Anxious People Paree Jambhekar, psychologist, AndheriFredrik Backman’s book is a brilliant look at how our inner world — thoughts, feelings, experiences — propel us towards choices, both helpful and unhelpful. The stories are interconnected, and run parallel to a police investigation. One theme that recurs is how we, humans, need support and someone to understand us, in all our messy and chaotic ways. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny Neha Mathews, media professional, ChemburI’m inching through Kiran Desai’s 700-page book because the prose is so luscious you want to savour every page. It’s a delicately told story of belonging and othering of Indians abroad and at home, of hyper self-awareness colliding with inertia. As chapters zigzag between characters’ inner worlds, entering each one feels like stepping into a new room in a vast house. Desai was in no rush to finish writing this book, and I’m in no rush to finish reading it. The Picture of Dorian Gray Meera Desai, singer-songwriter, VersovaAfter being sick of instinctively reaching for Instagram, I decided to replace it with my e-reader app. I had been drawn to Oscar Wilde since I was exposed to one of his poems by an elderly Irishman. I’ve loved reading it leisurely with lots of highlighting and rereading. It’s made me realise how homogenous and clinical my own speech and writing have become, and made me appreciate and strive to be the most ‘chalant’ version of myself. Kutch ni Rasdhar Rohan Mehta, film professional, VersovaDuleray Karani’s book is a collection of oral narratives from the Kutch. It’s one of the most comprehensive anthologies capturing the local folklore that has been passed down through generations rather than formal history. The stories are the human interpretation of the land, and that is what I like. Folklore somehow reads like fictionalised history lessons. Nothing is ever absolute. It’s always a version, a Chinese whisper, which morphs through time. You understand the psychology of the people and the form of society — sociology and history merged into one. Those Who Eat the Cascadura Gautam Vegda, PhD Scholar, Chembur Set in the abundant and redolent terrains of Trinidad, Samuel Selvon’s book is a well-crafted blend of Caribbean folklore and fervent interracial romance. The novel hinges on the spellbinding legend that those who eat the Cascadura fish are destined to return to the island to end their days, a destiny that fuels an enthralling romance between an English visitor and a local village girl in the colonial era. Available All titles at leading bookstores & e-stores
27 February,2026 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahGive Mumbaikars a low concrete platform, and they’ll turn it into a social hub. Think the Marine Drive promenade, Shivaji Park, or this writer’s college that prided itself for its popular Ruparel Katta, where students happily bunked many a day’s lecture. When we heard that a new one had popped up in Thane, our ears perked up. Atrangi Katta is psychologist-artist duo Vedanti Shinde and Renuka Patil’s ambitious effort to make music, literature, and craft accessible for Thanekars. Rocks and tree stumps are repurposed into seats for the audience The 30 to 40 occupancy outdoor space near R-Mall on Ghodbunder Road stays true to its name. The katta itself is built around an old mango tree that the duo deemed cruel to chop down for a few extra square feet. As for atrangi (unusual/quirky), the seats do the talking. At a recent gig, the audience was perched comfortably on rocks created by the early construction work. Others settled on stumps of an old Ashoka tree that fell to its natural death last year.“We want people who never imagined art to be a part of their life to tap into their creative side. That calls for a space where they feel safe and free of judgement,” says Shinde. At a music event earlier this month planned by musician Joshua D’Souza, children belted out Metallica hits. The seniors in their 60s preferred to sing along and twist to their own favourites, we learn. An art corner is set up around the old mango tree This space is also openly queer-friendly, and intends to host one queer-centric event every month. The founders tell us the katta will be an alternate space for LGBTQiA+ individuals who prefer slow conversations over loud parties. Renuka Patil and Vedanti Shinde Patil reveals plans to open an indoor space in the same premises soon. “We’ll gladly host literature talks and theatre plays that can be adapted to our space. As of now, we haven’t heard from any theatre groups. That might change soon, with word of mouth” she hopes. In what might send larger venues with robust marketing teams into a tizzy, the duo has spent a sum total of R800 on marketing since they opened in January. Without the backing of big sponsors, and only three years’ experience of running an art collective before this idea took shape, the duo is wearing many hats at once to keep their first physical space running. We’re tipping ours to their creative spirit. AT Atrangi Katta, Kalpataru Industrial Estate, Manorama Nagar, Thane West.LOG ON TO @atrangi.katta Upcoming events Open jam: Music gathering where you play without the pressure of perfection. ON February 28; 7 pm Quiet craft social: Quiet time to practise your hobby at your own pace.ON March 5; 7 pm Psych mixers: Space for established as well as aspiring mental health practitioners to network.ON March 7; 7 pm
27 February,2026 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSmoke on the Water by Deep Purple Hop along for this ride back in time with a rock and roll classic. This title might or might not be inspired by true events in the city this week Mumbhai by Ashutosh Phatak and Dhruv GhanekarThe chaos of Mumbai, and Jaaved Jaffery’s wit come alive in this retro track that still has a vibe. A reminder that the city remains just the same, even in the 21st Century Beautiful People by David Guetta and SiaThis high-energy, pop track extols the concept of living in the moment, with an upbeat electronic rhythm, perfect for the dance floor You really got a hold on me by Smokey Robinson and Sheryl CrowA soulful rendition that reimagines a classic track, artfully, minus the bells and whistles. Smooth and easygoing for your weekend listening pleasure Stay another day by Anant GoyalThe song grows on you like a slow morning, where you make a good breakfast and journal before starting a busy work day
27 February,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamHome and the hearth The nostalgia of heartbreak, friendships and eccentricity of Old Delhi form the crux of Vibhu Puri’s play 305 Galli Mantola. ON Today; 7.30 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 300 onwards The Dame in Andheri Thrills, chills, and a kill. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap finds a new adaptation set in the cooler climes of a Shimla guesthouse. Talk about murder in the hills. ON March 1; 8 pm AT Veda Factory, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova.LOG ON TO @darakhttheatrecompanyCOST Rs 250 onwards Family trouble Pic Courtesy/@aanjjan.srivastav Featuring the familiar faces of Anjjan Srivastav and Sulabha Arya, Kashmakash is an adaptation of Debasis Majumder’s masterpiece that tells of a middle-class man’s struggle to survive. ON March 1; 7 pm AT Rangshila Theatre, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 700 onwards A legend on stage Lillette Dubey brings alive Gauhar, the tale and the music of the famed singer Gauhar Jaan to the Mumbai stage with the latest run of the work by Mahesh Dattani. ON Tomorrow, 7.30 pm AT Royal Opera House Mumbai, Charni Road East, Girgaon. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 500 onwards
27 February,2026 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamBuild good humans Children write notes of gratitude. Pic Courtesy/@dhaiaksharngo As someone working towards educating underprivileged children, it’s even more important to mould them into good people. It is why we emphasise community integration, respect, and gender sensitisation through activities. Those seeking to work for children as a social cause, should be clear about their motive: Making better individuals for tomorrow. Nyla Masood, founder, Dhai Akshar Educational Trust, VersovaLog on to dhaiakshar.org Inclusivity comes first Women practise self-defence. Pic Courtesy/@aksharacentreindia Regardless of which field of work you focus on, keep a stronghold on principles, particularly on inclusivity across initiatives that you may begin. Grow your social network for a support system, and be open to individuals across identities — gender, economic status, sexuality, disability, amongst others. Including different people gives weight to your cause, and offers varied perspectives and skills. Urmila Salunkhe, programme lead, Youth Actions and Fellowship, Akshara Centre, DadarLog on to @aksharacentreindia Small steps matter Children enjoy a game of football. Pic Courtesy/The next page community foundation People may question if your idea is feasible, but don’t give up. Stick to your values and be patient. We’ve been working in Govandi, one of the most under-resourced community in Mumbai, since 2020, promoting community youth development via reading, art, and sport. Till date, we’ve circulated nearly 50,000 books; provide free football training to over 350 players, among many other milestones. Positive change takes time and commitment. Anoop Parik, founder, The Next Page Community Foundation, Govandi Log on to @nextpagecentre Be practical Volunteers plant fruit trees in Aarey Forest. Pic Courtesy/ @waghoba.foundation Many NGOs start out with funds, and then go looking for problems to solve to develop a portfolio of work, gradually becoming performative. The best approach is to have a clear vision, and open an organisation only with adequate funds. Before being able to do that, ensure your body of work gets recognition, and support from the common man, which is extremely crucial. Sanjiv Valsan, founder, Waghoba Habitat Foundation, Aarey Forest, GoregaonLog on to waghoba.org Mission over emotion Pic Courtesy/ @pasujeeva Your mission must survive your emotions. In the context of [animal welfare], it is easy to get distressed and furious upon witnessing cruelty. It’s unsustainable to begin only because you find yourself emotionally attached to a cause; eventually, your motivation may collapse or you may not find outlets for your work without a structure to fall back on. Be prepared to face bleak days, but don’t lose sight of the larger goal. Suchismita Ghosh, founder, Pasujeeva-The Soulful Love Foundation, Andheri Log on to @pasujeeva_for_animal_care
27 February,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshTimeless beauty There’s a depth to Bhumi Pednekar that goes far beyond her work as an actor. Not surprisingly then, her chosen icon is a stunner, but also a serious woman of substance. “Shabana Azmi didn’t just act in films, she shifted the grammar of what a heroine could be. She chose courage over comfort, substance over trends, and became iconic. She made intelligence aspirational and activism elegant. Every time she looks into the camera, you see history, rebellion, empathy, and craft all at once. And even today she is on her A game. She reminds me that longevity comes from integrity — just the kind of beauty that never fades. Her grace and uncompromising individuality have me so deeply inspired,” says Bhumi. We couldn’t have said it better. Glamour on a platter Malaika Arora and Shilpa Shetty Malaika Arora sashayed into its signature green doors and put Sweeney on the map this week. The city’s newest all-day dining address in Khar has been making headlines ever since, drawing the stylish and the curious in equal measure. Much like her Bandra bistro Scarlett House, Malla teams up with restauranteur Dhaval Udeshi for this venture as well. Full disclosure: we haven’t had a chance to experience Sweeney firsthand yet, so stay tuned for a deeper dive next week. Meanwhile, we did drop by Shilpa Shetty’s Amma Kai some afternoons ago — and it wasn’t quite what we expected. The service was average at best, though the food fared better. The highlight of the meal was dessert: decadent churros fresh from the frier, dying to be dipped in chocolate. And the real surprise came with the bill: this Bandra restaurant, that was once bougie Bastian, won’t break the bank. Now, as you firm up your weekend plans, another suburban spot merits mention. This one shines for its cuisine, not its star-studded clientele. Kuuraku is our new favourite Japanese jewel, where every bite — from sushi to ramen — is meticulously crafted and utterly satisfying. Thank God SoBo still has The Table and Americano — because Bandra, it seems, is the real bae. Capital Craft Takes Mumbai Stage Haseena Jethmalani and Vikram Goyal Last night, Mumbai gave a warm welcome to Vikram Goyal, whose brilliant brass artefacts have long been the pride of the capital. Tucked away at Trafford House in Fort, Goyal’s new Viya outpost is his first in our city. Wandering through rooms full of show-stopping side tables, candelabras, and captivating consoles, one is struck by each piece — art masquerading as an item of utility. It’s no wonder then that connoisseurs like Czaee Shah and sister Gauri Pohoomul led the guest list. Also in attendance were Tina Tahiliani and her gorgeous daughter Aria Parikh, Haseena Jethmalani, designers Surily Goel and Nachiket Barve (with his lovely wife Surabhi), Laila and Ricky Lamba, Nikhil Chaturvedi, and Good Earth’s Beenu Bawa — applauding the competition, instead of sizing it up. Gates shut on India Bill Gates There’s something to be said about the posthumous power of contamination. On Tuesday, at a tense town hall meeting with Gates Foundation staff members, Bill Gates addressed the elephant in the room — his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, thrust back into view by damaging documents released earlier this month. Make what you will of the Microsoft co-founder’s apology, our take is entirely different, and it hits closer to home. Gates quietly backed out of two high-profile appearances in India in recent weeks — one at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, and the other at Mumbai Climate Week. While both events were designed to spotlight innovation, philanthropy, and planetary rescue, it was instead an old, radioactive name that nabbed headlines: Epstein. Clearly, the optics were impossible. So here we are in 2026, watching global figures recalibrate appearances not because of current actions, but because of historical associations that refuse to stay buried. Climate change can’t get a clean headline. Artificial intelligence can’t hold centre stage. The ghost of Epstein still walks into the room first — and everyone else adjusts their schedule accordingly.
27 February,2026 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatThursdayGo back in time Travel to Paris in the era of World War 1, with the romantic comedy film, Ninotchka (1939), starring Greta Garbo, a star of Hollywood’s silent and early golden eras. TIME 6.30 pm AT Regal Cinema, Colaba. LOG ON TO @filmheritagefoundation FridaySpace for music A moment from a previous session. PICS COURTESY/Abbey Road Institute Mumbai Sound engineer Mujeeb Dadarkar will host a session on creating a home studio set-up for a professional recording environment. TIME 5 pm to 8 pmAT Abbey Road Institute, Multilink House, Khar West. LOG ON TO @abbeyroadinstmumb (to register) SaturdayLearn on the move Attendees during a previous walk in Borivli. PIC COURTESY/@walkingprojectindia Check out this community walk, offering insights on urban design and pedestrian infrastructure.Time 9 am meeting point Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Log on to@walkingprojectindiaEntry Rs 400 Woes and amusement A moment from the play. PIC COURTESY/@beestarke Catch a rendition of Henrik Ibsen’s dramatic play about marriage, Hedda Gabler. TIME 4 pm and 8 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499 SundayHoli sweet treats PIC COURTESY/Parsi Dairy Farm Take on the Maharaja Lassi Challenge if you can. Those who finish the rich, creamy drink in 60 seconds have the chance to win a festive gift hamper. Also enjoy celebratory activities and other indulgent snacks for Holi.TIME 8 am to 12 amAT Parsi Dairy Farm outlets across Mumbai (Marine Lines, Borivli, and Ghatkopar). COST Rs 540 (one glass of Lassi) All things Pokemon PIC COURTESY/@Pokemon on X This Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) meet-up, will allow seasoned fans to showcase their binder and trade cards, while beginners can start fresh with a few common cards. TIME 2 pm to 5 pmAT Cat Café Studio, Harminder Singh Road, Versova. REGISTER @uhtend (message)
26 February,2026 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshIf you have never tried your hand at sketching live figures, now might be a good time to begin. Cultural centre, 3 Art House will host a relaxed afternoon art session this weekend, under this month’s theme, ‘A Day in Life’. Sketches based on postures. Pics courtesy/3 Art House Saili Sohoni, who moderates creative sessions at the community space, walks us through what participating artists can expect, “This session focuses on observing and sketching everyday moments that often go unnoticed in our daily routines. The poses are inspired by simple, relatable actions by a live model — either me or another individual from our team — whom participants will have to study over the duration of the session, which is two hours.” The aim is to help artists better understand aspects of human anatomy, from body proportions to posture, balance, and movement, while also training the eye to capture subtle gestures and expressions and put them to paper. Saili Sohoni Artists of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, are welcome to join. Attendees should practise the art of slowing down, noticing the beauty of ordinary, even mundane real-life moments, from a bowed head to the furrow of a brow, and translating them into a visual story. “The sketching essentially focuses more on observation, and the expression of it in creative practice, rather than on creating finished artworks,” Sohoni signs off. ON February 28; 2 pm to 4 pmAT 3 Art House, Mohini Heights, Govind Dham, Khar West. LOG ON TO @3arthouse (to register) ENTRY Rs 302 (per person)
26 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshNot many cities are as lucky as ours, where you can spot UNESCO-listed architectural sites in quick succession. Here, Gothic spires, domes and arcades are not far-away relics but part of the everyday commute. Bombay Gothic builds on that aspect, transforming the city’s landmark structures into contemporary home decor and household objects. Founded by conservation architect Kruti Garg in 2021, the brand aims to encourage Mumbaikars to speak about the heritage of the city. Kruti Garg Between 2008 and 2018, Garg curated heritage walks at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, designing over 14 routes, alongside presenting the brand at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival last year. “It was always about building awareness, while engaging people with the history, the heritage, and why these buildings reflect the story of the city,” she explains. The Starry Night flask This exact philosophy gradually evolved into a design practice. “How do you make people connect with these buildings in ways other than just viewing them?” Garg notes. “If you’re carrying a flask with the Rajabai Clock Tower on it, it becomes a point of discussion. You’re learning something as you talk about it.” Monochromatically Gothic Rooted in the defining feature of Gothic architecture, the Lancet Line collection distils Mumbai’s grand buildings into monochromatic compositions. Garg notes, “Lancet primarily means a pointed arched window, and it’s a very strong and prominent feature across Gothic buildings.” Rather than presenting sweeping panoramas, this series focuses on architectural details such as the symmetry, repetition and proportion. This collection of whisky glasses invites viewers to observe more closely the structural elements that shape the city’s Gothic identity.COST Rs 2999 (Set of two) The city meets Van Gogh The Starry Night collection reimagines Mumbai’s heritage precincts beneath a starlit sky. While the name nods to Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Gargclarifies that it is not a stylistic imitation. “The colour palette may feel similar, but it’s about visualising Bombay in a different time.” Each time someone looks at this flask, Garg hopes they will ask themselves, “How would Bombay look on a clear night?”COST Rs 1349LOG ON TO shop.bombaygothic.com; @bombay_gothic The Guide’s other fave picks 1 Mumbai in the air: This scented candle evokes the city through notes of bergamot, patchouli and florals, with hints of musk, capturing its essence poetically. The name of the candle Bom‘bahia’ conveys the meaning ‘The Good Bay,’ effortlessly.COST Rs 2250 2 Cards on my mind: Elevate your card games with this distinctive set of Victorian Gothic playing cards. Each card features an iconic example of Bombay architecture. COST Rs 750 3 Your bag, your story: Carry this tote and it is certain that it will spark conversation. This Kala Ghoda bag is designed to hold your belongings while narrating a story with the illustration.COST Rs 1299
26 February,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareFrom the old baobabs giving way to concretised roads, to the green parks slowly vanishing, the city is a living reminder that citizens need to awaken. A visit to the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery down in Nariman Point might serve as visual motivation. The ongoing exhibition, Atlas of the Wild: In Photography and the Living Traditions of India, at the gallery uses the visual aesthetic of works on nature by indigenous communities from across the world, paired with award-winning photography of natural life. Prakritik Jeevan by Japani Shyam, 2016 “It takes very little intelligence to say that nature is both aesthetic and essential for our survival,” observes Paul Abraham, founder, Sarmaya Arts Foundation. The curation, Abraham adds, is an attempt to showcase the tradition of observing nature among communities, and researchers through the years. “The paintings, for instance, are a spectrum of works across community lines where nature is venerated. Bada Dev by Ram Singh Urveti, 2019. The work depicts the Gond myth of Bada Dev, a deity who resides within the Saja tree. The tree is worshipped, and protected from being cut down In their depictions, it is mysterious, about survival, and livelihood,” he shares. For instance, the Gond community believes in the deity Bada Dev who resides in the Saja tree, a precious source of water during times of drought. “Through years of trial-and-error culminating in a ritualistic practice, the community has now learned that these trees have to be protected and conserved,” he explains. Tough Love by Rumna Mukherjee depicts a clash between a male and female leopard in the Jhalana-Amagarh Conservation Reserve, Rajasthan. Mukherjee won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2025 for this work. Pics Courtesy/Sanctuary Asia Foundation This knowledge of observation is mirrored in the more modern photographs from the award-winning collection of the Sanctuary Asia Foundation. The works ‘record rare natural history moments, capturing conservation issues and proof of climate change,” writes its founder Bittu Sahgal. A Flight of Life and Death by Adam Taylor. Runner-up at the Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Award 2025, it captures a Changeable Hawk-Eagle at Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand carrying off a prey The veteran shares, “We have become record keepers of rare natural history moments, events that researchers have spent years in the field to study, and of the increasing human-wildlife interactions when forest animals are forced to adapt to urban environments. We also document minuscule insects, which discerning nature lovers bring to the notice of the larger public,” he shares. Like Dr Seuss’s Lorax, the works at the exhibition seem to say, ‘I speak for the trees/for the trees have no voice’. Paul Abraham and Bittu Sahgal TILL February 28; 11 am to 7 pm AT Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Ground Floor, Bajaj Bhavan, Nariman Point.
26 February,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarNets Before Nuptials Not quite the rehearsal we were expecting! With his wedding only a week away, Arjun Tendulkar (left) gets some net time in, with none other than dad Sachin (far right) providing the world’s most elite sideline supervision at Bandra’s MIG Cricket Club on Wednesday Next-Gen notes Ananya Wadkar Proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree came earlier this month, courtesy of Ananya Wadkar. Padma and Suresh Wadkar’s amiable elder daughter made her debut as a playback singer with Vaada Hai from Shahid Kapoor-starrer O’Romeo — and we took note. What could have passed as an inconsequential act actually set the stage for Ananya’s dream debut with a Vishal Bhardwaj film. Two years ago, she dropped a single titled Baarish, which mum Padma happened to share with Bhardwaj. We hear the filmmaker was so moved by it, he asked Ananya to submit some scratch tracks. Then, in December last year, one recording was followed by another, and last month, the final track for the film took shape. There’s no doubt Ananya has a bright future ahead of her, but let’s look to the past for a moment. If you dig deep enough, you’ll discover she was credited as a playback singer almost two decades ago too — for Mera Jahan from Taare Zameen Par. “One can hardly consider that a debut,” she says with a smile, “My voice has transformed. I was a different person.” Given that Ananya hadn’t even hit double digits then — aged about eight — that seems fair. Elegant, Exclusive, and under wraps Saaniya Chandok and Arjun Tendulkar Quiet luxury is the theme of the season, and it doesn’t stop with bag brands. Privacy is the new currency of style. If you need an example, here are several. Acclaimed artist Satish Gujral’s grandson, Armaan, married sweetheart Mehr in an intimate Anand Karaj ceremony in the capital this week. From Kalyani Saha Chawla to Priya Sachdev Kapur and Pinky Reddy, famous friends flocked in to bless Feroze and Mohit Gujral’s gorgeous son on his big day. While wishes were welcome, paps were not — so we hear precious little about these nuptials. Next up was the wedding of Janhavee Joshi to Satchit, son to Anita and Harsha Bhogle. Their well-attended reception at the Taj Lands End last night was another ultra-private affair. And then, of course, are the upcoming nuptials of Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandok. We know invitations were hand-delivered to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, but beyond that, details are sketchy. In an era where cameras follow every move, these celebrations prove that discretion is the ultimate extravagance. From cordoned-off venues to no-mobile ceremonies and curated guest lists, it’s all par for the course in celebrity circles. From Tarmac to Tome Sanjay Manjrekar The most mundane events sometimes spark the most interesting conversations. And so it was that Sanjay Manjrekar found himself stuck on a plane for longer than necessary earlier this week, waiting to disembark on arrival in aamchi Mumbai. “Typed this as we sit forever inside the aircraft after landing in Mumbai, waiting for the step ladder. Might as well write a book now,” the former India batter wrote on X. Almost immediately, he received a response from Tim Crow, who is currently working on the biography of South Africa cricket legend Clive Rice. “I would very much like to chat with you about your memories of him on the historic first SA tour of India,” came Crow’s appeal. Rice played against Manjrekar when he led the Rainbow Nation on a three-match ODI series tour to India in 1991. Whether Manjrekar contributes to Crow’s book remains to be seen, but the book idea itself is a brilliant one. Our in-house cricket nut suggests a tome on the several commentators Sanjay has worked with since he started commentating regularly in 1999. A potential cricketing chronicle birthed during delayed disembarkation. Sometimes all it takes is a grounded flight to set new stories airborne. Bad Romance Some stories are so shocking, they seem to land straight in cold storage. It has taken a few years for this tale to thaw out, yet it remains too raw to name names. A still-stunning former actor finds herself single at the moment — something we find hard to stomach. Asking around, we discover she was tormented so terribly by her last lover that she hasn’t bounced back yet. “He tried to sell her house out from under her. The list is long. It was awful,” we’re told. It seems unbelievable, given the illustrious image of the gent in question. He is literally a national treasure — and, one imagines, loaded too. “Who knows where his money went? Now he’s just famous, without funds.” The mind boggles.
26 February,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
