This Week In Culture: A Coffee Takeover, A Guide To Mushrooms In Bangalore, & Much More

Sure, the price hike on Jio data packs stings a little but did you ever think you'd see Kim Kardashian serve food in a bhandara at the Iskcon temple? There is truly some sort of multiverse of madness thing going on. This marathon of a wedding has brought us global icons that would probably have never thought of an India tour.

And to be honest, no matter how much we criticize this extravaganza, it's in our Indian genes to go all out for a wedding. This is also not much different than a bunch of people going on a submarine to look for the Titanic. Bllionares are going to do dumb billionare things so sit back and enjoy the memes. 

If you're overstimulated by the grand display of wealth and general vapidness, we have the perfect remedy: the Homegrown Culture Bulletin. It’s where the underdog artists are cooking up their own feast of stories, art, music and films. They've always got your back. Here's what we have for you this week:

Pushtaini By Vinod Rawat

Pushtaini is a captivating independent film in its truest sense that delves into the struggles of an aspiring actor named Bhupinder. This thought-provoking drama isn't your typical coming-of-age story. It sheds light on the harsh realities of the film industry and the dark side of ambition, all while tackling the rarely discussed issue of sexual exploitation of men. Pushtaini's powerful storytelling and Bhupinder's journey of resilience will stay with you long after the credits roll, not just because of the narrative but also the performances by Vinod's real family members, who play themselves in the film.

Check it out here.

Palate Cleanser By GRAINE

Graine is a fashion brand that offers a refreshing take on contemporary Indian fashion. Founded by twin sisters Harshna Kandhari and Mannat Sethi, the brand draws its strength from their contrasting talents. Harshna's business acumen steers the brand's direction, while Mannat's artistic vision, fueled by her love of history and fashion design, brings their creations to life. Graine's signature style lies in the way it contemporizes beloved Indian techniques like chikankari embroidery by incorporating unexpected elements such as recycled rubber from old bicycle tires. Their latest collection, aptly named ‘Palate Cleanser’, perfectly embodies this philosophy. It's a collection of eclectic designs that serve as a metaphor for life's transitions, offering wearers a sense of renewal and quiet inspiration.

Check it out here.

Homegrown Products Intersecting Skincare & Makeup

Multi-purpose beauty products are on the rise! Forget complicated routines – a new wave of Indian brands are merging skincare and makeup. We're cutting down the products we use on our face and all that layering by getting the goodness of both care and beauty together. These innovative products cater to our busy lives and our desire for healthy, beautiful skin.

Check them out here.

Mosaic Of Modernity At Gallery G

Experience the evolution of Indian art at the Mosaic of Modernity exhibition, a group show at Gallery G in Bangalore. This exhibition, running from July 15 to August 15, showcases the works of eight talented artists, each bringing their unique perspective and medium to the table. Explore a diverse range of styles, featuring artists like Jai Khanna, Dinesh Magar, Aarohi Singh, Damodar Aware, Luna Biswas and more. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant landscape of contemporary Indian art.

Check it out here.

NAZAR By Adil x Aksomaniac

Indian producer Adil joins forces with genre-bending pianist Aksomaniac to craft ‘Nazar’, a song that transcends language barriers fusing soulful Malayalam R&B with infectious desi hip-hop beats. Aksomaniac's introspective Malayalam lyrics express a deep longing, while Adil's confident rap verses provide a dynamic contrast. The interplay of languages, genres, and emotions creates a fresh and original sound. Even for listeners unfamiliar with Malayalam, the track’s magic shines through; offering a beautiful exploration of love, longing, and cultural exchange.

Check it out here.

Mushrooms Of Uru By Nuvedo

Unveiling the hidden world beneath Bangalore's botanical gardens is Nuvedo, a company passionate about mushrooms.  They’ve launched a Mushrooms of Ooru field guide that sheds light on the fascinating fungi ecosystem thriving in the city's well-known Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and Cubbon Park. This beautifully illustrated guide empowers Bengalureans to identify fungi species through easy-to-use keys, fostering a connection between the city's residents and the unseen network of organisms silently sustaining their urban ecosystem.

Check it out here.

Coffee Takeover At Veronica’s

Calling all coffee aficionados! Bandra's beloved Veronica's is teaming up with Kerehaklu, a renowned Chikmagalur estate, for a special Coffee Takeover weekend. This event will allow you explore the world of specialty coffee where you can sip on unique brews like the Salty Twist or the vegan White Tiger, and learn from the experts themselves. Kerehaklu, a family-run estate steeped in tradition, uses their expertise to craft exceptional coffees. Throughout the weekend, Veronica's will be transformed into a haven for coffee lovers, while on Sunday, an immersive workshop led by Kerehaklu's Pranoy Thipaiah will teach you the art of coffee tasting and appreciation. It’s the perfect way to take your weekend up a notch! 

Check it out here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown: 

Travel Back In Time At A Mumbai Auction Of Rare Treasures From Across Indian History

'Masala Lab' Is A New Homegrown Board Game That's Based Entirely On Indian Cuisine

A Rohit Vohra Photoseries Captures The Spiritual Essence Of India's Riverside Communities