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Pushkar Sunil Mahabal: “Envy can be a pretty decent creative trigger”
A filmmaker discusses creating a mockumentary inspired by true crime documentaries, exploring the thin line between reality and fiction. He emphasizes creative freedom, visual storytelling, and his fascination with dark psychological themes, driven by envy and a desire to challenge conventional storytelling.
In Dylan Thomas’s Mousehole, ‘the loveliest village in England’
Dylan Thomas, a prominent 20th-century poet, found solace and inspiration in the quaint fishing village of Mousehole, Cornwall. Despite his tumultuous life, his time there fostered creativity, leading to the development of significant works. Thomas’s marriage to Caitlin Macnamara in 1937 further anchored his connection to the village, which remains a serene destination for visitors today.
Review: Seascraper by Benjamin Wood
Benjamin Wood's novel follows Tom, a young shanker in a 1960s UK coastal town, whose life transforms when a stranger arrives to film. Their sea expedition reveals Tom's confined existence, dreams, and unexpected connection, offering a poignant exploration of youth and aspiration.
Report: The Sacred River Festival
The Sacred River Festival in Maheshwar celebrated diverse musical traditions, featuring folk performers, classical musicians, and experimental artists. The event highlighted local cultural heritage, showcasing traditional art forms like Kabir bhajans, Chitrakathi puppetry, and the historic Maihar band, while promoting younger talent.
Neel Soni: 'Family does not always have to mean people'
A documentary focuses on Babban, a trans forest guard in Uttarakhand, challenging stereotypes in Indian cinema. The filmmaker explores Babban's connection to nature and elephants, highlighting joy alongside struggle. The film aims to humanize trans experiences, fostering empathy and reducing stigma. The project has garnered recognition, including a BAFTA Student Awards longlisting, as the filmmaker prepares for a new comedy film.
HT Picks; New Reads
A collection of Naga stories explores cultural identity, rural life, and mythical landscapes, while a biography of MS Swaminathan highlights his pivotal role in India's Green Revolution and fight against hunger. A new translation of Hanuman Chalisa offers spiritual insights for modern readers.
Maria Reva: “I didn’t know I’d be writing about my grandfather”
Maria Reva discusses her novel "Endling," inspired by Ukrainian romance tours, snail conservation, and her grandfather's experience in war-torn Kherson. She blends personal history with fiction, exploring Ukrainian resilience, displacement, and the blurred lines between truth and storytelling.
Review: On the Banks of the Pampa by Volga
Volga's novel reimagines Sabari's life in the Ramayana, exploring ecological abuse and development through a feminist lens. The story emphasizes nature's importance, advocating for compassion, listening to the universe, and understanding the interconnectedness of all beings.
Review: The Ghadar Movement by Rana Preet Gill
A veterinary officer's book explores the Ghadar Movement, highlighting Indian emigrants' struggle against British colonial rule in Canada and the US. It reveals their fight for dignity, political consciousness, and freedom through transnational activism, newspapers, and revolutionary networks.
Kolhapur: Where akharas and pehelwans wrestle with a promising future
Kolhapur's wrestling culture thrives, transforming from male-dominated tradition to inclusive sport. Olympic medalists like Khashaba Jadhav paved the way for girls to enter akharas, challenging social norms and pursuing athletic excellence despite financial challenges.
Report: Enlightenment from an Unlikely Envelope
Adil Jussawalla, an 85-year-old Indian writer, was honored with a comprehensive exhibition showcasing his multifaceted career as a poet, photographer, and cultural contributor. The show at The Guild gallery explored his life, works, and significant contributions to literature and art.
Review: Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte
Tony Tulathimutte's "Rejection" explores modern life's failures through interconnected stories. Examining internet culture, self-awareness, and generational angst, the book dissects how rejection shapes identity, revealing the complex psychological landscape of 21st-century young adults with sharp, satirical prose.
