| Mumbai |
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| Written by Divashri Sinha |
| Monday, 18 May 2009 11:04 |
 MUMBAI Let us welcome this first issue with a heady mix of high-spice high-drama cultural titbits that make Bombay, Amchi Mumbai (My Mumbai in Marathi, the local language), the madhouse we have all come to love so deeply. Bombay or Mumbai like any other fast paced high flying cosmopolitan city in the world seems to be constantly on the go. With a steady urge to up itself, this financial and entertainment hub to a billion people almost never stops to take a breath. One glance from the aircraft lowering at the airport, or the first whiff of the local railway station, and you know you’ve arrived. The sights, smells, sounds and the sheer speed of life is unmatched by any other Indian city. Often called the New York of the east, Mumbai like all other global metropolitan cities also faces the constant conflicts of its daunting past with its daring future, it’s local traditions with its global ones, and settles down comfortably somewhere between the generation gap into yet another balmy hot summer. LAVANI- dance Dance with me Nothing spells local Marathi culture in Mumbai like their local ancient dance called Lavani, known to be an old erotic dance form practiced best by certain communities who pride themselves in the art. Celebrating the coming of spring and bountiful nature, the dancers are primarily women in their 9 yard sarees (long piece of rectangular cloth draped in various fashions). Known for its robust movements, erotic moves, very descriptive facial expressions and high-octane performances the music is Marathi folk music in a very up-tempo catchy thumping format that can put any latest DJ mix to shame. However, with the overbearing influence of Bollywood (the Indian film industry) and the dying interest within the community to continue propagating their dance, the Lavani has seen a steady dip in artists.  Lavani Dancer, Mumbai Savitri Medhatul, a 27 year-old actress and debutante filmmaker took her plunge into filmmaking with her debut film on her love for Lavani. Inspite of never having studied it professionally, Medhatul had always been fascinated by the dance and its exuberant dancers. It is this fascination to go behind the painted faces that led to the birth of Natale Tumchyasati (Dancing for you). The idea, as described by Medhatul, originated from the societal perception of a person based on their profession. It is a known fact that due to its sensual nature and expressive and graceful erotic movements, the women dancers of Lavani are generally perceived to have bad moral character. In fact, most Lavani dancers rarely get married. However it is their passion for the art and support for their families that make these strong women carry on dancing with a painted face and a sensuous smile. The film is now available on CD’s and DVD’s in local markets. FASHION A time to heel Just a short stroll along the promenade or quick glance that the local markets and malls, and you’ll know that the hottest high fashion this summer is towering heels. Rising to the occasion never seemed so easy. All you need to do is take a walk down the busy shopping arcades and pick up a sexy pair of a 6-inch strappy number in no less than hot pink, to make the right bold style statement. Not without a reason it is then that all the biggest brands, from Dior to Louboutin to Gucci are flooding the markets with tall slender high rising pumps, set to dress you up for any occasion.  It’s not just the likes of Hollywood A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, singer Beyonce, and Victoria Beckham that reach out for the skyscrapers, as Manika Sharma a college graduate says, “I am most comfortable in flats but nothing brings sex appeal and oomph like a pair of high standing stilettos to jazz up any outfit, or mood. I feel like my sexiest best in high heels.” Indian women, known to be shorter than their American and European counter parts are catching on to this trend faster than a wildfire. The last time the women of the world took to heels so high was in the last great depression of 1929. Known as the year of the stiletto, this year’s recession seems to have strangely brought back the same fascination. MUSIC- Stop Gap Choir Soar to the sounds  Lavani Dancer, Mumbai As soon as you enter the big spacious art hall of the St Peter’s Church located in the heart of busy town Bandra at the heart of Mumbai city, you’re greeted by a 5 foot man in a simple khaki shirt and trousers, screaming at the top of his voice, trying to control an (already very controlled group) of choir singers ranging from the ages of 16 to 60. The brain-child and love of Alfred D’Souza, a charming but razor sharp quick tempered man, is the Stop Gap Choir of Mumbai. A multiple award winning, multi-cultural choir that has represented India in many international forums comprises of the young, the old, the handicapped and most definitely the gifted. While Mumbai boasts dozens of local choirs, the Paranjoti Academy Chorus and the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble are arguably the best-known, drawing singers from across the length and breadth of the metropolis. The Paranjoti Academy Chorus, the city’s oldest surviving choral group, has built a solid reputation based on longevity and experience. The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble is widely regarded as Mumbai’s most entertaining choir. This is not surprising considering that in addition to covering a repertoire that encompasses classical, pop and jazz, they were the first to pepper their concerts with choreography, skits and costume changes. “You can mesmerise an audience with your song and voice, but there’s a limit to how long you can do that,” said 42-year-old Bandra resident Enrico Lopez Pereira, who has been part of the Stop-Gaps for 11 years. “That’s why he [D’Souza] puts in different things so the audience doesn’t get bored. People who enjoy different genres can have fun and also experience other kinds of music.” While the rehearsal timings are sacrosanct, one can be in for quite a sounding even if delayed by minutes. D’Souza has his way of keeping the drifters in check. Usually held once a week, they increase in frequency as a competition or festival season starts approaching. Definitely a must watch in the city, the Stop Gap choir in performance at any one of their local performance venues. Bookmark us: 
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 May 2009 07:35 |