Column: The Good Life: for Mint Lounge
HumRaag
Chitra Srikrishna is a classical carnatic singer. She spent many years in the Bay area, which is why you haven't heard of her. She is a fantastic concert-level performer. Chitra and I collaborate on a show/performance called Hum Raag. The basic concept is "From film songs to classical music." What's it about? Okay, let me describe the scene. Chitra is sitting on the stage with a violinist and mridangist (drummer) on either side. I am the sutradhar-- standing on the side with my laptop. There is a projector and screen behind Chitra for my Powerpoint presentation. We start with a [...]
Procrastination
I have learnt how to procrastinate with furious efficiency Shoba Narayan October 7, 2014 Updated: October 7, 2014 05:40 PM It began innocently enough and took a fairly standard trajectory. Prodded by stray comments from the spouse, a sibling, a friend and a parent, I virtuously decided to make yet another effort to improve my life. As always, I began with grandiose plans that had no chance of being implemented. I would not begin my day by checking email. I would instead hug a child, a spouse, or at least a stuffed animal. I wouldn’t lie in a somnolent stupor [...]
What is Chitra Kavya?
I don't know about you, but I know precious little about Indian poetry. I have heard of Kalidasa but that's pretty much it. As a matter of fact, I don't know very much about poetry--let alone Indian poetry. In the last few months, I have embarked on this project to rectify that. Here is my first attempt. The history of Indian poetics goes back to 200 B.C. when Bharatha Muni compiled the Natyashastra. Poetry was accorded a high status in India. Poets were understood, enjoyed and venerated. Bharateeya Kavyashastra as it is called is replete with poets, critics, and connoisseurs [...]
Train Diary 4
The last of my beloved train diaries. For now. Train diary No.4: strangers and friends There are two types of people who travel on Indian trains: extrovert and introvert Shoba Narayan There are two types of people who travel on Indian trains: extrovert and introvert. Every compartment usually has both. There are the silent types who stare unblinkingly as you enter their compartment. There are others who smile and make room; and just when you are thinking of them as good prospects for sharing the night’s dinner, they ask you to exchange their upper berth for your lower one. That [...]
For British Airways magazine on Diwali Food
What Indians feast on during Diwali.
Train Diary 3 for Mint Lounge
Why do so few people talk to their fellow travellers on planes and why do some many talk to their neighbours on trains? I think it is because we view planes as mobile offices while train travel is time away from work; more like a vacation; a time to exhale and take stock; a time for diffused thought rather than focus; a time to relax. Planes produce the opposite effect. With no interruptions from colleagues or relatives, we pull out our computers and phones and get work done.
Can paradise be regained by arresting development in Kashmir? for The National Abu Dhabi
This one's for you, Mahen-uncle and Vina-aunty. Can paradise be regained by arresting development in Kashmir? I left Kashmir on September 1st after attending a 75th birthday celebration in Srinagar. The event was held near the Dal Lake and the famed Chinar trees (Platanus Orietalis) were resplendent. Kashmiris clad in saris and pashmina shawls gathered to reminisce about the land that they called home. It was raining as my plane took off from Srinagar. I remember worrying about whether that would cause flight delays. The rain continued the next day. At that time, I told my friend that when good [...]
Train Diary 2
Train Diary 2: Easy, artless conversations Train travel has both a created ecosystem and inflection points. The first inflection point is when you walk down the corridor to your compartment for the first time, wondering who your fellow travellers are. They are the people who will share your space for the next six or 36 hours. Their temperament is critical to your well-being. Mine, on this overnight train journey from Bangalore to Kumbakonam, happens to be a nun, an elderly couple and two men. Sister Mary teaches biology at a college in Trichy. She is good looking, with clear brown [...]
Hum Raag in Hyderabad
HumRaag (Chitra and I) will be performing at ISB auditorium on Saturday, September 27th.
Childhood food cravings for The National Abu Dhabi
Wrote this piece on a transatlantic flight. I guess having bad airline food helped kindle taste memories. The best cuisines are those that have the flavours of home Shoba Narayan September 14, 2014 Updated: September 14, 2014 04:59 PM Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/the-best-cuisines-are-those-that-have-the-flavours-of-home#ixzz3DNG69THv Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook How many days can you go before you crave the foods of your childhood? I can last a two weeks, tops, and only if I am stuck in the middle of the Australian outback without access to turmeric or some decent curry powder. When it comes down to [...]