Picking order

Read
(ByNaomi Datta, Author-The 6pmSlot)

Persuasion-Jane Austen
There is so much which is unspoken and subtle in the relationship between the two protagonists. This is my all-time favourite Austen novel.

A Suitable Boy-Vikram Seth
In spite of the multiplicity of characters and the number of pages, it holds your attention completely. I read this book when I was younger and back then, I didn't fully understand why Latha picks the suitable boy she did. I do now!

The Catcher in the Rye-J D Salinger
I read this when I was a young undergraduate with absolutely no existential issues. But Holden’s story totally fascinated me, and I discovered a new word — angst, thanks to this book.

Krishna Avatar-K M Munshi
This is a series of seven to eight books. Published in the ’50s, they belonged to my grandfather. These volumes are written in archaic English, but get you to discover Indian mythology in all its complexity.

Piccadilly Jim-P G Wodehouse
This novel is vintage Wodehouse. There is also a lovely romance between Jim & Ann, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

(As told to Manali Shah)

Listen
(By Valentine Shipley, Singer-Guitarist)

Dire Straits (1978) -Dire Straits
I consider Mark Knoflers as my God. In this first album, the sound of guitars and songwriting is brilliant. The album brought back rock ‘n’ roll at time when the ruling genre was punk rock. The rest is history.

Slowhand (1977)0-Eric Clapton
At the time of this album’s release, the graphiti in various places in London declared ‘Clapton is God’. What I like about this collection is that he kept reinventing himself despite tragedies in his life.

The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) -Pink Floyd
This album stayed on the charts for 800 weeks. The cult band, with their psychedelic music and a great combination of audio, video and lighting in their performances has always been an inspiration for me.

Tens Summoner’s Tales (1993) -Sting
This album is a biographic in nature. It reflects his relationship with his dad. Sting’s music is lyrical with beautiful arrangements.

Contemporary Continuum (2006) -John Mayer
John Mayer brings out amazing expressions and wit in his songwriting and music. He is a living example of the fact that you don’t have to go to fancy music school to be great musician.

(As told to Nirmika Singh)

Eat
(By Julie Leymarie, Owner of Organic Café, Le Mill)

Trishna, Kala Ghoda
My favourite restaurant in town. And my husband’s too. We go there at least once a month and order the same thing, as we’ve been doing for the last 4 years. Crab for him, lobster for me, both in black pepper sauce. Absolutely delicious.

Suzette, Nariman Point
The lovely contemporary décor here makes me feel as if I might be in New York, but eating delicious crepes from France’s Brittany. My favourite dish is the Complete (egg, cheese, ham). They also serve homemade caramel crepes.

The Table, Colaba
They have a diverse menu providing a great choice of small dishes, ideal to share with friends. It’s a great place to spend a fun evening with pals.

Britannia, Ballard Estate
More than a restaurant, Britannia is an institution. It’s where I take all my friends and family when they are visiting. I love the atmosphere, the food and of course, the mythical owners!

Cafe at Le Mill, Wadi Bunder
Located inside a beautiful old mill behind Crawford Market, they serve tasty food in a healthy manner.My favourite: the Tagliata di Manzo, a chef’s specialty, and some of the best beef around.

(As told toPrayag Arora-Desai)

Watch
(By Shirish Kunder, Editor and Director)

Man on the Moon (1999)
My favourite director Milos Forman has made this movie. Of all his works, I believe this is his best. It is a biographical film about the American entertainer Andy Kaufman. It’s innovative and dramatic, and has an outstanding performance by Jim Carrey.

Shawshank Redemption (1994)
I am a big fan of human drama — a person fights against all odds and eventually wins in the end. This film, directed by Frank Darabont follows a similar theme.

The Green Mile (1999)
Another film directed by Frank Darabont, this one strikes your heart with its mystical story. The cinematography is excellent — a little dramatic, a little unreal.

Lagaan (2001)
After the epic Sholay, I think this is the best character film ever. Though the movie was lengthy, each of the characters in it has been well defined. You remember them long after you’ve seen the movie. The plot-underdogs face trials but rise up to win — and its
execution make it my favourite Hindi film of all time.

Black Swan (2010)
I recently watched the movie.It is an artistic piece of work. It’s beautifully directed and visually very appealing. I am very inspired by it. It’s the kind of film any director would love to create.

Piccadilly Jim-P G Wodehouse
This novel is vintage Wodehouse. There is also a lovely romance between Jim & Ann, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

(As told to Pooja Maheshwary)