It's the biggest fashion crossover we’ve witnessed in recent times — one that began with oversized blazers being worn with all manner of casual and even sporty separates, including shorts, skorts, tights and even jeans. And now, the other parts of your business wardrobe are slowly following suit, joining hands with your off-duty aesthetic to create a versatile trend known as ‘corp core’. “In many ways, this is the ultimate evolution of professional 9-to-5 attire and everyday fashion. We’re seeing this trend gain momentum in both the luxury and retail markets,” says fashion designer Sanjana Bubber. She points to influencer Dolly Singh’s recent turn on the red carpet, draped in a saree made of suiting material, as definitive proof of the trend tightening its hold over Indian fashionistas. That brings us to the all-important question: what does corp core actually include, and is there an easy way for you to emulate it? Kriti Sanon in a chequered blazer; (right) Khushi Kapoor’s neutral look Out of office In essence, the corp core trend involves merging business attire that’s intended for the boardroom with elements of your own personal style — this could mean blending pieces that are strictly meant for boardrooms and office cubicles with more laidback styling, a hint of sexy, or chic luxury pieces, Bubber explains. Essential to this trend are tailored, well-fitted pieces in structured fabrics. “Avoid fabrics with stretch that tend to sit closer to your body. Opt for cotton-silk blends, worsted wool, suiting materials, linen or hemp that hold their shape well,” she elaborates. She also adds that in terms of prints, this trend lends itself especially well to stripes (of varying widths and densities) and checks, including windowpane, oxford and herringbone checks. For colours, stick to neutral shades such as black, navy blue, charcoal grey, pigeon grey and powder beige, she suggests. Dolly Singh’s traditional take on the trend. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar says that the trend encompasses silhouettes such as boxy cropped blazers, which can be worn with high-waist pants; cropped button-ups paired with midi skirts; or even tailored cropped vests styled with paper bag trousers. “These combinations create a flattering and balanced shape, adding structure and style. Remember to balance proportions by combining cropped tops with high waisted structured bottoms and experiment with layering,” she suggests. Other flattering combinations include cropped blazers, jackets and shirts, which Ambekar terms as essential pieces, worn with high-waist bottoms such as wide-leg pants, skirts or shorts. Matching sets comprising cropped blazers and shorts can create a cohesive casual look, while a cropped shirt paired with a sleek A-line or pleated midi skirt creates a silhouette that is both sharp and laidback. Bubber adds that to master the aesthetic, you could try incorporating masculine cuts from the corporate world, such as a peak lapel, with very feminine pieces such as a corset or a pencil skirt. “At its very essence, the trend embraces androgyny and gender-fluid clothing, which is what the global fashion industry is moving towards,” she summarises. Also Read: With 'chocolate brown' this season's colour, follow these tips to look your best Sanjana Bubber; Aanchal Bubber Mehta; Mitali Ambekar Keeping it chic A great way to add visual interest to a corp core look is with layers, says fashion designer Aanchal Bubber Mehta. “Layering lets you play with textures, silhouettes and colours, to keep your look from seeming too staid,” Mehta explains. An easy way to add a pop of colour is with coloured piping or a bright inner layer that peeks out from under a structured blazer or overcoat. She recommends carrying this aesthetic over to Indian apparel. “The saree is a power suit on its own. By choosing the right fabric and colours, swapping out a blouse for a more structured corset or vest, and adding an upper layer in the form of a coat or blazer, you could elevate your saree into something more dynamic. Similarly, pinstripe palazzo pants in suiting material, with a mid-thigh structured kurta or menswear jacket and a thin, pleated dupatta will exude power,” Mehta says. When it comes to accessories, Mehta suggests keeping it simple, structured and understated. “Structured bags, leather belts, minimalistic metallic jewellery, and pointed pumps are all great picks. Make sure to pick power accessories with clean lines that do not take the focus away from the clothes,” she recommends. Ambekar suggests statement belts, chunky loafers, ankle boots and mini crossbody bags to further elevate the look while maintaining a modern edge.
