Our weekly ode to beauties from a bygone era — handpicked by Bollywood’s brightest new stars — begins with the truly ageless Rekha. The Umrao Jaan actress is Kriti Sanon’s chosen icon. “There’s absolutely no one like Rekha ji. It isn’t just about her beauty, her poise, or her grace — those are timeless. But there’s also a certain warmth and kindness that she carries in her heart, which reflects in her eyes and glows on her face. She has always given me the warmest hugs and spoken to me with so much love every time I’ve met her. She is someone I admire, adore, and truly respect!” Puppy love Colston Julian (second from left) with Rahul Khanna and the Wet Nose Foundation team. PIC/SHIVAM RAWAL As if we needed another reason to swoon over Rahul Khanna, it turns out The Americans actor is a full-blown animal softie. And not just the pause-to-pet-a-stray kind. Last week, he donated his day (and considerable charm) to shoot with longtime friend and photographer Colston Julian for the Wet Nose Foundation — an NGO championing strays and abandoned pets. “I’ve always loved animals and have a soft spot for our beautiful local indie dogs. I was overjoyed to help support an organisation that is working so tirelessly for them,” Rahul tells us. Colston, the campaign’s quiet catalyst, has been working with Wet Nose since COVID; first picking up his camera to help speed up adoptions. “I lost my dog, Buddy, in an accident several years ago, and I do this in his honour,” the ace photographer explains. In 2020, he rescued a jet-black cat hiding under a car. “I wear black perennially, so it felt like destiny. A year or two down the line, the girls at the foundation decided my cat must have company. Now I find myself parenting two!” Colston laughs. As for Rahul, it’s a commitment he has resisted so far. “With my travel schedule, it’s impossible,” he admits. “But I constantly borrow dogs from friends and family to take on hikes, walks, or just for an afternoon hang!” No commitment, all the cuddles. What could be cuter? Girls’ night in Sanjeev Kapoor and Alyona The ultimate comfort food for the soul? Quality time with your girl gang. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s affable wife Alyona clearly knows the recipe, because she spent all of Thursday with a handful of her oldest girlfriends (pun entirely unintended). The boisterous bunch, all turning 60 this year, threw a joint milestone celebration: languorous spa sessions, lunch at The Taj santacruz, and even high tea, before ending the day with a sleepover at Sanjeev and Alyona’s Juhu home. While the ladies whipped up some fun, Sanjeev, we hear, was in Australia on work. A good bit of play, while the chef’s away! A legacy restored Krishnaraj, the Kapoor home on Pali Hill. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Palaces are symbols of dynasties — and ‘Krishnaraj’ is exactly that for the Kapoor family. Originally home to the legendary Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna (after whom it is named), this iconic bungalow in Pali Hill was reborn as a multi-storey building last year. Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir, wife Alia Bhatt and cherubic daughter Raha are its current occupants. There was a flurry of activity at the Bandra landmark in November, with the family moving back in (from their apartment in Vastu just a few doors down). And it seems the activity continues. Last week, the plaque at the entrance was perched into place by a crane: ‘56 Krishnaraj’ etched in stone to stand the test of time. Diametrically different from the hand painted Portuguese-style nameplate that graced the old bungalow, this one is subtle and elegant. And with its installation, another chapter of the Kapoor dynasty quietly claimed its address.
13 February,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatI Will Find You In My Next Life by Damien Marley featuring SiaReggae and Soul meets Gospel in a groovy track that gently nudges you to slow down Tu Jaane Hai Kahan by Lucky AliThe OG indie-pop veteran’s vocals cut through a ‘90s acoustic instrumental like a hot knife through butter. Quintessentially, Lucky Ali. Pics Courtesy/YouTube People & The Palm Trees by RoshneeThe song blends folk, blues and some rock and roll, which left us feeling warm, calm and nostalgic Vazhkai, En Rose by GanavyaEdith Piaf in Tamil might sound off to a purist, but this young Berklee alumna gets it right with her own take. The key solo is impressive too. Winter Wonderland by Luke Bryan featuring Ella LangleyThis upbeat melody evokes the imagery of a classic, wintertime romance with a light, playful touch
13 February,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamEncourage your young ones to engage in meaningful action this month with children who hail from low-income backgrounds. Organised by children’s platform, Snack Time, Ehsaas is a drive which nudges youngsters and adults, to partake in a free donation drive, which is to be followed by a gala auction dinner and hamper distribution drives in March. The kindness box at Magari, a café in Kandivli Urvashii Thosar, co-founder and creative curator, Snack Time, tells us more about the idea, “We have installed ‘kindness boxes’ across Mumbai, spread across Fort, Kandivli, and Kemps Corner. A few more will be set up soon. The aim is to support the education and well-being of children from a few different non-governmental organisations (NGO); all proceeds, and thoughtfully contributed resources are directed towards them. The kindness box installed at Anna Idli, a restaurant in Fort. Pics courtesy/Snack Time Eventually, tangible items like books and clothes will be distributed to children at Hunar Sikho NGO, in Mahim on the main day (March 14).” Participants can donate toys, books, clothing, and stationery, among other items. Resources must be child-friendly and durable; instructions are available on each box for reference. Urvashii Thosar Thosar signs off, “The intended message is that the initiative is ‘by children, for children’. Hence, we particularly urge children to practise kindness and compassion through such initiatives.” TILL March 12 (donation drive)AT Multiple outlets across MumbaiLOG ON TO @ehsaasbysnacktime (for more details on events and to register)
13 February,2026 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshAs the exam season gathers pace, stress and anxiety levels often rise alongside revision schedules. For many students, it stems not only from attempting difficult question papers but also from the pressure to perform consistently well. Psychologist Chandni Shailesh Akhenia says managing the mind in between exams is as important as preparing for them. “Exams are not only a test of knowledge; they are a test of emotional regulation. If students do not consciously reset after each paper, they carry cognitive and emotional residue into the next one, which directly affects their performance,” emphasises Akhenia. Box breathing technique 1 Trust yourself: Students often replay answers and compare responses outside the exam hall. “Once you step out, tell yourself the paper is over. Repeated analysis only fuels stress and offers no academic benefit,” she says. A short walk or calming music can help, as mental closure prevents tension from spilling into the next subject. 2 Box breathing before each paper: Pre-exam nerves are very common. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and pausing again for four. Repeat three to four times. This simple rhythm slows the heart rate and sends a safe signal to your nervous system which reduces physiological anxiety. Comparing responses post examinations fuel anxiety and low self-esteem 3 Decompress–review–rest routine: After each paper, allow time to unwind. Eat a light snack, and speak to someone you trust for review. Wind down early and limit screens before bed. Akhenia notes, “Rest is not something one needs to earn, it allows the brain to regulate emotions.” 4 Anchor yourself if panic strikes: If the mind goes blank mid paper, hit pause. Put the pen down, unclench your jaw and re-read the question slowly. Begin writing anything you recall. Grounding techniques reactivate clear thinking under pressure. Chandni Shailesh Akhenia 5 Balance focus with recovery: Use the Pomodoro Technique. End the day by noting what to revise tomorrow and closing your books consciously. “Small, deliberate resets prevent burnout and help reduce anticipatory anxiety,” Akhenia adds. Quick-fix tips >> Focus on breathing to stabilise racing thoughts (inhale, hold for four seconds, exhale, and hold for four seconds)>> Release physical tension by dropping shoulders and hitting reset>> Place a hand on your chest and breathe slowly until your heartbeat steadies
13 February,2026 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareTitle: Shadows of AzadiEditor: Manisha SobhrajaniGenre: Non-fictionPublisher: Yoda PressCost: Rs 699 In Shadows of Azadi (Yoda Press), 18 women from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh explore what Azadi means to them. For Shugufta Zahid, a poet and presenter at Radio Kashmir, Azadi (freedom) is getting rid of terrifying memories of crossfires and security checks — the swift rip of the grocery bags in the market by military forces. For author Neerja Mattoo, Azadi is no less than returning to Kashmiriyat, a peaceful way of life. This, she notes, once meant living in harmony in a multi-cultural state and opening up possibilities of aspirations for women. While the dreams of the writers differ, their longing for such a life and their desire to be able to unfix their gaze from the ground are echoed in all the stories. Manisha Sobhrajani The book emerges from the editor Manisha Sobhrajani’s recognition of the absence of Kashmiri women’s voices, despite their presence in public life. The essays are personal histories of the women writers featured in the book. However, in featuring women from different generations, Sobhrajani also maps for her readers a history of a changing state, as experienced by women from the 1940s to the present. We understand from accounts of Shefan Jahan Gazi, Rekha Chowdhary, and Nayeema Ahmad Mahjoor the transition into the period when the military forces took over. Others like Niyati Bhat posit a more recent history, which includes experiencing the pandemic and being a caregiver for her parents. Bold, sincere, and poignant, the stories deserve our attention. They speak about limitations and liberation, pain and resilience. They dwell on the collective effort that peace-building activities require, from men and women, to lift each other up and hold on to the hope that freedom may reveal more than its shadow someday.
13 February,2026 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaSomehow it always goes back to the 1990s these days. Kailash Poojary remembers them well. Before he became designer, and founder of the atelier, VV Exports, Poojary was a student in the city. “Any shoot for a fashion magazine happened in the lanes of Colaba and [Flora] Fountain. Walking down those streets, and looking up at those buildings, was always inspiring to me,” he says. Now, those structures find new expression in the atelier’s latest exhibition, Echoes of Bombay at 47-A in Khotachi Wadi. Kailash Poojary (standing) coordinates with a team member on the embroidered recreation of the map of old Bombay Leading an atelier that has produced garments and high couture for the MET Gala, the Academy Awards, and the Golden Globes, Poojary admits that he was looking to evolve. “Textile art in recent years has evolved far beyond what it was,” he shares. It spurred his decision to move embroidery from within the confines of garment into art. This required, quite literally, a map. Having conceptualised the idea in the first half of 2024, Poojary and his team of five worked on research by acquiring archival photographs, including a Colonial map of Bombay and its seven islands that set the tone. A view of the completed map of the seven islands on display The collection of 12 works was created using delicate aari needlework. Working on both, the reverse and straight, sides of the fabric gave them texture. From the Ballard Pier to the iconic Kala Ghoda, Bhendi Bazar and Regal Circle are part of the collection. Gallerist and curator, Srila Chatterjee points out, “Aari work and zardozi were never used for pictures. It was used for embellishment of garments. This [series] is a tribute to a city done with such delicate craft. What I loved about it is that an atelier has taken this art form outside of its usual confines to make people look at it differently.” Kailash Poojary The archival recreation makes this difference telling. Describing The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of his favourite structures, Poojary says, “It is the way the structure looked in the past, and we have created it in the past. Lesser crowds.” It was a quieter world. FROM Today to March 15; 11 am to 7 pmAT 47-A, Khotachi Wadi, Girgaum.
13 February,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWellness can be fun too. Way Well, a platform dedicated towards this philosophy, will host its flagship festival, Harmony by the Sea 2.0 in South Mumbai, where their itinerary will put mental health front and centre of a community celebration. The pier at the Bombay Presidency Radio Club “It is designed to blend movement and mindfulness with creativity. Guests can engage in curated, immersive activities. There will be breathwork and yoga sessions, with music therapy, which calms the nervous system and expands the senses, along with sound therapy for healing and relaxation. You can also expect a community-led run club, high-intensity sessions for strength, amongst other activities,” shares Alekha Advani Jain, founder of Way Well, and this festival. Attendees during a previous yoga session. PICS COURTESY/Wikipedia; Way Well Matcha enthusiasts can indulge in whisking ceremonies and workshops, while those craving for peace amidst the daily hustle can retreat to spaces dedicated to conscious connections. Jain adds, “Stalls featuring conscious, sustainable items, from apparel and jewellery, to skincare products, will also be accessible.” As the festival treats communal joy as a form of medicine, attendees can experience a playful session of Art Musical Chairs and enjoy mocktails and conscious beverages, in place of alcoholic drinks. Alekha Advani Jain “It is a shared experience rooted in the community. Our aim is to facilitate authentic human connections, especially in Mumbai, where everyone is always on the go,” the founder reveals. The sea, of course, lends itself as a calming location, she says. “This is our second edition in this city, and I want to create a rhythm where people can slow down, unplug and remember what it feels like to be present in the moment,” she signs off. ON February 15; 10 am to 10 pmAt The Bombay Presidency Radio Club Limited, Colaba. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com; district.inENTRY Rs 299 onwards
12 February,2026 10:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshFurry day out Take your four-legged companion on a relaxing day out at Zane’s Pet Spa and Salon. Nothing like a massage, bath, and a squeaky-clean scrub to end the weekend of love. Every spa session comes with a complimentary coffee at the adjacent Zane’s Cafe. That’s a paw-fer we cannot refuse. TIME 7 am to 12 am AT Todi Mill Compound, Lower Parel. CALL 9152492637 Licensed to love Find a sense of calm amidst trained therapy dogs at a workshop organised by Your Neighbourhood Therapist and Pawsitive Synergies. Activities include an art station, baking biscuits of love, and endless cuddles. If you’re third wheeling, you’re in for a special discount. TIME 11 am to 1 pmAT Your Neighbourhood Therapist, Shree Ram Tower, Sai Baba Nagar, Mira Road East. CALL 90047506161ENTRY Rs 800 (per person) onwards Date with doggos A couple at the dog cafe. PIC COURTESY/PUPPY CUDDLES Puppy Cuddles Dog Café in Bandra has set you up on a date with its resident furries. Sip on their Valentine’s special drinks and strike a pose to take home Polaroid photographs with the doggos. TIME 12 pm to 8 pmAT Triveni Building, PG Kher Marg, Khar West. CALL 9920442799
12 February,2026 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KamblePixel-perfect surprise Pic courtesy/@theretrogoods For gaming nerds, this quirky retro console loaded with classic games such as Mario Kart, Neo Geo, and Mega Drive promises hours of fun.LOG ON TO theretrogoods.inCOST Rs 1299 onwards Floral gestures Pic courtesy/Ferns N Petals This heart-shaped arrangement of hand-sprayed golden rose in a transparent box will convey affection through an elegant, long-lasting display.AT Across Ferns N Petals outletsLOG ON TO fnp.comCOST Rs 1199 A love record Pic courtesy/@confettigifts Express what your partner means to you by recording a personal message alongside their favourite track on a customised vinyl keepsake.LOG ON TO confettigifts.inCOST Rs 650 onwards Nostalgia reimagined Pic courtesy/@dotbagdes Relive cherished moments with an NFC-enabled CD that plays a special dedication, blending sentiment with a Gen-Z touch.LOG ON TO dotbadges.comCOST Rs 499 Follow your heart Pic courtesy/Amazon Gift your partner this distinctive brass compass presented in a wooden keepsake box, with the option to engrave their name for a special touch. LOG ON TO amazon.inCOST Rs 660 onwards Pages of passion A carefully chosen title remains timeless. A Poem of Life, Love and Death by Edvard Munch, available at Fluxus Chapel, examines the Norwegian artist’s six-decade career and his symbolic, cyclical reflections on human existence.AT Fluxus Chapel, ground floor, Chapel Road, near Duke Restaurant, Ranwar, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @fluxuschapel CALL 9773361243 COST Rs 1500
12 February,2026 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThursdayCatch a classic Cinephiles cannot afford to miss this special screening of the 1942 noir classic Casablanca, by the Film Heritage Foundation. The Michael Curtiz-directed Oscar winning wartime romance will make for a timely viewing this week of love. TIME 6.30 pmAT Regal Cinema, Colaba. ENTRY Limited seats; first-come-first-served God’s own photo exhibition PIC COURTESY/Saibal Das Get transported to the picturesque Kerala at the Lenscape Kerala photo exhibition in SoBo. From the famous fishing nets along its coastline to Kalaripayattu practices, and pristine backwaters, the set of 100 photographs curated by Uma Nair opens a window to the state’s rich culture.TIME 11 am to 8 pmAT Terrace Gallery, Jehangir Art Gallery, Fort. FridayMeet the flamingos Flamingos at Bhandup Pumping Station. PIC/RANE ASHISH The pink pilgrims have started to arrive in Mumbai’s wetlands. Hop on a boat safari guided by an expert from travel group Mumbai Musafir to watch the marvel up close.TIME 8 am and 10.30 amAT Bhandup Pumping Station. (Meeting point revealed on registration)CALL 8828273725ENTRY Rs 1290 SaturdaySing along PIC COURTESY/CROSSWORD Dance under a starlit sky with your Valentine to Indie pop sensation Anuv Jain’s love ballads.TIME 6 pmAT Dome SVP Stadium, Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Worli. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2500 That’s a date Take the leap and sign up for a blind date with books at this popular bookstore. Take your pick from wrapped books with clue cards hinting at the mood and genre of the titles.TIME 10 am to 10 pm AT Crossword. Locations across Goregaon, Juhu, Kurla, Versova, Kemps Corner, and Mulund. SundayFinding Kulaba Kulaba Fort. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Explore the lesser known maritime history of Alibaug at this guided walk by Intach Greater Mumbai Chapter and the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society. The day’s excursion to Kulaba Fort and Alibaug will be led by expert Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre.TIME 7.30 am to 7.30 pmMEETING POINT Revealed on registrationCALL 8087773299ENTRY Rs 1700 onwards Sew, that’s love With Valentine’s week behind you, give yourself some TLC at this sewing workshop. Learn how to make a self-love bingo frame (below). TIME 5 pmAT The Hab by Usha, opposite Sahib Khatwara Darbar, Khar West.LOG ON TO @thehab_ushaENTRY Revealed on request
12 February,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KamblePooja Hegde served looks outside Mizu in Bandra on Wednesday, after celebrating her mum’s birthday over lunch. On the menu: sake, sashimi, and a side of flashes — because paparazzi never miss a course! Glitz and glam, but bills unpaid From our friends in the HMU world comes a rather grim tale of an A‑list Bollywood family that hasn’t been settling their bills. Several hairstylists and makeup artists, hired for home services, say they’ve grown weary of waiting for dues. “We’re made to sit around and wait, then promised we’ll be paid next time,” says one. “But that next time never comes.” Assurances abound, but payments are scarce. While the family collects crores for films and appearances, these humble artists are left out of pocket — and out of respect. Truly, a dark day behind the glitz. Recipe for romance Alekha and Aadar Jain Several big-ticket Bollywood weddings devoured column inches last year, but the Kapoor khandaan coming out en masse for Aadar Jain’s nuptials to Alekha Advani may have been the most notable. The youngest of Raj Kapoor’s daughters, Rima Jain is at the core of the clan: bua to beauties Karishma and Kareena Kapoor, and of course, mum to Aadar and Armaan Jain. Now, if the Kapoors are known for anything other than cinema, it is food — and Rima’s boys carry this legacy ably. Armaan’s The Junglee Kitchen delivers bold flavours to Mumbai’s doorsteps, while younger brother Aadar is just as confident commanding a stovetop as he is a spotlight. And he’ll be putting his skills to good use on Valentine’s Day, by cooking up a feast for his beloved bride. This will be their first V-Day as newlyweds, so it warrants something special. “Alekha is hosting a huge wellness festival at the Radio Club pier in Colaba on Sunday, so I can’t do anything too over the top the night before,” Aadar tells us. Between moving into a new home this year, and with their first anniversary a week away, the celebrations are already simmering nicely. Given his Kapoor genes, Aadar’s love is best expressed in butter, spice and seconds — so this sounds like V-Day well spent. “It’s a surprise for Alekha, so I will have to hide the newspaper today,” Aadar laughs. Exactly how we like our exclusives: hot off the press, and under wraps. Nourish love Aadar lets us in on a few Kapoor-clan favourites — elite picks for your V-Day reservations:»Trishna, Kala Ghoda»Ling’s Pavilion, Colaba»Royal China, Bandra»Nara Thai, BKC»Americano, Kala Ghoda (Alekha’s fave) Fitness goals Helen and Yasmin Karachiwala (left) While most folks obsess over the gym routines of Disha Patani, Malaika Arora and Sara Ali Khan —their abs and athleisure under constant scrutiny — it is a divine beauty of another era who has us binge-watching fitness videos. The eponymous Helen, aged 86, has been lighting up social media alongside her toned trainer, Yasmin Karachiwala — delivering hope and joy between leg circles. Disha Patani and Malaika Arora We hear the definitive dance diva of Bollywood’s golden era no longer knows where her walking stick is, thanks to six days a week at the gym. She does Pilates and a little strength training, and it is obvious that she loves it. Age is just a number if you have the right attitude. Bad knees be damned, because legends never retire.
12 February,2026 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
