ARTSCorollary Mythologies--Paintings
by Surendran Nair
(Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai)
The vadodara-based artist has evolved his own vocabulary,
even creating a personal and contemporary mythology in these thought-provoking works of
art. The worlds he portrays, dark and desolate or erotically alive, emerge from belly
buttons. What distinguishes Surendran Nair is the painterly quality of his works, resonant
as they are with existing myths.
Exhibition of Paintings by Brahm Prakash
(LTG Gallery, Delhi)
Painter Brahm Prakash's muted colours almost merge with his
silent, there-and-yet-not-quite-there human forms, even as they fade into the reality of
their own lives. There's the serene flautist, the man seated at his lady love's bedside,
and many others. This one's a quietly introspective collection.
THEATRE
Mudra Rakshasa
(Directed by Habib Tanvir; Starring R.C. Singh, Uday Ram; Kamani
Auditorium, Delhi; March 21)
As India collectively recovers from yet another general
election, here comes a play woven around the political games played in Chanakya's times.
Mudra Rakshasa is a Hindi version of Vishakhadatta's Sanskrit classic, directed by Habib
Tanvir. Have fun spotting the similarities between then and now.
MOVIES
As Good as it Gets
(Directed by James L. Brooks; Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt)
Melvin Udall (Nicholson) is a talented and irritable romance
novelist. But Carol Conelly (Hunt), who works at a cafe frequented by him, serves him all
the same. Udall, however, has a heart of gold. So when Conelly's son falls seriously ill,
guess who foots the bill? The two ultimately fall in love. Nicholson's wit and Hunt's
cheery presence are the highlights of the film.
FOODS
Spice Route
(Imperial Hotel, Delhi)
It's food for athe eyes and tummy -- varied and subtle, takes
you along the spice route from Kerala to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Favourites: Kerala's chemmeen thoren appetiser and irachi stew, pndang ikan, fish fillet
from Malaysia, and the Thai marakkala kukulmas or chicken with green curry. Meal for two:
about Rs 1,400. |