Diary of a White Indian Housewife

5 FREE Passes to the 2012 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

Sharell शारेल — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:53:10 +0000

Festival poster designed by Jessica Singh.

The 2012 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will be taking place from June 11-22. This year, it’s going to be bigger than ever as the Victorian state government is supporting it, as an initiative to strengthen ties between the Indian film industry and the state. Actress Vidya Balan has been appointed as the Festival Ambassador, and has already launched the event.

It’s a fabulous opportunity to get up close and personal with India’s film industry as some of the country’s biggest stars and most respected filmmakers are coming to share their films in person. A total of 40 films from the Indian subcontinent, ranging from Bengali art house to commercial Bollywood, are going to be screened. 20 of them will be shown for the first time in Australia.

There will be a series of Q&A sessions with notable directors and producers, and a short film competition. Four exciting master classes are also being conducted with leading practitioners from India’s film industry: a renowned writing team, costume designer, animator, and director.

The festival organizers have kindly offered five free double passes for readers of my blog. The passes are valid for any film, except opening and closing nights.

If you’d like a pass, simply email Jenny Mapara: jenny@iffm.com.au

PLEASE NOTE: ALL FREE PASSES HAVE NOW BEEN CLAIMED. Congratulations to those lucky people, and I hope you’ll enjoy the festival!

Want to know what’s on and when? Take a look at the program schedule or download the program booklet.

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Paan Shake, Anyone?

Sharell शारेल — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:17:24 +0000

Hungry, kyaa?

Tupperware, renowned worldwide manufacturer of innovative kitchen products, has started spreading through middle class India. Just about everyone is familiar with Tupperware in the west (and I admit, I even brought a few Tupperware items with me when I moved to Mumbai), so it’s quite amusing to see how much of a novelty it is in India.

A family friend has become a consultant, and the other night the women in my family were all “oooh-ing” and “aaah-ing” over the design of the products.

I must say, I was pretty darn impressed with a new product called the “Smart Chopper“. I bought one and it even came with its own recipe book, filled with Indian recipes. Although I love trying new Indian foods, unfortunately not many of the recipes appealed to me. In fact, one left me a little bewildered. In testament to India’s love of paan, I present you with the paan shake.

For me, fresh paan from the paan-wala is a little treat I reserve for first time visitors to India (or those who have never tried it before). I’m yet to come across anyone who hasn’t screwed their face up and resisted spitting it straight out, with squeals of, “what is that?!”

However, for those of you that may fancy a paan shake, here’s how to make it.

Paan shake recipe.

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The Temple Behind my Inlaws’ Building

Sharell शारेल — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:45:40 +0000

I’ve often said that one of the things I love about India is that you don’t have to go far to be able to find somewhere to get close to God, in what ever form you believe him to exist. There are so many options and places for connection with the divine.

Therefore, I was thrilled when my sister in law took me to visit the new Shiva temple in their building complex. It used to be a small shrine. However, recently, the residents pooled their funds to renovate and rebuild it. What makes it even more special is that it’s located under a huge peepal tree, considered to be sacred in both Buddhism and Hinduism.

The energy there is noticably positive and peaceful. Yet, the real love is in the detail. The evidence of daily worship and the way offerings of flowers have carefully been placed. It’s one of those “everyday sunshines” — the simple pleasures that make life happy.

My sister in law and me. I'm not looking my best after a wild summer ride on the Mumbai local! And, I didn't have anything to cover my head and shoulders.

Lord Shiva's "vehicle", the Nandi Bull. And a tortoise, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishu, that is the foundation and strength of the world. A tough shell, and a lot of determination.

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Sunset at Worli Seaface in Mumbai

Sharell शारेल — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:50:36 +0000

Earlier in the week, my sister in law and I shared a quintessential south Mumbai experience — sunset at Worli Seaface. It was one of those moments where, looking out to sea with our backs to the highrises and the salty breeze whipping our hair, we felt far away from big city life. Mumbai truly is a city of contrasts!

Substantial restoration works have been carried out along the seaface to prevent erosion. As can be seen in the photos, concrete tetra blocks have been put in place to protect the shore wall from waves during the monsoon. Since the tide was out, they were particularly visible.

The sun, sinking into the horizon.

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Mumbai Women Speak Out Against Eve Teasing

Sharell शारेल — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:13:56 +0000

Today, I was contacted by an Indian guy who sent me a link to a social campaign against Eve Teasing in India, which he’d been involved in creating. (For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to the sexually inappropriate behaviour of certain Indian men who stare at women on the streets, pass lewd comments, molest women, and even kidnap and rape them).

It’s a horrible experience that no women should have to go through. However, unfortunately, it’s a common problem in India. And, it must stop.

The aim of the campaign is to give a voice to women in India and draw attention to the issue. Hopefully, it will also create awareness internationally about how serious the problem is.

Do watch and share.

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