Thursday Enjoy a story on stageTheatre: Quirky, nostalgic, and moving, Yuki Ellias’ tale, A Fish Ate My Cat about an elderly woman’s conversation with her son is a perfect start to a thoughtful new year.TIME 8 pm AT Prithvi Theatre, 20, Juhu Church Road, Juhu. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 500 Friday Pic Courtesy/Instagram Laugh with sassComedy: Nothing teaches you to laugh at life like sassy cats. Join Masoom Rajwani, Aditya Gundeti, and Sumit Sourav as they host this weekend special in Andheri. TIME 8 pm AT Cat Cafe Studio, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 399 onwards Saturday Blue GlassyTiger. Pic Courtesy/BNHS Learn of wild wondersNature: Join experts from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) as they teach you the secrets that hide within the urban jungle of the city. TIME 7.30 am AT BNHS CEC, Film City, Goregaon East. LOG ON TO urbanaut.app COST Rs 650 onwards A performance at the festival. Pic Courtesy/@thesteps Step into fest modeCommunity: From book swaps to music performances, the Festival at the Steps returns. TIME 5.30 pm AT St Stephen’s Steps, near Mount Mary Basilica, Bandra West. ENTRY FREE Sunday Pic Courtesy/@themanganiyarseduction Groove with styleMusic: The Manganiyar Seduction combines the theatrics of light, sound, and music. TIME 6 pm AT Phoenix MarketCity, LBS Marg, Kurla West. LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 1999 A close-up of a design. Pic Courtesy/@Sarmayaartsfoundation Pen your price Workshop: The art of Persian calligraphy, and its historical connection with Indian coinage find expression in Mehmood Ahmad Shaikh’s unique workshop. TIME 11 am AT Sarmaya Arts Foundation, Lawrence & Mayo Opticians Building, Fort.LOG ON TO @sarmaya_indiaCOST Rs 600 (per person) Climb to successFitness: Turn your fitness resolution into something fun by signing up for this rock climbing workshop. You can find your place on the peak and start 2026 off on the right foot. TIME 4 pm to 6 pm AT Bombay YMCA, Lamington Road, Grant Road East, Girgaon. WHATSAPP 8452017717
08 January,2026 11:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAfter a successful podcast on the Maharanis of India, New Delhi-based historian Anoushka Jain has culled cool facts about the Mughal queens, and their role in shaping Mughal India in her book, Badass Begums (HarperCollins India). Jain runs an initiative called Enroute Indian History, through which she leads heritage walks around the National Capital. Zeenat Mahal’s house in Lal Kuan where Bahadur Shah was imprisoned by the British . Zeenat Mahal was married to the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and fought for her son’s ascension to the throne. It isn’t clear whether her haveli was commissioned by her, or was a gift from Zafar, but the interiors reflected Zeenat Mahal’s personality and taste. Beneath the fineries were also secret tehekhanas (cool dungeons). One led to the Red Fort, and the other to Ajmeri Gate. During the colonial era, with heavy surveillance, these passages would often be used for confidential underground meetings. Princess Jahanara, aged 18, painting attributed to Lalchand . Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s eldest daughter, was the first Mughal daughter to be named Padshah Begum. She commissioned the Town Hall (Begum ki Serai), built in white limestone, which became home to several women. The design was inspired by a comparable serai in Iran, and the Italian traveller Niccolao Manucci praised it for being the most beautiful one in Hindustan. Women, otherwise restricted in movement, would walk, talk, and relax freely here. Begum Samru. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons . After the death of Asad Khan, a high-ranking nobleman during the reign of Aurangzeb and Bahadur Shah, a young concubine and her daughter, Farzana were ousted from their home by Khan’s stepson. Farzana was given refuge by a matriarch, Khanum Jan, who introduced her to the world of music, dance, and poetry in Chawri Bazaar. After marriage, Farzana became Begum Samru, and managed her husband General Walter Reinhardt’s diplomatic affairs from the zenana. Her sound judgment was invaluable in governance. After his death, she took over the reins, and was often called for strategic and military aid. . A nautch girl from Pune, Mubarak Begum fell in love with a British resident David Ochterlony and married him. She insisted that she be called Lady Ochterlony, a title reserved for ‘pedigreed’ British. She was vilified by the natives and the British for being a tawaif and a radical woman. Her masjid was given derogatory names like ‘Whore’s Mosque’, but it was the centre of Delhi’s classical arts. More than 40 poets would gather to attend mushairas here. . Mughal women were sharp with commerce and had annual incomes. They were funded through four mediums: A royal land grant, an annual income given in monthly instalments, gifts on anniversaries and coronations, and small business that they ran. For instance, one of the earliest Mughal women to command ships that helped pilgrims reach Mecca was Mariam-uz-zamani, one of Emperor Akbar’s wives. AVAILABLE At leading bookstores and e-stores
08 January,2026 11:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaAn upcoming exhibition, Tarasha Craft Exhibit 2026, will showcase hand-made creations of 21 Indian artisans at a Bandra venue. “The artisans displaying their skills have been mentored by Project Tarasha and empowered to showcase their products and art forms in the city,” curator Aradhana Nagpal shares. If your children are inclined towards the arts, you might want to check out a specially-designed craft walk, which is part of the exhibit. Nagpal elaborates, “We will also organise two craft walks for children, offering them the opportunity to interact directly with the artists, whom we refer to as ‘craft-preneurs’. Many hail from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal.” Through skill development and the provision of a platform, the project helps artisans build sustainable livelihoods. This exhibition is organised by Project Tarasha, in collaboration with craft community platform, Creative Dignity. A participant studies a display of hand-crafted items at a previous edition of the exhibition Art forms that will be showcased include Banjara embroidery, Lambada jewellery-making, Gond art, and copper bell crafting. “This year’s theme is nature. Each artisan brings a unique interpretation of the natural world, including through motifs like birds, animals, trees, and sea creatures, and even by utilising natural materials sourced from their surroundings,” Nagpal reveals. Of particular interest to children will be an interactive courtyard zone at the venue, she points out, which will host live and immersive demonstrations and performances — Lac doll-making of Odisha, the Ganjifa Dashavatar taash (a game of cards), Sohrai mud painting, and the Warli Tarpa dance, amongst others. The process of making lac dolls and a finished lac doll Children and adults will also be able to experience these craft processes via the craft walks. Visitors will be able to purchase pieces directly from the artists. “I want children to be sensitised to these types of arts. [In the present day] they barely have access to hands-on experiences that portray on-ground realities, talents, and the labour that goes into such art forms, but when you give them the chance, they jump at it,” Nagpal explains. An artisan paints the Ganjifa cards used in Dashavatar Taash She is particularly excited about the outreach for children. “They are the future. By exploring these thoughtfully created spaces, listening to artists from different places narrate stories behind their craft, and taking a piece of their work home, youngsters learn something truly invaluable about India’s cultural heritage,” Nagpal signs off. Aradhana Nagpal On January 10 and 11; 11.30 am to 12.30 pm (Children’s craft walks); January 9 to 11; 10 am to 7 pm (Exhibition)AT The Vintage Garden, Patkar Bungalow, Bandra West. Log on to @projecttarasha (to register)
07 January,2026 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshIn a move that might have irked some journalists, Korean boyband BTS ditched the usual press release route, and sent out handwritten notes to BTS ARMY Gold Members around the world last week. “2026.03.20” the subtitle of the note mentioned. On January 5, a formal press release finally confirmed it was the day the much-awaited 14-track untitled comeback album (after members enlisted in the South Korean armed forces in 2022) would be released. A scan of the handwritten note received by BTS ARMY Gold members last week. PIC COURTESY/BTS MOMENTS ON X What’s more, the statement also mentions that a world tour announcement is scheduled for January 14. Fans will know that this only adds fuel to the speculations of an India debut, after member Kim Tae-hyung said in a livestream last month, “Namaste, Indian ARMYs [BTS fans]. See you next year.” Runs in the family While the band has been away, fans found ways to keep in touch. I re-watched Run BTS episodes, organised a BTS-themed event, danced to their songs, celebrated their birthdays, and watched their live streams. BTS has always shared meaningful messages through their songs. BTS members Jung Kook (left) and Jimin after their military discharge on 11 June 2025. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS I’m excited to see what message their upcoming album will bring to us. I’m ready to buy tickets as soon as the ticketing goes live. I’m going with my mom; that was decided a long time ago. My mom’s favourite is Kim Tae-hyung aka V, by the way, and she loves Jimin and Jungkook a lot too. We will dress up as quirky as we can, and we already know most of their lyrics and chorus dance steps. Nothing’s going to hold us back. Ayesha Shaikh, K-culture events organiser Don’t go easy I have been bingeing on previous concerts like Permission to Dance, and Love Yourself, in anticipation of the comeback. I hope the album is an energetic one, and not a soft ballad-style comeback. Esha Gupta, BTS fan club member Worth the wait The wait felt long, but it never felt empty. The solo projects, archival content, and even their individual journeys during the hiatus kept the connection alive. The pause allowed both the band and the fans to grow. I’m expecting a sense of reflection and evolution from the new album. Music that carries the weight of their individual experiences but comes together cohesively as BTS. I’d love to see that balance they do so well: emotional depth alongside scale and confidence. Something that feels grounded, but still unmistakably larger than life. If the Mumbai debut rumours are true, we are in for a blast. Attending their concert in Bangkok in 2019 and experiencing their performance live with the energy, precision, and connection with the audience is a memory that still stands out as deeply special. Supriya Joshi, comedian BTS’s day out In case of a January 14 miracle, Supriya Joshi plans a Mumbai Darshan for the members based on their personalities>> For RM, I’d start with a quiet heritage walk in South Mumbai with a trip to an art gallery and a bookstore, followed by coffee, giving him space to observe and reflect.>> Jin would experience Mumbai through a street food crawl with vada pav and pav bhaji, and a stop at an Irani café.>> For J-Hope, I’d take him somewhere high-energy like Bandra’s streets, or maybe a dance studio session. Kala Ghoda. FILE PIC >> SUGA feels like someone who’d appreciate stillness, so a late-night drive along Marine Drive.>> Jimin would enjoy the softer, more intimate side of the city, so a sunset walk at Bandstand or Carter Road, petting every cat we meet along the way.>> V would love Mumbai’s aesthetic, story-filled spaces around Kala Ghoda, or old neighbourhoods with character.>> Jungkook would possibly enjoy the city in its most unfiltered form, with night walks, local food joints, and soaking in the everyday rhythm of Mumbai. Need a recap? Get a quick refresher in the band’s journey by tuning into:>> 2 Cool 4 Skool, the band’s 2013 debut album>> BTS’s album BE (2020)>> Break The Silence (2020), a docu-film that captures the journey behind a tour>> Bring The Soul (2019), a peek into life behind the spotlight>> D-Day, Suga’s debut 2023 album
07 January,2026 11:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleTITLE: Peace Pulao, The Forbidden Snacks SocietyAUTHORS: Menaka Raman and Vibha Batra GENRE: ChildrenPublisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books Cost: Rs 499 The Forbidden Snacks Society by Menaka Raman and Peace Pulao by Vibha Batra are part of Doubles (HarperCollins Children’s Books), a new collection of two food stories for children. In Raman’s adventure narrative, several children are enrolled by their parents at a mysterious wellness camp, where they survive on green drinks, boiled mushrooms and llama milk curd. One day, they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of the camp. In a flipped mystery narrative, Batra explores what it can take for two families, who own restaurants serving the Pasinabad Pulao, to set aside their differences and save the legacy of their grandparents. Vibha Batra (right) Menaka Raman Both stories are action-packed. Children play detectives who search for the root of strange happenings. In Raman’s story, one of the most endearing characters is young Anika. She is tender towards her friends, and fierce when standing up to the authorities at the Temple of Mind and Body Excellence (TOMBE). She calls the camp ‘fat camp’, annoyed by her athletic parents’ coercion in sending her. Other children — Abhanindranath (Bubbles), Vasu, and Navjyot — have distinct personalities; they encourage us to root for them. Their uniqueness helps readers get a sense of what would have resulted in their enrolment in the camp and the multiple ways in which children may feel stifled or humiliated by their loved ones. Sometimes that involves being shamed for eating too much; other times, it may be a belittlement of their passion. Raman’s writing is gentle; she injects humour to draw on the future, creating an adventurous world where experiments can turn sinister. On the other end is Batra’s world that aims to preserve the charm of the past. The restaurant décor, the local delicacies, Mataji’s rules inside the restaurant, the grandparents’ secret recipe, and the bazaar with cyclists and cycle rickshaws — all take us back to an older world. Batra’s characters are vibrant, especially the protagonists Suraiya and Divumber, who carry their own idiosyncrasies. With Inspector Chulbul and Badke Bhaiya’s appearances, Batra leaves us with plenty of suspects, commotion, and laugh riots. Together, the stories are doubly joyous and make for great additions to a young reader’s library. AVAILABLE: Leading bookstores & e-stores
