Read Aleena S: Based out of Kochi, Aleena S performed at the recently held Adelaide Fringe in South Australia, alongside First Nations poet Dakota Feirer. The set was powered by the Mumbai-based storytelling and performance organisation, Kommune. Aleena writes in English and Malayalam, and has received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Kanakshree Award for her book of poems, Silk Route. She regularly performs with The Reserved Compartment, a collective that celebrates Dalit Ambedkarite voices. LOG ON TO @iseesomeletters Kunjana Parashar: Mumbai-based Parashar launched her book They Gather Around Me, The Animals last year. It won the 2024 Barbara Stevens Poetry Book Award. Her poems explore the grandness of all creatures, big and small, and have previously won her the Toto Funds the Arts award. Parashar is currently the managing editor of the poetry segment of The Bombay Literary Magazine. In addition to writing poems, she supports the work of other poets through The Osmosis Poetry Prize. Look out for her online workshop on March 21, especially if you wish to write about nature in the everyday world.LOG ON TO @holysquid Shripad Sinnakaar: Sinnakaar is a postgraduate in philosophy from the University of Mumbai. Among other spaces, his poems can be found in The White Review, Wasafiri Magazine, and Sahitya Akademi’s Indian Literature. In his poem Parable of Mithi, he writes about the slums around the Mithi River that have acted as the lost habitats of flamingos in Mumbai and the changing landscape of the river. His poem Begumpura was displayed as a mural at the Sassoon Docks for the Mumbai Urban Art Festival 2022-2023.LOG ON TO @shripadsinnakaar Watch Ratna Pathak Shah’s reading: At Bandra’s St Andrews Auditorium, the legendary actor and theatre artiste Ratna Pathak Shah read out poems by women across decades who refused to stay silent. These voices included those of Kishwar Naheed, Salma Fazal, Parveen Shakir, Jacinta Kerketta, and Fahmida Riaz. The reading was part of the Hindi-Urdu storytelling and poetry gathering Shabd.LOG ON TO YouTube Attend Abhang: Join Indu Lalitha Harikumar and Priypal Dashantee for a performance connecting Varkari women saints’ poetry with contemporary feminist questions. The show is presented by Changbhala Foundation. ON March 22, 6.30 pm onwards AT The Public Place, Kurla/Tilak Nagar. REGISTER @public.place.mumbai on Instagram Poetry Reading Party: Enjoy the simple pleasures that come with reading poems at this party. Register and show up as you are. Printouts of poems that insist on hope will be provided to you.ON March 21; 7 to 8.30 pm AT Atrangi Katta, Thane West. ENTRY Rs 250 (includes a beverage) Idoru’s World Poetry Day: Celebrate poetry with readings from original work of poets and some beloved classics. The poems will be read by Nisha Vasudevan, Anand Thakore, Imaad Shah, Menka Shivdasani, and Denzil Smith.ON March 21; 4.30 to 6.30 pm AT Idoru, Khar West. CALL 8454834348
21 March,2026 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLaugh out loud Watch Toussaint Douglass take the stage in his India debut with sharp observations and offbeat humour.ON Today; 6 pm AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com ENTRY RS 950 onwards Get competitive Catan. Pic courtesy/Boardgame Tavern Discover a wide range of tabletop games, like Catan, and Dungeons & Dragons while you compete, collaborate, and meet fellow players.ON Every weekend; 3 pm AT Board Game Tavern, IC Colony, Borivli West.LOG ON TO @boardgametavern ENTRY RS 499 onwards Make your own green world Pic courtesy/Naturalist explorers Create a self-sustaining terrarium in this hands-on workshop, learn the basics of building a miniature ecosystem.ON March 22; 9.30 am onwards AT Nature & Horticulture, Ambedkar Nagar, Dharavi. LOG ON TO urbanaut.app ENTRY Rs 899 Sky full of stars Set out on a night trek to Garbett Plateau for some stargazing, campfire moments, and guided storytelling.ON March 22; 7.30 pm MEETING POINT CSMT LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY RS 2040
21 March,2026 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWhat happens when over 200 dogs take over a city street? At the Chembur Festival, an annual parade does exactly that. For nearly 11 years, Central Avenue Road has transformed into a lively, tail-wagging routine that creates awareness as dogs dress up in playful costumes. This year, the theme is mythology. Organised as a free public event by Chembur Citizens Welfare, the parade invites pet parents to walk alongside their dogs, with crowds expected to line both sides of the road as 200 to 250 dogs across breeds pass by. The main aim of the initiative seeks to shift the negative public perception that people might have about dogs, and encourage responsible pet ownership. In a city where many encounters with dogs are linked with fear, this seems like a positive approach. Apurva Padgaonkar “When you spot friendly dogs, the inclination is to pet them. You can click pictures with them and because of this interaction, the fear does minimise to an extent,” says organiser Apurva Padgaonkar, emphasising the value of direct interaction. “And because of this, they become more acquainted with the culture of having a pet at home, and how friendly it can truly be,” he adds. All shapes and sizes are welcome, with a wide range of breeds — from desi indies, Pitbulls, Yorkshire Terriers, to Mastiffs and Shih Tzus — participating in large numbers in the parade. Pet dogs at last year’s parade With no entry fee, the event remains accessible while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare, comfort and responsible participation throughout the walk. A handful of commercial stalls selling pet accessories and food will be present, alongside small start-ups distributing trial packs of their homemade dog food. Ultimately, the parade aims to replace hesitation with familiarity, creating a shared public space where adults and children can engage with well-socialised pets and reconsider their relationship with dogs. ON Today; 4 pm onwards AT Centre Avenue Road, Chembur. CALL 9594700666 or 9920717902 (registrations) ENTRY Free Play by the rules 1 Dogs must be above five months of age, vaccinated and dewormed2 A prior veterinary health check-up is required3 Dogs with heart ailments may not participate4 Keep the leash short if the dog has an unpredictable temperament5 For brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers), pause if there is excessive panting6 Clean up after your pet to keep streets clean
21 March,2026 10:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareMohammed Ali Road draws the crowds, but Mahim offers a slightly more navigable version. Around the dargah and along Lady Jamshedji Road, spots are easy to locate, less crowded, and the food is simply delicious. Check out The Guide’s Top 6 halts from known addas to the lesser-known gems for the serious foodie. Representation pic/iStock Phirni End your crawl at this milk centre where there is no skimping on malai. The Phirni (Rs 40) is one of the better versions in the city. If you’re a chai fan, this is the right spot to end with a cup. AT Cafe Noorani Milk Centre, Meher Building, Lady Jamshedji Road, Mahim West. CALL 24453906 Khichda Khichda The Khichda here (Rs 70) is cooked perfectly. A dish that once fed and strengthened Mughal armies, it is slow-cooked, spiced, and a warm meal in itself. It’s full of comfort, and also one of the most generous plates you’ll find. If you’re pacing yourself, consider sharing. If not, follow it up with their Chicken Baida Roti (Rs 120) and commit fully. AT Raees Kebab Corner, Taherabad Cooperative Housing Society, Balamiyan Lane, off Cross Road 2, Mahim West.CALL 9833660435 Seekh Kebabs This is a classic Mumbai kebab-eating spot. With a tight menu and a clear favourite, the Seekh Kebab, (chicken or mutton; Rs 160), rules the roost. It is served with deep-fried paratha or without it. AT Al Zamzam, 79, Merchant House, Old Cadel Road, opposite Mahim Dargah, Mahim West. CALL 7862077610 Malpua and Aflatoon Indulge in dessert at this mithaiwala. Ramzan celebrations feel incomplete without these items. Hot Malpua (Rs 150) is served at the shop. Also indulge in Aflatoon (left; Rs 90, per piece), a sticky toffee-like mithai made of mawa, egg, and dried fruits, if you love rich sweets that are loaded with dried fruits. AT Usman Suleman Mithaiwala, Rogay Cottage Chowk, Old Cadel Road, opposite Mahim Dargah, Mahim West. CALL 92220149 Sehri-ready The display of Nankhatai, Coconut Macaroons, Khari, and Pav at the store Plan out your morning feast. Pick up Nankhatai, Coconut Macaroons, Khari, among other cookies. You can also rely on their Naan Pav, which is closer to a bun than anything else, and makes for a great bread to make sandwiches using iftar leftovers. AT Crystal Bakery, 76/78, Ashiana Building, Veer Savarkar Marg (Old Cadel Road) CALL 9322506116 Chicken Shawarma Altaf’s Shawarma (Rs 90) is a neighbourhood favourite. The sauces don’t overwhelm, allowing the meat to shine rather than getting diluted as a filler. It’s a satisfying mid-walk bite. The restaurant is using a firewood stove for a few items on the menu to conserve LPG fuel. AT Altaf’s Saffron Restaurant The Mahim Makarand CHS, Mahim West. CALL 9322643731
21 March,2026 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaChimani, Chiraiya, Chittu Kuruvi — whatever name you grew up calling the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), chances are, it has been ages since you heard it. The declining population of the once commonly seen, heard, and loved bird has led concerned Mumbaikars to devise inventive methods to bring the bird back to the city. Environmentalists Dr V Shubhalaxmi and Manish Verma share their tips. Play your part >> Feeder: Take a plastic bottle and cut a small hole on the side. Fill the bottle with jowar, bajra, wheat, or peanuts. Sparrows do not feed on whole seeds or grains like pigeons. Ensure you break the grains. Attach a hook to the bottom of the bottle and hang it in your balcony or garden. >> Dust bath: Sparrows like to immerse themselves in fine soil and shake it off to clean their bodies of parasites and other organisms. A bowl of dry and fine soil makes the ideal dust bath. >> Water bowls: Leave a shallow plate or bowl of water outside. The tiny birds will drink, and might even step in for a quick bath. >> Green island: Omnivorous in nature, sparrows love plants that attract insects like caterpillars. Plant Tulsi, lemongrass, marigold, or periwinkle in your home garden. Housing societies can plant hedges of bougainvillea on their fence walls. Why did the sparrows leave? >> Skyscrapers and redeveloped buildings lack crevices, short hedges, and shaded corners where sparrows like to nest.>> Open grain stores that attracted the birds have given way to modern gated supermarkets.>> Increased pesticide usage in public gardens has left no food for sparrows to feed their offspring. Little birdie, big impact Sparrows play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insects in crop fields. In 1955, China eliminated nearly two billion sparrows as part of Mao Zedong’s Four Pests campaign. It snowballed into a famine in 1959, killing millions.
20 March,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFounded on this day in 2019 as a not-for-profit organisation, Mumbai Storytellers Society is all set to celebrate World Storytelling Day (Marc 20) through a fun line-up of events. This will be held in collaboration with Crossword, Kemps Corner. The team is also celebrating World Puppetry Day since puppetry has been an integral part of the oral storytelling traditions in India. Usha Venkatraman “The theme this year is ‘light in the darkness’. It’s to reflect on what’s happening around the world, without getting into it deeply. Hence, the inclusion of a shadow puppet play,” shares Usha Venkatraman, a founding member of the Society. Venkatraman has been a storyteller since 1996. “I visited Sweden in 2010, and realised that there is a thriving storytelling profession across the world. It was a dream to set up something like that in India,” she adds. Inspired by it, she began charging a fee for her work, which she hadn’t done before, and took up storytelling as a profession. In 2019, she believed it was time to give back to society. The Guide’s picks Shadow puppet show Nalini Dinesh Agni Pareeksha is an experimental shadow puppet play performed by children between the ages of 10 and 15. It’s curated by Nalini Dinesh, and is about waste management. Humorous folktales Nidhi Bagaria Nidhi Bagaria, a member of Mumbai Storytellers Society and founder of The Creative World, plans to share humorous folktales. She believes stories travel far and wide; they have the ability to pass their wisdom to their listeners. Dramatic reading Zarine Jalil Menon Zarine Jalil Menon is the founder of Salad Stories, an initiative that encourages healthy eating habits in children through storytelling. She will conduct a dramatic reading of American comedian and screenwriter BJ Novak’s funny read-aloud work, The Book with No Pictures. Inspirational stories Asha Girdhar Asha Girdhar, a reputed storyteller from the city, has mentored over 15,000 children in the art of creative writing. She will narrate an inspiring story about the condor, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. On March 21; 4.30 pm to 6 pmAt Crossword Bookstore, Kemps Corner.
20 March,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaYou’ll always find your way back home by Hannah Montana As Hannah Montana marks her 20th anniversary, we’ve found ourselves returning to this classic upbeat pop number that instantly lifts the mood and gets you moving. Shallow by Lagy Gaga and Bradley Cooper It was Oscar season recently, and we couldn’t help but return to one of our favourites from the last decade. This track by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper from the film, A Star is Born, won Best Original Song in 2019. The songwriting is honest, dissecting life’s travails in all its intensity and despair. Listen to it, if you enjoy an honest ballad and appreciate a powerful performer. It’s all heart. Anisa by Zakir Hussain A throwback to the jugalbandi, playfulness and virtuosity that defined the iconic instrumentation of the late maestro’s genius. PS, the song is named after Hussain’s daughter. A memorable gift, to say the least. The Mountain by Gorillaz We’ve been hooked on this track that features Anoushka Shankar’s sitar, Aman Ali Bangash on the sarod, and just enough room for an ethereal flute line by Ajay Prasanna.
20 March,2026 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFor Elli AvrRam, Sridevi feels like a kindred spirit. “I never met her and that makes me sad,” says the Swedish-Greek actor about our icon of choice this week. “To me, she was the perfect heroine. Elli AvrRam A combination of great acting, graceful and vibrant dancing skills, and versatile expressions. Apart from all her classic films, I absolutely loved her English Vinglish. While she left us far too soon, Sridevi will always remain the ultimate timeless beauty.” No sides, just celebrations Puran polis were on the menu for Sagarika Ghatge and hubby Zaheer Khan yesterday, as the couple and their beautiful baby boy Fateh celebrated Gudi Padwa. Adorably, the almost one-year-old was more than happy to go back for seconds at lunch — a little gourmand after my own heart. Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge An abundance of marigolds and mango leaves set the scene at Sagarika’s family home, despite renovations being underway. Silver plates and a perfectly laid table were never up for compromise, of course — and neither was getting all dolled up for the occasion. Sagarika wore a sindoori red sari from her own brand, Akutee, while both her boys — the beefy former cricketer and their baby — wore kurta pyjamas. If there’s a quiet flex here, it’s this: festivals in this family aren’t about picking sides. From Gudi Padwa to Eid, Sagarika and Zak celebrate it all — effortlessly, stylishly, and entirely on their own terms. A welcome reset in a divided world. The hills are alive After a brief hiatus from the limelight, the original Mr Bond has resurfaced — via a poignant reel — to remind us why he remains our most beloved storyteller. Ruskin Bond Currently navigating the slow road of physiotherapy following spinal surgery, Ruskin Bond confessed this Wednesday to an even more daunting hurdle: his eyesight now prevents him from reading or writing by hand. Yet, in true Bond fashion, the narrative never stops, so the nonagenarian has found a new rhythm — dictating his latest musings to his granddaughter, Shrishti. “I won’t stop writing until I’m gone, or until my mind gives way,” says the Mussoorie native — a line that truly tugs at the heartstrings. Even as his body recalibrates, Bond’s creative pulse remains as vivid and sharp as ever. With a slate of new book releases timed for his birthday in May, the Bard of the Hills is proving that his spirit is nowhere near retiring. Mumbai fans — including filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj — can’t wait. Home is where the heart is Though she is currently in the Maldives for her cousin’s wedding, Scoop star Karishma Tanna is a self-confessed homebody. From a cutesy coffee machine to framed photographs and fresh flowers galore, her home is curated with love and focused on her family — husband Varun Bangera, her mum, and their dogs included. Making it easier to manage it all is the fact that her mum lives in the same Bandra building as she does — “I live one floor up,” the actor explains. Karishma Tanna. PIC/ROHIT MENDIRATTA Splitting time between both homes, Karishma has recently wrapped up a meticulous renovation of her mother’s apartment, with hands-on assistance from designer-entrepreneur Indraja Menkar. GoodHomes India, amongst our favourite design magazines, has all the dope on this transformation, but never content with public domain data, we reached out to managing editor Avril Noel D’souza for more. “Karishma’s foremost priority was a pet-friendly home,” Avril tells us, explaining many of the actor’s design choices. “She also wanted the space to celebrate all her memories with her mum.” With thoughtful touches, clever storage solutions, and a warm, inviting palette, the revamped apartment now mirrors Karishma’s own aesthetic — resulting in a space where family, memories, and furry companions truly feel at the heart of everything.
