Blast from the Past

After driving past the massive hoardings everyday, this weekend I finally saw the newest production at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon. I'm so happy to see musicals finding their own niche here in the NCR . . . even if they don't sway too far from the typical Bollywood formula. 

Jhumroo - a tribute to the legendary Kishore Kumar directed by Vikranth Pawar, was far more fun than I expected: beautifully designed sets and lighting, elaborate costumes and supremely energetic dancers all complimenting a pretty creative story line. I believe the two lead actors (Gaurav Gera and Shweta Gulati) have quite a fan following thanks to their TV shows, but I wasn't familiar with their work - and was pleasantly surprised. Some of the scenes were hilarious, some stretched far too long, but overall it was entertaining. Also surprising - how happily people from the audience got up in their seats to dance with the actors . . . I know, we really love filmy music.

I won't ruin the story for those who intend to watch this 'musical comedy', but suffice it to say that if you're a fan of Kishore Kumar, you will not regret making the trek to see Jhumroo.

5 Podcasts You Need to Hear

Want to know how to make traffic more fun? Listen to a great podcast. Here are five of my favourites. There are so many incredible ones out there, and on so many different themes, that there's definitely something for everyone. These five are a great introduction to the podcast world which, by the way, is seriously addictive.

Other People with Brad Listi is a podcast hosted by Brad Listi, the founder of The Nervous Breakdown, an online culture and literary magazine. He brings on interesting guests from the literary world and talks to them about pretty much everything. It’s a good show for anyone interested in books or hearing famous writers talk about their work and lives. The latest episode features Cheryl Strayed.

Hosted by Kurt Anderson, this award winning show is a guide to what’s hip and happening in the world of arts and culture. Featuring artists, movie stars, writers, dancers, anyone who’s making the news, this podcast always has intelligent conversation and something to give. This week’s show focuses on Comic Con 2012.

The JV Club is hosted by Janet Varney, a comedienne and writer who brings on exciting, intersting women to talk about their teenage years and what their lives were like growing up. This is a relatively new podcast on The Nerdist, but I’ve loved every episode. The first guest on this show was Christina Hendricks!

The Crush is the perfect show if you like knowing all things wine, but hate the pretentiousness. Hosted by lovely and extremely knowledgeable ladies Whitney and Christina, this is one of my favourite podcasts because it’s informative while remaining chatty and fresh.

The Joy the Baker Podcast is a silly, funny and irreverant look at the crazy lives and foodie loves of two very popular food bloggers, Joy Wilson and Tracy Benjamin. This is a great podcast if you feel like listening to something that will cheer you up and take your mind off things. 

Happy listening and have a great drive home today. Here comes the weekend!

Everyday Indulgences

I make my day a little more special by peppering it with these luxuries. They make me feel very indulged, and are totally worth it in my book (titled How to Pamper Yourself All the Time and Justify It in the Name of Self-Improvement).

1. Morning cuppa: For me nothing beats a good, aromatic cup of coffee at the start of the day. I get mine from the Orange County plantation in Coorg whose environmentally-friendly philosophy I really admire.
2. New podcasts to hear while driving: I eagerly wait for new podcasts from my favourite shows because they change my drive time and somehow make me feel smarter and more in-the-know. Anything to develop these facets of my brain, she said.
3. Perfume: The woodsy, citrusy perfume Escale à Pondichéry makes me feel like I’m on a holiday. Could one ask for more from a perfume?
4. The perfect everyday lipstick: I finally found the right shade for me. A small step towards my dream of looking like the girls I saw cycling to work in Amsterdam/all over Europe - immaculately made up but very natural. Seriously, how do they do it?
5. Ordering an eagerly anticipated book online: Nothing to beat finding/ordering a book you’ve been looking forward to for ages - in my case right now it's Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
6. Soaking my feet in warm water at the end of the day: Sooo good for tired feet.
7. Pine-scented soy candles: I love the candles made by Niana; they spread their fragrance lightly through the room and are most relaxing. Home spa, if you will.
8. Random email/text chats with my BFFs: Life updates, gossip and randomness in short sentences is guaranteed to brighten the day.
9. Balsamic vinegar and freshly cut mango: Balsamic + any sweet fruit + salt is a match made in heaven. You have to try this.
10. Fancy skincare products: Judge me if you will, but I have a weakness for all things skincare. I guess I'm a believer. They make my day (ahem, while preparing me for the onslaught of age and pollution of course). Thank you, Visionnaire!

What are your little indulgences through the day? I'm sure everyone has some? I can't be the only one with a neon sign over my head . . . 

A Song for Monday

PACK UP - ELIZA DOOLITTLE

I get tired, and upset
And I’m trying to care a little less
When I google I only get depressed 
I was taught to dodge those issues, I was told:
Don’t worry, there’s no doubt
There’s always something to cry about
When you’re stuck in an angry crowd
They don’t think what they say before they open their mouth, you gotta


Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag
And bury them beneath the sea
I don’t care what the people may say
What the people may say about me
Pack up your troubles, get your old grin back
Don’t worry about the cavalries
I don’t care what the whisperers say
'Cause they whisper too loud for me


A hot topic,
Maybe I should drop it,
It’s a touchy subject,
And I like to tiptoe 'round the shit going down,
You got penny, no pound
So if your business is running out
It’s not my business to talk about
They don’t think what they say before they open their mouth, you gotta


Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag
And bury them beneath the sea
I don’t care what the people may say
What the people may say about me
Pack up your troubles, get your old grin back
Don’t worry about the cavalries
I don’t care what the whisperers say
'Cause they whisper too loud for me


It's just to test your ability
Let's count from one to infinity
Don't rock the boat, gotta let it be
Gotta let it go