The final episode, a special two-and-half-hour episode of M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), which was watched by 77 per cent of TV viewers in the USA, made it the highest percentage to watch a single TV show at that time, underlining its immense popularity. For viewers like this writer, and we are sure there were many like us, who watched the show much later, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, after satellite television had arrived in India, it came as a breath of fresh air. The 14-Emmy-Award-winning show directed by Robert Altman, introduced humour and drama through an empathetic lens, against the backdrop of the Korean War (1950-53), thanks to its brilliant ensemble cast, and screenwriter Larry Gelbart and his team. (Left to right) Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, and Harry Morgan The team of surgeons, nursing and support staff at a fictional camp in South Korea captured our imagination, with leads, Captain Benjamin Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce (played by Alan Alda) and Captain John ‘Trapper’ McIntyre (Wayne Rogers). Trapper later made way for Captain BJ Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell). Their other key characters included Major Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan (Loretta Swit), the ranking nurse; Major Frank Burns (Larry Linville) who was replaced in the later seasons by Major Charles Emerson Winchester (David Ogden Stiers). The commander was Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson), followed by Colonel Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) in the later seasons. Other characters like Corporal ‘Radar’ O’Reilly (Gary Burghoff) and Corporal Max Klinger (Jamie Farr) and Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) were equally memorable. It’s title song, Suicide is Painless, composed by Johnny Mandel, became a cult track, and went on to top the UK charts at one point. To find reasons to smile amidst the helplessness of war was its overarching theme that remained at its core till the last episode. Old-timers will never tire of watching reruns. We suspect the show’s vintage appeal might pique the interest of first-time viewers, including later Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations. Sit back and enjoy its crisp and seamless writing that balanced hilarity with poignant storytelling in the time of war. Log on to: YouTube
11 March,2026 09:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezIt is February 1938. The Indian National Congress calls for a session at Haripura in Gujarat, under the presidency of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The quiet moment of resolve is boiling over, as Bose arrived in a convoy of 51 bullock carts. It was for this iconic moment that artist Nandalal Bose created the Haripura panels, a celebration of India’s past and its freedom on the horizon. The panels, along with a series of rare films and works by the contemporary master arrive in the city for the latest exhibition, Colours of Swades: From Haripura to the Constitution at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). Veena Vadini. Pics courtesy/NGMA “Nandalal Bose is widely regarded as one of the nine masters of Indian modern art. His works are profoundly Indian in their ethos, practice, and themes, reflecting a deep engagement with the cultural and social life of the country,” IAS Nidhi Choudhari, director, NGMA reminds us. The works are remarkable in their simplicity and boldness, and celebrate the rustic ethos of the India Bose portrays — potters, weavers, farmers, musicians among others — in a style that blends styles from Kalighat paintings to Pattachitra art, and the mural works from Ajanta. A view of the ornate page of the Preamble illustrated by Bose “Most strikingly, a significant number of these works celebrate women. Nearly one-third of the panels depict women engaged in diverse activities — performing household chores, dancing, singing, practising archery, riding horses, and participating actively in community life,” Choudhari points out. Deputy curator Shruti Das adds, “Bose was deeply influenced by major intellectual figures of Indian art history, including Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and E B Havell. Their ideas about reviving India’s artistic heritage profoundly shaped his vision, which he later transmitted to his students.” This language finds expression primarily through the iconic panels, set in an installation that replicates the original pavilion. These are accompanied by a physical copy of the Indian Constitution — that Bose illustrated, with his students. Nandalal Bose “The exhibition also introduces a contemporary digital layer through AI-generated films and animated interpretations of Bose’s artworks created by filmmaker Ebyug Akhil, making the experience visually engaging and accessible for present-day audiences,” shares Das. “This integration ultimately creates a layered narrative that connects history, art, and technology,” the curator concludes. A timely reminder at a time when soft power is slowly waning. Till June 9; 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)At NGMA Mumbai, Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, Fort.
11 March,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAt the showcase by Gucci during the recently concluded Milan Fashion Week, Alia Bhatt proved that black is never just black — it is a statement. As the luxury house’s global ambassador, Bhatt showed up in a sleek leather coat-dress that balanced sharp tailoring with a subtle hint of drama. The structured, yet bold silhouette, punctuated with glossy gold buttons, gave her a commanding edge; somewhere between boardroom boss and runway rebel. Bhatt styled it with pointed heels and barely-there accessories giving it that effortless I-woke-up-like-this look that fashion insiders swear by. Against the old-world elegance of Milan’s skyline, Bhatt stood out with quiet confidence. There was no excess, no distraction, just a bold attitude and the power of minimalism done right. Bhatt offered the perfect reminder: When styled well, the darkest shade can steal the brightest spotlight. Log on to: @aliaabhatt
11 March,2026 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIn restless dreams I walked alone, narrow streets of cobblestone,” the 1964 lyric by Simon and Garfunkel might as well have been about every Indian artiste’s dream of reaching the famed streets of Scotland, where the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place. Better late than never, the fringe format is finally making its way to Mumbai as artistes and audiences prepare to hop between neighbourhood venues to catch standout acts. ON March 11 to 15AT 3 Art House, Khar West; Gharaonda, Bandra West; Khar Comedy Club; Khar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com (for timings and entry) Funny business The festival opens with an all-star night in SoBo with a line-up featuring Kanan Gill, Varun Grover (below), Sapan Verma, Shreeja Chaturvedi, and international acts Michael Ahern and David Hoskin, that will leave you in stitches, happy ones.ON Today; 8.30 pmAT NCPA, Nariman Point. The Guide’s top picks Chai pe charcha Two queer lovers reunite 15 years after their first romance in Taranjit Kaur’s Chai Queens, an internationally acclaimed tale of queer lives in India. If you’re feeling contemplative, stop by the newly opened café to reflect over a cup of chai.ON March 13 to 15AT 3Art House, Khar West. A word on war Described as a ‘superior poet with the ability to engage reluctant audiences’ by critics, David Lee Morgan’s (below) Uncle Tom’s War explores revolution, resistance and the lessons of history through the spoken word. Timely as it can get, we say.ON March 12 to 15AT Gharaonda, National College Lane, 32nd Road, Bandra West. The Scottish solo Pic Courtesy/VeronaSkyFringe London-based theatre company, The Shakespeare Edit brings alive the Bard’s Macbeth. Director Paul Goodwin (below) performs the Scottish drama to the memorable compositions of Ukrainian composer, Dmitriy Saratsky. It plays onstage ‘tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow’; or in layman speak, all four days of the main festival. ON March 12 to 15 AT 3 Art House, Khar West. Holmes’ homecoming David Stuart Davies’ Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act begins with Holmes returning from the funeral of Dr Watson. Over the next hour, he revisits their most remarkable cases in a monologue to his departed companion. Nigel Miles-Thomas (below) plays 14 characters. Should you catch it live? Elementary, my dear Watson.ON March 12 to 15AT 3ArtHouse (March 12 to 15); Khar Comedy Club (March 14) Whole new world Richard Watkins. PICS COURTESY/ARTISTES’ INSTAGRAM What if your favourite Disney films had queer characters? In Happily Ever Poofter, Richard Watkins (left) plays the only gay prince stuck in a classic fairy tale kingdom. Expect some witty reworking of familiar Disney numbers.ON March 12 to 15AT Khar Comedy Club (March 12, 14, and 15); 3ArtHouse (March 13 and 15)
11 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe diamond standard Aneet Padda channels pure Disney-princess poise, trading a glass slipper for a high-fashion exit in Juhu on Monday. Appearing as an ambassador for a jewellery brand, the Saiyaara starlet proves that while diamonds dazzle, confidence and a flawless silhouette are the ultimate accessories. Gems of love It takes strength to turn loss into a tribute, and love into a legacy — and this month, Farah Khan Ali is set to do just that. We hear the celebrated jewellery designer will open her new flagship store in South Mumbai on March 21, marking an important milestone in her 30-year journey with gems. Farah Khan Ali One has already come to expect opulent design and refined craftsmanship from Farah, but this launch comes with a collection that goes beyond glamour — delivering heart. Alongside her signature monogram pieces, she will unveil a special line of jewels inspired by her late mother, Zarine Khan, who passed away in November last year. Farah believes that jewellery carries a feeling, a moment, an intention. “Long after the day has passed, a jewel remembers,” she says. If that is so, what finer way to honour her mother’s memory than with a collection that transforms love and loss into lasting beauty? And with sisters Sussanne Khan and Simone Arora lending solid support, this event promises to be far more than a store launch, serving instead as a sparkling tribute to love, legacy, and a life well-lived. Slay all day Throughout this T20 World Cup campaign, Tilak Varma has offered up some crucial cameos, but his all-star moment appears to have arrived after we claimed the cup! Still buzzing from the high of Sunday’s victory, we woke up on Monday to find Tilak took the trophy to bed with him — if only for a few photos. Tilak Varma In a series of super-sexy shots on social media, the shirtless star is seen in his hotel room, toothbrush in one hand and trophy in the other. The pièce de résistance, however, is the last image in the carousel: trophy, tattoo sleeve, medal and the man himself on display like art against soft white sheets. The tournament may be over, but the fun has clearly just begun — and honestly, who would stop at play when you can truly slay? Outlook: Sunny If there was ever any doubt the Little Master has a big heart, let’s put that debate to rest. As our boys in blue lifted the T20 World Cup trophy on Sunday, Sunil Gavaskar kept his promise to Suryakumar Yadav (we told you all about that on February 17) — breaking into a brief jig to celebrate our colossal cricket triumph at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sunil Gavaskar The 76-year-old legend, usually the picture of restraint in the commentary box, let his guard down for a few seconds as India Waale blared in the background. And in doing so, Gavaskar reminded us that cricket, beyond statistics and scorecards, is still — first and foremost — about joy. Ek tha Tiger “I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me,” Priyanka Chopra Jonas told an audience of eager students during the India Conference at Harvard last month. Arguably our most recognisable face in Hollywood today, Priyanka credited Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and the late Irrfan Khan with paving the path to global recognition. But long before these trailblazers there was another, and it took a true OG to recognise it. Kabir Bedi On Friday, Salman Khan posted a shout-out to Sandokan star Kabir Bedi, referring to him as “the first Indian to do an international TV show.” Generous with his praise, Salman went on call Kabir “forever handsome, enigmatic, the original Tiger.” Both the sentiment and its timing were spot-on, with the iconic series celebrating 50 years at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy on February 24. Of course, Kabir and his charming wife Parveen Dusanj attended the commemorative event, even interacting with the star of the new Sandokan series: Turkish actor Can Yaman. Salman Khan But back to our local ‘Tiger’ Salman and his tribute to Bedi. “My duaa that everyone looks as strong and conducts their emotional life as @kabirbedi. The new Sandokan @canyaman… you have big shoes to fill.” A roaring dose of rightful praise from one Tiger to another.
10 March,2026 11:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatWho said that up-skilling has to be useful? If you ever grow tired of this constant pressure to learn skills, and build your brain, to further ambitious career demands, the internet can be a quirky and fun place. For the rebels that look to excel in silly skills, there is Skill Addicts. From learning to juggle, spin a top, or even freestyle football, this one is for those unafraid of embarrassment. We’d recommend signing up for the yo-yo. Sleek, simple, and addictive fun through gamified skill points, it can be a positive brain rot. Log on to: Skill Addicts on Playstore
10 March,2026 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFrida Kahlo fans have a beautiful surprise, courtesy a journal which has tastefully and artfully brought together her thoughts, words and art. Inspired by Frida Journal (Rockpool Publishing) is an ode to the inspirational artist where Akal Pritam envelopes the user in every sense with a dramatic, colourful splash of Frida-logy. The 205-page decorative journal is indexed into eight sections that encourage exploration of the idea of FRIDA: Freedom, Reverence, Inspiration, Dharma and Acceptance. The journal is divided into sections The courageous Mexican, who defied the odds and fought adversities like her serious accident, throughout her life, ensured these many struggles translated into art that was unapologetically refreshing in every sense. The powerful colours, strong brushstrokes and evocative text across each section are bound to draw in collectors, stationery junkies and of course, Frida’s fans to get a copy just for keeps. At least, that’s what we might end up doing. FRIDA: Freedom, Reverence, Inspiration, Dharma, and Acceptance The creator of this gorgeous, artful tribute, Pritam does full justice to the rich, glorious legacy and Kahlo’s ability to stand out in a crowd, and remain one of the most path breaking women pioneers in the art movement and beyond. Log on to: simonandschuster.com (distributed in India by Simon & Schuster) Cost: Rs 1199
10 March,2026 08:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezThe vegetable and fruit markets have put on a summer filter with a wave of fresh produce coming in. Here’s what chefs and local food champions are excited to cook with. Gourd lord Saurabh Udinia, culinary director, HOM in Bandra, looks forward to the raw mangoes every summer. “My father makes an aam pickle for the family that we use as a butter in our seabass at the restaurant,” he says, adding, “We use a two-year-old batch as it ferments beautifully.” Fresh harvest of mangoes at Crawford Market last year. FILE PIC Their Veggie Chop, a patty made from seasonal veggies, is “packed with amaranth, green peas and edamame. We make the sauce using burnt cauliflower,” he explains. His top picks include Dadar Phool and Sabji Mandi, and Crawford market. (From left) Veggie Chop; Seabass; Saurabh Udinia. Pics courtesy/HOM The sunny season also brings gourds, greens and kokum. The bottle and ridge gourds are at their best. “They behave really well on the fire. Even the humble drumstick is thick with tender seeds. We steam it lightly, and then fire them for a charred aroma.” Chutney on the rocks Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, curator and editor of Chutney: A Compendium of Stories and Recipes, says, “Every part of a plant can be converted into a chutney — leaves, flowers, roots, stem; even peels, especially those of the ridge gourd, are preferred options. Turai or ridge gourd peels, with their rough and fibrous texture, make for delightfully rustic chutneys.” Flowers, like the gongura, Hibiscus, moringa, tamarind, coriander, and banana flowers, are also popular options. For Maharashtrians, red and green thechas, with chillies are added to the menu for their internal cooling features. “In my mother’s Gujarati household, we still have a Kanda Kheri made by blending mango chilli and gourd,” she says. Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal Bhaji and bhakri Shival Shah, co-founder of Tillage, local produce online store, points out that the onset of summer marks a shift in produce suited to the climate. “At Tillage, we are going to be shifting away from berries, and towards more tropical produce like avocados, mangoes, and mangosteen. Mangoes and avocados. PICS COURTESY/TILLAGE Cooling flours like Jowar, Khapli wheat etc are preferred in this season. The market is filled with spinach, amaranth and a few varieties of salad greens. I love an amaranth (Chauli) leaves bhaji paired with a jowar bhakri,” Shah concludes. Drinks galore Summer specials Jasleen Marwah of Folk in Kala Ghoda says summer is a respite from the heavy eating of winter. “It lightens you up, and you crave cooling drinks,” says Marwah, hinting at aam panna, kokum sharbat, sol kadi, kanjis and chhaas. Sindhi Kadhi She uses all the fresh kokum, mango, and beetroot for the coolers. “From chillies to tamarind, the season brings colour to the markets. My favourite is the Goregaon station market,” she says. Topli Nu salad Juicy lemons are used for Sindhi kadhi, while curd rice and khichdi get an addition of veggies — the green gourds, cucumber and palak. “We serve jowar instead of bajra, to ease digestion too,” she reveals. Jasleen Marwah. PICS COURTESY/FOLK Market research A fisherman unloads the day’s catch at Sassoon Dock. FILE PIC “I am especially excited about working with ripe local tomatoes, tender gourds like lauki and turai, and plenty of cucumber; ingredients naturally suited to the heat. Apart from mangoes, pomelo or bael offers freshness and gentle acidity. Chef Gaurav Yadav In warm weather, the ingredients do most of the work. It is all about letting their natural flavours shine,” shares Gaurav Yadav, chef de cuisine at The Bombay Canteen. Seasonal produce at The Bombay Canteen. Pics courtesy/The Bombay Canteen Take a walk down your local market, and you will understand. “The Grant Road Market has a very distinct character: One finds smaller vendors, interesting regional produce, and ingredients that are not always easy to come across in bigger markets. For seafood, it’s Sassoon Dock, especially for squid and bombil during this time,” he says.
10 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaClimate anxiety collides with reality television in Fever Dream. Created by Meghana at with Asar and Climate Culture Collective, the play follows a group of quirky inventors on a surreal ride through a familiar climate crisis. On March 12, 8 pm; March 13, 7 pm At Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar, Versova; National Gallery of Modern Art, Fort. Log on to @tafreehwale.comEntry Rs 499
09 March,2026 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team1 The Beatles: Fab Four Cities (Niyogi Books) This keepsake by Richard Porter, David Bedford and Susan Ryan is a treat for fans of the iconic band, and comes packed with trivia, timelines, ticket stubs (yes!), rare photographs, and maps to join the dots of their time, work and artiste life across London, Hamburg, New York and Liverpool. 2 A Brush With Indian Art (Puffin Penguin) From cave etchings to contemporary paintings, Mamta Nainy’s book takes the young reader on a journey about the origins and evolution of art in India. From Ajanta to Tanjore masterpieces, Mughal art and East India Company’s artists, Aniruddha Mukherjee’s art adds to make it a visually stunning book to gift your child as a first step towards appreciating Indian art. 3 I Will Judge You By Your Bookshelf (Abrams ComicArts) Grant Snider is a modern-day genius when it comes to making storyboards speak. With his brilliant art and storylines that cover everything from troubled typefaces, to Haruki Murakami’s idea of Bingo, and what imaginary day jobs of poets would look like, we suggest you make a dash for this book if you want to brighten up your day. And your bookshelf, of course.
09 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamArriving in Juhu on Sunday morning to host a yoga-themed celebration for Women’s Day, Shilpa Shetty proved that Bastian Beach is meant for more than just binge drinking! Sun salutations and sisterhood never looked this stylish Rooted in the mountains Even though he is tucked away in the hills with barely enough connectivity to get through a phone conversation, chef Prateek Sadhu is making waves worldwide. Naar, his remarkable restaurant in Kasauli, currently sits just outside Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at No. 66, with the next round of honours set to be announced on March 25 in Hong Kong. Prateek Sadhu Grateful as he is for the recognition, Sadhu’s journey is defined less by the pursuit of accolades and more by a deliberate step away from the industry’s conventional rat race. Kasauli and Kashmir are his great loves, and he carries them with him wherever he goes. Back in January, he served Kahwa (among many other mouth-watering treats) at a state dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen — an understated gesture that sparked a lively exchange between von der Leyen and PM Narendra Modi about saffron. Sadhu calls it his “humble intent and attempt” to reshape perceptions of what Indian food can be — and he does so with dramatic effect, one plate at a time. This month, Hong Kong will get a taste of exactly what he means: first over dinner (a two-day ticketed collaboration with chef Adam Catterall at Roganic) and then through a talk titled ‘Rooted’ on March 24, both under the aegis of Asia’s 50 Best. For a chef who draws inspiration from the quiet mountains, the world seems to be listening louder than ever. Close shave for Vaughan Making the most of his time in Mumbai currently is Michael Vaughan, England’s 2005 Ashes-winning captain. Mornings often find him on a brisk walk around Oval Maidan, pausing to watch kids chase cricket balls with infectious energy. Our coastal city being far warmer than Yorkshire, he’s clearly enjoying every sun-soaked step, while packing in an assortment of adventures. From Leopold Café to crabs at Trishna, the cricket commentator is sampling the city’s favourites, working it off with padel, celebrating Holi, and even attending Harsha Bhogle’s son Satchit’s wedding. But Sunday brought his most amusing adventure yet. Michael Vaughan Setting up shop near Mumbai’s Gateway of India, a streetside barber would hardly have imagined having an ex-England player settle in for a shave and shoulder massage, but that’s just what Vaughan signed up for. Dewy-faced courtesy a nondescript Dindayal, Vaughan then made a video to mark the moment — a clip that our in-house cricket nut did not miss. Alluding to Vaughan’s travels, he proceeded to comment, “After Vistara, it’s vastara — that’s what that blade is called.” Serving up a sharp blade with a sharper sense of humour, now that’s quintessentially Mumbai. Colour across continents We should be done and dusted with Holi this week, but colourful stories from the day are still trickling in. While the Princess of Wales had an Indian audience spellbound from afar with her Holi celebrations over in Leicester on March 5 (Catherine even danced barefoot at a temple), a contingent of other Brits were painting the town red in Rajasthan. Liz and Damian Hurley with Arun Nayar In a multi-day celebration hosted by international entrepreneur Arun Nayar, everyone from his ex-wife actor Elizabeth Hurley to television presenter Trinny Woodall took in the sights and sounds of a spectacular seasonal celebration at Raas Devigarh in Delwara. It was a relatively intimate affair — tight on numbers but full of fun, with several Mumbai mavens making the trip, Tanya Dubash and Haseena Jethmalani included. Also in attendance were Roohi Jaikishan, husband Chetan and brother Riyad Oomerbhoy, as well as famed footwear designer Patrick Cox. Expectedly, gulab and gulal were central to the celebrations that began with colourful monogrammed welcome hampers, were followed by the flames of Holika Dahan, and ended in song, dance, and shared camaraderie. It was a weekend to remember, we’re told — vivid, vivacious, and unapologetically fun. Pashas and potholes With our roads perennially under excavation, Mumbaikars have become intimately familiar with the anatomy of a pothole — and scoring A-stars for excellence in the subject are a handful suburban wards. Learning that lesson last week were Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal, who trekked to Izumi in Bandra for brunch. Isha Ambani Dressed down in shorts, both Anand and Isha navigated a narrow pathway flanked by road rubble to reach the entrance. Isha’s short journey from the car to the restaurant was particularly perilous, given that she was cradling one of her tots too. That said, we can tell you from the gazillion times we’ve eaten there: this tiny Japanese restaurant is worth every uphill step. Their shimeji mushroom and beetroot salad alone is enough to have you lacing up your boots. And until our roads are finally repaired, dodging a crater or two is just the price you pay for your cravings — no matter who you are.
09 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
