Linkin Park is already preparing for their India debut later this week. On arrival, they might find a city open and embracing inventive new music. Back in the late 1800s, it was a different India. Music was the privilege of the royal courts. But in cosmopolitan Bombay of 1870, a Parsi music club sought to change it. Dr Aneesh Pradhan’s lecture on the Parsi Gayan Uttejak Mandali at the KR Cama Oriental Institute will shine a spotlight on this lesser known chapter of the city’s musical history. A moment from the performance of the Parsi Gayan Uttejak Mandali curated by Shubha Mudgal (in yellow) and Aneesh Pradhan in Goa. Pics Courtesy/Dr Aneesh Pradhan It is no surprise that it was his love for music that drew the musician to a subject that would inform his scholarship in the 1990s. “My doctoral thesis, which is now published as Hindustani Music in Colonial Bombay, essentially looked at the history of Hindustani music in Bombay during the Colonial period,” the musician and educator shares. The era saw the mercantile and industrialist class emerge as new patrons, says Pradhan. “In cities like Bombay, industrial and commercial elite and intellectuals supported Hindustani music for a variety of reasons. They set up music clubs and circles to propagate Hindustani music,” Pradhan explains. Aneesh Pradhan. Pic Courtesy/Varsha Panwar Founded by journalist and writer Kaikhushroo Naoroji Kabraji in 1870, the Parsi Gayan Uttejak Mandali sought to spread awareness of Hindustani classical music among the Parsi community. But it would soon expand beyond this remit. Dr Kamala Ganesh, head (retired), department of Sociology, University of Mumbai, who will be part of the lecture, shares, “It [the moment] was a democratisation of classical music. That was the major change that happened in the Colonial period.” Preceding the rise of formal music schools, it was a watershed moment, she admits. Pradhan notes, “While they [the clubs] did not overtly impact the traditional guru-shishya format, they influenced the manner in which institutionalised education for Hindustani music was formalised in later years through music classes, schools, and universities.” Ganesh adds, “There was a co-existence. There were gharanas, and there were also musicians emerging from the schools; VD Paluksar’s Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in 1901 in Lucknow being one,” she says. VN Bhatkhande. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Another scholar to emerge from the club was a certain VN Bhatkhande, who would publish the first modern treatise on Indian classical music. “The Mandali supported Bhatkhande’s work by publishing some of his books. He also lectured there from 1890 to 1905,” the composer tells us. The subject is not just an academic pursuit for Pradhan. He conceptualised a performance that reconstructed the first jalsa by the Mandali, and performed alongside wife, and vocalist Shubha Mudgal recently at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa. Kamala Ganesh “My wife Shubha Mudgal and I co-curated a programme entitled 1871 in 2025: The Parsi Gayan Uttejak Mandali. This was a recreation of the first jalsa that the Mandali organised on April 28, 1871,” he shares.If the audience at the KR Cama Oriental are lucky, they might be able to coax the veteran into another rendition. On Today; 5.30 pm onwardsAt Sir JJ Modi Memorial Hall, KR Cama Oriental Institute, Mumbai Samachar Marg, Fort.Call 8879253893 (for RSVP)
22 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayLaughs come in threes Catch some of the best comics from Mumbai’s stand-up performers at this Comedy Triples act, featuring Raunaq Rajani, Jeeya Sethi (below), and Shreeja Chaturvedi.Time 8 pm and 10 pmAt Backspace, Todi Mills Compound, Lower Parel. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comEntry Rs 499 onwards FridaySoft words and notes Pic Courtesy/@Gayaki_Priya; File pic Join this special recital and subsequent book discussion by Indian Classical vocalist and writer Priya Purushothaman (above, left), centred on her book featuring eight stories of Hindustani musicians, The Call of Music. Accompanying her will be veteran theatre director Sunil Shanbag (above, right).Time 6.30 to 8.30 pm At Kitab Khana, near Flora Fountain, Fort. Log on to @kitabkhanabooks (to register) SaturdayBirdwatching on boats Flamingos seen during a previous safari; (right) participants during an earlier excursion. Pics Courtesy/Mumbai Musafir Take a guided boat safari to spot not only flamingos, but other migratory birds that settle in Mumbai during the winter season, such as the Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, and Spot-billed Duck.Time 8 am onwards At Bhandup Pumping Station, Jaihind Colony, Mulund East. Log on to @mumbai_musafir Entry Rs 1290 onwards History with art Pic courtesy/Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts on Youtube Don’t miss a screening of The Miniaturist of