Jerusha Patel, 24, singer I first saw him perform at the O2 Arena in London in 2017. I thought it would take him a decade to come to Mumbai, and I was right. As someone about to witness him for the second time, I am excited because he is a musician who plays the same songs in a different way at every concert. Pages from Jerusha Patel’s scrapbook dedicated to John Mayer I am going to take my scrapbook of all the things John Mayer has said in his interviews, interactions, and speeches between songs. If I do get a chance, I want to show that to him. Style Check: I would recommend a chic and casual look. But bring a light pullover along; it can get nippy as the night goes on. Playlist Stop This Train Gravity Edge of Desire Slow Dancing in a Burning Room Aryan Agarwal, 27, senior manager I was introduced to John Mayer by my friends in college. I began to listen to him as I would any other artiste, but his skill and musical diversity caught my attention. Having him perform in Mumbai is a rare opportunity for fans. Style check: I would be in a light casual shirt, paired with khakis. Sport an airy wardrobe; casual is perfect because his gigs have an open vibe. Wear a watch; Mayer is a big fan of classic watches and also a collector. This might be your chance to catch his attention with something different. PlaylistGravity Neon Heart of Life Waiting On The World to Change New Light
10 February,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFly Solo Roses are dead Nightrain in performance. PIC COURTESY/NIGHTRAIN_official Life is too short for slow candlelit dates. Get a dose of old-school hard rock at this Guns N’ Roses concert by tribute band Nightrain. Expect beers, rock and roll, and a whole lot of headbanging.TIME 8.30 pmAT The Finch, Shah Industrial Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Powai. LOG ON TO @nightrain_officialENTRY Rs 500 (cover charge) Hop easy Our sources say Mumbai’s lovebirds will flock to Bandra’s insta-popular cafés this weekend. Go hopping across our trail of underrated cosy haunts on Waroda Road. 1) Kepchaki: Local-approved steaming hot momos2) Felici: Cool it down with generous scoops of creamy gelato (right)3) Mr Misu: Indulge your sweet tooth and tuck into fresh tubs of tiramisu4) Guppa Bistro: End the evening with a cup of chai (top). A right turn from here takes you to the famous Bollywood murals (top, right) on Chapel Road Heal, Be Happy Cut the noiseEscape the Valentine’s extravaganza and head to Avas, a sanctuary of calm and peace on the Konkan coast. The retreat hosts a spa, a wellness centre, and a juice bar.AT Avas, near Awas High School, Pada no. 3, Alibaug. LOG ON TO avaswellness.comCALL 7304091111 The Alibaug retreat hosts wellness sessions. PICS COURTESY/Avas Talk it outGoing through V-day blues? Walk in to the Agatsu Foundation’s community centre where ‘listeners’ are on duty to hear you out. The centre practises an open-door policy, meaning you can walk in anytime without a bookingTIME 10 am to 8 pmAT Agatsu Foundation, 51, Pali Village, Bandra West. CALL 9004489010 (for details) Still Game? Prom callSlip into your best formal suits and dresses and join this prom-style celebration that has more than enough room for first encounters. Come with your own booze, though; the event is strictly BYOB. TIME 8.30 pmAT Locomo Hostel, Krishna Villa, Navpada, Vile Parle East. LOG ON TO @redscarfexperience ENTRY Rsc500 First steps A lot can happen over a dance. Join this guided Blues dance workshop open for couples and singles, and you might just waltz out with a partner. The organisers guarantee all participants are vetted for safety. Go shake a leg; and hey, break a leg.TIME 3 pmAT Slingshot Swing, Makhija Arcade, 35th Road, Khar. LOG ON TO @slingshotswingENTRY Rs 1,800
10 February,2026 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble1 Veggie goals If you’re looking for an inspired all-vegetarian menu with comforting flavours, Paassh offers dishes such as Multigrain Thalipeeth, Dal Pakwan Nachos and more, making it ideal for relaxed, satisfying meals.AT Paassh, Ceillia Shelter, opposite Aura building, Pali Hill, Bandra WestLOG ON TO @paashh.indiaCALL 9545810001 2 Classics all the way Scarlett House has introduced a weekend-only brunch featuring quirky cocktails like Nostalgia 2.0, Monsoon Window and The First Kiss, paired with classics like Bombay Masala Toast, Chicken Katsu Sando, Madras Beetroot Roll, and Creme Brulee French Toast. AT Scarlett House, red bungalow, opposite Yellow Rose building, Pali Village, Bandra West. (also available at the Vile Parle location) LOG ON TO @scarletthousebombayCALL 7400099990 3 Fusion fun Mercii blends Japanese and European influences with dishes like Brie and Pear Salad, Smoked Duck Croquettes, Prawn Dumplings alongside freshly baked desserts. AT Mercii, lower ground floor, Crest building, Linking Road, Santacruz West. LOG ON TO @mercii_india CALL 9819467777
10 February,2026 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThe tiring part of technology on the road is that you no longer have a chance to get lost. That experience of discovering random corners of your city, or a neighbourhood, and meeting people you would not ever stop for. For those who still enjoy the art of being a flaneur, we would point to the Randonautica app. For a change, this GPS-driven app is for people who wish to be lost, not find their way. Quirky, but quite user-friendly, you can also flip a coin for the app. We did, only to discover a random misal pav restaurant past the hidden lanes of Dombivli East. Of course, from our own experience, we would not recommend this for the unsure explorer. The map interface of the application. Pic/Randonautica Available: Randonautica on Playstore and App Store
10 February,2026 10:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAs Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture, marks its golden jubilee year in Mumbai, the Tagore Lit-Art Festival has been envisioned as ‘a coming together of music, dance and thought’, rooted in the many worlds of Rabindranath Tagore. A musical dance and drama called Elem Notun Deshe, inspired by Tagore’s Tasher Desh (Land of Cards) The festival will seek to move past viewing Tagore solely as a poet or composer, instead foregrounding his philosophy, storytelling, theatre and cultural vision. Anusree Bonnerjee, honorary creative head and alumna of Shahana, notes, “Tagore is multidimensional, and there are aspects of him that don’t always come to light. This festival is a small tribute to those aspects.” Anusree Bonnerjee Spread across three days, the programme brings together classical dance interpretations by both Bengali and non-Bengali artistes, choral explorations of Tagore’s Western-influenced melodies, Sufi-inflected music, and a percussion-led collaboration that positions rhythm as more than just an accompanying element. On the final day, witness Rabindra Sangeet by Titas Chattopadhyay and a Bengali staging of Shakespeare’s Hamlet directed by Kaushik Sen. Running alongside will be the ‘Haat of Bengal’, inspired by Santiniketan’s Poush Mela, celebrating artisans, food and craft as living expressions of Bengal’s cultural life. AT PL Deshpande Kala Academy and Ravindra Prabhadevi. ENTRY 200 onwards LOG ON TO @shahana.tagore_centre CALL 9740206005 The Guide’s top picks Ritumaalyam, a dance production that brings together Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi, originally conceptualised by dancer and choreographer Dr Kanak Rele and now continued by her granddaughter Uma Rele with students of Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya. The work draws from Tagore’s Gitanjali. ON February 20 TIME 6.45 pm A previous exhibition of the Haat of Bengal last year Haat of Bengal, active throughout the festival, will showcase handcrafted textiles and artisanal works such as batik, kantha, dhokra and other traditional forms rooted in Kolkata’s artistic heritage.ON February 20 to 22 TIME 11 am to 9 pm The closing performance, Rhythm Roots, led by tabla maestro Ishan Ghosh and ensemble, bridges North Indian classical rhythms with traditional Bengali beats.ON February 21TIME 7.15 pm onwards The Murshidabadi Project Zikr, a Sufi Samaa by the Murshidabadi Project, blends devotional Sufi music with the resonant timbre of the African kora (stringed instrument used extensively in West Africa)ON February 21TIME 6.15 pm onwards
10 February,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareVisitors who step into the rotunda section of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) are bound to discover an instant imagery of life in the Harappan civilisation, thanks to the replica tableau of the model town of Dholavira ((3000 to 1500 BCE). It sufficiently piques the imagination to tread into further mystique and exploration in the main section of the Networks of the Past gallery, which teleports one to the ancient worlds of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Mediterranean, and China. This ongoing collaborative effort has ensured that over 250 objects are on display for three years, from leading museums across India and the world. Fabricators matter: Examples of complex placement of differently-shaped objects. Materials play a key role - paints, fabrics, materials used for partitions and pedestals. “All of it has to be approved internationally, and had to be stable enough to meet certain standards as set by the museums internationally,” explains Ramesh Nikhil Ramesh, Curator (Conservation), CSMVS, is relieved and excited that the pieces of the giant puzzle came together. He relives the procedural challenges, “The museum had to raise the bar with this exhibition gallery because the borrowed objects are going to live in this space. The British Museum [which lent the maximum number of objects] had created certain tests, and these exhibits had to pass it. We had to find a balance between specified parameters (see box right), and the dialogue continues until we realise that there is a safe space for these objects. This began well before the gallery was set up, and continues till these objects are here.” Parameters 1) Temperature controls: Stable values are of paramount importance for the health of every object. 2) Relative humidity: Different materials including wood, linen, sandstone, terracotta, and paper behave differently. “We have to find their sweet spot keeping in mind these parameters,” informs Ramesh. 