Kerala Media Academy’s new documentary Media Woman: Ammu Joseph’s Passionate Journey (2026), directed by Shiny Benjamin, was released earlier this month on YouTube. It dives into seasoned journalist Ammu Joseph’s painstaking effort to bring together women in media under one collective called Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI). The film sheds a gentle but daring light on the power of solidarity and sisterhood. We hear several members of the initiative speak about the evolution of the initiative. Supriya Unni, a senior journalist from Bengaluru, echoes Joseph’s ethos, revealing, “In NWMI, there is no hierarchy. There is absolute freedom for everybody.” Meanwhile, a journalist from Kerala, Sarita Varma, mentions how the collective salvaged ‘the spirit of journalism’. A glimpse of Eve’s Weekly. Pics courtesy/Kerala Media Academy on Youtube The documentary shows how wide Joseph spread her wings. The seed for the effort was sown in 2000, with meetings in Jaipur, Bengaluru, and Shillong. We learn, though, that its mentorship over the years led to about 800 women joining the initiative — offering financial assistance for cancer treatment to a member, accompanying another to the court for a case, or simply listening to each other’s stories. A striking moment arrives in the documentation of Joseph’s inspiring journey as an editor. She shaped the way women readers consumed information in commercial women’s magazines, like Mumbai-based popular magazine for women, Eve’s Weekly, by adding a feminist perspective to the pieces. For example, the cooking pages were transformed into quick recipes for working women. A heartwarming exchange between Joseph and her husband in the film does not go unnoticed. Log on to: YouTube
17 February,2026 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaFans of Indian Classical dance are in for a treat, as the Samved Society for Performing Arts brings back the Pandit Durgalal Festival for its 36th edition. It is organised by Kathak exponent, Vidushi Uma Dogra in honour of her guru, the late Pandit Durga Lal, a renowned artiste of the Jaipur Gharana, which emphasises intricate footwork and dynamic spins and compositions. Pooja Pant performs a Thaat pose, with graceful movement of the limbs and neck, often performed during a Tarana. Pic courtesy/sejas mistry “The aim of this festival has always been to provide a platform to share Indian cultural heritage through the art of classical dance. A highlight is that we have never repeated the artistes featured, unless hosting the festival in another location,” Dogra, founder-director of Samved Society, shares with us. Late Pandit Durga Lal. File pic We later catch up with the two Mumbai-based performers in the line-up. Kathak dancer Pooja Pant says, “I practise all three Gharanas: Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras. While I will perform with my group, I also have solo pieces. On the performance list are a Dhrupad (a form of Indian Classical music) composition, a traditional Taal (rhythmic beats), and a bhajan. I have also choreographed a new Tarana (a piece featuring fast, graceful movements).” Vidushi Uma Dogra showcases a pose named ‘Radha’ Bharatanatyam artiste Meera Sreenarayanan will present her solo work, Harini-Radiant with the Ultimate Nectar. She elaborates, “It has a metaphysical concept of a bee witnessing the journey of Goddess Lakshmi, from her origin to reaching her full power.” She signs off, “This piece portrays a spectrum of emotions, from longing to the search for an infinite truth, where the bee is a parallel to the individual soul seeking salvation, hence making the bee an esoteric motif.” ON February 20; 7.30 pmAT Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park, Dadar West. REGISTER 9819387077 (Gpay)ENTRY Rs 250 and Rs 400 (donor passes)
17 February,2026 09:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshPitch perfect Despite belting out her cheers for Team India the night before, Raveena Tandon was back on cue at a Bandra recording studio on February 16. Clearly, the show — and the vocal cords — must go on. (Wo)manifesto The juiciest gossip is always traded in hushed tones — ironically, the same quiet whispers reserved for subjects like puberty, periods, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Enter society darling Mallika Timblo, who is turning that whisper into a rallying cry. Through her wellness startup, Terrapy, she is bringing candour, clarity, and much-needed volume to conversations women have long been told to keep quiet. As those who know her will tell you, entrepreneurship runs in her blood. Dad Dilip Kulkarni was the trailblazer behind Skypak Couriers (remember those incredible Skypak Man ads?), and Mallika certainly seems to have inherited his chutzpah. That said, her startup wasn’t born from the urge to build a business — it emerged from a deeply personal reckoning with her own health. “I began experiencing perimenopause symptoms at 36 and felt confused and isolated about what was happening to my body,” Mallika tells us. Out of that turbulence came a clear conviction: women’s wellbeing must be sustainable and science-led — not trend-driven, and never treated as taboo. While the brand offers products that address concerns including fertility issues, period cramps, and sleep disturbances, the greater goal isn’t to push a packet — it’s to shine a spotlight on these subjects, so that no woman struggles alone. And in amplifying what was once whispered, Timblo isn’t just building a brand, she’s helping rewrite the conversation altogether. Dance Master Still reeling from the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup action at the Premadasa on Sunday, we find plenty of excitement along the sidelines as well. While film stars like Arjun Rampal and veteran Anil Kapoor shared their post-match enthusiasm across an assortment of apps, it is the antics of Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri that have captured our attention. Shastri was seen wearing a red sequinned suit and equally flashy fur coat in a recent ad for Google Gemini, prompting Sanjana Ganesan to suggest starting a petition to get him to wear the outfit to a coin toss as well. While that vision is a tad worrisome, we’re waiting with bated breath for Gavaskar’s promised spectacle: the little master told Suryakumar Yadav that he would break into a jig on March 8 if India lifts the T20 World Cup. Bhangra, ballet, or breakdance — it hardly matters, as long as we have reason to dance! Soul Sisters On Mahashivratri, the OG society-girl squad traded its cocktail dresses for kurta pajamas, and flew to Bangalore for a soul refresh. We spotted Queenie Singh and daughter Tiara Dhody with Roja star Madhoo, and the ever-gorgeous Prerna Goel, sitting enthralled in an audience of hundreds as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the celebrations at his Bangalore ashram. As we hear it, this was really a birthday celebration for Rhea Pillai, who plays Art of Living instructor and disciple with equal alacrity. A more intimate pooja marked Rhea’s big day on Monday, with her nearest and dearest in attendance. From heartbreaks to high jinks, these ladies have survived every storm together for years — proving, once and for all, that the old adage needs a rewrite: the ladies who pray together, slay together. Legacy in ink Anyone who has lost a parent knows how hard it is to sift through their belongings. Some days, just thinking about them is trial enough. Kudos to Jamie Alter, who is bravely navigating this journey, and plans to release a biography of his actor father, Tom Alter, in 2027 — marking a decade since his demise in 2017. “Publishers approached me as early as 2019,” Jamie confesses, “but you have to be in the right head space to do something like this.” Then COVID arrived and everything went quiet, so it wasn’t until last year that Jamie actually put pen to paper. “With a career spanning over four decades, there is plenty to say about my father,” Jamie adds, explaining that this biography is far more than a recounting of milestones. “It’s a memoir that also explores my relationship with him, so I guess you could call it a tribute.” Sharing a gem from its pages, Jamie says: “Few know that after he graduated from Woodstock, my father studied at Yale. Within a year, he dropped out. This was during the draft and the Vietnam War. He didn’t want to go to war for a country he felt no strong connection to. Not long after, he surrendered his American passport.” With this book, grief turns to storytelling — preserving both legacy and love for posterity.
17 February,2026 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatMirza Ghalib once said, “Do not go by the lines on the palm of the hand, as luck is bestowed even on those who do not have a hand.” February 16 marked the 157th death anniversary of the celebrated Urdu and Persian poet Mirza Ghalib. A tribute performance titled, ‘Ghalib Hamein Na Ched’ will revisit his life and legacy through poetry, narration, and live ghazal renditions. “The night will focus on Ghalib’s life through the shadows of his poetry, and will include moments when the poet found himself at a crossroads between his life and his writings,” says narrator Sameer Samant. While Ghalib is widely revered for his literary genius, few are aware of the personal struggles he endured. Caught between questions of identity and expression, he often found himself at an emotional and intellectual crossroads that gave birth to some of his most profound works during the Mughal era. A sculpted bust of Mirza Ghalib at a previous tribute event The evening will feature a team of performers, including Prasad Athalye as narrator, along with singers Shounak Kulkarni and Anjali Marathe, supported by accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists. Through narration, dramatised sequences, and music, the programme will explore the poet’s inner world. The performance will also imagine how Ghalib may have felt during pivotal moments of his life. One such episode highlights his humiliation when he was asked to leave the court of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as members of the court failed to understand the meaning of his ghazal. Another segment will revisit the aftermath of the Uprising of 1857, when Delhi was devastated and looted, leaving the poet with little more than his verses and his solitude. These episodes will come together in a poetic presentation, with performers stepping into brief character roles and delivering dialogues.To conclude the evening, ghazals like Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi, Koi Umeed Bar Nahi Aati, and Rahiye Ab Aisi Jagah Chal Kar Jahaan Koi Na Ho, among others will be sung to honour a few moments of his life. ON February 18; 7.30 pm AT Ravindra Natya Mandir, ground floor, PL Deshpande Auditorium, Prabhadevi CALL 9867332549 ENTRY Rs 400
17 February,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareFirst-time birders often have a complaint that sounds exactly like our friends from SoBo when we invite them to the world across the Sea Link: “It’s so far away!” While there’s no cure for a lazy townie, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has found a way to bring you closer to its birds; or the birds closer to you, to be precise. Tawny Bellied Babbler and Blue Capped Rock Thrush A specialised ‘bird hide’ inside the North Division of SGNP in Manpada is now open to daily bookings. Photographers, birders, nature enthusiasts, and naturalists who want front row seats to watch the winter birds without disturbing natural behaviour and habitat would do well to pack their bags and book a slot right away. The hide can accomodate two observers at a time ON Every day; 6.45 am to 11 am; 1 pm to 6 pmAT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Manpada, Yeur, Thane West.CALL 9325693451 (pre-booking mandatory)ENTRY Rs 300 (per person) Inside a bird hide How it works: The space under a water tank near the Manpada Rest House inside SGNP is transformed into a makeshift observation space. The hide is covered with shade nets to blend in with the surroundings. Two rectangles cut into the nets act as viewing windows. Bird call: A small artificial pond is created near the hide, and perches are placed on its banks. Birds land on these perches to drink water, offering fleeting close-up views. Capacity: Two people can occupy the hide at a time due to its compact nature. What’s to see: On a good day, you can observe nearly 20 species of birds from the hide. The team has documented 80 species as of now, and aims to reach the 100 mark by monsoon, when the hides will be taken down. Latest sighting: Golden-fronted Leafbirds Shubham Hadkar Help at hand: A team of SGNP experts will be present to guide you through the session. Information courtesy: Shubham Hadkar, Nature education and extension officer, SGNP North Waiting for wings A butterfly viewing hide is in the works at the SGNP’s North Division. When open, it will open a window to the life of the ecologically sensitive insects. The hide will have higher capacity than the bird hides. While there is no set timeline, officials hope it will be ready by the next butterfly season. Bird watch Keep an eye out for these birds when you’re undercover in the hide
17 February,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleEver since this column launched last week, people have been calling me to share all sorts of salacious gossip — most too provocative to print. Tales of an A-list actor whose son is gay, and another A-list star who swings both ways, have been conveyed by multiple khabris. Don’t hold your breath for names; this is not that sort of space. I’d like your daily nuggets delivered saucy, not spiteful — isn’t there already enough out there to give us indigestion? And more importantly, aren’t we over obsessing about sexuality in this day and age? Please, people, do whatever floats your boat. You’ll have neither shade nor shame from me. Selfie Squad Rani Mukerji strode into Juhu Police Station last Friday with one mission — to invite the real-life powerhouses who inspired her Mardaani 3 character to watch the action unfold on screen. In the bargain, she discovered this formidable force also packs a seriously strong selfie game Love aaj kal Sima Taparia Even three years after Smriti Mundhra’s binge-worthy Indian Matchmaking last aired, the show’s leading lady ‘Sima from Mumbai’ is still very much in demand. The ‘aunty’ from our fair city is currently in the UK, enthralling eager college students at events hosted by the Indian National Students Association UK and a handful of other organisations. Sima Taparia had a packed house in stitches on campus at the University of Warwick on February 12, with shows in London and Manchester to follow. So strong is Sima’s connect with this crowd that this is her second UK campus tour — her first was around Valentine’s Day in 2024. Proof that while love may be complicated, Sima Aunty’s fanbase is decidedly sorted. Homes for stars, streets for all Between building spectacular homes for the rich and famous, including brother John Abraham’s Bandra pad, architect Alan Abraham pours himself into a passion project: envisioning and executing a better city for all. Few put their money where their mouth is quite like Alan, who hosted a thought-provoking exhibition titled The Everyday City: H/W Ward Reimagined at The Bombay Art Society last week. Alan Abraham (centre) with Jackie Shroff (right) at the inauguration of The Everyday City exhibition in Bandra last week. PIC/SHADAB KHAN “It was a modest event — entirely self-driven, with zero sponsorship,” the unassuming but absolutely brilliant Alan tells us, ruing the dichotomy of a city where fabulous homes dot a landscape that often doesn’t deliver on the basics. “We’re not the grumblers, we’re the doers,” he adds, and we know this to be true. Consumed by the need for cleaner, more thoughtful public spaces, Alan has worked tirelessly on urban design and research for the past 15 years, leveraging private clients for the greater good. Not surprisingly, it was ‘client’ Jackie Shroff who did the honours — inaugurating the exhibition on February 12. Alan’s firm is responsible for the design of two gyms for Krishna and Tiger Shroff, as well as their family home in Khar. “There was no better man for the job,” says Alan of Jackie, who is quite the eco-warrior. Wearing a thriving plant in a pendant around his neck, Jackie explored the exhibition, before gifting away his green accessory to Alan’s lovely wife Anca. And, from what we hear, apna bhidu paused to share watering instructions too! One pendant at a time, one ward at a time — the city might just bloom yet. Plated with panache For decades a doyenne of Mumbai’s fashion scene, Sangita Kathiwada continues to amaze us. Despite starting the year with a fall and fracture, the pint-sized powerhouse keeps up the pace. This comes weeks before it’s official, but in early March Sangita kicks off a regular community dining experience at her Kathiwada City House in Worli. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘community’ — this is where the well-heeled come to mingle. Sangita Kathiwada “The first sit-down dinner will be for 20 to 30 patrons and friends — people who have been visiting us for years,” says Sangita, whose niece Aditi Dugar of Masque will manage the meal. Regularly ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Masque has already earned its stripes, so expect the exceptional. On the subject of one niece, let’s talk about another. “I was in Jodhpur for the launch of my niece Urvashi Singh’s book, Kesariya: An Ode to the Karamsot Rathores of Kheenvsar, when I took a tumble,” Sangita tells us. It was quite a night, with HH Maharani Hemlata Rajye of Jodhpur unveiling the book, and Sangita, as expected, was decked out in a stunning sari. “I slipped at the fort. Fortunately, the event was over,” she adds. “It was a blip to remind me to be more aware.” With better self-care on her agenda, Sangita has jetted off to Chiva-Som for some world-class Thai-style wellness. She will be back in time to serve up haute cuisine and high fashion in Mumbai next month. Fizz, forks, and fabulousness — all set.
16 February,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker Kamat1 Ask Me How It Works (Penguin) A candid and thought-provoking memoir by Deepa Paul is about love, autonomy and open marriage. Paul offers a brave, heartfelt exploration of modern relationships and self-understanding. 2 What’s The Point of Kiki? (Perky Parrot) A crow for a pet? Nandita da Cunha’s book is about Kiki who limps into Nisha’s life and changes it forever. Read about the fun adventures, artfully illustrated by Rishita Loitongbam. 3 Maryam & Son (Westland) Mirza Waheed’s book is a probing storyline about motherhood, family, desire, and the limits of knowing those we love for the most. It’s unputdownable for its pace, emotional core and familial twists.
16 February,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamIf the closest to Mozart you ever got was to listen to the Titan ad jingle, the upcoming season of the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) might be one to start with. Having opened their Spring Season 2026, the calendar is already moving at full speed. Dame Sarah Connolly and Martyn Brabbins. Pics Courtesy/@Symphony OrchestraofIndia The finale will conclude in April with the annual concert of the SOI Music Academy. “This year, the performers include 15 talented children from across the country, who auditioned for the concerts, and will perform at Goa, Pune, and Chennai. The concerts are aimed to spread the love and awareness of Western Classical music,” reveals Bianca Mendonca, general manager, SOI. FROM February 17 to April 16AT NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO soimumbai.com For beginners: Bet on Beethoven This concert will feature the rare combination of Carlo Rizzi conducting tenor Davide Giusti in compositions by Francesco Tosti, Salvatore Cardillo, and Richard Wagner. “Tosti’s compositions, beloved Italian songs, are not performed often. They were created during the time of salon concerts in palaces. Giusti’s tenor voice suits these works,” Mendonca says. But it is the second half of Beethoven’s Symphony No 5 that makes this one perfect for beginners. A powerful, revolutionary work, its famous ‘four-note’ motif has been used from Disney’s Fantasia to Bugs Bunny. “Even if you do not know Beethoven, you know those opening notes,” Mendonca reminds us.ON February 21; 7 pm For classical ears: Seasons galore Dan Zhu (violin). Pic Courtesy/@danzhumusic While the Spring season concludes in February, the SOI Chamber Orchestra will welcome violinist Dan Zhu in March. “The Eight Seasons concert combines [Antonio] Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons de Buenos Aires. Antonio Vivaldi. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Zhu will intersperse Vivaldi’s works with Piazzolla’s compositions,” Mendonca reveals. The violinist will also team up with pianist Jean-Frédéric Neuberger for a combination of sonatas by Bach, Busoni, and Schubert’s Fantasie in C Major.ON March 26, 7pm (Zhu); March 24, 7 pm (Zhu, Neuberger) For nuanced listeners: Dvorak’s melodies Davide Giusti. Pic Courtesy/@davidegiusti_tenor Warm, melodious and folk-inspired, Antonin Dvorak’s compositions are more nuanced than you think. “They are beautiful works, but not familiar to the layman listener,” Mendonca admits. Rizzi will follow Dvorak’s Symphony No 8 with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No 2, his ‘Symphony of Independence’. Carlo Rizzi. Pics Courtesy/@Carlo Rizzi ON February 17; 7pm
16 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhether you said it flowers over Valentine’s weekend or not, you certainly can this weekend. City-based Naturalist Explorers will help you derive fully natural pigments through flowers like Palash and Blue Pea flower through sustainable practices. “Flowers come to bloom in India right in time for Holi. The process to extract these colours is simple, and doesn’t need special equipment. Perfect for kids and seniors,” suggests the expert for the day Priyal Soni. On February 22; 9.30 am At Pumpkino Studio, Chamunda Circle, Borivli West. Call 8976451433 Entry Revealed on registration Make it grand Every year in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, revellers join the Phoolon Ki Holi. The celebrations are water-free and use powdered flowers and petals instead of synthetic colours. If you plan to catch this unique celebration, pack your bags soon, the tentative date for the 2026 edition is February 28. Nature’s palette Here’s how flowers and leaves hiding in plain sight in your gardens transform into vibrant colours Gulmohar: Orange, yellow, Blue Pea Flower: Blue Spinach: Green Palash: Saffron, Turmeric: Bright yellow, Madder root: Deep red
16 February,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAs the last days of the lunar year slip away, the incense inside Kwan Kung Temple lingers in the air a little longer. Red paper charms flutter at the entrance, brass urns gleam after a careful polish, and anticipation builds for a dragon dance that will wind through the narrow lane about half an hour before the clock strikes 12 to welcome the Year of the Crimson Horse. Gold-coloured statues of animals from the Chinese zodiac calendar Long before India’s Independence, Chinese workers arrived at the dockyards of old Calcutta and Bombay in India, laying down roots that would hold firm for generations. In Mazgaon, amid a neighbourhood that has steadily transformed, this Chinese temple now rests in the hands of one family. With the original caretakers gone, stewardship has passed to Wing Tung Tan, his wife Marina Tan, and their daughter Marilyn Tan. Together, they serve as the temple’s official custodians — a second-generation family preserving both ritual and memory. Marilyn elaborates about the celebrations, “This year is about the horse, it ranks seventh of the 12 animals in the traditional Chinese zodiac, symbolising vitality, speed, independence and an unrestrained spirit for the new year.” The altar of the temple Inside the temple, she gestures towards the main altar. Offerings sit neatly beside the statue of Guan Yu — known in many temples as General Kwan — revered as a symbol of loyalty and righteousness. Fruits are arranged with care; animal motifs are placed with intention; soft music plays in the background. Every detail carries meaning. The community around the temple has thinned over time. “There were roughly 200 to 250 Chinese residents in the area almost a decade ago. Today, two or three nuclear families remain,” Marilyn shares with us. (From left to right) Marina Tan, Wing Tung Tan, Marilyn Tan Yet, the spirit of the festival endures. “Devotees pray for courage, financial stability and health, aligning personal hopes with the horse’s energetic symbolism.” At home, celebration takes on a more intimate rhythm. Taste fest >> Indulge in dishes including Steamed Leek and Corn Rolls in Sweet Black Pepper Sauce, Steamed Shrimp Carrot Dumplings (left) and Crispy Golden Chicken Rolls.At Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.Call 9222222800 >> Savour a menu where you can pick from Seafood Fortune golden money bags (below), Chilean Sea Bass in Calamansi Soy, and Wok-Fried Prawns.At Hakkasan, Waterfield Road, Bandra West.Call 8355877777 >> Binge on Exotic Mushroom and Truffle Fried Rice, Sushi and Sashimi finished with Edible Gold, and delicately folded dim sums.At Baglami, Ins Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex.Call 9833250644 >> Rooted in Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, choose from classics like Honey Glazed Spare Ribs, Salt & Pepper Prawns, and Whole Crispy Sesame Spinach Seafood with Lobster and Crab Claws. At Ling’s Pavilion, near Regal Cinema, Colaba. Call 22850023
16 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThud thud thud,” Bhiklya Dhinda mimics his recent endless travels on Palghar’s bare rocky roads. The tarpa maestro’s recent rise to mainstream fame after his Padma Shri win has inadvertently left his timetable packed, and legs sore. Our conversation on the sidelines of a local festival in Kasa Village comes after eight long hours of tracking the 92-year-old’s movements through local help. Earlier that day, Dhinda made a round trip to Nashik for a felicitation. The morning after our meeting, he plans to head to Pune for another stage appearance. Life with tarpa “I had barely one foot inside my doorstep when someone reminded me I need to be here,” he chuckles, sitting next to his hand-painted tarpa that is almost as tall as him. The tarpa never leaves his side; his great-grandfather Navsya, grandfather Dhaklya, and father Ladkya before him, all wielded the wind instrument. “I was 10 when I dropped out of school. My father handed me the tarpa to carry the 400-year-old legacy forward,” he recalls.\ Dhinda’s tarpa features hand-painted peacock-themed motifs Although made of bamboo, dried gourd, and leaves, Dhinda insists the tarpa is alive. “Just like you and I must breathe to sustain life, the tarpa needs someone to blow air into its pipes; life into its lungs,” he says. We learn from a local that Dhinda has struck a lifelong understanding with his tarpas: I breathe life-sustaining air into you, and you keep me alive by bringing me livelihood. Interest, not awards We ask the veteran if at 92, he has any hopes of the younger generations having the same dedication; especially after the President’s nod. “Attention is one thing, and interest is another. When we present the tarpa in states across India, there is great curiosity among young visitors. Many of them buy tarpas from us. But it seldom translates to long-term interest,” he rues. The bicycle that Dhinda received as a token of appreciation Much of this, as we later learn, can be attributed to the lack of incentives to instructors. Dhinda advocates for government schemes that offer stimulus for tarpa artistes to formally impart their knowledge. “Think of it as a sapling that must not just be planted, but also watered every day,” he tells us. Bhiklya’s wife Tai Dhinda at the family’s residence in Walvanda, Palghar Behind the spotlight Post a short discussion, Dhinda bids us adieu to take the stage. As the announcer on stage strings together praises such as ‘Palghar ki shaan’ and ’92-year-old tarun [youngster]’ in crescendo, Dhinda wades his way through a dense crowd, the tarpa perched tightly on his lips. An entourage of officials and local office-bearers in crisp white shirts form a huddle around him to the stage. Tarpas of varying sizes hung up at Dhinda’s home Just three hours prior to this king’s welcome, we were seated on a string cot outside Dhinda’s home in the eerily silent Walvanda village near Jawhar. His wife Tai Dhinda had allowed us to drop by while we waited for the veteran to return from Nashik. Walls of the Dhindas’ humble abode are adorned with awards and certificates floor-to-ceiling. Are these any real help to their livelihood, we ask. Tai points to a dimly lit room. Inside, a bicycle and a mattress — generous gifts left by white-clad well wishers. By the looks of it, Dhinda might have to play solo in watering the sapling of his art every day. What is the tarpa? Parts of the tarpa derived from (from left) bamboo, palm leaves, and dried gourd In Vikramgad, 27-year-old musician Surendra Vasavale helms the Kansari Warli Kala Kendra. We get a sneak peek into the 100 per cent organic making of a tarpa. The instrument consists of four all-natural parts:>> Air chamber: Made of dried bottle gourd or pumpkin. The vegetables are harvested before they ripen fully. The pulp of the fruit is carved out and the skin is left to dry until it becomes hard.>> Pipes: Hollow bamboo chiselled to fit the dried gourd make the playable part of the tarpa.>> Bell: Palm leaves are rolled to create the flared lowermost part of the tarpa, which amplifies the sound.>> Binder: Beeswax, once heated over a flame and kneaded, makes for the ideal glue that holds the parts together. CALL 8080855941 (to buy a tarpa or Warli artworks) Tarpa at Aarey Manoj Dhinde learns the tarpa from (right) Bhiklya Dhinda While Warli art continues to find makers and takers in the city, we learn that the tarpa faces an uncertain future in the tribal settlements of Aarey Forest. Manoj Dhinde and Prakash Bhoir, well-known faces of the Adivasi rights movement, have taken it upon themselves to learn promote the instrument. “This is the make-or-break generation for Adivasi culture. If we don’t learn how to play the Tarpa, the skill will perish with our elders,” says 24-year-old Dhinde. Surendra Vasavale plays the tarpa at the centre Bhiklya Dhinda’s wishlist >> Incentives for instructors and senior musicians to formally teach tarpa >> Easier paperwork for Adivasi musicians to find employment>> Long-term interest from the youth
14 February,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