Junagadh (2021) and Nooreh (2018), profound short films centering on the India-Pakistan division, the former starring Naseeruddin Shah (above). time 7.30 pm At Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova. Log on to altshows.comEntry Rs 150 SundayShared interests A still from Modern Family. Pic Courtesy/TBS on Youtube If you are a fan of the American sitcom Modern Family, don’t miss this themed trivia evening, with fun questions, inside jokes, and the chance to connect with new people. Time 7 pm onwards At Loft64-The Chilling Lounge, Shop Number 3, Asmita Sand Dunes, Sunder Nagar, Malad West.Call 9987762009 (to book) Entry Rs 399 onwards Time travel in Kalyan A previous walk conducted in Kalyan. Pic Courtesy/@community_kaarkhana Kalyan has its own story, dating back to the 19th century. Join this heritage walk showcasing the area’s built heritage, sacred spaces, and commercial history.Time 8 am to 10 am Meeting point Snickerdoodle Coffeeworks, Rambaug, Kalyan. Log on to @community_kaarkhana (to register) Entry Rs 500 Bollywood jam An earlier event at the venue. Pic Courtesy/the stables As a spirited lead-up to Republic Day, check out this Bollywood & Beyond live band night that promises a dynamic blend of desi tunes and crowd-pleasing favourites.Time 9 pm onwardsAt The Stables, Peninsula Redpine, Andheri East.Call 7900176494 (to book; food and beverage charges separate)
22 January,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshHype yourself first One piece of advice I would share for first-time runners who intend on running the Mumbai Marathon next year is that it is more of an endurance game than a physical one. A calm mindset is essential, as anxiety can disrupt rhythm and energy. Give yourself enough time, and prepare well for the marathon, by keeping your body gently active in the days leading up to the race as that will ease the transition. Vaibhavee Bhatt has been a regular participant at the marathon for the last three years. Pic courtesy/Vaibhavee Bhatt A proper warm-up during every practice session is non-negotiable, with at least 20 minutes solely dedicated to lunges, high knee kicks, leg swings, hip and ankle rotations, as that helps prepare the body and muscles. Similarly, post-run stretching is equally important and should never be skipped. As a beginner, I learnt that fancy gear is absolutely unnecessary — reliable running shoes, comfortable socks and basic workout clothes are sufficient. If I have to give one tip, which worked for me, it would be, to start running with a friend as that helps a lot with motivation. Lastly, always try to maintain a positive mindset and keep going, as the body adapts after the initial kilometre. Vaibhavee Bhatt, 24, consultant, Tardeo Base first, speed later Having run marathons for 22 years, I request starting your preparation by getting all key medical parameters checked. This includes blood tests for haemoglobin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and ferritin, along with heart and lung function tests, to ensure a strong and injury-free return to running. (From left) Kaushik Panchal at the Tata Mumbai Marathon in 2024; and at the 2026 edition of the race. Pics courtesy/Kaushik Panchal Gradual progression is essential — begin with a one-hour run and increase duration by 10-15 per cent each week. Alongside running, always focus on stability and mobility through regular yoga, functional workouts, or cross-training like cycling, swimming, or walking, which will help prevent injury as these activities engage different muscle groups. Do not skip strength training. I keep reiterating that you are your best competition, and hence, analysing last year’s race pacing and setting realistic targets is helpful, especially before attempting a full marathon. Always listen to your body, prioritise muscle over fat, and support post-run recovery with a protein-rich diet and carbohydrates for energy. Kaushik Panchal, 55, entrepreneur, Borivli Beginners’ guide to acing marathons after turning 50 1. Preserve muscle with regular strength training2. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep3. Focus on balance and mobility4. Treat runs as an aerobic activity, not a race5. Keep average heart rate below 130-140 during training6. Stop immediately if you feel any discomfort or pain
21 January,2026 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareMumbaikars who are fans of seafood can spend this weekend, enjoying the culinary heritage of the coastal belt at a food festival in Alibaug. Organised by travel and adventure tourism platform Moonstone Hammock, the pop-up to be held at Buddha Café offers diners regional seafood dishes from Konkani, Goan, Malwani, Malabari, and Mangalorean cuisines. A local vendor at the Alibaug fish market displays the day’s fresh catch “The intention is to enable diners to savour local flavours. Hence, members of the Koli community will also present fresh daily catches,” reveals Pradeep Singh Choudhary, the platform’s CEO and co-founder. “Expect dishes including pomfret, crabs, prawns, chicken, and other seasonal produce.” A chef presents a traditionally marinated Surmai on a banana leaf Dishes range from Goan Prawn Rissois and Agri Koli Pomfret Fry to Chonak Tikka and Surmai dishes. “Many dishes will be cooked on a tandoor,” he adds. For vegetarians, options include, Pineapple Sasav (Goan), Vangi Batata Rassa (Agri Koli), and Kaju Curry (Malwani). Pineapple Sasav and Kaju Curry “Apart from the food, visitors can expect live musical performances at the venue, a cultural Koli dance performance, and a sundowner DJ session, along with stalls and counters displaying seafood, and organised games. Pradeep Singh Choudhary Importantly, there will be cookout sessions and live demonstrations by chefs, where guests can interact with and learn directly from them,” the co-founder mentions. Desserts offered, meanwhile, are the Goan Mangane, and favourites such as Modak and Puran Poli, among other fares. Musical performers at an earlier event hosted at Buddha Cafe “Most visitors to Alibaug view it as a classic tourist destination or getaway close by, but there is a lot more to their food culture and community that needs to be showcased, which is our aim,” Choudhary signs off. A traditional Koli dance performance. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons On January 24 to 26; 12 pm to 4 pm (lunch) and 6 pm to 11 pm (dinner)At Buddha Café, Awas Beach Road, AlibaugLog on to @moonstonehammockofficial (to register; food and beverage charges separate)
21 January,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshThe collection seems like a detailed insight into the names that define modern Indian art. When did you begin?It started about 10 years ago. Photography is a way of trespassing into the lives of people that interest me. In 2003, I started an art series recreating the works of Raja Ravi Varma, Gustav Klimt, and Frida Kahlo. Soon after, I felt the need to meet the artists whose work intrigued me. The book, backed by Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) and Mapin, offered me a chance to be pleasantly surprised. Rohit Chawla Artists can be reticent or reclusive, unlike performers. What were the cues you were looking for?This idea of the self-effacing artist is a bit of a non sequitur. When you agree to be photographed, you agree to step into my world. There is a part of you that wishes to be playful, and that is what I tap into. SH Raza; the photograph in the book also features his final works There is also a sanctity to doing things quietly. The best photographs are often captured in moments bereft of artifice. But, I am also mindful that being natural is the most difficult pose to keep. Hence, my attempt necessitates that their studio life becomes apparent through these photographs. I always recall Piyush Pandey’s immortal lines ‘Har ghar kucch kehta hai/ ke isme kaun rehta hai’. An artist’s studio is reflective of what they create. Atul Dodiya; the artist plays old Hindi songs in his working space Could you elaborate on that..Perhaps, I should write a book on the things I photographed in the studio (laughs). Each of them has a predisposition to a particular object. For instance, Rekha Rodwittiya collects dolls. Mithu [Sen] does the same. Those are the intimate parts that I might reveal in another book. Is that moment of magic instinctive, or do you build towards it?It is a bit of both. Instinct is knowing when to press that shutter, or recognising the moment the artist is themselves. But that instinct has been honed over 30 years. Bharti Kher; Chawla preferred to photograph the artists in natural light Some of the names on the book include icons like MF Husain and FN Souza…In this book, we have also included some artists who I did not necessarily photograph, such as Husain, Souza, or Amrita Sher-Gil among others. We thought it was important to have their voices as markers in the history of Indian art. We were lucky to have writer-curator Kishore Singh who was at DAG, and had interacted with them, to share interviews. Is there an artist among these many figures who surprised you?It was the artist that I photographed last — T Venkanna. I came back happy after the shoot. He comes from a very traditional family in Hyderabad, but his work is mired in the erotic. The idea of a man living with his family, his parents and brother, and creating such brave and provocative work was refreshing. Subodh Gupta among his works; the artist calls it a place where he is at his ‘happiest’ Are you travelling further with the book?My next book will be launched at The Jaipur Literature Festival next year. It is the commemorative book on the authors I have been photographing at the festival for the last 20 years. Whether it is artists, authors, or chefs, the joy lies in the 10 minutes of connection I make. I live for that. Log on to: mapinpub.com (for pre-orders)
21 January,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarRewriting the sound The album cover of Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally The upcoming album is viewed as a natural progression in Styles’ evolving sound. Over time, something about his genre has changed, and that is exactly what keeps his music fresh. Hopefully, something along the lines of a stronger English indie-pop influence can be expected as his voice is well-suited to the genre, which will mark a shift from his previous album, Harry’s House, which leaned heavily into jazz and alternative textures.Aman Khan, 28, entrepreneur, Kandivli Inspired by legends and loss Shivangi Sharma strikes a pose next to the poster for Harry Styles’ Love On Tour His music is rooted in nostalgia and shaped by personal grief. His music taste and inspirations are niche, as he attributes them to the music his mum played around the house while he was growing up. He has openly spoken about being inspired by Shania Twain, Stevie Nicks, and other icons from the 1970s and 80s, including Pink Floyd and David Bowie. When the band split in August 2015, all the musicians began individual journeys, but this will be the first music Styles releases after the sudden and tragic loss of his ex-bandmate and close friend, Liam Payne. The loss was felt widely, especially among Directioners [a term used to describe One Direction fans].Shivangi Sharma, 27, counsellor, Malabar Hill Beyond the boy band A new sound might be on the horizon, as the evolution of the singer signals a clear shift in how audiences perceive his artistry, moving beyond the constraints of his boy-band origins. Earlier, it was classic boy-band music. But, his previous album, Sign of the Times, made people realise that his songs were more about how he perceived the world, rather than traditional love songs. His experimentation with fashion, colour, and gender norms runs parallel to his musical growth, lending the work a certain accessibility that is also layered with depth.Vedant Agarwal, 24, student, Andheri Sound without limits The defining feature of Styles’ next phase is creative freedom and refusal to conform. The singer has always been fearless with sound and storytelling, moving from pop to introspective rock ballads. I’m hoping he pushes a few more boundaries. I also read the album title as a signal of paradox and playfulness, hinting at a project that balances intimacy with bold moments.Dhwanika Parmar, 26, event manager, Andheri
20 January,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIn journalist Rahul Pandita’s new novel Our Friends in Good Houses (Fourth Estate), Neel and his family have lost their home in Kashmir. Neel’s father copes with the exile and his wife’s ill health by avoiding the thought of loss. However, for years, Neel yearns to “discover a ground” and find a home. Even in his old house, he believes, home felt distant. This perpetual search leads him to collect a few things and memories of people who inspired in him a sense of belonging. Pandita’s writing is meditative in nature. His attention to detail makes it easy for readers to slow down and travel with the protagonist through his memories. We learn about his friendships with the locals, which become central to Neel and the nerve centre of the novel. For instance, a local grocer Lakshman’s good nature and warmth help Neel access the village from where a district collector had been abducted. His presence also supports Neel in gaining trust from the villagers and gathering information as a journalist. Rahul Pandita Poignant moments arrive, however, in the time he spends with such locals. For example, the boat ride he takes after wrapping up his assignment to visit Lakshman acts as a quiet gesture of his gratitude for Lakshman. Similar transient instances of intimacy, whether shared with Gurnaam or Gurupriya at the guerrilla zones, stay with you and make the novel an immersive, heart-rending read. Excerpts from an interview. How did the loss of home and a consequent search for it become central ideas in the book?I think I wanted to sever the idea of homelessness from any event of physical displacement alone. In the modern world, many of us feel afflicted with a certain lack of ground. Also, the idea of home means different things to people. No matter where you are, home is at the heart of who we are. It is our gravitational force. By making it the theme of my novel, I wanted to reach out to people who feel this homelessness and tell them: Hey, you are not alone. Why did you choose a non-linear, fragmentary structure for the novel?Isn’t that how memory works? We cannot put it under the command of linearity. We keep going back and forth between the worlds we have inhabited and continue to inhabit. In that way, I have simply followed the path memory has shown my protagonist, Neel, who, as you know, has just a few similarities with me. What did the process of putting these fragments of memory together look like?The process of writing this novel has, in many ways, helped me make sense of the world I have experienced in the last two-and-a-half decades. It was not pleasant. But life in itself is beautiful. But whether it is or not, at one point I had to stop and start looking inwards. How I processed that is how the novel has taken shape. The story includes multiple forms of violence as well as the narrative of the protagonist’s ailing mother. What were the challenges?There were many. As a conflict reporter, I always left the ‘field’ with a dread in my heart. The dread is about a future pain — that, maybe, when I return next, some people may have already been consumed by violence. That dread has shaped at least one story’s trajectory in the novel, which was the most difficult to write. Available Leading bookstores & e-storesCost: Rs 599
20 January,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini ShahFour Swedish artistes walk onto the stage. One of them raises a mic to her lips and lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. One after another, like clockwork, the women join her — all breathing directly into the mic. Anywhere else in the world, this is an onsite sound engineer’s worst nightmare. Not at Mahalaxmi’s G5A this week. SonoR, a dance-meets-live sound show by French Sweden-based director and choreographer Aloun Marchal throws the concept of background music out of the window. “I grew tired of seeing dance shows where the music is the emotional underlayer and dance is mainly an ornamentation on top of it,” he reasons. Strapped with wireless mics, his performers become their own soundtrack. “The entrance scene is very dear to me. If you listen closely, they sound like the seashore and then like a storm while slowly walking in patterns onstage,” he reveals. We rewind and replay a recording of the show Marchal has shared with us. We hear the seas this time. “It moves me because this is what happens when we get lost in observing a landscape. Sometimes, we can forget about ourselves, and it feels like we are the landscape itself,” he adds. Built and rebuilt over more than five years, the show now features Gilda Stillbäck, Mathilde Rance, Sandra Abouav, and Pauline Reibell, who shape-shift, or sound-shift in this case, into folk singers, monstrous characters, and drummers of each other’s bodies. “In one of the last scenes, the performers play and sing a song using their bodies and voices. It sounds fantastic. In order to reach this level, they have to collaborate extremely tightly,” he shares. Aloun Marchal Earlier this month, the performance made its India debut in Pune, and found some unlikely admirers. “We met a young Indian classical dancer, Sagarika Patwardhan. She seemed to be moved by the feminist expression in the piece. Another percussionist revealed how he translates words into percussive sounds. It’s close to a scene in our production where spoken language becomes the rhythm section of dance,” he reveals. Patwardhan, who documented Marchal’s rehearsals in Pune recalls it as “a hall pass to go berserk. It’s like a ticket to an hour of madness.” As much as the show is about sounds, it is the silence that stayed with us after an online viewing. And while Pune might have been quiet hosts, Mumbai is anything but tranquil these days, we warn the director. “I’ve noticed that it is the traffic that makes things loud in India. But I have to say that I love experiencing chaos because when I stop experiencing it, I enjoy the silence and the rest even more,” he signs off. ON January 21; 7 pmAT G5A Warehouse, Laxmi Mills Estate, Mahalaxmi West.LOG ON TO g5afoundation.orgENTRY Rs 499
20 January,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThe middle-class shaped Mumbai’s progressive art culture, and yet, the medium is viewed as the playground of the rich. “You say that today, imagine it in the early 2000s,” shares Maushmi Ganguly. The 48-year-old is a founding member of Team Potential Trust, a 20-year-old art collective that has been quietly cultivating art in suburban Mira Road. Currently, their workshop, Po10Pur Studio plays host to the fifth edition of Ikattha, a month-long exhibition by 10 Indian artists. Breaking through From the outside, the gates of Shanti Garden Society resemble any other residential complex. Approach the ground floor, and you will think again. Two flats, a 1BHK and a 2BHK, have been transformed into studio spaces marked with leftover prints, studio tables, and currently, an ongoing exhibition. Jaydhar Boro’s Quite Ruptures on display at the exhibition Fine Arts alumni of Banaras Hindu University and Santiniketan, Ganguly and her husband, Akhilesh Khumar, moved to the city in the early 2000s. Soon, they discovered that Mumbai’s art world is not easy to break into. Yet, they were not alone in this quandary. “Many artists move to this city and struggle, but they find a common brotherhood,” the co-founder explains. In 2006, the collective was born out of seven such artists — Akhilesh Khumar, Maushmi Ganguly, Annaraya S Hangargi, Mallikarjun S Katke, Kuldip Karegaonkar, Shabari Smitha Guha, and Dhiraj Tiwari (administration) — coming together to create a support system. It took another six years before they named themselves, Po10tial. “We kept showing individually, and collectively across Mumbai. In 2021, we hosted our first annual edition,” Ganguly reveals. Quite apt, the title Ikattha is the Hindustani word for ‘collective’. Changing sensibilities It is one thing for artists to recognise an artist collective, and quite another for the neighbourhood kirana to speak of it. The latter might, in fact, get more word of mouth publicity, Ganguly laughs. “Let alone others, we were not sure of building an artistic practice here. But from the early years, we felt it was our responsibility to communicate our artistic ideas,” she says. Awaken Your Higher Vibration by Shabari Smitha Guha The process of building awareness began with simple outreach programmes that continue to be a part of the studio’s practice. From posting on society groups, inviting people over, to hosting students from schools and colleges in the neighbourhood for art and printmaking workshops, the collective slowly built up a community. Then, there were curious children in the building who would occasionally pop in to watch them set up. (From left) Maushmi Ganguly; artist Sadhana Ganeshan; Akhilesh Kumar; Shabari Smitha Guha and Mallikarjun S Katke This also required sacrifice from the practising artists in the founding group who would set aside their own works for a month to plan for the exhibition. The duration was also chosen because of the location of the studio. “People need time to commute, come and take in these works. Moreover, seven days feels too less for the work put in by the artists,” Ganguly shares. Turn of the season The studio spaces are housed in a residential apartment In a city starved of space, such collectives are essential. “We have 30 artists under the banner. We wanted to offer young artists a platform that we did not have,” she concludes. True to their name, the annual edition showcases works by 10 artists. A print workshop at the studio This year, Nibir Chandra Ghosh’s work builds on the visual experience of the world through prismatic light. Others like Sadhana Ganesan, Suresh Kumar Singha, and Harshal Khatri are names for the future. Beyond the studio though, the neighbourhood carries on with business-like precision. Mumbai and its contradictions live on. TILL February 10; 11.30 am to 6 pmAT Po10pur Studio, Building 6, Shanti Garden Society, Mira Road East. Log On To @po10tialteam
20 January,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhen American singer Nick Jonas was spotted stepping outside for a break during the 83rd Golden Globes on January 11 in Los Angeles, audiences were quick to identify it as an onslaught of social anxiety. The star later confirmed this on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Given this very real scenario that numerous people face, psychologist Nikhila Deshpande, founder of Italk Therapy, Goregaon, discusses how to navigate social and performance anxiety over a series of situations. Just breathe Social anxiety, constituting the persistent fear of being scrutinised and judged in social situations, often rears its head during social gatherings, particularly small talk. “The best solution is to breathe,” Deshpande emphasises. Jonas was seen stepping outside for a sip of water. Pic courtesy/@velvettsunshine on X “Use the five and seven technique, or the seven and 11 one; the first number denotes inhale counts, and the second denotes exhale counts. Small talk fills one’s head with negative thoughts. When breathing consciously and deeply, you’ll find that you can’t focus on anything self-critical — you concentrate on being present in the moment, calming your parasympathetic nervous system.” She additionally recommends rehearsing answers to questions you might be asked. “Hence, you won’t be hit with a rush of inquisitiveness from strangers.” Positive self-talk Nikhila Deshpande “Let’s say you have a date scheduled, but are filled with hyper-critical thoughts. Simply list down things you love about yourself: Your achievements, aspects of your appearance, compliments you’ve received, and positive memories. Keep repeating these to yourself,” Deshpande suggests. This works almost like memorising for exams, she points out. In a stressful scenario, the brain retains such information well and helps you focus on the good. Admit the issue Social anxiety is not the same as performance anxiety Performance and social anxiety are often conflated; the former arises in situations where one is being observed or evaluated while performing any presentation. What about those who develop anxiety before oral exams, we ask. Deshpande replies, “In such cases, simply convey your social anxiety problem to those interviewing or evaluating you. Examiners are often empathetic, and use casual conversation to familiarise the candidate, creating an atmosphere of comfort.” Practise all you can Practise positive affirmations in the mirror to boost confidence. Representation pics/istock For the very common fear of public speaking, she advises practising a speech as often as possible in front of a mirror, to build confidence. “That way, you won’t ‘go blank’,” she notes. Further, she proposes practising by focusing on a plain wall, without humans and the fear of judgement in sight. “Try making your speech relatable to create an informal vibe and connect with your audience,” she adds. The mental wellness professional mentions that carrying ice or a chilled water bottle on stage can be a great method to relax and find your core again: “Cold sensations automatically induce deep breathing to help you relax. Don’t hesitate to pause for a sip of water either — speakers never lose public attention during this very simple, human act.” Lastly, you can gently press your fingertips to boost your memory and manage the stress of performing as well. Ground yourself For performing artistes, pausing to recollect is never an option. Deshpande advises them to use something to anchor themselves in the moment, “It could be a locket, for instance, or any prop. It is imperative for artistes, like dancers, to have good muscle memory and hence, I cannot stress how important it is to practise your presentation repeatedly.” Despite this, abrupt bouts of anxiety may creep in, for which she suggests taking a clever break: “Use a few generic, standard moves or gestures that allow you to pause in between.” These may range from standing still and lying down to anything that provides a few seconds to re-orient oneself. Deshpande strongly advises against quick-fix solutions. “These strategies, especially for social anxiety, may work in the moment when no other option is available. I must emphasise that, in the long term, only consistent therapy can resolve chronic social anxiety,” she signs off. Case Study: ‘I worked on myself’ Anika Bharwani in performance. Pic courtesy/Aarohi Mehra Anika Bharwani, an indie-pop musician based in Mumbai and Goa, has suffered the grip of performance anxiety for years. “It was common when I started out. It roots down to low self-esteem, lack of belief in yourself, or inadequate experience. I even threw up right before one show due to anxiety.” Bharwani mentions she goes straight to the cure, instead of overthinking the symptoms. “Performance anxiety diminished when I worked on myself outside of the stage: Attending therapy, improving myself, and living life. Now, I feel I belong on stage.” We ask her what’s best to do in the moment, when the grip of anxiety gets real. “Breathe. That’s all one can really do. Take a second to ground yourself, look around, look at the audience or your fellow performers, reminding yourself that you’re safe,” she advises.
19 January,2026 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshOde to Chester Fans will miss the presence of the inimitable former frontman Chester Bennington who passed away in 2017. Here’s how you can wear a tribute to the iconic vocalist Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park. PIC COURTESY/@linkinpark >> Layer it: Slip into a leather jacket or a woollen overcoat to add depth.Log on to: hm.com >> Button up: Pick a classic half-sleeved black shirt, don’t forget to button up all the way, just like Bennington did.Log on to: vanhuesenindia.in >> Go black: It’s hard to imagine the frontman in anything but a pair of black slim-fit jeans paired with black boots. Log on to: jackjones.in >> Hat tip: Finish the look with the rocker’s favourite felt fedora hat.Log on to: thecraze.in >> Sunglasses on: You probably recognise the iconic framed clear glasses that Bennington wore onstage. Opt for his second favourites, classic wayfarers.Log on to: woggles.in Got your back Do the crowd behind you a favour with this beige oversized T-shirt that features lyrics to the band’s 2000 hit song Crawling on the back.Log on to: souledstore.comCost: Rs 999 Park pride This neon graphic tee features rainbow hues in the original Linkin Park logo. Wear it with pride and save it for the upcoming Pride Parade in the city.Log on to: notorious.comCost: Rs 890 Tote-ally cool Flaunt Linkin Park’s sleek, brand-new logo with this minimalistic tote bag. Pair it with a classic dad hat to complete the look.Log on to: india-store. linkinpark.comCost: Rs 999 Classic LP Stick to the basics with this band logo T-shirt. The design comes in children’s sizes for the young rockers, and in a sweatshirt for those feeling the chills this month.Log on to: thebanyantee.comCost: Rs 799 (t-shirt); Rs 1999 (sweatshirt)
19 January,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
