My Pick: Floyd Cardoz

(Left) Floyd Cardoz and Hussain Shahzad

I would greenlight a biopic on Papaji! His journey changed the way a generation of Indian chefs saw themselves, and what was possible for them. He left Bombay, and found his way into some of New York’s toughest kitchens. He showed the world that Indian food could be deeply personal and progressive without ever losing where it came from.

The scene I’d most want to see is the opening night of Tabla — Floyd standing in that kitchen in New York, putting flavours and childhood memories onto a fine-dining plate.

Hussain Shahzad, executive chef, Hunger Inc. Hospitality (Papa’s, The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, and Veronica’s)

My Pick: Jose Andres

The Michelin-starred Spanish-American chef popularised tapas in the United States, and founded World Central Kitchen (WCK), the humanitarian non-profit that delivers emergency food relief to disaster and conflict zones.

With WCK, he has ensured food relief reaches the remotest spots. I followed him before I decided to become a chef, and was inspired by his technique. He served an Olive Oil Bon Bon at a mini bar!

Vinesh Johny, co-founder, Lavonne Academy, LICK and Kopitiam Lah, Bengaluru

My Pick: Thomas Keller

I would okay the biopic of this living legend chef in a heartbeat. We see the perfection of The French Laundry but the real story that fascinates me is everything that came before it. Chef Keller endured painful failures, including the closure of his New York restaurant.

The most compelling scene would be him arriving in Yountville in his late 30s, taking over an old country restaurant that few believed could become legendary. It’s a reminder that greatness is rarely born from uninterrupted success. It’s forged through resilience, patience, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. 

Prateek Sadhu, founder-chef, Naar, Kasauli

My Pick:  Albert Adria, Thomas Frebel

Adria (above, left) is the unsung chef of our time, as compared to his brother Farhan the mathematics scientist. What he has done with places including Albury, Teckates and Enigma is inspiring. I would love to see slices of his life when he was a kid, and when Albury was at its prime on the screen.

My second pick would be Thomas Frebel (above, right) of Noma for the last 20 years, and René Redzepi’s backbone. The tall German dude would break into a set of pull-ups in the middle of the day and end a 12-hour shift at a climbing hall. I’ve worked alongside him for two short stints.

Gresham Fernandes, chef-partner, Bandra Born

My Pick: Golden Whitehead

Chef always gave chances to young chefs and freshers. He travelled the world, built an incredible career and remained compassionate and generous with his knowledge.

His story is a beautiful reminder of what it means to be a chef who opens doors for others, rather than walking through them.

Seefah Ketchaiyo, chef-co-owner Seefah and Khao Man Gai

My Pick: David Chang

Chang changed the perception of what a Michelin-rated restaurant could be — relaxed, accessible and affordable. He bridged the gap between Asian and American flavours, while also giving his staff the freedom to be creative.

I’d love to see his journey when he first set out to build Momofuku. He was close to Tony (Anthony Bourdain), and considered him a mentor.

Anand Morwani, Chef-partner, Gaijin

People from the community attend the Iblis workshop held by the Foundation at Karjat

“Most spaces are restricted to one form of art, but imagine what can happen when different art forms come together to connect across dimensions.” says social worker and artist Mourvika Nanore. That idea sits at the heart of the initiative, founded by visual artist Pratik Jadhav, who spent four years cycling across India, researching deeply about India’s folk and tribal art traditions. On his return in 2019, he and his friends started the Earthian Art Foundation in Mumbai, an NGO spreading awareness of art, culture, and environment.

Pratik Jadhav and Mourvika Nanore

Yesterday, a 14-day road journey began from Kolhapur will head to Pune, halting at Ichalkaranji, Andur, Rui, Kankavali, Devgad, Satara, and Baramati, where they will meet communities, schools, colleges and local artists. At each stop, the group will stage performances, build collaborative artwork, and run workshops for students, teenagers and senior citizens, connecting people to art. “It is an experiment to engage with different artists and learn about their journeys, their struggles,” says Jadhav. The journey ends on September 24 with a show in Pune, featuring all forms of art created along the way.

The trail eventually leads to Palu, a village in Murbad, where Earthian envisions a permanent art centre for folk and traditional practices, located near the Sahyadris. “We aim to create a space where all kinds of artists and artistes, as well as others, can come together to experiment. The intent is to make any form of art come to life,” says Nanore.

Log on to: earthianartfoundation.com; @earthian.af

Tucker Budzyn, adopted by Courtney Budzyn in 2018, became the Internet’s much-loved, eight-year-old goldie with 4.5 million followers on his Instagram. Known for his expressive face, goofy antics and larger-than-life personality, he crossed the rainbow bridge on September 8 following complications from lymphoma treatment. Rest well, buddy.

Dressed up dawg

If you think protein is a requirement for your dog, Nifty the shih tzu will definitely catch your eye. With Aloo Tikki Chaat, Broccoli Egg Noodles, and Makhana and Sweet Potato Ladoos for the upcoming festive season, this girlie will outdo your basic meals. A slight heads up, to not miss her fancy clothing, either. Whether it’s a French doggy beret or a classic ghagra choli, Nifty serves looks while serving up yummy meals. 
Log on to @niftyinanutshell

Tail of two siblings

Tingu Seth (left) and Max Seth (right) are the brother duo whose relationship seems as good as that of regular siblings. While Tingu is an indie and Max is a labrador, their sibling rivalry has become a major part of their online appeal. From bullying each other to Tingu stealing Max’s toys, their antics are a familiar reminder that life with two dogs is rarely peaceful. Their playful squabbles make this duo pretty hard to miss.
Log on to @tinguthefosterfail, @maxthefoundlab

No fetch, only retrieve

If you think elephants and Bottlenose dolphins have the best memories, Maffu, the golden retriever, might change your mind. He can remember a ball, its shape, smell and exact location, even with a bag full of balls at home. So, don’t carry a ball when you see him, because this certified ‘Ball-Paglu,’ as his Instagram bio says, will make sure you give it to him as this obsession has become a charming part of his online personality.
Log on to @thepawsomelifeofmurphy

Cat corner

Diva diaries
This little feline called Mittu, has become famous for her expressive eyes, and distinctly unimpressed expressions. Her GRWM videos capture her diva personality perfectly — posing when she feels like it and looking mildly offended when she doesn’t.
Log on to @hellomittu_

Persian meows
Plowy has earned her place among India’s best-known pet influencers. This orange Persian has probably seen more countries than you have, while balancing her two favourite activities — being a fashionista and napping.
Log on to @plowythecat

Jade’s documentary The Last of Mumbai’s Mangroves features experts such as architects  Hussain Indorewala and Alan Abraham, veteran environmentalists Debi Goenka and Stalin Dayanand, and consultant Bansari Kothari, among many Mumbaikars who decipher the development dilemma for the common man.

