When was the last time you went to Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai’s
crowded southern end, at 7am just for a juicy piece of toasted bread? Don’t
worry that’s the same shock that came to my head until my friend coaxed me to
bite away the nights sleepy grip on me to go on an adventurous trail in the
most unsuspecting locations of Mumbai!
Tucked away in the by lanes of a busy market hub, Nawab
Restaurant has seen many a generation pass through its doors bringing in their
grandchildren to taste the famous toast which, though simple in recipe, has won
the hearts of many a passerby. Housed in an antiquated building that flirted
with the British Rule, this family styled quaint café has the ambience of
welcome and a will to make you a part of its heritage and not just another
customer. If you are curious, go ahead and strike up a conversation with the
cheerful and wise owner who is delighted to engage in the life of the yester
years.
So what is this famed toast you say? Well its simply freshly
baked soft bread fried on a hot plate doused in butter. Now though you may
assume the recipe to be the ordinary, its simplicity and cost of INR 10/- only
is what draws many a wanderer to its den.
A plate or two of this toast coupled with hot tea perfect start to a
winters day immersed in shopping for clothes, antiques and hardware items.
Don’t forget to catch the action outside the café where early morning salesmen
will flaunt their apparels to a bustling crowd of takers that will redefine
your concept of morning calm!
Just walking distance from the Sandhurst Road Railway
Station, this café is in close proximity to the shoppers paradise of Null
Bazaar, Chor Bazaar and even Crawford Market being a stone’s throw away.
Interestingly, Bhendi Bazaar got its name from the locals phonetic understanding of “Behind the Market” that the
British would call it due to its location behind Crawford Martket.
Nestled along the inner roads of the former Mahim Island, is
the newly opened quaint café “Irani
Chaii”. Aimed to revive the typical but dying Iranian Chai culture in
Mumbai, Mansoor Yezdi, started this café that welcomes people of all walks of
life looking for that time out atmosphere in a routine driven city.
Born in Iran himself, Mansoor today, warmly welcomes every
individual amicably as his way of giving back to every Indian who once opened
their doors to the waves of Iranians coming to make it big in this Metropolis
in the 18th and 19th Century. Have a cup of tea with him
and you will soon be swept into a timeless movie studded with historical scenes
and modern entertainment; Mansoor candidly states that “All Iranians are diabetic from childhood as chai and sugar flow
through their veins”.
With his logo sporting the traditional friendship between
India and Iran which few diplomats could meet, Mansoor will never let you feel
alone as he has many a story to tell that range from his grandfather selling
tea at Apollo Bunder in his thick Irani accent or the Goans who graciously
helped them master the art of baking.
Proud of his quality and standards, food enthusiasts are
even given a guided tour of his kitchen and interestingly, this café has more
to bargain for. He takes the term Social Responsibility to the next level,
where he not just gives a good 10% discount to men in uniform but also to those
who arrive on a cycle as his way to giving back to Mother Nature. Same reason
to why he does not sell water at his café. He is also proud that all wood used
in his café is recycled teak wood sourced from deserted buildings.
And if culture and history are your game, then come down
grab a hot cup of tea, sit on old Polish furniture and catch him mouth a few
phrases in Farsi as he watches you through the myriad of mirrors that once
functioned as CCTVs. Even the table cloth used here is chequered, hand woven
and specially flown in from Iran.
In reality this café is the epitome of the
Sanskrit Concept “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “the whole world is one family” beckoning you
to return.
Ever wondered why Indians across the world, will often inaugurate or complete an important task that invokes God himself by breaking the coconut? What do we have against this humble fruit?
Lets understand the deeper meaning behind this otherwise silly action....
Profession : Model, Freelance World Map : Mumbai, India
Born and brought up in
Mumbai, Umair has always been an ardent lover of football playing
professionally in many an elite club. But as he progressed through life’s many
an unexpected twists, he found his calling in the spirit of dance and trained
under the legendary Shiamak Davar himself and has since found himself dancing
with the stars in many a television programme such as Zee Cine Awards, Star
Guild Awards , Star Parivaar Awards and many more.
It was here that his talents
and hard work were given credibility and he was soon made the poster boy for a
myriad of companies ranging from Fogg Adverts to prints for Jet Airways and
Smaash apart from a host of small scale enterprises.
One of his crowning
achievements however would definitely be a character role with the Bollywood
Actor Farhaan Akhtar in the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as an Indian athlete.
Come and hear his story of perseverance and get
a glimpse of the world that lies beyond the glimmering curtains!
Q> What is Modeling to you? What goes
through your mind when you express yourself through it? Modelling to me is the love for fashion. It's the
classic case of passion turned into a career. When expressing myself through it
I'm completely myself be it on a runway or on a set/studio. It's a give and
take relationship with the camera. I
think passion is the difference between having a job and having a career.
And like they say choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a
day on your life.
Q>
What is the role of modelling and dance in impacting today’s generation? How
tough is it to make a career here in today’s market? It's Everything ! Because of the Media I
feel there's too much pressure on the youth to be attractive, athletic and
popular. This means they are indirectly pushed into the notion of being fit
like a model and be a good dancer to have their talent and credibility
acknowledged. Every youth today has a role model they look up to and want to imitate.
A positive role model, though few, has the power to make change desirable in
society.
It's very difficult to
make a career in this field in today's market. You have to be perfect in everything
to be able to make it to the final auditions. And just when you think the worst
is over, there comes the selection round. Crossing this barrier itself is a
task. It's this unseen hard work that people fail to see behind the glossy
magazine photographs. Each commanding hours
of training at the gym, eating the right food, maintaining a healthy diet, correct
amount of sleep, looking after your looks is certainly no rosy lifestyle.
Besides, after all, at the end of the day it's the face that sells. What makes is more exciting is the endless
running around for auditions and waiting in a line with a minimum of a 100
people even for a short character role of an unheard advert!.
Q>
What were the initial difficulties you faced when making modeling your career?
And the small moments that inspired you to be steadfast in your perseverance? One thing everyone needs to know is that
modelling is a full time job. It's a career and a very difficult one. It's not
like a 9-5 job. You've got to give everything you have and there's no fixed
timing. Work shifts may go on a full day and night schedules. It's an All in
poker game where you risk your career, hard work and money put in if you
don't make it.
Initially, I was very thin
so I had to start with getting my body in the right shape. Hours of
training for months went into that. When I thought I was ready and started with
the auditions, the requirements kept changing with every audition! Some wanted
lean, some asked to bulk up more. The requirements, though frustrating, differed
with every project. Three months of auditioning in the heat and running around
for almost every possible audition and not being shortlisted for a single thing
was difficult to accept. It's at this point that you need to stay focused and
give it all. You become your best or your worst enemy. I made sure I got it
because I really wanted to and that kept me working to achieve it. Everyone around you will criticise you and
that's when you need to prove them wrong. That became my mission and
strangely, my inspiration.
Q> How
do you strike a balance between work and family? Is there any support or
pressure? Family support is the most important thing
you can ask for in this field. If you family is supportive, you've got everything
you can ask for. I’ve been blessed with a very understanding family. They
always let me do whatever I've wanted to but in a good way. Even if you are out
of town for weeks, just a phone call from home is all that you need to
rejuvenate. I'm really very thankful to my family for everything they've done
for me. Q> Is
the modelling world really as glittery as the common man sees it to be? Could
you give us an example of the reality you see? Yes.
It's very fascinating. But again the amount of hard work it takes to reach
there and see it, is a lot. In the end, it's totally worth it. You just have to
make sure you're ready for the hard work and struggle which hides behind the
glamour.
Q> How
have you been able to keep in touch with the ones that have made you who you
are today? Is it important to do so? Yes. I'm in touch with everyone who's made
me what I am today. It shows that you actually care and love them. Wealth of
good manners is something that no one can steal from you. You keep it with you
wherever you go.
Q>
Tell us about the real Mr. Khan who sits behind the curtain. I'm actually not a party person. I don't go out
clubbing or partying all the time. I'm a fitness freak. Love working out all
day and all night and the credit to this fitness goes to my trainer Yogesh
Bane. Apart from that, when I'm not out for work you will find me with my
friends, just enjoying a good chat. So behind my curtain, life is much simpler
and not that fancy which balances me with the glamorous side.
Q> If
given a choice to chose an alternate career what would you have chosen and why? Dancer without a doubt! Being a Dance
graduate from Shiamak Davar International School and working and learning under
the maestro Shiamak himself is just something you can't leave. It’s like being
with family, a bond that is hard to break.
The Taj Mahal Hotel has always been an iconic landmark that
has caressed the imagination of both the tourist and the local for over a
century. From the regality of its clientele to the taste of its furniture and
façade, the hotel has found a very special mark in the lives of the people
living in the Financial hub of the World’s Seventh Largest Nation.
But unlike other hotel’s who find it a task to compete with
its rich heritage, the Taj Mahal Palace, over the years has doled out may a
trick from her hat that are so unique that each became a crowd puller in their
own right. The Taj has always prided itself in being a trendsetter and who
could blame them; from being the first to employ German Lift Technology and
Turkish Hammams, to registering the City’s First and Second License Bars and
even till date make their own ice creams!
Each addition into the legacy that is the Taj have carved
out their own competitive niches built over the years with innovations and
personal touches from guests and staff alike that ironically compliment the
existence of the hotel itself! Once such jewel can still be found at the
Harbour Bar.
Located at the Lobby level of the Timeless Hotel, The
Harbour Bar has prided itself in having uncontested views of the seaside
promenade and the marvellous Gateway. But seldom do people know that unlike
most bars that are famed for its views or drinks, the Harbour Bar is not just a
combination but more.
Opened in 1933, to quench the thirst of many a traveller,
the Harbour Bar is officially Bombay’s First License Bar, a record the Taj
proudly hold. And with such a historic title, come many an experienced staff
who fondly remember the aqua blue décor of old with wooden ships decked up on
walls that complimented the deep sea headgear that graced the Bar Counter. Even
food could be ordered from any Restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Continental –
making this place truly lively and International; capturing the hearts of many
a sailor leaving his home, at times and quite literally, half the globe away!
And it is said that when emotions connect memories abound!
So also was the case in 1930’s when two American Sailors stepped into the Bar
to quench their thirst in celebration of the withdrawal of the Prohibition of
Alcohol back home. They demanded the bar tender to conjure a unique concoction
that could best compliment their bliss.
The bartender, at his innovative best mixed Gin with an
array of fruit juices to create that special blend and just when the sailors
thought the best was over, he set fire to the alcohol as he pored the flaming
liquid gracefully into the drink. On taking a sip, the sailors were so
spellbound that they demanded a name and on invite of the Bar Tender, they
stood up raised their glasses and christened the drink to be “The Harbour since 1933” a name that
has still stuck on.
Today, however, a lot has changed. Tehmton Mistry, a pillar
of the Hotel and having worked for over 32 years mentions that the bar has
changed its look to keep with the times. From unique artworks done by Rajesh
Pullevar and Ram Kumar to the furniture and even the Bar Counter, the Bar is
made to give that truly Bombay feel.
Even the cocktail has survived many a marketing adversity
over the years and has managed to still grace the pallets of the bewildered
tourists who come with curiosity but leave in enchantment. Even though the
enactment of the story is done with fervour and former staff like Salim from
stewarding who specially crafted six stands to enhance the heating of the
alcohol, the cocktail has managed to capture and retain its identity in a world
where innovation and trends rule.
If you pass by the southern tip of Historic British Bombay,
drop in at the Harbour Bar and be a part of a legacy that even the Second World
War nor the Birth of the World’s most populous democracy could not wipe out!
CHEERS!
Old Harbour Bar
"Harbour Bar 1933" drink at Harbour Bar at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, India. December 30, 2013
It’s 7 am. The air feels cool. Mumbai’s pride; Marine
Drive, is awake and alive. The broad promenade stretches along the Arabian Sea.
In the evening, the shining lampposts form a necklace, the Queen’s Necklace as
they call it. Beautifully rounded,
accompanied by the waves that steadily hit the rocks. But it’s early morning
now, the sun is about to rise and break through the morning mist. A faint
breeze strokes my chin as I listen to the ever present Mumbai crows.
To the north, the skyline stretches towards the sky, mostly
made by the high-risebuildings offancy Malabar Hills. They seem quite a
distance away behind a haze of mist, or smog as it might well be. I turn around
and my gaze falls on the Air India building, who has become my landmark. Tall
hotels together with ordinary corporate buildings form the Northern skyline. People
come to work here, but right now, people come to walk.
They walk alone, or in pairs. In long strides, and
short strides. The men, retired perhaps – in their white, big jogging shoes. Loose
trousers, shirts with rolled up sleeves. Some stroll along leisurely, some walk
briskly. They walk the talk. Old colleagues, neighbours, brothers, friends.
Twos and threes, sometimes in fours.
Then there is the retired couples; the women in their
salwar kameez and a woollen cardigan on top of it. It’s still cool for a
Mumbaikar. The wide trousers flutter around old legs above big shoes. Good
shoes. They don’t talk, there is no need. They walk. Before the sun emerges and
makes walking unbearable. Some wear track suits, swinging their arms energetically
from side to side.
An old woman walks towards me, she is wearing a burka.
She sits down next to me, breathes heavily. She seems distressed, restless.
After a while she heaves her heavy body and leaves, perhaps she needed a rest.
A suffering body or a suffering mind.
A young man is chasing a football, all by himself. The
ball goes this way and that, always captured by the man who puts it back on
track. He’s moving along with the ball, in between people. Nobody interferes. I
follow him with my gaze, soon the restless figure is lost among the people.
The stream of people thickens. The sun is about to
break. Four women are sitting side by side, chanting. Om, they chant. Ooomm... They are unmoved by the stream of people, by
the looks of any odd tourist. Closed eyes & deep in concentration.
The concrete wall along the promenade doubles as a
bench. People also walk on top of it, or they sit down cross legged with their faces
turned towards the sea. Contemplating; about the day that lies ahead or even
life itself…
Even at this hour, some young couples sit close together, captured in secrecy
perhaps, a more than common sight in the evening. Some do yoga, stretching
their bodies towards the soft sky. Some is lost to the world in deep
meditation. Or, we simply let our gaze wander. Up and down the promenade.
Thinking how lucky this overcrowded, polluted, dirty megalopolis is to have
such freedom and space for everybody to share.
The joggers emerge among the walkers. Long trousers,
short trousers. A woman in a sari even. Chubby young girls adamant on losing a
few kilos, their feet heavily touching ground. Sweaty foreheads come alone, but
also in pairs. Mutual struggle. Mutual pain. Being two is always a small
comfort. Athletic men in shorts glide along, fancy sun glasses, even more fancy
shoes. Expats trying to keep fit, trying to beat the forever-glaring sun,
trying to keep up a lifestyle from colder countries. Foreign business men from
nearby hotels follow suit.
But people mostly walk. Arms swinging from side to
side. Stretching limbs as they walk. Serious looks on their faces. Trying to
fight old age. Middle aged women in western clothes and big sunglasses walking
fast and furious. Fighting yesterday’s many-a-tantalizing laddoo. Young girls
in threes and fours. Serious sometimes if not giggling, discussing that very
special boy in school. Avoiding the many stray dogs that scuttle about. And
there he is; the little boy with the monkey in a chain. Frowned upon by the regulars,
but always attracting interest from tourists before they realise he’s not there
to entertain, but to earn a living.
I’m leaving, still not at risk while crossing the
street. Walking towards the Air India building, and then straight ahead on
uneven sidewalks towards Colaba. The odd stalls are coming to life along the
way, people are queueing for their buses, the Oval Maidan is quiet, but the
traffic is picking up as I reach the other side of the city where the sun has
hit the Indian Sea with full force.
Anne-Trine Benjaminsen lives in Stavanger, Norway.She is a frequent traveller to India, and passionate about Indian literature. She works as an in-house journalist/web publisher in the Norwegian oil service industry where she has also taught cross-cultural communication.But as time permits; she tries to pursue different creative projects within writing and photography. She volunteers for the Norwegian development organization Indias Barn (Children of India) as their magazine editor.
“I fell in love with India and Mumbai from the very start. I love the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the chaos and control… the crowds and the crows, the tempting book stores, the many markets, the soothing sea breeze and of course; the magnificent Marine Drive. What more can you ask for…”
Read more about India travels and Indian literature on www.benjamuna.com or email: anne-tb@online.no
It was my
last night in Mumbai. The end of a perfect holiday. But the flight wasn’t due
until 3.30 in the morning. I thought of ways to while away the hours.
“Let’s go
to Leopold’s,” I said to my friends and travel companions. “We need food, we
need to sit down a bit.” They all agreed, and waited for me – still the
experienced one – to find a way to cross the busy Colaba Causeway.
It was
getting dark, traffic had slowed down, the heat was bearable. And then I saw
him, on his motorbike, outside Café Leopold. I spotted him from across the
street, even though my vision always fails me in the twilight. A wave of
sensation surged through my body; could it really be…?
I forgot my friends, crossed the street oblivious to cars in every direction
and went right up to him.
“Shantaram,
is it really you?” (In retrospect, the famous quotation by Henry Morton Stanley upon locating David Livingstone in Africa; “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”now
has a totally new interpretation).
David Gregory
Roberts, the author of almost legendary novel and never-made-it-into-a-movie Shantaram sat astride his huge motorbike,
simply said yes, leaned back and smiled at me.
Words came stumbling out although I felt completely in control. I just couldn’t
believe my luck. People come to Mumbai all the time. His readers and admirers come
to Mumbai all the time, and for them, “Leo” is the number one attraction even
though most of them are reluctant to admit it. The café cum restaurant is full
of mostly young backpackers and they all have this secret hope; to meet him in
person; Shantaram. I shan’t deny it. I have been to “Leo” many a time and you
tend to look around…. Because when you read the book, you really believe
(although wrongly) that this is Robert’s autobiography. And that makes the
8-900 page novel even more intoxicating.
Roberts seemed
perfectly at ease, he must be used to people of all kinds approaching him. He
told me there were a few Scandinavians inside the café tonight, that he had
been to Norway recently, to see his publisher.
I looked over my
shoulders, my friends had been able to cross the street and stood gazing at me
– a very enquiring look on their faces. I could feel their many questions, or
maybe just one;Who on earth is he?
I turned to
Roberts and asked the inevitable question; “Do you mind posing in a photo with
me?”
“Of course,” he said amiably. As in;
I’m all yours. I don’t remember who took the photo, but it’s a good one. Because I look at it
almost every day, a memento in my window sill.
We bade farewell.
I don’t know how long the encounter lasted, I can’t remember exactly what we
said, but I remember the motorbike as it swung out of the pavement and onto
Colaba Causeway, and roared towards the north. The last I saw of him was his
flapping, grey ponytail.
We got ourselves
a table. I did my best to explain, four pairs of ears eagerly tried to grasp
what I said. The noise at “Leo” is almost unbearable. And then I reached for my
cellphone and sent a text message to a booklover friend in Norway; “Guess whom
I just met…”.
Anne-Trine Benjaminsen
lives in Stavanger, Norway.She is a frequent traveller to India, and passionate
about Indian literature. She works as an in-house journalist/web publisher in
the Norwegian oil service industry where she has also taught cross-cultural
communication.But as time permits; she tries to pursue different creative
projects within writing and photography. She volunteers for the Norwegian
development organization Indias Barn
(Children of India) as their magazine editor.
“I fell in love with India
and Mumbai from the very start. I love the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the chaos
and control… the crowds and the crows, the tempting book stores, the many
markets, the soothing sea breeze and of course; the
magnificent Marine Drive. What more can you ask for…”
Read more about India travels and Indian literature on www.benjamuna.com or email: anne-tb@online.no
The below is a Guest Article showcasing the guest's personal impressions of Mumbai during her visit with her future husband in 2013. For more information on the Author, please scroll to the base of the article. ********************************************************************************* Oh, Bombay! Isn’t it the most populous, cosmopolitan, stylish, commercial, liberal, rich, Bollywoodish place in the whole of India? Take my word for that, it is. But also, it is home to infamous Mumbai mafia and the world largest slums (with 60% of Mumbai’s population living there).
Most Indians would still call Mumbai by its British name – Bombay, and there is an on-going debate regarding the original name of the city. Some say, that Mumbai is a derivative of two words “Mumba” (the name of local goddess Mumbadevi) and “aai” (“mother” in Marathi), while Bombay is an anglicized version of Portuguese “Bom Bahia” – “Good Bay”.
Seven original Islands, and later connected by land, today compose the city and like most places in India, its history goes far back in time, precisely to 1508 when the islands were taken by Portuguese from Sultan of Cambay in today's Gujarat. They built a settlement, churches and forts, however, without a clear idea of how to use the islands, they handed them over to England in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine de Braganza when she married Charles II of England. Apparently, the British king had no use of the islands either so, in 1668, he leased them to the East India Company for 10 pounds of gold a year. The Company built the ports and business dominated the center of the city. The construction of the port and trading incentives given to the locals, attracted many industry and business communities to flood the city, thus laying ground to the diversity of the city and its commercial success.
Dimitris and I arrived in Mumbai on time, took a taxi (Rs.500) from the airport and 45 mins later checked-in into a beautiful Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. After 10 days of traveling and staying in different hotels, Taj Mahal Palace was all we wanted from Mumbai and more than we hoped to get from a hotel. It is a piece of art, monument of history and an extraordinary experience, all in one! Upon seeing our room in the Palace section of the hotel, Dimitris let go his subconscious desire never leave the hotel for the entire stay in Mumbai and frankly speaking, neither did I!
This stunning hotel is today Mumbai’s landmark and perhaps, one of the most famous hotels in the World. But of course, it is not the marble or design, the cotton count of the sheets or the bathroom toiletries that make this hotel great, it is the impeccable and attentive service, the “extra mile” the staff were willing to go in order for us to enjoy ourselves and of course, it is a “wow” effect we got from pretty much everything – and to name a few : beautiful Tibetan mandalas in the room and access to an Oxford-like lounge with drinks that compliment the mood. I was rest assured that me insisting to stay at this particular hotel was indeed wise and no less than a fairy tale relived.
After dropping off our luggage, we went for dinner to the Zodiac Grill - one of the best romantic restaurants we’ve ever been to. We ordered non-vegetarian tasting menus for both and spent an evening, worshiped by the attention of our two Goan servers, Anthony and Domnic. They were professional, well-mannered and delightfully pleasant. Our first evening in Mumbai gave a promising start and well-needed refuge!
The next morning, after having our morning coffee at the lounge, we came to the concierge desk to find out about things to do in Mumbai and Viren A. D’Sa, the Taj’s Experience Manager, whom we approached, turned out to be, an experience in himself. He, perhaps is one of the best people suitable for the hospitality business from whom I have ever met (but I guess it applies to everyone we met at the Taj). He was super knowledgeable, entertaining and friendly. He wasn’t a concierge (and he seemed to be on the run when we approached the desk), nevertheless, he spent 15 minutes telling us where to go and what to see in details. We grabbed the map he handed to us and walked out eager to explore.
Unlike Delhi, Mumbai has very few things to see. Indeed, Brits invested in building the city center, but after the Independence, Indian’s zeal to wipe away all traces of colonial rule was, unfortunately, not matched by the same enthusiasm to build a new city. Skyscrapers popped up in some parts of the city and old Victorian buildings were given names that a non-Hindi speaking person could never pronounce, but most of Colaba (southern Mumbai, where we stayed) represents a fair amount of Art-Deco buildings in a pretty good conditions.
In general, we thought that Mumbai was by far the cleanest and most organized place we have seenduring our visit in India, perhaps, it is partially due to a ban on tuk-tuks within 20 kms of city center. Our taxi driver told us that the reason for it was that “tuk-tuks don’t follow the traffic regulations and create chaos in the city”, as if the rest followed traffic regulations?!
Our goal was to check out Victoria Terminus Train Station building (locally known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), which indeed had the most extravagant Gothic architecture of all. As historian Christopher London put it “the Victoria Terminus is to the British Raj what the Taj Mahal is to the Mughal empire”. Designed by F. Stevens, it was completed in 1887 and today, it is Asia’s busiest train station and a World Heritage sight as well. True to its reputation, it was so overflown with people that it forced us to run away and look for a refuge at the Crawford Market.
As Viren told us, Crawford market was a place where we could buy everything and he meant “e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g”, from fruits to postcards to souvenirs to puppies.
As it was Sunday, half of the market was closed, so while trying to get rid of an “I-am-a-security-and-you-can’t-walk-on-your-own-here annoying man, we checked out a few cute pets and took a taxi (Rs.70) to Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty, also known as Corniche and “the Queen’s Necklace” to enjoy warm (+30C) weather and a beautiful Arabian Sea sunset.
Dinner at Leopold's Cafe
We took a taxi back and before going to the hotel, walked around the Gateway of India monument for some fantastic shoots. It was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of George V, but not completed until 1924. At any time of the day, it was always full of locals, taking pictures and people-watching.
After returning to the hotel, we grabbed some snacks at the lounge and went to a famous (read “Shantaram“) and super busy Leopold Cafe for dinner.
Dimitris and I planned to meet our classmate Mihir the next day at 5 pm, to attend a tour of Taj Mahal Palace together. It was a fascinating story of the hotel, told by our favorite person at the Taj – Viren. I believe many hotels in the world could borrow an idea and start organizing hotel tours, but very few of them would have such a vibrant and eventful history as Taj Mahal Place, from its inception in 1903 to the terrorist attack in 2008 to the current celebs staying at the hotel (Scarlet Johansson and Russell Brand).
After the tour, we dropped by Sea Loungefor some tea and juice before heading toKhyber restaurant, highly recommended by everyone in Mumbai.It is a lovely, lavishly decorated restaurant serving a north India cuisine. We ordered an appetizer and some samples of meet kebab for the main course, as well as desserts. Everything was delicious.
After dinner, we continued to the stylish Harbour Bar, back at Taj Mahal Palace – the first bar in Mumbai to acquire a liquor license in 1933 – to try their signature cocktail from the Prohibition era. The story behind the cocktail is that a few Americans who had their boat moored by the Gateway of India heard about the abolition of prohibition in the US, entered the Harbour Bar to celebrate and demanded a cocktail which would blow them away. The bartender used Indian fruit juices to concoct a cocktail that is now known as Harbour Bar 1933. Our bartender came to the table to demonstrate the preparation of the drink before our eyes. Not only was his show impressive, but also the drink was delicious.
After saying goodbyes to Mihir, we went back to our room to pack and get some sleep before flying off to Mysore.
Mumbai, though rich in history, for us, it was a piece of paradise because of Taj Mahal Palace. So, my advice if you plan to visit Mumbai – book the Taj, get your swimming attire in order and enjoy the amenities! The rest of the world can wait!
Sviatlana Tsiaseika-Economou is an event planner living in
New York. Born in Minsk, Belarus, she graduated from Oxford, UK and has become
today, by passion a proud world traveler and history aficionado.
She visited India with her, now become, husband, to attend the Dalai Lama
teachings in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India.
If you would like to read more of her articles please log on to : www.svetanyc.com
Profession: Actor, Comedian and Television Personality
World Map: Mumbai , India
Suresh Menon is a successful and celebrated television personality who has worked in many a Bollywood Movie and even devised a game show that has enthralled many a viewer over the years.Suresh Menon is a successful and celebrated television personality who has worked in many a Bollywood Movie and even devised a game show that has enthralled many a viewer over the years.
Currently, he is also the co founder of ONE (One Entertainment Networks) which is involved in production, curation and aggregation of content across digital platforms. He also records a podcast called 'Kaanmasti' along with VJ Jose.
Lets hear how he became a name to rekon with.....
Q>What is acting to you?
Acting is a life line to me. Its as natural as breathing fresh oxygen, something that I want to do day in and day out. It is as natural as my beating heart.
Q> Is it easy to be an actor or a television star in today’s world? Could you endorse or dispel the myth of the need for a Godfather over Pure Talent for making it in this industry?
God fathers are essential but the hand of God is necessary to push you in the correct direction. So start dreaming start planning. Knock at the correct doors and of course the most important is to show case your talent.
TV is always a great place to start. Shahrukh Khan started off from TV and look where he is now…he did not have any God fathers just his parents blessings and loads of confidence and talent. Its all about being at the right place at the right time.
Q>What were the initial difficulties you faced when making acting your career? And the small moments that inspired you to be steadfast in your perseverence?
Well, I faced a lot of difficulties especially being a south Indian as no one took me seriously . Parents were shocked when I wanted to quit my job in Times of India and start struggling in the Industry. My spoken hindi was not that great, but I told my father that I wanted to try and not later on in my life look back and say I should have /could have tried. My father said “son whatever you do, do it with your heart and soul and never get defeated by rejection". My close friend Srinivasan said go for it you have it in you and I never stopped after that with God’s grace, the best wishes of Srini and the blessings of my Parents I persevered.
Q>What has been your greatest achievement in your professional life? What did you have to give up to reach it? Was it worth the while?
If you chase any dream that you want in your life time, sacrifice is the one thing that you cannot avoid. Being focused requires you to forgo a lot of things right from family life to parties, events and occasions. There are times when personal tragedies also took a back seat when I was shooting .
I miss spending time with my family for sure but I am the happiest when I am on a shooting floor.
Q> How do you strike a balance between work and family? Is there any support or pressure?
My wife Shurobi is a well known Music Video Director/Producer, so she understands the time I have to put in to make my career. Yes I do make that much of efforts to go on small vacations or drive to Goa with Shurobi and the kids . There is pressure from within but total support from the family.
Q>How as your present helped you in your future professional goals?
I personally believe that my Present revolves around dreaming of the future and my future is dreaming of the past. Whatever we see today, grows tomorrow into something we aspired for since a long time.
Q> How have you been able to keep in touch with the ones that have made you who you are today? Is it important to do so?
I have never forgotten Javedsyed from 20th century Finance who introduced me to Imtiaz Merchant, the one who, on a hunch, sent me to RK studio to audition for a lead role in a film….which I sadly did not get, but set my mind racing into looking at new career possibilities .
My late Parents who I know would be so proud of me. My wife and kids who bear my absence with lot of humour and my dear Srinivasan who guides me always.
Q> If given a choice to chose an alternate career what would you have chosen and why?
Cricket for sure, would have loved to be a cricketer. I approach life itself as a cricket match.
Take guard every year to play a really long innings sometimes there are difficult moments in life when I have to play defensive, sometimes attack …..
Q> How do you give back to the community or society you indirectly support through your work?
By doing what I always do entertain the world ….and encourage young talent
The city of Mumbai has always prided itself to be a Westernized and cosmopolitan city whose people are both belonging to varied faiths and strata of emotional and literal intelligence. And though this financial hub, of the seventh largest nation in the world, is fast becoming a haven for the hard workers and the wealth inheritors, the city has overtime, amassed many a story whose tales have both contributed and inspired the social and economic fabric of a modern metropolis.
Nestled just beyond the reach of the original seven islands of the now city that never sleeps, Bandra or Bandora was the last outpost of the Portuguese on mainland India. Bandra only developed as a trading post in 1505 when the then Portuguese Viceory Dom Francisco de Almeida enroute to finding the Lisboa of the East [Panjim], set up base here.
Bandra came into full Portuguese possession with the Sultanate of Cambay ceding the region in the Treaty of St Matthew signed aboard the Portuguese brigSt. Matthew inBaçaimharbor in 1534. The first Christian missionaries however to set foot on this land were the Jesuits [Society of Jesus] upon receiving a Royal Confirmation of Permission in 1570 by the Portuguese Crown. They built St. Anne's (Santa Anna) College and Church in Bandra, the first church here.
The Portuguese then built additional churches in the area following the transfer of the Bombay Islands in 1661 [Not including Bandra] to the British as a part of the Marriage treaty between Catherine of Bragança of Portugal and Charles II of England. Upon learning the local languages and through their works of social service, the Jesuits today enjoy the support of six catholic parishes;Mount Carmel St. Peter's, St. Andrew's, St. Theresa's, St. Anne's and St. Francis D'Assissi, that lie within an area of four square kilometres of each other.
The Jesuits controlled Bandra till 1739 when they approached the British for help against the invading Maratha Army. This led to, against their will, the destruction of many Portuguese bastions including St. Anne’s college and Bandra Fort as precaution against the Marathas using them as bases to attack the then islands of Bombay.
Statues brought in by German Missionaries are more than a hundred
years old each and in good condition
Today Bandra, has retained its distinct identity of being a quaint hamlet with its open spaces, historic and colourful buildings of varied eras intertwined with bikes and people who criss cross the inner lanes riddled with antique Christian crosses and East Indian Homes. One can even spot a taste of Bollywood being splashed by artists onto the public walls of heritage houses in a bid to maintain and decorate a village of simple folk who have seemed to be lost in a world oblivious to the construction boom that soon will threaten their very existence.
But among the varied monuments Bandra has to offer the discerning tourist, Saint Peter’s Church and community does stand out. Originally built in 1852 and then redone in 1938 in the Romanesque style, Saint Peter’s started out as a shrine nestled among fishing villages. It has today become the pride of a Christian Community whose values encircle around service and community spirit. Even amongst Christian communities in the rest of the city, such tight nit bonds and ties among families led by the service and works of the Jesuits who lead them has been exemplary.
Being an innocuous tourist wandering in search of a story of a rich past, I ended up being welcomed in open hands by a community I would now proudly call my own. From the youth who proudly showcased to me the wealth of art and sculptured that were amassed by the once Swiss-German Missionaries who stayed here and who were either detained or deported by the British during the First World War, but whose statues have stood the test of time, being worshiped a hundred years since their arrivals; to the gentle embrace and family like attitude of the elderly whose hospitality and kindness could inspire many a poet. Its not uncommon to be invited to a home for tea or even convert passers-by into friends. The gaothans nestled in Chapel Road, Veronica Road and Rebello Road among many are simply a place of joy and a time lost serving as gentle reminders through the beauty of their architecture and the attitude of their people on what a community should be and what we stake to loose with the rise of a concrete jungle.
I felt I was truly in a simple quaint neighbourhood where people were more one than many. This being an irony when I come from the city beyond where as the cold winds blowing through the skyscrapers, one does feel lonely even if in a crowd. There is a sense of love and community spirit irrespective to who or what you are for here you are first human then the identity of your choice.
I would always treasure my maiden visit to Bandra as a townie and this hamlet, one among many, has shown me a new way of living my life; a lesson we all need in world where the Rupee replaces the Divine.
When was the last time you went to Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai’s
crowded southern end, at 7am just for a juicy piece of toasted bread? Don’t
worry that’s the same shock that came to my head until my friend coaxed me to
bite away the nights sleepy grip on me to go on an adventurous trail in the
most unsuspecting locations of Mumbai!
So what is this famed toast you say? Well its simply freshly
baked soft bread fried on a hot plate doused in butter. Now though you may
assume the recipe to be the ordinary, its simplicity and cost of INR 10/- only
is what draws many a wanderer to its den.
A plate or two of this toast coupled with hot tea perfect start to a
winters day immersed in shopping for clothes, antiques and hardware items.
Don’t forget to catch the action outside the café where early morning salesmen
will flaunt their apparels to a bustling crowd of takers that will redefine
your concept of morning calm!
