Living Local Mumbai

April 2017 Volume 3 Issue 1

MUMBAI RNI No . MAHENG/2015/63047

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

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April

2017

Volume 3 Issue 1 www.livinglocalmag.com

Content 11

THE STABLES

Bolt and beautiful, Now in Mumbai

Transporting you to an era between ‘Vintage’ and ‘information overload’, Dubai’s famed British gastro-pub ‘The Stables’ galloped all the way to Mumbai on March 20th in Andheri E. Embodying a rustic personality and country vibe this artistic space features a blend of class and sass. With a crosscultural value...

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

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#WHATWOMENWANT

Alone is not lonely

What did my MBA teach me?

Race – do not look around, just run. Run for placements, run for promotions, run against time… keep running. What did travelling teach me? Breathe - look around, feel, listen to your surroundings, smile, observe, trust.

+91 9769302244 advertise@livinglocalmag.com www.livinglocalmag.com

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MUMBAI GETS ITS FIRST FLOATEL AB CELESTIAL

A yacht, which was built in Florida for the purpose of fine dining, AB Celestial gets it’s initials AB from the owner’s name Aishwarya Bhende. 21 yrs. old business student, Aishwarya has been traveling since the age of one and has visited many water front destinations and has been on several boats. The Bhende family conceptualized this idea of this three-tier boat, which would serve as Mumbai’s first floating hotel.

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ONLINE MUMBAI

Social connects

A selection of useful, informative and interesting online social media pointers that you should know.

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THE CITYSTORY

Let there be a Spark

The essential guide to combating a hangover in Mumbai

Nirmala Venkatesan and Avani Dalal founded Spark-A-Change foundation (SAC) around two years ago. Nirmala is a CA by qualification and Avani is an engineer. Both had their share of corporate experience. But they always felt this urge to give back to society.

They believe...

After a sybaritic night on the town, when the dank, fetid winds of hangover start blowing your way, there’s only one thing for it: Food, the cure-all, the do-over, the magic wand.

If you have the strength to drag yourself from the rubble of your miserable...

INITIATIVE

Disclaimer: The acceptance of advertising in this publication does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Publisher of any product or service. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse to accept any advertisement. Publisher’s acceptance of an advertisement for publication in the Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the product or service advertised.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

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Contributors SIDHARTH SODHI

Actor Writer

MUMBAI EDITORIAL Anubhav Anand

POOJA KOCHAR Founder 30ish and PhotoblogHER Blogger, photographer and body positive activist Website: www.poojakochar.com

THE CITY STORY The City Story works as a city guide and local discovery platform that maps cities through their hidden stories.

Writer for the article: Roshni Vatnani

MANAGEMENT Neeraj Vasudeva GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vaibhav Wankhade PHOTOGRAPHER Manali Jain SALES & MARKETING Ali Ansari +91-9769302244 (ali.ansari@livinglocalmag.com) SWASTIK PRINTS Kiran Gala 9819701512

WRITE TO US AT MANALI JAIN Traveller, Photographer, history lover and a curious learner. Every photograph has a story, just being another storyteller in this big world.

VAIBHAV WANKHADE Farji-Gulzaar, Nakli-MF Hussain, Wasted Engineer, old school, Believes in stories.

3 Favorite -Bun maska pav, Pune & Night. Hates -Smoking, that’s why I keep it light always.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

articles@livinglocalmag.com Let your VOICE be heard. Write to us, on any topic related to Mumbai and share what’s happening in your neighborhood.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The local Chachi...

Back in the days (so I have been told), there would be a local area Chachiji who would be the one processing all neighborhood news and sharing with the ones who cared (or didn’t). I always imagined her sitting on a jute woven charpai (a four-legged cot for gen-Y) sipping chai, surrounded by the other ladies of the local hood. She would listen to one and share it with other…of course with the added flavor of gossip to make it interesting to the ear of the others. News it what...

What really is news? We take it for granted that we do know that it is. It is what we see on News Channels on TV, what we read on newspapers, find on social media sites. But is it?

News, we would like to believe, is Facts of events, what’s actually happening. But most newspaper, TV channels, social media feeders etc. seem to have a different version of the same news. But how can a “fact” have different version? A lot of news fed to the people today is “opinion” of one over the other. A lot of times a biased opinion of that tends to influence people (very smartly) in a certain direction. News is not a Bollywood movie review that is an opinion on the likes and dislikes of a Friday release. It is supposed to be plain simple facts.

There are so many cosmetics around news to glamorize it that the facts pretty much get the leftover space of a fine print. In a country so driven and obsessed with everything Bollywood, we somehow may be responsible for seeking news camouflaged as a glamor. That’s how we listen, read or picture it. I guess that’s what catches attention.

Editor-in-chief

Anubhav Anand @anubhavanand

Plain simple facts probably do not make news today.

They need the spice, the masala, and the added pinch of opinion for folks today to swallow it with ease.

