A city is made of many things; the quiet buildings, eternally parked vehicles collecting dust, or people on a street corner. For artist and illustrator Zainab Tambawalla, they are the few constants in a rapidly changing Mumbai. “It is a race against time,” she admits. It is these ignored facets of the city that make it into her exhibition, Seen Unseen that opens tomorrow. Bhajiwala. Pics Courtesy/Zainab Tambawalla Tambawalla’s journey as an artist has been enriched by her regular urban sketching walks. “I love the old heritage structures, but when I observe the city, certain elements find their way into its visuals through repetition,” she points out. One of them is the water tanker. “For a layman, it gives the idea of a thirsty city. But when you look closer, you notice an ecosystem,” she says. Zainab Tambawalla And so, elements like the vegetable vendors, people, and electric boxes — art installations on their own with graffiti and posters, Tambawalla points out — are part of a collection of over 65 watercolour canvases. “I wanted them to have a strong voice, and hope to make people think about the nature of our city,” the artist concludes. FROM December 12 till January 4 2026; 11 am to 7 pm (except Mondays)AT 47-A, Khotachi Wadi, GirgaonEntry Free
11 December,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayLaugh a little Attend comedian Gursimran Khamba’s (below) new quizzing-meets-comedy show that pits a secret line-up of three popular comedians in a game of quirk, wit and general knowledge. TIME 8 pmAT The Habitat, Khar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 799 onwards FridayFeeling indie Prateek Kuhad. PIC/GETTY IMAGES Sing along to the OG voice of Indie ballads, Prateek Kuhad at an open-air concert. Come prepared for a walk down memory lane with hits like Cold Mess, Tune Kaha and 100 words.TIME 7.30 pmAT Drive-in Theatre, Jio World Drive, BKC.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2999 SaturdayLend a hand A previous donation drive. PIc courtesy/gully classes foundation It’s getting cold outside, and NGO Gully Classes Foundation is setting out on a blanket distribution drive in the suburb of Ghatkopar. Donate your pre-loved bed sheets, or join the group to spread joy.TIME 9 pm onwardsAT Ghatkopar West. (Full address revealed on request)CALL 9819088397 Listen to yourself Pic COURTESY/@ihidayahealing Cut the noise and join facilitator Upasana Makati’s (below) in immersing yourself in the sounds of gongs, chimes and singing bowls.TIME 5 pm to 6 pmAT Anaahat, Road 13, New India Society, Juhu.CALL 9920400580ENTRY Revealed on request SundayMonkey mania A Rhesus Macaque at the Mumbai Zoo. PIC COURTESY/Mumbai Zoo Learn all about monkeys at the World Monkey Day celebrations at the Mumbai Zoo. Join zoo staff in planning activities for resident monkeys, or get creative in a nature sketching exercise.TIME 10 amAT Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, Byculla East. LOG ON TO ENTRY Registration mandatory Christmas cravings A traditional East Indian thali. PIC COURTESY/IGOREYAA Grab a chair at an East Indian Christmas dinner hosted inside an 80-year-old bungalow in Vasai’s Giriz Village. Indulge in winter specials like Gaothi Kombdiche Soup, Pork Khudi, rum cakes, and wash it down with a range of festive wine.TIME 7 pm to 9.30 pmAT Jao Shiker, near Giriz Church, Vasai. LOG ON TO @igoreyaaENTRY Rs 2200 Stage for all A moment from the play. Pic Courtesy/ace productions Watch Raell Padamsee’s Alice in Paradise, a modern spin on the classic story. Padamsee brings children from underserved backgrounds to the stage in a tale of human connections.TIME 11.30 amAT Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Breach Candy. LOG ON TO @raellpadamseesaceENTRY Rs 750
11 December,2025 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleBefore it became the bane of general physicians all around, salt was the key to India’s culture and resistance. Salt Lines, the solo debut of artist duo, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin, David Soin Tappeser) reimagines the Inland Customs Line — a 4000 km hedge from Punjab to Orissa, made of thorny plants — created by the British Empire to enforce its oppressive salt tax. Hylozoic/Desires, I and Thou, 2024, print on aluminium. Pics Courtesy/artists, Dr bhau daji lad Museum The exhibition is also presented by the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, in collaboration with the RMZ Foundation and India Art Fair, supported by Alkazi Foundation — whose archival photographs of Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March are a part of the exhibition. Salt Print, The Chowki So, the multi-media works, including a video — The Hedge of Halomancy, weave archival research with speculative histories. A 20-metre textile installation titled Namak Halal/Namak Haram displayed in the Museum Plaza. It is a fragment of the larger 80 metre installation that was displayed at Somerset House, London, once the Salt Office of the British Colonial era. Similarly, the Salt Prints Series uses salt as part of the development process. (From left) Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser “We wanted to use salt not simply as a subject, but a medium. So, through all the works, including the video, salt becomes inherent and infused in the object, carrying its history and its healing potential,” shares Himali Singh Soin. TILL February 8 2026; 10 am to 5.30 pm (except on Tuesdays)AT Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East.ENTRY Museum tickets apply
11 December,2025 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFestive chocolate medley Pic courtesy/smoor.in Inside this box lies an indulgent assortment of coated nuts, pinwheel cookies, traditional Plum cake, a four-piece coverture box, and the rich Medley & Kunafa Bar. Tying it all together is a generous chocolate bar — a true chocolate lover’s dream.AT Shop No. 8, Chapel Road, Bandra West.LOG ON TO smoor.inCOST Rs 3000 Home baked hampers Pic courtesy/@thetingeshop Thane-based artist and product designer, Roopa Panchal, is rolling out her festive-season hampers and knick-knacks, including jewellery, candles, and, most importantly, personalised handmade Christmas hampers. These include muffins, plum cake (alcoholic or non-alcoholic as per your preference) or fruit slice cake, a candle, rum or dry fruit chocolates, and a mix of white and dark Christmas-themed chocolates. CALL 9819668628LOG ON TO @thetingeshop COST Rs 500 onwards Mithai magic Pic courtesy/@parsi_dairy_farm A desi twist for the festive season, this hamper includes Mix Mithai (White Chocolate Strawberry Kaju Katli and Raspberry Khopra Pak), Chocolate Walnut Fudge, Christmas Cupcake, White Chocolate Strawberry-Centred Cookies, and White Chocolate Cranberry Chocolate Fudge. It is an absolute delight for anyone ready to joyfully overdose on white chocolate.AT Outlets across Mumbai.LOG ON TO parsidairyfarm.comCOST Rs 1675 The natural route Pic courtesy/@phool.in This curation features Christopher cocoa hot chocolate Mix, a Polar Express train model, Christmas tree soy wax candle, a Gingerbread man soy wax candle, a handmade seed paper 2026 calendar, Orange & Ginger foot soak, a winter incense stick wooden stand, and a ceramic cone holder, among other goodies.LOG ON TO phool.inCOST Rs 495 Gourmet goodies Pic courtesy/@thegourmetbox Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this luxurious hamper that includes a tealight candle stand, snowflake-shaped scented candles, vintage gold teaspoons, flavoured tea, gingerbread chocolate cookie, plum crunch cake pops, chocolate-covered pretzels, dark chocolate-covered popcorn, and truffle honey. For a personal touch, a greeting card can be added.LOG ON TO thegourmetbox.inCOST Rs 5500 Artisanal delights Pic courtesy/@_philomeneindia Philomène — an artisanal bakery by Steffi D’Souza, an alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu Paris — is dishing out beautifully crafted festive-season treats. The Christmas hamper includes the classic Plum cake, delicious Snowman and Holly macarons, Mendiants (traditional French confections of flat chocolate discs topped with nuts and dried fruits), a drunken chocolate cake, and the all-time favourite, gingerbread cookies. Make sure you grab yours for your loved ones.LOG ON TO philomene.in COST Rs 2000 Also check out >> Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with this thoughtfully designed gift box. The set features two sculpted brass reindeer, a glowing glass candle, and a crisp acrylic box filled with almonds or almond brittles — offering a delicious holiday treat.LOG ON TO thedottedi.inCOST Rs 3850 onwards >> Do not worry, vegetarians — Henal Bhutta’s Bakeemyday bakery has you covered. The menu may compromise on eggs, but it never compromises on love.LOG ON TO @bakeemydayCOST Rs 650 onwards >> Have a boozy Christmas with Glenmorangie Signet — a masterpiece 175 years in the making, with a palate of bitter mocha, dark chocolate, and butterscotch. This expression delivers a contrast of rich sweetness with an explosive crackle of sizzling spices.AT Available at select premium retail shopsCOST Rs 45,621 >> Go all out with a decadent half-kg Christmas Plum Cake paired with Chocolate Rocks, Marzipan, Milk Cream, Jujubes, Red Velvet Cookies, and Guava Cheese.AT Gaylord, Mayfair Building, VN Road, Churchgate.CALL 7045556060LOG ON TO @gaylordrestaurantmumbaiCOST Rs 3750 onwards
11 December,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareHeads up: We think you might be in for a rough patch this weekend. More on that from mid-day’s astrology expert Shirley Bose a few pages later. For now, we’re talking about the Earth passing through the rocky debris of the 3200 Phaethon asteroid on December 12 and 13. As the rocky bits enter our atmosphere at high speeds and burn bright, make sure you’re looking up to spot the famed ‘shooting stars’. Braving the dark and the dropping temperatures, a group of enthusiasts will camp in Bhandardara with the Horizon Astronomical Society to witness one of the largest meteor showers of the year. Founder Mihir Gilbile, who has a specialisation in Astronomy from Mumbai University, will helm the exploration. Geminids, he says, are often incorrectly attributed to the Gemini constellation. “The constellation only serves as a point of reference. If you’re skygazing solo, look for the famous twin stick figure shape right above your head, to observe the apparent origin point [also known as the Radiant],” he suggests. A participant looks through a telescope at a previous skygazing event If you’re up for the astronomical adventure, reach there well-rested. Meteor showers are best viewed in dark skies late into the night. “Given the Earth’s rotation and the position of the asteroid debris, the ideal time to view the streaks is closer to the break of dawn, all the way up to 4 am,” Gilbile informs. While the showers can be viewed by the naked eye, the team will bring special Newtonian telescopes with 12-inch mirrors for a closer look. Mihir Gilbile If all that science talk threw you off, don’t fret. A briefing session at the campsite will give participants a quick refresher in cosmology, astronomy and space science before the big display. “Participants are then advised to lie down in a supine position to view the showers. If you live in the far suburbs of Mumbai like Kalyan, you have a better chance of seeing the shower. Ensure you pick a spot that is away from man-made artificial lighting emitted from buildings,” the expert reveals. This stardust obsession is slowly pushing astronomers like Gilbile further away from the city, we learn. “The AQI woes are not recent. I can remember smog becoming a cause for concern as early as 2018. Any rise above 150 AQI diminishes our chances for a successful sighting,” he reveals. We know what we’re wishing for when we see a shooting star this weekend. ON December 12 and 13MEETING POINT Pick-up from Kasara railway station and spots across Mumbai on request LOG ON TO @horizonastrosocietyENTRY Rs 1,999 onwards (includes tent, telescope, and dinner) What’s the hype? Most meteor showers, including the recent Leonids last November, originate from comets (dust and ice). The Geminids originate from the rocky asteroid: 3200 Phaethon. NASA reports state that the debris that breaks off to form the Geminids meteoroids are many times denser than cometary dust flakes. Dibs? Not yet Ever wondered what happens if you get your hands on a meteorite? In rare cases, small stray pieces survive the Earth’s atmosphere, and may land in remote areas. While it remains a legal grey area because of the slim chances, the Geological Survey of India is the sole custodian of all meteorites on Indian soil, and advises citizens to report and hand over any finds. Sky on your fingertips Use apps like Stellarium or Sky Map that help you decide where to look in the night sky on your first exploration. LOG ON TO Playstore or App Store
10 December,2025 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFinding yourself again after an upheaval is a daunting task. The recent, very public cancellation of Smriti Mandhana’s wedding to Palash Muchhal has brought this idea to the fore. We reached out to two psychologists for guidance on how to return to focusing on your own mental wellbeing, with the support of counsellors and loved ones, and how to move ahead after any massive, life-changing moment. First steps Meghna Karia, a Mumbai-based senior psychologist and psychotherapist, reminds us, “Self-esteem will not be rebuilt overnight. Viewing yourself from a different lens and walking through the transition takes time.” She advises first acknowledging one’s feelings and validating emotions, from grief to anger. Secondly, identify those who provide safe space. Mandhana and Palash Muchhal. Pics courtesy/Female cricket, Palash muchhal on Instagram “Talking to like-minded people, and focusing on strengths and values which have served you earlier, foster better self-esteem,” she says, adding the necessity of an emotional outlet like journalling, or a daily ‘brain dump’, like taking a stroll, following a self-care routine, and eating healthfully. Recent visuals of Mandhana resuming training before the series with Sri Lanka, are indicative of healthy first steps in the right direction. Make small habits Karia emphasises the importance of carving out an identity for oneself again, which can easily go for a toss after a break-up, the loss of a close one, or an obstruction in one’s career. Finding joy in everyday activities and connecting with loved ones helps you rebuild a sense of self. Representation pics/istock “Continue engaging with things and people that are important to you. It shows you are worthy enough to live well, despite the adversity. Set intentions about what you want; change your dressing styles to boost your confidence, or come back to something simpler that you haven’t worn in a while; further, you may join a new community, like a reading club, to connect with new people. Also, consider trying out a new skill or recreational activity,” she recommends. Set boundaries This is especially applicable to those with a significant social media identity, which comes with its own expectations. Swati Khanolkar, clinical psychologist and director of In Vivo-Mumbai Centre for REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) points out, “Disengage if you can. If you want to engage, know the distinction between facts and opinions; social media mostly contains biased opinions and unsound assumptions.” Keep an eye out for harmful coping mechanisms like stress-eating and overconsumption Meanwhile, Karia suggests limiting social media use: “Re-curate feeds, un-follow accounts with draining content, and remind yourself of why you started [your online page or portfolio].” Beyond the Internet, set clear boundaries in person too. Both professionals caution against giving others the ‘story’ they want, especially at the cost of your own mental health. Reframe your mindset Feeling shame or self-blame is common after upheavals such as a break-up, or a missed career or educational opportunity. Khanolkar prompts us to define [relations and opportunities] as valuable to oneself, and not the other way around. Take a social media break, especially if you are often under scrutiny of the public eye “Your personal worth can’t be diminished if a relationship [or opportunity] ceases to exist.” Karia strongly suggests exercises, including writing a self-compassion letter, and using grounding techniques. “Breathing exercises, meditation, or guided imagery will bring you back to the present, so your thoughts don’t spiral.” Note unhealthy signs Often, people spiral into unhealthy coping patterns. Khanolkar lists a few signs to watch out for, “People operate at extremes; either they go into denial-mode and distract themselves by being busy, or they let it consume themselves and stop engaging in regular life.” Engaging with your passions is crucial, as it helps rediscover meaning and purpose Karia adds that someone experiencing intense loss or a shock can turn to substance abuse, saying, “This also includes excess caffeine consumption and using junk food as a go-to space, which in turn leads to weight gain and unhealthy relationships with food.” It may be time to seek professional help if you experience bouts of anxiety, loneliness, prolonged emotional suppression, or breakdowns, hampering daily living. Both recommend CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), especially REBT. Give it time Meghna Karia and Swati Khanolkar Above all, there is no specific duration for healing. Khanolkar reveals, “Healthy recovery is not defined by time but by functionality. Ask yourself: Can you still engage with other parts of life and experience satisfaction despite the pain of your adversity?” Likewise, Karia assures us that, if you regulate your emotions well, you will likely have greater insight into yourself, and know what will serve you best.
10 December,2025 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshDespite Mumbai’s December temperatures soaring into the 30s, the green acres of the Godrej Compound in Vikhroli feels cooler. The third edition of the annual Godrej Conscious Collective will feature a diverse range of experts, designers, architects, and artists collaborating on the central theme — Reclaiming Cool–Beating the Heat, Together. Henry Skupniewicz, head, Godrej Design Lab, shares, “Conscious Collective has evolved significantly over the past editions, shifting from a primarily design-focused showcase to a dynamic platform that integrates climate science, culture, community action, and creativity. This year’s theme was chosen deliberately to address the critical issue of heat resilience, emphasising how thoughtful design can foster cooler, healthier, and more inclusive urban futures.” Ahead of its opening, we pick out the best discussions, workshops and events to catch this year. FROM December 12 to 14; 9 am onwardsAT Plant 13, Gate 8, Godrej and Boyce, Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli East. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (to register) Workshops Ayaz Basrai Speculative fiction: Designer Ayaz Basrai teams up with textile designer Juhi Pandey and living roots architect and environmentalist Morningstar Khongthaw to explore future realities through fictional design.On December 12; 4 pm Biodiversity trail for children: WWF India experts lead a walk down the Gazebo Colony to the Godrej Nursery. ON December 13 and 14; 4 pm to 5 pm Experiences Participants at a biodiversity trail The Living Shore: This 360-degree interactive seascape by Lake Heckaman captures the effect of the changing thermal seascape on the city coastline of the city.ON December 11 to 14; 11 am to 7.30 pm A moment from a session. Pic Courtesy/TheStrangersChoir Sing with Us by The Stranger’s Choir: Led by Medha Sahi, this three-hour pop-up chorus will remind visitors why music does not need training, just sheer enthusiasmON December 13; 6.30 pm to 9 pm Film Screenings A still from Cat City. Pic Courtesy/Deafcrocodile on YouTube Cat City: This Hungarian spy-comedy centres on a neo-noir underworld gang of felines and rats planning to eliminate mice from the planet. This one is a must for cat fans all around.ON December 13; 8.40 pm Showcases Parag Tandel’s installation. Pic Courtesy/PARAG TANDEL, Tarq The Koli way: Artist Parag Tandel brings to the floor his inquiry into the Koli community and their fading traditional ecology through his works, How to Cook The Bombay Duck in Various Ways (right) and Vitamin Sea.ON December 11 to 14 Ladakh memories: Eight sā artists from Ladakh bring their collective series of textile works, Memories From the Land (above), rooted in indigenous art.ON December 11 to 14 A view of the artwork Memories From The Land Art in tradition: Designed by Sustaina fellows Debasmita Ghosh and Poludas Nagendra Satish, the works, Living with the land/Reweaving the Ecosystem, tap into architecture, cultural continuity and climate change.ON December 11 to 14 Conversations Building with bamboo: Drawing from their learnings at the Green School in Bali (right), IBUKU and Bamboo Village Trust table ideas that can offer India solutions to climate adaptation.ON December 12; 2 pm to 3.15 pm A session at the sustainable Green School in Bali. Pic Courtesy/@GreenschoolBali Designing desirable futures through circular innovation: French architect and designer Arthur Momou-Mani explores ideas for the future using technology and the creativity of parametric design.ON December 13; 11 am onwards THK Tower in Bali by (above, inset) Arthur Mamou Mani. Pic Courtesy/parametric architecture Cooling for all: Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman and MD, Godrej Enterprises Group, talks with Dr Harish Hande of the Selco Foundation to debate solutions for the rising heat.ON December 13; 12.15 pm onwards Diana Kellogg Reclaiming Shade: Heat resilient design and the built environment: What does it mean to build structures that offer shade as a fundamental task? Architect Diana Kellogg opens up on the contextual lessons from past projects to answer.ON December 13; 2 pm to 3 pm
10 December,2025 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThree decades is a long time in any industry, let alone one as ephemeral as music. Since 1992, The Keli Cultural Festival has become a staple of the city’s December tradition. “When we began, the Classical tradition was limited to the institutions of its practice,” shares Ramachandran K, artistic director and project coordinator. Over the years, it has witnessed names such as the late Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, late Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Peruvanam Kuttan Marar among others encourage the idea. This weekend, the 33rd edition of the cultural organisation will witness the Pranathi Women’s Music & Dance Festival take stage in Navi Mumbai. The biennial event was begun as part of an ongoing effort to highlight the work of female artistes. “This year, we