Latest news with #HotWater
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Author Bhavika Govil on exploring complex themes with a child protagonist in ‘Hot Water'
In her debut novel Hot Water (published by HarperCollins) — a portion of which won the 2021 Pontas & JJ Bola Emerging Writers Prize — author Bhavika Govil tells the story of a single mother and her two young children. By channelling the unrelenting gravity of a story rooted in emotional truth, her aim, says Govil, is to highlight the lived experiences of different characters. Edited excerpts from an interview: Q: How did you go about writing a novel that is both heavily themed, and has much innocence and humour? A: I'm so glad you found parts of the book funny. I do think it's a funny book. A lot of the time the darkness can overpower the reading experience but there's so much going on, so many lived experiences. From the time I started writing it, it was never meant to be a happy book about the summer. It was a story of a family, and even before I knew the shape of the story, I knew very clearly that I was trying to write some sort of emotional truth. I was intrigued as a writer to tell this story because I wanted to unpeel the layers behind the undercurrents and the complexities in the story and the characters. Q: Were there parts that were difficult to write? A: The only part which was uncomfortable was one scene because it's a strange position to be in as an author who at once knows what's going to happen, but doesn't know how it's going to happen; who is at once the adult writing the book, and at the same time, the child. You are stuck between two places of consciousness and imagination, and the adult part of you wants to protect the characters you are writing. Q: Were you hoping to add more to the conversation with gender roles, being queer, and the inner world of children? A: I definitely wanted to add to the conversation. I was thinking a lot about gender roles and the norms that we are expected to fit in. For instance, the character of Ma wanting to be a person who breaks the pattern of the family she is born into. Can you be a good mother even if you're not a conventional mother, or how lonely mothers feel, especially single mothers — I wanted to analyse it all. Masculinity and the ways in which we expect boys to behave is deep-rooted even now. You present a toy car to a boy, expecting them to be more boisterous, and repress their emotions, not teaching them the tools or language to express themselves, or be vulnerable. Those things are frowned upon. I wanted to question it. Q: It makes you realise that when children haven't yet been socially conditioned, they never look at things and go, 'Oh, that's not normal'. A: Yes. In the novel, Mira, the youngest, is the most open-minded of them all. I have always loved books with child narrators. When I was telling this story, the adult perspective that was going to look back at a childhood dissolved and it became the voice of Mira, who was clear, strong, curious, and imaginative. The emotions she feels are so true. Most of the layers we put on as adults, she doesn't quite understand it. She normalises the normal. I was thinking about this — she looks at everything with the perspective and fascination of a Martian (laughs). Q: Speaking about your work in general and Hot Water releasing, is there anything else you'd like to share? A: One, I think we underestimate the smaller voices in the room, whether they're younger or different. It's been important to me with this book to bring them to the fore. Two, I'm excited about this reaching the right reader, the person who's swimming in the dark and is looking for a little bit of light. The interviewer is a poet and consulting editor exploring stories on books, culture and art.
The South African
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 assembles stellar South African music line-up
The countdown to Africa's greatest horse racing and fashion event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, has officially begun – and this year's entertainment promises to be as iconic as the event itself. Taking place on Saturday, 5 July at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the Hollywoodbets Durban July will be headlined by some of South Africa's most celebrated music talent, delivering a spectacular showcase of live performances and DJ sets that will electrify the crowds. In addition to Zolani Mahola singing the national anthem, the star-studded music lineup includes: Mafikizolo: The multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo, known for timeless hits like Khona and Love Potion, will bring their signature sound and vibrant stage presence to this year's main stage. Lira: The songstress hailed as South Africa's 'Diva of Soul' will deliver a soulful and uplifting performance, fusing jazz, Afro-soul, and R&B influences. Hot Water: Known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of traditional South African sounds with rock and folk, Hot Water promises to set the stage alight with rhythmic celebration. GoodLuck – With their fusion of electronic beats and live instrumentation, GoodLuck will bring a dynamic, dance-ready energy to the festivities GoodLuck: With their fusion of electronic beats and live instrumentation, GoodLuck will bring a dynamic, dance-ready energy to the festivities, perfect for keeping the party going well into the evening. DJ Dalootz: Driven by an unwavering passion for music and a deep love for delivering a 'Rocking Time,' DJ Dalootz will be providing those in attendance with an unforgettable performance and experience. Lee Cole: Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic stage presence, Lee will be creating distinctive pop sounds with his unique vocal stylings at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Sunset Sweatshop: Popularly known as a feel-good rock band with reggae and folk influences, Sunset Sweatshop will be creating their unique style of music for those at the racecourse. The Hollywoodbets Durban July ticket, priced at R230, will give attendees full access to see these incredible artists live, bringing top-tier talent within reach. 'This year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race – it's a full cultural experience, where the public will truly feel the pulse and the essence of this lifestyle event,' said Zandile Dlamini, Hollywoodbets spokesperson. Dlamini went on to state: 'We're thrilled to present an entertainment line-up that celebrates the best of South African music and adds another layer of magic to an already iconic event. At Hollywoodbets, we were passionate about bringing this to the public because we wanted to create unforgettable experiences that fans could be a part of and truly enjoy.' Beyond the races and live music, attendees can expect dazzling fashion displays, gourmet hospitality experiences, and vibrant social energy that has made the Hollywoodbets Durban July a highlight on the national calendar. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 unveils stellar South African music line-up
Building on last week's exciting announcement, Hollywoodbets is thrilled to unveil the full star-studded line-up set to get tens of thousands dancing at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. The countdown to Africa's greatest horse racing and fashion event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, has officially begun, and this year's entertainment promises to be just as iconic as the event itself. Magical line-up of artists Set to take place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, at the renowned Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 will feature a star-studded line-up of South Africa's most celebrated musical talent, delivering an unforgettable array of live performances and DJ sets that will electrify the crowds. ALSO READ: It's official: Hollywood rescues KZN racing In addition to Zolani Mahola singing the national anthem, the entertainment line-up includes: Mafikizolo – The multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo, known for hits like Khona and Love Potion, will bring their vibrant sound and iconic stage presence to the main stage. Mafikizolo. Picture: Supplied Lira – South Africa's 'Diva of Soul', Lira will deliver a soulful performance blending jazz, Afro-soul, and R&B influences. Lira. Picture: Supplied Hot Water – Fusing traditional South African sounds with rock and folk, Hot Water is set to bring high-energy rhythms that will get the crowd moving. Hot Water. Picture: Supplied GoodLuck – Known for their dynamic mix of electronic beats and live instrumentation, GoodLuck will keep the party going with their dance-ready energy. GoodLuck. Picture: Supplied DJ Dalootz – Known for his passionate performances and unforgettable vibes, DJ Dalootz will deliver an electrifying set to keep the energy high. DJ Dalootz. Picture: Supplied Lee Cole – The singer-songwriter's emotionally charged lyrics and unique pop sound will captivate the audience with his distinctive vocal stylings. Lee Cole. Picture: Supplied Sunset Sweatshop – This feel-good rock band, with reggae and folk influences, will bring their unique sound to the stage, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone at the racecourse. Sunset Sweatshop. Picture: Supplied The Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 ticket, priced at R230, grants full access to witness these incredible artists live, making top-tier talent accessible to all. Unforgettable fusion of culture and entertainment 'This year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race — it's a full cultural experience where the public will truly feel the pulse and essence of this lifestyle event,' said Zandile Dlamini, Hollywoodbets spokesperson. 'We're thrilled to present an entertainment line-up that celebrates the best of South African music and adds another layer of magic to an already iconic event. At Hollywoodbets, we're passionate about bringing this to the public because we want to create unforgettable experiences that fans can truly enjoy.' In addition to the races and live music, attendees can expect dazzling fashion displays, gourmet hospitality experiences, and the vibrant social energy that has made the Durban July a highlight on South Africa's national calendar. Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro and Payzone Kiosks at SPAR stores nationwide
Scroll.in
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scroll.in
‘Hot Water': Bhavika Govil's debut novel movingly constructs a child's fragile yet resilient world
I was introduced to Bhavika Govil's fiction in 2022 through the short story 'Eggs Keep Falling from the Fourth Floor' in A Case of Indian Marvels: Dazzling Stories from the Country's Finest New Writers (published by Aleph Book Company). Back then, I had called it a ' marvellous portrait of a deeply disturbed brain that forces the reader to confront the stigmas attached to mental health in our society.' It indeed was. I was thoroughly impressed by what I had read and Govil's sensitive treatment of her protagonist, who is of unsound mind and often misunderstood. A year later, I met Govil at the Jaipur Literature Festival, where at a party, she told me about her debut novel. Her manuscript had been accepted by the publisher and she already had a title for the book: Hot Water. It would be out in two years, and Govil was already excited about it. I promised to read…and write about it. I'm glad I kept my promise. A world of three There are moments in Hot Water when the air feels too stuffy to breathe. Your skin feels sticky, and the saltiness of sweat fills your mouth. It feels like a painful, oppressive summer – not good news to those of us who live in India. Govil tackles this kind of summer in her novel. The children, Mira and Ashu, jump in and out of a swimming pool for coolness and play, but there is little relief. The coach and Ma seem suspiciously playful with each other and the underwater games that the siblings have devised are at a great risk of backfiring any day. And one day it sure does, and pool adventures come to an end. Small and compact, in this world of three, women outnumber men. Ashu suspects his mother is more affectionate towards his sister than she towards him. For eight-year-old Mira, her world revolves around her 14-year-old brother. He's going through 'Pew Burty' and is mean to her sometimes, but she knows he loves her – she has never once doubted it. Ma works at the admin department at an office. She doesn't have much of a social life and seems to be estranged from most of her family. Her closest friend and confidante is her colleague Mrs Shome, in whose care the children find themselves when Ma disappears for a few hours every now and then. Ma doesn't usually behave like a typical mother. Mira thinks of her as a friend, Ashu observes how she's not much of a disciplinarian. The children sometimes tire of her eccentric ways. However, she keeps them clothed, fed, and alive – and that counts for something. It is at the very beginning that the author suggests something is off between the mother and son. He's like a demon baby, too heavy to be lifted by a mother's able arms. She can't seem to generate enough strength for him; he almost feels like a thing that's draining her of health. The difficult labour with him, as opposed to the 'buttery smooth' exit of the daughter, will result in lifelong grudges and hostility that started much before the son entered the world. Meanwhile, growing up without a father is a free ticket to being ostracised at school. The oddness of their family is fully comprehensible to their schoolmates. There's rumours of Ma being a 'whore', or at least some sort of nutjob. Ashu saves himself from being picked on by befriending Rahul, the popular boy in class. Mira is not so lucky – if anything, her friendless status makes things all the more difficult as she's left all alone to prove that her mother is normal like everyone else's. The world of three experiences an intense change when Avni, their aunt's daughter, comes to stay with them during the summer vacation. Newly dazzled by the workings of a woman's body (and mind), she wreaks emotional havoc by inciting Ashu to give in to the callings of his hormone-addled brain and preparing Mira for what's to come. She has a secret boyfriend – Mira equally disbelieves and is intrigued by this claim. A game of truth and dare sets off a chain of events in Ashu's life that culminate in a painful coming-of-age. Mira, who has thus far been loved and protected by the women around her, will realise that the world outside is dangerous and not to be trusted. The many voices Govil chooses first-person narrative voices for Mira and Ma, and third-person for Ashu. Among the three, Mira is the newest to living – her childish curiosity and humour infuse their lives, and diffuse unpleasant situations. This is the strongest voice in the novel. It is so alive and energetic that it is almost as though Mira is babbling into your ears. The child isn't very wise, but she's perceptive and much of her preoccupation has to do with soothing Ashu and Ma's moods. There is a sweet earnestness in trying to take care of those around her. It's the greatest marker of innocence – to believe that one has the power to make things better. Ashu's third-person voice signals the dissociation that the boy feels from his younger self as he metamorphoses into a man. He is not oblivious to his mother's contempt for him but it is the fallout with his best friend that turns out to be the harshest blow. Ashu's narrative lacks the boisterousness of Mira's, but it is so tender that the reader's heart aches for the young boy as he makes sense of his emotions and changing body all by himself. And yet, the novel is weakest in its treatment of Ma. The first-person voice, though the most natural choice, doesn't do much. Her secrets hover like dark clouds over the family, and when they part, do not reveal anything substantial. A revelation need not always be shocking, but it needs to be convincing. A careful reader will see it coming from a distance. While some details are unexpected, they also feel a bit contrived. Some of her decisions provoke questions in the reader's mind, but they aren't answered satisfactorily. Govil's strengths lie in world-building and empathising with children. She has a remarkable ability to map their emotions – you instantly feel protective of Ashu and Mira. She is sensitive to how quickly the tides of puberty and adolescence change a child, and how fiercely they try to hold on to the remnants of innocence. Mira's voice reminded me of nine-year-old Swiv in Miriam Toew's remarkable novel Fight Night. I was tempted to imagine their conversation were they to bump into each other! The final chapter is especially moving and I had a lump in my throat when I read the final lines. I selfishly wanted the entire novel to be in Mira's voice. But I did not want to miss out on Ashu's, though I didn't care much for Ma. The child's universe is as resilient as it is fragile, as beautiful as it is rickety – and Hot Water gets that right. My introduction to Govil was through the short story medium; she has an indisputable talent for it – is there a collection of short stories in the making? I do hope so.