Mangroves in Versova. File pic

Excerpts from the interview

What inspired you to document the ongoing efforts to save the city’s mangroves?
I live near Malad’s Mindspace, which means that the proposed Coastal Road route will cut through my neighbourhood. The cutting of Malad’s mangroves is set to exacerbate the erratic monsoons, record summer temperatures, and waterlogging.

Nearly 3000 members of SMM have been making time from their busy schedules to visit mangrove sites, attend meetings with authorities, and protest on the streets. Whether or not the project affects you directly — which it definitely will, eventually — the effort needs more eyes on it.

Aruna Jade

What do you hope this documentary sparks in the common Mumbaikar?
We tried our best not to preach, but present facts objectively. Concepts like Cost Benefit Analysis, Transit Oriented Development, Environmental Impact Assessment may sound like jargon. Experts in the documentary put it in simple words, and it immediately reveals the real impact the project will have on the quality of life in the city. The viewer is free to choose a side. 

Were there any segments in the documentary that were eye-openers for you?
For instance, Hussain Indorewala aptly points out the amendments to the CRZ (Coastal Regulatory Zone): a well-meaning framework that has been diluted over the years. Debi Goenka tells us about TOD (Transit Oriented Development) FSI (Floor Space Index), a regulation that benefits builders within 500 meters of Metro projects. It helps put into perspective how the city is being redesigned for a few, at the cost of the many.  

You’re locking horns with people in high places by making the documentary public...
Absolutely. There is a perpetual sense of apprehension and hesitance when we take the film to public screenings. My mother worries about my safety, and is not too happy about this pursuit. It is some reassurance that we have a strong legal team behind us, and most importantly, a community that doesn’t think twice before speaking truth to power.

Log on to: Save Mumbai Mangroves on YouTube (to watch the documentary)

Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon

A living mythology rigorous enough to draw from the frontiers of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, complexity science, clio-dynamics, vast enough to be built with every creator who has blueprints for futures not yet built.

You borrow elements from science fiction and fantasy. What about these genres excites you?
We’ve always wanted to create an epic that brings together our love for ancient myths and their philosophical depth, high-fantasy and its magic systems, and hard sci-fi that pushes the known frontiers of science.

Tarkash’s Palanquin. Illustrations Courtesy/Zain Memon, Anand Gandhi

Fantasy allows you to create new cosmologies, power structures, sets of laws governed by their own internal logic, and use that to reveal something true about the invented systems of our own world. The best sci-fi investigates what happens if current trajectories continue, or speculates where new trajectories might lead us. It helps us simulate various futures to help us make better informed decisions today.

Maya is an epic science fantasy universe. At first, it looks like fantasy, with trees that remember the dreams of an entire planet, but you will find hard sci-fi underneath. The trees communicate and store data using a mycelium root network. The evolutionary trajectory of each species has been fully mapped out in response to the planet’s geology. In Maya, biology is the magic system.

What were the most challenging parts for you in building this world?
One of the fundamental challenges that shaped world-building was that nothing could be decided in isolation. Planet Neh was built from first principles. Physics shaped Geology, which shaped Evolution. This produced species whose biologies shaped their cognition — their languages, cultures, and politics. All this demanded a massive undertaking of over 200 scientists, architects, writers, designers, holding chains of causality together, while also shaping a world that was alien and inventive.

Maya: Seed Takes Root

The second challenge was epistemic. Surveillance, control, and cognitive capture cannot be reduced to a single villain. When a system rewards harm, someone arrives to do the harming. We wanted Neh’s systems to be as alive and ruthless in the pursuit of their own logical incentives.

This universe will translate into a game, graphic novel, and a film. What components will be preserved through the mediums?
A few things are unlikely to change: The planet is 6.9 billion years old. The laws of Physics do not stray too far from those of Earth. Evil is never glorified; every civilisation is assumed to be sophisticated regardless of its level of technology or political order.

But we expect Maya to keep changing — across mediums, creators, and retellings. A lot of mythologies are canonical, which means that they are set in stone and hence, don’t evolve with time. 

The plurality of myth is one of its greatest strengths. Mythology equips us with the ability to produce contradictions, and even to embrace them. We hope that Maya becomes a playground for creators to share their own aspirations, insights, and arguments. 

AVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores
LOG ON TO simonandschuster.com

This playful ditty exposes the fun, playful facet of the serious auteur that was Satyajit Ray. Sung by Anup Ghoshal for the film Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1969), it still evokes the childish delight of a wish fulfilled.

Saviour Complex by Mali

This introspective song marks the first release from Maalavika Manoj aka Mali’s upcoming album, Where Was I? The expansive band production, the quiet lyrics make it a pick for our playlist.

Wake Me Up by Avicii

In the birthday week of the late Avicii, his evergreen hit continues to rule. Released in 2013, the genre-defying track fused electronica with Soul and Country influences.

We Are Young by fun

This song is an uplifting anthem about youth, friendship, and living in the moment. The song captures the feeling of being young, reckless, and hopeful while facing mistakes and uncertainty.

The vast collection of games 

The first visual that strikes us inside is a giant board game-inspired mural above the central table. To our relief, co-founder Anirudh Shetty informs us it is a handmade work; these gamers are not game for AI. Inside, multiple racks of diverse card and board games await gamers. “There’s something for everyone; from the beginners’ favourite Catan, to lesser-known variants of Cluedo. But the section that excites me the most is the Indian-made games [see box]. It’s time we gave Indian designers their due,” says Shetty.

Anirudh Shetty 

With game masters present at the space all day, the founder assures us one doesn’t have to be a professional to join the fun. “We’re also planning community events through our WhatsApp channel to allow solo players to find their partners,” he reveals. Play on, we say.
 
TIME 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm (all days)
AT Base Camp Boardgaming Café, opposite Mary Immaculate Girls High School, IC Colony, Borivli West. 
ENTRY Rs 100 (per person, per hour)

The Guide’s top picks

Check out our most interesting finds from the Indian games section

Nayakas: Fight for dominance in medieval southern India in this epic strategy game that is set across Madurai, Thanjavur, Mysore, and Vijayanagar.

Chai Garam: Brew some masala chai, serve your customers, and feel the heat behind running a successful chai shop in this quirky, fast-paced board game.

Tycoon: Build factories, make global deals, and gather political power as the leader of a fictional industrial house in post-colonial India.

