03 November,2026 08:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Shadab Khan
People nap on the benches at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport T2 terminal
Traditional musicians play the tutari at the inauguration ceremony
Opening nights are always a starry affair, and the inaugural ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Prithvi Theatre Festival was no less.
Naseeruddin Shah lights the traditional lamp
From Mahesh Bhatt and Naseeruddin Shah in a jolly mood, Gino Banks turning back the clock with a thumping tribute to Louiz Banks, and the Kapoors (Kunal, Zahan, and Shaira) playing generous hosts, it was a sight to behold.
Mahesh Bhatt, Zahan Kapoor, Shaira, Kunal, and Zahan Kapoor at the opening ceremony
While Banks and Co., might rejoice in the afterglow of the performance, it is time for the theatre troupes to take stage. Prithvi Theatre, as we know, is never dull.
Gino Banks and the band. Pics Courtesy/Raj Lalwani; Manasi Gadkari
There is a reason Javed Akhtar is the favourite wise man of the Internet generation. The veteran lyricist seems to have found a new audience online through his quips, witticisms, and ever present charm. His latest title will see Akhtar introduce three similarly clever poets to his readers. Three Masters: The Dohas of Kabir, Rahim, Vrind (HarperCollins India) explores the timeless dohas of Kabir, Rahim, and Vrind. While the lyricist offers thoughtful insights into the works, Sumantra Ghoshal has been tasked with the translations.
Pic Courtesy/Harpercollins India
The duo was in fine form at the recently concluded Godrej LitLive! Festival, where the book was launched. Never lost for words, Akhtar got into a detailed explanation of the composition and structure of ghazals. No surprise then, that his version of the compilations promises similar attention to detail. From philosophical insights, to revealing vulnerabilities common to us all, the lyricist dives into the couplets. It is always amusing when poets turn into researchers.
A view of the books at the space (right) the reading nooks
Career plans need not come with a report card. At Sylvaris in Goregaon West, books, conversations, and curiosity are all on the agenda. Founded by former journalist Aditya Kshirsagar, this space hosts Sunday reading sessions and plans to conduct workshops with people from creative fields, including costume design, make-up and music.
Aditya Kshirsagar
"I wanted strangers to become peers, with a book, song or craft giving them a reason to sit together and learn from one another," Kshirsagar said. Drop in on Sundays, from 9 am to noon.
Jitish Kallat has the Kochi Muziris Biennale 2027 marked on his calendar, where he debuts as its new president. But he has much to wrap up in the city before that; a return to the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum with a solo exhibition after 15 years, for instance.
Jitish Kallat: Conjectures on a Paper Sky, presented by the Museum and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art will open on November 14. With a grand set-up planned across the gallery, special projects spaces, and the outdoor plaza, we're sure you won't need a reminder.
