Poetry, TFA and Sridala Swami

Poetry is quite the thing in Bangalore these days. Firstly, Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) has been organizing poetry readings at Crossword every month. Their strategy is to pair a well-known poet with a newbie and provide a platform for both to present their work. I think it’s an admirable effort to encourage one of the most neglected art forms that exist. What is even more heartening is that the readings are well attended even though they’re usually held on weekdays. There is more to this city than IT and pubs, and it’s nice when things like this remind one of that fact.

On Meeting Raima Sen

Fresh off a four-hour flight and amidst the smoke and noise of a crowded restaurant, Raima Sen still exudes an air of cool unflappability broken only once in a while by girlish giggles. Raima is in town to promote her new film, The Bong Connection, and feeling quite chatty despite the late hour.She talks excitedly about her upcoming releases including Aparna Sen’s new film, The Japanese Wife, in which she plays a widow with an eight-year-old son.

“Bra-burning harridans” and women’s pages

Have you noticed how, sometimes, even the most vociferous, soapbox-loving, liberal male, will tiptoe around women’s rights? Apart from the cursory nod in our direction (“of course, I believe women are equal”), he will engage very little with feminist concerns and lend none of his (often formidable) intellect to it. I’m not making a generalization here, just talking about something I have noticed.

Delhi Police advises the ‘Seven Sisters’

This is disturbing at so many levels that I don’t know where to begin. The Delhi police has printed a booklet titled Security Tips for Northeast Students/Visitors in Delhi , which among other things, advises them to cover up to avoid being raped and not cook their ‘smelly’ food so there is ‘no ruckus in the neighborhood’. Firstly, there is the issue of “othering”. As many are pointing out, why on earth are people from the north-eastern states being singled out for this helpful advice?

Mumbai, rain and Esther

This picture was taken from Hotel Marine Plaza in Mumbai, during a leisurely lunch on a rainy Thursday. The murky grey Arabian Sea, the yellow-black cabs dotting the landscape, the red dot of the traffic signal, the droplets on the gigantic glass pane–it was a perfect moment, begging the canvas of an Impressionist painter. Me being no Monet, my trusty camera had to suffice.

Anjan Dutt and The Bong Crossover

Bengali films have always been at the forefront of Indian cinema and now Tollywood has served up its first crossover film. The Bong Connection captures the ethos of new gen Bengalis using a light touch and plenty of satire. Writer-director Anjan Dutt is vehement that his movie is a far cry from the “slow, intellectual art movies” associated with Bengal.

Dust and Memory in Kolkata’s New Market

Glitzier malls may attract the youngsters but Kolkata’s New Market continues to draw the old-time shopper, bargain hunter and culture-hungry tourist. And it’s no secret why. In a city where markets serve as meeting places, milestones and melting pots, it is one of the oldest and most vibrant. Along with the phuchka, rolls and chaat available in Lindsay Street outside the main building, New Market also serves up its own brand of nostalgia, a trifle grimy but not devoid of charm.