Muses Over Mumbai (Bloomsbury), reads like a love letter, a love song to the original version of Mumbai. Authors find stories in what they love, experience, and relate to. What are this city’s qualities that inspire you to write about it in the guise of fiction?Murzban Shroff: WHEN I started writing the book, I wrote out an admission. It flowed spontaneously and went like this: “Call it Bombay or call it Mumbai, my city remains the story capital of the world. There are no limits to the inspiration it delivers, no end to its generosity.” I could afford to feel this, and say after two decades of writing about the city, understanding what it represents to its people, what it delivers, and what makes it tick. The special thing about Mumbai is: it will test you to the hilt, it will thwart you, frustrate you, confuse you, overwhelm you, but it never fails to deliver a sense of realisation, a modicum of personal and spiritual growth. To live in Mumbai is to be conscious of a larger design of life and illumination at work. It is this illumination that finds its way into my stories that unravels through the personal conflicts of its characters, and becomes the epiphany on which one thrives. It is fiction born out of reality, to reveal a deeper reality of the self and of your environment. The book highlights the plight of dhobi ghats that are being eyed by real estate sharks in a fast-changing metropolis From Breathless in Bombay to Muses over Mumbai, we’ve witnessed a metamorphosis, beyond a name change. It’s visible in its streetscapes, its socio-cultural fabric and its changing neighbourhoods. As an author, how did you navigate these shifting plates to ensure its soul is somewhat intact? MS: Let’s first understand the changes. The maalishwallas have almost disappeared; the horse-drawn Victorias have been banned; kaali-peelis are facing competition from private cab companies; BEST has reduced its fleet to two-thirds its original size; the dhobi ghats are being eyed by builders; our racecourse is being considered for redevelopment; Marine Drive promenade has been truncated; our middle-class neighbourhoods are fast morphing into gated communities. So how do I — who feel so strongly about Mumbai’s traditions of inclusiveness — navigate these? By reminding myself that the soul of the city is different from the agendas of its caretakers. By soul I mean its diversity, its bonhomie, its empathy, its humanity. And this is what shines through in each of the stories in this book. I take a character, a thought, an issue, a conflict, and journey with it. In the bargain, I explore certain key aspects of the city. Man in relation to his environment. Man in pursuit of his identity, his goals. What is important then is not what this city puts you through, but what it makes of you — a more aware, more sentient human being. Amidst this change, do you find subtle or obvious changes in the people who you meet every day?MS: Post the COVID 19 pandemic, I see a mercantile opportunism in some people; a kind of defiant insurance against what they went through. This becomes more pronounced because Mumbai is, after all, a mercantile city. The cost of living is often borne in human terms. Yet, it is mercantile without being aggressive or violent; it has a largely ‘live, let live, and let earn’ attitude. Amongst the moneyed and upper crust, there’s a marked hedonism, an anxiety to make the most of the time left. But on the whole, there is also a greater awareness of one’s priorities; things that matter, things that count. I am hoping that this awareness sustains and that it leads to more stories of self-actualisation. Murzban F Shroff Your stories are raw with the open wounds and hard knocks. Yet, your characters, including the protagonists, display resilience and offer hope. Are these stories your way of celebrating the famous ‘spirit’ of Mumbai?MS: You are right about my characters. Take Shraddha, the mochi’s wife: her dilemma is to preserve her dreams for her daughters, and she will do anything to make that happen. Or Sushila, the orphaned ragpicker girl who wants to extricate herself from the squalor of the streets, and become an Uber driver. Or Sikander, who wants to save his stray dogs from extermination and makes that his mission. Or Inspector Bedekar, who must redeem himself in his own eyes, before he can return home to his children. Or even Hyder Ali, a dying drug addict who must perform one good deed before he dies. It’s not so much the spirit of the city I dwell on, as the city itself, which — through its complexities and challenges — raises the spirit and elevates human consciousness. Why such a long gap to write the sequel of Breathless in Bombay?MS: Breathless… released in 2008. From 2009 to 2012, I faced intense litigation against the book, which slowed me down; it occupied all my creative energies. A lot of my time went in drafting legal petitions, interacting with lawyers, and attending court hearings. It was 2012 by the time the cases were resolved and the courts had ruled in my favour. In 2015, I published my Bandra novel, Waiting for Jonathan Koshy. This was a light, jocular novel that kept me going through the dark days of my litigation. The book was later published in the US and in China. In 2019, I came up with an experimental series, Fasttrack Fiction, a collection of shorts for the cell phone reader. But this digital series couldn’t find an audience in India and the rights were returned to me. Then, in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, I published Third Eye Rising, my India collection of stories dealing with issues such as caste, dowry, displacement, child apathy, female exploitation, and migrant identities. Muses Over Mumbai kicked in post the pandemic, although two of the stories were written earlier. Shroff’s characters take up issues like the environment and the hacking of trees in the city Without revealing much, can you recall the most challenging stories?MS: Surprisingly, some of the shorter stories like Neighbors (where I explore the slow death of a gaothan), or Mental About Mumbai (where an environmental activist takes up cudgels against the hacking of trees) or The History Lesson (where we feel the moral dilemma of a builder who is asked to sell out his city) called for intense re-writing. Short as they are, these stories are vital to the collection. They are strong ‘point of view’ stories, intended to reflect the Mumbaikar’s state of mind. They show us where the city is headed, what is lost and what can be further lost. The longer ones like Hafta, Accidental Karma, and The Earth Shall Be Enjoyed by Heroes were relatively easier because I was working in scenes; I conceived them as mini novels. For the longer stories, I had to do ground-level research. For Scent of a Meal, I had to learn how newly-arrived migrants adjusted to the city. For The Earth Shall Be Enjoyed by Heroes, I had to learn about police procedurals during a rape investigation. This quest for information and accuracy makes the writing that much more pleasurable. AVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores Crafting fiction The issue, the questions or concerns are always real — those are your points of identification with your reader. Your characters could be drawn from memory or from imagination, but they need to be well-thought-out and relatable. The storyline is where you indulge your imagination and push the boundaries of fiction. Here, you use devices like conflict and chaos — to arrive at answers you are seeking; answers that must manifest, first to the writer, then to the reader. Fiction is the pursuit of truth — with knowledge as your body and imagination as your wings.
06 January,2025 11:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezWhile the digital age has created multiple avenues for us to simplify our daily lives, it has also created an enduring dependency on modern gizmos that seems to have trickled down to children as well, affecting their real-life experiences. It becomes essential in that sense to bring out our kids to the real playground. Rachna’s Fun Club in collaboration with Avid Learning and Playydate is organising the eighth edition of the Little Clubbers Festival at the Royal Opera House, which seeks to create a fun and educative environment for kids and their families. Rachna Narwekar Conceptualised for children between the ages of 2 to 12 years, the activities at the festival are segregated into separate sections that foster experiential learning in kids. “We started the festival in 2016, with the objective of providing experiential learning under one roof to children, something which pulls them away from the glare of devices and pushes them to participate in interactive activities that facilitate social and emotional development” Rachna Narwekar, organiser of the festival, tells us. Children engage in craft-based activities at a previous edition The activities are designed in a way that it creates an open and inclusive space. “We have packed in a lot of activities under one roof so that children with learning difficulties also find it easy to engage at the festival. There are games that will teach participants how to balance objects and solve problems; in addition, we’ve planned activities intended to calm them as well,” she reveals. The festival will feature a performance by dancers of Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts as well. The event also intends to encourage young entrepreneurs by providing them a platform to showcase their talent, “There is a lemonade stall by an 11-year-old girl and a jewellery stall by a 16-year-old girl at the festival. We believe it is important to give children the space to be confident and independent about their craft. It is a very holistic environment for children as well as their families,” Narwekar concludes. ON January 11; 11 am to 7 pmAT The Royal Opera House, Charni Road East, Girgaon.LOG ON TO @rachnasfunclub on Instagram ENTRY Rs 200 (for adults; free for children)
06 January,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaSpotting an elephant stepping out into human settlement isn’t an everyday sight. “I was told the chances of spotting one during our eight-day stay were next to none,” recalls 21-year-old filmmaker Devshree Khedekar, who visited Trunk Call Wildlife Foundation’s conservation efforts in rural Kolhapur led by elephant whisperer Anand Shinde, to film her new documentary late last year. The crew anticipated a quiet stay in the usually serene village. And then, it happened. Khedekar works on a shot An elephant swinging its trunk in a pitch-dark field lit only by the torchlights of villagers, with Shinde negotiating with the locals to step back, is one of the most striking visuals from the 18-minute documentary titled Vigraha. The fact that this daring endeavour was made as part of Khedekar’s annual college project at the VG Vaze Kelkar College in Mulund, makes