Puppy-Razzi On Sunday, Varun Dhawan stopped by the YODA Hope Carnival pop-up in Bandra, to show his support for a bunch of furry fellows who are a little ‘ruff’ around the edges. With all proceeds going to animals in need, his visit not only warmed hearts — it raised the bar(k)! Written reverence In an age of instant replies, we remain stubborn romantics for the slow burn of a stamped envelope. And how is one not to love a letter when it comes from one legend, and is addressed to another? Diana Edulji and Sunil Gavaskar So, to invite Diana Edulji to this year’s edition of the Sportstar Aces Awards, jury chair Sunil Gavaskar writes: “The 2026 edition… will be a deeply special one. It will mark and celebrate the historic ODI World Cup triumph of the Indian women’s cricket team — a moment that belongs not just to the players who lifted the trophy, but to generations of women who carried the game forward when recognition, resources, and rewards were far from assured. As a former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, your leadership represents a vital chapter in that journey. Long before the sport found its current visibility and support, it was shaped by pioneers who played, led, and believed often against the odds. The success we celebrate today stands firmly on the foundation built by you and your contemporaries.” Gavaskar goes on to say, “We would be honoured by your presence at the ceremony, where we hope to celebrate not just a World Cup victory, but a legacy that had decades in the making.” This could have been a standard summons to the stage. Instead, in letter form, it becomes something rarer: a document of gratitude, inked with memory and meaning — the kind that deserves to be preserved long after the applause fades. Identity Crisis Celebrity sightings always generate buzz, but last week’s appearances sparked more of a roar than a ripple. On February 20, it was “atithi” Hillary Clinton’s intimate arrival at Antilia that broke the internet. From the way Nita Ambani hugged the former First Lady to the time they spent admiring the evening’s in-house sitar players, every second of public domain data was dissected over the weekend. Hillary Clinton and Nita Ambani. PIC/PTI But just as we were readying to declare Madam Secretary’s Mumbai visit the sighting of the season, Taylor Swift became a talking point. Influencer Ahana Raheja and Yash Patel’s weekend wedding celebrations in Jamnagar went viral because most folks assumed Taylor ‘twin’ (read ‘doppelganger’) Ashley Leechin was, in fact, Taylor herself. Belting out Love Story in a fringed frock alongside bride Ahana, Ashley made waves — until, of course, her true identity was revealed. It’s a telling commentary on our times that despite the very real power moves of a former US presidential candidate, it took a Swift illusion to truly shake the algorithm. Online deep fakes are one thing — now it seems we must brace for similar plot twists IRL. Big picture, bigger stars It wasn’t a social visit but a social cause that had Hillary Clinton jetting into our city last week. Mumbai Climate Week 2026, India’s first major national climate conference, had Clinton appearing as a keynote speaker — a session we hear Hillary herself suggested. And while the former US Secretary of State participated in an absolutely riveting fireside chat on innovation, urgency, and inclusion, our attention accelerated spacewards, to celebrities of a celestial sort. Shubhanshu Shukla presents Sachin Tendulkar with a piece of history. PIC/MUMBAI CLIMATE WEEK At the event, Indian cosmonaut and space pioneer Rakesh Sharma shared a stage for the first time with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from the International Space Station only eight months ago. Few are better suited to talk about space, sustainability, and our fragile planet than these two men who have literally looked back at Earth from orbit — far enough to see it as one world, where political boundaries blur and the bigger picture comes sharply into focus. Meanwhile, another star — this one rather grounded — was invited to felicitate Sharma and Shukla. Taking time out from his son’s wedding preparations, Sachin Tendulkar did the honours — and was unexpectedly rewarded for his generosity with a space-travelled certified gift from Shukla. A well-deserved honour for his out-of-this-world service to sustainability. A star is born Given how exposed we are to the faces and lives of so many celebrities, it is easy to assume we know them personally. It’s a disease a doctor friend of ours finds herself afflicted with. “I meet people who I’ve seen on TV and assume I know them socially,” she tells us — a quirk that has caused several comic misadventures. Dia Mirza This tale in particular puts her at Riyaaz Amlani’s Bandra Born, in search of her husband, who had already arrived. Scanning the ground floor of the eatery for him, she found herself confounded — turning to a familiar face at a nearby table for assistance. The lovely lady stepped in without hesitation, not only giving directions but personally escorting her up one floor to finally rendezvous with her dinner date. Throughout, our dear doctor remained blissfully unaware of the lady’s identity. Her husband, however, wasted no time in putting a name to the beautiful face. The mystery miss — gracious, unassuming, and utterly helpful — was Dia Mirza.
23 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker Kamat1 The Second Chance Convenience Store (Pan Macmillan) Kim Ho-Yeon’s bestseller from Korea is about the owner of a corner store who takes in a homeless man who does a good deed — a kind soul whose presence will transform the whole neighbourhood. 2 Firaq Gorakhpuri: The Poet of Indianness (Rupa Publications) Drawing inspiration from English poetry’s romanticism and the subtleties of ancient Sanskrit poetics, the legendary poet created a unique idiom of feeling that author Surinder Deol evocatively brings to life. 3 Magnificent Murals – Buddhist Art of Ajanta (Tulika) This children’s book by Ashwin Prabhu takes the reader to a pictorial Buddhist universe draped across cave walls — a journey back in time to the murals of Ajanta that are filled with stories and magic.
23 February,2026 10:09 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamClay was the topic of discussion on February 19 as celebrated ceramic artists Jessica Rae Thompson and Nick Schwartz visited India to lead a live class and lecture titled, Clay, a Global Perspective at Studio White and Gray by Gourmoni Das, in Byculla where they discussed different aspects of clay on a global level. Their presence also coincides with the opening of the Gamanvi kiln at Anvi Pottery in Indapur, Pune by Sandeep Manchekar, where a specialised wood-fired kiln was opened, marking a significant step for India’s evolving wood-fire artist community. Synopsis of the lecture During the lecture, Thompson reflected on the urgency of handmade practice in the current mechanised age. “At this moment in human history, making anything with our hands out of primary material is a radical act that positions us as cultural guardians of the physical world,” she emphasises. (From left to right) Sandeep Manchekar, Nick Schwartz, and Jessica Rae Thompson. Pic courtesy/Studio White and Gray Schwartz, who studied in Japan, and specialises in the Anagama technique of firing kilns, spoke about the communal and elemental power of firing during the lecture. “The clay, wood, and fire, unite us all. As we work together to create work in the wood burning kilns we are transported to a place in our past where time slows down and we live together nurturing our collective creative desires,” he reiterated. Describing the firing process, he mentioned how watching the flame move through the kiln felt “almost like a river flow,” shaping surfaces through ash and heat while echoing Japanese philosophies of patience and presence in ceramics. Birth of the kiln The Gamanvi kiln (meaning, ‘the one who grabs everyone’s attention’ in Hindi) is now ready. Inspired by the traditional Japanese Anagama kiln, which is typically built on a slope and fired for five to 10 days to achieve the natural ash textures — Gamanvi kiln follows the more modern and fuel-efficient Bourry Box design. The design of the effect after Gamanvi firing As it will explore long-durations of firing, Gamanvi has already been fired for five days, and will be available full time now. Manchekar concludes, “Each shape has its own character resembling every human I’ve ever met.” Manchekar also reminds us that pottery is the oldest human craft known to mankind, rooted in the five elements, and the five human senses, making it a craft which will always celebrate creativity. AT Anvi Pottery, Studio 170, Wighawali Road, Indapur. LOG ON TO @anvipottery
23 February,2026 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareRachita Taneja is best known as the creator of Sanitary Panels, a series of webcomics that cast a critical eye on society, politics, and culture, especially in India. In her new book, Touching Grass (Bloomsbury India), Taneja brings a compilation of her best panels over the last 12 years, alongside several new ones. “I had been thinking about putting a book together for a long time. I finally got around to it,” she tells us. “I’ve been working on it since early last year.” This process included redrawing her older comics. Following the tradition of political cartoons, such as those by RK Laxman and Maya Kamath, Taneja’s comics blend imitations of leaders and ordinary citizens with topical content and sharp humour. However, unlike Laxman’s and Kamath’s detailed caricatures, they make use of ‘the humble stick figure’. In her introductory note, she calls this “the purest, simplest representation of a human, pared down to its essence”. Some personalities are deliberately distinguishable from the others through additional details, like the beard and spectacles of India’s Prime Minister or the long hair of the yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Rachita Taneja “Satire is a powerful medium to hold truth to power,” she says. “In this country, we’ve had great cartoonists who have broken down complex issues into a simple and easy-to-understand medium.” Taneja believes this is what makes the form an appealing one. Everyone needs to be held accountable, she adds. “Leaders need to be satirised because it brings them down to reality.” The medium is also under threat. “There is a push to silence satire because of how effective it tends to be, especially on social media,” she tells us. Anyone can create or consume it. Nevertheless, with a bold disclaimer at the beginning of the book, she continues to create fearlessly, offering nuggets on all that we’re experiencing today — doomscrolling, economic inequality, climate crisis, gender and caste-based violence, and more. Available: Leading bookstores & e-stores Advice from the artist >> Consistency is key >> Be aware of who is being satirised because it is important to understand where you stand in the ladder of privilege and whether you’re punching up or punching down >> Because of misinformation and AI-generated content, it’s also important to check the source of news. Make sure your news sources are diverse, independent, and trustworthy Artist reccos Cool artists to check out on Instagram>> Appupen >> Green_humour >> Penpencildraw >> Pencilashan >> Artwhoring >> Almost_bobby>> Bob_almost
23 February,2026 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaIf your first lessons in Mahjong were learned by cluelessly clicking tiles on a vintage family PC, this weekend might be the time to set things right. Inchin Closer, a language and culture institute, recognised by the People’s Republic of China Consulate Mumbai, will host Chinese-origin Mumbai residents in a play-and-learn session. Mahjong has found a loyal fanbase in the city, including groups of senior citizens. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE Founder Nazia Vasi, who has spent years in Shanghai, soaking in Chinese culture, tells us the Mahjong craze in China is much like India’s love for the card game, Rummy. Mahjong is believed to have originated in the Qing Dynasty during the 1800s, and has since become a favourite among seniors and board game enthusiasts across the world. Nazia Vasi. PICS COURTESY/INCHIN CLOSER As most imported traditions do, the game has picked up a Mumbai accent over time, giving rise to smaller circles of Bombay Mahjong that sit alongside Dubai Mahjong and American Mahjong variants. The session this weekend, however, is strictly traditional. The ‘OG Mahjong’ as Vasi calls it, features four players, classic tiles, and a whole lot of brain racking. ON February 28; 5 pm to 7 pmAT Mini Clubhouse, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalaxmi Racecourse. LOG ON TO inchincloser.comENTRY Rs 1500 Why learn Mahjong? Number game: The board game involves numbered tiles, making it an ideal way to memorise the Chinese number system. Conversation starter: The game relies on drawing and shuffling tiles to create sequences. Conversations will flow naturally, promoting language exchange. Let’s talk business: Vasi suggests the game works wonders for businessmen looking to master money-talk. Mahjong can teach you how to bargain like a boss, even in a language you’re not familiar with.
23 February,2026 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleEarly morning feast The month of Ramzan requires strength, as much as discipline. No wonder this 4 am feast is a popular choice among Mumbaikars. From their Mutton Raan Biryani to the Chicken Kabsa rice (right), this one will power you through the day.AT Persian Darbar, Alexandra Terrace, near Gloria Church, Byculla; Andheri West; Bandra (multiple locations)TIME 4 am onwardsCALL 8433901462 Biryani forever Nothing beats the taste of a well cooked, flavoured, and filling biryani from the famed Jaffer Bhai’s kitchen. The old-timer is still a popular choice as the month-long festivities go on.AT Delhi Darbar, near Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway, Colaba. CALL 22025656 Meaty affair If you wish to give your palate a taste of royalty, try the richly composed Laal Maas, and Mutton Beliram (below) at this Churchgate fine-dine. Sample it with an Amritsari flat Gulab Jamun, or wash it down with a saffron Lassi.AT Nksha, Rehmat Manzil, Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate.CALL 9820475555 (for reservations) Middle-Eastern spread Tired of the traditional fare? Go Middle-Eastern with a Smokey Moutabal and Muhammara, and a Lamb Tagine at Mehfil-e-Samaa. But do not miss the traditional Ramadan drinks of Jallab (below, date and molasses) and Qamar al-Din (apricot) to wrap up.TILL March 28; 7 pm onwardsAT Fairmont Mumbai, T2, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Vile Parle East.CALL 80975555901 (for reservations) Dastarkhwan dive From a Deccani Gosht ka Haleem to the Samundri Khazaana Haleem, this Dastarkhawn-e-Haleem is true to its name. These also go with the Seb Badam Ka Halwa that comes straight from the Deccan.TILL March 19AT BarQat, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Vile Parle East.CALL 7710009250 (for reservations) On a Haleem binge No Iftaar is complete unless it includes a Haleem. Chef Mukhtar Qureshi and Rahul Akerkar bring the grace of Awadhi mehmaan nawazi to the city with a spread that includes sigdi-roasted kebabs, sinfully slow-cooked haleems and niharis, Khajur Makhane ki Kheer, and Kulfi Malpua. Talk about a spread!TILL March 19; Lunch and Dinner; Iftar gatherings (7 pm onwards; limited guests)At Waarsa, NCPA, Nariman Point.CALL 9594943555 (for reservations) Boba for the fast You cannot break a roza without Rooh Afza. Try this sweet Iftar offering with their Rooh Afza Pistachio Milkshake (right), or the Rooh Afza Lychee Splash to give your taste buds a twist. At 7th Street Boba, 2, Apna Ghar, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @7thstreetbobalokhandwalaCOST Rs 849 onwards
23 February,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarBengali Shob janta genjiwalaTranslation: The vest seller who knows everything. The person who sells vests but can also solve geopolitics, heartbreak, climate change, and your tax returns without being asked. The ultimate unsolicited expert. Usage: Don’t ask him anything; he is a complete shob janta genjiwala, the moment he sits down for tea he will begin a Nobel Prize-level analysis. Meghna Roy Choudhury, theatremaker Sindhi Jehenji boli naahin, tehenji goli naahinTranslation: One who has no language of their own has no identity. Usage: Person A: My child is five now, but we haven’t taught him our mother tongue yet. Person B: Jehenji boli naahin, tehenji goli naahin. Rakshita Manglani, artist and host Parsi-Gujarati Mai maseena poplaTranslation: The poplas (tittle-tattle or gossip) of the mother and the aunt. Usage: My brother started some Mai maseena popla when he met his friend after ages. Zervaan Bunshah, actor Goan-Konkani Maiche kazarTranslation: Literally ‘mother’s wedding’. Used as an exclamation when a situation does not go as planned or descends into disorder. Usage: Person A: Why aren’t you here yet? Person B: I’m on my way; they’ve dug up the road outside my building again. Person A: Maiche kazar! Jewel Rodrigues, pickle entrepreneur Marathi NattapattaTranslation: The little ritual of adorning yourself and dressing up, for a special occasion. Usage: Oh look at her, stepping out with all that nattapatta on. Urjita Wani, stand-up comedian Malayalam Enthino vendi thilakunna sambharTranslation: Like sambar boiling for no reason. It describes someone who is unnecessarily enthusiastic, overreacting, or worked up without a clear reason. Usage: He rushed to buy a gym membership on New Year. You won’t see him anywhere near it in a week. It’s just enthino vendi thilakunna sambhar. Anna Tony, CA article Haryanvi Lath gad di bhaiTranslation: Planting a staff firmly. It signifies a job done exceptionally well, or a mighty show of dominance. Usage: Did you watch India’s win against Pakistan in the World Cup yesterday? Lath gad di bhai! Ranjit Dahiya, artist
21 February,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAnimela returns to Mumbai as India’s first international celebration of animation, VFX, gaming, and comics. The edition presents screenings, premieres, artist talks and behind-the-scenes sessions, alongside a gaming arena, international VR showcase and comics-led experiences. It also introduces India’s first Transmedia Stage, a dedicated platform for immersive storytelling across narratives, focusing exclusively on sound and interactive mediums. Festival director Nina Sabnani emphasises, “The creative landscape of the country is constantly evolving, with new talent and new ways of thinking about animation, gaming and immersive media. The festival’s timing helps support the innovation while giving visibility to the voices that will shape the next decade in this field.” The Guide's top picks A frame from the movie The Last Blossom; (right) A still from the trailer of the film, Little Amelie. Pics Courtesy/Youtube Animated movie screeningsA special screening accompanied by discussions of global animated films such as The Last Blossom from Japan, Dandelions Odyssey and Little Amelie from France, alongside conversations exploring these works.ON February 22TIME 11 am to 7 pm Children experience Location Based Virtual Reality LBVR Experience (Location-Based Virtual Reality)A debut immersive VR installation in India featuring cinematic experiences inspired by Titanic and a Colosseum-themed narrative, allowing audiences to physically step into the realistic feeling in the movies respectively. ON Today (February 21)TIME 11 am to 8 pm Cyril-Vincent Michaud Innovation and TransmediaOut-of-the-box holistic presentation for children will demonstrate how immersive media functions, with emphasis on sound and narrative techniques. The presentation and talk will be led by Cyril-Vincent Michaud, and the session will introduce young participants to storytelling across books, videos and images.ON Today (February 21)TIME 1 pm onwards (slots may vary) Gond artwork by Venkat Shyam. Pics courtesy/Animela Jharokha presentationA unique show featuring Gond folk artwork and a VR presentation based on The Dancing Forest by Nina Sabnani and Venkat Shyam, bringing Gond traditions to life through immersive storytelling inspired by Adivasi heritage.ON February 21 and 22TIME 11 am to 6 pm ON TILL February 22; 11 am to 8 pm AT Whistling Woods International, Film City, Goregaon. LOG ON TO @animelaindia ENTRY Rs 1200 onwards (festival entry fees) Voice your talent As part of the International MIFA Campus (IMC), emerging animators will get a chance to present their projects before a panel of industry professionals. The selected winner will get an opportunity to develop their film at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, with festival director Mickael Marin in attendance.
21 February,2026 10:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareInstead of attending a gig, step into the spotlight at a pop-up choir. Here, participants get the opportunity to showcase their vocal skills. The session by Vagabond Experiences will kick off with a few introductions to break the ice, followed by vocal warm-ups with a conductor; this is especially enjoyable for those seeking to find a platform to finally sing somewhere that isn’t the shower or bedroom. Eventually, participants will assemble and learn to sing together in harmony and rhythm, almost like a family choir. “The group is taught multiple parts and harmonies. Most of them have never sung in harmony before, which makes it very exciting. We end with some run-throughs of the song and souvenirs to take back,” shares Shannon Fernandes, co-founder of Vagabond Experiences. However, the songs included will only be revealed during the event, as the aim is on the experience of group singing. Shannon Fernandes The core idea is to make the experience of group singing more accessible and less intimidating to the public. “I want them to experience the joy of singing with strangers, without inhibitions or insecurities,” Fernandes signs off. On February 22; 9.30 am to 1.30 pm At Vagabond Experiences, Bori Colony, Marol, Andheri East. Log on to urbanaut.app Entry Rs 1103 onwards
21 February,2026 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshCouples can swap the predictable dinner dates this weekend, for a curated session, titled, The Power Couple Roadmap. The workshop, guided by psychologist Disha Manchekar, is designed for partners aiming to shift away from the daily grind and align their goals for 2026. “It is open to all types of couples, whether heterosexual or part of the LGBTQiA+ community, married or not,” explains Manchekar, founder of mental health service platform, Innate Mind. Describing her session as an amalgamation of psychotherapy and artwork, she tells us, “It’s similar to couples’ art workshops I’ve conducted earlier. A moment from a couples’ art session. Pic courtesy/Innate mind There are three aspects to it. I will help couples determine their mutual values, and find common ground to connect; this will be done through guided prompts to spark conversation about matters from finance to travelling. Secondly, participants will be provided with welcome goodies, since I intend the experience to resemble a date, and art supplies. The third aspect is making the vision board; it will be slow, and couples will get their private space without interference. It’s about exploring each other’s priorities and moving past mental blocks.” After a round of refreshments, attendees can take their vision kit home. Disha Manchekar The psychologist mentions that directing attention towards something alerts the brain to look out for things enabling you to achieve that goal. “It’s a wonderful system in the human brain: the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which filters out information to focus on what’s important,” she reveals. “Such an activity clears the outlook for many couples, helps them understand each other better, and improves their bond through common goal-setting,” she signs off. On February 22; 4.30 pm onwardsAt HourShop.in, IC Colony, Borivli West. Log on to innatemind.org (to book) Entry Rs 2999 onwards
20 February,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshLeave The Door Open by Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and Silk SonicA must-listen for aficionados of Classic Soul and R&B, laced with hints of Memphis’ Jazz sound rooms, the Grammy-winning track will get you in a groove The Fate of Ophelia by Taylor SwiftWilliam Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Ophelia, weaved into an ironically cheery melody ’90s Vibe by Reemboo and Kidshot When rappers from Arunachal Pradesh and Powai’s slums link up, you get this hard-hitting tune that can drown out Mumbai’s chaos If You Can’t Give Me Love by Suzi QuatroThe perfect self-affirmation song to keep you going through the post-Valentine blues Teach Me How to Dougie by Cali Swag DistrictThis meme song makes us want to get up and dance
20 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamADVERTISEMENT
