Dancers don’t just perform choreographed routines. Sometimes, they let loose, allowing the music or an idea to lead their body. An upcoming showcase at Veda Black Box, titled Errors OnlEEE is modelled around this concept. It consists of solo, duet, trio, or group performances inspired by real-time improvisation games, during which artistes will perform without any prior rehearsals and choreography. Jyoti Naik (standing), a dancer from the previous edition, interprets a prompt using a prop. Pic courtesy/Bala Jainil Mehta, curator and lead artiste, spells out the idea for us, “Speaking in layman terms, imagine any sort of skit with a few people performing, or an exercise where participants are given prompts to begin any topic of discussion. This is a similar performance, except through dance. Apart from myself, three artistes will be on stage; I will guide them throughout.” The aim is to inspire emerging dancers in a live performance setting, with no rules regarding how one can utilise dance as an art. Aditya Shastri and Manish Poonam Mehta, who informs us that this is the second edition of the showcase (the first having been held on November 20, at the same venue), walks us through what audiences can expect, “I will give the dancers prompts, which they will interpret individually, and use them to move creatively, but with intention. Some prompts include common actions that have an actor and a reactor, whilst others draw the performer into depicting a gradual series of actions within a larger whole — one such prompt was ‘How to delete Instagram’; the steps listed for this in the AI overview that pops up after a Google search, were used to showcase how the app can be deleted, through dance moves. Similarly, there are prompts like ‘depicting’ the water cycle, or the law of diminishing marginal utility, wherein the first step must portray immense satisfaction, but as the sequence progresses, this element will reduce; the artiste must show their dissatisfaction with their body.” For anyone who loves all things ‘impromptu’, this kind of stage act should be a treat for the eye. Tarini Tripathi. Pics courtesy/Tarini Tripathi; Manish Poonam; Aditya Shastri Mehta adds, “Another way is to bring memory into the games, by assigning dancers certain areas, allowing them to familiarise themselves with them; then, blindfolding them to test how much of their area they recall purely through their senses.” The upcoming edition of the act features Kathak dancer, Tarini Tripathi, waacking (a street dance form) artiste, Manish Poonam, and hip-hop performer, Aditya Shastri. Mehta, a contemporary ballet artiste himself, expresses, “I try to get specialists of varying dance styles, from jazz to breakdance, so as to incorporate different interpretations of the same prompt; each dancer replicates the prompt in their own way.” He signs off by saying, “Errors OnlEEE has a more niche target audience: Those who adore dance in all its forms, and are intrigued by unconventional, inclusive artistic approaches, where performers make mistakes and try again.” On December 12; 8.15 pm onwardsAt Veda Black Box by Veda Factory, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West. Log on to jainilmehta.orgEntry Rs 500
08 December,2025 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshNortheastern high The Northeast Food and Music Festival presents the region’s cultural identity to a wider audience through its standout food and music offerings. As its first full-scale edition, the festival aims to celebrate heritage while promoting Northeastern artistes and entrepreneurs from across the North East. The music segment includes indie, hip-hop, pop, fusion, and regionally inspired performances by Zephyrtone, Moko Koza, Sorri Senjam, Lil Kiki, among others, along with a special Zubeen Garg tribute act by Keshab Baruah and Ripjyoti Sarma. Rebecca Lallawmsangi. Pics courtesy/@necom_official The food curation showcases traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from the eight Northeastern states, including Naga King Chilli, Axone (fermented soy bean), and Anishi (fermented colocasia leaves), along with Singju, a traditional Manipuri salad prepared with fresh vegetables and traditionally smoked meat, highlighting indigenous ingredients and varied culinary traditions. ON December 8; 2 pm onwardsAT JVPD Grounds, 30, Devle Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 1299 onwards Cinema for the planet A still from One Seed at a Time As Anaka Kaundinya, the programming director at Alt.eff (All things living environmental film festival), says, “With each passing season, life on our planet grows increasingly complex, and we find ourselves in a bitterly fragmented society, conflicted between opposing forces, unmoored, and unable to make the decisions that can lead us to harmony.” This environmental film festival therefore focuses on perspectives within this expanding sprawl of stories. Yintah. Pic Courtesy/Youtube The festival will present a wide range of Indian films such as One Seed at a Time by Kavita Carneiro and The Mushroom Keepers by Naveed Mulki, among others, all addressing environmental issues and concerns. It also includes an extensive line-up of international movies like Yintah by Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell and Michael Toledano, and Fauna by Pau Faus, among others that will be screened during this festival. ON December 13 to 14AT Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO @alt.eff on InstagramENTRY Rs 799 onwards Culture trip Augmentation by Manoj Sarkar. Pics courtesy/@kaalaconnect Soak in an evening of art, music, and culture with the Strokes & Strings Festival as it presents 50 curated artworks from emerging Indian artists like Manoj Sarkar and his painting titled Augmentation, Sonali Maitra Paul and her work, Companionship, and Tapas Basu’s Lady with Flower. Gather for a live painting experience and a live performance by Arjan Singh, a singer-songwriter, known blending Hindi poetry and storytelling to highlight themes of journey and self-discovery. Explore the energy of creativity, all in one crafted evening. Arjan Singh ON December 13; 7 pmAT Country Club, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West.LOG ON TO district.in ENTRY Rs 1777 onwards
08 December,2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThere are certain moments in the lifetime of an individual when history offers an invisible hand. It requires a bit of chutzpah to take that moment head on. It was one such moment in 1986 that led an 18-year-old Dayanita Singh on a pathway that interspersed with one of the brightest stars of the 20th Century Indian musical firmament, Ustad Zakir Hussain. The exhibition, Zakir Hussain — Learning to Learn: A tribute by Dayanita Singh, is a testament to that journey. A moment in time Oddly, the first South Asian to win the famed Hasselblad Award says photography was the last thing on her mind in 1986. “I was studying typography. The class assignment was to photograph the moods of a person. I thought I would capture Zakirji [Hussain] since he was performing, and because he was so expressive,” the 65-year-old celebrated photographer recalls. The front and (right) back cover of Zakir Hussain’s first solo LP As fate would have it, an organiser did not like that. A shove turned into a sliding door moment. “I waited on the steps for him to come out. When he did, I stood there, with hands on my hips, and said, ‘Mr Hussain, I am a student today, but someday I might be an important photographer,” she reveals, almost amused. At the relaunch of Singh’s first book as the Zakir Hussain Maquette in Mumbai in 2019, Ustad Zakir Hussain shared the reason behind his decision to choose her as his mentee. As Singh tells us, “He said, ‘In her, I saw myself when I was 18; in America, wanting to do something but not knowing what.’” The Ustad’s school of focus But what does it mean to have a mentor who is a master of a completely different art form than yours? “I tell people, I am a student of the Ustad Zakir Hussain school of focus. There was a philosophical learning about what it meant to commit to the life of an artiste; the discipline, the focus, and the riyaz. You learn to always be the student. I don’t know if an arts school would have taught me that,” she admits. Abbaji, Ustad Alla Rakha Khan with Ustad Zakir Hussain during a riyaz No surprise then that the exhibition at the Dilip Piramal Art Gallery is titled ‘Learning to Learn’. This learning was not limited to philosophy. In shadowing the Ustad, Singh learned to hide in plain sight. “He loved the fact that I did not use a flash. I would photograph on 400 ISO film, and push it to 1600 ISO. As a habit, I also never photograph from the front of the stage. I choose from above, the wings, or the green room,” she shares. Behind the scenes The initiation into the green room of Hindustani Classical music was one of the great privileges, says the photographer who captured names and personalities like Ustad Vilayat Khan, Mohiuddin Dagar Sahab, Kishan Maharaj, and Pandit Ravi Shankar. Close to 200 photographs from these informal moments make it to the exhibition. A view of the late Ustad’s accompaniments on the stage Singh would also go on to photograph the maestro for his first solo LP with HMV. “When he suggested my name to the