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Hanumankind to headline first-ever BUDX NBA House in Mumbai this June

After performing at the likes of Coachella and Lollapalooza India 2025 in recent months, Hanumankind is all set to visit Mumbai this June to headline the first-ever BUDX NBA House event. Set to take place on June 7 and 8, it is the first time the event is taking place in India, as people come together at the Dome, SVP Stadium in Worli. Bringing together the worlds of basketball, music and culture, the two-day culture event will feature live performances by a curated mix of cutting-edge artists. Along with the 'Big Dawgs' singer, the line-up of artists set to perform at the first-ever edition of the event also includes Parimal Shais and Kalmi. Joining them are global names making waves across international stages including Baby J, an Indo-Australian artist who recently went viral for her genre-bending mixes; Tye Turner, an Australian-Filipino DJ & Producer celebrated for his diverse sound selection and innovative remixes. Last but not the least, Shioriy Bradshaw, a Tokyo-based DJ with a deep curiosity for underground culture, will also perform for fans.         The BUDX NBA House will feature basketball-themed activities, and aims to feature a fresh point of view on music right from the line up to the experiences, meet-and-greets with five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton, photo opportunities with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, as well as performances by Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson, the Kings Dancers and the Kings’ dunk team. Tickets for the event are available on District by Zomato.

22 May,2025 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
American singer Connie Francis sang 'Pretty Little Baby' in 1962 and it is currently going viral on Instagram Reels. Photo Courtesy: Nicole Pereira/AFP/Kimberly Van'Drine

Connie Francis' ‘Pretty Little Baby' goes viral; Mumbaikars dive into her music

If you spend enough time on the Internet these days, you have definitely come across 'Pretty Little Baby', a 1962 song by Connie Francis, going viral over the last few weeks. It has now become an earworm for many but has also got others curious. Just like many other old songs, the song has managed to catch the fancy of Gen-Z and Millennials alike, as they make reels on Instagram with the music. Interestingly, Francis’ music has been a part of many Catholic homes and parties, among other communities in Mumbai, long before it blew up on the Internet. Like this writer, many Mumbaikars have spent many Sunday afternoons and times at home when Francis’ songs were played or sung, or even danced to the likes of ‘Stupid Cupid’ at weddings and other house parties, through the years.SEE PHOTOS: Guns N' Roses mesmerise fans with breathtaking performance in Mumbai ’Pretty Litte Baby’ for karaokeAlthea D'Souza being one of them, in fact, remembers listening to the song as a child, spending most of her childhood in Bandra before moving to Bhayandar as an adult, and still continuing the tradition. As soon as the song started to get viral, the Mumbaikar says she got nostalgic, sharing, "Dad and Mum used to play songs in the morning on Sundays and 'Pretty Little Baby' was one of them, and we would sing along to these songs. Some of the songs I still remember and sing along till date, whenever I hear them.” I think Connie Francis was more known in our parents’ generation, she says, continuing, “This generation wouldn’t really know her, unless their parents have made them listen to her songs.” As people discover the viral song, which now has over 828,000 reels on Instagram, there are other songs like 'Stupid Cupid', another one of the American singer's hits that is her favourite. The 35-year-old shares, "It's my favourite song to sing for karaoke. In church, when we used to have summer clubs for kids, I used to take part in the singing competition and sing this every time." Apart from the two songs, D’Souza always loves singing along to other hits by the singer like ‘Lipstick On Your Collar’, ‘Never On A Sunday’ and ‘Tennessee Waltz’. Amid the popularity, the Mumbaikar adds, “I’m sure many kids today think it’s a new track but I’m happy hearing the song all over again otherwise I don’t think the newer generation would know her.” Opportunity for Gen-Z to discover Connie FrancisElsewhere, Kimberly Van'Drine is just like D'Souza, as she has grown up listening to the singer all her life living around her family who make up the city-based band '2 Girls and a Guitar ft Kimberly'. Having played at many venue including Catholic Gymkhana and Bandra Gymkhana among others in the city over the years, 'Stupid Cupid', 'Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool', 'Lipstick On Your Collar' and 'Never on a Sunday' have been a part of their song list for a long time. Being Gen-Z, the 22-year-old says, "Some of the new generation, especially those at Catholic weddings and parties would definitely be exposed to her music but largely the new generation probably wouldn’t have come across these songs from the 60s." This may just be the song that takes them back to the song that was released in 1962. While it initially went viral on TikTok, it soon trickled to Instagram and now lives in everybody's head "rent-free", as they like to say these days. So, what could have made it go viral? "While it’s almost impossible to predict why exactly a song goes viral on TikTok and reels, there is a sense of timelessness to melodies like 'Pretty Little Baby' that resonates with people of all ages. I think there’s also a “retro aesthetic” that’s making a comeback, which ties in with the revival of the song," adds the city-based singer-songwriter and Sonic branding strategist. It's not only that for Van'Drine but also the emotional aspect that she connects with. "It’s absolutely amazing that beautiful music like this is making a comeback. Having grown up with music like this playing in my home, it definitely has a nostalgic feeling. I think more music from the past needs to reach newer audiences," she adds.SEE PHOTOS: As Guns N' Roses performs in Mumbai, know the band members for this performance Uniqueness of Connie FrancisSo, what makes Connie Francis' voice unique? "Connie Francis’ voice is very different from the songs of the new generation. Sometimes, an old song with a sweet voice or different kinds of beats is great to hear among the music that you hear now," shares 29-year-old Nicole Pereira, another Mumbaikar, who has grown up singing 'Stupid Cupid' and 'Fallin’'. Now that this song has gone viral, the Bandra-based consultant says even though it was only the oldies who knew it earlier, the fact that ‘Pretty Little Baby’ is going so viral means that the newer generation may get the opportunity to explore her music and similar genres. Being a city-based karaoke jockey herself, the Mumbaikar already sings ‘Stupid Cupid’ every time she hosts a karaoke afternoon or night in Mumbai, usually at The Little Door in Andheri. “I went to China recently and sang it there also,” Pereira laughs, while highlighting her love for the song, one of many that she has grown up singing, and we won’t be surprised if ‘Pretty Little Baby’ also ends up on her list, as she makes others sing it in the city before the next song goes viral, even as ‘Shake It To The Max’ by MOLIY and Silent Addy takes over.

