Sonali's Society

01 April,2026 09:09 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Sonali Velinker Kamat

The art world is currently navigating a scene more dramatic than a durational performance piece, and frankly, far more sordid

Pic/Atul Kamble


Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Knit happens

It's not quite sweater weather, but Saqib Saleem gets a pass for the loose knit he debuted on Tuesday. Because when he's busy blowing kisses to the camera, who cares about a little thing like the dew point?

Portrait of a scandal

The art world is currently navigating a scene more dramatic than a durational performance piece, and frankly, far more sordid. While the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was busy trying to reinvent itself under the curation of artist Nikhil Chopra, its co-founder and long-time face, Bose Krishnamachari, was making a brisk backdoor exit.


Jitish Kallat

Though his January resignation was initially wrapped in the polite gauze of "personal and family reasons," troubling allegations leaked late last month: an Internal Complaints Committee was investigating a sexual harassment complaint against him. The claim - involving unwelcome physical advances toward a female colleague at his Fort Kochi apartment - is a grim sequel to the Riyas Komu scandal of 2018 (which ended in a resignation but no official resolution).


Bose Krishnamachari

A redacted copy of the complaint letter landed on our desk only days ago and details a chilling power dynamic - making this purported episode with Bose feel like a #MeToo sequel nobody asked for. Enter Jitish Kallat. The Mumbai-based artist has been tapped to step into the debris as the new president. His job? To scrub the stain off the brand and chair the selection for the next edition. Jitish is respected, cerebral, and - crucially - not currently under investigation. He's stepping in to provide a "rigorous" transition, but let's be real: he's the designated adult in a room where the founders keep getting sent to the principal's office.

A legacy of love

"Even when memory fades, love doesn't," wrote author and educationist Lina Ashar, as her aunt Tina Ambani tended to her mother, Zarna Somaia, in hospital on March 3. "Tina masi, the youngest of eight sisters, sits beside my mother who is the eldest and sings to her. Soft bhajans. Stories from another lifetime," Lina shared, detailing her aunt's daily visits and expressing profound gratitude for the quiet grace of this bond. In an era of performative gestures, this was the real thing: the youngest sister anchoring the eldest as the tide went out.


Tina Ambani (right) and her sister, the late Zarna Somaia

On March 29, after a prolonged illness, Zarna Somaia said a quiet goodbye. She left with the same dignity that defined her life, leaving Tina, Lina, and the family to carry forward a formidable legacy. Through the Somaia Family Foundation - dedicated to empowering ‘dreamers' and providing education to those the world often overlooks - Zarna's impact remains active, rather than just remembered. It is a transition from presence to purpose, proving that while a life may end, a legacy of giving never stays silent.

Director's cut

Watching Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan's boys grow up, we always suspected those top-tier genes weren't just going to sit around looking pretty - though, let's be honest, they're doing a stellar job at that too. Now the news is out: younger son Hridhaan is trading Mumbai's humidity for LA's sunshine to study filmmaking at the University of Southern California.


Hridhaan Roshan

It's a refreshing pivot to a story that has us hooked: while the rest of the world expects every star kid to spend their late teens perfecting a brooding hero entry, Hridhaan is heading behind the lens to actually learn the mechanics of the craft.

On Monday, mum Sussanne shared a heartfelt note on Instagram congratulating her ‘Ridz' and basically confirming that the Roshan DNA is evolving from Greek God acting to cinematic mastermind. It was the kind of heartfelt tribute that makes you want to reach for a tissue and a glass of Chardonnay simultaneously.

With big brother Hrehaan already making waves at Berklee, this household is proving to be a private talent incubator. Honestly, it's a total power move - after all, why settle for being the face of the franchise when you can own the director's chair and the soundtrack too?

Djs, Darshans, and dosas

When the Keinemusik trio landed in the city last week, they didn't just rock Mahalakshmi Racecourse - they staged a full-blown cultural takeover. And from what we hear, they came prepped for it.

Days in advance, Adam Port hit up his Insta family for the ultimate ‘Aamchi Mumbai' hit list. The recommendations poured in thick and fast: while the masses shouted for pav bhaji and butter chicken, the ‘if you know, you know' crowd curated a high-low gastronomic map featuring Boojee Café, Benne, Gigi, Swati Snacks, Masque, Trishna, Rameshwaram Café, Vanilla Miel, and The Bombay Canteen.


&ME and Rampa in Mumbai

The fans spoke, and Keinemusik listened. A few days later, DJs &ME, Rampa, and Adam were spotted crushing it at Rameshwaram Café before pivoting to a sophisticated, multi-course marathon at Masque. Trading their techno caves for the chaotic charm of Maximum City, the Berlin boys also explored sun-drenched bylanes and bustling markets, before the architects of the ‘Kloud' officially descended on Siddhivinayak Temple for a darshan.

Watching the global elite of Afro-house tackle ghee-soaked idlis and filter coffee like seasoned locals was a total mood. From temple bells to surprise Bollywood remixes, the Keinemusik collective proved one thing: if you haven't traded the turntable for tikas and a plate of podi idlis, you haven't truly tasted Mumbai.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
guide mumbai mumbai guide weekend guide things to do in mumbai
Related Stories