Time Out Mumbai

Directors special
Dibakar Banerjee Sujoy Ghosh Rohan Sippy Gauri Shinde Amole Gupte Homi Adajania Krishna DK Rajkumar Gupta Shakun Batra
the 9 Best Picture Oscar nominees
decode
GET MORE OUT OF MUMBAI
FEBRUARY 15 - 28 2013 Vol. 9 ISSUE 13 `50
Mahindra Blues Fest + Tiga + Kai Po Che + William Kentridge
Contents
February 15-28, 2013 Next issue out on March 1, 2013
Oscar special
Nine Bollywood filmmakers tell Time Out about the nine Best Picture Oscar nominees this year. We also take a gander at the movies nominated in the Foreign Language and Animation categories, and place our bets on the men and women nominated inthe Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor & Supporting Actress departments.
Cover story
Suited up Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook
Feature

14 Highway stars
Around Town
52 Mentalist Lior Suchard
Events
Gay & Lesbian Offers

79 Hijra squads to protect women
Listings
Hindi films arent just limited to the silver screen. We take a look at Mumbai rickshaws that pay homage to their favourite flicks.
97 Win dining vouchers from Grand Sarovar Premiere
06 08 10 10 98
Regulars
Art

56 Nityan Unnikrishnan
Three questions with Nalini Malani ReviewWilliam Kentridge Exhibitions
Kids

Fortnightly agenda Inbox Mumbai Local Morparia After words
80 Tulikas First Look Science Books

Things to do
Quote of the fortnight

We tend not to understand the preciseness of language. I went to buy a SIM card, and the mobile company was promising XYZ will be given free for `100. We are serving the gods of consumption society.
See page 58.
Books

Music

Lifestyle

36 Travel bags
66 The Second Homeland: Polish Refugees in India
82 Mahindra Blues Festival
Check out Sales & Events Fitness Events & talks
Seeing Like a Feminist Reviews The Walls of Delhi Libraries and events
Food & Drink

42 Pizza Wars
Taste of Mumbai fest Three questions with...Kelvin Cheung Reviews Aoi, Skky, The Sassy Spoon, Teaze Appetisers Hot Tables
Dance Film

CD Reviews Classical Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan tribute Live previews Shamim Ahmed Khan, Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha Gigs and Concerts
68 Acharya Parvatikumar Events
Nightlife
89 Tiga
Reviews The Big Bang Bar, Enigma DJ listings
70 Kai Po Che
On The Cover
Graphic Design Pramod Jadhav and Pravin Pereira
Reviews Special 26, Zero Dark Thirty, Silver Linings Playbook, This is 40 DVD reviews Moonrise Kingdom, Celebrity
Theatre

92 The Ugly One
A Behanding in Spokane Whats on where
4 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013
Dont miss...
The very best of Mumbai this fortnight
Nightlife
p89 Tiga
The Montreal DJ returns to rave in the land that he first partied in.
Around Town
p52 Lior Suchard
Let the Israeli mentalist blow your mind.
Food & Drink
p44 The Taste Festival
Top Mumbai chefs dish out their best alongside lectures from international culinary experts.
Art
p58 The Poems I Used to Know

South African artist William Kentridge shows for the first time in India.
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Music
p82 Mahindra Blues Festival
Chase the blues with Dana Fuchs and her talented friends.
Paprika Media Pvt Ltd

Essar House, 11 KK Marg, PO Box 7964, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034
Inbox
GET MORE OUT OF MUMBAI
FEBRUARY 1 - 14 2013 Vol. 9 ISSUE 12 `50
Volume 9 Issue 13
February 15 - 28 2013
Write to us at letters@timeoutmumbai.net.
KAlA GhOdA FEsTIvAl Footsbarn Theatre
Spinifex Doc Daneeka
General Enquiries and Listings (91 22) 6660-1111 Subscriptions (91 22) 6660-1200
letter of the fortnight
Editorial (listings@timeoutmumbai.net)
Editor: Gauri Vij Assistant Editors: Karanjeet Kaur, Aniruddha Guha Around Town: Nergish Sunavala Art: Karanjeet Kaur Books: Sonal Shah Dance: Ayesha Venkataraman Film: Aniruddha Guha Fitness: Mithila Phadke Food & Drink: Aatish Nath Kids: Mithila Phadke Lifestyle: Ayesha Venkataraman Music: Deborah Cornelious Nightlife: Gauri Vij Theatre: Saumya Ancheri Intern: Yashasvi Vachhani Proofreader: James M Mathew Art Deputy National Art Director: Pramod Jadhav Designers: Prashant Gujar, Bipin Mohan Digital Imaging: Pravin Pereira Photo Senior Photographers: Amit Chakravarty, Parikshit Rao Photographer: Mohnish Dabhoya Web Edit Digital Content Editor: Jharna Thakkar Digital Writer: Vijayeta Basu COO: Rajnish Rawat Sr RM Sales (West) : Vishwanath Shanbhag Sales: Ashwin Dsouza, Devyani Bambulkar, Nitin Ule, Shveta Borade (sales@timeoutmumbai.net) Head Events & Activation Business: Kashyap Shangari Events & Activation Business: Tufayl Merchant, Kenneth Lobo , Eesha Singh Marketing: Nachiketh Premraj (marketing@timeoutmumbai.net) Production: Harish Suvarna, Mangesh Salvi, Sandeep Borkar Circulation: Shreesh Shingarey, Gorakshnath Sanap, Sneha Shirke (subscriptions@timeoutindia.net) Accounts: James DSouza, Narender Chowti, Nayana Kamble, Priya Sawant HR: hr@paprikamedia.com Administration: Felita Braganza, Yvette DSouza Editor in Chief: Jaideep VG (jaideep@paprikamedia.com) Publisher & COO: Rajnish Rawat (rajnish@paprikamedia.com) Founder: Smiti Kanodia (smiti@paprikamedia.com)
Printed by Rajnish Rawat and published by Rajnish Rawat on behalf of Paprika Media Pvt Ltd and printed at Print House (India) Pvt. Ltd., Plot No. 6, Datta Mandir Road, Bhandup (W), Mumbai 400 078, and published at Essar House, 11 KK Marg, PO Box No.7964, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034. Editor Gauri Vij.
GiGs
Archival value
Congratulations on Time Outs issue on the Bhendi Bazaar project. You have covered all aspects of the proposed redevelopment programme very extensively. Your coverage is not just about the area but examines various angles of the project that is the politics, the people, the sociological aspect, the food and the shopping of Bohri Mohalla. For a person who does not know Bhendi Bazaar well, your cover story is an eye-opener as it is replete with so many details. Its a keeper. Rafique Baghdadi
Fascinating although I havent had a chance to fully read it all yet. My parents told me about this last year. Progress is a doubleedged sword, no? We lose out on the charming eccentricities of a neighbourhood but the residents gain quality of life. Having been inside the homes of many a resident, I cant help but see the project as a good thing. If it turns out the way it is envisioned. I will be crushed though if the local vendors dont return. Bhendi Bazaar without bara handi paya and Tawakkals sweets is unimaginable. It actually boggles my mind that such a massive undertaking can be successfully executed in Bombay. Certainly sounds like the relocation has worked out well for the residents so far. My grandparents had their building redone under similar circumstances several years ago. Gotta say I was very sceptical but it really did go as planned. They had decent accommodation during the project and at the end of the day that building, which truly was falling apart at the seams, was rebuilt beautifully. Munira Wells via Facebook The Time Out Mumbai edition this fortnight is incredible with the proposed layout for the redevelopment of Bhendi Bazaar. Kierkrogue @Lucifer_sam666, via Twitter Tripping on Time Out Mumbais Bhendi Bazaar cover. It hurts us, precious, to see plans for my citys funeral. Gladys Balakrishnan @ mycrotchetyluv, via Twitter Your food section in the Bhendi Bazaar issue was just in one simple word, wow! Thank you for uncovering those delectable choices. Ranjit Puri
Follow us on ... facebook.com/ timeoutmumbai @timeout_mumbai
Tall clAIMs
Whats in store for Bhendi Bazaar?
v9i12_Final Cover 002.indd 1 1/26/2013 3:23:30 AM
Redeveloping Bhendi Bazaar Just writing in to say what a wonderful issue youve put together! Its such a meaty issue, packed with so much interesting stuff Bhendi Bazaar, Kala Ghoda and the India Art Fair. I liked the way youve done the Bhendi Bazaar story. I can never get a well-rounded sense of things from a newspaper report and this story made me see the whole thing through multiple viewpoints. It must have been so much work! Great job! Banoo Batliboi The Bhendi Bazaar issue is fabulous. Especially the cover story. It had a great cover photograph and some very clever titles. Its a superb mix of features, shops, interviews, residents and the plan page makes it a wellresearched presentation. Pervin Mahoney For a subject as dense as Bhendi Bazaars redevelopment, the opening essay was a good, fluid read and the pieces that followed really captured the historic locality and its issues. Naina Shetty Lovely piece on Bhendi Bazaar. Keep it up. Deepak Rao Lovely, lovely opening piece in the Bhendi Bazaar issue. Beautifully written, full of good information and clear as a whistle. Neha Sumitran
Business
SUBSCRIBE!
BAI MUM
Head Office
OF E OUT MOR - 17 2013 50 GET ry 4 10 `
e th ize Se
BAi 2013 MUM RY 3 OF e OUt - JANUA get MOR 21 2012 BER 9 `50 DECEM 9 ISSUE Vol.
1 r 003.indd v9i9_Cove
le yc ies Bic Diar

The to guide hers al pus ped the
Janua 9 ISSuE Vol.
city
ht Nig
s owpeop rty shad ut pa is eO ba Tim Mum le
ver v9i10_Co
e Lov er Que
Celeb rating the cit ys LGBT IQ com munit y
PM 11:16:00 1/11/2013
Janua 9 ISSuE Vol.
12/15/201
Move Chunky Ies Dance essor cookies tune e acc e BIK Eat For st-hav rables e Mu Les Mis r rid Watch P you Pim
AM 2 12:01:32
AM
2 12:19:10
12/29/201
l Tal IMs clA

store s in What
1 002.indd
FEBRU 9 ISSUE Vol.
n Kira h baia Sub
OF E OUT 2013 MOR 50 11 ` GET ry 18-31
OF E OUT 2013 MOR 1 - 14 50 GET ARY 12 `
ymp Dalr im MahUrs
BAI MUM
Ball
PLulot Gah deepa interview
BAI MUM
ter for win teas INSIDE High William le
up Warm
SiCd muBan san nd-up aal Hasl rou e Mek Festiva dANC ljocaj et Pre
A l GhOd IvA KAlA FEsTtsbarn Foo atre The

Doc
ifex a Spin eek Dan
GiGs
for
Bhen
zaa di Ba
r?
AM 3:23:30 1/26/2013
er 002.indd
v9i11_Cov
1 002.indd
v9i12_Fin
al Cover
KeeP TRACK OF WHATS HAPPENING IN YOUR TIME OUT!

If you missed out on our last 221 fabulous issues, dont miss any more! Subscribe to Time Out for just `975 a year! Call 6660-1200 or visit www.timeoutmumbai.net to subscribe.
Distributed by: Paprika Connect & Dangat Newspaper Agency.

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published with the permission of Time Out Group, London UK.
Mumbai Local
Lies to tell tourists
Killer bargain Chor Bazaars best-kept secret is a shop of stolen human organs. The labyrinthine paradise is best known for bargain prices on other peoples valuables and gorgeous knock-offs, but those intimate with the area will be privy to a particularly sinister steal deal. Ask any shopkeeper for the special store selling musical instruments. Avoid looking shifty-eyed. Take a quick look behind you and with a thumb on your trusted speed dial take the side entrance of the tiny shop crammed with pianos, accordions and harmoniums, and ask the large, bewhiskered man seated there for their most expensive organ. It could get bloody from here, but no guts, no gore.
Morparia
Match makers
Mithila Phadke bats for the citys women cricketers.
hen 22-year-old Apoorva Kokil and her teammates travelled to Srinagar last year for an inter-university cricket tournament, they found themselves struggling to find seats in the train compartment. The Khalsa College contingent had boarded the train at Bhopal for an overnight journey to Srinagar. None of our seats were confirmed, recalled Kokil, We had a match the next day and throughout the night, we had to keep changing places as those with reserved seats came in. The ICC Womens World Cup is in town but for our women cricketers, such instances are the norm, rather than an exception. With low match fees and a shorter playing season as compared to their male counterparts,
womens cricket struggles to be part of the mainstream. Hopes were high when the Board of Control for Cricket in India took over from the Mumbai Womens Cricket Association in 2006, but the improvements have been marginal. The first two years or so were very good, Kokil said. We were paid for the matches, we had good hotel accommodation but since then its been stagnant. Sunetra Paranjape, who has represented India in tests and one-dayers, added that while cricketers are now paid match fees and play on better grounds, the number of matches has reduced significantly. They dont necessarily have to be BCCI-organised, she said, We should have more matches with different clubs and associations in the city, like we used to earlier. Without enough local matches to hone their skills, women cricketers lose touch, and fitness levels dip. A typical season
lasts from November to January, unlike with male cricketers whose tournaments stretch from September to March. Im not sure why that is happening, said Paranjape, Perhaps the schedules of the men and womens domestic matches clash, and there isnt a ground available for [the latter] to play. The BCCI had introduced a two-day
Throw back A practice session at Shivaji Park
tournament in 2006, but scrapped it a couple of years later. In a year, we play about eight matches, said Kokil, who is currently captain of the Khalsa College senior team and vicecaptain of Mumbais Ranji Trophy squad, And thats only if we qualify [for the next level]. Some teams practise the whole year and play in barely four. Apart from the struggle to keep in touch with the game, theres a distinct lack of financial security. Women cricketers often pay for their own kits, except for a handful who have managed to bag sponsorship contracts. The men, however, have contracts with companies like Nike and Adidas, said Paranjape. Surekha Bhandare, former state-level cricketer and joint secretary of the Womens Cricket Association of India, felt that low earnings often discourage women players from continuing with cricket for long. When we started, we didnt have money but
mohnish dabhoya
there were people who helped us out, she said, adding that it was also important to not let money be the overriding concern. Its your performance that is important, Bhandare said, Sometimes, the mindset is, If I am among the eleven, I will get this much money. If Im not, then this much. Now in her sixties, Bhandare is much-respected on the circuit. Generations of aspirants have been coached by her, and many have gone on to play at state and national levels. She remembers a time when cricketer Alu Bamji organised the first womens coaching camp at the Cricket Club of India during the 1970s. Womens cricket was still a foreign concept then, but a number of matches were conducted between city clubs. Three decades later, Bhandare emphasised that there was no reason for womens cricket to still lag behind. The efforts to create a pool of quality players, Paranjape added, need to begin at the school level. While a number of educational institutions like Shardashram, St Columba and Chandrakant Patkar Academy have girls cricket teams, the numbers are still dismal. As compared to over 180 schools that have cricket teams for boys, there are only 15 or 16 that support girls cricket, explained Shubhangi Dalvi, a physical training teacher at the imposing St Columba Girls High School in Gamdevi. A former national-level kabaddi player, Dalvi wanted to incorporate sports to a larger extent at the school, and figured the national sport would be a good start. She started a girls cricket team, with the help of cricketer Madhav Paralkar, who had founded the Manoramabai Apte trophy for the under-16 girls team. But today, while womens kabaddi is now in the Olympics, cricket is nowhere close, Dalvi said, wryly. Students from the fifth grade up are part of the schools cricket team, and play in annual
tournaments organised by the Mumbai School Sports Association, and the Mumbai Cricket Association. Unlike boys cricket teams that get to compete in a string of tournaments, like Harris Shield and Giles Shield, girls are able to play for barely two months in a year. There is much less scope for practice, said Dalvi, So the girls are often not at their optimum fitness level. Sustaining the sport is also an expensive prospect, Dalvi said. St Columbas ground has a tarred surface, and so the school had special mats brought in to make it possible to play there. And we lose a ball every day! she said, laughing, When we had started, it cost `60. Now its almost `150! The meagre income that professional womens cricket brings in discourages them from considering it as a career. There are so many talented players, but they end up taking up other professions, said Dalvi, A kind of frustration sets in. What needs to change immediately is the number of matches organised. More can be organised over the weekends, and schools and colleges should be involved, said Paranjape, The girls can also play with boys teams thats not a problem. Logistics aside, womens cricket will truly flourish only when it has adequate support both from the management and spectators. Mens cricket is where it is today because they have people crowding stadiums, said Kokil, adding that womens cricket is more about technique, rather than strength. While Paranjape would ideally want each of her students to explore their potential, without the stress of audience interest and financial backing, practical considerations make her add a codicil. I tell my girls to concentrate on their studies now, she said, Because people dont ask you what you play, they ask you what you study.
Grave encounters
Inside the Raudat Tahera
chirodeep chaudhuri
Arched look A devotee prays before a door transplanted from Karbala in Iraq
Field of dreams A practice session in progress at Shivaji Park
A Bohri classmate once told me that she often visited an exquisite marble tomb just off Mohammed Ali Road. I took that road every day on my way to school in the mid-2000s but never spotted the mausoleum. In an area where mosques with lime-green minarets are ubiquitous, my imagination was piqued by this elusive, Taj-Mahallike structure hidden from view. Then in 2006, the JJ flyover was completed. Cars began whizzing overhead and vibrant street scenes were replaced by unnerving closeups of peoples living rooms. It was in between playing peek-a-boo with startled residents that I saw it one day: slivers of a marble tomb, sluiced between unevenly stacked buildings. It took seven years after that first glimpse for me to get inside the mausoleum. The tomb commemorates the 51st Daiel-Mutlaq, or spiritual leader, of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, who died in 1965. It has made news of late as the nucleus of the Bhendi Bazaar redevelopment plan, the nerve centre around which swanky residential and commercial towers will replace the the areas dilapidated buildings. For the most part, the tomb is only open to Dawoodi Bohras, whose conspicuous appearance ridas for women and goldembroidered skull caps for men sets them apart from other Muslim sects. However, for non-Bohris like me, there is a tiny window around 5.30pm every evening when visitors can request to be taken on a 15-minute guided tour. When we visited the tomb a few weeks ago (the trip was organised by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust, the charitable institution funding the Bhendi
mohnish dabhoya
Raudat Tahera Street, Bhendi Bazaar. Non-Bohra visitors must ask for permission from the caretaker. Daily 5.30pm.
Bazaar redevelopment plan) the dome was shrouded in sturdy, white tarpaulin to prevent its pristine marble from getting damaged by falling debris from nearby buildings under demolition. Despite its awkward headgear, the dargahs showy interiors were in startling contrast to the unpretentious neighbourhood. Inside, the entire Quran is inscribed in gold on 772 marble slabs, quarried from Rajasthan, just like for the Taj Mahal. The phrase Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim, repeated 113 times, is inlaid with precious stones. According to a brochure printed for the tombs inauguration in 1975, Dawoodi Bohras from across the globe have funded the mausoleum. A marble vault, holding the mortal remains of the 51st Syedna, lies at the heart of the air-conditioned mosque, bathed in the glow of a massive chandelier. Throughout the day, devotees throng the vault, kissing the cool marble surface. The deceased Syedna lives on even in the mausoleums design. The sanctum sanctorum is 80ft tall a monument to the Syednas age when he died and its dimensions of 51 ft x 51 ft symbolise his rank as the 51st vice-regent of the Fatemi Imam. The Kufic script, a form of the Arabic script, is used extensively in the mausoleum because he introduced it to India. If the plan is implemented, the Raudat Tahera will sadly no longer be a serendipitous discovery. For now however, keep your eyes peeled when racing over the flyover. Nergish Sunavala
Highway stars
Much after the credits roll, Bollywoods big show continues on the street, finds out Parikshit Rao.
umbai loves its movies dearly. In return, cinema nourishes it by thriving in the citys veins. Till date, Bollywood bellows from television sets beaming 1990s action flicks at barber shops, while its soundtrack accompanies the citys gods and grooms to their respective ends. Along the shore and highways, Hindi cinema looms large from billboards; it moans painfully in the lovesick ballad oozing out of a train commuters phone. Commercial cinema in Mumbai is racy, loud and a reflection of humanitys emotional dilemmas. This photo feature is about movie-inspired vehicle art that decorates a tiny per cent of the 1,50,000 auto-rickshaws (according to a World Research Institute-Embarq report) roaming the suburbs of Mumbai. Designed by local radium sticker-walas these vivid portraits attest the current trend in cinema as well as pay heartfelt tribute to a few acting legends. Auto-rickshaws sporting their 70mm hearts on their sleeve almost always resemble the movies. They swagger through red lights and know all the short cuts in town, and the boot is usually a flashy, bass-driven sound system. Every vehicle is unique, brimming with rebellion, just like the celluloid idols the Bambaiyya auto driver reveres. Older actors like Dilip Kumar often get a role on the side-panel. He is a smiling motif hovering above the words, Naya Daur a 1957 BR Chopra melodrama portraying a common mans victory over a mechanised world. On the back of another rickshaw, Raj Kapoor
February 15 28 2013 www.timeoutmumbai.net 15
in his Shri 420 get-up is graciously named the Millennium Star. However, todays action heroes clearly are the go-to people for ultimate street cred. Salman Khan currently the Goliath of Bollywood doesnt spare many rickshaws; his large muscles and grim face takes over windshields, rear and side panels. When you dont see his visage, just the name of his recent blockbuster suffices. Sanjay Dutt, Vivek Oberoi, Ajay Devgn, and Shah Rukh Khan all of whom have essayed the role of a gangster in at least one film settle for second place. Its sweet pleasure to see Hollywood stake a claim on such savage turf. One morning in Bandra, Johnny Depp made an unusual appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow on the back of a well-maintained rickshaw. Umesh, driver of the Depp machine explained, Mera dost Bandya Bhandup se usne yeh Hindi picture dekha tha. Usko bahut accha laga to usne yeh drawing kiya aur mere gaadi par laga diya (My friend Bandya from Bhandup saw the Hindi version of this film and really liked it. He designed this sticker for me.) The Pirates of the Caribbean memorabilia cost Umesh only `1,500. He has never seen the film, and had no idea who the guy in the picture was. Indian cinema recently completed 100 years and within that century the movies have had us hooked. After all, this is the country where temples are built for movie stars and huge cut-outs of heroes bathed in milk before a films first show. The peculiar Bollywood art that graces Mumbais rickshaws is a simpler act of devotion; a fan giving form to the madness called cinema. The art is ever-changing, depends heavily on box office trends, but at its heart is a cheerful reminder of whats ticking with the man on Mumbais streets. Hopefully, this show of popularity never sees The End.
We tell you what to watch out for at the Oscars

A still from Beasts of the Southern Wild, nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. The ceremony will be telecast live on Star Movies on Mon Feb 25 at 6am, with a repeat telecast at 8pm. See page 32.
Prize catch
Amour
Michael Haneke is a tricky customer, as Dave Calhoun finds out.
Amour is a portrait of isolation, of two older people whose flat is becoming a fortress to the outside world. How important was it to set the film almost entirely within one apartment? First of all, its the case that with old people, especially when theyre sick, the world shrinks to the four walls they live within. They shut out the world: its a challenge they cant cope with. Also, I wanted to avoid making my film a social drama. There have been enough films that present these themes as a social drama, that deal with context and environment, with hospitals, ambulances and doctors. I wanted to make an existential drama that deals with the question: How do I cope with the suffering of a loved one? Georges and Annes can afford nursing care and all the help they need. Why did you choose to make them comfortably off? It would have been possible to set the film in a social milieu where the people were poor, where they couldnt afford to keep Anne at home and would have had to send her to hospital. However, the audience would have concluded: if only they had more money, it would have been easier for them. Which, of course, is totally false. You give us a man coping with his wifes illness. Why that way around rather than the man being ill? I always wanted to work with JeanLouis Trintignant, and in fact I wrote the script for him, and that determined how the story would go. You draw two exceptional performances from Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant. Its Trintignants first film in years. Yes, his last film was 14 years ago. In the case of Emmanuelle Riva, I was captivated along with so many men by her performance in Alain Resnais Hiroshima Mon Amour. After that film Id lost sight of her.
Inset: Michael Haneke; Emmanuelle Riva in Amour
The triumph of intense truth and emotions

Though I had heard my colleagues art-house cinema. Amour had (much more film literate than me) intense emotions, but there passionately discuss Michael was also intense truth truth Hanekes earlier films,Amourwas as had been promised by the my first encounter with his work. premise.Another reason to I was told thatAmourwas a cherishAmouris the performance departure from his earlier films, of its two actors. Jean-Louis dividing his fans the world over Trintignant is someone who never some loved it, while others looks like hes acting, much like thought it was more sentimental Soumitra Chatterjee. Watching than his earlier films. Emmanuelle Riva was special When I watched the film, free of because she acted in another any pre-conceived notions about relentlessly intense film that both Haneke, it struck me, devastated my wife and I are particularly fond me and then educated me about of:Hiroshima Mon Amour. how to relentlessly pursue Hanekes earlier films, a theme to its inevitable as I found out in due denouement. Love and course, were indeed a death are themes that could lot less sentimental easily devolve into thanAmour.Its an sentimental cop-outs, educative path to but Amour did not, take for me as and that too without Im continually any intellectual trying to avoid itch scratching that sentimentality in plagues much of Dibakar Banerjee its completeness when I make my (much inferior) films. The idea isnt to become cold or uninvolved, but to focus on true emotions and not fudge them by adding fake drama. At the end of that path if I can reach an Amour, at least a part of my film learning will be complete. As far asAmours chances at the Oscars go, I dont really give a fuck because the Oscars, like any other mainstream awards ceremony, is a chancy compromise between middlebrow taste, star power, aggressive lobbying,technical showmanshipand of course, genuine quality. The happy co-incidence is that foreign language films likeAmourbenefit its the only category where the jury (perhaps) is less concerned about aspects other than quality. For me, Amour shows the way. Nuff said. As told to Aniruddha Guha
Argo
Ben Affleck achieves the look, feel, and almost smell of the late 1970s, writes Tom Huddleston.
Its a little-known fact that Ben Affleck celebrity totty, tabloid bait and esteemed filmmaker has a degree in Middle Eastern Affairs from the University of Vermont. Its a qualification he puts to good use in Argo, a nail-biting thriller based (fairly loosely) on real events which, for the majority of its length, manages to avoid the expected Hollywood clichs about the Middle East and promotes a balanced view of Americas dealings with that troubled region. Its 1979, and after the fall of the Shah, supporters of the new Islamic rulers of Iran have laid siege to the US embassy, demanding the return of their former leader for trial. But six embassy employees have escaped, and are hiding out in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Enter Tony Mendez (Affleck), a CIA exfiltration expert with a crafty if bizarre plan: posing as a film producer complete with sci-fi script, production sketches and an ad in Variety hell smuggle the six back to safety. For 100 minutes, Argo is close to flawless. Unashamedly modelling his directorial style on the stark, serious 70s thrillers of Alan J Pakula and Sidney Lumet, Affleck cranks up the tension. The script is witty and insightful, contrasting US and Iranian popular reactions to the crisis: its Death to America versus Ayatollah Assaholla. Theres not enough attention paid to character development Mendez, in particular, never comes into sharp focus but that was true in the Pakula/Lumet films, too, and its mitigated by a superb cast, notably Alan Arkin as an irascible Hollywood old-hand. But the films most abiding pleasure is the period detail: using multiple film stocks and reportedly blowing up some of the 35mm footage for a grainier texture, Affleck achieves the look, feel, and almost smell of the late 1970s. From the opening old-school Warner Bros logo snatched from a crackly 70s print to the closing montage of real photos of the hostages, theres a commitment to minutiae which enriches the experience beyond measure.
John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Ben Affleck in Argo
Ben Affleck has the knack for getting the tone right
Ive been a fan of Ben Affleck since he co-wrote and acted in Good Will Hunting in 1997.I have enjoyed his writing and acting, but I think he has really come into his own as a director. Gone Baby Gone, his first directorial effort, was a great thriller that had me guessing all the way through it, and was soaked in a wonderfully dense Boston milieu. He followed that up with The Town, a modern take on the heist film, and yet again rooted in his hometown. As a director, I know that one of the hardest things to define is a filmstone,yet it is one of the most visceral reactions we have to a film. And Affleck managed to nail that in The Town, which bolstered my view that he was a serious directing talent. And that brings us to Argo. Affleck stepped out of Boston for the first time, choosing to tell a story set in Iran and LA, and brought levity to a thrilling, audacious hostage drama. He began with stark, hostile images, and bookended his film with the actual journalistic images from that time. It was the perfect frame for Affleck: he identified extraordinary source material, and made us relive actual happenings palpably. But he departed from real events liberally too, to make an extremely engaging human story. A great ensemble cast portrayed unforgettable characters from Afflecks Tony Mendez to the Hollywood duo played by Alan Arkin and John Goodman. Once again, the overall tone of the film was fresh and compelling, and helped this drama succeed in an age where costumed, CG-heavy superhero franchises are dominant. As far as his snub for a Best Director nomination at the Oscars goes, I think Affleck summed it up best on the night he won best director for Argo at the Golden Globes. Im really grateful. We got nominated for seven Oscars, including best picture. I was thrilled. I mean, if you cant be happy with that, your prospects for long-term happiness are probably pretty dim. That response, perfect in tone, is partly why he is rapidly turning into one of my favourite directors.
Rohan Sippy
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Do some people really live the way Hushpuppy and Wink do off the grid, no electricity, at the mercy of the elements? The Bathtub is very much a fantasy, but there are places down south of Louisiana that are being cut off by levees and they are going through this exact type of catastrophe where their land is falling apart out from under them, storms are coming more regularly, theyre having to figure out how to survive. The film has a very freeform style to it. Was its creation essentially freeform, or was it actually a quite disciplined set? It was a designed chaos. We put in a ton of work before we started shooting; doing improvisation and interviews with the actors, massively rewriting the script during that time to adapt to the location. But even at that point, when you put a kid on a boat, things go wrong, so you have to constantly be able to react to whats happening on set. How did you know you had found the little girl to star in it? When Quvenzhan first came in she just had this incredible focus. Id do exercises with her where Id say, OK, you just stepped on a nail, and she wouldnt pop out of character, she wouldnt overact pain, you could see in her eyes she was feeling a lot of pain. It was mind-blowing that someone that age could give such an advanced performance. Some commentators have said the movie glamourises poverty or its like cultural tourism. The film is really not about poverty but self-sufficiency. In Bathtub, food is in unbelievable abundance, they pull their meals out of the water, they have a system of educating their children about what they believe in.
Benh Zeitlin tells Nick Dent how he made the most apocalyptic film of the year.
Inset: Benh Zeitlin; Quvenzhan Wallis in a scene from Beasts of the Southern Wild
A story narrated in an honest, simple manner by a first-time director

A story, Ive always believed, is the soul of any film and Beasts of the Southern Wild has a very strong plot, in addition to a smooth almost flawless narrative. I found the whole aspect of the film being about this community living on the fringe interesting; the story could be set anywhere in the world. Theres some sort of emotional manipulation involved in the way the storys told, surely, but its done in an honest, simple manner by first-time director Benh Zeitlin. The most amazing thing about the film was that Zeitlin could extract a performance out of the six-year-old girl, Quvenzhan Wallis, which almost drives the film single-handedly.I liked the fact that the girl narrates the story through a voiceover. We react to voiceovers in a movie in theres a sense of foreboding different ways, and personally, among the characters, it isnt this one took me to a space I overtly sentimental; the girl and presume the director wanted her father dont hug even once. me to go I wanted to listen They have their own instincts to her story once she started and ways of wading through the narrating it. I watched Terrence Mallicks relationship. Overall, though, while I The Tree Of Life only a couple of liked the film, I may have weeks ago, and I found watched it with too Zeitlins vision to be as poetic, even as his many expectations, voice is very original. and that took away some of the films I like basic human charm for me. emotions to drive I think I would a story, and its commendable have enjoyed it a lot more had that despite I discovered it. making a film Nothing beats with a canvas as the joy of stumbling big as he did, he ensured that you upon a great film without remember that expecting it. its the girls story As told to Aniruddha at the end of the Guha day. Even though Gauri Shinde
Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino talks to Time Out about his first full-blown spaghetti western.
When did the Django Unchained plot first come to you? Oddly enough, it came to me during my Inglourious Basterds press tour. I was in Tokyo, where you can get all these great spaghetti western soundtracks, and I was listening to them, when the story came to me. Its changed since then, but I wrote the first scene in Tokyo. Then it took me six months to finish the script. What do you believe Jamie Foxx has brought to the role of Django? Jamie is terrific. He understands the character, cares about the subject and gets the history of it. He is acting for me and for himself, but also for his ancestors. And at the same time hes being this iconic spaghetti western hero. What can you say about Christoph Waltz? He reminds me of Lee Van Cleef. Christoph delivers his scenes as brilliantly and magnificently as youd imagine. And more than that, he also forms a fantastic team with Jamie. Their horses are called Tony and Fritz the first two huge cowboy superstars were William S Heart and Tom Mix, and their horses names were also Tony and Fritz. Your love for genre films, especially westerns, is evident in this movie. Ive been evoking westerns in quite a few of my films, such as Kill Bill Vol 2 and also Inglourious Basterds. When we did the opening sequence of Inglourious Basterds, my script supervisor, Martin Kitrosser who has worked on every movie Ive ever made said: Quentin, this is your first western! Now I can stop evoking them and commit to shooting one. What is the movies music like? There will be a lot of spaghetti western sound. And, as usual, Ill use stuff from my record collection.
Inset: Quentin Tarantino; Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained
A thought-provoking, disturbing and hilarious outing

As crap an actor as he is, Quentin Tarantino is a highly gifted filmmaker. He has an innate ability to present many of our darkest thoughts as the most casual of acts. With probably his finest work,Inglourious Basterds,preceding this gig, Tarantino seems to have held up well withDjango Unchained. Homage to the spaghetti western and an imaginative historical analysis of pre-civil war America,Django Unchainedis Tarantinos spaghetti southern! I would love to ask Tarantino how much blood he thinks exists in the human body? And as his frames are awash with an ocean of viscera,Django Unchainedturns out to be a thoughtprovoking, disturbing and hilarious outing. The film marries pulpy trash and great art in Tarantinos inimitable way. It is packed with graphic violence (body parts exploding), brilliant writing and music and some great performances (Christoph Waltz and Samuel Jackson are sublime). Tarantino has not in any way whatsoever sugar-coated his cultural take the unimaginable pain that the slaves must have endured during a pathetic and shameful time for humanity comes through. And even though the journey is infused with heavy doses of zany humour and historical facts are bent ever so creatively, a shocking reality does ring true. My grouses with the
Homi Adajania
film have to do with the writing of the female protagonist (Kerry Washington). Unlike Tarantinos inimitable heroines of the past, here we have a character Broomhilda who does not allow one to emotionally invest in her. As a result, her fate is of little concern to the audience. Also, the third act falters and bumbles along. Yet, the film ends up leaving you entertained because of the brilliant bits that make a questionable whole. It is a story of revenge, love and friendship all blended into Tarantinos world where the implausible seems so very believable. So if you dont mind watching nuts being lopped off and people being killed unapologetically, thenDjango Unlimitedwill work for you. Either way, just remember that the D is silent.
Les Misrables
Of all the 80s supermusicals, this one less silly than Cats, more timely than Phantom beats loudest in the hearts of the Broadway faithful, and for the good reason that it feels like a real piece of art. French rebellion aches with universal compassion; all of Victor Hugos fantastical plotting is countered by the downer-dramatic ballad I Dreamed a Dream. In Tom Hoopers powerhouse film version, Anne Hathaway, as the ruined Fantine, demolishes this number, live-singing a single, Falconetti-worthy take choked with pain and fierce regret. (You can only imagine the rioting on 45th Street had she been less than perfect.) Just for this small piece of movie magic, instantly iconic, the big-screen Les Miz is a triumph. Then theres the rest of it, and you probably already know where you stand. Russell Crowes pained vocal stylings (they sound more like barks) as relentless Inspector Javert can be forgiven after hearing Hugh Jackmans old-pro fluidity in the central role of Jean Valjean, hiding a criminal past. The faintly unrealistic world that Hooper emphasises with wideangle strangeness could be a function of the mysterious abstraction of musicals themselves a leap of faith that fewer viewers are able to make these days. Overall, you might just be wrecked and need a hug. And remember to be generous with any naysayers and spread your arms wide; they will probably be weeping as well.
Anne Hathaways performance makes for cinematic magic, writes Joshua Rothkopf.
The cinematography does no justice to the films canvas

Given that director Tom Hoopers last film, The Kings Speech, was so good and that Les Misrables has been nominated in the Best Picture category at the Oscars this year, I found the film to be rather underwhelming. It must have not been an easy film to make, given that the story traverses across years and has a period setting. Besides, even by traditional musical standards, Hooper adopts a rather unusual storytelling technique where almost the entire film is in a musical format with hardly any dialogue being spoken at all, rather than songs punctuating dialogues as is the norm. Its like watching Broadway on the big screen. My problem with the film isnt so much with the style Hooper adopts, but more to do with how he hasnt really managed to make it engaging enough. Getting the actors to sing may have seemed like an interesting idea, but the result isnt exactly great. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, of course, are really good, but Russell Crowe seems miscast. There are too many things happening, and the narrative is very confusing. I was left wondering whether it was meant to be a cop-and-thief story, a love story, or an intense drama about the French Revolution. Every time I got involved in a certain aspect of the story, it was pulled away from me I was never sucked in. The films cinematography belies its canvas. Its mostly shot in closed spaces, with most actors captured in low-angle close-ups. Initially, it seems like an interesting filmmaking technique but gets tedious after a point. The Kings Speech was shot in similar closed spaces, but the nature of the story complemented it well. Thats not the case with Les Misrables. Hoopers forte, clearly, seems to be the work he gets out of his actors, and he has once again extracted some great performances from his principal leads. However, a clearer narrative would have helped the films cause greatly. As told to AG
Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman in Les Misrables
Rajkumar Gupta
Life of Pi
When did you first read Yann Martels novel? A friend introduced it to me. Its the kind of book people introduce to each other. I thought it was fascinating and mind-boggling. But I didnt think it was a movie. I read it, and I put it aside. Then four years ago, Fox approached me. I was busy making another movie, but I kept thinking about that offer. Then, out of nowhere, I thought of 3D. It didnt really exist for artistic endeavour back then, before Avatar. I thought: Maybe with this new dimension, theres some kind of chance. You use both CG and practical, in-camera effects. How important was it to get the balance right? The best use of effects is to mix real elements with CG. If a shot is all CG, even if its scientifically accurate, it doesnt look right to our eyes. More often than not, I had to mess up the shot, make it worse,
Ang Lee tells Tom Huddleston about how he messed up certain shots in Life of Pi to make the CG look real.
because thats how film looks. How was it working with a live Bengal tiger? We had four tigers. The main character was King, seven years old, 450 pounds, gorgeous animal we modelled the CG tiger onto him. We scanned him, shot a lot of references: how every hair catches the light, how every muscle moves, how the tail curls around. Another important thing is the weight distribution of a tiger on a rocking boat. That is very hard to get right. Were there things you wanted to say with Life of Pi besides what is expressed in the book? It starts with the book. The book is a bible. But when you struggle with something, you forget the book you just try to make the scene work. I wanted to examine not so much the literary imagination, but cinema. Thats my world, thats my illusion-making.
Ang Lee makes philosophy accessible to audiences

I had the opportunity to meet Ang Lee when he was down in Mumbai to show portions of Life of Pi to a select audience. The way he spoke about the effort that went into making the film, and given the time he spent in achieving the results he did, its impossible to distinguish between the man and his film. He has an honest concern for humanity, and that comes through in Life of Pi his philosophy drives the film. We function in a time when pure philosophy has been missing in our films theres some kind of reverse snobbery against that. Just when the see-saw seems to be getting heavy on the other side, Ang Lee manages to get audiences inside theatres for a truly philosophical experience. I tried reading Life of Pi the book thrice, and put it aside each time. The film, however, ensured I was engaged, and at the same time charmed me with its cinematic brilliance. Having been part of his earlier works as a viewer, I can safely say Lee is a versatile thinker unlike, say, Terrence Mallick who pretty much thrives on intensity. And unlike greats like Andrei Tarkovsky, who I have always been a big fan of and whose films need repeated viewings to grasp their philosophy entirely, Lee makes philosophy accessible to audiences. He knows he has the support of the Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon fan, who wont want to miss his film, and at the same time he won over a fresh audience with this film. I would rate the 3D in Life of Pi two notches above that of Hugo. Its not so much about the scale; rather its about the stillness, and watching the world from underneath the water. Theres something quaintly poetic about it. Watching Life of Pi is a lot more than just spending an afternoon at the movies. Its a rare surreal experience. As told to AG
Inset: Ang Lee; Suraj Sharma in Life of Pi
Amole Gupte
Lincoln
In Steven Spielbergs Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis plays Americas favourite president, as a benign, wise, ageing goat. He can bare his teeth, but prefers to chew doubters into submission, like hes turning over an old can between well-worn teeth. He launches into gentle, storytelling monologues as if employing stealth weaponry: the young and green lap them up; the seasoned and weary roll their eyes, submitting to conversational death by a thousand anecdotes. to- coffin biopic, This is not a cot- even if that carved-in-granite title suggests otherwise. Instead, Spielberg and writer Tony Kushner (Munich) drawing on a book by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin delight in the backroom wrangling and public rhetoric that in 1865 led to the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, outlawing slavery. This is Spielberg in the historical mode of Schindlers List but with his more epic and populist wings intriguingly clipped by a story that mostly takes place over just a few weeks in January 1865. Kushners script is a masterpiece of miniature portraiture. The films thrust is the countdown to a vote as Lincoln and his agents battle to find enough Republicans and Democrats to back the amendment while simultaneously keeping end-ofwar negotiations on track. Especially electric is the push and pull between Kushners talky, microscopic script unafraid of politics, long scenes and four walls and Spielbergs attraction, in cahoots with cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, to quietly iconic moments: Lincolns famous beard silhouetted against the night or the faint shadow of soldiers riding past Ulysses S Grant (Jared Harris) and Lincoln as they chat on a porch. This doesnt mean Lincoln is free of heavy-handed moments an early encounter between Lincoln and some young soldiers verges on the corny and theres some near-slapstick stuff involving spivvy lobbyists. But mostly Spielberg finds a happy balance between the sober and the stirring, and even John Williamss score is relatively muted.
Tony Kushners script is a masterpiece of miniature portraiture, writes Dave Calhoun.
A Spielberg film
Lincoln isnt conventional in any paced so beautifully that it has you glued throughout. way. Its meant to be a biopic, Lincoln is a classic but even then it doesnt focus Spielberg film. The director on the entire life of a person, has a standard trick, where but only the last few months, he builds drama throughout a and his efforts to have the film, irrespective of the genre 13th Amendment to the United hes dabbling in. His Munich, States Constitution passed. for example, had an inherent Its a dry subject, with no action-packed plot, and while natural, inbuilt drama its like Lincoln doesnt have that, its reading a very boring book. The structure is just as interesting. challenge, then, is to create You need a Daniel Daydrama and who better than Lewis to shoulder a film like Steven Spielberg to do that. Lincoln. His portrayal of the It is a slow-paced film, US president is incredibly yet Spielbergs made a accurate of course riveting drama by picking its largely based on the right moments to perceptions and from show on screen, whatever youve and by making seen in pictures: small unimportant tall, stooped, etc. anecdotes With Day-Lewis, its interesting. The Krishna DK very easy to believe screenplay is that the character on screen is Lincoln. Theres tremendous hype around the actor; even if he coughs unintentionally, you are compelled to believe its authentic. But thats also because he does such a brilliant job every time, as he has in Lincoln. Personally, though, I enjoyed Tommy Lee Jones performance more. Hes got a fun character, someone whos abusive and gives it back, and Jones has nailed the role. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Argo, Lincolns the best among the nine films. Argos more of a crowd-pleaser, while Lincoln never deliberately tries to please the audience beyond Spielbergs natural tendency to makes things entertaining. As told to AG
Daniel Day-Lewis in and as Lincoln
Silver Linings Playbook

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are about more than just flashy good looks in this pacy comedy, says Cath Clarke.
In David O Russells new comedy, two of Hollywoods new favourite actors, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (hes the alpha-guy in The Hangover, shes the devil-tough Katniss from the film adaptation of Suzanne Collins novel The Hunger Games) have recently suffered breakdowns. Oh, and they bond through the medium of modern dance. Sounds like a textbook case of actors rattling the worthy tin for prizes? Funnily enough, not this time. Silver Linings Playbook zips along on its offbeat energy and fast-paced, wisecracking script. Its undemanding, but funny, honest even, about the issue of mental health without being patronising (most of the time) and best of all, its brilliantly acted. After a nasty incident involving his ex-wifes lover and a bipolar diagnosis, Pat Solitano (Cooper) has spent eight months at a psychiatric ward. Back at home living with his folks, hes convinced that his ex is waiting for him to get better (in spite of that restraining order). His dad (Robert De Niro, gilding the lily) is an illegal bookie whos borderline obsessive and has anger issues. Pats long-suffering mum (played by the incredible Jacki Weaver) holds the dysfunctional family together with her warmth. This world isnt a million miles from Russells last film, The Fighter. And the Solitano household reminded me of that old line about home being the only place where they have to take you in. When Pat meets Tiffany (Lawrence) and discovers that shes friends with his ex-wife, he agrees to be her dance partner in a local talent competition if she passes a note to his ex. In an oddly touching scene, the pair bond over prescription drugs (They just take the light out of your eyes, dont they). The acting is sparky and intelligent, with Cooper proving theres more to him than flashy good looks. As for Lawrence, she acts every role like theres a soulful storm raging inside of her.
Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook
For a Russell fan, this is underwhelming

When I was in film school, I found out that Woody Allen had recommended a film called Flirting with Disaster. Being a fan of the filmmaker, I had to check it out and thats how I discovered the brilliance of David O Russell. I then looked up his other films, I Y Huckabees and Spanking Monkeys, both of which I loved too. Russell has a knack of picking serious issues and soaking them in humour Flirting with Disaster spoke of incest, but it was funny. Three Kings, again, was a black comedy on war. The moment I saw the Silver Linings Playbook trailer, I was up for it. A screwball-ish comedy with a mental illness at the centre of things it seemed like a quintessential Russell film and I, the fan, couldnt wait to see it. You could blame it on increased expectations, but I found the film to be underwhelming. Its not as if I didnt like it, but it left no impact on me I wasnt thinking about it the next day. Its strange to have Russell nominated for Best Director instead of Ben Affleck for Argo, but I guess its the Academys way of making up for not recognising his earlier films. Again, even though Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro totally deserved their nominations, I wonder how Bradley Cooper and Jacki Weaver got through. Cooper stole what is rightly John Hawkes spot; the actor was incredible in The Sessions, which is also a better film overall. In spite of all my misgivings about the film, I loved the way Russell treated his characters their relentless attempts at retribution, the fact that they dont filter their thoughts, and they are completely out there with their emotions. Theres an initial scene in the film that brings that out beautifully: when Lawrence and Coopers characters meet for the first time, their friends try to play down their faults, but the two are absolutely honest with each other. At one point, Lawrence says, We are not liars like they are. For me, that was the high point of the film. The rest of it, sadly, didnt match up to it. As told to AG
Shakun Batra
Zero Dark Thirty

How do you feel when people make presumptions about your politics from watching Zero Dark Thirty ? There was a similar thing with The Hurt Locker, people wanting to know my feelings about the Iraq War. And I was mystified, because theres no conceivable way you could watch that movie and think: I want to go and stand in a rubblestrewn street and pull wires out of an extremely explosive device.
So what do you say to people who claim the film is pro-torture? I find it interesting that you could see Zero Dark Thirty and in any way come to the conclusion that it is pro-harsh tactics. Its absolutely inconceivable. My feeling going in was: if we dont examine some of the more regrettable acts that transpired in the name of finding Osama bin Laden, were going to repeat them.
Dave Calhoun gets Kathryn Bigelow to defend herself against allegations of glorifying torture.
Inset: Kathryn Bigelow; Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty
Our window into this story is a CIA operative, Maya (Jessica Chastain), who is based on a real person. Why did you choose her perspective? Well, there were these characters who emerged as Mark [Boal, writer] was reporting it. So we shaped the story around the research and attempted to make it as faithful a rendering of that story as we could, knowing, however, that its ten years compressed into two-and-a-half hours. So its accurate in the way a movie can be accurate. Its not a documentary, and I stress that. Was it important that the film should avoid looking triumphant at the end? That it shouldnt present the death of bin Laden as rousing? That was beautifully captured on page. Yes, the operation to find him was successful, but the film posits a question: what now? Where do we go from here? Where do we want to go as a country? I think its an opportunity for reflection.
A story about hope and determination

I have a very simple approach to watching films: I must enjoy them. BarringThe Weight of WaterandK19, I have enjoyed every Kathryn Bigelow film to date.Near Dark, Blue SteelandPoint Breakare some of my favourite Bigelow films, andZero Dark Thirty (ZDT)is a great addition to that list. InZDT, Bigelow takes her time to set up the premise, introducing us to the atrocities of terrorism from the outset, and letting the story flow from there. Somewhere, though, I dont see this film as a classic good-triumphs-over-evil story. For me, ZDT is about hope and determination. Its a story about a normal employee Maya, played by Jessica Chastain, who happens to be a CIA employee. Bigelow should get credit for not turning Chastain into a superwomanas she embarks on her quest to find a man whos been most elusive. As in any field of work, she has to fight redtapism even as she battles an inner conflict: what she believes against what the facts are. Chastains character could have been set against any backdrop, but Bigelow finds a way to use it to her advantage while telling this specific story. Chastain is remarkably consistent, never losing focus as an actor. Just like Maya, all other characters have been developed with much care, especially that of Jennifer Ehle, who plays Mayas colleague. Seasoned actors like Mark Strong and Kyle Chandler add to the ensemble. The films sound design and cinematography deserve special mention. Bigelow and writer Mark Boal pen a taut script one thats thread out of everyday happenings. Its Bigelows mastery over storytelling that turns you the audience into Maya, constantly making you identify with her character, hoping for everything she does. Mayas final realisation is as much a revelation to her as it is to you as an audience. Its as emotional too.
Sujoy Ghosh
Best Foreign Language Film

Amour Austrian director Michael Hanekes Amour trains an unflinching eye on old age and an inexorable struggle with illness. The story centres on Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and Anne (Emanuelle Riva), a Parisian couple in their eighties. A stroke leaves Anne partially paralysed. Georges feeds her, washes her hair, reads to her and tries to help Anne cope as much as possible with an illness thats steadily getting worse. Haneke, who has also written the film, keeps the story free of the sentimentality that it could have so easily slid into. The larger tragedy constantly looms over Georges and Anne but viewers see how dealing with day-to-day living, ordinarily taken for granted, can sometimes prove the hardest ground to navigate. A Royal Affair Set in 18th-century Denmark, A Royal Affair recounts the unhap py marriage of the mentally ill King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Flsgaard) and his queen, Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander). Caroline moves to Denmark from England after an arranged marriage with King Christian. She quickly realises shes on her own, with a volatile husband who spares no opportunity to humiliate her. She distances herself from the monarch after producing an heir. Christian then sets out on a tour of Europe, where he meets Johann Friedrich Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen), a German doctor who he appoints as his personal physician. Through his friendship with the troubled king, Struensee introduces several reforms that help a country teeming with disease and held in the vice-grip of nobles. Caroline and Struensee soon fall in love and embark on a clandestine affair, setting the stage for inevitable disaster. The beautifully rendered historical drama brims with well-etched characters, and is an enormously engaging watch. Hat tip to Flsgaards portrayal of the distressed, unfathomable King Christian. Kon-Tiki The Norwegian film is a dramatised account of ethnographer Thor Heyerdahls (Pl Sverre Valheim Hagen) real-life voyage across the Pacific Ocean in 1947. Heyerdahl sets out to prove his theory that the Polynesian islands were settled by South Americans 1,500 years ago, and not Asians, as was widely believed. The expedition is soon underway, with a motley gang of enthusiasts on a rudimentary balsa raft. Heyerdahl surrenders navigation to ocean currents for the entire 4,300-mile-journey, from Peru to Polynesia. The isolation from the rest of the world soon starts closing in on the crew, and discord begins to settle in. The film maintains a brisk pace for the most part, and quieter moments of introspection intersperse with the action. Beautifully shot and portrayed with great energy by the cast, Kon-Tiki is a lush recreation of a landmark expedition. No Based on Antonio Skrmetas
Mithila Phadke navigates her way through world cinema offerings at the Oscars this year.
Fighters Rachel Mwanza in War Witch ; Gael Garcia Bernal in No
play El Plebiscito, the film follows Rene (Gael Garcia Bernal), an advertising professional in Chile during the late 1980s. He creates promotional material with his team, aimed at encouraging the public to vote against General Augusto Pinochet, and prevent him running the nation for a further eight years. In the meantime, his boss is working on the yes campaign. No is a snapshot of a turbulent time in Chilean history, when the 1988 plebiscite was to determine if Pinochet would extend his rule. The U-matic videotape format used to shoot the film lends it an authentic texture, as do the snatches of news-footage from the time. Against the backdrop of political frenzy, No presents a vivid take on how advertising came to sink its teeth in electoral campaigns.
War Witch Set in an unnamed African country, War Witch centres on Komona (Rachel Mwanza), a young girl whose village has been massacred by gun-toting rebels. She is forced to shoot her own parents and join the gang. The film plunges headlong into Komonas tumultuous journey as a child soldier, and her subsequent escape from the group with a rebel called Magicien (Serge Kanyinda). The others are determined to hunt her down, as their leader, The Great Tiger, believes she has magical powers. Freq uently disturbing, War Witch takes a hard look at a country dogged by violence and poverty. The powerful narrative is peppered with rare light moments, set to the soundtrack of African folk and pop music.
Best Animation Film

Deborah Cornelious had a rather enjoyable time watching the five nominees for Best Animated Film.
Pirates: A Band of Misfits From the director of Wallace & Gro mit comes yet another heartwarming and wonderfully animated 3D stop-motion tale. A clever script juxtaposed against a simple premise, Pirates makes light, and how, of hardships that come with piracy. Oddball characters aplenty and jokes at every turn render Pirates a fun watch for all ages. Luxuriously bearded Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) must win Scientist of the Year in order to, very ironically, earn credibility for the Pirate of the Year competition. The ticket to win is the last living dodo, the Captains pet Polly discovered by the scrawny but devious Charles Darwin (David Tennant). Pirate-hating Queens (Imelda Staunton) attempts to get her hands on, or rather fork and knife into, Polly and the sell-out Captains return to grace, however delayed, form the crux of this film. ParaNorman Its a bit silly, a witch-cursed town and only one kid with the power to undo it all. But directors Chris Butler and Sam Fell treat silly horror with good humour and give us the incredibly entertaining ParaNor man. Its engaging storyline and trippy-hued animation (towards the end) will lasso in the audience, hook, line and sinker. Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a 11-yearold outcast can see ghosts but no one will believe him. When the dead come to life, the task of quelling the witchs anger is assigned to Norman by his crack-pot uncle Mr Prenderghast who performed the duty before his hilarious demise.
Toonrise kingdom (from top) Pirates: A Band of Misfits, Frankenweenie, Wreck-it Ralph
Norman; his cheerleader sister Courtney (Anna Kendrick); Normans only friend, the chubby and cracked-in-the-head Neil (Tucker Albrizzi); and Neils spacey, beefed up brother, Mitch (Casey Affleck) must save the town. Frankenweenie Anyone who has ever loved a pet will be taken over with bittersweet nostalgia after watching Frankenweenie and its certainly my pick for that Oscar statue. Director Tim Burton weaves magic with his grotesque and morose characters in this black and white 3D stop motion animated flick. A simple story comes alive because of the relationship between a boy and his friend. The intelligent Victor Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) brings his pet dog Sparky back to life with the help of science after getting inspired by his teacher Mr Rzykruski (Martin Landau). His classmates, the Igor-like Edgar (Atticus Shaffer), Nassor (Martin Short) whos like the original Frankensteins monster, Toshiaki (James Hiroyuki Liao), chubby Bob (Robert Capron) and Weird Girl (Catherine O'Hara) seek to outdo Sparkys resurrection and in turn unleash freaky monsters on the town. Brave In the Scottish highlands, King Fergus (Billy Connolly) daughter Merida (Kelly MacDonald), a skilled archer, yearns to escape from her
obligation to marry. In a bid to change her disapproving mother, Merida turns Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) into a bear and then her triplet brothers follow suit, becoming the cutest animated bear cubs ever, by an act of greed after eating the spell-laced cake. Its up to Merida to reverse the spell and uphold her familys honour. Amazing animation it may pack especially Meridas fiery crown of curls but Braves plot, banal at times, fails to capture attention for long. The unusual love story one between mother and daughter forced humour and even the characters dont do justice to Pixars legacy. Its a wonder Brave finds a place on this list, frankly. Wreck-it Ralph With the 30th anniversary of his
game approaching, Wreck-it Ralph (John C Reilly) is tired of being the ostracised bad guy in the video game Fix-It Felix, Jr. Hes left out of their legendary parties, where even an animated Skrillex makes a fleeting appearance. In order to be accepted, Ralph must earn a medal, he is told, like the games protagonist Felix (Jack McBrayer). Ralphs adventures range from joining the first-person-shooter Hero's Duty to the kart-racing Sugar Rush where he finds an unwilling ally in Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman). A stunning visual treat that des seamless shifts from inclu retro and current video game mode to animation, a script thats a ringer and deep characters with real emotions speed up Wreck-it Ralph to the Oscar forefront.
The Acting Oscars

Time Out breaks down the four categories that everyone has an opinion on. Best Actor
Whos been nominated? Four people who arent going to win and Daniel Day-Lewis. Joaquin Phoenix might have had a shot with his astonishing performance in The Master, but then he went and called awards bullshit and blew himself out of the water. Denzel Washington is still lurking in the background waving his arms, but Flight simply isnt a strong enough movie (it wasnt nominated for Best Picture) to make a win likely. Of the other two contenders, neither Bradley Cooper nor Hugh Jackman have paid their dues in serious roles yet, though if they continue like this, expect a win for either or both sometime in the next decade. Whos going to win? Day-Lewis could pick his nose in front of a camera and get nominated. As it is, his turn as Americas superhero president is one for the ages. Day-Lewiss Lincoln has everything: a funny voice, an awkward gait, a difficult family, an acid wit and a righteous cause, so if he doesnt win itll be the biggest Oscar upset since Chris Rock said all those nasty things about Jude Law. Who was overlooked? Given the surprise success of Amour in the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress categories, it wouldnt have been much of a stretch to imagine Jean-Louis Trintignant being in with a shout for his remarkable, sympathetic turn. As it is, he lost out to Coopers cheekbones and Jackmans belting voice. Wed also have loved to see Bill Murray up there for Hyde Park on Hudson, but perhaps hes simply too much of an irascible outsider to win over Academy hearts.
Whos been nominated? Some Oscars-watchers are calling Best Actress the weakest category in 2013. And its true, there isnt one standout frontrunner (like Meryl Streep in 2012 or Natalie Portman in 2011). Instead, what we have is the chance for this years Best Actress to make Oscar history. Emmanuelle Riva turns 86 on the day of the ceremony, February 24. If she wins, for Amour, shell be the oldest ever winner. If the exceedingly cute (and super talented) nine-year-old Quvenzhan Wallis scoops the prize for Beasts of the Southern Wild, shell be the youngest. Both have maximum potential for a tear-jerking acceptance speech. The other nominees are Naomi Watts (The Impossible), Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty).
Best Actress
Auto pilot Denzel Washington in Flight
Whos going to win? Jennifer Lawrences soulful, screwball funny performance as a sex addict in Silver Linings Playbook makes her the bookies favourite. But you cant help wondering if the Academy might like to indulge in a
Vote for support

The Best Supporting Actor cate gory this year is an entertaining mix of crusty old codgers (Alan Arkin, Argo), borderline crazies (Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook), megalomaniacs (Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master) and wily schemers (Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln; Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained). Until a while back, Hoffman seemed to be the odds-on favourite but then Waltz went and pocketed the Golden Globe. Expect a close three-way race between them and Jones, with Hoffman winning by a leg. Best Supporting Actress should by rights go to Helen Hunt, who gives a brave, funny, splendidly bare performance in The Sessions. Academy voters, however, are more likely to reward Anne Hathaway for her scary haircut and cracking rendition of I dreamed a dream in Les Misrables. Jacki Weaver was memorable as the only sane person among so many assorted nuts in Silver Linings Playbook, but she has an outside chance at best. Rounding out the field are Amy Adams (The Master) and two-time Oscar winner Sally Field (Lincoln). Uday Bhatia
spot of history-making. In that case wed tip Quvenzhan Wallis over Emmanuelle Riva. The Oscars love an underdog. And while Beasts of the Southern Wild might prove too leftfield for Best Picture, voters might see fit to reward the nine-year-old. We also know that the Academy like their Best Actresses to suffer for their art. So dont rule out Naomi Watts, who plays a mum caught up in the 2004 tsunami in The Impossible. Who was overlooked? Past-winner Marion Cotillard, who featured on most prediction lists for her outstanding performance as a whale trainer who loses her legs in Rust and Bone. And this isnt a great year for the Brits. Keira Knightley (Anna Karenina) and three British dames, Helen Mirren (Hitchcock), Judi Dench (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) and Maggie Smith (Quartet) have all been snubbed.
Cult fiction Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Master
Lifestyle
Excess baggage
Cases from Nappa Dori. Photograph by Aditi Tailang.
Travel bags that help you move on
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Dont let your baggage get lost in the crowd of look-alike luggage. Heres our round-up of eye-catching cases. Styling by Akshita Nahar. Photography by Aditi Tailang.
Lifestyle
Reminded of mummys honeymoon trip to Kashmir every time you spot monotone luggage with functionality but no personality? Skybags multi-coloured graffiti suitcases, inspired by New Yorks vibrant cityscape, will ensure youre as clear as the writing on the wall. `19,685 for a set of three pieces. Skybags available at VIP Exclusive, Shop No 5, Umergaon Building, BA Road, Parel (2415-5695). Visit www.vipbags. com for a complete list of stores.
amit chakravarty
Lifestyle
For the regular traveller, vintage-style luggage may not be a practical option. But theres no denying the nostalgic charm of these Nappa Dori pieces, which harken back to the era of steamship travel. And when youre not on the road or the high seas, this luggage makes great home decor. `10,500 each. Nappa Dori available at Le Mill, 2 Meherabad Apartments, Near St. Stephen's Church, Warden Road (98204-44042).
If youre a globetrotter whos more concerned with durability than the niceties, then this padded wheelie from American Tourister is for you. Dont let the cherry red fool you into believing its just a beauty with no brains this expandable case with multiple pockets, fixed combination locks and agile wheels is a real all-rounder. `7,650. American Tourister, Atria Mall, Annie Besant Road, Worli (2481-3404). Visit www.americantouristerindia.com for a complete list of stores.
Whether youre getting on and off airplanes, catching trains or hopping in and out of cabs, Da Milanos resilient duffel will stick by your side. Large enough to dump all your essentials and compact enough to carry, this leather wonder is your best bet for a quick weekend getaway. `12,999. Da Milano, Palladium Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (40041395). Visit www.damilano.com for a complete list of stores.
Theres little more depressing than returning to a cold city after a sunny holiday. But this shiny, hard-wearing suitcase from Tommy Hilfiger will probably brighten your journey. If this bright yellow number doesnt cheer you up, book yourself a one-way flight back. `9,600. Tommy Hilfiger, Ground Floor, Mohammedbhai Mansion, Kemps Corner, NSP Marg (6627-2100). Visit www.tommyindia.com for a complete list of stores.
Check out
Rose blush
Quess, a South African brand makes soaps, lotions and hand sanitisers infused with rose, magnolia and lavender. Their new collection is available at Westside, which now also houses a range of imported pampering essentials made with bamboo extracts, aloe vera, olive and rooibos, a South African tea. From `200. Qess available at Westside, Infiniti, Raheja Classic Complex, New Link Road, Shastri Nagar D Phase, Andheri (W) (6702-1345; www.mywestside.com). Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (2495-3850; www.goodearth.in).
Sales & events

Artsy kitchen exhibition
A well-stocked and elegant kitchen is often essential to inspired cooking. Get all your kitchen and dining ware under one roof at A Not So Casual Kitchen, a curated exhibition that brings together a variety of designer wares in different mediums, all informed by the theme of an artsy kitchen. The collection includes kitchenware from Anataya Decor, Home Collective, Art-n-light, Le Creuset and Adarsh Gills table-ware. Anemos, Krishna House, ground floor, Raghuvanshi Estate, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (2493-4306). Fri Feb 22 - Sun Feb 24, 11am-7pm. From `350.
Oil spill
The luxury bathand body-care label, Kama Ayur veda has introduced a range of massage oils that should ideally be used before stepping into the shower, steam bath or sauna. The line includes Darbari for calmness and meditation, with essential oils of lavender, clary sage and spearmint; Yaman, to relax tired muscles with geranium, lemon grass and rosemary; and Hansdhvani, a re-energising blend of ylang ylang, lemon and basil. From `425 to `715. The Bombay Store, Sir PM Road, Fort (2288-5048). Visit www. kamaayurveda.com for a complete list of stores.
Lifestyle
surfs up
HomeHero
The furniture on HomeHero is built from scratch and makes use of wood and cast iron reclaimed from demolished houses, broken-down ships and landfills. The way they put it, this is a practice that doesnt just help the environment, it produces wonderful designs with unexpected colour and organic textures. We could easily find a corner for the coffee-table made of repurposed railway sleepers and the chest of drawers made from recycled army bullet boxes. Also look out for the armchair made from the jute sacks used to transport tea bags and a bistro set with stools made from old tins of wax polish. This online furniture store promises to be your own personal carpenter too: the folks at HomeHero make personalised pieces from their existing collection, and also craft custom-order furniture. Shop online at homehero.in. From `5,000.
Tied up
Sanjay Gargs collection of Raw Mango saris are now on display at Good Earth. The latest line of handwoven mashru and Chanderi saris, stoles and dupattas reflect the skills of more than 150 craftspeople. With this collection, Garg has aimed to revive the mashru tradition, a colourful silk weave that was brought to India by Turkish traders in the sixteenth century, and favoured by royalty in Rajasthan. (Existing mashru heirlooms are now confined to museum spaces such as the V&A in London.) Raw Mango's mashru saris have been woven alongside a soft cotton body, making them easier to drape. From `8,000. Good Earth, Raguvanshi Mansion, Raguvanshi Mills
Fitness & Wellness

Events & Talks
Three-step rhythmic breathing Yoga teacher Deepak Dhingra on the benefits of the Patanjali yoga technique. Health Education Library for People, Kitab Mahal, DN Road, Fort (65952393). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Khadi Bhandar. 3.30pm.
amit chakravarty
months. Mehul Vora conducts classes at MP Shah School, Sarojini Road, Vile Parle (W). G Vile Parle (WR, CR Harbour). v Vile Parle station. Tue, Thur, 6.30pm. Basic, intermediate and advanced courses cost `6,000 each, for six months.
Les Mills
Bandras F2 Fitness offers the Les Mills exercise regimen. Designed in New Zealand, it involves a series of fitness routines. These include BodyBalance which blends tai chi, yoga and Pilates, the martial artsinspired BodyCombat, BodyJam that has a dance and cardio workout, and BodyPump and BodyAttack for strength and high energy training respectively. F2 Fitness, 106, Silver Pearl, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W) (9223434343). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v National College. Batches every hour from 7am-1pm, 5.30-10.30pm. `3,500 for 20 sessions.
Fri Feb 15
Punch time Get your adrenaline pumping at a Muay Thai session
Lifestyle
Health Education Library for People. See Yoga talk on Fri Feb 15 for address. 4.30pm.
Sat Feb 16
FREE Nike run club The Nike run club is hosted by marathon runner Daniel Vaz and Central Railway athletics team coach Melwyn Crasto. The group meets every Saturday in Kandivali for a two-hour workout and strength-training, followed by a long run. After you register, you will be given a bib (yes, a bib) to wear on every run and youre good to go. Sports Authority of India, Akurli Road, Kandivali (E). G Kandivali (WR). v Samata Nagar. 6am. To register, call Daniel Vaz on 98200-69751.
Wed Feb 27
Dealing with asthma Neeru Mishra on how yogic asanas help one cope with asthma. Health Education Library for People. See Yoga talk on Fri Feb 15 for address. 4.30pm.
Offers
Four Fountains
Visitors from colder cities might sneer at Mumbais barely there winter but we know its bad enough to warrant a little extra TLC. The red-thyme aromatherapy massage at Four Fountains claims to help boost blood circulation and soothe chapped skin. First Floor, Cypress, next to Reliance World, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai (6514-4044). Also at Bandra (64536677) and Malad (6529-4449). Daily 9am-8.30pm. `2,199.
Chandanwadi, New Marine Lines. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Chandanwadi. Tue, Thur, 8pm. Mon, Wed 6pm. `2,500 per month. To register, call 9869055371. Parikshit Sadh teaches at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi (W). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Siddhivinayak Temple. Mon, Fri, 7pm, 8pm. `2,500 per month. To register, call 9820292345. Salonee Gadgil teaches at KDs Kinder Bay Nursery and Playschool, Seven Bungalows, Andheri (W). G Andheri (WR, CR Harbour). v Seven Bungalows Bus Depot. Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am. Tue, Thur, 7pm. To register, call 98205-66649. Fees start at `1,500 per month.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the art of eight limbs because it makes use of eight points of contact with punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes. Think Ong Bak. Amit Lalwani teaches at Saifee Hospital, Charni Road. G Charni Road (WR). v Charni Road station. Tue, Fri, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm. Sun 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am. `1,910 for 8 sessions. Also at Elco Arcade, Hill Road, Bandra (W). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v Hill Road. Mon, Wed, 6.30pm. `1,400 per month. To register, call 98690-36872.
Krav Maga
The fundamental principle of Krav Maga, the Israeli martial art, is simple: do what you have to do to protect yourself and to cause your attacker the maximum pain possible. For instance, learn how to break the hold of an attacker whos sitting on your stomach and trying to strangle you. This is the kind of class that will help you stay super-safe, and super-fit. AMs Studio, Prasad Co-operative Housing Societys basement, Naupada, Thane (W). G Thane (CR Main). v Marathon Chowk. Tue, Thur, 6.30pm. Sun 9.30am. Call 98338-79677 to register. `4,000 for 3
Sat Feb 23
FREE Nike run club See Sat Feb 16.
Spinning
Spinning promises to help you battle with adipose, provided you are willing to sweat it out on a bike. Leena Mogres Specialised Fitness Gym, Bandra (W) (2648-1795). Mon, Wed, Fri, 8pm. `3,500 for a month. Also at JGs Fitness Centre, Gopal Bhuvan, Fourth Floor, Tagore Road, Santa Cruz (W) (2649-6277). Mon, Wed, Fri, 5pm. Tue, Thur, Sat, 6pm, 8pm. `4,000 for all six batches. `2,500 for three batches. `500 per session.
Tue Feb 26
Mudra therapy RC Shah demystifies the concept of Mudra therapy.
How to use this section

Admission for readings and other events is free unless otherwise stated. G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. FREE denotes no admission fee. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Mithila Phadke. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Classes
Aqualates
Deepali Jains classes are underwater adventures. Choose from Pilates, aqua tai chi and aqua kick-boxing. Body Rhythm, Advent, 12-A, General Jagannath Bhosale Marg, Mantralaya. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Mantralaya. To register, call on 98200-94323. Mon, Wed, Fri, 9am. `3,500 for 10 sessions.
Pooc
h Mat
Why do I
Pooch Matters?
ters
Cage-Free Dog Boarding
Capoeira
Enslaved Africans in Brazil are said to have invented this martial art during the sixteenth century. To avoid being caught out, they infused it with music and dance. But dont let that fool you into thinking that a kick from a capoeirist wouldnt hurt. Reza Massah teaches at SS Sahani School, 18th Road, Khar (W). G Khar Road (WR, CR Harbour). v 18th Road. Tue, Thur, 7pm. Also at Nipra House, Ropa Lane,
One pooch at a time policy for proper care
All-Natural Yummy Treats Grooming and Pampering

Including de-shedding and tick removal
Healthy, Homemade, Made-to-order
Doggie Beds, Dhurries, Duvets

...and so much more!
www.pOOchmatters.com 9833119562
Food & Drink
Upper crust
Pizzas battle it out for the top spot

Pizza Metro Pizzas metre-long pie. Photograph by Parikshit Rao.
Year of the pie

Di Napoli
[[[[[
Jharna Thakker flattens out Mumbais best pizza parlours. Photography by Parikshit Rao.
Numbers never lie. And so whatever its origins may be, pizza is currently the most globalised (and industrialised) creation on the planet. Mumbai too isnt immune to this crusty crazes crunchy charms. Over the last eight months alone, weve noticed that pizza parlours are mushrooming across the city faster than Salman Khan movies. So suddenly, we have more serious local contenders than ever before to bicker and battle over from no-cheese and pizza pot pies to Madras chicken curry and pizza alla Nutella.
Food & Drink
Opened in October 2012 Lineage Home-grown under the watchful guidance of Jai Thakur, a banker-turned-baker, who launched his south Mumbai pizza parlour with aVerace Pizza NapoletanaCertificate, which means that hes qualified to serve Real Neapolitan Pizza. Enough said. Pies weve tried Pizza alla Nutella, Greca and Margherita Prosciutto. They recommend Salame Piccante topped with fiery chorizo, onions and aragula. The spicy Spanish sausage on this pie is responsible for creating a cacophony of piquant flavours in your mouth. Time Out recommends Divola the original star-crossed love story that spans from Italy (read pizza) to America (read pepperoni).
Di Napolis Piz z a alla Nut ella
Francescos Pizzeria
Opened in May 2012
[[[[[
Lineage This three-table establishment is largely a stand-alone gourmet pizza delivery service. Pies weve tried Breakfast Pizza, PeriPeri Paneer and Salmon Bianca. They recommend Margo for all you cheese haters, these guys do a wellness pizza made with a multigrain crust, topped with zucchini, carrots, broccoli, edamame, fava beans and cherry tomatoes. Time Out recommends Eggplant Parmigiano this hearty, vegetarian pizza is best described as a deconstructed version of its Italian (baked dish) namesake.
ap o l
Piz z a
g e t ar z as ve Met r o Piz
ian N
Pizza Metro Pizza

[[[[[
Opened in November 2012 Lineage Great service always equates to half the battle won. And the fine folks behind Good Karma (the group responsible for bringing down the International Neopolitan Pizzeria chain from the United Kingdom) know and deploy just this modus operandi. Pies weve tried Diavola, Cicciobomba and Prosciuttio e Funghi. They recommend Club 9 is PMPs ode to the erstwhile dance destination that long resided in this spot. The pizza comes topped with okra, green chilli, goat cheese, mozzarella and basil; rendering it the most perfect, grimy tribute bite. Time Out recommends Napoli this authentic soft-but-crunchy Naples pie comes in non-vegetarian and veggie avatars. Weve got to admit, its been a very long time since weve been stumped into a moment of food silence. Word. PizzaExpress Opened in December 2012
[[[[[
Pizza by the Bay

[[ [[[
Re-opened in May 2012 Lineage This white-and-black art deco space (originally The Pizzeria and Not Just Jazz by the Bay: for 17 years) makes for the smallest segment of the larger Mars Group which is helmed by Sanjay Narang. Pies weve tried Pizza Pot Pie (Great Balls of Fire) and Pizza Mista. They recommend Don Corleone were told this one is Narangs favourite. Time Out recommends Quad Pizza pick and choose four different pizzas (nothing we tried made us scream, I need to come back to eat this!) from their long line-up, order some beer and alternate between sipping, biting and taking in the sights and sounds of Mumbai passing by. The breeze alone, we think, make up for the nostalgia this place easily invokes, of chequered tablecloths and college crowds.
Di N
Lineage This humbly adorned pizza place can retrace its history back to 1965 London, which is when its foodie-founder Peter Boizot opened his first high-street eatery. Pies weve tried American Hot, Quattro Formaggi and Four Season. Time Out recommends Calabrese inspired by one of Italys most picture-perfect regions (Calabria), this Mediterranean-mood pizza looks as good as it tastes All big and bright colours meet bold flavours. We adored the harmonious magic created by the melting fat from the two distinctly different sausages, besides the peppers, fresh and dry herbs, spices and finally, three different kinds of cheese.
ap o
lis
Ma
rg
he
r it
ap
iz z
Rays Caf & Pizzeria

Opened in March 2012
[ [[[
Lineage Hill Roads Rays has an impeccable pedigree. The owners (Hemant and Rashmi Mehta) started out by running Pizzeria Uno (now Pizza by the Bay), the fabled seaside restaurant on Marine Drive, where many office-goers have succumbed to the temptation of calling in sick for the afternoon to spend hours drinking beer and watching the sun glinting on the Arabian Sea. Pizza pies weve tried Margherita, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Hawaiian Mau Lou. They recommend Try their pizza by the slice (starts at ` 100). Time Out recommends These guys are accountable for inventing the iconic Bombay Masala, only here its referred to as Mumbai Masala. A simple plain cheese pizza finished with a sprinkling of their secret Bombaiyya herbs and spices.
Food & Drink
Serafina
[[[ [
Opened in October 2012 Lineage Hot on the heels of their global expansion plans, New York-based Italian restaurateurs Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, along with Chatwals and Global Kitchens are responsible for the India launch of this iconic Italian eatery. Star diners et al. Pizza pies weve tried 4 Stagioni and Al Porcini. They recommend Tartufo Nero this pizza best exemplifies the star-power branding of this international pie house. Truffle cheese, truffle oil and sliced black truffle; need we say more on the subject of refined albeit OTT decadence? Time Out recommends Bianco a Serafina legend, whether in Tokyo, NYC, Russia or Sao Paulo. This sandwich-esque pie is the stuff fluffy white dreams are made of. Baby arugula, shaved Parmesan, fontina, fresh mozzarella with bacon bits added on, is just about enough to reduce the most discerning gourmand into a clapping, gleeful child.
California Pizza Kitchen

[[[[[
T he
Opened in August 2010
Cic c
iob o
mb a
at Piz
[[[[[
[ [[[
Lineage This Shetty-run pie house launched in early January sans the regular media circus, possibly because their product is a cheaper reproduction of Mumbais iconic pizza parlours. Slice for slice. Pizza pies weve tried Chicken Hawaiian. They recommend Italian Lovers this loaded pizza is a cheaper, less meaty knockoff version of its like-named cousins over at Smokin Joes and Garcias. Time Out recommends Pizza Palette Special this veggie delight comes topped with corn, mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapenos, olives and extra cheese. At ` 140 for a six-incher, this pie is VFM.
Lineage This Mumbai-based home delivery service was recently launched by self-proclaimed pizza-lover, Jackie Thadani. Pies weve tried Four Cheese, Balsamic Chicken and Lamb Bolognese. They recommend Fiamma made famous in Mumbai by the Vivanta by Tajs Trattoria, this pizza is best reheated as Jack suggests, on a tawa. Perfect add-ons include jalapenos and olives. Time Out recommends Stuffed Chocolate Calzone a stuffed, crescent-like pie baked fresh with at least three different kinds of chocolate, M&Ms and marshmallows.
Great pie in the sky

California Pizza Kitchen Infiniti Mall, Malad Link Road, Malad (W) (6636-6636). Daily noon-1am. All major cards. Also at Lower Parel and Bandra (E). Meal for two from `1,200 onwards. Di NapoliDalamal Towers, Free Press Journal Marg, Nariman Point (4347-3200). Daily 11am-11pm. All major cards. Meal for two from `1,500 onwards. Francescos Pizzeria 5, Chinoy Mansion Compound, Entry From Chocolate Affair, Kemps Corner (6752-7000). Daily 11am-11pm. Cash only. Meal for two from `800 onwards. Jacks PizzaGround Floor, Victoria Building, Balaram Street, Grant Road (2308-8444). Daily 11am-11pm. Cash only. Meal for two from `800. Pizza by the Bay143, Soona Mahal, Marine Drive(2284-3949). Daily 7am-1am.All major cards. Meal for two from `1,500. PizzaExpressDhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder, Colaba (66562633). Daily 11.30am-11pm. All major cards. Meal for twofrom ` 2,000. Pizza Metro PizzaShop No 2, Jharna Apartments, Club IX, Pali Hill, Khar (6599-3333). Daily noon-3pm; 6pm-11.30pm. All major cards. Meal for two from ` 2,000. Pizza Palette Shop No.44/A, Janam Building, Opposite State Bank of India, Forjett Street (65231002). Daily 11am to 11pm. Cash only. Meal for two from ` 600. Rays Caf & Pizzeria133, Gazebo House, Hill Road, Bandra (W) (2645-1414). Daily noon11.30pm. All major cards. Meal for two from `1,000. SerafinaThird Floor, Palladium, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4023-7711). Daily noon-midnight. All major cards. Meal for two from ` 2,500.
Piz
Opened in January 2013
Opened in January 2013
za
Ex
Pizza Palette
Jacks Pizza
pr
es
Fo
ur
Se
as
PizzaExpress Calabrese pizza
Lineage The guys behind Hard Rock Caf, Shiro, Trader Vics and Mai Tai JSM Corporations Jay Singh and Sanjay Mahtani are responsible for the India-entry of CPK. Pies weve tried Toastada Pizza, Seekh Kebab Pizza and Meat Cravers. They recommend Chicken Fajita Pizza a crazy concoction that exudes its Californian cuisine roots. It comes packing pesto, chicken, peppers, green onions, sour cream and of course, guacamole. Time Out recommends BBQ Chicken we may not be fans of CPKs pizza base or puree but its difficult to grudge these pie-makers their succulently marinated barbecue chicken topping. The smoked bacon bits garnish the pie with a TexMex flourish.
z a Met r
o Piz z a
on
sp
iz z
Five things you need to know about... Taste of Mumbai

The internationally acclaimed Taste festival (Time magazine named the London edition one of the worlds greatest food festivals) is making its way to Mumbai this fortnight. The festival gives Mumbaikars the opportunity to sample cuisine from participating restaurants, wander around the exhibitor area and linger over drinks. The Taste festival is coming to town The Taste festival which was started in London in 2004 now takes place in 15 cities around the world. The Mumbai edition is being jointly organised by food consultants Karen Anand, Babso Kanwar and Rachna Sharma, and will take place at Marine Drive. The Mumbai festival is similar to the London one in terms of format, but is being organised on a smaller scale. Tastes Mumbai edition will feature 12 restaurants showcasing their best dishes alongside the Taste Theatre, an exhibition zone, bars and a VIP lounge, all of which will run from Fri Feb 22 to Sun Feb 24. There is a lot of food on offer The 2012 Taste of London festival had 40 restaurants in their line-up including JeanGeorges Vongerichtens Spice Market and the Michelin-starred Benares. Closer home, the inaugural food festival has 12 participating restaurants. Mumbai is represented by luxury hotels like Arola at the JW Marriott, China House at the Grand Hyatt, Koh from InterContinental Marine Drive and Prego at the Westin Mumbai Garden City. The standalone fine dining resturants taking part are Ellipses, Impressario Handmade (the company behind Smoke House Deli and Salt Water Grill), Kofuku and Olive. From Bengaluru, theres Caperberry and Fire from The Park Hotel, New Delhi round-up the national presence. Graffiti from New York and Cinnamon Club, London constitute the international delegation at the fest. The festival encourages sampling Each restaurant will showcase up to four tapas size dishes of their choice, including at least one vegetarian offering. Participating restaurants will serve one signature dish priced at `500 onwards. Other dishes priced in the `150-300 range make up the rest of the menu. Some of the dishes being served include porcini carpaccio at Arola, pork belly served with home-made kimchi, roja sauce and a steamed bun at Ellipses and an assortment of spherified flavours from Caperberry. Spherification is a process by which liquids (usually sauces and dressings) are shaped into spheres. The spheres have a fluid filling held together by a thin gel membrane. The process was first introduced into cooking by the legendary Ferran Adri and his team at the now defunct Michelinstarred restaurant El Bulli in Spain. At Taste, Abhijit Saha the chef at Caperberry will be creating spheres of tamarind and spice, mozzarella and balsamic reduction and feta with mango. A Taste Theatre lets you learn from the chefs The 100-seat Taste Theatre will host classes through the day given by chefs from India and abroad. Alain Fabrgues, of Perths The Loose Box will be talking about French classical cuisine and how hes adapted it to the Australian palate. Margot Janse of South Africas Relais and Chteaux Le Quartier Franais Hotel, will be demonstrating African-inspired fine dining. Other chefs include Bill Marchetti of Spaghetti Kitchen, Le 15s Pooja Dhingra, Olives Manu Chandra and Stone Water Grills Shailendra Kekade among others. The entire schedule is up online on www. tasteofmumbai.in, and no chef is speaking twice, so choose wisely before booking your tickets. Theres more than just food on offer. In addition to the presenting restaurants, the festival will have three bars serving beer, wine and cocktails. For those looking to browse, the exhibitors space will be divided into a farmers market and separate pavilions for alcohol and desserts respectively. You can expect to see offerings from The Pint Room and Reveilo wines for alcohol. Over at the dessert area, sample sweet eats from Bandras Piccoli Tortini, Fantasie chocolates and Country of Origin. The farmers market will include Trikaya agriculture, Under the Mango Tree honey, New Delhs Flanders cheese and Pondicherrys Mango Hill cheese. Visitors can also shop for high-end kitchen appliances from KitchenAid and Fisher and Paykel. Aatish Nath Taste of Mumbai Wilson College Gymkhana, Marine Drive. Fri Feb 22, 6-10pm. Sat and Sun Feb 23 and 24, noon-4pm, 6-10pm. Alcohol served. Tickets from `600 for access to the festival. A `1,000 ticket gives you access to the festival as well as `500 in taste currency. The `2,000 ticket allows festival access plus `1,000 in taste currency and entry to the VIP Lounge along with a complimentary dram of Glenfiddich Scotch whisky. Visit www.tasteofmumbai.in for details and www.bookmyshow.com to buy tickets.
Three questions with...Kelvin Cheung
Food & Drink
Top chef Kelvin Cheng
Canadian Kelvin Cheung is the executive chef at Colabas Ellipses, one of the 12 participating restaurants at the Taste of Mumbai festival. A thirdgeneration chef, Cheung talks to Aatish Nath about where he likes to eat in Mumbai and his general food philosophy. Is there an overriding food philosophy you follow? My only goal is to stay true to my food [and] my style. To have respect for the ingredient and respect for the techniques. Ive learned this growing up, when I accompanied my father [a chef and restaurateur] to the market while he purchased his groceries. As a third-generation chef, what was your familys reaction to your decision to enter the kitchen full-time? I was repeatedly told not to enter the hospitality profession. When I choose to become a chef, my father sat me down and had a long talk to make sure [cooking] was something I wanted to do for the rest of my career. Where do you go to eat in Mumbai? I frequent King of Iran in Byculla. Once, after a late night out with the other chefs we asked our taxi driver to take us somewhere that was open and that he would go to eat at 3am. Weve been going back ever since. Now, they recognize us and we dont have to order anymore, they just have us sit down and send us whatever is made fresh. I end up going at least once every week.
Garden party Revellers at the London edition of the Taste festival
Aoi
New reviews

Verdict Reasonable Japanese food for the priceconscious.
We nearly thought Aoi (pronounced aawee) was a manga caf. The handle on the door is an origami crane; the birds nest on the ceiling too. A bookshelf with volumes on ikebana and haiku, as well as green tea guides, can be found next to the kitchen. The la carte menu (bound on the right, the way Japanese books are) reflects the meticulousness displayed in the interiors. The steamed prawn with sweet, while cream cheese dumpling the tiny wasabi Time Out reviews caught our eye, but the balls lack any anonymously portion, served with the kick. Our ramen, and pays for tail peaking out of the dim the white miso meals sum, was disappointing. bouillabaisse, is a The refined-flour skin was too subtle dish: the slightly thick, and overpowered the tangy broth, perfectly delicately steamed prawn inside; cooked noodles, seafood and the white of the cream cheese garnish of nori combined to make didnt impart any flavour either. a great spoonful. The vegetarian We fared better with the crab golden curry that we tried was sushi, with Japanese mayonnaise sans the spicy kimchi the menu and chives, but its better without promised; a shame, as the its accompaniments. The soy piquant curry could have done with sauce is overly light and very some tempering.
Food & Drink
honest, fair review
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Aoi had not yet started serving desserts, so we ended our meal with green tea. Our organic and almost caffeine-free tea was a light and refreshing end to a meal filled with several overwhelming flavours. Aois moderate pricing is likely to be a draw, but the range of dishes and uneven execution makes navigating their menu a bit of a task. With the hope of a little more attention in our hearts, well be back to sample more from their impressive selection. Aatish Nath
THE BILL
Prawn gyoza with cream cheese Aoi breezer Crabmeat sushi Whito miso bouillabaisse Veg golden curry with spicy kimchi Organic Kukeicha Total (incl taxes) ` 350.00 `150.00 `425.00 `450.00 ` 350.00 `150.00 ` 2,086.00
Aoi 1 Gloria, St John Baptist Road,
near Mount Mary Steps, Bandra (W) (6999-5000). Daily noon-midnight. No alcohol. All major cards. Meal for two ` 1,000-2,000.
Skky
Verdict Sky-high prices for good Asian fare.

An expertly rolled sushi is one of the few dishes Time Out will hoof the whole city for and the prawn tempura roll at Skky, the new rooftop restaurant and lounge bar, made the trek to Powai bearable. The densely packed rice gave way to the crunchy prawn and we tasted a hint of the teriyaki glaze the menu had promised. Wed browsed the menu on an interactive Sony tablet, with photographs of each dish and were impressed, if somewhat confused by its diversity: sushi, salads and dim sum sat comfortably alongside pizzas and, err, a tandoor menu. Skky is a serene restaurant and bar, furnished in dark greys and blacks, with frangipani trees and faux lotuses in ankle-deep water. A long bar Skky claims its the longest in the city along the entrance means boisterous drinkers can raise hell without disturbing diners. The entire restaurant is laid out to provide privacy and quiet for diners, but that makes catching the waiters eye just a little bit harder. We eventually succeeded in placing our order and celebrated with a whiskey sour and orange margarita. The bar uses fresh ingredients; syrups and mixers are made in-house with no artificial sweetners. A relief, because we like our frothy margaritas flavourful, but with a kick. Our drunken prawn soup, a thick, quivering broth, was delicious, and made us wish they hadnt scrimped on the prawn pieces (we got only two). The chicken dim sum, four pieces to an order, were great as well. On the chefs recommendation, we went with the salmon in black bean sauce which turned out to have too little sauce and was overcooked. It was saved by the soba noodles that alone would make a great one-dish lunch. The chef insisted we try the green tea and a paan ice cream for a sweet end to the meal. The subtlety of the green tea was lost after a meal with intense soy and chilli flavours. But the paan ice cream, managed to recreate the taste of betel leaves, and the hidden areca nut (supari) was like finding a butterscotch crunchie. The attentive staff, good food and outdoor setting, a rarity in Mumbai, make us hope Skky starts attracting more than just hotel guests and the odd couple out on a date. But its steep prices and location may deter even those who love their sushi. AN
THE BILL
Whiskey sour Orange margarita Drunken prawn soup Chicken dim sum Prawn tempura roll Wok tossed soba Grilled salmon with black bean sauce Green tea ice cream Total (incl taxes) ` 650.00 ` 650.00 ` 275.00 ` 325.00 `450.00 ` 500.00 `1200.00 ` 325.00 ` 5,592.00
Skky Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre, Second Floor, Saki Vihar Road, Powai (6777-6000). Daily 5pm-1am. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `3,000-6,000.
parikshit rao
The Sassy Spoon

Verdict The bill inspires sour faces but there are sweet returns.
The Sassy Spoon resembles a girly boudoir with its pink walls and padded chairs, candelabras, a gorgeous wall inset with trunks, and sheer white curtains at the glass facade. The menus are bound with pink ribbon, and a blue bicycle leans against the al fresco patio festooned with fairy lights. The restaurant serves a lighter lunch menu, which may explain the rather incongruous delistyle blackboard adjacent to an illustrated panel of fruits. But its the lovely, intimate atmosphere and the intriguing menu that had our gang lingering over a threehour dinner, recollecting the kind of food wed like to take to bed. Restaurateur-chef Rachel Goenka, aged 24, returned to Mumbai last April after studying at Pariss rigorous Le Cordon Bleu and Irelands Ballymaloe Cookery School, where sourcing daily from its organic market garden inspired her to keep everything fresh. For the restaurants Europeanstyle cuisine, she experimented for nearly two months with chef Irfan Pabaney, who has worked at Hakkasan and Indigo. The menus beguiling pairings include roasted rawas served on lemongrass risotto with pulli kozahumbe (Tamilian tamarind gravy). the best for the last bite and is wonderfully accompanied by their strong coffee. The wackysounding lemon cheese tart with its dulce falooda sabja jelly and beer sorbet was a delightfully tangy, creamy tart with a boozy accompaniment that will call all the boys to the yard. It had teasing gelatinous bits as did the divine chocolate mousse flavoured with raspberry liqueur and jelly on a chocolate meringue base. Sure, wed visited Express Towers (Goenkas grandfather founded the Indian Express) before on journalistic missions, but this one left us with a sugar rush that had us floating over the business hub to the bracing salt of Marine Drive. Saumya Ancheri
Food & Drink
amit chakravarty
Our cocktails introduced us to the tangy guanabana (soursop) and the green Mirabelle plum. The drinks are as strong as youd expect at a joint called The Sassy Spoon, and the staff is very helpful. We heartily approved of Rachels Martini, a summery blend of citron vodka, peach schnapps, lime, apple and pear with an aftertaste of hazelnut. Dinner began with a South Indian twist as the coco passion bellini (coconut rum, peach schnapps, passion-fruit pure and Champagne) was surprisingly redolent of Kerala, which we finally put down to the flavour of desiccated coconut. Our coastal exploration included spicy mulgapudi-crusted scallops offset by the garlicky Arabic sauce thoom, and oven-baked Kerala oysters with orange gremolata (Italian herb condiment). The flavours might have worked better
as garnishes as they overpowered the seafood. While we warmed up to the twice-baked emmenthal souffl with green apple and candied walnut salad, we wished their appetiser portions were bigger. We couldnt get enough of the bacon-smoked sweet corn soup with butter-poached lobster, whose comforting embrace seemed to mute out the world. Our plans to return were bolstered by their equally inventive and lesser priced lunch menu with its openfaced ciabatta sandwich of pink peppercorn-crusted roast beef and kashundi mayo. The restaurant will rolling out high tea soon. Next time, we might skip straight to dessert. Our entrees of aubergine moussaka, and the anise and sesame-braised pork belly with homemade brun werent impressive for their price. But The Sassy Spoon really saves
THE BILL
Rachels Martini Coco Passion Bellini Kerala oysters Mulgapudi-crusted scallops Emmenthal souffl Sweet corn lobster soup Aubergine moussaka Pork belly with homemade brun Raspberry and chocolate mousse Lemon cheese tart Total (incl taxes) ` 600.00 ` 550.00 ` 685.00 ` 825.00 `425.00 `425.00 ` 625.00 ` 885.00 ` 365.00 ` 325.00 ` 7,251.00
The Sassy Spoon Ground Floor,
Express Towers, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point (2288-8222). Daily noon-3.30pm, 7pm-midnight. Alcohol served/ Meal for two `3,5008,000. All major credit cards.
So many places, so little time
Teaze
Teaze! And we thought only Time Out had a penchant for puns. So what is bubble tea? Bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is named for the black tapioca bubbles that are introduced to a basic iced tea; either milk or water-based. At Teaze, theyve expanded the range of bubbles from simple tapioca to include flavours like mango and lychee as well as others. Be warned: its known to be highly addictive. So it doesnt taste like gum? Not quite. Our green appleflavoured green tea was sickeningly sweet, though not unexpected for a drink made
with syrup, bottles of which were behind the counter. They also offer black tea, in flavours like almond, honey and taro. Am I only going to find tea there? Teaze does not serve food
and is devoted to teas, milkshakes and smoothies. Their Energisers are made using fresh fruit juice. We tried the watermelon quencher with yogurt bubbles. The drink had none of the promised mint or ginger, and we ended up with a simple watermelon juice with a generous zing of chaat masala. The yogurt bubble a small ball filled with yogurt that oozes out once bitten into brought nothing to the table. It is as vile as it sounds. You may fare better with the smoothies that are made from fruit-juice yogurt, or the T-shakes, that is milk tea whipped with chocolate or ice cream, but we didnt hazard a try
of either after the taste left in our mouth by the Energiser. Are you paying for the ambience? Not really. Teaze is a hole-in-thewall opposite Golden Star at Charni Road. Inside, against the wall at the back, is the machine used to vaccum-seal each glass. Getting to the entrance requires some training in calisthenics: youll have to leap over college kids lounging on the steps with their colourful drinks. Teaze, 6 Krishna Niwas, Ground Floor, near Hinduja College, Charni Road (E). Daily 10.30am-11pm. No alcohol served. Cash only. From `40.
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Appetisers
frozen yogurt topping as well. 11 Gagangiri, Off Carter Road, Bandra (W)(98333-60235). 11am-1am. No alcohol. All major cards. From `40. Also at Warden Road.
Watermelon and feta salad
Chef's TAKE
Food & Drink
New Sunday brunches
Golden buns Manchester United Caf's burger festival spread
Burger festival at Manchester United Caf The international burger festival at the Manchester United Caf features vegetarian and nonvegetarian burgers from countries that include Mexico, Lebanon, England and Thailand. Try out burgers named after famous footballers like Wayne Rooney, Ola Hernandez and Baichung Bhutia. The Mexican burger consists of a vegetarian or chicken patty topped with chipotle mayonnaise and jalapenos while the Thai burger is flavoured with caramelised onions and roasted peanuts. The festival runs till Sun Feb 17. Third Floor, Palladium, Lower Parel. Noon-1am. Alcohol served. All major cards. Also at R City Mall, Ghatkopar and Infinity Mall, Mulund. Meal for two `800. Saturday brunch at Olive Bandra Bandras Olive is bucking the Sunday brunch trend to launch their own version on a Saturday. Spicy charmoula prawns, pork sliders, an array of wood fired pizzas and chicken espetada are some of the dishes on the menu. Just a meal can be had for `1,000 (plus taxes), while `1,500 (plus taxes) will get you unlimited drinks that includes Kingfisher beer, Old Monk rum and Dewars whisky among others. A tarot card reader and foot massages are available for those who are interested. 14, Union Park, Carter Road, Bandra (W)(4340-8228). Noon4pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `2,000-3,000 (plus taxes). Poush opens in Thane The Kashmiri restaurant Poush, has opened its third city outlet at Thane. Bite into succulent seekh
kebabs, goshtaba, dum aloo and rajma that the northern region is famous for. The decor includes houseboat replicas and a private dining area shielded by curtains for each table. Poushs other resturants are at Cuffe Parade and Andheri. Big Shopping Centre, Above Hypercity Mall, Ghodbunder Road, Kasarvadavali, Thane (W) (6565-4554). 11am-4pm, 7-11pm. No alcohol. All major cards. Meal for two `800-1,200. Rich Table at The Table Fri Feb 22 The Colaba restaurant, The Table will be the venue of a pop-up restaurant by the husband and wife chef duo, Evan and Sarah Rich of the San Francisco eatery, Rich Table for one night only. The couple will be cooking a four-course meal with local produce that is priced at ` 3,500 (plus taxes and service charge). Guests will be required to put down `1,000 deposit at the time of making the booking. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Bookings can be made on the phone or by emailing admin@foodmatters.in. Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder, Colaba (2282-5000). 7pm onwards with staggered seating. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `7,000 (plus taxes). Cake pops at Yogurtbay The frozen yogurt chain is expanding its offerings with a new line of cake pops. These lollipoplike mini cakes are available in three flavours dark chocolate with vanilla muffin, milk chocolate with Nutella brownie and white chocolate with red velvet the cake pops are priced at `40 for two and can be used as a
Elbo Room Chicken wings, crab claws, jacket potatoes with butter, garlic and cheese and Belgian waffles are just some of the dishes on offer at Khars Elbo Room. The la carte menu can be enjoyed with tipples off the drinks menu that includes pints of beers and both local and international liquors. 500 Sant Kutir Apartments, Linking Road, Khar (W)(2648-3316). Noon - 1am. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `1,200. Otto Infinito The casual eatery at Bandra Kurla Complex has introduced a new Sunday brunch priced at `1,250 without alcohol or `1,850 with alcohol. The booze on offer is Kingfisher pints, Tuscan wines and Ketel One martinis. A grill station with fresh seafood and meats, pizzas, pastas and risottos are some of the dishes being served. Desserts include chocolate tarts, souffls and tiramisu. Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E)(2656-7777). Noon-4pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `2,500-3,700. The Little Door Normally open from 6pm to 1am daily, on Sundays, the Little Door welcomes patrons in the afternoon for a brunch spread. The menu includes salads, cold cuts and desserts. Large plates are ordered from a special menu and made to order. There are breakfast, starter and main course options. ` 793 (plus taxes) will get you food and a pint of Fosters, while `1,393 (plus taxes) gives you unlimited food and drink. Kingfisher beer, Sula wines and Indian spirits are the drinks on offer. Ground Floor, Shree Siddhivinayak Plaza, Off New Link Road, Andheri (W)(2673-2528). Noon-4pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `1586-2786 (plus taxes).
Chef Ajay Chopra of the Westin Mumbai Garden City will be participating in the Taste of Mumbai festival this fortnight. Weve asked Chopra to share a dish he enjoys making.While the recipe Chopra has shared with us is deceptively simple, look out for his more complex dishes at the Taste festival, where Prego, the hotels Italian eatery, is one of the 12 restaurants showcasing its fare. Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 seedless triangles of watermelon 4 small cubes of feta cheese 1 small blanched leek Mint leaves Sea salt Method Marinate the watermelon in extra virgin olive oil. Heat water in a pan and blanch the leek. Place the blanched leek sheet at the bottom and arrange the marinated watermelon and cubes of feta. Garnish each piece with mint leaves and sprinkle some sea salt as per taste.
Hot tables
Our critics pick of Mumbais best restaurants
Vegetarian Cocktails Time Out Food Award nominee Time Out Food Award winner
Food & Drink
Recent reviews
Caf Sundance The old Sundance Caf, was missed soon after it shut down. In its new avatar it is run by the people behind Mediterranean restaurant, Two One Two Bar and Grill. The caf serves pancakes, eggs Benedict and masala chicken bhurji for breakfast. Through the day, the kitchen dishes out hot barbecue wings, burgers, hot dogs, linguini tossed in carbonara sauce and a long list of thin-crust pizzas. Sundances cream walls, bleached wood tables and chairs and large windows that overlook the street outside make it a nice, sunny spot for an indulgent breakfast or lazy lunch. Wed recommend a burger at the counter that overlooks the street. Ground Floor, Eros Cinema Building, M.K. Road, Churchgate (2202-6212). Daily 8-1am. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `800-2,000. Imbiss Imbiss is the perfect joint venture for a carnivorous suburb. The little caf on Waroda Road, serves hearty, homely German fare like schnitzel, Hungarian goulash, barbecued baby back ribs, beef roast and an assortment of wonderful-sounding sausages, all of which are made in-house. A blackboard on which a lopsided scrawl advertises the days specials and (faux) exposed brick walls are among the charming touches at the eatery. The sausage platter a mix of pork, chicken and, if theyre feeling generous, duck sausage was a sure-fire winner or else try the fantastic weiner schnitzel. Shop No 5, Ben-o-Hill Haven Co-operative Housing Society, 14 Waroda Road, off Hill Road, opposite Bob Tailor, Bandra (W) (8459-6413/ 6414-4985). Tue-
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Table manners Discreet service at Seven
Sun noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight. No alcohol. All major cards. Meal for two `400-800. Cheval Chevals white, textured walls, with a single black horse painted on one wall cheval means horse in French put too fine a point on its name and location. But its pastel walls and exposed ceiling beams give it a rustic feel. The two stand-out dishes we tried are the mackerel teriyaki and the pork belly. The former paired the strong saltiness of the fish with the slightly sweet teriyaki sauce and comes with a side of pickled cucumber. The belly was tender and fatty, and served with the accompanying pork jus that could stand a little more thickening. Kala Ghoda now has an all-day restaurant where you can relax with a glass of wine. Matching neighbourhood eateries in terms of price and quality, but with a more inventive menu, tourists and citygoers alike will welcome this new addition to the culture club. First floor, 145 Mahatma Gandhi Road, next to Rhythm House, Fort (4039-6632). Daily noon11.30pm. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `1,000-3,000. Pali Bhavan Old-school chequered floors; stained distressed walls carpeted with beautiful old photographs of people and various gods (an overkill); colonial furniture; and
delicate, if mismatched, pretty chandeliers, give Pali Bhavan, the new Indian food restaurant by the couple behind Pali Village Caf, a resplendent look that transcends several periods. The food at Pali Bhavan is for the fragile, expat palate. Not spicy, but still tasty, the huge chunks of meltin-your-mouth dhoodhiyan murg tikka were rubbed with the right amount of yogurt-y masala. The main courses Alleppey fish curry, though thick and creamy, tasted too much like a Thai red curry, while the tariwala kukkars tomato flavours overshadowed everything else. Our smooth plum and grape vodka-based cocktail with fresh, floating pieces of fruit though was a winner. 10 Adarsh Nagar, next to Costa Coffee, Pali Naka, Bandra (W) (2651-9400). Daily noon-3pm, 7pm-12.30am. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `3,000-4,500. Seven Seven island-like kitchen stations, spread throughout the restaurant, serve a buffet that cover a variety of cuisines including Chinese (dim sum), Italian (pizza and pasta), Japanese (sushi) and regulation Indian fare. Coffee-shop nibbles like kathi rolls, club sandwhiches and pizzas are on the menu, alongside more filling dishes like a nasi goreng or a smoked paprika tenderloin, but its the
buffet that is the big draw. For `1750 (plus taxes) you can take a culinary journey through some of the touchstones of world cuisine. The buffet includes translucent dim sum, stuffed with shiitake mushrooms that melted in the mouth and sushi with crispy seaweed, tender rice and generous portions of tuna. The margherita pizza and spaghetti aglio olio were both underwhelming. The pasta counter, reminiscent of the perfunctory stations set up at wedding receptions, was serviceable at best. Portion sizes though are small and encourage sampling. The dessert selection is vast and will likely end up putting a halt to a lot of diets. Seven is worth the visit for seafood and Asian food lovers who will recover the price of their meal at the Japanese section alone. It did prove too expensive for a post-work dinner stop though. Shangri-La Hotel, 462 Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (61628000). Daily 24 hours. Alcohol served. All major cards. Meal for two `4,200
this is how we do it
Each fortnight all the restaurants and bars that appear in this section are chosen by Time Out's Food & Drink critics. We visit the establishments anonymously and pay for our own meals and drinks. Listings are chosen at the discretion of the editors. Time Out does not accept compensation of any kind in exchange for listing venues Prices shown are our estimates of typical costs for two people with drinks and services
Time Off
The cultural fortnight ahead
Wall flowers
The Kai Po Che boys paid us a visit

See High fliers on page 70. Photograph by Mohnish Dabhoya.
Around Town
Questionable behaviour Lior Suchard
Brain teaser
Nergish Sunavala engages in mental gymnastics with mind reader Lior Suchard.
Show. This fortnight, he aims to wow audiences at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. As a boy, Suchard harangued his mathematics teacher with dozens of questions. Eventually, he was allowed to perform in the last five minutes of every class in exchange for remaining quiet and attentive the rest of the time. Many of his mind-bending feats are inspired by tricks that amazed his classmates. For instance, as a child he would ask friends to hide a coin in their palm and then he would guess if it was in their right or left hand. In the show it is going to happen with 10 people, said Suchard hinting that a lot of money would be at stake. And if I dont find the money they get to keep the money. Dont get too attached to the cash, however, as Suchard repeatedly picked the correct hand despite my best efforts to confuse him. At one point, I even contemplated dropping the coin altogether. But Suchard was one step ahead as always. Dont try and trick me, he admonished. While that might seem like a clear indication of his mindreading abilities, Suchard is the first to admit that being cognisant of non-verbal cues is essential. When I do these things with people it is not just mind reading, said Suchard. It is a lot of psychology, a lot of body language reading. Suchard also believes positive thinking plays a key role. His personal philosophy is remarkably similar to
ven at the age of seven, mentalist Lior Suchard was a performer. If you wanted to find me you just needed to look for a circle of people and I was in the middle doing some mind tricks, said Suchard, who went to school in Haifa, a bustling port city in northern Israel. When we met Suchard, now 31, at the NCPA Caf in Mumbai not much had changed. Even before the interview began, Suchard asked for my notebook and scribbled a quick message. He then asked me to name a two-digit number I picked 21. Suchard flipped open the pad and pointed to his message. It read, Nergish will say 21. After completing school and three years of mandatory military training in the Israeli army at the age of 21, Suchard began touring the world. Over the last 10 years, he has performed in Singapore, Australia, South America, Japan and even on Jay Lenos The Tonight
It is not just mind reading, it is a lot of psychology, a lot of body language reading
author Rhonda Byrnes optimistic worldview documented in her 2006 self-help book, The Secret. Last year, Suchard published his first book on the subject, Mind Reader: Unlocking the Power of Your Mind to Get What You Want. Though Suchard claimed to always know if someone is lying and said he could sense a persons aura, his mindreading abilities do have certain limitations. I cant tell you what that man is thinking over there, said Suchard, pointing to a waiter at the far end of the room, but if I focus and ask you to think of something specific then it is possible for me to start working on your mind. While the thought of being manipulated by a mentalist can be daunting, Suchard assured us that it could only be done with the persons permission. Basically, if you dont want me to succeed I will not succeed, said Suchard. Sam Marshall, Suchards agent, admitted that his client could often read his mind but he said that over time, he had figured out how to make his thoughts opaque. Even thinking in another language isnt a foolproof way of side-stepping a mentalist. I was doing a TV show in Japan and a person was thinking of a word from a newspaper and I wrote something down, recalled Suchard. For me it was a picture but I actually wrote the word that he was thinking of. In the hour that I spent with Suchard, he got my sunglasses to flip over without touching them; a metal coin to droop like a wilting flower and a complex mathematical calculation of numbers derived from my birthday and passport number to add up to 21017. Upside down, 21017 spells LIOR. While sceptics could probably come up with reasonable explanations for each feat he is a whizz with numbers or a transparent string was attached to the sunglasses, for instance I was completely entranced. Especially when he gave me the bent metal coin as a keepsake. As for Suchard, he doesnt let doubting Thomases affect his sunny outlook. I believe there are two ways to live life, he said, to think that nothing is a miracle or that everything is a miracle.
Supernatural Entertainer is on Sat Feb 16 and Sun Feb 17. See Events.
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Events
Fri Feb 15
FREE Asiatic Society lecture Lawyer Navroz Seervai will give a talk titled, The Law as a Vehicle of Social Change: Fact or Fiction? Durbar Hall, Asiatic Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort (2266-0956). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Horniman Circle. 6pm.
44058 or visit www.bookmyshow.com. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v NCPA. 7.30pm. `750, `1,000, `1,500, `2,000, `3,000. FREE The Worlds Artistic Legacy: The Role of the J Paul Getty Trust The president and CEO of the J Paul Getty Trust, James Cuno, will deliver this lecture. He has authored books such as Museums Matter: In Praise of the Encyclopedic Museum and Who Owns Antiquity: Museums and the Battle over Our Ancient Heritage. See Egyptian Art Cart on Sat Feb 16 for address. 6pm.
Sat Feb 16
Buddhism workshop This two-day workshop by Suraj Pandit, head of the department of ancient Indian culture at Sathaye College in Mumbai, will explore Buddhist history, literature, art and architecture. Centre for Extra-Mural Studies, University of Mumbai, Health Centre Building, Vidyanagari, Kalina, Santa Cruz (E) (6595-2761, 2653-0266). G Santa Cruz (WR, CR Harbour). v Vidyanagari.3-6pm. `1,000 for college students and `2,000 for others. Egyptian Art Cart Use a variety of art materials like paper or clay to
Sun Feb 17

This section consists of a roundup of the fortnights events. G denotes the nearest train station. denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. FREE denotes no admission fee. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Nergish Sunavala. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
This four-day exhibition will showcase documentaries, ad campaigns and a magazine created by Sophia Polytechnics mass media students. The themes of the 20-minute films range from a lack of public toilets for women, gender identity disorder and single parenting. The students magazine, Marginalia, will focus on documenting the citys haves and have-nots, while the students advertising campaigns will throw light on issues like tuberculosis, immunisation and diabetes. See Student film, photo and campaign exhibition in Exhibitions.
make your own Egyptian artefact. Seminar Room, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (22844484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum. 11am-4pm. Entry fee is `50 for Indians, `300 for foreigners, `25 for college students and `10 for kids between 5 and 12 years plus `20 per art activity. FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings Every Saturday and Sunday, the Krishnamurti Foundation India arranges video screenings. Himmat Niwas, 31 Doongersey Road, near Elizabeth Nursing Home, Malabar Hill (2363-3856). G Grant Road (WR). v Banganga. 5.306.30pm. Museum tour Event website Trabblr and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum are organising a tour of the museums permanent and visiting collections including the art exhibition High tide for a blue moon. Register by www.trabblr.com/Mumbai by Fri Feb 15. 11am-12.30pm. `300. Once upon a time in Egypt Kids and adults can listen to Egyptian legends. Seminar Room, CSMVS, See Egyptian Art Cart on Sat Feb 16 for address and entry fee. 11.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-2.30pm. EDITORS PICK Supernatural entertainer Mentalist Lior Suchard will read minds, bend metal spoons and perform other mind-boggling feats. See Brain teaser on page 52. Tata Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Nariman Point (6622-3737). Call 6622-3724, 98336-
Course of action Sophia Polytechnics SCM exhibition
FREE Chai and Why? Rahul Vaze from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research is conducting a session on single pixel cameras. Room 2 Science, Ruparel College, Senapati Bapat Marg, opposite Matunga Road Station, Matunga. G Matunga Road (WR), Matunga (CR Main). v Ruparel College. 11am-1pm. Farmers Market Farmers across Maharashtra supply fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables. Nakshatra Van, Maharashtra Nature Park, opposite Dharavi Bus Depot, Dharavi. G Sion (CR Main). v Dharavi Depot. Also at Jai Hind College, A Road, Churchgate. G Churchgate (WR). v Churchgate Station. 10am-3pm. FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings See Sat Feb 16. Once upon a time in Egypt See Sat Feb 16. ReachIvy lecture The managing director of Axis Capital, Manish Chokhani, in conversation with ReachIvy founder Vibha Kagzi. The session is titled, London Business School: Grooming Visionaries. Indian Merchants Chamber, IMC Road, Churchgate (2204-6633). Register at www.reachivy.com. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Churchgate Station. Arrive at 4pm for on the spot registration. `100. FREE Skateboarding meet Trainers will give beginners tips on how to skateboard while veterans wow them with daredevil stunts. Participants dont need to have their own boards.
Around Town
Boardriders, Phoenix Market City Mall, LBS Road, near Kamani Junction, Kurla (W). G Kurla (CR Main & Harbour). v Kamani junction. Noon-3pm. EDITORS PICK Supernatural entertainer See Sat Feb 16.
Critics choice
MOHNISH DABHOYA
The two best events this fortnight

Bombay Gothic
Studio X Mumbai's conservation architects discuss the city's Gothic structures with Christopher London, author of Bombay Gothic. Thur Feb 21
three-month-long festival will feature performances by French electronica troupe Scratch Bandits Crew, Afrosoul singer Imany and a theatre performance, Gates to India Song, starring Indian actress Nandita Das. Visit www.bonjour-india.in for schedule.
Tue Feb 19
EDITORS PICK The Preservation Lab Mummification was the art of preservation practised in ancient Egypt. Learn about modern methods of preservation like taxidermy. Activity Tent, Museum Garden, CSMVS, See Egyptian Art Cart on Sat Feb 16 for address and entry fee. 11am-noon. EDITORS PICK Understanding Conservation Art collectors can learn how to better maintain their collection at this talk delivered by museum conservators. CSMVS, See Egyptian Art Cart onSat Feb 16 for address and entry fee. Noon-1pm.
Register now
Supernatural entertainer
NCPA Be prepared for a mind-blowing performance by mentalist Lior Suchard. Sat Feb 16 and Sun Feb 17
1969). Call Suresh Tanwar on 9820070925 for entry fee. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum. 7pm. Tue Feb 19.
Thinking architecture This seminar, organised by Arbour Research Initiatives in Architecture, will run over six sessions from Wed Mar 6 to Fri Mar 22. The session will be conducted by JJ College of Architecture professor, Mustansir Dalvi, Kaiwan Mehta from Arbour and Mitra Mukherjee-Parikh, an associate professor from SNDT Womens University. Call 2265-2505or email to.arbour@ gmail.com. 6.30-8.30pm. `2,000.
Wed Feb 20
Asia Society lecture The South Asia bureau chief of The Economist, Adam Roberts, will talk about his book, India Grows at Night, with author, columnist and CEO of Procter & Gamble India, Gurcharan Das. Convention Hall, Bombay Stock Exchange, PJ Towers, Dalal Street, Fort. Email asiasociety@asiasociety. org.in to register for the talk. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Hutatma Chowk. 6pm. EDITORS PICK FREE The Horizon of Eternity: living and dying in ancient Egypt John Taylor, who works in the ancient Egypt and Sudan department of the British Museum, will talk about the role of the pharaoh as an intermediary between men and gods. See Egyptian Art Cart on Sat Feb 16 for address. 6pm. FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings Every Wednesday, the Krishnamurti Foundation India arranges video screenings of talks by the philosopher. 71, Savarkar Sadan, near Balmohan Vidyamandir School, MB Raut Road, Shivaji Park (93237-49567). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Shivaji Park. 5.30-6.30pm.
Wed Feb 27
FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings See Wed Feb 20.
Walks, tours, treks

EDITORS PICK Bicycle tour Pedal past Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Sassoon Dock on Sun Feb 17 with event website Trabblr and Reality Tours and Travels. Register by Fri Feb 15 on www.trabblr. com/Mumbai. 7.45-11am. `1,000. Village cycling tour Get a taste of the simple life during this cycling trip organised by event website Trabblr and village tourism firm Grassroutes. Register by Thur Feb 21 on www. trabblr.com/Mumbai. 6.30am. `6,000. Yeoor Hills trek Nestled in a secluded spot of Sanjay Gandhi National Park are rare birds like the purple-rumped sunbird and the goldfronted leafbird. Spot them on Sun Feb 17 during this walk organised by the Bombay Natural History Society. Meeting points: near Punjabi Chandu Halwai in Dadar (E), near Diamond Garden in Chembur, near Cadbury Junction in Thane. Call 2282-1811 or email bnhs.programmes@gmail.com. `750. Nagla forest trail Explore the lesser known Nagla block of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park with the BNHS on Sun Feb 24. Located near Vasai creek, it is home to various species of wetland birds, butterflies and monsoon plants. Meeting points: near Punjabi Chandu Halwai in Dadar (E), near Diamond Garden in Chembur, near Cadbury Junction and Hiranandani Junction in Thane. Call 2282-1811 or email bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. `750. Karnala Bird Sanctuary The densely forested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, just off the highway to Goa, is home to over 150 bird species. Among the commonly spotted mammals are four-horned antelopes, wild boar, langurs, African monkeys and muntjak or barking deer. Leopards are also seen, though less commonly. The walk will be organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature. All ages. The meeting point is Dadar TT, Dadar (E). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Dadar TT.6.30am. Call 2207-8105 or 2207-1970 to register. `1,250.
Fri Feb 22
FREE Asiatic Society lecture Librarians Antonia Moon and Margaret Makepeace will talk about the British Librarys Indian office records. Durbar Hall, Asiatic Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Horniman Circle, Fort (2266-0956). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Horniman Circle. 6pm.
Around Town
Thur Feb 28
Utsav Supersonic Travels See Thur Feb 21.
Exhibitions
EDITORS PICK Mummy: The Inside Story On display are animalshaped amulets, figurines of Egyptian deities like Osiris, Isis and Horus, mummified animals and people. The centrepiece is the 3,000-year-old mummy, Nesperennub. Dont miss the 3D movie, which will delve into his life. Ongoing. Tue-Sun 10.15am-6pm, Mon 10.15am-4.30pm. CSMVS, See Egyptian Art Cart on Sat Feb 16 for address and entry fee. FREE Student film, photo and campaign exhibition The 2012 batch of Sophia Polytechnics Social Communications and Media department screens their 20-minute video films, photographs and social campaigns. See Course of action on page 53. Thur Feb 21-Sun Feb 24. Daily Audio Visual Room, Sixth Floor, Sophia Polytechnic, Bhulabhai Desai Road (2351-3157). G Grant Road (WR). v Sophia College. EDITORS PICK Vegetable, Fruit and Flower show The National Society of the Friends of the Trees holds its annual flower show. Participants interested in entering the gardening competition should call 2202-4843 or email friendsoftrees16@ gmail.com. Sat Feb16-Sun Feb 17 11am-8pm. Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Matunga (E) (2414-6972). G Matunga (CR Main), Kings Circle (CR Harbour). v Kapole Nivas.
Sat Feb 23
Egyptian Art Cart See Sat Feb 16. FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings See Sat Feb 16. Once upon a time in Egypt See Sat Feb 16.
Sun Feb 24
FREE J Krishnamurti lecture screenings See Sat Feb 16. FREE Skateboarding meet See Sun Feb 17. Once upon a time in Egypt See Sat Feb 16.
Mon Feb 25
Mumbai Mondays This session on the varied history of African Americans will be conducted by consular officer Jennifer Noisette. Multipurpose Room, The American Center, US Consulate General, G-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E) (2672-4581). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v G Block. 6pm.
Thur Feb 21
EDITORS PICK FREE Bombay Gothic Christopher London, author of Bombay Gothic, will trace the history of Mumbais Gothic architecture. This will be followed by a discussion between London, Abha Narain Lambah and Sidharth Bhatia. Studio X, Kitab Mahal, Fourth Floor, 192 Dadabhai Naoroji Road, Fort (6769-1100). Call 99301-34152, 99301-36486 or email register@ avidedu.in before attending. G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v New Excelsior. 6pm. Utsav Supersonic Travels Tourists can understand Maharashtras culture through a performance of folk dances and a recreation of festivals. National Gallery of Modern Art, MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2288-
Tue Feb 26
FREE Asiatic Society lecture Artist and Indologist, Arundhati Vartak, will talk about the Indian classic Gatha-Saptashasti by the seventeenth ruler of the Satavahana dynasty in Andhra Pradesh. Durbar Hall, Asiatic Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort (2266-0956). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Horniman Circle. 6pm. FREE The Preservation Lab See
Festivals
EDITORS PICK FREE Bonjour India The second edition of this
Art
Beastmaster Man with Wings
Wild things
Karanjeet Kaur loves Nityan Unnikrishnans many monsters.
aurice Sendaks considerable shadow looms over While Everyone is Away, Nityan Unnikrishnans second exhibition at Chatterjee & Lal. The creatures that Unnikrishnan creates bear several similarities to the strange, but adorable beasts illustrated and scripted by the late American author in the seminal 1963 picture book Where the Wild Things Are. The Delhi-based artists mixed media on paper works retain the lovely storybook quality, but unlike Sendaks whole critters, Unnikrishnans monsters contain worlds within them. It comes as a surprise then, when we find that he discovered the artists work only last year. I saw Where the Wild Things Are and fell in love with it, he told Time Out over the phone. After that, I have ended up buying all of [Sendaks] books. Unnikrishnan may not consider the childrens author an inspiration, but his seated figures call for another First World
parallel: the British figurative painter of Irish descent, Francis Bacon. Friends have told me that the portraits, and recurring images like the furniture in the background are similar to Bacons works, he said. It is unlikely, however, that youll find any kinship between the charged, angry imagery of Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion or the Heads series, and the placidity of Unnikrishnans visual universe. Even in a slightly expressionistic piece titled Howling Boy, where a mans head seems to have exploded to reveal a tight, claustrophobic clutch of buildings, theres a parodic quality to be found. The bright palette of that painting is similar to that of Rooms Downstairs, perhaps the only painting with a normal figure.
The creatures are not heroes either. [But] some of them are really quite nice
Most of Unnikrishnans other paintings bear lighter tones, but are no less detailed. Quiet Times, for instance, works at two levels: from a distance, you can discern two seated figures in apparent repose, as a building complex stretches behind them. Step in for a more intimate view, however, and youll fathom a mountainous landscape, a top-view of two figures hugging each other, babies and a herd of elephants. This is achieved through a conscious process of layering. Because I draw, use ink, gouache and watercolours, the process allows for all those nooks and tributaries to stay visible and accessible, he said. If I were painting on canvas, these niches and references would be more mysterious. Similarly, in Python, a long,
riverine serpent contains boats, buildings and rolling clouds. One begins with the presence of a memory or a web of thoughts, like a person living far away in your head, said the artist, whom you are trying to make sense of. Once the work begins, it is a quiet, trusting affair. Growing up in Kozhikode in Kerala, Unnikrishnan honed his skills at the National Institute of Design, where he was one of two people studying ceramic design. After coming to Delhi in 2004, he freelanced: making illustrations, designing products and furniture, working with craftspeople in Bastar, Mizoram and the Kutch region. But it was only with the goading of his wife and friends that Unnikrishnan took to art full-time, mounting his first exhibition Many Monsters, at Chatterjee & Lal in 2011. Even in that exhibit, the monsters are unfamiliar, irregular, even kooky, but never threatening or negative. They are not heroes either. [But] some of them are really quite nice, he said. While Everyone is Away opens on Fri Feb 15 at Chatterjee & Lal. See Exhibitions.
Three questions with... Nalini Malani

In a troika of prints at her latest exhibition, Womantime, Nalini Malani channels her interest in Faiz Ahmed Faizs poetry. Lines from the ghazal Lahu Ka Suragh, translated by Agha Shahid Ali, mingle with floating, disembodied parts and silhouetted apparitions. Malanis characteristic, crustacean-like figures meet what appear to be pistons, symbolising the state apparatus. The triptych is titled In Search of Vanished Blood after the ghazal; the deep crimson rivers that flow across the pieces drive home the contrast keenly. The silhouettes keep reappearing in Malanis trademark Alice reverse acrylics. The artist tells Karanjeet Kaur about her continuing engagement with Lewis Carrolls infantilised heroine and her politically charged video that premiered at the Kochi Muziris Biennale. Alice has long made an appearance in your work. Where do you take her in the current series? Alice is an ongoing idea. I was intrigued how a male writer was able to project himself on a little girl. My work goes beyond the actual stories, and uses her as a metaphor. Lewis Carroll never addressed the older Alice; was unable to take cognisance of her as a menstruating, life-giving adult. The reason I was intrigued by that line [when i use a word/ it means just what/ i choose it to mean inscribed in Getting Curiouser] is because we tend not to understand the preciseness of language. I went to buy a SIM card, and the mobile company was promising XYZ will be given free for `100. We are serving the gods of consumption society. Have you been reading a lot of Faiz Ahmed Faiz? I am very fond of certain passages from Faiz, and even though I dont read Urdu, I was fascinated with Agha Shahid Alis translations of his ghazals; it is difficult to get the mood right. Lahu Ka Suragh spoke about sectarian clashes where innocent blood has been shed; it is something we have gone through and continue to. And all of it in the name of God. Who is the victim, who is the conqueror? Tell us about your video that premiered at the Kochi Muziris Biennale. The single-channel work [also titled In Search of...] opened at the Aspinwall site [one of the biennale venues]. Id seen a map of the world with the United States of America at the centre. Usually, Greenwich is at the centre (although in China, I have seen maps with that country at the centre.) It seemed appropriate in a way a lot of what is happening in the world today is because of USA: the global economic crises, the situation in the Middle East, the torture of prisoners. One of the images I had in mind was waterboarding. Many things have come out of it; it is like a huge epic novel, and I am compiling short stories. Womantime is ongoing at Art Musings. See Exhibitions.
Review The Poems I Used to Know
Log on Rembrandt Shell
In wonderland Nalini Malani
South African artist William Kentridges first exhibition in India unfolds as a mini-retrospective of the artists practice and recent work, through a variety of media: lithographs, etchings, tapestry and the monstrous I am not Me, The Horse is not Mine, an eightchannel video installation. On entrance, viewers are greeted with the sounds of a cacophonous orchestra, emanating from a small passage. It creates a space for the absurd, nudging the surreal lithographs, linocuts, collage and tapestry into more conversant tropes. In Untitled, a large collage of pages from The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopaedic Lexicon of the English Language, the artist transforms the pages into almost six feet of decaying flowers in a jar. Words are further used as background in No, IT IS, a triptych of three flipbook films. In the central animation Anatomy of Melancholy, Kentridge (of European descent) can be seen frolicking through the pages, at times dancing with a woman of African origin. At the same time, the first animation, Workshop Receipts shows portraits of the artist as a coffee-maker, as a clock, and dancing with his portrait from the second book. The cleverly synced videos simultaneously connect ideas of liberty, apartheid, individuality and habit. Kentridges work is often absurd; the images and words he uses often work together to create nostalgia, of poems we might have known. The shows headliner, I am not me, the horse is not mine takes
its name from the Russian peasant phrase for denying guilt, and its content from preparatory work for Kentridges 2010-version of Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovichs opera The Nose. The piece marries animation, live action, archival footage, in eight videos arranged around a room so the viewer can never see all at once. Some of the videos have a personified nose that attempts to climb a ladder to nowhere; on one occasion it is a ballerina. It also references Russian political culture: the video Prayers of Apology is a transcript of a meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Soviet Russia. Here, Bolshevik Nikolai Bukharin pleads his case against arrest and is scorned by his party. It is placed next to a stop-motionanimation figure in a military cap. Another shows a shadow in a Bolshevik coat. Both the animation and the shadow engage (Country Dance I & II) in a peasant dance that gives both figures newer forms, creating a connection between existing and newly-formed socio-political memories. The viewer is left with an uncomfortably funny note of threats from a self-involved, totalitarian polity. Kentridges work exemplifies political half-truths and ideologies rent with inefficacy and bureaucratic enforcement, and casts aspersions on the character of the state in contemporary times. Phalguni Desai The Poems I Used to Know is ongoing at Volte Gallery. See Exhibitions.
Art
Exhibitions
Nariman Point to Colaba
Artisans
Mata: Painted Shrine Cloths of Ahmedabad II An exhibition of hand painted shrine cloths created by the Chitara families of the seminomadic Devi Pujak Waghari community of Ahmedabad. Until Fri Feb 15. 52-56 VB Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2267-3040). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum. Daily 11am-7pm.
Fan girl Catch Surabhi Sarafs audio works and videos
Art Musings
EDITORS PICK Womantime An exhibition of videos and mixed media paintings by Nalini Malani. Ongoing. See Three questions with... on page 58. 1 Admiralty Building, opposite Dunnes Institute, Colaba Cross Lane, Colaba (2216-3339/ 2218-6071). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Sassoon Dock. Daily 10am-7pm. presumed that they were staging a protest. In reality, the volunteers, an eclectic crew of engineers, scenesters and students, had only responded to an open call by artist Surabhi Saraf for the Fold {Live} project. Mumbaikars may not have Chemould Prescott Road participated in such a performance EDITORS PICK Meandering when the San Francisco-based artists Warp: Variations on a Theme debut exhibition opened at Galerie An exhibition of tapestries Mirchandani+Steinruecke, by Monika Correa. Until but we can witness the Sat Feb 23. video documentation of Queens Mansion, the no-frills Third Floor, near Monika Correa produces choreography. Cathedral & John tapestries with a three- The video may almost Connon School, dimensional visual effect, immediately be by nixing the use of a reed reminiscent of the spate Ghanashyam that holds the threads Talwatkar Marg, of last years flash mobs, in place. Fort (2200-0212). sparked off by G Churchgate (WR), Chhatrapati Shivaji CST (CR Main & Harbour). Terminus real-life Jai Ho! v Khadi Bhandar. moment. But where the flash mobs Tue-Sat 11am-7pm. were loud, gregarious and participatory, the economy and sparseness of Fold {Live} is Clark House hypnotising. Its a descriptor often Proletariat Aesthetics An applied to the 29-year-old artists works, including her sonic experi exhibition of paintings by Kochiments in Oscillations, Peel and the based painter, Mohandas NN. Until album Illuminen, all of which are part Thu Feb 28. Ground floor, 8 Nathalal Parekh of the M+S show. Saraf draws on her Marg, near Woodside Inn, Colaba training in Hindustani classical music (98202-13816). G Churchgate (WR), during her growing-up years in CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Regal Indore, and uses recorded sounds, Cinema. Daily 11am-7pm. such as those of dysfunctional fans, to create immersive soundscapes. The underlying thread in all my works is Galerie musicality, she told Time Out. Even Mirchandani+Steinruecke in Peel which is primarily a video LAST CHANCE EDITORS PICK and the performances of Fold {Live}. Saraf did use music to anchor Fold Illuminen In September 2011, a {Live} though all the rehearsals for group of volunteers gathered guerrilla-style at public places like the the performances were set to beats. The series grew out of an impulse to Golden Gate Park and the Federal work with people, an escape from Building in San Francisco. The group technology (Saraf majored in art and proceeded to remove their clothes in a technology at the Art Institute of slow, deliberate, even fashion. This Chicago, after her graduation in wasnt a skin show, no one even painting from the MS University in stripped down to their essentials, and Vadodara.) I had also been reading there was no music in the background Walter Benjamins tract on the to guide the group. Yet, everyone flneur, who may take his pet turtle synchronised every movement, out for a stroll, she said. Fold {Live} careful, for instance, to bend their however, is as much an act of elbows at the exact same angle. The manipulated flneuring on the part of entire exercise lasted 15-20 minutes, the artist, as unlearning on the part of and then just as suddenly as theyd her crew. gathered, the group would disperse. The group drew a variety of A video installation in 2010 predated responses, but onlookers chiefly and occasioned the performances. In Kamal Mansion, 01/18 First Floor, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba (22023787). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Radio Club. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.
Chatterjee & Lal

EDITORS PICK While Everyone is Away Works on paper by Delhi-based Nityan Unnikrishnan, who trained at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad. From Fri Feb 15. See Wild things on page 56.
WEFTONES

Galleries and other venues are listed by geographical area. Listings relating to photography, architecture and design are at the end of the section. Exhibition listings also include information on related activities. Events comprise student shows, lectures, performances and screenings. Admission for all art venues is free unless otherwise stated. Venues are shut on public holidays and Sundays, unless otherwise stated. * denotes an exhibition we recommend. G denotes the nearest train station. denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Karanjeet Kaur. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Fold, Saraf had filmed herself involved in the banal act of folding laundry and humming idly. Except, nothing about the video was banal. The screen was split into an 8x12 grid which yielded 96 tiny frames. The timing of some of the frames was manipulated and dragged, so even the mechanical holding up of a skirt along the length of her arm appeared beautiful. I am drawn to everyday actions, she told us, but I also like to escape from them. Saraf had employed the same split-screen technique to a similar mesmerising effect in Peel, where she is cooking a meal in her kitchen. You can barely see what her hands are doing, but combined with her layered vocals, it is impossible to look away from the screen, even if shes only opening her refrigerator door. When a simple act is multiplied so many times, it is like a choreography, she said. It takes the original act into a different realm. I like that; transformation is where my art happens. For instance, even the fan is a creative act. I take that initial creative act and highlight the things you dont see about it. Saraf is referring to her audio-based interactive installations Oscillations and Spinning Ten. In both, Saraf used the whirr of fans and an interplay of light to create synaesthetic experiences. The latter, a collaboration with Sebastian Alvarez, was set inside a booth. The viewer was asked to step inside, follow a set of instructions, and ended up suspending their active senses. In the performance Spinning Four, she used four live fans, live vocals and layered video in the same way. All of these are a throwback to a 2006 residency at Delhis Khoj Studios. I was given an empty studio, where all I could hear was the sound of a broken fan, she said. It was always evolving, and I am interested in these percussive rhythms. Saraf recorded the sounds and mixed it live for a sixchannel, two-hour performance. The speakers were spread everywhere: in the stairwell, and on both the ground and upper levels of the studio. This is the first time M+S is showing a suite of works that are primarily sound-based. While we have witnessed the growth of video as a medium, the idea of consuming sonic experiments as art is still a little alien to us. But gallerist Ranjana Steinruecke dismisses that thought. Surabhis practice blurs boundaries. Her sound pieces are sensational. Im certain that our audiences will be interested in this unfolding narrative. Were keeping our eyes and ears open too. Until Thu Feb 28. Karanjeet Kaur 2 Sunny House, 16/18 Mereweather Road, behind Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba (2202-3030). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Regal Cinema. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.
Art
Gallery Maskara
LAST CHANCE EDITORS PICK Glimpse of Thirst Shine Sivans work stands out in the Mumbai art aficionados memory for being
explicit, yet thought-provoking. In the hypocritical morality that has recently underlined the citys social structure, Sivans in-your-face exploration of his sexual identity has been known to overwhelm his viewers with a sense of shock and wonder, yet has managed to keep offence at bay. His work queers masculinity, Art Musings invoking fresh imagery of feminised Nalini Malani continues her manliness through interpretations of his own experiences: his 2009 singleengagement with the female in her channel video, Sperm Weaver had latest suite of mixed-media works and Sivan roll about in frothy liquid, video installations. Her references are reminiscent of a number of similar images of Bollywood actresses in the as diverse as Alice in Wonderland and throes of passion. Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Ongoing In Glimpse of Thirst, Shine furthers his artistic and theoretical constructs While Everyone is Away of exploring homoerotic masculinity Chatterjee & Lal with an all-out experiment in fabric. Delhi-based Nityan Unnikrishnans mixed-media Inspired by designers such as Dolce & works on paper recall illustrations from storybooks. Gabbana and Alexander McQueen, From Fri Feb 15 Sivan creates sculptural dresses from fabric and found and collected Poems I Used to Know objects, modelled after Aboriginal Volte Gallery art, voodoo, the South Indian temple culture and its rituals as well as South African artist William Kentridge was in the architectural and design elements country recently to speak at the Jaipur Literature from the Mughal period. This Festival and to give away the koda Prize. Ongoing multiplicity of references creates a map into Sivans mind, turning the (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). is furthered by the mango seeds viewer into the puppeteer who found v Colaba Market. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm. stitched on another dress, referring the doorway into Malkovichs head. In to the mythic fertility powers of the some ways, Sivan allows you to live mango (Kamadevs most potent out your desires and fantasies and The Guild missile holds a mango blossom; the fears, through his own, by presenting Anatomy of Silence An exhibition impotent Dashrath impregnates them in an experiential hyperbole. In this collection of 18-20 handby Rakhi Peswani, who employs Kaushalya by feeding her mangoes.) tailored dresses, we see Sivans fibre, fabric, literature and spatial The resulting image certainly work mature along with his own languages in the current body of invokes stronger feelings than considerations of the homoerotic work. Ongoing. Katrina Kaifs tryst with the fruit Kamal Mansion, 02/32 Second Floor, male. He considers, of course, sexual in a TV commercial. Sivan also explores the effects of an Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba (2288desire and partnership, but he also intimate and yet highly violent 0116). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR weighs in on views of family and Main & Harbour). v Radio Club. Tuerelationship, hoping to normalise parenthood. Sivan, whose close Sat 11am-7pm. prevalent archaic views of relationship with his BDSM as the refuge of parents, especially his the perverted and the mother, often makes an Jehangir Art Gallery psychopathic. The wellappearance in his Shine Sivans exhibits work for instance, he Exhibition Gallery 1, 2 and 3 read and forwardat Gallery Maskara used his mothers hair thinking will concur it is Transcending Eternity An include disturbing in the installation exhibition of paintings, sculptures not, but Sivan speaks of constructed dresses, Used Dicks (2010), and Sculpturepaintings by Satish it with reference to his installations and where he replicated Gupta. Until Mon Feb 18. own experience. He a video. Auditorium Hall nests of the Baya weaver explicitly puts forth a Group show Paintings by Jitendra birds, built by the male of the Gothic corner in the world he species. Sivan attributes a lot of felt compelled to explore in his own Suralkar, Rajenndra Baviskar and Vikas Malhar. Until Mon Feb 18. this body of work to his mother, who interactions, only to have found the Exhibition Gallery 1 he is extremely close to. My mother joy and liberation that is also at the Solo show Sculptures by Rohan has been very important to my heart of a BDSM relationship. He Sonavane. Until Mon Feb 25. creative process, he told Time Out in further questions the long-term Exhibition Gallery 2 an interview. She has been incredibly acceptance of relationships without Solo show Paintings by Anand supportive of my choices, and my the feminine presence, and considers work both mentally and physically, the ways in which this absence is dealt Panchal. Until Mon Feb 25. Exhibition Gallery 3 and he even lends her the title of the with, by questioning normative roles co-creator. This intimacy with his in relationships, as being homosexual, Solo show Paintings by Rajendra Anandrao Patil. Until Mon Feb 25. parents crosses over into his female, male, or simply human. Yet contemplation of homoerotic another dress sports a fountain of hair Hirji Jehangir Gallery Group show Paintings by Shipra relationships beyond the romantic or that holds a number of bottles with Dattagupta and photographs by sexual, and towards a more mature figures compressed in them, Mala Mukherjee. Until Tue Feb 19. implication of family and settlement. suggesting the multiple sexual and Clearly, in this body, Sivan is Solo show Paintings by Santosh asexual beings that live in our heads, thinking of progeny, but not in the Chattopadhyay. Until Tue Feb 26. their multiple tongues offering up a Terrace Art Gallery most traditional sense of the word. multiplicity of being. Solo show Paintings by Jagannath For instance, one of the dresses shows The prospect of being witness to Sivans maturity of thought and work Mahim Paul. Thu Feb 21-Web Feb 27. the visual of a man holding what Group show Paintings by Vishal is tremendously exciting, as he is a Sivan terms a dream-baby, a child Bhende, Jehangir Sorabjee, Arun young and highly expressive queer with an adults head. The work is Kumar and Vishwanath Mishra. voice in a society that is slowly suggestive of various emotions the Until Wed Feb 20. opening up to everything that is artist sees himself dealing with, as a Mahatma Gandhi Road, opposite different and queer. Until Thu Feb 28. homosexual man looking at the idea Phalguni Desai Elphinstone College, Kala Ghoda, of parenthood not just fatherhood, Warehouse, 6/7 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba (2284-3989). G Churchgate but also motherhood through a Colaba (2202-3056). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). Freudian construct. This exploration
Critics choice
v Elphinstone College. Daily 11am-7pm.
The three best shows this fortnight

Womantime
Mumbai Art Room

Sarai Reader 09: A Satellite: Gurgaon Glossaries A trio of Mumbai based architects and urbanists Rupali Gupte, Prasad Khanolkar and Prasad Shetty have come together to process the new terms related to the upcoming city Gurgaon. The exhibit will include text and image installations spread across the gallery along with discussions with the artists on topics such as urbanism and narrative as a method. From Fri Feb 15. Pipewala Building, near Navy Children School, Fourth Pasta Lane, Colaba (97699-50136). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Colaba Market. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.
Project 88
EDITORS PICK Metropolyptical: A Tale of a City An exhibition of miniature paintings and framed tapestries by Pakistani artist Risham Syed. Ongoing. BMP Building, NA Sawant Marg, near Colaba Fire Station, Colaba (2281-0066). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour) v Colaba Fire Station. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.
Art
Volte Gallery
EDITORS PICK Poems I Used to Know An exhibition of sculptures, drawings, film installations, film flipbooks and prints by South African artist, William Kentridge. Ongoing. See Review on page 58. Kamal Mansion, 02/19 First Floor, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba (22041220). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Radio Club. Tue-Sat 11am-7pm.
QUEER EYE
Malabar HillParel
Gallery Art & Soul
Solo show An exhibition of porcelain art by Portuguese artist Manoel Filipe Pereira. Until Fri Feb 15. Transcending Eternity An exhibition of paintings, sculptures and Sculpturepaintings by Satish Gupta. From Tue Feb 19. 1 Madhuli, Annie Besant Road, Shivsagar Estate, Worli (3253-6266). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Nehru Centre. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.
Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibition Gallery LAST CHANCE EDITORS PICK High Tide for a Blue Moon Ranjani Shettars interviewers are fixated with the materials she uses. In Sun Sneezers Blow Light Bubbles which was part of Dewdrops and Sunshine exhibited at NGV International in Melbourne in 2011, thready structures that appeared to be bouquets and soap
bubbles, floated in mid-air. The sculpture was unequivocally beautiful, but, if such a thing was possible, the shadows it threw on the walls were even lovelier. The sculptures gossamer quality came sharply into focus when you learnt that it was fashioned out of solid steel, with a special appearance by muslin cloth. Its a game Shettar often plays challenging herself with the materials she employs, and gambolling with the viewers comprehension. Her ingredients have ranged from traditional concoctions like tamarind kernel paste and kasimi to rigid stuff like rosewood and steel. In a critique of Shettars exhibition Present Continuous, in the July-August 2011 issue of Art Asia Pacific, curator Deeksha Nath spoke about her tendency of subverting and forcing the material to acquire a property alien to its essence. At the Bhau Daji Lad Museum, where Shettar has just returned from a stint at New Yorks Museum of Modern Art, ten sturdy yet fine sculptures will similarly be coaxed into submission at High Tide for a Blue Moon. Shettars exhibition, like past shows at the museum, will also speak to the museums collection but the connections in Shettars exhibition are slightly tenuous. For instance, one of the exhibits at High Tide is Varsha, the artist book that MoMA produced. The cover of the book, which includes an essay by author Anita Desai, is rendered in bidri style, a metal inlay technique in stone and wood from Karnataka. The 16 prints in the book take their titles from an equal number of nakshatras: Ashwini is a solar etching and laser cut, Bharani is a solar etching, silkscreen, and laser cut, while Mrigashira is a woodcut and laser cut. Varsha isnt the first time Shettar has focused on a natural phenomenon. In a 2011 interview with the American luxury magazine Robb Report, Shettar had said, Sunshine plays a critical role in my work as it is a life nurturing element. All my works are inspired by nature. Clearly, the artist extends that engagement to her mediums as well. The eponymous sculpture of the present exhibition, for instance, is a complex, floor-mounted grid made from dried coffee stem offset by the striking blue automobile paint it is rendered in. The sculpture is a throwback to her childhood: Shettar, whose mother is from Coorg, grew up seeing the coffee plant being used decoratively. In the wall- and ceiling-mounted Scent of a Sound, Shettar evokes the experience of walking through a forest. The sculpture is sparse, but immersive at the same time; it is fashioned from stainless steel, muslin, lacquer and tamarind kernel powder paste. As a student at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Shettar felt constrained by the pedestal-mounted wood or stone-carved pieces that the training demanded. She started using fabric and rope, and gradually moved towards sculptures that could float and be suspended in the air. Now I dig into my memory, growing up in little places, and the way people
around us worked with such materials, she said. With her suspended sculptures, interviewers are quick to draw connections with Shettars father, an engineer, whod guide her during her student days on the mechanical dynamics of a piece. He appreciates what I do, but he doesnt always get what I do, said Shettar. But when I was a student and working in his garage, hed tell me straight out, This is not going to work. Almost a decade later, no one, not even her father, will be able to tell her that about her work. Until Sun Feb 17. Karanjeet Kaur SPS I LAST CHANCE Labyrinths Anita Dubes works are inspired by Fanz Kafkas novels and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolinis poem The Poetry of the Tradition. The suite serves as a wake-up call to a generation trapped within the labyrinth of bureaucracy and consumerism, warning us of lessons unlearned from Hiroshima, spelling out kaal or the end of time. Until Fri Feb 15. Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (6556-0394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. ThurTue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm.
India Fine Art Gallery

Solo show An exhibition by Akbar Padamsee. The exhibits include oils on canvas and lithographs. Ongoing. Film Centre Building, Third Floor, 68 Tardeo Road (2352-0438). G Mahalaxmi (WR), v Film Centre. Daily 11am-7pm.
the heart of a cultures legacy, and later, through the failure of archiving. Until Fri Feb 15. Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (6556-0394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. ThurTue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm.
Nehru Centre
AC Gallery Solo show An exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Vasudevan Kamath. Until Mon Feb 18. Solo show An exhibition of paintings by Vijay Nyalpelly. Tue Feb 19-Mon Feb 25. Solo show An exhibition of paintings by Yashwant Shirwadkar. From Tue Feb 26. Circular Gallery Solo show Paintings by Rukshana Hooda. Until Mon Feb 18. Solo show An exhibition of paintings by Amar Shankardas. From Tue Feb 26. Annie Besant Road, Worli (24964676). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Poonam Chambers. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.
Events
Fri Feb 15
Arts management workshop A course designed for emerging and mid-level professionals in the field of arts management. Until Sat Feb 16. Kitab Mahal, 192 DN Road, Fort (2207-1771). G CST (CR Main & Harbour). v New Excelsior. Fees `10,000.
Sat Feb 16
Lecture A talk on Sources and Development of Tagore Paintings by painter and critic Ratan Parimoo. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (65560394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. Thur-Tue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm. 6-8pm.
Photography
Bhau Daji Lad Museum
SPS II LAST CHANCE EDITORS PICK The Lost Museum: The Fate of Worlds Greatest Lost Treasures Photographer Shaurya Kumars fuzzy pictures reveal the fate of world heritage structures that have been violated twice-over: once, through military action that seeks to strike at
Art
Blue Frog
Easy Buy An exhibition of affordable prints and sculptures by over 50 artists. Prices start at `2,000. Until Sun Feb 17. New Mahalaxmi Mills Compound, opposite Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4033-2300). G Lower Parel (WR). v Kamala Mills. Daily 11am-6pm.
Sun Feb 17
Art walk A walkthrough Rajani Shettars latest exhibition High Tide for a Blue Moon. To register, contact Alisha Sadikot at asadikot@ bdlmuseum.org. See Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Malabar Hill-Parel. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (65560394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. Thur-Tue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm. 11 am.
Sat Feb 23
Lecture Jain Monumental Painting by Shridhar Andhare will focus on the art of Jain pata paintings. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (65560394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. Thur-Tue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm. 6-8pm.
Tue Feb 26
Public Lecture Beth Citron, assistant curator at the Rubin Museum of Art, will speak on Modernist Art from India. The talk focuses on landscape painting as a medium for artists to decipher the vastness of India. Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Byculla Zoo), Ambedkar Road, Byculla (E) (6556-0394). G Byculla (CR Main). v Jijamata Udyan. ThurTue 10.45am-5.45pm. Tickets `10 for Indians and `100 for foreigners, available until 5pm. 6-8pm.
Head honcho Satish Guptas sculptures all this month at the Jehangir and later at Gallery Art & Soul
Books
Courtesy of Tadeusz Dobrostanski
Innocence lost Polish children on arrival in India
A royal welcome
A book on Polish refugees in India brings to light a little-known slice of World War II history, finds Shabnam Minwalla.
t happened not that long ago, and not that far away. But the story at the heart of The Second Homeland throws up numerous surprises. The first of these is the fact that India was home to hundreds of Polish orphans during World War II. The second is that, contrary to preconceived notions, the children who arrived in India were not Jewish but largely Roman Catholics. But, most startling is how completely this episode has vanished from collective memory. In The Second Homeland, journalist Anuradha Bhattacharjee relates the story of the two camps Balachadi near Jamnagar and Valivade near Kolhapur that served as safe havens for orphans and families from Poland. For almost a decade, she sifted through archival material, posted questions on the Internet, pored over tomes and traced old men and women in Poland, who had spent a part of their childhood eating daal and rice, swimming in the Arabian Sea and swotting over science in the Kathiawari summer. Gradually, Bhattacharjee pieced together a remarkable tale. It appears that while officials of every stripe were quibbling about the future of the emaciated children streaming out of the USSR, it was the ruler of an Indian princely state who cut through the official indifference. When Jam Saheb Digvijaysingh of Nawanagar heard about the plight of these children, he immediately offered them a home. He fulfilled his promise by building a camp near his summer resort in Balachadi and virtually compelling the British to cooperate. Do not consider yourself orphans. You are now Nawanagaris and I am Bapu, father to all Nawanagaris, including you, he told the children when they arrived at their alien new home. A welcome that many a septuagenarian in distant Warsaw or Quebec fondly recalls even today. After all, these were children who had lost comfortable homes and families and virtually slipped though the cracks of history. It was the unanswered questions that gripped me, said Bhattacharjee, explaining why this story, of all those she has
written in her career, grabbed her imagination so firmly. Nothing that I was hearing fit in with the matrix of knowledge that we have. Bhattacharjee first encountered one tentacle of this sprawling saga as a bright-eyed journalist in Pune in 1992. She interviewed a woman who, she was told, had survived the Holocaust. It transpired that Zofia Mendonca was a Roman Catholic from Poland who, over a three-hour-long meeting, narrated a story that became curiouser and curiouser. She spoke about the terrible events that occurred in Poland after Soviet forces marched into the Kresy region in 1939. The entire civilian population was forced into cattle trains that transported them to Siberia and Kazakhstan where they were forced to work relentlessly. Bhattacharjee wrote up the interview, but her sub-editor sneered that it was utterly far-fetched and the article was spiked. Ten years later, Bhattacharjee was in another city in another job under a different editor when she exhumed her article. Hiranmay Karlekar of The Pioneer in New Delhi was fascinated when he heard about Zofia Mendonca especially because he had once met a Polish woman who had lived in a camp in India in the early 40s. Around this time, Bhattacharjee and her husband visited the US, where she spent a day in the Holocaust Memorial Museum seeking details about Russian atrocities towards Poland during WWII. All she managed to unearth, however, was a skimpy pamphlet. As for the rest, she was told, the records have never been opened. Undaunted she convinced a Polish Army officer, who knew her husband, to call his family. Through him I got meagre substantiation, she says. Back in India, the story of Zofia Mendonca finally appeared in print and Bhattacharjee started getting interesting feedback from around the world. Slowly a blurry picture was emerging of what Bhattacharjee describes as one of the greatest unrecognized human rights violation of our times. And Bhattacharjee began to understand the enormous tragedy of the Polish people who were used as cheap labour in the
Nothing that I was hearing fit in with the matrix of knowledge that we have
collective camps of the USSR. The treatment of the Poles by the Soviet Union between 1939 and 1941 is still unfamiliar to many people, she writes. At the time, news of what was going on barely reached the West, and later in the War, when Britain and the United States became allies of the USSR, discussion of the episode was discouraged as tactless. In 1941, the Russian and Polish authorities reached an agreement and suddenly the Polish prisoners were free to leave. The men enrolled in the quicklycobbled-together Polish army, and the women and children began to make the long, and deadly trek to freedom. But was it these refugees who made their way to India? Bhattacharjee stumbled upon confirmation in the Oxford Companion to the Second World War, where she came upon an invaluable clue: The Polish army covered itself in glory while the families found safe haven in India. I latched onto that half sentence and slowly, document by document, put things together, said Bhattacharjee. Of the 1,15,000 people evacuated from the USSR, almost 20,000 spent some time in India. Around 650 orphans stayed at Balachadi, while 5,000 refugees spent time in the Kolhapur Camp. Finding these facts and figures involved innumerable visit to the archives, government departments and embassies where Bhattacharjee pored over stacks of tedious documents. Unfortunately for the casual reader, these have found their way into the book and, along with endless names and statistics, threaten to bury the human story. Luckily, however, the first-person accounts, especially the vivid chronicle of Franek Herzog who watched his mother die of cold and hunger in Russia, before spending years at Balachadi and Valivade, bring life and colour to the book. The combination of those moving memories and Bhattacharjees remarkable research reveal a fascinating chapter of WWII history. The Second Homeland: Polish Refugees in India Anuraddha Bhattacharjee, Sage, `895.
Her eyes only

In Seeing like a Feminist, Nivedita Menon sets her sights on a broader audience, finds Sonal Shah.
Dont attract attention, dont get yourself raped. Do get married and definitely make babies. In the face of all these patriarchal rules, we want justice and its pretty much a given that we want it now. Feminist scholar and activist Nivedita Menon wouldnt necessarily dismiss the sentiment, but her new book, written for a non-academic audience, is something of a reality check in the midst of all the calls for treating the so-called fairer sex more squarely. Theres a recognition running through Seeing like a Feminist that the fruits of true justice take their own sweet time to grow out of the bitter earth of oppression. Menon, who is a professor of political thought at JNU, told us there was no urgency at all in writing the book. She added that while its appearance in the wake of heightened awareness of gender violence happens to look like its come out at a particular time when its relevance seems very great [the book] distils everything Ive been writing for 15 years. If that makes it sound like Seeing like a Feminist is a musty, fusty fatalistic bout of shouldershrugging, absolutely nothing could be further from the truth. Menon cuts through layers of legal debate, social norms of marriage and motherhood and economic questions of property and capital, employing a feminist version of X-ray vision that cuts right through the constructions of sex and gender in India and abroad. In language that is incisive, readable, reasoned and yet impassioned, Menon argues for action that destabilises conventions rather than seeking resolution to conflict. Destabilising is sometimes through self-conscious political movement, conceded Menon, but I think overall it is a transformation of the ground level of common sense. And that happens definitively but also almost imperceptibly. So while the Delhi protests were not really about destabilisation [but] a very quintessential democratic civil disobedience, Menon argues that real change in society comes from the kinds of ways queer people live; women and men who dont choose to marry, or marry and do different kinds of things with that marriage; when workers organise; domestic servants organise. Taking in issues related to family, the body, desire, sexual violence, questions of gender and agency versus victimhood, Menon handily demonstrates how conventional appeals to the law are often less successful than destabilising actions and economic or social empowerment. I see feminist politics as subversive and the law is really about order, Menon said. Calling herself an extreme critic of turning to the law, she alluded to the controversial antirape ordinance, pointing out that Every time a law is formulated out of a movement, it is inevitably a distortion of the feminist ethics. Our views on equality are often warped by our basic perceptions of reality. Seeing like a Feminist goes a long way in correcting this vision. Seeing like a Feminist Zubaan Books, `299. Read an interview with Menon at www.timeoutmumbai.net.
Reviews The Walls of Delhi Uday Prakash

Hachette `350 I bet youre thinking that Im taking advantage of the one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary of the birth of Premchand, the King of Hindi Fiction, to spin you some hundredand-twenty-five-year-old story, dressed up as a tale of today, writes Uday Prakash, in one of his stinging authorial asides, But the truth is that the account I am putting before you, in its old and backward style is a tale of a time right after 9/11, in the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York; a time when two sovereign Asian nations were reduced to ash and rubble. The truth whether in that particular story, Mohandas, of a low-caste villager thwarted at every step by corruption, or in the two other tales in The Walls of Delhi is Prakashs primary obsession. In his title story (the collection is translated by Jason Grunebaum) he charts the changing fortunes of a sweeper who discovers a stash of dirty money in a Saket gym. In Mohandas, he destroys any illusion of the modern Indian village as a Gandhian idyll, and Mangosil is the story of a family in Jahangirpuri struggling to break into middle class life while coping with a sons mysterious medical condition. Prakash delicately paints these grey worlds, where power triumphs and corruption festers, then exposes the truth as black and white with moving results. Yet these stories arent uniformly dreary; as he writes, Dont you think that amid all the pain and sorrow and bleak colours of this story, little drops of joy have been interspersed? These tempering moments of hope, which are constantly smothered, throw the harshness into relief. Grunebaum captures Prakashs satirical, darkly funny, conversational style, the book could have benefitted from stronger proofreading (a few mistransliterations jar), The Walls of Delhi is a highly recommended contemporary Hindi collection. SS
Books
Poetry & readings

Book release 6pm Architectural historian Christopher Londons Bombay Gothic will be re-released this fortnight. London will make a slide presentation from his book, which will be followed by a discussion with architect Abha Narain Lambah and journalist Siddharth Bhatia. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (22844484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum.
Thur Feb 21
Dance
Sat Feb 23
EDITORS PICK Literary evening 6.30pm Author Kiran Nagarkar belongs to that endangered species called the bilingual author. Nagarkar was awarded the Cross of the Order of Merit by the German government in November 2012 for enriching the cultural ties between Germany and India. To celebrate this association, Max Mueller is organising a literary evening that will be a retrospective of Nagarkars past works. Galerie Max Mueller, K Dubash Marg, behind Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2284-4484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum.
Bharatanatyams best Acharya Parvatikumar
Enduring legacy
Pioneering dance exponent Acharya Parvatikumar passed away last year, but the fruits of his research linger on, assesses Ranjana Dave.
Thur Feb 28
Book release 6pm Avid Learning in association with Penguin India, Bungalow Eight and Time Out India presents the launch of Amit Chaudhuris Calcutta: Two Years in the City. Bungalow Eight, Grants Building, 17 Arthur Bunder Road, near Radio Club, Colaba (2281-9880). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Colaba Depot.

Admission for readings and other events is free unless otherwise stated. G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Gauri Vij. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
charya Parvatikumar was 94 when he passed away in November 2012. With his death came a resurgence of interest in his life and work. Born Gajanan Kambli, the son of a mill worker, this Mumbaibased bharatanatyam dancer and teacher worked in cinema, theatre and dance leaving to his students a rich body of research on dance compositions and texts that he articulated as performance. This fortnight, his senior student, Sanddhya Pureccha, pays tribute to him through an evening of performance and reminiscences. My guru always read between the lines as he choreographed. He was committed to articulating dance theory through practice and we are only trying to further his work, Pureccha said in a telephone interview to Time Out. In keeping with this commitment, Pureccha will present her production Arthasringara, drawing from her research on Kumbha Rajas kalasa karanas, a set of dance movements inspired by nature. In Arthasringara, the movements of various birds and animals are woven into the poetry of Kalidasas Ritusamhara.
The story of Parvatikumars life is a palimpsest of memories preserved by his students. Growing up, he would try to imitate the people around him; performance seemed the most natural means of expression. He studied bharatanatyam from Chandrasekhar Pillai and also trained in kathak and kathakali. In the 40s, influenced by the style of Uday Shankar, Parvatikumar created many dance ballets, including one based on Jawaharlal Nehrus book, The Discovery of India. He choreographed for the play Durga Zali Gauri, deploying narrative devices from dance in theatre. The play completed 30 years in 2012. One of Parvatikumars landmark contributions to bharatanatyam was his extensive work on the Marathi compositions penned by rulers from the Bhosale dynasty in Thanjavur (Tanjore). There were set repertoires called nirupanas which told one story in a single raga and tala, broken up into several dance compositions. He kept trying to challenge himself. Here, he had to keep the
The story of Parvatikumars life is a palimpsest of memories
choreography refreshing so that the audience would stay riveted, even though the entire evenings compositions told a single story within the same musical structure, recounted his student, educationist Jeroo Mulla. Parvatikumars Pune-based disciple, Sucheta BhideChapekar, conducted further research on Marathi dance compositions from the Tanjore court. These compositions were very much in the vein of dance poetry in other languages. Bhide-Chapekar described a specific composition, pointing out that Parvatikumar focused on nuances of language and human behaviour. BhideChapekar explained, An older friend accompanies a new bride to her marital home. She gives her advice on how to behave and win the heart of her beloved. She explains that she should not shy away from her husband because she does not know the art of love. These compositions drew heavily on his own understanding of how people behaved and reacted to various situations. They are so
contemporary; I have continued to teach and perform them over 40 years and they still feel novel. The Abhinaya Darpana, written around the second century AD, is a Sanskrit text on the fundamentals of dance, attributed to Nandikeswara. Parvatikumar choreographed all its verses in bharatanatyam, creating a dance that was useful both as pedagogy and performance. Ever since he began studying classical dance, he was anxious to understand how it was codified. He taught himself Sanskrit and read the Abhinaya Darpana. When he was sure that this was the key text of bharatanatyam, he decided to give the verses an audio-visual form through performance, said Pureccha. Mulla spoke of his meticulous choreographic process. She said, He worked within the traditional mould but remained extremely innovative. In the first verse of the Abhinaya Darpana, the author distils the essence of the book by naming the four types of abhinaya as they are manifested through the body of Shiva. Angikam also indicates the body of Shiva. Through hand gestures, Acharya Parvatikumar showed the division of the dancers body into six components. He would get into the essence of every single word in the text and find multiple meanings and references for it. Thus, there were several layers associated with each line of text. His students are vocal about the lessons he taught them in life and dance. He was a strict disciplinarian, and simultaneously very open-minded. In the 70s, after 12 years of teaching BhideChapekar, he told her, I have taught you all that I know. Now you must fly and find new horizons. Pureccha is happy that she has been able to fulfil Parvatikumars dream of setting up a college of dance. She spent two decades of her life unquestioningly submitting to her guru. He always knew what I was about to ask him and had an answer ready. I learnt in the gurushishya tradition. I only went home to sleep and spent the entire day in his house. I trusted him blindly and that was one of the best decisions of my life, she said. Sarfojiraje Bhosale Centre presents Shraddhanjali to Acharya Parvatikumar on Wed Feb 27. See Shows in Events.
Events
Shows
Fri Feb 15
EDITORS PICK FREE Bharatanatyam 7.30pm Acclaimed bharatanatyam dancer, Prachi Saathi performs a solo recital which describes the greatness of Kartikeya, son of Shiva. There will be three nayikas to express three different stages of his life performed using traditional choreography and formats of old bharatanatyam. Rangaswar Auditorium, Chavan Centre, General Jagannath Bhosle Marg, Churchgate (2204-7252). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Mantralaya.
Critics choice
The two best events this fortnight

Horizon Series performance
YB Chavan Centre Prachi Saathi tells the story of Lord Kartikeya, through an evening of old bharatanatyam choreography by TK Mahalingam Pillai. Fri Feb 15 Sanddhya V Pureccha
Ravindra Natya Mandir Bharatanatyam professor Sanddhya V Pureccha honours her guru with a bharatanatyam performance based on Kalasa Karanas. Wed Feb 27
This festival is a celebration by Bharata College of Fine Arts and Culture, a pioneering college of Indian classical dance. The two-hour programme begins with performances by the professors of bharatanatyam, Sanddhya V Pureccha, Rajenthiran Naidu, Gayatri Subramanian and Sujatha Nair. This is followed by kathak performances by Professor Chetan Saraiya and his students. Finally, students of all the degrees offered perform their complete repertoire as part of their cultural curriculum. Mini Auditorium/Ravindra Natya Mandir, PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Sayani Road, near Siddhivinayak Mandir, Prabhadevi (2431-2956). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Siddhivinayak Mandir. visit www.sumeetnagdevdancearts.in or call (2436-6777/6/1).
Wed Feb 27
EDITORS PICK FREE Bharatanatyam 10pm As a tribute to legendary maestro of bharatanatyam, Guru Acharya Parvatikumar, his senior disciple Sanddhya V Pureccha performs a dance ballet based on Kalasa Karanas from her book Theory & Practice of Kalasa Karanas & Sthanaka Mandala Bheda from Kumbha Rajas Nritya Ratna Kosha, as well as Kalidasas lyrical poetry, Rutusamhara. Mini Auditorium/Ravindra Natya Mandir, PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Sayani Road, near Siddhivinayak Mandir, Prabhadevi (2431-2956). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Siddhivinayak Mandir.
Mon Feb 25
Modern Contemporary, Street Jazz and Hip Hop The skilled faculty at Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts will teach modern contemporary, street jazz and hip hop. The workshop will conclude with an informal presentation by the students. It is open to all age groups and levels. Ongoing. 1-5, ground floor, Silver Cascade Building, SB Marg, Dadar (W). For information on the timings and fee, visit www.sumeetnagdevdancearts.in or call (2436-6777/6/1).
Dance
Festivals
Tue Feb 19
FREE Gati Festival 6.30pm
Courses
Arts in Motion The Sion institute makes space for music, theatre and fitness in its studio, but dance still tops the agenda here. Aanchal Gupta, its enterprising founder and director, has expanded the studio space and hosts talented instructors to teach emerging and established forms. Dance enthusiasts can head to Sion and learn a variety of styles such as b-boying and b-girling, popping and locking, belly dancing, Bollywood dance, hip hop and jazz, modern dance, kathak and contemporary fusion, salsa and rock n roll. TV Chidambaran Marg, opposite Peninsula Hotel, Sion (E). For details, call 98201-83231 Roc Fresh Learn the nifty and acrobatic moves from b-boy Simon, one of the senior members of the b-boying crew, which swept UD Kombats b-boying gala The Culture in December 2012. Sat-Sun, 3.30 to 5pm. K-9 Studio, MHADA Society 7, Ganesh Mandir Lane, Four Bungalows, Andheri (W). For details, call 82911-52293/ 91677-76898 Twins Dance Art Studio Dancers Sweta and Shraddha Doshi, former members of the Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company, run this institute in Ghatkopar (E). The roster includes styles such as contemporary dance, jazz, hip hop and Bollywood salsa. For details, call 90298-74525.-
Thur Feb 28
FREE Pancham Festival This annual festival, co-sponsored by the Indian government, takes place at four temples in the city to revive ageold traditions of classical dance performances in temples. There will be bharatanatyam performances by students of Sanddhya V Pureccha and Asha Joglekar, kathak performances by disciples of Chetan Saraiya and Odissi by Asha Nambiars disciples. Siddhivinayak Temple, SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi (2437-3626), 10am. Sunkersett Shiva Temple, Opp. Bhaji Galli, Nana Chowk, 12pm. Gokuldham Temple, Krishna Vatika Devasthan, Gokuldham, Film City Road, Goregaon (E) (2849-6537), 4.30pm. Saidham Temple, Plot No 712, Thakur Complex, Western Express Highway, Kandivali (E) (2854-7724), 6.30pm.

Listings are organised by type of event and then by date. These listings were accurate at the time of going to print but please call the organiser or venue to confirm the details in case of changes. * denotes a recommended event. G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Ayesha Venkataraman. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Workshops
Tue Feb 19-Thur Feb 21
Belly Dance Learn the art of belly dancing from Ritu Jain, a guest teacher at Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts. Admission is open for all classes. 1-5, ground floor, Silver Cascade Building, SB Marg, Dadar (W). For information on the timings and fee,
Film
Brothers for life (From left) Raj Kumar Yadav, Amit Sadh and Sushant Singh Rajput
High fliers
The Kai Po Che leads have been waiting in the wings, but are now ready to take off, says Karanjeet Kaur.
n the one moment of levity in 2012s sepulchral Talaash, Raj Kumar Yadavs Devrath Kulkarni finds himself in the middle of a marital slanging match between Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjis characters. That catatonic state, Yadavs helplessness and discomfort writ large in his body language is sheer bathos but could well stand in for his feelings about the film itself. Over the past three years, the Film and Television Institutehoned actor has had stand-out roles rare for a newcomer:
a girlfriend taper in Dibakar Banerjees LSD: Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), a character he reprised in 2011s Ragini MMS, followed by the upcoming biopic Shahid. I couldnt read the script of Talaash before signing it, he told us in a freewheeling chat at the Time Out office, along with his Kai Po Che co-stars and director. My casting director friend sold me the character. The good thing was that I got to work with Aamir Khan. The new film based on the Chetan Bhagat novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life and helmed by Rock On!!
director Abhishek Kapoor, should do away with any misgivings, however. Yadav plays Govind Patel, one-third of the troika made up by Amit Sadhs Omi and TV sensation Sushant Singh Rajputs Ishaan Bhatt. Of the three, Rajputs film debut is being watched closely. A recent Zee News report was headlined, Can Sushant Singh Rajput do a Shah Rukh Khan in Bollywood? Its a fair suggestion: like Khan, Rajputs career has gone along the Delhi University theatre-Barry John Acting Studio-TV serial
Rock steady
Abhishek Kapoor made a sophisticated comeback with 2008s Rock On!! after making his directorial debut with the 2006 Sohail Khan-turkey Aryan. His third, Kai Po Che, appears to be a bromance based on Chetan Bhagats reportedly weakest novel (although its tough playing favourites with Bhagats work.) Kapoor auditioned the three leads together. The basic physicality determined the actor, he told Time Out. Sushant [Singh Rajput] was a little overweight and Amit [Sadh] was a little skinny then, and we needed to reverse that. Also, these guys had never met before but they were so easy with each other. The film is set in Gujarat against the backdrop of the communal carnage of 2000, but at a time when different lobbies are quick to call for bans, Kapoor
is not worried. The censor board has given us a U certificate. But if some random guy wants to pick up a stone and throw it what can you do?
trajectory. Rajput earned his spurs playing Manav on the Zee TV soap Pavitra Rishta, but really hit the big league with his loose-limbed appearance on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4, simpering like a schoolgirl. But for Rajput, like several others before him, this is just en route an unplanned journey that he hopes will include a course in filmmaking. When I was in [Delhi College of Engineering] I went to Shiamak Davar, said Rajput. He took me in, and told me to join Barry John. Then Barry once said, You are good, and it is rare of him to say that. I took him seriously and came to Mumbai. According to Kapoor, he had never seen Rajput and Sadhs work before. That might have worked in Sadhs favour, whose TV career crested with his debut on the teen drama Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr in 2002. Since then, he has gone on to star in Bigg Boss, the last resort of sinecured TV actors; the unfortunate Phoonk 2 and last years Maximum, where he had an underwritten role. A lot went wrong [with Maximum], Sadh said. Sometimes it is just destiny and you have to accept that; it was a learning experience for me. Still, hes come a long way for a boarding school child, educated at Lucknows La Martinire College, who watched his first film (Mani Ratnams Bombay) when he was 17. I was never interested in films; I was a sporty guy, Sadh said. I just landed up in Bombay and in six months got a big break. After doing television for a couple of years, I think I started understanding acting. I am grateful to Gattu [Kapoor] sir that he didnt care where we came from. Kapoor may not have cared where they came from, but hes definitely interested in where they are going the director was clear that he didnt want to work with rank newcomers, especially since they were shooting in small-town Ahmedabad. Why would I? Kapoor asked. So much money is going to be spent, talent and technicians are going to come on board, so the actors had better be good and well trained. These three are superb; its just that they havent got the big opportunity yet. With inputs from Aniruddha Guha and Yashasvi Vachhani. Kai Po Che opens on Fri Feb 22.
MOHNISH DABHOYA
Reviews Special 26

Dir: Neeraj Pandey. Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Shergill and Kajal Aggarwal. 2 hours 23 mins. ;
Asli power dil main hoti hai [True power lies in the heart], Ajay Singh tells 26 young men and women who are hopeful of winning a spot on his team of CBI officers, about to conduct a raid on a popular jewellery store in Opera House, Bombay. The year is 1987. Singh played by Akshay Kumar, uncharacteristically, without frills is one of four conmen who regularly conduct raids on corrupt businessmen and politicians in the garb of CBI or Income Tax officers. Our man is a desi version of Danny Ocean, or Frank Abagnale Jr if you please. Hot on his trail is a Carl Hanrattylike CBI officer, Waseem Khan. Khans a hot-headed officer, played splendidly by Manoj Bajpayee (who finally seems to be getting the author-backed roles he deserves), and even though his target the gang of four is right in front of his eyes, he wont arrest them. He makes it clear: thinking up a crime isnt enough for someone to get arrested, committing one is. Special 26 is almost entirely built on this very premise an breakneck speed, and with a clear aim. As compared to his first film, A Wednesday, which was to-the-point, without any unwanted distractions and rightly paced, Pandey falls for certain conventional traps in Special 26. A yawn-inducing romantic track and avoidable songs make the experience a little less enjoyable. You wonder if Kumar is to be blamed, given that hes the misfit in the set-up (which seems to benefit him more, rather than the other way round). But the few hiccups aside, the movie works primarily due to Pandeys ability to draw in the viewer with witty writing and interesting character interactions. He recreates the 80s efficiently, and casts his film with nearprecision. Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Divya Dutta, Rajesh Sharma and the others play their parts with such sincerity, you inhabit their world easily. Special 26 demands the viewer to suspend disbelief greatly, especially towards the end, but it does so without ever taking him for granted. Pandey ensures the expectation we pinned on him after A Wednesday isnt misplaced with a simple mantra: Asli power script main hoti hai (True power lies in the script). Aniruddha Guha Opened on Fri Feb 8
Conmen Anupam Kher (left)and Akshay Kumar
impending heist that the law enforcers are entirely aware of, but wait for to happen. Even as Ajay and his team intricately puttogether a master plan they know cant fail, Khan and his men wait almost want for them to go ahead with it. Its a simple thread that writer-director Neeraj Pandey builds on for close to two-and-half hours, holding the cards close to his chest at all times.
Almost entirely through the first half, all Pandey does is build character. A remarkably well put-together opening sequence unfolds leisurely, establishing the expertise of Singh and his men. Khans initial scenes a lengthy chase sequence, for example do little than introduce you to his attitude as an officer. This is in stark contrast to the post-interval portions, which hurtle along at
Film
This Is 40
Any filmmaker who casts his wife and children in central roles is inviting autobiographical readings, though one hopes Judd Apatows family life is a little less tumultuous than the one in This Is 40. Billed as a sort-of sequel to his Knocked Up, this typically scattered but ambitious comedy from the writer-director-producer plays more like a spin-off, focusing on the supporting characters of that 2007 smash. No more financially or emotionally stable than they were five years earlier, bickering spouses Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Mrs Apatow herself, Leslie Mann) navigate the rocky terrain of marriage, parenthood and middle age. The kids are once again played by the filmmakers own brood (14-year-old Maude and tenyear-old Iris), who have grown into confident child actors. As a vision of domestic duress, This Is 40 feels hyperspecific. For all its broad comic bits Pete faking bowel movements to sneak off for alone time, Debbie confronting a teenage boy whos been harassing her daughter the film demonstrates a shrewd understanding of the cycles of fighting and reconciliation that plague long-term relationships. What Apatow hasnt outgrown, alas, is his tendency to overstuff every movie with superfluous bit players. (Among a needlessly crowded ensemble, only Albert Brooks playing Petes tactless, freeloading father provides essential backup.) Nor has the director learned how to stick a landing; the third act, set during a disastrous birthday party, seems both overlong and overly tidy. Still, what lingers are the stormy tte-ttes between Rudd and Mann a couple with whom wed gladly celebrate the big 4-0. AA Dowd Opens on Fri Feb 22.
Dir: Judd Apatow. Cast: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Maude Apatow, Iris Apatow, Albert Brooks, Megan Fox, John Lithgow. 2 hours 14 mins. :
We are family (l-r) Iris Apatow, Maude Apatow, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann
Zero Dark Thirty
Dir: Kathryn Bigelow. Cast: Jessica Chastain, Chris Pratt, Joel Edgerton, James Gandolfini, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, dgar Ramrez. 2 hours 37 mins. :
Zero Dark Thirty begins by noting its basis in first-hand accounts, then launches into audio recordings from September 11. Flash forward two years to a CIA black site, where a detainee is being brutalised by an agent. No,Kathryn Bigelow isnt engaging in false equivalency. Shes setting the stakes: her movie is determined to show us what went on, between the moment the world called for Osama bin Ladens head and the moment we finally got it. As the lengthy firstact enhanced interrogations continue, the less they resemble an amped-up episode of Homeland and the more it becomes clear these images have been missing from our national discourse. The outrage over Abu Ghraib notwithstanding, has the country seriously confronted rendition, dog collaring, forced nudity and other untold horrors? Op-ed writers and even John McCain on the Senate floor have accused Zero Dark Thirty of condoning torture. But Bigelow, hardly apolitical, makes her point by showing: this is something that happened. It was perpetrated in our names. Heres what it looks like. And while the film doesnt explicitly deny tortures role in finding bin Laden theres a suggestion sleep deprivation helped the human toll remains front and centre. Even during the raid on bin Ladens Abbottabad compound, the precision of the SEALs mission contrasts with the cries of women and children who live there. The decade-spanning Zero Dark Thirty comes freighted with a historical weight it bears amazingly well. It follows one CIA analyst, Maya, said to be modelled on an unidentified agent who spent years focusing exclusively on bin Laden. Played by Jessica Chastain with a masterful balance of tenacity and restraint, the character is defined only through her obsessive search. Recruited out of high school and apparently present for interrogations just a few years later, she remains an enigma. Asked about her life, she refuses to engage. Journalist-turned-screenwriter Mark Boal (who also wrote The Hurt Locker) did original, reportedly CIA-aided research, quickly reworking his initial Tora Bora-based scenario after May 1, 2011. With Soderberghian title
Agent orange Jessica Chastain
cards as orientation, the movie is ingeniously constructed as a procedural. Obama appears only once, as the analysts turn from a meeting to watch a snippet of 60 Minutes. The Abbottabad raid proves again that Bigelow directs action with a clarity her contemporaries lack. This year hasnt given us a more riveting or instructive half-hour than the one in which SEALs enter the compound and
wind their way to the third floor. Even when they shoot the jackpot, its matter-of-fact just something that happens. (Boal has described the movie as a hybrid of the filmic and the journalistic.) Maya gets the final word note the colours behind her in the closing shot as her globetrotting quest concludes and she ponders where to go next. Ben Kenigsberg Opens on Fri Feb 15.
Film

a stellar group of actors spouting overlapping, acid-tongued dialogue like their lives depended on it. This shouldnt be surprising for those familiar with Russells singular cinema-of-hysteria: beginning with his incest-farce feature debut Spanking the Monkey (1994), the filmmaker has created a uniquely discomfiting body of work that explores distinctly American neuroses with bracing specificity and frequent hilarity. In its best scenes, Silver Linings plays like a greatest-hits compilation. Coopers baby-faced protagonist has a nerve-jangled family led by football-obsessed patriarch Robert De Niro that echoes the too-close-for-comfort Coplin clan from Russells Flirting with Disaster (1996). And characters frequently hold forth with pointedly satirical psychobabble that wouldnt be out of place in the directors caustic I Y Huckabees (2004). Russells dissonant narrative leftturns are also prevalent; what other grey-cloud romance contains both frighteningly realistic familial outbursts and a jokey amateur dance competition? Yet its impossible to shake the sense that what felt thrillingly, cohesively alive in the directors earlier movies plays here with more laurel-resting creakiness than go-for-broke verve. Russells oncemercurial assets have become a formula. Joshua Rothkopf Opens on Fri Feb 22.
Sentimental Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper
Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) is in a bit of a blue funk. Its not enough that he was confined to a mental institution after catching his wife with another man and nearly beating the guy to death. Now this turbulently bipolar blunderer is emerging from his time away with no job, no house (back to Mom and Dad he goes) and pariah sta-
tus among everyone except the really cute, emotionally disturbed girl next door (Jennifer Lawrence). Sounds like a recipe for a bad ol Indiewood melodrama, right? But the primary pleasure of this black romantic comedy, adapted by writer-director David O Russell from Matthew Quicks novel, is how jagged-edged everything is, with
Dir: David O Russell. Cast: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Lawrence, Jackie Weaver, Anupam Kher. 2 hours 2 mins. :
Now playing Critics choice

ABCD Any Body Can Dance
Dir: Remo DSouza. Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Prabhudeva, Salman Yusuf Khan, Lauren Gottlieb, Prince Gupta, Dharmesh Yelande, Ganesh Acharya. 2 hours, 25 minutes Synopsis: A group of dancers go from vying for the winning prize at the Ganapati Dance Battle to becoming the best dance troupe in India under the tutelage of Vishnu (Prabhudeva). Opened on Fri Feb 8.
Films to watch out for this fortnight

Zero Dark Thirty
General release Kathryn Bigelow, who hit Oscar gold with The Hurt Locker, is back with her new film about the gunning down of Osama bin Laden. Fri Feb 15 onwards Special 26
General release A Wednesday director Neeraj Pandey tries his hand at a more mainstream film, about a bunch of conmen parading as CBI officers. Opened Feb 8
even an act as self-evidently righteous as outlawing slavery was forged through compromise, backroom deals and legal loopholes. Profoundly, it illustrates that all politics involves facing an uncertain future. (In one of the more startling scenes, Lincoln is asked by a servant how hell feel about the men and women hes freeing. I suspect Ill get used to you, he replies.) At a moment when our own House seems hopelessly divided,Lincolnhas the optimism to suggest that great achievements can prevail. Ben Kenigsberg Opened on Fri Feb 8.
Mama
Dir: Andrs Muschietti. Cast: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj CosterWaldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nlisse. [[[[[ 1 hour, 40 mins; Andrs Muschiettis three-minute fright flick Mam (2008) fully delivered on the horror of its premise: two young sisters try to sneak out of their house when an undead spectre comes to collect them. Though uneven as a whole, the first-time feature directors expansion of the short is leagues better than its January release date suggests. After seemingly fending for themselves for five years, the feral Victoria (Megan Charpentier) and Lilly (Isabelle Nlisse) are sent to live with their uncle, Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and his metalhead girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), in an upscale house paid for by the local psychiatric hospital. But the girls have brought someone along with them, a jealously protective wraith who will stop at nothing to keep the siblings close to her. As in the short, Muschietti displays a refreshingly keen visual sense rare in modern horror movies; one gorgeous extended wide shot captures the sisters having a gravity-defying playdate while an oblivious Annabel does household chores. The director (also the films co-writer) is well attuned to the storys devastating emotional undercurrents, especially when the maternal allegiances of the attached-at-the-hip siblings diverge. Expertly conjured atmosphere only gets Muschietti so far, but theres enough genuine promise here that youre willing to cut this talented newcomer some slack. Keith Uhlich Opened on Fri Feb 8.
David
Dir: Bejoy Nambiar. Cast: Vikram, Tabu, Isha Sharvani, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Lara Dutta, Vinay Virmani. 2 hours, 36 mins. ; [[ [[ David, Bejoy Nambiars second film, uses an interesting plot device narrating three distinct stories in different time zones, the only apparent connection between them being the name of the main protagonist: David. In 1975, a London-based gangster is faced with the dilemma of going up against his mentor and father-figure, the dreaded Ghani. In 1999, a young musician in Mumbai is trying to deal with his father, a priest, getting dragged into a politically-motivated communal spat. The 2010 story is the most different in tone and theme among the three a 40-year-old alcoholic fisherman in Goa is on the lookout for true love. David is an arduous watch, and thats largely due to the inability of the three stories to hold your attention for too long, individually and together. The thing that bothers you most while watchingthe filmis that just when you get intermittently involved, the focus shifts. Towards the end, you hope for the film to tie up together neatly, but the finale is a let-down. Which is a pity, given thatDavidhad the potential to be three great films in one. Instead, it ends up being only half of what it promised. Aniruddha Guha
Opened on Fri Feb 1.
Hitchcock
Dir: Sacha Gervasi. Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, Jessica Biel, James DArcy, Michael Wincott. 1 hour, 38 minutes ; [[[[[ You dont need to be a professional headshrinker to see that Alfred Hitchcock had lady issues. Yet the directors work was, and remains, so fascinatingly knotty that his many kinky obsessions (placing women in harms way was simply one predilection of many) can never be pinned down with any kind of poppsych certainty. That doesnt stop the makers of this flimsy, jokey biopic in which Hitch (a corpulently latexed Anthony Hopkins) prepares to direct the seminal horror film Psycho (1960) from trying to ludicrously explain away their subjects numerous neuroses. It all comes back to a dame, of course: not ill-fated leading lady Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), but the directors long-suffering wife, Alma (Helen Mirren, Oscar-baiting every gesture), who watches with retroactively feminist chagrin as her husband risks everything on a project few want to touch. Too-cutesy conceits such as Hitchs imagined conversations with serial killer Ed Gein (Michael Wincott) feebly attempt to ground the story in psychological terra firma, while horribly on-thenose dialogue flatters those viewers who prefer to keep their sense of cinema history on fan-mag frivolous levels. (Ive waited 30 years for you to say that to me, swoons Alma to a rare Hitch compliment. Thats why they call me The Master of Suspense, he quips.) Pardon us, Mother Bates, may we borrow your knife? Keith Uhlich Opened on Fri Feb 8.

Films are listed in alphabetical order. They are either on their first run or were being screened in cinemas at the time of publication. Please call the cinemas to check if films that were released earlier are still playing. denotes a recommended event. G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the nearest bus station. Film certification: < Suitable for all ages ; Below 18 allowed but have to be accompanied by an adult. : Above 18. Star ratings: [[[[[ Avoidable [[[[[Run of the mill [[[[[ Worth a watch [[[[[ Dont miss it [[[[[ A masterpiece
Lincoln
EDITORS pick Dir: Steven Spielberg. Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Hal Halbrook, David Strathairn, James
Spader, John Hawkes and Tim Blake Nelson. [[[[[ 2 hour, 30 mins; The combination of Steven Spielberg and Americas most beloved President might seem like a recipe for sentimentality. But the surprisingly spare, rivetingLincolnis after something more complex. At once a further mythologising of Honest Abe and an absorbing demystification of nineteenth-century politics, its one of the most mature films Spielberg has made. Working from a crisp, intelligent script by Tony Kushner, the movie eschews the wiki structure common among biopics. Process-minded, it focuses almost exclusively on the events of January 1865, as the sixteenth President (Daniel DayLewis) covertly delays a truce with the South to pass the slavery-ending 13th Amendment in the House. The director and playwright seem to have had a contemporary inspiration in mind. Even if it werent released in election year it would be hard not to see the interest in strategy and temperament as a direct commentary on the man currently living in Lincolns house. With an immersive, unostentatious presentation of the period (youd never guess Spielberg had made the earnest, turgidAmistad ),Lincolnbriskly takes us through the calculus of passing the amendment. If Kushners declamatory style sometimes givesLincolna theatrical feel in the prologue, a black Union soldier rhetorically remarks to the President that it will be a century before African-Americans have the right to vote. Day-Lewiss highpitched Kentucky twang drowns out the creaks of the floorboards. The actors uncannily lived-in portrayal provides a warm counterpoint to the cerebral proceedings; awaiting battle news, he dispels tension with a bit of toilet humour. Like KushnersAngels in America,Lincolnis less a literal history than a work that uses a historical moment to meditate on grand themes. It reminds us that there is no halcyon age of politics, and that
Film
Midnights Children
Dir: Deepa Mehta. Cast: Siddharth, Satya Bhabha, Shriya Saran, Shahana Goswami, Shabana Azmi, Ronit Roy, Seema Biswas. [[[[[ 2 hours, 20 mins; Its a source of some amusement that the most approving quote on the poster for Deepa Mehtas laborious but lavishly illustrated adaptation of Salman Rushdies Booker-winning doorstop comes from Rushdie himself. Youd expect the great man to be pleased with it: not only did he write the book and screenplay, but he narrates massive stretches of the film in a vigorously fruity but utterly tone-
deaf voiceover. There are certain ironies that must not pass unnoticed, he trills at one point, as if any subtleties whatsoever could survive his overbearing presence. Its a shame that Rushdie has taken such a verbosely literal approach to his York Notes job, since CanadianIndian director Mehtas more florid visual treatment occasionally stumbles into moments of sincere emotional grandeur. The sheer density of this rousing epic fable, tracing the casually exchanged, ultimately convergent destinies of two boys (played by Satya Bhabha and Siddharth) switched at birth on the hour of Indias independence, could defeat even the deftest filmmaker. Mehta fudges the political allegory in favour of the storys magical realism, but still cant get her arms around the material or past Rushdies own bearhug.Guy Lodge Opened on Fri Feb 1.

Dir: David O Russell. Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher [[[[[ 2 hours 2 mins. : See page 30 and Reviews. Opens on Fri Feb 22.
Other film screenings

Alliance Franaise
Seating priority for members. Fri Feb 15, 7pm Landscapes of Loving and Longing The documentary explores the theme of disability and sexuality, and tracks the lives of people suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscle dystrophy and how the disability affects their sexuality. (52 minutes) Much Ado About Knotting The film takes a look at how perceptions and prejudices change in the match-making circus of bureaus, families and matrimonial websites. (52 minutes) Mon Feb 18, 6.30pm LAutre This French film chronicles the trials of Anne-Marie after she decides to leave Alex to protect her freedom. She continues seeing him even after leaving, but she gets jealous when another woman enters Alexs life. (1 hour 37 mins) Wed Feb 20, 7pm Une Autre Solitude Une Autre Solitude or Another Loneliness highlights the backstage goings-on in the world of theatre. The film traces the rehearsals of the play In the solitude of cotton fields.
Special 26
EDITORS pick Dir: Neeraj Pandey. Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Shergill, Rajesh Sharma. [[[ [ 2 hours 23 mins. ; See Reviews. Opened on Fri Feb 8.
(1 hour, 18 minutes) Tue Feb 26, 6.30pm Workingmans Death This acclaimed documentary takes a look at the extreme ways in which workers earn a living in different parts of the world. (2 hours, 2 minutes) Theosophy Hall, near Nirmala Niketan, New Marine Lines, Churchgate (2203-6187). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Nirmala Niketan.
The American Center

The security-conscious Americans want you to show up at least 30 minutes before screening. Sat Feb 16 Antwone Fisher Antwone Fisher whose life the film is about worked as a security guard at Sony Pictures, and managed to get his screenplay produced on the lot. Antwone is born in prison, abandoned by his mother, and placed in the hands of an evil foster mother. He finds a fairy godmother figure in Davenport, Fishers Navy psychiatrist, played by director Denzel Washington. Davenports patient commitment allows his angry charge to confront his past and reach closure, thus liberating him, one presumes, to write the screenplay just as Washingtons support was crucial in getting it into production. Tom Charity. US Consulate General, Mumbai, C-49, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra (E) (2672-4000). G Bandra (WR), Kurla (CR Main & Harbour). v Kala Nagar.
This is 40
Dir: Judd Apatow Cast: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, John Lithgow, Megan Fox, Albert Brooks [[[[[ 2 hours 14 mins. : See Reviews. Opens on Fri Feb 22.s
Race 2
Dir: Abbas-Mastan. Cast: Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amisha Patel. 2 hours 26 minutes ; [[[[[ Directors Abbas-Mustan said they would make Race 2 if they got a script that was better than Race. Outrageous as the thought of an Abbas-Mustan film having a script is, whats even more ironic is that the sequel isnt a new film at all. Its just Race, reformatted in an even more unbelievably corny avatar. Race 2 is outdated even by 1980s Hindi cinema standards. Writers Shiraz Ahmed and Kiran Kotrial seem to have been functioning on a highly potent drug for them to have come up with lines like, Jo meri last fight thi, woh meri last fight thi. Cinematographer Ravi Yadav, we suspect, dozed off several times during the films shoot what else could explain the camera focusing on a basket of fruits, when there are, well, actors in the same frame. Saif Ali Khan, currently struggling to maintain the saleable at box office tag, returns as the wily Ranveer Singh, more chiselled and cocky than he was in part 1. Khans the superhero of the franchise, a kinda suave Chulbul Pandey, who dupes a casino owner of 500 million dollars, diffuses a bomb (if plucking it from under a car and throwing it into the ocean counts), and performs a heist, all by himself. Khans nemesis is Armaan (John Abraham who plays John Abraham with remarkable astuteness). Race 2, however, is most memorable for two things: Anil Kapoor, who plays the Johnny Lever of the film and the climax, involving an airplane, a broken window, a pilot going, Whats happening out there? Eventually, a car that dives out of the plane mid-air, parachutes et al. Made on a budget enough to educate half of Maharashtras child population, Race 2 is the kind of film you wish for your worst enemy to watch on a Saturday night at the most expensive multiplex ticket available. Aniruddha Guha Opened on Fri Jan 25.
Zero Dark Thirty

EDITORS pick Dir: Kathryn Bigelow. Cast: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton [[[[[ 2 hours 37 mins. : See page 31 and Reviews. Opens on Fri Feb 15.
Max Mueller Bhavan

Sat Feb 16 100 Years of Indian Cinema To celebrate the hundredth year of Indian cinema, Narendra Panjwani, professor of film studies at St Xaviers College, will curate an exhibition of posters and stills spanning the century. As a part of this exhibit there will also be two discussions; the first one is called Mining the Gems in 100 Years of Filmmaking, this is a panel discussion on the positive and negative changes in cinema. At 11 am. The second one is Comparing Challenges of Filmmaking in India with those in other countries at 2 pm. Galarie Max Mueller,K Dubash Marg, behind Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2284-4484). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Museum.
Film
John McClane is back A Good Day to Die Hard
John McClane was last seen trying to extend his franchise in 2007s Live Free or Die Hard. He obviously chose the earlier option (if living free is churning out guilty pleasure studio fare) because hes back, played as always by Bruce Willis, for this fifth instalment in the series. The John Moore-directed A Good Day to Die Hard sends McClane to Russia, has him meet up with estranged son Jack (Aussie actor Jai Courtney) and generally smash and blow stuff up. The teaser, set against Beethovens Ninth Symphony, promises silly, explosive fun. Opens on Fri Feb 22.
NCPA
Seating on first come first served basis and members will get preferential seating. Fri Feb 15, 6.30pm 10ml Love This film is a contemporary adaptation of the play A Midsummer Nights Dream by William Shakespeare. There is a set of entangled relationships, but theres also a smattering of Ghalib. The poet complicates matters, and the magical elements make the tale enchanting. (1 hour, 29 minutes)
(1 hour, 45 minutes) 31 A, Dr G Deshmukh Marg, Peddar Road, Mumbai (2351-0793). G Grant Road (WR) v Sophia College.
films about male bonding and is set against the backdrop of the Gujarat riots. See High fliers on page 70.
The Films Division

Sat Feb 16, 4pm Tracing Phalke This documentary-in-progress takes you through the life and work of Dadasaheb Phalke. The film will be followed by a discussion with director Kamal Swaroop. (23 minutes) Sat Feb 23, 4pm My Winnipeg The director Guy Maddin describes the film as a docu-fantasia; a mock umentary of his hometown Winnipeg. (1 hour, 20 minutes) RR Theatre, 10th floor, Films Division, 24 Peddar Road. G Grant Road (WR), v Sophia College.
Noticeboard
NFDC Screen Writers Lab The NFDC (National Film Development Corporation Ltd) organises a screenwriters lab every year and this year it is going to be held in association with the Toronto Film Festival. The lab aims to select six talented screenwriters and guide them through the process of developing their scripts. The lab gives them a chance to interact with experienced writers and through personal sessions with their mentors. It also aims to impart to them the techniques to improve and pitch their scripts. The deadline to submit a script synopsis is Fri Mar 1.
Antwone Fisher
Thu Feb 21, 6.30pm EDITORS PICK Achhut Kanya Screened under the series NCPA Flashbacks, this 1936 film takes a grim look at the problems caused due to caste barriers. An untouchable girl and a Brahmin youth fall in love but cannot be together because of caste restrictions. The film looks at their lives after a chance encounter at a village fair years later and the effect it has on their new lives. (2 hours, 22 minutes) Little Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (66223737). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Nariman Point.
Prithvi House
Seating on first come first served basis Mon Feb 25, 7pm The Story of Film: An Odyssey This is a documentary about the history of film and has been directed and narrated by Mark Cousins, a film critic from Northern Ireland. Prithvi House, First Floor, Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir Society, Juhu Church Road, Juhu (2614-9546) G Vile Parle (WR). v JVPD scheme.
Russian Centre for Science and Culture

Fri Feb 15, 6pm The Star This film follows a group of soldiers during the World War II. The group called Zvezda is sent to look for hidden German armour forces
behind enemy lines. (1 hour, 27 minutes) Mon Feb 18, 6pm The Father of a Soldier An old peasant wine grower accompanies the soviet army during the Second World War after he fails to find his son, a wounded soldier. (1 hour, 23 minutes) Fri Feb 22, 6pm EDITORS PICK The Cranes Are Flying Mikhail Kalatozovs war movie, a product of the Khrushchev thaw, was adapted by Viktor Rozov from his own play and won the Palme dOr at Cannes in 1958. It remains notable for the way its story of a young couple torn apart by war stresses human suffering and waste, rather than the heroic struggle foisted on directors by the Stalinist dictates of Socialist Realism. There is much to admire: the vital performances, notably that of the dark-eyed Tatyana Samojlova; Sergei Urusevskys beautifully composed black-and-white camerawork; the urgent crowd scenes and dynamic mise-en-scne. But Moisey Vaynbergs too-pointed and occasionally gauche and melodramatic score is unfortunate, given the movies overall subtlety and emotional restraint. Wally Hammond (1 hour, 47 minutes) Driver for Vera A young Red army soldier Viktor becomes a chauffeur for the general and later begins a relationship with his disabled and volatile daughter Vera. This film is a winner of several awards.
The fortnights other offerings

Fri Feb 15 Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story
Dir: Vinnil Markan. Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Neha Sharma. Although the title sounds more like a Gujarati jewellers saga rather than that of a thug, the film seems to be quite predictable: two unlikely people a bhai and a simple Mumbai girl fall in love. Throw in some songs and corny dialogue, and you have the Hindi romantic comedy template ready.
Also opening
The Indian Razzies

The Ghanta Awards 2013 The third annual event presents awards in categories such as Worst Director and Thats Anything But Sexy, drawn by a public online vote on nominations from critics such as Ghantas co-founder Karan Anshuman, film critic , Mumbai Mirror; Rajeev Masand, CNN-IBN and Sahil Rizwan, TheVigilIdiot.com. Enigma, JW Marriott, Fri Feb 15, 8pm. Tickets `1,000, `1,800. To book online, log on to www.zomato.com. The Royal Turds Gursimran Khamba and Tanmay Bhat of cult podcast All India Bakchod team up with fellow standup comics Rohan Joshi, Ashish Shakya and Anuvab Pal to award and appreciate all the dung bombs that we were subjected to in the past year. Liberty Cinema, Fri Feb 15, 8.30pm. Tickets `200, `400, `600. The Filmfail Awards The comic crew Schitzengiggles laughs at and celebrates the Bollywood gems of the year gone by with awards chosen by an online poll from nominations film critics Aniruddha Guha, Time Out Mumbai; Baradwaj Rangan, The Hindu; Mihir Fadnavis, Mid-Day and Rituparna Chatterjee, movies editor at IBN Live. St Andrews Auditorium, Thur Feb 28, 8pm. Tickets `200, `400, `600.
Fri Feb 15 Murder 3

Dir: Vishesh Bhatt. Cast: Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sara Loren. The missing link in the third part of the franchise is serial kisser Emraan Hashmi who has been replaced by Randeep Hooda.
Film
Fri Feb 22 Koi Po Che
Dir: Abhishek Kapoor. Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Amrita Puri, Raj Kumar Yadav, Amit Sadh. Based on a Chetan Bhagat novel, the
DVD reviews
Field of dreams Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman
Moonrise Kingdom
All regions. Reliance Home Video `599 Moonrise Kingdom is Andersons seventh feature, and his return to live action after 2007s The Darjeeling Limited (the stopmotion Fantastic Mr Fox came in between). Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman) are New England teens who decide to run away together: she from her distracted, eccentric parents, he from a Boy Scouts troop. They go on the lam, camping, fishing and falling in love. On their trail is Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton) and his Lord of the Flies like troop, policeman Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis), Suzys lawyer parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) and Social Services (Tilda Swinton). Despite the young leads at its centre, this is a decidedly adult film. In fact, for all the Andersonion whimsy that surrounds them, its difficult to recall a film in which two children have been so utterly and possibly clinically
depressed. Suzy and Sam are less teens than troubled grownups in microcosm. Its easy to imagine them as younger versions of adult characters from other Anderson films; Suzy could conceivably grow up to be wistful, unsmiling Margot from The Royal Tenanbaums. Or perhaps theyd grow up to be Wes Anderson, the patron saint of talented neurotics, who populated this film with references from his own childhood. The worlds Anderson creates are so fascinating that its possible to simply sit back and admire the little details. Why would anyone think of pairing Benjamin Britten and Hank Williams on a soundtrack? Is the lightning storm at the end deliberately made to look like a colourised early film? The best thing about Moonrise Kingdom is that even if you dont care about questions like these, theres a good chance youll still be moved by the sweet, sad story of two kids, wise beyond their years, trying to escape their mixed-up lives. Watch out for Willis, supremely gentle and moving. The DVD has a solitary extra called A Look Inside Moonrise Kingdom; its a very, very brief look. Uday Bhatia
Film
Celebrity
All regions. Reliance Home Video `499 There is not much to like about film reporter and aspiring screenwriter Lee Simon (Kenneth Branagh). He has abandoned his college sweetheart and wife to seek love and fame in the glitterati of Hollywood. Theres the sultry married actress (Melanie Griffith), the mysterious, attractive extra (Winona Ryder) and the vain supermodel who gets an orgasm at a mere touch (Charlize Theron). While her husband runs wild with his newfound single status, Robin (a fine Judy Davis) wallows in her sorrows until she finds a TV producer (Joe Mantegna), who sweeps her off her feet. Celebrity is Woody Allens sarcastic view into the world of show business. Allen takes Simon to the stars hangouts: the parties, the premieres, the cosmetic clinic and the hotel suite where they are at their pretentious, oddball best. In the films most amusing cameo, Leonardo DiCaprio is a self-
The fame monster Melanie Griffith and Kenneth Branagh
indulgent young star who enjoys a threesome and simultaneously tells Simon about his issues with the script. Allen employs a safe, moralistic mentality here: the good gal initially suffers but eventually succeeds, while the bad boy enjoys but ultimately pays the price. Branagh is too Allenesque in his
delivery and socially awkward ways. The standout work is by cinematographer Sven Nykvist, whose black-and-white visuals light up New York even though Allen cant help but throw in a selfdeprecating remark He is one of the assholes who shoots all of his films in black-and-white. There are no special features. Suhani Singh
Gay & Lesbian
Think before slapping

Hijra squads for womens safety deserve further scrutiny, argues Ashley Tellis.
ne of the questions raised in the aftermath of the brutal rape case in Delhi late last year was the normalisation of the daily viol ence faced by lower caste and lower class women across the city and the invisible sexual violence, often involving rape, of sexual minorities like hijras, about which there is no outrage. It is some indication of the mindlessness that can sometimes come out of such outrage, that a recent report in the Hindustan Times spoke of hijras from the NGO, Space joining the battle against violence on women with no mention of what is being done about the violence they face on a daily basis themselves. Calling themselves the chakka squad and armed with brooms, slippers, playing cards and skits,
they aim to publicly humiliate men who sexually harass women, we are told. Their modes both triv ialise the very serious and violent business of sexual harassment of women and participate in the erasure of the violence against themselves. Staging dharnas outside the houses of sexual harassers, following them and forcing them to apologise is just the kind of public culture of kangaroo courts and lynching that we do not need at all. Indeed it might have dangerous repercussions both for the women being harassed and the hijras, who are themselves vulnerable subjects. Instead of making hijras political subjects fighting against the violence they suffer on a daily basis, instead of working with
them to develop transgender politics (as has developed in Tamil Nadu, for example), this sort of project, invoking hijra respect for women and forcing on them ethical resp onsibilities towards society with none toward themselves says a lot about how far the country still has to go toward equality for its citizens of every gender. The point of such a hare-brained project is to whitewash hijras to make them more acceptable to bourgeois society and to the nonsense that passes for gendersensitivity in the North Indian mind. The fact is that hijras are mainly sex workers and face serious abuse on the streets of Delhi while soliciting and doing sex work. This kind of move aims to make them palatable and acceptable to mainstream society. That some hijras happily accept this initiative is of a piece with the fact that the most important thing to the community seems to be beauty contests when it is not being used by all and sundry, from banks collecting loans to the land mafia needing people murdered. Unlike in South India, the transgender community in North India is not politicised at all. Finally, this populist idea of hijras (the implication is lesser men) humiliating real men, thereby proving themselves the real men who protect women is rife with the sexist nonsense that pervades the social tissue, here masquerading as gender justice. Hijras are not men and have problems of their own. They are harassed, beaten and raped regularly, often by the police themselves and we need to stand with them in the struggle for their rights, not marshal them for the feminist struggle to legitimise and domesticate them (though of course they are welcome as allies in that struggle). Respect for women and their protection must be the respect we would accord any political subject. Men, real or otherwise, need to respect women and hijras as political subjects, not protect the one and live in fear of humiliation and embarrassment by the other. What the aftermath of the rape case has shown us is that, let alone sexual minorities, most people in Delhi dont even know how to see women as independent and autonomous subjects. The last thing we need is for sexual minorities to participate in this sexist ignorance.
Listings
Resources
Counselling A few friends who can help out when you need to have a chat. Ketan Parmar 98209-00115; Rajesh Parikh 98700-66282; Rajendra Barve 2438-2525; Eshita Mandal 9833122303; Sandhya Panaskar (LBT Women) 91675-35765. Azaad Bazaar The queer-friendly store may have downed its Bandra garage shutters, but its website still has the t-shirts, mugs, lamps, earrings, neckpieces, furry handcuffs and rainbow-coloured eyelashes that weve come to love. See www.azaadbazaar. com. DKloset This Bandra store stocks everything that you will need for a pride parade or just a weekend out with the boy. Parera Wadi,30th Road, Off Pali Naka, in Totos bar lane, near Shiv Sagar restaurant. Bandra (W). Call Inder Vhatwar at 98203-19195. Email: dkloset@ yahoo.com. Gaybombay This group creates safe spaces for the gay community in Mumbai through its website www. gaybombay.org, the gaybombay@ yahoogroups.com mailing list, regular meetings each month and parties. Gaysi Queer desis can share personal opinions and experiences, coming out stories, poems, book and film reviews or event notices. It also has a section dedicated to translating queer literature. See www.gaysifamily.com. Humsafar Trust This group focuses on support related to HIV/AIDS for men who have sex with men. It has open events on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, and community events in Hindi every Friday from 6-8.30pm. Call the Humsafar Trust on 2667-3800 between Mon and Sat from 2-8pm. Email: qs_hst@hotmail.com. See www.humsafar.org. Lesbians And Bisexuals In Action Labia deals with the issues of queer women. It has regular meetings and film screenings and is active on issues relating to queer and trans-identified women. Call on 98332-78171 on Mon, Wed and Sat from 5-8pm. Email stree. sangam@gmail.com.

Events are listed in alphabetical order. Addresses are included in the Venues A-Z section at the end of the listings. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@ timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112). Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Events
Things to do
Sat Feb 23
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs See Sun Feb 17. The Comedy Store. 2pm. `750.
Kids
Green warriors
The First Look Science Books series by Tulika demystifies natures wonders, finds Bijal Vachharajani.
The spirit of enquiry, glorious as it is, can result in casualties. Especially when it involves children. It isnt unusual that, foxed by a seemingly innocuous question directed at you by the young one Why does the sky turn orange in the evening? or Why is a desert a desert? youve had to furtively google answers on your smart phone. Tulika Bookss set of five fun science guides might just bail parents out of trouble. Priced at `95 each, theyre not as expensive as your monthly 3G plan either. The beautifully illustrated series were developed as part of a classroom project at the Bengaluru-based Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology. The stories are simple; at times even simplistic. But thankfully, they are not didactic or apocalyptic. They couldnt have come at a more suitable time India celebrates National Science Day this fortnight, on Thur Feb 28. Beejis Story: Earths Surface Beeji is a globe-trotting seed who sets off on an adventure. She flies off to the Arctic to meet polar bears, then to snow-capped mountains, down a river on to a beach and through a desert, before settling down in a forest. Through Beeji, kids learn about surface areas of the earth. Bhoomis Story: Space Bhoomi is earth, and this is the story of the universe, which she is part of. She tells readers about the sun, moon, stars and planets. Young scientists can learn about how the earths distance from the sun makes it habitable and also why the moon takes on different shapes and sometimes hides herself completely from the earth. Boondis Story: Water By now you must have caught the drift. Boondi happens to be a water droplet. And he narrates the story of the water cycle and its importance for all living things. Kids will also learn about the creatures that live only in water and even complex concepts such as floods and droughts. Dhoolis Story: Air Dhooli is, of course, a mote of dust floating on air. The little adorable speck explains complex concepts of the atmosphere, cloud formation and how the sky changes colour in the morning and evening. Gittis Story: Earth Gitti, a little rock who sits on top of a mountain, reminisces about her past, delving into the earths crust, and its different layers. Kids learn about volcanoes, the movement of the earths plates and mountains. First Look Science Books Tulika, `95 each. Ages 6+
Sat Feb 16
Fractals workshop Boring old geometric figures like squares and triangles can be used to build a skyscraper, a bus or any other manmade object. They fall dismally short when it comes to shapes found in nature though; try constructing something like a cauliflower with them. This is where fractals come in demystified at a session by the Pomegranate Workshop this fortnight. Professor AG Rao, who teaches at the Industrial Design Centre, conducts the workshop. Ages 12-15 PL Deshpande Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Sayani Road, Prabhadevi (2431-2956). G Elphinstone Road (WR). v Ravindra Natya Mandir. 2-4.30pm. For fee details and registration, call 98922-10539.
Sun Feb 24
EDITORS PICK Nagla forest trail Explore the lesser known Nagla block of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park with the BNHS. Located near Vasai creek, it is home to various species of wetland birds, butterflies and monsoon plants. Carry a packed lunch. Ages 10+ Meeting points: near Punjabi Chandu Halwai in Dadar (E), near Diamond Garden in Chembur, near Cadbury Junction and Hiranandani Junction in Thane. `750. To register, call 22821811 or email bnhs.programmes@ gmail.com. Nature trail The densely forested Karnala Bird Sanctuary, just off the highway to Goa, is home to over 150 bird species. Among the commonly spotted mammals are four-horned antelopes, wild boar, langurs, African monkeys and muntjak or barking deer. Leopards are also seen, though less commonly. The walk will be organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature. All ages. The meeting point is Dadar TT, Dadar (E). G Dadar (WR, CR Main). v Dadar TT. 6.30am. `1,250. To register, call 2207-8105 or 22071970 to register. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs See Sun Feb 17. The Comedy Store. Noon, 2pm. `750.
Sun Feb 17
Yeoor Hills trek Nestled in a secluded spot of Sanjay Gandhi National Park are rare birds like the purple-rumped sunbird and the goldfronted leafbird. The Bombay Natural History Societys trip is a must for budding ornithologists. Meeting points: near Punjabi Chandu Halwai in Dadar (E), near Diamond Garden in Chembur, near Cadbury Junction in Thane. `750. To register, call 2282-1811 or email bnhs. programmes@gmail.com. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The onstage adaptation of the fairy tale promises to be zippy and zany. Ages 2+ The Comedy Store, Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4348-5000). G Lower Parel (WR). v Phoenix Mills. Noon, 2pm. `750.
Ongoing
EDITORS PICK Kickboxing camp Kids can box away all that pent-up hyperactive energy. Ages 5-14 Saifee Hospital, Maharshi Karve Marg, Charni Road. G Charni Road (WR). v Charni Road station. To register, call Amit Lalwani on 9869036872. Tue, Fri, 5.30pm. `1,910 for a month, including boxing gloves. `4,764 for 3 months. Know your animals Erika Cunhas Animal Parade workshops help juniors uncover secrets of various animal species such as their habits and habitats, using worksheets alongside art and craft games. Ages 2-6 2 E Sundatta, Mount Pleasant Road, Malabar Hill. G Grant Road (WR). v Hanging Gardens. Call on 9821026287. `400 per session. Pottery classes Artist Vinod Dubey guides batches of kids in handmodelling at hispottery store, Mitty. They can learn to shape clay animals and birds, pots, bowls and Ganapati figures. Ages 5-10 18 Jewel Shopping Centre, Seven Bungalows, Versova, Andheri (W). G Andheri (WR, CR Harbour). v Seven Bungalows Garden. Call 93246-26697. Flexible timings. `1,000 for eight sessions. Robotics and gaming Children can learn robotics and the basics of video game design at this weekly one-onone class offered by Asha Sundarajan. Ages 6+

Admission for readings and other events is free unless otherwise stated. G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Mithila Phadke. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Childrens Technology Workshop, 41, Dhairyaveer, 8th Road, Juhu (26205918). G Vile Parle (WR, CR Harbour). v Cooper Hospital. Call on 99675-83355. Mon-Sat. `4,300 for eight sessions. Skating classes Kiddy groups can get together to avail of Rehman Shaikhs hour-long skating training in building compounds. There will be eight sessions in a month. Ages 4+ Between Bandra (W) & Andheri (W). Call on 98207-35399. Flexible timings. `1,500 per month. Volunteer with WSD Cramped apartments often deter Mumbai families from adopting a pet but that doesnt mean that your kid cant get a chance to bond with an animal. At the Welfare of Stray Dogs kennel, children can volunteer to walk stray pooches and even give them a nice long bath. The reward for your child is an excited bark, a vigorously wagging tail and a wet lick. Bliss. Ages 6+ Welfare of Stray Dogs, Municipal Dog Licensing Compound, Saat Rasta, Mahalaxmi. G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Mahalaxmi Station. To volunteer, call on 6422-2838. Yoga classes Nishrin Parikh teaches kids asanas and breathing techniques. All ages. Mittal Castle, Fifth Floor, near Mahalaxmi Temple, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy. G Grant Road (WR). v Breach Candy. Call on 98672-87395. Flexible timings. `3,500 for 10 sessions.
Critics choice
The best things to do this fortnight

Fractals workshop
PL Deshpande Academy Professor AG Rao from the Industrial Design Centre demystifies the concept of fractals. Sat Feb 16
their stock of educational and fun toys every week. Ages 1+ 4, Apsara Building, Roshan Nagar, off Chandavarkar Road, Borivali (W). G Borivali (WR). v Borivali station. Also at 56/566 MHB Colony, 90 Feet Road, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali (W). G Kandivali (WR). v Mahavir Nagar. Call Prakash Sanghvi on 98208-30315 or 9167177883. Tue & Sat 10am-2pm and 4-8pm in Borivali. `800 refundable deposit plus `150 registration fee plus `350 per month. Yearly membership discounted fee `3,150. Wed 10am-6pm in Kandivali, `500 refundable deposit plus `150 registration fee plus `300 per month.
Nature trail
Karnala Bird Sanctuary Spot four-horned antelopes, wild boar, langurs, African monkeys and muntjak or barking deer, and even leopards if you are lucky. Sun Feb 24
and latch on to plenty of solid trees with low-hanging branches. Ages 7+. Sion-Bandra Link Road, Sion (W) (2407-7641). G Sion (CR Main). v Dharavi Bus Depot. Daily 9am-3pm (except bank holidays). `5 per person. EDITORS PICK FREE Mani Bhavan Children can leaf through Mohandas Karamchand Gandhis exceptional collection of over 50,000 books, read his correspondence with world leaders, hear his voice on an old audio tape available and learn about milestones of Gandhis life and fight for Indian freedom through tableaux sequences depicted by a colourful collection of almost 40 clay doll figures. Laburnum Road, Gamdevi (23805864). G Grant Road (WR). v Gamdevi. Daily 9.30am-6pm.
Out of the Box

Parents can rent three toys and a book per week. Ages 1-10 Ground Floor, Sahakar Apartments, 34 Nutan Laxmi Society, 10th Road, Juhu. Call on 98214-63923/ 9869404489. G Vile Parle (WR & CR Harbour). v Madhukunj. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm `700 refundable deposit plus `300 registration fee plus `600 per month for toys and `130 per month for books.
children from BMC schools and NGOs, physically challenged children and children under five years. School groups `2 per head. Children above five years `5. Adults `10. Foreigners above five years `50, adults `100. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya This imposing two-floor institution, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, houses more than 30,000 artefacts. Its natural history section, which has huge stuffed whales, rhino, deer and bird exhibits, is a big hit with children. Also of interest are displays of Tibetan, Nepali and European art and a spectacular Indian miniature Bhau Daji Lad Museum collection. You can almost hear money Were jewellery boxes and smoking talk at the House of Laxmi Coin pipes once shaped out of bison horn? Gallery, which traces the evolution of At the Bhau Daji Lad Museum, metal money from punch-marked children will get to see this rare craft coins of the sixth century BC till the of Ratnagiri and other exquisite British era. examples of craftsmanship from 159/6 MG Road, Kala Ghoda (2284around the country such as colourful 4519/4484). G Churchgate (WR) Ganjifa cards (hand-painted playing & CST (CR Main & Harbour). cards popularised by the Mughals), v Museum. Tue-Sun 10.15am-6pm. bidri work, papier mache and Entry free for differently abled people. enamelware. A showcase displays Visitors between 5 and 12 years, `5. beautiful examples of Bombay Above 12 years, `40. College students pottery, a style of pottery developed at carrying identity cards, `20. the JJ School of Art in the latter part of Foreigners between 5 and 12 years, the nineteenth-century, which was `5. Foreigners above 12 years, `300. inspired by the Ajanta cave paintings. International college students At the Kamalnayan Bajaj gallery on carrying identity cards, `20. Audio the mezzanine, kids can get a tours `75 (Hindi & Marathi), `100 for fascinating glimpse into Mumbai English, Spanish, French & Japanese. from a bygone era. Theres an audioFREE Juhu Garden visual slide show of rare photographs This garden has a walking track lined of the city and its architecture in the with existing coconut, bottle palm early nineteenth century; a collection trees and perennial shrubs that suit of old maps of the city dating from the the beach environment. Little seats early seventeenth to the early made of painted tyres and logs are nineteenth century and a 3-D map of strewn around the park and are great Heptanesia (the earliest known name to sit and watch the sunset. for Bombay), which shows the Juhu Beach, next to Sun & Sand Hotel. geographical contours of Mumbai G Vile Parle (WR & CR Harbour). when it was a cluster of seven islands. v Juhu Church. Daily 5.30-8.30am, Dont miss the collection of dioramas 5-9.30pm. and models that show the number of Maharashtra Nature Park communities living in Bombay in Years ago, this park was just another the nineteenth century and their life city garbage dump. However, in the back then. late 1970s, a plan was drawn up to Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan ecologically restore the dump into a (Byculla Zoo), Dr Ambedkar Road, nature park. Today, Maharashtra Byculla (E) (6556-0394/3249-9155). Nature Park has more than 200 tree G Byculla (CR Main). v Rani Bagh. species, 80 species of birds and about Thur-Tue 10.45am-5.45pm.Tickets 38 species of butterflies. Kids can look available until 5pm. Entry free for forward to seeing a mangrove stretch
Play n Learn Library

This home library run by Bhairavi Shah offers pre-school activity books, educational toys and handmade teaching aids for both parents and teachers. Members can take a book and two toys per week. Ages 2+ B-304, Anandnagar, Forjett Street, Tardeo (98704-03993). G Grant Road (WR). v Bhatia Hospital. Fri 10am-6pm `500 refundable deposit plus `100 registration fee plus `750 for three months.
Outings
Libraries
Akshara Children's Library
Located in Colaba, this hands-on childrens library run by Radhika Kundalia began with about 2,000 books from her childhood collection. It has grown since then and includes Hindi and Marathi collections. 1 Sorab House, Ground Floor, 6 Garden Road, off Colaba Causeway. Call Radhika Kundalia on 2204-1908. G Churchgate (WR) & CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Cusrow Baug. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm. `700 nonrefundable registration fee plus `1025 per book taken. Eight books per fortnight.
Reading Tree
This library for kids aged between two-and-a-half and 16 years has over 5,000 books to choose from. In May, Reading Tree holds hour-long workshops for children under six years on every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11.30am to 12.30pm. The activities include craft, storytelling, drawing and puzzle-making. 2 Purna Building, off Worli Seaface, Pochkhanawala Road, Worli (24970768). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Police Camp Worli. Tue-Sat 11am-6.45pm, Sun 11am-1.30pm Annual membership `1,600. `1,000 for workshops on every Tue, Thur and Fri in May.
Kids
Fairyland Toy Library

Members can take five toys per week. You can ask librarian Jyoti Bhatia to recommend age-appropriate toys for your child. Ages 1-6 C-1 Ashish Building, Sai Baba Temple Road, Borivali (W) (2809-2743). G Borivali (WR). v Mulji Nagar. Mon 10am-1pm, Fri-Sat 9am-1pm `800 refundable deposit plus `800 for two months.
Unnati Toy Library

This 14-year-old library has over 30,000 books and 6,000 toys. Members can rent 10 toys and 10 books per month. Unnati also has branches in Byculla and Goregaon. 207-D Vasudev Sadan, Dr Ambedkar Road, Matunga (E) (2411-1999). G Matunga Road (WR), Matunga (CR Main). v Ruia College. MonThur 9am-noon, 3-6pm; Sat 9am-3pm `500 refundable deposit plus `500 registration fee plus `300 per month for books and toys.
Kids Toy Library

Members can borrow four items from
Music
guitar at 14. But the blues hadnt taken over completely yet. Chubby immersed himself in New Yorks punk scene with Richard Hell. In 90 after a jam session with Parliament-Funkadelic collectives Bernie Worrell, Chubby made his move and never looked back. For the upcoming Mahindra Blues Festival, Chubby, as he wrote in an email to Time Out, wishes the audience to have extreme excitement and perfect pleasure just like what his name stands for a slang idiom for an erection. Robert Randolph He may be decades younger than the rest of the line-up at the upcoming festival, but Robert Randolph is no newbie to the blues circuit. In his early thirties now, the New Jersey boy played the pedal steel guitar performing Sacred Steel style of music in church. He said on his website, I was only allowed to listen to modern Christian and gospel music growing up, so there was so much I didnt know about. At the age of 19, he got tickets to see Stevie Ray Vaughan live and after that, I wanted to play pedal steel like Stevie Ray played his guitar, said his website. He was discovered by an artist manager at the Sacred Steel Convention and pretty soon, Randolph was opening for and recording albums with the North Mississippi Allstars and then later touring with Eric Clapton. He will be performing at the festival with his family members in a group aptly titled, the Family Band comprising Danyel Morgan on bass, Marcus Randolph on drums, Adam Smirnoff and Brett Haas on guitars, and Lenesha Randolph. Dana Fuchs Before she was saved by the blues, Dana Fuchs began singing in a small black church on the outskirts of her town in rural Florida. According to her website, The best advice I ever got was from a matronly African American woman who told me to just let Mama Music take over. I felt inspired, liberated and scared. At 19, when she was in Manhattan, the suicide of her older sister and mentor forced her to chase music full time. The lovely lady who will perform with her band, will be the only woman to play alongside the other international artists. Mehboob Studios Sat Feb 16. See Festivals in gigs.
In to focus Walter Trout
Colour me blue
Deborah Cornelious finds out how blues got the better of the headliners at the upcoming edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival.
brothers in a family band. The instrument named Gertrude was left behind by his folk musician neighbour who went around the world hiking. It wasnt until the 70s when the slide and steel guitarist and roots musician was all grown up, that he picked up his guitar. Messer grew up listening to the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Little Feat. That gives Messers music an edge and as he explained in an interview with Acoustic magazine, I use those influences to create contemporary music. Messer along with his peeps, the Second Mind Band, will conduct a blues workshop and perform during the festivals special brunch. Popa Chubby Born in the Bronx, Popa Chubby aka Ted Horowitz saw Chuck Berry live at the age of six. He asked his father what the bulge in Berrys pocket was. The answer, Thats Chucks money went on to become Chubbys defining blues moment. When he was discouraged from making noise while practising the drums, Chubby picked up the
Walter Trout As a child, Walter Trout wanted to be a jazz trumpet player. When he was 10, his birthday gift from his hip parents as he termed them, was to spend the day with American composer and pianist Duke Ellington. This changed to Trout picking up the acoustic Jimmy Thackery guitar when he heard Bob Dylans When Chopins compositions first record in 61. When he heard made the Arkansas-based Jimmy the Beatles, it progressed to an Thackery cry at the age of two, papa electric guitar. Blues entered the Thackery knew his son would be picture when Trout heard Michael a musician. At 13, Thackery quit Bloomfields solos on a Paul the piano he had been learning for Butterfield Blues Band album. In the past two years in favour of the an interview with Guitar World, Trout guitar when he realised he wasnt said, From that moment, I swear going to get any girls. His blues I knew exactly what I wanted to do repertoire today includes 14 years with my life. After that I was pretty with the Nighthawks from 1972 unidirectional. I knew I was going to 86, then the Assassins till 91, to play blues lead guitar. Everything after which he shifted back to the else in my life took a back-seat trio mode of performing. It would after that, and I just went after it be just him, a bass player and a with everything I had. Trout will drummer like Moe, Larry and perform at the festival with his Curly. Known for his energetic live band of Radicals. performances, perhaps Thackery will grace the Mahindra Blues Michael Messer audience with his Chuck Berry-style Initially, this British blues guitarist duckwalking moves. played the double bass with his heyre all music giants whove spent decades honing their music. But how did they end up snagged by the blues? Time Out goes back to the beginning, when these Mahindra Blues Festivals biggies were just wee bit lads and well, one lady.
CD Reviews
explores the devotional side of music and comes with a 12-side inlay card! We dont remember any other Indian band that has put in so much effort for an album. Old world, good habits. The first track, Sharnaagat begins with a tune reminiscent of Bengali music and then lead singer Palash Sen takes over. The multi-instrument song grows on you with its peaceful vibe. Next up is Prabhu Ji, a mellow number with a slow pop arrangement that presents the dilemma of a man who is searching for god. The experimental Prabhu, while an interesting listen, was not thoroughly engaging. Most similar to a bhajan is perhaps the easylistening Prabhu - Tum Se Tumhi Ko Maangun. Traditional lyrics are juxtaposed against soft pop in Mere Ram which has stellar back-up vocals. But the pick of the album has to be Bolo Om, without a doubt. Its melodiously mild with no vocal heroics that create a serene aura. A must-hear track. The last number on the album, Sheranvali Maa is a song of praise which is not something we havent heard before. But backup vocals and clever lyrics make it a stuck-in-your head tune. Heres an album that should be heard because the band manages to explore the devotional genre exactly the way it should be, with fun and respect. It might not set music charts on fire but it brilliantly showcases the band and its versatility. Thumbs up. Rohwit. Press Play Adnan Sami, `99 on Flyte

Adnan Sami is back with the 11-track long Press Play.The first song Ali Ali is fast and the guitar riffs (along with the harmonium) create a distinct sound. The contemporary Roya has a brilliant start, engaging from the beginning but towards the end its lacking in that pull and plummets to average. While listening to the catchy Mere Baap Ka Kya Jaata Hai, you can conjure up its own fun video in your head. On the fast and mischievous Kudi Tight, Sami for the first time sings about chasing girls. The slow Main Tere Paas Hun comes just around the half-way mark as a break. Sami seems to come into his own here, with his soulful rendition of an emotional track. The use of the santoor stands out on Main Tere. In a similar vein is Karun Na Yaad which employs heavy sitar and sarangi work aided by Samis melancholic voice. The English bits thrown here and there dont seem forced at all. Connecting with the loss of a parent is Baba with its use of the flute that tugs at heartstrings. The songs different voices recall a choir giving it a unique effect. Dua de falls short of creating a romantic atmosphere despite the use of the saxophone. But the clear winner here is the two-minute The Azaan which is sheer bliss transporting the listener to a tranquil setting.
The Ali Ali remix is treated with uniform beats and there is nothing much to look forward to. On the other hand, Royas remix is treated well and could be a good track to dance to. Overall, its an average album from an immensely talented artist. Rohwit. The Joy Formidable Wolfs Law, `50 on iTunes
Packed with distorted guitars, thumping rhythms and sledgehammer choruses, this Welsh trios second album should, by rights, be a barnstorming alternative rock record but its a frustrating listen. Wolfs Law opens with two towering singles, This Ladder is Ours and Cholla, and follows them up with some thrashing yet brilliantly crafted tracks, particularly Little Blimp and the super-heavy Maw Maw Song. Theres even a rare example here of a mid-album acoustic take Silent Treatment that doesnt scream skip me. But widespread overproduction means the rest of the record blows past without making much of an impact. The songs here should have been served raw. As it theyre limp and soggy. Without any live crunch they sound like the sort of commercial and bombastic sub-Led Zeppelinisms that youd expect from Biffy Clyro. Sadly, no matter how loud you play Wolfs Law, its going to give you more bark than bite. James Manning
CD of the fortnight
The Flower Lane Ducktails, `120 on iTunes

Matt Mondaniles fourth album as Ducktails is nothing new. But then thats largely the point. This indie scenester doesnt need to change the world, he just wants to make joyful tunes that quickly disperse into the great, miasmic cloud of American rock and pop. A lot on The Flower Lane sounds like woozy karaoke covers of soft rock classics, or the jangly indiepop of Mondaniles other band, Real Estate. But, with strings and horns appearing, the tone here is richer, funkier and more playful. On Planet Phrom, Mondanile sings of making love with my alien wife. It may come across like an album made for stoners, but The Flower Lane is for anyone with an imagination, for whom the familiar still holds some magical appeal. Jonny Ensall Sharnaagat Euphoria, `35 on Flyte
Music
Euphorias latest offering is the devotional album, Sharnaagat
Gigs
Sat Feb 16
FREE National Streets for Performing Arts (NSPA) Bandra station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. As part of the NSPAs efforts to promote culture in Mumbais public spaces, the organisation has now started scheduling five acts per day, two in the morning and three in the evening. The morning sees instrumental performances by flautist Geet Anand after which tabla player Rahul Bakshi takes the mic. Violinist Vishwanath Ramaswamy and mridangam player K Dakshinamurthy begin the evening with Carnatic music. Next is alternative rock trio Promiseland comprising of Nikhil Nair, Kevin Sissoko and Nazar Dukhari. Lastly, Neeraj Arya will perform with his acoustic guitar.
and folk singer Achchai Pandey. Aazin Printer Ellipsis, 9pm; ` 1,000 (redeemable cover charge). The former Something Relevant vocalist will perform. Editors Pick Slow Down Clown Blue Frog, 9pm; `500 cover charge. What started at Vitek Goyels bedroom project in New York has now evolved into a four-member alternative act transcending rock, punk and even folk. Tonight, the band officially launch their latest album Forget the Night. They will play their old and new songs against a background of an audio visual performance. Suchitra Pillai Cheval, 9.30pm; `300 (redeemable for a beer). For the second time this month, Suchitra Pillai and her band will perform both Hindi and English pop.
Blue Frog, 9pm; ` 350. Its praise and worship for Open Secret, a Christian rock band.
Festivals
Mahindra Blues Festival Its that time of the year again when the city gets a much-needed dose of some good ol blues. Like before, this edition will feature some of the best international and local musicians. Tickets are available for ` 2,000 (one day passes), ` 3,500 (season tickets), `11,000 (premium lounge that includes unlimited beverages, seating and complimentary DVD of last years festival). A special brunch on day two comes at the price of `,250 which includes food and drinks. See Colour me blue on page 82. Mehboob Studios.
Mon Feb 25
FREE NSPA Churchagte station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. Djembe player Nitesh More kicks off the Monday music morning. He is followed by singer Smit Dharia and tabla player Rahul Bakshi. The evenings acts include hip hop group Trippin Truth with vocalist Aklesh Sutar and beat boxers Nagesh Reddy and Raj; Threes Company members - violinist Roger Mendonca and guitarist Daniel Coutinho; with Coutinho performing a second set with singer Shaun Dsouza.
Tue Feb 26
Ek Safar Blue Frog, 9pm; ` 350. The fusion act from Germany comprises Heiner Stilz on clarinet, Nicolas Schulze on piano and Soumitra Paul on tabla.
Sat Feb 16
Vivienne Pocha Stage 1, 6.30pm. Pocha is no stranger to the citys blues circuit. She will perform her signature mix of old-school and modern songs with her band. Soulmate Stage 3, 7.30pm. The Shillong-based duo of Rudy Wallang on guitar and Tipriti Tips Kharbangar on vocals and guitar. Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers Stage 3, 8.45 pm. Led by the American blues singer Thackery, this trio will perform. Walter Trout & The Radicals Stage 3, 10.30pm. The blues guitarist, singer and songwriter will lead his Radicals in the last performance of the evening.
Thur Feb 21
All Star Tribute to the Rolling Stones Hard Rock Caf, 8.30pm; call venue for entry details. Delhis best musicians are all set to pay homage to The Beatles rivals. Editors Pick Blue Blooded + Overdrive Trio Blue Frog, 9pm; `350. Its a blues night with fourmember band Blue Blooded and Overdrive Trio.
Mon Feb 18
FREE NSPA Churchgate station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. The first half of the mornings session is with Three Crossing Tracks vocalists Aditi Nerurkar and Shilpa Sutar and djembe player Nitesh More. A solo by More is the concluding act. In the evening, folk music from Uttarakhand by Suresh Kala, Neeraj Arya with his acoustic guitar and Virendra Rajoriya and Pradeep Sode playing folk music are the three performing acts.
Wed Feb 27
FREE NSPA Borivali station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. Flautist Sachin Jain and singer Achchai Pandey form the two acts of the morning. After sunset, singer Pratyul Joshi; djembe player Nitesh More and tabla player Rahul Bakshi; and Neeraj Arya and his guitar form the three acts. Zarir Warden Ellipsis, 9pm; `1,000 (redeemable cover charge). The Other Peoples lead vocalist will take the stage. Thomson Andrews Blue Frog, 9pm; `350. Travel back in time tonight with Andrews renditions of Motown, soul and funky hits.
Sat Feb 23
FREE NSPA Bandra station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. Three Crossing Tracks with vocalists Aditi Nerurkar and Shilpa Sutar and djembe player Nitesh More followed by violinist Vishwanath Ramaswamy and mridangam player K Dakshinamurthy are slotted for the mornings acts. Hip hop group Trippin Truth comprising rapper Aklesh Sutar and beat boxers Nagesh Reddy and Raj begin the evenings session. The two acts after them are singer Smit Dharia with tabla player Rahul Bakshi; and two memebers of the band Threes Company violinist Roger Mendonca, guitarist Daniel Coutinho. Retro Night Blue Frog, 9pm; ` 600. The six-member act The Other People will perform. This is followed by DJ Ruskin concluding the evening.
Wed Feb 20
FREE NSPA Borivali station; 9-11am, 5-8pm. The morning sees instrumental performances by flautist Geet Anand after which tabla player Rahul Bakshi takes the mic. In the evening, the three acts are Daniel Coutinho on guitar with vocalist Shaun Dsouza; djembe player Nitesh More with tabla player Rahul Bakshi
Sun Feb 17
FREE Blues Workshop Stage 2, 10.30am. British Michael Messer & The Second Mind Band will conduct this workshop. The Garden Stage 2, 1pm. Eat, drink and be merry while Michael Messer & The Second Mind Band perform. Big Bang Blues Stage 1, 5pm. The six-member act from New Delhi will perform. Dana Fuchs Stage 1, 6.15pm. Fuchs is a singer, actor and songwriter will performs. Popa Chubby Stage 1, 8pm. Popa Chubby aka Ted Horowitz, the American electric blues singer will take the mic. Robert Randolph & The Family Band Stage 3, 10pm. The American funk and soul band is the headlining act of the festival.
Thur Feb 28
Duncun Rufus Hard Rock Caf, 8.30pm; call venue for entry details. The five-member Mumbai band play contemporary pop and folk rock. Duncun Rufus is Lima Yanger on vocals, Hitesh Dhutia on guitars, Vinay Lobo on guitars, JD on bass and Gaute Johannesen on drums Under The Influence Blue Frog, 9pm; `350. This alternative twomember band is Abhijit Lahiri on vocals and Ashutosh Thatte on piano. Their style ranges from rock, pop, funk to electronica.

Events are listed by type of music and date. Addresses are included in the Venues A-Z section at the end of the listings. These listings were accurate at the time of going to print but please call the organiser or venue to confirm the details in case of changes. G denotes the nearest train station. denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Deborah Cornelious. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Music
Sun Feb 24
Gospel Night with Open Secret
Venues
Blue Frog New Mahalaxmi Mills Compound, opposite Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4033-2300). G Lower Parel (WR). v Kamala Mills. Cheval First floor, 145 Mahatma Gandhi Road, next to Rhythm House, Fort (4039-6632). G CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Chowk. Ellipses B-1 Amarchand Mansion, 16 Madam Cama Road, Colaba. (66213333). G CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Chowk. Mehboob Studios 100 Hill Road, near St Peters Church, Bandra (W) (2642-1628). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v Mehboob Studio.
They've got the blues Soulmate
Classical
Tabla tales Nayan Ghosh
Sitar hero
Amarendra Dhaneshwar reports on a concert that pays tribute to sitar maestro Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan.
to perform. On the third day, an opinion poll was taken and the music lovers were asked their preference for a repeat concert by anyone of the three sitarists. The verdict went in favour of Halim Jaffer Khan. Contemporary artistes like celebrated flautist Nityanand Haldipur admire the sitarist. [Khan]s stupendous command of the sitar made him stand apart and shine on his own. The AIR offered him a special National Programme which was broadcast from all the stations in 1952 when he was only 24. Haldipur continued, This was a rare distinction. He had played the raga chhayanat which is never attempted on the sitar. And his performance became the talk of the music loving community from all over the country. Khan is perhaps best known for his innovation, the Jafferkhani baaj, a style he described as, a synthesis of precision in technique, systematic thought. In an interview with Time Out, Khan explained My research has led me to some new discoveries. For instance, several notes can be played with one stroke of the mizrab (plectrum). He continued, My style involves simultaneous use of two or three strings. The left hand is engaged in much more activity which results in better synchronisation between two hands and produces echoes.
his fortnight sitar guru Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan will turn 85 years old. His life and contribution to music will be honoured in a concert with performances by eminent musicians from the city. Khan, the youngest of the Sitar Trinity of India along with Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan, was born in 1929, in Jawra, Madhya Pradesh. His father Jaffer Khan was a versatile vocalist and sitarist too. Shankar wrote about his relationship with his contemporary, Myself and Bhai Vilayat Khan have been able to broaden the spectrum of sitar playing and have been able to create an appetite and expectation within listeners for more variety. Sitar player Shankar Abhyankar recalled the sitar festival at the JJ School of Art in 1958, when the trinity were
[Khan]s stupendous command of the sitar made him stand apart
The upcoming concert will begin with a tabla jugalbandi between two senior tabla players Shabbir Nisar and Nayan Ghosh. They will play the 16-beat teen taal. The Mumbai-born Ghosh who plays in the traditional Farrukhabad style is also an able sitar player. He has received training from his father Nikhil Ghosh as well as legendary tabla maestro Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. Ghoshs training began at the age of four and by 18, he was already touring the world. Playing alongside is Nisar, the son of the famous tabla maestro Shaikh Dawood. While performing, Nisar will employ the Purab baaj, a style of tabla originating in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Nisars father developed the special technique of playing the left drum by using the first and middle fingers to produce resonance. Nisar currently heads a school of music in Hyderabad where tabla and vocal music is taught. There will also be a performance by leading vocalist Shubha Mudgal who has been hailed for her multi-dimensional approach to music. Mudgal began performing Hindustani classical music in the 80s but a decade later began experimenting with fusion and even pop. Santoor wizard Shivkumar Sharma will conclude the evening with a performance. Sharma said, It is creditable that Halim Jaffer could make his mark with a distinctive style when Vilayat Khan and Ravi Shankar, the two towering sitarists, were dominating the scene. Sharma, who will perform at the upcoming concert, entered the Hindi film industry contributing to the soundtrack of the 1955 V Shantaram movie, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje. Incidentally, the two met because Khan was working on the films background score. Sharma has been credited for changing peoples perceptions of the santoor which was earlier only considered fit for folk music or films. For the tribute concert, Sharma will play the bageshri, a raga thought to be a lovely nighttime melody. Sharma, with his specially designed tongs lightly brushes the strings and produces a tremolo effect which is incredibly sweet and melodious. He will be accompanied on the tabla by Yogesh Samsi, who has received tutelage from the legendary Alla Rakha Khan for 23 years. Rangsharada Sat 23 Feb. See Concerts.
Music
Shamim Ahmed Khan

Its been a year since sitar player Shamim Ahmed Khan passed away and this fortnight, his contribution to music will be honoured with a memorial concert. An accomplished sitarist of the Maihar gharana, it was Khans amiable nature that helped him forge bonds with musicians of all gharanas. The world of music is full of unspoken rivalries, biases and grudges. It [was] a relief to find someone like Shamim Ahmed Khan who was on cordial terms with all and sundry, said classical singer Neela Bhagwat of the Gwalior gharana. Born in Vadodara in 1938, Khan was the son of Ghulam Rasul Khan, the principal of a music college. Rasul Khan too was a musician a harmonium player who would often accompany vocalists of the calibre of Faiyaz Khan. Like his father, Ahmed Khan would have become a singer, but destiny willed otherwise. My father was a child artiste as a singer, said Ahmed Khans son Ahsan who is a young exponent of the Agra gharana. At the age of nine, he developed a throat infection which [damaged] his voice and he had to give up singing. Ahmed Khan then dedicated his life to perfecting the sitar. After listening to a radio performance by celebrated sitarist Ravi Shankar, Ahmed Khan decided to become his pupil. A grand ceremony was arranged in Delhi in the late 1950s, where eminent musicians were present and Ravi Shankar accepted him formally as his disciple, said Ahsan Ahmed. In 1966, Shankar took him along to San Francisco where he set up a school of music. The upcoming concert will see performances by Alla Rakha Khans son, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, santoor player Shivkumar Sharma and sitar player Nayan Ghosh. There will also be a session by sarod player Rajiv Taranath. The Bengaluruborn Taranath, the senior pupil of Ali Akbar Khan, has a doctorate in English literature but he chose to pursue his passion, music.
Photographers Credit
Strumming it Rajiv Taranath
Taranath has also served as the head of the Indian music programme at the World Music Department of the California Institute of the Arts. Like Shamim, I also belong to the Maihar gharana and wish to salute his memory through my recital,
said Taranath. There will also be a segment with Ahmed Khans old video recordings. Amarendra Dhaneshwar Nehru Centre Sat Feb 16. See Concerts.
Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha

Chennais Margazhi music festival in December features 3,000 music concerts with over 1,000 musicians. In Mumbai, the Fine Arts Society, Chembur has been trying their best to replicate the South Indian musical extravaganza through their own Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha, the annual festival scheduled this fortnight. It is an annual event basically to cater to Carnatic audiences after the conclusion of the Margazhi festival in Chennai, explained R Radhakrishnan, president of the Fine Arts Society. The-three day affair will feature vocalists like the Priya Sisters, Ranjani-Gayatri and P Unnikrishnan. The Priya Sisters, Shanmukhapriya and Haripriya, will open the festival with a vocal performance. The siblings, known for singing in absolute unison, initially learnt Carnatic music from their father VV Subbaram. They then received advanced training under renowned vocalist duo Radha and Jayalakshmi (who taught them voice modulation), disciples of the maestro GN Balasubramaniam. They have also studied under TR Subramaniam who trained them to work on the pallavi. Each of our gurus has helped us in shaping ourselves as vocalists, said Haripriya. Alongside, you need to imbibe as much as you can. Although they began in 1989, the big break came when they performed at the Spirit of Unity Concert in 1990. The second day of Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha will see Ranjani and Gayatri, well-known singers who have learned the violin from TS Krishnaswami at Shanmukhananda Sangeeta Vidyalaya. The duo actually began their career as violin duet performers and later as accompanists to leading musicians, but an overwhelming response to their vocal concerts made the violin to take a backseat. The violin sensitised us to so many of the finer aspects of music such as purity of sound, pitching, sruti, swara sense and emoting through music without the prop of lyrics, said Gayatri. In 1993 after they shifted to Chennai from Mumbai they commenced vocal training under PS Narayanaswamy and have been giving vocal performances since 1997. Ranjani-Gayatri, originally residents of Mumbai, will include a ragam, tanam pallavi, a ragamalika virutham and a Marathi abhang among other compositions. They will be accompanied by HN Bhaskar on the violin, K Arunprakash on the mridangam and N Guruprasad on the ghatam. P Unnikrishnan, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and playback singer will conclude the festival. His mother Harini Radhakrishnan was his first guru and he began formal training under VL Sheshadri and then moved to another guru S Ramanathan. Subsequently, he continued training under Savithri Sathyiamurthy, a senior disciple of Ramanathan. He also went through a six-month long training in the Veena Dhannamal bani style conducted by renowned musicians T Brinda and T Vishwanathan. An established playback singer for Tamil and Malayalam films, he also collaborates with musicians in fusion concerts. Latha Venkatraman Sivaswamy Auditorium Fri Feb 15. See Concerts.
Music
Sari sisters Ranjani and Gayatri
Concerts
Fri Feb 15
To know how to use this section, refer to Gigs listings.
Critics choice
unison, will perform.
The two best shows this fortnight

Mahindra Blues Festivl
Mehboob Studios Six international headliners and three Indian bands will perform at this edition of the festival. Sat Feb 16 Symphony Orchestra of India
NCPA The fourteenth season of the SOI begins this fortnight. Sat Feb 16
Sat Feb 16
Ranjani and Gayatri Sivaswamy Auditorium, 6.30pm. The siblings who have also been trained in the violin will sing.
FREE Music in Cinema Max Mueller Bhavan, 6.30pm. Lecture: As part of the venues exhibition celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema, musician N Dhanaswar, will act as guide to the music in films of the century.
Sun Feb 17
P Unnikrishnan Sivaswamy Auditorium, 6.05pm. The vocalist and playback singer will perform.
Sat Feb 16
Editors Pick Shamim Ahmed Khan tribute Nehru Centre, 6.30pm; call venue for entry details. Tabla guru Zakir Hussain, santoor player Sivkumar Sharma, sitar player Nayan Ghosh and sarod player Rajiv Taranath will honour Khan. See Shamim Ahmed Khan on page 87.
Venues
Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre 122A, JK Sawant Marg, near Ruparel College, opposite Mumbai Glasswork, Matunga (2430-4150). G Matunga Road (WR), Matunga (CR Main). v City Light. Kamla Nehru Park BG Kher Road, Malabar Hill G Grant Road (WR). v Kamla Nehru Park. Karnataka Sangha Vishveshawarayya Smarak Mandir, CHM Marg, Matunga (W) (24377022). G Matunga Road (WR), Matunga (CR Main). v Matunga Road Station. Max Mueller Bhavan GoetheInstitut, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Colaba (2202-7710). G Churchgate (WR). v Regal Cinema. Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha Mandir Dr Bhalerao Marg, near St Marys High School, Gaiwadi, Girgaum (2385-6303). G Charni Road (WR). v Gaiwadi. National Centre for the Performing Arts NCPA Marg, near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (66223737). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Nariman Point. Nehru Centre Auditorium Annie Besant Road, near Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli (2496-4680). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Nehru Planetarium. Rangsharda Auditorium Near Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W) (26401919). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour) v Lilavati Hospital. Ravindra Natya Mandir PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Sayani Road, near Siddhivinayak Mandir, Prabhadevi (2431-2956). G Dadar (WR), Parel (CR Main). v Siddhivinayak Mandir. Sharda Sangeet Vidyalaya Nadbrahma Mandir, near Kala Nagar, Madhusudan Kalelkar Marg, Bandra (E) (2659-0433). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v Kala Nagar. Sheila Raheja Hall Rotary Service Centre, junction of Juhu Road and Juhu Tara Road, Santa Cruz (W). G Santa Cruz (WR, CR Harbour). v Juhu Koliwada. Sivaswamy Auditorium The Fine Arts Society, Fine Arts Chowk, near Chembur Flyover, RC Marg, Chembur (2522-2988). G Chembur (CR Harbour). v Fine Arts Chowk. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research Auditorium Bhavans College Campus, Dadabhai Road, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (W) (2623-7454). G Andheri (WR, CR Harbour). v Navrang Cinema.
Wed Feb 20
FREE Indudhar Nirodi Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre, 6pm. Hindustani: The khayal and dhrupad singer will perform.
Sun Feb 17
Opera Screening NCPA, 10am and 2.30pm; `500. In association with the New York Metropolitan Opera, NCPA presents screenings for the citys opera buffs. This time, its the tragic opera in two acts Maria Stuarda Donizetti by Gaetano Donizetti. Its set to a libretto by Giuseppe Bardar. FREE Mr and Mrs BS Mutth Sheila Raheja Hall, 5pm. Carnatic: Surburban Music Circle, a group of music enthusiasts organise this violin performance by the husband and wife duo. Editors Pick Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) NCPA, 7pm; `800, `1,200, `1,600, `2,000. The fourteenth season of the SOI is already underway and the second concert sees performances of Rezniceks overture to Donna Diana, Brahms D minor Piano Concerto and Tchaikovskys glorious Fifth symphony. FREE P Madhukar Jayanti Samaroh 2013 Sharda Sangeet Vidyalaya, 4.30pm. Hindustani: Its a day of music with solo performances by harmonium players Unmesh Khaire and Tulsidas Borkar, sarangi player Farooque Latif and vocalist Aparna Kelkar.
player Bela Fleck, double bass player Edgar Meyer and tabla player Zakir Hussain will perform Melody of Rhythm.
Sat Feb 23
Editors Pick FREE Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan tribute Rangsharda, 6pm. Musicians from the city will pay tribute to the sitar maestro who will be turning 85 years this fortnight. See Sitar hero on page 86.
Thur Feb 21
FREE Kushal Das + Florian Schiertz Max Mueller Bhavan, 6.30pm. The concert is part of the venues exhibition celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. The Indian sitar player, Das, will be accompanied by German Schiertz on the tabla. Avishkar Nehru Centre, 7pm; call venue for entry details. Hindustani: An evening of music and dance organised by Pancham Nishad, an events company. There will be performances by tabla player Anindo Chatterjee of the Farukhabad gharana, vocalists Kaushiki Chakrabarty and Sandeep Mahavir, and pakhawaj player Bhawani Shankar.
Sun Feb 24
FREE Pratahswar Ravindra Natya mandir, 6.30am. Sarod player Tejinder Narayan Majumdar will perform in this morning raga concert. FREE Amita Gokhle Karnataka Sangha, 10am. The vocalist will perform. FREE Ninaad Deo + Mrundinayaaa Pathak Dadar Matuga Cultural Centre, 5pm. Hindustani: The two vocalists will perform. FREE Ram Krishna Das Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha Mandir, 6pm. Hindustani: Swar Sadhana Samitis monthly programme features a vocal performance by Das along with an instrumental performance by students of the Victoria Memorial School of the Blind and an Odissi dance performance by students of Nivedita Mukherjees Aratrika Institute of Performing Arts. FREE Rhythm Concert SPJIMR, 7pm. Percussion masters Taufique Qureshi, Yogesh Samsi, Ranjit Barot and Sridhar Parthasarthy will perform in a unique instrumental concert this evening.
Fri Feb 22
Teen Prahar Nehru Centre 5.30pm; call venue for entry details. Hindustani classical: Banyan Tree events presents a concert with musicians like Chaanulal Mishra, Ramkumar Mishra, Talveen Singh, Purbayan Chatterjee, R Ganesh, Debashish Bhattacharya and Shahshank. FREE Chandrasekhar Phanse Kamla Nehru Park, 6.30pm. Hindustani: Sitar player Phanse will perform. FREE Sadanand Naimpally and Farooque Latif Khan + Abhay Phagre and Ashwini Deshpande Ravindra Natya Mandir, 6.30pm. The four musicians will participate in a concert with vocals, sarangi, flute and tabla. Umang Series NCPA, 6.30pm; firstcome-first served-basis. Hindustani classical: Classical guitarist Deepak Kshirsagar and vocalist Sraboni Chaudhury will perform. Editors Pick SOI NCPA, 7pm; `800, `1,200, `1,600, `2,000. All concerts of this season lead up to this one. The orchestra will perform Glinkas Ruslan and Ludmilla overture and Tchaikovskys violin concerto. In an epic finale, banjo
Music
Mon Feb 18
Editors Pick Oberon Trio NCPA, 7pm; `300, `500. Western classical: Formed in 2006, the trio comprising violinists Henja Semmler and Antoaneta Emanuilova and pianist Jonathan Aner will perform compositions by Haydn, Brahms and Shostakovich.
Tue Feb 19
Editors Pick SOI NCPA, 7pm; `800, `1,200, `1,600, `2,000. The chamber is a usual part of the SOIs season. It makes a return this year with a concert that will see this seasons soloists violinist Marat Bisengaliev, pianist Benjamin Frith and cellist Boris Baraz perform Mozarts Sonata for piano and violin K 305, Strausss Sonata for violin and piano and Mendelssohns piano trio No 1.
Festivals
FREE Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha Fine Arts Society, Chembur presents a three-day Carnatic vocal music festival. See Carnatic Sangeeta Vizha on page 87.
Fri Feb 15
Priya Sisters Sivaswamy Auditorium, 7.30pm. The vocalist sisters, Shanmukhapriya and Haripriya, renowned for sining in
Nightlife
me. I think I have quite a diverse taste in music, literature, movies, in general; and that wide scope inspires what I make. It often involves bits and pieces from areas or elements that are not meant to go together. I try to be fearless in that respect, and to utterly disregard what I am supposed to do. It doesnt always work. Specifically, with songs like Plush or Shoes, I guess I am always looking for a hybrid of pop and club music, and it always has to have a techno foundation. The lyrics, not sure they just appear in my head. Tell us about your album Ciao! Any stories behind the name? I always felt great in Italy, and just felt that that one word had a very naive, and universal meaning to it. A welcome. A farewell. You have ventured into different artistic fields for example, your role in the film Ivory Tower. How did that come about, and do you plan to get into film more seriously? That came about because me and my friend Gonzales were playing a lot of chess and then he, in his typical fashion, decided to make a movie and an album inspired by chess. He sent me a script, asked if I wanted to play his brother. I said yes and wrote my lines. It was so much fun, and yes, I would do more film and writing work in the future. What can we expect from you in the future? Any dream collaborations? I hope to have my third studio album done this year: then a big world tour to follow. Dream collaborations? Daft Punk maybe? Or Prince. How does it feel to perform in India after all these years? Any place or memory youd like to revisit, or any new expectations from the country? This will be my first time playing shows in India, so Im not sure what to expect. Im sure it will be very different from the local chai shops and `17 bhaji I am used to. I visit almost every year (as a tourist) and I love India I feel more at home in India than anywhere else in the world: as soon as the plane touches down, I feel alive! Tiga performs on Fri Feb 15 at Blue Frog. See DJ Listings.
Rhythm and mews Tiga
Wild cat
Techno DJ and producer Tiga revisits India to rave in the country that inspired his partying ways, finds Asmita Bakshi.
My Name is Tiga on BBC Radio 6 and toured the world performing at festivals like Electric Zoo in New York. Now 38, he continues to strut through the jungle of electronic music with more eccentri city than grace. I was also brave enough to visit the Middle East, with a harrowing trip to warravaged Dubai, he wrote, in his own bio. I was taken falconing and I found out that the falcons undergo extensive plastic surgery to look more like celebrities. My falcon was supposed to resemble Ethan Hawke. I dont know who that is. We corresponded with Tiga over email about his years in India, his experiment with films and the other things that lie behind his heavily kohled eyes and provocative tunes. You spent a lot of your childhood years in Goa and your father was a DJ on the rave scene there. Tell us about that experience. It was my childhood and it was magical. I lived half my years in Goa, and the other half in Canada: so I constantly had these two very different worlds in my head. I loved Goa, loved the freedom and that way of life. I grew up very much like a local. The parties and the adult scene were also inspiring, indirectly I guess I got to see party culture up close from a very young age. What kind of music did you listen to growing up? I think the music of the 80s was the biggest influence early on. Duran Duran (I bought that cassette at the old Taj Hotel in Mumbai I think), Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, etc. When I was younger I liked Blondie, Rod Stewart, Hank Williams. As I got older it moved into some industrial, then KLF, then NIN, then I found techno. What usually inspires you to make music? Especially songs like Plush and Shoes, which set you apart. Where do these come from? Its difficult to say what inspires
hen a musician calls himself a storytella and a funkyfella, the wolf-king of dance mountain, the man that fun never forgot and dabbles with make-up, you might guess that hes an incurable attention-seeker. Besides all the self-aggrandising and swagger, a listen to a couple of his tracks proves that Tiga Sontag James music is equally as heterodox. Having spent most of his formative years in Goa watching his father DJ at raves in the seaside party state, the Montrealborn DJ, producer and record label owner set out to transform the scene in his native city in the 1990s. After years of organising parties, churning out popular remixes of Sunglasses At Night and Hot in Herre at clubs back home, and collaborating with Zombie Nation under the alias ZZT, James finally released his own album Sexor in 2006 and subsequently Ciao! in 2009. His adventures didnt end there. James also hosted the radio show
The Big Bang Bar & Caf
Enigma
Verdict A schizophrenic shadow of its former self

When I was just a wee teenybopper, Enigma was the place to party at in the burbs. Now, as a somewhat mature adult, I stepped into the JW Marriott, giddy about the re-launched club; images of the good ol days spent there boogeying to Daddy Yankees Gasolina flooding into my head. The sign at the entrance, announcing Enigma: Never The Same, should have warned us. The scene inside was utterly confusing. Had we walked into a rowdy Catholic wedding? We met a sea of senior citizens, a few corporate-types and couples jiving to My Sharona played by a live band. Yes, My Sharona that only ever plays at the forgotten end of a playlist at house parties; no sexy Beyonc moves here. The only thing that seemed to have remained unchanged was the alarming number of sleazy uncles. Things might change for the better with a drink or two inside us, we thought, and hit the bar. The selection of drinks was on par with Marriotts standards: extensive and expensive. Hallelujah for cover charges though; we got two drinks per person with the `2,000 entry. The cover charge, however, could not have got us the pretty bottle of Roberto Cavalli vodka (`3,000), so we had to be content with leering at it, and opted for an Enigma Sling (`800) and a Jgerbomb (`700) instead. The friendly and helpful bartenders recommended we try the Absinthe Depthcharge (`700) a shot of absinthe in a glass of energy drink. They mix it with a dodgy-looking liquid named Restless, but the apprehension on our faces was enough for them to switch it with Red Bull. We ended on a high note with an Electric Iced Tea (`800), heavily loaded with vodka. We were told that after the live performance by the band, Enigma would return to being a nightclub, so we stuck around by the bar. For midnight munchies we ordered the Gardenia Pizza (`500). The clock struck 1am, the band folded and there was still no sign of our pizza. Finally, 30 minutes later, it arrived, peppered with tiny, wilted bits of zucchini and mushroom. If we ever visit again, which seems unlikely, were heading to the Lotus Caf outside for more efficient service. The success of Blue Frog and The Comedy Store has likely nudged Enigma into furthering the living room vibe they are introducing bands, stand-up comedians and other live acts to their entertainment line-up. This new identity appears to be a force-fit. The decor has a lot to live up to: the nightclubs VIP section is littered with shabby pastel-coloured couches, and the lighting is harshly bright. Maybe they are yet to find their groove again, but for old-timers like us, Enigmas transition into a sad, schizophrenic shadow of its former self, remains a mystery. Vijayeta Basu Enigma JW Marriott, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu (6693-3288). FriSat 10 pm-2.45 am.
amit chakravarty
Drinks and giggles Patrons at The Big Bang Bar & Cafe

Verdict Worth one visit just to check the place out.
Maybe we should wait a bit to pronounce the verdict, but we found Bandras latest rooftop bar to be quite the oxymoron. The owners should really consider dropping Bang from the name of this al fresco caf-cum-bar located above Kofuku and KFC. Brought to you by the folks behind Bandra Reclamations Masalazone is this equally nondescript place with only a clichd green-bottle back-wall bar and vintage tiling by way of decoration. Possibly the bars (can it be called a caf if it opens at 6pm?) biggest selling point are two open air seating sections straddled on either side of an enclosed, dimly-lit dining area. And so, even though our evening started out on a peppy note, thanks to the wonderful weather, things post the introductory, great location, ample space, reasonable pricing went straight to hell. The month-old bar, we were informed by our continually grunting waiter, opened (no surprise) without any fanfare. We settled in to flip-flop through the clipboard menu. In the first round, we ordered a Golden Dawn (`375), a muddled concoction of malta, oranges, vodka and mint, and the classic caprioska (`375). We neednt have bothered ordering separate drinks they both tasted the same, sickly sweet. PS: the former was also responsible for imparting a seizure-like brain freeze. Remedial measures came in the guise of a hot toddy (`375), which was just awful. In a bid to salvage the drinks
situation we turned to food, but there too disappointments swiftly follow. The menu is littered with industrial bar snacks, either fried or tandoor-grilled, so we pick the kheema pav (`279) and Caju (Cajun) chicken tender (`279). In retrospect, we should have cut our losses and moved on because to say that the kheema looked like runny remains, would bekind. The much-pimped Caju chicken failed to make an exit out of the kitchen and onto our table. Positively pissed off, we paid up and made our way to inspect the loo, but not before we had a word with the in-house DJ on his questionable music choices. Before 11pm its rock and after, its house, he says. To say that he didnt take too well to our, Rock died in the 80s jibe is an understatement. On a serious note, in a decade where Mumbaikars are willing to pay big bucks and brave monstrous traffic jams for a good time, we couldnt quite come to terms with why the owners would want to waste moolah on a DJ that plays Duran Duran and Metallica. Because really, The Ghetto and Totos manage fine with a PC set-list. A complete lack of attention to service aside, The Big Bang is a charming spot, with reasonably priced alcohol and a buy-two, getone free (on most drinks) Happy Hour deal. It can be a somewhat OK place for post-work spirits when you need a break from Bonobo if it doesnt shut down with a whimper before that. Jharna Thakkar The Big Bang Bar & Caf Kenilworth Building, third floor, off Linking Road, Bandra (2600-8833). Daily 6pm-1.30am. All major cards.
Nightlife
parikshit rao
Boogie lights Enigma's new dance floor also accommodates bands
DJ Listings
Fri Feb 15
TripShot Crew Cool Chef Cafe, 10pm, call venue for details. TripShot Crew is a DJ collective that plays dubstep, drum n bass and glitch hop. EDITORS PICK Tiga and Amber Noel Blue Frog, 10.30pm, call venue for details. Montreal-born DJ and producer, Tiga will spin a mix of tech-house, electro and acid house. DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. Aers resident DJ plays his special mix of upbeat jazz, funk, house, club as well as retro classics from the 80s and 90s. FREE Video Gaga Shiro, 9pm. Inspired by the Queen classic Radio Gaga, DJ Bala will remind you of yesteryear with videos of retro hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Stories and Anish Sood who will be playing an infectious electro-house set. FREE DJ Ronae Acey Shiro, 10pm. Enjoy the best commercial tunes, handpicked by DJ Ronae Acey, that are sure to keep you on the dance floor. DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15. DJs Gavin and Amit B Hype, 10pm, call venue for entry prices. Groove to DJs Gavin and Amit Bs mixes of Bollywood and House tunes.
His techno sound shaped the Detroit techno scene of the 1990s. Be prepared to hear him play old favourites from that era as well as the latest club tracks. With a sound and light show in tow, this is not to be missed.
videos of hip-hop, R&B and house tunes, displayed on a large LED screen.
Wed Feb 27
DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15.
Fri Feb 22
EDITORS PICK Avalon Blue Frog, 10.30pm, call venue for details. This psychedelic trance DJ is internationally renowned for his hardhitting beats, having played at some of the largest festivals including Burning Man, Universo Parallelo and Glade. DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15. Jug Chug Championship The Little Door, 10.30pm, call venue for details. Be the first to chug a mug of beer without spilling at this monthly beer contest and win yourself a months supply of free beer as well as other goodies. FREE Studio 54 Shiro, 9pm. Kick off the weekend with DJ Ivans selection of retro hits.
Thur Feb 28
DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15. EDITORS PICK Ox7gen Ellipsis, 9.30pm, call venue for details. This Mumbai-based DJ recently released his debut album, Any Minute Now, and has already made waves in the music community with his ambient drum n bass tunes.
Tue Feb 19
MyFavDJ Awards Blue Frog, 11pm, call venue for details. As Indias largest DJ award show, MyFavDJ Awards recognises talented DJs based on votes by fans.
Venues
Aer Four Seasons Hotel, near Nehru Science Centre, Moses Road, Worli (2481-8000). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Nehru Science Centre. Blue Frog New Mahalaxmi Mills Compound, opposite Empire Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (4033-2300). G Lower Parel (WR). v Kamala Mills. China House Grand Hyatt, off Western Express Highway, Santa Cruz (E) (6676- 1234). G Santa Cruz (WR, CR Harbour). v Mumbai University. Cool Chef Cafe Thadani House, 329/A Worli Village, Worli (32231199). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Worli Village. Ellipsis B-1 Amarchand Mansion, 16 Madame Cama Road, Next to the YWCA, Colaba (6621-3333). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Golden Gate. Hype Atria Mall, Fourth Floor, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli (2481-3799). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Nehru Planetarium. Royalty Crystal Building, behind ICICI Bank, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W) (4048-7000). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v Waterfield Road Shiro Bombay Dyeing Mill Compound, P BudhkarMarg, Lower Parel (6651-1208). G Lower Parel (WR). v Kurne Chowk. The Little Door Shree Siddhi Vinayak Plaza, off New Link Road, Andheri( W) (2673-2528). G Jogeshwari. v Gundecha Symphony.
Wed Feb 20
DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15.
Sat Feb 16
EDITORS PICK Nifra (Armada Trance), Lost Stories and Anish Sood Blue Frog, 10.30pm, call venue for details. Nifra, signed to Armin Van Burrens record label, is sure to bring the house down with his progressive house and trance tracks. This is followed by Lost
Thur Feb 21
DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15. EDITORS PICK AlgoRhythm Ellipsis, 9.30pm, call venue for details. AlgoRhythm, a Mumbai-based experimental electronic duo will get you moving with their unique blend of retro-funk beats. EDITORS PICK Richie Hawtin Royalty, 9pm, call venue for details. Berlin-based Richie Hawtin will be playing in Mumbai for this first time.
Sat Feb 23
DJ Fatbat Aer, 9pm, call venue for details. See Fri Feb 15. DJ Shiva China House Lounge, 10pm, call venue for details. DJ Shiva spins the very best of house and electronic to get you grooving. EDITORS PICK FREE Videotheque Shiro, 9pm. Experience an audio-visual treat with DJ Ivan as he plays the best music
If you want to be listed

G denotes the nearest train station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Gauri Vij. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
Pounding beats AlgoRhythm plays at Ellipsis
Nightlife
Dark matter
Theatre
aakarsh khurana
Martin McDonaghs scripts are violent, twisted, profane and set director Kashin Shetty ticking, says Saumya Ancheri.
In Martin McDonaghs typically macabre A Behanding in Spokane, Carmichael, a one-handed male Caucasian who has been searching for his arm ever since a gang held it under a hurtling train 27 years ago, plots retribution on a couple who pair him with the wrong appendage. The script came under fire most noticeably from The New Yorker for racial slurring, both for the caricaturised portrayal of the black man Toby, and Carmichaels outburst when the couple offer him a dark-skinned limb. While Behanding isnt as layered as McDonaghs other works such as The Pillowman, a dark comedy about a crime novelist suspected for the murders of children, it creates just the sort of gruesome, surreal world that Kashin Shetty likes to conjure on stage. Shettys first brush with McDonagh was his adaptation of The Pillowman titled Confessions, which he directed for youth theatre festival Thespo in 2006 and for which he won the best supporting actor award. He spoke to Time Out about going out on a limb for Behanding. What draws you to staging McDonaghs world? I love his sense of unpredictability. Even when you read his scripts, the plot changes on literally every page, so I love that quality that he can give to the audience. The plays reviews abroad have been quite critical. Yes, and Ive seen a couple of oneminute video clips online, and it didnt seem like the same play Im working on; everything is very overtheatrical for some reason. Im trying to keep it as real as possible because humour comes from the audience believing that whats going on is actually happening to those people at that time. Tell us about casting. I knew Ali Fazal and Prabal Panjabi werent always going to be available, so for Carmichael, Ive double-cast Ali with Hitesh
Cringe theatre The Ugly One
Face off
Akarsh Khurana puts a scalpel to Marius von Mayenburgs sharp social satire The Ugly One, says Saumya Ancheri.
erman playwright Marius von Mayenburg deftly takes on the brutality of societys obsession with physical appearance in his 2007 comedy The Ugly One. Lettes employer bars him from presenting his new plug at a conference on the premise that he cant sell anything with that face. Lette opts for facial reconstruction surgery, but his transformed visage is so irresistible that men line up at his surgeons for the same mug. Mumbai audiences last watched Mayenburgs work in 2006 when Pushan Kripalani staged his flagrant tale of an arsonist titled Fireface, and will get a chance to re-enter his world of mayhem this fortnight with Akarsh Khuranas production of The Ugly One. I was looking for a script that would give me a certain amount of freedom, said Khurana. The Ugly One was a strong text but it was not rigid in its form. Its written without any stage directions. As three of the four actors play multiple characters with the same name, Khurana has switched the characters Germanic names to alphabets, for the actors ease of delivery Lette is dubbed K. The director has also introduced a two-member chorus to enable the quicksilver transitions as the play changes location almost every 20 lines. Khurana went more than skin-deep while casting, as he agreed with Mayenburgs foreword that the script is really all about perception and the eye of the beholder. The call struck a chord with Shikha Talsania, who questioned Khurana three weeks into rehearsal about doublecasting her as Ks sympathetic wife and ageing mistress. She considers herself overweight, and she said, For the first time, Ive been cast in a part where the way that I look is not instrumental to the choice, Khurana said. I wasnt trying to make a point, it didnt really matter, but whats interesting is that now some of the lines have got a whole new dimension. The script pushed the actors to embrace its tight pace and sense of comedy. Its really poker-faced and slightly off in its sensibility; it has just that touch of surreal, and it took a lot to achieve that in performances, said Khurana. He is counting on a brief boot camp prior to the show to make sure that everyones doing entries and exits and reactions like muscle memory, where it is required. The Ugly One will be staged at the NCPA on Fri Feb 15. See English in Whats on Where
Malukani, and for [loony receptionist] Morgan, Ive doublecast Prabal with Adhaar Khurana. When I rehearsed both sets of actors, [I found that] these are two completely different plays. Hitesh and Adhaar are opening on the 21st, their humour is more deadpan, and on the 22nd it is Ali and Prabal, who bring out a quirkier level of Carmichael. There are a lot of things in the play that wont work if Tobys anything but black because all that humour wouldnt be the same. Id asked Abhishek Saha to read for Toby and there was nothing black about [his delivery]. On paper, Toby sounds like a really clichd black American who's just saying things for the sake of being funny, but the way Abhishek read it, it was hilarious but it was true. I think if you do a proper make-up test and the guy is earnest enough as a performer, which Saha is, the audience will go with it. What do you think a severed hand looks like after 27 years? Really shrivelled and decayed. Ive never seen one up close but I would think of it as mummified. Im making one from a cast of a friends hand. People who have seen Confessions shouldnt keep it in mind while watching this: it is a grim play, its funny, its disgusting, but theres not a drop of blood. [McDonagh] cant do a play without showing us some dismembered part of the human body or talking about incest but its a far more comedic outing than The Pillowman/Confessions.
Hand job A Behanding in Spokane
A Behanding in Spokane will be staged at Prithvi Theatre on Thur Feb 21 . See English in Whats on Where.
Whats on Critics choice where: Plays The two best events this fortnight
English All in the Timing
EDITORS PICK Dir: Faezeh Jalali. Writer: David Ives. Cast: Asif Ali Beg, Sumeet Vyas, Kaneez Surka, Malaika Choudhury, Naveen Kaushik, Siddharth Menon, Shivani Tanksale. 1 hour 45 mins. Synopsis Short comic pieces about chances in life, tweaked to an Indian setting. Trapeze bars are used in Words, Words, Words, about three monkeys at their typewriters. Pieces include Sure Thing, about an awkward conversation between a couple, Seven Menus which tracks a circle of friends over several dinners and The Pune, originally The Philadelphia, about a reality in which a man cannot get anything he asks for. Gopal Dutt has adapted text and music from Philip Glass Buys a Loaf of Bread to create Nusrat Khan Buys Some Paan. Prithvi Theatre, Tue Feb 19 & Wed Feb 20, 9pm. Call the venue for ticket prices. Ave 29, Fri Feb 22, 8pm. Tickets `350. Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Sat Feb 23, 7pm. Tickets `250, `300. amit chakravarty
the venue for ticket prices. Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Thur Feb 21, 7pm. Entry free; admission on a first come, first served basis.
Bakchod Night CHEAP
Rusty Screws
Dir/Writer: Meherzad Patel. Cast:
Danesh Irani, Siddharth Merchant, The Comedy Store Pheroza Modi. 1 hour 40 mins. Provocative comic Gursimran Synopsis A teenager has to choose between friends and family on his Khamba and the affable, fathers birthday. excitable Tanmay Bhat host a The Comedy Store, Sat Feb 16 & Sun recording of their outrageous Feb 17, 6.30pm. Tickets `400. podcast, with their funny friends. Wed Feb 27 Some Times Dir: Adhaar Khurana. Writers: Adhir Bhat & Bobby Nagra. Cast: Karan Pandit, Sarang Sathaye, Kashin Shetty, Shruti Vyas. 1 hour 20 mins, no interval. Synopsis Three days in the life of Paramjit Singh Duggal, an advertising executive who is beset with demands from his employer, parents and girlfriend, and finds respite with his pothead friends. Prithvi Theatre, Tue Feb 26 & Wed Feb 27, 7pm, 9.30pm. Call the venue for ticket prices. Persons aged 16 and older.
Gates to India Song
NCPA ric Vigner directs an Indian cast in Marguerite Duras languorous tale of lovers in 1930s Calcutta. Thur Feb 21
Jayati Bhatia, Ananth Mahadevan, Anchal Sabharwal. 1 hour 30 mins. Synopsis Gags are up for grabs as a family prepares for the daughters wedding as it takes on Bollywoodesque proportions. Video projection on a backdrop and a musical score by Louis Banks are on the cards. Sophia Bhabha Hall, Sun Feb 17, 6.30pm. Tickets `500, `760, `1,000, `1,500. sexuality of male dancers, but the play offers no easy answers. Saumya Ancheri Tata Theatre, NCPA, Sat Feb 23, 7pm. Tickets `260, `400, `500, `700, `1,000.
FREE
The Frying Pan

Dir: Murtuza Kutianawala. Writer: Sujay Mirchandani. Cast: Abhishek Pattnaik, Sadhika Syal. 1 hour 30 mins. Synopsis A comedy about four participants in an anger management class. The Comedy Store, Tue Feb 19, 8.30pm. Tickets `400.
Spunk
Dir: Akarsh Khurana. Writer: Siddharth Kumar. Cast: Amol Parashar, Malaika Shenoy, Geetika Tyagi. 2 hours. Synopsis Brijesh Arora becomes his familys golden goose with the discovery that he has special semen. Prithvi Theatre, Sun Feb 24, 5pm, 8pm. Call the venue for ticket prices.
A Behanding in Spokane
Dir: Kashin Shetty. Writer: Martin McDonagh. Cast: Ali Fazal, Prabal Panjabi, Adhaar Khurana, Abhishek Saha, Shweta Tripathi, Hitesh Malukani. 1 hour 30 mins. Synopsis A one-armed man plots revenge when he is handed the wrong limb. See Dark matter on page 92. Prithvi Theatre, Thur Feb 21 & Fri Feb 22, 7pm, 9.30pm. Tickets `200.
The Class Act

Dir/Writer: Meherzad Patel. Cast: Danesh Irani, Sajeel Parakh, Lucky Vakharia, Danesh Khambata. 2 hours. Synopsis A satire about religious stereotyping set in an acting workshop. The Comedy Store, Wed Feb 20, 8.30pm. Tickets `500.
Gates to India Song

EDITORS PICK Dir/ Adapted by: ric Vigner. Writer: Marguerite Duras. Translated by: Morgan Dowsett, Cole Swensen, Jutta Johanna Weiss. Cast: Nandita Das, Suhaas Ahuja, Subodh Maskara, Jim Sarbh, Neeraj Kabi. 1 hour 30 mins, no interval. Synopsis The dangerous liaisons of a French governors wife in 1930s Calcutta, adapted from Marguerite Duras novel The Vice-Consul and film India Song. The production has been created in India for the Bonjour India Festival. See French passage on www.timeoutmumbai.net for an interview with the director. Prithvi Theatre, Fri Feb 15, 9pm; Sat Feb 16 & Sun Feb 17, 6pm, 9pm. Call
The Ugly One

Dir: Akarsh Khurana. Writer: Marius von Mayenburg. Translated by: Maja Zade. Cast: Adhir Bhat, Vivaan Shah, Chaitnya Sharma, Shikha Talsania. 1 hour 5 mins. Synopsis The unspeakably ugly K encounters the perils of beauty after his plastic surgery. See Face off on page 92. Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Fri Feb 15, 7pm. Tickets `300, `400. Prithvi Theatre, Sat Feb 23, 6pm, 9pm. Call the venue for ticket prices.
Blame it on Yashraj
Dir/ Writer: Bharat Dabholkar. Cast:
The Diary of a Word

Dir/Writer: Ramu Ramanathan. Cast: Zafar Karachiwala, Ahlam KhanKarachiwala. 1 hour 30 mins, no interval. Synopsis Also titled How I Proposed to my Second Husband on the 321st Floor. In an interview with Time Out, Ramanathan said of the script, Among other things, I wanted to write a love story without words of love. Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA, Sun Feb 24, 7pm. Tickets `400.

Listings are organised by language and then alphabetically by production. Addresses and other details are given in Venues A to Z at the end of the listings. G denotes the nearest railway station. v denotes the name of the nearest bus stop. If you want to be listed Submit information by mail (Time Out, Essar House, PO Box 7964, 11 KK Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 034), email (listings@timeoutmumbai.net) or fax (6660-1112) to Saumya Ancheri. Include details of event, dates, timings, address of venue, nearest train station and bus stop, telephone number and any entry fee. Time Out is a fortnightly publication, appearing on the stands every other Thursday. Deadline for information is ten days before publication. Listings are free, but inclusion cannot be guaranteed due to limited space.
The Vagina Monologues

EDITORS PICK Dir: Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal. Writer: Eve Ensler. Cast: Dolly Thakore, Jayati Bhatia, Avantika Akerkar, Sonali Sachdev, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal. 1 hour 15 mins. Review Eve Enslers The Vagina Monologues is a sharp, witty, poignant and over-the-top look at feminine identity to which Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwals localised production does ample justice. The monologues are mottled with razorsharp irony theres a bittersweet incongruity between serious content and light delivery. Take the monologue in which a victim of rape as a child (played by Avantika Akerkar) experiences her first orgasm as an adolescent with the lady from across the road. Some pieces are
Dance Like A Man

EDITORS PICK Dir: Lillete Dubey. Writer: Mahesh Dattani. Cast: Vijay Crishna, Lillete Dubey, Joy Sengupta, Suchitra Pillai. 1 hour 45 mins. Review Jairaj (Vijay Crishna) and Ratna (Lillete Dubey) are tense about their daughters debut dance performance, an event that revives memories of their unfulfilled pasts as bharatanatyam dancers. While the parents story overshadows that of daughter Lata (Suchitra Pillai) and her boyfriend Viswas (Joy Sengupta), it also provides for well-crafted scenes of conflict. The flashbacks allude to bharatanatyams association with devdasis and the suspicion about the
Theatre
digvijay sawant
Twos company The Diary of a Word
absurdly funny. Ensler asks, If your vagina got dressed, what would it wear? Among the answers: combat boots, jeans or pink boas. ModyKotwals production especially scores because of its talented cast. Sonali Sachdevs accent is spot-on as she plays a woman whose lover likes to stare at her vagina. Akerkar, who does all the American accents, is unremarkable at first but warms up gradually to a tremendous performance of the monologue Reclaiming Cunt. But its Jayati Bhatia who gets the most applause as she simulates orgasms from the uninhibited militant bisexual moan to the tortured Zen moan in an encore-worthy The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy. Pronoti Datta The Comedy Store, Sat Feb 23 & Sun Feb 24, 6pm. Tickets `600.
Hindi Bhamashah
Dir: Manoj Shah. Writer: Bipin Doshi. Adapted by: Mihir Bhuta. Cast: Aishwarya Mehta, Pulkit Solanki, Jay Upadhyay, Kiran Jadhav, Sagar Rawal, Krishna Kedar, Rohit Manish, Rahul Vashi, Surya Rao. 1 hour 15 mins. Synopsis The life of Bhamashah, philanthropist, warrior and advisor to Maharana Pratap of Mewar. Rangsharda Auditorium, Sun Feb 17, 7pm. Tickets available at the venue at show-time.
Chinta Chhod Chintamani

Dir: Om Katare. Writer: Vasant Kanetkar. Adapted by: Ashish Dikey. Cast: Mukund Bhatt, Priyanka Basu, Deepika Pant, Vaibhav Joshi. 2 hours. Review Om Katare has a penchant for hilarious family dramas but in this play, the formula doesnt produce the best results: the plot is thin and there is a downpour of farcical jokes. Katare plays Chintamani, an unhappy father of three, struggling to cope with fastapproaching old age. Titu, his eldest, is a rising cricketer, whose philandering ways threaten his relationship with his childhood sweetheart Priya. Chintamanis only daughter Gauri is under the magical spell of a dubious saint, who is winning over other family members too. Only Chintamanis sweet-natured father has the ability to control the chaos and deliver solutions at the speed of Dr Phil. The conflicts in the Chintamani household are turned into inane digs at Karan Johar and spoofs of iconic Bollywood characters like Gabbar Singh. Suhani Singh Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Sun Feb 24, 7pm. Tickets `400, `450.
The Vagina Monologues in Hindi
EDITORS PICK Dirs: Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal & Kaizaad Kotwal. Writer: Eve Ensler. Translated by: Ritu Bhatia & Jaydeep Sarkar. Cast: Rasika Duggal, Varshaa Agnihotri, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, Dilnaz Irani. 1 hour 30 mins. Review Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal
Baradwaj Rangan, The Hindu, Mihir Fadnavis, Mid Day and Rituparna Dir: Shrikant Moghe. Writer: PL Chatterjee, IBNLive.com. Deshpande. Cast: Anand Ingale, St Andrews Auditorium, Thur Feb Atisha Naik. 2 hours 30 mins. 28, 8pm. Tickets `200, `400, `600. Synopsis Music and commentary by The Ghanta Awards 2013 PL Pula Deshpande on a rapidly Our version of the Razzies hosted by changing Konkan village. stand-up comics. The third annual Prabodhankar Thackeray event celebrating the worst of Natyamandir, Fri Feb 15, 8.30pm. Bollywood presents awards in Call the venue for ticket prices. categories such as Worst Director and WTF Was That, drawn by a public online vote on nominations from critics such as Ghantas co-founder Karan Anshuman, Mumbai EDITORS PICK Bakchod Mirror; Rajeev Masand, Marathi Night CNN-IBN and Coming soon Gursimran Khamba Sahil Rizwan, The Russian Ice Stars Ghar Baar... and Tanmay Bhat host bring Snow White on Ice TheVigilIdiot.com. Dir/Writer: Vishwas Sohoni. Cast: a live recording of their Enigma, JW Marriott, and Cirque de Glace to Manasi Kulkarni, Uday Nene, Sameer no-holds-barred Aamby Valley City from Feb Fri Feb 15, 8pm. Tickets Chaughule. 1 hour 15 mins. podcast, All India 21-Apr 17. For updates, `1,000, `1,800. To book Synopsis A pair of star-crossed Bakchod, along with see www.aambyvalley. online, log on to www. lovers rendezvous in their sixties. fellow stand-up comics zomato.com. com. To book, call Awishkar Sanskrutik Kendra, New Rohan Joshi, Ashish EDITORS PICK 3980-7444. Mahim Municipal School, Sun Feb 17, Shakya and Karunesh Improv Comedy 7.30pm. Call the venue for ticket prices. Talwar. The talented team has Mumbai a blast riffing off current world Improvisational comedy from news through commentary and song American Adam Dow and his troupe, Lekure Udand Jhali (as the Bakchod Boys), putting the which includes actors Mukul Chadda, Dir: Vijay Kenkre. Writer: Vasant latest headlines in a twist and Naveen Kaushik and Kaneez Kanetkar. Cast: Sumeet Raghvan, picking on the front benchers. Surka-Nalwala. Chinmayee Sumeet, Uday Sabnis, The Comedy Store, Wed Feb 27, Lagerbay, 6 Mamta Building, 183 Mrunal Chemburkar. 2 hours 8.30pm, 10.30pm. Tickets `500. Waterfield Road, Bandra (W). 30 mins. Cardinal Bengans G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). Synopsis Natyasampada Improvisational humour from v National College. Thur Feb 7, Productions premieres its revival of Weirdass Comedy. 9.30pm. Call 6736-9900 for ticket this sangeet natak about relatives The Comedy Store, Thur Feb 21, price. Visit Facebook group Improv who prey on a childless couple. 10.30pm. Tickets `600. Comedy Mumbai for updates. Gadkari Rangayatan, Sat Feb 16, Character Assassination Indosyncrasies, Simply Desi 4pm. Yashwantrao Chavan Natya Get introduced to Arinpant Delhi comics Amit Tandon, Abijit Sankul, Sat Feb 23, 4pm. Call the Chaudhari and Pantjot Singh Sidhu in Ganguly and Neeti Palta talk about venues for ticket prices. this 90-minute show from Sorabh wedding woes, Indian parents, Pant and emcee Sapan Verma. monster traffic jams and other The Comedy Store, Tue Feb 18, aspects of the desi experience. Madhalya Bhintee 8.30pm. Tickets `300. The Comedy Store, Tue Feb 26, Dir: Vishwas Sohoni. Writer: Vijay The East India Co.medy Show 8.30pm. Tickets `400. Tendulkar. Cast: Awishkar Repertory. Sorabh Pants brand new comedy Kunal Rao, Sahil Shah, Shyam 2 hours. company offers funny anecdotes, Bhat & Abijit Ganguly Synopsis This show is the first in the sketches and gags from comics Daniel Humour in the house with Rao, Shah, NCPAs new monthly showcase of Fernandes, Tushar Abhichandani and Bhat and Ganguly. Marathi theatre, called NCPA Sapan Verma. The Comedy Store, Sat Feb 16, Marathi Vishesh. Awishkar revives Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA, Sat Feb 8.30pm, 10.30pm & Sun Feb 17. Tendulkars 1958 drama about a 23, 8pm. Tickets `300. 8.30pm. Tickets `600. middle-class family that is crushed The Filmfail Awards News Jam when the eldest son marries the Karan Talwar and his comic crew Weirdass Comedy gives their take on woman he loves. Schitzengiggles take a crack at the days news bulletin with a round Awishkar Sanskrutik Kendra, New Bollywood in the year gone by, with up of the weeks headlines. Mahim Municipal School, Mon awards chosen by an online poll from The Comedy Store, Fri Feb 22, Feb 18, 7.30pm. Call the venue for nominations by film critics 10.30pm. Tickets `600. ticket prices Aniruddha Guha, Time Out Mumbai; Open mic All it takes for a shot at being Raw Champion of the Month at The Comedy Store is about five minutes of material to be performed before a paying audience. Prepare to be pitted against another comic in a minutelong joke-off in the finale. The winner bags a five-minute spot at the weekend show, tips from the Stores management, and their photograph posted at the box office that month. The show will be hosted by stand-up comic Neeti Palta. The Comedy Store, Mon Feb 25, 8.30pm. To register, email openmic@ thecomedystore.in. Audience entry, `200. Politricks Weirdass Comedy does an hour of political sketch comedy on Indian democracy. Theyre threatening to pull out all the stops for an Indian experience, including an audience Sing for the moment Lekure Udand Jhali dress code of orange, green or white, and Kaizaad Kotwals Hindi version of The Vagina Monologues provides entertainment alongside sex education. Despite dealing with potentially risqu material, Kissa Yoni Ka is never lewd. Each vignette begins with a Hindi film song, such as Baar Baar Dekho, with innuendos that the audience is quick to catch. The plays tour de force is Choot, an antakshari-like exercise that leaves audiences in guffaws. Suhani Singh The Comedy Store, Fri Feb 22, 6.30pm. Tickets `500.
Varyavarchi Varaat
Comedy
Theatre
Events
but they just might kindly adjust. The Comedy Store, Wed Feb 20, 10.30pm. Tickets `600. Rohan Joshi, Atul Khatri & Vipul Goyal Laugh it up with Joshi, Khatri and Goyal. The Comedy Store, Thur Feb 28, 8.30pm. Tickets `600; available at venue. For online booking, visit www. bookmyshow.com; call 3989-5050 for home delivery. The Royal Turds Gursimran Khamba and Tanmay Bhat of cult podcast All India Bakchod team up with fellow standup comics Rohan Joshi, Ashish Shakya and Anuvab Pal to troll through Bollywood in 2012. Liberty Cinema, Fri Feb 15, 8.30pm. Tickets `200, `400, `600. Varun Thakur, Anuvab Pal, Shyam Bhat & Abijit Ganguly Witty tales from Thakur, Pal, Bhat 18 Anukool, Seven Bungalows, next to and Ganguly. Daljit Gym, Harminder Singh Marg. The Comedy Store, Fri Feb 15, Mon Feb 25, 7.30pm. For directions, 8.30pm. Tickets `600. call on 2639-2688 or 99306-66332. Tanmay Bhat, Neeti Palta, NCPA Zest! Sorabh Pant & Rajesh Nair In this new monthly venture, the Laughter blasters Bhat, Palta, Pant NCPA gives a stage to the winners of and Nair. intercollegiate drama competitions The Comedy Store, Thur Feb 21, Fri Feb 22 & Sun Feb 24, 8.30pm. Sat Feb and exemplary amateur youth productions. Rashtra Bhasha 23, 8.30pm, 10.30pm. Tickets `600. Parivaar from Nagpur will present Weirdass Jukebox their award-winning one-act Hindi Picks from the best of Weirdass play Toba Tek Singh, which uses Comedy productions such as movement to enhance the narration of Politricks and Cardinal Bengans. Saadat Hasan Mantos story set The Comedy Store, Sun Feb 23, during Partition. 10.30pm. Tickets `750. Dance Theatre Godrej, NCPA, Tue Feb 26, 6.30pm. Tickets `150.
Brothers in arms Bhamashah improvisation and physical comedy through masks with conductors Deepal Doshi, Kathryn Tabone Doshi and Yuki Ellias. The workshop will end with a performance at Prithvi Theatre on Mon Feb 25, which is International Commedia dellarte Day. Sat Feb 23 & Sun Feb 24. Fees `1,000. Call 99200-99758 for details, Pomegranate Pomegranates Experience Theatre workshop will be conducted by Suruchi Aulakh, who has been involved in theatre, television and films over the last 14 years, and actor, writer and voice-over artist Rohit Tiwari. Sessions will be in English and Hindi and will explore texts with work on the voice, body language, props and improvisation. Classes at PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Every weekend from Sat Feb 16 to Sun Mar 17. Sat 5-7pm, Sun 11am-1pm. Fees `7,950. For details, call Gunjan Gupta on 98929-60947. To register, email pomegranateworkshop@gmail.com with your full name, cell phone number, postal address and preferred payment mode. Theatre Professionals Jehan Manekshaw and Tasneem Fatehis Theatre Professionals host new workshops. Actor, writer and choreographer Padma Damodaran, who has a masters in acting from East 15 Acting School, UK, and currently heads the performance training and development division at Theatre Professionals will take a foundation skills workshop. The sessions will cover elements of physical and voice training, and text work. Classes at PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Mon Feb 25 to Sat Mar 2, 6-10pm. Fees `5,500; payment options are available. To register, call 93215-95159 and email your resume and your reasons for doing the workshop to awp@ theatreprofessionals.co.in. Visit www. theatreprofessionals.co.in.
FREE Commedia dellarte A performance on International FREE Marathi Sangeet Natak Commedia dellarte Day by a cast Mahotsav including Deepal Doshi, Kathryn Nehru Centre hosts a three-day Tabone Doshi, Yuki Elias, Padma festival of sangeet natak. All Damodaran, Siddhanth Karnik plays will be at the Nehru and Timira Gupta. Centre Auditorium at 6pm Commedia dellarte is a Deepal Doshi and friends each day. Entry against theatrical form that mask their enthusiasm on free passes available at emerged in fifteenthInternational Commedia the box office from Fri century northern Italy, dell'arte Day. Feb 22 at 10.30am. and employs stock characters, masks, exaggerated gestures Tue Feb 26 and improvised dialogue Prarabd Yana Prava for sly digs at current Dir: LA Kazi. Writer: events and bawdy humour. Pradeep Oak. Nehru Centre, Prithvi Theatre, Mon Feb 25, 7pm. Mumbai. FREE From theatre to film Alliance Franaise and Prithvi Theatre host a screening of Stphane Wed Feb 27 Metges documentary Une Autre Bilaskhani Todi Solitude, on the complementary Dirs: Anjali Karhadkar & Saket Raje. process of acting and directing, Writer: Ranjit Desai. Adapted by: AS explored via conversations between Paranjape. Cast: Kalapini Sanskrutic Patrice Chreau and Pascal Greggory Kendra, Talegaon. while working on In the Solitude of Cotton Fields. French with English subtitles. 1 hour 18 mins. Thur Feb 28 Prithvi House, opposite Prithvi Alak Niranjan Theatre, Wed Feb 20, 7pm. Alliance Dir/ Writer: Vishnu Surya Wagh. Franaise Auditorium, Mon Feb 25, Adapted by: AS Paranjape. Cast: 6.30pm. Rangmel Theatre Company of Kala FREE Great Text Reading Academi, Goa. Q Theatre Productions focuses the new season of informal play readings on post-apocalyptic dramas. This fortnight is Spike Milligan and John Antrobus satire The Bed-Sitting Masks and Commedia Room, in the aftermath of the Third Explore creating characters, World War.
Festivals
Venues A to Z
Alliance Franaise Theosophy Hall, near Nirmala Niketan, New Marine Lines, Churchgate (2203-6187). G Churchgate (WR, CST (CR Main & Harbour). v Nirmala Niketan.
Workshops
Ave 29 4, Kohinoor Mansion, 29 Hughes Road (2380-4981). G Grant Road (WR). v Hughes Road. The Comedy Store The Palladium Mall, High Street Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel (43485000). G Lower Parel (WR). v Phoenix Mills. Gadkari Rangayatan Moose Road, near Masooda Talao, Thane (E) (2536-2165). G Thane (CR Main). v Talaopadi. Box office daily 8.3011am, 5-8pm. Liberty Cinema 41/42, Ground Floor, Liberty Building,New Marine Lines (2203-1196). G Marine Lines (WR). v Bombay Hospital. Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangha Mandir Bhalerao Marg, Gaiwadi, Girgaum (2385-6303). G Charni Road (WR). v Gaiwadi. National Centre for the Performing Arts Near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (66223737/6658-8997). G Churchgate (WR), CST (CR Main & Harbour). v NCPA. Box office daily 9am-7pm. Nehru Centre Auditorium Annie Besant Road, near Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli (2496-4680). G Mahalaxmi (WR). v Nehru Centre. New Mahim Muncipal School Miya Mohammed Chhotani Road, Cross Gully No. 3, Mahim (W) (24445871). G Mahim (WR). v Paradise Cinema. PL Deshpande Kala Academy Sayani Road, Prabhadevi (24312956). G Elphinstone Road (WR). v Siddhivinayak Temple. Box office daily 10am-11pm. Prabhodhankar Thackeray Natya Mandir Sodawala Lane, near Chamunda Circle, Borivali (W) (2895-1468). G Borivali (WR). v Chamunda Circle. Box office daily 8-11.30am, 5-8pm. Prithvi Theatre Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle (W) (26149546). G Vile Parle (WR, CR Harbour). v Juhu Bus Depot. Box office daily 1-9pm. No latecomers allowed after show begins. Rangsharda Auditorium Hotel Rangsharda, Near Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W) (2643-0544). G Bandra (WR & CR Harbour). v Lilavati Hospital. Box office daily 3.30-8.30pm. Shivaji Mandir Opposite Plaza Cinema, NC Kelkar Road, Dadar (W) (2438-9387). G Dadar (WR & CR Main). v Plaza. Box office daily 8.3011am, 5-8pm. Sophia Bhabha Hall Sophia College Campus, off Bhulabhai Desai Road (2383-8550). G Grant Road (WR). v Sophia College. Box office daily 10am-6pm. Swatantryaweer Savarkar Smarak Sabhagriha Veer Savarkar Marg, Dadar (W). G Dadar (WR, CR Main) . v Shivaji Park. St Andrews Auditorium St Andrews College, St Dominic Road, Bandra (W) (2645-9667). G Bandra (WR, CR Harbour). v Holy Family Hospital. Yashwantrao Chavan Natya Sankul Near Ruparel College, Matunga(W) (2438-1659). G Matunga Road (WR), Matunga (CR Main). v Ruparel College.
Theatre
Offers
February 15-28, 2013 Next issue out on March 1, 2013
Win dining vouchers from Grand Sarovar Premiere !!
Open Skies, Dazzling Moonlight and Humming waterfalls make for a romantic setting at this lovely New Open Air Restaurant. A quiet romantic spot next to the waterfall or an action table right near the Live Station, Marhaba is
where the "beautiful people" will flock for fabulous Arabic Cuisine, fine wines, exotic drinks, friendly service and to have a whole new Arabian experience. Marhaba will offer exquisite traditional Arabic cuisine from
Mezzeh such as Fattoush, Falafel, Dajaj Abzar and Samak Shistaouk to Main Course in the form of Paneer Shistaouk, Bahmia Batinjan, Dawoud Pasha and a lot more. What better way than ending the Time Out readers stand a chance to win a meal for two at Marhaba. Answer the question below: What does Marhaba mean? A. Goodbye B. Hello C. Welcome D. How are you?
dinner with the most delicious sweets of the Dessert. Baklava, Basbousa and Umm Ali prepared by our excellent team of Chef's, will promise the diners to satisfy whole heartedly their cravings for a sweet tooth
To win, send an SMS to 56161 with the message TIMEOUT a/b/c /d (your name) or email your name and contact details to offers@timeoutmumbai.net with MARHABA in the subject line.
MARHABA Grand Sarovar Premiere, Goregaon (w), Mumbai Tel: 421 58000, Dinner hours (Everyday): 7:30pm -11.30pm
Metropolis
After words
Strange tales from our international brethren

Commuters along Blackfriars Bridge were used to an unlikely travel companion a beige-andwhite barn owl. The bird had caused quite a stir for a week, due to its predilection for perching on peoples heads, and snapping at furry hats. It mysteriously disappeared one morning, and the Barn Owl Centre said that it might have very likely become a victim of the harsh winter. Last heard, Londoners used to the friendly neighbourhood winged creature were very morose indeed.
Time Out London
Loo brow
approx. three-fourths of a litre, tim-pat (tin-pot) of water. This included washing to satisfaction and saving some for flushing after (in deference to the next-in-line). This rigour has stood me in good stead when I needed, no, when I had to go behind a rock outcrop near the Khardungla Pass (17,582 ft) with a bottle of Bisleri, or to similarly not embarrass myself, and others, numerous times when on the road. I am not complaining, but I have also had access on occasion to upmarket loos. I remember being utterly impressed by the newly minted ones in the Inox at Nariman Point, when that multiplex opened its doors. It was all glitter and glam, just like going to the movies, but only for valid ticket holders. I have visited the ultra-swank bogs at the Royal Opera House in Muscat, complete with the gilt signage of a man in Omani national dress and its squatting-type WCs that shone like burnished gold. Damn it all, we all grew up to treat the ground floor loo (to the left) at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel near the Gateway as the public toilet of choice in our growing up years, didnt we? That one of course is no longer of use when the urge is too strong; the time you spend getting frisked and patted down could lead to a disaster having national consequences. How anybody is able to manage in Mumbais streets is another thing altogether. Loo-lore of the location and proximity of public conveniences is vitally important to my well-being when I go about my daily work. This is of no help at all in places I do not normally frequent, where such knowledge is unavailable. Mumbai has no signage in her grand outdoors that indicates where a toilet is located. Even if you wished to throw all civic sense and propriety to the wind, in our densely occupied streets there are few alleys or shielding walls offering the possibility of unseen micturition. The undersides of flyovers, those puke-inducing pools of putridity have also been appropriated now for pay-and-park purposes. Thank you for reading thus far. You must know that I am of the male persuasion, and that these are profound urban inconveniences that I find myself subject to. Now imagine being a woman with similar needs on Mumbais unhelpful streets. Mumbai needs many more accessible toilets for both men and women than it needs urban transport, redevelopment or any other form of aspirational pipedreams. It needs them as first priority, placed visibly, and with it the signage and directions for immediate and easy access. It needs them at frequent enough intervals so that long lines do not form outside them. It needs them with doors that latch and with hooks for bags. I would like to see the day that the Chief Minister proudly proclaims (on TV, on Twitter and in print) that Mumbai has more loos than Shanghai. It is no excuse that loos are not built because maintaining them is difficult. You might not like to hear this, but Mumbai needs public toilets first, their hygiene and cleanliness can follow.
Time Out New York
by Mustansir Dalvi
o loo is too loo-brow for me to give it custom. Being blessed with far too much weight and far too weak a bladder, I follow the only injunction I hold to be the one truth when you have to go you have to go. I therefore have no qualms about the smell, the wetness, the ability of the flush to work, or the sight of previous detritus. Cant afford them. All this and more can be bypassed if I am able to pass some myself. I have, more or less mastered the art of standing tippy-toe on dryer patches of a public toilet, managing with a bag in one or both hands, and not being excessively prissy if the loo does not have a door latch. Bodily privacy does not amount to much when it comes to bodily priority and evacuation is imminent. When it comes to going for the big one, I go down on my knees (bad choice of words here) and thank providence for a decade of apprenticeship that I had, of living in a chawl with common toilets. Over the years, I mastered the art of doing my thing with a single,
Mumbai needs many more accessible toilets for both men and women than it needs urban transport, redevelopment
If you thought the local barber shop was about keeping things as rugged as possible, a round-up of retro businesses defuzzes that notion. The shaving cream at Blind Barber is infused with wild water mint and juniper berry, and each shave comes with a complimentary cocktail. Barberie NYC offers a shot of Jameson whisky, while Tomcats Barbershop has an on-site artwork service for motorcycle helmets.
Feng shui decrees 2013 as the Year of the Snake. The cover story was dedicated to those born in 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. Feng shui expert Raymond Lo held forth on what they should eat, what colours to wear and how to avoid mishaps during travel. The monkey and the snake are good friends, said Lo, So the monkey [should] take [the danger] away. He didnt mention if he was talking about a symbolic monkey but we presume either might work just as well.
Time Out Hong Kong

Time Out Mumbai

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Time Out Mumbai

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Directors special

the 9 Best Picture Oscar nominees

GET MORE OUT OF MUMBAI

FEBRUARY 15 - 28 2013 Vol. 9 ISSUE 13 `50

Mahindra Blues Fest + Tiga + Kai Po Che + William Kentridge

Suited up Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook

Gay & Lesbian Offers

97 Win dining vouchers from Grand Sarovar Premiere

Fortnightly agenda Inbox Mumbai Local Morparia After words

80 Tulikas First Look Science Books

Quote of the fortnight

66 The Second Homeland: Polish Refugees in India

82 Mahindra Blues Festival

Check out Sales & Events Fitness Events & talks

Food & Drink

68 Acharya Parvatikumar Events

Graphic Design Pramod Jadhav and Pravin Pereira

92 The Ugly One

A Behanding in Spokane Whats on where

4 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

The very best of Mumbai this fortnight

p52 Lior Suchard

Let the Israeli mentalist blow your mind.

Food & Drink

p44 The Taste Festival

p58 The Poems I Used to Know

p82 Mahindra Blues Festival

6 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

Paprika Media Pvt Ltd

letter of the fortnight

OF E OUT MOR - 17 2013 50 GET ry 4 10 `

le yc ies Bic Diar

Janua 9 ISSuE Vol.

Janua 9 ISSuE Vol.

l Tal IMs clA

FEBRU 9 ISSUE Vol.

n Kira h baia Sub

OF E OUT 2013 MOR 50 11 ` GET ry 18-31

OF E OUT 2013 MOR 1 - 14 50 GET ARY 12 `

ymp Dalr im MahUrs

PLulot Gah deepa interview

ter for win teas INSIDE High William le

A l GhOd IvA KAlA FEsTtsbarn Foo atre The

ifex a Spin eek Dan

KeeP TRACK OF WHATS HAPPENING IN YOUR TIME OUT!

Distributed by: Paprika Connect & Dangat Newspaper Agency.

8 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

Mithila Phadke bats for the citys women cricketers.

Throw back A practice session at Shivaji Park

10 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

Field of dreams A practice session in progress at Shivaji Park

12 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

14 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

February 15 28 2013 www.timeoutmumbai.net 15

16 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

We tell you what to watch out for at the Oscars

Inset: Michael Haneke; Emmanuelle Riva in Amour

The triumph of intense truth and emotions

18 www.timeoutmumbai.net February 15 28 2013

John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Ben Affleck in Argo

February 15 28 2013 www.timeoutmumbai.net 19

Beasts of the Southern Wild

A story narrated in an honest, simple manner by a first-time director