Parikrama: Play as a solo wanderer travelling through India. Hitch-hike, hop on a bullock cart, and make connections on the way.

Happy fizz

The now-defunct Fizzy Soda

After the news of the board game space spread in the neighbourhood, residents took to social media groups to reminisce about the long afternoons spent sipping soda served by Vinit and Vanita Puri. The love reached the Puris, who now reside in Canada. We learnt that incidentally, Vinod will be travelling to Borivli next week, and looks forward to meeting loyal patrons over some good old fizzy soda.
LOG ON TO @base_camp_borivali for updates

I know a place

A wooden basement hatch in the back of the space leads us to a whole new world. The compact basement has been revamped into a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired play zone for serious players.

Installation view of Island, Presented at En Route. The map traces Mumbai’s growth from Heptanesia through reclamation, cotton mills to its Art Deco

How has the journey evolved since?
Since then, the contexts have expanded enormously. As we mark these twin anniversaries, the three exhibitions across Mumbai reflect the breadth of  our work. En Route [an iteration of the collaboration with artist Maria Grazia Chiuri], presented by the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, considers how knowledge travels and how each generation finds new ways of carrying it forward. Garden of Gestures traces the life of a gesture from learning and shared practice to individual expression. Belong approaches inherited textile techniques as living bodies of knowledge that continue to evolve.

Installation view of Belong. Constructed from coconut, banana, and jute fibres, the sculptures draw upon the iconography of the Saptamatrikas

With En Route, you explore ideas of movement and memory, including the new embroidered maps of Mumbai. Can you tell us about the connection?
It considers mapping as a way of expressing how we experience and locate ourselves within the world. In dialogue with the Museum’s rare map collection, the embroidered maps trace the city from Heptanesia, its origins as seven islands, through reclamation, trade, the cotton mills and the Art Deco seafront.

Karishma Swali

En Route
Till October 20; 10 am to 
5.30 pm (except Wednesdays)
AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Veermata Jijabai Udyan and Zoo, Byculla East.
ENTRY Museum tickets apply

Garden of Gestures
Till  September 30 
AT Chanakya International, Raheja Xion, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East.
CALL 71788900 (before visiting)

Belong
Till October 17; 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
AT Experimenter Colaba, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.

Curator speaks

(From left) Maria Grazia Chiuri, Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, Karishma Swali at the launch at Dr BDL Museum

This iteration [of the exhibition] invites visitors to engage with art that foreground the legacies and stories of extraordinary women from the 19th Century to today.

Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, managing trustee and director, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Italian connection

En Route emerged from a creative dialogue with Karishma [Swali] around journeys, cartographies, and the ways in which knowledge moves across cultures and time. Its first presentation at the Vatican Apostolic Library in 2025 gave these ideas a particularly meaningful context. I am very happy to see it continue its own journey to Mumbai and enter a new context.

Maria Grazia Chiuri, chief creative officer, Fendi

This weekend, the 78-year-old will return to the city for a unique Disco mehfil by IBTIDA-Ek Mehfil at Lower Parel. Ahead of her performance, we speak to the Padma Bhushan-awardee on bringing Disco back.

Usha Uthup (right) regales the audience during a session

Excerpts from the interview.

Welcome back to Mumbai. How has it been this year?
This city has a buzz about it, as does the audience. There is an excitement; also it is changing all the time. Mumbai is proof that where there is life there is change [laughs].

What does the term Disco mean to you?
For me, every song is Disco. I sing it that way. I would say Boney M was a favourite of mine, and captured the energy of Disco perfectly. Today, retro is where it’s at. The new generation is taking the old classics and approaching them with a new energy.

This session is a contrast to the intimate baithaks IBTIDA is known for. How do you approach that?
They [IBTIDA-Ek Mehfil] have changed the concept a little, to go from soft, slow music to Disco. The audience already knows what I am going to sing in any case, but the context makes it quite interesting.

In that case, can we get a sneak peek of your playlist?
There are some songs in my repertoire that define the city. One of them is Jambalaya. Right now, the more popular choice is Skyfall. My song to pick would be the title track of Shaan or Koi Yahaan Nache Nache  from Disco Dancer. Of course, Ramba Ho has got a second lease of life with Dhurandhar. So, Disco never dies, really.

Moving differently

The choice of Disco is definitely a move away from the original idea of IBTIDA-Ek Mehfil founders Tanvi Singh Bhatia and Anubhav Jain. “We did debate it, but the idea remains to bring back the nostalgia of the past,” shares Jain. Bhatia adds, “We wanted to bring in that freedom to move. Disco is that yearning to be yourself, and free.”

With a focus on music, movement, food, and culture, this is a step in a different direction while retaining the intimate nature. “We also have a vinyl listening experience that taps into the archival collections of Reggae and Disco classics,” Jain points out.

Usha Uthup’s jam

>> Jambalaya
>> Skyfall
>> Bombay Meri Hai
>> Rambha Ho
>> Shaan Se
>> Koi Yahaan Nache Nache

ON September 12; 8 pm onwards
AT The Quorum, One World Center, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel. 
LOG ON TO district.in

A familiar future

For a show made decades ago, Star Trek was remarkably forward-thinking, asking questions about people, logic, morality and authority. Spock fascinated me because of the tension between logic and emotion. Even the Kobayashi Maru test reflects the show’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

It is deliberately unwinnable, designed to make candidates fail and reveal how they respond when there is no right answer. Captain Kirk famously refuses to accept that premise. He hacks the simulation, changes the rules and passes. That, for me, captures what Star Trek did so well: it was never simply about exploring space.
Aditya Kshirsagar, 37, psychology researcher, Malad

Commander Spock. For the iconic theme track by Alexander Courage
Log on to Geek Music on Spotify.com

The Star Trek effect

My introduction to Star Trek was thanks to The Big Bang Theory, but what fascinated me was how the franchise seemed to understand the future long before we got there.

Its vision of communicators, advanced computers, space travel and even, ideas around Artificial Intelligence made science fiction feel less like fantasy and more like a preview of what technology could become. From Spock’s distinctive logic to the moral dilemmas faced by the crew, Star Trek made the future feel populated by ideas, not just gadgets. That is what makes it endlessly interesting to revisit.
Adam Yusuf, 31, cosplay artist, Ulwe

Fact of the matter

The name Enterprise has a real-world connection. Gene Roddenberry (right) chose it partly because he admired the USS Enterprise, which played a significant role in the Battle of Midway. When NASA prepared to unveil its first space shuttle in 1976, fans campaigned for the same name, and then US President Gerald Ford agreed.

The communicator which was used to transmit voices and locate crew members inspired mobile-phone pioneer Martin Cooper (above) in developing the modern cell phone.

