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NEW DELHI
Music
Catherine Potter Duniya Project
25 January
Regarded as one of the foremost bansuri (flute) players of Canada, flautist Potter founded the Duniya Project to bring together her love for Hindustani classical music and her aspirations as a composer. The band, also comprising tabla player Subir Dev, guitarist Joy Anandasivam, double bassist Nicolas Caloia and drummer Thom Gossage, sets itself apart from the usual fusion crowd because of its vibrant ventures into a ménage of styles and genres. 6.30pm. India International Centre, 40, Lodhi Estate, Max Mueller Marg (2461-9431).
Saif Ali Khan + Parikrama
27 January
Bollywood heart-throb Khan will perform with one of the capital’s best-known bands, Parikrama. Also playing are Pakistani band Strings, comprising Faisal Kapadia and Bilal Maqsood. NSIC Exhibition Centre, Okhla Industrial Estate, opposite Kalkaji Temple (2692-6275). 7pm. Tickets for the show are available online for Rs450 and Rs600 at www.bookmyshow.com. Contact Globosport (4176-5301) for details and bulk bookings.
The Visions of India
29 January
To mark the 60th year of India’s independence, Indian Council for Cultural Relations is organizing an evening in the hallowed tradition of Indian orchestras; coordinator, drum pad player and all. But this is no run-of-the-mill orchestra. Look at some of the biggies invited to be part of the concert: Vocalists M. Balamuralikrishna, Pankaj Udhas, Kavita Krishnamurti and the Wadali Brothers, violinist L. Subramaniam and many others. 6pm. Entry is on first-come-first- served basis. Siri Fort Auditorium, Khel Gaon Marg (2649-3370).
Theatre
Sixth Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival
27 January-3 February
The festival returns, this time with the spotlight on Spanish puppetry. Started by Dadi Pudumjee in 2002, the annual feature is the biggest event of its kind in the country. Bring along your children and have a whale of a time! We recommend ‘Portofino-Ballade’ (27 January, 6.30pm), ‘In the Garden’ (28 January, 6.30pm), ‘Journeys’ (30 January, 6.30pm). India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road (2468-2222). Tickets are available for Rs100 and Rs200 at the Programme Desk.
Around town
Peep into the Universe: Celebrating Hubble Telescope
27 January
Fifth in the series of lectures on astronomy by the India Habitat Centre and Space Technology and Education, this talk will introduce participants to the Hubble Space Telescope and its findings. 7pm. India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road (2468-2222).
Film
From Classical to Contemporary Russian Cinematography
30-31 January
The Russian Centre of Science and Culture and Delhi Cinema Clubs will present a two-day retrospective on the master Russian film-maker Sergei Eisenstein to mark his 110th birth anniversary. Please call the venue for details of screenings. 6pm. Russian Centre of Science and Culture, 24, Ferozeshah Road (2332–9102).
MUMBAI
Music
Susheela Raman
26 January
Since winning the BBC3 World Music Award for best newcomer and having her debut ‘Salt Rain’ nominated for the prestigious Mercury award, Susheela Raman has recorded three discs. Her fourth album is 331/3, a stripped-down collection of her own unique takes on blues, rock and pop classics such as Bob Dylan’s ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ and Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile’. The London-born, Sydney-raised vocalist has a deep voice, rich in intonation and expressiveness. 10.30pm. Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel (4033-2300).
Film
TRI Continental Film Festival
Till 27 January
Breakthrough’s annual festival promotes human rights culture through cinema. The 23 films in this exciting package are from Asia, Africa and Latin America. This year, the selection of documentaries and short films touches on the effects of war and civil unrest, poverty and inequality. Our picks include:
China Blue
25 January
Micha X Peled’s riveting ‘China Blue’ targets Americans for whom denim is second skin, but the documentary should also be compulsory viewing for Indians obsessed with China shining. Through the case study of the Lifeng denim factory in Shaxi, one of the world’s biggest production centres of blue jeans and shirts, Peled shows that the Chinese economic miracle rests on human exploitation. As he shows conscientious Americans that their jeans have been manufactured in exploitative conditions, his expose is also an eye-opener for Indians blinded by China’s economic prowess. (Duration:1 hour 26 mins).
The Hands of Che Guevera
26 January
Dutch cameraman Peter de Kock made his direction debut by finding out what happened to the hands of one of the world’s most recognizable faces. His fascinating film pieces together the puzzle of Guevara’s hands, which were surgically removed from his body after the Marxist revolutionary was killed in Bolivia in 1967. Guevara’s corpse went missing and was found in 1997 under an airstrip near the Bolivian town of Vallegrande. De Kock traces the journey of the hands, often cutting through a thicket of claims and counter-claims by Guevara’s comrades who have a keen sense of history as well as imagination. 11am onwards. (Duration: 62 mins)
Little Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (6622-3737).
7 Islands International Film Festival
28 January
Cinephiles who live in the suburbs and can’t travel to Nariman Point for the TRI Continental Film Festival in Nariman Point can stop feeling sorry for themselves. The Bhavan’s Cultural Centre is organizing an event that can partially compensate: The 7 Islands International Film Festival, which hopes to change the world through cinema. First organized by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan three years ago, the festival’s aim is to spread ideas of non-violence and disarmament by screening feature films and documentaries. 5.30pm onwards. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, The Bhavan’s College, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (W) (3293-8017).
Dance
Alarmel Valli
30 January
Alarmel Valli’s childhood ambition was to travel the world as a diplomat. While dance enthusiasts are grateful that she subsequently shifted focus to Bharatanatyam, Valli said that in hindsight she is glad she gave up her ambassadorial ambitions. “I cannot imagine a person less suited to the life of diplomacy than myself," said Valli in a telephone interview from Chennai, where she is based. “It would have been a catastrophe. I would have started the third world war." Far from causing nations to wage battle, Valli’s dexterous movements and exquisite abhinaya have enthralled audiences worldwide. This fortnight, the 50-year-old dancer, who is a firm favourite with both fellow dancers and critics, will be in Mumbai to present ‘The Forgotten Seed’, a piece created in collaboration with TimeOut columnist Arundhati Subramanium. 6.30pm. Tata Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, near Hilton Towers, Nariman Point (6622-3737).
RECOMMENDED
NEW DELHI
Music
Livealive
25 January-3 February
This five-gig mini festival brings together renowned artists from varying styles. We recommend Sonia Saigal + The Great Society (Café Chinese & Thai, Thursday, 31 January, 8pm). Café Chinese & Thai, JMD Regent Square, MG Road (95124 -2804070). Tickets are priced at Rs500 each (which includes the cover for two small drinks, courtesy the sponsor) available at all venues and at Rock Street Journal, 86/1 Shahpur Jat, third building (2649-7944).
MUMBAI
Music
VH1Jazz Masters
25 January
Watch smooth jazz superstars, singer Patti Austin, guitarist Earl Klugh, piano player Bob James and saxophonist Bobby Watson perform along with Thelonious Monk Institute Alumni at this year’s edition of the annual jazz concert. This event is part of the ongoing Mumbai Festival. 7.30pm. Tata Theatre, NCPA. Tickets available for Rs1,000 at the NCPA box office and Rhythm House (2284-2835).
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