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This Bandra-based children's choir will take the stage for a cause this weekend

If life had a background score, the glorious swell of a children’s choir would be saved for those rare moments of revelation. Much like when we were endlessly scrolling online earlier this week, and a video clip of a young group harmonising an angelic tune suddenly cut through the noise. Gleehive, the children’s choir born in Ranwar, Bandra, nearly four decades ago, has been silently nurturing voices in the hip suburb. This week, a new batch of young choristers is rehearsing for a special showcase for a cause. Director Dawn Cordo, a Berklee College of Music graduate, has composed countless jingles, arranged choir music for two decades, and even performed alongside maestro AR Rahman in 2010. But ask her for a story, and she’ll tell you about Celeste Cordo. Dawn’s mother, and founder of the choir, Celeste, now 66 years old, started the choir with the vision to bring children in her neighbourhood together through music. “Music classes dotted the lanes of Bandra back then, but they all functioned in isolation,” Dawn recalls. The showcase will also feature a young woodwind section The Cordos’ idea proves just as transformative for the children’s choir today, as it did decades ago. “When they sing now, they’re never alone. One child’s weak area is balanced by another’s strength. They all lift each other up,” Cordo points out, adding that the concept of a strict system with certification and grades never struck a chord with the family. As eight-year-old member Lisa Fernandes puts it, “Simply getting a ‘Good job!’ from Celeste and Dawn at the end of a tough song is my favourite part.”    The thought reflects in the upcoming show’s theme, Every Drop Counts. While the young vocalists harmonise on songs like Why We Sing, a group of adult choristers from the Cadenza Kantori choir will chime in with jazz standards, Broadway classics and a few surprise tunes that might ring a bell. “The theme works two ways — firstly to remind us that every member of the community counts, and in a more literal sense, that our water bodies need immediate attention,” Cordo reveals. To that end, a collection stall at the venue will encourage spectators to donate dry waste to be recycled. A lighthearted moment from a rehearsal in Bandra At the Bandra venue this weekend, the director will have an eye not only on the children in her choir, but those who come visiting in the audience. “The repetitive rhymes children watch on their iPads nowadays aren’t doing much more than keeping them addicted to the screen. Experiencing live music has profound positive effects on a child’s development,” she remarks. “Sometimes, the arrangements are challenging but hearing our voices in harmony is the best feeling ever!” confirms 13-year-old member Mariah Miranda. Dawn Cordo Is there then a right age to join a choir? While Cordo sets that number at five years old, she insists it is never too early to listen to one live. “My mother tells me that when I was only nine months old, I crawled to her choir rehearsal at home and watched it till the end. I was always sceptical about the story until I recently embraced motherhood myself. Sure enough, at 18 months old, my son now waddles right into my rehearsals,” she laughs. If life had a background score, a children’s choir would swell in right about now. ON April 6; 7 pmAT St Andrew’s Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @thegleehiveENTRY Rs 600 onwards

04 April,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
(From left) Patola Sari, silk, late 19th to early 20th century, Patan. Pic Courtesy/Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum; intricate details of pallu and body in a Rajkot Patola saree. Pics Courtesy/Dr Urmila Mohan

Want to know more about Patola weave? Attend this session in Mumbai

The Patola weave will take centrestage at a session by Dr Urmila Mohan, anthropologist of material culture (PhD, University College London). The academic will highlight this popular weave from a socio-cultural perspective in a session titled Patan Patola to Rajkot Patola. She explains, “Learning about silk patolas is a way to enter into the larger story of Indian handlooms. This illustrated talk builds upon themes of design, heritage, and the importance of textile collections to introduce Rajkot Patola, a form of silk weft ikat that emerged in Rajkot, Gujarat in the early 1950s, and how it has developed into a modern artisanal form.” A trade textile pattern recreated in weft ikat by Dinesh Makwana; (left) a couple weaves a saree in Rajkot The form has evolved from Patan Patola to Rajkot Patola. Mohan elaborates about this journey, “Prior to the 1950s, the only type of Patola in India was the double ikat Patan Patola, a historic silk textile whose complex and laborious making process meant that only a few could own it. It would take six months for one family to make a saree, and customers would have to commission these pieces in advance. Rajkot Patola weavers, on the other hand, make single ikat versions of traditional patterns [where only the weft is patterned] that are more affordable.” Mohan aims to connect the cultural part of the textile form, “This talk will tease out the threads of how both Patan and Rajkot forms are valued and defined through their aesthetics, worth, social and technical factors, Geographic Indicators (GI) patent, and how makers in central Gujarat acquired socio-economic mobility over the last few decades. Altogether, this is a study of how a modern craft form emerges by engaging the imagination and efforts of various groups from weavers to textile collectors to cultural producers.” Dr Urmila Mohan. Pic Courtesy/jugaadproject on Instagram Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, managing trustee and director, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum talks about the museum’s collection of Patola textile, “The Museum has a small but interesting collection showcasing the rich textile traditions of India including Kinkhabs or brocades, Bandhani, Himroo saree, Paithani and three examples of Patolas which have been documented through a collaboration with Google Arts and Culture. We are pleased to present the talk by Dr Mohan now that the Museum has reopened to the public in January 2025. These lectures and talks are aimed at encouraging critical engagement with our collection for a scholarly as well as general audience.” ON April 5; 5.30 pm to 7 pmAT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, Byculla East.LOG ON TO @bdlmuseum on Instagram (to register)ENTRY Museum entry ticket applicable (Rs 20)

04 April,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti
Tushtta Patel’s pet joins her during a reading of the book

Book review: Strictly meant for dog lovers

My Dog by Olivia Wakeford is a sweet, slow-paced book that tells the story of the strong bond between a dog and boy. It is a beautiful story of friendship and love, and shows how a dog can help and heal you while you’re going through an emotional turmoil. Being a dog lover and owner of three dogs, I could relate to each aspect of the story. The main character, Rhys, goes through many changes after losing his mother including a new city, new school, and new family. Through all these tough times, his dog, Worthington, remains by his side. But, because his father is not a fan of dogs, Rhys has to hide Worthington and keep him a secret. However, keeping a secret dog is not easy. I can’t even keep my dogs still for a second! If I was in Rhys’s place, I would have chosen my dog over my parents. However, if I could change one thing about the book, it would be its pace. Even though it was a great, adorable read, it was a little tough to get into the story at first, but after a while it gets easier. Overall, it was really heart-warming, and I found it to be a great read. I would definitely recommend it to all dog lovers out there. COST Rs 259AVAILABLE At leading bookstores and estoresBy Tushtta Patel, 13 years, Kalina

04 April,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team
Pic courtesy/SHOBHA  ART HOUSE

Make the most of your weekend with these events and activities in Mumbai

ThursdayPaint your way Join this painting workshop for beginners that is all about learning brush strokes and simple yet unique painting techniques. TIME 3 pmAT Shobha Art House, Preeti Building, KC Marg, Bandra West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 1,499 FridayPiano symphonies Steve Barakatt. pic courtesy/Royal Opera House Mumbai Soak in the symphonies of piano anthems with Canadian pianist Steve Barakatt on his Néoréalité World Tour. TIME 7.30 pm to 8.45 pmAT Royal Opera House, Girgaon. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 499 onwards Fall in love Witness the bittersweet tale of a divorced couple that reunites on a trip to Alibaug, in the Umesh Kamat and Priya Bapat starrer Marathi-language drama, Jar tar Chi Gosht. TIME 4.30 pmAT Dr Kashinath Ghanekar Natyagruha, Manpada, Thane. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 499 onwards SaturdayUnwind in nature A previous trek in the Upper Kanheri region. pic COURTESY/SGNP on Instagram Sign up for a trail at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s Upper Kanheri area where you will learn about its history in the midst of a lush green forest, guided by nature education officer Shubham Hadkar. TIME 7.15 amMEETING POINT Main Gate, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East. CALL 7738778789ENTRY Rs 600 Laugh out loud Vipul Goyal. Pic/VIPUL GOYAL ON INSTAGRAM After a hectic week, it might be a good time to wind down with a good dose of laughter. Vipul Goyal’s stand-up set will leave you in tears; the happy kind, of course. TIME 8.15 pmAT Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium, Mahajan Wadi, Mira Road East. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 1,049 onwards SundayTribute to the legends Pen on paper, MF Husain. pic COURTESY/COSMIC HEART GALLERY If you are an avid art enthusiast, head straight to this SoBo gallery that is presenting a photo exhibition in tribute to icons like MF Husain, FN Souza, Vasudeo Gaitonde and SH Raza.TIME 11 am to 7 pm, Till April 10AT Cosmic Heart Gallery, New Marine Lines.  Puppy power Participants at a previous session. PIC COURTESY/PAWASANA Get creative with painting fridge magnets and tote bags in the company of adorable indie puppies.TIME 5 pmAT Cafe Out of the Blue, Union Park, Khar West. LOG ON TO @pawasanaENTRY Revealed on registration Go Italiano! Pic COURTESY/PCO COCKTAIL BAR Ditch the fusion cuisine trend and tuck into an authentic Italian spread (above) at this Sunday brunch. Wash it all down with bottomless cocktails. TIME 12 pmAT PCO Cocktail Bar, near Kamala Mills, Lower Parel. CALL 9920055588 COST Rs 2,200 onwards (drinks); Rs 2,000 onwards (food)

03 April,2025 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti
A moment from the documentary, Dolphins of Maharashtra. PIC COURTESY/MAHAMTB ON YOUTUBE

Know more about life in the sea at this festival in Mumbai

Pick up any film set in Mumbai, and at some point in the story you’ll find the protagonist — the struggling actor, the heartbroken lover, the local gangster — making a beeline to the shores of the city to gaze intently at the sea. We have a bone to pick with them. None of them showed us what’s actually inside it. The Ocean Film Festival India this weekend at the Mumbai Zoo will aim to fix that with a special line-up of films, masterclasses, and explorations.   “Mumbai has a handful of hills in the heart of its forest. Every year, the city hosts two annual mountain film festivals. On the other hand, for a city that is surrounded by the sea, on a planet that is 70 per cent ocean, we have no film festival dedicated to the sea. That’s as good a trigger as any to put one together,” reasons Paresh Pimpale, co-founder of Ecofolks. For the organisation that began screening select films as World Ocean Day-special events in 2019, this weekend will mark the first full-fledged ocean-themed film festival. Dhanya Pilo sails on the yacht, Maiden, in Southern Ocean for the Ocean Globe Race 2023. PIC COURTESY/Najiba Noori - The Maiden Factor At the day-long celebration, filmmakers will give the audience a glimpse of how oceans shape life — both human and wild — off the coasts of India. Director Akshay Mandavkar’s Dolphins of Maharashtra, for instance, is a ‘sound’ exploration of the species of dolphins thriving in the Indian Ocean, with a special deepdive into the acoustic capabilities of the marine mammals. The Khalasis of Malabar, a documentary on the skilled Khalasi wooden vessel builders, presented by the National Film Development Corporation will make for a timely rewind. When we reach out to sailor Dhanya Pilo, who grew up sailing off the coast of Colaba, she is gearing up to present a masterclass titled The Sailor’s Eye: Lessons from the Sea at the festival. Oh, and she has a word for those folks we had reservations about earlier — landlubbers. “It’s an informal term for someone who is content with life on land and doesn’t know much about the seas,” she laughs. While she’s anything but one, Pilo has always looked back at land when she sets sailing. “I have seen the city’s skyline evolve. Earlier, Gateway of India would stand out as a striking landmark when I looked back. Today, it’s dwarfed by the many skyscrapers that all look the same,” she sighs. Seabird class sailboats sail in the open waters of the Mumbai harbour. PIC COURTESY/Teertha Guha Sarkar In 2019, Pilo set sail from Mumbai to Sri Lanka. In 2023, from Azores (an island off the coast of Portugal) to Southampton in the UK, and in 2024, her team won the Ocean Globe Race 2023-24, an around-the-world sailing race. Yet, her concerns hit a tad too close to home. “I have witnessed whales and dolphins thriving in the Southern Ocean, but I’m more concerned about the plastic floating off Mumbai’s coast, the garbage that has our mangroves in a chokehold, and the sewage flowing into our seas,” she points out. Paresh Pimpale Gasping in awe (and concern) from your cosy seats when Pilo presents video clips and observations from her expeditions might not do justice to the stories, the organisers agree. To that end, sailing instructor Zia Hajeebhoy will lead a set of adventurous participants on a sailing session off Gateway of India for a hands-on, immersive end to the day. While you’re at it, don’t forget to look back and marvel at the city for a bit. We won’t call you a landlubber, we promise.   ON April 6; 9 am to 1.30 pm (screenings), 4 pm (sailing)AT The Mumbai Zoo, Byculla; Gateway of IndiaLOG ON TO ecofolks.comENTRY Rs 299 (screenings); Rs 1,499 (screenings and sailing) 

03 April,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Kids experiment with dry ice during a science activity. Pic courtesy/Hullabaloo

Enrol your kids in these summer workshops, camps and activities in Mumbai

Education Science zoneFrom scientific experiments with magnets and dry ice to the Dalcroze method of music, and fun parkour activities, enrol for a week of adventure with loads of learning.AGE GROUP 3 to 6 yearsFROM May 19 to 23AT Hullabaloo Kids, off AB Nair Road, Juhu. LOG ON TO @hullabaloo.kids COST Rs 10,000 (for a week) A kid sports a fun placard during an interactive activity. Pic courtesy/Magicbeans Story squad Explore the fascinating literary world of Ruskin Bond, Julia Donaldson, Sudha Murty and other writers through stories, sensory activities and teamwork lessons in this six-week camp by MagicBeans.  AGE GROUPS 1.5 years to 3 years, 3 to 5 years and 5 to 7 yearsFrom April 28AT MagicBeans, Ground floor, Sonal Building, Kemps Corner. CALL 9641911911COST Rs 6,499 onwards Children enact a scene during a previous edition of the summer camp. Pic courtesy/Prithvi Theatre on Instagram War of words Sharpen your oratorical skills, learn to think on your feet and ace stage presence, body language and tone with Debate masters, a workshop by confidence and communication coach Rima Medhi.AGE GROUP 9 to 14 years FROM April 30 to May 4AT West Room 1, NCPA, Nariman Point. Call 9137076369 COST Rs 5,310 (exclusive of GST) Adventure Wild, wild trailsCheck out this one-of-a-kind nature-based summer camp by Seeds of Banyan. Interact with communities from the Aarey Forest, observe animal tracks and bird calls, collect seeds and learn to plant saplings, all in the lap of nature.AGE GROUP Open to allFROM April 21 to May 23AT Seeds of Banyan, Aarey Forest. CALL 8928909437COST Pay what you can Kids discover local plants during a nature trail in Aarey Forest. Pic courtesy/Jatin Shah Forest frolicTake your kids to a forest summer camp filled with adventures by Kalakrruti. Splash about in river Kali with white water rafting, hop on a safari of the Dandeli forest in Karnataka, sign up for thrilling treasure hunts, and wrap it up all with musical games and a dance party.AGE GROUP 9 to 16 yearsFROM April 10 to 15CALL 9819123666 (for location details and registration) COST Rs 17,970 (exclusive of GST) Skills Virtual hops Sign up for these cool ideas, including around the world summer camps, where children will virtually explore five continents of the world through culture carnivals, storytelling sessions and experiments.AGE GROUP 3 to 10 yearsFrom April 21 (three week and five week camps available)AT Klay Preschool Centres (multiple locations) Log on to @klaypreschoolsCOST Rs 6,999 onwards Kids interact with each other during an activity. Pic courtesy/Klay Preschools on Instagram Check out emotionsDoes your child get moody, stubborn or sulky too often? Get them to this social emotional awareness workshop by Swapna Kamath where they learn to navigate the complex dynamics of emotional quotient in an ever-evolving world. AGE GROUP 8 to 12 yearsFROM May 25 to 31AT Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 6,000 The cooking workshop ensures children work in a safe environment under adult supervision. Pic courtesy/Aishwarya Dhar Stage coolEnrol for a fun-filled, engaging theatre workshop by interdisciplinary artiste Adithi Kalkunte that encourages children to express themselves through interactive activities, games, and performance.AGE GROUP 9 to 13 yearsON April 26 and 27AT Chaubara by Veda Factory, near Ganesh Temple, Aram Nagar Part 2, Machlimar, Versova. CALL 9769291393 COST Rs 3,000 (early bird offer) Pic courtesy/Narendra Dangiya Learn it all From art activities, clay modelling, games, calligraphy and dance workshops to chess, karate and cricket classes — let your children pick the mood for the summer with these workshops.AGE GROUP 4 to 10 yearsFrom April 22 to 29 AT St Anne’s High School, Pali REGISTER Church office, St Anne’s Church, St Anne’s Lane, Pali Hill, Bandra. Hill, Bandra. COST Rs 300 Lil’ chefsGet your little ones to this fun cooking class where they learn to whip up creamy fruit parfaits and easy snacks under expert supervision. AGE GROUP 2 to 6 years TILL May 31AT Little Millennum, Jijamata Road, Andheri East. CALL 9321665522 COST Rs 250 onwards

03 April,2025 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
(From left) Dharwad peda, kesar peda and wild rose treat on display. Pics Courtesy/Phorum Pandya; Saffron & Mishri

Taste test: What you need to know about this new mithai store in Mumbai

You won’t miss the yellow façade of Saffron & Mishri blooming with flowers of its namesake in Mahalaxmi’s bylane, off Jacob Circle. A slender flight of white marble steps makes it easy to presume that it leads to a design store.  Turns out the founder of the newly-launched artisanal mithai venture, Gunjan Shrivastava, is a contemporary visual artist with a PhD in Visual Arts and an educator for the past 25 years. The space is divided into an al fresco café seating that displays wire art botanicals from her previous exhibition. (From left) A view of the Mithai Theatre, Golden pishori pistachio and Gulkand barfi Through the glass door, a display showcases mithai from South India, UP’s Benaras stretch, Bengal, Indore and Rajasthan. A digital screen above entices one with savouries like kachoris, samosas, chaats and fresh drinks. In another section, the store has a display of namkeens and a Mithai Theatre, where she conducts hands-on experiences — Make Your Own Memories (MYOM). The last and the main section is where the magic sweetens — the walk-through kitchen. We put on the hairnets and shoe covers and enter the corridor lined by enclosed sections. Workers are in the midst of hand rolling ladoos and pedas and stirring khoya. All sweets on the menu are made using sulphate-free sugar. Gunjan Shrivastava “I promote slow and conscious art so that you can feel more in the process. As a textile artist, I have sown kantha work into these leaf prints. I pick broken and dried leaves; wash them in a studio like one would treat a photograph negative. I sow red threads in the kantha work,” she reveals. Her tasteful art shows up even on the mithai boxes that have kantha and Benarasi patterns. The store also exhibits panels of kantha. Art of mithai “Every halwai is an artist, and mithai is the art form. A lot goes into the making of mithai. There is a transition and transformation of ingredients from one process to another,” Shrivastava shares, adding, “I am from Prayagraj where mithai is an emotion. We love a bite of mostly homemade sweets after every meal. Today, the gifting culture has shifted towards wines and chocolate from mithai. I want to make it cool again. I want to bring the new generation who love mithai back, and get them to know their mithai,” she adds, suggesting that she found the mithai culture in Mumbai contemporary when she moved in 2014. “Mithai palates change in a cosmopolitan city with migration from every part of India,” she explains. This inspired her to research on sourcing authentic ingredients for regional mithai, be it ghee from South India for Mysore pak, roses from Pushkar, or pistas from Iran. Taste Test: Kuchh meetha ho jaye The mithai offerings are divided into signature, luxe and ultra-luxe collections. Our first bite is a modern tasting Biscoff mithai, with the base of an almond barfi topped with a Biscoff mixture and a gold leaf for garnish. The almond dough has a sweet nuttiness. Mysore pak The wild rose laddu is a khoya treat wrapped in variants of rose petals where each is chosen for colour, fragrance and flavour. We drool over the boondi bliss bite. The fine moti choor boondi sits on a milky Ajmeri kalakand exuding North Indian doodh-jalebi vibes. Our favourite, is a flavour we have never really taken to until now. The pistachio paan is made with pishori pista, a higher quality of the dry fruit sourced from Iran. It is subtly topped with a mix of gulkand and cashew nut bits. From the signature classics, their bestselling Kanpuri moti chur ladoo boasts of a size zero in boondis. “It takes double the time. You make a besan batter, pass it through a zero jali and then you hit the rim hard for them to drop into the hot ghee for frying. They are then dipped in sugar,” Shrivastava explains.   Phorum Pandya making cranberry coconut laddoos If you’re a desi mithai fan like us, the Dharwad peda and kesar peda will not disappoint. Mysore pak stands out for its melt-in-the-mouth texture, making it one of the best in the city. The gulab jamuns are typical of Maigalganj in UP. The coating is thicker than usual and the inside is firm and dry. “In Maigalganj, there is a gulab jamun shop after every 100 metres. While Mumbai is used to a smoother, softer texture, this version is textured,” Shrivastava explains. Make your own mithai The last hour is at the hands-on mithai workshop. The team has ingredients for cranberry and coconut laddoos. We patiently stir sugar in hot water to turn it into chasni, and fold in the desiccated coconut and and khoya at precise intervals. We season it with elaichi. The weight-training comes handy when we fold in the cranberries and roll the mixture into roundels. The result is a kopra pak-like laddoo that has the acidity of the dried berries and comfort of the milky coconut. We take home some for our mothership’s approval. At Shop no 15, Nahar Amaryllis Tower, Nahar’s Amrit Shakti Road, Chandivali, Powai; Bank of Baroda, first floor, Jacob Circle, Byculla. Call 8828155002

02 April,2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum Pandya
Alternative communication devices can help non-verbal children communicate their emotions better. Representation pic/istock

Autism Awareness Day: Mumbai experts highlight how technology can help children

To truly understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is essential that people let go of their prejudices. This not only relates to how inclusivity should be taught from the basic level, but is also about being open to assistive technology that can help children with special needs. “Every person with autism perceives the world in their own way, with their own strengths and challenges. From early intervention to ongoing support, digital resources empower children on the autism spectrum and their families in various ways,” Dr Sayli Bidkar, a paediatric neurology consultant at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital explains. A moment from an online book reading session. The identity of the child is protected using emojis. Pics Courtesy/Sarika Shrivastava Shah Technology has revolutionised how autism is perceived, diagnosed, and treated. With digital interventions that can help in enhancing communication skills to the many modes of visual learning, families are finding new ways to understand their child’s needs. Sarika Shrivastava Shah, RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) certified special educator and founder of Life Of A Special Educator, a child development centre in Kandivli shares, “Most of our children are visual learners so technology comes in handy to introduce new concepts, create opportunities to communicate and most importantly, motivate the child to participate in the learning process. At the same time, a word of caution for parents is that children can get addicted to technology if left alone. A structured intervention with the help of technology can work wonders.” Dr Sayli Bidkar So, what are some common areas that can be benefited from the use of digital tools? “Most children with ASD have difficulties with verbal communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and apps can assist non-verbal or minimally verbal children in communicating their thoughts, feelings, and needs. Visual schedules, social stories, and calming strategies available in apps can help regulate emotions and meltdowns whereas interactive apps designed for particular sensory preferences can enhance learning, and help children in acquiring cognitive, motor, and social skills,” Bidkar explains.  Shah mentions, “As a special educator, YouTube is my go to resource for its variety of interesting content. Cocomelon is a wonderful channel for young learners. Videos of popular story books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar help our children engage in the concept of storytelling.” The key is to create an inclusive learning environment. “It is important to create a space that involves empathy and tolerance. Advise family and friends to be patient, kind, and inclusive. Small gestures, such as inviting an autistic child to play in a manner that is comfortable for them, can go a long way. Each autistic child is different. Rather than attempting to alter them, rejoice in their strengths and assist them in areas where they struggle,” Bidkar summarises. Check out these digital resources >> Kiddopia – An edutainment app with research-based learning activities that enhance problem solving skills>> Kutuki – A learning app with original stories, rhymes and interactive worksheets based on Indian contexts>> Twinkl – An all-round interactive learning app with games, augmented reality experiences and worksheets Information courtesy: Sarika Shrivastava Shah

02 April,2025 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
(From left) Rhys and Smith in the play

Discover the history of Bombay Jazz through this play at Prithvi Theatre

Seventeen years is a long time. In a city that is dug up and rebuilt every month, this period can be an infinity. For Denzil Smith (left), actor and producer of Bombay Jazz, it feels like a continued journey. “It has been a long and glorious journey,” he shares, as we talk about the Ramu Ramanathan-written play opening at Prithvi Theatre this Friday. Alongside Rhys Sebastian Dsouza, Smith will bring to the stage the stories of the unsung Goan and Anglo-Indian musicians from the 1950s to 1970s whose legacy influenced Hindi cinema, and thereby, Indian pop-culture and nostalgia. “When I first started with it, I wanted to keep the production bare bones and minimalistic so that it could travel with ease. The most expensive production aspect was the video capturing the different characters,” Smith admits. So, it has remained with Smith and Rhys reiterating the main roles on stage. Over the years, the play has acquired new significance in terms of legacy. “Jazz is still young in the context of musical history. For these individuals to have been present as a part of its birth years is something I am grateful for,” Rhys adds. Rhys Sebastian Dsouza For a generation fed on the city’s fame as a musical stopover for Green Day and Coldplay, the play is a reminder that the past was just as exciting. Dave Brubeck and Dizzy Gillespie to Duke Ellington were some of the names that graced Bombay’s shores. Smith recalls Taj Mahal Palace Hotel being the venue for many musicians, and Churchgate Street now Veer Nariman Road being a music hub. “Gaylord, Talk of the Town (later Jazz By The Bay), Ambassador Hotel were among the hottest spots in the city. Most music directors from the Hindi film industry would drop by, watch these talents perform and recruit them into their teams,” Smith says. Chic Chocolate (second from right) and Lucilla Pacheco (on the piano) performing after the success of the film Albela  From Braz Gonsalves, Chic Chocolate, to the one name every Hindi cinema fan recognises, Anthony Gonsalves, they would reshape Hindi film music. “I mean, Anthony Gonsalves is immortalised in the song, and rightfully so. He was Laxmikantji’s music teacher,” the producer adds. Among those names is Sebastian Dsouza, Rhys’ grandfather. Over the years, the production has enabled the saxophonist to rediscover that life. The saxophonist reveals, “I knew him very late, in the latter stages of his life, as a teacher to the kids in the village. I heard stories about him in his heyday, and other musicians like him. Piecing it all together is a wonderful experience.” C Ramchandra (standing, centre) on stage  Director Etienne Coutinho has been key to shaping these stories together. An important change in this iteration, he reveals, is the approach to the dialogues. “When we initially started, we used to sing the dialogues. We found that the singing obscured the clarity and grittiness of the story. Once, we had it set to the tempo of the music, it leapt out. It is set to different rhythms on the track brilliantly composed by Merlyn Dsouza,” he explains. The music, which also dives into some nostalgic rhythms from Eena meena deeka, to Mera naam chin chin chu, acquires a jazz structure. “I think as far as the music goes, there is a lot more flexibility. I am used to being a musician, and he [Coutinho] allows me to carry on that role on stage,” shares Rhys, talking about his jazz improvs on stage. (From left) Manna De with Anthony Gonsalves during a performance. Pics Courtesy/Stagesmith Productions With the city constantly being reshaped, the production is also a reminder of a fading past. Smith points out, “The only venue that continues with the old name is Gaylord. Most other places have changed, or shut. This play serves to wake people up to these beautiful memories about these unsung heroes.”  Rhys’ grandfather, Sebastian Dsouza (first from right) working on a tune in the studio Rhys’ jazz picks >> Mera naam chin chin chu by Geeta Dutt>> Nature boy by Stan Getz>> Hey Nineteen by Steely Dan>> That’s life by Frank Sinatra>> Quegdevelim Sunset II by Bombay Brass On April 4; 7 pm and 9 pm At Prithvi Theatre, Juhu Church Road, Juhu. Log on to prithvitheatre.orgCost Rs 500 onwards

02 April,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
(From Left) Megan Thee Stallion’s copper colour flatters the warm undertones of her skin. PIC COURTESY/THEESTALLION ON INSTAGRAM, Samantha Ruth Prabhu flaunts an elegant copper mane. PIC COURTESY/samantharuthprabhuoffl on INSTAGRAM and Sophia Bush’s copper hair adds warmth to her look. PIC COURTESY/SOPHIABUSH ON INSTAGRAM

Expert tips to ace your style with copper hair colour trend

The summer sun has brought with it a brand new hair colour trend — copper, a colour that’s much more forgiving to Indian hair textures and skin tones than its ashy blonde predecessor. From Ayo Edebiri to Megan Thee Stallion, the hair colour has been spotted on celebrities across the board, in streaks, highlights or all-over washes. “Copper is a red-orange shade, which can range from soft red-orange brown to a vibrant rich golden hue or even rose-gold copper,” explains celebrity hair stylist Drishya Bhagyanath. She adds that since the colour of natural Indian hair ranges from blacks to browns, the infusion of copper is very complementary. “Indian skin tones are typically warm, with olive undertones, which are enhanced by the natural golds of this shade range. The right shade of copper can bring a subtle change or add richness and warmth to your hair,” she reasons. Drishya Bhagyanath Wearing it right If you’re keen to change up your mane with a warming update, Bhagyanath offers a few suggestions:  “A global all-over hair colour in copper can add dimension to the hair. If you’re not looking for a drastic change but are still eager to switch things up, you could try out a deeper hue of copper.” Other ways of sporting this hue are in highlights and balayage (a freehand hair-colouring technique) with different shades of copper, which can give your hair a sun-kissed appearance. An ombre look in copper, which involves colouring the tips of the hair in vibrant shades, can make your mane pop, while copper as an accent along with other shades of reds or browns can add visual interest.   A fine line “Since copper lies between red and orange in the colour family, your hair does not need to be lightened a lot to achieve this colour as compared to the blonde hues. This can result in hair that looks and feels much healthier as compared to blonde strands, which can seem dry. It is a great way to change up your hair colour without causing too much damage. Copper also works well with several Indian skin tones, barring very pale skin,” Bhagyanath says. However, if the wrong shade is used, it could easily result in hair that looks like it has been dyed with henna. The colour can also fade much faster without the right after-care products. The right care routine involves a colour-protect shampoo which keeps the reds in the colour from fading out, followed by regular hair spas and deep conditioning treatments to maintain the shine and avoid dryness. A leave-in conditioner or hair serum can protect your strands from split ends and damage. She warns, however, that changing your hair colour back to blonde after dying it copper could be a challenge. 

01 April,2025 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Director and actor Hemwant Tiwari in a still from the action thriller

Mumbai-based director spills the beans on filming one-take action thriller

Bingewacthers around the globe are reporting unusual side-effects after watching Netflix’s one-take thriller, Adolescence (2025). Common symptoms, we learn from their friends and family, include throwing around terms like camera rig and one-shot cinematography while panning out frames in the air with their fingers. We might have made some of that up, but the buzz around the show is still very real. So, when we hear that Mumbai’s own Film City has birthed a similar ambitious one-take project, we catch up with Andheri-based director Hemwant Tiwari to chat about the secret sauce behind whipping up Krishna Arjun — the single shot, dual role crime thriller. The crew works on recreating the miniature cardboard model (right, on table) in Goregaon. PICS COURTESY/THE ONLY GODESS PRODUCTION Much like the 1995 Salman Khan-Shah Rukh Khan starrer melodrama with a similar sounding title, Tiwari’s film follows the classic trope of two brothers determined to avenge their father’s death. Shot across multiple locations in Goregaon’s Film City, the fast-paced film keeps us on our toes, and Tiwari — who dons the cap of the director as well as the twin protagonists — doubly so. “One-shot films have been a long-time obsession for me. I watched possibly every single one streaming online last year to learn the art behind it. But I wanted to take the challenge up a notch,” says the filmmaker. The first challenge, he reveals, was building a set that allows the non-linear plot to unfold across time and space. “With some help from production designer Ritika Nigam, we built a detailed miniature cardboard model of the central location before we set up the real deal. Since we had rented the locations for only four days, we had to ensure everything was in the right place,” he recalls. The cast rehearses a scene with the modular set in the background This intricate set design stands out in two scenes. One where the story shifts from an external setting to the inside of a room flawlessly, and another where the camera seems to seamlessly walk through a solid wall. Giving us a peek into the conception of these Inception (2010)-inspired contraptions, Tiwari reveals, “That was made possible by moving parts and compact portable sets. A billboard in the external scene shot near Khandala Ghat in Film City, for instance, hid a secret room behind it that allowed us to take the story indoors in one single movement. As for the camera trick, the crew, with cinematographer Tribhuvan Babu Sadineni, set up rotating doors between rooms.” Just last week, we watched Adolescence (2025) co-creator Stephen Graham reveal in multiple interviews that the hour-long episodes sometimes took nearly 13 takes to perfect. Tiwari shares a more modest number you can count on one hand. “It should have been three, but the fourth take is what you see in the movie,” he reveals. There’s no numerology at play here, we’re assured. “Nearly 35 minutes into the third take, we heard a click and there was a complete blackout. The generator had given up on us. But the cast was so engrossed in the take, that we actually went through the scene in pitch darkness,” Tiwari recalls. As commendable as Krishna Arjun’s one-shot USP is, it would be remiss not to mention the layered themes that the film manages to dip into while keeping the cameras rolling. From conversation on the stigma associated with homosexuality, to commentary on the rigid Indian societal hierarchy, keep an eye out for subtle messages hidden in plain sight when you sit down for a viewing. And don’t forget, you have only one shot. AVAILABLE YouTube

01 April,2025 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
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