23 May,2026 07:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Ashish Raje
An artist adds finishing touches to a sculpture of a tiger on the traffic island opposite Bharatmata Cinema in Lalbaug.
A recreation of the apartment featuring in FRIENDS
Fans of friends are set to step into the sitcom's world as The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Mumbai arrives in India for the first time at the Jio World Garden from June 13. The immersive attraction recreates some of the show's most iconic spaces, including Monica's apartment, Chandler and Joey's recliners and the beloved Central Perk café complete with its signature orange couch.
The original cast of the series. PICS COURTESY/DISTRICT.IN
Visitors can also revisit memorable scenes, pose by the famous purple door and relive moments from the globally loved series. "FRIENDS has always been about connection; the kind that goes beyond borders, generations, and time zones," said Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Production, who are bringing down the concept.
Readers browse through books. PICS COURTESY/PUNDALIK PAI
What began in 1986 as a small newspaper delivery venture and a casual hangout for friends in Dombivli has today grown into Pai's Friends Library, a beloved neighbourhood reading space that completed 40 years. Founder Pundalik Pai recalled starting with barely 100 books with the simple aim to keep reading alive among residents, especially children.
Pundalik Pai at the Dombivli venue of the library chain
"People still remember the children's library," he recalled. Despite changing times and reading habits, and the rise of digital media, Pai believes books continue to hold value. "If I don't get a book they want, people still come to spend time at the library" said Pai, reflecting on the library's enduring community bond.
A view of the new cafe at Kala Ghoda
WE did a mini fist pump when we heard the city was getting a new pet-friendly café; there are fewer of them around than you'd think. Cafe Como Xo, a new eggetarian café that has opened its doors in the busy Kala Ghoda. Behind the venture are first-time restaurateurs Meyuri Shethia and Charmi Ajmera, who revealed that the menu comes from years of travelling together, eating their way through cities around the world.
Bombay British Chilli Melt.PICS COURTESY/CAFE COMO XO
Chef Vinayak Mhatale, who helms the kitchen, is betting on the eggetarian spin on Japan's poke bowls to become a crowd favourite soon. With dishes like Japanese Nori Tacos, Harvest Waffle and Truffle Mushroom Scrambled Eggs on the menu, we're sure there's enough space for everyone (and their dog, of course).
