Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Sameer Markande

Hanging in there

A man balances himself dangerously at the back of a tempo even as a traffic cop looks the other way on the Eastern Express Highway in Kurla

Making India proud

Queen of the Universe is an international TV show that premiered this month, and features a singing competition for drag queens. Mumbaikar Sushant Divgikar aka Rani Ko-He-Nur is one of the contestants on it, and is still in the running to win the contest and make the country proud. Speaking about the experience so far, Divgikar shared, "Every time the legendary Graham Norton [who is the host] introduces me and says my country's name, I get very emotional, especially because as queer people, we are somehow judged at home and are not even allowed to express our talents freely. I believe that my participation in itself is a political statement, and I hope this opens the doors for many more queer artistes from my beautiful country, internationally."

Gone too soon

The country's metal circuit was in shock and mourning this week when guitarist Rajarshi Bhattacharyya (in pic) passed away after suffering a stroke at the age of 35. He'd played in multiple acts through the course of his musical career including Workshop, Albatross and Primitiv. His Workshop band mate, Sahil Makhija, remembered Bhattacharyya as someone who was always laughing and joking. "He was also a caring person, and you saw that in his relationship with his wife, Gayatri, and son, Riaan. Musically, he was absolutely incredible as a guitar player and songwriter. As much as he liked the flashiness of the lead guitar, he always played the song. He was in his true element on stage. He was a complete rock star; he had that aura," Makhija shared about an artiste who will be sorely missed.

Saree symphony

(From left) Hessa Al Falasi and Manish Malhotra

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UAE, Indian couturier Manish Malhotra and Emirati designer Hessa Al Falasi have created a unique abaya saree. This hybrid was designed at Al Falasi's studio in the UAE. Of the creation, Malhotra said, "I have always enjoyed designing sarees. Over the years, I've constructed several styles of the six-yard staple. When creating an abaya saree, I knew the two garments would meet at the crossroads of elegance and modesty. I also decided to give it a pop of colour to add to the look."

Playing it cool

Thane's set to get a cool new addition today with Café Captain Cool, a space by Marathi actor Yashomaan Apte (in pic), and his friends Laukik Joshi and Omkar Tirodkar. The ocean-themed café will serve milkshakes, slushes, juices and smoothies. "Thane is my second home; I love the culture. The café will give the feeling of being on a ship; we are captains, ready to serve you. We want our patrons to enjoy beverages of their choice here," Apte said.

Alibaug to Mykonos

The cafe's interiors before the update

Famed for its location on Mandwa Jetty, the popular Boardwalk by Flamboyante cafe at Alibaug is getting a brand-new makeover. Word is that the new avatar will be modelled on the beachside clubs in Mykonos, Greece. "The new set-up will include two cabanas - one that overlooks the sea and another bamboo variation, which will be available for parties and private events. Each comes with its own butler to ensure a truly exclusive experience. We're also revamping the menus entirely - our new kitchens will have wood-fired ovens from Italy, while our new bar will be staffed by bartenders from France," Amrish Arora, the café's owner, told this diarist.