The ‘Fatty’ Files Who needs a power suit when you have a custom bag tag and a pup? Fatima Sana Shaikh exits a meeting at Roy Kapur Films in style on Tuesday, proving that the best deals are signed with a side of sass and a little fur Maharani Moves Fashion designer Maheka Mirpuri turned the Taj Lands End into a high-octane runway on Tuesday, unveiling her latest collection over chic hors d’oeuvres and even chicer company. Leading the pack wearing Maheka’s Maharani Athleisure line was Sunny Leone, who popped in head-to-toe pink, with nails to match. But don’t let the sharp look fool you — there were zero talons on display. The night was strictly about girl power, solidarity, and supporting a designer whose heart is as big as her guest list. Maheka Mirpuri and Sunny Leone While the new threads were the headline, the real glue in this association is Maheka’s tireless philanthropic hustle. “What drew us together was charity,” Sunny shared with yours truly, reflecting on her long-standing relationship with Maheka and her M-CAN Foundation. “We’ve developed such a great bond — it’s always laughs.” Of course, Sunny wasn’t the only heavy hitter in the room — the evening was a revolving door of nostalgic glamour with Isha Koppikar, Akanksha Malhotra Aggarwal, and Madhoo Shah all turning up to show some love. Between the neon vibes and the genuine sisterhood, Maheka didn’t just launch a collection — she reminded us that the best accessory is always a solid support system. Going Gaga It has been a few days since Easter but we’re still aww-ing over Brett Lee and daughter Helena’s celebratory special on social media. Cricket’s favourite rockstar bowler traded his 150 kmph thunderbolts for acoustic melody on Sunday, strumming his guitar while his daughter belted out Shallow for a soulful holiday sing-along. It’s a side of the speedster you’ve got to love — one that feels less like a fierce Aussie competitor and more like a doting, musically-inclined dad. Brett Lee and daughter Helena Of course, for those of us in Mumbai, this musical streak is perfectly on-brand. We still remember when ‘Binga’ became an honorary Mumbaikar, topping the charts with the legendary Asha Bhosle for their 2006 duet, You’re the One for Me. And since his 2011 foray into musical philanthropy for the city’s marginalised children, Lee’s guitar has always had a permanent home in the city. Seeing him pass that ‘sur’ down to Helena feels like a sweet, full-circle moment for a man whose heart — and harmony — is inextricably tied to India. Sushi and a side of slay When Kajol isn’t contractually obligated to play the superstar, you’ll often find her flaunting a messy bun, served with a side of no-makeup and don’t-mess-with-me. But April 6 saw the actor looking flawless at our favourite Japanese haunt, Izumi — out for a casual lunch with her inner circle. Seated at a tiny table was a terrific trio — with interior maven Renu Chainani making up the numbers — sharing ramen and revelations. Kajol While Gen Z is busy posting ‘candid’ gym reels, the OGs evidently prefer a low-key catch-up and high-quality sushi. Kajol is known to favour Oriental eatery Mizu too, but when something other than gyoza calls, Malaika Arora’s Scarlett House serves as the ultimate private sanctuary. Bandra offers a buffet of backdrops for Kajol and her clan, but the item that has them coming back for more isn’t on any menu: pure, unscripted camaraderie. Boardroom Bombshell Another one of Nutan’s nieces is on my radar today — and she’s a power player too. Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin chose to trade a cinematic spotlight for the American dream several years ago — bypassing the family business to create her own brand of stardom. Currently co-founder and chief brand officer at Summersalt (a direct-to-consumer swimwear brand known for being stylish, sustainable, and inclusive), Reshma is making waves on foreign shores. Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin Named one of the ‘10 Most Innovative Style Companies of the Year,’ Reshma’s rise with Summersalt saw her recently commanding the legendary Nasdaq board in the heart of Times Square. While that massive New York moment is what grabbed our attention, Reshma has been a quiet force for years — raising an enviable round of funding for her brand, making it to the very magazine pages she once designed, and methodically disrupting the American retail market from her St. Louis headquarters. It’s a masterclass in global brand-building that proves you don’t need a film set to be a leading lady — even when you come from a lineage of silver-screen stars.
08 April,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIf clothes could speak, this outfit would whisper instead of making a scene — and still hold the room with ease. On Kriti Sanon, the look feels like a deliberate pause in a world that’s constantly trying to be louder. The plaid blazer channels the oversized silhouettes that defined 1990s fashion, carrying a quiet authority rooted in old-school tailoring, while the soft ivory shirt offsets it with an effortless ease. The wide-leg trousers don’t just follow trends; they create movement, lending the silhouette a sense of boss lady control. With plaid blazers returning to the spotlight — most notably in the Prada Prince of Wales blazer 2024 — this look feels timely without being overdone. If The Devil Wears Prada taught us anything, it’s that refinement speaks volumes — and this is exactly the kind of outfit that would earn a knowing glance from the fashion’s high priestess, Miranda Priestly. Log on to: @kritisanon
08 April,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThe famed “spirit of Mumbai” lives in an inconspicuous shared lane of a fish market opposite Crawford Market nowadays. “In the early hours, the lane is abuzz with fisherfolk of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj fish market; you can catch a whiff of fresh catch in the air. By noon, fishy waters dry up just in time for the Mohatta cloth market to take over,” recalls Durva Wairkar, a student of Sir JJ School of Architecture. For the last two months, the batch of M Arch, Metropolitan Architecture at the institute have been following this whiff. A panel depicts and analyses four possible futures of the market through pros and cons. PICS COURTESY/SIR JJ SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE The nearly 60-year-old fish market was demolished after a structural audit in 2014. It is now home to a makeshift open market, the future of which remains uncertain. “The presence of the market is both historic and functional. It is important to understand not just its past, but to determine its possible futures, whether it is in-situ, relocation, or moving to the new Crawford complex” says Professor Mustansir Dalvi. A Fish Market for the City, an exhibition by the students led by Dalvi and Professor Sonia Saraf will present ideas, proposals, and learnings from a three-month effort. An illustration of the types of fish sold at the CSM Fish Market TILL April 10; 11 am to 5 pmAT Claude Batley Gallery, Sir JJ School of Architecture, Fort Students’ notes Mustansir Dalvi Relocate or revamp? Two students from the batch of seven reveal their proposed in-situ plans for the future of the market in its current location. Mayuri Chheda >> The market needs dormant time every day to prepare for the next phase of activities. Building points of attraction in the area will draw in visitors beyond market hours. >> Experience centre: A viewing gallery dedicated to the Koli fisherfolk will help outsiders understand how the fish industry works >> F&B revamp: Clean and audited food establishments serving fresh catch from the market will be a win-win for the sellers as well as visitors Durva Wairkar >> Passers-by usually complain and avoid the lane because of the strong odour of fish that lingers after market hours. We’re proposing a new non-air-conditioned space that leverages natural airflow to help ventilation >> Curtains made out of jute sacks can absorb the odour and create a buffer area >> A more efficient drainage system to ensure zero stagnation
08 April,2026 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIf you have been putting off the idea of growing your own plants, this season offers a practical place to begin. With longer days and consistent sunlight, even the smallest home spaces can support a garden. At the Make Your Own Seed Ball workshop led by naturalist and early childhood educator Priyal Soni, organised by Naturalist Explorers, the focus is on a simple, effective method of planting. Participants are guided through the process of creating seed balls — compact mixtures of soil, nutrients, and seeds designed to support and protect germination. A participant presses the mud to enclose the seed. Pics courtesy/Naturalist Explorers The workshop also introduces participants to a range of easy-to-grow, home-friendly seeds such as Gokarn (blue pea), Red Amaranth, Coriander, Methi, Moringa, and Tulsi. Soni adds, “The choice of seeds largely depends on who is attending. For children, we keep it simple with plants that grow easily in containers. If there are more adults, we include species that can thrive in slightly larger settings.” Soni breaks down the whole process into one accessible formula: A balanced mix of four parts soil, two parts potting mix, and one part vermicompost. The ingredients are combined gradually with water until they bind into a workable consistency. “The structure matters,” she notes. “If it is too loose or uneven, it will not support growth effectively.” The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled, without cracking or becoming too sticky. Once shaped, the seed balls are left to set briefly before they are ready for use. Priyal Soni Lastly, placement of the ball is equally important. “Planting the seed ball is simple, all you need to take care of is the placement,” she adds. “Keep them close to the surface — no deeper than three centimetres — and cover lightly for the first few days to encourage germination.” ON April 25, 9.30 am onwardsAT Nature & Horticulture workshops with Naturalist Explorers, Ambedkar Nagar, Dharavi.LOG ON TO naturalistexplorers.co.inCALL 8976451433COST Rs 706
08 April,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareSouthern swirls Chef Nivedita Ravishankar’s Anandvan Handmade Artisanal Ice Cream has always leaned into memory. With Southern Swirls, a special menu in collaboration with creator Netra Venkat, that nostalgia is now served in four moods. It features the Guntur Express, a dark chocolate ice cream that comes with a sprinkle of Guntur chilli powder and sea salt. Backwaters Bliss turns banana into ice-cream along with some toasted coconut. Guntur Express, Backwater Bliss, Mysuru Morning Swirl, Chennai Cooler. Pic courtesy/ANANDVAN ICECREAM Mysuru Morning Swirl is a coffee ice-cream, except this is a vanilla bean ice cream with a filter coffee caramel swirl. And then there’s Chennai Cooler, a buttermilk ice cream tempered with curry leaves. Sounds refreshing for the heat, no? We liked that the ingredients are sourced with care. Chocolate comes from Telangana-based Soothys, vanilla from Karnataka’s Amyra Farms, coffee from Baarbara Estate, roasted by Toise. AT Anandvan Ice Cream, LIC Colony, Vile Parle West.CALL 9820716443COST Rs 200 (125 ml), Rs 400 (250 ml) Seasonally moody Kala Khatta with Kokum. Pics courtesy/Indu ice cream This summer, chef Saloni Kukreja is leaning into what the weather demands. Recently, she announced that her brand, Indu Ice Cream will open a physical space. While we wait for doors to open, order in her flavour of the season. The kokum berry is loved in the South as much as it is in the Konkan. And Indu, serves up a Kokum Sorbet this season. They also have a Kala Khatta and Kokum Sorbet variation for those who prefer a bit of extra tartness. Filter Coffee Ice Cream Tub However, if you would like to stick to the basics, Indu also churns a Filter Kaapi with Hazelnut Ice Cream, and Filter Kaapi with Cheesecake, a combination that could have easily been excessive but somehow holds its own. And for those who want just a little bite of dessert, the Filter Kaapi Dates Bites do the job. A medjool date is stuffed with ice cream, coated in chocolate, and finished with nuts. Date Bites AT Indu Ice Cream (order online on Swiggy/Zomato)CALL 8108933501COST Rs 300 onwards Vegan-forward New on Chapel Road, Kold Karobar is not easing you into anything. Run by Pranshu Poddar, this ice cream stands out right from its making. It’s home made with fresh coconut milk only, sweetened with an in-house date syrup and some jaggery. Inji Puli with Smoked Chilli The standout flavours here are the Inji Puli with Smoked Chilli. Traditionally a Keralam condiment, inji puli is a punchy mix of ginger, tamarind, jaggery, and spice. It is tangy, sweet, and here, it shows up cold. There is also a Curry Patta Ice Cream inspired by curry leaves that is equally distinct. AT Kold Karobar, Chapel Road, opposite Mount Carmel Church, Ranwar, Bandra West.CALL 8110019792 COST Rs 270 (Curry Patta), Rs 300 (Inji Puli) for 130 ml The legacy king Matunga’s Arya Bhavan does not need to prove anything. This legacy Udupi spot began making ice creams in-house a few years ago, and stayed firmly rooted in what it knows best. All their ice creams carry South Indian flavours, are sweetened with jaggery, and have no unnecessary twists. Chikkamangaluru Kaaphi and Mysore Paak. Pics courtesy/JUNISHA DAMA The Chikmagalur Coffee Ice Cream gets the balance right. It’s bitter, sweet, and familiar. Tender Coconut is clean, refreshing, almost hydrating in its simplicity. And then there’s Mysore Paak. The rich, ghee-laden pak has magically translated into ice cream without losing its essence. AT Arya Bhavan, Bhanujyoti Building, opposite Matunga (Central) Railway Station, Matunga East. CALL 9292921919COST Rs 200 onwards per scoop
08 April,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaWednesdays are typically a day when most corporate folks prefer to wait it out, and count down to the weekend. Things got a shade interesting recently when the co-owners of Lyla, a Mexican-American restaurant in Bandra Kurla Complex decided to stir, or shall we say, light things up. Their Wednesday dinners will feature a candlelit setting that softens both the space and the pace of the evening. “The idea is to create a space that feels warm, easy, and a little more personal than a typical night out,” say co-founders Pawan Shahri and Nikita Harisinghani. A singer performs during a rehearsal (right) The space offers a low-key vibe for diners looking to relax. Pics Courtesy/Lyla “The candles change the way the room feels, it’s softer, and people naturally slow down. The sing-along element adds to that, it breaks the usual barrier where people just sit and watch. Instead, everyone is a part of the evening. It’s meant to feel like a mid-week reset rather than a high-energy night,” the co-founders share. Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Burger (right) Dirty Money The concept, they add, stems from a gap they observed in Bandra Kurla Complex’s social landscape. “There are enough places to go out, but not many where you can actually switch off and enjoy something without it feeling loud or transactional. We didn’t want to add another event night.” The idea was to create something where people would come back to because of their experiences. A live performer usually leads the session, though the emphasis remains on the room rather than the stage. “A performer guides the evening, but the idea is that the room joins in as much or as little as they like,” adds Harisinghani. “There’s no pressure; some patrons sing along, others listen, while some enjoy it as soothing background music; all three feel natural in that setting.” Pawan Shahri and Nikita Harisinghani The menu is the regular go-to existing all-day dining fave, featuring dishes such as Prawns Moilee, Truffle Mushroom Risotto, and Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Burger, alongside the classic cocktails like Dirty Money and Lyla’s Call. “The goal has never just been a full house,” Shahri adds. “It’s the person who steps in after a long week and leaves feeling a little lighter. If we get that right, everything else follows.” ON Every Wednesday; 8.30 pm onwardsAT Lyla Bombay, Platina Building, G Block, BKC. CALL 7304909066 COST Rs 2500 (for two)
07 April,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIn Arun Fulara’s graphic novel Shera (Tulika Books), illustrated by Allen Shaw and originally a film by the same name, young Monu and Raju long to catch sight of Shera the leopard. When Monu hears that his family is leaving the Kumaon hills to move to the city of Mumbai, he hatches a plan with Raju. They decide to tempt the leopard with their goat Bijli, so it may appear before them. Will the boys be successful in their scheme? A moment from Fulara’s film. Illustrations pics courtesy/Allen Shaw; Tulika Books By highlighting that Monu and Raju are the only two children left in their village Mayun, the author and award-winning filmmaker comments on migration of the village and town dwellers to the big cities. The phenomenon, he hints, is becoming more frequent. Monu’s mother remarks how his cousins in the city can speak English fluently, while Monu struggles even with his mother tongue, Hindi. Fulara depicts a deep connection of the villagers with nature, not only through Monu’s yearning for the leopard and his pet goat, but through the lore the villagers narrate. Their sense of acceptance of the leopard as part of their surroundings, instead of othering it, is an important statement. Arun Fulara Allen Shaw’s use of earthy colours and open spaces add an idyllic appearance to the setting, with several conversations taking place outside of the homes among the trees, rather than inside. While the details are in the watercolour shades, the expressions of the Kumaoni villagers are articulated with immense precision. They amplify the nostalgic, and somewhat hopeful, hankering of the author for the older ways of life. LOG ON TO tulikabooks.comAVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores
07 April,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThe turn of the 18th Century seems light years away from the world of today. Yet, like poetry often is, William Blake feels prescient to singer Susheela Raman. “As soon as you read him, you realise that he was a visionary who believes in the importance of art and imagination,” she writes in reply to our questions. On Thursday, Raman will step on stage at The Prithvi Theatre, alongside actor Naseeruddin Shah, and composer Sam Mills, to bring Blake’s verses alive to a contemporary audience. Julie Christie reads from Enion’s Lament at the London performance. Pics Courtesy/Susheela Raman on YouTube A Golden String began in 2018 when Raman and Mills set Blake’s poem, A Sick Rose, to music. In the following years, they have added verses, poems, and compositions as they travelled to Paris, London, Jaipur, Agra, and Pondicherry before eventually arriving in Mumbai. Throughout this tour, poets, writers, and actors — Julie Christie, William Dalrymple, Jeet Thayil, and Khalid Abdalla among a few of them — have joined them. Why Blake? The Ancient of Days by William Blake (right) William Blake by Thomas Phillips. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The London-based Raman quotes the poet in reply, “I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man’s system. I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.” She adds, “Blake treats human imagination as sacred, otherwise there is a whole machinery, both outside and even inside us, which will crush our sense of self and make it conformist, automated, and disassociated. We can see that today with digital technology and identity politics invading our brains. It all feels devoid of personality, yet we are drawn to participate.” Mystic connections (From left) Jeet Thayil, Susheela Raman, and Sam Mills perform in Pondicherry. Pic Courtesy/@susheelaramanofficial Theatremaker Mahmood Farooqui who has worked on the translations for Shah’s performance, also observes, “They [Blake’s works] are elliptical, mystical and deeply infused with Biblical references. Fortunately, much of Urdu and Persian poetry follows a similar strain.” Another key collaborator, composer Sam Mills is a PhD of Anthropology in Sufism. Raman compares Blake to the saint Kabir — uncanny, and mischievous. A visual artform Naseeruddin Shah The performance itself goes beyond music, as it brings to the stage the prints and engravings by Blake in the form of visual projections. Goa-based videographer and editor Hina Saiyada worked with curator Stephen Ellcock, and designer Sam Sharples on these visual additions. Sam Mills Each performance is also a new iteration in musical interpretation and language. Raman signs off by reminding us, “Blake was a kind of outlier to the Romantic tradition, which was about people reacting to industrialisation and the reasoning that came with it. That might seem like a distant historic thing, but in today’s consumer culture, we are still living in the Romantic era, where we have to think about our own uniqueness and personal choices.” An engraving by the poet on his book, Songs of Innocence, c. 1789 From April 9 to 12; 8 pmAT Prithvi Theatre, 20, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 1005 Poetic voices to the fore “When [Sam Mills and I] had written the songs, we liked the idea of presenting them with spoken interludes from William Blake’s work and with visuals taken from his art, which is as extraordinary as his writing. So, we have performed French versions in our shows in Paris and London. Every version has its own resonances. This time, Mahmood Farooqui has given us some Hindustani translation [to be read by Naseeruddin Shah]. For these shows, we are deeply honoured to work with Naseeruddin Shah who is such a brilliant actor. We will all witness how he connects with Blake’s energy,” reveals Raman. Blake’s songs Apart from being a poet, a painter, and an engraver, William Blake was also a musician. “Blake sung his own poetry and apparently, he had a good voice. But nobody kept a record of what he sang. He was born and lived in London, so he must have heard songs that were sung in the streets and in salons he attended. I imagine he was concerned with getting his words across, so the melodies would have been simple and direct,” Susheela Raman tells us.
07 April,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarLegends in the lab Imtiaz Ali showcased the ultimate coup on Sunday — an AR Rahman and Diljit Dosanjh collaboration! Just a casual day at an Andheri studio with enough talent in one room to power all of Mumbai Of pink carpets and power seating Friday set the bar so high, the weekend couldn’t keep up. And perhaps that is only to be expected when Nita Ambani decides to go all out to celebrate a cultural centre that not only bears her name but clearly has her heart. And so it was that Mumbai’s brightest (and then some) converged on NMACC at BKC on April 3, to celebrate three spectacular years. Nita Ambani The night’s leading lady led in a molten gold saree and provided more than mere glamour — announcing a new youth initiative to nurture global talent at the NMACC. Daughter Isha Ambani wore an exquisitely embroidered white Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ensemble from their Phulwari collection, with dazzling Dior pumps. Ananya Panday followed suit in ivory; her hair adorned with fragrant fresh flowers for a spot of colour. The rest of the pink carpet was a delightful mix of ‘who’s who’ and ‘long time no see,’ from Shahid Kapoor to Suniel and Mana Shetty, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, Kajol, and Anupam Kher. The Tendulkar clan made their presence felt with daughter-in-law Saaniya Chandhok in tow, while Arjun was away on IPL duty. Kajol and Vicky Kaushal Inside the Grand Theatre, the seating chart was a masterclass in high-society synergy. Mira Rajput Kapoor was tucked in next to Kiara Advani, whose choice of a blush pink sari was a stroke of genius — it did wonders for her radiant new-mum glow. Meanwhile, the energy levels in the row seating Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal were predictably off the charts — not that either of them stayed seated for long. While Vicky stood up to cheer through the spectacular set by Shreya Ghoshal and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy — even coaxing Sachin Tendulkar to his feet — Ranveer, ever the livewire, sprinted onto the stage after a quick approval from Mukesh Ambani. It’s a struggle to pin down highlights from the night when they hit with such relentless, high-octane frequency, but let’s not forget to mention that even Salman Khan and AR Rahman made an appearance. Proof enough that when the Ambanis call, everyone answers. Belated birthday wishes It has been over a week since Swati Piramal celebrated her seventieth birthday in signature style, but the wishes continued to pour in at the NMACC on Friday night. Sporting a breathtaking art deco necklace with diamond and ruby earrings to match her pretty purple ensemble, Isha Ambani’s genial mum-in-law appeared to take a page out of her Alice in Wonderland-themed party — wearing a proverbial garden on her sleeve. Ajay Piramal with wife Swati The original celebration at the Piramal residence on March 28 was a relatively intimate affair — set, as Swati would like it, in her garden. Under the glow of fairy lights and giant organza butterflies, golden Chiavari chairs were populated by the city’s power elite. From Mukesh and Nita Ambani to Deepak Parekh, Prasoon Joshi, Akshay Kumar, Milind Deora and Pooja Shetty, the guest list was a sophisticated synergy of India’s top business minds, spiritual leaders, and members of the medical fraternity. Two towering, multi-tiered cakes marked ‘Seven Decades of Magic’ — a fitting tribute to a woman who wears the years lightly, and continues to bloom with undiminished grace. Playing on his own turf While the cricket world is busy counting boundaries, Yuvraj Singh has been occupied with a far more delicate sport: public diplomacy. Over the weekend, Sports Tak released clips from a recent sit-down with the star, and it has quickly become the only thing anyone in the cricketing circle can talk about. Yuvraj Singh In a rare display of public boundary-setting, Yuvraj finally addressed the verbal wildfires ignited by his father, Yograj Singh, over the years. By explicitly extending an apology to MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, Yuvraj didn’t just wave a white flag — he reclaimed his own narrative. Watching him firmly state, “I told dad, it’s not okay,” felt less like family drama and more like the quiet authority of a man tired of being defined by anyone else’s outbursts. While the specific grievances are well-documented (if you know, you know), this statement wasn’t his only shot — the next one hit the commentary box. Yuvi made it clear he’d rather stay home than share a microphone with critics who turned professional critiques into personal attacks back in the day. While we scramble to figure out who’s on his blacklist, the takeaway is clear: Yuvi is finally playing on his own terms. Air cleared. Mic dropped. Prime time production If you thought Aap Ki Adalat had high stakes, you clearly weren’t on the guest list for Rajat Sharma’s daughter Disha’s wedding to lawyer Sudarshan MJ this weekend. This wasn’t just a nuptial — it played out like a televised national event, minus the commercial breaks! Sudarshan MJ and Disha Sharma From Prime Minister Narendra Modi making a grand appearance to the Khans showing up in full force (Shah Rukh in a sharp black bandhgala and Salman with his trademark swagger), the security detail alone probably had more firepower than a small nation. Add to the mix Amit Shah, Chirag Paswan, and Baba Ramdev, alongside industry heavyweights like Bhushan Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, and Jaya Bachchan — this was a dazzling showcase of sheer clout. The décor dripped in opulence, featuring a traditional South Indian aesthetic that blended the groom’s Tamil Nadu roots with North Indian grandeur, all wrapped in enough floral finery to cause a city-wide pollen alert. Of course, the real entertainment was watching political rivals play nice over appetisers. After days of festivities, our verdict is in: influence, excess, and seamless networking were all guests of honour here.
06 April,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker Kamat1 Root Leaf Fire (Penguin India) Co-authored by chef and food stylist Sheeba de Souza and integrated-lifestyle medicine expert Luke Coutinho, the book offers a realistic take on everyday eating, blending science-backed health principles with deeply personal, intuitive, flavour-driven everyday cooking. Built on three simple pillars — Root (foundation), Leaf (daily practice), Fire (the act of cooking) — it is a refreshingly grounded guidebook to staying healthy that feels achievable, not aspirational. 2 The Sailor’s Farewell (Tara Books) In 1910, Brazilian sea captain Joao Candido – also known as the Black Admiral — was one of the leaders of a revolt of sailors that changed the course of Brazilian history. It ended tragically, but his fate — tied to his call for resistance — went on to empower future generations. Brazilian author and artist Flavia Bonfim tells this hero’s story by using poetry, imagery and historic images to create cyanotypes. 3 Vikram and Vetala: A Transformative Retelling (HarperCollins India) Master storyteller Douglas J Penick reimagines the legendary Baital Pachchisi with lyrical depth, insight, and a blend of horror, humour, and philosophical intrigue. He seamlessly expands this classic frame by weaving in the origins of the Vetāla, and crafting a compelling overarching narrative that culminates in a powerful conclusion. This is a treat for fans of Gothic and horror fiction.
06 April,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamEver pause by a tree to wonder how it came to be there? Sananda Mukhopadhyaya often does. On Saturday, the theatremaker and art-educator will walk through the verdant Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) lawns as she introduces participants to the stories of some of its natural residents. “My walk, Mumbai Overstory, introduces people to common trees in the city, because we do not often think of Mumbai as a particularly green city,” she says. The session will begin at the avenue between the museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), and circumnavigate the museum, before entering within. The walk stops by a Cannonball Tree The session is also tied to artist Navjot Altaf’s ongoing exhibition, Waste Archives as Landscape, at the Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation (JNAF). In her curatorial note, gallerist Puja Vaish states, “The exhibition turns the museum into a space to consider transnational hierarchies embedded in the ceaseless circulation of objects, materials, people, plants and debris.” Sananda Mukhopadhyaya. Pic Courtesy/Sarmaya Arts Foundation To that end, it fits in with Mukhopadhyaya’s walk that will touch upon the memories of colonisation and urbanization that shaped the ecology of the city. “We are all coexisting as citizens of this island, and hustling for the same things,” she says. (From left) Karvy, Strobilanthes Callosa; Waste Archives as Landscape, 2025. Pic Courtesy/artist; Volte Gallery, Navjot Altaf: Waste Archives as Landscape, installation view, 2026. Pic Courtesy/JNAF and A Banyan Tree growing along the avenue. Pic Courtesy/Shruti Mehta On April 11; 9 am to 11 am At CSMVS Museum, Kala Ghoda, Fort.Log on to @jnafmumbai (to register)Entry Rs 1000 The og Greens of the city Old native A popular stop is the Peepal tree within the museum precinct. “a common, but distinct presence in Mumbai,” Mukhopadhyaya notes. Avian sounds Palash with its distinct orange flowers Keep your ear out for avian life found around the museum owing to abundance of fruitarian and shade trees. “The first thing you notice is that the soundscape changes with bird sounds. I have often spotted a family of Grey Hornbills in the Rain Trees,” she recalls. Leaves of fire One of the theatre maker’s favourite stops is the Palash Tree or as it is known ‘Flame of the Forest’, with its vivid orange leaves.
06 April,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
