The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Pic/Ashish Raje
Aga bai, Helen Keller!
A moment from the play, Dagdi Bhint. Pics courtesy/Shreekala Sanskar Nyas; NSD Delhi
It is not every day that one hears of a theatrical production about Helen Keller, in Marathi. But that is just what Dagdi Bhint, a play centred on the visually and hearing-impaired author, by Dombivli-based cultural centre Shreekala Sanskar Nyas is. The play took home eight awards at the 64th State Rajya Natya Drama Competition held in Ratnagiri from February 2 to March 1. Among 48 plays selected for the final showcase, it also marks the directorial debut for Ashutosh Waghmare (below). Taking home awards for Best Direction and Best Set Design, among others is just the start. “Showcasing a historical figure’s life struggle on stage remains uncommon. My endeavour is to use theatre for such unconventional subjects,” Waghmare revealed to this diarist.
Mumbai’s own Triennale
A view of the installations at a previous edition. Pics courtesy/ICT
Mumbai has just been declared the next destination for the Indian Ceramics Triennale (ICT). After making its mark in Delhi and Jaipur, the third edition of the festival will open in the city on November 5, 2027. The month-long showcase will be hosted at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), and feature works under the theme, At Play. “We are thrilled to bring the third edition to Mumbai — a historic city with a vibrant artistic environment. With the NGMA, the Triennale finds a remarkable setting to celebrate and expand the conversation around contemporary ceramics in India,” shared ICT co-curator Anjani Khanna.
A milestone in Dharavi
Children partake in art and craft activities in the art space
Tucked away within the bustling lanes of Dharavi is a modest corner that has quietly fuelled imagination for nearly three decades. The Dharavi Art Room is nearing its 30th anniversary, though those behind it say the journey matters more than the milestone.
Aqui Thami (left) and Himanshu S, founders of Dharavi Art Room. Pics courtesy/Dharavi Art Room
It began in 1997 when a 17-year-old Himanshu S opened the doors to a place where children could create freely, without judgement. Artist Aqui Thami later joined the initiative, with several NGOs and groups offering support along the way. Himanshu told this diarist, “The space was initially started for children from Dharavi as a place where they could explore craft and learn the art of storytelling.”
Mission KSHMR for Kratex
Kratex performs on stage
Watching city-based musician Kratex aka Krunal Ghorpade in Mumbai during Holi might have been a dream come true for many. But the DJ had his own fan moment on March 3, when he met acclaimed American musician KSHMR aka Niles Hollowell-Dhar.
Kratex with KSHMR during their meeting. Pics courtesy/Kratex
An Instagram video by Kratex shows an interaction between the two, with KSHMR seen saying, “Marathi Vaajlach Pahije”, signalling his support for the artiste. Kratex recalled the meeting fondly, “When I started out as a DJ, I used to play KSHMR’s music on my sets. [Seeing him] acknowledge my work is a special moment for me.”
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