it even more commendable. Anand Shinde on-field. Pics Courtesy/Trunk Call Wildlife Foundation There are some things you can’t learn by simply reading academic research papers in your cosy homes in the city, Khedekar says. “The day after the sighting, we traced the elephant’s footsteps. We learnt that the heavy stomps had loosened the soil, giving earthworms the ideal terrain to thrive. It made us question if elephants are really the troublemakers we take them to be,” she reveals. Shinde seems to agree. “Just one piece of elephant dung contains 17 to 7,000 species of microorganisms that act as excellent manure,” he tells us, adding, “Unless posed a threat to, an elephant is a man’s best friend.” Devshree Khedekar The gripping tale is sprinkled with conversations with local residents and activists who present a well-rounded picture of wildlife-human conflicts. A local farmer’s candid admission, just days after the conflict, gives the documentary a fitting conclusion: “From sowing to harvesting, we are constantly at loggerheads with pests of all kinds. An elephant is possibly the only one who means us no harm.” LOG ON TO Vigraha on YouTube
06 January,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is a widely accepted fact that dance is the universal language of expression, one that builds itself on humanity’s shared vocabulary for movement to convey the deepest emotions. Drawing from a similar strain of thought is Sacred Rhythms, a performance hosting dancers from South Korea and Japan, as part of the first edition of the Asia Dance Festival (ADF) in the country, for a vibrant session showcasing traditional dance forms. Scheduled to take place in Mumbai and then Bengaluru, the session will also feature a Bharatanatyam performance by the disciples of Dr Sandhya Purecha and Bharata College of Fine Arts & Culture and an Odissi performance by the disciples of Dr Sarmishtha Chattopadhyay and Angika Dance Academy. Lee Jong Ho performs Salp’uri “This event is part of a cultural exchange programme between both countries. Indian audiences know a lot about K-pop, Korean food and even Korean skin care regimes, but there is very little knowledge about traditional Korean dance forms, which are a rich cultural entity in themselves. The idea behind this collaboration is to expose Indian audiences to traditional Korean culture,” Aditi Bhagwat, the co-ordinator and organiser of the event, tells us. While the Korean dance sets will take patrons on a ride through the folk culture of South Korea, the Japanese performances will bring a contemporary twist to the whole session with performances revolving around present-day issues with reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and the impermanence of memory. A moment from the Japanese dance set 4999 by Yui Enomoto Exhibiting traditional Korean dance forms like Taepyeongmu, Salp’uri and Seungmu among others, the festival will also retrace the spiritual connection between the two nations. “India is the birthplace of The Buddha; it’s the land where Buddhism originated, so I feel we already share a deep relation with each other,” Yi Chul-jin, a fourth-generation practitioner of Seungmu, and the art director and manager of ADF shares with us. A performance of the traditional dance form Jinju Gyobang Gutgeori Chum Originating in the folk culture of South Korea, Seungmu or the Monk’s Dance requires delicate movements and rhythms which take account of the dancer’s flowy costume for the full effect while Salp’uri involves a fluid choreography rooted in the idea of spiritual mysticism, accompanied by a melancholic melody. What is it about India that brings them to the country for these performances, we ask? “India and South Korea have a great bonding, something which has only grown more in the past few years. As artistes, it is an honour for us to be able to showcase our traditional dance forms in India and facilitate a meaningful exchange,” Chul-jin tells us before signing off. The performance will be followed by a workshop the next day where dance enthusiasts can interact with artistes to know more about the dance forms. Aditi Bhagwat On January 5; 11 am onwardsAt NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Free (first come-first served basis)
04 January,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIn 1979, Kalpavriksh was established as a result of a student-led campaign for the protection of Delhi’s Ridge Forest. Since then, the Pune-based non-profit organisation has worked consistently towards environmental research, advocacy, education, on-ground support to communities, and national and international environmental policy. More recently, the team began publishing books for kids between the ages of six and 14 years on nature, environment, and wildlife conservation. The early titles came out of locale-specific education programmes conducted by the organisation. “We interact with communities in remote regions like Ladakh and Kutch to bring out material that is relevant to their surroundings, their wildlife and ecosystems,” shares Tanya Majmudar, who oversees the publications. Since around 2015, their publishing efforts have been more focused. An illustration from Ila, My Wild Mongoose Friend. Illustration courtesy Ambika Karandikar “We have a large network of people we know who work on the ground, including environmental researchers and community members. We work with them to bring out stories of conservation efforts and real environmental issues for the larger audience. We also put out a call for manuscripts, so even established children’s authors send us manuscripts for books.” Here are three exciting new titles from the environment-conscious indie publisher to check out: My Nest is the BestNiyatee Sharma introduces children to the vast universe of birds by narrating how different birds build their nests. Readers will learn about tailorbirds, kites, kingfishers, lapwings, and the great hornbill, among others. Many of this birds in the book can be spotted in Mumbai, such as the Greater Flamingo and the Sarus Crane. Alongside the poems are pieces of further information about nest-building processes that parents can share with their children. It’s a good format for those indulging in assisted reading. The illustrations by Sushama Durve help the reader identify the birds through their features. A panel from What Am I Good At? illustration courtesy/Sunaina Coelho What Am I Good At?A baby eagle wonders what it will be good at once it grows up. It looks at the world around, watches its parents carry food to the nest, and encounters other animals like an elephant, a sloth bear, an otter, a barking deer, etc., who share what they do best. Rahul Pradhan’s words, accompanied by Sunaina Coelho’s delightful illustrations, meditate on the anxiety of the young animals in their early stages through rhymes. It is a joyful read for young readers. Tanya Majmudar Ila, My Wild Mongoose FriendWritten by Abhisheka Krishnagopal, with stunning illustrations by Ambika Karandikar, the book traces the journey of an Indian grey mongoose named Ila — from being rescued to being cared for and readied for life in her natural habitat. Through the narrator, a young college student, we sneak a peek into the working of a rehabilitation centre for small animals. Young readers who love animals, have rescued, or are caretakers, will find the book particularly heartwarming in its ability to explore the relationship between the volunteer-caregiver and the rescued mongoose. Available: kalpavriksh.org
04 January,2025 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaMumbai is a city where music is often the background to your daily commute, but it is also a city where names like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and going back further to Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, Ustad Karim Khan and others revelled in. Down the road from the famed Bhendi Bazaar, whose current status belies its reputation of the Bhendi Bazaar gharana, stands the Haribhau Vishwanath Musical Industries. This weekend, they begin the celebrations for the centenary year with a music concert at a Matunga venue by Rahul Sharma, Ojas Adhiya, Ashok Patki and Kaushal Inamdar among others in performance. A collection of sitars, santoors and tanpuras at the store The beginnings of a legacy “The journey began with Vishwanath Diwane, who was a harmonium player with the legendary Bal Gandharva’s theatre troupe,” recalls 76-year-old Dilip Diwane, founder Haribhau’s nephew. Vishwanath’s young son, Haribhau, would often accompany his father along on the journeys. Having acquired an early ear for music, Haribhau would assist as well as play alongside his father. Musician Hariharan with Uday Diwane during a visit to the Dadar store “But often, he would spend time working on the instrument. In those days, the harmonium was a new instrument and imported from Germany or France,” shares Dilip, adding, “He learned to mould it to the requirements of Indian vocals and music. Sometime around 1925, he set up shop in Dadar’s Kumbharwada locality, and later, in Girgaon’s music market.” Dilip’s nephew, Ashish, says, “Right across our store was RS Mayekar’s who designed only string instruments. There was another tabla maker down the road. We used to specialise only in harmoniums, before we diversified.” A collection of violins at the Girgaon store Like all members of the family, Ashish assisted his grandfather in the workshop, and recalls him as an innovator. “Back then, these instruments were traditionally made by hand, and took weeks. He decided to use machines such as circular saws, drill machines that shortened time. He also came up with the idea of working in lots of eight or nine harmoniums at a time as a production line,” he shares. A family tradition When the manufacturing workshop moved for a short time to Ahilya Nagar, music became more than a profession. “Sulochana Chavan, Shahu Modak and every other musical theatre troupe would stop by. Every fortnight, Haribhau would host a mehfil and also join the musicians in performances,” recalls Dilip. A dated photograph of founder Haribhau Vishwanath (right) felicitating the theatre icon Bal Gandharva This passion was passed down to every member of the family. “I learned the harmonium, and played tabla for 20 years. My son also learned music,” shares Ashish. The 56-year-old is not alone. Dilip Diwane started with the harmonium, and later learned the Hawaiian and electric guitars. “It is very important for us to have an ear for music. You cannot craft an instrument without knowing the changes in its sound,” the septuagenarian points out. Mechanism of music This knowledge also contributes to the science of craftsmanship. Ashish expands, “Music might be an art, but needs material science. For instance, harmoniums used to be made of Burma teak in the Colonial era. When sourcing them became difficult, we repurposed old timber, especially teak from Colonial-era furniture. These are naturally seasoned, which prevents them from cracking when used as the inner soundboards of the harmonium.” When they started exporting overseas, the family realised that wood often reacts differently in colder climates. “We had to adapt and work using composites and materials that would offer the same sound quality. Today, we work with all forms of instruments and materials,” Ashish reveals. Constant evolution From electric mandolins and Hawaiian guitars, to banjos and rudra veenas, the family believes evolution is the key to survival. With a factory in Worli, stores in Prabhadevi and Dadar — helmed by the third-generation of the family, Dinesh Vishwanath and Uday Vishwanath — the connection continues. “I still remember Pandit Shivkumar Sharma calling us over to discuss some changes to his santoor. The thing about instruments of Indian music is that they are service- oriented — they cannot be kept as showpieces. You have to play them and maintain them,” Ashish remarks. This Sunday’s celebrations are part of this tradition and love for music. “It is not every day that you cross 100 years. In a city like Mumbai, where neighbourhoods change every decade, keeping the fire going through generations is an achievement,” sums up Dilip Diwane. On January 5; 5.30 pm onwardsAt Yashwant Natya Mandir, JK Sawant Marg, Joshi Wadi, Matunga West.Entry (passes available at their stores in Dadar, Prabhadevi and Girgaon) Call 223821425 (Girgaon)
04 January,2025 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFor many years, this writer was subject to being woken up in the wee morning hours of December and January to be part of temple visits to Chembur or Matunga. It was a fixed family ritual for generations of Tamilians in the city who miss the vibe of the season that is popularly known as Margazhi. “It is a whole other phenomenon in Chennai,” shares Mahesh Babu, founder, Banyan Tree Entertainment that is seeking to recreate the festival vibes in the city with their Margazhi Music Mahotsavam, which starts this weekend. Mahesh Babu “The idea is to make the season’s experience accessible to Mumbaikars. It is a beautiful season that combines faith, culture, food and community. We hope to recreate that in the city,” Babu shares. The two-day-long series of music concerts will bring together the talents of experienced performers like nadaswaram vidwan Yalppanam PS Balamurugan, Ganesh-Kumaresh, U Rajesh and lecture demonstration by Sriram Parasuram, among many others. Vocalist Sudha Raghunathan is more than familiar with the buzz and fervour that envelops Chennai during this month — including the performers. “Festivals happen all through the year. but somewhere it has become a familiar term that singing well in Margazhi is proving your mettle and standard. In one season, I remember singing at 25 concerts,” the Padma Bhushan-awardee shares. (From left) Sudha Raghunathan and Ganesh-Kumaresh will be among the notable performers at the upcoming showcase Raghunathan points out that Mumbai is diverse and different. “The listener in Mumbai is a lot more open and attuned to different things. The openness in the audience is vividly reflected in the artistes as well,” she notes. But there is more to the month than just music. “I spent over 15 years in Chennai and Hyderabad. I would often do ‘sabha-hopping’ as they call it, talking about music, performers and the food, always the food. At times, there would be arguments over the quality of filter kaapi,” shares Babu. This is one of the reasons the festival seeks to bring in the feel of delicacies from dosas to freshly brewed filter kaapi to the concerts. Raghunathan agrees. One of her fond memories is the dahi batata puri at Sadguru in Chembur. “Most concerts are in Dadar, Matunga or Chembur. So we would often hop down on the weekends if we were craving some delicious food. I still crave it sometimes,” she says, adding, “The month of Marghazi not only brings the music together, but also culture and food and practices. People dress as though they are attending a wedding, in their Sunday best as they say. Can we replicate it in Mumbai? Yes, it can be done. But the key is to first light a spark. The culture will evolve by itself.” ON January 4 and 5; 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8.30 pm AT St Andrews Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 750 onwards The complete Mumbai Margazhi trail A view of the Matunga market. File Pic Bazaar buzzFrom the crisp new veshtis and pattu pavadais (frocks) to the fresh flowers and vegetables, Matunga’s South Indian markets will keep you updated on the trends down South.TIME 6 am onwards AT Laxmi Narayan Lane, Matunga (Central). Patrons at the café in King’s Circle Festive bitesNo celebration is complete without a proper dosa. Head over to Café Madras in King’s Circle for its fantastic podi idli and filter kaapi. It is a must for any concert goer.ON Circle House, near Maheshwari Udyan, King’s Circle, Matunga (Central). CALL 224014419 Facade of the Fanaswadi temple. Pic Courtesy/X Temple hoppingWith Margazhi, most South Indian temples acquire a festive air with recitations of verses from Tiruppavai. While Chembur and Matunga might be easy choices, our pick is the Fanaswadi temple in Kalbadevi. The 98-year -old temple will have special functions with month-long music and recitations.AT 80, Sitaram Podar Marg, Kalbadevi, Marine Lines East.
03 January,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarYes, mocha mousse may be Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025 but if you, like this writer, are eager to incorporate colours other than the questionable hue of lukewarm coffee into your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered. “Beyond our longing for comfort and indulgence [which is the rationale for mocha mousse being this year’s top pick], 2025 will also be a year for playful experimentation, which is evident in the colours that are dominating designers’ mood boards across the world,” explains fashion stylist Mitali Ambekar. Mitali Ambekar Image consultant Greeshma Thampi predicts that the fashion landscape will be painted in bold accents and unapologetically vibrant hues. “The mood this year is anything but basic. We’re seeing a lot of intense pops of colour, whether in pastel, borderline fluorescent or jewel tones, which are representative of confidence and exuberance,” she explains. With that, she and Ambekar share their top picks for 2025. Orangeade The colours of tangerines and clementines have infiltrated the world of fashion with their vibrant zest, says Ambekar. This colour works just as well for power dressing-inspired workwear looks, as it does in impactful casualwear. An orangeade blazer with neutral trousers and gold accents makes for a memorable work look, while a flowy orangeade midi dress with nude heels spells summer. If you dare, combine orangeade palazzo pants with a buttery yellow crop top for a cool colour-blocked style statement, she says. Tomato red Kareena Kapoor styles a tomato red saree A pendulum swing away from the ubiquitous mocha mousse is the next big colour for 2025 — a bold, unabashed red. “This colour commands attention. It oozes sophistication if used in the right amounts,” says Thampi. She notes that the easiest way to sport this hue is with neutrals such as black, white, beige, tan, terracotta and olive green. Greeshma Thampi Or you could use tomato red as an accent colour in your lipstick, footwear, handbag, or even ruby-inspired jewellery. “Red paired with denim is an all-time favourite for more casual occasions, while a monochromatic red outfit, such as a glamourous red gown in a trendy mermaid cut packs a punch for nighttime events,” she continues. Future dusk Raashi Khanna sports a future dusk outfit Named by World Global Style Network as their Colour of the Year for 2025, this colour is a dark, shifting and intriguing shade that oscillates between blue and purple, Thampi says. “The colour feels almost regal, which makes it a popular choice for special occasions, festivals and weddings. This colour works excellently in smaller accents as well — I predict that statement accessories and eye makeup in future dusk will be one of the hottest trends for 2025,” she says, noting that its versatility and gender-inclusiveness make the colour an excellent choice for classic styles and investment pieces. Barely butter Alia Bhatt rocks a buttery yellow suit This muted warm yellow is subtle and sophisticated, making it a perfect pick for the spring-summer season, says Ambekar. She suggests pairing the colour with grey for a chic but fresh look, or with powder pink to amplify the pastel cuteness. “Buttery yellow is representative of optimism and happiness. The colour is quite versatile and can lend dimension to a variety of looks, depending on how you pair it. For instance, olive, rust, brown and clay tones will tone it down, while pastels such as seafoam green or baby blue will make for an easy-going daytime look. If you aren’t afraid to make a statement, combine buttery yellow with vibrant coral, blue or lavender,” she suggests, adding that this colour is best reserved for day looks. Powder pink Aashim Gulati in a monochrome powder pink suit. Pics Courtesy/Instagram The colour embodies femininity and elegance, says Ambekar. She suggests pairing it with buttery yellow for a chic pastel combination, or black for contrast. A powder pink blouse worn with black trousers and nude pumps makes for an understated but elegant workwear look. Garments in this colour stand out when paired with rose gold and diamond accents, which enhance its softness. Thampi believes that a monochrome powder pink outfit makes an interesting fashion statement. “You could also incorporate this hue into your makeup, in the form of a lipstick or a soft blush,” she signs off. Other colours that compliment power pink are burgundy, lilac and jade.
03 January,2025 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulTwo finance graduates sit down in a café to brainstorm over a cup of coffee. In any other city, this would mean the birth of yet another start-up. In Navi Mumbai, however, Vihan Prabhu and Tegh Singh met to address a pressing question — just how does one get a Mumbaikar off their couch and running on a slow weekend? The Navi Mumbai Run Club, the duo’s new weekend running club seems to have found the answer; the duo has already helped nearly 40 Mumbaikars get on track with their goals. Members participate in warm-ups and cool-downs before and after the early morning runs “I started running in 2018 to shed a few extra kilos. While I was noticeably fitter in the world’s eyes within months, something else started changing inside me. I was mentally happier and more at peace with myself,” recalls 22-year-old Singh. Tegh would reach out to fellow Navi Mumbaikar Prabhu, who was pursuing a degree in finance in Bengaluru at the time, to encourage him to try this wonder drug. “I started running and was instantly hooked on it. After years of planning and co-ordination, we decided to introduce the city to the experience late last November,” Prabhu reveals. Tegh Singh and Vihan Prabhu While Singh is familiar with life in the fast lane, having studied equity markets in the buzzing halls of the Bombay Stock Exchange, the running sessions are anything but rushed. After a short warm-up and pep talk, participants are free to walk, jog, or run along the 5km running circuit on Palm Beach Road, with the option to take a roundabout at any point to return to the meeting point. In view of runners’ safety in the city, we learn that the group is joined by expert runners every weekend who guide runners in safety and discipline along the 45-minute run on the demarcated running track. Also Read: Run, Mumbai, run A participant warms up before a run “They come for the run, but stay for the fun that begins after it,” says Singh, referring to the post-run bonding sessions that include a nostalgic walk, or should we say run, down memory lane with games like Dog and the Bone and Simon Says. “With the run, we’re holding each other accountable for our fitness goals. The games cement this sense of community in the participants. A few young members even brought their parents along last weekend to help them socialise,” Singh reveals. Runners play a game as part of the post-run activity session For Prabhu, their hometown is an equal contributor to this experience. “Navi Mumbai has a certain charm to it. The wide roads with marked running tracks lined by trees, and a breathtaking view of the sunrise every morning might be the reason we have groups drive their way to our sessions from as far as Andheri,” he says. In the new year, the club is exploring newer avenues. A year-end activity last weekend saw the group head to the Newali trail in Panvel. “Monotony can push people to leave their goals mid-way. We asked the community how we can shake things up and a few participants who were itching for a more off-road cross-terrain challenge suggested a trail,” Prabhu reveals. Something tells us the runners from Andheri, for whom driving out of their neighbourhood is a cross-terrain challenge in itself, weren’t a part of it. On Every Sunday; 7 amMEETING POINT Third Wave Coffee, Sector 46/A, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. LOG ON TO @navimumbairunclub (to register) Beginner’s checklist >> Invest in running shoes and choose bright and breathable clothing to stay safe and comfortable.>> Start with small, achievable goals, like running for 5 minutes without stopping or completing a 2km run.>> Alternate running with walking to build stamina. Start by running for 30 seconds and walking for one minute.>> Keep your posture upright, land on the middle of your foot, and swing your arms naturally.>> Warm up and cool down with dynamic stretches or a brisk walk.>> Rest days are essential. Your body builds strength during recovery.Inputs by Tegh Singh
03 January,2025 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursday A centenary tributeExhibition: Attend this exhibition celebrating the birth centenary of artist Francis Newton Souza. time 11 am. AT DAG, The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comFREE Friday A moment from a previous performance of the play 1876 Stages of revolutionTheatre: Retrace the footsteps of Indian revolution against the British Raj with 1876, a play directed by Amatya Goradia about the trial faced by the National Theatre Company for inciting anti-government sentiments. TIME 1 pm onwards AT Rangshila Studios, Aram Nagar Part 1, Harminder Singh Road, Versova.