The AI feature of Meta is really flexing its muscles lately on my feed. It often shows up an advertisement for a local bootcamp for Yummy Mummies with the option to bring your kids along. Talk about reading my mind! No, not really.

Motherhood, as glorified as it is everywhere, really takes a toll on your body and mind. Thank you, mother nature, for those changes that happen, whether we like it or not, and sometimes are just irreversible. Personally, I discovered a permanent increase in shoe size, the ever-present guilt of returning to work ‘too early’ (I mean, come on, how early is too early and how late is too late?), the desperate need for adult conversations that don’t revolve around nappies, and years of sleepless nights.

On a lighter note, if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep or a peaceful cup of coffee in ages, imagine how much more deliciously confident you’ll feel after a yummy mummy bootcamp? But hey, why not trade that for a confidence-building workshop, a “welcome back to work” celebration, financial independence, and evenings out without baby and family responsibilities. Now that’s a real treat!

Meanwhile in the real world, I found myself in the hilarious predicament of dressing up my daughter as an Oompa Loompa for World Book Day. Thanks to the postal service, the much-awaited green Oompa Loompa wig was fashionably late to the party. I was on the verge of breaking out the green hair dye and attempting a DIY top bun hairdo, much to everyone’s amusement. Luckily, just in the nick of time, the wig arrived, saving the day and sparing my daughter from a temporary green makeover. Hats off to the postal service for the dramatic entrance!

The wig struggle was real! My daughter’s dark, thick, and long hair made me feel like a pinning champion as I tried to squish it all into place. We even had a serious debate about just how “orange” her face could get without turning the whole world orange. And thank goodness for those local charity shops – they saved the day with the rest of the outfit!

March also celebrates Holi which brings back a flood of childhood memories. My dear old mother used to command me not to get cleaned up until evening because someone or the other would show up and cover me in all the colours of Holi. We also had the joy of getting to play with and getting attacked by ‘pichkaris’ or water pistols filled with coloured water. And when it comes to festivals, this one had it all – including the legendary Holi food. The madness would settle down after 3 or 4 in the afternoon, at which point we would all finally take our showers and become recognisable human beings again. Maybe someday I’ll find myself back in my hometown, immersing myself in those vibrant colours once more. Ah, the joy of Holi!

What’s out there to watch?

The Motive and the Cue

A Must-See Theatrical Masterpiece

Prepare to be astounded by the incredible talents of Mark Gatiss, Johnny Flynn, and Tuppence Middleton as they bring to life the captivating story of Richard Burton and John Gielgud’s collaboration to stage Shakespeare’s Hamlet in London’s West End. Johnny Flynn’s portrayal of Richard Burton and Tuppence Middleton’s depiction of Elizabeth Taylor are nothing short of extraordinary. And let’s not forget the brilliant direction of Sam Mendes, whose expertise shines through just as it did in the acclaimed film 1917.

Noises off

When life throws a curveball, the tough get their funny bone tickled by watching Noises Off. Picture Liza Goddard embodying the charmingly scatterbrained Dotty Otley. This play is a glorious ode to everything that can go hilariously awry in a theatre production: forgotten lines (especially about sardines), incessant door-slamming, actors taking unexpected tumbles, and the perfect touch of inebriation right before their big scene. With characters getting stuck in cupboards and general pandemonium, Act Two and Three are a sidesplitting extravaganza. In short, it’s a recipe for absolute comedic mayhem!

Uncle Vanya (Vue Cinemas)

This isn’t just any recorded show – it’s an electrifying performance! Andrew Scott’s one-man show brings Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece to life in a way that will leave you spellbound. As Alexander and his young wife settle into his late first wife’s estate, the intricate dynamics of the household unfold before your eyes. One man embodies the complex relationships between Yelena and Vanya, as well as the daily visits of the doctor, all while capturing Sonya’s unrequited love. It’s a tour de force by Andrew Scott that you won’t want to miss!

Wicked Little Letters

This movie is like a surprise gift wrapped in humour, with a top-notch cast including Timothy Spall, Olivia Coleman, and Jessie Buckley, among others. It’s based on the lesser-known story of anonymous letters being delivered to Edith, a religious spinster in Littlehampton, which creates quite a stir in the community. If you could earn a coin for every swear word in this film, you’d be rolling in dough by the end! In short, this isn’t a movie for the faint-hearted. It’s filled with humour and hints of women’s emancipation, the suffragette movement, and the general dissatisfaction among women towards gender-based roles. It’s a must-see for sure!

The Sun King at Burton Taylor Studios

The cosy atmosphere set the stage for a student production of the Sun King, priced at a mere £6 per ticket, yet it delivered an extraordinary evening of entertainment. The story centres around Jamie, who spends each summer at a beach near his family’s home in a fictitious (yet eerily realistic) country ruled by a tyrant. At the age of 12, Jamie encounters the Sun King, also known as the King of Summerland, who claims to watch over all those touched by sunlight. As the summers unfold, Jamie and the Sun King develop a unique friendship, engaging in profound conversations while enduring occasional conflicts, particularly when the king draws parallels between his rule and that of Jamie’s country’s tyrannical president. This narrative offers a captivating perspective on confronting one’s deepest fears and transcending them, imparting the invaluable life lesson that evading fears only perpetuates them, whereas confronting them is the path to overcoming.

Dune – part 2 in the cinemas and the Gentlemen on Netflix

There’s not been a social gathering that I’ve been a part of, whether in person or online, where neither of Dune 2 nor the Gentlemen haven’t been mentioned. Dune is like that blockbuster movie where Javier Bardem’s eyebrow deserves its own award, and the costumes and sets are so fabulous you secretly wish you could wear them to work (with the exception of the desert suits). The special effects are so mind-blowing, it’s like they hired actual sandworms for the shoot. And Oppenheimer, sorry buddy, but even your bomb feels like a dud compared to the non-stop thrill ride of Dune. It’s like a rollercoaster you never want to get off, unless it’s to ride a sandworm, because seriously, that scene is everything!

“The Gentlemen” on Netflix is like a fine wine mixed with some gangster shenanigans, served in a Guy Ritchie glass. Picture this: slick action, snappy and witty dialogues, and some good old-fashioned fights. But hey, fair warning – there’s more booze, drugs, and wild substances than you can shake a stick at. If that’s not your cup of tea, you might want to give this one a miss. On the bright side, Theo James and Kaya Scodelario totally own their roles as Eddie Horniman and Susie Glass. I must say, after watching it, I’m feeling a tad envious of Ms. Glass’s wardrobe and that killer red lipstick. Cheers to that!

Books

Erin Kelly’s The Skeleton Key draws inspiration from the enigmatic events surrounding Kit Williams’ Masquerade. For the uninitiated, Masquerade takes the form of a treasure hunt with an actual treasure at stake. Kelly’s narrative revolves around Frank and Cora Churcher, who blend their passion for Irish folklore and artistic abilities to produce The Golden Bones. This book flaunts a central heroine, Elinore, whose gilded bones are scattered throughout Britain, sparking the rise of a devoted cult of “Bonehunters.” Fast forward to the 2000s, the era of social media, and the quest condenses to the pursuit of the final bone: the pelvic bone. A tumultuous family gathering at the Churchers uncovers long-held dark secrets, exacerbated by the frenzy of the Bonehunters. If you have a penchant for dark thrillers, consider this work a masterpiece. Spanning over 500 concise pages, complete with bite-sized chapters, it’s a gripping read for fans of the genre.

In the studio this month

Beetles

The idea of beauty

There were multiple incredible women-centric days in March! March is not only Women’s History Month but also includes the celebration of Mothering Sunday. To honour women from all corners of the globe, I’ve created portraits of ordinary women, just like myself. No names, no grand social media announcements, no media hoopla – just the beauty and significance of everyday women. What is beauty if not a subjective concept? It’s not about your appearance, your body, or your wardrobe. Beauty is defined by those who love you, and their perspective should outweigh the narrow standards imposed by companies worldwide.

The portraits encompass women from Pakistan, the Maasai tribes in Africa, India, and Iran. This project is continually evolving, with plans to include American Indian, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Japanese women on my wishlist.

And to finish off

For anyone experiencing a day overshadowed by personal insecurities, remember that true beauty stems from being at ease with your authentic self. Pursuing an elusive notion of “perfection” may consume a lifetime, or you can relish this journey called life and cherish those who genuinely love you.