Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Pic/Nimesh Dave

A Leap of Faith

As the city's emotions swing with the electoral results, a group of boys perform stunts at Juhu Chowpatty.

Smita, now and always

(From left) The artworks by Gitanjali Rao are inspired by Raja Ravi Varma creations

The recent re-release of director Shyam Benegal's Manthan in theatres was a reminder of the fiery talent of the late Smita Patil. For director Gitanjali Rao, it was a bittersweet regret of not being able to work with one of her heroines. "I remember watching it as a teen when it first aired on Doordarshan. My father would tell me how important the film is, beyond box office and festivals. I have since watched it multiple times, and am always amazed by the effect it has," the filmmaker recalled. Having caught the screening of the restored film in the city last weekend, Rao revisited some of her inspired artworks that pay homage to the late actress. "I have been working on the idea of a script about an actress in 1920 for a year. As a practice, I tend to visualise my story; and these visuals inspire me to write. I created these works, influenced by the style of Raja Ravi Varma. I wondered how he would paint it if Smita were his muse. She remains my heroine, and I often dreamed of working with her. I just remembered these works when I saw the film," she revealed.

Smita Patil. Pic Courtesy/Instagram; (right) Gitanjali Rao

The write idea

Patrons at a previous street book donation drive by the library

School season is on the horizon, and parents are already grumbling about the shopping spree. But for the children who will be unable to access or find notebooks, the local Pai's Friends Library in Dombivli is offering a helping hand. "We have come up with a year-long drive to collect used notebooks and writing material, and repurpose them for children across the state," shared event head Ameya Ghaisas. The idea, he said, works to ensure a sustainable practice as well as a charitable one. "As a library, we often ask our patrons and friends in the neighbourhood to contribute books for such donation drives. For the first time, our founder, Pundalik Pai, decided to go further and help underprivileged students across rural Maharashtra." As for the notebooks, Ghaisas shared that there are no conditions. "It does not matter what kind of notebook you own. We are happy to accept these books, rebind them and repurpose them into writing material. This is also not a one-time event. We are aware that children often fall short of material towards the end of the year. So, we will keep the collection open to ensure a stockpile for the months to come," he added.

Art imitates life

Festen poses with Rohit (centre) and his friends during his visit to Marol

Following the release of his book in April this year, Street Art-A Journey Along the Street Art of Mumbai, that covers stories and photographs of street artists and artworks from across Mumbai, Theo Festen, a finance director and passionate photographer from The Netherlands, finally met with the boy featured on the cover page of the book. "His name is Rohit Kumar. I met him in Marol, after Omkar Dhareshwar [co-founder of Marol Art Village] recently spotted him in the neighbourhood," Festen shared. In the photograph clicked in 2023, Kumar poses against a mural that features a boy who looks just like him. "This mural was painted by graffiti artist Ravi Yadav whose portraits are completely imaginative. But Rohit looked so alike, that everyone believed that he was the one featured in it," Festen revealed. After his book was published, Festen asked Dhareshwar if he knew of Kumar. "Turns out, he hails from Ahmedabad, and will now pursue his education in Mumbai," he added.

Rohit on the cover of Festen's book

Winning with the community

Festen poses with Rohit (centre) and his friends during his visit to Marol

This Pride Month has brought city-based entrepreneur Zainab Patel more than one reason to celebrate. Patel (left) was awarded the Her Circle Bizruptor award last weekend in Navi Mumbai for her efforts in making employment accessible to trans individuals at her two establishments - The Trans Cafe in Andheri and Transformation Salon in Prabhadevi. The accolade is yet another affirmation of the vision that kickstarted Patel's journey last year. "Being awarded as an icon is a reconfirmation that business disruptors like me can change the status quo by bringing in economic justice. Our café and salon are bringing the most marginalised individuals to the mainstream through economic empowerment and upskilling," she shared over a call with this diarist.