dishoom-loves

Issue XII, January

January is a most divisive month. For some it heralds the hopeful turning over of new leaves; for others it is a month to trudge begrudgingly through towards the promise of spring. Whichever camp you find yourself in, we have plentiful diversions to share. See them as the cherry atop your already gleeful January cake, or a welcome distraction while you await winter’s end.

We’re feeling grateful for:—

Urooj Ashfaq, a Bombayite whose debut UK tour will surely brighten up gloomy January evenings. Settle in for her sharp show Urooj Ashfaq: Oh no! at the Soho Theatre and see why she was named Best Newcomer at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards. (As fellow Bombayites we were extremely proud and not at all surprised).

Get ready to giggle

We’re gaining fresh perspectives at:—

Race, Indian Revolution and the Colonial Camera, a talk at London’s Paul Mellon Centre led by Sushma Griffin, an expert in the visual cultures of South Asia. Often, photography explores colonialism by capturing it in action. But Sushma will explore strange and distorted images, whose commentary is created by what is not shown. An eye-opening evening in prospect.

Reserve your space

Celebrating the small with:—

A new book and exhibition about the impact of South Asian Miniature painting on contemporary art. Read Beyond the Page: South Asian Miniatures and Britain, 1600 to now and learn about the exquisite beauty and extraordinary impact of these ancient, small-scale paintings. Then visit the MK Gallery to see examples of miniature painting dating from the mid-16th century.

Pick up the book

Celebrating girl power with:—

A tote bag from our Choti Dishoom collection. It features the fearless protagonist of our new Battersea café’s founding story – a comic we created with artist Shazleen Khan. Hang Choti, brow furrowed, magical dice flying, on any available wall for an inspiring dose of girl power.

Explore the Choti Dishoom collection