Goa Streets Issue 5

Thursday, December 6, 2012 | Vol. No. I | Issue 5 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 32 | www.goastreets.com

Goa trance • 3

Russian sea God • 7

Southern delight

Chaos & Calangute • 12

Ileana D’Cruz

Why young Goans are making a beeline for the south Indian film Industry Ex CM’s son bullied 14

•

Mario Miranda Speak 20

Dec 8

David Guetta Live in Goa @ Candolim Beach

Dec 9

Dec 6

Sandals on the Doorstep - play on Peace vs. Violence @ Ravindra Bhavan, Margao

Goa River Marathon @ Baina Beach, Vasco

Dec 9

The Bikesscape 2012 @ North Goa

Dec 10

Dec 6

Christmas Decoration Sale @ Institute Menezes Braganza Bldg, Panjim

Dec 10 Interior & exterior Expo @ Campal, Panjim

Dec 7

Fachadas A picture Exhibition @ Carpe Diem, Majorda

Dec 7

Charles Correa foundation lecture ‘Talking Trash’ @ Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim

Dec 8

Panjim Feast @ Panjim Church

Multicusine Lunch Buffet @ Chilly N Spice, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim

3

Music & Nightlife

www.goastreets.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Clubs/Bars/Lounges/ Live Music Up to Dec 14

One Man Band with Miramar Entry Free At Down The Road, Panjim @ 9 pm to 3 am 8087649050/9823173757

Up to Dec 28

Jazz Junction Live

Every Friday night and free entry At AZ U.R, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar @ 9 pm to 11.30 pm 2463333/6656713

Up to Dec 29

Live Bands on Saturdays

At AZ U.R, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar @ 9 pm to 12.30 am 2463333/6656713

Up to 30

DJ Herman Live

At Royal Goan Beach Club, Calangute @ 8 pm to 11 pm. 6716200

Up to Dec 31

DJ Aros Performing Live

At Saturdays, Varca @ 9.30 pm 9223198121/9850466019

Live Musicians

Groove to the retro tracks At Kamaki, Baga Calangute @ 6 pm to 12 am 9923093408

DJ Avinash Spinning Live At Saturdays Varca Beach @ 9.30 pm to 1 am 9850466019/9223198121

By Claron Mazarello

T

he scene is charged. It’s as if the swaying palms have triggered a static energy in the air through which even the moonshine turns luminescent. Walking into the blue and white psychedelic haze is like walking through a thick veil of phosphorous. You don’t have to be conscious of the surroundings.

No one is. Bodies turn, twist and gyrate in a way you are so not used to seeing. And you hear nothing except for a thumping beat, which seems to have the potential to send you into a semi-comatose state any moment.

But in the world of trance music, nothing works in half or semi measures. Ask any of the thousands of youngsters and some trance

Open Mic Fridays At Cafe La Musica, Baga @ 7 pm

Live Music

Dec 6

Featuring Tidal Wave At Banana Republic, Cavala, Baga 8 pm

Trance Party

Wicked Fridays

At 9 Bar, Vagator @ 5 pm onwards Friendz Fiesta ‘12 let’s turn the world into a dance floor At Down the Road, Panjim @ 10 pm 9823173757

Thursday Night Jazz

With Smoking Chutney, featuring Chrystal Farrell, Elvis Lobo, Sancho Menezes, Colin D’Cruz & Bosco D’Souza At The Sol, Nerul @ 7 pm 6714141 Let’s Get Chicy Thursdays Featuring UK DJ Barney-Trouble & DJ Ozgur At The Park, Candolim

Dec 7

Spinning commercial & dance At Club Hype, Baga 9822379000

Dec 8 Party

At UV Bar, Anjuna beach @ 8 pm

High on Tech

Featuring Insector, Venom Sense, Herosene Club, Dev, Saw& others At Club Westend, Saligao @ 8 pm 9558892137

David Guetta Live in Goa At GTDC, Baga Grounds @ 4 pm 9823173757

International Trance Gathering

Saturday Night Showdown

Friday Techno Garden Party

Karaoke Nights

At Hippies Ocean Club, Anjuna @ 5 pm

Featuring Axailes Solar, Breger, Swami Tsunami & others At Hill Top @ 4 pm

Dinner + Techno Party

Special dinner by a master chef At Cirrus, Anjuna 9823026254/9665450597

Playing Commercial & Dance At Club Hype, Baga

At Z Rooftop lounge bar & grill, HQ, Vasco

Dec 9

Sunday Dunch

Food+Music+Drinks At Café La Música, Baga beach @ 3pm onwards

veterans who flock to the psychedelic watering holes like Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora and in more withdrawn pockets of coastal Goa year after year, like waves lapping up against a familiar shore.

You see this trance scene is like a global community. Most of the people frequenting these parties have probably met each other at trance music festivals all over the world. So there is that sense of familiarity, between nationalities, a sense of friendliness,” says Dj Tristan from Nano Records, a UK national who is also an organiser of international trance music festivals.

Tristan spends a lot his time in the north Goa beach belt, at iconic trance haunts like Junglee, Shiva Valley, Curlies, Hippies, UV Bar, Nine Bar, Our Shack and Prim Rose, some of which have been turn to page 5

food | 09 Chef called little Vasco

Beach Party (Trance) At Curlies Anjuna 9822168628

Smakin Sunday

Dance, hip-hop & commercial At Tito’s, Baga

Dec 10

Post Social 2012

the low down | 11

DJ Joel, Navin, Ashton, KSK, Pierre & Ryan Britto At Hype, Calangute @ 9 pm 7387961011/9975677133

Dec 12

food review | 10 Down The Road

Acca Cio Performing Live At The Fisherman’s Wharf, Mobor @ 8 pm to 10.30 pm 2871317/9011018866

Night By Night Every Monday

what’s on | 23

Karaoke Nite

With DJ Tony At Down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panjim @ 10 pm onwards 8087649050

Graeme Hamilton Performing Live At Jazz Inn, Cavelossim, Mobor @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm 9422437682

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old School With DJ Saby Fernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora @ 8 pm to 10.30 pm 9552538203/9011015959

Ladies Night

Shooter for all the ladies, music by DJ Joel At Cafe Mojo, Panjim @ All day 9850980091/9860010061

Wednesday Nights

Featuring DJs David and Ashley At Kamaki, Baga @ 7.30 pm 9923093408/ 2276520

Karaoke Night

Live Filipino Band performance At O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji @ 7.30 pm 2226291

news feature | 19 Peek into a prostitute’s life

Lavinia Live

Pop & slow rock At Down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panjim @ 10 pm onwards 8087649050

Monday - Corporates & Cocktails At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

useful stuff | 25

Every Tuesday Tuesday Help

leisure | 24 Ten fun picks for family outings

20% discount on selected food & beverages for all tourism & hospitality professionals At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Karaoke Night Every Tuesday

At Peace, the Park on the Holiday Beach, Calangute @ 7 pm 8805028194/2267600

satire | 27

Tuesday Night

movie review | 26 Talaash

Every Thursday Thursday Grill and Games Music, games & barbeque At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm to 10 pm 2782100,9764694321

Ladies Night Thursday

@ The Park, Holiday Street, Calangute Every Thursday 2267600/8805028194

Rock n Roll (Thursday)

Relive some of the best moments of Rock n Roll At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Karaoke Night

Live Filipano Band performance At O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7.30 pm 2226291

Progressive and Minimal Tech Tunes With DJs Brett, Jeff & Eldrin At Alpha Bar, Canacona @ 8 pm to 5.30 am 9823593484

Tuesday – Country Rock

Retro, country & slow rock with the Valentinos, Elvis on guitar & Edgar on keyboards At Down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panjim @ 9 pm onwards 8087649050

At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Retro hits played by DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm onwards 6726677/8888061199

Disabled man takes a bow

6695066/6695025

At Saturdays, Varca @ 9.30 pm to 1 am

With the electrifying Miramar. Free entry At Down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panjim @ 10 pm onwards 8087649050

Retro & all Time Hits

give back | 28

DJ Roy Yod Live

Every Wednesday Jam Session (Wednesday)

give back | 29

A musical adveture with Goa’s one & only Zezhinio At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Definitely abled

Ladies Nite

At Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna @ 8 pm 2782100/9404312100

Retro Revolution

Thursday Night Jazz

With Smoking Chutney featuring Chrystal Farrell (vocals), Benoy Rai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) & Bosco D’Souza (drums) At The Sol, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm 6714141

Thursday – Go Retro At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/ 9860010061 Every Friday

News Feature 5

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Saturday Karaoke

Karaoke session with KDJ Pierre At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Sexy Saturdays

Ladies Night With DJ Ryan Nogar Spinning House & Progressive Music At Tease Bar & Pub, Panjim @ 9 pm

Want a listing like this? Call 8975879394 and ask for premium listing or email us on streets@goastreets.com

Trance Party At 9-Bar Vagator @ 5 pm

Beer, BBQ n Blues Friday Nights

Featuring live entertainment by Veeam and the Highway stars.

Unlimited beer coupled with set menus containing BBQ options starting @ INR 650/- per person for a package that includes, food, beverages and entertainment.

At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Emmanuel One man Band At Joet’s Bogmalo, Vasco @ 8 pm 9860765337/2538036

Groove on Fridays

Dine, dance and enjoy live bands all under one roof.

Free entry.

At Cavala, Baga, Sauntawaddo @ 8 pm onwards 8390055518/ 9552551422/ 2277587

Friday Ladies Night

In house Chrystal, DJ George and DJ LRF At Down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panjim @ 10 pm onwards 8087649050

Friday – Old School At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Every Friday/Saturday DJ Nights

At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt @ 10.30 pm 3011125

DJ Sindhiya Performing Live At Club Margarita, Colva @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm 9823259008/2789745

Every Saturday Silent Noise Party,

At Neptune Point, Palolem Beach @ 9 pm to 4 am 7798680840/7798680842 Fee: Rs 500

Saturday Shuffle

At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Three man band

Live music by Neil, Ignatius & Grayston At Joet’s Bogmalo, Vasco @ 8 pm 9860765337/2538036

Featuring DJ Joel, DJ Navin and DJ Pierre.

Entry free Rs 500 per couple.

At Hype, Tito lane, Baga @ 10 pm onwards 9822379000

Graeme Hamilton Performing Live At Jazz Inn, Cavelossim, Mobor @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm 9422437682

Saturday Night with DJ Gomzee Contemporary music At Kamaki Baga, C alangute @ 9 pm 9923093408/ 2276520

Every Sunday Jazz Nite with Mac

At Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna @ 8 pm 2782100/9404312100

Smooth Sundays

With jazz and funk music played by Mac Dourado.

At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm onwards 2782100/9764694321/9 404312100

Gravity

With Savio, Cieza and Velroy. Free entry At Fiplee’s Benaulim @ 8 pm onwards 9822153545/9881066545

Sunday – Bollywood Boulevard At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 2 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Sunday – Digital Juke Box At Café Mojo, Panjim @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Sunday Lazy Brunch

An ideal hang out for the family to spend the day by Music Fever At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Regulars

Café Mambos

At Baga Mon/Thr:Rinton DJs-Hip Hop/House, Tue:Ryan Nogar DJs- Retro/Old School/Hip Hop, Thur:Jay & Yuri Spining Bollywood, Hip- Hop & Commerical Music Wed:Yuri DJs-Hip Hop/House/Retro, Fri:DJs-Jay & Yuri Spining Bollywood, Hip- Hop & Commerical Music Sat:Ajit/Rinton DJs-/Hip Hop/House, Sun:Nix DJs- Hip Hop/House.

2276154/9822765002

Fort Aguada Beach Resort At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm 6645858 Mon: Haydn & Natasha Tue: Mac Durado Wed: Haydn & Natasha Thur: Flying Colours Fri: Shine on Duo Band Sat: Anslem

Martin’s Corner

Authentic seafood and Goan cuisine along with entertainment with live music every week.

At Betalbetim @ 8 pm 2880061 Mon: Savio Tue: Bryan Ivor-one man band Wed: Francis Paul Thur: Duo by Savio & Infront Fri: Karaoke by Johnny Sat: Shane Sun: Kenny

from page 3 traditionally known to be bastions of trance over decades (see listings sections in this edition for numbers and locations of trance venues).

Trance, he says, has transcended from music which was just played liberally at certain shacks for a few trance lovers in the 1990s to a genre with an unmistakable commercial edge.

If you are planning a visit Goa this season and possess a keen ear for trance, chances are you might encounter trance record labels like Parvati Records, Boom Shankar Records, Looney Moon, Disco Valley records, Digital Shiva Power, Alitia Crew Records, Mighty Quinn Records and many more home-grown Goan labels, which have made it to the international scene.

Shumbrum, an artist promoter from Shillong in Meghalaya, says that trance today has become the mother genres to several smaller genres.

“Trance music has its subgenres now. Some trance is especially for the mornings, with morning sounds, some for the night, with even scary and dark sound patterns, sometimes it is a forest feel when artistes from Scandinavian countries express themselves in terms of sounds from their own geography,” says Shumbrum.

Originated in Germany in the 1990s, trance music is all about the shuffle of Check us out at streetsdeals.com for attractive discounts

When this artist called Furious played about 190 bpm, everyone was seen almost jumping to the rise in energy his hi-tech music was creating. I guess few can pull it off really well,” points out Ashique Jamil, who runs the.

- Ashique Jamil, club owner

sounds between steady beats thumping around 140 beats per minute. Sliced in between the thump are melodies, which rise to a crescendo as the song plays out.

Trance parties often run through the night, sometimes inviting the ire of the local police for violation of sound pollution norms, especially when they are organised in open areas like beaches or cliffs overlooking the sea in Anjuna, Vagator or Arambol.

turn to page 6

6 Fernando’s Nostalgia

Goan soul in Goan food At Raia @ 7 pm 2777054/ 2777098/9822103467 Tue: Brian Bones Thur: Evergreens by Cedric Live Fri: Jazz/swing/ Retro by Tania & Andre Sat: Oldies but Goldies by Friendly Brothers Sun: Nostalgic Moods by Saxy Aggie

Souza Lobo

Oldest restaurant on Calangute beach with live music in the evenings.

At Calangute Beach @ 8 pm Mon: Nelson & Leo Tue: Just Leo Wed: Lui one man band Thur: Nelson and Leo Fri: Just Leo Sat: Victor & Sol Sun: Valentino 2281234

Alfama Rstaurant

The Chef’ speciality resturant with a Goan Portuguese Cuisine At Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula @ 7.30 pm Tue: Cotta Family Wed: Emilliano Fri: Trio Orlando Sat: Trinity Sun: Cotta Family

Goa’s trance hubs 9 Bar, Vagator

2273368/9422057532

Hippies Ocean Cafe, Anjuna 7507486444

Hill Top, Vagator

Ticlo Resort

Nestled between the beaches of Calangute and Baga At Calangute @ 7.30 pm 2275067 Mon: Karaoke by Joe Wed: Silver dust Fri: Lui one man band Sun: Magic Show

Souza Lobo

Traditional recipes and live music At Calangute 2281234 Mon: Nelson & Leo Tue: Just Leo Wed: Lui one man band Thur: Nelson & Leo Fri: Just Leo Sat: Victor & Sol Sun: Valentino

Holiday Inn

@ Cavelossim @ 7.30 pm 2871303 Mon: Goan Rockers Tue: Aggy The Saxophonist Wed: Tervor Thur: Aggy The Saxophonist Fri: Brian Ivor Sat: Elvis Sun: DJ Nite

L’Orange

At Candolim 9823291413/9970173606 @ 6 pm Fri: Live Music Sat: Family Nite

Cape Town café

UV Bar, Anjuna

At Baga Electronic music by Weekend Heroes 9823269376

Curlies, Anjuna

Pickled Mango

9604772788/2273665 9822153440 9822168628

Marbela Beach, Morjim 6450599

Our Shack, Vagator 9167878311/6510548

Primrose Music Club, Vagator 9096800994

Shiva Valley, Anjuna Beach 8805930568

Zeebop

Specialized in Sea food At Utorda Beach @ 7.30 pm Mon: Frankston one-mand band Tue: jimmy Jazz Wed: Brian Bones Thur: Newton & Nezz Fri: David Boggie Sat: Disco Nite 2755333

Pentagon

Multi Cuisine At Majorda @ 7.30 pm 2881402 Mon: Country Evening: Raul One Man Band Tue: Blues & Rhyths: Elvis One Man Band Wed: Teas Rock: Cedric & Ralph Thur: Jazz & More: Steve Sequiera & Kittu Fri: Swing & Pop: Mac Dourado & his accomplice Sat: Retro Classics: Andre & Tania Sun: THe Musical Marvels: The friendly brothers

Shivers Garden

Restaurant & Sports Bar At Candolim @ 7.30 pm 9860698281 Wed: Bingo Nite Sat: Dance Nite & Live football broadcast Sun: Sunday Roast (2 pm)

Multi Cuisine serving culinary delights from around the world. @ Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm Mon: Karaoke time with Bonny Tue: Music by Jus’ Leo n Zie Wed: Grill Nite with Music fever Thur: Rock n Retro by Country joe Fri: Dance your blues away with Party Creation Sat: Rio Festival with Crossroads band Sun: Live entertainment with Hyden and Natasha 9552537611/9552537612

from page 5 But if a party does survive till sunrise, the scene which greets the eye with the first few rays of the sun is like a battlefield of colour and spent, exhausted bodies, some just lazing on the ground, others just slowing off the dance pace, some making out, after a night of revelry.

That pace of trance has grown since the 90s. In the current Goan trance scene, some musicians at times belt out the thump at 190 beats per minute.

“When this artist called Furious played about 190 bpm, everyone was seen almost jumping to the rise in energy his hi-tech music was creating.

I guess few can pull it off really well,” points out Ashique Jamil, who runs the popular Club West End at Saligao, which has been associated with trance music ever since its inception in the 1990s.

DJ Manoj, who has been consistently playing trance at Jamil’s club, said that the year 2009 saw an explosion of trance music, with as many as 20 trance albums being released, but admitted that new tracks have been slow to come by since then.

Even, India’s place in the world of trance is prominent, however.

“There are easily about 15 prominent record labels from

Club Margarita

At Colva Mon- Hangover’s with DJ Herry Perry.

Tue-Hip Hop with DJ Herry Perry.

Wed- Ladies Nite with DJ Herry Perry.

Thr- Thursday blues with DJ Herry Perry.

Fri- Fusion Fridays with Guests DJs & DJ Herry Perry.

Sat- Sparkling Saturday with DJ Cynthia (Lady DJ Goa top) DJ Herry Perry & Guests DJ. Sun-Smashing Sundays with DJ Herry Perry.

0832-2789745, 9822799725

Club Titos

Baga Mon/Tue/Fri:Nix/Atul DJs-Bollywood/ Hip Hop/House,Retro.

Wed:Ladies Nite DJs- Bollywood/Hip Hop/House,Retro.

Thr:DJs Jay & Pritesh- All Kind Of Music Sat:Sulaiman/Atul DJs-Bollywood/Hip Hop/House,Retro.

0832-2789745/9822799725

White House

At Colva Wed: Ladies night with dj spike free shots for ladies all night.

Fri: Fabulous Friday with DJ spike (In House) Sat: Sizzling Saturday with a guest DJ & DJ spike (In House).

0832-2781329/2781339

Sticky

India while probably just below a hundred foreign trance labels available this year,” he says.

DJ Starling said that the quickening of the trance beat from 140-150 bpm to 190 over the last few years, was one of the biggest changes in trance music and said that trance lovers had accepted the change with an “open mind.”

Starling plays at Club Hill Top, a new mecca for trance music in Goa. Located at Ozrant, Hill Top has been the address for trance in Goa for the last few years and sees several thousand music

lovers attending his gigs every week.

But while Hill Top is to be credited for popularising trance music these days, Goa Gil, the man who founded Goa trance, said that there was plenty of scope for Indian music, as well as Hindu chants, to be interspersed with trance.

“When Goa got introduced to the world via the hippie generation which is from where tourism began, the Indian influence persisted in the music,” says the popular international trance DJ who originally hails from San Francisco, USA. Newer trance DJs like DJ Psychosis, who now walk the path Gil has trail-blazed, say that even cosmetically much has changed since the first strains of trance started blaring in Anjuna in the 90s.

“Things have changed in terms of better sound, more attention to the decor, visual projectors - from the mere speaker systems and UV lights in the nineties,” says Dj Psychosis, aka Christopher Fernandes.

Another unmistakable appendage which has always clung to the trance scene in Goa are the ‘chai mamis’ and ‘chai mamas,’ local villagers who serve piping hot masala tea on the fringes of the party zone, along with other items like chocolates, cigarettes, biscuits, coffee and omelette bread.

“Surely, there’s no party without the chai mami’s,” says Jac O’Rielley from Austrailia, a regular to the Goa party scene, who can’t get enough of the hot ginger tea from the chai mamis on trance party nights.

On a luminescent, psychedelic, beat-driven night, a little hot tea brings him back to earth.

FOOD

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Saturday Fun

A wide array of drinks, mixes, cocktails and an enormous range of Goan, Indian, Continental, Thai & Chinese delicacies.

At Down the Road, Panjim @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm. 8087649050

by a sea God

Up to Dec 30

Oriental Sunday Brunch

Offers you the choicest Pan Asian delicacies, live khaosway, stir fry, dim sum and peking duck stations, gallons of beer and premium wines and noodles of fun.

At Goa Marriott Resort and Spa, Miramar @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm 2463333

nuisances are commonplace.

A sense of tranquillity and a certain clean austerity make this a must-see destination. The sand is meticulously flattened out and even the tables are painted stark white, like holy altars for Zeebop, which means sea-god in Russian.

And as long they serve him a well-cooked and marinated fish fillet, I think Zeebop shouldn’t be too displeased.

Multi Cuisine Lunch & Dinner Buffet At Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar @ 12 pm to 11 pm. 2463333

Multi Cuisine Lunch & Dinner Buffet Multi Cuisine Lunch Buffet

At Chilly N Spice, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 12.30 to 3.30 pm. 2226291

Multi Cuisine Lunch & Dinner Buffet At Palms, Kenilworth Resort, Utorda @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm. 6698888

Portuguese Special Lunch & Dinner buffet Lunch buffet Rs 500 Dinner buffet Rs 500

Want a listing like this? Call 8975879394 and ask for premium listing or email us on streets@goastreets.com

Multi-Cuisine Lunch & Dinner Buffet At Latitude, Fort Aguada Resort, Candolim @ 12 pm to 10.30 pm 6645858

Indian Special Lunch & Dinner Buffet At 49ers, Hotel Sea Coin, Colva @ 12 pm to 11.30 pm 9822124531, 3255783

Special Brunch

One free beer on every beer that you pay for At The Fisherman’s Wharf, Mobor, Cavelossim @ 8 pm to 10.30 pm 2871317, 9011018866

www.goastreets.com/food

Seafood

Up to Dec 29

At Wan Hao, Miramar @ 12 pm to 11 pm. 2463333

7

By Anzil Fernandes

O

n Saturday I had lunch in the company of waves.

Any story about ‘Zeebop by the Sea,’ one of Goa’s more upscale beach shacks located on Utorda beach in the south, has got to begin with the resplendent view of the sea, instead of food.

The vista and the beach, one of the quieter stretches of sand in Goa, are a sight to behold.

Zeebop by the Sea is best known for its seafood and I chose crabs for starters. The Stuffed Crab (Rs 220) came in a delectable, stuffed crab shell, which was packed with shredded crab meat, onion, tomato, and a hint of pepper topped with a sliver of white cheese. Giving the crab some company was a slice of toasted traditional Goan bread soaked in lots of butter. The company did not last long, and neither did the crab on my plate.

The Zeebop Sunshine mocktail (Rs 120) was, however, a bit of a downer. The mocktail had orange juice with red, sluggish syrup resting at the bottom, a curled lime peel and lots of ice. The ice diluted the orange juice and the taste brought back memories of my visits to a childhood doctor, who administered me ‘Dexorange’ syrup to increase my appetite.

Speaking of appetite, the stuffed crab had already cranked it up. And I was gearing for more. This time I ordered Snapper Fillet (Rs 320), which turned out to be two chunky fillets of the snapper, served with two sliced of bread, heavily slathered with butter and boiled vegetables.

The fillets looked moist with flavour and the red reichado masala on it stood out like vermillion on married Hindu woman’s forehead.

But it was once I started eating the fillet when I realised that one of the fillets wasn’t perfectly cooked. Thankfully, the dish was ultimately saved by an excellent reichado masala (though it seemed to have some trouble penetrating the fish).

The marinade may not have worked perfectly on the snapper, but the ambience of Zeebop by the Sea rubs on you like a magic marinade. This place offers you an experience which is blissfully unlike most beach experiences in Goa, where noise, unfortunate music and other assorted

Service: Slightly confused but friendly enough Recommended: Killer crab The Big Draw: The view Price: Average meal around Rs 400 Rating: Not bad as a culinary experience and way, way above average as an experience.

8 Food Review Up to Dec 31 Express Lunch

Fish thali & free unlimited beverages.

At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 12 pm to 3 pm 9764694321/9404312100

Early Happy Hours

Offers on beverages and more for some hours at a stretch.

At Tea Lounge & Bar, Majorda @ 5 pm to 7.30 pm 9225905604/2881111/2754571

Special Offer Hours Discounts and more At Lobby Bar, Utorda @ 6 pm to 11 pm 2754183/6698888

Multi-cuisine Lunch and Dinner Buffet At 49er’s, Hotel Seacoin, Colva @ 8 pm to 12 pm 9822124531, 3263964, 2789029

Sizzling Pool side Barbecues

At Latitude, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Candolim @ 7 pm 6645858

Delectable Power Lunch

At The Banyan Tree, the Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12 pm to 4 pm 9850703662, 6645858

Multi Cuisine Sunday Brunch At Latitude, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Candolim @ 12 pm to 3 pm 6645858

Multi Cuisine Buffet

Lunch buffet @ Rs 800 plus taxes and dinner @ Rs 950.

At Castaways, Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, Varca @ 12. 30 to 10.30 pm 6695000, 6695699, 9223198136

Executive Lunches

Indulge in the flavours and aromas of the Thai and Chinese dishes At Tamari, Vivanta By Taj, Ground Floor, Dr. D.B. Bandodkar Road, Panjim @12 pm to 2 pm 6633636/6633647 Happy Hours Offers, including free cocktails and more At Tea Lounge and Bar, Majorda 2881111/ 6681111/9225905604

Every Sunday

Sunday Family Brunches

Get in Rhythm with Ashley Live At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm. 6633636

Every Thursday

Seafood Night Market

Copper Bowl

The copper theme is reflected in the restaurant’s furniture, lamps, bar details and even the crockery. It offers multicuisine menu.

At PousadaTauma Hotel, Porbavaddo @ 12 pm to 10.30 pm 2279061

Cavala

Specialises in Goan seafood and live music.

The restaurant recommends dishes like Country Captain, Trincomalee prawns and chicken periperi.

At Sauntawaddo @ 7.30 am to 1 am 9552551422/2277587

Casa Portuguesa

Housed in an 18th Century colonial house, it offers Portuguese cuisine along with some dishes reflecting Goan influences, complete with the pleasant ambience of Fado Music.

At Baga Rd @ 7 pm to 11 pm 9822122960

A Reverie

Serves continental cuisine. Popular dishes are seared fillet steak tournedos, smoked Australian duck breast, insalatacaprese, basil oil, baby bocconcini, smoked tuna, chicken liver pate.

At Holiday street, Calangute @ 7 pm to 12 am 9823174927/9823505550

Infantaria

A Regular café which known for Breakfast and takeaway counter.

At Baga @ 7.30 am to 12 pm 3291290

Chef Soumyens Kitchen

A fine dine continental restaurant by Chef Soumyen Chakraborty. Specialising in steaks, seafood and pastas; vegetarian options also available.

At Luis Gomes Rd, Calangute @ 12 pm to 12 am 9226481417/2276160

After Seven

Offers French cuisine. The restaurant recommends dishes like camembert soufflé, warm squid in balsamic vinegar and rum, steaks and lemon infused prawns At Gaurowaddo, Calangute @ 12 pm to 11.30 pm.

2279757

Fiesta

Based on contemporary European style of cooking. Signature dishes lobster au gratin, herb ricotta ravioli and death by chocolate At Sauntawaddo, Baga (See review in this edition) @ 11 am to 11.30 pm 2279894/2281440

Cantare

Baga, Calangute & around

Old wood panelled lounge situated in the by lanes of Saligao away from the madding crowd, well above average food and classy atmosphere. Good place to escape the beach belt.

At Saligao @ 6 pm to 12 pm 2409461

Le Poisson Rouge

Myx

At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 11 pm . 3011125

A French alfresco Restaurant by Gregory Bazire offer imported wines Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Italy. House Speciality includes king prawns, roasted black pomfret, Goan sausages crump and kingfish.

At Baga, Calangute @ 7 pm to 11 pm 9823850276/3245800

J&A’s

Italian alfresco restaurant specialised in country style Italian cuisine & Pizzas.

The restaurant recommends prawns and zucchini soup, Tuscan-style beef stew, Carpaccio and slivers of raw beef.

At Baga @ 10 am to 11 pm 2282364/9823139488

Bar & grill with live music. Also known for seafood, steakhouse and fusion cuisine.

At Calangute @ 3.30 pm to 2 am 9223415333/9821551841

Anjuna & around Artjuna

Set up in an old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden; The café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices and baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees and more.

At Monteirowaddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm 2274794

Villa Blanche Bistro

Tuscany Gardens

Mum’s Kitchen

Nilaya Hermitage

Panjim & around

Chulha

It is set in a tropical garden of a restored Portuguese house and one of the few restaurants serving breakfast all day.

At Socolwaddo, Asagao @ 9 am to 5.30 pm 9822155099

Specialises in Mediterranean cuisine using plenty of fresh sea-food and home grown organic vegetables. Also has a variety of Goan cuisine specialties and serves Indian curries upon request.

Thalassa

Greek and Mediterranean food by the sea.

At Vagator beach @ 4 pm to 12 am 9850033537

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of Italian imported ingredients and local organic produce. At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12.30 am to 10.30 pm. 2267300

Candolim Bomras

The food has a distinct Burmese soul but draws on and fuses influences from nearby regional cuisines of China, India, Laos and Thailand.

At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 6.30 to 11.30 pm 9767591056

Cuckoo Zen Garden

Serves a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian healthy food, as well as tasty and healthy herbal food & drinks. The Cuckoo Zen Garden opens from beginning of November to end of March.

At Candolim @ 7 pm to 11 pm 9881773524

Banyan Tree

Dine under the cool shadow of a 300-yearold Banyan Tree. Signature dishes: Spicy and sour prawn soup, crispy fried vegetables in roasted chili sauce, Sweet water chestnuts in coconut milk.

At VivantaTaj Holiday Village, Candolim @ 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm 664 5555

Susse Cafe

A fine-dining restaurant specialising in European and fusion cuisine. Restaurant offers seafood dishes prepared in fusion and Goan styles.

At Candolim @ 12.30 pm 9011379804/9822089818

Wok & Roll

A multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Japanese, Thai, Pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant recommends: Honey glazed pot roast pork ribs, Thai garlic-peppered prawns, deep-fried prawns tossed in garlic, black pepper and colourful bell peppers.

At Sinquirim, Candolim @ 12 pm 9049022348

Stone House

The restaurant started in 1989 by Christopher D’Souza serves multi cuisine.

Christopher recommends: Seafood salad, tzaziki with papadam, Swedish lobster, and chicken stroganoff At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 10 am to 12 pm 9890392347/2479909

Top Nosh

Italian restaurant by Avi & Line Shetty serves antipasti, secondi, pasta, pizzeria, dolci, risotto and insalate.

At Fort Aguada Road, Don Hill Enclave, Candolim @ 12 pm to 11 pm 6454026

Aunty Maria

24 hours coffee shop in the heart of Panjim. Also favourite meeting spot for journalists, politicians and businessmen.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ all day. 2226291

Waterfront Terrace

Sunday Brunch with an amazing ocean view At Goa Marriot Resort, Miramar @ 12pm to 3 pm. 2463333

Indian Street food and tandoor At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim @ 3 pm to 11 pm 3011504

Delhi Darbar

Known for tantoori, Kebabs, biryanis &naans At M.G Rd Panjim @ 11.30 am to 11 pm 2222544

Goenchin

Offers pure veg thali for lunch & dinner.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7.30 to 11 pm. 2226291

Specializes in Chinese and Thai cuisines.

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items are available.

At Mandovi Apts Panjim 12.30 pm to 11 pm 2227614/2464877

Ritz Classic

Tamari

Bhojan

Known for Goan fish curry rice and seafood. Very popular for lunch, especially with the Panjim office crowd.

At 18th June Rd, Panjim @ 11 am to 11 pm 6644796

Tea Cafe

Cakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm 2223050

Pan Asian Bowl

Serves Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine (Sushi) in fine style.

At Vivanta, St Inez @ 12.30 to 11.30 pm 6633636

O’ Coqueiro

Goan Cuisine in Porvorim, made famous not just by its tasty food but also as the place where international criminal Charles Sobhraj was arrested.

At NH 17 Rd, Porvorim @ 12 pm to 11 pm 2417806/2417271/2417344

Barbeque

Chinese, Malaysian & Thai cuisine. Some of the best Asian food in Goa. At Miramar, Panjim @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm 9923499429/6455547/6455548

Beach Front Grill enables a guest to choose from a display of seafood, meats & vegetables and have them cooked to his/ her liking.

At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 am to 11 pm. 2454545

Viva Panjim

Café Azul

Goan cusinie & seafood. Linda and Michael’s place has long been a favourite for those in search of very tasty Goan food.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm 2422405/9850471363

Cantina Bodega

Pizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vendana utilizes her expertise earned from her years as a top pastry chef in New York City.

At Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim. 9011662233 @ 10 am to 7 pm

Upper House

Goan and continental cuisine. One of the tastier and more elegant restaurants of the capital. Good bar, too.

At Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm 2426475

Fantasia

Fast food & snacks, plus lively bar in the heart of Panjim. Check out the live music.

At Panjim @ 9 am to 11 pm 2226684

Cafe Mojo

Arguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively.

At Salidadel sol Hotel, Panjim All day 9850980091

A spacious open air garden restaurant serving Indian, continental &tandoori cuisine with a range of cocktails &wines.

At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 12 pm to 11 pm. 9764595925

Alfama

House of Lloyds

Down the Road

Serves continental, seafood, goancuisine.

The restaurant recommends: goanroast pork, apple salad with tender greens, crispy sardines, stuffed crab and steaks At Saipem Road, Candolim @ 7 pm to 3 am. 9823032273

Among the best upscale Goan cuisine in Panjim, drawing from Goa’s Christian and Hindu traditions.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd @ 11 am to 11pm 9822175556

Well known for fado evenings At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm 2454545 Pub and a Multi Cuisine restaurant, often with live entertainment. A favourite Panjim hotspot.

At Old Patto Bridge, Panjim, @ 11 am to 11 pm 9823173757 (See review in this edition)

All day dining restaurant offering buffet combo option.

At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 pm to 11 pm. 2454545

Doçaria

Coffee shop, beverage counter, cake shop, games centre, snack bar, dessert lounge At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 24 hrs. 2454545

Margao & around Peppers

Known for steaks and other meat dishes At Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm 9822133506

China Gate

Dedicated Chinese Cuisine At Fatima High School, Margao @ 12 pm to 11 pm. 2704655

Zeebop

Seafood by the sea. Great ambience and food prepared with care.

At Utorda beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm 2755333 (See review in this edition)

Spice Studio

Goan dinner. Elegant outdoor restaurant in a well-appointed resort in the South.

At AlilaDiwa, Majorda @ 7 pm to 10.30 pm. 2746800

Casa Sarita

Offers a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture. Signature dishes include chouris pao, prawn curry & Goan fish curry. At Park Hyatt, Cansaulim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm. 2721234 To list your restaurants here for free please send us your details on listings@goastreets.com.

Food Review 9

Thursday, December 6, 2012

By Gauri Gharpure

I

f the way to a man’s heart is food, then chef Vasquito Alvares must have a very big heart in that colossal frame of his.

Coming from a family which never shied away from both cooking and eating, Vasquito, a die-hard foodie, credits his lineage for his love for cooking.

Right down to the stunningly tasty cafreal crafted from his father’s recipe.

“My father loved to eat. He was all about the good life. He made a mean cafreal and we follow his recipe till date. It’s on my menu; I love to make it and then eat it four to five times a week,” says Vasquito, who co-owns Maracas, a Porvorim-based garden bar and restaurant.

His father, the late Roberto Alvares, was one of

the pioneers of Goa’s showbiz industry. His passion for food also led him to the packaged food business, started three decades ago.

“He was far ahead of his time I guess. When he started ‘Alvares Tasty and Spicy,’ he converted half of our house into a factory to make ready-to-cook sausages, cafreal masalas, prawn, lime and mango pickles. I grew up with food all around me,” says Vasquito.

As if the factory of food at home was not enough, Vasquito’s grandmother Branca often whipped up what he says was the “best tongue-roast ever.”

His preference for meat stems from his love of Portuguese cuisine, with its emphasis on beef and pork. Rice for the Alvares’s, like many Christian families in Goa, appeared on the plate only when the rigours of a working week were over and done with.

“We had curry rice only on weekends, which, of course, ended up being a grand affair with an elaborate buffet and desserts to choose from,” he says.

His family’s passion for meat would later pay dividends to Vasquito, who joined a cruise-liner at the age of 26 as a chef. Along with his colleagues, the young chef hacked, cooked and served eight to 10 tons of meat a week for about 4,000 passengers.

“I was the roast cook and anything to do with roasting, grilling and barbequing, it was my job,” he says, adding that five years of cruising and cooking at sea helped him concoct his menu, otherwise inspired by his family.

But there is one person, not an Alvares, whose sorpotel still tingles on his tongue today. Xavier, a cook who worked for the Alvares family, would take three days to prepare the pork, using that time to turn the pink pork flesh into something approaching the divine.

“Even after he left the job, whenever we had parties, we called him a week ahead of the date to make the dish,” he recalled, adding that Xavier still runs a small currypao stall in Loutollim.

Vasquito’s story does not end with meats, but lingers on until the sweetmeats come to the party, too. His mother’s guava cheese, mango jam and chocolate and walnut cakes, along with his grandmother’s pound cake, were superb.

“They used to put up icing and all that decorations on the pound cake, but to me, turn to page 10

10 Food Review Fernandos Nostalgia

Goan Cuisine in a favourite landmark restaurant featuring very good food and a great collection of “nostalgic” antiques At Raia, Salcete, Margao @ 11 am to 11 pm 2777098/2777054/9822103467

Martin’s Corner

The Fisherman’s Wharf

Serving European, Goan cuisine and specialised in seafood At Mobor, Cavelossim @ 12.30 am to 10.45 pm 2871317

Vivo

Restaurant serving multi-cuisine at 5 live counters for breakfast, lunch and dinner At AlilaDiwa, Majorda @ 11 am to 4 pm. 2746800

Lucio

Specialty restaurant serving GoanPortuguese cuisine.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Fig & Olive

Flavours of the Mediterranean, Arabian & Italian At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am to 11 pm 2871303/2871304/2871305

Cafe Mardi Gras

24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacks At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day 2871303/2871304/2871305

Fish Grill

Serving seafood in European and Goan style. Meats and vegetarian food are also available At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 11 am to 11 pm 2871303/2871304

Upper Deck

Coffee shop offerings traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ All day.

6726666

Joint popular with celebs and just about everyone else. Serves Goan cuisine.

At Betalbatim @ 11 am to 11 pm 9822166996/2880061

Shandong

Asian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Canacona Canacona

Multi-cuisine serving breakfast, lunch & dinner At Latit, Canacona @ 7.30 am to 11 pm 2667777/2667711

Sirocco

Fine dining restaurant serving Mediterranean Cuisine At Latit, Canacona @ 5.30 pm to 11 pm 2667777/2667711

Corta’s

Goan cuisine beach shack restaurant At Latit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm.

2667777/2667711

VeriFeni

Bar offering a variety of cocktails, exotic fenitails, wines, beers, spirits, liqueurs and cigars. At Latit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm 2667777/2667711

Gazebo

The poolside sunken bar with a Polynesian theme.

At Latit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm 2667777/2667711

Down the Road and beer by the river

By Gauri Gharpure

from page 9 it tasted heavenly just as is,” he remembers, adding that the Alvares family used to be flooded with orders during the tourists season.

Vasquito, then in his teens and forever out of money, would pitch in with the catering to charter tourists on boat cruises.

“Every week, they sent me to the boats with all those cakes and food and I set the tables and arranged the buffet for the foreigners. I did it for my pocket money, you know! But looking back, I know I also learnt a lot by helping them,” he says.

These constant brushes with food perhaps went a long way in helping Vasquito identify his calling.

After graduating from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management in 1997, he spent the next two years working at Cidade de Goa, a luxury resort near Panjim, before apprenticing for a small restaurant in Portugal for six months. That was just before the cruise-liner experience happened. His father’s untimely death brought him back home, where he along with his brother ran ‘Ernesto’s’, a restaurant started by his father, before starting out with his own venture, the Porvorim-based garden bar, ‘Maracas.’

He has been on a roll ever since. Vasquito grins as he reveals the semantics of his name.

“I was born on the same day as my grandfather, Vasco, and was named after him. In Portuguese, Vasquito means ‘the small Vasco’ and that’s what they called me at home to keep out the confusion. It stuck.

And, I still use it because it sounds pretty cool, no?”

Yes, we say.

A

quick drink or a bite in Panjim for me often means walking up the stairs to the Down The Road pub and bistro.

Sipping a chilled Heineken on the bistro’s upper storey and watching the lazy waters of the Rua de Ourem soak in the dull orange glow of the street lights adds newer flavours of serenity to the hops.

At Down the Road, for those like me who prefer the balmy outdoors, there are huge cane chairs and fancy barrel-shaped tables with wheels. Others can seek refuge in the airconditioned dining area.

It’s not actually the dining which has helped Down the Road build a reputation as the capital’s top spot for hanging out and getting noticed. It’s the club below, which has served as a beacon of fun for the young guns of the city for nearly a decade now.

The pub’s interior is uncluttered with low-seated brown and black upholstery and is dimly lit with cylindrical yellow lamps delicately hanging from iron chains. There is comfortable sitting space for large groups as well as high stools lining the bar counter for those less inclined to the group scene.

Big television screens beam either football or muted visuals

of old and new English songs. Another wall is adorned by life-sized posters of Elvis Presley with his guitar and Marylyn Monroe saving her white dress and her modesty from a gush of wind.

And, there is good live music.

When I first went to the pub, it was a weekday and about 6.45 pm. I was the first one to step in and felt like a perfect fool. Too early, I told myself. I waited till 10.30 pm to make the next pub crawl, but this time, too, the crowd was unimpressive by my nightlife standards.

Perhaps again, because it was a weekday.

It is abuzz on weekends, however, and even some weekdays manage to draw a crowd, especially when there’s a notable performance.

Of the 4-5 times I have been to Down the Road, the food has been decent. The buttergarlic squids were fresh and pleasing and the chicken cafreal portion, slathered in a spicy sauce of ground green coriander and green chillies, was generous.

Service, too, wins points.

One day while I was placing my order, a waiter walked up to the bartender, thrust a martini glass under his nose and said: “Ye kala kala kya hai?! Customer ne wapas bheja, change karke de.” (What is this black stuff?! The customer has sent it back, make a new drink)” Our man, the bartender did not waste a single moment resisting. He quickly mixed a new drink and sent the waiter on his way with it.

Overall, a nice place to hang out in a city with very few night spots. But, remember, the early bird gets no worm here.

News Wrap 11

Thursday, December 6, 2012

T

Police to probe 2 chief ministers in illegal mining scam

he necks of two ex-chief ministers are now on the line in the Rs 35,000 crore mining scam. The Goa government has informed the country’s top court that it would order police investigations against former chief ministers Pratapsing Rane and Digambar Kamat for illegal renewal of lapsed mining leases.

“Pratapsingh Raoji Rane, the then chief minister of Goa and Digambar V Kamat, the former mines minister and former chief minister, are responsible and have taken these decisions and therefore the state government has already decided to file appropriate criminal proceedings against these politicians,” Goa chief secretary B Vijayan wrote this week to a committee appointed by the Supreme Court of India to probe illegal mining in Goa. In the letter, the Goa government also made an emphatic plea to the high court to resume legal mining activity.

Mining in Goa has been banned by the Court since October of this year, much to the relief of environmentalists but causing grave concerns about the health of the economy.

Fearing encroachment, Goa government to resurvey beaches

F

earing encroachment of sandy coastal land, the state tourism department is considering a resurvey of Goa’s beaches, according to tourism director Nikhil Desai.

Desai said that private land owners were moving natural landmarks and boundary stones to grab beach area owned by the government.

Desai said that the most number of encroachments flagged by his department are in the sub districts of Salcete in south Goa and Bardez in north Goa, which have the most sought after beaches. Shack owners, according to Desai, were some of the major encroachers of Goan beaches, the top attraction for the roughly 2.8 million tourists who visit the state annually.

FeedBack

Margarida Nostalgia: Wow Anzil...this

sure is since and truthful reporting....coming unannounced and catching MEeeeee unawares....thank you am honoured for GOA STREETS...making time to come over and check out,There are many who write without checking out the place or what we have to offer.KUDOS and all the very best....Utt Goemkara!!!!!!! Thank You Goa Streets....for the pleasant surprise....a total sense of satisfaction to all of us who work very hard towards making it a value for money destination.....all the best to GS

mary5827: I love these flash mob videos! I like to watch everyone smile. How great would it be if the

whole world could erupt in a single flash mob all at once? Thank you for this. I shall smile for the rest of the day!

paul_true paultrue@gmail.com:

Poignant portrayal penned by a person who knows and understands pain and brings to light the ‘unglamourous’ side of humanity and pays accolades to the victory of an individual against all odds.

From keithppereira on My sister’s triumph against odds #

Thank you Ashley for so eloquently sharing the story of our dear cousin with everyone!

On The Transgender story: “Your article catches the essence and more importantly, it is written with a good heart.”

- Satish Sonak, Advocate

The Lowdown There are a lot of things that make Goa Streets unique, but among them, we believe, is the way we combine our entertainment review and guide to Goa with a commitment to painting a very real picture of our state. That’s why not everything you will read on these pages will be soft and “nice.” We take you inside the life of a prostitute, for instance, and hear how her baby daughter died under her watch. We take you behind the scenes of the Calangute/Baga/Candolim tourist boom, and explain how the boom could easily turn to bust if something isn’t done quickly about traffic, garbage and sewage.

And we tell you about a mind-boggling attempt to extort a former chief minister’s son.

This is all part of the commitment we have made to deliver world-class journalism, and to tell it like it is.

We want to go beyond the surface in our coverage and write about topics seldom touched by others. In this vain, please see our cover story this week on how the south Indian film industry is attracting Goan talent who prefer this alternative to the Bollywood route. Our story on trance takes you inside this extraordinary musical genre, painting a vivid picture not only of the music but the culture that inspires it.

Every issue, we devote ample space to a section called Give Back. This is important to us, because it showcases the triumphs and contributions of those whose lives make a real difference. These pages also provide vital information on how you, the reader, can also work to make Goa, India and the world a better place.

All this is in addition to our comprehensive listings on everything there is to see, do and eat in Goa every week. We spend a lot of time compiling these listings on everything from adventure sports to boating to sightseeing to bar hopping. Everything you see on these pages and more is available in our dynamic, constantly updated website, www.goastreets.com.

We hope you like what you see.

The Goa Streets Team

12 News Feature

Chaos de Calangute Goa has become India’s undisputed national playground, with nearly 3 million visitors a year. But the infrastructure needed to support the influx has been woefully inadequate.

By Ashley do Rosario

A

mbulance driver Sonu Salgaocar knew he was racing against time.

Zipping past vehicles, the governmentrun 108 emergency services driver was responding to an SOS call and rushing toward a road accident site on the Arpora-Calangute road. One of the accident victims was bleeding profusely and needed immediate attention.

What happened next is something he says he’ll never forget.

As the screaming ambulance reached Calangute, it got stuck along the clogged Calangute-Candolim-Baga road, literally

grating its flanks with cattle, buses, carrier vans, tourists, cars and a swarm of snarling two wheelers.

Even with the flashing beacon and siren, there was no way he could negotiate through the mess that has become synonymous with Goan thoroughfares.

Goa has become India’s undisputed national playground, with nearly 3 million visitors a year. But the infrastructure needed to support the influx has been woefully inadequate. And the result in places like Calangute and Baga is a traffic crisis that now threatens lives, a sewage crisis that jeopardizes health and mountains of untreated

garbage.

Sonu’s ordeal did not end in the snarled traffic. In a fit of road rage, occupants of a car driving alongside the ambulance, also jostling for every navigable inch, began arguing with him. Sonu says it got worse from there, with the motorists – unfathomably, considering his mission - proceeding to physically assault him.

Instead of picking up the road accident victim, Sonu says he ended up at the Calangute police station pleading his case before the cops. The victim was rescued later and shifted to a local hospital.

“It’s a big challenge for us to do our job during the tourist season,” says Sonu’s

News Feature 13 boss, Christopher Parakh, who heads the Goa operations of the Emergency Medical Response Initiative, a state-funded medical emergency apparatus.

Ferrying a trauma victim to a hospital or administering first aid is supposed to be the main job of an emergency responder. The terrible reality is that in Goa, this is often the easy part.

The bigger task, says Parakh, is often reaching the victim during the season on north Goa’s clogged coastal roads.

Equally as important, the same ambulance that cuts through the chaos to reach the accident site has to negotiate the traffic mayhem to reach the best hospitals – usually either the District Hospital in Mapusa or at the Goa Medical College in Bambolim.

Traffic is just one of many woes threatening the golden goose of Goan tourism: The Candolim-Baga beach belt, home to so many night clubs, bars, restaurants and upscale resorts.

The annual stampede of hundreds of thousands of people to this stretch and the waste generated by them are beginning to take a significant toll.

Dr. Manoj Dhukle, a well-liked Calangute resident who runs a private hospital on the Calangute-Candolim border, says the belt is sitting on a ticking health time-bomb.

“Over 10,000 soak pits drain tens of thousands of litres of untreated human waste into the sub-terrain and groundwater aquifers,” he says, adding that he shudders at the thought.

The doctor wants the authorities to improve infrastructure and give “serious thought” to establishing a proper sewage treatment and disposal plan.

So does the president of the Calangute village community, Agnelo Lobo. A hilly tract of land in the village has been allotted to the local civic authority to start a solid waste management plant, he says, but is now being used to dump untreated garbage.

“They’ve run out of space there. They

are now dumping the garbage beyond the allocated area,” Agnelo says.

Except for two sites, one each maintained by the Candolim and Calangute village panchayats, where unsegregated garbage is simply burnt or dumped, there is no other facility in place to collect trash, let alone manage it.

Garbage that does not find its way to these sites – clearly the vast majority of it - is therefore littered along the roads leading to and from these tourist hubs, often in smelly and unpleasant heaps, the last thing one would expect in a dream tourism destination.

Joseph Sequeira, who’s been a major power broker in Calangute’s panchayat for almost two decades, has his own particular take on who’s to blame for this state of affairs. Not surprisingly, it’s not himself.

“For years we’ve raised this (sewage treatment plant) demand with state-level authorities but government after government has ignored it,” he told Streets.

Sequeira’s target of ire, the Stateowned Goa Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation, has been tasked with drawing up plans for a sewage treatment plant for Calangute and Candolim.

It’s been almost a decade since the corporation began devising its plans. What it has to show for the time spent, according to its Managing Director, A A Patil, is a blue print and a techno-feasibility report.

Patil told Streets that tenders for building the plant are being processed and will be floated soon to invite bids for its construction.

Despite all these drawbacks – the pathetic garbage scene, lack of a sewage treatment plant and the chaotic traffic – the north Goa beach belt remains the state’s biggest draw for tourists. Its beautiful beaches, throbbing nightlife, funky shops and overall energy awaken a sense of abandon in visitors.

The question, of course, is how long will it all last. Not long if the golden goose of Goan tourism turns into the world’s biggest openair toilet.

Sticky

Baga - So much fun, you’ll put up with anything.

News Feature 15

He has got anticipatory bail but my men will do what it takes to gather evidence and prosecute all those involved.

- Umesh Gaonkar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Panjim

Zanito explicitly denies that he’s made any monetary demands from either Kakodkar or his partners. He also flatly denies any links to the October 22 incident.

- Source: Zanito’s bail plea

16 Cover Story South Indian cinema’s biggest stars. From left to right Mammootty, Rajnikanth and M G Ramachandran.

Southern Rachael Dsouza

follows the stardust trail and examines why young Goans are making a beeline for the south Indian film Industry.

Delight They called me for auditions for a reality show. When I reached the studio I was handed a small script in Tamil which I had to read out. And I know nothing about Tamil.

- Sonika Lotlikar

Money is the key to all the industries, may it be Bollywood or Tollywood etc ...

But what is required to turn the key and open the lock is the talent … without which the money or investment is a mere waste.

- Llyod Paul

Printed and published by Marisha Dutt for and on behalf of Free Voice Media Pvt Ltd at Gomantak Pvt. Ltd. Plot no. 4/4A, Corlim IDC, Tiswadi Goa, 403 110. Editor: Mayabhushan Nagvenkar. Regd. Office: 711/32, Green Hill, Socorro, Porvorim 403 501. Editorial Office : H. No. 133, Mae De Deus Vaddo, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa 403 511. (R.N.I. registration no. applied for and under process).

Cover Story 17

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Well honestly speaking I did not know I was going to do a south Indian movie till I landed on the set.

- Victor Fernandes

By Rachael D’Souza

F

rom Goa, the road to movie stardom no longer leads north, towards Mumbai alone.

Increased competition, a ‘godfather’ culture and growing unprofessionalism are leading Goan film talent to give Bollywood the short shrift.

A steady trickle of young and aspiring artistes now flows toward other powerhouse film hubs in south India, especially Hyderabad and Chennai.

Victor Fernandes sees south Indian films as a way out of drudgery and bottomof-the-barrel wages earned by models and actors in Goa. “Well honestly speaking I did not know I was going to do a south Indian movie till I landed on the set,” Victor says.

Incredibly, he was offered the small but not insignificant role of an arms dealer in the 2012 Tamil film ‘Billa 2,’ starring superstar Ajith.

Acting alongside a Tamil movie icon is certainly a more than modest beginning for a regular lad from Panjim. His stint in the south Indian film has Victor drooling for more, even threatening to unleash himself on Hollywood, given the opportunity.

“South films offer a platform wherein you can get noticed and known for your talent,” Victor says.

Scores of Goans have attempted to join the south Indian film industry. As in Bollywood, only a handful have made it big, but many are concluding that the best prospects these days are in the south.

It’s not that Bollywood has lost its glitz.

The night sky above India’s unchallenged city of dreams still burns bright. But the lustre comes at a cost. The city’s starlight is powered by a cannibalistic furnace. Set invisibly deep, in the city’s core, the same furnace grinds and spits out strugglers and also-rans by the thousands, especially in the glamour-lined film industry.

A report compiled in 2011 by global consulting giant Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, pegs the worth of south Indian cinema at a staggering Rs 2,340 crore.

The report expects the figures to grow at 11 per cent annually to Rs 3,550 crore by 2016.

The entire south Indian media industry, including movies, TV, print and radio and covering the states of Karnataka, Kerala

South Indian films today are loaded with money. They spend more on production, on locations, on artistes. They also know how to extract the best from the artistes they hire. So if you have a good learning curve, this is the best place to be.

- Newton Dias

and the much larger Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, is expected to be worth a whopping Rs 36,005 crore by 2016, up from Rs Rs 21,190 crore today, according to the findings. A pie worth digging into with a shovel for aspiring actors like Newton Dias, who flits in and out of Goa on casting gigs down south.

Dias, who has been in the industry for well over a decade now, says that even at the bottom, there’s lots of money to be made in the south Indian film industry. There is a way up, but you’ve got to find the stairs or the elevator.

“South Indian films today are loaded with money. They spend more on production, on locations, on artistes. They also know how to extract the best from the artistes they hire. So if you have a good learning curve, this is the best place to be,” says Newton, who runs the Stylers Modelling Services in Goa. A model who has walked the ramp for ace fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, Newton says that one of the major impediments to Goan youngsters moving to south Indian films is mastering regional languages like Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. Yet improved lip-syncing technology could help overcome that.

(In this scenario, actors speak whatever language they like and the south Indian language is dubbed in later – something, of course, that works better in mainstream pop cinema than more serious films).

Several of the leading actresses in Tamil,

turn to page 18

18 Cover Story Telugu and Kannada cinema are north Indians like Tamannaah Bhatia and Charmee Kaur, who lip-synced their way to success, only learning southern languages once they made their mark in the cinema there.

“The South industry is different from the Bollywood world in many ways. Especially when it comes to punctuality and discipline, especially when it comes to shift timings even for stars, they are very rigorous,” Newton says. Sounds like a walk in the park, especially when compared to fables of pampered Bollywood actors and actresses turning up for their eight-hour work shift one whole shift late.

One Goan export to south Indian cinema who appears to have ticked all the boxes is actress Ileana D’Cruz, whose rise to stardom has been meteoric. Not too many know this, but Ileana’s story of a career in South Indian cinema was scripted almost by accident at a resort in the Goan village of Arpora, where the hotel’s manager ensured that she ‘bumped’ into model and choreographer Marc Robinson.

Ileana told Streets about her first day at work at a film shoot.

“It was difficult, and there were days when I’d just blank out completely and forget my lines altogether because of nerves. I’d have a serious breakdown and go to a corner and start crying,” she says.

“I even had an assistant director come up to me and tell me to my face ‘I don’t know what you’re doing here. You should

It was difficult, and there were days when I’d just blank out completely and forget my lines altogether because of nerves. I’d have a serious breakdown and go to a corner and start crying.

- Ileana D’Cruz just go home, you’re never going to make it’.”

Incredibly un-prophetic words.

After acting as a female lead in over a dozen South Indian films, both Tamil and Telugu, Ileana, originally from Parra, near Mapusa, made her Bollywood transition not as a struggler but as a diva in a 2012 film called ‘Barfi’, starring Ranbir Kapoor.

At a pinnacle of stardom in South Indian cinema, Ileana is now in a position to give us a bird’s eye view of South Indian cinema and why it is the way it is colourful, dynamic and crazy at the same time.

“The reason why South Indian films are the way they are is because people

turn to them as their only form of entertainment. They don’t have other forms of entertainment, like in Bombay you’ve got so much of other stuff to do.

This is why they worship their stars in south India. It’s crazy – you cannot step out into a mall, or restaurant, or any place, without people actually mobbing you,” she explains.

“They actually live and breathe films.

When they watch a film, they watch it heart and soul, and with a lot of passion. So they want something that’s got everything rolled into one. They want colour, comedy, action, romance, all of that,” she says, calling Rajnikant, one of the greatest South Indian actors of all time, a demi-god himself.

Goan singer Llyod Paul could be an Ileana in the making, if his stars are so aligned.

The Margao-based Paul was one of the 20 voices shortlisted this year for a crooning gig in a big label film called ‘Rebel’, starring Prabhas and Tamannaah, one of the top south Indian actresses. Paul was picked for the gig and when the film’s audio released in September this year, his song ‘KeKa KeKa’ in Telugu became a super hit.

“Money is the key to all the industries, may it be Bollywood or Tollywood etc ...

But what is required to turn the key and open the lock is the talent … without which the money or investment is a mere waste,” says Paul, buoyed by his success.

But he appears to have the bearings required to not get carried away.

“Once you get into this industry, you continually need to retain a place for yourself because there is huge demand, but the supply is equally plentiful,” he says. He is convinced that if your product

Sticky

from page 17

is good, then the sky is the limit.

Sonika Lotlikar is a student at St. Xavier’s college in Mapusa and has been taking toddler steps in filmdom. After dabbling in theatre and Konkani and Marathi cinema in Goa since the age of two, her tryst with the southern film and television industry began with a phone call from a south Indian production house, Mahamudra.

“They called me for auditions for a reality show. When I reached the studio I was handed a small script in Tamil which I had to read out. And I know nothing about Tamil,” the 22-year-old says.

A production team member, however, was on hand to help those who had arrived for the auditions, rehearsing the lines and making sure they got their pronunciations right.

“I feel the south Indian film industry is much better than Bollywood as far as creating a platform for youngsters is concerned. Here talent is the topmost priority for any film maker or a casting director, whereas in Bollywood, one does need a godfather for everything,” Sonika told Streets.

At 22, the Margao woman has participated as a junior artiste in ‘C.I.D.’, a popular crime detective show on national television.

With the deliciously bold Keralaborn Vidya Balan as her role model, she believes more than a single path can lead her to her dream.

According to Rajendra Talak, a Goan filmmaker with films like ‘Alisha’ and ‘O Maria’ to his credit, the south Indian film industry is well known for its expertise in the back end of filmmaking processes.

“The South industry is extremely popular for its work and technicality,” he said.

Bollywood may have armies of young, hungry actors, technicians and filmmakers knocking on its talismanic doors, sometimes in vain, demanding their right to roll in the glitter dust. But the stories of Ileana, Victor, Sonika, Newton and Llyod are a hint that a new window is opening.

And there is a warm glow inside.

News Feature 19

Thursday, December 6, 2012

By Gauri Gharpure

T

he 51-year-old proudly waits for her granddaughter to perform on stage. In the green room, she combs the teen’s hair and dresses her up with a motherly indulgence. In her neatly draped white saree, Sara looks like an unassuming nurse just out from an eighthour shift.

But, a nurse she is not. Sara has been a prostitute for the past 24 years.

Her four children are unaware of how their mother earned the money to bring them up. But, Sara seems unperturbed.

It is evident that she has a clean conscience and no qualms about a profession that she says came to her rescue when the rest of life failed her as young single mother. Today, even as she continues to service up to 5-6 clients a week, Sara looks perfectly comfortable in her skin.

“I am grateful to the woman who got me into this line,” says Sara, a name used only for this story so that her family stays blissfully uninformed. “Sometimes, I wonder how I would have made ends meet by toiling as a construction labourer, a vegetable seller, or a house maid.”

These are the different stints Sara took up after her husband’s family, accusing her of an extramarital affair, kicked her out of the house.

For some time, a distraught Sara even stayed in bushes by the roadside, working as a day labourer at a construction site. This is when the biggest tragedy of her life occurred, and Sara fights back tears as she recalls it. A seven-month-old daughter she kept with her on the roadside fell ill from lack of food and water, and eventually died.

This is when a new path suddenly came into sight.

“It was late evening and I was waiting at the bus stand (near Margao) to go to Mumbai. A women standing beside me said the last bus had left. She told me to rest at her house, which was quite close, and catch the first bus in the morning,” Sara recalls.

She says she was young, confused, tired and hungry, and simply followed the woman. Eight men were partying at the woman’s house when they reached.

“I found something amiss, but she told me not to worry and said, ‘They are just friends,’” Sara recalls.

Her memory of what happened next is somewhat hazy. There may have been alcohol or drugs involved. All she remembers is that she fell asleep and that she woke up next to a strange man who was groping her. She screamed as she realized she was nude.

“The woman ran to my room, calmed me down and put two Rs 100 bills in my hands. At that time, my mind somehow changed. I slogged all day long and barely got Rs. 60. Here, I was simply selling my body and getting three times the amount.

I gave in,” recalls Sara.

Sara went through with the act, her initiation into the world of prostitution.

The next morning, Sara returned home after having breakfast with the woman and her friends. She is still in touch with the madame who brought her into the

A peek into a

prostitute’s life women,’” Sara says.

Out of the 467 HIV cases detected in 2012 in Goa, a whopping 440 were transmitted by unsafe sex, according the Goa AIDS Control Society. Sex-workers fall in a particularly high-risk group.

Government officials said there could be anywhere between 3000 to 3500 prostitutes in Goa. However, Arunendra Pandey, the founder of an NGO that runs a laundry employing former sex-workers, believes the actual figure to be many times more.

He said that getting hold of precise statistics is next to impossible, as there are also a large number of people from outside who come to Goa for sex work in the peak tourist season.

Sara follows what she calls a strict professional code. She never entertains idle talk with her clients and leaves “as soon as the business is done.” With a little profession.

At home, Sara told her kids that she worked as a house maid. Which, in fact she did.

“It was a good cover for me. I earned Rs. 1500 from working at three to four houses, and another Rs. 1500 by sleeping with men. It worked well for me,” she tells.

Just twice in her two decades of sex work was Sara caught. When asked how her children managed without her when she was behind bars, Sara says she had her neighbours to thank.

“My landlady was very understanding.

I told her, and my neighbours, that if I ever don’t come home, assume I have been caught and take care of my kids.

And I also told my children every day before leaving home not to worry in case I didn’t return. ‘Sometimes I might get caught up in work and not return home, you must manage without me,’” I would tell my kids.

Today, all the policemen in the Madgaon area know and respect her, she claims.

“They like me for the work I am doing with the NGO. They ask me to spread the word,” she says.

The word Sara spread was “AIDS.” Seven years back, she joined hands with a government-aided NGO to spread safesex awareness in red-light areas of south Goa. “I never ever worked without a condom. Even if someone is willing to pay Rs. 1 lakh, I won’t do it if he refuses to wear a condom. So many of my peers died of AIDS, but I am still going strong.

‘Never do it without a condom, I tell other

probing, she divulges more information: “Look, I charge Rs. 150 for five minutes. The deal is clear; if he doesn’t come in five minutes, he has to pay me another Rs. 150 and I will try again.

And, never without a condom,” she says matter-of-factly.

Today, Sara has built a four-bedroom house for herself, and gives a room to let.

She considered retiring a year back when she left for Dubai to work as a house maid. Medical tests detected diabetes and she had to return to India within a month.

On her return, she began sex work again.

She smiles when asked if she plans to give it up.

“My first priority is to get my son married. Next, I want to send him abroad.

Till this happens, I will keep working.

Till I have money, people will respect me.

Otherwise I will be out on the streets, begging. So, I will work.”

20

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT www.goastreets.com

Everyday

Contemporary Art

An exhibition and display of contemporary works and paintings by Salvador Fernandes & Ronsay (UK).

At Moksa Art Gallery, Naikawaddo, Calangute. @ 9.30 am to 8.30 pm 2281121/ 9326717386

The Chilly

An art exhibition by Subodh Kerkar.

Installations and sculptures and paintings

by Dr. Subodh Kerkar. It also showcases works by contemporary artists from all over India.

At Kerkar Art Gallery, Gauravaddo, Calangute. @ 10 am to 7 pm.

2276017

Fundacao Oriente

An exhibition of Antonio Xavier Trindade’s masterpieces At Fundacao Oriente Behind Peoples High School, Fontainhas, Panjim @ 9.30 am 2230728/2436108

Contemporary works

This new gallery is situated in a quiet location where contemporary works of canvas paintings on Goan subject and arts, crafts are displayed.

At Surya Art Gallery, Bandawalwada, Adarshnagar, Pernem @ 10 am 9404149764/ 9422064754

Big Foot Art Gallery

Display of works by various artists from India and abroad. At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9 am to 6 pm. 2777034

Arte Douro Art Gallery

Exhibition of painting by various artists.

The gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts.

It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India & abroad.

At Arte Douro Art Gallery, Porbawaddo, Calangute. @ 9 am to 9 pm 2277144/9823217435

Picturesque

The museum displays works of Original Art & International print arts. Also a display of picture framing, Custom framing & Archival framing, all done by Goan Artists.

Free entry At Picturesque, Nr Domino’s Pizza, Panjim. @ 9 am to 7 pm.

9822124245

Gallery Attic

A display of paintings and art by Goan Artists. At Gallery Attic, Opp. Don Bosco, Panjim. @ 9 am to 7 pm 2420929/2257931/3254029

Panjim Art Gallery The Gallery showcasing Goan Art with

Landscapes, figuratives and individual works of artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery, Opp. Municipal gardens @ 9 am to 8 pm 9822168703

Garden Central Gallery

Showcasing paintings and Sketches of artists Derek Monteiro.

At Garden Central, Nr. Municipal Garden, Panjim. @ 10 am to 5 pm 9921372036

Goa Streets marks the first anniversary of the Dec. 11, 2011 death of Mario Miranda by recollecting a colourful conversation he had with journalist Gauri Gharpure, who popped into his home on a whim on Nov. 22, 2010.

He was 84 at the time, and this was one of the last interviews he gave.

Casa Araujo Alvares Goa`s first automated sound and light museum.

A 250 year old mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Up to Dec 7

Fachadas

A picture Exhibition by Oscar de Sequeira Nazareth At Carpe Diem, Art and Learning Center, Gomes Waddo, Majorda @ 10 am 8888862462

Hands for Children A collection of paintings by select Goan artists including Rajendra Usapkar, Salvador Fernandes and Viraj Naik.

Proceeds from the sale of these paintings will be donated to “Positive People”, an NGO working for the cause of HIV+ve children.

At Carpe Diem, Art and Learning Center, Gomes Waddo, Majorda @ 10 am 8888862462

I

was vacationing in Goa when my father, a graphic artist, called one night from our home in Ahmedabad and asked me out of the blue to “go and meet Mario Miranda.”

When father mentioned the legendary Goan cartoonist, I recalled voluptuous women who pouted in dark maroon and potbellied bald men who ogled at those women on the walls of south Mumbai’s popular pub, Café Mondegar. These were the denizens of Miranda’s whimsical, fantastic murals.

I frequented Café Mondegar not just for the chilled beer after a shopping spree at the Colaba Causeway, but for Miranda’s evocative creations, the bold black lines filled with cheerful yellows, reds and maroons that made the happy-go-lucky Goan life famous not just in India, but the world over.

My father’s suggestions had always worked wonders for me. I got in touch with Sabi D’Costa, a resident of Panjim’s old Fontainhas neighbourhood, after locals told me that Sabi used to drive Miranda’s friend Policarpo Vaz, or Polly, also a cartoonist, to Miranda’s home in Loutolim.

Sabi agreed to take me, too. We reached the house just after sundown. In my hands was a hardbound tome, Mario de Miranda, the artist’s tastefully done biography containing more than 2,000 sketches and cartoons. His works are not just a study in humour, but the celebration of peoples and places, cultures and catastrophes all at once: Traditionally-clad fisherwomen share a canvas with gentlemen in chic tuxedos, street sights juxtaposed with street fights in the artist’s playful renditions.

I just wanted an autograph. But the witty old man rewarded me with a hearty half hour of candid talk, a wee-bit of gossip and a lot of leg-pulling. No formal interview was planned, but in the end he answered enough questions to be able to label the exchange an “interview.”

Miranda was born in 1926

Arts & Entertainment 21

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Up to Dec 9

Introduction to Acrylic on Canvas

If you have a zeal for learning paintings, then this class is a must attend for you.

Learn the basics of painting from Shilpa Nasnolkar. These classes will help in emerging the hidden artist within you.

Make sure you enroll yourself and show the world your artistic skills. The classes are open to all above 15 years of age. The classes will be conducted only on Sundays.

At Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am to 12 pm 2421311 www.sgcfa.org

Up to 15

Residency Camp

Selected 10 artists from all over India residing here for 10 days. The artists will display their recent art works during the stay.

At Ruchika’s Art Gallery Casa Del Sol, Miramar, Panjim @ 11 am to 5 pm 2465875/9850571283

3rd Children Tiatr Festival Free entry At Gomant Vidya Niketan, Margao @ 10.30 & 4 pm

Art Exhibition

Display of some exclusive art works by a group of artists At Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Casa Del Sol, Miramar @ 10.30 am to 6 pm Want a listing like this? Call 8975879394 and ask for premium listing or email us on streets@goastreets.com

Dec 6

Mustard Seed Play

A play on peace v/s violence directed by Isabel Vaz. At Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao @ 7 pm to 9 pm 9421246295

Dec 6 to 7

Mando Festival

All Goa State Level Mando Festival At Kala Acadamy Panjim @ 5.30 pm 9881737479

Dec 6 to 12

Tangerine Trees and Marmalade Skies

A pop up exhibition by Trishla Jain At Sunaparanta-Centre for the Arts, Panjim @ 10 am 2421311

Dec 7 & 9

Cantaram singing competition At Black box, Kala Academy, Panjim @ 9.30 pm

in the then Portuguese-ruled Daman to a Roman Catholic family with large estates in south Goa’s Salcette area. After travelling the globe over, Miranda returned to his roots and settled in his immaculately maintained 330-year old ancestral home in Loutolim.

This is the house where I showed up, unannounced and heart racing, a year before the great artist’s death.

As soon as Sabi pressed the doorbell at the side of the heavy antique teakwood door, dogs barked at high pitch. Someone inside promptly commanded them to silence. Then we heard an awkward staccato of footsteps approaching us. An old woman in a light pink knee-length frock, a cigarette dangling from her long, artistic finger, opened the door. Her body continuously shook as if from some old-age ailment. She had an intelligent, inquiring look. I cowered behind Sabi and he took the lead: “She has come all the way from Ahmedabad to meet Mr. Miranda.”

A swift glance, an astute mental note of the two strangers, a look at the book I was holding and Habiba Hyderi, Mario’s wife of five decades, made her decision: “Come in,” she said and briskly turned around, signalling us to follow her.

There were dim orange lights in beautiful lamps, and curios and paintings tastefully decorated the tables and shelves that lined the old walls. The house was spotless, giving the aura of discipline and a love for order.

On the left side of a passage was the living room. There he sat on a relaxing chair. He wore a gray shirt and loose gray pants. On one side was a glass of wine and a white plate with cheese cubes. On the other side was tea in a disposable cup.

“They have come to meet you,” Habiba said.

Miranda looked up. He beamed a smile. The glow slowly spread on his frail face; he raised his hands in a gentleman’s welcome and motioned us to sit.

As we sat, the dogs kept barking and circling and Miranda muttered, “I wish they would be silent sometimes.” Sensing his discomfort, Habiba herded off the two small yapping dogs with her to another room.

For a while there was silence. Habiba returned shortly to discreetly settle in a chair farther down the room, giving us the opportunity to talk and yet keeping a watchful eye lest Sabi and I become a nuisance.

I asked Miranda to sign the book for me and he asked me to spell my name. Habiba, from the other side of the room, immediately raised her head and asked me to write my name myself.

“He has difficulty writing. It would trouble him!” she said. But, almost simultaneously, Miranda grabbed the book from me, ignoring her. He asked me to repeat my name. With visible pleasure and a lot of effort, he wrote and signed in a shaky scrawl. I sometimes wonder if I had the fortune of taking his last autograph.

“So what do you do?”

Miranda asked as he handed the book back. I said I used to work for a daily. On hearing that I had worked for a newspaper, Habiba interjected from - Mario Miranda the other side of the room, “No interviews.”

As if he had not heard her, Miranda continued talking, and his eyes twinkled. When I told him I had left the Times of India for “personal reasons,” he chuckled and said, “Me too!” Then, flashing a very mischievous smile, he elaborated about his own stint at the Times of India in Mumbai.

“I mean, what is that life just sitting on the desk?

You must travel a lot when you are young. That is very important.”

Miranda then told me about the Fundacao Calouste turn to page 22

I mean, what is that life just sitting on the desk? You must travel a lot when you are young.

That is very important.

22 Arts & Entertainment turn to page 22 Gulbenkian Scholarship that gave him the opportunity to quit his job and travel to Portugal for a year.

As he reminisced, his eyes travelled thousands of miles to the Portugal of his youth. He was delighted with the nostalgia and I couldn’t resist sharing the news of being recently awarded the Fulbright grant.

“Is it? Wonderful, so wonderful.

Congratulations dear, and make the most of it,” he said with appreciation and joy. Miranda was no stranger to awards, such as the Government of India’s Padma Bhushan Award in 2002, the Padmashree Award in 1988 and the Padma Visbhushan, awarded to him posthumously.

I asked him if he would answer some questions and he smiled. He looked unsure and got a tad self-conscious.

“You want to interview me? But it has been so long, you know. I am afraid I might not be that articulate.”

Habiba suddenly looked up and Miranda, lovingly irritated, leaned near and muttered: “Sometimes I wish she would stop breathing down my neck.”

As if she had heard, she looked sharply at her husband but remained grounded to her chair. Habiba is still around today.

She and Miranda, aside from their noisy pets, had two sons together, Raul and Rishaad.

Miranda and I resumed talking. I opened my notebook and took out my pen. Habiba assumed the smart, knowing stance of ignoring us.

“Ok. What questions you have?”

An art enthusiast stares at Mario Miranda’s sketches at an exhibition at Reis Magos Fort.

Miranda said, and added for the third or fourth time, “But, you sure? I am afraid I might not be so articulate.” But articulate Miranda was.

At 84, he was still clear, funny and elegant.

What do you perceive is the most important ingredient of the artistic temperament?

“Sense of humour. It is the idea of speaking for the masses, not laughing at people but laughing with them. We Indians have a tendency to laugh at people. That is all right sometimes, but to be a part of the fun, to laugh with people is also a very important part of existence.”

What does humour mean to you?

“It is a part our existence. It is very important to laugh at oneself, worthwhile to preserve humour, go deep into it.

Sense of humour.

It is the idea of speaking for the masses, not laughing at people but laughing with them. We Indians have a tendency to laugh at people. That is all right sometimes.

- Mario Miranda

Humour helps people plod along. For example, you are trying out to make your mark in your new career, humour will help you along the way … Humour is very important to me, and should be for everyone else, too.”

Should a creative person try to be non-judgmental?

Miranda first heard the word “judgmental” as “gentleman.” To this, his instant response was: “Yes, being gentle is very important, it helps the person to move ahead…”

But when he heard correctly, he said: “Try to avoid judgment as far as possible.

That’s why I stayed away from political cartoons.”

Then Miranda lamented his inability to take people to task. “I can’t say no,” he told me, “but you can!”

How different is life at 84 than it was at 34?

“Oh, there’s a tremendous difference.

Way of life has changed. Look at Goa, it is so different now. A new type of character has emerged from the chaos that exists today. But one has to try and rely on the present and do the best that he can…”

It was clear to me that Miranda was not particularly pleased about the way Goa was modernizing.

Does life seem better in hindsight?

“That depends. I naturally prefer what you see in the book – the old part of Goa, the old Goan life…”

Just before we were leaving, Sabi mentioned Polly and Miranda’s face lit up.

“Oh! Polly! How is he? For the last five years, he has been telling me he’s going to die, he’s going to die. But still going strong, no? Tell him to come meet me!” (Polly died a few months before Miranda.)

I couldn’t resist requesting a photo.

Miranda immediately said no; for the first time in our conversation he had shown a bit of assertiveness. My heart fell.

“Please,” I tried.

“But why are photos so important? I wonder why do we need photos to keep memories… Aren’t experiences enough?”

And then suddenly, he said, “OK, take one fast and don’t publish it.” I still have the photo and I wish I could share it here.

But not at the cost of denying the wishes of Mario Miranda.

what’s on! www.goastreets.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Day wise

Preschool Saturday

Mornings of stories, art dance, craft and more At Bookworm Taleigao @ 10.30 pm-12.30 pm Fee: Rs 200 9823222665/2451233

Every Thursday & Friday Wine workshop

Learn the art of tasting wine with French winemaker Ms. Agathr Testut Catinat At St Tome - Panjim @ 7 pm to 9 pm 9527611801

Up to Dec 9

Business Aspirants At Agnel Technical Education Complex, Agnel Ashram, Verna @ 2 pm to 5 pm 2791420/9420595013/9049930459

Up to May 1 Yoga Classes

At Artescape-Resort, Benaulim @ 7.30 am - 8.30 am & 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm 9881568756/9323590051

Events

Tennis Ball Cricket

All- Goa inter-college tennis ball cricket tournament for Champions Trophy organised by Dempo Commerce.

At Panjim gymkhana, ground, Panjim 9049085687

Acrylic on Canvas

By Shilpa Nasnolkar and on every Sundays.

Open to all.

At Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am 12 pm 2421311

Consumer Shoppee

Grand Exhibition cum sale of household product At B.P.S. Sports Club Margao @ 10 am 9822034871/9820135650

Up to Dec 7

Workshop on Preservation & Digitisation of Rare Books At Central Library, Panjim @ 9.30 am 9423058008

Up to Dec 10

Water, Solar & Biogas Management

A village Lunch and snacks will be served.

There will be competitions, interactive sessions and games.

At Quepem 9423887037/9421240082/9422062400

Up to Dec 15

Slim down Challenge

18 days challenge At Norbert fitness studio, Panjim & Vasco 9822120180/9822582022

3rd Children Tiatr Festival Free entry At Gomant Vidya Niketan, Margao @ 10.30 & 4 pm

Up to Dec 25

X’mas Book Sale

Free gifts for Children At Broadway Book Center, Panjim & Margao 2233338/9

Up to Dec 28

Yoga for the Body, Mind and Soul

By Juhi Prasa At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 7.30 am to 8.30 am 2452807/2452806/9765404391

Up to Jan 7

Be your own boss

A six weeks Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Youth and

23

Dec 6 to 10

Kharedi Yatraa

Consumer goods exhibition At Aguiar ground, Ponda @ 10 am 9820283877

Dec 7

Talking Trash

Charles Correa Foundation is hosting a lecture ‘Talking Trash - the garbage situation in Goa by Patricia Pinto At Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim @ 6.15 pm

Sunset Symphony

Showcasing the budding talent of young Xavierites in the categories ranging from music, games and fashion. The Mr. & Miss Sunset will also be crowned. Organised by the P.T.A of St. Xavier’s Mapusa.

Dress Code: Smart Casuals. Other attractions include Band- Forefront & DJ Ryan Pinto At Emerald Lawns, Parra, Mapusa @ 4.30 pm

Green Path

Workshop on Chakra Healing & Power Yoga

By Subash Chanana – Certified Yog Instructor from Vishwa Bharti Yog Sanstha; Certified by the Shiva Nanda Yoga Kendra; Corporate Trainer & Stress Management Expert (New Delhi) At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 8 am to 10 am.

Want a listing like this? Call 8975879394 and ask for premium listing or email us on streets@goastreets.com

History Hour

‘Empowerment of Persons with Disability’

by Avelino de Sa, followed by the Inaugural of an exhibition of selected paintings by Nishad Gupte.

At Xavier Centre of Historical Research, B B Borkar Rd, Porvorim, @ 5.30 pm 2417772

Dec 6 & 7

Mando Festival

All Goa state level 46th Mando Festival.

Free entry passes available at Kala Academy and Clube Nacional, Panjim At Kala Academy, Panjim @ 5.30 pm 9881737479/2229548

Dec 6 to 8

Christmas Decoration Sale

Sale of exclusive crochet, hand embroidery and hand carfted Christmas decoration At Institute Menezes Braganza Bldg, Panjim @ 10 am to 5 pm 9822147015

Take a walk and learn more about the birds around us with Tallulah D’Silva. Fee Rs 100 At Nr St . Michael Church, Taleigao @ 5 pm 9823222665/2451233

Dec 7 & 9

Cantaram Singing Competition At Black box, Kala Academy, Panjim @ 9.30 pm

Dec 7 to 10

Interior & exterior Expo Goa’s biggest exhibition on arts, furniture, interior design and construction.

At Campal Panjim @ 10 am 8380065979

Furniture Fair

From home décor items to expensive furniture, you will get them all at this mega spread.

At Taleigao Community Hall, Taleigao, Panjim @ 10 am 9371642282

Dec 8

Panjim Feast

Feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception At Panjim @ 6 am to 10 pm

Fundoo Fundas

Based on Aniruddha Sen Gupta’s second book ‘Fundoo Four’. Find the clues, play the detective and solve the mystery At Nr St. Michael Church, Taleigao 9823222665/2451233

Back to the Future

Presentation cum Interactive Session by Dr. G Sreekumar Menon, IRS At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 11 am to 12.30 pm 2452805/06/07

Of Trade & Commerce

This walk takes you to the old quarter lying

north of Fontainhas at the entry to Panjim city. Fee Rs 500 per person. Children below 12 years Rs 150 At Panjim Church Square @ 8 am to 10 am. 7709311929/ Email: mail@choltacholta.com

concerned.

Sinquerim – Baga beach stretch 9822182814/6520190 or Email: johnsboattours@gmail.com

Dec 9

Pool parties and underwater celebrations among other water sports activities.

At Sun Village Resort, Baga, Arpora & Chalston Beach Resort, Calangute 2269409/9822182402

The Bikesscape 2012

There will be games, quiz, and photography contest. Participants will also get a free couples entry pass to Tito’s and a free coupon from R G Hospital.

At North Goa @ 8 am to 8 pm 9822123458/9158472864

Goa River Marathon

All participants can avail free fitness check at Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula At Baina Beach, Vasco @ 6 am onwards 2511333/9823318910

Fifa 13 PS3 tournament

Played on a big screen, with realistic sound and more. 1st Prize - Rs 2,000 + Trophy, 2nd Prize - Rs 1,000 +Trophy and many more surprise prizes. Early bird registration Rs 100, on the spot registration Rs 120 and re-entry Rs 150.

At St. Mary’s High School, Varca @ 11 am 8975370375/9921767079

Dec 10

Carol Singing Contest

Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners in two categories – school and open.

At Betalbatim Cricket Club

Dec 12 to 17

Kharedi Yatraa

Consumer goods exhibition At Don Bosco school indoor @ 10 am. 9820283877

Spice Farms

Tropical spice plantation

Elephant rides, authentic Goan cuisine, mini bird sanctuary and a boat to row or paddle.

At Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda For reservation call: 2340329 or Email: tropicalspice@rediffmail.com

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots and banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation. At Ponda For reservation call: 2340272/ 2340243/ 9822133309 or Email: savaiplantation@ rediffmail.com

Barracuda Diving India

Scuba Diving

Attractive corals, coloured and beautiful, shells and fishes all invite exploration.

At Scuba Diving India, Alfran Plaza, M.G. Rd, Panjim @ 9 am to 5 pm. 6711999

Dive Goa

A dive shop and training centre established

by Ajey Patil - marine engineer, naturalist, raconteur and PADI certified dive instructor. At O’ Pescador Resort, Dona Paula, Panjim. 9325030110

Goa Aquatics

Offers Scuba Diving Equipment retail at competitive international price.

At Little Italy, Opp Tarcar Ice Factory, Calangute. 9822685025

Splashdown

Water Park that boasts of 5 pools, a variety of slides, flumes and other interesting features. At Splashdown Waterpark, Calangute-Anjuna 9637424023/024, 2273008,

Museums Goa Chitra

Ethnographic museum that preserves its universality in its collections of artifacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. At Goa Chitra, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim @ 9 am to 5 pm 9850466165/ 6570877, Email: goachitra@gmail.com

Big Foot Cross Museum

Houses 80 classifications of crosses of around the world.

At Bigfoot, Loutolim @ 10 am to 5 pm 2777034

Ancestral Goa

A center for Preservation & Promotion of Art, Culture & Environment started by Maendra J. A. Alvares.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 6 pm 2777034, info@ancestralgoa.com

Goa Science Centre & Planetarium

Sahakari Spice Farm

Guests are entertained by folk dances, elephant rides, art of climb the tall beetle nut palms and swinging from one stalk to the other. Lunch in earthen pots and banana leaves.

At Ponda Belgaum highway, Curti For reservation call: 2312394 or Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Water sports Dolphin Sighting Trip Four to five hours trip includes Bbq, free beers and soft drinks. Also offers No See – No Pay policy as far as dolphin sighting is

Exhibits and play things which provide means to experience and explore science while playing with them.

Entertaining shows on wonders and magic of night sky @ planetarium.

At Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Panjim @ 10 am to 6 pm. 2463426

Casa Araujo Alvares

Goa`s first automated sound and light museum. A 250 year old mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm 2777034

24 Leisure

10 fun picks for family outings this week

Mayem Lake View

Canyoning in Goa

The drive to the beautiful Mayem village is fascinating as each village unfolds, one more beautiful than the other.The lake site also offers boat rides.

At Mapusa, Bicholim, India 2362144/9689916485

Goa Jungle Adventure French owner Emanuel runs day trip adventures around Goa which include water fall trekking, ridge trekking and canyoning.

At Palolem Beach, South Goa Emanuel:9850485641

Naval Aviation Museum, Bogmalo The Naval Aviation Museum is a military museum located in Bogmalo, 6 km from Vasco da Gama, Goa, contains exhibits that show the evolution of India’s Naval and Aviation forces over the decades. At Vasco, Goa Contact Officer-in-Charge: 510183 Ext. 5525.

Mapusa Friday Market

The king of Goa’s markets. Buy groceries, clothes and a variety of other provisions and condiments.

In Mapusa, North Goa

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mollem.

With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the largest of Goa’s four protected wildlife areas.

Mollem, North Goa

Caculo Mall

Its got Goa’s only bowling alley At Panjim, Goa 2222068/69

Reis Magos Fort Spend a day at the newly renovated fort in Reis Magos village. Also browse through Mario Miranda’s sketches exhibited there. Near Betim

Agonda Beach Just get ready to dive and splash into the beautiful sea off Agonda Beach, one of the more pristine Goan beaches.

Agonda, South Goa.

Anjuna Flea Market

Experience the throb of Anjuna’s flea market, very popular among the tourists, where just about everything snazzy can be found.

At Anjuna, North Goa

Sunday brunch

Latitude brings to you Sunday Brunch where you can enjoy multi cuisine buffet with live counters, with or without unlimited beer and of course swimming pool for the kids. 6645858 At Sinquerim, North Goa

Top five

adventure gigs Milsim Sign up for a mock war at MILSIM Goa. Shoot your opponents with guns loaded with paint balls. Works as a team building as well as a fun activity. Play with friends, family and colleagues.

At Gounlloy, Nuvem. 9552888000 9 pm to 6 pm

Go Karting

If you want speed, there’s nothing quite like go-karting. Young and old alike relish this sport, which lets you race around in two or four stroke engine karts, combining the thrill of fast vehicles with sharp turns and collisions.

Near Tata Showroom Nuvem 2791300/9822589313 @ 4 pm to 10 pm Monday closed

Goa Kayaking

Offers three daily backwater trips and special excursions in all the rivers of Goa. Experienced guides show you what the backwaters of Goa are really like. Food and drink on kayak rides available.

At Airport Road, Chicalim goakayaking@gmail.com 2541715/9422056037 Timings: 7 am to 7 pm (Operating on every day of the week)

Grande Island

A full day trip on an exciting island off Vasco. Look out for dolphins on the way and swim and snorkel on your way back.

Lunch, a BBW, fresh fruit all handy.

All our boats are equipped with life jackets/first aid kit Grand Island trip: TUESDAY/SATURDAY Day Tripper Tours & Travel Gaura Vaddo, Near Kamat Complex, Calangute, Bardez 2276726/2282857

Paragliding

Soar over Goa and perform tricks right over the beach in Arambol for 20 minutes.

Certified pilots to guide you.

Discounts for groups of 4 people.

9922959118

USEFUL STUFF www.goastreets.com

Thursday, December 6, 2012 Police 100 Ambulance 108 Coast Guard 1718 Women Helpline 1091 Goa State Aids Control Society 1097 Child Helpline 1098

Airline Offices Air Arabia Airlines 9225906416/15 Indian Airlines 18001801407 Air India 2431100/04 Jet Airways 1800225822 Spice Jet 18001803333 Kingfisher Airlines 18002093030 GoAir 1800222111 Singapore Airlines 2438813 Qatar Airlines 7930616000

Ambulance Services Goa Medical College 2458725 Apollo Ambulance (Margao) 2728888 Indian Red Cross Society (Panjim) 2224601 Panjim City Round Table (Panjim) 2227997 Vintage Ambulance 9823059948 Ambulance Trust (Margao) 2731759/2714464 Apollo NUSI Hospital on wheels (Margao) 2862953 Mapusa Ambulance Service (Mapusa) 2262372 Sanjeevini Hospital (Vasco) 2510024 Care Foundation (Miramar) 9822127272 Helpline (Dona Paula) 2453303

Super markets

It’s absolutely unbelievable!

Magsons are offering a 100% value back on your purchases on one day between the 1st and the 15th of December.

Find out more when you visit any of the Magsons outlets or log on to www.magsons.in or visit our facebook page at Magsons Group Outlets located at Miramar, St Inez, Caculo Mall, Caranzalem, Vasco, Verna and Varca 2463700/2463701/2463702 Want a listing like this? Call 8975879394 and ask for premium listing or email us on streets@goastreets.com

Orchard Stores Anjuna. 2273231 Ajay Supermarket Mapusa. 6520196 Gulf Supermarket Panjim. 6647401/5615813

25

Luma Supermarket Calangute. 2279213/2275278 Oscar’s Junction Majorda. 2790673 Nik’s Supermarket Porvorim. 2417570 Oxford Arcade Anjuna. 2273436 Newton’s Arcade Candolim. 2489056 Delfinos Super Stores 2356895 / 5235685 Maple Leaf Supermarket 6454099 Tito’s Supermarket 9822765002

Bus Services Kadamba Road Transport Corporation 133 Kadamba Transport Corporation 2438034/2438036 Manish Volvo 2444056 Paulo Travels 2438531 Neeta Volvo 2438088 Maharashtra State Road Transport 2438253 Karnataka State Road Transport 2438256

Consular offices Chancellery of the Consulate General of Portugal 2421525 Thai Consulate 6512055 Italian Vice-Consulate 2441441 Austrian Consulate 2513811/2513816 United Kingdom Consular Office of British Deputy High Commission 2438734/2438897 Federal Republic of Germany 2420628/2235526 Foreigners Registration Office 2426545

Medical and Hospitals Dial-A-Doctor (Toll Free) 1911 Blood Bank 2458724 Fonseca’s Pathology Lab Panjim. 2427735 Shri Sai Central Blood Bank & Lab, Porvorim. 2412083 GMC Hospital Blood Bank Bambolim.

NUSI Hospital Cuncolim. 6684444 Apollo Hospital Margao. 2728888/ 6728888 Manipal Hospital Panjim. 3048800 Hospicio Margao. 2705664 Vintage Hospital Panjim. 2426650 Remanso Hospital Mapusa. 2262466 Mapusa Clinic Mapusa. 2263343 JMJ Hospital Porvorim. 2412130

Mandovi Clinic Porvorim. 2415808 Royal Hospital, Power House Road Aquem, Margao, 2737722 Yashodhan Hospital City Harmony Building Power House Aquem. 2724552

Pharmacies Jeevan Rekha Medical Store Panjim. 2435946 Holy Spirit Medical Services Margao. 2737433 Bardez Bazaar Mapusa. 2256620/2250618 Walson & Walson Calangute. 2276366 Gapl Medi Centre Bambolim. 2458590 Apollo Pharmacy Margao. 2458599 Vithu Chemists Mapusa. 2262131 Urmila Medical Store Mardol. 2343775 St Britto’s Medical Stores Mapusa. 2251440 Ramchandra Pharmacy Assonora. 2215231 Anup Medical Stores Panjim. 2220392 Damodar Medical Stores Tonca. 2462757 Marvel Medical Stores Panjim. 2465536 Pharmax Medical Stores Panjim. 2436555 Saiesh Chemist & Druggist Panjim. 2420598 Nayana Medical Stores

Porvorim. 2417818 Nilesh Medical Stores Porvorim. 2473052 Perpetual Chemists & Druggists Porvorim. 2412795 Akbar Medical Stores Candolim. 6647432 Ramakant Medicos Vasco. 2512750 Sanjeevani Medical Stores Cortalim. 25509092264837 Vaz Medical Stores Vasco. 2513762 Ajit Pharmacy Quepem. 2662223 Neha Chemists & Druggists Panjim. 2421313 Devki Krishna Medical Stores Mapusa. 2421313 Drogaria Popular Mapusa. 2256620

Police stations Margao 2705095 Mapusa 2262231 Pernem 2201233 Anjuna 2273233 Calangute 2278284 Porvorim 2417704 Old Goa 2285301 Ponda 2313101 Colva 2788396 Vasco Harbour 2512234 Verna 2782325 Canacona 2633357

Post Offices Panjim GPO 2223706 Airport terminal 2540723

Margao 2715791 Mapusa 2262235 Calangute 2276030 Anjuna 2274728 Colva 2788505 Arambol 2242965 Department of Tourism 2438750/2438755 Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd 2226515/2226728 Govt. of India Tourism 2223412/2420529 Panjim Information Counter 2438520 Margao Information Counter 2715204 Vasco Information Counter 2512673

Railway Stations Margao Station Reservation Center 2712940 Margao Station Enquiry / Information 2712821 Karmali Station 2285798 Tivim Station 2298682 Canacona station 2643644 Vasco Station 2512398 Pernem station 2201283

Safety Information Tourist Police Booths Miramar 2464260 Tourist Police Booths alangute 2281238 Tourist Police Booths Vagator 2274031

Sticky

26 Arts & Entertainment

By Gauri Gharpure

I

t’s Mumbai without its coat of pleasant face-paint.

The Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Talaash,’ is a crime-thriller which deals with the theme of loss and discovery in Mumbai. Khan plays a brooding and glum inspector Surjan Shekhawat, or Suri, investigating the bizarre death of film star Armaan Kapoor (Vivan Bhatena) in a road accident near a red-light district.

Suri’s brooding is rooted in his inability to cope with the death of his only child, also in an accident. And probing the actor’s death gives the workaholic cop an official excuse to entertain his insomnia and escape his inner demons.

Dressed haphazardly in simple sarees, her eyes surrounded by dark circles of worry, is his wife Roshni. Played by Rani Mukherjee using little makeup, Roshni is also beaten down by her child’s death, but unlike her husband is able to face her emotions. However, she comes to terms with the loss in an unconventional way, entering a metaphysical realm.

Meanwhile, Suri keeps making rounds of the red-light area in search

Talaash – The answer lies within

of a breakthrough in the case (Talaash in Hindi means search). Here, he meets Rosy, a prostitute enacted by Kareena Kapoor. The mysterious Rosy tries to seduce Suri with talks that are at once glib and earnest. She keeps bumping into him on his aimless night crawls, and provides vital clues to take the case forward. Rosy’s character, oozing with glamour, is a major highlight of the film.

Talaash gives the viewer a compelling glimpse into the ruthless world of Mumbai’s sex business. The film’s dark humour is in sync with its gritty texture, with the talented Nawazuddin Siddique of ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ fame entrusted by the director Reema Kagti, to deliver some surprisingly clever dialogue.

Nawazuddin plays the sly Tehmur, a pimp’s right-hand man. Also commendable is Sheeba Chaddha’s small, but important role of an old and out-ofbusiness prostitute called Nirmala.

Soft, soulful songs with Javed Akhtar’s evergreen lyrics, especially ‘Jiya Lage Na,’ are like the peripheral pieces of a complex puzzle, which, even if inconsequential, would fail to complete the picture if they went amiss.

After debuting as a director with the humourous 2007 film ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd,’ Reema has managed to pull off another genre, a crime-thriller, with élan. Kagti’s biggest achievement is that the climax hits the viewer not a second before its intended revelation.

This is one good film.

Rawas for Parrikar and a crab for Alemao

By Mayabhushan Nagvenkar

A

fter the Alabama Museum of Natural History recently named a newly discovered freshwater fish ‘Etheostoma Obama,’ after US president Barack Obama, the Goa government’s arts and culture department decided that it was time to follow suit.

In consultation with scientists at the Dona Paula-based National Institute of Oceanography and professors in the Marine Science division of the Goa University, the department came up with following names for Goan marine life, depending on the qualities they share with our revered leaders.

Ultimatus Parrikar, the Rawas. Also known as Indian Salmon. Because a rawas is a rare find, quite like Parrikar.

Because as far as social hierarchy goes, it is elite amongst its peers, just like Parrikar, who belongs to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, a small but powerful clan. Because the rawas has a powerful tail flick, strong enough to even dislocate an elbow, if you have the fish on the hook.

Because of the familiarity of Parrikar’s claims, just like rawas’ claim to be salmon when everyone knows it is not.

Because as with Parrikar, people keep coming back to rawas regardless of their previous experience with it.

Carnivorus Alemao, the common shore crab. Because if ever there was a tenacious street fighter, Alemao is one. Because when a crab is hungry, it is willing to walk into just about any trap, oblivious of the dangers around it.

Because it lies at the bottom of the sea bed, almost dead, while waiting for the right opportunity to make its move. Not unlike Alemao after his massive loss in the March election. Because the word crustacean seems to fit a guy with a hard shell on the outside, even if the tender inside happens to be missing in this case.

Dodgiatracus Kamat, the Eel. Simple.

Because it is slippery.

Geriatrix Rane, the Swordfish, and Lethargus Rane, the jelly fish.

The oceanography institute took the extraordinary step of naming to marine species after Rane. Because like the swordfish, with its sword-like snout,

Rane, born in a warrior clan, knows a thing or two about swinging blades. The jelly fish pollutes the sea, stings you and serves little purpose. None of this applies to Rane, of course, but someone at the institute apparently disagreed.

“Had I known threatening to send someone back to India was a crime in Norway, I would have threatened to make him stay here.

Sticky

28 Give Back

Disabled man

takes a

b

w

Since I had polio I used to hate to go out in public. I was afraid that people would laugh at me.

- Manguesh Kuttikar

By Anzil Fernandes

D

eep inside the forest, under a thick canopy of a banyan tree, a man stands still, his bow poised, bowstring taut and arrow, lean and eager.

He is so still that every sound from the green, rich forest seems amplified. He takes a deep breath, breathes out some and releases the arrow, which thuds into the target’s heart.

This could have been a story from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The story of Eklavya, a young tribal warrior who mastered archery on his own in the forests of north India, after Dronacharya, a Brahmin warrior and royal tutor, refused to accept him as a pupil because of his inferior lineage.

There is no inferior lineage in this story, just a man with a passion and an iron will to succeed despite being dealt some very tough cards.

It is the story of Manguesh Kuttikar, a new age Eklavya, who pierces bullseyes of canvas-topped targets with breathtaking precision and a polioaffected leg in the forest near his house in Curca, a short distance from Panjim.

With no guru and an apathetic sports administration, Manguesh, who contracted polio at the age of five, learnt archery from scratch and on his own.

Today, he has a kitty of national and international medals to show for his efforts.

“I have five brothers and four sisters who are athletes and have participated in sports at various levels, but since I had polio I used to hate to go out in public.

I was afraid that people would laugh at me,” he told Streets.

Below is a list of his many triumphs: • He caused a stir in 1994 when he swam a kilometre across the Mandovi turn to page 30

Give Back 29

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Imagine you want a day out on a beach in Goa, but you can’t step out of your wheelchair. Not much you can do about it right?

Well, it took the persistence of one organisation for the disabled in Goa to ensure that all the venues at the International Film festival of India (IFFI) were made disabled friendly.

At a time when the United Nations (UN) is proposing a codification of international standards for treatment of people affected by disability and an increasing number of voices rooting for making public places disabled friendly, Goa Streets gives you a factsheet as well as an insight into what physically disabled persons in Goa can do to get things going for them.

Persons With Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 - Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992 - Mental Health Act, 1987 - United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2008

Goa’s total disabled population Nearly 22,000 (National Sample Survey 2002) out of which 4,910 are mobility impaired.

Special laws for persons with disabilities: All the persons in the country are entitled to equal rights and equal protection of laws under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This also applies to persons with disabilities.

In exercise of this right, at any time, a disabled person can approach the court if he faces any unreasonable discrimination based on his disability.

The Constitution, however, permits positive discrimination and hence special laws can be passed for creating rights and reservations in favour of disabled persons, to enable them to bridge the gap with the non-disabled.

The ‘special laws’ for disabled persons are: - The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (in short, referred to as ‘Disabilities Act’ or ‘the Act’ hereinafter) - The National Trust for Welfare of

Below listed are NGOs and government agencies involved in dealing with individuals with disability.

St. Francis Xavier Education cum Vocational Centre for the Handicapped Kadamba Rd, Bainguinum. 2284838 Email:caritas@caritasgoa.org www.caritasgoa.org

Lokvishwas School for the Handicapped Shantadurga Krupashram, Kapileshwari,

Dhavli, Ponda, Goa. 2314894 Email: lokpra@sancharnet.in www.lokvishwas.org Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) Opp. Head Post Offce, Panjim.

2427160.

Email: drag.goa@gmail.com www.disabilitygoa.org Special Olympics Bharat (Goa Branch) Jairam Complex, Building ‘A’, 5th Floor, Neuginagar, Panjim. 2423442 Email: victorvaz@gamail.com www.specialolympicsbharatgoa.org Goa Paralympic Association Nageshi, Ponda, Goa. 9422970919 Email: goaparaass@gmail.com Sanjay School and Sanjeevani School Porvorim, Bardez, 2412880

30 Give Back from page 28 River despite his handicap.

• A year later he swam from Old Goa to Panjim Jetty, covering a distance of 10 kilometers.

• A year after that he became the first recorded disabled person in Goa to complete a Triathlon, covering a distance of 16.5 kilometers via swimming, cycling and running.

• In 1997, he again swam across the Mandovi, but this time blind folded and hands tied behind.

Without a coach I have achieved so much and with a professional coach I can achieve much more. Sports Authority of Goa has not provided me with professional help.

- Manguesh Kuttikar

• In 2002, he swam 10 kilometers from Miramar to Ribandar ferry, again blind folded and hands tied behind (an astonishing accomplishment if you take into account both the tied hands and the

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Manguesh begins his day at 5:30 am.

He collects his bow and target and limps into the forests a kilometer from his house, one of his legs, thinner than the other, supported by a brace. There, in the dense forest in company of birds and the occasional monitor lizard, he places the target against a banyan tree, walks back to his mark, takes aim and shoots.

His sure aim is particularly important because a misfired arrow is expensive.

A bent or damaged arrow would set him back by Rs 2500.

After a decision to participate in a marathon back in 1992 pumped his confidence up, Manguesh took to swimming and chanced upon archery at a sports camp for the disabled in 2009.

Now 35 years old, he hasn’t looked back when it comes to excelling at both

archery and swimming.

• In 2011, Manguesh won a bronze medal at an archery championship for disabled athletes held in Bangkok, Thailand and won five gold medals at another one in Amravati, Maharashtra, among other trophies, all without professional coaching.

The International Archery Federation and other sporting entities such as the Asian Paralympics Committee regularly organize such events around the world.

Manguesh has assumed a starring role in them, but his goal, both in archery and swimming, is to compete in abled as well as disabled categories.

“Without a coach I have achieved so much and with a professional coach I can achieve much more. Sports Authority of Goa has not provided me with professional help,” he says, adding that he purchased a professional bow on his own for Rs 1.7 lakh from an Australian vendor.

Having represented Goa and India at national and international levels in the category of disabled athletes, Manguesh is now eyeing the Olympics - not just the Special Olympics, but the general ones as well.

Elvis Gomes, the newly appointed head of the Sports Authority of Goa, takes issue with the notion that his entity is uninterested.

“I have just taken over. I have asked Manguesh to come to me with his case.

We will surely see what best we can do to help him out. We know he is talented,” Gomes said.

Meanwhile, Manguesh is now gearing up for a trip to Chennai for an open category swimming championship in December, but he is still awaiting approval to do so.

“I will be competing along with the abled (swimmers) but I am awaiting for the government’s nod to represent Goa. If not, I’ll have to cancel my tickets,” he says.

The story of Manguesh’s determination has rubbed off on other aspiring disabled athletes.

Rachel Selva has been suffering from the effects of polio since the age of one and is unable to walk without the aid of a leg brace and a walking stick. But put an archery bow in her hand and her personality changes.

In 2011, Rachel won two gold and one silver medal at the Amravati Championship in archery, a few months after she was introduced to the sport by Manguesh, who works with her sister at Goa’s Mormugao Port Trust.

“I never thought I would be able to be of some use. I used to ask myself why me, why can’t I run and play like the others.

But now I am happy. I got a Government job and I could be of some help to the state,” she adds, acknowledging that Manguesh’s support helped her in her pursuit of archery.

The Eklavya who never had a guru now has a pupil.

Welcome to

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