What is fashion to someone? Some like bling, while others prefer minimalist. This monochromatic look presented by Rahul Khanna while he partnered with the Wet Nose Foundation, absolutely rocked our boat while we scanned this week’s style charts. A charcoal grey sleeveless knit sweater-top shows off toned arms without it looking too obvious. He paired this knit sweater-top with a pair of high-waisted black-and-white check trousers that are definitely tailored and chic. The palette screams discipline with dark colours; he paired it with black clogs that got our vote. Even the graphite check duffle, slashed with blue stripes, is classy with a hint of colour. Good looks and cute pups in the bag; what’s not to love? Log on to: @mrkhanna
04 March,2026 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareForest calling A glimpse of the camp. Pic courtesy/treksandtrails.org Enjoy this camp at Bhandardara, involving a forest walk, music, and relaxation time by the waters of Lake Arthur.ON March 7, 11 am to March 8, 7.30 am MEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station Log on to treksandtrails.org Entry Rs 1999 (with pick-up, above age 12, per person) By the beach This beachside camp at Alibaug offers walks in the serene sea breeze, sports activities, bonfire and barbecue sessions, and a movie screening.ON March 7, 4 pm to March 8, 10 am. MEETING POINT Revdanda Beach, Alibaug.Log on to adventuregeek.in Entry Rs 1099 (per person) Fort view Participants enjoy a sunrise during a previous trek to Harihar Fort. Pic courtesy/mischieftreks.com This trek to Harihar Fort, suitable for families and couples, includes fantastic views of the sunrise, a bit of thrilling rock climbing, and visits to nearby temples.ON March 7, 8.45 pm to March 8, 4.15 pm (with pick-up)MEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station (with pick-up)Log on to mischieftreks.com Entry Rs 1100 onwards (with pick-up)
04 March,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamOld-school way Pic courtesy/zepto.com This scrapbook for students is ideal for schoolwork-based or craft-centric projects, from recording class moments to academic achievements.Log on to zepto.comCost Rs 50 Colourful memories Pic courtesy/theartcity.net Use this scrapbook kit, with vintage aesthetics, botanical prints, and old newspaper article elements, to visually record your solo or shared memories.Log on to theartcity.net Cost Rs 550 Visual journey Pic courtesy/hasthip.com Put together your journey as a couple, family, or an individual, in this scrapbook photo album kit. Use it as a surprise for an anniversary or birthday, with ease of removal of pages.Log on to hasthip.comCost Rs 1375 Elegantly sturdy Pic courtesy/deodap.in Collate photos, sketches and notes in this cat-themed scrapbook, with an additional ring binding and a decorative charm bookmark.Log on to deodap.inCost Rs 264 Tranquil escape Pic courtesy/thecraze.in Make your scrapbook your safe space, with this kit, themed after the concept of ‘afternoon tea’. You can make a themed album and decorate your home space as well.Log on to thecraze.in Cost Rs 899 Stick it together Pic courtesy/inkarto.com The stickers of angels, illustrated figures, and florals, with 20 assorted sheets, in this retro sticker book for scrapbooking and journaling, will take you right back to your childhood.Log on to inkarto.comCost Rs 129 Make a scrapbook at home A scrapbook made with a cardboard base. Pics courtesy/Priti Desai >> Gather recyclable materials: Old newspapers and waste cardboard from parcels>> Use scissors, glue, markers, and other decorations of choice (sketch pens, craft paper, amongst any others)>> Cut the cardboard into the desired size for your scrapbook cover>> Decorate the cover with newspaper cutouts, markers, or other materials Priti Desai >> Cut newspaper pages to create the inner pages>> Assemble the scrapbook with glue>> Add photos, notes, or other memories to make it special Information courtesy: Priti Desai (@pritisartandcraft_classes on Instagram)
04 March,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshTraditional Indian classical dance is a lot more than just movement. “Do not forget that Natya [dance] is a part of theatre in India,” explains Dr Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, head of dance programming, National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA). The observation is particularly notable in the context of the seasonal final performances of the Nrityagurukul showcases tomorrow. Departing from myths and stories, Soumya Bose and Ankita Sengupta will take on a tale from the Maurya Empire. (From left) Gautam Marathe, Eesha Pinglay, and Poorva Saraswat. Pics Courtesy/NCPA “I am working on a dance drama for the first time. I have long observed my guru, Sujata Mohapatra, and how she would switch characters on stage so smoothly. I was always curious about what is needed to bring out that ease to play different characters at the same time,” admits Sengupta. The danseuse also has the challenge of portraying Chanakya, the legendary strategist and politician. “In the first part, we play the narrator, the noto noti [actors; in Bengali], and then change into the Raj nartaki [court dancer], and then comes the section featuring Chanakya. It is a strong character to execute, particularly as a female dancer. Playing Chanakya is not just about the male characteristics, or the boldness, but also the pause [before action]; a calm and composed intellectual character who works to ensure that the present is stabilised,” Sengupta shares. Swapnokalpa Dasgupta While she takes on the role of the strategist, Bose is tasked with the regal Chandragupta. Having picked on the subject, Bose reveals that scriptwriting was primary, followed by the music. The dance choreography was the final part of the jigsaw, he shares. “Our guru [Mohapatra] composed the dance, and we were involved in the process. We contributed whatever we could,” Bose adds. This adaptation of history to the traditional form of Odissi might seem modern, but is in keeping with this year’s programme of Nrityagurukul. For instance, the parallel performance by Vaibhav Arekar’s students — Eesha Pinglay, Gautam Marathe, and Poorva Saraswat — will feature explorations of Saint Jnaneshwar’s abhangas, among other abhinaya forms in the acharati. Dasgupta points out, “The programme has seen all the shishyas present new works. Even the traditional ones have been restructured like the show by Ratikant Mohapatra’s shishyas in February. Tradition is often dynamic. What is new today will be a part of tradition tomorrow.” ON March 5; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY (Registration mandatory, first come-first serve seating)
04 March,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIronically enough, February felt like the closest we’d ever get to world peace. Across borders, languages, and time zones, Internet users came together to virtually watch, smile, and shed a tear over Punch. In case you missed it, Punch is a seven-month-old macaque at Japan’s Ichikawa Zoo who was abandoned by his mother in July 2025. Clips of the tiny primate being bullied, and rushing to his soft toy Ora Mama for comfort, sent people into a full-blown emotional spiral. Punch next door For wildlife rescuer Pawan Sharma, founder of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), Punch’s story isn’t new. Closer to home in Mumbai, Baby Bheem, an infant macaque is currently undergoing rehabilitation under RAWW. Much like the viral snow monkey, a soft toy stayed by his side. “It is not uncommon for a mother to abandon its offspring in the wild. She may sense a birth defect, become overwhelmed as a first-time mother, or the separation may happen due to her death. One must realise that it’s a part of nature’s course,” Sharma reminds those overwhelmed by Punch’s situation. Baby Bheem with his plushie. PIC COURTESY/RAWW “If I see one more video of Punch being bullied, I’m going to take a flight to Japan and bring him home,” a user had declared in a viral Instagram reel. Should you, really? “It would probably make things worse for Punch. Social animals like monkeys can develop fully only through interactions with their own kind. Attachment or reliance on a human being can hamper their quality of life and social skills. It can also lead to further isolation. The caretakers are practising restraint for a reason,” he reveals. Toy trends Pawan Sharma Last week, home décor giant IKEA announced that its orangutan plush had sold out across multiple countries. Pet parents are perhaps hoping to recreate their own Punch moment at home. Sharma suggests choosing toys shaped like smaller animals or opting for cognitive, puzzle-style toys that keep pets distracted from stressors, while keeping them from slipping into a slump, or an unhealthy obsession. If your pet already has a comfort toy, or a plushie companion, ask yourself these questions to gauge if the attachment is healthy. Does your pet get territorial around the toy and snap when someone touches it? Do common routines like eating, bathing, walking require the toy to be in sight? Does playtime replace social interactions? “While animals may look happy with toys, it is important to consult a veterinarian to understand the psychological needs of your pet, and if they are being met,” Sharma adds. The expert leaves us with a firm reminder: Don’t view Punch purely through a human lens. Conservation needs and emotional welfare are not the same thing. What may appear cruel to us, is at times, the decision that serves the animal best. Feels like home Dr Abhishek Satam, zoo biologist, reveals how the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo aka Mumbai Zoo keeps homesickness at bay for its residents 1 Leopards are given scratching poles that promote natural behaviour like territorial marking and claw maintenance 2 Deer enclosures are fitted with fire hose pipe feeders on trees that emulate foraging in the wild 3 Elevated hammocks help sloth bears keep their climbing, lounging, and exploration instincts sharp
04 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleColour me Couture Manish Malhotra dialled up the glamour, dancing alongside Shabana Azmi at her annual Holi shindig in Juhu on Tuesday. Adding to the afternoon’s colour and camaraderie were Urmila Matondkar (who arrived with Manish), Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, and Divya Dutta A tale of two cities Amid a glittering sea of SoBo socialites last week, I found myself drawn not to the usual dazzle, but to a man with two impeccable brooches pinned to his shirt. Dressed entirely in black, fashion designer Nachiket Barve sported almost-identical jewelled lizards — poised as if mid-crawl toward his collarbone. To the untrained eye, they were twins. Surabhi and husband Nachiket Barve To him, they were a private dialogue between continents. But, of course, there are no private dialogues when yours truly decides to go digging, and so we discovered this tale. Accustomed to accessorising his mostly monochromatic wardrobe with beautiful baubles, Barve bought the first emerald-encrusted brooch in Jaipur. Three years later, in a separated-at-birth story, he discovered its sapphire-studded twin in a tiny bottega in Florence. Now Barve wears them together deliberately: Indian and Italian examples of craft without borders and beauty without allegiance. As a small aside, I must mention another man whose jewellery collection could put a queen to shame. Couturier Abu Jani doesn’t just do bling — he does pure brilliance. Perhaps it isn’t a coincidence, then, that Barve began as his mentee, at atelier Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Of birthday bumps and stumps There were no ‘fat ladies’ or bingo callers around as former India wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer turned 88 on February 25. At a birthday bash hosted by Auduth Timblo and wife Anju at their Araqila resort in Vengurla, the entertainment included cake, champagne and a side of cricket. Dilip and Manali Vengsarkar Leading from the front was former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who took the opportunity to revisit his batting skills, while Engineer kept wickets. Gleefully, we watched Vengsarkar off drive just like he did at his peak — but were even more chuffed to hear this bit of high praise as the shot penetrated the imaginary field: “Manali bats well,” he said of his wife. It seems some talent clearly runs in the family. Faux is the real deal Pia Trivedi While one segment of society glides through the shaadi and soirée circuit, a few notable souls find their calling in another direction. World Wildlife Day, on Tuesday, had us thinking of a long-legged lass who once owned the runway but has since hung up her heels in favour of some furry friends. Currently overseeing the care of 800-plus animals, former VJ Pia Trivedi serves as a trustee at the Kalote Animal Trust — a shelter whose residents include dogs, cats, cows, buffaloes, goats, pigs, sheep, donkeys, horses, and even birds. Advocating passionately for the trust, which has been operating for almost a decade, Pia continues to raise the bar for what it means to do god’s work. Carving out her niche at the confluence of advocacy and fashion, she also helms a faux leather accessories brand — proving you can have a killer wardrobe without actually killing anything. Wedding Wows Before you and I broke out the gulal on Tuesday, tech billionaire Nikesh Arora hosted a Holi party at Bal Samand Lake Palace in Jodhpur on February 26. The soirée was one in a string of memorable events leading up to his daughter Ayesha’s marriage to Jack Hughes. Jack Hughes and Ayesha Arora The festivities began with mehendi and dinner in Delhi on February 25, before guests from around the world flew into Rajasthan for a weekend of wonder. It was all private jets and charter flights, with attendees including Gautam Adani, Sunil Mittal, Sundar Pichai, and even United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Mumbai was well represented too — Mukesh and Nita Ambani led the charge. A poolside lunch, spirited sangeet, wedding, reception, and after-party rounded off the itinerary, with Hari Mahal, Mehrangarh Fort, and Umaid Bhawan Palace serving as spectacular sites for each celebration. And while a bevy of beauties danced at the sangeet, it was American singer-songwriter will.i.am who stole the show with a stunning performance. Great generosity and grand scale underscored the occasion, yet it was something entirely unforeseen that became the main talking point. The groom, as it happens, shares his moniker with an American Olympic ice hockey athlete, and the coincidence had media outlets everywhere rushing to recheck if Nikesh’s new son-in-law was in fact the Olympian himself. Of course, for those in the know (like us), there was nothing to be confused about.
04 March,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatKaan khol ke sun lo When the heavyweights of the pitch become the kings of the console, you don’t just play — you listen. On Sunday, at the launch of the Indian Super Gaming League, football club franchise owners Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan proved that whether it’s offline or online, they’re always ready to up their game. Partners in dine Dhaval Udeshi and Malaika Arora We’ve been busy over the weekend, keeping our promises! So, Saturday saw us slipping into a cosy spot at Sweeney — the swish new restobar in Khar — on its first official night open. Put it down to star power, or our city’s endless appetite for all things new, but there wasn’t a single vacant seat indoors. Any angst we may have felt on that score was soon drowned in Picante and pastry — a flaky filo filled with feta, drizzled in truffle honey. Tom Kha Gai and Tomato Tortellini followed, but the star of the show was a subtly spiced lotus root and pomelo salad. Despite an array of tongue-tingling Thai and European dishes though, the real story here wasn’t on the plate. Chatting with co-founder restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi, we discover what Sweeney is really serving is partnership. This is Dhaval’s third collaboration with the magnetic Malaika Arora, following two outposts of Scarlett House (the Bandra bistro was followed by a sublime sequel in Juhu). Unlike some celebrity tie-ups, this association goes far beyond face value. Even on the day we dropped by, Dhaval tells us Malla had already made a visit before heading to a shoot. “She is extremely hands-on. From the selection of the paint to choosing the plates, Malaika has a clear vision and she works towards it,” we’re told. And the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Fashion forward Akshata Murty With a design degree and a Stanford MBA to her name, Akshata Murty pairs business brains with fashion flair. There’s an ‘it factor’ about her that has us intrigued, and not just because hubby Rishi Sunak once occupied 10 Downing Street. Last month, this comely couple were in Mumbai. Much like the French President, the former UK Prime Minister and his missus made it to Marine Drive for a run. Unlike Emmanuel Macron though, they did so without a virtual viral outbreak. Calories burnt, some consumption was called for, leading Akshata to discover the buzzy Boojee Café (one of our favourites). Delhi was part of this tour too — with the India Art Fair, an awards show, and a summit on the couple’s combined agenda. Back in the UK shortly after, Akshata soldiered on as a champion for both India and fashion. She cheered for Sanjay Garg at his London Fashion Week debut, later saying, “What an honour to see some of India’s finest craft traditions showcased on the global stage. Indian textiles have travelled the world for centuries. To see them celebrated here in London was a special moment for me.” And that, perhaps, is the measure of Ms Murty. As comfortable on Marine Drive as she is at London Fashion Week — moving seamlessly between continents, causes and couture. Of glory and a gate Shastri’s mum Lakshmi (far left) and dad Dr Shastri (behind her) at Wankhede, along with Shashi Kapoor (one seat away) in 1986 Our in-house cricket nut digs up the most delightful memorabilia — an image in this case — and this jewel is certainly well-timed. On Friday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced that a stand at the Wankhede Stadium will be named in honour of Ravi Shastri. Other honourees include Diana Edulji, Dilip Sardesai, and Eknath Solkar, but this tale is about the cricketer-turned-commentator alone. Our expert opines that Ravi is the quintessential performer at the Churchgate ground, having first led Podar College to an inter-collegiate title there in 1978. The list of Shastri’s achievements at Wankhede is impressive, but the chief one will always be his six sixes in one over against Baroda in 1985. Circling back to the picture that inspired this piece. Upon our enquiry, Shastri suggests this image was taken while his parents watched the 1986 India vs Australia Test at Wankhede, in which he scored a century. Look closely and you will find it also features the late Shashi Kapoor. The actor, incidentally, studied at Don Bosco school, Matunga — making both icons fellow alumni. Some pictures are worth a thousand words, but this one captures more than memory — it’s a snapshot of history, talent, and serendipity in perfect harmony. You go, girl! Alia Bhatt A fleeting red-carpet moment at the BAFTAs last week sent the online outrage machine into overdrive — with Alia Bhatt squarely in its sights. When asked to name a movie with a memorable twist, Alia picked Gone Girl, but not before a significant sigh. It took little else to trigger comments ranging from “She’s trying too hard” to “Getting secondhand embarrassment right now,” and those are just examples we can print. Five days later, the actor was in Milan, decked out in a black leather trench‑style coat for a front row appearance at the Gucci show. The ensemble reflected the vicious Gothic vibe that the brand was going for, but all Alia got was vicious: with some folks saying she looked like she was auditioning for the Krrish franchise — as Krrish. Sure, haters gonna hate, but let’s put this in perspective: within a single week, Alia made her debut as a BAFTA presenter, front-rowed Milan Fashion Week alongside at least two Hiltons and one Beckham, and still found time to be a hands-on mum to a three-year-old. While the keyboard warriors rage, Alia is quietly rewriting the rules — and if that’s “trying too hard,” well, bring it on.
04 March,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatWould you binge on a stem as an appetiser? It might not top your list, but the savoury, fried Crispy Lotus Stem (Rs 665) at this outlet could possibly have you rethinking the idea. Thin slices of the stem, a key ingredient in traditional Chinese cuisine, are sprinkled with black pepper and garnished with curry leaves, giving it a desi tweak. It has a hint of sweetness, and is crunchy, but sits satisfyingly on the palate, almost instantly. Be careful though: Just like with any light, addictive fried appetiser, it is easy to binge on the dish. At: Mainland China (outlets across Mumbai).Call: 9320478302 (Andheri West)Log on to: @mainlandchina
02 March,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshRead >> Oh, the Places You’ll Go: AN uplifting book that encourages children to go on, despite the ‘bang-ups’ and ‘hang-ups’. It tells them that great things lie ahead for them. There will be ‘lurches’ and ‘slumps’; there will be days when they have to ‘play lonely games’, but they’ll move mountains if they learn to take things in their stride. >> Horton Hears a Who! In the jungle of Nool, Horton the elephant hears a noise. He follows the sound, and initially finds no one, except for a speck of dust. He believes there is certainly a small person, or perhaps even a family of small persons, on the speck, who must be saved from the kangaroos, monkeys, and eagles in the jungle. Find out what Horton discovers when he puts his ear closer to the speck, and remarks, ‘a person’s a person, no matter how small’. >> Green Eggs and Ham: Sam-I-Am wants the protagonist to try green eggs and ham, but the protagonist refuses it. Sam-I-Am continues to make several attempts at offering the dish, with new ideas like eating at different locations or with different animals. The protagonist rejects them all: “Not in a box, not with a fox, not in a house, not with a mouse.” The book is an endearing adventure about the joy of trying new things. AVAILABLE Leading bookstores & e-storesLOG ON TO youtube.com/@DrSeuss (to read-along) Watch >> The Secret Darker Art of Dr Seuss: Apart from giving us whimsical rhymes, Dr Seuss also illustrated his books. He began as a cartoonist for magazines in the 1920s. By the 1930s, he had begun illustrating books for children. Interestingly, one can find many of his characters appearing in political cartoons, taking on new meanings in new settings. Stylistically unique, Dr Seuss’s characters are easily identifiable, whether they appear in an advertisement, such as for Ford or General Electric, or in a picture book. Theodor Geisel sketches The Grinch. Pics Courtesy/WIKIMEDIA, Amazon In the video, we’re introduced to their simple round faces with intricate crosshatching on their clothes and fur. The most fascinating moment in the video, however, is the discovery of Dr Seuss’s secret Midnight Paintings, which were released only after his death. Radically different from his cartoons, they use darker ideas and landscapes. For example, the famous cat in the hat turns into The Cat Behind the Hat, depicting the writer’s mischievous alter-ego. Log on to: YouTube; drseuss-art.com/secretandarchive
02 March,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma1 The Social Life of Indian Trains (Aleph) If you are obsessed with the idea of the Indian Railways and cannot seem to have enough rides, Amitava Kumar’s tribute to iconic rail journeys, interesting histories and the magic of train travel, will satiate the senses and keep you on track, literally. 2 Blistering Barnacles (Farshore) If you are a fan of Captain Haddock, pick up this A-Z of rants and rambles crafted by Albert Algoud. It is a witty, illustrated salute to the bumbling captain’s utterances, each uniquely more insulting than the previous one. Enjoy the gobbledegook. 3 How To Forget (HarperCollins) Meera Ganapathi has combined the ideas of taking walks and writing poetry in refreshing fashion with this curation of 55 walks including insightful, sensitively written observations about Mumbai. Appreciate the poetry sans the weight of overwhelming language.
02 March,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamOffer them space Festivals can be difficult for these babies, especially streeties. As a pet parent and feeder, one of the concerns during festivals is the loud noises and crowds. With Charlie, my three-year-old indie, I try to take her out in the early mornings before the crowds take over. We spend the rest of the day indoors. We use flowers instead of colours for our own Holi. Checklist >> A long early morning walk or engaging in games can work away their nervous energy>> Feed them on time, and away from the crowd.>> Keep them indoors if you can on such days. >> Build a refuge space where they can take shelter Khushali Chauhan, 20, pet parent and feeder, Wadala Step out to help Holi might seem fun as a kid, but for streeties and pets at home, it is stressful. The loud noise, the crowds, water balloons flying in from everywhere. It is scary. We [my husband and I] spend the day cooking dog-friendly sweets for our furries, Loki, Luna, and Tofu. This distracts them from the chaos. Community dogs tend to go into hiding. We usually spend our evening looking for them. We use coconut oil and a towel to clean them. Checklist >> Create a small shelter>> Educate kids in your community about mindful ways to celebrate>> Step out to look for the community dogs, and help them>> Use coconut oil to gently rub off the colour. Give them a wash if you can>> Reach out to animal welfare associations when needed Prateeksha Khot, 34, pet parent and feeder, Mulund Play mindfully Colours can cause severe skin problems among streeties. They lack the facility, ability, or knowledge to know how to care for themselves. It is a terrible idea to use toxic chemical colours on human skin, let alone animals. After every Holi, I go around with a wet cloth trying to wipe away the colours. But that is often late. Holi was about natural colours, not loud sounds or crackers. If we can go back to using natural materials, it would be better. We need collective effort by people to educate others and take measures. Checklist >> Where possible, use natural colours like turmeric or fruit extracts>> Keep a wet cloth handy to wipe the colours off them>> Spread awareness among kids, and adults>> Ask people to not play with colours in feeding areas >> Call out people applying colours on streeties Taronish Bulsara, founder, World for All Animal Care and Adoptions Get help >> Paw DiariesLOG ON TO @teampawdiariesCALL 9960145333 >> Trimurti Paws AmbulanceCALL 9833666616 >> World For All Animal Care and AdoptionsCALL 9820191321 >> In Defense of Animals (IDA)CALL 9320056588 >> YODALOG ON TO @yodamumbaiCALL 8899997704
02 March,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
