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Red Lorry Film Festival sees Mumbaikars enjoy classic, new films over three days
As the final credits rolled on BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival: Take Two in Mumbai, city film lovers left Bandra Kurla Complex mesmerised and busy discussing their favourite films that not only included the classics but also many new ones from world cinema. The iconic Maison INOX at Jio World Plaza and Maison PVR at Jio World Drive in Bandra Kurla Complex buzzed with energy as Red Lorry Film Festival: Take Two, curated by BookMyShow and BookAChange by BookMyShow Foundation, delivered a second edition. The festival opened with the premiere of ‘September 5’, a powerful retelling of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics tragedy and the weekend drew to a close with the Asia premiere of ‘One To One: John & Yoko’, a deeply personal and immersive look into the legendary duo’s relationship, their music and their impact on global culture. For three days, film enthusiasts immersed themselves into 120 hand-picked films across languages and genres to curate their own film experience. From the inspiring Femme Lens to the mind-bending Reality Bytes, from the pulse-quickening 11th Hour Spooks to the soul-stirring 'Legacy Rewind' and 'Timeless Tales' and the spectacular international spotlights 'Hola Spain' and 'Rendezvous with French', every screening was an adventure waiting to unfold. Visionaries like Vikramaditya Motwane, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Atul Sabharwal, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Kaveree Bamzai and Prachee Shah Paandya along with honorary juror Ashish Hemrajani unveiled ‘Paul and Paulette Take a Bath’ and ‘Souleymane's Story’ as winners of the prestigious Competition Segment of the film festival while ‘I am Nevanka’ was selected as the Critics’ Pick by the renowned Mayank Shekhar, Anna M.M. Vetticad and Alaka Sahani. Audiences immersed themselves in an exceptional lineup featuring acclaimed films such as ‘Anora’, ‘Se7en’, ‘The Last Showgirl’, ‘Caligula: The Ultimate Cut’, ‘The French Connection’, ‘Heat’, ‘The Story of Souleymane’, ‘Paul and Paulette Take a Bath’, ‘The 47’, ‘Confidante’, ‘Red Rooms’, ‘Cold Wallet’, ‘Alpha’, ‘Out of Control’, ‘999: The Forgotten Girls’, ‘Rita’, ‘Emmanuelle’, ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Carol Doda: Topless at the Condor’. Legendary films were introduced by the icons themselves at Red Lorry Film Festival: Take Two. Subhash Ghai, Neetu Singh, Tina Ambani and Simi Garewal presented ’Karz’ on its 45th Anniversary, offering a rare insight into the timeless classic. Honouring the legacy of Smita Patil on her 70th birth anniversary, the festival screened ‘Mirch Masala’ with Prateik Smita Patil and Director, Ketan Mehta, in attendance to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema. With Aamir Khan joining the celebrations for ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, Vikramaditya Motwane for ‘Udaan’ and Pooja Bedi chatting with Mansoor Khan for ’Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, this edition proved to be a cinephile’s dream, blending nostalgia, tribute and cinematic brilliance. Red Lorry Film Festival: Take 2 saw houseful shows for cinematic gems like ‘Anora’, ‘Se7en’, ‘Heat’, ‘Alpha’, ‘Nina’, ‘A Beautiful Imperfection’, ‘Nobert(a)’, ‘Highway 65’, ‘Universal Language’, ‘The Things You Kill’ and ‘Joi Baba Felunath’, a true tribute to cinema’s enduring magic. In addition to its stunning film lineup, the festival played host to exclusive masterclasses featuring some of the most influential voices in the industry. Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga shared insights on navigating the global festival circuit, while industry stalwarts Siddharth Roy Kapur and Alok Tandon explored the evolving entertainment landscape. Acclaimed directors Akarsh Khurana and Sooni Taraporevala discussed the delicate balance between theatrical and streaming content and legendary screenwriter Anjum Rajabali deep-dived into the art of storytelling. Sunir Kheterpal hosted a session on adapting foreign films for the Indian audience while Komal Nahta, notable film trade analyst moderated a couple of sessions on the dynamic trends in the industry today. Discussions on global cinema trends, the poetry of cinema and the nuances of casting across borders also enriched the festival, providing cinephiles with invaluable industry insights. Ashish Saksena, festival director, Red Lorry Film Festival and COO - Cinemas, BookMyShow, shared, "After a successful first edition, with this edition of the Red Lorry Film Festival, we are pushing the boundaries of cinematic experiences in India to new heights. The incredible response, houseful screenings and vibrant engagement reaffirm our conviction in the transformative power of storytelling to bridge audiences across genres, languages and cultures. From presenting international masterpieces to honouring timeless classics, this festival serves as our dedication to offering an extraordinary selection of films to India’s passionate cinephiles. The love for cinema is as vibrant as ever and we take great pride in providing a platform where movie lovers can fully immerse themselves in the art of storytelling at its most exceptional."
24 March,2025 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Red Lorry Festival: Know the winners of the inaugural competition segment
During its three days of celebrating films in Mumbai and Hyderabad, Red Lorry Film Festival 2025 announced the winners of its first-ever Competition Segment. The winners are ‘Paul and Paulette Take A Bath’ in the Fresh Frames category, and ‘Souleymane's Story’ received the honours of the Frontrunner title.After a successful debut last year, Red Lorry Film Festival 2025, Indian international film festival curated by BookMyShow saw many cinephiles across Mumbai and Hyderabad. The second edition of Red Lorry Film Festival by BookAChange, a BookMyShow Foundation, saw a lot of people attend it over three days in the two cities. This year, the festival introduced its much-anticipated Competition Segment, a platform designed to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent and artistry in filmmaking inviting submissions from all over. The jury included Vikramaditya Motwane, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Atul Sabharwal, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and Prachee Shah Paandya, along with honorary juror Ashish Hemrajani, and film critic Kaveree Bamzai unanimously decided and unveil the winners. Speaking about his win, Jethro Massey, director of Paul and Paulette Take A Bath said, “What a joy to receive this award! Thank you to Red Lorry Film Festival for including ‘Paul and Paulette Take A Bath’ amongst such a marvellous selection of films and to the jury for this wonderful honour. I cannot wait to share the misadventures of Paul & Paulette with audiences in India and very much hope this recognition will encourage people to come and see the film! I’d like to thank our incredible cast and crew for their time, talent and passion in helping me get my first feature film made. Not only will this award be a great help in getting my next film rolling, it is also a great reminder that cinema truly is an international language that can cross all boundaries.” Burno and Boris, director and producer of 'Souleymane’s Story' said, “Thank you very much to Red Lorry Film Festival for awarding us this prize. We are very honoured by this distinction, coming from a major festival in Asia. Knowing that Souleymane's life resonated with the audience and the jury gives us a lot of energy to continue telling stories that are full of meaning and emotion.” ‘I’m Nevanka’ was selected as the Critics pick unanimously decided by Mayank Shekhar, Ramnath Goenka award winner and entertainment head at Mid-Day, Anna M.M. Vetticad, award winning journalist, film critic and author and Alaka Sahani, national film award winner and associate editor at The Indian Express. This year Red Lorry Film Festival brought an exciting mix of captivating stories to both Mumbai and Hyderabad, which was called, 'Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse' -- both showcasing over 120 titles with diverse stories across languages, genres and cultures.
24 March,2025 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
This dance-theatre performance in Mumbai is an ode to mystic poet Andal
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-winning dancer Dr Anita Ratnam is all set to present her show ‘Naachiyar Next’ at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai on March 28, 2025. Dr Ratnam, who is trained in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam and Kathakali, and has performed in over 36 countries, presents this production through ‘Neo Bharatam’ – a contemporary kinetic fusion of these three traditional forms. The dance-theatre performance, explores the life and works of the Tamil mystic poet ‘Andal’ – one of India's most compelling female voices. ‘Naachiyar Next’ marks Dr Ratnam’s fifth production centered on Andal, who is often regarded as an early feminist voice in Indian history. She emerged at a time when South India was experiencing waves of social and religious change. “This latest iteration includes Andal’s sadness, unfulfilled desire for Krishna, and her final hours before she merges with the object of her passion and becomes a Goddess,” informs Dr Ratnam. She adds, “While Meera Bai is celebrated across India, Andal and other remarkable female mystics remain in the shadows. I feel compelled to bring her voice to new audiences through a braiding of dance, theatre, chanting and music.” Dr Anita Ratnam One of the key highlights of the performance is the inclusion of the Kurathi soothsayer tradition from Andal’s birthplace, Srivilliputhur, near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This tradition features a gypsy fortune teller who reads palms and predicts destinies using rice, pearls or shells. The performance also incorporates props like peacock feathers, mirrors and vibrant, unstitched Sungudi fabrics native to Madurai, enhancing the sensory and emotional depth of the experience. Textile historian Sandhya Raman has designed the costumes, drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of Saurashtrian textile artisans who settled in Tamil Nadu centuries ago. “Andal's legend is still a living, breathing tradition in her temple,” Dr Ratnam explains. “We bring elements of this to life on stage, whether it's the gypsy's predictions or Andal's secret act of wearing the sacred Tulsi garland before it was offered to Krishna.” Another interesting facet of the performance is its all-female musical ensemble, a deliberate choice to amplify the feminine energy at the heart of the story. From vocalists to veena artists and percussionist, the music reflects both the vulnerability and strength of the poet. This nuanced soundscape, combined with Tamil verses and English translations, ensures the performance remains accessible while preserving its spiritual essence. In the production, Dr Ratnam steps into a new role, not as Andal herself, but as the storyteller and the poet's inner voice. “Twenty years ago, I portrayed Andal on stage. Today, I stand as the narrator, shaping her story while a younger dancer embodies her physical form. It allows me to bridge the ancient and the contemporary in a deeply personal way,” Dr Ratnam concludes. When: Friday, March 28, 2025 Where: NMACC, Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex
24 March,2025 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
WATCH: DJ &Me plays 'Choli ke Peeche' remix in Mumbai with Sanjay Dutt on stage
Mumbai and Bollywood music go hand-in-hand and one can't deny that every time a film song is played, people immmediately go crazy and dance to it. When DJ &Me from Berlin-based music collective did just that on stage, every attendee went crazy and danced their heart out. Among the many hits over the years, the Berlin-based DJ chose to play a remix of one of Bollywood's most favourite party hits 'Choli Ke Peeche', sung by Alka Yagnik and Ila Arun with Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. So imagine when Dutt actually came for the performance and shared the stage with the DJ, who shared a mutual camaraderie with him. The song is from the 1993 film, which was directed and produced by Subhash Ghai. Over the years, the film and the song has become a part of pop culture, and even gets played very often at many parties in many forms. As soon as he played his version, the crowd went berserk and enjoyed it till the end. DJ &Me is in Mumbai as a part of a two-city India tour, which will be conclude in Bengaluru on Sunday, March 23. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia)
23 March,2025 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Keinemusik's DJ &ME delivers an electrifying performance in Mumbai
Mumbai witnessed an electrifying night as &ME, the globally renowned DJ and producer from Berlin’s iconic collective Keinemusik, took over the stage for his much-anticipated India debut. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving over 8,000 fans spellbound with an extended four-hour sonic voyage at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Right from the moment &ME took control of the decks, the energy was palpable. Known for his seamless fusion of deep house, techno and Afro-infused rhythms, he transported the audience into a different musical universe. Fans grooved to signature hits like ‘The Rapture Pt. II’, ‘Fairchild’, ‘Say What’ and ‘More Love’, along with hypnotic unreleased tracks that further amplified the magic of the night. &ME India Tour 2025 was brought to fans by Spacebound, in collaboration with Team Innovation and Boombox, seeing the DJ perform in Mumbai this weekend. It was a multi-sensory experience featuring cutting-edge production, immersive lighting and a crowd that brought unrelenting energy from start to finish. The venue transformed into an otherworldly escape, mirroring the essence of Keinemusik’s global events—where music, visuals and atmosphere collide to create something truly unique. The event attracted a high-profile audience, with several notable names from the entertainment industry and celebrity circles spotted in attendance. At one point, Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt was seen on stage standing next to &ME as he played a track from one of Dutt’s iconic films, creating an unforgettable moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Fans attending the performance got into their uniform, becoming “mini &MEs” and wore a scarf to show off their support for the brand. The audience loved the genre, sharing glowing reviews about the experience and &ME’s signature sound. Karan Singh, CEO, Spacebound, added, “Bringing &ME to India was more than just about hosting an event—it was about bringing the best of global EDM music to Indian audiences craving for stunning beats and cutting-edge electronic music. Mumbai's response has been incredible. The sheer enthusiasm and energy from the fans prove that the Indian electronic music scene is evolving rapidly and we’re excited to continue curating experiences that push boundaries. We were also thrilled to have premium brands onboard, further elevating the overall experience.” With the Mumbai show setting the bar sky-high, all eyes now turn to Bengaluru for the next show on March 23.
23 March,2025 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Keinemusik's DJ &ME performs in Mumbai; here are 5 reasons why you can't miss it
Electronic music’s most sought-after sound architect, &ME, is set to make his highly anticipated India debut with an extended four-hour set that promises to be nothing short of legendary. As a core member of the globally acclaimed Berlin-based collective Keinemusik, &ME has shaped the modern house and techno landscape with his signature deep, Afro-infused sound. Now, for the first time ever in India, the man behind the Keinemusik madness is bringing his immersive world wind of sounds, to Mumbai on March 22 and Bengaluru on March 23. Here are 5 reasons why &Me's India debut is special: 1. A rare 4-hour sonic voyage with &METhis isn’t just a DJ set—it’s a deep dive into the mind of one of electronic music’s most visionary artists. &ME is known for crafting hypnotic, evolving soundscapes, but this time, he’s taking things further with a special 4-hour extended set. Expect slow-burning builds, unexpected drops and a masterclass in tension and release as he seamlessly weaves house, techno and Afro-infused rhythms into an unforgettable journey. If you love electronic music, this is the kind of set you need to experience live. 2. Keinemusik’s signature experience: music, art and atmosphere collideKeinemusik is more than a record label—it’s a movement, an ethos and an unmistakable sound. Their events aren’t just about the music; they’re about creating a full-fledged sensory experience. &ME’s debut performance in India promises immersive production, celestial melodies and an atmosphere where every beat, light and visual element works together to transport you to another dimension. This is not your average club night—it’s a Keinemusik night. 3. A VVIP experience that redefines luxuryWant to take it up a notch? The VVIP viewing decks will let you soak in the experience from an exclusive vantage point, blending comfort with the electric energy of the dance floor. Think prime views, an elevated ambiance and a touch of indulgence—all without missing a single drop. 4. Afro-tinged rhythms that resonate globallyThe world’s top dance floors—from Berlin’s Berghain to the beaches of Tulum—are pulsing to the sound of Afro-infused house and techno and &ME is one of the pioneers at the forefront of this movement. His music fuses tribal rhythms with deep, atmospheric grooves, creating an energy that’s equal parts hypnotic and euphoric. Now, it’s India’s turn to feel the rhythm. 5. The sound of a generation: ‘Say What’ & ‘More Love’ liveIf you’ve ever lost yourself to a deep groove at a music festival, chances are &ME was behind it. His massive hits like ‘Say What’ and ‘More Love’ have defined modern electronic music, turning dance floors into euphoric frenzies across the world. Hearing them live—crafted in real-time by the man himself—is a whole different experience. With an extended set from &ME, Keinemusik’s first-ever India takeover and a crowd that’s bound to bring the energy, this is set to be a defining moment for electronic music in the country. Don’t just hear about it later—be there. Attendees can get their tickets on BookMyShow.
22 March,2025 03:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gallerists and artists elated as MF Husain's 'Gram Yatra' shatters records
The record-breaking auction of legendary painter MF Husain's work has thrilled gallerists, art collectors and emerging artists alike, as excitement grows over the "crazy boom" in the art market and the much-awaited entry of Indian artworks into the 100-crore club. Husain's Untitled (Gram Yatra), billed as one of his most important and sizable works from the 1950s, went for USD 13.8 million (over Rs 118 crore) at a Christie's auction in New York on March 19, setting the new record for the most expensive work of modern Indian art. The artwork, according to industry sources, is bought by Indian art collector and philanthropist Kiran Nadar. However, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), where Nadar is a trustee, has declined to comment on the acquisition. The milestone event has sparked widespread enthusiasm across the art community, some even calling it as a transformative moment for Indian art on the global stage. "It is an absolute delight to see this world record being achieved for M F Hussain, this was long overdue and the world is finally waking up to the glory of Indian talent. For many years now from the modern and even contemporaries, there's so much talent that's emerging that had not previously found a world stage. "With this milestone, we would bring attention to what can be achieved with talent that is present in the land of India, M F Hussain has been at the forefront of attention," said Arjun Sawhney, avid art collector and co-founder of Delhi-based Gallery Pristine Contemporary. Pooja Singhal, founder of Pichvai Tradition & Beyond, echoed Sawhney's sentiments and said the art market is going through a crazy boom, reminiscent of the period between 2000 and 2008, when the sales peaked in 2006 and 2008. Similarly, buoyed by the over-118-crore sale of Husain's masterpiece, Mohit Jain of the Dhoomimal Art Centre said the staggering figure would undoubtedly impact the market -- and the Indian art scene as a whole -- which he believed is on an upward trend. "Fortunately, since 2005, the Indian art market has seen a very positive trend and will continue so. This will also attract new collectors globally, where they can trust Indian Modern Art and also get inspired to acquire. But, I believe the effect of this figure will still be limited to the era, the strength, the subject and the size of each artist," he explained. Comprising 13 unique panels spanning nearly 14 feet on a single canvas, "Gram Yatra" - meaning 'village pilgrimage' - is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Husain's oeuvre. The work celebrates the diversity and dynamism of a newly independent nation. The momentous sale nearly doubled the previous record-holder, Amrita Sher-Gil's 1937 "The Story Teller", which fetched around USD 7.4 million (Rs 61.8 crore) at an auction in Mumbai in 2023. The 1954 painting, which left India the same year, remained largely unseen since its acquisition by the Ukrainian-born Norway-based doctor Leon Elias Volodarsky, who was in Delhi to establish a thoracic surgery training centre for the World Health Organization (WHO). Volodarsky bequeathed the painting to Oslo University Hospital in 1964. The sale proceeds will support the training of future generations of doctors at the institution. Born on September 17, 1915 in Pandharpur in Maharashtra, Husain remains one of India's most important and sought after artists whose oeuvre inspires art and conversations across the globe. With FIRs and persistent death threats, Husain was forced into self-exile, staying in Dubai and travelling to New York and London, where he died on June 9, 2011 at the age of 95, leaving behind a prodigious body of work. Most gallerists unanimously hope that Husain breaking the 100-crore ceiling would pave the way for other artists to finally have their moment in the sun. And it appears the list is endless -- right from emerging talents to established maestros. "There are so many more that have perhaps been denied their places under the sun. For example, Arpita Singh now has a show retrospective - and they deserve as much attention as any artist in the world. "There are many more - Ram Kumar is another artist that comes to mind. Among the contemporary artists, Shilpa Gupta is doing exceptional work, Jitish Kallat, Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher have also created a mark and a niche for themselves globally," said Sawhney. So, it's not surprising that the mind-boggling figure has put a smile on budding artist Narayan Biswas's face, who acknowledges that emerging artists are now empowered to confidently price their work, thereby ensuring a sustainable future. "Indian Modern Art is gaining global traction, attracting collectors and securing a strong presence in the international market. This shift benefits emerging artists, who previously struggled for financial stability," he added. Previously, Husain's most expensive painting, Untitled (Reincarnation), was sold for USD 3.1 million (approximately Rs 25.7 crore) in London last year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 March,2025 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Gudi Padwa 2025: Know all about the famous Girgaon Shobha Yatra in Mumbai
Gudi Padwa 2025 is round the corner, and Mumbaikars are gearing up to celebrate this occasion, which marks the beginning of the Marathi New Year, with grandeur. The celebration of this festival is not just limited to homes in Mumbai, and extends to the community sphere with vibrant processions and cultural activities. ‘Shobha Yatras’ or ‘Nav Varsh Swagat Yatras’ are one of the most striking features of Gudi Padwa celebrations in the city. While these processions take place across Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Shobha Yatra in Girgaon is among the most popular ones. Organised by Swami Vivekananda Yuva Pratishthan every year, Girgaon Shobha Yatra is marking its 23rd year in 2025. Girgaon Shobha Yatra 2025 date, time and venue According to the information shared by Swami Vivekananda Yuva Pratishthan on Instagram, the Shobha Yatra will commence on Sunday, March 30 at 8 am from Phadke Wadi Ganpati Temple in Girgaon. Girgaon Shobha Yatra festivities During the procession, one can expect to witness and be a part of several cultural activities, including but not limited to, dhol tasha and dhwaj pathak presentations, folk dance performances and bike rallies. The streets through which the procession passes are beautifully decorated. Mumbaikars from different parts of the city gather here, and unite to bring in the new year through traditional customs. The lanes of Girgaon witness a colourful spectacle as people don vibrant Maharashtrian attire. Men opt for dhoti kurta, or kurta pyjama, and women wear the traditional nauvari saree, complete with 'nath' and other jewellery. A safa, or pheta, completes the look. Over the years, Girgaon Shobha Yatra has included idols and tableaux corresponding to the theme of the year. Girgaon is a hub of Gudi Padwa celebrations beyond the procession as well. One can witness festive food stalls, ‘gudis’ on balconies and windows, rangolis on streets, etc. Also Read: Gudi Padwa 2025: 5 places to enjoy the festivities in Mumbai and Thane
22 March,2025 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gudi Padwa 2025: 5 places to enjoy the festivities in Mumbai and Thane
Gudi Padwa, one of the most significant festivals of Maharashtra, is celebrated enthusiastically in the state capital. As the occasion marks the beginning of the Marathi new year, Mumbai comes alive with vibrant colours, folk beats, traditional delicacies, and cultural processions and activities. As we prepare to celebrate Gudi Padwa 2025 on Sunday, March 30, here are five places in Mumbai to witness festivities on a grand scale. Girgaon On Gudi Padwa, this locality of Mumbai comes alive with the Girgaon Shobha Yatra, one of the most renowned festive processions in the city. One can hear the beats of the traditional dhol tasha, and witness Mumbaikars dressed up in traditional attire, participating in bike rallies and other cultural activities. This is one of the best places to experience the essence of Gudi Padwa in Mumbai. Dadar Dadar is one of the hubs of Gudi Padwa celebrations in Mumbai, where several processions take place. The streets become vibrant with rangolis, colourful decorations, traditional dhol tasha beats and Maharashtrian attire. Additionally, Dadar flower market witnesses huge crowds ahead of the festival as people shop for puja essentials. Vile Parle Vile Parle is another place in Mumbai that witnesses processions on Gudi Padwa. Several community organisations host competitions, performances, etc. Parleshwar Temple in Vile Parle East attracts many devotees on this day, and several Shobha Yatras also culminate here. Additionally, one can also witness dhol tasha bands practising in the area ahead of the festival. Thane Thane becomes home to a grand Shobha Yatra/Swagat Yatra on Gudi Padwa, which has included bike rallies, tableaus, performances and other cultural activities over the years. Processions begin from places like Kopineshwar Temple, mesmerising people along the way. Dombivali Dombivali also witnesses colourful Shobha Yatras on the festival. Ganesh Mandir in Dombivali is decorated beautifully, and attracts many devotees on Gudi Padwa. Additionally, some special exhibitions are also usually held in the area ahead of the festival.
22 March,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kumud Mishra: You can’t fool a co-star who knows your strengths and shortcuts
When wealthy filmmaker Anil Wadhwa extends an invitation to his wife’s young lover Mayank Tiwari to have a tête-à-tête, mind games and power play follow. This forms the premise of the stage thriller Saanp Seedhi, which has been adapted in Hindi by Akarsh Khurana from the Tony Award-winning play Sleuth, originally written by British playwright Anthony Shaffer. The psychological drama, directed by Shubhrajyoti Barat, will premier in Mumbai this weekend at Aadyam Theatre’s seventh season. Revealing the motivation behind choosing to direct this play, Barat tell mid-day.com, “Sleuth has intrigued theatre practitioners and theatre-goers for a long time. It’s generational, in that sense, and has been adapted for stage and screen in multiple languages including Marathi and Bengali.” “Additionally, I had two fantastic actors with me to do justice to the play – Kumud and Sumeet,” he says proudly. Veteran actor Kumud Mishra and actor-writer-director Sumeet Vyas play the roles of Anil Wadhwa and Mayank Tiwari respectively – the only two characters in this theatrical piece, which has been produced by D for Drama. Doing justice to the characters Mishra, who has played diverse roles throughout his career on stage and screen, admits that it was slightly challenging to bring his character to life. “This is very new for me. I haven’t worked in a play of this genre before. To place the character accurately, to strike the right balance between the character, performance, and my own personality, was a bit challenging,” he reveals. What he enjoyed the most was embodying the flamboyance of the character, which he believes is in contrast to his real personality. “It seemed awkward at first, because I am not like that in real life. But I am trying to go out of my comfort zone, so this aspect was very exciting,” he shares. Vyas walked into the role with a sense of responsibility, given the legacy of the play. “This play has been performed by some revered actors in the West as well as in India. So, we walked into this role with that apprehension and added responsibility,” he reveals. Sharing the challenges of doing justice to his role, the actor says, “The first difficulty was that I had to pretend I didn’t know my co-actor Kumud, whom I’ve known for over two decades as a friend, and worked very closely with, on stage and in front of the camera.” “Also, I am acting on stage in a new play after almost 10 years. So, to walk into a new rehearsal with a new character is a different ball game altogether,” he admits. Talking about the character, Vyas reveals, “There’s a lovely transition of this character that happens between the first and the second half. So, to find a new voice and personality for that changeover was challenging.” But the transition was also an exciting part of the journey. “Mayank is a very straightforward guy – earnest, innocent, naïve. He meets this other person and it (the conversation) triggers something. He decides to get out of his comfort zone, respond and be the other guy. That’s a lovely transition and the part I like the most,” Vyas expresses. While the actors went through a unique journey of playing their respective characters, the director’s role wasn’t without its challenges. “I am not a theatre director primarily. I have mainly acted in theatre. So, it takes time to get into the groove, to get into the director’s chair and be comfortable with it. These are people I share an equation with as fellow actors, apart from the personal equation. Suddenly, to don a director’s hat and ask them to do things a certain way (took time to get used to). I tried to be a person who is a better viewer and has a sense of perspective and can point things out to the actor,” shares Barat. Additionally, he points out, “We have departed from these kinds of plays in our journey. Theatre is largely focused on realistic dramas (now). So, coming back to it and acclimatising ourselves to this genre was an enjoyable journey.” Was the fact that there are only two characters in the play an advantage or a challenge? “It’s not a disadvantage. The bonus is that both of them are accomplished artistes, and their work already has an impression on the audience. That can be used creatively in this kind of play,” Barat responds. Vyas is of the opinion that a two-character play facilitates focused work, and one can indulge more in building each character. “It is easier in the sense that you have lesser people to manage, but it also comes with more responsibility because there are only two people on stage all the time, leaving less scope to make any mistake. So, it’s a double-edge sword,” he says. Equation on stage and beyond Having last worked together in the play Purane Chawal (which was directed by Vyas and starred Barat and Mishra), the trio share a strong equation, both on and off the stage. “To be able to collaborate with your closest fellow actors, whose work you like and respect, to encounter problems and find solutions together, is a joy,” exclaims Barat. Mishra shares, “Working with friends is an advantage. But it can also be a disadvantage because you start taking them for granted.” “Hence, we put our personal equation aside when we step on the stage, because we have to deliver as actors. The advantage of working with Shubhro da (Shubhrajyoti Barat) is that he’s also an actor. So, he identifies very quickly when you are going back to your usual tricks. He knows that this comes easy to you, and tells you that it won’t work. When you work with someone who is in awe of you as an actor, you can perform your gimmicks because it’s new to them. But with someone you have worked with for years, they know who you are and what you are capable of. So, they push you out of your comfort zone,” he expresses. Sharing more about their equation beyond the stage, Vyas says, “(The equation) is great. With Shubhro, it’s almost semi-paternal. He has known me since 2000-01. He was my senior in the theatre company I had joined. So, he has literally seen me grown up. And I have known Kumud for almost 20 years now. So, this is home ground for me.” Catch the play ‘Saanp Seedhi’ in Mumbai When: March 22; 7:30 pm March 23; 4 pm and 7:30 pm Where: Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra West
21 March,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina Jain
Gudi Padwa 2025: What is the significance of ‘Gudi’? Here’s all you need to know
Every year, Indians around the world pre-dominantly hailing from Maharashtra, some parts of Goa and Karnataka get together to celebrate Gudi Padwa. While being the annual spring festival it is also observed as the first day of the New Year, for Maharashtrians and Konkani Hindus during this time of the year. It also marks the start of the harvest season for people in Maharashtra. This year, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on March 30. While we come together for the festival, we may often get immersed to forget the significance of the festival and its very symbolism. It is not only showcased through its traditions but also tangible objects and that can be easily seen during Gudi Padwa, which stems from two words ‘Gudi’ and ‘Padwa’. So, what is the significance of ‘Gudi’? Gudi is a flag, banner or emblem of Lord Brahma that is kept on the window or balcony on the day of the festival. The flag is hoisted outside the home on a stick as a symbol of victory and prosperity. Interestingly, Padwa means the first day of the lunar fortnight, as it also marks the start of the lunisolar calendar. The Gudi is usually made of a copper or silver pot that is inverted on a bamboo stick and decorated with a shiny and brightly coloured green or yellow cloth that is either a sari or dhoti cloth with a golden border. Once that is done, many people also put neem or mango leaves, flowers and even a garland made of sugar, to complete the flag, that is also kept to ward off evil.
21 March,2025 04:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent