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Metamorphosis: Exploring the rich legacy of Indian folk art at CSMVS exhibition
A shared generational heritage, Indian folk art is an ocean of the many communities and cultures that echo the spirit of a country as diverse and multifaceted as India. At an ongoing exhibition at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), titled Metamorphosis-Art, Artists and Tradition- celebration of tribal and folk art of India, we explored folk treasures from different pockets of the country. Curated by a batch of 20 Post Graduate Diploma Students of CSMVS, affliated to University of Mumbai, the exhibition is well defined into three sections. Wooden head masks, late 20th century CE which possibly depict Jatayu and either Sugriva or Bali originate from Lankapodi Jatra, a open-air theatrical performance from Odisha. Pics/Atul Kamble The first, Community Chronicles, delves into the history and practice of community storytelling in India inspired from the rich oeuvre of mythology while the second, Embodied Echoes presents art pieces which talk about the ways through which people seek a connection with the divine. Mumbai Mosaic: Warli Reimagined by Kiran Vinayak Gorwala, 2024. This Warli canvas vividly captures the hustle and bustle of Mumbai’s daily life. From local trains to iconic landmarks like Gateway of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange building — the chaotic movement all around embodies the city’s tireless spirit The final section, Transformations, reinterprets the contemporary world through the lens of folk art. “It was a greatlearning experience for all of us. In this day and age, when traditional art forms are fading away from people’s memories, we wanted to highlight folk and tribal art as well as the artists who have been practicing these art forms for generations,” Aishwarya Thale, one of the students curating the exhibition, shares while walking us through the 17 exhibits in the gallery. The writer tries out an interactive kiosk at the gallery which lets viewers attempt quizzes and play folk art-themed jigsaw puzzles based on the artworks on display Vandana Prapanna, senior curator (Indian miniature paintings) at the Museum, and mentor for the exhibition throws light on the idea, “Museology is a very practical subject. Through this exhibition, we lay out the field for students to gain practical experience of the subject. From budgeting to lighting and writing labels; they learn to do it all by themselves. While curating, we generally stop at the 20th century but with this collection we have tried to bring the echoes of our ancient folk and tribal arts into the 21st century.” Mata ni Pachedi: Sacred textiles of the Vaghari community by Sanjay Manubhai Chitara, 2024. This 300-year-old textile is a sacred shrine cloth created by the Vaghari community of Gujarat that illustrates events from mythology, epics and religious processions 1039: The story of COVID-19: Phad painting by Kalyan Joshi, 2024. This COVID-themed Phad painting portrays the Coronavirus as a monstrous force. Unlike traditional Phad art that is used in religious storytelling performances this artwork is a standalone contemporary piece. The final panel, depicting vaccines, offers hope by expanding Phad’s visual language beyond its traditional form A panel from Epic narratives unfolds, the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana by Chetan Parshuram Gangavane and Eknath Parshuram Gangavane, 2024. The painting depicts an episode from a local version of the Aranya Kanda — an episode from the epic which narrates Lord Rama’s forest trials.TILL Ongoing; 10.15 am to 6 pm (museum hours)AT Special Exhibition Gallery, Extension Wing, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort.LOG ON TO csmvs.in ENTRY Museum entry ticket applicable
27 March,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
From Sufi music to aerial yoga: Must-attend events in Mumbai this weekend
Thursday Sufi for the soulMusic: Sing along to Indian cinema’s best Sufi-inspired tunes brought to life by musician Anuraga Srivastava (below). Titled Sufi ki Shaam, the intimate gig will recreate the magic of baithaks.TIME 9 pmAT Glocal, AB Nair Road, opposite Nehru Planetarium, Worli. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 999 onwards Friday A street dog at the organisation. Pic Courtesy/WSD on Instagram Wag-worthy dealsShop: Thrift ‘til you drop at the Welfare of Stray Dogs’ charity garage sale featuring a mixed bag of items.TILL March 31; 10.30 am onwards AT Laxmi Baug Hall, Avantikabai Gokhale Marg, Girgaon. LOG ON TO wsdindia.org Saturday Pic Courtesy/Amisha Shah On a yoga high Wellness: Elevate your yoga routine with an aerial twist that infuses flexibility with strength with certified yoga trainer Amisha Shah. TIME 10 am and 11.30 am AT Namaste Yoga, 17th Road, Khar West. LOG ON TO @namasteyogaclasses ENTRY Rs 799 Dilip Prabhavalkar (left) and Vijay Kenkre in performance. Pic Courtesy/Patra Patri on Instagram Play on words Theatre: Veteran actor Dilip Prabhavalkar and theatremaker Vijay Kenkre will join creative forces in their play Patra Patri — a sweet story of two ageing friends keeping up with each other’s lives through detailed letters. TIME 4 pm AT Yashwant Natya Mandir, Joshi Vadi, Matunga West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 300 onwards Sunday A previous Pokemon Go hunt. Pic Courtesy/Dhruv Shah Party with PokémonKids: Join a Pokémon hunt, or indulge in activities and performances at India’s first official City Safari event. TIME 11 am to 8 pm AT Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel (indoor events) LOG ON TO @pokemongoappin ENTRY Rs 499 onwards Coral Star at Juhu Koliwada. Pic Courtesy/Sachin Rane Time to tideNature: The sun is out and so are the porcelain crabs, coral stars, and octopuses on the shores of Mumbai. Head to this expert-led marine walk by Naturalists Explorers along the Juhu coastline for a timely meeting with these vibrant creatures.TIME 6.20 amAT Juhu Koliwada (meeting point revealed on registration) CALL 8976451433ENTRY Revealed on registration Pic Courtesy/Abhishek Upmanyu On Youtube Thane can LOLCmedy: Explore how a joke comes to life at Abhishek Upmanyu’s solo trial show. The city-based comedian will test the waters with experimental jokes and crowdwork. TIME 1 pm AT Backspace Thane, Lodha Boulevard Mall, Majiwada, Thane West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 499
27 March,2025 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Know your geography? Challenge yourself by solving this world map puzzle
The world is fragmented into a thousand pieces. No, literally — this new world map jigsaw puzzle that I recently brought home to kick the habit of night-time doomscrolling comes with a whopping 1,000 pieces. For those open to learning, it’s a great refresher in basic geography. For others who overestimate their know-how, it’s a reminder of why you need one. Log on to Brijbasi on amazon.in Cost Rs 745 (for a set)
27 March,2025 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Many moods of March: Here are the books Mumbaikars are reading this month
The City and Its Uncertain Walls Malabi Das, Communications specialist, AndheriI LOVE Murakami and have read all his work translated into English. My first Murakami book was Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World. The book that I’m reading explores a very similar story, almost retelling the same story, just better. I really like the author’s signature style — magical realism with surreal elements, non-linear narrative, first person narrative and simple language. I don’t want to finish the book in a hurry, but savour it. It is a love story, and who doesn’t love a good love story. It is just that the characters are not regular; they are wrapped up in strangeness. Remarkably Bright Creatures Lasya J, Ed-tech professional, KandivaliI recently read Shelby Van Pelt’s book, a cosy and uplifting story about grief, healing, and moving forward. Each character — including a surprisingly insightful Giant Pacific Octopus — faces their own challenges, making their journeys quietly inspiring. The novel is set in a small-town, capturing its charm and warmth excellently. A Psalm for the Wild-Built Dhivya Ramanujam, Bookstore owner, ChemburBecky Chambers’s book has an optimistic spin on how people live post the evolution of robots. It is an interesting read because it doesn’t talk about the ‘doom’ that we usually read about. It was recommended by my husband. It’s a very short book, so it’s easy to get you started on reading sci-fi, or if you’re looking to get out of a reading slump. The Handmaid’s Tale Udit Gor, Chartered accountant, DombivliWith the timeline hauntingly similar to Orwell’s 1984, Margaret Atwood’s book is, in a word, eerie. It is written beautifully while keeping the dystopia alive. There isn’t a page wasted, and the characters are well-fleshed-out and strong. Atwood invokes varying emotions at every step of the way. Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly Hari Sankar, Marketing consultant, WadalaAs a kid, everyone dreams at least once about growing up and becoming a chef. Anthony Bourdain’s book gives perspective on why that’s a terrible and great idea all at once. The swear word-y, sweaty, hectic yet fun life behind the kitchen doors is exactly what he dives right into. Like he says, it’s written for the cooks, almost sounding like insider conversations you get to be a fly on the wall and privy to.
27 March,2025 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma
Dr Anita Ratnam: ‘Madurai is the OG city that never sleeps’
In the seventh century, Andal, a mystic poet in Tamil Nadu wrote 173 verses. The first 30 — revolving around family life, children, timely rains, good harvest and agriculture were called Tiruppavai, which she penned at the age of 12. The rest of the lesser-known 143 verses, called Naachiyar Tirumozhi (sacred songs of the lady), are filled with sexual passion. She wrote these at the age of 17. This week, Dr Anita Ratnam, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, celebrated Indian classical performer, and founder of global Indian dance portal Narthaki.com, will perform her fifth work on the elusive writings of Andal in Nachiyaar Next at a BKC venue. The danseuse will present a dance-theatre ode to the poet using Neo Bharatam — an approach that braids her interests in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathakali along with the meditative arts like Yoga and Tai Chi — chanting and music in an all-female ensemble. The earthy-red-toned costumes are made of sungudi, coming from Srivilliputtur, a small town near Madurai. “Did you know Madurai was called Toonga Vanam, ‘The city that never sleeps,’ well before Bombay earned that title,” Ratnam smiles, sharing a delightful historic anecdote. Edited excerpts from the interview. MID-DAY: Tell us about Andal. Anita Ratnam: Andal means the one who ruled the Lord’s heart in Tamil. She was found in a Tulsi garden next to a Vishnu temple. A childless garland maker called her Goda, which means beautiful garland. The elusive verses lean toward sexual passion. Andal writes: ‘Rain, become my kisses and shower my kisses on the Lord’; ‘Creepers become my arms and hug him tightly’; She asks the conch, ‘please tell me how do Krishna’s lips taste? Do they taste like camphor? Do they taste like the sap of lotus?’ There is urgency and sweetness and vulnerability of this amazing young poet that the rest of India doesn’t know about. There have been women’s voices throughout our culture including Lal Ded of Kashmir in the 14th century, Mirabai of Rajasthan in the 16th century, and even the Marathi Varkari poets in the 14th century, including Sant Sakubai and Jana Bai. Here is Andal in the 7th century, almost 800-900 years before the Bhakti movement. The piece has an English translation to introduce urban, younger audiences to the poet and her verses. It is my conscious attempt to bring the lives and stories and characters of women who are either cardboard cutouts, silhouettes or one-dimensional characters. These include mystic poet like Andal or even the women in the Ramayana like Manthara, Ahalya, Kaikeyi and Soorpanakha. MD: What does the city mean to you?AR: Bombay has been both a delight and a challenge for me. The cosmopolitan city doesn’t have one core pocket. Areas like South Bombay to Bandra, Andheri, Ghatkopar and Borivli respond differently. The challenge is in drawing people’s attention. Bombay is also about distances and the demand on people’s time. It takes more effort to draw in crowds here. MD: How feasible is it to be a dancer in India?AR: In India, the business model or the economics of dance, still rests only on teaching, not performing. The dancer stands in the centre of an entire ecosystem that she is paying — tailor, musician, rehearsals, transport, etc. She/ He is the last person to be paid. Organisers have to recognise the reality that dance is the most expensive of the arts to sustain and produce. Nobody is concerned if a musician or a writer has gained weight. But a dancer’s visual is the first impression. Even in a world where body shaming is looked down upon and there is an embrace of diversity, a dancer must invest in health and fitness to be able to move well. But the system is not supportive. If you want to continue performing, you need a wealthy patron, family or partner to support it. I have had prior conversations on the same with Aditi Mangaldas and Malini Kashyap. Most of us have to go overseas to teach and conduct workshops, to afford that lifestyle in India. It is a sorry situation. The diaspora has been so generous, especially in North America. MD: Who are your favourite artists in Mumbai?AR: I love Vaibhav Arekar and Darshana Jhaveriji. Late Kanakben Rele of Nalanda Institute in Juhu was my manasika guru. I make it a point to meet Kalyan Sundaram sir and his son. A few years ago, I really enjoyed watching Jhelum Paranjpe’s performance. Among the newer dancers, I follow the works of Kirtana Ravi, Gautam Marathe, Isha Pingle and Odissi dancer Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, who is the Head of Dance-Programming at NCPA. I met Mumbaikars, Jerry Pinto and Shanta Gokhale at a literature festival where they spoke about the city. MD: ...And your favourite food in Mumbai?AR: I am a big street food junkie — especially the Bombay toast sandwich with chutney, vada pav and the bhel. I have a personal driver who also takes me to Mohammed Ali Road for the local fare. Chikoo milk shake at Haji Ali Juice Centre is my absolute favourite. ON March 28; 8 pmAT The Studio Theatre, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 750 onwards
26 March,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum Pandya
Like clowns? Explore this 5-day workshop in Mumbai to learn more about clowning
