This makes my blood boil. Bombay has for ever been one of the safest cities in the world, especially for women. But two occurances like this last year and again this year, is just not acceptable.

A mob of 70-80 men groped and molested two young women for some 15 minutes on a busy main street in Mumbai’s glamour district Juhu early on New Year’s Day.

An identical incident had shamed India’s safest city exactly a year ago — a girl was molested by New Year’s eve revellers at the Gateway of India. That incident was captured on film by a popular Mumbai tabloid; Tuesday morning’s horror was shot by two Hindustan Times lensmen who happened to be on the spot.

The women — one in a black dress, the other in a jeans and top — emerged from the JW Marriott with two male friends around 1.45 am, and began walking towards Juhu beach close by.

A mob of about 40 got after them and began teasing the women. One of the women swore loudly at the hooligans.

But the mob, now 70-80 strong, wouldn’t let go. They trapped the women near a vehicle and a tree, and pounced on them. A man in a white shirt tore off the black dress. Another, in a blue shirt, led the assault. As the women fell on the ground, dozens of men jumped on them. [link]

The newspaper article goes on to say that the inspector rushed at the mob weilding his cane. For once I wish he had removed his gun and fired a few rounds.

No seriously, you may say….arZan…that’s barbaric. And I reply that yes what the mob did was barbaric, and for once should be dealt with in equal measure.

This is another entry in the “WTF Mumbai” category.

Seems that some stupid Congress corporator wants to stop the New Year’s eve party at Shivaji Park Gymkhana, because of the consumption of alcohol at the party.

“Shivaji Park is a pawan bhoomi (sacred land) and here the members of the Gymkhana will be drinking alcohol. By doing this, the members will be insulting not only the leaders but also the rich and varied culture of Maharashtra,” said Sawant. “If alcoholic drinks are served in this park, it won’t be tolerated.” [link]

How the hell does Shivaji Park become “pawan bhoomi” is beyond my comprehension.

OK lets contemplate a hypothetical situation. It’s Dec 27, 2007 and I still havent made plans for New Year’s Eve in India’s most happening city. Not wanting to just land up anywhere….and with money and accessibility to tickets no issue, where do you think I should go. And why do you make that suggestion.

I would love to see your answers in the comments section.

That is the total number of people who have been imprisoned this year for drunk driving. Mumbai traffic cops’ campaign against drunk driving has led to a sharp decline in alcohol consumption in the city, setting off panic among hoteliers and bar owners.

According to figures made available by the excise department, September saw a steep drop in alcohol comsumption. So this weekend when you leave home to get a drink do forget ur car keys at home. Kudos to Mumbai police !!!

The Item Girl that the whole country loves to hate, donned a civic persona today.

There was an unusual visitor at the BMC headquarters to meet Commissioner Jairaj Phatak on Friday. Item girl Rakhi Sawant had a civic item on her agenda this time.

“Despite repeated complaints from Oshiwara residents in Serenity Complex, the place where I live, Phatak had time to only visit Oshiwara for a club inauguration 4 days back. After today’s meeting, we have some hope. There are open drains outside my gate. Two children were injured after they fell into the gutter,” said Sawant. [link]

Its nice to see that she is putting her brains and star power to work for a good cause. Now all you Rakhi Sawant bashers, be quiet till tomorrow. Then start again.

Firstly let me start by giving out the mandatory “thank you” speech. Melody….my partner in crime, you are a Rock Star, thanks for taking care of all the minor (and major) party issues while allowing me to sit back take all the luft.

Would also like to thank the management of Sejos for allowing us to twist their arms to the max so that we bloggers could get the most viable deal out of them. And last but not the least, a BIG thank you to all those who turned up (and a boo-hoo to those who couldn’t make it)….I had one heck of a time and am sure our bash would put all those Bollywoodish…Page 3 parties to shame.

Without any further a due, here are some “Kodak Moments”……

(more…)

A report states that the single women in the city are themselves to blame for being single.

Here are the findings. For the entire study read the article in Mid-Day

Single working women generally go home late

Married working women tend to catch an early train as they have household chores to complete. Even students were found to reach home by 7 pm

Students form groups, usually with college friends

Married working women groups engage in several activities including sharing of sweets and partying in trains on occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries

On the other hand, single married women travel at different times

Unlike working women, single college-going girls find hawkers fun and even married working women are in favour of shopping in trains as they don’t have to travel to buy household items including grocery

The 9th edition of the Osian’s-Cinefan Film Festival of Asian and Arab cinema will be held at the NCPA in Mumbai on June 8.

The premiere, in association with the government of national capital territory of Delhi, comes at a time when Osian’s is making a foray into film production and financing budding filmmakers directors. The archive and auction house will also inaugurate its art and film complex, Osianama (formerly Minerva Cinema), early next year.

Aruna Vasudev, president of Osian’s Cinefan explained that the idea behind the film festival was to showcase great cinema as a way to explore other cul tures and “learn more about our own perceptions and attitudes”.

“India may have great passion for cinema. But that is different from having proper infrastructure and a support system for cinema as a great intellectual and cultural experience. We are building that missing intellectual base,” added chairman of Osian’s, Neville Tuli.

The day-long event will showcase six Asian and Arabic films and two exhibitions - one on the apprising of 1857 and another on Japanese posters of world cinema. A forum discussion on the relevance of film festivals will also be held, where personalities like Pritish Nandy, Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and others will speak. The Manganiyar orchestra will perform the Manganiyar Seduction at the festival finale. [link]

Cajetan D’Souza, a Mumbai resident writes in to DNA about seeing a kids at a bar. The kids were sent there to pick up booze for their mom who is a ragpicker.

There are many bars that hire these minors as helpers, waiters and table boys. Even after the High Court banned the entry of children in liquor shops and bars, this bar gives liquor to children. How can we see the end of this evil without going to the police?

This really sucks. As much as this is part of the desperate situation the kids and the mother find themselves, this needs to stop.

What would you do if you were in a bar and a kid came in to buy booze ?

Fancy a ride with a woman cabbie at the wheel? If you are a man, forget it — Mumbai’s newest taxi service is for women only.

Sleek silver and white taxis sporting a blue and pink logo bearing the name “Forsche” — a play on the name of the luxury German carmaker and the words “for she”_ has hit the roads for the first time on Thursday which apparenlty was also International Women’s Day.

The service will have special feminine touches like bigger mirrors, a makeup kit with a nail polish remover and a magazine rack. But it is no gimmick.

I am sure if the tariff is at a reasonable rate this concept will be a super duper hit in Mumbai. As it addresses real concerns of female commuters. More women are traveling alone as they break with traditional roles and enter the workplace or even just to go out for the evening. Although Mumbai is considered safer than most cities on the subcontinent, where sexual harassment is rife, Indian women and visiting tourists often complain about being leered at by male cab drivers.

The only males allowed to ride in Forsche cars will be children under age 12. Sorry guys :))

Must admit that this is a nice womens day gift for the Mumbai gals.