Just like in the good old days when the local Chachiji would do the same single-handedly.

Her legacy continues and so does the news. Food for thought!

Owned, Published, Printed and Edited by Anubhav Anand.

Printed at SWASTIK PRINTS, Gabriel Joseph Compound, Cardinal Gracious Rd., Chakala, Andheri (East), Mumbai- 400099 and Published from G-701, Sky Anchorage Co-Op Hsg Society Ltd., Panch Marg, Off Yari Road, Versova, Andheri West, Scan QR Code Mumbai - 400061.

Editor: editor@livinglocalmag.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors and advertisers in our publication and on our website do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publishers.

The Publisher shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or losses arising out of the use or inability to use the magazine, any errors on pages, misrepresentations or omissions in the content, advertisements or products and services offered and take no responsibility for any issues arising from the use of suppliers who have advertised.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

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COVER STORY

Mumbai gets its first Floatel

AB CELESTIAL

BY SIDHARTH SODHI

A

yacht, which was built in Florida for the purpose of fine dining, AB Celestial gets it’s initials AB from the owner’s name Aishwarya Bhende. 21 yrs. old business student, Aishwarya has been traveling since the age of one and has visited many water front destinations and has been on several boats. The Bhende family conceptualized this idea of this three-tier boat, which would serve as Mumbai’s first floating hotel.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

“Mumbai having a waterfront was not putting it to use. Tourists prefer traveling to Goa over Mumbai despite the fact that both cities have a wonderful coastline. It is our gift to the city.�

AB Celestial is equipped with a restaurant /cafe. A banquet / party hall along with a lounge connected to a sky bar. It is docked, it does not sail.

What sort of food do you serve here?

Modern European and Continental.

We caught up with Aishwarya to get a little more insight on this new venture, which stands tall in front of the beautiful backdrop of the Bandra-Worli Sealink.

A few quick information based Q&A for our readers:

How many people can be on board at a time?

Five hundred people.

Any other attractions besides food on the AB Celestial?

Everything is theme based and nautical from the food, drinks and the interiors.

So it is an overall experience.

What are the reservations/boarding options for the people?

It is by reservation only.

For Bookings Contact: bookings@abcelestial.com

Is it a restaurant or a hotel, on a yacht?

Is the yacht docked or does it sail?

Timing and days it is functional?

It is functional Monday-Sunday.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

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Welcome Sam Anna’s Evolution

SamBar

Who is Sam Anna?

From the loo to the gates, the kitchen to the bar - you will not find him. Cause Sam is not out there, but in *here*.

Inside every one of us. He is that booze gulping, food hogging, party stopping, eye popping, fashion tearing, attitude wearing, booty shaking, mind blowing idea that you just *must* drink to, every evening.

Sam Anna is your fun side, so flip on them glasses and pull that lungi up the thigh. For the night will always be young at Sambar.

Lungi love - one size fits all.

Love, we believe, should come in free size(s). SamBar follows only one motto -

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Walk right in, crawl the night out! That’s how Anna rolls.

With a fun neighborhood vibe that marries slapstick to the innovative, SamBar pegs to *hic* differ on each count - whether it be food, drinks or South India inspired hospitality.

Nestled in the popular party district of Khar, SamBar teleports you to a friendly tavern in Kerela with fishnets, coconut tops and hand-painted Kathakali art that create a ‘yella’ mood.

Just like Sam Anna, SamAnna’s menu is loud and lovable - soft Inside, crisp on the outside. The menu combines the ordinary with the extra-ordinary as you bite into ‘Andhra Fish Fingers’ that will make you feel you’ve eaten straight after a fresh catch or the ‘Chicken

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

Vepuddu’ (our southee take to chicken chilly). Must try’s include the ‘Goji Bajje’ (Mangalore Bajji - deep fried maida balls with a crisp layer inside) amongst many other native dishes with a distinct South Indian culinary twist.

Sabki Tammana, Sam Anna A fun-dominated South Indian Bar, SamBar will introduce Rajnikanth Happy Hours, South Indian movie nights and many other crazy ideas to pay homage to every South Indian meme that made you smile.

So, what are you waiting for? Join this drinking-class revolution. Get your party topi and pledge your support like you have never done before, Kyuki yahan party banegi nahi, party karega.

The stables Bolt and Beautiful

Now in Mumbai!

Transporting you to an era between ‘Vintage’ and ‘information overload’, Dubai’s famed British gastro-pub ‘The Stables’ galloped all the way to Mumbai on March 20th in Andheri E. Embodying a rustic personality and country vibe this artistic space features a blend of class and sass. With a crosscultural value and approach in all its elements including music, art, food, cocktails, The Stables is set to cater a global consumer.

This equestrian themed gastro-pub is inspired by the tales of historic horses like Sherghar, Sea-Biscuit, Barbara, Red Rum, Secretariat to name a few. Be it celebrating the simplicity of life, seeking an out of city experience, wanting a

creative hub to revive your soul or shifting your meetings from an office cubical to the bar, post work hours; this earthy space is designed to cater a global audience with a diverse set of likings. A delight to the sight, the antique lights and chandeliers contribute to its antique décor. The use of wood and bronze in the decor is prominent which also creates a cozy ambiance and facilitates quality conversation.

The music plays an important role in binding the vibe and its tribe together. While presenting well curated live music performances and bringing back the ‘Jukebox’ concept, the melody graph ranges from multiple forms of Country, Jazz, Latina, Reggaeton to a array

of carnival and celebratory tunes, The Stable will be featuring many interesting musical IP’s, ‘Artistically UnStable’, ‘Melody Reconstructed’ being the core ones.

“Today’s audience is gradually retreating from the typical party culture to a more easy going and relaxed ‘sit down’ culture which constructs or enhances socializing & quality conversation as they enjoy phenomenal music, food and drinks. We will also be having well curated musical performances with many other artistic affairs in the pipeline,” says Gautam Shetty, Board of Director, Co-owner, The Stables - Mumbai.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 11

#WHATWOMENWANT

We support stories that will redefine our future. A powerful take on positive initiatives specific to women within Mumbai.

Alone Is Not Lonely

BY POOJA KOCHAR

What did my MBA teach me? Race – do not look around, just run. Run for placements, run for promotions, run against time… keep running. What did travelling teach me? Breathe - look around, feel, listen to your surroundings, smile, observe, trust.

I personally love travelling alone; I plan my itinerary purely based on what excites my soul. This alone time allows me to experience myself without any filters and that feeling is extremely comforting. Initially when I started exploring new destinations alone I often felt uncomfortable, it wasn’t as pleasant as it seemed in the movies but that discomfort and alone time was the beginning of a lot of great ideas. I met some very unique people, we shared our experiences and those memories will last a lifetime.

We need more women to embrace being alone without feeling judged. This emotional cleansing is a great way to let go and enjoy the simple things in life.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

When I am in Mumbai, I usually have a couple of spots that do justice to my urge of enjoying my own company.

No matter how busy you are, never underestimate the power of your own judgment and sneaking a few hours for yourself might give you immense clarity of thought.

Let me share a list of places I enjoy within our city, they are minimalistic, don’t require me to look a particular way and are extremely comforting without any pretense. At times it is necessary to disconnect and reboot, you don’t have to travel far off, just find a corner that allows you to breathe peacefully and no matter how chaotic life seems, you will eventually find your way.

every hundred meters. A lot of photography students initiate photo-walks with the help of locals who share insights about the history of Mumbai and art. A very interesting way to experience your creative vibes.

There is a charm in being rebellious about your existence and living deeply, if there was any city in India that allowed you this luxury it had to be Mumbai. Every city has a word that defines it the best, for me Mumbai is alive, no matter how far I travel I will always come back to my favorite city and celebrate our vibe.

Marine Drive - This magnificent view is like a trip down memory lane, the ideal time would be early mornings when you can watch the whole city spring to life while you soak in the breeze and golden sunshine.

This stretch has always been my soul mate for years. This unique symbol of Mumbai has inspired me to work harder and dream as vast as the ocean. Every part of the day belongs to a different set of people; you will be amazed at how beautiful the city skyline looks at the time of sunset. You could sit here for hours without looking at your watch, the time stops for good.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park - The various shades of green at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park are just the kind of surroundings you would love to retreat for some moments of peaceful introspection.

This place is a stunner, nestled in the hustling suburbs of Mumbai; you can walk for hours surrounded by trees and fresh air without any stress. If you are inclined towards peace, may be a yoga class surrounded by nature is your thing. The park offers a pleasant change from the constant stress and urgency of our routine lives. The great panoramic views of hills, valleys and lakes can actually have a soothing effect on mind, body and soul.

Photo walks in Bandra - Photography is my personal space, I love street photography and in the last couple of years our city has seen some exciting artists pour their heart out in the form of street art. There are long stretches of wall art and graffiti along the lanes of Bandra and Hill Road.

It is interesting how art always reflects the current state of our society; it has everything from Bollywood to regional and folk art. You will be amazed at how these vibrant colors will sooth your mind and inspire you in different ways. It has culture rubbing shoulders with modern lifestyle.

Chapels and Churches meet your sight

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MUMBAI ONLINE A selection of useful, informative and interesting online social media pointers that you should know.

1. Know Your Bombay

CREATED BY AKHIL KAPADIA

LIKES 14,692

Know Your Bombay’s main objective is to promote good architecture and design to raise the general awareness about how rich our environment is - and how to appreciate it. It is also to be a platform for critical analysis of things that are wrong about the city which we can come together and change by suggesting solutions. We are yet to reach the stage where any action has been taken to solve a specific problem, but who knows what could happen in the future?

“My love-hate relationship with the city and an innate desire to express myself about the things I feel passionately about drove me to begin this page in February 2014. As an architect interested in photography, I already had a good repository of photographs that I’d been taking from my mobile phone while getting around, and I thought it would be interesting to engage people by quizzing them about the lesser known architectural jewels that surround us that we usually don’t notice.” Says Akhil Kapadia Contact Know Your Bombay for features, specialist social media marketing, content writing, photo archives and historical research.

2. Mumbai Road Runners

CREATED BY RAM VENKATRAMAN

MEMBERS 7,745

STATUS CLOSED GROUP

We are a non profit group of passionate runners whose aim is to promote running in Mumbai. We organize many group runs, events like relay races, half marathons, 10k races, 5K races, boot camps, yoga sessions for runners, non running cross training and fun activities like football, volleyball, handball, rock climbing, trekking etc.

We have our regular first Sunday of the month half marathon which started three years ago and has grown in numbers with many runners taking part. In this group half marathon we mimic about 90% of the Mumbai Marathon route which takes place in mid January every year and so it benefits many runners in getting acclimatised to the Mumbai Marathon route.

We have also organised the Runners’ Bash for three years in a row and are the first ones in India to start the concept of Running awards, which started in a small fashion three years and has grown in leaps and bounds since then adding new categories of awards every year.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

@smart_mumbaikar TWEETS 103K

FOLLOWERS 38.3K

@smart_mumbaikar helps daily transport comfortable and affordable through quick traffic updates. It runs 2 special hashtags #WantLift & #GivingLift which helps you share your travel cab or car making your travel easy. You can tag them as well to let Mumbaikar know your complaints, recommendations, suggestions regarding road transport. All your heavy traffic, slow moving traffic, accident updates in Mumbai can be checked here.

@MNCDFbombay TWEETS 4105

FOLLOWERS 1226

MNCDF stand for Mumbai North Central Discussion Forum. The account aims at resolving problems of citizens within #MumbaiNorthCentral. It’s a politically agnostic, non-commercial & non-biased account, helping citizens reach out to their concern authorities in case of any complaints. An independent entity which works towards public welfare in within Mumbai North Central helps in making neighbourhoods cleaner, safer and better.

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@Streets.of.Mumbai 744 Posts

Follow

84.9K followers Curated by Rohit Mundra

Streets.of.Mumbai | After a successful run on @Streets.of.India for a year, the team decided to have a dedicated page for Mumbai. Showcasing the city from the perspective of people living in it and of those visiting it. The page was Started in Oct 2015. Every day someone from our community has a different take on the city. “Our followers who on a daily basis upload photos under our hashtag with their unique perspective makes us, as a page, unique. However, there are few practices that we follow in order to keep the page unbiased and not something that is used for personal gain. We don’t take the pride or bask in the glory of features by tagging ourselves in the credits.” - Dikshit Mundra.

APPS

Ridlr

UTS on mobile

Buy Mumbai BEST, NMMT & MBMT bus ticket, mobile pass. Check bus & train schedule

Indian Railways official Android app to book unreserved suburban train tickets

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ITS ABOUT

ITS ABOUT

Ridlr is a public transport ticketing and commuting app that’s apt for your daily intra-city travel needs. Get rid of queues and hassles of carrying change by booking your BEST Mumbai bus tickets, NMMT AC bus tickets, MBMT bus tickets on select routes as well as recharging your BEST pass, Mumbai metro smart card using the Ridlr app. You can also get timetable for Metro, Local Trains, Monorail, BEST and NMMT buses in Mumbai.

Paperless ticket has been enabled in entire Chennai suburban section, entire Mumbai suburban section and New Delhi - Palwal section, in continuation of Paperless ticket now Season and Platform Tickets are introduced. In addition to that, now ‘Change Handset’ feature is introduced which is used to Change passenger old handset to new one, and active Season Ticket will transferred from old handset to new one.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

KNOW YOUR HOOD 1 BHIKA BEHRAM

WELL HOOD FORT

At the southern end of Cross maidan stands a well built by Bhika Behram in 1725. Behram, a Parsi, was travelling through this region, when he built this well for travellers. The well has a perennial source of sweet water, which is remarkable as most of the water in the area is brackish owing to the proximity to the Arabian Sea. The site is a declared heritage structure and is held sacred by the Parsi community.

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ST ANDREW’S CHURCH St. Andrew’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Mumbai, built by the Portuguese Jesuits in 1575, and was the only church there till the first quarter of the 17th century. Its cemetery has Mumbai’s oldest stone cross.

HOOD BANDRA

3 MUMBAI SELFIE POINT HOOD JUHU

Juhu got its first ‘I <3 Mumbai’ sign with a designated Selfie Point in June 2016.

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April 2017

THIS MONTH

April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the fifth in the early Julian and the first month to have the length of 30 days.

When 22nd- 24th April Where Nehru Centre, Worli

HEALTH & WELLNESS

EXPO 2017

In present scenario of busy life schedule, Health, Wellness & Fitness are becoming an increasingly part of humanitarian and development work, as well as a part of the corporate social responsibility practices.

Times Health & Wellness Expo 2017 is a B2B & a consumer Trade Show Which would be having exhibitors from all over india & abroad demonstrating and displaying products, equipments & Services used for Health, Wellness & Fitness activity. It would bring together manufactures, dealers, and end users to explore & do business together under one roof. Designing, specifying and supplying state-of-the-art products & accessories would be targeted. The expo aims to strengthen the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative potential & boost the process of technical renovation of related industry.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

When 8th April Where Mahalaxmi Racecourse

STYLECRACKER BOROUGH

MUMBAI

Plan your April April 4 Ram Navami April 5 International Day for Mine Awareness, National Maritime Day April 7 World Health Day April 9 Mahavir Jayanti April 14 Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, Good friday April 17 World Haemophilia Day April 18 World Heritage Day April 21 Secretaries’ Day April 22 Earth Day

India’s biggest fashion festival - The StyleCracker Borough is back in Mumbai with its SS’17 edition.

With over 100 brands to shop from, live music, city’s best F&B brands, spending time with your kids at the SCB playground and getting creative at our DIY station – the Borough is the perfect place to spend your weekend.

April 23 World Book and Copyright Day

DRONE MAKING

BUILD & FLY YOUR DRONE Participants will be provided the entire drone kit for the workshop. At the end of the workshop, the students will have the option of returning the drone or keeping it with them for a small additional price. Participants who are interested in keeping the drone that they build during the workshop, can do so by paying Rs. 4,500/- to Drona Aviation.

When 9th April Where Maker’s Asylum, Marol Industrial Estate, Andheri East

Things you’ll learn in the workshop: - Mechanics of flying vehicles - Hardware of Quadcopter - Wifi Communication - The Autopilot - Pluto PCB - Contents and diagram

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 19

When 16th April Where Summer House Café, Todi Mill, Lower Parel

THE READING

SOCIAL

ALIA PATHAN

The Reading Social is a movement to get people their reading time back. It is a series of breakfast meetups in cafes to do some silent reading and meet new people! Bring your own book, grab a drink, disconnect and read uninterrupted for two hours.

When 12th & 13th April Where Renaissance Mumbai Conventional Centre Hotel

INDIA SHOES & ACCESSORIES

FORUM

ANIMATION WORKSHOP BY

When 22nd April Where Space 118 Studios, Wadibunder road, Mazgaon

Start off with an introduction to the basics of artist-moving image making, including story-boarding and stop-frame photography, from which images will be recorded and assembled to make a 30 second animation.

Participants will be shown examples of animations in early photography, explaining the concepts of photography and recording of movement in the history of art and film.

You will also be introduced to Photoshop for making GIFs and After Effects for compositing and ‘key framing’ movement in images.

Join the grand convergence of india’s footwear & accessories brands and retailers.

India’s Foremost Exhibition. Be A Part Of The Bigger World.

• Interact with the movers and shakers of the industry • Display your products and innovations, and win awards • Exchange your ideas at industry talks and discussions • Seize the branding opportunity

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

When 27th April Where Hard Rock Café, Andheri

TRIBUTE TO GUNS ‘N’ ROSES

BY 2BLUE

2Blue has been unswervingly focused on paying his respect to his classic rock heroes, all channeled through a wireless microphone and a band that believes in taking no prisoners.

Having played Judas in the highly acclaimed rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, he has been trained by the likes of Alyque Padamsee, Shiamak Davar, Sabira Merchant, and Karla Klossher.

When April 21 Where Purple Foodie Classes, Rosy Red, Hanuman Nagar, Khar West

DESSERT

FIX

This egg-free class, as always, is about working with recipes that don’t need eggs rather than chasing substitutes or making do with a ‘lesser’ product to mimic eggs.

In case of queries, Drop a mail at classes@purplefoodie.com or call 9820688252

When 16th April Where Bhalla House, Hill Road, Bandra (West)

TPP SUNDAY

SOUK

Enjoy an afternoon scouring for some freshly produced treats like cheese, jams, cookies, sip on artisanal teas and coffees, shop local fresh baked goods and lush cruelty free skincare products. Find some quirky stationery and home decor too. The idea is to bring a thoughtful edit of artisanal products.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 21

INITIATIVES

Let there be a

Spark (Spark-A-Change Foundation (SAC)

BY SIDHARTH SODHI

Nirmala Venkatesan and Avani Dalal founded Spark-A-Change foundation (SAC) around two years ago. Nirmala is a CA by qualification and Avani is an engineer.

Both had their share of corporate experience. But they always felt this urge to give back to society. They believe education is a powerful tool to help build the nation.

It was with this thought that they started SAC. It started with children coming to independent pockets in Juhu and Lokhandwala in the garden premises. And today SAC has three hundred kids under its wings across two centers.

What age group are the kids in SAC and what area of education do you stress upon?

different sports. We are trying to do tieups for football, cricket. We aim for the all round development of the children.

The kids we take are between sixfifteen years of age. These kids are not street kids. These are children from lower income families who are already going to school. These kids are first gen. learners which means that their parents are uneducated. But they strive to give their kids an education. And the kids on their part are making an effort to make something out of their lives.

We try and give the kids a solid foundation and thorough understanding of English and mathematics essentially. Because we believe that these two subjects are the key to any education they might want to pursue in the future. We also send kids to computer classes to learn the basics.

We teach them value education and experiential learning. We take them on field trips, trips to the museum. Every weekend we have art and craft activities at the centers. If any of the kids show special talents we try and sponsor them for courses. We have sponsored children for dance, music, art classes. We do a lot of corporate engagement activities.

The children go to organizations and interact with the employees. When they see huge corporate offices and the work that happens there, it definitely helps to build ambition, aspiration. The kids want to get there too and they are more willing to work hard for it. We also work towards getting the kids involved in

If I may ask, how do you source funds for the welfare activities of the children and running the establishment?

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We are essentially community funded.

We have seen that people are more than willing to give, if they see good work happening. The inner wheel clubs of rotary, as well as several individuals and entities have sponsored us, given us books, stationary. We are not yet eligible to approach corporates for the CSR funding. That is because we need to be three years old at least. Once we meet this criterion we will approach corporates.

SAC celebrated its first annual day event â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Indradhanushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in March. The event was an endeavor to showcase the talents of the kids and express gratitude towards the donors, supporters, well wishers and sponsors of SAC. The kids presented skits and dances and charmed the audience with their enthusiastic performances.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

facebook.com/ SparkAChangeFoundation www.sparkachangefoundation. org/

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 23

INITIATIVES

The Garden that flows under a Flyover

BY SIDHARTH SODHI

The theme behind the garden is very interesting and is based on the Narmada River. The flow of the river has been replicated on the garden’s pathway.

“

This city is bursting at the seams” is a quote I hear often. And it is said for a reason. Mumbai was built on seven islands and is surrounded by sea. With land in short supply; ‘space’ is a major constraint in our bustling metropolis. Which in turn necessitates seeking constant and innovative ways for maximization of the utilization of our limited spaces.

Mr. Nilesh Kanakia is a resident of the area and was instrumental in taking this plan to the concerned authorities.

He initiated this to make people and officials aware of the practicality and possibilities of this magnificent plan. He tells us that for the first two years, the residents gave funds to employ security guards round the clock to keep away

We all have seen areas under flyovers being encroached upon by vehicles, drug addicts, hawkers, beggars, and gamblers. In time these spaces are plastered with political and movie posters with ropes hanging to dry clothes on. Pavement dwellers start to settle in with families and friends.

Gradually these spaces turn into an eye sore. As the sun sets, people and women especially avoid passing anywhere near such stretches.

However the Nanalal D. Mehta garden is Mumbai’s first ‘garden under a flyover’. It is located under the Tulpule flyover on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar road. It was the residents of Matunga who got together and ensured that this huge stretch under the Tulpule flyover would not be misused and encroached upon. Instead they decided to turn this area into a beautiful garden with a walking cum jogging track.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

the unwanted elements from entering and settling in the space. Once the permissions were granted to turn this vision into reality, the process became smoother.

The theme behind the garden is very interesting and is based on the Narmada River. The flow of the river has been

“

This city is bursting at the seams” is a quote I hear often. And it is said for a reason. Mumbai was built on seven islands and is surrounded by sea.

replicated on the garden’s pathway.

Granite blocks along the length of the garden carry information on the famous landmarks stationed along the course of the river. The seating space in the middle of the garden is inspired by the Narmada Ghats.

We reached the garden around 6 pm. It is a happy space teeming with people across all age groups.

A place where one can exercise, relax, take leisurely walks and engage in conversation, oblivious of the Mumbai traffic which glides along both sides of the garden.

The plants and greenery along the stretch is a blessing as it adds to the aesthetic look of the space and most importantly, to the green lungs of the city. The garden is equipped with rotatable CCTV cameras to ensure safety and is fitted with around three hundred lights. They transform the garden into a sight to behold in the evenings.

I recall reading a piece on this subject a while ago in my morning newspaper and I was blown away by the simplicity and the brilliance of it. I was even happier to see it in person. I hope the Nanalal D. Mehta garden sets a precedent for other non-functioning spaces in the city. God knows Mumbai deserves it.