14 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulLove is a powerful word that holds different meanings in different people’s lives. In the recent episode of the Modern Love podcast by the New York Times, released last week, the American actor Andrew Garfield treats the listeners with a heartfelt essay, Learning to Measure Time in Love and Loss. It was written by Chris Huntington and published in December 2013 in the New York Times. The column reflects on the nature of love over time as it deeply explores how different relationships are interwoven, especially romantic ones. Chris Huntington The 50-minute-long podcast (interrupted by a few short advertisements) is an emotionally honest conversation between the podcast host Anna Martin and the guest Andrew Garfield. This episode is more than just a celebrity reading out an essay as the Amazing Spider-Man star shares his vulnerabilities through his personal experiences in relationships. As Garfield narrates Huntington’s essay to Martin, he tears up. His style of narrating adds an extra layer of emotion to the column. Garfield reveals how he strongly connects with Huntington’s piece as it reminds him of losing his parents. “I’m sad at losing anyone. I’m sad at the concept of not having children of my own. The sadness is a true longing and there is no shame in that,” the 41-year-old actor admits. “I long for love to connect with life and I want to live courageously true to myself,” he adds, offering a message on self-compassion. This episode can be a learning experience for listeners who are looking forward to viewing the connection between love, time and loss from a distinct point of view. The conversation becomes a therapeutic experience as the Hollywood star redefines mid-life crises as ‘mid-life exploration’, offering empowering guidance to embrace emotional growth. This episode weaves storytelling with personal reflections on life in general providing an ideal listening experience. Log on to Spotify and Apple Podcast
14 October,2024 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiIs life a sprint, or more like a marathon? How about just a leisurely run in the park with a new friend? Soham Arora and Tanish Agarwal, two passionate runners, are inviting Mumbaikars — the laidback chillers, the dedicated runners and most importantly the time-strapped nine to five-ers — to join them in their stride. Bombay on Foot, the duo’s new venture is “more than a running club. It’s a community of people trying to get fitter in the long run,” says Agarwal. Soham Arora The collegians who recently began their academic year at Vile Parle’s DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, know a thing or two about preparations. For the past two months, 20-year-old Agarwal has been conducting recces across Mumbai to pick safe and beginner friendly running routes in the city. “Overcoming the mental hurdles and making time to run is a job half done. Morning walkers will know how pedestrian-unfriendly the streets of Mumbai are,” he explains. The club has charted a three-km-long route in the Bandstand area to kick off their initial sessions. While Agarwal, a district level 100m sprint medallist, has the logistics planned out, Arora sheds light on an apprehension that might resonate with many, like this writer. “I hate socialising. The idea of heading out with a group of strangers can be daunting,” he admits. After the club’s pilot run last weekend, Arora seems to have shed his reserved personality. “I ran alongside a baker, a chartered accountant and a businessman. Running might be the best ice-breaker,” the 19-year-old shares excitedly. Agarwal chimes in, “When you accomplish a difficult task with a group of people, you automatically bond with them on a deeper level.” To avoid overcrowding, the 30-member runs will be regulated through a WhatsApp group. A moment from a warm-up session If simply visualising a three-km run has already tired you out, rest assured — the duo doesn’t mind a fair bargain. The run is flagged off at the Bandstand promenade opposite Mannat, and follows the route to the North end of the promenade and back. “Naturally, you might not want to start with running against time right off the bat. You can choose to run, jog, or take a brisk walk. Regardless of your choice, we rendezvous at the starting point in 25 minutes,” Arora explains. Tanish Agarwal Each of the walks, we learn, will be accompanied by a warm-up and a cooldown session. “People who have worked a desk job six days a week might not be in the best shape when they show up to the run,” Agarwal reasons. The 30-minute warm up includes stretches, jumping jacks and breathing exercises. As for the cooldown session, the duo promises “cups of piping hot filter kaapi and candid conversations.” We wouldn’t bargain on that. ON Every Sunday; 7.30 amMEETING POINT Opposite Mannat, Bandstand, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @bombayonfoot on Instagram Pre-run checklist . Assess your fitness level and do not sign up for hardcore running clubs right away.. Build up stamina by walking at your first few sessions. Signs like breathlessness are a sign to slow down. Chart a step-up plan with an experienced member . Include strength training in your routine . Warm-up and cooldown periods are a must Inputs by Girish Bindra, running coach Also check out. The Bombay Running CoLOG ON TO @the.bombay.running.co on Instagram . Bombay HashLOG ON TO @bombayhash on Instagram . Chembur Running ClubCALL 9819526328 . Bombay Running LOG ON TO @bombayrunning on InstagramCALL 7400088990
14 October,2024 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleA surgeon, a techie and a voiceover artist walk into a coffee shop. To find out what happens next, we speak to Bhakti Shah, whose punch needling workshops in the city draw in people from all walks of life to try their hand at the emerging leisure time hobby. “The crochet wave that took over the city last year put the spotlight on embroidery-based hobbies. Punch needling is a more beginner-friendly practice for the time-strapped Mumbaikar who is on the lookout for an easy hobby,” the Goregaon-resident, who took up punch needling in 2022, suggests. For the uninitiated, punch needling involves using a thick hollow needle to pierce (thus, ‘punch’), yarn or thread through a fabric canvas to create textured artworks. Rainbows, flowers, emojis and motifs are ideal picks if they are your first attempt, we learn. “The size of the loops you create while punching determines how fluffy or flat the stitch will be. With the right mix, you can create some fun pieces,” she adds. The kit includes a hollow needle, thread, and a cloth canvas The reason working professionals are increasingly taking to the hobby, Shah believes, is thanks to its easy-going, slow-paced approach and short learning curve. While a wrong stitch in crochet might land you in a fix, punch needling has no such regulations. There are happy accidents. “If you mess up, you can simply re-punch over the area, and you might just discover a new texture,” she shares excitedly. Shah remembers a time when only those with experience in stitching were interested in this lesser-known hobby. Most of the learners at her workshops have never picked up a needle in their life. Participants work on their pieces at a previous workshop There is a downside though. As intriguing as Shah claims the activity to be, most of her students don’t return for more than one session. “A single four-hour session can equip you with the skills to pursue the hobby by yourself at your home, commute, or workplace. The initial hand-holding is all it takes,” she shares. Participants at the workshops are sent home with a kit that includes thread, needles and a fabric canvas. Their homework is to send Shah pictures of their own creations when they find the time to stitch on their own. Bhakti Shah “Most of the participants go on to pursue it independently. Punch needling is almost addictive,” she laughs. Among these serial punch needlers are senior citizens and retired professionals seeking a hobby to pass time. “Older individuals are usually hesitant to join such workshops because they fear they might not be able to keep up with the young participant’s pace. But funnily, they pick up the technique way faster. After all, they have something the youth doesn’t — patience,” Shah shares. With the World Mental Health Day celebrations behind us, Shah believes it would be remiss to not shed light on the soothing properties of the activity. “Punch needling requires you to be fully focused in the practice at all times. When you have the needle in your hand, you enter a flow state where the punching becomes rhythmic after a point. I’d say it is meditative,” she remarks. On October 13, 10.30 am and 2.30 pm; October 19, 10.30 amAt Starbucks, near Khalsa College, Matunga East; Third Wave Coffee, Runwal Greens, Mulund West. Call 9821876950Entry Rs 1,550 (includes refreshments and takeaway kit) Get, set, punch Head to these expert-approved stores for your first punch needling set >> Pooja EmbroideryAt Shop 25, BMC Market, opposite Borivali Railway Station, Sundar Nagar, Borivali West.Call 9892567446 >> Furia General StoresLOG ON TO Shop 18/19, Gupta Market, opposite Malad Railway Station (West). Call 9892313499 Goodies to go Check out these small businesses offering handmade punch-needled goodies. >> Gypsy SoulTake your pick from handmade accessories and handbags to pillow cases and rugs.LOG ON TO @thegypsysoulshop PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM >> Autumn PunchChoose from customised pieces like dream catchers, memorabilia and personal punch-needled messages this gifting season.LOG ON TO autumn_punch_by_jya
12 October,2024 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe festival of Navaratri is a celebration of feminine strength. This year, its spirit was upheld in a heartfelt way, by helping nine women start new businesses and achieve self-sufficiency by content creator Siddhesh Lokare and his team in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and rural Mahrashtra. “We wanted to empower the women to tap into their potential by providing them with tools and opportunities to create a life of financial independence,” Lokare says. The businesses — from a flour mill to a food cart — cater to daily community needs. The Empowering Naari initiative began in August, with research and surveys conducted with the help of local NGOs, to connect with women from neighbourhoods within Mumbai as well as Khidukpada and Kalamboli near Navi Mumbai. Payal Shendre at the new beauty parlour Having picked a group of women from these locations, and learning about their skills, interests, and current needs through an interview process, the team chose business ideas that fit each woman’s strengths and could be scaled up. Pre-orders for the businesses were arranged to ensure a smooth start, and digital platforms were set up for ventures such as the papad and tote bag businesses. “We’ve received great support from the local communities. People are buying atta from Kala Jadhav’s chakki, and women in Bhingar are excited to visit Payal Shendre’s beauty parlour, the only one in their village,” Lokare shared. Siddesh Lokare Depending on their requirements, the equipment was arranged by the initiative, carts and shops were set up, and rents for up to 11 months were paid for. “We also created a WhatsApp group to enable the women entrepreneurs to motivate each other and cross-promote their businesses,” he explains. To commemorate this new beginning, the women participated in a ‘gullak shapat’ ceremony, holding gullaks and taking a pledge to fulfil their business visions. “The gullak is symbolic of their journey, where they collect their income and commit to their vision,” he points out. The funds for the project were raised through crowdfunding and donations, with logistical help coming in from the Create Together Foundation. Lokare’s team and local backers from the community will act as points of contact to guide the women through their first months in business, ensuring they understand the basics of the enterprise, while helping the women make the most of this opportunity. “There were many challenges we faced, but everything came together eventually. This [initiative] wasn’t done for the numbers or content, but for the soul. I hope to keep expanding this effort with each Navaratri,” Lokare signs off. Call 9082636304 Log on to: @sidiously_ on Instagram for more details
12 October,2024 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaThe average Joe. Early in Mustansir Dalvi’s engaging biography of Charles Correa, the reader is introduced to Joe, the working township protagonist in You and Your Neighbourhood, an animated film the iconic architect directed as his final Masters’ thesis at MIT. We are given a peek into the then-aspiring architect’s vision, where he backs the power of individual acts and public participation for greater civic good. Dalvi was commissioned to write Citizen Charles (Niyogi Books) that releases today at Z Axis, a conference in Mumbai that honours six decades of Correa’s ideas. “I am glad that I got a chance to reconvene with his life, work and thoughts, as an architect and a true-blue Bombaywallah,” shares the architect, academic and author-poet. The title was chosen, Dalvi explains, because, “he epitomised an involved citizen. Correa’s architecture is an extension of this engagement.” Kanchanjunga Apartments, Mumbai. FILE PIC For the reader, it’s an insightful, well-paced chronicle about one of post-independent India’s most brilliant minds. The narrative is lucid and doesn’t overwhelm with technical or academic jargon. The handy size makes it less intimidating for readers who’d like to discover Correa’s legacy. The QR codes linked to his films are a bonus that open a window to his filmmaking avatar. Dalvi recalls the process of putting his life into words, “Piecing together a biography as a narrative was challenging. I was fortunate to be able to interview both Monika Correa, Charles’ wife and partner in the adventures that made such a rich life, and Nondita Correa Mehrotra, Charles’ daughter, for information about his family, background and younger days, and for their insights into his work and career. They were most generous.” Layout of the building (1962): © Charles Correa Associates, courtesy Charles Correa Foundation The early chapters offer a peek into his emerging dream. The Bombay connect began as a schoolboy who lived in Ballard Estate and studied in St Xavier’s Boys’ School in Dhobi Talao. Dalvi feels Ballard Estate could have played its part, “The Ballard Estate we see today is, physically at least, the Ballard Estate that Charles grew up in. This is a planned part, the work of George Wittet, who created a compact precinct that connected the docks with the main business areas of Bombay. Charles grew up seeing these stately piles, with their classical details. He must have walked down its tree-lined avenues and that this quiet sense of order and calmness, of a Bombay that once was, must have profoundly influenced his own space-making as an architect.” Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur. PIC COURTESY/ Wikimedia Commons Mighty Joe His interest in design and architecture took him to MIT School of Architecture and Planning. Dalvi recaps those years as only a fellow student of architecture would. “Correa was lucky to get enlightened teachers at MIT, broadminded enough to accept a twelve-and-a-half-minute-long animated film, called You and Your Neighbourhood, in lieu of a dissertation. His film, where Joe plays the neighbourhood hero, showed how homeowners in downtown Boston facing urban blight due to additions of infrastructure and urban sprawl, could improve their lot by making incremental changes to the spaces around them in collaboration with the police and health systems.” Correa believed that positive change was not dependent on top-down urban planning by professionals. His work was appreciated by his teachers and authorities in Boston. “The inferences from this film can be seen in Correa’s work through his career, whether in seeking solutions from local contexts or appreciating the value of design being built incrementally.” A rough sketch of its layout (1986): © Charles Correa Associates, courtesy Charles Correa Foundation Climate matters Correa, the visionary, described Indian architecture as “a three-legged stool: climate, technology and culture”. Dalvi explores in detail this maxim by citing multiple examples of his designs where these terms found a synthesis and harmony. “His ideas about climate were developed in his earliest mass-housing projects, including his prototypical Tube House and the PREVI housing in Peru, and his iconic Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya. Climate continued to be a central concern right into his later buildings like Lisbon’s Champalimaud Center for the Unknown.” With India already experiencing the effects of climate change, Dalvi has a message for young architects, “We will all have to tackle it sooner rather than later, and they would do well to follow Correa’s central tenet: ‘Form Follows Climate’.” TLC for Bombay “I realised, by the time I finished the book that to understand Correa best, you have to look beyond his architecture and to try to appreciate him as an active participant in the life of his city, his country and his world. His concerns were the people he built for. He explored the possibilities of the local, and his designs emerged from these granular understandings.” Mustansir Dalvi The book, apart from saluting Correa, offers insight into a period in post-independent India when leaders and administrators were in sync with Indian architects like Correa and his contemporaries, and even looked overseas (Le Corbusier - Chandigarh). With the New Bombay plan, while it was unfortunately never fully realised as Correa had envisioned it, interestingly, extensive coverage in The Times of India and a special edition of the MARG magazine in the 1970s, nudged civic authorities to consider it as a suitable remedy to decongest the island city where he suggested creating a ‘satellite city’ on the mainland, connected via a series of waterways. In the concluding chapter, Dalvi writes: ‘It is a loss to the city as well as to the architect, that so little of his vision was realised here.’ He elaborates, “Correa’s frustrations and ours, as good citizens, are rooted in his unrealised public projects, urban interventions in Bombay that would have left the city a much better place, but for various vested interests and the hubris of the State.” Key plans like the Backbay Plaza, the eastern waterfront, Fort’s overhead pedestrian walk, and the pavement dwellers’ project, never took off; the truncated Mill Lands plan diluted his vision of bringing to the city a large consolidated public green common space. “Correa did a lot for the city. The city did not follow up,” Dalvi reminds us.
12 October,2024 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona Fernandez
The flavours of matcha often divide Indian foodies. Some love its grassy taste and colour, while others just can’t get on board. So, when we decide to review Tokyo Matcha Bar and Café, a cutesy new Asian café on Chapel Road in Bandra, we invite a non-matcha enthusiast to tag along. We visit them on the second day after their opening and are happy to see how far they have come from when we reviewed them during their cloud kitchen days, when their menu only had matcha drinks and desserts. Grandma’s wonton noodle soup and Chicken curry glaze wontons. PICS COURTESY/DHARA VORA SABHNANI The eatery is packed at 6.30 pm. We order a white chocolate matcha with cold foam (Rs 399, all prices exclusive of taxes) while we wait for a table to empty. For its small space, the menu is extensive; it’s no longer just restricted to matcha offerings. There’s a long beverage menu with milk alternatives, desserts, appetisers, sides, sandwiches and mains. Our latte is ready before our table is, and the chilled drink offers respite on a humid evening. A delightful pairing of matcha and white chocolate, the cold foam adds another texture to the thick latte. Our fellow reviewer has not yet warmed up to matcha; we offer a subtle mode to convert them, with the matcha tres leches (Rs 310). It turns out to be a success. The milk-doused cake is light; the matcha levels are just perfect — there’s umami minus the bitterness — and the cream is airy too, tres tasty! Like a cat, we slurp every last drop of the matcha milk, straight from the bowl! We feel guilty about starting our meal with the dessert first and move our attention to their food. Our server recommends karaage Japanese fried chicken (Rs 385), grandma’s wonton noodle soup (Rs 399), samurai tofu (Rs 389) and chicken curry glaze wontons (Rs 410). The fried chicken is insanely crisp on the outside, you will hear a snap every time you bite. A dip will help elevate the simple yet technical dish. As for the other dishes, smooth is the ideal word to describe them all. Be it the tofu, the ramen broth or the curry glazed wontons, every morsel slides on our palate with complex flavours of multiple Asian ingredients balanced with a winning mouth feel. Samurai tofu is made with the silken variety, and has the right hint of chilli. The wontons in both the dishes are luscious, we slurp it down at Naruto speed. The chicken curry glaze has a delicate balance of creamy coconut base, red chilli and lemongrass and will also pair well with a bit of rice. The ramen noodles are slippery-good and the veg broth makes for elevated comfort food. We are tempted to try their matcha soft serve but have no room left. We’ve heard of cafés in the quaint lanes across Bandra that open and shut every month. We hope that this newest entrant stays put and becomes the spot for memorable matcha dates. Tokyo Matcha Bar and CaféAt Silvilla House, Chapel Road, St Sebastian Colony, Ranwar, Bandra West. time 12 noon to 10 pm (Tuesdays closed)Call 8657801026 **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Tokyo Matcha Bar and Café didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
11 October,2024 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora SabhnaniOne with the world Author and curator Kaiwan Mehta takes his ideas of home, the city and the world, expressed in his 2009 work Alice in Bhuleshwar: Navigating a Mumbai Neighbourhood to the larger canvas through the works of 19 artists in the exhibition, World, But No Home. From the photographs by Dayanita Singh to the canvas creations of Sameer Kulavoor, the exhibition brings together visual artists, photographers and performances.TILL October 26; 11 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)AT Tarq, ground floor, KK Chambers, Fort. Sakti’s return Three Clowns, bas relief sculpture, 2024. Pic Courtesy/ Art Musings Artist Sakti Burman turns to the past images that have dominated his art, but this time in a different medium with his latest exhibition, Transfigurations. Turning to the new medium of bas reliefs, the artist replicates the images of friezes, impressions on Gothic churches and European art with a distinctly Indian influence at its heart. His love for the monuments can be seen through the sculptures where one can see gods and goddesses dressed in ceremonial attire. These sculptures also showcase three musing circus performers. TILL November 20; 11 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday), 11 am to 5.30 pm (Saturday)AT Art Musings, Admiralty Building, Colaba. Stainless steel sculptures Reflections (Large & Small), stainless steel sculpture, 2024. Pic Courtesy/Akara contemporary Sculptor and architect (inset) Tarik Currimbhoy’s solo exhibition Tender Forces is now open at Akara Contemporary. The exhibition showcases his stainless steel artworks inspired by mathematics and physics as the artist explores the forces behind the static objects. “Seeing rock crystals, steel, bronze, and brass dancing together in harmony and radiating off each other in tranquillity is like playing a symphony. They dance like ballerinas, tip-toeing, governed by gravity distilled to its pureness of weight and balance,” Currimbhoy says.TILL November 16; 11 am to 6.30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)AT 3C Amarchand Mansion, 2nd Floor, 16 Madame Cama Road, Colaba.CALL 2235129750 Also check out >> Inscribed Landscapes By Alok BalTILL November 7; 11 am to 6 pm (Monday to saturday)AT Sakshi Art Gallery, 3rd Pasta Lane, Railway Colony, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.CALL 9820498480 >> Sew Dents On Every Skyline by Marina ZumiTILL November 3; 11.30 am to 7.30 pm AT Gallery XXL, first floor, Arsiwala Mansion, 21, Wodehouse Road, Colaba.CALL 9324857354 >> Alternate Gaze, curated by Georgina MaddoxTILL November 2; 11 am to 7 pm AT APRE Art house, Sanghvi House, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba. CALL 9082535212
11 October,2024 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Amey MirashiPrakrit, a group of Indo-Aryan languages, has garnered negligible attention. However, recently, the Union Cabinet declared it a classical language. As opposed to Sanskrit, primarily spoken by the elites and used in the classical texts to denote the speech of royalty, Prakrit had emerged as the language of the public. Several edicts from the 3rd century BC to 2nd century AD as well as the oldest Jain sutras were composed in Prakrit. Historian AL Basham noted its use in the speech of women in drama. Professor Andrew Ollett of the University of Chicago refused to call it “Just a curio in the cabinet” of Indian languages. He remarked, “It is the key to understanding how literary languages worked in premodern India as a whole.” Vedang Joshi and Megha Natekar To honour the history and significance of Prakrit, Centre for Research in Indian Archaeology, Arts and Sciences (CRIAAS), Nashik, has launched a three-month online course led by Prakrit scholar Megha Natekar. In addition to teaching its basics — alphabet systems, and grammar — she will introduce the participants to its historical evolution and how Prakrit connects with modern languages. Participants will analyse its use in literature and architecture, and receive a certificate at the end of the course. Vedang Joshi, founder at CRIAAS, tells us, “There are several manuscripts in India [National Mission for Manuscripts estimates the number to be as high as four crores]. Of these, only about four lakh are published. There is a lack of scholars and translators. We read the texts in English, but so much is lost in translation.” He started such courses inspired by the richness of the culture and concerned about the lack of a multi-disciplinary approach towards understanding it. For Joshi, “The culture and heritage of India lies in other sciences like archaeology, architecture and iconography which are not taught in Sanskrit colleges. Prakrit and Sanskrit complement each other. How does one value what Sanskrit gave us without understanding all of this?” Natekar believes that though we don’t speak Prakrit the way it existed, we speak variations of it. “For example, the word ‘muh’ comes from Prakrit ‘mukh’. Current languages are offshoots of Prakrit. It is a mediator between Sanskrit and the regional languages of North India.” She is thrilled about its new status as a classical language. “It’ll help in creating awareness. We have so many historical, social and cultural sources in Prakrit, not limited to religious texts and Jain philosophy. Like the Gatha Saptashati, compiled [as poems of love] by the Satavahana ruler, Hāla, was in Prakrit but it also carries enough evidence of its ancient use and ‘classicalness’,” she concludes. From October 13 to January 13 2025 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 6.30 pm to 8 pm) Call 9403706716 Log on to @criaas_nashik COST Rs 3,000
11 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaUrban Tales Company is back with a fresh offering, and this time, it’s a true reflection of Mumbai’s vibrant spirit. Cutting Chai, their latest release, brings together a collection of short comics that bottle the essence of the city — one that’s brimming with life, culture, and unforgettable stories. Riya Thakkar, its co-founder, says that Cutting Chai is a stand-alone book. “We mainly make comics that revolve around city life. Mumbai, being such a lively and inspirational city, was a natural focus for us,” she explains. Cutting Chai is an anthology that showcases the flavours of Mumbai through six unique digital comics, each exploring a different aspect of life in the city. The story, Modak (left) sheds light on a boys’ love for the traditional sweet consumed during (right) Ganeshotsav in the city From the iconic The Great Indian vadapav story, which imagines vada pav being sold for Rs 10 even in the year 3000, to the heart-warming Modak, inspired by a little boy’s love for the traditional sweet during Ganesh Chaturthi, each tale is a testament to Mumbai’s rich tapestry of experiences. Comics like What To Do (And What Not To Do) In Mumbai offer a humorous yet practical guide for newcomers, while Home delves into the deeper question of what ‘home’ truly means in a city as diverse as Mumbai. An illustration from the section, The Great Indian vadapav story The stories, while personal, are rooted in observations that come from living in and exploring Mumbai. “A lot of what we depict is derived from personal anecdotes or things we’ve noticed in our surroundings,” Thakkar says. On weekends, the team goes out sketching acrossthe city, using these sessions to capture the dynamic pulse of Mumbai. There was no external collaboration on Cutting Chai — instead, it’s a labour of love from within the collective itself. “We’re all artists, so there’s no formal selection process,” she reminds. The team consists of storytellers who are equally passionate about art and urban life, and this mix of perspectives ensures that the comics offer an authentic and varied portrayal of the city. The team with co-founder Riya Thakkar (extreme right) One of the defining elements of the group is how it mirrors the diversity of the city, from its food to its people. Thakkar explains that each artist has a unique take on the city, which is why the anthology feels so rich in its portrayal of Mumbai’s different shades. Whether it is capturing the simplicity of a paper boat floating down a flooded street or the quest for employment in a city of millions, these comics highlight the experiences that make the city unique.Having launched Cutting Chai at last week’s Indie Comix Fest in Mumbai, the group has already started to receive positive feedback from readers. “People love the diversity and are relating to the stories we’ve shared,” she reveals. Comics like One Phone Call and Ajji’s Phool have also resonated strongly with Mumbaikars, showing that the comic book is striking a chord with their audience, she signed off. LOG ON TO @urbantalescompanyCOST Rs 450
11 October,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Anisha ShrivastavaBorn in Chennai, RK Narayan’s ability to tell stories masterfully ensured that his readers across the country kept turning the pages. He was one of the earliest authors writing in English in India with his first novel published in 1935. Narayan made the language his own and gave his readers stories that were based in the heartlands of India — its cities, small towns, and villages. Being honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and an AC Benson medal by the Royal Society of Literature, he became the first recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award (English) in 1960. A hat tip to some of his iconic contributions to India’s literary landscape. RK Narayan. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The town of Malgudi Narayan’s most iconic creation was the fictional town of Malgudi, which was located in South India. Here one would meet all kinds of characters: children, teachers, clerks, printers, tricksters, and talkative correspondents. Many claimed that it emerged as a portmanteau of Bengaluru’s Malleswaram (Mal) and Basavanagudi (Gudi) districts. Malgudi’s realities seemed to fit naturally into the realities of those growing up in India in the early 20th century. Through Malgudi, one sees a changing India from the 1930s to the years after independence. Meet the characters Swaminathan (Swami): When 10-year old Swami isn’t running away from studies, he is busy forming a cricket team, the ‘MCC’ (Malgudi Cricket Club). He is called Tate, after the English cricketer Maurice Tate because of his bowling skills. Swami hangs out with his friends Mani, Somu, Sankar, Rajam, and Samuel every evening. Though mostly innocent at the beginning, his consciousness and disobedience towards the end lead him to fall out of favour with his school headmasters, resulting in severe punishments. Swami’s story is about growing up, making and losing friends, and coming to terms with the larger truths of the world.Read: Swami and Friends Raju: Raju, a tourist guide, tricks tourists who arrive in Malgudi. Narayan writes, “It was in his nature to get involved in other people’s interests and activities.” He falls in love with Rosie, a dancer married to Marco, who ends up leaving her. Raju assumes the position of Rosie’s stage manager. We learn that his greed for money catches up with him, and that he ends up behind the bars for a crime associated with forgery. After his release, we see him make amends and an attempt to straighten up. A house featured in the series Read: The Guide; Watch: The Guide (1965)Vasu: A taxidermist from Junagadh, Vasu, enters the printer Nataraj’s shop, asking for print-outs of visiting cards. He is new to the town and talks Nataraj into letting him stay in his attic. He believes science can conquer nature, and is in search of wild animals at the Mempi Forest. He makes Nataraj’s life miserable and chases away his customers, killing nearby pets and bringing in carcasses of wild animals. Narayan infuses disorder in the town, specifically in Nataraj’s press-life, through Vasu before the protagonist takes on the journey to restore it. Read: The Man-Eater of MalgudiMr Sampath: Sampath, a printer like Nataraj, is a small-time business partner of Srinivas, the editor of a weekly in Malgudi called The Banner. He lacks a moral compass and indulges in money-making schemes. After the closing of Srinivas’s weekly, he ropes the editor in to write for his film-making studio, Sunrise Productions. He plays the lead role in his first film and ends up having an affair with the actress, despite being married to someone else. This book deals with actions and consequences, and Sampath has to reckon with his choices.Read: Mr Sampath — The Printer of Malgudi Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
10 October,2024 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
