Reflective property Landing at a recording studio in Bandra on Sunday, Rakul Preet Singh turned a simple car exit into a triple-threat visual. Between the chrome of her shades and the sleek panels of her ride, the actress didn’t just arrive — she multiplied! Billionaire Bhakti Unless you crawled out from under a rock this morning, you’ve already heard that Anant Ambani turned 31 this past weekend. But don’t let the lack of a private Katy Perry concert fool you into thinking this was a quiet family celebration. Low-key in the Ambani family still involves more stars than a Milky Way time-lapse — with everyone from Ram Charan to Shah Rukh Khan (and his dog) flying into Jamnagar for the party. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant Less birthday bash more multi-day cultural festival, the dress code appeared to be devout-but-diamond-encrusted, while the vibe was decidedly ‘devotional chic.’ It was all about Bhajan Sandhyas and dharmic grounding, with Nita Ambani leading the charge, while Kailash Kher turned the spiritual dial to eleven with an electrifying Bam Lahiri. Naturally, Ranveer Singh was there to ensure no one actually stayed in their seat — unleashing his next-level energy to dance alongside SRK and wife Gauri Khan. Salman Khan made his presence felt, both physically and on social media, with a tribute message that was more ‘nation-building prophecy’ than a birthday wish (classic Bhai). Nita Ambani Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday (who has many reasons to visit Vantara), and Agastya Nanda kept the youth flag flying, but the highlights went well beyond the glossy guest list. Between the animal feasts at Vantara and a book-themed cake heralding the launch of Vantara University, the weekend felt like a soft launch for legacy. It seems that when you already own the Earth, the only thing left to conquer is the heavens — and if this celebration was any indication, the family’s spiritual credit is now as bulletproof as their motorcade. Hardly a piece of cake! Most people take the phrase ‘break a leg’ figuratively, but cake queen Bunty Mahajan apparently prefers a method-acting approach to life. Last month, we spotted the flour powerhouse collecting her latest award with her leg in a literal cast — a souvenir from a misstep in Amritsar. Bunty Mahajan While most would use a fractured limb as an excuse to binge-watch noir, Mahajan spent March conquering her commercial kitchen. Between navigating stairs and logging marathon hours on one good foot, she’s been on a high-stakes baking spree. She whipped up an anniversary cake for Mukesh and Nita Ambani, a whimsical puppetry-themed creation for Swati Piramal’s seventieth, and the centrepiece for the Gaurav Kapur-Kritika Kamra nuptials. To top it off? A staggering nine-tier mountain for Anant Ambani’s recent birthday. Clearly, the Deliciae diva thrives on chaos, though she is delighted by the prospect of her surgical boot coming off this week. Good thing too — lugging around a seventh consecutive ‘Best Patisserie Mumbai’ award is heavy enough without the extra plaster. Into the wild While Vantara hogged the limelight last week (for reasons we’ve already elucidated), another sanctuary of tranquillity took our breath away in a quiet woosh on April 9. Della and Shumeet Banerji’s unique home, Haldu Tola, is a well-kept secret in luxe circles. Tucked away in the pristine buffer zone of the Pench Tiger Reserve, it is a rewilding retreat that balances Gond artistry with contemporary vernacular architecture. Riyad Gandhy Last week, the sustainably designed property was celebrated in pictures at the launch of a stunning coffee table book, hosted by Saffronart’s Minal and Dinesh Vazirani. The book, elegantly penned by Minhazz Majumdar, serves as a soulful narrative to the visual feast provided by photographer Riyad Gandhy. Riyad, the man of the hour, seems to have inherited his family’s legendary eye for framing the sublime. As nephew of Chemould’s Shireen Gandhy — and grandson of the iconic Kekoo and Khorshed — he carries a surname synonymous with the very soul of the Indian art world. But while the Gandhy clan has spent decades curating avant-garde masterpieces within gallery walls, Riyad has taken that sophisticated perspective into the wild. His lens treats the Pench wilderness like a curated canvas, proving that in this family, the ability to capture beauty isn’t just a skill — it’s a legacy. Timestamp trouble While Arjun Tendulkar is being hailed as the ‘monk of Mumbai’ for skipping his honeymoon to grind on the domestic circuit, Prithvi Shaw is facing a storm of digital brickbats for ostensibly choosing a Bangkok swing ride over the Delhi Capitals practice nets recently. For a player whose career has been a rollercoaster of ‘prodigy’ headlines and ‘discipline’ warnings, a holiday with his fiancée, Akriti Agarwal, is being framed by critics not as a recharge, but as a retreat. The irony? The trip happened well before the IPL season began, but in the era of the ill-timed repost, facts rarely stand in the way of a good dragging. In the court of public opinion, Arjun’s cricket-first sacrifice — trading Saaniya Chandhok’s company for a Lucknow Super Giants training kit — is the ultimate currency. Meanwhile, Shaw’s vacation photos, surfacing just as the pressure mounts, are being weaponised as evidence of a ‘dying hunger.’ It’s a classic case of narrative whiplash: one is praised for a relentless hustle, while the other is chided for a lack of focus based on a stale timestamp. In the end, thankfully, the verdict will stem from a scorecard, not a social feed — and good stats will swiftly silence the noise.
13 April,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatPrebiotic performer PIC COURTESY/ATMOSPHERE If you still want that satisfying ‘pssst’ of opening a cold can, their prebiotic sodas come in familiar flavours like Classic Cola, Raspberry Lemonade, and Orange Fizz, but with a cleaner, gut-friendly spin. They are sugar-free, made with fruit, and designed to support digestion, thanks to added prebiotics.LOG ON TO atmospherestudio.inCOST Rs 200 (single can); Rs 1,080 (pack of 6) Citrus chill PICS COURTESY/JADEForest This beverage company keeps things straightforward with iced teas made with black tea and mixers that hold their own. The Berry Blush, made with mixed berries, is an easy favourite, while Citrus Crush and Mango Lush keep things summery. Lightly sweetened with cane sugar and stevia, these feel balanced without being heavy.LOG ON TO jadeforest.inCOST Rs 390 (pack of 6) Spirited idea If you’re not ready to give up cocktails, sip on these zero-proof spirits. Their non-alcoholic London Dry Gin and Vodka are designed to be mixed just like the real thing. For a convenient idea, they also offer ready-to-drink cans, such as Gin & Tonic and Vodka Tonic. PICS COURTESY/catwalkbotanics.com LOG ON TO catwalkbotanics.comCOST Rs 1590 (bottle); Rs 750 (pack of 6 cans) Lager the better PIC COURTESY/ 3sistersdrinks For those who miss their beer ritual, check out these non-alcoholic versions that don’t feel like a compromise. Think Cranberry and German Lager, with the familiar bitterness and body intact. They also have no-sugar variants, which makes them a solid option if you are trying to cut back without overthinking it.LOG ON TO 3sistersdrinks.com COST Rs 660 (pack of 6) The natural way PIC COURTESY/Local Natural Soda These craft beverages are rooted in produce, and wear their ‘made in Mizoram’ tag with pride. Their sodas come in Orange, Ginger, Pomelo, and Dragon Fruit Pomelo. Expect fizzy, lightly sweet sodas that often have sediments at the bottom, proving they are made with real fruit. LOG ON TO localnaturalsoda.comCOST Rs 702 (pack of 6) Ideas galore PIC COURTESY/anothr For a more experimental take, try these plant-based cold drinks. These are zero-sugar, low-calorie, and each can is packed with 7 gms of prebiotic fibre. But the real draw is the flavour play: Mango Litchi, Lemon Lime, Strawberry Vanilla.LOG ON TO drinkanothr.comCOST Rs 660 (pack of 6) Flavour fun If your idea of a good drink leans more towards refreshing than fizzy, pick from a range of iced teas that feel light but still flavourful. Their ready-to-drink range has just 2 gms of sugar, and comes in flavours like Earl Grey, Peach, Lemon, and Lemongrass. Bonus: they come with added electrolytes, so you are hydrating while you are at it.LOG ON TO drinkbeyond.co.inCOST Rs 360 (pack of 6)
13 April,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaIn Arun Fulara’s graphic novel Shera (Tulika Books), illustrated by Allen Shaw and originally a film by the same name, young Monu and Raju long to catch sight of Shera the leopard. When Monu hears that his family is leaving the Kumaon hills to move to the city of Mumbai, he hatches a plan with Raju. They decide to tempt the leopard with their goat Bijli, so it may appear before them. Will the boys be successful in their scheme? A moment from Fulara’s film. Illustrations pics courtesy/Allen Shaw; Tulika Books By highlighting that Monu and Raju are the only two children left in their village Mayun, the author and award-winning filmmaker comments on migration of the village and town dwellers to the big cities. The phenomenon, he hints, is becoming more frequent. 'Monu’s mother remarks how his cousins in the city can speak English fluently, while Monu struggles even with Hindi.' Fulara depicts a deep connection of the villagers with nature, not only through Monu’s yearning for the leopard and his pet goat, but through the lore the villagers narrate. Their sense of acceptance of the leopard as part of their surroundings, instead of othering it, is an important statement. Arun Fulara Allen Shaw’s use of earthy colours and open spaces add an idyllic appearance to the setting, with several conversations taking place outside of the homes among the trees, rather than inside. While the details are in the watercolour shades, the expressions of the Kumaoni villagers are articulated with immense precision. They amplify the nostalgic, and somewhat hopeful, hankering of the author for the older ways of life. LOG ON TO tulikabooks.comAVAILABLE Leading bookstores and e-stores
11 April,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaPool paw-lympics After a long day in Mumbai’s summer heat, your fur-friend might appreciate a cold splash in the pool. Try this leash-free pet park where your pets can run abound or catch a wave in the largest dog swimming pool this city has to offer.AT Pool Pupper Pet Park, Nari Gursahani Road, Bandra West. Call 9920445499Entry Rs 1000 onwards Bon a-pet-treat! Pic courtesy/@OHHMYDOGPEFE This is the perfect stop for a midday treat. Its dedicated pet-friendly menu includes a variety of soups, pastas and starters which makes for an inclusive dining experience both for you, and your peckish best friend. At Ohh My Dog and Pefe, Shastri Nagar, Andheri West.Time 7 am to 10 pmCall 7400478244 Nostalgia with doggos Pic COURTESY/@PUPPYCUDDLES_MUMBAI Head over to this Khar venue as they host a collaboration with Champak Magazine. It is a special opportunity to recreate childhood summer afternoons spent reading Champak on the floor, accompanied by furballs running around.ON April 11; 12 pmAt Puppy Cuddles Dog Cafe, Barrister Hotchand Gopaldas Advani Marg, Khar West. Call 8007897908 Loafing it Pic courtesy/@pawfectkitchen_ If you want to keep it lowkey and bring the fun home, order in from this home kitchen that delivers a selection of pet-friendly homemade cakes and goodies — a paw-tastic surprise! AT Pawfect Kitchen, Rambaug lane 1, Kalyan West. Call 9819744635 For the wave riders FILE PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI Spend a morning at Priyadarshini Park. Bordering the coastline, the park offers the perfect opportunity for you to have a sea-side adventure. Take a walk along its winding trails or simply sit by the rocks while you and your fur baby gaze at the At Nepean Sea Road, Malabar Hill.Time 8 am to 9 am
11 April,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Saanvi BhosaleDress like you own it Carey Mulligan in the Miuccia Prada dress, 2013 In the 2013 film adaptation, Carey Mulligan’s Daisy Buchanan arrives dressed like she knows that Gatsby is watching. Luxury stylist Divya Sacheti elaborates, “Her party look borrows from Miuccia Prada’s Spring/Summer 2010 ‘Chandelier dress’, transformed into a crystal-embellished overdress layered over a champagne-toned slip. Divya Sacheti The drop waist keeps it easy and fluid, while the beadwork flickers with every step. A bi-colour fur capelet trimmed with tiny crystals adds a touch of indulgence without trying too hard. The soft, pale palette keeps everything feeling expensive,” emphasises Sacheti. Finished with pearls and delicate details, it is glamour that gets highlighted. Advent of athleisure Lois Chiles in The Great Gatsby 1974 This outfit signals elegance while making it mildly competitive. In the 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Lois Chiles as Jordan Baker delivers sporting chic with a distinctly calculated edge. Designer Theoni V Aldredge shapes her in a clean dropped-waistline, where the argyle cardigan subtly signals her golfer persona. F Scott Fitzgerald The pleated silk skirt moves with ease, balanced by a crisp collared blouse. Her Marcel-waved bob and sun-warmed tones feel precise, not playful. As Sacheti puts it, “the most compelling style is one that looks instinctive on the surface, but is built on sharp, deliberate choices underneath.” Pink perfection Leonardo DiCaprio in the iconic pink suit, 2013 The iconic pink suit is a small detail in the book, but it carries great weight. F. Scott Fitzgerald introduces it in the Plaza Hotel scene in his novel, where the colour alone sets Gatsby apart. “The suit itself reads as sharply tailored and deliberately chosen, not careless or loud. Muted pink with white stripes, feels polished but risky. It suggests someone dressing to be seen, with care in fit and finish, but still slightly misaligned with the world he is trying to enter,” explains Sacheti. Oozing luxury Joel Edgerton’s equestrian look, 2013 Think classy yet cool, this is 1920s elite masculinity with quiet precision. The navy knit worn by the character Tom Buchanan played by Joel Edgerton softens formality and hints at leisure, while Jodhpurs and riding boots hold on to aristocratic authority. A representation of the Jodhpuri boots As Sacheti notes, “true luxury never performs, it simply exists.” Even the towel feels deliberate rather than casual. The man wearing it is not trying to impress. He is controlled, competitive and slightly entitled, carrying privilege as if it were entirely natural.
11 April,2026 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareGrowing in the 1980s and 90s, Juhu was the perfect cradle: Green canopied streets, sea breeze wafting in homes, and playtime at Pushpa Narsee Park. Juhu was also about cycling in its by-lanes, identifying every bungalow from 1st Road to 12th Road, and spotting celebrities. This one time, Amitabh Bachchan’s car halted at a signal, and the superstar rolled down his window and waved back. Chicken Tacos Sundays included visits to five-stars like Centaur Hotel (1985), Sun-N-Sand (1962), and Holiday Inn (1976), and Novotel since 2009. This era also saw live music venues like Raspberry Rhinoceros and discotheque J49 emerge; JW Marriott opened in 2002. Novotel had Gadda da Vida, while Sun -N-Sand reinvented itself with Kabab Hut, Aqua, Haochi, and Beachcomber. Nikkei Tropical Prawns But times are a changin’. Last month, Bastian Beach Club took over the pool area from Sun-N-Sand, and reimagined it with a St Tropez beach vibe. Ranjit Bindra, founder of Bastian Hospitality, says, “Mumbai is a beach city without any beach club, which is common in other countries. How people step out is evolving — it’s not about selling food and drinks, but an entire experience. Our entry is a huge change for Juhu, because we’ve had Sun-N-Sand since 1962. With time, change will happen; it’s important to adapt to people’s needs. The sundowner is our prime time, and then the music settles after that,” he says. A view of the familiar facade Having grown up in the ’hood, we visit with a sling bag full of scepticism. A youngster in the thick of the party scene accompanies us. “We’re drunk in orange light,” she observes, as we settle into our high-chair table by the bar. It is the best spot for people-watching and mood-gazing. The setting is sea-facing, while everything revolves around the pool (access to it is an added cost). There are bed seatings (strategically packed with non-Indians), coconut trees, a shiny bar backdrop, pastel orange and striped plush sofa seating and sandy seating, and quirky sculptures. The indoors are busy, with jute walls, loud prints and dimly-lit corners. Lima Lemon Sour We order Chicken Peruvian Tacos, (Rs 900) that come in neat folds holding minced chicken, beans, lettuce drenched in a spicy huancaína salsa. Its tropical flavours are enhanced by fiery spice levels. The Peruvian Picante Hummus (Rs 1400) is milder thanks to a mound of pecan nut mash, with chillies, sweet and sour raspberries, and a pomegranate molasses. We were forewarned by the server that isn’t regular hummus. The texture and flavour pairings are savoured with crackers until the last bite. Sakura Cloud The Nikkei Tropical Prawns (Rs 950) give a punch of mustard, cajun spice and tiger milk, a citrusy spice drink, a core feature in Peruvian cooking. For vegetarian fare, we order the Mushroom Salvaje Skewers (Rs 950). King oyster mushrooms are drenched and grilled in as salsa sauce topped with chimichurri. Our cocktail order of Sakura Cloud Martini (Rs 1300) has gin, sake, sweet litchi juice balanced with fresh lemon juice. The jasmine cloud adds the flowery language that wins our palate. Peruvian Picante Hummus The Pacific Breeze (Rs 1710) is on the grassy side — lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime leaves muddled in coconut water and cranberry juice — all showing up for the strong Patron Silver tequila. A unanimous favourite is More Chi Than Fa (Rs 1870), a Lapsang Souchong tea infusion with Malfy Con Limone (an Italian lemon gin) and cherry gin. The liquid is gentle on the palate, making it an easy drink. The cocktails are in celebration of tropical flavours, manoeuvring a tight rein on the ingredients as if holding each of them accountable on their palate performance. In Silk Route Collins (Rs 1190), we get the same lemon gin infused with lemongrass in the robust company of coconut water and guava as a high ball. For desserts, we pick the Choco Udon (Rs 800), a decadent dark chocolate cake topped with berries, and layered with milk chocolate mousse, brownie bites and a butterscotch praline. Our spoons fight to the finish. The Lima Limon Sour (Rs 750) has ice cream, lemon vanilla cream cheese, apple, and a dulche crumble that cools the palate after the fiery food. While the experience lives up to its high-energy beach club vibe, we realise a new soundtrack is rising. Afar into the sunset, the Sea Link extension emerges; the DJ-belted deep house and Afro music echoes back. Juhu sits on a cusp, set to adorn a spiffy new wardrobe. We know that days to drop by, to soak in the sound of crashing waves, are numbered. Bastian Beach ClubAt 39, Sun-n-Sand Juhu Beach, Juhu. Call 50333555 Changing suburban-scape While Bastian Beach Club is on the same premise as Sun-N-Sand Hotel, the two function independently. In the coming months, the hotel will see a massive makeover into a Marriott Autograph Collection property. Vikas Dilawari Vikas Dilawari, conservation architect, puts the suburban makeover into perspective. “Juhu has always held its own charm. What Chowpatty is for South Bombay, Juhu is for North Bombay. Since its inception, Juhu was known for its iconic elements: Beach walks to spot iconic hotels; Bollywood residents, iconic five-stars, including Sun-N- Sand; Prithvi Theatre that remains a strong cultural hub, and the Theosophical Society.” He admits that the dynamism of the suburb is changing. “Hotels are getting competitive and need to reinvent. Thanks to the CRZ, and the area coming under the funnel of aviation, it has not exploded vertically. Creativity is required to make this area sustainable and retain its authentic spirit,” suggests Dilawari, adding that the coming generations may never be able to realise old Juhu’s special character. “A good city is one where the past and present are both in proportion, like well-balanced sweet lime juice.” We reached out to the Sun-N-Sand’s team but they were not keen to comment.
11 April,2026 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaOn World Parkinson’s Day (April 11), Kathak Rockers, led by dancer Kumar Sharma, will host a workshop that explores Kathak as a form of movement-based therapy. Designed to engage, the session focuses on how classical dance can support people living with Parkinson’s. “The workshop will highlight how Kathak works as a positive mind and body exercise for people with Parkinson’s,” emphasises Sharma. He further explains that the structured rhythm of the dance plays a crucial role in physical and motor improvement. Mona Ambegaonkar and Bhumika Mane from Still Dancing Movement set to music also acts as an external cue, making it easier to initiate and regulate motion. Repetition of sequences keeps the mind active, while expressive elements such as abhinaya encourage facial movement and communication. “Multitasking helps, even a very basic sequence like ti ka ta di ga na dha, or footworks like 1-2-3-4-5, helps their speech and body and mind,” Sharma reiterates. The workshop will begin with participants learning a short Bollywood Kathak fusion choreography. This will be followed by a lecture-demonstration by Dr Vonita Singh, founder of Movement Mantra, who will speak about the therapeutic benefits of dance for Parkinson’s patients. Reflecting on the emotional and mental challenges associated with the condition, Sharma notes, “Parkinson’s as a disease enters your life abruptly; it has no particular cues, and sometimes, people don’t really know how to deal with it along with the denial that comes with it.” Dr Singh, whose father lived with Parkinson’s, emphasises the importance of movement-based practices. “Tatkar (the foundational rhythmic footwork in Kathak, translating the dance syllables into sound through ankle bells) helps the mind and body, especially through training your muscle memory as the dance is planned which in modality helps the person,” she says, referring to the footwork in Kathak. ON April 11; 11 am to 1 pmAT Adhbhut Collective Arts, Aram Nagar, Versova.CALL 8130100821COST Rs 1800 Still Dancing Following the workshop, Movement Mantra and Third Half Theatre will stage Still Dancing, a play written and directed by Sanjeev Dixit and produced by Dr Vonita Singh. “The play has somewhat taken inspiration from the life of Vonita herself, and looks at the mistakes we make and the problems those around us create,” says Dixit. “The idea was to present a person who feels trapped in a cage — while being the same from within.” Sanjeev Dixit and Dr Vonita Singh To this Dr Singh adds, “The biggest mistake we made with my father was that we ended up babysitting him, whereas we should have allowed him to move.” The performance aims to spark reflection on caregiving, independence, and the importance of movement in living with Parkinson’s. ON April 12; 6.30 pm; April 13; 8 pm onwardsAT Royal Opera House, Mama Paramanand Marg, Charni Road (April 12); Rangshila Theatre 1st Floor, 72/A Ground Floor, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova. (April 13) LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 350 (for both)
10 April,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareStanding for two millennia, in the city of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), are the man-made Ajanta Caves. We learn in Magnificent Murals: Buddhist Art of Ajanta (Tulika Books), written by Ashwin Prabhu, that during the monsoon season, the caves offered shelter to the travelling Buddhist monks. Before they were built, the monks would wait in the natural hollows for the rain to subside. The line drawing makes it clear that he’s carrying a tusks. Pics courtesy/Tulika Books Prabhu outlines, with clarity, all that readers must know about this historic wonder: when the caves were built, the different kinds of structures, the stories that the paintings tell, the oral instructions on conduct for monks, and a detailed account of the life of Buddha through the murals. Ashwin Prabhu One of the most interesting segments in the book is its illumination of the varying styles of the paintings. The differences emerged as they were completed in two phases separated by 400 years. We find out about the murals in the chaityas of caves 9 and 10 and the damage they’ve endured, being the oldest ones at the site. Interestingly, the newer murals form a zigzag pattern, instead of a left-to-right chronology. The line drawings alongside old murals help us make sense of the stories that have faded now. Further, the photographs of the sculptures and paintings captured by Srinivasan Krishnan Rajagopalan entice us to book a ticket to visit this architectural marvel. On April 12 (author talk); 11 amAT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort. Log on to @csvmvmumbai
10 April,2026 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAicha by Outlandish Before the terms ‘woke feminist’ and ‘girl boss’ were thrown around, this song came closest to celebrating the unsung women of the world. Don’t make me wait by Sting and Shaggy This unlikely duo who popularised two distinct genres come together to create magic with this track. We loved the accompanying video when it was released in 2018, as part of the Caribbean-laced album ‘44/876. The vibe is holiday-esque. Just the kind of a music oasis we need in muggy Mumbai. Break’n a Sweat by Skrillex and The Doors Hard rock meets dubstep in this track that helped us power through today. The behind-the-scenes snippet where the OG rockers navigate new-age music is a treat. One Dance by Drake Albeit a decade old now, it still feels instantly familiar. When it first came out, it played almost everywhere, in cars, clubs, and cafes, until it became part of everyday life. Wahdon by Fairuz This soft song is intensified by Lebanese poet Talal Haider’s lyrics about his brief encounter with three army men who were martyred in occupied Palestine.
10 April,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamAn Olive Ridley turtle strutting on two legs, wielding a selfie stick and vlogging his day in a distinct Konkani dialect. No, we’re not recalling a fever dream. That’s exactly what we witnessed at the rehearsal of Sangeet Kurmakhyan at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo on Wednesday evening. Conceptualised by Vanyavani Foundation and directed by Makarand Sawant, the play featuring artistes from Mumbai, Thane, Konkan, Vidarbha, and beyond is all set to premiere at the Velas Turtle Festival this weekend. Olive Ridley turtles in Velas. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE “While wildlife documentaries work really well in rural areas, the visuals often entice the viewer so much, the message becomes secondary,” says Sawant. The new play, supported by the Mangrove Cell, Mumbai Zoo, and independent researchers, is rooted in folk Vyakhyan, Powada, and Bharud traditions to strike a chord. Gen Z viewers need not fret, we can assure you there are enough ‘viral’ references to keep you hooked. Makarand Sawant Sixth in a series of wildlife plays supported and launched by the Zoo, we’re informed that the play will soon be presented in Mumbai after the Konkan campaign. Seated next to us, Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director of the zoo, adds an optimistic outlook, “Nearly 80 per cent of the audience at the previous plays has been children who enjoyed learning something new.” ON April 11, 18AT Velas and Guhagar villages, Ratnagiri. LOG ON TO @vanyavanifoundation (for details) Official Speak Kanchan Pawar, Divisional Forest Officer, shares her views ahead of the festival Why bring a wildlife play to the festival?Many young children visit the festival. The play will speak directly to them, while introducing them to fading folk art forms. Please share about community conservation efforts this year.We identified hotspots and possible first-time sites. We visited fisherfolk and schools to spread awareness on handling hatchlings. To our delight, spots like Adivare saw turtles for the first time this year. How does the future look for the turtles?They’re in safe hands. Our Kasav Mitras (local network) include both first-generation conservators and their children, who have happily joined them. Meet the characters Pendya Seth and Mama The play unfolds on a pristine beach with turtle settlements that falls in the hands of this cunning duo. After renaming it Malamal Bunder, the hatching spot becomes a fancy tourist and illegal trade centre. Chakwa You haven’t met him, but you’ve seen him online. This enthusiastic vlogger is the typical ‘travel influencer’ who cares little about wildlife, and much more about followers. Kasav The star of the show delivers some timely lessons, like the distinction between turtles and tortoises, the solitary nature of Olive Ridleys, and the vital role they play in the food chain. Turtle trails Join these guided tours to witness the phenomenon in an ethical way Kasav in a scene from the play Mischief Treks Spend a day in a traditional Konkani homestay and head out to watch the turtles take their first steps. The guided-tour suits solo travellers, couples, and families.ON April 17 and 24MEETING POINT Pick-up points across MumbaiLOG ON TO mischieftreks.comENTRY Rs 3,100 (includes travel, accommodation, and food) Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra The group that pioneered Olive Ridley conservation in the Konkan belt helps tourists find accommodation and guidance through their network. The modest homestays offer shared dormitories.TILL April 26AT Velas and Guhagar villages, Ratnagiri.CALL 9423831700
10 April,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAhead of her choir showcase Footprints, 32-year-old Dawn Cordo talks to us about the labour of love that is managing an enthusiastic children’s choir. Like mother, like daughter, we’d say. After forming the choir group Glee Hive in 1990, her mother Celeste Cordo has helped many young, restless talents find perfect pitch in the neighbourhood. Celeste herself would say she learnt from the best in the business growing up. Josic Menzie, for instance — the ace violinist who became one of the first Indian jazz musicians to play at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Young choristers as young as five years old will take a walk down memory lane, and offer a window to a hopeful future through the 60-minute showcase this weekend. “Footprints translate to more meanings than one. We’re paying homage to the masters whose footsteps we follow, while reminding listeners of the footprint they leave behind for the next generation,” Cordo reminds us. ON April 12; 7 pmAT St Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @thegleehive; district.inENTRY Rs 550 Echo-friendly tunes Blanche Viegas’ stellar career spanned seven decades. PIC COURTESY/VIEGAS FAMILY Staying true to the theme, the performance will double as an activity in reducing guests’ carbon footprint. A collection station at the venue will gladly accept pre-loved clothes that will be recycled by city-based recyclers, ReCircle. It’s all choir Jini Dinshaw founded the Bombay Chamber Orchestra in 1962. File pic/ATUL KAMBLE Choirs are not all about Western Classical music.Take a look at some unlikely tunes that the group has turned into choir arrangements.>> No One Is Alone: Rock ballad by Stephen Sondheim from the musical Into The Woods>>Let it Snow: A classic holiday jazz song by Dawn Cordo Dean Martin>> Shake the Papaya Down: A popular children’s song by ABC KidsLOG ON TO @thegleehive Remember me? >> Blanche Viegas>>Jini Dinshaw>>Josic Menzie>> Melville Rebello>> Ivy Fernandes 300 kgWaste collected and recycled at last year’s edition
09 April,2026 11:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
