Now, you can carryu00a0 along Obama's change

At Tribal Route, 18 & 29, Aram Nagar 2, JP Road, Machlimar, Versova, Andheri (W).
Call 8080822022 (Indian Hippy contact)
log on to www.hippy.in

The Obamamania that hit the world in 2007 will finally arrive in India this week, bringing with it concerns of security and an overdose of flattery. While the entire nation is going all out to give the US Prez a good time, Hinesh Jethwani has gathered his dozen-strong army to paint the charismatic orator President on foldable Rajasthani chairs, wallets and handbags.



The 29 year-old founding head of Indian Hippy, a venture that has revived the age-old poster art form by giving it a contemporary twist and having it embellish functional products, has 'secret' plans of presenting the President with one of his chairs.

"These are products painted by the original film poster and billboard artists who went out of work when the digital age took over," the computer engineer-turned-entrepreneur told The Guide over the phone. "We also have plans to paint a massive 30 ft x 7 ft painting capturing Obama in various moods and showcasing milestones from his life." His not-so-secret plans include finding a way to have the painting autographed by Obama, and selling it to raise proceeds for Obama's favourite charities.

While the wooden chair (Rs 5,980) in the Obamabilia range has been handcrafted with engraved motifs, the leather wallets (Rs 2,300) carry the 44th President's message of Hope and Peace that is also the theme on the leather handbags (Rs 4,600).

Surf through the website for the other cool stuff that these guys do. Their handpainted posters seem like Photoshop-ed images (which they are not), and can be customised to put in your and your honey's faces instead of the actors'. What do we believe would be amazing Diwali picks for us? The funky belt that sports iconic movie titles and the Mughal-e-Azam clutch purse. Bring 'em on.

Transform into a Aprima Ballerina this weekend
On Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm to 5 pm
Where The Art Loft, Valentino Rest, first floor, above Patel Stores, Mehboob Studios, Bandra (W).
Call 9930386960
Cost Rs 2,800 per person

If watching ballerinas defy gravity and twirl with the utmost grace has always fascinated you, sign up for the weekend ballet workshop at the Art Loft. Hel ne Savoie (French professional dancer and Ballet teacher in Alliance Fran aise de Kolkata Fusion) will teach you the finer nuances of this western classical dance form.

The classes will include warm-ups, introduction to all the exercises ' a la barre ', ways to lift body in space, introduction to the techniques of jumps and turns, improvisation and feedback sessions. You might not be a Nijinsky at the end of the weekend, but you will hopefully, fall more in love with this dance form.

Office ke baad, shopping
Till November 7, 2 pm to 11.30 pm
Where Art Cafe, 8, Om Apartments, Sundervan, behind Fame Adlabs, off Link Road, Andheri (W).
Call 26323640

If you're lagging behind your festive shopping because of long days in your claustrophobic cubicle at the office, the Diwali Night Bazaar might be the perfect solution. It starts in the afternoon and continues till late at night, allowing you to drop by after work.

On offer are lights, lamps, diyas, aroma candles, pot pourri, incense sticks, clothes, funky jewellery, footwear, bags and accessories, all under one roof. "We source our products from designers and participants who specialise in unique products," says Shubhangi Mehndiratta, proprietor of Art Cafe. While you are shopping, you can sip on a latte or a cappuccino and grab a sandwich or muffin from their cafe.

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