Royal welcome The decision to build a gateway was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay and India in December 1911. Following the news that the royal couple and their delegation had to disembark via steamship in Bombay en route for the Delhi Durbar, a temporary structure was created of Plaster of Paris (PoP) after dismantling the iron shed that stood at the pier. George Wittet PoP culture The structure was made from Plaster of Paris with a central dome. This was surrounded by a specially constructed amphitheatre where Bombay’s powerful and famous citizens and the ruling British rulers greeted the King and Queen of England after they set foot in the port city The real gateway After the royal couple’s departure to England, it was decided to build a permanent structure to record this historic visit. Philanthropic citizens as well as the Bombay Government contributed towards its funding. Grand beginnings The foundation stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay province, George Sydenham Clarke in March 1913. George Wittet’s design was approved in August 1914. The structure was completed in 1924. A dated photograph of Apollo Pier on the spot where Indo-Saracenic wonder The Gateway was modelled by Scottish architect George Wittet as a cross between the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a Moorish mansion and 16th century Guajarati architecture. One of the most respected architects for the Bombay Government at the time; he had also monitored the plan for the temporary structure. Its main arch reaches a maximum height of 83 feet to its apex. Vocal for local Yellow basalt stone from Kharodi in Thane and pierced stone panels from Gwalior were used to build the Gateway. Goodbye from Gateway When India gained Independence the last British troops, belonging to the 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry left the nation’s shores in February 1948 from the Gateway. The city’s residents lined the Apollo Bunder pier as they bid goodbye to the last reminder of colonialism. The Gateway of India was built later. Pics courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Stamp on the city Apart from the Gateway, Wittet was architect for several prominent landmarks including Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS), Institute of Science, Small Causes Court at Dhobi Talao, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Wadia Maternity Hospital.
19 March,2026 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamBefore cameras became omnipresent, and selfies became de rigeur, the experience of taking a photograph was a rare one. “You would not have had your photo taken every day. It was a moment of celebration, waited, and planned for,” shares Manu Trivedi, co-owner, The Revolver Club. An avid photographer, Trivedi belongs the few who prefer the slow chore of analogue photography to the quick-fire digital options. This weekend, he will join others of his ilk at the newly minted The Revolver Photography Club. Mamiya C220 twin-lens reflex camera. Pics Courtesy/The Revolver Club “Analogue photography is more than just about the camera. It is about careful planning of each frame, understanding, and learning the process. This is an initiative to bring together people who share this passion,” Trivedi reveals. The Yashica a analogue camera The club has collaborated with the city based The Panchrome Project, which offers analogue film stock, processing services, and darkroom processing for niche practitioners. The club will offer access to these artistic practices for the beginners, Trivedi points out. The first session will be helmed Trivedi alongside photographer Vishal Kullarwar. Patrons at the club in Mahim during an event “In the coming weeks, we will also host workshops about film handling, processing and developing. Of course, we will also offer them workshops on the nature of the analogue cameras and their handling,” he adds. Manu Trivedi ON March 21; 6.30 pm onwardsAT The Revolver Club, Lady Jamshedji Road, Mahim West. LOG ON TO @therevolverclub (for registration) ENTRY RSVP mandatory)
19 March,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSilver lining There is a quiet power in authenticity. With a simple wave and silver-flecked hair, Manisha Koirala turned a Wednesday salon run into a celebration of the natural self — proving that grace doesn’t really need a filter Fandom Fallacy For a man expected to be articulate, author Chetan Bhagat sometimes struggles to make sense. A podcast and column from last year, now going viral post India’s T20 World Cup win, suggest that Indians are “obsessed with cricket” and that the “countless productive hours… our youth spend glued to screens” could cost an entire generation dearly. Chetan Bhagat “Why are you watching other men achieve excellence and not trying to achieve it yourself?” he asks. But does fandom inherently ruin productivity? Reducing millions of passionate cricket fans to brain‑dead spectators ignores the cultural, communal, and motivational value sports bring. Blaming “obsession” for societal issues oversimplifies complex problems, turning entertainment into moral panic. Bhagat’s argument, at its core, reads less like insight and more like condescension. While I rant out loud, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this. Are die-hard cricket fans like Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, and even Daniel Radcliffe not productive? It’s a false dichotomy to say that you are either a producer of excellence or a consumer of it, with no room for both. To suggest otherwise is to ignore that the inspiration we find in others’ greatness is often what fuels our own. After-hours art ritual Not nearly enough people are talking about Art Night Thursday — arguably one of the coolest things to do in Mumbai — which unfolds on the second Thursday of every month. Orchestrated by the Mumbai Gallery Association, this free-for-all experience throws open the doors of select galleries after hours, giving the public a rare chance to mingle with artists, engage with the exhibitions, and chat up the gallerists themselves. Aahana Miller And then there are the regulars, who’ve turned it into something of an art-world ritual. Case in point: Aahana Miller. The daughter of artist Brinda Chudasama and architect Alfaz Miller, Aahana treats Art Night Thursday like a well-planned marathon — clocking anywhere between three and ten shows in a single evening, usually with an entourage in tow. Her mother often joins, alongside a rotating cast of art-world friends. By the end of the night, Aahana distils it all into a single verdict — her top pick — posted to Instagram. Tarq and Chemould often claim the crown. And while her following may be modest, don’t be fooled: her stamp of approval is quietly becoming currency in the city’s art circles. As for how she chooses? It’s sixth sense over science. “I can’t explain it,” she shrugs. “It’s just a reflection of how I feel.” And does her mother — also the curator of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival — agree with her calls? Not always. “The decision isn’t democratic,” Aahana laughs. Whatever it is, it’s clearly working. Money Talks So here’s some backroom chatter that’s quietly rattling the foundations of a legacy construction company. For a while now, insiders have been whispering about a fallout between two brothers — a rift that, by all accounts, has everything to do with their wives. One has long been the public face of the company, while the other, in a manner of speaking, holds the purse strings. What began as hushed speculation has now escalated enough to land on my desk. The tipping point? A recent family-hosted soirée that drew Mumbai’s high and mighty — conspicuously excluding one brother and his wife. Are the parents taking sides? It certainly appears so. And if the chatter is to be believed, they’re siding with the money. Kidney-touching milestone Mirroring his lethal precision on the pitch, pacer Jasprit Bumrah kept his anniversary Instagram tribute short and sharp on Sunday, posting a simple ‘Happy anniversary’ caption alongside a few candid photos. However, it was his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, who stole the digital show. Playfully trolling his brevity, she dubbed it a “kidney touching caption” — a hilarious nod to the heart-touching cliché. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Ganesan Beyond the banter, this couple remains a masterclass in the public conduct of power pairings. Celebrating five years of marriage alongside the glow of a recent T20 World Cup victory, they prove that while the world gets loud, a “hug that feels like home” is the ultimate victory.
19 March,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatThursdayMovie night Catch Shape of Momo (2025), Tribeny Rai’s Nepali indie feature, alongside Renuka Shahane’s short film titled, Loop Line (2024), as part of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’s curated showcase.TIME 7 pm onwardsAT PVR Lido Cinema, opposite SNDT Women’s University, Juhu. LOG ON TO fillum.in (first-come-first-served basis) FridayGolfing around Pic courtesy/MUSO Step into MuSo’s immersive nine-hole mini golf course inspired by global landmarks, where creatively designed obstacles make each round both playful and engaging.Time 10 am to 6.45 pmAT Field area, Museum of Solutions, Victoria Mills, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO museumofsolutions.inENTRY Rs 249 Tune into music The R&B duo RANJ X CLIFR. Pic courtesy/g5a Experience Curtain Blue’s atmospheric electronica soundtrack layered with live elements, followed by RANJ X CLIFR’s smooth, genre-fluid R&B set. Time 8.30 pm onwards AT G-5/A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West. LOG ON TO @g5afoundation.orgENTRY Rs 759 onwards SaturdaySummer break Pic courtesy/Outdoorsy Lonavala Beat the heat with a refreshing early-morning escape to the Sahyadris that lets you dive into water-led away from the city rush for a fresh start of the week.Time 4 amPICK UP Outside Imagica, Pali-Khopoli Road, off Mumbai-Pune Expressway. LOG ON TO @outdoorsylonavalaENTRY Rs 2000 SundaySelf-care moment A glimpse from the previous session. Pic courtesy/Idhaya Stillness series Pause and reset with a guided gong immersion, where resonant sound vibrations help calm the mind and restore a sense of balance.TIME 10.15 amAT Nahar’s Nectrefield, Nahar Amrit Shakti, Chandivali, Powai. LOG ON TO district.inENTRY Rs 3000
19 March,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareEvery winter, it is not only the gulls, plovers, and sandpipers that migrate to Vasai’s wetlands. Tribes from the surrounding areas, including Warlis and Mahadev Kolis of Talasari and Charoti flock to the saltpans to find seasonal employment from November to March. These are the last remaining workers who make salt the traditional way in the coastal town. A walk near the Gokhivare village saltpans will introduce you to them before they return home. Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi Beach during the Satyagraha.PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS “The five months are a cultural spectacle. Tribes bring colour to the already culturally-rich town,” says Atul Katdare, a Vasai local who will lead the exploration through his group, Bhovara. “Although I am a local, I learnt of the traditions only recently. There couldn’t have been a better time than the Dandi March anniversary to invite people to see how salt is made,” he adds. Meet the communities Agris: The original owners of the saltpans, they are one of the oldest inhabitants of Vasai. The walk halts at the age-old Mithagar Chimney (below) that once processed salt by-products. It now lies in ruins. Warli: With time, the Agris delegated work to the tribals while retaining ownership of the pans. The Warlis bring glimpses of Warli art and typical tribal huts to the saltpans. Expect to see these on your walkthrough. East Indian Christians: In 1914, the Gokhivare village was struck by cholera. It is believed that the St Roque’s Church was built as a promise made to St Roque (patron saint for cholera) during this period. Stop by to marvel at this historic structure. Kharvi: Originally from Gujarat, the community migrated to Vasai to learn the ways of making salt. The Kharvis built a temple called dedicated to Mahadeva in the area, where the walk makes a pitstop. Atul Katdare Bhandari: Traditionally toddy makers, the community also practises fishing and farming. A local Bhandari family will pour fresh toddy for brunch during the exploration. Salt talk Atul Katdare reveals how salt pans once dotted the coastline of Vasai, Naigaon, all the way northward to Virar. Today, most of these saltpans have faded into memory for two reasons. 1 While younger generations of fisherfolk communities embrace the profession, educated children of salt makers don’t wish to carry the legacy ahead 2 Rampant development in the coastal area will erode the quality and efficiency of the saltpans ON March 22; 7.30 am to 11 am AT Gokhivare Village, Vasai East. (Exact location shared on registration)MESSAGE 9969285045ENTRY Revealed on enquiry
18 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleJapanese YouTuber Uketsu returns with a new mystery in Strange Buildings (Pushkin Vertigo), translated into English by Jim Rion. The book reads like a game with clues hidden in the detailed blueprints of oddly-planned buildings. It follows the success of Strange Houses, the author’s first mystery novel, which was based on a YouTube video he had posted five years ago. The floor plan with the strange passageway Eleven files are discovered by the narrator. Each contains a story with missing answers, presented through interviews, diary notes, or articles from magazines. Later, we meet the narrator’s friend Kurihara, an architectural draughtsman known for his deductive reasoning prowess, who begins piecing the puzzle together. We learn that in the past, he has been able to make sense of a mystery concerning a house “simply by looking at the floor plan”. The separation of the story from Kurihara’s input allows readers time to make their own speculations with the narrator. Moreover, the possibility that Kurihara’s resolution could be faulty keeps the readers thinking about the chilling stories even after they’ve finished reading the book. What’s most fascinating about the novel is that it introduces contemporary readers to several glimpses from Japan’s history, particularly the 1980s. Many traces of the period which gave birth to a spiritual boom can be found; these are sprinkled with Japanese folklore, such as the origin story of the Fukusuke dolls. Unlike many mystery novels, the guided illustrations and maps in the book are central to the reading experience. They help us visualise what makes these buildings strange, their halls misshapen, and their rooms unusually crowded. Uketsu studies the floor plan in a video that inspired his first book. Pic Courtesy/YouTube With no author information, Uketsu’s identity remains anonymous throughout the book, serving as stagehands in theatre, dressed in all-black to camouflage with the backdrop, change the scenes, and present the mystery to us. Available Leading bookstores and e-storesCost Rs 599 Other recent mystery reads to check out »Good People by Patmeena Sabit»The Dentist by Tim Sullivan»The Hachette Book of Indian Crime Fiction, edited by Tarun K Saint»The Samurai Detectives by Shotaro Ikenami
18 March,2026 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaIf understatement had a flair for theatrics, this would be it. At first glance, the look seems subtle, but as you zoom out and study Siddhant Chaturvedi’s outfit — its inky blacks and clean lines catch the eye. The geometric embroidery is grand, yet dressed with understated pomp. There’s subtle tension between structure and ease: the silhouette is precise, softened by a deliberate flash of bare ankles: unfussy loafers, and a small pearl necklace. The composition feels seamlessly cinematic. There’s drama all right, but it doesn’t scream attention. A thumbs-up for the young, hot Bollywood star who is serving up a natty combination of good looks and sharp style. Log on to: @siddhantchaturvedi
18 March,2026 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareHip-Hop is the domain of the daring, goes one popular phrase. The genre has always been about breaking metres, charting new staccato beats, and using language as the rhythmic base. Jacquilin Lucas aka JQueen has been doing so as part of the Wild Wild Women collective. But her latest expedition with the South Block Cypher moves in a new direction. Featuring the talents of Abisha and Raaga Katrail from the Sollisai Sistahs, and Indulekha Warrier, the track captures the energy and rhythms of hip-hop from South India. The immediately noticeable sound is that of the parai, a familiar sound on the ‘Madras’ (today’s Chennai) street. This rhythm defines the city’s vibe as much as the video does. But it is the sound production that stands out. The track moves seamlessly between the distinct styles of the rappers, from Tamil to street slang, and later Malayalam. Warrier, for instance, takes a more lyrical form when she raps in Malayalam. Lucas adds that this is the first of several tracks to follow that will explore the genre’s rise and influence in the South Indian musical landscape. If you are looking for something different to add to your hip-hop collection, you might want to keep an ear open. Log on to: @JQueen on YouTube
18 March,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMixed doubles Bandra just witnessed a serious power-pairing crossover! Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia keep it effortlessly cool as they flank TV’s current ‘it’ couple, Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra, for a sunny Tuesday outing. Double the dates, double the peace signs. Date night Ever since he held his own (and then some) opposite Rajkummar Rao and Priyanka Chopra in The White Tiger, I’ve had my eye firmly on Adarsh Gourav. Powerhouse performer? Obviously. But he’s also a legit singer, ridiculously sharp, and annoyingly well-rounded — arty, intellectual, and still somehow fun. When he’s not working, Adarsh seems to live for the outdoors: holidaying in the hills, leaping off cliffs into murky ponds, and adopting strays along the way. Of course, it’s been a while since he’s had a proper vacation — these days, he’s making the most of Mumbai’s rhythm. Adarsh Gourav On Monday, the actor stepped out for a night at Soho House with his striking ladylove Radhika Kolgaonkar, accompanied by elder brother Vasishth Bhagavatula — playing either the third wheel or chief guest, depending on your perspective. The venue delivered beachy vibes and the perfect backdrop for a casual evening away from the spotlight (though we definitely noticed). Having wrapped up pandemonious promotions for Tu Yaa Main last month, a little downtime is overdue for Adarsh. His last ‘trip’ was hosting a Hotstar docuseries on the disappearing tribes of Northeast India, which is hardly a holiday. “No vacation yet,” he laughs when we ask, “but soon.” If you’re taking notes, Adarsh, a serene hill retreat in Kasol or Manali might be the perfect escape — trekking, riverside cafes, and complete unplug vibes. Closer to home and safer too. Exotic escapes for all, except Sanju Samson With war raging in West Asia, the well-heeled are looking east for their escapes. Last week, Parineeti Chopra and her Rajya Sabha MP hubby Raghav Chadha were bingeing on mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream in Thailand, while attending a family wedding. Closer still was Hardik Pandya, who headed to Alibag briefly, with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma in tow. Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha Rhea Kapoor had a post-birthday break at the ultra-luxe Amanpuri on a private peninsula in Phuket, and while her azure ocean images were inviting, filmmaker Farah Khan’s Goan getaway had us salivating — between a fish thali at Avo’s Kitchen in Assagoa, and apéritifs at Anjuna’s Jolene by the Sea. Incidentally, both Farah’s fabulous food choices were dictated by the Arora sisters: Avo’s was recommended by Malaika, while Jolene is actually owned by Amrita Arora Ladak. But back to our boys in blue. I’ve already dished out the deets on Rohit Sharma making merry in the Maldives with wife Ritika Sajdeh recently, yet it is Sanju Samson’s holiday — or lack thereof — that merits final mention. When asked why he was chilling in a roadside chai shop in Kerala while so many of his T20 World Cup-winning teammates were holidaying in exotic parts of the world, Sanju was quick to clarify this wasn’t quintessential Samson. “The reality is I also tried for exotic locations, but nothing was available.” Who’d have thought scoring an exotic escape is harder than hitting eighties and nineties in World Cup cricket? Go east when the opportunity arises, Sanju, you’ve certainly earned it! Party Politics Shaina NC and Supriya Sule may represent different ends of the political spectrum — Shaina as a firebrand voice in the Shinde faction’s Shiv Sena, and Supriya as a seasoned parliamentarian with the NCP (SP) — but that doesn’t stop them from sharing professional respect and personal warmth. Shaina NC (seated) with Supriya Sule (behind her) It was heartwarming to see both enjoying an evening out at a wedding in Pune over the weekend, sharing a light‑hearted moment with Aksha Kamboj of Aspect Global and Anamika Gautam. Welcome proof that even politics can pause for a laugh. Nurturing new talent Not that we needed another reason to be wowed by Vir Das, but he’s given us one anyway. Days ago, the Emmy-award-winning comedian offered an open invitation to emerging South Asian designers to dress him for his upcoming UK show. Vir Das “You gotta be a new label, nothing too fancy,” the stand-up star stipulated, in a ‘casting call’ for desi designers in London. Not only will Vir wear their togs for his performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 1, but also credit them, pay them, and return their clothes once his curtain call is complete. This isn’t a one-off gesture — it’s a pattern. When Vir became the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards in 2024, he skipped the big fashion houses and spotlighted a young Delhi-based designer instead, handing Shubhangi Bajpai a global moment. Now, he’s passing that spotlight forward again. In consistently using his platform to lift others, Vir proves that generosity can be as compelling as talent — if not more.
18 March,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatConcrete catwalk Parineeti Chopra turns an unassuming Andheri sidewalk into a high-fashion runway, while an appearance by Imran Khan adds a splash of pink to the paparazzi frenzy on Monday. And the award goes to... The India story at the Oscars on March 15 was headlined, expectedly, by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who played presenter alongside a dishy Javier Bardem. But it was the bevy of beauties kitted out by Nita Ambani’s Swadesh — between the awards and the after-party — that stole the style stakes. Zanna Roberts Rassi American singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile wore a brooch by the brand, Minnie Driver wore their diamonds, and in a collaborative coup, Isha Ambani wore a bespoke Banarasi brocade fashioned into a frock by Turkish designer Dilara Findikoglu. An unexpected fashionista was the focus of our attention though: British born, New York-based journalist-entrepreneur Zanna Roberts Rassi, who wore a brilliant, beaded couture creation by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, also under the Swadesh umbrella. So stunning was the ensemble, we had to give it a second glance — and in doing so, déjà vu was delivered. We’ve seen that ikat-inspired beaded bodice paraded to perfection by Natasha Poonawalla some years ago — matching skirt et al. Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani Of course, it isn’t the echo of the past, but the brilliance of now that matters, and this collaboration for the Oscars captures that. “We have always believed that Indian textiles and craftsmanship deserve a global stage. This collaboration celebrates the extraordinary depth of India’s textile traditions while allowing us, as designers, to reinterpret these fabrics through a contemporary lens,” Sandeep Khosla tells yours truly, adding that there’s a “subtlety” to Zanna and the way she wore the outfit that was very endearing to Abu. Clearly, while fashion may recall what’s come before, ensembles like these are their own moment — refined, radiant, and internationally resonant. Mourning Marce An outpouring of grief marked the passing of celebrity hairstylist Marcelo Pedrozo on Monday, with everyone from Janhvi Kapoor to Varun Dhawan sharing heartfelt messages in his memory. The Buenos Aires-born artist and ace hair tech had almost 20 years of experience in the industry — close to half of those spent working with some of India’s biggest and brightest stars. Marcelo Pedrozo From others in the HMU world, we hear Marce was warm, kind, and perennially fun. From his list of loyal clients, praise comes in waves. “Today I lost a very very dear friend, a brother, a confidant,” wrote a devastated Nora Fatehi, while Disha Patani shared an equally moving note: “Thank you for all your kindness and softness… Wish we had more time.” Amid an ocean of condolence messages, there’s precious little being said to explain why this bright light was lost so soon. Even those who visited him in hospital on Sunday remain tight-lipped about the circumstances. For now, the silence around his passing only deepens the sense of loss. What remains certain is the mark Marce left on the people and projects he touched — a legacy of kindness, creativity, and friendship that won’t soon be forgotten. Treasures of the heart The people we love leave imprints that show up in the treasures we collect — and the tributes we create. Last week, we shared the story of designer Farah Khan Ali’s heartfelt homage to her late mother, Zarine Khan — a lovingly crafted jewellery collection that will be unveiled at a show this Saturday. Vanita Bhandari Following that beautiful thread, entrepreneur Vanita Bhandari pays tribute to her own mother, Perveez Aggarwal. Today, she launches Forever Gara — a book celebrating the legacy of Parsi embroidery, and more than that, a love for a craft passed down through generations. With Ghazalah Moloobhoy, Parizaad Kolah, and Aarti Surendranath slated to wear Pegara pieces to the launch, the event becomes a toast to traditions, talent, and the timeless bond between mothers and daughters. Etched in gold, embroidered in thread, and eternally enduring. Courage has no gender Over the past weekend, Anaya Bangar reached a major milestone in her male-to-female gender transition, successfully completing a skin graft vaginoplasty surgery in Bangkok. “This has been a long journey and today feels like a very important step in it,” the transgender woman and daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar shared on social media. Anaya Bangar The procedure itself is challenging, but being so open about it requires even greater strength. Beyond her personal journey, Anaya has become a vocal advocate for transgender inclusion in sports, urging cricket bodies to support transgender athletes and speaking out on gender identity. Her courage, empathy, and resilience continue to inspire, demonstrating that kindness, love, and bravery truly know no gender.
17 March,2026 03:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatTitle: The Baby BombAuthor: Govind SandhuGenre: Children’s fictionPublisher: HarperCollins IndiaCost: Rs 499 A new book, The Baby Bomb, is creating quite the stir, and the timing couldn’t have been more appropriate. Author Govind Sandhu says, “This book was inspired by the plight of children of Gaza and Ukraine who are caught up in a war for no fault of theirs. It seems like humanity is determined to destroy itself. The Baby Bomb is the story of a bomb called baby who has taken it upon himself to change the world and save us from ourselves.” Illustrator Allen Shaw adds, “There could not be a better time for a book about the effects of war. Sandhu has shown us his knack for finding light where everything seems most dark. It was an honour to illustrate this profound story that gives us hope.” The book introduces us to Baby Bomb who was born into a legendary family of destruction. His grandfather, Fat Man, ended World War II with a single explosion. But Baby has a tender heart, and questions his destiny to destroy. When a daring escape plunges him into the ocean, Baby discovers an underwater world where he befriends Ista the shark, Octo the octopus, and Long the torpedo. Together, they uncover a life-changing secret: bombs can choose to defuse themselves! As wars rage, Baby embarks on a mission to share this knowledge with bombs everywhere, offering them what he never had — a choice. This is a powerful story about breaking free from expectations, finding your true purpose, and proving that even those designed for destruction can become agents of peace. Can one small bomb change the world? Your guess is as good as ours.
17 March,2026 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamADVERTISEMENT
