16 July,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Satej Shinde
A man uses a large net to catch fish in the Dahisar River
(From left) Tanishque; Natasha Mahindra; Riverglass. Pics courtesy/Anam Cara
Yoga therapist and storyteller Natasha Mahindra is asking Mumbaikars to look up to their gurus this Guru Purnima (July 29). A two-hour immersive session by the expert at a Mahalaxmi venue will shine a light on planets and the cosmos as our earliest gurus and guides, and culminate with stories from participants' own lives.
Natasha Mahindra
Mahindra calls the experience a communal and therapeutic practice that invites guests to encounter wisdom, healing, and self-understanding through the shared language of myth. We learnt that the yoga practitioner will be joined by musicians Tanishque and Riverglass, with visual artist Shashwat Prakhar setting the backdrop for the unique session. Dare we say, it's going to be out of the world.
When Pu La Deshpande (right)introduced the musical segment of Batatyachi Chaal in 1958, he created something rare for Indian theatre. The 45-minute dialogue-free sequence, inspired by Ek Divas Chaalitla, captured the rhythm of daily life in a chawl entirely through music, movement and character.
Actors in rehearsal. Pics courtesy/DEVENDRA BHOME; Wikimedia Commons
Now, that celebrated section returns as a full-fledged musical production, opening in Pune on August 1, after which it will travel to Mumbai on August 8. Music composer Devendra Bhome believes the work remains timeless because its people still feel familiar despite changing homes.
"Over the years, the theme of co-living spaces has changed from chawls to apartments and gated societies. However, few characters among these residents remain universal. Hence, the appeal of Pu La's work," said Bhome.
Devendra Bhome
The new production expands the original concept with a cast of 21 actors performing on a two-storey stage set that recreates the bustle of a close-knit neighbourhood. While the architecture of urban living may have evolved, the humour, relationships and everyday moments that defined Batatyachi Chaal continue to resonate, making the classic relevant for a contemporary audience.
Salute this landing. PIC/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Mumbai sprouted a new pair of wings as the Navi Mumbai International Airport said namaste, welcome, and hola to its first international scheduled flight on Wednesday, when the Air India Express flight IX208 from Abu Dhabi landed at 10.20 am. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute, a picture postcard moment. Navi Mumbai airport's international debut is made, and India's newest gateway to the world is on the outskirts of Maximum City.
The 3D Spider-Man-inspired artwork by Mooz. PICS COURTESY/MOOZ
IF you feel that trucks are meant only for transporting goods, think again. Mumbai street artist Mooz has transformed one into a striking 3D Spider-Man artwork for Sony Pictures' upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. "It gives the illusion that the truck is hollow and Spider-Man is ready to jump out," said Mooz.
Mooz
The installation also launches the #SpiderManFanArt challenge, inviting fans to create their own artwork by July 20. Ten winning entries will earn invitations to the film's premiere, he added.
