Roving Eye — Pune

Kolhapuri jhatka
Manas Holiday Resorts was the scene of a wonderfully ethnic combination on Saturday. The Kolhapuri Food Festival along with the lavani show, was just what the palate ordered. After the heavy round of Diwali sweets, the fiery cuisine provided the much-needed change. Guests could be seen tucking with great relish into their Kolhapuri mutton, red with chillies, pandhara rassa liberally garnished with green chillies, tamba, bharlele wangi, matkichi usal, all of which could be had with bhakri or rice. A special chef, brought in to do the honours, provided absolute authenticity in the taste. The spacious grounds, bordering the Bhugaon lake were dotted with little tables so that guests could watch the lavani show while partaking of refreshments.The food festival drew to a grand finale with a cultural programme of the lavani. The star of the show was Madhu Kambikar, known for her dance and acting in Marathi cinema, especially her role in Ek Hota Vidushak.

Madhu, a Kathak exponent, switched over to lavani and is now one of the leading exponents of this form. “Nimble footwork and an extremely mobile expression are her forte. This is not to be confused with with filmi lavani,” explains Sanjay Pawar who had scripted the presentation, adding that “this is the first time that we have performed in open air.”

The show was put up by 32-member Madhupritam Theatres, an experimental theatre group. Set in the form of a musical play, with the dances interspersed with witty dialogue which explained the descent of lavani from a pristine dance form originally performed for the gods and later on in the courts of the Peshwas, who saw it as entertainment. With declining patronage, it descended into a more bawdy form. Presented in a comic style, it was an interesting and informative. Neelam Seolekar, of Manas Resorts, whose brainchild it was to provide a mix of traditional food and culture, was overwhelmed with the response, and feels encouraged to now have shows highlighting other parts of the country too.

Cascading effect
Cascades, the high-profile designer boutique on Boat Club Road, has a stunning addition now. The international designer label, Bisou Bisou has arrived here, with some exotic party and casual wear. Michele and Marc Bohbot from New York City are the brains behind this wear and cater to international celebrities, like Sharon Stone and Goldie Hawn. Bisou Bisou means `a little kiss’ in French and if you look at the body-hugging outfits that are smart and sensational, you will agree that the brand name is apt. The prices though steep include a pleated bustier with a lace trim, short skirts, faux fur jacket, net slip dresses and much more. If you are looking for that particular something to wear for the millennium midnight, maybe, this is just it!

In the limelight
“Confidence is an absolute must,” announced media person Dolly Thakore speaking at a function organised by Aviance at Hotel Aurora Towers this weekend where she was invited to speak on communication and personality development. Full of life and enthusiasm, Thakore held the attention, interspersed with interesting tips and anecdotes from her life.

“While in school, I was the best at elocution, or so I thought, until one day,”related Thakore,“I recited `O’ Captain, My Captain flawlessly, at a competition.” To her surprise, another girl, who had hesitated midway, won the first prize.“I was naturally angry, but learnt an important lesson.” Then, she realised the importance of expressions and gestures. “You must learn to adequately use your eyes, face and hands while speaking.”

She also stressed on the importance of clarity of speech, diction and pitch. Communication is an integral part of our life. Each one of us must master the related skills. Thakore is a natural. But some of the skills are acquired because in her own words,“I love to be in the limelight,” for which effective communication is so important, something which Thakore realises only too well.

Go chomp, chomp
One can always trust Le Meridien to come up with unusual fare. Mexican Nights at La Brasserie is all set to light up their Midnight Buffet. Tacos, tortillas, enchilladas and fajitas with exciting vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings tickle the taste-buds. Alongside runs a Kebab Festival at Chingari. Mouth-watering kebabs in over 150 assorted varieties are served on skewers, straight from the tava/sigdi. All this accompanied by a selection of breads like taftan, sheermal and paratha. The festival is on for three weeks. A time to enjoy with the family.

Cutting edge
After many live shows, this orchestra group will soon release its own album. Led by Pune-based singer Prince Shiraz, the orchestra which goes under the name of the Sunny Stars of Bombay has been playing at various charity shows for the Lions Club and the Cancer Patients’ Aid Association, as well as live performances in the city. The group organised and led by Shiraz is now based in Mumbai and has as its members Kanchan, Nilima, Sushil, Birju with musicians Pranob, Nasir, Mohan and Samir. “The group has performed disco dandiya nites, film star nites and programmes that include best songs of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Their new album includes eight new songs including ghazals.