Art was functional before it became aesthetic,” says collector Saloni Doshi, as she describes the current exhibition, Sculpting Air, at the Space 118 gallery. The Mazgaon-based space is currently hosting 150 pieces of work from her personal collection thattraverses across time and form. “Of these, there are works by 35 prominent artists such as Laxma Goud, LN Tallur and Subodh Gupta among others. But there are also many whose creators have been lost to time,” she states. The collection extends from sculptural artworks to everyday items such as paandaans Curated by Sumesh Sharma, the exhibition takes its title from the conceptual allegory of shaping something out of nothing. Sharma remarks, “I was struck by Tallur’s creation, In Thin Air — a heavyset sculpture depicting four kamalasanas with feet of Chola bronze made in panchdhatu (five metals). The paradox between the title and the material is a common thread that binds the lofty ambitions of sculptors. Several of these objects were also part of homes, Doshi reminds us. “These dichotomies always existed in India. Even modern artists have created sculptures tracing back to divine origin, but using folk and village art. It brings together conversations of art, myths and culture, time and space, ethics and the fundamentals of our own inherent sculptural traditions,” Sharma concludes. Saloni Doshi TILL February 28; 11 am to 5 pmAT Space 118 Art Foundation, 118, Wadi Bunder Road, Mazgaon. CALL 9820098755
17 January,2025 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarJourneys can be transformative, reflective and even, inspiring. For Sarmaya founder Paul Abraham, it has proven to be an adventure. Having set up Sarmaya as a digital archive in 2015, the curator has now opened 2025 with the first exhibition at the 146-year-old heritage building of Lawrence & Mayo in Fort. Titled High Roads, Open Seas, the exhibition is a mirror of the museum’s own journey, he shares. “Sarmaya was born from a desire to tell the stories about India that typically lay hidden in the vaults of the archive,” Abraham says. A Cancer Zodiac, silver rupee of Ahmedabad mint by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir was part of 12 coin designs that went against the then orthodoxy. Pics Courtesy/Sarmaya Arts Foundation This is the first of three distinct exhibitions that will project the museum’s evolutionary journey. As the title suggests, High Seas, Open Roads, deals with the theme of travel. The exhibition is sequestered in eight genres from coins, maps, etchings and engravings, rare books, indigenous art, contemporary art and pre-modern art. These works were put together in a curation by the in-house team. A visitor at the exhibition From the controversial zodiac coins of Mughal Emperor Jahangir — so named for the zodiac sign replacing the month on the coins — to the Warli artworks of Mayur and Tushar Vayeda capturing the heart of Mumbai, these pieces reflect the flow of art through time and cultures. “In addition to these, the exhibition will also be accompanied by digital storytelling through the works of city poets like Namdeo Dhasal, and videos offering a glimpse into the vision of the artists that will complement the experience,” Abraham adds. Paul Abraham TILL February 15; 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)AT Sarmaya Arts Foundation, second floor, Lawrence & Mayo Building, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
17 January,2025 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe best way to read this story might be to flick the lights off, grab a flashlight and follow it line by line; because that’s exactly how participants will be navigating the thick woods of the Aarey Forest tomorrow at the Night In The Forest overnight camp. The rare after-hours opening of trails at the Bombay Natural History Society’s section of the forest is timed thoughtfully to align with a clear sky. The fluctuating AQI levels have been a bit of a troublemaker, we learn. But the wait is going to be worth it. An owl spotted at a night trail at BNHS in March 2024 While some hardcore Mumbaikars might fit the classification, the city’s true nocturnal life forms come to life in the green lungs of the city post-sunset in large numbers. “Owing to laws and regulations, the general public is starved of the primal experience of wandering through the forest and meeting our nocturnal co-inhabitants in the city,” sighs nature education officer Shardul Bajikar. At the trail, naturalists Meehir Pawar, Bhushan Poshe, Kunal Purandare and Jayesh Minde will join Bajikar to ensure a safe and informed walk through a 1-km trail. Turning heads during the trail, quite literally, will possibly be the most popular nocturnal animals — owls. “You might not spot them but you will definitely hear them from the woods,” Bajikar informs us. If you’re the ‘see it to believe it’ kind, nocturnal snakes like the bamboo pit viper, reptiles such as geckos, and insects from the moth family along with their hungry predators like spiders will put on an interesting show. “A dark environment is essential for these species to complete their life cycles. To that end, we will restrict the usage of artificial lights to the bare minimum,” he assures us. A previous skygazing session at BNHS CEC in Goregaon The trail also comes right in time for a rare celestial event. While the stars remain elusive, the planets of the Solar System are all set to align for what astronomers have labelled the Planetary Parade beginning on January 18. “If the conditions permit, we should be able to spot at least Mercury, Venus and Mars through our specialised telescopes,” Bajikar reveals. Those who wish to capture the special moment can bring their cameras. If you wake up to the unreal sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering all around you the following day, don’t bother pinching yourself. “This is the season for butterflies to congregate in the forest, especially near water bodies. When these winged wonders move in flutters, it’s a sight to behold,” the organiser says. While Mumbaikars soak in the unusual silence — Bajikar suggests they sit down to meditate for at least five minutes in peace while there — the forests are in fact calling out for help. “Light pollution is real. The unregulated usage of bright lights during the night leaks into the forest and disturbs lifecycles. We have seen a concerning uptick in movement of insects away from the interiors of the forest,” Bajikar remarks. While we are not sure how the city that never sleeps will navigate this dilemma, it should suffice to pray, let there be (just enough) darkness. ON January 18, 4 pmMEETING POINT BNHS Conservation Education Center, Goregaon.CALL 9821120494 (to register)ENTRY Revealed on request
17 January,2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFor the digital generation that grew up on devices that made entertainment available at the click of a button, traditional art forms, such as puppetry, are not only a source of fascination but also one of the ways to understand India’s vast folk history. Keli, a city-based organisation will bring together the regional puppetry culture of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in two vibrant performances at a venue in Nerul. “While people might think that puppetry is outdated, it is an extremely dynamic art form which can actually mould itself to suit the era’s narrative. The amount of technical knowledge that is required to craft something on a plain white cloth screen, which gives one a 3D feel of the story without using technology as such, is actually a pretty genius thing in itself,” Ramachandran Keli, director of the organisation, opines. A set of puppets depicting Ganesha alongside Riddhi and Siddhi Drawing from specific chapters of the Ramayana, the shows will use a mix of ancient techniques and modern storytelling to take patrons on a ride through the folk culture of India. The first performance, Kalasutri Bahulya (string puppetry) presented by Sindhudurg-based Thakar Adivasi Kala Angan Museum and Art Gallery, and performed by Chetan Parshuram and Group will tackle Thadaka Vadham, or the annihilation of Tataka in a 50-minute-long performance. Chetan Gangavane, the third-generation practitioner of the art form tells us, “Mythological tales have immense potential when it comes to visual narration. Along with Tataka’s story, we will also be presenting on Sita’s swayamvar which was a grand ceremony that was organised for Sita to pick a husband. These were landmark events in the epic itself.” Chetan Gangavane’s string puppets are made from teak wood The performance will use a combination of tabla, manjeera and harmonium to drive the storytelling along with regional folk songs related to the lore. Dressed in vibrant, flowing costumes with their faces brightly painted, Gangavane tells us that his puppets are made from teak wood. “Traditional Maharashtrian puppets usually have three strings — two for the hands and one for the head. They are carved upto the waist since the ghagra (a long pleated skirt), which is one big element in the movement of the puppets, covers up the rest. This is very different from Rajasthani puppetry, where more strings are used, and there is also quite a lot of movement. This Maharashtrian style of puppetry, though, relies heavily on storytelling and music to drive forward the performance,” the puppeteer reveals. Sinde Chithambara Rao with a leather puppet The second day will see Andhra Pradesh’s Chayanatakabrundram led by Sinde Chithambara Rao and Group arrive in the city for a performance of Sundara Kandam from the Ramayana in a leather puppet shadow show. The Rao family has been involved in this regional art form for as long as memory can take them back. “I have been doing leather puppetry for 23 years now. I saw my father and grandfather practise this art form for years. As a child I used to do shows with my father and then I helmed the responsibility of carrying forward this legacy. It is a generational practice now,” the 56-year-old tells us. Ramachandran Keli Deeply involved in his craft, Rao ensures that the puppets are made properly for the performances. “I do everything from the procurement of the goat’s skin to cleaning, sun-drying and refining it to craft the puppets. We usually start with a prayer to Lord Ganesha and then the performance begins with a comic act followed by the actual show,” Rao adds. With three people handling the strings and four involved in singing, the performance also uses traditional instruments like mridangam, taal and harmonium. Chetan Gangavane These puppetry shows not only strive to showcase folk stories and regional artistic expertise but also provide a platform for these art forms to reach a wider audience in an age of lightning fast technology. “Puppetry performances bring to the forefront important information about local cultures and values that are increasingly getting sidelined. It is one of the most interesting ways to understand the evolution of folk culture and recreation in India,” Keli signs off. On January 18 and 19; 6.30 pm At Agri Koli Sanskruti Bhavan, Palm Beach Road, Nerul West.(first-come-first-served basis)
17 January,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen I recently moved apartments within the city, the interior decor enthusiast in me was resurrected, as I transformed my little room into a space that I can call home. While scrolling on the Internet to find the perfect lighting for the space (white lights have been the bane of my existence) I stumbled upon the Astronaut galaxy light projector. With eight different light settings, ranging from a dreamy purple-pink ambiance to a tranquil blue one, the celestial lights have definitely elevated the room’s aura, and has helped me sleep better. Log on to theartment.com
16 January,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaThursday Coldplay on the doubleF&B: Indulge in a pulsating new cocktail menu ahead of pop-rock band Coldplay’s performances in the city. Sip on drinks inspired from songs like Yellow, Sky Full of Stars (below) and Hymn For The Weekend.Time 12 pm onwardsAt Poco Loco Tapas and Bar, Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali Road, Khar West. Call 9324191366 Cost Rs 550 to Rs 750 Friday Pic Courtesy/Instagram Tickle your funny bonesComedy: Attend a fun set by stand-up comic Kanan Gill as he examines the many ways of being, the very idea of being and the ultimately unsatisfactory nature of experience through witty comebacks and observations. Time 4 pm onwards At Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, 32nd Road, near Patwardhan Park, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 1,200 onwards Saturday Pic Courtesy/Instagram The Bridge effectMusic: Kick-start the weekend with an electrifying performance by indie rock band Thaikkudam Bridge as they unveil their musical prowess in the city.Time 8 pm onwards At Dublin Square, Phoenix Marketcity, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Patelwadi, Kurla West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 799 onwards Sunday A Western Crowned Warbler. Pic courtesy/Vaibhav Haldipur Spot the birdieNature: Sign up for a nature trail where you get to spot a buzz of avian activity at Tulsi Lake.Time 6.45 am to 11.30 am Meeting Point Cycle Stand, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. Call 7738778789 Cost Rs 1,000 A moment from a previous mafia session. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Catch me if you canGame: Wear your detective hats and attend an evening of Mafia games where lies, strategies, and suspicions will entrap players in a thrilling session.Time 6.30 pm At 3 Art House, Ajanta Building, 3rd Cross Road, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. Log on to @3arthouse on Instagram.com Cost Rs 300
16 January,2025 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaThe stage is a place for truth. A place few dare to venture and fewer manage to triumph in. Yet, this weekend will be proof of the audacity of youth. The third edition of NCPA’s youth initiative, Connections India, will bring to the stage 16 plays performed and managed by teenagers from across 16 schools, colleges and NGOs in the city. In plays where there were more students wanting to take part than there were parts, the directors had to hold audition. In most cases, the workshops accepted all students who were interested in participating. Bruce Guthrie Create a culture Organised in association with National Theatre, UK, the annual showcase is an effort to open doors to the stage for the youth, shares Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre and film, NCPA. “The key thing we improved upon this year is adding an aspect of technical training and design to give kids an opportunity to learn about all the things that go into making a production,” he points out. From lighting, design, sound and backstage management, they were offered a glimpse into the world behind the screen through workshops under the Backstage Pass programme from August. Shernaz Patel (centre) with her team during a workshop Generational shift The skills developed are not limited to the theatre. “One of the challenges children face is that since they spend so much time on screen, they struggle to physically communicate in front of people. A lot of the work we do focusses on these skills as well,” he says. Shernaz Patel, creative learning director, Connections India, concurs saying, “The students embraced the stories. The directors, as part of the workshops, also worked on the complex themes and emotions. They also watched plays at Prithvi and NCPA to understand the theatre experience.” Bhavika Prithviraj (third from left) in the play Age is Revolting Bridge the gap Playwright Sheena Khalid’s Level Up is among the two original Indian plays commissioned (alongside Arghya Lahiri’s Hence Proven) this year. “Having directed in the first edition, I was struck by how complex it is for teenagers to navigate the world,” she notes. Her play looks at grief through the perspective of a 13-year-old girl coping with the loss of her mother. Shivani Vakil Sawant This complexity does not faze Bhavika Prithviraj, of Kherwadi Public School assisted by the NGO Aseema Charitable Trust. The eighth-standard student is part of the 19-member team putting up Abi Zakarian’s complex play about ageism, Age Is Revolting. “I had never been part of a play before this. I never realised how fun it was,” she says. Children from the Jai Vakeel Foundation rehearse for The Sad Club Road to inclusivity One of the highlights this year has been the participation of the 19 children with intellectual disability from the Jai Vakeel Foundation and Research Centre in the play, The Sad Club. Director Shivani Vakil Sawant spent time from August in workshops with the children. “I have always found children of special needs less inhibited. They are less afraid of making mistakes,” she observes. A group of children rehearse for the play Back In The Day Patel shares, “The school was extremely helpful in offering assistance. These kids do not have a chance to do such complex plays often, and doing a 35-minute piece is not easy. We had to be sensitised on aspects from lighting, design to sound production as well.” Sawant adds that for the kids to be performing in front of an audience who are not family or teachers is a thrill. “In terms of getting them to watch a play, a tour of the backstage, time and space to learn about things with light and sound; it is a first time for a lot of them,” she admits. Guthrie shares that this is part of the longer process. “Connections is a wonderful way to level the playing field for children. It is a living, breathing experience that has to improve each year,” he concludes. FROM Today to January 26; 5.45 pm onwards AT Experimental Theatre,NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com; ncpamumbai.com COST Rs 90 onwards (members); Rs 100 onwards (non-members) Catch these shows . Ailie and the AlienON Today; 5.45 pm . The Blue Electric WindON January 17; 5.45 pm . PurvaiyyaON January 18; 5.45 pm . Level UpON January 19; 7.30 pm . The Sad ClubON January 23; 5.45 pm . Hence, ProvenON January 25; 5.45 pm . Age is RevoltingON January 26; 5.45 pm
16 January,2025 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMusic is often called food for the soul, and Zoe Alvares, founder of the Music Tree, agrees. The Music Tree began in 2022 as a safe space for young children to learn about the wonderful world of music. Alvares is a Montessori educator who conducts innovative music classes for young children between two to six years old every Friday of the month. “At its core, it’s a fun music class that also incorporates music theory concepts through song, rhythm, movement, props, and dancing. These classes aim to promote a healthy association with musical instruments, active listening, and learning,” she shared. A moment from a previous music class led by the group (Right) A guest musician introduces participants to the trombone The sessions entail learning new songs, discovering beats and rhythms, and exploring new genres of music with guest musicians who introduce different instruments as well. They also try to create a musical instrument with the children at the end of each month. Previous months have seen themes like festivals of India, Ocean Month, Rainbow Month, and the rainy season. January has been selected as Animal Month, and the coursework of these classes entails not just animal-themed songs but also learning music through different animal sounds and movements. For example, walk like a lion, monkey, or elephant. Loud as a parrot, and soft as a rabbit, are some other nuances they explore. “We also look into sounds that different animals make including whale singing voices and bird singing voices,” Alvares added. In February, the theme of the month will be friendship, she continued. An educator engages children in an interactive reading session In keeping with the animal theme, Alvares will be sharing half its proceeds with The Anubis-Tiger Foundation (TAFT). “I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Deepa Talib from TAFT and am in awe of all that they selflessly do for our canine friends,” summed up Alvares. This theme will allow children to connect their love for animals with their love for music, and teach them how to be kind towards all creatures. ON Fridays, 5 pm to 6 pm AT Nautilus, Candies, Pali Hill, Bandra.CALL 7506391768LOG ON TO @musictreebyzoe COST Rs 3,000 per month
15 January,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Evita RocheLast week, Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan inadvertently sparked a nationwide math challenge. His alarming proposal that implied a 90-hour workweek with no weekends sent Indians scrambling for their calculators to find out how short they fall of this outrageous benchmark. “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. How long can you stare at your wife and how long can a wife stare at her husband?” Subrahmanyan says in an undated video that has since gone viral. Short agenda-based meetings can help work seem less taxing While we hope our readers’ calculations stopped at a safe distance from the nervous 90s, the Internet minced no words when it erupted with dissent. From Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra’s reminder that L&T’s birthplace Denmark averages a 34-hour workweek, and actor and mental health advocate, Deepika Padukone labelling the comments “shocking”, to business tycoon Anand Mahindra’s cheeky dig at the latter half of the statement, the debate seems to have just begun. Mind it Break time away from the desk is vital during long hours Not more than 20 minutes,” says psychotherapist Binaifer Sahukar. With 32 years of personal and employee wellness work experience under her belt, Sahukar is referring to the human brain’s capability to stay focussed on a task at hand. “There is a reason our classes in school and college were restricted to 20 to 30 minutes each,” she adds. In comparison to the daunting 90 hours, Sahukar advocates for a 35-hour workweek for optimal work-life balance. “Any template beyond that and you’re doing yourself a disservice. Your sleeping patterns, eating habits, relationships and sex life, all take a hit when you work long hours,” she warns. Taking short breaks every 20 minutes can help you focus better Sahukar also unveils the lesser explored element of guilt. “Sitting at work for 15 hours a day, you will start reeling under the guilt of not giving your loved ones enough time. On the other hand, when you’re in their company, you’ll still be thinking about work. It’s an extremely unpleasant position to find yourself in,” she explains, admitting that the prevalent work culture might have a role to play. “The culture of impressing your boss needs to go. Many employees take up such gargantuan tasks only to get noticed by their seniors, without considering their bodily limitations,” she adds. Talk of the boss SN Subrahmanyan proposes the no weekend schedule in the viral video. PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM Sanjay Shroff, chief business officer, Rent Alpha and Mizuho Leasing, chooses to call these compromises “the premium you pay for success”. He explains, “Working 90 hours a week might not be for everyone, but the ones who can, will find a way to do it. Passion, in this case, is the most important prerequisite. An average employee may rise up the ranks at their own pace with a 50-hour workweek. But if his/her colleague wishes to cover the same ground faster by putting in the extra hours, there should be nothing holding them back.” Binaifer Sahukar Shroff acknowledges the limitations of Subrahmanyan’s proposal. “Imposing a blanket rule makes little sense. After all, not everyone carries the same passion. Every individual cannot and need not be the crème de la crème in their field. There are business tycoons, surgeons, and lawyers who continue to put their head down and push through long hours because they love what they do. And if they can do it, there is no question of efficiency or whether it is humanly possible to work these long hours,” he reasons, adding that short breaks while clocking in these hours can be helpful. Counter-productive? While some might agree with Shroff’s formula for success, corporate trainer and career coach Rhea Punjabi is not one of them. “Research has shown that if you work eight hours a day, you are only productive for a cumulative two hours. Anything beyond that is pointless,” she says. Such rules might also turn employees hostile towards their own workplace, she cautions. “Appreciation for any extra work you put in is essential. When the bar is set so high, and overworking becomes the norm, employees find no incentive to continue working,” she reveals. Sanjay Shroff and Rhea Punjabi Before looking at the clock, Punjabi suggests healthier checks to ensure an employee’s productivity, especially in fields like media and creative arts where results are not quantifiable. >> Does the employee have a clear understanding of the problem statement of the project you are working on? >> Does the employee take the initiative to mentor his juniors and delegate work? >> Is the employee causing friction in the team that is subsequently slowing work down? “Time is an outdated marker of productivity. Back in the day, work was way more interactive. You would step out, talk to people, and be on the move to get work done. The concept of screen time and digital burnout were non-existent,” Punjabi reasons. Everything said and done, you might still want to dip your toes in the 90-hour concept to see what all the fuss is about. For the adventurous kind, and teams who might want to adopt the schedule for short periods, Punjabi suggests a checklist. >> Eliminate meetings. Cap them at two a day with clear agendas. >> Incorporate short healthy breaks to give your senses a break. >> Make the workplace cosier by playing soft music or games between periods of work. >> Ensure that the employees have access to a spacious walking and dining area to cut off from the desktops or laptops. Happy at work? While more than one factor contributes to the happiness ranking of countries, here’s a quick look at the top three countries with their average work hours in comparison with India.
15 January,2025 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleNew year, new me? If one of your resolutions for 2025 is to reinvent your aesthetic, you’re in the right place. We’ve decoded this year’s hottest hair trends to help you ace your hair makeover. What’s out: High fadesWhat’s in: Old classics with a new twist Chris Pine in a slicked-back look, K-pop star Rosé in a bleached blonde look, Dakota Johnson in blunt bangs and Zendaya flaunts her new brunette look. PICS COURTESY/INSTAGRAM While male clients are still gravitating to shorter length, low-maintenance hairstyles, classic haircuts are more in demand than high fades. They’re being replaced by low fades or tapered cuts. Classic haircuts where the sides are cut short but not buzzed completely are also gaining popularity. A textured crop that has short sides and a low to medium fade, with the length concentrated around the crown area with a lot of texture is another cool way to refresh your hair. Bony Sasidharan, artistic and education ambassador, L’Oréal ProfessionnelMany clients are now growing their hair out and experimenting with different styling options, such as slicked-back hairstyles or a faux windswept look with a little condition cream to catch flyaway strands. It’s important to remember that long hair requires maintenance and periodic trims to keep it healthy. What’s out: Curtain bangs (sorry, Sabrina Carpenter fans)What’s in: Side-swept and blunt bangs Lily Collins rocks a short bob This year is all about celebrating your individuality. A short fringe (blunt bangs) is trendier than ever before and can be adapted to suit a variety of face shapes. You could pair your fringe with a short bob or a bixie (an interesting cross between a pixie and a short bob). Sleek styles work best for straight hair, while choppy layered bobs make curls look more dynamic and chic. What’s out: Bleached blonde locksWhat’s in: Warm toffee and red shades Toffee shades and softer blondes work much better with most Indian skin tones. They also prevent your strands from the stress caused by excessive bleaching. We’re also seeing warm deep burgundy hues and reds making a comeback. For those who dare, burgundy brown — a subtle, luxurious twist on red hair — has found fans in celebrities across the world. The colour combines red and chocolate tones to give a vibrant and reflective brunette shade, which makes your hair look healthier and your aesthetic more sophisticated. Drishya Bhagyanath, celebrity hair stylist Up your accessories game Heatless hairstyles are taking over social media, as beauty lovers are anxiously seeking ways to minimise heat-and-product-related damage to their strands. Unsurprisingly, low-maintenance styles such as braids and low buns are witnessing new converts, with bombshell blowouts reserved only for rare occasions. A good way to dress up your heatless hair is with accessories — hair bands will be 2025’s biggest revival. You could also switch it up with a scarf or metallic clips, for an updated twist, suggests Bhagyanath.
15 January,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulI come from a family of readers. Growing up, if you wanted the latest Barbie or dress, you might not get it, but if you wanted a book, it was yours. My grandfather instilled the love of reading in me. It was a big part of who I was,” says Tanmayee Thakur, who shares that love with readers visiting her bookstore and reading room called Book Garden. Nestled in a corner of Vile Parle’s Agarwal Market, it welcomes readers of all ages. Her favourite moments, she tells us, are those when non-readers tag along with their friends and end up with a book. The facade of the new store Thakur grew up in Mumbai. “Vile Parle has always had a reading culture,” she recalls. “This was one of the few areas in the city where kids would come back from school and sit down to read, instead of playing outside. Tilak Mandir Library is one of the oldest institutions here, and people still have membership cards,” she recollects. She also remembers several book depots and secondhand book-carts that would sprawl collections of books when she was younger. A multi-genre curation of rare books Thakur believes that the words ‘book’ and ‘garden’ best describe what she intends to do with her store. “I want the readers to feel like they’re coming to a garden, and the books are like the flowers that they pick. I don’t want them to feel hurried in making a decision,” she shares. This is evident in the way she greets the readers who trickle in during our conversation: with patience and care. The joy for her seems to be in the everyday surprises, like a customer deciding to spend their birthday at the store. Tanmayee Thakur at the bookstore She handpicks all the books; the ones that qualify are those that offer quality or uniqueness to the readers. A rare find, for example, is a book called The Art of Nautical Illustration, which is about paintings of ships. “I thought this book was so bizarre, why would anyone want to read it. But if someone does, I want them to be able to come to my store and pick it up.” A major highlight of the shop is that Thakur doesn’t discriminate between new and second-hand books. There are plenty of both. She stocks multiple copies of popular new books. “When it comes to second-hand books though, what makes them special is that I won’t find another copy like this.” To add to the adventure, Thakur stays away from arranging the books in a specific manner. Therefore, there is always a chance of discovering a hidden classic, an unexpected treasure here. A reader browses through the collection AT The Book Garden, 12-D, Shyam Kamal Road, Agarwal Market, Park Road, Vile Parle East. TIME 2 pm to 7.30 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays) EMAIL [email protected] LOG ON TO @book_garden_ on Instagram THE GUIDE’S FAVE FINDS . See Inside Pirate Ships (A flap book) by Rob Lloyd Jones. An Order from the Sky and Other Stories by Imayam. Mr. Yowder, the Peripatetic Sign Painter by Glen Rounds. Night Train to the Stars by Kenji Miyazawa. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
14 January,2025 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
