Five grown men huddled around a board game in a classroom can make for an amusing sight. Yet, this was no child’s play, as we discovered when we met them at the Somaiya Vidyavihar University campus on a rainy morning. “There has always been a category of serious games, meant for strategising and logistical management,” says Ronak Chitalia. Elements of the board game The board game designer, and founder of the Bombay Board Game Club, is part of the upcoming workshop at Somaiya University that will focus on the use of board games as instructional tools to encourage urban innovation. With a background in corporate management, Chitalia used his love of board games to transform his management approach. “The objective is to upskill those individuals who are already in the workforce,” he explains. Experiential learning Professor Lakshmikant Hari, chairperson Centre for Sustainable Development, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, is among the many educators familiar with this method. Laying out the popular board game, Energetic, the professor begins to explain. Four players have to collaborate on the common objective of a sustainable clean energy project within 2045. “The roles are those of a politician, activist, researcher/engineer and entrepreneur. Each one has powers and limitations,” he explains. With election years, natural disaster, and political upheavals thrown in, there is a lot at stake. Participants test a game We are curious to understand the Mumbai context; the professor says it is more complex than we assume. “You want sustainability. But how do you achieve it? If I were a politician, my decision would depend on public opinion. Why would I risk going against it? Then again, land is business for the entrepreneur. The table has to accept a trade-off for the long-term,” he reveals. Effective communication Despite popular myth, every government official is capable enough to understand these complex variables. “Yes, but in many cases, they learn by experience, and often after they have arrived at a problem,” Chitalia points out. Hari adds, “You need to know your resources, understand the requirements and act decisively ahead of time.” Not to put it bluntly, one cannot wait until the monsoon arrives to start planning drainage or think of energy after reaching maximum population density, he says. The cards denote familiar urban crises such as heat waves, storm surges and air pollution that might hinder a project These factors, though known, do not often find redressal in the rush of daily business. “Table top games allow people to voice their opinions across the table. Unfortunately, there are time constraints for government officials to take this one. But over our tests, we realise that these collaborative experiences help open up their view points,” Hari says. Think Indian A closer view of the rulebook of Chor Bazaar The workshop is an extended summer school programme that will travel to IIT Madras in July. The sessions at the workshop will also see faculty and professors from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, FLAME University, Pune; and REarth Japan participating. “One objective of the workshop is to involve multiple stakeholders, and understand the way ahead. But we are also looking to encourage designs about local neighbourhood challenges,” Chitalia shares. A deck of cards from the game, Dhobi Ghat Among these are two typical Mumbai works — Chor Bazaar and Dhobi Ghat. While the former is a fun bargaining game, the second has a community perspective where players are challenged to upgrade the heritage neighbourhood, while retaining its historical value. Currently in play-testing mode, it could be available by the end of the year, Chitalia confirms. Ever the teacher, Hari shares, “We need to nudge the next generation using the right tools. They are the ones to shape the future.” Let’s see how the dice rolls. FROM June 2 to June 7; 9 am onwardsAT KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Somaiya Campus, Vidyavihar. LOG ON TO kjsim.somaiya.eduEMAIL play2progressindia@gmail.com COST Rs 20,000 (inclusive of complete access for all days and certificate of participation) All on board One of the best ways to enjoy the indoors during the monsoon is to gather your friends or family around, and have some fun over a board game. Azul Duel: THIS is a competitive strategic game played by two players. Here, participants decorate a palace’s ceiling. However, there’s a twist to the game. You have to be strategic while placing the tiles on the ceiling. A wrong move can shake up the structure. The time for this game is between 35 and 45 minutes. It has many components such as scoring markers, acrylic tiles, bonus chips, factories, dome plates, and scoring tablets. LOG ON TO boardgamesindia.com COST ₹ 2,800 Binca Fletter Dash: Here’s an engaging game where you must fill in the blanks with words. The game is played by three to six players. It’s competitive as well as strategic, and helps boost creativity, vocabulary, and quick thinking. It’s suitable for children above eight years, as well as for teenagers and adults. It’s a comparatively short game with a duration of 15 to 30 minutes. It’s ideal for family time, night outs, and classroom activities. Being compact and light, you can carry the game along with you. If you prefer games with a literary touch, opt for Binca's Fletter Dash. LOG ON TO toyfort.in COST ₹854 Boitas – Trick-Taking Card Game: The story behind this unique game is based on the Sadhaba, or traders of ancient Odisha who were seafarers and used to have adventurous journeys. Participants have to don the role of these sailors as they trade different places and bring luxurious goods and prosperity to their kingdom. The board game depicts the ancient culture of the state. History and adventure lovers will enjoy the concept. It can be played by children above 14 years, teenagers and adults. It requires two to four players, and the duration of the game is 30 to 40 minutes. LOG ON TO kheogames.com COST R1,999 Bollywood Charades: The game is like dumb charades but with a twist. Here, one can draw, act, dance, or even use the dialogues to explain the films. It is played in teams, has no age bar, and requires four-plus players. It’s perfect for families, game nights and parties. It’s an interesting combination of Bollywood and games. This will be a riot for fans of Bollywood. It’s a fun way to channel your inner Bollywood side, and also show off to your friends. LOG ON TO amazon.in COST R800 KS Galactic Cruise: If you’ve got what it takes to become the CEO of a space cruise but, check out KS Galactic Cruise. Players compete with each other and use every strategy up their sleeves to become the CEO of the space vehicle KS Galactic Cruise. The game is played by two to four people, and the duration is 90 to 150 minutes. It’s a good pick to have on game nights, at parties, or simply when stuck at home because of the rains. Teenagers above 14 years and adults will enjoy the game. LOG ON TO boardgamesindia.com COST ₹ 10,000 (Curated by Minal Sancheti)
29 May,2025 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayIt’s raining tunes Slow dance with your partner at Bombay Jazz Club’s intimate jazz night in SoBo. Saxophonist Jarryd Rodrigues will join Anurag Naidu, D Wood, and Rajesh Punjabi to present popular classic tunes.TIME 8 pm onwards AT Milagro, near old Passport Office, Prabhadevi. LOG ON TO @thebombayjazzclub (for reservations) ENTRY Revealed on request FridayHandcrafted paradise PIC COURTESY/GO SWADESHI From Bhagalpur Tussars and Jamdanis from Bengal to traditional home furnishings and jewellery, you’ll be spoilt for choice at the Go Swadeshi exhibition that showcases India’s rich textile traditions.TILL 31 May; 11 am to 8 pmAT Kamalnayan Bajaj Hall, Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO @letsgocoop SaturdayInto the blue PIC COURTESY/Msmasterji on Instagram Learn the ways of cyanotype printmaking with artist Andrea Fernandes. The session will introduce you to the basics as well as experimental techniques.TIME 9.30 am AT Dilip Piramal Art Gallery, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO @ncpamumbai ENTRY Rs 3250 Tide with me Five armed starfish. PIC COURTESY/SACHIN RANE Explore how Mumbai’s monsoons breathe new life in the tidepools on the city’s coastline at this guided walk by Naturalist Explorers in Juhu Koliwada. TIME 7.15 amAT Juhu Koliwada (meeting point revealed on registration) LOG ON TO @naturalistex ENTRY Revealed on request SundayGreen escape PIC COURTESY/SGNP YEUR ON INSTAGRAM Step onto a beginner’s trail guided by expert naturalists from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s interpretation centre.TIME 3.45 pm to 6 pmMEETING POINT Kajupada Bus Stop, Ghodbunder Road. CALL 8591382079ENTRY Rs 300 (adults), Rs 150 (children below 12 years) Comfortably yum PICS COURTESY/GUPPA BISTRO ON INSTAGRAM Your rainy day cravings for masala chai and munchies don’t have to end in a messy kitchen. Head to Guppa Bistro to tuck into essentials like vada pav, masala tea, bun maska and Mumbai masala sandwich from the monsoon menu.TIME 8.30 am to 10 pmAT Guppa Bistro, Waroda Road, Ranwar, Bandra West.CALL 9324895968 (for reservations) Tamil takeover PICS COURTESY/Ramkumarcomic on Instagram Get a dose of Tamil comedy at Ramkumar Natarajan’s solo show Alt + Tab. TIME 4 pmAT Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion East.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 899 onwards
29 May,2025 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KamblePune-based start-up Qissa Comics has been creating manga-style comics since June 2024. Their latest series is called PowerPlay and will excite cricket lovers. In addition, they have two other ongoing series — each with multiple chapters. They release a new chapter serially, every two-three months to keep their readers gripped to the stories. While the first series is a space-inspired comic, the second is based on six paths of Hinduism that Vishwesh Shetty, founder of the start-up and author of the comics, stumbled upon. I started writing the script for my first comic in June last year, and released the first chapter in October,” Shetty tells us. This was to participate in the Indie Comix Fest in New Delhi. “It was the first event for which I completed my first book, and got it printed.” He also started his website, thereafter, and began selling copies online. While he offers his readers the option of a digital subscription to the comics, he encourages them to read them in print. “It’s very difficult to read and enjoy them digitally because they are in PDF format,” he shares, informing us that it can make the font and images look smaller than intended and take away from the experience that physical versions promise. The Pune-based studio’s published works. PICS COURTESY/VISHWESH SHETTY While in college, I used to be a big fan of Japanese manga, like Naruto, Death Note and Bleach,” Shetty recalls. Once he started working, his interest in the comics got sidelined. With financial stability, he’s been able to return to the world of manga and writing. He recollects, “One of my ideas [during the process of writing] was such that I couldn’t write it down in words. That’s when it clicked that it was more like a graphic novel. A visual representation for it would make more sense.” He turned it into that format. (Above, from left) A panel and cover of the comic, The World Beyond. Illustrations Courtesy/Nitin Sharma He also studied the Indian comic scene, and wanted to contribute to the legacy left behind by the early comics of the 1980s, such as Raj Comics. Shetty realised that there were few in the scene that managed to carry that style forward, and decided to start a space to experiment with it. Today, he continues to be inspired by Japanese and Indian comics, but also draws from space-themed TV shows and films like the Star Wars franchise. These, he believes, allow him to look at his subjects more maturely and turn them into universal stories. Vishwesh Shetty The comics have compelling plots, and the illustrations are sharp and depict the motion of the characters and objects well. They are in monochrome. Shetty took this decision early on. “Keeping the theme of black and white makes it cheaper and faster. For me, the primary objective is to tell a story that people can consume quickly.” In India, he explains, many have made comics, but very often they end up releasing subsequent chapters months or a year later. The reader loses interest by then. “I didn’t want to leave my stories incomplete.” Moreover, black and white looks clean. “You can go wrong with colour, and the time and money required for it is high,” he concludes, not before crediting his team of illustrators, who’ve helped him bring his stories to life. Log on to: qissacomics.com
29 May,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLucky ailurophiles have their cats waiting for them at home. Others, like me, make do. While my lifelong dream of adopting a furry friend remains out of reach, a pair of handmade mini ceramic cats by city-based clay artist Akshaya Sawant have found their forever home on my desk. The mini cats come in different sizes ranging from pocket-sized pals to compact coin-sized magnets. These well-crafted, glazed creations promise to survive the test of time in our busy newsroom. Obviously, only till we get a real one that dethrones them with the flick of a paw. Log on to: @potteryelclymee on Instagram
29 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMumbai resident Dr Manoj Singrakhia, an orthopaedic surgeon and a full-time painter by profession, has combined the two worlds to create paintings with a social message of empathy. Singrakhia’s exhibition of paintings, Unseen, at Nehru Gallery, is inspired by years of reading his patients’ body language. He firmly believes that a face is not the only way to express emotions. Thus, his paintings are mostly without the faces of the people he drew. Welding He says, “It’s a myth that we can show emotions only through our face. I believe there are many ways one can show emotions. For example, the way you position your hands before the operation can show anxiety. Another example is the way people sit down or lift something. That also talks about their emotions. This is what I wanted to show through my 50 paintings at the exhibition.” Waiting The 50-year-old explains, “My paintings are faceless also because I didn’t want to show the class or religion. The aim is to show the unseen emotions of these patients and what they go through.” He adds, “There was a case where a young boy who was an athlete had an issue with his back. So, I did the surgery, and he was back to swimming and cycling. He was the inspiration behind the painting, Make Every Breath Count.” Living in a Box Apart from patients, Singrakhia paints the body language of people across other walks of life. He shares, “There’s one painting called Living in a Box, where I have captured the emotions of an Indian Army sergeant who is leaving his home to serve the nation. We often don’t respect them enough; it’s only because of them that we live safely.” Singrakhia is also sensitive to the anxiety that parents experience in their old age: “There is another painting titled Waiting, where I have shown elderly people waiting for a call from their children.” Dr Manoj Singrakhia The surgeon has a message that he would like to share with society through his paintings. “It is empathy for patients. A patient is not just a disease, a fracture or a problem. A patient is a human being with a set of emotions. So, we must treat the person as a human being first.” Till: June 2; 11 am to 7 pmAt: Nehru Gallery, Discovery of India building, ground floor, Dr Annie Besant Road, Lotus Colony, Worli.
28 May,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiMinimalism is passe. So is playing safe with colours, shapes and silhouettes. This is 2025, after all, where fashion is making a determined return to outrageous playfulness and theatrical whimsicality, a year where more is more, and rules exist to be broken. It follows only naturally then that asymmetry, drama and imbalance are taking centre stage. Exaggerated silhouettes that combine volume, drama and elaborate construction are leading from the front, whether on runways or in high-street catalogues. (From left) Tracee Ellis Ross wears puffy satin pants. Pic Courtesy/Traceeellisross on Instagram (middle) Tamannaah Bhatia in an exaggerated fishtail ensemble. Pic Courtesy/Shaleenanathani on Instagram (right) Exaggerated pieces pair well with streamlined separates. Pic Courtesy/Evelilycp on Instagram While social media has been buzzing with creators posting videos of outlandish ‘cartoon boots’, inflatable pants and quilt-like puffer jackets, elements reminiscent of the trend such as puffed sleeves, structured peplums, balloon hems, wide cut pants, layered looks, oversized boxy jackets, or even hyper-voluminous skirts have filtered down into the wardrobes of experimental dressers. And, if you are keen to replicate this trend, image consultant Greeshma Thampi lays down a few basic guidelines to help you get started. Cynthia Erivo’s all black take on the trend. Pic Courtesy/ashistudio on Instagram A matter of balance “Let the exaggerated piece be the focal point of your look. The rest of your outfit, including your accessories, should be relatively subtle so that they support and not compete with the statement piece. Pick bags, shoes and belts in clean and structured shapes to create a visual contrast against the bulk of oversized garments. Similarly, sleek hairstyles and minimal make-up keeps attention focused on the statement piece,” Thampi advises. Greeshma Thampi Structure mantras She also recommends pairing an oversized piece with a more structured and streamlined garment. An oversized skirt, for instance, wears well with a tailored blouse, while an exaggerated jacket will stand out when paired with a column or sheath dress. A very structured or billowy top can be paired with tailored cigarette pants or leggings. If you are wearing two or more oversized pieces together — such as a jacket and wide-leg trousers — stick to neutral or monochrome colour palettes. This makes the outfit look less busy and more put together. Oversized, not shapeless Depending on the fabric, use a belt or a corset to cinch your waist and define your silhouette. Another way to make the look more defined while still being effortless is to show a hint of skin, says Thampi. “You could roll up the sleeves of your jacket, wear pants or skirts that end at your ankles, or choose a wider neckline. Juxtaposing voluminous garments with skin not only helps to break up the volume but also keeps the look from seeming too overwhelming. Intentionally drawing attention to your slimmest areas also makes your overall look seem more streamlined,” she explains.
