Another day, another social media trend. This time, the trend has less to do with viral dances and more with a phenomenon that creators believe has seemingly innocuous symptoms. We’re referring to the ‘cortisol face’ or the ‘moon face’, typified by swelling or puffiness on the face. “In this phenomenon, your cheeks appear fuller, rounder or puffier than usual. Over time, your face may take on a more swollen or bloated look,” explains Dr Salaah Qureshi, MD at Qure Clinic. A content creator talks about cortisol face in an Instagram reel. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Integrative lifestyle expert, Luke Coutinho adds, “High cortisol levels can lead to fluid retention, causing facial puffiness. While not everyone with elevated cortisol will develop these changes, it’s common among those experiencing chronic stress, prolonged anxiety, or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome.” No cause for alarm The hormone’s bad reputation comes down to a growing concern about the adverse effects of stress among people. Since the body releases the hormone when it experiences stress, it is easy to make the oversimplified correlation of cortisol being bad for you. Dr Pranav A Ghody, endocrinologist at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai Central warns against casting the blame on the hormone. He explains, “Some social media influencers have termed all facial puffiness as ‘cortisol face’. Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by adrenal glands [small triangular glands situated above each kidney]. It does much more than just respond to stress — our body requires it for vital functions such as maintaining blood pressure, blood sugar and regulating a response to inflammation, among others. A temporary rise in cortisol levels does not cause facial changes,” Dr Ghody further clarifies that such changes only occur when the body produces excessive cortisols over a period of several months or years. However, this is much rarer than social media would have you believe. Dr Pranav Ghody; Luke Coutinho and Dr Salaah Qureshi Coutinho points out that the hormone also essays crucial roles in the body’s day-to-day functions. “Have you ever noticed how your energy levels dip in the afternoon, but you still manage to push through? This is where the hormone comes in. It also regulates how we process the nutrients we consume. And let’s not forget, cortisol also plays a key role in forming memories, and helps to prioritise emotional memories,” he says. Sudden and unexplained exhaustion can be a red flag Too much, too often High cortisol levels can be caused by chronic stress, poor sleep, or lifestyle factors. “This can produce adverse effects such as a craving for sugary or fatty foods. In fact, cortisol is helpful in a short-term crisis but leads to fat gain, inflammation, and metabolic issues when it becomes chronic. It can dampen your immune response and mess up your sleeping patterns,” Coutinho shares. Experts suggest including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in your diet to regulate cortisol levels Elevated cortisol levels also lead to anxiety, depression and memory problems. With the brain constantly in ‘stress mode’, it can be difficult to relax. This can have a cascading effect on several other functions. Notable among these are slowed digestion, reduced production of thyroxine and a fall in testosterone levels and fertility. Practising yoga and breathing exercises like pranayama can be beneficial “Such extreme symptoms are most common in individuals with prolonged exposure to external steroids in the form of steroid tablets, inhalers, injections in their joints and/or steroid creams, for a few months or years, or sometimes due to a rare tumour in the pituitary gland or adrenal gland [Cushing’s Syndrome]. Stress affects everyone differently, and short-term stress usually doesn’t cause lasting changes to your appearance. Managing overall health is more important than worrying about ‘cortisol face’,” observes Dr Ghody. Pace your life Coutinho suggests a few lifestyle ‘pillars’ to restore balance and support overall well-being. . Nutrition: Providing your body with nutrient-dense, whole foods that support cellular function and reduce inflammation is important. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation, while antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables support detoxification processes. Include magnesium-rich foods to help regulate cortisol levels and destress the body.. Exercise: Regular and moderate exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and lower cortisol levels. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins — natural mood lifters — and helps burn off excess cortisol.. Good quality sleep: Ensure sufficient and good quality sleep each night to keep the hormone in balance. Stick to a consistent bedtime schedule. . Emotional wellness: Incorporate practices that enhance emotional wellness such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature.. Breath work: Deep diaphragmatic breathing shifts the body from a stressed state to a calm, healing mode by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Practices like yoga and pranayama can be effective tools in stress management. Spot the signs Dr Ghody lays down a basic checklist to determine if and when you should seek out help about elevated cortisol levels.. Unexplained and sudden weight gain . Sudden onset of or worsening facial hair (in women), or acne. Fatigue. Muscle weakness . Mood swings or irritability . New red-purple stretch marks. Easy bruising. Irregular periods (in women). Impotence
11 September,2024 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulEarlier this month, The Swedish Public Health Authority issued guidelines limiting screen time for the country’s children — while toddlers below two years are being prohibited from any exposure to digital screens (including television), children between two and five years of age are limited to an hour, and those between six and 12 years to a maximum of two hours. The guidelines also recommend a maximum of three hours of screen time for teenagers. With this announcement, Sweden joined a growing list of countries, including the USA, Ireland, Australia, Canada and France, seeking to wean young children off digital screens. This is a move that experts in India are applauding as necessary, especially in light of the uptick in screen time among children post the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Nahid Dave, Dr Samir Dalwai and Dr Meghna Dixit From real to virtual Dr Samir Dalwai, a developmental paediatrician and spokesperson for the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, notes that the most significant impact of increased screen time, especially in children below the age of three, is on their social cognition. He explains, “This period is when they learn how to behave. They learn these behaviours by connecting with and observing human beings. Screens impact these social interactions — they are very lucid and captivating, leading children to prefer these over people.” As children grow older, they find themselves isolated owing to their inability to form social connections. Screen dependence also impairs their attention span. Children become bored and irritable more easily, and crave increasing doses of screen time. Furthermore, many parents fail to recognise that mobile devices also give children a fake sense of control, he warns. “Children are wonderful dreamers and creators. When that energy is caged into pre-fabricated moulds of thinking, it can lead to a state where the child doesn’t have to think for themselves. This lack of imagination hampers their capacity to find solutions,” shares Dr Meghna Dixit, author and brain performance expert. A silent epidemic Experts suggest parental supervision during restricted screen time to avoid adverse effects such as irritability and reduced social awareness “On a mobile phone, a child can swipe, edit and delete endlessly. It gives them the idea that they can control every interaction,” he elaborates. Dr Nahid Dave points out that most parents also equate their child reciting the letters of the alphabet or counting, with their ability to communicate. “Language and communication entail understanding the meaning of words, and the contexts that these words are used in,” she says. Being deprived of human interactions impairs the development of such critical thinking, emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. Such children resort to temper tantrums and even physical hitting as they lack the tools to otherwise express or regulate their emotions. Dave points to a growing body of research that marks screen time as one of the factors in the development of autism. Shift in mindset Fatema Agarkar “Post the pandemic, almost all secondary education is conducted online. Parents falsely believe that schools that do not insist on iPads and similar gadgets are behind the times. Many parents are also proud when their child is able to independently operate gadgets,” Dr Dalwai says. “It is okay for a child to be bored and to devise his/her own ways of alleviating that boredom. It is not the responsibility of the parent to entertain the child at all times,” Dr Dave advises. Other activities such as household chores, outdoor playtime and one-on-one conversations can be much more meaningful. Even if you must resort to screen time, try to watch along with your child and engage them through the process, she adds. Balancing act When it comes to the use of technology, especially for adolescents and teens, it’s important for parents to step in. “For many teens, developing social connections without the help of a phone has become an alien concept. In schools, we find that children are quicker to express on social media than in the classroom. As educators, we must insist on an equal amount of physical or non-screen discussion. Education and development cannot be completely driven by technology. More physical engagement in the form of sports or even unstructured playtime can encourage the development of a more balanced lifestyle,” shares educationist Fatema Agarkar. She adds that parents must also model the behaviour they hope their children will emulate. “If the parent is glued to his/her phone, the child will mirror them. For younger children, at least 10 hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable. To ensure this, parents must set in place a structure or routine that will guide the child’s day and curb an indiscriminate use of gadgets,” says Agarkar.
11 September,2024 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulAfter low rise jeans, cargo pants and skinny jeans, it’s time for the infamous capris to be revived from their two-decade hiatus. Too short to be considered trousers and too long to pass off as shorts, this style is being sported by supermodels both on and off the runway. And, as with most recycled trends, this one too has an all-new 2024-appropriate avatar, which leans towards preppy than tween, and is more sophisticated than trendy. So, what’s the secret to styling them right and avoid looking like you’ve just stepped out of a time warp? Keep it brief When it comes to capri pants, the right length can make all the difference, notes fashion stylist Disha Selarka. “The length that suits most people is a few inches below the knees. Calf-length or knee-length pants are notoriously hard to pull off. Further, tapered or straight silhouettes are much easier to wear and style, as compared to more voluminous cuts which can age very quickly. When styling your capri pants, aim for a more streamlined look,” she explains. Additionally, don’t make the pants the focal point of your outfit since they can make you look shorter. Instead, experiment with your upper garment and layering to add visual interest. Unless you are going for a sporty look, add length to the look with your upper garment, so that your pants don’t cut your body into two sections. For instance, if you are wearing a bralette or a baby tee, throw on an oversized blazer to elongate your torso. For activewear looks, add a slouchy cardigan or a jacket as a top layer. Disha Selarka Finishing touches Chunky footwear can add unnecessary volume to your feet and make you look squat. Instead, sleek and minimal styles such as elegant sandals, pumps or Mary Janes are a safer bet. A monochromatic look in neutral tones works well for workwear, says Selarka, who is partial to all-black and all-beige tailored looks. These, she adds, elongate your silhouette, and make it more formal. “Keeping things simple with these pants is key. Your accessories should be minimal and can add a hint of colour to an otherwise neutral look. High waist styles are easier to pull off and more forgiving, while capri-length tights make an excellent alternative to more conventional track suits, she signs off.
11 September,2024 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThere is no phonetic ‘f’ sound in Hindi; it’s ‘phool’, not ‘fool’,” actor and musician Namit Das sighs over a call from the Mumbai airport. Das has just wrapped up a long weekend, with performances and early morning airport check-ins. Yet his frustration isn’t so much about the gruelling schedule but rather about how the richness of the language seems to have eroded with time. This Saturday, on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Das will take stage with artistes like Gopal Datt, Puneet Sharma, and Shachi Pathak, who, like him, hold the language dear. Gopal Datt will join the celebration. Pics courtesy/Instagram Growing up under the influence of parents Chandan Dass, a renowned ghazal singer, and Yamini Das, a trained vocalist and actor, he fondly remembers dinner table conversations centred on Hindi literature and poetry. “Dad, being a Bengali, had to learn Hindi, but my mom was quite the purist,” he laughs. “She is trained in Hindustani classical music and was always adamant about perfect enunciation and pronunciation, down to the finest detail.” In collaboration with Nishant Nagar AKA Khwaab, Das will take a bold turn, and showcase a fusion of Hindustani poetry and modern ambient sounds at the event. “Khwaab and Namit, the duo, came into being last year when I met Nagar for a show in Lucknow where we played an experimental one-hour set. We realised it was a good way to introduce the audience to classical works,” he reveals. This sentiment echoes in the project room of Kommune, a creators’ collective where co-founder Roshan Abbas and community lead Pradumn Chourey conceptualised the event. “We all have memories of growing up studying Premchand, Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and learning terms like sangya [noun] and sarvanaam [pronoun] in school, but how many of us really remember what they mean?” remarks Chourey, adding that the event will be a trip down memory lane for the audience. Roshan Abbas (right) Pradumn Chourey performs at a previous Hindi literature event Despite this familiarity with the language, it’s intriguing as to why many people, including this writer, were drawn to JK Rowling or Charles Dickens rather than Hindi literature for their first read. Chourey, a native of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh, believes it is an urban phenomenon. Abbas agrees, “In the heartlands of India, students are still encouraged to pick up books by Mahadevi Verma, Shrilal Shukla, and other literary giants. When kids in Mumbai enter a bookstore however, Hindi literature is absent. Publishing in Hindi literature has failed to grow at the pace it should have.” Nevertheless, the duo believes the language is experiencing a revival. “There was a time in the mid-2010s when English speaking artistes dominated stand-up comedy, poetry and storytelling circuits in Mumbai. But with time, voices from India’s tier-2 cities have emerged boldly. They share a love for Hindi,” Abbas elaborates. In Das’s words, “The idea is not to be up in arms for the purity of language, but to give people the freedom to embrace it in their own unique ways.” ON September 14; 7 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, New Aram Nagar, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 499 onwards
11 September,2024 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleUtkala kamala bilisadirghika, marela malini nilambu Chilika,’ wrote late poet Radhanath Ray in the 19th century, about the blue, wildlife-abound waters of Chilika Lake in Odisha. It is in these words, artist Sitikanta Samantsinghar found the title of his ongoing exhibition, Nilambu: The Body of Blue Waters, at Nine Fish Art Gallery. Chilika lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a crucial habitat for South Asian migratory birds, is a victim of the climate change. The evidence lies in the massive decline in species that once migrated to this waterbody. “Once, over 256 recorded species of birds that would migrate to Chilika. This number has reduced to 160 species today,” Samatsinghar, who lives near the lake and has witnessed the transformation closely, informs us. The End of Getting-4, 2024, acrylic on palm leaf plywood; The artworks feature migrating birds and buffaloes of Chilika; Untitled, watercolour on paper, 33 x 22 The artist’s early inspiration comes from the Bhaga ChashiAndolan in 1953. The peasant movement, birthed by the killing of a poor farmer in Odisha, was led by his grandfather and freedom fighter Dr Nrusingha Samantasinghar. “I was born in a rural farming community. My artworks, hence, have always been influenced by the social and ecological realities around me,” he says. Humans, nature, animals and birds are represented through metaphors and imageries in his artworks that shed light on the pressing migration issues on the lake, along with the plight of farmers in Odisha through folk art and mythological references. “Algae — both green and red — play an important role in helping the ecosystem thrive. Lately, algae have started disappearing from the lake. They were food source for not only the fish, but the famous Chilika prawns, and the Chilika buffaloes,” he explains. A legend suggests that the curd made by the milk of these buffaloes was served to Lord Jagannath by a milkmaid Manika. The milk continues to be used in Jagannath Temple. “Today, the fish are very small in size, leading to starvation for migrating birds. The population of the Chilika buffaloes and prawns are decreasing because they don’t have sufficient vegetation to feed on in the lake. Sitikanta Samantsinghar and Gourmoni Das Another challenge faced by this ecosystem is extreme weather conditions,” the artist lists. Many of his artworks build on these facts and feature impacted animals, like buffaloes and the migrating birds. Curated by Gourmoni Das, the exhibition is a part of Dot Line Space Foundation’s ecology and research project. “Shores of Serenity [SOS] is our five-year-long project where 15 catalysts [research-based visual artists] will present the works in the extensive community project. We wish to bring to the limelight local craftsmen whose works revolve around ecology. We have been granted an NOC to continue the project for another 18 months,” Das explained, adding that Samantsinghar’s works were an extension of the idea. The artworks are a melange of mythology, surrealism, imagery and folk art As humans, animals, birds, nature and mythological beliefs join hands in Samantsinghar’s artworks exchange roles, they highlight the need to reduce rampant consumption, and contemplate the economy of ecology and politics of resistance. Till September 30TIME 10 am to 6 pm AT Nine Fish Art Gallery, Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla. FREE
10 September,2024 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiHistory podcasts often revolve around big events that have defined the world as it exists today — change of reign, revolutions and wars, for instance. Forever Ago is a podcast which brings our attention towards smaller moments in history that help us find joy in the world. The show is hosted by actor, performer, and writer Joy Dolo, who is accompanied by various child guests. Belonging to the Brains On! Universe — a collection of podcasts for curious kids — Forever Ago picks up questions that fascinate children: How did popcorn become such an essential snack at the movies? Who was the first woman to win an Olympic medal? When did electric guitars enter pop music? How did the world come together to save the Ozone layer? Where did electric cars come from? Joy Dolo In a recent episode titled ‘Don’t Steal My Thunder! The History of Idioms’, Dolo converses with a young learner Zyah, and her friend Teddy. For the first two minutes, they whisper mostly in idioms, while sitting inside a library. They’re excited about the mysterious sounding ones. This sets the premise for the rest of the episode. Dolo and Zyah take the listeners through what idioms are and where some of the strange, fascinating ones came from. For instance, they recreate a scene from when playwright and literary critic John Dennis would have come up with the phrase “don’t steal my thunder” at the staging of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This technique of learning is more pleasurable for children than handing them a dreary list of idioms to learn. Context and play enable them to grasp such concepts more effectively.One of the best parts of the episode is a game where the hosts play a guessing game; a common feature in all these 30-minute episodes. In this one, they try to guess an idiom from another language. A lot of US-based podcasts can fall into the danger of becoming unrelatable because of their culturally-specific contexts. Dolo is conscious of this at all times and pauses, from time-to-time, to introduce concepts that many within and outside of the US may be unaware of. She does this through her quick-snacks-and-fun-facts, bite-sized ten-second facts, or a quick discussion with her co-host. This makes the episodes more inclusive for children and adults tuning in from all parts of the world. BONUS EPISODE RECOMMENDATION: Cameras From Pinholes to Perfect SelfiesLOG ON TO Spotify, Apple
10 September,2024 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAfter almost a year in Bandra, Mountain Goat opened their second outlet in Andheri’s Lokhandwala area four months ago. We dropped by on a Thursday night for dinner with friends. Done up in light cabin-wood and spruced up with Tibetan paintings and prayer flags, and colourful seating and cushions, the café invokes nostalgia from any of your trips up north. Forget air freshener, there’s a gentle aroma of bhut jholokia in the air, marking its flamboyant presence that teases our throats. Pork thentuk Co-founder Sourabh Shikhare later tells us the backstory of Mountain Goat that makes him rewind to his biker days. “I am a trekker and mountaineer, and was part of a biking group called Devils on Wheels in 2012, when I rode the Himalayas. I loved the Nepali and Tibetan fare that we ate in the cafés across Bhutan, Leh Ladakh and Himachal,” he recalls. We remove our footwear, and settle into the low-seating table. To keep up the mood of the gentle, steady drizzle outside, we begin with a well-steeped honey ginger lemon tea (Rs 150) and savoury bho jha (butter tea; Rs 150) with a briny finish. Vegetarian jhol momos (Rs 300) hold a textured vegetable mash including cauliflower, cabbage and carrots within it. They come floating in a red chilli oil broth which has the refreshing sweetness of lemongrass. It makes us crave more mountain food. Chicken gyoza momos The chicken gyoza momos (Rs 350) are slightly low on salt but sweet chilli condiment holds the missing punch. We wash them down with a chilled cucumber lemonade (Rs 120). The gyozas are pan-fried and drilled with a glazed balsamic soy glaze. By now, the restaurant is packed and service overwhelmed. The kitchen prepares everything from scratch, which delays our food. The authenticity of the food keeps us in our best spirits. The crispy chicken open bao (Rs 350) crusted chicken fries have a sweet and spicy kung pao flavour but the mayo is an overkill. By now, every table is occupied and we see people queuing up outside as well. Butter tea and gud pak We are towards the popular thukpa but pick the pork thentuk (Rs 450), a Tibetan hand-pulled noodle soup that comes in a corn-flour thickened soup cooked in the water used to steam the pork. The fresh veggies such as broccoli, corn and carrots with slender strips of pork meat make it a soupy meal. Cottage cheese sekua (Rs 400) was a hurried job of paneer, sautéed in garlic, coriander with a hint of mustard. The cottage cheese has a stale aftertaste. The gud pak (Rs 400) is a generous slab of mithai, which makes us smile. Made of whole wheat flour in ghee, cardamom, sugar, grated coconut, almonds and edible gum (gundh) that adds a toffee finish. The balanced hit of soonth is powerful. This is simple, homestyle fare, and ends the meal on a good note. We pack the leftovers to nibble on for our next meal. The cosy interiors of the restaurant Mountain GoatAT Shop no 2/3, Melbourne Building, Shastri Nagar Lane 1, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. TIME 12 pm to 1 amCALL 9076348898 **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Mountain Goat didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
09 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaThe symbol ‘&’, known as the ampersand, was once considered a letter in the English alphabet before it was removed. Originating in Pompeii in the first century CE, it came from the Latin ‘et’ meaning ‘and’. When the letters ‘e’ and ‘t’ were combined together in writing, they looked like ‘&’. Today, the ampersand is widely used in poems, names of organisations, even in pop culture when referring to famous pairs like Batman & Robin, Tom & Jerry and Frodo & Sam. To usher the day here are five cool facts about the symbol: EE Cummings 1 The origin story: In the 1800s in Britain, the English alphabet ended with the letters X, Y, Z and &. This made the ampersand the 27th letter. To distinguish it from the conjunction ‘and’, which spoken aloud would make the alphabet end abruptly, they wrote “per se” before the symbol. This implied “by itself &”. It would read “X, Y, Z, and per se &”. While reciting, children’s tongues would often slip into pronouncing “and per se &” as ampersand. This is how the name came to be. Cover of EE Cummings’s poetry book comprising 25 poems; (right) The English alphabet including the ampersand 2 Experiments in poetry: Several poets have used the ampersand as stylistic choices within their poems. The best-known story is of the modernist poet EE Cummings. Cummings was a major proponent of experimentation in poetry, ignoring the conventions of grammar. His first collection of poems, Tulips and Chimneys, was originally titled Tulips & Chimneys. However, his publisher didn’t want to risk its censorship and, therefore, refused to use the ampersand. The symbol was not commonly accepted at the time in formal practices of writing. Later, Cummings self-published the 25 poems that were removed from the first collection and titled the book, &. Available: Leading bookstores & e-stores 3 Encoding with &: In HTML, the ampersand is used when the coder wishes to denote a known entity. For instance, if one is to display a double quotation mark, the entity that one types for it is: " That is, ampersand followed by the abbreviated name of the entity and closed with a semicolon. Similarly, if one were to display the symbol of copyright, one would enter the text: © 4 Crediting in America: In cinema, it’s become a common practice to use the ampersand to show a collaboration between two screenwriters as a team. When the people work separately on the same film, i.e. in their individual capacity than together, the word “and” is used in the end credits, instead of the ampersand. 5 Raising relief funds: The year 2010 saw a significant use of the symbol in design. When the earthquake hit Haiti, the Society of Typographic Aficionados launched the Font Aid IV project, which brought design communities together to raise relief funds for the victims of the disaster. Around 400 designers contributed designs of ampersands, which collectively became the collaborative font of the project. The font came to be called the Coming Together font, and the proceeds from those who bought the typeface went to the victims. Log on to typesociety.org/fontaid/iv/ Five ways to celebrate the day 1. Bake an ampersand-shaped cake and share these facts with your friends or family during tea-time.2. Artists must try five different ways of typography of the ampersand.3. Challenge yourself to a one-minute writing activity where you use the ampersand in creative ways.4. Create a fun quiz for your friends with some strange facts about the English alphabet.5. Watch a movie with the ampersand in the title.
07 September,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaA July 2024 report by the Esports Gaming Federation has revealed that India’s contingency of online gamers has grown to 442 million. Weed out the casual, leisurely kind, and you’d still have a third of the population getting in on the gaming action. Despite these numbers, gamers like Vanshaj Sharma — a veteran of the Esports World Cup qualifiers in Saudi Arabia last month — are few, and far between. Ahead of the Olympic Esports 2025, Sharma pursues the ambition diligently between juggling a college degree, practising 10 hours a day and competing with world champions. Game, set, no match? Although Sharma’s run at the qualifiers was cut short by a closely fought match at the main event, the gamer only has fond memories of the tour. “I was in awe of the scale of events in Riyadh. We were checked into a gamers’ village lined with gaming booths, practice zones, and community spaces,” he recalls. Incidentally, the village was built after a Saudi player won at the previous edition of the Esports World Cup. “The fact that the win sparked the creation of a whole village measuring almost eight kilometres in radius sounded bizarre,” Sharma says. Vanshaj Sharma Siddesh Hede, a professional gamer who previously represented Mumbai in national competitions across India, agrees. After skills, access to conducive gaming conditions are the second most crucial factor in a player’s success. “In the 2000s, esports players would cluster together in small gaming cafés across the city. Today, you hear of new gaming zones open every month. But how many of them hold themselves to a standard? The roofs are low, gaming equipment is cramped together, and if you’re lucky, you will have one window for air,” he laughs. “Naturally, most gamers prefer to practise on their own consoles at home which leaves the community fragmented,” Hede adds. Waiting for a payday Sharma forms one half of Mumbai Ultras Esports, a team put together by a popular sports club in the city. But for many who hustle independently, the monetary expenses that the hobby entails can prove challenging. A gamer plays the popular game, Dota 2, at Hede’s gaming zone Rajveer Naidu, who runs a gaming space in Andheri and Kandivali breaks it down for us, “Gaming is an expensive hobby. Buying a PlayStation or building a gaming PC, purchasing games, and subscriptions can burn a hole in your pockets. A majority of gamers, including a large chunk of the 442 million in India, are mobile phone gamers. Games like PUBG, BGMI and COD are accessible for no cost to anyone with a smartphone.” While Sharma shares that his European peers consider mobile gaming a ‘pastime’, Hede sees a more optimistic future. “Mobile gaming could be the future for India. It’s cheap and convenient. Krafton, the publishers of PUBG [before it was banned in India] held a competition with a prize pool of one crore rupees in 2020. While console and PC gaming will continue to grow, I believe they will be led by mobile gaming,” he remarks. Siddesh Hede and Rajveer Naidu Podium finish The gamers unanimously and unequivocally believe that the infrastructure needs a relook. But there is no dearth of skilled gamers in the city. While fans still await news on the structure and games at the Olympics Esports 2025, Sharma assures us that Indian gamers are capable of a podium place. “At the FIFAe World Cup last year, we finished ahead of the Southeast Asian favourites. Our eyes are now set on the Olympics event,” he shares excitedly. For 29-year-old Hede, the prospect of an Indian winner at the Olympics Esports Series is the apex of a long journey. “In the early 2010s, I would travel to Goa to participate in one of the earliest national championships called the Indian Cyber Gaming Championship. It feels good to know that the younger generation has bigger goals,” he signs off. Gamers at Naidu’s space; the gaming village in Riyadh; The PC gaming setup at the Goregaon gaming zone Game like a pro The experts pick their favourite spots in the city to practice and rise up the ranks. . Simply GamingAT Crystal Point Mall, Star Bazar, near DN Nagar Metro Station, Andheri West.LOG ON TO @simplygaming.in . Godlike Esports BootcampAT Ghanshyam Villa, Sector 20, Kharghar.LOG ON TO @godlike.in . The BootcampAT Vivek Industrial Estate, Mogul Lane, Mahim West.LOG ON TO @thebootcamp_in . Next Level Gaming AT JVPD, Juhu; Kiran Industrial Estate, Goregaon West.LOG ON TO @next.level.cafe
07 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOf the long list of flowers that inspire poetry, orchids remain some of the most written about plants across ages and beyond borders. According to nature educator Aditya Gadkari, over 22 species of these are found around Mumbai alone. To celebrate International Orchid Day, which falls on the first Thursday of September, Sanjay Gandhi National Park has invited Gadkari to host an interactive session about the plants this weekend. Habenaria gibsonii “The session is primarily a basic introduction to orchids. I plan to cover what sets them apart from regular plants, where one can find them, and their diversity and distribution in India and Western Ghats. I also plan to show images of a few species from Western Ghats and Andaman Islands, all clicked by me. Then I will talk about their adaptations and ecology, followed by threats and conservation measures,” Gadkari revealed. ON September 7; 2 pm to 4 pm AT Nature Interpretation Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, BorivaliCall 7738778789 (to register)
06 September,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWhen chef Masaharu Morimoto made the bold move to leave Nobu and establish his own restaurant, Morimoto, in 1999, it was a turning point in the culinary world. He brought the refined techniques he had honed at Nobu but with a flair for even fancier presentations, incorporating elements like caviar and salmon roe. And yet, only a few had heard of this ‘Iron Chef’ in India. When he partnered with The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to launch Wasabi in 2004, a pivotal moment in Indian fine dining was created, firmly establishing Japanese cuisine in the city’s culinary scene. The launch was a social event that attracted Mumbai’s elite. Signature dishes like oysters, sea urchins, and foie gras, featured on Wasabi’s initial menu in Mumbai, are still remembered with honest fondness. Dishes like lobster masala, inspired by Indian flavours, showcased his commitment to blending traditional Japanese techniques with local influences. Surprisingly, they have also been a hit at his New York Restaurant. Mizuhiki salad To celebrate Wasabi by Morimoto’s 20th anniversary, chef Morimoto hit the rewind button, sharing personal reflections with this writer in an e-mail conversation before he hit Mumbai’s shores for a private event. He spoke about his journey from introducing Japanese cuisine to becoming a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene, his personal evolution, and his experiences in India, expressing, “Every time I visit Wasabi, I admire the growth journey. When we first opened, we were slowly introducing Japanese cuisine to Mumbai. Over time, we blended in elements of various global cuisines to cater to the local flavours, particularly vegetarian diets, all while preserving authentic Japanese flavours. It makes one wonder how cuisines can adapt and thrive in different cultures. Now, we have become a beloved part of Mumbai’s dining scene and it fills me with pride and gratitude — the journey to get here has been incredible. My aim was always to introduce Indian diners to the essence of Japanese food — not just the flavours but the philosophy behind it, where each dish respects the ingredients and techniques.” Bocchan kabocha croquette Reflecting on the journey, Morimoto observes how the city has evolved alongside Wasabi, with Indian diners embracing the shared respect for ingredients — a cornerstone of Japanese culinary tradition. “They’ve come to value the importance of seasoning and the delicate balance of flavours in Japanese cuisine,” he notes. “The art of sushi-making and presentation also strikes a chord with Indian diners, as both cultures emphasise the visual appeal of food.” Morimoto strongly believes that maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation is all about respecting classic techniques but not being afraid to think outside the box. This philosophy is what keeps the culinary experience at Wasabi fresh and exciting. “I like to make my dishes with traditional Japanese flavours, but I also want to add elements of India’s rich culinary palate, sourcing the freshest ingredients while honouring the flavorful essence of Japan and mixing it with global influences. We remain devoted to introducing our guests to unique new experiences and refreshing our menus is an ongoing commitment, and you’ll have to stay tuned to see what we have in store. Masaharu Morimoto Giving us a peek into the menu, he says, “We are introducing mizuhiki salad, which I had served at the White House gala dinner. It’s like unwrapping a garden on a plate. We have kinmedai soup, a clear flavorful broth. Chilean sea bass cooked on robata with yuzu kosho ponzu sauce. Additionally, we are introducing seasonal vegetables and fruits. The dishes will change according to availability, but we know the guests will look forward to it.” Also Read: Onam 2024: Indulge in making a delicious Sadhya dish Mathanga erisseri
06 September,2024 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiADVERTISEMENT
