This Week In Culture: Theatrical Dining, A Caribbean-Themed Festival, & More
Every week, discover a comprehensive guide to culture and lifestyle across India with the Homegrown Bulletin. The #HGBulletin includes creative project launches, drops, the latest releases, and much more.
MUSIC
Prabh Deep's King EP
Prabh Deep's latest EP, 'The KING Returns', marks a significant artistic resurgence as he reflects on his journey over the past year. Comprising six tracks, including standout pieces like 'Babaji,' 'Ethe Rakh,' and 'Bachpan,' the EP showcases his refined sonic vocabulary and addresses themes of self-worth, loss, and artistic confidence. From the poignant introspection of 'Yadaan' following his father's passing to the celebration of brotherhood in 'Daang' set in his old neighborhood, Prabh Deep's genre-defying impact on Indian music is evident. Read more here.
WORKSHOP
Screenprinting with Dirty Hands Co. At AntiSocial
An upcoming event in Mumbai, the 'Cool Kids Print Circus', organized by the Mumbai Print Club and Dirty Hands Co., offers a unique experience for participants to bring their creative ideas to life by designing personalized merchandise such as t-shirts, tote bags, and posters. Attendees can choose from a vibrant collection of designs or bring their own, making it a hands-on and artistic endeavor. Beyond the printing activities, the event promises a lively atmosphere with tasty food, delicious drinks, and vinyl disco music. The gathering encourages attendees to embrace self-expression and creativity in a shared experience with like-minded individuals. With limited seats available and pre-registration required, it's an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a world of art and laughter on January 27 at Antisocial in Mumbai, from 12 pm to 3 pm, for an entry fee of ₹2999. Find out more here.
FASHION
Drugstore Cowboy
Drugstore Cowboy, led by designer Kanika Sethi, challenges conventional fashion norms by rejecting trends and mass production. The brand offers unique, one-of-a-kind pieces available exclusively on their website, emphasizing spontaneity and humor in design. Categorized into collections like '1 of 1' and 'Summer suggested Fabrics', the brand's focus on exclusivity extends to hand-painted and custom pieces. Their offerings also include utilitarian bags, all made in India with heavy, rust-free materials. Despite being an emerging brand, Drugstore Cowboy has gained a dedicated fan base for its commitment to individuality, quality, and authenticity, with best-sellers like the Cotton-Poly Blue-Beige Illustrated Shirt. Read more here.
FOOD & DRINKS
Theatrical Dining Experience
Mumbai's culinary scene is set to embrace a unique experience with 'New India Lodge: Athithi Devo Bhava', an immersive theatrical dining event by paChaak Productions. The event, taking place from January 26 to January 28 at ESBEDA in Mumbai, transports guests to the 1940s, offering a captivating narrative intertwined with a meticulously curated 5-course meal representing various regions of India. This culinary symphony pays homage to the diverse tapestry of Indian cuisine. Encouraging interaction with characters like Bohri and Gujarati tradesmen, Malyali families, and Punjabi brides, the event, written by Shubhra Chatterji and directed by K V Divya Rani, invites guests to become part of the story. Limited seats are available, and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for the three flights of stairs at the venue. Find out more here.
EXHIBITION
JNU Campus Architecture
Discover the architectural brilliance of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the India Art Fair 2024 through 'The Masterplan' exhibition. Curated by the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence and artist Vishal Dar, the exhibition commemorates 50 years of JNU and architect C.P. Kukreja's visionary work. Using drawings and models, it explores the intersections of architecture, citizenship, and nation-building, providing insights into JNU's evolution as a unique South-Asian university model. The immersive exhibition, designed as a studio inside a pavilion, invites dialogue, reflection, and learning about architecture's role in shaping national identity. The India Art Fair 2024 runs from February 1 to February 4. Read the full article here.
FILM
Three Of Us
The film 'Three of Us' defies narrative clichés in its depiction of dementia, moving beyond the typical tragic portrayal of forgetfulness. Skillfully portraying Shailaja Patankar's journey, the film explores the nuanced beginnings of dementia and becomes an exploration of identity, liberating Shailaja from societal constraints. Shefali Shah's masterful performance captures the poignant struggle to preserve intellectual agency amid encroaching unknowns. The film distinguishes itself by avoiding clichés, offering unparalleled sensitivity to the complexities of dementia without hyperfocusing on it. It presents a mosaic of emotions, depicting the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Read more here.
EVENT
Casa BacardÍ Mumbai Festival
Casa BacardÍ Mumbai Festival on 3rd Feb at Radio Club Pier, Colaba. This unique experiential festival brings Caribbean vibes with music, dance, arts, fashion, food, and mixology. Casa Bacardi, 'The House of Moods', debuts in Mumbai, promising a vibrant platform for self-expression and a perpetual tropical "summer state of mind". Expect 5+ music performances, a dance hall & afro beat workshop, a mixology workshop, and pop-ups by next-gen fashion & F&B brands. Lineup announcements next week. RSVP here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
Delhi, Explore The Magic Of Traditional Indian Craftsmanship At 'Craft & Design 2024'
Play A Video Game Inspired By Soviet Children's Literature In Cold War-Era India
Mumbai, Teleport To 1940s India At A One-Of-A-Kind Immersive Theatrical Dining Event
