MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
Airplane Mode: A Passive-Aggressive History of Travel
For Shahnaz Habib, the joys and complexities of travel and travel writing have always intertwined. In her insightful debut, she delves into the intricate power dynamics underlying tourism, questioning who has the privilege to travel and who possesses the authority to narrate those experiences. Through her own journey as a child experiencing family vacations in India, an inquisitive adult exploring the world, and an immigrant for whom yearly round trips are a norm, Habib intricately weaves together personal anecdotes with broader historical and contemporary reflections on travel.
Maktub
From one of the most celebrated writers of our time comes a captivating collection of stories and parables that delve into the depths of the human experience. Culled from Paulo Coelho’s daily column bearing the same name, Maktub, which translates to "it is written," beckons readers on a profound voyage of faith, introspection, and metamorphosis. Coelho himself describes Maktub not as a guidebook offering advice, but rather as a sharing of personal journeys and encounters—a testament to the power of storytelling and the interconnectedness of human experiences.
Until August
From the acclaimed Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Until August unveils the enigmatic tale of Ana Magdalena Bach, who, despite being content in her marriage and familial bonds, finds herself drawn to an annual ritual of solitude on an island where her mother rests eternally. Against the backdrop of a tranquil lagoon, Ana observes the men of a hotel bar, succumbing to a fleeting liaison each August. Amid the lush setting of sultry days and tropical storms, Ana embarks on a journey of self-discovery, delving deeper into the recesses of her desires and confronting the quiet apprehensions lurking within her heart.
Like Being Alive Twice
In an unnamed nation on the brink of turmoil, Priyamvada (Poppy), a Hindu, and Tariq, a Muslim, find themselves deeply in love. As they stand on the precipice of a life-altering moment, with Tariq poised to propose and Poppy prepared to accept, they hold onto the belief that their privilege will shield them from the political storm brewing around them. Told through alternating chapters, Like Being Alive Twice by Dharini Bhaskar navigates between reality and possibility, weaving together the tale as it unfolded and the tale as it might have been. With each twist and turn, the narrative explores different outcomes, desperately searching for a path to lasting peace amidst the chaos of their times.
Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography
In this captivating biography, delve into the extraordinary journey of Manoj Bajpayee, a testament to his unwavering commitment and profound passion for acting. Authored by Piyush Pandey, who shares a longstanding collaboration with Bajpayee, this book unveils previously untold facets of the actor's life. From his ancestral roots in Champaran, Bihar, to the influence of his father's own acting aspirations, readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of Bajpayee's upbringing and heritage. Amidst the backdrop of his childhood village, where the echoes of Mahatma Gandhi's visit during the Champaran Satyagraha still linger, Bajpayee's formative years are brought to life with vivid detail.Manoj Bajpayee: The Definitive Biography
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Murder Mubarak
Directed by Homi Adajania, Murder Mubarak is set to premiere on Netflix on March 15, 2024. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Vijay Varma, Dimple Kapadia, Karisma Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Sanjay Kapoor, Tisca Chopra, and Suhail Nayyar, all of whom portray murder suspects, while Pankaj Tripathi takes on the role of the detective investigating the case. With its captivating storyline and intriguing characters, Murder Mubarak promises to be a binge-worthy delight, offering a colorful murder mystery experience that will leave viewers eager to unravel its secrets and eager to revisit the narrative to catch all the subtle clues hidden throughout.
The Crew
In the comedy-drama The Crew three fiercely ambitious women set out with the singular goal of attaining immense wealth in their lifetimes. However, their aspirations take an unexpected turn when they become ensnared in a perilous situation orchestrated by a manipulative individual. As the story unfolds, viewers witness the transformative journey of these women and how their lives are forever altered by the challenges they face. Starring Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon in pivotal roles, alongside Rajkummar Rao, Diljit Dosanjh, Kapil Sharma, and a talented ensemble cast in supporting roles, The Crew promises a blend of humor, drama, and intrigue.
Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two will delve into the epic odyssey of Paul Atreides as he joins forces with Chani and the Fremen, embarking on a quest for vengeance against those responsible for the downfall of his family. Faced with the weighty decision of choosing between his love for Chani and the destiny of the entire universe, Paul must navigate a perilous path to avert a catastrophic future that only he can perceive.
Gender Agenda
Last year, when Hannah Gadsby announced the upcoming release of their third comedy special, Something Special excitement rippled through the comedy world. Alongside this revelation came news of Gadsby's collaboration with Netflix on a groundbreaking project: curating a multi-comic special featuring LGBTQ+ comedians from various countries. This project, aptly titled Gender Agenda is poised to make its debut on March 5th on the streaming platform. The trailer for Gender Agenda offers a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking special. Featuring a stellar lineup including ALOK, Asha Ward, Chloe Petts, DeAnne Smith, Jes Tom, Krishna Istha, and Mx. Dahlia Belle, and hosted by Gadsby themself, the special is set to showcase diverse voices and perspectives from the LGBTQ+ community.
Laapataa Ladies
Directed by Kiran Rao, Laapataa Ladies unfolds in rural India in 2001, immersing viewers in a tale of two young brides whose lives take an unexpected turn during a train journey. When the two women become separated, the story takes a gripping turn as Kishan, a determined police officer, embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery behind their disappearance. Set against the backdrop of a time when mobile phones were rare commodities and technological advancements had yet to permeate every aspect of daily life, the film delves into themes of connection, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to endure in the face of adversity.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Eternal Sunshine
Ariana Grande, the sensational chart-topping pop icon, is poised to release her highly anticipated seventh studio album, Eternal Sunshine on March 8, 2024. Recently, Grande offered a glimpse into her forthcoming album, describing certain tracks as "deeply personal and vulnerable." In a throwback video from the previous year, she provided a sneak peek of unreleased tracks to executives at her record label, Republic Records. The pop sensation disclosed that Eternal Sunshine is a concept album, intricately interlacing various elevated fragments of a unified story or shared experience.
Act II
Since the announcement of her 2022 album Renaissance, Beyoncé has hinted that it's just the start of a larger, multi-act endeavor. After nearly two years of anticipation, the 42-year-old icon has revealed that Act II is coming. Embracing a new sonic direction, Beyoncé appears to fully immerse herself in country music for Act II, as indicated by the sound of the project's lead singles.
Everything I Thought It Was
Everything I Thought It Was marks the eagerly awaited 2024 album from the multi-faceted entertainer, recording artist, record producer, songwriter, and actor Justin Timberlake. This sixth studio album showcases Timberlake's versatility and creative prowess, featuring the debut single "Selfish." Infused with pop sensibilities, "Selfish" captivates listeners with its irresistible melodies, underscored by Timberlake's signature soulful vocals, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey.
Mahal
Melbourne-based group Glass Beams is gearing up for the release of their latest EP, Mahal. Following their extraordinary debut album, which epitomized cultural fusion with its seamless blend of East meets West, North meets South, and club space meets home listening vibes, the band is set to once again captivate audiences with their unique sound. Scheduled for release on March 22nd, the Mahal EP promises to continue Glass Beams' tradition of defying genre conventions and delivering immersive musical experiences. The title track, available online now, offers a glimpse into the EP's sonic landscape. With masterful musicianship and a minimalist arrangement that transcends boundaries, Mahal unfolds as a deep, engrossing, and melodic journey—a true triumph of artistic expression.
Final (Vol.2)
Final (Vol.2) marks the twelfth and ultimate studio album by Enrique Iglesias, bringing his illustrious musical journey to a captivating close. Diving into a diverse array of music genres, the album seamlessly blends pop, cumbia, bachata, and even elements of country, showcasing Iglesias' versatility as an artist. Featuring 10 tracks, Final (Vol.2) boasts captivating collaborations with esteemed artists such as Maria Becerra, Yotuel, Belinda, and El Alfa, adding layers of depth and richness to the album's sonic tapestry. As Iglesias bids farewell to this chapter of his career, listeners are invited to embark on a musical journey that encapsulates the essence of his iconic legacy.
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
Sunburn Holi Tour ft. Marshmello
Marshmello is slated to headline the Sunburn Holi Tour this March, marking an electrifying event for music enthusiasts across India. The Grammy-nominated producer and DJ, at the youthful age of 31, will command the stage in four vibrant cities throughout the country. Commencing in Bengaluru on March 22, the tour will then captivate audiences in New Delhi on March 23, Mumbai on March 24, before culminating in Pune on March 25.
Ed Sheeran India Tour
The global sensation is set to bring the +–=÷× tour to India for the very first time, and yes, you can call it the Mathematics tour! Featuring smash hits from his five beloved albums that have captured our hearts and kept us dancing non-stop, this concert promises an unforgettable experience with a monumental stadium setup, complete with a center stage that will leave you in awe and undoubtedly give you the ‘Shivers.’
Daniel Sloss: CAN’T India Tour
Scottish comedy sensation and writer Daniel Sloss is gearing up for his debut India tour with his latest world tour, Daniel Sloss: CAN’T. Promising an evening filled with unfiltered, no-holds-barred humor, the CAN’T India Tour 2024 features Sloss's 12th solo show. Audiences can anticipate an uproarious experience as Sloss takes the stage in eight cities across the country, kicking off in Delhi on March 15th, 2024, and concluding in Kolkata on March 24th, 2024. From witty quips about the late Queen to clever jabs at desi culture, Sloss will deliver a raucous performance peppered with profanity-laced fun!
Zomaland
Zomaland is back again with unparalleled culinary adventure. The ultimate food festival that promises to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Featuring an array of incredible food options from around the world, complemented by electrifying live performances by renowned artists such as Mitraz, Divine, Lucky Ali, Gaurav Kapoor, The Yellow Diary, and many more, Zomaland is a feast for both the palate and the soul.
Fantastic Realities and Beyond
The Center of International Modern Art (CIMA) is set to culminate its illustrious 30-year journey with a spectacular exhibition titled "Fantastic Realities and Beyond," taking place at the Visual Arts Gallery from February 29 to March 10, 2024. The showcase features artworks of artists spanning generations and offers an invitation to viewers to delve deeper into the captivating world of artistic evolution and diversity across India. Seminal works by around 50 artists -- both celebrated, young and anonymous covering 12 decades from across India, including a musical excerpt from Satyajit Ray’s famous comedy, Goopie Gyan Bagha Byne (based on the original story by his famous grandfather, Upendra Kishore Ray) have been included to provide a holistic overview.
Words Platform Desk
Date 01.03.2024
