06 May,2026 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Pic/Shadab Khan
A rider keeps on his rollerblades while on a scooter at Bandra
He might no longer set his legendary eye to capture a fleeting moment, but the late Raghu Rai's influence will continue to cast its magic on the upcoming 2027 Pirelli Calendar.
Raghu Rai, Avani Rai and A portrait of Raghu Rai. PICS COURTESY/PIRELLI
With India as the protagonist, the calendar was to focus on two photographers - Rai and Norwegian lensman, Solve Sundsbo. Over the last three months, the veteran Indian photographer had been working on an original series that reflected his heritage and vision of India. Now, his daughter Avani Rai will step in to complete the project.
"The work my father created for Pirelli was a tribute to India - bringing together his lifelong vision with a more contemporary expression of its people and diversity. I cannot bear the thought of it remaining unrealised. Carrying this [project] forward feels like a way of staying close to him, of keeping a part of him alive within me," Avani revealed.
Sundsbo, who also photographed the 2026 edition of the calendar, shared, "It's a momentous opportunity to explore India. We will both do our utmost to celebrate the country and Mr Rai's memory with this collaboration."
The visitors sit in a circle in the foyer (right) The women point to Kamathipura on an old map of Mumbai at the museum. Pics Courtesy/Haanh Hum
Tuesday morning witnessed the women of Kamathipura set out on a little art-filled escapade where they were given a guided tour of Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum as part of Haanh Hum Collective's Reclaim Spaces initiative. As they sat in the museum's atrium, they sketched out their observations of the tour. Neethu Venkateshaiah, the director of Ahead Foundation and Haanh Hum Collective, revealed a wholesome anecdote, "In every map of old Bombay before its reclamation that was on display, the women kept spotting Kamathipura."
Cherry Cheesecake Tart
The Deli opens its first Mumbai outpost in Pali Hill, bringing its relaxed, all-day dining format from Alibaug to the city. The 48-seater café blends natural light, blue-white interiors, and flexible seating, along with a pet-friendly menu. From Avocado Toast and Turkish eggs to Lobster Linguine and Kimchi Melts, and Cherry Cheesecake Tart, the menu is designed for easy, repeat visits.
The Deli's spacious interiors. PIC COURTESY/ THEDELI.CAFE.KITCHEN
An in-house pantry offers sourdough, Hokkaido breads, and baked goods. "It had to feel effortless, something that fits into everyday life," chef Nitin Mongia, told us. This could be a daily affair for us, we think.
Think of competitive sport, and pen fighting is perhaps the last thing that comes to mind but the folks at Sira, a community space in Versova, are giving the game its own arena tomorrow. Co-founder, Ishaan Gupta told us about Pen Fight Night's genesis "We try to curate events that are fun and experimental. At school, pen fights were something that we would always enjoy amongst our group, and so we thought of giving it a shot."
Dr Ajit Desai
A prophet is not without honour except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." We grew up hearing this, and to an extent, it's true. But there are exceptions. Exceptions for exceptional people, we should add. The other day, noted cardiologist Dr Ajit Desai was honoured by a club close to home and heart with actor Rohini Hattangadi and Chamber of Tax Consultants president Jayant Gokhale doing the honours. Among the sporting doctor's several rewards now comes the MIG Gaurav Puraskar for exemplary work in the field of cardiology. And in the meantime, Dr Desai will keep saving lives and keeping those badminton opponents of his on their toes on the court.
