AAW #215

Severe cyclone Vayu has fortunately deviated from its predicted course and is not hitting the coastline of Gujarat anymore. But authorities have asked people to stay safe and sheltered as strong winds and heavy rainfalls are still anticipated in many areas. The city of Ahmedabad is experiencing rain showers and an overcast sky since past couple of days. And while the winds are gushing in our city lanes here’s what you can do to keep your creativity flowing.

The 215th Ahmedabad Art Weekly starts with a feature of documentary screening – ‘Stripped’ showcases the changing landscape of comic strip business and the volatility of newspaper business by some of the most experienced cartoonists. The projection will extend with a discussion on the same topics with experts. Reach Satya Art Gallery to come and hear wildlife photographer Saurabh Desai talk about his quest of finding the snow leopard and clicking it during a talk show. People with patient ears can also reach AMA to hear Gujarati writer and orator Jay Vasavada, who will focus on the topic ‘Yes I am Myself’.

The literature fraternity of the city is active this week with two book launch events. While three books of the late humorist Vinod Bhatt – Idam Vinodam, Maru Vahalu Ahmedabad, Ane Have Itihas – will be released this weekend, young author Vishwesh Desai and other writers are also assembling to launch Unrestrained Minors anthology. Indian poet and queer activist Akhil Katyal is coming down to Ahmedabad to recite stirring poems from his latest book ‘How Many Countries Does the Indus Cross’.

Art lovers of Ahmedabad can enjoy a unique experiential sound installation by multiple artists at Sonic Terrains, while others can visit The Towerman show to watch picturesque clicks of lensman Siddharth Kaneria and headbanging music of young band Last Dimension. People looking for a traditional visual arts experience should come down to Art Beat 2019 group art exhibition.

Zalak Chavda’s Gujarati theatre Tari Mari Vaat will talk about interpersonal relationships in a narrative form this week.

The Ahmedabad Art weekly 215 features veteran Indian film actor and Gujarati theatre director Dina Pathak. Born in Amreli in 1922, Pathak joined the Indian National Theatre troupe at an early age and became close with Indian People’s Theatre Association while using the traditional Gujarati theatre form of Bhavai to create awareness regarding the British Raj. She was an activist and served as the President of the National Federation of Indian Women. The veteran actress enacted in more than 120 films in her career spanning six decades. The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Government of Gujarat’s Merit Award laureate was popular among Gujarati as well as Hindi audiences. Her work in parallel cinema is also a strong body of work. Some of her most celebrated performances were witnessed in Gol Maal, Khubsoorat, Umrao Jaan, Mirch Masala, Moti Ba, Malela Jeev and Bhavni Bhavai. Her performance in plays like Dhingleghar -Doll’s House, Vijan Sheni and Girish Karnad’s Hayavadana are also highly appreciated. Pathak passed away at the age of 80 in 2002. She is survived by two daughters Supriya Pathak and Ratna Pathak, both of who are established actors in their own respect.

Illustration : Chetan Mochi