Blame it on the abruptness with which the new no-trains and no-nudity dress code was implemented if you will, but the Cannes red carpet this year has been quite quiet on the drama. The breakout star, sartorially speaking, of course, has been an unexpected one — think gender-bending style that isn’t afraid to colour between the lines. We’re referring to Andie MacDowell and Payal Kapadia, who shone bright in their menswear-inspired formal suits amidst a flurry of been-there-done-that gowns. While Kapadia’s grey suit was inspired by ’80s powder dressing era and was paired with chunky silver jewellery, MacDowell’s dinner suit complete with a velvet bow tie was the perfect canvas for her chic silver updo. But what’s contributing to the rising popularity of androgynous style? Could it be more than a passing fad? Here to stay Personal branding expert and image consultant Mihika Bhanot certainly thinks that the trend is here to stay: “Androgynous fashion is more than just an aesthetic but rather a form of self-expression: it’s about confidently living your individuality without feeling confined by conventional gender norms. The trend, essentially, involves wearing garments that make you feel more empowered, regardless of who the intended wearer for the garments originally were, and making them your own. In recent years, many designers have begun to incorporate gender-neutral elements in their collections by incorporating traditionally feminine elements such as pleats or softer pastel colours into menswear and vice versa, inspired by the growing emphasis on societal ideals such as equality, inclusivity and personal identity.” Social media too has played a significant role in showcasing androgynous fashion, allowing individuals to share their unique styles and inspire others. “We’ve gradually grown into a ‘why not?’ phase that keeps creativity alive through experimental clothing that we eventually feel most comfortable in, both mentally and physically,” Bhanot adds. Besides, she points to a more practical consideration: compared to most other aesthetics, androgynous style comprises classic pieces that most people would consider wardrobe staples, and minimalistic styling that makes it versatile and easy to pull off.SEE PHOTOS: Love wearing pantsuits? Follow these five styling tips to ace your look Mihika Bhanot Setting the stage The androgynous aesthetic lends itself beautifully to mix and match: experiment with different silhouettes, textures, and colours. “Be as bold as you like, combining masculine and feminine pieces. For instance, you could pair a suit jacket with a dress or a skirt with a graphic tee. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and find what works for you,” Bhanot advises. Colours that lend themselves well to a gender neutral palette include mint green, steel grey, navy blue, burgundy, ivory cream, bottle green, mustard brown and light grey. Remember, a monotone colour scheme will always look more powerful and neutral than putting too many colours together. For accessories, she recommends minimalistic jewellery such as simple watches, stud earrings, and delicate necklaces. Style your hair in a sleek, low-maintenance style or experiment with bold, edgy cuts. Your make-up should focus on enhancing your natural features with subtle, natural tones. The goal is to let your clothing and personality shine through. Andie MacDowell in her dinner suit. Pic Courtesy/@checkthetag Finally, pick a sleek leather crossbody bag, or a tote bag for both form and function, and classic loafers or Chelsea boots to add a polished finish. If you prefer a more streetwear-inspired vibe, chunky sneakers are a safe but edgy bet. Experiment with silhouettes and textures to find your distinct style. Pic Courtesy/Mrunal Thakur on Instagram The androgynous checklist These staples can be easily rotated to create multiple, on-trend looks: . Oversized or tailored blazers. Minimalistic tops and shirts. Distressed or ripped denims. Comfortable, versatile shoes such as sneakers or loafers. Neutral-coloured clothing with clean lines and minimal embellishments. Statement accessories such as belts, satchels and watches that include both masculine and feminine featuresInformation courtesy: Mihika Bhanot Sonam Kapoor. Pic courtesy/Sonam Kapoor on Instagram A monotone colour palette elevates Sobhita Dhulipala’s look. Pics Courtesy/Sobhitad on Instagram Opt for simple jewellery and low-maintenance hairstyles
24 May,2025 11:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe world seemed to have abandoned us,” writes the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, in his book Voice for the Voiceless (HarperCollins). This is a searingly honest account of Tibet’s long and unresolved struggle for freedom and autonomy from China. The sentence echoes how alone Tibetans have sometimes felt in their fight. From his negotiations and talks with the Communist Chinese Government at various stages — including as a 19-year-old leader — to the violence inflicted on the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama foregrounds all that led him in 1959 to flee the nation and the tightening of the tension in his homeland today. Since his escape, he has taken shelter in India and has only been able to dream of returning home. We learn how, while in exile, there have been two goals he’s set out to reach. He wishes to continue establishing resettlements for his people to preserve their culture and identity. Additionally, he aims to reach out to governments of other nations so they may help put an end to the Tibetan issue. In an environment where one’s life and dignity are under threat, the most essential practices can be the acts of healing and care. These, among other chapters, set the book apart. They illustrate the practices that have sustained the Dalai Lama’s determination and kept his hope alive. They act as pieces of wisdom in moments of terror. Some of these include being prepared for what is to come, never losing sight of humanity, and always carrying optimism. He believes in the Buddhist principle of steering clear of hatred, as it can lead to further hatred. Moreover, he advises his readers and followers to situate problems within larger contexts to be able to arrive at the best course of action. Throughout the book, we are constantly reminded that we must believe in shared humanity — an idea that allows for measured decisions and communications with each other. This is imminent when matters of a nation under annexation are concerned. His hope is fuelled by the sensitivity displayed by thoughtful Chinese scholars, writers, and other citizens who care about the issue. He recalls a poignant moment when a grandson delivers an apology on behalf of his grandfather. The grandfather, we learn, was part of the People’s Liberation Army that attacked Tibet in the 1950s. While the situation remains grim, the book is a reminder of the resilience of people in the face of massive suffering. TITLEVoice for the VoicelessAUTHOR The Dalai LamaGENRE Non-fictionPublisher Harper CollinsCost Rs 699
24 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaExperimental, brave, entertaining and complex, is how Bruce Guthrie, head of theatre and film, National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) describes the works at the 2025 edition of the Pratibimb: Marathi Natya Utsav. Guthrie shares, “We are looking forward to Asen Mi Nasen Mi, led by Neena Kulkarni, which is part of our final programme. But a popular choice this year was Alive; an exciting work, a product of our Marathi writing initiative, Darpan, the play deals with technology, social media, online interaction and the difference between reality and social interactions. It resonated very well among the audience. Then, we have workshops led by leading names of the Marathi stage like Geetanjali Kulkarni and Sachin Shinde, that add depth to the festival.” Bruce Guthrie. Pics Courtesy/NCPA TILL May 25; 11 am onwards AT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG on to in.bookmyshow.com Stage Specials As the festival heads into its final weekend, we curate a list of shows to catch SATURDAY, May 24Empathy aboundsAmit Vaze’s Jyacha Tyacha Vitthal, dives into the themes of empathy present in the tradition of Marathi Bhakti poetry through dramatic readings by a talented cast.TIME 3 pm AT Tata Theatre. ENTRY Rs 300 onwards Learn to actFor those bitten by the theatre bug, award-winning director Sachin Shinde hosts a workshop, Theatre Spectrum, that unravels the secrets to acting, its various styles, training in imagination and emotional expression among other exercises.TIME 11 am to 2.30 pmAT Jamshed Bhabha Theatre Museum LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com EMAIL theatre@ncpamumbai.com ENTRY Rs 800 onwards (limited seats) Spruha Joshi (centre) in a moment from the play, Purush Fury of a womanSpruha Joshi and Sharad Ponkshe take the reins of Purush, a story centred around a wronged woman seeking justice. Written by Jaywant Dalvi, and enacted with gravitas, this one is not to be missed.TIME 7.30 pm AT Tata TheatreENTRY Rs 300 onwards SUNDAY, May 25A child’s taleTheatremaker and actress Geetanjali Kulkarni will outline the skills from storytelling techniques, body movements and vocal exercises in a unique workshop.TIME 11 am onwardsAT Jamshed Bhabha Trust Museum LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com EMAIL theatre@ncpamumbai.com ENTRY R800 onwards (limited seats) Geetanjali Kulkarni (centre) at a previous workshop Fight for identityBased on Vedika Kumaraswami’s Gaavnavri, this musical dives into the story of a devadasi, using traditional theatrical elements of bhajan, kirtan, Vasudev and JogappaTIME 3 pm AT Experimental Theatre ENTRY Rs 350 onwards A moment from the play, Asen Mi Nasen Mi Complex relationshipsA mother losing her memory, a daughter coping with her divorce, and a complex relationship makes this compelling play led by stalwarts like Neena Kulkarni, Amruta Subhash and Shubhangi Gokhale one for theatre lovers.TIME 4.30 pmAT Tata TheatreENTRY Rs 300 onwards
24 May,2025 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarA ventriloquist, a freelance marriage officiant and a housewife walk into a bar. Lucky for the bartender, they’re all the same person, and they’re only there for the stage. Seema Golchha, a 52-year-old Mumbai-born comedian, picked up her first puppets in her 40s to entertain children in her family. After shifting base beyond Indian borders and globe-trotting with her fleet of talking puppets, she’s rolling up her sleeves for a comeback in the city tomorrow. “I had no plans to become a ventriloquist when I married into a joint family. After moving to Nepal, I used sock puppets one day to put the five or six kids in my family to bed. They loved it; so did I,” Golchha recalls. Her first public show in 2011 was no child’s play. A 70-member-strong audience had their eyes glued to the stage. “I was petrified. ‘What on earth was a housewife doing on stage?’ I thought to myself. But the jokes landed well and I realised this was my calling,” she reveals. In all fairness, we think some credit is due to Jack Denials, the furry blue puppet with a bit of an attitude problem, who took stage with Golchha. “I’ve always had to choose my words mindfully at home. But I had an outspoken side to me. Through Jack, I say all the things that you’d never catch me saying out loud,” she laughs. Jack might be a snob, a motormouth, a brat; but certainly not a fairweather friend. Nearly 14 years after their first rodeo, he’ll join Golchha once again on stage tomorrow. Seema Golchha (right) officiates a wedding with her puppet, Granny Over the years, watching and learning from ventriloquism legends like Jeff Dunham and Ramdas Padhye, Golchha has crafted some lovable characters. They were so adored, that a Dutch-Norwegian expat couple in Nepal once invited them to their wedding. “I was shocked when the groom-to-be asked me if my puppet, Granny, would officiate their wedding. The couple had no family in the country and found Granny to be a comforting presence. Sure enough, Granny pronounced them man and wife on their big day,” Golchha chuckles. In what sounds like one of our worst fears coming true, Golchha believes the puppets have a life and consciousness of their own. “What I write and what the puppets actually say on stage are often poles apart. It’s almost like they’re sentient beings,” she says, adding, “They improvise, cover up for me, and sometimes even surprise me.” At the risk of getting told off by a silly blue puppet, we ask to speak to Jack to substantiate these tall claims. Hi, Jack. How have you been?” we ask. “Never begin a conversation with ‘Hi, Jack’ if you’re on a plane. You might get thrown out,” he quips. “You’re a man of many words. But I’m sure you struggle with certain pronunciations,” we try to get even. “The F word. But Seema says it all the time,” Jack outs his master. The puppet is a sharp character. We suggest he parts ways to pursue a solo career. “Ssshhh... It’s on my checklist,” he whispers. “But you can’t exist without me!” Seema interjects. “And you, without me,” comes the retort. We seem to have hit a nerve. Hopefully, the duo sorts it out. They have a show to put on tonight. ON May 23; 7 pm AT Broadway Blues, Todi Mills Compound, Lower Parel.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499
23 May,2025 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSky full of stars Spot planets and observe constellations and celestial objects before the monsoon clouds cover the sky in the last full night stargazing party session by Stargazing Mumbai.ON May 24; 6.30 pm (registration)AT Stargazing Mumbai observation site, Mahuli, Asangaon. LOG ON TO stargazingmumbai.inENTRY Rs 1999 Groove and learn Pic courtesy/Chaosstartshere on Instagram Spin the decks and learn about crafting theme songs for TV cartoons and jingles in this beginner’s workshop by city-based DJ Vijay Phulwadhwa.ON May 25; 11 am to 2 pmAT Snickerdoodle Coffeeworks, Rambaug, Kalyan. LOG ON TO @community_kaarkhanaENTRY Rs 500 Climb on! Pic courtesy/Mumbaimovementacademy on Instagram Join a beginner-friendly rock climbing experience to learn essential climbing techniques including various hand and foot holds.ON May 25; 4 pm to 6 pmAT Mumbai Movement Academy, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West.LOG ON TO troveexperiences.inENTRY Rs 2000
23 May,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFor those who cannot go through the day without multiple cups of caffeine to fuel up their system, the residual brown stains on tabletops and desks are a nightmare. While the popular choice for coasters leans towards Indian folk art or simple plain ones, this writer recently found herself being drawn to fun, pop culture-themed wooden coasters at this online store. From cute illustrations of popular characters including Captain America, Jon Snow and Dwight Schrute, to historical figures like William Shakespeare and famous memes — the options are functional, pretty and humourous. While we have ordered a set of four coasters, you can also buy them in packs of six and 10, to add some quirk to your living space. LOG ON TO livingwaters.co.inCOST Rs 175
23 May,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaBe it the English, the Portuguese or the French, European colonists made an indelible mark in the evolution of the food Indians eat today. The Portuguese, in particular, have major contributions to Indian food along the West coast. They introduced the potato, cauliflower, okra, pineapple, papaya, cashew nut and tomato; these ingredients now form an intrinsic part of the cuisines of various Indian communities. Mumbai (with Bassein or Vasai, as the main port) experienced several changes under their rule, and the East Indian community is a living testament to history, preserving centuries’-old traditions while adapting to the modern world. Himalayan trout chinchoni. PICS COURTESY/MICHAEL SWAMY Often referred to as the original inhabitants of the cluster of Bombay’s islands, the community had access to local produce as well as imports. Since Vasai was a major trading port, it welcomed Arab, Greek, Persian and Roman traders. Over time, East Indians of this region were introduced to Portuguese cooking techniques and ingredients. The cuisine continues to survive and thrive today, thanks to several chefs and caterers who call the many East Indian (erstwhile) villages in Mumbai their home. Bombay masala arancini Chefs Michael Swamy and Altamsh Patel will offer a modern representation of Indo-Portuguese cooking with Saudade and Spice: East Indian Food Memories, a three-day pop-up at Hilton Mumbai International Airport. Swamy, who is also a food and travel photographer, and food stylist, has authored books including The East Indian Kitchen. He is inspired and powered by the many recipes of his grandmother Ethel Da Silva, an East Indian who married a Goan. Crumb fried lamb chops The menu includes dishes such as khimad, a rustic spiced gin drink; risoles or pastry filled with mushroom and vegetables or prawns; coastal green masala smoked prawns, and breads such as fugias and chitaps among other dishes. There are many options for vegetarians too. “The menu includes bhujing, where smoked chicken is grilled on a tandoor and served with a biryani made from poha. This dish has a rich history to it as it was food for mill workers. My favourite is Bandra lamb chops,” reveals Swamy. This preparation is made with bottle masala-rubbed Australian lamb chops, served over pearl barley in a coastal green masala mix. A view of Matharpacady village, a quaint East Indian neighbourhood in Mazgaon. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi ON May 23 and 24, 7.30 pm onwards (dinner); May 25, 12 noon to 4 pm (brunch) At Hilton Mumbai International Airport, Sahar, Andheri East. CALL 8373919503COST Rs 3500 onwards (dinner); Rs 4000 onwards (brunch)
23 May,2025 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora SabhnaniNumismatics is a hobby for most people, but for Sanjay Joshi, it’s a full-time obsession. Joshi, an ex-deputy manager at the Bank of Maharashtra, converted his hobby into an educational programme for people. His upcoming exhibition, Glimpses of the World, will take you on a journey to different countries, as there is a story behind each exhibit. A stamp from Guyana depicting Lord Krishna celebrating Holi The collections are arranged according to the names of the countries in alphabetical order and colour-coded, making it easier for visitors to understand. Joshi explains, “I have arranged the collection alphabetically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. In total, I will be displaying more than a thousand exhibits at the showcase.” Triangular two dollar coins of Cook Islands, a dependency of New Zealand. Pics courtesy/Sanjay Joshi One of the key attractions is mythology-depicting stamps. He shares, “I have a stamp of Lord Krishna playing Holi with the gopis. The stamp was issued by Guyana in South America. The Czech Republic also had a stamp where you can see Lord Shiva with Parvati and Ganesha. Indonesia, a country with a majority Muslim population, also has a stamp of lord Ganpati.” Visitors view Joshi’s collection at a previous exhibition He adds, “Another key attraction of my exhibition is the polymer or plastic notes of more than 70 countries. I also have bimetallic coins from over 80 countries in my collection. Most currency notes are horizontally printed, but I have a few special notes that are vertically printed. The exhibition will showcase coins that are coloured, which is a new concept started by Canada. I have an extremely rare stamp from USA that depicts their former President Abraham Lincoln without his beard.” Sanjay Joshi Every exhibit sourced by Joshi required hard work, and had stories behind them. He recalls an anecdote of how he was lucky enough to acquire a rare note from Ethiopia, “This one time, I had an exhibition in Kalyan. A man approached me and asked if I had a collection from Ethiopia, so I showed him. He pointed out that I didn’t have a note of King Haile Selassie I. He returned after a while and handed me the note. The story was that his father was working in Ethiopia and had passed away recently. He, too, when studying there, met with the king. The rare note was found in his father’s bag.” ON May 24 and 25; 10 am to 7 pm AT Matushri Velbai Sabhagruha, Chandawarkar Road, Matunga (CR), Matunga East.
23 May,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiThursdayThe wonderful world of alchemy Sign up your children for Potions, powders and gold, a workshop by Nutty Scientists, where they will learn how ancient art inspired modern chemistry.TIME 11.30 am to 1 pmAT Baobab tree area, Children’s Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda. E-MAIL events@csmvs.inENTRY Museum entry ticket applicable FridayMarathi melodies Pic Courtesy/Instagram Listen to Marathi ghazals at Sobaticha Karar.TIME 7 pmAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 500 SaturdayFlick o’ clock A still from Under the Boardwalk. Pic Courtesy/Paramount movies on Youtube Attend a screening of the animated musical comedy, Under the Boardwalk. TIME 11 am onwardsAT Dosti House, US Consulate General, Bandra Kurla Complex. SundayLaugh till you drop Catch stand-up comedian Abhishek Upmanyu (below) unleash fresh jokes at his show, Toxic.TIME 8 pmAT Lata Mangeshkar NatyaGruha Auditorium, Mira Road East. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2,499
22 May,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaWhen the rains drenched Mumbai’s streets earlier this week, they might have also washed away many Mumbaikars’ daydreams of enjoying a calm, scenic monsoon in the city. While the rain gods are still in a mood, the wisest decision this monsoon, we believe, is to head straight to God’s own country. Earlier this month, this writer spent a weekend at an arts and crafts village tucked in Kerala’s Kotakkal town that has all the makings of a perfect rainy day retreat. Visitors at a live pottery session in the village Spread across 20 acres in Iringal village, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is home to local artisans practising age-old art forms in its spacious premises facing the calm backwaters of the Kuttiyadi river. Only a few of these practices will survive the test of time, we’re told. We’re right in time. Wandering in hallways marked by laterite walls, carved pillars and sloped terracotta roofs above us, we’re greeted by a young man beaming with joy, as if he’d seen an old friend in us. We’ve never met, but that doesn’t seem to matter around here. The young man is Arun AK, a speech and hearing impaired terracotta artist from Maniyur. He invites us into his workshop, one of the many that dot the village. Arun AK works on a hornbill sculpture. PICS/DEVASHISH KAMBLE (right) Sundaresan Payyanur’s recreation of St Angelo Fort Church, Kannur Inside, Arun is working on a life-sized model of a hornbill, surrounded by completed models of many more wild creatures. He’s most excited about the shiny rooster; it won him a State Award in 2021. In his outdoor warehouse, we spot an intricately carved terracotta Ganesha idol. If we had a tinge of trust in our airlines, it’d make for a timely gift to take home, given that our city has only recently imposed a ban on Plaster of Paris idols. Arun AK’s clay rooster won him the Kerala State Award Arun is not the only artist turning a new page at the village. Managed by Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), a workers’ cooperative that was established in 1925 to uplift unemployed youth from the margins, nearly 60 artisans call the village home. “It wasn’t easy to convince these artists who were scattered all around Kerala to leave their hometowns and converge here. We sat down with them and explained how wider exposure will only help them thrive,” reveals Rajesh TK, senior general manager, Sargaalaya. Wood carver Sundaresan Payyanur, for instance, is content that his works now sell well enough to not worry about his household expenses. His piece de resistance is a detailed recreation of the St Angels Fort Church in Kannur. Next door, artist Rineesh NM’s Kerala mural showcase is an oasis of colours. A painting portraying Lord Krishna in a scene from the Mahabharata is hung right across a glass encased piece depicting The Last Supper. A subtle reminder that we’re still in Kerala. Rineesh NM’s Kerala Mural-style depiction of The Last Supper While we settle down for a chat with handloom weaver NC Ayappan, our fellow visitors seem to have realised the village is not just an art haven, but a shopper’s paradise too. Huts selling bamboo mats, hemp handbags, wooden toys and upcycled jewelry pull them in. Others are drawn in by the aroma of local delicacies that are ready to be served alongside Kerala-style sadhya at the establishment’s cafeteria. But Ayappan isn’t bothered. The frail 80-year-old is quietly working his ancestral handloom, weaving cora grass mats. ”This is all I have. I won’t stop until my body gives in,” he smiles. NC Ayappan works his handloom Over a chat with ULCCS chairman Remeshan Palery later, over piping hot pazhampori (banana fritters), we learn of the co-operative’s principles. “You cannot negate the importance of finances in today’s age. But at the end of the day, it is people, honest ones at that, which can cause change. Sargaalaya stands as a testament to that belief,” he shares. Remeshan Palery and Rajesh TK On the drive back, we do the mental math behind possibly building such a village in Mumbai. Our driver briefly pauses the dancey Mollywood tune playing on the radio to tell us about the new six-lane main road we’re almost gliding on. “Does Mumbai have even bigger, smoother roads, sir?” he enquires. We know better than to lie in God’s Own Country. NEED TO KNOWAT Sargaalaya, Vadakara, Kotakkal, Iringal, Kerala. HOW TO REACHArrive in Kannur via direct flight from Mumbai. Take Thalassery - Irikkur Road to NH 66. Follow NH 66 to Kottakkal Road in Iringal. Kannur is also well-connected by Indian Railways-run train routes. TO BOOK A VISIT sargaalaya.in; ulccsltd.com Around Iringal Head to these attractions to explore beyond Sargaalaya Kunjali Marakkar MuseumThis museum in Payyoli, nearly two kilometres from Iringal stands in memory of the Marakkar naval warriors of the 16th Century.AT Payyoli, Kotakkal.TIME 9 am to 5 am Kolavi BeachSpanning four kilometres, this pristine beach is dubbed Turtle Beach by locals for its occasional Olive Ridley sightings.AT Kolavipalam Road, Iringal.
22 May,2025 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOne of the signs of growing older is noticing decor improvements when you visit friends. So, the catchy guitar-clock at my friend’s new 2BHK did not escape my attention. Upon prodding, he shared that it was bought on The June Shop. Rustic, bright, and creative in design, it is a nod to his musical passion. The clock has now found itself on my decor list for June. LOG ON TO thejuneshop.comCOST Rs 1,899
22 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
