Category: THE INSPIRATION

Krish Makhija’s ‘Dreaming in Colour’: Silent Cinema and Live Band Spectacle

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I have reached a phase in life where I am actively curating my individual experiences. Maybe it’s got to do with learning how to be more mindful, or perhaps growing up in the city makes it easy to become oversaturated with too much too soon, leaving you yearning for more riveting, unique happenings.

One such event I attended was last night! It was a silent movie screening accompanied by a live band, providing the score. In one word, it was OUTSTANDING. It exceeded my expectations, and here’s why-

1. The what |
‘Dreaming in Colour’ was an event orchestrated by Krish Makhija from Mosambi Juice Productions. He curated and brought this concept of a silent movie screening, with a live band adding a unique score to each film. If you’re not already sold on the idea (as I was), there’s more!

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2. Why |
Inspired by the innovative storytelling of early cinema, Krish curated a set of short films by world-renowned directors such as Méliès, Gaston Velle, and the Lumière Brothers, creating a journey through the (almost) fantastical evolution of cinema and its relationship with colour. The four early silent films featured with a live musical score were:
– L’album Merveilleux (1905) – Gaston Velle
– Cendrillon ou La pantoufle merveilleuse (1912) – George Méliès
– Le Voyage Dans la Lun (1902) – George Méliès
– Le Dirigeable Fantastique (1905) – George Méliès

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A still from Cinderella (1912) directed by Georges Méliès. I call this one ‘The clock strikes xii’ 

3. Who |
The star Band of ultra-talented musicians consisted of – Rohan Rajadhyaksha, Tajdar Junaid, Ajay Jayanthi, Abhinav Khokhar, Ankit Dayal, and Viraj Saxena. Who received a well- deserved round of applause after each film. It’s worth mentioning that the score was entirely original, meticulously crafted in a very short period. Who knew watching a silent film could be so entertaining? (Full 5 stars)

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4. Where |
The event took place at one of my favourite stores in the city- Magnolia. (yes, it’s a furniture store!! and soon to branch into a design studio ) Magnolia is a family-run business consisting of a small, enthusiastic team. They decided to branch out into hosting cultural events. One such occasion was an exhibition of unique objects and artefacts from the personal collection of High Court solicitor Rajan Jayakar, who has been collecting for over fifty years. It was a real treat for us antique lovers!
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The stage was set right in the centre of the store, with a huge projector screen, and the live band was situated between a four-poster bed and a beautiful mirrored console table. I’m pleased to say the band was excellent, and the sound quality was superb.

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we were all given a clipping of an old film strip to take home from the event- it’s the little details that make for a great experience.

I had the chance to ask the team at Magnolia about their challenges in planning such an event and what they hoped the audience would take away from it.

“Trying to turn a primarily retail store into a
viewing space was difficult. We still wanted to retain the space as a store and showcase Magnolia. Apart from that, being confident enough to host so many people was very challenging. However, the response was quite overwhelming and we’re so glad it all worked out.”
5. The Take Away:
A restored faith in cinema. Also the fact that art and culture is no more restricted to gallery or performance spaces.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself—this was a memorable experience. I hope it inspired everyone’s imagination and pursuits. Until next time!

Preserving Traditional Handicrafts: The Ethical Work of Okhai | Blog

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"The hand of a craftsman engaged in his craft is always pure."

In this case, it is the inspiring work of the craftswomen and artisans engaged with Okhai that results in the creation of handicraft products that have nothing but pure and positive intentions! A special thanks to my friend @kometjuice, with whom I spent the past month working at the grassroots level of one of the most ethical NGO’s I know.

I have never before visited a place that felt so serene and exuded such positivity, radiating good vibes 24×7! A place where peacocks are as common as stray dogs, and cows greet you at every corner. Where cycling is second nature and the Milky Way seems just within reach.
Mithapur resembles an oasis in a desolate landscape, with TATA Chemical Plants forming its skyline.

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So….. what is this NGO I’m speaking of and how has it captured my heart?

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Studio SCD | The Source

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One thing that pinches me more than anything else is how people spring for and spend on clothes and accessories so easily but a furniture piece, textile or house accent suddenly doesn’t fit the bill! The later may in-fact cost lesser in many cases. 

“Look at it with a more pragmatic matter-of-fact way, people are willing to take risks on their bodies more than they are for their home.” she says

And true that! People surely do invest more on being in vogue than they do to decorate their homes. But doesn’t your home speak of you just as much?! Well well……we aren’t going to discuss people or philosophies here, we belong to that side of the world where one tassel hanging from the cushioned chair is a treat to the eye and for who the rivets and  nails too need to be plated to match the detail of the intended mood. And before you think otherwise, the world I am talking about is the one where your home and what you come back to everyday  needs to break the mundane and yet fit in as much.

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Kimya Gandhi – Typeface Designer

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You know how teachers and professors at schools and colleges always feed you with rot that everyone is competition and one must beware of even their own shadow!!! I thank my stars (actually my parents) and the people I met that mattered, because of who I got to believe in just the opposite – to be fearless! And as much as I wish every one to work carefree with just all the passion and nothing else …… she truly is fearless – KIMYA GANDHI – my inspiration from the day I have known her!!!

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A Reluctant Super Hero- Himanshu S. |Inspiration|

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I am a traveller, with my car as my office and my two feet as my means of transport. Every single day, I journey from one corner of Mumbai to another, crossing numerous roads, streets, lanes, by-lanes, malls, stores, shops, events, exhibitions, pop-ups, and more to source and plan for the work I do. I call myself a traveller because I encounter countless faces, interact with them, learn about their joys and sorrows, and experience the world through their eyes – Stop. Share. Shop.

Recently, I’ve come across zines and booklets that are all about straightforward, sharp, and somewhat thought-provoking one-liners, messages, and dialogues.

“Everyone is an artist,” he says. “There are no dirty words, only dirty minds,” he adds.

“Stop making sense,” he says. “Let’s be awkward together,” he adds.

“Orgasms are very nice, but revolutions are better,” he says. “Drop out!” he adds…

These are a few lines, or rather titles, from the booklets that first caught my eye. I won’t lie – they looked pretty cool and clean, type-printed on pamphlet paper, single-lined, bound together, and very reasonably priced – so I bought them all! (At least, all the ones on display.) Easy to read and sometimes re-read, each line and every page intrigued me, making them more than just a weekend flip-through but impactful messages written in the simplest way possible.

the purpose is just to be... and in doing so
turn on everybody who can be turned on and 
turn off everybody else...

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