22 August,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
PIc/Shadab Khan
Two dabbawalas shoot the breeze during their break at Bandra Railway Station.
The sparkling new makeover of the Tata Theatre comes at a cost. The auditorium, designed in 1969 by American modernist Philip Johnson, bid farewell to its old seats that once played host to esteemed guests, including a Prime Minister. Hundreds of these seats were donated to the Topiwala National Medical College (TNMC), the Vaikunthbhai Mehta Research Centre, and Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha (Sangli) on the occasion of the birth anniversary of founder Jamshed Bhabha (August 21) on Friday.
"These chairs, too, have been part of that history - having witnessed generations of artistes, dignitaries, audiences, music, theatre, and countless performances. As the theatre undergoes its refurbishment, we felt it was fitting that these seats should continue to serve a purpose," shared chairman Khushroo N Suntook.
A month after Shabana Azmi wrapped student protestors in Delhi's Jantar Mantar in a warm embrace, she's already in for some déjà vu. Azmi will sit down with Neha Bora, who led the hunger strike in the National Capital from the front, at a community gathering at Nariman Point on August 24. Among other guest artistes, the duo will be joined by filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee and writer-comedian Varun Grover, who had joined the movement at Shivaji Park, and even coined a catchy tune inspired by the imaginative slogans that emerged from the streets. Organised by the All India Students' Association's Mumbai unit, the cultural event is being presented as a platform where panelists will "speak, question, disagree, and listen."
Come September, and Mumbai will be at the centre of a battle royale. After a hiatus of 12 years, the India National Finals of the DMC World DJ Championships will take place in the city on September 6. "Think of it as the Olympics for DJs," said host Sanjay Merai AKA The Spindoctor.
Founded in 1985 by Tony Prince, the championship is the longest running DJ competition in the world. "Competitors will arrive from all over India. It takes eight to 10 months of practicing, and regular performances to qualify. Those who make it through the finals will head to London in November," shared Merai, who will host the session, while DJ Uri leads the DMC India branch. With former champions DJ Fummy, Prime Cuts, and judge from Middle East Lobito Brigante set to drop in, expect fireworks. "This is the first time in a decade that Indian DJs have this opportunity," Merai said.
Seven-time Grammy nominated hip-hop artiste Khalid recently got fans making a beeline to the online box office after announcing his debut India tour. Fans in Mumbai will welcome the Location and Young Dumb & Broke hitmaker on December 17, following Gurugram and Bengaluru shows. The tour comes as a surprise for fans who nursed a heartbreak in 2020, when the musician's shows in India as part of the Free Spirit Tour were called off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coincidentally, the tour also marks a decade for the artiste in the industry. Rest assured, Khalid. Mumbai knows how to throw a party.
