The sweltering temperatures make the commute to Kemps Corner even more challenging. Yet, as soon as we enter the Todywalla Auction gallery, close to the old China Garden, it feels like a door into the past. Malcolm Todywalla is busy working on the details of the fourth auction from the house, Classical Indian Art, when we dropped by early last week. A 10th Century bronze idol of Durga Mahishasura-mardini from South India “My father [Farokh Todywalla] set up the auction house 55 years ago. We were mainly dealing in collectibles, coins, and antiquities among others, before expanding,” shares Malcolm. At the warehouse, the difference is noticeable, emphasised by the rare artefacts and paintings that mark the space. The auctioneers spend over a year gathering the provenance, and background checks before each auction. Each addition to the catalogue is carefully vetted, and curated to a theme. “Our collections have a planned chronology. The Journey through Classical Indian Art auction, for instance, had paintings, sculpture, Indian silver, and jewellery that represented art from the whole country,” he shares. Malcolm Todywalla While auctions are not everybody’s cup of tea, Todywalla notes that one can always browse through these works, before they go under the hammer. “We hope that more people learn, and walk in to get a glimpse of such rare artefacts, as they might hardly have another opportunity,” he points out. At Todywalla Auctions, Om Chambers, Kemps Corner, Babulnath, Tardeo.Call 8169542596 (to schedule a visit) Bronze figure of Vishnu, C 8th/9th Century AD Todywalla reveals, “Stone sculptures are more likely to survive than bronze idols. The latter were used in daily worship, and wither away with time due to daily usage.” This rare bronze traces its roots to the region that is today’s Himachal Pradesh. Bust of Male deity (Vishnu), C 10th Century AD This large sandstone bust is decked with ornately carved tiara and necklace. Pointing to the two and half feet tall bust, Todywalla remarks, “Imagine the size of the entire standing statue.” Silver stemmed bowl, C 1880-1890 Ornate, and in kashkul form, “the etching of the leaves of the Chinar tree on the bowl are a running motif in silver from Kashmir,” Todywalla reveals. Ganga on a Makara, C 10th/11th Century AD This sandstone carving hails from Central Indian plains. Probably part of an ornamental arch, it depicts the goddess Ganga riding a makara. Kushan lion, C 2nd to 3rd Century AD With gaping jaws, protruding teeth, the sandstone Kushan Lion, tracing its origins to Mathura, closely resembles the Winged Lion Capital now at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The battle of Rama and Ravana, C 1840 This Kangra work captures the chaos and dynamism of the climactic battle through a dense, but intensely detailed canvas.
23 March,2026 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar1 Indian Videshinis (Roli) This curation by Ian Magedera makes for a fascinating insight into the lives of women of foreign heritage who made India their home. The list is a who’s-who of personalities who’ve strode India from politics to activism and business. These include Sonia Gandhi, Simon Tata, Dr Annie Besant. Sister Nivedita and Princess Niloufer, among others. 2 The Rain-Maiden and The Bear-Man (Seagull Books) Easterine Kire’s stories in this collection represent the oral narratives from the people of Nagaland. Some were narrated by local storytellers, while others were based on Naga folktales. Each story, brought alive by Sunandini Banerjee’s art, beautifully depicts its rich traditions that respect the natural and the spiritual worlds. 3 I See The Promised Land (Tara Books) This visual storybook about the life of Martin Luther King Junior by Arthur Flowers and Manu Chitrakar, is a must-read in these cataclysmic times. The stunning art and sharp text will take the reader on an interesting path, where Flower’s lyrical prose and Chitrakar’s Patua scroll art works offer a fresh look at King’s heroic life.
23 March,2026 09:55 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamFor millennials, Hard Rock Cafe (HRC) wasn’t just a restaurant: it was often their first brush with global pop culture. In the mid-2000s, the Worli outpost became a gateway to experience rock, memorabilia, and a certain “coolth” that Mumbai hadn’t tasted before. Gen Z, however, inherited a different vibe. By the time they came of age, the brand had already been overtaken by newer nightlife and music formats. For them, it was less a groovy destination and more of a legacy space. We hit the rewind button for some regulars and industry observers. Wow Wednesdays Legendary Nachos Back in 2007-8, their Wednesday Media Nights were a ritual. If you flashed your press card, you earned generous discounts that made those early-career salaries stretch further. As a gang, we’d order massive platters loaded with onion rings, BBQ wings and finger food; the blue cheese dip was unforgettable. The music was always on point; you’d even jam alongside people from rival publications. It felt like being in the press club; this was louder, livelier, and unmistakably, Hard Rock Cafe. - Supriya Kantak, photographer Rockin’ good times Tirthankar Poddar performing at HRC In 2005, as the lead singer of Vayu, I reached out to Hard Rock Cafes around the world, receiving only one reply. A year later, Hard Rock Cafe opened in Worli, and on November 9, I played my first show, and everything changed. I’ve had 200-plus shows with them, drawing audiences of over 1,00,000. They gave me a life, a home, and a reason to keep singing. So, I remain grateful. That night, Jackie Shroff was in attendance. And we’ve been in touch ever since. No matter what the future brings, legal wars cannot silence the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. I look forward to my show at Hard Rock Cafe Hyderabad (Banjara Hills) on Saturday, March 28. - Tirthankar Poddar aka 2Blue, singer, actor, writer, producer Milestone moments Fish and Chips HRC was a big part of my growing up. At a time when Mumbai didn’t have such spaces, it felt the closest to experiencing rock ‘n’ roll culture. I’ve always been obsessed with classic rock, so hearing those iconic track-fed playlists felt like being a kid in a candy shop. Even the food was outstanding, from its Barbecue Chicken Wings to its blue cheese dip, the burgers, the steak, the fish. It became a regular spot during my articleship, and while working in Lower Parel. It was one of the few places that supported live rock gigs. I remember watching tribute gigs — from Linkin Park to Metallica — and local bands covering Dire Straits and Guns N’ Roses. Those were among my earliest live music experiences. - Sreejata Gupta, music geek No metal, only rock Legendary Steak Burger The first time at HRC was for a dinner my boss from Furtado’s had asked me to attend. We had supplied nearly 100 saxophones for their iconic chandeliers, so we were invited. It was quite an experience, especially the food. The Buffalo Chicken Wings stood out, along with the steak nachos, the Legendary Burger, and the steaks. Unfortunately, over the years, the quality of the food declined. As a musician, HRC started with an “only covers” policy, which didn’t sit well with me as an artiste. It also largely excluded heavy metal from its live music scene. So, I didn’t connect with it. That said, I played some good shows with my comedy-rock band, Workshop. Overall, it didn’t often welcome music beyond mainstream rock. There was a phase when they opened up for Channel V’s Launchpad in the afternoons, which worked well for many bands; it was one of the few times that metal music was heard here. Towards the end, things didn’t go well for many musicians. There were issues toward artistes that left a sour taste with many, myself included. - Sahil Makhija, metal musician; food creator
23 March,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiA March 2026 report on the elusive Banksy sent ripples through the art world, though not quite as dramatically as his own stunts. A detailed investigation with corroborating accounts from associates, and signed police records has pointed to a 53-year-old Bristol resident, Robin Gunningham, as the man behind the myth. While we await Banksy’s confirmation — which might never come, now is a good time to check out India’s own Banksys. Harder, Harsher, Tougher. a piece that superimposes a young female tightrope performer on the Olympic Games logo. PICS COURTESY/GUESSWHOSTREETART GuessWho If Banksy was born in God’s Own Country, his works would look something like GuessWho, who works in the neighbourhoods of Fort Kochi. Frida Kahlo In A Saree. This cross-cultural work is inspired by a dated photograph of the Mexican painter in a saree in Mexico City, 1947 The artist intersperses his takes on socio-politics with lighter works that blend world pop culture and desi iconography. Check out his takes on Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci classics.LOG ON TO @guesswhostreetart The American Dream, painted on a piece of plywood found on Mumbai’s streets. The hair is made of artificial fur. The piece went to auction with a starting price of Rs 1 Tyler Mumbai-based street-artist Tyler aka the Banksy of Mumbai takes his name from Brad Pitt’s character Tyler Durden from Fight Club. Passersby in Juhu click a selfie with a work that has now been painted over. Tyler had a run-in with the civic authorities while painting the graffiti. PICS COURTESY/@TYLERSTREETART The street artist works swiftly and anonymously in areas like Versova, Andheri, Bandra and Goregaon. Keep an eye out for his topical takes on politics, media culture, and urban life, that have often ruffled feathers among the powers that be.LOG ON TO @tylerstreetart Blow Your Own Trumpet. A trumpet bears icons of social media platforms. “Just because you blow your own trumpet, doesn’t mean people like the sound,” the artist says about the piece Smish Designs City-based illustrator Smish channels sharp, thought-provoking commentary into digital works tackling women’s rights, censorship and LGBTQiA+ advocacy. A timely artwork takes a stance against the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. PICS COURTESY/@SMISHDESIGNS In 2023, the artist managed to pull off an anonymous exhibition at a Kala Ghoda gallery with sculptures and immersive installations.LOG ON TO @smishdesigns
23 March,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleBackstage Pass Finding their footing, literally, actors Kalki Koechlin and Siddhant Chaturvedi turn rehearsals into a full-blown main character moment at Lakme Fashion Week on Sunday Fort-ified in glamour Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali threw open the doors to her new store in Fort on Eid — a happy accident, as we hear it. Farah tells yours truly she actually intended to launch her boutique over three days — between March 19 and March 21 — but approved the invite without her reading glasses on! Ekta Raheja The date dilemma didn’t dampen the occasion, if anything, it amplified the festive spirit. Farah’s family was the first to show up in support: dad Sanjay Khan, brother Zayed with wife Malaika, Fardeen Khan with mum Sundari, sister Sussanne, cousin Laila, and a handful of next gens. Co-host Ekta Raheja looked lovely in a pale-yellow outfit, accessorised with some of Farah’s finest emerald pieces, and made it a point to mingle with as many guests as possible. Also in attendance were Shweta Bachchan-Nanda, Tanya Godrej, Tarun Tahiliani, singer Sukhbir, Sushmita Sen, Zoya Akhtar, Seema Sajdeh, Rekha, Poonam Dhillon, Bobby Deol and wife Tania, Anna Singh, Bhairavi Jaikishan, Kim Sharma, and Dia Mirza. In selfie mode: Ayesha Shroff, Anna Singh, Shaina NC, Prerna Goel, and Farah Khan Several lovely ladies dropped by after attending Manish Malhotra’s mum’s memorial, most notable among them being Twinkle Khanna — who threw a bejewelled black jacket over the outfit she wore to the prayer meeting, appearing perfectly poised for both. As if that weren’t enough, two Thackerays — Aaditya and aunt Sharmila — added extra sparkle to an already glam gathering. Star-studded, family-approved, and undeniably exclusive — Farah’s launch sparkled in every sense. From rink to riches Long before she became a World Cup-winning cricket star, Jemimah Rodrigues was a state-level hockey player — zipping across the rink with dreams bigger than the scoreboard. Malad knew her hustle back then; the world was just late to the party. Ronnie D’Souza and Jemimah Rodrigues Over the weekend came a full-circle moment — with a twist. Ronnie D’Souza, Uncle’s Kitchen United rink hockey team owner and one of her earliest supporters, made his way to Goregaon to meet Jemimah on set. That’s where she handed him an autographed Team India jersey — less a gift, more a quiet thank you. Because when Jemimah was dropped from the ODI squad in 2022, she didn’t disappear — she returned to the rink. At Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana, she turned out for UK United and smashed a hat-trick, reminding everyone exactly who she was. Ronnie never forgot it. Fast forward to 2026, having scripted history with an unbeaten 127 against Australia. New stage, same roots — and she’s still looking back with gratitude. Dining with a diva One may have expected Alia Bhatt to shine among the stars at Farah’s store launch, but it was mum Soni Razdan who made a brief appearance. Keeping things characteristically cool, the veteran actress shared warm greetings with a few close friends before making a swift, discreet exit from the boutique. Soni Razdan Not content to call it a night, though, Razdan traded the store’s spotlight for a quiet dinner at the exclusive Breach Candy Club thereafter. Proving once again that while the kids are out collecting likes, the legends are still collecting the best tables in the city. The weekend that was It has been quite a weekend in our fair city, marked by Eid and a host of other activities — both solemn and festive. Saturday, in particular, brought Bandra streets to a standstill as crowds gathered outside Galaxy for a glimpse of the season’s biggest star, Salman Khan. Salman Khan In the absence of his annual Eid film release, the show shifted to his suburban home, with father Salim Khan leading the cast. Seated in a wheelchair and surrounded by his family, the nonagenarian acknowledged the waiting crowd with a gentle wave — a moment that felt particularly poignant, given his recent hospitalisation. Not far away, in Santacruz, the film fraternity turned up in full to pay their respects on the passing of Manish Malhotra’s mother, Sudarshan. From Kajol and Ajay Devgn to Urmila Matondkar, David Dhawan, Gauri Khan, and Vicky Kaushal, the turnout stood as testament to the warmth and goodwill Manish commands in the industry. Taken together, the weekend was a reminder of what defines Mumbai — its remarkable capacity for both collective joy and shared grief.
23 March,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatRead Aleena S: Based out of Kochi, Aleena S performed at the recently held Adelaide Fringe in South Australia, alongside First Nations poet Dakota Feirer. The set was powered by the Mumbai-based storytelling and performance organisation, Kommune. Aleena writes in English and Malayalam, and has received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Kanakshree Award for her book of poems, Silk Route. She regularly performs with The Reserved Compartment, a collective that celebrates Dalit Ambedkarite voices. LOG ON TO @iseesomeletters Kunjana Parashar: Mumbai-based Parashar launched her book They Gather Around Me, The Animals last year. It won the 2024 Barbara Stevens Poetry Book Award. Her poems explore the grandness of all creatures, big and small, and have previously won her the Toto Funds the Arts award. Parashar is currently the managing editor of the poetry segment of The Bombay Literary Magazine. In addition to writing poems, she supports the work of other poets through The Osmosis Poetry Prize. Look out for her online workshop on March 21, especially if you wish to write about nature in the everyday world.LOG ON TO @holysquid Shripad Sinnakaar: Sinnakaar is a postgraduate in philosophy from the University of Mumbai. Among other spaces, his poems can be found in The White Review, Wasafiri Magazine, and Sahitya Akademi’s Indian Literature. In his poem Parable of Mithi, he writes about the slums around the Mithi River that have acted as the lost habitats of flamingos in Mumbai and the changing landscape of the river. His poem Begumpura was displayed as a mural at the Sassoon Docks for the Mumbai Urban Art Festival 2022-2023.LOG ON TO @shripadsinnakaar Watch Ratna Pathak Shah’s reading: At Bandra’s St Andrews Auditorium, the legendary actor and theatre artiste Ratna Pathak Shah read out poems by women across decades who refused to stay silent. These voices included those of Kishwar Naheed, Salma Fazal, Parveen Shakir, Jacinta Kerketta, and Fahmida Riaz. The reading was part of the Hindi-Urdu storytelling and poetry gathering Shabd.LOG ON TO YouTube Attend Abhang: Join Indu Lalitha Harikumar and Priypal Dashantee for a performance connecting Varkari women saints’ poetry with contemporary feminist questions. The show is presented by Changbhala Foundation. ON March 22, 6.30 pm onwards AT The Public Place, Kurla/Tilak Nagar. REGISTER @public.place.mumbai on Instagram Poetry Reading Party: Enjoy the simple pleasures that come with reading poems at this party. Register and show up as you are. Printouts of poems that insist on hope will be provided to you.ON March 21; 7 to 8.30 pm AT Atrangi Katta, Thane West. ENTRY Rs 250 (includes a beverage) Idoru’s World Poetry Day: Celebrate poetry with readings from original work of poets and some beloved classics. The poems will be read by Nisha Vasudevan, Anand Thakore, Imaad Shah, Menka Shivdasani, and Denzil Smith.ON March 21; 4.30 to 6.30 pm AT Idoru, Khar West. CALL 8454834348
21 March,2026 10:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLaugh out loud Watch Toussaint Douglass take the stage in his India debut with sharp observations and offbeat humour.ON Today; 6 pm AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com ENTRY RS 950 onwards Get competitive Catan. Pic courtesy/Boardgame Tavern Discover a wide range of tabletop games, like Catan, and Dungeons & Dragons while you compete, collaborate, and meet fellow players.ON Every weekend; 3 pm AT Board Game Tavern, IC Colony, Borivli West.LOG ON TO @boardgametavern ENTRY RS 499 onwards Make your own green world Pic courtesy/Naturalist explorers Create a self-sustaining terrarium in this hands-on workshop, learn the basics of building a miniature ecosystem.ON March 22; 9.30 am onwards AT Nature & Horticulture, Ambedkar Nagar, Dharavi. LOG ON TO urbanaut.app ENTRY Rs 899 Sky full of stars Set out on a night trek to Garbett Plateau for some stargazing, campfire moments, and guided storytelling.ON March 22; 7.30 pm MEETING POINT CSMT LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com ENTRY RS 2040
21 March,2026 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWhat happens when over 200 dogs take over a city street? At the Chembur Festival, an annual parade does exactly that. For nearly 11 years, Central Avenue Road has transformed into a lively, tail-wagging routine that creates awareness as dogs dress up in playful costumes. This year, the theme is mythology. Organised as a free public event by Chembur Citizens Welfare, the parade invites pet parents to walk alongside their dogs, with crowds expected to line both sides of the road as 200 to 250 dogs across breeds pass by. The main aim of the initiative seeks to shift the negative public perception that people might have about dogs, and encourage responsible pet ownership. In a city where many encounters with dogs are linked with fear, this seems like a positive approach. Apurva Padgaonkar “When you spot friendly dogs, the inclination is to pet them. You can click pictures with them and because of this interaction, the fear does minimise to an extent,” says organiser Apurva Padgaonkar, emphasising the value of direct interaction. “And because of this, they become more acquainted with the culture of having a pet at home, and how friendly it can truly be,” he adds. All shapes and sizes are welcome, with a wide range of breeds — from desi indies, Pitbulls, Yorkshire Terriers, to Mastiffs and Shih Tzus — participating in large numbers in the parade. Pet dogs at last year’s parade With no entry fee, the event remains accessible while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare, comfort and responsible participation throughout the walk. A handful of commercial stalls selling pet accessories and food will be present, alongside small start-ups distributing trial packs of their homemade dog food. Ultimately, the parade aims to replace hesitation with familiarity, creating a shared public space where adults and children can engage with well-socialised pets and reconsider their relationship with dogs. ON Today; 4 pm onwards AT Centre Avenue Road, Chembur. CALL 9594700666 or 9920717902 (registrations) ENTRY Free Play by the rules 1 Dogs must be above five months of age, vaccinated and dewormed2 A prior veterinary health check-up is required3 Dogs with heart ailments may not participate4 Keep the leash short if the dog has an unpredictable temperament5 For brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boxers), pause if there is excessive panting6 Clean up after your pet to keep streets clean
21 March,2026 10:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareMohammed Ali Road draws the crowds, but Mahim offers a slightly more navigable version. Around the dargah and along Lady Jamshedji Road, spots are easy to locate, less crowded, and the food is simply delicious. Check out The Guide’s Top 6 halts from known addas to the lesser-known gems for the serious foodie. Representation pic/iStock Phirni End your crawl at this milk centre where there is no skimping on malai. The Phirni (Rs 40) is one of the better versions in the city. If you’re a chai fan, this is the right spot to end with a cup. AT Cafe Noorani Milk Centre, Meher Building, Lady Jamshedji Road, Mahim West. CALL 24453906 Khichda Khichda The Khichda here (Rs 70) is cooked perfectly. A dish that once fed and strengthened Mughal armies, it is slow-cooked, spiced, and a warm meal in itself. It’s full of comfort, and also one of the most generous plates you’ll find. If you’re pacing yourself, consider sharing. If not, follow it up with their Chicken Baida Roti (Rs 120) and commit fully. AT Raees Kebab Corner, Taherabad Cooperative Housing Society, Balamiyan Lane, off Cross Road 2, Mahim West.CALL 9833660435 Seekh Kebabs This is a classic Mumbai kebab-eating spot. With a tight menu and a clear favourite, the Seekh Kebab, (chicken or mutton; Rs 160), rules the roost. It is served with deep-fried paratha or without it. AT Al Zamzam, 79, Merchant House, Old Cadel Road, opposite Mahim Dargah, Mahim West. CALL 7862077610 Malpua and Aflatoon Indulge in dessert at this mithaiwala. Ramzan celebrations feel incomplete without these items. Hot Malpua (Rs 150) is served at the shop. Also indulge in Aflatoon (left; Rs 90, per piece), a sticky toffee-like mithai made of mawa, egg, and dried fruits, if you love rich sweets that are loaded with dried fruits. AT Usman Suleman Mithaiwala, Rogay Cottage Chowk, Old Cadel Road, opposite Mahim Dargah, Mahim West. CALL 92220149 Sehri-ready The display of Nankhatai, Coconut Macaroons, Khari, and Pav at the store Plan out your morning feast. Pick up Nankhatai, Coconut Macaroons, Khari, among other cookies. You can also rely on their Naan Pav, which is closer to a bun than anything else, and makes for a great bread to make sandwiches using iftar leftovers. AT Crystal Bakery, 76/78, Ashiana Building, Veer Savarkar Marg (Old Cadel Road) CALL 9322506116 Chicken Shawarma Altaf’s Shawarma (Rs 90) is a neighbourhood favourite. The sauces don’t overwhelm, allowing the meat to shine rather than getting diluted as a filler. It’s a satisfying mid-walk bite. The restaurant is using a firewood stove for a few items on the menu to conserve LPG fuel. AT Altaf’s Saffron Restaurant The Mahim Makarand CHS, Mahim West. CALL 9322643731
21 March,2026 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaChimani, Chiraiya, Chittu Kuruvi — whatever name you grew up calling the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), chances are, it has been ages since you heard it. The declining population of the once commonly seen, heard, and loved bird has led concerned Mumbaikars to devise inventive methods to bring the bird back to the city. Environmentalists Dr V Shubhalaxmi and Manish Verma share their tips. Play your part >> Feeder: Take a plastic bottle and cut a small hole on the side. Fill the bottle with jowar, bajra, wheat, or peanuts. Sparrows do not feed on whole seeds or grains like pigeons. Ensure you break the grains. Attach a hook to the bottom of the bottle and hang it in your balcony or garden. >> Dust bath: Sparrows like to immerse themselves in fine soil and shake it off to clean their bodies of parasites and other organisms. A bowl of dry and fine soil makes the ideal dust bath. >> Water bowls: Leave a shallow plate or bowl of water outside. The tiny birds will drink, and might even step in for a quick bath. >> Green island: Omnivorous in nature, sparrows love plants that attract insects like caterpillars. Plant Tulsi, lemongrass, marigold, or periwinkle in your home garden. Housing societies can plant hedges of bougainvillea on their fence walls. Why did the sparrows leave? >> Skyscrapers and redeveloped buildings lack crevices, short hedges, and shaded corners where sparrows like to nest.>> Open grain stores that attracted the birds have given way to modern gated supermarkets.>> Increased pesticide usage in public gardens has left no food for sparrows to feed their offspring. Little birdie, big impact Sparrows play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insects in crop fields. In 1955, China eliminated nearly two billion sparrows as part of Mao Zedong’s Four Pests campaign. It snowballed into a famine in 1959, killing millions.
20 March,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFounded on this day in 2019 as a not-for-profit organisation, Mumbai Storytellers Society is all set to celebrate World Storytelling Day (Marc 20) through a fun line-up of events. This will be held in collaboration with Crossword, Kemps Corner. The team is also celebrating World Puppetry Day since puppetry has been an integral part of the oral storytelling traditions in India. Usha Venkatraman “The theme this year is ‘light in the darkness’. It’s to reflect on what’s happening around the world, without getting into it deeply. Hence, the inclusion of a shadow puppet play,” shares Usha Venkatraman, a founding member of the Society. Venkatraman has been a storyteller since 1996. “I visited Sweden in 2010, and realised that there is a thriving storytelling profession across the world. It was a dream to set up something like that in India,” she adds. Inspired by it, she began charging a fee for her work, which she hadn’t done before, and took up storytelling as a profession. In 2019, she believed it was time to give back to society. The Guide’s picks Shadow puppet show Nalini Dinesh Agni Pareeksha is an experimental shadow puppet play performed by children between the ages of 10 and 15. It’s curated by Nalini Dinesh, and is about waste management. Humorous folktales Nidhi Bagaria Nidhi Bagaria, a member of Mumbai Storytellers Society and founder of The Creative World, plans to share humorous folktales. She believes stories travel far and wide; they have the ability to pass their wisdom to their listeners. Dramatic reading Zarine Jalil Menon Zarine Jalil Menon is the founder of Salad Stories, an initiative that encourages healthy eating habits in children through storytelling. She will conduct a dramatic reading of American comedian and screenwriter BJ Novak’s funny read-aloud work, The Book with No Pictures. Inspirational stories Asha Girdhar Asha Girdhar, a reputed storyteller from the city, has mentored over 15,000 children in the art of creative writing. She will narrate an inspiring story about the condor, the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. On March 21; 4.30 pm to 6 pmAt Crossword Bookstore, Kemps Corner.
20 March,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