have opted to focus on the two senior and acclaimed practitioners of Rudraveena and Mohiniyattam, who have used the form to further conversation on social contexts.” Over two days, the festival will see performances by Mohiniyattam scholar Dr Neena Prasad, and rudraveena exponent, Vidushi Jyoti Hegde, accompanied by other performers.Ramachandran KDr Neena Prasad has been one of the foremost practitioners of these ideas. To be presented with the Pranathi Pratibha Puraskar this year, the scholar and danseuse shares, “I believe that any traditional form, known for its classical values, will only speak to its society when it has relevance in its modern times. If we do not move forward with the times, our classicism will b reduced to being a showpiece.” The founder of the Bharathanjali School of Dances explains that her effort has been to ‘break the form, and extend its expression.’ The choice of embracing feminist literature, works by Pratibha Ray, performances that explored the dilemmas of Sita, stories of Kuriyedath Thathri allow for that. The other dimension was her focus on erasing gender divisions within the form — at the heart of her PhD thesis on the Lasya and Tandava traditions in the classical dances of South India. “As a feminine form [Mohiniyattam], there was emphasis on grace. I felt that it was limiting the expression. Every individual has both feminine and masculine attributes, and working towards a gender equal society, an art form has to take this into account,” she states.Vidushi Jyoti Hegde performs on the rudraveena The other honoree of the festival, Vidushi Jyoti Hegde, is familiar with the inequity, although she does not let it impede her art. To be presented the Pranathi Acharya Puraskar, Hegde is the first Indian woman who took up the rudra veena in her teenage years. Having learnt the sitar under Dr Bindu Madhav Pathak, she was drawn to the veena and rudra veena, and later learnt under the late Ustad Asad Ali Khan. “I was told immediately that women do not play the rudraveena. It is difficult, and particularly challenging,” she admits. However, the 62-year-old emphasises that her choices were artistic, rather than revolutionary. “I was not aware that it was a revolutionary act. For me, it was the sound of the rudraveena that drew me to it,” she says, adding, “Like any other instrument, it needs two hands, an ear for music and discipline. That does not change, be it a man or a woman.” However, unknowingly, she has set a path for many female musicians now learning the instrument. “I keep telling them [students], even today, do not choose an instrument or art because you think it is challenging or to make a name. Choose it because you have a deep calling. Everything else comes from it,” she concludes. ON December 13 and 14; 6.30 pm onwardsAT Terna Auditorium, sector 22, near Nerul Railway Station, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.
09 December,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOrnaments on paper Pic courtesy/thecraftyangels.com From mistletoes to berries and pinecones, these festive illustrations make every card feel like a keepsake.LOG ON TO thecraftyangels comCOST Rs 600 Handmade with love Pic courtesy/@lonavalalocal Create your own Christmas card at this Lonavala art house that champions the local-for-vocal movement.LOG ON TO @lonavalalocalCALL 9820068611COST Rs 130 Tiny hands, big love Pic courtesy/chiildrenoffaithmissions.org Choose a card crafted by little hands and help children access a better education through your donation.LOG ON TO childrenoffaithmissions.orgCOST (donate as you like) Handmade and watercoloured Pic courtesy/@dsouza_ee The artist, Shawn D’Souza who shuttles between Goa and Mumbai brings a delicate, hand-painted touch to every season’s greeting.LOG ON TO @dsouza_eeCOST Rs 250 Cards with a cause Pic courtesy/@helpageindia.org These cards uplift your greetings while helping sustain HelpAge India’s work with seniors facing isolation and neglect.LOG ON TO helpageindia.orgCOST Rs 60 Planted with love Pic courtesy/suspire.in These cards are crafted from 100 per cent post-consumer waste cotton scraps with embedded seeds, giving you the chance to plant a tree with every purchase.LOG ON TO suspire.comCOST Rs 149 Art and cards Pic courtesy/@artforakanksha Art for Akanksha, the creative arm of Akanksha Foundation offers vivid, student-created cards that support art education while giving you a slice of a child’s imagination.AT Akanksha Art Studio, Voltas House, Chinchpokli.LOG ON TO artforakanksha.orgCOST Rs 593 Bandra’s holiday keepsakes Pic courtesy/@fluxuschapel Pick up simple, elegant Christmas cards at this Bandra store or shop them online.AT Fluxus Chapel, ground floor, near Duke Restaurant, Bandra. West. LOG ON TO @fluxuschapelCOST Rs 100 Origin of the Christmas card On December 9, 1843, British civil servant Sir Henry Cole and illustrator John Callcott Horsley created the first commercial card where a family was seen toasting amid scenes of charity — ushering a tradition that continues to hold its charm even in an age ruled by instant messaging.
09 December,2025 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareFrom Massimo Boturo confessing to eavesdropping on senior chefs discussing techniques, to late Anthony Bourdain working seafood gigs in his early days, chefs are the epitome of hustle for the love of cooking. Recently, a young chef in New York City created a global stir for selling fried rice out of his car trunk. After the 22-year-old chef Yony Hung’s Venezuelan-Chinese fried rice went viral, it drew in large crowds with foodies travelling a long distance for a serving. Here are our desi chefs’ recollections of their early days of the grind. ‘Burnt rice, learnt lesson of hustle’Ajay Chopra, celebrity chef and consultant chef During my days at IHM Goa, I was that over-enthusiastic student who practically lived there. One lunch service, while cooking for nearly 400 students, I made a classic mistake: I burnt an entire batch of rice. Within minutes, the entire dining hall knew. The roar of complaint was a moment of embarrassment, but in hindsight, it was those early burns — both of the rice and of my ego — that shaped me. The learning continued outside the classroom through outdoor catering gigs with the Taj. We worked 12-hour shifts for '75 a day, driven by a simple, powerful mantra: If you want to eat the butter chicken, you first have to carry the chairs. The hustle was real, raw, and unforgettable. But it sharpened us. Those early days taught me resilience, the art of jugaad, and one non-negotiable rule: no matter what happens, show up, cook, and finish the service. ‘Worked at a kebab stall; set off on a trawler’Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef and actor A young Ranveer Brar fillets a fish during his early years in the kitchen I was 17 when I decided to stay away from home for seven months — to work at a kebabwala called Munir Ustad behind Odeon cinema in Lucknow. This was a rebellious act to prove that I was doing something meaningful, and was one of the first of the many stupid rookie things. I would prep the charcoal, grind spices and nothing more; I never even got to the stove. The cart is long gone; the owner has passed away but that time made me the chef that I am and value every job in the kitchen. The training was strict; they came hard at you. Later, when I was 19, I moved to Goa. As a Delhi boy, who was unfamiliar with seafood, and was in-charge of Morisco, a seafood restaurant at Taj Fort Aguada Resort. I sought permission from my seniors, and took 10 days off to set out on a trawler for five-six days. I spent another four days around fish markets. When I returned, I could identify fish, and had learnt Konkani. ‘I’d brine the hog in my bath tub’Alex Sanchez, chef-partner Americano and Otra A dated photograph of Alex Sanchez (on the right) in the Americano kitchen When I was 18 years old, I talked my way into a job at the local sandwich shop down the street from where I grew up in San Francisco. It wasn’t glamorous work but I loved it, and it set the stage for my career in the kitchen. On my off days I would keep myself busy by catering whenever I could find someone willing to take a chance on me [it didn’t hurt that I was young and affordable]. I soon became known for my pig roasts. I would drive out to the farms about four hours from San Francisco, and get my hogs at wholesale prices. I didn’t have my own commercial kitchen, so I’d brine the pigs in my bathtub with plenty of ice. I’d stay up all night baking Parker House Rolls, making all of the sauces and accompaniments. Then, I would show up to the event location around 4 am, dig a pit and start a fire. The pig was wrapped in leaves and buried in the ground where it would slowly cook for hours. When the guests arrived, I would lay everything out on a table, and cut away the leaves to reveal the whole steaming hog. The meat was so tender you could eat it with a spoon. It was wild and liberating, and exhausting all at once. ‘Turned a minivan into a pop-up store’Aditi Handa, chef owner, The Baker’s Dozen Aditi Handa reads the menu at the Bandra store Back in 2014, we had to shut our Bandra store for two days due to termite treatment in the building. A two-day closure meant a loss in sales, and at that stage, every single sale mattered. Instead of shutting shop, we turned our delivery tempo into a mini pop-up store. We parked it across the road, stocked it with products, and continued sales. A team member would stand outside the closed store, and if a customer walked up, they’d guide them to the tempo: ‘Don’t worry, tell us what you need, we have everything right here.’ For those two days, that truck became our entire operation: from shelves, the counter, and service. Looking back, it was chaotic, but it was also creative, resourceful and a lot of fun. That experience taught me very early that hustle isn’t just about working hard but about adapting, improvising, and doing whatever it takes to serve the customer. Such makeshift moments shape you the most.
09 December,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaDancers don’t just perform choreographed routines. Sometimes, they let loose, allowing the music or an idea to lead their body. An upcoming showcase at Veda Black Box, titled Errors OnlEEE is modelled around this concept. It consists of solo, duet, trio, or group performances inspired by real-time improvisation games, during which artistes will perform without any prior rehearsals and choreography. Jyoti Naik (standing), a dancer from the previous edition, interprets a prompt using a prop. Pic courtesy/Bala Jainil Mehta, curator and lead artiste, spells out the idea for us, “Speaking in layman terms, imagine any sort of skit with a few people performing, or an exercise where participants are given prompts to begin any topic of discussion. This is a similar performance, except through dance. Apart from myself, three artistes will be on stage; I will guide them throughout.” The aim is to inspire emerging dancers in a live performance setting, with no rules regarding how one can utilise dance as an art. Aditya Shastri and Manish Poonam Mehta, who informs us that this is the second edition of the showcase (the first having been held on November 20, at the same venue), walks us through what audiences can expect, “I will give the dancers prompts, which they will interpret individually, and use them to move creatively, but with intention. Some prompts include common actions that have an actor and a reactor, whilst others draw the performer into depicting a gradual series of actions within a larger whole — one such prompt was ‘How to delete Instagram’; the steps listed for this in the AI overview that pops up after a Google search, were used to showcase how the app can be deleted, through dance moves. Similarly, there are prompts like ‘depicting’ the water cycle, or the law of diminishing marginal utility, wherein the first step must portray immense satisfaction, but as the sequence progresses, this element will reduce; the artiste must show their dissatisfaction with their body.” For anyone who loves all things ‘impromptu’, this kind of stage act should be a treat for the eye. Tarini Tripathi. Pics courtesy/Tarini Tripathi; Manish Poonam; Aditya Shastri Mehta adds, “Another way is to bring memory into the games, by assigning dancers certain areas, allowing them to familiarise themselves with them; then, blindfolding them to test how much of their area they recall purely through their senses.” The upcoming edition of the act features Kathak dancer, Tarini Tripathi, waacking (a street dance form) artiste, Manish Poonam, and hip-hop performer, Aditya Shastri. Mehta, a contemporary ballet artiste himself, expresses, “I try to get specialists of varying dance styles, from jazz to breakdance, so as to incorporate different interpretations of the same prompt; each dancer replicates the prompt in their own way.” He signs off by saying, “Errors OnlEEE has a more niche target audience: Those who adore dance in all its forms, and are intrigued by unconventional, inclusive artistic approaches, where performers make mistakes and try again.” On December 12; 8.15 pm onwardsAt Veda Black Box by Veda Factory, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to jainilmehta.orgEntry Rs 500
08 December,2025 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshADVERTISEMENT
