Gifs are passe. If you are trying to keep up with the new age texting lingo, may we suggest the Bird Decoys app. It started when a friend began adding a swan call ‘to diss the group’ on voice notes. Annoying as it was, one had to admire the creativity. The app is a repository of recorded bird calls — alarm, flight, attack, or flocking calls. Excellent if you want to attract a bird for your wildlife photograph; annoying on voice notes though. Available: Bird Decoys on Playstore
15 April,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSlip into a dreamy weekend, where the combination of the sea, music, and F&B delights make for the perfect getaway. Cruising in a 25-seater luxury yacht in the middle of the Arabian Sea, the sundowner will rock to DJ Suggahunny’s Afrobeats set. The organiser and founder of The Bombay Gypsea, Shaun D’sounza adds that they aim to give a taste of Ibiza’s nightlife to Mumbai, explaining, “While places like Ibiza have seamlessly blended music, sunsets, and the ocean into a way of life, Mumbai has largely kept that experience on land. Our music sundowners aim to change that by turning the sea into a social and cultural space.” DJ Suggahunny. PICS COURTESY/The Bombay Gypsea The Mediterranean spirit is elevated by complimentary beers and cheese boards for revellers to snack on. If you are interested in breaking the usual terrestrial party animal routine, hop onto this yacht for a serving of Ghanaian beats, a Mediterranean milieu with Mumbai’s groovy set. ON April 19; 5 pm to 8 pmMEETING POINT Jetty 5, Apollo Bunder, Colaba.CALL 9930086252ENTRY Rs 4250 onwards
15 April,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Saanvi BhosaleAnimal Attraction It’s a jungle out there, and Ameesha Patel appears to be the one in charge. Turning the pavement into a concrete runway for paps on Tuesday, the actor strutted into an Andheri studio sporting a fierce leopard-print dress that practically roared. Trends come and go, but one thing is for certain — a true alpha female always knows her angles. From masters to modernists Hooked to all the action on the sidelines of the IPL, one thing is clear: the ‘gentleman’s game’ hasn’t just evolved — it’s had a complete personality transplant. If one needed proof, it came on Sunday with Virat Kohli’s latest outburst serving as a flashing neon sign of the new era. Virat Kohli During the high-octane Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore clash, Kohli didn’t just lose his wicket to a full toss outside off stump, he lost his zen, too. Despite reaching a 38-ball 50, he skipped the celebration in favour of a mini meltdown — hurling his helmet and gloves in frustration as he stormed toward the dugout. While the purists are in a tailspin, this isn’t just a ‘Kohli moment’ — it’s a symbol of a shifting baseline, where aggression has become the new acceptable. If anything, Kohli is the prototype for a game that has traded quiet reverence for raw, unfiltered emotion. We are miles away from the stoic elegance of the past. Stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar famously championed a deep, almost spiritual respect for their gear, once noting he would never dream of disrespecting the tools of the trade. To the Master Blaster, the bat was sacred. To the modern player, it’s a casualty of war. Killing it at Coachella Just yesterday I was lamenting the lack of Indian representation at Coachella — and while there’s still no surprise homegrown act on the lineup, one desi girl is definitely bringing the heat to the desert. Enter Alanna Panday, daughter to Deanne and Chikki, and super-glam sibling to Ahaan Panday. With both looks and lineage lined up in her favour, Alanna could easily have been a movie star in aamchi Mumbai, but instead she chooses to carve her own path as a Los Angeles-based influencer. Alanna Panday A seasoned Coachella regular, Alanna made a high-octane return to the music festival this year after a two-year hiatus to focus on her baby. While most of the world would pay crazy money just for a glimpse of headliners like Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G, Alanna is in the enviable position of being paid to be there. On Weekend 1, she served a stunning wardrobe of looks curated for her brand partners, Magnum and Revolve, proving her fashion game is as sharp as ever. Beyond the sponsorships though, we hear she has the ultimate ‘access all areas’ pass — her husband Ivor’s childhood friend manages one of the festival’s top performers. With her global aesthetic and a vibe to match, Alanna isn’t just attending Coachella — she’s defining her moment there. Anniversary Escape It’s been four years since the internet nearly capsized over their ‘balcony wedding,’ and frankly, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are still giving us the ultimate masterclass in low-key high-glam. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor To celebrate another trip around the sun (for their wedding, that is), the industry’s ‘it’ couple traded Mumbai’s chaos for the powdery calm of Lech. Alia’s April 14 photo dump is all things snowy and serene — cosy selfies in a chic black turtleneck, playful skiing clips that prove they’re quite literally “gliding and falling” through life together, and a mood that feels like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani — just grown up. The real scene-stealer, though, is Ranbir on alpaca-feeding duty with little Raha — wholesome enough to momentarily distract from his upcoming turn as Lord Ram. Add to that Alia’s nostalgic nod to Highway — “Tu saath hain toh din raat hain” — and the message is clear: beyond the films, the fashion, and the frenzy, they’ve already built what looks like a pretty wonderful life. And maybe that’s the real charm. While the spotlight follows their next big-screen moves, it’s these unguarded, in-between moments that keep the fascination alive — effortless, intimate, and just a little bit aspirational. The Wankhede Hangover While the scoreboard at the Wankhede left Mumbai fans cold on Sunday night, the social heat in the stands was just beginning to simmer. The talk of the last 48 hours hasn’t been about Hardik Pandya’s bowling changes, but rather a ‘hard launch’ at the stadium gates. YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia (aka BeerBiceps) effectively confirmed his relationship with influencer Juhi Bhatt while navigating the crowds — politely declining a fan’s selfie because he was “with his girlfriend.” That simple statement sent the city’s digital elite into a full-on frenzy. Ranveer Allahbadia But the real power move happened post-match. While the MI squad retreated for a sombre ‘healing meal’ to process their latest loss, the city’s corporate OGs and discerning diners were spotted drifting toward Flint at the NCPA. Over Rahul Akerkar’s wood-fired plates, the conversation wasn’t about run rates, but the electric anticipation of the upcoming Met Gala guest list and which of our own will be representing the city in New York. Here in Mumbai, the game may end at 11 pm, but the real play always begins at midnight.
15 April,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatIf the Hermit Crab, Sea Sponge, and octopus species on the shores of Carter Road start talking to you this Sunday, you’ve either had a wild Saturday night, or you’re at theatremaker Nishna Mehta’s Tidepool Tamasha. The immersive storytelling session conceptualised by Mehta and Shaunak Modi of Marine Life Mumbai (MLOM), features an exploration walk, followed by a story featuring the oft-overlooked intertidal marine creatures. Nishna Mehta Based on Sejal Mehta’s children’s title Whoop, Goes the Pufferfish (Pratham Books) the story and characters are improvised every session based on the tidal conditions. Co-star and marine researcher Raniya Ansari will join the session for deeper scientific insights. “The story follows a pufferfish who gets stuck in a tidepool with unfamiliar neighbours. The relatable characters stay with you long after the session,” Mehta shares. Does the fish ultimately make it back home? Only time and tide will tell; and if you know a thing about them, you’ll be there on time. ON April 19; 7.30 amMEETING POINT Revealed on registration LOG ON TO @nature.narrativesENTRY Rs 500 onwards What are tidepools? The high and low tides of the sea leave tiny pools of water on the rocky shores of the city. These pools thrive with marine life. You’ll find tidepools in the zone between the high tide and the low tide mark, referred to as the intertidal zone. While fascinating, tidepools can sometimes harbour toxic creatures. Practise caution, and have expert help at hand if possible. Marine stars The storyteller gives us a sneak peek of two characters from the seaside drama Hermit Crab PIC COURTESY/Shaunak Modi Named after its solitary behaviour, this crab finds shelter in empty shells on the shores, and carries this home wherever it goes. “I’ll find you a shell!’ the crab assures the pufferfish in the story. Common Octopus PIC COURTESY/Sachin Rane This eight-limbed popular tidepool resident is intelligent, fast, and flexible. Its soft body allows it to squeeze through crevices and live under rocks. The octopus might make a special appearance this weekend. *Since octopus species are hard to identify visually, Octopus sp. as per latin nomenclature, refers to a species that is not identified yet.
