MUST READ
Five highly-anticipated books of the month:
A Firestorm in Paradise
Writer and historian, Rana Safvi, unveils her debut fiction, weaving a poignant tale that pays homage to the vibrant tapestry of Old Delhi. In her novel A Firestorm in Paradise, Safvi captures the pulsating heartbeat of the city, depicting its myriad moods and resilient spirit. Set against the backdrop of the 1857 uprising, the narrative follows Falak Ara on her journey of self-discovery and quest for freedom in the revolutionary era.
The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise
In 2020, Olivia Laing embarked on the restoration of a walled garden in Suffolk, an overgrown Eden brimming with unusual plants. This endeavor led her on a captivating exploration of the concept of paradise and its enduring connection to gardens. Traversing between tangible and fantastical gardens, from Milton’s Paradise Lost to John Clare’s enclosure elegies, from a wartime sanctuary in Italy to a grotesque aristocratic pleasure ground tainted by the history of slavery, Laing delves into the often startling costs associated with the pursuit of earthly paradise.
Blue Sisters
Coco Mellors Blue Sisters is captivating book delving into sisterhood, grief, addiction, and recovery, amidst a backdrop of pain and pleasure. When the three sisters convene in New York to thwart the sale of their cherished childhood home, they discover that true healing and rediscovery of life's joys can only be achieved through their reunion and mutual support.
You Are Here
Edited and introduced by the twenty-fourth Poet Laureate of the United States, Ada Limón, this book challenges what we think we know about “nature poetry.” You Are Here features fifty previously unpublished poems from some of the nation’s most accomplished poets, including Joy Harjo, Diane Seuss, Rigoberto González, Jericho Brown, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Paul Tran, and more.Each poem engages with its author’s local landscape―be it the breathtaking variety of flora in a national park, or a lone tree flowering persistently by a bus stop―offering an intimate model of how we relate to the world around us and a beautifully diverse range of voices from across the United States.
Scaling Up
Originally published as Snakeman over thirty years ago to great acclaim, this is a new, expanded edition. From cobras in her kitchen to crocodiles in her backyard, Zai Whitaker has seen it all. For years, she and her ex-husband Rom Whitaker worked together for the conservation of reptiles and their habitat, and continue to do so as friends. Scaling Up is their story – funny, observant and a truly ‘wild ride’.
MUST WATCH
Five highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Boasting a stellar cast Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is an eagerly anticipated Indian Hindi-language period drama television series, masterminded by the renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Set against the backdrop of Heera Mandi, the infamous red-light district in Lahore, the series delves into the lives of tawaifs during the Indian independence movement against the British Raj.
Srikanth
Srikanth is an eagerly anticipated Hindi-language biopic shedding light on the remarkable life of Srikanth Bolla, an Indian industrialist and the visionary behind Bollant Industries, despite being visually impaired. Set against the backdrop of a small village near Hyderabad in the early 1990s, the film portrays Srikanth's inspiring journey of resilience and determination. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani and featuring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role, Srikanth promises to be a poignant tribute to the human spirit's triumph over adversity.
The Idea of You
Adapted from Robinne Lee's novel, The Idea of You features Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in a captivating tale. Centered around Solène, a 40-year-old single mother who finds herself embarking on an unforeseen romance with Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old frontman of August Moon, the world's most renowned boy band. Their romance ignites into a whirlwind, but as Solène delves deeper into Hayes' world of stardom, she realizes that the glare of his spotlight may present challenges beyond her expectations.
Back to Black
Back to Black is a biographical drama film based on the life of British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, played by Marisa Abela and directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson The film opens with scenes of Amy Winehouse's Jewish family background, her father Mitch and her grandmother "Nan" Cynthia, with their love for music and singing.
IF
IF is an upcoming American live-action/animated fantasy comedy film written, produced, and directed by John Krasinski. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, and Liza Colón-Zayas, along with the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell. A young girl named Bea, who has been going through a troubling experience in her life, unexpectedly gains the ability to see people's imaginary friends (referred to as "IFs" for short) who have been abandoned by the kids they helped. Bea then discovers that her neighbor, Cal, has the same ability. Together they join forces to reunite the IFs with their former kids.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Radical Optimism
Radical Optimism marks the highly anticipated third studio album from English-Albanian sensation Dua Lipa, slated for release on May 3, 2024, under Warner Records. This album marks her return to the full-length studio album scene after a four-year hiatus since her acclaimed 2020 record, Future Nostalgia. According to Lipa, the title Radical Optimism was inspired by "the idea of going through chaos gracefully and feeling like you can weather any storm".
Reasonable Woman
After a notable hiatus, Sia is set to make a triumphant return this May with her much-anticipated album Reasonable Woman, marking her tenth studio album and her first venture into pop since 2017, according to Billboard. To herald the announcement, Sia has revealed her latest collaboration with Kylie, titled "Dance Alone," one of the fifteen captivating tracks showcased on the album.
Hit Me Hard and Soft
Hit Me Hard and Soft stands as the eagerly anticipated third studio album from American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, slated for release on May 17, 2024. The album cover captures the musical icon barefoot underwater, evoking a sense of surrealism and depth. With a twisted perspective, the visual also incorporates a wooden door, suggesting a seamless transition from land to water, as if she has emerged directly from it into the depths.
Room Under the Stairs
Room Under the Stairs is the upcoming fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Zayn. The album is set to be released on 17 May 2024. Over the last six years, Zayn has meticulously crafted his latest record in the comfort of his home studio nestled in rural Pennsylvania. This album stands as his most intimate and introspective release yet, offering a glimpse into his current journey while delving into themes of healing, tranquility, and personal evolution. Moreover, it showcases the genre-defying artist's exploration of a fresh sound, embracing his soulful vocals, live instrumentation, and poetic lyricism as a songwriter.
Clancy
After teasing its arrival earlier this month, Twenty One Pilots have announced that their new album, Clancy, is on the way, out May 17 via Fueled By Ramen.Following 2021’s Scaled and Icy, Clancy concludes a sprawling, immersive multi-album narrative that began with Blurryface, a project that embodied Tyler Joseph’s deepest insecurities, in 2015. Clancy will even arrive nine years from the date of its release. The band also shared the synthy first single, “Overcompensate,” which comes with a music video directed by longtime collaborator Reel Bear Media.
MUST ATTEND
Five events that you should attend:
Tejas at The Piano Man
Tejas is a singer-songwriter from Bombay, India. Growing up in Dubai he was exposed to a variety of cultures. His music brings together a variety of genres including Rock, Funk, R&B, Soul and Electronica; and has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of independent English songwriting from the sub-continent. Watch him perform his new album, Museum, at the Piano Man (Eldeco Center) on May 3, 2024 in Delhi.
I Killed my Mother / It Wasn't my Fault
For a girl of 25, life is continually turbulent. This morning is particularly overwhelming. She is assaulted by self-doubt, unemployment, too much social media, and her mother. Still, she must brave the mundanity and frivolousness of urban girlhood, all the while looking for someone to blame. Watch the story of an ordinary day in her life at G5A Warehouse, Mumbai on May 11, 2024.
KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024
Go to KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia's biggest queer film festival, to watch 130+ LGBTQ+ films from 40+ countries, participate in panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with filmmakers and enjoy scintillating dance and music performances on the opening and closing nights. It will be held May 15-19, 2024 at Liberty Cinema, May 16-19, 2024 at Alliance Française de Bombay; and May 17-18, 2024 at Cinepolis (Andheri West).
Photomontage Workshop
Discover the art of storytelling through imagery at Photomontage Workshop on May 4, hosted at KNMA Noida. This workshop offers an opportunity to delve into the basic principles of photomontage. Throughout the session, participants will learn to creatively blend magazine and newspaper cut-outs, crafting new compositions that convey unique narratives. Join them to refine your creative expression and explore the limitless possibilities of photomontage.
Van Gogh Immersive Experience
As the play of visuals and sound synchronize to create this one-of-a-kind experience, The Van Gogh Immersive Experience aims to go beyond the traditional gallery setting with the amalgamation of cutting-edge technology and Van Gogh's timeless artistry. Witness an unforgettable sensory experience that transcends traditional boundaries of art appreciation at Hyderabad’s Hitex Exhibition Center.
Words Platform Desk
Date 01.05.2024