Poddar, managing trustee informs us. After all, they deserve as much joy as the world has to offer. Apoorva Shroff At Ashray CCDT, Old Petit Bungalow, Waterfield Road, Bandra West. Call 8657898537
23 August,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
