Mumbai Diary: Tuesday Tales

How much did you say?
If you thought the iPhone 6 was out of your budget, wait till you read this. A company has launched, what they claim to be India's most expensive iPhone cover for Rs 2,05,000.

Groovy baby! For Richie Rich & co

Called the Slit, it's made of Duralumin A7075, and is available in three colours. The high price for this Japanese product is for its design technology. If you dig this kind of luxe appeal, head to RSG Imagine, Atria Mall, Worli for a dekko.

Kala Ghoda's cine legacy
A diehard history buff that this diarist is, it added to the glee when we stumbled upon an important date for the city's long love affair with motion pictures. According to history books, it was on July 7, 1896, Watson's Hotel (Esplanade Mansion) that the Kala Ghoda sub-precinct witnessed the city's first ever film screening.

The Watson's Hotel also known as Esplanade Mansion at Kala Ghoda. Pic/Bipin Kokate

These were six short films by the Lumière Brothers' cameraman Marius Sestier. One look at the structure today, and it's a sad reminder of how we treat our rich past. Let alone any mention of this historic chapter from our film history, the building lies in ruin, and is embroiled in several issues. Now, if only some filmmaker were to pick this story about the rise and fall of an important city landmark and make a film out of it...

Board games over Sada Dosa and Uttapam
The northern suburb of Mulund is known more for its Udipi restaurants than for its board game culture. So, we were rather piqued when he heard that a boardgame was being held inside a popular Mulund eatery known for its Udipi fare.

The event saw a few enthusiasts get competitive over many board game options. Pic/Atul Kamble

This board gaming session, we were told, happens every week, according to its organiser, Kushal Shah. The event was open to 10 participants and had varied board games for beginners as well as professionals. Well, it sure made for an interesting addition to this hangout otherwise known for its value-for-money fare.

The last laugh
It was a goodbye with a difference, or call it having the last laugh, literally. Catherine Oden, director, Atout France or French Tourism Development Agency said ‘au revoir' to Mumbai and India, with a laugh yesterday (Monday) morning.

Catherine Oden (far right in white with deep pink scarf) with the others at the Laughter Club of Worli Sea Face, yesterday) attempting a round of garba

The director who ended her six-year tenure in the country and now moves to Beijing for her new post, said she wanted to do something zara hatke (okay, Oden did not say that;we did, but never mind) on her last day. So, she invited some special friends and associates to the Laughter Club of Worli SeaFace, at Worli Walkers' Garden, near the Blue Sea Banquets, where they had a delightful laughing session.

Post that zingy do, Oden and her invitees were off to the Suzette restaurant in Bandra for a French breakfast. It was a fun, innovative way to say farewell to the country, a ha ha hee hee time, perfect as antidote to any Monday morning blues. Farewell Ms Oden, and wish you many miles of smiles as you wing your way to China.