06 January,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaWelsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins recently achieved a milestone of 50 years of sobriety, opening up about his alcohol addiction in an Instagram post. For those wanting to reduce alcohol intake as a New Year resolution, we speak to Dr Sanjeev Khanna, consultant gastroenterologist, Criticare Asia Multi Speciality Hospital, and Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri for tips on how to reasonably reduce drinking. Simultaneously, we consult Kakul Faruqi, consultant psychologist and psychotherapist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, for suggestions to manage the pressures of social drinking. Manage your meals Sir Anthony Hopkins. Pic courtesy/Wikimedia Commons “According to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines [January 4, 2023], there is no safe limit for alcohol consumption, given its damaging effects on the liver and mental health, amongst other issues,” Dr Khanna articulates. Complete abstinence is ideal, but inevitably difficult. To mitigate alcohol’s adverse effects in the short term, he suggests, “Eat a high-fibre fatty meal an hour before drinking to slow down quick absorption. Examples of simple, take-home eats for a Mumbaikar are Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Sabudana Vada, Poha with peanuts, and Aloo Paratha. Non-vegetarian options can include Egg Bhurji, Fish Fry, Kheema Pav, and rolls.” Fight hangovers Social drinking causes the urge to drink, to signal an ability to ‘have fun’ Hangovers can hold back not just one, but nearly all resolutions. “Home remedies for it are taking cold showers, using electrolyte replacements, like Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), and of course, spacing out alcohol intake with water,” Dr Khanna says. “These also help reduce ‘hangxiety’ — anxiety and depression the morning after drinking.” He cautions to avoid painkillers as much as possible for subsequent headaches, due to their risk of ulcers and liver damage. “Use Antacid and anti-vomiting medications under medical supervision. Ultimately, hydration and rest are key to relief.” Social drinking Dr Sanjeev Khanna Meanwhile, Faruqi explains, “Alcohol is often woven into celebrations and get-togethers, making refusal feel awkward or rude, and creating pressure to fit in and avoid judgement. Hence, one hack is to hold a drink even if it’s not alcohol; people notice what’s in your hand more than what’s in your glass. Sparkling water with lime, tonic, soda, or mocktails help you blend in.” Plan over promise Kakul Faruqi, consultant psychologist and psychotherapist “Instead of avoiding drinking altogether, make an advanced decision about what you’ll drink at a party, how long you’ll stay, and what you will say if offered alcohol. This reduces decision fatigue and makes your choice intentional, not reactive,” Faruqi suggests. “Try using neutral, confident one-liners, like, ‘I’m good for now’ or ‘I’m pacing myself tonight’,” she adds, reminding us that explanations are not owed. Drink wisely Faruqi recommends making mutual connection the goal, emphasising, “Being engaged, and asking questions, dancing, helping the host, and focusing on food naturally diverts attention from the social drinking pressure.” To be a mindful drinker, she advises setting a visible limit for self-control, slowing the pace, and strictly avoiding alcohol to regulate emotions. “Notice if you’re drinking to manage anxiety, boredom, or discomfort. Addressing the feeling directly often reduces the urge to drink more,” she tells us. A New thought “Instead of thinking of how to avoid alcohol, ask yourself how you want to feel the next day. This guides wiser choices without pressure or guilt.”- Kakul Faruqi
06 January,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshOne of those things nobody says out loud is that most ‘coffee raves’ (parties that swap out alcohol for coffee at cafes for fitness fanatics), are excuses to load up on sugar before noon. Last year, we found ourselves at one in Andheri that quickly branched off into a popular nearby rooftop bar for day drinking. And that is why we found hope in Big Boy Cakes and Bakers, a Navi Mumbai-based health-conscious café that is leaving no room for error. A four-legged patron at the Navi Mumbai pet-friendly venue “The idea came up when a regular customer, Sushil Chandan, revealed that he was an electronic techno DJ trying to make it big. It felt like a full circle moment because I love the genre, and I wanted to give back to the community,” reveals owner Vijay Nair. Vietnamese Cold Coffee. PICS COURTESY/BIG BOY CAKES BAKERS While the musical coincidence is cool in itself, the menu had us more intrigued. Following the zero-sugar commitment, Nair roasts his beans and brews a range of sugar-free milkshakes, mocha and cold brews, which pair with gluten-free desserts, and Keto ice-creams. The café is more than happy to host a plus one on your ticket, as long as it’s a furry friend. “Our dog cake sales are not for profit. Part of the proceeds go to a local shelter,” he reveals. Vijay Nair ON January 10; 9 am AT Big Boy Cakes and Bakers, Shop 28, Shreeji Heights, Sector 46/A, Nerul West. LOG ON TO @bigboybakersENTRY Rs 499 Sounds sweet Try these sugar-free options while you dance away at the rave Korean Sweet Potato >> Korean Sweet Potato: Rich in fibre, these sweet potatoes stuffed with cheese (Korean: Goguma) are baked to perfection to keep you powered through the day.Cost Rs 350 Tiramisu >> Vietnamese Coffee: Brewed for nearly 32 hours, the Vietnamese hot and cold brews are served with milk, orange juice or tonic water.Cost Rs 215 >> Tiramisu: The mini-tiramisu tub clocks in just short of 200 calories. Dusted with cocoa sourced from Kerala, the dessert features in-house roasted coffee and uses Stevia sparingly for subtle sweetness. Cost Rs 232
06 January,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIt is time when the high of the first week slowly fades, and the city begins to slowly move through the gears. For galleries across Mumbai, though, this is the time of the year to celebrate. The 14th edition of the Mumbai Gallery Weekend will see galleries open doors on Thursday for a four-day run to celebrate their first, and often best, shows of the year. With the four-day event featuring 33 galleries and six parallel art spaces, we pick the exhibitions that have to be on your itinerary for 2026. Dissolving Caves, 2025, Prabhakar Pachpute. Pic Courtesy/artist, Experimenter Colaba Los Angeles canvas Kelly Weartsler’s curation, By Fire brings to the city two collections shaped by her interactions with Indian artisans over multiple workshops through two collections, Lahar and Tarang. AT Aequo Gallery, Devidas Mansion, behind Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba. Memory collective Terracotta and canvas becomes the medium for Chippa Sudhakar’s tale of rural and urban co-existence, the impact of development on collective experience, and memory as an evolving landscape.FROM January 8 to February 12 AT Tao Art Gallery, The View, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli. Character sketches Prabhakar Pachpute’s examinations of the very current conflict of mining on natural and human lives find expression through Lone Runner’s Laboratory, a close reflection of characters who have informed his landscapes.FROM January 8 to February 21AT Experimenter Colaba, Sunny House, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Rule of eleven Dialogue, Lalitha Lajmi, etched on print. Pic courtesy/Artist, Art and Soul Gallery With Brinda Miller, Jayasri Burman, and the late Lalitha Lajmi, this show — WomanGrove-Scapes of Still & Life — features 11 contemporary women artists of Indian art, FROM January 8AT Art & Soul Gallery, Madhuli 1, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli. Many faces of Mumbai Bal Gandharva, MV Dhurandhar, 1941. Pic Courtesy/DAG From Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to the first Baronet of India, Sir Jamsetji Jeejeebhoy, or the common street vendors of early colonial Bombay, DAG’s Face to Face: A portrait of a City captures the evolution of portraiture from academics to modern experimentation.FROM January 8 to 11AT DAG, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba. Life in the city The hustle of Mumbai’s daily life finds new form in Ranjit Kandalgaonkar’s cityinflux, that documents the in-between spaces of the city.FROM January 8 till February 14AT Fulcrum, Great Western Building, Kala Ghoda, Fort. Eye on the lens Untitled, 1974-75, Jyoti Bhatt. Pic Courtesy/artist, SubContinent This show turns the spotlight back on Jyoti Bhatt, one of India’s most influential photographers and artists, with a series of black-and-white silver gelatin prints from the 1960s to 1980s.FROM January 8 to February 21 AT Subcontinent, A3, Apeejay Chambers, Wallace Street, Fort. Return of the native After a hiatus of eight years, Mithu Sen returns with her new exhibition, What Do Birds Dream At Dusk?, a series of mixed-media works that explore blindness as a political condition. .FROM January 8 to February 21AT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, Fort. Also check out >> Prakalpana & RachanaAT Strangers House Gallery, old Wodehouse Road, Colaba. >> The Fourth WallAT Sakshi Gallery, 3rd Pasta Lane, Colaba. >> Azal se Abad Tak: A journey between two eternitiesAT Chatterjee & Lal, 3rd Floor, HC Dinshaw Building, Colaba. Attend this talk Mapping Home: South Asia and Global PerspectivesAt Godrej Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.Log on to @stir_world (for registration details)
06 January,2026 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarMany people, even today, believe that Khanderi Island Fort was mainly only a crucial point to guide ships to the shore as a military base of the Maratha Empire. But this is untrue. It was a full-fledged administrative site as well,” reveals Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre. The history enthusiast will lead an immersive, exploratory session at the Khanderi fort this weekend, organised by INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter in collaboration with the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS). The fort is located on an island in the Arabian Sea, towards the south of Mumbai. A fort cannon. Pics courtesy/Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre; Ajay Mayekar The fort holds immense cultural and historical significance, Sapre tells us. “In 2025, 12 Maratha forts were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the Maratha Military Landscapes,” he says. Khanderi is one of the 12, built in the 17th century. “It served as a stronghold of the Maratha Empire at Alibaug, and played a major role in keeping the British from penetrating the Konkan region,” Sapre informs us. A participant examines a musical boulder at Khanderi fort He will guide participants through the session, relaying snippets of history, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s directions to build the fort, and the expansion of the Maratha navy, to the Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse which was established by the British in 1867. “This lighthouse guides ships safely into Mumbai Harbour,” he says. A view of the interiors of the Vetal Dev Temple Other highlights of the excursion are visits to the Vetal Dev Temple, learning about the bastions, and seeing a series of fascinating musical stones. “If you have a musical ear, you can even play tunes on those,” Sapre adds. Meanwhile, the Vetal Dev Temple, he explains, is of religious importance to members of the Koli community. Participants during a previous visit organised by the MMMS. Pic courtesy/MMMS The excursion will take place throughout the day, inclusive of meals and travel. Attendees will depart from Mumbai and reach Thal Jetty near Alibaug, from where they will move towards the fort in a boat; it is at an approximate distance of five kilometres from the shore. “It is a great opportunity for people to dive into regional history, especially with the Maratha forts now gaining global recognition through UNESCO World Heritage status. Earlier, the Khanderi fort was not open to the public either. Now, there is relatively greater awareness about these monuments, but more is definitely necessary,” Sapre signs off. Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre How to get thereYou can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa. Drive to Thal Village (12 kms), and take a boat to Khanderi Fort On January 11; 8 am to 6 pm Departure point Gateway of India, Colaba.Call 8087773299 (to register)Entry Rs 1500 (INTACH and MMMS members); Rs 1700 (Non-members)
05 January,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshWritten nearly 15 years ago, and having resurfaced in different forms before finally finding its way back to theatre through Motley Productions, Phukatiya (freeloader) is set on the streets of Mumbai. The play follows a group of small-time bhais caught in a web of unpaid debts, fragile friendships, and bruised egos. As rivalries grow and loyalties are tested, it uses street humour and confrontation to examine masculinity, power, and the language these men live by. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for many years, and at the age of 35, I just got a burning desire to do this play,” says Vivaan Shah, writer and director. City vibes, all Mumbai’s street dialect is central to Phukatiya. Shah notes that it is often exaggerated or caricatured in popular culture, losing its lived-in quality. “People who are not from the city find the dialect hard to grasp,” he says, describing it as coarse, while emphasising that it carries an authenticity that cannot be softened without losing its meaning. Vivaan Shah He cites films such as Vaastav (1999) and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) as works that genuinely captured this raw essence. Shah also acknowledges the influence of Kader Khan, not just as a screenwriter, but as a playwright who brought street language on stage as early as the 1960s. The production also reflects a version of Bandra, where Shah grew up, long before it became a fashionable address or a hub of bourgeois cafés. Ranwar Village in Bandra. File pic It was home to Christian, Muslim, Maharashtrian, and Sindhi communities, and this mix remains central to the play’s emotional world, and the conflicts that unfold within it. Several characters in the play — including Nadeem Chipkali, Irshad Batla, and Yunus Patel — are drawn from the same ecosystem as Shah’s novel, Living Hell. Masculinity, money, ego Vivaan Shah and Plabita Borthakur in rehearsal. Pics Courtesy/Motley Productions At its core, the play is a satire of masculinity. Shah is clear that the play does not celebrate bhai culture, but questions it, saying, “All the good gangster stories are satires of masculinity.” In the play, money and debt become symbols of both survival and ego. “Money is one of the few things that can spoil a friendship,” Shah notes, highlighting how financial pressure exposes insecurity and rivalry among men. The play also addresses how these men speak about women and the male gaze as an ‘uncomfortable truth’, adding that these characters often exist in largely male-only worlds. The troupe rehearses with Joy Fernandes (in white) during a session at Andheri The play concludes with a cricket match between Christian and Muslim boys — Makapaos and Miyabhais. “Cricket is the game of the streets of Bombay. In gully cricket, you see true male aggression, rivalry, and ego on display, and that becomes a definition of how these characters perform masculinity in public spaces,” he signs off. ON January 6 and 7; 7.30 pm onwardsAT Rangshila Theatre, Oakland Park, Andheri West. ENTRY Rs 350
05 January,2026 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareImagine walking out on a sheet of ice, looking up at the sky, and spotting the sun and moon simultaneously in the middle of the night. Dr Vaidehi Venkateswaran knows that feeling. “I physically cried when I landed in Antarctica, I had been thinking about it for so long,” she admits. As part of the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) helmed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Venkateswaran was the only female medical officer on the Indian contingent for a whole year till she returned on December 15, 2025. The PistenBully used by the team to travel over the ice Good timing The conversation begins with the most obvious question —how does one apply to work as part of an expedition to Antarctica? “It began in 2015 when I was at a student forum, and a teacher of mine spoke about her own participation as part of an expedition. It sparked a curiosity,” she reveals. In early 2024, Venkateswaran submitted her official application to NCPOR. “It was good timing. They were beginning to invite applicants for the expedition,” she shares. A view of the auroras in the sky What followed was a rigorous course of interview rounds, including acclimatisation training at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. In November 2024, she joined members from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), among others, as part of the expedition. “For a girl from Mumbai who had never seen snow, I was amazed that the plane landed on a sheet of ice. Also, when I landed, it was Polar Day (daylight for 24 hours). I could see the sun and the moon in the night sky. This was the closest I could get to an out-of-earth experience,” the doctor says. More than a medic Though she was part of a medical team of two doctors and a nurse, Venkateswaran shares that the job was more than just medicine. Once the resupply ship drops off rations and fuels and leaves in February, the expedition is on its own. Without mobile networks and limited internet connectivity, radio is the only means of local contact. “There are only 24 people on the station in Winter, and it is so quiet. Winter depression can set in,” she explains. As a member of the medical team, Venkateswaran would join field visits to ensure safety Naturally, birthday celebrations, Christmas and festivities are taken seriously; as are Independence Day and Republic Day — we hoist the National Flag with much pride, she reveals — to keep morale high. “Most people will only be on the continent once in their lifetime, after all,” the 31-year-old says. Every morning, the team would check in for a meeting, and be assigned tasks. A member of the medical team would accompany the team on every field visit. “You learn to multitask, beyond your specialty. We learned to sew gloves though there are always spares, or apply desi jugaad when the need arises,” Venkateswaran shares. Some of the research activities included — stake measurement on the continental ice to study the patterns of ice gain and loss; measurement of sea ice thickness; the station also provided launch support for the NISAR satellite launch. “In winter, the Southern Ocean around the continent freezes. You can walk on ice that is 1-1.5 metres deep. There are no landmarks or vegetation. So, it is easy to get lost. You have to always carry a GPS to find your way back.” An unforgettable adventure Antarctica is home to penguins. But sadly, the Andheri resident stayed away from them. “We are strictly told not to interact with the wildlife on the continent. The animals, particularly Adélie Penguins, can get very curious since they do not view humans as predators,” she says. A view of the base station While she waits for a debrief in the coming year, the doctor is still coming to terms with the once-in-a-lifetime experience. She misses the stillness and quiet on the continent. It also reminds us of the common humanity. She says, “During winter, apart from the three stations (Indian, Russian and Chinese), there is no one else for thousands of kilometres. The teams lend a hand to each other in emergencies,” she says, adding a warning ignored by sci-fi filmmakers, “You cannot survive Antarctica solo.” It’s something we forget easily. She says, “If you’re familiar with the movie Paa, there is a scene where Amitabh Bachchan’s character creates this plain, white globe. He calls it a world that has no borders, wars, or divisions. Antarctica is like that. White, pristine, but just as dangerous.” Log on to: ncpor.res.in
05 January,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarADVERTISEMENT
