Play time
Raell Padamsee
Favourite Play: Kitchen Katha
A play that I really, really enjoyed and I think should be seen by people across the board is Kitchen Katha. Directed by Neelam Man Singh , and originally written by Surjit Patar, the play is based on Like Water for Chocolate. I don’t remember when I watched it, but it’s something that has stayed with me because it’s an absolutely fantastic, interactive, theatrical experience, where the performers and actors actually prepare a meal on stage. Food and food references and metaphors draw you into the story and are used to subtly reveal a woman’s feelings, desires, miseries... For example, the clanging of vessels is used to punctuate and accentuate strong emotions. The entire play is also extremely graphic... There’s a scene which makes fantastic use of atta, which is extremely effective and impactful emotionally. This play is an absolutely unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Food talk
Ranveer Brar
Favourite Dish: Dorra Kebab
The first time I had Dorra Kebab was at a wedding of the Nawab of Lucknow. Subtly flavoured with sandalwood and rose, these kebabs melt in your mouth. They have travelled with me to most of my restaurants and also represented the country in many cooking competitions. Not only is it my favourite dish but it has also helped me experiment and add my own creativity to make this exquisite dish one of my personal signature dishes. For me, Dorra Kebab is an anytime favorite. I love to cook it and eat it as much as possible.
Reel Watch
Kunal Kohli
Favourite Film: Kabhie Kabhie
My favourite film has to be Kabhie Kabhie. I first saw it as a child and since then have seen it multiple times. Every time I watch the film it teaches me something new, be it in terms of screenplay, direction, music or poetry. It is the best love story ever made. The essence and the passion of the film is soul stirring. There are certain movies that tend to become meaningless due to the glamour after a point in time, but this is not the case with Kabhie Kabhie. Every time I have to take a masterclass, I share examples from this film. It is an ultimate guide for students to learn direction, screenplay, music and acting.
Book mark
Anand Neelakantan
Favourite Book: Catch 22
My favourite book is Catch 22. It is the best anti-war novel I have ever read. It is an example of how satire can be used effectively to drive home a serious point. The characters are vivid and every dialogue, sentence and even word carries weight and depth. I first found the book accidentally in my college library. Though the phrase Catch 22 was quite common, I had no idea how it came about. That was one reason I picked up the book and boy, I was hooked from the first page. Even now, I suspect a Yossarian is hiding somewhere inside me! It changes the perspective and makes us think about the world as one big mental asylum with crazy men and women controlled by crazier leaders. It is hilarious, hard-hitting and relevant in any era and time. That is the mark of a real classic. It is no surprise that it redefined 20th century literature. Catch 22 can change the way we look at life. Life need not be so serious after all. It is one big crazy place and it is exciting to be alive and crazy.
Tune in
Luke Kenny
Favourite Album: Thriller — Michael Jackson (1983)
This was the album that changed my life at a time when Hindi films ruled my consciousness. I had come home from watching an Amitabh Bachchan film one evening and my father had brought this cassette home. He gave it to me and said, listen to this. And the sound exploded in my head as I heard the music. I listened to that album non-stop for the next two weeks or so. Michael Jackson changed music and the music world forever with each of those nine songs. The album is my template if I ever get around to releasing an album.
It’s live!
Shriram Iyer
Favourite Live Performance: Sonu Nigam
I have seen very few singers sing in so much sur throughout the concert! Sonu Nigam’s showmanship is unparallel and he manages to keep the same energy all through his show. The coordination with his band is so nice and must say, can be achieved with a lot of rehearsals. His sound design for the whole concert and the public connect was mind-blowing! When you switch between a song like Abhi Mujme Kahin and Bijuriya Bijuriya which are two extremes, the sound design or the voice generally goes for a toss but not with him... He always sings live, never mimes — only a singer who is so confident of his sur can do that. He is always in pitch, and his energy on stage is infectious. he’s also a style icon, I have never seen another singer try out so many hairstyles and manage to look good in all of them. Hats off to Sonu!