Mention the term ‘clown’ to most cine fans, and they might suggest Joaquin Phoenix or Heath Ledger walking down an alley with a menacing grin plastered on their painted face. But what about a female clown? Honestly, names don’t rush to the mind. When we broach this topic to theatre practitioner and clown pedagogue Amruta Mapuskar, she tells us, “Historically, women have been conditioned to behave a certain way and look presentable all the time. If you notice funny female characters in cinema, you can clearly see the typecasting that goes there. There is a certain societal conditioning attached here, which prevents people from being goofy and funny. Clowning quite beautifully helps you break that mould.” With this thought in mind and a strong love for the sheer eccentricity and humanness of the craft, Mapuskar is back with Clownspiracy — a five-day workshop that will take participants through an experiential study of the art form. “At the core of it, clowning is all about having the ability to laugh at oneself and own up to one’s flaws. Because once you start laughing at your stupidity, it makes it easier to be comfortable with others’ mistakes. It is also about being playful and present in the moment — breaking the fourth wall to make that connection with people. To put it poetically, it softens your heart,” she shares. Participants work with props during a workshop in 2023. Pic courtesy/Swapnil Kamat Entering her 10th year in clowning, Mapuskar’s workshop is a mix of theoretical and practical theatre. “I will cover the concepts and techniques of clowning including slapstick and physical comedy then we will also trace the history of the art form with discussions on how clowning has always been socially, culturally and politically relevant. I’ll talk about artistes like Gardi Hutter, Hilary Chaplain, Avner Eisenberg, Rupesh Tillu and Julie Goell, among others who have been icons of the craft. That being said, we’ll also look into how people can emote with their body and incorporate physical comedy in their practice,” the 39-year-old explains. Comedy is a complex and difficult genre to ace. How does she ensure that her participants open up and step into the shoes of the clown? “It takes time but in the end it is a very therapeutic process. The idea is to accept one’s vulnerabilities and being comfortable with it. And when it comes to comedy or humour, it goes without saying that satire has always been an instrumental part of any society or democracy. It pushes people to ask questions, challenge power and create space for dialogue and conversation. In an increasingly polarised world, it’s needed more than ever,” she opines. We couldn’t agree any more. FROM March 28 to April 1; 10am to 5 pm AT Kalari Warriors Studio, Laxmi Business Park, Laxmi Industrial Estate, Suresh Nagar, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @clowning_wali_bai (to register)COST Rs 20,000 (inclusive of the entire workshop)
26 March,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
From colour to texture: Here's how children's books are evolving in India
MID-DAY: In your words, what does an ideal preschooler book look like?Tina Narang: Pre-School is when most children first encounter books. It is the most significant stage in their reading journey, and one can’t stress enough how critical this initial engagement is. It is what will set the ground for a lifelong association with the written word. In order for this engagement to be exciting, the ideal book for a preschooler should invite the child in whether through colour, texture, a story, an activity, anything that keeps the child enthralled and waiting for the pages to turn to explore the book. Picture books are some of the most effective ways of capturing a child’s attention. An interactive activity page from the book MD: What prompted HarperCollins to start a separate imprint for preschoolers — different from the Children’s books imprint?TN: The children’s segment has seen remarkable growth in the last two decades. There has been growth across age groups and genres. With it, the pre-school segment is also seeing a growth — parents and educators are increasingly looking for engaging content for their preschoolers. While we have been publishing books for younger readers, middle readers, and young adults, we haven’t published too many books for the pre-school segment. We decided to launch a new imprint to create an engaging and fun experience for young children and to inspire a love for books from their preschool years. Tina Narang MD: What concepts are preschoolers being introduced to in these books?TN: The inaugural selection of books promises to give children a range of experiences, such as the tactile hug me books with the soft animal arms; puzzle books that will help them improve their dexterity; touch and feel books to enhance a child’s recognition of different kinds of textures from soft to smooth and rough; slide board books with interactive sliding pages that will help children manage big emotions as they start to engage with the world; torch books with an innovative design that will help children discover more on the page alongside learning; lift-a-flap books on a range of topics from animals to space to the human body. In addition, there are activity books with stickers, mazes, and puzzles. Top 5 Recommendations: 1. My Feelings Slide Board Book 2. Jungle Friends Puzzle Book 3. The Super Space Torch Book 4. My First 100 Words 5. The Busy Body–Lift the Flap Book Log on to: harpercollins.co.in
26 March,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma
Immerse in this unique performance in Mumbai that explores Indian sounds
Over four decades of travelling, composer and musician Enzo Favata has come a long way from his home island of Sardinia, Italy. “It is a lovely place, and I hope to be back for Easter. We always celebrate with friends, food, and of course, choral folk music,” the 67-year-old saxophonist shares. For now though, he arrives in the city for a concert that will premiere his latest collaboration titled Sonic Ties at the NCPA tomorrow. Fabio Giachino and Enzo Favata at the Bengaluru sessions “I had first arrived in Mumbai two years ago. This time, you will hear India in Enzo’s music,” he says. The reason behind his assured confidence is a diligent exploration of the form of Indian music that has driven this collaboration presented by The Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai and an Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai. Since breaking through in 1983, Favata has often found his way to Indian music, by choice or curiosity. Having performed alongside the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in a concert in Italy in 1991, the style was not an unfamiliar one. “I was a very young musician then. He had come to Italy in the 1990s for a music festival. We spent two or three days together. He really was a legend, no?” he asks in a sentence that flows with Italian staccato. Yet, over the years Favata’s journey has shaped itself. “I explore sounds, but do not experiment with them,” he explains. The current exploration began during his last trip in 2023. “I was familiar with the code of Indian music. I often listen to it, having performed with musicians. My old friend Jan Garbarek and I would often sit and talk about Indian rhythms. The only concern is that traditional musicians, across the world, do not often waver from their structure or style,” he shares. Singer Bindhumalini at a session. Pics Courtesy/Akila Venkat Instagram This is where finding musicians like Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy and Varijashree Venugopal comes in handy. Having collaborated with the duo in 2023, Favata invited Bindhumalini to Italy for the folk festival he was curating. “I started with Carnatic music, but also studied Hindustani and folk music over the years. My interest is as diverse as the group that has come together,” shares Bindhumalini. The National Award-winner and composer of Tamil film, Aruvi (2016), was drawn to the idea of not being bound by the practice. “It was not the music, but rather the personality that drew us together. I realised that it is a diverse group put together, and all I had to do was to listen and respond,” she says. In addition to the duo, the quartet also features composer Fabio Giachino on the keyboard and Pramath Kiran on percussion. While finding common ground is easy, translating it to a musical medium can be challenging. Favata admits, “Before you perform in music, you need to know. It is impossible to compose poetry if you do not know the tools of the language. Although I have never played this [Carnatic] music before, when I play it I can hear all forms within it.” The key is finding the melodic balance. “Once you have the key in music, you can open many doors,” he laughs. Favata in performance The quartet has been spending the last 20 days in Bengaluru, working on the compositions — the longest I’ve stayed in one city, shares Favata. After Mumbai, they will return to Bengaluru. “We are already conducting studio recordings, and the songs might be transformed into an album,” shares Bindhumalini. In that sense, Mumbaikars will have the first hearing of this new creation. ON March 27; 7 pmAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comCOST Rs 450 onwards (members); Rs 500 onwards (non-members)
26 March,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Ace your watch styling game with these tips and trends
Bigger isn’t always better, at least not as far as watch trends go. In push back against super-sized cases and chunky straps, skinny and almost dainty watches are currently dominating men’s wrists across the world. Sported by the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Ryan Gosling and Rami Malek, these watches are said to evoke a sense of timeless sophistication. The meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship — which is far more refined with such styles — also speak to the definition of understated luxury. “The popularity of smaller watches is also closely tied to the renewed interest in vintage watches. Many iconic designs feature smaller case sizes, and leading watchmakers have been dipping into their archives for inspiration for their newer collections. In many ways, these watch designs are emblematic of the boundaries of what was considered conventionally masculine style shifting to a more refined and inclusive interpretation,” explains men’s grooming expert Riaan George. (Left) Timothée Chalamet stacks a sleek golden watch with a bracelet at the 97th Academy Awards Small but mighty Although it might seem counterintuitive, the sheer unexpectedness of smaller watches makes them a bold style statement. And so, skipping other forms of jewellery when wearing them with classic formal suits ensures that they receive the attention they require, says stylist Disha Selarka. She suggests also playing up to the aesthetic of contrasts by wearing elegant and subtle timepieces with casual looks, which can be as simple as jeans and a tee. But living, as we do, in the era of maximalism, you could also try out the ‘double trouble’ trend and layer two of these slender designs on your wrist. However, the trick to not going overboard is to make sure that the rest of your outfit comprises neutral basics. “Crewneck sweatshirts, knit sweaters and classic blue jeans can be paired with a variety of small watches. You could even experiment with a monochrome look, where you wear the same colour from head to toe,” Selarka explains. Match your ring watches to your jewellery. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Put a ring on it If you thought men were the only ones having a field day with their watches, think again — ring watches for both genders are making a huge comeback, with social media fanning the flames of the retro-inspired fire. Ring watches are, by no means, a recent phenomenon. From European aristocracy to Urvashi Rautela (who has a penchant for flaunting hers at the most inopportune moments), the trend has enjoyed admirers for many years now. “Most ring watches are fashioned like ornate and formal jewellery with beautiful embellishment and detailing. This makes them better suited to formal events, where they can complement your attire and accessories. If you prefer a more understated style, ditch other accoutrements such as bracelets and rings, and let your ring watch steal the spotlight. However, you can also wear your ring watch as part of a bracelet and ring stack, picking pieces that match the aesthetic of your watch. Stick to the same metal colour [whether gold or silver] for all your accessories,” Selarka notes. Actor Paul Mescal pairs a classic watch with a tuxedo Disha Selarka and Riaan George
25 March,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
This new gallery at Nehru Science Centre aims to demystify nuclear power
As we step into the new gallery dedicated to nuclear power at Nehru Science Centre on a Sunday, we’re mentally revisiting everything we know about the subject — the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the time the world nearly ended during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and haunting scenes from the web series Chernobyl (2019). It’s a long walk, so we have time to let these heavy thoughts simmer. But inside the gallery, there are no intimidating weapons of destruction, no grim photos of disaster. Instead, two toddlers are enthusiastically hammering buttons on a miniature calandria, the central unit of a nuclear reactor. Something tells us this gallery is not what we thought it would be. The writer interacts with the immersive radiation exposure exhibit “Let them be, these are dummy machines. We couldn’t possibly bring real parts that have been exposed to radiation, to the gallery,” Umesh Kumar Rustagi, director of the Centre assures us as he guides us to a centrally placed model of a nuclear power plant. The director, who also has a Master of Science degree in Physics, has his eyes set on two striking dome-shaped buildings in the complex. “These are reinforced containment buildings. Even if there was a repeat of Chernobyl or Fukushima, these buildings will ensure a disaster is averted. We wanted to highlight these advancements in safety because many visitors will walk in with fear and uncertainty in their mind,” he says. We’re guilty as charged. Umesh Kumar Rustagi explains the working of a nuclear plant Opening its doors after nearly two years of construction, the gallery believes in show, tell, and do it yourself. At an interactive exhibit, LED lights guide us through the process of nuclear fission — the fundamental science behind a reactor. We wish our textbooks had made the concept this easy to understand. Not far away, a motion sensor powered zone allows us to expose ourselves to radiation; a mock recreation, of course. Using hand gestures to pick activities like smoking a cigarette, getting a PET scan, and a heart catheterisation (preferably not in that order), a progress bar on the side tells us how miniscule these exposures are compared to seriously toxic exposure. A ventilated bodysuit on display alongside safety gear at the gallery Behind us, preparations are gathering steam, quite literally. A replica of a cooling tower starts releasing steam. “People often mistake these towers for the reactors because of how visually striking they are. The live demo will help them understand how water used in the reactors comes to the towers to be cooled down,” the director remarks. Next to it, a dummy fuel bundle manufactured by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited covers nearly end to end of the hall when laid down. As with every exhibit, a detailed information panel reveals a fun fact: If the fuel assembly was real, it would be enough to power 1,20,000 homes in Mumbai for a month. (From left) The nuclear fusion reactor model; a young visitor explores the calandria; the nuclear fission panel Amid these exhibits that might be novel for most Mumbaikars, the bust of a familiar city icon is hard to miss. A section dedicated to Dr Homi Bhabha makes for the perfect break from science for a history lesson at the gallery. From photographs of Dr Bhabha with Albert Einstein, CV Raman and Niels Bohr, to the pioneering scientist’s leisurely pencil sketches, the section is worth an unhurried viewing. As Rustagi puts it, “Dr Bhabha was a visionary par excellence. His blueprint for the Indian nuclear programme remains a prized possession for us even today.” A section dedicated to Dr Homi Bhabha features photographs We continue our exploration with a chat with the director about what the future holds for the Indian programme. He guides us to a display that features a representation of one tonne of coal, three barrels of crude oil, alongside a tiny fragment of Uranium (dummy). “They all generate the same amount of energy,” he reveals, adding, “You cannot discount the role nuclear energy will play in India’s journey to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the near future.” A bust of the pioneering scientist A complex structure towards the end of the gallery is a symbol of hope. A model of an experimental tokamak reactor that harnesses the power of nuclear fusion; it is the second and more efficient way of nuclear energy generation. Rustagi explains, “India has a robust fusion research programme. If mastered, the results will be several times more efficient than fission. Nuclear fusion is the same process that keeps the Sun burning red hot. And you know that the Sun will shine bright for at least 5 billion more years, right?” With the way the mercury is soaring on the Sunday afternoon that we had dropped by, we wish we didn’t know. AT Nehru Science Centre, Jijamata Nagar, Dr E Moses Road, Worli. TIME 9.30 am to 6 pm (open all days) ENTRY Centre entry fees apply Can you digest this? An infographic from the Food Irradiation section Nuclear radiation is all around you. Food irradiation, the process of subjecting harvested produce with minimal radiation, helps grains and legumes stay safe for consumption for longer periods. Irradiated food products are common, and safe for human consumption.
25 March,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Kids from Dongri set to shine on stage with adaptation of Badal's Sircar's play
It felt wonderful to be seen differently. After the show, many judges and other dignitaries spoke to us with love and respect,” recalls Jai (name changed) from his stage debut, Second Chance, a short skit that offered a glimpse into lives shaped by adversity and struggle. A year later, Jai and 18 young actors from Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home, Dongri, prepare to leap into the extraordinary. Last week, under the soft glow of stage lights at G5A, this writer watched their dress rehearsal for Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale, a heartfelt adaptation of Badal Sircar’s Beyond the Land of Hattamala, which went on to have two sold-out shows. Director Sapan Saran (in pink) oversees the rehearsal This is more than a play; it’s a journey of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of art — one that redefines these young lives. What started as a 15-minute performance last year blossomed into a full-fledged production, guided by arts-based therapist Timira Gupta and Sachi Maniar, Director of Ashiyana Communities Foundation. Backed by G5A, Ashiyana Communities Foundation, BNP Paribas, and the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, the project highlights the power of rehabilitation over punishment. “At Ashiyana, we believe in seeing these children as individuals full of possibilities,” says Maniar. “This isn’t just a play; it’s about shifting both the inner and outer lens — changing how these children see themselves and how the world sees them.” The cast enacts a scene Gupta, who has led drama sessions at Umerkhadi home for the past three to four years, shares, “During four months of rehearsals, I saw them develop a newfound sense of commitment, embracing hard work and perseverance — a significant shift from seeking immediate rewards. The premiere at G5A, with two full-house shows, was an emotional journey. For the boys, it was the first time they experienced the pride of seeing hard work pay off.” Candid moments from the final stage rehearsal Adapted and directed by writer-actor Sapan Saran, for months, these actors have immersed themselves in the script, exploring not just lines and movements but the deeper meaning behind Sircar’s whimsical tale of a world without money, a land where human potential takes precedence over material wealth. “They have their opinions on the subject,” Sapan shares. “The play allows them to think about alternative possibilities, sparking conversations about justice, inequality, and hope.” For these young performers, theatre became a bridge between their past and a future filled with possibilities. Each rehearsal was a step toward healing, every line a moment of self-discovery. One of the actors, Veer (name changed), confesses, “I’m bad. Everyone knows this. But there is something good about this play. And I am part of it. It feels good to know I am part of something good.” It echoes the voice of a large section of marginalised youth in our country who are victims of the circumstances they grew up in and who view themselves the way society has labelled them. Sachi Maniar and Timira Gupta When the curtain rose that evening, these young actors stepped onto the stage as performers and as storytellers, dreamers, and changemakers. One mother’s tearful words captured the moment: “I felt I had let my son down when he ended up in the observation home. But today, watching him on stage as an actor, I’ve never been prouder.” ON March 25 (Rangshila, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova); April 8 (Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.) LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 200 onwards
24 March,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi