It is only 9 am on a Friday, but Kannimangalam Krishnan Venkateswaran is already up and running. The 95-year-old has just spent his birthday morning (March 27) at the gym. “It is a regular practice. I never miss my gym routine,” he points out, piling on this writer’s guilt. It is a big day after all; for after over 50-years of practice, Venkateswaran is currently hosting the first exhibition of his works in Mumbai, Engraved Vision: Scratchboard Works. A drawing Having started sketching in his teens at school in Cochin, he soon progressed to watercolour on canvas. His skills earned him a gold medal from the Maharaja of Travancore in 1946. “One of my earliest discoveries was John Ruskin’s Modern Painters in the library of my college. I read all five volumes. My inspiration was JMW Turner, one of the greatest artists of his age,” he shares. The artist works on an etching An employment at Air India felt like a golden opportunity. Venkateswaran would spend the day working at the office in Nariman Point, and practice in the evenings. Working with the airline also allowed for exposure, and visits to galleries across the world from London to Sydney. The shift to scratchboard as a medium was a discovery made during a job interview at J Walter Thompson. “That’s where they explained to me how scratchboard art is key to advertising design,” the artist recalls. While the job never materialised, the artist had discovered his medium. Scratchboarding is the process of layering a board canvas with white clay, superimposed by another layer of black paint/charcoal. The artist then scratches his work on this surface. “The layers have to be very smooth to ensure clear scratches. Highly defined scratchwork is better than a photograph. Those lines bring out sharp details,” the Powai resident, whose works include detailed portraitures and animal etchings, explains. With 61 works on display, Venkateswaran plans to showcase a live demonstration as well. “Everyone has been kind and encouraging to me. I share my works on social media, and people always have kind words. I have never grown tired of my art,” he concludes. We’d do well to take a leaf out of that optimism. Till March 29; 11 am to 7 pmAT PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi
28 March,2026 10:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe Inugami Curse Abhijit Venkiteswaran Sarma, banking professional, Dombivli What a beautifully written murder mystery by the Japanese novelist Seishi Yokomizo! I love the way the author narrates the story to the audience in a ‘meta-like’ manner. I also like that, unlike most detective stories, the intelligence of the police and other authorities isn’t diminished, but rather provides a good foil for the protagonist to solve the mystery. The Secret of the Star Sapphire Rati Girish, Indian children’s book reviewer, Powai This exhaustively researched, middle-grade adventure by Monika Bhatkhande takes the readers on an inter-generational search for the Star Sapphire. The children, in present-day Mumbai, stumble upon clues that take them to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. The clues are inspired by art, architecture, literature, and politics. It’s an intelligent book that will leave you gasping for breath and change the way you look at the city. The Labyrinth House Murders Rishika Aggarwal, copywriter, Juhu Japanese authors are all the rage at the moment, but I wasn’t in a space for literary fiction or a Morisaki; the other option was murder mysteries. Yukito Ayatsuji’s novel is a deeply immersive murder mystery that leaves you guessing as you turn the page. When you think you know where it’s going, this is one in which I’d most certainly say that don’t put it down until you’ve finished the last page. Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of IndiaVedanti Shinde, business psychologist and artist, Thane The exciting thing about this book by Rakesh Khanna and J Furcifer Bhairav is that these are not your typical ghost stories. They are factual and descriptive narrations of mythical creatures believed to have existed in our vast subcontinent. The book transcends from A to Z, and most of the creatures are illustrated wonderfully by a team of nine artists from India. Pakodi (Pakshi Kodi) Dr Madhura Phadke, educationist, Powai I mostly enjoy reading fiction and books on philosophy, leadership, education and pedagogy. This book contains riddles on birds in Marathi by Dr Rajiv Tambe, a well-known educator, poet, and children’s writer. He has also written Vikodee, which has puzzles and riddles on birds too. I really like his approach to teaching through an integration of science, language and maths.AVAILABLE: Leading bookstores and e-stores
28 March,2026 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaTimeless beauty Triptii Dimri on Parveen Babi It comes as no surprise that one ethereal beauty is drawn to another. Triptii Dimri — who commands the screen with a similarly haunting, soft-focus allure — finds her muse in the ultimate 1970s bohemian icon, Parveen Babi. This week, the modern-day ingenue pays a heartfelt homage to the actress who redefined Indian cinema with her effortless poise and avant-garde spirit. “There was something magnetic about her… she was bold, graceful, and unforgettable. To me, she’s a timeless beauty because her aura still shines decades later.” Digital breadcrumbs Forget the formal announcement — Kriti Sanon and Kabir Bahia are perfecting the art of the soft launch. Within hours of each other, the actor and her travel scion ‘bae’ posted individual shots of the same Northern Lights display this week. Kriti Sanon While Kriti kept her brand ambassador banner flying for Burberry even in the ice (showing off their signature cashmere scarf), Kabir made the most of an Arctic ATV — zooming around a makeshift track at top speed. The real giveaway, however, isn’t just the scenery — it’s Kriti’s ‘like’ sitting prominently on Kabir’s adrenaline-fuelled post. If this isn’t a high-stakes game of ‘Connect the Dots,’ I don’t know what is. Why bother going Insta-official when you can signal a connection through subtext rather than tags, all without ever actually saying a word? Legacy or leverage? Marketing genius or man who’s all heart? Depending on the theory, Hardik Pandya’s multi-crore watch collection is either a high-stakes power play or a deeply personal tribute. Hardik Pandya The ‘heart’ theory is rooted in a quiet family legacy. Hardik’s late father, Himanshu, was apparently a lifelong horology enthusiast who famously sidelined his own dreams — and his budget — to prioritise his sons’ cricket kits and travel. Today, when the Mumbai Indians captain flashes a rare Richard Mille or a singular Patek Philippe, he isn’t just checking the time, he’s settling an old debt — wearing the luxuries his father sacrificed so his children could fly. Then there’s the ‘marketing’ angle. By rotating elite pieces like the Jacob & Co. Rudra or the comparatively modest Favre Leuba Chief Skeleton during the 2026 T20 World Cup final, he has effectively turned his wrist into the cricket world’s most expensive billboard. Whether he’s honouring a legacy or just renting out real estate, one thing is clear: love or leverage, the mystery sells just as well as the moment. New orrder, served hot Awards and honours come thick and fast in March, but while some are just filler, this one’s a flex. On Wednesday, the 2026 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants dropped, and while the competition was stiff, two Indian powerhouses managed to make the cut. Aditya and Aditi Dugar. PIC/SUNHIL SIPPY Aditi and Aditya Dugar’s Masque continued its steady ascent, shimmying up four spots from 19 to 15. Beyond the rank, they also took home the Art of Hospitality Award, a massive win for Mumbai’s mid-town darling and head chef Varun Totlani. Meanwhile, Masque’s former executive chef, Prateek Sadhu, is proving that his Himalayan pivot was a masterstroke. His Kasauli-based labour of love, Naar, made a thunderous debut at 30 — a massive feat considering it’s only been open for a little over two years. “This dream has been with us for much longer,” says chef Sadhu, rebranding his bragging rights as “a win for India.” Prateek Sadhu Of course, with the rise of the new guard, the landscape is shifting. The most notable change? Indian Accent has officially exited the top 50. Clearly, in the world of fine dining, the only thing more volatile than a soufflé is the leaderboard.
27 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatSober G&T This eatery’s Zero-Proof G&T won’t make you miss alcohol, as it consists of floral elderflower, yuzu bitters, and juniper berries with tonic. AT Burma Burma (all outlets) Palladium Mall, 462, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel.CALL 9920246500COST Rs 430 Tropical Vietnam PIC COURTESY/Blondie If coffee were a wardrobe, a Vietnamese coffee would be an essential. If your style is to keep it classic but zhuzh it up occasionally, this Vietnamese Coconut Coffee is perfect. It’s a classic, except it is finished with toasted coconut for texture.AT Blondie, Road 24, Khar West.CALL 8655661730COST Rs 370 Main character coffee PIC COURTESY/the backyard brew We couldn’t pick one, so here are two iced lattes — both latest additions from the menu. The Banana Bread Iced Latte does exactly what it says: It tastes like the loaf in liquid form. The Brown Maple Iced Latte, on the other hand, arrives with a mini croissant perched on top.AT The Backyard Brew, Poseidon Apartment, Inlaks Nagar, Versova.CALL 8976766771COST Rs 380 Portable dessert PIC COURTESY/Coffee Capital The tiramisu craze caught on a while ago, and it’s so massive that you can drink it, too. The Italian Tiramisu Iced Latte is a straightforward drink that manages to look and taste luxurious. Or should we say, indulgent? It’s decadent, yes. But it’s also clever, considering this one can be enjoyed on-the-go.AT Coffee Capital,Hubtown Premier, Kamgar Nagar, Versova.CALL 9769079146COST Rs 399 Lonavla lounge call Fiori’s Mango Matacha is inspired by Kusama’s Polka Dots. Keeping things seasonal, it pairs earthy matcha with the ultimate summer fruit — a bright, juicy mango. The result is balanced and refreshingly lightAT Regenta SGs Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Lonavla.CALL 7410001660COST Rs 350 The desi thirst trap PIC COURTESY/SOMEPLACE ELSE If summer had a personality, it would be a big ripe mango. That’s why you need to be seen with the Twisted Alphonso. It blends mango and litchi with mint and lime, and hydrates you with a sprinkle of chaat masala and red chilli powder. It’s sweet, tangy, and has a hint of spice. Served in a tall Collins glass, garnished with aam papad, this drink is a show stopper.AT Someplace Else, Level 2, Jio World Drive, BKC. CALL 8356984990COST Rs 425 Pop of tea PIC COURTESY/Got Tea Make a fashion statement by being understated. The Vanilla Jasmine Tea is a blend of jasmine and blue pea tea, infused with vanilla bean syrup. It’s floral, creamy, and makes a statement with its natural blue colour.AT Got Tea, 90 Feet Road, Ghatkopar East.CALL 9311993298COST Rs 280
27 March,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaPehle hum gaali dete the, ab dialogue maarte hai, [Earlier we would converse in profanity, now we talk in dialogues].” That’s the power of theatre for you, in the words of a child actor from the Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home, Dongri. They’re not the only ones finding a new side to their personality through the art form. From underserved, orphaned, and incarcerated children, to those with mental and physical impairments, there’s a whole world that’s waiting for a spotlight. Blockbuster dreams In Andheri, theatre maker Anupama Chouhan runs Raashaa Theatre for those with Down Syndrome and individuals on the autism spectrum. Nearly 20 aspiring actors learn body movement, vocal exercises, and screen presence. “Beyond the stage, it helps them open up about their emotions, and express their needs boldly,” she says. Their 2024 play Woh Khula Aasman ushered the young group into limelight. Recently, one of the students, Ahida, played actor Arjun Rampal’s daughter in the film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). LOG ON TO @raashaa_theatre Screen memories Anupama Chouhan Ahida Sarmai with Arjun Rampal and Ranveer Singh. PICS COURTESY/RAASHAA I’ve always had a knack for acting. When one of my Instagram reels went viral, it reached the Dhurandhar team, and they reached out for an audition. My time on the set of the sequel was seamless. Arjun sir made me feel comfortable and even called me a ‘cutie’ actor. I met Ranveer sir at the premiere in Mumbai, and he told me that I absolutely nailed the part. I’m elated, to say the least. Ahida Sarmai, actor, 17 We’re all eyes Change is in the offing not only onstage, but in the audience as well. Mira Road-based Siddesh Nayak has been organising play viewings for those with visual impairments. A sighted volunteer from his group is seated between two visually impaired members. Visually impaired persons experience the play, Rashtragranth. PIC COURTESY/SIDDESH NAYAK Developments like the movement of characters, gestures, and change in location are whispered to the members in the least number of words possible. “It requires nothing to be their eyes for a few hours. I wish more people take up the initiative across India,” Nayak says.LOG ON TO @blind_who_trek Space, please Initiatives for the visually impaired significantly enrich the overall experience of appreciating the artistic performance. Ideally, every theatre venue should be fully accessible to individuals with diverse disabilities, whether they face mobility challenges, visual impairments, or hearing impairments. I would love to see concessions on ticket prices for persons with disabilities as well. It will help them develop an interest in performing arts. Nikhil Bhalerao, person with visual impairment, 31 Early days of theatre Mumbai’s tryst with commercial theatre (in the current form of an enclosed stage and an audience) dates back to 1853, when the legendary dramatist Vishnudas Bhave came to (then) Bombay after successfully staging plays in Sangli, his birthplace, since 1843. Vishnudas Bhave. PIC COURTESY/ Vishnudas Bhave Natyavidyamandir His most famous play was Sita Swayamvar. In Bombay, he staged Indrajit Vadh (The Assassination of Indrajit) at Grant Road Playhouse (also known as Pila House), and at the home of a philanthropist named Vishwanath Shimpi in Girgaon. Bhave, in whose honour the most famous theatre of Navi Mumbai is named, was inspired by the Western theatre halls of England. However, Bhave’s plays were mostly one-man shows with minimal supporting cast. Later, in the 1880s, Balwant ‘Annasaheb’ Kirloskar pioneered multi-act plays with bigger casts. His biggest endeavour was Shakuntal based on poet Kalidasa’s epic play, Abhidnyan Shakuntalam. Shakuntal had nearly 200 songs, based on Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. By Sachin Kalbag Silver linings A moment from Second Chance. PIC COURTESY/ASHIYANA FOUDNATION City-based Ashiyana Foundation is broadening the definition of children’s theatre. The group uses theatre as a tool to sow hope in places like the Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home in Dongri, David Sassoon Industrial School in Matunga, and Chembur Children’s Home in Mankhurd. Their plays Second Home and Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale were met with thunderous applause across Mumbai venues. “We can already see the culture shift steadily inside these homes. Some of the children never learnt to read because of their circumstances, but they’re now acing 80-page scripts onstage,” reveals director Sachi Maniar.LOG ON TO @ashiyanafoundation
27 March,2026 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSince this is the last year the millennial generation turns 30, The Guide reached out to three generations, those born in the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s to find out how birthdays were celebrated when they were growing up. The 1980s >> Return gifts being fragrant erasers and Love Art sketch pens >> Crepe paper streamers and simple DIY decor >> “Happy Birthday” banner as the main highlight Harshita Ingole, 40, doctor, Borivli The 1990s >> Hard-boiled sweets like Alpenliebe and Ravalgaon >> Rasna served generously >> 99-in-1 brick game consoles Pinata as a party activity Gauravh Garrgya, 34, media professional, Dadar The 2000s Face painters and temporary tattoo artists >> Live food and pasta stations >> Personalised photo mugs as return gifts Neon-themed parties with glow accessories Kavya Kaushik, 20, student, Andheri Check out how to plan your own ’90s birthday. How to throw a 90s-themed birthday party Lock the theme early: Centre the concept around everyday ’90s nostalgia; for example, simple living, shared moments, and pre-digital culture Go bold with decor: Use bright, clashing colours, retro TV cut-outs, and classic Bollywood posters Curate an authentic playlist: Blend Bollywood hits (Govinda, SRK-Kajol), English Indie-pop tracks, and nostalgic ad jingles for layered familiarity Plan simple and high-energy games: Include lemon-and-spoon, sack races, and passing the parcel Keep food nostalgic: Serve samosas, cutlets, noodles, pineapple pastries, with Rasna, Frooti, and soft drinks Design memorable return gifts: Prepare hampers with Poppins, Melody, and small toys or stationery packed in quirky retro-style wrapping Focus on the details: Use paper invites, slam books, comics, and note diaries Keep it simple and classic: Start with light music and mingling, build into games and dancing. Close with cake and a wind-down Inputs by Devyani Sahu, 26, founder, CEO and wedding planner, Kalyan
27 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareWhat is fashion to you? It can be personal, bold, or deeply rooted in culture. Design Craft’s latest exhibition puts that question into focus through the work of artisans and designers trained at Somaiya Kala Vidya in Anjar, Kutch. It will offer a closer look at what happens when tradition is not repackaged, but reworked from within. The exhibition features 10 designers working across Ajrakh, Bandhani, Batik by Akhtar Khatri and Basit Khatri, Rabari embroidery, Ikat weaving, and Soof, each tied closely to its geography and community. Amrita Somaiya “There is no attempt to merge these practices into a single visual language; instead, they remain distinct, carrying forward motifs, techniques, and colour systems shaped by region. In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, block printing traditions like those of Nandana craft still encode social meaning, with patterns and colours indicating whether a woman is married or unmarried within the Bhil community,” says Amrita Somaiya, trustee of Somaiya Trust. The exhibition’s theme, Vasundhara, draws from the Earth and the relationship between material, craft, and environment. Each designer approaches their practice through texture, form, or seasonal reference — Rabari and Soof embroideries echo organic patterns, extra-weft weaves play with density, while Batik and Bandhani translate shifts in landscape into cloth. The showcase spans statement sarees to contemporary garments and accessories, balancing heritage with a modern twist. ON March 27 to 29; 10 am onwards AT Cymroza Art Gallery, Cumballa Hill.CALL 23671983 The Guide’s picks at the show Batik: An ancient resist-dyeing technique in India, practiced across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Seen here through the works of Akhtar Khatri and Basit Khatri. Ajrakh: A 4000-year-old block-printing tradition from Kutch and Barmer, known for geometric precision and natural dyes. The exhibition will feature works by Yasin Khatri and Tausif Khatri. Soof: Counted-thread embroidery from Sindh, now preserved in Kutch, defined by geometric patterns stitched from the reverse. Interpreted at this exhibition by Laxmi Puvar. Rabari: Embroidery rooted in the nomadic Rabari community, marked by bold motifs and mirror work. The exhibition includes pieces by Gitaben Rabari.
26 March,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareChill by the lake Since the heat seems to have taken over the city, head to this riverside campaign experience with water sports like kayaking and river rafting to cool the temperatures within you.ON March 26; 3 pm onwards AT Near Pawna lake, Karjat (call for more details) CALL 8591064044ENTRY Rs 1799 Into the wild Participants climb the Vasota fort. Pic courtesy/Trek panda Step into your trekking shoes as this trail that will take you to the ancient Vasota Fort, also known as Vyaghragad or Tiger Fort. Located in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary in the Sahyadris, the experience will include dense forest paths, wildlife, and a history lesson about the Marathas.ON March 27; 10 pm onwardsPICK UP Gate number 1, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. CALL 8447937907ENTRY Rs 3050 Beachside escape Pic courtesy/trek panda Head to this coastal town of Malvan if you love the beach, scuba diving, or if you are looking for authentic Malvani food for a much-needed break during this heat.ON March 27; 3 pm onwardsPICK UP Multiple points (Borivali, Andheri, Sion, and Vashi)CALL 8447937907 ENTRY Rs 6000 onwards
26 March,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamBlack warranted The camera loves Zahan Kapoor and doesn’t he know it! Walking the red carpet for the Critics’ Choice Awards on March 24, the actor owned the monochrome look, ensuring all eyes — and lenses — were locked on his sleek silhouette Tiny shorts, big energy You could call it a celebrity encounter, but truth be told, it was almost a collision when yours truly spotted Sara Ali Khan heading into Soho House Mumbai on Tuesday. Dressed in the tiniest blue shorts, clutching her trusty tumbler, Sara was clearly on a mission — rushing in for her regular gym session like the rest of us chasing our dreams. Sara Ali Khan Now, I recall her once saying Jacqueline Fernandez has great legs, but honestly, Sara’s aren’t too shabby either. And it’s even more impressive when you remember her 96-kilo starting point. She’s been vocal about the fact that fitness is a daily grind — no magic, just Pilates and a lot of discipline. She has joked in the past about loving pizza, chocolate, and ice cream (same, Sara, same), but things shifted when the fitness bug bit in senior college. Since then, she’s mastered the art of putting in the hard yards. Balance is key, says this young star. Not perfection, not punishment. Just showing up, doing the work, and still making room for the things you love. And honestly? That’s probably the most relatable part of all. And then there were three Typically, one doesn’t put the cart before the horse, but we’ll make an exception for Dipika Pallikal and Dinesh Karthik. The power couple shared stunning snaps from their Seemandham (a traditional baby shower) on Monday — just days after announcing the arrival of their third bundle of joy, baby girl Raaha. Dinesh Karthik and Dipika Pallikal Flipped timeline aside, the celebration was an absolute masterclass in mood-boarding. Dipika was a vision in a regal lilac sari, her hair coiffed to perfection and woven with fragrant fresh flowers. Gifts and goodies flowed, while dad Dinesh made sure their two boys, Kabir and Zian, were front and centre for the festivities. Three kids, two sports icons, and one gorgeous celebration. Whether it’s cricket or squash, the Pallikal-Karthik legacy is clearly in very capable — and very cute — hands. #Metoo on the HMU circuit The brightest in the hair and makeup biz were in an uproar on Tuesday, when a junior makeup artist took to Instagram to call out a well-known film producer for assaulting him. In a detailed post on the platform, the MUA said, “I was recently assaulted by a known producer who was also making sexual advances on me. He called me to a friend’s house under the pretext of work, and when I asked about the budget, he physically assaulted me. He also threatened me, saying that if I spoke up or made any official complaint, he would ‘handle’ me because of his political connections. I am choosing to speak up because I don’t want anyone else to go through this kind of abuse. It has broken something inside me, but I refuse to let it define me. I came to this city to build something for myself, and I won’t let this take that away from me.” As we hear it, the young artist hasn’t filed a police complaint because many of his closest confidantes have advised him against it. He has, however, kept a record of his injuries, should he choose to change his mind. In the absence of an official complaint, we won’t name names. After all, allegations aren’t adequate. But, just to be clear, Mr Producer, we know who you are. The fomo frontier With Q1 nearly in the rearview mirror, we’re already mentally boarding a flight to anywhere with a better AQI and a stiffer drink — and clearly, we’re in good company. Despite having already clocked enough air miles to earn her own zip code in 2026, Alia Bhatt confessed this week to the one destination still haunting her bucket list. “I really want to see the Northern Lights. I think that would be such a spectacular experience,” she shared. It seems even for a girl who has the world at her feet, the Aurora Borealis is the ultimate FOMO frontier. Alia Bhatt Take it from the OGs, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sanjay Dutt chased the glow with his wife and kids in March 2025, while Delhi Crime diva Shefali Shah spent her 2025 year-end witnessing the magic in Norway. Even cousin-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan famously traded her beloved Gstaad for an Iceland expedition to ring in a birthday some years ago. Time to take a few notes from the family travel archives, Ranbir Kapoor — so Alia can trade her summer linens for some chic winter layers soon.
26 March,2026 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatThursdaySeasonal tunes Witness violin maestro Dan Zhu (below) put four and four together in his unique presentation Eight Seasons. Zhu will join the Symphony Orchestra of India to blend the worlds of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.TIME 7 pmAT NCPA, Nariman Point. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY Rs 500 onwards FridayBack with a bang Does Kaneez Surka still have it in her to tickle Mumbai’s funny bone after a four-year hiatus? You be the judge at the comedian’s much-awaited comeback show, Foreign Return. TIME 8 pmAT Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Cumballa Hill.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499 SaturdayThat’s a stretch Begin the weekend with deep stretches and slow breathing at yoga instructor Shivali Chatterjee’s restorative Hatha yoga session. The day ends with a guided group meditation. TIME 11.11 am to 12.12 pmAT Live Better Yoga. Multiple locations (Bandra, Khar, Santacruz)LOG ON TO livebetteryoga.inENTRY Revealed on enquiry Kudos to you Give the iPads a break and introduce your children to Kudo, a mixed martial art that blends judo, karate, boxing, and jiu-jitsu. Shihan (Japanese: master instructor) Jasmine Makwana will lead the young champions. TIME 9 am to 11 amAT Fitbee, Tilak Road, Sindhuwadi, Ghatkopar East. LOG ON TO @the.fitbeeENTRY Revealed on registration SundayPaws at the party Help your pets beat the heat with a swim at this expert-supervised pet park that is open for the season. TIME 12 pm onwardsAT Pool Pupper Pet Park, opposite MMK College, Khar West. LOG ON TO @poolpupper_petparkENTRY Revealed on booking Final act What a wicked game to play, to make us feel this way. The globally acclaimed musical Wicked is playing one last time in Mumbai this weekend. TIME 2 pm onwardsAT NMACC, Bandra Kurla Complex. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 2500 Read the room Flip through pages in the company of bibliophiles and strike up a conversation with someone who’s on the same page at this readers’ mixer. TIME 3 pmAT Atrangi Katta, near RMall, Manorama Nagar, Thane West. LOG ON TO @atrangi.katta
26 March,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe goldfish standard Tuesday was all glass walls, blowouts, and iced teas for Italian model and influencer Giorgia Andriani — who proves that even in a fishbowl, you can still make a splash The big fat fashion wedding In all the mayhem that this month gleefully threw my way, I’ve missed dishing out the deets on Eka Lakhani and Ravi Bhagchandka’s wedding — which, frankly, deserves far more than a passing mention. Because when a top-tier film producer marries one of Bollywood’s most in-demand stylists, you know it’s not going to be a quiet affair. Eka Lakhani and Ravi Bhagchandka For the uninitiated, Ravi has long been a familiar name behind the scenes, while Eka orchestrates the wardrobes of heavyweights like Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, Rani Mukerji and Trisha Krishnan. Translation: this guest list was always going to be stacked. And stacked it was. Mid-town Mumbai briefly turned into a high-gloss runway-meets-reunion, with everyone who matters showing up — and showing off. Ravi’s close ties with Sachin Tendulkar meant cricket royalty clocked in, while Aditi Rao Hydari and hubby Siddharth pulled an all-night, cross-country dash just to make it. Karan Johar with the bride On the dance floor, Ranveer did what he does best, rocking the night away with solid support from Arjun Kapoor. Meanwhile, Karan stole the style stakes in a breathtaking Anamika Khanna ensemble elevated by intricate gara embroidery — styled, no less, by the bride herself! Of course, it fell to other A-list stylists to dress the remaining guests: Deepika Padukone, for one, delivering a moment in Jigya Patel, with Shaleena Nathani at the helm. Bottom line? This wasn’t just a wedding — it was a full-blown fashion-and-fame summit, where the guest list sparkled, the dance floor didn’t stand a chance, and the bride quietly reminded everyone that when a stylist gets married, she always has the last word. Glamour and gravitas With Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Alia Bhatt among the National Geographic 33 for 2026, the list itself lands on our radar. Announced last week, this honour shines a spotlight on a group of extraordinary changemakers “who are rising to meet the most critical challenges of our time.” Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Alia Bhatt But why 33, you might wonder? Well, when the National Geographic Society was established in 1888, it had 33 founders. Despite this historical connection, the honours are only in their second year, with Björk, Don Cheadle, Selena Gomez, Jason Momoa, and Edward Norton among last year’s honourees. Of course, there are names with less glamour and more gravitas on both lists — adventurer Paolo Fanciulli, botanist Benedetta Gori, and chemist Cassandra Rauert being a few. But back to our girls, PC and Alia. Priyanka points to a childhood memory — a medical camp her parents ran in a small Indian village — as her wake-up call. “Seeing so many people without access to healthcare,” she says, “stayed with me.” Meanwhile, Alia’s love for animal welfare sprouted early, when she was rescuing stray kittens and nursing them back to health — a passion that’s only grown sharper over the years. Clearly, then, impact comes in many forms: from the red carpet to the research lab. Some days you’re saving kittens, others you’re saving lives. Bent bodies and broken promises When people trumpet their quest for “depth” in a shallow world, you would think they’d deliver more than perfumed promises. But fame has a way of masking a void. Take the yoga studio that launched with glitter, a famous endorsement, and more hype than a celebrity wedding going viral — now shuttered, leaving a trail of disappointed souls. Clients hoping to zen out have found themselves lighter only in their wallets. Refunds? Forget it. And it’s not just pampered patrons paying the price. Staffers, too, have been tossed aside like last season’s leggings — no severance, no dues, not even a polite wave goodbye. Meanwhile, the ‘face of the brand’ is still out there flaunting her yoga pants and perfect posture, carefully sidestepping accountability. Glamour might have sold some classes, but integrity clearly didn’t make the syllabus. Comedy Collective Comedy really is a community — and nowhere was that more obvious than when Russell Peters brought his Relax World Tour to Mumbai on March 22. The room wasn’t just packed, it was practically a roll call of the funniest in the game. Nitish Sakhuja — a fellow Toronto export with that same Indian-Canadian crossover appeal — set the tone as the opener. In the crowd, Viraj Ghelani and Atul Khatri were laughing like civilians for once, while the energy kept building toward a mic-drop moment. Russell Peters and Taapsee Pannu Enter Zakir Khan for a surprise cameo — and suddenly it wasn’t just a show, it was a full-blown mutual admiration society. “I pass the torch to you, brother,” Peters declared, in a flourish of elder-statesman swagger, as Zakir stood there grinning — equal parts humbled and ready. Not that the laughs were limited to comedians. Actor Taapsee Pannu and husband Mathias Boe were spotted soaking it all in, proving that when comedy hits right, everyone’s in on the joke. Stand-up might be a solo act, but the comedy world? Totally a squad.
25 March,2026 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
