Where there is a wheel, there is a way
Differently-abled artistes of the group, Miracle on Wheels, perform at an awards show held at NCPA in Nariman Point
Raga and rhythm with Jon Batiste
Megha Rawoot (left) performs with Jon Batiste on stage. Pic courtesy/Megha Rawoot
Hindustani had a jugalbandi moment with the Blues at a Bandra venue when composer Jon Batiste performed in Mumbai as part of his Maestro series tour on November 26. The composer even stole the show with a rendition of Bombay Meri Jaan. A fan of the artiste, sitarist Megha Rawoot had a chance to share the spotlight with him. “Batiste’s ability on multiple genres from Soul to Western Classical is unique,” shared Rawoot. Accompanying the composer on tracks like Freedom, Butterfly and the iconic What A Wonderful World, she revealed, “I paired the Keeravani Raga to go with Beethoven’s Für Elise, and after that, it was all about the interplay of Western harmonies and Indian melodies.”
Boldly Japanese in the heart of SoBo
Pics courtesy/Neuma
Mumbai’s dining scene is about to get a Japanese twist with the launch of OJU by Neuma, at Colaba, a new multi-specialty hospitality collective. The space is co-owned by filmmaker Karan Johar, alongside Truepalate Hospitality founders Ankit Tayal (below), Anshul Goel, and Vartik Tihara.
Co-founder Tayal didn’t mince words about the current dining landscape, saying, “Most Japanese places drift into Pad Thai territory, curries or different types of noodles, making it more comfortable for Indian taste buds, but at the new space, we’re chasing authenticity, and the right amount of originality to our dishes when it comes to food, cocktails and the entire mood.” Heading the kitchen is chef Mahmoud Mohamed Awadalla Gaber (popularly known as ‘chef Moh’), with his Michelin-starred experience at Nobu, Mimi Kakushi, and Kodo, along with chef Nitin Bhardwaj. We’ll be keeping tabs if this Japanese eatery whets the appetite of Mumbai’s discerning foodies.
Hitting the streets for streeties
A member (seated) comforts a dog during a vaccination drive. Pics courtesy/Pasujeeva-The soulful love Foundation
Animal lovers will march on the streets of Versova today (November 29) to generate awareness about the plight of strays in Mumbai.
“This is for the Supreme Court’s November 7 order to clear strays from public premises,” said Suchismita Ghosh, founder, Pasujeeva — The Soulful Love Foundation, which is hosting the march. “It will be a peaceful march, conveying to authorities the need to consult people who care for strays, instead of removing them altogether.”
Calling Marathi translators
Participants at a previous illustrator’s workshop hosted by the initiative. Pic courtesy/Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts
A unique workshop to highlight regional Indian languages is coming to Pune in January 2026. Titled Bimb Pratibimb, this edition focuses on Marathi. “Translators can hone their skills by learning the key to translating children’s books into Marathi, to create literature for children in their mother tongue,” informed Maulshree Kalothia, lead, Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts, which will organise the workshop. Those interested can log on to paragreads.in to fill their applications by November 30.
Back in the village
In July 2023, this section had reported on the closing of the Bandra comedy hub of J-Spot. Two years since, and following a successful run in Juhu, founder Pankaj Sharma (inset, above) informed this diarist that the little space is back in the Queen of the Suburbs. “Well, we did tell you we will be back in Bandra,” he reminded us. Now, the comedy venture has tied up with the Chimbai Village Theatre to host open mic stand-up sessions in the suburb.
Urjita Wani during a performance at the new space early last week. Pics courtesy/Pankaj Sharma
“The space was looking to explore comedy as an art form, and we wanted to return to our old neighbourhood. We opened on November 18, with a few friends, and have yet to set up a programme,” revealed Sharma. With a focus on new talent, and open mics, the space will look to tap into fresh voices. “Once the word spreads, old friends will also return, and the programming will get more interesting,” the founder shared. As for the Juhu space, Sharma reassured that it will continue on. “Juhu has a different vibe to this space,” he concluded.
