While they are traditionally not classified by botanists as berries, fans of strawberry do not care. From being a favourite of European royalty in the early 15th century to a Wimbledon tradition in the 20th Century, the little red fruit has come a long way. From tarts to desserts and even chaat, the berry has found its way into the city’s kitchen in diverse forms. We dive into offerings across the city to curate the pick of the bunch. Coffee tarts Strawberry mocha Get some diversity in your morning mocha with this strawberry mocha that has creamy strawberry and espresso.AT Basque by Brevé, Pearl Haven, Chapel Road, Bandra West.Call 9082587137Cost Rs 350 Also Read: From children to adults: Use these nine apps to aid your mental health in 2025 Going gaothan The gin-based cocktail, Pali Speaking of cocktails, Pali — named after Bandra’s popular Pali Village — brings together the creaminess of the strawberry yogurt with the sharp Campari and sweet pineapple syrup. Perfect for a playful and interesting evening.AT Sixteen33, 16th Cross Road, Pali Hill, Bandra West. Call 9758999555 Cost Rs 650 Italian surprises Strawberry cheesecake gelato Another win for the traditionalists is this creamy cheesecake gelato that comes infused with the tartness of fresh strawberries. A real threat to New Year resolutions all over.AT Café Frozen Fun, Shyam Kunj, Pali Naka, Bandra West.Call 9082525976Cost Rs 220 Meaty goodness Chicken meatballs in smoky strawberry chipotle While it may be a humble berry, the strawberry can add some layers to your lunch. Head over to SoBo for a tasting of these chicken meatballs smothered in smoky strawberry chipotle sauce, or give in to the experimental strawberry choco tacos.AT Poco Loco Tapas and Bar, Kemps Corner, Grant Road West; Khar West.Call 9321598326 (Grant Road)Cost Rs 590 (chicken meatballs); Rs 550 (strawberry tacos) Tart in salad Carnival kale salad If you are checking on your calories to keep up with your resolutions, head over to Santacruz for a salad that brings the tart of strawberries and pomelo with the refreshing greens of kale and avocado in a visual delight.AT Carnival By Tresind, 7th floor, Krishna Curve Building, Santacruz West.Call 9152100123Cost Rs 695 onwards Sweet as a Danish Strawberry danish For the traditionalists, this food hub in Colaba is the place to be. Among its many offerings is a delicious strawberry Danish with elderflower cream, strawberry jam and topped off with strawberries for a vibrant finish.AT Mag St Bread Co, 4, Mandlik Road, Colaba. Call 7208544366Cost Rs 350 A berry fizz Berry sparkle If you are on the lookout for something to keep the New Year buzz going, try the Berry sparkle — a mix of strawberry gin, elderflower, and sparkling wine. The frosted berry fizz is another gin-based cocktail that comes with a twist of basil and lime to give it added freshness.AT Via Bombay, Jewel of Chembur, 1st Road, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur.Call 02267099988Also Read: Vijay Tendulkar birth anniversary: Here are unique ways to celebrate the Marathi legend's legacy Tomato strawberry chutney Ingredients>> 5 tomatoes>> 5 fresh strawberries>> 1 tsp black pepper corn>> 1 whole bay leaf>> 2 onions>> 50 ml oil>> 10 ml red wine vinegar>> Salt (to taste) MethodCoarsely chop the tomatoes and strawberries and keep aside in separate bowls. Pour some oil in a pan on medium heat. Sauté bay leaf, khada masala, black pepper corn, and sliced onions. When the onions are golden brown, add the tomatoes. Wait till the tomatoes are half cooked before adding the chopped strawberries. Mash the berries and tomatoes in a pulpy mix as they simmer. Add some red wine vinegar, and salt as per taste. Serve as a condiment. Recipe courtesy: Chef Sarfaraz Ahmed A diverse and visual delight I grew up in Shimla and Himachal Pradesh where the arrival of the strawberries marked the beginning of winter. What fascinates me about it is that it is among the rare fruits that tastes as good as it looks. It can bring a dash of vibrancy and colour, with its Valentine red, to any dish. Though it is often used as a dessert, I love to experiment with it in savoury dishes. Sarfaraz Ahmed, corporate chef, Tresind Mumbai
07 January,2025 11:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarNothing quite washes off the mid-week blues like good music. Drummer Arjun Chakraborty will lead the quartet of Arka Chakraborty, Shashanka Das (guitars) and Tea (vocals) for an evening of fusion and jazz at this Colaba haunt. Part of the Colaba Jazzin at The Neuma Edit, the session will build on the quartet’s skills to improvise on iconic jazz standards while showcasing some new rhythms. “It will be an exciting opportunity to showcase our skills. The key is to explore new rhythms,” shares Arjun. With seats filling up quickly, readers would do well to call ahead. ON January 8; 8 pmAT Neuma, Garden Challet, near Regal Cinema, Colaba. CALL 9819318476 (for reservations)
07 January,2025 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamYesterday marked the 97th birth anniversary of Vijay Tendulkar, one of the most influential playwrights in Indian theatre. His iconic plays have been staged worldwide and continue to be performed today by several local groups in the city. Tendulkar also wrote screenplays for films such as the late Shyam Benegal’s Manthan (1976) and Govind Nihalani’s Aakrosh (1980), among others. As a Marathi playwright, he paved the way for modern drama in the country, working with language, giving voice to outliers, who challenged societal norms, and introducing themes that were new to the Indian stages in the 1960s and 70s. For those looking to get started on their journey into discovering the playwright’s work, we’ve curated a list of recommendations: ReadFive Plays by Vijay Tendulkar This is a collection of five classics by the playwright, translated from Marathi into English. It includes three of his most widely read commentaries on the position of women in India: Sakharam Binder, Silence! The Court is in Session, and Kamala. In addition to these, it contains The Vultures, a play where members of a family transform into metaphorical vultures for a share in the family wealth, and Encounter in Umbugland, a political satire about power and manipulation.Available: Leading bookstores and e-stores Listen Audiogyan Podcast with Kedar Nimkar and Ramu Ramanathan Ramu Ramanathan A conversation with Ramu Ramanathan, playwright, director, and author of Mumbai Murmurings, opens many nuances to the legend’s life and writings. The host Kedar Nimkar and Ramanathan delve into Tendulkar’s use of language. The latter calls him “the playwright of the half sentence” and cites some examples from his oeuvre, sharing what Tendulkar attempted to do with his fragmentary dialogues. The speakers also delve into the playwright’s influences and reflect on India in the 1960s and 70s, the two decades during whichTendulkar wrote his greatest work.Log on to Spotify, Youtube Watch Khamosh, Adalat Jaari Hai (2017) Nandita Das in Khamosh! Adalat Jaari Hai. Pic Courtesy/Facebook Adapted from Tendulkar’s iconic play Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe (Silence! The Court is in Session) written in 1963, this cineplay features Hindi cinema’s finest theatre and film actors such as Nandita Das, Swanand Kirkire, Saurabh Shukla, Yusuf Hussain. What begins as a theatrical trial soon turns into a drama where the court is insistent on silencing the voice of the powerless and questions her integrity and character. The original piece has seen several adaptations, including one by BBC, a 1968 Hindi film by Satyadev Dubey featuring Amrish Puri and Amol Palekar, and a 2016 Marathi natak featuring Renuka Shahane. It is believed that the play was inspired by Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s novel, Traps.Log on to Zee5
07 January,2025 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaFor kids Safe and sound: You don’t have to be a wordsmith to express your feelings. This music therapy-based app allows you to journal in the language of music using a calming user-friendly experience that allows you to simply tap to add or remove elements.Log on to: Cove on app stores Moshi moshi, wellness: This BAFTA Children’s Award-winning app comes with audio stories, puzzles and bedtime stories, all focussed on the concept of healthy digital play. With easy-to-follow meditation and grounding techniques to dissolve stress, our favourite is the no-advertisements policy that protects children from distractions.Log on to: Moshi on app stores The Finch interface (left) Moshi A friend in me: Teach your children self-care through an app that brings their mental wellbeing to life as an adorable pet, Finch. With daily tasks and affirmations, this is the cutest way to build a good habit.Log on to: Finch on app stores For the 9-to-5-ers Mood matters: “How are you?”— The home screen of this app asks you throughout your hectic workday. This daily journalling and mood tracking app encourages you to log your mood and feelings into a micro-diary to help identify broader trends. With day, month and year-wise tracking, those elusive stressors stand no chance.Log on to: Daylio Journal on app stores In a jiffy: Why not slip in a quick mental reset between meetings? With micro-meditation routines guided by experts and sprinkled with humour, this app is perfect for first-timers wanting to dip their toes before diving into mindfulness. Log on to: 10% Happier on app stores Sounds like a dream: If sleep doesn’t come easy even after a long day’s work, this app might be the answer. Using soundscapes featuring calm music, voice narrations and sounds from nature, this team of audio engineers, musicians and psychoacoustic researchers have packed a good night’s sleep in an app. If you’re a stickler for reviews, especially by famous folk, this one comes recommended by JK Rowling.Log on to: Pzizz on app stores For senior citizens Play it out: According to Harvard Medical School, activities like games, puzzles, and writing may help delay the onset of dementia in older adults. This app (above) offers over 50 engaging, easy-to-learn games across categories like memory, attention, and language to keep your brain active and sharp.Log on to: Brainwell on app stores Dear diary: This medication reminder doubles as a mood tracker to help you understand how your medication is affecting your overall mood. With a health diary that lets you jot down your feelings, this app can provide valuable insights that contribute to a better diagnosis at your next doctor’s visit.Log on to: MyTherapy on app stores Be positive: Designed to help older individuals overcome negativity, this app features activities conceptualised by doctors and researchers. A community page also lets users share their tips to combat loneliness, a challenge faced by nearly a quarter of the senior population in the world, according to the WHO.Log on to: Happify on app stores
07 January,2025 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMuses Over Mumbai (Bloomsbury), reads like a love letter, a love song to the original version of Mumbai. Authors find stories in what they love, experience, and relate to. What are this city’s qualities that inspire you to write about it in the guise of fiction?Murzban Shroff: WHEN I started writing the book, I wrote out an admission. It flowed spontaneously and went like this: “Call it Bombay or call it Mumbai, my city remains the story capital of the world. There are no limits to the inspiration it delivers, no end to its generosity.” I could afford to feel this, and say after two decades of writing about the city, understanding what it represents to its people, what it delivers, and what makes it tick. The special thing about Mumbai is: it will test you to the hilt, it will thwart you, frustrate you, confuse you, overwhelm you, but it never fails to deliver a sense of realisation, a modicum of personal and spiritual growth. To live in Mumbai is to be conscious of a larger design of life and illumination at work. It is this illumination that finds its way into my stories that unravels through the personal conflicts of its characters, and becomes the epiphany on which one thrives. It is fiction born out of reality, to reveal a deeper reality of the self and of your environment. The book highlights the plight of dhobi ghats that are being eyed by real estate sharks in a fast-changing metropolis From Breathless in Bombay to Muses over Mumbai, we’ve witnessed a metamorphosis, beyond a name change. It’s visible in its streetscapes, its socio-cultural fabric and its changing neighbourhoods. As an author, how did you navigate these shifting plates to ensure its soul is somewhat intact? MS: Let’s first understand the changes. The maalishwallas have almost disappeared; the horse-drawn Victorias have been banned; kaali-peelis are facing competition from private cab companies; BEST has reduced its fleet to two-thirds its original size; the dhobi ghats are being eyed by builders; our racecourse is being considered for redevelopment; Marine Drive promenade has been truncated; our middle-class neighbourhoods are fast morphing into gated communities. So how do I — who feel so strongly about Mumbai’s traditions of inclusiveness — navigate these? By reminding myself that the soul of the city is different from the agendas of its caretakers. By soul I mean its diversity, its bonhomie, its empathy, its humanity. And this is what shines through in each of the stories in this book. I take a character, a thought, an issue, a conflict, and journey with it. In the bargain, I explore certain key aspects of the city. Man in relation to his environment. Man in pursuit of his identity, his goals. What is important then is not what this city puts you through, but what it makes of you — a more aware, more sentient human being. Amidst this change, do you find subtle or obvious changes in the people who you meet every day?MS: Post the COVID 19 pandemic, I see a mercantile opportunism in some people; a kind of defiant insurance against what they went through. This becomes more pronounced because Mumbai is, after all, a mercantile city. The cost of living is often borne in human terms. Yet, it is mercantile without being aggressive or violent; it has a largely ‘live, let live, and let earn’ attitude. Amongst the moneyed and upper crust, there’s a marked hedonism, an anxiety to make the most of the time left. But on the whole, there is also a greater awareness of one’s priorities; things that matter, things that count. I am hoping that this awareness sustains and that it leads to more stories of self-actualisation. Murzban F Shroff Your stories are raw with the open wounds and hard knocks. Yet, your characters, including the protagonists, display resilience and offer hope. Are these stories your way of celebrating the famous ‘spirit’ of Mumbai?MS: You are right about my characters. Take Shraddha, the mochi’s wife: her dilemma is to preserve her dreams for her daughters, and she will do anything to make that happen. Or Sushila, the orphaned ragpicker girl who wants to extricate herself from the squalor of the streets, and become an Uber driver. Or Sikander, who wants to save his stray dogs from extermination and makes that his mission. Or Inspector Bedekar, who must redeem himself in his own eyes, before he can return home to his children. Or even Hyder Ali, a dying drug addict who must perform one good deed before he dies. It’s not so much the spirit of the city I dwell on, as the city itself, which — through its complexities and challenges — raises the spirit and elevates human consciousness. Why such a long gap to write the sequel of Breathless in Bombay?MS: Breathless… released in 2008. From 2009 to 2012, I faced intense litigation against the book, which slowed me down; it occupied all my creative energies. A lot of my time went in drafting legal petitions, interacting with lawyers, and attending court hearings. It was 2012 by the time the cases were resolved and the courts had ruled in my favour. In 2015, I published my Bandra novel, Waiting for Jonathan Koshy. This was a light, jocular novel that kept me going through the dark days of my litigation. The book was later published in the US and in China. In 2019, I came up with an experimental series, Fasttrack Fiction, a collection of shorts for the cell phone reader. But this digital series couldn’t find an audience in India and the rights were returned to me. Then, in 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, I published Third Eye Rising, my India collection of stories dealing with issues such as caste, dowry, displacement, child apathy, female exploitation, and migrant identities. Muses Over Mumbai kicked in post the pandemic, although two of the stories were written earlier. Shroff’s characters take up issues like the environment and the hacking of trees in the city Without revealing much, can you recall the most challenging stories?MS: Surprisingly, some of the shorter stories like Neighbors (where I explore the slow death of a gaothan), or Mental About Mumbai (where an environmental activist takes up cudgels against the hacking of trees) or The History Lesson (where we feel the moral dilemma of a builder who is asked to sell out his city) called for intense re-writing. Short as they are, these stories are vital to the collection. They are strong ‘point of view’ stories, intended to reflect the Mumbaikar’s state of mind. They show us where the city is headed, what is lost and what can be further lost. The longer ones like Hafta, Accidental Karma, and The Earth Shall Be Enjoyed by Heroes were relatively easier because I was working in scenes; I conceived them as mini novels. For the longer stories, I had to do ground-level research. For Scent of a Meal, I had to learn how newly-arrived migrants adjusted to the city. For The Earth Shall Be Enjoyed by Heroes, I had to learn about police procedurals during a rape investigation. This quest for information and accuracy makes the writing that much more pleasurable. AVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores Crafting fiction The issue, the questions or concerns are always real — those are your points of identification with your reader. Your characters could be drawn from memory or from imagination, but they need to be well-thought-out and relatable. The storyline is where you indulge your imagination and push the boundaries of fiction. Here, you use devices like conflict and chaos — to arrive at answers you are seeking; answers that must manifest, first to the writer, then to the reader. Fiction is the pursuit of truth — with knowledge as your body and imagination as your wings.
06 January,2025 11:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezWhile the digital age has created multiple avenues for us to simplify our daily lives, it has also created an enduring dependency on modern gizmos that seems to have trickled down to children as well, affecting their real-life experiences. It becomes essential in that sense to bring out our kids to the real playground. Rachna’s Fun Club in collaboration with Avid Learning and Playydate is organising the eighth edition of the Little Clubbers Festival at the Royal Opera House, which seeks to create a fun and educative environment for kids and their families. Rachna Narwekar Conceptualised for children between the ages of 2 to 12 years, the activities at the festival are segregated into separate sections that foster experiential learning in kids. “We started the festival in 2016, with the objective of providing experiential learning under one roof to children, something which pulls them away from the glare of devices and pushes them to participate in interactive activities that facilitate social and emotional development” Rachna Narwekar, organiser of the festival, tells us. Children engage in craft-based activities at a previous edition The activities are designed in a way that it creates an open and inclusive space. “We have packed in a lot of activities under one roof so that children with learning difficulties also find it easy to engage at the festival. There are games that will teach participants how to balance objects and solve problems; in addition, we’ve planned activities intended to calm them as well,” she reveals. The festival will feature a performance by dancers of Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts as well. The event also intends to encourage young entrepreneurs by providing them a platform to showcase their talent, “There is a lemonade stall by an 11-year-old girl and a jewellery stall by a 16-year-old girl at the festival. We believe it is important to give children the space to be confident and independent about their craft. It is a very holistic environment for children as well as their families,” Narwekar concludes. ON January 11; 11 am to 7 pmAT The Royal Opera House, Charni Road East, Girgaon.LOG ON TO @rachnasfunclub on Instagram ENTRY Rs 200 (for adults; free for children)
06 January,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaSpotting an elephant stepping out into human settlement isn’t an everyday sight. “I was told the chances of spotting one during our eight-day stay were next to none,” recalls 21-year-old filmmaker Devshree Khedekar, who visited Trunk Call Wildlife Foundation’s conservation efforts in rural Kolhapur led by elephant whisperer Anand Shinde, to film her new documentary late last year. The crew anticipated a quiet stay in the usually serene village. And then, it happened. Khedekar works on a shot An elephant swinging its trunk in a pitch-dark field lit only by the torchlights of villagers, with Shinde negotiating with the locals to step back, is one of the most striking visuals from the 18-minute documentary titled Vigraha. The fact that this daring endeavour was made as part of Khedekar’s annual college project at the VG Vaze Kelkar College in Mulund, makes it even more commendable. Anand Shinde on-field. Pics Courtesy/Trunk Call Wildlife Foundation There are some things you can’t learn by simply reading academic research papers in your cosy homes in the city, Khedekar says. “The day after the sighting, we traced the elephant’s footsteps. We learnt that the heavy stomps had loosened the soil, giving earthworms the ideal terrain to thrive. It made us question if elephants are really the troublemakers we take them to be,” she reveals. Shinde seems to agree. “Just one piece of elephant dung contains 17 to 7,000 species of microorganisms that act as excellent manure,” he tells us, adding, “Unless posed a threat to, an elephant is a man’s best friend.” Devshree Khedekar The gripping tale is sprinkled with conversations with local residents and activists who present a well-rounded picture of wildlife-human conflicts. A local farmer’s candid admission, just days after the conflict, gives the documentary a fitting conclusion: “From sowing to harvesting, we are constantly at loggerheads with pests of all kinds. An elephant is possibly the only one who means us no harm.” LOG ON TO Vigraha on YouTube
06 January,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is a widely accepted fact that dance is the universal language of expression, one that builds itself on humanity’s shared vocabulary for movement to convey the deepest emotions. Drawing from a similar strain of thought is Sacred Rhythms, a performance hosting dancers from South Korea and Japan, as part of the first edition of the Asia Dance Festival (ADF) in the country, for a vibrant session showcasing traditional dance forms. Scheduled to take place in Mumbai and then Bengaluru, the session will also feature a Bharatanatyam performance by the disciples of Dr Sandhya Purecha and Bharata College of Fine Arts & Culture and an Odissi performance by the disciples of Dr Sarmishtha Chattopadhyay and Angika Dance Academy. Lee Jong Ho performs Salp’uri “This event is part of a cultural exchange programme between both countries. Indian audiences know a lot about K-pop, Korean food and even Korean skin care regimes, but there is very little knowledge about traditional Korean dance forms, which are a rich cultural entity in themselves. The idea behind this collaboration is to expose Indian audiences to traditional Korean culture,” Aditi Bhagwat, the co-ordinator and organiser of the event, tells us. While the Korean dance sets will take patrons on a ride through the folk culture of South Korea, the Japanese performances will bring a contemporary twist to the whole session with performances revolving around present-day issues with reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and the impermanence of memory. A moment from the Japanese dance set 4999 by Yui Enomoto Exhibiting traditional Korean dance forms like Taepyeongmu, Salp’uri and Seungmu among others, the festival will also retrace the spiritual connection between the two nations. “India is the birthplace of The Buddha; it’s the land where Buddhism originated, so I feel we already share a deep relation with each other,” Yi Chul-jin, a fourth-generation practitioner of Seungmu, and the art director and manager of ADF shares with us. A performance of the traditional dance form Jinju Gyobang Gutgeori Chum Originating in the folk culture of South Korea, Seungmu or the Monk’s Dance requires delicate movements and rhythms which take account of the dancer’s flowy costume for the full effect while Salp’uri involves a fluid choreography rooted in the idea of spiritual mysticism, accompanied by a melancholic melody. What is it about India that brings them to the country for these performances, we ask? “India and South Korea have a great bonding, something which has only grown more in the past few years. As artistes, it is an honour for us to be able to showcase our traditional dance forms in India and facilitate a meaningful exchange,” Chul-jin tells us before signing off. The performance will be followed by a workshop the next day where dance enthusiasts can interact with artistes to know more about the dance forms. Aditi Bhagwat On January 5; 11 am onwardsAt NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Free (first come-first served basis)
04 January,2025 08:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIn 1979, Kalpavriksh was established as a result of a student-led campaign for the protection of Delhi’s Ridge Forest. Since then, the Pune-based non-profit organisation has worked consistently towards environmental research, advocacy, education, on-ground support to communities, and national and international environmental policy. More recently, the team began publishing books for kids between the ages of six and 14 years on nature, environment, and wildlife conservation. The early titles came out of locale-specific education programmes conducted by the organisation. “We interact with communities in remote regions like Ladakh and Kutch to bring out material that is relevant to their surroundings, their wildlife and ecosystems,” shares Tanya Majmudar, who oversees the publications. Since around 2015, their publishing efforts have been more focused. An illustration from Ila, My Wild Mongoose Friend. Illustration courtesy Ambika Karandikar “We have a large network of people we know who work on the ground, including environmental researchers and community members. We work with them to bring out stories of conservation efforts and real environmental issues for the larger audience. We also put out a call for manuscripts, so even established children’s authors send us manuscripts for books.” Here are three exciting new titles from the environment-conscious indie publisher to check out: My Nest is the BestNiyatee Sharma introduces children to the vast universe of birds by narrating how different birds build their nests. Readers will learn about tailorbirds, kites, kingfishers, lapwings, and the great hornbill, among others. Many of this birds in the book can be spotted in Mumbai, such as the Greater Flamingo and the Sarus Crane. Alongside the poems are pieces of further information about nest-building processes that parents can share with their children. It’s a good format for those indulging in assisted reading. The illustrations by Sushama Durve help the reader identify the birds through their features. A panel from What Am I Good At? illustration courtesy/Sunaina Coelho What Am I Good At?A baby eagle wonders what it will be good at once it grows up. It looks at the world around, watches its parents carry food to the nest, and encounters other animals like an elephant, a sloth bear, an otter, a barking deer, etc., who share what they do best. Rahul Pradhan’s words, accompanied by Sunaina Coelho’s delightful illustrations, meditate on the anxiety of the young animals in their early stages through rhymes. It is a joyful read for young readers. Tanya Majmudar Ila, My Wild Mongoose FriendWritten by Abhisheka Krishnagopal, with stunning illustrations by Ambika Karandikar, the book traces the journey of an Indian grey mongoose named Ila — from being rescued to being cared for and readied for life in her natural habitat. Through the narrator, a young college student, we sneak a peek into the working of a rehabilitation centre for small animals. Young readers who love animals, have rescued, or are caretakers, will find the book particularly heartwarming in its ability to explore the relationship between the volunteer-caregiver and the rescued mongoose. Available: kalpavriksh.org
04 January,2025 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaMumbai is a city where music is often the background to your daily commute, but it is also a city where names like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and going back further to Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, Ustad Karim Khan and others revelled in. Down the road from the famed Bhendi Bazaar, whose current status belies its reputation of the Bhendi Bazaar gharana, stands the Haribhau Vishwanath Musical Industries. This weekend, they begin the celebrations for the centenary year with a music concert at a Matunga venue by Rahul Sharma, Ojas Adhiya, Ashok Patki and Kaushal Inamdar among others in performance. A collection of sitars, santoors and tanpuras at the store The beginnings of a legacy “The journey began with Vishwanath Diwane, who was a harmonium player with the legendary Bal Gandharva’s theatre troupe,” recalls 76-year-old Dilip Diwane, founder Haribhau’s nephew. Vishwanath’s young son, Haribhau, would often accompany his father along on the journeys. Having acquired an early ear for music, Haribhau would assist as well as play alongside his father. Musician Hariharan with Uday Diwane during a visit to the Dadar store “But often, he would spend time working on the instrument. In those days, the harmonium was a new instrument and imported from Germany or France,” shares Dilip, adding, “He learned to mould it to the requirements of Indian vocals and music. Sometime around 1925, he set up shop in Dadar’s Kumbharwada locality, and later, in Girgaon’s music market.” Dilip’s nephew, Ashish, says, “Right across our store was RS Mayekar’s who designed only string instruments. There was another tabla maker down the road. We used to specialise only in harmoniums, before we diversified.” A collection of violins at the Girgaon store Like all members of the family, Ashish assisted his grandfather in the workshop, and recalls him as an innovator. “Back then, these instruments were traditionally made by hand, and took weeks. He decided to use machines such as circular saws, drill machines that shortened time. He also came up with the idea of working in lots of eight or nine harmoniums at a time as a production line,” he shares. A family tradition When the manufacturing workshop moved for a short time to Ahilya Nagar, music became more than a profession. “Sulochana Chavan, Shahu Modak and every other musical theatre troupe would stop by. Every fortnight, Haribhau would host a mehfil and also join the musicians in performances,” recalls Dilip. A dated photograph of founder Haribhau Vishwanath (right) felicitating the theatre icon Bal Gandharva This passion was passed down to every member of the family. “I learned the harmonium, and played tabla for 20 years. My son also learned music,” shares Ashish. The 56-year-old is not alone. Dilip Diwane started with the harmonium, and later learned the Hawaiian and electric guitars. “It is very important for us to have an ear for music. You cannot craft an instrument without knowing the changes in its sound,” the septuagenarian points out. Mechanism of music This knowledge also contributes to the science of craftsmanship. Ashish expands, “Music might be an art, but needs material science. For instance, harmoniums used to be made of Burma teak in the Colonial era. When sourcing them became difficult, we repurposed old timber, especially teak from Colonial-era furniture. These are naturally seasoned, which prevents them from cracking when used as the inner soundboards of the harmonium.” When they started exporting overseas, the family realised that wood often reacts differently in colder climates. “We had to adapt and work using composites and materials that would offer the same sound quality. Today, we work with all forms of instruments and materials,” Ashish reveals. Constant evolution From electric mandolins and Hawaiian guitars, to banjos and rudra veenas, the family believes evolution is the key to survival. With a factory in Worli, stores in Prabhadevi and Dadar — helmed by the third-generation of the family, Dinesh Vishwanath and Uday Vishwanath — the connection continues. “I still remember Pandit Shivkumar Sharma calling us over to discuss some changes to his santoor. The thing about instruments of Indian music is that they are service- oriented — they cannot be kept as showpieces. You have to play them and maintain them,” Ashish remarks. This Sunday’s celebrations are part of this tradition and love for music. “It is not every day that you cross 100 years. In a city like Mumbai, where neighbourhoods change every decade, keeping the fire going through generations is an achievement,” sums up Dilip Diwane. On January 5; 5.30 pm onwardsAt Yashwant Natya Mandir, JK Sawant Marg, Joshi Wadi, Matunga West.Entry (passes available at their stores in Dadar, Prabhadevi and Girgaon) Call 223821425 (Girgaon)
04 January,2025 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFor many years, this writer was subject to being woken up in the wee morning hours of December and January to be part of temple visits to Chembur or Matunga. It was a fixed family ritual for generations of Tamilians in the city who miss the vibe of the season that is popularly known as Margazhi. “It is a whole other phenomenon in Chennai,” shares Mahesh Babu, founder, Banyan Tree Entertainment that is seeking to recreate the festival vibes in the city with their Margazhi Music Mahotsavam, which starts this weekend. Mahesh Babu “The idea is to make the season’s experience accessible to Mumbaikars. It is a beautiful season that combines faith, culture, food and community. We hope to recreate that in the city,” Babu shares. The two-day-long series of music concerts will bring together the talents of experienced performers like nadaswaram vidwan Yalppanam PS Balamurugan, Ganesh-Kumaresh, U Rajesh and lecture demonstration by Sriram Parasuram, among many others. Vocalist Sudha Raghunathan is more than familiar with the buzz and fervour that envelops Chennai during this month — including the performers. “Festivals happen all through the year. but somewhere it has become a familiar term that singing well in Margazhi is proving your mettle and standard. In one season, I remember singing at 25 concerts,” the Padma Bhushan-awardee shares. (From left) Sudha Raghunathan and Ganesh-Kumaresh will be among the notable performers at the upcoming showcase Raghunathan points out that Mumbai is diverse and different. “The listener in Mumbai is a lot more open and attuned to different things. The openness in the audience is vividly reflected in the artistes as well,” she notes. But there is more to the month than just music. “I spent over 15 years in Chennai and Hyderabad. I would often do ‘sabha-hopping’ as they call it, talking about music, performers and the food, always the food. At times, there would be arguments over the quality of filter kaapi,” shares Babu. This is one of the reasons the festival seeks to bring in the feel of delicacies from dosas to freshly brewed filter kaapi to the concerts. Raghunathan agrees. One of her fond memories is the dahi batata puri at Sadguru in Chembur. “Most concerts are in Dadar, Matunga or Chembur. So we would often hop down on the weekends if we were craving some delicious food. I still crave it sometimes,” she says, adding, “The month of Marghazi not only brings the music together, but also culture and food and practices. People dress as though they are attending a wedding, in their Sunday best as they say. Can we replicate it in Mumbai? Yes, it can be done. But the key is to first light a spark. The culture will evolve by itself.” ON January 4 and 5; 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8.30 pm AT St Andrews Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 750 onwards The complete Mumbai Margazhi trail A view of the Matunga market. File Pic Bazaar buzzFrom the crisp new veshtis and pattu pavadais (frocks) to the fresh flowers and vegetables, Matunga’s South Indian markets will keep you updated on the trends down South.TIME 6 am onwards AT Laxmi Narayan Lane, Matunga (Central). Patrons at the café in King’s Circle Festive bitesNo celebration is complete without a proper dosa. Head over to Café Madras in King’s Circle for its fantastic podi idli and filter kaapi. It is a must for any concert goer.ON Circle House, near Maheshwari Udyan, King’s Circle, Matunga (Central). CALL 224014419 Facade of the Fanaswadi temple. Pic Courtesy/X Temple hoppingWith Margazhi, most South Indian temples acquire a festive air with recitations of verses from Tiruppavai. While Chembur and Matunga might be easy choices, our pick is the Fanaswadi temple in Kalbadevi. The 98-year -old temple will have special functions with month-long music and recitations.AT 80, Sitaram Podar Marg, Kalbadevi, Marine Lines East.
03 January,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT