<h2>Testing the waters</h2>
<p>A group of boys practises forming a human pyramid in shallow waters at Badhwar Park in Cuffe Parade.</p>
<h2>A festive gift-rap</h2>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Rakhi-song_e.jpg" alt="(From left) Saniya MQ and MC Josh in a moment from the music video " width="1280" height="720" /><br /><strong><em>(From left) Saniya MQ and MC Josh in a moment from the music video&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
<p>City-based teen rapper Saniya MQ and MC Josh&rsquo;s take on popular rapper Divine&rsquo;s hit track, O&rsquo;Sajna, came as a pleasant Rakshabandhan surprise for fans. Using humour and a catchy flow, the duo rapped about the relatable love-hate relationship that siblings share. &ldquo;Brothers often avoid expressing love for their sisters outwardly. But they have their own ways of telling us they love us,&rdquo; chuckled Saniya, a mass media student. &ldquo;Towards the end of our video, you&rsquo;ll see how the brother stands up for his sister when a stranger poses a threat to their bond. Isn&rsquo;t that what the spirit of Rakshabandhan is all about?&rdquo; she concluded.</p>
<h2>Through a historical lens</h2>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Historical-lens_e.jpg" alt="The 100-year-old camera at the exhibition; the Russian camera that resembles a gun " width="1280" height="720" /><br /><strong><em>The 100-year-old camera at the exhibition; the Russian camera that resembles a gun&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
<p>The recently concluded World Photography Day exhibition at the NCPA&rsquo;s Dilip Piramal Art Gallery introduced the selfie-smitten generation to an era of inventive photography. Among a display highlighting the evolution of cameras was a 100-year-old camera from UK-based manufacturers Houghton. &ldquo;The camera is still functional,&rdquo; revealed curator Mukesh Parpiani (right).</p>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Mukesh-Parpiani_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>&ldquo;It was passed down to city-based photographer Bipin Mistry through his family who acquired it in the colonial times. While the parts still work, not many would have the patience to use it today,&rdquo; he revealed. Another exhibit that caught attention was a Russian camera that resembles a gun. A camera lens replaces what would usually be the scope of the gun. &ldquo;Rest assured, it doesn&rsquo;t fire bullets,&rdquo; Parpiani laughed, adding that the curious shape of the camera helped photographers take stabilised shots covertly during wildlife expeditions.</p>
<h2>Dancing against all odds</h2>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Korea-dance_e.jpg" alt="Ramesh Yadav aka B-boy Tornado performs at the tournament in South Korea" width="1280" height="720" /><br /><strong><em>Ramesh Yadav aka B-boy Tornado performs at the tournament in South Korea</em></strong></p>
<p>At the recent Rs 16 Breakdancing Tournament in South Korea, city-based B-boys Ramesh Yadav and Ankit Kushwah secured a third-place finish. After visas for six teammates were rejected, Yadav and Kushwah had to battle it out as a duo. Despite the setback, they faced teams of eight dancers in each battle across three intense rounds. &ldquo;At one point, we went numb, but we bounced back after learning of our qualification [for the next round],&rdquo; said Yadav. &ldquo;We hadn&rsquo;t thought of winning when we started. Our only goal was to represent India,&rdquo; he concluded.</p>
<h2>Art on fire</h2>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Smish-art_e.jpg" alt="The artwork. PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM" width="1280" height="720" /><br /><strong><em>The artwork. PIC COURTESY/INSTAGRAM</em></strong></p>
<p>City-based anonymous artist Smish&rsquo;s latest work echoes the need for women to keep voicing their dissent through these testing times. &ldquo;The paper bag depicts the growing marginalisation of women in society; we are faceless, nameless, voiceless. The Molotov explosive represents a much-needed revolt after snapping away from the suffering and misery,&rdquo; she explained, adding that to create a strong counter culture against the horrifying rape culture in society, we must keep the fire alive inside us.</p>
<h2>A sip of nostalgia</h2>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Roger_e.jpg" alt="A patron enjoys the aerated drink with a meal at the Colaba restaurant" width="1280" height="720" /><br /><strong><em>A patron enjoys the aerated drink with a meal at the Colaba restaurant</em></strong></p>
<p>Craving more than just a nostalgic meal? A Colaba stopover at Bagdadi ought to be on your list. The latest addition to the restaurant&rsquo;s menu is a return of the popular 179-year-old Rogers soda, that traces its roots in the city back to 1837.</p>
<p><img src="http://origin.mid-day.com/images/2024/aug/Saud-Ahmed_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p>
<p>&ldquo;The soda holds a special place in the hearts of old-timers who still remember its distinct raspberry and ice cream soda flavours. My grandmother is probably the happiest patron we have right now,&rdquo; shared Saud Ahmed, son of owner Atique Ahmed. Just two days into its comeback, Ahmed proudly reported that the drink is already posing a threat to more popular soft drinks on the menu.</p>

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

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