The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce
Pic/Atul Kamble
Brothers in arms
Two men click a selfie at Bandstand, perfectly framed by the Requiem sculpture on the promenade
Liberty back in the limelight
From playing host to stars to becoming a star itself. Mumbai’s iconic Liberty Cinema is now the subject of a new film, Liberty Cinema: A Star is Born, by Art Deco Mumbai. “The film [available on YouTube] showcases not only the history of Liberty as an architectural landmark of the city, but also its significance within the broader Indian cinescape,” Art Deco Mumbai’s founder-trustee Atul Kumar (right) revealed.
The iconic Liberty Cinema. FILE PICS
The building, he pointed out, holds a special place in the public memory of Mumbaikars. “The film shows some stunning shots of the cinema, and features insights from Mustansir Dalvi, professor of Architecture, Sir JJ School of Architecture, among others, examining its different facets.”
He reflected further, “This [the cinema] is especially important to showcase, as single-screen theatres like Liberty have been diluted with the onset of multiplexes and OTT platforms.” Knowing the cinematic history of the City of Dreams, we are looking forward to other architectural marvels of Mumbai turning up on the big screen. “We’d definitely love to,” Kumar told this diarist.
Phool power
Surangi (right) a bloom in Goregaon. Pics courtesy/SHARDUL BAJIKAR, DINESH VALKE
This diarist recently noticed hordes of shoppers drifting to the Borivli market. Turns out, the Surangi (Mammea suriga) that blooms for only 15 to 20 days a year, is back in town. “Native to the Western Ghats, Surangi also blooms in the interiors of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and the Bombay Natural History Society’s Conservation and Education Centre in Goregaon. They have a potent fragrance that lingers in the air for weeks,” shared naturalist Shardul Bajikar. Perfume brands, you might want to start counting your days, quite literally.
A dog’s best friends
Our friend and mid-day reader Pankaj Malani narrated a lovely story to us during a casual conversation this week. An animal lover, Malani works at a leading entertainment and events firm at Lower Parel. A couple of days ago, he didn’t take his car to work, and had to wait to hail a cab. What happened next is a story you should hear in his own words.
Pankaj Malani
“When I am not driving, I take a cab back home from the Lodha/Kamala Mills side, and to do so, I have to cross the road. Yesterday, a street dog was also waiting alongside me, very scared to cross the road,” he said. “I and another pedestrian noticed it almost together, so we decided to help the dog. It’s a super busy junction, with no traffic signal, so everything is fast and free flowing.”
What did Pankaj do? “I let go of my cab,” he told us. “It took us a good 20 to 25 minutes to just get the dog across, because he was very scared. Finally, a few more people noticed it, and made every effort to slow down the traffic on both sides, for our new four-legged friend to cross fearlessly. And it did.” What did he feel? “I am not kidding,” he said, “the joy we felt was absolutely amazing. Victory of the week. And man I love this city’s people!” Yes, Pankaj, we love this city, and we love you too!
Peace talks
A moment from the gathering at Azad Maidan. Pic courtesy/INDRAJEET MOHITE
While most headlines this week spoke of destruction, one unique gathering at Azad Maidan on Tibet Uprising Day (March 10) reminded us of peace. Nearly 25 Tibetan individuals joined hands with 100 Mumbaikars in a hope for better days. “Countries across continents seem to be fixated with the idea of violence to bring freedom. The Tibetan movement should remind them that peaceful means are always an option,” said Indrajeet Mohite of India Tibet Support Group, one of the participating organisations.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