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, later worked with NASA on astronaut recruitment, helping increase applications from women and underrepresented groups.

Star Trek first arrived on Indian television in 1984, when Doordarshan aired the original series. Its influence soon inspired shows such as Space City Sigma (1989) and Captain Vyom (1998), bringing their homegrown take on space exploration to Indian audiences.

Long before Adil Hussain (above) played Aditya Sahil in Star Trek: Discovery, Mumbai-born actress and former Miss India Persis Khambatta played Lieutenant Ilia in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), and former Indian tennis player Vijay Amritraj appeared as Captain Joel Randolph in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986).

Captain Kirk (right) wasn’t the Enterprise’s original captain. The Cage, the first pilot, starred Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike. After NBC rejected it, William Shatner was cast as Kirk, while Leonard Nimoy returned as Spock.

Information courtesy/Startrek.com

Star struck

Keen to know what it feels like aboard the Enterprise? Try this creative 3D metal puzzle model of the NCC-1701.

Log on to thecraze.in
Cost Rs 1299

Take your tastebuds where no one has gone before with Star Trek-inspired cocktail recipes, including Dr McCoy’s Mint Julep and Captain Janeway’s Irish Coffee.

Log on to atlanticbooks.com
Cost Rs 1747

Sport Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, on this quirky T-shirt — a fitting tribute to the iconic Vulcan.

Log on to sharkshirts.in
Cost Rs 599

Keep Spock’s iconic hand sign, the Enterprise logo and other Star Trek symbols close with this charm bracelet.

Log on to arendelle.in
Cost Rs 499

Get your hands on this communicator-inspired device that lets you send voice messages and doubles as an emergency signalling device.

Log on to bookswagon.com 
Cost Rs 1025

Pick your Bollywood or English favourite, grab the mic, and get the room to sing along. Whether you’re pitch-perfect or gloriously off-key, this one’s about having fun.

Time 9 pm to 1 am
At Thundergun Kitchen & Bar, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West. 
Log on to @mumbai.karaoke
Entry Revealed upon registration 

Friday

Haste raho!

PIC COURTESY/@sili.in

Following Shivam Pandey (below) last week, five comedians will perform sets on dating, break-ups, and modern romance. Come for the jokes, stay for the painfully familiar situations.

Time 8 pm onwards
At Fursat, Aurum Square, Reliance Corporate Park, Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai. 
Log on to district.in
Entry Rs 299

Saturday

India, unfiltered

PIC COURTESY/@rageproductions

One On One Dhamaal featuring Rajit Kapur (below) brings feisty brides and sharp takes on Bollywood, marriage, bureaucracy, and mental health together. Laugh, cringe, and see modern India differently.

Time 5 pm and 8 pm
At Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu. 
Log on to in.bookmyshow.com
Entry Rs 770

A dinner, a show, and dim sum

Pic Courtesy/Oryn

Feast your way through 51 varieties of handcrafted dim sum with unlimited servings, alongside live-theatre dining and an open-kitchen experience.

Time 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm
At Oryn, Fairmont, Terminal 2, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Navpada, Vile Parle East.
Log on to district.in 
Call 8097555901
Cost Rs 4500

Sunday

Green views worth the climb

PIC COURTESY/@trekandtrails

Lace up for a scenic climb to Sondai Fort (below), where rock-cut steps, iron ladders and a little hilltop temple lead to knockout views of Morbe Dam, Prabalgad, and the Matheran range.

Time 5 am
Meeting point Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Main Gate, Borivli East.
Log on to treksandtrails.org
Cost Rs 1499
To in.bookmyshow.com
Entry Rs 450 

Suburban trail

Belvedere House, the residence of freedom fighter Aloysius Soares, in Chembur. File Pic

Explore Chembur’s journey from a coastal hamlet to Mumbai’s ‘Garden Suburb’. Art and Culture community Open Call India and journalist Prayag Arora-Desai will reveal disappearing architecture, local legends, and stories of freedom fighters.

Time 9 am onwards
At Starbucks, near Ambedkar Garden, Chembur. 
Call 9619092104 (to register)
Cost Rs 999

The beige saree features an intricate floral print in earthy shades of rust, brown, black, and muted blue. Its soft, fluid drape creates an elegant silhouette, while the printed pallu adds character to the otherwise muted base. The saree is paired with a black blouse and flared skirt, with metallic stripes on the blouse echoed in the skirt’s shimmer. The texture adds the right amount of understated finish.

For accessories, she paired a choker with matching jhumkas, stacked bangles and rings while keeping her hair simple, with a neat parting and soft waves swept over one shoulder. A tiny bindi and defined kohl-lined eyes complete the desi look.

Written and curated by Avanti Patel, the 87th edition of the show continues O Gaanewali’s larger exploration of Tawaifs whose artistry shaped musical traditions even as their contributions have often been overlooked. Here, the history sits alongside the music, allowing music enthusiasts to discover the context without taking away the richness of these forms.

Avanti Patel

For Patel, making history accessible does not mean simplifying it. “As an artiste and a writer, I am taking the liberty of making a vast subject slightly more reachable, and understanding for the audience,” she explains.

The music may offer listeners an unexpected sense of familiarity. “You might not have heard the song but you will wonder, ‘Oh, I have heard this tune somewhere?,’” Patel says. Many of these folk melodies have travelled into popular music today, making their contours familiar even when their original forms are not.   

She elaborates that Kajari, in particular, goes beyond songs of rain and separation, often becoming a vehicle for politics and social concerns. The show explores these nuances while retaining their character.

The experience continues with O Gaanewali Session 2, a new album on streaming platforms. The album has been recorded and filmed in one take, and uses a binaural microphone to create an immersive audio-visual experience, allowing listeners to experience the music from home.

ON September 11; 7 pm onwards
AT Aditya Birla Theatre, Dadi Seth Road, Babulnath.
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
ENTRY Rs 500 onwards

An Earth building workshop

Standing under that same tree in Vanicha Pada, actor-director Harshad Tambe is all smiles as he reminisces about the festival. The 37-year-old Folk Theatre graduate from Mumbai University and #SaveAarey activist didn’t have elaborate infrastructure to work with. “We had the people of Aarey, and the gifts of the forest. That was more than enough,” he recalls.

Excerpts from the interview.

What sowed the seeds of a theatre festival in an unlikely space like Aarey?
Firstly, having been a part of theatre circles, I noticed a lack of concern for the environment in my own contemporaries. I wanted to invite them to Mumbai’s own urban forest to remind them of nature’s beauty.

Harshad Tambe. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE

Secondly, theatre has for long been considered a pursuit for the privileged; the comfortable. When I took 20 Adivasi children to Prithvi Theatre in 2023, they admitted that they felt out of place among serious theatre enthusiasts. If we were to bridge these gaps, it had to be done while standing shoulder to shoulder with the adivasis, rather than standing on their shoulders for personal gains.

How did these ideas play out in practicality on ground?
Nearly 15 young local residents — some of them worked as delivery riders, others were factory workers — joined the production team and called the shots right from which plays would be staged, to how the event would be promoted on social media. My team simply lent a helping hand.

Harshad Tambe with Padma Shri-awardee tarpa player Bhiklya Dhinda at the festival; (right) Parna Pethe performs as Tottochan on the open stage. PICS COURTESY/ARTISTS FOR AAREY

One of the plays that they really wanted to see was Geetanjali Kulkarni’s Jikni, which translates to ‘Riddle’ in the Katkari tribal language. The play, they said, reflected their rich culture and lifestyle instead of the atrocities they face.

The centrepiece of the festival was the sustainable stage. Tell us more about it.
I had the most fun setting up that stage. We used bamboo, grass, and mud to put together a fully biodegradable stage. The locals’ natural knowledge and enthusiasm came as a big help.

Of course, there was a long list of challenges — major permissions had to be sought from the Forest Department, Aarey Dairy, MCGM, Mumbai Police, and the head of the pada. But it was all worth it when we had visitors like Jumping Spiders, Spotted Deer, and Grey Langur. I call them the front row VIPs.

But is such a sustainable model feasible outside the forest, in urban neighbourhoods?
Not at the same scale, but surely in some shape or form. Earth building [using mud to build structures, as opposed to concrete and steel] is not rocket science, neither is the use of bamboo and grass. We have already started conducting workshops on Earth Building at the Aarey Vasundhara Nursery nearby. Other sustainable practice sessions will follow.

People are free to implement these skills in their own ways. I have chosen to create no IP around the festival; you are free to implement these ideas anywhere in the world. 

Where does the festival go from here; is there a long-term plan?
For me, the focus is now on keeping the promise I made to myself about upskilling the youth beyond the three-day festival. We are working with educators and sorting permissions at the moment. We should be able to get the ball rolling before the second edition of the festival next year.  

Log on to: @tarpatheatrefestival

TMNT in the app

The Emulator Retro is a delightful mix of NES, SEGA, and PS1 game collections from PacMan, Galaga, to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). Fromc pixelated charaters to the inimitable digital beeps that defined them, this is a fun app for a nostalgic binge. 

Log on to: Emulator Retro on Playstore

In 2025, he travelled to collaborate with the SouthWest Shakespeare Company to direct Measure for Measure, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “As part of the tour, we travelled to Oregon for the Shakespeare Festival. That’s when I learned of Play On, their educational arm,” shares the director. The initiative hosts residencies for writers to adapt, and contemporise the Bard’s verses to the next generation.

Among the 37 writers chosen this year was Boston-based theatre maker, and The West Wing actor Shishir Kurup, who adapted Julius Caesar into Urdu. “It is smartly done. The inside jokes, the conversations, and iambic pentameter is retained, while offering a relatable context. With a seven-member crew, it is an effective production,” Vansadia explains. Having obtained rights, they opened on August 20 for a private audience of school children in Andheri.

“Think of it this way…most schools have a question of 30 marks on Shakespeare, but children are hardly ever taught the plays through performance. That’s why they fear it, or do not understand it. Shakespeare is easy to learn when you recite him,” Vansadia points out.

Deshik Vansadia

With a second showcase opening on September 27, Vansadia shares that it has got children curious and engaged. “Our objective is to take this to BMC schools, and Tier-II cities. We are looking for partnerships to make that happen. After all, everyone should learn to enjoy Shakespeare,” he sums up.

Log on to: @deshik_vansadia; the_shakespeare_company_of_india

Artworks featuring Jyotirao Phule

“The first-ever mural I made was on the walls of my neighbourhood on the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar in 2025. As my art evolved, I realised that female empowerment was of utmost importance in the already-marginalised communities. The lens of gender adds a multitude of layers to the caste problem. This cause became the driving force for my art,” she recalls.

Namdeo Dhasal. PICS COURTESY/ARTIST

Now a designer and a rising name in Ambedkarite art circles, this is not the first time opportunity has come knocking on Kedare’s doors. Earlier, the prestigious Royal College of Art in London sent a letter of acceptance. Owing to the structure of the State Government’s official foreign scholarship programme for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students (out of 75 seats, only nine were allocated to the Arts in 2025-26), the artist had to let the opportunity pass.

Prajakta Kedare

“My goal is to pave a path for young artists in my community. When I come back, I want them to look at me and know that it is perfectly possible to dream of higher education, and achieve it too. With costs of living, paperwork, and tuition fees piling up, Kedare is turning to Mumbaikars to help crowd-fund the dream.

Log on to: @prajakta_.art

Already a bestseller, this is a darkly hilarious and pointed satire of the contemporary publishing industry in the UK and US that is as addictive and unsettling.

2 The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai (Pan Macmillan)

The first book of a charming series by one-time dentist, Hisashi Kashiwai, this tale of a father-daughter duo recreating recipes from memory is a charming reminder of the delights of Japanese literature.

3 One Million Footsteps by Jeyamohan (Juggernaut)

Set across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this insightful translation by V Iswarya captures Jeyamohan’s poetic and irreverent tone alongside the world-weary police officer Ousepacchan’s travails.

The combination is indulgent without becoming one-note. The creamy ice creams and kulfi bring richness, while the falooda strands and sabja add that familiar slippery, chewy texture. Kesar and pista give it a fragrant nuttiness, with kaju and kishmish adding little pockets of sweetness and crunch. The chilled milk pulls everything together, making each spoonful a little different from the last.

What makes the Baba Special particularly worth ordering is that it feels like the full falooda experience in one glass rather than simply ice cream with a few toppings thrown in. 
 
At Baba Falooda, Bellview Mansion, Lady Jamshedji Road, Mahim.
Call 9769917909
Cost Rs 200

Mark your calendars in advance for this stone art session that invites participants to transform an ordinary stone into a personalised work of art. The hands-on session allows you to experiment with colours, patterns and creative designs, turning a simple natural object into a more decorative take-home. Whether you prefer intricate motifs or a free-flowing approach, the workshop is an opportunity to slow down, get creative and take home a piece you have made yourself.

TILL September 27, 3.30 pm
AT Rude Lounge, South Avenue, Powai. 
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com  
COST Rs 999 onwards

Art of the Bhils

Bhil artwork. PIC COURTESY/@small.world 

Step into the world of Bhil art, a traditional tribal art practice rooted in the communities of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Recognisable for its vibrant dots, strong lines and nature-inspired imagery, Bhil art often draws from the world around it, including animals, trees, plants and elements of everyday life.

The workshop gives participants a chance to understand this distinctive artistic tradition while trying their hand at creating their own piece. 

ON September 6 onwards; 2.30 pm
AT Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel, TTC Estate, Turbhe. 
LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 799

The chatbot encourages women to discuss health-related concerns with privacy

Divya Mahatme, the platform’s communications and design associate elaborates on this recently-launched chatbot, “The chatbot was developed with women from communities that Myna Mahila Foundation has previously worked with and during the conversation, more than 10,000 health-related queries were generated in Marathi, Hindi and English and even during the development process, with Telugu-English subsequently added.” These queries then shaped a localised knowledge base, where qualified doctors and medical professionals consulted during development. The responses were tested for accuracy, language comprehension and consistency across languages before the chatbot was made available to users.

Women at the organisation learn how to use and interact with the chatbot in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh

Using WhatsApp means women do not have to download another application. Research manager Aditi Dugapal-Dubey explains, “Users can ask questions ranging from general health concerns, to more sensitive queries around menstrual health, PCOD and PCOS, fertility, pregnancy and vaginal discharge,” adding that the nature of questions can vary with age and circumstance. Younger users may ask about periods or PCOS, while middle-aged and older users may seek information around conception, delayed periods or pregnancy-related concerns. The result is a tool shaped by local language and lived experiences, making health information accessible and not overwhelming.

Log on to @mynamahila

What does the bot do?

The chatbot provides contextual information and, when a concern appears serious, directs users towards professional medical care. For higher-risk medical questions, users can be referred to tele-health support or seek a doctor’s appointment. The foundation also has protocols for potentially high-risk situations such as domestic violence, including limiting notifications and providing relevant helpline information where appropriate.

As privacy is central to the platform the user data is encrypted and users can request its deletion. It also acknowledges that WhatsApp accounts may be accessed on shared devices, which can make women worry about family members seeing sensitive conversations. Users can therefore be guided on deleting their chats.

By Shweta Jumde, product associate

Frequently asked questions

>> Menstrual health: Heavy bleeding, irregular periods and period cramps
>> PCOD/PCOS: Symptoms and managing the conditions
>> Fertility: Chances of conception, delayed periods, and what to eat or do when trying to conceive
>> Pregnancy: Everyday questions and concerns during pregnancy
>> Vaginal health: Different types and colours of vaginal discharge
>> General health: Dizziness and concerns around diet, sleep and anaemia
>> Menopause: Questions about perimenopause, menopause and the changes women experience during this stage

How to access Myna Bolo?

Save the Myna Bolo WhatsApp number, 8420093835, on your phone
Open WhatsApp and send “Hi” to the number
Follow the prompts to get started

Disclaimer

This is an AI enabled chatbot and offers general advice as a starting point. Do not rely on it for health choices. Readers are advised to consult their doctors as the next step. The information provided should not be regarded as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every two months, his academy located in Thane, Students of Music by Gandhar, organises retreats in scenic locations, which includes Bhimashankar. The gatherings bring together students, poets, artists, photographers, beginners and curious listeners. Some come to practise, while others simply want to spend a weekend doing something far removed from the usual mall visits and city plans.

Bhalerao, 26, began learning the flute as a six-year-old. His approach draws from an older idea of classical music, one that existed before electricity, construction and the Internet became part of everyday life. “Indian classical music goes back to a time when there was no light, construction or Internet. It was for ‘aatmaranjan’ entertainment, but rather fulfilment of the soul. There was nature and silence,” he says.

Gandhar Bhalerao

This connection with the outdoors is also woven into his teaching. He occasionally moves his regular classes from the studio to Yeoor Hills in Thane, where students practise amid trees and open spaces. Away from four walls, they become more attuned to the sounds around them and to the pauses within their own playing.

The retreats are not restricted to trained musicians. Those unfamiliar with the form are introduced to the flute and the discipline behind it, while others can sketch, photograph, wander or simply listen.

For Bhalerao, this departure from the urbanscape is necessary. Mumbai’s traffic, construction and constant movement can make silence feel almost elusive. “If you are a musician and you want to create music, it’s like painting on a muddy canvas in the city,” he says.

At his retreat sessions, that canvas is altogether different. A flute raag can change into birdsong; leaves swirl between notes, and the quiet becomes part of the composition. For a few hours, there is no rush to fill the silence.

Log on to gandharbhalerao.com for upcoming nature retreat sessions

You don’t need to spend hours sweating over an oven to curate a counter that looks straight out of a café. These niche local favourites are delivering across the city.

Chicken Puff

The Family Table by Joseph

Ham and Cheese Croissant

If you want to keep things on a budget, head here early in the morning or around 4.30 pm. Pick up their Bacon and Cheese Quiches, Cheese Croissants, or Pan Rolls and Croquettes that you can serve at your home café with ease; there’s fugias too.  It also gives your café an old-school Mumbai bakery menu.
TO ORDER Zomato 
PICK UP Epitome, 29th Road, Bandra West.

Commis Station

For those who like things made to order, Commis Station is your best bet. Their Rocky Road Brownies or order their spreads , like the Onion Jalapeno Jam, to zhuzh up an average sourdough slice.
TO ORDER @commis.station
CALL 7506430004

Weirdough

This small-batch micro-bakery dishes out slow-fermented sourdough bakes. Serve their Olive, Roasted Garlic & Cheddar loaf as a toastie, or opt for their 
Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Scones, or even their biscotti for an easier bite served with coffee.
Log on to helloweirdough.in

House of Amel

Pics Courtesy/Special Arrangement

A long-standing bakery in Colaba and Chembur with some of the flakiest pastries in the city. Think Pesto Feta Danish, Gochujang Cottage Cheese Lattice Croissant, Mushroom Onion Danish, and more. It will make your apartment café menu a hit. They also have a catering wing that will turn their croissants into mighty sandwiches.
TO ORDER Swiggy or Zomato
CALL Colaba: 7506307607; Chembur: 7506307609 (For catering queries)

Turn into a master barista

Keep your hands off heavy machinery and complex mixology by sticking to these low-effort recipes that rely on clever kitchen hacks and pantry staples

Orange Espresso Float
ingredients: 1 shot of strong-brewed instant coffee or espresso, 1 can of sparkling orange soda (Raw Pressery has a great one!), and plenty of ice cubes.

Method: 
Pack a tall glass tightly with ice. Fill it three-quarters full with the chilled sparkling orange soda. Pour the cooled coffee slowly over the back of a spoon onto the ice so it floats and creates a stunning layered sunset effect. Serve immediately.

Three-minute Maple Cinnamon Latte
Ingredients: 
2 tsp of good instant coffee powder, 1 tbsp of warm water, 200 ml of milk, 1 tbsp of maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of cinnamon powder.

Method: 
Whisk the coffee powder, sweetener, and warm water in a mug with a hand frother, or spoon until it turns into a thick, glossy foam. Heat the milk until hot, pour it straight into the mug over the foam, and stir gently. Dust with cinnamon on top.

Nail the café aesthetics

Set the table: Keep it casual, this is an apartment café. Style your coffee table like a gorgeous grazing board. Let people wander over, pick up a pastry, and graze at their leisure.

Lean into the vibe: Want to feel like you’re running an actual café? Design a quick menu on Canva. Give your dishes slightly tongue-in-cheek café names. Let your friends actually place an order and serve them, café-style.  

Set the mood: Turn off harsh overhead tube lights and rely entirely on warm lamps. Play a low-fi jazz or acoustic playlist in the background at a volume that encourages long, lazy conversations.

What follows flows beyond a conventional discussion on feminism. The two unpack gender, questioning whether it is really about biology or a job, while also exploring “The spirituality of being feminine,” a particularly interesting conversation as it does not frame feminism as a competition between men and women, instead, it acknowledges differences while making a clear case for greater representation.

Marianne Schnall

Most importantly, the episode is a reminder that feminism is far from a finished project. Steinem’s ideas are sharp, practical and funny till date — making this particularly relevant and worthwhile as it captures the woman behind the icon.

Log on to @marianneschnall on Spotify

Steinem Says

»Always ask for what you’re afraid of; ask for what you need with open heart
»Never deflect; always credit yourself for your worth and value our own accomplishments
»Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age as feminism has never been about getting a job

Also listen to

»Remembering Gloria Steinem by Elizabeth Day 
On @elizabethday on Apple Podcasts

»She Pivots by Emily Tisch Sussman
On @emilytischsussman on iHeart Podcast

I fell in love with languages, particularly Mandarin, while working as a dubbing artist. I wanted to understand language behind the voices I was dubbing for —what the words meant, what the characters were saying.

I didn’t join a class or have a tutor. Instead, I designed my own learning programme. I watched YouTube videos, read Mandarin texts, watched Chinese dramas like Veil of Shadows, and The Legend of Mi Yue, tried to recognise characters, looked up words I didn’t understand, and tried to figure things out through context.

Representation pic/iStock

It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of frustration when a sentence looked unfamiliar, or when I couldn’t keep up with the characters. But it was all a part of the process. Every time I understood a sentence without needing a translation, it felt like a small victory.

I have now completed the HSK 1 certification, and am looking forward to continuing towards HSK 3. There is a long way to go, but that is what makes the journey exciting.

Maitreya Bapat, 28, actor and voice artiste

String of events

I have wanted to learn the ukulele ever since I was 12 years old. Unfortunately, my parents shot down my requests as I was growing up. Eventually, I bought a ukulele with my first salary when I turned 20.

I have always found people who could play an instrument interesting. I told myself that if I could somehow learn the ukulele, I’d gain some of the confidence and charm that I found so attractive in musicians.

I sat through hours of YouTube tutorials, and taught myself the first few chords. The good thing about the ukulele is the short learning curve, which makes it ideal for beginners like me. I’m getting pretty good at it, and the experience has ticked every box I had imagined. I am a lot more confident now, and having a skill has genuinely made me like myself a little more.

Kanishka Pal, 25, educator

Art is in the AIR

Giving — O Me! O Life!, Maitreyee Nimbolkar, 2024

I was an All India Rank 1 Chartered Accountant in 2011. A job at a ‘Big Four’ firm came next. I spent a few years in the corporate world before deciding to quit, and pursue art. Art allowed me to slow down, reconnect with myself, and come to terms with what I truly wanted from life.

In 2019, I spent nine months backpacking across Europe, travelling through more than 10 countries. I visited galleries, met artists, and spent a lot of time simply observing. That journey changed the way I looked at art and at life and also helped me teach myself.

The contrast between the natural world I knew as a child in the Konkan, and the busy cities I later grew up in continues to influence what I make, as do my own experiences, memories, and the places I encounter along the way.

Chartered accountant-turned-artist Maitreyee Nimbolkar paints a canvas. Pics Courtesy/Maitreyee nimbolkar; artuta spaces

Maitreyee Nimbolkar, 37, visual artist 

Set in the East end of London, ER Braithwaite’s novel follows the life of Ricky Braithwaite, a black engineer, who teaches at a secondary school. His students are disruptive and conduct ugly pranks in the classroom. When he changes his approach towards them, he slowly begins to win their hearts over.

Tuesdays with Morrie: (Sphere/Hachette)

Mitch Albom reconnects with his old sociology professor Morrie Schwartz in West Newton in the last months of the latter’s life. As Morrie’s body gets weaker, Albom visits him every Tuesday in his study, and learns some final lessons from him about living a good life.

Matilda: (Puffin Books)

Matilda is born with telekinetic powers. At home, her parents Mr and Mrs Wormwood don’t think much of her. At school, the headmistress Miss Trunchbull uses inventive and cruel ways to punish students. When Miss Honey enters Matilda’s life, she feels seen and together they teach Trunchbull a much-deserved lesson. 

How to Build a Boat: (Penguin Random House)

Thirteen-year-old Jamie wants to build a Perpetual Motion Machine and connect with his dead mother in this Booker Prize-longlisted novel by Elaine Fleeney. Because of his curiosity and his intelligence, he also becomes a subject of bullying. When he meets two teachers in his school, the world shifts, not just for Jamie, who begins to feel less lonely, but also for the teachers.

The English Teacher: (Indian Thought Publications)

RK Narayan’s novel is a meditation on the life of an English teacher, Krishna, a character inspired by Narayan’s wife Rajam. After losing his wife, Krishna is on a path to finding a way to communicate with her, while also learning to be a good father to their daughter Leela. He takes on a journey that leads to self-discovery and a quest for inner peace.

Wonder: (Knopf Books)

Auggie Pullman is a boy with facial differences in RJ Palacio’s novel. He is treated unkindly by the students in his new school, but meets Mr Browne, an inspiring teacher, whose precepts give him the confidence to stand up to his bullies.

The Housekeeper and the Professor: (Picador)

In Yoko Ogawa’s novel, a former mathematician has suffered brain damage and can remember new memories for only 80 minutes. The narrator, a housekeeper, is sent to his home, and, along with her son, begins to learn number theory and solves problems every day under the guidance of the professor. Their days spent together transform the lives of the housekeeper and the son.

For young readers

Kabir the Weaver Poet: Jaya Madhavan narrates the tale of Kabir, the mystic poet, best known for his ‘dohas’ (couplets). Kabir has been a teacher for all generations and through his verse, has left radical lessons to deal with the troubled times we live in. 
Kabir: Tulika Books (Rs 275)

An old book page transformed into an erasure poem. PICS COURTESY/ ANANYA SALONKAR and Atrangi Katta

Beyond the creative exercise, the session gives discarded pages another chance at relevance. It also brings a simple idea of recycling into the process, giving old paper a new purpose instead of discarding it. Old text becomes raw material, while the blacked out sections become part of the artwork, creating something new from what was once overlooked.

Facilitator Vijayalakshmi Mythily prepares for the session

What makes the exercise interesting is that there is no fixed way to approach the page. A sentence can take on a new meaning, a forgotten phrase can become the heart of the poem, and an ordinary piece of text can suddenly feel personal. The process is as much about noticing as it is about creating.

Vedanti Shinde

And you don’t need to call yourself a poet to sign up. Event curator and founder of Atrangi Katta, Vedanti Shinde, says, “I hope this session makes poetry accessible to those who think they are not poets, while creating a safe space to experiment without judgement.”

What is erasure poetry?

It is the art of creating a new poem from an existing piece of text by selectively erasing words. What remains becomes a fresh composition, often revealing a meaning entirely different from the original.

ON September 6; 11 am to 1 pm
AT Atrangi Katta, Kalpataru Industrial Estate Road, Manorama Nagar, Thane. 
LOG ON TO sortmyscene.com
ENTRY Rs 650

Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Cake

For Rithvik Anantharaman, executive pastry chef at Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the appeal of Get Baked lies in giving the bakery room to experiment. “This becomes particularly exciting because their approach to Indian craft chocolate is rooted in place, ingredients and the diversity of Indian cacao, which translates those ideas into wholesome bakes, desserts and beverages while keeping the food easy and approachable,” he explains.

Rithvik Anantharaman

Chef Ruby Islam, head of product and innovation at Manam Chocolate, elaborates on the savoury menu. “Dishes such as the Pudina Pachadi Chicken Danish pairs roasted chicken with Andhra-Telangana pudina pachadi, while the Raw Mango and Prawn Danish combines Calicut-style prawn curry with native raw mango from Andhra Pradesh. The Roasted Potato and Mushroom Pot Pie gets its unique flavour profile and character from Tellicherry pepper, a black peppercorn from Kerala’s Malabar Coast, known for its complex, fruity-citrus aroma and robust warmth,” she adds.

Raw Mango & Prawn Danish

Anantharaman’s pick is the Chocolate Miso Sando, made with a warm melted chocolate bar, cheese, cacao-miso butter and an in-house baked cocoa baguette.

On September 5 and 6; 12 pm onwards 
At Veronica’s, Bandra West. (Also available at Lower Parel) 
Call 937298169

Bandra ka khana

If you had to fit Bandra onto a dinner table, this would be it. The Bandra Feast at Soul Fry will bring together East Indian, Goan, and Koli flavours, with seafood taking centre stage. The spread features Mutton Cutlets, Talille Nuste, Atelea Bombil, Chicken Moilee, Mutton Baffad or Pork Vindaloo, Pumpkin Bhaji, Pea Pulao, fugias, and more.

Meldan D’Cunha

For those with a sweet tooth, try the Chach, a traditional East Indian sweet made with sweet potato, coconut milk and jaggery. Chef and owner, Meldan D’Cunha, adds “It is a celebration of the diverse food traditions, with a little bit of East Indian, Goan, and Koli dishes that make Bandra what it is.”

On September 8, later from September 13 to 20 (Available only for lunch)
At Soul Fry, Pali Mall Road, Bandra West.
Cost Rs 490 onwards

Back to the roots

Ilaiyaraaja. Pic Courtesy/@ilaiyaraaja_offcl

The city is very much a part of the story, he insists. “I lived in Ambedkar Nagar in Kalina for 15 years of my life. I grew up around the Tamil community, and most of them worked hard jobs. Every night, they would gather to sing Ilaiyaraaja songs,” shares Murthi, now a lecturer at Abbey Road Institute Mumbai. Murthi’s mother, who also worked odd jobs, would often turn to these songs routinely during chores. “As a child, I didn’t follow the lyrics. But the rhythms drew me in,” he admits.

An illustration for the first mixtape in January by @kunal.png. Pics Courtesy/@c4ge

The percussionist has come a long way from playing drums at Ganesh pandals to being listed on TOTO Arts with his crew Khabardaar, and the underground dubstep group GAKS, but he still returns to the streets. “It started because we could not afford a studio. I had this MX mixer that allowed us to record a sample and chop it up on the move. We would just set up anywhere we could find space,” the 26-year-old says.

Going local

He started the Ilaiyaraaja half-timed mixtape samples two years ago. Tamil songs like Nilave Vaa, Ilaya Nila, or Kiliye Kiliye — now viral on Instagram as a Reel accompaniment — acquire an added bite with jungle drums. “I could also create rhythms from more traditional instruments like the parai,” he reveals. If you had been walking down Khar station on a late-night last week, you would have spotted him at work. Another evening, he turned his commute to Churchgate in a fast local into a recording session.

“The rhythms are a part of the city. Sometimes it is needed, and I adapt it into the track,” he says. What do the local commuters make of it? “My headphones shut out sounds, so I am lost in my own world at times,” he chuckles.

With one part of the mixtape already out, Murthi is already planning for the next. “Growing up, I can understand why people turn to music as relief or an escape from their daily lives. The next mixtape will probably look at a more electronic and funk treatment. We will keep an ear open on our next train commute. Maybe, we will recognise a familiar tune.

Log on to: C4GE on Spotify; Bandcamp

It’s never a bad time to revisit the King of Latin Pop. You can feel the passion of falling deeply as you groove to this chart topper.

Hips Don’t Lie x Moruda by Ismail Langa Group

What happens when Shakira’s most memorable hit meets the age-old Langa singing tradition from western Rajasthan? Tune in to this viral track to find out.

Hips Don’t Lie x Moruda by Ismail Langa Group

What happens when Shakira’s most memorable hit meets the age-old Langa singing tradition from western Rajasthan? Tune in to this viral track to find out.