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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Preethi Athreya's ‘Rubber Girl' is a tribute to the cabaret
Movement is any dance's motor. But when it comes to cabaret, a theatrical form that also features music, song, recitation or drama, a dash of oomph is also a requisite. This weekend at the Black Box, a unique black-chair multi-functional space that seats around 165, G5A presents plenty of all that makes cabaret memorable in Rubber Girl by Preethi Athreya. G5A produces and co-creates interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work often seen as experimental, and Preethi has been part of its In Residence programme, a production series that creates space for practitioners to explore their craft and expression and refine their practice. The work, which is grounded in traditional and contemporary performance methods, is then hosted over a period. Preethi is a contemporary dancer based in Chennai who also trained in Bharatanatyam. After a post-graduate degree in Dance Studies from the Laban Dance Centre, London, she uses dance as an agent of change, constantly trying to free it from the strictures of more traditional dance practices. It is this blue-print that Preethi employs in Rubber Girl, a 57-minute performance where she looks at cabaret through different angles. 'Rubber Girl was the name given to Cuckoo Moray, an Anglo-Indian actress and cabaret dancer, who peppered many Hindi films of the 1940s and 1950s with her graceful moves,' says Pravin Kannanur, a Chennai-based multidisciplinary artiste overseeing the dramaturgy and technical direction of the performance. 'But Cuckoo Moray is not the subject itself. The pretext is the idea of the cabaret. Preethi will explore this idea, what it was in pre-war Europe, Edith Piaf's torch ballads (laments on unrequited love) and how the German playwright Bertolt Brecht drew from the cabaret, among others. Cabaret allowed for a certain challenging of the status quo, the governing aesthetic of the time. It also challenged the political. The work also references the cabaret sequences in Indian films. Cuckoo's moniker of the 'rubber girl' looks at erasure on the one hand, and the polyvalence of this person on the other,' says Pravin. Rubber Girl has the structure of a travelogue, but it is not a history lesson or a linear production. 'It juxtaposes the dance bars that were taken to court in India and how the cabaret has morphed into the discotheque space and other legitimate spaces. The idea is introduced through well-known songs such as 'Mera naam chin chin chu',' adds Pravin. In the performance, Preethi as a contemporary dancer-choreographer references identity and rebellion and how folk forms were incorporated and hyper-sexualised when they were translated for screen. Music for the performance is by Chennai-based composer and bass guitarist Paul Jacob who has spent a lifetime empowering folk artistes. 'He has reconstructed certain iconic songs,' says Pravin. 'The tone of Rubber Girl is quite enjoyable. The choice of costumes by Preethi ranges from a sequined red dress, to a plastic sheet. Lighting design is by Gurleen Judge.' Rubber Girl came out of research undertaken at the Centre National de la Danse, Pantin and Cite des Artes, Paris in 2022 and was developed with assistance from the Alliance Francaise of Madras. 'A new production, it also references the Supreme Court judgment on dance bars in India and characters from film and culture. It's a fun piece, especially for women,' says Pravin. Tickets are priced at ₹750 for performances at 5pm and 7.30pm at G5A Warehouse G-5/A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West, Worli, Mumbai on May 31 and June 1. Look up for details
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
2 city kids spend summer vacation cycling from Sion to Kanyakumari
Mumbai: It's a summer vacation they'll never forget. Two school-goers from Chunabhatti cycled from Mumbai to Kanyakumari over 14 days. After a brief halt, the children — Sanvi Patil (11) and Arnav Bhoinkar (12) — started the return journey with the girl's father, Pravin Patil (46), on Monday — 3,300km to and fro. The main aim of taking the children cycling such a distance was to wean them away from cellphones and other tech gadgets, says Pravin, adding that he also wanted them to enjoy their vacation in an unusual manner. "It's easy for today's children to get hooked to the screen… Sadly, today's kids hardly play on playgrounds. Even carrom, chess or snakes and ladders are played on the mobile phone," says Pravin. When he first revealed the plan to his daughter, she was more than ready. Sanvi is used to cycling from Chunabhatti up to Mulund and back, some 33km, twice a week with dad. Arnav too is a regular at cycling. "The boy's parents agreed when I told them of my plan," says Pravin who works for Sion hospital. Plans were finalised, the bags packed and the three set out from Chunabhatti on three geared bicycles early May 2, wending their way towards the Konkan, snaking southwards to reach Kanyakumari after a fortnight. "We covered about 100+ km in a day," says Pravin. If it gets too tiring or too hot, they take a longer break. Pravin has two cycling panniers strapped to his bicycle with bare essentials for all three of them. The kids have just a hydration backpack (water bags) and water bottles on their cycles. The panniers hold clothes besides nutrition fuel — dry fruits, chikki, nibbles and munchies. They choose restaurants carefully so as not to be taken ill along the way. Largely, the meals are light but nutritious. A stash of bananas is always at hand. Both children, who study at LK High School at Chunabhatti (east), have participated in the Kumbharli ghat race which is organised at Chiplun in Ratnagiri. On the current tour, the the three did encounter roadblocks. Sanvi's bicycle chain broke, Arnav's gear cable snapped, for which they had to call for help from a cycle shop in Kudal. A puncture or two also made them lose time. "But the real problem has been extreme heat," points out Pravin. He found it a challenge to fix punctures as the rubber patch would just melt due to the heat. Curiously, traffic has not been a big issue, he says. Pravin has set a rule for the team – all three cycle in a row, remaining within shouting distance of one another. Passers-by are amused on seeing the cycling trio, especially the two young cyclists. "The children are the show-stealers," says Pravin. Some stop them, bombarding them with a barrage of questions. Others insist on selfies. At one pit stop, a family insisted on paying for their breakfast as a "salute to their effort". An absolute stranger in Tamil Nadu even welcomed them home for a break. The children had a brief word with TOI. Sanvi said she's waiting to get home to tell her friends about the cycling trip . Arnav spoke little. "Majjaa yeteh [It's fun]," is all that he had to say.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Just married, then gone forever: 25-year-old groom dies of heart attack
What was meant to be the happiest day in a couple's life turned into a heartbreaking nightmare within moments. Just after the groom completed the sacred ritual of tying the mangalsutra—a traditional necklace symbolizing the beginning of marital union—he collapsed in front of his stunned bride, family, and friends. The 25-year-old, Pravin, suffered a sudden heart attack and died before any help could save him, turning the entire wedding into a scene of disbelief and anguish. The heart-wrenching incident occurred in Jamkhandi town, located in Karnataka's Bagalkot district, on a Saturday filled with celebrations. The air had been ringing with music, blessings, and laughter when the devastating twist of fate arrived like a thunderbolt. According to one eyewitness present at the venue, Pravin complained of sudden chest pain shortly after completing the ceremonial tying of the mangalsutra. Within seconds, he lost balance and collapsed to the ground. Witnesses recall a scene of chaos and panic. His parents, overwhelmed yet acting swiftly, rushed him to the nearest private medical facility in a desperate attempt to save their son. But the doctors there could do nothing. They pronounced Pravin dead on arrival. His body was subsequently sent for an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The emotional wreckage left behind was almost too heavy to bear. Shocked guests, frozen in their wedding attire, stood in disbelief. The bride, who had only just stepped into a new chapter of life, was thrown into sorrow few could comprehend. What should have been the beginning of a beautiful partnership ended with a shattering loss. This incident is the latest in a concerning pattern that highlights the growing frequency of heart-related fatalities among the youth in India. Medical professionals have been raising alarms for years, and stories like these bring that grim reality to the forefront. Only a few months ago, in February, a 23-year-old woman collapsed and died from a heart attack while dancing at a sangeet ceremony during a wedding in Madhya Pradesh. Just weeks before that, a 14-year-old schoolboy from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh passed away due to cardiac arrest while training for a school sports event. The repeated nature of such tragedies emphasizes an urgent need for awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes, especially among the younger population. As families grieve unimaginable losses, the nation watches with a heavy heart—and a growing concern for its youth.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Narrated by Khatija Rahman, ‘Stardust' shines light on vanishing fireflies
For a fleeting fortnight each year, the dense rainforests of the Anamalai in Tamil Nadu are transformed into a realm of bioluminescent magic. As the jungle darkens, it bursts into a silent symphony of light — millions of fireflies synchronising their flashes in one of the most enchanting natural phenomena one can witness. It is this rare and ephemeral spectacle that Stardust, a short film narrated by musician Khatija Rahman and directed by conservation filmmaker Pravin Shanmughanandam, seeks to capture and celebrate. Unfolding over three years of painstaking fieldwork, Stardust is more than just a visual treat. It is a gentle reminder of the worlds that thrive silently around us and a call to reconnect with the rhythms of nature that modern life has taught us to ignore. A subject of wonder 'For those of us growing up near the foothills, fireflies were always part of our childhood memories,' says Pravin, who hails from the region and is also the founder of The Pollachi Papyrus. 'But somewhere along the way, because of light pollution, habitat loss or just not looking, we forgot them.' That collective forgetting made their rediscovery all the more poignant. 'When we first sighted this mass congregation, it was utterly mesmerising. We didn't even know how to react or what to do with our cameras. It was only in the second year that we returned with a plan, better equipped and technically prepared to document them in such low-light conditions.' Photographing in absolute darkness, and without using flashlights to avoid disturbing the insects, meant operating equipment by touch and relying on muscle memory. Occasionally, an infrared torch provided just enough visibility to frame a shot. A story through light But Stardust is not a scientific documentary. Instead, it takes a lyrical approach. Its visuals interspersed with a gentle, introspective narration by Khatija, composer AR Rahman's daughter. Known for her work in music and cinema, Khatija found herself drawn to the project for personal reasons. 'The title 'fireflies' caught my eye immediately,' she says. 'My debut film album is also called Minmini, so this felt like a beautiful, full-circle moment. A few years ago, I went on a boat ride in Malaysia with family to see fireflies, and now here I was, giving voice to a film about them.' Khatija's voiceover session was, by her own account, simple and intuitive. 'Pravin was very clear about the tone and layers he wanted. The brief was specific, and I tried different modulations under his guidance. The final blending of the narration came as a lovely surprise.' Her voice becomes a conduit for the film's deeper message: that conservation begins with connection. 'You can't conserve what doesn't inspire you,' Pravin says. 'Fireflies are fragile indicators of ecological balance. But instead of lecturing, we wanted to evoke wonder, especially in children who've never seen them. That's what Stardust hopes to do.' Collaboration for care The partnership between Pravin's team and Khatija extended beyond the studio. 'They showed me shots, shared a beautiful calendar, and explained their earlier work,' she recalls. 'There's so much passion in what they do. I truly hope Stardust finds its way to bigger platforms; it deserves to.' Her work on the film has also inspired new artistic ambitions. 'I'd love to do more voiceovers and even score for documentaries like this. It's fulfilling and healing. There's a certain purity in working on something so closely tied to nature.' Pravin, too, speaks of a changed perspective after the years-long journey. 'We're so busy developing and progressing that we've stopped noticing what we're losing. These fireflies have likely congregated for centuries, but only recently have they been studied and documented. We must remain alert and open. Nature still holds countless secrets.' Currently, local tribal communities like the Kadars and Malasars, many of whom are employed by the Forest Department, assist with field research. Pravin hopes their roles will grow as dedicated conservation programmes emerge. 'They know these forests intimately. They can play a vital part in protecting what's left.' At its core, Stardust is about illumination. Not just of the fireflies, but of the inner light each of us carries, as Khatija reflects. 'I hope people see in this film the message that we should take care of Nature as it's a gift from God to human beings. If we neglect Nature, it will quietly leave us, just like the species we've already lost.'
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mauritius ex-PM bailed after 'suitcases of cash' arrest
Mauritius' former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has been released on bail following his dramatic arrest on Saturday on money laundering charges. He had been detained along with three others after the anti-corruption agency said it had seized suitcases of cash and luxury watches in raids on 10 locations, including Jugnauth's home. The former prime minister's lawyer said he denied the charges against him. Jugnauth's arrest came 100 days after his landslide defeat in elections, with his successor Navin Ramgoolam vowing to root out corruption. But few Mauritians expected the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) to move so quickly, or to arrest the former prime minister on such serious charges. Some people took to the streets of the capital, Port Louis, to celebrate by lighting firecrackers, while a handful of his supporters turned up outside court on Monday to show their solidarity with him, chanting: "Pravin! Pravin!" His wife Kobita - who is not facing the charges - was released after being questioned for hours by investigators on Saturday. Her 63-year-old husband spent the night in a detention centre, before a magistrate granted him bail late on Sunday, setting it at $32,000 (£26,000). Jugnauth's co-accused - two prominent businesspeople and a deputy mayor - are still in detention, pending the outcome of their bail applications. Their lawyers have not yet commented on the charges against them. About $2.4m in local and foreign currencies - including US dollars, euros and UAE dirhams - were seized during the raids, FCC spokesperson Ibrahim Rossaye said. Seven luxury watches, including five high-end Cartier timepieces, were also confiscated, he added. As part of his bail conditions, Jugnauth has been ordered not to contact witnesses or to interfere with them. He must also stay at a fixed address and must inform the police if he decides to relocate. Jugnauth was the prime minister from 2017 to 2024 and is a member of one of the dynasties that has dominated politics in Mauritius. Jugnauth oversaw a historic deal with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the future of the Chagos Islands. The agreement aims to settle the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the islands, but his successor has accused him of negotiating a bad deal and has reopened talks. Is this tiny Mauritian island a confidential spy station? Mauritius government suffers electoral wipeout A quick guide to Mauritius Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
