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Event

Attend: Iyengar Yoga event at NSCI

On International Day of Yoga, you can be part of a masterclass on Iyengar yoga and learn a variety of asanas.
by Ravi Shet

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. To celebrate this day and also to pay tribute to the much feted Yoga exponent Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, his students have conceptualised an event, ‘Experience Iyengar Yoga’.

This will be an open public event where they will have a presentation, a practical class and an inspiring film for the attendees. This event will be held at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) stadium (Worli) and the session will be from 5 pm to 7 pm, on Sunday, June 21.

Yoga is derived from Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘union’ or ‘to join’ – a union of individual self with the cosmic consciousness. The benefits of various yoga asanas for health disorders have been observed not only in our country, but also in western countries and widely accepted throughout the globe. By performing simple yoga asanas on regular basis, one can achieve peace of mind, improved focus, instant contentment and long lasting transformation. Yoga is not restricted to any age or generation; everyone, from a small child to a senior citizen, can practice it and keep themselves physically and mentally fit.

New entrants will be taken through the Iyengar Yoga class along with precise and synchronised instructions to get an experience and feel of the Iyengar tradition.

Registration for this event is free and starts at the venue from 4:15 pm. Interested participants must carry their own yoga mat, while people with major medical problems can observe the class.

(Picture courtesy blog.janoindia.com. Image is used for representational purpose only)

Categories
Film

Review: Jurassic World

A complete edge of the seat thriller, this film will keep you engaged till the end if you suspend disbelief.
by Ravi Shet

Almost 14 years after the release of Jurassic Park 3, director Colin Trevorrow carries the legacy of our beloved dino series on his shoulders in the fourth installment of the Jurassic Park film franchise.

The films starts with a baby dinosaur trying to come out of an egg. Jurassic World is now a fully functional dinosaur theme park owned by Masrani (Irrfan Khan) and managed by Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard). As a business person, Masrani feels that innovation is required to attract more visitors to his park; hence, along with Dr. Henry Wu (Wong) they furtively play with the genes of the dinosaurs to create a new genetically-modified mega dinosaur – the terrifying Indominus Rex. The Rex is monitored by creepy military consultant Hoskins (Vincent D’Onofrio).

Gray and Zach Mitchell are brothers who have come to visit their aunt Claire and also the theme park under the supervision of Claire’s assistant Zara. Meanwhile, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), works at Jurassic World as a Velociraptor expert and trainer. He has trained four Velociraptors – Blue, Charlie, Delta and Echo. When his ex-girlfriend Claire asks him to train the Indominus Rex, he does so reluctantly.

 

Owen and Claire discover that Indominus Rex has escaped from the enclosure, while Gray and Zach leave Zara and start exploring on their own. By this time, the audience has guessed the graph of the story – Indominus Rex creates chaos around the park while Owen and Claire try to rescue the boys.

The pace of the movie is well maintained and keeps the audiences engaged. The special effects and background score of the film are stunning. Rexy, the female dinosaur from the first Jurassic Park is seen in the end moments of the film, where she fights Indominus Rex. The film’s last scene shows Rexy climbing on top of a helipad and inspecting the havoc caused by Indominus Rex – this ending shows the possibility of the next installment from this franchise.

Rating: 3 out of 5

(Picture courtesy www.jurassicworld.org)

Categories
Film

Review: Sugar, Salt Ani Prem

A story of love, kindness, sacrifice and friendship, this Marathi film boasts of some stellar performances and a well-balanced plot.
by Ravi Shet

Producer and director Sonali Bangera brings a star studded ensemble in this film which tells the story of three women who are looking for their respective paths and the relationship they share.

The film starts with Aditi (Sonali Kulkarni) adding a sugar cube to a cup of tea, Ananya (Shilpa Tulaskar) picking up a packet of salt from the supermarket and Soumya (Kranti Redkar) picking up a greeting card from the Archies store – they are in the same mall and leave one by one in three different directions.

Aditi lives with her husband – Rahul (Sameer Dharmadhikari) and adopted son Om, who is autistic. Rahul is a wealthy financial expert, while Aditi was a high-achieving working woman with a lot of accolades and trophies marking her professional life. However, she chooses to stop working so that she can take care of her son – this creates a rift between her and Rahul. He tries hard to send their son to a boarding school for autistic children, so that he can get back his wife’s attentions.

 

Meanwhile, Ravindra (Prasad Oak), owner of Robo Tech lives with his wife Soumya and is busy building his dream – a robotic chair that can help the needy. The film also introduces his ex-colleague Pradhan (Yatin Karyekar), who wants to hijack Ravindra’s dream project for commercial purposes.

Ananya stays with her daughter and husband – Ajay (Ajinkya Deo), a well-established businessman in awe of status and money. He hardly has the time for relationships; this becomes a point of friction between him and his wife, who is always willing to help a person in need.

Ajay and Ravindra are friends; however when a financier pulls out of Ravindra’s project after Pradhan manipulates the deal, even Ajay offers no help. Ravindra gets killed in a car accident and his project gets stuck. This results in a meeting of the three women – Aditi, Soumya and Ananya – who are also struggling in their respective lives. The story then develops their relationship and how their friendship gels with sugar, salt and love (prem).

I loved how the film portrays the many dilemmas and the small happinesses of today’s women – a lot of women will relate to this. The plot is well-balanced and the performances – especially by Sonali Kulkarni, Shilpa Tulaskar and Yatin Karyekar – are top notch. Musician Siddharth Mahadevan has scored all the songs, and also appears in one of them. Overall, this one’s worth a watch.

Rating: 3 out of 5

(Picture courtesy marathistars.com)

Categories
Eat

5 must-visit chai places in Mumbai

The rains have arrived in Mumbai, and it’s time to have hot, piping chai. We give you 5 excellent options.
by Ravi Shet

Today, you probably woke up to sheets of rain and gloomy grey skies – the perfect setting for a hot cup of chai! There’s nothing more soothing to the palate than a lovingly made cup of tea flavoured with ginger and elaichi or just lightly brewed.

If you’re looking for a good chai place this season, let us help you out – in no particular order, we bring you a mix of five old and new places serving authentic Indian and international teas.

  1. Cafe Colony Stores and Restaurant, Dadar East

Irani Chai n Bun Maska, Cafe ColonyWooden furniture, glass jars filled with mawa cakes, khari and loaves of fresh brun pao…this Irani cafe is located near the corner of Hindu Colony and close to Tilak Bridge. Agha Nazariyan, owner of the place had bought this cafe in the 1960s; however the cafe has been in existence from 1933. Agha is very well supported by his children, the trio of brother and sisters – elder sister Bibi Sadhat, followed by Mirza and younger sister Bibi Fotehmeh. Mirza says, “We are open all days from 6 am to 10.30 pm to serve authentic and quality Irani food. My sisters man the counter and running the show makes me proud.”

Bibi Fotehmeh says that the milk comes from Parsi Diary Farm and Amul butter is used for bun maska. “Our food is not so expensive, which helps us cater to all sections of people,” she adds. Their Bun Maska (Rs 20) generously loaded with butter and dipped in Irani Tea (Rs 15) is an awesome combination. Also try their Kheema Pao (Rs 70).

  1. Madina Hotel, Mahim West

Founded in 1975, this eatery with yellow benches and tables opens at 5.30 am and downs its shutters by 11:30 pm. It is located opposite Paradise Cinema. Their Appam (Rs 8) clubbed with well spiced and flavoured Vegetable Stew (Rs 25) is great, along with Special Tea (Rs 20) made from tea powder, sugar and milk without any added water. You will not leave the place without having two of their Special Teas. Krishnan, who has been running the eatery for the past 33 years, says, “Regular customers or new ones, everyone loves our Special Tea. Plus, I am serving good quality food at a reasonable price.”

  1. Tapri Tea Lounge, Sion

This place situated at TV Chidambaram Marg is a short walk from Sion Railway station. Co-founded by Priyanka Bhutra-Milak and Mayur Milak in September Truck Driver's Chai_Tapri Tea Lounge2013, this place has been serving different varieties of tea to its customers from 10 am to 11 pm on all days. Mayur says, “Despite being known as a tea nation, we hardly find dedicated tea cafes in the city. Hence we came up with this place to serve tea lovers a wide range of authentic tea.” He adds that all their preparations are made from mineral water and Tetra Pak milk to enhance quality. I loved their Kulhad Masala Chai (Rs 64), served in authentic kulhads, as also their Truck Driver’s Chai (Rs 64), a strong ginger-clove tea. Also try their Kashmiri Kahwa (Rs 85) are really worth trying, as also their air fried French fries (Rs 76). The place has a good collection of imported teas such as Ceylon Tea and Blooming Tea. In addition to this, they have a free Wi-Fi service along with Archie’s comics, Uno cards and other indoor games at each table which help you dawdle at your table while sipping your chai.

  1. Tea & Tea, Juhu

This little place in Juhu near the ISKCON Temple is the brainchild of the husband-wife duo –Gaurang Vora and Viya Vora. Viya says, “We both were in the Masala Tea, Tea & Teahospitality industry and saw that over the years, only dedicated coffee outlets were mushrooming. There were very few tea cafes, so we started Tea & Tea in May 2014.” The place is open on all days from 10.30 am to 10 pm. “People in this city should have access to Indian and international teas, and they must also know the benefits of consuming tea,” Viya adds.

Do try their hot selling items Mom’s Special Tea (Rs 70) which has home-made tea masala prepared by Gaurang’s mother, and Cleopatra’s Champagne – Cammomile (Rs 150), sourced from Egypt, which relaxes you with every sip. If you are health conscious, try their Detox Tea (Rs 110) which comprises green tea, ginger, lemon grass and burdock. If you prefer your tea cold, try their Passion Fruit Iced Tea (Rs 120). Parle-G biscuits are served with Indian teas while butter cookies are served with other teas. Play Uno or read books available here in between sips.

  1. Tea Villa, Vile Parle East

Micky Panjwani and Roopanshi Bhatt, both event management professionals, founded this place in August 2014. It opens at 10 am every day and is a short walk from Vile Parle railway station. Micky says, “When we used to work, we never found good tea places where you could relax while you have your chai. So we started this place, where you could come with family and friends.” Roopanshi adds, “We started out serving Indian teas as well as premium ones such as Berry Blush Tea, Moon White Tea and side dishes; however customers demanded milkshakes, pastas, waffles and so on.” Their Mint Tea (Rs 120, in main picture above) and Kashmiri Saffron Kahwa (Rs 220) are really worth trying owing to their fresh ingredients. Also savour Bun Maska (Rs 70), Punjabi Samosa (Rs 75) and Peri Peri French Fries (Rs 120) if you’re hungry as well. They offer free Wi-Fi too.

(Pictures courtesy Ravi Shet)

Categories
Film

Review: The Age of Adaline

Ponderous and quite boring, this film fails to sustain audience interest for very long– a pity, considering its intriguing plot.
by Ravi Shet

Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), a gorgeous woman aged 29 years is born in 1908, and has a serious car accident that gives her the gift – or the bane – of immortality. She discovers that she has stopped ageing since the day of the accident, which means that she will be 29 years old forever.

With her miraculous power in tow, Adaline tries every trick she can think of to hide her immortality. She changes her name, her appearance and even her home town in every decade of her life.

In the present time, Adaline is now Jenny working in a San Francisco museum, and she is also a mother to a wrinkled old daughter, Flemming Prescot (Ellen Burstyn). At this point, the film becomes predictable: after refusing to fall in love again for eight decades, she decides to stop running and falls in love with the wealthy Ellis (Michiel Huisman). From here on, the film follows a Bollywood-esque predictable graph and becomes a bit of a snooze fest.

 

Directed by Lee Toland Kriege, the pace of the story is excruciatingly slow; a good reason to walk out midway and come back with snacks and soft drinks at your leisure. I was also disappointed with the film’s climax, which one sees coming much in advance..

Considering the intriguing plot, the film could have done something simply stunning with its story to keep audiences engaged. Instead, there are long periods of nothing happening, and sloppy stringing together of scenes. There are a few emotional moments in this movie which make an attempt to elicit a smile or a wistful sigh, but these are very rare. The pretty costumes and visually appealing cinematography also cannot bail out this underdeveloped story.

Acting-wise, Blake holds her own and is quite good, as is Harrison Ford, who plays Ellis’s father and Adaline’s former flame. Ford does full justice to his short role and is a good reason to watch this film.

Rating: 2 out of 5

(Picture courtesy www.hoyts.com.au)

Categories
Eat

Review: Paratha Mantra

Love parathas? Want to taste some really succulent ones, with some strange combinations of ingredients? This paratha outlet’s for you.
by Ravi Shet

If you are one of those people trawling the length and breadth of Mumbai for some really awesome parathas, then Paratha Mantra is the right place to satiate your cravings. This vegetarian outlet situated near Kala Ghoda has unusual parathas on offer, such as Pizza Paratha, Pav Bhaji Paratha, Vada Pav Paratha, etc., along with some DIY options like Make Your Own Parathas and Diet Parathas. They’re trying to cater to various palates and needs, and that’s great.

Paratha_Paratha MantraAfter mulling over the menu for a while, I decided to order the Bhavnagari Paratha (Rs 191) which is served with raita and pickle. It was yummy, to say the least; the fusion of bhavnagari chivda with paratha was balanced flawlessly. All the parathas made in this outlet use wheat – no maida is used. Their Dal Makhani (Rs 262) was perfectly spiced, rich in taste and flavour, really worth trying out.

On the desserts front, their Chocolate Paratha (Rs 262) is a show-stealer, perfectly filled with chocolate stuffing and topped with chocolate sauce in circular rings. I thought it was worth every rupee spent. I highly recommend this dessert if you’re visiting this outlet.

The place has a good vibe and décor, with vivid lighting to catch the eye and friendly service to match the food. I’ve already decided what my next meal at this place will be: their famous Pizza Paratha (Rs 191). With Chocolate Paratha for dessert, of course.

Head to Navbharat House, 6/8 Burjorji Bharuch Marg, Military Square Lane, Fort. The Metrognome reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for its meals.

(Pictures courtesy Ravi Shet and Paratha Mantra)

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