label, I got a little emboldened. I offered to design the LP cover. I had never done that before, or after,” she reveals. These little moments offer an insight into the late Ustad’s personality. While his musical prowess needs no explanation, his empathy stands out. “He was so sure of himself. Yet, he spoke to every individual he met like they were the most important people,” she says Like the attendant at Karim’s in Delhi that he would visit just to hear the menu being recited like tabla bols. “The outpouring you witnessed upon his passing was because each person felt a personal loss,” shares the student. Beyond the stage A poster designed by Singh, using phrases uttered by the late Ustad Zakir Hussain Every child who ever imitated the Ustad’s Wah Taj ad with inverted buckets, knows that connection. Singh, who shot him for the ad, and recalls it as an important moment. “A few classical musicians questioned it. They’d say that classical music is Shahi Biryani; why is he turning it into a common pulao? His answer was that ‘If the ad gets two more people into the audience, that is good enough. In that moment, he taught me that the dissemination of art is just as much the responsibility of the artiste,” she adds. Pics/Rane Ashish His passing is, understandably, a personal loss for the photographer. “In 2009, when I displayed at the Venice Biennale, he sent me a congratulatory message. I quite cheekily responded, “See, even I am a star now.’ He simply wrote back, “I hope you never start to believe that. Because the day you do, it will be over.’ That’s the kind of gentle wisdom he had,” Singh recalls. ON December 13 to February 3; 8 am to 9 pmAT Dilip Piramal Art Gallery, NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY Free (members); Rs 500 (all-day pass) Also Catch Ustads Fazal Qureshi (left) and Zakir Hussain in 2008 >> Forever FriendsJohn McLaughlin, Louis Banks, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ranjit Barot, and V Selvaganesh among others in performanceON December 14; 6.30 pmAT Jamshed Bhabha Theatre >> Screenings of Films on Zakir HussainON December 14 and 15; 10.30 am onwards AT Godrej Dance Theatre >> Influence of different table gharanas on Zakir HussainON December 14; 12 pmAt Experimental Theatre >> Family and FriendsON December 15; 6.30 pmAT Jamshed Bhabha Theatre
08 December,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhy is Tatyasaheb’s legacy important to early Bombay’s textile history?Tatya made his fortune as the sole selling agent of Kohinoor Mills. His story in Tatyasaheb (Westland) illuminates the larger story of how the textile industry was central to generating the wealth of the city. We see how the wider political context impacted him and other players in the textile industry, such as the boom years of the First World War, or the Swadeshi Movement. By the early 20th century, Bombay’s mills accounted for 50 per cent of the spinning and weaving capacity of India. So, it was a dynamic industry that profoundly shaped the city; in many ways, researching Tatya’s story was like diving into the origin story of the city. What lessons from Tatyasaheb’s early struggles helped his rise to being a leader and entrepreneur? He learned resilience at an early age — as a child his education was continually disrupted, prompting him to leave school and work as an assistant to a cloth merchant in Mulji Jetha (MJ) Market. These were hard years. Sharing a room in a chawl, he would walk to work to save money for beedis. His early attempt at setting up his own business crumbled during the outbreak of bubonic plague in the city in 1896 when half the city’s population ran away. But he decided to try yet again, and set up his own shop as a selling agent in MJ Market. After that there was no looking back, but these struggles would have taught him the value of persisting against the odds. Tatya’s grandchildren, along with his daughter-in-law Manorama. Pics/Tejaswini Apte-Rahm How much of the city’s resilience inspired him? Based on your research, did he mention any other factors from Bombay/Mumbai that stirred his spirit?Tatya never talked about the resilience inherent to the city, but it is clear that he lived it. He had a strong spirit of entrepreneurship and a remarkable appetite for risk, which was an inherent part of his personality. With the stability of his core textile business to back him, he kept diversifying into completely different and nascent industries like silent films and sugar, taking the risks that are part and parcel of being a pioneer in a new industry. As an orthodox Kokanastha Brahmin, he was an oddity in the world of business, the sole Marathi businessman in the Gujarati bastion of MJ Market, and he developed a great respect for the entrepreneurship of the Gujarati community. What prompted him to enter the world of silent film production? It was by accident that he fell into the silent film business. He was in a meeting with some textile business associates, when he was handed a letter recommending financial support to one Dadasaheb Phalke for filmmaking. The recommendation was from none other than Lokmanya Tilak. Tatya and his associates held Tilak in such high regard that they immediately agreed to finance Phalke despite knowing nothing about films. They founded the Hindustan Film Company for the purpose — Tatya went on to produce about 100 silent feature films over 16 years, of which around 40 were directed by Phalke. Tejaswini Apte Rahm How would you like history books to remember Tatyasaheb? I’d like him to be remembered as an ordinary man who started with almost nothing, wasn’t afraid to invest in businesses where he was an outsider, and who built his reputation on being an ethical operator — for example he refused to participate in the black market for cloth during both World Wars. I also love the fact that he never forgot where he came from — his most enduring friendships remained the ones he had made in the chawl during the early days of struggle. As the descendant of an icon, was there any pressure as you chronicled Tatyasaheb’s life in a book?It would have been easy to slip into writing a hagiography, but the point of writing this book was not to glorify him. I set out to understand his life and times with all its ups and downs. So, I have tried to look at Tatya’s life as a historical researcher, and not just as a great-granddaughter. If there was any pressure, it was to try and live up to his work ethic by working hard, and staying true to the purpose of this project. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
06 December,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezWith everyone discussing beauty blended with sustainability, this workshop is defining it. Here, dreamcatchers and tiny trinkets take shape from materials most of us would usually discard — scraps of fabric, reclaimed wood, and feathers found on walks. Radhika Bhatia, the founder of Accessory Funk, is proving that beauty can bloom from the overlooked and unwanted. Kids with their creations Trigger your creativity “Creativity today isn’t merely about handmade charm — it’s about intent, impact, and the stories behind each piece. What began as a childhood passion for fabrics and self-styled fashion grew into a deeper belief that craft must carry purpose,” Bhatia insisted. She believes that handcrafted work should outlast trends and sustainability needs to be a lifestyle and not just a label. “Craft at Accessory Funk emerged from a legacy built by the matriarchs in the family,” said Bhatia. There was a quiet trust between local tailors, and reused fabric. Upcycling wasn’t a trend but an instinct. So when textile-waste dreamcatchers appeared — long before the idea became fashionable — they were met with genuine love for mindful, homegrown making. A participant works with fabric For Bhatia, when the journey of making dreamcatchers, trinkets, and accessories began, sustainability wasn’t on the horizon. It was more like she would pick up anything that caught her eye; she would then return home and create pieces from it, whether it was a hair comb with pearls, dangling earrings handwoven with beads, or statement necklaces. Bhatia prefers to blend sustainability into her workshops, thus making them more fulfilling. “Community workshops become lively hubs where creativity unfolds. Each session turns into a happy communal space where trinkets, charms, and dreamcatchers reflect individual taste and lifestyle, including the materials they decide to use, contributing a little to sustainability practices.” A previous workshop in Andheri Community workshops Bhatia prefers to blend sustainability into her workshops, thus making them more fulfilling. “Community workshops become lively hubs where creativity unfolds. Each session turns into a happy, communal space where trinkets, charms, and dreamcatchers reflect individual taste and lifestyle, including the materials they decide to use, contributing a little to sustainability practices.” People not only make handmade accessories, but also build a deeper connection to materials, textures, and, of course, the joy of creating something entirely their own. Radhika Bhatia Something Bhatia stressed was that there is a lot of fast fashion happening, and the focus of her brand is to inspire making the most of the textile waste piling up year after year due to multinational companies and homegrown labels across India. “One of the best practices we follow at work and at home is that nothing goes to the landfill. Either it’s upcycled, recycled, reused, or donated — passed on,” said Bhatia proudly. AT Multiple locations across Mumbai TIME 9 am onwards COST Rs 800 onwards LOG ON TO @accessoryfunkofficial CALL 9769181746 (to book a slot and location)
06 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareHas winter set in there yet?” We ask possibly the most Indian question to Sindhi businessman Bhagwan Das Goklani in Karachi, Pakistan. “The mornings are getting chillier, but by noon, we’re down to our T-shirts,” he laughs over the phone. Clearly, there’s not much between us. Except for a border that separates Goklani from fellow Sindhi Vijay Jasuja in Bandra, who tells us that he longs for a sense of community far from his ancestral land. “When my forefathers migrated to India during the Partition, we lost track of my grandfather’s brother. We never found out what happened to him,” Jasuja rues. Members dance to a traditional song at a community meeting; (right) a traditional Sindhi cap with Ajrakh work On Sindhi Cultural Day tomorrow, Jasuja will find a community when he meets others like him who trace their roots to the Sindh region in Pakistan, through a virtual meeting. Organised by Ulhasnagar-based social activist and artiste Rakshita Manglani, the meetings, held online and offline, are her attempt to bind the scattered community together. Manglani traces her roots to Sindh’s Larkana district, which was once the heart of the Indus Valley Civilisation owing to its proximity to the Indus River. “In the years following the Partition, cultural exchange happened majorly through India Post. A package posted in India would be received in Karachi the next day. I remember reading the Hindustan newspaper, Naeen Duniya magazine and collections of poetry,” says Reverend Iqbal Daniel, a retired parish priest in Karachi. The senior member borrows from Sindhi folk tales of Sasuee Punhoon, Umer Marwi, and the more popular Laila Majnoo, to keep the exchange alive at these annual celebrations. Women from the Sindh region in Pakistan perform a group dance. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The stories might seem familiar to Chanderprakash Gurmukhani from Andora, Italy, who recalls hearing stories from Karachi, Sukkur, Khairpur, Quetta and Pirgoth from his father and uncles. “That stream of stories has now stopped flowing,” he informs us. For instance, the younger generation might never find out that one of the earliest Hindustani Sindhi films, Abana, was released in 1958. Or that one of the earliest agrarian revolt poems came from 17th century Sindhi poet Shah Inayat, who coined the popular Sufi saying, ‘Jo kherray, so khaey’ (He who reaps has the right to eat). Manglani, who holds a diploma in Sindhi language, is concerned that these stories might soon fade from memory. “Sindhis from Generation Z and Alpha don’t want to speak Sindhi anymore. It’s supposedly not “cool” enough. As you move further away from Ulhasnagar to the Western suburbs, it becomes more obvious. One of our ground rules is that everyone who joins a meeting speaks in Sindhi, irrespective of their level of expertise. I’ve created a WhatsApp group where we share voice notes to help each other up,” she shares. A young member’s painting of Jhulelal, a revered deity for Sindhi Hindus After the celebrations tomorrow, the group will continue meeting every month with new ideas to help the cause. Sindhi open mics, singing competitions and poetry readings will keep young and old members engaged throughout the year. “My grandfather would tell me stories from undivided India when I was six years old. I don’t remember much of it, but it taught me the importance of not leaving people behind. Indian Sindhis cannot afford to dissociate from those across the border citing they have nothing to do with us. We have everything to do with them, and they have everything to do with us,” Manglani signs off. Reverend Iqbal Daniel and Vijay Jasuja ON December 7; 9 pm to 10 pmCALL 9765828057 (for queries) Grab a bite Head to these community-approved haunts in the city . A1 SweetsAsk for: Sev Mithai or Singhar Ji Mithai.AT Shop 718-19, Shivaji Chowk, Ulhasnagar. . Dholi NastaAsk for: Beeh ji Tikki (lotus stem tikkis), Dal PakwaanAT Santu Building, Laxmi Nagar, Ramayan Nagar, Ulhasnagar. . Bhagat TarachandAsk for: Sindhi Curry Chawal with Alu TookAT Multiple locations across Lower Parel, Ghatkopar, Andheri and Borivali . Jhama SweetsAsk for: Gulab JamunAT Dr Choitram Gidwani Road, Chembur.
06 December,2025 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAround this time last year, superstar Shah Rukh Khan went viral for a reason not befitting a king. Khan stepped out in worn-out, soiled shoes at a public appearance outside his swanky abode, Mannat. The ‘King of Bollywood’ had to be rescued by the young sneakerhead community, who revealed to the world that the shoes in question were limited edition Golden Goose sneakers that came with a hefty Rs 70,000 price tag. Nikunj Duggal, a self-confessed sneakerhead and co-founder of the Indian Sneaker Festival, says the upcoming edition this weekend is a hat tip to this same sneaker madness. South African pop star Tyla. PIC COURTESY/@toddowyoung Be on your toes Duggal reveals that the two-day festival has much more in store this year. For those who like to stand out from the crowd, sneaker customisation zones will help find their style. “This year, we also have trading pits where collectors can swap, show off and build their collections. The highlight remains the exclusive sneaker drops. We’ll have homegrown brand Comet releasing exclusives,” Duggal gives us an insider scoop. A visitor checks out a sneaker at the 2023 edition. PICS COURTESY/INDIAN SNEAKER FESTIVAL ON YOUTUBE Wear a pair of comfy kicks to the celebration, we’d say. American rapper Lil Yachty (who also has a popular Nike sneaker named after him) will make his India debut alongside other acts like Grammy Award-winning South African pop star Tyla, Delhi hip-hop veteran KR$NA and Mumbai-based Kayan. “These are artistes whose music and style influence what the community wears and aspires to be. It elevates the festival from a convention to a true celebration of culture,” the co-founder believes. Kicks for all Visitors browse through sneakers at the 2023 edition in Gurugram If you’re someone who can’t wrap your head around the sneaker hype, you’re not alone; but you might soon be. “Earlier, sneaker culture was seen as a niche, reserved for collectors. Today young teens are into it because of creators and sport icons, Gen Z and millennials see sneakers as an identity statement, even working professionals buy sneakers that help them switch between work and play,” Duggal reveals. Lil Yachty (Right) Nike Air Force 1 x Lil Yachty. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS One trend that stands out, he informs us, is that women are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in sneaker culture. “It’s not just for ‘sneakerheads’ anymore. It’s for anyone who loves culture. You need to only show up once to understand why the world is obsessed,” he signs off. ON December 6 and 7AT MMRDA Grounds, Bandra Kurla Complex. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2999 onwards Go desi >> Sweet idea The king of sweets, Barfi, comes alive through the popular snowflake patter in these sneakers by Gully Labs. LOG ON TO gullylabs.comCOST Rs 7990 >> All eyes on me Inspired by age-old totems, Faridabad-based Banjaaran Studio’s suede leather collection sports contrasting stitch lines and eye-shaped motifs on the bridge. These kicks are bound to grab a few eyeballs.LOG ON TO banjaaran.inCOST Rs 6990 >> Go for gold If you love bling, try on a pair of Anaar’s Elegante wedge sneakers. The shoes are crafted in gold fabric and feature intricate zardozi work. Each pair is crafted by hand, over a span of 50 hours.LOG ON TO shopanaar.comCOST Rs 19,900 >> Colour me surprised From the Royal Bengal Tiger to Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, artist Sugandha Tyagi makes your sneakers her canvas. The customised shoes are made to order and come in waterproof paint for your everyday adventures.LOG ON TO shoesyourdaddy.inCOST Revealed on request
05 December,2025 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleReaders in the distant suburbs of Mumbai have reason to rejoice. The neighbourhood of Powai will host its first children’s literature festival on Sunday titled Stories By The Lake. Hosted by Brainologi, the festival will encourage children to embrace literature through a series of workshops, interactive game play and conversations with authors. “Reading shapes life. We wanted to create a space where children can learn, dream, and discover — while giving parents the tools to nurture a reading culture at home,” shared Shubhada Dayal (inset), author and founder, Brainologi. To that end, the sessions will witness authors including Katie Bagli, Lubaina Bandookwala and Devdutt Pattanaik host sessions for children and parents, alongside interactive workshops. Actor Sonali Kulkarni will introduce children to stories from her own childhood, while author Archana Sarat will turn every child’s fear into fun with a workshop on the History of Mathematics. Illustrator Urvashi Dubey will also lead children through workshops to design fun characters from their own imagination. For kids who prefer some quirk, there is the opportunity to play character dress-up, and show off their style. That is one way to make reading fun. ON December 7; 11 am to 6 pm AT Prudential Podium, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. LOG ON TO brainologi.com
05 December,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIn a sentiment that echoes Toni Morrison’s writing advice from a 1981 speech, journalist Deepanjana Pal wrote the book she wanted to read. Pal’s new novel Lightning in a Shot Glass (HarperCollins India) traces a moment in the lives of two smart and funny women, who are flatmates in Bandra, and are steering through the complexities of living in present-day Mumbai. Meera is a 40-year-old political editor at a newspaper called The Daily, and is going through a mid-life crisis. Aalo (Aloukika) is a 29-year-old on a journey of finding a sense of self. Having been something of a sex educator on ‘desi internet’ for a few years, she now works at an NGO which empowers young girls through education. Pal reveals that she struggled to find a novel about “an India that a lot of us recognise around us”, but which is written in a tone that’s “funny and uplifting and somehow, doesn’t make light of the darkness, but isn’t consumed by it.” Her novel achieves all of this. Deepanjana Pal It is a feminist novel. Her women have agency; they provide a strong support system to each other through their friendship, at work and outside; they are extremely proficient everyday women living their full lives; and in moments of intimacy and sex, they are utterly unabashed. Additionally, the men offer a kinder lens on masculinity. When we ask her, she says, “I wanted to create two examples of men who are desirable while also being progressive.” She further shares, “One of the things I love about romance as a genre is that it has a woman protagonist at its centre and revolves around her desires. However, what we’ve seen in the past is that women still get infantilised by it; there’s always a hero who is showing them how beautiful or capable they are, or saving them in moments of crises.” Pal’s novel offers several examples that testify how she challenges such tropes. “I wanted a love story where men fall in love with truly capable women,” she says. Moreover, Pal chooses to situate the novel in Mumbai, a city where she lived for two decades and which she believes “has the ability to make women, particularly, feel like they can do whatever they want to.” Two of the best aspects of the novel are Pal’s clever writing and the choice of the professions of the protagonists. With Meera leading the political segment of a daily, and Aalo working at an NGO that partners with various government schools, readers get a sense of contemporary India under the present government. We witness, from close quarters, the implications of the socio-political order on the everyday lives of minorities like women and, in an instance in the novel, Dalits. “I wanted professions that would allow me to talk about the India, and especially Mumbai, that we live in. At the same time, I wanted to give a glimpse of the challenges these industries are facing. The media, for instance, gets a very bad reputation for the kind of role it plays in contemporary society. A lot of the criticism is valid,” she adds. “However, it’s also true that this is a tough fight, and there are some good people within legacy media, which come under attack more.” Similarly, Pal drew on the nitty-gritties of small agencies working with grassroots level communities that navigate projects with the potential to change lives but don’t get public attention. “They are up against tremendous challenges and they manage all the same,” she tells us. “They do this with the kind of passion which has nothing to do with money; they are making the best of crazy limitations because they’re inventive and committed. We are lucky to have such communities in our country,” she concludes. Pal’s novel, therefore, with its humour, light-heartedness, and consciousness of the times we live in, is a welcome addition to the romance genre in contemporary Indian writing. Available: Leading bookstores and e-stores Book launch Join the author in conversation with stand-up comedian Aditi Mittal. On December 8; 6 pm At Title Waves, St Paul Media Complex, Bandra West.
05 December,2025 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThe night owl (late sleepers) versus morning lark (early riser) debate has been a longstanding one. A 2025 study published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, reflects a complex scenario: Night owls tend to excel in technological abilities, socialising, and problem-solving, but often at the cost of their health, while early risers show a pattern of compromising their sleep habits to partake in activities later during the day, but doubtlessly, align better with traditional schedules. We connected with two psychologists, and a sleep specialist, for small ways to optimise daily routines, and work with individual habits. For night Owls Small changes Kakul Faruqi, consultant psychologist & psychotherapist, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai shares, “People have different natural circadian rhythms, which need adjustments rather than ‘fixing’. For night owls, struggling to follow a regular 9 to 5 schedule, move your bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 15 to 20 minutes every few days.” Ensure you make a gradual gentle change, not an abrupt one, as you may struggle to maintain it if you routinely engage in late-night activities. Walks combat morning lethargy Soak in the sun Even five to 10 minutes of early sunlight boosts alertness and helps reset the body clock,” Faruqi recommends. Parth Kalia, consultant psychologist at Amaha, a mental health organisation in Mumbai, also emphasises the same: “Generally, biology favours the early birds. Working in sync with nature is a good way to function. Walking outdoors during the day improves exposure to sunlight, which is important for Vitamin D, something many are deficient in due to indoor working.” (Left) Kakul Faruqi and Parth Kalia Diet and exercise Kalia explains the importance of eating well, “Set strict meal times to maximise nutrition absorption from meals. If you consume coffee in the morning, its natural appetite-suppressing qualities may interfere with your body’s recognition of whether you need to eat; you won’t get the energy needed for the day.” If working late, he suggests finding a balance between being alert and at rest. “Use your sensations to regulate mood (for example, with music). Don’t consume caffeine late unless absolutely necessary.” He adds that sleeping earlier can be made easier with some physical exhaustion, achievable through evening exercise, such as walking after dinner. A healthy lifestyle is the simplest way to fix an inability to sleep Mind your mental health If you burn the midnight oil often, you may face irritability, anxiety, or burnout, due to chronic sleep misalignment, Faruqi points out. These can lead to poor physical health. “If you spot these signs, don’t blame yourself for not being a morning person; instead, take small steps, like keeping a consistent wake-up time, to reduce ‘social jet lag’,” she says. For Morning Larks Light modulation Faruqi recommends using light to stay alert. “Mild bright light around early evening can help morning persons participate in activities later in the day, without feeling overly sleepy.” However, she does caution against using this indefinitely: “Always protect your bedtime. Avoid stretching the day too long [if uncomfortable]; stick to a predictable sleep routine.” Use daytime energy Late-night schedules are pain points for Morning Larks. Hence, Faruqi advises scheduling high-focus and cognitively-heavy tasks during early hours when alertness peaks. She adds, “Take an afternoon nap of 20 to 25 minutes, if needed, especially before 3 pm; it will help you stay awake for longer on busier days.” Tasks requiring higher mental energy should be done earlier Manage your time Kalia reminds us to consider where time is being spent, if work consistently goes late, disrupting the natural clock for early risers. “Use this as a general productivity overhaul to better understand how you can spend time more productively. Remember that rest and healthy recreation are a vital part of being productive,” he highlights. Hence, avoid pushing yourself into late-night activity, if proving cumbersome. Sleep hygiene tips for night owls >> Dim the light in the evening, to avoid reduction in the production of melatonin, a hormone which regulates sleep cycles>> Avoid using devices before bedtime. Consume gentle audio content instead, such as light music, podcasts, or ASMR, if it helps induce sleep>> If you wish to avoid electronic content altogether, read a book>> Practise gentle stretching and take warm showers to wind down and fall asleep faster>> Keep your bedroom clean and devoid of smells>> Use your bed exclusively for sleeping, not for other activities (eating, working, or studying)>> Abstain from smoking and alcohol before bedtime for quality sleep Information courtesy: Dr Aditi Shah (MD Chest and Allergy Specialist), Aeris Clinic Of Allergy Chest & Sleep Care, Matunga East
05 December,2025 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshThursdayLaser love Step into the city’s only laser tag arena and suit up for an immersive game.TIME 11 am to 9.30 pm AT R City Mall, Ghatkopar West. LOG ON TO @whatthefunindia ENTRY Rs 350 onwards FridayWrestle with idea Pic courtesy/@jayeshsharma.n01 on Instagram Take in Jayesh Sharma’s evocative solo exhibition Rituals of Impermanence documenting India’s culture of kushti (wrestling) and akhadas.TIME 10.30 am to 7.30 pmAT Nine Fish Art Gallery, Byculla East. SaturdaySaree chic Sujata and Taniya Biswas. Pic Courtesy/@suta_bombay Engage with the founders of Suta and cool saree styling tips by the end of the talk.TIME 4 pm to 7 pm AT Dextrus, Peninsula Corporate Park, Lower Parel. LOG ON TO @dextrusworkplace Night at the fort PIC courtesy/bhatakna.com Unwind with this night trek to Harihar fort. TIME 9.30 pmMEETING POINT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Terminal, Platform 9 and 10LOG ON TO bhatakna.comENTRY Rs 499 onwards SundayJazz on our mind Wrap up the week with soothing jazz performances honouring Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans (inset).TIME 8.30 pmAT Milagro, 5th Floor, Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road, Prabhadevi. CALL 9167779102ENTRY Rs 1000 Yuletide cheer Browse charming hand-painted bowls and plates to add festive layers to your Christmas table. TIME 11 am to 7 pm AT 47-A Gallery, Khotachiwadi, Girgaon. CALL 9137116810 ENTRY Rs 2695 onwards
04 December,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareADVERTISEMENT