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 25

THE CITY STORY

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO COMBATING A HANGOVER IN MUMBAI

BY THE CITY STORY TEAM

After a sybaritic night on the town, when the dank, fetid winds of hangover start blowing your way, there’s only one thing for it: Food, the cure-all, the do-over, the magic wand. If you have the strength to drag yourself from the rubble of your miserable morning-after, may I point you in the direction of these scrumptious sustaining dishes? There’s a time for fine dining but this isn’t it.

Sharda Bhavan

When you wake up with the taste of last night’s tequila still coating your tongue, there’s really only one thing that can wash it away for me, and that’s sugary, frothy, milky South Indian filter coffee. The rough, sugar hit, the walloping burn; you can be sure that a slug of the potent stuff will slick away any remnants of your hangover.

Drink and then down a plate of deep-fried vada, floating in a moat of fiery rasam.

Sharda Bhavan, Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga, Mumbai 400 019

Hotel Noor Mohammadi

Started in 1923 by Abdul Karim, Noor began as an early morning eatery (6 a.m.) catering to the pious Namaz offerer. Noor has a sketch by MF Husain. Noor has a dish named after Sunjay Dutt. But what Noor does best is its nalli nihari – deep, swarthy, velvet-soft thigh meat, ballasted by spice and smothered in a zesty, savoury gravy. Eaten with crisp roti and a fizzy soda, it is a killer cure for a hangover.

Hotel Noor Mohammadi, 181-183, Abdul Hakim Noor Mohammadi Chowk, Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai 400 003

Valibhai Payawala

After a torrid night, it is time for the simple pleasures of life - meat and grease. At Valibhai, the meat is cooked through the day on coal fires, dum style, until it is soft, luscious, unresisting enough to fall off the bone at the slightest nudge and dissolve into the gravy. Order the paya (trotters), the pichota (oxtail), the nalli (thigh / shanks) or the topa (neck); it doesn’t matter which. Scoop it up with the fluffy, charred tandoori rotis. Smile insouciantly. Your hangover has been vanquished.

Valibhai Payawala, 45, Gujjar Street, Bohri Mohalla, Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai 400 003

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

Sarvi

As a child growing up in a Parsi household, I was regularly fed kidney, brains and trotters. Which is why the bheja masala fry at Sarvi’s is a Proustian memory for me. There is something gloriously warm and emollient about the dish, something that harks back to the happiest, simplest version of myself, a time when I didn’t have to grapple with the world weariness that nips at my heels after a drunken night out.

Sarvi, Dimtikar Road, Nagpada, Byculla (w), Mumbai 400 008 If it’s one of those mornings where you need to wrap a pillow around your face and wear your sunglasses over it, then may we suggest you stay home and dial some delicious? There’s no need to be intrepid on January 1st. Here’s a list of places that will send you exactly the sort of food that you’re craving:

Coma Coma

Burritos, empanadas and tortas with a generous helping of perfect picco de gallo is food heaven for most of us. The 15,000 km gap between Mumbai to Mexico is bridged with ease by Coma Coma.

Order online from Scootsy.

Sukh Sagar

There’s nothing better than butter to battle the bitter aftereffect of beer.

And no one north of the sea link uses butter better than Sukh Sagar. Crisp pao lathered with liquid gold and a creamy bhaji that could give Sardar hot competition. Fiery onion and tomato masala stuffed inside a moist bun. Golden brown dosas that snap beneath your fingertips like khakras.

And then there’s the suspiciously purple, but delightfully tart cocktail juice to wash it all down. Hangover? What hangover?

Sukh Sagar, 11, Subhkammna, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali (w), Mumbai 400 067

Oye Punjabi

Oye Punjabi built its formidable reputation on the highway to Nasik, but you’re too drunk to drive. Stay put and order in. The delivery is efficient. The basics are excellent; maa ki daal, murgh makhani, palak paneer, dum aloo Punjabi. The kebabs seem almost too sophisticated for your average brother-trucker – cleverly seasoned, not too spicy and perfectly cooked. You could pretty much pick anything off the menu and it will be light, wholesome and actually nourishing. Just like mum used to make – without the lecture at the absolute state of you!

Order online from Scootsy or Swiggy

Swati Snacks

If you wake up feeling nauseated at even the thought of food, you need something liquid. If you’re not from the “battle a hangover with more alcohol” school of thought and it feels like good ol’ water may not do the trick, don’t despair – that’s where Swati Snacks and its life-saving coconut punch come in. Hydration: check. Energy: check (we’re pretty certain there’s much sugar in there). Taste: double delicious check.

Swati Snacks, Karai Estate, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Grant Road (w), Mumbai 400 007

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 27

DID YOU KNOW There is a neighbor“Hood” App that connects you with all your fellow Hooders

LIVING LOCAL Download Now & Claim your Hood

HOW TO

download & use

Living Local App

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

DON’T MISS ANYTHING IN YOUR NEIGHBOR“HOOD” Reach out /Connect/ Share /Recommend.... all things local

YOUR NEIGHBOR“HOOD” APP Download Now & Claim your Hood

April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai 29

Trivia

Test your Mumbai Knowledge with these quick questions

1

Who have been awarded with Six Sigma - a rating that is shared with corporate giants like General Electric and Motorola, it signifies less than one error per one million transactions?

4

The first cricket test match in India was played in Mumbai at which place?

5

This studio in Andheri is the biggest studio in India for indoor shooting.

8 This Museum was formally named “Prince of Wales Museum of Western India” as the foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales on the 11 November 1905.

9

2

The first person to own a car in India in 1901 lived in this city.

6

This Hood has Asia’s biggest water filtration plant.

3

Mumbai has the second largest number of _______ buildings in the world after Miami.

7

This Hood probably derived from the word Chimboree which means “Large Crab” in Marathi, because the british were unable to pronounce the word ‘chimboree’

A fountain built in 1864, is a fusion of water, architecture and sculpture, and depicts the Roman goddess Flora.

10 Mumbai’s bus services BEST stands for -

No cheating 1.Dabbahwallahs’ delivery system 2.Jamsedhji Nusserwanji Tata 3.Art Deco 4.Bombay Gymkhana 5.Yashraj Studio 6.Bhandup 7.Chembur 8.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya 9. Flora Fountain 10. Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai

TAROTSCOPE

SCORPIO

(October 23rd November 22nd):

YOUR FORECAST FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2017

THE YEAR AHEAD FOR ARIES Happy Birth Anniversary!

Things that you have worked very hard to achieve will now start showing satisfactory results. Health, while good, will be better with regular care. You can start saving for long-term plans.

(Please note: The guide uses Zodiac Signs according to date of birth, and not according to your Sun Sign, Moon Sign or Ascendant. There is no cusp.)

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th): April is exciting for you, even though not everything is in your control. Be observant and patient, though there is no need to forego your enthusiasm. Plan a holiday, as well. Take care of health.

Finances will be more or less stable.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 20th): You may benefit from learning something brand new, in April. While a lot of energy is generally available, watch out that you don’t exhaust yourself through excessive activity. Finances will be good, with a little bit of extra spending.

GEMINI (May 21st-June 20th): April is exciting and adventurous for you, but in rather unpredictable ways.

Keep your cool and soak up all new information. Health will benefit with care towards diet. Finances are generally stable with some additional expenditure.

CANCER (June 21st-July 21st): April will encourage you to bring out your best, so don’t worry about stressful situations. They will pass.

Look after your health and keep your faith in your wisdom. Finances would benefit from spending wisely, since expenses will rise a bit.

LEO (July 22nd-August 22nd): April will be a good month for you, even when situations seem scattered. Eventually, everything will make sense, and you will be a key game-player in that. Your health will benefit from a short, restful holiday. Finances will be good enough to sustain some additional expenditure.

VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd): While April is just up your alley and makes perfect sense to you, be prepared that situations involve people of varying points of view. So trust your wisdom and carry on. Look after your diet for health to be good. Spend wisely as there are expenses coming up.

LIBRA

(September 23rd-October 22nd):

Much more of your managerial skills will be required in April, yet you will be bursting with new ideas. Don’t confuse yourself. Manage, as you need to, and note down your ideas for future reference. It is imperative that you take care of your diet. Spend wisely and with a view to investing in value.

MOHINI BASU is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and Life Coach.

She can be contacted on mohini.tarot@yahoo.com.

Her website is theredfoxanddeerlady. wordpress.com.

It would be of ease for you to lie low in April. Situations have far too much going on than either interests you or involves you, and engaging may tire you out or make you emotional. Do talk to people you think are wise. For good health, maintain balance in diet and exercise. Finances are generally stable, in spite of extra expenses.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rdDecember 21st): While situations not of your making are facing you in April, you form a very lean team of trouble-shooters for all around.

Your wisdom and courage in taking necessary action are now in celebratory intensity. Good luck. Maintain balance for good health and stable finances. Take short breaks to stay calm.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd–January 19th): April looks good for you.

Be alert that a lot will be required from you to deal with situations. Though you are capable, most of it will be unprecedented. Look after your health with strengthening exercises. Expenditure will be high though finances are good, overall.

AQUARIUS (January 20th–February 18th): Step back and assume the observer mode in April.

While engaging in situations is somewhat inevitable, refrain from getting involved with your ideas and suggestions, simply because this is not your game right now. You will need to take care of your health by maintaining calmness, whether through diet or through exercise. Invest in a short, peaceful holiday.

PISCES (February 19th-March 20th): April can prove to be a difficult month for you as far as dealing with situations go. Gather all your strength and ask for help whenever you need, as the situations in themselves will not be challenging. Help from your friends who are different from you will be very beneficial. Eat and rest well, and work in small bursts of time. There will be expenses, but with patience, finances will be stable.

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April 2017 | Volume 3 Issue 1 | Living Local Mumbai