‘Njoying’ in Bandra

I’ve been a resident of Bandra for 10 years now and one of the most fun habits I’ve adopted while living in the suburb is it’s young,  hip and happening (only to us) lingo. Having moved to Bandra at the age of 15, also known as the age that everyone usually is in a long term meaningful relationship of at least 2 months, I was in for a bit of shock.

Being not what my peers would consider “normal”, my first year of college taught me what no other academic institution would recognize as educational though it was crucial to my survival in this small suburb.  For instance, I was “proposed to” several times yet not one of my suitors carried a ring. Finding it odd that guys I hardly knew would want to marry me was just an afterthought.  But “proposed”, I found out, was another term for “getting friendly” which, was another expression for “carrying on” and there, at least that was a term I was familiar with, thanks to my mother, a famous TV series and my questioning mind.

Then, when I was comfortable enough to creep up on a group whose route home matched my own, I was in for some more invaluable gems. We weren’t to go to our respective homes, but  to “Njoy”, much like my favourite mango drink at the time, at Candies or anywhere else we could buy a fresh lime soda for Rs.10. It was on these occasions that I was “given intro” to guys and girls from various other colleges, all the while “freaking out” on our French fries or whatever else my Rs.30 daily allowance could afford.

By the time I left college, I was in with the “fundoo” crowd. I learnt that homophobic adolescent boys called each other “Barry” implying that the other was gay and you weren’t to listen to anyone who “gave ballies” because you could bet your “father in laws awlas” they were just talking nonsense.

– Melanie Mathias

Happy Halloween

Halloween gives everyone a chance to dress up and be someone (something?) else for a day. Trouble is, finding a costume for a Halloween party can be quite exhausting, especially if you don’t know where to look. InBandra gives you a list of places you can check out if you’re attending or planning a fancy dress party.

SPARKLES: One of the most famous (if not only) shop in Bandra that deals with all things out of the ordinary. They stock everything from masks, wigs to cloaks.

Masks: Rs.550/- onwards. Take your pick from the severed heads, the infamous Scream mask, a gorilla mask and more.

Wigs: Rs. 1250/- onwards. Short, long, big and small. Sparkles got it all. Hats: They have witches hats (Rs.550 onwards), pirates headgear (Rs.550-850).
Our pick: The witch set (Rs.850). This includes a prosthetic nose and chin, a satin (how posh) witches hat, fingernails and fungus infected looking green teeth. Also, if you’re not really into the whole dressing up bit, they have some ‘demure’ scary ties and hats.

Where: Dr. Ambedkar Road, Opp. L.I.C Bldg

Contact: 26491968, 26004359

Note: It’s closed on Sunday’

ARCHIES: They stock a small but fun collection of wigs, masks and hats.

Osama mask: Rs. 250, a good quality mask complete with beard and turban. Wigs: Rs.350/-. Plain black as well as multi-coloured afros. They also have long and short haired wigs.

Hats: Very nice especially if you’re planning on dressing up like Usher. The bling is available at the outside counter.

Where: Hill Road

AL’S: Although this store is a little more expensive, it does stock a number of unique items. Hair extensions: Rs.150 onwards, Coloured Wigs: Rs.1000 onwards, Fairy wings: Rs.700, Halo: Rs.250, devil horns: Rs250, Masks: Rs.200 onwards. Where:Opp St. Peters Church, Contact: 26443326

You can also check out the many toy stores that line Hill Road (Tini Mini, Sona Sona etc) for very reasonably priced wings, wands, masks and more. Beauty Center has a good selection of wigs too

Burn It Up!

The festival of lights just got over but for those of you who like a little candle light ambience every now and then here are a few of unique candles and candle stands out there.

Bead Votive. Where: Threads n Homez,

Cost: Rs 650

Dhokia wrap tea light by Mukul Goyal

Where: Mobius Strip,

Cost: Rs995

Black candle set with silver Polkadots.

Where: Threads n Homez,

Cost: Rs 275 onwards

Eden Couple Silver CandleStandby Mukul Goyal

Where: Mobius Strip,

Cost: Rs6895

Brass and white metal Froggie

Where: Threads n Homez

Cost: Rs 2850

Wooden Candle Holder

Where: Threads n Homez,

Cost: Rs 825

LOCATION: THREADS N HOMEZ– Shop1, Galaxy Apts, Bandstand, Contact: 32711511,

MOBIUS STRIP – 78 Pali hill, Contact: 26051003

– Rommel Albuquerque

Cheap and Best

Almost every corner in Bandra has at least one jewelry shop if not four or five which will sell you gold, silver, gem stones, etc. Some may say it’s good to have so many shops where you can buy jewelry but others say that if you don’t have the money buy such jewelry whats the point. Well a new shop on Hill road has sprouted to meet the needs of those residents who want to look fab but don’t have that extra cash. Shrinath-Art jewelry , promises customers a wide range of imitation jewelry. You can get everything from bangles to earrings to necklaces. Though the staff isn’t very helpful and will give a good look over as you enter, this shop is the place to go to if you want fake jewelry that looks real.

Where: Hill road, opposite Bandra Medical stores

Classical Music

Both relevant and stimulating, Marico evenings is all set to enthrall those who are lovers of literature and dance. Neela Bhagwat, an eminent exponent of the Gwalior gharana, will perform this Sunday along with her leading student Shoma Sen. The theme of the evening is inspired by the works of Tagore’s numerous songs, short stories, novels and dance dramas, especially the one’s devoted to women’s issues. The lives of his women characters are universal and are not bound by time or place. Any woman today can relate to the struggles and triumphs of his heroines. Neela has composed original bandish or verses on Hindustani ragas which interpret Tagore’s original Rabindra sangeet lyrics.

Anusree Bonnerjee adds Bharat Natyam dance recitals to depict the theme.

Where: Carter Road Amphitheatre, Carter Road, When: 2nd November, Sunday 7pm

– Glynda Alves

Muah!

As the name suggests Muah is the perfect place to head to before heading out for an evening of air kisses. Located on Kantwadi Road (where Magic used to be) this salon is pretty basic and clean as far as interiors are concerned. Non-cluttered and minimal but with a cute little outdoor patio where waiting patrons can sit. The salon specializes in make-up and hair (Muah… geddit?) and offers services such as haircuts, styling, extensions, make up and more. Ryan who runs the salon along with his wife, is also a straightening specialist and will be able to fix the most damaged straightened hair and make it look natural. Muah is reasonably priced at Rs.400 onwards for cuts and Rs.500 onwards for extensions. Where: Kantwadi Road, near Magnet, Contact: 9821206654

– Glynda Alves

Naughty by Nature

How many salons have a tree bang in the center? (So what if it’s fake). Naughty By Nature is a fun salon that has recently opened up in suburb, where Bandra beauties can get their quick make up fix. The salon specializes in hair, make up and nails. Nail extensions will cost Rs.1400 onwards, whereas nail art will set you back a minimum of Rs.250. The more elaborate the design the more it will cost. They also do the basic manicure, pedicure (RS.180), haircuts etc. The salon also does make up for parties, bridal etc. But make sure to book a sitting at least three days in advance. The salon’s décor is definitely their strong point, warm, cozy and quirky all at the same time. So if you can get over the acetone smell head to Naughty By Nature to pamper yourself.

Where: 16th Rd, near Hawaiian Shack, Contact: 26002264

– Glynda Alves

Mane Event

As the name suggests this unisex salon’s main forte is hair(mane) and they treat each job as if it were an important event. Co-owned by two sisters Anjali Firasta and Anita Ahuja, who have been in the business for 20yrs, the salon specialises in colouring, cutting, styling, bonding, and other beauty services. They’ve also started acrylic nails with glitter, permanent nail polish, tailor made therapeutic treatments and the latest hit is their Sole therapy. Anjali says, “People love our salon because we’re very hygienic, we give each customer personalized service and make them feel at home. We also have a great membership program where you pay Rs 600 for a year and get 20% off on all services.” Now you know where to go to get pampered and look beautiful. Where: Mane event, 4 Firdous Apts, Dr. Ambedkar road, next to eye world, Contact: 26056659

– Rommel Albuquerque

Live Well

‘GNC-Live Well’ an American company which is said to be the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products has setup shop in Bandra. They’ve got multivitamin tablets and nutritional and health supplements for men, women, children and also seniors. Their speciality though is their range of Herbal remedies for liver support and herbal multi vitamins, creams and fat burners. For those body builders and fitness experts they have Whey protein in boxes of different sizes depending upon your requirement. So if nutrition is your number one concern and Indian products just aren’t doing their job then this place is definitely worth a visit. Where: Shop no 9, Ground floor, Opp magnet super market, Off linking road, Contact: 32164400

– Rommel Albuquerque

A Ray of Hope

In a time when the world is going through a financial crisis people all over are losing hope. Unfortunately more and more individuals are taking to drastic steps like suicide as a way out. That’s where Hope 2008 comes in. Hope is a concert to promote love, peace, harmony and forgiveness amongst all walks of society and to encourage people in distress going through various negative situations and emotions in life. The musical concert will feature the famous Indian Jazz Fussion Band- Conversation which is an 8 piece Band with instruments like the Violin, Tabla, Drums, Keyboards, Bass Guitar, Mirdumgam, Saxophone and the Sitar, another 6 piece Indian Band Surangama and the melodious voice of Parsheen Irani while audio-visuals in Hindi and English are played in the background. Where: Carter road Promenade, When: Saturday 1st November, 6pm to 10pm

– Rommel Albuquerque