TITLE: Peace Pulao, The Forbidden Snacks SocietyAUTHORS: Menaka Raman and Vibha Batra GENRE: ChildrenPublisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books Cost: Rs 499 The Forbidden Snacks Society by Menaka Raman and Peace Pulao by Vibha Batra are part of Doubles (HarperCollins Children’s Books), a new collection of two food stories for children. In Raman’s adventure narrative, several children are enrolled by their parents at a mysterious wellness camp, where they survive on green drinks, boiled mushrooms and llama milk curd. One day, they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of the camp. In a flipped mystery narrative, Batra explores what it can take for two families, who own restaurants serving the Pasinabad Pulao, to set aside their differences and save the legacy of their grandparents. Vibha Batra (right) Menaka Raman Both stories are action-packed. Children play detectives who search for the root of strange happenings. In Raman’s story, one of the most endearing characters is young Anika. She is tender towards her friends, and fierce when standing up to the authorities at the Temple of Mind and Body Excellence (TOMBE). She calls the camp ‘fat camp’, annoyed by her athletic parents’ coercion in sending her. Other children — Abhanindranath (Bubbles), Vasu, and Navjyot — have distinct personalities; they encourage us to root for them. Their uniqueness helps readers get a sense of what would have resulted in their enrolment in the camp and the multiple ways in which children may feel stifled or humiliated by their loved ones. Sometimes that involves being shamed for eating too much; other times, it may be a belittlement of their passion. Raman’s writing is gentle; she injects humour to draw on the future, creating an adventurous world where experiments can turn sinister. On the other end is Batra’s world that aims to preserve the charm of the past. The restaurant décor, the local delicacies, Mataji’s rules inside the restaurant, the grandparents’ secret recipe, and the bazaar with cyclists and cycle rickshaws — all take us back to an older world. Batra’s characters are vibrant, especially the protagonists Suraiya and Divumber, who carry their own idiosyncrasies. With Inspector Chulbul and Badke Bhaiya’s appearances, Batra leaves us with plenty of suspects, commotion, and laugh riots. Together, the stories are doubly joyous and make for great additions to a young reader’s library. AVAILABLE: Leading bookstores & e-stores
06 January,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaWelsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins recently achieved a milestone of 50 years of sobriety, opening up about his alcohol addiction in an Instagram post. For those wanting to reduce alcohol intake as a New Year resolution, we speak to Dr Sanjeev Khanna, consultant gastroenterologist, Criticare Asia Multi Speciality Hospital, and Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri for tips on how to reasonably reduce drinking. Simultaneously, we consult Kakul Faruqi, consultant psychologist and psychotherapist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, for suggestions to manage the pressures of social drinking. Manage your meals Sir Anthony Hopkins. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines [January 4, 2023], there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption, given its damaging effects on the liver and mental health, amongst other issues,” Dr Khanna articulates. Complete abstinence is ideal, but inevitably difficult. To mitigate alcohol’s adverse effects in the short term, he suggests, “Eat a high-fibre fatty meal an hour before drinking to slow down quick absorption. Examples of simple, take-home eats for a Mumbaikar are Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Sabudana Vada, Poha with peanuts, and Aloo Paratha. Non-vegetarian options can include Egg Bhurji, Fish Fry, Kheema Pav, and rolls.” Fight hangovers Social drinking causes the urge to drink, to signal an ability to ‘have fun’ Hangovers can hold back not just one, but nearly all resolutions. “Home remedies for it are taking cold showers, using electrolyte replacements, like Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), and of course, spacing out alcohol intake with water,” Dr Khanna says. “These also help reduce ‘hangxiety’ — anxiety and depression the morning after drinking.” He cautions to avoid painkillers as much as possible for subsequent headaches, due to their risk of ulcers and liver damage. “Use Antacid and anti-vomiting medications under medical supervision. Ultimately, hydration and rest are key to relief.” Social drinking Dr Sanjeev Khanna Meanwhile, Faruqi explains, “Alcohol is often woven into celebrations and get-togethers, making refusal feel awkward or rude, and creating pressure to fit in and avoid judgement. Hence, one hack is to hold a drink even if it’s not alcohol; people notice what’s in your hand more than what’s in your glass. Sparkling water with lime, tonic, soda, or mocktails help you blend in.” Plan over promise Kakul Faruqi, consultant psychologist and psychotherapist “Instead of avoiding drinking altogether, make an advanced decision about what you’ll drink at a party, how long you’ll stay, and what you will say if offered alcohol. This reduces decision fatigue and makes your choice intentional, not reactive,” Faruqi suggests. “Try using neutral, confident one-liners, like, ‘I’m good for now’ or ‘I’m pacing myself tonight’,” she adds, reminding us that explanations are not owed. Drink wisely Faruqi recommends making mutual connection the goal, emphasising, “Being engaged, and asking questions, dancing, helping the host, and focusing on food naturally diverts attention from the social drinking pressure.” To be a mindful drinker, she advises setting a visible limit for self-control, slowing the pace, and strictly avoiding alcohol to regulate emotions. “Notice if you’re drinking to manage anxiety, boredom, or discomfort. Addressing the feeling directly often reduces the urge to drink more,” she tells us. A New thought “Instead of thinking of how to avoid alcohol, ask yourself how you want to feel the next day. This guides wiser choices without pressure or guilt.”- Kakul Faruqi
06 January,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshOne of those things nobody says out loud is that most ‘coffee raves’ (parties that swap out alcohol for coffee at cafes for fitness fanatics), are excuses to load up on sugar before noon. Last year, we found ourselves at one in Andheri that quickly branched off into a popular nearby rooftop bar for day drinking. And that is why we found hope in Big Boy Cakes and Bakers, a Navi Mumbai-based health-conscious café that is leaving no room for error. A four-legged patron at the Navi Mumbai pet-friendly venue “The idea came up when a regular customer, Sushil Chandan, revealed that he was an electronic techno DJ trying to make it big. It felt like a full circle moment because I love the genre, and I wanted to give back to the community,” reveals owner Vijay Nair. Vietnamese Cold Coffee. PICS COURTESY/BIG BOY CAKES BAKERS While the musical coincidence is cool in itself, the menu had us more intrigued. Following the zero-sugar commitment, Nair roasts his beans and brews a range of sugar-free milkshakes, mocha and cold brews, which pair with gluten-free desserts, and Keto ice-creams. The café is more than happy to host a plus one on your ticket, as long as it’s a furry friend. “Our dog cake sales are not for profit. Part of the proceeds go to a local shelter,” he reveals. Vijay Nair ON January 10; 9 am AT Big Boy Cakes and Bakers, Shop 28, Shreeji Heights, Sector 46/A, Nerul West. LOG ON TO @bigboybakersENTRY Rs 499 Sounds sweet Try these sugar-free options while you dance away at the rave Korean Sweet Potato >> Korean Sweet Potato: Rich in fibre, these sweet potatoes stuffed with cheese (Korean: Goguma) are baked to perfection to keep you powered through the day.Cost Rs 350 Tiramisu >> Vietnamese Coffee: Brewed for nearly 32 hours, the Vietnamese hot and cold brews are served with milk, orange juice or tonic water.Cost Rs 215 >> Tiramisu: The mini-tiramisu tub clocks in just short of 200 calories. Dusted with cocoa sourced from Kerala, the dessert features in-house roasted coffee and uses Stevia sparingly for subtle sweetness. Cost Rs 232
06 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is time when the high of the first week slowly fades, and the city begins to slowly move through the gears. For galleries across Mumbai, though, this is the time of the year to celebrate. The 14th edition of the Mumbai Gallery Weekend will see galleries open doors on Thursday for a four-day run to celebrate their first, and often best, shows of the year. With the four-day event featuring 33 galleries and six parallel art spaces, we pick the exhibitions that have to be on your itinerary for 2026. Dissolving Caves, 2025, Prabhakar Pachpute. Pic Courtesy/artist, Experimenter Colaba Los Angeles canvas Kelly Weartsler’s curation, By Fire brings to the city two collections shaped by her interactions with Indian artisans over multiple workshops through two collections, Lahar and Tarang. AT Aequo Gallery, Devidas Mansion, behind Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba. Memory collective Terracotta and canvas becomes the medium for Chippa Sudhakar’s tale of rural and urban co-existence, the impact of development on collective experience, and memory as an evolving landscape.FROM January 8 to February 12 AT Tao Art Gallery, The View, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli. Character sketches Prabhakar Pachpute’s examinations of the very current conflict of mining on natural and human lives find expression through Lone Runner’s Laboratory, a close reflection of characters who have informed his landscapes.FROM January 8 to February 21AT Experimenter Colaba, Sunny House, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Rule of eleven Dialogue, Lalitha Lajmi, etched on print. Pic courtesy/Artist, Art and Soul Gallery With Brinda Miller, Jayasri Burman, and the late Lalitha Lajmi, this show — WomanGrove-Scapes of Still & Life — features 11 contemporary women artists of Indian art, FROM January 8AT Art & Soul Gallery, Madhuli 1, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli. Many faces of Mumbai Bal Gandharva, MV Dhurandhar, 1941. Pic Courtesy/DAG From Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to the first Baronet of India, Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy, or the common street vendors of early colonial Bombay, DAG’s Face to Face: A portrait of a City captures the evolution of portraiture from academics to modern experimentation.FROM January 8 to 11AT DAG, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba. Life in the city The hustle of Mumbai’s daily life finds new form in Ranjit Kandalgaonkar’s cityinflux, that documents the in-between spaces of the city.FROM January 8 till February 14AT Fulcrum, Great Western Building, Kala Ghoda, Fort. Eye on the lens Untitled, 1974-75, Jyoti Bhatt. Pic Courtesy/artist, SubContinent This show turns the spotlight back on Jyoti Bhatt, one of India’s most influential photographers and artists, with a series of black-and-white silver gelatin prints from the 1960s to 1980s.FROM January 8 to February 21 AT Subcontinent, A3, Apeejay Chambers, Wallace Street, Fort. Return of the native After a hiatus of eight years, Mithu Sen returns with her new exhibition, What Do Birds Dream At Dusk?, a series of mixed-media works that explore blindness as a political condition. .FROM January 8 to February 21AT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, Fort. Also check out >> Prakalpana & RachanaAT Strangers House Gallery, old Wodehouse Road, Colaba. >> The Fourth WallAT Sakshi Gallery, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba. >> Azal se Abad Tak: A journey between two eternitiesAT Chatterjee & Lal, 3rd Floor, HC Dinshaw Building, Colaba. Attend this talk Mapping Home: South Asia and Global PerspectivesAt Godrej Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.Log on to @stir_world (for registration details)
06 January,2026 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMany people, even today, believe that Khanderi Island Fort was mainly only a crucial point to guide ships to the shore as a military base of the Maratha Empire. But this is untrue. It was a full-fledged administrative site as well,” reveals Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre. The history enthusiast will lead an immersive, exploratory session at the Khanderi fort this weekend, organised by INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter in collaboration with the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS). The fort is located on an island in the Arabian Sea, towards the south of Mumbai. A fort cannon. Pics courtesy/Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre; Ajay Mayekar The fort holds immense cultural and historical significance, Sapre tells us. “In 2025, 12 Maratha forts were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the Maratha Military Landscapes,” he says. Khanderi is one of the 12, built in the 17th century. “It served as a stronghold of the Maratha Empire at Alibaug, and played a major role in keeping the British from penetrating the Konkan region,” Sapre informs us. A participant examines a musical boulder at Khanderi fort He will guide participants through the session, relaying snippets of history, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s directions to build the fort, and the expansion of the Maratha navy, to the Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse which was established by the British in 1867. “This lighthouse guides ships safely into Mumbai Harbour,” he says. A view of the interiors of the Vetal Dev Temple Other highlights of the excursion are visits to the Vetal Dev Temple, learning about the bastions, and seeing a series of fascinating musical stones. “If you have a musical ear, you can even play tunes on those,” Sapre adds. Meanwhile, the Vetal Dev Temple, he explains, is of religious importance to members of the Koli community. Participants during a previous visit organised by the MMMS. Pic courtesy/MMMS The excursion will take place throughout the day, inclusive of meals and travel. Attendees will depart from Mumbai and reach Thal Jetty near Alibaug, from where they will move towards the fort in a boat; it is at an approximate distance of five kilometres from the shore. “It is a great opportunity for people to dive into regional history, especially with the Maratha forts now gaining global recognition through UNESCO World Heritage status. Earlier, the Khanderi fort was not open to the public either. Now, there is relatively greater awareness about these monuments, but more is definitely necessary,” Sapre signs off. Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre How to get thereYou can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa. Drive to Thal Village (12 kms), and take a boat to Khanderi Fort On January 11; 8 am to 6 pm Departure point Gateway of India, Colaba.Call 8087773299 (to register)Entry Rs 1500 (INTACH and MMMS members); Rs 1700 (Non-members)
05 January,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshWritten nearly 15 years ago, and having resurfaced in different forms before finally finding its way back to theatre through Motley Productions, Phukatiya (freeloader) is set on the streets of Mumbai. The play follows a group of small-time bhais caught in a web of unpaid debts, fragile friendships, and bruised egos. As rivalries grow and loyalties are tested, it uses street humour and confrontation to examine masculinity, power, and the language these men live by. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for many years, and at the age of 35, I just got a burning desire to do this play,” says Vivaan Shah, writer and director. City vibes, all Mumbai’s street dialect is central to Phukatiya. Shah notes that it is often exaggerated or caricatured in popular culture, losing its lived-in quality. “People who are not from the city find the dialect hard to grasp,” he says, describing it as coarse, while emphasising that it carries an authenticity that cannot be softened without losing its meaning. Vivaan Shah He cites films such as Vaastav (1999) and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) as works that genuinely captured this raw essence. Shah also acknowledges the influence of Kader Khan, not just as a screenwriter, but as a playwright who brought street language on stage as early as the 1960s. The production also reflects a version of Bandra, where Shah grew up, long before it became a fashionable address or a hub of bourgeois cafés. Ranwar Village in Bandra. File pic It was home to Christian, Muslim, Maharashtrian, and Sindhi communities, and this mix remains central to the play’s emotional world, and the conflicts that unfold within it. Several characters in the play — including Nadeem Chipkali, Irshad Batla, and Yunus Patel — are drawn from the same ecosystem as Shah’s novel, Living Hell. Masculinity, money, ego Vivaan Shah and Plabita Borthakur in rehearsal. Pics Courtesy/Motley Productions At its core, the play is a satire of masculinity. Shah is clear that the play does not celebrate bhai culture, but questions it, saying, “All the good gangster stories are satires of masculinity.” In the play, money and debt become symbols of both survival and ego. “Money is one of the few things that can spoil a friendship,” Shah notes, highlighting how financial pressure exposes insecurity and rivalry among men. The play also addresses how these men speak about women and the male gaze as an ‘uncomfortable truth’, adding that these characters often exist in largely male-only worlds. The troupe rehearses with Joy Fernandes (in white) during a session at Andheri The play concludes with a cricket match between Christian and Muslim boys — Makapaos and Miyabhais. “Cricket is the game of the streets of Bombay. In gully cricket, you see true male aggression, rivalry, and ego on display, and that becomes a definition of how these characters perform masculinity in public spaces,” he signs off. ON January 6 and 7; 7.30 pm onwardsAT Rangshila Theatre, Oakland Park, Andheri West. ENTRY Rs 350
05 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareImagine walking out on a sheet of ice, looking up at the sky, and spotting the sun and moon simultaneously in the middle of the night. Dr Vaidehi Venkateswaran knows that feeling. “I physically cried when I landed in Antarctica, I had been thinking about it for so long,” she admits. As part of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) helmed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Venkateswaran was the only female medical officer on the Indian contingent for a whole year till she returned on December 15, 2025. The PistenBully used by the team to travel over the ice Good timing The conversation begins with the most obvious question —how does one apply to work as part of an expedition to Antarctica? “It began in 2015 when I was at a student forum, and a teacher of mine spoke about her own participation as part of an expedition. It sparked a curiosity,” she reveals. In early 2024, Venkateswaran submitted her official application to NCPOR. “It was good timing. They were beginning to invite applicants for the expedition,” she shares. A view of the auroras in the sky What followed was a rigorous course of interview rounds, including acclimatisation training at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. In November 2024, she joined members from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), among others, as part of the expedition. “For a girl from Mumbai who had never seen snow, I was amazed that the plane landed on a sheet of ice. Also, when I landed, it was Polar Day (daylight for 24 hours). I could see the sun and the moon in the night sky. This was the closest I could get to an out-of-earth experience,” the doctor says. More than a medic Though she was part of a medical team of two doctors and a nurse, Venkateswaran shares that the job was more than just medicine. Once the resupply ship drops off rations and fuels and leaves in February, the expedition is on its own. Without mobile networks and limited internet connectivity, radio is the only means of local contact. “There are only 24 people on the station in Winter, and it is so quiet. Winter depression can set in,” she explains. As a member of the medical team, Venkateswaran would join field visits to ensure safety Naturally, birthday celebrations, Christmas and festivities are taken seriously; as are Independence Day and Republic Day — we hoist the National Flag with much pride, she reveals — to keep morale high. “Most people will only be on the continent once in their lifetime, after all,” the 31-year-old says. Every morning, the team would check in for a meeting, and be assigned tasks. A member of the medical team would accompany the team on every field visit. “You learn to multitask, beyond your specialty. We learned to sew gloves though there are always spares, or apply desi jugaad when the need arises,” Venkateswaran shares. Some of the research activities included — stake measurement on the continental ice to study the patterns of ice gain and loss; measurement of sea ice thickness; the station also provided launch support for the NISAR satellite launch. “In winter, the Southern Ocean around the continent freezes. You can walk on ice that is 1-1.5 metres deep. There are no landmarks or vegetation. So, it is easy to get lost. You have to always carry a GPS to find your way back.” An unforgettable adventure Antarctica is home to penguins. But sadly, the Andheri resident stayed away from them. “We are strictly told not to interact with the wildlife on the continent. The animals, particularly Adélie Penguins, can get very curious since they do not view humans as predators,” she says. A view of the base station While she waits for a debrief in the coming year, the doctor is still coming to terms with the once-in-a-lifetime experience. She misses the stillness and quiet on the continent. It also reminds us of the common humanity. She says, “During winter, apart from the three stations (Indian, Russian and Chinese), there is no one else for thousands of kilometres. The teams lend a hand to each other in emergencies,” she says, adding a warning ignored by sci-fi filmmakers, “You cannot survive Antarctica solo.” It’s something we forget easily. She says, “If you’re familiar with the movie Paa, there is a scene where Amitabh Bachchan’s character creates this plain, white globe. He calls it a world that has no borders, wars, or divisions. Antarctica is like that. White, pristine, but just as dangerous.” Log on to: ncpor.res.in
05 January,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOn the morning of December 19, 2006, a leading national daily ran a headline that was far removed from sportsmanship: “Man or woman?” The dig was aimed directly at Tamil Nadu athlete Santhi Soundarajan, who had just been stripped of her silver medal in the 800 metres race at the 2006 Doha Asian Games after a sex test deemed her ‘not womanly enough’. In 2014, it was Olympian Dutee Chand who faced a similar wrath leading up to the Commonwealth Games. As the saga unfolded, Mumbai-based theatremaker Sapan Saran had an ear to the ground. This weekend, she brings the story to stage with Ottam. The cast performs a scene from the play. PICS COURTESY/BENOY ROY “I read about Dutee Chand’s fight for justice in 2015. Over the next five years, I researched on the various themes and strands present in the play and finished writing the script in 2019. The play was meant to open in 2020, but the pandemic brought things to a halt,” she recalls. Having opened at Prithvi Festival last year, it returns to the city after a stopover at the recently concluded Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa. Santhi Soundarajan (sixth from right, standing) and Sapan Saran (fifth from right, standing) at a training session in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. PIC COURTESY/SAPAN SARAN On stage this weekend, Mumbaikars will meet Akai Amaran, the fictional protagonist — a composite of all the women, including Soundarajan and Chand, who dealt with the trauma of the controversial sex test regulations. Amaran is a Paraiyar girl from rural Tamil Nadu, who battles caste and class barriers to become one of India’s leading track and field athletes. Her arduously created world collapses when she is asked to undertake a gender test. The play features a cast from diverse socio-economic backgrounds There’s a world of difference between ‘following’ a sport, and being a cog in the sporting system in India, Saran confirms. “I wanted to experience more, and felt the urge to meet athletes and spend time with them; not only to listen to their life-stories but also their impulses, aspirations, desires and the nuanced emotions that are only visible through immersion,” she says. Eventually, the theatremaker was able to meet Dutee Chand in Hyderabad and Santhi Soundarajan in Tamil Nadu. “In fact, the choreographer Maithily Bhupatkar and I even spent a couple of days in Chennai to train with Santhi Soundarajan,” she reveals. Sapan Saran The theatremaker describes her central character as someone who is “unaware of the intersectional complexity of her own existence.” The cast and crew of Ottam, however, had to understand all the worlds that live inside Akai. “The first month of rehearsals was orientation month. There were conversations, readings, workshops and masterclasses including a talk by senior sports journalist Sharda Ugra, and a folk training workshop by Chennai based Parai player and educator Adalaarasu,” she reveals. Closer to home, Mumbai-based athletics coach Cyril D’Souza helped the cast soak in the spirit with track and beach training sessions. We’re glad to hear that the play does not unfold from the gaze of an outsider, albeit a well-read, socially conscious one. Saran puts together a young cast that brings with it a diverse range of lived experiences as they come not only from various schools of theatre, but are also from different socio-economic backgrounds. It might as well be an open secret by now that Indian audiences love to lap up a spirited, underdog story about women in sport — think Chak De India (2007), or the Priyanka Chopra starrer Mary Kom (2014). What happens when you decide to include the reality of caste in it, we ask Saran. For the uninitiated, in 2018, Santhi Soundarajan filed a complaint against a colleague at the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) for harassing her over her caste. “I don’t think any conversation on women empowerment is possible without talking about caste in India. That said, I don’t see myself as an activist. I’m a theatremaker. My job is to ask questions, provoke and stimulate. Art looks at these minor shifts as radical moments. This cannot happen by ensuring comfort for an audience. I hope Ottam leads to discomfort,” she signs off. ON January 3 and 4; 7 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, Harminder Singh Road, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 400
03 January,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe evolution of Mumbai often leaves its residents confused about the nature of the city. Yet, each rock displaced and each building constructed is part of a process built over time. This process, in fact, dates back to thousands and even millions of years, explain Local Gyan co-founders Rajesh Krishnan and Sonam Ambe. The duo will team up with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) tomorrow to host Land Clues, an interactive workshop introducing children to the natural and geological history of the city’s formation using tactile means. “Through centralisation and standardisation of education, children only learn concepts through books. We firmly believe that lessons should be experiential,” shares Ambe. To that end, they have previously hosted a workshop on waterways in the city at the museum. “Often times adults, let alone children, can hardly name five rivers in Mumbai. The increased digitisation has added to an inward-looking generation,” she says. Children study a globe with Ambe Krishnan points out that the solution lies in approaching education differently. “To connect these things, you weave a thread through a narrative story. Now, when we try to explain these ideas, we use hands-on activities and tools with relevance to nearby things we see. We ask them to think, and arrive at the answer themselves. In the process, they learn and hear new perspectives. They learn to question each other,” he says. The workshop tomorrow will centre on the geological formation of the seven islands that originally formed Mumbai. The museum also offers another context to the workshop with the Mumbai Gallery. Thomasina Dsouza, education associate, CSMVS, informs, “Since we had a Mumbai gallery, the first workshop was on waterways, and the different water bodies throughout the city of Mumba. Now we are learning about the formation of the city through tectonic plates, volcanoes, and the geography of the city. It helps children to understand the city better.” Participants recreate layers of the Earth’s surface including the core, mantle, and the crust using different types of coloured clay Easier said than done, since such concepts can prove quite complex for adults even. That’s where tactile, interactive activities come in. “We use a lot of clay-related activities. For instance, using the moulding of clay, we can explain to children how tectonic plates are formed, or even help them understand the formation of Gilbert Hill,” Ambe says. Krishnan adds that the interactive sessions also touch upon contextual local questions such as the different sands and rocky texture on the city’s beaches. “Throughout our lives, we learn things in school. But we never truly learn about what it is to be used for. If all those things are linked to the context of your life, they become relevant,” he concludes. ON January 4, 11 am AT Children’s Museum Ampitheatre, CSMVS, Fort. AGE GROUP 6 to 12 years E-MAIL events@csmvs.in ENTRY Museum tickets applicable
03 January,2026 10:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhat is your excuse for putting off learning a new skill? Asha Shetty, a Mumbai-based artist, decided to start well into her 40s. There was no plan for a gallery wall or a solo exhibition then. The empty nest syndrome after her children moved out of the house for education, while husband’s work kept him busy, left her searching for something to fill the hours. “Art was something I enjoyed since childhood, and what started as curiosity slowly turned into a daily practice — one shaped by quick YouTube tutorials, trial-and-error, and to recreate art,” mentions Shetty. Initially when Shetty started her artistic journey, the paintings were simple, it was usually on paper with the help of acrylic colours, only after she graduated in 2024 is when she decided to deep dive into her art and focus on other materials and textures as well. “I’ve always loved painting ever since I was young, I remember disliking other subjects and focusing only on art. As mentioned above, after my children went away, it was the loneliness that brought out the artist in me,” says Shetty. Convergence of Energy, 2025 More than fine art The SoBo-resident shared, “My first subject was something I had a personal affection for. Ten years ago, on Ganesh Chaturthi, I picked up a set of small 12 x 12-inch canvases and painted eight Ganesh figures. That is when my journey truly began.” To her surprise, the customers who bought her paintings loved the way she had painted the emotive eyes of Lord Ganesh. The positive response to these works encouraged her to continue on the path. Commissioned works followed — often around devotional themes or recreations based on reference images — and group exhibitions soon after. A quite crossing, where form rests and stillness opens, 2025 But creating art on your own was not quite enough. In 2016, Shetty enrolled in certificate courses at Sir JJ School of Arts to hone her skills over the course of three years. She was in her 50s then, but surprisingly that did not deter her spirit. “During this course, we were taught multiple things — painting, landscape, and portrait studies.” Her graduation in 2018 meant that she qualified for a solo exhibition at one of Mumbai’s most revered art spaces — The Jehangir Art Gallery. During the post COVID-19 era, she dabbled in various art courses including, a Diploma in Painting and Drawing and a Post-graduate certificate in Indian Aesthetics from Jnanapravaha Mumbai. A view of the paintings on display This impending solo has also been a catalyst of her ideas as well. Over the last two years, Shetty’s work has undergone a noticeable shift. “I had to be very serious, particularly in terms of originality,” she said. The devotional figurative works gave way to experimentation across mediums — ink, textured surfaces, abstraction, and layered compositions. Art, form, and silence Her first solo exhibition, Between Form and Silence, reflects this transition. The exhibition brings together contemplative figures, abstract structures, ink works, yantra-inspired compositions, and textured panels with subtle three-dimensional effects. Asha Shetty “In this exhibition, the figures appear as presences rather than portraits, existing alongside abstract structures, geometry, and elements drawn from nature and rituals,” says Shetty. All this comes together to create a subtle dialogue between the personal and the universal. Shetty concluded by saying, “Art, for me, is a sacred journey with abundant exploration and expression. My true inspiration is nature, ancient wisdom, and the mysteries of the cosmos.” TILL January 4; 11 am onwards AT Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort.ENTRY FREE
03 January,2026 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareCome Friday, and every friend group sits around and ponders on their weekend plans. For Srushti Bukane, a doctor-turned-party host, the idea was quite simple. Bukane’s cosy one bedroom house, now known as The Boardgame Tavern situated in Borivli, transforms into something far more than your typical weekend hangout for friends. “Movies, dinners, comedy shows and escape rooms felt repetitive, expensive and got over far too quickly. You’re done in a few hours, and then you’re left wondering what’s next — unless you keep spending,” Bukane explains. A view of the game, The Castles of Burgundy What began as casual sessions of Catan, Azul and Splendor almost three years ago soon turned into a ritual of hosting friends almost every weekend. As her love for both — games and hosting — grew, so did the circle around the table. What was an initial games night for her friends circle, transformed into a community of people who loved board games. Along the way, some friends suggested opening the experience to others who were looking for something other than the usual partying or bar-hopping. Thus, The Boardgame Tavern was born at the house, in the living room. Elements of Scythe, a historical board game Tavern by the evening Unlike commercial gaming cafés, the space is quite literally Bukane’s home nestled in IC Colony. The intention is immediate and deliberate: Guests are meant to feel at ease. There’s no formal vetting system, no complicated rules. Bukane emphasises that choosing to visit a space that centres on learning, vulnerability, and genuine interaction is more than enough. Kindness and respect are the only prerequisites. Tokens from Dungeons and Dragons “All guests are welcomed with freshly baked signature cookies and generous refills of coffee or cold brew. Before any dice are rolled or cards are shuffled, the group takes part in an ice-breaker led by the Game Master,” says Bukane. After everyone has settled down and gotten comfortable, each person is asked to introduce themselves and share one outrageous or memorable story which makes people open up and root for one another, and awkwardness dissolves. By the time games like Azul or Century: Spice Road hit the table, the group already feels connected. Gateway to games The Great Wall The range of games at the Tavern is deliberately vast. Pretty much having something for everyone. A resident board game expert and Game Master, explains that there is no ‘single best’ game — only the right one for each player. “Social deduction fans gravitate towards Blood on the Clocktower, where players lie, deceive and deduce in a battle between good and evil. Those craving immersive storytelling are particularly drawn to Dungeons & Dragons, where no two sessions are the same and imagination sets the limits,” confirmed Bukane. A top view of the board game Scythe For strategy lovers, longer, more complex titles like Brass: Birmingham, Great Western Trail, Puerto Rico, Teotihuacan, The Great Wall and Dwellings of Eldervale offer some sort of tactical depth. For someone who is completely new, beginner-friendly games like Catan and Azul are also available. The philosophy focuses on flow of the game, rather than rules. The players are briefed on the reasons for their actions before introducing them to game mechanics, ensuring the experience never feels intimidating. For Bukane, the magic lies in the reactions — especially during a session of Dungeons & Dragons, when players see the hand-painted miniatures and custom-built, in-house 3D-printed worlds for the first time. Bukane concludes by saying, “The Tavern now boasts a collection of over 70 games, but the true success lies beyond the table. Guests who once arrived as strangers now travel together, celebrate birthdays and festivals, and show up for one another in difficult moments. At The Boardgame Tavern, games may bring people together—but it’s the community that keeps them coming back. On Every weekend; 3 pm onwards at Holy Cross Road 1, IC Colony, Borivli.Log on to @boardgametavernEntry Rs 499 onwards
02 January,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareADVERTISEMENT
