The Mahua plant (Madhuca longifolia/latifolia) deserves some credit for being one of the few plants whose Latin name you can decode with basic deduction. Madhuca (sweet, from Sanskrit) and longifolia (long-leaved, in Latin). The plant has a long history, from being a lifesaver for tribals during famines, to being labelled a ‘poor man’s plant’ by the British. Paying little heed to the latter, a week-long Mahua Festival by Pugdundee Safaris in Madhya Pradesh will explore its rich cultural significance. Bhunja Mahua by (right) chef Harshita Kakwani “We hope guests leave with a deeper understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and the responsibility that comes with engaging meaningfully with the wild,” says co-founder Manav Khanduja. Spread across five jungle lodges and the local tribal settlements, choose from our picks of experiences that you don’t want to miss this season. On April 1 to 8At Pugdundee Safaris, multiple locations across Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kanha, and Satpura. Log on to pugdundeesafaris.com (for more details) Mahua in India The Mahua tree requires dry tropical conditions to blossom annually in spring. In India, one might better know it as the following >> Mohwra in the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra>> Moha or Mahwa in the Chota Nagpur Plateau >> Mahua in Madhya Pradesh, the largest producer >> Hippe, Ippe, or Elupa in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Flower power Closer to home in Maharashtra, Gaurang and Saurabh Motta founded Monks Bouffe in 2021, with a focus on Mahua grown and harvested by the Thakar tribes in the Western Ghats near Karjat. Shop from a fresh range of produce this season. >> Dried flowers: Use them as a superfood in your salads, or as a natural sweetener in your jams, juices, or sweets.>> Mahua oil: Used widely as a massage oil, tribes believe it does wonders for bone health.>> Mahua nectar: Similar in consistency to honey, the naturally extracted sweetener is ideal for your cup of coffee, or as a substitute to jaggery. Log on to: monksbouffe.com The Guide’s picks Wild Mushrooms and Mahua Bao >> Forest food curator and consultant chef Harshita Kakwani is cooking up a Mahua-centred menu that explores the plant in its fresh, dried, soaked, and roasted forms. Locals collect Mahua blossoms from the forest >> If you’re the adventurous kind, step into the forest with the tribal community to observe how the flowers are collected in traditional baskets. Interact with the locals to understand the cultural, historical, and culinary significance of Mahua. A traditional outdoor distillation setup >> Mahua liquor, made by distilling the flower, is known to have a distinct buzz. From being prohibited under the Mhowra Act of 1892, to being declared a heritage spirit by the state, watch the drink being distilled by locals.
30 March,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble1 Introducing Joyce: A Graphic Guide (Penguin India) You’ll enjoy this crisply executed mini-sized visual storytelling book about James Joyce, the Irish literary genius by the brilliant David Norris with bold illustrations by Carl Flint. It includes an introductory map to the maze of Joyce’s Dublin, on which all of his writings are focussed. There is wit, detail, information and plenty to navigate, to better understand this cultural icon. 2 Maili Chadar and Truth and Justice (Seagull) These two plays by Sahitya Akademi winner, Shanta Gokhale shine a light on the dark side of power and the human cost of injustice. The first traces the regression of the protagonist from the idealism of his roots, to the cynicism of a man who thirsts for power. The second is in the form of monologues where women from different places and times speak of what men in power have done to them in pursuit of their hatred for the other. 3 The Select Nonsense of Sukumar Ray (Oxford) Sukumar Ray, father of Satyajit Ray, is one of the greatest children’s writers in Bengal, and the most popular when it comes to nonsense tales and verse in the Bengali language. This translation by Sukanta Chaudhuri is a fantastic ode to the original. Discover this literary style, and also marvel at Sukumar’s illustrations that add hilarity and humour to compliment his splendid wordplay.
30 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamJust across the lane from The Habitat, Dhruv Ghanekar is quietly working in his office, the quirkily-named Wah Wah Studio. An Andaz Apna Apna reference, we wonder. The composer laughs, “I have not seen the film yet. It is actually named after the Wah Pedal of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar.” Between jamming with musicians, and educating a new generation next door at Bay Owl Studios, the composer sits down for a chat. Early spring Growing up in Shivaji Park, the cultural influence was kaleidoscopic, to say the least. “My father [Girish Ghanekar] was a filmmaker. As was my uncle, illustrator/artist/writer Nandu Ghanekar,” he reveals. Dhruv Ghanekar with Ashutosh Phatak It was an incidental humming session along with his grandfather, a classical music aficionado that led to his discovery. Training followed, including sessions for two-years with the illustrious vocalist Jialal Vasant. Soon, Ghanekar was part of Shyam Benegal’s Trikaal (where he met a young Ishita Arun, now his wife, for the first time), among others, while also singing for composers like Louiz Banks and the late Vanraj Bhatia, among others. Smells like teen spirit His teenage voice change though, brought metal music and the guitar into his life. “I was in the audience for one of the first metal bands to tour India — Europe,” he says. At this time, Ghanekar was also helming the band, Chakraview. (From left) Anand Subayya, Paresh Kamath, Dhruv Ghanekar, Suraj Jagan, and T2 during their Chakraview years “We figured out that if you won all the prizes at a college fest, you made more money,” says the guitarist, letting us in on the ‘jugaad’. This popularity soon gave him a front row seat for the rise of an indie film and MTV generation in India in the early ’90s. A new age While he has too many projects to boast of, one teenage anthem — Bombay Boys (1998) — stands out. The Mumbai street lingo of Jaaved Jaffery’s rap was a rage at schools, much to every teacher’s chagrin. “Honestly, there is a version of the track that is even more X-rated. There is something to be said for youthful irreverence,” he laughs. Ghanekar (centre) with Kalpana Patowary during the launch of his album, Voyage, in 2015. File Pics At the same time, advertising was a fertile training ground. A new generation has now turned some of those jingles, including the Fevicol 60 Years project, into reels. “The lyrics inform the music. You meet some fantastic, creative people in advertising. My evolution in music is thanks to these works,” he recalls. Ghanekar lets us in on a secret. “These works were led by late Piyush Pandey, including a new one that will soon be out,” he promises. Blue Frog fever A moment from the last gig at Blue Frog in 2016 But when such creative giants meet, ideas often bounce from one medium to another. It was one such moment that sparked a decision that would shape the city’s music scene. In 2007, Ghanekar, alongside Ashutosh Pathak, Mahesh Mathai among others founded a Mumbai institution — Blue Frog. “Blue Frog actually began as a place for us, as creative people to meet,” the producer shares. The Lower Parel venue’s iconic pod-like seating From Karsh Kale, Indian Ocean, Soulmate, John McLaughlin, the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, the venue was the place to be. “It snowballed into this giant machine. The masterplan was to create a 360-degree company with a venue, a record label, and artist management. I think we were early,” he says, almost wistfully. While he is not part of the plans for its return, Ghanekar admits, “Nine years later, Mumbai still lacks a venue along the same lines.” A scene from the Fevicol advertisement. Pic Courtesy/YouTube Voyages ahead In 2024, when he came out with Voyage II, Ghanekar promised us something special was coming up. As he gives us an exclusive peek at his latest work-in-progress, Shaukeen, the composer says, “This is a return to my singer-songwriter-artist phase. I am going back to the reasons why I started making music.” With the late Piyush Pandey Having heard two tracks, the album promises a young pop-rock sound, infused with a touch of nostalgia. With a release planned in the second half of this year, the voyage continues for this OG Bombay boy.
30 March,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMass appeal Who says Sundays at church can’t be star-studded? Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan turned St Andrew’s into a constellation on March 29, making a coordinated family appearance at the Bandra landmark with their tots, Taimur and Jeh, in tow High Society Hysteria “It’s only been 49 years, thanks for waiting,” said frontman Joe Elliott, as he kicked off Def Leppard’s historic debut performance in Mumbai on March 27. Fans of all ages flooded the Jio World Garden for a night of timeless anthems — with the star power not limited just to the stage. OG Indian rockers Indus Creed opened the show, and while Uday Benegal belted out Pretty Child to an appreciative audience, brother Vijay cheered from the ‘Gold’ enclosure, flanked by guitar maestro Ehsaan Noorani. Dino Morea and Preity Zinta As the main show ignited, another ace composer, Dhruv Ghanekar, and his vivacious wife Ishitta Arun sang along to every word, while model Reshma Bombaywala rocked just a few rows away. “Some bands you listen to. Some bands become part of your story,” she said after the show, and that certainly was a sentiment echoed by many. Preity Zinta made it a point to thank her “concert buddy” Dino Morea for letting her “pile on last minute” in ‘Platinum’ style, but it was Milind Deora who had the best view of all — making it backstage to meet with the legendary band. It was a stroke of rock-and-roll providence for the guitar-playing politician, who only managed to attend because a weekend session of Parliament was unexpectedly called off. In a city that never sleeps, this was one night where Mumbai collectively held its breath, lost its voice, and finally checked a four-decade-long wish off its bucket list — in rock and roll style. Tressed for sucess While Yo Yo Honey Singh literally descended from the sky to land on stage in Mumbai on March 28, another Yoyo was making waves in Ahmedabad — at a much more grounded pace. Tress maestro Kandarp Jasani (aka Yoyo) had Sanjana Ganesan in the hot seat, getting her hair styled and coloured in advance of the IPL. Sanjana was readying to resume hosting duties, while hubby Jasprit Bumrah reprised his role for Mumbai Indians. Sanjana Ganesan Unhappy with her oxidised look and intending to refresh her colour and cut, Sanjana confessed to being a chocolate-mocha kind of girl, least fond of blonde. Yoyo delivered exactly that, neutralising her metallic sheen with deep, caffeinated tones for a sophisticated style. The result? A look as sharp and precise as a Bumrah yorker. It seems both Yoyos knew exactly how to command a crowd last week — while one was busy owning the Mumbai skyline, the other was ensuring the face of the IPL broadcast is perfectly ‘match-ready’ for the season ahead. Masterclass in modern family A messy breakup doesn’t have to mean a messy childhood, and Arhaan Khan appears to be proof. Kudos to Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan, who are clearly nailing the co-parenting game, because their no-longer-baby boy is acing the balancing act. Arhaan Khan On Friday, Arhaan kicked off his night at the Def Leppard concert in BKC, playing the supportive son alongside mum Malaika and her rumoured ‘bae,’ Harsh Mehta. Just hours later, he pulled off a seamless pivot to the trendy Italian haunt Cin Cin — a stone’s throw from the concert venue. There, the vibe shifted from rock anthems to al fresco dining as he joined dad Arbaaz and wife Sshura Khan for dinner. In both spots, with both parents and their new partners, Arhaan appeared entirely at ease. It’s a refreshing sight in a world of bitter splits — showing that when a marriage ends, a family can still evolve without breaking. Sari, not sorry One person we expected to see out and about in the city during the weekly wind-down was Malishka Mendonsa. Long before her radio reign began, Malishka was finding her voice in a college band, but this weekend, our ‘Mumbai ki Rani’ was nowhere near a microphone. Instead, she was ensconced in the mountains until Sunday evening, soaking up the very best of Kashmir. Malishka Mendonsa Her itinerary was a whirlwind of postcard-perfect pitstops — Srinagar, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam — before she finally settled into Gulmarg to hit the slopes. Of course, Malishka does nothing by half-measure, so she tackled the powder with a sari wrapped right over her ski gear! “Why?” we had to ask. “Why not?” she giggles in response, and that seems as good a reason as any. Checking in at The Khyber — the same luxe Himalayan retreat where Alekha and Aadar Jain recently toasted to their first anniversary — Malishka and her mum made the most of their March vacay. Between the snow-laden trails, horse-riding, and early tulip sightings, the energy was high. “Next time I will up the ante and wear a nauvari sari,” says the feisty RJ, before concluding on a serious note: “Kashmir is so stunning. I can’t emphasise it enough. But people are still afraid to visit. That has to change.” One herringbone step at a time.
30 March,2026 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatIt is only 9 am on a Friday, but Kannimangalam Krishnan Venkateswaran is already up and running. The 95-year-old has just spent his birthday morning (March 27) at the gym. “It is a regular practice. I never miss my gym routine,” he points out, piling on this writer’s guilt. It is a big day after all; for after over 50-years of practice, Venkateswaran is currently hosting the first exhibition of his works in Mumbai, Engraved Vision: Scratchboard Works. A drawing Having started sketching in his teens at school in Cochin, he soon progressed to watercolour on canvas. His skills earned him a gold medal from the Maharaja of Travancore in 1946. “One of my earliest discoveries was John Ruskin’s Modern Painters in the library of my college. I read all five volumes. My inspiration was JMW Turner, one of the greatest artists of his age,” he shares. The artist works on an etching An employment at Air India felt like a golden opportunity. Venkateswaran would spend the day working at the office in Nariman Point, and practice in the evenings. Working with the airline also allowed for exposure, and visits to galleries across the world from London to Sydney. The shift to scratchboard as a medium was a discovery made during a job interview at J Walter Thompson. “That’s where they explained to me how scratchboard art is key to advertising design,” the artist recalls. While the job never materialised, the artist had discovered his medium. Scratchboarding is the process of layering a board canvas with white clay, superimposed by another layer of black paint/charcoal. The artist then scratches his work on this surface. “The layers have to be very smooth to ensure clear scratches. Highly defined scratchwork is better than a photograph. Those lines bring out sharp details,” the Powai resident, whose works include detailed portraitures and animal etchings, explains. With 61 works on display, Venkateswaran plans to showcase a live demonstration as well. “Everyone has been kind and encouraging to me. I share my works on social media, and people always have kind words. I have never grown tired of my art,” he concludes. We’d do well to take a leaf out of that optimism. Till March 29; 11 am to 7 pmAT PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi
28 March,2026 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe Inugami Curse Abhijit Venkiteswaran Sarma, banking professional, Dombivli What a beautifully written murder mystery by the Japanese novelist Seishi Yokomizo! I love the way the author narrates the story to the audience in a ‘meta-like’ manner. I also like that, unlike most detective stories, the intelligence of the police and other authorities isn’t diminished, but rather provides a good foil for the protagonist to solve the mystery. The Secret of the Star Sapphire Rati Girish, Indian children’s book reviewer, Powai This exhaustively researched, middle-grade adventure by Monika Bhatkhande takes the readers on an inter-generational search for the Star Sapphire. The children, in present-day Mumbai, stumble upon clues that take them to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The clues are inspired by art, architecture, literature, and politics. It’s an intelligent book that will leave you gasping for breath and change the way you look at the city. The Labyrinth House Murders Rishika Aggarwal, copywriter, Juhu Japanese authors are all the rage at the moment, but I wasn’t in a space for literary fiction or a Morisaki; the other option was murder mysteries. Yukito Ayatsuji’s novel is a deeply immersive murder mystery that leaves you guessing as you turn the page. When you think you know where it’s going, this is one in which I’d most certainly say that don’t put it down until you’ve finished the last page. Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of IndiaVedanti Shinde, business psychologist and artist, Thane The exciting thing about this book by Rakesh Khanna and J Furcifer Bhairav is that these are not your typical ghost stories. They are factual and descriptive narrations of mythical creatures believed to have existed in our vast subcontinent. The book transcends from A to Z, and most of the creatures are illustrated wonderfully by a team of nine artists from India. Pakodi (Pakshi Kodi) Dr Madhura Phadke, educationist, Powai I mostly enjoy reading fiction and books on philosophy, leadership, education and pedagogy. This book contains riddles on birds in Marathi by Dr Rajiv Tambe, a well-known educator, poet, and children’s writer. He has also written Vikodee, which has puzzles and riddles on birds too. I really like his approach to teaching through an integration of science, language and maths.AVAILABLE: Leading bookstores and e-stores
28 March,2026 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaTimeless beauty Triptii Dimri on Parveen Babi It comes as no surprise that one ethereal beauty is drawn to another. Triptii Dimri — who commands the screen with a similarly haunting, soft-focus allure — finds her muse in the ultimate 1970s bohemian icon, Parveen Babi. This week, the modern-day ingenue pays a heartfelt homage to the actress who redefined Indian cinema with her effortless poise and avant-garde spirit. “There was something magnetic about her… she was bold, graceful, and unforgettable. To me, she’s a timeless beauty because her aura still shines decades later.” Digital breadcrumbs Forget the formal announcement — Kriti Sanon and Kabir Bahia are perfecting the art of the soft launch. Within hours of each other, the actor and her travel scion ‘bae’ posted individual shots of the same Northern Lights display this week. Kriti Sanon While Kriti kept her brand ambassador banner flying for Burberry even in the ice (showing off their signature cashmere scarf), Kabir made the most of an Arctic ATV — zooming around a makeshift track at top speed. The real giveaway, however, isn’t just the scenery — it’s Kriti’s ‘like’ sitting prominently on Kabir’s adrenaline-fuelled post. If this isn’t a high-stakes game of ‘Connect the Dots,’ I don’t know what is. Why bother going Insta-official when you can signal a connection through subtext rather than tags, all without ever actually saying a word? Legacy or leverage? Marketing genius or man who’s all heart? Depending on the theory, Hardik Pandya’s multi-crore watch collection is either a high-stakes power play or a deeply personal tribute. Hardik Pandya The ‘heart’ theory is rooted in a quiet family legacy. Hardik’s late father, Himanshu, was apparently a lifelong horology enthusiast who famously sidelined his own dreams — and his budget — to prioritise his sons’ cricket kits and travel. Today, when the Mumbai Indians captain flashes a rare Richard Mille or a singular Patek Philippe, he isn’t just checking the time, he’s settling an old debt — wearing the luxuries his father sacrificed so his children could fly. Then there’s the ‘marketing’ angle. By rotating elite pieces like the Jacob & Co. Rudra or the comparatively modest Favre Leuba Chief Skeleton during the 2026 T20 World Cup final, he has effectively turned his wrist into the cricket world’s most expensive billboard. Whether he’s honouring a legacy or just renting out real estate, one thing is clear: love or leverage, the mystery sells just as well as the moment. New orrder, served hot Awards and honours come thick and fast in March, but while some are just filler, this one’s a flex. On Wednesday, the 2026 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants dropped, and while the competition was stiff, two Indian powerhouses managed to make the cut. Aditya and Aditi Dugar. PIC/SUNHIL SIPPY Aditi and Aditya Dugar’s Masque continued its steady ascent, shimmying up four spots from 19 to 15. Beyond the rank, they also took home the Art of Hospitality Award, a massive win for Mumbai’s mid-town darling and head chef Varun Totlani. Meanwhile, Masque’s former executive chef, Prateek Sadhu, is proving that his Himalayan pivot was a masterstroke. His Kasauli-based labour of love, Naar, made a thunderous debut at 30 — a massive feat considering it’s only been open for a little over two years. “This dream has been with us for much longer,” says chef Sadhu, rebranding his bragging rights as “a win for India.” Prateek Sadhu Of course, with the rise of the new guard, the landscape is shifting. The most notable change? Indian Accent has officially exited the top 50. Clearly, in the world of fine dining, the only thing more volatile than a soufflé is the leaderboard.
27 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatSober G&T This eatery’s Zero-Proof G&T won’t make you miss alcohol, as it consists of floral elderflower, yuzu bitters, and juniper berries with tonic. AT Burma Burma (all outlets) Palladium Mall, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.CALL 9920246500COST Rs 430 Tropical Vietnam PIC COURTESY/Blondie If coffee were a wardrobe, a Vietnamese coffee would be an essential. If your style is to keep it classic but zhuzh it up occasionally, this Vietnamese Coconut Coffee is perfect. It’s a classic, except it is finished with toasted coconut for texture.AT Blondie, Road 24, Khar West.CALL 8655661730COST Rs 370 Main character coffee PIC COURTESY/the backyard brew We couldn’t pick one, so here are two iced lattes — both latest additions from the menu. The Banana Bread Iced Latte does exactly what it says: It tastes like the loaf in liquid form. The Brown Maple Iced Latte, on the other hand, arrives with a mini croissant perched on top.AT The Backyard Brew, Poseidon Apartment, Inlaks Nagar, Versova.CALL 8976766771COST Rs 380 Portable dessert PIC COURTESY/Coffee Capital The tiramisu craze caught on a while ago, and it’s so massive that you can drink it, too. The Italian Tiramisu Iced Latte is a straightforward drink that manages to look and taste luxurious. Or should we say, indulgent? It’s decadent, yes. But it’s also clever, considering this one can be enjoyed on-the-go.AT Coffee Capital,Hubtown Premier, Kamgar Nagar, Versova.CALL 9769079146COST Rs 399 Lonavla lounge call Fiori’s Mango Matacha is inspired by Kusama’s Polka Dots. Keeping things seasonal, it pairs earthy matcha with the ultimate summer fruit — a bright, juicy mango. The result is balanced and refreshingly lightAT Regenta SGs Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Lonavla.CALL 7410001660COST Rs 350 The desi thirst trap PIC COURTESY/SOMEPLACE ELSE If summer had a personality, it would be a big ripe mango. That’s why you need to be seen with the Twisted Alphonso. It blends mango and litchi with mint and lime, and hydrates you with a sprinkle of chaat masala and red chilli powder. It’s sweet, tangy, and has a hint of spice. Served in a tall Collins glass, garnished with aam papad, this drink is a show stopper.AT Someplace Else, Level 2, Jio World Drive, BKC. CALL 8356984990COST Rs 425 Pop of tea PIC COURTESY/Got Tea Make a fashion statement by being understated. The Vanilla Jasmine Tea is a blend of jasmine and blue pea tea, infused with vanilla bean syrup. It’s floral, creamy, and makes a statement with its natural blue colour.AT Got Tea, 90 Feet Road, Ghatkopar East.CALL 9311993298COST Rs 280
27 March,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaPehle hum gaali dete the, ab dialogue maarte hai, [Earlier we would converse in profanity, now we talk in dialogues].” That’s the power of theatre for you, in the words of a child actor from the Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home, Dongri. They’re not the only ones finding a new side to their personality through the art form. From underserved, orphaned, and incarcerated children, to those with mental and physical impairments, there’s a whole world that’s waiting for a spotlight. Blockbuster dreams In Andheri, theatre maker Anupama Chouhan runs Raashaa Theatre for those with Down Syndrome and individuals on the autism spectrum. Nearly 20 aspiring actors learn body movement, vocal exercises, and screen presence. “Beyond the stage, it helps them open up about their emotions, and express their needs boldly,” she says. Their 2024 play Woh Khula Aasman ushered the young group into limelight. Recently, one of the students, Ahida, played actor Arjun Rampal’s daughter in the film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). LOG ON TO @raashaa_theatre Screen memories Anupama Chouhan Ahida Sarmai with Arjun Rampal and Ranveer Singh. PICS COURTESY/RAASHAA I’ve always had a knack for acting. When one of my Instagram reels went viral, it reached the Dhurandhar team, and they reached out for an audition. My time on the set of the sequel was seamless. Arjun sir made me feel comfortable and even called me a ‘cutie’ actor. I met Ranveer sir at the premiere in Mumbai, and he told me that I absolutely nailed the part. I’m elated, to say the least. Ahida Sarmai, actor, 17 We’re all eyes Change is in the offing not only onstage, but in the audience as well. Mira Road-based Siddesh Nayak has been organising play viewings for those with visual impairments. A sighted volunteer from his group is seated between two visually impaired members. Visually impaired persons experience the play, Rashtragranth. PIC COURTESY/SIDDESH NAYAK Developments like the movement of characters, gestures, and change in location are whispered to the members in the least number of words possible. “It requires nothing to be their eyes for a few hours. I wish more people take up the initiative across India,” Nayak says.LOG ON TO @blind_who_trek Space, please Initiatives for the visually impaired significantly enrich the overall experience of appreciating the artistic performance. Ideally, every theatre venue should be fully accessible to individuals with diverse disabilities, whether they face mobility challenges, visual impairments, or hearing impairments. I would love to see concessions on ticket prices for persons with disabilities as well. It will help them develop an interest in performing arts. Nikhil Bhalerao, person with visual impairment, 31 Early days of theatre Mumbai’s tryst with commercial theatre (in the current form of an enclosed stage and an audience) dates back to 1853, when the legendary dramatist Vishnudas Bhave came to (then) Bombay after successfully staging plays in Sangli, his birthplace, since 1843. Vishnudas Bhave. PIC COURTESY/ Vishnudas Bhave Natyavidyamandir His most famous play was Sita Swayamvar. In Bombay, he staged Indrajit Vadh (The Assassination of Indrajit) at Grant Road Playhouse (also known as Pila House), and at the home of a philanthropist named Vishwanath Shimpi in Girgaon. Bhave, in whose honour the most famous theatre of Navi Mumbai is named, was inspired by the Western theatre halls of England. However, Bhave’s plays were mostly one-man shows with minimal supporting cast. Later, in the 1880s, Balwant ‘Annasaheb’ Kirloskar pioneered multi-act plays with bigger casts. His biggest endeavour was Shakuntal based on poet Kalidasa’s epic play, Abhidnyan Shakuntalam. Shakuntal had nearly 200 songs, based on Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. By Sachin Kalbag Silver linings A moment from Second Chance. PIC COURTESY/ASHIYANA FOUDNATION City-based Ashiyana Foundation is broadening the definition of children’s theatre. The group uses theatre as a tool to sow hope in places like the Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home in Dongri, David Sassoon Industrial School in Matunga, and Chembur Children’s Home in Mankhurd. Their plays Second Home and Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale were met with thunderous applause across Mumbai venues. “We can already see the culture shift steadily inside these homes. Some of the children never learnt to read because of their circumstances, but they’re now acing 80-page scripts onstage,” reveals director Sachi Maniar.LOG ON TO @ashiyanafoundation
27 March,2026 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSince this is the last year the millennial generation turns 30, The Guide reached out to three generations, those born in the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s to find out how birthdays were celebrated when they were growing up. The 1980s >> Return gifts being fragrant erasers and Love Art sketch pens >> Crepe paper streamers and simple DIY decor >> “Happy Birthday” banner as the main highlight Harshita Ingole, 40, doctor, Borivli The 1990s >> Hard-boiled sweets like Alpenliebe and Ravalgaon >> Rasna served generously >> 99-in-1 brick game consoles Pinata as a party activity Gauravh Garrgya, 34, media professional, Dadar The 2000s Face painters and temporary tattoo artists >> Live food and pasta stations >> Personalised photo mugs as return gifts Neon-themed parties with glow accessories Kavya Kaushik, 20, student, Andheri Check out how to plan your own ’90s birthday. How to throw a 90s-themed birthday party Lock the theme early: Centre the concept around everyday ’90s nostalgia; for example, simple living, shared moments, and pre-digital culture Go bold with decor: Use bright, clashing colours, retro TV cut-outs, and classic Bollywood posters Curate an authentic playlist: Blend Bollywood hits (Govinda, SRK-Kajol), English Indie-pop tracks, and nostalgic ad jingles for layered familiarity Plan simple and high-energy games: Include lemon-and-spoon, sack races, and passing the parcel Keep food nostalgic: Serve samosas, cutlets, noodles, pineapple pastries, with Rasna, Frooti, and soft drinks Design memorable return gifts: Prepare hampers with Poppins, Melody, and small toys or stationery packed in quirky retro-style wrapping Focus on the details: Use paper invites, slam books, comics, and note diaries Keep it simple and classic: Start with light music and mingling, build into games and dancing. Close with cake and a wind-down Inputs by Devyani Sahu, 26, founder, CEO and wedding planner, Kalyan
27 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareWhat is fashion to you? It can be personal, bold, or deeply rooted in culture. Design Craft’s latest exhibition puts that question into focus through the work of artisans and designers trained at Somaiya Kala Vidya in Anjar, Kutch. It will offer a closer look at what happens when tradition is not repackaged, but reworked from within. The exhibition features 10 designers working across Ajrakh, Bandhani, Batik by Akhtar Khatri and Basit Khatri, Rabari embroidery, Ikat weaving, and Soof, each tied closely to its geography and community. Amrita Somaiya “There is no attempt to merge these practices into a single visual language; instead, they remain distinct, carrying forward motifs, techniques, and colour systems shaped by region. In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, block printing traditions like those of Nandana craft still encode social meaning, with patterns and colours indicating whether a woman is married or unmarried within the Bhil community,” says Amrita Somaiya, trustee of Somaiya Trust. The exhibition’s theme, Vasundhara, draws from the Earth and the relationship between material, craft, and environment. Each designer approaches their practice through texture, form, or seasonal reference — Rabari and Soof embroideries echo organic patterns, extra-weft weaves play with density, while Batik and Bandhani translate shifts in landscape into cloth. The showcase spans statement sarees to contemporary garments and accessories, balancing heritage with a modern twist. ON March 27 to 29; 10 am onwards AT Cymroza Art Gallery, Cumballa Hill.CALL 23671983 The Guide’s picks at the show Batik: An ancient resist-dyeing technique in India, practiced across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Seen here through the works of Akhtar Khatri and Basit Khatri. Ajrakh: A 4000-year-old block-printing tradition from Kutch and Barmer, known for geometric precision and natural dyes. The exhibition will feature works by Yasin Khatri and Tausif Khatri. Soof: Counted-thread embroidery from Sindh, now preserved in Kutch, defined by geometric patterns stitched from the reverse. Interpreted at this exhibition by Laxmi Puvar. Rabari: Embroidery rooted in the nomadic Rabari community, marked by bold motifs and mirror work. The exhibition includes pieces by Gitaben Rabari.
26 March,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareADVERTISEMENT
