Picking order
Get your list of what to read, listen, eat and watch from the proven experts in the field...
Read
Shomshuklla, Author, Do Not Stand So Close to Me
Good Earth by Pearl S Buck: In Good Earth, Pearl wrote about the masses — the peasants — who strove to make their dream of a victorious China come true.
Sons And Lovers by DH Lawrence: This book revolves around relationships between gay couples and was subsequently banned. It’s a story woven around human psychology. Lawrence delves deep into the human mind.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence: This book too was banned as it depicted a married woman having an extra-marital affair. The description of romanticism is not crude. Reading Lawrence is like listening to a beautiful piece of music. The husband’s acceptance of his wife’s affair is also written in a lucid and beautiful manner.
Chokher Bali by Rabindranath Tagore: A widow falls in love with her friend’s husband and this book is about how two female friends bond and manipulate relationships with one man. It shows that there have shades of grey and multiple layers to their relationships.
Shesher Kobita by Rabindranath Tagore: Tagore wrote this novel at a time when critics were writing him off saying he is too old for love stories and poems. But he proved them wrong with this.
—Manali Shah
Listen
Arijit Datta, Vocalist for the band Airport
The Maker (Acadie): Daniel Lanois’s song has a very unique approach that makes it distinct and very chilled out. On a beachy Sunday, if one would like to feel peaceful with a song in their head, you know this is the one to pick.
Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le (Sadma): The song has been brilliantly made by the great Ilayaraja. It’s a very uplifting track and makes you forget everything and feel happy. The song sets the mood for the film and suits the entire theme that the movie is based upon.
Badi Dheere Jali (Ishqiya): This track has been beautifully composed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The vocals by Rekha Bhardwaj take the song to another level altogether. The classical tone makes it one of its kind, and goes very well with the situation in the movie.
Across The Universe (The Beatles): This track has that soothing streak to it that makes it unforgettable. The Beatles are a set of unfailing masters and their music hardly ever goes wrong. Most of their songs touch people’s hearts in their own way.
Just Like Paradise (David Lee Roth): Despite being so old, this 1988 song just refuses to fade away. It simply has this amazing vibe to it. The hook of the song is undeniable, and even during its release, it was a smashing hit of that period.
—Priyanka Singh
Eat
Kabir Luthria, Co-owner, Kino 108
Zinc (Lower Parel): This is one of the newest entrants in the mid town bar-scape that I checked out recently. They’ve been rather bold with their lighting and overall feel. Nice music, some well-made cocktails and starters (especially the satays) make this a good place to get a drink or two.
Escobar (Bandra): The city needs more alfresco eateries that aren’t at the road level. Attentive service, commendable rum-soaked porcini risotto, interesting pizzas and great toffee/apple mojitos. I prefer the place on weekdays.
Bonobo (Bandra): An interesting interactive bar, though I’d rather sit in the outdoor area on a pleasant night. The mushroom and scarmoza ravioli and the chevre and roast pepper risotto stand out in an otherwise limited vegetarian menu.
Kino 108 (Andheri): Offering more than a choice between fried and deep fried, there’s something to complement your poison.
Pali Village Café (Bandra): I love the fact that it has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it facade. The interiors are different and it has a nice wine list along with a great goat cheese and garlic pizza. The table for two in the balcony area and some yummy sangrias make for a great evening.
—Rochelle Pinto
Watch
Samir Soni, Actor
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows 2 (2011): I loved this film. It’s beautiful how the characters have grown over the years and it’s a classic good-over-evil concept. My expectations were really high, and the movie completely lived up to them. It was a befitting end to the series.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983): This cult film tops the list of my all-time favourites. It’s path-breaking in terms of a simple story made on a small budget, but remembered years after it was made. The film has a quirky sense of humour.
Sholay (1975): I decided to become an actor after watching this film. It is larger than life with well-etched characters. The film’s dialogues were released on audio, and I think that’s a hallmark of a great film. Big B’s ‘Tumhara naam kya hai Basanti’ (what’s your name Basanti?) is my favourite.
Memento (2000): I really enjoyed watching this film. One of my favourite directors, Christopher Nolan, has made it. You have to focus to understand the movie and its unique presentation. One tends to go on discussing the film’s story long after it’s over.
Amadeus (1984): This is a period film on Mozart. It’s one of the best screenplays ever written. The best part is that the story is told through the eyes of a person who hated and envied Mozart — his archrival Antonio Salieri.
—Pooja Maheshwary
