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LGBT Section 377 Pride Parade

FILM American Hustle Miss Lovely Sahir Ludhianvi

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JANUARY 17 – 30 2014 VOL. 10 ISSUE 11 `50

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A cross-country calendar of cultural extravaganzas

Contents

APOORVA GUPTAY

January 17 – 30, 2014 Next issue out on January 31, 2014

Flag off The Goa Carnival festivies begin

Cover story

Fest foot forward In the next couple of weeks, you have a chance to listen to award-winning authors talk about their inspiration to write, goggle at some awe-inspiring art, guzzle beers with bikers, sway to music being played in the sand dunes, watch films from morning to night, and lots more. Time Out has put together a guide to the best upcoming festivals for you. Page 26 Feature 14 In a blind spot Lawrence Liang talks about the latest Supreme Court judgement on Section 377

18

Code breaker An interview with Vikram Chandra on his new book Mirrored Mind – My Life in Letters and Code

20

Hustle and grow Filmmaker David O Russell talks about his new film, American Hustle, that’s creating Oscar buzz.

Regulars 06 Fortnightly agenda 08 Inbox 10 Mumbai Local 90 After words

Food & Drink 44 Family cookbooks Reviews Konkan Cafe, Tart Three questions with...Ritu Dalmia Appetisers Hot tables Clubs, bars and lounges

Lifestyle 54 Quirky stationery Shop talk Mzuri Surf’s up Checkout Fitness Events & talks

Around Town, Kids and Gay & Lesbian 62 Mumbai Pride Month Clue Hunt Book nook Events

ON THE COVER Cover art Pramod Jadhav

4 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Art and Culture 68 Isle of plenty No Parsi is an Island Dance preview Those Who Could Not Hear The Music Book preview The Siege: The Attack on the Taj Theatre Three questions with...Ashwin Gidwani Book reviews Harvest, Local Monsters, Solo – A James Bond Novel Listings

Film 76 Fact versus fiction An interview with Miss Lovely’s cinematographer KU Mohanan Reviews Dedh Ishqiya, The Armstrong Lie, Carrie, American Hustle Other film screenings

Music & Nightlife 83 Home by Boomerang Andromakers Hridayesh Festival Indian Music Group Gigs, DJ Listings and Concerts

Offers 89 Win free passes to SulaFest 2014

Quote of the fortnight “Today’s emotions are bizarre and I see comedy in every emotion, feeling and connect.”

See page 72

AROUND TOWN

Don’t miss...

p62 Mumbai Pride fest An annual event to celebrate the LGBTIQ community featuring fêtes, musicals, exhibitions, film screenings and even a treasure hunt.

The very best of Mumbai this fortnight

ART & CULTURE p69 Those Who Could Not Hear The Music

FILM p78 Dedh Ishqiya A sequel to the 2010’s sleeper hit, Ishqiya, this black comedy is also directed by Abhishek Chaubey.

This dance performance takes inspiration from the music of Beethoven and author Vikram Seth’s popular novel, An Equal Music.

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE p85 Hridayesh Festival An annual three-day festival of Indian classical music and dance.

6 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Voted Europe’s Best Airline 2013 at the Skytrax Passenger Choice Awards.

PAPRIKA MEDIA PVT LTD Essar House, 11 KK Marg, PO Box 7964, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034

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Volume 10 Issue 11

January 17 – 30 2014

General Enquiries and Listings (91 22) 6660-1111

Write to us at letters@timeoutmumbai.net.

Subscriptions (91 22) 6660-1200 Sweat is fat crying

LETTER OF THE FORTNIGHT

TONE UP

Muscles come and go; flab lasts

EAT RIGHT

Be your own inspiration STRETCH OUT

FIGHTING FIT

OFFICE YOGA

Stay positive

10 ways to get healthy in the new year

RUN THE MARATHON

QUIT SMOKING Health is a choice

Discover Mumbai’s secret menus PUMP IRON

INSIDE JANUAY 3 – 16 2014 VOL. 10 ISSUE 10 `50

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Helpline clarification

Abhishek Chaubey Seher Shah Homi Bhabha Flux Pavilion

LEARN SELF DEFENCE

City tracks I have been born and brought up in Mumbai. Somehow, the city is still Bombay for me. Although I have travelled across the world, my favourite part is and always will be this city. I love it! The change, the fast-pace, it is exhilarating. It is hard to keep track of all the changes and this is why I LOVE Time Out. The fact that you do a fortnightly helps me to keep in sync with all that is happening.

Restaurants keep opening and closing and I find it super hard to keep track without your magazine.

Vidhi Jain Bawafied I loved your article on the book Parsi Bol [Bawalogy, Vol 10 Issue 9]. It was funny and cheeky just like, I’m sure, the book is. Now I am really looking forward to reading this book and it will make for a great gift as well. It’s cool that you

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This has reference to your article in Time Out Mumbai with regard to the Sahaay Helpline [“Call me maybe”] published on December 20, 2013 [Vol 10 issue 9].

It was a pleasure to read your article as it helped us to understand and assess how the services are being perceived by the people to whom we cater.

We appreciated the innovative approach taken by you to get a first-hand experience of the helpline. We have noted the suggestions put forward by you and we will provide the mentoring support required by counsellors to perform better. However, we would like to draw your attention to one of the technical aspects mentioned in your article about Post Exposure Prophylaxis(PEP).

The technical issue raised by you in your article is with regard to counsellors not providing callers with the option of Post Exposure Prophylaxis, popularly known as PEP to prevent possible exposure to HIV through condom breakage or unsafe sex behaviour which we would like to clarify. As cited by an article from the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services of the Centre for Disease Control (www. dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/std-hiv-hep/needlestick/Pages/ Post-ExposureProphylaxis(PEP)FAQs.aspx), please note that “PEP is not a morning-after pill.” It is a programme of several drugs, several times each day, for at least 30 days. PEP costs between $600 and $1,000. Based on the above technical information with regard to PEP, Sahaay counsellors are trained to provide first line of counselling and refer cases for face-to-face counselling depending on the requirement of the case.

The helpline has handled more than 30,000 calls over the last four months, since its launch in September 2013. Sahaay counsellors while being from the community, take a non-judgmental and neutral stand handling each case with maturity and patience. All these are the positives that the helpline offers. And we look forward to continuing to provide the service to the callers. Once again we extend our appreciation for the thoughtful manner in which the article was put together. Sonali Mukherjee,Sahaay guys are highlighting such books and events which may not be covered elsewhere. I will be using a lot of the crazy phrases from now on. This article is a keeper.

Radhika Lalwani

8 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

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Editorial (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) Editor: Gauri Vij Assistant Editor: Aniruddha Guha Around Town: Gauri Vij Art & Culture: Gauri Vij Film: Aniruddha Guha Food & Drink: Aatish Nath Lifestyle: Ayesha Venkataraman Music & Nightlife: Ayesha Venkataraman Proofreader: James M Mathew Interns: Huzan Tata, Ishani Chatterji, Kanika Chopra ART Deputy National Art Director: Pramod Jadhav Senior Designer: Prashant Gujar Digital Imaging: Pravin Pereira PHOTO Senior Photographer: Tejal Pandey Photo Interns: Stashia D’souza, Anurag Banerjee WEB Digital Writer: Yashasvi Vachhani Digital Associates: Donald Samy, Sneha Lukka, Zahra Amiruddin

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Editor Gauri Vij.

Distributed by: Paprika Connect & Dangat Newspaper Agency.

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published with the permission of Time Out Group, London UK.

Mumbai Local

Snap judgement by Tejal Pandey Dreamscape This graffiti artist’s work on Tulsi Pipe Road echoes every Mumbaikar’s wish when stuck in gruelling traffic ordeals.

A novel idea What do you do when you want to start a library but you don’t have the means to do so? Simple – you crowdsource the books.

Thirty-one year old Pushpendra Pandya, who works at an ad firm, founded “India’s First Crowd Sourced Library” last October. It was his passion for the printed word that inspired Pandya to start the project that he hopes will encourage more people to take up reading. “I’ve met many lonely people in Mumbai, who need something to keep them stress-free. What better way than having books as your best friend?”

Pandya explained, when asked what triggered this idea.

Pandya, an ad copywriter by day and librarian by night, runs the library of 2,000 books (and counting) from his house in Vasai.

Pandya devotes his weekends to travelling around the city, building his collection and delivering books to members, that number 55 till date. Crowdsourcing books is simpler than it may

ANURAG BANEJEE

India’s First Crowd Sourced Library is trying to revive reading in the city, says Huzan Tata

Book me Pushpendra Pandya

seem, especially in the age when many are looking to declutter their homes of piles of books.

All one has to do is call or email Pandya and he’ll arrange for the books to be picked up. Most of the donations are from senior citizens looking for a good place to give away their tomes – Pandya has received as many as 300 books at a time. Journalists, retired professors and even published authors like Cyrus Daruwala have contributed to the young Mumbaikar’s fast-growing

10 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

library. Whether it be fiction or non-fiction, history, sports or even pregnancy, the library has titles in almost every genre.

The deal is pretty simple – the membership fee amounts vary from `250 a month to `1,900 for a year, and allows you to borrow one book a week. If you’re too broke to pay you need not worry, as discounts and complimentary books are also given out based on references from members.The list of books available for reading and those borrowed out,is regularly updated on the library’s website which interestingly, has been crowdsourced as well.

You’d wonder what made Pandya start this endeavour at a time when libraries aren’t really the talk of the town. “I’ve been following trends of social media for a while and I have gathered that the reading [culture] has increased tremendously,” Pandya told Time Out in an email interview.

He felt that the city needed a medium through which people

could read more books in the comfort of their homes, without having to pay much. Mumbai though, isn’t the only beneficiary of Pandya’s unique idea. The library has branches in Bangalore, NCR, Chennai and Hyderabad, that are handled by local reps. They call Pandya if in need of any help or guidance, but for now managing operations in his own city is work enough for him.

Pandya is raring to go, with more plans for expansion of the library. “[I’m looking to] get more paid membership [and] rent a place in Vasai. [I want to] get more funding and set up about ten more libraries across India by December 2014.”

Clearly, Pandya’s love for books can’t be crowdsourced.

To register, call or message Pandya at 98191-81219 or email him at filly@gmail.com. Books are usually delivered on weekends.

Visit crowdsourcedlibrary. com and facebook.com/ CrowdSourcedBookLibrary for regular updates.

Winging it A new mobile app will help enthusiasts identify the butterflies they spot, reports Asawari Ghatage.

Black and orange, buttercup yellow, jade green and ebony – for most people this is the best way to identify a butterfly. But now an app has made butterfly identification easier for aspiring lepidopterists.

Four months ago, wildlife enthusiasts Chinmayi SK and Peter Smetacek decided to create a digital database of these winged beauties for those uninitiated to butterfly spotting. Chinmayi and Smetacek brainstormed possible alternatives to purchasing large books on butterflies, and decided that a digital guide in the form of a mobile application would be the best way to go about it. Over a period of four months, Smetacek compiled a list of the 100 most common butterflies that can be spotted in India, and Chinmayi scoured various sources for photographs of each of them. The result is now available to download as Common Indian Butterflies, a mobile app.

“My colleagues and I at Saakshin Technologies, a Bangalore-based startup, developed the app. We’re basically looking at catering

to beginner and intermediate enthusiasts,” said Chinmayi. The project involved roping in app developers Nitish Kulkarni and Anikta Herurkar and designer Sanika Sahasrabuddhe.

Chinmayi is a web developer and Smetacek is a lepidopterist.

They created a simple app based on the butterflies’ colour, the shape of their wings and the most common occurrence.

The app’s landing page has illustrations of the most prominent types of wing shapes, and tapping on each wing shape opens up another page with photographs of butterflies in that category. Users also have the option of browsing through a colour palette to identify a butterfly they are looking for.

The app keeps getting updated as more photographs are added, explained Chinmayi. “We don’t have a user sharing functionality as yet. When you’re out on the field, there is little chance of getting internet connectivity.

So we are keeping it simple, for now,” she said. Some places in Mumbai where you can spot these colourful flutterers are at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Yeoor Hills, and Ovalekar Butterfly Garden in Thane.

Three years ago, Chinmayi started volunteering with wildlife organisations in the city and got interested in entomology. Many

Show off Black Rajah

of the photos featured in the app are hers and she insists on using Creative Commons material.

Over the last few decades there has been increased interest in observing butterflies, according to Chinmayi. “Bangalore Butterfly Club and ButterflyIndia are some groups that are active and have people sharing information with each other. You can upload

photographs of butterflies for other members to identify as well,” she said, adding that the interest in butterflies transcends meeting at parks and includes learning about the winged creatures from around the country.

Common Indian Butterflies can be downloaded from the Google Play store.

SHORT & TWEET City Twitter handles – apart from @timeout_mumbai – that you need to follow. @worldforall Follow Mumbai-based animal welfare NGO World For All Animal Care and Adoptions on Twitter and help out with animal emergencies. The NGO has an active Twitter feed that tracks animals up for adoption, fostering, fundraisers and adoption camps.

“Figo(m) & Fiona(f), 1 month old pups rescued from a cruelty case looking for a #foreverhome Call 9820191321 to #adopt pic.twitter.com/ uZfuqluc2p” @mumbaiheritage Kunal Tripathi is an engineer who is simply in love with Mumbai’s

history. Soak up the city’s architectural beauty and rich history on Twitter with the help of old photographs. Enjoy the little bits of shared trivia about what this city was before the pollution and large shiny sky scrapers.

“1st horse drawn tram was started in #Mumbai on 9 May 1874 which ran frm Colaba to Pydhoni via Crawford Market. Fare was 3 annas” @MumbaiUpdate On a slightly more trivia-based Twitter note, Mumbai Update is an aggregator of all the latest news worthy happenings in the city.

Based on what you think maybe important you can read about new

12 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

versions of video games being based in Mumbai, latest police chowky locations, the weather, public restrooms – it’s all here.

near Samata Nagar Traffic towards malad is slow.#Mumbai”

“An airconditioned public toilet in...where else...

Mumbai http://www. snsanalytics.com/ wS6Fy6”

@NCPAMumbai

@TrafflineMUM Get real time city traffic updates about Mumbai wherever you may be. Tweet to this handle and find out which is the fastest way to get where you need to in the city that never sleeps.

“Alert @ 08:50 Hrs --> Car stalled at Kandivali on WEH

Follow NCPA’s regular updates via their well worded, somewhat interactive, and fun tweets. It’s a great way to know the latest of what is happening in film, theatre, music and dance in our city. Also, keep track of upcoming performances and maybe even catch a performance or two.

“Pop quiz: which Indian instrument has been topping US Jazz Billboard charts? Hint: Rahul Sharma will be playing it at NCPA on Jan 10, 2014”

In a blind spot

RITIKA JAIN

Lawrence Liang on what he calls the failure of sensibility.

et’s concede that the work of judging is particularly difficult and judges, especially in India, have the less-than-enviable task of having to know a little bit about everything.

Unlike the US Supreme Court that admits around 80 to 90 cases a year, the Indian Supreme Court functions as the court of last appeal in which all matters from the red lights on the cars of politicians to the allocation of spectrum and the rights of despised minorities are heard. So it might well be the case that in most instances, judges are ignorant about the issues that come before them. This, for instance, was highlighted during the hearing of the Naz case when the judges asked why psychiatrists were intervening in the case when the experts on issues of sexuality were sexologists.

One would in fact be happy to forgive the judges their mortal ignorance were it not

L

Show of solidarity (this page and over leaf) Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore saw a series of protests after the Supreme Court judgement

for the fact that they are also cursed by the Spiderman problem – with great power comes great responsibility, and if you are the Supreme Court then this responsibility is supreme as well. On that count, Justices Singhvi and Mukhopadhyay’s judgement reversing the High Court’s decision to decriminalise homosexuality in India is a spectacular failure which betrays the court's duty of judging responsibly.

There has been a lot written about the dismal quality of reasoning used in the judgement and I would instead like to focus on an often ignored aspect of judging, namely the sensibility that one brings to the act of judgement, especially on issues about which one knows very little.

The act of judging is not merely the application of technical rules and universal norms in a particular instance; it is also a creative act whose responsibility stems precisely from

14 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

the challenge of its ability to respond to the limits of its own knowledge. In that sense legal judgements have always been a product not only of our legal and political commitments, but also of our narrative imagination.

In an interview after the Delhi High Court decision, Justice AP Shah was asked where his empathetic understanding of homosexuality came from and whether he himself knew homosexuals. He said that while he did not know any homosexuals personally, as a lover of literature, he had through the writings of people like EM Forster come to appreciate the lives of homosexuals. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, with its characterisation of an entire section of the population as a “minuscule minority” with their “so called rights” demonstrates how ignorance and prejudice can warp legal reasoning.

But let’s assume that the judges are indeed

SELVAPRAKASH L

ANURAG BANERJEE

Legal judgments have always been a product not only of our legal and political commitments, but also of our narrative imagination

representative of a majority opinion in India which either chooses to deny the claims of sexual identity or perhaps is just unaware of them. Shoshana Felman in her influential accounts of trials and trauma in the twentieth century argues that the law is often plagued by a juridical blindness or blind spot which just does not see certain experiences. Issues of race, gender or caste have been typical instances of judicial blind spots and the greatest judges have not necessarily been experts on issues but ordinary people who have transcended their prejudices by cultivating a sensibility that allows them to see from the perspective

of another. There can be no higher criterion for evaluating a judge than this. Justice Powell, who delivered the crucial Bowers v Hardwick decision (which had upheld anti-sodomy laws before it was eventually overruled) confessed to his law clerk that he had never met a homosexual. What he hadn’t realised was that the very law clerk whom he was addressing was in fact gay and later the law clerk said he told the justice, “Certainly you have, but you just don’t know that they are.”

In 1990 Justice Powell acknowledged to students at New York University Law School that he had taken a second look at the Bowers

16 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

case and regretted his vote. “I think I probably made a mistake in that one,” he said. This admission to my mind is an admission not only of his legal failure but also an acknowledgment of his inability to overcome the juridical blind spot.

When Justice Singhvi chose to reserve his judgement on the Naz foundation case on his last day in office, a number of people felt that this was his way of leaving a dramatic mark in legal history. What better swan song could he have asked for than to be remembered as the man who was responsible for re-criminalising homosexuality in the world’s largest democracy.

He will instead now be remembered as the judge who delivered a judgement which has rightfully been compared by many to be the most regressive decisions in judicial history, including the Dred Scott case from the US (which upheld slavery) and the ADM Jabalpur case from the Emergency which upheld the right of the state to abrogate the fundamental rights of citizens.

Almost 35 years after the Jabalpur judgement the former chief justice of India Justice PN Bhagwati apologised for the judgement, describing it as a mistake and the Supreme Court’s action “an utter surrender” to an absolutist government. Many scholars and activists believed that Justice Bhagwati’s delayed apology proved too little, too late and his participation in the Jabalpur judgement will continue to loom over his legacy. One can’t help but wonder if we will have to wait for three decades before we have a similar apology being issued by the judges of the Naz judgement.

Until such time Justice Singhvi will have to live with the epithet of “heartbreaker judge”, given the number of people who were in tears when the judgement came out.

The government as well as the various respondents in the case have decided to file a review petition against the judgement. Let’s hope that the Supreme Court does not fail itself and us with the second chance that it is being given.

The writer is a lawyer and researcher with the Alternative Law Forum.

PRABHAKAR BARWE

The exhibition includes a large trove of works from the artist’s family that have never been exhibited before, accompanied by a selection of canvases on loan from major private collections. Important archival material about the artist in the form of articles and photographs are also on display and accessible to viewers.

WORKS 1955 - 1995

Prabhakar Barwe would meticulously note his thoughts and Prabhakar Barwe, who passed away observations about art and life in a relay of diary entries consisting in 1995, was a prolific writer and visual of word fragments, considered texts and drawings. He began these t h i n ke r i n a d d i t i o n to b e i n g a notations in 1972 and continued until 1995. A few of these diaries have been displayed by digital means. distinguished painter.

This exhibition commemorates Barwe in both these aspects. It comprises Ongoing till 28th February, 2014. a range of works, beginning with life Gallery open on all days, from 11 am to 10 pm drawing studies and sketches from his c o l l e g e d ay s i n t h e m i d - 19 5 0 s and continuing through his designs and the explorations of his Tantric phase, P2, Raghuvanshi Estate Compound, to conclude with the symbolist abstract works that he produced from 1980 until 11/12 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai his untimely death at the age of 59.

Contact + 91 22 32991696

percept art

CODE BREAKER Computer programming and literary theory meet in Vikram Chandra’s new book, writes Rahul Jayaram. e know him as the cool cat chronicler of Bombay’s bhais. But the author of Red Earth and Pouring Rain, Love and Longing in Bombay, and Sacred Games, has – like some of his characters – led a double life. In Mirrored Mind – My Life in Letters and Code, one of India’s slickest prose writers offers a glimpse of his other side: one that salivates over programming and likens coders to artists. Chandra delves into the tussles between some of the world’s finest programmers, a potted history of computing, the gendered world of the information technology industry, the linkages of computer software to the history of language, the influence of ancient Indian philosophers Abhinavagupta and Anandvardhana, and the “clipped despair” of Hemingway’s short stories. In fact, Chandra’s demanding book is an act of tipping the hat to his geeky, nerdy self. In an email exchange with Time Out, Chandra tells us more about his book.

What got you started on a book like this?

Do you know of any other similar work on programming and coding?

I’ve been interested in programming since my 20s, so I’ve been thinking about this stuff for decades. I was on a small break from the new fiction I’ve been working on, and decided that I’d finally write a short essay – targeting the non-geeky – about the culture of programmers in the USA. That essay turned into a book.

There’s been some fiction written about programming, like Ellen Ullman’s novel The Bug, and substantially more non-fiction – Dreaming in Code by Scott Rosenberg and The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P Brooks Jr – come to mind. But there’s not very much about the aesthetics of code, and how it relates to what artists search for, and how it is all rooted in culture and gender. Marketing people at publishing houses like to be able to say, “This book is just like X,” but in the case of

MELANIE ABRAMS

W

18 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Mirrored Mind, much brainstorming has been done around the world, and we haven’t really been able to come up with anything similar.

When Love and Longing in Bombay was published in 1997, I remember the author bio had your email address at that time. Why did you leave your email address there?

My email address was actually published in my first book, Red Earth and Pouring Rain, which came out in 1995, but in some editions it was hidden away on the copyright page because some of my editors thought it was so bizarre to put it out there, potentially inviting “responses from psychos”. I was immersed in the techie culture of publishing, where it was entirely normal to put your email address at the end of a magazine story you’d written, so I thought these editors were being frustratingly old-fashioned. It’s come full circle now – in Mirrored Mind I didn’t bother to put in an email address or a URL, because everyone knows now that authors have websites, and that a quick Google search will find them.

You liken software programming to an art in the book. Has coding gotten you to think about literature differently?

I’m wary of pushing the analogy too far.

Writers and programmers ultimately do very different things, and that’s part of the argument of the book. That said, I think both practices demand attention to detail, long concentrated effort, and the ability to create complexity out of smaller, less complex components. And dealing with networked complexity has, I think, made me suspicious of reductive narratives. Behaviours emerge from the interactions of numerous factors in unpredictable ways; I like fictions that reflect this reality.

Is it possible for you to convert a book or story of yours into a form of code? What will that look like?

The challenge of bringing the pleasures of traditional narratives into the worlds made possible by computing has been addressed most directly by people who work in the domain of computer gaming. I don’t think anyone’s really solved that problem – you have on the one hand, the predictable paths of some first-person shooters, where you’re herded through an engineered maze like a rat; at the other, you have the vast “open worlds” of games like Grand Theft Auto, where you can have a complete absence of narrative.

Perhaps there’s no real “solution” because the new media demands new forms of storytelling.

You’ve passionately explored the Mumbai underworld. Are there software programmers there? Have you met any bhai who knew C++ or JavaScript?

No, that’s not in the basic bhai skill-set, but the smartest gangsters hire very smart people who do have those talents, and so acquire

and use the latest tech. The underworld guys – everywhere in the world – are often early adopters, because they realise this gives them an edge. In their business, not being sufficiently forward-looking leads not only to reduced profits, but also to prison and early death. That’s quite motivating.

How would you characterise the software programming population of India and those Indians in Silicon Valley?

In India and elsewhere, Indian programmers are engaged in what some scholars are calling “the project of global Indianness”.

This is an effort to produce a culture that combines a global lifestyle – in terms of amenities and consumption – and a sense of Indianness – in terms of morals and values. This is a project of the new middle class, often deeply tied to a very modern nationalism and conservative ideas regarding marriage, family, sexuality, and the role of women.

In some ways, this discourse allows certain kinds of knowledge to be less tied to notions of maleness, but it also places the burden of family squarely on women. There’s a huge hunger for the material benefits technology can bring, but much less idealistic faith in the emancipatory potential of technology than with American programmers; recent history’s taught us too well about what science and engineering can do to those on the underside of political struggles.

You write of the ninth-century language philosopher Anandavardhana and how he proposed that poetic writing or speech has a semantic function of “suggestion”. In the realm of coding, which emerges from the fairly precise and concrete world of logic and mathematics, is “suggestion” possible?

All language is potentially suggestive; even text composed of random single letters placed on a page can be suggestive, depending on the sequence, the composition, the colour and so on. The question really is, “Would you want an equation to be endlessly suggestive in the same way as a ghazal might, to produce not just suggestion but what Anandvardhana called dhvani, an endless reverberation of meaning?” I think not. The function of code is to be precisely denotative. In computing, ambiguity or multiplicity of meanings can cause disaster. In poetry, the same qualities produce depth, and offer an opportunity for rasa, aesthetic pleasure.

Why do you feel a figure like Abhinavagupta has found renewed interest in India?

He’s really a pivotal figure in India’s intellectual history, so if you’re trying to dip into the indigenous scholastic tradition, you’ll encounter him one way or the other. He was an incredible polymath and very prolific – he wrote 40-odd books on a wide range of subjects, of which we have 21. His ideas about memory, cognition and aesthetics seem tremendously insightful to me, and have helped me locate myself as a writer and a human being. So he’s not just historically important, but relevant to the present.

Mirrored Mind – My Life in Letters and Code, Penguin, `499.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 19

Pros and cons Bradley Cooper and (right) Christian Bale

Hustle and grow

David O Russell talks to Rob Garratt about his new Oscar-hyped crime comedy.

20 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

avid O Russell might be the hottest director in Hollywood right now. Coming off a seven-year break from movies, the New York filmmaker scored seven Oscar nominations (and two wins) with 2010’s The Fighter, then followed this with eight nominations (and one win) for 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook. His latest, the black crime comedy American Hustle, has already picked up seven Golden Globe nominations and was named the year’s best film by the New York Film Critics Circle, and is tipped to clear up at the Academy Awards. Each of the three movies is on the surface a genre flick – boxing movie, romcom, real life crime – but to O Russell they form a conceptual triptych.

For American Hustle, a highly fictionalised take on the FBI’s botched Abscam sting operation of the late ’70s and early ’80s, O Russell has assembled a stellar cast of familiar faces. Christian Bale and Amy Adams play a fiery con artist couple who are recruited

by Bradley Cooper’s hyperactive government agent to help bring down politicians, including Jeremy Renner’s mayor of Camden, New Jersey, and mobsters, topped by a surprise turn by Robert De Niro as a Florida kingpin. In

D

being around each other had a healthy competitiveness – for me too, in that we all wanted to do better, because we were all around each other.

It was very exciting for us all to be together.

They’re all very different in that Christian is sort of a creature who lives in his own way and inhabits people in this waking dream. He calls it a waking dream and that’s what I aspire to do with every actor, to have them sort of trance out, or go into [what] Jennifer calls a high; where you go into an altered place where you become another person and don’t stop shooting until the mag of film runs out. So you get into a rhythm where you kind of forget that you’re doing a scene. And that’s what I look for.

Hard as nails Jennifer Lawrence and (right) Amy Adams; (below) Adams and Christian Bale

an interview to Time Out, Russell spoke about hairstyling, his hiatus and waking dreams.

What drew you to Eric Warren Singer’s script and the Abscam story in general?

Eric wrote a wonderful script; he’s a terrific writer. I just loved the characters. So I said if I can rewrite this as I’ve done my previous two movies, then I would love to come do it with Eric’s permission.

Christian Bale’s Irving is very much the beating human heart of the movie.

Of course, it starts with Irving, that’s why we start with him fixing his hair – which we saw again as a thematic thing. Everybody has to assume [an image] – you made your hair a certain way, you got those glasses, you got that jacket – you decide how you’re going to present yourself. And sometimes you decide to change that, you think: I don’t know who I want to be, or who I am. And meanwhile, you’re trying to read me and read other people – that’s what’s interested us, that dynamic of people.

What interested Christian and I thematically about the character [of Irving] was [that] the character is kind of like a director or an actor, he’s kind of an artist. Not simply a rip-off artist,

as much as being a person who loves his women, loves his kid. He loves life, he loves Duke Ellington… there’s a lot he loves about life.

You just said you worked on the script and built the characters with the cast.

I created the characters for each actor. I would go to their homes and talk to them, and write

I want to love everything in the picture what I believed was the best character for them. I wanted to deliver something that I feel is worthy of them and their time. And, I have to deliver on what I said to them: I said, you’re going to get to do a fantastic character, and I have to make that happen.

How did you approach working with all these very different talents?

Everybody’s very collaborative on these movies, they’re all very generous spirited, but I think

22 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

What is Bradley Cooper like to work with?

Bradley is extremely passionate and very smart, and he works in a very different way. He’s fearless, he’ll try anything. It was interesting for him because I think it’s one of his first transformational roles. When we introduced him in Silver Linings, when people looked in his eyes, I wanted them to think, “Who is that?” They couldn’t recognise him from the eyes, because it wasn’t the Bradley Cooper they knew. In this picture he went even farther, he started to pick up traits. He knew someone in his family who chewed his tongue so he chewed his tongue as a nervous thing, then set his jaw, [which] gave him a weird look, and he started to hunch a little bit, and he walked different.

How did Jeremy Renner fit into it, as the new guy?

Jeremy’s fantastic, because he’s a very authentic person, who has the feel of a local Jersey guy even though he’s not from there. I like casting against type. He is a much more emotionally contained person in real life. He looked at me in the middle of production and said, “This person is the opposite of who I am”. This guy wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s big, emotional, and open to everybody around him. And it was really wonderful to watch him do that. It was uncomfortable for him for about half the picture, I think – and he did it. And he sang! His “Delilah” – the song he picked, I had a different song – is the perfect song. I don’t think he’s been seen like this in pictures. He usually plays a cold badass.

This guy’s got range – I love that he’s got that intensity, but he can also be warm, and sweet.

You’ve just made three incredibly wellreceived movies in four years, following a seven year gap…

The gap is what made it possible. I kind of got lost. I lost my feel for story, I was in my head too much, I went through a lot of stuff with my son who I had to help out, I got divorced… but it was human and good for me because I came back from a very raw, humble place, which made me want to tell these stories about these people. That made everything very clear to me. Probably getting older did too, you just get to it, and mean it. Mean it and love it. I want to love everything in the picture, I want to be exhilarated by it. Even if it’s messed up, I want there to be something beautiful in it.

American Hustle opens on Fri Jan 24.

See Reviews.

Attending an exhibition, music show or a book launch in the city is fast becoming uninspiring and boring. We suggest you take the time off, hit the road and head out in a direction where you can dip into your cultural indulgences, be it a music, ďŹ lm or literature festival, without interruptions. In the next couple of weeks, you will see festivals mushroom from the ground across the country, playing host to some of India’s biggest faces in art and culture. Time Out compiles a calendar to bring in the new year with a bigger bang.

o t 17 1 n a n2 J i Fr e Ja Tu

Distance from Mumbai 1,142km How long it takes to get there About 16 hours by car.

Direct trains available(check irctc. com).

1 hour 45mins by air (check tickets at makemytrip.com).

Jaipur Literature Festival

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ot long ago, publishing houses in India were few and writers could be easily dismissed as a grumpy, inscrutable and lofty bunch. A small set of people were tired of hopping traffic and leaving work early to attend book launches and poetry readings in the capital.

In order to quench their literary cravings, they started making annual pilgrimages to a relatively unknown venue in the Pink City, come the biting cold and fog of January to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival.

It started out as a small operation (led by co-directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple, both acclaimed writers) as part of the Jaipur Virasat Festival, with a stray mix of Indian writers reading out their works to packed audiences that was enough to fit the tiny confines of Hotel Diggi Palace’s Durbar Hall. It became an independent property in 2008, managed by Sanjoy Roy’s Teamwork Production. Over the past seven years the Jaipur Lit Fest has swelled in style, pomp and scale. Its biggest draw today is not only the literary giants it annually attracts – JM Coetzee, Mohsin Hamid, Kiran Desai, Martin Amis, Ian McEwan, Hanif Kureshi,

Vikram Seth, Salman Rushdie, Orhan Pamuk to name a few or the occasional film, TV and sport personality – but also the fact that it’s among the world’s largest free festivals. Every year, swarms of schoolchildren, locals and passers-by descend upon it, pulled by the sheer force of its spectacle and magnitude.

Last year alone, the festival saw 1,20,000 visitors and it's set to double this year, if we are to go by the registration count. Time Out has put it succinctly in the past: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is officially the Woodstock, Live 8 and Ibiza of world literature, with an ambience that can best be described as James Joyce meets Monsoon Wedding.” Jairaj Singh Hotel Diggi Palace, Shivaji Marg, Sawai Ram Singh Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur, Rajasthan (0141-237-3091; jaipurliteraturefestival.org).

This year's highlights Acclaimed American novelist and essayist Jonathan Franzen, novelists Joseph O'Neill, Vikram Chandra, Jim Crace and Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri, who released The Lowland last year, will be the big literary stars. To add start value: actor Irrfan Khan; five-time world champion and

26 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Olympic bronze-medallist boxer MC Mary Kom, whose autobiography Unbreakable was released last December; and Bollywood and TV producer Ekta Kapoor will be among the festival’s biggest draws. In attendance will also be American feminist Gloria Steinem, British historian Antony Beevor, English novelist Geoff Dyer and photographer Dayanita Singh. The keynote speaker is economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Keep an eye out for British Indian novelist and essayist Rana Dasgupta who will release one of this year’s hotly anticipated books, Capital: The Eruption of Delhi.

Special additions Iranian author Sahar Delijani, whose parents were imprisoned and her uncle killed by the Islamic Republic in Iran in the 1980s, will be talking about how her first novel Children of the Jacaranda Tree is deeply influenced by her past. Also worth attending will be readings by three young Sri Lankan novelists – Nayomi Munaweera, shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize, Ru Freeman and Romesh Gunesekera. Each year, the festival hosts an array of music perform-

ances. Tinariwen, a 31-year-old band of Tuareg-Berber musicians from the Sahara desert region of northern Mali, will be belting out tunes inspired by their West African roots. The band’s fifth album Tassili, released in 2011, won the award for Best World Music Album at the fifty-fourth Grammy Awards. Indian-Canadian singer Kiran Ahluwalia will perform Persian and Punjabi ghazals; also expect electronic music sets

by Midival Punditz, Gods Robots and Karsh Kale.

Insider’s tip Walking between sessions can be a tedious affair, and while days are usually warm and sunny, evenings can be bitterly cold and chilly. To keep yourself going, we suggest you keep snacking on kachoris and sip on the milky sweet tea in a kulhad that the owners of the Diggi Palace Hotel personally provide.

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Distance from Mumbai 610km How long it takes to get there About 10 hours by car (less by bike).

Direct trains available(check irctc. com).

1 hour and 10 minutes by air (check tickets at makemytrip.com).

the Stunt Bike Zone and the Full Contact Championship, a mixed martial arts tournament, for an adrenaline fix.

India Bike Week

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olling into Vagator, Goa, with the promise of being even bigger than last year, India Bike Week, the country’s motorcycle and biking lifestyle festival, returns this fortnight for its second edition. Touted as the “Woodstock of Indian Biking”, apart from a range of biking activities, the festival also hosts three music stages. It’s a place to meet fellow bikers and trade stories about being on the road. Festival director and CEO of organising partners 70 EMG, Martin Da Costa believes that this two-day festival is fuelled by a long-standing passion for motorbikes in the country; his own office, he discovered, was populated with biking aficionados. “There were so many music festivals happening last year and I didn’t want to simply add to them,” said Da Costa. “There are literally thousands of enthusiasts who are passionate about biking and the [accompanying]lifestyle. We figured that if we didn’t start a festival like this, someone else will.”

India Bike Week has put together four routes for enthusiasts to ride up to the festival from Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Jammu. Longdistance veterans Ted Simon and Jay Kannaiyan are set to accompany riders on the trail. Paul

Dharamraj Various venues across Vagator, Goa (022-6640-4422). To register and buy tickets, visit indiabike week.in. Registration fees start from `2,500.

This year’s highlights Spend time at the special Brotherhood zone, an area set aside for bikers to collect, meet and talk shop with some of the best long-distance riders in the world, including British riders Simon, Nick Sanders and former gang biker Sam Childers. Don’t forget to get your hands dirty at the Ladakh Tent within this area, which will host sessions that teach riders to work on their bikes. The festival will also see more than 300 bikes on display, from vintage roadsters to race bikes of different specifications. A special classic display collection called the IBW Vintage Bike Concours will bring together a “century class” of hundred-yearold bikes. Watch out especially for the famed Radial Chopper, a vintage bike with the World War II fighter plane-type engine. Adding a little healthy competition to the mix, India Bike Week will also feature a Mod Bike Competition, a platform for engineers and bikers to put their custom bikes on dis-

play. Along those lines, there’s also the Bike Build Off, where the country’s best customisers and engineers face off to put together the meanest machine at the festival.

Another big draw is the Traveller’s Tent, which will see seasoned bikers share personal experiences.

Expert global riders such as Navroze Contractor, Avinash Thadani and Kannaiyan, who biked across 33 countries over the past three years, will be hanging out with the participating bikers. Also, India’s Motorcross champion Zubin Patel will conduct sessions on off-road riding, heavy bike handling, safety gear and problem solving on long rides. The festival will host three music stages that features a lineup of 20 artists and bands across genres. Expect blowout sets by Dualist Inquiry, The UK’s Afrobeat Collective and Anish Sood in the evenings. A stone’s throw from the stages, don’t forget to stop by

Special additions A tribute to women riders at the IBW Loves Women Bikers tent.

Drop in to hang out with Sheetal Bidaye, the founder of the Bikerni All Women Bikers Club, and noted global bike traveller Lorraine Chittock. On the food and drink front, India Bike Week brings back its well-received watering hole from last year, the Howling Dog Bar, apart from newer additions such as the IBW Beerbulance and the Zippo Bar. The Biker BBQ Grills will allow participants to try their hand at grilling as well.

Insider’s tip India Bike Week has been selected as the venue for the first preview of the yet-to-be-released Harley Davidson Street 750.

Catch an exclusive sneak peek at the new Harleys, built for urban riders, which will make enter the Indian market mid-2014.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 27

to 7 2 3 n a n J Feb o M on M

International Theatre Festival of Kerala

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nsconced in the sleepy cradle of God’s own country, the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (or ITFOK, as it’s popularly known) is now in its sixth edition. It will take place in what is fast emerging as one of the country’s leading cultural centres, Thrissur. The four markedly distinctive venues – KT Muhammed Regional Theatre, Actor Murali Outdoor Theatre, Black Box and Janakaraliya Tent Theatre – are all within skipping distance of one another. They have been commandeered for the display of roughly 22 scheduled performances featuring performers from Poland, Denmark, Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic, Iran and Israel. Plus, there will be a smattering of Indian productions that include new works from local Kerala troupes.

Organised by the governmentowned (but autonomous) Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, the festival since its inception has been lauded for its curatorial zeal and artistic gumption. The festival also offers an unprecedented range of cutting-edge work that Indian audiences aren’t usually exposed to, at very cheap rates.

This year’s theme is “transition”, or the move from antiquated thea-

tre practice to a twenty-first century world view. This is embodied by selections which, according to the festival’s mission statement, “Challenge the notion of conventional drama and viewership, and include a pool of productions with an alternative scenographic language, preferably meant for open air and street”.

Last year’s edition had faced criticism in some quarters due to a perceived governmental apathy (2013 saw a regime change in the state). But despite the serpentine queues outside most venues (a clear indication of the festival’s growing appeal), a sense that the event’s stringent commitment to the arts may give way to the dictates of easy commerce – the old “bums on seats” paradigm – pervades. It would be interesting to see which way the cookie crumbles this year. Vikram Phukan Chembukkavu, Thrissur, Kerala (0487-232-2734; theatrefestival kerala.com ) For details, email theatrefestivalkerala@gmail.com.

This year's highlights Nicely underlining the festival’s avant-garde (and sometimes whimsical) tenor will be the final-day performance of a multi-lingual play tantalisingly titled Awkward Happi-

28 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Distance from Mumbai 1,545km How long it takes to get there Direct trains available(check irctc. com).

A little over 2 hours by air to Kochi and another one and half hours by taxi to Thrissur (check tickets at makemytrip. com).

ness or Everything I Don’t Remember About Meeting You. A treat from Polish studio Matejka, the production draws from the works of Milan Kundera and Pascal Bruckner.

Physical theatre is one of the festival's highlights, with works eschewing text-based exposition for the utter madness of unreserved movement, with Slovakia’s Debris Company repurposing Bertolt Brecht in Epic; the German troupe Derevo, which has been a creator of powerfully feral works since its 1996 offering Mephisto Waltz (resolutely unrelated to other cultural phenomena going by the same name); as well as an open air piece as a nice bonus by Anton Adassinsky, the group’s founder.

Closer to home, Delhi’s Tadpole Repertory reinvents Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, with the two halves demarcated by style and delivery – the first act is given a harrowing texture with signature Chekhovian techniques and the second act is mired in the levity of colloquial Hindustani.

Special additions In a year that witnessed the passing away of theatre stalwart GP Deshpande (or GoPu), director Atul Pethe resurrects the playwright’s 1992 play, Satyashodhak, on the life of the nineteenth century anti-caste crusader Jyotiba Phule, with a largely non-professional (but still adept) cast drawn from the Pune Municipal Safai Karmcharis

Association. At the festival itself, one of the sidelights include a critics’ symposium organised by the India chapter of the International Association of Theatre Critics. The participants will present papers on “theatre in transition” and moderate a series on “Directors in Dialogue”.

Insider’s tip The festival takes place for a little over a week, and the relentless theatre can sometimes mandate an escape to the usual Kerala staple – the backwaters, the waterfalls, the temples, the ayurvedic spas. Thrissur has its own notto-be-missed fare. There is even a Facebook page called “1001 things to do in Thrissur” that has garnered quite a following in just two months. Expectedly, Kerala has the largest number of Indian Coffee Houses (now a nationwide franchise). The very first ICH was opened in Thrissur in 1958, and still serves countless ten-rupee cups of coffee to an eager clientele at its old outlet at the Swaraj Round, the biggest roundabout in South Asia. Clearly, the city has several superlatives to its credit.

to 0 3 n a b2 J r e u F h n T Su

that include Atul and Anju Dodiya, Shilpa Gupta, Jitish Kallat, Mithu Sen and Thushar Joag to name a few. Keep an eye out for photographer Dayanita Singh’s critically acclaimed “File Room” series – an elegy to paper in the age of the digitisation of information and knowledge. It was shown last year at the Venice Biennale and the Hayward Gallery in London. Portuguese artist Jose Garcia Miguel (from Perve Galeria) will be putting on view an interactive art piece titled “Tears of Portugal’. The works encompass video, photography and performance art.

Special additions

The India Art Fair

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ow in its sixth edition, The India Art Fair has grown phenomenally, contrary to the criticism that marked its arrival in 2008. The bone of contention among the art cognoscenti then was that the prime mover behind the fair, Neha Kirpal, was a relatively unknown entity in the art circuit. Head of the art division at PR firm Hanmer MS&L, Kirpal would openly concede how little she knew about art in the early days. However, a degree in business management from the UK and a street smartness was all that it took for her to bring India’s biggest art fair to life.

Despite the clucking of many a tongue, the Art Fair kicked off at Pragati Maidan with a clutch of some 30 galleries on a loan of one crore rupees, which Kirpal got from her PR company. Legend has it, the initial plans for the fair was written on an airsickness bag on a flight to Delhi, when Kirpal, giddy with excitement after attending the London Art Fair, wanted to start something of her own here.

Originally titled the “India Art Summit” and intended only for educational purposes, by the third edition, the India Art Fair began to focus on the art market. She roped in Will Ramsey of Hong Kong

Art Fair and Sandy Angus, the man behind art fairs in Los Angeles and London, for the job. Today, Kirpal splits a 49 per cent share of the India Art Fair with them.

The venue was moved to Okhla in 2011, and today it caters more to art lovers, with only the first day being reserved for collectors and buyers, before the fair is opened for the public. “The sixth edition of the fair continues to grow and build on the foundations laid over the last five years, showcasing the best of Indian and international contemporary art with more than 91 exhibitors and 1,000 artists from around the world,” Kirpal said. Reflecting on the art market, she said, “Since December, the art market has improved considerably as people look to the new year with renewed post-recession confidence. There is hope about new buyers’ interests and stabilising price points, particularly for modern art and the contemporary market to some extent.” Georgina Maddox NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla Industrial Estate (011-2631-1109; www.indiaartfair.in).

This year’s highlights This year round, the India Art Fair will be showcasing 91 booths from

30 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

across the world and featuring art from Europe and South Asia.

There will be 44 international galleries, besides the participation of 47 galleries from across India.

It will have everything from painting, sculpture, new media, installation and performance art. Look out for Pakistani born, London-based artist Simeen Farhat’s calligraphic kufic script sculpture. Subodh Gupta, in a tribute to India cinema, has created a work that is part-projection machine, part-sculpture, put on view by Gallery Continua. Gallery Lelong will be displaying Nalini Malani’s paintings on mylar, titled “Despoiled Shore”, which is a take on violence. Gigi Scaria creates a photomontage of buildings in a stormy desert, simply titled “Dust”. The work is part of Chemould Prescott’s elite list of artists

This year, the fair will host leading jewellery designer Nirav Modi, who will be presenting a collection of exquisite custom-made designs inspired by motifs from the Mughal miniature school of art, encrusted with precious gems and priceless diamonds. The fair will also host “Listen Up!”, an exclusive publicsound art project – a city-wide installation to make sound art publically accessible through cell phones. The freebies for the general public are the talks.

Worth listening to will be Budi Tek, the Chinese-Indonesian entrepreneur and collector; Philip Dodd, chairman of Made in China; Chris Dercon, the director of the Tate Modern in London; and artist Bharti Kher.

Insider’s tip The Art Fair is usually a maze, so go online and peruse the schedule. Make sure you get a map to get round so you do not get lost or tired trying to visit too many places; attend only the talks that interest you. Never buy an artwork in a rush as prices tend to drop on the last day of the fair.

P R ES E N TS

PRITHVI SONI Prithvi Soni is a well known senior artist famous for capturing beauty of Indian women on canvas. Solo show of recent paintings by PRITHVI SONI :

10th January to 30th January 2014 11am to 7pm

YASHWANT SHIRWADKAR Well known senior artist Yashwant Shirwadkar is showcasing his latest works at Artland from

1st February to 28th February 2014 Timings - 11am to 7pm.

Shirwadkar is very popular Indian artist for his paintings on Banaras and Rajasthan

Curator: SUNIL CHAUHAN. Address - Artland Gallery, 3rd Floor, Esplanade Mansion, M.G.Road, Next to Army and Navy Bldg., Kalaghoda, Mumbai - 400001 Tel - 022 - 66350776. For further information please call – 9820079405

Popular Delhi based artist VIKASH KALRA transforms the landscapes around him as if he were in a divine frenzy.

Highly expressionistic in his approach, he creates architectural landscape with its mirror reflection in order to emphasize that there is always a hidden other to everything that is visible.

Vikas kalra’s works are available with Gallery Artland Address - Artland Gallery, 3rd Floor, Esplanade Mansion, M.G.Road, Next to Army and Navy Bldg., Kalaghoda, Mumbai - 400001 Tel - 022 - 66350776. For further information please call – 9820079405

TEJAL PANDEY (2)

o t 1 b e F eb 2 t Sa un F S

Sulafest 2014

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n its seventh year now, Sulafest has established itself firmly on the cultural calendar for weary city folks looking for some respite and tipple. The two-day escape to Nashik promises a lot and delivers on all counts – there’s great music, a verdant vineyard setting and a bustling bazaar that offers both food and shopping.

The event’s proximity to Mumbai and its lush environs (the outdoor stage is tucked away at the back of Sula’s property) set it apart from other exclusively music-focused getaways. Here, booze is important, which means you can easily make the transition from chilling with a glass in hand to grooving to live music performances.

Rajeev Samant, the man behind Sula, in his freewheeling chat with Time Out last year told us about his love for live music. The sunken amphitheatre, built at the base of a gently sloping hill is “not just a great marketing idea for Sula,” Samant said. “It allows me to indulge my own love for music.

You know, we’ve been getting great acts like Nitin Sawhney, Deep Forest – it just makes me happy.” Aatish Nath Survey 36/2 Sula Road, Sawargaon, Nashik, Maharashtra (0253-302-7777; sulafest.net).

Tickets `1,600 (day pass) & `2,700 (two-day pass).

This year’s highlights The upcoming edition features the most number of international acts with the Spanish-French collective Gypsy All Stars headlining the fest.

Revellers can expect to sing along to popular tracks like “La Bamba”, and “Bomboleo” from the Gypsy Kings era (three members of the Gypsy All Stars are former members of the band). The act was recently in Jodhpur to perform at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Known for their collaborations, the Gypsy All Stars might bring some local musicians from the desert state to the festival. Other headliners include Shpongle, who will be bringing their brand of Eastern-influenced psychedelic music to the party.

Plus there’s Dub Pistols – famous for having their track “Cyclone” featured on the soundtrack of the skateboarding video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 – will be playing their genre-bending music that combines rock ’n’ roll, ska and dance. Expect them to perform tracks from their latest album, White Lines, which released in November last year. Other international musicians include Gaudi

32 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Live, The Dualers and DJ Anna.

Closer to home, Mumbai’s own Baycity Lights, or the band formerly known as Something Relevant, will be playing their unique brand of urban pop – a mix of hip hop, soul and R&B. Other Indian talent includes Avial, Susheela Raman, Wineet Tikoo and Vasuda Sharma. The Electrozone is back as well, with an expanded DJ roster spinning techno and house tunes away from the music on the main stage.

Special additions Expect a smorgasbord of eateries for those munchies. Choose from 11 East Street Cafe, Bakewell, Burger Barn, Little Italy, Maroosh,

Distance from Mumbai to Nashik 190km How long it takes to get there You can either drive with a car full of friends to Nashik, which is the most fun way.

Take the Tapovan Express, which leaves the city at 6.10am and arrives at Nashik before the fest starts at 9.45am (Tickets `101; check cleartrip.com for details).

Visit redbus.in for bus details. Tickets start at `260 for a non airconditioned coach.

Soma, Urban Spice (serving Indian food), and Sula’s very own Spanish tapas venture, Vinoteca. Apart from the freeflowing Sula wines, there will be Mount Gay rum, Grant’s Scotch whisky, Hendrick’s gin, and beer brands such as Asahi and Budweiser. And when it comes to shopping, there will be wares from Scherezaad, istoleit, PrincessK and Big Bag Theory. Fashion brand Vero Moda will unveil a new sub-brand Noisy May, complete with a fashion show during the festival.

Insider’s tip Keep swigging that wine to keep you going, but have water at hand.

TEJAL PANDEY (2)

o t 1 b e F eb 9 t Sa un F S

Sangrahalaya Gardens, David Sassoon Library, Art Entrance and Artists’ Centre.

Special additions Kala Ghoda Art Festival

M

umbai’s cultural aficionados have plenty to root for around this time of the year.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, one of the biggest multicultural events in the country, is right round the corner. The annual fest, the brainchild of many eminent citizens of Mumbai, was started in 1998 and is today held on a grand scale. Old Bombay, large parts of which are the Kala Ghoda and Fort areas, is an important part of the city’s heritage and culture. From the National Gallery of Modern Art to Horniman Circle Gardens, it uses city spaces in as many programmes and events possible, and is known to lasso in the crowds. With more than 600 events, the festival packs in live music, dance, cinema, literature, food, visual art, and activities like workshops, heritage walks and classes. Competitions in filmmaking and music are also an integral part of the nine-day extravaganza. “[It’s] promoting more of arts and cultural events, which we enforce through all our different programming through all [the] sections,” explained Kayomi Engineer, administrative director of the festival. “[If] you live in a city, you should take time out to be able to enjoy your city space to the full-

est.” The biggest draw, however, is that not a single penny has to be spent to enjoy any of the events, with a first-come firstserved policy in effect. The NGO and food stalls may tempt you to dip into those wallets. However, it’s all for a good cause, since the funds raised are used for the maintenance and restoration of Kala Ghoda and its monuments.

Huzan Tata Kala Ghoda Association, Fourth Floor, VB Gandhi Marg, Next to Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue, Fort (6505-5034; kalaghoda association.com). For details, email@ kalaghodaassociation.com

This year’s highlights The upcoming edition is based on “Momentum” as a premise, with each category of the arts having its own theme as well. To start off, aspiring filmmakers can submit their short films in the competition titled “Chase”, which will be reviewed by a special jury of experts. “Gati” is the theme for the classical and contemporary dances, which will be held at Cross Maidan. There will also be interactive installations and photography exhibitions spread across Rampart Row, Parking Lot, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu

34 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

There’s something for the kids, too. Kitabkhana will play host to various workshops in children’s literature. For those tots who are not interested in bookish events, there are a lot more outdoor activities at the spacious CSMVS Gardens. This year, there will be a new addition to the festival. Design lovers can indulge themselves at the Urban Design and Architecture section on the theme “Move Mum-

bai”. There will be discussions on mobility, visuals on movement, and plans or ideas to “make sense of a city that’s always on the move”.

Insider’s tip The festival usually tends to be a riot of colours with a heady experience. Don’t forget to carry a camera. For shopping enthusiasts, there are several NGO stalls lined up along Rampart Row near the main Kala Ghoda circle. There are beautiful products to be had such as bags, stationery, artwork, clothing and jewellery.

Lifestyle LLi ife fest styl yle

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Mumbai International Film Festival

T

he Mumbai International Film Festival throws the spotlight on home-grown and international documentaries, short and animated films. Established in 1990, a time when Mumbai was still getting used to the idea of a film festival, the event is organised with the help and collaboration of the Government of Maharashtra and the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association. So far, there have been 12 editions of the festival, with the National Centre for the Performing Arts as its permanent venue.

MIFF is a rare platform for documentary filmmakers to exchange ideas. Plus, the works showcased come from 50 different countries.

The winners of the competing categories receive cash prizes, in addition to awards. Since the number of participants increase with each passing year, in 1998, MIFF introduced a competition section that has been dedicated to Indian films – the National competition category. Apart from screening films, MIFF also conducts master classes, workshops, open forums and seminars over the seven days. Aniruddha Guha NCPA, Sir Dorabji Tata Road, Near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (022- 23515308; miff.in).

This year’s highlights: The upcoming edition will feature 72 competing films, spread across two categories – international and national. The former includes Indian as well as foreign films that are further divided into the following categories: short fiction, animation, and short and long-length documentaries.

When it comes to the Indian documentaries, we recommend you set your sights on two particularly gripping films. First, Kamal Swaroop’s Rangbhoomi, which has the filmmaker trace a phase in the life of Indian cinema legend Dadasaheb Phalke. It focuses on the time Phalke dabbled in theatre in Varanasi after being disillusioned with cinema. He then wrote and produced Rangbhoomi, a semi-autobiographical play. Then there’s Dylan Mohan Gray’s Fire in the Blood that takes a scathing look at Western pharmaceutical companies that withheld the distribution of certain drugs in Africa, Asia and other regions leading to a rise in HIV/Aids in the regions.

Narrated by the acclaimed American actor William Hurt, the feature holds the record for the longestrunning non-fiction film in Indian theatres, when it completed a five week-run in Mumbai in November

36 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

last year.

Giving them stiff competition will be the international documentary, Liv and Ingmar, an English-Swedish film directed by Dheeraj Akolkar.

As the title suggests, it explores the long and tumultuous romantic relationship between master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, and his muse and collaborator for 12 films, actress Liv Ullmann. The film will be a treat for Bergman fans and other than details about the films the two worked on together – excerpts from which have been included – there is also an interview with Ullmann, now 75, recalled and relived the moments she shared with the late filmmaker. “In addition to these three films, we are expecting the documentaries The Act of Killing, Algorithm, Salma, Gulabi Gang and the short fiction film Outpost to be received well,” said Anil Kumar, festival co-ordinator. The Act of Killing has received worldwide acclaim, drawing huge crowds at the Mumbai Film Festival (MFF, not to be confused with MIFF), when it played there in October last year. Gulabi Gang, a documentary directed by Nishtha Jain, looks at the work of Sampat Pal Devi and her gang of social workers who fight for the rights of women in the hinterland.

Special additions Among those competing for the National Film prize are documentaries Celluloid Man, Shepherds of Paradise, Chronicles

of a Temple Painter and Kandhamal Unresolved (the full list of international and national competition films is up on the MIFF website). Kumar added that there are films playing out-of-competition in other sections.

“One of them is MIFF Prism, where the selection panel recommends a list of films that could not be considered for competition for various reasons, but which deserved to play at the festival,” he said. Apart from these, there are various “packages”, like the one on animation, that focus on any one aspect of cinema. MIFF pays homage to filmmakers every year, and this year a Peter Wintonick retrospective will be held, showing films made by the acclaimed documentary maker, among them Pilgrimage and Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media. Lastly, there will be panel discussions and workshops for the aspiring documentary, animation and short filmmaker.

Insider’s tip We suggest a break between films. Walk along the promenade overlooking the sea and head to Colaba – a short taxi ride away – and choose from a variety of restaurants and bars where you can discuss the films you’ll be watching with friends.

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Ragasthan

I

magine battle campsites in Game of Thrones, except there are no weapons, nobody gets killed and nobody’s fighting for the throne. Replace all the props with music stages, acoustic jam tents, open-air film screenings, flea markets, adventure sports and hot-air balloons. Supriya Sobti, an organiser of the music festival Ragasthan, likened the festival set-up to that of a minitownship, but one which springs up only for four days. In 2012, Sobti partnered with her college buddy Keith Menon and fleshed out the idea for the music festival and organised the first edition.

Ragasthan isn’t the first or the only music festival to offer camping at the venue, but picking a location in the Thar desert draws crowds, according to Sobti. The duo envisioned Ragasthan as a large carnival in the heart of the sand dunes of Rajasthan. Asawari Ghatage Khuri Dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (2661-0333; ragasthan.com).

This year’s highlights The festival will feature three music stages – Morio, which will host pop, rock and world and folk artists; Ammara, which will host electronic, progressive, techno and trance artists; and a separate

unplugged stage called Birakha to host indie acoustic singer-songwriters. Apart from these, which go live in the evenings, Ragasthan has a host of things to do in the desert during the day. Adventure sports, impromptu jam sessions, workshops and art installations will fill up the festival venue, which is located in the Khuri dunes, 45km from Jaisalmer. “We’ve [tried to make] the festival ecofriendly, so we don’t allow plastic at the venue,” said Sobti, who is also looking at alternative energy options for future editions. The festival website has detailed guidelines on what to carry, primers on etiquette and safety, details about camping and quick guides on how to get to the venue from different parts of the country.

Special additions Christophe Chassol, a French pianist, composer, arranger and music director, will present an audio-visual performance. Chassol will perform Indiamore, in which he will play the piano against the backdrop of Indian classical and folk music that he has recorded on numerous visits to India. In addition to local Rajasthani folk musicians, the festival will invite

38 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Distance from Mumbai 1,074km How long it takes to get there from Delhi About 11 hours and 30 minutes by car.

Direct trains available. (check tickets at irctc. com).

Around six hours by air to Jodhpur and another three hours by taxi to Jaisalmer (check tickets at makemytrip.com).

Indian artists like The Lightyears Explode, menwhopause, Mukul Deora and Prateek Kuhad. The electronic stage will feature Reverse Osmosis, Castles in the Sky and Israeli electronic producer San Pedro.

For a final line-up, visit the Ragasthan website closer to the event dates. Other interesting features include stargazing – watching the night sky with no light pollution can be quite an experience. Astronomy enthusiasts tend to gather around for sessions each night at the festival. In addition to the food stalls on offer by restaurants, the organisers will invite locals to cook and festival attendees to help out in the kitchens. The open kitchen

will give visitors a chance to exchange recipes with locals, cook their own meals and help feed other festivalgoers.

Ragasthan has a strict hospitality policy. Everybody gets their chai-paani for free. In a bid to keep some things local, attendees will have free access to tea and drinking water. Local chaiwallas will set up stalls, demonstrate how they make tea and pour cups for everyone who asks.

Insider’s tip Watch out for insects and scorpions at the venue, especially at night. It would help to carry insect repellent, a bottle of water at all times, and have warm clothes for the nights.

to 1 r 4 a t M Mar a S ue T

Distance from Mumbai 610km How long it takes to get there About 10 hours by car (less by bike).

Direct trains available(check irctc. com).

1 hour and 10 minutes by air (check tickets at makemytrip.com).

G

oa – India’s home for all epic parties – plays host to a one-of-a-kind carnival that promises three days of absolute merrymaking. What began more than 500 years ago by the Portuguese has evolved into a unique festival of mammoth proportions today. It breathes life into the state, reflecting Goa’s rich tradition and culture. Like carnivals in various Latin American countries, Goa’s festivities also centre around the legendary character King Momo. As the tale goes, he would ring in the celebrations just before the onset of Lent, the 40-day fasting and sacrificial period for Catholics. The good times would then culminate on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday), a day before the first day of Lent – Ash Wednesday.

King Momo’s reign lasts for the entire duration of the carnival where he presides over all the events. The first day opens with electing a King Momo among the locals.

For the three days of the carnival, Goa turns into a fantastical place. In the morning, revellers can indulge in singing, dancing, sampling local fare and experiencing some street theatre. When the sun sets, however, it’s time

to let your hair down at the parties with balls taking place all over town. Earlier, the carnival would have a long-standing tradition of dousing attendees with an unpleasant mixture. This could include anything from flour, eggs, oranges, lemons, mud and sand to even dirty water. Thankfully, now people only smear colour on each other. Other features include the fireworks display, fortune-tellers and funny costumes. Ishani Chatterji Goa Carnival starts under the Mandovi Bridge and ends at Kala Academy in Panjim (08860617757; goatourism.gov.in).

This year’s highlights The streets are decorated with beautiful streamers, ribbons and other bright confetti. The parade starts at Panaji and goes down further to Margao, Mapusa and Vasco. There are vehicles with live music performances and for the past few years, local DJs have taken to spinning tunes too. But what really brings in the crowds are the whacky floats that are organised in association with the State Tourism Department. While some depict children’s lullabies and nursery rhymes, others provide a glimpse into the Goan way of living, focus-

Shaina Dsouza, a carnival regular, “The festival has become more exciting as, over the years, people have added their own fun elements into it. My favourite part is the Red and Black dance which happens on the last day.”

“Also, since the parade is open to all, I would recommend all tourists to join in and dance along.”

Nathaniel D’Costa has other things in mind. “Throwing water balloons and colours at my friends is my favourite part of the carnival. And I never miss out on the drinking” he said.

Special additions

As much as we’d like to party all day (and night), Goa’s unforgiving March climate will probably be a mood dampener. We recommend you carry plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin during the day.

Goa’s known for its flea markets and vibrant shopping opportunities, so do pay the local bazaars a

The Goa Carnival is usually teeming with things to do, and the definition of fun is always open to interpretation. The locals told us what keeps them going. “This is one vibrant festival that brings all the communities in Goa together,” said

Insider’s tip

APOORVA GUPTAY (2)

Goa Carnival

ing on a farmer’s trade or domestic life. There’s even a competition judging the floats. Do check out the renowned Red and Black dance organised by Club National in Panjim that concludes the threeday festivities. The dress code is restricted to those colours where participants dance to traditional songs (called “Goan masala”) performed by live bands. As of now, the organisers are tight-lipped about the final line-up. Pamela Mascarenhas, deputy director of the department of tourism, Goa said, “We are trying to be eco-friendly this year, but the highlights and other details are yet to be decided.”

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 39

A calendar of festivals across India and the world. Compiled by Amrita Bose.

JAN-FEB

FEB-MAR SYDNEY GAY AND LESBIAN MARDI GRAS Where Australia The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is organised by a non-profit member-based organisation that goes by the same name. A parade and a festival mainly constitute this festival along with a Mardi Gras after-party and a bunch of activities.

The aim of the fest is to encourage diversity and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The parade is a carnival-

like extravaganza that promises a Mardi Gras-style celebration and performances complete with viewing platforms, cocktail bars and DJs. Several after-parties are arranged at various locations around Sydney in this nearly month-long festival and also include sunset cruises. There are cabaret acts, plays, musicals along with visual art displays and workshops.

Visit mardigras.org.au.

APR COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL STORM FESTIVAL Where Bangalore Popularly known as "Stormfields", this year, the “camp-out music festival” moved closer to the outskirts of Bangalore in the Anekal district than its last two editions in Coorg. But the lush verdant outdoorsy nature of the location remained the same. Though the music festival focuses largely on electronic dance

music, it also offers a platform to indie, fusion and folk musicians and promotes upcoming musical talent. Camping out under the stars (tented accommodation provided on a sharing basis) and tuning in to your favourite musicians amidst nature is what Stormfields hopes to entice you with.

Visit stormfestivalindia.com.

Where California This three-day arts and music festival can easily be described as hipster central. The multi-stage format, several music genres such as rock, indie, folk and electronic music, camping out on festival grounds, plenty of festival fashion on display and a prominent presence of young Hollywood make

this fest a cool place to be. The other half of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at California is dedicated to visual arts and installations. Duran Duran, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, The White Stripes, The Chemical Brothers, and Florence and the Machine are regular visitors to this 14 year-old festival. Visit coachella.com.

FEB DESERT FESTIVAL OF JAISALMER Where Rajasthan This annual three-day festival lives up to all the hoopla associated with Indian culture. Puppet shows, nomadic performers, gymnasts called kalabaaz, fire eaters and folk music and dance performances promise to make this

open-air festival quite the cultural extravaganza. The crisp winter air and the golden sands of the Jaisalmer desert as the stage, makes for fun competitions such as turban tying and twirling the longest pair of moustaches.

Visit rajasthantourism.gov.in.

KAY STRASSER

JAMEY HOPKINS

BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Where Germany Considered to be the largest publicly attended film festival in the world, the Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale, usually showcases up to 400 films under various sections, a few of which compete for the Golden and Silver Bear awards. There’s also star-studded

MAY ROSE FESTIVAL film premieres, red carpet appearances, and a talent campus and field trips.

This year’s edition promises the world premiere of Lars Von Trier’s uncut version of his film Nymphomaniac (volume 1) and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Visit berlinale.de.

40 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Where Morocco Every year in the month of May, the quiet little town of El-Kelaa M’Gouna in Morocco turns completely pink and heady with the scent of roses. The town is famous for growing Persian roses and making rose water and oil. At the three-day rose festival, there is dancing, singing, cooking and eating along with

visits to soukslike markets. Highlights include streets perfumed with the fragrance of roses and women wearing headgear done up with the flowers.

Rose-decorated floats, a trip to the valley of roses where you can see rows and rows of bushes, and tours of rose water factories is on the agenda.

Visit visitmorocco.org.

OCT MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL Where Mumbai Organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images, this international film festival presents world cinema under a showcase and a competition category. MAMI is considered to be one of the most prestigious film fests in the country. Apart from screening cinema from countries such as India, Iran, Spain, Russia, Italy, France, Korea, Japan and China, the festival also has award winning documentaries, digitally-restored classics, encourages independent Indian filmmakers and also conducts a film development market for the business aspect of it.

Visit mumbaifilmfest.org.

STANLEY SANDS

JUNE-JULY CHAMPAKKULAM BOAT RACE

Where Kerala Considered to be the world’s largest team sport activity, Kerala boat races are full of thrill and adrenaline rush.

Every year, the boat-racing season starts in July (dates are calculated according to the Malayalam calendar) with the Champakkulam Moolam Vallam Kali or snake boat race. The

starting point and the setting of this festival is Champakkulam in Alappuzha district. On the day of the race, tourists and locals flock to river Pamba. The long snake boats are popular for these races and rowing them to a win is considered to be an ultimate test of strength and skill.

Visit keralatourism.org.

AUG EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE

SEPT LADAKH FESTIVAL Where Leh Amidst the beautiful flat landscape of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, this 15-day festival celebrates the Buddhist Himalayan kingdom in all its diversity, the harvest season and its cultural offerings. Polo and archery, folk dances including the Ladakhi yak dance and cultural customs and ceremonies are some of the highlights of this festival.

Visit jktourism.org.

Where Rajasthan The annual five-day camel and livestock fair in the spiritual town of Pushkar attracts tourists from all over the world.

One of the most famous fairs in India, apart from buying and selling of livestock on the banks of the holy Pushkar lake, the entire area transforms into a colourful

DEC POUSH MELA

OCT GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

Where United Kingdom A suitably awe-inspiring collection of bands, DJs, comedians, performance artists – you name it – converge in the happiest place in Britain for a five-day celebration in Glastonbury. Headlining the main Pyramid Stage in 2013 were the Arctic Monkeys, The Rolling Stones and Mumford And Sons. There’s also no shortage of alternatives, covering pop to reggae to art rock to dubstep to folk.

Prepare for mud and madness.

Visit glastonburyfestivals.co.uk.

SHAYAK SEN

KIM TRAYNOR

bazaar with everything from blue pottery to textiles and jewellery to Rajasthani handicrafts on sale. Other highlights include music and dance performances. camel safaris, a tour of several small and big temples that border the circular holy lake.

Visit rajasthantourism.gov.in.

HORNBILL FESTIVAL,

Where Shantiniketan, West Bengal This annual fair held in Birbhum district of West Bengal marks the onset of the harvest season. Poush is the ninth month of the Bengali calendar and signals the beginning of winter. The three-day festival is known for baul sangeet, the popular West Bengal folk music. Other highlights include dance performances and display of tribal sports by students of Visva-Bharati University. The fair aspect of the festival offers typical Shantiniketan leather handicrafts such as bags, food stalls, funfair rides and more.

Visit westbengaltourism.gov.in.

JASON WOOD

Where Scotland The headline-grabbing, number crunching, eye-popping, gobsmacking uber-festival has to be seen to be believed. Taking place in the back of campervans, in working pubs, in playgrounds, in basements and on the streets, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is what happens when artistic enterprise meets free-market competition in one of the most beautiful and compact cities in Europe. Boasting over 40,000 performances in over 250 venues, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe promises cabaret, comedy acts, theatre and other performances. In 2013, there were close to 1,000 comedy shows alone at the Fringe, so it would take you nearly a month and a half to see every single show, and that’s not allowing for even sleep.

Visit edfringe.com.

SHESHAGIRI SHENOY

OCT-NOV PUSHKAR MELA

Where Kohima Organised by the State Directorate of Tourism, this festival celebrates the people, tribes, culture and food of Nagaland. Keep a bottle of water handy while participating in a Naga chilli eating contest or headbang at the Hornbill International Rock concert.

Tribal dances, songs and even local games throughout the day form the crux of this ten-day Hornbill Festival.

At night, the main bazaar in Kohima transforms into a shopping and eating out destination. Tuck into local food, seek some sartorial advice from the incredibly stylish people of Nagaland who are always well dressed and shop till you drop for the latest in trendy clothes and accessories, shipped all the way from Korea and Thailand.

Visit hornbillfestival.com.

Disclaimer* All Indian festival dates are calculated according to the Hindu calendar and hence may vary from year to year.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 41

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Food & Drink

Family ball Badi bhabhi’s dahi bhalla See Preview. Illustration Ayesha Broacha, The Sood Family Cookbook

The clan can cook inspiration to put together this book struck her when she sat down to plan a meal once and realised that she wanted to recreate signature dishes made by her many aunts and uncles. And when she asked them for recipes with measurements, she was asked to apply her instincts and not rely on flimsy measures.

But thankfully, Jain did get accurate measurements for every recipe.

Along with some of the best food illustrations we have seen in recent times, the recipes are introduced by Jain in a sparkling, chatty and easy-going style, while she acquaints you with the menagerie of quirky characters that is the Sood family. No recipe will make you feel overwhelmed with the creating process because there are substitutes suggested for ingredients that are hard to find, cheat sheets and a page dedicated to cooking a 20-minute chicken in many ways – with gongura pickle, pesto, tandoori

masala, Thai green paste and zaatar.

Recommendations The section dedicated to pahadi or hill-style cooking is our favourite. You will find lots of wholesome, hearty dishes with chickpeas, lentils, potatoes and black gram cooked in a yoghurt base, perfect for a winter’s day meal. We tried the pahadi palda, a simple but flavourful dish of potatoes and yoghurt, which took us just ten minutes to cook. In a pan, we heated ghee and tempered cumin seeds with turmeric, coriander and red chilli powder and salt.

Then we added cubed potatoes and cooked until all the water had evaporated. Just before serving, we added whisked diluted yoghurt. The measures and instructions were precise and we found the tip of being able to dip one finger comfortably in the yoghurt to know that your dish is cooked handy. The house filled with a beautiful aroma of spices mingled with the rich smell of ghee. The dish was tangy and light and went rather well with steamed rice.

mother’s spicier take on a typical Burmese khow suey in a creation called the Burmese bhel. Her mutton curry and appam are equally worth replicating in the kitchen. The secret behind Kumari’s perfect, soft and spongy appams was the addition of toddy to the batter. The

naturally fermented toddy would lend the appams an amazing sour and sweet flavour and would make them rise delicately like a ballerina’s tutu. But unfortunately with toddy taboo in many households, coconut water and yeast has been substituted in this recipe

Food Drink Food & & Drink

A bunch of cookbooks, new and old, show that the family that cooks and eats together stays together, says Amrita Bose.

The Sood Family Cookbook

Food memories are made of powerful ingredients. Mum’s decadent mutton biryani, an aunt’s moist chocolate cake or a sibling’s recipe for pav bhaji can still make your mouth water.

Tapping into nostalgia and food memories are family cookbooks.

Whether you spiral-bind recipes for family or get it professionally published, there’s joy in sharing your family’s food traditions. Our round-up of such cookbooks will take you back in time to your own family food fiestas.

Ammi’s Kitchen Dipikaa Khaitan, Self-published, `1,200. Available from March on amazon.in For interior design consultant Dipikaa Khaitan, putting together a cookbook of her mother’s recipes was not only to showcase her mum’s culinary acumen but also to say a thank-you of sorts to her parents. Three years ago, the Bangalore-based Khaitan started putting together the recipes of her mother, ’60s Telugu actress T Krishna Kumari in a cookbook, with help from photographer Sanjay Ramchandran and writer and biographer Aravinda.

But compiling each and every recipe in this book was no easy feat. “My mother never goes by measurements when she

Aparna Jain, HarperCollins, `899 When you are blessed with family members who can whip up interestingly-named creations such as dushmani chicken (an Indo-Chinese concoction really), chilli gulab guava (a cocktail) and the mindblowing pahadi kala namak (an old condiment recipe) and can tell the interesting anecdotes behind these dishes, you know you might have a winner of a cookbook in hand. Aparna Jain, a member of the 70-strong Sood family, who are spread all over the world and come with a cauldronful of interesting cooking styles such as Italian, Bengali, pahadi, Thai and more, has managed to compile 101 recipes into one beautifully-illustrated book. The recently-launched book is called The Sood Family Cookbook and it has recipes for breakfast, comfort food, fusion global cuisine à la Sood style, healthy options, quick eats, chutney and desserts as well as a section dedicated to slightly eccentric beverages.

Jain mentions that the cooks. So every time she cooked, I had to measure accurately and sometimes repeat recipes till they were perfected,” said Khaitan. The Telugu actress, who gave up acting after marriage to Khaitan’s father, didn’t even know how to boil an egg when she got married. Sheer boredom led her to the kitchen and slowly she learnt not only her way around the kitchen, but she went on to become a hostess par excellence who came to be known for her lunch and dinner parties. The 100-odd recipes in the “Ammi’s Kitchen” (a working title right now) comprise Marwari, Andhra and a smattering of continental recipes that Kumari learnt from her Anglo-Indian friends.

Recommendations: Khaitan asks us to look out for her

44 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Hearty attack Bisi bele bhaat from Ammi’s Kitchen

Dining with the Maharajas: A Thousand Years of Culinary Tradition Neha Prasada and Ashima Narain, Roli Books, `4,995 In this large-format picture book from Roli, writer Neha Prasada and former Time Out photo editor Ashima Narain chugged hundreds of kilometres across the country to record royal repasts of the past. The duo offer us a look into the private royal kitchens of Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Patiala, Rampur, Sailana, Tripura, Udaipur, Mahmudabad, Mysore and Jammu and Kashmir. The larger-than-life, rich and decadent recipes, fit for royalty of course, might lead you straight to calorie hell but the great skill, quality ingredients and nuanced presentation required will make you wonder, how much time and energy went into creating these epicurean delights. And most of these family recipes are created from scratch with a lot of labour involved, just like the original

recipe used to be created years ago. For instance, the royal house of Sailana in Madhya Pradesh has painstakingly preserved a collection of 2,000 ancient recipes from royal families across India, including their own. Raja Dilip Singh, the great grandfather of the current titular head Vikram Singh, started the practice of weighing out ingredients on a scale before cooking. A practice that Vikram Singh still continues today. The book is full of beautiful anecdotes around food and the lengths to which some royals would go to ensure that what they ate was truly a unique experience.

Recommendations While elaborate recipes combining heavy meats, thick cream, dense spices and rich nuts were de rigueur on the royal family dinner tables, some of the simple dishes caught our eye. The til aur ande ka achar from Jammu and Kashmir would be easy to put together as would the gudak from Tripura, a mashed dish of boiled vegetables, potatoes and steamed fish.

a charcoal fire. After marinating fresh prawns in grated ginger and garlic, turmeric and salt for 30 minutes, we melted butter in a hot tawa. We then added ginger, garlic, crushed peppercorns and green chillies, and the prawns.

The finishing touch was a squeeze of lime and chopped coriander leaves. The prawns were plump and moist and so redolent with the flavours of lime and herbs that we didn’t leave behind even a slick of this gorgeous buttery sauce.

Monira Begum Begum’s Kitchen Visit begumskitchen.com.

Sometimes when precious family cookbooks go out of print, as happened with the Bengali family cookbook called Begum-er Mussalmani Ranna (translated as Begum’s Muslim Cooking) written by Monira Begum, her son Faizal Zahir decided to take matters into his own hands. He launched a website dedicated to his mother’s recipes translated from Bengali to English by his father Zahirul Hassan, along with family trivia, cooking tips and more called begumskitchen.com.

Monira Begum (who hailed from Murshidabad in West Bengal), was a pro, according to her son, in Muslim-style cooking from the region known for its departure from traditional Mughlai cuisine with the use of less spices and

oil. You will find recipes for pulao, biryani, kebabs and curries, chicken and egg gravies, lots of seafood dishes and some interesting desserts. The recipes are meticulously noted and are easy to comprehend without too many steps involved. The recipe for mutton biryani comes with a handy tip where you can use oil instead of ghee to cook the entire biryani and only sprinkle ghee later to ensure that you do get the rich aroma of clarified butter in your biryani.

Recommendations The recipes come with a mix of Bengali and Muslim influences, such as the Bengali prawn malai curry and the Muslim mahi or fish pulao. There’s the relatively lighter-than-biryani but no less easy recipe for the vegetarian tahiri pulao or the slowcooked kala gosht with charred mutton. The desserts section promises surprises, such as the Dim-er-halua or egg halwa balanced out with standard sweet treats such as shahi tukra and zarda, a sweet fragrant basmati rice dessert infused with rose water and spices.

Focus food Gudak is a signature dish of Tripura royalty

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 45

Food Drink Food & & Drink

A Pinch of This, A Handful of That Rushina Munshaw-Ghidiyal, Westland, `595 Food writer, blogger and consultant Rushina MunshawGhidiyal’s new cookbook is as much a treasure trove of family recipes as it is a glimpse into community cooking and eating together as a family. Relying on her early food memories courtesy her Gujarati-Kutchi joint family, Munshaw-Ghidiyal claims to have received cooking wisdom from them that has stood her in good stead. Munshaw-Ghidiyal’s paternal grandmother, fondly known as Moti Mummy or elder mother, her nani or maternal grandmother, her mother, her late father, her family maharaj or cook, and her husband, all of them, she says, are the true heroes of this book and the backbone behind

the author’s culinary skills.

The book might seem a bit cumbersome read especially with the loaded sentimentality that the author has felt while dedicating sections of her book.

Nevertheless, it is sections like Ketchup Hota Kaddhu Bhara that document pickling and preserving undertaken by the women of her family, recipes for the winter special undhiyu and Gujarati kadi, which caught our attention straight away. A lot of these dishes require ample ingredients and major muscle work with cutting and chopping and cooking over long hours, but Munshaw Ghidiyal has shortened some of these recipes for convenience sake. For instance, there is an oven-baked version of the aam papad instead of the traditional sun-dried one.

Some of her modern, self-devised recipes in the book, the readers might already be familiar with thanks to her popular but now defunct blog, A Perfect Bite.

Recommendations The Nairobi butter tawa prawns was our recipe of choice. The accompanying anecdote mentions that when the Munshaw-Ghidiyal family travelled to Nairobi to visit friends, the author’s father would carry a special consignment from Mumbai – tiger prawns frozen on a bed of dry ice. The prawns upon reaching their destination, would be cooked on a hot tawa on

the art of

Mita Kapur, HarperCollins, `599 Mita Kapur, columnist and Make your own cookbook The World Wide Web now offers enough aids for you to document, track and put together a professional looking family cookbook without having to rely on traditional printers and publishers.

The Family Cookbook Project This online publisher not only helps you put together your dream book, but also comes with sophisticated software to help you contact recipe contributors (your family members spread around the globe, perhaps) and keep them motivated throughout

recipes but also with witty narratives on the shenanigans of her rather large joint family set-up.

The book is divided into sections dedicated to starters such as kebabs, snacks and chaats, salads, dips and soups, a section dedicated to heavy-duty meaty curries, seafood, vegetarian gravies, home-style pulaos and desserts.

Recommendations The section on light summery fusion salads is what you should bookmark definitely. There’s the refreshing Thai melon salad giving tough competition to the spicy Szechwan noodle salad. There's also the utterly simple classic summer tuna salad on the menu.

The easy-peasy dips, the zesty salad dressings and piquant

chutneys can lead to some great party snacking or before-dinner munching. The section on robust fiery Rajasthani meat curries such as lal mirch ka korma, Ajmer style meat and lal maas and even the recipe for jackfruit cooked like mutton, found favour with us.

the collection process. The web project helps you stick to deadlines, interacts with you on a regular basis for feedbacks and changes, helps you store and edit recipes and also ensures helpful tips and guidelines from the online editor. The finished product is made available on the project’s e-commerce site called ourcookbooks.com to purchasers.

Visit familycookbookproject.com

family recipes into a single tome. You can customise the front cover of your book with your own family photographs or design, or add these pictures to some of the professional design templates offered. High quality paper is used and the covers are laminated. The website also promises to follow a strict green policy while printing these books.

Heritage cookbook also offers a free 30-day trial.

Visit heritagecookbook.com.

on her site on how to write your own family cookbook. Moulton gives tips on how to document heritage recipes with tips such as first making a plan where you decide whether the book will be handwritten or printed, coloured or not or a booklet or book. Collecting the content includes how to ask for recipes along with important family traditions and anecdotes.

Then comes the job of organising the book with photographs and text and to producing your own cookbook – from formatting it according to recipe style guides to making your finished product available for sale or to other

Heritage cookbook The focus of this website is on capturing family history, foodrelated anecdotes and favourite

Sara Moulton Chef and cookbook author and Sara Moulton offers handy tips

Three questions with... Ritu Dalmia Ritu Dalmia has become something of a stalwart in the capital’s food scene. Her Diva chain of restaurants has been praised as consistent and inventive, blending Italian flavours with Indian ingredients. Between Fri Jan 17 and Sun Jan 19 Dalmia will be recreating the flavours of Diva, her New Delhi flagship at Kala Ghoda’s House of Tales for The Cellar Door Kitchen.

The kitchen has been started

by Mangal Dalal and Nachiket Shetye, two of the three partners behind the biannual Restaurant Week. In anticipation of her weekend in the city, Aatish Nath interviewed Dalmia about food philosophy and why technology will play a huge part in a possible Mumbai venture.

Are there plans to expand the Diva chain of eateries outside of Delhi

activity of all my Delhi restaurants.

There are only 24 hours in a day and I spend 15 of them overseeing the restaurants. But never say never.

RITIKA JAIN

Food Drink Food & & Drink

The F-Word

founder of literary agency Siyahi, has collected an eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, European and regional dishes in her cookbook The F-Word over the last two decades. In the book, published first in 2010, the Jaipur-based Kapur credits her large extended family for recipes for everything from Thai Massaman curry rice to Rajasthani lal maas. The army lifestyle of her parents, her family’s travels all over the world and her mother-in-law’s move across small towns of India have contributed to a repertoire of recipes that can be summed up as enormous. Unlike traditional cookbooks, Kapur heavily asks you to rely on improvisation while trying out her recipes. The book is punctuated not only with frequent

If I could clone myself I would definitely like to expand but for the moment I believe the cloning technology is still not out there, so I guess we will stick around Delhi.

I’m still involved in the day-to-day

48 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

How do you manage to keep your food authentic and Italian while at the same time bringing in local flavours?

I don’t bastardise the food to make the food as per local taste, but what I do is choose from the vast Italian repertoire dishes that will suit the Indian palatte. When I first opened in 2000, it was hard.

We had diners walking out during the meal, but luckily over the last 13 years we’ve had our regulars come in who enjoy the food being cooked. It’s hard to get the balance of flavours. I ran an Indian restaurant in London and didn’t bastardise those flavours, so I didn’t want to do that with Diva.

I don’t look down on people who want the masala version of Italian, but I’m not the person to cook it.

Are there any ingredients from Delhi you couldn’t find easily in Mumbai?

Fresh farm vegetables in Mumbai are not half as good as in Delhi, but the fresh seafood sort of makes up for it. I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the crab, which is why there’s fresh crab salad on the menu. There’s also a rawas dish as that’s my favourite fish in Mumbai. But having grown up in a vegetarian household, I can’t leave [the vegetarians] disappointed either.

To make a reservation, visit cdhevents.com. www. timeoutmumbai.net/ restaurant

New reviews Konkan Café

A Mangalorean family home’s courtyard is the inspiration for the decor and layout of Konkan Café, the coastal restaurant at Vivanta

by Taj-President. It may as well be the guiding force for all other aspects of the meal as well. The service – friendly, prompt, familial and always with a smile – was impeccable as was the food, an updated selection of dishes Time Out reviews anonymously that showcase the and pays for cuisine of the Konkani meals seaside. Also new is a weekend breakfast (priced at only `150 a dish), with sambar and sour mix) were both potent, vada, neer dosam, pongal and though the latter had a little too uttapam all on the menu. much tang. Later in the meal, we The 86-seater eatery features sampled the Cane Farm (vodka, earth tones and materials that sugarcane juice, lime juice and include wood, stone, metal and Cointreau) which was strong yet terracotta. An open kitchen, refreshing . Twice during our meal, behind a glass partition, occupies we were offered taster shots one wall, but the focus here is by the restaurant’s mixologist. the food once it hits the table.

The first was a gin-based lemon And in this regard, the eatery concoction, the other a pandoesn’t disappoint. Our tawayche flavoured blend. Both were bombil, pan-grilled, light and delicious. crumbly Bombay duck was a For our mains, we sampled the well-marinated change from the excellent pomfret tawa fry – four crispy bombil on most menus. Our generous slices of fish marinated pepper potato wedges, thick cuts in coastal spices. The chicken tossed in pepper and garlic had roasted in Kerala spices too, was zing, but could be avoided. a delightful mouthful of piquant Our drinks too, had zing. The meat and masala. The best dish whisky-based Hirve Vadaal on the table though was the vibrant green mutton curry. We (whisky, apple juice, cinnamon lapped up the gravy with our flaky syrup, and sour mix) and ginMalabar paratha. The appam too, based Indra Dhanush (gin, cucumber, mint, elderflower syrup was airy and light soaking up the

HONEST, FAIR REVIEW

STASHIA D'SOUZA

PHOTOGRAPHERS CREDIT

Food & Drink

Verdict Refurbished, but still as good.

strong flavours of the creamy, tender mutton. All three mains we sampled were new additions to the menu.

Our desserts – we tried the newly introduced paan ice cream and the jalebi with kulfi -– were a mixed bag. The ice cream while serviceable was granular and not as creamy as we’d hoped.

Our hot jalebi with kulfi though had us fighting over the crunchy, sweet confections, with the play between hot and cold serving as the perfect end to our meal.

With a menu that has enough for meat-eaters and herbivores, regulars and newbies alike will not be disappointed by the food at Konkan Café. On the night we visited, we ate heartily, drank well and were generally fussed over.

What more could you expect for a meal in the (proverbial) family courtyard. Aatish Nath.

THE BILL Indra Dhanush

`500.00

Hirve Vadaal

`500.00

Cane Farm

`600.00

Pepper potato wedges

`500.00

Tawayache Bombil

`500.00

Tawa fry pomfret

`600.00

Nadan Kozhi roast

`600.00

Hirve mutton

`600.00 `75.00

Appam

`75.00

Malabar Paratha

`300.00

Hot Jalebi with kulfi

`300.00

Paan ice-cream Total

`5,150.00

Konkan Café Vivanta by Taj President, 90 Cuffe Parade (66650808). Daily 12.30-2.45pm, 7-11.45pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `4,000-6,000. www. timeoutmumbai.net/ restaurant

La Folie Pâtisserie BIG OPENING

50 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Kala Ghoda now has a boutique French patisserie to join its eclectic list of trendy eateries. The brainchild of Sanjana and Parthesh Patel, expect to find single-origin truffles, macarons , cookies, croissants and cakes. Having trained in France under a bevy of pastry chefs – Sanjana will be serving up desserts with unusual flavours like lemongrass, basil, pistachio and the Indian favourite, paan. The confectionary has a French chef on board as a consultant to ensure quality and innovation. We’re looking forward to trying the entremets (their textured, layered desserts).

16 Commerce House, Rope Walk Lane, Kala Ghoda, Fort (6772-2181). Daily 10am-11pm. No alcohol. All major cards.

From `245.

Tart

signage behind the counter saying “YOU ARE HERE” adds a touch of whimsy to the warm space.

We started our meal with a crunchy and fresh Thai papaya salad that came served with a tangy dressing. Our harissa chicken sandwich too was simple but piquant - just red lettuce, greens and the chunky chicken pieces on a house-made wheat bread. Together, the two would make a great light lunch. The kitchen also turns out khao suey

under untested desserts when we walked out, but we’re certain we’ll try some more the next time we’re around. The friendly service, vast array of food and wallet-friendly pricing are reasons to stop by for a tart or two. Aatish Nath

THE BILL `150.00

Power Green smoothie Cupcake shake

`150.00

Thai papaya salad

`155.00

Harissa chicken salad

`165.00

Dim sum

`100.00

Nutella croissant

`55.00

Profiteroles

`80.00

Rasberry pie

`75.00

Lemon cronut

`70.00

Gulab Jamun cheesecake

`90.00 `75.00

Millionaire shortbread Total

Food & Drink

Tart is the latest bakery and cafe in Bandra on 33rd Road which announces its presence with big Art Deco lettering. Our meal there was sometimes savoury, but mostly sweet. This Bandra outlet has recently relocated from a smaller space (in the same area?) and there’s a new one that’s just opened at Nepean Sea Road as well.

As a prelude to a light meal we ordered the suprisingly sweet, all natural Power Green smoothie, a blend of 40 per cent fruit and 60 per cent vegetables, and the thick , rich but not granular chocolate cupcake shake.

Seating is outdoors with black metal tables and chairs that look out to a cement-and-glass building wall. Inside, the walls are covered in dark wood and glass counters house all manner of desserts – tarts, cheesecakes, brownies, cupcakes, cronuts, croissants and more. The handwritten neon

ANURAG BANERJEE

Verdict Decadent desserts and satisfying savouries.

and Thai green curry, both of which were sold out the day we visited.

We’d avoid the dim sum, the three pieces of Japanese gyoza were heavy-handed and could only be redeemed by the accompanying spicy honey sauce.

Satiated, we moved onto dessert. The Nutella croissant, not flaky but rich with chocolate will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Though, we did miss the nuttiness that makes the chocolate spread distinct. The profiteroles too were competent though not as spongy as we’d hoped. Our raspberry pie evoked coos of delight for its zesty flavour and crumbly texture and the same was true for our flaky lemon cronut. The millionaire shortbread was a rich mouthful though we’d skip the gulab jamun cheesecake, a creamy confection that was not up to the mark. Just when we thought we were close to bursting, we were given a complimentary banana cheesecake. The fact that we managed to put it away is a testament to its subtlety, though not its lightness.

The display cases were heaving

`1,165.00

Tart Shop No 2, Solace Building, 33rd Road, Bandra (W) (6528-4457).

Daily 11am-11.30pm. No alcohol. All major cards. Meal for two`400-600. www. timeoutmumbai.net/ restaurant

Nightlife January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 51

Happy hours at Bonobo The rooftop bar at Bandra has introduced a buy-one-get-onefree happy hour from 6-9pm daily. The offer is valid on IMFL and cocktails like their signature balsamic strawberry caiprioska and watermelon and lychee mojito as well as local wines and beers.

Kenilworth Mall, Second Floor, Phase 2, Off Linking Road, Bandra (W)(2605-5050). Daily 6-9pm.

Alcohol served. All major cards.

From `185.

Hot Chocolate at Choko La For the winter season, Choko La have taken their signature hot chocolates and allowed patrons to customise them with toppings like ancho chilli, hazelnuts, cinnamon and coffee. The toppings are added to their three variants of hot chocolate – the milk, signature and dark which are made with 33.8, 53.8 and 70.4 per cent cocoa respectively.

Link Corner Mall, Ground Floor, Off Linking Road, Bandra (W)(65340374). Daily 8am-midnight. No alcohol. All major cards.

From `200.

New menu at The Daily The good news bar at Bandra has revamped both their food and drinks menus. Expect to see starters like cheesy aubergine bags, bacon and chicken nachos and Jamaican chicken on the menu along with a special section of sliders (think pork, chicken and beef). The bar’s new cocktails cover the gamut from molecular mixology to tiki preparations.

Ground Floor, Behind Shoppers Stop, SV Road, Bandra (W)(26418409). Daily 6pm-1.30am. Alcohol served. All major cards. From `225.

Sunday breakfast at Elbo Room Elbo Room, the Bandra drinking hole has started a Sunday breakfast for those looking to grease their system after a night of drinking.A full English breakfast (two fried eggs, sausages, baked beans, parsley potatoes, grilled tomatoes and toast), chicken leg, beef steak, mutton chop and BBQ chicken wings are all on the menu.

Sant Kutir, Linking Road, Khar (W) (2648-3315). Sun noon-4pm.

Alcohol served. All major cards.

From `80.

Cool Japan Festival at High Street Phoenix

VIKAS MUNIPALLE

Food & Drink

Appetisers

In its third year now, the Cool Japan Festival will bring together food, music and more at the courtyard of High Street Phoenix from Fri Jan 17 to Sun Jan 19.

Sushi, donburi and teriyaki are on offer from restaurants and businesses that include Sushi and More, Tokyo Sushi Academy, Kirin Soft Beverages, Yoshinoya Restaurants and Kikkoman.

Anime performances, Japanese taiko (a form of percussion) and stalls dedicated to products from the Land of the Rising Sun are also going to be part of the experience.

462 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (98212-70335). Fri Jan 17 – Sun Jan 19 noon-10pm. No alcohol.

Cash only. From `150.

Swiss food festival at Out of the Blue Raclette, Swiss fondue, sizzling skillets and rosti are all part of the menu at Out of the Blue’s Swiss festival (the Bandra outlet). In addition to the food, and to get you in the mood the staff will be wearing Swiss attire and a market will be selling products from the mountainous country. The festival will run till Fri Jan 31.

Le Sutra, 14 Union Park, Khar (W) (2600-3000). Daily 12.30-4pm, 7.30pm-1am. Alcohol served. All major cards. From `165.

Ping Pong now serves pork and beef London’s Ping Pong, which is open at BKC is now serving pork and beef. Braised beef and spring onion rice, pork dumpling, tom kha soup and crunchy golden dumpling are some of the additions to the eatery’s bite-sized menu.

First International Finance Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (6741-3333). Daily noon-12.30am.

52 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Chef's Table: This smiling face will be whipping up a storm at The Table on Jan 18.

Alcohol served. All major cards.

From `350.

The Table’s third anniversary Sat Jan 18 To celebrate the third anniversary of Colaba’s The Table, executive chef Alex Sanchez will be cooking a four-course dinner priced at ` 3,500 plus taxes per person. Chef Sanchez, having spent the last couple of months in the kitchen of New York’s three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, is sure to bring some of that technique and flavour to The Table. The restaurant isn’t revealing the menu before the event, but we do know that duck and seafood will feature on it.

Kalpesi Trust Building, Apollo Bunder, Colaba (2282-5000).

7.30-10.30pm. Alcohol served.

All major cards. Meal for two `7,000 (plus taxes).

Bagrry releases Oats for India Indians aren’t restricted to eating oats just in porridge. To help bring some fibre to a traditional diet, and ensure that people are getting their daily recommended dose, Bagrry’s has introduced 100 per cent whole grain oats that are easy to make into dishes that are generally part of our meals.

Oats of poha, suji, rice and atta are now available, and can be used to make high in protein, low in cholesterol versions of those dishes. The oats are easy to make and have the daily requirement of fibre needed.

Available at general stores. From `50.

Happy hours at Barking Deer Between 5-8pm every day the city’s only brewpub is offering buy one get one free on their freshly brewed ales. For non-beer

drinkers, they’re extending the offer to IMFL spirits as well. If you’re stuck for what to start with, we’d recommend the India Pale Ale, a hoppy citrusy brew.

Mathurdas Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (6141-7400). Daily 5-8pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. From `120.

Thai food festival at 24/7 The Lalit’s coffee shop will be playing host to the strong flavours of Thailand till the end of the month. Chef Paithoon Panphan will be using his years of experience to create authentic flavours and dishes the range from curries to woks. The eatery will be serving an expanded buffet with multi-cuisine favourites in addition to a special Thai section that features the dishes as varied as papaya salad and pad thai. The lunch buffet is priced at `1,499 plus taxes while dinner will set you back `1,699 plus taxes.

The Lalit, Sahar Airport Road, Andheri (E)(6669-2222). Daily 12.30-3pm, 7-11pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `2,998 (plus taxes).

Rocks and fudge at Bombay Baking Company Soft fudges and brittle rocks are both on offer at the JW Marriott’s casual bakery. Available till the end of January, the hotel’s executive pastry chef Savio Fernandes has created a range of innovative fudges – with fruits and other ingredients. The moist fudges are offset by the hard rocks which include a soft chocolate, rum and rasin and nut clusters.

JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu (6693-3000). Daily 6am-10pm.

No alcohol. All major cards.

From `400.

Lifestyle

All ruffled up

Get organised with quirky stationery Twisty notepad from 61c, `270.

Lifestyle

Bianca memo holder PropShop24, `900

Ribbon Notepad Magnolia Design, `500

Super stationery

Richie the dog stapler PropShop24, `500

Ishani Chatterji rounds up some cool desk accessories.

Black clutchbook Letternote, `295

MagicKrafts Kitsch GrafďŹ ti notebook LimeRoad, `299

Very Briefcase card holder Maalgadi, `550

54 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Potato chips memo pad Hitplay, `199

Business Card Box Set Sanctum, `799

Lifestyle

Panchatantra writing pad 61c, `350 Lego paper clips Yellow Trunk, `495

Customisable leatherbound notebooks The Black Canvas, `1,000 - `1,750

Amitabh mousepad Shor Sharaba, `299

Turn Around Accessory Box Yellow Trunk, `425

No signal stick-on pad Yellow Trunk, `180

Where to buy The Black Canvas Shop online at facebook.com/TheBlackCanvas.

Hitplay Shop online at hitplay.in.

Letternote Shop online at letternote.com.

LimeRoad Shop online at limeroad.com.

Maalgadi Shop online at themaalgadi.com.

Magnolia Design Shop online at facebook.com/magnoliadesignindia and order by emailing magnoliadesign@gmail.com.

PropShop24 Shop online at propshop24.in.

Sanctum Shop online at sanctumstore.com.

Shor Sharaba Shop online at shorsharaba.net.

Yellow Trunk Shop online at yellowtrunk.com 61c Shop online at 61c.in.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 55

Peanuts Planner `1,988

Lifestyle

Nightingale Corduroy Diary `370

The Lucky Diary `650

Where to buy Filofax’s Mini Metropol Organizer Shop online at snapdeal.com.

The Lucky Diary Shop online at flipkart.com.

Peanuts Planner Shop online at moleskineasia.com.

Rubberband Shop online at rubberbandproducts.com.

Nightingale Corduroy Diary Shop online at nightingale.com.

Filofax’s Mini Metropol Organizer `1,450

Rubberband `850

56 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Shop talk Mzuri

Africa calling (Clockwise from left to right) Namrata Patel; beaten brass earrings from Mzuri

delivery and started operating out of a beta mode.

An alumnus of Kodaikanal International School, Patel studied textile design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Bangalore. While she doesn’t have any formal training in jewellery design, she said she understands

the basics. Patel works with a group of talented craftsmen from Mombasa who are part of a non-profit organisation. Though the artisans suffer from a physical disability, they have been trained in everything from woodwork to jewellery to socially empower them.

Patel said that though she is

dupattas is Mehta’s new brand called Queen of Hearts. Mehta’s forte lies in combining traditional textiles with more contemporary surface embellishments, such as Maheshwari saris with sequined motifs or those bordered with mirror work and more. We are in love with her stunning creation of adorable embroidered owl patterns on a handloom white cotton sari.

Prices start from `2,500.

Shop online at facebook.com/ QueenofHeartsIndia/info. Email qohindia@gmail.com to order.

Nor Black Nor White

not the first entrepreneur in the city to design and sell Kenyan jewellery, she believes she can be different by blending her two cultures – Indian and Kenyan.

Since Mzuri is still in the pilot mode, Patel’s current offerings are limited to necklaces, earrings and bracelets made with brass, and ceramic bead neckpieces.

The next collection will come with a silver finish. The maramara brass bracelet, a simple chain and beaten brass tag creation won our admiration as did the geometric Maasai ear hoops. Future plans include bespoke jewellery and complexly constructed collections.

“The African connection started with my Gujarati greatgrandparents crossing the Indian Ocean with a suitcase in hand and setting up a home in Kenya for generations to follow, hence the play on the neo-nomad concept,” said Patel.Prices start from `400.

Amrita Bose Shop online at mzuri.in. Call Namrata Patel at 99023-40262 or email shopmzuri@gmail.com.

Surf’s up Queen of Hearts by Deepa Mehta Designer Deepa Mehta’s grandfather owned a textile mill and that’s how her love affair with all things textile started. As a child, Mehta would accompany her granddad to his mill and take a lively interest in the buying, selling and production of fabrics.

She also paid avid attention to her mother when she gave design inputs. Putting all these memories onto the nine yards and

Nor Black Nor White, Mriga Kapadia and Amrit Kumar’s edgy clothing label with its strong Indian aesthetic has just gone online.

Employing techniques such as tie-and-dye, ikat, hand embroidery, and fabrics from the Northeast, the online collection promises dresses, jumpsuits, bomber jackets, tops, skirts, bottoms and accessories. We love the blotches of colour, the easygoing silhouettes that are forgiving across sizes, and the completely urban take on traditional fabrics and prints. The unisex section features gorgeous silk bandhani bomber jackets with matching loose pants, which can be styled as easy separates or worn just like that. And we can’t get over the label’s offering of skinny pants in the traditional Naga stripes and colours of red and black. Prices start from `3,400.

Shop online at norblacknorwhite.com

Nappa Dori Strike a pose Nor Black Nor White has an online shop now

Delhi-based leather luggage and accessories brand Nappa Dori has just made available its entire

inventory at the click of a mouse.

Choose from bags in styles such as laptop, messenger, jhola, satchel and overnight ones. There are vintage trunks in pastel and pop colours and pretty vanity cases as well. The ikat leather MacBook bags will up the fashion ante for sure, as will the beautiful tan buff leather SLR cases. Apart from their toolkits, make-up and toiletry bags, tobacco pouches and umbrellas, we are also crushing on the label’s studded dog collars for your favourite furry friend. Prices start from `550.

Shop online at nappadori.com.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 57

Lifestyle

In Kenya, the word “mzuri” has many meanings – from happy to nice and pretty. You can greet someone in Swahili by saying “mzuri” or admire someone’s jewellery by calling it “mzuri” as well. It is now also the name of Bangalore-based graphic designer Namrata Patel’s handmade jewellery line. Earlier this year, Patel visited her parents in Mombasa, Kenya and that’s when she decided to fast-forward her big dream – to launch Mzuri.

Born and brought up in Kenya, Patel had always been fascinated by colourful African jewellery made out of ceramic beads and elegant pieces fashioned from brass.

“Having a full-time job and relying on one meant that I couldn’t dive headfirst into Mzuri. So during my vacation, I thought I’d start doing research and connecting with people who could be part of my work flow in Kenya,” explained the 27-year-old. After taking an initial investment from her father, Patel printed the packaging, figured out the website and logistics of

9pm. Tue & Thur, 1pm, 6pm & 8pm.

Sat 1pm, 4.30pm & 6pm. `2,800 for 12 sessions.

Sales & launches Marks & Spencer

TToteteca Bags

Fitness & Wellness Classes

Lifestyle Lifestyle

Aikijujutsu

This Th his is U UK K bran b brand rand d has has ju jjust ustt llaunched aunc au nch hed hed a new collection of winter wear for men and women. The range includes, winter coats, jackets, biker-style leather jackets, textured party jackets and warm winter blazers. Prices start from `3,999.

Available at all Marks & Spencer outlets. Check global.marksandspencer.com/in.

Wrangler Wrangler’s new collection of autumn winter denim comes with a metallic twist. The line called Silver Shield offers a coatting of pure silver on the denim to pre-vent bacteria a from settlingg in on the surface and causing odour. The press note claimed that this range is safe on the skin. Prices start from `2,295.

Available at all Wrangler outlets.

Shop online at wrangler.in.

Himalaya Herbals

T party season might have just The ggot over, but who says you can’t step into 2014 with new style. s Usher in a new stylish beginningwith Toteteca Bags’ new collecw ttion of envelope clutches, cross body bags, totes, backpacks and s more. Take your pick from colours s such as teal, tan, red, yellow and pink. Prices start from `900.

S Shop online at toteteca.com.

ttoniQ Accessories TThis accessories brand continues iits party fervour with a collection dedicated to all that glitters and d shines. Take your pick from a gold s envelope clutch or a sequinned e pouch bag. Choose from a longcchained necklace with heartshaped pendant, shiny cocktail s rrings, embellished headbands or a beaded gold choker. Prices start ffrom `199.

Shop online at flipkart.com or S myntra.com. m y

The mother of many modern martial arts is certainly not for the fainthearted. Be prepared for plenty of physical labour. An important part of aikijujutsu is zazen or seated meditation, which is at the heart of Zen Buddhism.

Mehul Vora conducts classes at MP Shah School, Near McDonald’s, Sarojini Road, Vile Parle (W).

G Vile Parle (WR, CR Harbour) Y Vile Parle Station. Call 98200-55730 for fees and timings.

Aqualates Deepali Jain’s classes are underwater adventures. Choose from Pilates, aqua t’ai chi and aqua kickboxing.

Body Rhythm, Advent, 12-A General Jagannath Bhosale Marg, Mantralaya. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Mantralaya. To register, call 98200-94323. Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am. `3,500 for 10 sessions.

Bollybics Arts in Motion Dance Studio holds a class combining a cardio workout with Bollywood moves called Bollybics. It promises to burn fat and tone the body.

Arts in Motion Dance Studio, 39 TV Chidambaran Marg, Opposite Peninsula Hotel, Near Cinemax, Sion (98201-83231). G Sion (CR Main) Y Sion Circle. Mon, Wed, Fri, 6pm &

How to use this section

Vans V A part of its autumn-winter As launch, Vans has introduced Palisades Vulc, a new collecttion of feminine flats with skate shoe principles, more style and s ccomfort. The shoes come with a washed canvas treatment and are w eco-friendly with only water-based e inks and glues used. Natural hemp, suede and other textiles have been used to create washed print details and the shoes are cconstructed according to a classicc fifit silhouette. `2,999.

Shop online at myntra.com or S flflipkart.com.

Keep your lips soft and K supple this winter with s H Himalaya Herbals’ new strawberry shine lip balm. s With 100 per cent natural W ccolour, the lip balm comes with strawberry seed oil to w kkeep moisture in and apriccot kernel seed oil to take ccare of the skin’s vitamin E requirements. The lip balm is preservative and b petroleum–free, claimed p tthe h press note. `120.

Shop online at S himalayahealthcare.com. h 58 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Admission for readings and other events is free unless otherwise stated.

G denotes the nearest train station.

Y denotes the name of the nearest bus stop.

FREE denotes no admission fee.

If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Ayesha Venkataraman. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday.

Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.

Capoeira Enslaved Africans in Brazil are believed to have invented this martial art during the sixteenth century. To avoid being caught out, they infused it with music and dance, which forms a big part of its current practice. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that a kick from a capoeirist will not hurt.

Reza Massah teaches at SS Sahani School, 18th Road, Khar (W).

G Khar Road (WR, CR Harbour) Y 18th Road. Tue & Thur, 7pm. Also at Nipra House, Ropa Lane, Chandanwadi, New Marine Lines.

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Chandanwadi.

Tue & Thur, 8pm. Mon & Wed 6pm.

Also at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Sayani Road, Near Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi. G Elphinstone Road (WR), Parel (CR Main) Y Ravindra Natya Mandir. Wed & Fri, 8pm. Call Massah on 9869055371 to register. `2,500 per month.

Parikshit Sadh teaches at Ravindra Natya Mandir. Mon & Fri, 7pm & 8pm. `2,500 per month. Call Sadh on 98202-92345 to register. Salonee Gadgil teaches at KD’s Kinder Bay Nursery and Playschool, Seven Bungalows, Andheri (W).

G Andheri (WR, CR Harbour).

Y Seven Bungalows Bus Depot. Mon, Wed & Fri, 9am. Also at ML Dahanukar College, Dixit Road,Vile Parle (E). G Vile Parle (WR, CR Harbour) Y Sathaye College. Tue, Thur, 7pm. To register, call Gadgil on 98205-66649. Fees start at `1,500 per month.

CrossFit Dheepesh Bhatt teaches a programme called CrossFit, which combines gymnastics, weightlifting and sprinting and is typically used in the military.

CrossFitOm, Choksi Motors, Kishore Kumar Ganguly Lane, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu. GSanta Cruz (WR, CR Harbour) Y Juhu Tara. To register, call Bhatt on 98200-28098. Daily onehour batches from 6-10am, 6-9pm.

Fees for one month, `5,500; three months, `13,200.

Karate Learn kicks, punches and turns that are said to help sharpen reflexes, improve flexibility and tone up abdominal, leg and arm muscles. Of the four traditional styles of karate, the goju ryu style places maximum emphasis on body conditioning and breathing techniques.

Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate-Doh Federation India conducts goju ryu karate classes at 17 centres, including Dadar, Matunga, Parel, Colaba, Bandra, Santa Cruz and Marol. Call 9820610611 for details. Timings vary across centres. Fees start from `450 per month.

Les Mills

Mixed martial arts It’s the closest to Mortal Kombat you’re likely to get. Mixed martial arts is exactly what the name suggests – a gritty combination of muay Thai, jiujitsu, kickboxing and wrestling.

Sessions for beginners include learning basic fight combinations that are enough to raise anyone’s heart rate. The addition of a rigorous cardio routine before and after the combinations makes it a complete body workout. But the real joy of mixed martial arts is that you can get

Muay Thai Muay Thai is the art of eight limbs because it makes use of eight points of contact with punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes. Think Ong Bak. Amit Lalwani teaches at Arts in Motion Dance Studio. See Bollybics for address. Mon & Wed, 9pm. `2,500 for 12 sessions. Also at Pulse Studio, Milan Mall, Santa Cruz (W) (9820766962). G Santa Cruz (WR, CR Harbour) Y Khira Nagar. Tue & Thur, 7.30am. Sat & Sun, 8am. Also at Saifee Hospital, Charni Road.

G Charni Road (WR) Y Charni Road station. Tue & Fri, 6.30pm, 7.30pm & 8.30pm. Sun 9.30am, 10.30am & 11.30am. `1,910 for eight sessions. Also at Elco Arcade, Near Globus, Hill Road, Bandra (W).

G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour) Y Hill Road. Mon & Wed, 6.30pm. `1,400 per month. To register, call 98690-36872.

Lifestyle Lifestyle

Bandra’s F2 Fitness offers the Les Mills exercise regimen. Designed in New Zealand, it involves a series of fitness routines. These include BodyBalance which is a mix of tai chi, yoga and Pilates, the gruelling martial arts-inspired BodyCombat, BodyJam that has a dance and cardio workout, and BodyPump and BodyAttack for strength and high energy training respectively. To sign up , you need to choose a minimum of two routines.

F2 Fitness, 106 Silver Pearl, Waterfield Road, Opposite Home Town Café, Bandra (W). To register, call 92234-34343. G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). Y National College.

Batches every hour from 7am-1pm and 5.30-10.30pm. `3,500 for 20 sessions.

to kick some serious, serious ass.

Arts in Motion Dance Studio. See Bollybics for address and registration details. Tue & Thur, 7am & 7pm. `2,500 for 12 sessions. Also at Temperance, St Xaverian Court, Near Rizvi College of Hotel Management, Sherly Rajan Road, Bandra (W) (98203-87694).

G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour) Y Rizvi College. Mon-Fri, 8pm. Tue & Thur, 7am. Sat 5pm. `3,000 for eight sessions.

Rs. 2000/- discount for Health 360 Plus and Deluxe Packages Please bring this coupon to avail of this Offer.

Valid till 28th February 2014

These checkups are also conducted at NM Medical Bandra in Mumbai and also at NM Medical Pune and NM Medical Bangalore.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 59

E K I L Y T I C E TH , Y O O D J N S E LOCAL .

E D I U THE A TIME OUT G TAKE

NEW TRAVEL MAGAZINES AVAILABLE VISIT TIMEOUT.COM/SHOP

Time Off The cultural fortnight ahead

Shadow master

The puppet by Ganesh Pyne Artwork from Art of Bengal. See Art and Culture listings.

FISHHEAD

Around Town

Riot of colour Gaysi Family's open mic Dirty Talk; (below) Gursimran Khamba

Walk the line Vikram Phukan has the scoop on this year’s Mumbai Pride Fest calendar. ou can put away the Santa hats and fake mistletoe, but it’s that time of the year when the rainbow scarves and the leather boots must be brought out for a much-needed airing. It is Mumbai’s Pride month, the run-up to the gala parade of protesting and partying, dubbed the Queer Azaadi March. Given last month’s

Y

volte-face by the judiciary on the criminality of gay sex, the festivities may now acquire the tenor of seething outrage but the focus is still on, in Vidya Balan’s easily (or lazily) applicable quote, “entertainment, entertainment and entertainment”. By the time this article goes into print, the season would’ve been flagged off with a performance of the Marathi play, Dushyantpriya, a genderbending take on Kalidasa’s Shakuntalam. And come Makar Sankranti, Gay Bombay’s anticipated kite-flying event at Juhu beach, would have had the butch women in attendance leaving the men

62 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

with sand on their faces owing to their superior skills with the manja. There was also the selfstyled Queer Games, concurrently held by youth group Yaariyan, with an easy-as-pat lemon-and-spoon canter to start with, followed by a three-legged dash and finally a tug-of-war which invariably ended up with ten sweaty men in a big pile, so even the losing side won.

You may have missed those events, but there’s still more to look forward to. Yaariyan’s popular Q Fete (or the Gulabi Mela) is usually bursting at its seams with stalls peddling everything from chimichangas to apple pies and Bollywood-style clutches to exotic underwear. This time round, it has found a new home at Bhalla House, on Bandra’s Hill Road, where the Farmers’ Market would meet in the early days.

The sidelights include a Zumba session and other fun workshops, with a tarot-card reader and an in-house DJ thrown in for good measure. This edition will also mark the return of Azaad Bazaar (or just AzBaz), who have been one of the frontrunners of the so-called pink rupee movement with their historic Bandra outlet, which had become a vibrant jamming spot for the city’s queers, but had to shut down in 2012. The AzBaz stall will feature their trademark Jailbird T-shirts, particularly apposite to these times. “Mumbai’s been calling us, and we are happy to be back”, said Simran and Sabina, owners of the brand.

Also, by Yaariyan is the Gulabi Yatra, called the Pink Darshan. In its earlier avatar, it was a heritage walk to sites of queer significance in the city – mostly smoky bars and pick-up joints since, for the longest time, the city nightlife was the only space that embraced gay people.The Gaysi Family, (who also have a print magazine), brings back their delirious open mic event, Dirty Talk. Last year’s act was a stopover in British comedian Stephen Fry’s India sojourn, this year they’ve roped in the nutcases from All India Backchod. Asked about the repercussions of unleashing the AIB’s brand of irreverent humour on a populace whose psyche may be embittered much by the daily dose of bigotry that is now

di rigueur on social media and elsewhere, the organisers felt that queers are resilient enough to take the barbs that come with the territory. “We don’t pre-censor the material that may be performed,” they said. Certainly, with their progressive viral content, which includes a Kalki Koechlin spot on India’s victim-blaming culture, and a fun Imran Khan mockinfomercial in which he tackles homophobia within his own fan base, AIB has demonstrated some bleeding-heart credentials to go with their signature whackiness. Giving them company will be singer Siddharth Basrur alongside the walk-on participants, some of whom can be counted upon to steal the show from right under the noses of the featured attraction.

One of Gay Bombay’s flagship events has traditionally been the Parents’ Meet, the closest we have to an organised Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in the city.

This is an annual get-together of the kith and kin of queers, who discuss the difficulties still faced by Indian families in fully embracing their “different” children. But as they recount the many victories that such stories come arrayed with, the event transforms into a cathartic experience for all concerned. Over the last few iterations, the organisers have found that the men and women willing to bring their family members over, are now younger than ever, an indication of how soon LGBT children decide to come out to their families these days. Of course, acceptance seems to be a matriarchal preserve, as countless mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters have sat in panel, impassioned in their support for their own, but nary a man. Maybe this year, that could change. There is much to look forward to. With such a chocka-block calendar, the city’s queer community has certainly cocked a snook at the nay-sayers who were looking to put them out of business.

With the calendar, the community has cocked a snook at the nay-sayers

queerazaadi.wordpress.com Ongoing. See Listings. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

gay&lesbian

Clued in

The Crystal Maze captured the imagination of the nineties kid.

In no small part due to the host, Richard O’Brien’s eccentricities (remember his prescient Mumsie), the British game show drew you in with its clever challenges of strength, skill and cunning.

Drawing heavily on its success as well as the numerous other virtual escape games that followed is Clue Hunt – an engaging way to pass the time in a landlocked city like ours. It’s being touted as “India’s first live escape game,” where you’re locked in an apartment riddled with clues which literally hold the key to your escape. “We figured something like this would do really well given the orientation of people in India, everybody has a fascination for maths and puzzle solving,” said Ketan Chhatpar, a realtor who was determined to start this with wife Tina after playing versions of it across Europe. So with 60 minutes on the clock, we decided to decode our way to freedom.

Stripped of our cell phones, we entered the game room, “Mr Spylock’s Chamber”, with two terse instructions: to pay close attention and look at the screen at the sound of a bell. The small room was brimming with the usual suspects of a murder mystery. The chalk outline of the victim, an unfinished thought in the typewriter, a tacked image of the alleged criminal, books with strange markings, padlocked drawers, briefcases and safes, seemingly unrelated maps, puzzles and numbers galore. Leaving no stone unturned, Chhatpar has even added a toy gun, Sherlock’s pipe and invisible ink to the mix. “The idea is to finish the investigation by rounding up the five suspects in the case. Only then will you be able to escape the room,” explained Chhatpar.

We ran around the room manically

Eye spy A cutout of Sherlock Holmes at Clue Hunt

with this in mind, upturning, yanking and once even breaking open (warning: this is definitely frowned upon) various clues, as a timer threatened onwards. And in a Lord-of-Flies style regression, we screamed our observations over and at each other, only looking up at the helpful hints on the screen that were heralded by a bell. To be honest, there were times we felt part of a Pavlovian experiment, with the “game masters” watching our every move (and argument) using in-built CCTVs. “If there’s a group of people who don’t know each other, this game is a good icebreaker. But a group who really knows each other well will end up fighting. That’s just the nature of the game,” said Chhatpar. “We

almost feel the need to warn couples before they go in.”

We escaped with 20 minutes to spare (though not a kind word for each other), a record time if it wasn’t for the breakage of a clue. So the time to beat thus far remains 53 minutes and 22 seconds, much to our disdain, and the game has been consequently tweaked to prevent further mishaps. While the experience was rather rewarding in itself, we did wish that there was a more tangible reward to show for our efforts. But perhaps more disappointing is the fact that despite “completing” the investigation, we hadn’t a clue about the victim, the murderer, or the context. We debated various theories with little success, reminiscent of Watson’s

Clue Hunt

101, Roha Orion, 16th Road, Near Mini Punjab restaurant, Bandra (2600-5225/9820233578). Visit cluehunt.in for more information. For two to five players; ` 700-1,100 per person depending on the day of the week. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

around town

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 63

Around Town

befuddlement before Sherlock finally set the story straight. The game called upon our attention for detail, memory and speed, using associative deduction rather than actual analysis. “There’s no story, the idea was not to actually have a story-line,” conceded Chhatpar. It hinges on the sequence of clues, which Chhatpar plans to change around every few months in order for returning players to experience it anew. “There won’t be any drastic changes to the theme of the room. Changing the order of the clues is enough to confuse a person and make it look like a new game.” Thankfully, there’s another room, “Kaboom”(opened more recently) with task-based activities in which to whet your appetite.

As we left the apartment building in Bandra, still bickering about the game’s finer points, a sudden beep had us instinctively looking at our cell phone screens.

But no hints were forthcoming.

Ayesha Venkataraman connects the dots behind Clue Hunt, the first live escape game in the city.

Around Town

Book nook Jagadish and the Talking Plant: Pioneering Scientist JC Bose Swati Shome, Anushree Bhat, Tulika Books, `200. Ages 8+.

When it comes to science books, there aren’t many choices available, although Amar Chitra Katha’s Brainwave magazine has been doing a stellar job of mixing fun with science. As part of their "Fact+Fiction" series, Tulika has published a comic book on scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose. Swati Shome, who runs a science lab for kids, writes about the scientist and his research in biophysics. Scientist JC Bose wakes up one day to be greeted by Mimosa pudica aka lajjabati aka touch-me-not, a plant that he used extensively in his research. From there, the comic book illustrated

by Anushree Bhat goes on to describe his life and research.

We would have done without the Comic Sans font but loved reading the speech that Bose gave in 1917 and the timeline on his life. Adults may find the book busy, but kids will love this format. BV

Little Indians: Stories from Across the Country Pika Nani, Tulika Books, `200.

Ages 10+.

Kids can pack their bags and head off on a mini excursion through 15 states of India with writer Pika Nani, the pen name of Deepika Murthy. Facts are interspersed with stories in Little Indian, a state-by-state guide to India.

In Rewind, children can learn about the history of a particular state, for instance “The Chola king, Rajendra Chola used the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a naval base”. The book talks about demographics and throws in quirky facts about butterflies, chillies and industrial development. BV Nabiya Chatura Rao, Ruchi Mhasane, Tulika Books `175. Ages 6+.

Eight-year-old Nabiya loves to play football. She also admires her cousin Fatima who loves to run and always wins races at her

school. Chatura Rao paints an evocative portrait of a feisty girl who falls in love with stories and books, as much as she loves sports. The back of the book said that the story draws from the author’s experience. It’s a simple story, much about daily life and Rao makes it a memorable one.

What really brings the book alive is Ruchi Mhasane’s collage-style illustrations. Soft colours merge with textures to reveal Nabiya, her friends and her family. BV Rooster Raga Natasha Sharma, Priya Kuriyan, Tulika Books, `150. Ages 3+.

Move over “Old MacDonald Had A Farm”. Natasha Sharma’s picture book Rooster Raga is a fun way to get children to understand animal sounds. Ruru is gearing up for Rooster Day, but his efforts come to naught because he still can’t emit the right rooster call of “kukaroo kuroo”.

He sets off to meet different animals like the cow, the cat and

the donkey to see how they talk.

What follows is a delightful rooster raga song and dance. Beautifully illustrated by Priya Kuriyan, the book is a riot of colours – Ruru himself is resplendent in red, purple and yellow. BV We Are Different!

Manjula Padmanabhan, Tulika Books, `150. Ages 6+.

Manjula Padmanabhan is back. After her lovely picture books – I Am Different! and Same and Different!

– the author has now written We Are Different! The clever puzzle book gives a desi twist to the Spot the Difference game. Witty rhymes ask the readers to spot the difference when it comes to pretty pots or schoolchildren running about the page. The back of the book explains that the pictures and design “point to ways of perceiving similarity and difference through structure, detail and perspective”. Spotting the difference is not as easy as it may seem – there are plenty of patterns and colours to confuse the eye – but that makes it all the more fun. BV

Kahani Karnival Most parents don’t really know what to do with their children over weekends. The easiest option is a trip to the mall or maybe a club if you happen to have access and if all else fails the local park. This fortnight, parents can try their hand at something new and head to the Chattarapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya(CSMVS) which is hosting Kahani Karnival, a festival of stories for children.

Rakhi Prasad, owner of Treasure Books, a children’s bookstore and also one of the organisers said, “As a mother I realised there was a huge lacunae in the kind of entertaining yet inventive activities that children could do over weekends.” The seed for the event was born when Prasad got together with five friends last year, all mothers, to create a festival that would bring alive stories through various medium ranging from art, theatre, music, puppetry and of course books.

In its first year, Kahani Karnival will have 20 experts packing in excitement and imagination over

64 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

the course of day. Author Shabnam Minwalla will conduct a whodunit linked to her book Six Spellmakers of Dorabji Street; Varun and Sunny, stage and film actors will dramatise Munshi Premchand’s Bade Bhai Saab. Plus, potter Priti will spin tales as well as her spinning wheel.

A highlight of the Kahani Karnival is the numerous museum walking trails being conducted with experts. Madhumita Chatterjee Kapur, also an organiser, said that the association with CSMVS has given the festival a distinct edge. “The venue has stories seeping out of every pore and we are organising walks dedicated to specific exhibitions and galleries.” For instance, there will be a treasure hunt linked to the current Flemish Masters exhibition and Shaizia Jifri, a theatre trainer and puppeteer for children will take the kids on a walk through the Natural History gallery of the CSMVS with her life-size muppet playing guide.

Shireen Parikh CSMVS Sat Jan 25. See Listings.

Around Town

Critics’ choice The best events this fortnight

Events Ongoing

How to use this section This section consists of a roundup of the fortnight’s events.

G denotes the nearest train station.

Y denotes the name of the nearest bus stop.

FREE denotes no admission fee.

If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Gauri Vij. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday.

Deadline for information is ten days before publication.

Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.

ANURAG BANERJEE

Fri Jan 17

Around Town Lecture Godrej India Culture Lab "Democracy and Corruption – A View from the Gray Zone" by anthropologist Thomas Blom Hansen. Fri Jan 17

Sat Jan 18

Kids Puppet shows CSMVS Interesting Persian legends narrated with the help of puppets, especially for children. Sat Jan 18

Gay & Lesbian Mumbai Pride fest A week of celebration of queer Mumbai through music, exhibitions, film screenings and walks (see pic). Until Feb 1 Until Tue Feb 25 2013. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road, Colaba. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. For details, call 22844484/2284-4519.

Food walk Blue Bulb will be organising a walk exploring the history of food in Mumbai. On the streets of Matunga, participants will learn of the evolution of various communities and their eating habits, the stories and facts about filter coffee, dosas, idlis and the people who made them famous.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/ CzechIdlis.html or call 6196-7106. `1,000 per person.

Introduction to scuba diving With no swimming or diving experience required, you can finally learn to scuba dive and explore the world

FREE EDITOR’S PICK Lecture The Godrej India Culture Lab will be organising a talk, “Democracy and Corruption – A View from the Gray Zone” to highlight the deeper historical roots of corruption in India.

The focus will also be on the wider systemic links between how democracy, social aspiration and governance actually work. Professor of Anthropology and South Asian Studies at Stanford University, Thomas Blom Hansen, will argue in this lecture, that corruption was written into the fabric of colonial rule and the bureaucratic culture of the modern Indian state.

Godrej India Culture Lab, Gate 2, Godrej Industries, Vikhroli (E).

G Vikhroli (CR Main), Y Godrej Boyce. RSVP on indiaculturelab@ godrejinds.com.

FREE Art walk As part of the 10th World Zoroastrian Congress, the NGMA will be organising a curatorial walk through the exhibition, No Parsi is an Island. It will be conducted by Ranjit Hoskote and Nancy Adajania.

National Gallery of Modern Art, MG Road, Fort. G CST (CR Main & Harbour) Churchgate (WR) Y Shyam Mukherji Chowk. 6.30pm.

under water with this day-long session at Khopoli.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/Scuba. html or call 6730-2917. 10am. `3,199 per person.

Learn to sail Blue Bulb will be organising a two-hour sailing session along Mumbai’s picturesque shorelines. Starting from Gateway, participants will sail past some of Mumbai’s oldest lighthouses, learn the basics of sea awareness, navigation, and how to orient themselves in the water.

To register, email info@bluebulb.in or call 6196-7106. `2,499 for a group of four.

Paragliding A one-day session held in Virar which will teach participants to paraglide on their own.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/ Paragliding.html or call 6196-7106.

FREE Lecture To commemorate Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary, Nehru Centre will be organising a talk titled “Science Education: New Directions” conducted by Jayant V Narlikar, Emeritus Professor of InterUniversity Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune. The professor will discuss whether science education in India helps in the development of a scientific temperament.

Nehru Centre’s Hall of Culture, Ground Floor, Discovery of India Building, Annie Besant Road, Worli.

G Mahalaxmi (WR). Y Poonam Chambers. To register, call Arati Desai on 24983921 or email aratidesai@ nehru-centre.org. 6pm.

FREE Lecture The Nehru Centre will be organising a session on ways to search online for health information.

It will be conducted by Vasumathi Sriganesh, CEO of QMed Knowledge Foundation.

Nehru Centre’s Hall of Culture, Ground Floor, Discovery of India Building, Annie Besant Road, Worli.

G Mahalaxmi (WR). Y Poonam Chambers. To register, call Arati Desai on 24983921 or email aratidesai@ nehru-centre.org. 6pm.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 65

Around Town

Bullock-cart driving and horse riding Spend the day learning to ride on thoroughbred horses and driving a bullock cart with racing bulls in Nerul.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/ BullockCart.html or contact 6196-7106. `1,399 per person.

City walk Blue Bulb will be organising a three-hour walk to Chor Bazaar, Mumbai’s most colourful and eccentric market. Participants will get to explore an old city neighbourhood, shop for a range of merchandise – from movie memorabilia to car parts, visit the holiest of shrines for the Dawoodi Bohra community and a Jain temple.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/ ChorBazaar.html or call 6196-7106. `1,000 per person.

FREE EDITOR’S PICK Exhibition The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and the British Museum will showcase an exhibition titled “Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia – A New Beginning”.

The Cyrus Cylinder, a small historically significant clay cylinder with inscriptions in Babylonian cuneiform was the proclamation of King Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE at the time of his conquest of Babylon.

The exhibition will also showcase inscriptions in Old Persian cuneiform, forms of jewellery and tableware, gold plaque from Oxus Treasure associated with the Zoroastrianism, coins and seals. In the Indian context, the first documented evidence of Indian proclamation of human values, the Ashokan Edict of 300 BCE will also be displayed.

`4,999 per person.

Pottery for two Blue Bulb will be organising a two-hour pottery session for couples.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/ CouplePottery.html or call 6196-7106. `1,499 per couple.

EDITOR’S PICK Wine workshop In this 90-minute private session conducted in your home, learn to read and taste wines.

To register, visit www.bluebulb.in/Wine. html or call 6196-7106. `1,499 per person.

Around Town

FREE Lecture New Acropolis Mumbai will be organising a talk titled “Martial Arts – Fighting your First Enemies”. Many martial art traditions believe in “first enemies” to be inner vices such as anger and revenge. This presentation will shed light on the function of martial arts as an inner art for life.

New Acropolis Mumbai, A-0, Ground Floor, Connaught Mansion, Opposite Colaba Post Office, Colaba, G CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Colaba Post Office. For details, visit www.acropolis. org.in or call 3192-0515. 6pm.

Cycling trip Adventure group Life Away From Life will be organising a two-day cycling trip through the scenic coastal route of Maharashtra.

Participants will cycle from Mandwa, via Alibaug to Kashid and Nandgaon to reach Murud. Participants have to bring their own cycles. Also, no backup support vehicle will be available.

For bookings, call 6609-6693 or email register.lafl@gmail.com. `2,500 per person (accommodation, all meals, cycle repair kit).

EDITOR’S PICK Garden craft course The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies (CEMS), University of Mumbai will be organising a course in garden craft. Held every Saturday, it will cover topics like planting indoor plants, roses, creepers, cacti, hanging baskets, decorative plants, and the basics of gardening and planting over 15 sessions. Also, a nursery visit on a Sunday is included. The course will be taught in English and has no age or eligibility limits.

Centre for Extra-Mural Studies, Second Floor, Health Centre Building, Vidyanagari Campus, University of Mumbai, Santa Cruz (W). G Kurla (CR Main & Harbour), Khar Road (WR), Y Vidyanagari. For more information, visit www.extramural.org or call 2654-3011/2653-0266. `6,500 per person.

Workshop The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and Godrej Archives will be organising a two-part workshop by Yazdi Tantra on charting out your own family tree.

See Fri Jan 17 for the address. RSVP on indiaculturelab@godrejinds.com.

11am-1pm.

Gharapuri Island).

Fri Jan 24 FREE Lecture The United Lodge of Theosophists will be organising a talk FREE Talk As part of the No Parsi is titled “Why Do Good People Suffer?” It an Island exhibition, the NGMA and Friends of Gateway House will be will be held in Gujarati. organising a talk by Sifra Lentin, a Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines Mumbai-based writer and historian, (2208-5137). G Churchgate (WR), titled “The Jewish Community of CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y New Bombay: Diaspora, Identity and Marine Lines. 6.15pm.

History in Bombay (18th to early 20th FREE EDITOR’S PICK Chai and Century)”. why? The Tata Institute of See Fri Jan 17 for the address. RSVP on Fundamental Research (TIFR) forum indiaculturelab@godrejinds.com. for informal discussions of 6.30pm. interesting scientific issues will be organising a session on India’s space programme. In this session, Mayank Sat Jan 25 Vahia will discuss the complexities of FREE Lecture New Acropolis going to space, and the technology Mumbai will be organising a lecture required to explore other bodies in the titled “Doomsday, or New solar system.

Opportunities”. When the Room 2-Science, DG Ruparel Mayans predicted the end College of Arts, Science of time in the year 2012 and Commerce, and it did not happen, Matunga. G Matunga Peekaboo (CR Main), Matunga Since black holes possess did it mean that they were wrong? Or could Road (WR) . Y Shivaji strong gravitational force the Mayans have had a which pulls all light into its Mandir. 11am. centre, they cannot be seen. far better understanding of time, Mon Jan 20 recognising it as cyclic?

Workshop Nehru New Acropolis Mumbai, Centre will be holding a dayA-0, Ground Floor, Connaught long workshop on “Automation Mansion, Opposite Colaba Post in Public Libraries”. The workshop is Office, Colaba, G CST (CR Main & specially designed for library Harbour) Y Colaba Post Office. For professionals. details, visit www.acropolis.org.in or call See Sat Jan 18 for the address.

3192-0515. 6pm.

10am-5pm.

Scuba diving & snorkelling Adventure group, Life Away From Life will organise a two-day scuba Thu Jan 23 diving trip to Tarkarli beach situated a FREE Astrophysics lecture The few kilometres (six to be precise) south Nehru Centre will be organising a of Malvan. Participants will be taught session on black holes. It will be basic theory and a few exercises conducted by Professor Ramesh before they get to explore the vast Narayan, Department of Astronomy, diversity of corals and colourful fish Harvard University. underwater. No prior diving See Sat Jan 18 for the address. 5pm. experience is required.

FREE Panel discussion As part of To register call 6609-6693 or email the No Parsi is an Island exhibition, register.lafl@gmail.com. `3,500 per person (includes accommodation in the NGMA will be holding a panel non AC rooms, scuba diving, discussion with architects Kamu Iyer snorkelling). and Vikas Dilawari. It will be Photography trip Adventure group, moderated by Domus India’s editor, Life Away From Life will be Kaiwan Mehta. organising a four-day photography See Fri Jan 17 for the address. trip to Morena, Madhya Pradesh. The RSVP on indiaculturelab@godrejinds. region of Gopaksetra houses the com. 6.30pm.

66 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Sun Jan 26 FREE Lecture The United Lodge of Theosophists will be organising a talk titled “Freedom and Interdependence”. It will be held in Gujarati.

Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines (2208-5137). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y New Marine Lines. 6.15pm.

Sun Jan 19 EDITOR’S PICK Birding walk The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) will be organising a half-day trip to Gharapuri Island, more popularly known as Elephanta. In this birding location, participants will be able to spot various species of birds like the Brown-headed and the Blackheaded Gull, the Gull-billed Tern, Lesser and Greater Sand Plover, Indian Grey Hornbill, Common Iora, Spot-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagle. During the walk, participants will get to learn about the only flying mammals and explore the caves with an expert in search of bat roosts. Carry enough food and water.

To register, call Hornbill House at 22871202/ 2282-1811 or email bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. `450 for BNHS Members and `550 for others (includes boat ticket and entry ticket to

temples built in the period between 700 and 900 AD, which mark crucial developments in Indian architecture.

Participants get the opportunity to experience experimental travel photography with fellow amateur as well as professional photographers.

For bookings, call 6609-6693 /98691-58351 or email prateek.lafl@ gmail.com. `10,500 per person (includes transportation in Gwalior, accommodation and monument fees).

EDITOR’S PICK Photography trip Adventure group, Life Away From Life will be organising a three-day photography trip to Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. The group aims to give amateur photographers a chance to capture the beautiful architecture and heritage of this historic village (similar to that of nearby Khajuraho).

Participants will also get to learn about photography through informal discussions and experimentation with fellow photographers.

To register call 6609-6693 or email register.lafl@gmail.com. `6,701 per person (includes all transportation, accommodation, and entry fees to monuments).

EDITOR’S PICK Kerala cycling trip Adventure group, Life Away From Life will be organising a six-day cycling trip through the beautiful landscapes and villages of southern India. Participants will get the chance to cycle around old forts, religious rock shrines and through colourful villages where rural life has remained unchanged for centuries.

To register call 6609-6693 or email register.lafl@gmail.com. `12,240 per person (includes vegetarian meals, accommodation, ferry transfers, entry fees, helmet and water bottle with stand).

Workshop The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and Godrej Archives will be organising the concluding workshop on making family trees. It will be conducted by Yazdi Tantra. See Sat Jan 18 for details on the first workshop.

See Fri Jan 17 for the address. RSVP on indiaculturelab@godrejinds.com.

11am-1pm.

Mon Jan 27

Sail away Blue Bulb's sail lesson overlooking Mumbai's skyline

FREE Talk As part of the Cyrus Cylinder Exhibition, CSMVS will be organising an illustrated session on the subject of Buddhist religion and human values. It will be conducted by archaeologist and Sanskrit scholar AP Jamkhedkar.

Auditorium, Visitor’s Centre, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road, Colaba.

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Museum. To register, email education@csmvs.in or call 2284-4484/2284-4519. 4pm.

Festivals Mumbai Pride fest 2014

Kids

will be holding a book reading of The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. Ages 13–16 years.

See Sat Jan 18 for the address. Noon to 1pm.

Wed Jan 22

FREE Stage Right 2014 Started in 2013, NCPA Stage Right is an interschool theatre competition in which Sat Jan 18 schools from all over the city Craft workshop The come together to showcase Maharashtra Mitra their talent and compete Gay pride Mandal Library Ancient Greeks did not have in a 20-minute, one-act (MCubed Library) will terms that indicated sexuality theatrical performance be organising a eg heterosexual and homo- on the professional workshop teaching sexual. Instead, the distinc- stage. Schools from all kids to mould plastic tion in sexual relations was over Mumbai shall be waste into beautiful who would take a passive or eligible to participate. objects. Ages 4-8 years.

The shortlisted plays active role.

Maharashtra Mitra will be enacted for an Mandal (MCubed) Library, audience at the Experimental Princess Building, Near Bandra Theatre.

Gymkhana, D’Monte Park Road, Experimental Theatre, National Bandra (W). G Bandra (WR & CR Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Harbour) Y St Andrew’s Church. Call Marg, Nariman Point, 2641-1497 or email mcubedlibrary@ G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main gmail.com. `200 per head. 11am-noon. & Harbour), Y Nariman Point. For FREE EDITOR’S PICK Puppet details, call Devina Kapoor on 6622shows As part of the Cyrus Cylinder 3834 or email ncpaconnect@gmail.

Exhibition, CSMVS will be organising com. 10am-6pm. puppet shows especially for children.

Stories based on Persian legends will Sat Jan 25 be narrated.

EDITOR’S PICK Story recital Indigo Seminar Room, Chhatrapati Shivaji Kids will be organising a 75-minute Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG recital of the classic stories Little Red Road, Colaba. G Churchgate (WR), Riding Hood, Three Billy Goats Gruff, CST (CR Main & Harbour). and Hansel and Gretel. Each story will Y Museum. For details, call 2284last for approximately 25 minutes and 4484/2284-4519. 11am-noon. 1-2pm. there will be no interval between the stories. Ages 2-5.

Sun Jan 19 Canvas Laugh Factory, Palladium Mall, Book club The Maharashtra Mitra Tulsi Pipe Road. G Currey Road (CR Mandal Library (MCubed Library) Main), Lower Parel (WR) will be holding a book reading of Y Dawn Mills. For bookings, Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty. Ages 6-9 visit www.bookmyshow.com. `650 per person. years.

See Sat Jan 18 for the address.

11am-noon.

Sun Jan 26 Book club The Maharashtra Mitra Story recital See Sat Jan 25.

Mandal Library (MCubed Library)

Booking ahead Chadar trek Adventure group Life Away From Life will be organising three different ten-day treks on the frozen river Zanskar in Ladakh on Sat Feb 1, Sat Feb 8 and Tue Feb 25. This frozen route, where the temperature is sub-zero, has been used since centuries as a trade link by the Zanskaris. On the way, participants will get a chance to stay with the local Zanskaris and visit some of the ancient monasteries behind the ice walls that are wedged between the Karakoram and the Great Himalayan ranges.

For bookings, call 6609-6693 or email register.lafl@gmail.com. `24,430 per person (includes all airport transfers, hotel accommodation, all meals, a cook, porters to carry luggage, guide, and transfers to trek point).

Marine camp BNHS will be organising a camp to Lakshadweep Islands from Wed Feb 19 to Tue Feb 25. Campers will get the chance to explore the 600 species of fish, 78 species of coral, and over 100 species of other marine invertebrates that the islands house. Also, participants will get training in snorkelling as part of the camp activity in coral lagoons.

For bookings, call Hornbill House at 2282-1811 or email bnhs.programmes @gmail.com. `29,600 for BNHS members and `30,200 for others.

Tal Chhapar sanctuary BNHS will be organising a four-day trip to Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar Sanctuary from Sat Feb 1 to Tue Feb 4.

Participants will get the chance to witness antelopes, blackbucks and birds living in harmony. Birds like greater eagles, demoiselle cranes, sociable lapwing, and the yellow-eyed pigeon can be spotted here.

For bookings, call Hornbill House on 2287-1202 or email bnhs. programmes @gmail.com. `13,000 for BNHS members and `13,600 for others.

Bull pull Learn how to ride bullock carts at Neral

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 67

Around Town

Mumbai Pride fest is an annual event held in the city to celebrate the LGBTIQ community. The community has organised fêtes, musicals, exhibitions, film screenings and even a treasure hunt. The festivities which started from Sat Jan 11 will conclude on Sat Feb 1. Venues and programmes are subject to change. All events are free unless indicated otherwise.

Gulabi mela Socialise at Yaariyan’s Q-Fete. No prior registration required.

Bhalla House, Near Kobe Sizzlers, Hill Road, Bandra. G Bandra (WR & CR Harbour) Y St Andrew’s Church. 2-9pm.

Sat Jan 25 EDITOR’S PICK Pictures against prejudice As part of Mumbai Pride Week 2014, LGBT organisation, Get Over It will be organising an exhibition exploring the effects of the Supreme Court judgment has had on queer individuals across the country.

The exhibit, consisting of photographs, artworks, cartoons or caricatures, will revolve around the closet as a symbol of oppression, and the notion of individuality as defined either by living in it, or coming out of it.

The Hub, Candelar Building, Near Mount Mary steps, Bandra (W).

G Bandra (WR & CR Harbour).

Y Carmel Church. 4-8pm.

Q-musical Spend the evening enjoying a range of queer and proud music. No prior registration required.

Carter Road Amphitheatre, Carter Road, Bandra. G Khar Road (WR & CR Harbour) Y Rizvi College.

5:45-9pm.

Sun Jan 26 Pictures against prejudice See Sat Jan 25.

Treasure hunt Participate in Queer Adda’s Amazing Queer Hunt, which will be spread out all over Mumbai.

To participate, call Sibi Mathen on 98673-97744. 8am onwards.

Film screenings Day one of the screenings of the best films from The Kashish Film Festival 2013. No prior registration required.

The Little Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour), Y Nariman Point. 3-9pm.

Dance performance Catch Dancing Queens, the country’s only dance troupe comprising of transgender individuals, perform a folk number.

No prior registration required.

See the above listing for the address.

3-9pm.

Tue Jan 28 Gulabi yatra Yaariyan will be organising an evening walk starting from Girgaum Chowpatty.

To participate, call Sibi Mathen on 98673-97744. 7pm.

Wed Jan 29 Film screenings Day two of the

screenings of the best films from The Kashish Film Festival. No prior registration required.

PC Saxena Auditorium, IIT Bombay, Powai. G Kanjur Marg (CR Main) Y IIT Market. 5-9pm.

AMIT CHAKRAVARTY

Gay & Lesbian

Art & Culture

play institutions relegated to the back of public consciousness, imbuing a sense of urgency into their workings once again.

Beginning with the centre of the rotunda, where the works of Lalkaka, Bomjanji and Pithawalla (along with his son) show a subversion of western techniques popularised by artists of the Renaissance. Bomanji’s Vermeer-like “A Parsi Girl” (among others) – hauled out of the stores of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum across the road reference – Ajanta sculptures in the background, referring to Bomanji’s years of work documenting sculpture for the JJ School of Arts’ superintendent principal Griffiths. The father and son duo of Manchershaw and Sohrab Pithawalla were experts of portraiture in their time, though Sohrab’s prohibitionbased portrait of yesteryears’ actor David takes the formality out of artwork not only through the composition of the painting but also through its response to the prohibition era.

Moving away from the centre, we have Nelly Sethna’s tapestries, which Adajania calls textile sculptures. Sethna, was a prolific writer and activist on the behalf of indigenous crafts of India and an important contributor to the revival of the Kalamkari weaving techniques. The works featured in the exhibition are from private collections, in a display that makes a monument out of these incredible weaves.

The most impressive part of No Parsi is an Island is the wealth of sculpture and maquette-studies on display, courtesy private collections and that of the NGMA. Piloo Pochkhanawala’s sculpture of the skies on a monsoon evening, and maquettes of her sculptures “Spark” and “From Stone Age to Space Age”, both publicly displayed in Mumbai for years, are landmark works that are given context and relevance through this show. Adi Davierwala is heavily represented through his multiple steampunkish sculptural maquettes.

Davierwala, whose notebooks are littered with possibilities, diagrams and notes such as “too complicated – but worth a try?” – giving the viewer a peek into the working process of the brilliant sculptor. While the notebooks are great insight, the exhibition also highlights Davierwala’s insistence on documenting his sculptures

himself – a large number of photographs taken by the artist of his work take up part of the CJ Hall’s circular walls.

Also represented is Shiavax Chavda – illustrator, artist, and general cultural enthusiast whose practice crossed political and artistic borders, as he worked with theatre groups and dancers from India and abroad, well before independence. Some of his sketches for the early editions of Marg magazine and later, flyers, featuring dancers and musicians highlights his love for performing arts. Chavda was mentor to Mehli Gobhai, abstract painter, and as the exhibition tells us, former illustrator of childrens’ books. His constructed canvases stand as the “after” to the “before” of his illustrated books published during his time in New York.

With Gobhai is the late Jehangir Sabavala, whose unfinished works show a preoccupation with age and the withering human body.

The least finished work, once again, gives the viewer insight into the artists process – while the notebooks he worked on while still a student are opened up to studies of skulls.

The last quarter of the exhibition shows Gieve Patel with his frequent collaborators, Anju Dodiya and Sudhir Patwardhan. Patel, known mostly for works that provide detailed social commentary is represented here with more abstract work while his interest in commentary is supplemented through photographs documenting his interactions with theatre as writer and director, as well as Dodiya and Patwardhan’s work.

Patel’s life as a practicing physician is represented by Patwardhan’s canvas that shows patients waiting at Patel’s clinic.

A number of other artists and two videos also comprise the 120 plus works in the show.

Adajania and Hoskote successfully present a community that works within larger social constructs throwing out multiple threads of conversation; making No Parsi is an Island a relevant formulation in contemporary times.

A display that makes a monument out of these incredible weaves

Metal gear Adi Davierwalla’s photograph of his own sculptures and his “Undulating Red” sculpture, 1972

Isle of plenty A new show successfully showcases the larger artistic contribution of the Parsi community, says Phalguni Desai. he tale of the Parsis in India is fabled and often heard of. Anecdotes about their landing from Persia onto the shores of Gujarat have been told and retold and images of the community – inspired by friends, colleagues, Bollywood and the variety of terrible jokes. In their first exhibit of the year, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) helps you get a clearer picture.

The various levels of the NGMA explore the life of the Zoroastrian community in India, through their contributions to business, arts and craft in the world.

This feature, however, focuses on the (comparatively) smaller show, No Parsi is an Island, curated

by Ranjit Hoskote and Nancy Adajania, taking up the Cowasji

T

Jehangir Hall at the uppermost level of the NGMA. The exhibit is not only a nod to the community’s artistic prowess, but more importantly, opens the viewer up to concerns of and conversations by (and at times, around) the community that have helped shape artistic ideologies in play over the last few decades.

Central to the exhibit is the idea of globalism before globalisation.

The show explores, through the works of artists right from the late 1800s, like Pestonji Bomanji, MF Pithawalla, Jehangir Ardeshir Lalkaka to present day contemporaries such as Gieve Patel and Mehli Gobhai, as well as the exceptions of their peers Sudhir Patwardhan and Anju Dodiya. The show also brings into

68 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

NGMA till Tues Jan 28. See listings. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

art

Skeletal compulsions

Spot light Those Who Could Not Hear The Music is inspired by Beethoven and Vikram Seth

one start to think about dance as a dramatic graph and not just as a choreographic [one]? As classical dancers, we often fall back on strong technique, and don’t always think about being ‘present’ on stage. That is when performance becomes repetition.”

It took two-and-ahalf years for Those Who Could Not Hear the Music to take shape which began with listening to Beethoven’s music and improvising to it without seeking a fixed outcome. “How would you deal with going deaf?” is an uncanny question at the best of times. Its painful absurdity

hits home when performers explore its consequences – for they are people in the business of engaging the senses.

“The difference lies in how we deal with narrating the story. For a dancer, going deaf is not a story; it is an experience. Theatre would be preoccupied with telling the whole story; as dancers, we explore how it is told by approaching it from multiple angles,” said Iyengar.

The production began to crystallise when he came across the Heiligenstadt Testament in which Beethoven, writing to his brothers Carl and Johann,

I want to go underneath kathak, and feel the skeleton of the form

describes the conflict between his artistic ambitions and his growing deafness. Iyengar said, “I wanted to work with the popular image of Beethoven – as a deaf composer with a grumpy face. His early portraits show a handsome, young man, with an incredibly open demeanour. Where does the real Beethoven lie?”

In Seth’s novel, An Equal Music, the protagonist Julia, a pianist, faces similar dilemmas in coming to terms with her deafness.

Drawing parallels between her character and Beethoven’s letter sharpened the dancers’ improvisations. Describing the creative process, Iyengar said, “I would weave a basic structure around a piece of text and music, but also push dancers in that direction. They started working with kathak, but moved away from a recognisable idea of style as they unpacked the structure.

The piece, in its present form, could only have been created with kathak dancers, but the kathak is now subterranean.”

For Iyengar, this subtlety of suggestion represents a huge shift in how he sees kathak in relation to his choreographic practice. “I once told a colleague that I didn’t think I’d ever do work that lacked a kathak input,” he said. After associating with kathak for over three decades, Iyengar is now beginning to rethink how he can essentialise it. He added, “What is it that movement can do much better than text? I want to go underneath the idea of kathak as performance, and feel the skeleton of the form. Identifying its fundamental and conceptual roots will allow me to work with a cross-section of performers. What we create at Ranan will continue to derive from kathak, for that is where we come from; we can’t cut that off. Yet, we now wonder - how do we tear back from the form to get to an essential point and then grow into different directions from that point?”

NCPA Wed Jan 29. See Listings. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

art

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 69

Art & Culture

Dancers can spend aeons plumbing the depths of their chosen styles, without succumbing to ennui. For kathak dancer-choreographer and theatre director Vikram Iyengar, this is a familiar feeling. He is the artistic director of Ranan, a young, Kolkata-based performance company that strongly believes in bringing the arts, artists and audiences closer to each other.

Established in 2004, Ranan has worked with dancers and actors to create a varied repertoire that includes traditional kathak presentations and dance theatre works. This fortnight, Iyengar and his company stage Those Who Could Not Hear the Music, a performance inspired by the life, music and writings of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and Vikram Seth’s novel – An Equal Music.

Iyengar and his collaborator, Debashree Bhattacharya, conceived the idea of Ranan in December 2001, as they stalked an errant tailor’s shop, waiting for long-delayed costumes.

They found themselves asking the same questions about choreographic impulses, interdisciplinary work and a new performance aesthetic.

“We were already working on a series of duets,” said Iyengar, in a telephone interview with Time Out. “Simultaneously, we decided to set up a company. It was a logical continuation of having learnt together for many years (with Rani Karnaa). Debashree and I had choreographed with Aunty (Karnaa) and while she was using the same choreographic impulses, we wanted to take them in another direction. Yet, ‘dance’, for us, still lay within the kathak framework.”

Movement is integral to Ranan’s choreographic work; the tonality of light, colour and musical choice are also persistent tropes, coming together to reveal a flair for the dramatic. “I am a dancer who has gone into theatre, as opposed to being a theatre director who works with dance,” said Iyengar, suggesting that theatre offered stronger models of embodiment in performance, of the art of “being” on stage. He added, “How does

SAJAL GHOSH

Ranjana Dave gets to the bottom of performance company Ranan’s latest production that’s inspired by Beethoven and a Vikram Seth novel.

Descent into chaos The Siege is by far the best book on 26/11, writes Aditya Sinha.

It reads like an action-thriller, not an official report The strategic decision to focus their real-time narrative on the iconic The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (and the linked massacre at Leopold’s Cafe) produces a racy narrative with a stunning mastery of detail and a seamless back-andforth between multiple locations, both within and outside the Taj. This book relives the terror of the attack. It’s said that TV’s visual impact is impossible to beat, but the assured writing here shows otherwise.

It points the finger It’s clear that the Mumbai police, lionised time and again by Bollywood for various reasons, is an incompetent force, and on 26/11, its commissioner, the late Hasan Gafoor, failed the city.

Completely. Those police officers who showed up did so at their own initiative; the assassination of antiterror squad chief Hemant Karkare (and others) is a vivid example of how cowardly the police were when one of their own was gunned down. Legendary crime branch head Rakesh Maria was said to be in agony at being confined to the control room.

In newspaper crises, editors always throw all resources at the story of the day and take charge of the newsroom themselves.

Gafoor, on the other hand, did not rally the thousands of policemen across Mumbai, and was himself ensconced in his car in front of the Air India building (next to the Trident, one of the attack focii), repeatedly turning down requests for back-up by the cops at the Taj, forbidding them from any initiative until the NSG “black cat” commandos showed up (which, due to political dithering, happened

AMIT CHAKRAVARTY

Art & Culture

Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark, whose last collaboration The Meadow was the sensational account of the 1995 kidnapping of foreign hostages in Kashmir, have produced an intense and wrenching account of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Time Out lists five reasons why their new book is a must-read.

Smoke signal View of the Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, during the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008

authors spoke to Mumbai’s cops, the black cats, retired Indian spooks, active European espiocrats, the Taj staff – from the general manager to the executive chef to a data centre operator – and to survivors as well as the kin of victims. It is exhaustive, and it shows in the rich detail. Indian journalists, take note.

a day late). In any other country, Gafoor would have been held accountable.

It isn’t a single-source book Single-source reporting ails Indian journalism in general. It makes for inadequate reporting and leads to the “quickie” non-fiction India produces, admittedly at the behest of a myopic publishing industry. No wonder our non-fiction books are not even worthy of a respectable bibliography. Levy and Scott-Clark’s book, on the other hand, relies on multiple sources in multiple continents. Scott-Clark even spent months in Pakistan for the narrative. The Siege uses not only David Headley’s interrogation reports but also Kasab’s. The

70 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

It is poignant Sabina Sehgal Saikia was once my wife’s boss, but the account of her last hours was the first time I felt choked with emotion. Similarly with the survival of Florence Martis of the Taj data centre, whose dad Faustine, the Sea Lounge’s old-time head waiter, died trying to save her. We’ve heard of general manager Karambir Kang’s fortitude in the face of the death of his wife and two young sons, but to read it in this book is indescribable.

As is the account of Line Kristin Woldbeck, saved from death at Leopold’s Cafe by the body of her Facebook friend (whom she came to Mumbai solely to meet).

Even the mass murderer Kasab is sharply sketched, and though you fume at the terrorists and their ISI puppet-masters, you cannot help but feel that Kasab’s story is also a pathetic, if not poignant one.

will fade into oblivion is that 26/11 remains a developing story and this book leaves you wondering about them. Besides the jab-and-feint of India-Pakistan diplomacy over the judicial process to bring the culprits across the border to book, we have still not heard the Lashkar-e-Taiba’s account of 26/11.

David Headley’s interrogation yielded a treasure trove of detail which implies that a wealth of detail is waiting in the accounts of the Pakistanis mentioned in The Siege, be it “chacha” Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, co-founder of the LeT, or Abu Hamza, one of the trainers who the intelligence agencies brought back from Saudi Arabia, or Abu Qahafa “the bull”, who handled the terrorist teams, or Sajid Mir aka Brother Wasi, who kept in touch with the attackers over cell phone.

Keeping in mind the mysterious murder in 2012 of the head of Pakistan’s federal investigating agency, just as he was closing in on the ISI link to the Mumbai attacks, it seems unlikely any of them will ever be properly interrogated. But you never know.

The Siege: The Attack on the Taj Penguin, `499. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

This story isn’t over The other reason the “quickies”

art

Harvest Jim Crace Picador `599

and-biscuit smell of rotting wood.

The piss-and-honey tang of apple trees.” There is undoubtedly harmony here and Thirsk claims himself “humbled” by the beauty, yet he is aware of the “carnal stench” of the land as well. He observes that the village is “a rookery.

A cousinry, let’s say …” that refuses to be revived by an influx of new blood, turning away carpenters and farmers alike.

When a raven-haired woman and her two men appear to claim a living they are rudely rebuffed with tragic consequences because nothing is owed to those who do not belong. In their willingness to be mute witnesses to injustice, the villagers find they have let loose an evil that cannot be recalled.

Lacking a church, or civic authority (the nearest market town is “two days by post-horse, three days by chariot.”), the village is entirely at the mercy of another set of new arrivals: the landlord’s cousin and

his goons. Dark deeds are done in the name of “Progress,” and Crace establishes an ironic similarity in the punishment the villagers must endure to that which they meted out to strangers in their midst. In the course of merely seven days, Thirsk watches his beloved hamlet deteriorate and the terrors of accusations of witchcraft, torture, murder, punishment and arson unmake the centuries-old certainties of the land.

Crace’s prose is masterfully evocative; his language conjures a lost and simpler past while losing nothing in plainness. Sights, sounds, smells, and seasons remind that “the earth abides, the land endures,” but the people who attach themselves to the land have a tenuous hold, and when it is unmade, it appears an inevitable result both of a callous outside world, and a decayed insularity that was no less ruthless in its pride.

Karishma Attari

Northeast. Only Indra seems to be unaware of his latent powers. What separates Local Monsters from other Indian comics is its tongue in cheek humour. Our heroes (or monsters) have to deal with lack of water and electricity; backup teams get stuck in traffic at Moolchand; monsters congregate at a huge Noida mall; movie theatre patrons go berserk because Sal-

man Khan bares his chest only once in a movie.

While all this may make for a rollicking ride, the artwork by Ghanshyam Bochgeri is poor. The figure drawings are indistinct and often slipshod, and there is little detail to separate the panels representing Delhi from an average depiction of any comic book metropolis.

Kingshuk Niyogy

Local Monsters Samit Basu Level 10 `495 It takes a monster to catch a monster.

That is the basic premise of Samit Basu’s new graphic novel. Professor Vyas (who’s waiting for his Professor Xavier moment and has shaved his

head in anticipation) assembles his desi version of the X-Men – Indra, Tashi, Latha and Bela – the M-Men who battle evil on the mean streets of Delhi and deal with the travails of moving to a big city.

The origins of the M-Men is varied – Latex Latha, who’s bursting at the seams, is descended from the sirens; Bela is a Bengali-Armenian vampire; Tashi is a yeti from the

Solo – A James Bond Novel William Boyd Jonathan Cape `599 The image of James Bond that emerged while relishing William Boyd’s Solo – which takes place in 1969 – wasn’t of Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan or (god forbid) Roger Moore. At the start of the book, Bond gives himself a lonely 45th birthday at a smart London restaurant. As he appraises the curves on a blonde some tables away, and mentally slots her in the sexual archive of his past – a mix of lust, love and yes, heartbreak – the face on the character of Bond in this reader’s head became Bond’s latest on-screen avatar: Daniel Craig. Why so?

William Boyd’s 007 meshes with the persona Daniel Craig has created: that of a tragic lover. The 007 we know is a connoisseur of everything that confronts his senses, be it gadgets, cars, weaponry, technology, liquor, mind games, poker or women. But Daniel Craig as Bond has bestowed a tenderness earlier characterisations lacked.

Boyd exploits these emotions in Solo. So we have a midlife Bond refurbishing his flat in Chelsea like a government officer mulling voluntary retirement. A little after he has flirted with the woman he assesses at the London diner, he breaks into her house unnoticed and watches her partly undress. But a pang of guilt at having trespassed without reason makes him leave midway.

Soon, he is dispatched to a country

in West Africa to stop a civil war and falls in love-lust with a double agent – the real hook of the book.

Throughout, one gets the impression Solo is a script for the next Bond film. The novel is set in the late 1960s, in a land roiling with ethnic conflict after the discovery of oil on its shores. The post- World War II and Cold War milieus are its props. But Solo’s emotional topography links it to the last three Bond films Skyfall, Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale: stories that have skillfully excavated the minefield that is Bond’s mind and heart.

Boyd, who has written with flair and sensitivity on the experience of 20th century Britons in Africa, takes Bond to places which are his literary comfort zones. But every age reincarnates popular

superheroes in its own eccentric ways. Our comic book and action heroes now live in the Age of Ageing. Daniel Craig as James Bond or Christian Bale as Batman or even Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, have displayed unapologetic vulnerability for who they are on screen. In Solo an embittered Bond appears to turn away from the thrills of lust, romance and even love. Fraught superheroes beget twisted villains.

The one here is an artist of death.

In this era of superheroes we have seen the villains broaden – consider Heath Ledger as The Joker or Javier Bardem in Skyfall. Boyd’s Bond villain has that wherewithal.

But perhaps Boyd’s concentration on 007 doesn’t let his villain become an autonomous personage in the story. Rahul Jayaram

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 71

Art & Culture

The world has made itself over time and again. Prize winning author Jim Crace, in what is rumoured to be his last novel, sets his story in an unspecified time and place but describes a universal change: the severing of deeply-rooted farmers from their soil in favour of new commercial practices.

Crace establishes a hard-earned English Elysium in an agrarian community known only as “the village”. By virtue of labour, and a largely benign lord at the Manor, the 58 inhabitants have traditionally wrested from the land a “meagre” harvest. It is a difficult living but a living that the villagers will protect at all costs. Within this in-bred community where members are all related and known to each other in the field by the “signature” of

their scythes lives the narrator William Thirsk.

Thirsk is both an insider and outsider. He came to the village with Master Kent who married the daughter of the Manor. Thirsk married a local girl and has spent 12 years being an unimpeachable good neighbour and farmer. Perhaps on account of this he knows, and is unsurprised by, how he will never be included, should ranks close on account of trouble.

Trouble comes at once in the form of the “two twists of smoke,” that open this quietly terrifying novel. The first smoke announces new neighbours, and their right to stay having built a place, laid a hearth and set a fire as per the customs of the land. The second smoke announces another blaze that winds down from the house of Master Kent.

This is a vividly evoked world full of nature metaphors and native wisdom. There is, “The bread-

Three questions with...

Ashvin Gidwani

Listings Art Events

Art & Culture

ANURAG BANERJEE

Fri Jan 17

Not even going bust (thrice) could diminish theatre-man Ashvin Gidwani’s passion for theatre.

After nearly two decades, the producer has finally actualised a long-term dream of directing.

Under his company, Ashvin Gidwani Productions, the 46-year-old, who has presented several shows in the past and is now helming The Scent of a Man, an adult, urban, situational comedy. It pivots around two couples, who after years of being married, have become complacent. In light of the upcoming show, Udita Jhunjhunwala chats with Gidwani about his new show, role as director and the economics of it all.

What made you turn to direction after being a producer for so long?

Producing has always been for commercial reasons, while direction is only for pleasure. I have always been of the opinion that one needs to excel in only one skill set at a time, to act, direct or produce.

I have spent little under 20 years refining the craft as a producer, but I have always harboured the passion to direct. I have been toying with this plot for almost nine years and it kept evolving as I saw western culture and value systems influence our society. Now that we have a professional producing company, it gives me the freedom to direct new work.

What is the appeal of The Scent Of A Man? The play is spicy, funny and fast-paced, which are the very ingredients that Indian audiences love. It’s in English, but the characters are colourful and appealing to all age groups over 18. Today’s relationships are bizarre and I see comedy in every

Forward gaze Ashvin Gidwani turns director with his home production, The Scent of a Man

emotion, feeling and connect.

Couples are together for various reasons: love, companionship.

They finally get habituated to each other which ends up in insecurities, misunderstandings and distrust. We take two such relationships, put them in a room together and exploit every emotion with comedy. The action centres on two married couples – Nikhil (Ash Chandler), a successful advertising executive and his intelligent, but slightly neurotic wife Mallika (Suchitra Pillai); and Tupperware lady Ananya (Bhavna Pani) and her husband Partho (Deven Khote), a teacher.

How hard is it to profit from English language stage plays?

Without institutional and government support and the necessary funding, it’s impossible to make a full-time career in theatre unless you are producing and dabbling in the other skill sets. Our growth lies in the enlightened corporates who believe in theatre to be a medium to develop their business. The entire West has made a business solution out of theatre but it always had the support and backing of their governments who believed it to be a part of their culture. In our country, they patronise only regional theatre.

With the incredible amount of talent that we have here, we could [use] theatre as a medium to bridge across our various states and communities.

NCPA Sun Jan 19 See Listings. www. timeoutmumbai.net/

theatre

72 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Lecture Iftikhar Dadi, an associate professor at Cornell University’s history of art department will present a lecture series titled “Modernism and the Art of Muslim South Asia”. Until Sat Jan 18.

Jnanapravaha, Queens Mansion, Third Floor, Near Cathedral & John Connon School, Ghanashyam Talwatkar Marg, Fort (2207-2974).

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Khadi Bhandar.

Registration `3,000.

Gallery Walkthrough Art curators Nancy Adajania and Ranjit Hoskote will conduct a walkthrough of the ongoing exhibition No Parsi is an Island which traces the work of Parsi artists the world over, from colonial times till the present day. See Isle of plenty on page 68.

The Dome, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Colaba (2288-1969). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. Tickets `10 for Indians, `150 for foreigners. 6.30pm.

Exhibitions Artisans’ Narratives of Our Own An

How to use this section Listings are divided by type: Art (Events, including lectures, workshops, performances and screenings; and Exhibitions); Books (including launches and readings); Dance and Theatre (including Comedy).

Address information for all Art events and exhibitions is mentioned at the end of the listing.

For Books, Dance and Theatre events, refer to the “Venues” section at the end of the Listings.

Venues are shut on public holidays, unless otherwise stated.

G denotes the nearest train station.

Y denotes the name of the nearest bus stop.

If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Gauri Vij. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee.

Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.

exhibition that pays tribute to Ganesh Jogi, a self-taught artist from the Paua community of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

52 -56, VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2267-3040).

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Museum. Daily 11am-7pm.

Art Musings Symphony of Silence Paresh Maity’s solo show features works in diverse media. Until Mon Jan 20.

1 Admiralty Building, Opposite Dunne’s Institute, Colaba Cross Lane, Colaba (2216-3339). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Sassoon Dock. Daily 10am-7pm.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum Epiphanies Artist Manisha Parekh’s solo show which includes an installation of jute sculptures and a series of graphite drawings. The artist is known for her work in painting, drawing and collage. From Fri Jan 24.

Special Projects Space, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (6556-0394).

G Byculla (CR Main). Y Jijamata Udyan. `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners. Thur-Tue10.45am5.45pm. Tickets are available till 5pm.

Chatterjee&Lal EDITOR’S PICK Voices From The Chamber Artworks by Rana Dasgupta, Samir Parker, Gagan Singh and Nityan Unnikrishnan that include sculptures, paintings, installations and photographs. Until Sat Jan 18.

Kamal Mansion, 01/18 First Floor, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba (22023787). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Radio Club.

Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.

Delhi Art Gallery EDITOR’S PICK The Art of Bengal Over 200 paintings dating back to the 1900s by Bengali artists are on display. These include the works of AP Bagchi, Asit Haldar, Dipen Bose, Ganesh Haloi, Jogen Chowdhury, Lalit Mohan Sen and Rabindranath Tagore. Ongoing.

VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort (4922-2700). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. Mon-Sat 10.30am - 7pm.

Galerie Isa Monsters of Silence German artist Martin Eder’s solo show of paintings.

Until Fri Jan 24.

132, Great Western Building, First Floor, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Opposite Lion Gate, Fort (6637-3432).

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Lion Gate. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.

Jehangir Art Gallery Solo show A display of veteran artist and designer Lalitha Lajmi’s paintings that have been rendered in

oils, watercolours and etching prints.

Until Tues Jan 21.

Mahatma Gandhi Road, Opposite Elphinstone College, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2284-3989). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Elphinstone College. Daily 11am-7pm.

Gallery Maskara 1914-2014 A solo show by Priyanka Choudhary to commemorate 100 years since the beginning of the First World War. The artist specialises in minimalism and performance art.

Ongoing.

Warehouse, 6/7 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba (2202-3056). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Colaba Market. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.

Jehangir Nicholson Art Gallery EDITOR’S PICK Mohan Samant: Paintings Late artist and musician Mohan Samant’s show featuring mixed-media works in oils, watercolours and paper cut-outs.

Ongoing.

East Wing, Second Floor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (22029613). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. `30 for Indians and `300 for foreigners. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm.

Galerie Max Mueller Pix: The Iran Issue A group show of 14 Iranian photographers, working from both within and outside Iran.

The works on display include documentary images, fictional narratives and art photography.

See picture box. From Thur Jan 23.

K Dubash Marg, Behind Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2284-4484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. Daily 11am-7pm.

Jhaveri Contemporary

National Gallery of Modern Art

Man and master An untitled painting by Paritosh Sen from Art of Bengal at Delhi Art Gallery

No Parsi is an Island An exhibition that traces the contribution of Parsis to the world of art and painting featuring works in diverse media by Jahangir Sabavala, MF Pithawalla, Piloo Pochkhanawala, Mehli Gobhai and Gieve Patel. Until Tues Jan 28. See Isle of plenty on page 68.

Cowasji Jehangir Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Opposite Museum,

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 73

Art & Culture

30|60|90 Solo show by Sehar Shah.

The artist tries to explore historical, political, cultural and religious iconographies through her creations.

The artworks on display include drawings, digital prints and sculptures. Ongoing.

Flat No 2, 58A Krishna Niwas, Next to Lakme Salon, Walkeshwar Road (2369-3639). G Charni Road (WR). Y Walkeshwar. Tues-Sat 11am-6pm.

Colaba (2288-1969). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Museum. `10 for Indians, `150 for foreigners. Tue-Sun 11am-6pm.

Critics’ choice The best events this fortnight

Percept Art Prabhakar Barwe – Retrospective Works created by the artist between 1955 and 1995.

Ongoing.

P2, Ground Level, Raghuvanshi Estate Compound, 11/12 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (32991696). G Lower Parel (WR).

Y Raghuvanshi Mills. Daily 11am-10pm

Art & Culture

Piramal Art Gallery The Dhawal Dhairyawan Retrospective A look at the works of the late Dhawal Dhairyawan, who was chief photographer at BBC Top Gear India and contributor to Lonely Planet. He was famous for capturing images of fast cars against picturesque backgrounds. From Sat Jan 18.

National Centre for the Performing Arts, Sir Dorabji Tata Road, Near Hilton Towers Hotel, Nariman Point (6622-3737). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y NCPA. Mon-Sat noon-8pm.

Premchand Roychand Gallery Flemish Masterpieces from Antwerp There will be 28 paintings by various seventeenth-century Dutch artists including Pieter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, David Teniers and Frans Snijders. Ongoing.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (22844484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum. `30 for Indians and `300 for foreigners. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm.

Tao Art Gallery Sold Out Skyline A solo show in acrylic and mixed media by Nanda Das. Until Tues Jan 28.

The View, Annie Besant Road, Worli (2491-8585). G Mahalaxmi (WR).

Y Lala Lajpatrai College. Daily 11am-7pm.

Books Sat Jan 25 Poetry Reading 6.30pm Authors Adil Jussawala, Jerry Pinto and Gieve Patel will participate in a poetry session titled “Three Bombay Poets”.

National Gallery of Modern Art

Tue Jan 28 Caferati@Prithvi 7pm Sing, dance, recite or declaim for two minutes. The floor is open to everyone and the session will have 25 slots of three minutes each.

Prithvi Cafe.

Thur Jan 30 Kathak 7pm Maestro Chitresh Das will present a kathak performance accompanied by Vikku Vinayakram on the ghatam.

Tata Theatre, NCPA. `750-225 for members and `1,000-300 for public.

Theatre English Common People 6pm & 9pm Dir: Akarsh Khurana. Writer: Apoorva Kale. Cast: Abir Abrar, Aseem Hattangady, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Chaitnya Sharma. 1hour 30mins.

Synopsis Two couples spend an evening at their recently deceased uncle’s seaside bungalow wondering what to do with their inherited money.

Prithvi Theatre. Sat Jan 25. `300.

Grease 7.30pm Dir: Advait Hazarat. Cast: Tara Sutaria, Khurshed Mogrelia, Cyrus Broacha, Karla Singh, NGMA Shahriyar Atai, Dilnaz Irani and An exhibition that traces the contribution of Parsis to the Siddharth Meghani.

Synopsis A musical based on the world of art and painting. Until Tues Jan 28 popular film of the same name starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. The production includes live singing and aerial acts.

NCPA Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA. Sat A performance that takes inspiration from the works of Jan 25 & Sun Jan 26. `5,000-375 for members and `5,000-500 for public. composer Beethoven and author Vikram Seth (see pic).

Screening – Frankenstein Wed Jan 29 Dir: Danny Boyle. Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jonny Lee Miller, Ella Smith and others. 2hrs 10mins.

Prithvi Theatre Synopsis A theatrical production of A light hearted comedy about an NRI family where the son Mary Shelley’s classic novel about an is newly married, and the hilarious situations that follow. eccentric scientist, Frankenstein, who creates a monster with an unorthodox Sun Jan 26 experiment.

Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA. Sun Jan Tanjore style, will perform at this 26, 3pm & 6pm; Mon Jan 27 & Tues Thur Jan 30 month’s Umang.

Jan 28, 6.30pm. `500.

Book Discussion 5pm Little Theatre, NCPA. Admission free Rafta Rafta 5pm & 8pm Sujata Anandan, political editor at and open to all.

Dirs: Tahira Nath & Akarsh Khurana.

Hindustan Times, Hitakshi Saigal of Contemporary 6pm Writer: Ayub Khan Din. Cast: Abir TISS and Seema Sharma, lecturer in Renowned dancer Astad Deboo will Abrar, Adhir Bhat, Dilshad Edibam, the department of English at Jai Hind present a performance titled Dancing Adhaar Khurana, Akarsh Khurana, College will discuss Rahul Pandita’s with Angels to celebrate artist and Kshitee Jog. 1hour 40mins.

Our Moon Has Blood Clots: The musician Mohan Samant’s current art Synopsis A light-hearted comedy Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. exhibition. The show tries to bring about a large NRI family whose son is Nehru Centre Library out the relationship that exists about to get married. between various forms of Prithvi Theatre. Sun Jan art.

26. `300.

Jehangir Nicholson Art Some Times 7pm & Large canvas Gallery. Admission 9.30pm Artist Lalitha Lajmi is free and open to all.

Dir: Adhaar Khurana. the sister of late actorfilmmaker Guru Dutt, and Writer: Adhir Bhat.

Cast: Bobby Nagra, appeared in the movie Wed Jan 29 Karan Pandit , Sarang Taare Zameen Par. Fri Jan 17 Contemporary 7pm Sathaye, Chaitanya Contemporary 8.30pm Vikram Iyengar directs Sharma, Kashin Shetty, Graduates from Shiamak Davar’s onea performance piece titled Shikha Talsania. 1hour year dance certification programme Those Who Could Not Hear 20mins. and members of his troupe present a The Music. It takes inspiration Synopsis Paramjit Singh Duggal, an modern dance show titled Selcouth. from the music of Beethoven and advertising executive who is beset with The act involves Indo-contemporary author Vikram Seth’s popular novel, demands from his employer, parents and modern movement, and An Equal Music. The piece tries to and girlfriend, finds some respite when performance-based visuals. explore how one deals with going he’s with his crazy friends.

Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA. deaf, through the means of letters Prithvi Theatre. Thur Jan 23. `250. `1000-500. written by Beethoven to his brothers The Curious Climb of Cutter Chee and by Julia, the protagonist of 6pm & 9pm Seth’s novel, to her lover. See Skeletal Dir: Benjamin Samuels. Cast: Fri Jan 24 compulsions on page 69.

Prashansa Sharma, Gaurav Bharatanatyam 7pm Experimental Theatre, NCPA. Karmakar, Tanvee Ravi, Chirag Lobo, Prachi Saathi, trained under Vaibhav `270-225 for members and `300-250 Aditi Bheda, Mikhail Sen, Tushar Arekar and Lata Raman in the for public.

Mathew. 1hour 45mins.

Art No Parsi is an Island

Dance Those Who Could Not Hear The Music

Theatre Rafta Rafta

Dance Shows

74 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Gujarati I’m Bawa And I Know It 7pm Writer/Dir: Meherzad Patel. Cast: Danesh Khambata, Danesh Irani, Dinyar Tirandaz and others. 1hour 30mins.

Synopsis A hilarious comedy about a young homosexual Parsi couple who cook up a crazy story as they want to get married and inherit their parents’ house.

Tata Theatre, NCPA. Sat Jan 18. `570150 for members and `760-200 for public.

Sangam Shukla, Mithilesh Maihar, Sharma, Om Katare, Anand Pandey Manav Pande and others. 2hrs and others. 2hrs.

10mins.

Synopsis A comedy about members Synopsis The story of a bunch of of a housing society attempting to people who come to Bombay to pursue present a Ramleela performance, their dreams but go through some enacting characters from the difficult times.

Ramayana. The comedy of errors Prithvi Theatre. Tues Jan 28. `150. turns this Ramleela into a Raavanleela.

Prithvi Theatre. Sat Jan 18 & Sun Jan Comedy 19, 11am. `400.

Battle of Da Sexes 6.30pm Mysore Association Auditorium. Sat Written and performed by comedian Jan 25, 8pm.

Vir Das, this performance tries to Tartuffe A Two Faced Comedy tackle the age-old fight between the 6pm & 9pm. sexes.

Dir: Daniel Goldman. Writer: Moliere.

St Andrew’s Auditorium. Sun Jan 19.

Cast: Sambhaji Sasane, Harish `3,000-1,000.

Kulkarni, Archana Patel Best in Stand-Up 8.30pm Nandi and others. 1hour Double whammy Ashish Shakya, Angad 45mins.

Both Benedict Ranyal and Vipul Goyal Synopsis For adults Cumberbatch and Jonny perform. only, the play is a Lee Miller won the Blue Frog. Fri Jan 17.

Hindi adaptation of Olivier Award, named `500.

French playwright after renowned actor Best in Stand-Up Moliere’s comedy Laurence Olivier, in 2012 8.30pm play, Tartuffe.

Prithvi Theatre. Tues for their performances in Vipul Goyal, Karunesh Frankenstein.

Talwar and Atul Khatri Jan 21. `150. bring on the laughs.

Teri Meri Prem Kahaani Blue Frog. Sat Jan 18. `500.

Dir: Om Katare. Cast: Katare, India’s Best Stand-Up Comedy Sanjeev Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Night 8.30 & 10.30pm Paromita Chatterjee, Tasha Kapoor, Comedians Sapan Rao, Sandeep Sonali Wal and others. 2hrs.

Verma and Abish Mathew take the Synopsis A story of one-sided love, stage. based on Dus Din Ka Anshan by Canvas Laugh Factory. Sat Jan 18 & Harishankar Parsai.

Sun Jan 19. `750.

Prithvi Theatre. Fri Jan 17 & Sat Jan India’s Best Stand-Up Comedy 18. `400.

Night 8.30 & 10.30pm Mysore Association Auditorium. Sun Ashish Shakya, Sahil Shah, Aditi Jan 26, 8pm.

Mittal perform.

Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan 6pm & Canvas Laugh Factory. Thur Jan 9pm 23-Sun Jan 26. `750-600.

Dir/Writer: Nadira Babbar. Cast:

Hindi Begum Jaan 6pm & 9pm Dir: Nadira Babbar. Cast: Anup Soni, Juhi Babbar-Soni, Nadira Babbar.

2hrs 10mins.

Synopsis The play traces the story of an old classical singer, through the narration of events in her life. It journeys from pre-Partition days to the present day.

Prithvi Theatre. Thur Jan 30. `400.

Hadh Kar Di Aapne 6pm & 9pm Dir: Om Katare. Writer: Mir Muneer.

Cast: Om Katare, Damini Kanwal, Astha Arora and others. 2hrs.

Synopsis A 50-year-old man lives happily with his 45-year-old wife and his adult daughter. Chaos strikes when his wife announces that she’s pregnant.

Prithvi Theatre. Sun Jan 19. Tickets `400.

Ji, Jaisi Aapki Marzi 6pm Dir: Nadira Babbar. Cast: Deeksha Aggarwal, Rashmi Pote, Sangeeta Mody and others. 1hour 30mins.

Synopsis A series of four monologues by women from different strata and societies.

Prithvi Theatre. Wed Jan 29. Tickets `150.

Raavanleela Writer/Dir: Om Katare. Cast: Ashok

Beyond borders Pix: The Iran Issue Max Mueller Bhavan presents an exhibition of images by 14 upcoming and established Iranian photographers. The display attempts to bring out Iran’s relationship with other South Asian countries by portraying life within the country. A special section contains pictures by Mahdieh Mirhabibi and Majid Saeedi, Iranians who have left their homeland to live in other areas embroiled in conflict, Somalia and Afghanistan respectively. Other featured photographers include Gholam Reza Yazdan, Azadeh Akhlaghi and Dariush Kiani.

Galerie Max Mueller, From Thur Jan 23.

The Traveling Pants 8pm Sorabh Pant and Azeem Banatwalla present humorous takes on travelling around the world.

Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA. Fri Jan 17. `360 for members and `400 for public.

Workshops Parados to Stage Avneesh Mishra and Shashi Chaturvedi of the production company Rangshila will conduct an acting and theatre workshop for beginners. The syllabus includes classes in improvisation, physical exercise, voice and speech and scene work. Plus, there will also be training in stage production.

Actors Tom Alter, Benjamin Gilani and Sudhir Pandey are among the guest faculty that will conduct lectures.

Samarth Aishwarya Building.

Weekends 9am-12pm. Call 9820728009 or 99300-61138 for more details. Until Sun Mar 23.

Venues Canvas Laugh Factory Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4348-5000). G Lower Parel (WR). Y Phoenix Mills.

Blue Frog Zeba Centre, New Mahalaxmi Mills Compound, Opposite Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (40332300). G Lower Parel (WR).

Y Kamala Mills.

Jehangir Nicholson Gallery East Wing, Second Floor, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda (2202-9613). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Museum.

Mysore Association Auditorium 393, Bhaudaji Road, Near Maheshwari Udyan, Brhmanwada, Matunga (E) (2402-4647). G Matunga (CR Main). Y King’s Circle.

National Centre for the Performing Arts NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Near Hilton Towers (6622-3737). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour).

Y Nariman Point.

National Gallery of Modern Art Mahatma Gandhi Road, Opposite Museum, Colaba (2288-1969).

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Museum.

Nehru Centre Library, First Floor, Discovery of India Building, Annie Besant Road, Worli (2498-3921).

G Mahalaxmi (WR). Y Poonam Chambers.

Prithvi Theatre Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle (W) (26149546). G Vile Parle (WR & CR Harbour). Y Juhu Bus Depot.

Samarth Aishwarya Building 807, B Wing, Adarsh Nagar, Lokhandwala, Andheri (W) (98207-28009). G Andheri (WR & CR Harbour). Y Indian Oil Nagar.

St Andrew’s Auditorium St Andrew’s College, 7th Road, St Dominic Road, Bandra (W) (2641-0926). G Bandra (WR & CR Harbour). Y Holy Family Hospital.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 75

Art & Culture

Synopsis This comic satire is about Cutter Chee, a small-time gangster who rises through tactics of opportunism and manipulation, to eventually become a terrifying “don of dons”. The play has been inspired by The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, written by Bertolt Brecht.

Prithvi Theatre. Wed Jan 22. `150.

Screening – The Habit of Art 6.30pm Dir: Nicholas Hytner. Writer: Alan Bennett. Cast: Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings, Frances de la Tour and others.2hrs 35mins.

Synopsis The play looks at the desires, inspirations and reflections of poet WH Auden and composer Benjamin Britten, through fictional encounters between them.

Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA. Mon Jan 20-Thur Jan 23. `500.

The Scent of a Man 7pm Dir: Ashwin Gidwani. Writer: Ivan Rodrigues. Cast: Ash Chandler, Bhavna Pani, Deven Khote and Suchitra Pillai. 1hour 40mins.

Synopsis An adult comedy that explores the themes of lust, lies and infidelity. See Three questions with Ashwin Gidwani on page 72.

Tata Theatre, NCPA. Sun Jan 19. `1,125-375 for members and `1,500500 for public.

TEJAL PANDEY

Film

Framing device Cinematographer KU Mohanan on the Miss Lovely set

Fact versus fiction KU Mohanan, a veteran cinematographer of documentaries, talks to Aniruddha Guha about adjusting to the world of feature films.

I

n over 22 years as a cinematographer, KU Mohanan has shot only eight-nine Hindi feature films, among them Talaash, Don, We Are Family, and last year’s sleeper hit, Fukrey. While there’s little a cinematographer can explore in largely straitjacketed mainstream films, Mohanan made a striking impression with his work on Talaash, about a cop investigating the disappearance of several people on a street near a brothel.

The Reema Kagti-directed suspense thriller, featuring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherji, Kareena Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, but everyone agreed the film’s cinematography stood out.

Talking to Mohanan, a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) graduate, is reaffirming – the director of photography of several documentaries says he’s involved in movie-making for artistic gratification rather than commercial reasons, even as he’s struggled to hold on to an idealistic approach to cinema which, he believes, was ingrained

in him at the institute. “When you graduate from FTII, you are ready to change cinema. But stepping out of there and into the real world can be a rude shock – art takes a back-seat.” So, Mohanan took the next best step – he dedicated all his time to shooting documentary films, “the purest form of cinema.”

Don happened 16 years later. During these years, there was only one feature Mohanan worked on – Mani Kaul’s Naukar Ki Kameez.

Kaul, the beacon for artistic cinema in the country, approached Mohanan to shoot his film, something the cinematographer didn’t think could happen in his wildest dreams. When Mohanan was studying cinematography at FTII, Kaul would perform workshops for students studying direction, and Mohanan sneaked in to listen to the master. “Kaul was an institute in himself. Working on Naukar Ki Kameez was like attending yet

another cinema workshop. Every night after pack-up, he would sit and talk, and the entire unit – right down to the spot boy – would listen with rapt attention. Most times, he wouldn’t just talk about cinema, but life in general. He believed ideas could come from anywhere.”

Among the documentaries Mohanan worked on during this period, was John & Jane, director Ashim Ahluwalia’s widely appreciated non-fiction film.

When Ahluwalia was ready to make his first feature – about the ’80s Bombay porn film industry, called Miss Lovely – he decided to collaborate with the cinematographer again.

Mohanan says the two have a similar approach to cinema, in that they are both driven by form rather than content. “We are a country obsessed with stories.

The emphasis on content is so high that the art of telling a story takes a backseat. There’s no cinema in that.”

We are a country obsessed with stories. The emphasis on content is so high that the art of telling a story takes a backseat

76 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Miss Lovely’s recce was an intensive process, says Mohanan.

The setting – like Talaash’s – required the film to be shot in dark, seedy places. In both films, Mohanan captures the grime of the underbelly with flourish, with the help of distinct colour palettes and tightly-shot, dimly-lit frames. “The difference between the two films,” says Mohanan, “is that while lighting a scene in Miss Lovely, I was only concerned about the space I was shooting. I didn’t need to worry about what my actors looked like – the entire frame was one cohesive unit. With Talaash, I needed to keep the actors’ faces in mind too. It’s a tougher challenge – to get the desired results while ensuring the actors looked good.”

Mohanan got to “bring in some art” in Talaash, and that can be seen in the way Kareena Kapoor’s scenes were lit (in hindsight, it went with the supernatural element relating to her character), especially the song “Jiya Lage Na”, which has Khan’s character follow Kapoor across a crowded street in many slow-mo shots.

Farhan Akhtar’s Don was another film, Mohanan says, where the emphasis to form overrode the priority given to content. “Everyone already knew the story. The challenge was to present it in a new manner, visually. It had to be stylised and edgy. I experimented a lot with the lighting and lensing, using a large number of wide-angle and lowangle shots.” While talking about Don, Mohanan points out that cinematographer Nariman Irani’s work on the original film, directed

by Chandra Barot, was rather stylish and ahead of its time.

In recent times, Mohanan shot Fukrey, which he was drawn to after he read the script, even though it had little scope for flamboyant cinematography. But there’s plenty of flamboyance to look forward to in Miss Lovely, which will finally be out for the Indian public, almost two years after it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival. The reviews in the international media weren’t too encouraging, but Mohanan says the version being released in India is a more updated one.

“The new cut is looking great. Miss Lovely is the kind of film that allows me to live my passion. That’s rare for an artist.”

Miss Lovely opens Fri Jan 17. www. timeoutmumbai.net/ film

Celluloid poet A new biography looks at the life and work of Sahir Ludhianvi, says Uday Bhatia.

Akshay Manwani is the only person we know who might conceivably have posters of Jane Goodall, Michael Jordan and Guru Dutt up in his room. This one-time financial services professional quit his corporate job, and later, his family business, to work as a freelance writer. He blogs about basketball for NBA India in his free time, and has travelled to East Africa to see the Virunga gorillas. His latest venture is a book (his first) on preeminent Hindi film lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi (Pyaasa, Kabhie Kabhie). Manwani spoke to Time Out about how Ludhianvi brought his personal life to bear on his lyrics.

In the introduction, you frankly state that your understanding of Urdu isn’t expert…

I don’t know anything about Faiz or Majaz’s poetry. Even with Sahir, my intention was to do something that established his legacy in Hindi cinema, not as an Urdu poet.

However, once I started reading about him and the structure started taking shape, I realised that you couldn’t explain Sahir’s songwriting without referring to his non-film poetry, because so much of this poetry finds its way into his films. For instance, “Jinhen Naaz Hai Hind Par” from Pyaasa is essentially a poem of his called “Chakle”.

Did you do the translations yourself?

I did. I think that was the most difficult part for me. I’ve erred on the side of caution. I didn’t want to get too florid or flamboyant because I’m not a poet and you have to be

very familiar with Urdu language and culture to translate it into English properly.

Did you have a structure in mind when you started?

I had an idea that it needed to be a linear biography; that I had to take the reader through Sahir’s childhood, his college years, his brush with the Progressive Writer’s Movement, before we come to his film years. As Sahir said, “Duniya ne tajurbaat-o-havadis ki shakl mein jo kuchh mujhe diya hai, wo lauta raha hun main”, which basically means, “Whatever the world has given me by way of experience or accident, I’m returning it now”.

So I had to give the reader an understanding of his dysfunctional childhood, the fallout between his parents, his contempt for crimes against women… If you don’t give the readers a flavour of that, you cannot explain why he’s written, “Aurat ne janam diya mardon ko, mardon ne use baazaar diya.”

What made Sahir such a popular film personality in his own right?

Till 1957, Sahir was in SD Burman’s shadow. If you look at his early work with Burman – Baazi, Jaal, Taxi Driver – these are frothy songs, love songs, and the hardhitting political element is mostly absent. But he fell out with Burman and OP Nayyar, and never worked with them after. Add to that the fact that he never collaborated with Naushad or ShankarJaikishen, and you have a lyricist

who, despite not working with the four biggest music directors of his time, was able to produce hit after hit. He worked magic with composers who weren’t on the same commercial level as, say, a Naushad: Khayyam in Phir Subah Hogi, Roshan in Taj Mahal, Ravi in Gumrah and Waqt, and Jaidev in Hum Dono and Mujhe Jeene Do. You quote Gulzar as saying that Ludhianvi was the only Hindi film lyricist to succeed on his own terms. Do you agree with this assessment?

Sahir ignored the rules of the film medium. If you look at a lesser film like Shagoon, there’s this song that starts off nice and romantic, but then suddenly introduces the line “Iss raat mein gam ka zeher bhi hai”. From there, it goes into social comment, talking about how there’s so much money out there which simply disappears.

The film had nothing to do with these themes – Sahir is forcing them upon us.

A counterexample is that of Majrooh Sultanpuri, who was as much of a progressive poet as Sahir. But Majrooh never brought his progressive ideology into his films. For him, songwriting and progressive poetry existed as two watertight compartments, whereas Sahir integrated his ideology into film songs.

Sahir Ludhianvi: The People’s Poet HarperCollins India, `399

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 77

Film

There’s very little critical writing on any Hindi film lyricist. What made you decide to focus on Sahir Ludhianvi?

I initially toyed with the idea of doing something on the five main lyricists – Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shailendra, Shakeel Badayuni, Kaifi Azmi and Sahir. But I finally decided that I wanted to dwell on their personal lives. I started looking at their individual stories.

Sahir’s personal life, full of turmoil and tumult, stood out.

Looking for a lyric Akshay Manwani

Film

Reviews Dedh Ishqiya Ishqiya, Abhishek Chaubey’s debut film, was spunky, stylish and quirky, and marked Chaubey’s promotion from screenwriter (for Vishal Bhardwaj’s films) to assured filmmaker. Yet, it’s with Dedh Ishqiya – the sequel to the 2010 sleeper hit – that you get a real sense of Chaubey’s command over craft.

Dedh Ishqiya has its problems, best dealt with at the beginning of this review so we can then delve into the (many) good parts. A threadbare plot is one – it’s onedimensional and straightforward, and to some degree recycles events of the first part.

Babban (Arshad Warsi) and Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) are still small-time goons on the run from the dreaded Mushtaq bhai, and are as foolish in love as they were earlier. As opposed to falling in love with the same woman in Ishqiya, they fall in love with two different women this time – Khaalu with the widow Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit-Nene), and Babban with the wily Munniya (Huma Qureshi). The slightly irksome similarity between the two films appears in the form of a far-fetched kidnapping plot, and when unconvincing motives of some characters come to light.

It’s the story (by Darab Farooqui), then, that’s the only mediocre aspect about Dedh Ishqiya. But the storytelling sets it apart. Chaubey and co-writer Vishal Bhardwaj’s screenplay is filled with masterfully written scenes, which are staged to perfection by the director. The writing is consistently poetic – which goes well with the old-world Lucknowi royalty setting – and every scene is executed with equal lyricism. Chaubey’s staging of the scenes is outstanding, and his ability to get the best out of his actors seems like the handiwork of an accomplished filmmaker.

Beautifully aiding Chaubey’s cause is some fantastic, and largely Urdu, dialogues by Bhardwaj, replete with charming analogies and irony. It’s a brave move, commercially – the liberal use of Urdu dialogues in a mainstream Hindi film – but it goes a long way in establishing the right mood and flavour. You’ll probably want to watch the film

78 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Leaning in Naseeruddin Shah and Madhuri Dixit-Nene in Dedh Ishqiya

a second time, only to soak in the atmosphere and to play the dialogues over in your head again.

Also worthy of praise is Subrata Chakraborthy’s production design and Satyajit Pande’s cinematography. It’s these elements that make Dedh Ishqiya a modern film even as it keeps its old-world charm intact.

Chaubey and Bhardwaj pepper the film with delightful movie references. From a dialogue about the need for the Batman and the Joker to co-exist so both have a purpose in life, to the one where Babban refers to the Japanese mafia custom of slashing fingers off (a hat-tip to Bhardwaj’s favourite filmmaker Takeshi Kitano’s films). My favourite is the throwback to the famous “When you have to shoot, shoot. Don’t talk” line from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, transformed into “Jab bandook haath main ho na, toh sher padha nahi, maara jaata hai”.

The actors lift up the written material. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi carry forward some of the fantastic chemistry they displayed in Ishqiya, both playing off each other’s strengths.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene fits into the role of a nawabi begum like a hand in a glove. It should be mentioned here that the makers don’t seem awed by her presence; she gets to portray everything we associate with the actor – grace, charm and those fantastic dancing skills – without it ever weighing down the film. Huma Qureshi plays

feisty better than most young female actors today, and makes a wonderful impression once again. Manoj Pahwa needs all of three-four scenes to ensure he leaves a mark.

But it’s Vijay Raaz – who we incidentally first noticed in another Shah film, Monsoon Wedding – who steals the show.

The long-haired villain stood out in the Delhi Belly cast, and he does so again in Dedh Ishqiya. He plays hopeless lover, clueless shayar, evil egotist – all with charming ease, and gives us a delicious villain, so missing on the Hindi cinema landscape at the moment.

Right from when the first trailer of the film released – the one about the seven stages of love – Dedh Ishqiya has been a movie to feverishly look forward to, and it more than meets expectations.

After Rajkumar Hirani’s two Munnabhai films, each of which stood out for their individual brilliance, it’s the two Ishqiya films that achieve the feat (incidentally, Warsi has acted in all four). It’s dark, sardonic and funny. Don’t miss 2014’s first great Hindi film.

Aniruddha Guha Opened Fri Jan 10.

Dir Abhishek Chaubey.

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, Madhuri DixitNene, Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz and Manoj Pahwa.

2 hours 32 mins. ;

The Armstrong Lie

Film

Dir: Alex Gibney.

Documentary.

2 hours 2 mins. < Injected with new strains of mild guilt and a persecution complex, Lance Armstrong mostly maintains his post-scandal stance in Alex Gibney’s frustrating exposé (one that’s tempting to label a fiction, given the central performance). The director sat with the celebrity cyclist during his attempted 2009 comeback for what was intended to be a heroic profile, then in 2013 for a chat that doesn’t go as far as the Oprah confession.

Narrating the film himself, Gibney makes no secret of his own disappointment, a risky move with a tinge of ego: he lied to me, too?

Regardless, there’s much of value here, including a revealing miniprofile of Italian sports doctor Michele Ferrari – a shady figure – and some damning testimony from former teammates like Frankie Andreu and George Hincapie. An impressive amount of chemistry is explained clearly and engagingly, and Gibney goes further than any film to date in probing the bigmoney ramifications that would lead even official bodies to turn the other way. Yet given Armstrong’s squirminess on the couch, you’ll wish this profile had traded a portion of its deep background for a little in-the-moment boldness. Joshua Rothkopf Opens Fri Jan 24.

Carrie Not much has changed since the 1970s. Teenage girls can still be pure evil. And now they come with iPhones. So that “plug it up” tampon scene – when Carrie gets her first period – ends up on YouTube in this remake starring Chloë Moretz and Julianne Moore as her God-bothering mum. As remakes go, it isn’t as lame as it could be. Director Kimberly Peirce (who made Boys Don’t Cry, another film about an outcast trapped by small town bullies) gets inside the psychology of her characters more than Brian De Palma did in 1976.

But her Carrie is no match for the spooks and shocks of the original – which still gives The Shining a run for its money as the best film of a Stephen King novel.

Moretz is unnervingly talented, but Carrie is not a role she was born to play. She hasn’t a victim’s bone in her body and fluffs the early scenes when the mean girls pick

Young blood Chloë Grace Moretz

on her. Moretz’s Carrie comes into her own when she wreaks havoc at the prom and in the after-party rampage scene. It’s only in the final 20 minutes, after the pig’s blood scene (nothing new there), that Carrie grabs you by the throat with a fireworks display of Carrie’s telekinetic freakouts. Too little,

a little too late. Cath Clarke Opens Fri Jan 17.

Dir: Kimberly Peirce. Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer.

1 hour 40 mins. ;

American Hustle In the six-year absence that followed 2004’s delirious I Heart Huckabees, David O Russell seemingly acquired a taste for studio filmmaking – but that’s not quite the same as going mainstream.

The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook played as exciting experiments to see just how much of Russell’s clattering, chaotic creative sensibility could survive the Hollywood formulae of the boxing movie and rom-com, respectively.

A lot, it turns out, and American Hustle, his whirling, wilful take on the con caper, is no different; with much of its sensational ensemble drawn from Russell’s two previous films, it’s a loose trilogy-capper.

“Loose” is the operative word throughout. “Some of this actually happened,” quips an introductory title card, as the film launches into a fictionalised, digressive account of the FBI’s notorious Abscam sting of the late 1970s. The plot, in which Christian Bale’s dopey New Jersey dry-cleaner moonlighting as an art forger Irving Rosenfeld is coerced by sleazy federal agent Richie DiMaso (a poodle-permed Bradley Cooper) into a plot to bring down several high-ranking politicians, is certainly knotty enough.

But ultimately story is secondary to Russell’s delicious detailing of character and milieu. A brilliant, wordless opening scene, in which

80 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Bale applies a vole-like toupée to his bald pate with heartbreaking care, sets the tone for a film as much about personal disguises as professional ones.

It’s also a love story, oddly affecting in its cold-heartedness, between two falsely confident tricksters: Rosenfeld is alternately wooed and wound up by slippery Sydney (a fierce Amy Adams), as his garish Jersey-girl wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) watches from the sidelines. Wounded but powerfully deranged, belting out “Live and Let Die” in her literally gilded suburban cage, Lawrence

is entirely extraordinary here, improving on the performance that won her an Oscar for Russell’s last film. Long may this collaboration continue: in her, he’s found the ideal firestarter for his brand of lively, fraying human comedy.

Guy Lodge Opens Fri Jan 17.

Dir: David O Russell. Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner.

2 hours 9 mins. :

Fur real Jennifer Lawrence

Other film screenings

Film

Alliance Française Seating on first-come-first-served basis.

Fri Jan 17, 6.30pm Have You Seen the Arana?

Set in Wayanad, part of the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats in South India, this documentary is an observation of a region that is witnessing drastic transformation in the name of “development”. As forests begin to disappear and traditional ways are replaced with modern ones, environmental concerns grow. It won the John Abraham National Award 2013 for best documentary film and received a special mention at the 6th International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK).

(1 hour 13 mins) Mon Jan 20, 6.30pm La Fille Du 14 Juillet Directed by Antonin Peretjako, this French comedy was first presented at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.

(1 hour 28 mins) Mon Jan 27, 6.30pm L’esquive Winner of various awards including Best Film at the César Awards in 2003, the French drama revolves around a bunch of teenagers who are practising a passage from the play L’esquive. One of the students falls in love with Lydia, the lead actress. But what is to become of the play? (2 hours 3 mins) Tue Jan 28, 6.30pm Ekti Nadir Naam The debut work of Anup Singh (of Qissa fame), the documentary-styled film looks at a love story between a man and a woman crossing the river between Bangladesh and India.

Through the lovers, the director is trying to explore the life and work of Indian filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak.

(1 hour 30 mins) Alliance Française, 40 Theosophy Hall, Vitthaldas Thackersey Marg, New Marine Lines, Churchgate (22036187) G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Nirmala Niketan, Mon-Fri 11am-5pm.

Pensive A still from Blind Man's Bluff

of the Irani chaiwallas from Persia to the cafes of Bombay. (29 mins) National Gallery of Modern Art, Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort ( 2288-1969)G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) Y Shyam Mukherji Chowk.

NCPA Admission on a first-come-firstserved basis.

Wed Jan 22, 6pm With You, Without You The seventh feature film of director Prasanna Vithanage, the film traces the life of a lonely and tortured Sarathsiri, who falls in love with the beautiful Selvi, and his life transforms. But fate seemed to have other plans for him as he bumps into an old friend, which opens up forgotten wounds. Will Sarathsiri be able to put his past behind him and move on? (1 hour 30 mins)

Till We Meet Again A documentary by Rahul Roy, Till We Meet Again is a sequel to the director’s When Four Friends Meet.

The four protagonists meet after 10 years and reflect on how much their lives have changed. (1 hour 29 mins) Thur Jan 23, 6pm Men at Work A domestic worker, a young Gurkha, boys at residential institutions and men in a motor garage repair store – all of them are living a life of mundane happenings. The film shows the everyday rituals that make up the world of men. (1 hour 4 mins) Zinda Bhaag Winner of the Mosaic Heritage Festival MISAFF 2013, Canada for best film, best music and two awards in the acting category, the Pakistani fiction feature has been directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjab Nabi.

Starring Naseeruddin Shah, the film is set against the backdrop of illegal immigration in Pakistan.

(2 hours 4 mins) Little Theatre, National Centre for Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point (2282-4567).

G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Y Nariman Point.

Prithvi Theatre Mon Jan 27, 7pm In the Year of the Pig An Academy Award nominee, this black-and-white documentary contains historical footage of the Vietnam War. Director Emile De Antonio has put together interviews with politicians, journalists and key military personnel who speak about the war. (1 hour 43 mins) Mamaiji A short film directed by Oorvazi Irani about a grandmother from Iran who now lives in India. (7 mins) Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu (2614-9546).

G Vile Parle (WR, CR & Harbour) Y Juhu Bus Depot.

Russian Culture Centre Fri Jan 17, 6pm Blind Man’s Bluff Two young men, Sergei and Simon, have to deliver a suitcase full of heroin to Mikhalych or else they lose their lives. With over 20 Russian movie stars under disguise, this thrillercomedy has been directed by Aleksey Balabanov. (1 hour 51 mins) Mon Jan 20, 6pm Sonny A tense relationship between a father and son leads a young man into unexpected danger in this drama from Russian director Larisa Sadilova. Andrei was just a baby when his mother split up with his father, leaving Igor alone to raise his son. Igor is a conscientious parent who had dedicated his life to his son, but Andrei grows tired of his father’s possessiveness and wants freedom. He steals his father’s car and drives away, unaware of the events that will make him the prime suspect of a killing. (1 hour 30 mins) Fri Jan 24, 6pm Hooked After a victory at a cyber sport tournament, the winning gamers are awarded CDs with a brand new game.

After playing this game, each of them is affected with some force, turning their gaming abilities into real ones.

They each become the best fighters, shooters and racers in real life.

(1 hour 30 mins) Mon Jan 27, 6pm Sochi. City Mythical and Real A documentary about Sochi as the capital of 2014 Winter Olympics, it was also presented at the Berlin film festival. The film consists of two parts, and the second part is called Sochi. Games in Harmony with Nature. (26 mins) Russian Cultural Centre, 31 A, Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, Peddar Road (2351-0793). G Grant Road(WR) Y Sophia College.

Bhavan’s Cultural Centre Fri Jan 24, 6.30pm Aarambh A Marathi film directed by Akshway Datt, Aarambh is a film about child molestation, and narrates the story of a couple and their young daughter.

(1 hour 40 mins) Bhavan’s Cultural Centre, Bhavan’s College, Munshinagar, Dadabhai Road, Andheri (W) (6697-0066) G Andheri (WR & CR Harbour) Y Bhavan’s College.

National Gallery of Modern Art Tue Jan 21, 6.30pm Café Irani Chai Director Mansoor Yezdi talks about his ancestors through this documentary, and traces the journey

82 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Red Hair Day A still from Zinda Bhaag

OFIRA REUBEN

Music & Nightlife

What goes around comes around Boomarang has a new album

Home run Mizo alternative outfit Boomarang discusses their latest album with Paul Dharamraj. ormed in early 2005, Mizoram-based alternative rockers Boomarang [sic] were runners-up at the Independence Rock music competition two years later and then almost went off the radar.

Despite the multi-city tour and an EP, Rhythm of a Revolution, being released in 2007, the band remained largely dormant, as far as subsequent releases were concerned. Earlier this year though, the band was signed on

by Universal Music to feature on a special new platform called Contrabands, which also includes gigging and a promotional partnership with VH1 and Hard Rock Cafe. Now armed with a new setlist drawn from their debut fulllength album Home, Boomarang is back on the circuit.

“Lots of bands registered with Contrabands and wanted to be signed, but I guess we were the ‘chosen ones’”, said frontman Athea with a grin, doing his best impression of Morpheus from late ’90s cult classic The Matrix.

F

Boomarang have seen a drastic shift in their sound ever since their EP days, when they started out covering American rap-rock band Rage Against the Machine.

The title track, also the first single off the album, traverses slightly different sonic territory.

They’ve embraced their funk/pop influences, evident from the vocal melodies inspired by hard rock ballads of the ’80s, pegged to a series of guitar hooks and rhythm-section grooves.

“I guess it’s the evolution of our sound over the years,” guitarist Booma Hangsing explained. “We’ve now finally developed a signature sound after all these years of jamming, which is great.”

There’s less political angst in this recent batch of songwriting compared to the days when Athea would croon “Hey, you can’t get to heaven with an AK-47”, on their single “War”, with an audible hint

of passive aggression lurking between the melodies. “Well, we’re just not as angry anymore!” says Athea. “We don’t want to sound like a band with a political agenda. Sure, we were angry before, when we were younger.

But at this point, we just want to represent the collective artistic side of the band.”

Nevertheless, they’ve still included songs from the EP on the album, like the jazzfunk anthem “Who Do You Want to Be” that got around the scene in 2007, after it was on the Great Indian Rock festival compilation album. It is material they’re still proud of and have played at most sets, including their big festival sets opening for American metalcore stalwarts Lamb of God and iconic nu-metal progenitors Korn in 2010 and 2012 respectively. “It was such an amazing experience to meet and shake hands with these

We don't want to sound like a band with a political agenda

bands,” said Hangsing, wearing a Korn T-shirt at the interview.

“We’ve grown up listening to Korn, so it was great.”

Once they’re finished with one round of touring, they’ll return to their hometown Aizawl, where it’s back to the grind. Hangsing returns to his involvement with an online music reality show, Scavenger Rock, which he believed gave a platform to struggling bands in Mizoram. Meanwhile, Athea continues work with his online television station, ROARTV (the name is the acronym of their EP's title). They’ve already begun to put together material for a second album, with five new songs in the pipeline. But new direction aside, it’s the seminal influences which sometimes bring a band together and stubbornly refuse to be shaken off. As Boomarang began to run a sound check at Hard Rock Cafe, it wasn’t long before they broke into an immaculately covered version of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade”, just for old time’s sake.

Home is available on Flipkart, `175.

www. timeoutmumbai.net/ music

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 83

Shiny happy people Fed up of conventional guitar-based rock music, French musicians Lucile Hochet and Nadège Teri decided to start making nostalgia-tinged electro-pop using – amongst other things – Casio keyboards, says Suprateek Chatterjee

Music & Nightlife

Feathered beauties Andromakers' musical tour ends in Mumbai

In 2009, Nadège Teri and Lucile Hochet were at a flea market in their hometown of Aix in southern France. The pair, both 30 now, had been friends for about seven years, having played guitars in a rock band. “At that point, we were very bored of guitar-based rock music,” said Hochet during a telephone interview with Time Out Mumbai. “We had decided that we wanted to make music together but it had to involve computers, samplers and keyboards – basically, something different.”

That “something different” arrived in the form of a tiny Casio keyboard they spotted at that flea market, something that would be an apt gift for a six-year-old. It’s the kind that produces tinny, highfrequency sounds and plays demo instrumental versions of Wham’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go!” by way of tutorials. “Nadège and I were both enthralled by the sound,” said Hochet. “We had tried using other vintage synthesizers such as the (Roland) Juno, but the kind of innocence and emotions we got from the Casio keyboard was unparalleled.”

That’s how Andromakers, an electro-pop outfit of the “everything is shiny, happy and wonderful”

84 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

variety, was born. In the four years they have existed, the duo has played nearly 200 shows in France and various parts of Europe.

Now, they are on their first ever tour to India, starting from Delhi then on to Goa and Trivandrum before the finale in Mumbai. “It is going to be our first ever time in India and we are super excited,” said Hochet enthusiastically, adding that they hope to see as much of the country as possible in the two weeks that they will spend here.

The music of Andromakers features loops, lo-fi synth sounds, 8-bit video-gamey samples and plate-reverbed vocals. The lyrics, written by Teri, are usually introspective in nature, talking about dreams, emotions and relationships. It’s all very unconventional and ’80s – unsurprising, given that the duo count Icelandic musical genius Bjork and English electro gods Depeche Mode amongst their biggest influences. “A lot of our music is based on nostalgia. We want to take listeners back to the ’80s but in a fresh manner, without sounding dated,” said Hochet.

Lucile and Nadège, who both learnt classical music when they were young and play guitar,

keyboards as well as drums, use an extensive-yet-minimalistic set-up for their live shows: a drum machine, laptops, a sampler, one live drum, Casio keyboard, melodica, bass guitar and percussive elements such as shakers. “Our live sound is a lot more electro and dancey than our recordings are,” said Hochet, recalling their set at Marsatac, a music festival held in the French city of Marseilles, last September, where a significant crowd grooved to songs such as “Song For My Dog”, “Stupid Sun” and “Father Denis”.

Teri, who is more experienced at music production and working with software, usually composes the basic structure of each of their new songs, which could start off as a simple groove or a bunch of synth loops. On this, Hochet adds more live instrumentation in the form of keyboard riffs, chords and basslines. The pair then add melodic ideas, arrangements and vocals to the songs, with Teri singing most of them and Hochet providing backing.

Their songs are usually in English with a notable exception being “La Mer”, a cover of the Charles Trenet chanson classic.

While the original is one of the most recognisable French-language songs in the world – it has been used in films such as Goodfellas, Saving Private Ryan and The Dreamers – Teri and Hochet’s version is refreshingly rearranged that features a repetitive synth loop and a counter-pointed running bass-line. “Despite it being such an iconic song, we have always gotten positive reactions for the way we’ve reinterpreted it,” said Hochet.

Andromakers have so far released two EPs: The Golden Hour (2010) and the double issue Lanterns (2012). They plan to release their first full-length album this year, with Hochet saying she doesn’t see it happening before “at least September.” “All I can tell you is it will be in the same direction as our music has been so far,” she said.

Blue Frog Tue Jan 21 See Listings. www. timeoutmumbai.net/ music

member band who are known to perform popular covers are also working on original material

Gigs

Critics’ choice

Tue Jan 21

The best events this fortnight

Filter Coffee The Little Door, 9pm, call venue for more details.

Acoustic band Filter Coffee is composed of tabla player and percussionist, Swarupa Ananth and flautist Shriram Sampath. The duo has played at various local festivals including the Prithvi festival and the Kala Ghoda festival.

EDITOR’S PICK Andromakers Blue Frog, 10pm, call venue for details.

Nadège Teri and Lucille Hochet form the electro-pop band Andromakers known for its electronic music in English and French. Hailing from the south of France, the duo plays the Casiotone synthesizers. Their debut album will be released in 2014. See Shiny Happy People on page 84.

Wed Jan 22 Swastika Hard Rock Cafe (Andheri), 9pm, call venue for details.

Formed in late 2010, this Pune-based band was initially known as Illuminati. The four-piece hard rock and experimental band consists of Gautam Deb on the drums, Varun Singh on the bass, guitarist Uday Nair and vocalist Chinmay Menon.

Tribute to Coldplay Blue Frog,10pm, call venue for details.

Various artists will be paying tribute to the British alt-rock band, Coldplay by performing some of their best songs. The artists include Reuel Benedict, Adil Kurwa, Vivaan Kapoor, Apurv Isaac and Pawan Benjamin.

Reuel Benedict has worked with some of India’s top musicians like Sheldon D’silva and Somu among others. Adil Kurwa is a member of the Mumbaibased alternative rock band The Colour Compound where he plays the bass. Vivaan Kapoor is the percussionist for the alt-rock band

How to use this section

Music Andromakers Blue Frog Nadège Teri and Lucille Hochet form the electro-pop band Andromakers known for its electronic music in English and French. Tue Jan 21 Nightlife Armin van Buuren

Divya Lewis The Little Door, 9pm, call venue for more details.

Divya Lewis, of Coke Studio fame, will be performing an acoustic set of some of her best numbers. She is trained in Western classical, Hindustani and jazz music. She is also a member of the 14-piece band Live Cycle, who play old hip hop, funk and jazz music, as well as singing the backing vocals for the famed Colonial Cousins.

Paratra, Symphony Novel and Agnya Blue Frog, 10pm, call venue for details.

Mumbai-based indie band Paratra plays global and fusion-rock music with Indian classical. The trio consists of Samron Jude on the rhythm guitar along with Daniel D’souza on the bass and Akshat Deora on the electric sitar.

Paratra will be followed by a performance by Symphony Novel known for its instrumental and experimental music. The fivemember band released their debut album in 2013 titled ARIA. The evening will conclude with a performance by Agnya. The band plays a variety of genres like jazz, blues, classical and western. It comprises of Santosh Jayaram, who plays the electric veena, guitarist Amrit Kapoor, bassist Gurdip Singh Narang and drummer Mayank Sharma.

Wed Jan 29 Bombay Bassment Hard Rock Cafe (Andheri), 9pm, call venue for details.

This four-piece hip hop and drum ’n’ bass band was formed in 2010 and consists of Levin Mendes on the drums, Ruell Baretto on the bass, Chandrashekhar Kunder aka DJ Chandu and rapper Robert Omulo.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium Thur Jan 30 Dutch producer Armin van Buuren is famous for his trance and Shannon & The Silent Riot Hard Rock Cafe (Worli), 9pm, call venue progressive sets. Fri Jan 24 Spud In The Box formed in 2011.

Apuruv Issac is a self-taught musician and guitarist who’s highly influenced by the blues. Pawan Benjamin plays the saxophone and is a part of The True School Band who enjoys playing music by the legends like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.

Thur Jan 23 Blakc Hard Rock Cafe (Worli),9pm, call venue for details.

Formed in 2006, the five-piece hard rock band Blakc is from Mumbai. Its members include vocalist Shawn Pereira, Roop Thomas on the bass, Varun Sood on the drums and guitarists Reinhardt Dias and Anish Menon. The band has been a finalist at various competitions including Independence Rock and Campus Rock Idols. In 2008, the band released its

first album Choking On A Dream.

Fri Jan 24 Tribute to The Beatles D’Bell, 9pm, call venue for details.

Kickstart the weekend with Nandu Bhende paying tribute to the legendary English rock band, The Beatles. Bhende sang playback in Hindi films for music directors such as R.D. Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal and Bappi Lahiri. He will be singing some of their most popular songs.

for details.

The five-member rock band, Shannon & The Silent Riot was kick-started by lead guitarist Shannon Pereira, with Michael Fernandes on the bass, Partho Dasgupta on the rhythm guitar, Joshua Vaz on the drums and vocalist Prasad Salian. They will be paying tribute to famed American rockers Bon Jovi, with performances of some of their popular hits.

DJ Listings Fri Jan 17

Sat Jan 25 The Other People Blue Frog, 10pm,call venue for details.

The Other People are no strangers to the city’s music scene. The band has been performing for close to a decade and they have plans for another energetic and exciting show. The six-

Darin Epsilon and Sashanti Blue Frog, 10.30pm, call venue for details.

Darin Epsilon is a DJ, producer and radio host from Chicago. He is also the founder of Perspectives Digital, a dance music record label based in Los Angles. His music ranges from techno to progressive house. Sashanti aka

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 87

Music & Nightlife

Events are listed by type of music and date. Addresses are included in the Venues A-Z section at the end of the listings. These listings were accurate at the time of going to print but please call the organiser or venue to confirm the details in case of changes.

G denotes the nearest train station.

Y denotes the name of the nearest bus stop.

If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Ayesha Venkataraman. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday.

Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.

Nightlife Alex Mine Blue Frog Percussionist and pianist from Italy, Alex Mine started playing techno in 2008 (see pic). Sat Jan 18

Tue Jan 28

Alexander Sukhochev is a Russian electronic music producer who resides in Goa. He plays both dance and lounge music and has played at many festivals across India including Sunburn and Sula Fest among others.

Sat Jan 18 DJ Sarsa D’Bell, 9pm, call venue for details.

Based in Tokyo, DJ Sarsa aka Silverboombox plays hip hop, funk, disco, soul and house music. She has performed across the globe in Canada, Australia, Dubai and Singapore among others. She has collaborated with big-name artists including American DJ Questlove, DJ Premier and the American hip-hop collective of DJs called The Beat Junkies.

EDITOR’S PICK Alex Mine Blue Frog, 10.30pm, call venue for details.

Percussionist and pianist from Italy, Alex Mine started playing techno in 2008. He has garnered support from heavyweights including Richie Hawtin, Dubfire and Carl Cox.

Music & Nightlife

Fri Jan 24 EDITOR’S PICK Armin van Buuren Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, 6pm, call venue for details.

Dutch producer Armin van Buuren is famous for his trance and progressive sets. The DJ and record label-owner (Armada Music) has his own weekly radio show, A State of Trance, that reaches about 20 million listeners in 26 countries. With the success of his recent album Intense, the DJ will be playing for six hours straight at the venue.

DJ Bala Shiro, 10pm, call venue for details.

Bring in the weekend with some retro dance music by DJ Bala.

EDITOR’S PICK Shpongle, Hallucinogen, Prometheus, Younger Brother and Boombaba Blue Frog, 10pm, call venue for details.

British psychedelic trance duo Shpongle comprises of Raja Ram and Simon Posford. Posford will also perform music from his solo electronic project Hallucinogen. This will be followed by Posford’s psychedelic project, Younger Brother with British producer Benji Vaughan, as well as Vaughan’s own solo psychedelic project, Prometheus. Vaughan aka Prometheus, is one of Twisted Records’ leading producers. Tarun Shahani aka Boombaba is a Mumbaibased DJ and producer who has played in numerous popular pubs in Mumbai and Chennai and also at Sunburn Goa.

Amarendra Dhaneshwar of the Gwalior gharana and senior disciple of singer Neela Bhagwat will be performing. He will be accompanied

by Mandar Puranik on the tabla, Kailash Patra on the violin and Prakash Naik on the tanpura.

Sat Jan 18 EDITOR’S PICK Hindustani Classical Bhavan’s Cultural Centre, 6.30pm, call venue for details.

Tarun Bhattacharya, disciple of Ravi Shankar, will be playing the santoor along with vocalist Sohini Roy Chowdhury of the Kirana gharana.

Sun Jan 19 Hindustani Classical Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre, 9.30am, call venue for details.

There will be a sitar recital by Zunain Kha. He will be accompanied by classical singers Nisha Parasnis and Ramdesh Pande.

Hindustani Classical Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre, 5.30pm, call venue for details.

Kalpana Zokarkar has been trained under Sushila Pohankar and VU Rajurkar of the Gwalior gharana.

She will be accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar on the tabla.

Festivals Hridayesh Festival The 24th year of this Indian classical music festival is organized by Hridayesh Arts. The festival is spread over three days. Sathaye College Auditorium. Call venue for details.See Hridayesh Festival on page 85.

Sat Jan 18 The first day of the festival will open with Satish Vyas on the santoor. The evening will also include performances by Budhaditya Mukherjee on sitar with vocalist

Ashwini Bhide. 5.30pm.

Sun Jan 19 There will be a special morning performance by vocalist Rashid Khan.6am The evening performances will include vocalist Aarati Ankalikar Tikekar with Ayan Ali Khan on the sarod.

There will be a kathak performace by famed Birju Maharaj. 5.30pm Mon Jan 20 The final day of the festival will include a jugalbandi by Anindo Chatterjee on tabla and vocalist Kumar Bose Jasraj. 5.30pm.

The Jan Fest Hosted by the Indian Music Group, the festival started in 1977. It is one of the first high-profile music festivals in Mumbai. St Xavier's College. Call venue for details. See Indian Music Group on page 86.

Sat Jan 25 The festival will open with vocalist Prasad Khaparde. It will also feature the group Rakesh and Friends comprising of Hariprasad Chaurasia's son, the flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, Gino Banks on the drums, Satyajeet Talwalkar on the tabla, Sheldon D’silva on the bass guitar, Sangeet Haldipur on the keyboard and Sanjoy Das on the guitar.6pm Sun Jan 26 The second day of the festival will open with a morning session with Shujaat Khan on the sitar. 6.30am.

The evening performances will feature famous artists including flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia and vocalist Kaushiki Chakrabarty. There will also be a kathak performance by Birju Maharaj. 7pm.

Venues Bhavan’s Cultural Centre Bhavan’s College, Dadabhai Road, Munshinagar, Andheri (W)(6687-0066). G Andheri (WR & CR Harbour) Y Bhavan’s College.

Blue Frog New Mahalaxmi Mills Compound, Opposite Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (6158-6158). G Lower Parel (WR).

Y Kamala Mills.

Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre 112A, JK Sawant Marg, Matunga(W) (2430-4150). G Matunga Road(WR) YCity Light.

D’Bell Tower 2B, Lobby Level, One Indiabulls Centre, Jupiter Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar , Lower Parel (61983133) G Elphinstone Road (WR) Y Elphinstone.

Gallery Beyond130-132, Great Western Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort (2283-7345) G Churchgate (WR) Y Swami Saraswati Chowk Hard Rock Cafe Andheri Sharyans Audeus, Ground Floor, Opposite Yashraj Studios, Andheri (W) (26743901). G Andheri (WR & CR Harbour). Y Laxmi Industrial Estate Hard Rock Cafe Worli Wadia International Centre, Bombay Dyeing Mills Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli (2438-2888) G Parel (CR Main), Elphinstone Road (WR).

Y Bombay Dyeing.

The Little Door Shree Siddhi Vinayak Plaza, off New Link Road, Andheri (W) (2673-2528) G Andheri (WR & CR Harbour).

Y Laxmi Industrial Estate.

Sathaye College Auditorium Sathaye College, Dixit Road, Vile Parle(E) (2614-1149) G Vile Parle (WR & CR Harbour) Y Sathaye College.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Worli (24938813) G Mahalaxmi (WR) Y Lala Lajpatrai College.

Shiro Bombay Dyeing Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli (2438-3008). G Elphinstone Road.

Y Parel Street.

St. Xavier’s College Mahapalika Marg, 5, Dhobi Talao (2262-0662) G Churchgate (WR) CST (CR Main & Harbour) YSt. Xaviers College.

Sat Jan 25 DJ Henry Shiro, 10pm,call venue for details.

DJ Henry plays his signature mix of commercial tunes, including Bollywood and international hits, to get you on the dance floor.

Concerts Fri Jan 17 Hindustani Vocal Recital Gallery Beyond, 6.30pm, call venue for details.

88 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

Hand me down Shpongle will be performing at Blue Frog

Offers

Win free passes to SulaFest 2014 The seventh edition of SulaFest will be held on Sat Feb 1 & Sun Feb 2.

From 12.30pm till 10pm SulaFest partygoers can expect a megamix of great music, wine, drinks, gourmet food, fashion and shopping in the idyllic environs of the winery’s beautiful open-air, Greekstyle amphitheatre. This year SulaFest will see a stylish new element of cool, edgy fashion.

VERO MODA will be launching their young, fast fashion high street denim brand – Noisy May.

An additional treat for partygoers at the fest this year is a-not-tobe-missed exceptional fashion show with some of the India’s top models.

This year’s band line-up befits a true World Music festival with more international artists than ever before – as always a mix of national and international celebrated acts. Headliners Gypsy All Stars feature children of the mighty Gypsy Kings Carrying on their amazing legacy.

On the main stage: Gypsy

All Stars (Latin & featuring Rajasthani folk) Spain/France; Dub Pistols (Dub, Reggae, Hip Hop) UK ; Shpongle (Electronica, World ) UK; Avial (Rock, Folkrock) India; Susheela Raman (World, alternative) India/UK; The Dualers (Ska, Funk) UK; Winit Tikoo (Indie Sufi) India Baycity Lights (Soul, Funk, R&B) India ; Vasuda Sharma (Folk, Indowestern fusion) India, along with a host of DJ’s from around the world such as Gaudi Live (Ragga-tronic, Dub, Bass, Liveelectronic) and UK, DJ Anna (Tech-house & Techno) Brazil.

Back and way bigger this year is the very popular “Electrozone” where supercool DJs will spin some fab House and Techno tales…

QUESTION: Which international fashion brand will be launching their new line of jeans at SulaFest 2014?

Send us an email at offers@ timeoutmumbai.net with the subject line, SulaFest 2014 and win free passes to the festival.

January 17 – 30 2014 www.timeoutmumbai.net 89

METROPOLIS Strange tales from our international brethren

After words

Time Out Singapore

Setting the stage

by Deepika Sorabjee

W

hen the Jaipur Lit Fest (JLF) starts getting touted as the world’s largest free literature festival, it’s time to take stock of how much your culture genes can take. In India, any service suffers due to the sheer number of users as soon as it is meritorious or merely exists; regulars at the JLF since its inception, have deplored the loss of intimacy at readings, the crowds and difficulty of securing places at venues. At the Kerala Film Fest this year, skirmishes reported at packed venues, made one wonder about crowd control at future fests.

Still, the faithful flock.

Is it the availability of contemporary culture, otherwise devoid, in a nation that spends less than one percent of its budget on the arts? At art biennales and film fests it’s a double treat – one gets to see the actual works one would have to travel far to see otherwise.

Having been a die-hard Mumbai Academy of Moving Images [fest] fan (MAMI is hosted every October), I’ve seen the best independent and world cinema right here in Mumbai. In a country where Bollywood/Hollywood features saturate commercial releases, independent cinema not standing a chance with no repertory theatre in existence,

there is no way one could ever see theatre releases of these films.

Last year had Asghar Farhadi, Costa Gavras and Leos Carax among others in attendance – Carax, known for his reticence, was a pleasure: hour-long thoughtful Q & A [session] were patiently conducted and was a treat for all for the insights into his cinema.

Likewise, it took two artists to brave the odds to stage the Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB), India’s first art biennale, in December 2012. Stage is the right word, the backstage theatrics that preceded it was the darkest theatre itself; with the government pulling out support at the last minute it became a matter of survival on a day-to-day basis of its three-month run. What kept it going was the thousands who came, the“festival go-ers”, the intrepid band that drive the arts in India, where institutional support is negligible and art education is mainly a selfeducating enterprise as yet.

Which explains the popularity of cultural festivals – whether in literature, art or cinema. They are the transient, yearly, pop-up institutions and museums that we have come to rely on, for that dose of visual or intellectual debate at forums that simply don’t exist otherwise. In their regularity, there’s hope for the enthusiast – to hear JM Coetzee read, to watch the new Cannes Palm d’Or winner in its uncensored version, to see Ernesto Neto do magic in a Kochi warehouse attic.

Unlikely heroes take their place and masquerade as art fests.

The Delhi Art Fair is a commercial venture, yet in its sixth edition it is a draw to the capital for all in the Indian art world. Till the KMB came about, the fair was the de facto contemporary art event in the country, as it generated exhibitions

90 www.timeoutmumbai.net January 17 – 30 2014

in the city around the time of the art fair, as well as studio visits, a gathering of collectors, curators, writers and a speaker’s forum at the fair itself. Packed halls and the sheer glut of art strutted out like shop wares in booths, can initially put off the unprepared. At the VIP opening there is more schmoozing than looking at art; it’s far better to go on the second day.

Whether you treat the broad aisles as a chance to have an indoor passeggiata, or you hurry through, you keep bumping into quick exchanges – “Have you seen the Prajakta Potnis/Guild solo booth? Desmond’s drawings at Chemould- wow; Gormley drawings at Continua, Sophie Calle at Arndt … see Lisson, Oh Marina!” (like Marina Abramovic was a long-lost friend) - it’s best to get waylaid. The chat that you have in the aisles may point the way to something good you’ve missed or to that muchneeded coffee that’s hidden in some godforsaken corner. Better still, seek out an eye you trust and compare notes – it’s easy to miss good stuff in the glut.

The KMB is another trip altogether; for the art lover, this is where it’s at.

Unbelievable spaces add atmosphere; it’s a critically needed forum, artists here extend themselves, the market is secondary. It is more democratically inclusive, the crowd's more engaged with the art, (price points don’t figure, though of course commerce is known to go on discreetly). Spread over three months, it has a thorough outreach programme and seminars run alongside. And being Kochi, the food is as much a draw as the art.

A Think fest may have seen its day (a lot more than thought seemed to have gone on at Tehelka), but this year head to a fest – it will make up for the releases, museums and institutions we lack so far.

it took two artists to brave the odds to stage the KBM

76-year-old Croatian artist Ana Tzarev has been working on a global campaign called Love & Peace.

What is being marketed as the world’s largest-ever art installation includes a 15-ft fibreglass poppy in deep red, installed in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands. The sculpture is one of the many exhibits that have been installed around the world in cities like London, Venice, New York and Istanbul. According to the artist, the installations are meant to promote love, peace and understanding. The campaign also has a social media twist with viewers taking photos of the flowers and uploading them to Instagram with the hashtag #lovepeaceflower and a free app on Android and iOS called Love&Peace.

Time Out Tokyo Yebisu Garden Palace in Tokyo has one of the largest chandeliers in the world, standing 5 metres tall and 3 metres wide. Called the Baccarat Eternal Lights display, the annual illumination festival takes place from November to January each year. The festival features several displays in the vicinity totalling 1,00,000 lights each year. The free-to-view festival is also well known for featuring a Christmas tree that is 8 metres tall, illuminated with red and gold lights.

Time Out New York A group of people decided to go about their daily commute on subway trains with no pants on. New York’s famous Improv Everywhere organised a mammoth street improv session encouraging participants to show up for train commutes only half dressed. Details of the event were uploaded to their website improveverywhere.com and the campaign might just go viral. The group invited all participants to attend an after-party at the end of the cold-defying shenanigan – still sans pants.

RNI NO.:MAHENG/2004/14892