25 September,2026 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Ashish Raje
A Coast Guard helicopter conducts a practice exercise ahead of the final day of Ganesh idol immersions
Yesterday, we introduced you to Bappa's connect with train journeys to Konkan; today, it's an autorickshaw ride through Mumbai's busy streets. Rahul Gopal Varia, is bringing Bappa home with a lifetime of memories in the backseat. "Bappa arrived in an autorickshaw this year," Variya told us.
Rahul Varia's father takes a photograph of the autorickshaw-themed decor at his residence in Ghatkopar. PICS COURTESY/Rahul Varia
The Ghatkopar resident has been handcrafting clay Ganesh idols since 2012, drawing inspiration from Mumbai's iconic modes of transport. His earlier concepts have featured the local train, BEST bus, the tram and recently, its Metro. This year, the humble three-wheeler takes centre stage.
The approximately 4x3-foot miniature features Bappa arriving in a Mumbai auto rickshaw, inspired by Variya's father, who spent more than 40 years driving one through Ghatkopar's streets. "This is not just a miniature for me. It is a heartfelt tribute to my father," he revealed.
Rahul Gokul Varia
Crafted with sunboard and eco-friendly material, the set brings together Mumbai's auto-rickshaw culture, Bappa and memories of his father's journey. For Varia, this year's ride is more than a concept; it is bringing memories home.
A still from the music video
Hit track, Taambdi Chaamdi has crossed the seven seas and arrived in Hollywood. DJ Kratex and Shreyas Sagvekar's Marathi banger, in its KSHMR Remix avatar, has been featured in Netflix's Best of the Best, giving the track a rather filmi upgrade.
A scene from Best of the Best
Released globally on September 18, the film follows a UCLA Bollywood-fusion dance team and features a playlist that includes Blackpink, Enhypen, AR Rahman, Lata Mangeshkar and Hanumankind. For Krunal Ghorpade aka DJ Kratex (above), the moment is a proud family milestone.
Featuring Taamdi Chaamdi. PICS COURTESY/Kratexmusic; Youtube
"This is a huge achievement for me and my family. It is one of the rare times a Marathi song has made its way into a Hollywood film. Seeing our music reach this far is incredibly special," he said. From Maharashtra's soil to Hollywood's spotlight, this banger clearly knows how to travel.
Pickle in my tickle
Amidst a strong showing by Mumbai, Yazu made it to the top 100 of the 30 Best Bars in India 2026 list. The Ranbir Nagpal-led Pan Asian establishment made a mark on the long list with 57 entries from the city.
Democrat cocktails from Yazu. Pics courtesy/@Yazu
While Delhi usually puts up a good fight, this time, the city has surprised with healthy representation. With Bandra Born, Americano, Slink & Bardot, and Ekaa in the mix, it will be a close contest.
Pic courtesy/ @Kersi101
The trend of recreating past eras is spilling into literature as well. Not that we are complaining. Author Kersi Khambatta (above) is back with his second title, Bombay Tabloid (Speaking Tiger). After almost a decade of scripting multiple shows for the screen, from Akoori (2018) to Class (2022), he returns with a story that centres itself in home ground - 1990s Mumbai.
The Being Cyrus (2006) and Finding Fanny (2014) writer has wound back the clock with a story that outlines the lives of two brothers, Cyrus Kerman and Rumi Dubash, in Mumbai. With dysfunctional families, obsessive love, and revenge set in a city witnessing change, it would, we think make for great OTT material. From Mumbai's oldest (and coolest tabloid), here's wishing the book success.
