Priya Dutt, Erin Brockovich and Bandra

Erin Brockovich was in town, invited by India Today to keynote at the India Today Woman seminar or awards or whatever they called it. Priya Dutt, our very own MP, was given the responsibility to introduce her to the audience. Terrific introduction, displaying Dutt’s intelligence, her grasp on the English language and her admiration for Brockovich and all that she had done. That’s nice. Not.

Because I live in Bandra and I have done so for almost all the time I have lived in Mumbai, which is about 15 years.

And I have seen Bandra deteriorate year after year. Brockovich’s keynote focused on whistle-blowers, her own experience as one, and the walls she came up against and broke down. There is no need for a whistle-blower to highlight all that ails Bandra. Any moron with a tenth of a brain can list the problems. There are millions of Brockviches in Bandra. People who have drawn attention to minor transgressions and major violations. Nothing happens. Nothing.

It’s ironical that the most visible symbol of the degradation of Bandra (as far as I am concerned) is directly connected to Ms. Dutt. The slums (is that a word one can’t use  any more?) at Bandra Reclamation, are named after her mother. The slum-dwellers, most certainly a part of the vote bank politics that plagues this country, have taken over the land (I’m sure it’s legal now). That’s all right, that’s politics. They’ve also taken over the road. That’s not all right, that’s downright irresponsible and dangerous. Who cares?

Does Ms. Dutt, who enunciated her admiration for the battle that Ms. Brockovich fought? If she does, what we will see in the next few weeks (that soon, because no funds are required, no laws need to be changed, no civil work is involved) is an exit out of Bandra to the Mahim Causeway free of people shi**ing on the street, free of kids playing on the street, free of the arrogance of the locals sauntering across the road at 2 kmph daring the drivers to touch them.

Fundamentally, we will see a 100m stretch of road that holds all drivers to ransom, changing – with no infusion of funds – to a road where the inhabitants display a minimum level of civic responsibility. If we see this change, I will believe that Ms. Dutt meant every word in her introduction. If I don’t, I will believe the ability to act is in her genes.

– Anant Rangaswami

* InBandra provides a platform for residents of Bandra through this column, the views expressed here are those of the writer

Besides the Pink Chuddies

Here are some cute, affordable and quirky gifts you can give your Valentine this year.

Cute Red Puppy that says “I love you,”

when you squeeze his tummy.

Where: Archies, Cost:Rs 275

Etched leaf tea-light holder.

Where: Stylkist,

Cost:Rs 250

Heart shaped throw cushion

Where: Archies,

Cost:Rs 475

Funny heart shaped fridge magnets.

Where: Archies,

Cost:Rs 79

Tiny tots T-shirts.

Where: Archies,

Cost:Rs 199

Girls with books learn how to get the looks.

Where:  Magick,

Cost:Rs 500

French love powder.. sprinkle it on the person you want.

Where: Magick, Cost: Rs. 40

Genuine Love roots to keep the love strong.

Where:  Magick,

Cost:Rs.150

Roll on to lure in the hotties.

Where:  Magick,

Cost: Rs.15

LOCATIONS: Archies-7 Hillroad, Contact: 26426962,

Magick- Shop No.2, Sai Pooja, 16th Road, Contact: 64104135, Stylkist- www.stylkist.com

– The Inbandra team

Passion Route

Whether you’re part of the Pink Chuddi Campaign (and have to have a drink this Valentines Day), or simply want to surprise that special someone in your life, InBandra has got a list of all you can do on February 14th.

BONOBO: Heading to a bar that’s named after a monkey that liked the simple pleasures in life, free love and a good ol’ time seems to be the wisest choice this Valentines day. Bonobo is serving up a special loved up 6 course meal for sweethearts and the first drink is on the house. And to add a dash of fun, try the interactive bar.

Where: Bonobo, Kenilworth mall, Linking Road.

POISON: If you and your sweetheart prefer burning up the dance floor then head to Poison where and catch Dj Aqeel. And don’t worry… even if you don’t have a date you can attend.

Couples: 2500/- the entire amount is a cover charge that can be redeemed at the bar. Single ladies: 1000/-, Single Gents: 3000/-

Where: Poison, Waterfield Road

Contact: 26423006

JEAN-CLAUDE BIGUINE: Whether your single or a couple or even with a gang of friends Jean-Claude Biguine is the place to go. They are celebrating their 1st year in India along with Valentines day to offer everyone who comes into their boutique a glass of wine along with a foot massage all complimentary(you don’t even have to buy anything).

Where: Chapel road, Contact: 65222211.

SPICE TREE:Celebrate your love for each other with  a candle light dinner along with goodie bags, a welcome drink(champagne) and to top it of, you can also get an instant photograph taken. Where: Fernandes Villa, 95 Hill Road, Near St. Andrews Church, Contact:26405053, 26405161.

And for those who are little tight on the budget but still want to surprise your sweetie, we suggest you pack a picnic lunch and head to the park (it has no name!) opposite the Olive. The park is well done up, private, high on romance and low on the bucks. Where: Union Park, Opp Olive

– The Inbandra Team

Red Ninja: Haii-Yah!

This weekend, Carter Road’s usual-suspect-trendy-crowds parted to reveal a tiny little vortex, manned by a tiny little chick, glowing in the dark and emitting wafts of steam intermittently.

Haii-yah! Dim-sum and sui mai and china-box-noodles on Carter Road? Kill me Bill, it’s just what the strip lacked!

So… chicken dim-sum – fluffy, hot, beautiful and delicious. Chicken sui-mai, spot on, very well structured and steamed to perfection. China-box with noodles – eaten quickly in the cold nip with chopsticks, chin covered in steam from mouth-to-mouth with the box… sublime! And totally value for money as well. 65 bucks for 6 hot dumplings. Worth it. Judging by the orders being taken, the mains were getting popular as we huff-huff-huffed the steam from a too-hot-too-early-eaten sui-mai. And when we came back for thirds, we were told the order would take 7 minutes and being ‘like that’ we timed them, and it was exactly 7 minutes and the order was packed and ready to go.

Red Ninja is a lean, mean little dim-sum machine run efficiently and enthusiastically.

They also have home delivery (though it wasn’t in motion on day 1), but keep in mind that hot dumplings may not take too well to the extra steaming they get on the way to your house.

If we’re going to complain about anything, its that there was too little sauce in those tiny little plastic pouches. But next time I’ll just ask for extra.  Go Red Ninja Go!

Where: Carter Road, at the side of “two shops”, Contact: 9892126570

– L.C. Susan

Traditional Art

This week Suchitra arts brings to you the works of ‘Appanna Pujari’. This artist is inspired by looking at traditional paintings and innovates with the current times. Appana’s work consists of reworking Hindu iconography and at the same time narrating myths from the past. In this exhibition the iconographies of the presiding deity in the canvas are the icons of the major Indian religions and impose graceful tribanga poses with mudras. The most unique twist in his works are his ability to add a bit of wit and humor to his images. Where: Suchitrra arts gallery, 2nd Floor, Hill View 2, opp. Mehboob Studio, When: Till 22nd Feb, Contact:98207 99061

– Rommel Albuquerque

Love Special

On this day of love (don’t roll your eyes!) Candies will be going all out and ensuring that their patrons have a mix of everything. There is food, fashion and a whole lot of romance at the Valentines Day Bazaar and Bling event. Brands include Creation, Fahrenheit, What the Funk, Zia and many more. And if you find that perfect outfit you can coordinate perfectly with accessories from Aquamarine, Cristalline, Soul Of Silver etc. But what easily has to be the most exciting part of the V-day Bazaar and Bling is their bath and body products and nightwear and lingerie (Lace) being showcased. And if the shopping gets to be too much you and your sweetheart can indulge in a little reflexolgy as the Metta masseurs will be there.

Where: Candies Hall and garden at Mac Ronells, When: Feb 14 from 11 am to 9 pm.

– Glynda Alves

Happy Feet

Sandip Sorparkar and his students will take to the stage on the 18th of February to aid Bal Anand. Bal Anand is the organization from where Sandip has adopted his son. It intends to launch a new project- Umang, in Karjat. Umang is being built as a community concept and will let their oldest students live their own independent lives. The Student Performance night will include performances by all the students in their individual levels, both from Mumbai and the other branches across the country, celebrity performances, special performances by the dance troupe and even a special performance by the children living at Bal Anand. Tickets are priced at Rs. 250, Rs. 300, Rs. 400, Rs. 450, Rs. 500 and Rs. 600. Where: St. Andrews Auditorium, When: 18 Feb at 7pm Tickets: 1st and Ground Floor, St. Andrew’s College, at 6.30-8.30 pm

– Glynda Alves

Firangi Paani

Looks like Kenilworth Mall is the place to be. Bonobo opened up here a few months ago and is now joined by Firangi Paani. If you’ve been to their Andheri branch you’ll know what to expect. And if you haven’t then you’ll be in for a very nice surprise. What sets the place apart are the fantastic interiors. Green leather upholstered chairs, wooden finishing, large kegs that have been turned into tables and a whole lot of English antiques. Firangi Paani really has got the whole slightly-posh-English-pub vibe going on, down to the cozy lighting. Their wine menu is extensive and in the food department you’ll find a real mix with Tibetan momos, fish & chips, hummus  etc. Wednesday is ladies night and Sunday is Karaoke! Carry enough cash though as this place isn’t as easy on the wallet as it is on the eyes. Where: Kenilworth Mall, Level2

– Glynda Alves

And They’re Back!

Last week we ran a photo feature of the BMC (live) in action demolishing illegal hawkers at Pali Naka, as well as a story of how the Pali Hill residents association were able to get rid of their 38th hawker.

However, barely a few hours later, the hawkers at Pali Naka were back! They cleared away most of the debris and the small stalls were back up and had restocked their merchandise.

The bigger stalls like the panwallah, the electrical and tailoring shop took about two days to get back into full swing. If you walked by now, you wouldn’t even make out  that all this was totally demolished just a few days back.

I’m sure there are readers who must be saying, “We knew they’d be back,” but if residents truly want to get rid of them, we need to keep putting a complaint with the BMC to get rid of the hawkers.

A recent visit to the area where the latest Pali Hill hawker was removed reassured our beliefs that if you get hawkers evicted in the right manner, they won’t come back. The owner of the dhobi stall at Pali that was demolished said, “We have been here for year and didn’t think there was any problem with us being here. But now that the residents and the BMC say we cannot be here anymore, we are looking to relocate.”

– Rommel Albuquerque

Voting Verification

With the elections coming up its that time of the year when citizens are obligated to vote for the person they want elected to various posts. This year AGNI (Action for good Governance and Networking in India) has sent out a CD with the names that are present on the voters list to various parishes in Bandra. A source on condition of anonymity said, “This year we have taken a close look at the voters list and found startling information. The list first of all is a painstaking to decode and very exhaustive to go through, but with the help of dedicated volunteers we have found a lot of abnormalities. The list has conveniently excluded entire buildings, names of residents who have voted in the past don’t feature anywhere and the shocking part is that in a lot of buildings and societies there are about 15 to 20 bogus names of people who nobody has ever heard off.” Civic activist Fr. Warner said, “We at Mt. Carmel’s are conducting voter registration drives, our volunteers have been going door to door and verifying the names which are there on the list.” Though this parish is on the right track and helping residents verify whether their names are on the list, it’s a very extensive list and hence we urge all our readers to verify their names. You can visit the Electoral registration office in Bandra at R. V Technical School Hall, 17th Road, Khar (West), Mumbai – 400 052 to verify that your name is there and correct any mistakes if necessary. For queries you can visit Mt. Carmel’s Church between 5.45pm to 7.30pm and ask for Amber or you visit http://www.agnimumbai.org

– Rommel Albuquerque