Most artistes are wanderers, they say. Harini Iyer knows it better. “I get bored easily. Even when I was learning Carnatic music, I was interested in pop and R&B,” the Berklee-University alumna admits. In 2024, she founded the Tamil Jazz Collective. Since then, the rotating collective has already hit the festival circuit with recent performances at the Bengaluru Hubba, to their performance at the India International Music Week (IIMW) today. Easy Wanderlings. Pic courtesy/@easywanderlings The journey began at home in Chennai. With her mom performing katha kalakshepams, being a performer was part of the journey. Jazz found its way into her work during her academic years in America, singing at Open Mics. For someone who’d try to escape towards pop music, she found herself singing pop and R&B motifs in Carnatic swarams. In 2021, during a workshop in Kerala, she transcribed her first jazz standard, Ella Fitzgerald’s Misty, into Tamil. In 2024, her take on Dave Brubeck’s Take Five, with a mridangam replacing the drums, caught the viral wave online. Incidentally, lore has it that the Brubeck Quartet was inspired by Carnatic scales during their visit to Chennai in the 1970s. Harini Iyer While the scales and musical motifs can find similarity — ‘Both genres allow for improvisation within the standard form,’ she says — critics abound. Iyer admits, “It began as an exercise for myself to see how the same musical motif can sound different in another language.” With a rotating band featuring Sahib Singh and Shylu Ravindran of the fusion band Jatayu, the collective is on to complex experimentations. Their upcoming album will see a Tamil take on Fitzgerald’s Undecided, and a Chet Baker track as well. That’s a classic, we’d say. Australian voices in town The Aussies are back in town; this time, without Pat Cummins. After the success of Diljit Dosanjh’s Aura tour of Australia, a delegation from the Australian music industry led by Sounds Australia will make their mark at the IIMW. Reuben de Melo Supported by the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai and the Victorian Music Development Office, the programme will also showcase Australian artists with Indian heritage. Milan Ring and Reuben De Melo will be among the contemporary performers. “We are delighted to support an Australian presence at India IIMW. This engagement will be a powerful platform to showcase the Australian music ecosystem, build networks and explore bilateral opportunities,” shared the Australian Consul-General in India, Paul Murphy. On Today; 10 pm; January 12, 11 am onwards (IIMW)At antiSOCIAL, Todi Mill, Lower Parel. Log on to skillboxes.comEntry Rs 1500 onwards Also catch 1.Easy Wanderlings ON Today; 11 pm 2. Ro MaitiON Today; 9 pm 3. J-SilkON February 12; 7 pm 4. TejasON February 12; 8 pm
11 February,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarSometimes, the biggest races begin with a mistake. Rajmani Singh, an avid runner lost his bib just a day before the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, which abruptly ended his months of preparation, and a long-awaited 42K dream. What followed, however, was not despair but a positive revival. “Instead of sulking, I leaned into gratitude. A short break, and a few reassuring words from my coach Kaushik Panchal helped me reframe the disappointment. I kept telling myself, if one door closes, Dubai opens,” emphasised Singh. Singh posses with medal post marathon That shift led him to the Burj2Burj Half Marathon which took place on February 8, and his first international race. “Dubai’s arid heat replaced Mumbai’s familiar humidity, demanding restraint rather than aggression. This wasn’t about running, it was about listening to my body and respecting the conditions,” reiterated Singh. He also mentioned how the run was more of a test of patience than a simple marathon. The dubai drill Tips that helped him ace the harsh desert conditions 1 Stay hydrated: Dubai temperatures will definitely hit differently as it is dry, and nothing like Mumbai heat. Early-morning temperatures are above 25°C, with dry air accelerating dehydration and heart-rate spikes. Focus on water and electrolytes and keep a close watch on your heart rate. 2 Train yourself in heat: Preparation will make the difference. Under my coach, heat-acclimation runs in Mumbai were mandatory. “Those short 5-8K runs in the months of May and June in Mumbai taught my body to adapt,” Singh explains. The more you train, the more your body adjusts to the heat. 3 Focus on your pace: Pacing was equally crucial. His advice to first-timers is to not chase records as ego has no role to play in this heat. Acclimatise early, focus, and listen to any warning signs by your body. 4 Keep your accessories light: Skip heavy accessories as they will only hinder your speed resulting in deteriorating pace. Wear light and breathable clothes, carry sunglasses, a cap and body tape for your skin.
11 February,2026 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIn 1953, Marilyn Monroe famously sang, ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ in the film, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but it turns out Kriti Sanon prefers pearls as her bestie. For Dubai Fashion Week, Kriti Sanon’s look was less runway regular, and more modern-day maharani. The pearl-laden ensemble balanced heritage glamour with contemporary sharpness. Emerald-coloured jewellery. Pics courtesy/@kritisanon Sanon wore a sculpted bralette and a fluid skirt, while the sheer drape softened the structure without diluting impact, giving her and the look a sheer, soft-girl vibe. The emerald jewellery added a pop to the outfit, adding just enough colour to keep things interesting. With a classic no-make-up-make-up look and a clean bun look, the whole outfit definitely made people stop and stare. LOG ON TO @kritisanon
11 February,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIf you’re seeking something offbeat on or leading up to Valentine’s Day, you might find the upcoming Nova Sundae Club interesting. “The idea around this event is that titles don’t matter, vibes do. Participants will get to make their own gelato at counters. In the process, they will also get to connect with different people,” explains Mitisha Mavani, an organiser of the event. A participant mixes ingredients for the gelato at an earlier session. Pics courtesy/Nova Artisan Gelato Attendees can create their own gelato sundae, pick their flavours of choice, and use a variety of signature toppings. “You don’t need to come as a pair, you can bring anyone you wish, be it a friend, a sibling, a cousin, or even your mother; make the gelato as a sweet treat for yourself or to give to someone,” the organiser tells us. Attendees can also make their own bracelets with charms, along with crochet flower bouquets. Representation pics/istock A newly added activity for Valentine’s Day is a counter where an expert will guide participants on how to design a custom charm bracelet with four charms. “You can craft necklaces, waist chains, and keychains, amongst other items, to take home or use as a thoughtful, handmade present,” Mavani reveals. Mitisha Mavani “There are no rules, no pressure; we don’t want to make it very technique-intensive, hence it’s a free-flowing activity.” Additionally, patrons seeking a floral treat can access a counter and the guidance of a flower-making artist, to make crochet flower bouquets, which are a long-lasting gift. ON February 13 and 14; multiple slotsAT Nova Artisan Gelato, Linking Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO district.inENTRY Rs 1355 (per ticket)
11 February,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshJerusha Patel, 24, singer I first saw him perform at the O2 Arena in London in 2017. I thought it would take him a decade to come to Mumbai, and I was right. As someone about to witness him for the second time, I am excited because he is a musician who plays the same songs in a different way at every concert. Pages from Jerusha Patel’s scrapbook dedicated to John Mayer I am going to take my scrapbook of all the things John Mayer has said in his interviews, interactions, and speeches between songs. If I do get a chance, I want to show that to him. Style Check: I would recommend a chic and casual look. But bring a light pullover along; it can get nippy as the night goes on. Playlist Stop This Train Gravity Edge of Desire Slow Dancing in a Burning Room Aryan Agarwal, 27, senior manager I was introduced to John Mayer by my friends in college. I began to listen to him as I would any other artiste, but his skill and musical diversity caught my attention. Having him perform in Mumbai is a rare opportunity for fans. Style check: I would be in a light casual shirt, paired with khakis. Sport an airy wardrobe; casual is perfect because his gigs have an open vibe. Wear a watch; Mayer is a big fan of classic watches and also a collector. This might be your chance to catch his attention with something different. PlaylistGravity Neon Heart of Life Waiting On The World to Change New Light
10 February,2026 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarFly Solo Roses are dead Nightrain in performance. PIC COURTESY/NIGHTRAIN_official Life is too short for slow candlelit dates. Get a dose of old-school hard rock at this Guns N’ Roses concert by tribute band Nightrain. Expect beers, rock and roll, and a whole lot of headbanging.TIME 8.30 pmAT The Finch, Shah Industrial Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Powai. LOG ON TO @nightrain_officialENTRY Rs 500 (cover charge) Hop easy Our sources say Mumbai’s lovebirds will flock to Bandra’s insta-popular cafés this weekend. Go hopping across our trail of underrated cosy haunts on Waroda Road. 1) Kepchaki: Local-approved steaming hot momos2) Felici: Cool it down with generous scoops of creamy gelato (right)3) Mr Misu: Indulge your sweet tooth and tuck into fresh tubs of tiramisu4) Guppa Bistro: End the evening with a cup of chai (top). A right turn from here takes you to the famous Bollywood murals (top, right) on Chapel Road Heal, Be Happy Cut the noiseEscape the Valentine’s extravaganza and head to Avas, a sanctuary of calm and peace on the Konkan coast. The retreat hosts a spa, a wellness centre, and a juice bar.AT Avas, near Awas High School, Pada no. 3, Alibaug. LOG ON TO avaswellness.comCALL 7304091111 The Alibaug retreat hosts wellness sessions. PICS COURTESY/Avas Talk it outGoing through V-day blues? Walk in to the Agatsu Foundation’s community centre where ‘listeners’ are on duty to hear you out. The centre practises an open-door policy, meaning you can walk in anytime without a bookingTIME 10 am to 8 pmAT Agatsu Foundation, 51, Pali Village, Bandra West. CALL 9004489010 (for details) Still Game? Prom callSlip into your best formal suits and dresses and join this prom-style celebration that has more than enough room for first encounters. Come with your own booze, though; the event is strictly BYOB. TIME 8.30 pmAT Locomo Hostel, Krishna Villa, Navpada, Vile Parle East. LOG ON TO @redscarfexperience ENTRY Rsc500 First steps A lot can happen over a dance. Join this guided Blues dance workshop open for couples and singles, and you might just waltz out with a partner. The organisers guarantee all participants are vetted for safety. Go shake a leg; and hey, break a leg.TIME 3 pmAT Slingshot Swing, Makhija Arcade, 35th Road, Khar. LOG ON TO @slingshotswingENTRY Rs 1,800
10 February,2026 10:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble1 Veggie goals If you’re looking for an inspired all-vegetarian menu with comforting flavours, Paassh offers dishes such as Multigrain Thalipeeth, Dal Pakwan Nachos and more, making it ideal for relaxed, satisfying meals.AT Paassh, Ceillia Shelter, opposite Aura building, Pali Hill, Bandra WestLOG ON TO @paashh.indiaCALL 9545810001 2 Classics all the way Scarlett House has introduced a weekend-only brunch featuring quirky cocktails like Nostalgia 2.0, Monsoon Window and The First Kiss, paired with classics like Bombay Masala Toast, Chicken Katsu Sando, Madras Beetroot Roll, and Creme Brulee French Toast. AT Scarlett House, red bungalow, opposite Yellow Rose building, Pali Village, Bandra West. (also available at the Vile Parle location) LOG ON TO @scarletthousebombayCALL 7400099990 3 Fusion fun Mercii blends Japanese and European influences with dishes like Brie and Pear Salad, Smoked Duck Croquettes, Prawn Dumplings alongside freshly baked desserts. AT Mercii, lower ground floor, Crest building, Linking Road, Santacruz West. LOG ON TO @mercii_india CALL 9819467777
10 February,2026 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareThe tiring part of technology on the road is that you no longer have a chance to get lost. That experience of discovering random corners of your city, or a neighbourhood, and meeting people you would not ever stop for. For those who still enjoy the art of being a flaneur, we would point to the Randonautica app. For a change, this GPS-driven app is for people who wish to be lost, not find their way. Quirky, but quite user-friendly, you can also flip a coin for the app. We did, only to discover a random misal pav restaurant past the hidden lanes of Dombivli East. Of course, from our own experience, we would not recommend this for the unsure explorer. The map interface of the application. Pic/Randonautica Available: Randonautica on Playstore and App Store
10 February,2026 10:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAs Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture, marks its golden jubilee year in Mumbai, the Tagore Lit-Art Festival has been envisioned as ‘a coming together of music, dance and thought’, rooted in the many worlds of Rabindranath Tagore. A musical dance and drama called Elem Notun Deshe, inspired by Tagore’s Tasher Desh (Land of Cards) The festival will seek to move past viewing Tagore solely as a poet or composer, instead foregrounding his philosophy, storytelling, theatre and cultural vision. Anusree Bonnerjee, honorary creative head and alumna of Shahana, notes, “Tagore is multidimensional, and there are aspects of him that don’t always come to light. This festival is a small tribute to those aspects.” Anusree Bonnerjee Spread across three days, the programme brings together classical dance interpretations by both Bengali and non-Bengali artistes, choral explorations of Tagore’s Western-influenced melodies, Sufi-inflected music, and a percussion-led collaboration that positions rhythm as more than just an accompanying element. On the final day, witness Rabindra Sangeet by Titas Chattopadhyay and a Bengali staging of Shakespeare’s Hamlet directed by Kaushik Sen. Running alongside will be the ‘Haat of Bengal’, inspired by Santiniketan’s Poush Mela, celebrating artisans, food and craft as living expressions of Bengal’s cultural life. AT PL Deshpande Kala Academy and Ravindra Prabhadevi. ENTRY 200 onwards LOG ON TO @shahana.tagore_centre CALL 9740206005 The Guide’s top picks Ritumaalyam, a dance production that brings together Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi, originally conceptualised by dancer and choreographer Dr Kanak Rele and now continued by her granddaughter Uma Rele with students of Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya. The work draws from Tagore’s Gitanjali. ON February 20 TIME 6.45 pm A previous exhibition of the Haat of Bengal last year Haat of Bengal, active throughout the festival, will showcase handcrafted textiles and artisanal works such as batik, kantha, dhokra and other traditional forms rooted in Kolkata’s artistic heritage.ON February 20 to 22 TIME 11 am to 9 pm The closing performance, Rhythm Roots, led by tabla maestro Ishan Ghosh and ensemble, bridges North Indian classical rhythms with traditional Bengali beats.ON February 21TIME 7.15 pm onwards The Murshidabadi Project Zikr, a Sufi Samaa by the Murshidabadi Project, blends devotional Sufi music with the resonant timbre of the African kora (stringed instrument used extensively in West Africa)ON February 21TIME 6.15 pm onwards
10 February,2026 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareVisitors who step into the rotunda section of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) are bound to discover an instant imagery of life in the Harappan civilisation, thanks to the replica tableau of the model town of Dholavira ((3000 to 1500 BCE). It sufficiently piques the imagination to tread into further mystique and exploration in the main section of the Networks of the Past gallery, which teleports one to the ancient worlds of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, the Mediterranean, and China. This ongoing collaborative effort has ensured that over 250 objects are on display for three years, from leading museums across India and the world. Fabricators matter: Examples of complex placement of differently-shaped objects. Materials play a key role - paints, fabrics, materials used for partitions and pedestals. “All of it has to be approved internationally, and had to be stable enough to meet certain standards as set by the museums internationally,” explains Ramesh Nikhil Ramesh, Curator (Conservation), CSMVS, is relieved and excited that the pieces of the giant puzzle came together. He relives the procedural challenges, “The museum had to raise the bar with this exhibition gallery because the borrowed objects are going to live in this space. The British Museum [which lent the maximum number of objects] had created certain tests, and these exhibits had to pass it. We had to find a balance between specified parameters (see box right), and the dialogue continues until we realise that there is a safe space for these objects. This began well before the gallery was set up, and continues till these objects are here.” Parameters 1) Temperature controls: Stable values are of paramount importance for the health of every object. 2) Relative humidity: Different materials including wood, linen, sandstone, terracotta, and paper behave differently. “We have to find their sweet spot keeping in mind these parameters,” informs Ramesh. 3) Display cases: Objects from different museums have different specifications like height, weight, and material and guidelines for movement. “We have to satisfy these requirements as closely as possible; this is factored in while designing display cases and placing them in it. Sequencing the object placement into the case is also important,” he adds. Ramesh and his team had a tight turnaround time of just one month to install all the objects in this gallery. Machines like the manual stacker installed objects, where a hydraulic system was used to gently place them across varying heights in their respective display cases. Backstory Files (From left) The cat’s brain as viewed in the scan; the highlighted molars 1 CAT SCAN WONDER: This tissue and linen-shrouded exhibit (1st Century CE) from Egypt was CT scanned at the British Museum. It wasn’t originally part of this show, but Ramesh insisted that it would be a great addition. The scans reveal that part of the brain is present; the eye socket is visible; the neck is broken, highlighting how it died. The molars were still in the jaw, and hadn’t popped out. This helps gauge when it died (not more than four months). This object is bound to encourage the medical, student, and scientific community to engage with it. Display at the gallery (right) conservators realign broken pieces 2 HARAPPAN TERRACOTA POTTERY: This was from the museum’s collection. One of the pots was originally in 15 pieces. Most of the pottery had minimal interventions by CSMVS’s conservators in the past. “We’ve tried to reduce the crudeness on its surfaces. We want the visitor to see the painted surface, and its patterns. An adhesive being introduced into the cracks The challenge was its size and shape; we had to handle it carefully, and put the pieces back together. For this, the team had to test the right adhesive using the correct measures and concentration. The restoration took 2.5 months,” he shares. Before conservation, the pot was held together with metal wwires and metal clips. Pics Courtesy/Conservation Lab, CSMVS 3 KING-SIZE: This object of Gudea (ruled 2144-2124 BCE), king of the Sumerian city of Lagash, was deposited at the foundation of a temple. At 350 kgs, it is one of the heaviest exhibits. The team required a compact forklift so that it could be moved alongside other objects within a narrow radius of its pedestal. It had to be installed face-front keeping in mind the space in front and behind. 4 STELA’S COLOURS: This painted limestone panel found in Greek-ruled Alexandria dates to 2nd Century BCE. This reveals a little girl (named Stela) holding a bird, while playing with a pet dog. Scientific investigations at the British Museum revealed pigment present on the surface not entirely visible to the naked eye. “We see only the visible spectrum; but it doesn’t mean that the rays are not interacting with objects. They tapped into other spectrums during conservation and found tons of Egyptian blue made from a specific pigment,” he shares, excitedly. 5 PILLAR TO POST: The CSMVS team went to Allahabad Museum to initially survey this sandstone fragment of a railing (1-100 CE) that resembles a pillar. Originally from Bharhut, Madhya Pradesh, it was embedded in the wooden pedestal at the museum, but they were unable to gauge its depth since officials mentioned that it had been standing in the same spot for 50 years. So, they fabricated the pedestal design at CSMVS on the assumption that it was one foot, also aware that there was a height restriction at the gallery. When the packers went to dismantle it at the museum, it turned out to be two feet! “We had to alter our pedestal here. This pillar was packed vertically. Extreme care had to be taken while handling it. Knowing that we had limited movement within the gallery, we created a structure around it to offer support,” he elaborates. 6 BUDDHA’S GRACE: This decorated statue in local buff sandstone of The Buddha (400-500 CE) was sourced from the onsite Sarnath Museum. Ramesh personally visited the site to select it, and realised that the base would have to be constructed when the object arrives at CSMVS. When a team conservator arrived to secure it, it was revealed that there was no base! As a result, the planned design had to be altered. Heavy lifting equipment was used to move it to its final spot. A security clamp supports it on the back. This fragile statue had to be mounted with care by holding it in places that didn’t have carvings or etchings. “We assembled the entire unit on the ground as it would have been risky to do this at a height,” he recalls. 7 RIVER ADVENTURE: This bejewelled and pot-bellied Padamanidhi (‘lotus-treasure’) dating to 200-400 CE travelled by boat all the way from a museum in Nagarjunakonda. A CSMVS team member had to accompany the object on its journey. It was crated; a standard method was followed to ensure there was no movement within. Luckily, the shift could happen on the same day as the waters of the river were placid for its movement to the other side of the riverbank, after which it arrived at CSMVS via road.
09 February,2026 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezBefore Kalina resident Srushti Bansode quit her job last month, she was taking on work from halfway around the world as a senior analyst at a USA-based MNC. While her night shifts were all about corporate meetings, she’d head out to paint murals and graffiti across Mumbai during the day. Talk about moonlighting in broad daylight. But that’s not the only reason she doesn’t have too many friends to call mentors in Mumbai’s graffiti scene. “Graffiti culture relies heavily on word of mouth. Unfortunately, there are not many women in these circles to talk about,” she says. That’s set to change with Bansode’s new initiative under the alias Synk. The 27-year-old will take budding artists under her wing and allow them to learn by observing her at work. “Male artists are often hesitant when a woman wants to join. Safety, public scrutiny, and flexible timings are some of the tallest hurdles,” she reveals. The artworks have started drawing in curious young visitors Will the girls succeed at the ambitious project, or are the concerns really writings on the wall? “Just last month in Navi Mumbai, two young school-going girls sat down next to a wall I was painting. I taught them the basics of holding a spray can. It was a sign I’m in the right direction,” she shares. Vritti Kotian’s graffiti artworks. PICS COURTESY/@vritti_kotian On the long journey, Bansode aims to bring onboard Vritti Kotian, another artist whose work has earlier been featured on Mumbai Metro’s Majhi Metro initiative. Safe to say, Bansode is determined to break the glass ceiling, or at least splash it with her graffiti initials, SYNK. Log on to: @synk.graffiti Graffiti gyaan Srushti Bansode reacts to commonly asked questions and stereotypes Check out pioneering female graffiti artist DIZY’s journey from Delhi to the world. Watch her give a train in Brazil a graffiti makeover Log on to: Molotow on YouTube Graffiti is risky business, women should stick to painting wall muralsThe girls say: Women have an innate sense of safety. We can tell when trouble is simmering, and remove ourselves from the situation Who’s going to protect you?The girls say: We are not liabilities. Look at us as collaborators, get the work done, and leave. You’re privileged; people are nicer to womenThe girls say: That’s not entirely true. Women have to worry not only about officials, but also passers-by who can make us uncomfortable. You can’t expect senior artists to take time out and train youThe girls say: Teach us the basics, and we’ll practise at home, on our terraces, before we take over the streets.
09 February,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
