Ever since this column launched last week, people have been calling me to share all sorts of salacious gossip — most too provocative to print. Tales of an A-list actor whose son is gay, and another A-list star who swings both ways, have been conveyed by multiple khabris. Don’t hold your breath for names; this is not that sort of space. I’d like your daily nuggets delivered saucy, not spiteful — isn’t there already enough out there to give us indigestion? And more importantly, aren’t we over obsessing about sexuality in this day and age? Please, people, do whatever floats your boat. You’ll have neither shade nor shame from me. Selfie Squad Rani Mukerji strode into Juhu Police Station last Friday with one mission — to invite the real-life powerhouses who inspired her Mardaani 3 character to watch the action unfold on screen. In the bargain, she discovered this formidable force also packs a seriously strong selfie game Love aaj kal Sima Taparia Even three years after Smriti Mundhra’s binge-worthy Indian Matchmaking last aired, the show’s leading lady ‘Sima from Mumbai’ is still very much in demand. The ‘aunty’ from our fair city is currently in the UK, enthralling eager college students at events hosted by the Indian National Students Association UK and a handful of other organisations. Sima Taparia had a packed house in stitches on campus at the University of Warwick on February 12, with shows in London and Manchester to follow. So strong is Sima’s connect with this crowd that this is her second UK campus tour — her first was around Valentine’s Day in 2024. Proof that while love may be complicated, Sima Aunty’s fanbase is decidedly sorted. Homes for stars, streets for all Between building spectacular homes for the rich and famous, including brother John Abraham’s Bandra pad, architect Alan Abraham pours himself into a passion project: envisioning and executing a better city for all. Few put their money where their mouth is quite like Alan, who hosted a thought-provoking exhibition titled The Everyday City: H/W Ward Reimagined at The Bombay Art Society last week. Alan Abraham (centre) with Jackie Shroff (right) at the inauguration of The Everyday City exhibition in Bandra last week. PIC/SHADAB KHAN “It was a modest event — entirely self-driven, with zero sponsorship,” the unassuming but absolutely brilliant Alan tells us, ruing the dichotomy of a city where fabulous homes dot a landscape that often doesn’t deliver on the basics. “We’re not the grumblers, we’re the doers,” he adds, and we know this to be true. Consumed by the need for cleaner, more thoughtful public spaces, Alan has worked tirelessly on urban design and research for the past 15 years, leveraging private clients for the greater good. Not surprisingly, it was ‘client’ Jackie Shroff who did the honours — inaugurating the exhibition on February 12. Alan’s firm is responsible for the design of two gyms for Krishna and Tiger Shroff, as well as their family home in Khar. “There was no better man for the job,” says Alan of Jackie, who is quite the eco-warrior. Wearing a thriving plant in a pendant around his neck, Jackie explored the exhibition, before gifting away his green accessory to Alan’s lovely wife Anca. And, from what we hear, apna bhidu paused to share watering instructions too! One pendant at a time, one ward at a time — the city might just bloom yet. Plated with panache For decades a doyenne of Mumbai’s fashion scene, Sangita Kathiwada continues to amaze us. Despite starting the year with a fall and fracture, the pint-sized powerhouse keeps up the pace. This comes weeks before it’s official, but in early March Sangita kicks off a regular community dining experience at her Kathiwada City House in Worli. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘community’ — this is where the well-heeled come to mingle. Sangita Kathiwada “The first sit-down dinner will be for 20 to 30 patrons and friends — people who have been visiting us for years,” says Sangita, whose niece Aditi Dugar of Masque will manage the meal. Regularly ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Masque has already earned its stripes, so expect the exceptional. On the subject of one niece, let’s talk about another. “I was in Jodhpur for the launch of my niece Urvashi Singh’s book, Kesariya: An Ode to the Karamsot Rathores of Kheenvsar, when I took a tumble,” Sangita tells us. It was quite a night, with HH Maharani Hemlata Rajye of Jodhpur unveiling the book, and Sangita, as expected, was decked out in a stunning sari. “I slipped at the fort. Fortunately, the event was over,” she adds. “It was a blip to remind me to be more aware.” With better self-care on her agenda, Sangita has jetted off to Chiva-Som for some world-class Thai-style wellness. She will be back in time to serve up haute cuisine and high fashion in Mumbai next month. Fizz, forks, and fabulousness — all set.
16 February,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker Kamat1 Ask Me How It Works (Penguin) A candid and thought-provoking memoir by Deepa Paul is about love, autonomy and open marriage. Paul offers a brave, heartfelt exploration of modern relationships and self-understanding. 2 What’s The Point of Kiki? (Perky Parrot) A crow for a pet? Nandita da Cunha’s book is about Kiki who limps into Nisha’s life and changes it forever. Read about the fun adventures, artfully illustrated by Rishita Loitongbam. 3 Maryam & Son (Westland) Mirza Waheed’s book is a probing storyline about motherhood, family, desire, and the limits of knowing those we love for the most. It’s unputdownable for its pace, emotional core and familial twists.
16 February,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIf the closest to Mozart you ever got was to listen to the Titan ad jingle, the upcoming season of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) might be one to start with. Having opened their Spring Season 2026, the calendar is already moving at full speed. Dame Sarah Connolly and Martyn Brabbins. Pics Courtesy/@Symphony OrchestraofIndia The finale will conclude in April with the annual concert of the SOI Music Academy. “This year, the performers include 15 talented children from across the country, who auditioned for the concerts, and will perform at Goa, Pune, and Chennai. The concerts are aimed to spread the love and awareness of Western Classical music,” reveals Bianca Mendonca, general manager, SOI. FROM February 17 to April 16AT NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO soimumbai.com For beginners: Bet on Beethoven This concert will feature the rare combination of Carlo Rizzi conducting tenor Davide Giusti in compositions by Francesco Tosti, Salvatore Cardillo, and Richard Wagner. “Tosti’s compositions, beloved Italian songs, are not performed often. They were created during the time of salon concerts in palaces. Giusti’s tenor voice suits these works,” Mendonca says. But it is the second half of Beethoven’s Symphony No 5 that makes this one perfect for beginners. A powerful, revolutionary work, its famous ‘four-note’ motif has been used from Disney’s Fantasia to Bugs Bunny. “Even if you do not know Beethoven, you know those opening notes,” Mendonca reminds us.ON February 21; 7 pm For classical ears: Seasons galore Dan Zhu (violin). Pic Courtesy/@danzhumusic While the Spring season concludes in February, the SOI Chamber Orchestra will welcome violinist Dan Zhu in March. “The Eight Seasons concert combines [Antonio] Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons de Buenos Aires. Antonio Vivaldi. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Zhu will intersperse Vivaldi’s works with Piazzolla’s compositions,” Mendonca reveals. The violinist will also team up with pianist Jean-Frédéric Neuberger for a combination of sonatas by Bach, Busoni, and Schubert’s Fantasie in C Major.ON March 26, 7pm (Zhu); March 24, 7 pm (Zhu, Neuberger) For nuanced listeners: Dvorak’s melodies Davide Giusti. Pic Courtesy/@davidegiusti_tenor Warm, melodious and folk-inspired, Antonin Dvorak’s compositions are more nuanced than you think. “They are beautiful works, but not familiar to the layman listener,” Mendonca admits. Rizzi will follow Dvorak’s Symphony No 8 with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No 2, his ‘Symphony of Independence’. Carlo Rizzi. Pics Courtesy/@Carlo Rizzi ON February 17; 7pm
16 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhether you said it flowers over Valentine’s weekend or not, you certainly can this weekend. City-based Naturalist Explorers will help you derive fully natural pigments through flowers like Palash and Blue Pea flower through sustainable practices. “Flowers come to bloom in India right in time for Holi. The process to extract these colours is simple, and doesn’t need special equipment. Perfect for kids and seniors,” suggests the expert for the day Priyal Soni. On February 22; 9.30 am At Pumpkino Studio, Chamunda Circle, Borivli West. Call 8976451433 Entry Revealed on registration Make it grand Every year in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, revellers join the Phoolon Ki Holi. The celebrations are water-free and use powdered flowers and petals instead of synthetic colours. If you plan to catch this unique celebration, pack your bags soon, the tentative date for the 2026 edition is February 28. Nature’s palette Here’s how flowers and leaves hiding in plain sight in your gardens transform into vibrant colours Gulmohar: Orange, yellow, Blue Pea Flower: Blue Spinach: Green Palash: Saffron, Turmeric: Bright yellow, Madder root: Deep red
16 February,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAs the last days of the lunar year slip away, the incense inside Kwan Kung Temple lingers in the air a little longer. Red paper charms flutter at the entrance, brass urns gleam after a careful polish, and anticipation builds for a dragon dance that will wind through the narrow lane about half an hour before the clock strikes 12 to welcome the Year of the Crimson Horse. Gold-coloured statues of animals from the Chinese zodiac calendar Long before India’s Independence, Chinese workers arrived at the dockyards of old Calcutta and Bombay in India, laying down roots that would hold firm for generations. In Mazgaon, amid a neighbourhood that has steadily transformed, this Chinese temple now rests in the hands of one family. With the original caretakers gone, stewardship has passed to Wing Tung Tan, his wife Marina Tan, and their daughter Marilyn Tan. Together, they serve as the temple’s official custodians — a second-generation family preserving both ritual and memory. Marilyn elaborates about the celebrations, “This year is about the horse, it ranks seventh of the 12 animals in the traditional Chinese zodiac, symbolising vitality, speed, independence and an unrestrained spirit for the new year.” The altar of the temple Inside the temple, she gestures towards the main altar. Offerings sit neatly beside the statue of Guan Yu — known in many temples as General Kwan — revered as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. Fruits are arranged with care; animal motifs are placed with intention; soft music plays in the background. Every detail carries meaning. The community around the temple has thinned over time. “There were roughly 200 to 250 Chinese residents in the area almost a decade ago. Today, two or three nuclear families remain,” Marilyn shares with us. (From left to right) Marina Tan, Wing Tung Tan, Marilyn Tan Yet, the spirit of the festival endures. “Devotees pray for courage, financial stability and health, aligning personal hopes with the horse’s energetic symbolism.” At home, celebration takes on a more intimate rhythm. Taste fest >> Indulge in dishes including Steamed Leek and Corn Rolls in Sweet Black Pepper Sauce, Steamed Shrimp Carrot Dumplings (left) and Crispy Golden Chicken Rolls.At Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.Call 9222222800 >> Savour a menu where you can pick from Seafood Fortune golden money bags (below), Chilean Sea Bass in Calamansi Soy, and Wok-Fried Prawns.At Hakkasan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West.Call 8355877777 >> Binge on Exotic Mushroom and Truffle Fried Rice, Sushi and Sashimi finished with Edible Gold, and delicately folded dim sums.At Baglami, Ins Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.Call 9833250644 >> Rooted in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, choose from classics like Honey Glazed Spare Ribs, Salt & Pepper Prawns, and Whole Crispy Sesame Spinach Seafood with Lobster and Crab Claws. At Ling’s Pavilion, near Regal Cinema, Colaba. Call 22850023
16 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThud thud thud,” Bhiklya Dhinda mimics his recent endless travels on Palghar’s bare rocky roads. The tarpa maestro’s recent rise to mainstream fame after his Padma Shri win has inadvertently left his timetable packed, and legs sore. Our conversation on the sidelines of a local festival in Kasa Village comes after eight long hours of tracking the 92-year-old’s movements through local help. Earlier that day, Dhinda made a round trip to Nashik for a felicitation. The morning after our meeting, he plans to head to Pune for another stage appearance. Life with tarpa “I had barely one foot inside my doorstep when someone reminded me I need to be here,” he chuckles, sitting next to his hand-painted tarpa that is almost as tall as him. The tarpa never leaves his side; his great-grandfather Navsya, grandfather Dhaklya, and father Ladkya before him, all wielded the wind instrument. “I was 10 when I dropped out of school. My father handed me the tarpa to carry the 400-year-old legacy forward,” he recalls.\ Dhinda’s tarpa features hand-painted peacock-themed motifs Although made of bamboo, dried gourd, and leaves, Dhinda insists the tarpa is alive. “Just like you and I must breathe to sustain life, the tarpa needs someone to blow air into its pipes; life into its lungs,” he says. We learn from a local that Dhinda has struck a lifelong understanding with his tarpas: I breathe life-sustaining air into you, and you keep me alive by bringing me livelihood. Interest, not awards We ask the veteran if at 92, he has any hopes of the younger generations having the same dedication; especially after the President’s nod. “Attention is one thing, and interest is another. When we present the tarpa in states across India, there is great curiosity among young visitors. Many of them buy tarpas from us. But it seldom translates to long-term interest,” he rues. The bicycle that Dhinda received as a token of appreciation Much of this, as we later learn, can be attributed to the lack of incentives to instructors. Dhinda advocates for government schemes that offer stimulus for tarpa artistes to formally impart their knowledge. “Think of it as a sapling that must not just be planted, but also watered every day,” he tells us. Bhiklya’s wife Tai Dhinda at the family’s residence in Walvanda, Palghar Behind the spotlight Post a short discussion, Dhinda bids us adieu to take the stage. As the announcer on stage strings together praises such as ‘Palghar ki shaan’ and ’92-year-old tarun [youngster]’ in crescendo, Dhinda wades his way through a dense crowd, the tarpa perched tightly on his lips. An entourage of officials and local office-bearers in crisp white shirts form a huddle around him to the stage. Tarpas of varying sizes hung up at Dhinda’s home Just three hours prior to this king’s welcome, we were seated on a string cot outside Dhinda’s home in the eerily silent Walvanda village near Jawhar. His wife Tai Dhinda had allowed us to drop by while we waited for the veteran to return from Nashik. Walls of the Dhindas’ humble abode are adorned with awards and certificates floor-to-ceiling. Are these any real help to their livelihood, we ask. Tai points to a dimly lit room. Inside, a bicycle and a mattress — generous gifts left by white-clad well wishers. By the looks of it, Dhinda might have to play solo in watering the sapling of his art every day. What is the tarpa? Parts of the tarpa derived from (from left) bamboo, palm leaves, and dried gourd In Vikramgad, 27-year-old musician Surendra Vasavale helms the Kansari Warli Kala Kendra. We get a sneak peek into the 100 per cent organic making of a tarpa. The instrument consists of four all-natural parts:>> Air chamber: Made of dried bottle gourd or pumpkin. The vegetables are harvested before they ripen fully. The pulp of the fruit is carved out and the skin is left to dry until it becomes hard.>> Pipes: Hollow bamboo chiselled to fit the dried gourd make the playable part of the tarpa.>> Bell: Palm leaves are rolled to create the flared lowermost part of the tarpa, which amplifies the sound.>> Binder: Beeswax, once heated over a flame and kneaded, makes for the ideal glue that holds the parts together. CALL 8080855941 (to buy a tarpa or Warli artworks) Tarpa at Aarey Manoj Dhinde learns the tarpa from (right) Bhiklya Dhinda While Warli art continues to find makers and takers in the city, we learn that the tarpa faces an uncertain future in the tribal settlements of Aarey Forest. Manoj Dhinde and Prakash Bhoir, well-known faces of the Adivasi rights movement, have taken it upon themselves to learn promote the instrument. “This is the make-or-break generation for Adivasi culture. If we don’t learn how to play the Tarpa, the skill will perish with our elders,” says 24-year-old Dhinde. Surendra Vasavale plays the tarpa at the centre Bhiklya Dhinda’s wishlist >> Incentives for instructors and senior musicians to formally teach tarpa >> Easier paperwork for Adivasi musicians to find employment>> Long-term interest from the youth
14 February,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleMumbai is a city of the letters of the Alphabet, but each letter is disconnected from the other,” muses Alan Abraham, referring to how multiple administrative wards of the city lack connectivity and subsequently, inconvenience citizens. The architect leads us around an ongoing exhibition of maps and models, The Everyday City, organised by architecture firm, Abraham John Architects and Bombay Greenway Foundation, an urban design and research organisation. Here’s our pick of the best sessions to catch today. Anca Florescu Abraham (in jeans) explains The Shrinking City, a model of an open space available for an individual Mumbaikar, which is 1.2 square metres, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended levels 1 Mapping the city: A guided exhibition walkthrough by Abraham (co-founder, Bombay Greenway) dives into everyday systems. During the walkthrough, he explains maps illustrating the open spaces of Mumbai, including parks and streets, amongst others, and improvements needed. Some encapsulate Bandra, Khar, and Santacruz, while others display areas around Juhu Beach. “Creating certain underpasses would automatically reduce fuel cost, traffic jams, and allow residents to access areas from Jamnabai Narsee School to JW Marriott [Hotel],” he says, pointing to a spot on the map of The Juhu Beach Project. “Traffic flow has a particular geometry, favouring four-wheelers often, in turn increasing their demand; subsequently, people end up fighting for parking.” ON February 14; 3 pm The parklet model demonstrates a sustainable use of road space 2 Understanding mobility: This informal session covers everyday commuting, including discussions with Firoza Dadan, Mumbai’s first bicycle mayor, and environmentalist Rishi Aggarwal, among others. Abraham elaborates on the idea, “Imagine a road connecting all stations across the Western Line to nearby parks and gardens, or roads dedicated towards cyclists; Mumbai would become a haven.” ON February 14; 4 pm 3 Health concerns: A session with actor John Abraham, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, and cricketer Jatin Paranjpe examines this. “People need access to open spaces and fresh air,” the architect mentions, leading us to a demonstrated model of a ‘parklet’, an outdoor seating area surrounded by potted plants, accommodating nine to 10 individuals at once. “It occupies as much space as a parked car,” he adds. ON February 14; 5 pm An exhibited collage of the St Stephens Steps shows the cultural relevance of open spaces 4 Imagining further: This discussion emphasises how city spaces are made of memory and creative practice. Anca Florescu Abraham, co-founder, Bombay Greenway, and one of the panelists, notes, “It’s about how cultural expression influences the way we see and use public space.” Mumbai preserves identities and cultures, which can reveal areas that need attention and development. ON February 14; 6 pm ON February 14, 15; 11 am to 7 pm (open on both days)AT The Bombay Art Society, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @bombaygreenway (to register)
14 February,2026 11:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshGive cupid a chance From confessing to your crush with anonymous song requests, to a burning heart pinata for your anti-Valentine moment, the Stupid Cupid edition is apt. There is also the Red & Green flag ‘breadcrumbing’ for the optimists.ON Today; 9 pm onwardsAT Monkey Bar, Bandra West. CALL 7710083222 (for reservations) ENTRY Rs 1000 (stag); Rs 3000 (couple) (post 10 pm) We’ve got class An evening filled with the poetry of Jeet Thayil (below), Mandovi, and Namaah, followed by a vinyl listening session of Tom Waits’ Blue Valentine album, and themed cocktails might give you some cred on the special day.ON Today; 5 pm onwardsAT Idoru, first floor, above Izumi, Khar West. CALL 8454834348 (for reservations) The burning hearts club Get in shape with a vengeance, or for the big date with the Spin Club 3.0 by the Mile Collective X All You Can Move. Add rhythm and endorphins to your Valentine buzz.ON Today; 7 am to 1 pmAT antiSOCIAL, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel.Log on to allyoucanmoove.comEntry Rs 1399 onwards Escape into art Head over to Uttan’s Lighthouse Inn for two days of food, art, and theatre by the Jaan Theatre collective.ON February 14 and 15AT The Lighthouse Inn by the Sea, Uttan LOG ON TO @porvai.journalCOST Rs 3500 (per person, inclusive of transport and stay) Poems from the heart For the more literary romantics, try this Chai and Charcha event, where you can partake in a book discussion, while ‘typewriter poet’ Surbhi Dhoot turns your feelings into impromptu poetry.ON February 15; 11 am AT Rukshaan Art, first floor, Laxmi Building, Ballard Estate, Fort.LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 699 For love and freedom If you are confident enough, impress your date with a 360 on this skateboard night with fellow skateboarders as they zoom across the city.ON Today; 9 pmMEETING POINT Metro Cinema, Marine Lines. LOG ON TO @skateboarding_in_mumbai on Instagram
14 February,2026 11:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOur weekly ode to beauties from a bygone era — handpicked by Bollywood’s brightest new stars — begins with the truly ageless Rekha. The Umrao Jaan actress is Kriti Sanon’s chosen icon. “There’s absolutely no one like Rekha ji. It isn’t just about her beauty, her poise, or her grace — those are timeless. But there’s also a certain warmth and kindness that she carries in her heart, which reflects in her eyes and glows on her face. She has always given me the warmest hugs and spoken to me with so much love every time I’ve met her. She is someone I admire, adore, and truly respect!” Puppy love Colston Julian (second from left) with Rahul Khanna and the Wet Nose Foundation team. PIC/SHIVAM RAWAL As if we needed another reason to swoon over Rahul Khanna, it turns out The Americans actor is a full-blown animal softie. And not just the pause-to-pet-a-stray kind. Last week, he donated his day (and considerable charm) to shoot with longtime friend and photographer Colston Julian for the Wet Nose Foundation — an NGO championing strays and abandoned pets. “I’ve always loved animals and have a soft spot for our beautiful local indie dogs. I was overjoyed to help support an organisation that is working so tirelessly for them,” Rahul tells us. Colston, the campaign’s quiet catalyst, has been working with Wet Nose since COVID; first picking up his camera to help speed up adoptions. “I lost my dog, Buddy, in an accident several years ago, and I do this in his honour,” the ace photographer explains. In 2020, he rescued a jet-black cat hiding under a car. “I wear black perennially, so it felt like destiny. A year or two down the line, the girls at the foundation decided my cat must have company. Now I find myself parenting two!” Colston laughs. As for Rahul, it’s a commitment he has resisted so far. “With my travel schedule, it’s impossible,” he admits. “But I constantly borrow dogs from friends and family to take on hikes, walks, or just for an afternoon hang!” No commitment, all the cuddles. What could be cuter? Girls’ night in Sanjeev Kapoor and Alyona The ultimate comfort food for the soul? Quality time with your girl gang. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s affable wife Alyona clearly knows the recipe, because she spent all of Thursday with a handful of her oldest girlfriends (pun entirely unintended). The boisterous bunch, all turning 60 this year, threw a joint milestone celebration: languorous spa sessions, lunch at The Taj santacruz, and even high tea, before ending the day with a sleepover at Sanjeev and Alyona’s Juhu home. While the ladies whipped up some fun, Sanjeev, we hear, was in Australia on work. A good bit of play, while the chef’s away! A legacy restored Krishnaraj, the Kapoor home on Pali Hill. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Palaces are symbols of dynasties — and ‘Krishnaraj’ is exactly that for the Kapoor family. Originally home to the legendary Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna (after whom it is named), this iconic bungalow in Pali Hill was reborn as a multi-storey building last year. Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir, wife Alia Bhatt and cherubic daughter Raha are its current occupants. There was a flurry of activity at the Bandra landmark in November, with the family moving back in (from their apartment in Vastu just a few doors down). And it seems the activity continues. Last week, the plaque at the entrance was perched into place by a crane: ‘56 Krishnaraj’ etched in stone to stand the test of time. Diametrically different from the hand painted Portuguese-style nameplate that graced the old bungalow, this one is subtle and elegant. And with its installation, another chapter of the Kapoor dynasty quietly claimed its address.
13 February,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatI Will Find You In My Next Life by Damien Marley featuring SiaReggae and Soul meets Gospel in a groovy track that gently nudges you to slow down Tu Jaane Hai Kahan by Lucky AliThe OG indie-pop veteran’s vocals cut through a ‘90s acoustic instrumental like a hot knife through butter. Quintessentially, Lucky Ali. Pics Courtesy/YouTube People & The Palm Trees by RoshneeThe song blends folk, blues and some rock and roll, which left us feeling warm, calm and nostalgic Vazhkai, En Rose by GanavyaEdith Piaf in Tamil might sound off to a purist, but this young Berklee alumna gets it right with her own take. The key solo is impressive too. Winter Wonderland by Luke Bryan featuring Ella LangleyThis upbeat melody evokes the imagery of a classic, wintertime romance with a light, playful touch
13 February,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamEncourage your young ones to engage in meaningful action this month with children who hail from low-income backgrounds. Organised by children’s platform, Snack Time, Ehsaas is a drive which nudges youngsters and adults, to partake in a free donation drive, which is to be followed by a gala auction dinner and hamper distribution drives in March. The kindness box at Magari, a café in Kandivli Urvashii Thosar, co-founder and creative curator, Snack Time, tells us more about the idea, “We have installed ‘kindness boxes’ across Mumbai, spread across Fort, Kandivli, and Kemps Corner. A few more will be set up soon. The aim is to support the education and well-being of children from a few different non-governmental organisations (NGO); all proceeds, and thoughtfully contributed resources are directed towards them. The kindness box installed at Anna Idli, a restaurant in Fort. Pics courtesy/Snack Time Eventually, tangible items like books and clothes will be distributed to children at Hunar Sikho NGO, in Mahim on the main day (March 14).” Participants can donate toys, books, clothing, and stationery, among other items. Resources must be child-friendly and durable; instructions are available on each box for reference. Urvashii Thosar Thosar signs off, “The intended message is that the initiative is ‘by children, for children’. Hence, we particularly urge children to practise kindness and compassion through such initiatives.” TILL March 12 (donation drive)AT Multiple outlets across MumbaiLOG ON TO @ehsaasbysnacktime (for more details on events and to register)
13 February,2026 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshADVERTISEMENT
