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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Hidden Stories: From costumes for shows to bridal and evening gowns, how Pune's Mak Drap has evolved to meet changing needs
Written by Aarushi Prakash Mak Drap, a costume rental store located in Pune's Narayan Peth, has been in operation since 1951. Established by Pranam Gokhale, a Maharashtrian businessman who wanted to explore a new field, the store is now run by his nephew, Sumit Sathe. Explaining the name of one of the oldest costume rental stores in the city, Sathe says, 'Mak Drap is two words put together — 'mak' meaning makeup and 'drap' meaning drape, referring to costumes. Performers use makeup and colourful clothes to showcase themselves, and that's what we want to provide.' Sathe started working at Mak Drap at the age of 25. He inherited the business from his parents, Bhagyashree and Ramchandra Sathe, who ran it alongside Gokhale. 'In the old days, costume rentals weren't common in Pune,' Sathe says. 'There were many shows and performances, so the idea was to explore an untouched field. That is how the store began,' he explains. 'We are a family business. Even the workers here are like family because of how long they have stayed with us. I wouldn't consider anyone an outsider.' According to Sathe, Mak Drap houses over 50,000 costume sets and more than double that number in props. 'We have lost count. The variety of costumes we provide is endless, and so are the sizes,' Sathe says. Most costumes are stitched in-house by long-time tailors and designers at their warehouse in Dhayari, who have been associated with the store since the beginning. Other costumes are sourced from across India, including Delhi and Gujarat. Mak Drap offers a wide variety of costumes, with Barabandi and Navari sarees standing out as their signature pieces. 'Besides these, we also have chanya cholis, dhoti-kurtas, animal costumes for school plays, and uniforms like police and prisoner outfits, amongst others, which are quite popular,' says Sathe. He points out that while the designs have remained largely consistent, the main difference over the years has been in the fabric and materials used. 'Earlier, there were fewer options. Now, with better trade networks and access to textiles, the costumes are far more authentic and appealing,' he explains. The store's offerings have evolved alongside changing customer preferences. In addition to traditional and stage wear, Mak Drap now provides bridal and groom rentals, western outfits, evening gowns, and more. 'This shift in demand is what inspired us to start new branches, including the New Mak Drap which offers these rentals,' Sathe says. Costume rentals at Mak Drap typically range from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per day, depending on the type of outfit. A refundable security deposit of half the rental price is required. 'If customers return the costume on time and in good condition, we refund the deposit. If it is late, deductions are made. If not returned at all, the deposit is retained as the costume's value,' Sathe explains. Sathe believes the costume rental industry remains deeply relevant. 'One might think the costume business is dying, but it's not. Stage performances are ongoing, and people regularly need costumes.' Over the years, Mak Drap has supplied costumes for numerous stage and screen productions, including the Marathi historical film on Hambirrao Mohite, the TV show Paaru, and the popular movie Fauji, among others. The store caters to school drama groups, dance academies, festival performances, and professional theatre productions. As Mak Drap enters its 75th year, Sathe reflects on the journey: 'Our foundation is built on tradition, trust, and the performing arts. With my nephew now joining the business, the legacy is set to continue for years to come.' (Arushi Prakash is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
As mango season enters its last phase, a look at global mango desserts still going strong in Pune eateries
Written by Aarushi Prakash Mango season brings a global twist to Pune's dessert scene. Popular international treats like Korean Mango Bingsu, Thai Mango Sticky Rice, Japanese Mango Mochi, and French-inspired desserts such as Alphonso Noir, Bavarian cream, and Mango Millefeuille have been delighting food lovers with authentic flavours and fresh mangoes. Here is a closer look at the city's top spots serving these global mango delights before the season wraps up. Where Else Diner in Viman Nagar has introduced Mango Sticky Rice, a traditional dessert from Thailand, to its menu. 'The dish is made with glutinous rice sourced from an authentic Japanese brand online, served with coconut cream on the side, topped with sesame seeds, and accompanied by fresh mangoes. It is inspired by my multiple visits to Thailand, where this is a classic dessert, and I wanted to bring that experience to Pune. The best part is, we have access to a mango farm, which allows us to maintain top-quality mangoes, so you are guaranteed a fresh and authentic dish,' says Ardesh Rustomjee, 35, owner of Where Else Diner and an MBA graduate with a deep passion for cooking, sparked by the time he spent cooking with his grandmother growing up. Alphonso Noir, inspired by French pâtisserie, gets its name from 'Noir,' meaning black, due to the rich dark chocolate in the dessert. Odette Pâtisserie at Koregaon Park has added a twist to the Noir pastry with Alphonso mangoes. 'The dessert wraps silky Alphonso mango crémeux and fresh mango chunks inside a chocolate sponge coated in 55% dark chocolate mousse. It is finished with velvet spray and mango drizzle, a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness,' says Shariq Jaferani, 28, founder of 'Odette Pâtisserie'. Opened in 2022, Odette Pâtisserie uses 95 per cent of imported European ingredients. Trained in Paris, Jaferani says, 'I wanted to bring what I learned in Paris and create an authentic experience for those in Pune.' Mango Bingsu, a popular Korean dessert, is now available at Amato Dessert Café in Koregaon Park. 'It is made using a special Bingsu machine that shaves ice cream into a soft, snow-like texture. We use a traditional milk-based mix blended with mango pulp and condensed milk, then top it with fresh seasonal mango. During my visit to Japan in 2022, I tried a variety of Japanese desserts and realised how rare they are in India. That is when I decided to bring these unique flavours here, and I finally opened the café in October 2023,' says Atul Mishra, 36, founder of the café and a software engineer. Bavarian cream is a classic French dessert known for its smooth, silky texture. French Window Pâtisserie in Koregaon Park has been serving their version of it with mangoes since 2015. 'We call it 'the Charlotte'; It is made with sponge fingers wrapped around mango and vanilla Bavarian cream inside and topped with fresh mangoes,' says Babita Karkaria, 49, founder of the pâtisserie. After leaving her corporate career, Karkaria completed her pastry course in France in 2010. She started the pâtisserie as a cloud kitchen in 2012, expanding to a café model by 2017, focusing on authentic French desserts. Yokoso – The Bake House, in Wakad, is owned and managed by the Khedkar brothers and offers Mango Mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert. Mochi is made from soft, chewy rice flour dough filled with a sweet filling. 'Our Mango Mochi is made with seasonal mango, rice flour, milk, and a mango-cream cheese filling. The recipe is authentically formulated just like in Japan, which Mohan, my brother, learned from a Japanese chef,' says Bhushan Khedkar, 22, co-owner. Paul Café, located across Pune, is a French bakery-café chain in 47 countries that offers delicious French mango desserts. Two that stand out are the Mango Tres Leches and Mango Millefeuille, says Munendra Yadav, assistant general manager of the Koregaon Park outlet. 'Tres Leches is a sponge cake soaked in flavoured milk for a soft, creamy texture, and our version uses cardamom syrup, topped with mango cream and fresh mango. Millefeuille is a classic French pastry made of layered puff pastry and cream, and ours features caramelised puff pastry, mango cream, compote, and a dusting of snow sugar,' explains Yadav. (Aarushi Prakash is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Indian Express
How Hotel Sunderban continues to preserve a royal legacy in Pune's Koregaon Park
Written by Aarushi Prakash Hotel Sunderban in Koregaon Park has an important neighbour to whom its destiny has been tied for decades – the Osho International Meditation Resort. Yet, unlike the boundless energies and free expressions of the spiritual landmark, Hotel Sunderban exults in a quiet, old-world tranquility. Suresh Talera, who manages the hotel on behalf of the Talera family, says, 'During the British rule, when Gujarat and Maharashtra were a single state, the Gaekwad royal family of Baroda owned around seven to eight bungalows in Koregaon Park. The most beautiful of these is now Hotel Sunderban. Preserving this building meant a lot to us. Looking after it is like caring for an 80-90-year-old person. It takes time, effort, and patience. Honestly, it can be a bit of a headache, but it is a headache I love.' The bungalow was built between 1924 and 1926 in the Art Deco style, with sleek lines and subtle curves and was popular in Mumbai and other cities during the colonial period. It was transformed into a boutique hotel by the Talera family in 1979. They retained the grandeur that emanates through simple, large windows, textured walls, and abundant woodwork. The hotel's design blends seamlessly with the surrounding garden. The building materials are wood, stone, terrazzo, and lime plaster that lend texture and impact the way the building responds to light. 'The property has an old charm, with plenty of woodwork, which is rare these days because it is so expensive. We have made sure to preserve the woodwork. Over the years, we have never painted the wood; we only polished it, which costs more but keeps it looking natural. We have kept and maintained the furniture of the royal family along with the tiles and window frames, among others,' says Talera. The Osho influence The hotel began out of a growing need for accommodation near the Osho ashram. The spiritual teachings of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh had attracted people from across the world, especially youth from the West, and soon, accommodation options ran out. 'There was a big traffic of foreigners, but people were not renting out their premises as they were worried the foreigners wouldn't vacate,' says Talera. The collector called a meeting with the ashram members and local property owners, but no clear solution was reached. 'At this point, we were already in the hotel business, so we proposed converting the bungalow into a hotel if we were given a licence. The proposal was approved quickly, with the licence issued soon after,' says Talera. At the time, Koregaon Park was considered far from Pune city, and not many people went there, so the hotel mainly served the Osho community. Talera has lived in Koregaon Park since the 1970s. For him, the area is a way of life. When modern developments started changing the neighbourhood, he went to the Bombay High Court and won the case to help protect the large bungalows from being replaced by high-rises. Hotel Sunderban exists because of that effort. 'I've always loved old houses with wooden work and classic designs, as I have always lived in such houses,' he says. Talera says that, nowadays, many old properties in Koregaon Park are being demolished. This troubles him. He often approaches architects or owners, urging them to preserve the old charm, but they argue that the architecture does not fit modern lifestyles. Since Osho's death, the hotel's capacity has been reduced from 50 rooms to 22, says Talera. The area of these 28 rooms is now being repurposed for other functions due to the decreased influx of visitors. Despite these changes, Hotel Sunderban still offers a taste of genteel ambience, providing a peaceful escape in the city's heart. (Aarushi Prakash is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Pune on my plate: As temperatures soar, soda and ice gola shops offer cool relief in dozens of flavours
Written by Alister Augustine and Aarushi Prakash With summer temperatures soaring, local soda and gola shops across Pune are witnessing a sharp rise in customers looking for cool, refreshing drinks. From classic masala sodas to fusion fruit mixes and traditional ice golas, these shops have been serving hundreds daily, especially in the evenings. The Soda Factory in Ajmera, run by Mahesh Ghodke, 78, offers a wide variety of sodas. 'We are proud to say we serve over 40 types of soda, and each one has its own twist. Our shop is known for unique flavours like Masala Cola, Kala Khatta, Jeera Soda, Mango Punch, Blue Lagoon, Guava Mirchi, Orange Masala, Pineapple Crush, Watermelon Soda, Chikoo Soda, and so many more. We even make combo sodas like Fruit Blast, Rainbow Soda, and Triple Mix,' he said. The Soda Factory is open daily from 11 am till midnight, which sometimes stretches up to 1 am and their drinks are priced between Rs 25 and Rs 90. 'During the summer, our sales shoot up by more than 90 per cent. To make it special, we have introduced 'Summer Chill Specials' like Khus Mojito, Iceberg Mint, and Aam Panna Soda,' Ghodke said. 'Everything is made fresh with chilled soda and in-house masala blends.' Fizz Fantasy Soda Shop on Camp Street, known for its fusion sodas, sees a large crowd too. Arbaz Sheikh, an employee, said, 'Fizz Fantasy is where people come for funky and fusion sodas. We have around 20 soda types, but we keep experimenting. Some bestsellers are Lemon Mint Blast, Kala Khatta Masala, Apple Twist, and Peach Fizz. Kids love our Bubblegum Soda and Blueberry Cooler.' The shop offers sodas priced between Rs 30 and Rs 100, in regular and jumbo sizes. 'In the peak summer season, we see a 50-60 per cent jump in sales. We also offer flavours like Coconut Lime Chill and Frozen Guava Masala, and have 'buy-2-get-1-free' deals on weekends,' he said. The store operates from 11.30 am to 11 pm. In Kothrud, Mahalaxmi Ice Gola and Soda continues to attract families with its traditional gola flavours. 'We are a family-run gola and soda stall, and our specialty is traditional stick gola — the kind you remember from childhood,' said Seema Patil, a staff member. 'We crush the ice fresh and use homemade syrups like Kala Khatta, Rose, Kairi, Orange, and Butterscotch.' Golas are priced anywhere between Rs 20 and Rs 80, depending on the variety. A popular new item is the Choco Delight Gola, which includes chocolate syrup and choco chips. 'In summer, our sales double,' she said. Their soda options include Jeera, Lemon, and Orange Soda. The stall runs from 12 noon to 11.30 pm. In Viman Nagar, New Soda Shop has also been gaining attention. Its owner Advani, who prefers to go by his surname, said, 'The store sells the most sodas during summers, so this is our peak time. We have had the store for about two years here and it has been doing very well. We have around eight flavours and the ones that sell the most are Jeera, Blueberry and Orange soda. We also have fruit juices.' Raj Ice Gola Centre near Sarasbaug Lane has been serving golas for the past decade. 'We have been making authentic Maharashtrian-style golas for 10 years,' said Ayush Pawar, 65, its owner. 'Our golas are crushed manually using a traditional ice crusher, then placed on a wooden stick. We pour thick, flavoured syrup generously on it and roll it in masala or coconut flakes.' Popular flavours include Kala Khatta Stick Gola, Aamras Gola, and Sitaphal Gola. 'We have also started 'Ice Cream Gola', where we top the gola with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce—it is a hit among teenagers,' he added. The prices here range from Rs 30 to Rs 100. During April to June, sales rise by around 70 per cent, and extra staff members are hired to manage the demand. 'We also offer a Summer Gola Platter with three mini golas of different flavours for Rs 80,' he said. The shop is open from 12 noon to 11 pm.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
In Pune, rising gold prices may lead to cautious buying this Akshaya Tritiya
Written by Aarushi Prakash and Alister Augustine With Akshaya Tritiya falling on April 30 this year, the days leading up to the annual festival are considered particularly auspicious for purchasing gold. However, with gold prices crossing the Rs 1 lakh per 10 gm mark, and continuing to rise, jewellers in Pune say that though sales are bound to happen, the quantity purchased might differ depending on customers' budgets. 'We expect buying in quantity to reduce by 20 per cent to 30 per cent on Akshaya Tritiya because of the high price of gold; it has crossed 1 lakh on Tuesday. We are expecting lesser footfall because of the same,' Amit Modhak, the CEO of jewellery store P N Gadgil and Sons, said. Abhay Gadgil of PNG Exclusive notes that the market is seeing steady interest but fewer new purchases. 'Gold prices have risen over the past few days, and with Akshaya Tritiya approaching, customer sentiment remains positive, and I am receiving steady enquiries for ornaments. However, fresh purchases are relatively limited, with most customers opting to exchange old gold for new jewellery,' he added. Customer response varies based on financial priorities and cultural practices. Kusum Lata, 75, mentions that her family does not have a tradition of buying gold during this period, but she recognises its significance. 'It is obviously concerning that the price has risen so much, which makes it impossible for the common person to buy gold during this auspicious time. Personally, I will not be buying gold due to the rise, be it tradition or not,' she said. Some customers continue to purchase gold, viewing it as a form of long-term financial planning. Natalie David, 26, who works in an IT company, mentions that gold prices hitting Rs 1 lakh is a concern. Still, she sees it as a good opportunity to save for the future, adding that a few days ago, she bought some gold and now feels like she is securing her savings. David says it feels special to invest in gold as it symbolises prosperity and new beginnings for her. Aradhana Iyer, 28, preparing for her wedding in July, says that rising prices have led her to act early. 'I am mindful of the rising gold prices. I have started keeping my jewellery safe before it potentially skyrockets even more. I am taking two sets of Gold Jewellery, fully customised; the rate will differ now. So, I need to check in with my jewellery shop. Also, Akshaya Tritiya is such an important day for buying gold; I believe it is a great time to invest in the future. It is all about securing our dreams and blessings! I hope the rates stay normal in the future. If that does not happen, it will affect my wedding and the whole economy,' Iyer, a teacher at City International School, added. Fatechand Ranka of Ranka Jewellers Private Limited says he has observed a similar trend. 'I do see a decline in customers buying gold. However, when it comes to Akshaya Tritiya, people are still going to buy gold according to a pre-decided budget; the quantity they buy may decrease, but since it is tradition, they will continue to buy,' he said.
