Manav Kaul’s Aranya Theatre brings to the stage the actor-theatre maker’s, Trasadi. A moving production, the piece is built around the theme of maternal love, loss, and a son’s repentance performed by Kaul himself. On March 19; 6 pm and 9 pmAt Prithvi Theatre, 20, Juhu Church Road, Juhu. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Entry Rs 770 onwards
16 March,2026 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team1 Thank God It’s Caturday (Red Panda) Meet some truly cool cats, and we mean the real feline variety in this marvellous collection of stories, edited by Lubaina Bandukwala. The illustrations by Sonal Gupta are a delight, and bring these stories to life. Whether you’re a cat lover, or not, this one is all about being a part of their lives. 2 This is How You Lose Her (Penguin) If you haven’t discovered Junot Díaz, this book is a reminder. His effortless, almost lyrical prose will melt the hearts of even the most hardened of cynics of love and relationships. His writing is bare, brutally honest, and deliciously romantic, all at the same. 3 Bombay II New York (Self-published) This ode to two buzzing world cities by Ria Mirchandani, is a fun flip-through book with vibrant illustrations by Shivantika Jain Kothari. The quirky idea to celebrate these cities and their unique characteristics, is the ideal gift for those missing home in the Big Apple, as we learnt was the case with the creators who crafted this trippy gem.
16 March,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamHe mentions it so casually that this writer almost misses it. It takes a second hearing to realise the gravity of the name. “It was during my interactions with the Hungry Generation of Poets in Kolkata during the 1960s, that Shakti Chattopadhyay introduced me to Allen Ginsberg,” says Manu Parekh. The 89-year-old is sharing his journey through art, and flower power. The latter forms a key motif that has informed his work, and does so in his latest exhibition, Flower Sutra Part Two. Chanting with Colours 5, 2025 “The exhibition is a continuation of the series that opened in Delhi. Peter Nagy [curator, Nature Morte] and I agreed upon the name,” the veteran adds. The series brings to light the artist’s signature style where figures, forms, and intense energy emerges through expressionist abstraction. “Everything can be touched through figuration, or abstraction,” the Padma Shri- Awardee points out. And he does so by distilling them through a visual language defined by colour, symbolic motifs, and spirituality. This experience traces back to his roots as a young child participating in Navratri decorations of Mohalla Mata (patron goddess; Malla Mata) in the Pols (traditional cluster of homes in a neighbourhood). He would witness Indian spirituality take centre stage in American counter-culture during his years at Sir JJ School of Art in the 1960s, and later travel to Kolkata; hang out with the Hungry Generation Poets, cinematographers like Subrata Mitra, and be introduced to a certain Allen Ginsberg. Each of these experiences informed his journey of art and life. Sunflower Sutra - II, 2025 Yet, it is in Varanasi or Banaras that he found the symbol that defined it — the flower. He recalls walking down Dashashwamedh Ghat, watching a marriage being solemnised, to bodies being burnt at Manikarnika Ghat. “Banaras gave me faith and flowers. It reminded me how important faith is for the common man in this country. And flowers are physical representations of the journey of life,” the artist adds. It echoes the exhibition note, which reads, “Life, birth, marriage, and death: flowers will be there.” This veering away from formalist definitions, and an engagement with rooted Indian philosophy defines his work. “These ideas affect your life deeply,” he explains. In his 80s, he continues to defy age. “Positivity has kept me going. As for painting, there is a poem by Sant Tukaram where he reveals Lord Vitthal ordered him to write a billion poems, and so, he writes. As an artist, I do not have a choice. I have to create TILL April 4; 11 am to 7 pm (except Mondays) AT Nature Morte, third floor, Dhanraj Mahal, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.
16 March,2026 10:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIf you’re looking for an activity that will engage your child, without screens, a summer camp for four to seven-year-olds, beginning this month, offers just that. Organised by city-based art platform, Hobby on the Go, it offers kids the opportunity to use various art materials to create and take home a new craft every day. “The camp is spread over five weeks, and has limited seats, hence it is best to grab a spot early; those interested can opt for one, multiple, or all weeks. Each week is dedicated to a different theme, most of them involving nature,” shares founder Bhakti Shah. The themes are: The jungle, the ocean and beach, garden and nature crafts, world cultures, and space exploration. Warli art frames, crafted using ice cream sticks Shah explains, “The idea is to help children understand different creative mediums. I will guide them through sensory, age-appropriate activities, consisting of visually representing each theme. For instance, for the jungle theme, I will share animal-based stories, and may ask them to create a monkey swinging from a tree. Likewise, we can use a shoebox to make an aquarium for the ocean theme, flowerpots for the garden category, or the moon and stars for space. Further, they will be introduced to different cultures and countries — Warli art (India), painting cherry blossoms (Japan), and making windmills (The Netherlands), amongst others.” Hand-painted waste bottles Materials and techniques range from craft paper, paints, and clay, to felt, papier-mâché, foam, stitching and weaving, and even balloons, alongside others. Shah adds that the power of observation and nature-centric details (colours and shapes, for example) are integral elements that she aims to inculcate in young participants. Bhakti Shah “I’ve noticed cases of art sessions in schools being cancelled or taken over by academics, all of which eventually reduces patience and attention spans in young kids. This camp is to help children imbibe a creative spirit and form connections, without the intervention of electronic devices,” she signs off. FROM March 23 to April 24AT Hobby on the Go Studio, Paras Residency, Goregaon West.REGISTER 9821876950 (message)ENTRY Rs 2000 (per week, per head; discounts applicable for multiple-week registrations)
16 March,2026 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshIn a way, banquet halls may still dominate the wedding circuit, but terraces and balcony weddings are quietly stealing the spotlight. From Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s intimate balcony ceremony, to Gaurav Kapur and Kritika Kamra’s recent terrace reception, open-air celebrations are proving that sometimes, the city itself can offer the best decor. We invited wedding planners and designers to help you look at the idea in a practical and financial way. Aiming for aesthetics Rooftop and terrace venues are increasingly becoming part of wedding conversations in the city. An open-air space with a sweeping skyline or sea view naturally elevates the experience of a reception. There is a shift towards smaller, more thoughtfully curated celebrations. Couples today prefer a wedding that feels personal and immersive rather than simply large in scale, and terraces lend themselves beautifully to that mood. Former cricketers Yuvraj Singh (right) and Virender Sehwag (behind Singh) at the celebration. Pic courtesy/Youtube When designing a terrace celebration, the view is always the hero. Instead of competing with the skyline, the aim should be to frame it. That often means keeping stage backdrops minimal or even transparent so the city-scape continues to be visible behind the couple. Lighting becomes one of the most important design tools. Warm fairy lights, candle clusters and soft ambient lighting help build the atmosphere. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor during their wedding ceremony Decor in these spaces tends to lean towards modern, elegant and slightly minimal aesthetics. Rather than heavy installations or elaborate structures, we often work with sleek lounge seating, curated floral accents and layered lighting. The layout is equally important. A terrace should feel fluid and social, so design the space in a way that encourages movement and allows guests to experience the skyline from different vantage points. Shivaansh Puri Of course, the beauty of a rooftop also comes with practical considerations. Weather, particularly in March to June in Mumbai is the most obvious variable, which is why one should always have a contingency plan such as transparent roofing or quick-install covers. There are also sound regulations, lift logistics and load-bearing limits when transporting decor and technical equipment to a terrace. In many ways, planning a rooftop event requires the designers to think like production managers — balancing aesthetics with engineering, logistics and guest flow to ensure the experience feels seamless. Shivaansh Puri, 32, entrepreneur, Chembur Let’s talk finance From a visual standpoint, terrace weddings undeniably have a strong appeal. In an Instagram-driven era where couples value memorable moments such as a ‘sunset varmala’ or golden-hour portraits, rooftop venues offer a naturally beautiful backdrop that traditional banquet halls often struggle to replicate. Kapur and Kamra during their reception on the terrace That said, from a financial perspective, terrace celebrations are not automatically the more economical option. In cities like Mumbai, many luxury hotels and restaurants actually charge a premium for rooftop spaces precisely because they are in demand and perceived as more exclusive. Couples, at times, assume that the natural skyline will significantly reduce decor costs, but in practice the budget often shifts rather than decreases. If you are saving on large-scale banquet draping or elaborate stage structures, that money may instead lean towards installations, architectural lighting, or specialised decor designed for open-air settings. In many cases, the final expenditure ends up being quite comparable to a traditional reception, and occasionally could be higher. Disha Wadhwani Guest capacity also plays a role in budgeting. Terrace venues usually accommodate fewer people, which can naturally reduce catering and service costs. However, that advantage is often balanced out by the additional infrastructure required to make an outdoor event comfortable. Keep in mind the logistics and regulations as they play a significant role in rooftop weddings. Planners often have to secure multiple permissions including sound licences and venue approvals, which can add significantly to the event budget. A lightly styled dining table in soft pastel tones for a terrace celebration. Representation pic/stock Weather preparedness is one of the biggest financial considerations. In a coastal city like Mumbai, humidity can be particularly challenging. At a recent rooftop event I planned, we installed nearly 30 mist fans and industrial coolers across the venue, yet guests were still feeling the heat. Disha Wadhwani, 21, wedding planner, Andheri
16 March,2026 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIf you see it firsthand at Elephanta, you’ll be stunned.” Environment activist Nandakumar Pawar is not talking about the iconic Sadashiva sculpture at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rather, a one-km stretch on the island that has been completely taken over by plastic. Pawar, senior project head at Sagarshakti, the marine conservation arm of Vanashakti, will join nearly 50 local fishermen in an ambitious clean up this weekend. They could use a helping hand from you. The effort follows a long survey of the island conducted by Pawar and a team of fishermen last monsoon, which revealed immediate, key threats to the local flora and fauna. While some plastic waste washes ashore from the sea, the biggest contributor is waste left back by tourists. “Such is the magnitude that even if you were to clean up the entire coast, 70 to 80 per cent of the waste would soon return. We’re clearly looking at an attitude problem, as much as a conservation problem,” Pawar sighs. (From left) Herons, gulls, and sandpipers call the island home Participants will first board a ferry from the Nhava Manik Jetty to reach Elephanta aka Gharapuri Island. A fishing boat will take the eco-warriors to the battlefield — the thick mangroves where plastic and thermocol waste is choking marine life. “We do not expect first timers to wade through the difficult terrain, but they can always lend a hand to the fishermen,” Pawar says. If the efforts come to fruition, the many marine species like lobsters, crabs, tiger prawns, and birds like herons, flamingos, and gulls who call it home, will chirp a happy tune. “Historically, the island has seen few large-scale cleaning efforts because of the difficulty of access. I don’t think that should stop us from protecting a monument of natural heritage,” Pawar signs off. Nandakumar Pawar (left) joins the efforts of a previous clean-up Clean sweep How the group aims to revamp the swamps 1 Carry out large scale clean-up drives regularly2 Request the Mangrove Cell’s assistance in reforesting the lost mangroves3 Create awareness among tourists about waste disposal 3000 to 4000Estimated kgs of waste that will be collected during the clean-up ON March 15; 8 am MEETING POINT Nhava Manik Jetty, Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai. CALL 7977670832 (for queries)ENTRY Revealed on request
14 March,2026 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThere is something immediately relatable when one hears anyone speak about sundry expenses. Even as we speak about the complexities of music, the conversation with Rhythm Shaw veers off into the challenges of daily life, electricity and maintenance bills. “When I moved from Kolkata to Mumbai in 2016, I was completely unaware,” he chuckles. A decade later, the guitarist has put together his second album, aptly titled, Nothing To Lose. Flying solo Shaw rehearses with the orchestra. Pics Courtesy/RHYTHM SHAW ON Youtube The album is expansive, and odd in times of singles and EPs. “I grew up listening to albums that were long, filled with songs across two sides. The tracks tell a story, about my journey, and musical evolution,” the 29-year-old says. The tracks move with harmony, each building up into the next. Some carry the rawness of his early life. Like Inshry Master, the guitarist says, “It was the first track I wrote in 2010.” With a little help It helps that the community of musicians in the city is so close knit. The talents on the album include Jai Row Kavi, Gino Banks, Mohini Dey, Suman Bhattacharya and Nandini Shankar among others. Space Station is an example where the trio of Banks, Shaw, and Dey jam with freedom. “Gino [Banks] has been one of my first friends since I arrived in Mumbai. We enjoy playing with each other. It is the same with Mohini. It felt natural,” he admits. Cohesion on track Rhythm Shaw The more significant presence is that of the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. Two tracks on the album, Nothing To Lose, and Healing, carry the vast orchestral arrangement. “If you take a normal guitar tone, it has a big impact. But when you layer that chord line over a hundred different sounds, it is not going to cut through. The challenge was to put the guitar at the centre, without diluting the grand effect of the orchestration,” he says. With a seven-city tour coming up this week, Shaw adds, “It is difficult to explain music, unless you listen to it. This was the most challenging journey of my life.” Log on to: Nothing To Lose on Spotify; @rhythm_shaw (for tour dates) Gino Banks Jam with Shaw Top picks from the album»Khandam Blues» Nothing To Lose» Somewhere in Between» Space Station» Shogun
14 March,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarRock climbing is gaining popularity in India as a sport. Why not challenge yourself to a session this weekend? Beginners have a chance to learn the basics, and build confidence in a rock climbing workshop, organised by the bouldering gym, Boulder21, by Mumbai-based adventure sport platform, Girivihar. “Participants will be taken through the fundamentals by an instructor, including body movements, grip, foothold, how to handle a fall, amongst others,” a Girivihar team member shares. Apart from climbing techniques, climbers will be taught safety protocols as well. It is an indoor wall. Shoes and other necessary equipment will be provided. They add that attendees should wear flexible workout clothing (avoiding sleeveless clothes), keep nails short, and avoid wearing accessories. Participants will be updated with all details as well. Rock climbing remains an uncommon sport in India. The idea is to ensure that sessions can become a step towards generating awareness about it, and getting more people to take interest in and benefit from it. On March 15; 9 am to 11 am At Shree Math, Acharya Renukacharya Udyan, Nerul East. Register 8452018412 (message)Entry Rs 1000 (per person)
14 March,2026 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshAt Tost, you break bread, literally. A small piece of bread arrives with a sprinkle of salt on top. The idea is to break bread with someone, as that is usually a sign of celebration. Soon enough, you are digging into a sandwich. Mumbai loves a good sandwich. But it’s rare to find a good one beyond South Mumbai and Bandra. That frustration sits at the heart of the new shop in Andheri started by three partners — Chef Dinesh B (who also goes by Chef Denis), Chintan Bhiwandkar, and Alka Khilnani — who met through overlapping worlds. “All three of us are from different backgrounds,” explains Bhiwandkar. “Kitchen, finance and marketing. Everyone handles their own thing.” Sichuan Fried Shroom Sandwich Their common love for bread is what brought them together. But why start a sandwich spot? “The idea was simple,” says Dinesh. “I love sandwiches.” And, it came from travel as much as hunger. Between them, the partners had eaten across North America and Europe. Burgers, grilled cheese, deli sandwiches — the kind of casual food cities like New York and Chicago treat almost as civic pride. At home in Mumbai, the chef found himself underwhelmed. “I used to struggle with sandwiches or burgers,” he admits. Part of that struggle was about meat. “Most burgers here use lean meat. But the flavour comes from the fat,” says Dinesh. So, the team started building a menu around the sandwiches they wished existed in the city. While Mumbai already knew fried chicken or burgers, Tost wanted to bring forth sandwiches uncommon to the city. Pics courtesy/Tost The space reflects that thinking. You’ll notice classic American diner shades: Reds, yellows, and whites. But the place doesn’t feel like a retro theme park. Maybe, it’s the music, the crowd spilling in from the neighbourhood. Or it’s simply that this diner aesthetic is filtered through a contemporary lens. For a sandwich shop, the food feels refreshingly elevated. The pricing, however, keeps things grounded. The menu glides between continents. There’s a Sichuan Fried Chicken Burger, where crisp chicken is dunked in peppery Sichuan oil. “You bite into the chicken, and you realise that the flavour is not only from the batter,” says Bhiwandkar. Breakfast leans global too. Mumbai’s Keema Pav appears as a Bunny Chow; there are Chilaquiles; and an Anti-Avo Tosty, which has coriander hummus, pickled beets and feta on a toasted bagel. There are the personal touches. The Aloo Tuk is the chef’s nod to his Sindhi upbringing. Traditionally, it’s double-fried and smashed. Here, it arrives as stacked potato bites instead. And, there are OG Bombay references too. “We wanted to give something back, so some dishes are an ode to the city,” the chef says. Chintan Bhiwandkar, Alka Khilnani and Chef Dinesh B Drinks feel like a nod to the founders’ childhoods. You will be served Coca Cola in the original glass bottles, Coke floats, iced teas, and spicy lemonades. There is coffee for those who want something less playful. While desserts are simple and light. Think ice cream tucked into buns, and milk and cookies. At Tost, 13, Sterling Apartment, Sundervan Complex Road, Andheri West.TIME Tuesday to Thursday, 3 pm to 10.30 pm; Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 12.30 pm; Mondays closedCALL 9987823200LOG ON TO @tost.bombay The Guide’s top picks Just Another SmashThe name undersells it because it’s rare to find a classic smash. While everyone is busy getting creative with sauces and fillings, Chef Dinesh sticks to this burger’s simplicity. Two smash patties, cheese, chopped onions, and pickles. “This is a no-drama burger,” the chef says.Cost Rs 525 Chicken WingsThese wings avoid the usual sauce overload. Instead, the seasoning runs through the meat. There’s an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce served alongside instead of the wings getting tossed into it. So, you can dip, slather, and lick as much as you please.Cost Rs 345 Eggplant Marinara with ZhugThis focaccia sandwich piles crispy eggplant with mozzarella, zucchini, roasted peppers and sundried tomato pesto; zhug adds heat.Cost Rs 425 Misal BirriaIf Mumbai was a sandwich, it would probably be this. The matki and spiced aloo are sandwiched in toasted bread, while the hot tari arrives separately like when you order a birria taco. Scoop, pour, sprinkle farsan and build your own bite.Cost Rs 225 I Scream PB&JDessert here feels playful rather than fancy. Vanilla ice cream sits inside a mini bun with peanut butter and jam. It’s a childhood snack that wandered into a diner.Cost Rs 225
14 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaDadar may not be the only suburb to boast of some lip-smacking Tisrya Bhujane or Surmai Thali anymore. The neighbourhood’s famed Malvani outpost, Chaitanya, will expand to Thane this month. A view of the Dadar eatery The new outlet in Wagle Estate will also house a tandoor, with its homely and signature fare. “People love to eat; we love to feed,” shares founder Surekha Walke. AT Chaitanya Assal Malvani Bhojangruh, Wagle Estate, Thane. CALL 9769909030
13 March,2026 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarTimeless beauty Sanjana Sanghi on Zeenat Aman Dil Bechara beauty Sanjana Sanghi puts Zeenat Aman in the spotlight this week, and for all the right reasons. “She is truly an enduring icon, and not just for her striking beauty. Zeenat Aman ji redefined what beauty and confidence mean for a modern woman, and she did it back in the 1970s, when the industry was largely defined by traditional portrayals of women. As a media student in college, we’ve literally written papers on how she changed the female gaze in Indian cinema. Sanjana Sanghi That unapologetic individuality and a bold cosmopolitan energy that audiences had rarely seen before — her breakthrough performance in Hare Rama Hare Krishna became an instant cultural phenomenon! What really makes her timeless is that her beauty, personality, and confidence are inseparable, and I think that is such an inspiration for the modern Indian woman.” Laughter is the best medicine Russell Peters is heading back to Mumbai on March 22 after an interminable intermission — and honestly, we’re all due for the dose. His Relax World Tour kicks off its seven-city India run in Delhi this Sunday. Russell Peters Chatting with me during his last visit, the comedy giant (no fat shaming intended!) was firm on not “toning it down.” He’s been at this since 1989 and refuses to “turn into a civilian” by self-filtering and sacrificing his superpower. To Russell, losing that edge is like Superman giving up his cape to be human: “You realise pretty quickly that it sucks,” he says. For Mumbai audiences, this isn’t just another comedy show. It’s a chance to witness a master at work — wielding wit as effortlessly as ever and reminding us why humour, unfiltered and unapologetic, remains a superpower we all need. Tiny table, big legacy Thursday brought terrific tidings for two Mumbai eateries, with the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51-100) for 2026. Papa’s in Bandra replaces chef Prateek Sadhu’s Naar at No. 66, while Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf ’s The Table comes in at No. 73. Sameer Seth, Hussain Shahzad and Yash Bhanage Now while The Table remains one of our fast favourites, it is Papa’s poignant story that truly deserves attention. Named after the late chef Floyd Cardoz — affectionately addressed as Papa ji — this tiny 12-seater is a hidden gem, helmed by chef Hussain Shahzad. Founders Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage continue Cardoz’s legacy here, with Sameer noting he often feels Floyd’s guiding hand at work. “He’ll be sitting with a single malt somewhere, cheering us on for this,” says Sameer, understandably elated at the new honour. “Moments like this underscore that our work stands for something. The validation and recognition are incredible for the whole team, and we are truly grateful.” Having earned a top accolade from Time magazine in 2025, Papa’s continues to rack up recognition, cementing its place as one of Mumbai’s culinary treasures. Fully booked through April already, this tiny treasure proves that Cardoz’s legacy — and Mumbai’s appetite for it — are very much alive. Papa’s can preach Since opening its doors in February 2024, this small suburban space has been a magnet for big names. Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are among those who have dined here, in addition to Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, and Indo-Canadian singer-rapper AP Dhillon. Seventy splendid overs One could scarcely have scripted a more felicitous coincidence — celebrating seventy splendid overs of Shashi Tharoor while the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final provided the background commentary. And so it was on Sunday night that legal eagle Rohit Kochhar and wife, Sonali, hosted a party to bring in the birthday of our favourite former export to the United Nations, at their sprawling Chhatarpur mansion. Shashi Tharoor The capital’s most conspicuous citizens stepped out for cocktails and dinner with Tharoor: ambassadors from at least three EU countries including Lithuanian diplomat Diana Mickevičienė; MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and a handful of fellow politicians; Kathak queen Shovana Narayan; economist Prem Shankar Jha; OG influencer Bina Ramani; and journo Barkha Dutt. Not surprisingly, fellow lovers of language attended too — William Dalrymple and Chetan Bhagat amongst them. Champagne was poured, the cake — a perfect Moët magnum replica — was cut, and a giant screen carried the cricket live. And while India’s World Cup triumph was a handsome birthday bonus, the night’s real headline was Tharoor’s mother being there to see him into his seventies. A blessing indeed.
13 March,2026 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
