Tiger in training Some people go to Juhu Beach for the pav bhaji. Tiger Shroff goes to remind gravity that its services are no longer required. Here he is with his trainer on Wednesday, keeping his 2026 fitness goals on a literal upward trajectory The hustle and the hills Siddhant Chaturvedi Gone are the days of simple trailer drops and press junkets — marketing a movie now demands everything but the kitchen sink. The promotional whirlwind can be particularly gruelling for a film’s stars, as Mrunal Thakur and Siddhant Chaturvedi may well have discovered with their latest release. One moment they’re spotted at a café in Mumbai, the next they’re greeting fans in Lucknow — all of it wedged between television appearances and glossy magazine shoots. One might expect some R&R to be mandatory after all the hullabaloo, but that, it seems, is out of the question. Siddhant, we hear, is scheduled to start prep for his V Shantaram biopic within the next few days. And while he is laser-focused on the task at hand, his mind occasionally wanders to the hills. Shillong is his destination of choice, where the music, culture and weather offer equal attraction. Friends tell us a bike tour tops his to-do list, with local food, indie gigs and street-side shopping also pencilled into the plan. It’s ironic that the Gully Boy star dreams of lush green hills while living by the beach in Mumbai — but perhaps it is exactly for that reason. Because, unlike the hills, the waves are already at his doorstep. Distance does matter Emmanuel Macron Two days in Mumbai and Emmanuel Macron has us floored. You’d think it would be the French President’s sharp suits stealing the show but, in fact, his athleisure game has everyone talking. Running down Marine Drive with skeletal security and significant style, Macron made his mark on Tuesday — before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also remarked on this now-viral morning run. Milind Soman “You know everything,” Macron told Modi in jest, eliciting a good giggle from yours truly. Of course, Mumbai’s original marathon heartthrob is Milind Soman, and his response to Macron’s run was just as noteworthy as Modi’s. Fairly unmoved by the fact that the Parisian President had hit the streets like a regular Mumbaikar, Milind asked us: “What distance did he run?” Because let’s be real — that’s all a proper runner cares about. Watch this space With most folks not just accepting freebies but actively seeking handouts, it’s heartwarming to hear of someone who is swimming against the tide. While the analogy fits, the sport in the spotlight is cricket, and the story we’re hearing is about a high-powered panel associated with the game. It seems each member of this panel received an expensive watch as a ‘gift’ last week, but one beneficiary bowed out — saying thanks but no thanks to a timepiece that cost a tidy sum. The news has been blowing up insider WhatsApp group chats ever since. Meanwhile, we’re just glad that some people still know the importance of playing down the right line. Advocacy meets AI Soha Ali Khan Talk about hitting the ground running. Only days after being officially introduced as a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Advocate for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India, Soha Ali Khan took to the stage at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 16, to discuss the dark side of AI. Asking for the urgent adoption of ethical, gender-responsive artificial intelligence to make digital spaces safer and more empowering for women and girls, the actor, author and activist highlighted the need for safety-by-design, privacy, and accountability in an increasingly unsafe online environment. While Soha’s agenda is to advance awareness and action around reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment, issues like deep fakes and online harassment sit at the confluence of her many roles. After all, celebrities are hit the hardest. Just ask Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, who are already entangled in a lawsuit, battling alleged AI-generated deepfake videos on YouTube. Clearly, it’s time to illuminate the dark underbelly of AI — and Soha already has her spotlight trained.
19 February,2026 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatJourney to the top Take a trek to Mount Kalsubai. You can visit the Kalsubai temple, and enjoy breathtaking views.ON February 20; 10:45 pm onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station LOG ON TO trekhievers.comENTRY Rs 699 Serene stroll Sagar Upvan Garden. Pic courtesy/Wildnest Mumbai An escape doesn’t have to involve going out of town. Take a walk around Sagar Upvan Garden organised by platform Wildnest Mumbai. Learn about flora and fauna as well.ON February 21; 8 am AT Sagar Upvan Garden, Cuffe Parade. LOG ON TO urbanaut.app ENTRY Rs 550 onwards Treasure hunt in Bandra Sign up for a nocturnal treasure hunt around Bandra by the platform DaBombaes, learning about hidden gems of the area along the way.ON February 20; 9.30 pm onwardsAT Bandra West (exact location revealed post registration) LOG ON TO urbanaut.app ENTRY Rs 1600 onwards
19 February,2026 09:57 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamThursdayBop with The Beatles The Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band returns to Bandra for a retro vinyl listening session. Let Paul, John, Ringo, andGeorge take over your weekend.TIME 8.30 pmAT Adagio Lite, Anselm Villa, Bandra West. LOG ON TO highape.com Entry Rs 500 FridayHumour hour Urjita Wani and Supriya Joshi Urjita Wani, Rohan Gujral, and Supriya Joshi’s schadenfreude brings the laughs at this early weekend comedy hour. Prepare for some laughter therapy.TIME 4 pmAT The J Spot, Tian Building, Juhu Scheme, Vile Parle West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 249 SaturdayLankan delight From Kadala Hummus to Ceylon Black Pepper Fry, give your palate a Lankan lift with the Gang of Penang pop-up. A collaboration with Lisa’s Lanka, you will have your fill with Malaysian and Lankan delicacies on offer.TILL February 28AT The Penang Table, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 9076279090 (for reservations) Murakami matters Forgetting, faith, and unexpected connections set up this quirky production about a journey through Japan, Aham Murakami.TIME 6.30 pm and 9 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO altshows.inENTRY Rs 350 SundayThe tree horror show PIC COURTESY/@mumbai.vann Remember the ghost on the peepul tree? Or why you never go near a Banyan tree at night time? These stories and myths shared by Abhishek Khan become a part of naturalist study at this interactive walk.TIME 8.30 amAT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion-Bandra Link Road, Dharavi.LOG ON TO @mumbai.vannEntry Rs 450 onwards Spray it on PIC COURTESY/@radliving Valentine’s may be past, but it is not too late to learn the secret to create a fragrance that expresses your heart’s desires. At least, it is a change from smelling the high AQI.TIME 4 pm to 6pmAT Aomi, third floor, Trade View Building, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @radliving (to register, and details)
19 February,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWe are more connected than ever with technology, but lonelier than ever,” Ikroop Nijjar reminds us. As founder of The Listening Club, Nijjar seeks to counter this experience through listening sessions. “Why listening? Because it is the one time we are truly present,” she says. This Saturday, she will join participants for a session, You had me at Hello! with podcaster and audio practitioner Mae Mariam Thomas. “The session is focused on voice as a means of experiencing emotion,” the founder adds. They will explore the emotional threads of voices through prompts, but mainly listening and silence. “You don’t have to even introduce yourself, or speak; just be present,” Nijjar concludes. ON February 21; 4.30 pm AT Chimbai Village Theatre by JGS, Matsyalaya Building, Bandra West. LOG ON TO urbanaut.com ENTRY R849 onwards
19 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFor those who would prefer a cerebral activity to unwind and relax, Base Camp Board Gaming, a Borivli-based platform, is organising a gaming weekend at Mumbai Surf Club, for the first time. Open to all, attendees will be introduced to a host of indie and international board games and challenges. A surfer at the club “We will bring our collection of over 350 board games and guide attendees through them, including strategy, party, and social deduction games. Anyone can participate in the event, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player,” shares Anirudh Shetty, founder of Base Camp Board Gaming. Guests can expect jigsaw puzzles, ranging from 150 to 1000 pieces, to solve solo or in a group, in addition to tournaments, for which prizes will be offered. Anirudh Shetty These include a tournament for the game, Zambaara, an elemental clash card game, and a tactile tiling board game, Tess. “Later during the day, we will also host a murder mystery game, where around 10 people come together, and are provided case files and clues; evidence is scattered around the area to find,” he further explains. Board games exhibited for people to try and purchase include Girdl by Zenwood Games, Tess by Okapia, and Road Trip and Knoqout by Quackapo, amongst others. Players solve a jigsaw puzzle; (right) the board game titled ‘Tess’ One of the highlights is a surfing board game, Surf’s Up. “It’s a six-player game where each person gets a surfboard, and has to track how much they achieve based on how many waves they have taken on, for instance, or how much energy they spend. It’s fitting for a beach gaming retreat; participants with experience in surfing will be able to understand this well,” Shetty tells us. Evening sessions will be hosted for the murder mystery game, titled Who Killed Gagan. Pic courtesy/crimailed.com Preeti Rawat, co-founder of Mumbai Surf Club, adds, “Surfing sessions will also take place in the morning, after which the board gaming retreat begins on all the days. Hence, those seeking to rejuvenate both body and mind this weekend, can sign up for surfing sessions in advance.” The Surf’s Up board game ON February 20 to 22; 12 pm to 8 pm (retreat)AT Mumbai Surf Club, Rajodi Beach, Virar West. LOG ON TO @base_camp_bg (to register); mumbaisurfclub.com (surfing sessions)ENTRY Rs 450 (per person, per day)
19 February,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshRed and radiant Kicking off the Year of the Horse in style, actress Richa Chadha galloped into the Chinese New Year celebrations at Kuan Kung Temple in Mazagaon. Fans from all communities flocked to catch a glimpse of the Gangs of Wasseypur star and join in the vibrant celebrations on February 16 Home is where the cat is If Aram Nagar screams struggling actors, Bandra is for the belles of the ball. Among its brightest is The Lunchbox star Nimrat Kaur, who has been comfortably ensconced in the same Carter Road building as Kamal Sadanah and Leena Chandavarkar for some years — until recently. With the sea-facing property being redeveloped, Nimrat now finds herself in transition. “I am mid-move as we speak,” she confesses, adding, “New beginnings always come with discomfort and difficulties, but it’s a welcome change.” Nimrat Kaur Not a soul who clings to her comfort zone, Nimrat is packing up and relocating without regret. It helps, of course, that she isn’t moving too far — her new pad is in Bandstand. “I love Bandra! I love the cafés here, I love the culture, and the milieu of people who come from different parts of the country to make this their home. Between the by lanes and the bungalows, it is all so cosy and beautiful.” While she is a self-confessed fan of this suburb’s dazzling Christmas lights, it is something else altogether that has us feeling warm and fuzzy. Nimrat’s 20-year-old feline friend, cattily called Karamchand, is at the centre of this story. “I have planned this entire move basis his comfort. He’s so old, I don’t want to cause him any stress. Once the new house is absolutely ready, he and his couch will be the last things to move.” Sounds purrfect. In time with tradition Rishab Rikhiram Sharma has Gen Z swooning over the sitar, and if that wasn’t flex enough, he has a stamp of approval from the White House too — having performed there during the Joe Biden administration. These days, the Delhi-born sitarist, music producer, and mental health advocate calls New York home, but wears India on his sleeve at every opportunity. Rishab Rikhiram Sharma Quite literally. Despite his eye-catching trishul mehendi, one cannot help but marvel at Rishab’s swadeshi timepiece: a stunner called The One, designed by Gaurav Mehta of Jaipur Watch Company. Featuring an authentic quarter anna coin dating back to the late Thirties, it is adorned with Devanagari numerals that whisper heritage while making a decidedly modern statement. A favourite with our very own Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well (he has a piece from the brand’s Baagh collection), these timepieces are an ode to India — much like Sharma himself, whose music carries the country’s classical soul across continents with algorithm-breaking global resonance. It is that same resonance he now brings to Mumbai on March 20, as part of his ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ India Tour. Music to our ears. From lens to legacy We may be 18 days into February, but it doesn’t feel like the beginning of the year without Dabboo Ratnani’s calendar on my desk. An annual highlight that the celebrity photographer has left us bereft of in recent years, we are delighted to hear it is set to return in 2027. Dabboo Ratnani “The churn of content is non-stop with social media now, so it only makes sense to put something out there if it is decidedly different,” says Dabboo. Currently conceptualising a calendar that shines a spotlight on film talent from across the country, he hopes to have robust representation from Punjab to the South. Trailblazers from the worlds of sport and music may also find their place in these august pages. Having shot MS Dhoni a few months ago and with Sourav Ganguly set to be photographed for a commercial next week, Bollywood darling Dabboo certainly has the requisite access across industries. Expect, then, a calendar not just of faces, but one that captures the country’s cultural pulse. Family ties Vikram Salgaocar’s wedding last week was the talk of the town, with a guest list so long and luminous it could stretch across several columns. Son to Dipti and Dattaraj Salgaocar, and eldest grandchild to late industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, this family celebration was one for the ages. The proverbial knight in shining armour arrived in a white Rolls Royce, while uncle Mukesh Ambani danced alongside. Shweana and Vikram Salgaocar. Pic/Instagram But even before the baraat and bride Shweana Poy Raiturcar had settled in, days of prior merrymaking were marked by several performances. International artistes and local stars rocked the party, but it was doting grandmother Kokilaben Ambani’s song that stole the show. Blessings never sounded sweeter.
18 February,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatConstant notifications popping up on the screen, the distracting, interminable scroll on Instagram, and the impending doom of procrastinated tasks seems to be a common experience. The Minimalist Phone app taps into this very generational problem. The trick is not a restriction, but a change in user display. The app tweaks your colourful user-interface into a basic black-and-white text-based interface. It is almost a throwback to the old DOS screens, with the apps listed in a row. With the freedom to set a time-limit on the use of the apps you choose, or to completely block other notifications, this might be a detox we all need. Log on to: minimalistphone on Google Play and Appstore
18 February,2026 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFashion is constantly evolving and deeply personal. As trends shift, this hands-on workshop hosted by Shreya Agarwal and Sana Jankharia is turning heads by blending childhood nostalgia with wearable design. If you love Lego, you can now incorporate it into your everyday style. This Lego printing session enables participants to create block prints on tote bags, bandanas, T-shirts and more. “One doesn’t have to be artistic for this; it is just an activity where you quite literally imprint your work and what you like on your choice of fabric,” says host Shreya Agarwal. Shreya Agarwal and Sana Jankharia The process is easy. It uses relief printing, a foundational printmaking technique in which raised, uncarved areas of a surface are inked and pressed onto paper or fabric, while the recessed areas remain blank. “Lego printing began during the pandemic, where people didn’t have access to letterpress and hence Lego blocks came handy,” emphasises Agarwal. Because the materials are lightweight and accessible, the workshop remains enjoyable for beginners. Participant uses a baren tool on the fabric Participants work with a 10x10-inch base plate and a selection of flat square and curved Lego pieces, typically used for building house exteriors or roof tiles. They are encouraged to conceptualise a design in pixel form, after which a bit of basic calculation helps achieve symmetry of the design. Once arranged, the design is coated with printing ink. If printing on paper, the transfer is immediate. For fabric, a baren tool is used to apply pressure to the back of paper during relief printing to transfer ink in order to get the design. Curved tiles are assembled to form a Lego pattern “The workshop is a calm place where you get to print and be creative. Along with that, you’ll enjoy Kashmiri Walnut Cookies and an espresso-based beverage,” Agarwal signs off. ON February 21; 9 am to 11 amAT The Last Supper Room, Mary Lodge, Chapel Road, Ranwar, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @artwalahouseENTRY Rs 1500 (includes all materials)
18 February,2026 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThe typical path for Indian stand-up comedians runs through an engineering college. Hence, the running joke: Get a BE first, and then do what you really want. For 59-year-old Noida resident Manish Tyagi, it included an extra step: Twenty-three years in the Indian Navy. The NIT Jaipur Mechanical Engineering graduate and retired (1989-2012) Commander quit the armed forces in 2012 to chase the stage dream. If you had told him his decision was laughable, he’d have thanked you. This weekend, he brings his unique brand of Hinglish comedy, interspersed with anecdotes from his time in service to a Khar stage. “I was always the jovial officer. I’d read jokes from magazines like Reader’s Digest, and add my own twists before narrating stories to staff onboard our ships,” he recalls. Safe to say, the disciplined officer in him is still alive. “Every venue that I perform in, I report 30 minutes before everyone else on the line-up. They’re always surprised to see me,” he laughs. Former Indian Navy Commander Manish Tyagi. PICS COURTESY/MANISH TYAGI Following his travels across postings in Mumbai, Goa, Lonavala, Visakhapatnam, Secunderabad, and Delhi, the Noida-based comedian has been taking stage as a motivational speaker and comedian for the last decade. “Having commanded platoons, open-mics were smooth sailing for me,” Tyagi admits. He has just one bone to pick with over-enthusiastic tipplers eyeing an easy discount: “They keep asking me, ‘[Naval] Canteen kab jaa rahe ho?’” ON February 22; 6 pmAT Khar Comedy Club, Platinum Avenue, Linking Road, Khar West. LOG ON TO @kharcomedyclub, @knottycommanderENTRY Rs 499 Sea and smile Tyagi’s best bits inspired by his time at sea >> I was out on a day when the rains were lashing down on Gurugram. I took a dig at the flooded roads. The woman with me quickly retorted, “Weren’t you in the Navy?” >> When we were in the Navy, the young ones would often hear this cheeky dig from senior officers: When I was in uniform, you were in liquid form. >> Young aspirants often ask me with a twinkle in their eye whether they should join the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The only correct answer to that is, whichever exam you can crack first. Commander’s guidebook Planning to quit your job to pursue stand-up comedy? Tyagi shares his beginner’s checklist 1 Don’t do it because people tell you you’re funny. Are you really passionate about comedy? 2 Keep the job until you’re able to match your monthly salary through stand-up shows. 3 Network with everyone. Talk to fellow first-timers and veterans alike. 4 Patience is key. Be prepared for long hours in the green room waiting for your spot.
18 February,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSporting funky accessories can make the Mumbaikar’s commute a tad easier, be it during rush hour in local trains or festive processions. New pairs of Maharashtra-themed socks (Rs 734) are one such example. They match Mumbai’s spirit, with bold prints reflecting the bustle and colour of its streets. Throw in a few designs reflecting the spice of Kolhapur, and the tranquility of skies in the Konkan, and these can be perfect for someone who would like to make a truly desi statement with their clothing. Socks Similarly, handkerchiefs can reveal quirks about a person. If you’d like to add some flair to the monotony of carrying one around, the pocket-sized Maharashtra-themed hanky (Rs 489) might add some spark, with its prints of buses, Friday night parties, and the Dabbawalas of Mumbai. You might want even to use it as a makeshift bandana to beat the heat, and stay prepared as summer approaches Mumbai. Tote bags However, if we speak of everyday commutes, nothing says ‘prepared’ more than knowing what you need to carry during a day in the city, be it during a shopping spree in the local market or a walk on Juhu beach. You can add a touch of the Bambaiya vibe to your style with this Jivachi Mumbai tote canvas bag (R1079), which is flexible and accommodates everything you need. Consider it a helping hand amidst the busy vibes of the city, with prints of Kaali-Peeli taxis, tea and Vada Pav, and metro rides. Log on to: hexafunstyles.com (for all products)
18 February,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshAlthough he does pride in staying fit, and jogging down Marine Drive, we wonder if he might not be slightly tempted by our curation. Specifically, the macaron — not named after the President — a sweet, meringue-filled sandwich pastry that is increasingly a fan favourite. There is also the macaroon, a crispy coconut cookie, often confused for the former. But before the French go ‘Sacre Bleu!’ with our cheekiness, chef Freny Fernandes offers some advice. Chef Freny Fernandes The founder-chef of Freny’s in Bandra learnt the difference during her time as a student in France. “Macaron is made with almond flour, whipped egg whites, and a meringue-like filling. The macaroon is a crispy cookie with a coconut base, but no whipped egg white. Occasionally, you can add chocolate chip, or flavours to the dough itself. In short, macaroons are crisper, while the macarons are rich and smooth,” she explains. At her Bandra food haunt, the chef serves elegant French macarons with their high tea experience. President Emmanuel Macron. Pic/Getty Images With the term almost interchangeable as the dishes grow more popular, the French no longer mind, she says. For those with a sweet tooth, the extra ‘o’ matters little. Here’s a curation to get your pick of macarons or macaroons, as you’d choose. Fire it up Coconut Macaroons AT Theobroma Bakery and Cake Shop, Colaba; Chembur; and BKC (multiple locations) CALL 8182881881 (Colaba) COST Rs 150 onwards Dark Chocolate Macaron Cake; Macaron box AT Le15 Patisserie, Louis Bell Building, Bandra West; Juhu; Breach Candy; Shivaji Park. (multiple locations)CALL 9769077309 COST Rs 1520 (box of 16) Peanut Butter Jelly Macarons AT SMOOR, Versova; Bandra West; Thane; Powai. (multiple locations)COST Rs 114 (per piece) Chocolate Passionfruit Macaron AT Laduree, Level 1, Jio World Plaza, G Block, BKC.CALL 8888888664COST Rs 275 Toasted Coconut Macaroons AT Meemees, Fort; Bandra; Matunga (multiple locations)LOG ON TO meemees.inCOST Rs 270 onwards Vanilla Gold AT Sin The Bakery, Hotel Marine Plaza, Marine Drive. CALL 7045941315 (for pre-orders only) COST Rs 350 (for 5) Heart Macarons AT Toujours Patisserie and Cake Studio, opposite Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri West.CALL 226730861COST Rs 500 onwards (box of 5) Freny’s High Tea Macarons AT Freny’s All Day Dining and Bar, Silver Pearl Building, Bandra West. CALL 7770014123 Spicy Mandarin Macarons AT Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, BKC. CALL 222222800COST Rs 395
18 February,2026 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