15 April,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIndori twist Sometimes, all we need is a good papri chaat done right. This Indori version in Dadar leans into that thought. Their Special Indori Chaat (below) has boiled potatoes, papri, chilled yoghurt, imli chutney, green chutney, onions, coriander, and a snowfall of fine sev. It’s familiar but slightly sweeter, and loaded with dahi. You could get distracted by the dahi kachori or Indori poha here, but stay focused. This one plate is worth it.AT Induri Namkeen Chaat, Ranade Road, Dadar West.CALL 7947115637 Cost Rs 110 Pav meets pani puri PIC COURTESY/Sindh Pani Puri In Chembur’s Sindhi Camp, you’ll spot two stalls with the same name. Pick the one with the loud digital board. Try the Butter Papdi Chaat here, an invention by Mumbai’s Sindhis who moved to the city post-Partition. Created originally in Ulhasnagar, it features a mini kadak pav base layered with potato, chutneys, farsan, and chilled pani puri water that makes the kadak pav soft to eat. It’s ideal on a hot day when you need a chilled, tangy bite. AT Sindh Pani Puri, CG Road, Chembur Colony, Chembur. Call 8898131313Cost Rs 60 per plate Get fruity Expect curveballs like Avocado Sev Puri and Ragi Bhel at this new Khar eatery. In case the heat has you craving fruit over fried, the Watermelon Chaat (above) is your answer. Lightly seasoned, dotted with pomegranate, it’s closer to a palate cleanser than a snack. For a filling option, the Makhana Dahi Chaat brings roasted fox nuts together with chilled yoghurt and chutneys. It tastes indulgent without weighing you down.AT Chaat Hauz, Road No. 3, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. LOG ON TO @chaat_hauzCost Rs 199 (Watermelon Chaat), Rs 259 (Makhana Dahi Chaat) Mango manic PIC COURTESY/Joshh This modern street food chain leans into offering street food in a polished setting. For the season, their mango menu serves up an Aam Dahi Tokri Chaat — a crunchy tokri filled with yoghurt, chutneys, and chunks of mango. Sounds like a gamble? But it works oddly. Sweet meets tangy meets creamy, with enough crunch to keep things interesting. They also garnish the chaat with a snowfall of sev and pomegranate, which tops up the crunch factor.AT Joshh (multiple outlets), 1st Floor, Galleria Shopping Mall, Powai.Call 9152750850Cost Rs 199 Hit your protein goals PIC COURTESY/20 gms protein For those who like their snacks with a side of responsibility, this delivery-only spot has a protein-loaded chaat. The Sprouts Chaat is packed with moong, black chana, rajma, peanuts, fresh vegetables, sautéed carrots and French beans, even bits of marinated paneer and corn. It’s finished with chaat masala. It’s hearty, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying. The kind of chaat you can eat post-workout, and still feel smug about.AT 20 Gms Protein, Ghatkopar West (delivery via Swiggy, Zomato)Cost Rs 209
15 April,2026 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha DamaIt’s everywhere I wish I could visit museums but walking around nature, city architecture, wall paintings, [observing] people’s fashion, is more accessible and “bingeable”. I spend more time and effort when I visit a museum because, ‘it’s the real thing’ but I don’t find it a challenge to find art in the ordinary. I like noticing patterns in clothes, leaves, and ripples. I see art in shadows, and rays of sunlight. Aayushi Dash I don’t expend too much thought or treat it [art] as a scientific checklist. I like to examine brushstrokes, mediums, guess the time period, the artists’ intent with paintings, and statues. Aayushi Dash, 19, Dadar Changing tides Tvisha Jain at Nature Morte; (right) Tvisha I don't think art walking has ever been something I’ve done to follow a trend. It’s something I’ve been doing for years even before it became an Instagrammable thing. The only shift now is that when I go I’m a little more aware of how it might look aesthetically on a story, but that’s never the main motive. Art walks are more about the experience rather than what I can get out of it for Instagram. I actually prefer going with someone because I need that back and forth, hearing what they see in a painting or how they interpret a sculpture. That exchange of perspectives almost feels like its own form of art to me. Tvisha Jain, 19, Lower Parel Stepping out Chinmayee Desai photographs graffiti at Chapel Road I engage with art not because I want it on my Instagram grid, but because I am fascinated, and want to share about it with my people (friends). I like to keep a track of the details of the paintings and the ones that I liked best. I share those artworks, so that I can have conversations about them. Art walking is an activity that I pursue to escape the self-imposed loop of scrolling and passive consumption of content. While it is still me consuming art instead of creating it; art walking takes much more effort including travelling to the gallery, engaging with the artists, and exploring the meaning of art with my fellow walkers. It is also a fun activity to do with friends. It allows me to feel like I am exploring the world. Chinmayee Desai, 20, Thane Witnessing the shift Samia Kapadia I’ve noticed a growing interest among Gen Z in engaging with art. Social media has played a significant role in making it more accessible. I also feel the focus can sometimes shift from the emotional and aesthetic experience of a work towards its digital share-ability. I observed this during my recent installation at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, where engagement often began through virtual documentation but occasionally evolved into deeper interactions. Information courtesy: Samia Kapadia, artist Walk the art walk Kapadia’s Kala Ghoda exhibition » Pause and absorb the nuances of the artwork. » It’s important to go beyond what meets the eye and engage with the piece more critically. Try to understand what the artist might be conveying while allowing space for your own interpretation. » Art walking is more fulfilling when you stay curious, observe details, and respond emotionally rather arriving at a fixed meaning.
14 April,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Saanvi BhosaleIn 1967, Calcutta-based engineer GC Jain stepped out to buy antique furniture, and returned with a small collection of rare books. Acquired from a Parsi doctor, they now stand as part of the archives of Memoirs of India, a third-generation emporium of rare treasures in Delhi. “My grandfather thought this was an interesting field. Not many in India were doing it, so why not expand the book segment. That’s how from being a small collection, it has been built over many years. There are 8000-10,000 books now at any given point of time,” says Rashi Jain, who runs the gallery with her brother Rishabh Jain. Berry Sarba-dhikary’s Presenting Indian Cricket; pages signed by the English Cricket Team The collection has been sourced from all over the world. “Our area of specialisation is printed material published during the British Raj about the Indian Subcontinent.” Many of these books were published in the UK. “The paper quality is rather remarkable,” she tells us. For instance, one can find a fine copy of The Calcutta Municipal Gazette — Tagore Memorial Special Supplement (1941), alongside a clean print of Sitwell, Buchanan and Fisher’s Fine Birds Book 1700-1899 and a first edition of Otto Rothfield’s Women of India, containing painter MV Dhurandhar’s 48 coloured plates. Rashi Jain In addition to signed copies and original first editions, the gallery also carries antiquarian maps, printed engravings and photographs. “With the advent of photography, there were albums and studios that were being created. These present a visual record, giving us a glimpse of Indian life during those times,” shares Jain. With its e-commerce platform, readers, collectors, and culture enthusiasts can preserve little pieces of history in their homes. Log on to memoirsofindia.com The Guide’s Top Picks . First edition of cricketer and commentator Berry Sarbadhikary’s Presenting Indian Cricket, signed by the English cricket team . A rare collection of One Hundred Carpet Designs from Various Parts of India by FH Andrews . A first edition copy of author Mulk Raj Anand’s Private Life of an Indian Prince . Map of Bombay c. 1858 from The Weekly Dispatch Atlas . Print of John Harris’s Bombay Light Cavalry, 1846
14 April,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaGame Face: On Making sure the glow matches the legacy on April 12, Sunil Gavaskar gets a quick touch-up before Sunday’s IPL game. From chasing 400+ in Trinidad in 1976 to calling the shots at the Wankhede in 2026 — 50 years later, to the day, his footwork (and skin) is still flawless. It’s hard to believe it has been half a century since he and brother-in-law Gundappa Vishwanath both notched up centuries to pull off that historic, ‘impossible’ chase. Some legends just never lose their lustre! From India to Indio Diljit Dosanjh at Coachella in 2023 The dust is settling on Weekend 1 in Indio, and frankly, we’re feeling a bit of FOMO — not for the desert heat, but for the lack of Indian representation on the main stages at Coachella, California. After the electric high of Hanumankind blowing the roof off last year and Diljit Dosanjh’s historic debut a few years back, the 2026 lineup feels a little too vanilla for our liking. While we did spot Lara Raj shining with the global girl group Katseye, and our ‘honorary Mumbaikar’ DJ Snake will keep the energy high this weekend, the lack of a dedicated Indian marquee act is a tough pill to swallow. It’s a far cry from previous years when the Empire Polo Club felt like a home away from home for our stars. We’ve seen everyone from Jawan star Nayanthara and the dapper Sahil Salathia to influencer Radhika Seth and soulful sisters Prakriti and Sukriti Kakar grace the desert grounds in the past. This year, however, the ‘Gram’ feels suspiciously quiet on the desi front. With any luck, Weekend 2 will serve up the surprise representation we’re holding out for — if only in the audience. Until then, we’ll just have to keep our eyes on the desert horizon. PR Pitch Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde Adding to the wattage at Wankhede, Varun Dhawan and Pooja Hegde were seen working the crowd with practiced ease. While they were ostensibly there for the love of the game, the synchronised appearance screamed ‘film PR’ louder than the North Stand. It’s the classic Mumbai playbook: if you have a movie to sell, there’s no better billboard than a VIP box at an MI game. Jersey diplomacy Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan; Hardik Pandya; Mahieka Sharma Sunday night at Wankhede was less about the wickets and more about the wardrobe — with the VIP boxes delivering greater drama than the middle order. While Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore clashed on the turf, the stands were a high-stakes face-off of the ‘first ladies.’ Anushka Sharma played it cool and classic, cheering on Virat Kohli in a crisp monochromatic ensemble that pointedly wasn’t a jersey, while Ananya Birla went full fangirl in an RCB kit next to her. On the other end, Mahieka Sharma kept the cameras busy as she cheered for Hardik Pandya — opting for a Maje midi dress in MI colours. As for the other WAGs, the memo was clearly ‘logomania’ — lots of Gucci and LV belts paired with oversized sunglasses, because apparently, the stadium lights are just that bright. The real buzz, however, surrounded Kareena Kapoor Khan. Bebo arrived in MI blue but was spotted heading to her car in a white tee after the game (with Saif, Taimur, and Ibrahim Ali Khan in tow; all still in their MI jerseys). Almost instantly, the internet was ablaze with cries of “disloyalty” over what was, in all likelihood, nothing more than a quick outfit change. With kids, crowds, and post-match plans in the mix, a wardrobe switch isn’t exactly scandalous. But then again, when it comes to Bebo, even a T-shirt is headline material. Fifty shades of grumpy Vikram Solanki and Harsha Bhogle Sunday’s IPL action also saw a dust-up between Vikram Solanki and Harsha Bhogle. It was the gentleman’s game equivalent of a high-society spat over a spilled drink — entirely unnecessary, but impossible to ignore. The drama hit a fever pitch during the clash between Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. During a mid-innings chat, Harsha tried to pivot from technicals to a light-hearted compliment about Solanki’s rumoured 50th birthday and his “trim and young” looks. Solanki, the Titans’ Director of Cricket and a man of few (but sharp) words, wasn’t having the vanity talk. He essentially told Harsha to “stick to the cricket” and focus on the players, leaving the veteran broadcaster in a rare moment of live-air retreat. Solanki’s defensive stance felt less like a tactical disagreement and more like a coach protecting the professional sanctity of the dugout. While some fans loved the “belt treatment” for Harsha’s banter, others (like yours truly) found it unnecessarily frosty. In truth, we need both: technical grit and poetic flair, but sportsmanship allows for a touch of warmth too. Cricket isn’t just played with bat and ball; it lives in the spaces between — in stories, in personalities, in moments that humanise the game. A gentle quip shouldn’t feel like a boundary crossed, just as analysis shouldn’t feel like a lecture. Somewhere between Solanki’s stern guard and Harsha’s easy charm lies the balance that keeps the game not just competitive, but captivating.
14 April,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker Kamat1 The Book of Daily Brilliance (HarperCollins) Pamela Puja Kirpalani’s new title is a 111-day daily reader designed as a handy, simple yet powerful tool for emotional clarity, healing, and self-reconnection. Blending behavioural psychology with spiritual insight, it guides readers through themes of love, self-worth, and inner transformation, one page at a time. 2 The Name Game (Hachette) A name mix-up that turns into something more than a riveting storyline. This new love story by Beth O’Leary is about getting second chances in life, and stumbling upon love in the most secluded of places. 3 Project Hail Mary (Penguin) The film has hit screens so now might be a good time to pick up this hotly discussed science fiction novel by Andy Weir about a lone astronaut who is on a mission to rescue humanity. Fans of the genre are bound to lap it up for its thrill-a-page plot.
13 April,2026 10:08 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamLast month’s much-discussed Mumbai Fringe debut seems to have tickled Khar’s funny bone a tad too well. The suburb is all set to host its own Alt Week, a homegrown alternative comedy festival. Founded by Comicstaan-fame Sumit Sourav, who has been touring with his new show Fast Lane while overseeing robust programming at the new club, the week-long line-up features familiar comics experimenting with new formats, interactive game nights, and improv shows.ON April 13 to 19AT Khar Comedy Club, Platinum Avenue, Linking Road, Khar West. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com One for the road Join Norwegian comic and filmmaker Karen Houge in a rollercoaster ride as she retells the story of how she travelled with a group of asylum seekers in Europe. Karen Houge. PIC COURTESY/@KARENHOUGE Dreamgirl, the critically-acclaimed interactive show, will leave you in splits, and make you reflect on the state of the world.ON April 18; 10 pmENTRY Rs 799 All-star night Sahil Shah. PIC COURTESY/@SAHILBULLA and Abijit Ganguly. PIC COURTESY/@ABIJITGANGULY Sneak a peek inside a comedian’s mind as Sahil Shah, Abijit Ganguly, Urjita Wani, and Vaibhav Sethia join a long list of seasoned artistes who come as they are, and unpack experimental ideas onstage.ON April 17; 10 pmENTRY Rs 499 Just for laughs Jose Covaco. PIC COURTESY/SIMPLE KEN PODCAST Livewire VJ for ’90s kids, and viral content creator for Gen Z audiences, Jose Covaco will return to the stand-up stage in the special showcase, Jesters. Watch him join Rahul Subramaniam and a surprise line-up of comics in an elimination game show.ON April 16; 8 pmENTRY Rs 499 Stage is yours After a four-year hiatus in New York, Kaneez Surka returns to improv business in the city. The comedian joins Matthew in an off-script presentation where your suggestions and prompts shape the punchlines.ON April 13; 8 pmENTRY Rs 499 The Guide’s top picks Sounds fun Kenny Sebastian and Manu Vijayan. PIC COURTESY/artistes’ Instagram Ever wondered what your favourite comedians would sound like if they were songwriters? This is where they give it a shot. Kenny Sebastian, Abish Mathew and Manu Vijayan tap into their inner rockstar. If you have a funny tune in your head, write to @kharcomedyclub to join them onstage.ON April 16; 10 pmENTRY Rs 499
13 April,2026 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThis hardcore non-vegetarian took the chance with a vegetarian starter recently, and it paid off. The Truffle Mushroom Croquettes arrived crisp, golden and perfectly bite-sized that offered a warm, earthy centre which tasted instantly comforting. The truffle is present but it is surprisingly restrained, adding depth without overpowering the mushrooms. There’s a subtle, homely taste here, think comfort food with a slight upgrade. Lightly indulgent and addictive, you might reach out for it without thinking. It is one of the more memorable dishes on the menu, and a recommendation even for those wary of truffle. If you’re keen for a snackable dish with rich texture, this is it. AT Grounded - On the Go, Union Park, Pali Hill, Bandra West.CALL 8097976015COST Rs 370
13 April,2026 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareADVERTISEMENT
