‘Miranda House’ release for April 17
National award-winning director Rajendara Talak’s newest film ‘Miranda House’ is all set for release on Wednesday, April 17 in all cinema halls in Goa. The all-Goan film produced by Rajendra Talak Creations in Konkani and Iris Productions in Marathi has been shot at locations in Margao, Betal Bhatim and Velsao. Cast comprises Pallavi Subhash, Milind Gunaji, Sainkeet Kamat, Prince Jacob, John dSilva, Audhoot Sahakari, Sanjay Talwadkar, Sanjiv Prabhu, Madhavi Desdai and Anil Raikar.
It will be a debut film in Konkani and Marathi for lead actor Sainkeet Kamat, much loved in Maharashtra and Goa for his roles in popular serials ‘Tujha Majha Breakup’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Ratris Khel Chale’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Hya Gojirvanya Gharat’ (Marathi play). Milind Gunaji who also plays a pivotal role is of Goan origin who began acting in the 1993 film ‘Papeeha’ and later went to act in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Punjabi, Kannada films. This is his first film in his mother tongue Konkani. Other credits go to cinematographer Suraj Kurade (of Gujarati film ‘Reva’ fame), also Vardhan Dhaimodkar who has edited the film.
‘Miranda House’ is a suspense thriller and producer-director Rajendra Talak is a familiar name in Goa with several films in his cap including ‘Aleesha’,’Antarnad’, ‘Shitu’, ‘Saavariyaa.com’, ‘O Maria’, ‘A Rainy Day’. Catch the film one of these days if you love your Goa and its Goenkarponn!
FESTIVALS
Celebrate Goa’s Raj Bhavan: Enjoy a summer festival of flowering trees, heritage, history and the grandeur of nature at its summery best! Book up for a Goa Raj Bhavan Darshan tour – these thrice weekly tours take place in groups of 50 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. They offer Goans and tourists alike insight into Goa’s life and times, as also various modern day initiatives introduced at the Raj Bhavan estate like solid waste management, water harvesting and solar energy. Plus, lots of sightseeing to do. Fee: `300 per person. Details: https://bookings.rajbhavan.goa.gov.in or call 7887897530
TALKS
Advance Planning Travelling in Europe: A useful talk and tips by Ramchandra Prabhu Salgaonkar and Rohit Sirsat if you’re planning to travel to holiday in Europe this summer. Venue: International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, Panaji. Date: Saturday, April 13. Time: 5 to 7pm. Details: 9923388999.
SUMMER COURSES
Learn Portuguese: Foreign languages are a challenge and useful to learn when you are young! Here’s a special 10-day course for youngsters to learn Portuguese the fun way through videos, songs, oral activities and other exciting exercises. It has been organized by the Fundacao Oriente in collaboration with Communicare Trust for beginners. Workshop is free but registration compulsory. Limited seats. Venue: Fundacao Oriente, Fontainhas, Panaji. Date: April 24 to May 8 (Monday to Friday). Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Learn to Sketch: Popular sketching classes conducted by master teacher Ramdas Gadekar over six Sundays, sessions in pencil and charcoal, line and object drawing, also still life, head and figure studies. For 12 years olds and above. Venue: Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panaji. Date: Sunday, April 14 onwards. Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Write Away & Perfect Picture: Here’s a 4-day creative writing and illustration workshop for children, participants will be introduced to the tools they need to express themselves. Venue: Saraya Eco-stay, CHOGM Road, Sangolda, Bardez. Date: April 15 to 18. Time: 10am to 12 noon. Details: sarayagoa@gmail.com
Learn Kalari: A martial self-defense skill from Kerala worth learning. Venue: Panjim Convention Centre, Mala Heritage Area, Panaji. Date: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Time: 6.15pm to 7.15pm. Details: satyakarakalari@gmail.com
Free Food & Beverages Course: The Don Bosco VTI, Quepem, is hosting a free course in food and beverage service and housekeeping in mid-April in collaboration with Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. Details: 2662266
BOOKS
Book Discussion: Out of Context has organized a discussion of ‘Sita Valles, A Revolutionary Until Death’ by Leonor Figueiredo’, translated by D Smith. Venue: Alliance Francaise, Altinho, Panaji. Date: Saturday, April 13. Time: 6pm
Book Discussion: The Literati Book Club is hosting a book discussion on ‘The Book of Chocolate Saints’ by Jeet Thayil. Venue: Literati Book Club, Candolim. Date: April 24. Time: 8.15pm. Details: books@literati-goa.com
ADVENTURE
Walking Tours: Soul Travelling is organizing a series of walking tours, namely ‘The Sacred Walk, Bandora’ on Saturday, April 13, 4pm to 6.30pm; ‘Walking with Legend, Salt Pans of Raibandar’ with Tallulah D’silva on Sunday, April 14, 8am to 10am and ‘Chandor,The Origin’, also on April 14, 4pm to 6.30 pm. Details: info@soultravelling.in or call on 7378301863.
SALES
Literati Summer Sale of Books: No pleasure like a book in hand! Buy them at a discount, 20% off on all new books second hand books at as little as `50. Added attraction is sale of costume jewelry. Venue: Literati Bookshop & Café, Gauravaddo, Calangute. Date: Ongoing till April 22 (closed on Sunday April 14, 19 and 21).
HEALTH
Yoga Teaching Training Course & Retreats: The Yoga Institute is conducting a month-long course from May 1, as also regular yoga retreats for better living, both residential and non-residential. Venue: The Yoga Institute, Chorao Island. Details: Call 9820557676 or log in goa@theyogainstitute.org
REST&RECREATION
Easter Brunch at GROK? If you’re looking for places to go over Easter Sunday coming up check out the elaborate lunch spread and favorite breakfast staples at GROK, Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa – on the menu are such item numbers to tantalize the palate as Carrot & Hazelnut Soup, Seafood Salads, along with made-to-order omlettes, pancakes and choice spread of vegetarian and non-vegetarian mains, a carving station with roast turkey, honey glazed ham…all paired with summer cocktails and desserts. A culinary extravaganza along with foot tapping live music. Make it a memorable Easter brunch at GROK restaurant — interestingly GROK is a word made popular courtesy the 1961 science fiction novel ‘Stranger in A Strange Land’ by Robert A Heinlein, make what you want of it or go and find out! Brunch is on April 21 from noon to 3.30pm. Reservations: Call 9130064069.