That one’s gone sailing
As the country counts the hours to the big Asia Cup face-off with Pakistan this weekend, it is matchday as usual for this group at Khar Danda
Booked for glory
William Dalrymple. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE
Author William Dalrymple has made it to the shortlist of the British Academy Book Prize for his latest title, The Golden Road (Bloomsbury). The book — about the growth and spread of Indic ideas, philosophy, and culture throughout the ancient world — has now been shortlisted in the category for works that show Global Cultural Understanding. In its 13th year, the award celebrates works of non-fiction that combine rigorous research with engaging storytelling to educate cultures, and people all around the world. In 2024, while speaking to this newspaper, the Scottish historian said, “India has an extraordinary story to tell,” and that the book was an attempt to give, “a straightforward, neutral, and factual account that’s not a sort of chest thumping work of nationalism.”
Dreams are made in Dharavi
(Left and right) Children craft and sell the merchandise. PIC COURTESY/BMS Graffiti
Mumbaikars can now wear their love for Dharavi’s spirit on their sleeve. Residents from low-income families in the neighbourhood are turning product designers at a new creative venture called Hood Hustle Creation at The Dharavi Dream Project. “It is not rare to see students in Dharavi drop out of school owing to financial crises at home. The children who join us hope to fund their own school supplies and books from the T-shirts, tote bags, and mugs we sell,” instructor and artist Bhimesh aka BMS Graffiti told this diarist. After a successful pop-up on their home turf, the goodies are now available for online purchase at @hood_hustle_creation_ on Instagram.
Finding Laddu
Laddu in Worli and (right) at the Maharashtra Police International Marathon 2020. PIC COURTESY/ADITYA NATARAJAN
Worli residents have their fingers crossed for a sweet reunion after Laddu, the friendly neighbourhood indie, went missing last week. “Laddu was dubbed the ‘Marathon Dog’ by the locals for his penchant for joining marathons. He would often run alongside Mumbaikars on the Worli Sea Face or follow cyclists all the way to Marine Drive. He would return home after his fitness escapades. But when we didn’t see him for five days on end, it rang alarm bells,” caretaker Aditya Natarajan revealed to this diarist. Laddu’s disappearance comes just a week after Laila the mall dog made a miraculous return after a 104-day-long search operation. Hang in there, Laddu. Every dog has its day, we’d like to believe. If you spot the fleet-footed streetie, dial 9820613540.
The hype is real
A moment from the early premiere. PIC COURTESY/MUMBAI ANIME CORPS
A popular Bandra movie theatre witnessed overflowing halls, fans perched on the walkways, and thunderous cheers earlier this week. This diarist was as shocked as you to learn that it wasn’t a big fat Bollywood flick, but the much-anticipated anime film Demon Slayer Infinity Castle that had caused the commotion. “We were invited to an early premiere before its September 12 release. The atmosphere was unreal. Many of us were in tears, minutes into it,” Rivika Khanna, co-founder of Mumbai Anime Corps, shared.
In MS Subbulakshmi’s footsteps
MS Subbulakshmi. PIC COURTESY/Shanmukhananda archives
Late veteran vocalist MS Subbulakshmi will be remembered fondly at the Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha on Saturday. Fifty young musicians handpicked from across India will receive a three-year fellowship in the memory of Subbulakshmi. On the same occasion, the Sri Shanmukhananda Dr MS Subbulakshmi Sangeetha Pracharya Award will be presented to accomplished vocalists Kuldeep Pai and Dr Kamalakshi Omanakutty. “While MS Subbulakshmi never officially tutored musicians, her life inspired many celebrated voices. The accolades are an attempt to fuel their undying passion,” Sabha president Dr
V Shankar told us.
