Citygritty 8212; Pune

By the bookIf opening a bookstore seems an unenterprising idea, owing to the advent of the electronic media and information technology, then...

By the book
If opening a bookstore seems an unenterprising idea, owing to the advent of the electronic media and information technology, then nothing could be further from the truth. Come June 28 and Crossword8217;, a bookshop at Sohrab Hall near Tadiwala Road, is all set to literally read literary-ly stir Puneites with a bonanza of books.

Besides 25,000-odd books, the store will have a computerised library and also promises home delivery. Its event calender of July is also interesting as it provides readers with an opportunity to meet writers like the inimitable Anant Pai on July 5, the internationally-acclaimed Vikram Chandra on July 12, the culinary expert Tarla Dalal on July 19 and, finally, R K Laxman on July 26. July never looked so good!

Riding High
Marc Robinson, who seems to love Pune like no other with Puneites, read girls, reciprocating the sentiment! made a special appearance at Sai Service Station Ltd, Veer Savarkar Bhawan, on June 25, converting the simple ceremony of handing over scooter keys into a glamorous event. Even though the Channel V VJ came three hours late, due to a mix-up, his profuse apology charmed the 200-strong crowd. On their part, the Sai Service people made the place resemble a discotheque. Apart from talking to the crowd and sometimes hugging others, he also handed over the keys of five brand new Bajaj Caliber motorcycles to their proud owners, making the evening a runaway success.

Great opening
The latest on the most happening event in town 8211; the Bacardi Blast on June 27 8211; is that the organisers are going to cover the venue overhead to ensure that nothing can dampen the partying spirit8230;not rains nor hailstorms. Since Ambrosia is an open-air retreat, this action sure makes sense. So all those who had taken out gum boots along with their snazzy attires, you may now only get your dancing shoes to boogey the night away.

Three8217;s a party
If two glitzy events happening on one night 8211; the Bacardi Blast and the Raageshwari show at the Residency Club on June 27 8211; were not enough to divide the party birds in town, there8217;s a third one demanding its fair share of attention. Nupur India, a charitable trust, is putting up a cultural show at the Nehru Memorial hall, involving teenagers and kids. 8220;There will be a fashion show with sequences like a bus stop round and an ethnic one, along with classical and folk dances,8221; reveals Gauri Karekar, choreographer.

Into its fourth show, the trust organises such evenings on a bi-annual basis. And the little kids on the ramp are sure to be the highlight, as they are known to walk away with more accolades than the adults these days.

Contributed by Vinita and Sunanda