How’s your weekend looking in Bangalore?

From art shows, photography exhibitions, workshops, food to music performances, DNA picks five exciting things to do this weekend...

Mixed platter
Want to taste the sumptuous food of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka under one roof? Then head to South Indies for their extravagant food fiesta, Bountiful South, a festival that spreads over 10 days. With unlimited lunch and dinner, you also get to taste their 10 varieties of delicious starters and exciting beverages that is served to satisfy to the foodie in you.

Elaborating about the festival, Jiju P Haridas, food and beverage manger of the restaurant says, “This festival will bring in some exciting starters that are off the menu, such as the cheese vada, to excite the customers. We are spreading this festival for three months, where every month will focus on different themes.” Some of their special starters include Parupu Pittu, Chennai Marina Pattani Sundal, Malabar Potato Roast, Pundi Gatti and more. While the beverages platter will see refreshing mocktails like Blackout, Blue Eyes, Melon Dew and Mango Rapture.
At South Indies — 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar and 147, Infantry Road
On till February 27
Call 41636363/ 41636362   

For an enchanting performance
Giving a slice of Kerala’s traditional dance form, Mohiniattam, Bangaloreans can look forward to Mohini Nrityotsav 2011.

Organised by Monisha Arts, the fest brings two exciting days of the dance form. With a host of eminent dancers performing this weekend, book you seat to witness one of the most lyrical dance forms of India.

Talking about the show, Sreedevi Unni, director of Monisha Arts says, “We’ve been conducting this festival for the past three years. It was started to give students and lovers of this art form an experience to witness several eminent performers live. It not only serves an educational purpose, but also a visual treat to dance lovers as well.”

The two-day festival will see performances by eminent dancers like Rajashree Warriar, Bharathi Sivaji, Narayana Raju and several others along with a special lecture on Mohiniattam by Nirmala Panicker.
At ADA Rangamandira, opposite Ravindra Kalashetra, JC Road
This evening and tomorrow, 11am onwards 
Call 22219388

An artistic delight
Famous Bangalore-based artist Paresh Hazra will be showcasing his new series of paintings, titled Myriad Of Colours, this weekend in the city. His new series of works is a lavish splash of colours in the most versatile yet tedious medium — Gouache. The images in this series are simplified version of Picasso like faces, horses and other creatures integrating his artistic brilliance into a web of masterful technique, humour and creativity.

Giving us an insight about his new series, Hazra says, “This series is rather different from my previous collection that was in black and white. I have used two types of Gouache and the series also includes images of Gods and Goddesses.”

The artist’s experimentation with tempura continues to explore the unending possibilities of range, texture and the depth of colours. With his paintings depicting various stories associated with life, catch this brilliant art show this weekend.
At The Taj West End, Race Course Road
On till February 24, 10am to 9 pm
Call 66605660

Wall... through the lens
A famous architect once said that the best part of architecture is the wall. But, the silent structures surrounding us are always given a miss. However, these beautiful structures are captured through the lens of Bangalore-based photographer Vivek Mathew.

The talented youngster, who has successful exhibitions to his credit, is back with his new series titled, Canvas Wall. His third solo exhibition will feature 28 photos of walls captured through his lens. Giving us an insight about the theme, he says, “This exhibition is all to do with walls, textures and the feel. I’ve always been inspired by the old world charm of British structures and architecture. Though, some buildings have been destroyed, the walls stand still. Their character is strong even today. I would say every wall is a canvas by itself.”

Talking about how this exhibition came about, he says, “I usually don’t decide on themes and work as it tends to block you from capturing other beautiful moments that come by. As a matter of fact, the series came together about three years ago, during my casual visits to places like Chennai, Delhi, Agra, Srirangapatna, Goa among others.”

Shades of light and dark, different textures have inspired the photographer in a big way. “Simple and small things like a window, a shadow of a bird on wall, colourful painting of a tailor’s wall have been captured,” informs Vivek. Talking about the technique, he says, “I have printed the photographs on archive links — a textured fine art paper, where you can feel the print.”
  At Sublime, UB City
On till February 27
Call 22711488

It’s time for some adventure
Are you looking at making your weekend adventurous? Then, sign up for a challenging rock climbing event this Sunday. Sparks Adventures (Society for promotion of Adventure and Rock Climbing) is organising a rock climbing event at Turalli Hillock, a boulder garden and a reserve forest just off Kanakapura which has been a paradise for climbers for over two decades now.

This free event is helping people who are interested in this sport to get a first-hand experience on real rocks under the guidance from their team. “Though the event focuses on children who are above eight years, it’s open to boys and girls of all age groups. We conduct this event every weekend, and a set of instructors will be guiding the children in rock climbing,” says Abhishek Thuppil Venkatesh of Sparks Adventures. The total number of participants is limited to only 20 in number. So, pick up your phones and register for the event before you miss the chance!
At Turalli,off Kanakapura Road
Tomorrow, 7.30am onwards
Call 9880073281