Threading stories since 1969

From adversity they say art is born The adage holds true for many art forms be it the written or spoken word or something more tangible like paintings and sculptures Shrujanrsquos upcoming popup at Nariman Point is one more testament to this sayingldquoIt was the summer of 1969rdquo says Azad Shrivastava Marketing Head at Shrujan ldquoKutch was ravaged by drought for the fourth year in a row Food and hope were hard to find Philanthropist Chanda Shroff visited Dhaneti village in the region to help run a free kitchen The villagers however were reluctant to accept charity But in the exquisite hand embroidery displayed on their clothing she saw a way to enable them to earn a sustainable and dignified livelihoodrdquoShrujanrsquos upcoming popup at Nariman Point offers a range of apparel with traditional kachchi embroideryAnd so Shrujan which means creativity in Sanskrit was born The notforprofit organization based in Kutch today works with over 2000 craftswomen living in 60 remote villages of Kutch practicing over 53 distinct embroidery stylesldquoThese women look after their homes fields and cattle We do not disturb their daily routine We make sure that fabrics and threads reach them right at their doorstep and pay them for their skills and timerdquo says ShrivastavaThe embroidered textiles collected from these skilled artisans are then fashioned into high quality apparel accessories and lifestyle products and marketed through Shrujanrsquos stores and exhibitionsThe 14th edition of Shrujanrsquos Mumbai popup will be held at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Hall in Bajaj Bhavan Nariman Point from December 13 to 16ldquoThe income earned from embroidery has helped four generations of craftswomen secure a better future for themselves and their families Today we work not only with hand embroidery but also hand weaving hand block printing and wheelthrown terracotta potteryrdquo shares ShrivastavaExpect a delightful range of sarees and kurtas along with furniture and accessories to take homeWHAT Shrujan Mumbai PopupWHERE Bajaj Bhavan Nariman PointWHEN Dec 1316Utsav International Film festivalA still from Trazos de pielThe LGBTQ amp Independent Film Festival is with their second edition The festival aims to spotlight independent filmmakers and their compelling stories often overlooked by mainstream platforms With a nod to budget constraints faced by independent and student filmmakers the festival provides an inclusive platform Beyond screenings it fosters knowledge exchange through insightful panel discussionsgtgtgtWHEN Thu 14 Dec 6 PMthinspndashthinspSun 17 Dec 10 PMWHERE Aram Nagar Part 2 Machlimar Versova Andheri WestPRICE Rs 250 for four daysTO BOOK insiderin16mm Film FestivalA still from Negative Positive filmHarkat revives the magic of celluloid with the 16mm Film Festival It showcases diverse formats such as 8mm 16mm and 35mm including innovative works with found footage Notably this year commemorates 100 years since the inception of the 16mm film celebrated as the artistrsquos preferred canvas Beyond visuals the festival explores the poetry politics energy and chemistry inherent in celluloid filmmakinggtgtgtWHEN December 1517WHERE Harkat StudiosPRICE Day Rs 250 Festival Rs 600TO BOOK insiderinFashionista MumbaiFashionista Mumbai sets out to democratise leading fashion trends for Tier2 consumers elevating Bcities into contemporary fashion hubs Bridging the gap between metros and smaller cities the event offers a platform to explore understand and embrace designer apparel accessories fragrances cosmetics and furnishing concepts By making these elements familiar and accessible the festival aims to redefine the landscape beyond major urban centresgtgtgtWHEN December 1213WHERE Kishanchand Valecha SabhagruhaPRICE Free for industry professionalsTO BOOK 8585857816Italian Films FestivalA still from the film NostalgiaThis festival hosted in New Delhi and Mumbai with support from the Embassy and Consulate General of Italy aims to spotlight Italyrsquos film industry Showcasing the countryrsquos cinematic prowess it unveils six of the latest and finest Italian films crafted by awardwinning directors offering a glimpse into the European countryrsquos rich cultural and cinematic landscapegtgtgtWHEN December 8 11WHERE PVR Lower ParelPRICE Starting Rs 500TO BOOK bookmyshowcomKidzworldKids can enjoy various activitiesThe childrenrsquos exhibition returns bigger and better with a captivating Space Theme Attendees can meet dinosaurs explore space exhibits and enjoy magic shows parades rides games and much more Kidzworld transforms into a dynamic space for discovery learning and family enjoymentgtgtgtWHEN December 1617WHERE Bombay Exhibition Center NESCOPRICE Rs 150TO BOOK bookmyshowcom