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 400 Saturday Pics courtesy/Instagram Chill outExperience: Rejuvenate with a therapeutic ice bath along with a pre-plunge warm up, breathwork exercises, and post-plunge relaxation.TIME 8 am to 10 am AT Sporting Lions Turf, Reclamation, Bandra East. LOG ON TO troveexperiences.comCOST Rs 1,800 City treasuresWalk: Sign up for a walk that takes you through stories about botanicals and the oral history of herbalism at the Maharashtra Nature Park with Mumbai Vann.TIME 8.30 am AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion Bandra Link Road, Dharavi. LOG ON TO @mumbai.vann on Instagram ENTRY Rs 820 New Year, new heightsTrek: Embark on a trek to the hilly Raigad fort to kick start the New Year on an active and healthy note. Discover the Maratha history behind the monument as you scale the rocky fortress for a breathtaking view in the end. LOG ON TO @trekkers.of.maharashtra on Instagram (for more details) CALL 8800144436 Sunday Poke and learnWorkshop: Switch on chill mode and discover the ancient tradition of hand poked tattoos in this workshop. Get hands-on experience in various design techniques and learn to create intricate tattoo patterns on synthetic skin. TIME 11 am AT Ink N’ Brew, Aram Nagar, J P Road, Versova.LOG ON TO insider.inCOST Rs 500 Marathi humour for allComedy Attend the last leg of Mandar Bhide’s (above) popular set, Shubha Mangal Saavdhaan, as he brings to audiences hilarious observations on the joys and challenges of married life and being a Maharashtrian. With his characteristic deadpan humour and witty punchlines, this show will be the perfect end to a weekend.TIME 6.30 pm AT Backspace, Lodha Boulevard Mall, Thane West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 499 onwards Heal the Chinese wayWelliness: Attend this emotional healing session focusing on traditional Chinese medicine methods of acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping by Michelle Pereira and Prateek Samwani. TIME 9 am to 11.30 amAT Tangerine Art Studio, Wilfred Apartments, Leo Road, Bandra West. CALL 9867369960COST Rs 2,100
02 January,2025 11:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaCumulonimbus. We read this word after ages in a book. It means a dense vertical cloud that produces heavy rain and thunderstorms, and it is mentioned in one of the stories in a book we chose to cosy up during the last week of December. We had picked Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop (HarperCollins) for our love for stationery but fell in love with the lucid writing, leaving us longing for Japanese-inspired stationery and deep-set traditions. The book is divided into five stories about people who visit Shihodo, a stationary shop tucked in Ginza, a district in Tokyo known for its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its shop owner, Ken Takarada, has a unique gift for understanding what his customers need most — both from his store and in life. As the story unfolds, Takarada-san helps his patrons unlock repressed memories and secret longings by documenting them in the timeless art of the written word at a dedicated desk on the shop’s upper floor. Along the way, we also witness the unfolding of his own journey. Kenji Ueda Author Kenji Ueda is known for blending fantasy with everyday life’s charm, and that’s what he does in this story. In layers that slowly unfold, it explores the beauty of human connection and the quiet power of introspection—including familial, romantic, mentor/mentee — blended with emotions of love, loss, and rediscovery. We adored how delightful this book is — with its beautiful descriptions of stationery and the thought of Japanese tea and snacks that Takarada offers these customers, luring us to visit the quiet corners of Tokyo where tradition meets modernity. At Leading bookstores and e-stores Cost Rs399 Stationery buffs, look here! In Japan, stationery is a way of life. Drawing inspiration from the book’s chapters, we’ve curated a list of brands to help you level up and live your best life in 2025 . Fountain PensStarted by pen connoisseur Sripal Jain, Makoba has partnered with over 50 international brands, including Montblanc (mentioned in the book) and the famed Japanese brand, Namiki. From 14 and 18k gold nibs and different body and ink-filling systems — there’s a pen for all to write a new story. Log on to www.makoba.com . NotebooksYou’ll be spoilt for choice here. From cute Hello Kitty notebooks to minimalist designs that Muji has a serious collection of great minimalist designs in pocket and A6 sizes, notebook covers, leaflets, and loose paper in case you need a refill — we are fans.Log on to www.muji.in . OrganisersWhile we run to Satyam at Churchgate for our Filofax (mentioned in the book) for our planner needs, the Hobonichi Techo is a Japanese brand we love, too. Flexible enough to fit the lifestyle and tastes of its users, they have daily-page books, weekly books called the Weeks, undated notebooks with monthly calendars called Day Free, and 5-Year Techo, to name a few. Our current favourite is the Masamune Kusano x Junaida: Through the Purple Night. . PostcardsJapanese postcards were a popular form of visual expression and communication in the early 20th century, and are now considered a significant part of Japanese culture. Etsy has some cool picks, including vintage, travel, paintings, hand-drawn options, and artworks.Log on to www.etsy.com . MemopadsThese are delightful and functional, brightening up your workspace and allowing you to jot down notes, reminders, or creative ideas, making them versatile tools for personal and professional use. While Scooboo.com does have the French memo pads that the book mentions, we find the collection of Japanese ones on the Bungu store to be uber cute.Log on to www.bungu.store
02 January,2025 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiADVERTISEMENT
