For those of us staying away from our homes, festivals are the times where homesickness hits the most. With the cool winds of January bringing the harvest season to its fruition, the month saw people celebrating the arrival of fresh stock from farms with much cheer and joy. While Mumbai indulged in jaggery-laden sweets and crunchy snacks to celebrate Makar Sankranti, members of the Assamese community in Thane soaked in the spirit of Bihu on January 18 with a celebration full of revelry, food and obviously, nostalgia. Most of them live in Thane, and have been coming here for nearly 13 years. Since then, these celebrations include Bihu potluck parties at home with food cooked by the women of the community, before groups were formed on social media in 2014. “When we started gathering at each other’s houses for Bihu, there were very few Assamese families. The community expanded over the years and there came a point where people couldn’t be accommodated in the homes; it’s when we decided to host the festival on a bigger scale and I formed a Facebook group along with a few other people to keep everyone connected,” Gautaam Borah, the organiser of the festival tells us. A girl performs Bihu dance on the stage during the event This year saw a gathering of 90 to 100 people from in and around Mumbai and Thane to celebrate the 12th year of the community’s annual Bihu celebration. “We celebrate the festival on a Saturday closest to the date of Bihu, and since we don’t have an association or organisation, all the work for the festival is divided and voluntarily taken by people. This is the perfect time for us to catch up with each other and enjoy the festival like we used to back home,” Borah shares. In all the banter, a particular game catches our eye. “The Bihu lottery is a funny traditional game,” Manisha Mohan, a member of the community tells us. “We have food coupons with a number mentioned in it and a lottery is drawn. The lucky winner gets a bag of rice or a dozen eggs as the prize. It is quite a popular ritual back home,” she says. Since the gathering has new people joining the community every year, the other games carry fun twists to break the ice between members. While Jaapi, a brightly coloured traditional hat made from bamboo leaves is circulated in a game of passing the parcel, we also catch an amusing sight of couples struggling to balance on newspapers for a heady dance challenge at the event. A traditional Bihu platter It is not long before the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen calls for feasting time. With the festive spread consisting of rice, dal, fish kalia and chicken kosha, the conversation inevitably turns to memories of traditional Assamese food. “There are practically no shops or stores where you can get authentic ingredients here. While some members source ingredients from Assam, we mostly manage with what is available in the city,” Aditi Kataki, another member explains. While the spread includes certain traditional dishes like narikol laru, nimki, til laru and kumol saul (semi-sticky rice soaked in water and eaten with jaggery and cream) prepared in small batches by the women of the community, the absence of a traditional food fair soon translates into a nostalgic yearning for home. Kumol saul with cream and jaggery “Bihu is when the granaries are full with fresh produce from farms, so in villages you’ll see people spiritedly celebrating Mukoli Bihu in fields. Women are clad in Mekhela Sador with Kapou flowers in their hair and everyone feasts together. Haahor mangxo (a spicy duck curry made with ash gourd) is a popular delicacy. I remember this one time, Manisha flew in duck meat from Assam for the festival, and cooked it for all of us. While we relished the curry, this cannot be arranged every year,” Kataki shares amidst laughs. Women gather for a group dance at the celebration As the evening draws to a close, we see the ladies admiring each other’s radiant sarees, children doing their own little dances and the food polished off. With the festive fervour slowly snuffing out, Borah drops in a tidbit. “We also celebrate Bohag Bihu in April, which is observed to welcome spring. It is one of the most pleasant season back home. This Bihu will be in an indoor venue because of the scorching heat here. Hopefully, with all these festive celebrations we’ll be able to instill our traditions in the younger generation and carry forward our culture,” he concludes. E-mail gautaamborah@gmail.com (for details)
25 January,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaTemples are an extension of people’s homes, beliefs and practices,” says Vinit Mirkar, principal of IES College of Architecture in Bandra. This observation laid the foundation to the Deulkathan project that will take stage at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival that begins today. “The project was an effort to encourage first-year architecture students to understand what lies beyond the form of the temples, to push them to go beyond the textbook understanding of architecture,” shares Mirkar. In some ways, it has been a personal crusade. He adds, “I know of my gramdeivat (village deity) temple in Konkan that underwent a renovation, and transformed into a concrete uniform structure. It has lost a bit of its charm.” An on-site research session at the temple in Awarsa To bridge this gap between cultural practices and architectural improvisations the first-year students were sent on regular field trips. “This project revolves around five temples in Konkan, each built around a story. The students discovered these narratives during their research,” shares professor Shilpa Chandawarkar. These include Dhamapur Bhagawati temple in Kudal, Vijaydurga temple in Goa and Deulwada temple in Malvan. The only exception is the Katyayani Baneshwar temple in Awarsa, Karnataka. “All of these temples are on the coast, and associated with stories of the sea,” the professor adds. The Katyayani Baneshwar temple is known for its inverted boat-shaped roof — a marker of the legend claiming that the idol of the goddess was protected from invaders by keeping it hidden within an inverted boat. Vinit Mirkar The stories find their way into the exhibition in the form of photographs, drawings, 3D models as well as recordings and voiceovers. The project is an evolving one, Chandawarkar informs, adding that a new batch of students has returned with another survey. Mirkar adds, “We are now also including photography, videography and interacting with the community to help explain the nature of the project. Protecting these structures and retaining their stories is difficult, unless we are able to explain to them the need to renovate said structures with traditional material. It is the key to retaining their architectural essence.” This is where the role of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) emerges. Co-convenor Katyayani Agarwal explains, “Architectural heritage is a key focus area. We wanted to engage with the next generation. Such projects can be a good opportunity to support and nurture a new generation.” The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) enables this project to find a larger audience. “These drawings and models are easily readable by the layman. It enables them to understand the ideas behind these structures,” Agarwal signs off. ON January 25 to February 2; 11 am to 7 pm AT Khadi Gram Udyog Bhandar, DN Road, Fort. FREE TODAY’S PICKS AT KGAF . OPENING CEREMONY: 6 pm onwards; Cross MaidanThe show includes Ganesh Stuti, Gondhal, a portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a tribute to Lord Vitthal which will encapsulate Maharashtra’s traditions; a Sattriya performance by Krishkankshi Kashyap and Dhruba Talukdar; poetry and rhythm by Prachee Shah Pandya and Prithvi Gandharv and a kathak performance by Prachee Shah Paandya, with ghazals by Prithvi Gandharv. . LITERATURE: 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm; David Sassoon LibraryThe Spirit of Kala Ghoda: In KGAF’s silver jubilee edition, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Saryu Doshi, Abha Narain, Vikas Dilawari, Rajan Jayakar and Brinda Miller will launch a book highlighting this journey. . MUSIC: 6 pm onwards; Cooperage BandstandNCPA in the Park: Enjoy a variety of performances. Register at www.ncpamumbai.com . THEATRE: 6 pm to 7.30 pm; Rangswar Auditorium, Yashwantrao Chavan CentrePatratoon Kaafka (Marathi): Watch this Marathi tribute to Franz Kafka, on his 100th death anniversary that explores the intimate aspects of his writing. LOG ON TO kalaghodaassociation.com (for entire schedule)
25 January,2025 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe story of Christ Church School (CCS), in Byculla dates back to 1815, when Archdeacon George Barnes of the East India Company established the Bombay Education Society (BES) with just 10 students. The aim was to provide education to European children in Mumbai. By 1925, the school had grown sufficiently to warrant the creation of Christ Church School for day scholars in Byculla, and Barnes School in Deolali, Nashik for boarders. Over the years, CCS became a symbol of high-quality education, thanks to its founders. The impact of the four visionaries — Archdeacon George Barnes, Bishop Reginald Herber, Sir John Malcolm, and Major Edward Willoughby — endures even today, reflected in the names of the school’s four houses, as we found out when we stopped by for a walk back in time. Principal Graham Heiden Legacy of success As we interact with the school’s alumni who had dropped by on that day, it’s clear that they cherish their alma mater for its lasting memories and lifelong friendships. Many have gone on to achieve success in diverse fields, including medicine, law, architecture, fashion, film, sports, and business. Notable alumni include late actor Jalal Agha, Marathi film actor Mahesh Kothare, fashion designer Shane Peacock, and rugby captain Nasser Hussein. The student choir rehearses for the thanksgiving service Take Graham Heiden, the current principal, as an example. Heiden is the first ex-student to lead the school, but his relationship with the school goes beyond just being a student; it’s a family affair. His mother was also an alumna, and now, Graham is at the helm, with over 28 years of teaching under his belt. “I think it was just destiny that when we reached the centenary year, out of the twelve principals on the list, I am the only one that’s an ex-student,” shares Heiden. Parita Parmar and Amreen Khan Alumni Amreen Khan, whose father has been the boxing coach at CCS for nearly 40 years, now teaches the primary section. “This feels like a second home,” she says, noting that it was her father’s dream for her to return and teach. Similarly, Parita Parmar, a pre-primary teacher, shares, “How I speak, behave and respect those around me, is all because of my school. My batchmates share similar values.” Students rehearse for the upcoming centenary celebrations The bond among CCS students is often likened to that of a family. Former students Alfan Lakdawalaa and Vivek Metkari recall how principal Heiden remembers alumni by name, even years after their graduation. The school’s emphasis on physical education and teamwork was another highlight for the duo, who noted that while many of their peers at other schools had to travel for coaching, CCS provided excellent facilities on campus. A view of the main school building from the front gate The cornerstone The CCS campus, set on a sprawling seven-acre plot owned by Christ Church, exudes a sense of history. The school maintains a strong connection to the church, with important events such as the investiture ceremony for the prefect body held there as part of a solemn service. From its humble beginnings as a one-storey building, it has expanded into a multi-storey complex, now housing six divisions (A to G) to cater to its growing student body. Recent additions include a 12-storey staff quarters tower, which also accommodates the pre-primary section, and a new wing with state-of-the-art facilities. Giving back A core tenet here is humility, even among students from affluent backgrounds. Principal Heiden points out that the school has always been about more than just academics — its focus on humility sets CCS apart. The school fosters a strong sense of social responsibility through units like the Junior Red Cross, Guides, Scouts, and the Interact Club. “These units organise visits to orphanages, old age homes, and hospitals, encouraging students to engage with the wider community,” shares Heiden. Reflect and celebrate As the school marks its 100th anniversary, there is a palpable sense of pride. The celebrations will kick off with a thanksgiving service at Christ Church on January 29, followed by a dinner dance on the school grounds. The celebrations will culminate in a grand alumni night on February 1, where alumni from all over the world will gather to reminisce and honour the school’s remarkable journey through the last 100 years. For those who have walked the halls of CCS, these events offer a chance to reconnect with old friends, share memories, and honour the values and traditions that have stood the test of time. Make school fun On the opening day of the Paris Olympics, students were encouraged to ditch the uniform and come to school in the sportswear of their choice. The school was decorated with flags of different countries participating in the Olympics Games and over the next few days students were asked to regularly update each other on the games during classes.
25 January,2025 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheThreading dreams Have a keen eye for stitching? Check out this sewing workshop to create your own personalised pillow, eye mask, and scrunchie.On January 25; 4.30 pm to 6.30 pmAt The Hab by Usha, 7th Road, Linking Road, Khar West. LOG ON TO @Thehab_Usha on InstagramFEE Rs 1499 Scare tactics Join an immersive workshop conducted by Puja Sarup (inset), where improvisation, and silliness come together to help you create your clown character.On January 26; 3.30 pm onwardsAt Little Theatre Foyer, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 885
24 January,2025 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThe past few years have seen a great number of recreational activities popping up to take people away from the concrete construct of cities and into the lap of nature. But somewhere in this rapidly proliferating culture of adventure activities, the essence of an outdoor trip is lost. In an attempt to flip this narrative, Tourbugs, a Pune-based venture is hosting a camping festival this weekend that promises to provide a raw camping experience to people in the serene environs of the Western Ghats. Arti Navindgikar, one half of Tourbugs tells us, “It has been more than 10 years of us hosting camps. My husband, Arvind and I are avid motorcyclists, and we love going on adventurous trips. This passion for the outdoors translated into us leaving our corporate jobs to build this idea.” Arti Navindgikar and Arvind Singh With a little home near Mulshi Dam in Tamhini Ghat, the couple host camping groups and solo travellers for an authentic out-in-the-wild experience. The camping festival is also conceptualised on a similar line of thought. “In the West, people usually engage in camping activities on their own — they pitch their own tents, light their own bonfire and prepare barbecue. That is exactly what we are aiming to do with the festival,” Navindgikar explains. A view of the campsite in Mulshi That being said, the couple tells us that they have planned a few activities for the festival, which includes the National Flag-hoisting on Republic Day, followed by a mini track race for motorcycle enthusiasts and an acoustic performance by Pune-based band Fiddlecraft. “Lately, there has been a rise of camping culture in India, but they are all very noisy and DJ-based experiences. If people have moved out of their clustered city homes for a getaway, the trip should be rejuvenating,” she says, adding that the peaceful atmosphere of their campsite has attracted families with children and pets. “There is no mobile network in the area where we camp, which is what pushes people to connect with other campers and engage in conversations. At the end of the day, it is all about creating an inclusive experience for everyone,” she says before signing off. On January 25 and 26; 2.30 pmAt Tourbugs Nest, Nive village, Mulshi, Pune. Log on to @tourbugs on InstagramCost Rs ,1750 (per person) Also Check out >> Sky full of starsSign-up for this campsite beside Bhandardara Lake that also promises the clearest sky for celestial spottings.On January 25; 2 pmMeeting point Kasara Railway Station. LOG ON TO treksandtrails.org Cost Rs 1,299 >> Beach vibesIf scrumptious barbecues, bonfire night, water-based sports and a dance party is your jam, this campsite in Alibaug is the spot to head over to.on January 26; 1.45 pmMeeting point Gateway of India. LOG ON TO adventuregeek.in Cost Rs 1,199 >> Wild adventuresFrom camps and luxury tents, to cottages and open-air movies, this campsite in Panshet is a perfect spot for fun in nature.On February 1; 3.30 pmcampsite Gypsy Soul, Panshet, Pune.LOG ON TO insider.inCost Rs 1,500 onwards
24 January,2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWith its catchy tagline, “Swipe books, not looks”, Bookmark — a new dating app — is connecting readers across the world with each other. The profiles in the app are structured like books. Readers can fill in their information, like their bios and personal beliefs, under the sections titled blurb, preface, story, epilogue, and bibliography. Additionally, they can add their favourite books to the bookshelves on their profiles. This allows readers who get matched to browse through each other’s collections and leave a message, if they enjoyed reading a specific book too. Co-founded by Bengaluru-based readers Shruti Sah and Harsh Snehanshu (founders of Cubbon Reads), along with Sid Zidaun and Avrojyoti Das, the app offers a wholesome way of finding partners — not necessarily for a romantic relationship, but also as book buddies. Harsh Snehanshu and Shruti Sah Books were a significant part of what connected Sah and Snehanshu. When they began Cubbon Reads, Sah tells us, “We saw that there were friendships forming very organically.” People would reach out to one another if they caught sight of a new or an intriguing title. “Over time we realised that people had, in this way, started to become friends with each other. Some had even started dating. That gave us an idea to create an app where people can actually get to know each other,” she adds. The app that was launched last year has onboarded over 50,000 users. A user shares a picture of the book they are reading on the app A highlight of the app is the hidden display picture, which gets revealed only after 10 messages have been exchanged with the matched profile. “The intent to talk to each other is focused around their personalities and interests, rather than something shallow as a face, which is a problem most people face on other apps,” observes Sah. Snehanshu agrees, “It was a daring move on our end, but we were confident that if you really are readers of similar kinds of books, 10 messages would be a no-brainer.” It can easily get the conversation started. They also provide prompts, a quirky one being “an author I’d love to hate with you”. The biography column is divided into sections similar to a book One of the initial snags faced by the team was dealing with fake profiles. Snehanshu reveals that about two per cent of the users were using celebrities’ pictures, instead of their own. The team has managed to block those. He adds, “We’re working on a selfie-verification, where your selfie will be matched with the picture you’ve put up to solve the problem more efficiently.” The team was also happy to report a higher ratio of women to men using the app, as compared to all other dating apps. Log on to bookmarkapp.co Founders’ reccos: Four books to carry on your first date >> An underrated book by a famous author>> A book that recommended you more good books>> A book that landed in your life almost magically>> A book that has a fantasy you’d like to play out someday
24 January,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThursdayRise to the funk Pic Courtesy: Abhishek Gupta Kick-start the weekend with Funk Town, a live performance by the Adil Manuel Collective before you let loose to the groovy beats of DJ Ruskin.TIME 8 pm onwards At Hylo, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort. FridayComedy unleashed Enjoy a night of nonstop laughter with stand-up comedian Inder Sahani (below) at his latest family-friendly solo show titled Papa.TIME 10.40 pm onwardsAT Live It Up Consultancy, Kamat Industrial Estate, Prabhadevi.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 444 SaturdayNaseer nostalgia Naseeruddin Shah Catch Waiting for Naseer, a philosophical comedy wherein two actors wait at the Prithvi Theatre café to catch a performance of their favourite actor’s new play.Time 8 pm onwardsAT Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West LOG ON TO insider.in ENTRY Rs 350 East Indian feast Join the mother-daughter duo of Veera and Natasha Almeida for an East Indian cooking and dining experience themed around a traditional East Indian wedding.TIME 11 am onwardsAT Jao Shiker, Giriz, Vasai.LOG ON TO @igoreyaa on Instagram COST Rs 1,600 SundayImprovised cheers Unleash your creativity at the Wham Bam Improv Jam, a platform for novice improvisers.TIME 3 pm onwardsAT Dorangos, Pali Hill, Bandra West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499 Step into history Explore Mumbai’s rich history with Falak Chowdhury on a heritage walk around (above) August Kranti Maidan.Time 9 amMEETING POINT August Kranti Maidan, Tardeo. CALL 8291055774COST Rs 599
23 January,2025 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheTravelling along the Western Railway has become a part of my daily routine for years now. On several occasions, when I’m dreading the start of a long day or feeling low at the end of it, and the city-heat has me feeling rather cranky, I stop at a small stall at Churchgate terminus with large dispensers filled with freshly-made apple juice. While I’m not overly fond of the fruit, this cold juice version is welcome respite on warm, humid days. At only Rs 10 a cup, this has been a saving grace for me as well as my mother, during our local train commute. Over time, it has become synonymous with a refreshing break. The store is dedicated to the fruit, and sells other apple products including apple cider vinegar and concentrates. At Near platform No. 4, Churchgate railway terminus
23 January,2025 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheWith nearly 16 km of accessible beaches, it’s not hard to find a Mumbaikar who swears by the therapeutic effects of sitting by the city’s shoreline; some regulars might even call it ‘home’. Marine life expert Shaunak Modi breaks our bubble — the real residents, he says, are not the hurried Mumbaikars finding respite in the beaches, but more than 600 species of sea slugs, snails and octopus that have quietly inhabited the intertidal zones (see box) on the shores since time immemorial. Yet, they remain largely under-researched. The India Intertidal BioBlitz 2025, a large-scale collaborative citizen initiative, is set to change that. Spread across 10 days, to account for fluctuating tidal activity across the coast, the effort will be joined by naturalists from Rushikonda and Thotlakonda beaches in Andhra Pradesh, Karwar in Karnataka, Baga and Bambolim in Goa, Sitapur and Govind Nagar beaches in the Andamans, Nandgaon and Vengurla in Konkan, Minicoy and Kavaratti in Lakshadweep and other locations in addition to local efforts at the Juhu, Nepean Sea Road, Haji Ali and Carter Road shores in Mumbai. “The end goal is to get a snapshot of the existing species and the condition of the tide pools to help us plan our conservation efforts. It’s the first step towards something larger in scale akin to the popular nationwide bird counts,” says Modi. Those interested in joining hands with the initiative can register through a form where they must faithfully declare their level of expertise in the field. The log of all sighted creatures will be available on the online worldwide wildlife repository, iNaturalist. Experts recommend not stepping out in intertidal zones without professional guidance to avoid unforeseen accidents and harm to fragile marine ecosystems. The tide pool trail Juhu KoliwadaThis spot near Granth Book Store is the easiest location for first-timers and children joining expert-led marine walks. During low tide, you’d be lucky if you spot the Coral star (left), Orange striped hermit crab, Octopus and Pearly sea anemones. Carter RoadThe sightings at this muddy and rocky shore include Feather duster worm (right), Scribbled nudibranchs, and the False pillow coral. Haji AliHaji Ali’s rocky shore is where the rare Glossodoris Bombayana sea slug (below), was sighted in 2018, nearly 18 years after it was first identified in 1946 and suitably named after Mumbai. PICS COURTESY/SACHIN RANE Nepean Sea RoadThe Priyadarshini Park shore is famous for colourful sea slugs. The vibrant Star-tentacled bornella (above) and Verril’s encrusting cup coral stand out among other creatures like Violet zoanthids and Anemones. Pearly sea anemone What are intertidal zones and tide pools?Intertidal zones are the areas between the high tide mark and the low tide mark on any shore. When the tide recedes from high to low, naturally formed crevices and burrows in the intertidal zones trap marine life like oysters, molluscs, sea stars and slugs, giving rise to tide pools. Most tide pools host a mixed bag of lesser-known marine creatures, many of them visible to the naked eye. Tidy up, MumbaiIn addition to climate change and rising sea levels, Modi states coastal development projects and the subsequent release of pollutants into the sea as a major threat to the intertidal ecosystems. Shaunak Modi The habitat in Mumbai’s intertidal zones isn’t as rich as its southern counterparts in the Konkan belt, but there is still time to save them, he suggests. “Conservation can only speed up when there is documentation on what is there to save in the tidepools. This initiative is step one in that direction,” Modi shares. Inputs by Sachin Rane, naturalist
23 January,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn case you haven’t heard, bows are now passé. That’s right. You can stop wearing them on your collars, pinning them to your hair or even decorating your cushions with them. Their replacement isn’t quite as demure and has been flouting the boundaries of gender and wardrobe categories with enviable ease. We’re referring to the necktie, which has been stealing the spotlight on red carpets across the world. Kriti Sanon wears a sharp menswear-inspired suit with a slim tie “Ties are slowly but surely emerging from masculine formalwear to a much more fluid, playful interpretation. Depending on the kind of outfit you pair the tie with and your choice of accessories, they could add a subtle touch of power dressing to the most feminine ensemble or that ‘something extra’ to a well-cut suit,” explains celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar. She suggests a few combinations that can have you all ‘tied up’! A tie can add the right amount of structure to a casual look That ’80s show Power suits are no longer relegated to your favourite 1980s soaps. The signature double-breasted padded jackets, slouchy trousers and button-up shirts are back in a big way, especially with a few subtle tweaks. Ambekar suggests swapping crisp cotton for satin to take your look from office to red carpet. “Oversized suits aren’t for everyone. You could pick a more figure-flattering tailored fit with slimmer pants and a jacket that’s cinched at the waist. A sportswear look spruced up with a tie. Pics Courtesy/Pinterest This look is especially impactful in a monochrome style, where you sport the same colour from head-to-tie,” she suggests. A slicked-back hairstyle with minimal but bold jewellery will add to your outfit’s visual impact. For a more feminine take on the trend, you could swap the trousers with a pencil skirt and add the tie as a focal masculine element, Ambekar adds. A cinched waist can offset the masculinity of a tie A matter of proportions Just because you’re wearing a tie, doesn’t necessarily mean that the rest of your outfit must follow a formal dress code. In fact, Ambekar recommends experimenting with unconventional silhouettes. For instance, you could wear a cropped blazer with a short necktie or high-waisted trousers with an oversized tie. Another easy way to incorporate a tie into your ensemble is to wear it in place of a necklace. For instance, when styling a structured dress, add a shirt as a bottom layer and accessorise with a tie. Or, if you can’t be bothered with knots, wear a tie as a fashion-forward replacement for a skinny scarf or as a belt for a quick ’90s-throwback. A tie as a slim scarf can add visual interest (right) play with textures and fits to experiment with ties The tie-erd style file >> For a more relaxed take, experiment with textures and prints. Floral shirts can be worn under solid ties, while plaid offers some much-needed visual interest >> Tie-style jewellery, in the form of brooches or pins, takes this trend to a more glamorous plane. Pick designs with embellishments, metallic finishes and rhinestone accents. Alternatively, you could adorn a solid-coloured tie with badges, brooches and other embellishments; make sure to keep the rest of the outfit simple, to make your tie the focal point of your look Mitali Ambekar >> Tone-on-tone shirts and ties worn under chequered or printed blazers create a preppy aesthetic, which you can complement with sporty accessories such as baseball caps and chunky sneakers Also Read: Menswear steals the show at the Golden Globes
23 January,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulFrom the window of a meeting room in a Bandra five-star, one of the world’s most popular children’s book authors of our times, David Walliams, watches the construction work in the background. “My father would have loved to see this — he’s an engineer,” he smiles. This isn’t Walliams’ first time in Mumbai, but it is his first book tour. He’s spent the last two days at schools and book readings. “I had no idea I was well-known here. I knew I’d sold some books, but I didn’t know people would be excited to see me — that’s lovely. I love this country. I’ve been here as a tourist, so I was excited about having a free holiday,” he chuckles. “There’s magic in the air. I feel at home here. The food is great — every meal I’ve had has been delicious, and I want to try some of the street food, wander around and not do just tourist things. I also look forward to seeing Mahatma Gandhi’s home [Mani Bhavan] because I love touching history. Gandhi is big in London, and is one of the most important people who ever lived, so going to see his house will be fascinating,” he reveals. Edited excerpts from the interview MID-DAY: What’s been the experience of meeting Indian fans?David Walliams: It has been a surreal experience. It feels strange when I meet kids thousands of miles away from home, and they say, ‘You are my favourite author.’ I feel sad that I can’t speak to all of them. It’s a significant meeting for them and me because I’m meeting someone who thinks my books are their favourite. I never want to take these things for granted. You’ve been compared to Roald Dahl. Your thoughts on this comparison. Has he influenced your writing?DW: He wouldn’t be happy, for sure (laughs). We shared the same illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake, for some of my earlier books. His books were the first ‘proper’ books I read as a kid, so his writing influenced me. Sometimes, I reread his work because he’s like the gold standard for comic, heartfelt books for kids. He was a complex personality, and I doubt I’m as cranky as he was. But he’s great, and it’s nice to be compared to your idols. However, you shouldn’t take too much notice of what people think about you because there will always be those who might think you’re good and those who think you’re awful. You simply do your best. Actor Michael Caine always says, ‘I wasn’t the best actor in the world, but I knew I wasn’t the worst either — I act to do my best.’ It is a good way of looking at things. I’m never going to be Lewis Carroll or JK Rowling; I still have a place; I am not in a race. Everyone’s reading tastes are different. Your books discuss bullying, loneliness, and acceptance. Tell us about its importance in children’s literature. DW: When I write a book, I think I want the child who is reading it to take away something that will make him think. Because it’s a funny book, it doesn’t mean you can’t deal with serious themes. Some things trouble children — like worrying about fitting in, as you are starting in life, and you worry you might be different. Most kids experience bullying of some sort. In Ratburger, I redeem the bully, which doesn’t happen often. You find out why bullies are bullying because they have been bullied at some point. So, there is a chance of redemption. There’s the topic of dementia in Grandpa’s Great Escape and bereavement in Gangster Granny, amongst others. Jokes are great; you enjoy them as you read, but the emotional stuff will stay with you longer. When you read a story, watch a movie, or listen to a song that changes how you think and feel about the world — that’s an artist’s work. You’ve balanced careers in comedy, television, and writing. Which one feels closest?DW: I’m a dad to a 11-year-old son; all that matters to me is his happy childhood. To answer your question, you get the instant buzz of hearing some laughter when you’re performing on stage. Writing a book is solitary. You think you’ve come up with something good and are pleased, but you’ve no one to share it with because you’re writing this book in your world. Appearing on stage is like a sprint race, and writing a book is like a marathon. So perhaps at the end of the marathon, you might feel more relaxed. You’re looking at a computer screen for months together, and then, finally, the book is designed and illustrated. You can’t believe it because it was just up in your head, and now it’s this thing. And there are thousands of copies of it. That joy is incomparable. With content consumption patterns shifting from reading to viewing, do you fear kids will stop reading?DW: When such distractions emerged 15 years ago, I wondered then if people would read books in the next 15 years, but they are. Most parents would like to see their kids using the screens a little less because when you’re watching something, it’s passive. Like with a film, you don’t have to think — there is music and other elements that, even if you don’t understand the emotion of the scene, the music is telling you what to feel. Everything’s been visualised and done for you. With a book, you have to work along with it. It’s a unique experience, so I hope they survive. Amazingly, you have a fantastic reading culture here in India. Also, when I watch my son read, it gives me hope. Available: At all leading bookstores and e-stores (All David Walliams’ books)
22 January,2025 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiADVERTISEMENT
