06 August,2025 06:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Nimesh Dave
A man checks the working of decorative lights of the carriage at Yogi Nagar in Borivli
Tomorrow, on his seventh death anniversary, Mumbai will come together to salute the legacy of a man who deeply cared for the city. Foy Nissen, Danish by birth, became an integral voice who helped instill awareness about urban local history. The Mumbai Research Centre of The Asiatic Society of Mumbai (ASM) has organised a panel discussion titled Foy's Gaze that will reflect on his invaluable contributions in creating public awareness of the city's multifaceted heritage.
The historian documented its corners and contours on his Vespa scooter, and would often be spotted with eminent names riding pillion, as he'd take them around the city, to help them with their research. His photographs looked at Mumbai in warm, empathetic frames, with the common man as the heartbeat of his vast collection. The panellists include Justice Gautam Patel, Dr Jehangir Sorabjee and conservation architect Vikas Dilawari who will speak about the impact of his work on their own lives. Dilawari calls him the "Internet of those times [1970s, 80s in particular]," commenting on his invaluable repository, and reminding us of his legacy. Drop by on Thursday, 5pm, at the ASM's Durbar Hall, if you'd like to learn more about this custodian of the city's heritage.
Balvinder S Sandhu and Sunil Gavaskar
mid-day's cricket expert, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, the man who claimed the first West Indian wicket (Gordon Greenidge) in India's 1983 World Cup final win at Lord's, turned 69 on Sunday. Among the countless birthday messages Ballu (Sandhu's nickname) received on the day, was from his first India captain, Sunil Gavaskar. The batting icon greeted his former swing bowling colleague, adding, "Hope our boys give you the perfect gift today." Gavaskar was referring to Shubman Gill & Co, who could have beaten England on Sunday itself had it not been for rain curtailing play on Day Four. Sandhu got a belated birthday gift the following day but the bowler-turned-coach was happy that India won on the birthday of former India fast bowler Abey Kuruvilla, who he coached. Incidentally Kuruvilla is BCCI's General Manager - Game Development. Sandhu's column on India's Oval Test victory will appear in mid-day soon.
A student performs at a previous event. Pic courtesy/Mohit Gopalani
There's a cool event to catch this week with kids. Mohit Gopalani, a drummer, multi-percussionist and founder of Mohit Drum Academy will organise a rhythmic session titled Student Talent Showcase.
"In a band, the drums are usually at the back, so I wanted to bring them to the centre for those who love the instrument," Gopalani told this diarist. The event will feature eight young drummers in performance. Check out @mohit_drummer for details.
A scene from a previous performance. Pic courtesy/RAHUL BACHATE
The familiar Prithvi Theatre was in for an unfamiliar experiment last weekend, when Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch (YSM) brought Kavan: An Ambedkarite Opera to its stage. "Our operatic satire fuses the folk shahiri art form with opera. The themes can get heavy, with references to caste-based violence and communalism. But Mumbai's audience took it well. There was a sense of self-reflection when the curtains fell," Dhammarakshit Randive, co-founder, YSM told us.
The next gen is taking over at Gallery Pradarshak's ongoing Vidyarthi Vishesh annual showcase in Khar. The 27th edition of the annual feature includes 17 students from across three cities in participation. "Since 1995, we have tried to support and encourage students of art. The unique thing is that these students are still studying, and the exhibition is a rare chance for them to come to Mumbai, interact with people from completely different aesthetics and learn," shared gallerist Savitha Hira.
