Bringing out the BEST

BEST Stories Collective is an Instagram account co-founded by photographers Aslam Saiyad and Gopal MS. It documents nuggets of everyday life and history around the BEST buses in the city. In light of the general elections, Saiyad along with photographer Fahim Sayed have started a campaign on the page where they lay out placards encouraging people to vote to save BEST, the Aarey forest or even the Mumbai coastline.

Talking about how the idea was conceptualised, Saiyad told this diarist, "All the politicians are talking about national or global issues but nobody is talking about the issues of Mumbai, like the future of the Aarey colony, BEST or the Kolis. I wanted to grab the attention of the people, especially in the last days of the elections. Even after voting is over, we will continue to highlight these problems maybe in a different visual format."

From a son to his father

As you read these words with your morning cup of chai, a 100 musicians from the classical, folk and jazz traditions would already be performing at the NCPA as part of a day-long tribute to Ustad Allarakha on his birth centenary, beginning at 6.30 am until 10 at night. But before the live performance came a tribute from the legendary tabla player's son and noted percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, which was released recently.

An archival picture of Ustad Allarakha

The seven-minute long video, Alla ne Rakha, has been composed by Qureshi with lyrics by Rachna Dixit. And in the spirit of today's performance, the video features several well-known names including Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Shankar Mahadevan, Ajay Gogavale, Salim Merchant and Neeti Mohan.

When Sabya endorsed Sabya

Things came full circle when renowned fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee recently embraced a page named after him. An export of an international account called Diet Prada, Diet Sabya was started in 2018 and weeds out copies and plagiarists from the industry, and may we add, rather humorously.

So when Mukherjee said, "Well done, whoever you are," giving a thumbs up to the faceless folks behind DS, when he spoke to an entertainment website, it reiterated the caption that accompanied the video shared by DS, "That's all."

Austrian moves

After creating a full-length contemporary ballet piece with the Ballet Chemnitz in Germany in 2017, and a collaboration with Polish dance company Zawirowania Dance Theatre last year, Ashley Lobo has now become the first Indian to be invited to choreograph a piece for The Landestheater Linz, the state theatre for Linz in Austria.

Titled Yama, the performance is a full-length 55-minute contemporary ballet piece. "This is a huge opportunity and reassurance for me. Dance for me is about emotion and personal expression, and I look forward to extending that to the Austrians," the choreographer told this diarist.

Danes to the rescue

Even as news comes in of pilots of the grounded Jet Airways being humiliated by a senior official of Spicejet during a recruitment drive, when he called the act a "charity", another heartwarming development assured us that all's not lost in this cut-throat competitive world. The Indian operations of a Denmark-based apparel giant recently posted on social media a campaign titled Join the Family.

Pic/PTI

"Customer centricity is at the core of both retail and aviation industries. With several employees of Jet Airways having been affected due to the recent shut down of the airlines, we... are willing to extend opportunities to them, if you know anyone who would consider an industry change." If you, too, would like to spread the word, career.india@bestseller.com is where CVs can be emailed.

A look called love

Madhuri Dixit Nene looks fondly at husband Sriram during a day out at the movies. Pic/Satej Shinde

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

A habitual wife-beater has landed behind bars for trying to burn down his neighbour's house when the latter tried to rescue the woman during a fight. After the secretary of Shivswaraj Society in Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar filed a complaint against the accused Alok Verma, 35, the local cops arrested him.

According to the police, Verma used to often fight with his wife and beat her up while drunk. Speaking to mid-day, secretary Rajgopal Nadar said, "On April 26, Verma reached home inebriated and started fighting with his wife. He even threw the food outside the house and vandalised the utensils inside. Soon after, his son came to my house and begged me to save his mother."

Also read: Couple who are having a baby ask neighbours to cook, do housework for them

Nadar went to their house and tried to stop Verma. "When I was trying to talk to him, he suddenly pinned his wife to the floor and started punching her. I immediately pulled him up and shouted at him, asking him to leave or else I would call the cops," Nadar said.

According to the complainant, Verma felt insulted at being yelled at and in turn threatened Nadar with harm. However, Nadar took his words lightly as he was drunk. Around midnight, the accused returned with petrol and set the door to Nadar's home on fire.

When one of the residents smelled something burning, he went out to check and saw flames had engulfed Nadar's door and window curtains. However, the neighbours rushed to the house with water and managed to douse the fire.

"Initially, we were not aware of how this happened. But later when I checked the CCTV footage from the cameras outside my door, I saw who the culprit was. After that I approached the Pant Nagar police and filed a complaint against Verma," said Nadar.

When contacted, Rohini Kale, senior police inspector of Panth Nagar police station, said, "The accused has been arrested under various sections of the IPC. The matter is being investigated."

Also read: Ex-IAF wing commander's wife found dead at her house in Dwarka

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A dog with pro-BJP stickers on its body was detained along with his master in north Maharashtra's Nandurbar town where polling for the Lok Sabha elections took place Monday.

Eknath Motiram Chaudhary (65), a resident of Navnathnagar area, was spotted with his dog near Andhare hospital Monday afternoon. The dog's body was found covered with stickers bearing the BJP's symbol and the message "Modi Lao, Desh Bachao" (Vote for Modi and save the country), a local police official said.

As the polling was underway, police had received a complaint about the dog and his master who were roaming around the town, he said.

A case was registered against Choudhary under section 171 (A) of the IPC for violation of election rules which prohibit campaigning on polling day. The police have asked the municipal corporation to take custody of the dog, the official added.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates

Finger-inking good

Anushka Sharma offers voters at a polling station in Versova a frame worthy of the album when she poses with them on Monday after casting her vote. Pic/Satej Shinde

Not a happy ending

Ask any music-loving person who grew up in the 1990s, and they will tell you that AR Rahman's tracks were like anthems to the generation. As much as we love every chord the man has composed, there have been some visible cracks of late. But when we heard that the music director has composed the Marvel Anthem in Hindi for Avengers Endgame, we couldn't believe it.

For, Roke Na Rukenge Ab To Yaara faced a lot of flak after its release, and now that even more people are listening to it, many are calling it "cringe-worthy". A city-based musician even wrote, "My favourite part of Avengers: Endgame was not listening to Rahman's track at the end credits." Seems like Rahman will have to work on his game to please fans, many of who are tagging the song as the "only disappointment" in the movie.

A sweet goodbye

"I've known Pablo for 11 years; he's my best friend who was supposed to come help me out for two months but I was able to convince him to stay for three years," pastry chef Pooja Dhingra revealed to this diarist, albeit with a heavy heart while sharing with us that her close aide and business partner, chef Pablo Naranjo Agular, is all set to bid adieu to the city, and their labour of love, Le 15.

Le15 Cafe won the Best New Cafe at The Guide Restaurant Awards 2019 by Mid-day

"I'm going to miss having him around terribly, more as a friend and my moral support than anything else," Dhingra shared. Their camaraderie is apparent in Agular's thoughts, too, when he confesses that Dhingra was like a little sister and an incredible support system. "India has taught me so much not only as a person but also as a chef! For the first time in many years I can say I'm happy. However, I've been living away for 13 years and it's time to go home. Before I do that, I'm going to travel around Asia to learn and discover as much as I can," the Colombian chef told this diarist.

A whiff of Kashmir in Oz

The previous edition of MasterChef Australia saw history being made when an Indian-origin chef was crowned the king of the kitchen. Now, Kashmir-born Sandeep Pandit hopes to win the 11th edition. The IT project manager took one step closer to making this a reality when his name was announced as one of the 10 participants.

The Bangalore University graduate will be plating up a traditional feast from Kashmir, and hopes to charm Georgie Calombaris with his hot and spicy signature dish. The 37-year-old's social media profile mentions him as a complete foodie.

He has a food blog where he tells stories associated with the dishes like his mother's rogan josh, besides sharing their recipes. He picked up cooking after they moved to Australia and his parents worked hard to make ends meet. Well, here's hoping he introduces the world to the lesser-known delights of Kashmiri cuisine.

Live in concert

The voting day holiday for Mumbaikars packed in a treat yesterday with a day-long concert at the NCPA, celebrating Ustad Allarakha's birth centenary. While the free entry ensured it was open to all, the Nariman Point venue isn't logistically accessible to everyone. But that didn't bar music lovers from across the city, and for that matter anywhere in the world, from soaking in the tunes played in memory of the legendary tabla player. For, the venue ensured that the concert was streamed live on its Facebook page.

And as word spread, listeners kept joining in through the course of the day, as a stellar line-up of artistes — which had been kept under wraps — including Asha Bhosle, Prabha Atre, Rakesh Chaurasia and Niladri Kumar as well as folk drummers and a brass band from Jaipur performed. Now that's what we call an inclusive event.

Tete-a-tete with Gulzar

Poet, lyricist, and dire­c­tor Gulzar, known for classic movies like Aandhi, Angoor and Ijaazat, wi­ll be in conversation with three authors who have written bo­o­ks based on these films, at a ta­lk by Harper Collins India in Worli later this week. Author Sa­ba M Bashir who has done a cl­ose textual analysis of the film Aa­ndhi, will examine the details of its cast, dialogues and songs, while author Sathya Saran, who has traced Gulzar's adaptation of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, will talk about the filming and plot.

Author Mira Hashmi, who will be joining on camera from Pakistan, has written about how Gulzar's skill as a storyteller is exemplified by his complex characters. "The movie is a perfect showcase of Gulzar's impish wit, his way with words and how he can look at the world from a unique angle. I loved the humour in the dialogues and the way the songs are set; they are so tongue-in-cheek," Saran told this diarist.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

A still from Some Stories Around Witches

In the tribal villages of Odisha, a teenage girl kills an elderly relative believing that she is a witch and the cause of her father’s death. Overnight, a village turns into a mob to kill three people — a man and two women — who were identified as witches by a witch doctor. Meanwhile, a family is threatened and ostracised, for it is believed they bring ill fate, after they cook meat.

Lipika Singh Darai

The audience is engaged with three real life incidents in the 53-minute documentary, Some Stories Around Witches. Directed by Bhubaneswar-based FTII alumnus Lipika Singh Darai and produced by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), the film explores the politics of witch hunting and the humanitarian crisis surrounding it. It will be screened tomorrow as part of the 22nd edition of Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum’s monthly screening programme, Movies At The Museum.

“There is a mystery surrounding tradition and myths about witchcraft but we should also see it in the light of socio economics and politics to understand the complexity of the events. The cases are very sensitive and my priority was to make the camera’s presence insignificant,” says Darai, who will be present for a Q&A session post the screening, which marks its premiere in Mumbai.

At the event, also catch the screening of another PSBT production, There Is Something In The Air. Directed by Delhi-based filmmaker Iram Ghufran, the Hindi-Urdu documentary is a series of dream narratives, and accounts of spiritual possession as experienced by women ‘petitioners’ at the shrine of a Sufi saint in north India.

COMEDY

Laugh at a ladies' special night
Today Ladies, if you think you are funny and have an opinion about booze, boys, Bobbi Brown or anything else under the sun, register for the stand-up comedy open mic evening, hosted by Kaneez Surka. Not only do you catch her at her best, you also get to attempt to be the next comic star.
TIME: 8 pm onwards
AT: The Cuckoo Club, Mc Ronell's Compound, Pali Hill, Bandra (W).
CALL: 9619962969
COST: Rs 200

Pick the best performer
Tues, Feb 28 Ten stand-up comedians will be trying out new jokes and you get to choose the best performer. All the jokes may not work, but the fun lies in listening to fresh material. The show will be hosted by Hijas Moosa.
TIME: 9 pm
AT: Backstage Cafe and Bar, Andheri (W).
CALL: 98927 20001
COST: Rs 200

MUSIC

Sing along
Thurs, mar 2 Catch Yatharth Ratnum, the winner of the first season of singing reality show, The Stage, at a gig. He will be joined by four other finalists from across the last two editions of the show.
TIME: 8.30 pm onwards
AT: Hard Rock Cafe, Wadia International Center (Bombay Dyeing), Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli.
CALL: 24382888
COST: Rs 750

Catch a tribute concert
Wed, Mar 1 Ustad Zakir Hussain and the SOI Chamber Orchestra will pay tribute to legendary composer Vanraj Bhatia, who is known for his iconic scores in films like Manthan, Junoon, Mandi and more.
TIME: 7 pm onwards
AT: NCPA, Tata Theatre, Nariman Point.
CALL: 24382888
COST: Rs 500 onwards

Tune in to the santoor
Thurs, Mar 2 Immerse yourself in soulful tunes by santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
AT: A concert, being held to raise funds for an NGO. The funds will be used towards promoting the welfare of children.
TIME: 7 pm onwards AT Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
CALL: 24964676
COST: Rs 300 onwards

FOOD & DRINKS

Dig into a Thai feast
Till Mar 5 Take a culinary tour of Thailand with a new menu of Hued Grob (fried mushrooms in Thai black pepper sauce), Gai Yang (chicken leg marinated in curry paste), Koong Phad Kaprao (prawns tossed with garlic), and some interesting rice and noodle preparations.
TIME: 7 pm to 11.30 pm
At: Saptami, Holiday Inn, Saki Naka Junction, Andheri (E).
CALL: 40851800
COST: Rs 1,399 plus taxes

Bake teatime treats
Tues, Feb 28 Learn to make melt-in-the-mouth cookies like Earl Grey shortbread, jam drops, cardamom tea cookies, oat biscuits and the classic Shrewsbury biscuits. These make for the perfect accompaniment to your hot cup of chai, or a delightful gift for a loved one. Registration closes 24 hours prior to the class date and time.
TIME: 10 am to 1 pm
AT: Cakesmiths, second floor, Jatia Chambers, Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda.
CALL: 30213333
COST: Rs 4,255

Get rid of a hangover
Ongoing Recover from a night of excessive drinking with this special Hangover Breakfast menu. Dig into oven-baked egg white omelette topped with vegetables and cheddar, chicken sausages served with French fries and salad, and even comforting pancakes, served alongside espresso and freshly squeezed orange juice.
TIME: 8 am to 11.30 am
AT: Silver Beach Cafe, Jaldarshan Building, Gandhi Gram Road, Juhu.
CALL: 9819966495

SHOP

Dress in your festive best
Ongoing Pick an outfit from Shyamal and Bhumika's Spring Summer 2017 Collection, titled Fragrant Winds. The collection combines Indian silhouettes with patterns of blooms, grasslands and birds.
LOG ON TO: shyamalbhumika.com
CALL: 9833525200

ART

Marvel at the muse
Till mon, Mar 6 Head to a solo exhibition of paintings titled Muse 2, by artist Vijay Belgave. Through his works, he attempts to showcase the beauty of a young, sensitive woman and her thoughts, besides depicting the attachment between young lovers.
TIME: 11 am to 7 pm
At: Jehangir Art Gallery, MG Road, Kala Ghoda.
CALL: 9820960057

PLAY

Head to the smoking zone
Thurs, mar 2 Catch the play, Dhumrapaan, set in the smoking zone of a corporate building where employees discuss appraisals, politics and all that comes with working in an office. The stress and fears will help you draw a parallel with your own life.
TIME: 8.30 pm onwards
AT: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.
CALL: 26149546
COST: Rs 300

Unlock the mystery of butterflies

12 PM: Attend a session, where you will witness first-hand the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. The session will also include a short introduction on the life cycle of the butterfly, the plants that it attracts, and how you can rear your own winged insect.
WHERE: Green Hope, HDIL Dreams, Bhandup West
ENTRY: Rs 1,000
CALL: 8108900312

Groove with DJ Lloyd

5 PM: Bid adieu to the sun's last rays with DJ Lloyd serving you groovy tunes at Thalassa. A veteran in the music and programming industry, Lloyd Gueizelar, popularly known as DJ Lloyd, performs on psychedelic, house and various genres of electronica. While dancing, you can also dig into the delicious food.
WHERE: Thalassa, 21st Street, Khar (West), Off Carter Road
FOR RESERVATIONS: 9820004018/9820004019
FREE

Create that dynamic poster

BOOK A SEAT
11 AM: Don't miss this interactive Indiefolio masterclass conducted by illustrator Raj Khatri, creative art head of Marching Ants Advertising. At the session, Khatri will discuss the art of making movie posters. With movies having multiple characters — plot lines, venues, and themes — Khatri will talk about how one can package all those nuances and details into one poster. With 14 years of experience behind him, he is the man behind some of the most famous Bollywood movie posters of the last decade, including Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Bang Bang, Kahaani and Baahubali.
WHERE: antiSOCIAL, Rohan Plaza, 5th Road, Khar West,, Mumbai, India 400052
TO BOOK: events.indiefolio.com
FREE

Go on a filmi tour

12.20 pm and 2.30 pm: Hop on for a two-hour guided bus tour of Film City, which will offer you a rare glimpse of the famous studio that has been the venue for some of the greatest movies in Indian cinematic history. If lucky, you may also get to see a live shooting in progress.
WHERE: Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, Santosh Nagar, Gate No. 1, Film City Road, Goregaon East
ENTRY: Rs 599
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

Talk about colour

11 AM: Do you know why there's no pink in a rainbow? Arnab Bhattacharya, a scientist at TIFR and a passionate science communicator, will discuss this and more in a special lecture on why colour is central to our lives.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu
CALL: 26149546

Enjoy a Bohri dawat

12.30 PM: Enjoy a shahi home-cooked meal with this curated menu by The Bohri Kitchen. With smoked mutton kheema samosas for starters, and the legendary raan in red masala, lagan ni seekh and saancha ice-cream, your Sunday lunch is going to be a treat. Address and details will be shared once you confirm your presence.
CALL: 9819447438

Surf the coast

4 PM: Take your family out for a sunset sailing experience in the evening. The two-hour boat ride along the Arabian Sea will end with the gorgeous spectacle of dusk settling over the horizon. This could just be the perfect short break you needed to wind down, after a long work-week.
WHERE: Near Taj Mahal Hotel, Jetty No. 5, Colaba
ENTRY: Rs 1,300 per person
CALL: 7738073691

Watch a political satire

7 PM: Make time for a political satire this evening. Ghashiram Kotwal, an adaptation of a play written by the acclaimed playwright Vijay Tendulkar, is based on Ghashiram Sawardas, who trades his daughter to Nana Phadnavis — a minister in the court of the Peshwa of Pune — in exchange for the position of police chief. The play highlights how people in power give rise to new ideologies and agendas and reject the same when their purpose is served.
WHERE: Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Sophia College Campus, B. Desai Road, Breach Candy
ENTRY: Rs 500 - Rs 2,000
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

ORDER OF THE DAY

Grow greens at home

MARCH 12, 11 AM - 2 PM: If you want to do something for the environment, start with your own backyard. Learn to make terrariums, miniature plants in glass. They are easy to maintain and perfect for most of us who live in flats. So sign up for the workshop, Make Your Own Terrarium (miniature gardening) organised by Urban Fireflys where you will learn the A-Z of making and maintaining your own terrariums and take home your own baby terrarium.
WHERE: Vrindavan Cafe, Dosti Club House, Dosti Acres Wadala (East)
ENTRY: Rs 2500
CALL: 9820341463

Go ga ga over mean machines

MARCH 9 - 12, 11 AM ONWARD: Attend the Mumbai International Motor Show which will feature some impressive automobiles, a 4x4 test drive track, a simulator zone, an accessories section, tyres pavilion and more.
WHERE: MMRDA Grounds, BKC Rd, G Block BKC, Bandra (East)
ENTRY: Rs 250

Laugh with Aseem Banatwalla

MARCH 10, 6.30 PM: Listen to Azeem Banatwalla from East India Comedy who is back with an hour of new jokes on travel, road rage, religion and his personal favourite — married life.
WHERE: Experimental Theatre, Nariman Point, NCPA Marg
ENTRY: Rs 399
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

Live the good life

MARCH 9, 6 PM: Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway on your anniversary or an activity-packed family vacation, there's a yacht for every occasion. All you need to do is sit back, relax and experience the joy of a fully crewed charter yacht sailing along the Mumbai Harbour.
WHERE: Blue Whale Water Sports, Apollo Bunder Road, Opposite Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba.
ENTRY: Rs 12,000
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

MARCH 06, MONDAY

Stuff your face with gujiya

TILL MARCH 13, 3.30 PM - 11.30 PM: Puranmal, a 90-year-old traditional Indian restaurant, has rolled out a Holi food festival titled Colour Me Food. From Gujiya, samosa stuffed with a mixture of grated and roasted dry fruits and khoya to the Chandrakala, a moon-shaped North-Indian Holi dessert, there's lots to look forward to.
WHERE: Puranmal, Bharat Bhavan, Juhu Road, Ville Parle (West)
CALL: 26718105

MARCH 07, TUESDAY
Listen to a married man's rant

9.30 PM: Attend a stand-up comedy night with Amit Tandon, who is known as 'the married guy' of stand-up comedy. After marriage and two kids, he realised it couldn't get any worse and took
to humour. With over 700 shows across India, Tandon is popular
for his witty observations culled from everyday life.
WHERE: Hard Rock Cafe, Sharyans Audeus, Fun Cinema Lane, near Balaji Telefilms, off Veera Desai, Andheri (West)
ENTRY: Rs 1,000
CALL: 8898087841

MARCH 08, WEDNESDAY

Watch Einstein come alive

6 PM and 9 PM: Watch Naseeruddin Shah make the great scientist come alive on stage. Gabriel Emanuel's Einstein, directed by Ratna Pathak Shah, captures the essence of Einstein, the man, who despite being a towering thinker, was plagued by doubt and disappointments.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 500
CALL: 26149546

MARCH 09, THURSDAY
Get an extra dose of chai
9.30 AM - 11.30 PM: Tea Trails has rolled out happy hours in the form of Thirsty Thursdays. So choose any signature tea and bites, and get another for free. Try out the South African Red Tea, Japanese Genmaicha or the Smokey Chinese Lapsang Souchong.
WHERE: Kingston Building, Ground Floor, Tejpal Road, Near Old Railway Crossing, Vile Parle (East)
CALL: 9022337766

MARCH 10, FRIDAY

Whip up a gluten-free breakfast

2 PM - 5 PM: Learn to prepare healthy, yummy food devoid of eggs, refined sugar, refined flour, processed salt, preservatives and gluten. This workshop will teach you how to make buckwheat porridge, five lentil dosa, ragi pancakes and nutty fudgy granola bars.
WHERE: Convent Avenue, Santacruz (West)
ENTRY: Rs 2,100
LOG ON TO: insider.in

MARCH 11, SATURDAY
Shake it like Shakira
6. 30 PM - 8 PM: Ladies, let your hips do the talking in this belly dance workshop with dancer Nupur Shah. She will teach you how to do hip lifts, pull off a basic shimmy, breathing techniques to keep in mind while you move and more. Apart from being a dance form, it's an effective way to lose weight.
WHERE: Aleph-The Divine Space ( Hippie Yoga Cafe ), 7-28/29 1st floor Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu
ENTRY: Rs 550
CALL: 9930384641

Holi shakes!
till Mar 15 This Holi, say hello to The Holy Freak! Sip on this tall sinful glass of rabdi churned with vanilla ice cream, cake and milk, layered with special home-made jalebis and topped with colourful sprinkles.

TIME: 9 am to 1 am
AT: D:OH!, ground floor, Unit 2B, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.
CALL: 62372829
COST: Rs 299

Shop
Fashion for men
ongoing Gentlemen, give your appearance a touch of glam with the Black collection featuring bracelets crafted in Onyx stone and pure leather, cufflinks, pocket squares, lapel pins and tie bars in quirky designs.

log on to thebrocode.in

Shining stars
ongoing Add some bling to your life with the jewellery from Radhika Jain, which features pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings made using handcrafted fibres finished with metallic elements.

AT: FUEL Store, 14th Road, off Linking Road, Khar (W).
TIME: 11 am to 8 pm
CALL: 9831030700

Shoulder talk
till mar 13 Ladies, avail a stylish deal where, for every handbag you purchase, you get a discount of 30 per cent on any mobile pouch and sling bag.
AT All Baggit outlets.

log on to baggit.com

Art
A visual feast
till tues, mar 7 Attend a solo exhibition of abstract paintings by Chandrakant Prajapati. His artworks are colourful, and he uses rollers, bold brushstrokes and knife work to create hidden patterns and shapes.

TIME: 11 am to 7 pm
AT: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161B, MG Road, Kala Ghoda.
CALL: 9825656177

Common lives
starts tues, mar 7 Catch a series of paintings, Living Lines at 360⁰, which is an extension of Ashok Hinge's earlier Living Lines series. This one looks at the
common man and society, including family bonding, friendships and crowded market places.

TIME: 11 am to 7 pm
AT: Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Discovery of India Building, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli.
CALL: 9930103369

Event
Painting party
wed, mar 8 Take your girlfriends, sisters, daughters or mothers and join a painting party with Bombay Drawing Room. Art supplies, a glass of Sangria and an appetiser will be provided.

TIME: 11 am onwards
AT: Raasta, Rohan Plaza, SV Road, Khar (W).
CALL: 9619273009
log on to: instamojo.com
COST: Rs 1,650

Laugh riot
tues, mar 7 Get your weekly dose of laughter from Amit Tandon, the comedian known as 'the married guy' of stand-up comedy. His humour centres on everyday life and issues that affect all of you.

TIME: 11 am onwards
AT: Hard Rock Cafe, Sharyans Audeu, Fun Cinema Lane, near Balaji Telefilms, Andheri.
log on to: insider.in
COST: Rs 500 (Entry) + RS 500 (Cover)

Thali deal
Every Monday Men, this deal is for you. Drop in at Khandani Rajdhani and get a 50 per cent discount on your thalis. Enjoy dishes like Masaledar Puri Bhaji, Zaikedar Paneer Aur Masala Dal Ke Saath Roti Chawal, Karare Farsan, Amdavad Ni Dhokla ke Sath Khatta Meetha Chutney, Crispy Jalebi and Swadisht Rabdi, Rasila Gulab Jamoon, and Halwa.

TIME: 12 to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm
AT: All Khandani Rajdhani outlets.
CALL: 65226074 (Ghatkopar)

Garhwali delights
till mar 12 Savour the lost cuisine of Uttarakhand at a Flavors of Garhwal food festival. The food includes Urad Dal Pakodia, Jakhiya Machchi, Mutton Tari, Koda Khichdi, Jhangora Khichdi, Kafuli and authentic Garhwali desserts like Jhangore ki Kheer, Till a Laddoo and Swala Bhangjiri.

AT: JW Cafe, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar.
CALL 28538656
COST: Rs 2,199 plus taxes

Travel
Grape escape
from wed, mar 8 Head out of the city for a grape-stomping break, featuring walks through vineyards, good food, wine tastings and a chance to see how wine is made.

TIME: 11 am onwards
AT: Soma Vine Village, Village Ganghavare, Gangapur-Ganghavare Road, Nashik.
COST: Rs 1,500 per barrel

Perform
Woman, unleashed
wed, mar 8 Attend Devi Unleashed, a unique theatre experience combining monologues, story reading, classical dance and singing, performed by women artistes.

TIME: 7 pm to 8.30 pm
AT: Title Waves, St Pauls Media Complex, 24th Road, Bandra (W).
CALL: 24920482

Genius speak
tues, mar 7 to Thurs, mar 9 Learn about the life of Albert Einstein in this Motley play. Enacted by Naseeruddin Shah, it looks at the spirit of the scientist, who was plagued with doubts and disappointments.

TIME: 6 pm, 9 pm
AT: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu.
CALL: 26149546
COST: Rs 500

Search engine giant Google unveiled a special doodle on Holi. The doodle shows a group of children splashing the Google logo with many colours.

According to Google, "Today, the Google letters are taking on a fresh set of colors in honor of the Holi festival. Coinciding with the arrival of spring, the vibrant celebration looks a lot like the Doodle: people run around happily covering each other in a rainbow of powdery hues.

Amid the cloud of red, blue, yellow, green, and everything in between, festival-goers can often be found laughing, singing, and dancing in the streets. The joyous event, which takes place in India, Nepal, and other countries around the world, traditionally marks the triumph of good over evil. It also gives family and friends a chance to simply come together, enjoying a spirited “Festival of Colors” that undoubtedly lives up to its name."

About Holi
Holi is a Hindu spring festival in India and Nepal, also known as the "festival of colours" or the "festival of love", It signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships, and is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest.

The first day is known as Holika Dahan (हà¥ÂŠà¤²à¤¿à¤Â•à¤¾ दहन) or Chhoti Holi and the second as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan.

Google unveiled a special Doodle on the occasion of Nowruz. The doodle showed the letters Google logo redesigned as flowers with butterflies and bees flying around them.

Nowruz, which is also known as the Iranian New Year and the Persian New Year occurs on 21 March or the previous or following day, depending on where it is observed.

The festival is celebrated worldwide by the Iranian peoples, in Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin and the Balkans.

Nowruz marks the first day of the first month (Farvardin) in the Iranian calendar. It has been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year, and families gather together to observe the rituals.

Nowruz is a secular holiday for most celebrants that is enjoyed by people of several different faiths, but remains a holy day for Zoroastrians.

Create your own Mandala
4 PM: Ever tried your hand at therapeutic art? A Mandala workshop organised by Bombay Drawing Room hopes to help you create great art that is also spiritually calming. The visually appealing design of the Mandala is said to enable you to steer away from irritating thoughts, which in turn allows you to develop a higher level of consciousness. It's a perfect exercise for the mind.
WHERE: Somaiya Centre for Lifelong Learning, M G Road, Kala Ghoda,
ENTRY: Rs 1,500
CALL: 9619273009

Enjoy quick grub
12.30 TO 4 PM: Too lazy to cook on a weekend? Head to the British Brewing Company that's out with a lavish Sunday buffet to scarf down a quick, delicious meal. From boiled eggs, smoked salmon, grilled sausages, salami with freshly baked foccacia, croissants, muffins and lavash, there's something for every palate.
WHERE: British Brewing Company, Level 4 & Level 5, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel
PRICE: Rs 1,200 per head with taxes; Rs 600 for kids between 6-12 years
CALL: 65656121

Bite into an icy treat
10 AM TO 12 PM: With summer around the corner, there's no better way to beat the heat than by enjoying lollies. Bright, peppy and fruity, popsicles are just what you need this weekend. Garde Manger has cherry picked a flavourful combination of these icy treats that you can devour along with their lunch and dinner staples.
WHERE: Garde Manger, 3, Paranjay Scheme Marg No 1, Paranjape Nagar, Vile Parle
CALL: 7045004488

Go on a heritage ride
4.30 PM: How about learning about the city's heritage while burning some calories? This unique heritage cycling trip in South Mumbai is the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. You'll start the cycling trip from Colaba towards Gateway of India. On the way, you will stop for interesting stories, fun facts, and of course, selfies! Cycles will be provided.
MEETING POINT: Colaba Sweet Mart, Ruby Terrace, Colaba Causeway, Apollo Bandar
ENTRY: Rs 1,100
TO BOOK: in.bookmyshow.com

Watch the funny men
12.30 TO 4 PM: Ready for some pure, unadulterated laughter? Cyrus Broacha and Kunal Vijayakar, two of the funniest men in Mumbai, are set to take the stage again, with 40 Shades of Grey Hair. Now, reinvented with new segments, the duo will tickle your funny bone with a stand-up cum theatrical revue that lampoons the life and times of Indian men.
WHERE: St Andrew's Auditorium, 55, Saint Domnic Road, Bandra West
ENTRY: Rs 100 – Rs 2,500
CALL: 9320130013

Catch a tribute show
8 PM: Here's how fans of classical Marathi music can spend their evening. Singers will come together to pay tribute to the two Big Bs of Marathi music Babuji (Sudhir Phadke) and Balashaeb (Hridaynath Mangeshkar). Catch Shriram Narsule, Makarand Gokhale, Amit Nikharge, among others, perform some of their most popular tracks.
WHERE: Shivaji Mandir, NC Kelkar Road, Kelkar Wadi, Dadar
ENTRY: Rs 100 – Rs 300
CALL: 9819314181

Attend a music fest
2 PM: What better way to spend your afternoon than swinging to great music. Get ready for some high-octane live acts at the FOMO FEST. Independent artistes will spin some new-age contemporary music with genres such as deep house, psychedelic rock and electro funk dominating the scene. And, it's going to be on till midnight.
WHERE: Razzberry Rhinoceros, Juhu Hotel, Airport Area, Juhu
ENTRY: Rs 500- Rs 1,000
CALL: 7400402604

Drape like a dream
MARCH 30, 5.30PM: If there's a versatile piece of clothing, it's the saree. And, Rta Kapur Chishti will certainly vouch for it. Her famed Sari School is in back in town. So, look beyond the Nivi drape, the saree as it is popularly worn, and explore new ways of draping it. This workshop will explore regional wearing styles and will be conducted by Kapur, who will show you four unique styles that you can use every day.
WHERE: ARTISANS' Gallery 52-56 V B Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda
ENTRY: Rs 1,500
LOG ON TO: insider.in

Dig into fusion food
ONGOING, 7 PM to 1 AM: Want to try a red velvet dhokla? Desi Culture, a new venture by Corum Hospitality, gives Indian food a twist. You could try items like chicken tikka sev puri and motichur tarts with elaichi foam. We'd recommend chef Gidwani's signature butter-chicken and dal makhni (cooked for over nine hours) learnt from alma-mater Padma Shri Imtiaz Qureshi.
WHERE: Desi Culture, C wing, Trade World, next to The Bar Stock Exchange, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
CALL: 24955766

Enjoy indie music
MARCH 29, 9.30 PM: Groove to talented indie artistes at the new edition of AWESTRUNG. The concert will feature singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, the energetic Local Train and Praveer Barot Projective, whose music is music is heavily inspired by The Beatles and Niravana.
WHERE: Courtyard, High Street Phoenix, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
FREE

Watch fave TV show over drinks
MARCH 27, 6 PM ONWARD: The House at Versova is hosting lazy Monday soaps wherein they will showcase TV shows that we all have seen in the past, but wouldn't mind watching again over scrumptious food and drinks. With the likes of Friends, Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother, they are open to showcase any other show as well. Entry is free.
WHERE: Bungalow 1, JP Road, Aram Nagar, Versova
CALL: 65264888

Give a cool makeover
ONGOING: This is a shoutout to salon professionals and stylists. Salonex is hosting an inter-salon competition along with hair and make-up competition. The event will be held in three categories — red carpet look, bridal and barbering games. Participants will have to send in their entries before March 30 and once selected, they will have to replicate the look at the finale on April 17.
LOG ON TO: http://www.salonex.in/competitions.aspx

Attend a charity event
MARCH 29, 10.30 AM ONWARD: Do your good deed for the day by attending a fundraising event by Tata Memorial Hospital, where proceeds of the exhibition go towards the cause of kids battling cancer. Titled Helping Hands, the exhibition will be a blend of philanthropy, fashion and food. Monisha Jaising, Farah Ali Khan and Kanika Kapoor will exhibit their collection.
WHERE: St Regis Hotel, Level 8, Lower Parel
LOG ON TO: www.helpinghandsindia.in

Take home a masterpiece
Ageless wonder
MARCH 27, 11 AM - 7 PM: Octogenarian Vishwanath Ram Kantak is frail, slightly bent and suffers from Parkinson's which makes his hands tremble and gait difficult. Yet, once he holds the paintbrush, his fingers weave magic. Check out the 82-year-old artist's new exhibition titled, Divine Vision, that comprises some stunning artworks. Monday is the last day to catch the exhibits.
WHERE: Jehangir Art Gallery 161-B, MG Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 9503344464

ORDER OF THE DAY

MONDAY, 27 MARCH
Get your dose of humour
8.30PM: If you think you have what it takes to be a stand up comic, sign up for this event. As an audience member, you can come and watch new talent take baby steps into the spotlight. You might even see some tragic attempts. Sourav Ghosh will be your host for the evening.
WHERE: Canvas Laugh Club, 3rd Floor, Palladium, High Street Phoenix, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel
ENTRY: Rs 200
CALL: 9004603115

TUESDAY, 28 MARCH
Celebrate Gudi Padwa
NOON - 12 AM: Enjoy traditional Maharashtrian fare on Gudi Padwa at Saptami. Vegetarians could try the paneer kala rassa, bharleli vangi, kale chanyachi ussal, dal varan and masala bhaat, while omnivores can dig into mutton Kolhapuri and kolambi chi biryani.
WHERE: Saptami, Holiday Inn, Sakina Junction, Andheri (East)
ENTRY: Rs 1,099 plus taxes
CALL: 40851800

WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH
Let's talk health
4.30 PM: Macrobiotic nutritionist, Shonali Sabherwal, who specialises in improving immunity and managing weight, is holding a talk on her book, The Detox Diet. She will help you unravel the secret to weight-loss, anti-aging and how to beat bad bacteria.
WHERE: Who Are We Hall, first floor, Nehru Centre, Worli
RSVP TO: aratidesai@nehru-centre.org
FREE

THURSDAY, 30 MARCH
Play beer bingo
7 PM ONWARD: Play a game of beer bingo at The Irish House. First you grab a bingo card for yourself that will have 'IRISH' written on it with numbers in each letter. A staff member will call out the numbers. The winners receive cash vouchers, glasses of free beer and more.
WHERE: Level 2, Rampart Row, 30, K Dubash Marg, Above Royal Oak Banquets, Kala Ghoda, Fort
CALL: 7095949925
FREE

FRIDAY, 31 MARCH
Pay tribute to Nasir
5 PM: Celebrate the joyous cinema of Nasir Hussain on the 15th death anniversary of the legend. Author Akshay Manwani will take you through some of the finest moments in his cinematic journey. The Revolver Club will play music from Husain's films through the ages on vinyl.
WHERE: Godrej ONE, Auditorium, first floor, Vikhroli (East), (Entry from Eastern Express Highway)
RSVP to: indiaculturelab@godrejinds.com.

SATURDAY, 1 APRIL
Enjoy baos and burgers
ONGOING, 12.30 PM - 1 AM: Hoppipola has rolled out a burger, bao and beer festival. Order a paneer khurchan bao for Rs 175 and get a beer for R50. You could even try the specials like the pan fried chicken burger, falafel and kidney bean burger, seafood burger and a mutton shammi kebab burger.
WHERE: Across all outlets
ENTRY: Rs 200
CALL: 32038653 (Lower Parel)

Blanco
If you are one of those who trips out on watching Laurel and Hardy make a fools of themselves, or Charlie Chaplin and his antics, then head to Blanco to rid yourself of the Monday blues. Sit on the open-air terrace and enjoy some comfort food like cheesy overloaded nachos, chilly cheese toast, fish fingers and home-made chicken nuggets. They also show Tom and Jerry cartoons as well. Who would want more?

Where: 201/202, Samarth Vaibhav, Lokhandwala Rd, Oshiwara, Andheri West
When: 5 pm to 8 pm
Call: 8097004656

The Pantry
Three years ago, at a time when short films were yet to be a rage, The Pantry in Kala Ghoda kick-started their short-film Fridays, wherein on the last Friday of every month, they'd screen a short, 8 pm onwards. Since then, it has been a regular hangout for film buffs. The screenings are organised by Cyrus Mistry's Shamiana Film Club and Manjari Makijany's Mac Productions. Diners can continue sitting at their tables while chairs for the audience are placed on the passageway between the tables. The next screening is on April 28.

Where: Plot No 14, ground floor, Yashwanth Chambers, B Bharucha Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22678901

Vkaao
Want Notting Hill to play in the background as you ask your girl to marry you? Or want to treat your action-crazy friend to a Transformer movie on his birthday? Vkaao at PVR allows you to do that with your whole gang in tow. They just rented a screen out for a proposal where the couple watched SRK tearjerker Veer-Zaara. Just get on their app and book a screen, and select from their 400+ library of Hollywood and Bollywood movies. You can either hoot at every scene or just shut your cellphones off. No one can tell you what to do anymore!

Where: PVR screens all over India
Cost: Same as a ticket cost, book on PVR website or app

Cuckoo Club
What's the point of watching an interesting film if you can't discuss it? The best part of this Bandra venue, is that often the cast/crew is brought on to conduct a Q&A with the audience. "When we screened The Stoning of Soraya M, a film that's banned in the US and Iran, we called the prinicipal of Sophia College, who has a deep understanding of Middle Eastern culture, to talk to the audience," says Sharin Bhatti of the Cuckoo Club.

Where: 5AA, Mac Ronells compound, next to Candies, St Andrews Road, Bandra West
Call: 9619962969

Harkat Studios
Movie nights at Aaram Nagar's Harkat give you the experience of watching a film with friends in someone's living room. This is a function of both, how they curate their guest list (you can drop and email at us@harkat.in) and that the space is, well, a living room. The films are usually indie creations and are joined by a theme for the day. Last Sunday's was 256 million colours of violence. The next one, though there's no date set, is slated to be a two-day fest of experimental films. You will share the space with 44 others. There's no entry fee, but you are welcome to donate to the cause.

Where: Bungalow #75, Aram Nagar 2, JP Road, Versova, Andheri West
Call: 26350064

Raasta
The party-hard venue turns into a quieter, intellectual space come Sunday when they screen indie Hollywood movies. Last Sunday, they screened Eddie Redmayne's controversial Danish Girl, which has since been banned from airing in the country. It seats around 400 people and there's free entry. Also, you can order your food and booze to your seat. This sounds too good to be true.

Where: 4th Floor, Rohan Plaza, Road no 5, Khar,
Call: 8655000811

Join an improv show
7.30 PM: Are you a fan of Whose Line Is It Anyway? If, yes, this desi version might just interest you. Join artistes Ankit Challa and Avinash Verma as they take suggestions from you to create an explosive and entertaining show. Incorporating music, theatre and comedy, this show will be nothing like anyone has seen before.

Where: The Cuckoo Club, 5AA Pali Hill, Macronells Compund, Side of Learners Academy Bandra West
Entry: Rs 350
Call: 9619962969

Paint like Picasso
4 PM: Spend your evening at a workshop, where you will be taught how to create cubist paintings - a style of art developed by Pablo Picasso. The unique form of expression draws inspiration from tribal art forms and modern thinking. No prior experience is needed.

Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Gandhi Nagar, Dr E Moses Road, Upper Worli, Worli
Entry: Rs 2,050
Call: 9619273009

Sip into a mango treat
12.30 PM to 1 AM: Your affair with the king of fruits just got bigger and better. This weekend, head to the Mighty Small Cafe and lose your soul and heart to delectable varieties of special mango cocktails and mocktails at the mango drinks festival. You can sip on some lip-smacking thirst quenchers like Mango Pulse, Chatpata Martini, Mango-hito, Mango Cream Delight and many more.

Where: Mighty Small Cafe, SMAAASH, Kamala Mills Compound, Gate No 4, Lower Parel
Price: Rs 249 onwards
Call: 49143143

Go for this
Analyse dreams with art
11 AM TO 7 PM: What do your dreams look like? Are they colourful, maze-like or are they monochrome? Catch Kolkata-based artist Tusar Kanti Pradhan reveal his unique perceptions about dreams and nostalgic memories of the past, with his mixed media exhibition. Some of the works depict his shared memories of people, people struggling in cities for their survival, but still bearing the organic traces of their rural origin and a complex sense of belonging. For this exhibition, the artiste dabbles with mixed media and natural pigment on paper.

Where: Jehangir Art Gallery, 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22843989

Relish a Cantonese meal
7 PM onward: Call the weekend a wrap with a lavishly designed three-course set menu featuring a variety of chef's special Cantonese dishes. You can begin your meal with the mock duck salad followed by any two small eats. For the main course, you can choose between stir-fry chicken with black bean and stir-fry Indian salmon, before ending it with a mandarin sorbet.

Where: Hakkasan, 206, Krystal, Waterfield Road, Linking Road, Bandra West
Entry: Rs 1,750 per person
Call: 26444444

Enjoy a soulful evening
7 PM: Enjoy a scintillating evening, titled Lataasha with Pancham, that will bring alive the magic of legendary playback singers, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, and composer RD Burman.

Vocalists Shailaja Subramanian, Sampada Goswami and Alok Katdare, along with a live orchestra of 35 musicians, will perform to some of their most super-hit melodies.

Where: Ravindra Natya Mandir, Near Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi
Entry: Rs 250 – Rs 1,500
To Book: in.bookmyshow.com

Groove to Bachata
5 PM: This afternoon, take that boat and head straight to Raigad for an evening of dance and music. Artiste Dhanashree Mehta will get you grooving with a Bachata workshop that will get your heart racing and your feet tapping. You will return to the city rejuvenated.

Where: Beach Box, Mandwa Jetty, Kolgaon, Raigad
Entry: Rs 700
Call: 8291902662

Catch an animated film
6.30 PM: Watch the Secret of Kells, a story of young Brendan who lives in a remote medieval outpost which is under siege from barbarians. One day, a master illuminator arrives carrying an ancient but unfinished book, containing secret wisdom. To help complete the book, Brendan has to go on a quest.

Where: Alliance Française Auditorium, 40, Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines
Call: 22035993

Put memories to canvas
11 AM - 7 PM: Drop by at Jehangir Art Gallery to catch a glimpse of an exhibition by Kolkata-based artist Tusar Kanti Pradhan. Tilted Nocturnal Dreams, it reveals his artistic perceptions about memories of the past along with nocturnal illustrations about people, old trees and heritage.

Where: Jehangir Art Gallery, No 3, MG Road, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22843989

Get high on brew
Till April 15, 11 AM - 11 PM: AKA Bistro has launched a new bakes and brews menu. You can opt for an XOXO latte which contains double espresso, chocolate syrup and truffle oil. Mojito lovers can have the offee mojito with espresso, mint, lime and orange.

Where: AKA Bistro, 121 Nagindas Master Road, ground floor, Radha Bhavan, Kala Ghoda, Fort
Entry: Rs 150 onwards
Call: 9029293968

Hear songs of peace
7.30 PM: Watch Ekam Satt, a musical conceptualised and orchestrated by Ameya Dabli featuring Devaki Pandit (in pic) and Rakesh Chaurasiya. With an aim to spread the message of love and unity, the concert is curated in a way to make the audience pause and reflect.

Where: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
Entry: Rs 300- Rs 3,000
Call: 24920510

LOL with Johny Lever
8.45 PM: Johny Lever will tickle your funny bone with his live stand-up show. In this session, Lever incorporates references and his witty observations to do with social media, politics, human behaviour, pop culture, cultural affairs and technology, among others.

Where: Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha, Hindurao Patil Marg, Sector 16A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
Entry: Rs 300-2,500
Log On To: bookmyshow.com

Join a midnight peddle
11. 30 PM: Explore the spellbinding coastal route of the city in the night. Your task is to completing 25 km; it starts from Colaba (Causeway) and ends at Band Stand (Bandra) taking multiple halts at Marine Drive, Shivaji Park, Worli Sea Face and beyond.

Where: Colaba Causeway
Entry: Rs 999
Log On To: www.mumbaitravellers.com

Book ahead
Revive ancient Indian weaves
April 13- 15, 10.15 AM - 12 PM: Vastrabharana, a textile fundraiser that has been initiated by the Craft Council of Karnataka, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. And, for the first time the event will take place in Mumbai. The exhibition, which is dedicated to reviving languishing handicrafts, will showcase unique textiles such as Palash weaves from Orissa, Kimkhwāb fabrics that originated in the Moghul era and Kalamkari, an ancient art form that was started by weavers in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh.

Where: Coomaraswamy Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Call: 22844484

Dine in the dark
April 4, 8 PM and 10 PM: They say the first bite is always with the eyes. But, what do you do when you're blindfolded? TAG GourmArt Kitchen by chef Ranveer Brar will provide this experience at Tickle Your Sense - a first of its kind blindfolded dinner experience. The chef will surprise you with a five-course vegetarian menu inspired from his travels in Europe. The idea is to enjoy your food without the use of one of your primary senses.

Where: TAG GourmArt Kitchen, 1st Floor, Kamala City, OSS Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel
Entry: Rs 1,200
Call: 8850566538

Humour dose
Laugh out loud
April 16, 7 PM: Remember the riot Laughter in the House sparked at the box office four years ago? The same team of vintage stars, leading a younger ensemble cast, will present its sequel, Laughter in the House – 2. This tribute to Adi Marzban has yet another choice selection of skits and songs from the legendary writer.

Where: Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point
Entry: Rs 200 to Rs 1,200
Call: 6223742

Enjoy delish aamras
Ongoing, 12 PM - 11 PM: Satisfy your mango craving by sipping on delicious aamras at Golden Star Thali. The Charni Road restaurant is offering unlimited aamras every Saturday and Sunday - in addition to the sweets that accompany the thali. They also serve a bowl of complimentary aamras on weekdays from Monday to Friday. If you want to continue the party at home, they have the same in ½ litre & 1 litre packs.

Where: Golden Star Thali, 330, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Opera House, Girgaon
Call: 23671952

Chill with the ladies
April 5, 8.30 PM: Chalta Hai Comedy's new edition of Dame Funny will see Trupti Khamkar (in pic), improv artist Jeeya Sethi and writers Sumaira Shaikh and Urooj Ashfaq and IIM drifter Prashasti Singh at the event. Since Wednesdays are ladies nights at The Barking Deer, they will be giving away the first drink to all ladies at Rs 5. Men can come early and enjoy happy hours on the house brews and select liquor till 8 pm.

Where: The Barking Deer, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
Entry: Rs 150 for ladies, Rs 250 for rest
Call: 61417400

Enjoy Gujrati poetry
April 8, 5 PM: Listen to Udayan Thakker and Dileep Jhaveri, two veterans of Gujarati poetry, as they discuss the form and its rich heritage and read their popular work in the language. While Thakker's poetry collection Ekavan (1987) was awarded by Jayant Pathak Poetry Award of 1987-88, Jhaveri is writing has received the Critic's Award (1989), the Gujarati Sahitya Parishad award (1990).

Where: Mithibai College, Conference Hall, Gulmohar Road, Suvarna Nagar, Juhu Scheme, Vile Parle (West)
Entry: Rs 200
Log On To: bookmyshow.com

Create an arty shoe
12 PM: Here's your chance to add some pop and colour to your feet. A workshop in town will teach you how to create your own hand-painted shoes. You will also be initiated into shoe art, with lessons in unique patterns and designs. All materials, including the pair of shoes, will be provided.
WHERE: Doolally Taproom, Ground Floor 1, Plot 75/77, Park House, Colaba
ENTRY: Rs 1,250
TO BOOK: doolally.in

Pamper your pet
5 PM to 9 PM: Attend a dog carnival where your pet can have a fun day out. There will be interesting activities like pet personality contest, 'cool' dog pageant and special grooming sessions along with curated canine meals.
WHERE: Inorbit mall, Malad – Garden area next to parking lot of the mall
CALL: 66777999

Enjoy a Parsi meal
1 PM – 3 PM: Craving a Parsi delicacy? Feast on a special Navroze menu curated by Mahrukh Mogrelia, who will set a traditional table adorning seven auspicious items starting with the letter 'S', called the Haft-Sin. The dishes will include sherbets, sweets, dry fruits, and a variety of fruits.
WHERE: Nana Chowk, Grant Road (Full address will be shared on booking)
TO BOOK: www.eventshigh.com
CALL: 99201 50502

Sip natural beers
11.30 TO 1 AM: Get your spirits high later through the day with a new range that consists of exclusive artisanal premium craft beers. What's unique about these flavours is that they have no additives and chemicals and are wholly made up of natural ingredients.
WHERE: Woodside Inn, Link Plaza, Bhau Tatoba Toraskar Marg,
Andheri West
CALL: 26328963

Dig into egg kheema
7.30 TO 12 PM: Begin your weekend on a delicious note with your favourite breakfast dishes and cocktails. If you like it sweet, then chocolate pancakes are the best options. For desi lovers, there is anda gadbad (egg kheema) stuffed in omelette topped with spicy gravy.
WHERE: Light House Café, Love Grove Flyover, Siddharth Nagar, Worli
CALL: 9967414148

Seek the divine
11 AM – 7 PM: What if you could connect with the divine though art? A new exhibition, brought together by art curators Payal and Bindal Shah, hopes to extend this experience through the works of 19 talented artists. Around 100 artworks, inspired by the artist's connection with their spiritual self, will be on display at the exhibition titled The Seeking Artist. From abstract, composition, point of view and more, the art pieces will see an array of mediums, including watercolour, oil paints, pastel, charcoal, portrait and freestyle, work magic on canvas.
WHERE: Cymroza Art gallery, 72 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy
CaLL: 9820148450
FREE

Dive into theatre photography
5 PM: How do you capture a dynamic world like theatre in the still world of photography? What does the photographer need to understand about theatre to capture dramatic moments on camera? Ace lensman and theatre insider Nemai Ghosh will answers these questions and more at the new edition of Mumbai Local. Ghosh will take the audience through a selection of his photographs, and share his experience of the process.
WHERE: Dr BhauDaji Lad Mumbai City Museum, 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Byculla.
TO REGISTER: mumbailocal@junoontheatre.org

Soak in jazz music
APRIL 11, 8.30 PM ONWARD: Immerse yourself in a live music experience at Andheri's The Little Door, which collaborates with jazz ensembles every Tuesday. This time around, you can listen to Karim Ellaboudi (keys), Heather Andrews (vocals), D Wood (bass) and Aron Nyiro (drums). You can wine and dine while you soak in some free
flowing jazz.
WHERE: The Little Door, ground floor, plot B31, Shree Siddhivanayak Plaza, opposite Citi Mall, off New Link Road, Andheri (West)
CALL: 9920983833
FREE

Attend a hybrid dance show
APRIL 15, 7 PM: Catch a breathtaking amalgamation of Bharatnatyam and Lavani dance forms at the Sindhu Dance Festival. While the former is bound by rules, the latter is free and fluid. Here you'll see the lines blurring. Renowned lavani performer Shakuntalabai Nagarkar and Bharatnatyam dancer Vaibhav Arekar will perform at the event.
WHERE: Sheila Gopal Raheja Auditorium, next to Patwardhan Park, Bandra (West)
ENTRY: Rs 200 - Rs 1,000
CALL: 9820984699

Sign up for an artistic exchange
MAY 20 - 29: Here's a good opportunity for artists to work and interact with their ilk in this 10-day art residency programme that rolls out in May. Organised by Mumbai-based NGO, ICAC-International Creative Art Centre, the initiative seeks to connect artists from various genres fostering cross-cultural dialogue, artistic exchange and creates an environment for research and creativity. It will have 25 emerging artists working under one roof. Last date of registration is
April 15.
WHERE: Akhil Bhartiya Manav Vikas Sanstha, Dehgam, Gandhinagar, Ahemdabad
ENTRY: Rs 6,500
CALL: 9820151415
LOG ON TO: http://www.icacart. com/residency

Dil mango more

If there's one reason why we still like summer, it's because of the season's only saving grace — mangoes. So, if you want to satisfy your craving, restaurants in the city have a lot of in store

8.30 AM - 11 PM: If you're thinking healthy, AKA has the mango quinoa salad with pink ginger, baby spinach and bell peppers finished with mango and apple cider vinaigrette. For the experimental foodie, there's mango chili popsicle prawns marinated with mango aioli and roasted, served with house salad and raw mango salsa and grilled chicken breast with mango butter on a bed of peri peri sauteed vegetables.
WHERE: AKA Bistro, 123, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
CALL: 9029293968

10.30 AM - 11.30 PM: Chef Bunty Mahajan of Deliciae Patisserie has created a mango special dessert menu for you. You could pick from options like mango kiwi short cake, mango macaroons, mango mousse cake, mango meringue and mango mousse rhapsody.
WHERE: Khar Danda Road, Opposite Curio cottage, Khar (West)
CALL: 9029021200

8 AM - 11.55 PM: Poetry by Love & Cheesecake has rolled out a delicious mango-based breakfast menu. Starting with mango muffins, macaroons, tarts and smoothies, the options get more decadent with mango basil chocolate cups, where mangoes are tossed up with basil leaves and served in a cup made of chocolate, and chocolate marquise topped with chilli mangoes. If you want something quirky, there's honey nut and gouda with a verrine made with mangoes.
WHERE: Poetry by Love and Cheesecake, Pali Darshan, 33rd road, Bandra West
CALL: 9819935135

Two other must catch shows:

Shutterbug love
While FOCUS Photography Festival 2017 has drawn to a close, the flagship exhibition is on view. Curated by art historian Prajna Desai, Autobiography as Memory presents works by 18 photographers from around the world, selected through an open call for entries.
WHERE: Museum Plaza, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla (E)
WHEN: Till April 30
ENTRY: Rs 10 (adults); Rs 5 (children)
CALL: 23731234

Views on dwelling
Dwelling Part II, the second and final installment of Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke's tenth anniversary show curated by Ranjit Hoskote features the works of 12 artists including Manish Nai and Kiki Smith.

WHERE: Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke, Colaba
WHEN: Till May 31, 11 AM - 7 PM (Sunday and Monday closed)
CALL: 22023030

Order of the day

Go on a wild safari
TILL APRIL 11, 11 AM - 7 PM: Photographer Hussain Nalwala, who has obtained a fellowship from UK's Royal Photographic Society, will take you on a wild safari through his paintings. You'll see delightful shots of horses galloping away at sunset, leopard perched on a tree and zebras fighting.
WHERE: 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 22843989

Have fun with colours
APRIL 11-12, 3 PM: Learn the art of watercolour painting with artist Bhavna Shah. At this workshop, you'll be taught techniques in paint application, brush-work, colour mixing, rendering light and shade, tonal value, and design in this medium. By the end of the class, you will learn to develop your own style.
WHERE: ARTISANS' Gallery 52-56 V B Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda
ENTRY: Rs 2,500
LOG ON TO: insider.in

Watch an Urdu play
APRIL 12 , 6 PM and 9 PM: Watch the Urdu version of Moliere's 14th century classic 'Ecole de femmes or School for Wives' by Balraj Pandit. Beewion Ka Madrasa is about Haneef Mohammed who would not marry because he believes all women are dishonest.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20 Janki Kutir Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 300
CALL: 26149546

Dine like a star
8 PM: Benares London, where Adele, Justin Beiber, Robby Williams and Tom Cruise have dined, has launched a new pop up menu. Chef Atul Kochhar will present a six-course meal which includes all the signature dishes from the restaurant.
WHERE: NRI, Maker Maxity, North Avenue, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East)
ENTRY: Rs 5000 ++
CALL: 30005040

Groove to Gurdas Maan
APRIL 14, 8 PM: Celebrate Baisakhi with the legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, who will feature his never-seen-before act at the Punjabiyaan Di Shaan Gurdas Maan, live in concert. The show will remind the patrons of Punjab and its culture.
WHERE: Shanmukhananda Hall, behind Gandhi Market, Comrade Harbanslal Marg, Sion
ENTRY: Rs 500 - Rs 5,000
LOG ON TO: bookmyshow.com

Celebrate Easter
APRIL 15- 23, 10 AM - 12 PM: With Easter around the corner, Sassy Teaspoon has already rolled out a range of fun Easter specials. Bite into chocolate Easter eggs, mini Easter eggs in a chocolate nest and cupcakes decorated with Easter eggs. The decadent treats are available till April 23.
WHERE: Express Towers, Next to HDFC Bank, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point
CALL: 7666222777

Learn to breathe and heal
12 PM to 3 PM: Sometimes just breathing the right way, can heal. Attend a work-shop organised by Dr Harsha Khand-elwal, who will teach you breathing techniques to help release tension.
WHERE: Bhagirathi Banquets, Jagjivan Ram Nagar, Mulund West
ENTRY: Rs 250
TO BOOK: www.eventshigh.com

Watch a comic play
7 PM: Don't miss a comedy about the rat race, how we cope with it, and what we put our lungs through, in the process. Set in the smoking area of a corporate building, Dhumrapaan offers a hilarious take on every employee's nightmare.
WHERE: Experimental Theatre: NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point
ENTRY: Rs 400 –Rs 500
CALL: 66223737

Visit a museum
10 AM: Witness the city's cultural heritage at an ongoing exhibition at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum. The museum will showcase a rare collection of 19th century fine and decorative arts that highlight early modern art practices and craftsmanship in the erstwhile Bombay Presidency and beyond.
WHERE: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Byculla East
COST: Rs 100
Log on to: bookmyshow.com

Attend an art sale
10 AM to 10 PM: It's our natural tendency to put a face to everything and anything. Without it, the world almost seems illusionary. Artist Trishna Patnaik explores this concept with a new exhibition titled FACES, where she creates a range of face paintings using various mediums. You can also own these artworks.
WHERE: The Cuckoo Club, 5AA,
Mc Ronnel's Compound, Pali Hill Road, Bandra West
CALL: 9619962969

Spread the Easter cheer

From preparing sweet treats to digging into lavish meals, here's our guide to celebrating the festival

Sip fruity cocktails
7 PM to 1.30 AM: Whether it's late lunch or an early dinner, you must celebrate with cocktails. Complete the festivities with a new range of refreshing Easter drinks. From the Cotton Tail, which is a mix of vodka, passion fruit puree and lemon, to the Starfruit Spritz, made with gin and starfruit, there's something for every cocktail lover.
WHERE: One Street Over, Off Linking Road, Khar West
PRICE: Rs 350 – Rs 400
CALL: 26002224

Enjoy an egglicious treat
12 PM to 1 AM: If you want a break from the usual chocolate fare, head to Myxx. Dig into their fruit flavoured white chocolate eggs with dark chocolate sponge cake or indulge in their white chocolate egg stuffed with mango crème.
WHERE: Myxx, Navaratan Apartment, Near Juhu Post Office, Juhu
CALL: 60226700

Learn to make truffles
11 AM to 1.30 PM: What better way to spend Easter than learning how to make handmade truffles and some luscious drunken gingerbread. They'll be ready just in time to share with family.
WHERE: Flavour Diaries, Above Khar Social, Rohan Plaza, Khar West
ENTRY: Rs 3,499
CALL: 9022270033

Go brunching

12 PM to 4.30 PM: Fancy a lavish Easter brunch with family? The Seven Kitchens' lavish spread of traditional delicacies may just be the answer. From glazed ham and roast chicken to hot cross buns, and different types of baked quiche, stuffed breads and cocktails, this will surely cheer you, and everyone else, up.
WHERE: Seven Kitchens, Level 9M, St Regis, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
PRICE: Rs 3,000 and above
FOR RESERVATIONS: 61628422

Chill with tigers

MAY 17: This summer, gift your child a real Jungle Book experience. Heart and Soil is organising a three-day trip to the Pench Tiger Reserve, in Madhya Pradesh, fondly called as the Kipling country. Kipling wrote Jungle Book after spending his days in and getting inspired by the forests of Pench. The kids will see wildlife in its natural habitat and not in the crammed confines of a zoo.
WHERE: Pench National Park, Dharna Kalan, Madhya Pradesh
ENTRY: Rs 39,000 for a parent and child
CALL: 9819923115

Visit the Golden Temple vicariously
11 AM - 7 PM: Dr Mahesh Kharde, an orthopedic surgeon from Mumbai, will display his latest photographs on contemporary life. The series covers monuments in Rajasthan and Punjab and urban vignettes from smaller towns. Noteworthy among his photographs are the shots of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, turban seller in Rajasthan, ancient forts and palaces in Rajasthan and Karnataka.
WHERE: Jehangir Art Gallery, (Terrace Art Gallery), MG Road, Kala Ghoda
CALL: 9923660056

Take home an amrapali
APRIL 22-23, 11 AM ONWARDs: Angiya is organising a sample sale of indigenous bras that puts form, style and comfort before convention and constriction. This garment will combine organic cotton, deeper cuts and freer design. You could sample the Yasodhara, their version of a push-up bra and Amrapali, a crop-top bra.
WHERE: The Vintage Garden, Patkar Bungalow, 34D, Turner Road, Bandra West
LOG ON TO: https://m.facebook.com/theindianbra/

Create your own comic
APRIL 22, 10.30 AM: Have you ever dreamed of creating your own comic strip? Sign up for a workshop helmed by Mumbai-based architect and urban designer Nikhil Chaudhary who will introduce you to a rich medium of comics and graphic novels and show you how to create comics as a medium to express your thoughts. You will be guided into a hands-on session to create your own short comics.
WHERE: 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Byculla
ENTRY: Rs 500
CALL: 23731234

Meet Master Tusk
APRIL 18, 12 PM: Watch Elephant in the Room, a play about a boy named Master Tusk, who has been given a new head — that of an elephant. Confused and bewildered, he finds himself lost in the forest. He encounters a motley couple — Makadi (spider) and Moork (poacher) — a clumsy duo in search of a big-ticket ransom. They kidnap Master Tusk, but their scheme goes awry when a prophecy is revealed.
WHERE: Prithvi Theatre, 20, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road
ENTRY: Rs 300
CALL: 2614 9546

Pedal for peace

7 AM: Cycling could well be a way of spreading the message of environmental conservation loud and clear. Caravan Trips and iKheti have organised a cycling session at the lush greenery of Aarey Gardens where, due to construction of the Metro, many trees in and around Aarey have been destroyed.
WHERE: Aarey Colony entrance, Goregaon East
ENTRY: Rs 750
LOG ON TO: www.insider.in

order of the day

Watch a French period drama
6.30 PM: Catch writer-director Francois-Xavier Vives's debut period drama starring Marie Gillain, Jalil Lespert and Miou-Miou. In 1920, when her husband dies, Liena is left alone with vast plantations of pines. She is determined to finish her husband's work and provide electricity to all her employees across her lands.
WHERE: Alliance Française de Bombay, 40, Theosophy Hall, New Marine Lines
CALL: 22035993
FREE

Participate in a public adda
5 PM: Attend an interesting panel discussion organised by the Godrej India Culture Lab and Point of View where four feminists, Mona Eltahawy, Paromita Vohra, Geeta Patel and Bishakha Datta, will talk about sex, feminism, lipstick and other female-oriented issues. Titled 'What's Sex Got To Do With It? A Public Adda', the event is in celebration of Point of View's 20th anniversary.
WHERE: Auditorium, (1st Floor) Godrej ONE, Vikhroli (East). (On Eastern Express Highway)
RSVP indiaculturelab.@godrejinds.com.

Listen to a story

TILL 28 APRIL, 10 AM - 12.30 PM: Make it a productive vacation for your little one (aged 2 to 4 years) at a summer camp organised by Kangaroo Kids. There will be fun activities like art and craft, music, jewellery making, storytelling and puppet shows that will keep your kid engaged.
WHERE: NESCO Compound, near Hall No. 3, Western Express Highway, Goregaon (E)
ENTRY: Rs 4,500
CALL: 9820855659

Enjoy mango dhokla
ONGOING: Khandani Rajdhani is celebrating Aamlicious festival, where the fare goes beyond regular aamras and mango shrikhand. Enjoy some delicious kairi cabbage tikki, mango kofta pulao and more. Priced at `499, the menu will be rotational with two to three items made out of raw or ripe mango every day.
WHERE: Level 2, Phoenix Market City Mall, LBS Marg Kurla (West)
CALL: 9819555196

Groove to Burman hits
7.30 PM: Diehard Burman fans can head to Ravindra Natya Mandir for a musical extravaganza titled Forever Pancham where Sudesh Bhonsle will sing in the voice of SD, RD, Kishore Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. Others like Mohan Shetty, Pooja Sadarangani, Bipin Bhalerao and Aditya Salvi will join him in crooning a variety of numbers composed by the legend.
WHERE: Near Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi
ENTRY: Rs 200-Rs 1000
LOG ON TO : bookmyshow.com

Paint like a child

3 PM: Hone the artist in you at this painting party organised by The Bombay Drawing Room titled Doorway to Bliss. With no prior painting experience required, this will be a guided session, shedding light on the basic strokes, sketches and techniques and helping you getting in touch with the artist within. You'll have to paint the 'Doorway to Bliss' with acrylic paint on canvas.
WHERE: Independence Brewing Company, New Link Road,
opp. Citi Mall, Andheri (W)
LOG ON TO: www.bookmyshow.com

April 23, 5 PM: Do you believe you have the coolest dog on the planet? Maybe it's time to let the world know that too. Vile Parle's ZooBar is organising Dog's Got Talent, where your mutt can show off his skills right from his obedience levels, fetching ability, turning tricks, love for food, loudest bark or even for simply looking the cutest. The Applausometer will reward the swaggiest waggers in multiple categories, because we all believe every dog's got a talent."

Humans have had enough fun, it's now time for our paw friends to enjoy. This event will see dogs indulging in a lot of games, competitions and delicious canine goodies. It gives pet owners the time and opportunity to take their dogs out and spend some quality time with them and be a great change and source of entertainment for dogs," says owner Nishant Joshi. The highlight of the event will be some summer treats for y our furry friends by K9 professionals, a nice grub by Mutt Hutt, a photo-op and accessories sale.

BMC Spares No One

Atul Kasbekar helps Vidya Balan navigate her way on a dug up street near Kala Ghoda, as she arrives to launch a saree collection inspired by her latest film. pic/suresh karkera

On stage for the first time
It was their on-screen chemistry that led to a happily-ever-after life off screen. But actors Varun Badola and Rajeshwari Sachdev, who have worked together on several projects, hadn't shared space on stage until Ila Arun roped them for Shabd Leela, a dramatised reading of iconic Hindi writer, poet and playwright Dr Dharamvir Bharati's works. Directed by KK Raina, and adapted by Arun, the play will premiere at a festival to be held next week. "We are reading from Bharati ji's Kanupriya, Andha Yug as well as letters he had written to his wife. Such is the language of the letters that he has set major couple's goals for us!" Sachdev told this diarist. What is it like to be on the stage with Varun? "Such creative pursuits add a new, exciting dimension to the relationship," she says.

What's your Hindi word of the year?
After more than a decade of their much-anticipated English Word of the Year, the Oxford Dictionaries are launching their first ever Hindi Word of the Year. The initiative is calling on Hindi speakers from across the country to help choose a word or expression that has attracted interest over the last 12 months and reflects the mood, or preoccupations of the year, The word needn't be a new one. A panel of language experts including Namita Gokhale, Kritika Agrawal, Saurabh Dwivedi, Malika Ghosh, and Poonam Nigam Sahay will choose the winner from public suggestions, and announce it in January. Given that 'fake news' (Collins Word of the Year 2017) and 'post truth' have been the favourites recently, we wonder if 'jumla' has a chance.

An artist's homecoming
In the early 1960s, Gujarat-born artist Natvar Bhavsar moved to the US for further studies and ended up making New York his home, developing a distinct abstract style of painting, influenced by the colour-field artists of that time. In the last five decades, the feted artist's works have been widely collected by international art connoisseurs and museums, including Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Next week, the octogenarian will host his first retrospective in India, aptly titled Homecoming, presented by DAG Modern. It features smoky, layered compositions created by Bhavsar by sifting powdered pigments on canvas and allowing air currents, his breath and body movements to determine where they fall.

Natvar Bhavsar with his works. Pic courtesy/Janet Brosious Bhavsar

Eat this colour
An Italian research scholar in India has, quite literally, given us food for thought. Chiara Colombi (in pic) is in Thane at present, carrying out a project on chromotherapy called Eat Your Colour. It involves her organising seven lunches, each based on a different colour, over one week. Once the lunch is done, all the participants will use the leftovers from their plates as well as the kitchen to create a shape that embodies what they felt about the colour of the day. "I will then put the collective creation in a lunchbox and then display it in a public space," Colombi says, adding, "The idea is to explore how colours can be used in a therapeutic way through the process of creation."

Clinton junior, the author
Now, here's one family that's keeping publishers happy all year through. Close on the heels of mum and former Democratic presidential candidate Hilary's tell-all about her loss to eventual winner, Donald Trump in What Happened, daughter Chelsea Clinton's title, She Persisted Around The World is already creating a buzz in literary circles. The book, packed with delightful illustrations by Alexandra Bolger, and expected in March 2018, is the companion to her earlier New York Times bestseller, She Persisted. Publishers Penguin took to social media to make the announcement.

The follow-up, like the first title, will salute little activists, feminists and kid influencers who dared to dream big. Armed with Bolger's art, and featuring icons like JK Rowling and Malala Yousafzai, we can expect this one to top the bestselling list too.

Thackeray
U/A: Biopic
Dir: Abhijit Panse
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao
Rating:

Rather than a biopic, Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Thackeray tends to become a hagiography that doesn't offer an insight into the larger-than-life personality that was Balasaheb Thackeray. If you've wondered what lay beneath this powerful leader, or how he rose when the odds were against him, be warned this film doesn't answer those questions. Which is not to say it doesn't work.

Director Abhijit Panse's offering is an interesting drama for those who don't know much about Thackeray. The protagonist's journey from being a cartoonist at a newspaper to becoming a ruthless leader, insistent on the progress of the Marathi manoos, is captured well. But is this movie an image makeover exercise for the party, which is at loggerheads with its long-time ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year? It definitely feels so. Interestingly, while the film starts with a disclaimer which reads that the makers don't support violence in any manner, they haven't shied away from showing Thackeray as someone who was in favour of using violence as a means to instill peace.

The film opens with the leader's trial in a Lucknow court as he is being questioned about his role in the demolition of Babri Masjid. When he is asked about his supporters tearing down the mosque, he replies, "Nahi, nahi. Toda nahi, saaf kiya." The film then travels between Thackeray's past — stylishly shot in black and white — and the courtroom where he has to justify his deeds and decisions.

From the rise of the angry Marathi consciousness against the dominant South Indians in Mumbai to the killing of Krishna Desai, a member of the Communist Party, to Thackeray supporting the Emergency because he believes that the country would finally be disciplined — various chapters present the protagonist as a tyrant.

The problem, however, lies in the most important chapter — the '93 Bombay riots. The film skims over the matter, and shows it as a conspiracy to kill Thackeray rather than people avenging the post-Babri riots, as is popular knowledge. The storyline then leaps to the bomb blasts that shook the city, and unsurprisingly, Thackeray and the Shiv Sena, rather than being depicted as the instigators of the communal riots, are shown as the city's saviours.

Siddiqui is riveting as Thackeray. It is his terrific performance that makes you invested in the film even when it trudges down a predictable path. But he falters with his voice; he can't match the deep baritone of his subject. Amrita Rao is convincing as Meena Thackeray. The movie ends with the victory of the Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance in the 1995 state elections; the makers also use the opportunity here to announce the sequel. Produced by Shiv Sena Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut, the film barely goes beyond being the audio-visual version of Sena's official newspaper.

Watch Thackeray Trailer

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Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases across the city, the Mumbai Police on Monday took to Twitter to thank Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar for his humble contribution towards the Mumbai Police foundation amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Mumbai Police thanks @akshaykumar for contributing Rs. 2 Crore to the Mumbai Police Foundation. Your contribution will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of those who are committed to safeguarding the city - the men and women of Mumbai Police!#MumbaiPoliceFoundation

— CP Mumbai Police (@CPMumbaiPolice) April 27, 2020

While extending a thank you note to the action-superstar of the B-Town industry, Mumbai Police said that the contribution will help to safeguard the lives of the Mumbai Police personnel who are committed to safeguarding the city to fight the global pandemic.

In the past too, Sooryavanshi actor donated Rs 3 crore to help the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in order to help them to make rapid testing kits, personal protection equipments and face masks in its battle against the deadly virus.

#RohitShetty has facilitated eight hotels across the city for our on-duty #CovidWarriors to rest, shower & change with arrangements for breakfast & dinner.

We thank him for this kind gesture and for helping us in #TakingOnCorona and keeping Mumbai safe.

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 21, 2020

Besides helping Mumbai Police and the country's richest civic body, Akshay also contributed Rs 25 crores to the PM CARES fund to help the country fight the epidemic. Earlier, Mumbai police expressed gratitude to Bollywood director Rohit Shetty for facilitating eight hotels across the city for Mumbai police personnel.

Thanking Rohit Shetty for his kind gesture, Mumbai Police said that the facility would help on-duty corona warriors to rest, shower and change with arrangements for breakfast and dinner.

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The fight against Coronavirus is a constantly evolving one and is mainly reactive at the present moment in many contexts.

The BEST authorities are putting into place a plan which reduces the number of conductors in the few big, reds plying the city.

This is because, as a report stated in this newspaper, a few from the BEST workforce have contracted the Coronavirus. They are now going to run buses, some being already operational in this manner, with a driver and no conductor. The commuters will have to pay at the end of the journey.

It is important that the few passengers we see in buses today, follow rules whether there is a conductor or not. Maintain social distance in the bus, even if there is no conductor to enforce this.

Adults must know that the distancing is mandated for their safety and the security of their family too, so one surely does not and should not need somebody literally telling them to observe social distancing.

Ride in the bus wearing a mask, and do not slip it off your face or hang it around the neck during the journey. Do get on at the proper stop and follow correct etiquette even while alighting. Do pay the correct fare for the journey you took.

We must recognise that this is special, though necessary, service for workers and those providing essential services, thus necessitating commuting during these times.

The report also cited a BEST Kamghar Sanghatna official opposed to keeping conductors out, saying this was a ruse to start one-man operations amid Coronavirus.

Dialogue must ensure that there is transparency and talks within the Undertaking which is facing so many challenges — Coronavirus or not. May all do the BEST for Mumbai.

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Ruling out lifting of lockdown after May 3 from across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to decide on their lockdown guidelines depending on the prevailing situation on the ground. He said the pandemic was far from over and hence the country needed a balance between the lockdown and the efforts of keeping normalcy in daily life.

Modi told chief ministers on Monday that the lockdown had yielded positive results and the country had managed to save thousands of lives in the past 45 days.

"Our aim must be rapid response, and 'do gaz doori' (physical distancing)," he said, adding that the states where positive cases were higher should not be treated as criminals.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray is reported to have supported the lockdown where it is needed most. He also said on Sunday that the lockdown could be lifted after May 3 only if the situation allowed. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the need to enforce lockdown so that maximum lives were saved.

Amid rising concerns about a weakening economy, Modi said that efforts of states should be directed towards converting red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones.

"We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens. We have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against COVID-19. The impact of Coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months, masks and face covers will be part of our life," he said.

"India's population is comparable to that of the combined population of several countries. The situation in many countries, including India, was almost similar at the beginning of March. However, due to timely measures, India has been able to protect many people," the PM said, emphasising that the danger of the virus was far from over and constant vigilance was of paramount importance.

Cabinet meet tomorrow
He said, "This is the time we used technology as much as possible and utilised time to embrace reform measures," the PM said.

Sources said the Union cabinet would discuss the matter on Wednesday. In all likelihood, the decision on lifting or easing lockdown is expected to be announced at least four days before the deadline of May 3.

State home minister Anil Deshmukh who also participated in the CM's interaction with PM said in Nagpur that the red zones where higher cases of COVID existed would in probability continue to have lockdown."Orange and green zone may get lockdown relaxed and CM himself would announce about it," he said.

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With most areas in the city marked as COVID-19 hotspots and no transport available, residents feel that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) circular allowing pre-monsoon repair work and waterproofing in buildings before the onset of monsoon, is nothing but an eyewash. They are of the opinion that if the lockdown continues beyond May 3, it will be practically difficult to complete work before the rains, as no shops selling cement, sand, brick and waterproofing chemicals will be open.

Speaking to mid-day, Somasunderan Nair, director, Intercons Tectonic (Pvt) Ltd, a Vashi-based firm doing engineering and civil construction work, said, "It is just impossible for the labourers to go to different locations with no transportation available. They can't travel between construction sites located in different areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai."

Rekhi Sai Daffodils has been undergoing repairs since January

'All going to waste'
"Also, I had stored raw materials (cement and sand) worth a few lakhs of rupees at different buildings undergoing repairs, but all of it got stalled due to the lockdown," added Nair. He further said, "At one of our Kharghar site, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) staff had asked the site supervisor to wind up all repair work, and at that time, a ready-mix cement mortar consignment was being offloaded from a Gujarat registered truck. Since the municipal staff warned of '15,000 fine per staff, the workers had no option but to leave the site. Nearly 700 bags of ready-mix cement mortar were offloaded, but I fear that all of it will go to waste. They have been lying unused for over one month and if the lockdown continues, we might have to dispose of the raw materials."

While the BMC has come out with a circular allowing work to be carried out, the NMMC and PCMC are yet to provide any clarity on such repair works.

Exposed beams of Rekhi Sai Daffodils in Kharghar

A Ghatkopar West resident, whose building is under repairs, said, "We have stored some materials in our building premises and have allowed some workers to stay on the compound. Even the contractor is ready to buy construction materials like bricks, cement etc from the local market, but for that we need to know where such outlets are open."

'Apply for online permissions'
When contacted, a senior official from BMC's Development Plan department said, "We have issued the circular which clearly states the directives. As per the directions of the state government, certain activities are being allowed during lockdown. However, the said guidelines were stayed by the government vide GR dated April 21, 2020 for Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune Metropolitan Region. However, to save some existing structures/buildings and prevent flood like situations during monsoon, certain construction activities within MCGM limits may be allowed in non-containment zones."

Navre Premises Cooperative society in Sion West

When asked that if the entire city is under lockdown, then how will the circular be implemented, the official said, "It is a fact that most of the areas in Mumbai are containment zones and no work will be allowed there. If the situation is under control after May 3, then as and when the lockdown is lifted, work can be started. Meanwhile, the contractors/societies concerned should apply for online permissions."

And if monsoon sets in by then, the official said, "The contractors can cover the open terraces with tarpaulin sheets and permission can be given for repairs post monsoon."

Expert speak
When contacted, senior lawyer, Vinod Sampat, said, "As far as the BMC is concerned, everyone is interested in protecting their own skin. There is no coordination between government departments. A simple solution can be easily worked out by designating one responsible official for the job. He would ensure that the residents' requirements are easily met and the construction materials are made available to those whose buildings are getting repaired. Secondly, there is no accountability among government officials and they are unpredictable. As far as possible, repair work should not be undertaken immediately. A better way would be to put tarpaulin sheets on the buildings and postpone repair work to the post-monsoon time."

He further said, "Moreover, it is very difficult to get skilled labourers now as most of them want to return home. And lastly, if any of the contractors or their workers test positive for COVID-19, the society managing committee members may be held responsible for not taking proper precaution."

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No net gains

The poor are left to protect themselves in tents on a skywalk in Powai on Monday. Pic/Sameer Markande

Paisa vasool with Pant

At a time when uncertainty hits most industries around the world, writer Meghna Pant's first-ever podcast on Audible hopes to bring some clarity on money matters. Titled Show Me The Money, the podcast is a personal finance audio show that addresses the basics of saving, investing and spending with experts and top investment houses such as SBI, HDFC, and DSP. The recording began last December and about the importance of the show now, Pant told this diarist, "The deepest learning from this pandemic is that life is unpredictable and we need to be prepared for anything. And the only things that can help us tide over tough times, downturns and job losses, are our savings and investments. What are smart financial decisions? How can women, millennials, artists, freelancers and influencers become richer? What's worth spending on and what's not? The idea is to give people money advice that actually works, while they're sitting at home in their PJs. All for free!"

Party all night

This diarist watched DJ Ivan offer his friends a treat when they were starved of their fix of weekend dancing recently. A bunch of them were on a video call when one person directed them to a mammoth set that the city-based musician was playing live on Instagram, where he started spinning old-school electronic tunes around midnight and went on for seven hours straight. The friends logged in to the music from home, showing how the definition of partying in Mumbai has changed during the lockdown. "This is for those who are missing the club right now," the gracious DJ said.

Some signs of the times

Although we're all finding ways to comprehend the current scenario we're living in, an emoji that accurately represents what we're going through can always help. So, the New York-based creative agency &Walsh has launched hundreds of emojis that can be downloaded for free — because they were "frustrated by the limitations of the current emoji set." Too scared to text your crush? Just send them the "Be My Quarantine?" emoji. Tired of people reminding you to wash your hands? Show them the graphic depiction of bubbles emerging from your hands instead. And if you can't deal with anything or anyone at the moment, simply send the banner that says, "Hello I Am Going Insane". We understand.

Why you should swing into this auction

After the pandemic struck artist Raju Sutar took up the brush up in a bid to help with relief work. It started off with 30 paintings that he posted on social media, appealing to followers to pay R500 or more for each. "I asked them to pay the money to either the Maharashtra Chief Minister's (CM) Relief Fund or any other COVID-19 fund. The paintings were sold out in 20 hours and some people paid more than R3,000 for them," he told us. This is what led him to kick-start an auction on Instagram. The circular paintings, each 3.5-inch in diameter, are inspired by the popular card game Ganjifa. "I've posted four paintings so far. Each day, one painting goes under the hammer and I take bids till 10 pm in the comments section. The winner is declared after that and they need to send the money to the CM's Fund. I'll send the artworks to the winners by post once the lockdown ends," he said, adding that R23,000 has been raised so far.

A mindful debut

Singer, actor and speaker on mindfulness, Raageshwari Loomba Swaroop is set to make her literary debut next month as her book Building a Happy Family (Penguin India) will be launched digitally by Oxford Bookstore. The title comes with a foreword from Dr Shashi Tharoor and the author focusses on the impact books, music, art and positive reinforcement has on the lives of children. "I always believed that parenting is about bringing up the parent and not the child. I wrote the book so we adults can re-visit our childhood through our children's unique eyes," Loomba Swaroop told this diarist. In doing this, she also stated that we will magically realise that these "little masters" are our greatest teachers in mindfulness. About the motivation to delve into mindfulness per se, the London-based author added, "I starting collecting notes on it soon after my recovery from facial paralysis. It's been 20 years since then. But when I started the journey of being a mother, in my mind first, I knew I wanted to be a non-judgemental and easygoing mother. Mindfulness made me realise that for it to happen I would first have to start by being non-judgemental and easy going with myself and everyone around me."

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Mumbai police personnel on lockdown duty were attacked by a mob at a Govandi market on Sunday. A police officer suffered injuries to his right wrist when a person from the 25-strong crowd tried to hit him on the head with an iron rod. The officer managed to block the blow with his right hand.

The incident occurred at 6.50 pm on Sunday when a large number of people had stepped out of their homes amid the Coronavirus lockdown and 10 police personnel on the spot asked the people to disperse. Senior Police Inspector Sudarshan Paithankar said that the "illegal crowd" had refused to listen when they were asked to return home.

"There was a large crowd with 25 to 30 active members. A person who was in the crowd tried to kill the police officer by aiming for his head with an iron rod, but the (officer) managed to block the blow with his hand, which got injured," he said. "They also pelted stones at the authorities, chanted anti-police slogans, and damaged a police vehicle, hence we had to resort to lathi-charge."

An FIR has been registered at Shivaji Nagar police station against 25 unknown men and two women, under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 353 (Assault or criminal force to prevent public servant from discharging his duty), 332 (Voluntarily causing hurt to public servant to deter him from doing his duty) and other sections.

"The problem of people not observing lockdown has increased in the past few days since Ramzan began," said Paithankar, adding that six people had been arrested in connection with the case so far. "We are looking for the rest of the accused."

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The Maharashtra Jail Administration has allowed prisoners to talk to their families over landlines. as family visits to jails have been disallowed due to the lockdown. 

There are a around 36,000 prisoners across jails in Maharashtra, out of which 8,500 prisoners have been convicted. The total capacity of these jails is 24,000 so most jails in the state are overpopulated. In an attempt to create social distancing within the prisons, 4,611 accused who were serving jail sentences for non-serious crimes, were released on bail. However, the state administration continues to keep those involved in serious crimes behind bars.

According to a jail official, allowing inmates to communicate over phone was allowed so that they could be in touch with their families. The officer said, "We have details of all the accused and on the basis of those, we call their houses and allow them to speak to their families." Otherwise the accused could meet their families once a month.

The phone call facility between the accused and their family members are being allowed in every jail in the state. Around 25 accused are able to talk to their families every day. Every accused gets to make a phone call once a month.

IG Prisons, Deepak Pandey told mid-day, "The jailer first confirms that the person on the other side of the phone is a member of the family of the accused, only then the call is allowed. A duration of 5 minutes is given for each conversation between the inmate and their family."

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A doctor working at a hospital for treatment of coronavirus patients here in Maharashtra has revealed the tough task and challenges they face in collecting swab samples of the suspected patients. The process of swab sample collection of a person does not take more than 30 to 40 seconds, but it is a "high-risk job", Dr Pushkar Dahiwal, who collects 80 to 100 swab samples in a day at the government hospital in Aurangabad, told PTI.

"We work for three days and then remain self- quarantined for 14 days," he informed. During the six-hour duty, doctors have to keep wearing the personal protective equipment (PPE) and amidst the fast-paced work, they do not even get a chance to drink water, he said. "We need to finish the work in a short time to avoid contact with patients and also with those who come to give their swab samples," the doctor said. A 10 to 12 cm long stick is used to collect a sample from a person's throat, while the stick used for collecting a sample from the nose is comparatively longer and thinner, he said.

"Before the person coughs or sneezes, we need to finish the sample collection. Being a dentist, I have the practice of handling the patient's mouth area," he said. Dahiwal also said that at times they need to counsel coronavirus suspects as some of them think they don't have the infection but carry fear in mind. "Some of the people think the test is something different and dangerous. But, we explain the procedure to them so that there should be no need to collect another sample of the person," Dahiwal said.

The nurse and other accompanying staff also need to stay alert as the swab samples are to be sealed immediately and kept in a proper storage facility, he said. "If the swab sample falls, it would be a problem. All these things have to be completed in a very short span of time. So, there is no scope for mistake," he added. Dahiwal also recalled that he took care of victims of the 26/11 terror attack in 2008 at the Saint George Hospital in Mumbai. "I left the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai just 20 minutes before the attack began. At that time, we had feared the attackers may come from any side. That incident keeps coming to my mind every time when I collect swab samples of suspected coronavirus patients," he said.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Social distancing and lockdown may have impacted each one of us mentally, emotionally and psychologically but it is the children and teenagers who have had to cope with sudden closure of schools, cancellation of exams and a prohibition of face-to-face interaction with their friends and teachers.

Anusha Manjani, Manager, Counseling Services at Akanksha Foundation, says, "Children are acutely aware of the sudden changes and panic in the environment around them. Younger children can feel confused, uneasy and scared; older children express feelings of anxiety, sadness and helplessness."

She added, "The uncertainty and chaos of the pandemic impacts all aspects of children's lives- it is not just a threat to their physical health- but to their learning, their home environment, their interaction with peers, their emotional well-being. Moreover, economic hardships, the overcrowding in homes, the lack of access to resources in low income communities can lead to higher incidence of neglect, violence and abuse- making staying at home itself a risk to some children's safety."

In such a time, it is crucial that children have support of their parents and teachers to help them in having a routine and structure to their day. Anusha says, "Parents and teachers can be key caregivers and anchors during this time to support the mental well-being of children- by reassuring them of their safety, creating a space to share feelings and using art, play, fun learning activities to engage with them."

Akanksha Foundation has started a helpline number called 'The Listening Space' for all the stakeholders such as students, teachers and parents to express themselves or just discuss about what's happening. While younger children have more questions about whats happening outside, older  children are venting out their frustration, their anxiety about their parents etc.

Parents and teachers are also coming up with interactive tasks and new ways of learning. Worksheets are sent to the students everyday and once the child solves it and shares it, the teacher reverts with the corrections as well. 

It is not just academics that are taken care of amid lockdown, things such as maintaining gratitude journals and 'doing a good deed everyday' are also being imbibed in the children to maintain their mental and emotional health.

A creative snakes and ladders

"At Akanksha, teachers, counsellors, social workers and parents are working together to support the children- whether it is checking in for the child's well being, spreading awareness of safety measures, encouraging learning through low-cost tech or doing parent-child activities- we are keeping the lines of communication and connection open and strong to navigate these difficult times together," says Anusha.

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It felt totally like a eureka moment to me at the grounds of Jaipur Literature Festival, 2012, soon as my eyes turned and I saw on stage, Oprah Winfrey, seated for a conversation, with Barkha Dutt.

Up until then, one had, of course, followed Dutt's work as an indefatigable newscaster, best known for lending a human touch to her dispatches/reports. Quite literally so sometimes — as she'd tenderly pat her interviewees on the shoulder, gently goading them to reveal issues they faced, before a camera. Audiences were hopefully moved, witnessing the plight of the socially distant other!

Many may have had issues with this style of emotional/exploitative news-casting, as if it was a Bollywood film. But the fact is the penny dropped only when I saw Dutt with Winfrey. It's totally my bad that I had misinterpreted her form of communication as journalism alone. Firstly, given the subject, no, not gonna fall into the tiring Twitter-troll trap that, for years, has been demonising Dutt and the lot as 'biased'/'paid' media. As if there can be any other!

Which loser works in a profession without ever being paid for it? And does the fact that you can't possibly publish all that's fit to print not indicate bias anyway? One only hopes this doesn't veer towards prejudices. And that whatever calls a news-outlet takes, don't involve sneaky, private deals, or peddling blatant lies in public.

Making motivations known only helps consumers make a choice. Mahatma Gandhi, like Bal Thackeray, ran one-sided newspapers. Neither is accused of bad journalism. Do the same arguments apply to news television?

Though all that there is to it are debates and arguments, anyway? It's odd what the medium grew into, given satellite television in India itself owes its origin to a news event—the 1991 Gulf War, that led to an enterprising South Bombay hotel (then Taj President) placing a satellite dish on the terrace, for its guests to access news on CNN!

The first TV channel delivering 24-hours news, of course, came up only at the fag-end of last millennium. For a medium with a history as short as the story of a boy, who's grown up on steroids, neglected by parents, with a much brighter younger sibling (Internet), and having just about attained legal age for marital sex, it's impossible to tell where it stands currently, let alone where it's headed into the future.

Here are a few facts still. That in less than a decade since the launch of the first Indian round-the-clock news station, there were 300 in competition, for unique eye-balls, often across the nation. All these viewers should ideally have been interested in exactly the same visual-item on screen, while the importance of news per se, is determined by the proximity of the event to the consumer!

How does one compete then? In 2002, when the medium was too nascent, all its three main channels were accused of partisanship in reporting the Gujarat riots — ostensibly aimed at their respective viewerships. Wherein Zee and Aaj Tak were called out for mentioning the religion of victims in the Godhra carnage, but conveniently concealing so while covering the riots that followed. Likewise Star/NDTV was accused of overplaying the possible complicity of the state/police; fanning negativity against both.

But this is still within purview of news. By mid 2000s, when the scene had totally exploded with too many channels to keep count, the country, it was assumed, could only be united by cricket and Bollywood. That's what you saw a whole lot of on Hindi channels. And that you don't anymore. Also, religion (bhakti) and superstition (UFO landings/sightings) reigned supreme.

The creative crescendo of this movement away from news though occurred in July, 2006, with the fall of a five-year-old Prince, into a 55-feet pit, in a village called Aldeharhi, 150 kms off Delhi. For 50 hours that it took for the boy come out of the well, several channels had broadcast his rescue (or the lack of it) for over 24 hours! Since general entertainment had possibly failed, this was television news acknowledging its competition was reality TV. No knock.

The turning point for this genre was of course the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks—live-television for three days straight, involving cameras stationed mainly outside hotels Taj and Oberoi-Trident, but with obviously no fresh footage to upload. What do you do then? Open live commentary, package it as debate, express shock, rally around pent-up emotions. 26/11, a reporter's story, turned TV news into an anchor's medium, with Arnab Goswami at Times Now as its patron saint.

Pretty much all stations feel/sound the same since. Leader dictates competition. Goswami, a pop-culture phenomenon inspiring skits and memes, runs his own channel, heating up a studio, introducing nightly villains, firing at folk on multiple windows, picking up cues primarily from social media—feeding off the mob and feeding right back into it. But come what may, delivering weekly ratings at the box-office of television.

It's been 12 years. Obviously he's not just a journalist. Now he has a rep to protect, and expectations of core-audiences to meet. He defined the era he belongs to, and people are used to seeing him a certain way. Read again. Sounds like Shah Rukh Khan to me.

Mayank Shekhar attempts to make sense of mass culture. He tweets @mayankw14 Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com

The views expressed in this column are the individual's and don't represent those of the paper

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Even as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the city, a new trend has left medical experts puzzled. While doctors had expected that TB patients would be more prone to the virus as their immune system is already weak, surprisingly only two such cases have been reported by the health department. Also, officials at the TB Hospital in Sewri said that while 14 of their staff members have tested positive, the infection has not spread to a single patient.

A senior official from the civic health department said that it might be too early to draw a conclusion but a study could be done to understand the correlation between the two. "So far, we have reports of two TB patients who have tested positive. However, there have been no deaths so far. One reason for the low numbers could be that we have given all TB patients medication for a month and have asked them to stay indoors," added the official.

BMC medicos heading towards Shastri Nagar slum on Tuesday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The trend has left Dr Lalitkumar Anande, medical superintendent of TB Hospital, surprised and has led him to believe that anti-TB drugs could be preventing such patients from contracting the virus. "One would have expected that the virus would have a fatal effect on TB patients since they are immunocompromised and their lungs are already damaged. However, here at the TB Hospital, we have not seen any such case yet," he added.

Dr Anande further said that laboratories like the National Institute of Virology in Pune could conduct studies on this since they have culture samples of TB as well as Coronavirus. "Anti-TB drugs penetrate the lipid coating of a TB organism similar to what hydroxychroloquine does to the Coronavirus strain. Anti-TB drugs could turn out to be an answer for Coronavirus. Studies regarding it need to be fast-tracked in order to understand how they react to each other," he said, adding that the research would also be able to ascertain whether the mycobacterium or the TB medication has an impact on the virus. While Sion Hospital reported two cases of TB patients suffering from COVID-19, the authorities of KEM and Rajawadi Hospital said that none of their COVID patients were suffering from TB.

'Evidence needed'
Speaking to mid-day, Dr Rajendra Nanaware, a chest physician, who deals with drug resistant TB cases, said, "Ideally, there should have been an increase in the number of TB patients suffering from Coronavirus since their immunity is already compromised. But I haven't seen any case so far."
Other pulmonologists in the city treating TB patients have noticed a similar trend but they are of the opinion that evidence is required before a trend can be verified.

Dr Lancelot Pinto, a pulmonologist with Hinduja Hospital, said that since the OPD of many hospitals have shut down, patients were not able to access healthcare. "Since chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been identified as a risk factor among COVID-19 patients, intuitively, one would expect the cases of TB patients testing positive to be high. I have not seen any TB patient testing positive for the viral infection. But there is no evidence yet," he said.

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Not allowed

Wall art in Jogeshwari East coincidentally depicts everything that's out of bounds including transport and dabbawalla tiffins. Pic/Rane Ashish

Your dance debut

It's World Dance Day today and a streaming platform has come forward to celebrate it and not just through dance films. Besides streaming classics like La La Land, Step Up and Dirty Dancing, they are urging users to replicate moves from the films and take away a bunch of prizes as part of Groove from Home.

A still from La La Land

"Dance and singing reality shows have always been a part of our culture and viewing habits so we feel this fits in seamlessly. In these unprecedented times we want to create opportunities where people can take their minds off gloomy news and lose themselves in a world of great stories," Rohit Jain, MD of the streaming platform, told this diarist. Log on to Lionsgate Play on Instagram to post your moves.

Keeping the spirits up

Deboo in choreography with Manipuri martial artistes. Pic/Farrokh Chothia

Dancer-choreographer Astad Deboo is doing his bit by keeping the spirits up this World Dance Day. Though he admits it hasn't been a productive time in terms of creating new work, he wants to ensure he can use his privilege to reach out to those less fortunate. "This image says to me let's rise above this [the Coronavirus] and not be bogged down at this time," Deboo told this diarist.

"While everyone is celebrating the day with video clips and events online, I have been keeping my body in shape through exercise and have been inundated with queries for fundraising for my foundation," he added.

Let's take it online

F&B venture Social in partnership with music firm Submerge is taking its annual festival The Exchange online with panelists who will be talking about the entertainment industry during the pandemic, the path ahead and online streaming. Scheduled over today and tomorrow, the panels include Monica Dogra, Ankytrixx, Tuhin Mehta and DJ Kan-i will feature on Facebook Live discussions.

"The festival has come to us at a crucial time, when everyone in the world has questions about their life and the future in general, with no answers or plans. I will talk about practical solutions to help monetise and sustain work," Ankytrixx, DJ and electronic music producer, told this diarist.

Putting the onus back on us

Singer Baba Sehgal has been actively producing tracks through the lockdown, often themed on the virus and preventive measures. This time, he has teamed up with Seattle-based singer Sonia Keshwani in a melodic anthem that puts the onus back on human beings.

Titled We are sorry, it drives home the point about environmental damage. "Though I have a rap segment in between, I have veered off my regular style for a melodic song this time. As for the theme, I think it's time we said sorry for all the damage that we have caused. Everything that is happening is a result of that," Sehgal told this diarist.

For artistes, from artistes

Sameera Iyengar

The COVID-19 crisis has hit performing arts hard and disrupted many livelihoods. To take matters into their own hands, artistes Shubha Mudgal, Aneesh Pradhan, Sameera Iyengar, Rahul Vora and Mona Irani along with Arundhati Ghosh, executive director, India Foundation for the Arts, organised a campaign called Assistance for Disaster Affected Artistes (ADAA). The aim was to support 100 artistes with a financial package over the next six months.

Quasar Thakore-Padamsee

Donations from 282 individuals and organisations (including those by city theatre artistes like Akarsh Khurana and Quasar Thakore-Padamsee) have resulted in them exceeding the set target. "Our funds now allow 132 artistes and their families across 10 states in India to be supported. We are currently in the process of finalising the artiste beneficiaries with the help of our partners. We will begin disbursement of funds through our distribution partner Indian Writer's Forum in early May — each beneficiary will receive a financial package of R30,000 each, over six months," Sameera Iyengar told this diarist, on behalf of the team.

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Mid-day online journalists interact with the frontline workers in a new series 'Real heroes of coronavirus'. Media photographers, reporters, railway staff and medical workers tell their stories of grit, determination and every-day challenges in times of the pandemic.

Mid-day senior photographer Shadab Khan is out on the field capturing striking photos of people, health-workers, the police and the city as part of his daily assignment at a time when coronavirus pandemic is spreading rapidly in Mumbai and the entire nation is under lockdown.

 

 

 

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Alhamdulillah just got to know that my covid-19 swab test report is Negative by the grace of god. I tested my self 2 days ago during the special covid-19 test for Media persons who are on field by BMC medical team in Mumbai as our services comes under essential services during this pandemic we have to work on field and visit to all over the city for relentlessly bringing out timely good pictures, news and updates daily, through all the perils and under the most trying conditions. Special thanks to @my_bmc @cmomaharashtra_ @middayindia

A post shared by Shadab Khan (@photographer_shadab) onApr 25, 2020 at 3:53am PDT

We spoke to Shadab Khan about his work and what it's like to be a news photographer in times of pandemic.

Here's an excerpt from the interview.

How has the global pandemic impacted your work?

The coronavirus outbreak hasn't affected our work as such. Since we come under the essential service providers and ours is a field job, it's the same daily routine. The focus is more on pandemic photos as we visit sensetive areas and try to get pictures of people who may have broken lockdown rules and also capture shots of how the police are handling the situation. Nowadays, we also visit contaminated areas to get photos of medical staffs conducting COVID-19 tests and get visuals of the epidemic situation in Mumbai. For us, the work has only increased due to the outbreak of the global pandemic.

Nowadays, do you prepare yourself mentally before going out on assignments?

To be honest, there is no mental preparation as such. But I offer prayers five times a day and pray that I go safely and come back home safely. As a media-person, I also consume a lot of news and keep reading about the International guidelines laid down for photojournalists as to what precautions should be taken. I do this as it helps me to stay motivated in the fight against coronavirus. It is the first time that I am experiencing a pandemic which has changed our lives. I have never covered something like this ever before. Although I have covered riots and other sensetive events, a pandemic that takes place only once in 100 years is a different experience. I have been following international reports and guidelines to take precaution and prepare mentally to fight the COVID-19 crisis.

Shadab makes sure that his equipment, bag and mobile are sanitised in order to take precautions against COVID-19

How do you protect yourself?

Face mask, hand sanitisers and hand gloves are mandatory when I am leaving the house. With the increasing number of cases in Mumbai, we have to take extra precautions as our camera equipment is metal. While shooting, we are constantly handling the camera with our hands and our eyes are exposed when we are focusing to click the pictures. To ensure our safety, we sanitise the camera every two to three hours. Besides the equipment, I also sanitise my mobile phone with a spray sanitiser that I carry with me. After completimg a shooting assignment in a contaminated area, I make sure that the camera equipment is sanitised before keeping them in the bag.

Do you take any precaution while heading back home after doing on-field reporting?

Though it is risk to be outside during the pandemic, the real challenge begins when we get back home to be with our families. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, I have isolated myself to another room and make sure that I maintain social distancing with my family members. While leaving for work and after coming back home, I don't hug my children. Since day one, I am practising self-quarantine to keep my family safe and away from any risk. Infact, I take more precautions at home than I do while I go out. The epidemic is so dangerous that one cannot be sure how the infection will strike.

 

 

 

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A man sleeping outside his house during lockdown to prevent the spread of new coronavirus at Vakola in Mumbai, Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended the world's largest coronavirus lockdown to head off the epidemic's peak, with officials racing to make up for lost time. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Paparazzi#Fashion#bollywood#lovemyjob#photography#Mumbai#India#middayindia#covid19#fightagainstcorona

A post shared by Shadab Khan (@photographer_shadab) onApr 16, 2020 at 8:09am PDT

During the COVID-19 coverage did you face scary moments? Which has been your scariest moment?

It is scary to visit crowded localities nowadays to cover the pandemic. In the beginning it was not a problem but since the police have imposed strict rules in these areas, we are facing issues. On few occasions, people in these localities have attacked and abused us, blaming the media for the strict police action. But all localities are not the same. We keep calm and ensure that we don't fight back or argue with the people when faced with a hostile situation. To ensure our own safety, we move out of the place quickly if we are confronted by the crowd.

Did you face challenges from the police while covering the COVID-19 pandemic?

In the beginning the police officials were not aware that the media comes under the essential services list and stopped us from entering certain areas which led to arguments sometimes. But gradually they understood and let us do our jobs. When they see the cameras and we show them our press cards, they ask us where we are going and all, that's it.

How is your department and the organisation supporting you?

We are getting the support of our department and the organisation in every possible way. I have been working in mid-day for 15 years and the organisation has been always supportive, our managers do not pressurise us for assignments. My reporting officer calls twice a day and inquires about my whereabouts and tells me to be extra careful while visiting contaminated zones and avoid going to sensitive areas frequently. We are always told to ensure safety first before work.

Shadab feels that practicing social distancing in Dharavi where people are cramped in small houses is nearly impossible

Although he covers different areas every day, Shadab makes it a point to visit a contaminated area at least once a day to check if any new development has taken place. Speaking about Dharavi, which has emerged as one of the biggest contaminated zones in Mumbai, Shadab said, "I visit Dharavi to see how the labourers are doing and how the small scale industries are coping with the COVID-19 epidemic"

"Everyone is talking about social distancing but it is not possible in Dharavi. Most houses in the locality are 8X8 small houses with 8 to 10 people cramped inside. In order to click a picture, one has to stand at the door and shoot, social distancing in areas such as Dharavi is almost impossible. The lanes in Dharavi are so narrow that if people are coming from the other side it is impossible to walk past them without making physical contact," added Shadab.

Besides Dharavi, Shadab carries out his photo assignments in Bandra, Sion and Wadala.

What is your message to the general public?

We are out on the roads because we have a responsibility as essential service providers. I would request people to stay home as far as possible. Only by staying home will you be safe! Follow the guidelines laid down by the government and maintain social distancing.

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The nation has come to a standstill as people have been asked to stay at home and observe social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. Motivating people during this tough situation and encouraging them to continue staying indoors, Radio City, India’s leading radio network launches ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem. In addition to staying indoors, the foot tapping anthem urges citizens to come forward and support the nation by donating for the PM Cares Fund.

Radio’s City’s ‘Ghar Se Na Niklenge’ Anthem has been voiced by famous Bollywood singers like Divya Kumar, Benny Dayal, Asees Kaur, Meghna Mishra, and Nakash Aziz. The anthem is being aired across Radio City’s Hindi Speaking markets. Making the audience match steps with their groovy dance moves, the music video of the anthem features Radio City RJ’s along with artists like Sahil Khattar, Sushant Poojary, Paul Marshal, Rahul Shetty, Deepak Singh, Himanshu Parihar, Hiten Shah, Vaibhav G, Manan Sachdeva, Shashank Dogra, Aishwarya Radhakrishnan, Dhruv Dutt, Sonali Kar, Macedon D Mello, Sanam Johar, Abigail Pandey, Raveena Chaudhary, and Sneha Kapoor. The video will be amplified extensively across Radio City’s social media handles, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Sharing his thoughts on the anthem, Mr. Kartik Kalla, Chief Creative Officer, Radio City, said, "It’s been over a month and a half that we’ve been in lockdown and needless to say, it’s becoming increasingly tough to stay positive and motivated through it all. However, maintaining social distancing and staying at home is critical to flatten the curve. Radio City has always strived to utilise the power and reach of radio to connect with its audience and bring a positive change in the society. The ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem is yet another creative approach from the Radio City’s AudaCITY team to not only entertain our listeners but also create awareness of the importance of staying indoors. We also support our Honourable Prime Minister’s message and through this anthem are encouraging our listeners to donate for the PM cares Fund. I would like to thank all the artists who have come forward and supported us in this initiative."

Speaking about the initiative, Batameez Dil singer, Benny Dayal said, "Amidst such unprecedented times when the world is grappling to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, staying home is the only way to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Music has the power to bring people together, uplift mood, and provide comfort. A huge shout out to the Radio City team for making me a part of the ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem and spread joy in others’ lives. I humbly request everyone to stay home and stay safe."

Sharing his thoughts on the anthem Actor, Indian Youtuber and Television host, Sahil Khattar said, "It is imperative for people to stay indoors to safeguard themselves and others as well. Radio City’s ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem has brought all of us together to cheer up the audience. We need to understand the gravity of the situation and stay united in making the purpose of this lockdown a success. Let’s stay at home and defeat this pandemic together."

Speaking about the Radio City’s ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem, the Shubharambh singer, Divya Kumar said, "I am elated to lend my voice to the ‘Ghar se na niklenge’ anthem by Radio City. I think it is our collective responsibility as citizens to abide by the rules and stay indoors for our nation. I am certain that this anthem will make you groove to its tune and help spread some positive vibes amidst the tough times."

The second phase of the campaign will be spearheaded by Pepeta choreographer, Rajit Dev, who will launch #RadioCityNamasteChallenge, a digital campaign that will urge viewers and listeners of Radio City to come up with their version of the hook step of the anthem and share it on their social media handles, tagging Radio City.

Radio City’s ‘Ghar Se Na Niklenge’ Anthem, is a collaborative effort of Radio City team and established Bollywood singers, TV personalities, social media influencers, and industry choreographers, who have joined hands to bring a smile to people’s faces and help them understand the importance of not leaving their homes during the lockdown.

You can watch The Radio City’s ‘Ghar Se Na Niklenge’ Anthem here: 

About Radio City:

Radio City, a part of Music Broadcast Limited (MBL) is a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. Being the first FM radio broadcaster in India and with over 17 years of expertise in the radio industry, Radio City has consistently been the number one radio station in Bengaluru and Mumbai with 24.5% and 15.7% average listenership share respectively. (Source: RAM Data, TG: 12+ Period: Week 1, 2013 to Week 21, 2019). Radio City Delhi ranks #2 with 13.4% average listenership share (Source: RAM Data, TG: 12+ Period: Week 1, 2019 to Week 21, 2019).

Music Broadcast Limited currently has 39 stations across 12 states, comprising 62% of the country’s FM population. Radio City reaches out to over 69 million listeners in 34 cities covered by AZ Research 2019 (Source: AZ Research Report). The network provides terrestrial programming along with 18 other web-stations, through its digital interface, www.radiocity.in.

Radio City has spearheaded the evolution of FM radio by offering content that is unique, path-breaking and invokes city passion amongst listeners with its brand philosophy of "Rag Rag Mein Daude City". The network introduced humour and the concept of agony aunt on radio with Babber Sher and Love Guru respectively. It also initiated Radio City Freedom Awards, a platform to recognize independent music and provided a launch pad to budding singers with Radio City Super Singer, the first singing talent hunt on radio.

Radio City bagged 73 awards across national and international platforms like Golden Mikes, India Radio Forum, New York awards, ACEF awards etc. in 2018-2019. Radio City has consistently featured for the 7th time in ‘India’s Best Companies to Work For’ study conducted by Great Place to Work Institute. In 2019, Radio City ranked 6th in ‘Best Large Workplaces in Asia’, according to the GPTW survey. Radio City has also been recognized in ‘India’s Best Workplaces for Women – 2019’ and has ranked amongst the Top 75 organizations on the list.

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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

Mumbai Police has been dropping creative posts to spread awareness about the Coronavirus lockdown and why it is best for you to stay home on their social media accounts. After giving its followers who are not abiding the lockdown options to chose from, the police department is back with an interesting post with a twist.

 "Increase your phone's brightness... There's a very bright idea waiting for you!" the police department wrote in the post on Instagram, and shared what appears to be a pitch-black picture. A Baburao-style secret message appears once you increase the brightness of your phone.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mumbai Police (@mumbaipolice) onApr 28, 2020 at 9:25pm PDT

The hilariously interactive post shared a few hours ago managed to garner 18,361 likes with many lauding the creativity. One user who noticed that the word risk was misspelled as 'ricks', the police department was quick in coming up with an apt reply saying, "Yeh Babu Rao ka style hai!"

Another user said, "I read it like Baburao." A user said, "When Mumbai Police is out patrolling, bahar jaaneka bilkul ricks nai leneka."

What do you think about the post?

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Sound of silence

With air and noise pollution levels down, the Common Man at a Sion signal has nothing but the virus to fear. Pic/Ashish Raje

Time to speak up

The lockdown has once again put several women's issues like domestic abuse, personal freedom and financial security in focus. To open up conversations around the same in the context of the lockdown, Penguin Random House India has started a weekly Facebook live series called #SpeakUp, hosted by journalist Pragya Tiwari. It will have speakers like Kavita Krishnan, Puja Mehra, Samra Zafar and Shiromi Pinto. Highlighting the fact that one of the greatest inequalities in India is along the lines of gender, Tiwari said, "The series will bring to the fore voices of women and issues the world is confronted with through their lens."

Mumbai: For better or verse

Writers and poets across the world have been responding to the current state of affairs in myriad ways. Like his colleagues, Murzban F Shroff, author of Breathless in Bombay, too, decided to look at the way his city is changing, which he encapsulated in a poem. "It is on the Coronavirus, and also reflects my love for the city and captures its now desolate state," Shroff said, sharing his poem with us.

Living Life Capsized
I walk out into my capsized city
emptied of traffic, emptied of life, and I see
dogs lounging belly-up and cats tread fearlessly
and I see layers of bird-poo on the top of cars
whose owners might have once fought over parking spots

I walk out into my capsized city and I see
a family of four within their 11ft x 14ft shanty
I see the bleakness on their faces, the torpor in their limbs
I see this because their door is open and there is no window
and there is a kerosene stove aflame on which something is cooking
and that is the only sign of life, really,
in that prison of unforeseen circumstances

I walk out into my capsized city, a lone explorer of sorts
and I see the reproachful half-faces of street-cleaners
as they plunge their gloved hands into large eco-friendly litterbins
and drag out empty boxes of chocolates, cereals, cookies, porridge…
Someone has eaten, and eaten well!

I walk out into my abandoned city and I feel abandoned myself
The doctor's clinic is locked, the stores are shuttered
The temple bells are silent, the deity glowers in the dark
there is no one left to do the invocation, no one left
to clank the bells, then make some request

I walk out into my abandoned city and I have never felt safer
The earthmovers have fallen silent
The half-built structures sit like shell-shocked sentinels
The plots on which they stand have come to resemble graveyards
despite what the brochures say, what they once promised

I circle my capsized city, warily, softly, respectfully
just to remind myself of all that existed here
all that once traded in the name of good fortune
and is now in hiding, now in exile
a museum of squandered opportunities.

Look who's got wings to fly

Kunal Kamra is talking about flying again, on Twitter. But this time, when all airlines in the country are grounded to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, Kamra's flight ban has come to an end. "From what I understand, the flying ban that was imposed on January 28 should have ended on April 28," he told this diarist. He continues to find humour in the situation, as he has before, and added, "My three-month airline ban has been lifted; now waiting for the airlines to fly."

All for India

In order to keep the country entertained during these trying times and raise money for the PM CARES fund, YouTube will host a day-long digital event in association with over 100 creators, musicians, actors and comedians, who will live-stream performances from their homes today. Singer Benny Dayal, who will be part of the show, said, "It will be a special concert as it brings together hundreds of artistes to rally behind those who are making sure that we are safe. The phrase 'one nation' speaks a lot. It's a toned-down version of the concerts that we are used to, but it's fun."

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With several instances of wildlife venturing into cities being recorded during the lockdown, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) feels that these incidents will help them provide important information in understanding the human-wildlife interface in the country.

Hence, in order to collect the data of such encounters easy and from all across the country, WII has developed a mobile application for android phone users named 'Lockdown Wildlife Tracker.'

The data generated from the app will be shared with the respective state forest department post lockdown so that better conservation strategies can be planned once the lockdown is lifted.

The tracking app

Talking to mid-day Dhananjai Mohan, WII Director said, "In this time of the COVID-19 quarantine, where we humans are locked inside our homes, there are more and more reports of wildlife exploring human-dominated areas or 'rewilding' urban areas. However, these records are stray and just circulated as WhatsApp stories. So a group of WII scientists thought to collect this data in an organised manner to help visualise interesting patterns of wildlife that is unfolding during this period. You can help us in this citizen-science initiative by reporting your sightings from the confines of your homes and be a part of this unique experiment."

"These sightings can be reported real-time as well as at any later period - but only till the quarantine lasts. What's more, is that you can even upload photos of your sightings. This free app makes it convenient to keep track of what you see while making your data openly available for scientific research, education, and conservation," WII senior scientist, Dr Bilal Habib said. The mobile application allows one to record their wildlife sightings anytime and from anywhere along with photographs.

The quick entry tools make recording experience short and simple. The data will have GPS enabled entries of all sightings. Currently, the application is available in English and the Hindi version might come soon.

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Amid the lockdown, a message went viral on social media stating that a vegetable vendor from the big BMC building market near Borivli station was COVID-19 positive. The message also asked residents to avoid buying vegetables from small roadside vendors since they bought their stock from the BMC market.

The message led to panic among Borivli residents, especially when many have been depending on small vegetable vendors due to travel limitations. Several residents were confused on Wednesday whether to buy vegetables at all and if yes, from which vendor. After the panic, the BMC too shut the market located near Borivli station which led to further anxiety among locals.

Avinash S, a local resident, said, "I received this message just a day after we had bought vegetables from a vendor near our residential building. It was certainly going to add to the panic and stress that we are living in currently. Due to the movement limitations, most of us depend on such small vegetable vendors near our houses."

mid-day found out that one vendor had indeed tested positive but he had not visited the market for a couple of weeks and had self-quarantined himself at home. The BMC decided to seal the market as a precautionary measure only to reopen it after disinfecting.

A vegetable vendor in I C Colony, Pratap Yadav, said, "After the market was closed, it added to more stress as people believed the news. Many customers started asking me if I had bought vegetables from that market."

'No need to panic'
Former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar said that it was important to note that the vendor has been away from the market for many days. "There is no reason to panic
because BMC is disinfecting the complete market," he added.

The vendor is a resident of Borivli and got himself tested around ten days ago after his symptoms refused to subside. His report was out on Sunday after which he was admitted to a hospital.

Another former corporator Shiva Shetty said the number of patients in Borivli was increasing and residents were, "still casual about it, especially in the slum areas."
Local BMC ward officer Bhagyashree Kapase was unavailable for comment.

Apr 26
Day the vendor got his positive COVID-19 report

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The city's battle against the COVID-19 has finally started to show some positive results with the doubling rate of positive cases increasing from 8.3 days to 10 days. According to findings of the Central Committee, the doubling rate of cases was recorded between April 7 and April 17, which indicates that cases might now increase at lesser speed. While the doubling rate period at the national level is 9.5 days, the same in Maharashtra was 8.9 days.

Noting this, the Central Committee has lauded the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC's) preventive measures, said a senior civic official.

Mortality rate decreases
In its findings, the Committee has analysed the number of infected patients and observed that the mortality rate among them in the BMC area was lower compared to that of the state. At the state level, an average of 4.3 patients are dying per 100 infected patients and in the BMC area, an average of 3.9 patients are dying every 100 infected patients. A civic official said that few days ago the average mortality rate of infected cases in the BMC area was 6.3 per cent, which too had reduced.

However, BMC now faces the challenge to cater to areas where earlier the rate of doubling of cases was low but has increased in the last couple of days. Wards like G South, G North and E, which have been reporting a high number of cases, are seeing an increase in the doubling rate period.

Earlier, on an average the cases used to double every 10.6 days in G south but now it has gone up to 17.6 days. But R central ward has seen a reverse trend. Its doubling rate period has gone down to 5.5 days from 16.9 days.

Contact tracing
The first COVID-19 positive case was detected on March 11, and since then the civic body has been tracing contacts of positive patients. Till April 26, as many as 1,29,477 were found through contact tracing, of which 21,053 were high-risk group contacts and 1,647 cases were positive.

The BMC, however, claimed that they were being able to control the number of cases due to the containment zones as people cannot move from one area to another and spread the infection. An analysis of the statistics of medical tests conducted across the country reveals that comparatively most number of the tests had taken place in the BMC jurisdiction. As many as 66,000 tests have been conducted in the city so far, an official said.

Containment efforts
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior civic official said, "The doubling rate period of 10 days is better than the national average of 9.5 and the mortality rate of 3.9 is better than the state as well as national figures. This has been done through containment efforts and aggressive contact tracing and quarantining."

He added, "Today, the battle against Coronavirus is being fought with the active cooperation of the municipal corporation, police, various government departments, private hospitals and many others. We once again appeal to the citizens of Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation to follow the guidelines."

21,053
No. of high-risk group contacts found till April 26

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Malad police arrested two people on Tuesday night for selling liquor at a premium and delivering it at people's doorstep. The Santacruz and Kandivli residents had a stock of liquor, orders for which were taken on WhatsApp. Police seized alcohol worth Rs 1.35 lakh from the duo."

The duo would send WhatsApp messages with a list of available liquor brands along with prices to their acquaintances. The message soon went viral and Malad police got wind of it. "We received this information from an informant and laid the trap. We placed an order with Kaushal Mashro, 28, on the WhatsApp number provided in the message. When he came to deliver the products in Kandivli, we arrested him," said a police officer.

During interrogation, Mahsro revealed the identity of his accomplice, Akshay Parihani, 28, and another team reached Akshay's home in Santacruz, arrested him and seized the stock of alcohol. "During further interrogation, the duo said they decided to sell the available stock as they needed money," the officer added.

The duo has been booked under Section 65E of the Bombay Prohibition Act and relevant sections of the Epidemic Diseases Act.

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On Thursday, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor died at a city hospital after a two-year battle with cancer. He had spent several months in the US for treatment.

A day before that, actor Irrfan Khan died after being admitted to a Mumbai hospital following a colon infection. The superlative actor too, had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour two years ago and had sought treatment in the UK.

The death of the two Bollywood stalwarts throws all the pain and suffering of cancer into sharp relief. It hammers home the message that while the world and with it the news outlets are consumed with vaccine trials for Coronavirus and possible cures, we still have to find a cure for cancer. We have made great strides in the battle against cancer, and continue to do so. Yet, every death is a sobering reminder that for so many years, a definitive cure for cancer continues to elude us. Some experts claim that we may never find that one remedy that makes cancer go away.

Caretakers whose eyes brim with tears as they live with a loved one afflicted with cancer and the sufferers themselves long and hope that a cure may come in their lifetime.

Meanwhile, we may become even more adept at managing cancer, so much so that the big C loses its sting.

With that to ponder on, one hopes that cancer patients are getting timely care in these times, that chemotherapy patients are able to access medical centres, talk to doctors, and health facilities remain especially careful as their patients' immunity is already compromised to some degree. In these dark times, where Coronavirus statistics take centre stage, let us not forget that the combat against the other big C still goes on. The Emperor of Maladies may have met its match in terms of management but more power and wings to the search for a cure for that C too.

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Despite strict instructions from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) and the state government, most private clinics in the area continue to remain shut. While patients are finding it really difficult to get treatment for other ailments, physicians claim that non-availability of PPE kits and sanitisation of clinics were their biggest challenges.

Following several complaints, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar through his official twitter handle appealed to doctors on humanitarian grounds to remain open. The tweet says, "A humble and humanitarian request to all the doctors having private clinics to open up their clinics for non COVID-19 treatments... We are ready to extend all out support for the purpose."

Speaking about the problems doctors were facing, Dr Chetan Chhajed, orthopaedic surgeon, Navi Mumbai, said, "I run a private hospital in Kamothe, which is open but we face a threat to our lives because of the unavailability of PPE kits. They are not available. We have somehow arranged for some masks for our staff but the local authorities are not sanitising the clinic. We allow only patients with serious conditions to visit the clinic, the rest are given consultation online. Another problem is that no transport is available and not all patients have vehicles."

Dr. Pratik Phake runs a private clinic in old Panvel, which has been declared a containment zone. He gives appointments to his patients in advance and opens his clinic twice a week for three hours. Speaking to mid-day, he said, "The non- availability of PPE kits, thermal guns, housekeeping staff and medicines are challenges. Some shops are selling PPE kits and thermal guns at very high price, which needs to be looked into. Apart from this, sanitising the clinic is a major problem."
Meanwhile, Dr N Yewale, who runs a private clinic in Kamothe, said, "The society where our clinic is has locked its gate and we are not getting water supply, which is why I have shut the centre and have been speaking to patients over the phone. Maybe the society people are scared. Unavailability of PPE kits and sanitising of the clinic are other challenges."

Similar situation in city

The doctors in Mumbai are facing similar issues and despite warnings of legal action from the BMC, they haven't opened their clinics.

National vice-president, IMA headquarters, Dr Anil Pachnekar, who has his clinic in Dharavi, said, "Doctors in Mumbai have smaller clinics where it is difficult to follow social-distancing rules. The doctors are also scared due to the lack of PPE kits and N95 masks." "Different types of patients visit doctors' clinics and not all of them wear masks and use hand sanitizers. In such a situation, the clinic should be sanitised by the local municipal corporation," Dr Pachnekar added.

'Help the society'

When contacted, Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner, Annasaheb Misal told mid-day, "This is my appeal to all doctors to help the society and keep their clinics open for the people in need. The PPE kits are available in the market and we will extend full support to them. We have not taken any action yet and don't force us to do so."

"Many clinics have resumed operations. The health department is checking nursing homes first. Today itself 15 nursing homes restarted their services," said Dr. Daksha Shah, executive health officer, BMC. Speaking about the health issues he has been facing, Kharghar resident, Abrar Chaudhary said, "I have a neurospine problem since almost a year and I get my primary treatment from Bombay Hospital. I have been consulting some local doctors in Navi Mumbai but due to the lockdown they are not available at their clinics. They do undertake online consultations but respond as per their wish. I have swelling all over and am unable to walk without a support. Doctors need to check me first before prescribing medicines."

Worli resident, Anurag Singh, said, "It has been very difficult to find a doctor in our locality. A couple of days ago I had fever but when I went to my personal physician's clinic, it was closed."

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While many doctors have been complaining about the non-availability of safety equipment when they examine COVID-19 patients, a businessman has come to their aid by creating a cabin for such examinations, where they need not use PPEs.

The 38-year-old Vile Parle-based man has created an 'OPD' cabin that is divided into two sections for the doctor and patient. The doctor can examine the patient without using a mask or PPE as she/he does not come into direct contact with the patient, and can immediately sanitise the cabin after this. The businessman, Jatin Shah, gave one of the cabins free of cost to the Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Centre at Jogeshwari last week, and every day doctors examine at least a 100 people in it.

Shah is involved with the aluminum industry and has used the material and glass to make the cabin. He has also donated 40 cabins to the Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka governments to examine people at the states' borders.

Shah said, "I saw many videos on social media about the challenges doctors have been facing while treating COVID-19 patients. So I decided to invent something that would help them. Within two days I created this cabin and gave it to the Jogeshwari-based trauma care centre free of cost with the help of an NGO."

Jatin Shah, the businessman

Shah said, "At the borders, 4-6 hours after testing when the report comes, if a traveller is found to be COVID-19 positive, doctors send her/him to hospital and if any patient is found negative, she/he is allowed to enter the state. I took the help of Wipro general electric, which finalised the design of this cabin and asked the Seva trust in Mumbai to contact the hospital and get the cabin approved," Shah added.

Doctor speak

"The cabin is really useful. We sent our four labourers to Shah's factory to help him construct this cabin. We also issued a letter to him from hospital superintendent Vidhya Mane. Within two days he manufactured it and gave it to us," said Dr Rangnath Jawhar of Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Care Centre.

Features of the cabin

The cabin is 8X4 ft and divided into two spaces separated by glass. One section is used by the doctor and the other by the patient. Screening equipment including a digital thermometer and a fever gun kept inside. Both sides have a mike and speaker. A 20 lt tank stores disinfectant which gets sprayed inside

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Lying in hope

A child rests on a hammock at a camp that migrant workers looking to return to Tamil Nadu have set up, in Mahim on Thursday. Pic/Suresh Karkare

Guess who came to dinner

Rishi Kapoor at the Kapadia household when he went for dinner

The world lost not just a distinguished actor, but also a passionate foodie when Rishi Kapoor passed away yesterday. His family also alluded to that side of his in the public statement they put out after his death. But Kapoor didn't just like to eat. He even helped out youngsters trying to gain a foothold in the F&B industry, as was the case with Munaf Kapadia of The Bohri Kitchen. He shared that he'd once delivered food to the Kapoor household in Bandra and been introduced to the family in October 2017. The late actor had paid Kapadia a visit at his home in Colaba once after that, and left a genuine impact on what was then a small business, a family enterprise with a few people, which would take on one-off catering assignments.

"He had a meal with my parents and was very respectful towards them, when it was especially a big deal for them since he was their childhood star. I discussed artificial intelligence with him. It was that kind of an experience, you know? He was the first person who evaporated the Bollywood barrier for me and created a window that led to many opportunities over the years, from investments to more people from films," Kapadia told this diarist about a person who had as big a heart as he had an appetite. 

Not giving a damn

Irrfan Khan (left) and Papa CJ at the interview

Tom Hanks once famously said in an interview that he always thought he was the coolest guy in the room, until Irrfan Khan walked in. But apart from this unflappable demeanour, what made Khan an endearing human being is how he had no airs about himself. Comedian Papa CJ discovered this when he once conducted a lengthy interview with the actor in 2016. "The most beautiful thing I learnt from that interview is that as human beings, our journey is inward. He was so honest and open, and offered such an insight into his mind — from his parents to childhood and right up to death," he told this diarist. Ironically, the last question in that interview — which had been conducted before Khan was diagnosed with a rare cancer — had been about how he would like to be remembered after his death. His answer? "I don't think about it, and I don't give a damn."  

Diners feel at home during lockdown

A recent survey has revealed that people are apprehensive about ordering for food from outside after a pizza delivery boy tested positive for COVID-19. They would much rather cook for themselves at home. Neta App, a technology platform that aims to foster political accountability, said that 91 per cent of those sampled across Indian cities said they preferred to eat in than ask for home delivery. In Mumbai, this figure was 81 per cent. Not just that, 22 per cent of the total respondents also said that they would object if they saw their neighbours getting food delivered. As the app's founder Pratham Mittal said, "Food delivery has suddenly changed from being a personal decision to a community decision." 

Free to stream

Made in 2006, Q2P is a documentary that shows how toilets in India are a symbol of caste, class and — most importantly — gender inequality. It was recently chosen as the free film of the month by the Royal Anthropological Institute in the UK. "A toilet is like a little piece of that dream called development. It is a metaphor for the idea of a global city," director and mid-day columnist Paromita Vohra said, adding that there was hardly any information available on the subject when she made the film.

Let's start sharing at the table

One of the bigger sectors that has been hit hard due to the lockdown is the restaurant industry, which is why the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) is asking customers to lend a helping hand. It's started an initiative called Rise4Restaurants to give employees and members some succour, and NRAI president Anurag Katriar told us, "The idea is simple. See, we are struggling to pay salaries because there is no income and we don't know when this will end.

So we are telling our guests to buy a `1,000 voucher for `750, out of which you pay `250 right now and the rest later on. Why `250? Because 25 per cent of our sales is towards manpower and this money will go towards helping them out." Log on to r4r.nrai.org for more details.

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Enforcing prohibitory orders strictly, the Maharashtra police have registered over 85,500 offences against lockdown violators across the state and arrested 16,962 people so far, an official said on Thursday. While combating COVID-19 and enforcing lockdown since late March, police have registered offences under section 188 of IPC against 85,586 persons, who violated prohibitory orders, he said. Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code is related to disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.

Also, 16,962 people were arrested for violation of lockdown-related norms, he said. During the period, at least 161 police personnel, 21 of them officers, have tested coronavirus positive, he said. At least 167 cases of assault on police have been filed in the state in which 580 accused persons have been arrested so far, he said. Police have registered 1,237 offences of illegal transportation and seized more than 50,000 vehicles during the lockdown period, he said.

Police collected Rs 3.02 crore as fine for various offences during the period, he said. At least 622 persons were detained by police for violation of quarantine norms, he added.

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We will go ahead with patience and caution, said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday asserting that the state government will give relaxations in lockdown after May 3 seeing the condition of specific areas.

"We will surely give relaxations after May 3 seeing the condition of specific areas but be cautious and co-operate, else whatever we have achieved in the past few days will be lost. So, we will go ahead with patience and caution," Thackeray said.

"I want people to not panic about COVID-19. It's only about starting the treatment on time. From few days old babies to 83 years old people have recovered and gone home. People on ventilators have also recovered well," he said.

The ongoing lockdown, which was imposed to contain coronavirus is scheduled to end on May 3. Maharashtra as the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country and the state's tally stands at 10,498.

The Chief Minister said that lockdown is working as a "circuit breaker".

"Yes cases are rising but most of the cases are of the contacts. And most are already in quarantine. And fortunately, 75-80 per cent people are asymptomatic of the disease so we are putting them in quarantine," he said.

The Chief Minister also wished the people of the state on the occasion of Maharashtra Foundation Day and Labour Day.

"I remember what my father and grandfather told me about the struggle of getting Mumbai in Maharashtra. I visited Jitata Chowk today and it was a unique experience as I visited it for the first time as the Chief Minister of the state for which martyrs had sacrificed their lives," he said.

"My father, grandfather and uncle were part of that Maharashtra andolan (movement). I remembered everyone who contributed for the formation of this state. I pay my respects to all of them before speaking to you," he said.

"We had decided that this foundation day will be celebrated with great enthusiasm at the time when our government was formed. But we are helpless. Even I had to go there with masks on my face," he added.

"I remember 2010 when we celebrated 50th Anniversary of Maharashtra state. I remember everyone's presence. Especially, I remember Lata tai's performance when she sang a historical song. Many people came and go but Maharashtra is as it was," he added.

"Even Aurangzeb had to accept that Maharashtra will not bow before him, he tried for 27 years. I am Chief Minister of such state and I am proud of it," he said.

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After locking down the nation with just four hours notice on March 24 and leaving lakhs of migrant workers high and dry, the Centre on Friday launched Shramik Special trains to transport these workers and other stranded people home.

Indian Railway appealed to people not to crowd stations as the trains are only for those screened and registered by state governments. “No one should come to the station looking for trains. We will not issue tickets or entertain request from any group or individual. We will allow only those passengers whom state officials bring. The State is the final authority on deciding who travels,” an Indian Railway spokesperson said. The first train from Maharashtra, Nashik-Bhopal Shramik Special departed from Nashik station at 9:30 pm on May 1 as scheduled.

These special, non-AC trains will run from point to point. There will be different fares for sleeper and general class. The Railways and states shall appoint senior staff as Nodal Officers for coordination.

Migrants onboard a train for Hatia, Jharkhand at Lingampally, Telangana. Pic/PTI

Passengers have to be screened by states sending them and only asymptomatic people would be allowed to travel. Sending states have to bring these people in batches to the designated station in sanitised buses following social distancing norms and other precautions. It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face masks. Meals and drinking water have to be provided by the sending states at the originating station. Railways said they will ensure social distancing, hygiene and provide a meal on longer journeys. On arrival, the home state has to screen, quarantine passengers if necessary and arrange further travel from the station.

Nine-point plan

Maharashtra’s Minister of Transport Anil Parab gave the following guidelines travellers must follow:

• Those willing to leave Maharashtra should fill forms and submit them to local police stations through their group leaders.
• The form will require basic details like name, address in migrant and home state, Aadhar card, mobile number. Each train will carry 1,000 passengers.
• Each migrant must get a certificate from a doctor stating that the traveller does not have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Based on this information, state will decide on booking tickets and make a list based on the applications.
• After preparing list, state will seek permission from the home state. After receiving NoC, action will be taken by district collectors to help passengers reach home.
• A section of the form will ask the traveller to choose the mode of transport — rail or road.
• Those wishing to travel by bus can form groups of 25, arrange a bus and inform the local police. Each state and district will have nodal officers.
• There is no restriction of movement within the state. Those who have gone out of Mumbai and are stuck can return. No restriction on people returning from Green Zones.
• However, people residing in Red Zones, especially in containment zones, cannot move.

No respite for Red Zone migrants?

People stranded in Containment Zones and Red Zones are likely to be prevented from leaving. This means many migrants in MMR, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nashik, Nagpur, Yavatmal and other affected districts stand no chance of leaving. Nodal officers at the district and state headquarter levels have started getting requests from people.

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We remember walking into Le 15 Café in Colaba on a late evening craving a gooey chocolate brownie. They had run out by then but a familiar voice from behind the counter told us if we weren't in a hurry, she'd bake a fresh batch. That was Pooja Dhingra, in her black and pink uniform and contagious smile, even at the fag end of a tiring service day.

Lodged opposite Ling's Pavilion, patrons to the Parisian café had many such stories to share, as seen with the thank you notes left on tissue paper. In 2015, Dhingra coaxed chef Pablo Naranjo Agular into moving to Mumbai from Colombia to create the savoury menu for the café. Their social media posts of sunny-side ups, waffles and tartine were drool-worthy enough to make followers land up for a meal.

'Uncertain times'

The lockdown and subsequent slump in business has pushed Dhingra to take the tough call of shuttering the café for good. "These are uncertain times and everyone has to look at the vision of their companies to decide the road ahead. Unfortunately for us, that meant to cut down our overheads to ensure we can keep the dessert business going. The challenges we predicted were low walk-ins, high rentals and the onset of the monsoon and a general slow-down of business," said Dhingra.

The café has been profitable for three years while the company has been profitable for six months. "We are operating from a central kitchen and servicing outlets. With a predicted decrease in revenue, it wouldn't make sense to keep this space going," reasoned Dhingra. For her, it's all guesswork about how long until the economy picks up. "What will change is how people dine out, and the emergence of social distancing that means reducing covers and higher deliveries," she said. Le15 at Lower Parel and Bandra will function as usual when the lockdown ends.

'A live organism'

When we call Naranjo in his home in Colombia, he is baking bread. His voice gives away the mood. Kneading dough might possibly help deal with the news. "A restaurant is a live organism that needs to feed, enjoy, rest, sleep and start all over again the next day. If you are not nourishing it, it suffers a lot. Coronavirus is showing us that reality," sighs Naranjo. "The time at the café was everything. I poured my heart and soul into it. I remember the times when Pooja would ask me to take a day off. But I would still show up on my off day. When I saw her love towards the business, it worked the same way for me. It's how we managed what we built together," he reminisces.

Dhingra is working on absorbing some of her staff. "We are working on an e-cookbook to raise funds for the team," she shares, signing off, "I dreamt of having a café since I was 16. I built it piece by piece with all my savings. Every memory will stay with me for life."

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Despite a nationwide lockdown, people continue to step out for morning and evening walks in Aarey Milk Colony. Moreover, there have been instances of locals venturing into the forest area surrounding the VIP guest house, which is known for wildlife activity.

Taking note of this, the Thane Forest Department has written to Aarey police station requesting action against those found flouting the lockdown rules.

The volunteers monitoring leopard activity in Aarey informed the Thane Forest Department about locals venturing into the forest area. A volunteer told mid-day, "I learned from my sources that many people, including some morning and evening walkers and Adarsh Nagar slum pocket residents, venture into the forest surrounding the VIP guest House, which is even frequently visited by wild animals. This information has been passed on to the forest department."

Sources also said that residents of Adarsh Nagar slums regularly roam around the VIP guest house in groups, flouting social distancing norms.

Range Forest Officer (RFO), Santosh Kank said, "People are expected to stay indoors and maintain social distancing but volunteers, who have been doing camera trapping exercises to monitor leopard activity saw people roaming in the area surrounding the VIP guest House hillock. The area has seen leopard activity in the last few days and to prevent any man-animal conflict, people should not venture into the woods. We have already informed the Aarey police station through a letter and we expect them to take action against the violators."

Illegal encroachment taking place in Aarey

The boundary encroachers built surrounding a huge portion of land in Unit 13

A nature lover from Aarey has alleged that people have been trying to encroach Aarey Milk Colony Unit – 13 by axing trees and constructing boundaries around a huge chunk of land. Elijah Emmanuel, a teacher at the kindergarten for slum children, told mid-day, "For the last two-three weeks, I have seen people cutting down trees and building boundaries in Unit 13. During the monsoon, hutments will be constructed as no one comes to check. When I objected, they threatened me and my family. Today, more than 50 people from the area came to my house and abused and threatened me with harm. But the people from Aarey CEO office came and demolished the boundaries. I have registered a complaint with the local police station and hope they take necessary action against those threatening me."

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Such a long journey

Migratory birds including flamingos make the waters near Airoli Creek their home, when they arrive from colder regions in search of food. 

Relief comes from art

(Left) Untitled by Thota Vaikuntam; (right) Kurta series by Dharamanarayan Dasgupta

It was yesterday that Saffronart closed bidding and announced the collections for its unique COVID-19 Relief Fundraiser Auction. The collection was an encouraging R66 lakhs that will be donated to NGOs Goonj, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action, and Stree Mukti Sanghatan that have been distributing essential items to affected communities. The auction released 52 artworks including paintings by artists Krishen Khanna and Thota Vaikuntam; and installations by Tayeba Begum Lipi, Dharmanarayan Dasgupta and many more.

Dinesh Vazirani, CEO, Saffronart revealed that he was humbled by the response to the auction and said, "We sincerely thank the art community for the generosity in both donating and bidding on works to support organisations doing important work on ground. After we receive the funds from the winning bidders, we will be disbursing them between the three organisations based on need and reach. We are in discussions with them regarding this".

Bonding over stories

Who better to lift your lockdown blues than the country's favourite children's author? Starting yesterday, an initiative by Prasar Bharati is bringing a collection of veteran storyteller and author Ruskin Bond's stories to All India Radio (AIR). What's more, they will be read out by the author himself. Available on all of AIR's radio and digital platforms, this is set to be a treat for listeners who enjoy stories from hilly Himalayan towns in his simplistic style. From the bustling markets to the devious old maharanis, the majestic trees and vibrant birds and yes to the occasional popping up of a ghosts — you'll find it all there.

Mapping Values

The response of countries to the pandemic has given us a glimpse of the values system they stand for. The importance of values as a means of understanding the rationale behind decisions taken by men and women, and by countries at large, is what researcher Dr Mandeep Rai's new book The Values Compass addresses. The title, which is available in e-book format, has assumed renewed significance in the current context. From India's faith to Vietnam's resilience, Argentina's passion to Singapore's order, Rai has looked at 101 countries to identify a single key value in each that is represented in its history, geography, and culture."Getting pregnant was a catalyst moment [to write the book]. Only this baby [the book] took a lot longer than nine months. So the experience of writing for me was like pumping blood into a beating heart. And now, the Coronavirus is reminding us that, if we want to understand a country, its values provide the most revealing lens," she said.

Remembering the worker

Komita Dhanda of Jana Natya Manch and MD Pallavi in a session

On May 1, World Labour Day, Leftword Publishers and Delhi-based bookstore May Day hosted an online celebration of workers' rights with performances from all over the world. Starting 1.30 pm and going on all the way till midnight, the line-up featured names like poet Aamir Aziz, JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh, comedy outfit Aisi Taisi Democracy, theatre group Jana Natya Manch and singer MD Pallavi among others. "The objective was to celebrate workers from all over the world. Right now, it is all the more obvious that they are running the world while we stay shut in our homes," Pallavi told this diarist after her session. 

A break from the laughter

Comedian Sorabh Pant, who has been hosting live sessions on social media every day of the lockdown to keep the spirits of those watching, high, took a different route in his video yesterday. He wasn't making the usual jokes and decided to pay tribute to actors Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor in his own way. He talked about the legacies the two have left behind and a Twitter exchange he had with Khan over a joke. "I was prompted to talk about it from an audience member and it led me to the realisation that Irrfan was actually my favourite actor in the whole world. It became a tribute and also reminded me that I don't always have to attempt to be comedic about it. Though, I think, neither Khan nor Kapoor would have minded if I cracked a few jokes," he told this diarist.

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Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made it clear on Friday that lockdown relaxations would be considered only after assessing the situation over the next three days. He said the primary objective was to save the lives of people who are the real assets of the state and the country and their survival could only help us recover the losses in the future.

Speaking on Friday, which was the Maharashtra Day, Thackeray made an emotional appeal to people who are worried because of the lockdown-induced economic losses in terms of jobs and business activity. "We are brave people. Maharashtra doesn't lack anything in fighting against odds. It is true that our economy is stalled and difficulties have increased. But I say that the people are the real assets of the state and the country," he said adding that if the people who are like soldiers survived the health crisis, we should together be able to beat all odds.

"Relaxing lockdown in the red zone would not benefit the state. In fact, the red zone will have to follow restrictions more diligently. But we are trying to give some relief in the orange zone's unaffected clusters and in the green zone. This will be done in a phased manner," he said.

"Some people have questioned the need for a lockdown but I must say that it has definitely delayed the spread of the virus. It interrupted the circuit or chain. Imagine what would have happened had the lockdown not been enforced," he said.

The CM said stranded people would be sent home in an organised manner and advised against mass gatherings. "We are in talks with other states. We will coordinate the movement with home states of migrants and other stranded people here and there."

He said COVID-19 facilities in Mumbai were being increased on a war-footing. Domes and open grounds like MMRDA and Goregaon Exhibition Centre which share political history with the Shiv Sena have been prepared to house thousands of affected people. "In Mumbai alone, two lakh COVID-19 tests have been conducted," Thackeray said.

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A PIL has been filed in Bombay High Court asking the government to make a strategy for exiting the lockdown. It further asks the government to make plans for the protection of health care workers, police officials, and others providing essential services. The PIL also demands the deployment of the army in sensitive areas.

The petitioner Dr Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi said, "There is growing negativity in the minds of the citizens of Maharashtra amidst the current lockdown and the possibility of its extension. Some violators are roaming freely hence, the intervention of the army and para-military is required."

The advocate of the petitioner Vishal Satyaprakash Saxena said that the PIL is filed asking the government of Maharashtra to formulate and disclose the strategy to exit the lockdown and to formulate guidelines for the well-being of the citizens of Maharashtra. The court will hear the manner on May 13.

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Apart from plasma therapy, COVID-19 patients who are in critical condition, will soon have another kind of treatment, to help fight the infection. Mumbai-based Haffkine Institute, which last month had submitted a proposal to conduct a clinical trial to use the anti-tuberculosis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, as a therapeutic treatment received a nod for it from the Drug Controller General of India on Friday.

Around 30 COVID-19 patients, who have moderate or severe symptoms, will be part of the trial run, starting next week. "The BCG vaccine strengthens immunity and research has shown that it can be used as a therapeutic treatment, to help patients fight the infection. We received an approval from the DGCI and are waiting for the clinical registration number from the ICMR, which should come in a couple of days," said a senior official from the Medical Education and Drugs (MED) department.

While the trial will be carried out by the Haffkine Institute and led by Dr Usha Padmanabhan, it is being monitored by the MED department.

Mumbai has the highest number of Coronavirus-related deaths in the state, as well as in India. The official added that once the trials are successful, patients who are critical, especially in cities like Mumbai and Pune, will be able to benefit from it. "Unlike new drugs, the BCG vaccine is already in production and will be easily available. So far, the institute has carried out preliminary studies and they have come across positive results," the official said.

Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, managing director of the Haffkine Institute in Parel, said that they are likely to start the trial next week. "It will take place at the BJ Medical College in Pune. We have carried out the preparations and the scientists are almost ready," he said.

Based on the preliminary findings of the research for the trial, the effect of the virus can be reduced among patients, if they are given a dose of the BCG vaccine. The official said that the vaccine will help reduce the severity of the symptoms among patients.

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