Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Rane Ashish

Shooting in the rains

A pedestrian takes advantage of lull in the rains to click a photograph outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Paw parade

Moments from a previous protest at Bandstand. Pics Courtesy/Shiraz Ahmad

Expect more wagging tails than raised voices at Bandra Bandstand tomorrow. Pet parents and animal lovers will come together for ‘Chalo Bandra Bandstand', a community walk for pets, to celebrate responsible pet ownership organised by Humanity World Foundation. The event follows months of disagreements over pets at the promenade, even though organisers say the BMC and Maharashtra Maritime Board allow them. "This is not a protest. It is simply a peaceful meet-and-greet," said founder Shiraz Ahmad, urging participants to "walk with pride, scoop the poop and respect everyone around you."

Bai's many faces

Ramdas Padhye and Vijaya Mehta at the opening of the Indian Centre for Puppetry

The passing of Vijaya ‘Bai' Mehta on the last day of June arrived as a shock to every artist in Mumbai. Puppeteer Satyajit Padhye (right) recognises it. "She [Vijaya Mehta] knew my family, particularly my father [Ramdas Padhye], since the early 1970s. Puppetry has been a much ignored art form in India, but she was among his key supporters. As a theatremaker, she used elements from puppetry in her own workshops. I remember she often used half-masks to play different personalities, to help actors. It is her humanity, a curiosity towards everything that made her so special," Padhye shared.

Spilling the tea at Wimbledon

Spectators at the tournament (right) Bad Bunny observes a match. Pics Courtesy/@wimbledon

Naomi Osaka might have stolen the show with her outfit at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, but our eyes are fixed on their social media. For a change, their Overheard at Wimbledon segment moves away from the stars on the court to the ones off it. From fans debating a good looking Spaniard on court, to another pair of friends fascinated by the manicured lawns of the All England Lawns, it makes for a fascinating listen. One surprised lady spent minutes trying to explain Bad Bunny to her nonchalant friend. It is no surprise that the series is a hit among the GenZ, but the old stars still rule the roost. One gang of co-workers were gushing about how Rafael Nadal kissed a young ball girl at the Australian Open in 2020 as an apology after his forehand accidentally hit her. "I'd kill for a chance at that," she said. Now, that's telling.

Swim through the showers

A moment from the relay in 2025. Pic Courtesy/Mumbai Sea Swimmers

Mumbai might be swimming after the downpour, but the Mumbai Sea Swimmers' community is set to begin their Dusk to Dawn sessions in August. "The rains actually help you cool down during the relays. Timekeeping gets difficult, but we don't let it stop us from getting in the pool," shared co-founder, Minesh Babla. With registrations for the early birds already open till July 5, Babla added, "There are slots for solos and relays from 12 hours to 2 hours." If you can stay in, register on mumbaiseaswimmers.com