20 March,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatNavroze, the Persian New Year, is celebrated by the Parsi and Zoroastrian communities, and Iranis. It is a celebration of the spring equinox and expressing gratitude towards nature. Traditions include offering prayers at the fire temple, visiting family and setting the Haft-Sin table laid with fruits, dry fruits and sweets. This year, key products that are sourced from Iran are off the shelves, while some like dry fruits have become dearer. Confectionery including Gaz (Iranian nougat), Baklava and Soan Halwa, have run out of stock, because of the unrest in the Middle East and adjacent regions. Bibi Fatehmeh with pieces of Gaz at Cafe Colony & Stores in Dadar Dadar’s Cafe Colony & Stores has always stocked boxes of Gaz for Navroz. This year, at the 92-year-old cafe, you’ll only find a jar filled with pieces of Gaz. Owner Bibi Fatehmeh says, “I’m not selling them by the box. I have unpacked what I had in stock and am selling it by the piece so more people can have it. We have to adapt to the times.” Market research Mukesh Gala at Royal Foods at Crawford Market. PICS COURTESY/PHORUM PANDYA At Crawford Market, Mukesh Gala aka ‘Royal Takla’ owns Royal Foods for the past 26 years. “We introduced Gaz 25 years ago. This is the first year it is unavailable. Irani anjeer, Pista Halwa and Plain Halwa are available, but Soan Halwa is out of stock. The cost for Irani Mamra almonds has shot up from R2800 to R3400 per kg. We’ll have to see what happens in the coming months,” he says. Irani anjeer Zereshk berries, used on Berry Pulao, are procured from Iran in small packets of dried and compressed bricks. Most cafe owners, including Kyani & Co, say they have enough stock to last the year. On condition of anonymity, a shopkeeper in Crawford Market said that Zereshk berries are usually carried by people who visit Iran, and sold here. “You need to know which shop to visit,” he reveals. Sugar-free and vegan sweets made from chikoos Commenting on market patterns, Pratik Pawar of A-1 Dry Fruits at Crawford Market says since the pandemic business is hit by 40 per cent. “We’ve been running this store for 23 years now. Now, people source as per their needs. Khari Baoli (Old Delhi) and Crawford Market have the best produce.” Kitayun Rustom and Kurush Dalal Go local Kitayun Rustom, resident of Ness Baug is swapping with alternative, locally-sourced produce. “We are chikoo farmers in Dahanu. We make sugar-free and vegan chikoo mithai, including a fudge and millet ladoo. One can innovate and create different products from locally available ingredients,” Rustom explains. “Nature gives us fruits so we place these on our Navroze Haft sin table to express our gratitude. At such a crucial time in world history, we should create a fusion of cultures and also move to sustainable lifestyles. India is abundant in peanuts, currants, raisins, dates, pomegranates and desiccated coconuts that can be incorporated. Noghl is a traditional and famous Persian sweet and can be replaced with Nokuldana prasad found in India. The purpose is to celebrate the bounty of nature.” Adjust and adapt Archaeologist and food historian Kurush Dalal says dry fruits don’t come a few days before the festival so the current demand is met. “What will happen in the next two to three months is to be seen. We do have alternatives of California almonds and pistachios. Saffron is an important product from Iran, and this shortfall will have repercussions,” he says, adding that Iranian apple exports to India are a major component of India’s fruit imports, often accounting for around 23 per cent of its total apple imports. “These apples, mainly from regions like Urmia and West Azerbaijan, are preferred for their competitive pricing, bright colour, and high-quality, typically arriving via Bandar Abbas to ports like Nhava Sheva. The regional tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan is also likely to disrupt produce coming in from Afghanistan. “Supply of Kandhari apricots and a variety of badams will be disrupted,” informs Dalal. When we reach out to Britannia & Co, third-generation owner Afshin Kohinoor answers the call. “I have enough Zereshk berries in stock but no Gaz. I have three boxes of Baklava left, jaldi lai ja nahi toh khatam thai jase (Come buy them soon or they will be over),” he shares, underlining the sign of our times. Berry bounty Zereshk berries used for Berry pulao Zereshk berries called barberries from Iran are used in Berry Pulao. At one point, they were so scarce in India, that they were like rationed saffron. Table of tradition The Haft-sin table has seven symbolic items for Navroze to celebrate spring. Each of the seven items begin with the letter S in Persian. Sabzeh (wheat, barley), Samanu (sweet pudding), Senjed (dryfruit), Seeb (apples), Seer (garlic), Somagh (sumac berries), Serkeh (vinegar)
20 March,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaSilver lining There is a quiet power in authenticity. With a simple wave and silver-flecked hair, Manisha Koirala turned a Wednesday salon run into a celebration of the natural self — proving that grace doesn’t really need a filter Fandom Fallacy For a man expected to be articulate, author Chetan Bhagat sometimes struggles to make sense. A podcast and column from last year, now going viral post India’s T20 World Cup win, suggest that Indians are “obsessed with cricket” and that the “countless productive hours… our youth spend glued to screens” could cost an entire generation dearly. Chetan Bhagat “Why are you watching other men achieve excellence and not trying to achieve it yourself?” he asks. But does fandom inherently ruin productivity? Reducing millions of passionate cricket fans to brain‑dead spectators ignores the cultural, communal, and motivational value sports bring. Blaming “obsession” for societal issues oversimplifies complex problems, turning entertainment into moral panic. Bhagat’s argument, at its core, reads less like insight and more like condescension. While I rant out loud, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. Are die-hard cricket fans like Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and even Daniel Radcliffe not productive? It’s a false dichotomy to say that you are either a producer of excellence or a consumer of it, with no room for both. To suggest otherwise is to ignore that the inspiration we find in others’ greatness is often what fuels our own. After-hours art ritual Not nearly enough people are talking about Art Night Thursday — arguably one of the coolest things to do in Mumbai — which unfolds on the second Thursday of every month. Orchestrated by the Mumbai Gallery Association, this free-for-all experience throws open the doors of select galleries after hours, giving the public a rare chance to mingle with artists, engage with the exhibitions, and chat up the gallerists themselves. Aahana Miller And then there are the regulars, who’ve turned it into something of an art-world ritual. Case in point: Aahana Miller. The daughter of artist Brinda Chudasama and architect Alfaz Miller, Aahana treats Art Night Thursday like a well-planned marathon — clocking anywhere between three and ten shows in a single evening, usually with an entourage in tow. Her mother often joins, alongside a rotating cast of art-world friends. By the end of the night, Aahana distils it all into a single verdict — her top pick — posted to Instagram. Tarq and Chemould often claim the crown. And while her following may be modest, don’t be fooled: her stamp of approval is quietly becoming currency in the city’s art circles. As for how she chooses? It’s sixth sense over science. “I can’t explain it,” she shrugs. “It’s just a reflection of how I feel.” And does her mother — also the curator of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival — agree with her calls? Not always. “The decision isn’t democratic,” Aahana laughs. Whatever it is, it’s clearly working. Money Talks So here’s some backroom chatter that’s quietly rattling the foundations of a legacy construction company. For a while now, insiders have been whispering about a fallout between two brothers — a rift that, by all accounts, has everything to do with their wives. One has long been the public face of the company, while the other, in a manner of speaking, holds the purse strings. What began as hushed speculation has now escalated enough to land on my desk. The tipping point? A recent family-hosted soirée that drew Mumbai’s high and mighty — conspicuously excluding one brother and his wife. Are the parents taking sides? It certainly appears so. And if the chatter is to be believed, they’re siding with the money. Kidney-touching milestone Mirroring his lethal precision on the pitch, pacer Jasprit Bumrah kept his anniversary Instagram tribute short and sharp on Sunday, posting a simple ‘Happy anniversary’ caption alongside a few candid photos. However, it was his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, who stole the digital show. Playfully trolling his brevity, she dubbed it a “kidney touching caption” — a hilarious nod to the heart-touching cliché. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan Beyond the banter, this couple remains a masterclass in the public conduct of power pairings. Celebrating five years of marriage alongside the glow of a recent T20 World Cup victory, they prove that while the world gets loud, a “hug that feels like home” is the ultimate victory.
19 March,2026 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatMixed doubles Bandra just witnessed a serious power-pairing crossover! Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia keep it effortlessly cool as they flank TV’s current ‘it’ couple, Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra, for a sunny Tuesday outing. Double the dates, double the peace signs. Date night Ever since he held his own (and then some) opposite Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra in The White Tiger, I’ve had my eye firmly on Adarsh Gourav. Powerhouse performer? Obviously. But he’s also a legit singer, ridiculously sharp, and annoyingly well-rounded — arty, intellectual, and still somehow fun. When he’s not working, Adarsh seems to live for the outdoors: holidaying in the hills, leaping off cliffs into murky ponds, and adopting strays along the way. Of course, it’s been a while since he’s had a proper vacation — these days, he’s making the most of Mumbai’s rhythm. Adarsh Gourav On Monday, the actor stepped out for a night at Soho House with his striking ladylove Radhika Kolgaonkar, accompanied by elder brother Vasishth Bhagavatula — playing either the third wheel or chief guest, depending on your perspective. The venue delivered beachy vibes and the perfect backdrop for a casual evening away from the spotlight (though we definitely noticed). Having wrapped up pandemonious promotions for Tu Yaa Main last month, a little downtime is overdue for Adarsh. His last ‘trip’ was hosting a Hotstar docuseries on the disappearing tribes of Northeast India, which is hardly a holiday. “No vacation yet,” he laughs when we ask, “but soon.” If you’re taking notes, Adarsh, a serene hill retreat in Kasol or Manali might be the perfect escape — trekking, riverside cafes, and complete unplug vibes. Closer to home and safer too. Exotic escapes for all, except Sanju Samson With war raging in West Asia, the well-heeled are looking east for their escapes. Last week, Parineeti Chopra and her Rajya Sabha MP hubby Raghav Chadha were bingeing on mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream in Thailand, while attending a family wedding. Closer still was Hardik Pandya, who headed to Alibag briefly, with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma in tow. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Rhea Kapoor had a post-birthday break at the ultra-luxe Amanpuri on a private peninsula in Phuket, and while her azure ocean images were inviting, filmmaker Farah Khan’s Goan getaway had us salivating — between a fish thali at Avo’s Kitchen in Assagoa, and apéritifs at Anjuna’s Jolene by the Sea. Incidentally, both Farah’s fabulous food choices were dictated by the Arora sisters: Avo’s was recommended by Malaika, while Jolene is actually owned by Amrita Arora Ladak. But back to our boys in blue. I’ve already dished out the deets on Rohit Sharma making merry in the Maldives with wife Ritika Sajdeh recently, yet it is Sanju Samson’s holiday — or lack thereof — that merits final mention. When asked why he was chilling in a roadside chai shop in Kerala while so many of his T20 World Cup-winning teammates were holidaying in exotic parts of the world, Sanju was quick to clarify this wasn’t quintessential Samson. “The reality is I also tried for exotic locations, but nothing was available.” Who’d have thought scoring an exotic escape is harder than hitting eighties and nineties in World Cup cricket? Go east when the opportunity arises, Sanju, you’ve certainly earned it! Party Politics Shaina NC and Supriya Sule may represent different ends of the political spectrum — Shaina as a firebrand voice in the Shinde faction’s Shiv Sena, and Supriya as a seasoned parliamentarian with the NCP (SP) — but that doesn’t stop them from sharing professional respect and personal warmth. Shaina NC (seated) with Supriya Sule (behind her) It was heartwarming to see both enjoying an evening out at a wedding in Pune over the weekend, sharing a light‑hearted moment with Aksha Kamboj of Aspect Global and Anamika Gautam. Welcome proof that even politics can pause for a laugh. Nurturing new talent Not that we needed another reason to be wowed by Vir Das, but he’s given us one anyway. Days ago, the Emmy-award-winning comedian offered an open invitation to emerging South Asian designers to dress him for his upcoming UK show. Vir Das “You gotta be a new label, nothing too fancy,” the stand-up star stipulated, in a ‘casting call’ for desi designers in London. Not only will Vir wear their togs for his performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 1, but also credit them, pay them, and return their clothes once his curtain call is complete. This isn’t a one-off gesture — it’s a pattern. When Vir became the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards in 2024, he skipped the big fashion houses and spotlighted a young Delhi-based designer instead, handing Shubhangi Bajpai a global moment. Now, he’s passing that spotlight forward again. In consistently using his platform to lift others, Vir proves that generosity can be as compelling as talent — if not more.
19 March,2026 03:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
