Tell Your Partner That You Love Them; Image by Doug

In the humdrum city-life of Mumbai, chaos begins the moment you open your eyes in the morning. When one gets busy, relationships are the first things to suffer a setback as one tries making times for things that are more pressing and urgent. No one really likes taking relationships for granted, so here are some ways of helping you make time for romance despite your demanding schedule: 

• Get Away From Your Gadget And Gizmos!
  You are home after a hard day of work. Instead of relaxing by watching television or surfing the internet, spend time with your partner. Find out what transpired during the course of the day. Sometimes, having a conversation with someone you love is a good way of not just easing stress but lending a listening ear makes one feel cared for and brings back the romance in your life.

• Appreciate.
  When was the last time you gave a compliment to your partner or thanked him or her for the difference he or she makes to your world? Send a text to your partner on your way to work telling her how amazing they are! Or write them a snail-mail – no one does that anymore. It will be a lovely surprise!

• Have Fun!
  Instead of settling down to routine-life, do things together that you find fun and pleasing. This can include taking your partner dancing, staying at home and playing a board-game or simply acting like kids while washing the dishes! Play is a good way of connecting with your partner.
• Plan Date-Nights Well In Advance.
  We all have important meetings lined up and pending reports to complete. Just like you squeeze time for all the last-minute work that comes your way, schedule an evening just for you and your partner. It can be a movie-date, a quiet dinner for just the two of you or you could combine both and take her to a movie followed by a romantic, candle-light dinner. Knowing that your partner has time for you despite his or her busy schedule is always a turn-on!
• Pamper Yourself And Your Partner.
  Book a couple’s massage, and treat yourself and your partner to a wonderful time of indulgence. Not only will you be feeling relaxed and rejuvenated but the romantic spark will also be revived. You can also offer to give your partner a body massage and have them do the same for you.
• Set The Stage For Romance.
  We are so absorbed in our daily lives that we don’t stop to even pay attention to our self. How can we then expect our partner to be more romantic around us? Put in some effort to groom yourself and dress up. Look your seductive best, cook a meal for just the two of you, put on some soft music and set the stage for your partner to take the act forward.
• Leave Your Work At The Office.
  Many of us return home with piles of work to complete or a long list of emails that we need to respond to. Do not allow your work to interfere with your romantic life. It is alright to talk about your work with your partner but avoid centering all your conversations on career. Focus on knowing more things about each other  and getting to know each other better.
• Be Spontaneous.
  For many of us, romance also becomes a routine affair. Try spicing up things every once in a while by surprising your partner with an unexpected gift. Or just whisk your partner on a sudden weekend getaway to make the trip all the more exciting!
• Stay Connected!
  Technology was not devised to serve as a curse in the modern era! Use your phone in between breaks to find out how your partner’s day is going. Stay in touch. Just give them a call and have a two-minute short conversation. It will give you an idea of how your partner’s day is going and help you plan your evenings accordingly.
• Retire To Bed Early.
  Instead of going to bed when you are about to drop down on the floor, go to bed when you are still not completely drained out. Try going to bed an hour before your stipulated sleep-time and give yourself the opportunity to indulge in romance before falling asleep. This will guarantee that you will wake up in the morning with a smile on your face!

Relationships are not easy and keeping romance in them alive is not a simple task. However, with some amount of effort and commitment, it can be easily achieved. What do you do to keep the romance alive in your relationship? Do share your experiences.

Created By Hue Fetish

Hue Fetish
It’s a common saying that good shoes take you to good places, but what about funky, customized, eloquent and descriptive shoes? That’s exactly where Hue Fetish can take you. A company founded by three young professionals – Eric Lobo, Biji Basheer and Johann Matthai – from a Fashion & Lifestyle magazine, Hue Fetish is a result of passion, creativity and personalization.  They personalize your shoes with their unique artwork and guarantee that none of their two designs are the same.

Eric Lobo says, “Painting and sketching were my hobbies and I always wanted to try canvas art. This is when Johann gave me to idea to start using my skills on shoes which is unique and very appealing as many people like having their own distinct style. Initially, I did it only for my friends and with the tremendous response we started Hue Fetish along with Biji who is also a brilliant artist.”

Launched in February 2012, till date Hue Fetish has received great response from people all across India. Their incomparable hand-painted artwork on shoes is also aimed at promoting traditional art through a modern medium. Eric adds, “We want to take traditional art and reach out to the masses. We started off with shoes, now we want to move on to t-shirts or may be the front portion of a guitar and so on. Every product is hand-painted and designed by us from scratch. We only start designing once the order is placed. Designs are made according to the customer’s choice, although we give our inputs for colour schemes and appropriate designs when required.”

Not just limiting their skills to shoes, Hue Fetish has even started personalizing their products according to certain stories. “We’ve had orders coming from couples to put down their story in the form of art on a shoe. Some have even asked us to sketch a portrait for them and we do it,” adds Eric.  They have extended their product lines and customize gifts for people. Hand-painted glass bottles and pop art have made their way into the new products.

Sporting a great one-of-a-kind pair of shoes is a great idea but how long will it lasts? Eric assures that the colours used on the shoe are long lasting and can even be washed. They also offer shoes on a wide range like bata, converse and Jack & Jones so that the quality of the shoe doesn’t compromise the quality of their artwork. So why wait? Fancy an unusual pair of shoes?
Contact: Get in touch with Hue Fetish on hue.fetish@gmail.com for further details.
Price: Rs 2000/- onwards for shoes, Rs 950/- onwards for glass bottles, Rs 2500/- onwards for pop art. They deliver across India with additional delivery charges.

Senso Veg product

Senso Vegetarian Shoes
Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian are considered options for food, but how about a vegetarian shoe? Senso Veg, a new brand under Om Finmart Service Pvt Ltd is a treat to all vegetarians as they sell shoes without harming any animals. Conceptualised by siblings Nilesh and Ritu, Senso Veg aims to plug the gap in the footwear market that is dominated by leather shoes. Ritu says, “We are vegetarians ourselves, and couldn’t find good animal-free footwear in India. After realizing the non-existent market for 100% animal-free shoes, Senso was created to offer comfortable, fashionable and luxurious footwear for vegetarians. With Senso, we wanted to offer our customers products that are against animal cruelty, but do not compromise on quality.”

So how exactly are the shoes vegetarian? Shoes at Senso are especially crafted using high quality Polyurethane materials that offer a brilliant alternative to leather, and with all of the same flexibility, durability, and soft finish that one would expect in any high quality shoe. It can be easily wiped clean with washed with water.

With the aim to promote a vegetarian lifestyle amongst people, Senso wants people to realize that the shoes they wear or the bags they carry are made of leather. Ritu adds, “India has one of the largest vegetarian populations, but we chose to focus only on our eating habits. Many people insist on ‘genuine’ leather products. We are trying to change that. We want to offer quality products so that it’s easy to go animal-free.”

Established in July 2012, Senso Veg is a partnership between two vegetarian friends, one of which has been in the footwear business for over 30 years.  “We initially started selling our products online but owning to the terrific response, we opened our first store in Mulund last September, followed by another branch in Ghatkopar which launched a few weeks back,” adds Ritu.

With such good response, Senso is now also a PETA approved vegan brand as they have managed to raise awareness about cruelty-free footwear. So don’t just eat vegan, wear vegan too!
Contact: Call Senso Veg at 022-25611995 (Mulund Store), 022-21024683 (Ghatkopar Store)
Price: Rs 750/- to Rs 2500/-

Image courtesy: Hue Fetish and Senso Vegetarian

Chicken Sanju Baba

Chicken Sanju Baba at Noor Mohammadi
Apparently the incarcerated star himself is responsible for the genesis of this rather oily and rich chicken dish using whole spices that the Bhendi Bazaar eatery proudly lets one and all know! As it so happens, Sanjay Dutt over dinner once told Noor Mohammadi’s owner Rashidbhai of the special tender chicken dish that he cooks at home. On persuasion, the ‘Deadly Dutt’ rattled off the recipe and the rest is history.
Price: Rs 55
Where: 179, Wazir Bldg, Abdul Hakim Noor Mohammadi Chowk, Bhendi Bazaar. Call 022 234560080 

Deepak Chopra Salad

Deepak Chopra Salad at Serafina
The Mumbai outpost of the fine dining New York Italian restaurant with branches in São Paolo, Moscow and Tokyo is as classy as it can get. But I was a bit taken aback when I spotted a certain ‘D. Chopra Salad’ in the rather extensive menu. Turns out the spiritual guru is a close friend of Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, the duo behind Serafina and they have honoured his friendship by bestowing on him the title of a salad named after him. The salad is a mélange of mixed greens, pears, cherry tomatoes, corn, asparagus, walnuts dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
Price: Available on request
Where: Level 3, Palladium, Phoenix Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. Call 022 40237711/12

Brownie-Chocolate Cheesecake

Bobby Deol Cheescake at Sante
While the curly-haired actor may not have any die-hard fans left, the cheesecake named after him at the Pali Hill delicatessen Sante sure has a huge brigade of ‘lusters’! The Bobby cake is made up of layers of brownie cake with walnuts, caramelised nuts, praline, chocolate mousse and New York cheesecake. Apparently, a few years ago one of the actor’s friends had specially ordered this cake for Bobby who couldn’t get enough of it and kept re-ordering it every now and then, so Milanda Jagtiani, the owner of Sante named the cheesecake after him.
Price: Rs 1,700
Where: Shop Number 1, Sahina Apartment, Pali Market, Bandra (W). Call 022 64522544

…and a couple more around the country
* Salmon Khan at Bangalore’s Monkey Bar
Smoked Salmon with Asian style rice noodles, sweet chilli and peanut dressing, crushed peanuts, sesame oil and basil is a yummy dish in honour of l’enfant terrible Salman Khan.
* Sachin Tendulkar at Goa’s Martin’s Corner
The seafood restaurant has named its spicy, garlic king crabs dish after the little wonder.

Pics courtesy Serafina, www.finelychopped.net, www.mobilefooduploads.com, foodwatchblog.blogspot.com, ooh-look.blogspot.com, Kunal Chandra and Monkey Bar

Image Credit: www.aurorafarms.org

Everyone’s complaining about how the weather has become so unpredictable. The recent tornado in Oklahoma is also being attributed to deforestation by some experts. Then there are posts on Facebook talking about how everyone wants to park their vehicles in the shade but no one wants to plant trees. I recently bumped into a NatGeo image that spoke of the Firecrest, an endangered bird species in the UK, responsible for dispersion of seeds for many tree species. Well, are we doing enough to protect our environment? To celebrate World Environment Day 2013, which falls on 5th June, we bring you a live list of well known NGOs in the city that are doing whatever they can to save our world and make it a greener place.

Mangrove Society of India (Mumbai Chapter)
There’s no denying that mangroves are a really important part of our habitat especially since we have a long coastline. Mangroves protect coastal regions from wave action as they hold the soil together thus preventing erosion. They protect inland areas during storms and minimise damage. This NGO helps in the conservation of mangroves.
Where: Andheri West

Conservation Action Trust
This NGO is mainly focused on providing assistance in the form of technical information, legal advice, aid and equipment to all those who are confronting environmental problems. Currently it is concentrating on protecting the mangroves in Mumbai, helping to solve the tiger crisis and ensuring that forests are not distributed to appease voters.
Where: Ghatkoper West
Contact: 022-25122422/23

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
This membership based NGO is one of the oldest in Mumbai and has been working to protect the environment for the past 127 years. The society is focused on conservation of nature, primarily biological diversity, through action based on research, education and public awareness. BNHS has associated with top corporate names of the likes of Tata Group, Godrej Group and State Bank of India. You must check out its rich collection of animal and plant specimens and of course the library as well. It’s Flamingo Festival 2013, in March was a hit with Mumbaikars.
Where: Kala Ghoda, Fort
Contact: 022-22025481

Clean Mumbai Foundation
Founded in 1992, this NGO has collaborated with colleges like KC College to spread environmental awareness. Last year it even participated in the Kala Ghoda Festival, jointly with other groups where children from Dharavi created music out of waste products.
Where: Colaba
Contact: 022-22044838

I Love Mumbai
This NGO aspires to involve the layman in the contributing to the betterment of the environment. It goes by the  slogan ‘Clean Mumbai, Green Mumbai’ and has been distributing 100,000 free saplings annually, across the city to make this slogan a reality and reduce environmental pollution.
Where: Marine Lines
Contact: 022-22884052

Vanashakti
This group works towards creating environmental awareness and raising funds for conservation and other related projects. Vanashakti primarily advocates the critical role played by forests in human well being. They have many partner NGOs that they support. Of these Ekvira Aii Pratishthan works towards mangrove conservation, New Link Road Residents’ Forum fights encroachment in mangrove areas and Awaaz Foundation focuses on prevention of mining in ecologically sensitive areas apart from noise and marine pollution as well as other environmental issues.
Where: Bhandup East
Contact: 022-22 65291089/22 65255657

Plant & Animals Welfare Society  (PAWS)
This is an independently registered NGO founded in 2002 by likeminded youth who wanted to work in the field of animal welfare and environment protection. Over the years PAWS has raised several pertinent issues concerning the environment and animals.
Where: Bhandup West
Contact: 02225968314

Are you part of any NGO in Mumbai that works towards environmental protection and conservation? Do write to us on story@mumbaimag.com; let’s spread awareness this World Environment Day, June 5.

So let’s take a look at these cultural auditoriums that have hosted and continue to be home to renowned artists and memorable events.

The Manganiyar Seduction at NCPA. Image by roystenabel.com

NCPA – The National Centre for Performing Arts located at Nariman Point is a multipurpose centre that hosts various art forms including dance, music, theatre and more. Started in 1969, it has five auditoriums with different seating capacities to suit the requirement of the event. The ‘Jamshed Baba Theatre’ (1109 seats) is equipped for hosting large-scale cultural events ranging from opera to ballets and so on.

The ‘Tata Theatre’ (1010 seats) was conceived by American architect Philip Johnson and has an excellent acoustic set up making it ideal for cultural art programs. Popularly known as the ‘black box’ venue, the ‘Experimental Theatre’ (285 seats) is an innovative space for unique presentations and productions. NCPA also houses a ‘Dance Theatre’ (178 seats) which hosts intimate dance and music performances while the ‘Little Theatre’ (114 seats) is used for film screenings, workshops and the likes.

The NCPA has hosted grand spectacles such as Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Shiamak Davar’s ‘We care show’, the ET Awards, The Symphony Orchestra of India, various theater festivals and other events. The NCPA is also equipped with a recording studio and an impressive art gallery amongst other things.

Where: NCPA Marg, Nariman Point
Contact: 022 6622 3737

International Women’s Day event at Fine Arts Society. Image by narthaki.com

Fine Arts Society – Situated in Chembur, the Fine Arts Society is an artistic hub not just for Chemburites but people from all over the place. It is one of the few cultural venues in the area and celebrated its Golden Jubilee last year. The ‘Sivaswamy Auditorium’ at Fine Arts has a capacity of 1301 seats set across two levels. It is an apt venue for cultural programs of all types, corporate events, annual day celebrations, educational seminars and more. Orchestras and classical dance performances are organized here on a regular basis.

They have an ‘art plaza’ which can house exhibitions and displays accommodating around 400 people. A ‘mini concert chamber’ is also available for functions with limited number of audience. Artists who have graced the stage here include Sarod maestros Aman and Ayaan Ali Khan, Pandit Jasraj, Danseuse Hema Malini alongwith daughters Esha and Ahana, and many others. The Fine Arts Society is also home to a Music School which trains students in various instruments and vocals too.

Where: The Fine Arts Society, Fine Arts Chowk, Ramakrishna Chemburkar Marg, Chembur
Contact: 022 2522 1504

Hema Malini’s Meera at Shanmukhananda Hall. Image by shanmukhananda.com

Shanmukhananda Hall – The key objective behind the formation of this centre was the promotion of Fine Arts in Mumbai. The Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha & Fine Arts was established in 1952 in Sion and has since then recurrently promoted budding artists, brought established artists closer to their audience and provided a platform for various fine arts. With a capacity of 2763 seats, the ‘Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium’ is a blend of structural engineering and architectural aesthetics where events of various statures can be conducted.

The auditorium where eminent personalities including M. S. Subbulakshmi, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussian, Lata Mangeshkar, a Scottish Hypnotist and even Stephen Hawking have interacted and performed, witnessed its 15000^th performance on May 11^th, 2013. The day was marked with three sessions including a classical and folk dance performance by a Chennai troupe. Shanmukhananda Hall also has two other venues which includes the ‘Padma Ranga Chamber Music Hall’ (125 seats) dedicated to music performances and the ’Jasubhai Convention Hall’ which is perfect for small concerts.

Where: 292, Com. Harbanslal Marg, Sion East
Contact: 022 24078888

Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain performing at Nehru Center. Image by coresectorcommunique.blogspot

Nehru Centre: Best known for the Nehru Planetarium, the Nehru Centre was conceived in 1972 in Worli. The famous edifice also houses a state of the art auditorium, an art gallery and cultural wing amongst other facilities. While the ‘Nehru Centre Auditorium’ has a capacity of 917 seats and is provided for lectures, conferences, company meetings and other activities, the ‘Nehru Centre Art Gallery’ promotes young talent and also exhibits the work of famous painters and sculptors.

They have held exhibitions of celebrated artists including the likes of M.F. Husain, K.K. Hebbar, Prabhakar Barwe, Akbar Padamsee and many others. With a view to encourage young artists, a specially designed ‘Culture Wing’ organizes programs of various performing art forms. Some of their past events include the Kalpana Ek Avishkar Anek – Marathi one act play competition, Basant Bahar – classical musical festival, Parampara – national dance festival, dramas like The Class Act etc.

Where: Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli
Contact:  022 24964676

The East India Co.medy troupe at St.Andrews Auditorium. Image by inonit.com

St. Andrews Auditorium – The St. Andrew’s Auditorium is one of the best equipped college auditoriums and a popular venue for several events. With a seating capacity of 800+, the auditorium at Bandra has an excellent infrastructural system and is used for both in-house and external events. The auditorium has witnessed several plays including the famous Class of 84, The President is coming etc. It has also conducted dance recitals, jazz performances by Legendary Jan Lundgren Trio and Tonbruket, a Blues music concert, stand-up comedy acts, the recent Ghanta Awards and various other presentations.

Where: St. Andrews College, St Domnic Road, Behind Holy Family Hospital, Bandra West
Contact:  022 2642 8684

Gracy Singh performing at Ravindra Natya Mandir. Image by india-forums.com

Ravindra Natya Mandir – Located in Prabhadevi near the Siddhivinayak Temple, Ravindra Natya Mandir is one of the former cultural institutions in the city. There are two auditoriums in the premises. The larger one with a seating capacity of 911 is largely used for classical music and dance performances. The smaller hall is a mini theater with a seating capacity of 199. Dramas, film screenings and other events which require a more intimate setting are organized here. Ravindra Natya Manidr also has an art gallery where various photography and art exhibitions are held. They also host various creative workshops and the recent Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival was held at Ravindra Natya Mandir.

Where: Sayani Marg, Near Siddhivianayak Temple, Prabhadevi
Contact: 022 24312956

National Seminar on Women at Sophia Bhabha Auditorium. Image by WomensSpaces
WomensVoicesInMumbai Facebook.

Sophia Bhabha hall: The Sophia Bhabha Hall which is situated within the campus of Sophia College for Women is a well-known venue for plays, musical events and exhibitions. Formerly the location for a multipurpose hall, the space was transformed in 1977 into the present Sophia Bhabha Hall.  Owned and managed by Sophia College Management, the high-tech auditorium can accommodate over 700 visitors. Some of the events hosted at the venue include an annual exhibition cum sale of the work of students from SPJ Sadhana School, 9 short plays by Rage Productions, a series of lectures by filmmakers in Director’s Special, a Rock night and various such unique events.

Where: Sophia College, Opp Breach Candy Hospital, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Contact: 022 2353 8550

Hindi play Bhamashah at Rangsharda Auditorium. Image by buzzintown.com

Rangsharda: Situated at Bandra Reclamation, the Rangsharda hotel has an auditorium equipped to seat 800 people. One of the famous auditoriums of the city, Rangsharda has witnessed several theatre productions in addition to cultural performances, conferences and other entertainment events. Some of the Hindi plays performed here include ‘Bas Itna Sa Khwab’, ‘Rishto Ka Live Telecast’, ‘Santa Banta Ke Comedy Tadke’ and others. They also host regular workshops for kids and adults, a recent one being a short story writing workshop which was headed by Prasoon Joshi.

Where: Near Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West
Contact:  022 2640 1919

Gujarati play at Kalidas Natya Mandir. Image by mumbaitheatreguide.com

Mahakavi Kalidas Natya Mandir: The Kalidas Natya Mandir at Mulund is a destination frequently visited by theater lovers in the area. With a seating capacity of 1500 people, the auditorium is suitable for seminars, lectures, press conferences etc.  But it’s the dramas and other art performances that regularly pull crowds. The events that have successfully concluded here include ‘Pyar Ke Rang’- a musical evening paying tribute to yesteryear singers, ‘Nayan Ne Bandh Rakhi Ne’ – a performance featuring Gujarati songs and poems and several plays in varied regional languages.

Where: Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi Krida Sankul, Near Pancha Rasta, Purshottam Kheraj Road, Mulund West
Contact: 022 25612722

A marathi play at Shivaji Natya Mandir. Image by burrp.in

Shivaji Natya Mandir: Located at Shivaji Park, Shivaji Natya Mandir has been in existence for over 60 years. The venue has an auditorium which can seat 1032 people and is solely used for Marathi drama and stage performances. They also have a conference hall and art gallery used for book exhibitions and exhibits of other kinds. Several famous plays including ‘Barrister’ by Vikram Gokhale, ‘Family Drama’, ‘Karun Gele Gaav’, ‘Ek Chavat Samdhyakaal’ and others have been showcased here.

Where: NC Kelkar Road, Opp Plaza Cinema, Shivaji Park, Dadar West
Contact: 022 24304566

Don’t forget to keep a tab on the schedules of these venues to catch your favorite artists in action!

Indus Pride Night

Innovation is the key ingredient when it comes to modern brewing. In the last few months we have seen restaurants serving wide varieties of International beers to Mumbaikars and locals taking on the challenge to brew some homemade beer. We were invited to be part of an event last Saturday that promised another one-of-a-kind innovation in beers and how they are presented. Indus Pride curated the third edition of their StrangeBrew experience to present their ‘spicy’ beers collection.

The StrangeBrew Experience involves the curation of contemporary indie music alongside experimental Indian cuisine, paired with the four variants of Indus Pride. These are India’s first specialty beer brewed with authentic Indian spices available in four variants Citrusy Coriander, Citrusy Cardamom, Spicy Fennel and Fiery Cinnamon which were served to the exclusive hand picked guests. The performing musicians curate the entire evening by perfectly pairing the food and the music to go along with the beer brewed with spices aiming to touch all your senses. What was really intriguing was that the invite promised an evening of music and food and drinks specially curated by the performing artist, Karsh Kale Collectiv, who performed at the Blue Frog after a long time. 

Karsh Kale Collectiv Live

The stage was set for Karsh Kale and gang and the evening began with a lot of chit chatting with StupidusMaximus who was hosting the event. The four beers were served in four rounds with hand picked starters to tease the taste buds. Live contests kept the guests busy for a while as gigantic overhead screens displayed live tweets tagged with #StrangeBrew. But when the chatter went on for too long, we did read a few tweets not-too-happy with the ‘plugging of the brand’. The guests wanted more!

Thankfully, the event team reacted quickly and there they were, Karsh Kale Collectiv, live on stage with lots of hooting and sighs of relief from the crowd. The music was intense with Benny Dayal, Shruti Parekh and Shilpa Rao joining in. But before we could start enjoying the music the place got seriously crowded, seriously. (Which is a good thing) At one point we actually stepped out to breathe and were contemplating whether or not to re-enter. And that’s when we noticed a huge queue of people still waiting to get in long after the gates opened, and this was way past midnight. It was clear, Mumbai had been waiting for Karsh Kale Collectiv with bated breath. And yes, our favourite beer will have to be Cinnamon. If you are looking to try something new this weekend, give these spicy beers a shot! Happy Weekend!