28 May,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIn a tiny pocket of Dharavi, we’re standing with our arms folded, closely observing rapper and b-boy Sairaj Methari spin through a freestyle dance routine. It’s the same community space where the 26-year-old, who recently self-published a book on hip-hop, would rehearse as a teenager. A few passers-by join us in the audience, older women chuckle as they walk by; it’s a usual sight for them. It’s hard to imagine that a few blocks away from here, the chawl recently witnessed a brutal stabbing that no one likes to talk about. Methari climbs up a ladder to his room in Mukund Nagar, Dharavi “Around here, people don’t need a reason to get violent. Growing up, I saw hip-hop crews pick up fights over petty arguments; bloodshed wasn’t rare,” Methari admits. He doesn’t come across as someone who’d throw a punch at you, honestly. “I’d be standing at the back. I knew that if I ever broke a bone in a fight, that would be the end of my b-boying dream,” he smiles. The rapper raps outside Sion Fort, an erstwhile hotspot for hip-hop Methari’s new book, Exploring A Wider and Deeper Perspective of Hip Hop, quashes the popular notion that hip-hop is rooted in violence, materialism and one-upmanship. “I was in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia for an artiste’s residence in August 2024. It opened my eyes to the real purpose of hip-hop — to uplift the youth,” he reveals. Inspired by the book The Gospel of Hip Hop by American rap pioneer KRS One (whom you might recognise from the widely popular tune, Sound of Da Police), Methari sat down to pen his own book in November 2024. The b-boy in action at Five Gardens in Dadar East One of the firsts of its kind, the book is far from a one-man job. It takes a city to raise a rapper, Methari insists. We accompany the artiste to one such spot, Five Gardens in Dadar East. Dubbed ‘Dancer log ka katta’ by locals, a water tank in the garden has doubled as a stage for rappers and b-boys for decades. The flat surface is an ideal training ground, Methari says; the smitten lovers who throng the venue every evening, not so much. “The cops would come for the couples and we’d end up catching collateral damage,” he chuckles. Methari interacts with international artistes in Slovakia Before we get caught in the crossfire, we move to another hotspot right out of our history textbooks. The Sion Fort built in the 17th Century was a thriving hub for rap battles and b-boy dance-offs in the early 2010s, we learn. “You could walk up to the fort at any time of the day, and you’d find a session to join,” he reveals. With increased surveillance and security measures, these memories have now been relegated back to the history books. Selva Kumar It takes us a few wrong rights and correct lefts on a rainy day in the city before we’re at our final stop, the room where the 363-pager was penned. We’re in Methari’s home, the compact attic above it, to be precise. “I locked myself in for four months and poured my heart out,” he reveals. Some writers we know might come down with a serious case of writer’s block left in such a situation. “It didn’t bother me. My father is an electrician, and he often works long hours outdoors. It gave me just enough time to write in peace,” he reveals. With no formal training in writing, he admits the book might not be the most well-structured one you’ll read. He credits his working proficiency in English to his time at the Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe in Marol, where he served as a barista in 2016. We learn that the young artiste had help from writers and community leaders Mayuree Pandit and Hormazd Mehta in proofreading the manuscript. Through a self-publishing platform, Methari now has enough copies of his book for everyone. Selva Kumar, Methari’s enthusiastic young neighbour, has already secured one. “I’m inspired. It’s great to see one of us on the book cover,” says Kumar. A milk delivery agent by day, Selva dons his street photographer’s hat by night. Methari knows it’s too soon to let these compliments go to his head. “Performance arts helped my generation reject a life of violence. But the problem persists. For the children today, it is substance abuse that is the major concern. It’s a slippery slope from there,” he warns us. Asha, a long-time resident who’s been keenly listening to our conversation all this while, interjects with some reassurance, “We’re happy that the children keep busy with the dancing and singing. They come back with broken bones every now and then, but at least they’re not in bad company.” We can rest assured that we’ll see them in Dharavi’s good books soon. Available: amazon.in
28 May,2025 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe Frozen RiverShagun Luthra, media and HR professional, Lokhandwala This 2021 novel by Ariel Lawhon has blown me away. Inspired by true events, the book tells the story of a fiercely feminist midwife Martha and the crime that shook her town in the late 1700s in Maine, US. Masterfully written with a deep insight on love, birth, death, crime and justice, the novel is a page turner and historical fiction at its finest. I wanted to read it again as soon as I finished it. Never Let Me GoBhumika Sankhla and Malliketh Nagda, management consultant and banker, Mulund Kazuo Ishiguro’s book is this month’s selection for The Mumbai Literary Club, which we host every month at the Crossword bookstore in Juhu. After reading Klara and the Sun, we were eager to revisit Ishiguro’s subtle, layered storytelling. He masterfully blends the ordinary with the unsettling, exploring memory, identity, and humanity with quiet precision. His writing stays with you — haunting, elegant, and deeply introspective. Mad HoneyMala Mehta, retired, Andheri West This novel by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan is a depiction of a mother’s fierce, protective and unconditional love. It is also a learner’s guide to bee-keeping, gender sensitivity, and the intricacies of law. The format of the story is riveting, and the writing is full of beautiful words and phrases which you want to reread. It is an absolute page-turner. Love StoryAnanya Parthasarathy, law student, Mulund I was handed Erich Segal’s book as ‘syllabus for life’ at 16 by my aunt. The sadness and brevity of it were beautiful when I first read it, but the book didn’t stay with me then. Re-reading it at 19 has been an otherworldly experience. I realised that love like that puts you in a uniquely vulnerable position, but that’s exactly why it is so sought after. The simplicity of the prose hit harder. There’s space for emotion in the book without performance. Oliver and Jenny’s story is, in that way, immortal. Shiva PuranaVaibhavi Trivedi, marketing associate, Powai Growing up in a Gujarati home, I have seen my parents truly devoted to Lord Shiva and being in such holy surroundings. I was waiting to read Bibek Debroy’s book while I was in the right headspace. From the details with which he decodes how one can be a true devotee to the importance of wearing a rudraksha, the insights mentioned in the book are fascinating. They definitely keep you hooked throughout. Love AnthonySwathi Chandrasekar, stay-at-home mom, Chandivali I stumbled upon this book because I had loved Lisa Genova’s other work, Still Alice, and wanted to explore more. The book is mostly fiction, based on the neurological disorders, the internal sufferings, and unspoken emotions of those on the spectrum, and how their families go through the ordeal with them. Her character is written with the conviction of a mom going through grief, guilt and healing. I could relate with some parts of her. What I liked was that one could learn about the neurological condition in detail, without the book getting preachy. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
27 May,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaWhenever one thinks of theatre, the mind is immediately flooded with pictures of a stage partly filled with props, empty seats in auditoriums and people running helter-skelter with bits of paper in their hands, or at least this is what college rehearsals showed us. But as it turns out, the stage and space for theatre can be anywhere. Taking the Bard’s famous line to its literal sense, The Company Theatre (TCT) is collaborating with Hyderabad-based stage actor and theatremaker, Bhagyashree Tarke for a residential theatre workshop in the calm and soothing environs of TCT’s workspace in Pune early next month. Participants listen to instructions during a session at the workshop “We started this residential artistes’ commune some 12-13 years ago in Kamshet. Whenever it is possible, we call professionals and theatre practitioners from all over the country to host workshops in the space. With proper accommodation and a locality which is surrounded by hills and a lake, it is very calming to learn about an art form like theatre in such a space,” Atul Kumar, artistic director at the company tells us. Bhagyashree Tarke. Pics Courtesy/Bhagyashree Tarke With a structure that spans the different forms and types of acting including voice, speech and breath work, characterisation, improvisation, and scene work among others, the workshop intends to push the limits of theatrical possibilities by keeping an open field for all. “The idea is to have an immersive and intensive learning experience with basics and some advanced methods of acting and making theatre. While it helps to have a group of people with basic training in theatre to kick-start the process, anyone who is fundamentally interested in the field and curious to explore such avenues is welcome,” Tarke shares. Participants interact during an exercise at a previous workshop The seven-hour-long workshops will typically start early in the morning with physical training and then delve deeper into the subject with sessions that involve interpretative readings of texts from playwrights including Anton Chekhov, Vijay Tendulkar, Mohan Rakesh, and Bertolt Brecht along with classes on psychophysical theatre as well. “In my time in the National School of Drama in Delhi, I learnt and explored so much by living in the same space with my classmates and working whenever we felt the rush of creativity. This opportunity to stay with a group in a residency and have the freedom to work, think and collaborate outside of a schedule, is extremely enriching and joyful. It also helps one connect with other people on an emotional, creative and intellectual level, which is paramount for an art form like theatre,” the 34-year-old actor explains. Kumar adds, “I have always been very interested in theatre as an art form and providing a space to budding artistes to explore the craft. Not many people get an opportunity to go theatre schools; there are also people who take on acting in the later part of their life and then there are artistes with different abilities who are also exploring the field. Our doors are open for everyone to share their art and learn from each other. Even if one person from the residency goes on to do great work in the field, we will feel fulfilled.” FROM June 11 to 21; 7.30 am onwardsAT The Company Theatre, Kamshet Maval, Uksan Village, Pune. EMAIL bhagyashreetarke@gmail.com (for registration)COST Rs 31000 (inclusive of food and accommodation)
27 May,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaDo you have roots in Chennai?” Ajung Yaden asks this writer, perhaps our surname leading to the query. Having spent seven years in the South Indian metropolis, the artist is understandably curious. And just like that, a conversation about artistic traditions digresses into food. “Ajung makes the best sambhar in Dimapur, in case you want to drop by,” laughs Atem Longkumer, wife and co-partner in Yaden’s project. But South Indian delicacies are not the focus of our conversation. Rather, it is their first exhibition in the city of Mumbai. The exhibition, Tribolt: Furniture Designer Makers of Nagaland, is an homage and a creative evolution of the Naga tradition of woodworking. Atem Longkumer and Ajung Yaden amidst their works at the gallery. Pics/Atul Kamble The art was a part of life when growing up, Yaden says. “I grew up watching my father, who was an inspector. But he had a passion for woodworking. I created my first furniture when I was 13 or 14 years old,” Yaden, a Madras Christian College alum, adds. Longkumer remembers walking into her grandmother’s home in Changki village in Mokokchung for breakfast to find the material used in different ways. “She [my grandmother] had bowls, ladles, wooden plates and spoons. Even the floor of the kitchen, often the largest room of the house, was wood,” she adds. A wooden board with signature rough texturing and natural flaws It is this inherited love for the craft that drew the duo back to it, despite having pursued different careers. Longkumer had a successful career as a fashion stylist in Delhi, while Yaden was on his way up as a bureaucrat. To put the government job on hold to establish their Dimapur art studio and workshop in Eralibill in 2019 was a risky move. A pair of traditional tools Their Mumbai exhibition is a product of the work they put in. The works on display range from ladles, boards to chairs and lamps and artworks. While the primary inspiration is the traditional art, the works also exhibit an acceptance of nature with all its flaws. Longkumer explains, “If you look at Naga woodwork, it shows a lot of surface texturing and undefined shapes that give the furniture a distinct identity.” Not very dissimilar to the Japanese art of Wabi Sabi, Yaden adds, that aims to accept the beauty of imperfections. Handcrafted wooden icons Understandably, there is no polish, no artificial finish to the works. The duo work with traditional tools; the dao, a kind of machete, axe and chisels. “The key is to use the dao along the grain of the wood,” says Yaden, adding that the idea is to use the natural shape of the wood to direct their ideas. “For instance, some of the lamps we designed have cracks, utilised to a natural advantage,” he elaborates. The process was not an easy one. Radhi Parekh, gallerist, explains that though the transit took careful managing. “It took us almost 10 days to ship the works from Dimapur to Mumbai. Then, came the task of arranging. Since most of the pieces retain their natural weight, they can be heavy work,” she adds. At the gallery, the works complement the table cloths and mats from woven stinging nettle, a part of the Leshemi project that also traces its roots to the eponymous village in Nagaland. Bowls shaped in their natural form The woodworking tradition might have a few takers in the modern world, but the couple is not dissuaded. “We have two very young children, a son and a daughter, who are so curious to see us work, and want to be part of it,” Yaden reveals. Like every proud mother, Longkumer adds, “My daughter can already spot teak and mango wood, and tell them apart.” Till: June 1; 11 am to 7 pmAt: Artisans’ Centre, VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
26 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe city has already recorded more than 100 mm of rain in the typically torrid summer month of May, and the unseasonal showers have brought with them their fair share of sniffles, achy stomachs and a variety of other infections. Combine this with emergence of a new strain of Covid-19 rearing its head, and it’s plain to see why fortifying your immunity has become that much more important. A weak immune system can leave you prone to infections As Deepika Rathod, head nutritionist and lifestyle expert at Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems, explains, “Unseasonal showers usher in humidity, sudden temperature changes, and create ideal breeding conditions for bacteria, viruses and mold. These fluctuations cause stress to the body, disrupting immune regulation. The increased dampness also promotes the growth of allergens, dust mites, and fungi, triggering colds, allergies, and even digestive issues.” She notes that the resurgence of Covid-19 only adds to the concern, especially if your immunity is already taxed. Eat colourful fruits like oranges and berries loaded with vitamin C Follow your gut “What most people don’t realise is that diseases aren’t always just caught; they are often cultivated. It’s the complicated relationship between your gut microbiome and your environment that sets the stage. Poor diet, high stress, and restless nights slowly dim your immune defences. Then, the real trouble begins. Infections sneak in. Inflammation stirs. Joints ache. Energy tanks. Deepika Rathod and Karishmma Chawla That’s because your gut, which is the very command centre of your health, falls out of sync. To address this imbalance, therefore, it is crucial to tune into your gut. Support it, and it supports you restoring balance, energy, and the clarity to thrive through any season,” advises Karishmma Chawla, a functional medicine nutritionist and lifestyle educator. A 30-minute indoor walk can help boost circulation and reduce stress Rathod adds that in addition to frequent colds, people also struggle with sluggishness, low-grade fevers, digestive disturbances, or slow recovery from minor illnesses. “Compromised immunity can also affect your mood, mental clarity and energy levels. Over time, chronic low immunity increases inflammation and stress load in the body, making you more vulnerable to more serious conditions if left unaddressed,” she clarifies. Stronger from within Rathod and Chawla offer the following strategies to build your immunity: Include protein in your diet by consuming eggs, chicken or fish. Representation pics/istock >> Ditch your gut irritants, including gluten, dairy, soy and processed food. Keep a food journal and jot down whenever any food gives you discomfort. At the same time, consume enough micronutrients as they largely help produce digestive enzymes and build immunity. >> Stick to balanced, home-cooked meals. Load up on colourful fruits such as oranges and berries for vitamin C and pair them with nuts. Add garlic and ginger to soups or meals for their germ-fighting properties. Warm meals with Indian spices such as turmeric in dals help regulate inflammation. Quality sleep helps recharge and repair the immune system >> A minimum of 2.5-3 litres of water a day is essential to support elimination. Include warm herbal teas such as fennel or lemon-ginger to aid digestion and gut immunity. >> Protein functions as raw material for your hormones. Try to add three servings of protein in your diet at least in the form of chicken, eggs, fish and/or supplements. >> Strengthen your gut with fermented vegetables, kefir and kombucha. Home-cooked meals and vegetables foster gut health >> Focus on deep, quality sleep — this is when the immune system recharges and repairs itself. Sipping on warm chamomile-ginger tea before bed can calm your system and improve sleep quality. >> Try to get some physical activity every day. Even a 30-minute indoor walk boosts circulation and lowers stress.
26 May,2025 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulADVERTISEMENT
