He was well read, unique, mercurial, even controversial and odd. Over his lifetime, Maqbool Fida Husain was given many sobriquets and adjectives, but he could never be ignored. Almost 15 years since his passing, his work evokes a similar response. It is this multi-hued personality and his long work that is at the centre of DAG’s retrospective, Husain: The Timeless Modernist that opens in Colaba today. MF Husain painting the architectural marvel Amdavad ni Gufa — a collaborative effort of the artist and architect BV Doshi. The construction of the gallery began in 1992 and was completed in 1995 For Ashish Anand, CEO and MD, DAG (formerly Delhi Art Gallery), the scale of the exhibition reflects the dominance of Husain on modern Indian art. “Husain has been the face of Indian modernism for much of the twentieth century, the one artist everyone seems to know and recognise, and whose work is on almost every collector’s wish list. A retrospective on him was long due and the surprise is that no one else had done this earlier,” he explains. MF Husain, possibly photographed at his residence in Mumbai While the exhibition first opened in New Delhi in October 2024, Anand points out that the foundation was laid earlier. “We’d done a curtain raiser of sorts with Master Maqbool, an exhibition of Husain’s works, in Mumbai in 2023. His association with Mumbai is inextricable, and this was our ode to that relationship between the artist and the city,” he notes. A signed sketch by MF Husain This relationship emerges through over 100 works that span six decades, and multiple mediums. Anand explains that the gallery built the collection over painstaking searches through several years. “It was challenging, but rewarding, searching for works of high quality across a range of his mediums — some of which have never been showed before. We hope the Mumbai iteration will translate into the same level of anticipation for the artist who was created by it and celebrated here throughout his career and well beyond it.” The exhibition also includes some of his rare sketches, including the concept designs for industrialist DK Modi’s home. Invocation of Peace, oil on canvas, 1969 Through it all, there is also a glimpse of the artist’s inquisitive intelligence, constantly engaged with ideas from the past and the future. From watercolours to toys to prints, the works capture his playfulness and dynamism. These include archival works such as poetry manuscripts from the late 1950s as well as invitations, preparatory drawings and photographs. Humanism, Chine collé on paper, 1990 There is another reason for Husain’s deep impact in Indian modernism. Born in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, the artist exploded into public consciousness after India’s Independence. It was also in this period that he joined hands with FN Souza, SH Raza, KN Ara and others to found the Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG). The artist with Madhuri Dixit at an exhibition of his works in Mumbai Anand remarks that it was inevitable that the exhibition also explore Husain’s works as a translation of India’s history. “An artist’s genius ultimately lies in his or her longevity, the ability to be relevant not just in the course of their lifetime but for generations to come — a box that Husain ticks comfortably. From the founding of the Progressive Artists’ Group till now, he has remained at the forefront of India’s modern art movement. His contexts might be Indian but they are simultaneously humanitarian and universal.” For the next month, the maestro will return to the island city where he once roamed bare foot. From: Today to April 25; 11 am to 7 pm At: DAG Gallery, The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
07 March,2025 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe thought of tucking into a quick meal of a crispy dosa with some piping hot rasam to sip down is always an inviting one. And the signboard of a new restaurant, Tamizhan T-Fun in Mulund’s neighbourhood, tempts us to do just that when we step out for an evening walk. The space has a simple open-air seating surrounded by potted plants, which felt relaxing even on a balmy evening. We quickly occupy the lone empty table and order a Chettinad dosai (Rs 79, on offer when we visit, all prices exclusive of taxes), traditional thali (Rs 149), bisi bele bhaat with chaas (Rs 79) and ghee podi idli (Rs 79). A view of the outdoor area of the eatery The dosa arrives in a jiffy; it’s crisp, and layered with a tangy tomato and podi paste. The sambhar tastes authentic; it’s not too spicy, and nor too sweet, as is wrongly prepared by most eateries in the eastern suburb. Ghee podi idli is another favourite. The airy idli is lovingly soaked in ghee, and is topped with podi chutney; it’s a combination this writer never tires of. Next is the bisi bele bhaat that offers a fine balance of earthy spices and tang. The service is quick, and the waiting staff is considerate, catering to our requests without hovering around our table. Bisi bele bhaat and chaas After taking into account that two people are sharing the traditional thali, they happily offer free extra helpings for the otherwise limited thali, which we politely refuse as we polish off the remains of the podi idli. The thali arrives with a serving of chana curry, beans in coconut, two portions of rice, rasam and sambar, payasam and curd. It is served with two large, airy crisp puris and makes for a wholesome meal for two light eaters. Our only suggestion is the beans and the curry, despite being pleasantly light on oil and heat (like you eat from a friend’s mom-made tiffin) could do with just a bit more pronounced flavours. Tamizhan T-Fun makes for a home-style spot for a quick bite or for a hot filter coffee break, and good hospitality. Filter coffee Tamizhan T-FunTIME 7 am to 11 pmAT Shop No 225 and 232, ground floor, Cypress, Municipal Market Building, opposite Golden Willows, Mulund West. CALL 7977250317 **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Tamizhan T-Fun didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
07 March,2025 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora SabhnaniAs I play/The city slowly reconstructs itself/Numbered stone by numbered stone,…’ wrote Arun Kolatkar in his famed Kala Ghoda poems. Not much has changed. “There is an impermanence that permeates through the city,” admits photographer and artist Philippe Calia. The Paris-born artist’s latest show, The Second Law that opens this week has a deep-rooted connection with the city, and Mumbai’s very own poet icon, Kolatkar. Arun Kolatkar. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “The show’s journey began in 2011,” shares Calia, recalling the first year of his arrival in the city of Mumbai. Moving to Borivli, he would often spend time roaming around the city, photographing its many forms. “It was only in 2015-16 that I began putting together these photographs and videos in an attempt to make sense of them,” he reveals. Pas de Deux (Jayanthi’s translation) It was also during this time that he discovered the Bombay Poets, and Arun Kolatkar in particular. “The encounter with the works of Kolatkar was quite decisive for me, in particular with his Kala Ghoda poems. I was sensitive to his visions of the city, the objects and the potential beauty of the mundane. It also helped me build an understanding of the city,” he says. Decisive Arrangement (with Mahek and Kalim), 2024 Evoking found objects and installations through photography, text and video, Calia seeks to shape Mumbai’s persona. He views the city as illusory by nature. “One day things are present; the next day they disappear. Photography and art is an attempt to freeze the moment and give it a certain shape, even as reality tends towards decay and inevitability,” shares the artist. The show will feature Calia’s street photography countered against set photographs within familiar city spaces like the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Capitol Cinema. “It is like a window into the subconscious of the city where the familiar and unfamiliar are juxtaposed improbably, the way dreams appear to us,” he explains. Three Times, 2024. Pics Courtesy/Philippe Calia and Tarq The experimentation is not limited to the visual experience. Poetry also adds to the exploration. A key installation is the translations of Kolatkar’s poem, The Pattern. On one level, Calia wished to evoke the motif of the recurring pattern visually. “This installation is made of over a hundred small photographs that embody the recurring pattern. And yet, each photograph will also show you a marked difference in those patterns,” he points out. A view of the Kala Ghoda precinct. File pic The second level is achieved through an exploration of the city’s subconscious. He got the poem translated from English to Hindi, from Hindi to Gujarati and so on by legal writers across the Fort district — a nod to the gallery’s Fort location. It also resulted in poems that turned Kolatkar’s verses into something new, an homage. In his artist text, Calia writes, “In cities like Bombay, the everyday is experienced through multiple languages, in the form of jumps, cuts, assemblage, collage, bricolage, sometimes within the same word…The idealist — some would say nostalgic — can thus proclaim that translation is Bombay’s official language.” Philippe Calia Push him further, he laughs saying, “Being French, I remember reading Vile Parle on the station signboard, and translating it to ‘*city speaks’ in French.” In the end, the show reflects the city’s own surreal nature. Scalia concludes, “It raises the question of Mumbai as Mayanagari — what is real or unreal? Photography is the perfect medium to raise this question, since it enables us to create a distance from the photographed phenomena and reflect upon the question.” FROM February 27 to March 29; 11 am to 6.30 pmAT Tarq, KK Navsari Chambers, ground floor, Fort.
06 March,2025 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMornings can be fun, if you find the right way to wake up. These days, I opt to rise a little early to catch sight of the few avian friends that frequent my building. Of course, this is before the JCB turns up to scare them away. While the birds never introduce themselves, I found a handy tool in Merlin ID that helps record their calls, and introduces me to their species. Though it is simple enough, it can also be a little fun to play around with. For instance, I’d never have guessed that my barely audible and amateurish whistle resembles the call of a Tyto Alba (barn owl). Log on to: Merlin ID on Play Store and App Store
06 March,2025 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarEngage with the youngNandini Dubey, 22, educator, @nandinii_dube With everything going the digital route, children in the city are increasingly oblivious to the gifts of nature around them. I was one of them before I started volunteering at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 2019. Once at a butterfly trail in the park, the children were initially petrified because they thought the butterflies could sting them. They have now grown into teens who are in love with insects. Through my walks focussed on young nature enthusiasts, I am trying to educate people about the fun that lies on the greener side of the city. My Mumbai mission: Curb overconsumption in the city. Mumbaikars must be mindful of how much, and from where we consume to lift the load off the city’s limited resources. Smile, by natureSandra Pereira, 26, naturalist, @the_jungirl PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM I never intended to be a naturalist, I simply enjoyed stepping out and sighting birds. Eventually, I decided to make exposure to natural knowledge fun through ecology-themed games, short videos, explainers and co-founded the venture People of The Forest. During one of my trails at Bhandup Pumping Station, a young participant said my off-beat humorous style sparked an interest in them for Mumbai’s native birds. That small win keeps me going. My Mumbai mission: Reach corporate workers, collegians, teenagers and school-going children to educate them about the city’s green treasures. Art’s the waySefi George, 29, illustrator, @summer_scribbles A completed piece from the DIY craft kit centred on diverse vulture species It’s only when you know what exists around you, that you can strive to conserve it. I started sketching and doodling to document the biodiversity in my neighbourhood in Dahisar. Over the years, I broadened my horizons to share informative illustrations about the flora and fauna along the coastlines and in the mountain ranges of Maharashtra, and its neighbouring states. I am currently working on a vulture-themed craft kit for kids to get the young minds talking about diverse vulture species. My Mumbai mission: Raise awareness about the Coastal Road construction that is slowly leading to deterioration of marine life along the shores. Plant a changeSaakshi Teckchandani, 25, entrepreneur, @ppaindia Saakshi Teckchandani (centre) helps children plant a sapling During the COVID-19 lockdown, I visited Carter Road and saw the mangroves completely submerged in plastic waste. An excellent natural barrier against floods, they were suffocating under layers of plastic waste. That moment ignited my environmental activism. Through tree plantations, beach clean-ups and immersive activities in collaboration with schools and NGOs, my mission has since been to drive sustainable change through community action, awareness, and advocacy. I know the problem is solvable, if only Mumbaikars join hands. My Mumbai mission: Push for stricter policies around waste management, expand our cleanup teams, and multiply tree plantations to offset the poor AQI. Rhyme and reasonMadhura Ghane, 27, rapper, @mahig_55 I visited my hometown Waranghusi in Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar) a few years ago. When I returned to Mumbai after living a slow life among the native birds, thick green covers and clean air, I realised how disconnected with nature we are in the city. In the past two years, I have penned and released tracks like Junglecha Raja and Vikasacha Khul that shed light on how Mumbai’s forests are facing the brunt of the city’s infrastructural development frenzy. My Mumbai mission: Put the spotlight on green covers like the Aarey Forest, where the Adivasi community continues to fight for their rights.
06 March,2025 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursdayFood for the Seoul Indulge in a Korean spread of kimchi, doenjang stew and more by chef Shruti Chadha’s venture Zahvi, as part of the Supper Clubs of India food series.Time: 8 pm onwardsAT PCO Cocktail Bar, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Log on to: @mumbaifoodie Cost: Rs 3,199 (limited seats) FridaySet the stage A rehearsal in progress. Pic courtesy/Aditi Chandwani Witness the second set of Natak Express, a play hosted by actor Joy Sengupta where 12 directors, playwrights and actors race against Time: to bring a performance within 24 hours of rehearsal Time: . Time: 6 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar, Harminder Singh Road, Versova.Log on to: in.bookmyshow.com Cost: Rs 500 onwards SaturdayFlip the fairy tale Priya Aga interacts with children during a previous session. Pic courtesy/Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum Take your children for a Read With me session by educator Priya Aga as she narrates stories that reinvent fairy tales and recount the anecdotes of heroic women from the book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.Time: 11 am to 12 pmAT Education Centre, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East.Log on to: urbanaut.appCost: Rs 100 (for the session), Museum ticket prices apply Laugh riot Pics courtesy/Instagram Chuckle along with stand-up comics Tushar Poojari and Sharon Verma who will regale you with personal stories and quirky observations in their set, Panvel to Patna.Time: 7 pmAT The Habitat, 1st Floor, Hotel Unicontinental, 3rd Road, Khar West. Log on to: in.bookmyshow.comCost: Rs 399 SundayFor womanhood A moment from a poetry meet. Pic courtesy/Poets of Mumbai Attend a Marathi poetry session in this collaborative event by Poets of Mumbai and Bolpat that celebrates womanhood.Time: 10 am AT Starbucks, Prudential Building, Hiranandani Gardens. Log on to: @poetsofmumbai (to register; limited spots) Bengali folk fervour Arnesh Ghose in performance. Pic courtesy/Mythopia Settle for an evening of Baul songs and stories, a type of Bengali folk music session hosted by Mythopia and performed by multidisciplinary artiste and Hindustani singer Arnesh Ghose. Influenced by Buddhisim, Hinduisim, Bengali Vaishnavism and Sufi Islam, the music’s origins can be traced back to 15th Century when it first appeared in Bengali literature. Ghose will enthrall audiences with his renditions of the music. Time: 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm AT Mukti Manch, Ground floor, Bharati House, 19, Aram Nagar, Versova. CALL 9769695135Cost: Rs 300 Health reset Dr Nandita Shah checks a patient. Pic courtesy/Sharan Sign up for a health festival featuring sessions on healthy parenting, reversing diabetes by Dr Nandita Shah, and more.Time: 10 am onwardsAT SHARAN Mumbai Centre, Moongipa Arcade, DN Nagar, Andheri West. Log on to: sharan-india.org
06 March,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaJust when you thought that the provocatively named (and designed) ‘naked dress’ was the highlight — sartorially speaking, of course— of the 97th Academy Awards 2025, along came the men sashaying down the red carpet in looks that raised more than a few eyebrows. And in the sea of same ol’ ball gowns, lace and mermaid trains, their outfits were the ones that truly stood out. Andrew Garfield in an espresso suit, Timothee Chalamet sports a monotone outfit and Colman Domingo’s all-red look “This year, we saw several male stars defy expectations and opt for deeply personalised looks, while still meeting the levels of sophistication that are expected for an event of this stature. I think this year was more than just honouring traditions but about reinventing them to tell a story that is more individualistic and envelope-pushing,” shares menswear designer Sanjana Bubber-Divecha. Colours that surprised us Timothée Chalamet was a ray of sunshine (or a pat of butter) in his yellow suit, complete with a matching shirt. The clean tailoring and cropped jacket length kept the look from seeming too overwhelming. And then came Andrew Garfield’s espresso suit, which he wore with a silk shirt in the same colour. “The head-to-toe monotone look is trending for both men and women, and can be a great way to refresh your formal looks. It’s important to let the colour be the focal point of your outfit. To keep your look from seeming too monotonous, experiment with fabrics of different textures within the same colour family. However, avoid piling on too many accessories and stick to simple, clean silhouettes,” Divecha advises. Omar Apollo dons a fishnet veil and fringed scarf with a brooch. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM A hint of sparkle There’s no better time to invest in a sparkly brooch than now, if Hollywood’s best dressed are to be believed. While Joe Alwyn dressed up his tux with a lapel pin, Adrien Brody’s bird pin competed with his acceptance speech for size. For those who dare, like Omar Apollo, a brooch can be one part of an accessories story — he threw on a fishnet veil and swapped his bowtie for a fringed scarf, for good measure as well. “This year is the year of maximalism, no doubt. And the right accessories can personalise the most classic looks with relative ease. When it comes to brooches, placement is important. While brooches are typically worn on the left lapel of a jacket, you could also wear them on your shirt collar, pocket, tie or even a beanie. Quirky, art-inspired designs can make your look stand out. However, if your suit is already quite busy and you have other elements [such as a pocket square or statement cufflinks, for instance] vying for attention, a more minimalistic brooch would be the right approach,” says Divecha. Sanjana Bubber-Divecha Small tweaks for big impact Colman Domingo’s all-red blazer with a matching sash created quite the stir, as did Jeff Goldblum’s floral shirt and brooch, which he wore under a white dinner jacket. The trend, as Divecha points out, is to add one unexpected element to a tried-and-tested formula to make a style statement. While Domingo’s trump card was colour, Goldblum’s was his floral theme. Another, more subtle take on the trend, was Sebastian Stan’s pale yellow (ecru) shirt that took the place of a classic white or ivory under a classic tux. “A statement jacket is a low-effort but high-impact way to stand out without seeming out of place. To balance your look, stick to a classic and elegant foundation in neutral tones. If the occasion allows it, you could even replace a traditional collared shirt for a turtleneck to build on the minimalistic appeal. Another way to experiment is with silhouette. This year’s red carpet saw flared pants make an appearance, as did sashes and Mandarin-collar shirts. All of these swaps are easy to pull off but set you apart in a sea of classic suits,” Divecha signs off.
06 March,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe feminine has been at the heart of all great myths. Growing up in Singapore, Cheryl Bains had heard them all. “Two things have been important to me in my life; stories and music,” the 25-year-old reveals. On Friday, she will bring to stage a union of these two forms in a complex, lavish opera titled The Legend of the Goddess: Vedic Tales meet Opera. Hosted by The Royal Opera House Theatre Mumbai and Avid Learning, it will be the Mumbai premiere of Bains’ production. “This will be our first week of rehearsing,” shares the composer, who will be joined by Nadine Crasto (piano), Gino Banks (percussion), Zubin Behramkamdin (first violin), Daniel Dias (second violin), Dielle Braganza (viola) and Leo Velho (cello) on stage. A trained opera singer from the Manhattan School of Music, and having performed in operas such as Don Giovanni and The Sound of Music, the composer was drawn to myths of Ganga, Durga, and Lord Shiva that she grew up with in Singapore. Where East meets West But it is easier said than done to blend Indian myths with Western form. “You cannot exactly take one tradition and move it into another,” the composer admits, adding that the key was to find a synthesis. A moment from Bains’ performance. Pic Courtesy/Royal opera HOUSE MUMBAI To this end, she crafted the opera in four acts. The first, entitled Primordial Waters, is built around the divine mother who birthed the cosmos. “As is traditional, I composed a Saraswati Vandana to open the performance. This segues into the story of Maa Ganga, and the story of her descent to Earth; followed by the Ganga Tandav by Lord Shiva,” Bains elaborates. The second act is crafted around the hero, Goddess Durga — the warrior. The movement’s warrior theme, inspired Bains to include the Aigiri Nandini stotra, and the Kali Tandav in her narrative. In some ways, the Goddess would not be out of place in a Wagner opera. The composer concurs. “I wanted to portray her with a heroic theme as Wagner or Verdi would,” she adds. The third and fourth acts of the opera are romances, along the 19th Century opera style. Where the third act of Tripura Sundari — the story of Lord Vishnu and the Goddess Lakshmi — revolves around union and separation; the fourth act tells of the story of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Nadine Crasto and Gino Banks “It is a joyful and heart- wrenching story. It begins with the love and marriage, and separation of Sati and Shiva. I have created an aria for Lord Shiva, written in the Bel Canto [long, sustained vocal lines showcasing beauty of the voice] style. The finale is the Gauri Shankar Tandav, written in the Rupak taal, that highlights their joyful reunion,” concludes Bains, who also trained in Hindustani classical music for 18 years. Sky is the limit If this sounds ambitious, Bains agrees. “It is a very big undertaking, and nerve wrecking too,” she admits. The team though is excited. Drummer Gino Banks points out, “The music is melodically scripted and arranged. It is the soundscape that will enhance it.” The drummer will bring the percussion of a hybrid set to add to the exotic theme. Pianist Nadine Crasto is more familiar with the operatic form. She explains, “It is a 50-50 fusion [of Western and Hindustani music]. The scales and ragas are in Hindustani classical music that she [Bains] has woven intoWestern and operatic structure.” “As a composer, the narrative challenges me to give my musicians more textures, solos, and offer them a role in the storytelling process. I do enjoy the challenge,” Bains concludes. ON March 7; 7.30 pm AT Royal Opera House Theatre, Charni Road, Girgaon. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST R499 onwards
05 March,2025 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarDid you know that artist Amrita Sher-Gil’s 1937 painting The Story Teller broke the record for the most expensive Indian artwork sold globally 85 years later in 2023? Or how renowned artist Raja Ravi Verma’s younger sister Mangala Bayi Thampuratti quietly painted her observations of life in Travancore in the 19th Century? We do, because we tuned in to art curator Yamini Telkar’s talk titled Women in Fine Arts; a part of a seven-lecture series organised by the India Study Center (INSTUCEN) to celebrate Women’s Day. While Telkar’s deep-dive into the arts concluded on Sunday and is now available to view on YouTube, two sessions lined up for today and tomorrow spark our intrigue. Dr Deepalee Purandare, a Pune-based psychologist, will steer the conversation to an important intersection, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by young women. “My generation grew up under societal pressure, and today’s women are reeling under social media pressure,” she quips. But her concern is no joke. “According to a 2019 report by the National Institute of Mental Health, women are inherently more susceptible to mental health disorders,” she reminds us. Prachi Chitre and Dr Deepalee Purandare During the hour-long talk, Purandare will address concerns like body image issues, modern relationship woes, and cyber bullying. “We must talk to our daughters, nieces and friends. It breaks my heart to share with you that a majority of survivors of eating disorders that I meet belong to the age group of 12 to 18 years. This can be only curbed with open, direct conversations,” she reiterates. For mental health counsellor Prachi Chitre, who will lead a discussion tomorrow, it is another demographic that needs a spotlight — women in their adulthood dealing with a spectrum of challenges from a change in family structure to the loss of a parent, or a child moving out. “But we must ensure that these conversations don’t turn into ranting sessions. The bottom line is, what can we do to deal with these issues?” she shares. What can they do, we ask. “It takes a woman to know one. Nothing helps a woman as much as having a women’s group or a confidante they can navigate life with,” she points out. We don’t know about life, but there’ll be enough confidantes to navigate the lush greens on the concluding day of the series. At Maharashtra Natural Park in Sion, naturalist Renee Vyas will lead an exclusive walk for women. “I’m not your typical naturalist,” she tells us, adding, “All my walks unfold through stories and songs. For instance, the last time we set out on a walk in the Park, I shared tidbits about flowering plants through Lata Mangeshkar’s popular Marathi tune, Mogra Phulala,” she reveals, before breaking into an impromptu rendition over our call; yes, she isn’t your typical naturalist. A naturalist had once told this writer how women often suppress their thoughts in a mixed group, hence, the novelty of all-female walks. We probe Vyas for a quick fact check. “Not at all,” she exclaims. “Women have a deeper understanding of nature. We grow up learning the medicinal, culinary and ornamental value of these plants. In fact, if I could, I would invite the men to come catch a glimpse of this knowledge in action,” she signs off. You go, girl TalksTILL March 8; 6.30 pm to 7.30 pmLOG ON TO @instucen (to register); Instucen Trust on YouTube (to watch previous talks) WalkON March 8; 9 am to 10.30 am AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion Bandra Link Road. LOG ON TO @instucen (to register)
05 March,2025 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOn a balmy evening, we step into a century-old building in Kala Ghoda to find ourselves in The Dimsum Room. This new culinary gem offers exquisite dim sums, inventive cocktails, and curated music across three distinct spaces — a cosy dining room that transforms into a state-of-the-art listening room, a speakeasy-style private bar, and a tranquil zen garden with an open-to-sky terrace. Chef Mrigank Singh, its culinary director, and head chef Malavika Pratap have crafted a menu that’s all about storytelling — through over 40 varieties of dim sums. Meanwhile, beverage head Razvan Zamfirescu brings the spirit of Hong Kong’s nightlife to the city with his cocktail menu and creations like vihara, salty dog, the persimmon, and opium den. Here are The Guide’s top picks that we tried and loved: Siu mai We’ve had our fair share of siu mais — and they usually pack a punch. But what truly elevated the chicken and black garlic siu mai was the black garlic itself — regular garlic transformed through slow fermentation. This process gives it a soft, jelly-like texture and a sweet, tangy, umami-rich flavour with hints of balsamic and molasses. Its deep, caramelised sweetness enriched the siu mai, adding a layer of richness. Xiao long bao These delicate soup dumplings from China’s Jiangnan region boast thin, pleated skins made from flour. The chicken, corn and white pepper xiao long bao encase a savoury filling and a rich, flavourful broth that forms during steaming. The right way to enjoy them is to tear open the skin gently, sip the warm broth, and savour the entire dumpling. Served with a splash of black vinegar, the baos gain an extra layer of depth and complexity. Chiu chao rice flour dumplings Originating from China’s Chaozhou region, this translucent dumpling features a slightly chewy wrapper made from rice flour and tapioca starch. The vegetables and peanuts chiu chao rice flour dumplings we had were a delightful contrast of soft and chewy on the outside and flavourful, slightly crunchy on the inside. Jiaozi with spicy soy butter dressing These plump Chinese cabbage and shiitake jiaozi dumplings were our favourite. Filled with a savoury blend of cabbage and mushrooms, the spicy soy butter dressing — a luscious mix of soy sauce, melted butter, chilli oil, garlic, and a splash of vinegar — adds a fiery kick and a luxurious mouth-feel. Potsticker Pan-fried and served with delicate lace, the signature cream cheese and asparagus potsticker has a thin wheat-based dough filled with a mixture of cream cheese and asparagus. Potsticker is a cooking technique where dumplings are first pan-fried to create a golden, crispy bottom, then steamed by adding water to the pan, and covering them until they get crispy on one side and soft and juicy on the other. Cantonese buns These soft, pillowy delights come in steamed and baked variants (we tried the baked one), with a Cantonese bun. Filled with corn and cheese, these donut-looking buns strike a balance between sweet and savoury, it showcases Cantonese cuisine’s comforting simplicity and rich tradition. Baked dumpling A delicious twist with carrot kimchee puff, with dense filling encased in a slightly sweet, buttery pastry dough, baked until golden brown. Flaky, tender, and with an umami savoury, we loved these rich and oh-so-gentle flavours. Baked dumplings are enjoyed as part of dim sum spreads at tea houses across Hong Kong and served warm with tea. Ham sui gok These feature a crispy, golden exterior and a chewy, slightly sweet dough made from glutinous rice flour. In chicken and chestnut ham sui gok, the filling is a savoury mix of juicy chicken and nutty chestnuts. The puffed, crispy shell and rich, umami filling make it tempting. (Clockwise from left) Milk tea cheesecake with poached pear coffee foam; pineapple and oolong tea, compressed French toast Wash it all down with a pineapple and oolong tea and finish your meal with a Hong Kong-style compressed French toast; a 48-hour vacuum-compressed and slow-cooked recipe delivers a rich, caramelised crunch with a soft centre, a dense yet tender texture with intensified flavours and a custard-like centre. Also, the milk tea cheesecake with poached pear coffee foam features a drizzle inspired by Yuenyeung, a mix of tea and coffee originated in Hong Kong, where, to this date, it remains popular. The Dimsum RoomAT 3rd Floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Fort. TIME 7 pm to 1 amCALL 9867711017
05 March,2025 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiLast December, on the sidelines of Bookaroo’s Baroda edition, when this writer caught up with Arefa Tehsin, children’s book author, she was particularly thrilled about the news that her recent work of fiction for grown-ups, The Witch in the Peepul Tree (HarperCollins) was going to be translated into Sinhala. This fiction title will be translated by DN Dickwella, who is an author of fiction and non-fiction, a political analyst and a specialist in geopolitics. As a publication of Subavi Publishers — an award-winning publishing house that specialises in translations in Sri Lanka — Tehsin’s work will now reach Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese readers. The part-period, part-mystery novel set in 1950s Udaipur, is centred on a murder around Makar Sankranti in 1950, and follows the events that happen with a zamindar, a middleman, a Bohra Muslim widow, a Bhil tribal, an attractive, untouchable teenager and a police inspector. Edited excerpts from the interview: MID-DAY: Was there a trigger to write this book?AREFA TEHSIN: I usually write for children and young adults, and mainly on wildlife. There was a point of time when I’d have looked in the mirror and told myself “readers should not know what to expect from this author.” The triggers were my partner Aditya’s suggestion that I write a novel for adults, the blissful isolation of the first wave of COVID-19, and a yearning for the family and city that is slowly vanishing as I knew them. MD: Were some of the characters inspired from real-life experiences?AT: Yes, though the story is completely a crop of my imagination, most of the characters are inspired from or are an amalgamation of real life people. Dada bhai is drawn from my grandfather whom everyone called Bapu, the monopoly holder of arms and ammunition business in pre-independence Mewar. He did a lot of work for tribal upliftment later as the Vice Mayor and acting Mayor of Udaipur. Mena Bai is inspired from my grandmother Khurshid Banu who was disabled; she was without a leg, but was instrumental in the women’s education movement in Rajasthan. She was the Vice President of the All India Women’s Conference (Rajasthan chapter) of which Maharani Gayatri Devi was the president. Badi bi was a child widow who ran my grandparents’ household, and so on. Not just the characters, when I began writing, I realised I had to do as much research for period fiction as you have to do for a non-fiction book. There was no material on that era of Udaipur available to refer to. I extensively fed on the historical memory of my family and friends; I especially picked the brains of my uncle Riaz A Tehsin, a repository of knowledge of that era, to understand every little detail about the food, housing, colonies, roads, customs, clothes, occupations, community relations, idiosyncrasies and what-have-you. MD: What does the Sinhalese translation mean for this book?AT: To draw a parallel to what Gertrude Stein had said — India is my country and Colombo is my hometown. Since I am based out of Sri Lanka, this is really special for me. The witch/jeevti dakkan on the peepul tree signifies the baggage that we carry through our lives that exist only in our collective imagination, be it of caste, creed, gender or social conformity. I hope it will resonate with the Sinhalese readers too, considering the social and cultural similarities and the volatile period of the mid-20th century, when our republics were in the process of being newly minted. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores Cost Rs 399
04 March,2025 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezADVERTISEMENT
