Category: Arts

Connections – Nila Madhab Panda

With a three tier name Nila Madhab Panda, Madhab is one of the most unassuming film directors I know.

Back in 2007, whilst researching for an Indian creative associate for my project 60×60 Secs, his name was mentioned several times by different people. 60×60 Secs; one-minute film commissions from Britain India Pakistan to reflect on migration, displacement and cultural identity in the 21st century. Having met several artists in Bombay and Delhi, finding none to be suitable for the project, I met Madhab at Cafe Coffee Day a day before my return. Continue reading Connections – Nila Madhab Panda

Mementoes of my memory tree

May your life always be filled with beautiful, exotic, deep, enriching, blossoming and blissful scents… and may you always know your own and wear it with pride. Gérard

This hand written note on the inside leaf of Patrick Süskind‘s Perfume is a memento which replays the time I had a fling with a young man, a sensitive soul, while I was in my long-term relationship. Whenever the page presents itself, the distant past flashes back. Not that I am a nostalgic by any means… I love memories. Am not attached to them yet they bring a serene joy in my life. Strange though it may sound, in the spring clean, year after year, my stash of troubled moments have been recycled into enchantment. Continue reading Mementoes of my memory tree

Casa Ali July dates & Food4Thought

This month of june has been very exciting indeed. Concocting july menu for my supperclub Casa Ali, developing content for Food4Thought and my birthday according to the Arabic lunar calendar.

Fifty years ago in Bombay, on the eve of 12 January, 15 Shaban Shab-e-Barat (the birthday of 12th Imam Mehdi whom I am named after) as well as the brightest moon of the year celebrated by the hindus – I was born! Lunar calendar days begin at dusk… so my second birthday of this year was technically the evening the super moon graced our skies!

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Continue reading Casa Ali July dates & Food4Thought

Lets call it a Black & White Rice Pudding!

By coincidence, Casa Ali’s first lunch of 2013 and the Chinese New Year, both were on 10th February. A few days before the gathering, I dreamt guests were waiting around as I returned from my grocery shopping. Anxiety dream some would say! I am a good planner though, all was in hand and there was nothing to worry about. The menu was published three weeks in advance and all the dishes were about ready… save the red onion purée I concocted just 24 hours before the event. Continue reading Lets call it a Black & White Rice Pudding!