Author: Karina Pandya

A cat named Melody lived in a bustling corner of Mumbai, where the narrow lanes were divided. With a sleek grey coat and piercing green eyes, she was no ordinary feline. There was something very unique about this cat; she had a voice that could melt hearts, a gift that set her apart from the cacophony of honking auto rickshaws, taxis, automobiles, and buses.   By day, she prowled the streets of Bandra, charming locals with her mysterious ways, but by night, she transformed into the city’s biggest secret – the first cat singer! Having a small, makeshift…

     A play produced by Shabd Theatre Group, Sifar is a Hindi play written and directed by Sachin Malvi, which is based on the Syrian war. It recently made its debut at NCPA theatre on 1st December 2024.    The play takes place in Damascus (the capital of Syria) and depicts all these characters adapting to chaos and demonstrating resilience.  Taking place in Damascus adds a layer of authenticity to the story as this city has witnessed immense destruction.   The play portrays the struggles of different individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing devastation. Named after an Arabic…

Mittens was not one of your ordinary cats. She had a lot of free time, and she was very curious about the world around her outside the four walls of her cosy home. One day, after overhearing her human talk about an NGO that worked to help stray animals, she too decided that she wanted to make a difference. She signed herself up for an internship at Paws and Claws, the local NGO that worked to rescue and rehabilitate stray animals (dogs and cats). Day 1: The Orientation Chaos On the first day of her day at the NGO,…

After the Midnight adventure, the cats gained a lot of confidence and became even more courageous and open. These were not your average house cats!   Mini, who was the tiniest but, of course, the feistiest, was always up to something, always plotting their new adventure- the Bossy Strategist; Bunty did what she wanted and when she wanted- the Lazy one; Babli, who was fairly pretty and had a fur coat that looked like a royal palace – the mischievous one and Prince Goldie as his name suggested had the heart of a lion and loved to laze in the…

Four cats sprawled in the household in their cosy apartment in Mumbai, thinking of new plotting ideas. Bunty, the dramatic and mischievous one, Babli- with his clever Chaplin moustache; Prince Goldie, the golden tabby who thought of himself as the kind of the world and Mini – the leader of them all who had the gentlest most grace. It was one quiet evening when their human was fast asleep. “Tonight, we are all going on an adventure!” but I can’t tell you where so soon.  Her tail flicked with excitement. Babli rolled her eyes, “Is this one of your plans…

“Christmas isn’t a day. It’s a frame of mind”. At least this is the theme that overshadows the movie ‘Best Christmas Ever’ that has been directed by Mary Lambert. While former college friend- Jackie Jennings cannot stop bragging about her seemingly perfect life that details her family’s extraordinary achievements, in her annual newsletter that is published every Christmas. Viewed with not only jealousy but disdain, her friend Charlotte Sanders is extremely envious of her friend. While Charlotte lives a rather modest life with her husband Rob (former ex-boyfriend of Jackie), they happen to stumble upon Jackie’s grandiose house a few days before Christmas…

    On a Chilly November morning, as the sun’s golden hues spilt into the cosy living room, Mini, Bunty, Babli and Prince Goldie were sprawled out across the living room floor, their tails flicking with restlessness. Of course, Mini, the wisest in the group, was thinking of something, “We’ve got a mystery to solve!” her green eyes sparkling as she meowed this.   Prince Goldie, the golden-coloured cat who loved food, perked up; “Does this by chance involve any food? Babli, the unmistakable Charlie Chaplin, stretched out lazily. “Food being counted or not. Count Me in! I’m getting tired of…

Rediscovering oneself is sometimes the only way a person can move forward. That is exactly what Tara Kendell (Emmanuel Vaugier) goes through after a messy divorce and a family breakdown.  This film combines the charm of a small-town life with the deep emotional struggles of individual characters. It is set in the beautiful landscape of Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, but it is fictionally set in Montana. A typical Hallmark movie, Big Sky River takes viewers on an emotional journey of love, redemption and finding a home where one least expects it. Directed by Peter Benson, the movie is also based…

When you are in your late 30’s….: A dance between chaos and peace of mind; Youth still lingers but is harder to find. The party starts earlier; half past nine; Sleep is our priority and that’s just fine. Wisdom walks steadily right by our side; Wrinkles if any, are not easy to hide. Dreams are steady, no longer a chase; Oh, how we miss that once carefree space! Our career is a reality, not just a dream. The hustle has softened, or so it may seem! Happiness hides in life’s subtleties; Easily found with such ease. Our late…

In the cradle of peaks where the heavens descend I march along forward till the journey begins  and ends The Ganga flows on beautifully, her waters serene and vast She carries on forward dreams of the future and the past Under the cedars as the silence sways The chants of sages echo in more than just one way. Temple bells they swing, temple bells beneath the light Guiding all these lost souls through the velvet night  The winds they carry on prayers aloft The winds have soft tones The time it bows down its weary head, The soul awakens…