3) Display cases: Objects from different museums have different specifications like height, weight, and material and guidelines for movement. “We have to satisfy these requirements as closely as possible; this is factored in while designing display cases and placing them in it. Sequencing the object placement into the case is also important,” he adds. Ramesh and his team had a tight turnaround time of just one month to install all the objects in this gallery. Machines like the manual stacker installed objects, where a hydraulic system was used to gently place them across varying heights in their respective display cases. Backstory Files (From left) The cat’s brain as viewed in the scan; the highlighted molars 1 CAT SCAN WONDER: This tissue and linen-shrouded exhibit (1st Century CE) from Egypt was CT scanned at the British Museum. It wasn’t originally part of this show, but Ramesh insisted that it would be a great addition. The scans reveal that part of the brain is present; the eye socket is visible; the neck is broken, highlighting how it died. The molars were still in the jaw, and hadn’t popped out. This helps gauge when it died (not more than four months). This object is bound to encourage the medical, student, and scientific community to engage with it. Display at the gallery (right) conservators realign broken pieces 2 HARAPPAN TERRACOTA POTTERY: This was from the museum’s collection. One of the pots was originally in 15 pieces. Most of the pottery had minimal interventions by CSMVS’s conservators in the past. “We’ve tried to reduce the crudeness on its surfaces. We want the visitor to see the painted surface, and its patterns. An adhesive being introduced into the cracks The challenge was its size and shape; we had to handle it carefully, and put the pieces back together. For this, the team had to test the right adhesive using the correct measures and concentration. The restoration took 2.5 months,” he shares. Before conservation, the pot was held together with metal wwires and metal clips. Pics Courtesy/Conservation Lab, CSMVS 3 KING-SIZE: This object of Gudea (ruled 2144-2124 BCE), king of the Sumerian city of Lagash, was deposited at the foundation of a temple. At 350 kgs, it is one of the heaviest exhibits. The team required a compact forklift so that it could be moved alongside other objects within a narrow radius of its pedestal. It had to be installed face-front keeping in mind the space in front and behind. 4 STELA’S COLOURS: This painted limestone panel found in Greek-ruled Alexandria dates to 2nd Century BCE. This reveals a little girl (named Stela) holding a bird, while playing with a pet dog. Scientific investigations at the British Museum revealed pigment present on the surface not entirely visible to the naked eye. “We see only the visible spectrum; but it doesn’t mean that the rays are not interacting with objects. They tapped into other spectrums during conservation and found tons of Egyptian blue made from a specific pigment,” he shares, excitedly. 5 PILLAR TO POST: The CSMVS team went to Allahabad Museum to initially survey this sandstone fragment of a railing (1-100 CE) that resembles a pillar. Originally from Bharhut, Madhya Pradesh, it was embedded in the wooden pedestal at the museum, but they were unable to gauge its depth since officials mentioned that it had been standing in the same spot for 50 years. So, they fabricated the pedestal design at CSMVS on the assumption that it was one foot, also aware that there was a height restriction at the gallery. When the packers went to dismantle it at the museum, it turned out to be two feet! “We had to alter our pedestal here. This pillar was packed vertically. Extreme care had to be taken while handling it. Knowing that we had limited movement within the gallery, we created a structure around it to offer support,” he elaborates. 6 BUDDHA’S GRACE: This decorated statue in local buff sandstone of The Buddha (400-500 CE) was sourced from the onsite Sarnath Museum. Ramesh personally visited the site to select it, and realised that the base would have to be constructed when the object arrives at CSMVS. When a team conservator arrived to secure it, it was revealed that there was no base! As a result, the planned design had to be altered. Heavy lifting equipment was used to move it to its final spot. A security clamp supports it on the back. This fragile statue had to be mounted with care by holding it in places that didn’t have carvings or etchings. “We assembled the entire unit on the ground as it would have been risky to do this at a height,” he recalls. 7 RIVER ADVENTURE: This bejewelled and pot-bellied Padamanidhi (‘lotus-treasure’) dating to 200-400 CE travelled by boat all the way from a museum in Nagarjunakonda. A CSMVS team member had to accompany the object on its journey. It was crated; a standard method was followed to ensure there was no movement within. Luckily, the shift could happen on the same day as the waters of the river were placid for its movement to the other side of the riverbank, after which it arrived at CSMVS via road.
09 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezBefore Kalina resident Srushti Bansode quit her job last month, she was taking on work from halfway around the world as a senior analyst at a USA-based MNC. While her night shifts were all about corporate meetings, she’d head out to paint murals and graffiti across Mumbai during the day. Talk about moonlighting in broad daylight. But that’s not the only reason she doesn’t have too many friends to call mentors in Mumbai’s graffiti scene. “Graffiti culture relies heavily on word of mouth. Unfortunately, there are not many women in these circles to talk about,” she says. That’s set to change with Bansode’s new initiative under the alias Synk. The 27-year-old will take budding artists under her wing and allow them to learn by observing her at work. “Male artists are often hesitant when a woman wants to join. Safety, public scrutiny, and flexible timings are some of the tallest hurdles,” she reveals. The artworks have started drawing in curious young visitors Will the girls succeed at the ambitious project, or are the concerns really writings on the wall? “Just last month in Navi Mumbai, two young school-going girls sat down next to a wall I was painting. I taught them the basics of holding a spray can. It was a sign I’m in the right direction,” she shares. Vritti Kotian’s graffiti artworks. PICS COURTESY/@vritti_kotian On the long journey, Bansode aims to bring onboard Vritti Kotian, another artist whose work has earlier been featured on Mumbai Metro’s Majhi Metro initiative. Safe to say, Bansode is determined to break the glass ceiling, or at least splash it with her graffiti initials, SYNK. Log on to: @synk.graffiti Graffiti gyaan Srushti Bansode reacts to commonly asked questions and stereotypes Check out pioneering female graffiti artist DIZY’s journey from Delhi to the world. Watch her give a train in Brazil a graffiti makeover Log on to: Molotow on YouTube Graffiti is risky business, women should stick to painting wall muralsThe girls say: Women have an innate sense of safety. We can tell when trouble is simmering, and remove ourselves from the situation Who’s going to protect you?The girls say: We are not liabilities. Look at us as collaborators, get the work done, and leave. You’re privileged; people are nicer to womenThe girls say: That’s not entirely true. Women have to worry not only about officials, but also passers-by who can make us uncomfortable. You can’t expect senior artists to take time out and train youThe girls say: Teach us the basics, and we’ll practise at home, on our terraces, before we take over the streets.
09 February,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble1 Colour My Love (Niyogi Books) This diverse anthology by Shehnab Sahin is a hat-tip to historic fiction from all corners of Assam that span nearly a century. There are stories about its culture, ecology, socio-political layers and lots more to keep the reader piqued. 2 Colombo: Port of Call (Penguin) Ajay Kamalakaran’s book is a delightful hop across to this coastal city, with fascinating impressions by celebrities who visited Colombo, from Mahatma Gandhi, to Sir Don Bradman, Anton Chekhov and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 3 All The Missing Socks (Pratham Books) This charming tale by Easterine Kire with quirky art by Ogin Nayam is a beginner-reader special. It’s packed with oodles of delicate humour for young readers, who are taking their first steps with discovering picture books. Go, find your favourite, amidst all the missing socks!
09 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezAs chilling details emerge from the triple suicide in Ghaziabad and their complicated family history, we look at how such extreme steps can be avoided with help from Mumbai-based psychiatrist Dr Vani Kulhalli. Health matters: “Deterioration in mental and physical health, and personal hygiene is a sure-shot symptom,” reminds Dr Kulhalli. The activity (obsession with screen-time) becomes their most important goal, at the cost of sleep, food and other necessities. If you’re neglecting your hair, nails, exercise, and particularly, meals, it is worrisome. Dr Vani Kulhalli Withdrawal: Teens might find it challenging to engage with family, friends, or professional and educational responsibilities. Dr Kulhalli says, “There have been instances of skipping meals at night to avoid interaction. In another instance, a child spent all day standing outside in the sun, to access free Wi-fi in that spot, after his parents had restricted access at home.” It’s everything: Dr Kulhalli mentions that obsession towards screen-time is clear if a person overtly expresses that their beloved game, content consumption, or digital activity, matters the most. “It becomes the sole meaning or engagement of life, without which the person cannot live,” she notes. How to navigate it Appropriate intervention from parents can actually get to the root of the issue. Representation pics/istock For parents and friends: >> Do not be forceful or hasty to control or change; that usually takes several months. Understand that the situation is delicate and caused by emotional problems>> Stay around the person even if there is no actual interaction; the presence of a companion or family member is grounding>> Listen calmly without answering or worse, reacting forcefully to any explanations given by the person for their extreme interest>> If there is a reasonable demand, provide it without conditions; if harmful, decline gently but firmly >> Seek help from mental health professionals; be open to care and medication if advised Progressively spending more time on an online activity is a sign of poor mental health For teachers:>> Enquire about any student showing withdrawal, irritability, poor academic performance, irregular attendance or class discontinuation>> Make a record of and escalate indications of a student in difficulty to parents and administration; use your discretion to ensure the student doesn’t spiral into further trouble>> Do not shun students or speak ill of their background or family (even in justified cases, like parental neglect)>> Maintain surveillance in class and be available to listen to the student if they need support If escalation is unhelpful, reach out to Childline 1098Tele MANAS 14416
09 February,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshQueen’s four-octaved legend Freddie Mercury’s journey to fame was not easy. As a child, Mercury was bullied for his overbite and called names like Bucky. However, once he began singing, he never looked back. This journey of a bullied child, channelling his fears and energy into music, is what children’s author Shyamala Shanmugasundaram’s new book, Under Pressure (Perky Parrot), is all about. Freddie Mercury was bullied as a child for his teeth. Illustrations Courtesy/Pankaj Saikia When Shanmugasundaram read an article which carried the story of the bullying, she realised its impact on the singer, and wanted to reach out to children. “It made me think how much kindness and empathy matter, especially to a child. When you recall your childhood, you may forget the names of the people, but you always remember their kindness or meanness.” She reveals how Mercury was sent to a boarding school in Panchgani at the tender age of eight. “His parents lived far away, in Zanzibar. It would take a month for a ship to come from Zanzibar to India,” she tells us. What does a child turn to when home feels so distant? For Mercury, it was his passion for sports and music, the book notes. Pankaj Saikia Pankaj Saikia’s accompanying illustrations depict this accurately, capturing sombre as well as spirited moments. A spotlight always follows Mercury. When it’s not through the stage lights, it is through the sunlight. The rest of the world dims around him into shades of blue. We observe this image transform gradually — from that of a frightened child to one of a confident artiste; Mercury conquers the stage. Shyamala Shanmugasundaram The poetic form employed by the writer arrests our attention, too. Children get to count down from ten to zero as they read along. Having grown up listening to songs like The Show Must Go On, and tapping her feet to We Will Rock You, Shanmugasundaram admits that the rhythm of Queen’s music stayed with her. “It is evergreen,” she notes. It is perhaps for this reason that she uses a similar form. At the centre of it all, ultimately, is the voice that speaks to young readers. “Sometimes, we learn to shrink to fit into spaces which don’t serve us anymore. At other times, we learn to dim the light,” she says. But the author believes that we needn’t do so. She wants her readers to learn that no matter the difficulty, we can push through it; we can weather the storm. Available: At leading bookstores and e-storesCost: Rs 299
07 February,2026 10:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaEver witnessed a solo act in a bathroom? “Aath Sapne is a fully immersive theatre performance that plays out inside a 1-BHK apartment,” shares Karan Singh Gahlot, dramaturge, Mannghadant. The group will stage their first production of Aath Sapne, a play that delves into eight stories about desire. “In immersive theatre, the audience is as much a part of the performance as the actors. Plus, in a city like Mumbai, locating and renting out an auditorium can be expensive. Since we had stories that were individual, and even about the desire of middle-class aspiration, an apartment felt appropriate,” Gahlot reveals. From stories about love, and loss, to those of pain, trauma, and even an actor who desires to find a space in Mumbai’s world of stars, the play looks at the many facets of desire. With each story taking place in a different part of the house, audiences will move with the story. “It is a unique experience, and perhaps, a first for Mumbai theatre audiences,” he concludes. ON February 8; 12 pm to 9 pm (3 slots)AT Goregaon (venue revealed upon registration)LOG ON TO @mannghadant (to register; limited seats)
07 February,2026 10:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