22 May,2025 06:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: iStock)

Gen Z, millennials in India prioritise learning, growth in job decisions: Report

As the workplace continues to evolve with automation, GenAI, and changing expectations, a Deloitte survey on Thursday revealed that career progression and learning opportunities are among the top factors driving job decisions of India's young workforce. "India's Gen Zs and millennials are not just adapting to the future of work, they're shaping it. With 85 per cent engaged in weekly upskilling and a strong preference for on-the-job learning, they're building agile, purpose-driven careers aligned with technologies like GenAI," says Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer, Deloitte India. For employers, this is a call to build cultures anchored in growth, innovation, and continuous learning, she said, quoting the 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey. The survey further found that career progression and learning opportunities are among the top factors that are driving job decisions for the young workforce. However, there is a mentorship shortfall as around half respondents who seek active mentorship from managers but far fewer receive it, the survey stated. The 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial survey is based on insights from a global lens, with responses from 809 Indian professionals - 505 Gen Zs and 304 millennials. The survey revealed rising doubts about the value of traditional education, as many questioned whether formal degrees alone are enough in a fast-changing job market. Over 94 per cent of Gen Zs and 97 per cent of millennials said they value hands-on experience over theory, it added. Further, the survey also found that 52 per cent of Gen Zs and 45 per cent of millennials are dissatisfied with the quality of higher education, and the corresponding numbers are 36 per cent and 40 per cent for cost concerns. Meanwhile, it revealed that 33 per cent of Gen Zs and 29 per cent of millennials in India said they feel stressed or anxious all or most of the time. Over 36 per cent of Gen Zs and 39 per cent of millennials in India said that their job is a factor contributing a lot to their feelings of anxiety or stress, it stated. "Organisations need to relook at how they prioritise employee happiness and well-being. Physical, mental, and financial well-being are closely interconnected and need to be addressed in tandem at the highest levels of leadership," Saraswathi added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

22 May,2025 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Banu Mushtaq at International Booker Prize 2025 award ceremony (Pic: AFP)

Know about Banu Mushtaq, the first Kannada writer to win Int'l Booker Prize

In a milestone for regional Indian literature, writer, advocate and activist Banu Mushtaq won the International Booker Prize 2025 for her Kannada short story collection ‘Heart Lamp’ on May 20, becoming the first Kannada author to be awarded the literary honour. The title, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, is also the first collection of short stories to be awarded the prize. Originally written and published over a period of 33 years, from 1990 to 2023, the 12 short stories in the book chronicle the resilience, resistance, wit, and sisterhood of women in Muslim communities in southern India. Who is Banu Mushtaq? Karnataka-based writer Banu Mushtaq is not only a major voice in progressive Kannada literature, but also a lawyer and activist who has championed women’s rights. The 77-year-old has also voiced her criticism about the caste and class system prevalent in the country. Her stories are inspired by her personal experiences and everyday conversations. In an interview with The Booker Prizes, she revealed that the social conditions of Karnataka in the 1970s and her direct engagement with the lives of the marginalised communities and women shaped her writing journey. According to The Booker Prizes website, Mushtaq is the author of six short story collections, a novel, an essay collection and a poetry collection. She has also won other literary honours like the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award and the Daana Chintamani Attimabbe award. What is ‘Heart Lamp’ about?‘Heart Lamp’ is a collection of 12 short stories that view women’s lives and rights through an intersection of religion, society and politics. "My stories are about women -– how religion, society, and politics demand unquestioning obedience from them, and in doing so, inflict inhumane cruelty upon them, turning them into mere subordinates," Banu Mushtaq said, according to AFP. Originally published in Kannada language, translator Deepa Bhasthi managed to preserve the multilingual nature of southern India in the translation. When the characters use Urdu or Arabic words in conversation, these are left as it is, reproducing the unique rhythms of spoken language, according to PTI. Max Porter, International Booker Prize 2025 Chair of judges, described the winning title as something genuinely new for English readers. “A radical translation which ruffles language, to create new textures in a plurality of Englishes. It challenges and expands our understanding of translation,” he said.

21 May,2025 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock

54 per cent of Gen Z would quit a job due to loneliness: Study

While Millennials have dominated the global workforce for the longest time, the entry of Gen-Z has changed the dynamics at the workplace, and making it evolve more than ever before.As Gen Z prepares to dominate the global workforce, a new study has revealed some interesting insights. The study conducted by Compass Group, a food and facility management services provider, in collaboration with Mintel, that food is fast becoming the new connector in the modern workplace. The study highlights that social connectivity at work is no longer optional—it is essential for employee well-being and talent retention. Spanning 21 countries—including India—and covering sectors like business and industry, healthcare and senior living, education, sports and leisure, and defence, offshore and remote, 'The Power of Socialisation' survey found that 78 per cent of Gen Z employees value work environments that promote meaningful relationships, while 54 per cent would quit a job due to loneliness. The data highlights that only 29 per cent of Gen Z employees feel connected to their company’s mission in unsocial work environments—underscoring the growing need to embed natural moments of socialisation into daily office life. In today's hybrid and high-pressure workplaces, food has emerged as a powerful enabler of social interaction. From vibrant cafés to curated micro-markets and coffee bars, companies are designing food spaces to bring people together. These spaces are becoming hubs for conversation, collaboration, and creativity—transforming the break into a vital moment of reconnection. Whether it is the casual conversation over a morning brew or team bonding over healthy lunches, food-led experiences are reshaping workplace culture. Vikas Chawla, managing director of the company, said, “The Power of Socialisation report confirms what leaders have long suspected; workplace culture directly impacts retention and performance. When employees feel socially connected, they align with organisational goals. The data speaks volumes; only 14 per cent of employees in non-social workplaces see themselves staying long-term. This study proves that workplaces designed to foster interactions lead to happier, more engaged, and more productive employees.” Hobby clubs such as reading circles, music groups, and gaming parlors are also emerging as key drivers of employee engagement—and food is seamlessly integrated into these spaces through themed snack stations, micro-kitchens, and beverage counters that make these breakout zones inviting and energising. Coffee has emerged as the ultimate conversation starter, with offices investing in beautifully designed coffee bars that mirror the experience of a local café, complete with cozy seating and ambient vibes. “The future of work is deeply social and as leaders responsible for shaping tomorrow's workplace, we cannot ignore these findings. Our responsibility extends beyond operational metrics to creating a culture that fosters belonging and purpose. The study shows that employees taking structured breaks report 52 per cent higher workplace happiness than those who take breaks only when prompted by exhaustion. The Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are looking for more than just a pay check; they seek workplaces that actively promote interaction, collaboration, and well-being. Organisations that prioritise social connectivity will see measurable returns in engagement, innovation, and retention,” commented Manika Awasthi, chief people officer at the company adds.

21 May,2025 08:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shubh is known for his signature sound, a captivating blend of traditional Punjabi folk elements. Photo Courtesy: Trust Donny

Indian rapper Shubh to embark on 'The Supreme' world tour; know the details here

Punjabi music artist Shubh is all set to embark on his inaugural arena tour across North America later this year from August 22.  The global trek follows the growing popularity of his recent music releases, ‘Supreme’ and ‘Sicario’, which will be brought to the stage through the tour, produced by global events promoter Live Nation.  The highly anticipated four-city run titled ‘The Supreme Tour’ will kick off in August in Oakland, making stops in Vancouver and Toronto before wrapping up in September in New Jersey. Following these initial dates, additional announcements will be made for arena shows in Dubai and the United Kingdom, and possibly even India with the tour set to conclude in early 2026. Shubh is known for his signature sound, a captivating blend of traditional Punjabi folk elements with the cutting-edge sensibilities of hip-hop and R&B, has resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.  Audiences can expect a dynamic and immersive live experience anthems like ‘Cheques’, ‘One Love’, ‘We Rollin’, ‘King Shit’, ‘Elevated’, ‘You And Me’, ’Still Rollin’, ‘Baller, ‘No Love’ among others. The 32-track setlist will also feature exclusive, unreleased material and the potential for surprise guest appearances. Shubh shares, "Bringing my live show to the North American circuit and connecting with my fans in real time is a source of immense excitement. This tour represents a dream realized, and I eagerly anticipate sharing my passion and music with my global fanbase and taking Punjab to the world." In January 2025, Shubh unveiled ‘Sicario’, a diverse and ambitious 10-track project showcasing his artistic range which debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. The album, which has garnered over 250 million streams across platforms since release, transitions from hard-hitting tracks like ‘Buckle Up’ and ‘Reckless’ to more melodic and pop-infused anthems such as ‘Aura’, ‘Bars’ and ‘Fell For You’.  By fusing Punjabi lyricism with contemporary hip-hop production, his second studio album has made the 28-year-old known in the global Punjabi music landscape. Following the success of the song, Shubh released ‘Supreme’ in April 2025. The single acts as a bold and unapologetic anthem, fearlessly addressing the music industry, debuted the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart and was on Number 1 position on Apple Music India and Apple Music Canada and Number 3 spot on Spotify India within a month of release and is currently has over 1 million streams per day on Spotify. Tickets for the tour will be available with an artist presale beginning May 21. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning May 23 at 10 am local time on livenation.com. The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans. Packages vary but include premium tickets, meet & greet and photo opportunities with the artist, early access to the floor, specially des Tour details:Friday, August 22 - Oakland Arena, Oakland, CASaturday, August 23 - Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BCFriday, September 5 - Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ONSunday, September 7 - Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

21 May,2025 07:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Indian writer Banu Mushtaq and author of 'Heart Lamp' poses with her translator Deepa Bhasthi at the 2025 International Booker Prize ceremony (Pic: AFP)

Banu Mushtaq's Kannada title wins International Booker Prize 2025

Writer, activist and lawyer Banu Mushtaq's short story collection 'Heart Lamp' has become the first Kannada title to win the coveted GBP 50,000 International Booker Prize in London. Mushtaq described her win as a victory for diversity as she collected the prize on Tuesday night at a ceremony at Tate Modern along with her translator Deepa Bhasthi, who translated the title from Kannada to English. The winning collection of 12 short stories chronicles the resilience, resistance, wit, and sisterhood of everyday women in patriarchal communities in southern India, vividly brought to life through a rich tradition of oral storytelling. Shortlisted among six worldwide titles, Mushtaq's work appealed to the judges for its “witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating” style of capturing portraits of family and community tensions. “This book was born from the belief that no story is ever small, that in the tapestry of human experience every thread holds the weight of the whole,” said Mushtaq. “In a world that often tries to divide us, literature remains one of the lost sacred spaces where we can live inside each other's minds, if only for a few pages,” she said. Translator Bhashti added: “What a beautiful win this is for my beautiful language.” Max Porter, International Booker Prize 2025 Chair of judges, described the winning title as something genuinely new for English readers. “A radical translation which ruffles language, to create new textures in a plurality of Englishes. It challenges and expands our understanding of translation,” he said. “This was the book the judges really loved, right from our first reading. It's been a joy to listen to the evolving appreciation of these stories from the different perspectives of the jury. We are thrilled to share this timely and exciting winner of the International Booker Prize 2025 with readers around the world,” he said. The tales in 'Heart Lamp', the first collection of short stories to win the prize, were written by Mushtaq over a period of over 30 years, from 1990 to 2023. They were selected and curated by Bhasthi, who was keen to preserve the multilingual nature of southern India. When the characters use Urdu or Arabic words in conversation, these are left in the original, reproducing the unique rhythms of spoken language. Fiammetta Rocco, Administrator of the International Booker Prize, added: “Heart Lamp, stories written by a great advocate of women's rights over three decades and translated with sympathy and ingenuity, should be read by men and women all over the world. The book speaks to our times, and to the ways in which many are silenced. “In a divided world, a younger generation is increasingly connecting with global stories that have been skilfully reworked for English-language readers through the art of translation.” The annual prize celebrates the best works of long-form fiction or collections of short stories translated into English and published in the UK and/or Ireland between May 2024 and April 2025. The other five books on the shortlist included: 'On the Calculation of Volume I' by Solvej Balle, translated from Danish by Barbara J. Haveland; 'Small Boat' by Vincent Delecroix, translated from French by Helen Stevenson; 'Under the Eye of the Big Bird' by Hiromi Kawakami, translated from Japanese by Asa Yoneda; 'Perfection' by Vincenzo Latronico, translated from Italian by Sophie Hughes; and 'A Leopard-Skin Hat' by Anne Serre, translated from French by Mark Hutchinson. Each shortlisted title is awarded a prize of GBP 5,000, shared between the author and translator, and the winning prize money is split between Mushtaq and Bhashti, who receive GBP 25,000 each. It marks the second win for an Indian title since 2022, when Geetanjali Shree and translator Daisy Rockwell won the coveted prize for the first-ever Hindi novel 'Tomb of Sand'. Perumal Murugan's Tamil novel 'Pyre', translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, made it to the longlist in 2023. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

21 May,2025 12:01 PM IST | London | PTI
Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, New Delhi, and Dehradun. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Ruskin Bond: My first book of poems sold 20 copies

Author, raconteur and simply one of India's most loved storytellers Ruskin Bond turns 91 on Monday, quietly rebelling against the lyrics of the song that still enchants him - 'When I Grow Too Old To Dream', it's a pretty song, an old Nelson Eddy favourite, but the words are wrong. We are never too old to dream, the indefatigable Bond writes in his latest book 'Life's Magic Moments' that launched on his birthday. His birthday is always an occasion. And the book's official launch, planned at Mussoorie's Cambridge Book Depot, close to his home in Landour, was set to be one too. However, it was called off by the author as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. His latest book at just 120 beautifully illustrated pages is a treasure trove of life lessons, musings, and memorable quotes. It's a ramble through Bond's life -- from his favorite flowers and unputdownable books to his obsession with pickles and his sunroom at the famed Ivy Cottage, his residence in Landour. He speaks eloquently of the loneliness of a writer and, most importantly, his dreams. "... These are some of the things I dream of: apple, peach and plum trees in bloom.. finishing the book I'm writing, and I dream of seeing the books I wrote last year appear in the coming months... Seeing my family prosper... All the books I am going to read -- the new ones and the old favourites. "I dream of old friends, and I dream of new friends. I dream of a world where flowers still bloom and birds still sing. I dream of things that didn't happen. Perhaps they will one day," Bond writes. Born on May 19, 1934, in Kasauli, Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, New Delhi, and Dehradun. He made Landour his permanent home in 1963. Landour, the quiet mountain town in Uttarakhand, has for years drawn fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the reclusive Bond -- perhaps sipping tea at the famous Chaar Dukaan, a cluster of shops along a winding road, or through the window of his sunroom. When Bond's grandson Sidharth created his Instagram account, which in no time amassed over two lakh followers, Bond jokingly said, "I hope they all don't turn up here together one day." "Lots of people come, knocking at the door, ringing the bell, wanting to meet me. Now, how can I spend all day meeting them? Still, I meet people sometimes when I can," Bond told PTI last year in an interview on his 90th birthday. It has been nearly 70 years since the release of his debut novel "The Room on the Roof" in 1956. Almost 500 books later, Bond reflects on a "fairly satisfying literary journey" in his latest. He says three simple items have sustained him throughout the years -- "a large notepad, a ballpoint pen, and a pair of old reading glasses", still resting beside him on his table. A lifelong writer -- something he always aspired to be -- Bond also shares his thoughts on his journey in 'Life's Magic Moments'. It can be a lonely path and one that demands resilience through ¿heartbreaks¿ and a commitment to writing for oneself. "An author is his own best audience. After all, his little masterpiece may not find more than a handful of readers, so he must not be content with the satisfaction that he derives from his creative effort. "My first book of poems sold 20 copies. I gave away a few copies, hoping for some kind reader's approval. When I asked one of them if he liked the book, he said 'Terrific! The illustrations were great!" writes Bond, as always gently blending wit with wisdom. Bond has received numerous awards and honours, including the Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing in 1992, the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2014 and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2021. The ace raconteur, whose repertoire includes short stories, essays and novellas, lives in a house overflowing with books: on shelves, in boxes, in drawers, under his desk, in the attic, and even beneath his bed. But then books are his friends -- and from the looks of it he doesn't like to part with most, except for the few that he gives away willingly, according to the book. His "special friends" include an early Penguin edition of Richard Jefferies' "The Story of My Heart", JR Ackerley's "Hindoo Holiday" (first published in 1930), P.G Wodehouse's "Meet Mr. Mulliner". In fact, according to Bond, "good books make good doctors" too as it helped him recover from his illness. "Stacy Aumonier's short stories saw me through hepatitis when I was fifteen. Wlliam Saroyan made a hospital bed tolerable when I was twenty... How fortunate are we who read books! It's like finding an oasis in the desert of existence," he explains. The eternally optimistic Bond, who carries little regrets and immense gratitude, says in his latest work that his ability to "look on the bright side, hope for the best, and place trust in fellow humans" -- even when that trust was occasionally misplaced -- has helped him navigate the 90 years of his life. Grappling with dwindling eyesight and gout, Bond still finds childlike joy in the smallest of things -- like a cosmos flower in bloom, the song of a whistling thrush, or the glow of fireflies on a rainy night -- and vouches for the quiet strength of a ¿cheerful disposition¿ in a world consumed by power. "Who would want to go down in history as a Putin or a Trump or one of the thousand others seeking power and glory... Don't make a lot of noise. Just go out quietly and plant your seeds, and one day the world will be green again, and marigolds will grow from the barrels of guns," he concludes. "Life's Magic Moments", published by Penguin Random House India and priced at Rs 399, is available for purchase across online and offline stores. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

19 May,2025 08:00 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Guns N' Roses performed some of their most iconic songs in Mumbai on May 17 at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Photo Courtesy: BookMyShow Live

Guns N' Roses Mumbai concert: 5 iconic moments from the performance

American hard rock band Guns N' Roses performed in Mumbai on May 17. Performing in the city after their debut 12 years ago, fans of the band have been waiting for them to return for a long time and they did not disappoint. It was a dream come true for many fans, who popularly call them GnR, and showed their support by wearing their favourite T-shirts of the band that not only had their logo but also song lyrics. While Indian rockers Girish And The Chronicles opened for them with an amazing set, there were a few highlights that you have got to relive if you are a Guns N' Roses fan who was at the concert. From witnessing these moments while listening to their music, these particular parts of the performance while watching them live made it even more special. SEE PHOTOS: Guns N' Roses Mumbai concert: As Slash joins Axl Rose, know other members Here are our top five iconic moments:  Slash's solo in 'Sweet Child O' Mine' Every time Slash played his solo, you knew the crowd missed him. While he did visit India in the last decade, it was not with GnR, so to be able to watch Slash play the opening of 'Sweet Child O' Mine' has been a dream come true for many Indian fans.  While there are many of his iconic solos from other songs, this was just perfect. While many may disagree, the 'Welcome To The Jungle' riff comes a close second and the one on 'Paradise City' comes a hard-fought third.  Axl Rose plays piano for 'November Rain' For many Indian fans, watching Axl Rose sing is a complete source of joy and one that they have enjoyed over the years. However, the lead vocalist totally transforms with 'November Rain' as he not only sings but also plays the piano for this iconic song and that is simply mesmerising.  Richard Fortus and Slash's acoustic guitar performance for 'Patience' While Slash was belting his solos, Richard Fortus also stood out for his clean riffs but it only got better as both combined talents to ditch their electric guitars for their acoustic set for 'Patience'. For every person who has heard it online, watching them live is simply surreal as a GnR fan, coupled with Rose's magnetic voice.  Axl Rose whistling at the start of 'Patience' Axl Rose whistling at the start of 'Patience' is one of the most iconic openings in a song by the band that is not done with instruments. Having listened to it digitally over the years, seeing him do it live is easily one of the favourites for many fans not only in India but across the world. To watch him pull it off smoothly even after so many years during a three-hour long set reminds you why he is so good.  Drummer Isaac Carpenter's opening sequence for 'Paradise City' Even as Axl Rose, Duff McKagan and Slash were playing their hearts out, their newest member drummer Isaac Carpenter was a ball of energy throughout the performance. While he performed so many parts perfectly, he absolutely stood out when he nailed the iconic opening sequence for their last song 'Paradise City' with Slash. It was a perfect end to the concert, that was produced by BookMyShow Live. SEE PHOTOS: As Guns N' Roses perform in Mumbai, revisit their India debut in 2012

18 May,2025 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Guns N' Roses are coming back to Mumbai after 13 years

Guns N’ Roses concert: Here are the changes you need to know about if it rains

With the possibility of rain at the Guns N Roses Mumbai concert at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, there is a possibility that the network will be an issue.  BookMyShow Live says you can tap your wristbands in advance to add money. It is fully refundable. If not, just carry cash.  Unfortunately, for lounge ticket holders, there will be no parking within the venue because of waterlogging. The vehicle drop offs are at M1 and H10.  No raincoatsYou can carry your ponchos and raincoats but raincoats are not allowed. Instead of rain-friendly and comfortable shoes.  Power banks Power banks are allowed at the venue. Shifting of Box officeThe box office has shifted to Gate M2.

17 May,2025 04:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Guns N' Roses are coming back to Mumbai after 13 years. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement

Guns N’ Roses Mumbai concert: Know time, guidelines, travel before you attend

American hard rock band Guns N’ Roses are all set to perform in Mumbai this weekend. While fans are excited for the band to return to the city 13 years after their debut at MMRDA grounds in the city. While the venue has changed, the energy will still be the same or even more this time around, as people make their way to the South Mumbai grounds.  Here is all you need to know as you get ready to attend the concert in Mumbai this weekend:  Guns N' Roses Mumbai concert date, time and venueGuns N’ Roses will perform in the city at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on May 17. While the gates will open at 3 pm, they will close at 8 pm. If you have opted to take the wrist band from the box office, it is open from 12 pm to 7 pm.  Lineup While you are all geared up for the American band, the lineup also includes opening act by celebrated Indian rock band Girish And The Chronicles, who will get you warmed up from 5:45 pm to 6:15 pm.  Guns N’ Roses will take the stage at 6:45 pm and will play till 10 pm.  Guns N’ Roses Mumbai concert tickets While the show was announced in March, the tickets have been live and most people have already got theirs but if you haven’t they are available on BookMyShow from Rs 6,999 onwards.For all valid ticket holders, the wristband will be their ticket to the concert, and also their wallet for the day. All purchases at the concert can only be made via the wrist band. The top-up counter closes at 9:45 pm.  Guns N’ Roses setlistThe setlist will see the American band play some of their most popular hits including ‘Paradise City’, ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’, ‘November Rain’, ‘Knockin’ On Heavens Door’, ‘Patience’, ‘Don’t Cry’ and ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ among others.  Travel guidelinesThe best mode of travel to Mahalaxmi Racecourse is by public transport since there is no parking available at the venue. However, you can also book the shuttle service.  Trains are easily the fastest mode of transport as the route is connected not only by the Western line through Mahalaxmi station, which is walking distance from the venue; take your free beverage coupon at the counter by showing your ticket. On the Central line, you can get down at Byculla station, which is about 2.5 km away. If you are considering the Monorail, then get down at Jacob Circle, which is only 2.5 km away from the concert grounds. Last but not the least, you can always take Metro Rail Line 3 and get off at Acharya Atre Chowk in Worli to reach your concert in time.  Beyond the train routes, the organisers have also tied up with Cityflo buses, for which you have to prebook your tickets.  Entry and drop-off gates There is also a dedicated walkway to help you get to Gate M8, which is your entry point along with M8 and H10.  The vehicle drop-off point is at Gate M2 and H10, while the exit is at Gate M7. 

17 May,2025 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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